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 PREFACE. 
 
 HOMER is universally allowed to have had the 
 greatest Invention of any writer whatever. The 
 praise of judgment Virgil has justly contested with 
 him, and others may have their pretentions as to 
 particular excellencies ; but his Invention remains 
 yet unrivalled. Nor is it a wonder if he has ever 
 been acknowledged the greatest of poets, who most 
 excelled in that which is the very foundation of 
 poetry. It is the Invention that in different degrees 
 distinguishes all great geniuses : the utmost stretch 
 of human study, learning, and industry, which 
 masters every thmg besides, can never attain to 
 this. It furnishes Art with all her materials, and 
 without it. Judgment itself can at best but steal 
 wisely : for Art is only like a prudent steward that 
 lives on managing the riches of Nature. Whatever 
 praises may be given to works of judgment, there is 
 not even a single beauty in them to which tlie In- 
 vention must not contribute : as in the most regular 
 gardens, Art can only reduce the beauties of Nature 
 to more regularity, and such a figure, wliich the 
 common eye may better take in, and is therefore 
 more entertained with. And perhaps the reason why 
 common critics are inclined to prefer a judicious and 
 methodical genius to a great and fruitful one, is, be- 
 cause they find it easier for themselves to pursue 
 their observations through an uniform and bounded 
 walk of Art, than to comprehend the vast and va- 
 rious extent of Nature. 
 
 Our author's work is a wild paradise, where if we 
 cannot see all tlie beauties so distinctly as in an 
 ordered garden, it is only because the number of 
 them is infinitely greater. It is like a copious nur- 
 sery, which contains the seeds and first productions 
 of e-^er/ kind, out of which those who followed hira 
 A
 
 >i ^ PREFACE, 
 
 have biit selected some particular plants, each ac- 
 cording to his f;incy, to cultivate and beautify. If 
 some things are too luxuriant, it is owing to the 
 richness of the soil ; and if others are not arrived 
 to perfection or maturity, it is only because they 
 are over-run and oppressed by those of a stronger 
 nature. 
 
 It is to tlie strength of this amazing Invention we 
 are to attribute that unequalled fire and rapture, 
 which is so forcible in Homer, that no man of a 
 true pottical spirit is master of himself while he 
 reads him. What he writes, is of the most animated 
 nature imaginable; every thing moves, every thing 
 lives, and is put in action. If a council be called, 
 or a battle fought, you are not coldly informed of 
 wliat was said or done as from a third person ; the 
 reader is hurried out of himself by the force of the 
 Poet's imagination, and turns in one place to a 
 hearer, in another to a spectator. The course of his 
 verses resembles that of the army he describes, 
 
 Oj 5' Of' iVav, uKTi'i T£ i!ru^» X,^'*'"'' "^^ira v£/^o»7o. 
 
 " They pour along like a fire that sweeps the whole 
 " earth before it." It is however remarkable that 
 his fancy, which is every where vigorous, is not dis- 
 covered immediately at the beginning of his poem 
 in its fullest splendor : it grows in the progress both 
 upon himself and others, and becomes on fire, like 
 a chariot-wheel, by its own rapidity. Exact dispo- 
 sition, just thought, correct elocution, polished num- 
 bers, may have been found in a thousand ; but this 
 poetic fire, this " xnvida vis auimi," in a very few. 
 Even in works where all those are imperfect or ne« 
 glected, this can overpower criticism, and make us 
 admire even while we disapprove. Nay, where this 
 appears, though attended with absurdities, itbrightens 
 all tlie rubbish about it, till we see nothing but its 
 own splendor. This Fire is discerned in Virgil, but 
 discerned as through a glass, reflected from Homer,
 
 PREFACE. iU 
 
 more shining than fierce, but every where equal and 
 i constant : in Lucan and Statins, it bursts out in 
 sudden, short, and interrupted flashes : in Milton it 
 glows like a furnace kept up to an uncommon ardor 
 by the force of art: in Shakespeare, it strikes before 
 •we are aware, like an accidental fire from heaven : 
 but in Homer, and in him only, it burns every 
 where clearly, and every where irresistibly. 
 
 I shall here endeavour to shew, how this vast In- 
 vention exerts itself in a manner superior to that of 
 any poet, through all the main constituent parts of 
 his work, as it is the great and peculiar character- 
 istic which distinguishes him from all other authors. 
 
 This strong and ruling faculty was like a powerful 
 star, which, in the violence of its course, drew all 
 things within its vortex. It seemed not enough to 
 have taken in the whole circle of arts, and the 
 whole compass of nature, to supply his maxims and 
 reflections ; all the inward passions and affectioDS of 
 mankind, to furnish his characters ; and all the out- 
 ward forms and images of things for iiis description ; 
 but wanting yet an ampler sphere to expatiate in, he 
 opened a new and boundless walk for his imagina- 
 tion, and created a world for himself in the invention 
 of Fable. That which Aristotle calls " the Soul of 
 poetry," was first breathed into it by Homer. I 
 shall begin with considering him in this part, as it is 
 naturally the first, and I speak of it both as it means 
 the design of a poem, and as it is taken for fiction. 
 
 Fable may be divided into the Probable, the Alle- 
 gorical, and the Marvellous. The Probable Fable is 
 the recital of such actions as though they did not 
 happen, yet might, in the common course of nature : 
 or of such as, though the3' did, become fables by the 
 additional episodes and manner of telling them. Of 
 this sort is the main story of an Epic poem, the 
 Return of Ulysses, the Settlement of the Trojans in 
 Italy, or the like. That of the Iliad is the Anger of 
 Achilles, the most sliort and single subject that ever 
 was chosen by any Poet. Yet tliis he has supplied
 
 iv PREFACE, 
 
 with a vaster variety of incidents and events, and 
 crowded with a greater number of councils, speeches, 
 battles, and episodes of all kinds, than are to be 
 found even in those poems whose schemes are of 
 the utmost latitude and irregularity. The action is 
 hurried on with the most vehement spirit, and its 
 whole duration emploj'S not so much as fifty days. 
 Virgil, for want of so warm a genius, aided himself 
 by taking in a more extensive subject, as well as a 
 greater length of time, and contracting the design of 
 both Homer's poems into one, wliich is yet but a 
 fourth part as large as his. The other Epic Poets 
 have used the same practice, but generally carried 
 it so far as to superinduce a multiplicity of fables, 
 destroy the unity of action, and lose their readers 
 in an unreasonable length of time. Kor is it only 
 in the main design that they have been unable to 
 add to his Invention, but they have followed him in 
 every episode and part of stoo*. If he has given a 
 regular Catalogue of an Army, they all draw up their 
 forces in the same order. If he has Funeral Games 
 for Patroclus, Virgil has the same for Anchises ; and 
 Statins (rather than omit them) destroj's the unity 
 of his actions for tliose of Archemoras. If Ulysses 
 visits the shades, the .ilneas of Virgil, and Scipio of 
 Silius, are sent after him. If he be detained from his 
 return by the allurements of Calypso, so is jEneas 
 by Dido, and Rinaldo by Armida. If Achilles be ab- 
 sent from the army on the score of a quarrel through 
 lialf the poem, Rinaldo must absent himself just as 
 long, on the like account. If he gives his hero a suit 
 of Celestial Armour, Virgil and Tasso make tlie same 
 present to theirs. Virgil has not only observed this 
 close imitation of Homer, but, where he had not led 
 the way, supplied the want from other Greek authors. 
 Thus the story of Sinon and tlie taking of Troy was 
 copied (says Macrobius) almost word for word from 
 Pisander, as the loves of Dido and iEneas are taken 
 from those of Medea and Jason in Apollinus, and 
 several others in the same manner.
 
 PREFACE. V 
 
 To proceed to the Allegorical Fable: if we reflect 
 upon those innumerable knowledges, those secrets of 
 nature and physical pliilosophy, which Homer is 
 generally supposed to have wrapped up in his Alle- 
 gories, wliat anew and ample scene of wonder may 
 this consideration afl'ord gs ! bow fertile will that 
 imagination appear, which was able to clothe all the 
 properties of elements, the qualifications of the mind, 
 the virtues and vices, in forms and persons ; and to 
 introduce them into actions agreeable to the nature 
 of the things they shadowed ! This is a field in which 
 no succeeding poets could dispute with Homer; and 
 whatever commendations have been allowed them 
 on this liead, are by no means for tl:ieir invention in 
 having enlarged his circle, but for their judgment in 
 having contracted it. For when the mode of learn- 
 ing changed in following ages, and science was de- 
 livered in a plainer manner; it then became as rea- 
 sonable in the more modern poets to lay it aside, as 
 it was in Homer to make use of it. And perhaps it 
 was no unhappy circumstance for Virgil, that there 
 was not in his time that demand upon him of so 
 great an invention, as might be capable of furnishing 
 all those allegorical parts of a poem. 
 
 The Marvellous Fable includes whatever is super- 
 natural, and especially the machines of the Gods. 
 He seems the first who brought tliem into a system 
 of machinery for poetry, and such a one as meikes 
 its greatest importance and dignity. For we find 
 those authors who have been offended at the literal 
 notion of the Gods, constantli' laying their accusa- 
 tion against Homer as the chief support of it. But 
 whatever cause there might be to blame his machines 
 in a philosophical or religious view, they are so per- 
 fect in the poetic, that mankind have been ever since 
 contented to follow them : none have been able to 
 enlarge the sphere of poetry beyond the limits he 
 has set : every attempt of this nature has proved 
 ttasucces^ful i aud after all tbe various cbaoges ef
 
 vi PREFACE. 
 
 times and religions, his Gods continue to thisrday 
 the Gods of poetry. 
 
 We come now to the Characters of his Persons; 
 and liere we shall find no author has ever drawn so 
 manj', with so visible and surprising a variety, or 
 given us such livelj- avi affecting impressions of 
 them. Everj' one has something- so singularly his 
 own, that no painter could have distinguished them 
 more by their features, than the poet has by their 
 manners. Nothing can be more exact than the dis- 
 tinctions he has observed in the different degrees of 
 virtues and vices. The single quality of courage is 
 ■wonderfully diversified in the several characters of 
 the Iliad. That of Achilles is furious and intractable ; 
 tliat of Diomed forward, yet listening to advice 
 and subject to command : that of Ajax is heavy, and 
 self-confiding ; of Hector, active and valiant: the 
 courage of Agamemnon is inspired by love of em- 
 pire and ambition ; that of Menelaus mixed with 
 softness and tenderness for his people : wc find in 
 Idomeneus a plain direct soldier, in Sarpedon a 
 gallant and generous one. Nor is this judicious and 
 astonishing diversity to be found only in the princi- 
 pal quality which constitutes the main of each cha- 
 racter, but even in the under-parts of it, to which he 
 takes care to give a tincture of that principal one. 
 For example, the main characters of Ulysses and 
 Kestor consist in wisdom ; and they are distinct in 
 this, that the wisdom of one is artificial and various, 
 of the other natural, open, and regular. But they 
 have, besides, characters of courage ; and this quality 
 also takes a different turn in each from the difference 
 of his prudence : for one in the war depends still 
 upon caution, the other upon experience. It would 
 be endless to produce instances of these kinds. The 
 characters of Virgil are far from striking us in this 
 open manner ; thej' lie in a great degree hidden and 
 undistinguished, and where they are marked most 
 ^N'idently, affect us not in proportion to those of
 
 PREFACE. vii 
 
 Homer. His characters of valour are mucli alike ; 
 even that of Turnus seems no way peculiar but as it 
 is in a superior degree ; and we see nothing that 
 differences the courage of Menestheus from that of 
 Sergesthus, Cloantiius, or the rest. In like manner 
 it may be remarked of Statius's heroes, that an air of 
 impetuosity runs through them all ; the same horrid 
 and savage courage appears in his Capaneus, Tydeus, 
 Hippomedon, &c. They have a parity of cliaracter, 
 which makes them seem brothers of one family. I 
 believe when the reader is led into this track of re- 
 flection, if he will pursue it through the Epic and 
 Tragic writers, he will be convinced how infinitely 
 superior in this point the Invention of Homer was 
 to that of all others. 
 
 The speeches are to be considered as they flow 
 from the characters, being perfect or defective as 
 they agree or disagree with the manners of those 
 who utter them. As there is more variety of clia- 
 racters in the Iliad, so there is of speeches, than in 
 any other poem. Everj' thing in it has manners (as 
 Aristotle expresses it) that is, every thing is acted 
 or spoken. It is hardly credible in a work of such 
 length, how small a number of lines are employed 
 in narration. In Virgil the dramatic part is less in 
 proportion to the narrative ; and the speeches often 
 consist of general reflections or thoughts, which 
 might be equally just in any person's mouth upon 
 the same occasion. As many of his persons have no 
 apparent characters, so many of his speeches escape 
 being applied and judged by the rule of propriety. 
 We ofiener think of the author himself when we 
 read Virgil, than when we are engaged in Homer: 
 all which are the effects of a colder invention, that 
 interests us less in the action described : Homer 
 makes us hearers, and Virgil leaves us readers. 
 
 If in the next place we take a view of the senti- 
 ments, the same presiding faculty is eminent in the 
 sublimity and spirit of his thoughts. Longinus has 
 given his opinion, that it vras in this part Homer
 
 vui PREFACE, 
 
 principally excelled. What were alone sufficient to 
 prove the grandeur and excellence of his sentiments 
 in general, is, that they have so remarkable a parity 
 with those of the scripture: Duport in his Gnomo- 
 logia Homerica, has collected innumerable instances 
 of this sort. And it is with justice an excellent 
 modern writer allows, that if Virgil has not so many 
 thoughts that are low and vulgar, he has not so 
 many that are sublime and noble ; and that the 
 Roman author seldom rises into very astonishing 
 sentiments, where he is not fired by the Iliad. 
 
 If we observe his descriptions, images, and similes, 
 we shall find tlie Invention still predominant. To 
 what else can we ascribe that vast comprehension of 
 images of every sort, where we see each circum- 
 stance of art, and individual of nature summoned 
 together, by the extent and fecundity of his ima- 
 gmation ; to which all things, iu their various Niews, 
 presented thenisel-ves in an instant, and had their 
 impressions taken off to perfection, at a heat? Nay, 
 he not only gives us the full prospects of things, 
 but several unexpected peculiarities and side-views, 
 unobserved by any painter but Homer. Nothing is 
 so surprising as the descriptions of his battles, which 
 take up no less than half the Iliad, and are supplied 
 •with so vast a variety of incidents, that no one bears 
 a likeness to another; such different kinds of deaths, 
 that no two heroes are wounded in tlie same man- 
 ner ; and such a profusion of noble ideas, that every 
 battle rises above the last in greatness, horror, and 
 confusion. It is certain there is not near that 
 number of images and descriptions in any Epic 
 Poet ; though every one has assisted himself with 
 a great quantity out of him : and it is evident of 
 Virgil especially, and he has scarce any comparisons 
 which are not drawn from his master. 
 
 If we descend from hence to the expression, we 
 see the bright imagination of Homer shining out in 
 the most enlivened forms of it. We acknowledge 
 liira the father of poetical diction, the first vrho
 
 PREFACE. ix 
 
 taught that language of the Gods to men. His ex- 
 pression is like the colouriug of some great masters, 
 which discovers itself to be laid on boldly, and 
 1 executed Avith rapidity. It is indeed the strongest 
 and most glowing imaginable, and touched with the 
 greatest spirit. Aristotle had reason to say, He was 
 the onb' poet who had found out living words : there 
 are in him more daring figures and metaphors than 
 in any good autlior whatever. An arrow is impatient 
 to be on the wing, and a weapon thirsts to drink 
 the blood of an enemy, and the like. Yet his ex- 
 pression is never too big for the sense, but justly 
 great in proportion to it. It is the sentiment that^ 
 swells and fills out the diction, which rises with it, 
 and forms itself about it: for in tlie same degree 
 that a thought is warmer, an expression will be 
 brighter ; as that is more strong, this will become 
 more perspicuous : like glass in the furnace, which 
 grows to a greater njagnitude and refines to a greater 
 clearness, only as the breath within is more power- 
 ful, and the heat more intense. 
 
 To throw his language more out of prose, Homer 
 seems to have affected the compound epithets. 
 This was a sort of composition peculiarly proper 
 to poetry, not only as it heightened the diction, 
 but as it assisted and filled the numbers with 
 greater sound and pomp, and likewise conduced in 
 some measure to thicken the images. On this last 
 consideration I cannot but attribute these also to 
 the fruitfulness of his Invention, since (as he has 
 managed themj they are a sort of supernumerary 
 pictures of the persons or things to which they are 
 joined. We see the motion of Hector's plumes in 
 the epithet xopwSa/oAof, the landscape of mount 
 ■Neritus in that of £»voir»<t)uXXof, and so of others ; 
 which particular images could not have been insisted 
 upon so long as to express them in a description 
 (though but of a single line) without diverting the 
 reader too much from the principal action or figure. 
 A2
 
 X PREFACE. 
 
 As a metaphor is a short simile, one of these epi- 
 
 thets is a short description. 
 
 Lastly, if we consider his versification, we shall 
 be sensible what a share of praise is due to his In- 
 vention in that. He was not satisfied with his lan- 
 guage as he found it settled in any one part of 
 Greece, but searched through its differing dialects 
 with tliis particular view, to beautify and perfect his 
 numbers : he considered these as they had a greater 
 mixture of vowels or consonants, and accordingly 
 employed them as the verse required either a greater 
 smoothness or strength. \Miat he most aiFected was 
 the Ionic, which has a peculiar sweetness from its 
 never using contractions, and from its custom of re- 
 solving the diphthongs into two syllables ; so as to 
 make the words open themselves with a more spread- 
 ing and sonorous fluency. With this he mingled the 
 Attic contractions, the broader Doric, and the feebler 
 iEolic, which often rejects its aspirate, or takes off 
 its accent; and completed this variety by altering 
 some letters with the licence of poetry. Thus his 
 measures, instead of being fetters to his sense, were 
 always in readiness to run along with the warmth 
 of his rapture, and even to give a farther represen- 
 tation of his notions, in the correspondence of their 
 sounds to what thej' signified. Out of all these he 
 has derived that harmon3', which makes us confess 
 he had not only the richest head, but the finest ear 
 in the world. This is so great a truth, that whoever 
 will but consult the tune of his verees, even without 
 understanding them (with the saine sort of diligence 
 as we daily see practised in the case of Italian 
 Operas) will find more sweetness, variety, and ma- 
 jesty of sound, than in any other language or poetry. 
 The beauty of his numbers is allowed by the critics 
 to be copied but faintly by Virgil himself, though 
 they are so just to ascribe it to the nature of the 
 Latin tongue : indeed the Greek has some advan- 
 tages both from the natural sound of its words, and
 
 PUEFACE. ri 
 
 the turn and cadence of its verse, which agree with 
 the genius of no other language. Virgil was very 
 sensible of this, and used the utmost diligence in 
 working up a more intractable language to whatso- 
 ever graces it was capable of ; and in particulai- 
 never failed to bring the sound of his line to a 
 beautiful agreement with its sense. If the Grecian 
 poet has not been so frequently celebrated on this 
 account as the Roman, the only reason is, that fewer 
 critics have understood one language than the other. 
 Dionysius of Halicarnassus has pointed out many of 
 our author's "beauties of this kind, in his treatise of 
 the Composition of Words. It suffices at present to 
 obser%'e of his numbers, that tliey flow with so much 
 ease, as to make one imagine Homer had no other 
 care than to transcribe as fast as the Muses dic- 
 tated : and at the same time with so much force 
 and inspiring vigour, that they awaken and raise us 
 like the sound of a trumpet. Tliey roll along as a 
 plentiful river, always in motion, and always full ; 
 while we are borne away by a tide of verse, the 
 most rapid, and j'et the most smooth imaginable. 
 
 Thus, on whatever side we contemplate Homer, 
 what principally strikes us is his Invention. It is 
 that which forms the character of each part of his 
 work ; and accordingly we find it to have made his 
 fable more extensive and copious than any other, 
 his manners more lively and strongly marked, his 
 speeches more affecting and transported, his senti- 
 ments more warm and sublime, his images and de- 
 scriptions more full and animated, his expression 
 more raised and daring, and his numbers more rapid 
 and various. I hope, in what has been said of Virgil, 
 with regard to any of these heads, I have no way 
 derogated from his character. Nothing is more ab- 
 surd or endless, than the common method of com- 
 paring eminent writers by an opposition of particular 
 passages in them, and forming a judgment from 
 thence of their merit upon the whole. We ought 
 to have a certain knowledge of the principal cha.
 
 xii PREFACE, 
 
 racter and distingiaishing excellence of each : it i5 
 in tliat we are to consider him, and in proportion to 
 his degree in that we are to admire him. No author 
 or man ever excelled all the world in more than 
 one facultj' ; and as Homer has done this in Inven- 
 tion, Virgil Jias in Judgment. Not that we are to 
 thiak Homer wanted Judgment, because Virgil had 
 it in a more eminent degree : or that Virgil wanted 
 Invention, because Homer possest a larger share of 
 it ; each of these great authors had more of both 
 tlian perhaps any man besides, and aie only said to 
 have less in comparison with one another. Homer 
 was the greater genius, Virgil the better artist. In 
 one we most admire the man, in the other the work: 
 Homer hurries and transports us with a command- 
 ing impetuosity, Virgil leads us witli an attractive 
 majesty : Homer scatters witii a generous profusion, 
 Virgil bestows with a careful magnificence : Homer, 
 like tlie Nile, pours out his riches with a boundless 
 overflow ; Virgil like a river in its banks, with a 
 gentle and constant stream. \Vhen we behold their 
 battles, methinksthe two poets resemble tlie heroes 
 they celebrate : Homer, boundless and irresistible 
 as Achilles, bears all before him, and shines more 
 and more as the tumult increases : Virgil, calmly 
 daring like ^neas, appears undisturbed in the midst 
 of the action ; disposes all about him, and conquers 
 with tranquillitj'. And when we look upon tlicir 
 machines, Homer seems like his own Jupiter in his 
 terrors, shaking Olympus, scattering the lightnings, 
 and firing the heavens ; Virgil, like the same power 
 in his benevolence, counselling with the gods, laying 
 plans for empires, and regularly ordering his whole 
 creation. 
 
 But after all, it is with great parts, as with great 
 virtues, they naturally border on some imperfection ; 
 and it is often hard to distinguish exactly v,'here the 
 virtue ends, or the fault begins. As prudence may 
 sometimes sink to suspicion, so may a great judg- 
 ment decline to eoldoess ; and as magaaoimity ma/
 
 PREFACE. siii 
 
 run up to profusion or extravagance, so may a great 
 invention to redundancy or wildness. If we look 
 upon Homer in this view, we shall perceive the 
 chief objections against him to proceed from so 
 noble a cause as the excess of this faculty. 
 
 Among these we may reckon some of his Mar- 
 vellous Fictions, upon which so much criticism has 
 been spent, as surpassing all the bounds of proba- 
 bility. Perhaps it may be with great and superior 
 souls, as with gigantic bodies, which, exerting them- 
 selves with unusual strength, exceed what is com- 
 monly thought the due proportion of parts, to be- 
 come miracles in the whole ; and like the old heroes 
 of that make, commit something near extravagance, 
 amidst a series of glories and inimitable perform- 
 ances. Thus Homer has his speaking Horses, and 
 Virgil his Myrtles distilling Blood, where the latter 
 has not so much as contrived the easy intervention 
 of a Deity to save the probability. 
 
 It is owing to the same vast Invention, that his 
 similes have been thought too exuberant and full of 
 f! circumstances. The force of this faculty is seen in 
 1 nothing more tlian in its inability to confine itself 
 I to that single circumstance upon which the rom- 
 I* parison is grounded : it runs out into embellishments 
 I of additional images, which however are so managed 
 as not to overpower the main one. His similes are 
 . like pictures, where the principal figure has not only 
 I its propyortion given agrceablelo the original, but is 
 j also set off with occasional ornaments and prospects. 
 j The same will account for his manner of heaping a 
 
 i number of comparisons together in one breath, when 
 his fancy suggested to him at once so many various 
 i and correspondent images. The reader will easily 
 ' extend this obser\'ation to more objections of the 
 • same kind. 
 
 If there are others which seem rather to charge 
 
 J him with a defect or narrowness of genius, than an 
 
 I excess of it ; those seeming defects will be found 
 
 upon examination to proceed wholly from the nature
 
 xiv PREFACE. 
 
 of the times he lived in. Such are his grosser repre- 
 sentations of the Gods, and the vicious and imperfect 
 manners of his Heroes, but I must here speak a 
 word of the latter, as it is a point generally carried 
 into extremes, both by the censurers and defenders 
 of Homer. It must be a strange partiality to an- 
 tiquity, to think with madam Dacier, " that * those 
 " times and manners are so much the more excel- 
 " lent, as they are more contrary to ours." Who 
 can be so prejudiced in their favour as to magnify 
 the felicity of those ages, wlien a spirit of revenge 
 and cruelty, joined with the practice of rapine and 
 robbery, reigned through the world ; when no mercy 
 was shown but for the sake of lucre, when the 
 greatest princes were put to the sword, and their 
 wives and daughters made slaves and concubines ? 
 On tlie other side, I would not be so delicate as 
 those modern critics, who are shocked at the servile 
 offices and mean employments in which we some- 
 times see the heroes of Homer engaged. There is 
 a pleasure in taking a view of that simplicity in 
 opposition to the luxury of succeeding ages, in 
 beholding monarchs without their guards, princes 
 tending their flocks, and princesses drawing water 
 from the springs. When we read Homer, we ought 
 to reflect that we are reading the most ancient 
 author in the heathen world ; and those who con- 
 sider him in this light, will double their pleasure 
 in the perusal of him. Let them think they are 
 growing acquainted with nations and people that 
 are now no more ; that they are stepping almost 
 three thousand years back into the remotest anti- 
 quity, and entertaining tliemselves with a clear and 
 surprising vision of things no wlTere else to be 
 found, the only true mirror of that ancient world. 
 By tliis means alone their greatest obstacles will 
 vanish ; and what usually creates their dislike, will 
 become a satisfaction. 
 
 « Preface to ber Homer.
 
 PREFACE, XV 
 
 This consideration may farther serve to answer 
 for the constant use of the same epithets to his 
 Gods and heroes, such as the far-darting Phcebus, 
 the blue-eyed Pallas, the swift-footed Achilles, &c. 
 which some have censured as impertinent and te- 
 diously repeated. Those of the Gods depended 
 upon the powers and offices then believed to belong 
 ito them, and had contracted a weight and venera- 
 tion from the rites and solemn devotions in which 
 they were used : they were a sort of attributes 
 ;with which it was a matter of religion to salute 
 diem on all occasions, and which it was an irre- 
 verence to omit. As for the epithets of great men, 
 Mons. Boileau is of opinion, that they were in the 
 nature of surnames, and repeated as such ; for the 
 jreeks, having no names derived from their fathers, 
 were obliged to add some other distinction of each 
 person ; either naming his parents expressly, or his 
 place of birth, profession, or the like : as Alexander 
 |the sou of Phihp, Herodotus of Halicarnassus, 
 Diogenes the Cynic, &c. Homer therefore comply, 
 ng with the custom of his country, used such 
 ; iistinctive additions as better agreed with poetry. 
 |Aud indeed we have something parallel to these in 
 I nodern times, such as the names of Harold Hare- 
 lifoot, Edmund Ironside, Edward Long-shanks, Ed- 
 iward the Black Prince, &c. If yet this be thought 
 i» account better for the propriety than for the 
 repetition, I shall add a farther conjecture. Hesiod, 
 Ji\ading the world into its different ages, has placed 
 1 fourth age between the brazen and the iron one, 
 Df " Heroes distinct from other men : a divine race, 
 iwho fought at Thebes and Troy, are called Demi- 
 Gods, and live by the care of Jupiter in the islands 
 of the blessed."* Now among the divine honors 
 which were paid them, they might have this also 
 in common with the Gods, not to be mentioned 
 
 Hesiod. lib. i. ver, 155, &c.
 
 xvi PREFACE. 
 
 ■without the solemnity of an epithet, and such as 
 might be acceptable to them by its celebrating their 
 families, actions, or qualities. 
 
 What other cavils have been raised against Homer, 
 are such as hardly deserve a reply, but -will yet 
 be taken notice of as they occur in the course of 
 the work. Many have been occasioned by an in- 
 judicious endeavour to exalt Virgil ; -which is much 
 the same, as if one should think to raise the su- 
 perstructure by undermining the foundation : one 
 would imagine by the whole course of their parallels, 
 that these critics never so much as heard of 
 Homer's having written first ; a consideration which 
 whoever compares these two poets, ought to have 
 always in his eye. Some accuse him for tlie same 
 things which they overlook or praise in others ; 
 as when they prefer the fable and moral of the 
 ^neis to those of the Ihad, for the same reasons 
 which might set the Odysses above the jEneis : as 
 that the hero is a wiser man ; and the action of the 
 one more beneficial to his country than that of the 
 other : or else they blame him for not doing what 
 he never designed ; as because Achilles is not as 
 good and perfect a prince as JEneas, when the 
 very moral of his poem required a contrary cha- 
 rac-ter : it is thus that Rapin judges in his com- 
 parison of Homer and VirgU. Others select tliose 
 particular passages of Homer, which are rot so la- 
 boured as some that Virgil drew out of them : this 
 is the whole management of Scaliger in his Poetices. 
 Others quarrel with what they take for low and mean 
 expressions, sometimes through a false delicacy and 
 refinement, oftener from an ignorance of the graces 
 of the original ; and then triumph in the aukward- 
 ness of their own translation ; this is the conduct 
 of Perault in his Parallels. Lastly, there are others, 
 who, pretending to a fairer proceeding, distinguish 
 between the personal merit of Homer, and that of 
 his work ; but when they come to assign the causes
 
 PREFACE. xvii 
 
 Df the great reputation of the IHad, they found it 
 upon the ignorance of his times and the prejudice 
 of those that followed : and in pursuance of this 
 jprinciple, they make those accidents (such as the 
 contention of the cities, &c.) to be the causes of 
 Ills fame, which were in reality the consequences of 
 his merit. The same might as well be said of Virgil, 
 or any great author, whose general character wUl 
 infallibly raise many casual additions to tlieir repu- 
 tation. This is the method of Mons. de la Motte ; 
 who yet confesses upon the whole, that in whatever 
 age Homer had lived, he must have been the greatest 
 poet of his nation, and that he may be said in this 
 sense to be the master even of those who surpassed 
 him. 
 
 In all these objections we see nothing that con- 
 tradicts his title to the honor of the chief Invention ; 
 and as long as this (which is indeed the character- 
 jistic of poetry itself) remains unequalled by his 
 (followers, he still continues superior to them. A 
 I cooler judgment may commit fewer faults, and be 
 I more approved in the eyes of one sort of critics ; 
 l.but that warmth of fancy will carry the loudest and 
 i most universal applauses, which holds the heart of 
 l>a reader under the strongest enchantment. Homer 
 I not only appears the inventor of poetry, but excels 
 all the inventors of other arts in tliis, that he has 
 I swallowed up the honor of those who succeeded 
 i,him. What he has done admitted no increase, it 
 only left room for contradiction or regulation. He 
 shewed all the stretch of fancy at once ; and if he 
 ,has failed in some of his flights, it was but because 
 he attempted every thing. A work of this kind 
 'seems like a mighty tree which rises from the most 
 'vigorous seed, is improved with industry, flourishes, 
 iand produces the finest fruit; nature and art con- 
 spire to raise it ; pleasure and profit join to make 
 'it valuable: and they who find the justest faults, 
 have only said, that a few branches (which run luxu-
 
 xViii PREFACE. I 
 
 I 
 riant through a richness of nature) might be lopped \ 
 into form to g^ive it a more regular appearance. , 
 
 Having now spoken of the beauties and detects of i 
 the original, it remains to treat of the translation, I 
 with the same view to the chief characteristic. As | 
 far as that is seen in the main part of the poem, 
 such as tlie fable, manners, and sentiments, no | 
 translator can prejudice it but b3' wilful omissions i 
 or contractions. As it also breaks out in every parti- I 
 cular image, description, and simile; whoever lessens i 
 or too much softens those, takes off from this chief \ 
 character. It is the first grand duty of an interpre- | 
 ter, to give his author entire and unmaimed ; and I 
 for the rest, the diction and versification only are | 
 his proper province ; since these must be his own ; ^ 
 but the others he is to take as he finds them. 
 
 It should then be considered what methods may \ 
 afford some equivolent in our language for the graces \ 
 of these in the Greek. It is certain no literal trans- I 
 lation can be just to an excellent original in a { 
 superior language : but it is a great mistake to ima- I 
 gine (as many have done) that a rash paraphrase \ 
 can make amends for this general defect ; which is ' 
 no less in danger to lose the spirit of an ancient, .| 
 by deviating into the modern manners of expression. I 
 If there be sometimes a darkness, there is often a j 
 light in antiquity, which nothing better preserves ' 
 than a version almost literal. I know no liberties * 
 one ought to take, but those which are necessary • 
 for transfusing the spirit of the original, and sup- 1 
 porting the poetical stj le of the translation : and I * 
 •will venture to sa3', there have not been more men j 
 misled in former times by a servile dull adherence I 
 to the latter, than have been deluded in ours by a , 
 chimerical insolent hope of raising and improving ! 
 their author. It is not to be doubted that tlie fire ' 
 of the poem is what a translator should principally ' 
 regard, as it is most likely to expire in his manag- ' 
 ing : however, it is his safest wa3- to be content ' 
 with preserving this to his utmost in tlie whole, ^
 
 PREFACE. XIX 
 
 ithout endeavouring to be more than he finds his 
 ithor is, in any particular place. It is a great 
 ret in writing to know when to be plain, and 
 len poetical and figurative ; and it is what Homer 
 11 teach us, if we will but follow modestly in his 
 )tsteps. Where his diction is bold and lofty, let 
 raise ours as high as we can ; but where his is 
 lin and humble, we ought not to be deterred 
 m imitating him by the fear of incurring the cen- 
 e of a mere Enghsh critic. Nothing that belongs 
 Homer seems to have been more commonly 
 staken than the just pitch of his style : some 
 his translators having swelled into fustian in a 
 )ud confidence of the sublime ; others sunk into 
 ness in a cold and timorous notion of simplicity, 
 ithinks I see these different followers of Homer, 
 oe sweating and straining after him by violent 
 ps and bounds (the certain signs of false mettle); 
 ers slowly and servilely creeping iu his train, 
 ile the poet himself is all the time proceeding 
 h an unaffected and equal majesty before them, 
 wever, of the two extremes, one could sooner 
 •don frenz)' than frigidity : no author is to be 
 ned for such commendations as he may gain by 
 |.t character of style, which his friends must agree 
 ether to call simplicity, and the rest of the world 
 1 call dullness. There is a graceful and dignified 
 iplicity, as well as a bald and sordid one, which 
 "er as much from each other as the air of a plain 
 n from that of a sloven : it is one thing to be 
 ;ked up, and another not to be dressed at all. 
 iplicity is the mean between ostentation and 
 ^ticity. 
 
 irhis pure and noble simplicity is no where in such 
 ■fection as in the Scripture and our author. One 
 y affirm, with all respect to the inspired writings, 
 it the divine Spirit made use of no other words 
 !t what were intelligible and common to men at 
 it time, and in that part of the world ; and as 
 ^)mer is the author nearest to those, his style must
 
 XX PREFACE. 
 
 of course bear a greater resemblance to the sacred 
 books than that of any otlier writer. This consider- 
 ation (together -with what has been observed of the 
 parity of some of his thoughts) may methinks in- 
 duce a translator on tlie one hand to give into 
 several of those general phrases and manners of 
 expression, which have attained a veneration even 
 in our language from being used in tiie Old Testa- 
 ment ; as on the other, to avoid those which have 
 been appropriated to the Divinity, and in a manneri 
 consigned to mysterj' and religion. 
 
 For a farther preser\'ation of tliis air of simplicity, 
 a particular care should be taken to express withi 
 all plainness those moral sentences and proverbial 
 speeches which are so numerous in this poet. Theyi 
 have something venerable, and as I may say ora- 
 cular, in tliat unadorned gravity and shortness with 
 which they are delivered : a grace which would be 
 utterly lost by endeavouring to give them what we 
 call a more ingenious (that is a more modem) turn 
 in the paraplirase. 
 
 Perhaps the mixture of some Grjecisms and old 
 words after the manner of Milton, if done withoui 
 too much affectation, might not have an ill effect ii 
 a version of this particular work, which most of anj 
 other seems to require a venerable antique cast 
 But certainly the use of modern terms of war anc 
 government, such as platoon, campaign, junto o: 
 tiie like, (into which some of his translators havi 
 fallen) cannot be allowable ; those only excepted 
 •without which it is impossible to treat the subject 
 in any living language. 
 
 There are two peculiarities in Homer's dictioi 
 ■which are a sort of marks, or moles, by which ever 
 common e3-e distinguishes him at first sight : thos 
 who are not his greatest admirers look upon thei 
 as defects, and those who are, seem pleased wit! 
 them as beauties. I speak of his compound epithet." 
 and of his repetitions. Many of the former canno 
 be done literally into Euglish without destroyiu,
 
 PREFACE. xxl 
 
 he purity of our language. I believe such should 
 >e retained as slide easily of themselves into an 
 English compound, without violence to the ear or 
 o the received rules of composition ; as well as 
 hose which have received a sanction from the au- 
 hority of our best poets, and are become familiar 
 hrough their use of them ; such as the cloud-com- 
 )elling Jove, &c. As for tiie rest, whenever any 
 :an be as fully and significantly exprest in a single 
 vord as in a compound one, the course to be 
 aken is obvious 
 
 Some that cannot be so turned as to preserve 
 heir full image by one or two vv'ords, may have 
 ustice done them by circumlocution ; as the epithet 
 ivo<r»<t>uXXoj to a mountain, would appear little 
 »r ridiculous translated literally " leaf-shaking," but 
 iffords a majestic idea in the periphrasis : " The lofty 
 nountain shakes his waving woods." Others that 
 dmit of differing significations, may receive an 
 idvantage by a judicious variation according to the 
 )Ccasions on which they are introduced. For ex- 
 itnple, the epithet of Apollo, |xri§oXoj, or " far- 
 hooting," is capable of two explications ; one literal 
 a respect to the darts and bow, the ensigns of that 
 rod ; the other allegorical with regard to the raj's 
 f the sua : therefore in such places where Apollo 
 i represented as a God in person, I would use the 
 ormer interpretation ; and where the efiects of the 
 iun are described, I Avould make choice of the latter. 
 Jpon the whole, it will be necessary to avoid that 
 lerpetual repetition of the same epithets which we 
 ind in Homer ; and which, though it might be ac- 
 lommodated (as has been already shewn) to the ear 
 •f those times, is by no means so to ours : but one 
 !nay wait for opportunities of placing them, where 
 iliey derive an additional beauty from the occasions 
 iil>n wliich they are employed ; and in doing this 
 ijjroperly, a translator may at once shew his fancr 
 (tUid his judgment.
 
 xxii PREFACE. I 
 
 As for Homer's repetitions, v-e may divide them |l 
 into three sorts ; of whole narrations and speeches, 
 of single sentences, and of one verse or hemistich. 
 I hope it is not impossible to have such a regard to 
 these, as neither to lose so known a mark of the 
 author on the one hand, nor to ofl'end the reader 
 too much on the other. The repetition is not un- 
 graceful in those speeclies where the dignity of the 
 speaker renders it a sort of insolence to alter his 
 words ; as in the messages from Gods to men, or 
 from higher powers to inferiors in concerns of state, 
 or where the ceremonial of religion seems to require 
 it, in the solemn forms of prayers, oaths, or the like. 
 In other cases, I beUeve, the best rule is, to be 
 guided by the nearness, or distance, at which the 
 repetitions are placed in the original : when they 
 follow too close, one may vary the expression ; but 
 it is a question whether a professed translator be 
 authorized to omit any ; if they be tedious, the 
 author is to answer for it. 
 
 It only remains to speak of the versification. 
 Homer (as has been said) is perpetually applying 
 the sound to tlie sense, and varying it on every 
 new subject. This is indeed one of the most exqui- 
 site beauties of poetry, and attainable by very few : 
 I know only of Homer eminent for it in the Greek, 
 and Virgil in Latin. I am sensible it is what may 
 sometimes happen by chance, when a writer is warm, 
 and fully possest of his image : however it may be 
 reasonably believed they designed this, in whose 
 verse it so manifestly appears in a superior degree 
 to all others. Few readers have the ear to be judges 
 of it ; but those who have, will see I have endea-^ 
 voured at this beauty. 
 
 Upon the whole, I must confess myself utterly 
 incapable of doing justice to Homer. I attempt him 
 in no other hope but that which one may entertain 
 without much vanity, of giving a more tolerable 
 copy of him than any entire translation in verse has
 
 rREFACE. xxiii 
 
 yet done. We have only tliose of Chapman, Hobbes, 
 and Ogilby. Chapman has taken the advantage of 
 an immeasurable length of verse, notwithstanding 
 wliich, there is scarce any paraphrase more loose 
 and rambling than his. He has frequent interpola- 
 tions of four or six lines, and I remember one ia 
 the thirteenth book of the Odysses, ver. 312. where 
 he has spun twenty verses out of two. He 15 
 often mistaken in so bold a manner, that one might 
 think he deviated on purpose, if he did not in other 
 places of his notes insist so much upon verbal trifles. 
 He appears to have had a strong affectation of ex- 
 'tracting new meanings out of his author, insomucli 
 as to promise, in his rhyming preface, a poem of the 
 im3 steries he had revealed in Homer : and perhaps 
 he endeavoured to strain the obvious senss to this 
 end. His expression is involved in fustian, a fault 
 [for which he was remarkable in his original writings, 
 as in the tragedy of Bussy d' Amboise, &c. In a 
 word, the nature of the man may account for his 
 whole performance ; for he appears from his preface 
 and remarks to have been of an arrogant turn, and 
 in enthusiast in poetry. His own boast of having 
 inished half the Iliad in less than fifteen weeks, 
 ihews with what negligence his version was per- 
 .brmed. But that which is to be allowed liim, and 
 which very much contributed to cover his defects, 
 5 a daring fiery spirit that animates his translation, 
 which is something like what one might imagine 
 Homer himself would have writ before he arrived 
 at years of discretion. 
 
 Hobbes has given us a correct explanation of the 
 sense in general ; but for particulars and circum- 
 
 tances he continually lops them, and often omits 
 the most beautiful. As for its being esteemed a close 
 translation, I doubt not many have been led into 
 chat error by the shortness of it, which proceeds not 
 from his following the original line by line, but from 
 the contractions abovemeatioucd. He sometimes
 
 XKiv PREFA'CE. 
 
 omits whole similes and sentences.and is now and then 
 guilty of mistakes, into which no writer of his learn- 
 ing could have fallen, but through carelessness. His 
 poetry, as well as Ogilby's, is too mean for criticism. 
 
 It is a great loss to the poetical world that Mr. 
 Drj'den did not live to translate the Iliad. He has 
 left us only the first book, and a small part of the 
 sixth ; in which if he has in some places not truly- 
 interpreted the sense, or preserved the antiquities, 
 it oiight to be excused on account of the haste he 
 •was obliged to write in. He seems to have had too 
 much regard to Chapman, whose words he some- 
 times copies, and has unhappily followed him in 
 passages where he wanders from the original. How- 
 ever, had he translated the whole work, I would no 
 more have attempted Homer after him than Virgil, 
 his version of whom (notwithstanding some human 
 errors) is the most noble and spirited translation I 
 know in any language. But the fate of great ge- 
 niuses is like that of great ministers, though they 
 are confessedly the first in the commonwealth of 
 letters, they must be ermed and calumniated only 
 for being at the head of it. 
 
 That which in my opinion ought to be the en- 
 deavour of any one who translates Homer, is above 
 all things to keep ali%'e that spirit and fire which 
 makes his chief character : in particular places, 
 where the sense can bear any doubt, to follow the 
 strongest and most poetical, as most agreeing with' 
 that character; to copy him in all the variations of 
 his style, and the different modulations of his num- 
 bers ; to preserve, in the more active or descriptive 
 parts, a warmth and elevation ; in the more sedate 
 or narrative, a plainness and solemnity; in the 
 speeches, a fulness and perspicuity ; in the sentences, 
 a shortness and gravity : not to neglect even the 
 little figures and turns on the words, nor sometimes 
 the very cast of the periods ; neither to omit nor 
 coafouad any rites or customs of antiquity ; perhaps
 
 TREFACE. XXV 
 
 too he ought to include the whole in a shorter 
 compass, than has hitlierto been done by any 
 translator, who has tolerably preserved cither the 
 sense or poetry. What I would farther rccomraend 
 to him is, to study his author rather from his own 
 text, than from any commentaries, how learned 
 soever, or wliatever figure they may make in the 
 estimation of the world ; to consider him attentively 
 in comparison with Virgil above all the ancients, 
 and with Milton above all the moderns. Next these, 
 the archbishop of Cambray's Telemachus may give 
 him the truest idea of the spirit and turn of our 
 author, and Bossu's admirable treatise of the Epic 
 poem ihe justest notion of his design and conduct. 
 But after all, with whatever judgment and study 
 a man may proceed, or with whatever happiness he 
 may perform such a work, he must hope to please 
 but a few ; those only who have at once a taste of 
 poetry, and competent learning. For to satisfy such 
 as want either, is not in the nature of this under- 
 taking ; since a mere modern wit can like nothing 
 tliat is not modern, and a pedant nothing that is 
 not Greek. 
 
 W'liat 1 have done is submitted to the public, from 
 whose opinions 1 am prepared to learn ; though I 
 fear no judges so little as our best poets, who are 
 most sensible of the weight of this task. As for the 
 worst, whatever they shall please to say, they may 
 give me some concern as they are unhappy rnen, 
 but none as they are mahgnant writers. I was 
 guided in this translation by judgments very different 
 from theirs, and by persons for whom they can have 
 no kindness, if an old observation be true, that the 
 strongest antipathy in the world is that of fools to 
 men of wit. Mr. Addison was the first whose advice 
 determined me to undertake this task, who was 
 pleased to write to me upon that occasion in such 
 terms as I cannot repeat without vanity. I was 
 obliged to Six Richard Steele for a very early re- 
 B
 
 xxvj PREFACE, 
 
 commendation of my undertaking to the public. 
 Dr. Swift promoted my interest with that warmth 
 ■with which he always serves his friend. The hu- 
 manity and frankness of Sir Samuel Garth are what I 
 never knew wanting on any occasion. I must also 
 acknowledge, with infinite pleasure, the many 
 friendly offices, as well as sincere criticisms of Mr. 
 Congreve, who had led me the way in translating 
 some parts of Homer ; as I wish for the sake of the 
 •world he had prevented me in the rest. I must add 
 tlie names of Mr. Rowe and Dr. Parnell, though I 
 shall take a farther opportunity of doing justice to 
 the last, whose good-nature (to give it a great 
 panegyric) is no less extensive than his learning. 
 The favor of these gentlemen is not entirely un- 
 deserved by one who bears them so true an affection. 
 But what can I say of the lionor so many of the 
 Great have done me, while the first names of tlie 
 age appear as my subscribers, and the most distin- 
 guished patrons and ornaments of learning as my 
 chief encouragers. Among these it is a particular 
 pleasure to me to find, that my highest obligations 
 are to such who have done most honor to tlie 
 name of poet : that his grace the duke of Bucking- 
 ham was not displeased I should undertake the 
 author to whom he has given (in his excellent 
 Essay) so complete a praise. 
 
 *' Read Homer once, and vou can read no more ; 
 " For all Books else appear so mean, so poor, 
 "Verse will seem Prose: but still persist to read, 
 " And Homer will be all the Books you need." 
 
 That the earl of Halifax was one of the first to 
 favor me, of whom it is hard to say whetlier the 
 ad%'ancement of the polite arts is more owing to his 
 generosity or his example. That such a genius as 
 my lord Bolingbroke, not more distinguished in the 
 great scenes of business, than in all the useful and
 
 PREFACE. xxvu 
 
 entertaining parts of learning, lias not refused to be 
 the critic of these sheets, and the patron of their 
 writer. And that so excellent an imitator of Homer 
 as the noble author of the tragedy of Heroic Love, 
 has continued his partiality to me, from my writing 
 Pastorals, to my attempting the Iliad. I cannot 
 deny myself the pride of confessing, that I have 
 had the advantage not only of their ad%-ice for the 
 conduct in general, but their correction of several 
 particulars of this translation. 
 
 I could say a great deal of the pleasure of being 
 distinguished by the earl of Carnarvon ; but it is 
 almost absurd to particularize any one generous 
 action in a person whose whole life is a continued 
 series of them. Mr. Stanhope, the present secretary 
 of state, will pardon my desire of having it known 
 that he was pleased to promote this affair. The 
 particular zeal of Mr. Harcourt (the son of the late 
 lord chancellor) gave me a proof how much I am 
 honored in a share of his friendsliip. I must at- 
 tribute to the same motive that of several others of 
 my friends, to whom all acknowledgments are ren- 
 dered unnecessary by the privileges of a familiar 
 correspondence: and I am satisfied I can no way 
 better oblige men of their turn, than by my silence. 
 
 In short, I have found more patrons than ever 
 Homer wanted. He would have thought himself 
 happy to have met the same favor at Atliens, that 
 has been shewn me by its learned rival, the univer- 
 sitj' of Oxford. If my author had the Wits of after- 
 ages for his defenders, his translator has had the 
 Beauties of the present for his advocates ; a pleasure 
 too great to be changed for any fame in reversion. 
 And I can hardly envy him those pompous honors 
 he received after death, when I reflect on the en- 
 joyment of so many agreeable obligations, and easy 
 friendships, which make the satisfaction of life. This 
 distinction is the more to be acknowledged, as it is 
 shewn to one whose pen has never gratified the pre-
 
 jraviii PREFACE, 
 
 judices of particular parties, or the vanities of par- 
 ticular men. Whatever tlie success may prove, I 
 shall never repent of an undertaking in which I 
 have experienced the candor and friendship of so 
 many persons of merit; and in which I hope to 
 pass some of those years of youth that are generally 
 lost in a circle of follies, after a manner neither 
 wholly unuseful to others, nor disagreeable to 
 myself.
 
 THE 
 
 I ]L I A B« 
 
 BOOK I,
 
 AIlGUME^'T. 
 
 The Contentio77 of Achilles and Agamemnon. 
 
 In the war of Tro)', the Greeks, ha\nng sacked some 
 of the neighbouring towns, and taken from thence 
 two beautiful captives, Chryseis and Briseis, allot- 
 ted the first to Agamemnon, and the last to Achilles. 
 Chryses, the father of Chrj-sei's, and priest of 
 Apollo, comes to the Grecian camp to ransom her ; 
 with which the action of the poem opens, in the 
 tenth 3-ear of the siege. The priest being refused, 
 and insolently dismissed by Agamemnon, intreats 
 for vengeance from his God, who inflicts a pesti- 
 lence on the Greeks. Achilles calls a council, and 
 encourages Chalcas to declare the cause of it, who 
 attributes it to the refusal of Chryseis. The king 
 being obliged to send back his captive, enters 
 into a furious contest with Achilles, which Nestor 
 pacifies; however, as he had the absolute com- 
 mand of the army, he seizes on Briseis, in revenge. 
 Achilles in discontent withdraws himself and liis 
 forces from the rest of the Greeks ; and com- 
 plaining to Thetis, she supplicates J upiter to render 
 tJiem sensible of the wrong done to her son, by 
 giving victory to the Trojans. Jupiter granting 
 her suit incenses Juno, between whom the debate 
 runs high, till they are reconciled by the address 
 of Vulcan. 
 
 The time of two and twenty days is taken up 
 in this book ; nine during the plague, one in the 
 council and quarrel of the princes, and twelve for 
 Jupiter's stay with the .^Lthiopians, at whose re- 
 turn Thetis prefers her petition. The scene lies 
 in the Grecian camp, then changes to Chrysa, and 
 lastly to Olympus.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK I. 
 
 ACHILLES' wrath, to Greece the direful spring 
 Of woes unnumber'd, heavenly Goddess, sing! 
 That wrath which hurl'd to Pluto's gloomy reign 
 The souls of mighty Chiefs untimely slain ; 
 Whose limbs unbury'd on the naked shore, 5 
 
 Devouring dogs and hungry vulturs tore ; 
 Since great Achilles and Atrides strove, 
 Such was the sovereign doom, and such the will of 
 Jove ! 
 
 Declare, O Muse ! in what ill-fated hour 
 Sprung the fierce strife, from what offended power ? 
 Latona's son a dire contagion spread, H 
 
 And heap'd the camp with mountains of the dead ; 
 The king of men his reverend priest defy'd. 
 And for the king's offence the people dy'd. 
 
 For Chryses sought with costly gifts to gain 15 
 His captive daughter from the victor's chain. 
 Suppliant the venerable father stands, 
 Apollo's awful ensigns grace his hands: 
 By these he begs ; and lowly bending down, 
 Extends the sceptre and the laurel crown. 20 
 
 He sued to all, but chief implor'd for grace 
 The brother-kings, of Atreus' royal race. 
 
 Ye kings and warriors ! may your vows be crown'd, 
 And Troy's proud walls lie level with the ground. 
 May Jove restore you, when your toils are o'er, 25 
 Safe to the pleasures of your native shore. 
 But oh ! reheve a wretched parent's pain. 
 And give Chiysei'S to these anus again ;
 
 32 THE ILIAD. Book I. 
 
 If mercy fail, yet let my presents move, 
 
 And dread aveiigiug Phoebus, son of Jove. 30 
 
 The Greeks in shouts their joint assent declare. 
 The priest to reverence, and release the fair. 
 Isot so Atrides: he, with kingly pride, 
 Eepuls"d the sacred sire, and thus reply 'd : 
 
 Hence on thy life, and fly these hostile plains, 35 
 l^or ask, presumptuous, wliat the kinir detains ; 
 Hence, with tiiy laurel crown, and golden rod, 
 Nor trust too far those ensigns of thy God. 
 Wine is thy daughter, priest, and shall remain ; 
 And prayers,and tears.and bribes,shall plead in vain ; 
 Till time shail rifle every youthful grace, 41 
 
 And age dismiss her from my cold embrace, 
 In daily labors of the loom employ'd, 
 Or doom'd to deck the bed she once enjoy'd. 
 Hence then, to Argos shall the maid retire, 45 
 
 Far from her native soil, and weeping sire. 
 
 The trembling priest along tlie shore return'd. 
 And in the anguish of a father mourn'd. 
 Disconsolate, not daring to complain, 
 Silent he wander'd by the sounding main: 50 
 
 Till, safe at distance, to his God he prays. 
 The God who darts around the world his rays. 
 
 O Smintheus ! sprung from fair Latona's line. 
 Thou guardian power of Cilia the divine. 
 Thou source of light! whom Tenedos adores, 55 
 And whose bright presence gilds thy Chrj-sa's shores: 
 If e'er with wreaths I hung thy sacred fane, 
 Or fed the flames with fat of oxen slain ; 
 God of the silver bow ! thy shafts employ. 
 Avenge thy servant, and the Greeks destroy. 60 
 
 Thus Chr>ses pray'd: The favoring power attends. 
 And from Olympus' lofty tops descends. 
 Eent was his bow, the Grecian hearts to wound ; 
 Fierce as he mov'd, his silver shafts resound. 
 Breathing revenge, a sudden night he spread, 63 
 And gloomy darkness roll'd about his head. 
 The fleet in view, he twang'd his deadly bow. 
 And hissing fly the feather'd fates below. 
 On mules and dogs th' infection first began ; 
 And last, Uie vengeful arrows fix'd in man. 70 
 
 For nine long nights through all the dusky air 
 fhe Pyres thick-flaming shot a dismal glare.
 
 Book T. THE ILTAB. 35 
 
 But ere the tenth revolving day was run, 
 Inspir'd by Juno, Thetis' god-like son 
 Conveu'd to council all the Grecian train ; 75 
 
 For much the Goddess mourn'd her heroes slain. 
 
 Th' assembly seated, rising o'er the rest, 
 Achilles thus the king of men addrest : 
 
 Why leave we not the fatal Trojan shore. 
 And measure back the seas we crost before ? 80 
 The plague destroying whom the sword would spare, 
 'Tis time to save the few remains of war. 
 But let some prophet, or some sacred sage, 
 Explore the cause of great Apollo's rage; 
 Or learn the wasteful vengeance to remove, 85 
 
 By mystic dreams, for dreams descend from Jove. 
 If broken vows this heavy curse have laid. 
 Let altars smoke, and hecatombs be paid. 
 So heaven aton'd shall dying Greece restore. 
 And Phoebus dart his burning shafts no more. QO- 
 
 He said, and sat : when Chalcas thus reply'd : 
 Chalcas the wise, the Grecian priest and guide. 
 That sacred seer, whose comprehensive view 
 The past, the present, and the future knew : 
 Uprising slow, the venerable sage 95 
 
 Thus spoke the prudence and the fears of age. 
 
 Belov'd of Jove, Achilles ! wouldst thou know 
 Why angry Phoebus bends his fatal bow ? 
 First erive thy faith, and plight a prince's word 
 Of sure protection, by thy power and sword. lOO 
 For I must speak what wisdom would conceal, 
 And truths, invidious to the great, reveal. 
 Bold is the task, when subjects grown too wise. 
 Instruct a monarch where his error lies ; 
 For though we deem the short-liv'd fury past, 105 
 Tis sure, the Mighty will revenge at last. 
 
 To whom Pelides. From thy inmost soul 
 Speak what thou know'st, and speak withgut control. 
 Ev'n by that God I swear, who rules the day. 
 To whom thy hands the vows of Greece convey. 
 And whose blest oracles thy lips declare ; IH 
 
 Long as Achilles breathes this vital air, 
 No daring Greek of all the numerous band 
 Against his priest shall lift an impious hand : 
 Not ev'n the chief by whom our hosts are led, 115 
 'fhe king of kings, sliall touch that sacred head. 
 B2
 
 34 THE ILIAD. Book I. 
 
 Encourag'd thus, the blameless man replies; 
 Kor vows unpaid, nor slighted sacrifice. 
 But lie, our cliief, provok'd the raging pest, 
 Apollo's vengeance for his injur'd priest, 120 
 
 Kor will the God's awaken'd fury cease. 
 But phigues shall spread, and funeral fires increase. 
 Till the great king, without a ransom paid, 
 To her own Chrjsa send the black-ey'd maid. 
 Perhaps, with added sacrifice and prayer, 125 
 
 The priest may pardon, and the God may spare. 
 
 The prophet spoke; when with a gloomy frown 
 The monarch started from his shining throne ; 
 Black choler fiU'd his breast that boil'd with ire, 
 And from his eye-balls flash'd the living fire. 130 
 Augur accurst ! denouncing mischief still. 
 Prophet of plagues, for ever boding ill ! 
 Still must that tongue some wounding message bring, 
 And still thy priestly pride provoke thy king? 
 For this are PhcEbus' oracles explor'd, 135 
 
 To teach the Greeks to murmur at their Lord ? 
 For this with falsehoods is my honor stain'd, 
 3s heaven otfended, and a priest profan'd ; 
 JBecause mj- prize, my beauteous maid I hold. 
 And heavenly charms prefer to proffer'd gold ? 140 
 A maid, unmatch'd in manners as in face, 
 SkiU'd in each art, and crown'd with every grace. 
 Is^ot half so dear were Clytasmnestra's charms. 
 When first her blooming beauties blest my arms. 
 Yet if tlie Gods demand her, let her sail j 145 
 
 Our cares are only for the public weal : 
 Let me be deem'd the hateful cause of all. 
 And suffer, rather than my people fall. 
 The prize, the beauteous prize, I will resign, 
 So dearly valued, and so justlj' mine. 150 
 
 But since for common good I yield the fair. 
 My private loss let grateful Greece repair ; 
 Uor unrewarded let your prince complain. 
 That he alone has fought and bled in vain. 
 
 Insatir.te king (Achilles thus replies} 155 
 
 Fond of the power, but fonder of the prize ! 
 Wouldst thou the Greeks their lawful prey should yield. 
 The due reward of many a well-fought field? 
 The spoils of cities raz'd, and warriors slain, 
 "We share with justice, as vfiUi toii we gain : i6o
 
 ! Book I. THE ILIAD. 35 
 
 But to resume whate'er thy avarice craves, 
 (That trick of tyrants) may be borne by slaves. 
 Yet if our chief for plunder only fight, 
 The spoils of Ilion shall thy loss requite, 164 
 
 Whene'er by Jove's decree our conquering powers 
 Shall humble to the dust her lofty towers. 
 
 Then thus the king. Shall I ray prize resign 
 "With tame content, and thou possest of thine ? 
 Great as thou art, and like a God in fight, 
 Think not to rob me of a soldier's right. 17O 
 
 At thy demand shall I restore the maid ? 
 First let the just equivalent be paid ; 
 Such as a king might ask ; and let it be 
 A treasure worthy her, and worthy me. 
 Or grant me this, or with a monarch's claim, I75 
 This hand shall seize some other captive dame. 
 The mighty Ajax shall his prize resign, 
 Ulj'sses' spoils, or ev'n thy own be mine. 
 The man who sutfers, loudly may complain ; 
 And rage he may, but he shall rage in vain. 180 
 But this when time requires— It now remains 
 We launch a bark to plough the watery plains. 
 And waft the sacrifice to Chrysa's shores, 
 Witli chosen pilots, and with laboring oars. 
 Soon shall the fair the sable ship ascend, 185 
 
 And some deputed prince the charge attend ; 
 This Greta's king, or Ajax shall fulfil, 
 Or wise Ulysses see perform'd our will ; 
 Or, if our royal pleasure shall ordain, 
 Achilles' self conduct her o'er the main ; 100 
 
 Let fierce Achilles, dreadful in his rage. 
 The God propitiate, and the pest assuage. 
 At this, Pelides, frowning stern, reply'd : 
 O tyrant, arm'd with insolence and pride 1 
 Inglorious slave to interest, ever join'd I95 
 
 "With fraud, unworthy of a royal mind ! 
 What generous Greek, obedient to thy word. 
 Shall form an ambush, or shall lift the sword? 
 What cause have 1 to war at thy decree ? 
 The distant Trojans never injur'd me : 200 
 
 To Phthia's realms no hostile troops they led. 
 Safe in her vales my warlike coursers fed ; 
 Far hence remov'd, the hoarse-resounding main, 
 Aud walls of rocks, secure my native reign,
 
 36 THE ILIAD. Eook T. 
 
 Whose fruitful soil luxuriant harvests grace, 205 
 Hich in lier fruits, and in her martial race. 
 Hither we sail'd, a voluntary throng, 
 T' avenge a private, not a public wrong : 
 "What else to Troy th' assembled nations draws, 
 But thine, ungrateful, and tliy brotlier's cause i 210 
 Is this the pay our blood and toils deserve ; 
 Pisgrac'd and injur'd by the man we serve? 
 And dar'st thou threat to snatch my prize away. 
 Due to the deeds of many a dreadful day ? 
 A prize as small, O tyrant ! matclj'd with thine, 
 As thy own actions if compar'd to mine. 2l6 
 
 Tliine in each conquest is the wealthy prey, 
 Though mine the sweat and danger of the day. 
 Some trivial presents to my ships I bear. 
 Or barren praises pay the wounds of war. 220 
 
 But know, proud monarch, I'm thy slave no more ; 
 My fleet shall waft me to Thessalia's shore. 
 3Left by Achilles on the Trojan plain, 
 What spoils, what conquests, shall Atrides gain ? 
 
 To this the king : Fly, mighty warrior I fly, 225 
 Thy aid we need not, and thy threats defy. 
 There want not chiefs in such a cause to fight. 
 And Jove himself shall guard a monarch's right. 
 Of all the kings (the God's distinguish'd carej 
 To power superior none such hatred bear: 230 
 
 Strife and debate thy restless soul employ, 
 And wars and horrors are thy savage joy. 
 If thou hast strength, 'twas heav'n that strength bestow'd. 
 For know, vain man ! thy valor is from God. 
 Haste, launch thy vessels, fly with speed away, 235 
 Hule thy own realms with arbitrary sway : 
 I heed thee not, but prize at equal rate 
 Thy short-liv'd friendship, and thy groundless hate. 
 Go, threat thy earth-born Myrmidons; but here 
 'Tis mine to threaten, prince, and thine to fear: 240 
 Know, if the God the beauteous dame demand. 
 My bark shall waft her to her native land ; 
 But then prepare, imperious prince ! prepare. 
 Fierce as thou art, to yield thy captive fair : 
 Evn in thy tent I'll seize the blooming prize, 245 
 Thy lov'd BriseYs with the radiant eyes. 
 Hence shalt thou prove my might, and curse the hour, 
 Thoii stood'st a rival of imperial power ;
 
 Book I. THE ILTAD. 37 
 
 And hence to all our host it shall be known, 
 That kings are subject to the Gods alone. 250 
 
 Achilles heard, with grief and rage opprest. 
 His heart swell'd high, and labor'd in his breast. 
 Distracting thoughts by turns his bosom rul'd, 
 Now fir'd by wrath, and now by reason cool'd : 
 Tliat prompts his hand to draw the deadly sword, 255 
 Force thro' the Greeks and pierce their haughty lord; 
 This whispers soft, his vengeance to control. 
 And calm the rising tempest of his soul. 
 Just as in anguish of suspense he stay'd. 
 While half unsheath'd appear'd the glittering blade, 
 Minerva swift descended from above, 261 
 
 Sent by the sister and the wife of Jove 
 (For both the princes claim'd her equal care); 
 Behind she stood, and by the golden hair 
 Achilles seiz'd ; to liim alone confest ; 265 
 
 A sable cloud conceal'd her from the rest. 
 He sees, and sudden to the Goddess cries. 
 Known by the flames that sparkle from her eyes. 
 
 Descends Minerva in her guardian care, 
 A heavenly witness of the wrongs 1 bear 270 
 
 From Atreus' son : then let those eyes that view 
 The daring crime, behold the vengeance too. 
 
 Forbear ! (the progeny of Jove replies) 
 To calm thy fury I forsake the skies : 
 Let great Achilles, to the Gods resign'd, 275 
 
 To reason yield the empire o'er his mind. 
 By awful Juno this command is given ; 
 The king and you are both the care of heaven. 
 The force of keen reproaches let him feel. 
 But sheathe, obedient, thy revenging steel. 280 
 For I pronounce (and trust a heavenly power) 
 Thy injur'd honor lias its fated hour. 
 When the proud monarch shall thy arms implore. 
 And bribe thy friendship with a boundless store. 
 Then let revenge no longer bear the sway, 285 
 
 Command thy passions, and the Gods obey. 
 
 To her Pelides. With regardful ear 
 'Tis just, O Goddess ! I thy dictates hear. 
 Hard as it is, my vengeance I suppress : 
 Those who revere the Gods, the Gods will bless. 290 
 He said, observant of the blue-ey'd maid ; 
 Then in the sheath return'd the shining blade.
 
 38 THE ILIAD. Book I. 
 
 The Goddess swift to high Olympus flies, 
 And joins the sacred senate of the skies. 
 
 Nor yet the rage his boiling breast forsook, 295 
 Which thus redoubling on Atrides broke. 
 O monster ! mix'd of insolence and fear. 
 Thou dog in forehead, but in heart a deer ! 
 ■When wert thou known in ambush'd fights to dare, 
 Or nobly face the horrid front of war ? 300 
 
 Tis ours, the chance of fighting fields to try, 
 Thine to look on, and bid the valiant die. 
 So much 'tis safer through the camp to go. 
 And rob a subject, tlian despoil a foe. 
 Scourge of thy people, violent and base I 305 
 
 Sent in Jove's anger on a slavish race. 
 Who, lost to sense of generous freedom past. 
 Are tam'd to wrongs^ or this had been thy last. 
 Now by this sacred sceptre hear me swear, 
 Which never more shall leaves or blossoms bear, 310 
 Which sever'd from the trunk (as I from thee) 
 On the bare mountains left its parent tree ; 
 This sceptre, form'd by temper'd steel to prove 
 An ensign of the delegates of Jove, 
 From whom the power of laws and justice springs 315 
 (Tremendous oath ! im-iolate to kings :) 
 By this I swear, when bleeding Greece again 
 Shall call Achilles, she shall call in vain. 
 When, ttush'd with slaughter, Hector comes to spread 
 The purpled shore with mountains of the dead, 320 
 Then shalt thou mourn th' affront thy madness gave, 
 Forc'd to deplore, when impotent to save : 
 Then rage in bitterness of soul, to know 
 This act has made the bravest Greek thy foe. 324 
 
 He spoke ; and furious hurl'd against the ground 
 His sceptre starr'd with golden studs around. 
 Then sternly silent sat. With like disdain. 
 The raging king return'd his frowns again. 
 
 To calm tJieir passions with the words of age, 
 Slow from his seat arose the Pylian sage, 330 
 
 Experienc'd Nestor, in persuasion skill'd, 
 Words sweet as honey from his lips distill'd; 
 Two generations now had pass'd awaj', 
 Wise by his rules, and happy by his .sway ; 
 Two ages o'er his native realm he reign'd, 335 
 
 And aow th' example of the third remain'd.
 
 Book I. THE ILIAD. 39 
 
 All view'd with awe the venerable man; 
 AViio thus with mild benevoleace began : 
 
 What shame, what woe is this to Greece ! what joy- 
 To Troy's proud monarch, and the friends of Troy ! 
 That adverse Gods commit to stern debate 341 
 
 The best, tlie bravest of the Grecian state. 
 Young as ye are, this youthful heat restrain. 
 Nor think your Nestor's years and wisdom vain. 
 A Godhke race of heroes once I knew, 345 
 
 Such, as no more tliese aged eyes sliall view ! 
 Lives there a chief to match Pirithous' fame, 
 Dryas the bold, or Ceneus' deathless name; 
 Tiieseus, endued with more than mortal might. 
 Or Polyphemus, like the Gods in fight ? 350 
 
 "Witli these of old to toils of battle bred. 
 In early youth my hardy days I led ; 
 Fir'd with the tliirst which virtuous envy breeds. 
 And smit with love of honorable deeds. 354 
 
 Strongest of men, they pierc'd the mountain boar, 
 Rang'd the wild deserts red with monsters gore. 
 And from their hills the shaggy Centaurs tore. 
 
 I Yet these with soft, persuasive arts I sway'd ; 
 
 I When Nestor spoke, they listen'd and obey'd. 
 
 I If in my youth, ev'n these esteem'd me wise ; 360 
 
 ; Do you, young warriors, hear my age advise. 
 
 ! Atrides, seize not on the beauteous slave ; 
 
 ■ That prize the Greeks by common suffrage gave : 
 
 ! Nor thou, Achilles, treat our prince with pride ; 
 
 * Let kings be just, and sovereign power preside. 363 
 
 I Thee, the first honors of the war adorn, 
 
 ' Like Gods in strength, and of a Goddess born ; 
 
 [ Him, awful majesty exalts above 
 
 I The powers of earth, and scepter'd sons of Jove. 
 Let both unite, with well-consenting mind, 370 
 
 1 So shall authority with strength be join'd. 
 
 I Leave me, O king ! to calm Achilles* rage ; 
 Rule thou thyself, as more advanc'd in age. 
 Forbid it Gods ! Achilles should be lost. 
 The pride of Greece, and bulwark of our host. 375 
 
 This said, he ceas'd: the king of men replies: 
 Thy years are awful, and thy words are wise. 
 But that imperious, that unconquer'd soul. 
 No laws caa limit, uo respect coutrol.
 
 40 THE ILTAD. Book I. 
 
 Before his pride must hb superiors fall, 380 
 
 His word the law, and he the lord of all ? 
 
 Him must our hosts, our chiefs, ourself obey? 
 
 What king: can bear a rival iu his sway ? 
 
 Grant that the Gods his matchless force hath given ; 
 
 Has foul reproach a privilege from heaven ? 385 
 
 Here on the monarch's spepcli Achilles broke. 
 And furious, thus, and interrupting spoke. 
 Tyrant, I well deserv'd thy galling chain, 
 To live thy slave, and still to serve in vain; 
 Should I submit to each unjust decree ; 3go 
 
 Command thj- vassals, but command not me. 
 Seize on BriseVs, whom the Grecians doom'd 
 ^ly prize of war, yet tamely see resum'd ; 
 And seize secure ; no more Achilles draws 
 His conquering sword in any woman's cause. 395 
 The Gods command me to forgive the past; 
 But let this first invasion be the last : 
 For know, thy blood, when next thou dar" stinvade. 
 Shall stream in vengeance on my reeking blade. 
 
 At this they ceas'd ; the stern debate expLr'd : 400 
 The chiefs in sullen majesty retir'd. 
 
 Achilles with Patroclus took his way, 
 Where near his tents his hollow vessels lay. 
 Meantime Atrides launch'd with numerous oars 
 A well-rigg'd ship for Chrysa's sacred shores ; 405 
 High on the deck was fair Chryseis plac'd. 
 And sage Ulysses with the conduct grac'd : 
 Safe in her sides the hecatomb they stow'd, 
 Then swiftly sailing, cut the liquid road. 
 
 The host to expiate, next the king prepares, 410 
 With pure lustrations, and with solemn prayers. 
 Wash'd by the briny wave, the pious train 
 Are cleaiis'd, and cast th' ablutions in the main. 
 Along the shore whole hecatombs were laid. 
 And bulls and goats to Phoebus' altars paid. 415 
 The sable fumes in curling spires arise. 
 And waft their grateful odours to the skies. 
 
 The army thus in sacred rites engag'd, 
 Atrides still with deep resentment rag'd. 
 To wait his will two sacred heralds stood, 4C0 
 
 Talthybius and Eurj-bates the good. 
 Haste to tlie fierce Achilles' tent (he cries) 
 Thence bear BriseVs as our royal prize ;
 
 Book I. THE ILIAD. 41 
 
 Submit he must; or, if they will not part, 
 Ourself in arms shall tear her from his heart. 425 
 
 Th' unwilling heralds act their lord's commands ; 
 Pensive they walk along the barren sands ; 
 Arriv'd, ilie Hero in his tent they find, 
 ■\Vith gloomy aspect, ou his arm reclin'd. 
 At awful distance long they silent stand, 430 
 
 Lotli to advance, or speak their hard command ; 
 Decent confusion ! This tlie godlike man 
 Perceiv'd, and thus with accent mild began. 
 
 "With leave and honor enter our abodes, 
 Ye sacred ministers of men and Gods ! 435 
 
 I know your message ; by constraint you came; 
 Not you, tut your imperious lord I blame. 
 Patroclus haste, the fair Briseis bring ; 
 Conduct my captive to the haughty king. 
 But witness, heralds, and proclaim my vow, 440 
 "Witness to Gods above, and men below ! 
 But first, and loudest, to your prince declare. 
 That lawless tyrant whose commands you bear ; 
 Unmov'd as death Achilles shall remain. 
 Though prostrate Greece should bleed at every vein : 
 Tlie raging chief in frantic passion lost, 446 
 
 Blind to himself, and useless to his host, 
 Unskill'd to judge the future by the past. 
 In blood and slaughter shall repent at last. 
 
 Patroclus now th' unwilling beauty brought ; 450 
 She, in soft sorrows, and in pensive thought. 
 Past silent, as the heralds held her hand. 
 And oft look'd back, slow moN-ing o'er the strand. 
 Not so his loss the fierce Achilles bore; 
 But sad retiring to the sounding shore, 455 
 
 O'er the wild margin of the deep he hung. 
 That kindred deep from whence his motKer sprung ; 
 There, bath'd in tears of anger and disdain. 
 Thus loud lamented to the stormy main. 
 
 O parent Goddess ! since in early bloom 460 
 
 Thy son must fall, by too severe a doom ; 
 Sure, to so short a race of glory born, 
 Great Jove in justice should this span adorn : 
 Honor and fame at least the Thunderer ow'd. 
 And ill he pays the promise of a God ; 465 
 
 If yon proud monarch thus thy son defies. 
 Obscures my glories, and resumes my prize.
 
 42 THE ILIAD. Book I. 
 
 Far from the deep recesses of the main, 
 Wliere aged Ocean holds his wateiy reign, 
 The Goddess-mother heard. The waves divide ; 470 
 And like a mist she rose above the tide ; 
 Beheld liim mourning on the naked shores, 
 And thus the sorrows of his soul explores. 
 Why grieves mj' son ? Thy anguish let me share, 
 Keveal the cause, and trust a parent's care. 475 
 
 He deeplj' sigliing said : To tell my woe. 
 Is but to mention what too well you know. 
 Trom Thebe sacred to Apollo's name, 
 (Action's realm) our conquering army came, 
 With treasure loaded and triumphant spoils, 480 
 Whose just division crown'd the soldier's toils ; 
 But bright ChryseVs, heavenly prize ! was led 
 By vole selected, to the general's bed. 
 The priest of Phoebus sought by gifts to gain 
 His beauteous daughter from the victor's chain ; 485 
 The fleet he reach"d, and lowly bending down, 
 Held forth the sceptre and the laurel crown. 
 Entreating all : but chief implor'd for grace 
 The brother-kings of Atreus' royal race : 
 The generous Greeks their joint consent declare, 490 
 The priest to reveren'ce, and release the fair ; 
 Kot so Atrides; He, with wonted pride. 
 The sire insulted, and his gifts deny'd : 
 Th' insulted sire (his God's peculiar care) 
 To Phoebus pray'd, and Phoebus heard the prayer; 
 A dreadful plague ensues ; th' avenging darts 49(5 
 Incessant fly, and pierce the Grecian hearts. 
 A prophet then, inspir'd by heaven arose. 
 And points the crime, and thence derives the woes : 
 Jlyself the first th' assembled chiefs incline 500 
 T' avert the vengeance of the power divine ; 
 Then rising in his wrath, the monarch storm'd ; 
 Incens'd he threaten'd, and his threats perform'd ; 
 The fair Chrj-seVs to her sire was sent, 
 With offer'd gifts to make the God relent ; 505 
 
 But now he seiz'd Brisei's' heavenly charms, 
 And of my valour's prize defrauds my arms, 
 Defrauds the votes of all the Grecian train; 
 And service, faith, and justice, plead in vain. 
 But, Goddess ! thou thy suppliant son attend, 510 
 To high Olympus' shining court ascend.
 
 3ook I. THE ILIAD. 43 
 
 Jrge all the ties to former service ow'd, 
 |\nd sue for vengeance to the tlumdering God. 
 pft hast thou triumph'd in the glorious boast, 
 I That thou stood'st forth of all th' etherial host, 515 
 JkVhen bold rebellion shook the realms above, 
 J Til' undaunted guard of cloud-compelling Jove. 
 'When the bright partner of his awful reign, 
 irhe warlike maid, and monarch of tlie main, 
 iThe traitor-gods, by mad ambition driven, 520 
 
 'Durst threat with chains th' omnipotence of heaven. 
 ; Then call'd by thee, the monster Titan came, 
 'Whom Gods Briareus, Men .i^geon name) 
 '■ riirough wondering skies enormous stalk'd along ; 
 ,Kot * he tliat shakes the solid earth so strong : 523 
 'With giant-pride at Jove's higli throne he stands, 
 'And brandish'd round him all his hundred hands; 
 rii' aftVighted Gods confess'd their awful lord, 
 ■ They dropt the fetters, tiembled, and ador'd. 
 This, Goddess, this to his remembrance call, 530 
 'Embrace his knees, at his tribunal fall ; 
 I Conjure him far to drive the Grecian train. 
 To hurl them headlong to their fleet and main, 
 'To heap the shores with copious death, and bring 
 [The Greeks to know the curse of such a king : 535 
 iLet Agamemnon lift his haughty head 
 lO'er all his wide dominion of the dead, 
 ilAnd mourn in blood, that e'er he durst disgrace 
 I The boldest warrior of the Grecian race. 
 1 Unhappy son ! (fair Thetis thus replies, 540 
 
 While tears celestial trickle from her eyes) 
 Why have I born thee with a mother's throes. 
 To fates averse, and nurs'd for future woes ? 
 So short a space the light of heaven to view ! 
 So short a fpace ! and fiU'd with sorrow too ! 545 
 O might a parent's careful wish prevail. 
 Far, far from Ilion should thy vessels sail, 
 I And thou, from camps remote, the danger shun, 
 ' Which now, alas ! too nearly threats my son. 
 ! Yet (what I can) to move thy suit I'll go 550 
 
 ' To great Olympus crown'd with fleecy snow. 
 ', Meantime, secure within thy ships, from far 
 Behold the field, nor mingle in the war. 
 
 » Neptune,
 
 44 THE ILIAD. Book I. 
 
 The sire of Gods and all th' etherial train, 
 
 On the warm Umits of the farthest main, 555 
 
 !Now mix witli mortals, nor disdain to grace 
 
 The feasts of .iLthiopia's blameless race; 
 
 Twelve days the powers indulge the genial rite, 
 
 Returning with tlie twelfth revolving light. 
 
 Tlien will I mount tlie brazen dome, and move 560 
 
 The high tribunal of immortal Jove. 
 
 The Goddess spoke : the rolling waves unclose ; 
 Then down the deep she plung'd from whence she rose. 
 And left him sorrowing on the lonely coast. 
 In wild resentment for the fair he lost. 565 
 
 In Chrysa's port now sage Ulj'sses rode ; 
 Beneath the deck tlie destin'd victims stow'd ; 
 The sails they furl'd, they lash'd the mast aside. 
 And dropp'd their anchors, and the pinnace ty'd. 
 Next on the shore their liecatomb they land, 570 
 Chryscis last descending on the strand. 
 Her, thus returning from the furrow'd main, 
 IHysses led to Phoebus' sacred fane ; 
 Where at his solemn altar, as the maid 
 He ga%'c to Chryses, thus the hero said. 575 
 
 Hail reverend priest ! to Phcebus' awful dome 
 A suppliant I from great Atrides come : 
 Unransom'd here receive the spotless fair ; 
 Accept the hecatomb the Greeks prepare ; 
 And may thy God who scatters darts around, 580 
 Aton'd by sacrifice, desist to wound. 
 
 At this, the sire embrac'd the maid again, 
 So sadly lost, so lately sought in vain. 
 Then near the altar of the darting king, 
 Dispos'd in rank their hecatomb they bring : 585 
 With water purify their hands, and take 
 The sacred offering of the salted cake ; 
 While thus with arms devoutly rais'd in air, 
 And solemn voice, the priest directs his prayer, 
 
 God of the silver bow, thy ear incline, 590 
 
 Whose power encircles Gilla the divine ; 
 Whose sacred eye thy Tenedos surveys, 
 And gilds fair Chrysa with distinguisli'd rays! 
 If, fir'd to vengeance at thy priest's request, 
 lliy direful darts inflict the raging pest ; 505 
 
 Once more attend ! avert the wasteful woe. 
 And smile propitious, and unbend thy bow.
 
 3ook T, THE ILIAD. 45 
 
 So Chryses pray'd, Apollo heard his prayer : 
 :^nd now the Greeks their hecatomb prepare ; 
 3etween their horns the salted barley threw, 000 
 \nd with their heads to heaven the victims slew : 
 :^he limbs they sever from th' iaclosiug hide ; 
 :he thighs, selected to the Gods, divide : 
 )n these, in double cawls involv'd with art, 
 :he choicest morsels lay from every part. 605 
 
 :he priest himself before his altar stands, 
 \nd burns the offering with his holy hands, 
 ^ours the black wine, and sees the flames aspire : 
 rhe youth with instruments surround the fire: 
 rhe thighs thus sacrific d, and entrails drest, 610 
 rh' assistants part, transfix, and roast the rest : 
 rhen spread the tables, the repast prepare, 
 iach takes iiis seat, and each receives his share. 
 ,Vhen now the rage of hunger was represt, 
 Vith pure libations they conclude the feast ; 6l5 
 "he youths with wine the copious goblets crown'd, 
 Ind pleas'd, dispense the flowing bowls around. 
 ^ith hymns di\'ine the joyous banquet ends, 
 ■"he paeans lengthen'd till the sun descends : 
 :he Greeks, restor'd, the grateful notes prolong ; 620 
 IpoUo listens, and approves the song. 
 
 'Twas night ; the chiefs beside then- vessel he, 
 nil rosy morn had purpled o'er the sky : 
 'hen launch, and hoise the mast ; indulgent gales, 
 upply'd by Phoebus, fill the swelling sails ; 625 
 
 ;he milk-white canvas bellying as they blow, 
 ^he parted ocean foams and roars below : 
 \bo%'e the bounding billows swift they flew, 
 'ill now the Grecian camp appear'd in view, 
 i'ar on the beach they haul their bark to land, 630 
 The crooked keel divides the yellow sand) 
 :hen part, where stretch'd along the winding bay 
 :he ships and. tents in mingled prospect lay. 
 
 But raging still, amidst his navy sat 
 :he stern Achilles, stedfast in his hate ; 635 
 
 ifor mix'd in combat, nor in council join'd ; 
 iut wasting cares lay heavy on his mind : 
 :n his black thoughts revenge and slaughter roll, 
 \nd scenes of blood rise dreadful in his soul. 639 
 
 Twelve days were past, and now the dawning light 
 Che Gods had summon'd to th' Olympian height :
 
 4G THE ILTAD. Book I. 
 
 Jove first ascending from the watery bowers, 
 
 Leads the long order of etherial powers. 
 
 Wlieii hke the morning mist in early day, 
 
 Rose from the flood the daughter of the sea ; G45 
 
 And to the seats divine her flight addrest. 
 
 There, far apart, and high above tlie rest, 
 
 The Thunderer sat ; where old Olympus shrouds 
 
 His hundred heads in heaven, and props the clouds. 
 
 Suppliant the Goddess stood: one liand she plac'd 
 
 Beneatli his beard, and one his knees embrac'd. 651 
 
 If e'er, O father of the Gods ! she said. 
 
 My words could please thee, or my actions aid ; 
 
 Some marks of honor on my son bestow. 
 
 And pa3' in glory what in life you owe. 655 
 
 Fame is at least by heavenly promise due 
 
 To life so short, and now dishonor'd too. 
 
 Avenge this wrong, oh ever just and wise ! 
 
 Let Greece be humbled, and the Trojans rise; 
 
 Till the proud king, and all th' Achaian race, 660 
 
 Shall heap with honors him they now disgrace. 
 
 Thus Thetis spoke, but Jove in silence held 
 The sacred counsels of his breast conceal'd. 
 Not so repuls'd, the Goddess closer prest, 
 Still grasp'd his knees, and urg'd the dear request. 
 O sire of Gods and men ! thy suppliant hear ; 666 
 Refuse, or grant ; for what has Jove to fear ? 
 Or, oh ! declare, of all the powers above, 
 Is wretched Thetis least the care of Jove? 
 
 She said, and sighing thus the God replies, 670 
 Who rolls the thunder o'er the vaulted skies. 
 
 What hast thou ask'd ? Ah why should Jove engage 
 In foreign contests, and domestic rage. 
 The Gods complaints, and Juno's fierce alarms, 
 While I, too partial, aid the Trojan arms? 675 
 
 Go, lest the haughty partner of my sway 
 With jealous eyes thy close access survey ; 
 But part in peace, secure thy prayer is sped : 
 Witness the sacred honors of our head. 
 The nod that ratifies the will divine, 680 
 
 The faithful, fix'd, irrevocable sign ; 
 This seals thy suit, and this fulfils thy vows- 
 He spoke, and awful bends his sable brows; 
 Shakes his ambrosial curls, and gives tlie nod; 
 The stamp'Of fate, and sanction of the God : 685
 
 Jook I. THE>ILTAD. 47 
 
 ligh heav'n with tremfclina: the dread signal took, 
 
 Lnd all Olympus to the centre shook. 
 Swift to the seas profound the Goddess flies, 
 
 ove to his starry mansion in the skies. ^ 
 |j?he shining synod of th' immortals wait . 690 
 
 '[?he coming God, and from their thrones of state 
 lArising silent, wrapt in holy fear, 
 
 3efore the majesty of heaven appear. 
 I Trembling they stand, while Jove assumes the throne, 
 lAll, but the God's imperious queen alone : 695 
 
 'Late had she view'd the silver-footed dame, 
 |\nd all her passions kindled into flame. 
 ; say, artful manager of heaven (she cries) 
 |iVho now partakes the secrets of the skies? 
 ifhy Juno knows not the decrees of fate, 7OO 
 
 [[n vain the partner of imperial state. 
 IjvVhat favorite Goddess then those cares di\'ides, 
 KVhich Jove in prudence from his consort hides? 
 ' To this the Thunderer : Seek not thou to find 
 *rhe sacred counsels of almighty mind: 705 
 
 llnvolv'd in darkness lies the great decree, 
 ■ ISor CRn the depths of fate be pierc'd by thee. 
 [iWhat fits thy knowledge, thou the first shalt know ; 
 jThe first of Gods above and men below ; 
 |But thou, nor they, shall search the thoughts that roll 
 Deep in the close recesses of my soul. 7II 
 
 I Full on the sire the Goddess of the skies 
 RoU'd the large orbs of her majestic eyes, 
 i\nd thus return'd. Austere Saturnius, say, 
 tTrom whence this wrath, or who controls thy sway ? 
 Thy boundless will, for me, remains in force, 716 
 And all thy counsels take the destin'd course. 
 But 'tis for Greece I fear : for late was seen 
 [n close consult tlie silver-footed queen, 
 fove to his Thetis nothing could deny, 720 
 
 Nor was the signal vain that shook the sky. 
 What fatal favor has the Goddess won, 
 ro grace her fierce, inexorable son ? 
 Perhaps in Grecian blood to drench tlie plain, 
 And glut his vengeance with my people slain. 725 
 
 Then thus the God : Oh restless fate of pride, 
 rhat strives to learn what heaven resolves to hide; 
 Vain is the search, presumptuous and abhorr'd, 
 Ajixious to thee, and odious to thy lord.
 
 48 THE ILIAD. Book I, 
 
 Let this suffice ; th' immutable decree 730 
 
 Ko force can shake : what is, that ought to be. 
 Goddess, submit, nor dare our will withstand, 
 But dread the power of this avenging hand; 
 Th' united strength of all the Gods above 
 In vain resists th' omnipotence of Jove. 735 
 
 Tlie Thunderer spoke, nor durst the queen reply; 
 A reverend horror silenc'c^ all the sky. 
 The feast disturb'd, with sorrow Vulcan saw 
 His mother menac'd, and the Gods in awe ; 
 Peace at his lieart, and pleasure his design, 740 
 
 Thus interpos'd the architect divine. 
 The wretched quarrels of the mortal state 
 Are far unworthy, Gods ! of your debate : 
 Let men their days in senseless strife employ, 
 We, in eternal peace, and constant joy. 745 
 
 Thou Goddess-mother, with our sire comply, 
 Nor break the sacred union of the sky ; 
 Lest, rouz'd to rage, he shake the blest abodes, 
 Launch the red lightning, and dethrone the Gods. 
 If you submit, the Thunderer stands appeas'd ; 750 
 The gracious power is willing to be pleas'd. 
 
 Thus Vulcan spoke ; and rising with a bound. 
 The double bowl witli sparkling nectar crown'd, 
 Whicli held to Juno in a cheerful way. 
 Goddess (he cried) be patient and obey. "55 
 
 Dear as you are, if Jove his arm extend, 
 I can but grieve, unable to defend. 
 What God so daring in your aid to move. 
 Or lift his hand against the force of Jove ? 
 Once m your cause I felt his matchless might, 76O 
 Hurl'd headlong downward from th' etherial height ; 
 Tost all the day in rapid circles round ; 
 l^or till the sun descended, touch'd the ground : 
 Breatliless I fell, in giddy motion lost ; 
 The Sinthians rais'd me on the Lemnian coast. 765 
 
 He said, and to her hands the goblet heav'd 
 Which, with a smile, tlie white-arm'd queen receiv'd. 
 Then to the rest he fill'd ; and in his turn, 
 Each to his lips apply'd the nectar'd urn. 
 Vulcan witli aukward grace his office plies, 770 
 
 And unextinguish'd laughter shakes the skies. 
 
 Thus the blest Gods the genial day prolong. 
 In feasts ambrosial, and celestial song.
 
 Book I. THE ILIAD. 49 
 
 Apollo tun'd the lyre ; the Muses round 
 
 With voice alternate aid the silver sound. 775 
 
 Meantime tlie radiant sun, to mortal sight 
 
 Descending swift, roll'd down the rapid light. 
 
 Then to their starry domes the Gods depart. 
 
 The shining monuments of Vulcan's art : 
 
 Jove on his couch reclin'd his awful liead, 780 
 
 And Juno slumber'd oa tlie golden bed.
 
 THE 
 
 I ]L I A 3>. 
 
 BOOK II.
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Trial of the Army and Catalogue of the 
 Forces. 
 
 Jupiter, in pursuance of the request of Thetis, sends 
 a deceitful vision to Agamemnon, persuading him 
 to lead tlie army to battle; in order to make the 
 Greeks sensible of their want of Achilles. The 
 general, who is deluded with the hopes of taking 
 Troy without his assistance, but fears the army 
 was discouraged by his absence and the late plague, 
 as well as by the length of time, contrives to make 
 trial of their disposition by a stratagem. He first 
 communicates his design to the princes in council, 
 that he would propose a return to the soldiers, 
 and that they should put a stop to them if the 
 proposal was embraced. Then he assembles the 
 whole host, and upon moving for a return to 
 Greece, they unanimously agree to it, and run to 
 prepare the ships. They are detained by the 
 management of tjlysses, v/ho chastises the inso- 
 lence of Thersites- The assembly is recalled, several 
 speeches made ©a'lhe occasion, and at length the 
 
 ■ advice of Nestor 'ipUowed, whicn was to make a 
 general muster of the troops, and to divide them 
 into their severe njttions, before they proceeded 
 to battle. This gives occasion to the poet to enu- 
 merate all the forces of the Greeks and Trojans, 
 and in a large catalogue. 
 
 The time employed in this book consists not 
 entirely of one day. The scene lies in the Grecian 
 camp, and upon the sea-shore ; toward the end it 
 removes to Troy.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK IT. 
 
 NOW pleasing sleep had seal'd each mortal eye; 
 Stretch'd in the tents the Grecian leaders lie, 
 IjTh' immortals slumber'd on their thrones above; 
 ii All, but the ever-wakeful eyes of Jove. 
 ■ To honor Thetis' son he bends his care, 5 
 
 I And plunge the Greeks in all the woes of war : 
 ,'Then bids an empty phantom rise to sight, 
 ! And tlms commands the Vision of the night, 
 ; Fly hence, deluding Dream ! ary^ light as air, 
 : To Agamemnon's ample tent repair. 10 
 
 'Bid him in arms draw fortli th' embattled train, 
 I J^ead all his Grecians to the dus^plain. -~ s^- 
 
 I Declare, ev'n now 'tis given himjto destroy 
 j The lotty towers of wide-extended Troy. 
 
 i' For now no more the Gods with, fate contend, ^ 15 
 i At Juno's suit the heavenly factions end. 
 Destruction hangs o'er yon devoted wall, • 
 
 And noddin» Ilion waits th' impending fall. 
 
 Swift as the word tlie vain illusion fled, 
 i Descends, and hovers o'er Atrides' head ; 20 
 
 (I Cloth'd in the figure of the Pylian sage, 
 
 II Renown'd for wisdom, and reverd for age ; 
 
 |. Around his temples spreads his golden wing, 
 I' And thus the flattering dream deceives the king. 
 !i Canst thou, with all a monarch's cares opprest, 25 
 I Oh Atreus' son ! canst thou indulge tliy rest ? 
 Ill fits a chief who mighty nations guides, 
 DirecU ia c«aacU, aad in Tvar presides, 
 
 1
 
 54 THE ILIAD. Book II. 
 
 To whom its safetj' a -whole people owes. 
 
 To waste long nights in indolent repose. 30 
 
 Monarch, awake ! 'tis Jove's command I bear, 
 
 Thou, and thy glor>% claim his heavenly caxe. 
 
 In just array draw forth th' embattled train, 
 
 Lead all thy Grecians to the dusty plain; 
 
 Ev'n now, 6 king ! 'tis given ihee to destroy 35 
 
 The lofty towers of wide-extended Troy. 
 
 For now no more the Gods with fate contend. 
 
 At Juno's suit the heavenly factions end. 
 
 Destruction hangs o'er yon devoted wall, 
 
 And nodding llion waits th' impending fall. 40 
 
 Awake, but waking this advice approve, 
 
 And trust the vision that descends from Jove. 
 
 The phantom said ; then vanish'd from his sight. 
 Resolves to air, and mixes with the night. 
 A thousand schemes the monarch's mind employ ; 
 Elate in thought, he sacks untaken Troy: 46 
 
 Vain as he was, and to the future blind ; 
 !N'or saw what Jove and secret fate design'd, 
 What mighty toils to either host remain, 
 What scenes of grief, and numbers of the slain ! 50 
 Eager he rises, and in fancy hears 
 The voice celestial murmuring in his ears. 
 First on his limbs a slender vest he drew. 
 Around him next the regal mantle threw, 
 Th' embroidered sandals on his feet were tied; 55 
 The starry falchion glittefd at his side ; 
 A nd last his arm the massy sceptre loads, 
 Unstain'd, immortal, and the gift of Gods. 
 Kow rosy morn ascends the court of Jove, 
 Lifts up her light, and opens day above. 60 
 
 The king dispatch'd his heralds with commands 
 To range the camp and summon all the bands : 
 The gathering hosts the monarch's word obey; 
 While to the fleet Atrides bends his way. 
 In his black ship the Pylian prince he found ; 65 
 There calls a senate of the peers around : 
 Th' assembly plac'd, the king of men exprest 
 The counsels laboring in his artful breast. 
 
 Friends and confederates ! with attentive ear 
 Heceive my words, and credit what you hear. 70 
 Late as I slumber'd in the shades of night, 
 A dream divine appear'd before my sights
 
 Book II. THE ILIAD. 5S 
 
 Whose visionary fonn like Nestor came. 
 
 The same ia habit, and in mien the same. 
 
 The heavenly phantom hover'd o'er my head, 75 
 
 And, dost thou sleep. Oh Atreus' son ? (he said) 
 
 111 fits a chief who mighty nations guides, 
 
 [ Directs in council, and in war presides. 
 To whom its safety a whole people owes ; 
 To waste long nights in indolent repose. 80 
 
 Monarch, awake ! 'tis Jove's command I bear. 
 Thou and thy glory claim his heavenly care. 
 
 i In just array draw forth th' embattled train. 
 And lead the Grecians to the dusty plain ; 
 Ev'n now, O king ! 'tis given thee to destroy 85 
 The lofty towers of wide-extended Troy. 
 For now no more the Gods with fate contend. 
 At Juno's suit the heavenly factions end. 
 Destruction hangs o'er yon devoted wall, 
 
 \ And nodding Ilion waits th' impending fall. QO 
 This hear obseri'ant, and the gods obey ! 
 The vision spoke, and past in air away. 
 
 t! Now, valiant chiefs ! since heaven itself alarms ; 
 Unite, and rouze the sons of Greece to arms. 
 But first with caution try what yet they dare, 
 Worn with nine years of unsuccessful war : 95 
 
 To move the troops to measure back the main. 
 Be mine ; and yours the province to detain. 
 
 He spoke, and sat ; when Nestor rising said, 
 (Nestor, whom Pylos' sandy realms obey'd) 100 
 Princes of Greece, 3'our faitliful ears incline, 
 Nor doubt the vision of tlie powers divine ; 
 Sent by great Jove to him who rules the host, 
 Torbid it heaven ! this warning should be lost ! 
 Then let us haste, obey the God's alarms, 105 
 
 And join to rouze the sons of Greece to arms. 
 
 Thus spoke the sage : the kings without delay 
 Dissolve the council, and their chief obey ; 
 The sceptred rulers lead ; the following host 
 Pour'd forth by thousands, darkens all the coast. 
 As from some rocky cleft the shepherd sees 111 
 Clustering in heaps on heaps the driving bees. 
 Rolling, and blackening, swarms succeeding swarms. 
 With deeper murmurs and more hoarse alarms ; 
 Dusky they spread, a close embody'd crowd, 115 
 And o'er the vale descends the living cloud.
 
 S6 THE ILIAD. Book II. 
 
 So, from the tents and ships, a lengthening train 
 Spreads all the beach, and wide o'ershades the plain : 
 Along tlie region runs a deafening sound ; 
 Beneath their footsteps groans tlie trembling ground. 
 Pame flies before, the messenger of Jove, 121 
 
 And shining soars, and claps her wings above. 
 Uine sacred heralds now, proclaiming loud 
 Tlie monarch's will, suspend the listening crowd. 
 Soon as tlie throngs in order rang'd appear, 125 
 And fainter murmurs dy'd upon the ear, 
 The King of Kings his awful figure rais'd ; 
 High in his hand the golden sceptre blaz'd : 
 The golden sceptre, of celestial frame, 
 By Vulcan form'd, from Jove to Hermes came : 130 
 To Pelops he th' immortal gift resign'd ; 
 Th' immortal gift great Pelops left behiud, 
 In Atreus' hand, winch not with Atreus ends. 
 To rich Thyestes next the prize descends ; 
 And now the mark of Agamemnon's reign, 135 
 
 Subjects all Argos, and controls the main. 
 
 On this bright sceptre now the king reclin'd. 
 And artful thus pronounc'd the speech design'd. 
 Ye sons of Mars ! partake your leader's care. 
 Heroes of Greece, and brothers of the war ! 140 
 Of partial Jove with justice I complain, 
 And heavenly oracles believ'd in vain. 
 A safe return was promis'd to our toils, 
 Henown'd, triumphant, and enrich'd witli spoils. 
 Kow shameful flight alone can save the host, 145 
 Our blood, our treasure, and our glory lost. 
 So Jove decrees, resistless lord of all ! 
 At whose command whole empires rise ©r fall : 
 He shakes tlie feeble props of human trust, 
 And towns and armies humbles to the dust. 150 
 What shame to Greece a fruitless war to wage, 
 Oh lasting shame in every future age ! 
 Once great in arms, the common scorn we grow, 
 Hepuls'd and baffled by a feeble foe. 
 So small their number, that if wars were ceas'd, 155 
 And Greece triumphant held a general feast. 
 All rank'd by tens ; whole decads when they dine 
 Must want a Trojan slave to pour the wine. 
 But other forces have our hopes o'erthrown. 
 And Troy prevails by armies not ber own. l6o
 
 Book II. THE ILIAD. 5t 
 
 Now niue long years of mighty Jove are run, 
 Since first the labors of this war begun : 
 Our cordage torn, decay'd our vessels lie, 
 And scarce ensure the wretched power to fly. 
 Haste then, for ever leave the Trojan wall ! l65 
 Our weeping wives, our tender children call : 
 Love, duty, safety^ summon us away, 
 Tis nature's voice, and nature we obey. 
 Our shatter'd barks may yet transport us o'er, 
 Safe and inglorious, to our native shore. I70 
 
 fly, Grecians^ fty, your sails and oars employ. 
 And dream no more of heaven-defended Troy, 
 
 His deep design unknown, the hosts approve 
 Atrides' speech. The mighty numbers move. 
 So roll the billows to th' Icarian sliore, 175 
 
 From East and South when winds begin to roar. 
 Burst their dark mansions in the clouds, and sweep 
 The whitening surface of the rufded deep. 
 And as on corn when western gusts descend. 
 Before the blast the lofty harvests bend : 180 
 
 Thus o'er the field the moving host appears. 
 With nodding plumes and groves of waving spears. 
 The gathering murmur spreads, their trampling feet 
 Beat the loose sands, and thicken to Uie fleet. 
 With long-re$ounding cries they urge the train 185 
 To fit the sliips ; and launch into the main. 
 The3' toil, they sweat, thick clouds of dust arise. 
 The doubling clamors ecJio to the skies. 
 Ev'ji then the Greeks had left tlie hostile plain. 
 And fate decreed the fall of Troy in vain ; I90 
 But Jove's imperial queen their flight survey'd. 
 And sighing thus bespoke the blue-ey'd maid. 
 
 Shall then tlie Grecians fly ! O dire disgrace ! 
 And leave unpunish'd this perfidious race ? 
 Shall Troy, shall Priam, and tii' adulterous spouse, 
 In peace enjoy the fruits of broken vows ? I96 
 And bravest chiefs, in Helen's quarrel slain. 
 Lie unreveng'd on yon detested plain ? 
 No : let my Greeks, unmov'd by vain alarms. 
 Once more refulgent shine in brazen arms. 200 
 
 Haste, Goddess, haste ! the fljing host detain, 
 Nor let one sail be hoisted on the main. 
 
 Pallas obeys, and from Olympus' height 
 Swii't to the ships precipitates her flight; 
 C 2
 
 «8 THE ILIAD. Book II. 
 
 Ulysses, first in public cares, she found, 205 
 
 For prudent counsel like the Gods renown'd ; 
 
 Oppress'd with generous grief the hero stood, 
 
 Kor drew his sable vessels to the flood. 
 
 And is it thus, divine Laertes' son ! 
 
 Thus fly the Greeks (the martial maid begun) 210 
 
 Thus to their country bear their own disgrace. 
 
 And fame eternal leave to Priam's race ? 
 
 Shall beauteous Helen still remain unfreed. 
 
 Still unreveng'd a thousand heroes bleed ? 
 
 Haste, generous Ithacus ! prevent the shame, 215 
 
 Recal your armies, and your chiefs reclaim. 
 
 Your own resistless eloquence employ. 
 
 And to th' immoruU trust the fall of Troy. 
 
 The voice divine confess'd the warlike maid, 
 Ulysses heard, nor uninspir'd obey'd : 220 
 
 Then meeting first Atrides, from his hand 
 Heceiv'd ih' imperial sceptre of command. 
 Thus grac'd, attention and respect to gain, 
 He runs, he flies through all the Grecian train, 
 Each prince of name, or chief in arms approv'd, 225 
 He tir'd with praise, or wiUi persuasion mo\''d. 
 
 Warriors Uke you, with strength and wisdom blest, 
 By brave examples should confirm the rest. 
 The monarch's will not yet reveal'd appears ; 
 He tries our courage, but resents our fears. 230 
 Til' unwary Greeks his fuo' way provoke ; 
 Not thus the king in secret coaucil spoke. "V 
 
 Jove loves our chief, from Jove his honor springsj" 
 Beware ! for dreadful is the wrath of kings. ^■ 
 
 But if a clamorous vile plebeian rose, 235 
 
 Him with reproof he check'd, or tam'd with blows. 
 Be still, thou slave, and to thy belters yield ; 
 Unknown alike in council and in field ! 
 Ye Gods, what dastards would our host command ? 
 Swept to the war, the lumber of a land. 240 
 
 Be silent, wretch, and thmk not here allow'd 
 That worst of tyrants, an usurping crowd. 
 To one sole monarch Jove commits the sway ; -.i 
 His are the laws, and liim let all obej'. ^3 
 
 With words like these the troops Ulysses rul'd,'' 
 The loudest silenc'd, and the fiercest cool'd. 246 
 Back to til' assembly roll the tlironging train, 
 Desert the ships, and pour upoo tlie plain,
 
 Book ir. THE ILIAB. 5d 
 
 Murmuring they move, as when old Ocean roars, 
 And lieavcs huge surges to the trembling shores: CoO 
 The groaning banks are burst with bellowing sound, 
 The rocks remurmur, and tlie deeps rebound. 
 At length the tumult sinks, the noises cease, 
 And a still silence lulls the camp to peace. 
 Thersites only clamor'd in the throng, S55 
 
 Loquacious, loud, and turbulent of tongue : 
 Aw'd by no shame, by no respect control'd. 
 In scandal busy, in reproaches bold : 
 With witty malice studious to defame; 
 Scorn all his joy, and laughter all his aim. 260 
 
 But chief he glory'd with licentious style. 
 To Jash the great, and monarchs to revile. 
 His figure such as might his soul proclaim ; 
 One eye was blinking, and one leg was lame : 
 His mountain-shoulders half his breast o'erspread. 
 Thin hairs bestrew'd his long misshapen head. 266 
 Spleen to mankind his envious heart possest. 
 And much he hated all, but most the best. 
 Ulysses or Achilles still his theme ; 
 But royal scandal his delight supreme. 270 
 
 Long had he liv'd the scorn of every Greek, 
 Vext when he spoke, yet still they heard him speak. 
 Sharp was his voice ; which, in the shrillest tone, 
 Thus with injurious taunts attack'd tlie throne. 
 
 Amidst the glories of so bright a reign, £75 
 
 Wliat moves the great Atrides to complain ? 
 'Tis thine whate'er the warrior's breast inflames. 
 The golden spoil, and thine the lovely dames. 
 With all the wealth our wars and blood bestow. 
 Thy tents are crowded, and thy chests o'erflow. 280 
 Thus at full ease in heaps of riches roH'd, 
 What grieves the monarch ? Is it thirst of gold ? 
 Say, shall we march with our unconquer'd powers, 
 (The Greeks and 1) to Ilion's hostile towers. 
 And bring the race of royal bastards here, 285 
 
 For Troy to ransom at a price too dear ? 
 But safer plunder thy own host supplies ; 
 Say, wouldst thou seize some valiant leader's prize ? 
 Or, if tliy heart to generous love be led. 
 Some captive fair, to bless thy kingly bed ? gpu 
 Whate'er our master craves, submit we must. 
 Plagued with his pride, or puuish'd for his lust.
 
 60 THE ILIAD. Book 11. 
 
 Oh women of Achaia ! men no more ! "» 
 
 Hence let us fly, and let him waste his store > 
 In loves and pleasures on the Phr>gian shore. C'QSJ 
 We may be wanted on some busy day, 
 
 ■ \yhen Hector comes : so great Achilles may : 
 I'rom him he forc'd the prize we jointly gave, 
 From him, the fierce, the fearless, and the brave ; 
 And durst he, as he ought, resent thatwron?, 300 
 This mighty tyrant were no tyrant long. 
 Fierce from his seat at this Ulysses springs. 
 In generous vengeance of the King of Kings. 
 With indignation sparkling in his eyes, 
 He views the wretch and sternly thus replies. 305 
 
 Peace, factious monster, born to vex the state. 
 With wrangling talents forra'd for foul debate : 
 Cuib that impetuous tongue, nor, rashly vain 
 And singly mad, asperse the sovereign reign. 
 Have we not known thee, slave ! of all our host, .310 
 The man who acts the least, upbraids the most .' 
 Think not the Greeks to shameful flight to bring, 
 Nor let those lips profane the name of king. 
 For our return we trust the heavenly powers ; 
 Be that their care ; to tight like men be ours. 315 
 But grant the host with wealth the general load, 
 Except detraction, what hast thou bestow'd ? 
 Suppose some hero should his spoils resign. 
 Art thou that hero, could those spoils be thine ? 
 Gods I let me perish on this hateful shore, 320 
 And let tliese eyes behold my son no more ; 
 If, on thy next offence, this hand forbear 
 To strip those arms tliou ill deser\''£t to wear, 
 Expel the council where our princes meet. 
 And send thee scourg'd and howling thro' the fleet. 
 He said, and c-owering as the dastard bends, 326 
 The weighty sceptre on his back descends : 
 
 \ On the round bunch the bloody tumours rise; 
 
 \ The tears spring starting from hb haggard eyes : 
 . Trembling he sat, and shrunk in abject feais, 330 
 From his vile visage wip'd the scalding tears. 
 While to his neighbour each express'd his thought : 
 Ye Gods ! what wonders has Ulysses wrought ! 
 What fruits his conduct and his courage yield ; 
 Great in the council, glorious in Uie field ! 335
 
 Book II. THE ILIAD. 61 
 
 Generous he rises in the crown's defence, 
 To curb the factious tongue of insolence. 
 Such just examples on offenders shown. 
 Sedition silence, and assert the throne. 
 
 'Twas thus the general voice tlie hero prais'd, 340 
 Wlio, rising, high th' imperial sceptre rais'd: 
 The blue-ey'd Pallas his celestial friend, 
 (In form a herald) bade the crowds attend. 
 Th' expecting crowds in still attention hung, 
 To hear the wisdom of his heavenly tongue. 345 
 Then deeply tlioughtful, pausing ere he spoke. 
 His silence thus the prudent hero broke. 
 
 Unhappy monarch ! whom the Grecian race. 
 With shame deserting, heap with vile disgrace, 
 !Not such at Argos was their generous vow, 350 
 Once all their voice, but ah ! forgotten now : 
 Ke'er to return, was tlien the common cry, 
 Till Troy's proud structures should in ashes lie. 
 Behold them weeping for their native shore ! 
 What could their wives or heJpless children more ? 355 
 What heart but melts to leave the tender train, 
 And, one short month, endure the wintery main ? 
 Few leagues remov'd, we wish our peaceful seat. 
 When the ship tosses, and the tempests beat : 
 Then well mas^ this long slay provoke their tears, 360 
 The tedious length of nine revolving years. 
 Not for their grief the Grecian host I blame ; 
 But vanquish'd ! baffled ! oh eternal shame ! 
 Expect the time to Troy's destruction given. 
 And try the faith of Chalcas and of heaven. 365 
 Wliat pass'd at Aulis, Greece can witness bear, 
 And all who live to breatlie this Phrygian air. 
 Beside a fountain's sacred brink we rais'd 
 Our verdant altars, and the victims blaz'd ; 369 
 f Twas where tlie plane-tree spread its shades around) 
 The altars heav'd ; and from the crumbling ground. 
 A mighty dragon shot, of dire portent ; 
 From Jove himself the dreadful sign was sent. 
 Straight to the tree his sanguine spires he roU'd, 
 And curl'd around in many a winding fold. 375 
 The topmost branch a mother-bird possest ; 
 Eight callow infants fiU'd tlie mossj- nest ; 
 Herself the ninth ; the serpent as he hung, 
 Stretch'dhis black jaws, and crash'd the crying young;
 
 62 THE ILTA13. Book IT. 
 
 Wliile hovering near, with miserable moan, 380 
 The drooping mother wail'd her children gone. 
 The mother last as round the nest she flew, 
 Seiz'd by the beating wing, the monster slew : 
 Nor long sun-nY'd ; to marble turn'd, he stands 
 A lasting prodigy on Aulis' sands. 385 
 
 Such was the will of Jove ; and hence we dare 
 Trust in his omen, and support the war. 
 For while around we gaze with wondering eyes. 
 And trprabling sought the powers with sacrifice, 
 Full of his God, the reverend Chalcas cried, 390 
 Ye Grecian warriors ! lay your fears aside. 
 This wondrous signal Jove himself displays. 
 Of long, long labors, but eternal praise. 
 As many birds as by the snake were slain, 
 So many years the toils of Greece remain ; 395 
 But wait the tenth, for Ilion's fall decreed : 
 Thus spoke the prophet, tlius the fates succeed. 
 Obey, ye Grecians ! with submission wait, 
 Nor let your flight avert the Trojan fate. 
 
 He said: the shores with loud applauses sound, 400 
 The hollow ships each deafening shout rebound. 
 Then Nestor thus— These vain debates forbear. 
 Ye talk like children, not like heroes dare. 
 Where now are all your high resolves at last ? 
 Your leagues concluded, your engagements past? 405 
 Vow'd with libations and wiili victims then, 
 Now vanish'd like their smoke : the faith of men ! 
 "While useless words consume th' unactive hours, 
 No wonder Troy so long resists our powers. 
 Rise, great Atridcs ! and with courage sway j 410 
 We march to war if thou direct tlie way. 
 But leave the few that dare resist thy laws. 
 The mean deserters of the Grecian cause. 
 To grudge the conquests mighty Jove prepares. 
 And view with en\'y our successful waj's. 415 ' 
 
 On that great day when first the martial train, • (, [ 
 Big with the fate of llion, plough'd the main; 
 Jove, on the right, a prosperous signal sent. 
 And thunder rolling shook the firmament. 
 Encourag'd hence, maintain the glorious strife, 420 
 Till every soldier grasp a Phrygian wife, 
 Till Helen's woes at full reveng'd appear. 
 And Xroy's proud matroas reader tear fof tear.
 
 B6ok II. THE ILIAD. » 
 
 Before that day, if any Greek invite a' 
 
 His counti-y's troops to base, inglorious flight ; 425 
 Stand forth that Greek ! and hoist liis sail to fly. 
 And die the dasUrd first, who dreads to die. 
 But now, O monarch .' all thy chiefs advise : 
 Nor wliat they ofi'er, thou thyself despise. 
 Among tliose counsels, let not mine be vain ; 43Q 
 In tribes and nations to divide thy train ; 
 Ills separate troops let every leader call, 
 Each strengthen each, and all encourage all. 
 W!iat chief, or soldier, of the numerous band. 
 Or bravely fights, or ill obeys command, 435 
 
 When thus distinct they war, shall soon be known. 
 And what the cause of llion not o'erthrown ; 
 If fate resists, or if our arms are slow. 
 If Gods above prevent, or men below. 
 
 To him the king : how much thy years excel 440 
 In arts of council, and in speaking well ! 
 O would the Go Is, in love to Greece, decree 
 But ten such sages as they grant in thee ; 
 Such wisdom soon should Priam's force destroy. 
 And soon should fall the haughty towers otTroy ! 445 
 But Jove forbids, wlio plunges those he hates 
 In fierce contention and in vain debates. 
 Now great Achilles from our aid withdraws. 
 By me provok'd : a captive maid the cause : 
 If e'er as friends we join, the Trojan wall 450 
 
 Must shake, and heavj' will the vengeance fall ! 
 But now, ye warriors, take a short repast ; 
 And well-refresh'd to bloody conflict haste. 
 His sharpened spear let every Grecian wield. 
 And every Grecian fix his brazen shield ; 455 
 
 Let all excite the fiery steeds of war, 
 And all for combat fit the rattling car. 
 This day, this dieadful day, lee each contend; 
 No rest, no respite, till the shades descend ; 
 Till deu-kness, or till death, shall cover all : 460 
 
 Let the war bleed, and let the mighty fall ! 
 Till bath'd in sweat be every manly breast. 
 With the huge shield each brawny arm deprest. 
 Each aching nerve refuse the lance to throw. 
 And each spent courser at the chariot blow. 466 
 Who dares, inglorious, in his ships to stay. 
 Who dares to tremble on this signal day ;
 
 64 THE TLTAD, Book II. 
 
 That wretch, too mean to fall by martial powefi* 4 
 The birds shall mangle, and the dogs devour. '''*""'; 
 
 The monarch spoke ; and straight a murmur rbse^ 
 Loud as the surges when the tempest blows, ' 47"! 
 That dash'd on broken rocks tumultuous roar, ■ -^ 
 And foam and thunder on the stony shore. 
 Straight to the tents, the troops dispersing bend. 
 The fires are kindled, and the smokes ascend; 475 
 With hasty feasts they sacrifice, and pray 
 T' avert the dangers of the doubtful day. 
 A steer of five years' age, large limb'd, and fed. 
 To Jove's high altars Agamemnon led ; 
 There bade tlie noblest of the Grecian peers ; 480 
 And Nestor first, as most advanc'd in years. 
 Xext came Idomeneus, and Tydeus' son, 
 Ajax the less, and Ajax Telamon; 
 Then wise Ulysses in his rank was plac'd ; 
 And Menelaus came unbid, the last. 485 
 
 The chiefs surround the destin'd beast, and take 
 Tlie sacred offering of the salted cake : 
 When thus the kin:j prefers his solemn prayer. 
 Oh thou I whose thunder rends the clouded air. 
 Who in the heaven of heavens has fix'd thy throne, 
 Supreme of Gods ! unbounded and alone ! 491 
 
 Hear ! and before the burning sun descends. 
 Before the night her gloomy veil extends. 
 Low in the dust be laid yon hostile spires. 
 Be Priam's palace sunk in Grecian fires, 4g3 
 
 In Hector's breast be plung'd this shining sword. 
 And slaughter'd heroes groan around their lord ! 
 
 Thus pray'd the chief: his unavailing prayer 
 Great Jove refus'd, and tost in empty air : 
 The God averse, while, yet the fumes arose, 500 
 Prepar'd new toils, and doubled woes on woes. 
 Their prayers performed, the chiefs the rite pursue. 
 The barley sprinkled, and the victim slew. 
 The limbs they sever from th' inclosing hide. 
 The thighs, selected to tlie Gods, divide. 505 
 
 On these, in double cauls involv'd with art. 
 The choicest morsels lie from every part. 
 From the cleft wood the crackling flames aspire. 
 While the fat victim feeds the sacred fire. 
 The thighs thus sacrific'd, and entraUs drest, 510 
 Til' assistaats part, transfix, and roast the rest ;
 
 (Book II. THE ILIAD. 65 
 
 I Then spread the tables, the repast prepare, 
 'Each takes his seat, and each receives his share. 
 Soon as the rage of hunger was supprest, 
 The generous Nestor thus the prince addrest. 515 
 I, Now bid thy heralds sound the loud alarms, 
 • And call the squadrons sheath'd iu brazen arms : 
 
 !Now seize th' occasion, now the troops survey. 
 And lead to war when heaven directs the way. 
 I He said ; the monarch issued his commands ; 520 
 ! Straight the loud heralds call the gathering bands. 
 The chiefs inclose their king ; the host divide. 
 In tribes and nations rank'd on either side. 
 High in the midst the blue-ey'd Virgin flies ; 
 ; From rank to rank she darts her ardent eyes : 525 
 I The dreadful aegis, Jove's immortal shield, 
 Blaz'd on her arm, and lightened all the held: 
 Round the vast orb an hundred serpents roU'd, 
 Form'd the bright fringe, and seem'd to burn in gold. 
 With this each Grecian's manly breast she warms, 530 
 Swells tlieir bold hearts,and strings their nervous arms ; 
 No more they sigh, inglorious to return, 
 But breathe revenge, and for the combat burn. 
 As on some mountain, through the lofty grove. 
 The crackling flames ascend, and blaze above ; 539 
 The fires expanding as the winds arise. 
 Shoot their long beams, and kindle half the skies : 
 So from tlie polish'd arms, and brazen shields, 
 A gleamy splendor flash'd along the fields. 
 Not less their number than th' embody'd cranes, 540 
 Or milk-white swans in Asius' watery plains. 
 That o'er the windings of Cayster's springs. 
 Stretch their long necks, and clap their rustling wings. 
 Now tower aloft, and course in airy rounds ; 
 Now light with noise; witli noise the field resounds. 
 Thus numerous and confus'd, extending wide, 546 
 The legions crowd Scamander's flowery side ; 
 With rushing troops tlie plains are cover'd o'er. 
 And thundering footsteps shake the sounding shore. 
 Along the river's level meads they stand, 550 
 
 Thick as in spring the flowers adorn the land, 
 Or leaves the trees ; or thick as insects play. 
 The wandering nation of a summer's day. 
 That, drawn by milky steams, at evening hours. 
 In gathered svrarms surround the rural bowers ; 535
 
 66 THE ILIAD. Book H. 
 
 From pail to pail with busy murmur run 
 The gilded legions, glittering in the sun. 
 So throng'd, so close, the Grecian squadrons stood 
 In radiant arms, and thirst for Trojan blood. 
 Each leader now his scatter'd force conjoins, 560 
 In close array, and forms the deepening lines. 
 Kot with more ease, the skilful shepherd swain 
 Collects his flocks from tliousands on the plain. 
 The King of Kings, m^estically tall, 
 Towers o'er his armies, and outshines them all : 565 
 Like some proud bull tliat round the pastures leads 
 His subject herds, the monarch of the meads. 
 Great as the Gods, th' exalted cliief was seen. 
 His strength like Neptune, and like Mars his mien, 
 Jove o'er his eyes celestial glories spread, 570 
 
 And dawning conquest play'd around his head. 
 Say, Virgins, seated round the throne divine. 
 All-knowing Goddesses! immortal Nine! 
 Since earth's wideregions,lieaven's unmeasur'd height. 
 And hell's abyss, hide nothing from your sight, 575 
 (We, wretched mortals ! lost in doubts below. 
 But guess by rumour, and but boast we know) 
 Oh say what heroes, fir'd by thirst of fame, 
 Or urg'd by wrongs, to Troy's destruction came ? 
 To count them all, demands a thousand tongues, 
 A throat of brass and adamantine lungs. 581 
 
 Daughters of Jove, assist ! inspir'd by you 
 The mighty labor dauntless I pursue ; 
 What crowded armies, from what climes they bring. 
 Their names, their numbers, and their cliiefs, I sing. 
 
 The Catalogue of the Ships. 
 
 The hardy warriors whom Bceotia bred, 
 Penelius, Leitus, Prothoenor led: 
 With these Arcesilaus and Clonius stand. 
 Equal in arms, and equal in command. 
 These head the troops that rocky Aulis yields, 590 
 And Eteon's hills, and Hyrie's watery fields. 
 And Schoenos, Scholos, Graea near the main. 
 And Mycalessia's ample piuy plain. 
 Those who in Peteon or Ilesion dwell. 
 Or Ilarma where Apollo's prophet fell; 595
 
 loikii. THE ILIAD. er 
 
 LiLicon and Hyle, which the springs o'erflow ; 
 And Medeon lofty, and Ocalea low; 
 Dr ill the meads of Haliartus stray. 
 Or lliespia sacred to the God of Day. 
 
 , Onchestus, Neptune's celebrated groves; 600 
 
 Co pa;, and Thisbe, fam'd for silver doves. 
 For flocks Erj'tluae, Glissa for the vine ; 
 Platea green, and Nisa the divine. 
 And they whom Thebe's well-built walls enclose, 
 
 AViiere Myde Eutresus, Corone rose ; 605 
 
 j: And Arne rich, with purple harvests crown'd ; 
 
 I And Anthedon, Boeotia's utmost bound. 
 Full fifty ships they Send, and each conveys, 
 T\yice sixty warriors through the foaming seas. 
 To these succeed Aspledon's martial train, 6lO 
 
 ' Who plough the spacious Orchomenian plaiii. 
 Two valiant brothere rule th' undaunted throng, 
 lalmen and Ascalaphus the strong : 
 Sons of Astyoche, tlie heavenly fair, 
 Whose virgin charms subdu'd the God of War : 615 
 (In Actor's court as she retir'd to rest. 
 The strength of Mars the blashing maid comprest) 
 Their troops in thirty sable vessels sweep, 
 With equal oars, the hoarse-resounding deep. 
 
 Tlie Phocians next in forty barks repair, 620 
 
 Epistrophus and Schedius head the war. 
 From those rich regions where Cephissus leads 
 His silver current through the flowery meads ; 
 From Panopea, Chrysa the divine, 
 Where Anemoria's stately turrets shine, 625 
 
 Where Pytho, Daulis, CjT)arissus stood. 
 And fair Lilaea views the rising flood. 
 These rang'd in order on the floating tide. 
 Close, on the left, the bold Boeotions side. 
 
 Fierce Ajax led the Locrian squadrons on, 630 
 Ajax the less, Oileus' valiant son ; 
 Skill'd to direct the flying dart aright ; 
 Swift in pursuit, and active in the fight. 
 Him, as their chief, the chosen troops attend. 
 Which Bessa, Thronus, and rich Cynos send : 635 
 Opus, Calliarus, and Scarphe's bands ; •% 
 
 And those who dwell where pleasing Augia stands, S 
 And where £oagriu3 floats the lowly lands, f
 
 68 THE ILIAD. Book TI. 
 
 Or in fair Tarphe's sylvan seats reside; 
 In forty vessels cut the liquid tide. 640 
 
 Eubcea next her martial sons prepares, 
 And sends the brave Abantes tc the -wars : 
 Breathing revenge, in arms they take their way 
 from Chalcis' walls, and strong Eretria ; 
 Th' Isteian fields for generous \anes renown'd, 645 
 The fair Carbtos, and the Styrian ground ; 
 Where Dios from her towers oerlooks the plain, 
 And high Cerinthus views tlie neighbouring main. 
 Down their broad shoulders falls a length of hair; 
 Their hands dismiss not the long lance in aii-; 650 
 But with portended spears in fighting fields, 
 Pierce the tough corselets and the brazen shields. 
 Twice twenty ships transport tlie warlike bands, 
 Which bold Elphenor, fierce in arms, commands. 
 
 Full fifty more from Athens stem the main, 655 
 Led by Menestheus through the liquid plain, 
 (Athens the fau", where great Erectheus sway'd. 
 That ow'd his nurture to the blue-eyed maid. 
 But from the teeming furrow took liis birth. 
 The mighty offspring of the foodful earth. 660 
 
 Him Pallas plac'd amidst her wealthy fane, 
 Ador'd with sacrifice and oxen slain ; 
 Where, as the years revolve, her altars blaze, 
 And all the tribes resound the Goddess' praise) 
 K o chief like thee, Menestheus ! Greece could yield. 
 To marshal armies in the dusty field, 666 
 
 Th' extended wings of battle to display, 
 Or close th' embody 'd host in firm array. ' "'^ 
 
 Uestor alone, improv'd by length of days, '-'^'- 
 
 For martial conduct bore an equal praise. 019 
 
 With these appear the Salaminian bands, ' -'y 
 
 Whom the gigantic Telamon commands; •■ "v 
 
 In twelve black ships to Troy they steer their ceuir^, 
 And with the great Athenians join their force. 
 
 Uext move to war the generous Argive train. 
 From high Troezene, and ]\Iaseta's plain. 
 And fair 51gina circled by the main : 
 Whom strong Tyrinthe's lofty walls surround, 
 And Epidaur with viny har^'ests crown'd ; 
 And where Mr Asineji and Herraion show 
 Their cliffs above, and ample bay belo'w. 
 
 76 j'
 
 Book II. THEILTA>D. 69 
 
 These by the brave Eurynlbs were lifid. 
 
 Great Sthenelus, and gtvafer Diomed, 
 
 But chief Tyd ides bore the sovereign sway; 
 
 In fourscore barks they ploHsh the watery way. 685 
 
 The proud Mycone arms her martial powers, 
 Cleone, Corinth, with imperial towers, 
 Fair Araethyrea, Oruia's fruitrul plain. 
 And iEsion, and Adrastus' ancient reigti ; 
 And those who dwell aion? the sandy shore, GQO 
 And where Pellene yields her fleecy store. 
 Where Helice and Hyperesia lie, 
 And Gonoessa's spires salute the sky. 
 Great Agamemnon rules the numerous band, ^ 
 A hundred vessels in long order stand, 695 / 
 
 And crowded nations wait his dread command. ' 
 High on the deck the king of men appears, 
 And his refulgent arms in triumph wears ; 
 Proud of his host, unrivall'd in his rei^n. 
 In silent pomp he mm-es along the main. . 700 
 
 His brother follows, and to vengeance warms 
 The hardy Spartans exercis'd in arms ; 
 Phares and Brysia's valiant troops, and those 
 Whom Lacedaemon's lofty hills inclose: 
 Or Messe's towers for silver doves lenown'd, 705 
 Amyclae, Laas, Augia's happy ground. 
 And those whom Oetylos' low walls contain, 
 And Ilelos, on the margin of the main : 
 These, o'er the bending ocean, Helen's cause, 
 [n sixty ships with Meuelaus draws : 710 
 
 Zager and loud from man to man he flies, 
 Revenge and fury flaming in his eyes ; 
 While, vainly fond, in fancy oft he hears 
 The fair-one's grief, and sees her falling tears. 
 
 In ninety sail, from Pylos' sandy coast, 715 
 
 Kestor the sage conducts his chosen host: 
 From Amphigenia's ever fruitful land ; 
 Where Mpy high, and little Ptcleon stand ; 
 Where beauteous Arene her structures shows, 
 (And Thryon's walls Alpheus' streams enclose; 720 
 And Dorion, fam'd for Xhamyris' disgrace, 
 Superior once of all the tuneful race. 
 Till, vain of mortals empty praise, he str<H'e 
 ilo ma^qh the seed of cloud-compeiliiig Jove !
 
 ro THE ILIAD. Book II. 
 
 Too daring bard ! whose unsuccessful pride 725 
 
 Th' immortal Muses in their art defy'd. 
 Th' avenging Muses of the light of day 
 Depriv'd his eyes, and snatch'd his voice away ; 
 !No more his heavenly voice was heard to sing. 
 His hand no more awak'd the silver string. 730 
 
 Where under high Cyllene, crown'd with wood, 
 The shaded tomb of old ^pytus stood ; 
 From Ripe, Stratie, Tegea's bordering towns. 
 The Phenean fields, and Orchomenian downs. 
 Where the fat herds in plenteous pasture rove ; 735 
 And Stj'mphelus with her surrounding grove, 
 Parrhasia, on her snowy cliffs reclin'd. 
 And high Enispe shook by wintery wind. 
 And fair Mantinea's ever-pleasing site ; 
 In sixty sail th' Arcadian bands unite. 740 
 
 Bold Agapenor, glorious at their head, 
 {AncEeus' son) the mighty squadron led. 
 Their ships, supply'd by Agamemnon's care. 
 Through roaring seas the wondering warriors bear ; 
 The first to battle on th' appointed plain, 745 
 
 But new to all the dangers of the main. 
 
 Those, where fair Elis and Buprasium join ; 
 Whom Hyrmin, here, and Myrsinus confine. 
 And bounded there, where o'er the vallies rose 
 Th' Olenian rock ; and where Alisium flows ; 750 
 Beneath four chiefs (a numerous army) came: 
 The strength and glory of th' Epean name, 
 la separate squadrons these then: train divide. 
 Each leads ten vessels through the yielding tide. 
 One was Amphimachus, and Thalpius one ; 755 
 
 (Eurytus' this, and that Teatus' son) 
 Diores sprung firom Amarynceus' line; 
 And great Polyxenus, of force divine. 
 
 But those who view fair Elis o'er the seas 
 From the blest islands of th' Echinades, T60 
 
 In forty vessels under Meges move. 
 Begot by Phyleus the beloVd of Jove. 
 To strong Dulichium from his sire he fled. 
 And thence to Troy his hardy warriors led. 
 
 Ulysses foUow'd through the watery road, f6S 
 A chief, in wisdom equal to a God. 
 With those whom Cephalenia's isle inclos'd. 
 Or till tbeur ^elds aloag the coast oppos'd ;
 
 ]3ookII. THE ILIAD. 71 
 
 Or where fair Ithaca o'erlooks the floods, 
 
 Where high Neritos shakes his waving woods, 770 
 
 Where jEgilipa's rugged sides are seen, 
 
 Crocylia rocky, and Zacyntlius green. 
 
 These in twelve galleys with vermilion prores, 
 
 Beneath his conduct, sought the Phrygian shores. 
 
 Thoas came next, Andraemon's vahant son, 775 
 Prom Pleuron's walls, and chalky Calydon, 
 And rough Pylene, and th' Olenian steep, 
 And Chalcis beaten by the rolling deep. 
 He led the warriors from th' ^tolian shore. 
 For now the sons of Oeneus were no more ! 780 
 The glories of the mighty race were fled ! 
 Oeneus himself, and Meleager dead ! 
 To Thoas' care now trust the martial train, 
 His forty vessels follow through the main. 
 
 Next eighty barks the Cretan king commands, 785 
 Of Gnossus, Lyctus, and Gortyna's bands, 
 And those who dwell where Rhytion's domes arise. 
 Or white Lycastus glitters to the skies. 
 Or where by Phsestus silver Jardan runs ; 
 Crete's hundred cities pour forth all her sons. 790 
 These march'd, Idomeneus, beneath thy care. 
 And Merion, dreadful as the God of war. 
 
 Tlepolemus, the son of Hercules, 
 Led nine swift vessels through the foamy seas ; 
 From Rhodes with everlasting sunshine bright, 795 
 Jalyssus, Lindus, and Camirus white. 
 His captive mother fierce Alcides bore. 
 From Epliyr's walls, and Selle's winding shore. 
 Where mighty towns in ruins spread the plain. 
 And saw their blooming warriors early slain. 800 
 The hero, when to manly years he grew, 
 Alcides' uncle, old Licymnius, slew ; 
 For this, constrain'd to quit his native place, 
 And shun the vengeance of th' Herculean race, 
 A fleet he built, and with a numerous train 809 
 Of willing exiles, wander'd o'er the main ; 
 ' Where, many seas and many sufferings past, 
 I On happy Rhodes the chief arriv'd at last : 
 There in three tribes divides his native band. 
 And rules them peaceful in a foreign land ; 610 
 Encreas'd and prosper'd in their new abodes, 
 3y mighty Jove, the sire of men aad Gods ;
 
 rz THE ILIAD. Book II. 
 
 ^Vlth joy they saw the growing empire rise. 
 
 And showers of wealth descending from the skies. 
 
 Three ships with Nueus sought the Trojan shore, 
 Ifireus, whom Aglae to Charopus bore, 8l6 
 
 Is'ireus, in faultless shape and blooming grace. 
 The lovehest youth of all the Grecian race ; 
 Pehdes only match d liis early charms ; 
 But few his troops, and small his strength in arms. 
 l^ext thirty galleys cleave the liquid plain, 821 
 
 Of those Calydnae's sea-girt isles contain ; 
 With them the youth of Nisyrus repair, 
 Casus the strong, and Crapathus the fair ; 
 Cos, where Eurypylus possest the sway, 825 
 
 Till great Akides made the realms obey : 
 Tliese Antiphus and bold Phidippus bring. 
 Sprung rroni tne God by Thessalus the king. 
 
 Now, Muse, recount Pelasgic Argos' powers, 
 From Alo3, Alope, and Trechin's towers; 830 
 
 From Pntliia's spacious vales ; and Hella, blest 
 With female beauty far beyond the rest. 
 Full fifty ships beneatli Achilles' care, 
 Th' Acliaians, Myrmidons, Hellenians bear ; 
 Thessalians all, though various in their name ; 835 
 The same their nation, and their chief the same. 
 But now inglorious, stretch'd along the shore, 
 They hear the brazen voice of war no more ; 
 No more the foe they face in dire array : 
 Close in his fleet the angry leader lay ; 840 
 
 Since fair BriseVs fiom his arms was torn. 
 The noblest spoil from sack'd Lyrnessus borne. 
 Then, when tire chief tlie Theban walls o'erthrew, 
 And the bold sons of great Evenus slew. 
 There moum'd Achilles, plung'd in depth of care, 
 But soon to rise in slaughter, blood, and war. 846 
 
 To these the youth of Phylace succeed, 
 Itona, famous for her fleecy breed. 
 And grassy Pteleon deck'd with cheerful greens. 
 The bowers of Ceres, and the sylvan scenes, 850 
 Sweet Pyrrhasus, with blooming flowrets crown'd. 
 And Antron's watery dens, and cavern'd ground. 
 These own'd as chief Protesilas the brave, 
 Who now lay silent in the gloomy grave : 
 The first who boldly touch'd tlie Trojan shore, 855 
 And dy'd a Pbr>-gian lauce- with Grecian gore ;
 
 «ook II. THE ILIAD. 7S 
 
 There lies, far distant from his native plain; ^ 
 Unfmish'd, bis proud palaces remain, > 
 
 And his sad consort beats her breast in vain. * 
 His troops in forty ships Podarces led, 860 
 
 Iphiclus' son, and brotiier to the dead ; 
 Nor he unworthy to command the host; 
 Yet still they mourn'd tlieir ancient leader lost. 
 
 The men who Glaphyra's fair soil partake. 
 Where hills encircle Boebe's lowly lake, 865 
 
 Where Phaere hears the neighbouring waters fall. 
 Or proud Iblcus lifts her airy wall. 
 In ten black ships embark'd for Ilion's shore, 
 With bold Eumelus, whom Alceste bore : 
 All Pelias' race Alceste far outshin'd, 8T0 
 
 The grace and glory of the beauteous kind. 
 
 The troops Methone or Thaumacia yields, 
 Olizon's rocks, or I\Ielib<Ea's fields. 
 With PJiiloctetes sail'd, whose matchless art, 
 From the tough bow directs the feather'd dart. 875 
 Seven were his ships ; each vessel fifty row, 
 Skiil'd in his science of the dart and bow. 
 But he lay raging on the Lemnian ground, 
 A poisonous Hydra gave the burning wound; 
 There groan'd the ciiief in agonizing pain, 880 
 
 Whom Greece at length shall wish, nor wish in vain. 
 His forces Medon led from Lemnos' shore, 
 Oileus' son, whom beauteous Rhena bore. 
 
 Th' Oechalian race, in those high towers contain'd. 
 Where once Eurytus in proud triumph reign'd, 885 
 Or where her humbler turrets Tricca rears. 
 Or where Ithome, rough with rocks appears ; 
 In thirty sail the sparkling waves divide. 
 Which Podalirius and Machaon guide. 
 To these his skill their * Parent-God imparts, 890 
 Divine professors of the healing arts. 
 
 The bold Ormenian and Asterian bands 
 In forty barks Eurypylus commands, 
 Where Titan hides his hoary head in snow. 
 And where Hyperia's silver fountains flow. 895 
 
 Thy troops, Argissa, Polypcetes leads. 
 And Eicon, slielter'd by Olympus' shades, 
 
 • ^Esculapius.
 
 74 . THEILTAD. Book II. 
 
 Gyrtone's warriors ; and where Orthe lies, 
 
 And Oleosson's chalky cliffs arise. 
 
 Sprung from Pirithous of immortal race, QOO 
 
 The fruit of fair Hippodame's embrace, 
 
 (That da3', wlien hurl'd from Pelioa's cloudy head. 
 
 To distant dens the shaggy Centaurs fled) 
 
 With Polypoetes join'd in equal sway 
 
 I/Contes leads, and fortj' ships obey. 905 
 
 In twenty sail the bold Perrhasbians came 
 From Cyphus, Guneus was their leader's name. 
 With these the Euians join'd, and those who freeze 
 Where cold Dodona lifts her holy trees ; 
 Or where the pleasing Titaresius glides, 9IO 
 
 And into Peneus rolls his easy tides ; 
 Yet o'er the silver surface pure they flow, 
 The sacred stream unmix'd with streams below. 
 Sacred and awful ! from tlie dark abodes gi4 
 
 Styx pours them forth, the dreadful oath of Gods ! 
 
 Last under Prothous the Magnesians stood, 
 Prothous the swift, of old Teutbredon's blood; 
 Who dwell where Pelion, crown'd with piny boughs. 
 Obscures the glade, and nods his shaggy brows ; 
 Or where through flowery Tempe Peneus stray'd, 920 
 (The region stretch'd beneath his mighty shade) 
 In forty sable barks they stemm'd the main : 
 Such were the chiefs, and such the Grecian train. 
 
 Say next, O muse ! of all Achaia breeds. 
 Who bravest fought, or rein'd tlie noblest steeds ? 925 
 Eumelus' mares were foremost in the chase. 
 As eagles fleet, and of Pheretian race : 
 Bred where Pieria's fruitful fountains flow. 
 And train'd by him who bears the silver bcw. 
 Fierce in the fight their nostrils breath'd a flame, 930 
 Their height, their colour, and their age the same: 
 O'er fields of death they whirl the rapid car. 
 And break the ranks, and thunder through the war. 
 Ajax in arms the first renown acquir'd. 
 While stern Achilles in his wrath retir'd ; 935 
 
 (His was the strength tliat mortal might exceeds. 
 And his th' unrival'd race of heavenly steeds). 
 But Thetis' son now shines in arms no more; 
 His troops, neglected on the sandy shore, 
 in empty air their sportive javelins throw, QVi 
 
 Or whirl the disk, or bcod an idle bow r
 
 Book II. THE ILIAD. 75 
 
 Unstain'd with blood his cover'd chariots stand : 
 Th' immortal coursers graze along the strand ; 
 But the brave chiefs th' inglorious life deplor'd, 
 And wandering o'er the camp, requir'd their lord. 
 
 Now, like a deluge, covering all around, 946 
 
 The shining armies swept along the ground ; 
 Swift as a flood of fire, when storms arise, 
 Floats the wide field, and blazes to the skies. * 
 Earth groan'd beneath them ; as when angry Jove, 
 Hurls down the forky lightning from above, 951 
 On Arime when he the thunder throws. 
 And tires Typhaeus with redoubled blows. 
 Where Typhon, prest beneath the burning load, 
 Still feels the fury of th' avenging God. 955 
 
 But various Iris, Jove's commands to bear, 
 Speeds on the wings of winds through liquid air ; 
 In Priam's porch the Trojan chiefs she found, 
 The old consulting, and the youths around. 
 Polites' shape, the monarch's son, she chose, 960 
 Who from iEsetes' tomb observ'd the foes, 
 High on the mound ; from whence in prospect lay 
 The fields, the tents, the navy, and the bay. 
 In this dissembled form, she hastes to bring 
 Th' unwelcome message to the Phrygian king. 965 
 
 Cease to consult, the time for action calls. 
 War, horrid war, approaches to your walls ! 
 Assembled armies oft have I beheld ; 
 But ne'er till now such numbers charg'd a field. 
 Thick as autumnal leaves or driving sand, 97O 
 
 The moving squadrons blacken all the strand. 
 Thou, godlike Hector ! all thy force employ. 
 Assemble all th' united bands of Troy ; 
 In just array let every leader call 
 The foreign troops : this day demands them all. 975 
 
 The voice divine the mighty chief alarms ; 
 The council breaks, the warriors rush to arms. 
 The gates unfolding pour forth all their train, 
 Nations on nations fill the dusky plain. 
 Men, steeds, and chariots, shake the tremblingground ; 
 The tumult thickens, and the skies resound. 98I 
 Amidst the plain in sight of Ilion stands 
 A rising mount, the work of human hands ; 
 (This for Myrinne's tomb th' immortals know, 
 Though call'd BateVa in the world below,) 985
 
 re THE ILIAD. Book II. 
 
 Beneath their chiefs in mai-tial order here, 
 Th' auxiliar troops and Trojan hosts appear. 
 
 The godUke Hector, high above the rest, 
 Shakes his huge spear, and nods his plumy crest: 
 In throngs around his native bands repair, 990 
 
 And groves of lances glitter in the air. 
 
 Di\ine ^neas brings the Dardan race, 
 Anchises' son by Venus' stolen embrace, 
 Born in the shades of Ida's secret grove, 
 (A mortal mixing witli the Queen of Love) 995 
 Archilochus and Acamas divide 
 Tlie warrior's toils, and combat by his side. 
 
 Who fair Zeleia's wealthy vallies till. 
 Fast by the foot of Ida's sacred hill ; 
 Or drink, iEsepus, of thy sable flood : 1000 
 
 Were led by Pandarus, of royal blood. 
 To whom his art Apollo deign'd to show, 
 Grac'd with the presents of his shafts and bow. 
 
 From rich Apssus and Adrestia's towers. 
 High Teree's summits, and Pityea's bowers ; 1005 
 From these the congregated troops obey 
 Young Amphius and Adrastus' equal sway : 
 Old Merops' sons ; whom, skill'd in fates to come. 
 The sire forew;u-n"d, and prophesy'd their doom : 
 Fate urg'd them on ! the sire forewarn'd in vahi, 1010 
 Tliey rush to war, and perish'd on the plain. 
 
 From Practius' stream, Percote's pasture lands, 
 And Scotos and Abydos' neighbouring strands. 
 From great Arisba's walls and Selle's coast, 
 Asius Hyrtacides conducts his host : 1015 
 
 High on his car he shakes the flowing reins. 
 His fiery coursers thunder o'er the plains. 
 
 The fierce Pelasgi next, in war renown'd, 
 March from Larissa's ever-fertile ground : 
 In equal arms their brother leaders shine, lOCO 
 
 Hippotlious bold, and Pyleus tlie divine. 
 
 Next Acamus and Pyrous lead their hosts. 
 In dread array, from Thracia's wintery coasts ; 
 Round the bleak realms where Hellespontus roars. 
 And Boreas beats the hoarse-resounding shores. 10C5 
 
 With great Euphenius the Ciconians move. 
 Sprung from Trazenian Ceus, loved by Jove. 
 
 Pyrcechmus the Poeonian troops attend, 
 Skill'd in tlie fight, their crooked bows to bend ;
 
 Book If. THE ILIAD. 7T 
 
 From Axius' ample bed he leads them on, 1030 
 Axius, that laves the distant Amydon. 
 Axius, that swells with all his neighbouring rills. 
 And wide around the floating region fills. 
 
 The Paphlagonians Pyloemenes rules, 
 Where rich Ilenetia breeds her savage mules, 1035 
 Where Erythinus' rising clifts are seen. 
 Thy groves of box, Cytorus ! ever green ; 
 And where jEg3*alus and Cromna lie. 
 And lofty Sesamus invades the sky ; 
 And where Parthenius, roU'd thro' banks of flowers, 
 Keflects her bordering palaces arrd bowers. 1041 
 
 Here march'd in arms the Halizonian band, 
 Whom Odius and Epistrophus command. 
 From those far regions where the sun refines 
 The ripening silver in Alybean mines. 1045 
 
 There, mighty Chromis led the Wysian train. 
 And augur Ennomus, inspir'd in vain, 
 For stem Achilles lopt his sacred head, 
 RoU'd down Scamander with the vulgar dead. 
 
 Phorcis and brave Ascanius here unite lOoO 
 
 Th' Ascauian Phrygians, eager for the fight- 
 
 Of tliose who round Maeonia's realms reside, 
 Or whom the vales in shades of Tmolus hide, 
 Mestles and Antiphus the charge partake ; 
 Born on the banks of Gyges' silent lake, 1055 
 
 There, from the fields where wild Maeander flows. 
 High Mycale, and Latmos' shady brows. 
 And proud Miietes, came the Carian throngs. 
 With mingled clamors, and with barbarous tongues. 
 Amphimacus and Naustes guide the train, 1060 
 Naustes the bold, Amphimacus the vain. 
 Who, trick'd with gold, and glittering on his car, 
 Rode like a woman to the field of war. 
 Fool that he was ! by fierce Achilles slain. 
 The river swept him to the briny main : 1065 
 
 There whelm'd with waves the gaudy warrior lies J 
 The valiant victor seiz'd the golden prize. 
 
 The forces last in fair array succeed, 
 "Which blameless Glaucus and Sarpedon lead ; 
 The warlike bands that distant Lycia yields, 1070 
 Where gulphy Xanthus foams along the fields.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIA 
 
 BOOK III.
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Duel of Menelaus and Paris. 
 
 The Armies being ready to engage, a single combat 
 is ajjreed upon between Menelaus and Paris (by 
 the intervention of Hector) for the determination 
 of the war. Iris is sent to call Helen to behold 
 the fight. She leads her to the walls of Troy, where 
 Priam sat with his counsellors,ob5erA'ing the Grecian 
 leaders on the plain below, to whom Helen gives 
 an account of tlie chief of them. The kings on 
 either part take the solemn oath for the conditions 
 of the combat. The duel ensues, wherein Paris 
 being overcome, is snatched away in a cloud by 
 Venus, and transported to his apartment. She 
 then calls Helen from the walls, and brings the 
 lovers together. Agamemnon, on the part of the 
 Grecians, demands the restoration of Helen, and 
 the performance of the articles. 
 
 Tlie thiee and twentieth day still continues 
 throughout this book. The scene is sometimes in 
 the fields before Troy, and sometimes in Troy 
 itself.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK ni. 
 
 ^11 US by their leader's care each martial band 
 •*■ Moves into ranks, and stretches o'er the land. 
 With shouts the Trojans rushing fron; afar, 
 Proclaim tlieir motions, and provoke the war: 
 So when inclement winters vex the plain 5 
 
 With piercing frosts, or thick descending rain, 
 To warmer seas, tlie Cranes embodied fly, 
 "With noise, and order, through the mid-way sky; 
 To pigmy nations wounds and death they bring. 
 And all the war descends upon the wing. 10 
 
 But silent, breathing rage, resolv'd and skill'd 
 By mutual aids to fix a doubtful field, 
 Swift march the Greeks : the rapid dust around 
 Darkening arises from the labor'd ground. 
 Thus from his flaggy wings when Notus sheds 15 
 A night of vapors round the mountain-heads, 
 Swift-gliding mists the dusky fields invade. 
 To thieves more grateful than the midnight shade ; 
 "While scarce the swains their feeding fioc-ks survey. 
 Lost and confus'd amidst the thicken'd day : 20 
 So wrap'd in gathering dust, the Grecian train, 
 A moving cloud, swept on, and hid the plain. 
 "Now front to front the hostile armies stand, 
 Eager of fight, and only wait command ; 
 When, to tlie van, before the sons of fame 25 
 
 Whom Troy sent forth, the beauteous Paris came, 
 In form a God ! the panther's speckled hide 
 Flow'd o'er his armour with an easy pride, 
 His bended bow across his shoulders flung. 
 His sword beside hire negligently hung, 30 
 
 P2
 
 3'2 THE ILTAD. Book III. 
 
 Two pointed spears he shook with gallant grace. 
 And dar'd the bravest of the Grecian race. 
 
 As thus, with glorious air and proud disdain. 
 He boldly stalk'd, the foremost on the plain, 
 Him Menelaus, lov'd of Mars, espies, 35 
 
 With heart elated, and with joyful eyes : 
 So joys a lion, if the branching deer. 
 Or mountain goat, his bulky prize, appear ; 
 Eager he seizes and devours the slain, 
 Prest by bold youths, and baj'ing dogs in vain. 40 
 Thus fond of vengeance, with a furious bound, 
 In clanging arms he leaps upon the ground 
 From his high chariot : him, approaching near, 
 Tlie beauteous champion views with marks of fear; 
 Smit with a conscious sense, retires behind, 45 
 
 And shuns the fate he well deserv'd to tind. 
 As when some shepherd, from the rustling trees 
 Shot forth to view, a scaly serpent sees ; 
 Trembling and pale, he starts with wild affright. 
 And all confus'd precipitates his flight : 50 
 
 So from the king the shining warrior flies, 
 And plung'd amid the thickest Trojans lies. 
 
 As God-like Hector sees the prince retreat, 
 He thus upbraids him with a generous heat. 
 Unhappy Paris ! but to women brave ! 55 
 
 So fairly form'd, and only to deceive ! 
 Oh hadst thou died when first thou saw'st the light. 
 Or died at least before thy nuptial rite ! 
 A better fate than vainly thus to boast, 
 And fly, the scandal of thy Trojan host. Go 
 
 Gods ! how the scornful Greeks exult to see 
 Their fears of danger undeceiv'd in thee ! 
 Thy figure promis'd with a martial air, 
 But ill thy soul supplies a form so fair. 
 In former days, in all thy gallant pride 65 
 
 When thy tall ships triumphant stemmed the tide. 
 When Greece beheld thy painted canvas flow. 
 And crowds stood wondering at the passing show ; 
 Say, was it thus, with such a balBed mien. 
 You met th' approaches of the Spartan queen, 70 
 Thus from her realm convey'd the beauteous prize, 
 And*botli her warlike lords outshin'd in Helen's eyes .' 
 
 • Theseus and Menelaus.
 
 r.ook III. THE ILIAD. 83 
 
 i his deed, thy foes delight, thy own disgrace, 
 Tliy father's grief, and ruin of thy race ; 
 This deed recalls thee to the profter'd fight; 75 
 Or hast thou injurd whom thou dar'st not right ? 
 Soon to thy cost the field would make thee know 
 Thou keep'st the consort of a braver foe. 
 Tliy graceful form instilling soft desire. 
 Thy curling tresses, and thy silver lyre, 80 
 
 Beauty and youth ; in vain to these you trust. 
 When youth and beauty sliall be laid in dust : 
 Troy yet may wake, and one avenging blow 
 Crush the dire author of his country's woe. 
 
 His silence here, with blushes, Paris breaks ; 85 
 *Tis just, my brother, what your anger speaks: 
 But wlio like thee can boast a soul sedate, 
 So firmly proof to all the shocks of fate ? 
 Thy force like steel a temper'd hardness shows, 
 Still edg'd to wound, and still untir'd with blows. 
 Like steel, uplifted by some strenuous swain, Ql 
 "With falling woods to strow the waited plain. 
 Thy gifts I praise ; nor thou despise the charms 
 With which a lover golden Venus arms ; 
 Soft moving speech, and pleasing outward show, 05 
 Uo wish can gain them, but the Gods bestow. 
 Yet, wouldst thou have the profter'd combat stand, 
 The Greeks and Trojans seat on either hand ; 
 Then let a mid-way space our hosts divide. 
 And, on that stage of war, the cause be try'd : 100 
 By Paris there the Spartan king be fought. 
 For beauteous Helen and tlie wealth she brought : 
 And who his rival can in arms subdue. 
 His be the fair, and his the treasure too. 
 Thus with a lasting league your toils ma3' cease, 105 
 And Troy possess her fertile fields in peace ; 
 Thus may the Greeks review their native shore. 
 Much fam'd for generous steeds, for beauty more. 
 
 He said. The challenge Hector heard witli joy. 
 Then with his spear restraiu'd the youth of Troy, 
 Held by the midst, atliwart ; and near the foe 111 
 Advanc'd Avith steps majesticall3' slow : 
 While round his dauntless head the Grecians pour 
 Tlieir stones and arrows in a mingled shower. 
 
 Then thus the monarch great Atrides cry'd; 115 
 Forbear, ye warriors I lay Uie darts aside :
 
 S4 • THE ILIAD. Book III. 
 
 A parley Hector asks, a message bears, 
 We know him by the various plume he wears. 
 Aw'd b}- his high command the Greeks attend, 
 The tumult silence, and the fight suspend. 120 
 
 While from the centre Hector rolls his eyes 
 On either host, and thus to both applies. 
 Hear, all ye Trojans, all j-e Grecian bands ! 
 What Paris, author of the war, demands. 
 Your shining swords within the sheath restrain, K5 
 And pitch your lances in the yielding plain. 
 Here in the midst, in either army's sight, 
 He dares the Spartan king to single fight ; 
 And wills, that Helen and the ravish'd spoil 
 That caus'd the contest, shall reward the toil. 130 
 Let these the brave triumphant victor grace. 
 And differing nations part in leagues of peace. 
 
 He spoke : in still suspense on either side 
 Each army stood : tlie Spartan chief reply'd. 
 
 Me too, ye warriors, hear, whose fatal right 135 
 A world engages in the toils of fight. 
 To me the labor of the field resign ; 
 Me Paris injur'd ; all the war be mine. 
 Fall he that must, beneath his rival's arms ; 
 And live tlie rest, secure of future harms. 1-10 
 
 Two lambs, devoted by your country's rite. 
 To eartli a sable, to the sun a white, 
 Prepare, ye Trojans ! while a third we bring 
 Select to Jove, th' imiolable king. 
 Let reverend Priam in the truce engage, 145 
 
 And add the sanction of considerate age ; 
 His sons are faithless, headlong in debate, 
 And youth itself an empty wavering state : 
 Cool age advances venerably wise, 
 Turns on all hands its deep-discerning eyes ; 150 
 Sees what befel, and what may yet befall, 
 Concludes from both, and best provides for all. 
 
 The nations hear, with rising hopes possest. 
 And peac-eful prospects dawn in every breast. 
 Within the lines they drew their steeds around, 155 
 And from their chariots issued on the ground : 
 Next all unbuckling the rich mail they wore, 
 Lay'd their bright arms along the sable shore. 
 On eitlier side the meeting iiosts are seen 
 With lances fix'd, and close the space between. IGO
 
 Book III. THE ILIAD. 8$ 
 
 Two heralds now dispatch'd to Troy, invite 
 The Phrygian monarch to the peaceful rite ; 
 Talthybius hastens to the fleet, to bring 
 The lamb for Jove, th' inviolable king. 
 
 Meantime, to beauteous Helen, from the skies 165 
 The various Goddess of the rainbow flies 
 (Like fair Laodice in form and face. 
 The loveliest nymph of Priam's royal race). 
 Her in the palace, at her loom she found ; 
 The golden web her own sad story crown'd. I7O 
 The Trojan wars she weav'd (herself the prize) 
 And the dire triumphs of her fatal eyes. 
 To whom the Goddess of the painted bow ; 
 Approa'jh, and view the wondrous scene below; 
 Eacli hardy Greek, and valiant Trojan knight, 175 
 So dreadful late, and furious for the fight, 
 IsTow rest their spears, or lean upon their shields ; 
 Ceas'd is the war, and silent all the fields. 
 Paris alone and Sparta's king advance. 
 In single fight to toss the beamy lance ; 180 
 
 Each met in arms, the fate of combat tries. 
 Thy love the motive, and thy charms the prize. 
 
 This said, the many-colour'd maid inspires 
 Her husband's love, and wakes her former fires ; 
 Her country, parents, all that once were dear, 185 
 Rush to her thought, and force a tender tear. 
 O'er her fair face a snowy veil she threw. 
 And, softly sighing, from the loom withdrew : 
 Her handmaids Clymene and ^thra wait 
 Her silent footsteps to the Scsean gate. igo 
 
 There sat tlie seniors of the Trojau race, 
 (Old Priam's chiefs, and most in Priam's grace) 
 The king the first ; Thymoetes at his side ; 
 Lampus and Clytius, long in counsel try'd ; 
 Panthus, and Hicelaou once the strong ; 195 
 
 And next, the wisest of the reverend throng, 
 Antenor grave, and sage Ucalegon, 
 Lean'd on the walls, and bask'd before the sun. 
 Chiefs, who no more in bloody fights engage. 
 But wise through time, and narrative with age, 20O 
 In summer-days like grasshoppers rejoice, 
 A bloodless race, that send a feeble voice. 
 These, when the Spartan queen approach'd the tower, 
 In secret own'd resistless beauty's power ;
 
 86 THE ILIAD. Book III. 
 
 They cried, l^o wonder, such celestial charms £05 
 For nine long years have set the world in arms ; 
 What winning graces ! what majestic mien ! 
 She moves a Goddess, and she looks a Queen! 
 Yet hence, oh heaven ! convej- that fatal face. 
 And from destruction save tlie Trojan race. 210 
 
 Tlie good old Priam welcom'd her, and cried. 
 Approach, my child, and grace thy father's side. 
 See on the plain Xhy Grecian spouse appears. 
 The friends and kindred of th3- former years. 
 Ko crime of thine our present sufferings draws, 215 
 Kot tliou, but heaven's disposing will, the cause; 
 Tlie Gods these armies and tliis force employ. 
 The hostile Gods conspire the fate of Troy. 
 But lift thy eyes, and say. What Greek is he 
 (Far as from hence these aged orbs can see) 220 
 Around whose brow such martial graces shine. 
 So tall, so awful, and almost divine ? 
 Though some of larger stature tread the green, 
 lione match his grandeur and exalted mien : 
 He seems a montu-ch, and his country's pride. 225 
 Thus ceas'd the king, and thus the fair replied. 
 
 Before thy presence, father, I appear 
 With conscious shame and reverential fear. 
 Ah ! had I died, ere to these walls I fled, 
 False to my country, and my nuptial bed ; 230 
 
 My brothers, friends, and daughter left behind, 
 False to them all, to Paris only kind ! 
 For this I mourn, till grief or dire disease 
 Shall waste the form whose crime it was to please. 
 The king of kings, Atrides, 3-ou sur\-ey, 2o5 
 
 Great in the war, and great in arts of swa3' : 
 My brother once, before my days of shame ; 
 And oh I that still he bore a brother's name ! 
 
 With wonder Priam view'd tlie God-like man, 
 ExtoU'd the happy prince, and thus began. 240 
 O blest Atrides ! born to prosperous fate, 
 Successful monarch of a mighty state ! 
 How vast tliy empire ! of you matchless train 
 What numbers lost, what numbers yet remain ? 
 In Phrj-gia once were gallant armies known, 245 
 In ancient time, when Otreus till'd the throne, 
 When God-hke Mygdon led their troops of iiorse, 
 And I, to join them, rais'd the Trojan force :
 
 Book in. THE ILIAD. 8T 
 
 Aeainst the manlike Amazons we stood, 
 
 And Sangar's stream ran purple with their blood. 250 
 
 But far inferior those, in martial grace 
 
 And strength of numbers, to this Grecian race. 
 
 This said, once more he view' d the warrior train : 
 What's he, whose arms lie scalter'd on the plain ? 
 Broad is his breast, his shoulders larger spread, 255 
 Though great Atrides overtops his head. 
 Nor j-et appear his care and conduct small ; 
 From rank to rank he move^, and orders all. 
 The stately ram thus measures o'er the ground. 
 And, master of the flock, sur\'e3'S them round. £60 
 
 Tlien Helen thus. Whom your discerning eyes 
 Have singled out, is Ithacus the wise : 
 A barren island boasts his glorious birth : 
 His fame for wisdom fills the spacious earth. 
 
 Antenor took the word, and thus began : 265 
 
 Myself, O king ! have seen that wondrous man : 
 When trusting Jove and hospitable laws, 
 To Troy he came, to plead the Greciem cause ; 
 (Great Menelaus urg'd the same request) 
 My house was honor'd with each royal guest : 270 
 I knew their persons, and admir'd their parts, 
 Both brave in arms, and both approv'd in arts. 
 Erect, the Spartan most engag'd our view ; 
 Ulysses seated greater reverence drew. 
 When Atreus' son harangu'd the listening train, 275 
 Just was his sense, and liis expression plain, 
 His words succinct, yet full, without a fault ; 
 He spoke no more than just the thing he ought. 
 Lut when Ulysses rose, in thought profound, 
 His modest eyes he fix'd upon tlie ground, 280 
 
 As one unskill'd or dumb, he seem'd to stand, 
 Norrais'd his head, nor stretch'd his scepter'd hand ; 
 But, when he speaks, what elocution flows ! 
 Soft as the fleeces of descending snows. 
 The copious accents fall, with easy art ; 285 
 
 Melting they fall, and sink into the heart ! 
 Wondering we hear, and fix'd in deep surprize ; 
 Our ears refute the censure of our eyes. 
 
 The king then ask'd (as yet the camp he view'd) 
 What chief is that, with giant strength endu'd, 290 
 Whose brawny shoulders, and whose swelling chest. 
 And lofty stature, far exceed the rest ?
 
 83 THE ILIAD. Book III. 
 
 Ajax the great (tlie beauteous queen replied) 
 
 Himself a host : the Grecian strength and pride. 
 
 See ! bold Idomeneus superior towers 2y5 
 
 Amidst yon circle of his Cretan powers, 
 
 Great as a God ! I saw him once before, 
 
 With Menelaus, on the Spartan shore. 
 
 The rest I know, and could in order name ; 
 
 All valiant chiefs, and men of miglity fame. 300 
 
 Yet two are wanting of the numerous train, 
 
 Whom long my eyes have sought, but sought in vain : 
 
 Castor and Pollux, first in martial force. 
 
 One bold on foot, and one renown'd for horse. 
 
 ?Iy brothers these ; the same our native shore, 305 
 
 One house contain'd us, as one mother bore. 
 
 Perhaps the chiefs, from warlike toils at ease. 
 
 For distant Troy retus'd to sail the seas: 
 
 Perhaps their swords some nobler quarrel draws, 
 
 Asham'd to combat in their sister's cause. 310 
 
 So spoke the fair, nor knew her brothers' doom, 
 Wrap'd in the cold embraces of the tomb ; 
 Adorn'd with honors in their native shore. 
 Silent they slept, and heard of weirs no more. 
 
 Meantime the heralds, tlirough the crowded town. 
 Bring the rich -wine and destin'd victims down. 3l6 
 Idaeus' arms the golden goblets prest. 
 Who thus the venerable king addrest. 
 Arise, O father of the Trojan state ! 
 The nations call, thy joyful people wait SCO , 
 
 To seal the truce and end the dire debate." 
 Paris thy son, and Sparta's king advance, 
 In measur'd lists to toss tlie weightj' lance ; 
 And who his rival shall in arms subdue, 
 His be tlie dame, and his the treasure too. 325 
 Thus with a lasting league our toils may cease, 
 And Troy possess her fertile fields in peace ; 
 So shall the Greeks review their native shore. 
 Much fam"d for generous steeds, for beauty more. 
 
 With grief he heard, and bade the chiefs prepare 
 To join his milk-white coursers to the car : 331 
 
 He mounts the seat, Antenor at his side ; 
 The gentle steeds through Scosa's gates they guide : 
 Kext from the car descending on the plain, 
 Amid tlie Grecian bost aiad Tr«uan train 335 
 
 JCO>
 
 Book III. THE ILIAD. 89 
 
 Slow they proceed : the sage Ulysses then 
 
 Arose, and with him rose the king of men. 
 
 On either side a sai,red herald stands. 
 
 The wine they mix, and on each monarch's hands 
 
 Pour the full urn ; then draws the Grecian lord 340 
 
 His cutlass, sheath'd beside his ponderous sword ; 
 
 Prom the sign'd victims crops the curling hair. 
 
 The heralds part it, and the princes share ; 
 
 Then loudly thus before th' attentive bands 
 
 He calls the Gods, and spreads his lifted hands. 345 
 
 O first and greatest power ! whom all obey, 
 Who high on Ida's holy mountain sway. 
 Eternal Jove ! and you bright orb that roll 
 From east to west, and view from pole to pole ! 
 Tliou mother Earth ! and all ye living floods ! 350 
 Infernal Furies ! and Tartarian Gods, 
 Who rule the dead, and horrid woes prepare 
 For perjur'd kings, and all who falsely swear ! 
 Hear, and be witness. If by Paris slain, 
 Great Menelaus press the fatal plain ; 355 
 
 The dame and treasures let the Trojan keep, 
 And Greece returning plough the watery deep. 
 If by my brother's lance the Trojan bleed ; 
 Be his the wealth and beauteous dame decreed : 
 Th' appointed fine let Ilion justly pa3', 360 
 
 And every age record the signal day. 
 Thus if the Phrygians shall refuse to yield. 
 Arms must revenge, and Mars decide the field. 
 
 With that the chief the tender victims slew. 
 And in the dust their bleeding bodies threw : 365 
 The vital spirit issued at the wound. 
 And left tiie members quivering on the ground. 
 From the same urn they drink the mingled wine. 
 And add libations to the powers divine. 
 While thus their prayers united mount the sky ; 370 
 Hear, mighty Jove ! and hear, ye Gods, on high ! 
 And may their blood, who first the league confound. 
 Shed like this wine, distain the thirsty ground ; 
 May all their consorts ser\'e promiscuous lust, 
 And all their race be scatter'd as the dust ! 375 
 Thus either host their imprecations join'd. 
 Which Jove refus'd, and mingled with the wind. 
 
 The rites now finish'd, reverend Priam rose, 
 And thus express'd !a heart o'ercharg'd with woes.
 
 go THE ILIAD. Book III. 
 
 Ye Greeks and Trojans, let the chiefs engage, 380 
 
 But spare the weakness of my feeble age : 
 
 In yonder walls that ohject let me shun, 
 
 Nor view the danger of so dear a son. 
 
 Whose arms shall conquer, and what prince shall fall. 
 
 Heaven only knows, for heaven disposes all. 385 
 
 Tliis said, the hoary king no longer stay'd. 
 But on his car the slaughter'd victims laid ; 
 Then seiz'd the reins his gentle steeds to guide. 
 And drove to Troy, Antenor at his side. 
 
 Bold Hector and Ulysses now dispose 3go 
 
 The lists of combat, and the ground inclose ; 
 Next to decide by sacred lots prepare. 
 Who first shall launch his pointed spear in air. 
 The people pray with elevated hands, 
 Aud words like these are heard through all the bands. 
 Immortal Jove, high heaven's superior lord, 3y6 
 On lofty Ida's holy mount ador'd ! 
 Whoe'er involv'd us in this dire debate. 
 Oh give that author of the war to fate 
 And shades eternal ! let division cease, 400 
 
 And joyful nations join in leagues of peace. 
 
 With eyes averted Hector hastes to turn 
 The lots of fight, and shakes the brazen urn. 
 Then, Paris, thine leap'd forth ; by fatal chance 
 Ordain'd the first to whirl the weighty lance. 405 
 Both armies sat the combat to sur^'ey, "i 
 
 Beside each chief his azure armour lay, > 
 
 And round the lists the generous coursers neigh, j 
 Tlie beauteous warrior now arrays for fight. 
 In gilded arms magnificently bright : 410 
 
 The purple cuislies clasp his thighs around, 
 With flowers adorn'd, with silver buckles bound : 
 Lycaon's corselet his fair body drest, 
 Brac'd in, and fitted to his softer breast ; 
 A radiant baldric o'er his shoulder ty'd, 415 
 
 Sustain'd the sword that glitter'd at his side : 
 His youthful face a pohsh'd helm o'erspread; 
 The waving horsehair nodded on his head ; 
 His figur'd shield, a shining orb, he takes, 
 And in his hand » pointed javelin shakes. 4C0 
 
 With equal speed, and fir'd by equal charms, 
 The Spartan hero sheaths his limbs in arras.
 
 Book III. THE ILIAD. 91^ 
 
 Now round the lists tli' admiring: armies stand. 
 With javelins fix'd, the Greek and Trojan band. 
 Amidst the dreadful vale, the chiefs advance, 425 
 All pale with rage, and shake the threatening lauce. 
 Tlie Trojan first his shining javelin threw ; 
 Full on Atrides' ringing shield it flew ; 
 Nor pierc'd the brazen orb, but with a bound 
 Leap'd from the buckler, blunted on the ground. 430 
 Atrides then his massy lance prepares. 
 In act to throw, but first prefers his pra3'ers. 
 
 Give me, great Jove ! to punish lawless lust, 
 And lay the Trojan gasping in the dust: 
 Destroy th' aggressor, aid my righteous cause, 435 
 Avenge the breach of hospitable laws, 
 Let tliis example future times reclaim. 
 And guard from wrong fair friendship's holy name. 
 He said, and pois'd in air the javelin sent, 
 Through Paris' shield the forceful weapon went, 440 
 His corselet pierces, and his garment rends, 
 And, glancing downward, neau: his flank descends. 
 The wary Trojan, bending from the blow, 
 Eludes the death, and disappoints his foe: 
 But fierce Atrides wav'd his sword, and strook 415 
 Full on his casque ; the crested helmet shook ; 
 The brittle steel unfaithful to his hand, 
 Broke short: the fragments glitter 'd on the sand. 
 The raging warrior to the spacious skies 
 Rais'd his upbraiding voice, and angry eyes : 450 
 Then is it vain in Jove himself to trust ? 
 And is it thus the Gods assist the just ? 
 "When crimes provoke us, heaven success denies ; 
 The dart falls harmless, and the falchion flies. 
 Furious he said, and toward the Grecian crew 455 
 (Seiz'd by the crest) tli' unhappy warrior drew; 
 Struggling he foUow'd, while th' embroider'd thong, 
 That ty'd his helmet, dragg'd the chief along. 
 Then had his ruin crown'd Atrides' joy. 
 But Venus trembled for the prince of Troy : 460 
 Unseen she came, and burst the golden band; 
 And left an empty helmet in his hand. 
 The casque, enrag'd, amidst the Greeks he threw ; 
 The Greeks with smiles the polish'd trophy view. 
 Then, as once more he lifts the deadly dart, 465 
 In thirst of vengeance, »t Iiis rival's heart,
 
 -92 THE ILIAD. Book ITT. 
 
 The Queen of Love her favor'd champion shrouds 
 (For Gods can all things) in a v^«f clotids. 
 Rais'd from the field the panting^'jN>«ti» 'shHed, 
 And gently laid him on the bridal t3%cii^ 470 
 
 AVith pleasing sweets his fainting sense reilj^ws. 
 And all the dome perfumes with heavenly d*ws. 
 
 I\Ieantime the brightest of the female kind, 
 The matchless Helen, o'er the walls recliu'd; 
 To her, beset with Trojan beauties, came 475 
 
 In borrow'd form * the laughter-loving dame. 
 (She seem'd an ancient maid, well-skill'd to cull 
 The snowy fleece, and wind the twisted wool.) 
 The Goddess softly shook her silken vest, 
 That shed perfumes, and whispering thus addrest. 480 
 
 Haste, happy nymph ! for thee thy Paris calls, 
 Safe from the fight, in yonder lofty walls. 
 Fair as a God ! with odors round him spread 
 He lies, and waits thee on the well-known bed : 
 Kot like a warrior parted from the foe, 485 
 
 But some gay dancer in the public show. 
 
 She spoke, and Helen's secret soul was mov'd ; 
 She scom'd the champion, but the man she lov'd. 
 Fair Venus' neck, her eyes that sparkled fire, 
 And breast, reveal'd the queen of soft desire. 490 
 Struck with her presence, straight the lively red 
 Forsook her cheek ; and, trembling, thus she said. 
 Then is it still thy pleasure to deceive ? 
 And woman's frailty always to believe ? 
 Saj', to new nations must I cross the main, 495 
 Or carry wars to some soft Asian plain ? 
 For whom must Helen break her second vow ? 
 What other Paris is thy darling now ? 
 Left to Atrides (victor in the strife) 
 An odious conquest, and a captive wife, 500 
 
 Hence let me sail : and if thy Paris bear 
 My absence ill, let Venus ease his care. 
 A hand-maid Goddess at his side to wait, 
 Renounce the glories of tliy heavenly state, 
 Be fix'd for ever to the Trojan shore, 505 
 
 His spouse, or slave ; and mount the skies no more. 
 For me, to lawless love no longer led, 
 I scorn tlie coward, and detest liis bed ; 
 
 » Venus,
 
 Book nr. THE ILIAD. 93 
 
 Else should I merit everlasting shame. 
 And keen reproach from every Phrygian dame : 510 
 111 suits it now the joys of love to know, -. 
 
 Too deep my anguish, and too wild my woe. ?fW>' 
 
 Then, thus incens'd, the Paphian queenre|4i«S ; 
 Obey the power from whom tliy gl^iesjM ; ' 
 Should Venus leave tlie«„every ciiarm xaoKify, 515 
 Fade from thy cheek, and languish in thy eye. 
 Cease to provoke me, lest I make thee more 
 The world's aversion, than their- love before ; 
 Now the bright prize for which mankind engage, 
 Then the sad victim of the public rage. 520 
 
 At this, the fairest of her sex obey'd, 
 And veil'd her blushes in a silken shade ; 
 Unseen, and silent, from the train she moves. 
 Led by the Goddess of the Smiles and Loves. 
 
 Arriv'd, and enter'd at the palace-gate, 525 
 
 The maids officious round their mistress wait; 
 Then all dispersing, various tasks attend ; 
 The queen and Goddess to the prince ascend. 
 Full in her Paris' sight, the Queen of Love 
 Had plac'd the beauteous progeny of Jove ; 530 
 Where, as he view'd her charms, she turn'd away 
 Her glowing eyes, and thus began to say. 
 
 Is this the chief, who lost to 'sense of shame 
 Late fled the field, and yet survives his fame ? 
 Oh hadst thou dy'd beneath the righteous sword, 535 
 Of that brave man whom once I call'd my lord ! 
 The boaster Paris oft desir'd the day 
 With Sparta's king to meet in single fray: 
 Go now, once more tliy rival's rage excite, 
 Provoke Atrides, and renew the fight : 540 
 
 Yet Helen bids thee stay, lest thou unskill'd 
 Shouldst fall an easy conquest on the field. 
 
 The prince replies : Ah cease, divinely fair, 
 Nor add reproaches to the wounds I bear ; 
 This day the foe prevail'd by Pallas' power ; 545 
 We yet may vanquish in a happier hour : 
 There want not Gods to favor us above : 
 But let the business of our life be love : 
 These softer moments let delights employ. 
 And kind embraces snatch the hasty joy. 550 
 
 Not thus I lov'd thee, when from Sparta's shore 
 My forc'd, my willing, heavenly prize 1 bore.
 
 94 THE ILIAD. Book III. 
 
 When first entranc'd in Cranae's isle I lay, 
 Mix'd with tliy soul, and all dissclv'd away ! 
 Thus having spoke, th' enamour'd Phrygian boy 555 
 Rush'd to the bed, impatient for the joy. 
 Him Helen foUow'd slow with bashful charms. 
 And clasp'd the blooming hero in her arms. 
 
 While these to love's delicious rapture yield, 
 The stern Atrides rages round the field : 560 
 
 So some fell lion, whom the woods obey. 
 Hoars through the desert, and demands his prey. 
 Paris he seeks, impatient to destroy. 
 But seeks in vain along the troops of Troy ; 
 Even those had yielded to a foe so brave 565 
 
 The recreant warrior, hateful as the grave. 
 Then speaking thus, the King of Kings arose ; 
 Ye Trojans, Dardans, all our generous foes ! 
 Hear and attest! from heaven with conquest crown'd, 
 Our brother's arms the just success have found : 570 
 Be therefore now the Spartan wealth restor'd, 
 1/et Argive Helen own her lawful lord; 
 Th' appointed fine let Ilion justly pay, 
 And age to age record this signal day. 
 
 He ceas'd ; his army's loud applauses rise, 5*5 
 Aud the long shout runs echoing through the skies.
 
 THE 
 
 I ]L I A D, 
 
 BOOK IV.
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 The Breach of the Truce, and the first Battle. 
 
 Tlie Gods deliberate in council concerning the Trojan 
 war : they agree upon the continuation of it, and 
 Jupiter sends down Minerva to break the truce. 
 She persuades Pandarus to aim an arrov-' at Mene- 
 laus, who is wounded, but cured by Machaon. In 
 the meantime some of the Trojan troops attack 
 the Greeks. Agamemnon is distinguished in all 
 the parts of a good general ; he reviews the troops, 
 and exhorts the leaders, some by praises, and others 
 by reproofs. Nestor is paiticularly celebrated for 
 his miUtary discipline. The battle joins, aud great 
 numbers are slain on both sides. 
 
 The same day continues through this, as through 
 the last book (as it does aho through the two 
 following, and almost to the end of the seventh 
 book.) Tiie scene is wholly in the field before 
 Troy.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK IV. 
 
 AND now Olympus' shiningr gates unfold ; 
 The Gods, with Jove, assume their thrones of 
 gold : 
 Immortal Hebe, fresh with bloom di\-ine. 
 The golden goblet crowns with purple wine : 
 While the full bowls flow round, the powers employ 
 Their careful eyes on long-contended Troy. 6 
 
 When Jove, dispos'd to tempt Saturnia's spleea, 
 Thus wak'd the fury of his partial queen. 
 Two powers divine the son of Atreus aid, 
 Imperial Juno and the Martial Maid ; 10 
 
 But high in heaven they sit, and gaze from far, 
 The tame spectators of his deeds of war. 
 Not thus fair Venus helps her favor'd knight, 
 The Queen of Pleasures shares the toils of fight. 
 Each danger wards, and constant in her care 15 
 Saves in the moment of the last despair. 
 Her act has rescu'd Paris' forfeit life. 
 Though great Atrides gain'd the glorious strife. 
 Then say, ye powers ! what signal issue waits 
 To crown tliis deed, and finish all the Fates ? 20 
 Shall heaven by peace the bleeding kingdoms spare. 
 Or rouse the Furies, and awake the war? 
 Yet, would the Gods for human good provide, 
 Atr^ies soon might gain his beauteous bride. 
 Still Priam's walls in peaceful honors grow, 25 
 
 And through his gates tlie crowding nations flow. 
 
 Thus while he spoke the Queen of Heaven enrag'd. 
 And Queen of War in close consult engag'd : 
 Apart they sit, their deep designs employ, 
 And meditate the future woes of Troy. 30
 
 98 THE ILIAD. Book IV. 
 
 Tliough secret anger swell'd Minerva's breast. 
 The prudent Goddess yet her wrath supprest; 
 But Juno, impotent of passion, broke 
 Her sullen silence, and with fury spoke. 
 
 Shall then, O tyrant of th' etherial reign ! 35 
 
 My schemes, my labors, and my hopes, be vain ? 
 Have I, for this, shook Ilion with alarms. 
 Assembled nations, set two worlds in arms ? 
 To spread the war, I fiew from sliore to shore ; 
 Th' immortal coursers scarce the labor bore. 40 
 At k ngth ripe vengeance o'er their heads impends. 
 But Jove himself the faithless race defends : 
 Xoth as thou art to punish lawless lust, 
 Kot all the Gods are partial and unjust. 
 
 The Sire, wliose thunder shakes the cloudy skies, 45 
 Sighs from his inmost soul, and thus replies ; 
 Oh lasting rancor ! oh insatiate hate 
 To Phrygia's monarch, and the Phrygian state ! 
 "What liigh offence has fir'd the wife of Jove, 
 Can wretched mortals harm the powers above ? 50 
 That Troy and Troy's whole race thou wouldst con- 
 found, 
 And yon fair structures level with the ground ? 
 Haste, leave the skies, fulfil thy stern desire. 
 Burst all her gates, and wrap her walls in fire ! 
 I/et Priam bleed ! if yet thou thirst for more, 55 
 Bleed all his sons, and Ilion float with gore, 
 To boundless vengeance the wide realm be given. 
 Till vast destruction glut the queen of heaven ! 
 So let it be, and Jove his peace enjoy. 
 When heaven no longer hears the name of Troy. 60 
 But should this arm prepare to wreak our hate 
 On thy lov'd realms, whose guilt demands their fate, 
 Presume not thou the lifted bolt to stay ; 
 ilemember Troy, and give the vengeance way. 
 For know, of all tlie numerous towns that rise 65 
 Beneath the rolling sun and starry skies, 
 "Which Gods have rais'd, or earth-born men enjoy, 
 None stands so dear to Jove as sacred Troy. 
 No mortals merit more distinguish'd grace 
 Than god-like Priam, or than Priam's race ; 70 
 
 Still to our name their hecatombs expire, 
 Ajid altars blaze with unexting\iish'd fire.
 
 Book IV. THE ILIAD. 99 
 
 At this the Goddess roll'd her radiant eyes, 
 Then on the Thunderer fix'd them, and replies : 
 Three towns are Juno's on the Grecian plains, 75 
 More dear than all th' extended earth contains, 
 Mycenae, Argos, and the Spartan wall ; 
 These thou may'st raze, nor I forbid their fall : 
 'Tis not in me the vengeance to remove ; 
 The crime's sufficient that they share my love. 80 
 Of power superior why should I complain ? 
 Resent I may, but must resent in vain. 
 Yet some distinction Juno might require. 
 Sprung with thyself from one celestial sire, 
 A Goddess born to share the realms above, 85 
 
 And styl'd the consort of the thundering Jove ; 
 Nor thou a wife and sister's right deny ; 
 Let boUi consent, and both by turns comply ; 
 So shall the Gods our joint decrees obey. 
 And heaven shall act as we direct the way. go 
 
 See ready Pallas waits thy high commands, 
 To raise in arms the Greek and Phrj-gian bands ; 
 Their sudden friendship by her arts may cease. 
 And the proud Trojans first infringe the peace. 
 
 Tlie sire of men and monarch of the sky, QS 
 
 Th' advice approv'd, and bade Minerva fly. 
 Dissolve the league, and all her arts employ- 
 To make the breach the faithless act of Troy. 
 
 Fir'd with tl^.e charge, she headlong urg'd her flight. 
 And shot like lightning from Olympus' height. 100 
 As the red comet, from Satumius sent 
 To fright the nations with a dire portent, 
 (A fatal sign to armies on the plain, 
 Or trembling sailors on the wintery main) 
 With sweeping glories glides along in air, 165 
 
 And shakes the sparkles from its blazing hair : 
 Between both armies thus, in open sight. 
 Shot the bright Goddess in a trail of light. 
 With eyes erect the gazing hosts admire 
 The power descending, and the heavens on fire ! 110 
 The Gods (they cry'd) the Gods this signal sent. 
 And fate now labors with some vast event : 
 Jove seals the league, or bloodier scenes prepares ; 
 Jove, the great arbiter of peace and wars ! 
 
 They said, while Pallas throvigh the Trojan tlirong 
 (In shape a mortal) pass'd disguis'd along. 116
 
 lOO THE ILIAD. Book IV. 
 
 Like bold Lab'docus, her course she bent, 
 
 Who from Antenor trac'd his high descent. 
 
 Amidst the ranks locabn's son she found, 
 
 The warlike Pandarus, for strength renown'd ; ICO 
 
 Whose squadrons, led from black j3^sepus' flood. 
 
 With flaming shields in martial circle stood. 
 
 To him the Goddess : Phrygian ! canst thou hear 
 A well-tim'd counsel with a willing ear ? 
 What praise were thine, couldst thou direct thy dart, 
 Amidst his triumph, to the Spartan's heart ! 12(5 
 W'hat gifts from Troj', from Paris wouldst thou gain, 
 Thy country's foe, tlie Grecian glory slain ! 
 Then seize th' occasion, dare the mighty deed. 
 Aim at his breast, and may that aim succeed ! 130 
 But first, to speed the shaft, address thy vow 
 To Lycian Phoebus with the silver bow, 
 And swear the firstlings of thy flock to pay 
 On Zelia's altars, to the God of Day. 
 
 He heard, and madly at the motion pleas'd, 135 
 His polish'd bow with hasty rashness seiz'd. 
 'Twas forra'd of horn, and smooth'd with artful toil, 
 A mountain goat resign'd the shining spoil, 
 Who pierc'd long since beneath his arrows bled ; ^ 
 The stately quarry on the cliffs lay dead, 140 > 
 And sixteen palms his brow's large honors spread : * 
 The workman join'd, and shap'd the bended horns. 
 And beaten gold each taper point adorns. 
 This, by the Greeks unseen, the warrior bends, 
 Screen'd by the shields of liis surrounding friends. 1-15 
 There meditates the mark ; and couching low. 
 Fits the sharp arrow to the well-strung bow. 
 One from a hundred feather'd deaths he chose, 
 Fated to wound, and cause of future woes. 
 Then offers vows with hecatombs to crown 150 
 Apollo's altars in his native town. 
 
 Now with full force the yielding horn he bends, 
 Drawn to an arch, and joins the doubling ends ; 
 Close to his breast he strains the nerve below. 
 Till the barb'd point approach the circling bow ; 155 
 Th' impatient weapon whizzes on the wing : 
 Sounds the tough horn, and twangs the quivering 
 string. 
 
 But thee, Atrides .' in that dangerous hour 
 The Gods forget not, nor thy guardian power.
 
 Book IV. THE ILTAD. 101 
 
 Pallas assists, and (weaken'd in its force) l60 
 
 Diverts the weapon from its destin'd course : 
 So from her babe, when slumber seals his eye, 
 The watchful mother wafts th' envenom'd fiy. 
 Just where his belt with eolden buckles join'd, 
 Where linen folds the double corselet lin'd, l65 
 She turn'd the shaft, which hissing from above, 
 Pass'd the broad brit, and through the corselet drove; 
 The folds it pierc'd, the plaited linen tore. 
 And raz'd the skin, and drew the purple gore. 
 As when some stately trappings are decreed 17O 
 To grace a monarch on his bounding steed, 
 A nymph in Caria or Maeonia bred, 
 Stains the pure ivory with a lively red : 
 With equal lustre various colours vie. 
 The shinin» whiteness, and the Tyrian dye : 175 
 So, great Atrides ! show'd thy sacred blood, 
 As down thy snowy thigh distill'd the streaming flood. 
 With horror seiz"d, the king of men descry'd 
 The sliaft infix'd, and saw the gushing tide : 
 Uor less the Spartan fear'd, before he found 180 
 The shining barb appear above the wound. 
 Then, with a sigh, that heav'd his manly breast. 
 The royal brother thus his grief exprest, 
 And grasp'd his hand; while all the Greeks around 
 With answering sighs return'd tlie plaintive sound. 
 Oh dear as life ! did I for this agree 186 
 
 Tlie solemn truce, a fatal truce to thee ! 
 Wert thou expos'd to all the hostile train. 
 To fight for Greece, and conquer to be slain ? 
 The race of Trojans in thy ruin join, IQO 
 
 And faith is scorn'd by all the perjur'd line. 
 Not tlius our vows, confirm'd with v/ine and gore, 
 Those hands we plighted, and those oaths we swore. 
 Shall all be vain : when heaven's revenge is slow, 
 Jove but prepares to strike the tiercer blow. 1Q5 
 The day shall come, that great avenging daj', 
 Which Troy's proud glories in the dust shall lay. 
 When Priam's powers and Priam's self shall fall. 
 And one prodigious ruin swallow all. 
 I see the God, already, from the pole 200 
 
 Bare his red arm, and bid the thunder roll ; 
 I see th' Eternal all his furj- shed, 
 Aad sl)ake his eegis o'er tlieir guilty head.
 
 102 THE ILIAD. Book IV. 
 
 Such mighty woes on perjur'd princes wait ; 
 But thou, alas ! deserv'st a happier fate. 205 
 
 Still must I mourn the period of thy days. 
 And only mourn, -witliout my share of praise ? 
 Depriv'd of thee, the henriless Greeks no more 
 Shall dream of conquests on tl)e hostile shore ; 
 Troy seiz'd of Helen, and our glory lost, 210 
 
 Thy bones shall moulder on a foreign coast : 
 While some proud Trojan thus insulting cries, 
 (And spurns tie dust where Menelaiis lies) 
 " Such are the trophies Greece from llion brings, 
 " And such the conquests of her King of Kings ! 215 
 " Lo '.lis proud vessels scattered o'er the main, 
 " And unreveng'd his mighty brother slain." 
 Oh ! ere that dire disgrace shall blast ray fame, 
 O'erwhelm mt, earth I and hidp a monarch's shame. 
 
 He said : a leader's and a brother's fears C20 
 
 Possess his soul, which thus the Spartan cheers : 
 Let not thy words the warmth of Greece. abate ; 
 The feeble dart is guiltless of my fate : 
 Stiff witii the rich embroider'd work around, 
 My varied belt repell'd the flying wound. 225 
 
 To whom the king. My brother and my friend, 
 Thus, always tlius, may heaven thy life defend ! 
 Isow seek some skillful hand, whose powerful art 
 May stanch th' effusion, and extract the dart. 
 Heral I, be swift, and bid ]\Ia( habn bring 230 
 
 His speedy succour to the Spartan king ; 
 Tierc'd with a winged shaft, (the deed of Troy) 
 The Grecian's sorrow, and tlie Dardan's joy. 
 
 With hasty zeal the swift Talthybius flies ; 234 
 Through the thick files he darts his searching eyes. 
 And finds Machabn, where sublime he stands 
 In arms encircled with his native bands. 
 Then thus : Machabn. to the king repair, 
 His wounded brutlier claims thy timely care ; 
 PiercM by some Lycian or Dardanian bow, 240 
 
 A griti to us, a triumph to the foe. 
 
 The heavy tidings griev'd the godlike man ; 
 Swift to his succour through the ranks he ran: 
 Tlie dauntless king yet standing firm he found. 
 And all the chiefs in deep concern around, 243 
 Where to the steely point the reed was join'd, 
 The shaft he drew, but left the head behind.
 
 Book IV. TH£ ILIAD. 103 
 
 Straight the broad belt with gay embroidery grac'd. 
 He loos'd ; the corselet from his breast uiibracd ; 
 Then suck'd the blood, and sovereign balm intus'd. 
 Which Chiron gave, and iEscuiapius us'd. 251 
 
 While round the prince theGreeks employ their care. 
 The Trojans rush tumultuous to the war; 
 Once more tliey glitter in refulgent arms, 
 Once more the fields are fiil'd with dire alanns. 255 
 Kor had you seen the king of men appear 
 Confus'd, unactive, or surpriz'd with fear ; 
 But fond of glory with severe delight, 
 His beating bosom claim'd the rising fight, 
 No longer witli his warlike steeds he stay'd, 260 
 Or pi e:>s'd the car with polisli'd brass inlaid : 
 But left Eurymedon th*^ reins to guide ; 
 The fiery coursers snorted at his side. 
 On foot through all the martial ranks he moves, 
 And these encourages, and those reproves. 265 
 
 Brave men ! he cries (to such who boldly dare 
 Urge tlieir swift steeds to face the coming war) 
 Your ancient valor on the foes approve ; 
 Jove is with Greece, and let us trust in Jove. 
 'Tis not for us, but guilty Troy to dread, 270 
 
 Whose crimes sit iieavy on her perjur'd head; 
 Her sons and matrons Greece shall lead in chains, 
 And her dead warriors strow the mournful plains. 
 
 Thus with new ardor he the brave inspires; 
 Or thus the fearful with reproaches fires. 275 
 
 Shame to your country, scandal of your kind ! 
 Born to the fate ye well desf rve to find ! 
 Why stand ye gazing round the dreadful plain, 
 Prepar'd for flight, but doom'd to fly in vain ? 
 Confus'd and panting thus, the hunted deer 280 
 Falls as he flies, a victim to his fear. 
 Still must ye wait the foes, and still retire. 
 Till yon tall vessels blaze with Trojan fire ? 
 Or trust ye, Jove a valiant foe shall chase, 
 To save a trembling, heartless, dastard race ? 285 
 
 This said, he stalk'd with ample strides along. 
 To Crete's brave monarch and his martial throng ; 
 High at their head he saw the cliief appear. 
 And bold Meriones excite the rear. 
 At this the king his generous joy exprest, 29O 
 
 And clasp'd the warrior to his armed breast.
 
 104 THE ILIAD. Book IV. 
 
 Divine Idomeneus ! what thanks we owe 
 
 To worth like thine ! what praise shall we bestow ? 
 
 To thee the foremost honors are decreed. 
 
 First in the fisht, and every graceful deed. 295 
 
 For this, in banquets, when the generous bowls 
 
 Hestore our blood, and raise the warriors souls, 
 
 Though all the rest with stated rules we bound, 
 
 Unmix'd, unmeasur'd, are th}- goblets crown'd. 
 
 Be still thyself; in arms a mighty name ; 300 
 
 Maintain thy honors, and enlarge thy fame. 
 
 To whom the Cretan thus his speech addrest ; 
 Secure of me, O king ! exhort the rest : 
 Fix'd to thy side, in every toil I share, 
 Thy firm associate in the day of war. 303 
 
 But let the signal be this moment given ; 
 To mix iu fieht is all I ask of heaven. 
 The field shall prove how pei juries succeed, 
 And chains or death avenge their impious deed. 
 
 Charm'd with this heat, the king his course pursues. 
 And next the troops of either Ajax views : 310 
 
 In one firm orb the bands were rang'd around, 
 A cloud of heroes blackeu'd all the ground. 
 Thus from the lofty promontory's brow 
 A swain surveys the gathering storm below ; 315 
 Slow from the main the heavy vapors rise. 
 Spread in dim streams, and sail along the skies. 
 Till black as night the swelling tempest shows. 
 The cloud condensing as the west-wind blows : 
 He dreads th' impending storm, and drives his flock 
 To the close covert of an arcliing rock. 321 
 
 Such, and so thick, the embattled squadrons stood, 
 With spears erect, a moving iron wood ; 
 A shady light was shot from glimmering shields. 
 And their brown arms obscured the dusky fields. 325 
 
 O heroes ! worthy such a dauntless train, 
 M'hose godlike virtue we but urge in vain, 
 (Exclaim'd the king) who raise your eager bands 
 With great examples, more than loud commands. 
 Ah would the Gods but breathe in all the rest 330 
 Such souls as burn in your exalted breast .' 
 Soon should our arms with just success be crown'd. 
 And Troy's proud walls lie smoking on the ground. 
 
 Then to the next the general bends his course 
 (His heart exults, and glories m his force;); 335
 
 Book IV. THE ILIAD. 105 
 
 There reverend Nestor ranks his Pylian bands. 
 And with inspiring eloquence commands ; 
 With strictest order sets his train in arms. 
 The chiefs advises, and the soldiers warms, 
 Alastor, Chromius, Hsemon, round him wait, 340 
 Bias tlie good, and Pelagon the great. 
 The horse and chariots to the front assign'd, 
 The foot (the strength of war) he rang'd behind ; 
 Tlie middle Space suspected troops supply, 
 Inclos'd by both, nor left the power to fly ; 345 
 He gives command to curb the fiery steed, 
 Nor cause confusion, nor the ranks exceed ; 
 Before the rest let none too rashly ride ; 
 No strength nor skill, but just in time be try'd : 
 The charge once made, no warrior turn the rein, 350 
 But fight, or fall ; a firm, embody'd train. 
 He whom the fortune of the field shall cast 
 From forth his chariot, mount the next in haste ; 
 Nor seek unpractis'd to direct the car, 
 Content with javelins to provoke the war. 355 
 
 Our great forefathers held this prudent course. 
 Thus rul'd their ardor, tlius preserv'd their force. 
 By laws like these immortal conquests made. 
 And earth's proud tyrants low in ashes laid.. 
 
 So spoke the master of the martial art, 360 
 
 And touch'd with transport great Atrides' heart. 
 Oh ! hadst thou strength to match thy brave desires. 
 And nerves to second what thy soul inspires ! 
 But wasting years, that wither human race. 
 Exhaust thy spirits, and thy arms unbrace. 365 
 What once thou wert, oh ever might'st thou be! 
 And age the lot of any chief but thee. 
 
 Thus to th' experienc'd prince Atrides cry'd ; 
 He shook his hoary locks, and thus reply'd. 
 Well might I vash, could mortal wish renew, 370 
 That strength which once in boiling youth I knew; 
 Such as I was, when Ereuthalion slain 
 Beneath this afrm fell prostrate on the plain. 
 But heaven its gifts not all at once bestows, 
 These years with wisdom crowns, with action those : 
 The field of combat fits the young and bold, 376 
 The solemn council best becomes the old ; 
 E2
 
 106 THE ILIAD. Book IV. 
 
 To you the glorious conflict I resign, 
 
 Let sage ad\ace, the paUu of age, be mine. 
 
 He said. With joy the monarch march'd before. 
 And found Menestheus on the dusty shore, 381 
 With whom tlie firm Athenian phalanx stands ; 
 And next Ulysses, witii his subject bands. 
 Remote tlieir forces lay, nor knew so far 
 The peace infring'd, nor heard the sounds of war ; 385 
 The tumult late begun, they stood intent 
 To watcli the motion, dubious of th' event. 
 The king, who saw their squadrons yet unmov'd, 
 With hastj' ardor thus tlie chiefs reprov'd. 
 
 Can Peleus' son forget a warrior's part, SQO 
 
 And fears Ulysses, skill'd in every art ? 
 V/hy stand you distant, and tlie rest expect 
 To mix in combat which jourselves neglect ? 
 From you 'twas hop'd among the first to dare 
 The shock of armies, and commence the war. 395 
 For this your names are call'd, before the rest. 
 To share the pleasures of the genial feast : 
 And can j'ou, chiefs I without a blush survey 
 Whole troops before you laboring in the fray ? 
 Say, is it thus those honors jou requite ; 400 
 
 The first in banquets, but the last in fight ? 
 
 Ulysses heard : the hero's warmth o'erspread 
 His cheek with blushes: and severe, he said: 
 Take back th' unjust reproach ! Behold we stand 
 Sheath'd in bright arms, and but expect command. 
 If glorious deeds afford thy soul delight, 406 
 
 Behold me plunging in the thickest fight. 
 Then give thy warrior-chief a warrior's due, 
 Who dares to act whate'cr thou dar'st to view. 
 
 Struck with his generous wrath the king replies ; 
 Oh great in action, and in council wise ! 411 
 
 With ours, thy care and ardor are the same, 
 Nor need I to command, nor ought to blame. 
 Sage as thou art, and learn'd in human kind. 
 Forgive the transport of a martial mind. 415 
 
 Haste to the fight, secure of just amends ; 
 The Gods that make, shall keep the worthy, friends. 
 
 He said, and pass'd where great Tydides lay. 
 His steeds and chariots wedg'd in firm array : 
 (The warlike Sthenelus attends his side) 420 
 
 To whom with stern reproach the monarch cr>-'d ;
 
 Book IV. TIIE ILIAD. 107 
 
 Oh son of Tydeus ! (lie, whose strength could tame 
 Tlie bounding steed, in arms a mighty name) 
 Canst thou, remote, the mingling hosts descry, 
 With hands unactive, and a careless eye ? 425 
 
 Not tlius thy sire the fierce encounter fear'd; 
 Still first in front the matchless prince appear'd : 
 What glorious toils, what wonders they recite, 
 Wlio view'd him laboring thro' the ranks of fight f 
 I saw him once, when, gathering martial powers, 430 
 A peaceful guest, he sought Mycenae's towers; 
 Armies he ask'd, and armies had been given, 
 Wot we deny'd, but Jove forbade from heaven ; 
 While dreadful comets glaring from afa r, 
 Forewarn'd the horrors of the Theban war. 325 
 Next, sent by Greece from where Asopus flows, 
 A fearless envoy, he approach'd the foes; 
 Thebe's hostile walls, unguarded and alone. 
 Dauntless he enters, and demands tlie throne. 
 The tyrant feasting with his chiefs he found, 440 
 And dar'd to combat all those chiefs around ; 
 Dar'd and subdued, before tlieir haughty lord ; 
 Tor Pallas strung his arm, and edg'd his sword. 
 Stung with the shame, witliin the winding way. 
 To bar his passage fift^- warriors lay ; 445 
 
 Two heroes led the secret squadron on, 
 Mffion the fierce, and hardy Lycophon; 
 Those fifty slaughter'd in the gloomy vale. 
 He spar'd but one to bear the dreadful tale. 
 Such Tydeus was, and such his martial fire. 450 
 Gods ! how the son degenerates from the sire ! 
 
 No words the godlike Diomed return'd. 
 But heard respectful, and in secret burn'd : 
 Not so fierce Capaneus' undaunted son. 
 Stern as his sire, the boaster thus begun. 455 
 
 What needs, O monarch, this invidious praise. 
 Ourselves to lessen, while our sires you raise ? 
 Dare to be just, Atrides ! and confess 
 Our valor equal, though our fury less. 
 With fewer troops we storm'd the Theban wall, 460 
 And happier saw the sevenfold city fall. 
 In impious acts the guilty fathers dy'd ; 
 The sons subdu'd, for heaven was on their side. 
 Far more than heirs of all our parents fame. 
 Our glories darken their diaiinish'd name. 465
 
 IQB THE ILIAD. Book IV. 
 
 To him Tydides thus. My friend, forbear, 
 Suppress tliy passion, and the king revere : 
 His high concern may well excuse this rage, 
 Whose cause we follow, and whose war we wage; 
 His the first praise, were Dion's towers o'erthrown, 
 And, if we fail, the chief disgrace his own. 4"! 
 
 Let him the Greeks to hardy toils excite, 
 'Tis ours to labor in the glorious fight. 
 
 He spoke, and ardent, on the trembling ground 
 Sprung from his car ; his ringing arms resound. 475 
 Dire was the clang, and dreadful from afar, 
 Of arm'd Tydides rushing to the war. 
 As when the winds, ascending by degrees, 
 First move the whitening surface of the sea.s, 
 The billows float in order to the shore, 480 
 
 The wave behind rolls on tlie wave before; 
 Till, with the growing storm, the deeps arise. 
 Foam o'er the rocks, and thunder to the skies. 
 So to the fight the thick battalions throng, 
 Shields urgil on shields, and men drove men along. 
 Sedate and silent move the numerous bands ; 480 
 3no sound, no whisper, but the chief's commands. 
 Those only heard ; with awe the rest obej-. 
 As if some God had snatch'd tlieir voice awaj-. 
 ^"ot so the Trojans ; from their host ascends 490 
 A general shout tlidt all the region rends. 
 As when the fleecy tiocks unnumber'd stand 
 In wealthy folds, and wait the milker's hand, 
 The hollow vales incessant bleating fills, 
 The lambs reply from all the neiijlibouring hills : 495 
 Such clamors rose from various nations round, 
 Mix'd was the murmur, and confus'd the sound. 
 Each host now joins, and each a God inspires. 
 These Mars incites, and those Minerva fires. 
 Pale Flight around, and dreadful Terror reign; 500 
 And Discord raging bathes the purple plain ; 
 Discoid ! dire sister of the slaughtering power. 
 Small at her birth, but rising every hour, 
 While scarce the skies her horrid head can bound. 
 She stalks on earth, and shakes tlie world around ; 505 
 The nations bleed, where'er her steps she turns, 
 Tlie groan still deepens and the combat burns. 
 
 Kow shield with shield, with helmet helmet clos'd, 
 To armor armor, lance to lance oppos'd.
 
 Book IV. THE ILIAD. lOQ 
 
 Host against host with shadowy squadrons drew, 510 
 The sounding darts in iron tempests flew, 
 Victors ajid vanquish'd join promiscuous cries. 
 And shrilling shouts and dying groans arise; 
 With streaming blood the slippery fields are dy'd. 
 And slaughtefd heroes swell the dreadful tide. 515 
 
 As torrents roll, increased by numerous rills. 
 With rage impetuous down their echoing hills ; 
 Rush to the vales, and, pour'd along the plain. 
 Roar through a thousand channels to the main ; 
 The distant shepherd trembling hears the sound : 520 
 So mix both hosts, and so their cries rebound. 
 
 The bold Antilochus the slaughter led. 
 The first who struck a valiant 1 rojan dead : 
 At great Echepolus the lance arrives, 
 Rais'd his high crest, and through his helmet drives ; 
 Warm'd in the brain the brazen weapon lies, 526 
 And shades eternal settle o'er his eyes. 
 So sinks a tower, that long assaults had stood 
 Of force and fire ; its walls besniear'd with blood. 
 Him, the bold * leader of th' Abautian tluong 530 
 Seiz'd to despoil, and dragg'd the corpse along i 
 But while he strove to tug th' inserted dart, 
 Agenor's javelin reach'd the hero's heart. 
 His flank, unguarded by his ample shield. 
 Admits the lance : he falls, and spurns the field; 535 
 The nerves, unbrac'd, support his limbs no more ; 
 The soul comes floating in a tide of gore. 
 Trojans and Greeks now gather round the slain ; 
 The war renews, the warriors bleed again ; 
 As o'er their prey rapacious wolves engage, 540 
 Man dies on man, and all is blood and rage. 
 
 In blooming youth fair Simo'isius fell, 
 Sent by great Ajax to the shades of hell: 
 Fair Simo'isius, whom his mother bore. 
 Amid the flocks on silver Simois' shore : 545 
 
 The nymph descending from the hills of Ide, 
 To seek her parents on his flowery side. 
 Brought forth the babe, their common care and joy, 
 And thence from Siniois nam'd the lovely boy. 
 Short was his date ! by dreadful Ajax slain 550 
 He falls, and renders all their cares ia vaia ! 
 
 * Elpheaor,
 
 110 THE ILIAD. Book IV. 
 
 So falls a poplar, that in watery ground 
 
 Rais'd high the head, with stately branches crown'd, 
 
 n^'ell'd by some artist with his shininj^ steel, 
 
 To shape the circle of the bending wheel) 5j5 
 
 Cut down it lies, tall, smooth, and largely spread. 
 
 With all its beauteous honors on its head; 
 
 There, left a subject to the wind and rain. 
 
 And scorch'd by suns, it withers on die plain. 
 
 Thus pierc'd by Ajax, SinioVsius lies 560 
 
 Stretch'd on the shore, and tlius neglected dies. 
 
 At Ajax Antiphus his javelin threw ; ^ 
 
 The pointed lance witli erring fuo' flew, / 
 
 And Leucus, lov'd by wise Ulysses, slew. * 
 
 lie drops the corpse of SinioVsius slain, 560 
 
 And sinks a breathless carcass on the plain. 
 
 This saw Ulysses, and with grief enrag'd 
 Strode where the foremost of the foes engag'd ; 
 Arm'd with his spear, he meditates the wound. 
 In act to throw ; but, cautious, look'd around. 570 
 Struck at his sight the Trojans backward drew, 
 And trembling heard the javelin as it flew. 
 A chief stood nigh, who from Abydos came, 
 Old Priam's son, Democobn was his name ; 
 The weapon enter'd close above his ear, 575 
 
 Cold through his temples glides the whizzing spear ; 
 With piercing shrieks the youth resigns his breath. 
 His eye-balls darken with the shades of death ; 
 Ponderous he falls ; his clanging amis resound ; 
 And his broad buckler rings against the ground. 5G0 
 
 Seiz'd with affright the boldest foes appear ; 
 Even godlike Hector seems himself to fear ; 
 Slow he gave way, the rest tumultuous fled ; 
 The Greeks with shouts press on, and spoil tlie dead ; 
 But Phcebus now from Ilion's towering height 585 
 Shines forth reveivl'd. and animates the fight. 
 Trojans, be bold, and force with force oppose; 
 Your foaming steeds urge headlong on the foes ! 
 If or are their bodies rocks, nor ribb'd with steel ; 
 Your weapons eater, and your strokes thej- feel. 59O 
 Have ye forgot what seem'd your dread before ? 
 The great, the fierce Achilles fights no more. 
 
 Apollo thus from IUon"s lofty towers 
 Array'd in terrors, rous'd the i'rojau powers ;
 
 50UU Done : 
 
 1 
 
 ands, > 
 
 5. 6053 
 
 Book IV. THE ILIAD. Ill 
 
 While War's fienie Goddess fires tlie Grecian foe, 595 
 And shouts and tliunders in the fields below. 
 Then great Diores lell, by doom divine, 
 In vain his valor, and illustrious line. 
 A broken rock the force of Pirus threw 
 (Who from cold ^nus led the Thracian crew); 600 
 Full on his ankle dropt the ponderous stone. 
 Burst the strong nerves, and crash'd the solid bone : 
 Supine he tumbles on the crimson sands. 
 Before his helpless friends and native bands. 
 And spreads for aid his unavailing hands. 
 The foe rush'd furious as he pants for breath, 
 And through his navel drove the pointed death : 
 His gushing entrails smok'd upon the ground, 
 And the warm life came issuing from tlie wound. 
 
 His lance bold Thoas at the conqueror sent, 6lO 
 Deep in his breast above the pap it went. 
 Amid the lungs was fix'd the winged wood. 
 And quivering in his heaving bosom stood : 
 Till from the dying chief, approaching near, 
 Th' iEtolian warrior tugg'd his weighty spear : 6l5 
 Then sudden wav'd his flaming falchion round. 
 And gash'd his belly with a ghastly wound. 
 The corpse now breathless on the bloody plain, 
 To spoil his arms the victor strove in vain ; 
 The Thracian bands against the victor prest ; 620 
 A grove of lances glitter'd at his breast. 
 Stern Thoas, glaring witli revengeful eyes, 
 In sullen fury slowly quits the prize. 
 
 Thus fell two heroes ; one the pride of Thrace, 
 And one the leader of the Epian race ! 625 
 
 Death's sable shade at once o'ercast their eyes. 
 In dust the vanquish'd, and the victor lies. 
 With copious slaughter all the fields are red, 
 And heap'd with growing mountains of the dead. 
 Had some brave chief this martial scene beheld. 
 By Pallas guarded through the dreadful field ; 631 
 Might darts be bid to turn their points away. 
 And swords around him innocently play ; 
 The war's whole art with wonder had he seen, 
 ^And counted heroes where he counted men. 635 
 
 So fought each host with thirst of glory fir'd, 
 lAnd crowds on crowds triumphantly expir'd.
 
 THE 
 
 I ]L I A ©« 
 
 BOOK V.
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 The Acts of Diomed. 
 
 Diomed, assisted by Pallas, performs wonders in 
 this day's battle. Paiidarus wounds him with an 
 arrow, but the Goddess cures him, enables him to 
 discern Gods from mortals, and prohibits him from 
 contending with any of the former, excepting 
 Venus, tineas joins Pandarus to oppose him : 
 Pandarus is killed, and jilneas in great danger, 
 but for the assistance of Venus ; who as she is 
 removmg her son from the fight, is wounded on 
 the hand by Diomed. Apollo seconds her in his 
 rescue, and at length carries off .T.neas to Troy, 
 where he is healed in the temple of Pergamus. 
 Mars rallies the Trojans, and assists Hector to 
 make a stand. In the meantime yEneas is re- 
 stored to the field, and they overthrow several of 
 the Greeks ; among the rest Tlepolemus is slain 
 by SarpedoD. Juno and Minerva descend to resist 
 Mars; the latter incites Diomed to go against that 
 God ; he wounds hini, and sends liim groaning to 
 heaven. 
 
 The first battle continues through this book. The 
 scene is the same as in the former.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK V. 
 
 BUT Pallas now Tydides' soul inspires, 
 Fills with her force, and warms with all her fires> 
 Above the Greeks his deathless fame to raise, 
 And crown her hero with distinguish'd praise. 
 High on his helm celestial lightnings play, 5 
 
 His beamy shield emits a living ray ; 
 Th' unweary'd blaze incessant streams supplies, 
 Like the red star that fires th' autumnal skies. 
 When fresh he rears his radiant orb to sight, 
 And bath'd in Ocean, shoots a keener light. 10 
 
 Such glories Pallas on the chief bestow'd. 
 Such, from his arms, the fierce effulgence flow'd : 
 Onward she drives him, furious to engage. 
 Where the fight burns, and where the thickest rage. 
 The sons of Dares first the combat sought, 15 
 A wealthy priest, but rich without a fault; 
 In Vulcan's fane ihe father's days were led. 
 The sons to toils of glorious battle bred ; 
 These singled horn their troops the fight maintain. 
 These from their steeds, Tydides on the plain. 20 
 Fierce for renown the brother chiefs draw near, 
 And first bold Phegeus cast his sounding spear. 
 Which o'er the warrior's shoulder took its course, 
 And spent in empty air its erring force, 
 l^ot so, Tydides, flew thy lance in vain, 25 
 
 But pierc'd his breast, and stretch'd him on the plain. 
 Seiz'd with unusual fear, Idaeus fled, 
 X^ft the rich chariot, and his brother dead.
 
 116 THE ILIAD. Book V. 
 
 And had not Vulcan lent celestial aid, 
 
 He too had sunk to death's eternal shade ; 30 
 
 But in a smoky cloud the God of fiie 
 
 Preserv'd the son, in pity to the sire. 
 
 The steeds and chariot, to the navy led, 
 
 Encreas'd the spoils of gallant Diomed. 34 
 
 Struck with amaze and shame, the Trojan crew 
 Or slain, or fled, the sons of Dares view ; 
 When by the blood-stain'd hand Minerva prest 
 The God of battles, and this speech addrest. 
 
 Stern power of war ! by whom the mighty fall, 
 Who bathe in blood, and shake the lofty wall ! 40 
 Let the brave chiefs tlieir glorious toils divide ; 
 And whose the conquest mighty Jove decide : 
 While we from interdicted fields retire, 
 Nor tempt the wrath of lieaven's avenging Sire. 
 
 Her words allay'd th' impetuous warrior's heat, 45 
 The God of arms and Martial Maid retreat ; 
 Jicniov'd from fight, on Xanthus' flowery bounds 
 They sat, and listen'd to the dying sounds. 
 
 Meantime, the Greeks the Trojan race pursue. 
 And some bold chieftain everj- leader slew : 50 
 First Odius falls, and bites the bloody sand, 
 His death ennobled by Atrides' hand ; 
 As he to flight his wheeling car addrest. 
 The speedy javelin drove from back to breast. 
 In dust the mighty Halizonian laj', 55 
 
 His arms resound, the spirit wings its way. 
 
 Thy fate was next, O Phaestus ! doom'd to feel 
 The great Idonieneus' portended steel ; 
 Whom Borus sent (his son and only joy) 
 From fruitful Tame to the fields of Troy. 60 
 
 The Cretan javelin reach'd him Irora afar. 
 And pierc'd his shoulder as he mounts his car ; 
 Back from the car he tumbles to the ground, 
 And everlasting shades his eyes surround. 
 
 Then dy'd Scamandrius, expert in the chase. 
 In woods aHd wilds to wound tlie savage race ; 
 Diana taught him all her sylvan arts, 
 To bend the bow, and aim unerring darts : 
 But vainly here Diana's arts he tries. 
 The fatal lance arrests him as he flies ; 70 
 
 From Menelaiis' arm the weapon sent, 
 Through his broad back and heaving bosom M7«Qt ;
 
 Book V. THE ILIAD. 117 
 
 Down sinks the warrior with a thundering sound. 
 His brazen armor rings against tlie ground. 
 
 Next artful Pherecius untimely fell ; 75 
 
 Bold Merion sent him to the realms of hell. 
 Thy father's skill, O Pliereclus, was thine. 
 The graceful fabric and the fair design, 
 for, lov'd by Pallas, Pallas did impart 
 To him the shipwright's and the builder's art. 80 
 Beneath his hand the fleet of Paris rose. 
 The fatal cause of all his country's woes ; 
 But he, the mystic will of heaven unknown, 
 ]Nor saw his country's peril, nor hrs own. 
 The hapless artist, while confus'd he fled, 85 
 
 The spear of Meiion mingled with the dead. 
 Through his right hip with forceful furj' cast. 
 Between tlie bladder and the bone it past: 
 Prone on his knees he falls with fruitless cries, 
 And death in lasting slumber seals his eyes. 90 
 
 From Meges' force the swift Pedasus fled, 
 Antenor's oflfspriug from a foreign bed. 
 Whose generous spouse, Theano, heavenly fair, 
 Nurs'd the j'oung stranger with a mother's care. 
 How vain those cares ! when Meges in tlie rear 95 
 Full in his nape infix'd the fatal spear ; 
 Swift tlirough his crackling jaws the weapon glides^ 
 And the cold tongue the grinning teeth divides. 
 
 Then dy'd Hypsenor, generous and divine. 
 Sprung from the brave Dolopian's mighty line, 100 
 \Vho near adofd Scamaiider made abode. 
 Priest of the stream, and honor'd as a God. 
 On him, amidst the flying numbers found, 
 Eur^'pylus inflicts a deadly wound ; 104 
 
 On his broad shoulders fell the forceful brand, j 
 Then glancing downward lopp'd his holy hand, > 
 Wliichstain'd with sacred blood the blushing sand. * 
 Down sunk the priest : the purple hand of death 
 Clos'd his dim eye, and fate suppress'd his breath. 
 
 Thus toil'd the chiefs, in different parts engag'd. 
 In every quarter fierce Tydides rag'd, ° 111 
 
 Amid the Greek, amid the Trojan train, 
 Rapt through the ranks he thunders o'er the plain ; 
 Hovf here, now there, he darts from place to place, 
 PoBis on the rear, or lightens in their face. 115
 
 118 THE ILIAD. Book V. 
 
 Thus from high hills the torrents swift and strong 
 Deluge whole fields, and sweep the trees along, 
 Through ruin'd moles tlie rushing wave resounds, 
 O'erwhelms the bridge, and bursts the lofty bounds. 
 The yellow han,'ests of the ripen'd year, 120 
 
 And Halted vineyards, one sad waste appear ! 
 While Jove descends in sluicy sheets of rain. 
 And all the labors of mankind are vain. 
 
 So rag'd Tydides, boundless in his ire. 
 Drove armies back, and made all Troy retire. 125 
 With gi-ief the * leader of the Lycian band 
 Saw the wide waste of his destructive hand : 
 His bended bow against the cliief he drew ; 
 Swift to the mark the thirsty arrow jlew, 
 Whose forky point the hollow breast-plate tore, 130 
 Deep in liis shoulder pierc'd, and drank the gore: 
 The rushing stream his brazen armor dy'd. 
 While the proud archer thus exulting cry'd. 
 
 Hither, ye Trojans, hither drive your steeds ! 
 Lo ! by our hand the bravest Grecian bleeds. 135 
 !Not long the dreadful dart he can sustain ; 
 Or Pi;cebu3 urg'd me to these fields in vain. 
 
 So spoke he, boastful ; but the winged dart 
 Stopt short of life, and mock'd the shooter's art. 
 The wounded chief behind his car retir'd, 140 
 
 The helping hand of Sthenelus requir'd ; 
 Swift from his seat he leap'd upon the ground. 
 And tugg'd the weapon firom the gushing wound ; 
 When thus the king his guardian power addrest. 
 The purple current wandering o'er his vest. 145 
 
 O progeny of 7ove ! uncouquer'd maid ! 
 If e'er my godlike sire deserv'd thy aid, 
 If e'er I felt thee in the fighting field ; 
 Now, Goddess, now thy sacred succour yield. 
 Oh give my lance to reach the Trojan knight, 150 
 Whose arrow wounds the chief thou guard'st in fight; 
 And lay the boaster groveling on the shore. 
 That vaunts these eyes shall view the light no more. 
 
 Thus pray'd Tidydes, and Miner\'a heard ; 
 His nerves confirm'd, his langmd spirits chear'd, 155 
 He feels each limb with wonted vigor light ; 
 His beating bosom claims the promis'd fight. 
 
 » Pandarus,
 
 Book V. THE ILIAD. 119 
 
 Be bold ("she cry'd) in every combat shine. 
 War be lliy province, thy protection mine ; 
 Rush to the fight, and every toe control; l60 
 
 Wake each paternal virtue in thy soul : 
 Strength swells thy boiling breast, infus'd by me, 
 And all thy godlike father breathes in thee! 
 Yet more, from mortal mists I purge thy eyes, 
 And set to view the warring Deities. ]65 
 
 These see thou shun, through all th' embattled plain. 
 Nor rashly strive where human force is vain. 
 If Venus mingle in the martial band, 
 Her shalt thou wound: so Pallas gives command. 
 With that, the blue-ey'd Nirgin wing'd her flight; 
 The hero rush'd impetuous to the fight ; I7I 
 
 With tenfold ardor now invades the plain, 
 Wild with delay, and more enrag'd by pain. 
 As on the fleecy flocks, when hunger calls. 
 Amidst the field a brindled lion falls ; I75 
 
 If chance some shepherd with a distant dart 
 The savage wound, he rouses at the smart. 
 He foams, he roars ; the shepherd dares not stay. 
 But trembling leaves the scattering flocks a prey ; 
 Heaps fall on heaps ; he bathes with blood the ground. 
 Then leaps victorious o'er the lofty mound. 181 
 Not with less fury stern Tydides flew ; 
 And two brave leaders at an instant slew : 
 Astynoiis breathless fell, and by his side 
 His people's pastor, good Hypenor, dy'd ; 185 
 
 Astynoiis' breast the deadly lance receives, 
 Hypenor's shoulder his broad falchion cleaves. 
 Those slain he left ; and sprung with noble rage 
 Abas and Polyidus to engage ; 
 
 Sons of Eurydamus, who wise and old, I90 
 
 Could fates foresee, and mystic dreams unfold; 
 The youths return'd not from the doubtful plain. 
 And the sad father try'd his arts in vain ; 
 No mj'stic dream could make their fates appear. 
 
 Though now determin'd by Tydides' spear. I95 
 
 j Young Xanthus next, and Thbon felt his rage ; 
 
 The joy and hope of Phsenops' feeble age ; 
 
 'Vast was his wealth, and these the only heirs 
 
 jOf all his labors, and a life of cares. 
 Cold death o'eitakes them in their blooming years. 
 And leaves the father unavailing tears ; 20i
 
 120 THE ILIAD. Book V. 
 
 To strangers now descends his heapy store, 
 The race forgotten, and the name no more. 
 
 Two sons of Priam in one chariot ride. 
 Glittering in arms, and combat side by side. 205 
 As when tlie lordly lion seeks his food 
 AVhere grazing heifers range the lonely wood, 
 He leaps amidst them -witli a furious bound, 
 Bends their strong necks,and tears tliem to the ground : 
 So from their seats the brother chiefs are torn, 210 
 Their steeds and chariot to tlie navy born. 
 
 With deep concern divine jEneas \-iew'd 
 The foe prevailing, and his friends pursu'd, 
 Through the tliick storm of singing spears he flies, 
 Exploring Pandarus with careful eyes, 215 
 
 At length he fouad Lycaon's mighty son ; 
 To whom the chief of Venus' race begun. 
 
 Where, Pandarus, are all thy honors now. 
 Thy winged arrows and unerring bow, 
 Thy matchless sliili, thy yet uurivall'd fame, 220 
 And boasted glory of the I^cian name ? 
 Oh pierce tliat mortal ! if we mortal call 
 That wondrous force by which whole aimies fall; 
 Or God incens'd, who quits the distant skies 
 To punish Troy for sUghied sacrifice; 225 
 
 (Which, oh avert from our unhappy state ! 
 For v.hat so dreadful as celestial hate ?) 
 Whoe'er he be, propitiate Jove with prayer ; 
 If man, destroy ; if God, intreat to spare. 
 
 To him the Lycian. Whom your eyes behold, 
 If right I judge, is Diomed the bold ! 231 
 
 Such coursers whirl him o'er the dusty field. 
 So towers his helmet, and so flames his shield. 
 If 'tis a God, he wears that chief's disguise ; 
 Or if that chief, some guardian of the skies 235 
 
 Involv'd in clouds, protects him in the fray, 
 And turns unseen the frustrate dart away. 
 I wing'd an arrow, which not idly fell. 
 The stroke had lix'd hira to tlie gates of hell ; 
 And, but some God, some angry God withstands, 
 His fate was due to these unerring hands. 241 
 
 Skill'd in the bow, on foot I sought the war, 
 Kor join'd swift horses to the rapid car. 
 Ten polish'd chariots I possess'd at home, 
 Aad still Uiey grace Lycaon's princely dome ; 245
 
 Book V. THE ILIAD. 121 
 
 Ihere veiVd in spacious coverlets they stand ; 
 And twice ten coursers wait their lord's command. 
 The good old Varrior bade me trust to these, 
 When first for Troy I sail'd the sacred seas ; 
 In fields, aloft, the whirling car to guide, 250 
 
 And through the ranks of death triumphant ride. 
 But vain with youth, and yet to tlirift inclin'd, 
 I heard his counsels with unheedful mind, 
 And thought the steeds (your large supplies unknown) 
 Might fail of forage in the straiten'd town : 255 
 
 So took my bow and pointed darts in hand. 
 And left the chariots in my native land. 
 
 Too late, O friend ! my rashness I deplore ; 
 These shafts, once fatal, carry death no more. 
 Tydeus' and Atreus' sons their points have found. 
 And undissembled gore pursued the wound. 261 
 In vain they bled : this unavailing bow 
 Serves, not to slaughter, but provoke the foe. 
 In evil hour these bended horns I strung. 
 And seiz'd the quiver where it idly hung. 265 
 
 Curs'd be the fate that sent me to tlie field. 
 Without a warrior's arms, the spear and shield ! 
 If e'er with life I quit the Trojan plain. 
 If e'er I see my spouse and sire again. 
 This bow, unfaithful to my glorious aims, 270 
 
 Broke by my hand, shall feed the blazing flames. 
 
 To whom the leader of the Dardan race : 
 Be cahn, nor Phoebus' honor'd gift disgrace. 
 The distant dart be prais'd, though here we need 
 The rushing chariot, and the bounding steed. 275 
 Against yon hero let us bend our course. 
 And, hand to liand, encounter force with force. 
 Now mount my seat, and from the chariot's height 
 Observe my father's steeds, renown'd in fight. 
 Practis'd ahke to turn, to stop, to chase, 280 
 
 To dare the shock, or urge the rapid race : 
 Secure with these, through fighting fields we go ; 
 Or safe to Troy, if Jove assist the foe. 
 Haste, seize the whip, and snatch the guiding rein ; 
 The warrior's fury let this arm sustain ; 285 
 
 Or, if to combat thy bold heart incline, 
 Take tliou the spear, the chariot's care be mine. 
 I F
 
 15$ THE ILIAD. Book V. 
 
 O prince! CLycaon's valiant son reply'd) 
 As thine the steeds, be thine the task to guide. 
 The horses, practis'd to their lord's command, 290 
 Sliall bear Uie rein, and answer to thy hand. -^^\^ 
 But if, unhappy, we desert the fight, ^'V 
 
 Thy voice alone can animate their flight: 
 Else shall our fates be uumber'd with the dead, 
 And these, the victor's prize, in triumph led. 295 
 Thine be the guidance then : with spear and shield 
 Myself will charge this terror of the field. 
 
 And now both heroes mount the glittering car ; 
 The bounding coursers rush amidst the war. 
 Their fierce approach bold Sthenelus espy'd, 300 
 Who thus, alarm'd, to great Tydides cr>''d. 
 
 O friend ! two chiefs of force immense I see, 
 Dreadful they come, and bend tiieir rage on thee: 
 Lo the brave heir of old Lycaon's line, 
 And great jEneas, sprung from race divine I 305 
 Enough is given to tame. Ascend thy car ; 
 And save a life, the bulwark of our war. 
 
 At this the hero cast a gloomy look, 
 Fix'd on the chief with scorn ; and thus he spoke. 
 
 Me dost thou bid to sliun the coming fight? 310 
 Me wouldst thou move to bcise, inglorious flight? 
 Know, 'tis not honest in my soul to fear, 
 "Sot was Tydides boni to tremble here. 
 I hate the cumbrous chariot's slow advance. 
 And the long distance of the flying lance ; 315 
 
 Eut while my nerves are strong, my force entire, 
 Thus front the foe, and emulate my sire. 
 !Nor shall yon steeds Uiat fierce to fight convey 
 Tliose threatening heroes, bear them both away; 
 One cliief at least beneath this arm shall die ; 320 
 So Pallas tells me, and forbids to fly. 
 But if sl;e dooms, and if no God witlistand. 
 That both shall fall by one victorious hand; 
 Then heed my words : my horses here deUin, 
 Fix'd to the chariot by the straiteu'd rein ; 325 
 
 Swift to JEneas' empty seat proceed, 
 And seize the coursers of etherial breed : 
 The race of those, which once the thundering God 
 Tor i-avish'd Ganymede on Tros bestow'd, 
 The best that e'er on earth's broad surface rue, 330 
 Beneath the rising or the setting sun.
 
 Book V. THE ILIAD. 123 
 
 Hence great Auchises stole a breed, unknown 
 
 By mortal mares, from fierce Laomedon : 
 
 Four of this race his ample stalls contain. 
 
 And two transport jllneas o'er the plain. 335 
 
 Tliese, were the rich immortal prize our own, 
 
 Thro' tlie wide world should make our glory known. 
 
 Thus while they spoke, the foe came furious on. 
 And stern Lycaon's warlike race begun. 
 
 Prince, thou art met. Though late in vain assail'd. 
 The spear may enter where tlie arrow fail'd. 341 
 
 He said, then shook the ponderous lance, and flung; \ 
 On his broad shield the sounding weapon rung, > 
 Pierc'd the tough orb, and in his cuirass hung. * 
 He bleeds ! the pride of Greece ! (the boaster cries) 
 Our triumph now, the mighty warrior lies ! 346 
 
 Mistaken vaunter ! Diomed reply'd ; 
 Thy dart has en'd, and now my spear be try'd : 
 Ye scape not both ; one, headlong from his car, 
 With hostile blood shall glut the God of War. 350 
 
 He spoke, and rising hurl'd his forceful dart. 
 Which, driven by Pallas, pierc'd a vital part ; 
 Full in his face it enter'd, and betwixt 
 The nose and eye-ball the proud Lycian fixt ; 
 Crash'd all his jaws, and cleft the tongue within, 355 
 Till the bright point look'd out beneath tlie chin. 
 Headlong he falls, his helmet knocks the ground ; 
 Earth groans beneath him, and his arms resound ; 
 The starting coursers tremble with affright; 
 The soul indignant seeks the realms of night. 360 
 
 To guard his slaughter'd friend ^neas flies, 
 His spear extending where the carcass lies ; 
 Watchful he wheels, protects it every way, 
 As the grim lion stalks around his prey. 
 O'er the fall'n trunk his ample shield display'd, 363 
 He hides the hero with liis mighty shade. 
 And threats aloud : the Greeks witli longing eyes 
 Behold at distance, but forbear the prize. 
 Then fierce Tydides stoops ; and from the fields 
 Heav'd with vast force, a rocky fragment wields. 3*0 
 Not two strong men th' enormous weight could raise. 
 Such men as live in these degenerate days. 
 He swung it round; and gathering strength to throw, 
 Discliarg'd the ponderous ruin at the foe.
 
 124 THE ILIAD. Book V. 
 
 Where to the hip th' inserted thigh unites, 375 
 
 Full on the bone the pointed marble lights ; 
 Through both the tendons broke the rugged stone. 
 And stripp'd the skin, and crack'd the solid bone. 
 Sunk on his knees, and staggering with his pains. 
 His falling bulk his bended arm sustains; 380 
 
 Lost in a dizzy mist the warrior lies ; 
 A sudden cloud comes swimming o'er his eyes. 
 There the brave chief who mighty numbers sway'd, 
 Oppress'd had sunk to death's eternal shade ; 
 But heavenlj' Venus, mindful of the love 385 
 
 She bore Anchises in th' Idaean grove, 
 His danger views with anguish and despair. 
 And guards her offspring witli a mother's care. 
 About her much-lov'd son her arms she throws. 
 Her arms whose whiteness match the falling snows. 
 Screen'd from the foe behind her shining veil, 39I 
 The swords wave harmless, and the javelins fail : 
 Safe through the rushing horse, and feather'd flight 
 Of sounding shafts, she bears him from the dght. 
 
 Uor Sthenelus, with unassisting hands, 395 
 
 Remain'd unheedful of his lord's commands : 
 His panting steeds, remov'd from out the war. 
 He fix'd with straiten'd traces to the car. 
 iJext rushing to the Dardan spoil, detains 
 The heavenly coursers with the flowing manes: 400 
 These in proud triumph to the fleet convey'd, 
 Uo longer now a Trojan lord obey'd. 
 That charge to bold DeVpylus he gave, 
 (Whom most he lov'd, as brave men love the brave) 
 Then mounting on his car, resum'd the rein, 403 
 And follow'd where Tydides swept the plain. 
 
 Meanwhile (his conquest ravish'd from his eyes) 
 The raging chief in chase of Venus flies : 
 No Goddess she commission'd to the field. 
 Like Pallas dreadful with her sable shield, 410 
 
 Or fierce Bellona thundering at the wall. 
 While flames ascend, and mighty ruins fall ; 
 He knew soft combats suit the tender dame, 
 New to the field, and still a foe to fame. 
 Through breaking mnks his furious coifTse he bends, 
 And at the Goddess his broad lance extends ; 4l6 
 Through her bright veil the daring weapon drove, 
 Th' ambrosial veil, which all the Graces wove ;
 
 BooTc V. THE ILIAD. 125 
 
 Her snowy hand the razhij steel profan'd, 
 
 And the transparent skin with crimson stain'd. 420 
 
 From the dear vein a stream immortal ftow'd. 
 
 Such stream as issues from a wounded God : 
 
 Pure emanation ! uncorrupted flood ; 
 
 Unhke our gross, diseas'd, terrestrial blood : 
 
 (For not the bread of man their life sustains, 425 
 
 !Nor wine's inflaming juice supphes their veins.) 
 
 With tender shrieks the Goddess fiU'd the place. 
 
 And dropt her oflispring from her weak embrace. 
 
 Him Phoebus took : he casts a cloud around 
 
 The fainting chief, and wards the mortal wound. 430 
 
 Then, with a voice that shook the vaulted skies. 
 The king insults the Goddess as she flies. 
 Ill with Jove's daughter bloody fights agree, 
 The field of combat is no scene for thee: 
 Go, let thy own soft sex employ thy care, 435 
 
 Go, lull the coward, or delude the fair. 
 Taught by this stroke, renounce the war's alarms, 
 And learn to tremble at the name of arms. 
 
 Tydides thus. The Goddess, seizd with dread, 
 Confus'd, distracted, from the conflict fled. iw 
 
 To aid her, swift the winged Iris flew. 
 Wrapt in a mist above the warring crew. 
 The Queen of Love with faded charms she found. 
 Pale was her cheek, and livid look'd the wound. 
 To Mars, who sat remote, they bent their way, 445 
 Far on the left, with clouds involv'd he lay ; 
 Beside him stood his lance, distain'd with gore. 
 And, rein'd with gold, his foaming steeds before. 
 Low at his knee, she begg'd, with streaming eyes, 
 Her brother's car, to mount the distant skies, 450 
 And shew'd the wound by fierce Tydides given, 
 A mortal man, who dares encounter heaven. 
 Stern Mars attentive hears the Queen complain. 
 And to her hand commits the golden rein ; 
 She mounts the seat, oppress'd with silent woe, 455 
 Driven .by the Goddess of the painted bow. 
 The lash resounds, the rapid chariot flies. 
 And in a moment scales the lofty skies : 
 There stopp'd the car, and there the coursers stood. 
 Fed by fair Iris with ambrosial food. 460 
 
 Before her mother. Love's bright Queen appears, 
 O'erwhelm'd with antjuish and dissolv'd iu tears ;
 
 126 THE ILIAD. Book^t. 
 
 She rais'd her in her arms, beheld her bleed. 
 
 And ask'd, what God had wrought this guilty deed? 
 
 Then she ; This insult from no God I found, 465 
 An impious mortal gave the daring wound ! 
 Behold the deed of haughty Diomed ! 
 'Twas in the son's defence the mother bled. 
 The war with Troy no more the Grecians wage, ■ ; 
 But with the Gods (ch' immortal Gods) engage. 470 
 
 Dioue then. Thy wrongs with patience bear, ' 
 And share those griefs inferior powers must share: 
 Unnumber'd woes mankind from us sustain, 
 And men with woes afflict the Gods again. 
 The mighty Mars in mortal fetters bound, 475 
 
 And lodg'd in brazen dungeons under ground. 
 Full thirteen moons imprison'd roar'd in vain ; 
 Otus and Ephialtes held the chain : 
 ■perhaps had perish'd ; had not Hermes' care, 
 Ilestor'd the groaning God to upper air. 480 
 
 Great Juno's self has bore her weight of pain, 
 Th' imperial partner of the heavenly reign ; 
 Amphitryon's son infix'd the deadly dart. 
 And fill'd with anguish her immortal heart. 
 Ev'n hell's grim king Alcides' power confest, 485 
 The shaft found entrance in his iron breast ; 
 To Jove's high palace for a cure he fled, 
 Pierc'd in his own dominions of the dead ; 
 Where Peeon, sprinkling heavenly balm around, 
 Assuag'd t'ne glowing pangs, and clos'd the wound. 
 Rash, impious man ! to stain the blest abodes, 491 
 And drench his arrows in the blood of Gods ' 
 
 But thou (though Palhis urg'd thy frantic deed^* 
 Whose spear ill-fated makes a Goddess bleed, ' - 
 Know thou, whoe'er with heavenly power contends. 
 Short is his date, and soon his glor>' ends ; 496 
 
 From fields of death when late he shall retire, 
 Jio infant on his knees shall call him Sire. 
 Strong as thou art, some God may yet be found. 
 To stretch thee pale and gasping on the ground ; 
 Thy distant wife, ^giale the fair, 501 
 
 Starting from sleep with a distracted air. 
 Shall rouse thy slaves, and her lost lord deplore, 
 The brave, the great, the glorious, now no more ! 
 
 This said, she wip'd from Venus' wounded palm 
 The sacred ichor, and iufus'd the balm. 006
 
 Book V. THE ILIAD. 127 
 
 Juno and Pallas with a smile survey'd, 
 And thus to Jove began the blue-ey'd maid. 
 
 Permit thy daughter, gracious Jove ! to tell 
 How this mischance the Cyprian Queen befel. 510 
 As late she try'd with passion to inflame 
 Tlie tender bosom of a Grecian dame, 
 Allur'd the fair with moving tlioughts of joy, 
 To quit her country for some youth of Troy ; 
 The clasping zone, with golden buckles bound, 515 
 Raz'd her soft hand with this lamented wound. 
 
 The Sire of Gods and men superior smil'd. 
 And, calling Venus, thus addrest his child. 
 Kot these, O daughter, are thy proper cares, 
 Thee milder arts befit, and softer wprs ; 520 
 
 Sweet smiles are thine, and kind endearing charmsi 
 To Mars and Pallas leave the deeds of arms. 
 
 Thus they in heaven : while on the plain below 
 The fierce Tydides charg'd his Dardan foe, 
 Flush'd with celestial blood pursud his way, 505 
 And fearless dar'd the ihreatening God of Day; 
 Alread3' in his hopes he saw him kill'd, 
 Though screen'd behind Apollo's mighty shield. 
 Tlirice rushing furious, at the chief he strook ; 
 His blazing buckler thrice Apollo shook : 530 
 
 He try'd the fourth : when, breaking from the cloud, 
 A more than mortal voice was heard aloud. 
 
 O son of Tydeus, cease ! be wise, and see 
 How vast the difference of tlie Gods and thee ; 
 Distance immense ! between the powers that shine 
 Above, eternal, deathless, and divine, 5S6 
 
 And mortal man ! a wretch of humble birth, 
 A sliort-liv'd reptile in the dust of earth. 
 
 So spoke the God wlio darts celestial fires ; 
 He dreads his fury, and some steps retires. 5H) 
 Tlien Phoebus bore the chief of Venus' race 
 To Troy's high fane, and to his holy place ; 
 Latona there and Phoebe heal'd the wound. 
 With vigor arm'd him, and with glory crown'd. 
 This done, the patron of the silver bow 545 
 
 A phantom rais'd, thrj same in shape and show 
 With great vEneas ; such the form he bore. 
 And such in fight the radiant arms he wore. 
 Around the spectre bloody wars are wag'd, 
 And Greece and I'roy wiUi dashing shield* eogag'd;
 
 128 THE ILTAD. Book V. 
 
 Meantime on Ilion's tower Apollo stood, 551 
 
 And, calling Mars, thus urg'd the raging God. ^i 
 
 Stern power of arms, bj' whom the mighty fall; .7 
 Who bath'st in blood, and shak'st th' embattled wall» 
 Rise in thy wrath ! to liell's abliorr'd abodes 555 
 Dispatch yon Greek, and \'indicate the Gods. 
 First rosy Venus felt his brutal rage ; 
 Me next he charg'd, and dares all heaven engage: 
 The wretcli -would brave high heaven's immortal Sire, 
 His triple thunder, and his bolts of fire. 5to 
 
 The God of battle issues on the plain, ;, j 
 
 Stirs all the ranks, and fires the Trojan train; T, 
 In form like Acamas, tlie Thracian guide, 
 Enrag'd, to Troy's retiring chiefs he cry'd : 
 
 How long, ye sons of Priam ! will ye fly, 565 
 
 And unreveng'd see Priam's people die ? 
 Still unresisted shall the foe destroy. 
 And stretch the slaughter to the gates of Troy ? 
 Lo brave ^ucas sinks beneath liis wound, 
 Not god-like Hector more in arms renown'd : 5*0 
 Haste all, and take the generous warrior's part: 
 He said ; new courage sweU'd each hero's heart. 
 Sai-pedon first his ardent sou] express'd, 
 And, turn'd to Hector, these bold words address'd. 
 
 Say, chief, is all thy ancient valor lost, 575 
 
 "Where are thy threats, and where thy glorious boast. 
 That propt alone by Priam's race should stand 
 Troy's sacred walls, nor need a foreign hand? 
 Now, now thy country calls her wonted friends. 
 And the proud vaunt in just derision ends, 580 
 ■Remote they stand, while alien troops engage. 
 Like trembling hounds before tlie lion's rage, 
 Tar distant hence I held my wide command. 
 Where foaming Xanthus laves the Lycian land. 
 With ample wealth (the wish of mortals) blest, 583 
 A beauteous wife, and infant at her breast ; 
 With those I left whatever dear could be ; 
 Greece, if she conquers, nothing wins from me. 
 Yet first in fight my Lycian bands 1 cheer. 
 And long to meet this mighty man ye fear ; 5Q0 
 While Hector idle stands, nor bids tlie brave 
 Their wives, their infants, and their altars save. 
 Haste, warrior, haste ! preserve thy threaten'U state ; 
 Or oae vast burst of aJl-involvLug fate
 
 Bcok V. THE ILIAD. ]«9 
 
 Full o'er your towers shall fall, and sweep away 595 
 Sons, sires, and wives, an undistinguish'd prey. 
 Rouse all thy Trojans, urge thy aids to fight; 
 These claim thy thoughts by day, thy watch by night : 
 Witli force incessant the brave Greeks oppose ; 
 Such cares thy friends deserve, and such thy foes. 600 
 
 Stung to the heart the generous Hector hears. 
 But just reproof with decent silence bears. 
 From his proud car the prince impetuous springs. 
 On earth lie leaps ; his brazen armor rings. 
 Two shining spears are braudish'd in his hands ; 603 
 Thus arm'd, he animates his drooping bands. 
 Revives their ardor, turns their steps from flight, 
 And wakes anew the dying flames of fight. 
 They turn, they stand, the Greeks their fury dare. 
 Condense their powers, and wait the growing war. 
 
 As when, on Ceres' sacred floor, tlie swain fill 
 Spreads tlie wide fan to clear the golden giain, 
 And the light chafl:', before the breezes borne. 
 Ascends in clouds from off the heapy corn ; 
 The grey dust, rising with collected winds, 6l5 
 
 Drives o'er the barn, and whitens all the liinds: 
 So white with dust the Grecian host appears. 
 From trampling steeds, and thundering charioteers ; 
 The dusky clouds from labor'd earth arise, 
 And roll in smoking volumes to the skies. 620 
 
 Mars hovers o'er them with his sable shield. 
 And adds new honors to the darken'd field : 
 Pleas'd with his charge, and ardent to fulfil. 
 In Troy's defence, Apollo's heavenly will : 
 Soon as from fight the blue-ey'il maid retires, 603 
 Each Trojan bosom with new warmth he fires. 
 And now the God, from forth his sacred fane, 
 Produc'd ^.neas to the shouting train ; 
 Alive, unharm'd, witli all his peers around. 
 Erect he stood, and vigorous from his wound : 630 
 Enquiries none they made ; the dreadful day 
 No pause of words admits, no dull delay ; 
 Fierce Discord storms, Apollo loud exclaiuis. 
 Fame calls, Mars thunders, and tlie field 's in flames. 
 
 Stern Diomed witli either Ajax stood, 635 
 
 And great Ulysses, bath'd in hostile blood. 
 Embodied close, the laboring Grecian train 
 The fiercest shock of charging hosts sustain. 
 F2
 
 130 THE ILIAD. Book V, 
 
 "Untnov'd and silent, the whole war they wait, -j 
 Serenely dreadful, and as fix'd as fate. 640 
 
 So when th' embattled clouds in dark array. 
 Along the skies their gloomy lines display ; 
 When now the North his boisterous rage has spent* 
 And peaceful sleeps the liquid element: 
 The low-hung vapors, motionless and still, 645 
 
 Hest on the summits of the shaded hill ; 
 Till the mass scatters as the winds arise, 
 Dispers'd and broken through the ruffled skies. 
 
 Nor was tlie general wanting to his train. 
 From troop to troop he toils through all the plain. 
 Ye Greeks, be men ! the charge of battle bear ; 651 
 Your brave associates and yourselves revere ! 
 Let glorious acts more glorious acts inspire. 
 And catch from breast to breast the noble fire ! 
 On valor's side the odds of combat lie, 655 
 
 The brave live glorious, or lamented die ; 
 The wretch who trembles in the field of fame, 
 Meets death, and worse than death, eternal shame. 
 
 These words he seconds with his flying lance, 
 To meet whose point was strong DeVcoon's chance t 
 i^neas' friend, and in his native place 66l 
 
 Ilonor'd and lov'd like Priam's royal race : 
 Long had he fought the foremost in the field. 
 But now the monarch's lance transpierc'd his shield : 
 His shield too weak the furious dart to stay, 6(55 
 Through his broad belt the weapon forc'd its way : 
 The grizly wound dismiss'd his soul to hell, 
 His arms around him rattled as he fell. 
 
 Then fierce ^neas, brandishing his blade, 
 In dust Orsilochus and Crethon laid, 67O 
 
 Whose sire Dibcleus, wealthy, brave, and great, 
 In well built Pherae held his lofty seat : 
 Sprung from Alphelis' plenteous stream ! that yields 
 Increase of harvests to the Pylian fields. 
 He got Orsilochus, Diocleus he, 675 
 
 And these descended in the third degree. 
 Too early expert in the martial toil. 
 In sable ships they left their native soil, 
 T' avenge Atrides : now, untimely slain. 
 They fell with glory on the Phrygian plain. 680 
 So two young mountain lions, nurs'd with blood 
 In deep recesses of the gloomy wood.
 
 Book V. THE ILIAD. 131 
 
 Rush fearless to the plains, and uncontrol'd 
 Depopulate the stalls, and waste the fold ; 
 Till pierc'd at distance from their native den, 680 
 O'erpower'd they fall beneath tlie force of men. 
 Prostrate on earth their beauteous bodies lay. 
 Like mountain firs, as tall and straight as they. 
 Great Menelaiis views with pitying eyes. 
 Lifts his bright lance, and at tlie victor flies ; 6gO 
 Mars urg'd him on ; yet, ruthless in liis hate. 
 The God but urg'd him to piovoke his fate. 
 He thus advancing, Is'estor's valiant son 
 Shakes for his danger, and neglects his own ; 
 Struck with the thought, should Helen's lord be slain. 
 And all his country's glorious labors vain. 696 
 
 Already met, the threatening heroes stand ; 
 The spears already tremble in tlieir hand : 
 In rush'd Antilochus, his aid to bring, 
 And fall or conquer by the Spartan king. 70O 
 
 These seen, the Dardan backward turn'd his course, 
 Brave as he was, and shunn'd unequal force. 
 The breathless bodies to the Greeks they drew. 
 Then mix in combat, and their toils renew. 
 
 First Pylaemenes, great in battle, bled, 705 
 
 Who sheath'd in brass the Paphlagonians led. 
 Atrides mark'd him where sublime he stood ; 
 Fix'd in his throat, the javelin drank his blood. 
 The faithful Mydon, as he turn'd from fight 
 His flying coursers, sunk to endless night: 710 
 
 A broken rock by Nestor's sou was thrown ; 
 His bended arm receiv'd the faUing stone, 
 From his numb'd hand the ivory-studded reins, 
 Dropt in the dust, are trail'd aloiig the plains : 
 Meanwhile his temples feel a deadly wound ; 715 
 He groans in deatlr, and ponderous sinks to ground ; 
 Deep drove his helmet in the sands, and there 
 The head stood fix'd, the quivering legs in air. 
 Till trampled flat beneath the coursers feet : ") 
 
 The youthful victor mounts his empty seat, 7C0 > 
 And bears the prize in triumph to the fleet. j 
 
 Great Hector saw, and raging at the view. 
 Pours on the Greeks ; the Trojan troops pursue : 
 He fires his host with animating cries. 
 And brings along the furies of the skies. 73^
 
 132 THE ILIAD. Book IV 
 
 Mars, stern destroyer I and Bcllona dread. 
 Flame in tiie front, and tliuader at their head : 
 Tliis swells the tumult and the rase of fight ; 
 That shakes a speai- that casts a dreadful light. 
 "Where Hector march'd, tlie God of battles shin'd,730 
 Uow storm'd before him, and no^v rag'd behind. 
 
 Tydides paus'd amidst his full career; 
 Then first the hero's manly breast knew fear, 
 ^s when some simple swain his cot forsakes. 
 And wide through fens an unknown journey takes; 
 If chance a swellinff brook his passage stay, 736 
 And foam impervious cross the wanderer's way,^ 
 Coufus'd he slops, a length of country past, 
 Eyes the rough waves, and, tir'd, returns at last. 
 Am;:z'd no le^s the great Tydides stands ; 740 
 
 He stay'd, and, turning, thus addrest his bands. 
 
 No wonder, Greeks ! that alt to Hector yield, 
 .Secure of favoring Gods, he takes the field; 
 Ilii strokes they second, and avert our spears: 
 Behold where Mars in mortal arms appears ! 7't5 
 Betire then, warriors, but sedate and slow ; 
 Ketire, but vrith your fnces to the foe. 
 Trust not too much your unavailing might ; 
 Tis not with Troy, but with the Gods ye fight. 
 
 Nov/ near the Greeks, the black battalions drew; 
 And first two leaders valiant Hector slew : 751 
 
 Jlis force Anchialus and Mnesthes found. 
 In every art of glorious war renown'd ; 
 In tlie same car the chiefs to combat ride, 
 And fought united, and united died. 755 
 
 Struck at the sight, the mighty Ajax glows 
 With thirst of veneeance, and assaults the foes. 
 His massy spear with matchless fury sent. 
 Through Amphius' belt and heaving belly went : 
 Amphius Apaesus' happy soil possess'd, 760 
 
 With herds abounding, and with treasure bless'd; 
 But fate resistless from his country led 
 The chief, to perish at his people's head. 
 Shook with his fall, his brazen armor rung. 
 And fierce, to seize it, conquering Ajax sprung; 765 
 Around his head an iron tempest rain'd ; 
 A wood of spears his ample shield sustain'd ; 
 Beneath one foot the yet-warm corpse he prest, 
 Aad drew his javelin from the bleeding breast:
 
 .^ook V. THE ILIAD. 133 
 
 He could no more ; the showering darts deny'd 770 
 To spoil his glittering arms and plumy pride. 
 Now foes on foes came pouring on the fields, 
 With bristling lances, and compacted shields; 
 Till, in the steely circle straighten'd round, 
 Forc'd he gives way, and sternly quits the ground. 
 
 While thus they strive, Tlepomelus the great, 776 
 Urg'd by the force of unresisted fate. 
 Burns with desire Sarpedon's strength to prove ; 
 Alcides' offspring meets the son of Jove. 
 Sheatli'd in bright arms each adverse chief came on, 
 Jove's great descendant, and his greater son. 781 
 Prepar'd for combat, ere the lance he tost. 
 The daring Rhodian vents liis haughty boast. 
 
 What brings tliis Lycian counsellor so far, 
 To tremble at our aruis, not mix in war ? 785 
 
 Know thy vain self; nor let their flattery move. 
 Who style thee son of cloud-compelling Jove. 
 How far unlike those chiefs of race divine. 
 How vast the difference of their deeds and thine I 
 Jove got such heroes as my sire, whose soul 7yO 
 No fear could- daunt, nor earth nor hell control. 
 Troy felt hiamqii, and yon proud ramparts stand 
 RaisM on thfcruins of his vengeful hand : 
 With six small ships, and but a slender train. 
 He left the town a wide deserted plain. 795 
 
 But what art thou ? who deedless look'st around. 
 While unreveng'd thy Lycians bite the ground : 
 Small aid to Troy thy feeble foice can be. 
 But, wert ihou greater, thou must yield to me. 
 Pierc'd by my spear, to endless darkness go ! 80O 
 I make this present to the shades below- 
 
 The son of Hercules, the Rhodian guide, 
 Thus haughty spoke. The Ljxian king reply'd. 
 
 Tliy sire, O prince ! o'erturnd the Trojan state. 
 Whose perjur'd monarch well deserv'd his fate; 805 
 Those heavenly steeds the hero sought so far, 
 False he detain'd, the just reward of war. 
 Nor so content, the generous chief defy'd. 
 With base reproaches and unmanly pride. 
 But you, unworthy the high race you boast, 810 
 Shall raise my glory when thy own is lost : 
 Now meet thy fate, and, by Sarpedon slain. 
 Add one more ghost to Pluto's gloomy reign.
 
 134 THE ILIAD. Book V. 
 
 He said: both javelins at an instant flew ; 
 Both struck, both wounded ; but Sarpedon's slew : 
 Full in the boaster's neck tbe weapon stood, 8l6 
 Transfix'd his throat, and drank the vital blood; 
 The soul disdainful seeks the caves of night. 
 And his seal'd eyes for ever lose the light. 
 
 Yet not in vain, Tlepolemus, was thrown 820 
 
 Thy angry lance ; which, piercing to tlie bone 
 Sarpedon's tliigh, had robb'd the eliief of breath ; 
 But Jove was present, and forbade the death. 
 Borne from the conflict by his Lycian throng, 
 The wounded hero drajg'd the lance along. 825 
 (His friends, each busied in his several part. 
 Through haste, or danger, had not drawn the dart.) 
 The Greeks with slain Tlepolemus retir'd ; 
 Whose fall Ulysses view'd, with fury fir'd ; 
 Doubtfiil if Jove's great son he should pursue, BSO 
 Or pour his vengeance on the Lycian crew. 
 But heaven and fate the first design withstand, 
 Kor this great death must grace Ulysses' hand. 
 Minerva drives him on the Lycian train; 
 Alastor, Cromius, Halius, strow'd thfi, plain, 835 
 Alcander, Prytanis, ^Toemon fell : -ig 
 And numbers more his sword had sent to hell. 
 But Hector saw; and, furious at the sight, 
 Kush'd terrible amidst the ranks of fight. 
 With joy Sarpedon view'd the wish'd relief, 840 
 And, faint, lamenting, thus implor'd the chief. 
 
 Oh suffer not the foe to bear away 
 My helpless corpse, an unassisted prey ; 
 If I, unblest, must see my son no more. 
 My much-lov'd consort, and my native shore, 845 
 Yet let me die in Ilion's sacred wall ; 
 Troy, in whose cause 1 fell, shall mourn my fall. 
 
 He said, nor Hector to the chief replies. 
 But shakes his plume, and fierce to combat flies ; 
 Swift as a wliirlwind, drives tlie scattering foes ; 850 
 And dyes the ground with purple as he goes. 
 
 Beneath a beech, Jove's consecrated shade. 
 His mournful friends divine Sarpedon laid : 
 Brave Pelagon, his favorite chief, was nigh, 854 
 
 Who wrench'd the javeliu from his sinewy thigh. 
 The fainting soul stood ready wing'd for flight, 
 And o'er lus eye-balls swam the shades of night ;
 
 Book V. THE ILIAD. 133 
 
 But Boreas rising fresh, with gentle breath, 
 Recall'd his spirit from the gates of death. 
 
 Tlie generous Greeks recede with tardy pace, 86o 
 Though Mars and Hector thunder in their face ; 
 None turn their backs to mean ignoble flight. 
 Slow they retreat, and ev'n retreating fight. 
 Who first, who last, by Mars and Hector's hand 
 Stretch'd in their blood, lay gasping on the sand ? 
 Teuthras the great, Orestes the renown'd 866 
 
 For manag'd steeds, and Trechus press'd the ground ; 
 Next Oenomaus, and Oenops' oftspring dy'd ; 
 Oresbius last fell groaning at their side : 
 Oresbius, in his painted mitre gay, 870 
 
 In fat Boeotia held his wealthy sway. 
 Where lakes surround low Hyle's watery plain ; 
 A prince and people studious of their gain. 
 
 The carnage Juno from the skies survey'd. 
 And, touch'd with grief, bespoke the blue-ey'd maid. 
 Oh sight accurst ! shall faithless Troy prevail, 876 
 And shall our promise to our people fail ? 
 How vain the word to Menelaiis given 
 By Jove's great daughter and the Queen of Heaven, 
 Beneath his arms that Priam's towers should fall ; 
 If warring Gods for ever guard the wall ! 881 
 
 Mars, red with slaughter, aids our hated foes : 
 Haste, let us arm, and force with force oppose ! 
 
 Slie spoke ; Minerva burns to meet the war : 
 And now heaven's empress calls her blazing car. 885 
 At her command rush fortli the steeds divine ; 
 Rich with immortal gold their trappings shine. 
 Bright Hebe waits : by Hebe, ever young, 
 The whirling wheels are to the chariot hung. 
 On the bright axle turns the bidden wheel SQO 
 
 Of sounding brass ; the polish'd axle steel. 
 Eight brazen spokes in radiant order flame; 
 The circles gold, of uncorrupted frame. 
 Such as the heavens produce: and round the gold 
 Two brazen rings of work disine were roU'd. 895 
 The bossy naves of solid silver shone ; 
 Braces of gold suspend the moving throne : 
 The car, behind, an arching figure bore ; 
 The bending concave form'd an arch before. 
 Silver the beam, th' extended yoke was gold, goo 
 And goldeu reins th' immortal coursers hold.
 
 136 THE ILIAD. Book V. 
 
 Herself, impatient, to the ready car 
 
 Tlie coursers joins, and breathes revenge and war. 
 
 Pallas disrobes ; her radiant veil unty'd, 
 Willi flowers adorn'd, with art diversify'd, 9^5 
 
 (The labor'd veil her heavenly finijers wove) 
 Flows on the pavement of the court of Jove. 
 "Now heaven's dread arms her mighty limbs invest, 
 Jove's cuirass blazes on her ample breast; 
 Deck'd in sad triumph for the mournful field, QIO 
 O'er her broad shoulders hangs his horrid shield, 
 Dire, black, tremendous ! Round the margin roll'd, 
 A fringe of serpents hissing guards tlie gfold : 
 Here all the terrors of grim war appear. 
 Here rages Force, here tremble Flight and Fear, 915 
 Here stonnd Contention, and here Fury frown'd, 
 And the dire orb portentous Gorgon crown'd. 
 The massy golden helm she next assumes, 
 That dreadful nods with four o'ershading plumes ; 
 So vast, the broad circumference contains 920 
 
 A hundred armies on a hundred plains. 
 The Goddess thus th' imperial car ascends ; 
 Shook by her arm the mighty javelin bends. 
 Ponderous and huge ; that, wlien her furj' burns, 
 Proud tyrants humbles, and whole hosts o'erturns. 
 
 Swift at the scourge th' etherial coursers fly, 926 
 While the smooth chariot cuts the liquid sky. 
 Heaven's gates spontaneous open to the powers ; 
 Heaven's golden gates, kept by the winged hours ; 
 Commission'd in alternate watch they stand, 930 
 The sun's bright portals and tiie skies command. 
 Involve in clouds th' eternal gates of day. 
 Or the dark barrier roll with ease away. 
 The sounding hinges ring ; on either side 
 The gloomy volumes, pierc'd witli light, divide. 935 
 The chariot mounts, where deep in ambient skies 
 Confus'd, Olympus' hundred heads arise; 
 Where far apart the Thunderer tills his throne; 
 O'er all the Gods superior and alone. 
 There with her snowy hand the queen restrains 940 
 The fiery steeds, and thus to Jove complains. 
 
 O Sire ! can no resentment touch thy soul ? 
 Can Mars rebel, and does no thunder roll ? 
 What lawless rage on yon forbidden plain, 
 What rash destruction ! and what heroes slain ! 945
 
 Book V, THE ILIAD. 137 
 
 Venus, and Phoebus witli the dreadful bow. 
 Smile on the slaughter, and enjoy my woe. 
 Mad, furiou3 power ! whose unrelenting mind 
 No God can govern, and no justice bind. 
 Say, mighty father ! shall we scourge his pride, 950 
 And drive from fight th' impetuous homicide ? 
 
 To whom assenting, thus tlie Thunderer said: 
 Go ! and the great Minerva be thy aid. 
 To tame the Monster-god Minerva knows, 
 And oft afflicts his brutal breast with woes. 955 
 He said ; Saturnia, ardent to obey, 
 Lash'd her white steeds along th' aerial way. 
 Swift down the steep of heaven the chariot rolls. 
 Between th' expanded earth and starry poles. 
 Far as a shepherd, from some point on high, 960 
 O'er the wide main extends his boundless eye ; 
 Througli such a space of air, witli thundering sound. 
 At every leap th' immortal coursers bound : 
 Troy now they reach'd, and louch'd those banks divine 
 Where silver SimoVs and Stamander join. 965 
 
 There Juno stopp'd, (and her fair steeds unloos'd; 
 Of air condens'd a vapor circumfus'd : 
 For these, impregnate with celestial dew 
 Ou SimoiV brink ambrosial herbage grew. 
 Thence to relieve the fainting Argive throng-, 970 
 Smooth as the sailing doves, they glide along. 
 
 The best and bravest of the Grecian band 
 (A warhke circle) round Tydides stand : 
 Such was their look as lions bath'd in blood, 
 Or foaming boars, the terror of the wood. 975 
 
 Heaven's Empress mingles witli the mortal crowd, 
 And shouts, in Stentor's sounding voice, aloud : 
 Stentor the strong, endued with brazen lungs. 
 Whose throat surpass'd the force of fifty tongues. 
 
 Inglorious Argives ! to your race a shame, 980 
 And only men in figure and in name ! 
 Once from the walls your timorous foes engag'd. 
 While fierce in war divine Achilles rag'd ; 
 Uow issuing fearless they possess the plain, 984 
 Now win the shores, and scarce the seas remain. 
 
 Her speech new fury to tlieir hearts convey'dj 
 While near Tydides stood th' Athenian maid ; 
 The king beside his panting steeds she found, 
 O'crspent with toil, reposing on the ground :
 
 138 THE ILIAD. Book V. 
 
 To cool his glowing -wound he sat apart 999 
 
 friie wound inflicted by the Lycian dart) ; 
 Large drops of sweat from all iiis limbs descend, -r 
 Beneath his ponderous shield his sinews bend, 
 Whose ample belt, that o'er his shoulder lay, 
 He eas'd ; and wash'd the clotted gore away. 990 
 The Goddess leaning o'er the bending yoke, 
 Beside his coursers, tlius lier silence broke. 
 
 Degenerate prince '. and not of Tydeus' kind. 
 Whose little body lodg'd a mighty mind ; 
 Foremost he press'd in glorious toils to share, 1000 
 And scarce retrain'd when I forbade the war. 
 Alone, unguarded, once he dar'd to go 
 And feast, eniircled by tlie Theban foe; 
 There brav'd, and vanquish'd, many a hardy knight ; 
 Such nerves I gave him, and such force in fight. 1003 
 Thou too uo less hast been my constant care ; 
 Tliy hands I arm'd, and sent thee forth to war : 
 But thee or fear deters, or sloth detains ; 
 No drop of all thy father warms thy veins. 
 
 The chief tluis answer'd mild. Immortal maid ! 
 I own thy presence, and confess thy aid. 1011 
 
 Not fear, tliou know'st, witliholds me from tlie plains, 
 Nor sloth hath seiz'd me, but thy word restrains : 
 Trom warring Gods thou bad'st me turn my spear. 
 And Venus only found resistance liere. 1015 
 
 Hence, Goddess ! heedful of thy high commands. 
 Loth I gave way, and wain'd our A? give bands: 
 For Alars, the homicide, tliese eyes beheld, 
 With slaughter red, and raging round the field. 
 
 Tlien thus Miner\-a. Brave Tydides, hear I lOCO 
 Not I^Iars himself, nor ought immortal, fear. 
 Full on tlie God impel thy foaming horse : 
 Pallas commands, and Pallas lends thee force. 7 
 Hash, furious, blind, from these to those he flies. 
 And every side of wavering combat tries ; lOSS^^. 
 
 Large promise makes, and breaks the promise made ; " 
 Now gives the Grecians, now the Trojans aid. >\ 
 
 She said, and to the steeds approaching near, r 
 Drew from his seat the martial charioteer. .\ 
 
 The vigorous power the trembling car ascends, 1033' 
 Rerce for revense ; and Diomed attends. 
 The groaning axle bent beneath the load ; 
 So great a Hero, and so great a God. •';
 
 Book V. THE ILIAD. ISQ 
 
 She snatch'd tlie reins, she lash'd with all her force. 
 And full on Mars impell'd the foaming horse; 1035 
 But first to hide her heavenly visage spread 
 Black Orcus' helmet o'er her radiant head. 
 
 Just then gigantic Periphas lay slain, 
 The strongest warrior of th' iEtolian train; 
 The God, who slew him, leaves his prostrate prize 
 Stretch'd where he fell, and at Tydides flie^. 1041 
 Now, rushing fierce, in equal arms appear, 
 The daring Greek ; the dreadful God of war ! 
 Full at the chief, above his courser's head. 
 From Mars's arm th' enormous weapon fled : 1045 
 Pallas oppos'd h«r hand, and caus'd to glance >■ 
 Far from the car, the strong immortal lance. ^ 
 
 Then threw the force of Tydeus' warlike son ; 
 The javelin hiss'd ; the Goddess urg'd it on : 
 Where the broad cincture girt his armor round, 1050 
 It pierc'd the God : his groin receiv'd the wound. • 
 From the rent skin the warrior tugs again 'f* 
 
 The smoking steel. Mars bellows with the pain i'^ 
 Loud as the roar encountering armies yield, 
 "When shouting millions sliake the thundering field. 
 Both armies start, and trembling gaze around ; 1056 
 And earth and heaven rebellow to the sound. 
 As vapors blown by Auster's sultry breath, -'* 
 
 Pregnant with plagues, and sliedding seeds of deathj' 
 Beneath the rage of burning Sirius rise, 1060 
 
 Choke the parch'd earth, and blacken all the skies; 
 In such a cloud the God from combat driven, 
 High o'er the dusty whu-lwind scales the heaven. ■' 
 Wild with his pain, he sought the bright abodes, 
 There sullen sat beneath the Sire of Gods, 106^" 
 Show'd the celestial blood, and with a groan '- 
 
 Tlius pour'd his plaints before th' immortal thronev- 
 
 Can Jove, supine, flagitious facts sur\'ey, -I 
 
 And brook the furies of this daring day .' 
 For mortal men celestial powers engage, 1070* 
 
 And Gods on Gods exert eternal rage. 
 From thee, O father ! all these ills we bear, 
 And thy fell daughter with the shield and spear : 
 Thou gav'st that fury to the realms of light. 
 Pernicious, wild, regardless of the right. 1075 
 
 All heaven beside reveres thy sovereign sway, 
 Thy voice we hear, and thy behests obey :
 
 140 THE ILTAD. Book V. 
 
 Tis hers t' offend, and e'en offending share 
 Thy breast, thy counsels, thy distinguish'd care : 
 So boundless she, and thou so partial grown, 1080 
 Well may we deem the wondrous birth thy own. 
 Kow frantic Diomed, at her command, 
 Against th' Immortals lifts his raging band : 
 The heavenly Venus first his fury found, 
 Me next encountering, me he dar'd to wound ; 1085 
 Vau^uish'd I fled : e'en I the God of fight. 
 From mortal madness scarce was sav'd by flight. 
 Else hadst thou seen me sink on yonder plain, 
 Heap'd round, and heaving under loads of slain ! 
 Or, pierc'd with Grecian darts, for ages lie, 1090 
 Condemn'd to pain, though fated not to die. 
 
 Him thus upbraiding with a wrathful look 
 The Lord of thunders view'd, and stern bespoke. 
 To me, perfidious ! this lamenting strain ? 
 Of lawless force shall lawless Mars complain? lOQo 
 Of all the Gods who tread the spangled skies, 
 Thou most unjust, most odious in our eyes ! 
 Inhuman discord is thj* dire delight. 
 The waste of slaughter, and the raae of fight. 
 Ko bound, no law, thy fiery temper quells, 1100 
 And all thy mother in thy soul rebels. 
 In vain our threats, in vain our power we use ; 
 She gives th' example, and her son pursues. 
 Yet long th' inflicted pangs thou shalt not mourn, 
 Sprung since thou art from Jove, and heavenly born. 
 Else, sing'd with lightning hadst thou hence been thrown. 
 Where chain'd on burning rocks the Titans groan. 
 
 Thus he who shakes Olympus with his nod; 
 Then gave to Paeon's care the bleeding God. 
 With gentle hand the balm he pour'd around, 1110 
 And heal'd th' immortal flesh, and clos'd the wound. 
 As when the fig's prest juice, infus'd in cream, 
 To curds coagulates tlie liquid stream, 
 Sudden the fluids fix, the parts combin'd ; 
 Such, and so soon, th' etherial texture join'd. 1115 
 Cleans'd from the dust and gore, fair Hebe drest 
 His mighty limbs in an immortal vest. 
 Glorious he sat, in majesty restor'd, 
 East by the throne of heaven's superior Lord. 
 Juno and Pallas mount the blest abodes, IICO 
 
 Their task perform'd, and mix among the Gods.
 
 THE 
 
 I ]L I A 
 
 BOOK VI.
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Episodes of Glaucus and Diomed, and of 
 Hector and Andromache. 
 
 The Gods having left the field, the Grecians prevail. 
 Helenus, the chief augur of Troy, commands 
 Hector to return to the city, in order to appoint 
 a solemn procession of the queen and the Trojan 
 matrons to the temple of Minerva, to entreat her 
 to remove Diomed from the fight. The battle re- 
 laxing during the absence of Hector, Glaucus 
 and Diomed have an interview between the two 
 armies ; where coming to the knowledge of the 
 friendship and hospitality past between their an- 
 cestors, they make excliange of their arms. Hector, 
 having performed the orders of Helenus, prevails 
 upon Paris to return to the battle ; and taking 
 a tender leave of his wife Andromache, hastens 
 again to the field. 
 
 Tlie scene is first in the field of battle, between 
 the river SimoVs and Scaman^er, and then changes 
 to Troy.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK VI. 
 
 NOW heaven forsakes the fight : th' immortals 
 yield. 
 To human force and human skill, the field : 
 Dark showers of javelins fiy from foes to foes ; 
 Now here, now there, tlie tide of combat flows ; 
 While Troy's fam'd * streams, that bound the death- 
 ful plain, 5 
 
 On either side run purple lo the main. 
 
 Great Ajax first to conquest led the waj% 
 Broke the thick ranks, and turn'd the doubtful day. 
 The Thracian Acamas his falchion found, 
 And hew'd th' enormous giant to the ground ; 10 
 His tlmndering arm a deadly stroke imprest 
 Where the black horse-hair nodded o'er his crest: 
 Fix'd in his front the brazen weapon lies. 
 And seals in endless shades his swimming eyes. 
 Next Teuthras' son distain'd the sands with blood, 
 Axylus, hospitable, rich, and good : l6 
 
 In fair ArLsbe's walls fhis native place) 
 He held his seat ; a friend to human race. 
 Fast by the road, his ever-open door 
 Oblig'd the wealthy, and reliev'd the poor. 20 
 
 To stern Tydides now he falls a prey, 
 No friend to guard him in the dreadful day ! 
 Breathless the good man fell, and by his side 
 His faithful servant, old Calesius, dy'd. 
 
 By great Euryalus was Dresus slain, 23 
 
 And next he laid Opheltius on the plain. 
 
 * Scamander and Simois.
 
 144 THE ILIAD. Book VI. 
 
 Two twins ■were near, bold, beautiful, and young. 
 From a fair Naiad and Bucolion sprung : 
 (Laomedon's -white flocks Bucolion fed, 
 Tliat monarch's first-born by a foreign bed ; 30 
 
 In secret woods he won the Naiad's grace, 
 And two fair infants crown'd his strong embrace.) 
 Here dead they lay in all their youthful charms ; 
 The ruthless Nictor siript tlieir shining arms. 
 
 Astyalus by Polypcetes fell ; 35 
 
 Ulysses' spear Pidytes sent to hell ; 
 By Teucer's shaft brave Aretaon bled. 
 And Nestor's son laid stem Ablerus dead ; 
 Great Agamemnon, leader of the brave. 
 The mortal wound of rich Elatus gave, 40 
 
 Who held in Pedasus his proud abode, 
 And tUl'd the banks where silver Satnio flow'd. 
 Melanthius bj^ Eurypylus was slain ; 
 And Phylacus from Leitus flies in vain. 
 
 Unblest Adrastus next at mercy lies 45 
 
 Beneath the Spartan spear, a li\'ing prize. 
 Scar'd with the din and tumult of the fight, 
 His headlong steeds precipitate in flight, 
 Rush'd on a tamarisk's strong trunk, and broke 
 The shatter'd chariot from the crooked yoke ; 50 
 Wide o'er the field, resistless as the wind. 
 For Troy they fly, and leave their lord behind. 
 Prone on his face he sinks beside the wheel : 
 Atrides o'er him shakes his vengeful steel ; 
 The fallen chief in suppliant posture press'd 55 
 
 The victor's knees, and thus his prayer address'd. 
 
 Oh, spare my youth ! and for the life I owe 
 Large gifts of price my father shall bestow. 
 When fame shall tell, that, not in battle slain, 
 Thy hollow ships his captive son detain; 60 
 
 Rich heaps of brass shall in thy tent be told. 
 And steel well temper'd, and persuasive gold. 
 
 He said : compassion touch'd the hero's heart ; 
 He stood, suspended, with the lifted dart : 
 As pity pleaded for his vanquish'd prize, 65 
 
 Stern Agamemnon switt to vengeance flies, 
 And furious thus. Oh impotent of mind ! 
 Shall these, shall these Atrides' mercy find ? 
 Well hast thou known proud Troy's perfidious land. 
 And well her natives merit at thy hand ! 70
 
 Book Vr. THE ILIAD. 145 
 
 Not one of all the race, nor sex, nor age, 
 
 Shall save a Trojan from our boundless rage: 
 
 llion shall perish whole, and bury all ; 
 
 Her babes, her infants at the breast, shall fall. 
 
 A dreadful lesson of exampled fate, 75 
 
 To warn the nations, and to curb the great ! 
 
 The monarch spoke ; the words with warmth addrest. 
 To rigid justice steel'd his brother's breast. 
 Fierce from his knees the hapless chief he thrust ; 
 The monarch's javelin stretch'd him in the dust, 80 
 Then pressing with his foot his panting heart, 
 Forth from the slain he tugg'd the reeking dart. 
 Old Nestor saw, and rous'd the warrior's rage ; 
 Thus, heroes ! thus the vigorous combat wage ! 
 No son of Mars descend, for servile gains, 85 
 
 To touch the booty, while a foe remains. 
 Behold yon glittering host, your future spoil ! 
 First gain the conquest, then reward the toil. 
 
 And now had Greece eternal fame acquir'd, 
 And frighten'd Troy within her walls retir'd ; 90 
 Had not sage Helenus her state redrest. 
 Taught by the Gods that movd his sacred breast. 
 Where Hector stood, with great ^neas join'd. 
 The seer reveal'd the counsels of his mind. 
 
 Ye generous chiefs ! on whom th' inmiortals lay 
 The cares and glories of this doubtful day; 96 
 
 On whom your aids, your country's hopes depend; 
 Wise to consult, and active to defend ! 
 Here, at our gates, your brave efforts unite. 
 Turn back the routed, and forbid the flight; 100 
 Ere yet tlieir wives' soft arms the cowards gain. 
 The sport and insult of the hostile train. 
 V/hen your commands have hearten'd every band. 
 Ourselves, here fi'x'd, will make the dangerous stand ; 
 Press'd as we are, and sore of former fight, 105 
 These straits demand our last remains of might. 
 Meanwhile, thou, Hector, to the town retire. 
 And teach our mother what the Gods require : 
 Direct the queen to lead th' assembled train 
 Of Troy's chief matrons to ^linerva's fane ; 110 
 
 Unbar the sacred gates, and seek the power 
 With offer'd vows, in Ilion's topmost tower. 
 G
 
 146 THE ILIAD. BooTi Wf: 
 
 The largest mantle her licli wardrobes hold, • .;flT. 
 Most priz'd for art, and labor'd o'er with gold, . dW 
 Before tlie Goddess' honor'd knees be spread ; USL 
 And twelve young heifers to her altars leds -on^ 
 If 30 the power, aton'd by fer\'ent prayerv ^uca IoV^ 
 Oui wives, our infants, and our city spare^i^b iKif£ 
 And far avert Tydides' wasteful ire, " : " 
 
 That mows whole troops, and makes all Troy retire. 
 Not thus Achilles taught our hosts to dread, Kl 
 Sprung though he was from more than mortal bed* 
 Not thus resistless rul'd the stream of fight, Y,* 
 
 In rage unbounded, and unmatched in might. :./. 
 Hector obedient heard; and, with a bound, 125 
 Leap'd from his trembling chariot to the ground; 
 Througli all his host, inspiring force, he flies. 
 And bids the thunder of the battle rise. 
 With rage recruited the bold Trojans glow. 
 And turn the tide of conflict on the foe : 130 
 
 Fierce in the front he shakes two dazzling spears : 
 All Greece recedes, and 'midst her triumplis fears; 
 Some God, they thought, who rul'd the fate of wars. 
 Shot down avenging, from the vault of stars. 
 
 Tlien thus, aloud. Ye dauntless Dardans, hear! 
 And you wliom distant nations send to war ! 136 
 Be mindful of the strength your fatliers bore; 
 Be still yourselves, and Hector asks no more. 
 One hour demands me in the Trojan wall. 
 To bid our altars flame, and victims fall : 140 
 
 Nor shall, I trust, the matrons holy train 
 And reverend elders, seek the Gods in vaiu. 
 
 This said, with ample strides the hero past ; 
 The shield's large orb behind his shoulder cast. 
 His neck o'ershading, to his ancle hung ; 145 
 
 And as he march'd, the brazen buckler rung. 
 
 Now paus'd the battle (godlike Hector gone) 
 When daring Glaucus and great Tydeus' son 
 Between both armies met: the chiefs from far 
 Observ'd each other, and had mark'd for war. 150 
 Near as they drew, Tydides thus began. 
 
 What art thou, boldest of the race of man? 
 Our eyes, till now, that aspect ne'er beheld. 
 Where fame is reap'd amid th' embattled field ; 
 Yet far before the troops thou dar'st appear 155 
 And meet a lance the fiercest heroes fear.
 
 Book VI. THE ILIAD. I47 
 
 Unhappj' they, and born of luckless sires, 
 Who tempt our fury when Minerva fires ! 
 But if from heaven, celestial thou descend ; 
 Know, with immortals we no more contend. I60 
 Not long Lycnrgus view'd the golden light. 
 That daring man who mix'd with Gods in fight. 
 Bacchus, and Bacchus' votaries, he drove. 
 With brandish'd steel from Nyssa's sacred grove: 
 Their consecrated spears lay scattered round, l65 
 With curling vines and twisted ivy bound ; 
 While Bacchus headlong sought the briny flood, 
 And Thetis' arm receiv'd the trembling God. 
 Kor faild the crime th' immortals' wrath to move, 
 (Th' immortals blest with endless ease above) 17O 
 Depriv'd of sight by their avenging doom. 
 Cheerless he breath'd, and wander'd in the gloom : 
 Then sunk unpity'd to the dire abodes, 
 A wretch accurst, and hated by the Gods ! 
 I brave not heaven : but if the fruits of earth 175 
 
 ' Sustain thy life, and human be thy birth ; 
 
 ! Bold as thou art, too prodigal of breatli, 
 
 , Approach, and eater the dark gates of death. 
 
 , What, or from whence I am, or who my sire, 
 (Reply'd the chief) can Tydeus' son enquire ? 180 
 Like leaves on trees the race of man is found. 
 Now green in youth, now withering on the ground; 
 Another race the following spring supplies ; 
 They fall successive, and successive rise : 
 So generations in their course decay ; 185 
 
 So flourish these, when those are past away. 
 But if thou still persist to search my birth, 
 Tlien hear a tale that fills the spacious earth. 
 
 A city stands on Argos' utmost bound, 
 (Argos the fair for warlike steeds renown'd) JQO 
 ^olian Sisyphus, with wisdom West, 
 In ancient time the happy walls possest. 
 Then call'd Ephyre: Glaucus was his son; 
 Great Glaucus, father of Bellerophon, 
 Who o'er the sons of men in beauty shin'd, I95 
 Lov'd for that valor which preserves mankind. 
 Then mighty Praetus Argos' sceptres sway'd. 
 Whose hard commands Bellerophon obey'd. 
 With direful jealousy the monarch rag'd. 
 And the brave prince in numerous toils engag'd. 200
 
 148 THE ILIAD. Book VI, 
 
 For him Antasa burn'd with lawless flame. 
 
 And strove to tempt him from the paths of fame: 
 
 In vain she tempted the relentless youth. 
 
 Endued with wisdom, sacred fear, aud truth. 
 
 Fir'd at his scorn the queen to Praetus fled, £05 
 
 And begg'd revenge for her insulted bed : 
 
 Incens'd he heard, resolving on his fate; 
 
 But hospitable laws restrain'd his hate : 
 
 To Lycia the devoted youth he sent. 
 
 With tablets seal'd, that told his dire intent. 210 
 
 Now, blest by every power who guards the good. 
 
 The chief arriv'd at Xauthus' silver flood : 
 
 There Lycia's monarch paid him honors due. 
 
 Nine days he feasted, and nine bulls he slew. 214 
 
 But when the tenth bright morning orient glow'd. 
 
 The faithful j'outh his monarch's mandate show'd: 
 
 The fatal tablets, till that instant seal'd. 
 
 The deathful secret to the king reveal'd, 
 
 First, dire Chimaera's conquest was enjoiu'd : 
 
 A mingled monster, of no mortal kind ; 220 
 
 Behind, a dragon's fiery tail was spread ; 
 
 A goat's rough body bore a lion's head ; 
 
 Her pitchy nostrils flaky flames expire ; 
 
 Her gaping throat emits infernal fire. 
 
 This pest he slaughter'd (for he read the skies. 
 And trusted heaven's informing prodigies) 2£6 
 
 Then met in arms the Solymoean crew, 
 (Fiercest of men) aud those the warrior slew. 
 Next the bold Amazon's whole force defy'd ; 
 And conquer'd still, for heaven was on his side. 250 
 
 Nor ended here his toils : his Lycian foes 
 At his return, a treacherous ambush rose, 
 "With level'd spears along ttie winding shore ; 
 There fell they breathless, and return'd no more. 
 
 At length the monarch with repentant grief 235 
 Confess'd the Gods, and God-descended chief; 
 His daughter gave, the stranger to detain. 
 With half the honors of his ample reign : 
 The Lycians grant a chosen space of ground. 
 With woods, with vineyards, and with harvests crown'd. 
 There loug the chief his happy lot possest, 241 
 
 With two brave sons and one fair daughter bless'd ; 
 (Fair e'en in heavenly eyes ; her fruitful love 
 Crown'd with Sarpedon's birth th' embrace of Jove)
 
 Book "71. THE ILIAD. 149 
 
 But when at last, distracted in his mind, 245 
 
 Forsook by heaven, forsaking human kind, 
 
 ■\Vide o'er th' Aleian field he chose to stray, 
 
 A long, forlorn, uncomfortable way ! 
 
 Woes heap'd on woes consum'd his wasted heart; 
 
 His beauteous daughter fell by Phoebe's dart ; 250 
 
 His eldest-born by raging Mars was slain, 
 
 In combat on the Solymcean plain. 
 
 Hippolochus surviv'd ; from him I came. 
 
 The honor'd author of my birth and name ; 
 
 IBy his decree I sought the Trojan town, ^l^ 
 
 By his instructions learn to win renown. 
 
 To stand the first in worth as in command. 
 
 To add new honors to my native land. 
 
 Before my eyes my mighty sires to place. 
 
 And emulate the glories of our race. 260 
 
 He spoke, and transport fill'd Tydides' heart ; 
 In eartli the generous warrior fix'd his dart. 
 Then friendly, thus, the Lyciau prince addrest : 
 Welcome, my brave hereditary guest ! 
 Thus ever let us meet, with kind embrace, 265 
 IJor stain the sacred friendsliip of our race. 
 Know, chief, our grandsires have been guests of old, 
 Oeneus the strong, Bellerophon the bold : 
 Our ancient seat his honor'd presence grac'd, 
 Where twenty days in genial rites he pass'd. 270 
 The parting heroes mutual presents left j 
 A golden goblet was thy grandsire's gift ; 
 Oeneus a belt of matchless work bestow'd, 
 Tliat rich with Tyrian dye refulgent glow'd. 
 (This from his pledge 1 learn' d, which safely stor'd 
 Among my treasures, still adorns my board : 276 
 For Tydeus left me young, when Thebes wall 
 Beheld the sons of Greece untimely fall.) 
 Mindful of this, in friendship let us join ; -\ 
 
 If heaven our steps to foreign lands incline, S80 C 
 My guest in Argos thou, and I in Lycia thine, j 
 Enough of Trojans to this lance shall yield, 
 In the full harvest of yon ample field ; 
 Enough of Greeks shall dye thy spear with gore ; 
 But thou and Diomed be foes no more. 285 
 
 Kow change we arms, and prove to either host 
 We gu^d the friendship of the line we boast.
 
 150 THE ILIAD. Book VI. 
 
 Thus having said, the grallant chiefs alight. 
 Their hands they join, their mutual faith they plight ; 
 Brave Glaucus then each narrow thought resign'd, 
 (Jove warm'd his bosom and enlarg'd his mind : ggi 
 For Diomed's brass arms, of mean device, 
 For which nine oxen paid, (a vulgar price ;) 
 He gave his own, of gold divinely wrought, 
 A hundred beeves the shining purchase bought. 295 
 
 Meantime the guardian of the Trojan state, 
 Great Hector, enter'd at the Scajan gate. ■• 
 
 Beneath the beech-tree's consecrated shades, -i 
 The Trojan matrons and the Trojan maids .i 
 
 Around him flock'd, all prest with pious care JQO 
 For husbands, brothers, sons, engag'd in war. C> 
 He bids the train in long procession go, - '- 
 
 And seek the Gods t' avert th' impending- woe. 
 And now to Priam's stately courts he came, 
 Rais'd on arch'd columns of stupendous frame ; 303 
 O'er these a range of marble structure runs. 
 The rich pavilions of his fifty sons. 
 In fifty chambers lodg'd : and rooms of state 
 Oppos'd to those, where Priam's daughter sat t 
 Twelve domes for them and their lov'd spouses shone. 
 Of equal beauty, and of polish'd stone. 311 
 
 Hither great Hector pass'd, nor pass'd unseen 
 Of royal Hecuba, his mother queen. 
 (With her Laodice, whose beauteous face 
 Surpass'd the nymphs of Troy's illustrious race) 315 
 Long in a strict embrace she held her son. 
 And press'd his hand, and tender thus begun. 
 
 O Hector ! say, what great occasion calls 
 My son from fight, whenGreece surrounds our walls ? 
 Com'st thou to supplicate th' almighty power, 320 
 With lifted hands from Ilion's lofty tower? 
 Stay, till I bring the cup with Bacchus crown'd^ 
 In Jove's high name, to sprinkle on the ground. 
 And pay due vows to all the Gods around. 
 Then with a plenteous draught refresh thy soul , 325 
 And draw new spirits from the generous bowl: 
 Spent as thou art with long laborious fight, 
 The brave defender of thy country's right. 
 
 Far hence be Bacchus' gifts (the chief rejoin'd :}' 
 Inflaming wine, pernicious to mankind, 330 [ 
 
 UnnerN-es the limbs, and dulls the noble mind. 
 
 325 
 
 r ■-* 
 
 330> 
 i. 3
 
 Book VI. TJIE ILIAD. 151 
 
 Let chiefs abstain, and spare the sacred j^ce .^ 
 To sprinkle to the Gods, its better "se./ '_ , 'y_^' ,„ 
 By me that holy office were profaii'd ; ..^ ,.^ ~ 
 Jll fits it me, with human gore dlstain'd;'' ,)v^ 
 To tlie pure skies these horrid hands to raise, ^ 
 Or offer heaven's great Su-e polluted praise. '^* 
 You with your matrons, go ! a spotless train, 'j^; , 
 And burn rich odors in Minerva's fane. f-^' 
 
 The largest mantle your full wardrobes hold, ,'340 
 Most priz'd for art, and labor'd o'er Avith gold,- ,^ 
 Before tlie Goddess' honor'd knees be spread, '"- 
 And twelve young heifers to her altar led. ;^ ., 
 So may the power, aton'd by fer\'ent prayer. 
 Our wives, our infants, and our city spare, 345 
 
 And far avert Tydides' wasteful ire, ^.^ 
 
 Who mows whole troops, and makes all Troy recipe. 
 Be this, O mother, your religious care ; '^^' 
 
 I go to rouse soft Paris to the war ; V 
 
 If yet, not lost to all the sense of shame, 350 
 
 The recreant warrior hear tlie voice of fame. 
 Oh would kind earth the hateful wretch embrace* 
 That pest of Troy, that ruin of our race ! , ,; -j. 
 
 Deep to the dark abyss might he descend, •- 
 Troy yet should flourish, and my sorrows end. 355 
 Tliis heard, she gave command; and summon'd came 
 Each noble matron and illustrious dame. 
 The Phrygian queen to her rich wardrobe went, , 
 Where treasur'd odors breath'd a costly scent. 
 There lay the vestures of no vulgar art, /,360 
 
 Sidonian maids embroider'd every part, '^"^ 
 
 Wliom from soft Sidon youthful Paris bore, '^■ 
 With Helen touching on the Tyrian shore, ,i>.f 
 Here as the queen revolv'd with careful eyes . ' 
 The various textures and the various dyes, ,365 
 She chose a veil that shone superior far. 
 And glow'd refulgent as the morning star. 
 Herself with tliis the long procession leads ; 
 The train majestically slow proceeds. 
 Soon as to Ilion's topmost tower they come, 3^0 
 And awful reach the high Paladian dome, •,'_!> 
 Antenor's consort, fair Theano, waits v.si'J siC^ 
 As Pallas' priestess, and unbars the gateg^tj ^-5^ *" - 
 With hands uplifted and imploring eyes,, -:,,.,-p . ■, 
 They fill the dome with supplicating cries, SJS
 
 152 THE ILIAI). Book VI. 
 
 The Priestess then the shining veil displays, 
 Plac'd on Minerva's knees, and thus she prays.. ''^ 
 
 Oh awful Goddess ! ever-dreadtul maid, "^ 
 
 Troy's strong defence, unconquer'd Pallas, aid I ''^* 
 Break thou Tydides" spear, and let him fall Sfe& 
 Prone on the dust before the Trojan wall. 
 So twelve young heifers, guiltless of the yoke. 
 Shall fill thy temple -with a grateful smoke. ,„ 
 
 But thou, aton'd by penitence and prayer, ;*^ 
 
 Ourselves, our infants, and our city spare ! "^3 
 
 So pray'd Ihe Priestess in her holy fane ; 
 So vow'd the matrons, but they vow'd in vain. 
 
 While these appear before the power with prayers. 
 Hector to Paris' lofty dome repairs. 
 Himself the mansion rais'd, from every part 390 
 Assembling architects of matchless art. 
 Isear Priam's court and Hector's palace stands 
 The pompous structure, and the town commands. 
 A spear the hero bore of wondrous strength. 
 Of full ten cubits was the lance's length, 395 
 
 The steely point with golden ringlets join'd, 
 Before him brandish'd, at each motion shin'd. 
 Thus entering, in the glittering rooms he found 
 His brother-chief, whose useless arms lay round. 
 His eyes delighting witli their splendid show, 400 
 Briglitening the shield, and polishing the bow. 
 Beside him Helen with her virgins stands. 
 Guides their rich labors, and instructs their hands. 
 
 Him thus unactive, with an ardent look 
 The Prince beheld, and hieli lesenting spoke. 405 
 Thy hate to lYoy, is this tne time to show ? 
 (Oh wretcli ill-fated, and thy country's foe !) 
 Paris and Greece against us both conspire ; 
 Tb5' close resentment, and their vengeful ire. 
 Tor thee great Uion's guardian heroes fall, 410 
 
 Till heaps of dead alone defend her wall ; 
 Tor thee tlie soldier bleeds, the matron mourns. 
 And wasteful war in all its fury burns. 
 "Ungrateful man ! deserves not this thy care. 
 Our troops to hearten, and our toils to share? 415 
 
 Rise, or behold the conquering flames ascend. 
 And all the Phrygian glories at an end. 
 
 Brother, 'tis just (reply'd the beauteous youth) 
 Thy free remonstrance proves thy worth and truth :
 
 I Book Vr. THE ILTAD. 153 
 
 Yet charge my absence less, oh generous chief ! 420 
 On hate to Troy, than conscious shame and grief; 
 Kere, hid from human eyes, tliy brother sat, 
 And mourn'd in secret, his and 1 lion's fate. 
 'Tis now enough : now glory spreads her charms. 
 And beauteous Helen calls her chief to arms. -^ 
 Conquest to-day my happier sword may bless, 
 'Tis man's to fight, but heaven's to give success. 
 But while I arm, contain thy ardent mind ; 
 Or go, and Paris shall not lag behind. 
 
 He said, nor answer'd Priam's warlike son; 430 
 When Helen thus with lowly grace begun. 
 
 Oh generous brother ! if the guilty dame, 
 That caus'd these woes, deserve a sister's name ! 
 Would heaven, ere all these dreadful deeds were done. 
 The day, that show'd me to the golden sun, 435 
 Had seen my death ! Why did not whirlwinds bear 
 The fatal infant to the fowls of air ? 
 "Why sunk I not beneath the whelming tide. 
 And 'midst the roarings of the waters died ? 
 Heaven fiU'd up all my ills, and I accurst 440 
 
 Bore all, and Paris of those ills the worst. 
 Helen at least a braver spouse might claim, 
 Warm'd with some virtue, some regard of fame ! 
 Now, tir'd with toils, thy fainting limbs recline, 
 With toils, sustain'd for Paris' sake and mine : 445 
 The Gods have link'd our miserable doom. 
 Our present woe, and infamy to come : 
 J Wide shall it spread, and last through ages long. 
 Example sad ! and theme of future song. 
 
 The chief reply'd : This time forbids to rest: 450 
 The Trojan bands, by hostile fury prest. 
 Demand their Hector, and his arm require ; 
 The combat urges, and my soul's on fire. 
 Urge tliou thy knight to march where glory calls, 
 And timely join me, ere 1 leave the walls. 455 
 
 Ere yet I mingle in the direful fray. 
 My wife, my infant, claim a moment's stay; 
 This day (perhaps the last that sees me heie) 
 Demands a parting word, a tender tear : 
 This day, some God who hates our Trojan land 450 
 May vanquisli Hector by a Grecian haud. 
 .G2
 
 154 THE ILIAD. Book VI. 
 
 He said, and past with sad presaging heart 
 To seek his spouse, his soul's far dearer part ; 
 At home he sought her, but he sought in vain : 
 She, with one maid of all her menial train, 465 
 Had thence retir'd ; and with her second joy, 
 The young Astyanax, the hope of Troj', 
 Pensive she stood on Ilion's towery height, 
 Beheld the war, and sicken'd at the sight ; 
 There her sad eyes in vain her lord explore, 470 
 Or weep the wounds her bleeding country bore. 
 
 But he who found not wliom his soul desir'd. 
 Whose \'irtue charm'd him as her beauty fir'd. 
 Stood in the gates, and ask'd what way she bent 
 Her parting step ? If to the fane she went, 475 
 Where late the mourning matrons made resort ; 
 Or sought her sisters in the Trojan court ? 
 Not to the court, (reply'd th' attendant train) 
 Uor mix'd with matrons to Minerva's fane : 
 To Ilion's steepy tower she bent her way, 480 
 
 To mark the fortunes of the doubtful day. 
 Troy fled, she heard, before the Grecian sword ; 
 She heard, and trembled for her absent lord : 
 Distracted with surprise, she seem'd to fly, 
 fear on her cheek, and sorrow in her eye. 485 
 
 The nurse attended with her infant boy. 
 The young Astyanax, the hope of Troy. 
 
 Hector, this heard, return'd without delay ; 
 Swift through the town he trod his former way. 
 Through streets of palaces, and walks of state ; 490 
 And met the mourner at the Scaean gate. 
 With haste to meet him sprung the joyful fair. 
 His blameless wife. Action's wealthy heir: 
 (Cilician Thebe great Action sway'd. 
 And Hippoplacus' wide extended shade) 495 
 
 The nurse stood near, in whose embraces prest 
 His only hope hung smiling at her breast. 
 Whom each soft charm and earl^' grace adorn. 
 Fair as the new-born star that gilds the morn. 
 To this lov'd infant Hector gave the name 500 
 
 Scamandrius, from Scamander's honord stream ; 
 Astyanax the Trojans call'd the boy. 
 From his great father, tlie defence of Troy. 
 Silent the warrior smil'd, and pleas'd resign'd 
 To tender passions all his mighty mind ; 505
 
 Book VI. THE ILIAD. 165 
 
 His beauteous princess cast a mournful look. 
 Hung on his hand, and then dejected spoke ; 
 Her bosom labor'd with a boding sigh. 
 And the big tear stood trembhug in her eye. 
 
 Too daring prince ! ah, whether dost thou run ? 
 Ah, too forgetful of thy wife and son ! 511 
 
 And think'st thou not how wretched we shall be, 
 A widow I, an helpless orphan he ! 
 For sure such courage length of life denies ; 
 And thou must fall, thy virtue's sacrifice. 515 
 
 Greece in her single heroes strove in vain; 
 Now hosts oppose tliee, and thou must be slain ! 
 Oh grant me, Gods ! ere Hector meets his doom. 
 All I can ask of heaven, an early tomb ! 
 So shall my days in one sad tenor run, 520 
 
 And end with sorrows as they first begun. 
 2io parent now remains my griefs to share, 
 "No father's aid, no mother's tender care. 
 The fierce Achilles wrapp'd our walls in fire, 
 Laid Thebe waste, and slew my warlike sire ! 525 
 His fate compassion in the victor bred ; 
 Stern as he was, he yet rever'd the dead, 
 His radiant arms preserv'd from hostile spoil, 
 And laid him decent on the funeral pile ; 529 
 
 Then rais'd a mountain where his bones were burn'd ; 
 The mountain nymphs the rural tomb adorn'd, 
 Jove's sylvan daughters bade their elms bestow 
 A barren shade, and in his honor grow. 
 
 By the same arm my seven brave brothers fell ; 
 In one sad day beheld the gates of hell : 535 
 
 While tlie fat herds and snowy flocks they fed ; 
 Amid their fields' the hapless heroes bled ! 
 My mother liv'd to bear the victor's bands. 
 The queen of Hippoplacia's sj'lvan lands : 
 Redeem'd too late, she scarce beheld again 540 
 Her pleasing empire and her native plain. 
 When ah ! opprest by life-consuming woe, 
 She fell a victim co Diana's bow. 
 
 Yet, while my Hector still sur\'ives, I see 
 My father, mother, brethren, all, in thee : 545 
 
 Alas ! my parents, brothers, kindred, all 
 Once more will perish, if my Hector fall. 
 Thy wife, thy intant, in thy danger share : 
 Oh prove a husband's and a father's care !
 
 156 THE IIJAD. Book VI. 
 
 That quarter most the skillful Greeks annoy, 56C 
 Where yon wild fig-trees join the wall of Troy i 
 Thou from this tower defend th' important post i 
 There Agamemnon points his dreadful host, 
 That pass Tydides, Ajax, strive to gain, 
 And tliere the vengeful Spartan fires his train. 53fi 
 Thrice our bold foes the fierce attack have giveo. 
 Or led by hopes, or dictated from heaven. .. A 
 
 Let others in the field their arms employ, ~,:f£ 
 But stay my Hector here, and guard his Troy* ife. 
 
 The chief reply'd : That post shall be my care, 500 
 Not that alone, but all the works of war. 
 How would the sons of Troj', in arms renown'd. 
 And Troy's proud dames, whose garments sweep the 
 
 ground. 
 Attaint the lustre of my former name. 
 Should Hector basely quit tlte field of fame ? 565 
 My early youth was bred to martial pains. 
 My soul impels me to th' embattled plains : 
 Let me be foremost to defend the throne, 
 And guard my father's glories, and my own. 
 
 Yet come it will, the day decreed by fates ; 570 
 (How my heart trembles while my tongue relates f) 
 The day when thou, imperial Troy ! must bend, 
 And see thy warriors fall, thy glories end. ,K 
 
 And yet no dire presage so wounds my miad, i^H 
 My mother's death, the ruin of my kind, ffjS 
 
 Not Priam's hoary hairs defil'd witli gore. 
 Not all my brothers gasping on the shore ; 
 As thine, Andromache ! thy griefs I dread ; . . , 
 I see thee trembling, weeping, captive led ! orfi 
 In Argive looms our battles to design, BfjOv 
 
 And woes, of which so large a part was thine! 
 To bear the victor's hard commands, or bring^ 
 The weight of waters from Hyperia's spring. 
 There, while you groan beneath the load of life, 
 They cry, behold tlie mighty Hector's wife .' 585 
 Some haughty Greek, who lives thy tears to see. 
 Embitters all thy woes, by naming me. 
 The thoughts of glory past, and present shame, 
 A thousand griefs shall waken at the name ! 
 May I lie cold before that dreadful day, igO : 
 
 Prest with a load of monunieutal clay ! ^ si'
 
 fiookVt. tftEItTAO. tm 
 
 Thy Hector, wrapt in everlasting sleep, 
 
 Shall neither hear thee sigh, nor see thee weep. 
 
 Thus having spoke, th' illustrious chief of Troy 
 Stretch'd his fond arms to clasp the lovely boy. 596 
 The babe clung crying to his nurse's breast, 
 Scar'd at the dazzling helm, and nodding crest. 
 With secret pleasure each fond parent smil'd. 
 And Hector hasted to relieve his child. 
 The glittering terrors from his brows unbound, 600 
 And plac'd the beaming helmet on tlie ground. 
 Then kiss'd the child, and, lifting high in air, 
 Thus to the gods preferr'd a father's prayer. 
 
 O thou ! whose glory fills th' etherial throne. 
 And all ye deathless powers ! protect my son ! 605 
 Grant him, like me, to purchase just renown. 
 To guard the Trojans, to defend the crown. 
 Against his country's foes the war to wage. 
 And rise the Hector of the future age ? 
 So when triumphant from successful toils 610 
 
 Of heroes slain he bears the reeking spoils, 
 Whole hosts may hail him with deserv'd acclaim. 
 And say, this chief transcends his father's fame : 
 While pleas'd, amidst the general shouts of Troy, 
 His mother's conscious heart o'erflows with joy. 6l5 
 
 He spoke, and fondly gazing on her charms, 
 Restcr'd tlie pleasing burden to her arms ; 
 Soft on her fragrant breast the babe she laid, 
 Hush'd to repose, and with a smile survey'd. 
 The troubled pleasure soon chastis'd by fear, 620 
 She mingled with a smile a tender tear. 
 The sofcen'd chief with kind compassion view'd. 
 And dry'd the falling drops, and thus pursu'd. 
 
 Andromache ! my soul's far better part. 
 Why with untimely sorrows heaves thy heart ? 625 
 No hostile hand can antedate my doom. 
 Till fate condemns me to the silent tomb. 
 Fix'd is the term to all the race of eartlj ; 
 And such the hard condition of our birth, 
 No force can then resist, no flight can save ; 630 
 All sink alike, the fearfiil and the brave. 
 No more— but hasten to thy tasks at home. 
 There guide the spindle, and direct the loom j 
 Me glory summons to the martial scene. 
 The idcld of combat is the sphere for men. 635
 
 158 THE ILIAD. Book VI. 
 
 Where heroes war, the foremost place I claim, 
 The first in danger, as the first in fame. 
 
 Tlius having said, the glorious chief resumes 
 His towery helmet, black with shading plumes. 
 His princess parts with a prophetic sigh, 6iO 
 
 Unwilling parts, and oft reverts her eye. 
 That stream 'd at every look : then moving slow. 
 Sought her own palace, and indulg'd her woe. 
 There, while her tears deplor'd the God-like man. 
 Through all lier train the soft infection ran, 645 
 The pious maids their mingled sorrows shed, 
 And mourn the living Hector, as the dead. 
 
 But now, no longer deaf to honor's call, 
 Fortli issues Paris from the palace wall. 
 In brazen arms that cast a gleamy ray, 650 
 
 Swift through the town the warrior bends his way. 
 The wanton courser thus, with reins unbound. 
 Breaks from his stall, and beats the trembling around; 
 Famper'd and proud, he seeks the wonted tides, 
 And laves, iu height of blood, his shining sides ; 655 
 His head now freed, Ue tosses to the skies; 
 His mane dishevel'd o'er his shoulders flies ; 
 He snuffs the females in the distant plain. 
 And springs, exulting, to his fields again. 
 With equal triumph, sprighth', bold, and gay, 660 
 In arms refulgent as the God of Daj* , 
 The soli of Priam, glorying in his might, 
 Rush'd forth with Hector to the fields of fight. 
 
 And now the warriors passing on the way. 
 The graceful Paris first excus'd Lis sta3'. 665 
 
 To whom the noble Hector thus reply'd : 
 O chief! in blood, and now in arms, ally'd ! 
 Thy power in war with justice none contest ; 
 Known is thj- courage, and thj' strength confest. 
 What pity sloth should seize a soul so brave, 67O 
 Or god-like Paris live a woman's slave ! 
 My heart weeps blood at what the Trojans say, 
 And liopes, thy deeds shall wipe the stain away. 
 Haste then, in all their glorious labors share ; 
 For much they suffer, for thy sake, in war. 675 
 
 These ills shall cease, whene'er by Jove's decree 
 We crown the bowl to Heaven and Liberty : 
 While tlie proud foe his frustrate triumphs mourns, 
 And Greece indignant through her seas returns.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIA 
 
 BOOK VII,
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 The single Combat of Hector and Ajax. 
 
 The battle renewing with double ardor upon the 
 return of Hector, Minerva is under apprehensions 
 for tlie Greeks. Apollo, seeing her descend from 
 Olympus, joins her near the Scaean gate, they 
 agree to put oflF the general engagement for that 
 day, and incite Hector to challenge the Greeks to 
 a single combat. Nine of the princes accepting 
 the challenge, the lot is cast, and falls upon Ajax. 
 Tliese heroes, after several attacks, are parted by 
 the night. The Trojans calling a council, Antenor 
 proposes the delivery of Helen to the Greeks, to 
 which Paris will not consent, but offers to restore 
 them her riches. Priam sends a herald to make 
 this offer, and to demand a truce for burning the 
 dead, the last of which only is agreed to by 
 Agamemnon. When the funerals are performed, 
 the Greeks, pursuant to tlie advice of Nestor, erect 
 a fortification to protect their fieet and camp, 
 flanked with towers, and defended by a ditch and 
 palisades. Neptune testifies his jealousy at this 
 work, but is pacified by a promise from Jupiter. 
 Both armies pass the night in feasting, but Jupiter 
 disheartens tiie Trojans with thunder and other 
 signs of his wrath. 
 
 The three and twentieth day ends with the 
 duel of Hector and Ajax : the next day the truce 
 is agreed : another is taken up in the funeral rites 
 of the slain ; and one more in building the fortifi- 
 cation before the ships. So that somewhat above 
 three days is employed in this book, The scene 
 lies wholly in the field.
 
 I LI AD. 
 
 BOOK VII. 
 
 , CO spoke tJie guardian of the Trojan state, 
 *^ Then rush'd impetuous tlirou^h tlie Scaeaa gate. 
 Him Paris foUowd to the dire alarms ; 
 i3oth breathiug slaughter, both resolv'd in arms. 
 As wbeu to sailors laboring through the maiu, 5 
 Tliat long had heav'd the wearj' oar in vain, 
 : Jove bids at length th' expected gales arise ; 
 , The gales blow grateful, and the vessel flies : 
 ' So velcome these to Troy's desiring train ; 
 I The bands are cheer'd, the war awakes again. 10 
 I Bold Paris first the vork of death begun 
 J On great Menestheus, Areithous' son : 
 I Sprung from the fair Philomeda's embrace, 
 I The pleasin? Arne was his native place. 
 > Then sunk Eioneus to the shades below, 15 
 
 ; Beneath his steely casque he felt the blow, ■ 
 , Full on his neck, from Hector's weighty hand ; 
 And roU'd, with limbs relax d, along the land. 
 By Gl.jucus' spear the bold Iphinous bleeds, 
 Fix'd ih the shoulder as he mounts his steeds ; 20 
 Headlong he tumbles : his slack nerves unbound, 
 ; Drop tlip cold useless members on the ground. 
 I When now Minerva saw her Argives slain, 
 I From vast Olympus to the gleaming i)lain 
 . Fierce she descends : Apollo mark'd her flight, £5 
 I Mor shot less swift from llion's towery height: 
 1 Radiant they met, beneath the beechen shade ; 
 
 When thus Apollo to the blue-ej'd maid. 
 ! What cause, O daughter of almighty Jove ! 
 j Thus wings thy progress from the realms above ? 30 
 
 11
 
 162 THE ILIAD. Book Vir. 
 
 Once more impetuous dost tliou bend thy way. 
 To give to Greece the long-divided day ? 
 Too much has Troy already felt thy hate. 
 Now breathe thy rage, and hush the stern debate : 
 This day, the business of the field suspend ; 35 
 
 War soon shall kindle, and great Ilion bend ; 
 Since vengeful Goddesses confederate join 
 To ra2e her walls, though built by hands divine„,£j 
 To whom the progeny of Jove replies : .. , q 
 
 I left, for this, the council of the skies: \40^ 
 
 But who shall bid conflicting hosts forbear, ij-^ 
 
 What art shall calm the furious sons of war ? 
 To her the God : Great Hector's soul incite 
 To dare the boldest Greek to single fight. 
 Till Greece, provok'd, from all her numbers sliow 
 A warrior wortliy to be Hector's foe. 40 
 
 At this agreed, the heavenly powers withdrew ; 
 Sage Helenus their secret counsels knew : 
 Hector, inspir'd, he sought : to him addrest. 
 Thus told the dictates of his sacred breast. 50 
 
 O son of Priam ! let thy faithful ear 
 Receive my words ; thy firiend and brother hear ! 
 Go forth persuasive, and a while engage 
 The warring nations to suspend their rage ; 
 Then dare the boldest of the hostile train 65 
 
 To mortal combat on the listed plain. 
 For not this day shall end thy glorious date. 
 The Gods have spoke it, and their voice is fate. 
 He said : the warrior heard the word with joy ; 
 Then with his spear restrain'd the youth of Troy, 60 
 Held by the midst athwart. On either hand 
 The squadrons part ; the expecting Trojans stand r 
 Great Agamemnon bids the Greeks forbear ; 
 They breathe, and hush the tumult of the war. 
 Th' Athenian Maid, and glorious God of Day, 65 
 With silent joy the settling hosts survey : 
 In form of vultars, on the beech's height 
 They sit conceal'd, and wait the future fight. 
 
 The thronging troops obscure the dusky fields. 
 Horrid witJi bristling spears, and eleaming shields. 70 
 As when a general darkness veils the main, 
 ^Sofl Zephyr curling the wide watery plain) 
 The waves scarce heave, the face of ocean sleeps, 
 And a still horror saddens all the deeps :
 
 Book VII. THE ILIAD. 163 
 
 Tlius in thick orders settling wide around, 75 
 
 At length compos'd they sit, and shade the ground. 
 Great Hector first amidst both armies broke 
 The solemn silence, and their powers bespoke. 
 1 Hear, all ye Trojan, all ye Grecian bands. 
 What my soul prompts, and what some God com- 
 mands. 80 
 Great Jove, averse our warfare to compose, 
 0*erwhelms the nations with new toils and woes ; 
 War with a fiercer tide once more returns. 
 Till Ilion falls, or till yon na-^'y burns. 
 You then, O princes of the Greeks ! appear ; 85 
 lis Hector speaks, and calls the Gods to hear : 
 From all your troops select the boldest knight. 
 And him,'the boldest, Hector dares to fight. 
 Here, if I fall, by chance of battle slain, 
 Be his my spoil, and his these arms remain ; QO 
 But let my body, to my friends return'd. 
 By Trojan hands and Trojan flames be burn'd. 
 And if Apollo, in whose aid I trust, 
 Shall stretch your daring champion in tfee dust 7 ^ 
 If mine the glory to despoil the foe; "• : gS 
 On Phoebus' temple I'll his arms bestow ; 
 The breathless carcass to your navy sent, 
 Greece on the shore shall raise a monument; 
 !. Which when some future mariner sur\'eys, 
 i Wash'd by broad Hellespont's resounding seas, 100 
 I Thus shall he say, " A valiant Greek lies there, 
 " By Hector slain, the mighty man of war." 
 The stone shall tell your vanquish'd hero's name. 
 And distant ages learn the victor's fame. 
 
 This fierce defiance Greece astonish'd heard, 105 
 ' Blush'd to reftise, aad to accept it fear'd. 
 Stern Menelaiis first the silence broke, 
 And, inly groaning, thus opprobrious spoke. 
 
 Women of Greece ! Oh scandal of your race, 
 Whose coward souls your manly form disgrace. 110 
 How great the shame, when every ase shall know 
 That not a Grecian met this noble foe ! 
 Go then, resolve to earth, from whence ye grew> 
 A heartless, spiritless, inglorious crew ! 
 Be what ye seem, unanimated clay ! 115 
 
 Myself will dare the danger of the day.
 
 164 THE ILIAD. Book VIT* 
 
 Tis man's bold task tlie generous stiife to try, 
 But in tlie liands of God is victor>'. 
 
 These words scarce spoke, with generous ardor prest. 
 His manly limbs in azure arms he drest: ICO 
 
 That day, Atrides ! a superior hand 
 Had streich'd thee breatliless on the hostile straud. 
 But all at ouce, thy fury to compose, 
 The kings of Greece, an awful band arose : 
 Ev'u he their chief, great Agamemnon, press'd 1C5 
 Thy daring hand, and this advice address'd. 
 \Viuther, O Menelaiis ! wouldst thou run, 
 And tempt a fate, which prudence bids thee shun ? 
 Griev'd tliough thou art, forbear the rash design ; 
 Great Hector's arm is mightier far than thine. 130 
 Ev'n fierce Achilles learn'd its force to fear, 
 And trembling met this dreadful son of war. 
 Sit thou secure amidst tliy social band ; 
 Greece in our cause shall arm some powerful hand. 
 The mightiest warrior of th' Achaian name, 135 
 Though bold , and burning with desire of fame, 
 Content, the doubtful lionor might forego. 
 So great the danger, and so brave the foe. 
 
 He said, and turn'd liis brother's vengeful mind ; ■ 
 He stoop'd to reason, aud his rage resign'd, 140 
 lio longer bent to rush on certain harms ; 
 His joyful friends unbrace his azure arms. 
 
 He, from whose lips divine persuasion flows. 
 Grave Isestor, then, in graceful act arose. 
 Thus to the kings he spoke. What grief, what shame 
 Attend on Greece, and all the Grecian name ! liS 
 Hov>' shall, alas ! her hoary heroes mourn 
 Their sons degenerate, and their race a scorn ? 
 What tears shall down Lhy silver beard be roll'd, 
 Oh Peleus, old in arms, in wisdom old ! 150 
 
 Once with what joy the generous piince would hear 
 Of everj- chief wlio fought tliis glorious war ; 
 Participate tlieir fame, and pleasd enquire 
 Each name, each action, and each hero's sire! 
 Gods ! should he see our warriors trembling stand. 
 And trembling all before one hostile hand; 156 
 
 How would he lift his aged arms on high. 
 Lament inglorious Greece, and beg to die ! 
 Oh ! would to all th' immortal powers above, 
 Minerva, Phcebus, and almighty Jove ! l6o
 
 [BookVn. THE ILIAD. 1(» 
 
 I Years might again roll back, my youth renew, 
 ! And give this arm the spring: which once it knew : 
 When, fierce in war, where Jardan's waters fall 
 I led my troops to Phea's trembling wall, 
 And with th' Arcadian spears my prowess try'd, 
 , Where Celadon rolls down his rapid tide. l66 
 
 ' There Ereuthalion brav'd us in the field. 
 
 Proud, Areithous' dreadful arms to wield; 
 I Great AreVthous, known from shore to shore 
 i By the huge, knotted, iron mace he bore ; 170 
 
 I "No lance he shook, nor bent the twanging bow. 
 But broke, witli this, the battle of the foe. 
 Him not by manly force Lycurgus slew, 
 Whose guileful javelin from the thicket flew. 
 Deep in a winding way his breast assail'd, 173 
 
 Nor aught the warrior's thundering mace avail'd. 
 Supine he fell : those arms which Mars before 
 Had given the vanquish'd, now tlie victor bore: 
 But when old age had dimm'd Lycurgus' eyes. 
 To Ereuthalion he consign'd the prize. 180 
 
 Furious with this, he crush'd our level'd bands. 
 And dar'd the trial of the strongest hands ; 
 Kor cou'd the strongest hands his fury stay; 
 All saw, and fear'd, his huge tempestuous sway. 
 Till I, the youngest of the host, appear'd, 185 
 
 And, youngest, met whom all our army fear'd. 
 I fought the chief: my arms Minerva crown'd : 
 Prone fell the giant o'er a length of ground. 
 What then he was. Oh were your Nestor now! 
 Kot Hector's self should want an equal foe. IQO 
 But, waiTiors, you, that youthful vigor boast. 
 The flower of Greece, th' examples of our host. 
 Sprung from such fathers, who such numbers sway. 
 Can you stand trembhng, and desert the day ? 
 
 His warm reproofs the listening kings inflame ; 
 And nine, the noblest of the Grecian name, igQ 
 Up-started fierce: but far before the rest 
 The king of men advanc'd his dauntless breast : 
 Then bold Tydides, great in arms, appear'd ; 
 And next his bulk gigantic Ajax rear'd : 20O 
 
 Oileus foUow'd ; Idomen was there. 
 And Merion dreadful as the God of War: 
 With these Eurypylus and Thoas stand. 
 And wise Ulysses clos'd the daring band.
 
 ISS THE ILIAD. Book VII. 
 
 All tliese, alike inspir'd with noble rage, 205 
 
 Petnand the fight. To •whom the Pylian sage : 
 
 Let thirst of glory your brave souls divide ; 
 What chief shall combat, let the lots decide. 
 Whom heaven shall chuse, be his the chance to raise 
 His country's fame, his own immortal praise. 2i0 
 
 The lots produc'd, each hero signs his own ; 
 Then in the general's helm the fates are thrown. 
 The people pray, witli lifted eyes and hands. 
 And vows like tliese ascend from all the bands. 
 Grant, thou Almighty ! in whose hand is fate, 215 
 A worthy champion for the Grecian state, 
 This task let Ajax or Tydides prove, 
 Or he, the King of Kings, belov'd by Jove ! 
 
 Old Nestor shook tlie casque. By heaven inspir'd, 
 Leap'd forth the lot, of every Greek desir'd. 220 
 This from the right to left the herald bears, 
 .Held out in order to the Grecian peers; 
 Each to his riv;il yields the mark unknown. 
 Till godlike Aj&s. finds the lot his own ; 
 Surveys tlv inscription with rejoicing eyes, 225 
 
 I'hen casts before him, and with transport cries : 
 
 Warriors ! I claim the lot, and arm v.-'\Xh joy; 
 Be mine the conquest of this chief of Troy. 
 Now, while my brightest ai^ms my limbs invest, 
 To Saturn's son be all your vows addrest: 230 
 
 But pray in secret, lest tlie foes should hear, 
 And deem jour prayers tiie mean effect of fear. 
 Said I in secret ? No, your vows declare. 
 In such a voice as fills the earth and air. 
 Lives there a chief whom Ajax ought to dread, 235 
 Ajax, in all the toils of battle bred .' 
 From warlike Salamis I drew my birth. 
 And, born to combats, fear no force on earth. 
 
 He said. The troops with elevated eyes. 
 Implore the God whose thunder rends the skies. 
 O father of mankind, superior Lord ! 241 
 
 On lofty Ida's holy hill ador'd ; 
 Who in the highest heaven hast fix'd tliy throne. 
 Supreme of Gods ! unbounded and alone : 
 Grant thou, that Telamon may bear away 2-15 
 
 The praise and conquest of this doubtful day ; 
 Or if illustrious Hector be thy care, 
 That both may claim it, and that both may share.
 
 Book VII. THE ILIAD. Id? 
 
 Now Ajax brac'd his da^elingr ai'mor on ; 
 Sheath'd in bright steel the gianuwarrior shone: 
 He moves to combat with majestic pace; £51 
 
 So stalks in arms the grizly God of Thrace, 
 When Jove to punish faithless men prepares, 
 And gives whole nations to the vraste of wais. 
 Thus march'd the chief, tremendous as a God : 255 
 Grimly he smil'd ; earth trembled as he strode : 
 His massy javelin quivering in his hand. 
 He stood, the bulwark of the Grecian band. ,i,_' 
 Through every Argive heart new transport ran;-. 
 All Troy stood trembling at the mighty man: 2dO 
 Ev'n Hector paus'd ; and, with new doubt opprest. 
 Felt his great heart suspended in his breast : 
 Twas vain to seek retreat, and vain to fear; 
 Himself had challeng'd, and the foe drew near. ^ 
 
 Stern Telamon behind hii ample shield, 2&5 
 
 As from a brazen tower, o'erlook'd the field. ; \- . , 
 Huge was its orb, -with seven thick folds o'ercaati : 
 Of tough bull-hides ; of solid brass tlie last, 
 (The work of Tychius, who in Hyle dwell'd. 
 And all in arts of armory excell'd.) 2(0 
 
 This Ajax bore before his manly breast. 
 And threalenkig, thus his adverse chief addrest. 
 
 Hector ! approach mj' arm, and singly know 
 What strength thou hast, and what tlie Grecian foe. 
 Achilles shuns the fight ; yet some there are, 275 
 Not void of soul, and not unskill'd in -war : 
 Let him, nnactive on the sea-beat shore. 
 Indulge his wrath, and aid our arms no more; 
 Whole troops of heroes Greece has yet to boast. 
 And sends thee one, a sample of her host. 280 
 
 Such as I am, I come to prove thy might ; 
 No more— be sudden, and begin the fight. 
 
 O son of Telamon, thy country's pride ! 
 (To Ajax thus the Trojan prince reply'd) 
 Me, as a boy or woman wouldst thou fright, £85 
 New to the field, and trembling at the fight? 
 Thou meet'st a chief deser\'ing of thy arms. 
 To combat born, and bred amidst alarms : 
 I know to shift my ground, remount the car, 
 Turn, charge, and answer every call of war ; £90 
 To right, to left, the dextrous lance I wield, 
 And bear thick battle on my sounding shield.
 
 168 THE ILIAD. Book VII. 
 
 But open be our fight, and bold each blow; 
 I steal no conquest from a noble foe. 
 
 He said, and rising, high above the field 295 
 
 Whirl'd the long lance against the sevenfold shield. 
 Full on the brass descending from above 
 Through six bull-bides the furious weapon drove, 
 Tdl in the seventh it fix'd. Then Ajax threw ; 
 Through Hector's shield the forceful javelin flew; 
 His corselet enters, and his garment rends, 301 
 
 And glancing downwards near his flank descends. 
 The wary Trojan shrinks, and, bending low 
 Beneath his buckler, disappoints the blow. 
 From their bor'd shields the chiefs their javelins drew. 
 Then close impetuous, and the charge renew : 306 
 Fierce as the mountain-lions bath'd in blood, 
 Or foaming boars the terror of tlie wood. 
 At Ajax, Hector his long lance extends; 
 The blunted point against the buckler bends: 310 
 But Ajax, watchful as his foe drew near, 
 Drove tlirough the Trojan targe the knotty spear; 
 It reach'd his neck, with matchless strength impell'd; 
 Spouts the black gore, and dims his shining shield. 
 Yet ceas'd not Hector thus ; but, stooping down. 
 In his strong hand upheav'd a flinty stone, 3l6 
 
 Black, craggy, vast : to this his force he bends ; 
 Full on the brazen boss the stone descends ; 
 The hollow brass resounded with the shock. 
 Then Ajax seiz'd the fragment of a rock, 320 
 
 Apply'd each ner%-e, and swinging round on high, 
 With force tempestuous let the ruin fly : 
 The huge stone thundering through his buckler broke, 
 His slacken'd knees receiv'd the numbing stroke ; 
 Great Hector falls extended on the field, 325 
 
 His bulk supporting on the shattered shield : 
 Nor wanted heavenly aid : ApoUoJs might 
 Confirm'd his sinews, and restor'd to light. 
 And now both heroes their bread falchions drew : 
 In flaming circles round their heads they flew ; 330 
 But then by heralds' voice the word was given. 
 The sacred ministers of earth and heaven : 
 Divine Talthybius whom the Greeks employ. 
 And sage Id^us on the part of Troy, 
 Between the swords their peaceful sceptres rear'd; 
 And first Idceus' awful voice was heard. 336
 
 Book Vir. THE ILIAD. 109 
 
 Forbear, my sons ! your farther force to prove. 
 Both dear to men, and both belov'd of love. 
 To eitlier host your matchless worth is known, 
 Each sounds your praise, and war is all your own. 
 But now the night extends her awful shade ; 341 
 The Goddess parts you: be the niglit obey'd. 
 
 To wiiom great Ajax his liigh soul express'd. 
 O sage ! to Hector be these words addiess'd. 
 Let him who first provok'd our chiefs to figlit, 345 
 Let hiin demand the sanction of the night ; 
 If first he ask it, 1 content obey, 
 And cease tlie strife when Hector shows the way. 
 
 Oh hrst of Greeks ! (his noble foe rejoin'd) ^ 
 Who^n heaven adonis, superior to thy kind, 350 \ 
 With strength of body, and with worth of mind ! 7 
 l>Jow martial law conimauds us to forbear; 
 Hereafter we shall meet in glorious war, 
 Some future day shall lengtlien out tliu strife. 
 And let the Gods decide of death or life ! 355 
 
 Since then the night extends her gloomy shade. 
 And heaven enjoins it, be the niyiit obey'd. 
 Return, brave Ajax, to thy Grecian friends. 
 And joy the nations whom thy arm defends ; 
 As I shall glad each chief, and Trojan wife, 360 
 Who wearies heaven with vows for Hector's life. 
 But let us, on tliis memorable day, 
 Exchange some gift ; that Greece and Troy may say, 
 " Not hate, but glory, made these chiefs contend ; 
 *' And each brave foe was in his soul a friend." 365 
 
 With that, a sword witli stars of silver grac'd. 
 The baldrick studded, and the sheath enchas'd. 
 He gave the Greek. The generous Greek bestow'd 
 A radiant belt that rich with purple glow'd. 
 Then with majestic grace they quit the plain ; 370 
 This seeks the Grecian, that the Phrygian train. 
 
 The Trojan bands returning Hector wait, 
 And hail with joy the champion of their state : 
 Escap'd great Ajax, they survey'd him round. 
 Alive, unharm'd, and vigorous from his wound. 375 
 To Troy's high gates the godlike man they bear, 
 Their present triumph, as their late despair. 
 
 But Ajax, glorying in his hardy deed. 
 The well-arm'd Greeks to Agamemnon lead, 
 H
 
 170 THE ILIAD. Book VII. 
 
 A steer for sacrifice the king design'd, 380 
 
 Of full five jears, and of the nobler kind. 
 The victim falls ; they strip the smoking hide. 
 The beast they quarter, and tlie joints divide ; 
 Then spread the tables, the repast prepare, 
 Each takes his seat, and eacli receives liis share. 385 
 The king himself (an honorar>^ sign) 
 Before great Ajax plac'd the mighty chine. 
 When now the rage of hunger was remov'd, 
 Nestor, in each persuasive art approv'd, 389 
 
 The sage whose counsels long had sway'd the rest, 
 In words like these his prudent thought exprest. 
 
 How dear, O kings ! this fatal day has cost. 
 What Greeks are perish'd ! what a people lost ! 
 What tides of blood have drencli'd Scamandra's shore ! 
 What crowds of heroes sunk, to rise no more ! 3u5 
 Then hear me, chief! nor let the morrow's light 
 Awake thy squadrons to new toils of fight : 
 Some space at least permit the war to breathe, 
 While we to flames our slaughter'd friends bequeath. 
 From the red field their scatter'd bodies bear, 400 
 And nigh the fleet a funeral structure rear; 
 So decent urns their snowy bones may keep, 
 And pious children o'er their ashes weep. 
 Here, where on one promiscuous pile they blaz'd. 
 High o'er them all a general tomb be rais'd ; 405 
 Kcxt, to secure our camp, and naval powers, 
 Haise an embattled wall, with lofty towers; 
 From space to space be ample gales around. 
 For passing chariots ; and a trench profound. 
 So Greece to combat shall in safely go, 410 
 
 "Nor fear the fierce incursions of the foe. 
 Twas thus the sage his wholesome counsel mov'd; 
 The sceptred kings of Greece his words approv'd. 
 
 Meanwhile, conven'd at Priam's palace-gate. 
 The Trojan peers in nightly council sat: 415 
 
 A senate void of order, as of choice ; 
 Their hearts were fearful, and confus'd their voice. 
 Antenor rising, thus demands their ear: 
 Ye Trojans, Dardans, and auxiliars, hear • 
 Tis heaven the counsel of my breast inspires, 420 
 And I but move what every God requires : 
 Let Sparta's treasures be this hour restor'd, 
 And Argive Helen own her ancient lord.
 
 Book VII. THE ILIAD, m 
 
 The ties of faith, tlie sworn alliance broke, 
 
 ; Our impious battles the just Gods provoke. 425 
 
 ( As this advice ye practise, or reject, 
 So hope success, or dread the dire effect. 
 
 The senior spoke, and sat. To whom reply'd 
 The graceful husband of the Spartan bride. 
 Cold counsels, Trojan, may become thy years, 430 
 But sound ungrateful in a warrior's ears : 
 Old man, if void of fallacy or art. 
 Thy words express the pui-pose of thy heart, 
 
 i; Thou, in thy time, more sound advice hast given, 
 But wisdom has its date, assign'd by heaven. 435 
 
 , Then hear me, princes of the Trojan name ! 
 
 \ Tlieir tr(;asures I'll restore, but not the dame ; 
 
 J My treasures too, for peace, I will resign ; 
 
 ' But be this bright possession ever mine. 
 
 'Twas then, the growing discord to compose, 440 
 
 i Slow from liis seat tlie reverend Priam rose ; 
 His God-like aspect deep attention drew : 
 
 ' He paus'd, and these pacific words ensue. 
 Ye Trojans, Dardans, and auxiliar bands ! 
 Kow take refresliment as the hour demands : 445 
 Guard well the walls, relieve the watch of night. 
 Till the new sun restore tlie cheerful light : 
 Tiien shall our herald to th' Atrides sent. 
 Before their ships proclaim my son's intent, 
 l^ext let a truce be ask'd, that Troy may burn 450 
 Her slaughter'd heroes, and their bones inurn ; 
 That done, once more the fate of war be try'd. 
 And whose the conquest, mighty Jove decide ! 
 
 The monarch ^poke ! the warriors snatch'd with haste 
 (Each at his post in arms) a short repast. 455 
 
 Soon as the rosy morn had wak'd tiie day. 
 To the black ships Idceus bent his way ; 
 Tliere, to the sons of Mars, in council found. 
 He rais'd his voice : the host stood listening ronnd. 
 Ye- sons of Atreus, and ye Greeks, give ear ! 460 
 Tlie words of Iroy, and Troy's great monarch heat- 
 Pleai>'d may ye hear (so heaven succeed my prayers) 
 "What Paris, author of the wai, declares. 
 The spoils and treasures he to I lion bore, 464 
 
 (Oh liad he perish'd ere they toucli'd our shore '.) 
 He proffers injur'd Greece ; with large increase 
 Of added Trojan wealth to buy tlie peace.
 
 178 THE ILIAD. Book VII. 
 
 But to restore the beauteous bride again, 
 This Greece demands, and iroy requests in vain. 
 Hexu O ye cliiefs ! we ask a truce to burn 470 
 
 Our slaufjhter'd heroes, and their bones inurn. 
 That done, once more the tace or war be tiy'd, 
 And whose the conquest, miglity Jove decide! 
 
 The Greeks gave ear. but none tlie silence broke ; 
 At leng:th Tydides rose, and rising spoke. 475 
 
 Oh, take not, friends ! defrauded of your fame. 
 Their proflFer'd wealth, nor e'en the; Spartan dame. 
 Let conquest make tliem ours : late shakes Uieir wall, 
 And Troy already totters lo her fail. 479 
 
 Th' admiring chiefs, and all the Grecian name, 
 With general shouts return'd him loud acclaun. 
 Then thus tlie King of Kings rejects die peace :^ 
 Herald ! in him thou heai'st the voice of Greece^r' 
 For what remains; let funeral fiames be fed 
 With heroes corpse ; I war not with the dead : 485 
 Go search your slaughlerd cliiefs on yonder plain. 
 And gratify the manes of the slain. 
 Be witness, Jove, whose thunder rolls on high ! 
 He said, and, rear'd his sceptre to the sky. 
 
 To sacred Troy, where all her princes lay 490 
 To wail th' event, the herald bent his way. 
 He came, and, standing in the midst, explain'd 
 The peace rejected, but the truce obtain'd. 
 Straight to their several cares the Trojans move, 
 Some search the plains, some fell the sounding grove: 
 Kor less the Greeks, descending on the shore, 490 
 Hew'd tlie green forests, and the bodies bore. 
 And now from forth the chambers of the main, 
 To shod his sacred light on earth again, 
 Arose the golden chariot of tlie day, 500 
 
 And tipt the mountains with a purple ray. 
 In mingled throngs the Greek and Trojan train 
 Thro' heaps of carnage search'd the mournful plain. 
 Scarce could the friend his slaughter'd friend explore. 
 With dust dishonor'd, and deform'd with gore. 5C5 
 The wounds they wash'd, their pious tears they shed. 
 And, laid along their cars, deplor'd the dead. 
 Sage Priam check'd their grief: with silent haste 
 The bodies decent on their piles were plac'd : 
 With melting hearts the cold remains they bum'd ; 
 And sadly slow to sacred Troy return'd. 511
 
 Book VII. THE ILIAD. 173 
 
 Nor less the Greeks their pious sorrows shed. 
 And decent on the pile dispose the dead ; 
 The cold remains consume with equal care ; 
 And, slowly, sadly, to their fleet repair. 515 
 
 !Now, ere the morn had streak'd witli reddening light 
 The doubtful confines of the day and ni^ht ; 
 About the dying flames the Greeks appear'd. 
 And round the pile a general tomb they rear'd. 
 Then, to secure the C3mp and naval powers, 520 
 They rais'd embattled -walls with lofty towers; 
 From space to space were ample gates around. 
 For passing chariots ; and a trench profound, 
 Of large extent ; and deep in earth, below, 525 
 Strong piles infixd stood adverse to the foe. 
 
 So toil'd the Greeks: meanwhile the Gods above 
 In shining circle round their father Jove, 
 Amaz'd beheld the wondrous works of man : 
 Then he, whosy trident shakes the earth, began. 530 
 
 What mortals henceforth shall our power adore, 
 Our fanes frequent, our oracles implore. 
 If the proud Grecians thus successful boast 
 Their rising bulwarks on the sea-beat coast ? 
 See the long walls extending to the main, 535 
 
 Uo God consulted, and no victim slain 5 
 Their fame shall fill the world's remotest ends ; 
 Wide, as the morn her golden beam extends. 
 While old Laoniedon's divine abodes. 
 Those radiant structures rais'd by laboring Gods, 540 
 Shall, raz'd and lost, in long oblivion sleep. 
 Thus spoke the hoary monarch of the deep. 
 
 Th' Almighty Thunderer with a frown replies, 
 That clouds the world, and blackens half the skies. 
 Strong God of Ocean! thou, whose rage can make 545 
 The solid earth's eternal basis shake ! 
 Wliat cause of fear from mortal works could move 
 The meanest subject of our realms above ? 
 Whero/er the sun's refulgent rays are cast. 
 Thy power is honor'd, and tliy fame shall last. 550 
 But yon proud work no future age shall view, 
 No trace remain wliere once the glory grew. 
 The sapp'd foundations by thy force shall fall. 
 And, whelm'd beneath thy waves.dropthe huge wall: 
 Vast drifts of sand shall change the former shore ; 
 The ruia vanisli'd, and the name no raors. 556
 
 174 THE ILTAD. Bok VIL 
 
 Thus they in heaven : while o'er the Grecian train. 
 The rolling sun descending to the main 
 Beheld the fiaish'd work. Their bulls they slew : 
 Black from the tents the savor3' vapors flew. 5G0 
 And now the fleet, arriv'd from Lemnos' strands. 
 With Bacchus* blessings cheer'd the generous bands. 
 Of fragrant wines the rich Eunffius sent 
 A thousand measures to the royal tent. 
 (Eunaeus, whom Hypsipyle of yore 563 
 
 To Jason, shepherd of his people, bore) 
 The rest they purchas'd at their proper cost, 
 And well the plenteous freight supply'd the host : 
 Each, in exchange, proportioned treasures gave : 
 Some brass, or iron ; some an ox, or slave. 570 
 
 All night they feast, tiie ©reek and Trojan powers ; 
 Those on the fields, and these within their towers. 
 But Jove averse the signs of wrath display'd, 
 And shot red lightnings tlirough the gloomy shade : 
 Humbled they stood ; pale horror seiz'd on all, ^5 
 While the deep thunder shook th' aerial hall. 
 Each pour'd to Jove, before tlie bowl was crown'dj 
 And large libations drench'd the thirsty ground : 
 Then late, refresh'd with sleep from toils of fight, 
 Enjoy'd the balmy blessings of the night. 580
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD, 
 
 BOOK VIII.
 
 ARGUMENT, 
 
 The second Battle, and the distress of the Greeks. 
 
 Jupiter assembles a council of the Deities, and 
 threatens them with the pains of Tartarus if they 
 assist either side : Minerva only obtains of him 
 tliat she maj^ direct the Greeks by her counsels. 
 The armies join battle : Jupiter on Mount Ida 
 weighs in his balances the fates of both, and 
 affrights the Greeks with his thunders and light- 
 nings. Nestor alone continues in the field in great 
 danger ; Diomed relieves him; whose exploits, and 
 those of Hector, are excellently described. Juno 
 endeavours to animate Neptune to the assistance 
 of the Greeks, but in vain. Toe acts of Teucer, 
 who is at length wounded by Hector, and carried 
 off. Juno and Minerva prepare to aid the Grecians ; 
 but are restrained by Iris, sent from Jupiter. The 
 night puts an end to the battle. Hector continues 
 in the field (the Greeks being driven to their for- 
 tification before the ships) and gives orders to keep 
 the watch all night in the camp, to prevent the 
 enemy from reimbarking and escaping by fliglit. 
 They kindle fires through all the field, and pass 
 ;he night under arms. 
 
 The time of seven and twenty days is employed 
 from the opening of the poem to the end of this 
 book. The scene here (except of the celestial 
 machines) lies in the field toward the sea-shore.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK VIII. 
 
 AURORA now, fair daughter of the dawn, .. 
 Sprinkled with rosy light tlie dewy lawn ; 
 When Jove conven"d the senate of the skies. 
 Where higli Olympus' cloudy tops arise. 
 The Sire of Gods his awful silence broke, 5 
 
 The heavens attentive trembled as he spoke. 
 Celestial states, immortal Gods ! give ear, 
 Hear our decree, and reverence what ye hear ; 
 The fix'd decree, which not all heaven can move ; 
 Thou Fate ! fulfil it ; and, ye powers, approve ! 10 
 What God but enters yon forbidden field, 
 Who yields assistance, or but wills to yield ; 
 Back to tlie skies with shame he shall be driven, 
 Gash'd with dishonest wounds, the scorn of heaven; 
 Or far, oh far from steep Olympus thrown, 15 
 
 Low in the dark Tartarean gulf shall groan, 
 With burning chains fix'd to the brazen floors, 
 And lock'd by hell's inexorable doors ; 
 As deep beneath th" infernal centre hurl'd. 
 As from that centi-e to th' etherial world. 20 
 
 Let him who tempts me, dread those dire abodes ; 
 And know, th' Almighty is the God of Gods. 
 League all your forces then, ye powers above. 
 Join all, and try th' omnipotence of Jove : 
 Let down our golden everlasting chain, 23 
 
 Whose strong embrace holds heaven, and earth, and 
 
 main : 
 Strive all, of mortal and immortal birth. 
 To drag, by this, the Thunderer down to earth : 
 H2
 
 178 THE ILTAD. Book VIIT. 
 
 Ye strive in vain ! If I but stretch tliis hand, 
 
 I heave the Gods, the ocean, and the land ; 30 
 
 I fix the chain to great Olympus' height. 
 
 And the vast world hangs trembling in my sight ! 
 
 For such I reign, unbounded and above ; 
 
 And such are men, and Gods, compared to Jove. 
 
 Th' Almighty spoke, nor durst the powers reply, 
 A reverend horror silenc'd all the sky ; 3d 
 
 Trembling they stood before tlieir sovereign's look ; 
 At length his best-belov"d,the powexof wisdom spoke. 
 
 Oh first and greatest ! God, by Gods ador'd ! 
 We own thy might, our father and our Lord ! 40 
 But ah ! permit to pity human state ; 
 If not to help, at least lament tlieir fate. 
 From fields forbidden we submiss refrain, 
 \Viih arms uuaiding mourn our Argives slain; 
 Yet grant my counsels still their breasts may move. 
 Or all must perish in the wrath of Jove. 4^ 
 
 The cloud-compeUing God her suit approv'd, 
 And smil'd superior on his best-belov'd. 
 Then call'd his coursers, and his chariot took ; 
 The stedfast firmament beneath them shook : 50 
 Rapt by th' etherial steeds the chariot roU'd ; 
 Brass were their hoofs, tlieir curling manes of gold. 
 Of heaven's undrossy gold die God's array 
 Iletul;icut, fiash'd intolerable day. 
 High on the throne he shines : his coursers fly 55 
 Between th' extended earth and starry sky. 
 But when to Ida's topmost height he came, 
 (Fair nurse of fountains, and of savage gamej 
 "Where, o'er her pointed summits proudly rais'd, 
 His fane breath'd odors, and his altars blaz'd : 6o 
 There, from his radiant car the sacred Sire 
 Of Gods and men releas'd the steeds of fire : 
 Blue ambient mists th' immortal steeds embrac'd ; 
 Jligh on the cloudi' point his scat he plac'd ; 
 Thence his broad e3-e the subject world sur\-eys, 63 
 The town, and tents, and navigable seas. 
 
 Now had the Grecians snatch'd a short repast, 
 And buckled on their shining arms with haste. 
 Troy rous'd as soon ; for on this dreadful day 
 The fate of fathers, wives, and infants, lay. 70 
 
 The gates unfolding pour forth all their train ; 
 Squadrons on squadrons cloud the dusky plain :
 
 Book VI IT. THE ILIAD. V9 
 
 Men, steeds, and chariots,shake the trembling ground ; 
 The tumult thickens, and the skies resound. 
 And now with shouts the shocking armies clos'd, 75 
 To lances lances, sliields to shields oppos'd. 
 Host against host with shadowy legions drew, 
 The sounding darts in iron tempests flew, 
 Victors and vanquish'd join promiscuous cries, 
 Triumphant sliouts and dying groans arise ; 80 
 
 With streaming blood the slippery fields are dy'd. 
 And slaughter'd heroes swell the dreadful tide. 
 Long as the morning beams encreasing bright, 
 O'er heaven's clear azure spread the sacred light ; 
 Comniutual death the fate of war confounds, 85 
 Each adverse battle gor'd with equal wounds. 
 But when the sun the height of heaven ascends; 
 The Sire of Gods his golden scales suspends. 
 With equal hand : in these explor'd the fate 
 Of Greece and Troy, and pois'd the mighty weight. 
 Press'd with its load, the Grecian balance lies gi 
 Low sunk on earth, the Trojan strikes the skies. 
 Then Jove from Ida's top bis horror spreads; 
 Tlie clouds burst dreadful o'er the Grecian heads : 
 Thick lightnings flash ; the muttering thunder rolls ; 
 Their strength he withers, and unmans their souls. 
 Before his wrath the trembling hosts retire ; 
 The God in terrors, and the skies on fire, 
 !Nor great Idomeneus that sight could bear, 
 "Hot each stern Ajax, thunderbolts of war: 100 
 
 I^or he, the king of men, th' alarm sustain'd; 
 2sestor alone amidst the storm remain'd. 
 Unwilling he remain'd, for Paris' dart 
 Had pierc'd his courser in a mortal part : 104 
 
 rix'd in the forehead where the springing mane 
 Curl'd o'er the brow, it stung him to the brain : 
 Mad with his anguish, he begins to rear, 
 Paw with his hoofs aloft, and lash the air. 
 Scarce had his falchiou cut the reins, and freed 
 Th' incumber'd chariot from the dying steed, 110 
 WTien dreadful Hector, thundering through the war, 
 Pour'd to the tumult on his whirling car. 
 That day had stretch'd beneath his matchless hand 
 The hoary monarch of the Pylian band, 
 But Diomed beheld : from forth the crowd 115 
 
 He rush'd, aad oa Ulysses cali'd aloud.
 
 180 THE ILTAD. BookyVIII. 
 
 Whither, oh whither does Ub'sses run ? 
 Oh flight unworthy great Laertes' son ! 
 Mix'd witli the \'ulgar sliall thy fate be found, 
 Pierc'd in tlm back, a vile, dishonest wound ? 120 
 Oh turn and save from Hector's direful rage 
 The glory of the Greeks, the Pylian sage. 
 His fi-uitless words are lost unheard in air, 
 Ulysses seeks the ships, and shelters there. 
 But bold Tydides to the rescue goes, V23 
 
 A single warrior 'midst a host of foes ; 
 Before the coursers witli a sudden spring 
 He leap'd, and anxious thus bespoke the king. 
 
 Great perils, father ! wait tli' unequal fight ; 
 These younger champions will oppress thy might. 
 Thy veins no more with ancient vigor glow, 131 
 Weak is thy Servant, and thj- coursers slow. 
 Then haste, ascend my seat, and from the car 
 Observe the steeds of f ros, renown'd in war, 
 Practis'd alike to turn, to step, to chase, 135 
 
 To dare the f'ght, or urse the rapid race : 
 These late obey'd .Eneas' guiding rein ; 
 Leave thou tliy chariot to our faithful train : 
 "With these against yon Trojans will we go, 
 U or shall great Hector want an equal foe ; 140 
 
 fierce as he is, ev'n he may learn to fear 
 The thirsty fury of my flying spear. 
 
 Thus said the chief; and Nestor, skill'd in war, 
 Approves his counsel, and ascends the car : 
 The steeds he left, their trusty servants hold; 145 
 Eurymedon, and Sthenelus the bold : 
 The reverend charioteer directs the course. 
 And strains his aged arm to lash the horse. 
 Hector they face; unknowing how to fear. 
 Fierce he drove on; Tydides whirl'd his spear. 150 
 The spear with erring haste mistook its way, 
 But plung'd in Eniopeus' bosom lay. 
 His opening hand in death torsakes the rein ; 
 The steeds fly back : he falls, and spurns the plain. 
 Great Hector sorrows for his servant kill'd, 155 
 
 Yet unreveng'd permits to press the field; 
 Till to supply his place and rule the car, 
 Rose Archeptolemus, the fierce in war. 
 And now had death and horror cover'd all ; 
 Like timorous flocks the Trojans in tlieir wall l60
 
 Book VIII. THE ILIAD. 181 
 
 Inclos'd had bled ; but Jove with awful sound 
 RoH'd the big thunder o'er the vast profound : 
 Full in Tydides' face the lightning flew ; 
 The ground before him fiam'd with sulphur blue ; 
 The quivering steeds fell prostrate at the sight ; l63 
 And Nestor's trembling hand confess'd his fright; 
 He dropt the reins ; and shook with sacred dread. 
 Thus, turning, warn'd th' intrepid Diomed. 
 
 O chief! too daring in thy friend's defence. 
 Retire advis'd, and urge the chariot hence. 17O 
 
 This day, averse, the sovereign of the skies 
 Assists great Hector, and our palm denies. 
 Some other sun may see the happier hour, 
 WJien Greece shall conquer by his hea%'enly power. 
 Tis not in man his fix'd decree to move : 175 
 
 The great will glory to submit to Jove. 
 
 O reverend Prince ! (Tydides thus replies) 
 Thy years are awful, and thy words are wise. 
 But ah, what grief! should haughty Hector boast, 
 I fled inglorious to the guarded coast. 180 
 
 Before that dire disgrace shall blast my fame, 
 O'erwhelm me, earth ; and hide a warrior's shame. 
 To whom Gerenian Nestor thus reply'd : 
 Gods ! can thy courage fear the Phrygian's pride ? 
 Hector may vaunt, but who shall heed the boast? » 
 Not those who felt tliy arm, the Dardan host, > 
 Nor Troy, yet bleeding in her heroes lost ; * 
 
 Not ev'n a Phrygian dame, who dreads the sword 
 That laid in dust her lov'd, lamented lord. 
 He said, and hasty o'er the gasping throng I90 
 
 Drives the swift steeds ; the chariot smokes along. 
 The shouts of Trojans thicken in the wind ; 
 The storm of hissing javelins pours behind. 
 Then, with a voice that shakes the solid skies, 
 Pleas'd Hector braves the warrior as he Hies. 195 
 Go, mighty hero, grac'd above the rest 
 In seats of council and ilie sumptuous feast: 
 Now hope no more those honors from thy train ; 
 Go, less than woman, in the form of man ! 
 To scale our walls, to wrap our towers in flames, 
 To lead in exile the fair Phrygian dames, 201 
 
 Thy once proud hopes, presumptuous prince ! are fled ; 
 This arm shall reach thy heart, and stretch thee dead.
 
 182 THE ILIAD. Book VIII. 
 
 Now fears dissuade him, and now hopes invite. 
 To stop his coursers, and to stand the fight ; 205 
 3'hrice turn'd the chief, and thrice imperial Jove 
 On Ida's summits thunder'd from above : 
 Great Hector lieard ; he saw the flashing light, 
 (The sign of conquest) and tlius urg'd the fight. 
 
 Hear, every IVojan, Lycian, Dardan band, iilO 
 All fam"d in war, and dreadful hand to hand. 
 Be mindful of tiie wreaths your arms have won, 
 Your great forefathers" glories, and your own. 
 Heard ye tlie voice of Jove? Success and fame 
 Await on Troy, on Greece eternal shame. £15 
 
 In vain they skulk behind their boasted wall, 
 Weak bulwarks! destin'd by this arm to fall. 
 High o'er their slighted trench our steeds shall bound ; 
 And pass victorious o'er the level'd mound. 
 Soon as before yon hollow ships we stand, 220 
 
 Fight each witli flames, and toss the blazing brand ; 
 Till their proud navy w rai)t in smoke and fires, 
 All Greece, cncompass'd, in one blaze expires. 
 
 Furious he said ; tiien, bending o'er tlie yoke, 22i 
 Eucourag'd his proud steeds, while thus he spoke. 
 Kow, Xonthus, J.thon, Lampus ! urge the chase, 
 And, tliou, Podaraus ! prove thy generous race: 
 Be fleet, be fearless, this important day. 
 And all yoar master's well-spent care repay. 
 For tills, high-fed m plenteous strdis ye stand. 230 
 SeiVd with pure wheat, and by a princess' hand; 
 For this my spouse, of great Action's line. 
 So oft has steep'd the strengthening grain in wine. 
 Now swift pursue, now thunder uncontrol'd ; 
 Give me to seize rich Nestor's shield of gold ; 235 
 From Tydeus' shoulders strip tlie costly load, 
 Vulcanian arms, the labor of a God : 
 These if we gain, then victory, j-e powers ! 
 This night; this glorious night, the fleet is ours. 239 
 
 That heard, deep anguish stung Saturnia's soul ; 
 She shook her throne that shook the starry pole : 
 And thus to Neptune : Thou, whose force can make 
 The stedfast earth from her foundations shake, 
 See'st thou tlie Gieeks by fates unjust opprest. 
 Nor swells thy heart in that immortal breast ? S43 
 Yet jEgae, Helice, thy power obey. 
 And gifts unceasing on thine altars lay.
 
 Book VIII. THE ILIAD. 185 
 
 Would all the Deities of Greece combine, 
 In vain the gloomy Thunderer might repine : 
 Sole should lie sit, with scarce a God to friend, 250 
 And see his Trojans to the shades descend: 
 Such be the scene from his Idaean bower; 
 Ungrateful prospect to the sullen power ! 
 
 Neptune with wrath rejects the rash design : 
 What rage, what madness, furious Queen, is thine? 
 I war not with the Highest. All above 236 
 
 i Submit and tremble at the hand of Jove. 
 
 Now godlike Hector, to whose matchless might 
 Jove gave the glory of the desUn'd fight, 259 
 
 . Squadrons on squalrons drives, and tills the fields 
 
 With close-rang'd chariots, and with thicken'd shields. 
 '' ^^'here the deep trench in length extended lay. 
 Compacted troops stand wedg'd in firm array, 
 A dieadful front I thc^' shake the brands, and 
 threat 
 i With long-destroying flames the hostile fleet. 265 
 ; The king of men, by Juno's self inspir'd, 
 
 Toil'd through the tents, and all his army fir'd. 
 ' Swift as he mov'd, he lifted in his hand 
 [ His purple robe, bright ensign of command. 
 \ High on the midmost bark the king appear'd ; 270 
 ; There, from Ulysses* deck his voice was heard : 
 i To Ajax and Achilles reach'd the sound, 
 , Whose distant ships the guarded navy bound. 
 \ Oh Argives ! shame of human race ; he cry'd, 
 , (The hollow vessels to his voice reply'd) 275 
 
 Where now are all your glorious boasts of yore, 
 Your hasty triumphs on the Lemnian shore? 
 Eacii fearless hero dares an hundred foes. 
 While the feast lasts, and while the goblet flows; 
 But who to meet one martial man is found, 280 
 When the fight rages, and the flames surround ? 
 O mighty Jove ! oh sire of the distress'd ! 
 Was ever king like me, like me oppress'd ? 
 With power immense, witii justice arm'd in vain ; 
 My glory ravish'd, and my people slain ! 285 
 
 To thee my vows were breath'd from every shore ; 
 What altar smok'd not with our victim's gore? 
 With fat of bulls I fed the constant flame, 
 And ask'd destruction to the Trojan name. 28Q
 
 184 THE ILIAD. Book VIII. 
 
 Now, gracious God '. far humbler our demand ; -i 
 Give these at least t' escape from Hectors hand, / 
 And save tlie relics of the Grecian land ! * 
 
 Thus praj''d the kiag.and hcaven'sgreatFather heard 
 His vows, in bitterness of soul preferr'd ; 
 The wrath appeas'd, by happy signs declares, '2g5 
 And gives the people to their monarch's prayers. 
 His eagle, sacred bird of heaven I ho sent, 
 A fawn his talons truss'd (di\ine portent!) 
 High o'er the wondering hosts he soar'd above. 
 Who paid their vows to Panomphcean Jove ; 300 
 Tlien let tlie prey before his altar fall, 
 The Greeks beheld, and transport seiz'd on all : 
 Encourag'd by the sign, the troops revive, 
 And fierce on Tro3' with double fury drive. 
 Tydides first, of all the Grecian force, 305 
 
 O'er the broad ditch impell'd his foaming horse, 
 Pierc'd the deep ranks, their strongest battle tore. 
 And dy'd liis javelin red with Trojan gore. 
 Youns Agelaiis (Phradmon was his sire) 
 Vvith riying coursers shuun'd his dreadful ire: 310 
 Struck through the back, the Phrygian fell opprest; 
 The dart drove on, and issued at liis breast : 
 Headlong he quits the car ; his arms resound: 
 His ponderous buckler thunders on the ground. 
 Torth rush a tide of Greeks, the passage freed ; 315 
 Til' Atridse first, th' Ajaces next succeed ; 
 Meriones, like Mars in arms reuown'd. 
 And God-like Idomen, now passM the mound : 
 Evaimou's son next issues to the foe, 
 And last, young Teucer with his bended bow. 320 
 Secure behind the Telamonian shield 
 The skilful archer wide surveyed the field, 
 With every shaft some hostile victim slew^ 
 Then close beneath the seven-fold orb withdrew : 
 The conscious infant so, when fear alarms, 325 
 
 Retires for safety to tiie mother's arms. 
 Thus Ajax guards his brother in the field, 
 Moves as he moves, and turns the shining shield. 
 W!io first by Teucer's mortal arrows bled '. 
 Orsilochus ; then fell Ormenus dead : 330 
 
 The god-like Lycophon next press'd the plain, 
 With Chiomius, Dsetor, Opheiestes slain :
 
 Book VIII. THE ILIAD. 183 
 
 Bold Hamopaon breathless sunk to ground ; 
 The bloody pile great Melanippus crowo'd. 
 Heaps fell on heaps, sad tropliies of his art, 335 
 A Trojan ghost attended every dart. 
 , Great Agamemnon views with joyful eye 
 (The ranks grow thinner as his arrows Hy : 
 Oh youth for ever dear! (the monarch cry'd) 
 Thus, always thus, thy early worth be try'd ; 340 
 iThy brave example shall retrieve our host. 
 Thy country's saviour, and thy father's boast! 
 Sprung from an alien's bed thy sire to grace. 
 The vigorous oflspring of a stol'n embrace. 
 Proud of his boy, he own'd tlie generous flame, 345 
 And the brave son repays his cares with fame. 
 tiovf hear a monarch's vow: If heavens liigh powers 
 Give me to raze Troy's long-defended towers; 
 Whatever treasures Greece tor me design, 
 The next rich honorary gift be thine : 360 
 
 Some golden tripod, or distiuguish'd car, 
 With coursers dreadful in the lanks of war; 
 Or some fair captive wliom thy eyes approve. 
 Shall recompense the warrior's toils with love. 
 
 To this the chief: With praise the rest inspire. 
 Nor urge a soul already fiU'd with fire. 356 
 
 What strength 1 have, be now in battle try'd, 
 [Till every shaft in Phrygian blood be dy'd. 
 [Since rallying from our wall we forc'd tlie foe, 
 Still aim'd at Hector have I bent my bow : 350 
 
 lEight forky arrows from this hand have tied. 
 And eight bold heroes by their points he dead : 
 But sure some God denies me to destroy 
 This fury of the field, this dog of Troy. 
 
 He said, and twang'd the string. The weapon flies 
 At Hector's breast, and sings along the skies : 366 
 He miss'd the mark ; but pierc'd Gorgythio's heart. 
 And drench'd in royal blood the thirsty dart. 
 (Fair Castianira, nympli of form divine. 
 This offspring added to king Priam's line. 370 
 
 As full-blown poppies, over-charg'd with rain, 
 Decline the head, and drooping kiss the plain; 
 So sinks the youth : his beauteous head, deprest 
 Beneath his helmet, drops upon his breast. 
 Another shaft the raging archer drew : 375 
 
 That other shaft with erring fury flew,
 
 186 THE ILIAD. Book VIII. 
 
 (From Hector Phoebus turn'd the, flying wound) 
 Yet fell not dry or guiltless to tlie ground : 
 Thy breast, brave Archeptolemus ! it tore, 
 And dipt its feathers ia no vulgar gore. 380 
 
 Headlong he falls : his sudden fall alarms 
 The steeds, that startle at his sounding arms. 
 Hector with grief his charioteer beheld, 
 All pale and breathless on the sanguine field. 
 Then bids Cebriones duect the rein, 385 
 
 Quits his bright car, and issues on the plain. 
 Dreadful he shouts : from earth a stone he took. 
 And rush'd on Teucer with the lifted rock. 
 The youth already strain'd the forceful yew ; 
 The shaft already to his shoulder drew ; SQO 
 
 The feather in his hand, just wing'd for flight, 
 Touch'd where the neck and hollow chest unite; 
 There, where the juncture knits the channel bone, 
 The furious chief discharg'd the craggy stone ; 394 
 The bow-string burst beneath the ponderous blow. 
 And his numb'd hand dismiss'd his useless bow. 
 He fell : but Ajax his broad shield display'd, 
 And screen'd his brother with a mighty shade ; 
 Till great Aiastor, and Mecistheus bore 
 The batter'd Arclier groaning to the shore. 400 
 
 Troy yet found grace before th' Olj'mpian Sire, 
 He arm'd their hands, and fiU'd their breasts with fire. 
 The Greeks, repuls'd, retreat behind their wall, 
 Or in the trench on heaps confus'dly fall. 
 First of the foe, great Hector march'd along, 405 
 Witli terror cloth'd, and more than mortal strong. 
 As the bold hound, that gives the lion chase, 
 "With beating bosom, and with eager pace. 
 Hangs on his haunch, or fastens on his heels, 
 Guards as he turns, and circles as he wheels : 410 
 Thus oft the Grecians turn'd, but still they flew; 
 Tims following Hector still the hindmost slew. 
 When flying they had pass'd the trench profound. 
 And many a chief lay gasping on the ground ; 
 Before the ships a desperate stand they made, 415 
 And fir'd the troops, and call'd the Gods to aid. 
 Fierce on his rattlmg chariot Hector came ; 
 His eyes like Gorgon shot a sanguine flame 
 That wither'd all their host : like Mars he stood ; 
 Dire as the monster, dreadful as the God ! 43©
 
 Book VIIT. THE ILIAD. 187 
 
 Tlieir strons distress the wife of Jove sun-ey'd ; 
 riien pensive thus, to war's triumphant maid. 
 
 Oh daughter of that God, whose arm can wield 
 rh' avenging bolt, and shake the sable shield ! 
 Now, in this moment of her last despair, 425 
 
 Shall wretched Greece no more confess our care, 
 Condemn'd to sutfer the full force of fate. 
 And drain the dregs of heaven's relentless hate ? 
 Gods ! shall one raging hand thus level all ? 429 
 Wliat numbers fell ! what numbers yet shall fall ! 
 What power di^nne shall Hector's wrath assuage ? 
 Still swells the slaughter, and still grows the rage ! 
 
 So spake th' imperial regent of the skies ; 
 To whom the Goddess with the azure eyes : 
 Long since had Hector stain'd these fields with 
 gore, 435 
 
 Stretch'd by some Argive on his native shore ; 
 But He above, the Sire of heaven withstands. 
 Mocks our attempts, and slights our just demands. 
 The stubborn God, inflexible and hard. 
 Forgets my service and deserv'd reward : 440 
 
 Sav'd I, for this, his favorite * son distress'd. 
 By stern Euristheus with long labors press'd ? 
 He begg'd, with tears he begg'd, in deep dismay; 
 I shot from heaven, and gave his arm tlie day. 
 Oh had my wisdom known this dire event, 445 
 When to grim Pluto's gloomy gates he went ; 
 The triple dog had never felt his chain. 
 Nor Styx been cross'd, nor hell explor'd in vain. 
 Averse to me of all his heaven of Gods, 
 At Thetis' suit the partial Thunderer nods. 450 
 To grace her gloomy, fierce, resenting sou. 
 My hopes are frustrate, and my Greeks undone. 
 Some future day, perhaps, he may be mov'd 
 To call his blue-ey'd maid his best belov'd. 
 Haste, launch thy chariot, thro' yon ranks to ride ; 
 Myself will arm, and thunder at thy side. 456 
 
 Then, Goddess ! say, shall Hector glory then, 
 (That terror of the Greeks, that Man of Menj 
 When Juno's self, and Pallas shall appear, 
 All dreadful io the crimson walks of war t 4G0 
 
 » Hercules,
 
 188 THE ILIAD. Book VIII. 
 
 What mighty Trojan then, on yonder shore, 1 
 
 Expiring, pale, and terrible no more, > 
 
 Shall feast the fowls, and glut the dogs with gore ? j 
 
 She ceas'd, and Juno rein'd the steeds with care ; 
 (Heaven's awful empress, Saturn's otiier heir) 465 
 Pallas, meanwiiile, lier various veil unbound, 
 AVith Howers adorn'd, with art immoital crown'd ; 
 The radiant robe her sacred finders wove 
 Floats in ridi waves, and spreads the court of Jove. 
 Her tatlier's arms lier mighty Imibs invest, 470 
 
 His cuirass blazes on her ample breast. 
 The vigorous power the tiembiiug car ascends ; 
 Shook by her arm, tiie massy javelm bends ; 
 Huge, ponderous, strong! tliat,wheu her fury burns, 
 Proud tyrants Uumbles,and whole hosts o'erturns. 475 
 
 Saturnia lends the lash ; the coursers tiy ; 
 Smooth ghdes the chariot through the liquid sky. 
 Heaven's gates spontaneous open to the powers, 
 Heaven's golden gates, kept hy the winged Hours. 
 Couimission'd m alternate watdi they stand, 480 
 The sun's bright portals and the skies command ; 
 Close, or unfold, th' eternal gates of day. 
 Bar heaven with clouds, or roll those clouds away. 
 Tl!e sounding hmges ring, the clouds di\ide; 484 
 Prone ilown the sleep of heaven tiieir course they 
 
 guide. 
 But Jove incens'd, from Ida's top survey'd. 
 And thus enjoin'd the many colourd Maid. 
 
 Thaumantia .' mount the winds, and stop their car; 
 Against the highest who shall wage the war ? 
 If furious yet they dare the vain debate, 490 
 
 Thus have 1 spoke, and what I speak is Fate. 
 Their coursers crush'd beneath the wheels shall lie, 
 Tlieir car in fragments scatcer'd o er tlie sky ; 
 My lightning these rebellious shall confound. 
 And hurl them flaming, headlong to tiie ground, 495 
 Condemn'd for ten revolving j-ears to weep 
 The wounds inipress'd bi' burning thunder deep. 
 So shall Minerva learn to fear our ire, 
 Uor dare to combat her's and nature's Sire, 
 For Juno, headstrong and imperious still, 500 
 
 She claims some title to transgress our will. 
 
 Swift as the wind the various-colour'd RIaid 
 Ffom Ida's top her golden •wiBgs display'd ;
 
 Book VIII. THE ILIAD. 180 
 
 To great Olympus' shining gates she flies, 
 There meets the chariot rusliin? down the skies, 505 
 Restrains their progress from the bright abodes, 
 And speaks the mandate of the Sire of Gods. 
 
 What frenzy. Goddesses ! what rase can move 
 I Celestial minds to tempt the wrath of Jove ? 
 Desist, obedient to his hi^h command ; 510 
 
 This is his word : and know, his word shall stand. 
 His lightning your rebellion shall confound. 
 And hurl you headlone, flaming to the ground: 
 Your horses crush'd beneath the wheels shall lie, 
 Your cai- in fragments scatter'd o'er the sky : 515 
 Yourselves condomn'd ten rolling years to weep 
 Tiie wounds impress'd by burning thunder deep. 
 So shall Minerva learn to fear his ire, 
 '!Nor dare to combat her's and nature's Sire. 
 For Juno, headstrong and imperious still, 520 
 
 jShe claims some title to transLTess his will : 
 But thee what desperate insolence has driven, 
 To lift thy lauce against the King of heaven ? 
 iThen," mounting on the pinions of the wind, 
 She flew ; and Juno thus her rage resiga'd. 525 
 
 I O daughter of that God, whose arm can wield 
 Th' avenging bolt, and shake the dreadful shield! 
 No more let beings of superior birth 
 Contend with Jove for this low race of earth : 
 Triumphant now, now miserably slain, 530 
 
 They breathe or perish as the Fates ordain. 
 But Jove's hish counsels full eftect shall find ; 
 And, ever constant, ever rule mankind. 
 
 She spoke, and backward turn'd her steeds of light, 
 Adornd with manes of gold, and heavenly bright. 
 The Hours unloos'd them, panting as they stood. 
 And heap'd their mangers with ambrosial food. 
 There l/d, they rest in high celestial stalls ; 
 The cliariot propt against the crystal walls. 
 The pensive Goddesses, abash'd, controUd, 540 
 
 Mix with the Gods, and fill their seats of gold. 
 
 And now the Thunderer meditates his flight 
 From Ida's summits to th' Olympian height. 
 Swifter than thought the wheels instinctive fl3'. 
 Flame thro' the vast of air, and reach the sky. 546 
 'Twas Neptune's charge his coursers to unbrace. 
 And fix the car on its immortal base ;
 
 190 THE ILIAD. Book VIII. 
 
 There stood Uie chariot, beaming forth its raj's, 
 Till with a snowy veil he screend the blaze. 
 He, whose all-conscious eyes the world behold, 550 
 Th' eternal Thunderer sat thron'd in gold, 
 High heaven the footsiool of his feet he makes, 
 And wide beneath him all Olympus shakes. 
 Trembling afar, th' offending powers appear'd, 
 Confus'd and silent, for his frown they fear'd. 555 
 He saw their soul, and thus his word imparts ; 
 Pallas and Juno ! say, why heave your hearts ? 
 Soon was your battle o'er : proud Troy retir'd 
 Before your face, and in your wrath expir'd. 
 But know, whoe'er almightj' power withstand ! 560 
 Unmatch'd our force, unconquer'd is our hand : 
 Who shall the sovereign of the skies control ? 
 Not all the Gods tliat crown the starry pole. 
 Your hearts shall tremble, if our arms we take. 
 And each immortal nerve with horror shake. 5(53 
 For tlius I speak, and what I speak shall stand ; 
 "What power soe'er provokes our lifted hand. 
 On this our hill no more shall hold his place ; 1 
 
 Cut off, and exil'd from tli' etlierial race. J 
 
 Juno and Pallas grievins hear tb.e doom, S70 
 
 But feast their souls on I lion's woes to come. 
 Though secret anger swell'd Miner\'a's breast, 
 The prudent Goddess yet her wrath represt : 
 But Juno, impotent of rage, replies. 
 What hast thou said, Oh tyrant of the skies I 575 
 Strength and omnipotence invest thy throne ; 
 Tis thine to punish ; ours to grieve alone. 
 For Greece we grieve, abandon'd by her fiite, 
 To drink the dregs of thy unmeasur'd hate : 
 From fields forbidden we subniiss refrain, 580 
 
 With arms unaiding see our Argives slain ; 
 Yet grant our counsels still their breasts may move. 
 Lest all should perish in the rage of Jove. 
 
 The Goddess thus : and thus the God replies, 
 Who swells the clouds, and blackens all the skies. 
 The morning sun awak'd by loud alarms, 586 
 
 Shall see th' Almighty Thunderer in arras. 
 V/hat heaps of Argives then shall load the plain. 
 Those radiant eyes shall view, and view in vain. 
 Nor shall great Hector cease the rage of fight, 590 
 The navy flaming, and thy Greeks in flight.
 
 Book VIII. THE ILIAD. IQl 
 
 Ev'n till the day, when certain fates ordain "1 
 
 That stern Achilles (his Patroclus slain) > 
 
 Shall rise in vengeance, and lay waste the plain, j 
 For suclj is fate, nor canst thou turn its course 5y5 
 With all tliy rage, with all thy rebel force. 
 Fly, if thou wilt, to earth's remotest bound. 
 Where on her utmost verge the seas resound ; 
 Where curs'd lapetus and Saturn dwell. 
 Fast by the brink, within the steams of hell ; 600 
 No sun e'er gilds the gloomy horrors there; 
 !No cheerful gales refresh the lazy air ; 
 There arm once more the bold Titanian band ; 
 And arm in vain ; for what I will, shall stand. 
 
 Now deep in ocean sunk the lamp of light, 605 
 And drew behind the cloudy veil of night : 
 The conquering Trojans mourn his beams decay'd ; 
 The Greeks rejoicing bless the friendly shade. 
 
 The victors keep the field ; and Hector calls 
 A martial council near the navy walls : 6lO 
 
 These to Scamander's bank apart he led. 
 Where thinly scatter'd lay the heaps of dead. 
 Til' assembled chiefs, descending on the ground. 
 Attend his order, and tlieir prince surround. 
 A massy spear lie bore of mighty strength, 6l5 
 Of full ten cubits was tiie lance's length, 
 The point was brass, refulgent to behold, 
 Fix'd to the wood with circling rings of gold : 
 The noble Hector on this lance reclin'd. 
 And bending forward, thus reveaj'd his mind. 620 
 
 Ye valiant Trojans, with attention hear ! 
 Ye Dardan bands, and generous aids, give ear ! 
 Tliis day, we hop'd, would wrap in conquering flame 
 Greece with her ships, and crown our toils with fame. 
 But darkness now, to save the cowards, falls, 625 
 And guards them trembling in their wooden walls. 
 Obey the Night, and use her peaceful hours 
 Our steeds to forage, .and refresh our powers. 
 Straight from the town be sheep and oxen sought, 
 And strengthening bread, and generous wine be 
 brought. 630 
 
 Wide o'er the field, high blazing to the sky. 
 Let numerous fires the absent sun supply. 
 The flaming piles with plenteous fuel, raise, 
 Till the bright morn her purple beam displays ;
 
 m THE ILIAD. Book VIII. 
 
 Lest, in the silence and tlie sliades of night, 635 
 Greece on her sable sliips attempt her flight. 
 Not unmolested let the wretches gain 
 Their loftj- decks, or safely cleave the main; 
 Some hostile wound let every dart bestow. 
 Some lasting token of the Phrygian foe, 640 
 
 Wounds, that Ions hence may ask tlieir spouses' care, 
 And warn their children from a Trojan war. 
 Now through the circuit of our Ihon wall. 
 Let sacred lieralds sound tlie solemn call ; 
 To bid the sires with hoary honors crown'd, 6l5 
 And beardless youths, our battlements sui round. 
 Firm be the guard, while distant lie our powers, 
 And let the matrons hang with lights the towers : 
 Lest, under covert of the midnigiit shade, 
 Th' insidious foe the naked town invade. 6jO 
 
 Suffice, to night, these orders to obey ; 
 A nobler charge shall rouse the dawning day. 
 The Gods, I trust, shall give to Hector's hand, 
 Trom these detested foes to tree the land, 
 Wlio plough'd, with fates averse, the watery way ; 
 For Trojan vulturs a predestin'd prey. 606 
 
 Our common safety must be now the care ; 
 But soon as morning paints the fields of air, 
 Sheath'd in bright arms let every troop engage, 
 And the fir'd fleet beliold the battle rage. 660 
 
 Tiien, tlien shall Hector and Tydides prove, 
 Whose fates are heaviest in the scales of Jove. 
 To-morrow's light (O liaste the glorious mom !) 
 .Siiall see his bloody spoils in triumph borne. 
 With this keen javelin shall his breast be gor'd, 665 
 And prostrate heroes bleed around their lord. 
 Certain as this, oh ! might my days endure. 
 From age inglorious, and black death secure ; 
 So might my life and glory know no bound. 
 Like Pallas worship'd, like the sun renown'd .' 67O 
 As the next dawn, the last they shall enjoy, 
 Shall crush the Greeks, and end the woes of Troy. 
 
 The leader spoke. From all his host around 
 Shouts of applause along the shores resound. 
 Each from the yoke the smoking steeds unty'd, 675 
 And fix'd their headstalls to his chariot-side. 
 Fat sheep and oxen from tlie town are led, 
 W'tli generous ^v^ne, and all-sustaining bread.
 
 Book Vlir. THE ILIAD. I9S 
 
 Full hecatombs lay burning on the shore ; 
 The winds to heaven the curling vapors bore. 680 
 Ungrateful offering to th' immortal powers ! 
 Whose wrath hung heavy o'er the Trojan towers ; 
 Nor Priam nor his sons obtain'd their grace ; 
 Proud Troy they hated, and her guilty race. 
 
 Tlie troops exulting sat in order round, 665 
 
 And beaming fires illumind all the ground. 
 As when the moon, refulgent lamp of night ! 
 O'er heaven's clear azure spreads her sacred light. 
 When not a breath disturbs the deep serene. 
 And not a cloud o'ercasts the solemn scene; 69O 
 Around her throne the vivid planets roll. 
 And stars unnumber'd gild the glowing pole. 
 O'er the dark trees a yellower verdure shed. 
 And tip with silver every mountain's head ; 
 Then shine the vales, the rocks in prospect rise, 
 A flood of glory bursts from ail the skies : 695 
 
 The conscious swains, rejoicing in the sight, 
 Eye the blue vault, and bless the useful light. 
 So many flames before proud Ilion blaze, 
 And lighten glimmering Xanthus witli their rays; 
 The long reflections of the distant fires 700 
 
 Gleam on the walls, and tremble on the spires. 
 A tliousand piles the dusky horrors gild. 
 And shoot a shady lustre o'er the field. 
 Full fifty guards each flaming pile attend, 703 
 
 Whose umber'd arms, by fits, thick flashes send. 
 Loud neigh the coursers o'er their heaps of cora. 
 And ardent warriors wait Uie rising" morn.
 
 THE 
 
 I ]L I A D. 
 
 BOOK IX,
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 The Embassy to Achilles. 
 
 Agamemnon, after the last day's defeat, proposes to 
 the Greeks to quit the siege, and return to their 
 country. Diomed opposes this, and Nestor seconds 
 him, praising his wisdom and resolution. He orders 
 tlie guard to be strengthened, and a council sum- 
 moned to deliberate what measures are to be 
 followed in this emergency. Agamemnon pursues 
 this advice, and Nestor farther prevails upon him 
 to send ambassadors to Achilles, in order to move 
 him to a reconciliation. Ulysses and Ajax are 
 made choice of, who are accompanied by old 
 Phcenix. They make, each of them, very moving 
 and pressing speeches, but are rejected with 
 roughness by Achilles, who notwithstanding re- 
 tains Phoenix in his tent. The ambassadors return 
 unsuccessful to the camp, and the troops betake 
 themselves to sleep. 
 
 This book, and the next following, take up the 
 space of one night, which is the twenty-seventh 
 from the beginning of the poem. The scene lies 
 on the sea-shore, the station of the Grecian ships.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK IX. 
 
 THUS joyful Troy maintain'd the watch of night; 
 While fear, pale comrade of inglorious flight, 
 And heaven-bred liorror, on the Grecian part. 
 Sat on each face, and sadden'd every heart. 
 As, from its cloudy dungeon issuing forth, 5 
 
 A double tempest of the west and north 
 Swells o'er the sea, from Thracia's frozen shore, 
 Heaps waves on waves, and bids th' ^gean roar; 
 This way and that, the boiling deeps are tost ; 
 Such various passions urg'd the troubled host. 10 
 Great Agamemnon griev'd above the rest ; 
 Superior sorrows swell'd his royal breast ; 
 Himself his orders to the heralds bears, 
 To bid to council all tlie Grecian peers. 
 But bid in whispers : these surround their chief, 15 
 In solemn sadness, and majestic grief. 
 The king amidst the mournful circle rose ; 
 Down his wan cheek a briny torrent flows : 
 So silent fountains, from a rock's tall head. 
 In sable streams soft-trickling waters shed. 20 
 
 With more than vulgar grief he stood opprest ; 
 "Words, mixt with sighs, thus bursting from his breast. 
 
 Ye sons of Greece ! partake your leader's care ; 
 Fellows in arms, and princes ot the war ! 
 Of partial Jove too justly we complain, 25 
 
 And heavenly oracles believ'd in vain. 
 A safe return was promis'd to our toils. 
 With conquest honor'd, and enrich'd with spoils: 
 Now shameful flight alone can save the host; 
 Our wealth, our people, and our glory lost. 30
 
 3Q8 'HIE ILIAD. Book IX. 
 
 So Jove decrees. Almighty Lord of all ! 
 Jove, at whose nod whole empires rise or fall, 
 Who shakei the feeble props of human trust. 
 And towers and armies humbles to tlie dust. 
 Haste then, for ever quit these fatal fields, 35 
 
 Haste to the J03S our native country yields ; 
 Spread all your canvas, all your oars employ, 
 Kor hope the fall of heaven-defended Troy. 
 
 He said ; deep silence held the Crrecian band, 
 Silent, unmov'd, in dire dismay they stand, 40 
 
 A pensive scene ! till Tydeus" warlike son 
 Roll'd on the king his eyes, and thus begun. 
 
 When kings advise us to renounce our fame. 
 First let him speak, who first has suft'er'd shame. 
 If I oppose thee, prince, thy wrath withhold, 45 
 The laws of council bid my tongue be bold. 
 Thou first, and thou alone, in fields of fight, 
 Durst brand my courage, and defame my might : 
 Kor from a friend th' unkind reproach appear'd. 
 The Greeks stood witness, all our army heard. 50 
 The Gods, O chief! from wiiom our honors spring. 
 The Gods have made thee but by halves a king. 
 Ihey gave thee sceptres, and a wide command. 
 They gave dominion o'er the seas and land ; 
 The noblest power tliat might the world control 55 
 Tiiey gave thee not— a brave and virtuous soul. 
 Is this a general's voice, that would suggest 
 Fears like his own to evci^y Grecian breast ? 
 Confiding in our want of worili, he stands ; 
 And if we fiy, "tis what our king commands. 60 
 Go thou, inglorious ! from th' embattled plain ; 
 Ships thou hast store, and nearest to the main ; 
 A nobler care the Grecians shall employ. 
 To combat, conquer, and extirpate Troy. 
 Here Greece shall stay ; or if all Greece retire, 60 
 Myself will stay, till Troy or I expire ; 
 Myself and Sthenelus wUl fight for fame ; 
 God bade us fight, and 'twas with God we came. 
 
 He ceas'd ; the Greeks loud acclamations raise. 
 And voice to voice resounds Tydides' praise. 70 
 Wise Nestor then his reveiend figure rear'd ; 
 He spoke : the host in still attention heard. 
 
 O truly great ! in whom the Gods have join'd 
 Such strength of body with such force of miud;
 
 Book IX. THE ILIAD. m 
 
 In conduct, as in courage, you excel, 75 
 
 Still first to act what you advise so well. 
 Those wholesome counsels which thy wisdom niovei. 
 Applauding Greece with common voice approves. 
 Kings thou canst blame ; a bold but prudent youth ; 
 And blame e'en kings with praise, because with truth. 
 And yet those years that since thy birth have run, 
 Would hardly style thee Nestor's youngest son. 
 Then let me add what yet remains behind, 
 A thought unfinish'd in that generous mind ; 
 Age bids me speak ; nor shall th' advice I bring 85 
 Distaste the people, or offend the king : 
 
 Curs'd is the man, and void of law and right, 
 Unworthy property, unworthy light. 
 Unfit for public rule, or private care ; 
 That wretch, that monster, who delights in war : 90 
 Whose lust is murder, and wliose horrid joy, 
 To tear his country, and liis kind destroy ! 
 This night, refresh and fortify thy train ; 
 Between the trench and wall let guards remain : 
 Be that the duty of the young and bold ; 95 
 
 But thou, O king, to council call the old : 
 Great is thy sway, and weighty are thy cares ; 
 Thy high commands must spirit all our wars. 
 With Thracian wines recruit thy honor'd guests, 
 Por bappy counsels flow from sober feasts. I'JO 
 
 Wise, weighty counsels aid a state distrest. 
 And such a monarch as can chuse the best. 
 See ! what a blaze from hostile tents aspires. 
 How near our fleet approach the Trojan fires ! 
 Who can, unmov'd, behold the dreadful light, 105 
 What eye beliolds them, and can close to-night ? 
 This dreadful interval determines all ; 
 To-morrow, Troy must flame, or Greece must fall. 
 
 Thus spoke the hoary sage : the rest obey ; 
 Swift through tlie gates the guards direct their way. 
 His son was first to pass the lofty mound, 111 
 
 The generous Thrasymed, in arms renown'd: 
 Uext him, Ascalaphus, lalmen, stood. 
 The double oflspring of the Warrior-God. 
 DeVpyrus, Aphareus, Merion join, 115 
 
 And Lycomed, of Creon's noble Une. 
 Seven were tlie leaders of the nightly bands. 
 And each bold chief a hundred speais commands.
 
 500 THE ILIAD. Book IX. 
 
 The fires they light, to short repasts they falJ, 
 Some line the trench, and others man the wail. 120 
 
 The king of men, on public counsels bent, 
 Conven'd the princes in his ample tent; 
 Each seiz'd a poriion of the kiu<ily feast, 
 But staid his hand when thirst and hunger ceas'd. 
 Then Nestor spoke, for wisdom long approv'd, 125 
 And, slowly rising, thus the council mov'd. 
 
 Monarcli of nations ! whose superior sway 
 Assembled states and lords of earth obey, 
 The laws and sceptres to thy hand arc given, 
 And millions own the care of thee and heaven. 130 
 
 king ! the counsels of my age attend ; 
 ^Vith thee my cares begin, in thee must end ; 
 Thee, prince ! it fits alike to speak and hear. 
 Pronounce with judgment, with regard give ear. 
 To see no wholesome motion be withstood, 133 
 And ratify the best for public good. 
 
 'isoT, though a meaner give advice, repine. 
 But follow it, and make the wisdom thine. 
 Hear then a thought, not now conceiv'd in haste. 
 At once my present judgment, and my past. 140 
 When from Pelides' tent you forc'd the maid, 
 
 1 tirst oppos'd, and faithful durst dissuade ; 
 But bold of soul, when headlong fury fir'd. 
 
 You wrong'd the man, by men and Gods admir'd : 
 Uow seek some means his fatal wrath to end, 145 
 With prayers to move him, or with gifts to bend. 
 
 To whom the king. With justice hast thou shown 
 A prince's faults, and I with reason own. 
 That happy man, whom Jove still honors most. 
 Is more than armies, and himself an host. 150 
 
 Blest in his love, this wondrous hero stands ; 
 Heaven fights his war, and humbles all our bands. 
 Pain would my heart, which err'd thro" frantic rage, 
 The wrathful chief and angry Gods assuage. 
 If gifts immense his miiihty soul can bow, 155 
 
 Hear, all ye Greeks, and witness what I vow. 
 Ten weighty talents of the purest gold, 
 And twice ten viises of refulgent mould ; 
 Seven sacred tripods, whose unsully'd frame 
 Yet knows no office, nor has felt the flame : l60 
 Twelve steeds unmatch'd in fleetness and in force. 
 And still victorious in the dusty course.
 
 Book IX. THE ILIAD. 201 
 
 (Rich were the man whose ample stores exceed 
 The prizes purchas'd by their winged speed.) 
 Seven lovely captives of the Lesbian line, l65 
 
 Skill'd in each art, unmatch'd in form divhie ; 
 I'lie same I chose for more than vulgar charms. 
 When Lesbos sunk beneath the hero's arms : 
 All these, to buy his friendship, shall be paid, 
 And join'd with these the long-contested maid; 1*0 
 With all her charms, Brise'is I resign, 
 And solemn swear those charms wore never mine; 
 LTntouch'd she stay'd, uninjur'd she removes. 
 Pure from my arms, and guiltless of my loves. 
 Tliese instant shall be his; and if the powers 175 
 Give to our arms proud Ilion's hostile towers, 
 Then shall he store (when Greece the spoil divides) 
 With gold and brass his loaded navy's sides. 
 Besides, full twenty nymphs of Trojan race 
 With copious love shall crown his warm em brace ; 180 
 Such as himself will choose ; who yield to none, 
 Or yield to Helen's heavenly charms alone. 
 Yet hear me farther : whc n our wars are o'er. 
 If safe we land on Argos' fruitful shore. 
 There shall he live my son, our honors share, 185 
 And with Orestes' self divide my care. 
 Yet more— three daugliter^ in my court are bred, 
 And each well worthy of a royal bed ; 
 Laodice and Iphigenia fair, 
 
 And bright Chrysolhemis with golden hair ; igo 
 Her let him choose, whom most his ej-es approve, 
 I ask no presents, no reward for love : 
 Myself will give the dower ; so vast a store 
 As never father gave a child before. 
 Seven ample cities shall confess his sway, 195 
 
 Him Enope, and Pherae him obey, 
 Cardamyle with ample turrets crown'd. 
 And sacred Pedasus for Nines renown'd ; 
 JEpea. fair, the pastures Hira yields. 
 And rich Antheia with her flowery fields: 200 
 
 The whole extent to Pylos' sand}' plain. 
 Along the verdant margin of the main. 
 Tiiere heifers graze, and laboring oxen toil ; 
 Bold are the men, and generous is the soil ; 
 There shall he reign with power and justice crown'd, 
 Aad rule the tributary realms around. 206 
 
 12
 
 202 THE ILIAD. Book IX. 
 
 All this I give, his vengeance' to control. 
 
 And sure all this may move liis mighty sou). 
 
 Pluto, the grisly God, who never spares, 
 
 ^Vho feels no mercy, and who hears no prayers, CIO 
 
 Live5 dark and dreadful in deep hell's abodes, 
 
 And mortals hate him, as the worst of Gods. 
 
 Great thouah he be, it fits him to obey; 
 
 Since more than his my years, and more ray sway. 
 
 The monarch thus : the reverend ISIcstor then: 215 
 Great Agamemnon ! glorious kin? of men I 
 Such are thy oifers as a prince may take, 
 And such as fits a generous king to make. 
 Let chosen delegates tliis hour be sent, 
 (Myself will name them) to Pelides' tent: 2£0 
 
 Let Phoenix lead, rever'd for hoary age, 
 Great Ajax next, and Ilhacus the sage. 
 Yet more to sanctify the word you send, 
 Let Hodius and Eurybates attend. 
 Isow pray to Jove to grant what Greece demands ; 
 Pray, in deep silence, and with purest hands. 226 
 
 lie said, and all approv'd. The heralds bring 
 The cleansing water from the living spring. 
 The youtii with wine the sacred goblets crown'd. 
 And large libations drench'd the sands around. 230 
 The rite perform'd, the chiefs their thirst allay. 
 Then from the royal tent they take their way ; 
 "Wise Nestor turns on each his careful eye, 
 Forbids t' ofi'end, instruct them to apply : 
 Wuch he advis'd them all, Ulysses most, 235 
 
 To deprecate tne chief, and save the host. 
 Through the still night they march, and hear the roar 
 Of murmuring billows on the soundiiig shore. 
 To Neptune, ruler of the seas profound, , 
 
 AVhose liquid arms tlie mighty globe surround, 240 
 They pour forth vows, theii^ embassy to bless, 
 And c.tlm the rage of stern JEacides. 
 And now, arriv'd, where, on the sandy bay 
 The Myrmidonian tents and vessels lay ; 
 Amus'd at e.ase, the god-like man they found, 243 
 Pleas'd with the solemn harp's harmonious sound 
 (The well-wrought harp from conquer'd Thebae came, 
 Of polish'd silver was its costly frame:) 
 Vfith this he soothes his angry soul, and sings 
 Th' immortal deeds of heroes and of kings, 250
 
 Book IX. THE ILIAD. COS 
 
 Patroclus only of the royal train, 
 
 Plac'd in his tent, attends the lofty strain : 
 
 Full opposite he sat, and listen'd long. 
 
 In silence waiting till he ceas'd the song. 
 
 Unseen the Grecian embassy proceeds 255 
 
 To his high tent ; the threat Ulysses leads. 
 
 Achilles starting, as the chiefs he spy'd, 
 
 l,eap'd from his seat, and laid the harp aside. 
 
 With like surprise arose Menoetius' son : 
 
 Pelides grasp'd their hands, and thus begun. S:60 
 
 Princes, all hail ! whatever brought you here. 
 Or strong necessity, or urgent fear ; 
 Welcome, though Greeks ! for not as foes ye came ; 
 To me more dear than all that bear the name. 
 
 Witii that, the chiefs beneath his roof he led, 265 
 And plac'd in seats with purple carpets spread. 
 Then thus— Patroclus, crown a larger bowl, 
 Mix purer wine, and open every soul. 
 Of all the warriors yonder host can send. 
 Thy friend most honors these, and these thy friend. 
 
 He said: Patroclus o'er the blazing fire, 271 
 
 Heaps in a brazen vase three chines entire : 
 The brazen vase Automedon sustains. 
 Which riesh of porket, sheep, and goat contains : 
 Achilles at the genial feast presides, 275 
 
 The parts transfixes, and with skill divides. 
 Meanwhile Patroclus sweats the fire to raise; 
 The tent is brighten'd with the rising blaze: 
 Then, when the languid flames at length subside, 
 He strows a bed of glowing embers wide, 280 
 
 Above the coals the smoking fragments turns. 
 And sprinkles sacred salt from lifted urns ; 
 Witli bread the glittering canisters they load. 
 Which round the board Menoetius' son bestow'd ; 
 Himself, oppos'd t' Ulysses full in sight, 285 
 
 Each portion parts, and orders every rite. 
 The first fat offerings, to th' immortals due. 
 Amidst the greedy flames Patroclus threw ; 
 llien each, indulging in the social feast. 
 His thirst and hunger soberly represt. 290 
 
 That done, to Phcenix Ajax gave the sign ; 
 Kot unperceiv'd ; Ulysses crown'd with wine 
 The foaming bowl, and instant thus began, 
 His speech addressing to the god-like man.
 
 £04 THE ILIAD. Book IX. 
 
 Health to Achilles ! happy are tliy guests ! ey5 
 Not those more honor'd whom Atrides feasts : 
 Thoush generous plenty crown thy loaded boards. 
 That Agamemnon's regal tent a(Tords ; 
 But greater cares sit heavy on our souls, 
 Not eas'd by banquets or by flowing bowls. 300 
 
 What scenes of slaughter in yon fields appear ! 
 The dead we mourn, and for the living fear ; 
 Greece on the brink of fate all doubtful stands. 
 And owns no help but from thy saving hands : 
 Troy and her aids for ready vengeance call ; .305 
 Their threatening tents aheady shade our wall : 
 Hear how with shouts their conquest they proclaim. 
 And point at ever>' ship their vengeful flame ! 
 For them the Father of ti!e Gods declares, 
 Theirs are his omens, and his thunder theirs. 310 
 See, full of Jove, avenging Hector rise ! "J 
 
 See ! heaven and eartli the raging chief defies ; > 
 What fury in his breast, what lightning in his eyes ! J 
 He waits but for the morn, to sink in flame 314 
 The ships, the Greeks, and all the Grecian name. 
 Heavens ! how my counti^y's woes distract my mind, 
 Lest fate accomplish all his rage design'd. 
 And must we, Gods ! our heads inglorious lay 
 In Trcjan dust, and this the fatal day ? 
 Return, Achilles ! oh return, though late, 320 
 
 To save thy Greeks, and stop the course of fate ; 
 If in that heart or grief or courage lies. 
 Rise to redeem ; ah yet, to conquer, rise ! 
 The day may come, when, all our warriors slain, 
 Tliat heart shall melt that courage rise in vain. 325 
 Regard in time, O prince divineh- brave ! 
 Those wholesome counsels which tliy father gave. 
 When Peleus in his aged arms embrac'd 
 His parting son, these acccjits were his last. 
 My child ! with strength, with glory and success. 
 Thy arms mav Juno and Minerva bless ! 331 
 
 Trust that to'heaven : I ut thou, thy cares engage 
 To calm thy passions, and subdue thy rage : 
 Trom gentler manners let tliy glory grow, 
 And shun contention, the sure source of woe ; 335 
 That young and old may in thy praise combinej, 
 llie virtues of hmnanity be thine
 
 Book IX. THE ILIAD, 205 
 
 This, now dtspis'd, advice thy father gave ; 
 
 Ah ! check tliy anger, and be truly brave. 
 
 If tliou wilt yield to great Atrides' prayers, 340 
 
 Gifts wortliy thee his royal hand prepares ; 
 
 If not— but hear me, while I number o'er 
 
 The proifer'd presents, and exhaustiess store. 
 
 Ten weighty talents of the purest gold. 
 
 And twice ten vases of refulgent mould ; 345 
 
 Seven sacred tripods, whose unsully'd frame 
 
 Yet knows no office, nor has felt the flame: 
 
 Twelve steeds unmatch'd in fleetness and in force. 
 
 And still victorious in the dusty course 
 
 (Rich were the man, whose ample stores exceed 350 
 
 The prizes purchas'd by their winged speed.) 
 
 Seven lovely captives of the Lesbian line, 
 
 Skill'd iu each art, unmatch'd in form divine ; 
 
 The same he chose for more than vulgar charms, 
 
 %Viicn L<esbos sunk beneath thy conquering arms. 3.55 
 
 All these, to buy thy friendship, shall be paid, 
 
 And join'd with these the long-contested maid ; 
 
 With all her charms, Briseis hell resign. 
 
 And solemn swear those charms were only thine ; 
 
 Uatouch'd she stay'd, uniujur'd she removes, 3dO 
 
 Ture from his arms, and guiltless of his loves. 
 
 These instant shall be thine; and if the powers 
 
 Give to our arms proud Ilion's hostile towers. 
 
 Then shalt thou store (when Greece the spoil divides) 
 
 With gold and brass thy loaded navy's sides. 365 
 
 Besides, full twenty nymphs of Trojan race 
 
 With copious love shall crown thy warm embrace ; 
 
 Such as thyself shall choose ; who yield to none. 
 
 Or yield to Helen's heavenly charms alone. 
 
 Yet hear me farther : when our wars are o'er, 370 
 
 If safe we land on Argos' fruitful shore. 
 
 There shalt thou live his son, his honors share. 
 
 And with Orestes' self divide his care. 
 
 Yet more— three daughters in his court are bred, 
 
 And each well worthy of a royal bed ; 373 
 
 Laodice and Iphigenia fair. 
 
 And bright Chrjsotiiemis with golden hair ; 
 
 Her shalt thou wed wliom most thy eyes approve. 
 
 He asks no presents, no reward for love : 
 
 Himself will give the dower ; so vast a store, 380 
 
 As uever father gave a child before.
 
 506 THE ILIAD. Book IX. 
 
 Seven ample cities shall confess thy sway, 
 
 Thee Enope, and Pherse thee obey, 
 
 Cardamyle with ample turrets crown'd. 
 
 And sacred Pedasus, for vines renown'd : 385 
 
 jEpea fair, the pastures, Hira yields, 
 
 And rich Antliei'a with her flowerj- fields : 
 
 The whole extent to Pylos' sandy plain 
 
 Along the verdant margin of tht'! main. 
 
 There heifers graze, and laboring oxen toil ; 39O 
 
 Bold are the men, and generous is the soil. 
 
 There shalt thou reign with powerand justice crown'd, 
 
 And rule the tributarj- realms around. 
 
 Such are the proffers which this day we bring, 
 
 Such the repentance of a suppliant king. 395 
 
 But if all this relentless thou disdain, 
 
 If honor, and if interest plead in vain ; 
 
 Yet some redress to suppliant Greece afford, 
 
 And be, amongst her guardian Gods, ador'd. 
 
 If no regard thy suffering country claim, 400 
 
 Hear thy own glory, and the voice of fame : 
 
 For now that cliief, whose unresisted ire 
 
 Made nations tremble, and whole hosts retire, 
 
 Proud Hector, now, th' unequal tight demands. 
 
 And only triumphs to deserve thy hands. 405 
 
 Then thus the Goddess-born. Ulysses, hear 
 A faithful speech, that knows nor art, nor fear; 
 What in my secret soul is understood, 
 My tongue shall utter, and my deeds make good. 
 Let Greece then know, my purpose I retain : 410 
 Ivor with new treaties vex my peace in vain. 
 Wiio dares think one thing, and another tell, 
 My heart detests him as the gates of hell. 
 
 Then thus in short my fixt resolves attend, 
 Which nor Alrides, nor his Greeks can bend ; 415 
 Long toils, long perils, in their cause I bore. 
 But now til' unfruitful glories chcum no more. 
 Fight or not fight, a like reward we claim. 
 The wretch and hero find their prize the same ; 
 Alike regretted in the dust he lies, 420 
 
 Who yields ignobly, or who bravely dies. 
 Of all my dangers, all my glorious pains, 
 A life of labors, lo ! what fruit remains ? 
 As the bold bird her helpless young attends, 
 From danger guards tliem, and from want defends ;
 
 Book IX. THE ILIAD. SOT 
 
 In search of prey she whigs the spacious air, 426 
 And with tli' untar.ted food supplies lier care : 
 For thankless Greece surh hardships have I brav'd. 
 Her wives, her infants, by my labors sav'd ; 
 Long sleepless niglits in heavy arms I siood, 430 
 And sweat laborious days in dust and blood. 
 1 I sack'd twelve ample cities on the main, 
 i And twelve lay smoaking on the Trojan plain : 
 : Then at Atrides' haughty feet were laid 
 '. The wealth I gathered, and the spoils I made. 435 
 . Your mighty monarch these in peace possest ; 
 ' Some few my soldiers had, himself the rest. 
 Some present too to every prince was paid ; 
 And every prince enjoys the gift he made ; 
 '• I only must refund, of all his train ; 440 
 
 I See what preeminence our merits gain ! 
 
 My spoil alone his greedy soul delights : 
 ' My spouse alone must bless his lustful nights : 
 i The woman, let him (as he may) enjoy ; 
 j But what's the quarrel then of Greece to Troy ? 445 
 j What to these- shores th' assembled nations draws. 
 What calls for vengeance but a woman's cause ? 
 Are fair endowments and a beauteous face 
 Belov'd by none but those of Atreus' race ? 
 The wife whom choice and passion both approve. 
 Sure every wise and worthy man will love. 451 
 
 Nor did my fair-one less distinction claim ; 
 Slave as she was, my soul ador'd the dame. 
 Wrong'd in my love, all proffers I disdain ; 
 Deceiv'd for once, I trust not kings again. 455 
 
 Ye have my answer— what remains to do. 
 Your king, Ulysses, may consult with you. 
 What needs he the defence this arm can make? 
 Has he not walls no human force can shake ? 
 Has he not fenc'd his guarded navy round, 460 
 With piles, with ramparts, and a trench profound ? 
 And will not these (the wonders he has done) 
 I Hepel the rage of Priam's single son ? 
 There was a time f twas when for Greece I fought) 
 When Hector's prowess no such wonders wrought ; 
 He kept the verge of Troy, nor dar'd to wait 4667 
 Achilles' fur>' at the Scasan gate ; 
 He try'd it once, and scarce was sav'd by Fate. 
 
 ugut ; 
 
 4661 
 e. J
 
 208 THE ILIAD. Book IX. 
 
 But now those ancient enmities aie o'er ; 
 To-morrow we the favoring Gods implore, 470 
 
 Then shall you see our parting vessels crowu'd, 
 And hear with oars the Hellespont resound. 
 The third day hence, shall Pthia greet our sails, 
 If niight3' Neptune send propitious gales; 
 Pthia to her Achilles shall restore 475 
 
 The wealth he left for this detested shore : 
 Thither the spoils of this long war shall pass, 
 Tlie ruddy gold, the steel, and shining brass ; 
 My beauteous captives thither I'll convey, 
 And all that rests of my unravish"d prey. 480 
 
 One only valued gift your tj^rant gave, 
 And that resum'd, the fair Lyrnessian slave. 
 Then tell him, loud, that all the Greeks may hear. 
 And learn lo scorn the wretch thej' basely fear ; 
 (For, arm'd in impudence, mankind he braves, 485 
 And meditates new cheats on all his slaves ; 
 Though shameless as he is, to face these eyes 
 Is what he dares not ; if he dares, he dies) 
 Tell liim, all terms, all commerce I decline, "> 
 
 Ivor share his council, nor his battle join ; 490 > 
 For once deceiv'd, was his ; but twice, were mine. J 
 No— let the stupid prince, whom Jove deprives 
 Of sense and justice, run where phrenzy drives ; 
 His gifts are hateful : kings of such a kind 
 Stand but as slaves before a noble mind. 405 
 
 Not though he proffer'd all himself possest, 
 Aud all his rapine could from others wrest : 
 Kot all the golden tides of wealth that crown 
 The manj^-peopled Orchomenian town ; 
 Not all proud Thebes' unrival'd walls contain, 500 
 The world's great empress on th' Egyptian plain, 
 (That spreads her conquests o'er a thousand states, 
 And pours her heroes through a hundred gates, 
 Two hundred horsemen, and two hundred cars 
 From each wide portal issuing to the wars) .505 
 Tho' bribes were iieap'd on bribes, in number more 
 Than dust in fields, or sands along the shore ; 
 Should all these offers for my friendship call ; 
 Tis he that offers, and I scorn them all. 
 Atrides' daughter never shall be led 510 
 
 (An ill-match'd consort) to Achilles' bed ;
 
 Book IX. THE ILIAD. 209 
 
 Like golden Venus though she cliarm'd the heart, 
 
 And vy'd with Pallas in the works of art. 
 
 Some greater Greek let those high nuptials grace, 
 
 I hate alliance with a tyrant's race, 515 
 
 If heaven restore me to my realms with life. 
 
 The reverend Peleus shall elect my wife. 
 
 Thessaliau nymphs there arc, of form divine. 
 
 And kings that sue to mix their blood with mine. 
 
 Blest in kind love, my years shall glide away, 520 
 
 Content with just hereditary s%vay ; 
 
 There, deaf for ever to the martial strife. 
 
 Enjoy the dear prerogative of life. 
 
 Life is not to be bought with heaps of gold ; 
 
 Not all Apollo's Pythian treasures hold, 525 
 
 Or Troy once held, in peace and pride of sway. 
 
 Can bribe the poor possession of a day ! 
 
 Lost herds and treiisures, we by arms regain. 
 
 And steeds unrivall'd on the dusty plain : 
 
 But from our lips the vital spirit fled, 530 
 
 Returns no more to wake the silent dead. 
 
 My fates- long since by Thetis were disclos'd. 
 
 And each alternate, life or fame propos'd ; 
 
 Here, if I stay, before the Trojan town, 
 
 Short is my date, but deathless my renown: 535 
 
 If I return, I quit immortal praise 
 
 For years on years, and long-extended days. 
 
 Convinc'd, though lale, I find my fond mistake. 
 
 And warn the Greeks the wiser choice to make : 
 
 To quit these shores, their native seats enjoy, 540 
 
 Nor hope the fall of heaven-defended Troy. 
 
 Jove's arm display'd asserts her from the skies ; 
 
 Her hearts are strengthen'd, and her glories rise. 
 
 Go then, to Greece report our fix'd design ; 
 
 Bid all your counsels, all your armies join, 545 
 
 Let all your forces, all your arts conspire. 
 
 To save the ships, the troops, the chiefs from fire. 
 
 One stratagem has fail'd, and others will : 
 
 Ye find, Achilles is unconquer'd still. 
 
 Go then— digest my message as ye may— 550 
 
 But here this night let reverend Phoenix stay : 
 
 His tedious toils and hoary liairs demand 
 
 A peaceful death in Pthia's friendly land. 
 
 But whether he remain, or sail with me, 
 
 His age be sacred, and bis will be free, 555
 
 210. TEIE ILIAD. Book IX. 
 
 The son of Peleus ceas'd : the chiefs around 
 In silence wrapt, in consternation drown'd. 
 Attend the stern reply. Then Phoenix rose; 
 (Down his white beard a stream of sorrow flows) 
 And wliile the fate of sufferiiig Greece he moum'd, 
 With accent weak these tender words return'd. j6l 
 
 Divine Achilles ! wilt thou then retire. 
 And leave our hosts in blood, our tieets on fire .' 
 If wrath so dreadful fill thy ruthless mind, 
 How shall tliy friend, thy Phcenix, stay behind ? 
 The royal Peleus, when from Pthia's coast [>66 
 
 He sent thee early to th' Achaian host ; 
 Thy youth as then in sage debates unskill'd, 
 And new to perils of the direful field : 
 He bade me teach thee all the ways of war; 570 
 To shine in councils, and in camps to dare. 
 Kever, ah never let me leave thy side ! 
 Iso time shall part us, and no fate divide. 
 !Not though the God, that breatli'd my life, restore 
 The bloom I boasted, and the port I bore, 575 
 
 When Greece of old beheld my youthful flames, 
 (Delightful Greece, the land of lovely dames!) 
 My father, faithless to my mother's arms. 
 Old as he was, ador'd a stranger's charms. 
 I try'd what j'outh could do (at her desire) 580 
 To win the damsel, and prevent my sire. 
 My sire with curses loads my hated head, 
 And cries, " Ye furies ! barren be his bed." 
 Infernal Jove, the vengeful fiends below. 
 And ruthless Proserpine confirm'd his vow. 585 
 Despair and grief distract my laboring mind ! 
 Gods ! what a crime my impious heart designed ! 
 I thought (but some kind God that thougiit supprest) 
 To plunge the pcinard in my fatlier's breast ! 
 Then meditate my fiiaiht ; my friends in vain 590 
 With prayers entreat me, and with force detain. 
 On fat of rams, black bulls, and brawny swine. 
 They daily feast, with draughts of fragrant wine : 
 Strong guards they plac'd, and watch'd nine nights 
 entire ; 594 
 
 The roofs and porches flam'd with constant fire. 
 The tenth, I forc'd the gates unseen of all ; 
 And favor'd by the night o'erlcap'd the wall.
 
 Book IX. THE ILIAD. 211 
 
 My travels thence through spacious Greece extend ; 
 
 In Pthia's court at last my labors end. 
 
 Your sire receiv'd me, as liis son caress'd, COO 
 
 With gifts enrich'd, and with possessions bless'd. 
 
 The strong Dolopians thenceforth own'd my reign. 
 
 And all tlie coast that runs along tlie main. 
 
 By love to thee his bounties 1 repaid, 
 
 And early wisdom to thy soul convey'd : 605 
 
 Great as thou art, my lessons made thee brave, 
 
 A child I took thee, but a hero gave. 
 
 Tliy infant breast a like affection show'd ; 
 
 Still in my arms (an ever-pleasing load,) 609 
 
 Or at my knee, by Pliosnix v/ouldst thou stand; 
 
 No food was grateful but from Phcenix' hand. 
 
 I pass my watchings o'er thy helpless years. 
 
 The tender labors, the compliant cares ; 
 
 The Gods (I thought) revers'd their hard decree. 
 
 And Phoenix felt a father's joys in thee : 6l5 
 
 Thy growing virtues justify'd my cares, 
 
 And promis'd comfort to my silver hairs. 
 
 Now be thy rage, thy fetal rage, resign'd ; 
 
 A cruel heart ill suits a manly mind: 
 
 The Gods (the only great, and only wise) 620 
 
 Are mov'd by offerings, vows, and sacrifice; 
 
 Offending man their high compassion wins. 
 
 And daily prayers atone for daily sins. 
 
 Prayers are Jove's daughters, of celestial race. 
 
 Lame are their feet, and wrinkled is their face ; 625 
 
 With humble mien and with dejected eyes. 
 
 Constant they follow, -where Injustice flies : 
 
 Injustice swift, erect, and unconfin'd, 
 
 Sweeps the wide earth, and tramples o'er mankind. 
 
 While prayers.to heal her wrongs.moveslow behind. _ 
 
 Who licars these daughters of almighty Jove, 631 
 
 For him tiiey mediate to the throne above : 
 
 When man rejects the humble suit they make, 
 
 The sire revenges for the daughter's sake ; 
 
 From Jove commission'd, fierce Injustice then, 633 
 
 Descends, to punish unrelenting men. 
 
 Oh let not headlong passion bear the sway ; 
 
 These reconciling Goddesses obey : 
 
 Due honors to the seed of Jove belong; 639 
 
 Due honors calm the fierce, and bend the strong. 
 
 ::}
 
 212 THE ILIAD. Book IX. 
 
 Were these not paid thee by the terms we bring. 
 Were rage still harbour'd in the haughty king ; 
 Nor Greece, nor nil her fortunes, should engage 
 Thy friend to plead against so just a rage. 
 But since what honor asks, the general sends, 645 
 And sends by those whom most thy heart commends. 
 The best and noblest of the Grecian train; 
 Permit not these to sue, and sue in vain ! 
 Let me (my son) an ancient fact unfold, 
 A great example drawn from times of old ; 650 
 
 Hear what our fathers were, and wiiat their praise. 
 Who conquer'd their revenge in former days. 
 
 Where Calydon on rocky mountains stands, 
 Once fought Ih' ^tolian and Curetian bands ; 
 To guard it those, to conquer these advance ; 655 
 And mutual deaths were dealt with mutual chance. 
 Ihe silver Cynthia bade Contention rise. 
 In vengeance of neglected sacrifice ; 
 On Oeneus' fields she sent a monstrous boar. 
 That leveird harvests, and whole forests tore ; 660 
 This beast (when many a chief his tusks had sl^n) 
 Great Meleager stretch'd along the plain. 
 Then, for his spoils, a new debate arose, 
 Tlie neighbour nations thence commencing foes. 
 Strong as they were, the bold C^uretes fail'd, ( 
 While Meleager's tliundering arm prevail'd : 
 Till rage at length intiam'd his lofty breast, 
 (For rage invades tlie wisest and the best.) 
 
 Curs'd by Althsea, to his wrath he yields. 
 And in his wife's embrace forgets the fields. &J0 
 " (She from Marpessa sprung, divinely fair, 
 " And matchless Idas, more than man in war; 
 " The God of Day ador'd the mother's charms : 
 " Against the God tiie father bent his arms: 
 " Til' aflBicted pair, their sorrows to proclaim, djS 
 " From Cleopatra chang'd this daueliter's name, 
 " And call'd Alcyone; a name to show 
 " The father s griet, the mourning mother's woe.' 
 To her the chief relir'd from stern debate. 
 But found no peace from fierce Althaea's hate : ( 
 Althcca's hate, th' unhappy warrior drew. 
 Whose luckless hand his royal uncle slew; 
 She beat the ground, and call'd the powers benesrthf 
 On her own son to wreak her brother's death :
 
 Book IX. THE ILIAD. 213 
 
 Hell heard her curses from the realms profound. 
 And the red fiends Uiat walk the nightly round. 
 In vain .^itolia her deliverer waits. 
 War shakes her walls, and thunders at her gates. 
 She sent ambassadors, a chosen band, 
 Priests of the Gods, and elders of the land ; figo 
 Besought the chief to save tlie sinking state: 
 Their prayers were urgent, and their proflrers great: 
 (Full fifty acres of the richest ground, 
 Half pasture green, and half with vineyards crown'd.) 
 His suppliant father, aged Oeneus, came ; 695 
 
 His sisters follow'd ; ev'n the vengeful dame. 
 Althaea sues ; his friends before hini fall : 
 He stands relentless, and rejects them all. 
 Meanwhile the victor's shouts ascend the skies ; 
 The walls are scal'd ; the rolling flames arise ; 70O 
 At length his wife (a form divine) appears, 
 With piercing cries, and supplicating tears ; 
 Siie paints tlie horrors of a conquer'd town. 
 The heroes slain, the palaces o'erthrown, 
 The matrons ravish'd, the whole race enslav'd : 703 
 The warrior heard, he vanquish'd, and he sav'd, 
 Th' iEtolians, long disdain'd, now took their turu. 
 And left the chief their broken faith to mourn. 
 Learn hence, betimes to curb pernicious ire. 
 Nor stay, till yonder fleets ascend in fire : 710 
 
 Accept the presents ; draw thy conquering sword.: 
 And be amongst our guardian Gods ador'd. 
 Thus he ; the stern Achilles thus reply'd. 
 My second father, and my reverend guide : 
 Thy friend, believe me, no such gifts demands, 715 
 And asks no honors from a mortal's hands : 
 Jove honors me, and favors my designs ; 
 His pleasure guides me, and his will confines: 
 And here I stay, (if such his high behest) 
 While life's warm spirit beats within my breast. 
 Yet hear one word, and lodge it in thy heart ; 721 
 Uo more molest me on Atrides' part : 
 ■ Is it for him these tears are taught to flow. 
 For him these sorrows ? for my mortal foe ? 
 A generous friendship no cold medium knows, 723 
 Burns with one love, with one resentment glows ; 
 One should our interests, and our passions be ; 
 My friend must hate the man that injuies me.
 
 £14 THE ILIAD. Book IX. 
 
 Do this, my PlicEnix, 'tis a generous part; 
 And share my reahus, m3' honors, and my heart. 
 Let these return : our voj-age, or our stay, 731 
 
 Kest undetermin'd till the dawning day. 
 
 He ceas'd : tlien order'd for the sage's bed 
 A wanner couch with numerous carpets spread. 
 With lliat, stern Ajax liis long silence broke, 735 
 And thus, impatient, to L^lysses spoke. 
 
 Hence let us go— why waste we time in vain ? 
 See what effect our low submissions gain ! 
 Lik'd or not lik'd, his words we must relate, 
 The Greeks expect them, and our lieroes wait, 740 
 Proud as he is, that iron-heart retains 
 Its stubborn purpose, and his friends disdains. 
 Stern, and unpitjdng ! if a brother bleed, 
 On just atonement, we remit the deed ; 
 A sire the slaugliter of his son forgives ; 743 
 
 The piice of blood discharg'd, the murderer lives : 
 Tlie haughtiest hearts at length their rage resign. 
 And gilts can conquer everj^ soul but thine. 
 The Gods that unrelenting breasV have steel'd. 
 And curst thee with a mind that cannot yield. 750 
 One woman-slave was ravish'd from thy arms : 
 Lo, seven are ofter'd, and of equal charms, 
 Then hear, Achilles ! be of better mind ; 
 Revere thy roof, and to thj' guests be kind; 
 And know the men of all the Grecian host, 755 
 Who honor worth, and prize thy valor most. 
 
 Oh soul of battles, and thj- people's guide ! 
 (To Ajax thus the first of Greeks reply'd) 
 Well hast thou spoke ; but at the tyrant's name 
 My rage rekindles, and my soul 's on flame : 76O 
 'Tis just resentment, and becomes the brave; 
 Disgrac'd, dishouor'd, like the ^•ilest slave ! 
 Helurn tlien, hefoes ! and our answer bear. 
 The glorious combat is no more my care ; 
 Kot till, amidst yon sinking navj' slain, 765 
 
 The blood of Greeks shall dye the sable main ; 
 Uot tin, the flames, by Hector's fury thrown. 
 Consume your vessels, and approach my own ; 
 Just tliere, th' impetuous homicide shall stand. 
 There cease his battle, and there feel our hand. 770 
 
 This said, each prince a double goblet crowu'd, 
 And cast a large libation on the ground ;
 
 Book IX. THE ILIAD. 215 
 
 Then to their vessels, through the gloomy shades. 
 The chiefs return ; divine Ulysses leads. 
 Meantime Acliilles' slaves prepar'd a bed, 775 
 
 With fleeces, carpets, and soft linen spread : 
 There, till the sacred morn restored the day. 
 In slumbers sweet the reverend Phcenix lay. 
 But in his inner tent, an ampler space, \ 
 
 Achilles slept ; and in his warm embrace 780 > 
 Fair Diomede of the Lesbian race. ? 
 
 Last, for Patroclus was the couch prepar'd, 
 "Wliose nightly joys the beauteous Iphis shar'd ; 
 Achilles to his friend consign'd her charms, 
 'NVhen Scyros fell before liis conquering arms. 785 
 And now th' elected chiefs, whom Greece had sent, 
 Pass'd tlirough the hosts, and reach'd the royal tent. 
 Then rising all, with goblets in their hands, 
 The peers, and leaders of th' Achaian bands 
 Hail'd their return : Atrides first begun. 790 
 
 Say what success ? divine Laertes' son ! 
 Achilles' high resolves declare to all ; 
 Returns the chief, or must our navy fall ? 
 Great king of nations ! (Ithacus reply 'd) 
 Fix'd is his wrath, unconquer'd is his pride ; 795 
 He slights thy friendship, thy^ proposals scorns. 
 And, thus implord, with fiercer fury burns. 
 To save our army, and our fleets to free. 
 Is not his care ; but left to Greece and thee. 
 Your eyes shall view, when morning paints the sky. 
 Beneath his oars the whitening billows fly, 801 
 
 TJs too he bids our oars and sails employ, 
 Nor hope the fall of heaven-protected Troj' ; 
 For Jove o'ershades her with his arm divine, 
 Inspires her war, and bids her glory shine. 805 
 
 Such was his word : what farther he declar'd. 
 These sacred heralds and great Ajax heard. 
 But Phoenix in his tent tlie chief retains. 
 Safe to transport him to his native plains. 
 When morning dawns : if other he decree, 810 
 
 His age is sacred, and his choice is free. 
 
 Ulysses ceas'd : the great Achaian host. 
 With sorrow seiz'd, in consternation lost, 
 Attend the stern reply. Tydides broke 
 The general silence, and undaunted spoke. 815
 
 216 THE ILIAD. Book IX. 
 
 Why should we gifts to proud Achilles send ? 
 
 Or strive with prayers his haughty soul to bend • 
 
 His country's woes he glories to deride, 
 
 And prayers will burst that swelling heart with pride. 
 
 Be the fierce impulse of his rage obey'd ; 820 
 
 Our battles let him, or desert, or aid ; 
 
 Then let him arm when Jove or he think fit ; 
 
 That, to his madness, or to heaven commit : 
 
 What for ourselves we can, is always ours; 
 
 Tliis night, let due repast refresh our powers ; 825 
 
 (For strength consists in spirits and in blood. 
 
 And those are ow'd to generous wine and food) 
 
 But when the rosy messenger of day 
 
 Strikes the blue mountains with her golden ray, 
 
 Rang'd at the ships, let all our squadrons shine. 
 
 In flaming arms, a long extended line: 831 
 
 In the dread front let great Atrides stand. 
 
 The first in danger, as in high command. 
 
 Shouts of acclaim the listening heroes raise, 
 Then each to heaven the due libations pa3-s; 835 
 Till sleep, descending o'er the tents, bestows 
 Tlie grateful blessings of desir'd repose.
 
 THE 
 
 I ]L I A D. 
 
 BOOK X.
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Night Adventure of D/onied and Ulysses. 
 
 Upon the refusal of Achilles to return to the army, 
 the distress of Agamemnon is described in the most 
 lively manner. He takes no rest that night, but 
 passes through the camp, awaking the leaders, and 
 contriving all possible methods for the public safety. 
 Mf»ne!aus, Nestor, Ulysses, and Diomed, are em- 
 ployed in raising the rest of the captains. They 
 call a council of war, and determine to send scouts 
 into the enemy's camp, to learn their posture, 
 and discover their intentions. Diomed tmdertakes 
 this lia;?ardous enterprize, and makes choice of 
 Ulysses for his companion. In their passage they 
 surprise Dolon, whom Hector liad sent on a like 
 design to the camp of the Grecians. From him 
 ihcy are informed of the situation of the Trojan 
 and auxiliao' forces, and particularly of Rhesus, 
 and the Thracians wlio were lately arrived. They 
 pass on with success ; kill Rhesus, with sc%'eral of 
 his officers, and seize the famous horses of that 
 prince, witli which they return in triumph to the 
 camp. 
 
 The same night continues ; the scene lies in the 
 two camps.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK X. 
 
 ALL night the chiefs before their vessels lay, 
 And lost in sleep the labors of the day ; 
 All but the king; with various thoughts opprest. 
 His country's cares lay rolling in his breast. 
 As when, by lightnings, Jove's etherial power 5 
 Foretels the rattling hail, or weighty shower. 
 Or sends soft snows to whiten all the shore. 
 Or bids tlie brazen throat of war to roar ; ,,^ 
 By fits one flash succeeds as one expires, 
 And heaven flames thick with momentary fires. 10 
 So bursting frequent from Atrides' breast, 
 Sighs following sighs his inward fears confest. 
 Now o'er the fields, dejected, he surveys 
 From thousand Trojan fires the mounting blaze ; 
 Hears in the passing wind their music blow, 15 
 And marks distinct the voices of the foe. 
 Now looking backwards to the fleet and coast, 
 Anxious he sorrows for th' endanger'd host. 
 He rends his liairs in sacrifice to Jove, 
 And sues to him that ever lives above: 20 
 
 Inly lie groans; while ylory and despair 
 Divide his heart, and wage a doubtful war. 
 
 A thousand cares his laboring breast revolves ; 
 To seek sage Nestor now the chief resolves, 
 With him, in wholesome counsels, to debate 25 
 
 What yet remains to save th' afflicted state. 
 lie rose, and first he cast his mantle round. 
 Next on his feet the shining sandals bouad ; 
 A lion's yellow spoils Ifis back conceal'd ; 
 His warlike baud a pointed javelin held. 30
 
 220 THE ILIAD. Book X. 
 
 Meanwhile his brother, prest with equal woes. 
 
 Alike deny'd the gifts of soft repose. 
 
 Laments for Greece ; that in his cause before 
 
 So much had suffer'd, and must suffer more. 
 
 A leopard's spotted hide his shoulders spread ; 35 
 
 A brazen helmet glitter'd on his head : 
 
 Thus (with a javelin in his hand) he went 
 
 To wake Atrides in the royal tent. 
 
 Already wak'd, Atrides he descry'd. 
 
 His armor buckling at his vessel's side. 40 
 
 Joyful they met ; the Spartan thus begun : 
 
 Why puts my brother his bright armor on ? 
 
 Sends he some spy, amidst these silent hours, 
 
 To try yon camp, and watch the Trojan powers? 
 
 But say, what hero shall sustain that task, 45 
 
 Such bold exploits uncommon courage ask ; 
 
 Guideless, alone, through night's dark shade to go. 
 
 And 'midst a hostile camp explore the foe. 
 
 To whom the king. In such distress we stand, 
 No vulgar counsels our affairs demand ; 50 
 
 Greece to preser\'e, is now no easy part. 
 But asks high wisdom, deep design, and art. 
 For Jove averse our humble prayer denies, 
 And bows his head to Hector's sacrifice. 
 What eye has witness'd, or what ear believ'd, 65 
 In one great daj', by one great arm achiev'd. 
 Such wondrous deeds as Hector's hand has done, 
 And we beheld, the last revolving sun 
 What honors the belov'd of Jove adorn ! 
 Sprung from no God, and of no Goddess born, 60 
 Yet such his acts, as Greeks unborn shall tell, 
 And curse the battle where their fathers fell. 
 
 Now speed thy hasty course along the fleet, 
 lliere call great Ajax, and the prince of Crete ; 
 Ourself to hoary Nestor will repair; 65 
 
 To keep the guards on duty, be his care; 
 (For Nestor's influence best that quarter guides. 
 Whose son with Merion o'er the watch presides.) 
 To whom the Spartan ; These thy orders borne, 
 Say sliall T stay, or with dispatch return ? 70 
 
 There shalt thou stay, (the king of men reply'd) ^ 
 Else may we miss to meet, without a guide, t 
 The paths so many, and the camp so wide. 5
 
 Book X. THE ILIAD. 2«1 
 
 Still, with your voice, the slothfal soldiers raise. 
 
 Urge, by their fathers' fame, their future praise. 75 
 
 Forget we now our state aud lofty birth ; 
 
 Not titles here, but works must prove our worth. 
 
 To labor is the lot of man below ; 
 
 And when Jove gave us life, he gave us woe. 
 
 This said, each parted to his several cares ; 80 
 The king to Kestor's sable ship repairs; 
 The sage protector of the Greeks he found 
 Stretch'd on his bed with all his arms around; 
 The various-colour'd scarf, the shield he rears. 
 The shining helmet, and the pointed spears : 8j 
 
 The dreadful weapons of the warrior's rage. 
 That, old in arms, disdain'd the peace of age. 
 Then leaning on liis hand his watchful head. 
 The hoary monarch rais'd his eyes, and said, 89 
 
 What art thou, speak, that ou designs unknown, 
 While others sleep, thus range the camp alone; 
 Seek'st thou some friend, or nightly sentinel ? 
 Stand oflF, approach not, but thy purpose tell. 
 
 O son of Neleus {thus the king rejoin'd) 
 Pride of the Greeks, aud glory of thy kind ! 95 
 
 Lo here the wretched Agamemnon stands, 
 Th' unhappy general of the Grecian bands ; 
 Whom Jove decrees with daily cares to bend. 
 And woes, that only with his life shall end ! 
 Scarce can my knees these trembling limbs sustain. 
 And scarce my heart support its load of pain. 101 
 No taste of sleep these heavy eyes have known ; 
 Coufus'd, and sad, I wander thus alone, 
 Willi fears distracted, with no fix'd design; 
 And all my people's miseries are mine. 105 
 
 If aught of use thy waking thoughts suggest, 
 (Since cares, like mine, deprive tliy soul of rest) 
 Impart thy counsel, and assist thy friend ; 
 Now let us jointly to the trench descend, 
 At every gate the fainting guard excite, 110 
 
 Tir'd with the toils of day and watch of night : 
 Else may the sudden foe our works invade. 
 So near, and favor'd by the gloomy shade. 
 
 To him thus Nestor. Trust the powers above. 
 Nor think proud Hector's hopes confirm'd by Jove: 
 How ill agree the views of vain mankind, ll6 
 
 And the wise counsels of tli' eternal mind ?
 
 tm THE ILIAD. Book X. 
 
 Audacious Hector, if the Gods ordain, ^ 
 
 That great Achilles rise and rage again, > 
 
 What toils attend thee, and what woes remain ! y 
 
 Lo faithful Nestor thy command obej-s ; 12t 
 
 The care is next our other chiefs to raise : 
 
 Ulysses, Diomed, we chiefly need ; 
 
 Meges for strength, OVleus fam'd for speed. 
 
 Some other be dispatch'd of nimbler feet, 125 •% 
 
 To tliose tall ships, remotest of the fleet, > 
 
 Where lie great Ajax, and the king of Crete. 5 
 
 To rouse the Spartan I myself decree ; 
 
 Dear as he is to us, and dear to thee. 
 
 Yet must I tax his sloth, that claims no share 130 
 
 With liis great brother in this martial care : 
 
 Him it behov'd to every chief to sue, 
 
 Preventing every part perfonn'd by you; 
 
 For strong necessity our toils demands. 
 
 Claims all our hearts, and urges all our hands. J 35 
 
 To whom the king : With reverence we allow 
 Thy just rebukes, yet learn to spare them now. 
 My generous brother is of gentle kind. 
 He seems remiss, but bears a valiant mind ; 
 Through too much deference to our sovereign sway. 
 Content to follow when we lead the way. 141 
 
 But now, our ills industrious to prevent, 
 Long ere the rest, he rose, and sought my tent. 
 The chiefs you nam'd, already at his call, 
 Prepare to meet us near the navy wall ; 145 
 
 Assembling tliere, between the trench and gates, 
 Near the night-guards, our chosen council waits. 
 
 Then none (said Kestor) shall his rule withstand, 
 For great examples justify command. 
 
 With that the venerable warrior rose ; 150 
 
 The shining greaves his manly legs inclose ; 
 His purple mantle golden buckles join'd, 
 Warm with the softest wool, and doubly lin'd. 
 Tlien, rushing from his tent, he snatch'd in haste 
 His steely lance, that lighten'd as he past. 153 
 
 The camp he travers'd through the sleeping crow'd, 
 Stopp'd at Ulysses' tent, and call'd aloud. 
 Ulysses, sudden as the voice was sent. 
 Awakes, starts up, and issues from his tent. 
 What new distress, what sudden cause of fright, l60 
 Thus leads you wandering in the silent night ?
 
 Book X. THE ILIAD. 2^ 
 
 O prudent chief! (the Pylian sage reply'd) 
 Wise as thou art, be now tliy wisdom tr/d : 
 Whatever means of safety can be sought, 
 Whatever counsels can inspire our thought, l65 
 
 Whatever methods, or to fly or fight ; 
 All, all depend on this important night! 
 
 He heard, return'd, and took his painted shield : 
 Then join'd the chiefs, and follow'd through the field. 
 Without his tent, bold Diomed they found, 170 
 
 All sheath'd in arms, his brave companions round : 
 Each sunk in sleep, extended on the field, 
 His head reclining on his bossy shield. 
 A wood of spears stood by, that, fix'd upright. 
 Shot from their flashing points a quivering light. 175 
 A bull's black hide compos'd the hero's bed; 
 A splendid carpet roU'd beneath his head. 
 Then, with his foot, old Nestor gently shakes 
 The slumbering chief, and in these words awakes. 
 
 Rise, son of Tydeus ! to the brave and strong 180 
 Rest seems inglorious, and the night too long. 
 But sleep'st thou now ? when iTora yon hill the foe 
 Hangs o'er the fleet, and shades our walls below ? 
 
 At this, soft slumber from his eyelids fled ; 
 The warrior saw the hoary chief, and said, 185 
 
 Wondrous old man ! whose soul no respite knows. 
 Though years and honors bid thee seek repose. 
 Let younger Greeks our sleeping warriors wake ; 
 111 fits thy age these toils to undertake. 
 My friend, (he answer'd; generous is thy care, igO 
 These toils, my subjects and my sons might bear. 
 Their loyal tiioughts and pious loves conspiie 
 To ease a sovereign, and relieve a sire. 
 But now the last despair surrounds our host ; 
 Ko hour must pass, no moment must be lost; 195 
 Each single Greek, in this conclusive strife. 
 Stands on the sharpest edge of death or life : 
 Yet, if my years thy kind regard engage. 
 Employ thy youth as I employ my age ; 
 Succeed to these my cares, and rouse the rest ; 200 
 He serves me most, who serves his countiy best. 
 
 This said, the hero o'er his shoulders flung 
 A lion's spoils, that to his ancles hung ; 
 Then seiz'd lu£ posd'rous lance, aod strode along. 
 
 }
 
 284 THE ILIAD. Book X. 
 
 Meees the bold, with Ajax fam'd for speed, 205 
 The warrior rous'd, and to th' entrenchments led. 
 
 And now the chiefs approacli the nightly guard ; 
 A wakeful squadron, each in arms prepar'd : 
 Th' unweary"4 watch their listenmg leaders keep. 
 And, couching close, repel invading sleep. £10 
 
 So faithful dogs their fleecy charge maintain. 
 With toil protected from the prowling train, 
 When the gaunt lioness, with hunger bold. 
 Springs from tlie mountains toward the guarded fold : 
 Thro' breaking woods her rustling course they hear ; 
 Loud, and more loud, the clamors strike tlieir ear 
 Of hounds and men ; they start, they gaze around. 
 Watch ever>' side, and turn to everj' sound. 
 Thus watch'd the Grecians, cautious of surprise. 
 Each voice, each motion, drew their ears and eyes ; 
 Each step of passing feet increased th' affright ; 221 
 And hostile Troy was ever full in sight. 
 Nestor with joy tlie wakeful band sur\'ey'd. 
 And thus accosted through the gloomy shade. 
 Tis well, my sons ! your nightly cares employ ; 225 
 Else must our host become the scorn of Troy. 
 Watch thus, and Greece shall live — The hero said ; 
 Then o'er the trench the following chieftains led. 
 His son, and god-like Merion march'd behind, 
 (For these the princes to their council join'd) 230 
 The trenches past, th' assembled kings around 
 In silent state the consistory crown'd. 
 A place there was yet uudefil'd with gore, 
 Tlie spot where Hector stopp'd his rage before ; 
 When night descending, fi^om his vengeful hand 2.35 
 Jlepriev'd the relics of tlie Grecian band : 
 (The plain beside with mangled corpse was spread. 
 And all his progress mark'd by heaps of dead.) 
 There sat the mournful kings : when Neleus' son 
 The council opening, in these words begun. 240 
 
 Is there (said he) a chief so greatly brave, 
 His life to hazard, and his country save ? 
 Lives there a man, who singly dares to go. 
 To yonder camp, or seize some straggling foe ? 
 Or favor'd by the night approach so near, 245 
 
 Their speech, their counsels, and designs to hear? 
 If to besiege our navies they prepare, 
 Or Troy ouce more must be the seat of war?
 
 Book X. THE ILIAD. 225 
 
 Tliis could he learn, and to our peers recite. 
 
 And pass unliaim'd the dangers of the niglit; 250 
 
 What fame were his through all succeeding days, 
 
 While Phoebus sliines, or men have tongues to praise? 
 
 What gifts his grateful country would bestow ? 
 
 Wliat must not Greece to her deliverer owe ? 
 
 A sable ewe each leader should provide, 255 
 
 With each a sable lambkin by lier side ; 
 
 At every rite his share should be increas'd, 
 
 And his the foremost honors of the feast. 
 
 Fear held them mute : alone, untaught to fear, 
 
 Tydides spoke— The man you seek, is iiere. 260 
 
 Tliro' yon black camps to bend my dangerous way. 
 
 Some God within commands, and I obey. 
 
 But let some other chosen warrior join. 
 
 To raise my hopes, and second my design. 
 
 By mutual confidence, and mutual aid. 365 
 
 Great deeds are done, and great discoveries made ; 
 
 The wise new prudence from the wise acquire. 
 
 And one brave hero fans anotlier's fires. 
 
 Contending leaders at the word arose : 
 Each generous breast with emulation glows : 270 
 So brave a task each Ajax strove to share. 
 Bold Merion strove, and Nestor's valiant heir; 
 Tiie Spartan wish'd the second place to gain. 
 And great Ulysses wish'd, nor wish'd in vain. 
 Then tlius the king of men the contest ends : 275 
 Tliou first of warriors, and thou best of friends. 
 Undaunted Diomed ! what chief to join 
 In this great enterprize, is only thine. 
 Just be thy clioice, without affection made; 
 To birth, or office, no respect be paid ; 289 
 
 liCt worth determine here. Tlie monarch spake. 
 And inly trembled for his brother's sake. 
 
 Then thus (the god-like Diomed rejoin'd) 
 My choice declares the impulse of my mind. 
 How can I doubt while great Ulysses stands 285 
 To lend his counsels, and assist our hands ? 
 A chief, whose safety is Minerva's care ; 
 So fam'd, so dreadful, in the works of Avar : 
 Blest in his conduct, I no aid require ; 
 Wisdom like his might pass through flames of fire. 
 
 It fits thee not, before these cliiefs of fame, 2yl 
 (Reply'd the sage) to praise me, or to blame : 
 K2
 
 2£6 THE ILIAD. Book X. 
 
 Praise from a friend, or censure from a foe, 
 
 Are lost on hearers that our merits know. 
 
 But let us haste— Night rolls the hours away, 295 
 
 The reddening Orient shows the coming day. 
 
 The stars shine fainter on th' etiierial plains. 
 
 And of Night's empire but a third remains. 
 
 ■ Thus having spoke, with generous ardor prest. 
 
 In arms terrific their huge limbs they drest. 360 
 
 A two-edg'd falchion Thrasymed the brave, 
 
 And ample buckler to Tydides gave: 
 
 Then in a leathern helm he cas'd his head. 
 
 Short of its crest, and with no plume o'erspread : 
 
 fSuch as by youths unus'd to arms are worn ; 305 
 
 l^o spoils enrich it, and no studs adorn.) 
 
 Next him Ulysses took a shining sword, 
 
 A bow and quiver, with bright arrows stor'd : 
 
 A well-prov'd casque, with leather braces bound, 
 
 (Thy gift, Meriones) his temples crown'd; 310 
 
 Soft wool within ; without, in order spread, 
 
 A boar's while teetli grinn'd horrid o'er his head. 
 
 This from Am3'ntor, rich Ormenus' son, 
 
 Autolythus by fraudful rapine won, 
 
 And gave Amphidamas ; from him the prize 315 
 
 Molus recei\''d the pledge of social ties; 
 
 The helmet next by Merion was possess'd, 
 
 And now Ulysses' thoughtful temples press'd. 
 
 Thus sheath'd in arms, the council they forsake, 
 
 And dark through paths oblique their progress take. 
 
 Just then, io sign she favor'd their intent, 321 
 
 A loDg-wing'd heron great Minerva sent : 
 
 This, tlK)' surrounding shades obscur'd their view. 
 
 By the shrill clang, and whistling wings, they knew. 
 
 As from the right she soar'd, Ulj'sses pray'd, 325 
 
 Hail'd the glad omen, and address'd the Maid. 
 
 O daughter of that God, whose arm can wield 
 -4"h' avenging bolt, and shake the dreadful shield ! 
 O thou ! for ever present in my way, 
 Who, all my motions, all my toils survey ! 330 
 
 Safe may we pass beneath the gloomy shade. 
 Safe by thy succour to our ships convey'd ; 
 And let some deed this signal night adorn, 
 To claim the tears of Trojans yet unborn. 
 
 Then god-like Diomed preferr'd his prayer: 335 
 Daughter of Jove, woconquer'd Pallas ! bear.
 
 Bcok X. THE TLIAD. C2T 
 
 Great Queen of arms, whose favor Tydeus won. 
 
 As thou defend'st the sire, defend tlie son. 
 
 When on .i^sopus' banks the banded powers 340 
 
 Of Greece he left, and sought the Theban towers. 
 
 Peace was his charge ; receiv'd with peaceful show, 
 
 He went a legate, but returu'd a foe: 
 
 Then help'd by thee, and cover'd by thy shield. 
 
 He fought with numbers, and made numbers yield. 
 
 So now be present, oh celestial Maid ! 343 
 
 So still continue to the race thine aid! 
 
 A youthful steer shall fall beneath the stroke, 
 
 Untam'd, unconscious of the galling yoke, 
 
 "With ample forehead, and with spreading horns, 
 
 Wliose taper tops refulgent gold adorns. 350 
 
 The heroes pray'd, and Pallas from the skies; 
 Accords their vow, succeeds their enterprize. 
 Kow, like two lions panting for the prey. 
 With dreadful thoughts they trace tlie dreary way, 
 Tlirough the black iiorrors of th" ensanguin'd plain, 
 Through dust, thro' blood, o'er arms and hills of slain. 
 
 Nor less bold Hector, and the sons of Troy, 
 On high designs the wakeful hours employ ; 
 Th' assembled peers their loftj' ciiief inclos'd ; 
 Who thus the counsels of his breast propos'd. 360 
 
 What glorious man, for high attempts prepar'd. 
 Dares greatly venture for a rich reward? 
 Of yonder fleet a bold discovery make, 
 What watch they keep, and what lesolves they take ? 
 If now subdu'd they meditate their flight, 36a 
 
 And spent with toil neglect the watch of night ? 
 His be the chariot that shall please him most. 
 Of all the plunder cf the vanquish'd host ; 
 His the fair steeds that all the rest excel, 
 And his the glory to have serv'd so well. 370 
 
 A youth there was among the tribes of Troy, 
 Dolon his name, Eumedes' only bo^^. 
 (Five girls beside the reverend herald told) 
 Rich was the son in brass, and rich in gold ; 
 Not blest by nature with the charms of face, 375 
 But swift of foot, and matchless in the race. 
 Hector ! (he said) my courage bids me meet 
 This high achievement, and explore the fleet : 
 But first exalt thy sceptre to the skies, 
 And swear to grant me the demanded prize ; 380
 
 228 THE ILIAD. Book X. 
 
 Th' immortal coursers, and the glittering car, 
 
 That bear Pelides througli the ranks of war. 
 
 Encouraged thus, no idle scout I go, 
 
 Fullil thy wish, tlieir whole intention know, 
 
 Ev'n to the rojal tent pursue my way, 383 
 
 And all their counsels, all their aims betray. 
 
 The ciiief then heav'd tlie golden sceptre high, 
 Attesting thus the monarch of the sky. 
 Be witness tliou ! immortal Lord of all! 
 ^Vhose tliuuder sliakes tlic dark ae'rial hall: 390 
 By none but Dolon shall this prize be borne, 
 And him alone th' immortal steeds adorn. 
 
 Thus Hector swore : the Gods were call'd in vain, 
 But the rash youth prepares to scour the plain : 
 Across his back the bended bow he flung, 395 
 
 A wolt's grey hide around his shoulders hung, 
 A ferret's downy fur his helmet lin'd. 
 And in his hand a pointed javelin sliin'd. 
 Then (never to return) he sought the shore. 
 And trod the path his feet must tread no more. 400 
 Scarce had he pass'd the steeds and Trojan throng 
 (Still bending forward as he cours'd along,) 
 >Vhen, on the hollow waj', th' approaching tread 
 Ulysses mark'd, and thus to Diomed. 
 
 O friend! I hear some step of hostile feet, 405 
 Moving this way, or liastening to the fleet ; 
 Some spy perhaps, to lurk beside the main ; 
 Or nightly pillager that strips the slain. 
 Yet let him pass, and win a little space ; 
 Then rush behind him, aud prevent his pace. 410 
 But if too swift of foot he flies before. 
 Confine his course along the fleet and shore. 
 Betwixt the camp and him our spears employ, 
 And intercept his liop'd return to Troy. 414 
 
 Withtiiat they stepp'd aside, and stoop'd their head 
 (As Dolon pass'd) behind a heap of dead : 
 Along the path the spy unwary flew ; 
 Soft, at just distance, both the chiefs pursue. 
 So distant they, and such the space between. 
 As when two teams of mules divide ihe green 420 
 (To whom the hind like shares of land allows,) 
 When now new furrows part th' approaching ploughs. 
 Now Dolon listening heard them as tliey past ; 
 Sector (he thought^ had sent, and check'd hU haste.
 
 Book X. THE TLTAD. 229 
 
 Till scarce at distance of a javelin's throw, 425 
 
 ^o voice succeediiis, he perceiv'd the foe. 
 As when two skilful hounds the leveret wind ; 
 Or chase through woods obscure the trembling hind ; 
 Now lost, now seen, thej' intercept his way, 
 And from the herd still turn the flyinij prey : 430 
 So fast, and with such tears, the Trojan flew ; 
 So close, so constant, the bold Greeks pursue. 
 ISIow almost on the fleet the dastard falls, 
 And miagles with the guards that watch the walls ; 
 NVhen brave Tydides stopp'd ; a generous thought 
 (Inspir'd by Pallas) in his bosom wrought, 436 
 
 Lest on the foe some forward Greek advance, 
 And snatch the glory from his lifted lance. 
 Then thus aloud : Whoe'er thou art, remain ; 
 This javelin else shall fix thee to the plain. 440 
 He said, and higli in air the weapon cast, 
 Which wilful err'd, and o'er his shoulder past ; 
 Then fix'd in earth. Against the trembling wood 
 The wretch stood propp'd, and quiver'das he stood ; 
 A sudden palsy seiz'd his turning head ; 443 
 
 His loose teeth chatter'd, and his colour fled: 
 The panting warriors seize him as he stands. 
 And with unmanly tears his life demands. 
 
 O spare my youth, and for the breath I owe. 
 Large gifts of price my father shall bestow. 450 
 Vast heaps of brass shall in your ships be told, 
 And steel well-temper'd, and refulgent gold. 
 
 To whom Ulysses made this wise reply ; 
 Whoe'er thou art, be bold, nor fear to die. 454 
 What moves thee, say, when sleep has clos'd the sight. 
 To roam the silent fields in dead of night ! 
 Cam'st thou the secrets of our camp to find, 
 Bj' Hector prompted, or thy daring mind ? 
 Or art some wretch by hopes of plunder led 
 Through heaps of carnage to despoil the dead ? 46O 
 
 Then thus pale Dolon with a fearful look, 
 (Still as he spoke, his limbs with horror shook) 
 Hither I came, by Hector's words deceiv'd ; 
 Much did he promise, rashly I believ'd : 
 No less a bribe than great Achilles' car, 465 
 
 And those swift steeds that sweep the ranks of war, 
 Urg'd me, unwilling this attempt to make ; 
 To learn what counsels, what resolves you take ;
 
 980 THE ILIAD. Book X. 
 
 If, now subdued, 5'ou fix your hopes on flight. 
 And tir'd with toils, neglect t!ie watch of night ? 470 
 
 Bold was thy aim, and glorious was the prize ! 
 (Ulysses, with a scornful smile, replies) 
 Far otiier rulers those proud steeds demand. 
 And scorn the guidance of a vulgar hand ; 
 Ev'n great Achilles scarce their rage ceui tame, 475 
 Achilles sprung from an immortal dame. 
 But say, be faithful, and the truth recite ! 
 Where lies encamp'd the Trojan chief to-night ? 
 AVhcre stand his coursers ? in what quarter sleep 
 Their other princes ? tell what watch they keep : 480 
 Say, since tlieir conquest, what their counsels are rl 
 Or here to combat, from their city far, > 
 
 Or back to Ilion's walls transfer the war. j 
 
 Ulysses thus, and thus Eumedes' son : 
 What Dolon knows, his faithful tongue shall own.- 
 Hector, the peers assembling in his tent, 486 
 
 A council holds at Ilus' monument. 
 Ko certain guards the nightly watch partake ; 
 Where'er yon fiies ascend, the Trojans wake : 
 Anxious for Troy, the guard the natives keep ; 490 
 Safe in their cares th' auxiliar forces sleep. 
 Whose wives and infants, from the danger far, 
 Discharge their souls of half the fears of war. 
 
 Then sleep those aids amoni; Uie Trojan train, 
 (Enquir'd the chief) or scatter'd o'er the plain ? 495 
 
 To whom the spy : Tiieir powers they thus dispose: 
 The Peeons, dreadful with their bended bows. 
 The Carians, Caucons, the Pelasgian host, 
 And Leiegcs, encamp along the coast. 
 !Not distant far, lie higher on the land 500 
 
 The Lycian, Mysian, and Masonian band, 
 And Phrygia's horse, by Thymbras' ancient wall ; 
 The Thracians utmost, and apart from all. 
 These Troy but latelj' to her succour won, 
 Led on by Rhesus, great Eioneus' son : 505 
 
 I saw his coursers in proud triumph go. 
 Swift as the wind, and white as winter-snow : 
 Rich silver plates his shining car infold ; 
 His solid arms, refulgent, flame with gold ; 
 No mortal shoulders suit the glorious load, 510 
 Celestial panoply, to grace a God !
 
 Book X. THE ILIAD. 231 
 
 Let me, unhapp3', to your fleet be borne. 
 
 Or leave me here, a captive's fate to mourn, 
 
 In cruel chains ; till your return reveal 
 
 The truth or falsehood of the news I tell. 515 
 
 To tliis Tydides, with a gloomy frown : 
 Think not to live, though all the truth be shown : 
 Shall we dismiss thee, in some future strife 
 To risk more bravely thy now forfeit life ? 
 Or that again our camps thou may'st explore ; 520 
 No— once a traitor, thou betray'st no more. 
 
 Sternly he spoke, and as the wretch prepar'd 
 With humble blandishment to stroke his beard, 
 Like lightning swift the wrathful falchion flew. 
 Divides the neck, and cuts the nerves in two : 525 
 One instant snatch'd his trembling soul to hell. 
 The head, yet speaking, mutter'd as it fell. 
 The furry helmet from his brow they tear, 
 The wolf's gre^' hide, tli' unbended bow and spear ; 
 These great Ulysses lifting to the skies, 530 
 
 To favoring Pallas dedicates the prize. 
 
 Great Queen of arms .' receive this hostile spoil. 
 And let the Thracian steeds reward our toil : 
 Thee first of all the heavenly host we praise ; 
 O speed our labors, and direct our ways ! 533 
 
 This said, the spoils with dropping gore defac'd, 
 High on a spreading tamarisk he plac'd ; 
 Then heap'd with reeds and gather'd boughs theplain. 
 To guide their footsteps to the place again, 539 
 Thro' the still night they cross the devious fields 
 Slippery with blood, o'er arms and heaps of shields, 
 Arriving where the Thracian squadrons lay. 
 And eas'd in sleep the labors of the day. 
 Rang'd in three Hues they view the prostrate band ; 
 The horses yok'd beside each warrior stand ; 545 
 Their arms in order on the ground reclin'd, 
 Thro' the brown shade the fulgid weapons shin'd ; 
 Amidst lay Rhesus, stretch'd in sleep profound. 
 And the white steeds behind his chariot bound. 
 The welcome sight Ulysses first descries, 550 
 
 And points to Diomed the tempting prize. 
 The man, the coursers, and the car behold ! 
 Describ'd by Dolon, with the arms of gold. 
 Now, brave Tydides ! now thy courage try. 
 Approach tlie chariot, and the steeds untie ; 55S
 
 «32 THE ILIAD. Book X. 
 
 Or if thy soul aspire to fiercer deeds, 
 
 Urge thou the slaughter, while I seize the steeds. 
 
 Pallas (this said) her hero's bosom warms, 
 Breath'd in his heart, and strung his nervous arms ; 
 Where'er he pass'd a purple streanj pursu'd ; 500 
 His thirsty falchion, f<it with hostile blood, 
 Balh'd all his footsteps, dy"d the fields with gore. 
 And a low groan remurmur'd through the shore. 
 So the grim lion, from his nightly den, 
 Oe'rleaps tlie fences, and invades tiie pen ; 565 
 
 On sheep or goats, resistless in his way. 
 He falls, and foaming rends the guardless prey. 
 Kor stopp'd the fury of his vengeful hand. 
 Till twelve laj- breatldess of the Thracian band. 
 Ulysses following, as his partner slew, 570 
 
 Back by the foot eacli slaushter'd warrior drew ; 
 The milk-white coursers studious to convey 
 Safe to the sliips, lie wisely clear'd the way ; 
 Lest the fierce steeds, not yet to battles bred. 
 Should start, and tremble at the heaps of dead. 575 
 Now twelve dispatch'd, the monarch lasttliey found ; 
 Tydides' falchion fix'd him to the ground. 
 Just then a deatliful dream Minerva sent; 
 A warlike form appear'd before his tent, 
 Whose snsionary steel his bosom tore : 580 
 
 So dream'd the monarch, and awak'd no more. 
 
 Ulysses now the snowy steeds detains, 
 And leads them, fasten'd by the silver reins; 
 These, with his bow unbent, he lash'd along; 
 (The scourge forgot, on Rhesus' chariot hung.) 585 
 Then gave his friend the signal to retire ; 
 But him, new dangers, new achievements fire : 
 Doubtful he stood, or with his reeking blade 
 To send more heroes to th' infernal shade, 
 Drag oif the car where Rhesus' armor lay, 590 
 
 Or heave with manly force, and lift away. 
 W'liile unresolv'd the son of Tydeus stands, 
 Pallas appears, and thus her chief commands. 
 
 Enough, my son ; from farther slaughter cease. 
 Regard thy safety, and depart in peace ; 595 
 
 Haste to the ships, the gotten spoils enjoy, 
 Uor tempt too far the hostile Gods of Troy. 
 
 The voice divine contess'd the martial Maid ; 
 la haste he mounted^ and her word oUey'd ;
 
 Book X. THE ILTAD. 2S3^ 
 
 The coursers fly before Ulysses' bow, 600 
 
 Swift as the wind, and white as winter snow. 
 
 Not unobserv'd they pass'd : the God of Light 
 Had watch'd his Troy, and mark'd Minerva's ilight. 
 Saw Tjdeus' son with heavenly succour blest, 
 And vengeful anger fili'd his sacred breast. COo 
 Swift to the Trojan camp descends tlie Power, 
 And wakes Ilippocobn in the raorning-hour, 
 (On Rhesus' side accustom'd to attend, 
 A faithful kinsman, and instructive friend,) 
 He rose and saw the field deform'd with blood, 6lO 
 An empty space where late the coursers stood. 
 The 3et-warm Thracians panting on the coast ; 
 For eacli he wept, but for his Rhesus most : 
 Now while on Rhesus' name he calls in vain. 
 The gathering tumult spreads o'er all the plain ; 6l5 
 On heaps the Trojans rush, with wild affright. 
 And wondering view the slaughters of the night. 
 
 Meanwhile the chiefs arriving at tlie shade 
 Where late the spoils of Hector's spy were laid, 
 Ulysses stopp'd ; to him Tydides bore G20 
 
 The trophy, dropping yet witii Dolon's gore : 
 Then mounts again ; again their nimble feet 
 The coursers ply, and thunder tow'rds the fleet. 
 
 Old Nestor first perceiv'd th' approaching sound. 
 Bespeaking thus the Grecian peers around. 625 
 Methinks the noise of trampling steeds I hear. 
 Thickening this w&y, and gathering on my ear ; 
 Perhaps some horses of the Trojan breed 
 (So may, ye Gods ! my pious hopes succeed) 
 The great Tydides and Ulysses bear, 630 
 
 Return 'd triumphant with this prize of war. 
 Yet much I fear (ah may that fear be vain !) 
 The chiefs out-number'd by the Trojan train ; 
 Perhaps, ev'n now pursued, they seek the shore ; 
 Or, oh ! perhaps those heroes are no more. 633 
 
 Scarce had he spoke, when lo ! the chiefs appear. 
 And spring to earth ; tlie Greeks dismiss their fear: 
 With words of friendship and extended hands 
 They greet the kings ; and Nestor first demands : 
 
 Say thou, whose praises all our host proclaim, 640 
 Thou living glory of the Grecian name ! 
 Say whence these coursers ? by what chance bestow'd ? 
 The spoil of foes, or present of a God i
 
 564 THE ILIAD. Book X. 
 
 Not those fair steeds so radiant and so gay. 
 
 That draw the burning chariot of the day. 645 
 
 Old as I am, to age 1 scorn to yield, 
 
 And daily mingle in the martial field ; 
 
 But sure till now no coursers struck my sight 
 
 Like these, conspicuous through the ranks of fight. 
 
 Some God, I deem, conferral the glorious prize, 650 
 
 Blest as ye arc, and favorites of the skies; 
 
 The care of him who bids the thunder roar. 
 
 And her, * whose fury bathes the world with gore. 
 
 rather ! not so, (sage Ithacus rejoin'd) 
 The gifts of heaven are of a nobler kind. 655 
 
 Of Thracian lineage are the steeds ye view, 
 Whose hostile king the brave Tydides slew ; 
 Sleeping he dy'd, with all his guards around, 
 And twelve beside lay gasping on the ground. 
 These other spoils from conquer'd Dolon came, 660 
 A wretch, whose swiftness was his only fame, 
 By Hector sent our forces to explore, 
 lie now lies headless on the sandy shore. 
 
 Then o'er the trench the bounding coursers flew ; 
 The joyful Greeks with loud acclaim pursue. 665 
 Straight to T>dides' high pavilion borne. 
 The matchless steeds his ample stall adorn : 
 The neighing coursers their new fellows greet, 
 And the full racks are heap'd with generous wheat. 
 But Dolon's armor, to his ships convej'd, 670I 
 High on the painted stern Ulysses laid, > 
 
 A trophy destin'd to the blue-ey'd Maid. J 
 
 Now from nocturnal sweat, and sanguine stain. 
 They cleanse their bodies in the neighbouring main : 
 Then in the polish'd bath, refreslfd from toil, 675 
 Their joints they supple with dissolving oil. 
 In due repast indulge the genial hour, 
 And first to Pallas the libations pour : 
 Tliey sit, rejoicing in her aid divine. 
 And the crown'd goblet foams with floods of wine. 
 
 • Minerva.
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK XI.
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The third Battle and the Acts of Agamemnon. 
 
 Agamemnon having armed himself, leads the Grecians 
 to battle : Hector prepares tlic Trojans to receive 
 them; wliile Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, give tiie 
 signals of war. Agamemnon bears all before him; 
 and Hector is commanded by Jupiter (wLo sends 
 Iris for that purpose) to decline the engiigement, till 
 the king shall be wounded and retire from the field. 
 He then makes a great slaughter of the enemy 
 Ulj'sses and Diomed put a stop to him for a lime ; 
 but the latter being wounded by Paris, is obliged 
 to desert his companion, who is encompassed by 
 the Trojans, wounded, and in the utmost danger, 
 till Menelaiis and Ajax rescue him. Hector comes 
 against Ajux ; but that hero alone opposes multi- 
 tudes, and rallies the Greeks. In the meantime 
 Machaon, in the other wing of the army, is pierced 
 with an arrow by Paris, and carried from the fight 
 in Nestor's chariot. Achilles (who overlooked the 
 action from his ship) sent Patroclus to enquire 
 which of tlie Greeks was wounded in tiiat manner ? 
 Nestor entertains him in his tent with an account 
 of the accidents of the day, and a long recital of 
 some former wars which he remembered, tending 
 to put Patroclus upon persuading Achilles to fight 
 for his countrymen, or at least permit Him to do 
 it, clad in Achilles's armor. Patroclus in his return 
 meets Eurypylus also wounded, and assists him 
 in that distress. 
 
 This book opens with the. eight and twentieth 
 day of the poem ; and the same day, with its 
 various actions and adventures,is extended through 
 the twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, six- 
 teentli, seventeenth, and part of tlie eighteenth 
 books. The scene lies in the field, near the monu- 
 ment of IIus.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK XI. 
 
 rHE saffron morn, with early blushes spread, 
 Now rose refulgent from Tithonius' bed ; 
 rVith new-born day to gladden mortal sight, 
 \nd gild the courts of luaven with sacred light r 
 Vhen baleful Eris, sent by Jove's command, 5 
 
 The torch of discord blazing in her hand, 
 
 hrough the red skies her bloody sign extends, 
 ^nd wrapt in tempests, o'er the fleet descends, 
 ligh on Ulysses' bark, her horrid stand 
 (he took, and thunder'd through the seas and land. 
 
 'en Ajax and Achilles heard the sound, 11 
 
 iVhose ships, rerrjote, the guarded navy bound, 
 "hence the black Fury tlirough the Grecian throng 
 Vith horror sounds the loud Orthian song : 
 'he navy shakes, and at the dire alarms 15 
 
 :'.ach bosom boils, each warrior starts to arms, 
 so more they sigh inglorious to return, 
 Jut breathe revenge and for the combat burn. 
 
 The king of men his hardy hosts inspires 
 Vith loud command, with great example fires ; 20 
 limself first rose, himself before the rest 
 lis mighty limbs in radiant armor drest. 
 ind first he cas'd his manly legs around 
 n shining greaves, with silver buckles bound : 
 'he beaming cuirass next adom'd his breast, Q5 
 tie same which once king Cinj'ras possest : 
 The fame of Greece and her assembled host 
 lad reach'd that monarch on the Cyprian coast ; 
 fwas then, the friendship of the chief to gain, 
 'his glorious gift he sent, nor sent in vain.) 30
 
 S38 THE ILIAD. Book XI 
 
 Ten rows of azure steel the work infold. 
 Twice ten of tin, and twelve of ductile gold ; 
 Three glittering dragons to tiie gurget rise, 
 Wliose imitated scales, against the skies 
 Reflected various light, and arching bow'd, 3; 
 
 Like colour'd rainbows oVr a showery cloud. 
 (Jove's wondrous bow, of three celestial dyes, 
 Plac'd as a sign to man amid the skies.) 
 A radiant baldrick o"er his shoulder ty'd, 
 Sustain'd the sword tJiat glitter'd at his side : 4( 
 Gold was the hilt, a silver sheath encas'd 
 The shining blade, and golden hangers grac'd. 
 His buckler's mighty orb was nest display'd. 
 That round tlie warrior cast a dreadful shade ; 
 Ten zones of brass its ample brim surround, 45 
 And twice ten bosses the bright convex crown'd 
 Tremendous Gorgon fiowu'd upon its lield. 
 And circling terrors fill'd th' expressive shield : 
 Within its concave hung a silver thong. 
 On which a mimic serpent creeps along, 50 
 
 His azure length in easy waves extends. 
 Till in three heads th' embroider'd monster ends. 
 Last o'er his brows his fourfold helm he plac'd, 
 With nodding hoise-hair formidably grac'd ; 
 And in his hands two steely javelins wields, 55 
 That blaze to heaven, and lighten all the fields. 
 
 That instant Juno and the martial Maid 
 In happy thunders promis'd Greece their aid ; 
 High o'er the chief they clash'd their arms in air. 
 And, leaning from the clouds, expect the war. (50 
 
 Close to the limits of the trench aiid mound. 
 The tiery coursers to their chariots bound 
 The squires restrain'd ; the foot, with those who wield' 
 The lighter arms rush forward to the field 
 To second these, in close array combin'd, 651 
 
 The squadrons spread tiieir sable wings behind. 
 Isow shouts and tumults wake the tardy sun. 
 As with the light the warrior's toils begun. 
 E'en Jove, whose thunder spoke his wrath, di3tiir( 
 Hed drops of blood o'er all the fatal field ; 
 The woes of men unwilling to survey. 
 And all tlie slaugliters that must stain the day 
 
 Near Ilus' tomb in order rang'd around. 
 The Trojan liaes possess'd the rising ground. 
 
 Il'dJ
 
 Book Xr. THE ILIAD. 239 
 
 Tliere wise Polydamas and Hector stood; 73 
 
 JEnens, lionor'd as a guardian God ; 
 Bold Polybus, Agenor the divine ; 
 The brother warriors of Antenor's line ; 
 With youthful Acamas, whose beauteous face 
 And fair proportion match'd th' etherial race ; 80 
 Great Hector, cover'd with his spacious shield, 
 Plies all the troops, and orders all the field. 
 As the red star now shows his sanguine fires 
 Through the dark clouds, and now in night retires ; 
 Thus through the ranks appear'd the god-like man, 
 Plung'd in the rear, or blazing in the van; 86 
 
 While streamy sparkles, restless as he flies, 
 Flash from his arms as lightning from the skies. 
 As sweating reapers in some v/ealthy field, 
 Rang'd in two bands, their crooked weapons wield. 
 Bear down the furrows, till their labors meet ; 91 
 Thick fall the heapy harvest at their feet : 
 So Greece and Troy the field of war divide, 
 And falling ranks are strow'd on every side. 
 Kone stoop'd a thought to base inglorious flight ; QS 
 But horse to horse, and man to man they fight. 
 Not rabid wolves more fierce contest their prey ; 
 Each wounds, each bleeds, but none resign the day. 
 Discord with joy the scene of death descries. 
 And drinks large slaughter at her sanguine eyes: 100 
 Discord alone, of all th' immortal train. 
 Swells the red horrors of this direful plain : 
 The Gods in peace their golden mansions fill, 
 Rang'd in bright order on th' Olympian hill ; 
 But general murmurs told their griefs above, 105 
 And each accus'd the partial will of Jove. 
 Meanwhile apart, superior, and alone, 
 Th' eternal Monarch, on his awful throne. 
 Wrapt in the blaze of boundless glory sat ; 
 And, fix'd, tulriU'd the just decrees of fate. HO 
 On earth he turn'd his all-considering eyes. 
 And mark'd the spot where llion's towers arise ; 
 The sea with ships, the fields with armies spread. 
 The victor's rage, the dying and the dead. 
 
 Thus while the morning-beams increasing bright 115 
 O'er heaven's pure azure spread the growing light, 
 Commutual death the fate of war confounds, 
 £ach adverse battle gor'd with equal wouud^.
 
 g40 THE ILIAD. Book XI. 
 
 But now (what time in some sequester d vale 
 The weary woodman spreads his sparing meal, 120 
 ^V^^en his tir'd arms refuse the ax to rear, 
 And claim a respite from the sylvan war ; 
 But not tiU half the prostrate forests lay 
 Stretch'd in Ions ruin, and expos'd to day) 
 Then, nor till then, the Greeks' impulsive might 125 
 Pierc'd the black phalanx, and let in tlie light. 
 Great Agamemnon then the slaughter led, 
 And slew Bienor at his people's head : 
 Whose squire Oi'leus, with a sudden spring, 
 Leap'd from tlie chariot to revenge his king. 130 
 But iu his front he felt the fatal wound, 
 Which pierc'd his brain, and stretch'd him on the ground. 
 Atrides spoil'd, and left them on the plain : 
 Vain was their youth, their glittering armor vain : 
 Now soil'd with dust, and naked to the sk}-, 135 
 Their snowj' limbs and beauteous bodies lie. 
 
 Two sons of Priam next to battle move. 
 The product one of marriage, one of love ; 
 In tlie same car the brother warriors ride. 
 This took tlie charge to combat, that to guide : 140 
 Far other task ! than when they wont to keep, 
 On Ida's tops, their father's fleecy sheep. 
 These on the mountain^ once Achilles found, 
 And captive led, with pliant osiers bound : 
 Then to their sire for ample sums restor'd : 1-15 
 
 But now to perish by Atrides' sv.ord: 
 Pierc'd in the breast the base-born Isus bleeds : 
 Cleft through the head, his brother's fate succeeds. 
 Swift to the spoil the liasty victor falls, 
 And stript, their features to his mind recalls. 1:0 
 The Trojans see the youths untimely die. 
 But helpless tremble for themselves, and fly. 
 So when a lion, ranging o'er the lawns, 
 Finds, on some grassy lair, the couching fawns. 
 Their bones he cracks, their reeking vitals draws, 15a 
 And grinds tlie quivering flesh with bloody jaws ; 
 The frighted hind beholds, and dares not stay. 
 But swift through rustling thickets bxxrsts her way • 
 All drown'd in sweat tlie panting mother flies, 
 And the big tears roll trickling from her eyes. lo-J 
 
 Amidst the tumult of tlie routed train, 
 The soos of false Antimachus were slaiD ;
 
 Book XT. THE ILIAD. 241 
 
 lie, who for bribes his faithless counsels sold. 
 And voted Helen's stay for Paris' gold. 
 Atrides mark'd, as these their safety sought, 165 
 And slew the children for the fatlier's fault ; 
 I Their headstrong horse unable to restrain, 
 ' They shook with fear, and dropp'd the silken rein ; 
 : Then in their chariot on their knees they fall, 
 1 And thus with lifted hands for mercy call. 170 
 
 • Oh spare our youth, and for the life we owe 
 ; Antimachus shall copious gifts bestow. 
 Soon as he hears that, not in battle slain. 
 The Grecian ships his captive sons detain, 
 Large heaps of brass in ransom shall be told, J'S 
 And steel well-temper'd, and persuasive gold. 
 [' These words attended with a flood of tears, 
 l! The youths address'd to unrelenting ears : 
 f The vengeful monarch gave this stern reply ; 
 
 If from Antimachus ye spring, ye die : 180 
 
 [■ The daring wretch who once in council stood 
 To shed Ulysses' and my brother's blood, 
 ; For proffer'd peace ! and sues his seed for grace ! 
 Ko, die, and pay the forfeit of your race. 
 
 This said, Pisander from the car he cast, 183 
 
 And pierc'd his breast : supine he breath'd his last. 
 His brother leap'd to earth ; but as he lay, 
 ', The trenchant falchion lopp'd his hands away : 
 His sever'd head was toss'd among the throng, 
 \ And, rolling, drew a bloody trail along. IQO 
 
 Then, where the thickest fought, the victor flew; 
 The king's example all his Greeks pursue. 
 Now by the foot the flying foot was slain, 
 Horse trod by horse, lay foaming on the plain. 
 From the dry fields thick clouds of dust arise, igS 
 Shade the black host, and intercept the skies. 
 The brass-hoof d steeds tumultuous plunge and bound. 
 And the thick thunder beats the laboring ground. 
 Still slaughtering on, the king of men proceeds ; 
 The distanc'd army wonders at his deeds. 200 
 
 As when the winds with raging flames conspire, 
 And o'er tlie forests roll the flood of fire. 
 In blazing heaps the grove's old honors fall. 
 And one refulgent ruin levels all : 
 Btfoie Atrides' rage so sinks the foe, 205 
 
 Whole squadrons vanish, and proud heads lie lowr 
 L
 
 242 THE ILIAD. Book XI. 
 
 The steeds fly trembling from Ins waving sword ; 
 And many a car, now lighted of its lord, 
 "Wide o'er the field with guideless fury rolls, 209 
 Breaking their ranks, and crushing out their souls ; 
 "NVhile his keen falchion drinks the warriors lives ; 
 More grateful, now, to vullurs than their wives! 
 
 Perhaps great Hector then had found his fate, 
 But Jove and Destiny prolong'd his date. 
 Safe from the darts, the care of heaven he stood, 215 
 Amidst alarms, and death, and dust, and blood. 
 
 KO'W past the tomb where ancient Ilus laj% 
 Through the mid lield the routed urge their way. 
 "N^'liere tlie wild figs th' adjoining summit crown. 
 That path they take, and speed to reach the town. 2£0 
 As swift Athdes with loud shouts pursu'd, 
 Hot with his toil, and baih'd in hostile blood, 
 Kow near the l>each-tree, and the Scjean gates. 
 The hero halts, and his associates waits. 
 Meanwhile on every side, around the plain, 225 
 Dispers'd, disorder'd, fly the Trojan train. 
 So flies a herd of beeves, that hear dismay'd 
 The lions roaring through the midnight shade ; 
 On heaps they tumble with successless haste : 
 The savage seizes, draws, and rends the last: 230 
 Isot with less fury stern Atrides flew. 
 Still press'd the rout, and still the hindmost slew ; 
 Hurl'd from their cars tlie bravest chiefs are kill'd. 
 And rage, and death, and carnage, load the field. 
 
 l^ow storms the victor at the Trojan wall ; 235 
 Sur\-eys the towers, and meditates their fall. 
 But Jove descending shook th' Idaean hills. 
 And down their summits pour'd a hundred rills : 
 Th' unkindled lightnings in his hand he took, 
 And thus the many-colour'd Maid bespoke. 24<) 
 
 Iris, with haste thy golden wings display. 
 To god-like Hector this our word convey. 
 While Agamemnon wastes the ranks around. 
 Fights in the front, and bathes with blood the ground. 
 Bid him give way ; but issue forth commands, 245 
 And trust the war to less important bauds: 
 But when, or wounded by the spear or dart. 
 That chief sl'all mount his chariot, and depart : 
 Then Jove shall string his arm, and fire his breast. 
 Then to her ships shall flying Qreece be piest, 250
 
 Book Xr. THE ILIAD. 243 
 
 Till to the main the burning sun descend, 
 And sacred night her awful shade extend. 
 He spoke, and Iris at his word obey'd ; 
 On wings of winds descends the various Maid. 
 The chief she found amidst the ranks of war, 255 
 Close to the bulwarks on his glittering car. 
 The Goddess then : O son of Priam, hear ! 
 From Jove I come, and his high mandate bear. 
 While Agamemnon wastes the ranks around, 
 Fights in the front, and batlies with blood the ground. 
 Abstain from fight, yet issue forth commands, i6i 
 And trust the war to less important hands. , 
 But when, or wounded by the spear or dart, 
 The chief shall mount his chariot, and depart : 
 Then Jove shall string thy arm, and fire thy breast. 
 Then to her ships shall flying Greece be prest, 266 
 Till to the main the burning sun descend, 
 And sacred night her awful shade extend. 
 She said, and vanish'd : Hector, with a bound, 
 
 ' Springs from his chariot on the trembling ground, 
 In clanging arms : he grasps in either hand 271 
 A pointed lance, and speeds from band to band ; 
 Revives their ardor, turns their steps from flight, 
 
 ! And wakes anew the dying flames of fight. 
 
 [ They stand to arms : the Greeks their onset dare. 
 Condense their powers, and wait the coming war. 
 
 I Kew force, new spirit, to each breast returns : 
 Tlie fight renewed, with fiercer fury burns : 
 
 I The king leads on ; all fix on him their eye, 
 And learn from him to conquer, or to die. 280 
 
 Ye sacred nine, celestial Muses ! tell, 
 Who fitc'd him first, and by his prowess fell ? 
 The great Iphidamas, the bold and young: 
 
 ' From sage Antenor and Theano sprung ; 284 
 
 Whom from his youth his grandsire Cisseus bred, 
 
 i And nurs'd in Thrace where snowy flocks are fed. 
 
 j Scarce did the down his rosy cheeks invest, 
 
 ' And early honor warm his generous breast, 
 
 ', When the kind sire consign'd his daughter's charms 
 
 '< (Theano's sister) to his youthful arms. 290 
 
 ; But call'd by glory to the wars of Troy, 
 He leaves untasted the first fruits of joy ; 
 
 I From his lov'd bride departs with melting eyes, 
 Aud swift to aid is dearer countrj' flies.
 
 244 THE ILIAD. Book XI. 
 
 With twelve black ships he reach'd Percope's strand. 
 Thence took the long laborious march by land. 296 
 !Now fierce for fame before the ranks he springs. 
 Towering in arms, and braves the King of Kings. 
 Atrides first discharg'd the missive spear ; 
 The Trojan stoop'd, tlie javelin pass'd in air. 300 
 Tlieu near the corselet, at tlie monarch's heart, 
 With all his strength the youth directs his dart : 
 But the broad belt, with plates of silver bound. 
 The point rebated, and repell'd the wound. 
 Encumber'd with the dart, Atrides stands, 305 
 
 Till, grasp'd with force, he wrench'd it from his hands. 
 At once his weighty sword discharg'd a wound 
 Full on his neck, that feil'd him to tlie ground. 
 Stretch'd in the dust th' unhappy warrior lies. 
 And sleep eternal seals liis swimming eyes. 310 
 Oh worthy better fate ! oh early slain ! 
 Thy country's friend ; and virtuous, though in vain ! 
 No more the youth shall join his consort's side. 
 At once a virgin, and at once a bride ! 
 No more with presents her embraces meet, 3l5 
 Or lay the spoils of conquest at lier feet. 
 On whom his passion, lavish of his store, 
 Bestow'd so much, and vainly promis'd more ! 
 Unwept, uncover'd, on the plain he lay. 
 While the proud victor bore his arms away. 320 
 
 Coon, Antenor's eldest hope, was nigh : 
 Tears, at the sight, came starting from his eye, 
 While pierc'd with grief the much-lov'd youth he view'd. 
 And the pale features now deform'd with blood. 
 Then with his spear, unseen, his time he took, 325 
 Aim'd at the king, and near his elbow strook. 
 The thrilling steel transpierc'd the brawny part, 
 And through his arm stood forth the barbed dart. 
 Surpris'd the monarch feels, yet void of fear 
 On Coon rushes with his lifted spear: 330 
 
 His brother's corpse the pious Trojan draws. 
 And calls his country to assert his cause, 
 Defends him breatliless on the sanguine field, 
 And o'er the body spreads his ample shield. 
 Atrides, marking an unguarded part, 335 
 
 Transfix'd the warrior with the brazen dart ; 
 Prone on his brother's bleeding breast he lay. 
 The monarch's falchion lopp'd liis bead away ;
 
 Book XT. THE ILIAD. 245 
 
 The social shades the same dark journey go, 
 
 And join each other in the realms below. 340 
 
 The vengeful victor rages round tlie fields, 
 With every weapon, art or fury yields : 
 By the long lance, the sword, or pond'rous stone, 
 Whole ranks are broken, and whole troops o'erthrown. 
 This, while yet warm, distill'd the purple Hood ; 345 
 But when the wound grew stiff with clotted blood, 
 Then grinding tortures his strong bosom rend. 
 Less keen those darts the fierce Ilythise send, 
 (The powers that cause the teeming matron's throes. 
 Sad mothers of unutterable woes !) 350 
 
 Stung with the smart, all-panting with the pain. 
 He mounts the car, and gives his squire the rein : 
 Then with a voice which fury made more strong. 
 And pain augmented, thus exhorts the throng. 
 
 O friends ! O Greeks ! assert your honors won ; 
 Proceed, and finish what this arm begun : 356 
 
 Ik) ! angry Jove forbids your chief to stay, 
 And en%'ies half the glories of the day. 
 
 He said ; the driver whirls his lengthful thong ; 
 The horses fly ! the chariot smokes along. 360 
 
 Clouds from their nostrils the fierce coursers blow. 
 And from their sides the foam descends in snow ; 
 Shot through the battle in a moment's space. 
 The wounded monarch at his tent they place. 
 
 No sooner Hector saw the king retir'd, 363 
 
 But thus his Trojans and his aids he fir'd ; 
 Hear, all ye Dardan, all ye Lycian race ! 
 Tam'd in close fight, and dreadful face to face. 
 Now call to mind your ancient trophies won. 
 Your great forefathers" virtues, and your own. 370 
 Behold the general flies ! deserts his powers ! 
 Lo Jove himself declares the conquest ours ! 
 Now on yon ranks impel your foaming steeds; 
 And, sure of glorj-, dare immortal deeds. 
 
 Witii words like tliese the fiery chief alarms 375 
 His fainting host, and every bosom warms. 
 As the bold hunter cheers his hounds, to tear 
 The brindled lion, or the tusky bear ; 
 With voice and hand provoke their doubting heart. 
 And springs the foremost with his lifted dart : 380 
 So god-like Hector prompts his troops to dare ; 
 Nor prompts alone, but leads bimself the war.
 
 S« THE ILIAD. Book XI. 
 
 On the black body of the foes he pours ; 
 
 As from the cloud's deep bosom, swell'd with showers, 
 
 A sudden storm the purple ocean sweeps, 385 
 
 Drives the wild waves, and tosses all the deeps. 
 
 Say, Muse ! when Jove the Trojans' glorj' crown'd, 
 
 Beneath his arm what heroes bit the ground ? 
 
 Assaeus, Dolops, and Autonous dy'd, 
 
 Opites next was added to tlieir side, 390 
 
 Then brave Hipponous fam'd in many a fight, 
 
 Opheltius, Orus, sunk to endless night ; 
 
 .Esymnus, Agelaus; all chiefs of name ; 
 
 The rest were vulgar deaths, unknown to fame. 
 
 As when a western whirlwind, charg'd witli storms, 
 
 Dispels the gather'd clouds that l^otus forms; 396 
 
 The gust continued, violent, and strong. 
 
 Rolls sable clouds in heaps on heaps along ;. 
 
 Now to the skies the foaming billows rears. 
 
 Now breaks the surge, and wide the bottom bares: 
 
 Thus raging Hector, with resistless hands, 401 
 
 O'erturns, confounds, and scatters all their bands. 
 
 Now the last ruin the whole host appals ; 
 
 Now Greece had trembled in her wooden walls; 
 
 But wise Ulysses call'd Tydidcs forth, 405 
 
 His soul rekindled, and awak'd his worth. 
 
 And stand we deedless, O eternal shame ! 
 
 Till Hector's arm involve tlie ships in flame ? 
 
 Haste, let us join, and combat side by side. 
 
 The warrior thus, and thus the friend repLy'd. 410 
 
 No martial toil I shun, no danger fear ; 
 Let Hector come; I wait his fury here. 
 But Jove with conquest crowns the Trojan train ; 
 And, Jove our foe, all human force is vain. 
 
 He sigh'd ; but, sighing, rais'd his vengeful steel. 
 And from his car the proud Thymbrseus fell : 4l6 
 Molion, the charioteer, pursued his lord. 
 His death ennobled by Ulysses' sword. 
 There slain, they left them in eternal night, 
 Then plung'd amidst the thickest ranks of fight. 420 
 So two wild boars outstrip the following hounds. 
 Then swift revert, and wounds return for wounds. 
 Stern Hector's conquests in the middle plain 
 Stood clieck'd a while, and Greece respir'd again. 
 
 The sons of Merops shone amidst the war; 423 
 Towering they rod« in one refulgent car :
 
 Book XT. THE ILTAD. 24T 
 
 In deep prophetic arts their father skill'd, 
 
 Had warn'd his children from the Trojan field ; 
 
 Fate urg'd them on ; the father warn'd in vain. 
 
 They rush'd to fight, and perish'd on the plain ! 430 
 
 Their breasts no more the vital spirit warms ; 
 
 The stern Tydides strips their shining arms. 
 
 Hypirochus by great Ulysses dies. 
 
 And rich Hippodamus becomes his prize. 
 
 Great Jove from Ide with slaughter fills his sight, 
 
 And level hangs the doubtful scale of fight. 436 
 
 By Tydeus' lance Asastrophus was slain. 
 
 The far-fam'd hero of Paeoniaii strain ; 
 
 Wing'd with his fears, on foot he strove to fly. 
 
 His steeds too distant, and the foe too nigh ; 440 
 
 Through broken orders, swifter than the wind, 
 
 He tied, but Hying left his life beiiind. 
 
 This Hector sees, as liis experienc'd ej'es 
 
 Traverse the files, and to the rescue flies ; 
 
 Shouts, as he past, the crj'stal regions rend, 445 
 
 And moving armies on his march attend. 
 
 Great Diomed himself was seiz'd with fear. 
 
 And thus bespoke his brother of the war. 
 
 Mark how this way yon bending squadrons yield ! 
 The storm rolls on, and Hector rules the field : 450 
 Here stand his utmost force— The warrior said; 
 Swift at the word, his pond'rous javelin fled ; 
 3^for miss'd its aim, but where the plumage danc'd, 
 Raz'd the smooth cone, and thence obhquely glanc'd. 
 Safe in his helm (the gift of Phoebus' hands) 455 
 "Without a wound the Trojan hero stands : 
 But yet so stunn'd, that, staggering on the plain, 
 His aim and knee his sinkmg bulk sustain ; 
 O'er his dim sight liie misty vapors rise, 459 
 
 And a short darkness shades his swimming eyes. 
 Tydides foUow'd to regain his lance; 
 %VhiJe Hector rose, recover'd from the trance ; 
 Remounts l)is car, and herds amidst the crowd r 
 The Greek pursues him, and exults aloud. 264 
 
 Oijce more thank Phcebus for thy forfeit breath. 
 Or thank that swiftness which outstrips the death. 
 Well by Apollo are thy prayers repaid, 
 And oft that partial power has lent his aid. 
 Thou Shalt not long the death deserv'd withstand. 
 If any God assist Tydides' hand. 474
 
 248 THE ILIAD. Book XI. 
 
 Fly then, inglorious ! but thy flight, this day, 
 Whole hecatombs of Trojan ghosts shall pay. 
 
 Him, while he triumph'd, Paris ey'd from far, 
 (The spouse of Helen, the fair cause of war) 
 Around the fields his feathefd shafts he sent, 475 
 From ancient IIus' ruin'd monument; 
 Behind the column plac'd, he bent his bow. 
 And wing'd an arrow at th' unwary foe ; 
 Just as lie stoop'd, Agastrophus's crest 
 To seize, and drew the corselet from his breast, 48Q 
 The bow-string twang'd ; nor flew the shaft in vain. 
 But pierc'd his foot, and nail'd it to the plain. 
 The laughing Trojan, with a joyful spring, 
 Ijcaps from his ambush, and insults tiie king. 
 
 He bleeds ! (he cries) some God has sped my dart ; 
 Would the same God had fixt it in his heart ! 486 
 So Troy, reliev'd' from that wide-wasting hand. 
 Should breathe from slaughter, and in combat stand ; 
 Whose sons now tremble at his darted spear. 
 As scatler'd lambs tlie rushing lion fear. 490 
 
 He dauntless thus: Thou conqueror of the fair, 
 Thou woman-warrior with the curling hair ; 
 Vain archer ! trusting to the distant dart, 
 Unskill'd in arms to act a manly part ! 
 Thou hast but done what boys or women can ; 495 
 Such hands may wound, but not incense a man. 
 If or boast the scratch thy feeble arrow gave, 
 A coward's weapon never hurts the brave. 
 Ifot so this dart, which thou may'st one day feel : 
 Fate wings its flight, and death is on the steel. 500 
 Where this but lights, some noble life expires ; 
 Its touch makes orphans, bathes the cheeks of sires. 
 Steeps earth in purple, gluts the birds of air. 
 And leaves such objects, as distract the fair. 
 Ulysses hastens with a trembling heart, 505 
 
 Before him steps, and bending draws the dart : 
 Forth flows the blood ; an eager pang succeeds ; 
 Tydides mounts, and to the navy speeds. 
 
 Now on the field Ulysses stands alone. 
 The Greeks all fled, the Trojans pouiing on : 510 
 But stands collected in himself and whole, 
 And questions thus his own unconquer'd soul. 
 
 What /arther subterfuge, what hopes remain ? 
 What shame, inglorious, if I quit the plain ?
 
 Bftok XI. THE ILIAD. 249 
 
 AVhat danger, singly if I stand the ground, 515 
 
 My friends all scatter'd, all the foes around ? 
 Yet wherefore doubtful ? let this truth suffice ; 
 The brave meets danger, and the coward flies : 
 To die or conquer, proves a hero's heart ; 
 And knowing this, I know a soldier's part. 520 
 
 Such thoughts revoh-ing in liis careful breast, 
 Near, and more near, the shady cohorts prest; 
 These, in the warrior, their own fate inclose : 
 And round him deep the steely circle grows. 
 So fares a boar whom all the troop surrounds 5C5 
 Of shooting huntsmen, and of clamorous hounds ; 
 He grinds his ivoiy tusks ; he foams with ire ; 
 His sanguine eye-balls glare with living fire ; 
 By tiiese, by those, on every part is ply'd; 
 And the red slaughter spreads on every side. 530 
 Pierc'd through the shoulder, first Deiopis fell ; 
 Next Ennomus and Thbon sunk to hell ; 
 Chersidamas, beneath tiie navel thrust. 
 Falls prone to earth, and grasps the bloody dust. 
 Charops, the son of Hippasus, was near ; 535 
 
 "Ulysses reach'd him witli the fatal spear; 
 But to his aid his brother Socus flies, 
 Socus, the brave, the generous, and the wise: 
 Near as he drew, the warrior thus began. 
 
 O great Ulysses, much-enduring man ! 540 
 
 Not deeper skill'd in every martial flight, 
 Than worn to toils, and active in the fight ! 
 This day two brothers shall thy conquest grace, 
 And end at once the great Hippasian race, 544 
 
 Or thou beneath this lance must press the field— 
 I He said, and forceful pierc'd his spacious shield : 
 r Through the strong brass the ringing javelin thrown, 
 ' Plough'd half his side, and bar'd it to the bone. 
 By Pallas' care, the spear, though deep infix'd, 
 ;1 Stopt short of lit€, nor with his entrails mix'd. 550 
 I The wound not mortal wise Ulysses knew, 
 li Then furious thus (but first some steps withdrew :) 
 I Unhapp3' man ! whose death our hands shall grace ! 
 [> Fate calls thee hence, and finish'd is thy race. 
 I No longer check my conquests on the toe ; 555 » 
 But, pierc'd by this, to endless darkness go, > 
 
 ! And add one spectre to the realms below ! * 
 
 L2
 
 250 THE ILIAD. Book XI. 
 
 He spoke ; while Socus, seiz'd with sudden fright. 
 Trembling gave way, and turn'd his back to flight; 
 Between his shoulders pierc'd the following dart, 
 And held its passage through the panting heart. 
 Wide in his breast appear'd the grisly wound ; 
 He falls ; his armor rings against the ground. 
 Tlien thus Ulysses, gazing on the slain : 
 Fam'd son of Hippasus ! there press the plain ; 563 
 There ends thy narrow span assign'd by Fate, 
 Heaven owes Ulysses yet a longer date. 
 Ah, wretch ! no fatiier shall thy corpse compose. 
 Thy dying eyes no tender mother close; 
 But hungry birds shall tear those balls away, 570 
 And hovering vulturs scream around their prej-. 
 Me Greece shall honor, when I meet my doom, 
 \Vith solemn funerals and a lasting tomb. 
 
 Then, raging witli intolerable smart, 
 He writhes his body, and extracts the dart. 575 
 The dart a tide of spouting gore pursu'd, 
 And gladden'd Troy with sight of hostile blood. 
 Now troops on troops, the fainting chief invade, 
 Forc'd he recedes, and loudly calls for aid. 
 Thrice to its pitch his lofty voice he rears ; 580 
 
 The well-known voice thrice Menelaiis hears : 
 Alarm'd, to Ajax Telamon he cry'd, 
 Who shares his labors, and defends his side. 
 O friend ! Ulysses' shouts invade my ear ; 
 Distress'd he seems, and no assistance near : 585 
 Strong as he is ; yet, one oppos'd to all. 
 Oppressed by multitudes, the bf^st may fall. 
 Greece, robb'd of him, must bid her host despair, 
 And fcei a loss, not ages can repair. 
 
 Then, where the cry directs, his course he bends ; 
 Great Ajax, like the God of War, attends. 591 
 
 The prudent chief in sore distress they found, 
 With bands of furious Trojans compass'd round. 
 As when some huntsman, with a flying spear, 
 From the blind thicket wounds a stately deer ; 595 
 Down his cleft side while fresh tiie blood distils. 
 He bounds aloft, and scuds from hills to hills: 
 Till life's warm vapor issuing through the wound. 
 Wild mountain-wolves the fainting beast surround; 
 Just as their jaws his prostrate limbs invade, 60O 
 ^hi lion rushes through the woodland shade.
 
 Book XI. THE ILIAD. fSl 
 
 The wolves, though hungry, scour dispers'd away ; 
 
 The lordly savage vindicates his prey. 
 
 Ulysses thus, uncouquer'd by his pains, 
 
 A single warrior, half an host sustains: 605 
 
 But soon as Ajax heaves his tower-like shield. 
 
 The scatter'd crowds fly frighted o'er the field ; 
 
 Atrides' arm the sinking hero stays. 
 
 And, sav'd from numbers, to his car conveys. 
 
 Victorious Ajax plies the routed crew ; 6lO 
 
 And first Doryclus, Priam's son, he slew. 
 On strong Pandocus next inflicts a wound. 
 And lays Lysander bleeding on the ground. 
 As when a torrent, swell'd with wintery rains, 6l4 
 Pours from the mountains o'er the delug'd plains. 
 And pines and oaks, from their foundations torn, 
 A country's ruins ! to the seas are borne : 
 Fierce Ajax thus o'erwhelms the yielding throng; 
 Men, steeds, and chariots, roll in heaps along. 
 
 But Hector, from this scene of slaughter far, 620 
 E.ag'd on the left, and rul'd the tide of war : 
 Loud groans proclaim his progress through the plain, 
 And deep Scamander swells with heaps of slain. 
 There Nestor and Idomeneus oppose 
 The warrior's fury, there the battle glows ; 625 
 
 There fierce on foot, or from the chariot's height. 
 His sword deforms the beauteous ranks of fight. 
 The spouse of Helen dealing darts around. 
 Had pierc'd Macliaon with a distant wound : 
 In his right shoulder the broad shaft appear'd, 63ft 
 And trembling Greece for her physician fear'd. 
 To Nestor then Idomeneus begun : 
 Glory of Greece, old Neleus' valiant son ! 
 Ascend thy chariot, haste with speed away. 
 And great Machaon to the ships convey. 635 
 
 A wise physician, skill'd our wounds to heal. 
 Is more than armies to the public weal. 
 Old Nestor mounts the seat : beside him rode 
 The wounded offspring of the healing God. 639 
 He lends the lash ; the steeds with sounding feet 
 Shake the dry field, and tliunder toward the fleet. 
 
 But now Cebriones, from Hector's car, 
 Survey'd the various fortune of the war. 
 While here (he cry'd) the flying Greeks are slain ; 
 Trojans on Trojans yonder load the plain. 64i
 
 252 THE ILIAD. Book XI. 
 
 Before great Ajax see the mingled throng 
 Of men and chariots driven in heaps along ! 
 I know him. well, distinguish'd o'er ilie field 
 By the broad glittering of the seven-fold shield. 
 Thither. O Hector, thither urge thj' steeds, 650 
 
 There danger calls, and there the combat bleeds. 
 There horse and foot in mingled d«aths unite, 
 And groans of slaughter mix with shouts of fight.. 
 
 Thus having spoke, the driver's lash resounds ; 
 Swift through the ranks the rapid chariot bounds ;■ 
 Slung by the stroke, the coursers scour the fields. 
 O'er heaps of carcasses, and hills of shields. 
 The horses' hoofs are bath'd in heroes' gore. 
 And. dashingr, purple all the car before ; 
 The groaning axle sable drops distills, 660 
 
 And mangled carnage clogs the rapid wheels. 
 Here Hector, plunging through the thickest fight, 
 Broke the dark phalanx, and let in the light : 
 (By the long lance, the sword, or pond'rous stone. 
 The ranks lie scatter'd, and the troops o'erthrown} 
 Ajax he shuns, through all the dire debate, 666 
 And fears that arm, whose force he felt so late. 
 But partial Jove, espousing Hector's part. 
 Shot heaven-bred horror thro' the Grecian's heart; 
 Confus'd, unnerv'd in Hector's presence grown, 670 
 Amaz'd he stood, with terrors not his own. 
 O'er his broad back his moony shield he threw. 
 And, glaring round, with tardy steps withdrew. 
 Thus the grim lion his retreat maintains, 
 Beset with watchful dogs, and shouting swains; 67S 
 Kepuls'd by numbers from the niehtly stalls. 
 Though rage impels him, and though hunger calls. 
 Long stands the showerina darts, and missile fires ; 
 Then sourly slow th' indignant beast retires. 
 So turn'd stern Ajax, by whole hosts repell'd, 680 
 While his swoln heart at every step rebell'd. 
 
 As the slow beast with hea\'y strength indued 
 In some wide field by troops of boys pursued. 
 Though round his sides a wooden tempest rain. 
 Crops the tall harvest, and lays waste tlie plain; 
 Tliick on his hide the hollow blows resound, 686 
 The patient animal maintains his ground. 
 Scarce from the field with all their efforts chas'd,. 
 Aad stirs, but slowly when he stirs at last.
 
 Book XI. THE ILIAD. S53 
 
 On Ajax thus a weight of Trojans hun^, 6qq 
 
 The strokes redoubled on his buckler rung ; 
 
 Confiding now in bulky strength he stands, 
 
 Now tui ns, and backward bears the yielding bands j 
 
 Now stiff recedes, yet hardly seems to fly, 
 
 And threats his followers with retorted eye. 695 
 
 Fix'd as the bar between two warring powers, 
 
 While hissing darts descend in iron showers : 
 
 In his broad buckler many a weapon stood, 
 
 Its surface bristled with a quivering wood ; 
 
 And many a javelin, guiltless on the plain, 700 
 
 Marks the diy dust, and thirsts for blood iu vain. 
 
 But bold Eurypylus his aid imparts. 
 
 And dauntless springs beneath a cloud of darts; 
 
 Whose eager javelin lanch'd against the foe, 
 
 Great Apisaon felt the fatal blow ; 705 
 
 From his torn liver the red current flow'd. 
 
 And liis slack knees desert their dying load. 
 
 The victor rushing to despoil the dead. 
 
 From Paris' bow a vengeful arrow fled : 
 
 Fix'd in his nervous thigh the weapon stood, 7IO 
 
 Fix'd was the point, but broken was the wood. 
 
 Back to the lines the wounded Greek retir'd. 
 
 Yet thus, retreating, his associates fir'd. 
 
 What God, O Grecians ! has your heart dismay'd ? 
 Oh, turn to arms ; 'tis Ajax claims your aid. 715 
 This hour he stands the mark of hostile rage. 
 And this the last brave battle he shall wage; 
 Haste, join your forces ; from the gloomy grave 
 The warrior rescue, and your country save. 720 
 
 Thus urg'd the chief; a generous troop appears. 
 Who spread their bucklers, and advance their spears. 
 To guard their wounded friend: while thus they stand 
 With pious care, great Ajax joins the band : 
 Each takes new courage at the hero's sight; 
 The hero rallies and renews the fight. 725 
 
 Thus rag'd both armies like conflicting fires. 
 While Nestor's chariot far from fight retires : 
 His coursers steep'd in sweat, and stain'd with gore. 
 The Greeks preserver, great Macliaon, bore. 
 That hour, Achilles from tlie topmost height 730 
 Of his proud fleet, o'erlook'd the fields of fight ; 
 His feasted eyes beheld around the plain 
 The Grecian rout, the slaying, and the slain.
 
 854 THE ILIAD. Book XI. 
 
 His friend Machaon singled from the rest, 
 
 A transient pitj' touch'd his vengeful breast. 735 
 
 Straight to Menoetius' much-lov'd son he sent; 
 
 Graceful as Mars, Patroclus quits his tent : 
 
 In evil hour ! Then fate decreed his doom ; 
 
 And fix'd the date of all his woes to come. 
 
 Why calls my friend ? Thy lov'd injunctions lay, 
 Whate'er thy will, Patroclus shall obey. 741 
 
 O first of friends ! (Pelides thus reply' d) 
 Still at my heart, and ever at my side ! 
 The time is come, when yon despairing host 
 Shall learn the value of the man they lost: 745 
 Now at mj' knees the Greeks shall pour their moan. 
 And proud Atrides tremble on his throne. 
 Go now to Nestor, and from him be taught 
 What wounded warrior late his chariot brought ? 
 For, seen at distance, and but seen beliind, 750 
 
 His form recall'd Machaon to my mind ; 
 Nor could I, through yon cloud, discern his face. 
 The coursers past me with so swift a pace. 
 
 The hero said. Ilis friend obey'd with haste, 
 Through intermingled ships and tents he past ; 755 
 The chiefs descending from their car he found ; 
 The panting steeds Eurymedon unbound. 
 The warriors standing on the breezy sliore, 
 To dr>' their sweat, and wash away the gore, 
 Here paus'd a moment, while the gentle gale 76O 
 Convey'd that freshness the cool seas exhale ; 
 Then to consult on farther methods went, 
 And took their seats beneath the shady tent. 
 The draught prescrib'd, fair Hecamede prepares, 
 Arsinoiis' daughter, grac'd with golden hairs : 765 
 (Whom to his aged arms, a royal slave, 
 Greece, as the prize of Nestor's wisdom, gave) 
 A table first with azure feet she plac'd ; 
 Whose ample orb a brazen charger grac'd : 
 Honey new-press'd, tlie sacred flower of wheat, 77O 
 And wholesome garlic crown'd the savory treat. 
 Next her white hand a spacious goblet brings, 
 A goblet sacred to the Pylian kings 
 From eldest times : the massy sculptur'd vase. 
 Glittering witii golden studs, four handles grace; 
 And curling vines around each handle roU'd 776 
 Support two turtle-doves emboss'd in gold.
 
 Book XI. THE ILIAD. 259 
 
 I A massy weight, yet heav'd with ease by him, 
 I Wlien the brisk nectar overlook'd the brim. 
 
 Temper'd ia this, the nymph of form divine 780 
 ! Pours a large portion of the Pramnian wine ; 
 "With goat's-milk cheese a flavorous taste bestows. 
 And last with flour the smiling surface strows. 
 This for the wounded prince the dame prepares ; 
 The cordial beverage reverend Nestor shares : 785 
 Salubrious draughts the warriors' thirst allay, 
 And pleasing conference beguiles ^the day. 
 
 Meantime Patroclus, by Achilles sent, 
 Uuhear'd approach'd, and stood before the tent. 
 Old Nestor rising then, the hero led 790 
 
 To his high seat; the chief refus'd, and said, 
 
 'Tis now no season for these kind delays ; 
 The great Achilles with impatience stays. 
 To great Achilles this respect I owe ; 
 Who asks what hero, wounded by the foe, 793 
 
 Was borne from combat by the foaming steeds. 
 With grief I see the great Machaoa bleeds. 
 This to report, my hasty course I bend ; 
 Thou know'st the fiery temper of my friend. 
 
 Can then the sons of Greece (the sage rejoin'd) 
 Excite compassion in Achilles' mind ? 801 
 
 Seeks he the sorrows of our host to know ? 
 This is not lialf the story of our woe. 
 Tell him, not great Machaon bleeds alone. 
 Our bravest heroes in the navy groan, 805 
 
 Ulysses, Agamemnon, Diomed, 
 And stern Eurypylus, already bleed. 
 But ah ! what flattering hopes I entertain ! 
 Achilles heeds not, but derides our pain : 
 Ev'n till the flames consume our fleet he stays, 810 
 And waits the rising of the fatal blaze. 
 Chief after chief tlie raging foe destroys ; 
 Calm he looks on, and every death enjoys. 
 Kow the slow course of all-impairing time 
 Unstrings my nerves, and ends my manly prime; 815 
 Oh ! had I still that strength my youth possess'd. 
 When this bold arm th' Epeian powers oppress'd. 
 The bulls of Elis in glad triumph led, 
 And stretch'd the great Itymonasus dead ! 
 Then from my fury fled the trembling swains, 820 
 And ours was all the plunder of the plains :
 
 eS6 THE ILIAD. Book XI. 
 
 Fifty white flocks, full fifty herds of swine, 
 
 As many goats, as many lowing kine : 
 
 And thrice the number of unrivall'd steeds. 
 
 All teeming females and of generous breeds. 825 
 
 These, as my first essay of arms, I won ; 
 
 Old Neleus glory'd in his conquering son. 
 
 Thus Elis forc'd, her long arrears restor'd, 
 
 And shares were parted to each Pylian lord. 
 
 The state of Pyle was sunk to last despair, 830 
 
 When the proud Elians first commenc'd the war. 
 
 Tor Neleus' sons Alcides' rage had slain ; 
 
 Of twelve bold brothers, I alone remain ! 
 
 Oppress'd, we arm'd ; and now this conquest gain'd, 
 
 Wy sire three hundred chosen sheep obtain'd. 833 
 
 friiat large reprisal he might justly claim, 
 
 Tor prize defrauded, and insulted fame. 
 
 When Elis' monarch at the public course 
 
 Detain d his chariot and victorious horse.) 
 
 The rest the people shar'd ; myself survey'd 840 
 
 The jast partition, and due victims pay'd. 
 
 Three days were past, when Elis rose to war. 
 
 With many a courser, and with many a car ; 
 
 The sons of Actor at their army's head 
 
 (Young as lliej^ were) the vengeful squadrons led. 
 
 High on a rock fair Thryoessa stends, 840 
 
 Our utmost frontier en tli€ Pylian lands ; 
 
 !Not far the streams of fam'd Alphceus flow ; 
 
 The stream they pass'd, and pitch'd tlieirtents below. 
 
 Pallas, descending in the shades of night, 650 
 
 Alarms the Pyliaus, and commands the fight. 
 
 Each burns for fame, and swells with martial pride ; 
 
 Myself tlie foremost ; but my sire deny'd ; 
 
 Fear'd for my youtli, expos'd to stern alarms; 
 
 And stopp'd my chariot, and detaiu'd my arms. 855 
 
 My sire deny'd in vain : on foot I fled 
 
 Amidst our chariots : for the Goddess led. 
 
 Along fair Arene's delightful plain, 
 Soft Minyas rolls his waters to the main. 
 There, horse and foot, the Pylian troops unite, 800 
 And, sheath'd in arms, expect the dawning light. 
 Thence, ere the sun advanc'd his noon-day flame. 
 To great Alphasus' sacred source we came. 
 Tliere first to Jove our solemn rites were paid ; 
 An untam'd heifer plea^'d the blue-ey'd Maid ; 865
 
 Book XI. THE ILIAD. C5T 
 
 A bull Alphaeus ; and a bull was slain 
 To the blue monarch of the watery main. 
 In arms we slept, beside the winding flood, 
 While round the town the fierce Epeians stood. 
 Soon as the sun, with all-revealing ray, 870 
 
 Flam'd iu the front of heaven, and gave the day ; 
 Bright scenes of arms, and works of war appear ; 
 The nations meet ; there Pylos, Elis here. 
 The first who fell, beneath my javelin bled ; 
 King Augias' son, and spouse of Agamede : 875 
 (She that all simples' healing virtues knew. 
 And every herb that drinks the morning dew.) 
 I seiz'd his car, the van of battle led ; 
 Th' Epeians saw, they trembled, and they fled. 
 The foe dispers'd, their bravest warrior kill'd, 880 
 Fierce as a whirlwind now I swept the field : 
 Full fifty captive chariots grac'd my train ; 
 Two chiefs from each, fell breathless to the plain. 
 Then Actor's son had dy'd, but Keptune shrouds 
 The youthful heroes iu a veil of clouds. 883 
 
 O'er heapy shields, and o'er the prostrate throng. 
 Collecting spoils, and slaughtering all along, 
 Through wide Buprasian fields we forc'd the foes,' 
 Where o'er the vales th' Olenian rocks arose ; 
 Till Pallas stopp'd us where Alisium flows. 
 Ev'n there the hindmost of their rear I slay, 
 And the same arm that led, concludes the day. 
 Then back to Pyle triumphant take my way. 
 There to high Jove were public thanks assjgn'd. 
 As first of Gods; to Nestor, of mankind. 895 
 
 Such then I was, impell'd by youthful blood ; 
 So prov'd my valor for my country's good. 
 
 Achilles with unactive fury glows. 
 And gives to passion what to Greece he owes. 
 How siiall he grieve, when to th' eternal shade 9OO 
 Her host shall sink, nor his the power to aid? 
 O friend ! my memory recals the day. 
 When, gathering aids along the Grecian sea, 
 I, and Ulysses, touch'd at Pthia's port, 
 And enter'd Peleus' hospitable court. Q05 
 
 A bull to Jove he slew in sacrifice. 
 And pour'd libations on the flaming thighs. 
 Thyself, Achilles, and thy reverend sire 
 M«QeUu3, turp'd the tragments on the fire. 
 
 ;} 
 
 day, 5- 
 
 3
 
 258 THE ILIAD. Book XT. 
 
 Achilles sees us, to the feast invites ; 910 
 
 Social vre sit, and share the senial rites. 
 We then explain'd the cause on which we came, 
 Urg'd you to arms, and found you fierce for fame. 
 Your ancient fathers generous precepts gave ; 
 Peleus said only this—" My son ! be brave." 915 
 Weucetius thus : " Thougli threat Achilles shine 
 " In strength superior, and of race di^-ine, 
 " Yet cooler thoughts thy elder years attend'; 
 " Let thy just counsels aid, and rule thy friend." 
 Thus spoke your father at Thessalia's court ; 929 
 Words now forgot, though now of vast import. 
 Ah ! try the utmost that a friend can say, 
 Such gentle force the fiercest minds obey. 
 Some favorins God Achilles' heart may move ; 
 Tliough deaf to glory, he may yield to love. 925 
 If some dire oracle his breast alarm. 
 If aught from heaven withhold his saving arm ; 
 Some beam of comfort yet on Greece may shine. 
 If thou but lead the Myrwiidonian line; 
 Clad in Achilles' arms, if thou appear, 930 
 
 Proud Troy may tremble, and desist from war ; 
 Press'd by fresh forces her o'er-labor'd train 
 Shall seek their walls, and Greece respire a?ain. 
 
 This touch'd his generous heart, and from tlie tent 
 Along the shore with hasty strides he went ; 935 
 Soon as he came, where, on the crowded strand. 
 The public mart and courts of justice stand, 
 Where the tall fleet of great Ulysses lies, 
 And altars to the guardian Gods arise ; 
 There sad he met the brave Evaemon's son, 940 
 Large painful drops from all his members run; 
 An arrows head yet rooted in his wound. 
 The sable blood in circles mark'd tlie ground. 
 As faintly reeling he confess'd the smart ; 
 Weak was i)is pace, but dauntless was his heart ; 945 
 Divine compassion touch'd Patroclus' breast, 
 Who, sighing, thus his bleeding friend addrest. 
 
 Ah ! hapless leaders of the Grecian host ! 
 Thus must ye periih on a barbarous coast ? 
 Is this your fate, to glut the dogs with gore, 050 
 Far from your friends, and from your native shore ? 
 Say, great Eurypylus! shall Greece yet stand? 
 Resist slie yet the raging Hector's hand ?
 
 Book Xr. THE ILIAD. 25^ 
 
 Cn- are her heroes doom'd to die. with shame, 
 And this the period of our wars and fame ? 9^5 
 
 Eurypylus replies : No more, my friend, 
 iGreece is no more ! this day her glories end. 
 E'en to the ships victorious Troy pursues, 
 Her force encreasing as her toil renews. 
 Those chiefs, that us'd her utmost rage to meet, 96O 
 Lie pierc'd with wounds, and bleeding in the fleet. 
 But thou, Patroclus ! act a friendly part. 
 Lead to my ships, and draw this deadly dart ; 
 ijWitii lukewarm water wash the gore away, 
 I With liealing balms the raging smart allay, 965 
 Such as sage Chiron, sire of pharmac3', 
 Once taught Achilles, and Achilles thee. 
 'Of two fara'd surgeons, Podalirius stands 
 (This hour surrounded by the Trojan bands; 
 And great Machaon, wounded in his tent, 97& 
 
 [Now wants that succour which so oft he lent. 
 
 To him the chief. What then remains to do? 
 Tir event of things the Gods alone can view. 
 Charg'd by Achilles' great command I fly. 
 And bear with haste the Pylian king's reply : 975 
 But thy distress this instant claims relief. 
 He said, and in his arms upheld the chief. 
 The slaves their master's slow approach survey'd. 
 And hides of oxen on the floor display'd : 
 There stretch'd at length the wounded hero lay, 
 Patroclus cut the forky steel away. 98I 
 
 Then in his hands a bitter root he bruis'd ; 
 The wound he wash'd, the styptic juice infus'd. 
 The closing flesh that instant ceas'd to glow, 
 Tlie wound to torture, and the blood to flow. 985
 
 THE 
 
 1 £. I A 
 
 BOOK XII.
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Battle at the Grecian Wall. 
 
 Tlie Greeks being retired into tlieir entrenchments, 
 Hector attempts to force them; but it proving 
 impossible to pass th« ditch, Polydamas advises 
 to quit their chariots, and manage the attack on 
 foot. The Trojans follow his counsel, and, having 
 divided their army into five bodies of foot, begin 
 the assault. But upon the signal of an eagle with 
 a serpent in his talons, which appear'd on the left 
 band of the Trojans, Polydamas endeavours to 
 withdraw them again. This Hector opposes, and 
 continues the attack ; in which, after many actions, 
 Sarpedon makes the first breach in the wall : 
 Hector also casting a stone of a vast size, forces 
 open one of the gales, and enters at tlie head of 
 his troops, who victoriously pursue the Grecians 
 even to their ships.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK XII. 
 
 WHILE thus the hero's pious cares attend 
 The cure and safety of his wounded friend, 
 Trojans and Greeks with clashing shields engage, 
 And mutual deaths are dealt with mutual rage. 
 ,Nor long the trench or lofty walls oppose ; 5 
 
 With gods averse th' ill-fated worts arose ; 
 Their powers neglected, and no victinj slain, 
 The walls were rais'd, the trenches sunk in vain. 
 < Without the Gods, how short a period stands 
 'The proudest monument of mortal hands! 10 
 
 This stood while Hector and Achilles rag'd, 
 ;While sacred Troy the warring hosts engag'd ; 
 But when her sons were slain, her city burn'd, 
 |And what surviv'd of Greece to Greece return'd ; 
 Then Neptune and Apollo shook the shore, 15 
 
 Then Ida's summits pour'd their waterj' store ; 
 Rhesus and Rhodius then unite their rills, 
 Caresus roaring down the stony hills, 
 iEsopus, Granicus, with mingled force. 
 And Xanthus foaming from his fruitful source; 20 
 [And gulphy SimoVs, rolling to the main 
 [Helmets, and shields, aud god-like heroes slain: 
 These lurn'd by Plioebus from their wonted ways, 
 iDelug'd the rampire nine coutinual days ; 
 pThe weiffht of waters saps the yielding wall, 25 
 lAnd to the sea the floating bulwarks fall. 
 Incessant cataracts the thunderer pours, 
 I And half the skies descend in sluicy showers.
 
 264 THE ILIAD. Book XII. 
 
 Qlie God of Ocean, marching stern before, 
 With his huge trident wounds the trembling shore,30 
 Vast stones and piles from their foundation heaves. 
 And whelms the smoky ruin in the waves. 
 Kow smooth'd with sand, and level'd bj' the flood, 
 No fragment tells where once the wonder stood ; 
 In their old bounds the ri%'ers roll again, 35 
 
 Shine 'twi;rt tlie lulls, or wander o'er the plain. 
 
 But this the Gods in later times perform ; 
 As yet the bulwark stood, and bra\''d the storm ; 
 The strokes yet echoed of contending powers ; 
 War thunder'd at the gates,aad blood distain'd the towers. 
 Smote by the arm of Jove, and dire dismay, 41 
 Close by their hollow ships the Grecians lay : 
 Hector's approach in every wind they hear. 
 And Hector's fury every moment fear. 
 He, like a whirlwind, toss'd the scattering throng, 45 
 Mingled the troops, and drove the field along. 
 So midst the dogs and hunters daring bands, 
 Fierce of his might a boar or lion stands ; 
 Arm'd foes around a dreadful circle form. 
 And hissing javelins rain an iron storm : 50 
 
 His powers untam'd their bold assault defy, 
 And where he turns, the rout disperse, or die : 
 He foams, he glares, he bounds against them all. 
 And if he falls, his courage makes him fall. 
 With equal rage encompass'd Hector glows ; 55 
 Exhorts his armies and the trenches shows. 
 The panting steeds impatient fury breathe, 
 But snort and tremble at the gulf beneath ; 
 Just on the brink they neigh, and paw the ground. 
 And the turf trembles, and the skies resound. 60 
 Eager they %aew'd the prospect dark and deep, 
 Vast was the leap, and headlong hung the steep ; 
 The bottom bare, (a formidable show !) 
 And bristled thick with sharpen'd stakes below. 
 The foot alone this strong defence could force, 65 
 And tr3' the pass imper\'ious to die horse. 
 This saw Polydamas ; who, wisely brave, 
 Restrain'd great Hector, and this counsel gave. " 
 
 O thou ! bold leader of the Trojan bands, 
 And you, confederate chiefs from foreign lands ! 70 
 What entrance here can cumbrous chariots find, 
 The stakes beneath, the Grecian walls behind ?
 
 Book Xir. THE ILIAD. 265 
 
 INo pass through those, -witliout a thousand wounds, 
 [No space for combat in yon narrow bounds. 
 
 Proud of the favors mighty Jove has shown, 75 
 [on certain dangers we too rashly run : 
 
 If 'tis his will our haughty foes to tame, 
 f Oh may this instant end the Grecian name ! 
 'Here, far from Argos, let their heroes fall, 
 i And one great day destroy, and bury all ! 80 
 
 But should they turn, and here oppress our train, 
 • What hopes, what methods of retreat remain? 
 ; Wedg'd in the trench, by our own troops confus'd, 
 « In one promiscuous carnage crush'd and bruis'd ; 
 i All Troy must perish, if their arms prevail, 85 
 
 ; Nor shall a Trojan live to tell the tale. 
 ' Hear then, ye warriors ! and obey with speed ; 
 ' Back from the trenches let your steeds be led, 
 1 Then all alighting, wedg'd in firm array, 
 1 Proceed on foot, and Hector lead the way. gO 
 
 So Greece shall stoop before our conquering power, 
 .And this (if Jove consent) her fatal hour. 
 , This counsel pleas'd : the god-like Hector sprung 
 ' Swift from his seat ; his clanging armor rung. 
 (The chief's example foUow'd by his train, 95 
 
 'Each quits his car, and issues on the plain. 
 •By orders strict the charioteers enjoin'd, 
 ; Compel the coursers to their ranks behind. 
 i The forces part in five distinguish'd bands, 
 I And all obey their several chief's commands. 100 
 ' The best and bravest in the first conspire. 
 
 Pant for the fight, and threat the fleet with fire : 
 
 Great Hector glorious in the van of these, 
 
 Polydamas, and brave Cebriones. 
 , Before the next the graceful Paris shines, 105 
 
 lAnd bold Alcathoiis, and Agenor joins. 
 
 The sons of Priam with the third appear. 
 iDeiphobus, and Helenus the seer; 
 'In arms with these the mighty Asius stood, 
 I Who drew from Hyrtacus his noble blood, 110 
 
 lAnd whom Arisba's yellow coursers bore, 
 ■The coursers fed on Belle's winding shore. 
 , Antenor's sons the fourth battalion guide, 
 "And great ^neas, born on fountful Ide, 
 I Divine Sarpedon the last band obey'd, 115 
 
 Whom Glaucus and Asteropaeus aid, 
 M
 
 see THE ILTAD. Book XII. 
 
 Next him, the bravest at their army's Iiead, 
 But he more brave than all the hosts lie led. 
 
 Now with compacted shields in close array. 
 The moviDg legions speed their headlong way : 120 
 Already in their hopes they fire the fleet, 
 And see the Grecians casping at their feet. 
 
 While every Trojan tims, and every aid, 
 Th' advice of wise Polydamas obey'd ; 
 Asius alone, confiding in his car, 1£5 
 
 His vaunted coursers urg'd to meet the war. 
 Unhappy hero ! and advis'd in vain ! 
 Those wheels returning ne'er shall mark the plain; 
 Iso more those coursers with triumphant joy 
 Restore their master to the gates of Troy ; 130 
 
 Black death attends behind the Grecian wall. 
 And great Idomeneus shall boast thy fall. 
 Fierce to tlie left he drives, where from the plain 
 The Hying Grecians strove their ships to gain ; 
 Swift through the wall their horse and chariots past, 
 The gates half-open'd to receive tlie last. 136 
 
 Thither, exulting in his force, he flies : 
 His following host with clamors rend the skies ; 
 To plunge the Grecians iieadlong in the main. 
 Such their proud hopes, but uU their hopes were vain! 
 
 To guard the gates, two mighty chiefs attend, 141 
 VJho from the Lapiths warlike race descend; 
 This Polypcetes, great PerilhoUs' heir. 
 And that Leonteus, like the God of War. 
 As two tall oaks, before the wall they rise! 145 
 Their roots in earth, tlieir heads amidst the skies : 
 Whose spreading arms with leafy honors crown'd. 
 Forbid the tempest, and protect the ground ; 
 High on the hill appears their stately form. 
 And their deep roots for ever brave the storm, 150 
 So graceful these, and so the shock they stand 
 Of raging Asius, and his furious band. 
 Orestes, Acamus, in front appear. 
 And Oenomaus and Thobn close the rear ; 
 In vain their clamors shake the ambient fields, 155 
 In vain around them beat their liollow shields. 
 The fearless brothers on tiie Grecians call. 
 To guard their navies, and defend the wall. 
 E'en when they saw Troy's sable troops impend, 
 And Greece tumultuous from her towers desceud, iSO
 
 Eook XII. THE ILIAD. 20? 
 
 Tortli from the portals rush'd th' intrepid pair, 
 Oppos'd tlieir breasts, and stood tiiemselves the war. 
 So two wild boars sprin? furious from their den, 
 Kous'J with the cries of dogs and voice of men ; 
 On everj' side the crackling trees they tear, l63 
 And root the shrubs, and lay the forest bare ; 
 They gnash their tusks, with fire their cye-balis roll. 
 Till some wide wound lets out their mighty soul. 
 Around their heads the whistling javelins sung, 
 With sounding strokes their brazen targets rung ; 170 
 Fierce was the fight, while yet the Grecian powers 
 Maintained the walls, and mann'd the lofty towers : 
 To save their lieet, the last efforts they try. 
 And stones and darts in mingled tempests fly. 
 
 As when sharp Boreas blows abroad, and brings 
 Tne dreary winter on his frozen wings ; I76 
 
 Beneath the low-hung clouds the sheets of snow 
 Descend, and whiten all the fields below : 
 So fast the darts on either army pour. 
 So down the rampires roll the rocky shower ; 180 
 Heavy and thick, resound the batter'd shields, 
 And the deaf echo rattles round the fields. 
 
 With shame repuls'd, with grief and fury driven, 
 Tiie frantic Asius thus accuses heaven : 
 
 i In powers immortal who shall now believe ? 183 
 Can those too flatter, and can Jove deceive ? 
 What man could doubt but Troy's victorious power 
 Should humble Greece, and this her fatal hour ? 
 
 ' But like when wasps from hollow crannies drive, 
 To guard the entrance of their common hive, I90 
 
 [ Darkening the rock, while with unweary'd wings 
 
 '; They strike th' assailants, and infix their stings ; 
 A race determin'd, that to death contend : 
 So fierce these Greeks their last retreats defend. 
 Gods ! shall two warriors only guard their gates, 193 
 
 || Kepel an army, and defraud the Fates ? 
 
 These empty accents, mingled with the wind ; 
 Kor mov'd great Jove's unalterable mind ; 
 
 i To god-like Hector and his matcliless might 
 
 ■ Was ow'd the glory of U;e destin'd fight. 200 
 
 Like deeds of anns through all the forts were try'd. 
 And all the gates sustain'd an equal tide ; 
 Through the long walls the stony showers were heard. 
 The blaze of flames, the flash of arms appear'd.
 
 268 THE ILIAD. Book XII. 
 
 The spirit of a God my breast inspire, 205 
 
 To raise each act to life, and sing with fire ! 
 Wliile Greece unconquer'd kept alive tiie war, 
 Secure of death, confiding in despair; 
 And all her guardian Gods, in deep dismay, 
 ■\Vith unassisting arms depior'd the day. 210 
 
 E'en yet the dauntless Lapithse maintain 
 The dreadful pass, and round them heap the slain. 
 First Damasus, by Polypoetes' steel 
 Pierc'd through his helmet's brazen vizor, fell ; 
 The weapon drank the mingled brains and gore ; 215 
 The warrior sinks, tremendous now no more ! 
 Kext Ormenus and Pylon yield their breath. 
 Kor less Leontcus strows the field with death : 
 first through the belt Hippomachus he gord. 
 Then sudden wav'd his unresisted sword ; 220 
 
 Antiphates, as through the ranks he broke. 
 The falchion struck, and fate pursu'd the stroke ; 
 lamenus, Orestes, Menon, bled ; 
 And round ])im rose a monument of dead. 
 
 Meantime, the bravest of the Trojan crew, 223 
 Bold Hector and Polydamas pursue; 
 Fierce with impatience on the works to fall. 
 And wrap in rolling flames the fleet and wall. 
 These on the farther bank now stood and gaz'd. 
 By heaven alarm'd, by prodigies amaz'd : 230 
 
 A signal omen stopp'd the passing host, 
 Their martial fury in their wonder lost. 
 Jove's bird on sounding pinions beat the skies ; 
 A bleeding serpent of enormous size, 
 His talons tniss'd ; alive, and curling round, 235 
 He stung the bird, whose throat received the wound : 
 Mad with the smart, he drops the fatal prej'. 
 In airy circle wings his painful way. 
 Floats on the winds, and rends the heavens with cries: 
 Amidst the host the fallen serpent lies. 240 
 
 They, pale with terror, mark'd its spires unroll'd, 
 And Jove's portent with beating hearts behold. 
 Then first Polydamas the silence broke, 
 Long weigh'd the signal, and to Hector spoke. 
 
 How oft, my brother, thy reproach I bear, 245 
 for words well-meant, and sentiments sincere ! 
 True to those counsels which I judge the best, 
 I tell the faithful dictates of my breast,
 
 Book XII. THE ILIAD. 269 
 
 To speak his thoughts, is eveiy freeman's right. 
 In peace and war, in council and in fight; 250 
 
 And all I move, deferring to thy sway. 
 But tends to raise that power which I obey. 
 Then hear my words, nor may my wdrds be vain ; 
 Seek not, this day, the Grecian ships to gain ; 
 For sure to warn us Jove his omen sent, 255 
 
 And thus my mind explains its clear event. 
 The victor eagle, whose sinister flight 
 Retards our host, and fills our hearts with fright, 
 Dismiss'd his conquest in the middle skies, 
 Allow'd to seize, but not possess the prize ; 260 
 Thus tiiough we gird witli fires the Grecian fleet. 
 Though these proud bulwarks tumble at our feet. 
 Toils unforeseen, and fiercer, are decreed ; 
 More woes shall follow, and more heroes bleed. 
 So bodes my soul, and bids me thus advise : 265 
 For tiius a skilful seer would read the skies. 
 
 To him then Hector with disdain return'd : . 
 (Fierce as he spoke, his eyes with fury burn'dj 
 Are these the faitliful counsels of thy tongue? 
 ! Thy will is partial, not thy reason wrong : 270 
 
 Or, if the purpose of thy heart thou vent, 
 i. Sure heaven resumes the little sense it lent. 
 I Wliat coward counsels would thy madness move, 
 
 Against the word, the will reveal'd of Jove ? 
 ; The leading sign, th' irrevocable nod, 275 
 
 ' And happy thunders of the favoring God, 
 I These shall I sligiit ? and guide my wavering mind 
 ' By wandering birds, that flit with every wind ? 
 Ye vagrants of the sky ! your wings extend. 
 Or where the suns arise, or wliere descend; £80 
 To right, to left, unheeded take your way. 
 While I the dictates of high heaven obey. 
 Without a sign his sword the brave man draws. 
 And asks no omen but his country's cause. 
 ; But why shouldst thou suspect the war's success ? 
 ' None fears it more, as none promotes it less : £86 
 I Though all our chiefs amid yon ships expire, 
 . Trust thy own cowardice t' escape their fire. 
 ' Troy and her sons may find a general grave, 
 I But thou canst live, for thou canst be a slave. 290 
 Yet should the fears that wary mind suggests 
 Spread their cold poisoa UirougU our soldiers' breasts.
 
 270 THE ILIAD. Book XII. 
 
 My javelin can revenge so base a part, 
 And free the soul that quivers in thy heart. 
 
 Furious he spoke, and, rushing to the wall, 295 
 Calls on liis host ; his host obey the call ; 
 "With ardor follow where their leader tties : 
 Redoubling clamors thunder in the skies. 
 Jove breathes a whirlwind from the hills of Ide, 
 And drifts of dust the clouded navy hide : 300 
 
 He fills the Greeks witli terror and dismay, 
 And gives great Hector the predestin'd day. 
 Strong in tliemselves, but stronger in their aid. 
 Close to the works their rigid siege they laid. 
 In vain the mounds and massy beams defend, 305 
 While these they undermine, and those they rend ; 
 Upheave the piles that prop the solid wall ; 
 And heaps on heaps the smoky ruins fall. 
 Greece on her rampart stands the fierce alarms ; 
 The crowded bulwarks blaze with waving arms, 310 
 Shield touching shield, a long refulgent row. 
 Whence hissing darts, incessant, rain below. 
 The bold Ajaces fly from tower to tower. 
 And rouse, witli flame divine, the Grecian power. 
 The generous impulse every Greek obeys ; 315 
 
 Threats urge the fearful ; and the valiant praise. 
 
 Fellows in arms ! whose deeds are known to fame. 
 And you whose ardor hopes an equal name I 
 Since not alike endued with force or art; 
 Beiiold a day when each may act his part ! 320 
 A day to fire the brave, and warm the cold, 
 To gain new glories, or augment the old. 
 Urge those who stand ; and those who faint excite; 
 Drown Hector's vaunts in loud exhorts of fight ; 
 Conquest, not safety, fill the thoughts of all ; 325 
 Seek not your fleet, but sally from the wall ; 
 So Jove once more, may drive their routed train, 
 And Troy lie trembling in her walls again. 
 
 Their ardor kindles all the Grecian powers ; 
 And now the stones descend in heavier showers. 330 
 As wlien high Jove his sharp artillery forms, 
 And opes his cloudy magazine of storms; 
 In winter's bleak, uncomfortable reign, 
 A snowy inundation liides the plain ; 
 He stills the winds, and bids the skies to sleep ; 335 
 Then pours the silent tempest, tliick and deep :
 
 Book Xir. THE ILIAD. 271 
 
 And first the mountain-tops are cover'd o'er, 
 Tlieii the green fields, and then the sandy shore ; 
 I Bent with the weight the nodding woods are seen. 
 And one bright waste hides all the works of men : 
 The circling seas alone absorbing all, 341 
 
 Drink the dissolving fleeces as they fall. 
 So from each side increas'd the stony rain, 
 And the white ruin rises o'er the plain. 
 
 Thus god-like Hector and his troops contend 345 
 To force the ramparts, and the gates to rend ; 
 !N or Troy could conquer, nor the. Greeks would y ieltl. 
 Till great Sarpedon tower'd amid the field ; 
 For mighty Jove inspir'd with martial Hame 
 His matchless sou, and urg'd him on to fame. 350 
 In arms he shines, conspicuous fiom afar, 
 And bears aloft his ample shield in air ; 
 Within whose orb the thick bull-hides were roll'd. 
 Ponderous with brass, and bound with ductile gold : 
 And while two pointed javelins arm his hands, 355 
 Majestic moves along, and leads his Lycian bands. 
 
 So, press'd with hunger, from the mountain's brow 
 Descends a lion on the flocks below ; 
 So stalks the lordly savage o'er the plain, 
 In sullen majesty, and stern disdain : SGO 
 
 In vain loud mastifl's bay him from afar. 
 And shepherds gall him with an iron war ; 
 Regardless, furious, he pursues his way ; 
 He foams, he roars, he rends the panting prey. 
 
 Resolv'd alike, divine Sarpedon glows 365 
 
 With generous rage that drives him on the foes. 
 He views the towers, and meditates their fall. 
 To sure destruction dooms th' aspiring wall; 
 Then, casting on his friend an ardent look, 
 Fir'd with the thirst of glory, thus he spoke. 370 
 
 Why boast we, Glaucus ! our extended reign. 
 Where Xanthus' streams enrich the Lycian plain, 
 Our numerous herds that range the fruitful field, 
 And hills where vines their purple harvest yield. 
 Our foaming bowls with purer nectar crown'd, 375 
 Our feasts enhanc'd with music's sprightly sound ! 
 Why on those shores are we witli joy survey'd, 
 Admir'd as heroes, and as Gods obey'd; 
 Unless great acts superior merit prove, 
 And vindicate the bounteous powers above ? 380
 
 272 THE ILIAD. Book XII. 
 
 Tis ours, the dignity they give to grace ; 
 
 The first in valor, as the first in place : 
 
 That when with wondering eyes our martial bands 
 
 Behold our deeds transcending our commands. 
 
 Such, they may cr>', deserve the sovereign state. 
 
 Whom those that envy, dare not imitate! 386 
 
 Could all our care elude the gloomy grave. 
 
 Which claims no less the fearful tlian the brave, 
 
 for lust of fame I should not vainly dare 
 
 In fighting fields, nor urge thy soul to war. 390 
 
 But since, alas ! ignoble age must come, 
 
 Disease, and deatli's inexorable doom ; 
 
 The life which others pay, let us bestow. 
 
 And give to fame what we to nature owe ; 
 
 Brave though we fall, and honor'd if we live, 395 
 
 Or let us glory gain, or glory give ! 
 
 He said ; his words the listening chief inspire 
 With equal warmth, and rouse the warrior's fire ; 
 The troops pursue their leaders with delight. 
 Rush to the foe, and claim the promis'd fight. 400 
 Menestiieus from on high the storm beheld 
 Threatening the fort, and blackening in the field : 
 Around the walls he gaz'd, to view from far 
 What aid appear'd t' avert th' approaching war, 
 And saw where Teucer with th' Ajaces stood, 403 
 Of fight insatiate, prodigal of blood. 
 In vain he calls ; the din of helms and shields 
 Rings to the skies, and echoes through the fields. 
 The brazen hinges fly, the walls resound. 
 Heaven trembles, roar the mountains, thunders all 
 the ground. 410 
 
 Tlien thus to Thobs ;— Hence with speed, (he said} 
 And urge the bold Ajaces to our aid ; 
 Their strength, united, best may help to bear 
 The bloody labors of tlie doubtful war : 
 Hither the Lyciau princes bend their course, 415 
 The best and bravest of the hostile force. 
 But if too fiercely there the foes contend, 
 Let Telamon at least our towers defend. 
 And Teucer haste with his unerring bow. 
 To share the danger, and repel the foe. 420 
 
 Swift at the word, the herald speeds along 
 Tne lofty ramparts, through the martial throng}
 
 Book XII. THE ILIAD. 2T3 
 
 And finds the heroes batli'd in sweat and gore, 
 
 Oppos'd in combat on the dusty shore. 
 
 Ye valiant leaders of our warlike bands ! 4C5 
 
 Your aid (said Thoos) Peteus' son demands. 
 
 Your strength, united, best may help to bear 
 
 The bloody labors of the doubtful war : 
 
 Thither the Lycian princes bend their course, 
 
 The best and bravest of the hostile force. 430 
 
 But if too fiercely here the foes contend, 
 
 At least, let Telamou those towers defend, 
 
 And Teucer haste Avith his unerring bow, 
 
 To share the danger, and repel the foe. 434 
 
 Straight to the fort great Ajax turn'd his care. 
 And thus bespoke his brothers of the war. 
 2s ow, valiant Lycomede ! exert your might. 
 And, brave Oileus, prove your force in fight: 
 To you I trust the fortune of the field. 
 Till by this arm the foe shall be repell'd : 440 
 
 That done, expect me to complete the day- 
 Then, with his seven-fold shield, he strode away. 
 ■^Vith equal steps bold Teucer press'd the shore, 
 Whose fatal bow the strong Pandion bore. 444 
 
 High on the walls appear'd the Ljxian powers. 
 Like some black tempest gathering round the towers ; 
 The Greeks, oppress'd, their utmost force unite, 
 Prepar'd to labor in th' unequal fight ; 
 The war renews, mix'd shouts and groans arise; 
 Tumultuous clamor mounts, and thickens in the skies. 
 Fierce Ajax first th' advancing host invades, 451 
 And sends the brave Epicles to the shades, 
 Sarpedon's fiiend ; across the warrior's way, 
 E.ent from the walls, a rocky fragment lay ; 
 In modern ages not the strongest swain 435 
 
 Could heave th' unwieldy burden from the plain. 
 He pois'd, and swung it round; then, toss'd on high, 
 It flew with force, and labor'd up the sky ; 
 TuU on the Lycian's helmet thundering down. 
 The pond'rous ruin crush'd his batter'd crown. 46O 
 As skilful divers from some airy steep, 
 Headlong descend, and shoot into the deep. 
 So falls Epicles ; then in groans expires. 
 And murmuring to the shades the soul retires. 
 
 While to the ramparts daring Glaucus drew, 465 
 From Teucer's hand a winged arrow flew ; 
 MS
 
 274 THE ILIAD. Book XII. 
 
 The bearded shaft the destin'd passage found, 
 And on his naked arm inflicts a wound. 
 The chief, who fear'd some foe's insulting boast 
 Wight stop the progress of his warhke host, 470 
 Conceal'd the wound, and, leaping from his height, 
 Ketir'd reluctant from th' unfinish'd fight. 
 Di%-ine Sarpedon with regret beheld 
 Disabled Glaucus slowly quit the field ; 
 His beating breast with generous ardor glows, 475 
 He springs to fight, and flics upon the foes. 
 Alcmaon first was doom'd his force to feel ; 
 Deep in his breast he plung'd the pointed steel ; 
 Then, from the yawning wound with fury tore 
 The spear, pursu'd by gushing streams of gore ; 480 
 Down sinks the warrior with a thundering sound. 
 His brazen armor rings against the ground. 
 
 S^ift to the battlement the victor flies, 
 Tugs with full force, and every ner^-e applies ; 
 It shakes ; the pond'rous stones disjointed yield ; 
 The rolling ruins smoke along the field. 466 
 
 A mighty breach appears, the walls lie bare ; 
 And, like a deluge, rushes in the war. 
 At once bold Teucer draws the twanging bow, 
 And Ajax sends his javelin at the foe : , 490 
 
 Fix'd in his belt the featherM weapon stood. 
 And through his buckler drove the trembling wood ; 
 But Jove was present in the dire debate. 
 To shield his offspring, and avert his fate. 
 The prince gave back, not meditating flight, 495 
 But urging vengeance, and severer fight ; 
 Then,rais'd M'ith hope, and fir'd with glory's charms, 
 His fainting squadrons to new fury warms. 
 O where, ye Lycians ! is the strength j^ou boast ? 
 Your former fame and ancient virtue lost ! 500 
 
 The breach lies open, but your chief in vain 
 Attempts alone the guarded pass to gain: 
 Unite, and soon that hostile fleet shall fall; 
 The force of powerful union conquers all. 
 
 This just rebuke inflam'd the Lycian crew, 505 
 They join, they thicken, and th' assault renew ; 
 Unmov'd th' embodied Greeks their fury dare, 
 And fix'd support the weight of all the war ; 
 Nor could the Greeks repel the Lycian powers, 
 Nor the bold Lycians force the Grecian towers, 510
 
 Book XII. THE ILIAD. 275 
 
 As, on the confines of adjoining grounds, 
 Two stubborn swains with blows dispute their bounds; 
 They tug, they sweat ; but neither gain or yield, 
 One foot, one inch, of the contended field : 
 Thus obstinate to death they figlit, they fall ; 515 
 Nor these can keep, nor those can win the wall. 
 Their manly breasts are pierc'd with many a wound. 
 Loud strokes are heard, and rattling arms resound. 
 The copious slaughter covers all the shore. 
 And the high ramparts drop with human gore. 520 
 As when two scales are charg'd with doubtful loads. 
 From side to side the trembling balance nods, 
 (While some laborious matron, just and poor. 
 With nice exactness weighs her woolly store) 
 Till, pois'd aloft, the resting beam suspends 535 
 Each equal weight ; nor this, nor that, descends : 
 So stood the war, till Hector's matchless might 
 With Fates prevailing, turn'd the scale of fight. 
 Fierce as a whirlwind up the walls he flies. 
 And fires his host with loud repeated cries. 530 
 Advance, ye Trojans ! lend your valiant hands, 
 Haste to the fleet, and toss the blazing brands ! 
 They hear, they run ; and gathering at his call. 
 Raise scaling engines, and ascend the wall : 
 Around the works a wood of glittering spears 535 
 Shoots up, and all the rising host appears. 
 A ponderous stone bold Hector heav'd to throw. 
 Pointed above, and rough and gross below ; 
 Kot two strong men th' enormous weight could raise. 
 Such men as live in these degenerate days. 540 
 Yet this, as easy as a swain could bear 
 The snowy fleece, he toss'd, and shook in air : 
 For Jove upheld, and lighten'd of its load 
 Th' unwieldy rock, the labor of a God. 
 Thus arm'd, before the folded gates he came, 545 
 Of massy substance, and stupendous frame ; 
 With iron bars and brazen hinges strong. 
 On lofty beams of solid timber hung : 
 »Then, thundering thro' the planks with forceful sway, 
 Drives the sharp rock ; the solid beams give way, 
 The folds are shatter'd ; from the crackling door 551 
 Leap the resounding bars, the flying hinges roar. 
 >Jow rushing in, the furious chief appears. 
 Gloomy as oight! and shakes two shiaing spears:
 
 276 THE ILIAD. Book XII. 
 
 A dreadful gleam from his bright armor came, 555 
 And from his eye-balls flash'd the living flame. 
 He moves a God, resistless in his course, 
 And seems a match for more than mortal force. 
 Then pouring after, through the gaping space, 
 A tide of Trojans flows, and fills the place ; 560 
 The Greeks behold, they tremble, and they fly ; 
 The shore is heap'd ■with death, and tumult rends 
 the sky.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIA 
 
 BOOK XIII.
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The fourth Battle continued, in which Keptune 
 assists the Greeks : the acts of Idonieneus. 
 
 Jfeptune, concerned for the loss of the Grecians, 
 upon seeing the fortification forced by Hector 
 (who had entered the gate near the station of the 
 Ajaxes), assumes the shape of Calchas, and in- 
 spires those heroes to oppose him : then, in the 
 form of one of the generals, encourages the other 
 Greeks wlio had retired to tlieir vessels. The 
 Ajaxes form their troops in a close phalanx, and 
 put a stop to Hector and the Trojans. Several 
 deeds of valor are performed ; Meriones losing 
 his speai" in the encounter, repairs to seek an- 
 other at the tent of Idomeneus : this occasions 
 a conversation between those two warriors, who 
 return together to the battle. Idomeneus signal- 
 izes his courage above the rest; he kills Othryoneus, 
 Asius, and Alcathous : Deiphobus and ^neas 
 march against him, and at length Idomeneus 
 retires. Menelaus wounds Helenus and kills 
 Pisander. The Trojans are repulsed in the left 
 wing ; Hector still keeps his ground against the 
 Ajaxes, till, being galled by the Locrian slingers 
 and archers, Polydamas advises to call a council 
 of war : Hector approves his advice, but goes first 
 to rally the Trojans; upbraids Paris, rejoins Polyda- 
 mas, meets Ajax again, and renews the attack. 
 
 The eight and twentieth day still continues. 
 The scene is between the Grecian wall and the 
 eea-shore.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK xiir. 
 
 Xy HEN now the Tliunderer on the sea-beat coast 
 ^ ' Had fix'd great Hector and his conquering host; 
 He left them to the Fates, in bloody fray- 
 To toil and struggle through the well-fought day. 
 Then turn'd to Thracia from the field of fight 5 
 Those eyes that shed insufferable light. 
 To where the Mysians prove tlieir martial force. 
 And hardy Thracians tame the savage horse ; 
 And where the far-fam'd Hippemolgian strays, 
 Renown'd for justice and for length of days ; 10 
 Thrice happy race ! that, innocent of blood, 
 From milk, innoxious, seek their simple food : 
 Jove sees delighted ; and avoids the scene 
 Of guilty Troy, of arms, and dying men : 
 No aid, he deems, to either host is given, 15 
 
 "While his high law suspends the powers of heaven. 
 
 Meantime the * Monarch of the watery main 
 Observ'd the Thunderer, nor observ'd in vain. 
 In Samothracia, on a mountain's brow. 
 Whose waving woods o'erhung the deeps below, 20 
 He sate ; and round him cast his azure eyes, 
 Where Ida's misty tops confus'dly rise; 
 Below, fair Ilion's glittering spires were seen ; 
 The crowded ships, and sable seas between. 
 There, from the crystal chambers of the main 25 
 Emerg'd, he sate ; and mourn'd his Argives slain. 
 At Jove incens'd, with grief and furj' stung, 
 Prone down the rocky steep he rush'd along j 
 
 • Neptune.
 
 230 THE ILIAD. Book XIII. 
 
 Fierce as lie past, the lofty mountains nod, "% 
 
 The forest shakes ! earth trembled as he trod, L 
 And felt the footsteps of th' immortal God. 31^ 
 Troni realm to realm three ample strides he took, 
 And, at the fourth, the distant J£gde shook. 
 
 Far in the bay his shining palace stands, 
 Eternal frame ! not rais'd by mortal hands : 35 
 
 This having reacli'd, his brass-hoofd steeds he reins. 
 Fleet as the winds, and deck'd with golden manes. 
 Ilefulgent arms his mighty limbs infold, 
 Inmiortal arras of adamant and gold. 
 He mouius the car, the golden scourge applies, 40 
 He sits superior, and the chariot flies : 
 His whirliDg wheels the glassy surface sweep ; 
 Th' enormous monsters rolling o'er the deep. 
 Gambol around him on the watery way ; 
 And heavy whales in aukward measures play : 45 
 The sea subsiding spreads a level plain. 
 Exults, and owns the monarch of the main; 
 The parting waves before his coursers tij' : 
 The wondering waters leave his axle dry. 
 
 Deep in the liquid regions lies a cave; 50"^ 
 
 Between where Tenedos the surges lave, > 
 
 And rocky Imbrus breaks the rolling wave : j 
 
 There tiie great ruler of the azure round 
 Stopp'd his swift chariot, and his steeds unbound. 
 Fed with ambrosial herbage from his hand, 55 
 
 And link'd their fetlocks with a golden band. 
 Infrangible, immortal: tliere they stay. 
 The father of the floods pursues his way ; 
 \Vherc, like a tempest darkening heaven around. 
 Or fiery deluge that devours the ground, 60 
 
 Th' impatient Trojans, in a gloomj' throng. 
 Embattled roU'd, as Hector rush'd along : 
 To the loud tumult and the barbarous cry. 
 The heavens re-echo, and the sliores reply : 
 They vow destruction to the Grecian name, 65 
 
 And in their hopes, the fleets already flame. 
 
 But Neptune, rising from the seas profound, 
 llie God whose earthquakes rock the solid ground, 
 Kow wears a mortal form ; like Calchas seen,. 
 Such his loud voice, and such his manly mien ; 70 
 His shouts incessant ever3' Greek inspire. 
 But most th' Ajaces, adding fire to fire,
 
 Pook XIIT. THE ILIAD. 281 
 
 'Tis yours, O warriors, all our hopes to raise ; 
 Oh recollect your ancient worth and praise : 
 'Tis yours to save us, if you cease to fear ; 75 
 
 Flight, more tlian shameful, is destructive here. 
 On other works though Troy with fury fall. 
 And pour her armies o'er our batter'd wall ; 
 There, Greece has strength : but tliis, this part o'er- 
 
 throwu. 
 Her strength were vain ; I dread for you alone. 80 
 Here Hector rages like tJie force of fire, 
 Vaunts of his Gods, and calls high Jove his sire. 
 If yet some heavenly Power your breast excite. 
 Breathe in j'our hearts, and string your arms to fight, 
 Greece yet may live, her threaten'd fleet remain; 85 
 And Hector's force, and Jove's own aid, be vain. 
 
 Then with his sceptre that the deep controls. 
 He touch'd the chiefs, and steel'd their manly souls : 
 Strength, not their own, the touch divine imparts. 
 Prompts tlieir light limbs, and swells their daring 
 
 hearts. 
 Then as a falcon from the rocky height, 91 
 
 Her quarry seen, impetuous at the sight 
 Forth-spriuging instant, darts herself from high, 
 Shoots on the wing, and skims along the sky : 
 Such, and so swift, the power of Ocean flew ; 93 
 The wide horizon shut him from their view. 
 
 Th' inspiring God, OVleus' active son 
 Perceiv'd the first, and thus to Telamon. 
 
 Some God, my friend, some God in human form 
 Favoring descends, and wills to stand the storm. lOO 
 Kot Calchas this, the venerable seer; 
 Short as he turn'd, I saw the Power appear : 
 I mark'd his parting, and the steps he trod; 
 His own bright evidence reveals a God. 
 E'en now some energy divine I share, 105 
 
 And seem to walk on wings, and tread in air ! 
 
 With equal ardor (Telamon returns) 
 My soul is kindled, and my bosom burns : 
 New rising spirits all my force alarm, 
 Lift each impatient limb, and brace my arm, 110 
 This ready arm, unthinking, shakes the dart ; 
 The blood pours back, and fortifies my heart; 
 Singly, metliinks, yon towering chief 1 meet. 
 And stretch the dreadful Hector at my feet.
 
 282 THE ILIAD. Book XIII. 
 
 Full of the God that urg'd their burning breast, 115 
 The heroes thus their mutual warmlh exprest. 
 Neptune meanwhile the routed Greeks inspir'd. 
 Who, breathless, pale, with length of labors tird, 
 Pant in the ships ; while Troy to conquest calls. 
 And swarms victorious o'er their jielding walls : 120 
 Trembling before th' impending storm thej' lie. 
 While tears of rage stand burning in their ej-e. 
 Greece sunk they thought, and this their fatal hour ; 
 But breatlie new courage as they feel the Power. 
 Teucer and Leitus first his words excite ; 125 
 
 Then stern Peneieus rises to the fight ; 
 Thoas, Dei'pyrus, in arms renown'd. 
 And Merion next, th' impulsive fury found ; 
 Last Nestor's son the same bold ardor takes, 
 Wliile thus the God the martial fire awakes. 130 
 
 Oh lasting infamy, oh dire disgrace 
 To chiefs of vigorous youth and manly race ! 
 I trusted in the Gods, and .you, to see 
 Brave Greece \'ictorious, and her navy free : 
 Ah no— the glorious combat you disclaim, 135 
 
 And one black daj' clouds all her former fame. 
 Heavens I what a prodigy these eyes survey. 
 Unseen, untliought, till this amazing day ! 
 Fly we at length from Troy's oft-conquer'd bands ? 
 And falls our fleet by such inglorious hands ? 140 
 A rout undisciplin'd, a straggling train, 
 Kot born to glories of the dusty plain ; 
 Like frighted fawns, from hill to hill pursu'd, 
 A prey to every savage of the wood : 
 Shall these, so late who trembled at your name, 145 
 Invade your camps, involve your ships in flame ? 
 A change so shameful, say, what cause has wrought ? 
 The soldier's baseness, or the general's fault ? 
 Fools ! will ye perish for your leader's vice ; 
 The purchase infamy, and life the price ? 150 
 
 'Tis not your cause, Achilles' injur'd fame : 
 Another's is the crime, but yours the shame. 
 Grant that our chief oftend through rage or lust, 
 Must you be cowards, if your king's unjust I 
 Prevent this evil, and youj country save : 155 
 
 Small thought retrieves the spirits of the brave. 
 Think, and subdue ! on dastards dead to fame 
 I waste uo auger, for they feel no shame :
 
 Book XIII. THE ILIAD. 283 
 
 But you, the pride, the flower of all our host, 
 
 My heart weeps blood to see your glory lost! l60 
 
 Nor deem this day, this battle, all you lose ; 
 
 A day more black, a fate more vile ensues. 
 
 Let each reflect, who prizes fame or breath. 
 
 On endless infamy, on instant death. 
 
 For lo ! the fated time, th' appointed shore ; 165 
 
 Hark ! the gates burst, the brazen barriers roar ! 
 
 Impetuous Hector tliunders at the Avail ; 
 
 The hoar, the spot, to conquer, or to fall. 
 
 These words the Grecians' fainting hearts inspire, 
 And listening armies catch the godlike fire. I70 
 
 Fix'd at his post was each bold Ajax found. 
 With well-rang'd squadrons strongly circled round: 
 So close their order, so dispos'd their fight. 
 As Pallas' self might view with fix'd delight; 
 Or had the God of War inclin'd his eyes. i^3 
 
 The God of War had own'd a just surprize. 
 A chosen phalanx, firm, resolv'd as Fate, 
 Descending Hector and his battle wait. 
 An iron scene gleams dreadful o'er the fields, 
 Armor in armor lock'd, and shields in shields, 180 
 Spears lean on spears, on targets targets throng. 
 Helms stuck to helms, and man drove man along. 
 The floating plumes unnumber'd wave above. 
 As when an earthquake stirs the nodding grove ; 
 And, level'd at the skies with pointing rays, 185 
 Their brandish'd lances at each motion blaze. 
 
 Thus breathing death, in terrible array. 
 The close-compacted legions urg'd their way : 
 Fierce they drove on, impatient to destroy ; 
 Troy charg'd the first, and Hector first of Troy. I90 
 As from some mountain's craggy foreiiead torn, 
 A rock's round fragment flies, with fury borne, 
 (Which from the stubborn stone a torrent rends) 
 Precipitate the ponderous mass descends : 
 From steep to steep the rolling ruin bounds ; 195 
 At every shock the crackling wood resounds ; 
 Still gathering force, it smokes ; and, utg'd amain. 
 Whirls, leaps, and thunders down, impetuous to the plain : 
 There stops— So Hector. Their whole force lie prov'd, 
 ' Resistless when he rag'd, and when he stopt, unmov'd. 
 
 On him the war is bent, the darts are shed, 201 
 And all their falchions wave around his head :
 
 284 THE ILIAD. Book XIII. 
 
 Repuls'd he stands, nor from his stand retires ; 
 !But with repeated shouts his army fires. 
 Trojans ! be firm ; this arm shall make your way 205 
 Through yon square body, and that black array. 
 Stand, and my spear shall rout their scattering power. 
 Strong as they seem, embattled like a tower. 
 For he tliat Juno's heavenly bosom warms, 
 The first of Gods, this day inspires our arms. 210 
 
 He said, and rous'd the soul in every breast ; 
 Urg'd with desire of fame, beyond the rest. 
 Forth march'd Dei'phobus ; but marching, held 
 Before his wary steps, his ample shield. 
 Bold Merion aim'd a stroke (nor aim'd it wide^ 215 
 The glittering javelin pierc'd the tough bull-hide ; 
 But pierc'd not through : unfaithful to hi& hand, 
 The point broke short, and sparkled in the sand. 
 The Trojan warrior, touch'd with timely fear. 
 On the rais'd orb to distance bore the spear : 220 
 The Greek retreating mourn'd his fraustrate blow. 
 And curs'd the treacherous lance that spar'd a foe ; 
 Then to the ships with surly speed he went. 
 To seek a surer javelin in his tent. 
 
 Meanwhile with rising rage the battle glows, 225 
 The tumult thickens, and the clamor grows. 
 By Teucer's arm the warlike Imbrius bleeds, 
 The son of Mentor, rich in generous steeds, 
 Ere yet to Troy the sons of Greece were led, 
 In fair Pedaus' verdant pastures bred, 230 
 
 The youth had dwelt; remote from war's alarms. 
 And bless'd in bright Medesicaste's arms : 
 (This nymph, the truit of Priam's ravish'd joy, 
 Allj''d the warrior to the house of Troy.) 
 To Troy, when glory call'd his arms, he came, 235 
 And match'd tlie bravest of her chiefs in fame ; 
 'With Priam's sons, a guardian of tlie throne, 
 He liv'd, belov'd and honor'd as his own. 
 Him Teucer pierc'd between the throat and ear: 
 He groans beneath the Telamonian spear. 240 
 
 As from some far-seen mountain's airy crown. 
 Subdued by steel, a tall ash tumbles down, | 
 
 And soils its verdant tresses on the ground : 
 So falls the youth ; his arms the fall resound. 
 Then Teucer rushing to despoil the dead, 2i5 J 
 
 From Hector's band a shimxig javelia iled :
 
 Book XIII. raE ILIAD. 285 
 
 He saw, and shunn'd the death; tlie forceful dart 
 Sang on, and pierc'd Amphimachus's heart, 
 Cteatus' son, of Neptune's forceful line ; 
 Vain was his courage, and his race divine ! 250 
 
 Prostrate he falls ; his clanging arms resound, 
 And his broad buckler thunders on the ground. 
 To seize his beamy helm the victor flies. 
 And just had fasten'd on the dazzling prize, 
 When Ajax' manly arm a javelin flung ; 253 
 
 Full on the shield's round boss the weapon rung; 
 He felt the shock, nor more was doom'd to feel, 
 Secure in mail, and sheath'd in shining steel. 
 Repuls'd he yields ; the victor Greeks obtain 
 The spoils contested, and bear off the slain. 260 
 Between the leaders of th' Athenian line, 
 (Stichius the brave, Menestheus the divine,^ 
 Deplor'd Amphimachus, sad object ! lies ; 
 Imbrius remains the fierce Ajaces' prize. 
 As two grim lions bear across the lawn, 265 
 
 Snatch'd from devouring hounds, a slaughter'd fawn. 
 In their fell jaws high-lifting through the wood. 
 And sprinkling all the shrubs with drops of blood ; 
 So these the chief: great Ajax from the dead 
 Strips his bright arms, Oi'leus lops his head: 270 
 Toss'd like a ball, and whirl'd in air away. 
 At Hector's feet the gory \-isage lay. 
 
 The God of Ocean, fir'd with stern disdain. 
 And pierc'd with sorrow for his * grandson slain, 
 Inspires the Grecian hearts, confirms their hands, 275 
 And breathes destruction on the Trojan bauds. 
 Swifl as a whirlwind rushing to the fleet. 
 He finds the lance-fam'd Idomen of Crete ; 
 His pensive brow the generous care exprest 
 With which a wounded soldier touch'd his breast, 280 
 Whom in the chance of war a javelin tore. 
 And his sad comrades from the battle bore ; 
 Him to the surgeons of the camp he sent ; 
 That oflice paid, he issued from his tent, 
 Fierce for the fight : to whom the God begun, 285 
 In Thoas' voice, Andr^mon's valiant son. 
 Who rul'd where Calydon's white rocks arise. 
 And Pleuron's chalky cliffs emblaze the skies, 
 
 ♦ Ajnphiraaclius.
 
 286 THE ILTAD. Book XIII. 
 
 Where 's now ih' imperious vaunt, the daring boast. 
 Of Greece victorious, and proud llion lost ? 29O 
 
 To whom tlie king. On Greece no blame be thrown. 
 Arms are her trade, and war is all her own. 
 Her hardy heroes from the well-fought plains 
 Nor fear withholds, nor shameful sloth detains, 
 'lis heaven alas ! and Jove's all-powerful doom, 295 
 That far, far distant from our native home 
 Wills us to fall, inglorious! Oh my friend! 
 Once foremost in the fight, still prone to lend 
 Or arms, or counsels ; now perform thy best, 
 And what thou caust not singly, urge the rest. 300 
 
 Thus he ; and thus the God, whose force can make 
 I'he solid globe's eternal basis shake. 
 Ah ! never may he see his native land. 
 But feed the vulturs on this hateful strand. 
 Who seeks ignobly in his ships to stay, 305 
 
 Nor dares to combat on this signal day ! 
 For this, behold ! in horrid arms I shine. 
 And urge thy soul to rival acts with mine ; 
 Together let us battle on the plain ; 
 Two, not the worst ; nor e'en this succour vain : 310 
 Kot vain the weakest, if their force unite ; 
 But ours, the bravest have confess'd in light. 
 
 This said, he rushes where the combat burns ; 
 Swift to his tent the Cretan king returns. 
 From thence, two ja%'elins glittering in his hand, 315 
 And clad in arms that lighten'd all the strand, 
 Fierce on the foe th' impetuous hero drove ; 
 Like lightning bursting from the arm of Jove, 
 Which to pale man the wrath of heaven declares. 
 Or terrifies th" ofieuding world with wars ; 320 
 
 In streamy sparkles, kindling all the skies. 
 From pole to pole the trail of glory flies. 
 Thus his bright armor o'er the dazzled throng 
 Gleam'd dreadful, as the monarch fiash'd along. 
 
 Him, near his tent, Meriones attends : 325 
 
 Whom thus he questions : Ever best of friends ! 
 O say, in every art of battle skill'd, 
 What holds thy courage from so brave a field ? 
 On some important message art thou bound, 329 
 Or bleeds my friend by some unhappy wound ? 
 Inglorious here, my soul abhors to stay. 
 And glows with prospects of th' approaching day.
 
 Book XIII. THE ILIAD. 287 
 
 O prince ! f Meriones replies) whose care 
 Leads forth th' embattled sons of Crete to war ; 334 
 Tliis speaks my grief ; this headless lance I wield ; 
 The rest bes rooted in a Trojan shield. 
 
 To whom the Cretan : Enter, and receive 
 The wanted weapons ; those my lent can give ; 
 Spears I have store, (and Trojan lances all) 
 That shed a lustre round tli' illumin'd wall. 340 
 Though I, disdainful of the distant war, 
 !Nor trust the dart, or aim th' uncertain spear, 
 Yet hand to hand I fight, and spoil the slain ; 
 And thence these trophies and these arms I gain. 
 Enter, and see on heaps the lielmets roll'd, 345 
 
 And high hang-spears, aud shields that flame with gold. 
 
 i^or vain (said Merion) are our martial toils ; 
 We too can boast of no ignoble spoils. 
 But those my ship contains ; whence distant far, 
 I fight conspicuous in the van of war. 250 
 
 What need I more ? if any Greek there be 
 Who knov»s not Merion, I appeal to thee. 
 
 To this, Idomeneus. The fields of fight 
 Have prov'd thy valor, and unconquer'd might ; 
 And were some ambush for the foes design'd, 355 
 E'en there, thy courage would not lag behind. 
 In that sharp service, singled from the rest. 
 The fear of each, or valor stands confest. 
 Ko force, no firmness, the pale coward shows ; 
 He shifts his place ; his colour comes and goes \ 360 
 A dropping sweat creeps cold on every part, 
 Against his bosom beats his quivering heart : 
 Terror and death in his wild eye-balls stare; 
 With chattering teeth he stands, and stiffening hair, 
 And looks a bloodless image of despair! 363, 
 
 Not so the brave— still dauntless, still the same, 
 Uncliana'd his colour, and unmov'd his frame; 
 Compos'd his thought, determind in his eye, 
 And tix'd his soul, to conquer or to die : 
 If aught disturb the tenor of his breast, 370 
 
 'Tis but the wish to strike before the rest. 
 
 In such assays thy blameless worth is known. 
 And every art of dangerous war thy own. 
 By chance of tight whatever wounds you bore. 
 Those wouuds were glorious all, and all before ; 373 
 
 s}
 
 288 THE ILIAD. Book XHI. 
 
 Such as may teach, 'twas still thy brave delight 
 T* oppose thy bosom where the foremost fight. 
 But why, like infants, cold to honor's charms, 
 Stand we to talk, when glory calls to arms ? 
 Go— from my conquer'd spears the choicest take, 380 
 And to their owners send them nobly back. 
 
 Swift as the word bold Merion snatch'd a spear. 
 And breathing slaughter follow'd to tlie war. ' • 
 So Mars armipotent invades the plain """ 
 
 (The wide destroyer of the race of man,) 385 
 
 Terror, his besl-lov'd son, attends his course, 
 Arm'd with stern boldness, and enormous force ; 
 The pride of haughty warriors to confound, 
 And lay the strength of tyrants on the ground : 
 from Thrace they fly, call'd to the dire alarms 3Q0 
 Of warring Phlcgyians, and Ephyrian arms ; 
 Invok'd by both, relentless they dispose 
 To these glad conquest, murderous rout to those. 
 So march'd the leaders of the Cretan train, 
 And tlieir bright arms shot horror o'er the plain. SQS 
 
 Then first spake Merion j- Shall we join the right, 
 Or combat in the centre of the fight ? 
 Or to the left our wanted succour lend ? 
 Hazard and fame all parts alike attend. 
 Kot in the centre (Idomen reply'd) 400 
 
 Our ablest chieftains the main battle guide ; 
 Each god-like Ajax makes that post his care. 
 And gallant Teucer deals destruction there : 
 Skill'd, or with shafts to gall the distant field, 
 Or bear close battle on the sounding shield. 403 
 These can the rage of haughty Hector tame: ■ ^ 
 Safe in their arms, the na\-j' fears no flame ; ' 
 Till Jove himself descends, his bolts to shed, 
 And hurl the blazing ruin at our head. 
 Great must he be, of more than human birth, 410 
 Kor feed like mortals on the fruits of earth. 
 Him neither rocks can crush, nor steel can wound. 
 Whom Ajax fells not on th' ensanguin'd ground. ■ 
 In standing fight he mates Achilles' force, 
 Excell'd alone in swiftness in the course. 415 
 
 Then to the left our ready arms apply, 
 And live with glory or with glory die. 
 
 He said : and Merion to th' appointed place, 
 Fierce as the God of battles, urg'd his pace.
 
 fiook Xlir. THE ILIAD. 2t» 
 
 Soon as the foe the shining chiefs beheld 420 
 
 Rush like a fiery torrent o'er the field, 
 Their force embodied in a tide they pour ; 
 The rising combat sounds along the shore. 
 As warring winds, in Sirius' sultry reign, 
 From different quarters sweep the sandy plain ; 42S 
 On every side the dusty whirlwinds rise, 
 And the dry fields are lifted to the skies : 
 Thus, by despair, hope, rage, together driven. 
 Met the black hosts, and, meeting, darken'd heaven. 
 All dreadful glared the iron face of war, 430 
 
 Bristled with upright spears, that flash'd afar; 
 Dire was the gleam, of breast-plates,belms,and shields. 
 And polish'd arms emblaz'd the flaming fields : 
 Tremendous scene ! that general horror gave. 
 But touch'd with joy the bosoms of the brave. 435 
 
 Saturn's great sons in fierce contention vy'd. 
 And crowds of heroes in their anger dy'd. 
 The Sire of earth and heaven, by Thetis won 
 To crown with glory Peleus' god-like son, 
 Will'd not destruction to the Grecian powers, 440 
 But spar'd a while the destin'd Trojan towers: 
 \Vhile Neptune, rising from his azure main, 
 Warr'd on the King of Heaven with stem disdain, 
 And breath'd revenge, and fir'd the Grecian train. 
 Gods of one source, of one etherial race, 445 
 
 Alike divine, and heaven their native place ; 
 But Jove the greater ; first-born of tlie skies. 
 And more than men, or Gods, supremely wise. 
 For this, of Jove's superior might afraid, 
 Neptune in human form conceal'd his aid. 450 
 
 ITiese powers infold the Greek and Trojan train 
 In War and Discord's adamantine chain, 
 ladissolubly strong ; the fatal tie 
 Is stretch'd on both, and close-compeU'd they die. 
 
 Dreadful in arms, and grown in combats grey. 
 The bold Idomeneus controls the day. 456 
 
 First by his hand Othryoneus was slain, 
 Swell'd with false hopes, with mad ambition vain ! 
 Call'd by the voice of war to martial fame. 
 From high Cabesus' distant walls he came ; 4^0 
 Cassandra's love he sought, with boasts of power, 
 And promis'd conquest was the protfer'd dower. 
 N 
 
 ;:l
 
 590 THE ILIAD. Book XIII. 
 
 Tlio king consented, by his vaunts abns'd; 
 
 The king consented, but the Fates refus'd. 
 
 Proud of. himself, and of th' ima^n'd bride, 465 
 
 The field he measur'd with a larger stride. 
 
 llim, as lie statk'd, the Cretan javelin found ; ' ' 
 
 Vain was his breast-plate to repel the wound : i 
 
 His dream of glory lost, he plung'd to hell: 
 
 His arms resounded as the boaster fell. 470 
 
 The great Idomeneus bestrides the dead ; 
 And thus (lie cries^ behold thy promise sped ! 
 Sudi is tiie help tliy arms to Ilion bring, • 
 And sucli the contract of the Phrygian king ! 
 Our offers now, illustrious prince! receive; 475 
 
 For such an aid what will not Argos give ? 
 To conquer Troy, with ours thy fortes join, 
 And count Atrides' fairest daughter thine. 
 I^Ieantime, on farther methods to advise, 
 Come, follow to the fleet thy new allies ; 480 
 
 There hear what Greece has on her part to say. 
 He spoke, and dragg'd the gory corse away. 
 
 This Asius view'd, unable to contain. 
 Before his chariot warring on the plain ; 
 (His crowded coursers, to his squire consign'd, 485 
 "impatient panted on his neck behiijd) 
 To vengeance rising with a sadden spring, 
 He hopM the conquest of the Cretan king. 
 The wary Cretan, as his foe drew near. 
 Full on his throat discharg'd the forceful spear: ^ 
 Beneath tlie cliin the point was seen to glide. 
 And glitter'd, extant at the fartlier side. 
 As when the m.ountain-oak, or poplar tall, 
 Or pine, fit mast for some great admiral, 494 
 
 Groans to the oft-heav'd ax, with many a wound. 
 Then spreads a length of ruin o'er the ground: 
 So sunk proud Asius in that dreadful day. 
 And stretch'd before his much-lov'd coursers lay. 
 lie grinds the dust distain'd with streaming gore, 
 And, fierce in death, lies foaming on the shore. 500 
 Deprived of motion, stiff with stupid fear. 
 Stands all aghast his trembling charioteer, 
 Nor shuns the foe, nor turns tiie steeds away, 
 But falls transfix'd, an unresisting prey : 
 Pierc'd by Antilochus, he pants beneath 505 
 
 Tiie stately car, and kbors out his breath.
 
 Book XIII. THE ILIAD. 29I 
 
 Thus Asius' steeds Ctheir mighty master gone) 
 Remain the prize of Nestor's j-outliful son, 
 
 Stabb'd at the sight, DeVphobiis drew nigh, 509 
 And made, with force, the vengeful weapon fly. 
 Tlie Cretan saw ; and, stooping, caus'd to glance 
 From his slope shield, the disappointed lance. 
 Beneath the spacious targe, (a blazing round, 
 Thick with buU-hides and brazen orbits bound. 
 On his rai^'d arm by two strong braces Btay'd) 515 
 He lay collected in defensive shade ; 
 O'er liis safe bead the javelin idly sung. 
 And on the tinkling verge more faintly rung. 
 Ev'n then, the spear tlie vigorous arm confest, 
 And pierc'd, obliquely, king Hypsenor's breast : 520 
 Warm'd in his liver, to the ground it bore 
 The chief, his people's guardian now no more ! 
 
 Not unattended (the proud Trojan cries) 
 Nor unreveng'd, lamented Asius lies : 
 For thee though hell's black portals stand displa3''d. 
 This mate shall joy thy melancholy shade. 526 
 
 Heart-piercing anguish, at the haughty boast, 
 Touch'd every Greek, but Nestor's son the most. 
 Griev'd as he was, his pious arms attend. 
 And his broad buckler shields his slaughter'd friend ; 
 Till sad Mecistheus and Alastor bore 531 
 
 His honor'd body to tlie tented shore. 
 
 Nor yet from figlit Idomeneus withdraws ; 
 B^solv'd to perish in his country's cause. 
 Or find some foe, whom heaven and he shall doom 
 To wail his fate in death's eternal gloom. 536 
 
 He sers Alcathoiis in tlie front aspire : 
 (Ireat jEsyetcs was the hero's sue : 
 His spouse Hippodame, divinely fair, 
 Andhses' eldest hope, and darling care; 540 
 
 Who charm'd her parent's and her husband's heart, 
 Witli beauty, sense, and every work of art : 
 He once, of Ilion's youth, the loveliest boy. 
 The fairest she, of all the fair of Troy. 
 By Neptune now the hapless hero dies, 545 
 
 Who covers with a cloud those beauteous eyes, 
 And fetters every limb : yet bent to meet 
 His fate he stands ; nor shuns the lance of Crete. 
 Fixt as some column, or deep-rooted oak, 549 
 
 (While the winds sleep) his breast receiv'd the stroke.
 
 292 THE ILIAD. Book XIII. 
 
 Before the pond'rous stroke his corselet yields. 
 Long us'd to ward the death in fighting fields. 
 Tlie riven armor sends a jarring sound : ^ 
 
 His laboring heart heaves with so strong a bound, i 
 The long lance shakes, and \'ibrate3 in the wound : S 
 Fast-flowing from its source, as prone he lay, 556 
 Life's purple tide impetuous gush'd away. 
 
 Tlien Idomen, insulting o'er the slain ; 
 Behold, De'i'phobus ! nor vaunt in vain : 
 See ! on one Greek three Trojan ghosts attend, 5G0 
 This, my third victim, to the shades I send. 
 Approaching now, tliy boasted might approve. 
 And try the prowess of the seed of Jove. 
 From Jove, enamor'd on a mortal dame. 
 Great Minos, guardian of his country, came : 565 
 Deucalion, blameless prince ! was Minos' heir; 
 Ilis first-born I, the third from Jupiter: 
 O'er spacious Crete and her bold sons I reign, 
 And thence my ships transport me through the main : 
 Lord of a host, o'er all my host I shine, 5^0 
 
 A scourge to thee, tliy father, and thy line. 
 
 The Trojan heard ; uncertain, or to meet 
 Alone, witli venturous arms, the king of Crete ; 
 Or seek auxiliar force : at lengih decreed 
 To call some hero to partake the deed, 575 
 
 Forthwith ^neas rises to his thought : 
 For him, in Troy's remotest lines, he sought ; 
 Where he, incens'd at partial Priam, stands. 
 And sees superior posts in meaner hands. 
 To him, ambitious of so great an aid, 580 
 
 The bold DeVphobus approach'd, and said : 
 
 Now, Trojan prince, employ thy pious arms. 
 If e'er thy bosom felt fair honor's charms. 
 AlcathoUs dies, thy brother and thy friend ! 
 Come, and the warrior's Jov'd remains defend. 585 
 Beneath his cares thy early youth was train'd. 
 One table fed you, and one roof contain'd. 
 This deed to fierce Idomeneus we owe ; 
 Haste, and revenge it on th' insulting foe. 
 
 ^neas heard, and for a space resign'd 5Q(y 
 
 To tender pitj' all his manly mind ; 
 Tlien, rising in his rage, he burns to fight : 
 The Greek awaits him, with collected might.
 
 Book XIII. THE ILIAD. 203 
 
 As the fell boar on some rough mountain's head, 
 Arm'd with wild terrors, and to slaughter bred, 595 
 When the loud rustics rise, and shout from far. 
 Attends the tumult, and expects the war; 
 O'er his bent back tiie bristly horrors rise. 
 Fires sti eam in lightning from his sanguine eyes, 
 His foaming tusks both dogs and men engage, 600 
 But most his hunters rouse his mighty rage: 
 So stood Idomeneus, his javelin shook, 
 And met the Trojan with a lowering look. 
 Antilochus, Dei'pyrus, were near, 
 The youthful offspring of the God of War, 605 
 
 Merion, and Aphareus, in field renown'd : 
 To these tlie warrior sent his voice around. 
 Fellows in arms! your timely aid unite; 
 Lo, great ^neas rushes to the fight : GOQ 
 
 Sprung from a God, and more than mortal bold ; 
 He fresh in youth, and I in arms grown old. 
 Else should this hand, this hour, decide the strife, 
 The great dispute, of glory, or of life. 
 
 He spoke, and all as with one soul obey'd ; 
 Their lifted bucklers cast a dreadful shade 615 
 
 Around the chief, ^neas too demands 
 Th' assisting forces of his native bands : 
 Paris, Deiphobus, Agenor join ; 
 (Co-aids and captains of the Trojan line) 
 In order follow all the embodied train ; 620 
 
 Like Ida's flocks proceeding o'er the plain ; 
 Before his fleecy care, erect and bold. 
 Stalks the proud ram, the fatlier of the fold : 
 With joy the swain sur\'eys them, as he leads 
 To the cool fountains, thro' the well-known meads. 
 So joys ^neas, as his native band 626 
 
 Moves on in rank, and stretches o'er Uie land. 
 
 Round dead Alcathoiis now the battle rose ; 
 On every side the steely circle grows ; 
 Now batter'd breast-plates and hack'd helmets ring. 
 And o'er their heads unheeded javelins sing. 631 
 Above the rest two towering chiefs appear. 
 There great Idomeneus, iEneas here. 
 Like Gods of war, dispensing fate, they stood, 
 And bum'd to drench tlie ground with mutual blood. 
 The Trojan weapon whizz'd along in air, 636 
 
 The Cretao saw, and sliunn'd the brazen spear;
 
 £g4 THE ILIAD. Book XIII- 
 
 Sent from an arm so strong, the missive -R-ood 
 Stuck deep in eaith, and quiver'd where it stood. 
 But Oenonias receiv'd the Cretan's stroke, 640 
 
 The forceful spear his hollow corselet broke, 
 It ripp'd liis belly with a ghastly wound, -^ 
 
 And roU'd the smoking entrails to the ground. ^?[ 
 Stretch'd on the plain, he sobs away his breath, -"^ 
 And furious grasps the bloodi' dust in death. 6I5 
 The victor from his breast tlie weapon tears ; 
 (His spoils he cculd not, for the shower of spears',) 
 Though now unfit an active war to witge, ■ '^ 
 
 Heavy with cumb'rous arras, stiff with cold a?e, ',' 
 His listless limbs unable for the course ; 6^ 
 
 In standing fight he yet maintains his force": ' ^2' 
 Till, faint with labor, and by foes repell'd,''^''^ ,!: 
 His tir'd slow steps he drags from off itie fieliJ'."^* 
 Deiphobus beheld him as he past, '"^'■' "^^ 
 
 And, fir'd with haste, a parting javelin caS^:"^ SsS 
 The javelin err'd, but held its course alon*, •'** 
 
 And pierc'd Ascalaphus, the brave and yoi^ns 
 The son of Mars fell gasping on the ground. 
 
 And gnash'd ttie dust all bloody with his wourict. ' 
 TS'or knew the furious father of his fall ; 6G0 
 
 High-thron'd amidst the great Olympian hall, 
 On golden clouds th' immortal synod sate; "," 
 Delain'd from bloody war by Jove and Fate. ' '^ 
 Kow, where in dust the breathless hero lay, ""^ ■ 
 For slain Ascalaphus commenc'd the fray. ^ 
 
 Deiphobus to seize his helmet flies, 
 And from his temples rends the glittering pize ; 
 Valiant as Mars, Meriones drew near, "^ 
 
 And on his loaded arm discharg'd his spear : '^' 
 He drops the weight, disabled with the pain; Sjt) 
 Tlie hollow helmet rings against the plain. 'i^. 
 
 Swift as a vultur leaping on his prey, ^^ 
 
 From his torn arm tlie Grecian rent away ^' 
 
 The reeking javelin, and rejoin'd I'.is friends. 
 His wounded brother good Polites tends; 675 
 
 Around his waist his pious arms he threw. 
 And from the rage of combat gently drew : 
 Him Ills swift coursers, on his splendid car 
 Rapt from the lesseuing thunder of tlie war; 67Q 
 To Troy they drove him, groaning from the shore. 
 And sprinkling, as he pass'd, tlie sands with gore.
 
 Book XIII. THE ILIAD. Ci95 
 
 Meanwhile fresh slaughter bathes the sangviine ground. 
 Heaps fall on heaps, and heaven and earth resound. 
 Bold Apliareus by great ^.neas bled ; 
 As tow'rd the chief he turn'd his daring head, CS5 
 He pierc'd his throat ; the bending head, deprest 
 Beneath his helmet, nods upon his breast; 
 His shield revers'd o'er the fall'n warrior lies ; 
 And everlasting slumber seals his e3es. 
 Antilochus, as Thobn turn'd him round, 69O 
 
 Transpierc'd his back with a dishonest wound : 
 The hollow vein that to the neck extends 
 Along the chine, his eager javelin rends: * 
 Supine he falls, and to his social train 
 Spreads his imploring arms, but spreads in vain. 
 Th' exulting victor, leaping where he lay, 696 
 
 From his broad shoulders tore the spoils away; 
 His time observ'd; for, clcs'd by foes around. 
 On all sides thick, the peals of arms resound. 
 His shield, emboss'd, the ringing storm sustains. 
 But he impervious and untouch'd remains. 7OI 
 
 (Great Neptune's care preserv'd from hostile rage 
 This youth, the joy of Nestor's glorious age} 
 Id arms intrepid, with the first he fought, 
 Pac'd every foe, and every danger sought; "03 
 
 His winged lance, resistless as the wind. 
 Obeys each motion of the master's mind, 
 Restless it flies, impatient to be free. 
 And meditates tlie distant enemy. 
 The son of Asius, Adamas, drew near, 710 
 
 And struck his target with the brazen spear. 
 Fierce in his front : but Neptune wards the blow. 
 And bluuts the javelin of th' eluded foe. 
 In the broad buckler half the weapon stood ; 
 Splinter'd on earth flew half tlie broken wood. 715 
 Disarm'd, he mingled in the Trojan crew ; 
 But Merlon's spear o'eitook him as he flew. 
 Deep in the belly's rim an entrance found, 
 "Where sharp the pang, and mortal is the wound. 
 Bending he fell, and, doubled to the ground, 
 Lay panting. Thus an ox, in fetters ty'd. 
 While death's strong pangs distend his laboring side. 
 His bulk enormous on the field displays ; 
 His heaving heart beats thick, as ebbing life decays. 
 
 jnd. C 
 ,7203
 
 £00 THE lUAD. Book XIII. 
 
 The spear, the conqueror from his body drew, 725 
 And death's dim shadows swam before his view«iv 
 Next brave Deipyrus ia dust was laid : n 
 
 King Helenus wav'd high the Thracian blade, i':' 
 And smote his temples, with an arm so strong, d?. 
 The helm fell off, and roU'd amid Uie throng : 730 
 There, for some luckier Greek it rests a prize; 
 For dark in death the god-like owner lies 5 
 Raging with grief, great Menelaiis biuns. 
 And, fraught witli vengeance, to the victor turns; 
 That shook the pond'rous lance, in act to throw ; 
 And this stood adverse with the bended bow : 736 
 Full on his breast tlie Trojan arrow fell, 
 But harmless bounded from the plated steel, -i O 
 As on some ample barn's well-barden'd floor, ''''" 
 (The winds collected at each open door) 740 
 
 While the broad fan with force is whirl'd around, 
 Light leaps the golden grain, resulting from the 
 
 ground : 
 So from the steel tliat guards Atrides' heart, 
 Repell'd to distance files the bounding dart. 
 Atrides, watchful of th' unwary foe, 745 
 
 Pierc'd with his lance the hand that grasp'd the bow. 
 And nail'd it to the eugh : the wounded hand 
 Trail'd the long lance that mark'd with blood the sand : 
 But good Agenor gently from the wound 
 The spear solicits, and the bandage bound ; 760 
 A sling's soft wool, snatch'd from a soldier's sidei-- 
 At once the tent and ligature supply'd. •'"■'■ 
 
 Behold ! Pisander, urg'd by Fate's decree, 
 Springs through the ranks to fall, and fall by thee. 
 Great Menelaiis ! To enhance thy fame ; 7^ 
 
 High-towering in the front, the warrior came. . Ju^A 
 First the sharp lance was by Atrides thrown; li nl 
 Tlie lance far distant by the winds was blown«.TiT 
 jS"or pierc'd Pisander through Atrides' shield ; ^li T 
 Pisander's spear fell shiver'd on the field. 7!89- 
 
 Not so discourag'd, to the future blind, hi: r . 
 
 Vain dreams of conquest swell his haught>- mindly^ i ? 
 Dauntless he rushes where the Spartan lord ; i;.; i 
 Like lightning brandish'd his far-beaming sword. ' 
 His left arm high oppos'd the shining shield ; 765 
 His right, beneath, the cover'd poleas held
 
 Book XITI. Tftfi- ILIAD. 297 
 
 (An olive's cloudy grain the handle made, 
 Distinct with studs ; and brazen was the blade ;) 
 This on the helm discharg'd a noble blow ; 
 The plume dropp'd nodding to the plaia below', 770 
 Shorn from the crest. Atrides wav'd his steel : 
 Deep through his front the weighty falchion fell ; 
 The crashing bones before its force gave way; 
 In dust and blood the groaning hero lay ; 
 Forc'd from their ghastly orbs, and spouting gore, 
 Tiie clotted eye-balls tumble on the shore. 776 
 
 The fierce Abides spurn'd him as he bled. 
 Tore off his arms, and, loud-exulting, said. 
 
 Thus, Tiojans, thus, at length be taught to fear; 
 O race perfidious, who delight in war ! 780 
 
 Already noble deeds ye have perform'J, 
 A princess rap'd transcends a navy storm'd : 
 In such bold feats your impious might approve, 
 "NVitliout th' assistance, or the fear of Jove. 
 Tlie violated rites, the ravish'd dame, 785 
 
 Our heroes slaughter'd, and our ships on flame. 
 Crimes heap'd on crimes, shall bend your glorj' down, 
 And whelm in ruins yon flagitious town. 
 O thou, great Father ! Lord of earth and skies. 
 Above the thought of man ! supremely wise ! 790 
 If from thy hand the fates of mortals flow, 
 From whence this favor to an impious foe, 
 A godless crew, abandon'd and unjust, 
 Still breathing rapine, violence, and lust ? 
 The best of things beyond their measure cloy ; 795 
 Sleep's balmy blessing, love's endearing joy ; 
 Tlie feast, the dance; whate'er mankind desire, 
 Ev'n tlie sweet charms of sacred numbers tire. 
 But Trc^ for ever reaps a dire delight 
 Jn thirst of slaughter, and in lust of fight. 800 
 
 This said, he seiz'd (while yet the carcass heav'd) 
 Tlie bloody armor, which his train receiv'd : 
 Then sudden mix'd among the warring crew, 
 And the bold son of Pyla^menes slew. 
 llarpalion had through Asia travell'd far, 805 
 
 Tollowing his martial father to the war : 
 Tiirough filial love he left his native shore, 
 Is'ever, ah never, to behold it more ! 
 His unsuccessful spear he chanc'd to fling 
 Ajrainst tlie target of the Spartan king ; SIO 
 
 N 2
 
 898 THE ILIAD. ' Book Xlll. 
 
 Thus of his lance disjirin'd, from death he flies, 
 And turns around his apprehensive eyes. 
 Him, through the hip transpiercing as he fled, 
 The shaft of Merion mingled with the dead. 
 Beneath the bone the glancing point descends, 845 
 And, driving down, the swelling bladder rends : 
 Sunk in his sad companion's arms he lay, 
 And in short pantings, sobb'd his soul away ; 
 (Like some vile worm extended on the ground) 
 While life's red torrent gush'd from out the wound. 
 
 Him on his car the Paphlagonian train 82i 
 
 In slow procession bore from off the plain. 
 The pensive father, father now no more ! 
 Attends the mournful pomp along the shore; 
 And unavailing tears profusely shed; 825 
 
 And, unreveng'd, deplor'd his offspring dead. 
 
 Paris from far the moNing sight beheld, 
 Willi pity soften'd, and with fury swell'd ; 
 His honor'd host, a youth of matchless grace. 
 And lov'd of all the Paphlagonian race ! 830 
 
 With his full strength he bent his angry bow, - - 
 And wiug'd the feather'd vengeance at the foe;';^ 
 A cliief there was, the brave Euchenor nam'd, -^ 
 for riches much, and more for virtue fam'd. 
 Who held his seat in Corinth's stately town ; 835 
 Polydus' son, a seer of old renown. 
 Oft had the father told Ms early doom, 
 By arms abroad, or slow disease at fiome : 
 He climb'd his vessel, prodigal of breath, 
 And chose the certain, glorious path to death. 840 
 Beneath his ear the pointed arrow went ; 
 The soul came issuing at the narrow vent: -■ 
 
 His limbs, unnerv'd, drop useless on the ground^ 
 And everlasting darkness shades him round. _ 
 
 Kor knew great Hector how his legions yield 845 
 (Wrapt in the cloud and tumult of the field ;) 
 Wide on the left the force of Greece commands. 
 And conquest hovers o'er th' Achaian bands: 
 With such a tide superior virtue sway'd, 
 And he • that shakes the solid earth, gave aid. 850 
 But in the center Hector fix'd remain'd, 
 Where first the gates were forc'd, and bulwarks gain'd ; 
 
 « Neptune.
 
 Book XIIT. THE ILIAD. 209 
 
 There, on the margin of the hoary deep, 
 
 (Their naval station where th' Ajaces keep. 
 
 And where low walls confine the beating tides, 855 
 
 Whose humble barrier scarce the foes divides; 
 
 Where late in fight, both foot and horse engag'd. 
 
 And all the thunder of the battle rag'd) 
 
 There join'd, the whole Boeotian strength remains. 
 
 The proud lonians with their sweeping trains, 860 
 
 Locrians and Phthians, and th' Epsean force ; 
 
 But, join'd, repel not Hector's fiery course. 
 
 The flower of Athens, Stichius, Phidas led. 
 
 Bias and great Menestheus at their head. 
 
 Meges tl'.e strong th' Epaean bands control'd, 855 
 
 And Dracius prudent, and Amphion bold ; 
 
 The Phtliians Medon, fam'd for martial might. 
 
 And brave Podarces, active in the fight. 
 
 This drew from Phylachus his noble line ; 
 
 Iphiclus' son : and that (OVleus) thine : 87o 
 
 (Young Ajax' brotlier, bj' a stol'n embrace ; 
 
 ifle dwelt far distant from his native place. 
 
 By his fierce stepdame from his father's reign 
 
 Expell'd and exil'd for her brother slain.) 874 
 
 These rule the Phtluans, and their arms employ 
 
 Mixt witli Boeotians, on tlie shores of Troy. 
 
 Now side by side, with like unweary'd care. 
 Each Ajax labor'd through the field of war: 
 So when two lordly bulls, with equal toil, 879 
 
 Force the bright plouglishare thro' tiie fallow soil, 
 Join'd to one yoke, the stu'oborn earth they tear. 
 And trace large furrows with the shining share ; 
 O'er their huge limbs the foam descends in snow. 
 And streams of sweat down their sour foreheads flow. 
 A train of heroes foUow'd through the field, 885 
 Who bore by turns great Ajax' seven-fold shield ; 
 Whene'er he breath'd, remissive of his might, 
 Tir'd with th' incessant slaughters of the fight. 
 No following troops his brave associate grace : 
 In close engagement an unpractis'd race, 800 
 
 The Locrian squadrons nor the javelin wield. 
 Nor bear tlie helm, nor lift the moony sliield ; 
 But skill'd from far the flying shaft to wing. 
 Or whirl the sounding pebble from the sling, 
 Dext'rous with these they aim a certain wound, 805 
 Or ffcll the distant warrior to the ground.
 
 300 THE ILIAD. Book XIU. 
 
 Thus in the van, the Telamonian train 
 
 Throng'd in bright arms, a pressing tight maintain ; 
 
 Far in tlie rear the Locrian archers lie. 
 
 Whose stones and arrows intercept tlie sky, QOO 
 
 The mingled tempest on the foes they pour ; 
 
 Troy's scattering orders open to the shower. 
 
 !Now had the Greeks eternal fame atquir'd, 
 And the gall'd Ilians to their walls retir'd ; 
 But sage Polydamas discreetly brave, gal 
 
 Address'd great Hector, and this counsel gave. 
 
 Though great in all, thou seem'st averse to lend 
 Impartial audience to a faithful friend ; 
 To Gods and men thy matchless worth is known. 
 And every art of glorious war thy own ; 9IO 
 
 But in cool thought and counsel to excel, 
 How widely differs this from warring well ? 
 Content with what the bounteous Gods have given, 
 Seek not alone t' engross tlie gifts of heaveo. 
 To some the powers of bloody war belong, 915 
 
 To some, sweet music, and the charm of song; 
 To'few, and wondrous few, has Jove assign'd 
 A wise, extensive, all-considering mind ; 
 Their guardians these, the nations round confess. 
 And towns and empires for their safety bless. QCO 
 If heaven have lodg'd this virtue in my breast. 
 Attend, O Hector, what I judge the best. 
 See, as thou mov'st, on dangers dangers spread, 
 And war's whole fury burns around thy head. 
 Behold 1 dislress'd within yon hostile wall, qQ5 
 
 How many Trojans yield, disperse, or fall ?; , 
 What troops, out-number'd, scarce the wadomif- 
 tain ! ■ ■ ; .\ 
 
 And what brave heroes at the ships lie slain ? 
 Here cease thy fury ; and the chiefs and kings 
 Convok'd to council, weigli the sum of things. 930 
 Whetlier (the Gods succeeding our desires) .'A 
 
 To yon tall ships to bear the Trojan fires ; -f 
 
 Or quit the fiect, and pass unhurt away, 
 Contented with the conquest of the day. 
 I fear, I fear, lest Greece not yet undone, 935 
 
 Pay the large debt of last revolving sun ; 
 Achilles, great Achilles, yet remains 
 On yonder decks, and yet o'erlooks tlie plaiAs !
 
 ] 
 
 )45, 
 5 go, 1 
 
 !S flow, > 
 
 snow. 3 
 
 look Xlir. THE ILIAD. 301 
 
 The couusel pleas'd ; and Hector with a bound, 
 Xeap'd from his chariot on tlie trembling ground : 
 Swift as be leap'd, liis clanaing arms resound. 941, 
 To guard this post (he cry'cl} thy art employ, 
 And here detain the scatter'd youth of Troy ; 
 Where yonder heroes faint, I bend my way. 
 And hasten back to end the doubtful day. 945 
 
 This said^ the towering chief prepares to go. 
 Shakes his white plumes that to the breezes 
 And seems a moving mountain topt with st 
 Tlirough all his host, inspiring force, he flies. 
 And bids aner/ the martial thunder rise. 950 
 
 To Panthus' son, at Hector's high command, 
 Haste the bold leaders of the Trojan ba-.id : 
 But round the battlements, and round the plains 
 For many a chief he look'd, but look'd in vain ; 
 DeVphobus, nor Helenus the seer, go5 
 
 Nor Asius' son, nor Asius self appear. 
 For these were pierc'd with many a ghastly wound. 
 Some cold in death, some groaning on the ground ; 
 Some low in dust fa mournful object) lay ; 
 High on the wall some breathed their souls away, 96O 
 
 Far on the kft, amid the throng he found 
 (Cheering the troops, and dealing deaths around) 
 The graceful Paris; whom, with fury mov'd. 
 Opprobrious, thus, th' impatient chief reprov'd. 
 
 Ill-feted Paris ! slave to woman-kind, 963 
 
 As smooth of face as fraudulent of mind ! 
 Where is DcVphobus, where Asius gone ? 
 The god-like father, and th' intrepid son ? 
 The force of Helenus, dispensing fate ; 
 And great Othryoneus, so fear'd of late ? 97O 
 
 Black fate hangs o'er thee from th' avenging Gods, 
 Imperial Troy from her foundations nods; 
 Whelm'd in thy country's ruins shalt thou fall. 
 And one devouring vengeance swallow all. 
 
 Whtn Paris thus: my brother and my friend, 973 
 Thy warm impatience makes thy tongue oftend. 
 In other battles I dcserv'd thy blame. 
 Though then not deedless, nor unknown to fame ; 
 But since yon rampart by thy arms lay low, 
 I scatter'd slaughter from my fatal bow. 980 
 
 The chiefs you seek on yonder shore lie slain; 
 Of all those heroes, two alone remain ;
 
 302 THE ILIAD. Book XIII, 
 
 DeVphobus, and Helenus the seer : 
 
 Each now disabled by a hostile spear. 
 
 Go then, successful, where tliy soul inspires: 985 
 
 This lieart and hand shall second all tliy fires : 
 
 What with tliis arm I can, prepare to know, 
 
 Till death for death be paid, and blow for blow. 
 
 But, 'tis not ours, with forces not our own 
 
 To combat ; strength is of the Gods alone. QQQ 
 
 These words the hero's angrj' mind assaage : 
 Then fierce they mingle where the thickest rage. 
 Around Polydamas, distain'd with blood, 
 Cebrion, Plialces, stern Orthasus stood. 
 Palmus, with Polypeetes the divine, .,■.:• .^QH 
 
 And two bold brothers of Hippotion's lineai^o^ »iO 
 (Who reach'd fair Ilion, from Ascania far, 1 
 
 The former day ; the next engag'd in war.) 
 As when from gloomy clouds a whirlwind springs. 
 That bears Jove's tliunder on its dreadful wings, 1000 
 Wide o'er the blasted fields the tempest sweeps; 
 Then, gather'd, settles on the hoary deeps ; " i 
 Th' afflicted deeps tumultuous mix and roar ; "V" 
 Tlie waves behind impel the waves before, f 
 
 Wide-rolling, foaming high, and tumbling to the t 
 shore: 1005 J 
 
 Thus rank on rank the thick battalions throng. 
 Chief urg'd on chief, and man drove man along. 
 Far o'er the plains in dreadful order bright. 
 The brazen arms reflect a beamy light : 
 Full in the blazing van great Hector shin'd, 1010 
 Like Mars commission'd to confound mankind. 
 Before him flaming his enormous shield 
 Like the broad sun, illumin'd all the field : 
 His nodding helm emits a streamy ray ; '^ 
 
 His piercing eyes through all the battle stray, ICttfe 
 And, while beneath his targe he flash'd along, ^ 
 Shot terrors round, that wither'd e'en the strong.''' 
 
 Thus stalk'd he, dreadful ; death was in his look; 
 Whole nations fear'd : but not an Argive shook. 
 The towering Ajax, with an ample stride, 1020 
 
 Advauc'd the first, and thus tlie chief defy'd. 
 
 Hector ! come on, thy empty threats forbear : 
 'lis not thy arm, 'tis thundering Jove we fear : 
 The skill of war to us not idly given, 1024 
 
 Lq ! Greece is bumbled, not by Troy, but Heaven.
 
 Book XTIT. THE ILIAD. 303 
 
 Vain are the hopes that haughty mind imparts. 
 
 To force our fleet : the Greeks have hands and hearts. 
 
 Long ere in flames our lofty navy fall. 
 
 Your boasted rity and your god-built wall 
 
 Shall sink beneatii us, smoking on the ground ; 1030 
 
 And spread a long, unmeasur'd ruin round, 
 
 The time shall come, when, chas'd along the plain, 
 
 E'en thou shalt call on Jove and call in vain ; 
 
 E'en tliou shalt wish, to aid thy desperate course. 
 
 The wings of falcons for tliy flying liorse; 1035 
 
 Shalt run, forgetful of a warrior's fame, 
 
 While clouds of friendly dust conceal thy shame. 
 
 As tlius he spoke, behold, in open view. 
 On sounding wings a dexter eagle flew. 
 To Jove's glad omen all tlie Grecians rise, 1040 
 And hail, with shouts, his progress through the skies : 
 Far-echoing clamors bound from side to side ; 
 They ceas'd ; and thus the chief of Troy reply'd. 
 
 From whence this menace, this insulting strain ? 
 Enormous boaster; doom'd to vaunt in vain. 1045 
 So may tlie Gods on Hector life bestow, 
 CNot that short life which mortals lead below, 
 But such as those of Jove's high lineage born. 
 The blue-ey'd Maid, or He that gilds the morn.) 
 As this decisive day shall end the fame 
 Of Greece, and Argos be no more a name. 1050 
 And thou, imperious ! if thy madness wait 
 The lance of Hector, thou shalt meet thy fate : 
 That giant corpse, extended on the shore. 
 Shall largely feed the fowls witli fat and gore. 
 
 He said, and like a lion stalk'd along : 1055 
 
 With shouts incessant earth and oceem rung. 
 Sent from his following host : the Grecian train 
 With answering thunders fill'd the echoing plain ; 
 A shout that tore heaven's concave, and above 
 Shook the fix'd splendors of the throne of Jove. 1060
 
 f J I
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK XIV.
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 Juno deceives Jupiter by the Girdle of Venus, 
 
 Nestor sitting at the table with Machaon, is alarmed 
 with the increasing clamor of the war, and hastens 
 to Agamemnon : on his way he meets that prince 
 with Diomed and Ulysses, whom he informs of the 
 extremity of the danger. Agamemnon proposes to 
 make their escape by night, which Ulysses with- 
 stands ; to which Diomed adds his advice, that, 
 wounded as they were, they should go forth and 
 encourage the army with their presence ; whiclj 
 advice is pursued. Juno, seeing the partiaUty of 
 Jupiter to the Trojans, forms a design to o%'er. 
 reach him ; she sets cfi her charms with the utmost 
 care, and (the more surely to enchant him) obtains 
 the magic girdle of Venus. She then applies her- 
 self to the God of Sleep, and, with some difficulty, 
 persuades him to seal the eyes of Jupiter; this 
 done, she goes to Mount Ida, where the God, at 
 first sight, is ravish'd with her beauty, sinks in 
 her embraces, and is laid asleep. Neptune takes 
 advantage of his slumber, and succours the Greeks : 
 Hector is struck to the ground with ^ prodigious 
 stone by Ajax, and carried off from the battle : 
 several actions succeed ; till tlie Trojans, much 
 distressed, are obliged to give way : the lesser 
 Ajax signalizes himself in a particular manner.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK XIV. 
 
 Bur nor the genial feast, nor flowing bowl, 
 Could charm the cares of Nestor's watchful soul ; 
 Elis startled ears th' encrcasing cries attend : 
 rhen thus, impatient, to his wounded friend. 
 
 What new alarm, divine Machaoa, say, 5 
 
 iVhat mixt events attend this mighty daj- ? 
 Flark ! how the shouts divide, and ho%v they meet. 
 And now come full, and tiiicken to the fleet ! 
 R^e, with the cordial draught, dispel tliy care. 
 Let Hecamede the strengthening balh prepare, 10 
 Refresh thy wound, and cleanse the clotted gore ; 
 While 1 th' adventures of the day explore. 
 
 He said: and seizing Thrasymedes' shield, 
 fHis valiant offspring) hasten'd to the field ; 
 [{Xhat day, the son his father's buckler bore) 15 
 
 Iriien snatch'd a lance, and issued from the door. 
 Soon as tlie prospect open'd to his view. 
 His wounded eyes the scene of sorrow knew ; 
 Dire disarray ! the tumult of the fight. 
 The vail in ruins, and the Greeks in flight. CO 
 
 As when old Ocean's silent surface sleeps, 
 The waves just heaving on the purple deeps : 
 While yet tii' expected tempest hangs on high, 
 "Weighs down the cloud, and blackens in the sky. 
 The mass of waters will no wind obey ; 25 
 
 Jove sends one gust, and bids them roll away. 
 While wavering counsels thus his mind engage. 
 Fluctuates in doubtful thought the Pylian sage. 
 To join tiie host, or to the general haste ; 
 Pebatiog long, he fixes on the last : 30
 
 308 THE ILIAD. Book XIY. 
 
 Yet, as he moves, the fight his bosom warms ; v^ 
 ITie field rings dreadful with the clang of arms ; 
 The gleaming falchions flash, the javelins fly; 
 Blows echo blows, and all or kill, or die. 
 
 Him, in his march, the wounded princes meet, 35 
 By tardy steps ascending from the fleet : 
 The king of men, Ulysses the divine, 
 And who to Tydeus owes his noble line. 
 (Their sliips at distance from the battle stand. 
 In lines advanc'd along the shelving strand : 40 
 Whose bay, the fleet unable to contain 
 At length ; beside the margin of the main, 
 Rank above rank, the crowded ships they moor : 
 Who landed first, lay highest on the shore.) 
 Supported on their spears, they took their way, 4a 
 Unfit to fight, but anxious for tlie day. 
 Ifestor's approach alarm'd each Grecian breast. 
 Whom thus the general of the host addrest. 
 
 O grace and gloiy of th' Achaian name ! 
 What drives thee, Nestor, from the field of fame ? 
 Shall then proud Hector see his boabt fulfill'd, 51 
 Our fleets in ashes, jmd our heroes kill'd? 
 Such was his threat, ah now too soon made good. 
 On many a Grecian bosom writ in blood. 
 Is every heart enflam'd with equal rage 55 
 
 Against your king, nor will one chief engage? 
 And have I liv'd to see with mournful eyes 
 In every Greek a new Achilles rise ? 
 
 Gerenian Kestor then. So Fate has will'd ; 
 And all-confirming time has Fate fulfill'd. 60 
 
 Not he that thunders from th' aerial bower. 
 Not Jove himself, upon the past has power. 
 The wall, our late iuNOolable bound. 
 And best defence, lies smoking on the ground : 
 E'en to the ships their conquering arms extend, 65 
 And groans of slaughter'd Greeks to heaven ascend. 
 On speedy measures then employ your thought. 
 In such distress. If counsel profit aught ; 
 Arms cannot much : though Mars our souls incite ; 
 These gaping wounds withhold us from the fight. 70 
 
 To him the monarch. That our army bends. 
 That Troy triumphant our high fleet ascends. 
 And that the rampart, late our surest trust, 
 Aud best defeace, lies smoking io the dust;
 
 Book XIV. THE ILIAD. 309 
 
 All this from Jove's afflictive hand we bear, 79 
 Who, far from Argos, wills our ruin here. 
 Past are the daj's when happier Greece was blest. 
 And all his favor, all his aid confest ; 
 Now heaven averse, our hands from battle ties, 
 And lifts the Trojan glory to the skies. 80 
 
 Cease we at length to waste our blood in vain, 
 And launch what ships lie nearest to the main ; 
 Leave these at anchor t'dl the coming night : "I 
 Then, if impetuous Troy forbear the fight, > 
 
 Bring all to sea, and hoist each sail for flight. 85 J 
 Better from evils, well foreseen to run. 
 Than perish in the danger we may shun. 
 
 Thus he. The sage Ulysses thus replies, 
 While anger flash'd from his disdainful eyes. 
 What shameful words (unkingly as thou art) QO 
 Fall from that trembling tongue, and timorous heart ? 
 Oh were thy sway the curse of meaner powers. 
 And thou the shame of any host but ours ! 
 A host by Jove endued with martial might. 
 And taught to conquer, or to fall in fight : Q5 
 
 Adventurous combats and bold wars to wage, 
 Employ'd our youtli, and yet employs our age. 
 And wilt thou thus desert the Trojan plain ? 
 And have whole streams of blood been spilt in vain ? 
 In such base sentence if thou couch thy fear, 100 
 Speak it in whispers lest a Greek should hear. 
 Lives there a man so dead to fame, who dares 
 To think such meanness, or the thought declares ? 
 And comes it e'en from him whose sovereign sway 
 The banded legions of all Greece obey ? 105 
 
 Is this a general's voice, that calls to flight. 
 While war hangs doubtful, while his soldiers fight? 
 What more could Troy ? Wliat yet their fate denies 
 Thou giv'st the foe : all Greece becomes their prize. 
 tio more the troops (our hoisted sails in view, 110 
 Themselves abandon'd) shall the fight pursue ; 
 But thy ships flying, with despair shall see ; 
 And owe destruction to a prince like thee. 
 
 Thy just reproofs (Atrides calm replies) 
 Like arrows pierce me, for thy words are wise. 113 
 Unwilling as I am to lose the host, 
 I force not Greece to leave this hateful coast.
 
 310 THE ILIAD. Book XIV. 
 
 Glad I submit, whoe'er, or young or old, 
 AuglU, more conducive to our weal, unfold. 
 
 Tydides cut him short, and thus began. 1£0 
 
 Such counsel if you seek, behold the man i 
 
 "Who boldly gives it ; and what he shall say, -i 
 Young though he be, disdain not to obey : . .? 
 
 A youth, who from the mighty Tydeus springs 
 May speak to councils and assembled kings. 125 
 Hear then ii. me the great Oenides' son, 
 "Whose honor'd dust (his race of glory run) 
 Lies whelm'd in ruins of the Theban wall ; 
 Brave in liis life, and glorious in his fall ; 
 With three bold sons was generous Prothoiis blest. 
 Who Pleuron's walls and Calydon possest ; 131 
 Melas and Agrius, but (who far surpast 
 The rest in cour;ige) Oeneus was the last. 
 From him, my Sire. From Calydon expell'd, 
 He pass'd to Argcs, and in exile dwell'd ; 235 
 
 The monarch's daughter tliere (so Jove ordain'd) 
 He won, and flourish'd where Adrastus reign'd ; 
 There, rich in fortune's gifts, his acres till'd. 
 Beheld his viaes their liquid liarvest yield. 
 And numerous flocks that whiten'd all the field. 
 Such Tydeus was, the foremost once in fame ! 141 
 Kor lives in Greece a stranger to his name. 
 Then, what for common good my thoughts inspire, 
 Attend, and in the son, respect the sire. 
 Though sore of battle, though with wounds opprest. 
 Let each go forth and animate the rest, 11(5 
 
 Advance the glory which he cannot share, 
 Though not partaker, witness of the wai'. 
 But lest new wounds on wounds o'erpower us quite, 
 Bej'ond the missile javelin's sounding flight, 15<) 
 Safe let us stjiud ; and from the tumult far. 
 Inspire the ranks, and rule the distant war. 
 
 He added not: the listening kings obey. 
 Slow mo\-ing on ; Atrides leads the way. 
 The God of Ocean (to inflame their rage) 155 
 
 Appears a warrior furrow'd o'er with age ; 
 Prest in his own, the general's hand he look, 
 And thus the venerable hero spoke. 
 
 Atrides, lo ! with what disdainful ej-e 
 Achilles sees his countrj-'s forces fly ; IGO
 
 Book XIV. THE ILIAD. 311 
 
 Blind impious man ! whose anger is his guide, 
 AVlio glories in unutterable pride. 
 So may he perish, so may Jove disclaim 
 The wTetch relentless, and o'erwhelm with shame f 
 ! But heaven forsakes not thee : o'er5-onder sands l65 
 ' Soon shalt thou view the scatter'd Trojan bands 
 Fly diverse; while proud kings, and chiefs renown'd, 
 Driven heaps on heaps, with clouds iuvolvd aiound 
 Of rolling dust, their winged wheels employ 
 : To hide their ignominious heads in Troj'. 170 
 
 He spoke, then rush'd amid the warrior crew; 
 And sent his voice before him as he flew, 
 , Loud, as the shout encountering ansiies yield, 
 ' When twice ten thousand shake tlie laboring field ; 
 ! Such was the voice, and such the ;l;undering sound 
 '■ Of him, whose trident rends the solid ground. 175 
 ; Each Argive bosom beats to meet the fight, 
 
 And grisly war appears a pleasing sight. 
 j Meantime Saturnia from Olympus' brow, 
 ' High-tbron'd in gold, belield the fields below ; 180 
 With joy the glorious conflict she survey'd, 
 Where her great brother gave the Grecians aid. 
 But plac'd aloft, on Ida's shady heis'nt 
 She sees her Jove, and trembles at the sight. 
 Jove to deceive, what methods shall she trj', 185 
 What arts, to blind liis all-beholding eye ? 
 At length she trusts her i>ower ; rtsolv'd to prove 
 The old, yet still successful, cheat of love ; 
 Against his wisdom to oppose her charms. 
 And lull the Lord of Thunders in her arms. IQO 
 
 Swifi to her bright apartment she repairs. 
 Sacred to dress and beauty's pleasing cares ; 
 W'ith skill divine had Vulcan form'd the bower. 
 Safe from access of each intruding power. 
 Touch'd with her secret key, the doors unfold : 1Q5 
 Selfclos'd^ behind her s!iut tlie valves of gold. 
 Here first she bathes ; and round her body pours 
 Soft oils of fragrance, and ambrosial showers : 
 Tlie winds, perfum'd, the balmy gale convey 199 
 Thro' heaven, thro' earth, and all th' aerial way : 
 Spirit divine ! whose exhalation greets 
 The sense of Gods with more than mortal sweets. 
 Thus while she breath'd of heaven, with decent pride 
 Her artful hands tlie radiant tresses ty'd ;
 
 312 THE ILIAD. Book XIV. 
 
 Part on her head in shining ringlets roU'd, 205 
 
 Part o'er her shoulders wav'd like melted gold. 
 Around her next a heavenly mantle flow'd. 
 That rich with Pallas' labor'd colours glow'd : 
 Large clasps of gold the foldings gather'd round, 
 A golden zone her swelling bosom bound. 210 
 
 Far-beaming pendants tremble in her ear. 
 Each gem illumin'd with a triple star. 
 Then o'er her head she casts a veil more white 
 Than new-fall'n snow, and dazzling as the light. 
 Last her fair feet celestial sandals grace. 215 
 
 Thus issuing radiant, with majestic pace, 
 Forth from the dome th' imperial Goddess moves. 
 And calls the I^Iotlier of the Smiles and Loves. 
 
 How long (to Venus thus apart she cry'd) 
 Shall human strife celestial minds divide ? 220 
 
 Ah yet, will Venus aid Satumia's joy. 
 And set aside the cause of Greece and Troy ? 
 
 Let heaven's dread empress (Cytherasa said) 
 Speak her request, and deem her will obey'd. 224 
 Then grant me (said the Queen) those conquering charms, 
 That power which mortals and immortals warms, 
 That love, which melts mankind in fierce desires, 
 And burns the sons of heaven with sacred fires ! 
 
 For lo ! I haste to those remote abodes, 
 Where the great parents (sacred source of Gods !) 
 Ocean and Tethys their old empire keep, 231 
 
 On the last limits of the land and deep. 
 In their kind arms my tender years were past ; 
 What time old Saturn, from Olympus cast. 
 Of upper heaven to Jove resign'd tlie reign, 235 
 Whelm'd under the huge mass of earth and main. 
 For strife, I hear, has made the union cease, 
 Wiich held so long that ancient pair in peace. 
 What honor, and what love shall I obtain. 
 If I compose those fatal feuds again ; 240 
 
 Once more their minds in mutual ties engage. 
 And what my youtli has ow'd, repay their age ? 
 
 She said. With awe divine the Queen of Love 
 Obey'd the sister and the wife of Jove : 
 And from her fragrant breast the zone unbrac'd, 245 
 With various skill, and high embroidery grac'd. 
 In this was every art, and every charm, 
 To win the wisest, and the coldest warm :
 
 264 1 
 eep.^ 
 
 Book XIV. THE ILIAD. 313- 
 
 Fond love, the gentle vow, tlie gay desire, 
 rhe kind deceit, the still reviving fire, SoO' 
 
 Persuasive speech, and more persuasive sighs, - ' 
 Silence that spoke, and eloquence of eyes. 
 This, on her hand the Cyprian Goddess laid ; 
 Take this, and with it all thy wish, she said. 
 Witli smiles she took the charm ; and smiling prest 
 The powerful cestus to her snowy breast. 2o6 
 
 Then Venas to tlie courts of Jove withdrew ; 
 Wliiist from Olympus pleas'd Satumia flew. 
 O'er h.igh Pieria thence her course she bore. 
 O'er fair Ematliia's ever-pleasing shore, 260 
 
 O'er Ilasmus' hills with snows eternal crown'd ; 
 Nor once her flying foot approach'd the ground. 
 Then taking wing from Athos' lofty steep, 
 She speeds to Lemnos o'er the rolling deep. 
 And seeks the cave of Death's half-brother, Sleep. 
 Sweet pleasing Sleep ! (Satumia thus began) 
 Who spreadst thy empire o'er each God and Man ; 
 If e'er obsequious to thy Juno's will, 
 O Power of Slumbers ! iiear, and favor still. 
 Shed thy soft dews on Jove's immortal eyes, 270 
 While sunk in love's entrancing joys he lies. 
 A splendid footstool, and a throne, that shine 
 With gold unfading, Somnus, shall be thine ; 
 The work of Vulcan ; to indulge thy ease, 274 
 
 When wine and feasts thy golden humours please. 
 
 Imperial dame (the balmy power replies) 
 Great Saturn's heir, and empress of the skies ! 
 O'er other Gods I spread my easy chain ; "1 
 
 The sire of all, old Ocean, owns my reign, > 
 
 And his hush'd waves lie silent on the main. 280 j 
 But how, unbidden, shall I dare to steep 
 Jove's awful temples in the dew of sleep ? 
 Long since too venturous, at thy bold command. 
 On tliose eternal lids I laid my hand : 
 What time, deserting Ilion's wasted plain, 285 
 
 His conquering son, Alcides, plough'd the main. 
 When lo ! the deeps arise, the tempests roar. 
 And drive the hero to the Coan siiore ; 
 Great Jove awaking, shook the blest abodes 
 With rising wrath, and tumbled Gods on Gods ; 290 
 Me chief he sought, and from the realms on high 
 Had hurl'd indignant to the nether sky, 

 
 m THE ILIAD. Book XlV. 
 
 But gentle Nlglit, to whom I fled for aid, xiT 
 
 (The friend of earth and heaven) her win^ display^ff* 
 Impower'd the wrath of Gods and men to tame^Sga 
 E'en Jove rever'd the venerable Dame. 
 
 Vain are thj' fears (the Que*>n of Heaven replies. 
 And speaking^ rolls her large majestic eyes) 
 Think'st thou that Troy has Jove's high favor won, 
 Like great Alcides, his all-conqnering son ? 3(jd 
 
 Hear, and obey the mistress of the skies, ■ i 
 
 Kor for the deed expect a vulgar prize ; -i I 
 
 For know, thy lov'd-one shall be ever thine, ■-" 
 The youngest Grace, Pasithae the divine. 304 
 
 Swear then (he said) by those tremendous floods 
 That roar through hell, and bind th' invoking Gods s 
 Let the great parent Earth one hand sustain, 
 And stretch the other o'er the sacred main. 
 Call the black Titans, that with Chronos dwell, 
 To hear and witness from the depths of iiell : 310 
 That she, my lov'd-one, shall be ever mine. 
 The youngest Grace, Pasithae the divine. - 
 
 The queen assents, and from th' infernal bowertj 
 Invokes the sable subtartarean Powers, ::A. 
 
 And those who rule th' inviolable fioods, SiS 
 
 "Whom mortals name the dread Titanian Gods.. U 
 
 Then swift as wind, o'er Lemaos' smoky isle, "^^ 
 They wing their way, and Imbrus' sea-beat soil. 
 Through air unseen, involv'd in darkness glide, 
 And light on Lectos, on the point of Ide 320 
 
 CMother of savages, whose eciioing hills 
 Are heard resounding with a hundred rills ;) 
 Fair Ida trembles underneath the God ; 
 Hush'd are hrr mountains, ami her forests nod ; s- 
 There on a firj whose spiry branches rise ^SS 
 
 To join its sunmit to the neiglibouring skies ; 
 Dark in embowering shade, conceal'd from sight, 
 Sat Sleep, in likeness of the bird of night. 
 (Chalcis his name by those of heavenly birth. 
 But call'd Cymindis by the race of earth.) 330 
 
 To Ida's top successful Juno flies ; 
 Great Jove sur\'eys her with desiring eyes : 
 The God, whose lightning sets the heavens on fire. 
 Through all his bosom feels the fierce desire; 
 Fierce as when first by stealth he seiz'd her charms, 
 Mix'd with her soul, and melted in her arms, 3^
 
 1 Book XIV. THE ILIAD. 315 
 
 I, Fix'd on her eyes he fed his eager look, 
 
 l! Then press'd her hand, and Uius with transport spoke. 
 
 1 "Why comes my Goddess from tli' etherial sky, 
 
 ,' And not her steeds and flaming chariot nigh ? 3-10 
 Then she— I haste to those remote abodes, 
 
 i Where the great parents of the deathless gods, 
 The reverend Ocean and grey Tethys reign, 
 On the last limits of the land and main. 
 
 . I visit these, to whose indulgent cares 345 
 
 j I owe tlie nursing of my tender years. 
 
 I For strife, I hear, has made that union cease. 
 Which held so long tliis ancient pair in peace. 
 The steeds, prepar'd my chariot to convey 
 O'er earth and seas, and through th' aerial way, 350 
 Wait under Ide : of thy superior power 
 To ask consent, I leave th' Olympian bower ; 
 Kor seek, unknown to thee, the sacred cells 
 Deep under seas, where hoary Ocean dwells. 
 
 For that (said Jove) suifice another day ; 355 
 
 But eager love denies the least delay. 
 Let softer cares the present hour employ, 
 And be these moments sacred all to joy. 
 Ne'er did my soul so strong a passion prove. 
 Or for au earthly, or a heavenly love : 350 
 
 Not when I press'd Ixion's matchless dame. 
 Whence rose Perithoiis like the Gods in fame. 
 Not when fair Danae felt the shower of gold 
 Stream into life, whence Perseus brave and bold. 
 Not thus I burn'd for either Theban dame, 365 
 
 (Bacchus from this, from that Alcides came.) 
 Not Pha:nix' daughter, beautiful and young. 
 Whence god-like Rhadamanth and Minos sprung. 
 Not thus I burn'd for fair Latona's face. 
 Nor comelier Ceres' more majestic grace. 370 
 
 Not thus e'en for thyself I felt desire. 
 As now my veins receive the pleasing tire. 
 
 He spoke ; the Goddess with the charming eyes 
 Glows with celestial red, and thus replies. 
 Is this a scene for love ? On Ida's height 375 
 
 Expos' d to mortal and immortal sight; 
 Our joys profan'd by each familiar eye ; 
 
 The sport of heaven, and fable of the sky. 
 
 How shall I e'er review the blest abodes, 
 
 Or mix among the senate of the Gods ? 380
 
 816 THE ILIAD. Book XI V- 
 
 Shall I not Uiiuk, that, with disordered cliarms, 
 All heaven beholds me recent from thy arms ? 
 With skill divine has Vulcan lorm'd thy bower, 
 Sacred to love and Id tJie genial hour ; 
 If such thy will, to tliat recess retire, 385 
 
 And secret there indulge tliy soft desire. 
 
 She ceas'd ; and smiling with superior love. 
 Thus answer'd mild the cloud-compelling Jove. 
 Nor God, nor mortal shall our joys behold. 
 Shaded witli clouds, and circumfus'd in gold ; 390 
 Not even the sun, who darts tliroush heavenhis rays, 
 And whose broad eye th' extended earth surveys. 
 
 Gazing he spoke, and kindling at the \new, 
 His eager arms around the Goddess tlirew. 
 Glad earth perceives, and from her bosom pours SQo 
 Unbidden herbs and voluntary flowers : 
 Thick new-bom violets a soft carpet spread. 
 And clustering lotos swell'd the rising bed. 
 And sudden hyacinths the turf bcstrow, 
 And flamy ciocus matie the mountain glow. 400 
 There golden clouds conceald the heavenly pair, 
 Stecp'd in soft joys, and circumfus'd with air; 
 Celestial dews, descending o'er the ground, 
 Perfume the mount, and breathe ambrosia round. 
 At length with love and sleep's soft power opprest, ^5 
 The panting Thunderer nods, and sinks to rest. 
 
 Now to the navy borne on silent ■nings. 
 To Neptune's ear soft Sleep his message brings ; 
 Beside him sudden, unperceiv'd he stood. 
 And thus with gentle words address'd the God. 410 
 
 Now, Neptune ! now th' important hour employ, 
 To check awhile the haughty hopes of Troj- : 
 While Jove yet rests, while yet my vapors shed 
 The golden vision round his sacred head ; 
 For Juno's love, and Somnus' pleasing ties, 415 
 
 Have cloi'd those awful and eternal eyes. 
 
 Thus having said, the Power of Slumber flew, 
 On !?uman lids to drop the balmy dew. 
 Neptune, witli zeal increas'd, rentws his care, 
 And towering in tlie foremost ranks of war, 4C0 
 Indignant thus— Oh once of martial fame ! 
 O Greeks ! if yet ye can de5er\e the name ! 
 Pais half recover'd day, shall Troy obtain ? 
 Shall Hector thunder at your ships again ?
 
 Book Xir. THE ILIAD- 317 
 
 Lo still he vaunts, and tlireats the fleet with fires, 425 
 
 While stern Achilles in his wrath retires. 
 
 One hero's loss too tamely you deplore, 
 
 Be still yourselves, and we shall need no more. 
 
 Oh yet, if glory any bosom warms. 
 
 Brace on your firmest helms, and stand to arms :430 
 
 His strongest spear each valiant Grecian wield, 
 
 Each valiant Grecian seize his broadest shield ; 
 
 Let, to the weak, tlie lighter arms belong, 
 
 The ponderous targe be wielded by the strong. 
 
 (Thus arm'd) not Hector shall our presence stay : 435 
 
 Myself, ye Greeks ! myself will lead the way. 
 
 The troops assent; their martial arms they change. 
 The busy chiefs their banded legions range. 
 The kings, though wounded, and opprest with pain. 
 With helpful hands themselves assist the train. 440 
 The strong and cumb'rous arms the valiant wield, 
 The weaker warrior takes a lighter shield. 
 Thus sheath'd in shining brass, in bright array 
 The legions march, and Neptune leads the way : 
 His brandish'd falchion flames before their eyes 445 
 Like lightning flashing through the frighted skies. 
 Clad in his might, th' Earth-shaking Power appears; 
 Pale mortals tremble, and confess their fears. 
 
 Troy's great defender stands alone unaw'd, 
 Arms his proud host, and dares oppose a God : 451 
 And lo ! the God and wondrous man appear : 
 The sea's stern Ruler there, and Hector here. 
 The roaring main, at her great master's call, 
 Rose in huge ranks : and form'd a watery wall 
 Around the ships; seas hanging o'er the shores, 455 
 Both armies join: Earth thunders. Ocean roars. 
 Isoi half so loud the bellowing deeps resound. 
 When stormy winds disclose the dark profound ; 
 Less loud the winds, that from th' .Slolian hall 459 
 Roar through the woods, and make whole forests fall ; 
 I/ess loud the woods, when flames in torrents pour. 
 Catch the dry mountain, and its shades devour: 
 With such a rage tlie meeting hosts are driven. 
 And such a clamor shakes the sounding heaven. 
 The first bold javelin urg'd by Hector's force, 465 
 Direct at Ajax' bosom wing'd its course ; 
 But there no pass the crossing belts afford, 
 (Ooe biiftc'd hid shield^ and oae sunaia'd bU syroidO
 
 818 THE ILIAD. Book XIV. 
 
 Then back the disappointed Trojan drew, 
 And curs'd the lance that unavailing flew : 470 
 
 But 'scap'd not Ajax ; his tempestuous hand 
 A ponderous stone upheaving from the sand, 
 (Where heaps laid loose beneath the warrior's feet. 
 Or serv'd to ballast, or to prop the fleet) 
 Toss'd round and round, the missive marble flings ; 
 On tlie rais'd shield the falling ruin rings, 476 
 
 Full on his breast and throat with force descendsj 
 Nor deaden'd there its giddy fury spends, ''f 
 
 But whirling on, with many a fiery round, 
 Smokes in the dust, and ploughs into the ground, 480 
 As when tlie bolt, red-hissing from above. 
 Darts on the consecrated plant of Jove, 
 The mountain-oak in flaming ruin lies, 
 Black from the blow, and smokes of sulphur rise; 
 Stiff with amaze the pale beholders stand, ^ 
 
 And own the terrors of th' Almighty hand ! 
 So lies great Hector prostrate on the shore ; 
 His slacken'd hand deserts the lance it bore ; 
 His following shield tlie fallen chief o'erspread ; 
 Beneath his helmet dropp'd his fainting head; 490 
 His load of armor sinking to the ground. 
 Clanks on the field ; a dead, and hollow sound. 
 Loud shouts of triumph fill thp crowded plain ; 
 Greece sees, in hope, Troy's great defender slain : 
 All spring to seize him ; storms of arrows fly ; 4^5 
 And thicker javelins intercept the sky. 
 In vain an iron tempest hisses round; 
 He lies protected, and without a wound. 
 Polydamas, Agenor the divine, 
 The pious warrior of Anchises' line, 500 
 
 And each bold leader of the Lycian band ; 
 With covering shields (a friendly circle) stand. 
 His mournful followers, with assistant care, i' 
 
 The groaning hero to his chariot bear ; ^ 
 
 His foaming coursers, swifter than tlie wind, 505 
 Speed to the town, and leave the war behind. 
 
 When now they touch'd the mead's enamel'd side, 
 Where gentle Xanthus rolls his easy tide, 
 With watery drops the chief they sprinkle round, 
 Plac'd on the margin of the flowery ground, 510 
 Rais'd on his knees, he now ejects the gore ; 
 Kow faints anew, low-sinking on the shore;
 
 j! Book XIV, THE ILIAD. 3J^ 
 
 I Bj' fits he breathes, half views the fleeting skie^, 
 I' And seals again, by fits, his swimming eyes. ,. 
 'i Soon a.s the Greeks the chief's retreat beheld, 513 
 I' With double fury each invades the field. 
 I' OVlean Ajax first his javelin sped, 
 il Pierc'd by whose point the son of Enops bled ; 
 ji (Satnius tie brave, whom beauteous Ne'i's bore , 
 I Amidst her flocks, on Satnio's silver shore) 520 
 
 . Struck through the belly's rim, the warrior lies 
 ; Supine, and shades eternal veil his eyes. 
 f An arduous battle rose around the dead ; 
 i By turns tlie Greeks, by turns the Trojans bled. • 
 Fir'd with revenge, Polydamas drew near, 525 
 ; And at Protlicenor sliook the trembling spear ; 
 i The driving javelin Uirough his shoulder thrust, 
 He sinks to earth, and grasps the bloody dust. 
 Lo thus (the victor cries) we rule tlie tield. 
 And thus their arms the race of Panthus wield : 530 
 From this unerring hand tliere flies no dart 
 But bathes its point within a Grecian lieart. 
 Propt on that spear to which thou ow'st thy fall. 
 Go, guide thy darksome steps to Pluto's dreary hall ! 
 He said, and sorrow touch'd each Argive breast: 
 The soul of Ajax burn'd above the rest. 536 
 
 As by his side the groaning warrior fell. 
 At the fierce foe he lanc'd his piercing sieel : 
 The foe reclining, shunn'd the flying death ; 
 But Fate, Archeloclius, demands thy breath : 540 
 Thy lofty birth no succour could impart, 
 The wings of death o'ertook thee on tlie dart, 
 Swift to perform heaven's fatal will it fled. 
 Full on the juncture of the neck and head, 
 And took the joint, and cut the nerves in twain : 545 
 The dropping head first tumbled to the plain. 
 So just the stroke, that yet the body stood 
 Erect, tlien roll'd along the sauds in blood. 
 
 Here, proud Polydamas, here turn thy eyes I 
 (The towering Ajax loud insulting cries) 530 
 
 Say, is this chief extended on the plain, 
 A worthy vengeance for Prothoenor slain ? 
 Mark well his port ! his figure and his face, 
 Nor speak him vulgar, nor of vulgar race ; 
 Some lines, methinks, may make his lineage known, 
 Anlejior's brolher, or perhaps bis son, 535
 
 320 THE ILtAD. Book XIV, 
 
 He spake, and STnil'd severe, for well he knew >-' 
 Tlie bleeding youth: Troy sadden'd at the view.'^^ 
 But furious Acamas aveng'd his cause ; 
 As Proniachus liis slaughter'd brother draws, 560 
 He pierc'd his heart— Such fate attends you all, 
 Proud Arrives ! destin'd by our arms to fall. 
 Is'ot Troy alone, but haughty Greece shall share ■■^. 
 The toils, the sorrows, and the wounds of war. ^ 
 Behold your Promachus depriv'd of breath, 565 
 A victim ow'd to my brave brother's death. 
 Kot unappeas'd he enters Pluto's gate, 
 Wlio leaves a brother to revenge his fate. 
 
 Heart-piercing anguish struck the Grecian host. 
 But touch'd the breast of bold Peneleus most ; 570 
 At the proud boaster he directs his course ; 3 
 
 The boaster flies, and shuns superior force, >'f 
 
 But young Ilioiieus receiv'd the spear ; 
 llioneus, his father's only care 
 
 (Phorbas the rich, of ail the Trojan train 575 
 
 Whom Hermes lov'd, and taught the arts of gain :) 
 Full in his eye tiie weapon clianc'd to fall, 
 And from the fibers scoop'd the rooted ball. 
 Drove through the neck, and hurl'd him to the plain: 
 He lifts his miserable arms in vain ! 580 
 
 Swifi his broad falchion fierce Peneleus spread, 
 And from tlie spouting shoulders struck his head ; 
 To earth at once the head and helmet fly ; 
 The lance, 5'et striking through the bleeding eye. 
 The victor se'izd ; and as aloft he shook 585 
 
 ThR gory visage, thus insulting spoke. 
 
 Trojans ! your great llioneus behold ! 
 Haste, to his father let the tale be told : 
 iet his hich roofs resound with frantic woe, 
 Such, as the house of Promachus must know; SQO 
 Let doleful tidmgs greet his mother's ear. 
 Such, as to Promachus' sad spouse we bear; 
 When we victorious shall to Greece return. 
 And the pale matron in our triumphs mourn. 
 
 Dreadful he spoke, thentoss'd the head on high ; 595 
 The Trojans hear, they tremble, and they fly : 
 Aghast tliey gaze around the fleet and wall, 
 And dread the ruin that impends on all. 
 
 Daughters of Jove ! tiiat on Olympus shine, 
 Ye all-beholding, all-recording Niiie ! 600
 
 3 -.ok XIV. THE ILIAD. 3£1 
 
 O say, when Neptune made proud Ilion yield, 
 WJiat chief, what hero, first embrued the field ? 
 Of all the Grecians what immortal name. 
 And whose blest trophies will ye raise to fame ? 
 Thou first, great Ajax ; on th' ensanguin'd plain 
 Laid Hyrtius, leader of the Mysian train. 606 
 
 Phalces and Mermer, Nestor's son o'erthrew, 
 Bold Merion, Morys, and Hippotion slew. 
 Strong Periphaetes and Prothoon bled. 
 By Teucer's arrows mingled with the dead. 610 
 Pierc'd in the flank by Menelaiis' steel. 
 His people's pastor, Hyperenor, fell ; 
 Eternal darkness wrapt the warrior round, 
 And the fierce soul came rushing through the wound. 
 But stretch'd in heaps before Oileus' son, 615 
 
 Fall mighty numbers, mighty numbers run ; 
 Ajax the less, of all the Grecian race 
 Skill'd in pursuit, and swiftest in the 
 cTo 
 ( « ,_ 
 
 OQS 
 
 02
 
 . J I 
 
 % ^OOff
 
 THE 
 
 I ]L I A B. 
 
 BOOK XV.
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 J%e fifth Battle, at the Ships ; and the Acts of 
 Ajax. 
 
 Jupiter awaking, sees the Trojans repulsed from the 
 trenches, Hector in a swoon, and Neptune at the 
 liead of the Greeks : he is highly incensed at the 
 artifice of Juno, who appeases him by her sub- 
 missions , she is then sent to Iris and Apollo. Juno, 
 repairing to the assembly of the Gods, attempts 
 
 . "with extraordinary address to incense them against 
 Jupiter ; in particular she toudies Mars with a 
 violent resentment : he is ready to take arms, but 
 is prevented by Minerva. Iris and Apollo obey 
 tlie orders of Jupiter ; Iris commands Neptune to 
 leave the battle, to which, after much reluctance 
 and passion, he consents. Apollo re-inspires Hector 
 with vigor, brings him back to the battle, marches 
 before him with liis iEgis, and turns the fortune 
 of the fight. He breaks down great part of the 
 Grecian wall: the Trojans rush in, and attempt 
 to fire the first line of the fleet, but are, as yet, 
 repelled by the greater Ajax with a prodigious 
 slighter. 
 
 T
 
 THE 
 
 BOOK XV. 
 
 NOW in swift flight they pass the trench profound. 
 And many a chief lay gasping on the ground : 
 Then stopp'd and panted, where the chariots lie; 
 Fear on their cheek, and horror in their eye. 
 Meanwhile, awakend from his dream of love, 5 
 On Ida's summit sat imperial Jove : 
 Round the wide fields he cast a careful view. 
 There saw the Trojans fly, the Greeks pursue; 
 These proud in arms, those scatter'd o'er the plain; 
 And, midst the war, the monarch of the main. 10 
 Not far, great Hector on the dust he spies, 
 (^His sad associates round with weeping eyes) 
 Ejecting blood, and panting yet for breath. 
 His senses wandering to the verge of death. 
 The God beheld him with a pitying look, 15 
 
 And thus, incens'd, to fraudful Juno spoke. 
 
 O thou, still adverse to th' eternal will. 
 For ever studious in promoting ill ! 
 Thy arts have made the god-like Hector yield. 
 And driven his conquering squadrons from the field. 
 Canst thou, unhappy in thy wiles ! withstand 21 
 Our power immense, and brave the almighty hand ? 
 Hast thou forgot, when, bound and fix'd on high. 
 From the vast concave of the spangled sky, 
 I hung thee trembling in a golden chain ; 25 
 
 And all the raging Gods oppos'd in vain ? 
 Headlong I hurl'd them from the Olympian hall, 
 Stunxi'd in the whirJ, and breathless with the faJl.
 
 326 THE ILIAD. Book XV! 
 
 For god-like Hercules these deeds were done. 
 
 Nor seem'd the vengeance worthy such a son : 30 
 
 Wien, by thy wiles induc'd, fierce Boreas tost 
 
 The shipwreck'd hero on the Coan coast : 
 
 Him through a thousand forms of death I bore. 
 
 And sent to Argos, and his native shore. 
 
 Hear this, remember, and our fury dread, 35 
 
 Ifor pull th' unwilling vengeance on thy head; 
 
 liCSt arts and blandishments successless prove. 
 
 Thy soft deceits, and weU-dissembled love. 
 
 The Thunderer spoke: imperial Juno mourn'd. 
 And, trembling, these submissive words retum'd. 40 
 
 By every oath that Powers immortal ties. 
 The foodful earth, and all-infolding skies, 
 By thy black waves, tremendous Styx ! that flov^ r 
 Through the drear realms of gliding ghosts below^ 
 By the dread honors of thy sacred head, 46 
 
 And that unbroken vow, our virgin bed ! v 
 
 Kot by my arts tlie Ruler of the main } 
 
 Steeps Troy in blood, and ranges round the plaini 
 ^y his own ardor, his own pity sway'd 'T 
 
 To help his Greeks ; he fought, and disobey'd : SO 
 Else had thy Juno better counsels given, 
 And taught submission to the Sire of heaven. 
 
 Think'st thou with me ? fair Empress of the skies ! 
 fTh' immortal Father with a smile replies !) 
 Then soon the haughty Sea-god shall obey, 55 
 
 Kor dare to act, but when we point the way. 
 If truth inspires thy tongue, proclaim our will 
 To yon bright synod on th' Olympian hill ; 
 Our high decree let various Iris know. 
 And call the God that bears the silver bow. 6^ 
 Let her descend, and from th' embattled plain ^ 
 Command the Sea-god to his watery reign : 
 While Phoebus hastes, great Hector to prepare 
 To rise afresh, and once more wake the war. 
 His laboring bosom re-inspires with breath, 65 
 
 And calls his senses from the verge of death. 
 Greece ciias'd by Troy e'en to Achilles' fleet. 
 Shall fall by thousands at the hero's feet. 
 He, not untouch'd with pity, to the plain 
 Shall send Patroclus, but shall send in vain. 70 
 What youths lie slaughters under Ilion's walls ? 
 E'en my lov d son, dime ISarpedon, falls !
 
 Book ^I THE ILTAIT. sn 
 
 Vanquish'd at last by Hector's lance he lies. ^ 
 
 Then, nor till then, shall great Aciulles rise : J 
 
 And lo ! that instant god-like Hector dies. 75 ^ 
 
 From that great hour the war's whole fortune turns, 
 
 Pallas assists, and lofty Ilion burns. 
 
 Not till that day shall Jove relax his rage. 
 
 Nor one of all the heavenly host engage 
 
 In aid of Greece. The promise of a God 80 
 
 I gave, and seal'd it with th' almighty nod, 
 
 Achilles' glory to the stars to raise ; 
 
 Such was our word, and Fate the word obeys. 
 
 The trembling Queen (th' almighty order given) 
 Swiit from th' Idaean summit shot to heaven. 85 
 As some wa3'-faring man, who wanders o'er 
 In thought a length of lands he trod before. 
 Sends forth his active mind from place to place. 
 Joins hill to dale, and measures space with space : 
 So swift flew Juno to llie blest abodes, Ql 
 
 If thought of man can match the speed of Gods- 
 There sat the Powers in awful synod plac'd ; 
 They bow'd, and made obeisance as she pass'd ; 
 Through all the brazen dome : with goblets crown'd 
 They hail her queen; the nectar streams around. 95 
 Fair Themis first presents the golden bowl 
 And anxious asks what cares disturb her soul ? 
 
 To whom the white-arm'd Goddess thus replies : 
 Enough thou know'st the Tyrant of the skies, 
 Severely bent his purpose to fulfil, 100 
 
 Unmov'd his mind, and unrestrain'd his will. 
 Go thou, the feasts of heaven attend thy call ; 
 Bid the crown'd nectar circle round the hall ; 
 But Jove shall thunder through th' etherial dome. 
 Such stern decrees, such threat'ned woes to come. 
 As soon shall freeze mankind with dire surprize, 106 
 And damp th' eternal banquets of the skies. 
 
 The Goddess said, and sullen took her place ; 
 Blank horror sadden'd each celestial face. 
 To see the gathering grudge in every breast, 110 
 Smiles on her lips a spleenful joy exprest; 
 While on her wrinkled front, and e3e-brow bent, . 
 •Sat stedfast care, and lowering discontent. 
 Thus she proceeds— Attend, ye Powers above ! 
 But know, 'tis madness to contest with Jove ; 115
 
 3C8 THE ILIAD. Book XV. 
 
 Supreme he sits ; and sees in pride of sway, 
 
 Your vassal Godheads grudgingly obey : 
 
 Fierce in the majesty of power controls ; 
 
 Shakes all the thrones of heaven, and bends the poles. 
 
 Submiss, Immortals ! all he wills, obey ; 120 
 
 And thou, great Mars, begin and shew tlie way. 
 
 Behold Ascalaphus ! behold him die, 
 
 But dare not murmur, dare not vent a sigh ; 
 
 Thy own lov'd boasted offspring lies o'erthrown, 
 
 If that lov'd boasted offspring be thy own. 125 
 
 Stern Mars, with anguish for his slaughter'd sou, 
 Smote his rebelling breast, and fierce begun, 
 nius, then, Immortals ! thus shall Mars obey ; 
 Forgive me, Gods, and yield my vengeance way: 
 Descending first to yon forbidden plain, 130 
 
 The God of battles dares avenge the slain ; 
 Dares, though the thunder bursting o'er my head 
 Should hurl me blazing on those heaps of dead. 
 
 With that he gives command to Fear and Flight 
 To join his rapid coursers for the fight : 135 
 
 Then, grim in arms, with hasty vengeance flies ; 
 Arms, that reflect a radiance through the skies. 
 And now had Jove, by bold rebellion driven, 
 Discharg'd his wrath on half the host of heaven; 
 But Pallas, springing through the bright abode, 140 
 Starts from her azure throne to calm the God. 
 Struck for th' immortal race with timely fear. 
 From frantic Mars she snatch'd the shield and spear; 
 Then the huge helmet lifting from liis head. 
 Thus to th' impetuous homicide she said. 145 
 
 By what wild passion, furious ! art thou tost ? 
 Striv'st thou with Jove ? thou art already lost. 
 Shall not the Thunderer's dread command restrain, 
 And was imperial Juno heard in vain ? 
 Back to the skies wouldstthou with shame be driven. 
 And in thy guilt involve the host of heaven ? 151 
 Hion and Greece no more shall Jove engage ; 
 The skies would yield au ampler scene of rage. 
 Guilty and guiltless find an equal fate. 
 And one vast ruin whelm th' Olympian state. 155 
 Cease then tl:y ofl:spring"s death unjust to call ; 
 Heroes as great have dy'd, and yet shall fall. 
 ^V^ly should heaven's law with foolish man comply, 
 Exempted from the race ordain'd to die ?
 
 Book XV. THE ILIAD. 329 
 
 This menace fix'd the warrior to his throne ; l60 
 Sullen he sat, and curb'd tlie rising groan. 
 Then Juno call'd ("Jove's orders to obey) 
 The winged Iris, and the God of Day. 
 Go wait the Timnderer's will (Saturnia cry'd) 
 On yon tall summit of the fount-ful Ide : l65 
 
 There in the Father's awful presence stand, 
 Receive, and execute his dread command. 
 
 She said, and sat ; tlie God that gilds the day. 
 And various Iris, wing their airy way. 
 Swift as the wind, to Ida's hills they came 170 
 
 (Fair nurse of fountains and of savage game;) 
 There sat th' Eternal ; he, whose nod controls 
 Tlie trembling world, and shakes the steady poles. 
 Veil'd in a mist of fragrance him tliey found, 
 AViih clouds of gold and purple circled round. 175 
 Well-pleas'd tlie Thunderer saw their earnest care. 
 And prompt obedience to the Queen of Air; 
 Then (while a smile serenes his awful brow) 
 Commands the Goddess of the showery bow. 
 
 Iris ! descend, and what we here ordain 180 
 
 Report to yon mad Tyrant of the main. 
 Bid him from fight to his own deeps repair. 
 Or breathe from slaugliter in the fields of air. 
 If he refuse, then let him timely -sveigh 
 Our elder birthright, and superior sway. 185 
 
 How shall bis rashness stand the dire alarms. 
 If heaven's omnipotence descend in arms? 
 Strives he witli me, by whom his power was given. 
 And is there equal to tlie Lord of Heaven ? 
 
 Th' Almighty spoke ; the Goddess wing'dher flight 
 To sacred Ilion from th' Idasan height. I9I 
 
 Swift as the rattling hail, or fleecy snows 
 Drive through the skies, when Boreas fiercely blows ; 
 So from the clouds descending Iris falls ; 
 And to blue Neptune thus tlie Goddess calls. 195 
 
 Attend the mandate of the Sire above. 
 In me behold the messenger of Jove : 
 He bids thee from forbidden wars repair 
 To thy own deeps, or to the fields of air. 
 This if retus'd, he bids thee timely weigh 200 
 
 His elder birthright, and superior sway. 
 How shall Uiy rashness stand the dire alarms, 
 If heaveu's omnipotence descend la arms ?
 
 330 THE ILIAD, Book XV, 
 
 Striv'st thou with him, by whom all power is given ? 
 And art thou equal to tlie Lord of Heaven ? 205 
 
 What means the haughty sovereign of the skies, 
 (The King of Ocean thus, incens'd, replies) 
 Rule as he will his portion'd realms on high ; 
 No vassal God, nor of his train am I. 
 Three brother deities from Saturn came, ; j^. gJ;Q^ 
 And ancient Rhea, earth's immortal damRSj^^grf buli 
 Assign'd by lot, our triple rule we know; -..■.■., • , • 
 Infernal Pluto sways the shades below ; 
 O'er the wide clouds, and o'er the starry plain, 
 Etherial Jove extends his high domain; 215 
 
 My court beneath the hoary waves I keep, 
 And hush the roarings of the sacred deep : 
 Olympus, and this earth, in common lie ; 
 What claim has here the tyrant of the sky ? 
 Far in the distant clouds let him control, 220 
 
 And awe tlie j-ounger brothers of the pole ; 
 There to his children his commands be given. 
 The trembling, servile, second race of heaven ! 
 
 And must I then (said she) O Sire of Floods ! 
 Bear this fierce answer to the King of Gjods ? 225 
 Correct it yet, and change thy rash intent ; 
 A noble mind disdains not to repent. 
 To elder brothers guardian fiends are given. 
 To scourge the wretch insulting them and heaven. 
 
 Great is the profit (thus the God rejoin'd) 230 
 When ministers are blest witli prudent mind : 
 Warn'd by thy words, to powerful Jove I yield, ^ ^ 
 And quit, though angry, the contended field, rf 
 Not but his tiireats with justice I disclaim, , ^I'W 
 The same our honors, and our birth the same. 235 
 If yet, forgetful of his promise given /;£. 
 
 To Hermes, Pallas, and the Queen of Heaven ;i£,(ria 
 To favor Ilion, that perfidious place, ^riV/ 
 
 He breaks his faith with half tli' etherial race: ;, ,-- 
 Give him to know, unless the Grecian train 240'- 
 Lay j'on proud structures level with the plain, 
 Howe'er th' ofifence by other Gods be past, 
 The wrath of Neptune shall for ever last. 
 
 Tims speaking, furious from the field he strode, 
 And plung'd into the bosom of the flood. 245 
 
 The Lord of Thunders from his lofty height 
 beheld, and thus bespoke the Source of Light,
 
 ; Book XV. THE ILIAD. 331 
 
 Behold ! the God whose liquid arms are hurl'd 
 Around the globe, whose earthquakes rock the world j 
 Desists at length his rebel war to wage, 250 
 
 Seeks liis own seas, and trembles at our rage ; 
 Else had my wrath, heaven's thrones all shaking rouud, 
 Eurn'd to the bottom of the seas profound ; 
 And all the Gods that round old Saturn dwell. 
 Had heard the thunders to the deeps of hell. 255 
 Well was the crime and well the vengeance spar'd; 
 
 !' E'en power immense had found such battle hard. 
 Go thou, my son ! the trembling Greeks alarm, 
 Shake my broad aegis ou thy active arm, 
 j;Be god-like Hector thy peculiar care, 260 
 
 j,Swell his bold heart, and urge his strength to war: 
 I; Let Ilion conquer, till th' Achaian train 
 jlTly to their ships, and Hellespont again: 
 If Then Greece shall breathe from toils— the God-head 
 I said ; 
 
 i His will divine the son of Jove obey'd. 265 
 
 1-Jot half so swift the sailing falcon flies, 
 ,That drives a turtle through the liquid skies; 
 
 As Phcebus, shooting from tli' Idzean brov/, 
 1,' Glides down the mountain to the plain below. 
 [ There Hector seated by the stream he sees, 270 
 i! His sense returning with the coming breeze ; 
 :, Again his pulses beat, his spirits rise ; 
 I Again his lov'd companions meet his eyes ; 
 1 Jove thinking of his pains, tlicy past away. 
 
 To whom tlie God who gives tiie golden day. 275 
 Why sits great Hector from the field so far ? 
 
 What grief, what wound, withholds thee from the 
 war ? 
 The fainting hero, as the vision bright 
 
 Stood shining o'er him, half unseal'd his sight ; 
 
 What blest ImmBJTtal, with commanding breath, 280 
 
 Thus wakens Hector from the sleep of death ? 
 
 His Fame not told, how, while my trusty sword 
 
 Latli'd Greece in slaughter, and her battle gor'd, 
 ' The mighty Ajax with a deadly blow 
 ; Had almost sunk me to the sliades below ? 285 
 
 E'en yet, melhinks the gliding ghosts J spy, 
 
 I And liell's black horrors swim before my eye. 
 
 To )iim Apollo. Be no more dismay'd ; 
 
 See, and be strong ! tlie Thunderer sends thee aid.
 
 832 THE ILIAD. Book XV. 
 
 Behold ! thy Pha?bus shall his arms emploj', i2Qb 
 
 Phoebus, propitious still to thee, and Troy. ■'•""' 
 
 Inspire thy warriors then with manly force, '"-■''{ 
 
 And to the ships impel thy rapid horse : 
 
 E'en I will make thy fiery coursers way, 
 
 And drive the Grecians headlong to the sea. 295 
 
 Thus to bold Hector spoke the son of Jove, 
 And breath'd immortal ardor from above. 
 As when the pamper'd steed, with reins unbound. 
 Breaks from his stall, and pours along the ground; 
 "With ample strokes he rushes to the Hood, 300 
 
 To bathe his sides, and cool his fiery blood ; 
 His head now freed, he tosses to the skies ; 
 His mane dishevel'd o'er his shoulders flies : 
 He snuffs the females in the well-known plain, 
 And springs, exulting, to his fields again : 305 
 
 Ur^'d by ihe voice divine, thus Hector flew, 
 TuU of the God ; and all his hosts pursue. 
 As when the force of men and doars combin'd 
 Invade the mountain-goat, or branching hind ; 
 Far from the hunter's rage secure they lie SiO 
 
 Close in the rock (not fated yet to die;) '■''■ 
 
 AViien lo ! a lion shoots across the way ! ' ' 
 
 They fly : at once the chasers and the prey. 
 So Greece, that late in conquering troops pursu'd. 
 And mark'd their progress thro' the ranks in blood. 
 Soon as tliey see the furious chief appear, ja6 
 
 Forget to vanquish, and consent to fear. ' -^'_' 
 
 Thoas with grief obsen-'d his dreadful course, '^^ 
 Thoas, the bravest of th' ^Etolian force : '-'■'^■^ 
 
 Skill'd to direct tlie javelin's distant flight, • ^^ 
 And bold to combat in the standing fight; 
 Isor more in councils fam'd for solid sense. 
 Than winning words and heavenly eloquence. 
 Gods I what portent (lie crj^'d) these eyes invades? 
 Lo! Hector rises from the Stygian shades! SC'S 
 
 Vt'e saw him, late, by thundering Ajax kill'd : 
 What God restores him to the frighted field ; 
 And, not content that half of Greece lie slain. 
 Pours new destruction on her sons again ? 
 He comes not, Jove ! without thy powerful will; 
 Lo ! still he lives, pursues, and conquers still ! 331 
 Yet hear my counsel, and his worst withstand. 
 The Greeks main body to the fleet commaod ;
 
 Book Xy. THE ILIAD. 333 
 
 tt tlie few whom brisker spirits warm, 
 : the first onset, and provoke the storm, 335 
 point your arms ; and when such foes appear, 
 as be is, let Hector learn to fear, 
 warrior spoke, the listening Greeks obey, 
 niug tlieir ranks, and form a deep array. 
 1 Ajax, Teucer, Merion gave command, 340 
 dUant leader of the Cretan band. 
 -Mars-like Meges : these the chiefs excite, 
 j.ich the foe, and meet the coming fight. 
 .1, unnumber'd multitudes attend, 
 ink the navy, and the shores defend. 345 
 
 I u . on the front the pressing Trojans bear. 
 An I Hector first came towering to the war. 
 P:i ;bu3 himself the rushing battle led; 
 A vt 11 of clouds involv'd his radiant head : 
 [IU'i;-lield before liim, Jove's enormous shield 350 
 Portentous shone, and shaded all the field ; 
 ^'ak jn to Jove th' immortal gift consign'd. 
 To icdtter hosts, and terrify mankind. 
 The Greeks expect the shock, the clamors rise 
 From different parts, and mingle in the skies. 355 
 Dire was the hiss of darts by heroes flung, 
 !And arrows leaping from the bow-string sung ; 
 lilhese drink the hfe of generous warriors slain ; 
 riiose guiltless fall, and thirst for blood in vain. 
 'As long as Phoebus bore unmov'd the shield, 360 
 I' sat doubtful Conquest hovering o'er the field; 
 I'But wien aloft he shakes it in the skies. 
 Shouts in their ears, and lightens in their eyes. 
 Deep horror seizes every Grecian breast, 
 Thtir force is humbled, and their fear confest. 365 
 So tiies a herd of oxen, scatter'd wide, 
 !No swain to guard them, and no day to guide. 
 When two fell lions from the mountain come. 
 And spread tlie carnage through the shady gloom. 
 Impending Phcebus pours around them fear, 370 
 i And Troy and Hector thunder in the n ar. 
 ■Heaps fall on heaps: the slaughter Heccor leads; 
 rirst great Arcesilas, then Stichius bleeds ; 
 One to the bold BcEOtians ever dear, 
 Ajad one Menestheus' friend, and fam'd compeer. ; 
 Medon and lasus, iEaeas sped ; 376 
 
 Jbis sprung from Phelus, and th' Athenians led ; •
 
 Hi THE ILIAD. Book XV. 
 
 But hapless Medon from OVleus came ; 
 
 Him Ajax honor'd ■with a brother's name, 
 
 Though born of lawless love : from home expell'd, 
 
 A banish'd man, in Phylace he dwell'd, 381 i 
 
 Press'd by the vengeance of an angry wife ; i i 
 
 Troy ends, at last, his labors and his life. " ' 
 
 Mecystes next, Polydamas o'erthrew ; 
 
 And thee, brave Clonius, great Agenor slew. 385 
 
 "By Paris, Deiochus inglorious dies, 
 
 Piere'd through the shoulder as he basely flies. 
 
 Polites' arm laid Echius on the plain ; 
 
 Stretcird on one heap, the victors spoil the slain. 
 
 The Greeks dismaj-'d, confus'd, disperse or fall, SQO 
 
 Some seek the trench, some skulk behind the -wall. 
 
 While these fly trembling, others pant for breath, 
 
 And o'er the slaughter stalks gigantic Death, 
 
 On rush'd bold Hector, gloomy as the night ; 
 
 Torbids to plunder, animates the fight, 3Q5 
 
 Points to the fleet : for, by the Gods, who flies. 
 
 Who dares but linger, by this hand he dies ; 
 
 Ko weeping sister his cold eye shall close, 
 
 No friendly hand his funeral pyre compose. 
 
 Who stops to plunder at this signal hour, 400 
 
 The birds shall tear him, and the dogs devour. 
 
 Furious he said ; the smarting scourge resounds ; 
 The coursers fly ; the smoking chariot bounds : 
 The hosts rush on ; loud clamors shake the shore ; 
 The horses thunder, Earth and Ocean roar ! 405 
 Apollo, planted at the trench's bound, 
 Push'd-at the bank : down sunk th' enormous mound: 
 RoU'd in tlie ditch the heapy ruin lay ; 
 A sudden road ! a long and ample way. 
 O'er the dread fosse (a late impervious space) 410 
 Now steeds, and men, and cars, tumultuous pass. 
 The wondering crowds tlie downward level trod ; 
 Before them flam'd the shield, and march'd the God; 
 Then with his hand he shook the mighty wall; 
 And lo ! the turrets nod, the bulwarks fall. 415 
 Easy, as when ashore an infant stands. 
 And draws imagin'd houses in the sands ; 
 Tlie sportive waiiton, pleas'd with some new play, 
 Sweeps the slight works and fashion'd domes away. 
 Thus vanish'd, at thy touch, the towers and walls ; 
 The toil of thousands in a moment falls, 421
 
 : &ok XV. THE ILIAD. 333 
 
 ; The Greciahs gaze around with wild despair, 
 
 Confus'd, and weary all the Powers with prayer ; 
 i: Exhort their men with praises, threats, commands ; 
 i, And urge the Gods, with voices, eyes, and hands. 
 ') Experienc'd Nestor chief obtests the skies, 426 
 
 I And weeps his country with a fatlier's ejes. 
 O Jove ! if ever, on his native shore. 
 One Greek enrich'd thy siirine with oifer'd gore? 
 If e'er, in hope our country to behold, 430 
 
 We paid the fattest firstlings of the fold ; 
 If e'er thou sign'st our wishes with thy nod ; 
 ' Perform the promise of a gracious God ! 
 I This day, preserve our navies from the flame, 
 I And save the reliques of the Grecian name. 455 
 
 Thus pray'd the sage : th' Eternal gave consent, 
 i And peals of thunder shook the firmament ; '- 
 ' Presumptuous Troy mistook th' accepting sign, ■ 
 
 And catch'd new fury at the voice divine. 
 ' As, when black tempests mix the seas and skies, 440 
 ! The roaring deeps in watery mountains rise, 
 , Above the sides of some tall ship ascend, 
 ' Its womb they deluge, and its ribs they rend : 
 i Thus loudly roaring, and o'erpowering all, 
 '. Mount the thick Trojans up the Grecian wall ; 445 
 ' Legions on legions from each side arise : 
 1 Thick sound the keels ; the storm of arrows flies. 
 I Eierce on the ships above, the cars below, 
 I These wield the mace, and those the javelin throWi 
 While thus the thunder of the battle rag'd, 450 
 And laboring armies round the works engag'd j 
 Still in the tent Patroclus sat, to tend 
 The good Eurypylus, his wounded friend. 
 ' He sprinkles healing balms to anguish kind, 
 And adds discourse, the medicine of the mind. 455 
 But when he saw, ascending up the fleet, 
 I Victorious Troy; then, starting from his seat, 
 ' With bitter groans his sorrows he exprest, 
 ; He wrings his hands, he beats his manly breast. 
 I Though yet thy state requires redress (he cries) 460 
 j Depart I must : what horrors strike my eyes ! 
 Charg'd with Achilles' high commands I go, 
 A mournful witness of this scene of woe : 
 I haste to urge him, by his country's care, 
 To rise in arm^ and shine again in war. ^
 
 336 THE ILIAD. Book XV. 
 
 Perhaps some favoring God his soul may bend ; 
 The voice is powerful of a faithful friend. 
 
 He spoke ; and speaking, swifter than the -wind " 
 Sprung from the tent, and left the ward behind. 
 Th' embody'd Greeks the fierce attack sustain, 470 
 But strive, thougli numerous, to repulse in Tain I 
 Nor could the Trojans, through that firm array. 
 Force to the fleet and tents th' impervious -way. 
 As when a shipwright, with Palladian art, 
 Smoothes the rough wood, and levels every part ; 475 
 "With equal hand he guides his whole design. 
 By the just rule, and the directing line : 
 The martial leaders, with like skill and care, 
 Preserv'd their line, and equal kept the war. 
 Brave deeds of arms through all the ranks were try'd. 
 And every sliip sustam'd an equal tide. 481 
 
 At one proud bark, high-towering o'er the fleet 
 Ajax the great and godlike Hector meet ; 
 For one bright prize the matchless chiefs contend ; 
 Nor this the ships can fire, nor that defend ; 485 
 One kept the shore, and one the vessel trod ; 
 That fix'd as Fate, this acted by a God. 
 The Son of Clytius in his daring hand. 
 The deck approaching, shakes a flaming brand ; 
 But ptercM by Telamon's huge lance expires; 490 
 Tliundering he falls, and drops tli' extinguish'd fires. 
 Great Hector view'd him with a sad survey. 
 As stretch'd iii dust before the stem he lay. 
 Oh ! all of Trojan, all of Lycian race ! 
 Stand to your aims, maintain this arduous space: 
 Lo ! where the son of royal Clytius lies ; 496 
 
 Ah save his arms, secure his obsequies ! 
 
 This said, his eager javelin sought the foe : 
 Eut Ajax shunn'd the meditated blo\v. 
 >Jot vainly yet the forceful lance was thrown; 500 
 It stretch'd in dust unhappy Lycophron : 
 An exile long, sustain'd at Ajax' board, 
 A faithful servant to a foreign lord ; 
 In peace, in war, for ever at his side, 
 Near his lov'd master, as he liv'd, he dy'd. 505 
 
 From the high poop he tumbles on the sand, 
 And lie?, a lifeless load, along the laud. 
 With anguish Ajax views the piercing sight. 
 And thus inflames his brother to the fight.
 
 Book XV. THE ILIAD. 337 
 
 Teucer, behold ! extended on the shore 510 
 
 Our friend, our lov'd companion ! now no more ! 
 Dear as a parent, with a parent's care 
 To fight our wars, he left his native air. 
 This death deplor'd, to Hector's rage we owe ; 
 Revenge, revenge it on tlie cruel foe. 5^5 
 
 Where are tliose darts on which the Fates attend ? 
 And where the bow, which Phcebus taught to bend? 
 
 Impatient Teucer hastening to his aid, 
 Before tlie chief his ample bow display'd ; 
 The well-stor'd quiver on his shoulders hung : 520 
 Then hiss'd his arrow, and the bow-string sung. 
 Clytus, Pisenor's son, renowu'd in fame, 
 (To thee, Polydamas ! an honor'd name) 
 Drove through the thickest of th' embattled plains 
 The startling steeds, and shook his eager reins. 525 
 As all on glory ran his ardent mind. 
 The pointed death arrests him from behind. 
 Through his fair neck the thrilling arrow flies ; 
 In youth's first bloom reluctantly he dies. 
 Hurl'd from the lofty seat, at distance far, 630 
 
 The headlong coursers spurn his empty car ; 
 ' Till sad Polydamas the steeds restrain'd, 
 And gave, Astynous, to thy careful hand ; 
 Then, fir'd to vengeance, rush'd amidst the foe. 534 
 I Rage edg'd his sword, and strengtlien'd every blow. 
 
 Once more bold Teucer, in his country's cause, 
 , At Hector's breast a chosen arrow draws ; 
 And had tlie weapon found the destin'd way. 
 Thy fall, great Trojan ! had renown'd that day. _ 
 But Hector was not doom'd to perish then : 540 
 111' all-wise Disposer of the fates of men, 
 (Imperial Jove) his present death withstands ; 
 Kor was such glory due to Teucer's hands. 
 ; At its full stretch as the tough string he drew, 
 I Struck by an arm unseen, it burst in two ; 545 
 
 I Down dropp'd the bow : the shaft with brazen head 
 I Fell innocent, and on the dust lay dead. 
 ; Til' astonish'd archer to great Ajax cries, 
 ' Some God prevents our destin'd enterprize ; 
 
 Some God, propitious to Uie Trojan foe, 550 
 
 I Has, from my arm unfailing, struck the bow, 
 And broke the nerve my hands had twin'd with arti 
 Strong to impel Uie flight of many a dart. 
 I P
 
 338 THE ILIAD. Book XV. 
 
 Since Heaven commands it (Ajax made reply) 
 Dismiss the bow, and lay thy arrows by ; 555 
 
 (Thy arms no less suffice the lance to wield) 
 And quit the quiver for the pondTous shield. 
 In the lirst ranks indulge thy thirst of fame, 
 Thy brave example shall the rest inflame. 
 Fierce as they are, by long successes vaiu; 56o 
 To force our fleet, or e'en a ship to gain, 
 Asits toil, and sweat, and blood : their utmost might 
 Shall find its matcli — no more : 'tis ours to fight. 
 
 Then Teucer laid his faithless bow aside ; 
 The four-fold buckler o'er his shoulder ty'd ; 565 
 On his brave head a crested helm he plac'd, 
 With noddmg horse-hair formidably grac'd ; 
 A dart, whose point with brass refulgent shines, 
 Tlie warrior wields ; and his great brother joins. 
 
 This Hector saw, and thus exprest his joy, 5(0 
 Ye troops of Lycia, Dardanus, and Troy ! 
 Be mindful of yourselves, your aucieat fame. 
 And spread your glory with the navy's flame. 
 Jove is with us ; I saw his hand, but now. 
 From the proud archer strike his vaunted bow. 575 
 Indulgent Jove! how plain thy favors shine, 
 When happy nations bear tlie marks divine ! 
 How easy then, to see the sinkin;,' state 
 Of realms accurst, deserted, reprobate ! 
 Such is the fate of Greece, and such is ours. 580 
 Behold, ye warriors, and esert your powers. 
 Death is the worst ; a fate wlsich all must try ; 
 And, for our country, 'tis a bliss to die. 
 The gallant man, tliough slain in fight he be. 
 Yet leaves his nation safe, his cluldren free; 585 
 Entails a debt on all the grateful state; 
 His own brave friends shall glory in liis fate ; 
 His wife live honor'd, all his race succeed; 
 And late posterity enjoy the deed ! 
 
 Tliis rous'd the soul in every Trojan breast : 590 
 Tlie god-like Ajax next liis Greeks addrest. 
 
 How long, ye warriors of the Argive race, 
 (To generous Argos what a dire disgrace !) 
 How long, on tliese curs'd confines wiil ye lie, 
 Yet iindetermin'd, or to live, or die ! 5^5 
 
 What hopes remain, what methods to retire. 
 If ouce your vessels catch the Trojan fire ?
 
 Book XV. THE ILIAD. 33g 
 
 Mark how the flames approach, how near they falJ, 
 How Hector calls, and Troy obeys his call ! 
 Not to the dance that dreadful voice invites, 600 
 It calls to death, and all the rage of fights. 
 'Tis now no time for wisdom or debates ; 
 To j'our own hands are trusted all your fates; 
 And better far in one decisive strife, 
 One day should end our labor, or our life ; 605 
 Than keep this hard-got inch of barren sands. 
 Still press'd, and press'd by such inglorious hands. 
 The listening- Grecians feel their leader's flame. 
 And every kindling bosom pants for fame. 
 Then mutual slaughters spread on either side ; 6lO 
 By Hector here the Phocian Schedius dy'd ; 
 There pierc'd by Ajax, sunk Laodamas, 
 Chief of the foot, of old Anteuor's race. 
 Polydamas laid Otus on the sand, 
 The fierce commander of th' Epian band. 6l5 
 
 His lance bold Meges at the victor threw ; 
 Tlie ^^ctor stooping, from the death withdrew ; 
 (That valued life, O Phcebus ! was thy care) 
 But Crcesmus' bosom took the flying spear : 
 His corpse fell bleeding on the slippery shore ; 620 
 His radiant arms triumpliant Meges bore. 
 Dolops, the son of Lam pus, rushes on. 
 Sprung from the race ot old Laomedon, 
 And fam'd for prowess in a well-feught field ; 
 He pierc'd the centre of his sounding shield : 625 
 But jNIeees Pliyleus' ample breast-plate wore 
 (Well-known in fight on Selles' winding shore ; 
 For king Euphete^ gave the golden mail. 
 Compact, and firm with many a jointed scale;) 
 Which oft, in cities storm'd, and battles won, C.10 
 Had sav'd the father, and now saves the son. 
 Full at the Trojan's head he urg'd his lance. 
 Where the liigh plumes above the helmet dance, 
 New ting'd with Tyriau dye : in dust below. 
 Shorn from the crest, the purple honors glow. 633 
 Meantime their fight llie Spartan king survey'd, 
 And stood by Meges' side, a sudden aid. 
 Through Dolops' shoulder urg'd his forceful dart, 
 Which held its passage through the panting heart. 
 And issued at his breast. With thundering sound 
 The warrior falls, extended on the ground. 641
 
 340 THE ILIAD. Book XV. 
 
 lu rush the conquering Greeks to spoil the slain : 
 
 But Hector's voice excites liis kindred train ; 
 
 The hero most, from Hicetaon sprung^, 
 
 Fierce Melanippus, gallant, brave, and young. 645 
 
 He (ere to Troy the Grecians cross'd the main) 
 
 Fed his large oxen on Percote's plain ; 
 
 But when, oppressed, his country claim'd his care, 
 
 Return'd to Ilion, and excell'd in war; 
 
 For this, in Priam's court he held his place, 650 
 
 Belov'd no less than Priam's royal race. 
 
 Him Hector singled, as his troops he led. 
 
 And thus inflam'd him, pointing to the dead. 
 
 Ix) INIelauippus ! lo where Dolops lies ; 
 
 And is it thus x)ur royal kinsman dies ? 6o5 
 
 O'ermatch'd he falls ; to two at once a prey. 
 
 And lo ! they bear the bloody arms away ! 
 
 Come on— a distant war no longer wage. 
 
 But hand to hand thy country's foes engage: 
 
 Till Greece at once, and all her glorj' end ; 660 
 
 Or Ilion from her towery height descend, 
 
 Heav'd from the lowest stone ; and bury all 
 
 In one sad sepulchre, one common fall. 
 
 Hector (this said) rush'd forward on the foes: 
 With equal ardor Melanippus glows : 665 
 
 Then Ajax thus— Oh Greeks ! respect your fame, 
 Bespect yourselves, and learn an honest shame: 
 Let mutual reverence mutual warmth inspire. 
 And catch from breast to breast the noble fire. 
 On valor's side the odds of combat lie, 670 
 
 The brave live glorious, or lamented die ; 
 The wretch that trembles in the field of fame, 
 Meets death, and worse than deatl), eternal shame. 
 
 His generous sense he not in vain imparts ; 
 It sunk, and rooted in the Grecian hearts, 675 
 
 They join, they throng, they thicken at his call, 
 And flank the navy with a brazen wall ; 
 Shields touching shields, in order blaze above. 
 And stop the Trojans, though impell'd by Jove. 
 The fiery Spartan first, with loud applause, 680 
 
 Warms the bold son of Nestor in his cause. 
 Is there (he said) in arms a youth like you. 
 So strong to fight, so active to pursue ? 
 Why stand you distant, nor attempt a deed .'' 
 Lift the bold lance, and make some Trojan bleed, .
 
 Book XV. THE ILIAD. 341 
 
 He said ; and backward to the lines retir'd ; 686 
 Forth rush'd the youth, with martial fury fir'd; 
 Beyond the foremost ranks; his lance he threw. 
 And round the black battalions cast his view. 
 The troops of Troy recede with sudden fear, 690 
 While the swift javelin liiss'd along in air. 
 Advancing Melanippus met tlie dart 
 With his bold breast, and felt it in his heart : 
 Thundering he falls; his falling arms resound. 
 And his broad buckler rings against the ground. 695 
 The victor leaps upon his prostrate prize ; 
 Thus on a roe the well-breath'd beagle flies, 
 And rends his side, fresh-bleeding with the dart 
 The distant hunter sent into his heart. 
 Observing Hector to the rescue flew ; 700 
 
 Bold as he was, Antilochus withdrew. 
 So when a savage, ranging o'er the plain. 
 Has torn the shepherd's dog, or shepherd swain ; 
 While, conscious of the deed, he glares around, 
 And hears the gathering multitude resound, 705 
 Timely he flies the yet untasted food, 
 And gains the friendly shelter of the wood. 
 So fears the youth ; all Troy with shouts pursue. 
 While stones aud darts in mingled tempests flew ; 
 But, enter'd in the Grecian ranks, he turns 710 
 His manly breast, and with new fury burns. 
 
 Now on the fleet the tides of Trojans drove, 
 Fierce to fulfil the stern decrees of Jove : 
 The Sire of Gods, confirming Thetis' prayer, 
 Tlie Grecian ardor quench'd in deep despair ; 715 
 But lifts to glory Troy's prevailing bands. 
 Swells all their hearts,and strengthens all their hands. 
 On Ida's top he waits with longing eyes, 
 To view the na\'y blazing to the skies ; 
 Then, nor till then, the scale of war shall turn, 720 
 The Trojans fly, and conquer'd Ilion burn. 
 These fates revolv'd in his almighty mind. 
 He raises Hector to the work design'd. 
 Bids him with more than mortal fury glow. 
 And drives him, like a lightning, on the foe. 725 
 So Mars, when human crimes for vengeance call. 
 Shakes his huge javelin, and whole armies fall. 
 Not witli more rage a conflagration rolls. 
 Wrap* the vast mountains, and involves the poles.
 
 342 THE ILIAD. Book XV. 
 
 He foams with wrath ; beneath his gloomy brow 730 
 Like fierj- meteors his red eye-balls glow : 
 The radiant helmet on his temples burns, 
 Waves when he nods, and lightens as he turns : 
 For Jove his splendor round the chief had thrown. 
 And cast the blaze of both the hosts on one. 735 
 Unliappy glories ! for his fate was near, '4 
 
 Due to stern Pallas, and Pelides' spear : -* 
 
 Yet Jove deferr'd the death he was to pay. 
 And gave what Fate allow'd, the honors of a day! 
 
 Now all on fire for fame, his breast, his eyes 740 
 Burn at each foe, and single every prize ; 
 Still at the closest ranlis, the thickest fight. 
 He points his ardor, and exerts his might. 
 The Grecian phalanx moveless as a tower 
 On all sides batter'd, yet resists his power : 745 
 So some tall rock o'erhangs the hoary main, 
 By winds assail'd, by billows beat in vain, 
 Unmov'd it hears, above, the tempest blow, 
 And sees the watery mountains break below. 
 Girt in surrounding flames, he seems to fall, 750 
 Like fire from Jove, and bursts upon them all : 
 Bursts as a wave that from the clouds impends, 
 And swell'd with tempests on the ship descends ; 
 White are the decks with foam ; the winds aloud 
 Howl o'er the masts, and sing through every slu-oud : 
 Tale, trembling, tir'd, the sailors freeze with fears; 
 And instant death on every wave appears. 
 So pale the Greeks the eyes of Hector meet. 
 The chief so thunders, and so shakes the fleet. 
 
 As when a lion rushing from his den, 760 
 
 Amidst the plain of some wide-water'd fen, 
 (Where numerous oxen, as at ease they feed, 
 At large expatiate o'er the ranker mead ;) 
 Leaps on the herds before the herdsman's eyes : 
 The trembling herdsman far to distance flies : 765 
 Some lordly bull ("the rest dispers'd and fled) 
 He singles out; arrests, and lays him dead. 
 Thus from the rage of Jove-like Hector flew 
 All Greece in heaps ; but one he sciz'd, and slew : 
 Myceuian Periphes, a mighty name, 770 
 
 In wisdom great, in arms well known to fame ; 
 The minister of stern Eurystheus' ire. 
 Against Alcides, Corpreus was his siie :
 
 Book XV. THE ILIAD. 343 
 
 The son redeem'd the honors of the race, 
 
 A son as generous as the sire was base; 775 
 
 O'er all his country's youth conspicuous far 
 
 In every virtue, or of peace or war : 
 
 But doom'd to Hector's stronger force to yield ! 
 
 Against the margin of his ample shield 
 
 lie struck his hasty foot : his heels up-sprung ; 780 
 
 Supine he fell; his brazen helmet rung. 
 
 On the fall'n chief th' invading Trojan prest, 
 
 And piung'd the pointed javelin in his breast. 
 
 His circling friends, who strove to guard too late 
 
 Th' unhappy hero, fled, or shar'd his fate. 785 
 
 Clias'd fiom the foremost Une, the Grecian train 
 2v o\v man the next, receding tow'rd the main : 
 Wedg'd in one body at the tents they stand, 
 Wall'd round with stems, a gloomy desperate band. 
 !Now manly shame forbids th' inglorious flight; 79O 
 Kow fear itself confines them to the fight : 
 Man courage breatlies in man ; but Nestor most 
 (The saue preserver of the Grecian host) 
 Exhorts, adjures, to guard these utmost shores ; 
 And by their parents, by themselves, implores. 795 
 
 O friends ! be men : your generous breasts inflame 
 With equal honor and with mutual shame ! 
 Think of your hopes, your fortunes ; all the care 
 Your wives, your infants, and your parents share : 
 lliink of each living father's reverend head : 800 
 Think of each ancestor with glory dead ; 
 Absent, by me they speak, by me they sue ; 
 They ask their safety, and their fame, from you : 
 The Gods their fates on this one action lay, 
 And all are lost, if you desert the day. 805 
 
 He spoke, and round him breath'd heroic fires; 
 Minerva seconds what the sage inspires. 
 The mist of darkness Jove around tliem threw 
 She clear'd, restoring all the war to view ; 
 A sudden ray shot beaming o'er the plain, 810 
 
 And sliew'd the shores, the navy, and tiie main: 
 Hector they saw, and all who fly, or fight. 
 The scene wide-opening to the blaze of light. 
 First of the field great Ajax strikes their eyes, 
 His port majesUc, and his ample size : 815
 
 344 THE ILIAD. Book XV. 
 
 A ponderous mace with studs of iron crowu'd, j 
 Full twenty cubits long he swings around ; j 
 
 Nor fights like others fix'd to certain stands. 
 But looks a moving tower above tlie bands; 
 High on the decks, with vast gigantic stride, 820 
 The god-like hero stalks from side to side. 
 So when a horseman from the water>' mead 
 (Skill'd in the manege of tlae bounding steed) 
 Drives four fair coursers, practis'd to obey, 
 To some great city tlirough tlie public way ; SCo 
 Safe in his art, as side by side they run, 
 He shifts his seat, and vaults from one to one ; 
 And now to this, and now to that he flies ; 
 Admiring numbers follow with their eyes. 
 
 From ship to ship thus Ajax swiftly flew, . 830 
 No less the wonder of the warring crew. 
 As furious Hector thunder'd threats aloud, 
 And rush'd enrag'd before the Trojan crowd : 
 Then swift invades the ships, whose beaky prores 
 Lay rank'd contiguous on the bending shores : 835 
 So the strong eagle from his airy height. 
 Who marks the swans' or cranes' embody'd flight. 
 Stoops down impetuous, while they light for food. 
 And, stooping, darkens with his wings the flood. 
 Jove leads him on with his almighty hand, 840 
 
 And breathes fierce spirits in his following band. 
 The worring nations meet, the battle roars. 
 Thick beats the combat on the sounding prores. 
 Thou wouldst have thought, so furious was tlieir fire, 
 Ko force could tame them, and no toil could tire ; 
 As if new vigor from new fights they won, 846 
 
 And the long battle was but then begun. 
 Greece yet unconquer'd, kept alive the war. 
 Secure of death, confiding in despair; 
 Troy in proud hopes, already viev/'d the main 850 
 Bright with the blaze, and red with heroes slain ! 
 Like strength is felt from hope and from despair. 
 And each contends, as his were all the war. 
 
 Twas thou, bold Hector I whose resistless hand 
 First seiz'd a ship on that contested strand ; 855 
 The same which dead Protesilaiis bore. 
 The first that touch'd th' unhappy Trojan shore :
 
 Book XV. THE ILIAD. 345 
 
 For this in arms the warring nations stood, 
 And bath'd their generous breasts -with mutual blood. 
 No room to poise the lance or bend the bow ; 860 
 But hand to hand, and man to man they grow : 
 Wounded tliey wound ; and seek eacli other's hearts 
 With falchions, axes, swords, and shorten'd darts. 
 The falchions ring, shields rattle, axes sound. 
 Swords flash in air, or glitter on the ground ; 865 
 With streaming blood the slippery shores are dy'd» 
 And slaughter'd heroes swell the dreadful tide. 
 
 Still raging Hector with liis ample hand 
 Grasps tlie high stem, and gives this loud command. 
 
 Haste, bring the flames ! tlie toil of ten long years 
 Is tinish'd ! and the day desir'd appears ! 871 
 
 This happy day with acclamations greet, 
 Bright with destruction of you hostile fleet. 
 The coward counsels of a timorous throng 
 Of re%'erend dotards, check'd our glory long : 875 
 Too long Jove lull'd us with lethargic charms. 
 But now in peals of thunder calls to arms r 
 In this great daj- he crowns our full desires, 
 Wakes all our force, and seconds all our fires. 
 
 He spoke— the warriors, at his tierce command, 880 
 Pour a new deluge on the Grecian band. 
 E'en Ajax paus'd (so thick the javelins fly) 
 Stept back, and doubted or to live, or die. 
 Yet where the oars are plac'd, he stands to wait 
 What cliief approaching dares attempt liis fate : 885 
 E'en to the last, his naval charge defends. 
 Now shakes his spear, now lifts, and now protends ; 
 E'en yet, the Greeks with piercing shouts inspires. 
 Amidst attacks, and deaths, and darts, and fires. 
 
 O friends ! O heroes ! names for ever dear, 89O 
 Once sons of Mars, and thunderbolts of war ! 
 Ah ! yet be mindful of your old renown, 
 Your great forefatliers' virtues and \our own. 
 Wliat aids expect you in tiiis utmost strait ? 
 What bulwarks rising between you and fate.' 895 
 No aids, no bulwarks, your retreat attend ; 
 No friends to help, no city to defend. 
 This spot is all you have, to lose or keep ; 
 There stand tlie Trojans, and here rolls the deep. 
 V2
 
 346 THE ILIAD. Book XV. 
 
 Tis hostile ground you tread ; your native lands 9OO 
 Far, far from hence : your fates are in your hands. 
 
 Raging he spoke ; nor farther -wastes his breath. 
 But turns his javelin to tlie work of death. 
 Whate'er bold Trojan arm'd his daring hands, 
 Against the sable ships, with flaming brands ; 905 
 So well the chief his naval weapon sped. 
 The luckless warrior at his stern lay dead ; 
 Full twelve, the boldest in a moment fell. 
 Sent by great Ajax to the shades of hell.
 
 THE 
 
 I ]L I A 
 
 BOOK xvr.
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The sixth Battle : the Acts and Death of Patroclus. 
 
 Patroclus (in pursuance of the request of Nestor in 
 the eleventh book) entreats Achilles to suffer him 
 to go to the assistance of the Greeks with Achilles's 
 troops and armor. He agrees to it, but at the same 
 time charges him to content himself with rescuing 
 the fleet, without farther pursuit of the enemy. 
 The armor, horses, soldiers, and officers of Achilles 
 are described. Achilles offers a libation for tlie 
 success of his friend, after which Patroclus leads 
 the Myrmidons to battle. The Trojans, at the 
 sight of Patroclus in Acb'Ules's armor, taking him 
 for that hero, are cast into the utmost consternation: 
 he beats them off from the vessels. Hector himself 
 flics. Sarpedon is killed, though Jupiter was averse 
 to his fate. Several other particulars of the battle 
 are described ; in the heat of which, Patroclus, 
 neglecting the orders of Achilles, pursues tlie foe 
 to the walls of Tro3- ; where Apollo repulses and 
 disarms him, Euphorbus wounds him, and Hector 
 kills him : which concludes the book.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK XVI. 
 
 ^O virarr'd both armies on th' ensanguin'd shore, 
 •^ While the black vessels smok'd with human gore. 
 Meantime Patroclus to Achilles flies ; 
 The streaming tears fall copious from his eyes ; 
 Kot faster trickling- to tlie plains below, 5 
 
 From the tall rock the sable waters flow. 
 Divine Pelides with compassion mov'd, 
 Thus spoke, indulgent to his best belov'd. 
 
 Patroclus, say, what grief th3'- bosom bears. 
 That flows so fast in these unmanly tears ? 10 
 
 No girl, no infant, whom the mother keeps 
 From her lov'd breast, with fonder passion weeps; 
 Kot more the mother's soul that infant warms. 
 Clung to her knees, and reaching at her arms. 
 Than thou hast mine ! Oh tell me, to what end 15 
 Thy melting sorrows thus pursue thy friend ? 
 
 Griev'st thou for me, or for my martial band ? 
 Or come sad tidings from our native land? 
 Our fathers live, (our first, most tender care) 
 Thy good Mencetius breathes tlie vital air, 20 
 
 And hoary Peleus yet extends his days ; 
 Pleas'd in their age to hear their children's praise. 
 Or may some meaner cause thy pity claim ? 
 Perhaps yon reUques of the Grecian name, 
 Doom'd in tlieir ships to sink by hre and sword, Qo 
 And pay the forfeit of their haughty lord ? 
 \Vhate'er the cause, reveal thy secret care. 
 And speak those sorrows which a friend would share. 
 
 A sigh, that instant, from his bosom broke. 
 Another follow'd, and Patroclus spoke. 30 
 
 Let Greece at length with pity touch thy breast, 
 lliyself a Greek ; and, once, of Greeks- tlie best! 
 Lo ! every chief that might lier fate prevent. 
 Lies pierc'd -with wounds, and bleeding in his tent.
 
 350 THE ILIAD. Book XVl. 
 
 Eurypylns, Tydides, Atreus' son, 35 ^ 
 
 And wise Ulysses at the navy groan > 
 
 More for theircountry'swounds.than for their own. > 
 Their pain, soft arts of pharmacy can ease, 
 Thy breast alone no lenitives appease. 
 
 May never rage like thine my soul enslave, 40 
 O great in vain ! unprofitably brave ! 
 Thy country slighted in her last distress. 
 What friend, what man, from thee shall hope redress? 
 No— men unborn, and ages yet behind. 
 Shall curse that fierce, that unforgiving mind. 45 
 
 O man unpitying ! if of man thy race ; 
 But sure thou spring'st not from a soft embrace. 
 Nor ever amorous hero caus'd thy birth. 
 Nor ever tender Goddess brought thee forth. 
 Some rugged rock's hard entrails gave thee form, 50 
 And raging seas produc'd thee in a storm, 
 A soul well-suiting that tempestuous kind. 
 So rough thy manners, so untam'd thy mind. 
 
 If some dire oracle thy breast alarm. 
 If aught from Jove, or Thetis, stop thy arm, 5S 
 Some beam of comfort yet on Greece may shine. 
 If I but lead the Myrmidonian line : 
 Clad in thy dreadful arms if I appear, 
 Proud Troy shall tremble, and desert the war : 
 Without thy person Greece shall win the day, 60 
 And thy mere image chase her foes away. 
 Press'd by fresh forces, her o'erlabor'd train 
 Shall quit the ships, and Greece respire again. 
 
 Thus, blind to Fate ! with supplicating breath. 
 Thou begg'st his arms, and in his arms thy death. 
 Unfortunately good ! a boding sigh 66 
 
 Thy friend return'd ; and with it, this reply. 
 
 Patroclus ! thy Achilles knows no fears ; 
 Nor words from Jove, nor oracles he hears ; 
 Nor aught a mother's caution can suggest ; 70 
 
 The tyrant's pride lies rooted in my breast. 
 My wrongs, my wrongs, my constant tliought engage. 
 Those, my sole oracles, inspire my rage : 
 I made him tyrant : gave him power to wrong 
 E'en me : I felt it ; and shall feel it long. 75 
 
 The maid, my black-ey'd maid, he forc'd away, 
 Due to the toils of many a well-fought day ; 
 Due to my conquest of her fatlier's reign ; 
 Due to the votes of all the Grecian train.
 
 f.l 
 
 Book XVI. THE ILIAD. 351 
 
 From me he forc'd her ; me, the bold and brave ; 80 
 Disgrac'd, dishonor'd, hke tlie meanest slave. 
 But bear we this— the wrongs I grieve are past; 
 'Tis time our fury should relent at last : 
 I fix'd its date ; the day I wish'd appears ; 
 Now Hector to my ships his battle bears, 85 
 The flames my eyes, the shouts invade my ears. 
 Go, then, Patroclus ! court fair honor's charms 
 In Troy's fam'd fields, and in Achilles' arms : 
 Lead forth my martial Myrmidons to fight, 
 Go, save the fleets, and conquer in my right. gO 
 See the thin reliques of their baffled band, 
 At the last edge of yon deserted land ! 
 Behold all Ilion on their ships descends ; 
 How the cloud blackens, how the storm impends! 
 It was not thus, when at my sight amaz'd, 95 
 
 Troy saw and trembled, as this helmet blaz'd : 
 Had not th' injurious king our friendship lost. 
 Yon ample trench had bury'd half her host. 
 !No camps, no bulwarks, now the Trojans fear. 
 Those are not dreadful, no Achilles there : 100 
 
 No longer flames the lance of Tydeus' son ; 
 No more your general calls his heroes on ; 
 Hector, alone, I hear ; his dreadful breath 
 Commands your slaughter, or proclaims your death. 
 Yet now, Patroclus, issue to the plain ; 105 ^ 
 
 Now save the ships, the rising fires restrain, > 
 And give the Greeks to visit Greece again. * 
 
 But heed my words, and mark a friend's command 
 Who trusts his fame and honors in thy hand. 
 And from thy deeds expects, th' Achaian host 110 
 Sliall render back the beauteous maid he lost. 
 Rage uncontrol'd through all the hostile crew. 
 But touch not Hector, Hector is my due. 
 Though Jove in thunder should command the war; 
 Be just, consult my glory, and forbear, 115 
 
 The fleet once sav'd, desist from farther chase. 
 Nor lead to Ilion's walls the Grecian race ; 
 Some adverse God, thy rashness may destroy ; 
 Some God, like Phoebus, ever kind to Troy. 
 Let Greece redeem'd from this destructive strait, 120 
 Do her own work ; and leave the rest to Fate. 
 Oh ! would to all th' immortal powers above, 
 Apollo, Pallas, and almighty Jove ;
 
 S52 THE ILIAD. Book XVI. 
 
 That not one Trojan might be left alive, 
 
 And not a Greek of all the race survive ; 125 
 
 Might only we the vast destruction shun. 
 
 And only we destroy th' accursed town ! 
 
 Such conference held the chiefs ; while on the strand. 
 Great Jove with conquest crown'd tlie Trojan band. 
 Ajax no more the sounding storm sustain'd, 130 
 So thick, the darts an iron tempest rain'd : 
 On his tir'd arm the weighty buckler hung ; 
 His hollow helm with falling javelins rung. 
 His breath, in quick, short pantings, comes, and goes; 
 And painful sweat from all his members flows. 135 
 Spent and o'erpower'd, he barely breathes at most ; 
 Yet scarce an army stirs him from his post : 
 Dangers on dangers all around him grow, 
 And toil to toil, and woe succeeds to woe. 
 
 Say, Muses, thron"d above the starry frame, 140 
 How first the navy blaz'd with Trojan flame ? 
 
 Stern Hector wav'd his sword: and standing near 
 Wliere furious Ajax ply'd liis ashen spear. 
 Full on the lance a stroke so justly sped. 
 That the broad falchion lopp"d its brazen head : 145 
 His pointless spear the warrior sliakes in vain ; 
 The brazen head falls sounding on the plain. 
 Great Ajax saw, and own'd tlie hand divine. 
 Confessing Jove, and trembling at the sign; 149 
 Warn'd, he retreats. Then swift from all sides pour 
 Tlie hissing brands ; thick streams the fiery shower ; 
 O'er the liigb stern the curling volumes rise, 
 And sheets of rolling smoke involve the skies. 
 
 Divine Achilles view'd the rising flames. 
 And smote his thigh, and tlius aloud exclaims. 155 
 Arm, arm, Patroclus ! Lo, the blcize aspires ! 
 The glowing ocean reddens with the tires. 
 Arm, ere our vessels catch the spreading flame ; 
 Arm, ere the Grecians be no more a name ; 
 I haste to bring the troops— I'he hero said ; l60 
 The friend with ardor and with joy obeyM. 
 
 He cas'd his limbs in brass ; and first around 
 His manly legs with silver buckles bound 
 The clasping greaves ; then to his breast applies 
 The flamy cuirass, of a tliousand dyes ; l65 
 
 Emblaz'd with studs of gold his falcliion shone 
 In the rich belt, as in a starry zone :
 
 Book XVI. THE ILIAD. 338- 
 
 Achilles' shield his ample shoulders spread, 
 
 Achilles' helmet nodded o'er his head : 
 
 Adorn'd in all his terrible arraj% 170 
 
 He flash'd around intolerable day. 
 
 Alone, untouch'd, Pelides' javelin stands, 
 
 Kot to be pois'd but by Pelides' hands ; 
 
 From Telion's sliady brow the plant entire 
 
 Old Chiron rent, and shap'd it for his sire ; 175 
 
 Whose son's great arm alone the weapon wields, 
 
 The death of lieroes, and the dread of fields. 
 
 Then brave Automedon (an honor'd name. 
 The second to his lord in love and fame, 
 In peace his friend, and partner of the war) 180 
 The winged coursers harness'd to the car ; 
 
 Xanthus and Balius, of immortal breed. 
 Sprung from tlie wind, and like tue ^viud in speed ; 
 Whom the wing'd Harpy, swift Podarge, bore. 
 By Zephyr pregnant on tlie breezy shore : 185 
 
 Swift Pedasus was added to their side, 
 (Once great Action's, now Achilles' pride) 
 Who, like in strength, in swiftness, and in grace, 
 A mortal courser, match'd th' immortal race. 
 
 Achilles speeds from tent to tent, and warms IQO 
 His hardy Myrmidons to blood and arms. 
 All breathing death, around their chief they stand, 
 A grim terrific formidable band : 
 Grim as voracious wolves, that seek the springs 194 
 When scalding thirst their burning bowels wrings ; 
 \Vlien some tall slag, fresh-slaughter'd in the wood. 
 Has drench'd their wide insatiate throats with blood. 
 To the black fount they rush a hideous throng. 
 With paunch distended, and with lolling tongQe, 
 Fire fills their eye, their black jaws belch the gore,20O 
 And, gorg'd with slaughter, still they thirst for more. 
 Like furious rush'd the Myrmidonian crew, 
 Such their dread strength.and such their death fulview. 
 
 High in the midst the great Achilles stands, 
 Directs their order, and the war commands. 205 
 He, lov'd of Jove, had launch'd for Ilion's shores 
 Full fifty vessels, mann'd with fift}' oars : 
 Five chosen leaders the fierce bands obey. 
 Himself supreme in valor, as in sway. 
 
 First march'd Menestheus, of celestial birth, SIO 
 Deriv'd from thee, whose waters wash the earth,
 
 354 THE ILIAD. Book XVI. 
 
 Divine Splrchius ! Jove-descending flood ! 
 
 A moital mother mixing with a God. 
 
 Such was iNIenestlieus, but miscall'd by fame 
 
 The son of Bonus, that espous'd the dame. 215 
 
 Eudorus next; whom Polyraele the gay 
 Fam'd in the graceful dance, produc'd to day. 
 Her, sly Cellenius lov'd, on her would gaze, 
 As with swift step she form'd llie running maze : 
 To her high chamber from Diana's quire, 220 
 
 The God pursued her, urg-'d, and crown'd his fire. 
 The son confessed his father's heavenly race, 
 And heir'd his mother's swiftness in the chase. 
 Strong Echecieus, blest in all those charms. 
 That pleas'd a God, succeeded to her arms; 225 
 ISoi conscious of those loves, long hid from fame. 
 With gifts of price he sought and won the dame ; 
 Her secret ofi^pring to her sire she bare ; 
 Her sire caress'd him with a parent's care. 
 Pisander foUow'd ; matchless in his art 230 
 
 To wing the spear, or aim the distant dart ; 
 Iso hand so sure of all th' Emathiau line. 
 Or if a surer, great Patroclus ! thine. 
 
 The fourth by Phoenix' grave command was grac'd; 
 Laertes' valiant offspring led the last. 235 
 
 Soon as Achilles with superior care 
 Had call'd the chiefs, and order'd all the war. 
 This stern remembrance to liis troops he gave : 
 Ye far-fam'd Myrmidons, ye tierce and brave ! 
 Think with what threats you dar'd the Trojan throng, 
 Think what reproach these ears endm-'d so long, 241 
 " Stern son of Peleus," (thus he us'd to say. 
 While, restless, raging in your ships you lay) 
 " Oh nurs'd with gall, unknowing how to yield ; 
 " Whose rage defrauds us of so fam'd a field. 245 
 " If that dire fury must for ever burn, 
 •' What make we here ? Return ; ye chiefs, return!" 
 Sucli were your words— Now, warriors.grieve no more. 
 Lo there the Trojans ! bathe your swords in gore ! 
 This day shall give you all your soul demands ; 230 
 Glut all your hearts ! and weary all your hands ! 
 Thus while he rous'd the fire in every breast. 
 Close, and more close, the listening cohorts prest; 
 ■Ranks wedg'd in ranks ; of arms a steely ring 
 Stij] ijrows, and spreads, and lliickens round the king.
 
 Book XVf. THE TLTAD. 355 
 
 As when a circling wall tlie builder forms, 256 
 
 Of strength defensive against -wind and storms. 
 Compacted stones the thickening work compose, 
 And round him wid the rising structure grows : 
 So iielm to helm, and crest to crest they throng, 260 
 Shield urg'd on shield, and man drove man along ; 
 Thick, undistinguish'd plumes, together join'd. 
 Float in one sea, and wave before the wind. 
 
 ; Far o'er the rest, in glittering pomp appear. 
 There bold Automedon, Patroclus liere ; 265 
 
 Brotliers in arms, with equal fury fir'd ; 
 Two friends, two bodies with one soul inspu-'d. 
 But mindful of the Gods Achilles went 
 
 '■ To the rich coffer in his shady tent : 
 ThtVe lay on heaps his various garments roU'd, 270 
 And costly furs, and carpets stift with gold 
 (The presents of the silver-footed dame.) 
 From thence he took a bowl of antique frame, 
 Which never man had stain*d with ruddy wine, 
 ^I'or rais'd in offerings to the Powers divine, £75 
 But Peleus' son ; and Peleus' son to none 
 Had rais'd in offerings, but to Jove alone. 
 This ting'd with sulphur, sacred first to flame, 
 He purg'd ; and wash'd it in the running stream. 
 Then cleans'd his hands ; and fixing for a space 280 
 His eyes on heaven, his feet upon the place 
 Of sacrifice, the purple draught he pour'd 
 Forth in the midst ; and thus the God implor'd. 
 
 Oh thou Supreme I high thron'd alMieiglit above ! 
 Oh great Pelasgic, Dodona?an Jove ! 285 
 
 Who 'midst surrounding frosts, and vapors chill, 
 Presid'st on bleak Dodona's vocal hill: 
 (Whose groves, the Selli, race austere ! surround, 
 "Their feet unwash'd, their slumbers on the ground; 
 Who hc-ar, from rustling oaks, thy dark decrees ; CQO 
 And catcli the fates, low-whisper'd in the breeze} 
 Hear, as of old ! Thou gav'st at Thetis' prayer. 
 Glory to me, and to the Greeks despair. 
 Lo, to tlie dangers of the fighting field 
 The best, the dearest of my friends, 1 yield : 293 
 Tliough still determin'd, to my ships confin'd ; 
 Patroclus gone, I stay but half behind. 
 Oh ! be his guard tliy providential care, 
 
 i Con^m hi? heart, and string his arm to war : 
 
 i
 
 356 THE ILIAD. Book XVT. 
 
 Press'd by his single force, let Hector see 300 
 
 His fame in arms not owing all to me. 
 
 But ■when the fleets are sav'd from foes and fire. 
 
 Let him with conquest and renown retire ; 
 
 Presen-e liis arms, preserve his social train, 
 
 And safe return him to these eyes again 1 305 
 
 Great Jove consents to half the chiet^s request. 
 But heaven's eternal doom denies the rest; 
 To free the fleet was granted to his prayer ; 
 His safe return, tiie \nnds dispers'd in air. 
 Back to his tent the stern Achilles flies, 310 
 
 And waits the combat with impatient eyes. 
 
 Meanwhile the troops beneath Patroclus' care, 
 Invade the Trojans, and coriimence tlie war. 
 As wasps, provok'd bj- children in their play, '^' 
 Pour from their mansions by the broad highway, 
 In swarm.s tlie guiltless traveller engage, 316 
 
 "Whet all their stings, and call forth all their rage : 
 All rise in arms, and with a general cry 
 Assert their waxen domes, and buzzing progeny. 
 Thus from the tents the fervent legion swarms, 320 
 So loud their clamor, and so keen their arms. 
 Their rising rage Patroclus' breath inspires. 
 Who thus inflames them with heroic fires. 
 
 Oh warriors, partners of Achilles' praise ! 
 Be mindful of your deeds in ancient days: 3C5 
 
 Your god-like master let your acts proclaim, 
 And add new glories to his mighty name. 
 Tliink, your Achilles sees you fight: be brave. 
 And humble the proud monarch whom you save. 
 
 Joyful they heard, and kindling as he spoke, 330 
 Flew to the fleet, involv'd in fire and smoke. 
 From shore to shore the doubling shouts resound, 
 The hollow ships return a deeper sound. 
 The war stood still, and all around them gaz'd, 
 "When great Achilles' shining armor blaz'd : 335 
 
 Troy saw, and thought the dread Achilles nigh. 
 At once they see, they tremble, and they fly. 
 
 Then first thy spear, divine Patroclus ! flew. 
 Where tlie war rag'd, and where the tumult grew. 
 Close to the stern of that famd ship, which bore 
 Unblest Protesilaus to Ilion's shore, 341 
 
 The great Pajonian, bold Pyraschmes, stood ; 
 (Who led his bands from Axius' winding flood)
 
 Book XVr. THE ILIAD. 357 
 
 His shoulder-blade receives the fatal wouud ; 
 The groaning warrior pants upon the ground. 345 
 His troops, tliat see their country's glory slain, 
 Fly diverse, scatter'd o'er the distant plain. 
 
 ■ Patroclus' arm forbids the spreading fires, 
 
 And from the half-burn'd ship proud Troy retires : 
 I Clear'd from the smoke the joyful navy lies : .^50 
 ! In heaps on heaps the foe tumultuous flies ; 
 j Triumphant Gretce her rescu'd decks ascends, 
 i And loud acclaim the starry region rends. 
 ! So when thick clouds inwrap the mountain's head 
 
 O'er heaven's expanse like one black ceiling spread: 
 ' Sudden, the Thunderer with a flashing ray, 356 
 
 • Bursts through the darkness, and lets down the day : 
 
 The hills shine out, the rocks in prospect rise. 
 
 And streams, and vales, and forests, strike the eyes ; 
 ! The smiling scene wide opens to the sight, 360 
 
 And all tli' unmeasur'd ether flames with light. 
 But Troy repuls'd, and scatter'd o'er the plains ; 
 
 ■ Forc'd from the navy, yet the fight maintains. 
 iTHow every Greek some hostile hero slew, 
 
 iBut still the foremost, bold Patroclus flew ; 365 
 As Arielycus had turn'd him round. 
 Sharp in his thigh he felt the piercing wound ; 
 The brazen-pointed spear, with Nngor thrown. 
 The thigh transfix'd, and broke the brittle bone ; 
 Headlong he fell. Next, Thoas, was thy chance, 370 
 Thy breast, unarm'd, receivd the Spartan lance. 
 Phylides' dart (as Amphiclus drew nigh) 
 His blow prevented, and transpierc'd his thigh, 
 Tore all the brawn, and rent the nerves away ; 
 ~n darkness and in death the warrior lay. 375 
 
 In equal arms two sons of Nestor stand. 
 And two bold brothers of the Lycian band : 
 By great Antilochus, Atymnius dies, 
 Pierc'd in the flank, lamented youth ! he lies. 
 Kiud Maris, bleeding in his brother's wound, 380 
 Defends the breathless carcass on the ground. 
 Furious he flies, his murderer to engage : 
 But god-like Thrasimed prevents his rage. 
 Between his arm and shoulder aims a blow ; 
 His arm falls spouting on the dust below : 385 
 
 He sinks, with endless darkness cover'd o'er ; 
 And vents his soul, effus'd with gushing gore.
 
 aSB THE ILIAD, Book XVI. 
 
 Slain by two brothers, thus two brothers bled, 
 Sarpedon's frieads, Araisodarus' seed ; 
 Amisodarus, who, by Furies led, SQO 
 
 The baae of men, abhorr'd Chimaera bred ; 
 Skill'd in the daft in vain, his sons expire. 
 And pay the forfeit of tlieir guilty sire. 
 
 Stopp'd in the tumult Cleobulus lies, 
 Beneath Oi'leus' arm, a livina prize ; 390 
 
 A li^-ingf prize not long the Trojan stood ; 
 Tiie thirsty falcliion drank his reekiiisr blood : 
 Plung'd in his throat the smoakiug weapon lies ; 
 Black death, and fate unpitying, seal his eyes. 
 
 Amid the ranks, with mutual thirst of fame, 4OO 
 Lycon the brave, and fierce Peneleus came ; 
 In vain their javelins at each other flew, 
 Now, met in arms, their eager swords they drew. 
 On the plum'd crest of his Boeotian foe, 
 The daring Lycon aim'd a noble blow ; 405 
 
 Tlie sword broke short ; but his, Peneleus sped 
 Full on the juncture of tlie neck and head ; 
 The head, dixaded by a stroke so just, 
 Hung by the skin : the body sunk to dust. 
 
 O'ertaken Neamas by Merion bleeds, 410 
 
 Pierc'd through the shoulder as he mounts his steeds; 
 Back from the car he tumbles to the ground : 
 His swimming eyes eternal shades surround. 
 
 Next Erymas was doom'd his fate to feel, 
 His open'd mouih rec«v"d the Cretan steel : 415 
 Benealli the brain the point a passage tore, 
 Crash'd the tlim bones, and drown'd the teeth in gore : 
 His mouth, liis eyes, his nostrils, pour a Hood ; 
 He sobs his soul out in the gush of blood. 
 
 As when the flocks neglected by the swain 420 
 (Or kids, or iambs) lie scattered o'er the plain, 
 A troop of wolves th" unguarded charge survey. 
 And rend the trembling, unresisting prey : 
 Thus on the foe the Greeks impetuous came; 
 Troy fled, unmindful of her former fame. 4C5 
 
 But still at Hector god-like Ajas aim'd. 
 Still pointed at his breast, liis javelin flam'd : 
 The Trojan chief, experienc'd in tlie field. 
 O'er his broad shoulders spread the massy shield, 
 Observ'd the storm of darts the Grecians pour, 430 
 And on his buckler caught the ringing shower.
 
 Book XVI. THE TLIAD. 359 
 
 He sees for Greece tlie scale of conquest rise, 
 Yet stops, and turns, and saves his lov'd allies. 
 
 A3 when the hand of Jove a tempest forms, 
 And rolls the cloud to blacken heaven with storms, 
 Dark o"er the fields th' ascending vapor flies, 4^ 
 And shades the sun, and blots the golden skies : 
 So from tlie ships, along the dusky plain, 
 Dire Flight and Terror drove the Trojan train. 
 E'en Hector fled ; through heaps of disarray 440 
 Tlie fiery coursers forc'd their lord away : 
 While far behind his I'rojans fall confu&'d; 
 Wedg'd in the trench, in one vast carnage bruis'd : 
 Chariots on chariots roll : tlie clashing spokes 
 , Shock; while the madding steeds break short their yokes : 
 In vain they labor up the steepy. mound ; 446 
 
 Their charioteers he foaming on the ground. 
 Fierce on the rear, witli shouts, Patroclus flies ; 
 . Tumultuous clamor fills the fields and skies ; 
 Tliick drifts of dust involve their rapid flight ; 450 
 Clouds rise on clouds, and heaven is snatch"d from sight. 
 , Th' affrighted steeds, tlieir dying lords cast down, 
 I Scour o'er tlie fields, and stretch to reach the town. 
 1 Loud o'er the rout was heard the victor's cry, 454 
 ! Where the war bleeds, and where the thickest die, 
 
 ■ Where horse and arms, and chariots lie o'erthrown, 
 I And bleeding heroes under axles groan. 
 
 i No stop, no check, the steeds of Peleus knew ; 
 f From bank to bank th' immortal coursers flew, 
 
 ■ High-bounding o'er the fosse : the whirling car 4C0 
 
 ■ Smoker tlirough the ranks, o'ertakes the flying war, 
 And tliundejo after Hector ; Hector flies, 
 Patroclus shakes his lance ; but Fate denies. 
 
 ' Not with less noise, with less impetuous force, 
 
 ■ Tlie tide of Trojans urge their desperate course, 465 
 I Than when in autumn Jove his fury pours, 
 
 I And earth is loadeu witli incessant showers, 
 
 I (Wlfen guilty mortals break th' eternal laws, 
 
 ' Or judges brib'd, betray the righteous cause) 
 
 I From their deep beds he bids the rivers rise, 47O 
 
 ; And opens all the flood-gates of the skies : 
 
 I 111 impetuous torrents from their hills obej-, 
 
 I Whole fields are drown'd, and mountains swept away; 
 
 I Loud roars the deluge till it meets the main; 
 
 1 And trembling mau sees all his labors vain. 475
 
 36ff THE ILIAD. Book XVlt 
 
 And now the chief (Ihe foremost troops repell'd) 
 Back to the ships his destiu'd progress held, 
 Bore down half Troy in his resistless way, 
 And forc'd the routed ranks to stand the day. 
 Between the space where silver SimoVs flows, 480 
 Where lay the fleets, and where the rampires rose. 
 All grim in dust and blood, Patroclus stands, 
 And turns the slaughter on the conquering bands. 
 First Pronoiis died beneath his fiery dart, 484 
 
 Which pierc'd below the shield his valiant heart. 
 Thestor was next ; who saw the chief appear. 
 And fell the victim of his coward fear ; 
 Shrunk-up he sat, with wild and haggard eye, 
 Nor stood to combat, nor had force to fly : 
 Patroclus mark'd him as he shunn'd the war, 490 
 And with unmanly tremblings shook the car, 
 And dropp'd the flowing reins. Him 'twixt the jaws 
 The javelin sticks, and from the chariot draws. 
 As on a rock that over-hangs the main. 
 An angler, studious of the line and cane, 495 
 
 Some mighty fish draws panting to tlie shore ; 
 Not with less ease the barbed javelin bore 
 The gaping dastard : as the spear was shook, 
 He fell, and life his heartless breast forsook. 
 
 Next on Eryalus he flies ; a stone 500 
 
 Large as a rock, was by his furj' thrown : 
 Full on his crown the ponderous iragment flew, 
 And burst the helm, and cleft the head in two : 
 Prone to the ground the breathless warrior fell. 
 And death involvd him with the shades of hell. 505 
 Then low in dust Epaltes, Ecliius lie ; 
 Ipheas, Evippus, Polymelus, die ; 
 Amphoterus, and Erymas succeed ; 
 And last Tlepolemus and Py]-es bleed. 
 Where'er he moves, the growing slaughters spread 
 In heaps on heaps; a monument of dead. 511 
 
 When now Sarpedon his brave friends beheld 
 Groveling in dust, and gasping on the field, 
 With this reproach his flying host ho warms. 
 Oh stain to honor ! oh disgrace to arms ! 5l5 
 
 Forsake, inglorious, the contended plain ; 
 This hand, unaided, shall the war sustain: 
 The task be mine, this hero's strength to try, 
 Wlio mows whole troops, and makes aa army fly.
 
 Book XVI. THE ILIAD. 35l 
 
 He spake ; and speaking, leaps from off the car ; 5C0 
 Patroclus lights, and sternly waits the war. 
 As \?hea two vulturs on the mountain's height 
 Stoop with resounding pinions to the fight ; 
 They cuff, they tear, they raise a screaming cry: 
 The desert echoes, and tlie rocks reply : 5S» 
 
 The warriors thus oppos'd in arms, engage 
 "With equal clamors, and with equal rage. 
 
 Jove \iew'd tlie combat ; whose event foreseen. 
 He thus bespoke his Sister and his Queen. 
 The hour draws on ; the Destinies ordain, i30 
 
 My god-like son shall press tire Phrygian plain : 
 Already on the verge of death he stands. 
 His life is ow'd to fierce Patroclus' hands. 
 What passions in a parent's breast debate ! 
 Say, shall I snatch him from impending fate, 535 
 And send him safe to Lycia, distant far 
 From all the dangers and the toils of war; 
 Or to his doom niy bravest otispring yield. 
 And fatten with celestial blood the field ? 
 
 Then thus the Goddess with the radiant eyes : 540 
 What words are these ? Oh sovereign of the skies ! 
 Short is the date prescrib'd to mortal man ; j 
 
 Shall Jove, for one, extend the narrow span, > 
 Whose bounds were fix'd before his race began ? ' 
 I How many sons of Gods, foredoom'd to death, 545 
 
 Before proud Ilion, must resign their breath ! 
 \ Were thine exempt, debate would rise above, 
 And murmuring Powers condemn their partial Jove. 
 Give the bold chief a glorious fate in fight: 
 And when tli' ascending soul has wing'd her flight, 
 JvCt Sleep and Death convey, by thy command, 551 
 I The breathless body to his native land. 
 
 His friends and people, to his future praise, 
 i A marble tomb and pyramid shall raise, 
 ; And lasting honors to his ashes give ; 555 
 
 I His fame ('tis all tlie dead can have) shall live. 
 I She said ; the Cloud-compeller, overcome, 
 1 Assents to fate, and ratifies the doom. 
 || Then,touch'd with grief, the weeping heavens distill'd 
 A shower of blood o'er all the fatal field ; 560 
 
 I The God, his eyes averting from tlie plain, 
 Laments his son, predestin'd to be slain, 
 Tar from the Lycian shores, his happy native reigo. 
 » Q 
 
 ,]
 
 362 THE lOAD. Book XVI. 
 
 Now met in arms, the combatants appear, 
 Each heavM the sliield, and pois'd the lifted spear : 
 From strong Patroclus' hand the javelin fled, 566 
 And pass'd the groin of valiant Tiirasymed ; 
 The nerves unbrac'd, no more his bulk sustain, 
 He falls, and falling bites the bloody plain. 
 Two sounding darts the Lycian leader threw ; 5*0 
 The first aloof with erring fury tiew. 
 The next traixspierc'd Achilles' mortal steed, 
 The generous Pcdasus of fheban breed, 
 Fix'd in the shoulder's joint he reel'd around, 
 RoH'd in the bloody dust, and paw'd the slippery ground. 
 His sudden fall th' entangled harness broke; 676 
 Each axle crackled, and the chariot shook : 
 When bold Automedon, to disengage 
 The starting coursers, and restrain their rage. 
 Divides the traces with his sword, and freed 580 
 Th' incuraber'd chariot from the dying steed : 
 The rest move on, obedient to the rein ; 
 The car rolls slowly o'er the dusty plain. 
 
 The towering chiefs to fiercer tight advance. 
 And first Sarpedon whirl'd his weighty lance, 585 
 AVhich o'er the warrior's shoulder took its course, 
 And spent in empty air its dying force. 
 IQot 50 Patroclus' never-ening dart ; -^ 
 
 Aim'd at liis breast, it piercd the mortal part, ( 
 Where the strong fibres bind the solid heart. 590 5 
 Tlien, as the mountain oak, or poplar tall. 
 Or pine (fit mast for some great admiral) 
 ]Sods to the ax, till with a groaning sound 
 It sinks, and spreads its honors on the ground : 
 Thus fell the king ; and laid on earth supine, 5Q5 
 Before his chariot stretch'd his form divine : 
 He grasp'd the dust distain'd witli streaming gore. 
 And, pale in death, lay groaning on the shore. , 
 So lies a bull beneath the lion's paws, 
 W'hile the grim savage grinds with foamy jaws 600 
 The trembling limbs, and sucks the smoking blood ; 
 Deep groans.and hollow roars,rebellow thro' the wood. 
 
 Then to the leader of the Lycian band 
 The dying chief address'd his last command. 
 Glaucus, be bold ; thy task be first to dare 605 
 
 The glorious dangers of destructive war. 
 To lead my troops, to combat at their head, 
 Incite the living, and supply the dead.
 
 Book XVI. THE ILIAD. 363 
 
 Tell them, I charg'd thoni with my latest breath 
 1 Not unreveng'd to bear Sarpedon's death. 6lO 
 
 What grief, what shame, must Glaucus undergo, 
 If these spoil'd arms adorn a Grecian foe! 
 Then as a friend, and as a warrior, fisht ; 
 Defend my body, conquer in my right ; 
 That, tauaht by great examples, all may try 6l5 
 1 Like thee to vanquisli, or like me to die. 
 
 He ceas'd ; the Fates supprcss'd his laboring breath. 
 And iiis eyes darken'd with tlie shades of death. 
 Th' insulting victor witii disdain bestrode 
 The prostrate prince, and on his bosom trod ; 620 
 Then drew the weapon from his panting heart. 
 The reeking fibres clinging to tlie dart ; 
 From the wide wound gusliM out a stream of blood. 
 And the soui issued in the purple flood. 
 His flying steeds tlie Myrmidons detain, 625 
 
 Unguided now. their mighty master slain. 
 AU-impoccnt of aid, iransfix'd with grief. 
 Unhappy Giaucus heard the dying chief. 
 .His painful arm, yet useless with the smart 
 .Jnilicled late bj' Teucer's deadly <lart, 630 
 
 Supported on his better hand he stay'd ; 
 To Piioebus then ('twas all he could) he pray'd. 
 
 All-seeins: monarch ! whether Lj-cia's coast, 
 Or sacred Ilion, thy bright presence boast. 
 Powerful alike to eyse the wretch's smart ; 635 
 > Oh hear me ! God of evei-y healing art ! 
 (Lo ! stiff with clotted blood, and pierc'd with pain, 
 iThat thrills my arm, and shoots through eveiy vein ; 
 I stand unable to sustain the spear. 
 And sish, at distance from the glorious war. 640 
 Low in the dust is great Sarpedon laid, 
 Nor Jove vouchsafed his hapless oftspring aid. 
 But thou, O God of Health ! thy succour lend. 
 To guard the reliques of my slaughier'd friend. 
 For thou, tliough distant, canst restore my might. 
 To head my Lycians, and support the fight. 646 
 
 Apollo heard ; and, suppliant as he stood, 
 His heavenly hand restrain'd the flux of blood : 
 He drew the dolors from the wounded part. 
 And breath'd a spirit in his rising heart. 650 
 
 Renew'd by art divine, the heio stands. 
 And owns th' assistance of immortal hands.
 
 364 THE ILIAD. Book XVI. 
 
 First to the fight bis native troops he warms. 
 Then loudly calls on Troy's vindictive arms ; 
 With ample strides he stalks from place to place ; 
 Now fires Agenor, now Polydamas ; 656 
 
 ^neas next, and Hector, he accosts ; 
 Inflaming thus the rage of all their hosts. 
 
 What thoughts, regardless chief! thy breast employ ? 
 Oh too forgetful of the friends of Troy ! 660 
 
 Those generous friends, who, from their country far, 
 Breathe their brave souls out in another's war. 
 See ! where in dust the great Sarpedon lies. 
 In action valiant, and in council wise. 
 Who guarded right, and kept his people free; 665 
 To all his Lycians lost, and los»- to thee ! 
 Stretchd by Patroclus' arm on yonder plains, 
 Oh save from hostile rage his lov'd remains : 
 Ah let not Greece his couquer'd trophies boast, 
 Nor on his corse revenge her heroes lost. 670 
 
 He spoke ; each leader in his grief partook, 
 Troy, at the loss, through all her legions shook. 
 Transfix'd with deep regret, they view o'erthrown 
 At once his country's pillar, and their own; 
 A chief, who led to Troy's beleaguer'd wall 675 
 A host of heroes, and out-shin'd them all. 
 Fir'd they rush on ; first Hector seeks the foes, 
 And with superior vengeance greatly glows. 
 
 But o'er the dead the fierce Patroclus stands, 
 And, rousing Ajax, rous'd the listening bands. 680 
 
 Heroes, be men! be what you were before ; 
 Or weigh the great occasion, and be more. 
 The chief who taught our lofty walls to yield, 
 lies pale in death, extended on the field. 
 To guard his body, Troy in numbers flies ; 685 
 'Tis half the glory to maintain our prize. 
 Haste, strip his arms, the slaughter round him spread. 
 And send the living Lycians to the dead. 
 
 The heroes kindle at his fierce command ; 
 The martial squadrons close on either hand : 6yO 
 Here Troy and Lycia charge with loud alarms, 
 Thessalia there, and Greece, oppose their arms. 
 With horrid shouts they circle round the slain; 
 I'he clash of armor rings oer all the plain. 
 Great Jove, to swell the horrors of the fight, 6gS 
 O'er the fierce armies pours pernicious night.
 
 Book XVI. THE ILIAD. 365 
 
 And round his son confounds the warring hosts. 
 
 His fate ennobling witli a crowd of ghosts. 
 Now Greece gives way. and great Epigeus falls ; 
 
 Asacleus' son. from Budium's lofty walls : 700 
 
 iw'ho, chas'd for murder thence, a suppliant came 
 'To Peleus and the silver-fooled dame; 
 
 IJow sent to Troy, Achilles' arms to aid. 
 
 He pays due vengeance to his kinsman's shade. 
 
 Soon as his luckless hand had touch'd the dead, 705 
 
 A rock's large fragment thunder'd on his liead ; 
 
 Hurl'd by Hectorian force, it cleft in twain 
 
 His sliatter'd helm, and stretth'd him o'er the slain. 
 
 Fierce to the van of fight Patroclus came ; 
 ' And, like an eagle daitmg at his game, 710 
 
 1 Sprung on the Trojan and tlie Lyciau band ; 
 
 ■What grief thy heart, what tury urg'd thy hand, 
 ;Oh generous Greek! when with full vigor thrown 
 
 At Sthenelaiis flew the weighty stone, 714 
 
 jWhicli sunk him to the dead: when Troy, too near 
 
 That arm, drew back ; and Hector learn'd to fear. 
 
 Far as an able hand a lance can throw, 
 ' Or at the lists, or at the fighting foe ; 
 'So far the Trojans from their lines retir'd ; 
 
 Till Glaucus, turnine, all the rest iuspir'd. 720 
 
 :Then Bathyclaeus fell beneath his rage, 
 I The only hope of Chalcon's trembling age : 
 
 Wide oer the laud was streich'd his large domain, 
 I With stately seats, and riches, blest in vain ; 
 
 Him, bold with youth, and eager to pursue 725 
 
 The flying Lycians, Glaucus met, and slew ; 
 ' Piercd through the bosom with a sudden wound, 
 
 He fell, and, falling, made the fields resound. 
 I Tli' Achaians sorrow for their hero slain ; 729 
 
 With conquering shouts the Trojans siiake the plain, 
 I And crowd to spoil the dead : the Greeks oppose ; 
 j An iron circle round the carcass grows. 
 I Then brave Laogonus resign'd his bieath, 
 I Dispatch'd by Merion to the shades of death : 
 ; On Idits holy hill he made abode, 735 
 
 . The priest of Jove, and honor'd like his God. 
 ' Between the jaw and ear the javelin went: 
 I The soul, exhaliny, issued at the vent. 
 His spear ^neas at the vi( tor threw, 
 
 Wbo stooping forward from the death withdrew ; 740
 
 366 THE ILIAD. Book XVI; 
 
 The lance hiss'd harmless o'er his covering shield, 
 And trembling struck, and rooted in the field ; 
 There yet scarce spent, it quivers on the plain. 
 Sent by the great .ILneas' arm in vain. 
 Swift as tliou art (the raging hero cries) 743 
 
 And skill'd in dancing to dispute the prize, 
 My spear, the destin'd passage had it found, 
 Had fix'd thy active vigor to the ground. 
 
 Oh valiant leader of the Dardan host ! 
 (Insulted Merion thus retorts the boast) 750 
 
 Strong as you are, 'lis mortal force you trust, 
 An arm as strong may stretch thee in the dust. 
 And if to this my lance thy fate be given. 
 Vain are thy vaunts ; success is still from heaven : 
 This instant sends thee down to Pluto's coast; 755 
 Mine is the glor3-, his thy parting ghost. 
 
 O friend (]\IencEtius' son this answer gave) 
 With words to combat, ill befits the brave ; 
 !Not empty boasts the sons of Troy repel, 
 Your swords must plunge them to the shades of hell. 
 To speak, beseems the council : but to daxe 761 
 In glorious action, is the task of war. 
 
 This said, Patroclus to the battle flies ; 
 Great Merion follows, and new shouts arise: 
 Shields, helmets rattle, as the warriors close ; 765 
 And thick and heavy sounds the storm of blows. 
 As through the shrilling vale, or mountain ground, 
 The labors of the woodman's ax resound ; 
 Blows following blows are heard re-echoing wide, 
 ^Vhile crackling forests fall on every side. 770 
 
 Thus echo'd all the fields with loud alarms. 
 So fell the warriors, and so rung their arms. 
 
 Now great Sarpedon on the sandy shore. 
 His heavenly form defac'd with dust and gore, 
 And stuck witli darts by warring heroes shed, 775 
 Lies undistinguish'd from the vulgar dead. 
 His long-disputed corse the chiefs inclose, 
 On every side the busj' combat grows ; 
 Thick as beneath some shepherd's thatch'd abode, 
 (The pails high foaming with a milky flood,) 780 
 The buzziusr flies, a persevering train. 
 Incessant swarm, and chas'd, return again. 
 
 Jove view'd the combat with a stern survey. 
 And eyes that flash'd intolerable day.
 
 Book XVr. THE ILIAD. 307 
 
 Fix'd on the field his siglit, his breast debates "85 
 The vengeance due, and meditates the fates : 
 Whether to urge their prompt effect, and call 
 The force of Hector to Patroclus' fall, 
 Tliis instajit see liis short-iiv'd trophies won, 
 And stretch'd liini breathless on his slaughter'd son; 
 Or yet, -H-ith many a soul's untimely flight, 791 
 
 Augment the fame and horror of tlje fight. 
 To crown Achilles' valiant friend with praise 
 At length he dooms ; and that his last of days 
 Siiall set in glory ; bids him drive tlie foe ; 795 
 
 Kor unattended see the shades below. 
 Then Hector's mind he fills with dire dismay ; 
 He mounts his car, and calls his hosts away, 
 Sunk with Troy's heavy fates, he sees decline 
 The scales of Jove, and pants \<'ith awe divine. 800 
 
 Then, nor before, the hardy Lycians fled, 
 And left their monarch witli the common dead: 
 Around, in heaps on heaps, a dreadful wall 
 Of carnage rises, as tlie heroes fall. 
 (So Jove decreed !) At length tlie Greeks obtain 
 The prize contested, and despoil the slain. 806 
 
 The radiant arms are by Patroclus borne, 
 Patroclus' ships tlie glorious spoils adorn. 
 
 Then thus to Piicebus, in the realms above, 
 Spoke from his throne the cloud-compelling Jove. 
 Descend, my Phoebus ! on the Phrjgian plain, 811 
 And from the tight convey Sarpedon slain; 
 Then bathe his body in tlie crystal flood ; 
 M'ith dust dishonor'd, and deform'd with blood: 
 O'er all his limbs ambrosial odors shed, 815 
 
 And with celestial robes adorn the dead. 
 Those rites discharg'd, his sacred corse bequeath 
 To the soft arms of silent Sleep and Death. 
 They to his friends the mournful charge shall bear. 
 His friends a tomb and pyramid shall rear ; 820 
 What honors mortals after death receive. 
 Those unavailing honors we may give ! 
 
 Apollo bows, and from mount Ida's height. 
 Swift to the field precipitates his flight; 
 Thence from the war the breathless hero bore, 825 
 Veil'd in a cloud to silver Simo'is' shore ; 
 There bath'd his honorable wounds, and drest 
 His manly members in th' immortal vest ;
 
 368 THE ILIAD. Book XIV. 
 
 And with perfumes of sweet ambrosial dews, 
 Restores his freshness, and his form renews. 830 
 Then Sleep and Death, two twins of winged race, 
 Of matchless swiftness, but of silent pace, 
 Rereiv'd Sarpedou, at the God's command. 
 And in a moment reach'd the Lycian land ; 
 The corse amidst his weeping friends they laid, 835 
 Where endless honors M-ait the sacred shade. 
 
 Meanwhile Patroclus pours along the plains. 
 With foaming coursers, and with loosen'd reins. 
 Fierce on the Trojan and the Lycian crew. 
 Ah blind to fate ! ihy headlonsr fur>' flew : 840 
 
 Against what Fate and powerful Jove ordain, 
 Vain was thy fr end's command, thy courage vain. 
 For he, the God, whose counsels uncontrol'd. 
 Dismay the mighty, and confound the bold : 
 The God who gives, resumes, and orders all, 845 
 He urg'd thee on, and urg'd thee on to fall. 
 
 Who first, brave hero ! by that arm was slain. 
 Who last, beneath thy vengeance press'd the plain; 
 When Heaven itself thy fatal fun.- led, 
 And Cdll'd to fill the number of the dead? 850 
 
 Adrestus first; Autonous then succeeds; 
 Echeclus follows ; next young Megas bleeds: 
 Epistor, Menalippus, bite the ground ; 
 The slaughter, Elaius and Mulius crown'd : 
 Then sunk Pylartes to eternal night; 855 
 
 The rest dispersing, trust their fates to flight. 
 
 Now Troy had stoop'd beneath his matchless pov.er. 
 But flaming Phoebus kept the sacred tower. 
 Tlirice at the battlements Patroilus strook. 
 His blazing agis thrice Apollo shook : 860 
 
 He try'd the fourth ; when, burslinsr from the cloud, 
 A more than mortal voice was heard aloud. 
 
 Patroclus! cease; this heaven-defended wall 
 Defies thy lance ; not fated yet to fail ; 
 Thy friend, thy greater far, it shall withstand. 865 
 Troy shall not stoop ev"n to Achilles' hand. 
 
 So spoke the God who darts celestial firfs : 
 Tlie Greek obeys him, and with awe retires : 
 While Hector, checking at the Scasan gates 
 His panting coursers, in his breast debates, gjo 
 Or in the field his forces to employ. 
 Or draw the troops within tlie walls of Troy.
 
 : Book XVT. THE ILIAD. 369 
 
 '' Thus while he thought, beside him Plwebus stood, 
 I In Asius' shape, wlio reiijn'd by Sangar's flood; 
 ' (Thy brother, Hecuba ! from Dymas sprung, 875 
 !i A valiant warrior, haughty, bold, and youngO 
 \ Thus he accosts him. What a shameful sight ! 
 ■ Gods ! is it Hector that forbears the fight ? 
 Were thine my vigor, this successful spear 
 Should soon convince thee of so false a fear. C80 
 Turn then, ah turn thee to the field of fame. 
 And in Patroclus' blood eflFace thy shame. 
 Perliaps Apollo shall thy arms succeed. 
 And Heaven ordains him by thy lance to bleed. 
 
 So spoke Ih' inspiring God ; then took his flight. 
 And plung'd amidst the tumult of the fight. 886 
 He bids Cebrion drive the rapid c-ar ; 
 The lash resounds, tiie coursers rush to war. 
 The God the Grecians' sinking souls deprest. 
 And pour'd swift spirits through each Trojan breast. 
 Patroclus lights, impatient for the fight ; 8QI 
 
 A spear his left, a stone employs liis right • 
 With al 1 his nerves lie drives it at the foe ; 
 Pointed above, and rough and gross below : 
 The falling ruin crush'd. Cebrion's head, 895 
 
 The lawless ofifepring of king Priam's bed ; 
 His front, brows, eyes, one undistinguish'd wound : 
 The bursting balls drop sightless to the ground. 
 Tfie charioteer, while yet he iield the rein, 
 Struck from tiie car, falls headlong on the plain. QOO 
 To the dark shades the soul unwilling glides, 
 Wliile the proud victor thus his fall derides. 
 
 Good Heavens ! what active feats you artist shows! 
 What skilful divers are our Phrygian foes ! 
 Mark with what ease they sink into the sand ! 905 
 Pity, that all their practice is by land ! 
 
 Then rushing sudden on his prostrate prize. 
 To spoil the carcass fierce Patroclus flies : 
 Swift as a lion, terrible and bold, 
 That sweeps the fields, depopulates tlie fold ; giO 
 Pierc'd thro' the dauntless heart, then tumbles slain; 
 And from his fatal courage finds his banc. 
 At once bold Hector leaping from his car. 
 Defends the body, and provokes the war. 
 Thus for some slaughter'd hind, with equal rage. 
 Two lordly rulers of the wood engage ; Ql6 
 
 Q 2
 
 m THE ILIAD. Book XVI. 
 
 Stung with fierce hunger, each the prey invades, 
 And echoing roars rebellow through the shades. 
 Stern Hector fastens on the warrior's head. 
 And by the foot Patroclus drags the dead. 990 
 While all around, confusion, rage, and fright 
 Mix the contending host in mortal fight. 
 So pent by hills, the wild winds roar aloud 
 In the deep bosom of some gloomy wood ; 
 leaves, arms, and trees, aloft in air are blown, QQ5 
 The broad oaks crackle, and the sylvans groan ; 
 This way and tliat, the rattling thicket bends. 
 And the whole forest in one crash descends. 
 ISot with less noise, with less tumultuous rage. 
 In dreadful shock the mingled hosts engage. 930 
 Darts shower'd on darts, now round the carcass ring ; 
 Now flights of arrows bounding from the string : 
 Stones follow stones ; some clatter on the fields. 
 Some hard, and hea\'y, shake the sounding shields. 
 But where the rising whirlwind clouds the plains, \ 
 Sunk in soft dust the mighty chief remains, 936 > 
 And, stretch'd in death, forgets the guiding reins ! * 
 
 Now flaming from the Zenith, Sol iiad driven 
 His fervid orb through half the vault of heaven ; 
 While on e<tch host with equal tempest fell 940 
 The showering darts, and numbers sunk to hell. 
 But when his evening wheels o'erhung the main, 
 Glad conquest rested on the Grecian train. 
 Then from amidst the tumult and alarms, 
 They draw the conquer'd corse, and radiant arms. 
 Then rash Patroclus with new fury glows, 946 
 
 And, breathing slaughter, pours amid the foes. 
 Thrice on the press like Mars himself he flew. 
 And thrice three heroes at each onset slew. 
 There ends thy glory ! there the Fates untwine 950 
 The last, black remnant of so bright a line ; 
 Apollo dreadful stops thy middle way ; 
 Death calls, and Heaven allows no longer day ! 
 
 For lo ! the God in dusky clouds enshrin'd. 
 Approaching dealt a staggering blow behind. 955 
 The weighty shock his neck and shoulders feel ; 
 His eyes flash sparkles, his stunn'd senses reel 
 In giddy darkness : far to distance flung. 
 His bounding helmet on the charapain rung. 
 Achilles' plume is stain'd with dust and gore, g60 
 i;bat plume, which never stoop'd to earth before ;
 
 Book XVL THE ILIAD. 371 
 
 Long us'd, untouch'd, in fightiug fields to shine, 
 And shade the temples of the man divine. 
 Jove dooms it now on Hector's helm to nod ; 
 Kot long- for fate pursues him, and the God. S^ 
 
 His spear in shivers falls : his ample shield 
 Drops from his arm : his baldric strows the field: 
 The corselet his astonish'd breast forsakes : 
 Loose is each joint ; each nerve with horror shakes. 
 Stupid he stares, and all-assistless stands : 970 
 
 Such is the force of more than mortal hands ! 
 
 A Dardan youth there was, well-known to fame, 
 From Panthus sprung, Euphorbus was his name ; 
 Fam'd for the manege ot the foaming horse, 
 Skill'd in the dart, and matchless in the course: 975 
 Full twenty knights he tumbled from the car. 
 While yet he learnd his rudiments of war. 
 His venturous spear first drew the hero's gore ; 
 He struck, he wounded, but lie durst no more; 
 Nor, though disarm'd, Fatroclus' fury stood: 980 x 
 But swift withdrew the long-protended wood, > 
 And turn'd him short, and herded in the crowd. * 
 Thus, by an arm divine, and mortal spear. 
 Wounded at once ; Patroclus yields to fear. 
 Retires for succour to his social train, 985 
 
 And flies the fate, which Heaven decreed, in vain. 
 Stern Hector, as the bleeding chief he views. 
 Breaks through the ranks, and his retreat pursues : 
 The lance arrests him with a mortal wound ; 
 He falls, earth thunders, and his arms resound. 990 
 With him all Greece was sunk ; that moment all 
 Her yetsurviviug heroes seem'd to fall. 
 So, scorch'd with heat, along the desert shore, 
 The roaming lion meets a bristly boar, 
 Fast by the spring ; they both dispute the flood, ggS 
 With flaming-eyes, and jaws besmear'd with blood ; 
 At length the sovereign savage wins the strife. 
 And the torn boar resigns his thirst and life. 
 Patroclus thus, so many chiefs o'erthrown. 
 So many lives eflus'd, expires his own. 1000 
 
 As dying now at Hector's feet he lies, 
 He sternly views him, and triumphing cries: 
 
 Lie there, Patroclus ! and with thee, the joy. 
 Thy pride once promis'd, of subverting Troy ; 
 The fancy'd scenes of Ilion wrapt in flames, 1005 
 And thy soft pleasures serVd with captive dames t
 
 372 THE ILIAD. Book XVL 
 
 Unthinking man ! I fought, those towers to free, 
 And guard that beauteous race from lords like thee: 
 But thou a prey to vulturs shalt be made ; 
 Thy own Achilles cannot lend thee aid; 1010 
 
 Though much at parting that great chief might say. 
 And much enjoin thee, this important day. 
 " Return not, niy brave friend (perhaps he said) "1 
 " Witliout the bloody arms of Hector dead." > 
 He spoke, Patroclus march'd, and thus he sped, j 
 
 Supine, and wildly gazing on the skies, 1016 
 
 With faint, expiring breath, the chief replies. 
 
 Vain boaster ! cease, and know the Powers divine : 
 Jove's and Apollo's is this deed, not thine ; 
 To Heaven is ow'd whate'er your own you call, 1020 
 And Heaven itself disarmed me ere my fall. 
 Had twenty mortals, each thy match in might, 
 Oppos'd me fairly, they had sunk in tight : 
 By Fate and Phcebus was I first o'erthrown, 
 Euphorbus next; tlie third mean part thy own. 10C5 
 But thou, imperious ! hear my latest breath; 
 The Gods inspire it, and it sounds thy death. 
 Insulting man, thou shalt be soon, as I ; 
 Black fate hangs o'er thee, and thy hour draws nigh ; 
 E'en now on life's last verge I see thee stand, 1030 
 1 see thee fall, and by Achilles' hand. 
 
 He faints f the soul unwilling wings her way 
 (The beauteous body left a load of clay.) 
 EJits to the lone, uncomfortable coast ; 
 A naked, wandering, melancholy ghost ! 1035 
 
 Then Hector pausing, as his eyes he fed 
 On the pale carcass, thus address'd the dead. 
 
 From wlience this boding speech, this stern decree 
 Of death denounc'd, or why denounc'd to me ? 
 "Why not as well Achilles' fate be given, 1040 
 
 To Hector's lance ? who knows the will of Heaven? 
 
 Pensive he said ; then pressing as he lay 
 His breathless bosom, tore the lance away ; 
 And upwards cast the corpse : the reeking spear 
 He shakes, and charges the bold charioteer. 1045 
 But swift Automedon with loosen'd reins 
 Rapt in the chariot o'er the distant plains. 
 Far from his rage th' immortal coursers drove ; 
 Til' immortal coursers were the gift of Jove.
 
 I ]L I A B, 
 
 BOOK XVII.
 
 ARGUMENT, 
 
 The seventh Battle, for the body of Patroclus: 
 the Acts of Meiietaus. 
 
 Jlenelaus, upon the dealh of Patroclus, defends his 
 body from the enemy : Euphorbus, who attempts 
 it, is slain. Hector advancing, Menelaus retires ; 
 but soon returns with Ajax, and drives him off. 
 This Glaucus objects to Hector as a flight, who 
 thereupon puts on tJie armor he had won from 
 Patroclus, and renews the battle. Tlie Greeks 
 give way, till Ajax rallies tliem : .i^neas sustains 
 the Trojans. JEneas and Hector attempt the chariot 
 of Achilles, which is borne off by Automedon. The 
 horses of Achilles deplore the loss of Patroclus : 
 Jupiter covers his body with a thick darkness : the 
 noble prayer of Ajax on that occasion. Menelaus 
 sends Antilochus to Achilles, with the news of 
 Patroclus' death : then returns to the fight, where, 
 though attacked witli Uie utmost fury, he and 
 Meriones, assisted by tlie Ajaxes, bear off the 
 bodj' to the ships. 
 
 The time is the evening of the eight and twentieth 
 day. The scene lies in the fields before Troy.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK XVII. 
 
 0"N the cold earth divine Patroclus spread, 
 Lies pierc'd with wouuds among the vulgar dead. 
 Great Menelaiis, touch'd with generous woe, 
 Springs to the front, and guards him from the foe : 
 Thus round her new-fall'n young, the lieifer moves. 
 Fruit of her throes, and first-born of her loves ; 6 
 And anxious (helpless as he lies, and bare) 
 Turns, and returns her, with a mother's care. 
 Opposed to each that near the carcass came. 
 His broad shield glimmers, and his lances flame. 10 
 
 The son of Panthus, skill'd the dart to send. 
 Eyes the dead hero, and insults the friend. 
 This hand, Atrides, laid Patroclus low ; 
 Warrior, desist, nor tempt an equal blow : 
 To me the spoils my prowess won, resign ; 15 
 
 Depart with life, and leave the glory mine. 
 
 The Trojan thus : the Spartan monarch burn'd 
 With generous anguish, and in scorn return'd. 
 Laugh'st thou not, Jove ! from thy superior throne. 
 When mortals boast of prowess not their own ? 20 
 I' Kot thus the lion glories in his might, 
 ij !Nor panther braves his spotted foe in fight, 
 |. Uor thus the boar (those terrors of the plain) 
 IJ Man only vaunts his force, and vaunts in vain. 
 S But far the vainest of the boastful kind 25 
 
 I These sons of Panthus vent their haughty mind. 
 I Yet 'twas but late, beneath my conquering steel 
 I This boaster's brother, Hyperenor, fell, 
 I Against our arm which rashly he defy'd, 
 I' Vain was bis vigor, and as vain liis pride. 30
 
 376 THE ILIAD. Book XVII. 
 
 These eyes beheld him on the dust expire. 
 
 No more to cheer his spouse, or glad his sire. ' 
 
 Presumptuous j-outh ! like his shall be thy doom, 
 
 Go, -svait thy brother to the Stygian gloom ; 
 
 Or, •while thou may'st, avoid the threatcn'd fate ; 35 
 
 Fools stay to feel it, and are -wise too late. 
 
 Unmov'd Euphorbus thus : That action known. 
 Come, for my brother's blood repay thy own. 
 His weeping father claims tliy destin'd head, 
 And spouse, a widow in her bridal bed, 40 
 
 On tiiese thy conquer'd spoils I shall bestow, 
 I'o soothe a consort's and a parent's woe. 
 Ko longer then defer the glorious strife, 
 Let heaven decide our fortune, fame, and life. 
 
 Swift as the word the missile lance he flings, 45 
 The well-aim'd weapon on the buckler rings. 
 But blunted by the brass innoxious falls. 
 Oa Jove the father, great Atrides calls. 
 Nor flies the javelm from his arm in vain, 
 It pierc'd his throat, and bent him to tlie plain ; 50 
 Wide through the neck appears the grisly wound. 
 Prone sinks tlie warrior, and his arms resound. 
 The shining circlets of his golden hair. 
 Which e'en the Graces might be proud to wear, • ' 
 Instarr'd witli gems and gold, bestrow the shore, 5S 
 With dust dishouor'd, and deform'd with gore. " 
 
 As the young olive, in some sylvan scene, 
 Crown'd by fresh fountains \^ith eternal green, 
 laifts the gay head, in snowy flow'rcts fair. 
 And plays and dances to the gentle air ; 60 
 
 When lo ! a whirlwind from high heaven invades 
 The tender plant, and withers all its shades ; -'• 
 It lies uprooted from its genial bed, ^ 
 
 A lovely ruin now defac'd and dead. 
 Thus young, thus beautiful, Euphorbus lay, 65 
 
 While the fierce Spartan tore his arms away. 
 Proud of his deed, and glorious in the prize, 
 Affrighted Troy the towering victor flies : 
 Flies, as before some mountain lion's ire, 
 Tlie village curs and trembling swains retire ; 70 
 When o'er the slaughter'd bull they hear him roar, 
 And see his jaws distil with smoking gore ; 
 All pale with fear, at distance scatter'd round. 
 They shout incessant, and the vales resound. 
 
 4
 
 Book XVII. THE ILIAD. 377 
 
 Meanwhile Apollo view'd with envious eyes, 75 
 And urg'd great Hector to dispute the prize. 
 (In Mentes' shape, beneath whose martial care 
 The rougti Ciconians learn'd the trade ot war.) 
 Forbear, he cry'd, with fruitless speed to chase 
 Achilles' coursers, of etherial race ; 80 
 
 They scoop, not Uiese, to mortal man's command. 
 Or stoop to none but great Achilles' hand. 
 Too long amus'd with a pursuit so vain, 
 Turn, and behold the brave Euphorbus slain! 
 By Sparta slain ! for ever now supprest 85 
 
 The fire which bum'd in that undaunted breast! 
 
 Thus having spoke, Apollo wing'd his flight. 
 And roix'd with mortals in the toils of fight : 
 His words infix'd unutterable care 
 Peep in great [lector's soul : thro' all the war go 
 He dcirts his anxious eye ; and instant view'd 
 The breathless hero in his blood imbru'd, 
 (Forth welling from the wound, as prone he lay) 
 And in the victor's hands the shining prey. gi 
 
 Sheath'd in bright arms, thro' cleaving ranks he flies 
 And sends his voice in thunder to the skies : 
 Fierce as a flood of flame by Vulcan sent. 
 It flew, and fir'd the nations as it went. 
 Atrides from the voice the storm divin'd. 
 And thus explor'd his own unconquer'd mind. 100 
 
 Then shall I quit Patroclus on the plain. 
 Slain in my cause, and for my honor slam I 
 Desert the arms, the relics of my friend ? 
 Or, sin^jly, Hector and his troops attend ? 
 Sure where such partial favor Heaven bestow'd, 105 
 To brave the hero were to brave the God : 
 Forgive me, Greece, if once I quit the field ; 
 Tis not to Hector, but to heaven I yield. 
 Yet, nor the (Jod, nor heaven, should give me fear. 
 Did but the voice of Ajax reach my ear : 110 
 
 Still would we turn, still battle on the plains. 
 And give Achilles all that yet remains 
 Of his and our Patroclus.— I'iiis, no more. 
 The time allow'd : Troy thickeu'd on the shore, 
 A sable scene ! The terrors Hector led. 115 
 
 Slow he recedes, and sighing quits the dead. 
 
 So from the fold th' unwilling lion parts, 
 Forc'd by loud clamors, aad a storm of darts ;
 
 573 THE ILIAD. Book XVII. 
 
 He flies indeed, but threatens as he flies. 
 With heart indignant and retorted eyes. 120 
 
 Kow enter'd in the Spartan ranks, he turn'd 
 His manly breast, and with new fury burn'd, 
 O'er all the black battalions sent his view. 
 And through the cloud the god-like Ajax knew ; 
 Wliere laboring on the left the warrior stood, 125 
 All grim in arms, and cover'd o'er with blood, 
 There breathing courage, where the God of Day 
 Had sunk each heart with terror and dismay. 
 
 To him the king. Oh Ajax, oh my friend ; 
 Haste, and Patroclus' lov'd remains defend : 130 
 The bo<ly to Achilles to restore, 
 Demauds our care; alas, we can no more ! 
 For naked now, despoil'd of arms he lies ; 
 And Hector glories in the dazzling prize. 
 He said, and touch'd his heart. Tiie raging pair 133 
 Pierce the thick battle, and provoke the war. 
 Already had stern Hector seiz'd his head, 
 And doom'd to Trojan dogs th' unhappy dead; 
 But soon (as Ajax rear'd his tower-like shield) 
 Sprung to his car, and measur'd back the field. 140 
 His train to Troy the radiant armor bear. 
 To stand a trophy of his fame in war. 
 
 Meanwhile great Ajax (his broad shield display'd) 
 Guards the dead hero with the dreadful shade ; 
 And nov,' before, and now behind he stood ; 145 
 Thus in the centre of some gloomy wood, 
 With many a step the lioness surrounds 
 Her tawny young, beset by men and hounds ; 
 Elate her heart, and rousing all her powers. 
 Dark o'er the fiery balls each hanging eye-brow lowers. 
 Fast by his side, tlie generous Spartan glows 151 
 With great revenge, and feeds his inward woes. 
 
 But Giaucus, leader of the Lycian aids. 
 On Hector frowning, thus his riight upbraids. 
 Where now in Hector shall we Hector find ? 155 
 A manly form, without a manly mind. 
 Is this, O chief ! a hero's boasted fame ? 
 How vain, without the merit, is the name! 
 Since battle is renounc'd, thy thoughts employ 
 What other methods may preser%'e thy Troy : l60 
 'Tis time to try if Ilion's state can stand 
 By tliee alone, nor ask a foreign hand ;
 
 Book XVir. THE ILIAD. 379 
 
 Mean, empty boast ! but shall the Lycians stake 
 Their lives for you ? those Lycians you forsake ? 
 "What from thy tliankless arms can we expect? l65 
 Thy friend Sarperlon proves thy base neglect : 
 Say, shall our slaughter'd bodies guard your walls, 
 While unreven^'d the great Sarptdou falls ? 
 E'en where he dy'd for Troy, you left him there, 
 A feast for dogs, and all the fowls of air. 170 
 
 On my command if any Lycian wait. 
 Hence let him march, and give up Troy to fate. 
 Did such a spirit as the Gods impart 
 Impel one Trojan hand, or Trojan heart 
 (Such, as should burn in every soul, that draws 175 
 The swcrd for glory, and his country's cause ;) 
 E'en yet our mutual arms we mi?ht emplo3', 
 And drag yon carcass to the walls of Troy. 
 Oh ! were Patroclus ours, we might obtain 
 Sarpedon's arms, and honor'd corse again ! 180 
 
 Greece with Achilles' friend should be repaid. 
 And thus due honors purchas'd to his shade. 
 But words are vain— let Ajax once appear. 
 And Hector trembles and recedes with fear ; 
 Thou dar'st not meet the terrors of his eye ; 185 
 And lo ! already thou prepar'st to fly. 
 
 The Trojan chief with lix'd reseniment ey'd 
 The Lycian leader, and sedate reply'd. 
 
 Say, is it just (my friend) that Hector's ear 
 From such a warrior such a speech should hear ? IQO 
 I deem'd thee once the wisest of thy kind, 
 But ill this insult suits a prudent mind. 
 I shun great Ajas ? I desert my train ? 
 *Tis mine to prove the rash assertion vain ; 
 I joy to mingle where the battle bleeds, 195 
 
 And hear the thunder of the sounding steeds. 
 But Jove's higli will is ever uncontrol'd, 
 The strong he withers, and confounds the bold ; 
 Now crowns witli fame the mighty man, and now 
 Strikes the fresh garland from the victor's brow ! 200 
 Come, through yon squadrons let us hew the way. 
 And thou be witness, if I fear to day : 
 If yet a Greek the sight of Hector dread. 
 Or yet their hero dare defend the dead. 
 
 Then turning to the martial hosts, he cries, 205 
 I Ye Trojans, Dardans, Lycians, and allies !
 
 380 THE ILIAD. Book XVII. 
 
 Be men (my friends) in action as in name. 
 And yet 6e mindtui of jour ancient fame. 
 Hector in proud Achilles' arms shall shine. 
 Torn from his friend, by right of conquest mine. 210 
 
 lie suode along the field, as thus he said : 
 (The sable plumage nodded o'er his head) 
 Swift through the spacious plain he sent a look ; 
 One instant saw, one instant overtook 
 The distant band, tlial on the sandy shore 215 
 
 Tho radiant spoils to sacred Ilion bore. 
 There his own mail unbrac'd the field bestrow'd ; 
 His train to Troy convey'd the massy load. 
 Kow blazing in lb' immortal arms he stands. 
 The work and present of celestial hands ; 220 
 
 Bj' aged Peleus to Achilles given. 
 As first to Peleus by the court of Heaven ; 
 His father's arms not long Achilles wears. 
 Forbid by fate to reach his father's years. 
 
 Him, pioud in triumph, glitteung from afar, 225 
 The God whose thunder rends the troubled air, 
 Belield with pity ; as apart he sate, 
 And conscious, look'd through all the scene of fate. 
 He shook the sacred honors of his head ; 
 Olympus trembled, and the Godiiead said : 230 
 
 Ah wretched man! unmindful of thy end ! 
 A moment's glory ! and what fates attend? 
 In heavenly panoply divinely bright 
 Thou stand'st, and armies tiemble at tby sight, 
 As at Achilles' self! beneath thy dart £35 
 
 Lies slain the great Achilles' dearer part : 
 Thou from the mighty dead those arms hast torn, 
 Which once the greatest of mankind had worn. 
 Yet live ! I give thee one illustrious day, 
 A blaze of glory ere thou tad'st away. 240 
 
 For ah I no more Andromache shall come. 
 With joyful tears to welcome Hector home; 
 No more officious, with endearing charms. 
 From thy tir'd limbs unbrace Pelides' arms ! 
 
 Then with his sable brow he aave the nod, 245 
 Tliat seals his word, the sanction of the God. 
 The stubborn arms (by Jove's command dispos'd) 
 Conform'd spontaneous, and around him clos'd ; 
 Fill'd with the God, enlarg'd his members grew, 
 Through »U bis veios a suddea vigor flew. S50
 
 Book XVIT. THE ILIAD. 381 
 
 The blood in brisker tides began to roll, 
 And Mars himself came rushing on his soul. 
 Exhorting loud throujih all the field he strode, 
 And look'd, and mov'd, Achilles, or a God. . 
 "How Mestt;les, Glaucus, Medon he inspires, 255 
 Now Phorcys, Chromius, and llippolhoiis fires; 
 The great Thesilochus like fury found, ^ 
 
 Asteropasus kindled at the sound, / 
 
 And Eunomus, in augury renown'd. ' 
 
 Hear all ye hosts, and hear, unnumber'd bands C60 
 Of neiglibouring nations, or of distant lands ! 
 'Twas not for state we summon'd you so far, 
 To boast our numbers, and the pomp of war ; 
 Ye came to fight ; a valiant foe to chase, 
 To save our present, and our future race. 265 
 
 For tliis, our wealtii, our products you enjoy. 
 And glean the relics of exhausted Troy. 
 Now then to conquer or to die prepare. 
 To die or conquer, are the terms of war. 
 Whatever hand shall win Patroclus slain, 270 
 
 Whoe'er shall drag him to the Trojan train, 
 With Hector's self shall equal honors claim ; 
 With Hector part the spoil, and share the fame. 
 
 Fir'd by his words, the troops dismiss their fears. 
 They join, they thicken, they protend their spears ; 275 
 Full on the Greeks they drive in firm array. 
 And each from Ajax hopes the glorious prey : 
 Vain hope ! what number shall the field o'erspread, 
 What victims perish round the mighty dead ? 
 
 Great Ajax mark'd the growing storm from far, 280 
 And thus bespoke his brother of the war. 
 Our fatal day, alas ! is come (my friend) 
 And all our wars and glories at an end ! 
 'TIS not this corse alone we guard in vain, 
 Condemn'd to vulturs on the Trojan plain ; 285 
 We too must yield : the same sad fate must fall 
 On thee, on me, perhaps (my friend) on all. 
 See what a tempest direful Hector spreads. 
 And lo ! it bursts, it thunders on our heads ! 
 Call on our Greeks, if any hear the call, 290 
 
 The bravest Greeks: this hour demands them all. 
 
 The warrior rais'd his voice, and wide around 
 The field re-echoed the distressful sound.
 
 382' THE ILIAD. Book XVII. 
 
 Oh chiefs ! oh princes ! to whose hand is given 
 The rule of men ; whose glor>' is from Ileas'en ! 2^ 
 Whom with due honors both Atrides grace : 
 Ye guides and guardians of our Argive race ! 
 All, whom this well-known voice shall reach from far. 
 All, whom I see not through this cloud of war ; 
 Come all ! let generous rage your arms employ, 300 
 And save Patroclus from the dogs of Troy. 
 
 Oilean Ajax first the voice obey'd, 
 Swift was his pace, and ready was his aid ; 
 Tf ext iiim Idomeneus, more slow with age. 
 And Merion, burning with a hero's rage. 305 
 
 The long succeeding numbers who can name ? 
 But all were Greeks, and eager all for fame. 
 Fierce to the charge great Hector led the tiirong ; 
 Whole Troy embodied, rush'd with shouts along. 
 Tims, when a mountain-billow foams and raves, 310 
 Where some swoln river disembogues iiis waves. 
 Full in the mouth is stopp'd the rushing tide. 
 The boiling ocean works from side to side. 
 The river trembles to his utmost shore, 
 And distant rocks rebellow to the roar. 315 
 
 Ivor less resolv'd the firm Achaian band 
 With brazen shields in horrid circle stand : 
 Jove, pouring darkness o'er the mingled tight, 
 Conceals the warrior's shining helms in night : 
 To him, the chief for whom the hosts contend, SCO' 
 Had liv'd not hateful, for he liv'd a friend : 
 Dead he protects him with superior care, 
 2v'or dooms his carcass to the birds of air. 
 
 The first attack the Grecians scarce sustain, 
 Repuls'd, they yield, the Trojans seize the slain : 
 Then fierce tney rally, to revenge led on 326 
 
 By the swift rage of Ajax Telamon. 
 (Ajax to Peleus' son the second name. 
 In graceful stature next, and next in fame.) 
 With headlong force tlie foremost ranks he tore ; 330 
 So through the thicket bursts the mountain-boar, 
 And rudely scatters, far to distance round, 
 The frighted hunter and the baying hound. 
 The son of Lethus, brave Pelasgus' heir, 
 Hippothoiis, dragg'd the carcass through the war ; 
 The sinewy ancles bor'd, the feet he bound 336 
 With thongs, inserted through the double wound ;
 
 Book XVn. THE ILIAD. 383 
 
 Inevitable fate o'ertHkes the deed ; 
 
 Doom'd by great Ajax' vengeful lance to bleed : 
 
 It cleft the helmet's brazen cheeks in twain ; 340 
 
 The shatter'd crest and liorseJiair strow tlie plain : 
 
 With nerves relax'd he tumbles to the ground : 
 
 The brain comes pushing through the giiastly wound: 
 
 lie drops Patroclus' foot, and o'er him spread 
 
 ^'ow lies, a sad companion of the dead : 345 
 
 Far from Larissa lies, liis native air, 
 
 And ill requites his parent's lender care. 
 
 Lamented youth ! in life's first bloom lie fell, 
 
 Sent by great Ajax to the shades of hell. 
 
 Once more at Ajax, Hector's javelin files : 350 
 
 The Grecian marking as it cut the skies, 
 
 Shunn'd the descendhig death ; which hissing on, 
 
 Stretch'd in the dust the great Iphytus' son, 
 
 Sclxedius the brave, of all the Phocian kind 
 
 The boldest warrior, and the noblest mind : 355 
 
 In little Panope for strength renown'd. 
 
 He held his seat, and rul'd the realms around. 
 
 Plung'd in his throat, the weapon drank his blood, 
 
 And deep transpiercing thro' the shoulder stood; 
 
 In clanging arms th.e hero fell, and all 360 
 
 The fields resounded with his weighty fall. 
 
 Phorcys, as slain Hippotlioiis he defends. 
 
 The Telamonian lance his belly rends; 
 
 The hollow armor burst before the stroke. 
 
 And through the wound tiie rushing entrails broke. 
 
 In strong convulsions panting on the sands 366 
 
 He lies, and grasps the dust with dying hands. 
 
 Struck at the sight, recede the Trojan train : 
 The shouting Argives strip the heroes slain. 
 And now had Troy, by Gieece compell'd to j'ield. 
 Fled to her ramparts, and resign'd the field ; 371 
 Greece, in her native fortitude elate. 
 With Jove averse, had turn'd the scale of fate: 
 But Phcebus urg'd ^neas to the fight; 
 He seem'd like aged Periphas to sight, 375 
 
 (A herald in Anchises' love grown old, 
 Rever'd for prudence; and with prudence, bold.) 
 
 Thus he— what methods yet, oh chief! remain. 
 To save your Troy, though heaven its fall ordain ? 
 There have been heroes, who, by virtuous care, 380 
 By valor, numbers, and by arts of war,
 
 384 THE ILIAD. Book XVII. 
 
 Have forc'd the powers to spare a sinking state, 
 And gain'd at length tlie glorious odds ot" fate. 
 But you, when fortune smiles, when Jove declares 
 His partial favor, and assists your wars, 385 
 
 Your shameful efforts 'gainst yourselves employ, 
 And force th' unwilling God to ruin Troy. 
 
 ^neas through the form assum'd descries 
 The Power conceal'd, and thus to Hector cries. 
 Oh lasting shame ! to our own fears a prey, 390 
 We seek our ramparts and desert the day. 
 A God (nor is he less) my bosom warms, 
 And tells me, Jove asserts the Trojan arms. 
 
 He spoke, and foremost to the combdt flew : 
 The bold example all his host pursue. SQ5 
 
 Then first, Leocritus beneath him bled. 
 In vain belov'd by valiant Lycomcde ; 
 Who view'd his fall, and, grieving at the chance. 
 Swift to revenge it, sent his aagry lanr e : 
 The whirling lance, with vigorous force addrest, 400 
 Descends, and pants in Apisaon's breast: 
 From rich Paeonia's vale* the warrior came. 
 Next tliee, Asteropeu? ! in place and fame. 
 Asteropeus with grid beheld the slain. 
 And rush'd to combat, but he rush'd in vain : 405 
 Indissolubly firm, around the dead, 
 Rank within rank, on buckler buckler spread. 
 And hemm'd with bristled spears, the Grecians stood : 
 A brazen bulwark, and an iron wood. 
 Great Ajax eyes them with incessant care, 410 
 
 And in an orb contracts the crowded war, 
 Close in their ranks commands to fight or fall. 
 And stands the centre and the soul of all : 
 Fist on the spot they war, and, wounded, wound ; 
 A sanguine torrent steeps the reeking ground : 415 
 On heaps the Greeks, on heaps the Trojans bled. 
 And, thickening round them, rise the hills of dead. 
 
 Greece, in close order, and collected might, 
 Yet suffers least, and sways the wavering fight ; 
 Fierce as conflicting fires, the combat burns, 420 
 And now it rises, now it sinks by turns. 
 In one thick darkness all the fight was lost; 
 The sun, the moon, and all th' etherial host, 
 Seem'd as extinct: day ravish'd from their eyes, 
 And all heaven's splendors bioUed from the skies. 4^
 
 Booli XVII. THE ILIAD. 385 
 
 Such o'er Patroclus' body hung the night. 
 The rest in sunshine fought, and open light: 
 Unclouded tliere, the aerial azure spread, 
 No vapor rested on the mountain's head, - ' '; 
 The golden sun pour'd forth a stronger ray, ^130 
 And all the broad expansion flam'd with day. -' '' 
 Dispers'd around the plain, by fits tliey fight. 
 And here, and there, their scatter'd arrows light : 
 But death and darkness o'er the carcass spread. 
 There burn'd the war, and there the mighty bled. 
 
 Meanwhile the sons of Nestor, in the rear, 438 
 (Their fellows routed) toss the distant spear, 
 And skir.-nish wide : so Nestor gave command. 
 When from the ships he sent the Pylian band. 
 The youthful brothers thus for fame contend, 440 
 Nor knew the fortune of Achilles' friend ; 
 In thought they view'd him still, with martial joy. 
 Glorious in arms, and dealing deaths to Troy. 
 
 But round the corse, the heroes pant for breath. 
 And thick and heavy grows the work of death : 443 
 O'erlaburd now, with dust, and sweat, and gore. 
 Their knees, their legs, their feet are cover'd o'er; 
 Drops follow drops, the clouds on clouds arise. 
 And carnage clogs their hands, and darkness fills 
 
 their eyes. 
 As when a slaughter'd bull's yet-reeking hide, 450 
 Strain'd witli full force, and tugg'd from side to side. 
 The brawny curriers stretch ; and labor o'er 
 Th' extended surface, druuk with fat anfl gore ; 
 So tugging round the corpse both armies stood; 
 The mangled body bath'd in sweat and blood : 455 
 While Greeks and Ilians equal strength employ. 
 Now to the ships to force it, now to Troy. 
 Not Pallas' self, her breast when fury warms. 
 Nor he whose anger sets the world in arms, 
 Could blame this scene; such rage, such horror 
 reign'd ; 460 
 
 Such, Jove to honor the great dead ordain'd. 
 
 Achilles in his ships at distance lay, 
 Nor knew tlie fatal fortune of the day; 
 lie, yet unconscious of Patroclus' fall, 
 In dust extended under Ilion's wall, 465 
 
 Expects him glorious from the conquer'd plain. 
 And for his wish'd return prepares in vain ; 
 R
 
 386 THE ILIAD. Book XVII. 
 
 Though well he knew, to irtake proud Ilion bend. 
 Was more than heaven had destin'd to his friend: 
 Perhaps to him : this Thetis had reveal'd ; 4^0 
 
 The rest, in pity to her son, conceal'd. .ff 
 
 Still rag'd the conflict round the hero dead, r--. 
 And heaps on heaps by mutual wounds they bled, 
 Curs'd be the man (ev'n private Greeks would say) 
 Who dares desert this well-disputed day.' 475 
 
 First may the cleaving earth before our eyes 
 Gape wide, and drink our blood for sacrifice ! 
 First perish all, ere haughty Troy shall boast 
 We lost Patroclus, and our glory lost ! 
 
 Thus they. While with one voice the Trojan said, 
 Grant this day, Jcve! or heap us on the dead! 481 
 
 Tlien clash their sounding arms ; the clangors rise, 
 And shake the brazen concave of the skies. 
 
 Meantime, at distance from the scene of blood. 
 The pensive steeds of great Achilles stood ; 485 
 Their god-like master slain before their eyes, 
 They wept, and shar'd in human miseries. 
 In vain Automedon now shakes the rein, 
 Now plies the lash, and soothes and threats in vain ; 
 Nor to the fight nor Hellespont they go, 4go 
 
 Restive they stood, and obstinate in woe : 
 Still as a tombstone, never to be mov'd. 
 On some good man or woman unreprov'd 
 Lays its eternal weight ; or fix'd as stands 
 A marble courser by the sculptor's hands, 495 
 
 Plac'd on the hero's grave. Along their face. 
 The big round drops cours'd down with silent pace, 
 Conglobing on the dust. Their manes, that late 
 Circled their arched necks, and wav'd in state, 4QQ 
 Trail'd on the dust beneath the yoke were spread. 
 And prone to earth was hang their languid head; 
 Nor Jove disdain'd to cast a pitying look. 
 While thus relenting to the steeds he spoke. 3 
 
 Unhappy coursers of immortal strain ! 
 Exempt from age, and deathless now in vain ; 505 
 Did we your race on mortal man bestow, 
 Only, alas ! to share in mortal woe ? 
 For all ! what is there, of inferior birth, 
 That breathes or creeps upon the dust of earth ; 
 What wretched creature of what wretched kind, 510 
 Than man more weak, calamitous, and blind ?
 
 Book XVII. THE ILIAD. SSf 
 
 A miserable race ! but cease to mourn ; 
 
 For not by you shall Priam's son be borne 
 
 Higli on the splendid car : one glorious prize 
 
 He rashly boasts ; the rest our will denies. 515 
 
 Ourself will swiftness to your ner\'es impart, 
 
 Ourself with rising spirits swell your heart. 
 
 Automedon your rapid flight shall bear 
 
 Safe to the navy through the storm of war. 
 
 For yet 'tis given to Troy, to ravage o'er 5C0 
 
 The field, and spread her slaughters to the shore ; 
 
 The sun shall see her conquer, till his fall 
 
 With sacred darkness shades the face of all. 
 
 He said ; and, breathing in th' immortal horse 
 Excessive spirit, urg'd them to the course ; 525 
 
 From their high manes they shake the dust, and bear 
 The kindling chariot through the parted war : 
 So flies a vultur through the clamorous train 
 Of geese, that scream, and scatter round the plain. 
 From danger now with swiftest speed they flew. 
 And now to conquest with like speed pursue ; 531 
 Sole in the seat the charioteer remains, 
 Now plies the javelin, now directs the reins: 
 Him brave Alcimedon beheld distrest, 
 Approach'd the chariot, and the chief addrest. 535 
 
 What God provokes tliee, rashly thus to dare. 
 Alone, unaided, in the thickest war ? 
 Alas ! thy friend is slain, and Hector wields 
 Achilles' arms triumphant in the fields. 
 
 In happy time (the charioteer replies) 540 
 
 Tl>e bold Alcimedon now greets my eyes ; 
 No Greek like him the heavenly steeds restrains. 
 Or holds their fury in suspended reins : 
 Patroclus, while he liv'd, their rage could tame. 
 But now Patroclus is an empty name ! 545 
 
 To thee I yield the seat, to thee resign 
 The ruling charge : the task of fight be mine. 
 
 He said. Alcimedon, with active heat, 
 Snatches the reins, and vaults into the seat. 
 His firiend descends. The chief of Troy descry'd. 
 And call'd iEneas fighting near his side. 551 
 
 Lo, to my sight beyond our hope restor'd, 
 Achilles' car, deserted of its lord ! 
 The glorious steeds our ready arms invite. 
 Scarce their weak drivers guide tlieni thro' the fight:
 
 308 THE ILIAD. Book XVlI. 
 
 Can such oppouents stand, when we assail ? 556 
 Unite thy force, my friend, and we prevails 
 
 The son of Venus to the counsel yields, 
 Then o'er their backs thej' spread their solid shields ; 
 With brass refulgent the broad surface shin'd, 5€0 
 And thick bull-hides the spacious concave lin'd. 
 Them Chrotnius follows, Aretus succeeds, 
 Each hopes the conquest of the lofty steeds; 
 In vain, brave youths, with glorious hopes ye burn. 
 In vain advance ! not fated to return. 565 
 
 Unmov'd, Autoniedon attends the fight. 
 Implores th' Eternal, and collects his might. 
 Then turning to his friend, witli dauntless mind: 
 Oh keep the foaming coursers close behind ! 
 full on my shoulders let their nostrils blow, 570 
 For hard the fight, determin'd is the foe; 
 Tis Hector comes ; and when he seeks the prize. 
 War knows no mean: he wins it, or he dies. 
 
 Then tlirough the field he sends his voice aloud, 
 And calls tli' Ajaces from the warring crowd, 575 
 With great Atrides. Hither turn (he said) 
 Turn, where distress demands immediate aid; 
 The dead, encircled by his friends, forego. 
 And save the living from a fiercer foe. 
 Unhelp'd we stand, unequal to engage 580 
 
 The force of Hector, and -Eneas' rage : 
 Yet mighty as they are, my force to prove 
 Is only mine: th' event belongs to Jove. 
 
 He spoke, and high the sounding javelin flung. 
 Which pass'd the shield of Aretus the young ; 585 
 It pierc'd his belt, emboss'd with curious art ; 
 Then in the lower belly stuck the dart. 
 As when a pond'rous ax descending full. 
 Cleaves the broad forehead of some brawny bull ; 
 Struck 'twixt the horns, he springs with many abound. 
 Then tumbling rolls enormous on the ground : 591 
 Thus fell the youth ; the air his soul receiv'd, 
 And the spear trembled as his entrails heav'd. 
 
 Now at Automedon the Trojan foe 
 Discharg'd his lance ; the meditated blow, 5g5 
 
 Stooping, he shunn'd; the javelin idly fled. 
 And liiss'd innoxious o'er the hero's head: 
 Deep rooted in the ground, the forceful spear 
 In long vibrations spent its fury there.
 
 Book XVII. THE ILIAD. 399 
 
 With clashing falchious now the chiefs bad clos'd. 
 But each brave Ajax heard, and interpos'd ; 601 
 Nor longer Hector with his Trojans stood, 
 But left their slain companion in his blood : 
 His arms Automedon divests, and cries, 
 Accept, Patroclus, this mean sacrifice. 605 
 
 Thus have I sooth'd my griefs, and thus have paid. 
 Poor as it is, some offering to thy shade. 
 
 So looks the lion o'er a mangled boar. 
 All grim with rage, and horrible with gore ; 
 High on the chariot at one bound he sprung, 6lO 
 And o'er his seat the bloody trophies hung. 
 
 And now Minerva, from the realms of air, 
 Descends impetuous, and renews the war; 
 FoF, pleas'd at length the Grecian arms to aid. 
 The Lord of Thunders sent the blue-ey'd Maid. 
 As when high Jove, denouncing future woe, 6l6 
 O'er the dark cloud extends his purple bow, 
 (In sign of tempests from the troubled air. 
 Or from the rage of man, destructive war) 
 The drooping cattle dread th' impending skies, 6C0 
 And from his half-till'd field the laborer flies. 
 In such a form tlie Goddess round her drew 
 A livid cloud, and to the battle flew. 
 Assuming Phoenix' shape, on earth she falls. 
 And in his well-known voice to Sparta calls. 625 
 And lies Achilles' friend, belov'd by all, 
 A prey to dogs beneath the Trojan wall ? 
 \Vhat shame to Greece for future times to tell. 
 To thee the greatest in whose cause he fell ! 
 
 Oh chief, oh father ! (Atreus' son replies) 630 
 
 O full of days ! by long experience wise ! 
 What more desires my soul, than here unmov'd, 
 To guard the body of the man I lov'd ? 
 Ah would Minerva send me strength to rear 
 This weary'd arm, and ward the storm of war ! 635 
 But Hector, like the rage of fire, we dread. 
 And Jove's own glories blaze around his head. 
 
 Pleas'd to be first of all the powers addrest, 
 She breathes new vigor in her hero's breast. 
 And fills with keen revenge, with fell despite, 640 
 Desire of blood, and rage, and lust of fight. 
 So burns the vengeful hornet (soul all o'er) 
 Repuls'd in vain, and thirsty still of gore ;
 
 390 THE ILIAD. Book XVU- 
 
 (Bold son of air and heat) on angry -wings 
 Untam'd, untir'd, he turns, attacks, and stings. 645 
 Fir'd with like ardor fierce Atrides flew. 
 And sent his soul with every lance he threw. 
 
 There stood a Trojan not unknown to fame, 
 Eetioo's son, and Podes was his name; 
 "With riches honor'd, and with courage blest, 650 
 By Hector lov'd, his comrade, and his guest ; 
 Through his broad belt the spear a passage found, 
 And pond'rous as he falls, his arms resound. 
 Sudden at Hector's side Apollo stood, 
 Like Pheenops, Asius' son, appear'd the God, 655 
 (Asius the great, who held his wealthy reign 
 In fair Abydos, by the rolling main.) 
 
 Oh prince, (he cried) oh foremost once in fame ! 
 What Grecian now shall tremble at thy name ? 
 Dost thou at length to Menelaiis yield, 660 
 
 A chief once thought no terror of the field ; 
 Yet singly, now, the long-disputed prize 
 He bears \'ictorious, while our army flies. 
 By the same arm illustrious Podes bled ; 
 The friend of Hector, unreveng'd, is dead ! 665 
 
 This heard, o'er Hector spreads a cloud of woe, 
 Rage lifts his lance, and drives him on the foe. 
 
 But now th' Eternal shook his sable shield, 
 That shaded Ide and all the subject field, 
 Beneath its ample verge. A rolhng cloud 67O 
 
 Involv'd the mount; the thunder roar'd aloud ; 
 Th' affrighted hills from their foundations nod, 
 And blaze beneath the lightnings of the God : 
 At one regard of his all-seeing eye. 
 The vanquish'd triumph, and the victors fly. GjS 
 
 Then trembled Greece : the flight Peneleus led : 
 For as the brave Boeotian turn'd his head 
 To face the foe, Polydamas drew near, 
 And raz'd his shoulder with a shorten'd spear : 
 By Hector wounded, Leitus quits the plain, 680"! 
 Pierc'd thro' the wrist ; and, raging with the pain, > 
 Grasps his once-formidable lance in vain. j 
 
 As Hector follow'd, Idomen addrest 
 The flaming javelin to his manly breast; 
 Tlie brittle point before his corselet yields ; 685 
 Exulting Troy with clamor fills the fields :
 
 Book XVII. THE ILIAD. 391 
 
 High on his chariot ?.s the Cretan stood, 
 
 The son of Priam whiil'd tlie missive wood ; 
 
 But, erring from its aim, tli' impetuous spear 
 
 Struck to the dust the 'squire and charioteer 69O 
 
 Of martial Merion : CcEranus his name, 
 
 Who left fair Lyctus for the fields of fame. 
 
 On foot bold Merion fought ; and now, laid low. 
 
 Had grac'd the triumphs of his Trojan foe ; 
 
 But the brave 'squire the ready coursers brought. 
 
 And with his life his master's safety bought. 696 
 
 Between his cheek and ear the weapon went. 
 
 The teeth it shatter'd, and the tongue it rent. 
 
 Prone from the seat he tumbles to the plain ; 
 
 His dying hand forgets the falling rein : 700 
 
 This Merion reaches, bending from the car, 
 
 And urges to desert the hopeless war ; 
 
 Idomeneus consents ; the lash applies ; 
 
 And the swift chariot to the navy flies. 
 
 Nor Ajax less the will of heaven descry 'd, 705 
 And conquest shifting to the Trojan side, 
 Turn'd by the hand of Jove. Then thus begun, 
 To Atreus' seed, the god-like Telamon. 
 
 Alas ! who sees not Jove's almighty hand 
 Transfers tlie glory to the Trojan band ? 710 
 
 Whether tlie weak or strong discharge the dart. 
 He guides each arrow to a Grecian heart: 
 Uot so our spears : incessant though they rain, 
 He suffers every lance to fall in vain. 
 Deserted of the God, yet let us try 715 
 
 What human strength and prudence can supply ; 
 If yet this honor'd corse, in triumph borne. 
 May glad the fleets that hope not our return, 
 Who tremble yet, scarce rescued from their fates. 
 And still hear Hector thundering at their gates. 720 
 Some hero too must be dispatch'd to bear 
 The mournful message to Pelides' ear ; 
 For sure he knows not, distant on the shore. 
 His friend, his lov'd Patroclus, is no more. 
 But such a chief I spy not through the host : 725 
 The men, the steeds, the armies, all are lost 
 In general darkness— Lord of earth and air! 
 Oh King ! oh Father ! hear my humble prayer: 
 Dispel this cloud, the light of Heaven restore ; 
 Qive me to see, and Ajax asks no more ; 730
 
 3g2 TJIE ILIAD. Book XVIL 
 
 If Greece must perish, we thj- vrill obey, 
 But let us perish in the face of day ! 
 
 With tears the hero spoke, and at his prayer 
 The God relenting, clear'd the clouded air ; 
 Forth burst the sun with all-enlightening ray ; 733 
 Tlie blaze of armor flash'd against the day. 
 INow, now, Atrides ! cast around thy sight, 
 If yet Antilochus survives the fight, 
 X.et him to great Achilles' ear convey 
 ITie fatal news— Atrides hastes away. 740 
 
 So turns the lion from the nightly fold. 
 Though high in courage, and with hunger bold, 
 Long gall'd by herdsmen, and long vex'd by hounds, 
 Stiff with fatigue, and fretted sore with wounds ; 
 The darts fly round him from an hundred hands. 
 And the red terrors of the blazing brands : 746 
 Till late, reluctant, at the dawn of day 
 Sour he departs, and quits th' untasted prey. 
 So mov'd Atrides from his dangerous place 
 With wearj- limbs, but with unwilling pace ; 750 
 Tlie foe, he fear'd, might yet Patroclus gain. 
 And much admonish'd, much adjur'd his train. 
 
 Oh guard these relics to your charge cousign'd. 
 And bear the merits of the dead in mind ; 
 How skili'd he was in each obliging art ; 755 
 
 The mildest manners, and the gentlest heart : 
 He was, alas ! but fate decreed his end; 
 In death a hero, as in life a friend ! 
 
 So parts the chief; from rank to rauk he flew. 
 And round on all sides sent his piercing view. 76O 
 As the bold bird, endued with sharpest eye 
 Of all that v/ing the mid aerial sky, 
 The sacred eagle from liis walks above 
 Looks down and sees the distant thicket move ; 
 Then stoops, and, sousing on the quivering hare, 765 
 Snatches his life amid the clouds of air. 
 Not with less quickness, his exerted sight 
 Pass'd this, and that way, through the ranks of fight: 
 Till on the left the chief he sought, he found ; 
 Cheering hi3 men, and spreading deaths around. 770 
 
 To him the king. Belov'd of Jove ! draw near, 
 For sadder tidings never touch'd tliy ear. 
 Thy eyes have witaess'd, what a fatal turn ! 
 Hov Ilion triumphs, and th' Achaiaos raoum ;
 
 Book XVII. tHE Iliad. *js 
 
 This is not all : Patroclus, on the shore 775 
 
 Now pale and dead, shall succour Greece no more. 
 
 Fly to the fleet, this instant fly, and tell 
 
 The sad Achilles, how his lov'd one fell : 
 
 He too may haste the naked corpse to gain ; 
 
 The arms are Hector's, who despoil'd the slain. 780 
 
 The youthful warrior heard with silent woe, 
 From his fair eyes the tears began to flow ; 
 Big with the mighty grief, he strove to say 
 What sorrow dictates, but no word found way. 
 To brave Laodocus his arms he flung, "85 
 
 Who near him wheeling, drove his steeds along ; 
 Then ran, the mournful message to impart. 
 With tearful eyes, and with dejected heart. 
 
 Swift fled the youth : nor Menelaiis stands, 
 fThough sore distrest) to aid the Pylian bands ; 790 
 But bids bold Thrasymede those troops sustain ; 
 Himself returns to his Patroclus slain. 
 Gone is Antilochus (the hero said} 
 But hope not, warriors, for Acliilles' aid : 
 Though fierce his rage, unbounded be his woe, 795 
 Unarm'd, he fights not with the Trojan foe. 
 'Tis in our hands alone our hopes remain, 
 'Tis our own vigor must the dead regain; 
 And save ourselves, while with impetuous hate 
 Troy pours along, and this way rolls our fate. 800 
 
 Tis well (said Ajax) be it then thy care 
 With Merlon's aid, the weighty corse to rear; 
 Myfelf and my bold brother will sustain 
 The shock of Hector and his charging train : 
 Nor fear we armies, fighting side by side ; 805 
 
 What Troy can dare, we have already try'd. 
 Have try'd it, and have stood. The hero said. 
 High from the ground the warriors heave the dead. 
 A general clamor rises at the sight : 
 Loud shout the Trojans, and renew the fight. 810 
 Not fiercer rush along the gloomy wood, 
 With rage insatiate and with thirst of blood. 
 Voracious hounds, that many a length before 
 Their furious hunters, drive the wounded boar ; 
 But, if the savage turns his glaring eye, 815 
 
 They howl aloof, and round the forest fly. 
 Thus on retreating Greece the Trojans pour. 
 Wave their thick falchions, and their javelins shower: 
 R2
 
 394 THE ILIAD. Book XVII. 
 
 But Ajax turning, to their fears they yield. 
 
 All pale they tremble, and forsake the field. 820 
 
 While thus aloft the hero's corse they bear, 
 Behind them rages all the storm of war ; 
 Confusion, tumult, horror, o'er the throng 
 Of men, steeds, chariots, urg'd the rout along : 
 Less fierce tlie winds with rising flames conspire, 825 
 To whelm some city under waves of fire ; 
 Now sink in gloomy clouds the proud abodes ; 
 Isow crack the blazing temples of the Gods ; 
 The rumbling torrent through the ruin rolls. 
 And sheets of smoke mount heax-j- to the poles. 830 
 The heroes sweat beneath their honor'd load : 
 As when two mules, along the rugged road. 
 From the steep mountain with exerted strength 
 Drag some vast beam, or mast's unwieldy length ; 
 Inly they groan, big drops of sweat distil, 833 
 
 Th' enormous timber lumbering down tlie hill : 
 So these— Behind, the bulk of Ajax stai;ds, 
 And breaks the torrent of the rushing bands. 
 Thus when a river swell'd with sudden rains 
 Spreads his broad waters o'er the level plains, 840 
 Some interposing hill the stream divides. 
 And breaks its force, and turns the winding tides. 
 Still close they follow, close the rear engage ; 
 iEneas storms, and Hector foams with rage : 
 While Greece a heavy, thick retreat maintains, 845 
 Wedg'd in one body, like a flight of cranes, 
 That shriek incessant while the falcon, hung 
 High on pois'd pinions, tlireats their callow young. 
 So from the Trojan chiefs the Grecians fly, 
 Such the wild terror, and the mingled cry : 850 
 Within, without the trench,' and all the way, 
 Strow'd in bright heaps, their arms and armor lay ] 
 Such horror Jove imprest ! yet still proceeds 
 The work of death, and still the battle bleeds.
 
 THE 
 
 I ]L I A B, 
 
 BOOK XVIII.
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Grief of Achilles, and new Armor made him 
 by Vulcan. 
 
 The news of the death of Patroclus is brought to 
 Achilles by Antilochus. Thetis hearing his lamen- 
 tations, comes with all her sea-nymphs to comfort 
 him. The speeches of the mother and son on this 
 occasion. Iris appears to Achilles by the command 
 of Juno, and orders him to shew himself at the 
 head of the intrenchments. The sight of him 
 turns the fortune of the day, and the body of 
 Patroclus is carried off by the Greeks. The Trojans 
 call a council, where Hector and Polydamas dis- 
 agree in their opinions ; but the advice of the for- 
 mer prevails, to remain encamped in the field. 
 The grief of Achilles over the body of Patroclus. 
 Thetis goes to the palace of Vulcan to obtain 
 new arms for her son. The description of the won- 
 derful works of Vulcan ; and lastly, that noble 
 one of the sliield of Achilles. 
 
 The latter part of the nine and twentieth day, 
 and the night ensuing, take up this book. The 
 scene is at Achilles's tent, on the sea-shore, from 
 whence it changes to the palace of Vulcan.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK XVIII. 
 
 THUS like tlie rage of fire the combat burns ; 
 And now it rises, now it sinks, by turns. 
 Meanwhile, where Hellespont's broad waters flow. 
 Stood Nestor's son, the messenger of woe : 
 There sat Achilles, shaded by his sails, 5 
 
 On hoisted yards extended to the gales ; 
 Pensive he sat ; for all that fate design'd 
 Rose in sad prospect to his boding mind. 
 Thus to his soul he said. Ah ! what constrains 
 The Greeks, late victors, now to quit the plains ? 10 
 Is this the day, which Heaven so long ago 
 Ordain'd, to sink me with the weight of woe ? 
 (So Thetis wam'd; when by a Trojan hand 
 The bravest of the Myrmidonian band 
 Should lose the light? Fulfill'd is that decree ; 15 
 Fall'n is the warrior, and Patroclus he ! 
 In vain I charg'd him soon to quit the plain. 
 And warn'd to shun Hectorean force in vain ! 
 
 Thus while he thinks, Antilochus appears, 
 And tells the melancholy tale with tears. 20 
 
 Sad tidings, son of Peleus ! tliou must hear ; 
 And wretched I, th' unwilling messenger ! 
 Dead is Patroclus ! For his corse they fight. 
 His naked corse ; his arms are Hector's right. 
 
 A sudden horror shot through all the chief, 25 
 And wrapt his senses in the cloud of grief ; 
 Cast on tlie ground, with furious hands he spread 
 The scorching ashes o'er his graceful head ;
 
 308 THE ILIAD. Book XVIII. 
 
 His purple garments, and his golden hairs, 
 Those he deforms with dust, and these he tears : 30 
 On the hard soil his groaning breast he threw, 
 And roU'd, and grovell'd, as to earth he grew. 
 The virgin captives, with disorder'd charms, 
 (Won by his own, or by Patroclus' arms) 34 
 
 Rush'd from the tents with cries ; and gathering round. 
 Beat their white breasts, and fainted on the grouud : 
 While Nestor's son sustains a manlier part, 
 And mourns the warrior with a warrior's heart; 
 Hangs on his arms, amidst his frantic woe, 
 And oft prevents the meditated blow, 40 
 
 Far in the deep abysses of the main, 
 With hoary Nereos, and the watery train. 
 The Mother Goddess from her crjstal throne 
 Heard his loud cries, and answer'd groan for groan. 
 The circling Nereids with their mistress weep, 45 
 And all tlie sea-green sisters of the deep. 
 ITialia, Glauce, (every watery name) 
 Nessea mild, and silver Spio came : 
 Cymothoe and Cymodoce were nigh. 
 And the blue languish of soft Alia's eye. 50 
 
 Their locks Actaea and Limnoria rear, 
 Then Proto, Doris, Panope appear, 
 Thoa, Pherusa, Doto, Melita ; 
 Agave gentle, and Amphithoe gay: 
 Next CalUanira, Callianassa show 55 
 
 Their sister looks ; Dexamene the slow. 
 And swift Dynamene, now cut the tides : 
 laera now the verdant wave divides : 
 Nemertes with Apseudes lifts the head. 
 Bright Galatea quits her pearly bed ; GO 
 
 These Orythia, Clymene, attend, 
 Masra, Amphinome, the train extend. 
 And black Janira, and Janassa fair. 
 And Amatheia with her amber hair. 
 All these, and all that deep in ocean held 6Si 
 
 Their sacred seats, the glimmering grotto fill'd ; 
 Each beat her ivory breast with silent woe. 
 Till Thetis' sorrows thus began to flow. 
 
 Hear me, and judge, ye Sisters of the main ! 
 How just a cause has Thetis to complain! 70 
 
 How wretched, were I mortal, were my fate ! 
 How more tbaa wretched iu th' immortal state f
 
 Book XVI ir. THE ILIAD. 390 
 
 Sprung from my bed a god-like hero came. 
 
 The bravest far that ever bore the name; 
 
 Like some fair olive, by my careful hand 75 
 
 He grew, he ftourish'd, and adorn'd the land : 
 
 To Troy I sent him ; but the Fates ordain 
 
 He never, never must return again. 
 
 So short a space the light of heaven to view. 
 
 So short, alas ! and fiU'd with anguish too. 80 
 
 Hear how his sorrows echo through the shore ! 
 
 I cannot ease them, but I must deplore ; 
 
 I go at least to bear a tender part. 
 
 And mourn my lov'd-one with a motiier's heart. 
 
 Slie said, and left the caverns of the main, 85 
 All bath'd in tears ; the melancholy train 
 Attend her way. Wide-opening part the tides. 
 While, the long pomp the silver wave divides. 
 Approaching now, they touch'd the Trojan land; 
 Then, two by two, ascended up the strand. 90 
 
 Th' immortal Mother, standing close beside 
 Her mournful offspring, to his sighs reply 'd; 
 Along the coast their mingled clamors ran. 
 And thus the silver-footed dame began. 
 
 Why mourns my son ? thy late preferr'd request 
 The God has granted, and the Greeks distrest : 96 
 Why mourns my son ? thy anguish let me share ; 
 Reveal the cause, and trust a parent's care. 
 
 He, deeply groaning— To this cureless grief 
 Not e'en the Thunderer's favor brings relief. 100 
 Patroclus— Ah !— say. Goddess, can I boast 
 A pleasure now ? revenge itself is lost ; 
 Patroclus, lov'd of all my martial train. 
 Beyond mankind, beyond myself, is slain ! 104 
 
 Lost are those arms the Gods themselves bestow'd. 
 On Pelcus ; Hector bears the glorious load. 
 Curs'd be that day, when all the Powers above 
 Thy charms submitted to a mortal love : 
 Oh hadst thou still, a sister of the main, 
 Pursued the pleasures of the watery reign ; 110 
 And happier Peleus, less ambitious, led 
 A mortal beauty to his equal bed ! 
 Ere tlie sad fruit of thy unhappy womb 
 Had caus'd such sorrows past, and woes to come. 
 For soon, alas ! that wretched offspring slain, 113 
 New woes, new sorrows shall create again.
 
 400 THE ILIAD. Book XVIfl. 
 
 'Tis not in fate th' alternate now to give ; 
 
 Tatroclus dead, Achilles hates to live. 
 
 Let me revenge it on proud Hector's heart, 
 
 Let his last spirit smoke upon my dart ; 120 
 
 On these conditions will I breathe : till then, 
 
 I blush to walk among the race of men. 
 
 A flood of tears, at this, the Goddess shed. 
 Ah then, I see thee dying, see thee dead ! 
 When Hector falls, thou dy'st.— Let Hector die, 125 
 And let me fall ! (Achilles made reply.) 
 Far lies Patroclus from his native plain ! 
 He fell, and falling, wdsh'd my aid in vain. 
 Ah then, since from this miserable day 
 I cast all hope of my return away, 130 
 
 Since unreveng'd, a hundred ghosts demand 
 The fate of Hector from Achilles' hand ; 
 Since here, for brutal courage far renown'd, 
 I live an idle burden to the ground, 
 (■Others in council fam'd for nobler skill, 135 
 
 More useful to preser^'c, than I to kill) 
 Let me— But oh ! ye gracious Powers above I 
 Wrath and revenge from men and Gods remove : 
 Far, far too dear to every mortal breast, 
 Sweet to the soul, as honey to the taste ; 140 
 
 Gathering like vapors of a noxious kind 
 From fiery blood, and darkening all the mind. 
 Me Agamemnon urg'd to deadly hate ; 
 'Tis pastel quell it ; I resign to fate. 
 Yes— I will meet the murderer of my friend ; 143 
 Or (if the Gods ordain it) meet my end. 
 The stroke of fate the bravest cannot shun ; 
 The great Alcides, Jove's unequall'd son. 
 To Juno's hate at length resign'd his breath, 
 And sunk the \'ictim of all-conquering death. 150 
 So shall Achilles fall ! stretch'd pale and dead, 
 Ko more the Grecian hope, or Trojan dread ! 
 Let me, this instant, rush into the fields, 
 And reap what glorj' life's short harvest yields. 
 Shall I not force some widow'd dame to tear 155 
 With frantic hands her long dishevell'd hair? 
 Shall I not force her breast to heave with sighs, 
 And the soft tears to trickle from her eyes ? 
 Yes, I shall give the fair those mournful charms— 
 in vain you hold me— Hence I my arms, my arms !
 
 Book XVIII. THE ILIAD. 401 
 
 Soon shall the sanguine torrent spread so wide, l6l 
 That all shall koow, Achilles swells the tide. 
 
 My son (Cosrulean Thetis made reply, 
 To fate submitting with a secret sigh) 
 The host to succour, and thy friends to save, l65 
 Is worthy thee ; the duty of the brave. 
 But canst thou, naked issue to fhe plains ? 
 Thy radiant arms the Trojan foe detains. 
 Insulting Hector bears the spoils on high, 
 But vainly glories, for his fate is nigh. 1*0 
 
 Yet, yet awhile, thy generous ardor sta3- ; 
 Assur'd, I meet thee at the dawn of day, 
 Charg'd with refulgent arms (a glorious load) 
 Vulcanian arms, the labor of a God. 
 
 Then turning to the daughters of the main, 175 
 The Goddess thus dismiss'd her azure train. 
 
 Ye sister Nereids ! to your deeps descend ; 
 Haste, and our father's sacred seat attend ; 
 I go to find the architect divine, 
 Where vast Olympus' starry summits shine : 180 
 So tell our hoary sire— This charge she gave: 
 The sea-green sisters plunge beneath the wave : 
 Thetis once more ascends the blest abodes, 
 And treads the brazen thresliold of the Gods. 184 
 
 And now the Greeks from furious Hector's force, 
 U,-ge to broad Hellespont their headlong course : 
 Nor yet their chiefs Patroclus' body bore 
 Safe through the tempest to the tented siiore. 
 The horse, the foot, with equal fury join'd, 189 
 
 Pour'd on the rear, and thunder'd close behind ; 
 And like a flame tlirough fields of ripen'd corn, 
 The rage of Hector o'er the ranks was borne. 
 Thrice the slain hero by the foot he drew; 
 Tlirice to the skies the Trojan clamors flew: 
 As oft th' Ajaces his assault sustain ; 195 
 
 But check'd, he turns ; repuls'd, attacks again. 
 With fiercer shouts his lingering troops he fires, 
 Nor yields a step, nor from his post retires; 
 So watchful shepherds strive to force, in vain, 
 The hungry lion from a carcass slain. 200 
 
 Ev'n jet Patroclus had he borne away. 
 And all the glories of th' extended day: 
 Had not high Juno, from the realms of air, 
 Seeret, dispatch'd her trusty messenger.
 
 402 THE ILIAD. Book XVIII. 
 
 The various Goddess of the showery bow, 2ft5 
 
 Shot in a whirlwind to the shore below ; 
 To great Achilles at his ships she came. 
 And thus began the majiy-colour'd dame. 
 
 Rise, son of Peleus ! rise divinely brave I 
 Assist the combat, and Patroclus save : 210 
 
 For him tiie slaughter to the fleet "they spread. 
 And falls by mutual wounds around the dead. 
 To drag him back to Troy the foe contends: 
 Kor with his death the rage of Hector ends : 
 A prey to dogs he dooms the corse to lie, £15 
 
 And marks the place to fix his head on high. 
 Rise, and prevent (if yet you think of fame) 
 Thy friend's disgrace, thy own eUernal shame ! 
 
 Who sends thee, Goddess ! from th' etherial skies ? 
 Achilles thus. And Iris thus replies. 220 
 
 I come, Pelides ! from the Queen of Jove, 
 Th' immortal Empress of the realms above ; 
 Unknown to him who sits remote on high, 
 Unknown to all the synod of the sky. 
 Thou com'st in vain, he cries fwith fury warm'd) £25 
 Arms I have none, and can I fight unarm'd? 
 Unwilling as I am, of force I stay, 
 Till Thetis bring me at the dawn of day 
 Vulcanian arms : what other can I wield ; 
 Except the might>- Telamonian shield ? 230 
 
 That, in my fiiend's defence, has Ajax spread. 
 While his strong lance around him heaps the dead : 
 The gallant chief defends Menoetius' son, 
 And does, what his Achilles should have done. 
 
 Thy want of arms (said Iris) well we know, 235 
 But though unarm'd, yet clad in terrors, go ! 
 Let but Acliilles o'er yon trench appear ; 
 Proud Troy shall tremble, and consent to fear: 
 Greece from one glance of that tremendous eye. 
 Shall take new courage and disdain to fly. 240 
 
 She spoke, and past in air. The liero rose ; 
 Her regis, Pallas o'er his shoulder throws ; 
 Around his brows a golden cloud she spread; 
 A stream of glory flam'd above his head. 
 As when from some beleaguer'd town arise 245 
 
 The smokes, high^curling to the shaded skies 
 (Seen from some island, o'er the main afar, 
 When men distress'd hang out the sign of war;)
 
 Book XVIir. THE ILIAD. 403 
 
 Soon as the sun in ocean hides his rays, 
 Thick on the hills the flaming beacons blaze ; 250 
 With long-projected beams the seas are bright, 
 And Heaven's high arch reflects the ruddy light ; 
 So from Achilles' head the splendors rise, 
 Reflecting blaze on blaze against the skies. 254 
 
 Forth march'd the chief, and distant from the crowd, 
 High on the rampart rais'd his voice aloud ; 
 With her own shout Minerva swells the sound ; 
 Troy starts astonish'd, and the shores rebound. 
 As the loud trumpet's brazen mouth from far 
 With shrilling clangor sounds th' alarm of war, 260 
 Struck from the walls, the echoes float on high, 
 And the round bulwarks and thick towers reply ; 
 So high his brazen voice the hero rear'd : 
 Hosts drop their arms; and trembled as they heard ; 
 And back the chariots roll, and coursers bound, 265 
 And steeds and men lie mingled on tlie ground. 
 Aghast they see the living lightnings play. 
 And turn their eye-balls from the flashing ray. 
 Thrice from the trench his dreadful voice he rais'd ; 
 And thrice they fled, confounded and amaz'd. 270 
 Twelve in the tumult wedg'd, untimely rush'd 
 On their own spears, by their own chariots crush'd : 
 While shielded from the darts, the Greeks obtain 
 The long-contended carcass of the slain. 
 
 A lofty bier the breathless warrior bears : 275 
 Around, his sad comparuons melt in tears. 
 But chief Achilles, bending down his head, 
 Pours unavailing sorrows o'er the dead. 
 Whom late triumphant with his steeds and car. 
 He sent refulgent to the field of war; 280 
 
 (Unhappy change !) now senseless, pale, he found, 
 Slretch'd forth, and gash'd with many a gaping wound. 
 
 Meantime unweary'd with his heavenly way, 
 In ocean's waves th' unwilling light of day 
 Quench'd his red orb, at Juno's high command, 285 
 And from their labors eas'd th' Achaian band. 
 The frighted Trojans (panting from the war, 
 Their steeds unharness'd from the weary car) 
 A sudden council call'd : each chief appear'd 
 In haste, and standing ; for to sit they feaiM. 29O 
 Twas now no season for prolong'd debate ; 
 They saw Acliilles, and in him their fate.
 
 404 THE ILIAD. Book XVIII. 
 
 Silent they stood : Polydamas at last, ',iv/ 
 
 Skill'd to discern the future by the past, --- 
 
 The son ot Panthus thus express'd his fears ; 295 
 (The friend of Hector, and of equal years : 
 The self-same uight to botli a bein? gave, 
 One wise in council, one in action brave.) 
 
 In free debate, my friends, your sentence speak; 
 For me, I move, before the moruina; break, 300 
 
 To raise our camp : too dangerous here our post, 
 Far from Troy walls, and ou a naked coast. 
 I deem'd not Greece so dreadful, while engag'd 
 In mutual feuds, her king and hero rag'd; 
 Then, while we hop'd our armies might prevail, 305 
 We boldly camp'd beside a thousand sail. 
 I dread Pelides now: his rage of mind 
 Not long continues to the shoresconfin'd. 
 Nor to the fields, where long in equal fray 
 Contending nations won and lost the day ; 310 
 
 For Tro3-, for Troj', shall henceforth be the strife. 
 And the hard contest not for fame, but life. 
 Haste then to Ilion, while the favoring night 
 Detains those terrors, keeps that arm from fight ; 
 If but the morrow's sun behold us here, 315 
 
 That arm, those terrors, we shall feel, nor fear ; 
 And hearts that now disdain, shall leap with joy, 
 If Heaven permit them then to enter Troy, 
 tet not my fatal prophecy be true, 
 Hot what I tremble but to think, ensue. 320 
 
 Whatever be our fate, yet let us try 
 What force of thought and reason can supply; 
 Let us on counsel for our guard depend ; 
 The town, her gates and bulwarks shall defend. 
 When morning dawns, our well-appointed powers, 
 Array'd in arms, shall line the lofty towers. 326 
 Let the fierce hero then, when fury calls. 
 Vent his mad vengeance on our rocky walls. 
 Or fetch a thousand circles round the plain. 
 Till his spent coursers seek the fleet again : 330 
 So may his rage be tir'd, and labor'd down ; 
 And dogs shall tear him ere he sack the town. 
 
 Return ? (said Hector, fir'd with stern disdain) 
 What ! coop whole armies in our walls again? 
 Was't not enough, ye valiant warriors say, 335 
 
 Kiue years imprisoa'd in those towers ye lay ?
 
 Book XVIII. THE ILIAD, 405 
 
 Wide o'er the world was llion fam'd of old 
 For brass exhaustless, and for mines of gold : 
 But while inglorious in her walls we stay'd, 
 Sunk were her treasures, and her stores decay'd ; 
 The Phrygians now her scatter'd spoils enjoy, 341' 
 And proud Masonia wastes the fruits of Troy. 
 Great Jove at length my arms to conquest calls. 
 And shuts the Grecians in their wooden walls : 
 Dar'st thou dispirit whom the Gods incite ; 345 
 Flies any Trojan ? 1 shall stop his flight. 
 To better counsel then attention lend ; 
 Take due refreshment, and the watch attend. 
 If there be one whose riches cost him care, 
 Forth let him bring them for the troops to share ; 
 Tis better generously bestow'd on those, 351 
 
 Than left the plunder of our country's foes. 
 Soon as the morn the purple orient warms, 
 Fierce on yon na^-y will we pour our arms. 
 If great Achilles rise in all his might, 355 
 
 His be the danger : I shall stand the fight. 
 Honor, ye Gods ! or let me gain, or give ! 
 And live he glorious, whosoe'er shall live ! 
 Mars is our common lord, alike to all: 
 And oft the victor triumphs, but to fall. 3S0 
 
 The shouting host in loud applauses join'd : 
 So Pallas robb'd the many of their mind ; 
 To their own sense condemn'd, and left to chuse 
 The worst advice, the better to refuse. 
 
 While the long night extends her sable reign, 363 
 Around Patroclus mourn'd the Grecian train. 
 Stern in superior grief Pelides stood ; 
 Those slaughtering arms so us'd to bathe in blood, 
 Kow clasp'd his claj-cold limbs : then gushing start 
 The tears, and sighs burst from his swelling heart. 
 The lion thus, with dreadful anguish stung, 371 
 Hoars through the desert, and demands his young ; 
 When the grim savage, to his rifled den 
 Too late returning, snuff's the track of men. 
 And o'er the vales and o'er the forest bounds ; 375 
 His clamorous grief the bellowing wood resounds. 
 So grie%-es Achilles ; and impetuous vents 
 To all his Myrmidons, his loud laments. 
 
 In what vain promise, Gods ! did I engage, 
 When, to console Menoetius' feeble age, 380
 
 406 THE ILIAD. Book XVIII, 
 
 I vow'd his much-lov'd offspring to restore, 
 Charg'd with rich spoils, to fair Opuntia's shore ? 
 But mighty Jove cuts short, with just disdain, 
 The long, long views of poor, designing man ! 
 One fate the warrior and the friend sliall strike, 385 
 And Troy's black sands must drink our blood alilie: 
 Me too, a wretched mother shall deplore, 
 An aged father never see me more ! 
 Yet, my Patroclus ! yet a space I stay, 
 Then swift pursue thee on the darksome way. 390 
 Ere thy dear relics in the grave are laid, 
 Shall Hector's head be offer'd to thy shade ; 
 That, witli his arms, shall hang before thy shrine ; 
 And twelve the noblest of the Trojan line, 
 Sacred to vengeance, by this hand expire; 395 
 
 Their lives effus'd around thy flaming pyre. 
 Thus let me lie till then ! thus, closely prest, 
 Bathe thy cold face, and sob upon thy breast ! 
 While Trojan captives here thy mourners stay. 
 Weep all the niglit, and murmur all the day: 400 
 Spoils of my arms, and thine ; when, wasting wide. 
 Our swords kept time, and conquer'd side by side. 
 
 He spoke, and bid the sad attendants round 
 Cleanse the pale corse, and wash each honor'd wound. 
 A massy caldron of stupendous frame 405 
 
 They brought, and plac'd it o'er the rising flame : 
 Then heap the lighted wood ; the flame divides 
 Beneath the vase, and climbs around the sides : 
 In its wide womb they pour the rushing stream ; 
 The boiling water bubbles to the brim. 410 
 
 The body then they batlie with pious toil, 
 Embalm'd the wounds, anoint the limbs with oil. 
 High on a bed of state extended laid, 
 And decent cover'd with a linen shade ; 414 
 
 Last o'er the dead the milk-white veil they threw ; 
 Tiiat done, their sorrows and their sighs renew. 
 
 Meanwhile to Juno, in the realms above, 
 (His wife and sister) spoke almighty Jove. 
 At last thy will prevails : great Peleus' son 419 
 Rises in arms : such grace thy Greeks have -won. 
 Say (for I know not) is their race divine. 
 And thou the mother of that martial line ? 
 
 What words are these (th' imperial dame replies. 
 While anger flash'd from her majestic eyes)
 
 Book XVIIT. THE ILIAD. 407 
 
 Succour like this a mortal arm might lend, 425 
 
 And sucli success mere liuman wit attend : 
 And shall not I, the second Power above 
 Heaven's Queen, and consort of the thundering Jove, 
 Say, sliall not I, one nation's fate command, 
 Not wreak my vengeance on one guilty land ? 430 
 
 So they. Meanwhile the silver-footed dame 
 Reach'd the Vulcanian dome, eternal frame ! 
 High-eminent amid the works divine. 
 Where Heaven's far-beaming brazen mansions shine. 
 There the lame architect the Goddess found, 435 
 Obscure in smoke, his forges flaming round, 
 While bath'd in sweat from fire to fire he flew ; 
 And puffing loud, the roaring bellows blew. 
 That day no common task his labor claim'd : 
 Full twenty tripods for his hall he fram'd, 440 
 
 That plac'd on living wheels of massy gold 
 (Wondrous to tell) instinct with spirit roH'd 
 From place to place, around the blest abodes, 
 Self-mov'd, obedient to the beck of Gods : 
 For their fair handles now, o'erwrought with flowers, 
 In moulds prepar'd, the glowing ore he pours. 446 
 Just as responsive to his thought the frame 
 Stood prompt to move, the azure Goddess came: 
 Charis, his spouse, a grace divinely fair, 
 (With purple fillets round her braided hair) 450 
 Observ'd her entering ! her soft hand she press'd. 
 And smiling, thus the watery Queen address'd. 
 
 What, Goddess ! this unusual favor draws ? 
 All hail, and welcome ! whatsoe'er the cause: 
 Till now a stranger, in a happy hour 455 
 
 Approach, and taste the dainties of the bower. 
 High on a throne, with stars of silver grac'd, 
 And various artifice, the Queensiie plac'd ; 
 A footstool at her feet ; then calling, said, 
 Vulcan, draw near ; 'tis Thetis asks your aid. 460 
 Tlietis (reply'd the God) our powers may claim, 
 An ever-dear, an ever-honor'd name ! 
 When my proud mother hurl'd me from the sky, 
 (My aukward form, it seems, displeas'd her eye) 
 She, and Eurynome, my griefs redrest, 465 
 
 And soft receiv'd me on their silver breast. 
 E'en then, these arts employ'd my infant thought; 
 Chains,bracelets, pendants, all their toys I wrought.
 
 408 THE ILIAD. Book XVIII. 
 
 JUine years kept secret in the dark abode. 
 Secure I lay conceal'd from man and God : 470 
 
 Deep in a caver n'd rock my daj's were led ; 
 The rushing ocean murmur'd o'er ray head. 
 Now since her presence glads our mansion, say. 
 For such desert what service can I pay ? 
 Vouchsafe, O Thetis ! at our board to share 475 
 The genial rites, and hospitable fare; 
 While I the labors of the forge forego. 
 And bid the roaring bellows cease to blow. 
 
 Then from his anvil the lame artist rose; 
 Wide with distorted legs oblique he goes, 480 
 
 And stills the bellows, and (in order laid) 
 Locks in their chests his instruments of trade. 
 Then with a sponge the sooty workman drest 
 His brawny arms imbrown'd, and hairy breast. 
 With his huge sceptre grac'd,- and red attire, 485 
 Came halting forth the Sovereign of the fire : 
 The monarch's steps two female forms uphold. 
 That mov'd, and breath'd, in animated gold ; 
 To whom was voice, and sense, and science given 
 Of works divine (such wonders are in heaven 1) 490 
 On these supported, with unequal gait. 
 He reach'd the throne where pensive Thetis sate; 
 There plac'd beside her on the shining frame, 
 He thus address'd the silver-footed dame. 
 
 Thee, welcome Goddess ! what occasion calls 495 
 (So long a stranger) to these honor d walls ? 
 'Tis thine, fair Thetis, the command to lay. 
 And Vulcan's joy and duty to obey. 
 
 To whom the mournful mother Urns replies, 
 (The crystal drops stood trembling in her eyes) 
 Oh, Vulcan ! say, was ever breast divine 501 
 
 So pierc'd with sorrows, so o'erwhelm'd as mine? 
 Of all the Goddesses, did Jove prepare 
 For Thetis only such a weight of care ? 
 I, only I, of all the watery race, 505 
 
 By force subjected to a man's embrace, 
 Who, sinking now with age and sorrow, pays 
 The mighty fine impos'd on length of days. 
 Sprung from my bed, a god-like hero came. 
 The bravest sure that ever bore the name ; 510 
 
 Like some fair plant beneath my careful hand 
 He grew, he flourish'd, and he grac'd the land :
 
 Book XVni. THE ILIAD. 40g 
 
 To Troy I sent him ! but his native sliore 
 
 Never, ah never, shall receive him more ; 
 
 (E'en while he lives, he wastes with secret woe) 515 
 
 Nor I, a Goddess, can retard the blow ! 
 
 Robb'd of the prize, the Grecian suffrage gave. 
 
 The king of nations forc'd his royal slave : 
 
 For this he griev'd ; and, till the Greeks opprest 
 
 Requir'd his arm, he sorrow'd unredrest. 520 
 
 ILarge gifts they promise, and their elders send ; 
 
 In vain— he arms not, but permits his friend 
 
 His arms, his steeds, his forces, to employ ; 
 
 He marches, combats, almost conquers Troy. 
 
 Then slain by Plicebus (Hector had the name) 5C5 
 
 At once resigns his armor, life, and fame. 
 
 But thou, in pity, by my prayer be won : 
 
 Grace wiili immortal arms this short-liv'd son, 
 
 And to the field in martial pomp restore, 
 
 To shine with glory, till he shines no more ! 530 
 
 To her tlie Artist-god. Thy griefs resign. 
 Secure, what Vulcan can, is ever thine. 
 O could I hide him from the Fates as well, 
 Or with these hands the cruel stroke repel. 
 As I shall forge most envy'd arms, the gaze 535 
 Of wondering ages, and the world's amaze ! 
 
 Thus havmg said, the Father of the fires 
 To the black labors of his forge retires. 
 Soon as he bade them blow, the bellows tum'd 
 Their iron mouths ; and where the furnace burn'd, 
 Hesounding breath'd : at once the blast expires, 541 
 And twenty forges catch at once the fires ; 
 Just as the God directs, now loud, now low. 
 They raise a tempest, or they gently blow. 
 In hissing flames huge silver bars are roU'd, 545 
 And stubborn brass, and tin, and solid gold : 
 "Before, deep fix'd, th' eternal anvils stand ; 
 The ponderous hammer loads his better hand. 
 His left with tongs turns the vex'd metal round, 549 
 And thick.strong strokes, the doubling vaults rebound. 
 
 Then first he form'd th' immense and solid shield ; 
 Hich various artifice emblaz'd the field ; 
 Its utmost verge a threefold circle bound ; 
 A silver chain suspends the massy round ; 
 Five ample plates the broad expanse compose^ 555 
 And god-like labors on the surface rose. 
 S
 
 410 THE ILIAD. Book XVIII. 
 
 There shene the image of the master-mind : 
 There earth, there heaven, there ocean, he desiga'^l ; 
 Th' unweary'd sun, the moon completely round ; 
 The starry lights that heaven's high convex crown'd ; 
 The Pleiads, Hyads, with the northern team ; 66l 
 And great Orion's more refulgent beam; 
 To which, around the axle of the sky, ' ■ -'^^ - 
 The Bear revolving points his golden eydjT''- °"-- 
 Still shines exalted on th' etherial plain," ' '■*'?^|5 
 !Nor bathes his blazing forehead in the maia. *^^ 
 
 Two cities radiant on the shield appear, •'^^ 
 
 The image one of peace, and one of war. 
 Here saered pomp and genial feast delight, 
 And solemn dance, and Hymenaea! rite ; 570 
 
 Along the street the new-made brides are led, 
 "With torches flaming, to the nuptial bed r 
 The youthful dancers in a circle bound 
 To the soft flute, and cittern's silver sound : 
 Through the fair streets, the matrons in a row 675 
 Stand in their porches, and enjoy the show. 
 
 There, in the forum swarm a numerous train, 
 The subject of debate, a townsman slain : 
 One pleads the fine discharg'd, which one deny'd. 
 And bade the public and the laws decide : 580 
 
 The witness is produc'd on either hand : 
 For this, or that, the partial people stand : 
 Th' appointed heralds still tlie noisy bands. 
 And form a ring, with sceptres in their hands ; 
 On seats of stone within the sacred place, 585 
 
 The reverend elders nodded o'er the case ; 
 Alternate, each th' attesting sceptre took. 
 And, rising solemn, each his sentence spoke. 
 Two golden talents lay amidst, in sight. 
 The prize of him who best adjudg'd the right. 590 
 
 Another part (a prospect differing far} 
 Glow'd with refulgent arms, and horrid war. 
 Two mighty hosts a leaguer'd town embrace, 
 And one would pillage, one would bum the place. 
 Meantime the townsmen, arm'd with silent care, SflS 
 A secret ambush on the foe prepare : ^ 
 
 Their wives, their children, and the watchful band 
 Of trembling parents, on the turrets stand. 
 They march ; by Pallas and by Mars made bold ! 
 Gold were tbe Gods, their radiant garments gold.
 
 Book XVni. THE ILIAD. 411 
 
 And gold their armor : these the squadron led, 601 
 August, divine, superior by the head ! 
 A place for ambush fit, they found, and stood 
 Cover'd with shields, beside a silver flood. 
 Two spies at distance lurk, and watchful seem 605 
 If sheep or oxen seek the winding stream. 
 Soon the white flocks proceeded o'er the plains. 
 And steers slow moving, and two shepherd swains ; 
 Behind them, piping ou their reeds, they go, 
 Nor fear an ambush, nor suspect a foe. 610 
 
 In arms the glittering squadron rising round, 
 Rush sudden ; hills of slaughter heap the ground; 
 Whole flocks and herds lie bleeding on the plains. 
 And, all amidst them, dead, the shepherd swains ! 
 The bellowing oxen the besiegers heaj-; 615 
 
 They rise, take horse, approach, and meet the war ; 
 They fight, they fall, beside the silver flood ; 
 The wa%'ing silver seem'd to blush with blood. 
 There tumult, there contention, stood confest ; 
 One rear'd a dagger at a captive's breast, 620 
 
 One held a living foe, that fieshly bled 
 With new-made wounds; another dragg'd a dead; 
 Now here, now tliere, the carcases they tore : 
 Fate stalk'd amidst them, grim with human gore. 
 And the whole war came out, and met the eye ; 625 
 And each bold figure seem'd to live, or die. 
 
 A field deep furrow'd, next the God design'd. 
 The third time labor'd by the sweating hind ; 
 The shining shares full many ploughmen guide. 
 And turn their crooked yokes on every side. 630 
 Still as at either end they wheel around. 
 The master meets them with his goblet crown'd ; 
 The hearty draught rewards, renews their toil. 
 Then back the turning plough-shares cleave the soil: 
 Behind, the rising earth, in ridges, roU'd ; 635 
 
 And sable look'd, though form'd of molten gold. 
 
 Another field rose high with waving grain ; 
 With bended sickles stand the reaper-train : 
 Here stretch'd in ranks the levell'd swarths are found, 
 Sheaves heap'd on sheaves.here tliicken up the ground. 
 With sweeping stroke the mowers strow the lands; 
 The gatherers follow, and collect in bands ; 
 And last the children, in whose arms are borne 
 (Too short to gripe them) the browa skeaves of corn.
 
 412 THE ILIAD. Book XVIII. 
 
 The rustic monarch of the field descries, 645 
 
 With silent glee, the heaps arouud him rise. 
 
 A ready banquet on the turf is laid, 
 
 Beneath an aniple oak's expanded shade. 
 
 The Nictim ox the sturdy youth prepare ; 
 
 The reaper's due repast, the women's care. 650 
 
 Next, ripe in yellow gold, a vineyard shines. 
 Bent with the ponderous harvest of its vines; 
 A deeper dye the dangling clusters sliow, 
 And, curl'd on silver props, in order glow: 
 A darker metal mixt, intrench'd the place ; 655 
 
 And pales of glittering tin th' enclosure grace. 
 To this, one path-way gently winding leads, 
 "Where march a train with baskets on their heads, 
 (Fair maids, and blooming youths) that smiling bear. 
 The purple product of th' autumnal year. 660 
 
 To these a youth awakes the warbling strings, 
 Whose tender lay the fate of Linus sings ; 
 In measur'd dance behind him move the train, 
 Tune soft the voice, and answer to the strain. 
 
 Here, herds of oxen march, erect and bold, 665 
 Rear high their horns, and seem to low in gold, 
 And speed to meadows on whose sounding shores 
 A rapid torrent through llie rushes roars : 
 Four golden herdsmen as their guardians stand. 
 And nine sour dogs complete the rustic band. 670 
 Two lions rushing from the wood appear'd ; 
 And seiz'd a bull, the master of the herd : 
 He roar'd : in vain the dogs, the men withstood ; 
 They tore his flesh, and drank the sable blood. - 
 The dogs (oft cheer'd in vain) desert the prey, 675 
 Dread the grim terrors, and at distance bay. 
 
 Next this, the eye the art of Vulcan leads 
 Deep through fair forests, and a length of meads ; 
 And stalls, and folds, and scatter'd cots between ; 
 And fleecy flocks, that whiten all the scene. 680 
 
 A figur'd dance succeeds : such once was seen 
 In lofty Gnossus ; for tlie Cretan queen, 
 Form'd by Daedalean art : a comely band 
 Of youths and maidens, bounding hand in hand. 
 The maids in soft cymars of linen drest ; 685 
 
 The youths all graceful in the glossy vest : 
 Of those the locks with flowery wreatlis inroU'd ; 
 Of these the sides adoni'd -with swords of gold.
 
 Book XVni. raE ILIAD. 413 
 
 That glittering gay, from silver belts depend. 
 
 Kow all at once they rise, at once descend 69O 
 
 With well-taught feet: now shape, in oblique ways, 
 
 Confus'dly regular, the moving maze : 
 
 Now forth at once, too swift for sight they spring. 
 
 And undistinguish'd blend the flying ring : 
 
 So whirls a wheel, in giddy circle tost, dQS 
 
 And rapid as it runs, the single spokes are lost. 
 
 The gazing multitudes admire around : 
 
 Two active tumblers in the centre bound ; 
 
 Now high, now low, their pliant limbs they bend : 
 
 And general songs the sprightly revel end. 70O 
 
 Thus the broad shield complete the artist crown'd 
 With his last hand, and pour'd the ocean round : 
 In living silver seem'd the waves to roll. 
 And beat tlie buckler's verge, and bound the whole. 
 
 This done, whate'er a warrior's use requires, 705 
 He forg'd ; the cuirass that outshines the fires. 
 The greaves of ductile tin, ttie helm imprest 
 With various sculpture, and the goldeu crest. 
 At Thetis' feet the finish'd labor lay ; 
 She, as a falcon, cuts tli' aerial way, 7IO 
 
 Swift from Olympus' snowy summit flies, 
 And bears the blazing present through the skies.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD, 
 
 BOOK XIX.
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 The Reconciliation of Achillea and Agamemnon. 
 
 Thetis brings to her son the armor made by Vulcan. 
 She preser\-es the body of his friend from corrup- 
 tion, and commands him to assemble the arm3', 
 to declare his reseniment at an end. Agamemnon 
 and Acliilles are solemnly reconciled : the speeches, 
 presents, and ceremonies, on that occasion. Achilles 
 is with great difficulty persuaded to refrain fron* 
 the battle till the troops liave refreshed themselves, 
 by the advice of Ulysses. The presents are con- 
 Tcyed to the tent of Achilles ; where Brj-seVs la- 
 ments over the body of Patroclus. The hero ob- 
 stiuatelj' refuses all repast, and gives himself up 
 to lamentations for his friend. Miner\'a descends 
 to strengthen him, by the order of Jupiter. He 
 arms for the fight : his appearance described. He 
 addresses himself to his horses, and reproaches 
 them with the death of Patroclus. One of them 
 is miraculously endued with voice, and inspired 
 to prophesy his fate ; but the hero, not astonished 
 by that prodigy, rushes with fury to the combat. 
 
 The thirtieth day. The scene is oa the sea-shore,
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK XIX. 
 
 SOON as Aurora heav'd her orient head 
 Above the waves that blusJi'd -with early red, 
 (With new-born day to gladden mortal sight, 
 And gild the courts of Heaven with sacred light,) 
 Th' immortal arms the Goddess-mother bears 5 
 Swift to her son : her son she finds in tears 
 Stretch'd o'er Patroclus' corse; while all the rest 
 The sovereign's sorrows in their own exprest. 
 A ray divine her heavenly presence shed, 
 And thus, his hand soft-touching, Thetis said. 10 
 
 Suppress (my son) this rage of grief, and know 
 It was not man, but Heaven that gave the blow; 
 Behold what arms by Vulcan are bestow'd. 
 Arms worthy thee, or fit to grace a God. 
 
 Then drops the radiant burden on tlie ground ; 15 
 Clang the strong arms, and ring the shores around: 
 Back shrink the Myrmidons with dread surprize. 
 And from the broad effulgence turn their eyes. 
 Unmov'd, the hero kindles at the show. 
 And feels with rage divine his bosom glow ; 20 
 
 From his fierce eye-balls living flames expire. 
 And flash incessant like a stream of fire : 
 He turns tlie radiant gift ; and feeds his mind 
 On all th' immortal artist had design'd. 
 
 Goddess (he cry'd) these glorious arms that shine 25 
 With matchless art, confess the hand divine. 
 Inow to tlie bloody battle let me bend : 
 But ah ! the relics of my slaughter'd friend ! 
 S8
 
 418 THE ILIAD. Book XIX. 
 
 In those wide wounds through which his spirit fled. 
 Shall Hies, and worms obscene, pollute the dead ? 30 
 
 That unavailing care be laid aside, 
 fThe azure Goddess to her son reply'd) 
 Whole years untouch'd, uninjur'd shall remaio 
 Fresh as in life, the carcass of the slain. 
 But go, Achilles (as affairs requhe ;) 35 
 
 Before the Grecian peers renounce thine ire : 
 Then uncontroU'd in boundless war engage, 
 And Heaven with strength supply the mighty rage! 
 
 Then in the nostrils of the slain she pour'd 
 Isectareous droMS, and rich ambrosia shower'd 40 
 O'er all the corse. Tlie flies forbid their prey, 
 Untouch'd it rests, and sacred from decay. 
 Achilles to the strand obedient went : 
 The shores resounded with the voice he sent. 
 The heroes heard, and all the naval train 45 
 
 Tliat tend the ships or guide them o'er the main, 
 Alarm'd, transported, at the well-known sound. 
 Frequent and full, the great assembly crown'd ; 
 Studious to see that terror of the plain, 
 Long lost to battle, shine in arms again. 50 
 
 Tydides and Ulysses first appear, 
 Lame with their wounds, and leaning on the spear; 
 These on the sacred seats of council plac'd, 
 The king of men, Atridcs came the last : 
 He too sore wounded by Agenor's son. 55 
 
 Achilles (rising in the midst) begun. 
 
 Oh monarch ! better far had been the fete 
 Of thee, of me, of all the Grecian state, 
 If, (ere the day when by mad passion sway'd, 
 Rash we contended for the black-ey'd maid) 60 
 Preventing Dian had dispatch'd her dart. 
 And shot the shining mischief to tlie heart : 
 Then many a hero had not prest the shore, 
 !Nor Troy's glad fields been fatten'd with our gore : 
 Long, long shall Greece the woes we caus'd bewail. 
 And sad posterity repeat the tale. 66 
 
 But this no more, the subject of debate. 
 Is past, forgotten, and resign'd to fete: 
 Wliy should (alas) a morUl man, as I, 
 Burn with a fury that can never die ? 70 
 
 Here then my anger ends : let war succeed. 
 And e'en as Greece has bled, let Ilioa bleed.
 
 Book XIX. THE ILIAD. 419 
 
 Now call the hosts, and try if in our sight, 
 Troy yet shall dare to camp a second night ? 
 I deem, their mightiest, when this arm he knows,75 
 Shall 'scape with transport, and with joy repose. 
 
 He said : his finish'd wrath with loud acclaim 
 The Greeks accept, and shout Pelides' name. 
 When thus, not rising from his lofty throne, 
 In state unmov'd, the king of men begun. 80 
 
 Hear me, ye sons of Greece ! with silence hear ! 
 And grant your monarch an impartial ear ; 
 A while your loud, untimely joy suspend. 
 And let your rash, injurious clamors end : 
 Unruly murmurs, or ill-tim'd applause, 85 
 
 Wrong the best speaker, and the justest canse. 
 Nor charge on me, ye Greeks, the dire debate : 
 Know, angry Jove, and all-compelling Fate, 
 With fell Erinnys, urg'd my wrath that day 
 When from Achilles' arms I forc'd the prej-. Qd 
 What then could I, against the will of heaven ? 
 Not by myself but vengeful Ate driven ; 
 She Jove's dread daughter, fated to infest 
 The race of mortals, enter'd in my breast. 
 Not on the ground that haughty Fury treads, 03 
 But prints her lofty footsteps on the heads 
 Of mighty men ; inflicting as she goes 
 LiOng festering wounds, inextricable woes ! 
 Of old, she stalk'd amid the bright abodes; 
 And Jove himself, the sire of men and Gods, ICO 
 The world's great ruler, felt her venom'd dart; 
 Deceiv'd by Juno's wiles, and female art. 
 For when Alcmena's nine long months were run. 
 And Jove expected his immortal son : 
 To Gods and Goddesses th' unruly joy lOfi 
 
 He show'd, and vaunted of his matchless boy : 
 From us (he said; tiiis day an infant springs. 
 Fated to rule, and born a king of kings. 
 Saturnia ask'd an oath, to vouch the truth. 
 And fix'd dominion on the favor'd youth. Hfl» 
 
 The Thunderer, unsuspicious of tlie fraud, 
 Pronounc'd those solemn words that bind a God. 
 The joyful Goddess from Olympus' height. 
 Swift to Achaian Argos bent" her flight ; 
 Scarce seven moons gone, lay Sihenelus's wife ; l]^ 
 She push'd hei lingering iutant into Ule ;
 
 4C0 THE ILIAD. Book XI X. 
 
 Her charms Alcmena's coming labors stay. 
 
 And stop the babe, just issuing to the day. 
 
 Then bids Saturnios bear his oath in mind ; 
 
 " A youth (said she} of Jove's immortal kind 120 
 
 " Is tJiis day born : from Sthenelus be springs, 
 
 " And claims thy promise to be king of kinss." 
 
 Grief seizd the Thunderer, by his oath enaas'd ; 
 
 Stucg to the soul, he sorrow'd, and he nig"d. 
 
 from his ambrosial head, ■where perch'd she sat,lC5 
 
 He snatch'd the Fur)- -Goddess of debate, 
 
 Tlie dread, th" irrevocable oath he swore, 
 
 Th" immortal seat* should ne'er behold her more ; 
 
 And vhirl'd her headlooe down, for ever driven 
 
 Prom bright Olympus and the starry heaven ; 130 
 
 Tzeace on the netner world tiie Fury fell ; 
 
 Ordain"d -with man's contentious race to dwell. 
 
 Fall oft thF God his son's hard toils bemoan'd, 
 
 Curs'd the dire Fury, and in secret groan'd. 
 
 Xen thus, like Jove himself, was I misled, 135 
 
 M'hile raging Hector heap'd our camps with dead. 
 
 "What can the errors of my rage atone ? 
 
 ^ly martial troops, my treasures, are thy own : 
 
 Tnis instant from the n^.vj- shall be spct 
 
 ^Vr!^:e■er Ulysses promisd at thy tent : 14.D 
 
 B-i: 'nou ' app.^as'd, propitious to our prayer, 
 
 P.esjrr.e thy arms, and shine again in war. 
 
 O Kins of nations ! wLose superior svay 
 (Returns AchiJlesJ all our hosts obey ! 
 To keep or send the presents, be thy care ; 145 
 To us. 'lis eqaaJ : all we ask is war. 
 "While yet we talk, or but an instant shun 
 The fieht. our elorious work remains undone. 
 Let every Greek, who '•ees my spear confound 
 The Trojan ranks, aiid deal destruction round, 150 
 Vith emu'ation, what I act survey, 
 And learn from thence the buviness of the day. 
 
 Trst son of Peleus thus- and thus replies 
 Tr.e great in ceoacils, Ithams the wise. 
 Tvcush, ffodlise. tboo art by no toils opprest, 155 
 At feast ooT armies claim repast and rest: 
 Long aai laborious must the combat be, 
 VThfra by the Gods UHpir'd. and led by thee. 
 Sa^nsth is derivM from spirits and from Wood, 
 Aad t)M>e sBgToe&t by geceroas wine iai f<»&d: iGi
 
 Book XIX, THE ILIAD. 4C1 
 
 "What boastful son of war, without that stay, 
 
 Can last a hero through a single day ? 
 
 Courage may prompt ; but, ebbing out his strength. 
 
 Mere unsupported man must yield at length ; 
 
 Shrunk with dry famine, and with toils declin'd, l65 
 
 The drooping body will desert the mind : 
 
 But built a-new with strength-conferring fare. 
 
 With limbs and soul untam'd, he tires a war. 
 
 Dismiss the people then, and give command. 
 
 With strong repast to hearten every band ; 1"0 
 
 But let the presents to Achilles made, 
 
 In full assembly of all Greece be laid. 
 
 The king of men shall rise in public sight. 
 
 And solemn swear, (observant of the rite) 
 
 That, spotless as she came, the maid removes, 175 
 
 Pure from his arms, and guiltless of his loves. 
 
 That done, a sumptuous banquet shall be made. 
 
 And the full price of injur'd honor paid. 
 
 Stretch not henceforth,© prince ! thy sovereign might 
 
 Beyond the bounds of reason and of right ; 180 
 
 Tis the chief praise that e'er to kings belong'd, 
 
 To right with justice whom with power they wrong'd. 
 
 To him the monarch. Just is thy decree. 
 Thy words give joy, and wisdom breathes in thee. 
 Each due atonement gladly I prepare j 185 
 
 And Heaven regard me as I justly swear ! 
 Here then a wliile let Greece assembled stay, 
 Uor great Achilles grudge tliis short delay; 
 Till from the fleet our presents be convey'd. 
 And, Jove attesting, the firm compact made. 19O 
 A train of noble youth the charge shall bear ; 
 These to select, Ulysses, be thy care : 
 In order rankd let all our gifts appear. 
 And the fair train of captives close the rear : 
 Talthybius shall the victim boar convey, 105 
 
 Sacred to Jove, and yon bright orb of day. 
 
 For this (the stern ^acides rephes) 
 Some less important season may suffice, 
 When the stem fury of the war is o'er, 
 And wrath extinguish'd burns my breast no more. 
 By Hector slain, their faces to tiie sky, 201 
 
 All grim with gaping wounds our heroes lie : 
 Those call to war ! and, might my voice incite 
 l?ow, BOW, this Usuat, slMiUd commeace the fight ;
 
 422 THE ILIAD. Book XIX. 
 
 Tlien,.whcn the day's complete, let generous bowls, 
 And copious banquets, glad your weary souls. 206 
 iet not my palate know the taste of food, 
 Till my insatiate rage be cloy'd with blood : 
 Pale lies my friend with wounds disfigur'd o'er. 
 And his cold feet are pointed to the door. 210 
 
 Revenge is all my soul ! no meaner care. 
 Interest, or thought, has room to harbour there ; 
 Destruction be my feast, and mortal wounds, 
 And scenes of blood, and agonizing sounds. 
 
 O first of Greeks (Ulysses thus rejoin'd) 215 
 
 Tlie best and bravest of the warrior-kind ! 
 Thy praise it is in dreadful camps to shine. 
 But old experience and calm wisdom, mine. 
 Then hear my counsel, and to reason yield. 
 The bravest soon are satiate of the field ; CCO 
 
 Though vast the heaps that strow the crimson plain, 
 The bloody har\-est brings but little gain : 
 Tlie scale of conquest ever wavering lies. 
 Great Jove but turns it, and the victor dies ! 
 The great, the bold, by thousands daily fall, eC5 
 And endless were tlie grief, to weep for all. 
 Eternal sorrows what avails to shed ? 
 Greece honors not with solemn fasts the dead : 
 Enough, when death demands the brave to pay 
 The tribute of a melancholy day, 230 
 
 One chief with patience to the grave resign' d. 
 Our care devolves on others left behind. 
 Let generous food supplies of strength produce, 
 Let rising spirits flow from sprightly juice. 
 Let their warm heads with scenes of battle glow, 235 
 And pour new furies on the feebler foe. 
 Yet a short interval, and none shall dare 
 Expect a second summons to the war; 
 Who waits for that, the dire effect shall find, 
 If trembling in the ships he lags behind. 240 
 
 Embodied, to the battle let us bend. 
 And all at once on haughty Troy descend. 
 
 And now tlie delegates Ulysses sent. 
 To bear the presents from the royal tent. 
 The sons of Nestor, Phyleus' valiant heir, 243 
 
 Thias and Merion, thunderbolts of war, 
 With Lycomedes of Creontian strain, 
 Ad4 Melanippus, form'd the chosea train.
 
 Book XIX. THE ILIAD. 423 
 
 Swift as the word was giv'n, the youths obey'd ; 
 
 Twice ten bright vases in the midst they laid ; 250 
 
 A row of six fair tripods then succeeds ; 
 
 And twice the number of high-bounding steeds ; 
 
 Se%'en captives next a lovely line compose ; 
 
 The eighth Briseis, like the blooming rose, 
 
 Clos'd the bright band : great Ithacus, before, 255 
 
 First of the train, the golden talents bore : 
 
 The rest in public view the chiefs dispose, 
 
 A splendid scene ! then Agamemnon rose : 
 
 The boar Talthybius held : the Grecian lord 
 
 Drew the broad cutlass sheath'd beside his sword : 
 
 The stubborn bristles from the victim's brow 261 
 
 He crops, and offering, meditates his vow. 
 
 His hands uplifted to th' attesting skies. 
 
 On Heaven's broad marble roof were fix'd his eyes ; 
 
 The solemn words a deep attention draw, 265 
 
 And Greece around sat thrill'd with sacred awe. 
 
 Witness, thou first ! thou greatest Power above ! 
 All-good, all-wise, and all-surviving Jove ! 
 And Mother-earth, and Heaven's revolving light. 
 And ye, fell Furies of the realms of night, 2*0 
 
 Who rule the dead, and horrid woes prepare 
 For perjur'd kings, and all who falsely swear ! 
 The black-ey'd maid inviolate removes. 
 Pure and* unconscious of my manly loves. 
 If this be false. Heaven all its vengeance shed, 275 
 And les-el'd thunder strike my guilty head ! 
 
 With that, his weapon deep inflicts the wound ; 
 The bleeding savage tumbles to the ground ; 
 The sacred herald rolls the victim slain 
 (A feast for fish) into the foaming main. 280 
 
 Then thus Achilles. Hear, ye Greeks ! and know 
 Whate'er we feel, 'tis Jove inflicts the woe : 
 Not else Atrides could our rage inflame, 
 Nor from my arms, unwilling, force the dame. 
 'Twas Jove's high will alone, o'er-ruling all, 285 
 
 That doom'd our strife, and doom'd the Greeks to fall. 
 Go then, ye chiefs ! indulge the genial rite ; 
 Achilles waits you, and expects the fight. 
 
 The speedy council at his word adjourn'd : 
 To their black vessels all the Creeks retura'd. 2Q0
 
 424 THE ILIAD. Book XIX. 
 
 Achilles sought his tent. His train before 
 
 March'd onward, bending with the gifts they bore. 
 
 Those in the tents the 'squires industrious spread : 
 
 The foaming coursers to the stalls they led ; 
 
 To their new seats the female captives move ; 295 
 
 Briseis, radiant as the Queen of Love, 
 
 Slow as she past, beheld with sad survey 
 
 Wliere, gash'd with cruel wounds, Patroclus lay. 
 
 Prone on the body fell the heavenly fair. 
 
 Beat her sad breast, and tore her golden hair; 300 
 
 All beautiful in grief, her humid eyes 
 
 Shining with tears she lifts, and thus she cries. 
 
 Ah, youtli for ever dear, for ever kind. 
 
 Once tender friend of my distracted mind ! 
 
 I left thee fresh in' life, in beauty gay ! 305 
 
 Now find thee cold, inanimated clay ! 
 
 "What woes my wretched race of life attend ! 
 
 Sorrows on sorrows, never doom'd to end ! 
 
 The first lov'd consort of my virgin-bed 
 
 Before these eyes in fatal battle bled ! 310 
 
 My three brave brothers in one mournful day, 
 
 All trod the dark, irremeable way: 
 
 Thy friendly hand uprcar'd me from the plain. 
 
 And dry'd my sorrows for a husband slain ; 
 
 Achilles' care you promis'd I should prove, 315 
 
 The first, the dearest partner of his love ; 
 
 That rites divine should ratify the band. 
 
 And make me empress in his native land. 
 
 Accept these grateful tears ! for thee they flow. 
 
 For thee, that ever felt another's woe ! 320 
 
 Her sister captives echoed groan for groan, 
 Nor mourn'd Patroclus' fortunes but their own. 
 The leaders press'd the cliief on every side ; 
 Unmov'd, he heard them, and with sighs den^d. 
 
 If yet Acliilles have a friend, whose care 325 
 
 Is bent to please him, this request forbear : 
 Till yonder sun descend, ah let me pay 
 To grief and angubh one abstemious day. 
 
 He spoke, and from the warriors tum'd his face: 
 Yet still the brother-kings of Atreus' race, 330 
 
 Nestor, Idomeneus, Ulysses sage. 
 And Phoenix, strive to calm his grief and rage :
 
 Book XIX. THE H.IAD. 425 
 
 His rage they calm not, nor his grief control ; , - 
 He groans, he raves, he sorrows from his soul. 
 
 Thou too, Patroclus ! (thus his heart he vents)385 
 Once spread th' inviting banquet in our tents : 
 Thy sweet society, thy winning care, 
 Once staid Achilles, rushing to the war. 
 But now, alas ! to death's cold arms resign'd. 
 What banquet but revenge can glad my mind 1340 
 What greater sorrow could afflict my breast, 
 Wliat more, if hoary Peleus were deeeas'd ? 
 Who now, perhaps, in Phthia dreads to hear 
 His son's sad fate, and drops a tender tear. 
 What more, should Neoptolemus the brave 349 
 (My only offepring) sink into the grave? • ' 
 
 If yet that offspring lives ([ distant far, 
 Of all neglectful, wage a hateful war.^ 
 I could not this, this cruel stroke attend ; 
 Pate claim'd Achilles, but might spare his friend. 
 I hop'd Patroclus might survive, to rear .- 351 
 My tender orphan with a parent's care, ■ ^ . ■: 
 From Schyros isle conduct hira o'er the maiii, \ 
 And glad his eyes with his paternal reign, ? 
 
 The lofty palace, and tlie large domain. 355 * 
 
 For Peleus breathes no more the \'ital air ; 
 Or drags a wretched life of age and care. 
 But till the news of my sad fate invades 
 His hastening soul, and sinks liim to the shades. 
 
 Sighing he said : his grief the heroes join'd, 360 
 Fach stole a tear for what he left behind. 
 Their mingled grief the Sire of heaven survey'd. 
 And thus, with pity, to his blue-cy'd Maid. 
 
 Is then Achilles now no more thy care, 
 And dost thou thus desert the great in war ? 365 
 Lo, where yon sails their c-anvas wings extend, 
 All comfortless he sits, and wails his friend ; 
 Ere thirst and want his forces have opprest. 
 Haste and infuse ambrosia in his breast. 
 
 He spoke ; and sudden at the word of Jove, 370 
 Shot the descending Goddess from above. 
 So swift through ether the shrill Harpy springs, 
 The wide air floating to her ample wings. 
 To great Achilles she her flight addrest. 
 And povtr'd diyioe ambrosia io bb breasti 375
 
 456 THE ILIAD. Book XIX. 
 
 With nectar sweet, (refection of the Gods!) 
 Then, swift ascending, sought the bright abodes. 
 
 Now issued from the ships the warrior-traiii, 
 And like a deluge pour'd upon the plain. 
 As when the piercing blasts of Boreas blow, 380 
 And scatter o'er the fields the driving snow ; 
 From dusky clouds the heecy winter flies, 
 Whose dazzling lustre whitens all the skies: 
 So helms succeeding helms, so shields from shields 
 Catch the quick beams, and brighten all the fields; 
 Broad-glittering breast-plates, spears with pointed rays, 
 Wix in one stream, reflecting blaze on blaze: 
 Thick beats the centre as the coursers bound, 
 With splendor flame the skies, and laugh the fields 
 around. 
 
 Full in the midst, high-towering o'er the rest, 390 
 His limbs in arms divine Achilles drest ; 
 Arms which the Father of the fire bestow'd, 
 Forg'd on th' eternal anvils of the God. 
 Grief and revenge his furious heart inspire. 
 His glowing eye-balls roll with living fire ; 395 
 
 He grinds his teeth, and furious with delay 
 O'erlooksth' embattled host.and hopes the bloody day. 
 
 The silver cuishes first lus thighs infold : 
 Then o'er his breast was brac'd the hollow gold : 
 The brazen sword a various baldric ty'd, 400 
 
 That, starr'd with gems, hung glittering at his side; 
 And, like tlie moon, the broad refulgent shield 
 Blaz'd with long rays, and gleam'd athwart the field. 
 
 So to night-wandering sailors, pale with fears. 
 Wide o'er the watery waste, a light appears, 405 
 Which, on the far-seen mountain blazing high. 
 Streams from some lonely watch-tower to the sky: 
 With moumfiil eyes they gaze, and gaze again ; 
 Loud howls the storm, and drives them o'er the main. 
 
 Next, his high head the helmet grac'd ; behind 410 
 The sweepy crest hung floating in the wind : 
 Like the red star, that from his flaming hair 
 Shakes down diseases, pestilence and war; 
 So stream'd the golden honors fi-om his head, 414 
 Trembled the sparkling plumes, and the loose glories shed. 
 
 The chief beholds himself with wondering eyes; 
 Btt arms be poises, aad his mQ(iona tries j 
 
 1
 
 Book XIX. THE ILIAD. 427 
 
 BuoyM by some inward force, he seetns to swim. 
 And feels a pinion lifting every limb. 
 
 And now he shakes hh great paternal spear, 420 
 Ponderous and huge ! which not a Greek could rear. 
 From Pelion's cloudy top an ash entire 
 Old Chiron fell'd, and shap'd it for his sire ; 
 A spear which stem Achilles only wields. 
 The death of heroes, and the dread of fields ! 425 
 
 Automedon and Alcimus prepare 
 Th' immortal coursers and the radiant car 
 (The silver traces sweeping at their side ;) 
 Their fiery mouths resplendent bridles ty'd, 
 The ivorj'-studded reins, return'd behind, 430 
 
 Wav'd o'er their backs, and to the chariot join'd. 
 The charioteer then whirl'd the lash around, 
 And swift ascended at one active bound. 
 All bright in heavenly arms, above his squire, 
 Achilles mounts, and sets the field on fire ; 435 
 IJot brighter Phoebus in th' etherial way. 
 Flames from his chariot, and restores the day. 
 High o'er the host all terrible he stands, 
 And thunders to his steeds these dread commands. 
 Xanthus and Balius ! of Podarges' strain, 440 
 (Unless ye boast that heavenly race in vain) 
 Be swift, be mindful of the load ye bear, 
 And learn to make your master more your care : 
 Thro' falling squadrons bear my slaughtering sword, 
 Uor as ye left Patroclus, leave your lord. 445 
 
 The generous Xanthus, as the words he said, 
 Seem'd sensible of woe, and droop'd his head : 
 Trembling he stood before the golden wain. 
 And bow'd to dust the honors of his mane. 
 When, strange to tell ! (so Juno will'd) be broke 
 1 Eternal silence, and portentous spoke. 451 
 
 Achilles ! yes ! this day at least we bear 
 !Thy rage in safety through the files of war: 
 But come it will, the fatal time must come, 
 ^Nor ours the fault, but God decrees thy doom. 455 
 tKot through our crime, or slowness in the course, 
 llFell thy Patroclus but by heavenly force; 
 i The brisht far-shooting God who gilds the day, 
 t (Confest we saw him) tore his arms away. 
 ' I No— could our swiftness o'er the winds prevail, 4159 
 Or beat the piaioos of the western gale.
 
 4£8 THE ILIAD. Book XIX. 
 
 All were in vain, the Fates thy death demand, 
 Due to a mortal and immortal hand. 
 
 Then ceas'd for ever, by the Furies ty'd, 
 His fateful voice. Th' intrepid chief reply'd 465 
 With unabated rage— So let it be ! 
 Portents and prodigies are lost on me. 
 I know my fates : to die, to see no more 
 My much-iov'd parents, and my native shore- 
 Enough— when heaven ordains, I sink in night ; 470 
 l^ow perish Troy ! he said, aad rush'd to fight.
 
 THE 
 
 I IL I A D. 
 
 BOOK XX,
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Battle qf the Gods, and the Acts ofAchiUes, 
 
 Jupiter, upon Achilles's return to the battle, calls a 
 council of the Gods, and permits tliem to assist 
 either party. The terrors of the battle described, 
 ■when the Deities are engaged. Apollo encourages 
 JEneas to meet Achilles. After a long conversation, 
 these two heroes encounter ; but vEneas is pre- 
 served by the assistance of Neptune. Achilles falls 
 upon the rest of the Trojans, and is upon the point 
 of killing Hector, but Apollo conveys him away 
 in a cloud. Achilles pursues the Trojans with a 
 great slaughter. 
 
 The same day continues. The scene is in the 
 field before Troy.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK XX. 
 
 THUS round Pelides breatliing war and blood, 
 Greece, sheath'd in arms, beside her vessels stood ; 
 While, near impending from a neighbouring height. 
 Troys black battalions wait the shock of fight. 
 Then Jove to Themis gives command, to call 5 
 The Gods to council in the starry hall : 
 Swift o'er Olj'mpus' hundred hills she flies. 
 And summons all the senate of the skies. 
 Iliese shining on, in long procession come 
 To Jove's eternal adamantine dome. - 10 
 
 Not one was absent, not a rural power. 
 That haunts the verdant gloom, or rosy bower ; 
 Each fair-hair'd Dryad of the shady wood, 
 I Each azure Sister of the silver flood ; 
 
 All but old Ocean, hoary Sire ! who keeps 15 
 
 \ His ancient scat beneath the sacred deeps. 
 1 On marble thrones with lucid columns crown'd, 
 ! (The work of Vulcan) sat the powers around. 
 } E'en* he whose trident. sways the watery reign. 
 
 Heard the loud summons, and forsook the main, 20 
 1 Assam'd his throne amid the bright abodes, 
 i And question'd tlius the Sire of men and Gods. 
 
 What moves the God who heaveo and earth commands, 
 ' And grasps the thunder in his awful hands, 
 ' Thus to convene the whole etberial state ? S5 
 
 ; Is Greece and Troy the subject in debate? 
 
 Already met, the lowering hosts appear, 
 I And death stands ardent on the edge of war. 
 'Tis true (the cloud-compelling power replies} 
 This day, we call the council of the skies 90 
 
 • Jleptune,
 
 432 THE ILIAD. Book XX. 
 
 In care of human race ; e'en Jove's own eye 
 
 Sees with regret unhappy mortals die. 
 
 Far on Olympus' top in secret state 
 
 Oiirself will sit, and see the hand of Fate 
 
 Work out our will. Celestial powers ! descend, 35 
 
 And, as your minds direct, your succour lend 
 
 To either host. Troy soon must lie o'erthrown. 
 
 If uncontroU'd Achilles figlits alone : 
 
 Their troops but lately durst not meet his eyes ; 
 
 "What can they now, if in his rage he rise ? 40 
 
 Assist them, Gods ! or Ilion's sacred wall 
 
 ISIay fall this day. though Fate forbids the fall. 
 
 lie said, and fir'd their heavenly breasts with rage : 
 
 On adverse parts the warring Gods engage. 44 
 
 Heaven's awful Queen ; and he whose azure round 
 
 Girds the vast globe ; the Maid in arras reno\Tn'd ; 
 
 Hermes of profitable arts tlie sire ; 
 
 And Vulcan, the black sovereign of the fire ! 
 
 Tliese to the fleet repair with instant flight ; 
 
 The vessels tremble as the Gods alight. 50 
 
 In aid of Troy, Latona, Phoebus came. 
 
 Mars fier>-helm'd, the laughter-lovmg Dame, 
 
 Xanthus whose sti earns in golden currents flow, 
 
 And the chaste Huntress of tlie silver bow. 
 
 Ere yet the Gods their various aid employ, 55 
 
 Each Argive bosom swell'd with manly joy. 
 
 While great Achilles, (terror of the plain) 
 
 Long lost to battle, shone in arms again. 
 
 Dreadful he stood in front of all his host ; 
 
 Pale Troy beheld, and seem'd already lost } 60 
 
 Her bravest heroes pant with inward fear. 
 
 And trembling see another God of war. 
 
 But when the powers descending swell'd the fight. 
 Then tumult rose ; fierce rage and pale affright 
 Varied each face ; then Discord sounds alarms, 65 
 Earth echoes, and the nations rush to arms. 
 Jfow through the trembling shores Minerva calls. 
 And now she thunders from the Grecian walls. 
 Wars hovering o'er his Troy, his terror shrouds 
 In gloomy tempests, and a night of clouds : 70 
 
 Uow through each Trojan heart he fury pours 
 "With voice divine, Iroro Ilion's topmost towers ; 
 Now shouts to Simois from her beauteous hilJ ; 
 The mouQiam shook, the rapid stream stwd stiJl.
 
 Book XX. THE ILIAD. 4.5S 
 
 Above, the Sire of Gods his thunder rolls, 75 
 
 And peals on peals redoubled rend the poles. 
 Beneath, stern Iseptuue shakes the solid ground ; 
 The forests wave, the mountains nod around ; 
 Through all their summits tremble Ida's woods, 
 And from their sources boil her hundred floods. 80 
 Troy's turrets totter on the rocking plain ; 
 And tiie toss'd navies beat the heaving main. 
 Deep in the dismal regions of the dead, 
 Th' infernal monarch rear'd Ids horrid head, 84 
 Leap'd from his throne, lest Neptune's arm should lay 
 His dark dominions open to the day, 
 And pour in light on Pluto's drear abodes, 
 Abhorr'd by men, and dreadful e'en to Gods. 
 
 Such war th' immortals wage : such horrors rend 
 The world's vast concave, when the Gods contend. 
 First silver-shafted Phcebus took the plain Ql 
 
 Against blue Neptune, monarch of the main: 
 The God of Arms his giant bulk display'd, 
 Oppos'd to Pallas, war's triumphant Maid. 
 Against Latona march'd the son of May ; 95 
 
 Ttie quiver'd Dian, sister of the Day 
 (Her golden arrows sounding at her side), 
 Saturnia, majest3' of heaven, defy'd. 
 With fiery Vulcan last in battle stands 
 The sacred flood that rolls on golden sands ; 100 
 Xanthus his name with those of heavenly birth, 
 But call'd Scamander by the sons of earth. 
 
 While tlius the Gods in various league engage, 
 Achilles glow'd with more than mortal rage: 
 Hector he sought : in search of Hector turn'd 105 
 His eyes around, for Hector only burn'd ; 
 And burst like lightning thro' the ranks, and vow'd 
 To glut the God of Battles with his blood. 
 
 .Tineas was the first who dar'd to stay ; 
 Apollo wedg'd him in the warrior's way, 110 
 
 But swell'd his bosom with undaunted might, 
 Half-forc'd, and half persuaded to tlie fight. 
 Like young Lycaon, of the royal line, 
 In voice and aspect seem'd the power divine ; 
 And bade the chief reflect, how late with scorn 115 
 In distant threats he brav'd the Goddess-bora. 
 
 Then tiius the hero of Ancliises' strain. 
 To meet Pelides you persuade in valu : 
 T
 
 a 
 
 4.t| THE ILIAD. Book XX. 
 
 Already have I met, nor void of fear 
 Obser\''d the fury of his flying spear ; 120 
 
 From Ida's woods he chas'd us to the field, ■' 
 
 Our force he scatter'd, and our herds he kill'd; "i 
 Lyrnessus, Pedasus, in ashes lay ; j-'J- 
 
 But (Jove assisting) I sur\av'd the day. • i 
 
 Else had I sunk opprest in fatal fight, 185' 
 
 By fierce Achilles and Miner\'a's might. 
 Where'er he mov'd, the Goddess shone before. 
 And bath'd his brazen lance in hostile gore. 
 What mortal man Achilles can sustain ? 
 Th' immortals guard him thro' the dreadful plain. 
 And sufler not his dart to fall in vain. 131^ 
 
 Were God my aid, this arm should check his potrer, 
 Thougli strong in battle as a brazen tower. 
 
 To whom the son of Jove. That God implore. 
 And be what great Achilles was before. 135 
 
 From heavenly Venus thou deriv'st thy strain. 
 And he, but from a sister of the main ; 
 An aged Sea-god father of his line. 
 But Jove himself the sacred source of thine. :; 
 
 Then lift thy weapon for a noble blow, l|d' 
 
 Hot fear the vaunting of a mortal foe. ' /;" 
 
 This said, and spirit breath'd into his breast. 
 Thro' the thick troops th' embolden'd hero prest : 
 His venturous act the white-arm'd Queen survey'd, 
 And thus, assembling all the powers, she said. t45 
 
 Behold an action, Gods ! that claims your care 
 Lo great iEneas rushing to the war ; 
 Against Pelides he directs his course, 
 Phoebus impels, and Phoebus gives him force. 
 Restrain his bold career ; at least, t' attend 150 
 Our favor'd hero, let some Power descend. 
 To guard his life, and add to ius renown, 
 We, the great armament of heaven, came down. 
 Hereafter let him fall, as Fates design, 
 Tliat spun so short his life's illustrious line : 155 
 But lest some adverse God now cross his way. 
 Give him to know, what Powers assist this day : 
 For how shall mortal stand the dire alarms, 
 When heaven's refulgent host appear in arms ? 
 
 Thus she, and thus the God whose force caa make 
 The solid globe's eternal basis shake. l6l
 
 Book XX. THE ILIAD. 435 
 
 Against the might of man, so feeble known, 
 "Why should celestial powers exert their own ? 
 ! Suffice, from yonder mount to view the scene; 
 I And leave to war the fates of mortal men. 165 
 
 j But if th' Armipotent, or God of Light, 
 1 Obstruct Achilles, or commence the fight, 
 
 Thence on the Gods of Troy we swift descend : 
 I Full soon, I doubt not, shall the conflict end : 
 I And these in ruin and confusion hurl'd, 170 
 
 1 Yield to our conquering arms the lower world. 
 I Thus having said, the tyrant of the sea, 
 1 Cerulean Neptune, rose, and led the way. 
 i Advanc'd upon the field there stood a mound 
 I Of earth congested, wall'd, and trench'd around ; 
 ; In elder times to guard Alcides made, I76 
 
 (The work of Trojans, with Minerva's aid) 
 What time a vengeful monster of the main 
 I Swept the wide shore, and drove him to the plain. 
 
 Here IJeptune and the Gods of Greece repair. 
 I With clouds enrompass'd, and a veil of air : 181 
 i The adverse powers, around Apollo laid. 
 
 Crown the fair hills that silver Simois shade. 
 \ In circle close each heavenly party sat, 
 ' Intent to form the future scheme of Fate ; 185 
 
 1 But mix not yet in fight, though Jove on high 
 } Gives the loud signal, and the heavens reply. 
 , Meanwiiile the rusliing armies hide the ground ; 
 ' The trampled centre yields a hollow sound : 
 
 Steeds cas'd in mail, and chiefs in armor bright, 190 
 I The gleamy champaign glows witii brazen light. 
 
 Amid both hosts (a dreadful space) appear 
 j There, great Achilles ; bold ^Eneas, here. 
 I With towering strides iEneas first advanc'd ; 
 ! The nodding plumage on his helmet danc'd, 195 
 I Spread o'er his breast the fencing shield he bore. 
 And, as he mov'd, his javelin flam'd before. 
 Not so PeUdes : furious to engage, 
 He rush'd impetuous. Such the lion's rage, 
 Who viewing first his foes with scornful eyes, 200 
 Though all in arms the peopled city rise. 
 Stalks careless on, with unregarding pride ; 
 Till at the length by some brave youth defy'd, 
 To his bold spear the savage turns alone 
 'He munnurs fury witli an hollow groan ; 205
 
 4.36 THE ILIAD. Book XX. 
 
 He g^rins, he foams, he rolls his eyes around ; 
 Lash'd by his tail, his heaving sides resound ; 
 He calls up all his rage ; he grinds his teeth, 
 Resolv'd on vengeance, or resoiv'd on death. 
 So fierce Achilles on iEneas flies ; 210 
 
 So stands ^neas, and his force defies. 
 Ere yet the stern encounter join'd, begun 
 The seed of Thetis thus to Venus' son. 
 
 Why comes JEneas through the ranks so tar ? 
 Seeks he to meet Achilles' arm in war, 215 
 
 In hope the realms of Priam to enjoy, 
 And prove his merits to the throne of Troy ? 
 Grant that beneath thy lance Achilles dies. 
 The partial monarch may refuse the prize : 
 Sons he has many : those thy pride may quell ; 220 
 And 'tis his fault to love those sons too well. 
 Or, in reward of thy victorious hand, 
 Has Troy propos'd some spacious track of land ? 
 An ample forest, or a fair domain. 
 Of hill for vines, and arable for grain ? 225 
 
 E'en this, perhaps, will hardly prove thy lot. 
 But can Achilles be so soon forgot ? 
 Once (as I thmk) you saw this brandish'd spear, 
 And then the great iEneas seem'd to fear. 
 With hearty haste from Ida's mount he fled, 230 
 Is or, till he reach'd Lyrnessus, tum'd his head. 
 Her lofty walls not long our progress staid ; 
 Those, Pallas, Jove, and we, in ruins laid : 
 In Grecian chains her captive race were cast ; 
 'lis true, the great >Eneas fled too fast. 235 
 
 Defrauded of my conquest once before. 
 What then I lost, the Gods this day restore. 
 Go ; while thou may'st, avoid the threatening fate ; 
 Fools stay to feel it, and are wise too late. 
 
 To this Anchises' son. Such words employ 240 
 To one that fears thee, some unwarlike boy ; 
 Such we disdain ; the best may be dety'd 
 With mean reproaches, and unmanly pride ; 
 Unworthy the high race from which we came, 
 Proclaimd so loudly by the voice of fame : 245 
 Each from illustrious fathers draws his liue ; 
 Each Goddess-born ; half human, half divine. 
 Thetis' tills day, or Venus' offspring dies. 
 And tears shall trickle trom celestial eyes':
 
 Book XX. THE ILIAD. 437 
 
 For when two heroes, thus deriv'd, contend, 250 
 
 'Tis not in words the glorious strife can end. 
 
 If yet thou farther seek to learn my birth 
 
 (A tale resounded Uirough the spacious earth ;) 
 
 Hear how the glorious origin we prove 
 
 From ancient Dardanus, the first from Jove : 255 
 
 Dardania's walls he rais'd ; for Ilion then 
 
 (The city since of many-lauguag'd men) 
 
 Was not. The natives were content to till 
 
 The shady foot of Ida's fountful hill. 
 
 From Dardanus, great Erichthonius springs, 260 
 
 The richest, once, of Asia's wealthy kings ; 
 
 Three thousand mares his spacious pastures bred. 
 
 Three thousand foals beside their mothers fed. 
 
 Boreas, enamor'd of the sprightly train, 
 
 Conceal'd his godhead in a flowing mane, 265 
 
 With voice dissembled to his loves he neigh'd, 
 
 And cours'd the dappled beauties o'er the mead : 
 
 Hence sprung twelve others of unrivall'd kind, 
 
 Swift as their mother mares, and father wind. 269 
 
 These lightly skimming, when they swept the plain. 
 
 Nor ply'd the grass, nor bent the tender grain ; 
 
 And when along the level seas they flew, 
 
 Scarce on the surface curl'd the briny dew. 
 
 Such Erichthonius was : from him there came 
 
 The sacred Xros, of whom the Trojan name. 275 
 
 Three sons renown'd adorn'd his nuptial bed, 
 
 IIus, Assaracus, and Ganymed : 
 
 The matchless Ganymed, divinely fair. 
 
 Whom Heaven, enamor'd, snatch'd to upper air 
 
 To bear the cup of Jove (^etherial guest, 280 
 
 The grace and glory of th' ambrosial feast.) 
 
 The two remaining sons the line divide : 
 
 First rose Laomedon from Ilus' side ; 
 
 From him Tithonius, now in cares grown old. 
 
 And Priam (blest with Hector, brave and bold :) 285 
 
 Clytius and Lampus, ever-honor'd pair ; 
 
 And Hicetaon, thunderbolt of war. 
 
 From great Assaracus sprung Capys, he 
 
 Begat Anchises, and Anchises me. 
 
 Such is our race : 'tis Fortune gives us birth, 290 
 
 But Jove alone endues the soul with worth : 
 
 He, source of power and might ! with boundless S"Way, 
 
 AJJ human courage gives or takes away.
 
 438 THE ILIAD. Book XX. 
 
 Long in the field of words we may contend. 
 Reproach is infinite, and knows no end, SQS 
 
 Arm'd or with truth or falsehood, right or wrong ; 
 So voluble a weapon is the tongue; 
 Wounded, we wound ; and neither side can fail. 
 For every man has equal strength to rail : 
 Women alone, when in the streets they jar, 300 
 Perhaps excel us in this wordy war ; - 
 
 Like us they stand, encompass'd with the crowdj ' 
 And vent their anger, impotent and loud. ' ' 
 
 Cease then— Our business in the field of fight 
 Is not to question, but to prove our might. 305 
 To all those insults thou hast oflFer'd here. 
 Receive this answer : 'tis my flying spear. ^'^• 
 
 He spoke. With all his force the javelin flungl,^ 
 Fix'd deep, and loudly in tlie buckler rung. 
 Far on his out-stretch'd arm, Peiides held 310 
 
 (To meet the thundering lance) his dreadful shield. 
 That trembled as it stuck ; nor void of fear 
 Saw, ere it fell, th' immeasurable spear. 
 His fears were vain ; impenetrable charms 
 Secur'd the temper of th' etherial arms. 315 
 
 Through two strong plates the point its passage held. 
 But stopp'd, and rested, by the third repell'd. 
 Five plates of various metal, various mold, ^ 
 
 Compos'd tlie shield ; of brass each outward fold, ^ 
 Of tin each inward, and the middle gold : SSOJ 
 There stuck the lance. Then rising ere he tiurew. 
 The forceful spear of great Achilles flew. 
 And pierc'd the Dardan shield's extremest bound, 
 Where the shrill brass return'd a sharper sound : 
 Thro' the thin verge the Pelion weapon glides, 325 
 And the slight covering of expanded hides. 
 JEneas his contracted body bends, 
 And o'er him high the riven targe extends, 
 Sees, through its parting plates, the upper air, 
 And at his back perceives the quivering spear : 330 
 A fate so near him chills his soul with fright ; 
 And swims before his eyes the many-colour'd light. 
 Achilles, rushing in with dreadful cries, 
 Draws his broad blade, and at iEneas flies: 
 iEneas, rousing as the foe came on, 335 
 
 (With force collected^ heaves a mighty stone;
 
 Book XX. THE ILIAD. 439 
 
 A mass enormous ! which in modem days 
 No two of earth's degenerate sons could raise. 
 But Ocean'sGod, whose earthquakes rock the ground, 
 Saw the distress, and mov'd tlie powers around. 340 
 
 Lo ! on the brink of fate iEneas stands. 
 An instant victim to Achilles' hands : 
 By Phcebus urg'd ; but Phoebus has bestow'd 
 His aid in vain ; the man o'erpowers the God. 
 And can ye see this righteous chief atone, 345 
 
 With guiltless blood, for vices not his own ? 
 To all the Gods his constant vows were paid : 
 Sure, though he wars for Troy, he claims our aid. 
 Fate wills not this ; nor thus can Jove resign 
 The future father of the Dardan line : 350 
 
 The first great ancestor obtain'd his grace, 
 And still his love descends on all the race. 
 For Priam now, and Priam's faithless kind. 
 At length are odious to th' all-seeing Mind ; 
 On great jEneas shall devolve the reigti, 355 
 
 And sons succeeding sons the lasting line sustain. 
 The great Earth-shaker thus : to whom replies 
 Th' imperial Goddess with the radiant eyes. 
 Good as he is, to immolate or spare 
 The Dardan Prince, O Neptune, be thy care ; 36o 
 Pallas and I, by all that Gods can bind. 
 Have sworn destruction to the Trojan kind ; 
 Not ev'n an instant to protract tlieir fate. 
 Or save one member of the sinking state; 
 Till her last flame be quench'd with her last gore, S^o 
 And ev'n her crumbling luins are no more. 
 
 The King of Ocean to the fight descends. 
 Through all the whisthng darts his course he bends. 
 Swift interpos'd between the warriors flies 
 And casts tliick darkness o'er Achilles' eyes. 370 
 From great Eneas' shield the spear he drew. 
 And at his master's feet the weapon threw. 
 That done, with force divine he snatch'd on high 
 The Dardan Prince, and bore him through the sky. 
 Smooth-gliding without step, above the heads 375 
 Of warring heroes, and of bounding steeds : 
 Till at the battle's utmost verge they light. 
 Where the slow Cancans close the rear of fight. 
 The Godhead there (his heavenly form confess'd> 
 With words like these the paatiog chief address'd. 380
 
 440 THE ILIAD. Book XX. 
 
 What power, O Prince, with force inferior far 
 Urg'd thee to meet Achilles' arm in war ? 
 Henceforth beware, nor antedate tlij' doom, 
 Defrauding Fate of all thy fame to come. 
 But when the d^y decreed (for come it must) 385 
 Shall lay this dreadful hero in the dust, 
 iet then the furies of that arm be known, 
 Secure, no Grecian force transcends thy own. 
 
 With that, he left him wondering as he lay, 
 Then from Achilles chas'd the mist away: SQO 
 
 Sudden, returning with the stream of light. 
 The scene of war came rushing on his sight. 
 Then thus amaz'd : What wonders strike my mind ! 
 2VIy spear, that parted on tlie wings of wind, 
 Laid here before me ! and the Dardan lord 395 
 That fell this instant, vanish'd from my sword ! 
 I thought alone with mortals to contend. 
 But Powers celestial sure this foe defend. 
 Great as he is, our arm he scarce will try, 
 Content, for once, with all his Gods, to flj-. 400 
 Kow then let others bleed— This said, aloud 
 He vents his fury, and inflames the crowd, 
 O Greeks, (he cries, and every rank alarms) 
 Join battle, man to man, and arms to arms ! 
 'Tis not in me, though favor'd by the sky, 405 
 
 To mow whole troops and make whole armies fly: 
 Jio God can singly such a host engage, 
 Ifot Mars himself, nor great Minerva's rage. 
 But whatsoe'er Achilles can inspire, 
 AVhate'er of active force, or acting fire : 410 
 
 Whate'er this heart can prompt, or hand obey; 
 All, all Achilles, Greeks ! is yours to day. 
 Through yon wide host this arm shall scatter fear. 
 And thin the squadrons witli my single spear. ' 
 
 He said : nor less elate with martial joy, 415 
 
 The god-like Hector warm'd the troops of Troy. 
 Trojans to war ! Tiiink Hector leads you on ; 
 Jvor dread the vaunts of Peleus' haughty son. 
 Deeds must decide our fate. E'en those with words 
 Insult the brave, who tremble at their swords: 420 
 The weakest Atheist-wretch all heaven defies, 
 But shrinks and shudders when the thunder flies. 
 Uor from yon boaster shall your chief retire, 
 Not though his beart ■vrere steel, his haad were fire ;
 
 Book XX. THE ILIAD. 441 
 
 That fire, that steel, your Hector should withstand, 
 And brave that vengeful heart, that dreadful hand. 
 
 Thus (breathing rage through all) the hero said ; 
 A wood of lances rises round his head, 
 Clamors on clamors tempest all the air, 429 
 
 They join, they throng, they thicken to the war. 
 But Phoebus warns him from high heaven to shun 
 The single fight with Thetis' god-like son ; 
 More safe to combat in tlie mingled band, 
 Nor tempt too near the terrors of his hand. 
 He hears obedient to the God of Light, 435 
 
 And plung'd within the ranks, awaits the fight. 
 
 Then fierce Achilles, shouting to the skies, 
 On Troy's whole force with boundless fury flies. 
 First falls Iphytion, at his army's head ; 
 Brave was the chief, and brave the host he led ; 440 
 From great Otrynteus he deriv'd his blood, 
 His mother was a NaVs of the flood ; 
 Beneath the shades of Tmolus, crown'd with show. 
 From Hyde's walls he rul'd the lands below. 
 Fierce as he springs, the sword his head divides ; 445 
 The parted visage falls on equal sides : 
 With loud-resounding arms he strikes the plain ; 
 While thus Achilles glories o'er the slain. 
 
 Lie there, Otryntides ! the Trojan earth 
 Receives thee dead, tho' Gygse boast thy birth ; 450 
 Those beauteous fields where Hyllus' waves are roU'd, 
 And plenteous Hermus swells with tides of gold. 
 Are thine no more— Th' insulting hero said. 
 And left him sleeping in eternal shade. 
 The rolling wheels of Greece the body tore, 455 
 And dash'd their axles with no vulgar gore. 
 
 Demoleon next, Antenor's offspring, laid 
 Breathless in dust, the price of rashness paid. 
 Th' impatient steel with full-descending sway 
 Forc'd through his brazen helm its furious way. 460 
 Resistles drove the batter'd skull before, 
 And dash'd and mingled all the brains with gore. 
 This sees Hippodamas, and, seiz'd with fright. 
 Deserts his chariot for a swifter flight : 
 The lance arrests him : an ignoble wound 465 
 
 The panting Trojan rivets to the ground. 
 He groans away his soul : not louder roars 
 At Neptune's shrine on Helice's high shores 
 T2
 
 44-2 THE ILIAD. Book XX. 
 
 The victim bull : the rocks rebellow round. 
 
 And Ocean listens to the grateful sound. 470 
 
 ITien tell on Polydore his vengeful rage, 
 The youngest hope of Priam's stooping age 
 (Whose feet for swiftness in the race surpast ;) 
 Of all his sons the dearest and the last. 
 To the forbidden field he takes liis flight 475 
 
 In the first folly of a youthful knight. 
 To vaunt his swiftness, wheels around the plain, 
 But vaunts not long, with all his swiftness slain. 
 Struck where the crossing belts unite behind, 
 And golden rings the double back-plate join'd : 480 
 Forth through the navel burst the thrilling steel ; 
 And on his knees witii piercing shrieks he fell ; 
 The rushing entrails pour'd upon the ground 
 His hands collect; and darkness wraps him round. 
 When Elector view'd, all ghastly in his gore 485 
 Thus sadly slain, th' unhappj' Polydore ; 
 A cloud of sorrow overcast his sight. 
 His soul no longer brook'd the distant fight, 
 Full in Achilles' dreadful front he came, 
 And shook his javelin like a waving flame. 490 
 
 The son of Peleus sees, with joy possest. 
 His heart high-bounding in his rising breast: 
 And, lo! the man, on whom black fates attend ; 
 I'he man, that slew Achilles, in his friend ! 
 No more shall Hectors and Pelides' spear 4<>5 
 
 Turn from each other in the walks of war- 
 Then with revengeful eyes he scann'd him o'er : 
 Come, and receive thy fate ! He spake no more. 
 
 Hector, undaunted, thus. Such words employ 
 To one that dreads thee, some unwarlike boy: 5i)0 
 Such we could give, deling and defy'd. 
 Mean intercourse of obloquy and pride ! 
 I know thy force to mine superior far; 
 But Heaven alone confers success in war : 
 Mean as I am, the Gods may guide my dart, 505 
 And give it entrance in a braver heart. 
 
 Then parts the lance: but Pallas' heavenly breath 
 Far from Achilles wafts the winged death : 
 The bidden dart again to Hector flies. 
 And at the feet of its great master lies. 510 
 
 Achilles closes with his hated foe, 
 His heart and eyes with flaming fury glow :
 
 Book XX. THE ILIAD. 443 
 
 But present to his aid, Apollo shrouds 
 
 The favor'd hero in a veil of clouds. 
 
 Thrice struck Pelides with indignant heart, 515 
 
 Thrice in impassive air he plung'd the dart : 
 
 The spear a fourth time bury'd in the cloud ; 
 
 He foams with fury, and exclaims aloud. 
 
 Wretch! thou hast 'scap'd again, once more thy flight 
 Has sav'd thee, and tlie partial God of Light. 520 
 But long thou Shalt not tliy just fate withstand. 
 If any power assist Achilles' hand. 
 Fly then inglorious ! but thy flight this day 
 "Whole hecatombs of Trojan ghosts shall pay. 524 
 
 With that, he gluts his rage on numbers slain : 
 Then Dryops tumbled to th* ensanguin'd plain, 
 Pierc'd through the neck : he left him panting there. 
 And stopp'd Derauchus, great Philetor's heir. 
 Gigantic chief! deep gash'd th' enormous blade. 
 And for the soul an ample passage made. 530 
 
 Laogonus and Dardanus expire. 
 The valiant sons of an unhappy sire ; 
 Both in one instant from the chariot hurl'd, 
 Sunk in one instant to the nether world ; 
 This difference only their sad fates afford, 535 
 
 That one the spear destroy'd, and one the sword. 
 
 ^Tor less unpity'd young Alastor bleeds ; 
 In vain his youth, in vain his beauty pleads : 
 In vain he begs thee with a suppliant's moan. 
 To spare a form, an age so like thy own ! 340 
 
 Unhappy boy ! no prayer, no mo\nng art, 
 E'er bent that fierce, inexorable heart I 
 Wliile yet he trembled at his knees, and cry'd. 
 The ruthless falchion ope'd his tender side ; 
 The panting liver pours a flood of gore 545 
 
 That drowns his bosom till he pants no more. 
 
 Thro' Mulius' head then dj ove th' impetuous spear. 
 The warrior falls, transfix'd from ear to ear. 
 Thy life, Echeclus ! next the sword bereaves. 
 Deep ihro' the front the ponderous falchion cleaves ; 
 Warm'd in the brain tiie smoking weapon lies, 551 
 The purple death comes floating o'er his eyes. 
 Then brave Deucalion dy'd : the dart was flung 
 Where the knit nerves the pliant elbow strung ; 
 He dropt his arm, an unassisting weight, 565 
 
 AAd stood all impotent, expecting fate :
 
 444 TIIE ILIAD. Book XX. 
 
 Full on his neck the falling falchion sped, 
 From his broad shoulders liew'd his crested head : 
 Forth from the bone the spinal marrow flies, 
 And sunk in dust the corpse extended lies. 560 
 Hhigmus, whose race from fruitful Thracia came, 
 (The son of Pireus, an illustrious name,) 
 Succeeds to fate; the spear his belly rends; 
 Prone from his car the thundering chief descends : 
 The squire, who saw expiring on the ground 565 
 His prostrate master, rein'd the steeds around : 
 His back scarce turn'd, the Pelian javelin gor'd. 
 And stretch'd the servant o'er his dying lord. 
 As when a flame the winding valley fills. 
 And runs on crackling shrubs between the hills ; 
 Then o'er the stubble up the mountain flies, 5jl 
 Fires the high woods, and blazes to the skies, 
 This way aud that the spreading torrent roars ; 
 So sweeps the hero through the wasted shores : 
 Around him wide, immense destruction pours, 575 
 And earth is delug'd with the sanguine showers. 
 As with autumnal harvests cover'd o'er. 
 And thick bestrown, lies Ceres' sacred floor ; 
 When round euid round witli never-weary'd pain, 
 The trampling steers beat out th' unnumber'd grain : 
 So the fierce coursers, as the chariot rolls, 581 
 
 Tread down whole ranks, and crush out heroes' souls. 
 Dash'd from their hoofs while o'er the dead they fly. 
 Black, bloody drops the smoking chariot dye : 
 The spiky wheels through heaps of carnage tore ; 
 And thick the groaning axles dropp'd with gore. 586 
 High o'er the scene of death Achilles stood, 
 All grim with dust, all horrible in blood : 
 Yet still insatiate, still with rage on flame ; 
 Such is the lust of oever-djing fame ! 590
 
 THE 
 
 I IL I A D, 
 
 BOOK xxr.
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 The Battle in the River Scamander. 
 
 The Trojans fly before Achilles, some towards the 
 town, others to the river Scamander : he falls upoa 
 the latter with great slaughter, takes twelve cap- 
 tives alive, to sacrifice to the shade of Patroclus; 
 and kills Lycaon and Asteropasus. Scamander 
 attacks him with all his waves ; Kepiune and 
 Pallas assist the hero ; Simois joins Scamander ; 
 at length Vulcan, by the instigation of Juno, 
 almost dries up the river. This combat ended, 
 the other Gods engage each other. Meanwhile 
 Achilles continues the slaughter, drives the rest 
 into Troy : Agenor only makes a stand, and is 
 conveyed away in a cloud by Apollo ; who (to 
 delude Achilles) takes upon him Agenor's shape, 
 and while he pursues him in that disguise, gives 
 the Trojans au opportunity of retiring into their 
 city. 
 
 "The same day continues. The scene is on the banks 
 and ia the stream of Scamander.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK XXI. 
 
 AND now to Xanthus' eliding stream they drove, 
 Xanthus, immortal progeny ot Jove. 
 The river liere divides the flying train. 
 Part to the town fly diverse o'er the plain, 
 Where late their troops triumphant bore the fight: 5 
 Now chas'd, and trembling in ignoble flight 
 (These with a gather'd mist Saturnia shrouds. 
 And rolls behind the rout a heap of clouds.) 
 Part plunge into the stream : old Xanthus roars, 
 The flashing billows beat the whiten'd shores : 10 
 With cries promiscuous all the banks resound ; "> 
 And here and there, in eddies whirling round, > 
 The flouncing steeds and shriekingwarriors drown'd.J 
 As the scorch'd locusts from their fields retire, 
 While fast behind them runs the blaze of fire; 15 
 Driven from the land before the smoky cloud. 
 The clustering legions rush into the flood : 
 So plung'd in Xanthus by Achilles' force, 
 Roars the resounding surge with men and horse. 
 His bloody lance the hero casts aside 20 
 
 (Which spreading tamarisks on the margin hide ;) 
 Then, like a God, the rapid billows braves, 
 Arm'd with his sword high-brandish'd o'er the waves : 
 Now down he plunges, now he whirls it round. 
 Deep groan'd the waters with the dying sound ; 25 
 Repeated wounds the reddening river dy'd. 
 And the warm purple circled on the tide. 
 Swift through the foamy flood the Trojans fly, 
 Aad close ia rocks or winding caverns Ue :
 
 448 THE ILIAD. Book XXI. 
 
 So the huge dolpliin tempestiug the main, 30 
 
 In shoals before liini fly the scaly train, 
 Confus'dly heap'd they seek tlieir inmost caves, 
 Or pant and heave beneath the floating waves. 
 !Now tir'd witli slaughter, from the Trojan band 
 Twelve chosen youths he drags alive to land ; 35 
 "With their rich belts their captive arms constrains 
 (Late their proud ornaments, but now tlieir chains,) 
 These his attendants to the ships convey'd, 
 Sad victims! destia'd to Patroclus' shade. 
 
 Then, as once more he plung'd amid the flood, 40 
 The young Lj'caon in his passage stood ; 
 The son of Priam, whom the hero's hand 
 But late made captive in his father's land. 
 (As from a sycamore, his sounding steel 
 Lopp'd the green arms to spoke a chariot-wheel ;) 
 To Lemnos isle he sold the royal slave, 46 
 
 Where Jason's son the price demanded gave ; 
 But kind Eetion touching on the shore. 
 The ransom'd prince to fair Arisbe bore. 
 Ten days were past, since in hb father's reign 50 
 He felt the sweets of hberty again ; 
 The next, that God whom men in vain withstand. 
 Gives the same youtli to the same conquering hand ; 
 Ivow never to return ! and doom'd to go 
 A sadder journey to the shades below. 55 
 
 His well-known face when great Achilles ey'd 
 ("The helm and visor he had cast aside 
 With wild affright, and dropp'd upon the field 
 His useless lance and unavailing shield,) 
 As trembling, panting, from tlie stream he fled, 60 
 And knock'd his faultering knees, tiie hero said. 
 
 Ye mighty Gods ! wliat wonders strike my view ! 
 Is it in vain our conquering arms subdue ? 
 Sure I shall see yon heaps of Trojans kill'd, 
 Rise from the shades, and brave me on the field : 
 As now the captive, whom so late I bound 66 
 
 And sold to Lemnos, stalks on Trojan ground ! 
 Not him the sea's unmeasur'd deeps detain. 
 That bar such numbers from their native plain : 
 Lo ! he returns. Try, then, my flying spear! 70 
 Tr3-, if the grave can hold the wanderer ; 
 If earth at length this active prince tan seize. 
 Earth, whose strong grasp has held down Hercules.
 
 Book XXI. THE ILIAD. OQ 
 
 Thus while he spake, the Trojan pale with fears 
 Approach'd, and sought his knees with suppliant tear^; 
 Loth as he was to yield his youthful breath, 76 
 And his soul shivering at th' approach of death. 
 Achilles rais'd the spear, prepar'd to wound ; 
 He kiss'd his feet, extended on the ground: 
 And while, above, the spear suspended stood, 80 
 Longing to dip its thirsty point in blood. 
 One hand embrac'd them close, one stopt the dart. 
 While thus these melting words attempt his heart. 
 
 Thy well-known captive, great Achilles ! see, 
 Once more Lycaon trembles at thy knee, 85 
 
 Some pity to a suppliant's name afford. 
 Who shar'd the gifts of Ceres at thy board ; 
 Whom late thy conquering arm to Lemnos bore. 
 Far from his father, friends, and native shore ; 
 A hundred oxen were his price that day, 90 
 
 Now sums immence thy mercy shall repay. 
 Scarce respited from woes I yet appear, 
 And scarce twelve morning suns have seen me here ; 
 Lo ! Jove again submits me to thy hands, 
 Again, her victim cruel Fate demands ! 95 
 
 I sprung from Priam and Laothoe fair 
 COld Alte's daughter, and Lelegia's heir ; 
 Who held in Pedasus his fam'd abode. 
 And rul'd the fields where silver Satnio flow'd :) 
 Two sons (alas! unhappy sons) she bore; 100 ^ 
 For ah ! one spear shall drink each brother's gore, C 
 And I succeed to slaughter'd Polydore. J 
 
 How from that arm of terror shall I fly ? 
 Some daemon urges ; 'tis my doom to die ! 
 If ever yet soft pity touch'd thy mind, 105 
 
 Ah 1 think not me too much of Hector's kind ! 
 Not the same mother gave thy suppliant breath, 
 With his, who wrought thy lov'd Patroclus' death. 
 
 Tliese words, attended witti a shower of tears. 
 The youth add rest to unrelenting ears ; 110 
 
 Talk not of life, or ransom, ([le replies,) 
 Patroclus dead, whoever meets me, dies : 
 In vain a single Trojan sues for grace ; 
 But least, the sons of Priam's hateful race. 
 Die then, my frieud ! what boots it to deplore ? 115 
 The great, the good Patroclus is no more .'
 
 450 THE ILIAD. Book XXI. 
 
 He, far thy better, was foiedoom'd to die, 
 " And thou, dost thou, bewail mortality r" 
 See'st thou not me, whom nature's gifts adorn, 
 Sprung from a hero, from a Goddess boru ; 120 
 The day shall come (which nothing can avert) 
 When by the spear, the arrow, or the dart, 
 Hy night, or day, by force or by design, -^ 
 
 Impending death and certain fate are mine. . 
 
 Die then— he said ; and as tlie word he spoke, ^ 
 The fainting stripling sunk, before the stroke : .Ji^ 
 His hand forgot its grasp, and left the spear : ^^ 
 While all his trembling frame confest his fear; 
 Sudden, Achilles his broad sword display'd, 
 And buried in his neck the reeking blade. 130 
 
 Prone fell the youth ; and panting on the land. 
 The gushing purple dy'd the thirsty sand ; 
 The victor to ihe stream the carcass gave. 
 And thus insults him, floating on the wave. 
 
 Lie there, Lycaon ! let the fish surround 135 
 
 Thy bloated corse, and suck thy gory wound : 
 There no sad mother shall thy funerals weep. 
 But swift Scamander roll thee to the deep. 
 Whose every wave some watery monster brings. 
 To feast unpnnish'd on the fat of kings. 140 
 
 So perish Troy, and all the Trojan line! 
 Such ruin theirs, and such compassion mine. 
 What boots you now Scamander's worship'd streau^, 
 His earthly honors, and immortal name; -^ 
 
 In vain your immolated bulls are slain, 145 
 
 Your li\ing coursers glut his gulft in vain: 
 Thus he rewards you, with tliis bitter fate; 
 Thus, till the Grecian vengeance is complete; ; , 
 Thus is aton'd Patroclus' honofd shade, g 
 
 And the short absence of Achilles paid. 150 
 
 These boastful words provoke the raging God ; 
 With fury swells the N-iolated flood. 
 What means divine may yet the power employ. 
 To check Achilles, and to rescue Troy? 
 Meanwhile the liero springs in arms, to dare 155 
 The great Asteropeus to mortal war; 
 The son of Pelagon, whose lofty line 
 Flows from the source of Axius, stream divine ! 
 (Fair Peribaea's love the God had crown'd. 
 With ail liis refluent waters circled round) l6o
 
 Book XXI. THE ILIAD. 451 
 
 On him Achilles rush'd : he fearless stood. 
 
 And bhook two spears, advancing from the flood; 
 
 The flood impell'd him, on Pelides' head 
 
 T* avenge his waters choak'd with heaps of dead. 
 
 Near as they drew, Achilles thus began. l63 
 
 What art thou, boldest of the race of man ? 
 Who, or from whence ? Unhappy is the sire 
 Whose son encounters our resistless ire. 
 
 O son of Peleus ! what avails to trace 
 (Reply'd the warrior) our illustrious race ? 170 
 
 From rich Paeonia's valleys 1 command, 
 Arm'd with portended spears, my native band ; 
 Now shines the tenth bright morning since 1 came 
 In aid of Ilion to the fields of fame : 
 Axius, who swells with all the neighbouring rills. 
 And wide around the floated region fills, 176 
 
 Begot my sire, whose spear such glory won : 
 Now lift thy arm, and try that hero's son ! 
 
 Threatening he said : tlie hostile chiefs advance ; 
 At once Asteropeus discharg'd each lance, 180 
 
 (For both his dextrous hands the lance could wield) 
 One struck, but pierc'd not tlie Vulcanian shield ; 
 One raz'd Achilles' hand; the spouting blood 
 Spun forth, in earth the fasten'd weapon stood. 
 Like lightning next the Pelian javelin flies : i85 
 Its erring fury hiss'd along the skies ; 
 Deep in the swelling bank was driven the spear. 
 E'en to the middle earth'd ; and quiver'd there. 
 Then from his side the sword Pelides drew, 
 And on his foe with doubled fury flew. IQO 
 
 The foe thrice tugg'd, and shook the rooted wood; 
 Repulsive of his might the weapon stood : 
 The fourth, he tries to break the spear, in vain ; 
 Bent as he stands, he tumbles to the plain ; 
 His belly open'd with a ghastly wound, 195 
 
 The reeking entrails pour upon the ground. 
 Beneath the hero's feet he panting lies, 
 And his eye darkens, and his spirit flies : 
 While the proud victor thus triumphing said. 
 His radiant armor tearing from the dead : 200 
 
 So ends thy glory ! Such the fate they prove 
 Who strive presumptuous with the sons of Jove. 
 Sprung from a river, didst tliou boast thy line ? 
 But great Saturnius is the source ef mine.
 
 45S THE ILIAD. Book XXI. 
 
 How durst tliou vaunt thy waterj- progeny ? 205 
 
 Of Peleus, iEacus, and Jove, am I ; 
 
 The race of these superior far to those. 
 
 As he that thunders to tlie stream that flows. 
 
 What rivers can, Sr amander miglit hare shown ; 
 
 But Jove he dreads, nor wars against his son. 210 
 
 E'en Achelbus might contend in vain. 
 
 And all the roaring billows of the main. 
 
 Th' eternal ocean, from whose fountains flow 
 
 Tlie seas, tlie rivers, and the sprinus below, 
 
 The thundering voice of Jove abhors to hear, 215 
 
 And in his deep abysses shakes with fear. 
 
 He said ; then from the bank his javelin tore. 
 And left the breathless warrior in his gore. 
 The floating tides the bloody carcass lave. 
 And beat against it, wave succeeding wave ; 2C0 
 Till, roll'd between the banks, it lies the food 
 Of curling eels, and fishes of the flood. 
 Ail scatter'd round tlie stream (their mightiest slain) 
 Th' amaz'd Pceonians scour along the plain : 
 He vents his fury on the flying crew, 225 
 
 Thrasius, Astypylus, and Mnesius slew ; 
 Mydon, Thersilochus, with jEnius fell ; 
 And numbers more his lance had plung'd to bell ; 
 But from the bottom of his gulfs profound, 
 Scamander spoke; Uie shores retum'd the sound. 
 
 O first of mortals ! (for the Gods are thine) 231 
 In valor matchless, and in force divine ! 
 If Jove have given thee every Trojan head, 
 Tis not on me thy rage should heap the dead. 
 See ! ray chok'd streams no more their course can keep, 
 Nor roll tlieir wonted tribute to tlie deep. 236 
 
 Turn, then, impetuous ! from our iujufd flood ; 
 Content, thy slaughters could amaze a God. 
 
 In human form, confess'd before his eyes, 
 The river thus ; and thus the chief replies. 240 
 
 O sacred stream ! thy word we shall obey ; 
 But not till Troy the destin'd vengeance pay, 
 Not till within her towers the perjur'd train 
 Shall pant, and tremble at our arms again: 
 Not till proud Hector, guardian of her wall, 245 
 Or stain this lance, or see Achilles fall. 
 
 He said ; and drove with fury on the foe. 
 Tbes to tbe godhead of the silver bow
 
 Book XXI. THE ILIAD. 453 
 
 The yellow flood began : O son of Jove ! 
 
 Was not tlie mandate of the sire above 250 
 
 Full and express ? that Phoebus should employ 
 
 His sacred aiTows in defence of Troy, 
 
 And make her conquer, till Hyperion's fall 
 
 In awful darkness hide the face of all ? 
 
 He spoke in vain— the chief without dismay 255 
 Ploughs thro" the boiling- surge his desperate way. 
 Then, rising in his race above the shores, 
 From all his deep the bellowing river roars, 
 Huge heaps of slain disgorges on the coast, 
 And round the banks the ghastly dead are tost. 260 
 "While all before, the billows rang'd on higli 
 (A watery bulwark) screen the bands who fly. 
 Now bursting on his head with thundering sound. 
 The falling deluge whelms the hero round : 
 His loaded shield bends to the rushing tide; 265 
 His feet, upborn, scarce the strong flood divide, 
 Sliddering, and staggering. On the border stood 
 A spreading elm, that overhung the flood ; 
 He seiz'd a bending bough, his steps to stay; 
 The plant uprooted to his weight gave way, 270 
 Heaving the bank, and undermining all; 
 Loud flash the waters to the rushing fall 
 Of the thick foliage. The large trunk display'd 
 Bridg'd the rougii flood across : the hero stay'd 
 On this his weight, and, rais'd upon his hand. 275 
 Leap'd from the channel, and regain 'd the land. 
 Then blacken'd the wild waves ; the murmur rose ; 
 Tlie God pursues, a huger billow throws, 
 And bursts the bank, ambitious to destroy 
 The man whose fury is the fate of Troy. 280 
 
 He, like the warlike eagle, speeds his pace 
 (Swiftest and strongest of th' aerial race) 
 Far as a spear can fly, Achilles springs 
 At every bound ; his clanging armor rings : 
 Now hear, now there, he turns on every side, 285 
 And winds his course before the following tide; 
 The waves flow after, wheresoe'er he wheels. 
 And gather fast, and murmur at his heels. 
 So when a peasant to his garden brings 
 Soft rills of water from the bubbling springs, 290 
 And calls the floods from high, to bless his bowers. 
 And feed witli preguant streams the plants aad flowers;
 
 454 THE ILIAD. Book XXI. 
 
 Soon as he clears whate'er their passage staid. 
 And marks the future current -with his spade, 
 Swift o'er the rolling pebbles, down the hills 295 
 Louder and louder purl the falling rills, 
 Before him scattering, they prevent his pains. 
 And shine in mazy wanderings o'er the plains. 
 
 Still flies Achilles, but before his eyes 
 Still swift Scamander rolls where'er he flies : 300 
 Kot all his speed escap>es the rapid floods ; 
 The first of men, but not a match for Gods. 
 Oft as he tum'd the torrent to oppose. 
 And bravely try if all the powers were foes ; 
 So oft the surge, in watery mountains spread, 305 
 Beats on his back, or bursts upon his head. 
 Yet dauntless still the adverse flood he braves. 
 And still indignant bounds above the -waves. 
 Tir'd by the tides, his knees relax with toil ; 
 Wash'd from beneath him slides the slimy soil : 310 
 When thus (his eyes on heaven's expansion thrown) 
 Forth bursts the hero with an angry groan. 
 
 Is there no God Achilles to befriend. 
 Kg power t' avert his miserable end ? 
 Prevent, oh Jove ! this ignominious date, 315 
 
 Nor make my future life the sport of Fate. 
 Of all Heaven's oracles believ'd in vain, 
 But most of Thetis, must her son complain ; 
 By Phoebus' darts she prophesied my fall, 
 In glorious arms before the Trojan wall. 320 
 
 O ! had I died in fields of battle warm, ' 
 Stretch'd like a hero, by a hero's arm ! 
 Might Hector's spear this dauntless bosom rend, 
 And my swift soul o'ertake my slaughter'd friend ! 
 Ah, no ! Achilles meets a shameful fate, 325 
 
 Oh how unworthy of the brave and great ! 
 Like some vile swain, whom on a rainy day, x 
 Crossing a ford, the torrent sweeps away, y 
 
 An unregarded carcass, to tlie sea. 5 
 
 Keptune and Pallas haste to his relief, 330 
 
 And thus in human form address the chief: 
 The power of Ocean first. Forbear thy fear, 
 O son of Peleus ! Lo, tliy Gods appear ! 
 Behold ! from Jove descending to thy aid, 
 Propitious Neptune, and the blue-ey'd Maid. 335
 
 Book XXI. THE ILIAD. 455 
 
 Stay, and the furious flood shall cease to rave : 
 Tis not thy fate to glut liis angry wave. 
 But thou, the counsel Heaven suggests, attend! 
 Nor breathe from combat, nor tliy sword suspend, 
 I'ill Troy receive her flying sons, till all 340 
 
 Her routed squadrons pant behind their wall : 
 Hector alone shall stand his fatal chance. 
 And Hector's blood shall smoke upon thy lance. 
 Thine is the glory doom'd. Thus spake the Gods: 
 Then swift ascended to the bright abodes. 345 
 
 Stung with new ardor, thus by Heaven impell'd. 
 He springs impetuous, and invades the field : 
 O'er all th' expanded plain the waters spread ; 
 Heav'd on the bounding billows dauc'd the dead, 
 Floating 'midst scatter'd arms; while casques of gold 
 And turn'd-up bucklers glitter'd as they roll'd. 351 
 High o'er the surging tide, by leaps and bounds. 
 He wades, and mounts ; the parted wave resounds. 
 Not a whole river stops the hero's course. 
 While Pallas fills him with immortal force. 355 
 With equal rage, indignant Xantlius roars. 
 And lifts his billows, and o'er whelms his shores. 
 
 Then thus to Simo'is : Haste, my brother flood ! 
 And check this mortal that controls a God : 
 Our bravest heroes else shall quit tlie fight, 360 
 And Ilion tumble from her towery height. 
 Call then thy subject streams, and bid them roar. 
 From all thy fountains swell thy watery store, 
 With broken rocks, and with a load of dead 
 Charge the black surge, and pour it on his head. 365 
 Mark how resistless through the floods he goes, 
 And boldly bids the warring Gods be foes ! 
 But nor that force, nor form divine to sight 
 Shall aught avail him, if our rage unite : 
 Whelm'd under our dark gulfs, those arms shall lie. 
 That blaze so dreadful in each Trojan eye ; 371 
 And deep beneath a sandy mountain hurl'd, 
 Immers'd remain this terror of the world. 
 Such ponderous ruin shall confound the place, 
 No Greek shall e'er his perish'd relics grace, 375 
 No hand his bones shall gather, or inhume ; 
 These his cold rites, and this his watery tomb. 
 
 He said ; and on the chief descends amain, 
 Increas'd with gore, and swelliog with the slaiu.
 
 456 THE ILIAD. Book XXF. 
 
 Then murmuring from liis beds, he boils, he raves. 
 And a foam whitens on the purple waves: 381 
 
 At every step, before Achilles stood 
 The crimson surge, and delug'd him with blood. 
 Fear touch'd the Queen of Heaven : she saw dismay'd. 
 She call'd aloud, and summon'd Vulcan's aid. 385 
 
 Rise to the war! th' insulting flood requu^es 
 Thy wasteful arm : assemble all thy fires ! 
 While to their aid, by our command enjoin'd, 
 Rush the swift eastern and the western wind : 
 These from old Ocean at my word shall blow, 390 
 Pour the red torrent on the watery foe, 
 Corses and arms to one bright ruin turn. 
 And hissing rivers to their bottoms burn. 
 Go, mighty in thy rage ! display thy power, 394 
 Drink the whole flood, the crackling trees devour. 
 Scorch all the banks ! and (till our voice reclaim) 
 Exert th' unwcary'd furies of the flame ! 
 
 The Power ignipotent her word obeys : 
 Wide o'er the plain he pours the boundless blaze; 
 At once consumes the dead, and dries tlie soil; 400 
 And the shrunk waters in their channel boil. 
 As when autumnal Boreas sweeps the sky, 
 And instant blows the water'd gardens dry : 
 So look'd the field, so whiten'd was the ground, 
 While Vulcan breath'd the fiery blast around. 40ii 
 Swift on tlie sedgy reeds the ruin preys ; 
 Along the margin winds the running blaze : 
 The trees in flaming rows to ashes turn. 
 The flowery lotOs and the tamarisk burn, 
 Broad elm, and cypress rising in a spire; 410 
 
 The watery willows hiss before the fire. 
 Now glow tlie waves, the fishes paut for breath. 
 The eels lie twisting in the pangs of death : 
 Now flounce aloft, now dive the scaly fry, 
 Or, gasping, turn their bellies to the sky. 415 
 
 At length the river rear'd his languid head. 
 And thus, short-panting, to the God he said. 
 
 Oh, Vulcan! oh! what power resists thy might? 
 I faint, I sink, unequal to the fight— 
 I yield— Let Ilion fall ; if Fate decree; 420 
 
 Ah— bend no more thy fiery arms on me ! 
 
 He ceas'd; wide conflagration blazing round; 
 The bubbliog waters yield a libslog souQd.
 
 Book XXI. THE ILIAD. 457 
 
 As when the flames beneath a caldron rise, 
 To melt the fat of some rich sacrifice, 425 
 
 Amid tlie fierce embrace of circling fires 
 The waters foam, tlie heavy smoke aspires : 
 So boils th' imprison'd flood, forbid to flow, 
 And, choak'd with vapors, feels his bottom glow. 
 To Juno tiien, imperial queen of air. 430 
 
 The burning river sends his earnest prayer. 
 
 Ah, why, Satumia ! must tliy sou engage 
 Me, only me, v.ith all his wasteful rage? 
 On other Gods his dreadful arm employ, 
 For mightier Gods assert the cause of Troy. 435 
 Submissive I desist, if ihou command ; 
 But, ah ! withdraw this all-destioyiug hand. 
 Hear then my solemn oath, to yield to Fate 
 Unaided Ilion, and her destin'd state, 
 Till Greece shall gird her with destructive flame, 440 
 And in one ruin sink the Trojan name. 
 
 His warm entreaty louch'd Saturnia's ear: 
 She bade tli'.Ignipotent his rage forbear, 
 Recal the flame, nor in a mortal cause 
 Infest a God ; th' obedient flame withdraws : 445 
 Again, the oranching streams begin to spread, 
 And soft re-murmur in tlieir wonted bed. 
 
 While these by Juno's will the strife resign. 
 The warring Gods in fierce contention join : 
 Re-kindling rage each heavenly breast alarms ; 430 
 With horrid clangor shock'd th' etlierial arms : 
 Heaven in loud thunder bids the trumpet sound ; 
 And wide beneath them groans tlie rending ground. 
 Jove, as his sport, the dreadful scene descries. 
 And views contending Gods with careless eyes. 455 
 The Power of battles lifts his brazen spear. 
 And first assaults the radiant Queen of War. 
 
 What mov'd thy madness, thus to disunite 
 Etherial minds, and mix all Heaven in fight ? 
 What wonder this, when in thy frantic mood 460 
 Thou drov'st a mortal to insult a God ? 
 Thy impious hand Tydides' javeUn bore. 
 And madly bath'd it in celestial gore. 
 
 He spoke, and smote the loud-resounding shield. 
 
 Which bears Jove's thunder on its dreadful field; 
 
 ITie adamantine aegis of her Sire, 465 
 
 That tu.-ns the glauciflg bolt and forked fire. 
 
 U
 
 438 THE ILIAD. Book XXL 
 
 Then heav'd the Goddess in her mighty hand 
 A stone, the limit of the neighbouring land. 
 There fix'd from eldest times; black, craggy, vast: 
 This at the heavenly homicide she cast. 47I 
 
 Thundering he falls, a mass of monstrous size ; 
 And seven broad acres covers as he lies. 
 The stunning stroke his stubborn nerves unbound; 
 Loud o'er the fields his rinsing arms resound : 475 
 The scornful dame her conquests views with smiles, 
 And glorying thus the prostrate God re\iles. 
 
 Hast thou not yet, insatiate fury ! known 
 How tar Minerva's force transcends thy own ? 
 Juno, whom thou rebellious dar'st withstand, 480 
 Corrects thy folly thus by Pallas' hand ; 
 Thus meets thy broken faith with just disgrace. 
 And partial aid to Troy's perfidious race. 
 
 The Goddess spoke, and turn'd her eyes away, 
 Tliat, beaming round, diffus'd celestial day. 4B3 
 Jove's Cyprian daughter, stooping on the land. 
 Lent to tlie wounded God her tender hand : 
 Slowly he rises, scarcely breathes with pain. 
 And, propt on her fair arm, forsakes tlie plain. 
 This the bright Empress of the heavens sur\-ey'd, 490 
 And, scoffing, thus to War's victorious Maid. 
 
 Lo! what an aid on Mars's side is -seen ! 
 The Smiles' and Loves' unconquerable queen ! 
 Mark with what insolence, in open view, 
 She moves : let Pallas, if she dares, pursue. 495 
 
 Miner\'a smiling heard, the pair o'ertook. 
 And slightly on her breast the wanton strook : 
 She, unresisting, fell, (her spirits fled ;) 
 On earth together lay the lovers spread. 
 And like these heroes, be the fate of all 500 
 
 (Minerva cries) who guard the Trojan wall ! 
 To Grecian Gods such let the Phrygians be. 
 So dread, so fierce, as Venus is to me ; 
 Then from the lowest stone shall Troy be mov'd— 
 Thus she ; and Juno witli a smile approv'd. 505 
 
 Meantime, to mix in more tlian mortal fight. 
 The God of Ocean dares the God of Light. 
 What sloth has seiz'd us, when the fields around 
 Ring with conflicting powers, and heaveu returns 
 the sound ?
 
 Book XXI. THE ILIAD. 459 
 
 Shall, ignominious, we with shame retire, 510 
 
 No deed perform'd, to our Olympian Sire ? 
 Come, prove thy arm ! tor first the war to wage, 
 Suits not my greatness, or superior age : 
 Rash as thou art to prop the Trojan throne -% 
 
 (Forgetful of my WTongs, and of thy own,) 515 > 
 And guard the race of proud Laomedon ! * 
 
 Hast thou forgot how, at the monarch's prayer, 
 We shar'd the lengthen'd labors of a year ? 
 Troy walls I rais'd (for such were Jove's commands) 
 And yon proud bulwarks grew beneath my hands : 
 Thy task it was to feed the bellowing droves 521 
 Along fair Ida's vales and pendent groves. 
 But when the circling seasons in their train 
 Brought back the grateful day that crown'd our pain ; 
 With menace stern the fraudful king defy'd 525 
 Our latent Godhead, and the prize dcny'd : 
 Mad as he was, he threaten'd ser\'i]e bands. 
 And doom'd us exiles far in barbarous lands. 
 Incens'd, we heaven-ward fled with swiftest wing, 
 And destin'd vengeance on the perjur'd king. 530 
 Dost thou, for this, afford proud Ilion grace, 
 And not like us, infest the faithless race ; 
 like us, their present, future sons destroy. 
 And from its deep foundations heave tlieir Troy ? 
 
 Apollo thus: "to combat for mankind, 535 
 
 III suits the wisdom of celestial mind : 
 For what is man ? Calamitous by birth. 
 They owe their life and nourishment to earth ; 
 like yearlj' leaves, that now, with beauty crown'd. 
 Smile on the sun ; now wither on the ground. 540 
 To their own liands commit the frantic scene, 
 Nor mix immortals in a cause so mean. 
 
 Then turns his face ; far beaming heavenly fires, 
 And from tlie senior power submiss retires: 
 Him, thus retreating, Artemis upbraids, 545 
 
 The quiver'd huntress of the sylvan shades. 
 
 And is it thus the youthful Phoebus flies. 
 And yields to Ocean's hoary Sire the prize? 
 How vain that martial pomp and dreadful show 
 Of pointed arrows, and the silver bow ! 550 
 
 Norw boast no more in yon celestial bower. 
 Thy force can match the great earth-sbakiug Power.
 
 40) THE ILIAD. Book XXI. 
 
 Silent, he beard the Queen of Woods upbraid : 
 Not so Saturnia bore tlie vaunting maid ; 
 But furious thus. What insolence has driven 555 
 Thy pride to face the majesty of Heaven ? 
 What though by Jove the female plague design'd. 
 Fierce to tlie feeble race of women-kind, 
 The wretched matron feels thy piercing dart; 
 Thy sex's tjrant, witli a tj'ger's heart ? 560 
 
 What thougli, tremendous in the wood and chase, 
 Tliy certain arrows pierce the savage race ? 
 How dares thy rashness on the powers divine 
 Employ those arms, or match thy force with mine ? 
 Learn hence, no more unequal war to wage— 565 
 She said, and sciz'd her wrists with eager rage ; 
 These in her left liand lock'd, Iier right uuty'd 
 Tlie bow, the quiver, and its plumy pride. 
 About her temples flies the busy bow ; 
 Now here, now there, she winds her from the blow ; 
 The scattering arrows rattling from the case, 57I 
 Drop round, and idly mark the dusty place. 
 Swift from the field the baffled huntress flies. 
 And scarce retains the torrent in her eyes : 
 So, when the falcon wings her way above, 575 
 
 To the cleft cavern speeds the gentle dove, 
 (Not fated yet to die) there safe retreats, 
 Yet still her heart against the marble beats. 
 
 To her, Latoaa hastes with tender care. 
 Whom Hermes viewing, thus declines the war. 580 
 How shall I face the dame, who gives delight 
 To him whose thunders blacken heaven with night ? 
 Go, matchless Goddess ! triumph in the skies. 
 And boast my conquest, while I yield the prize. 
 
 He spoke ; and past : Latoua, stooping low, 585 
 Collects the scatter'd shafts, and fallen bow. 
 That, glittering on the dust, lay here and there ; 
 Dishonor'd relics of Diana's war. 
 Then swift persued her to lier blest abode, 589 
 
 Where all-confus'd she sought the Sovereign God; 
 Weeping she grasp'd his knees : th' ambrosial vest 
 Shook with her sighs, and panted on lier breast. 
 
 The Sire superior smil'd ; and bade her show 
 What heavenly hand had caus'd his daughter's woe ? 
 Abash'd, she names his own Imperial spouse ; 595 
 And the pale crescent fades upon her brows.
 
 Book XXI. THE ILIAD. 461 
 
 Thus they above : while, swiftly gliding down, 
 Apollo eaters llion's sacred town : 
 The Guardian God now trembled for her wall, 
 And fear'd the Greeks, though Fate forbade her fall. 
 Back to Olympus, from the war's alarms, 601 
 
 Return the shining bands of Gods in arms ; 
 Some proud in triumph, some with rage on fire; 
 And take their thrones around th' etherial Sire. 
 
 Thro' blood, thro' death, Achilles still proceeds, 
 O'er slaughter'd heroes, and o'er rolling steeds. 606 
 As when avenging flames with fury dri%'en 
 On guilty towns exert the wrath of Heaven ; 
 The pale inhabitants, some fall, some fiy ; 
 And the red vapors purple all tlie sky : 6l0 
 
 So rag'd Achilles : death and dire dismay. 
 And toils, aod terrors, fill'd the dreadful day. 
 
 High on a turret hoary Priam stands. 
 And marks the waste of his destructive hands ; 
 Views, from his arm, the Trojans' scatter'd flight, 615 
 And the near hero rising on his sight ! 
 Uo step, no check, no aid ! With feeble pace. 
 And settled sorrow on his aged face. 
 Fast ?■= he could, he sighuig quits tiie walls ; 
 And thus, descending, on the guards he calls. 620 
 
 You to whose care our city-gates belong. 
 Set wide your portals to the flying throng: 
 For lo ! he comes, with unresisted sway ; 
 He conies, and desolation marks his way ! 
 But when within the walls our troops take breath, 625 
 Lock fast tlie brazen bars, and shut out death. 
 Thus charg'd the reverend monarch : wide were flung 
 The opening folds ; the sounding hinges rung. 
 Phoebus rush'd forth, the flying bands to meet; 
 Struck slaugliter back, and cover'd the retreat. 630 
 On lieaps the Trojans crowd to gain the gate. 
 And, gladsome see their last escape from Fate. 
 Thitlier, all parch'd with tliirst, a heartless train. 
 Hoary with dust, t'ney beat the hollow plain : 
 And, gasping, pantmg, fainting, labor on 635 
 
 With heavier strides, that lengthen tow'rd the town. 
 Enrag'd Achilles follows with his spear ; 
 Wild with revenge, insatiable of war. 
 
 Then had the Greeks eternal praise acquir'd, 
 And Troy ioglonoas to her -walls retir'd ; 640
 
 462 THE ILIAD. Book XXI. 
 
 But ♦ he, the God who darts etherial flame, 
 Shot down to sa%'e her, and redeem her fame. 
 To young Agenor force divine he gave 
 (Antenor's offspring, hauphty, bold, and brave ;) 
 In aid of him, beside the beach he sate, 645 
 
 And, wrapt in clouds, restrain'd the hand of Fate. 
 When now the generous youth Achilles spies, 
 Thick beats his heart, the troubled motions rise 
 (So, ere a storm, the waters heave and roll;) 
 He stops, and questions thus liis mighty soul. 650 
 
 What, shall 1 tly this terror of the plain ? 
 Like others fly, and be like others slain ? 
 Vain hope ! to shun him by the self-same road 
 Yon line of slaughter'd Trojans lately trod. 
 No : with the common heap I scorn to fill— 655 
 What if they pass'd me to the Trojan wall. 
 While I decline to yonder path, that leads 
 To Ida's forests and surrounding shades ? 
 So may I reach, conceal'd, the cooling flood. 
 From my tir'd body wash the dirt and blood, 660 
 As soon as night her dusky veil extends. 
 Return in safety to my Trojan friends. 
 What if ?— But wherefore all this vain debate ? 
 Stand I to doubt, within the reach of Fate ? 
 E'en now perhaps, ere yet I turn the wall, 665 
 
 The fierce Achilles sees me, and I fall : 
 Such is his swiftness, 'lis in vain to fly. 
 And such his valor, that who stands must die. 
 Howe'er 'tis better, fighting for the state. 
 Here, and in public view, to meet my fate. 670 
 Yet sure he too is mortal ! he may feel 
 (Like all the sons of earth) the force of steel ; 
 One only soul informs that dreadful frame; 
 And Jove's sole favor gives him all his fame. 
 
 He said, and stood, collected in his might; 6*5 
 And all his beating bosom claim'd the fisht. 
 So from some deep-grown wood a panther starts, 
 Rous'd from his thicket by a storm of darts : 
 Untaught to fear or fly, he hears the sounds 
 Of shouting hunters, and of clamorous hounds ; 680 
 Tho'struck, tho' wounded, scarce perceives the pain ; 
 Aud the barb'd javelin stings his breast in vain : 
 
 • Apollo.
 
 Book XXT. THE ILIAD. 463 
 
 On their whole war, untam'd the savage flies ; 
 
 And tears liis hunter, or beneath him dies. 
 
 Kot less resolv'd, Antenor's valiant heir 685 
 
 Confronts Achilles, and awaits the war, 
 
 Disdainful of retreat : high-held before. 
 
 His shield (a broad circumference) he bore ; 
 
 Then graceful as he stood in act to throw 
 
 The lifted javelin, thus bespoke the foe. 69O 
 
 How proud Achilles glories in his fame ! 
 And hopes this day to sink the Trojan name 
 Beneath her ruins ! Know, that hope is vain; 
 A thousand woes, a thousand toils, remain. 
 Parents and children our just arms employ, 693 
 And strong, and many, are tlie sons of Troy. 
 Great as thou art, e'en thou may'st stain with gore 
 These Phrj'gian fields, and press a foreign shore. 
 
 He said : with matchless force the javelin flung 
 Smote on his knee ; the hollow cuishes rung 7OO 
 Beneath the pointed st^jel ; but safe from harms 
 He stands impassive i.i th' ethenal arms. 
 Then fiercely rushing on the daring foe, 
 His lifted arm prepares tlie fatal blow : 
 But jealous of his fame Apollo shrouds 705 
 
 The God-like Trojan in a veil of clouds. 
 Safe from pursuit, and shut from mortal view, 
 Dismiss'd with fame the favor'd youth withdrew. 
 Meanwhile the God, to cover their escape. 
 Assumes Agenor's habit, voice, and shape, 7IO 
 
 Flies from tlie furious chief in this disguise; 
 The furious chief still follows where he flies. 
 Now o'er the fields they stretch with lengthen'd strides, 
 Now urge the course where swift Scamander glides : 
 The God now, distant scarce a stride before, 715 
 Tempts his pursuit, and wheels about the shore ; 
 While all the flying troops their speed employ, 
 And pour on heaps into the walls of Troy : 
 No stop, no stay ; no thought to ask, or tell. 
 Who 'scap'd by flight, or who by battle fell. 71;0 
 'Twas tumult all, and violence of flight; 
 And sudden joy confus'd, and mix'd aliVight ; 
 Pale Troy against Achilles shuts her gate ; 
 And nations breathe, deliver'd from their fate..
 
 THE 
 
 I ]L I A B, 
 
 BOOK XXII. 
 
 ¥S
 
 ARGUMEIH". 
 
 Tht Death of Hector. 
 
 The Trojans being safe •within the walls, Hector only 
 stays to oppose Achilles. Priam is struck at hi3 
 approach, and tries to persuade his son tore-enter 
 the town. Hecuba joins her entreaties, but in vain. 
 Hector consults within himself what measures to 
 take ; but, at the advance of Achilles, his resolution 
 fails him, and he flies; Achilles pursues him thrice 
 round the walls of Troy. The Gods debate con- 
 cerning the fate of Hector ; at length Miner%-a 
 descends to the aid of Achilles. She deludes 
 Hector in the shape of DeVphobus; he stands the 
 combat, and is slain. Achilles drags the dead body 
 at his chariot, in the sight of Priam and Hecuba. 
 Their lamentations, tears, and despair. Their cries 
 reach the ears of Andromache, who, ignorant of 
 this, was retired into the inner part of the palace ; 
 she mounts up to the walls, and beholds her dead 
 husband. She swoons at the spectacle. Her excess 
 of grief and lamentation. 
 
 The thirtieth day still continues. The scene lies 
 under the walls, aud on the battlements of Troy.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD, 
 
 BOOK XXII. 
 
 THUS to their bulwarks, smit with panic fear, 
 Tlie herded Ilians rush like driven deer ; 
 There safe, they wipe their briny drops away, 
 And drown in bowls the labors of the day. 
 Close to the walls, advancing o'er the fields 5 
 
 Beneath one roof of well-compacted shields, 
 March, bending on, tlie Greeks 'embodied powers, 
 Far-stretching in the shade of Trojan towers. 
 Great Hector singly staid ; chain'd down by Fate, 
 There fix'd he stood before the Scsean gate; 10 
 
 Still his bold arms determin'd to employ, 
 The guardian still of long-defended Troy. 
 
 Apollo now to tir'd Achilles turns 
 (The power confest in all his glory burns.) 
 And what (he cries) has Peleus' son in view, 15 
 With mortal speed a Godhead to pursue ? 
 For not to thee to know the Gods is given, 
 Unskill'd to trace the latent marks of Heaven. 
 "What boots thee now, that Troy forsook the plain ? 
 Vain thy past labor, and thy present vain: 20 
 
 Safe in their walls are now her troops bestow'd, 
 While here thy frantic rage attacks a God. 
 
 The chief incens'd— Too partial God of Day ! 
 To check my conquests in the middle way : 
 How few in llion else had refuge found! 25 
 
 What gasping numbers now had bit the ground ! 
 Thou robb'st me of a glory justly mine. 
 Powerful of Godhead, and of fraud divine :
 
 468 THE ILIAD. Book XXH. 
 
 Mean fame, alas ! for one of heavenly strain, 
 
 'Jo cheat a mortal who repines in vain. 30 
 
 Then to the city terrible and strong, 
 Vith high and haughty steps he tower'd along. 
 So the proud courser, victor of the prize, 
 To the near goal with double ardor flies, 
 llim, as he blazing shot across the field, 35 
 
 The careful eyes of Priam first beheld. 
 Not half so dreadful rises to the sight 
 Through the thick gloom of some tempestuous night 
 Orion's dog (the year when autumn weighs) 
 And o'er the feebler stars exerts his rays ; 40 
 
 Terrific glory ! for his burning breath 
 Taints the red air with fevers, plagues, and death. 
 So fiam'd his fiery mail. Then wept the sage ; 
 He strikes his reverend head now white with age : 
 He lifts his wither'd arms ; obtests the skies ; 43 
 ITe calls his much lov'd son with feeble cries ; 
 The son, resolv'd Achilles' force to dare. 
 Pull at the Sca?an gates expects the war; 
 "While the sad father on the rampart stands, 
 And thus adjures him with extended hands. 50 
 
 Ah stay not, stay not ! guardless and alone ; 
 Hector ! my lov'd, my dearest bravest son ! 
 IVIethinks already I behold thee slain. 
 And stretch'd beneath that fury of the plain. 
 Implacable Achilles ! might'st thou be 55 
 
 To all the Gods no dearer than to me ! 
 Thee, vulturs wild should scatter round the shore. 
 And bloody dogs grow fiercer from thy gore. 
 How many valiant sons I late enjoy'd, 
 Valiant in vain ! by thy curst arm destroy'd : 6o 
 Or, worse than slaughter'd, sold in distant isles 
 To shameful bondage and unworthy toils. 
 Two, while I speak, my eyes in vain explore, "1 
 Two from one mother sprung, my Polydore, > 
 
 And lov'd Lj'caon ; now perhaps no more ! 65 J 
 Oh! if in yonder hostile camp they live. 
 What heaps of gold, what treasures, would I give ! 
 (Their grandsire's wealth, bj' right of birth their own, 
 Consign'd his daughter witli Lelegia's throne) 
 But if (which heaven forbid) already lost, 70 
 
 All pale Uiej wauder oq tbe Stygian coast ;
 
 Book XXn. THE ILIAD. 469 
 
 What sorrows then must their sad mother know. 
 
 What anguish I ! unutterable woe! 
 
 Yet less that anguish, less to her, to me, 
 
 Less to all Troy, if not depriv'd of thee. 75 
 
 Yet shun Achilles ! enter yet the wall ; 
 
 And spare thyself, thy father, spare us all ! 
 
 Save thy dear life ; or, if a soul so brave 
 
 Neglect that thought, thy dearer glory save. 
 
 Pity, while yet I live, these silver hairs ; 80 
 
 While yet thy father feels the woes he bears. 
 
 Yet curst with sense ! a wretch whom in his rage 
 
 (All trembling on the verge of helpless age) 
 
 Great Jove has plac'd, sad spectacle of pain ! 
 
 The bitter dregs of fortune's cup to drain : 85 
 
 To fill with scenes of death his closing eyes. 
 
 And number all his days by miseries ! 
 
 My heroes slain, my bridal bed o'erturn'd, 
 
 My daughters ravish 'd, and my city burn'd. 
 
 My bleeding infants dash'd against the floor ; gO 
 
 These I have yet to see, perhaps yet more ! 
 
 Perhaps e'en I, reserv'd by angry Fate 
 
 The last sad relic of my ruin'd state, 
 
 (Dire pomp of sovereign wretchedness !) must fall. 
 
 And stain the pavement of my regal hall ; 95 
 
 Where famish'd dogs, late guardians of my door. 
 
 Shall lick their mangled master's spatter'd gore. 
 
 Yet for my sons I thank you, Gods ! 'twas well ; 
 
 Well have Uiey perish'd, for in fight they fell. 
 
 Who dies in youth and vigor, dies the best, 100 
 
 Struck tlirough with wounds, all honest on the breast, 
 
 But, when the Fates in fulness of their rage. 
 
 Spurn the hoar head of unresisting age, 
 
 In dust the reverent lineaments deform. 
 
 And pour to dogs the life-blood scarcely warm ; 105 
 
 This, this is misery ! the last, the worst. 
 
 That man can feel ; man, fated to be curst ! 
 
 He said, and acting what no words could say. 
 Rent from his head the silver locks away. 
 With him the mournful mother bears a part; HO 
 Yet all their sorrows turn not Hector's heart: 
 The zone unbrac'd, her bosom she displayd ; 
 And thus, fast falling the salt tears, she said. 
 
 Have mercy on me, O my sou ! revere 
 The words of age ; attend a pareat's prayer ! 115
 
 470 THE ILTAD. Book XXII. 
 
 If ever thee in these fond arms I prest, 
 
 Or still'd thy infant clamors at this breast; 
 
 Ah, do not thus our helpless years forego, 
 
 But, by our walls secur'd, repel the foe. 
 
 Against his rage if singly thou proceed, 120 
 
 Shouldst thou (but heaven avert it !) shouldst thou 
 
 bleed, 
 Nor must thy corpse lie honor'd on the bier, 
 Nor spouse, nor mother, grace thee with a tear; 
 Tar from our pious rites, those dear remains 
 Must feast the vulturs on the naked plains. 125 
 
 So they, while down their ciieeks the torrents roll; 
 But fix'd remains the purjxise of his soul : 
 Resolv'd he stands, and with a fiery glance 
 Expects the hero's terrible advance. 
 So, roU'd up in his den, the swelling snake 130 
 
 Beholds the traveller approach the brake ; 
 When fed with noxious herbs his turgid veins 
 Have gather'd half tlie poisons of the plains ; 
 He burns, he stiffens with collected ire, 
 And his red eye-balls glare with living fire. 135 
 Beneath a turret, on his shield reclin'd. 
 He stood, and question'd thus his mighty mind. 
 
 Where lies my way .' To enter in the wall ? 
 Honor and shame th' ungenerous thought recal : 
 Shall proud Polydaraas before the gate 140 
 
 Proclaim, his counsels are obey'd too late. 
 Which timely foUow'd but the former night. 
 What numbers had been sav'd by Hector's flFght ? 
 That wise ad\'ice rejected with disdain, 
 I feel my folly in my people slain. 145 
 
 Methinks my suffering country's voice I hear. 
 But most, her worthless sons insult my ear, 
 On my rash courage charge the chance of war. 
 And blame those virtues which they cannot share. 
 No— If I e'er return, return I must 150 
 
 Glorious, my country's terror laid in dust: 
 Or, if r perish, let her see me fall 
 In field at least, and fighting for her wall. 
 And yet suppose these measures I forego. 
 Approach unarm'd, and parley witli the foe, 155 
 The warrior-shield, the helm, and lance, lay doiwo, 
 And treat on terms of peace to save the town:
 
 Book XXII. THE ILIAD. 4n 
 
 The wife withheld, the treasure ill-detaln'd, 
 (Cause of the war, and grievance of the land) 
 With honorable justice to restore ; 160 
 
 And add half Ilion's yet remaining store, 
 Which Troy shall, sworn, produce ; that injur'd 
 
 Greece 
 May share our wealth, and leave our walls in peace. 
 But why this thought? Unarm'd if 1 should go, ^ 
 What hope of mercy from tliis vengeful foe, l65 > 
 But woman-like to fall, and fall without a blow ? 7 
 We greet not here, as man conversing man, 
 Met at an oak, or journej'ing o'er a plain ; 
 No season now for calm familiar talk. 
 Like youths and maidens in an evening walk: I70 
 War is our business, but to whom is given 
 To die, or triumph, that, determine Heaven ! 
 
 Thus pondering, like a God the Greek drew nigh. 
 His dreadful plumage nodded from on high ; 
 The Pelian javelin in his better hand, I75 
 
 Shot trembling raj's that glitter'd o'er the laud; 
 And on his breast the beamy splendors shone 
 Like Jove's own lightning or the rising sun. 
 As Hector sees, unusual terrors rise, 
 Struck by some God, he fears, recedes, and flies. 180 
 He leaves the gates, he leaves the walls behind ; 
 Achilles follows like the winged wind. 
 Thus at the panting dove a falcon flies 
 (The swiftest racer of the liquid skies) 
 Just when he holds, or thinks he holds his prey, 185 
 Obliquely wheeling through th' aerial way ; 
 With open beak and shrilling cries he springs. 
 And aims his claws, and shoots upon his wings : 
 No less fore-right the rapid chase they held. 
 One urg'd by fury, one by fear impell'd ; I9O 
 
 Now circling round the walls their course maintain. 
 Where the high watch-tower overlooks the plain; 
 Now where the fig-trees spread their umbrage broad, 
 (A wider compass) smoke along the road. 
 Next by Scamander's double source they bound, 195 
 Where two fam'd fountains burst the parted ground ; 
 This hot through scorching clefts is seen to rise. 
 With exhalations steaming to the skies ; 
 That the green banks in summer's heat o'erflows. 
 Like ci7stal clear, &ad cold as winter snows. 200
 
 4T2 THE ILIAD. Book XXII. 
 
 Each gushing fount a marble cistern fills, 
 Whose polisli'd bed receives the falling rills; 
 Where Trojan dames (ere yet alarm'd by Greece) 
 Wash'd their fair garments in the days of peace. 
 By these they pass'd, one chasing, one in flight 205 
 (The mighty fled, pursued by stronger might.) 
 Swift was the course ; no ^nilgar prize they play, 
 Uo \'ulgar victim must reward the day 
 (Such as in races crown the speedy strife.) 
 The prize contended was great Hector's life. 210 
 
 As when some iiero's funerals are decreed 
 In grateful honor of the mighty dead ; 
 ^\^lere high rewards the vigorous youtli inflame 
 (Some golden tripod, or some lovely dame ;) 
 The panting coursers swiftly turn the goal, 215 
 
 And with them turns the rais'd spectator's soul. 
 Thus three times round the Trojan wall they fly ; 
 The gazing Gods lean forward from the sky: 
 To whom, while eager on the chase they look, 
 The Sire of mortals and immortals spoke. 220 
 
 Unworthy sight ! the man belov'd of Heaven, 
 Behold, inglorious round yon city driven ! 
 My heart partakes the generous Hector's pain ; 
 Hector, whose zeal whole hecatombs has slain, 
 \Vliose grateful fumes the Gods receiv'd witli joy, 
 From Ida's summits, and the towers of Troy : 226 
 Now see him flying ! to his fears resign'd. 
 And fate, and fierce Achilles, close behind. 
 Consult, ye Powers ! ('tis wortliy your debate) 
 ^Vllether to snatch him from impending Fate, 230 
 Or let him bear, by stern Peiides slain, 
 (Good as he is) the lot impos'd on man ? 
 
 Then Pallas thus : Shall he whose vengeance forms 
 The forky bolt, and blackens heaven with storms. 
 Shall he prolong one Trojan's forfeit breath ! 235 
 A man, a mortal, pre-ordain'd to death ! 
 And will no murmurs fill the courts above ? 
 2so Gods indignant blame their partial Jove? 
 
 Go then (returu'd the Sire) without delay. 
 Exert thy will : I give the Fates their way. 240 
 Swift at the mandate pleas'd Tritonia flies. 
 And stoops impetuous from the cleaving skies. 
 
 As through the forest, o'er the vale and lawn, 
 Tbe well-breath'd beagle drives the fliicg hwa i
 
 Book XXIT. THE ILIAD. 473 
 
 In vain he tries the covert of the brakes, 245 
 
 Or deep beneath the trembling thicket shakes ; 
 Sure of the vapor in the tainted dews. 
 The certain houud his various maze pursues. 
 Thus step by step, -where'er the Trojan wheel'd. 
 There swift Achilles compass'd round the field. 250 
 Oft as to reach the Dardan gates he bends. 
 And hopes th' assistance of his pitj-ing friends, 
 (Whose sliowering arrows, as he cours'd below, 
 From the liigh turrets might oppress the foe) 
 So oft Achilles turns him to the plain : 255 
 
 He eyes the citj-, but he eyes in vain. 
 As men in slumber seem with speedy pace 
 One to pursue, and one to lead the chase. 
 Their sinking limbs the fancy'd course forsake. 
 Nor this can fly, nor that can overtake : 260 
 
 No less the laboring heroes pant and strain ; 
 While that but flies, and this pursues in vain. 
 
 What God, O JMuse ! assisted Hector's force. 
 With Fate itself so long to hold the course? 
 Phoebus it was; who, in his latest hour, 265 
 
 Endued his knees with strength, his nerves with power : 
 And great Achilles, lest some Greeks advance 
 Should snatch the glory from his lifted lance, 
 Sign'd to the troops to yield his foe the way. 
 And leave untouch'd the honors of the day. 270 
 
 Jove lifts the golden balances, that show 
 The fates of mortal men, and things below: 
 Here each contending hero's lot he tries. 
 And weighs, with equal hand, their destinies. 274 
 Low sinks the scale surcharg'd with Hector's fete ; 
 Heavy witli death itsinks,and hell receives the weight. 
 
 Then Phoebus left him. Fierce Minerva flies 
 To stem Pelides, and triumphing cries : 
 Oh, lov'd of Jove ! this day our labors cease, 
 And conquest blazes with full beams on Greece. 280 
 Great Hector falls ; that Hector fam'd so far. 
 Drunk with rfnown, insatiable of war. 
 Falls by thy hand, and mine ! nor force nor flight 
 Shall more avail him, nor his God of Light. 
 See, where in vain he supplicates above, 285 
 
 Roll'd at the feet of unrelenting Jove ! 
 Rest here : myself will lead the Trojan on, 
 Aod urge to meet the fate he cannot shun.
 
 474 THE ILIAD. Book XXII. 
 
 Her voice divine the cliief witli joyful mind 
 Obey'd ; and rested, on his lance reclin'd. 290 
 
 "While like DeVphobus the martial Dame 
 (Her face, her gesture, and her arms the same) 
 In show and aid, by hapless Hector's side 
 Approach'd, and greets him thus with voice bely'd. 
 
 Too long, O Hector, have I borne the sight 295 
 Of this distress, and sorrow'd in thy flight : 
 It fits us now a noble stand to make, 
 And here, as brothers, equal fates partake. 
 
 Then he. O prince ! ally'd in blood and fame. 
 Dearer tlian all that own a brollier's name ; 300 
 Of all that Hecuba to Priam bore, 
 Long tr>''d, long lov'd ; much lov'd, but honor'd more ! 
 Since you of all our numerous race, alone 
 Defend my life, regardless of your own. 
 
 Again the Goddess. Much my father's prayer, 305 
 And much my mother's, prest me to forbear: 
 My friends embrac'd my knees, adjur'd my stay, 
 But stronger love impell'd, and I obey. 
 Come then, the glorious conflict let us try, 
 Let the steel sparkle, and the javelin fly : 310 
 
 Or let us stretch Achilles on the field, 
 Or to his ann our bloody trophies yield. 
 
 Fraudful she said ; then swifily march'd before ; 
 The Dardau hero shuns his foe no more. 
 Sternly they met. The silence Hector broke; 315 
 His dreadful plumage nodded as he spoke. 
 
 Enough, O son of Peleus ! Troy has view'd 
 Her walls thrice circled, and her chief pursu'd. 
 But now some God within me bids me try 
 Thine, or my fate : I kill thee, or I die. 320 
 
 Yet on the verge of battle let us stay, 
 And for a moment's space suspend the day ; 
 Let Heaven's high powers be call'd to arbitrate 
 The just conditions of this stern debate. 
 (Eternal witnesses of all below, 325 
 
 And faithful guardians of the treasur'd vow !) 
 To them I swear ; if victor in the strife, 
 Jove by these hands shall shed thy noble life, 
 Jio vile dishonor shall thy corpse pursue ; 
 Stript of its arms alone (the conqueror's due) 330 
 The rest to Greece uninjur'd I'll restore: 
 IJow plight thy mutual oath, I ask no luore.
 
 Book- XXn. THE ILIAD. 475 
 
 Talk not of oaths (the dreadful chief replies. 
 While anger flash'd from his disdainful eyes) 
 Detested as thou art, and ought to be, 335 
 
 Nor oath nor pact Achilles plights with thee. 
 Such pacts, as lambs and rapid wolves combine, 
 Such leagues as men and furious lions join. 
 To such I call the Gods! one constant state 
 Of lasting rancor and eternal hate ; 340 
 
 No thought but rage and never-ceasing strife. 
 Till death extinguish rage, and thought, and life. 
 House then thy forces this important hour, 
 Collect thy soul, and call forth all thy power. 
 No farther subterfuge, no farther chance ; 345 
 
 'Tis Pallas, Pallas gives thee to my lance. 
 Each Grecian ghost by thee deprivd of breath 
 Now hovers round, and calls thee to thy death. 
 
 He spoke, and launch'd his javelin at the fofe ; 
 But Hector shunn'd the meditated blow : 350 
 
 He stoop'd, while o'er his head the flying spear 
 Sung innocent, and spent its force in air. 
 Minerva watch'd it failing on the land. 
 Then drew, and gave to great Achilles' hand, 
 Unseen of Hector, who, elate with joy, 355 
 
 Now shakes his lance, and braves the dread of Troy. 
 
 The life you boasted to that javelin given. 
 Prince, you have miss'd. My fate depends on Heaven. 
 To thee, presumptuous as thou art, unknown 
 Or what must prove my fortune, or thy own. 360 
 Boasting is but an art, our fears to blind, 
 And with false terror sink another's mind. 
 But know, whatever fate I am to try. 
 By no dishonest wound shall Hector die ; 
 I shall not fall a fugitive at least, 335 
 
 My soul shall bravely issue from my breast. 
 But first trj' thou my arm ; and may this dart 
 End all my country's woes, deep buried in thy heart! 
 
 The weapon flew, its course unerring held ; 
 Unerring, but the heavenly shield repell'd 370 
 
 The mortal dart; resulting with a bound 
 From off the ringing orb, it struck the ground. 
 Hector beheld his javelin fall in vain, 
 Nor other lance nor other hope remain ; 
 He calls Deiphobus, demands a spear, 375 
 
 la vain, for no Deiphobus was tliere.
 
 «r6 THE ILIAD. Book XXII. 
 
 All comfortless he stands : then, with a sigh, 
 Tis so— Heaven wills it, and my hour is nigh ! 
 I deem'd Deipliobus had heard my call, 
 But he secure lies guarded in the wall. 380 
 
 A God deceiv'd me : Pallas, 'twas thy deed, 
 Deatli, and black Fate approach ! 'tis I must bleed. 
 No refuge now, no succour from above. 
 Great Jove deserts me, and the son of Jove, 
 Propitious once, and kind ! then welcome Fate ! 385 
 Tis true I perish, yet I perisli great : 
 Yet in a mighty deed I shall expire. 
 Let future ages hear it, and admire ! 
 
 Fierce, at the word, his weighty sword he drew. 
 And, all collected, on Achilles flew. 3gO 
 
 So Jove's bold bird, high balanc'd in the air. 
 Stoops from the clouds to truss the quivering bare. 
 Nor less Achilles his tierce soul prepares; 
 Before liis breast the flaming shield he bears. 
 Refulgent orb ! above his fourfold cone SQO 
 
 The gilded horse-hair sparkled in the sun, 
 Nodding at every step : (Vulcanian frame !) 
 And, as he mov'd, his figure seem'd on flame.) 
 As radiant Hesper shines with keener light, 
 far-beaming o'er the silver host of night, 400 
 
 When all the starry train emblaze the sphere : 
 So shone the point of great Achilles' spear. 
 In his right hand lie waves the weapon round, 
 Eyes the whole man, and meditates the wound : 
 But the rich mail Patroclus lately wore, 405 
 
 Securely cas'd the warrior's body o'er, 
 One place at length iie spies, to let in Fate, 
 Where 'twixt the neck and throat the jointed plate 
 Gave entrance : through that penetrable part 
 Furious he drove the well-directed dart: 410 
 
 Nor pierc'd the wind-pipe yet, nor took the power 
 Of speech, unhappy ! from thy dying hour. 
 Prone on the field the bleeding warrior lies, 
 WTiile thus, triumphing, stern Achilles cries. 
 
 At last is Hector stretch'd upon the plain, 415 
 Who fear'd no vengeance for Patroclus slain ! 
 Then prince I you should have fear'd, what now you feel ; 
 Achilles a'osent, was Achilles still. 
 Yet a short space the great avenger stay'd, 
 Then low ia dust U»]r streogUx and gloiy laid. 4C0
 
 Book XXII. THE ILIAD. 477 
 
 Peaceful he sleeps, with all our rites adoru'd. 
 For ever houor'd, and for ever mourn'd : 
 While, cast to all the rage of liostile power. 
 Thee, birds shall mangle, and the dogs devour. 424 
 
 Then Hector, fainting at th' approach of death, 
 By thy own soul ! by those wlio gave thee breath ! 
 By all the sacred prevalence of prayer ; 
 Ah, leave me not for Grecian dogs to tear ! 
 The common rites of sepulture bestow, 
 To soothe a father's and a mother's woe ; 430 
 
 Let their large gifts procure an urn at least, 
 And Hector's ashes in his country rest. 
 
 No, wretcli accurst : relentless he replies, 
 (Flames, as he spoke, shot flashing from his eyes) 
 Not those who gave me breath sliould bid me spare. 
 Nor all the sacred prevalence of prayer. 436 
 
 Could I mj-self the bloody banquet join ! 
 No— to the dogs that carcass I resign. 
 Should Troy, to bribe me, bring fortli all her store. 
 And, giving thousands, offer thousands more; 440 
 Should Dardan Priam, and his weeping dame. 
 Drain th.eir whole realm to buy one funeral flame: 
 Their Hector on the pile they should not see, 
 Nor rob the vulturs of one limb of thee. 
 
 Then thus tlie chief his dying accents drew ; 445 
 Thy rage, implacable ! too well I knew : 
 The Furies that relentless breast have steel'd, 
 And curst thee with a heart that cannot yield. 
 Yet think, a day will come, when Fate's decree 
 And angry Gods shall wreak this wrong on thee; 
 Phcebus and Paris shall avenge my fate, 451 
 
 And stretch thee here, before this Scaean gate. 
 He ceas'd. Tlie Fates supprest his laboring breath. 
 And his eyes stifFend at the hand of death ; 
 To the dark realm the spirit wings its way 455 
 
 (Die manly body left a load of clay,; 
 And plaintive glides along the dreeu-y coast, 
 lA naked, wandering, melancholy ghost ! 
 1 Achilles, musing as iie roU'd his eyes 
 O'er the dead hero, thus (unheard) replies. 46o 
 
 JDie tliou the first! When Jove and Heaven ordain, 
 [ follow thee— He said, and stripp'd the slain. 
 I Then, forcing backward from the gaping wound 
 The reeking javelin, cast it oa the ground.
 
 47B THE ILIAD. Book XXII. 
 
 The thronging Greeks behold witli wondering eyes 
 His manly beauty and superior size : 466 
 
 While some, ignobler, the great dead deface 
 With wounds ungenerous, or with taunts disgrace. 
 " How chang'd that Hector ! who like Jove of late 
 " Sent lightning on our fleets, and scatter'd fate !" 
 
 Hig:h o'er the slain the great Achilles stands, 471 
 Begirt with heroes, and surrounding bands ; 
 And thus aloud, while all the host attends. 
 Princes and leaders ! countr>raen and friends ! 
 Since now at length the powerful will of Heaven 
 The dire destroyer to our arm has given, 476 
 
 Is not Troy fall'n already ? Haste ye powers ! 
 See, if already their deserted towers 
 Are left unmann'd; or if they yet retain 
 The souls of heroes, their great Hector slain ? 480 
 But what is Troy, or glory what to me? 
 Or why reflects my mind on aught but thee. 
 Divine Patroclus ! Death has seal'd his eyes ; 
 Unwept, unhonor'd, uuinterr'd, he lies ! 
 Can his dear image from my soul depart, 435 
 
 lyong as the vital spirit moves my heart ? 
 If, in the melancholy shades below. 
 The flames of friends and lovers cease to glow, 
 Yet mine shall sacred last; mine undecay'd 489 
 Burn on through death, and animate my shade. 
 Meanwhile, ye sons of Greece, in triumph bring 
 The corse of Hector, and your paeans sing. 
 Be this the song, slow-moving toward the shore, 
 " Hector is dead, and lUon is no more." 
 
 Then his fell soul a thought of vengeance bred 
 fUnwortliy of himself and of the dead.) 496 
 
 The nervous ancles bor'd, his feet he bound 
 With thongs inserted through the double wound ; 
 These fix'd up high behind the rolling wain, • 
 His graceful head was trail'd along the plain. 500 
 Proud on his car th' insulting victor stood, 
 And bore aloft his arms distilling blood. 
 He smites the steeds ; the rapid chariot flies ; 
 The sudden clouds of circling dust arise. 
 How lost is all that formidable air ; 505 
 
 The face divine, and long-descending hair, 
 Purple the ground, and streak the sable sand; 
 Defonn'd, dishouor'd, in his aative land.
 
 Book XXIT. THE ILTAD. 479 
 
 Given to the rage of an insulting throng ! 
 
 And in his parent's sight now dragg'd along ! 510 
 
 Tlie mother first beheld with sad survey : ^ 
 
 She rent her tresses, venerably grey, > 
 
 And cast, far off, the regal veils away. ^ 
 
 With piercing shrieks his bitter fate she moans, 
 MHiile the sad father answers groans with groans. 
 Tears after tears his mournful cheeks o'erflow, 516 
 And the whole city wears one face of woe : 
 No less than if the rage of hostile fires. 
 From her foundations curling to her spires, 
 O'er the proud citadel at length should rise, 520 
 And tlie last blaze send Ilion to the skies. 
 The wretched monarch of the falling state, 
 Distracted, presses to the Dardan gate. 
 Scarce the whole people stop his desperate course. 
 While strong affliction gives tlie feeble force -. 525 
 Grief tears his heart, and drives him to and fro. 
 In all the raging impotence of woe. 
 At length he roll'd in dust, and thus begun : 
 Imploring all, and naming one by one. 
 Ah ! let me, let me go where sorrow calls ; 530 
 
 T, only I, will issue from your walls, 
 (Guide or companion, friends ! I ask you none) 
 And bow before the murderer of my son. 
 My grief perhaps his pity may engage ; 
 Perliaps at least he may respect my age. 535 
 
 He has a father too ; a man like me ; 
 One, not exempt from age and misery 
 (Vigorous no more, as when his young embrace 
 Begot this pest of me and all my race.^ 
 How many valiant sons, in early bloom, 540 
 
 Has that curst hand sent headlong to the tomb '. 
 Thee, Hector ! last : tliy loss (divinely brave) 
 Sinks my sad soul with sorrow to the grave. 
 Oh, had thy gentle spirit pass'd in peace, 
 The son expiring in the sire's embrace, 545 
 
 While both thy parents wept thy fatal hour. 
 And, bending o'er thee, mix'd the tender shower! 
 Some comlbrt that had been, some sad relief. 
 To melt in full satiety of grief! 
 
 Thus wail'd the father, groveling on the ground, 
 Aud all the eyss ot Ilioa stream'd arouad. 530
 
 480 THE ILIAD. Book XXII. 
 
 Amidst her matrons Hecuba appears, 
 fA mourning princess, and a train in tears) 
 Ah, why has heaven proloug'd this hated breath. 
 Patient oi:" honors, to behold thy death ? 555 
 
 O Hector ! late thy parents' pride and joy, 
 The boast of nations ! the defence of Troy ! 
 To whom her safety and her fame she ow'd ; 
 Her chief, her hero, and almost her God ! 
 O fatal change ! become in one sad day 560 
 
 A senseless corse ! inanimated clay ! 
 
 But not as yet the fatal news had spread 
 To fair Andromache, of Hector dead ; 
 As yet uo messenger had told his fate, 
 Nor ev'n bis stay without the Scaean gate. 565 
 
 Far in the close recesses of the dome. 
 Pensive slie ply'd the melancholy loom ; 
 A growing work employ'd her secret hours, 
 Confus'dly gay with intermingled flowers. 
 Her fair-hair'd handmaids heat the brazen um, 570 
 The bath preparing for her lord's return : 
 In vain: alas! her lord returns no more! 
 Unbath'd he lies, and bleeds along the shore ! 
 Now from the walls the clamors reach her ear, 
 And all her members shake with sudden fear ; 575 
 Forth from her ivory hand the shuttle falls, 
 As thus, astoaish'd, to her maids she calls. 
 
 Ah, follow me ! (she cry'd) what plaintive noise 
 Invades my ear ? 'Tis sure my mother's voice. 
 My faltering knees their trembling firame desert, 
 A pulse unusual flutters at my heart ; 581 
 
 Some strange disaster, some reverse of fate 
 (Ye Gods avert it !j tiireats tlie Trojan state. 
 Far be the omen whicli my thoughts suggest ! 
 But much I fear my Hector's dauntless breast 585 
 Confronts Achilles ; chas'd along the plain. 
 Shut from our walls ! I fear, I fear him slain! 
 Safe in tlie crowd he ever scornd to wait. 
 And sought for glory in the jaws of fate : 
 Perhaps that noble heat has cost liis breath, SQO 
 Now quench'd for ever in the arms of death. 
 
 She spoke; and furious, with distracted pace. 
 Fears in her heart, and anguish in her face ; 
 Flies thro' the dome (the maids her steps pursae,> >'- 
 And mounts the walls, and sends around her view.
 
 Book XXII. THE ILIAD. 48l 
 
 Too soon her eyes the killing object found. 
 The god-like Hector dragg'd along the ground. 
 A sudden darkness shades her swimming eyes : 
 She faints, she falls; her breath, her colour flies. 
 Her hair's fair ornaments, the braids that bound. 
 The net that held them, and the wreath that crown'd^ 
 The veil and diadem, flew far away 
 (The gift of Venus on her bridal day.) 
 Around a train of weeping sisters stands 
 To raise her sinking with assistant hands- 605 
 
 Scarce from the verge of death recall'd, again 
 She faints, or but recovers to complain. 
 
 O wretched husband of a wretched wife ! 
 Born with one fate, to one unhappy life ! 
 for sure one star its baneful beam display'd 6lO 
 On Priam's roof and Hippoplacia's shade. 
 From different parents, difi"erent cUmes, we came. 
 At different periods, yet our fate the same ! 
 Why was my birth to great Action ow'd. 
 And why was all that tender care bestow'd ? 6l5 
 Would I had never been !— O thou, the ghost 
 Of my dead husband! miserably lost; 
 Thou to the dismal realms for ever gone! 
 And I abandon'd, desolate, alone ! 
 An only child, once comfort of my pains, 620 
 
 Sad product now of hapless lo%'e, remains ! 
 Uo more to smile upon his sire, no friend 
 To help him now ! no father to defend ! 
 For should he 'scape the sword, the common doom ! 
 What wrongs attend him,' and what griefs to come ! 
 Ev'n from his own paternal roof expell'd, 625 
 
 Some stranger ploughs his patrimonial field. 
 . The day, that to the shades the father sends, 
 Robs the sad orphan of his father's friends : 
 He, wretched outcast of mankind ! appears 630 
 
 For ever sad, for ever bath'd in tears ! 
 Amongst the happy, unregarded he, 
 Hangs on the robe, or trembles at the knee. 
 While those his father's former bounty fed. 
 Nor reach the goblet, nor divide the bread ; 635 
 The kindest but his present wants allay. 
 To leave him wretched the succeeding day. 
 Frugal compassion ! Heedless they who boast 
 Both parents still, nor feel what he has lost, 
 X
 
 482 THE ILIAD. Book XXII. 
 
 Shall en-, " Be gone ! thy father feasts not here ;" 
 
 The wretch obeys, retiring with a tear. 640 
 
 Thus ■wretched, thus retiring all in tears, 
 
 I'o my sad soul Astyanax appears ! 
 
 Forc'd by repeated insults to return. 
 
 And to his widow'd mother vainly mourn. 645 
 
 He, who with tender delicacy bred. 
 
 With princes sported, and on dainties fed. 
 
 And when still evening gave him up to rest. 
 
 Sunk in soft down upon the nurse's breast. 
 
 Must— ah wliat must he not ? Whom Ilion calls 650 
 
 Astyanax, from her well-guarded walls, 
 
 Is now that name no more, unhappy boy I 
 
 Since now no more the father guards his Troy. 
 
 But thou, my Hector, ly'st expos'd in air. 
 
 Far from thy parents' and thy consort's care, 655 
 
 Whose hand in vain, directed by her love, 
 
 Tlie martial scarf and robe of triumph wove. 
 
 Kow to devouring flames be these a prey. 
 
 Useless to thee, from this accursed day ! 
 
 Yet let the sacrifice at least be paid, 660 
 
 An honor to the living, not the dead ! 
 
 So spake the mournful dame : her matrons hear,. 
 Sigh back her sighs, and answer tear with tear.
 
 THE 
 
 I ]L I A B. 
 
 BOOK XXIII.
 
 ARGUMEKT. 
 
 Achilles and the Myrmidons do honor tc tlie body 
 of Patrocliis. After the funeral feast he retires to 
 the sea-shore, where falling asleep, the ghost of 
 his friend appears to him, and demands the rites 
 of burial ; the next morning the soldiers are sent 
 ■with mules and waggons to fetch wood for the 
 pyre. The funeral procession, and the offering 
 their hair to the dead. Achilles sacrifices several 
 animals, and lastly twelve Trojan captives at the 
 pile, then sets fire to it. He pays libations to tlie 
 winds, which (at the instance of Iris) rise, and raise 
 the flames. When the pile has burned all night, 
 they gather the bones, place them in an urn of 
 gold, and raise the tomb. Achilles institutes the 
 funeral games: the chariot-race, the fight of the 
 caestus, the wrestling, the foot-race, the single 
 combat, the discus, the shooting with arrows, the 
 darting the javelin : the various descriptions of 
 which, and the various success of tlie several 
 antagonists, make the greatest part of the book. 
 
 In this book ends the thirtieth day. The night 
 following, the ghost of Patroclus appears to 
 Achilles : the one and thirtieth day is employed 
 in felling tlie timber for tlie pile; the two and 
 thirtieth in burning it ; and tlie three and thirtieth 
 in the games. The scene is generally on the sea' 
 shore.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIAD. 
 
 BOOK XXIII. 
 
 nPHUS humbled in the dust, the pensive train 
 
 ■'- Through the sad city mourn'd her hero slain. 
 The body soil'd with dust, and black witii gore. 
 Lies on broad Hellespont's resounding shore : 
 The Grecians seek their ships, and clear the strand. 
 All, but the martial Myrmidonian band ; 6 
 
 These 3'et assembled great Achilles holds. 
 And the stern purpose of his mind uiifolds. 
 
 Not yet (my brave companions of the war) 
 Helease your smoking coursers from the car ; 10 
 But, with his chariot each in order led, 
 Perform due honors to Patroclus dead. 
 Ere yet from rest or food we seek relief. 
 Some rites remain, to glut our rage of grief. 
 
 The troops obey'd; and thrice in order led 15 
 (Achilles first) their coursers round the dead ; 
 And tHrice their sorrows and laments renew ; 
 Tears bathe their arms, and tears the sands bedew. 
 For such a warrior Thetis aids their woe. 
 Melts their strong hearts, and bids their eyes to flow. 
 But chief, Pelidcs : thick-succeeding sighs 21 
 
 Burst from his heart, and torrents from his eyes: 
 His slaughtering hands, yet red with blood, he laid 
 On his dead friend's cold breast, and thus he said. 
 
 Alt hail, Patroclus ! let thy honor'd ghost 25 
 
 Hear, and rejoice on Pluto's dreary coast ; 
 Behold ! Achilles' promise is complete ; 
 The bloody Hector stretch'd before thy feet.
 
 486 THE ILIAD. Book XXIII. 
 
 Lo ! to the dogs his carcass I resign ; 
 And twelve sad victims, of the Trojan line, 30 
 
 Sacred to vengeance, instant, shall expire ; 
 Their lives eft'us'd around thy funeral pyre. 
 
 Gloomy he said, and (horrible to view) 
 Before the bier the bleeding Hector tlirew, 
 Prone on the dust. The Myrmidons around 35 
 Unbrac'd their armor, and the steeds unbound. 
 All to Achilles' sable ship repair. 
 Frequent and full, the genial feast to share. 
 !Now from the well-fed swine black smokes aspire, 
 The bristly victims hissing o'er tlie fire : 40 
 
 The huge ox bellowing falls ; with feebler cries 
 Expires the goat; the sheep in silence dies. 
 Around the hero's prostrate body flow'd 
 In one promiscuous stream, the reeking blood. 
 And now a band of Argive mouarchs brings 45 
 The glorious victor to the King of Kings. 
 From his dead friend the pensive warrior went, 
 With steps unwilling, to the regal tent. 
 Th' attending heralds, as by office bound. 
 With kindled flames the tripod-vase surround ; 50 
 To cleanse his conquering hands from hostile gore, 
 They urg'd in vain ; the chief refus'd, and swore. 
 
 1^ o drop shall touch me, by almighty Jove ! 
 The first and greatest of the Gods above ! 
 Till on the pyre I place thee ; till I rear 55 
 
 The grassy mound, and clip thy sacred hair. 
 Some ease at least those pious rites may give. 
 And soothe my sorrows, while I bear to live, 
 Howe'er, reluctant as I am, I stay. 
 And share your feast ; but, with the dawn of day, 
 (O king of men !) it claims thy royal care, 6q 
 
 That Greece the warrior's funeral pile prepare. 
 And bid the forests fall (such rites are paid 
 To heroes slumbering in eternal shade.) 
 Then, when his earthly part shall mount in fire, 65 
 Let the leagu'd squadrons to their posts retire. 
 He spoke ; they hear him, and the word obey ; '% 
 The rage of hunger and of thirst allay, > 
 
 Then ease in sleep the labors of the day. j 
 
 But great Pelides stretch'd along the shore, 70 
 
 Where dasb'd on rocks the brokeu billows roar.
 
 Book XXIir. THE ILIAD. 487 
 
 Lies inly groaning ; while on either hand 
 
 The martial Myrmidons confus'dly stand. 
 
 Along the grass his languid members fall, 
 
 Tir'd with his chase around the Trojan wall ; 75 
 
 Hush'd by the murmurs ot the rolling deep. 
 
 At length he sinks in the soft arms of sleep. 
 
 When lo ! tlie shade, before his closing eyes, 
 
 Of sad Patroclus rose, or seera'd to rise ; 
 
 In the same robe he living wore, he came ; 80 
 
 In stature, voice, and pleasing look, the same. 
 
 The form familiar hover'd o'er his head, "> 
 
 And sleeps Achilles (thus the phantom said) > 
 
 Sleeps my Achilles, his Patroclus dead? j 
 
 Living, I seem'd his dearest, tenderest care, 85 
 
 But now forgot, I wander in the air. 
 
 Let my pale corse the rites of burial know, 
 
 And give me entrance in the realms below ; 
 
 Till then, the spirit finds no resting-place. 
 
 But here and there th' unbody'd spectres chase QO 
 
 The vagrant dead around the dark abode, 
 
 Forbid to cross th' irremeable flood. 
 
 Now give thy hand : for to the farther shore 
 
 When once we pass, the soul returns no more : 
 
 When once the last funereal flames ascend, 95 
 
 No more shall meet Achilles and his friend ; 
 
 No more our thoughts to those we lov'd make known ; 
 
 Or quit the dearest, to converse alone. 
 
 Me fate has sever'd from the sons of earth. 
 
 The fate fore-doom'd that waited from my birth : 
 
 Thee too it waits ; before the Trojan wall 101 
 
 Ev'n great and god-like thou, art doom'd to fall. 
 
 Hear then ; and as in fate and love we join. 
 
 Ah, suffer that my bones may rest with thine I 
 
 Together have we liv'd; together bred, 105 
 
 One house receiv'd us, and one table fed ; 
 
 That golden urn, thy goddess-mother gave. 
 
 May mix our ashes in one common grave. 
 
 And is it thou ? (he answers) to my sight 
 Once more return'st thou from the realms of night ? 
 Oh more than brother ! Think each office paid, 111 
 Whate'er can rest a discontented shade ; 
 But grant one last embrace, unhappy boy ! 
 Afibrd at least that melancholy joy.
 
 488 THE ILIAD. Book XXIII. 
 
 He said, and with his longing arms essay'd 115 
 In vain to grasp the visionary shade ; 
 like a thin smoke he sees the spirit fly, 
 And hears a feeble lamentable cry. 
 Confus'd he wakes; amazement breaks the bands"! 
 Of golden sleep, and, starting from the sands, 120 > 
 Pensive he muses with uplifted hands. J 
 
 'Tis true, 'tis certain ; man, though dead, retains 
 Part of himself; th' immortal mind remans : 
 The form subsists without the body's aid. 
 Aerial semblance, and an empty shade ! 125 
 
 This night my friend, so late in battle lost. 
 Stood at my side, a pensive, plaintive ghost; 
 Ev'n now familiar, as in life, he came, 
 Alas", how different! yet how like the same! 
 
 Thus while he spoke, each eye grew big with tears : 
 And now the rosy-finger'd morn appears, 131 
 
 Shews every mournful face with tears o'erspread. 
 And glares on the pale visage of the dead. 
 But Agamemnon, as the rite^ demand. 
 With mules and waggons sends a ciiosen band 135 
 To load tiie timber, and the pile to rear ; 
 A charge consign'd to Merion's faithful care. 
 "With proper instruments they take the road, 
 Axes to cut, and ropes to sling the load. 
 Pirst march the heavy mules, securely slow, 140 
 O'er hills, o'er dales, o'er crags, o'er rocks, they go : 
 Jumping, high o'er the shrubs of the rough ground, 
 Hattle the clattering cars, and theshockt axles bound. 
 But when arriv'd at Ida's spreading woods 
 (Fair Ida, watei'd with descending floods) 145 
 
 Loud sounds the ax, redoubling strokes on strokes ; 
 On all sides round the forest hurls her oaks 
 Headlong. Deep-echoing groan the thickets brown; 
 Then rustling, crackling, crashing, thunder down. 
 The wood the Grecians cleave, prepar'd to burn ; 
 And the slow mules the same rough road return. 
 The sturdy woodmen equal burdens bore 
 (Such charge was given tiiem) to the sandy shore ; 
 There, on the spot which great Achilles show'd, 
 They eas'd their shoulders, and dispos'd the load ; 
 Circling around the place, where times to come 156 
 Shall view Patroclus' and Achilles' tomb.
 
 Book XXIII. THE ILIAD. 489 
 
 The hero bids his martial troops appear 
 High on their cars in all the pomp of war ; 
 Each in refulgent arms his limbs attires, 160 
 
 All mount their chariots, combatants and squires. 
 The chariots first proceed, a shining train ; 
 Then clouds of foot that smoke along the plain ; 
 Next these a melancholy band appear, 
 Amidst, lay dead Patroclus on the bier : 165 
 
 O'er all the corse their scatter'd locks they throw; 
 Achilles next, opprest with mighty woe. 
 Supporting with his hands the hero's head. 
 Bends o'er th' extended body of the dead. 
 Patroclus decent on th' appointed ground 170 
 
 They place, and heap the sylvan pile around. 
 But great Achilles stands apart in prayer, 
 And from his head divides the yellow hair; 
 Those curling locks which from his youth he vow'd. 
 And sacred grew, to Sperchius* honor'd flood : I75 
 Then sighing, to the deep his looks he cast. 
 And roU'd his eyes around the watery waste. 
 
 Sperchius ! whose waves in mazy errors lost 
 Delightful roll along my native coast ! 
 To whom we vainly vow'd, at our return, 180 
 
 These locks to fall, and hecatombs to burn: 
 Full fifty rams to bleed in sacrifice. 
 Where to the day thy silver fountains rise. 
 And where in shade of consecrated bowers 
 Thy altars stand, perfum'd with native flowers ! 185 
 So vow'd my father, but he vow'd in vain; 
 No more Achilles sees his native plain: 
 In that vain hope these hairs no longer grow, 
 Patroclus bears them to the shades below. 
 
 Thus o'er Patroclus while the hero pray'd, I90 
 On his cold band the sacred lock he laid. 
 Once more afresh tlie Grecian sorrows flow : 
 And now the sun had set upon their woe ; 
 But to the king of men thus spoke the chief. 
 Enough, Atrides ! give the troops relief: 195 
 
 Permit the mourning legions to retire. 
 And let the chiefs alone attend the pyre ; 
 The pious care be ours, the dead to burn- 
 He said: the people to their ships return; 
 While those deputed to iuter the slain 20O 
 
 Heap with a rising pyramid the plain.
 
 4go THE ILIAD. Book XXUI. 
 
 A hundred foot in length, a hundred wide. 
 
 The growing structure spreads ou every side; 
 
 High on the top the manly corse they lay, 
 
 And well-fed slieep and sable oxen slay : £05 
 
 Achilles cover'd with their fat the dead, 
 
 And the pil'd ^'ictims round the body spread; 
 
 Then jars of honey, and of fragrant oil. 
 
 Suspends around, low-bending o'er the pile. 
 
 Four sprightly coursers, with a deadly groan 210 
 
 Pour forth their lives, and on the pyre are throwB. 
 
 Of nine large dogs, domestic at his board. 
 
 Fall two, selected to attend their lord. 
 
 Then last of all, and horrible to tell. 
 
 Sad sacrifice ! twelve Trojan captives fell. 215 
 
 Ou these tl)e rage of fire victorious preys, 
 
 Involves and joins them in one conunon blaze. 
 
 Smear'd with the bloody rites, he stands on high. 
 
 And calls the spirit with a dreadful cry. 
 
 All hail, Patroclus ! let tliy vengeful ghost 220 
 Hear, and exult on Pluto's dreary coast- 
 Behold, Achilles' promise fully paid, 
 Twelve Trojan heroes offer'd to tliy shade ; 
 But heavier fates on Hector's corse attend, 
 Sav'd from the flames, for hungry dogs to rend. 2^ 
 
 So spake he, threatening: but the Gods madevaia 
 His threat, and guard inviolate the slain ; 
 Celestial Venus hover'd o'er his head. 
 And roseate unguents, heavenly fragrance ! shed : 
 She watch'd him all tiie night, and all the day, 230 
 And drove the blood-hounds from their destin'd prey. 
 Uor sacred Phoebus less employ'd his care ; 
 He pour'd around a veil of gather'd air. 
 And kept the nerves undry'd, the flesh entire. 
 Against the solar beam and Sirian fire. 235 
 
 Nor yet the pile, where dead Patroclus lies, 
 Smolses, nor as yet the sullen flames arise; 
 But fast beside Achilles stood in prayer, 
 Invok'd the Gods whose spirit moves the air, 
 And Nnctims promis'd, and libations cast, 240 
 
 To gentle Zephyr and the Boreal blast: 
 He call'd th' aerial Powers, along the skies 
 To breathe, and whisper to the fires to rise. 
 The winged Iris heard the hero's call, 
 And instant hastened to their airy b»U, 245
 
 Book XXIII. THE ILIAD. '401 
 
 Where, in old Zephyr's open courts on high, 
 
 Sat all the blustering brethren of the sky. 
 
 She shone amidst them, on her painted bow ; 
 
 The rocky pavement glitter'd with the show. 
 
 All from the banquet rise, and each invites HoO 
 
 The various Goddess to partake the rites. 
 
 Not so, (the dame reply'd) I haste to go 
 
 To sacred Ocean, and the floods below : 
 
 E'en now our solemn hecatombs attend. 
 
 And heaven is feasting, on the world's green end, 255 
 
 With righteous ^thiops (uncorrupted train !) 
 
 Far on th' extremest limits of the main. 
 
 But Peleus' son iutreats, with sacrifice, 
 
 The Western Spirit, and the North, to rise ; 
 
 Let on Patroclus' pile your blast be driven, 260 
 
 And bear the blazing honors liigh to Heaven. 
 
 Swift as the word she vanish'd from their view; 
 Swift as the word the winds tumultuous flew ; 
 Forth burst the stormy band with thundering roar. 
 And heaps on heaps tlie clouds are tost before. 265 
 To tlie wide main tlien stooping from the skies, 
 The heaving deeps in watery mountains rise : 
 Troy feels the blast along Ijer shaking walls. 
 Till on the pile the gatlier'd tempest falls. 
 The structure crackles in the roaring fires, 270 
 
 And all the night the plenteous flame aspires. 
 All night Achilles hails Patroclus' soul. 
 With large libation from the golden bowl. 
 As a poor father, helpless and undone. 
 Mourns o'er the ashes of an only son, 275 
 
 Takes a sad pleasure the last bones to burn, 
 And pour in tears, ere yet they close the urn : 
 So stay'd AchUles, circling round the shore, 
 So watch'd the flames, till now they flame no more. 
 'Twas when, emerging thro' the shades of night, 280 
 The morning planet told th' approach of light ; 
 And fast behind, Aurora's warmer ray 
 O'er the broad ocean pour'd the golden day : 
 Then sunk the blaze, the pile no longer burn'd. 
 And to their caves the whistling winds return'd ; 2&!> 
 Across the Thracian seas their course they bore ; 
 The ruffled seas beneath their passage roar. 
 
 Then parting from the pile he ceas'd to weep, 
 And sunk to quiet in th' embrace of sleep.
 
 492 THE ILIAD. Book XXIII. 
 
 Exhausted with his grief: meanwhile the crowd 290 
 Of thronging Grecians round Achilles stood ; 
 The tumult wak'd him : from his eyes he shook 
 Unwilling slumber, and the chiefs bespoke. 
 
 Ye kings and princes of th' Achaian name ! 
 First let us quench the yet remaining flame Qg5 
 With sable wine; then (as the rites direct) 
 The hero's bones with careful view select : 
 (Apart, and easy to be known they lie 
 Amidst the heap, and obvious to tlie eye : 
 The rest around the margin will be seen 300 
 
 Promiscuous, steeds and immolated men.) 
 These, wrapt in double cawls of fat, prepare; 
 And in the golden vase dispose with care ; 
 There let them rest with decent honor laid. 
 Till I shall follow to ih' infernal shade. 305 
 
 Meantime erect the tomb with pious hands, 
 A common structure on the humble sauds ; 
 Hereafter Greece some nobler work may raise. 
 And late posterity record our praise. 310 
 
 The Greeks obey ; where yet the embers glow ~% 
 Wide o'er the pile the sable wine they throw, > 
 And deep subsides the ashy heap below. J 
 
 >Jext the white bones his sad companions place. 
 With tears collected, in the golden vase. 
 The sacred relics to the tent they bore ; 315 
 
 The urn a veil of linen cover d o'er. 
 That done, they bid the sepulchre aspire. 
 And cast the deep foundations round the pyre ; 
 High in the midst they heap the swelling bed 
 Of rising earth, memorial of the dead. 320 
 
 The swarming populace the chief detains. 
 And leads amidst a wide extent of plains ; 
 There plac'd them round : then from the ships proceeds 
 A train of oxen, mules, and stately steeds. 
 Vases and tripods (for the funeral games,) 325 
 
 Resplendent brass, and more resplendent dames. 
 First stood the prizes to reward the force 
 Of rapid racers in the dusty course : 
 A woman for the first, in beauty's bloom, 
 Skill'd in the needle, and the laboring loom ; 330 
 And a large vase, where two bright handles risej 
 Of twenty measures its capacious size.
 
 Book XXIII. THE ILIAD. 493 
 
 The second victor claims a mare unbroke, 
 
 Big with a mule, unknowing of the yoke : 
 
 The third a charger j'tt untouch'd by flame ; 335 
 
 Tour ample measures held the shining frame : 
 
 Two golden talents for the fourth were plac'd; 
 
 An ample double bowl contents the last. 
 
 These in fair order rang'd upon the plain, 
 
 The hero, rising, thus addrest the train. 3^ 
 
 Behold the prizes, valiant Greeks ! decreed 
 To the brave rulers of the racing steed; 
 Prizes which none beside ourself could gain, 
 Should our immortal coursers take the plain 
 (A race unrivall'd, which from Ocean's God 345 
 Peleus receiv'd, and on his son bestow'd.) 
 But this no time our vigor to display ; 
 Nor suit, with them, the games of this sad day ; 
 Lost is Patroclus now, that wont to deck 
 Their flowing manes, and sleek their glossy neck. 350 
 Sad, as they shar'd in liuman grief, they stand. 
 And trail those graceful honors on the sand ; 
 Let others for the noble task prepare, 
 Who trust the courser, and the flying car. 
 
 Fir'd at his word, the rival racers rise ; 355 
 
 But far the first, Eumelus, hopes the prize, 
 Fam'd through Pieria for the fleetest breed. 
 And skill'd to manage the high-bounding steed. 
 With equal ardor bold Tydides swell'd. 
 The steeds of Tros beneath his yoke compell'd, 360 
 (Which late obey'd the Dardan chiet^s command. 
 When scarce a God redeem'd him from his hand.) 
 Then Menelaiis his podargus brings. 
 And the fam'd courser of the King of Kings : 
 Whom rich Echepolus (more rich than brave,) 365 
 To 'scape the wars, to Agamemnon gave, 
 (iEthe her name,) at home to end his days; 
 Base wealth preferring to eternal praise. 
 Next him Antilochus demands the course, 
 With beating heart, and cheers his Pylian horse. 370 
 Experienc'd Nestor gives his son the reins, 
 Directs his judgment, and his heat restrains ; 
 Nor idly warns tJie hoary sire, nor hears 
 The prudent son with unattending ears. 
 
 My son ! though youthful ardor tire thy breast, 375 
 The Gods have lov'd thee, and with arts have blest.
 
 494 THE ILIAD. Book XXIII 
 
 Neptune and Jove on thee conferr'd the skill, 
 
 Swift round the goal to turn the flying wheel. 
 
 To guide thy conduct, little precept needs ; 
 
 But slow, and past their visor, are my steeds. 380 
 
 Fear not thy rivals, though for swiftness known ; 
 
 Compare those rivals' judgment, and thy own : 
 
 It is not strength, but art, obtains the prize. 
 
 And to be swift is less than to be wise. 
 
 Tis more by art than force of numerous strokes, 385 
 
 The dextVous woodman shapes the stubborn oaks ; 
 
 By art the pilot, through the boiling deep 
 
 And howling tempest, steers the feailess ship: 
 
 And 'lis the artist wins the glorious course, 
 
 Not those who trust in chariots and in horse. SQO 
 
 In vain ; unskilful, to the goat they strive. 
 
 And short, or wide, th' ungovern'd courser drive : 
 
 While with sure skill, though with inferior steeds, 
 
 Tiie knowing racer to his end proceeds ; 
 
 Fix'd on the goal his eye fore-runs the course, 395 
 
 His liand unerring steers the steady horse. 
 
 And now contracts or now extends the rein, 
 
 Observing still the foremost on the plain. 
 
 Mark then tlie goal, 'tis easy to be found ; 
 
 Yon aged trunk, a cubit from the ground ; 400 
 
 Of some once stately oak the last remains. 
 
 Or hardy fir, unperish'd with the rains : 
 
 Enclos'd with stones, conspicuous from afar ; 
 
 And round, a circle for the wheeling car 
 
 (Some tomb, perhaps, of old; the dead to grace ; 405 
 
 Or then, as now, the limit of a race) : 
 
 Bear close to this, and warily proceed, 
 
 A little bending to tlie left-hand steed; 
 
 But urge the right, and give him all the reins ; 
 
 While thy strict hand his fellow's head restrains, 410 
 
 And turns him short ; till, doubling as they roll, 
 
 The wheel's round naves appear to brush tlie goal. 
 
 Yet (not to break the car, or lame tlie horse) 
 
 Clear of the stony heap direct the course; 
 
 Lest, through incaution failing, thou may'st be 415 
 
 A joy to others, a reproach to me. 
 
 So shalt thou pass the goal, secure of mind. 
 
 And leave unskilful swiftness far behind ; 
 
 Tliough thy fierce rival drove the matchless steed 
 
 Which bore Adrastus, of ctlestiiti breed ; 420
 
 Book XXIir. THE ILIAD. 4y3 
 
 Or the fam'd race, tlirough all the regions known. 
 That whirl'd the car of proud Laomedon. 
 
 Thus, (nought unsaid) the much-advising sage 
 Concludes ; then sate, stiif with unwieldy age. 
 Kext bold Meriones was seen to rise, 425 
 
 The last, but not least ardent for the prize. 
 They mount their seats ; the lots their place dispose ; 
 (RoU'd in his helmet, these Achilles throws.) 
 Young Nestor leads the race : Eumelus then; 
 And next the brother of the king of men : 430 
 
 Thy lot, Meriones, the fourth was cast; 
 And far tiie bravest, Diomed, was last. 
 They stand in order, an impatient train ; 
 Pelides points the barrier on the plain. 
 And sends before old Phcenix to the place, 435 
 To mark the racers, and to judge the race. 
 At once tlie coursers from the barrier bound ; 
 The lifted scourges all at once resound ; 
 Their heart, their eyes, their voice, they send before; 
 And up tlie champaign thunder from the shore : 440 
 Thick, where they drive, the dusty clouds arise. 
 And the lost courser in the whirlwind flies ; 
 Loose on their shoulders the long manes, reclin'd. 
 Float in their speed, and dance upon the wind: 
 The smoking chariots, rapid as they bound, 443 
 Now seem to touch the sky, and now the ground. 
 While hot for fame, and conquest all their care, 
 (Each o'er his flying courser hung in air) 
 Erect with ardor, pois'd upon the rein, 449 
 
 They pant, they stretch, they shout along the plain. 
 Now (the last compass fetch'd around the goal) 
 At the near prize each gathers all his soul. 
 Each burns with double hope, with double pain, 
 Tears up the shore, and thunders toward the main. 
 First flew Eumelus on Pheretian steeds ; 405 
 
 With those of Tros bold Diomed succeeds : 
 Close on Eumelus' back they puff the wind. 
 And seem just mounting on his car behind ; 
 Full on his neck he feels the sultry breeze. 
 And hovering o'er, their stretching shadows sees. 460 
 Then had he lost, or left a doubtful prize : 
 But angry Phoebus to Tydides flies, 
 Strikes from his hand the scourge, and readers vaia 
 ills Qiatcblea; Uors^' labor oa the plain.
 
 496 THE ILIAD. Book XXIII. 
 
 Rage fills his eye with anguish to sun-ey, 4G5 
 
 Snatch'd from his hope, the glories of the day. 
 The fraud celestial Pallas sees with pain. 
 Springs to her knight, and gives the scourge again. 
 And fills his steeds with vigor. At a stroke, 
 She breaks his rival's chariot from the yoke ; 470 
 Ko more their way the startled horses held ; 
 The car revers'd came rattling: on the field ; 
 Shot headlong from his seal, beside the wheel, 
 Proue on the dust th' unhappy master fell ; 
 His batter'd face and elbows strike the ground; 475 
 Nose, mouth, and front, one uudistinguish'd wound; 
 Grief stops his voice, a torrent drowns his eyes; 
 Before him far the glad Tydides flies ; 
 Minerva's spirit drives his matchless pace. 
 And crowns him victor of the labor'd race. 480 
 
 The next, though distant, Menelaus succeeds ; 
 While thus young Nestor animates his steeds, 
 Now, now, my generous pair, exert your force ; 
 Not that we hope to match Tydides' horse, 
 Since great Minerva wings their rapid way, 485 
 And gives their lord the honors of the day. 
 But reach Ttrides ! shall his mare out-go 
 Your swiftness, vauquish'd by a female foe ? 
 Through your neglect, if lagging on the plain 
 The last ignoble gift be all we gain ; 490 
 
 No more shall Nestor's hand your food supply. 
 The old man's fur>' rises, and ye die. 
 Haste then; yon narrow road before our sight 
 Presents th' occasion, could we use it right. 494 
 
 Thus he. The coursers at their master's tlireat 
 With quicker steps the sounding champaign beat. 
 And now Antiloclms with nice sur^-ey, 
 Obser\'es the compass of the hollow way. 
 'Twas where by force of wintery torreuts torn, 
 Fast by the road a precipice was worn : 500 
 
 Here, where but one could pass to shun the throng 
 The Spartan hero's chariot smok'd along. 
 Close up the venturous youth resolves to keep, 
 Still edging near, and bears him toward the steep. 
 Atrides, trembling, casts his eye below, 505 
 
 And wonders at the rashness of his foe. 
 Hold, stay your steeds— What madness thus to ride 
 This narrow way ; take larger field (he ciy'd;
 
 Book XXIII. THE ILIAD. 497 
 
 Or both must fall— Atrides cry'd in vain ; 
 He flies more fast, and throws up all the rein. 510 
 Far as an able arm the disk can send, 
 When youthful rivals their full force extend. 
 So far, Antilochus ! thy chariot flew 
 Before the king : he, cautious, backward drew 
 His horse conipell'd ; foreboding in his fears 515 
 The rattling ruin of the clashing cars, 
 The floundering coursers rolling on the plain. 
 And conquest lost through frantic haste to gain. 
 But thus upbraids his rival as he flies ; 
 Go, furious youth ! ungenerous and unwise ! 520 
 Go, but expect not I'll the prize resign ; 
 Add perjury to fraud, and make it thine— 
 Then to his steeds with all his force he cries ; 
 Be swift, be vigorous, and regain the prize ! 
 Your rivals, destitute of youthful force, 525 
 
 With fainting knees shall labor in the course. 
 And yield the glory yours— The steeds obey ; "J 
 Already at their heels they wing their way, V 
 
 And seem already to retrieve the day. y 
 
 Meantime the Grecians in a ring beheld 53o 
 
 The coursers bounding o'er the dusty field. 
 The first who mark'd them was the Cretan king ; 
 High on a rising ground, above the ring. 
 The monarch sate : from whence with sure sur\'ey 
 He well observ'd the chief who led the way, 535 
 And heard from far his animating cries, 
 And saw the foremost steed witli sharpen'd eyes ; 
 On whose broad front, a blaze of shining white. 
 Like the full moon, stood obvious to the sight. 
 He saw ; and. rising, to the Greeks begun. 540 
 
 Are yonder horse discern'd by me alone ? 
 Or can ye, all, another chief survey. 
 And other steeds, than lately led the way ? 
 Those, though the swiftest, by some God withheld, 
 Lie sure disabled in the middle field : 545 
 
 For since the goal they doubled, round the plain 
 I search to find them, but I search in vain. 
 Perchance the reins forsook the driver's hand. 
 And, turn'd too short, he tumbled on the strand. 
 Shot from the chariot ; while his coursers stray 
 With frantic fury from the destin'd Tvay. If51
 
 49B THE ILTAU. Book XXIII 
 
 Rise then some other, and inform my sight, 
 (For these tiini eyes, perhaps, discern not right) 
 Yet sure he seems (to judge by shape and air) 
 The great jEtohan chief, renown'd in war. 555 
 
 Old man ! (Oileus rashly thus replies) 
 Thy tongue too hastily confers the prize ; 
 Of those who view the course, not sharpest-ey'd, 
 Nor youngest, yet the readiest to decide. 
 Eumelus' steeds high-bounding in the chase, 560 
 Still, as at first, unris-all'd lead the race. 
 I well discern him as he shakes the rein, 
 And hear his shouts victorious o'er the plain. 
 
 Thus he. Idomeneus incens'd rejoin'd : 
 Barbarous of words ! and arrogant of mind ! 565 
 Contentious prince, of all the Greeks beside 
 The last in merit, as the first in pride : 
 To vile reproach what answer can we make ? 
 A goblet or a tripod let us stake. 
 And be the king the judge. The most unwise 570 
 Will learn their rashness, when they pay the price. 
 
 He said : and Ajax by mad passion borne, 
 Stern had reply 'd ; fierce scorn euliancing scorn 
 To fell extremes. But Thetis' god-like son 
 Awful amidst them rose, and thus begun. 575 
 
 Forbear, ye chiefs ! reproachful to contend ; "J 
 Much would you blame, should others thus offend: v 
 And lo ! th' approaching steeds your contest end.j 
 No sooner had he spoke, but, thundering near, 
 Drives through a stream of dust the charioteer. 580 
 High o'er his head the circling lash he wields ; 
 His bounding horses scarcely touch the fields ; 
 His car amidst the dusty whirlwind roU'd, 
 Bright with the mingled blaze of tin and gold. 
 Refulgent through the cloud ; no eye could find 585 
 The track bis flying wheels had left behind : 
 And the fierce coursers urg'd their rapid pace 
 So s\vift, it seem'd a flight, and not a race. 
 Now victor at the goal Tydides stands. 
 Quits his bright car, and springs upon the sands ; 5Q0 
 From the hot steeds the sweaty torrents stream ; 
 The well-ply'd whip is hung athwart tlie beam : 
 With joy brave Sthenelus receives the prize. 
 The tripod-vase, and dame with radiant eyes ;
 
 Book XXIII. THE ILIAD. 499 
 
 These to the ships his train triumphant leads, 595 
 The chief himself unyokes the panting steeds. 
 
 Young Nestor follows (who by art, not force, 
 O'er-past Atrides) second in the course. 
 Behind, Atrides urg'd the race, more near 
 Than to the courser in his swift career 606 
 
 The following car, just touching with his heel 
 And brusliing with his tail the whirling wheel : 
 Such and so narrow now the space between 
 The rivals, late so distant on the green ; 
 So soon swift JEthe her lost ground regain'd, 603 
 One length, one moment, had the race obtain'd. 
 
 Merion pursu'd, at greater distance still. 
 With tardier coursers, and inferior skill. 
 Last came, Admetus ! thy unhappy son : "1 
 
 Slow dragg'd the steeds his batter'd chariot on : > 
 Achilles saw, and pitying thus begun. 6lO j 
 
 Behold ! the man whose matchless art surpast 
 The sons of Greece ! the ablest, yet the last ! 
 Fortune denies, but justice bids us pay \ 
 
 (Since great Tydides bears the first away) 6l5 > 
 To him the second honors of the day. y 
 
 The Greeks consent with loud applauding cries. 
 And then Eumelus had receiv'd the prize, 
 But youthful Nestor, jealous of his fame, 
 Th' award opposes, and asserts his claim. 620 
 
 Think not (he cries) I tamely will resign, 
 O Peleus' son ! the mare so justly mine. 
 What if the Gods, the skilful to confound. 
 Have thrown the horse and horseman to the ground? 
 Perhaps he sought not Heaven by sacrifice, 625 
 And vows omitted forfeited the prize. 
 If yet (distinction to thy friend to show. 
 And please a soul desirous to bestow) 
 Some gift must grace Eumelus ; view thy store 
 Of beauteous handmaids, steeds, and shining ore ; 
 An ample present let him thence receive, 631 
 
 And Greece shall praise thy generous thirst to give. 
 But this my prize I never shall forego : 
 This, who but touches, warriors ! is my foe. 
 
 Thus spake the youth ; nor did his words offend; 
 Pleas'd with the well-turn' d flattery of a friend, 636 
 Achilles smil'd : the gift propos'd (he cry'd) 
 Antilochus ! we shall ourself provide.
 
 500 THE ILIAD. Book XXIII. 
 
 With plates of brass the corselet cover'd o'er 
 (The same renown'd Asteropeeus wore,) &iO 
 
 Whose glittering margins rais'd with silver shine, 
 (No rulgar gift) Eumelas, shall be thine. 
 
 He said : Automedon at hi2-.corimaud 
 The corselet brought, and guve it to his hand. 
 Distinguish'd by his thend, his bosom glows 6i5 
 With generous joy : then Menelavjs rose ; 
 The herald plac'd the sceptre in his hands, 
 And still'd the clamor of the shouting bands. 
 JJot without cause iucens'd at Nestor's son, 
 And inly grieving, tlms the king begun : 6oO 
 
 The praise of wisdom, in thy youth obtain'd, 
 An act so rash, Antilochus, has stain'd. 
 Robb'd of my glory and my just reward, 
 To you, O Grecians! be my wrong declar'd : 
 So not a leader shall our conduct blame, fi55 
 
 Or judge me envious of a rival's fame. 
 But shall not we, ourselves, the truth maintain • 
 AVhat needs appealing in a fact so plain ? 
 What Greek shall blame me, if I bid thee rise, 
 And vindicate by oath th' ill-gotten prize ? COO 
 
 Rise if thou dar'st, before thy chariot stand. 
 The driving scourge high-lifted in ihy hand ; 
 •And touch thy steeds., and swear, thy whole intent 
 \Vas but to conquer, not to circumvent. 
 Swear by that God whose liquid arms surround 665 
 The globe, and whose dread earthquakes heave the 
 ground. 
 
 Tlie prudent chief with calm attention heard ; 
 Then mildly thus ; Excuse, if youth have err'd : 
 Superior as thou art, forgive th' oflFence, 
 Nor I thy equal, or in j-ears, or sense. 67O 
 
 Thou know'st the errors of unripen'd age. 
 Weak are its counsels, headlong is its rage. 
 The prize I quit, if thou tliy wrath resign ; 
 The mare, or aught tliou ask'st, be freely thine : 
 Ere I become (from thy dear friendship torn) 675 
 Hateful to thee, and to the Gods forsworn. 
 
 So spoke Antilochus : and at the word 
 The mare contested to the king restor'd. 
 Joy swells his soul : as when tiie vernal grain 
 Lifts iht greeo ear above the springing piaio, G80
 
 Book XXIII. THE ILIAD. 501 
 
 The fields their vegetable life rene-w. 
 And laugh and glitter with the morning dew ; 
 Such joy the Spartan's shining face o'erspread 
 And lifted his gay heart, while thus he said : 
 
 Still may our souls, O generous youth ! agree, 683 
 *Tis now Atrides' turn to yield to thee. 
 Rash heat perhaps a moment might control, 
 Not break, the settled temper of thy soul. 
 Not but (my friend) 'tis still the wiser way 
 To wave contention with superior sway ; 69O 
 
 For ah ! how few, who should like thee offend. 
 Like thee have talents to regain the firiend ? 
 To plead indulgence, and thy fault atone, 
 Suffice thy father's merit and thy own : 
 Generous alike, for me, the sire and son 695 
 
 Have greatly suffer'd, and have greatly done. 
 I yield ; that all may know, my soul can bend, 
 Nor is my pride preferr'd before my friend. 
 
 He said ; and, pleas'd his passion to command, 
 Resign'd the courser to Noeman's hand, 700 
 
 Friend of the youthful chief: himself content. 
 The shining charger to his vessel sent. 
 The golden talents Merion next obtain'd ; 
 The fifth reward, the double bowl, remain'd. 
 Achilles this to reverend Nestor bears, 705 
 
 And thus the purpose of his gift declares. 
 
 Accept thou this, O sacred sire ! (he said^ 
 In dear memorial of Patroclus dead ; 
 Dead, and for ever lost, Patroclus lies. 
 For ever snatch'd from our desiring eyes ! 710 
 
 Take thou this token of a grateful heart. 
 Though 'tis not thine to hurl tiie distant dart. 
 The quoit to toss, the ponderous mace to wield. 
 Or urge tlie race, or wrestle on the field. 
 Thy pristine vigor age has overthrown, 715 
 
 But left the glory of the past thy own. 
 
 He said, and plac'd the goblet at his side ; 
 With joy tlie venerable king reply 'd : 
 
 Wisely and well, my son, thy words have prov'd 
 A senior honor'd and a friend belov'd ! 720 
 
 Too true it is, deserted of my strength, 
 These wither'd arms and limbs have fail'd at length. 
 Oh ! had I now that force I felt of yore, 
 Known through Buprasiura and the Pylian shore I
 
 502 THE ILIAD. Book XXIII 
 
 Victorious then in every solemn game, 7:0 
 
 Ordain'd to Amarj-nces' mighty name ; 
 
 The brave Epeians gave my glory way, 
 
 iEtolians, Pylians, all resign the day. 
 
 I quell'd Clytomedes in fights of hand, 
 
 And backward hurl'd Ancaeus on the sand, 730 
 
 Surpast Iphyclus in the swift career, 
 
 Phyleus and Polydorus, with the spear. 
 
 The sons of Actor won the prize of horse, 
 
 But won by numbers, not by art or force : 
 
 For tlie fam'd twins, impatient to survey 733 
 
 Prize after prize by Nestor borne away. 
 
 Sprung to their car ; and with united pains 
 
 One lash'd the coursers, while one rul'd the reins. 
 
 Such once I was ! Now to these tasks succeeds 
 
 A younger race, that emulate our deeds : 740 
 
 I yield, alas ! (to age who must not yield ?) 
 
 Though once the foremost hero of the field. 
 
 Go thou, my son ! by generous friendship led. 
 
 With martial honors decorate the dead ; 
 
 While pleas'd I take the gift thy hands present, 745 
 
 (Pledge of benevolence, and kind intent ;) 
 
 Hejoic'd, of all the numerous Greeks, to see 
 
 Not one but honors sacred age and me : 
 
 Those due distinctions thou so well canst pay, 
 
 May the just Gods return another day ! 750 
 
 Proud of the gift, thus spake the full of days. 
 Achilles heard him, prouder of the praise. 
 
 The prizes next are order'd to the field. 
 Tor the bold champions who the caestus wield. 
 A stately mule, as yet by toils unbroke, 755 
 
 Of six years age, unconscious of the yoke, 
 Is to the Circus led, and firmly bound ; 
 Next stands a goblet, massy, large, and round. 
 Achilles rising thus : Let Greece excite 
 Two heroes equal to this hardy fight ; 760 
 
 Who ditre the foe with lifted arms provoke. 
 And rush beneath the long-descending stroke. 
 On whom Apollo shall the palm bestow. 
 And whom the Greeks supreme by conquest know. 
 This mule his dauntless labors shall repay ; 765 
 The vanquish'd bear the massy bowl away. *! 
 
 This dreadful combat great Epeus chose ; M 
 
 High o'er the crowd, eoonnous bulk ! be rose, ^
 
 Book XXIII. THE ILIAD. 503 
 
 And seiz'd the beast, and thus began to say : 
 
 Stand forth some man, to bear the bowl away ! 770 
 
 (Price of his ruin :) for who dares deny 
 
 This mule my right; th' undoubted victor I? 
 
 Others, 'tis own'd, in fields of battle shine. 
 
 But the first honors of this tight are mine ; 
 
 For who excels in all ? Then let my foe 775 
 
 Draw near, but first his certain fortune know, 
 
 Secure, this hand shall his whole frame confound. 
 
 Mash all his bones, and all his body pound : 
 
 So let his friends be nigh, a needful train 
 
 To heave the batter'd carcass off the plain. 780 
 
 The giant spoke ; and in a stupid gaze 
 The host beheld him, silent with amaze ! 
 'Twas thou, Euryalus ! who durst aspire 
 To meet his might, and emulate thy sire,' 
 The great Mecistheus ; who in days of yore 785 
 In Theban games the noblest trophy bore, 
 (The games ordain'd dead Oedipus to grace) 
 And singly vanquish'd the Cadmasan race. 
 Him great Tydides urges to contend, 
 Warm with the hopes of conquest for his friend ; 790 
 Officious with the cincture girds him round ; 
 And to his wrist the gloves of death are bound. 
 Amid the circle now each champion stands. 
 And poLses high in air his iron hands ; 
 With clashing gauntlets now they fiercely close. 
 Their crackling jaws re-echo to the blows, 796 
 And painful sweat from all their members flows. 
 At length Epeus dealt a weighty blow, 
 Full on the cheek of his unwary foe ; 
 Beneath that ponderous arm's resistless sway 800 
 Down dropt he, nerveless, and extended lay. 
 As a large fish, when winds and waters roar. 
 By some huge billow dash'd against the shore, 
 Lies panting : not less batter'd with his wound, 
 The bleeding hero pants upon the ground. 805 
 
 To rear his fallen foe the victor lends, 
 Scornful, his hand ; and gives him to his friends ; 
 Whose arms support him, reeling through the throng. 
 And dragging his disabled legs along ; 
 Kodding, liis head hangs down his shoulder o'er; 810 
 His mouth and uo&trils pour the clotted gore ; 
 
 5-3
 
 604 THE ILIAD. Book XXIII. 
 
 Wrapt round in mists he lies, and lost to thought ; 
 His friends receive the bowl, too dearly bought. 
 
 The third bold game Achilles next demands, 
 And calls the wrestlers to the level sands : 815 
 A massy tripod for the victor lies, 
 Of twice six oxen its reputed price ; 
 And next, the loser's spuits to restore, 
 A female captive, valued but at four. 
 Scarce did the chief the vigorous strife propose, 820 
 When tower-like Ajax and Ulysses rose. 
 Amid the ring each ner^-ous rival stands. 
 Embracing rigid witli implicit hands; 
 Close lock'd above, their heads and arms are mixt ; 
 Below, their planted feet, at distance fixt : 8C5 
 
 Like two strong rafters which the builder forms 
 Proof to the wintery wind and howling storms. 
 Their tops connected, but at wider space 
 FLxt on the centre stands their solid base. 
 Now to the grasp each manly body bends ; 830 
 The humid sweat from every pore descends; 
 Their bones resound with blows : sides, shoulders, 
 
 thighs, 
 Swell to each gripe, and bloody tumoi-s rise. 
 Kor could Ulysses, for his art renown'd, 
 O'erturn the strength of Ajax on the ground ; 835 
 Nor could the strength of Ajax overthrow 
 The watchful caution of his artful foe. 
 While the long strife e'en tir'd the lookers-on. 
 Thus to Ulysses spoke great Telamon. 
 Or let me lift thee, chief, or lift thou me : 840 
 
 Prove we our force, and Jove the rest decree. 
 
 He said ; and, straining, heav'd him off the ground 
 With matchless strength ; that time Ulysses found 
 The strengtli t' evade, and where the nerves combine 
 His ancle struck : the giant fell supine ; 845 
 
 "Ulysses following, on his bosom lies ; 
 Shouts of applause run rattling tlirough the skies. 
 Ajax to lift, Ulysses next essays, 
 He barely stirr'd him, but he could uot raise : 
 His knee lock'd fast, the foe's attempt deny'd ; 850 
 And grappling close, tliey tumbled side by side. 
 Defil'd with honorable dust they roll, 
 Still bieathing strife, and unsubdued of soul:
 
 Book XXIIT. THE ILIAD. 505 
 
 Again they rage, again to combat rise ; 
 
 When great Achilles thus divides the prize. 855 
 
 Your noble vigor, oh my friends, restrain; 
 Nor weary out your generous strength in vain. 
 Ye both have won : let others who excel. 
 Now prove that prowess you have prov'd so well. 
 
 The hero's words the willing chiefs obey, 860 
 From their tir'd bodies wipe the dust away, 
 And, cloth'd anew, the following games sur\'ey 
 And now succeed the gifts ordain'd to grace 
 The youths contending in the rapid race. 
 A silver urn that full six measures held, 865 
 
 By none in weight or workmanship excell'd ; 
 Sidonian artists taught the frame to shine, 
 Elaborate, with artifice divine ; 
 Whence Tyrian sailors did the prize transport. 
 And gave to Thoas at the Lemnian port: 870 
 
 From him descended, good Eunasus heir'd 
 The glorious gift ; and, for Lycaon spar' d , 
 To brave Patroclus gave the rich reward. 
 Now, the same hero's funeral rites to grace, 
 It stands the prize of swiftness in the race. 875 
 A well-fed ox was for the second plac'd ; 
 And half a talent must content the last. 
 Achilles rising then bespoke the train ; 
 Who hope the palm of swiftness to obtain, 
 Stand fortli, and bear these prizes from the plain 
 
 The hero said, and starting from his place J 
 O'llean Ajax rises to the race ; 
 Ulysses next ; and he whose speed surpast 
 His youthful equals, Nestor's son the last. 
 Kang'd in a line the ready racers stand ; 1 
 
 Pelides points the barrier with his hand ; 
 All start at once ; Oileus led the race ; 
 The next Ulysses, measuring pace with pace ; 
 Behind him, diligently close, he sped, 
 As closely following as the running thread J 
 
 The spindle follows, and displays the charms 
 Of the fair spinster's breast, and moving arms : 
 Graceful in motion thus, his foe he plies. 
 And treads each footstep ere the dust can rise: 
 His glowing breath upon his shoulders plays; ( 
 Th' admiring Greeks loud acclamatioo^ caise ; 
 T
 
 506 THE ILIAD. Boolt XXIII. 
 
 To him they give their wishes, hearts, and eyes. 
 And send their souls before him as he flies. 
 Kow three times turn'd ia prospect of the goal, 
 The panting chief to Pallas lifts his soul: QOO 
 
 Assist, O Goddess ! (thus in thought he pray'd) 
 And present at his tliought, descends tlie Maid. 
 Buoy'd by lier heavenly force, he seems to swim. 
 And feels a pinion lifting every limb. 
 All fierce and ready now the prize to gain, QOo 
 Unhappy Ajax stumbles on the plain 
 (O'ertuin'd by Pallas;) where the slippery shore 
 Was dogg'd with slimy dung, and mingled gore 
 (The self-same place beside Patroclus' pyre, 
 Where late the slaughter'd victims fed the fireOQlO 
 Besmear'd with filth, and blotted o'er with clay. 
 Obscene to sight, the rueful racer lay ; 
 The well-fed bull (the second prize) he shar'd, 
 And left the um Ulysses' rich reward. 
 Then, grasping by the horn the mighty beast, Q18^ 
 The baffled hero thus the Greeks addrest. 
 
 Accursed fate! the conquest I forego; 
 A mortal I, a Goddess was my foe ; 
 She urg'd her favorite on the rapid way. 
 And Pallas, not Ulysses, won the day. 9-2t) 
 
 Thus sourly wail'd he, sputtering dirt and gore, 
 A burst of laughter echo'd through the shore. 
 Antilochus, more humorous than the rest. 
 Takes the last prize, and takes it with a jest. 
 
 Why witli our wiser elders should we strive ? 925 
 Tlie Gods still love them, and they always thrive. 
 Ye see, to Ajax I must yield the prize : 
 He to Ulysses, still more ag'd and wise ; 
 (A green old age unconscious of decays. 
 That prove the hero born in better days !) QSO 
 
 Behold his vigor in this active race ! 
 Achilles only boasts a swifter pace : 
 For who can match Achilles ? He who can. 
 Must yet be more than hero, more than man. 
 
 Th' effect succeeds the speech, Pelides cries, gSS 
 Thy artful praise deserves a better prize. 
 Nor Greece in vain shall hear thy friend extoU'd :: 
 Receive a talent of the puiest gold. 
 The youth departs content. Tlie host admire 
 The sou of Nestor, worthy of his sire. 940
 
 Book XXIII. THE ILIAD. 507 
 
 Next these a buckler, spear, and helm, he brings; 
 Cast on the plain, the brazen burden rings : 
 Aims, which of late divine Sarpedon wore. 
 And great Patroclus in short triumph bore. 
 Stand fortli the bravest of our host! (lie cries) 945 
 Whoever dares deserve so rich a prize, 
 !Now grace the lists before our army's sight. 
 And, sheath'd in steel, provoke his foe to fight. 
 Who first the jointed armor shall explore, 
 And stain his rival's mail with issuing gore ; 95O 
 The sword Asteropeus possest of old 
 (A Thracian blade, distiuct with studs of gold) 
 Shall paj- the stroke, and grace the striker's side: 
 These arms in common let the chiefs divide : 
 For each brave champion, when the combat ends, 
 A sumptuous banquet at our tent attends. 956 
 
 Fierce at the word, up rose great Tydeus' son, 
 And the huge bulk of Ajax Telamon. 
 Clad in refulgent steel, on either hand. 
 The dreadful chiefs amid the circle stand : 96O 
 
 Lowering they meet, tremendous to the sight ; 
 Each Argive bosom beats with fierce delight. 
 Oppos'd in arms not long they idly stood. 
 But tlirice tliey clos'd, and thrice the charge renew'd. 
 A furious pass the spear of Ajax made 965 
 
 Through the broad sliield, but at the corselet stay'd: 
 Not thus the foe : his javelin aim'd above 
 The buckler's margin, at the neck he drove. 
 But Greece now trembling for her hero's life. 
 Bade share the honors, and surcease the strife. 970 
 Yet still the victor's due Tydides gains. 
 With him the sword and studded belt remains. 
 
 Then hurl'd the hero thundering on the ground 
 A mass of iron (an enormous round,) 974 
 
 Whose weight and size the circling Greeks admire, 
 Kude from the furnace, and but shap'd by fire. 
 This mighty quoit Action wont to rear. 
 And from his whirling arm dismiss in air: 
 The giant by Achilles slain, he stow'd 
 Among his spoils this memorable load. 990- 
 
 For this, he bids those nervous artists vie, 
 Tliat teach the disk to sound along the sky. 
 Let him whose might can hurl this bowl, arise; 
 Who farthest hurls it, takes it as hb prize ;
 
 508 THE ILIAD. Book XXIII. 
 
 If he be one, enrich'd with large domain 985 
 
 Of downs for flocks, and arable for grain, 
 Small stock of iron needs that man provide; 
 His hinds and swains whole years shall be supply'd 
 From hence : nor ask the neighb'riug city's aid, 
 for ploughshares, wheels, and all the rural trade. 
 Stern Polypoeles stept before tlie throng, 991 
 
 And great Leonteus more than mortal strong ; 
 Whose force with rival forces to oppose, 
 Up rose great Ajax ; up Epeus rose. 
 Each stood in order : first Epeus threw ; 995 
 
 Higti o'er the wondering crowds tlie wliirling circle 
 
 flew. 
 Leontes next a little space surpast, 
 And tliird, tlie strength of god-like Ajax cast. 
 O'er both their marks it flew ; 'till fiercely flung 
 From Polypoetes' arm, the discus sung: lOOO 
 
 Far as a swain his whirling sheepliook throws, 
 That distant falls among the grazing cows. 
 So past them all the rapid circle flies : 
 His friends (while loud applauses shake the skies)' 
 With force conjoin'd heave off" tlie weighty prize. 
 
 Tliose who in skilful archery contend, IO06 
 
 He next invites the twanging bow to bend: 
 And twice ten axes casts amidst the round 
 (I'en double-edg'd, and ten that singly wound.) 
 The mast, which late a first-rate galley bore, 1010 
 The hero fixes in the sandj- shore ; 
 To the tall top a milk-white dove they tie. 
 The trembling mark at which their arrows fly. 
 Whose weapon strikes yon fluttering bird, shall bear 
 These two edg'd axes, terrible in war; 1015 
 
 The single, he, whose shaft divides the cord. 
 He said : experienc'd Merion took the word ; 
 And skilful Teucer: in the helm they threw 
 Their lots inscrib'd, and forth the latter flew. 
 Swift from the string the sounding arrow flies ; 1020 
 But flies unblest! No grateful sacrifice, 
 No firstling lambs, unlieedful ! didst thou vow 
 To Phoebus, patron of the shaft and bow. 
 For this, thy well-aim'd arrow, turn'd aside, 
 Err'd from the dove, yt t cut the cord that t^d : 
 A-down the main-mast fell the parted string, 1026 
 And the free bird to heaven displays her wing : 
 
 i
 
 Book XXIII. THE ILIAD. 509 
 
 Seas, shores, and skies with loud applause resound. 
 
 And Merlon eager meditates the wound: 
 
 He takes the bow, directs the shaft above, 1030 
 
 And, following with his eye the soaring dove, 
 
 Implores the God to speed it through the skies. 
 
 With vows of firstling lambs, and grateful sacrifice. 
 
 The dove, in airy circles as she wheels. 
 
 Amid the clouds the piercing arrow feels ; 1035 
 
 Quite thro' and thro' the point its passage found, 
 
 And at his feet fell bloody to the ground. 
 
 The wounded bird, ere yet she breath'd her last. 
 
 With flagging wings alhghted on the mast; 
 
 A moment hung, and spread her pinions there, 1040 
 
 Then sudden drcpt, and left her life in air. 
 
 From the pleas'd crowd new peals of thunder rise. 
 
 And to the ships brave Mcrion bears the prize. 
 
 To close the funeral games, Achilles last 
 A massy spear amid the circle plac'd, 1045 
 
 And ample charger of unsullied frame. 
 With flowers high-wrought, not blacken'd yet by flame. 
 For these he bids the heroes prove their art. 
 Whose dext'rous skill directs the flying dart. 
 Here too great Merion hopes the noble prize; 105O 
 Nor here disdain'd the king of men to rise. 
 With joy Pelides saw the honor paid. 
 Hose to the monarch, and respectful said. 
 
 Thee first in virtue, as in power supreme, 
 O king of nations ! all thy Greeks proclaim ; 1055 
 In every martial game thy worth attest. 
 And know thee both their greatest, and their best. 
 Take tlieu the prize, but let brave Merion bear 
 This beamy javelin in thy brother's war. 
 
 Pleas'd from the hero's lips his praise to hear. 
 The king to Merion gives the brazen spear : 106l 
 But, set apart for sacred use, commands 
 The glittering charger to Talthybius' hands.
 
 THE 
 
 ILIA©. 
 
 BOOK XXIV.
 
 ARGUMENT. 
 
 The Redemption of the Body of Hector. 
 
 The Gods deliberate about the redemption of Hector's 
 body. Jupiter sends Thetis to Achilles, to dispose 
 him for the restoring it ; and Iris to Priam, to 
 encourage him to go in person, and treat for it. 
 The old king, notwithstanding the remonstrances 
 of his queen, makes ready for the journey, to which 
 he is encouraged by an omen from Jupiter. He 
 sets forth in his chariot, with a waggon loaded 
 •with presents, under the charge of Idaeus, the 
 herald. Mercury descends in the shape of a young 
 man, and conducts him to the pavilion of Achilles. 
 Their conversation on the way. Priam finds Achilles 
 at his table, casts himself at his feet, and begs for 
 the body of his son ; Achilles, moved with com- 
 passion, grants his request, detains him one night 
 in his tent, and the next morning sends him home 
 •with the body : The Trojans run out to meet him. 
 The lamentations of Andromache, Hecuba, and 
 Helen, with the solemnities of the funeral. 
 The time of twelve days is employed in this book, 
 while the body of Hector lies in the tent of 
 Achilles. And as many more are spent in the 
 truce allowed for bis interment. The scene is 
 partly in Achilles's camp, and partly in Troy.
 
 THE 
 
 I L I A I>. 
 
 BOOK XXIV. 
 
 "VTOW from the finish'd games the Grecian band 
 -'-^ Seek their black ships, and clear the crowded 
 
 strand : 
 All stretch'd at ease the genial banquet share. 
 And pleasing slumbers quiet alt their care. 
 Not so Achilles : he to grief rcsign'd, 5 
 
 His friend's dear image present to his mind. 
 Takes his sad couch, more unobserv'd to weep; 
 Uor tastes the gifts of all-composing sleep. 
 Restless lie roU'd around his weary bed. 
 And all his soul on his Patroclus fed : 10 
 
 The form so pleasing, and the heart so kind, 
 That youthful vigor, and that manly mind, 
 "What toils they shar'd, what martial works they 
 
 wrought. 
 What seas they measur'd, and what fields they fought ; 
 All past before him in remembrance dear, 15 
 
 Thought follows thought, and tear succeeds to tear. 
 And now supine, now prone, the hero lay, 
 Now shifts his side, impatient for the day : 
 Then starting up, disconsolate he goes 
 Wide on the lonely beach to vent his woes. 20 
 
 There as the solitary mourner raves. 
 The ruddy morning rises o'er the waves : 
 Soon as it rose, his furious steeds he join'd : 
 The chariot flies, and Hector trails behind. 
 And thrice, Patroclus ! round thy monument 25 
 Was Hector dragg'd, then hurry'd to the tent. 
 Y2
 
 514 THE ILIAD. Book XXIV. 
 
 There sleep at last o'ercomes the hero's eyes ; "1 
 NVhile foul in dust th' unhonor'd carcass lies, > 
 But not deserted by the pitying skies. 3 
 
 For Phcebus watch'd it with superior care, 30 
 
 Preserv'd from gaping wounds, and tainting air ; 
 And ignominious as it swept the field. 
 Spread o'er the sacred corse his golden shield. 
 All heaven was mov'd, and Hermes will'd to go 
 By stealth to snatch him from th' insulting foe : 33 
 But Neptune this, and Tallas this denies. 
 And th' unrelenting Empress of the skies : 
 E'er since that day implacable to Troy, 
 What time young Paris, simple shepherd boy, 
 Won by destructive lust (reward obscene) 40 
 
 Their charms rejected for the Cyprian Queen. 
 But when the tenth celestial morning broke; 
 To Heaven assembled, thus Apollo spoke. 
 
 Unpitying Powers ! how oft each holy fane 
 Has Hector tiug'd with blood of victims slain ! 43 
 And can ye still his cold remains pursue ? 
 Still grudge his body to the Trojans' view ? 
 Deny to consort, motlier, son, and sire. 
 The last sad honors of a funeral fire ? 
 Is then the dire Achilles all your care? 50 
 
 That iron heart, inflexibly severe ; 
 A lion, not a man, who slaughters wide 
 In strength of rage and impotence of pride ; 
 Who hastes to murder with a savage J03', 
 Invades around, and breathes but to destroy. 55 
 Shame is not of his soul ; nor understood, 
 The greatest evil and the greatest good. 
 Still for one loss he rages unresign'd, 
 Repugnant to the lot of all mankind ; 
 To lose a friend, a brother, or a son, 60 
 
 Heaven dooms each mortal, and its will is done : 
 A while they sorrow, then dismiss their care ; 
 Fato gives the wound, and man is born to bear. 
 But this, insatiate, the commission given 
 By fate exceeds, and tempts the wrath of Heaven: 
 Lo how his rage dishonest drags along gg 
 
 Hector's dead earth, insensible of wrong ! 
 Brave though he be, yet by no reason aw'd. 
 He violates the laws of man and God.
 
 
 Book XXIV. THE ILIAD. 515 
 
 If equal honors by the partial skies 70 
 
 Are doom'd both heroes, (Juno thus replies) 
 If Thetis' son must no distinction know, 
 Tlien hear, ye Gods ! the Patron of the Bow. 
 But Hector only boasts a mortal claim : 
 His birth deriving firom a mortal dame : 75 
 
 Achilles of your own etherial race 
 Springs from a Goddess by a man's embrace, 
 (A Goddess by ourself to Peleus given, 
 A man divine, and cho=en friend of Heaven.) 
 To grace those nuptials from the bright abode 80 
 Yourselves were present ; where this minstrel-God 
 (Well-pleas'd to share the feast) amid the quire 
 Stood proud to hymn, and tune his youthful lyre. 
 
 Then thus the Thunderer checks th' imperial 
 Dame : 
 Let not thy wrath the court of Heaven inflame ; 
 Their merits, not their honors, are the same. J 
 But mine, and every God's peculiar grace. 
 Hector deserves, of all the Trojan race : 
 Still on our shrines his grateful ofterings lay 
 (The only honors men to Gods can pay ;) QO 
 
 Nor ever from our smoking altar ceas'd 
 The pure libation, and the holy feast. 
 Howe'er by stealth to snatch tlie corse away. 
 We will notr^Thetis guards it night and day. 
 But haste and summon to our courts above gS 
 
 The azure Queen : let her persuasion move 
 Her furious son from Priam to receive 
 The proffer'd ransom, and the corse to leave. 
 
 He added not : and Iris from the skies. 
 Swift as a whirlwind, on the message flies, lOO 
 
 Meteorous the face of Ocean sweeps, 
 Refulgent gliding o'er the sable deeps. 
 Between where Samos wide his forests spreads. 
 And rocky Imbrus lifts its pointed heads, 104 
 
 Down plung'd the Maid (the parted waves resound ;> 
 She plung'd, and instant ihot the dark profound. 
 As, bearing death in the fallacious bait, 
 From the bout angle sinks the leaden weight ; 
 So past the Goddess through the closing wave. 
 Where Thetis sorrow'd in her sacred cave; 110 
 
 There plac'd amidst her melancholy train 
 (The blue-hair'd sisters of tlie sacred maiuj
 
 K6 THE ILIAD. Book XXIV, 
 
 Pensive she sat, revolving fates to come, 
 
 And wept her god-like son's approaching doom. 
 
 Then thus the Goddess of the painted bow, 115 
 Arise ! O TlieLis, from thy seats below, 
 Tis Jove that calls. And why (the Dame replies) 
 Calls Jove his Thetis to the hated skie^ ? 
 Seid object as I am for heavenly sight ! 
 Ah, may my sorrows ever shun the light ! 120 
 
 Howe'er, be heaven's almighty Sire obey'd— 
 She spake, and veil'd her head in sable shade. 
 Which flowing long, her graceful person clad ; 
 And forth she pac'd, majestically sad. 
 
 Tlicn through tiie world of waters they repair 125 
 (The waj' fair Iris led) to upper air. 
 The deeps dividing, o'er the coast they rise. 
 And touch with momentary flight the skie^. 
 There in tlie lightning's blaze the Sire they found. 
 And all the Gods in sliining synod round. 130 
 
 Thetis approach'd witli anguish in her face, 
 (TMinerva rising, gave the Mourner place) 
 E'en Juno sought her sorrows to console. 
 And oflJ'er'd from her hand the ncctar-bowl : 
 She tasted, and resign'd it : tlien began 135 
 
 The sacred Sire of Gods and mortal man : 
 
 Thou com'st, fair Thetis, but with grief o'ercast ; 
 Maternal sorrows ; long, ah long to last ! 
 Suffice, we know and we partake thy cares : 
 But yield to Fate, and hear what Jove declares. 140 
 H^ine days are past, since all the court above 
 In Hector's cause have mov'd the ear of Jove ; 
 Twas voted, Hermes from his god-like foe 
 By stealth should bear him, but we willd not so; 
 We will, thy son himself ihe corse restore, 145 
 
 And to his conquest add this glory more. 
 Then hie thee to him, and our mandate bear ; 
 Tell him he tempts the wrath of heaven too far: 
 Uor let him more (our anger if he dread) 
 Vent his mad vengeance on the sacred dead : 150 
 But yield to ransom and the father's prayer. 
 The mournful father, Iris shall prepare. 
 With gifts to sue; and offer to his hands 
 Whate'er his honor asks, or heart demands. 
 
 His word the silver-footed Queen attends, 155 
 And fronj Olympus' snowy tops descends.
 
 Book XXIV. THE ILIAD. MT 
 
 Arriv'd, slie heard the voice of loud lament. 
 And eclioing groans that shook the lofty tent. 
 His friends prepare tlie victim, and dispose 
 Repast unheeded, while he vents his woes ; l60 
 The Goddess seats her by her pensive son, 
 She prest his hand, and tender thus begun. 
 
 How long, unhappy ! shall thy sorrows flow ; • 
 And thy heart waste with life-consuming woe : 
 Mindless of food, or love, whose pleasing reign 165 
 Soothes weary life, and softens human pain ? 
 O snatch the moments yet within thy power ; 
 Not long to live, indulge the amorous hour! 
 Lo ! Jove himself (for Jove's command I bear) 
 Forbids to tempt the wrath of Heaven too far. 17O 
 No longer then (his fury if thou dread) 
 Detain tlie relics of great Hector dead ; 
 Nor vent on senseless earth thy vengeance vain: 
 Uut yield to ransom, and restore the slain. 
 
 To whom Achilles : Be tlie ransom given, 175 
 And we submit, since such the will of Hea\'eu. 
 
 While thus tliey commun'd, from tli' Olympian 
 bowers 
 Jove orders Jrig to the Trojan towers. 
 Haste, winged Goddess ! to the sacred town, 
 And urge her monarch to redeem his son ; 180 
 
 Alone, the Ilian ramparts let him leave. 
 And bear what stern Achilles may receive: 
 Alone, for so we will : no Trojan near ; 
 Except to place the dead with decent care. 
 Some aged herald, who with gentle hand, 185 
 
 May the slow mules and funeral car command. 
 Nor let him death, nor let him danger dread. 
 Safe through the foe by our protection led; 
 Him Hermes to Achilles shall convey. 
 Guard of his life, and partner of his way. 19O 
 
 Fierce as he is, Achilles' self shall spare 
 His age, nor touch one venerable hair ; 
 Some thought there must be, in a soul so brave. 
 Some sense of duty, some desire to save. 
 
 Then down her bow the winged Iris drives, 195 
 And swift at Priam's mournful court arrives: 
 Where the sad sons beside their father's throne 
 Sat batli'd in tears, and answer'd groau "wiUi groaa.
 
 518 THE ILIAD. Book XXIV. 
 
 And all amidst them lay the hoary sire, 
 (Sad scene of woe !) his face, his wrapt attire 200 
 Conceal'd from sight ; witli frantic liands he spread 
 A shower of ashes o'er his neck and head. 
 From room to room his pensive daughters roam ; 
 Whose shrieks and clamors fill the vaulted dome ; 
 Mindful of those, who, late their pride and joy, 205 
 Lie pale and breathless round the fields of Troy ! 
 Before the king Jove's messenger appears. 
 And thus in whispers greets his trembling ears. 
 
 Fear not, oh father ! no ill news I bear ; £0Q 
 
 From Jove I come, Jove makes thee still his care; 
 For Hector's sake tiiese walls he bids thee leave, 
 And bear what stern Acliilles may receive : 
 Alone, for so he wills: no Trojan near. 
 Except to place the dead with decent care, 
 Some aged herald, who with gentle hand 215 
 
 May the slow mules and funeral car command. 
 If or shalt thou death, nor shalt thou danger dread ; 
 Safe through the foe by his protection led ; 
 Thee Hermes to Pelides shall convey. 
 Guard of th}* life, and partner of thy way. 220 
 
 Fierce as he is, Achilles' self shall spare 
 Thy age, nor touch one venerable hair ; 
 Some thought there must be, in a soul so brave, 
 Some sense of duty, some desire to save. 
 
 She spoke, and vanished. Priam bids prepare 225 
 His gentle mules, and harness to the car; 
 There, for the gifts, a polish'd casket lay ; 
 His pious sons the king's command obey. 
 Tlieu past the monarch to his bridal-room, 
 Where cedar-beams the lofty roofs perfume, 230 
 And where the treasures of his empire lay ; 
 Then call'd his queen, and thus began to say. 
 
 Unhappy consort of a king distrest I 
 Partake the t. oubles of tliy husband's breast : 
 I saw descend the messen2er of Jove, 235 
 
 Wlio bids me try Achilles' mind to move ; 
 Forsake these ramparts, and witli gifts obtain 
 The corpse of Hector, at yon navy, slain. 
 Tell me thy thought : my heart impels to go 
 Through hostile camps, and bears mc to the foe. 240 
 
 The hoary monarch thus. Her piercing cries 
 Sad Hecuba renews, and then replies.
 
 Book XXIV. THE ILIAD. 519 
 
 Ah ! whither wanders thy distemper'd mind ? 
 
 And wlicre the prudence now that aw'd mankind ; 
 
 Thro' Phrygia once, and foreign regions known; 245 
 
 Now all confus'd, distracted, overthrown ? 
 
 Singly to pass through hosts of foes ! to face 
 
 (Oh heart of steel !) the murderer of tliy race ! 
 
 To view that deathful eye, and wander o'er 
 
 Those hands, yet red with Hector's noble gore ! 250 
 
 Alas ! my Lord ! he knows not how to spare. 
 
 And what his mercy, thy slain sons declare; 
 
 So brave ! so many fall'n ! To calm his rage 
 
 Vain were thy dignitj', and vain thy age. 
 
 No— pent in tliis sad palace, let us give 255 
 
 To grief, the wretched days we have to live. 
 
 Still, still for Hector let our sorrows flow, 
 
 Born to his own and to his parents' woe ! 
 
 Doom'd from the hour his luckless life begun, 
 
 To dogs, to vulturs, and to Peleus' son ! 260 
 
 Oh ! in his dearest blood might I allay 
 
 My rage, and tliese barbarities repay ! 
 
 For ah ! could Hector merit thus, whose 'oreath 
 
 Expir'd not meanly in unactive death ? 
 
 He pour'd his latest blood in manly fight, 2G5 
 
 And fell a hero in his country's right. 
 
 Seek not to stay me, nor my soul affright 
 With words of omen, like a bird of night 
 (Reply'd unmov'd the venerable man) 269 
 
 'Tis heaven commands me, and you urge in vain. 
 Had any mortal voice th* injunction laid. 
 Nor augur, priest, or seer, had been obey'd. 
 A present Goddess brought the high command, 
 I saw, T heard lier, and the word shall stand. 
 I go, ye Gods ! obedient to your call : 275 
 
 If in yon camp your powers have doom'd my fall. 
 Content— By the same hand let me expire ! 
 Add to the slaughter'd son the wretched sire! 
 One cold embrace at least may be allow'd. 
 And my last tears flow mingled with his blood ! 280 
 
 From forth his open'd stores, this said, he drew 
 Twelve costly carpets of refulgent liue. 
 As many vests, as many mantles told. 
 And twelve fair veils, and garments stiff with gold. 
 Two tripods next, and twice t^vo chargers shine, 285 
 With ten pure talents from the richest mine ;
 
 520 THE ILTAn. Boole XXIV. 
 
 And last a large well-labor'd bowl had place, 
 (The pledge of treaties once with friendly Thrace.) 
 Seem'd all too mean tlie stores he could employ, 
 For one last look to buy him liack to Troy ! 290 
 
 Lo ! tlie sad father, frantic with his pain, 
 Around him furious drives his menial train : 
 In vain each slave with duteous care attends, 
 Each office hurts liim, and each face offends. 
 Wiiat make ye here r officious cro-wds ! (he cries) CQ5 
 Hence I nor obtrude your anguish on my eyes. 
 Have j'e no griefs at liome, to fix j'ou there ; 
 Am I the only object of despair? 
 Am I become my people's common show, 
 Set up by Jove your spectacle of woe? 3CX) 
 
 l^'o, you must feel him too ; yourselves must fall; 
 The same stern God to ruin gives you all : 
 Kor is great Hector lost by me alone ; 
 Your sole defence, your guardian power, is gone ! 
 I see your blood the fields of Phrygia drown, 305 
 I see the ruins of your smoking town ! 
 O send me, Gods ! ere that sad day shall come, 
 A willing ghost to Pluto's drearj' dome ! 
 
 He said, and feebly drives his friends away : 
 The sorrowing friends his frantic rage obey. 310 
 Kext on his sons his erring fury falls, 
 Polites, Paris, Agatlion, he calls. 
 His threats Deiphobus and Dius hear, 
 Hippothoiis, Pammoa, Helenus the seer, 
 And generous Antiphon : for yet these nine 315 
 Surviv'd, sad relics of his numerous line. 
 
 Inglorious sons, of an unhappy sire! 
 Why did not all in Hector's cause expire ? 
 Wretch that I am ! my bravest offspring slain, 
 You, the disgrace of Priam's house, remain ! 320 
 Mestor the brave, renown'd in ranks of war, 
 With Troileus, dreadful on liis rushing car. 
 And last great Hector, more than man divine, 
 For sure he seem'd not of terrestrial line ! 
 All those relentless Mars untimely slew, 3C5 
 
 And left me these, a soft and ser\'ile crew. 
 Whose days the feast and wanton dance employ, 
 Gluttons and flatterers, the contempt of Troy ! 
 Why teach ye not my rapid wheels to run. 
 And speed my journey to redeem my son? 330
 
 Book XXIV. THE ILIAD. 5CX 
 
 The sons their father's wretched age revere, 
 Forgive his anger, and produce the car. 
 High on the seat Uie cabinet they bind : 
 The new-made car with solid beauty shin'd ; -o 
 
 Box was the yoke, emboss'd with costly pains, 3^$ 
 And hung with ringlets to receive the reins; ■..-': 
 Kine cubits lon;j, the traces swept the ground; 
 These to the cliariot's polish'd pole they bound. 
 Then fix'd a ring the running reins to guide. 
 And close beneatii the galher'd ends were ty'd. 340 
 Next with the gifts (the price of Hector slain) 
 The sad attendants load the groaning wain: 
 Last to the yoke Uie well-match'd mules they bring 
 (The gift of Mysia to the Trojan king.) 
 But the fair horses, long liis darling care, 345 
 
 Himself receiv'd, and haruess'd to his car : 
 Griev'd as he was, he not this task deny'd : 
 The hoary herald help'd him, at his side. 
 While careful these the gentle coursers join'd. 
 Sad Hecuba approarh'd with anxious mind ; 350 
 A golden bowl tliat foam'd with fragrant wine, 
 (Libation destin'd to the power divine) 
 Held in her right, before the steeds she stands. 
 And thus consigns it to the monarch's hands. 354 
 Take this, and pour to Jove ; that, safe from harms. 
 His grace restore thee to our roof and arms. 
 Since victor of thy fears, and slighting mine. 
 Heaven, or thy soul, inspire this bold design : 
 Pray to that God, who high on Ida's brow 
 Surveys thy desolated realms below, 360 
 
 His winged messenger to send from high, 
 And lead tliy way with heavenly augury : 
 Let the strong sovereign of tiie plumy race 
 Tower on the right of yon etherial space. 
 That sign beheld, and strengthen'd from above, 363 
 Boldly pursue the journey mark'd by Jove ; 
 But if the God his augury denies, 
 Suppress tliy impulse, nor reject ad%-ice. 
 
 'Tis just (said Priam) to the Sire above 
 To raise our hands ; for who so good as Jove ? 370 
 He spoke, and bade th' attendant handmaid bring 
 The purest water of the living spring 
 (Her ready hands the ewer and bason held ;) 
 Then took the golden cup his queen had fiU'd ;
 
 522 THE ILIAD. Book XXIV, 
 
 On the raid pavement pours the rosy wine, 370 
 Uplifts liis eyes and calls the Power divine : 
 
 Oh first, and greatest ! Heaven's imperial Lord ! 
 On lofty Ida's hoiy hill ador'd ! 
 To stern Achilles now direct my ways. 
 And teach him mercy when a father prays. 380 
 If such thy will, dispatch from yonder sky 
 Thy sacred bird, celestial augur^' ! 
 Let the strong sovereign of the plumy race 
 Tower on the right of yon etlieiial space : 
 So shall thy suppliant, strengthen'd from above, 385 
 Fearless pursue the journey mark'd by Jove, 
 
 Jove heard his prayer, and from the throne on high 
 Dispatch'd his bird, celestial augury ! 
 The swift-wing'd chaser of the feather'd game, 
 And known to Gods by Percuos' lofty name. SQO 
 ^Vide as appears some palace-gate display'd, 
 So broad, his pinions stretch'd their ample shade, 
 As stooping dexter with resounding wings 
 Th' imperial bird descends in airy rings. 
 A dawn of joy in every face appears ; 395 
 
 The mourning matron dries her timorous tears : 
 Swifl on his car th' impatient monarch sprung ; 
 The brazen portal in his passage rung. 
 The mules preceding draw the loaded wain, 
 Charg'd with the gifts : Idasus holds the rein : 400 
 The king himself his gentle steeds controls, 
 And through surrounding friends the chariot rolls. 
 On his slow wiieels the following people wait, 
 IVIourn at each step, and give him up to Fate; 
 Witli hands uplifted, eye him as he past, 405 
 
 And gaz'd upon him as they gaz'd their last. 
 Now forward fares the father on his way. 
 Through the lone fields, and back to Ilion they. 
 Great Jove beheld him as he crost the plain. 
 And felt the woes of miserable man. 410 
 
 Then thus to Hermes : Thou whose constant cares 
 Still succour mortals, and attend their prayers; 
 Behold an object to thy charge consign'd: 
 If ever pity touch'd thee for mankind ; 
 Go, guard the sire ; tli' observing foe prevent, 415 
 And safe conduct him to Achilles' tent. 
 
 The God obeys, his golden pinions binds, 
 And mounts incumbeat on the vrings of winds/
 
 IsM-hSif^ THfi ILIAO. 523 
 
 Tiiat high, through fields of air, his flight sustain, 
 
 O'er the wide earth, and o'er the boundless main : 
 
 Then grasps the -wand that causes sleep to fly, 421 
 
 Or in soft slumbers seals the vakeful e>-e ; 
 
 Thus arm'd, swift Hermes steers his airy way. 
 
 And stoops on Hellespont's resounding sea. 
 
 A beauteous youth, majestic and divine, 425 
 
 He seem'd ; fair offspring of some princely line ! 
 
 Now twilight veil'd the glaring face of day, 
 
 And clad the dusky fields in sober gray ; 
 
 What time the herald and the hoary king, 
 
 (Their chariots stopping at the silver spring, 430 
 
 Tliat circling llus' ancient marble flows) 
 
 AUow'd their mules and steeds a short repose. 
 
 Through the dim shade the herald first espies 
 
 A man's approach, and thus to Priam cries. 
 
 I mark some foe's advance : O king ! beware ; 435 
 
 This hard adventure claims thy utmost care : 
 
 For, much I fear, destruction hovers nigh : 
 
 Our state asks counsel. Is it best to fly? 
 
 Or, old and helpless, at his feet to fall, 
 
 (Two wretched suppliants) and for mercy call ? 440 
 
 Th' afflicted monarch shiver'd with despair; 
 Pale grew his face, and upright stood his hair ; 
 Sunk was his heart; his colour went and came ; 
 A sudden trembling shook his aged frame : 
 When Hermes, greeting, touch'd his r03-al hand, 
 And gently thus accosts with kind demand. 446 
 
 Say whither, father ! when each mortal sight 
 Is seal'd in sleep, thou wander'st thro' the night ? 
 Why roam thy mules and steeds the plains along, 
 Through Grecian foes, so numerous and so strong ? 
 What couldst thou hope, should these thy treasures 
 view ; 451 
 
 These, who with endless hate thy race pursue ? 
 For what defence, alas ! couldst tliou provide ; 
 Tliyself not young, a weak old man thy guide ? 
 Yet suffer not thy soul to sink with dread: 455 
 From me no harm siiall touch thy reverend head ; 
 From Greece I'll guard thee too ; for in those liaes 
 The living image of my father shines. 
 
 Thy words, that speak benevolence of mind 
 Are true, my soa ! (the god-like sire reJQia'd; 460
 
 524 THE ILIAD. Book XXIV. 
 
 Great are my hazards ; but the Gods survey 
 My steps, and send th«e, guardian of my way. 
 Hail, and be blest ! For scarce of mortal kind 
 Appear thy form, thy feature, and thy mind. 
 
 Nor true are all tliy words, nor erring wide ; 465 
 (Tlie sacred messenger of Heaven repl/d) 
 But say, convey'st thou through the lonely plains 
 What yet most precious of thy store remains, 
 To lodge in safety with some friendly hand : 
 Prepar'd, perchance, to leave thy native land ? 470 
 Or fly'st thou now ?— What hopes can Troy retain ; 
 Thy matchless son, her guard and glory, slain ? 
 
 The king, alarm'd : Say what, and whence thou art, 
 Who search the sorrows of a parent's heart. 
 And know so well how god-like Hector dj^d. 475 
 Thus Priam spoke, and Hermes thus reply'd : 
 
 You tempt me, father, and with pity touch : 
 On this sad subject you enquire too much. 
 Oft have these eyes that god-like Hector view'd 
 In glorious figlit, with Grecian blood embru'd : 480 
 I saw him when, like Jove, his flames he tost 
 On thousand ships, and wither'd half an host : 
 I saw, but help'd not: stern Achilles' ire 
 Forbade assistance, and enjoy'd the fire. 
 For him I serve, of Myrmidonian race ; 485 
 
 One ship convey'd us from our native place ; 
 Polyctor is my sire, an honor'd name. 
 Old like thyself, and not unknown to fame : 
 Of seven his sons, by whom the lot was cast 
 To ser\-e our prince ; it fell on me, the last. 490 
 To watch this quarter my adventure falls : 
 For with the morn the Greeks attack your walls ; 
 Sleepless they sit, impatient to engage, 
 And scarce their rulers check the martial rage. 
 
 If then thou art of stern Pelides' train, 495 
 
 (The mournful monarch thus rejoiu'd again) 
 Ah, tell me trulj', where, oh ! where are laid 
 My son's dear relics ? what befalls him dead ? 
 Have dogs dismember'd (on the naked plains) 
 Or yet unmangled rest his cold remains ? 500 
 
 O favcr'd of the skies ! thus answer'd then 
 The power that mediates between Gods and men) 
 l^or dogs nor vulturs have thy Hector rent, 
 But whole he lies, neglected in the tent :
 
 Book XXrV. THE ILIAD. 525 
 
 This the twelfth evening since he rested there, 505 
 
 Untoucli'd by worms, untainted by the air. 
 
 Still as Aurora's ruddy beam is spread, 
 
 Round his friend's tomb Achilles drags the dead : 
 
 Yet undisfigur'd, or in limb or face, 
 
 All fresh he lies, with every li\'ing grace, 510 
 
 Majestical in death ! No stains are found 
 
 O'er all the corse, and clos'd is every wound ; 
 
 Tlio' many a wound they gave. Some heavenly care. 
 
 Some hand divine, preserves him ever fair : 
 
 Or all the host of heaven, to whom he led 515 
 
 A life so grateful, still regard him dead. 
 
 Thus spoke to Priam the celestial guide, 
 And joyful thus the royal sire reply'd : 
 Blest is the man wiio pays the Gods above 
 The constant tribute of respect and love ; 520 
 
 Those who inhabit the Olympian bower 
 My son forgot not, in exalted power; 
 And Heaven, that every virtue bears in mind, 
 Ev'n to the ashes of the just, is kind. 
 But thou, oh generous youth ! this goblet take, 525 
 A pledge of gratitude, for Hector's sake ; 
 And while the favoring Gods our atepa survey, 
 Safe to Pelides' tent conduct mj' way. 
 
 To whom the latent God : O King, forbear 
 To tempt my youth, for apt is youth to err ; 530 
 But can I, absent from my prince's sight. 
 Take gifts in secret, that must shun the light ? 
 "What from our master's interest thus we draw. 
 Is but a licens'd theft that 'scapes the law. 
 Respecting him, my soul abjures th' offence ; 535 
 And as the crime, I dread the consequence. 
 Thee, far as Argos, pleas'd I could convey ; 
 Guard of tlsy life, and partner of thy way: 
 On thee attend, thy safety to maintain, 
 O'er pathless forests, or the roaring main. 540 
 
 He said, then took the chariot at the bound, 
 And snatch'd the reins, and wliirl'd the lash around ; 
 Before th' inspiring God that urg'd them on. 
 The coursers tiy, with spirit not their own. 544 
 
 And now they reach'd the naval walls, and found 
 The guards repasting, while the bowls go round t 
 On these the virtue of his wand he tries. 
 And pours deep slumber on their watchful eyes;
 
 
 SS6 THE ILIAD. Book XXIV. 
 
 Then heav'd the massy gates, renaov'd the bars, 
 And o'er the trenches led the rolling cars. 550 
 
 Unseen, through all the hostile camp they went. 
 And now approach'd Pelides' lofty tent. 
 Of fir the roof was rais'd, and cover'd o'er 
 ■With rrpds collected from the marshy shorej 
 And, fenc'd with palisades, a hall of state, 555 
 
 (The work of soldiejs) where the hero sate. 
 Large was the door, whose well compacted strength 
 A solid pine-tree barr'd, of wondrous length ; 
 Scarce three strong Greeks could lift its mighty weight. 
 But great Achilles singly clos'd the gate. 560 
 
 This Hermes (such the power of Gods) set wide ; 
 Then swift alighted the celestial guide, 
 And thus, reveal'd— Hear, Prince ! and understand 
 Thou ow'st thy guidance to no mortal hand : 
 Hermes I am, descended from above, 565 
 
 Tlie King of arts, the messenger of Jove. 
 Farewell: to shun Achilles' sight I fly: ^ 
 
 Uncommon are such favors of the sky, > 
 
 Kor stand confest to frail mortality. * 
 
 Now fearless enter, and prefer thy prayers ; 570 
 Adjure him by his father's silver hairs. 
 His son, his motiier ! urge him to bestow 
 Whatever pity that stern heart can know. 
 
 Thus having said, he vanish'd from his eyes, 
 And in a moment shot into the skies : 575 
 
 The king, confirm'd from heaven, alighted there. 
 And left his aged herald on the car. 
 "With solemn pace through various rooms he went. 
 And found Achilles in his inner tent : 
 There sate the hero ; Alcimus the brave, 580 
 
 And great Automedon, attendance gave: 
 Tliese serv'd his person at the royal feast : 
 Around, at awful distance, stood the rest. 
 
 Unseen by these, the king his entry made ; 
 And, prostrate now before Achilles laid, 585 
 
 Sudden (a venerable sight) appears ; 
 Embrac'd his knees, and bath'd his hands in tears ; 
 Those direful hands his kisses press'd, embru'd 
 Ev'n with the best, the dearest of his blood ! 
 
 As when a wretch (who, conscious of his crime. 
 Pursued for murder, flies his native clime) Sgl
 
 Book XXIV. THE ILIAD. SSt 
 
 Just gains some frontier, breathless, palef amaz'd! 
 All gaze, all wonder: thus Achilles gaz'd : -^ 
 
 Thus stood th' attendants stupid with surprizfrj- ^ 
 All mute, yet seem to question with their eye^i'* 
 Each look'd on other, none the silence broke, " S^jS 
 Till tlms at last the kingly suppliant spoke ; 
 
 Ah think, thou favor'd of the powers divine ! 
 Think of thy father's age, and pity mine ! 
 In me, that father's reverend image trace, 600 
 
 Those silver hairs, that venerable face ; 
 His trembling limbs, his helpless person, see ! 
 In all my equal, but in misery ! 
 Yet now, perhaps, some turn of human fate 
 Expels him helpless from his peaceful state ; 6(S 
 Think, from some powerful foe thou see'st him fly. 
 And beg protection with a feeble cry. 
 Yet still one comfort in bis soul may rise ; 
 He hears his son still lives to glad his ej'es; 
 And hearing, still may hope a better day 610 
 
 May send him thee, to chase that foe away. 
 No comfort to my griefs, no hopes remain. 
 The best, the bravest of my sons are slain ! 
 Yet what a race ; ere Greece to Ilion came. 
 The pledge of many a lov'd, and loving dame! 6l5 
 Nineteen one mother bore— Dead, all are dead ! 
 How oft, alas ! has wretched Priam bled ! 
 Still one was left, their loss to recompense ; 
 His father's hope, his country's last defence. 
 Him too thy rage has slain ! beneath tiiy steel 620 
 Unhappy in his countr>''s cause he fell ! 
 
 For him, through hostile camps I bend my way. 
 For him thus prostrate at thy feet I lay ; 
 Large gifts proportion'd to thy wrath I bear ; 
 Oh hear the wretched, and the Gods revere ! 625 
 
 Think of thy father, and this face behold ! 
 See him in me, as helpless and as old ! 
 Though not so wretched : there he yields to me, 
 The first of men in sovereign misery ! 
 Thus forc'd to kneel, thus groveling to em.brace 630 
 The scourge and ruin of my realm and race : 
 Suppliant my children's murderer to implore, 
 And kiss rJiose hands yet reeking with their gore ! 
 
 These words soft pity in the chief inspire, 
 Touch'd with the dear remembrance of his sire. 6^
 
 528 THE ILIAD. Book XXIV. 
 
 Then •with his hand (as prostrate still he lay) 
 The old man's cheek he gently turn'd away, 
 Uow each bj' turns indulg'd the gush of woe ; 
 And now the mingled tides togetlier flow: 
 This low on earth, that gently bending o'er, 640 
 A father one, and one a son deplore : 
 But great Achilles different passions rend. 
 And now his sire he mourns, and now his friend, 
 ni' infectious softness through the heroes ran ; 
 One universal solemn shower began ; 645 
 
 They bore as heroes, but they felt as man. 
 
 Satiate at length with unavailing woes, 
 From the high throne divine Achilles rose ; 
 Tiie reverend monarch by the hand he rais'd ; 
 On his white beard and form majestic gaz'd, 650 
 Not unrelenting: then seiene began 
 With words to soothe the miserable man : 
 
 Alas ! what weight of anguish liast thou known ! 
 Unhappy prince ! thus guardless and alone 
 To pass tlirough foes, and thus undaunted face 655 
 The man whose fury has destroy'd thy race ! 
 Heaven sure has arm'd thee with a heart of steel, 
 A strength proportion'd to the woes you fsel. 
 Rise then : let reason mitigate our care : 
 To mourn, avails not : man is born to bear. 660 
 Such is, alas ! the Gods' severe decree: 
 They, only they are blest, and only free. 
 Two urns by Jove's high throne have ever stood. 
 The source of evil one, and one of good ; 
 From thence the cup of mortal man he fills, 665 
 Blessings to these, to those distributes ills ; 
 To most, he mingles both : the wretch decreed 
 To taste the bad, unmix'd, is curst indeed ; 
 Pursued by wrongs, by meagre famine driven, 
 He wanders, outcast both of earth and heaven. QJQ 
 The happiest, taste not happiness sincere ; 
 But find the cordial draught is dash'd with care. 
 Who more than Peleus shoue in wealth and power: 
 What stars concurring blest his natal hour ; 
 A realm, a Goddess to his wishes given ; 67-5 
 
 Grac'd by the Gods with all tlie gifts of Heaven : 
 One evil, yet, o'ertakes his latest day: 
 No race succeeding to imperial sway ;
 
 } 
 
 Book XXIV. THE ILIAD. 52§ 
 
 An only son ; and he (alas '.) ordain'd 
 
 To fall untimely in a foreign land. 680 
 
 See him, in Troy, the pious care decline 
 
 Of his weak age, to live the curse of thine ! 
 
 Thou too, old man, hast happier days beheld ; 
 
 In riches once, in children once excell'd ; 
 
 Extended Phrj'gia own'd thy ample reign, 685 
 
 And all fair Lesbos' blissful seats contain, 
 
 And all wide Hellespont's unmeasur'd main. 
 
 But since the God his hand has pleas'd to turn, 
 
 And fill thy measure from his bitter um. 
 
 What sees the sun, but hapless heroes falls ? 69O 
 
 War and the blood of men surround thy walls ! 
 
 What must be, must be. Bear thy lot, nor shed 
 
 Tliese unavailing sorrows o'er the dead ; 
 
 Thou canst not call him from the Stj'gian shore. 
 
 But thou, alas ! may'st live, to suffer more ! 695 
 
 To whom the king : Ob favor'd of the skies ! "% 
 Here let me grow to earth ! since Hector lies i 
 On the bare beach depriv'd of obsequies. J 
 
 Oh give me Hector ! to my eyes restore 
 His corse, and tekc the gifts : I ask no more. 700 
 Thou, as thou may'st, these boundless stores enjoy ; 
 Safe may'st thou sail, and turn thy wrath from Troy ; 
 So shall thy pity and forbearance give 
 A weak old man to see the light and live ! 
 
 Move me no more (Achilles thus replies, 70» 
 
 While kindling anger sparkled in his eyes ;) 
 Nor seek by tears my steady soul to bend ; 
 To yield thy Hector I myself intend : 
 For know, from Jove my Goddess-mother came 
 (Old Ocean's daughter, silver-footed dame;) 719 
 Kor com'st thou but by Heaven : nor com'st alone, 
 Some God impels with courage not thy own : 
 No human hand the weighty gates unbarr'd, j 
 Nor could the boldest of our youth have dar'd S 
 To pass our out-works, or elude the gucud. 715 * 
 Cease; lest, neglectful of high Jove's command, 
 I show thee, king ! thou tread'st on hostile land ; 
 Release my knees, thy suppliant arts give o'er, 
 And shake the purpose of my soul no more. 
 
 The sire obey'd him, trembling and o'eraw'd. 720 
 Achilles, like a lion, rush'd abroad j
 
 530 THE ILIAD. Book XXIV. 
 
 Automedon and Alcimus attend 
 
 (Whom most he honor'd since he lost his friend;) 
 
 These to unyoke the mules and horses went, 
 
 And led the hoary herald to the tent; "25 
 
 Uext hcap'd on high the numerous presents bear 
 
 (Great Hector's ransom) from the polish'd car. 
 
 Two splendid mantles, and a carpet spread, 
 
 niey leave, to co%'er, and enwrap the dead. 
 
 Then call the handmaids, with assistant toil 730 
 
 To wash the body, and anoint with oil. 
 
 Apart from Priam ; lest th' unhappy sire, 
 
 Provok'd to passion, once more rouze to ire 
 
 The stern Pelides ; and nor sacred age, "34 
 
 Nor Jove's command, should check the rising rage, 
 
 This done, the garments o'er the corse they spread; 
 
 Achilles lifts it to the funeral bed : 
 
 Then, while the body on the car they laid, 
 
 He groans, and calls on lov'd Patroclus' shade : 
 
 If, in that gloom which never light must know, 
 The deeds of mortals touch the ghosts below : 741 
 O friend ! forgive me, that I thus fulfil 
 (Restoring Hector) Heaven's unquestion'd will. 
 The gifts the father gave, be ever thine. 
 To grace thy manes, and adorn thy shrine. 745 
 
 He said, and, entering, took his seat of state, 
 Where full before him reverend Priam sate : 
 To whom, compos'd, the god-like chief begun. 
 Lo ! to thy prayer restor'd, thy breathless son ; 
 Extended on the funeral couch he lies ; 750 "^ 
 
 And soon as morning paints tlie eastern skies, > 
 The sight is granted to thy longing eyes. _) 
 
 But now the peaceful hours of sacred night 
 Demand refection, and to rest invite : 
 l^or thou, O father! thus consum'd with woe, 755 
 The common cares that nourish life forego. 
 !Not thus did Niobe, of form divine, 
 A parent once, whose sorrows equal'd thine : 
 Six youthful sons,_ as many blooming maids, 
 In one sad day beheld the Stj-gian shades ; 76O 
 These by Apollo's silver bow were slain. 
 Those, Cynthia's arrows stretch'd upon the plain: 
 So was her pride chastis'd by wrath divine, 
 Who match'd her own with bright Latona's liae ;
 
 Book XXIV. THE ILIAD. 531 
 
 But two the Goddess, twelve the queen enjoy'd : 765 
 Those boasted twelve th' avenging two destroy'd. 
 Steep'd in their blood, and in the dust outspread, 
 Nine days, neglected, lay expos'd the dead ; 
 None by to weep them, to inhume them none 
 (For Jove had turn'd the nation all to stone :) 770 
 The Gods themselves at length, relenting, gave 
 Th' unhappy race the honors of a grave. 
 Herself a rock (for such was Heaven's high will) 
 Through deserts wild now pours a weeping rill; 
 Where round the bed whence Acheloiis springs, 773 
 The watery fairies dance in mazy rings, 
 There liigh on Sipylus's shaggy brow, ^ 
 
 She stands, her own sad monument of woe ; > 
 The rock for ever lasts, the tears for ever flow. • ' 
 
 Such griefs, O king ! have other parents known ; 
 Remember theirs, and mitigate thy own. 781 
 
 The care of Heaven thy Hector has appear'd, 
 Nor shall he lie unwept and uninterr'd ; 
 Soon may thy aged cheeks in tears be drown'd, 
 And all the eyes of Ilion stream around. 735 
 
 He said, and, rising, chose the victim ewe 
 With silver fleece, which his attendants slew. 
 The limbs they sever from the reeking hide, 
 With skill prepare them, and in parts divide : 
 Each on the coals the separate morsels lays, 790 
 And, hasty, snatches from the rising blaze. 
 With bread the glittering canisters they load, 
 Which round the board Automedon bestow'd : 
 The chief himself to each his portion plac'd, 
 And each indulging shar'd in sweet repast. 795 
 
 When now the rage of hunger was represt, 
 The wondering hero eyes his royal guest : 
 No less the royal guest the hero eyes, 
 His god-like aspect and majestic size ; 
 Here, youthful grace and noble fire engage ; 800 
 And there, the mild benevolence of age. 
 Thus gazing long, the silence neither broke, 
 (A solemn scene!) at length the father spoke. 
 
 Permit me now, belov'd of Jove ! to steep 
 My careful temples in the dew of sleep : 805 
 
 For, since the day that number'd with the dead 
 My hapless son, tlie dust has been my bed ;
 
 532 THE ILIAD. Book XXIV 
 
 Soft sleep a stranger to my weeping eyes ; 
 
 My only food my sorrows and my sighs ! 
 
 Till now, encourag'd by the grace you give, 810 
 
 I share thy banquet, and consent to live. 
 
 With that, Achilles bade prepare the bed, 
 With purple soft, and shaggy carpets spread ; 
 Forth, by the flaming lights, they bend their way, 
 And place the couches, and the coverings lay. 815 
 Then he ; Now, father, sleep, but sleep not here. 
 Consult thy safety, and forgive my fear. 
 Lest any Argive (at this hour awake. 
 To ask our counsel, or our orders take) 
 Approaching sudden to our open'd tent, 820 
 
 Perchance behold thee, and our grace prevent. 
 Should such report thy honor'd person here, 
 The king of men the ransom might defer ; 
 But say with speed, if aught of thy desire 
 Remains unask'd ; what time the rites require 8C5 
 T inter thy Hector? For, so long we stay 
 Our slaughtering arm, and bid the hosts obey. 
 
 If then thy will permit (the monarch said) 
 To finish all due honors to the dead, 
 This, of thy grace accord : to thee are known 830 
 The fears of Ilion, clos'd within her town ; 
 And at what distance from our walls aspire 
 The hills of Ide, and forests for the fire. 
 Kine days to vent our sorrows I request. 
 The tenth shall see the funeral and the feast ; 835 
 The next, to raise his monument be given ; 
 The twelfth we war, if war be doom'd by Heaven ! 
 
 This thy request (reply'd the chief) enjoy : 
 Till then, our arms suspend the fall of Troy. 
 
 Then gave his hand at parting, to prevent 840 
 The old man's fears, and turn'd within the tent ; 
 Where fair Briseis, bright in blooming charms. 
 Expects her hero with desiring arms. 
 But in the porch, the king and herald rest ; 
 Sad dreams of care yet wandering in their breast. 
 Now Gods and men the gifts of sleep partake; 846 
 Industrious Hermes only was awake. 
 The king's return revolving in his mind. 
 To pass the ramparts, and the watch to blind. 
 The power descending hover'd o'er his head : 850 
 And sleep'st thou, father ! (thus the vision said)
 
 Book XXIV. THE ILIAD. 533 
 
 Now dost thou sleep, whea Hector is restor'd? 
 Nor fear the Grecian foes, or Grecian lord ? 
 Thy presence here should stern Atrides see, 
 Thy still-sur\'iving sons may sue for thee, 855 
 
 May ofiFer all thy treasures yet contain, 
 To spare thy age ; and o&er all in vain. 
 
 Wak'd with the word, the trembling sire arose. 
 And rais'd his friend: the God before him goes; 
 He joins the mules, directs them with his hand,86<J 
 And moves in silence through the hostile land. 
 When now to Xanthus' yellow stream they drove 
 (Xanthus, immortal progeny of Jove,) 
 The winged deity forsook their \-iew. 
 And in a moment to Olympus flew. 863 
 
 Now shed Aurora round her saffron ray, 
 Sprung through the gates of light, and gave the day : 
 Charg'd with their mournful load, to Ilion go 
 The sage and king, majestically slow, 
 Cassandra first beholds, from Ilion's spire, 870 
 
 Tlie sad procession of her hoary sire ; 
 Then, as tlie pensive pomp advanc'd more near, 
 (Her breathless brother stretch'd upon the bier; 
 A shower of tears o'erflows her beauteous eyes. 
 Alarming thus all Ilion with h«r cries. 875 
 
 Turn here your steps, and here your eyes employ. 
 Ye wretched daughters, and 3'e sons of Troy 1 
 If e'er ye rush'd in crowds, with vast delight, 
 To hail your hero glorious from the fight ; 879 
 
 Now meet him dead, and let your sorrows flow ! 
 Your common triumph, and your common woe. 
 
 In thronging crowds they issue to the plains ; 
 Nor man, nor woman, in the walls remains : 
 In every face the self-same grief is shown ; 
 And Troy sends forth one universal groan. 885 
 
 At Scaja's gates they meet the mourning wain. 
 Hang on the wheels, and grovel round tiie slain. 
 The wife and mother, frantic with despair, 
 Kiss his pale cheek, and rend their scatter'd hair: 
 Thus wildly wailing at the gates they lay ; 890 
 
 And there had sigh'd and sorrow'd out the day: 
 But god-like Friam from the chariot rose; 
 Forbear (he cry'd) this violence of woes. 
 First to the palace let the car proceed, 
 Then pour your boundless sorrows o'er the dead. 
 Z 2
 
 534 THE ILIAD. Book XXIV. 
 
 The waves of people at his word divide, 896 
 
 Slow rolls the chariot through the following tide; 
 E'en to the palace the sad pomp they wait ; 
 They weep, and place him on the bed of state. 
 A melancholy choir attend around, 9<^ 
 
 With plaintive sighs, and music's solemn sound: 
 .Alternately they sing, alternate flow 
 Th' obedient tears, melodious in their woe. 
 "While deeper sorrov?s groan from each full heart. 
 And nature speaks at every pause of art. 905 
 
 First to the corse the weeping consort flew; 
 Around his neck her milk-white arms she threw. 
 And, 6h, my Hector ! oh, my lord ! she cries, 
 Snatch'd in thy bloom from these desiring eyes ! 
 Thou to the dismal realms for ever gone! QIC 
 
 And I abandon'd, desolate, alone ! 
 An only son, once comfort of our pains. 
 Sad product now of hapless love, remains ! 
 Uever to manly age that son shall rise, 
 Or with increasing graces glad my eyes ; 915 
 
 For Ilion now (her great defender slain) 
 Shall sink a smoking ruin on the plain. 
 Who now protects her wives witli guardian care ? 
 Who saves her infants from the rage of war ? 
 Ifow hostile fleets must waft those infants o'er 920 
 flhose wives must wait tliem) to a foreign shore ! 
 Thou too, my son! to barbarous climes shalt go. 
 The sad companion of thy mother's woe; 
 Driven hence a slave before the victor's sword; 
 Condemn'd to toil for some inhuman lord : 9Q5 
 Or else some Greek whose father prest the plain. 
 Or son, or brother, by great Hector slain ; 
 In Hector's blood his vengeance shall enjoy. 
 And hurl thee headlong from the towers of Troy. 
 For thy stern father never spar'd a foe : 93O 
 
 Thence all tliese tears, and all this scene of woe I 
 Thence many evils his sad parents bore, 
 His paients many, but his consort more. 
 Why gav'st thou not to me thy dying hand ? 
 And why receiv'd not 1 thy last command ? 935 
 Some word thou wouldsl have spoke.which, sadly dear. 
 My soul might keep, or utter with a tear ; 
 Which never, never could be lost in air, 
 Tix'd in my heart, and oft repeated there I
 
 Book XXIV. THE ILIAD. 535 
 
 Thus to her weeping maids slie makes her moan. 
 Her weeping handmaids echo groan for groan. 941 
 
 The mournfal mother next sustains her part. 
 O thou, the best, the dearest to my lieart ! 
 Of all my race thou most by heaven approv'd, 
 And by th' immortals e'en in death belov'd ! 9^ 
 While all my other sons in barbarous bands 
 Achilles bound, and sold to foreign lands. 
 This felt no chains, but went a glorious ghost. 
 Free and a hero, to the Stygian coast. 
 Sentenc'd, 'tis true, by his inhuman doom, §60 
 
 Thy noble corse was dragg'd around the tomb 
 (The tomb of hun thy warlike arm had slain ;) 
 Ungenerous insult, impotent and vain ! 
 Yet glow'st thou fi-esh with every living grace ; 
 Ko mark of pain, or violence of face ; 955 
 
 Rosy and fair, as Phoebus' silver bow 
 Dismiss'd thee gently to the shades below ? 
 
 Thus spoke the dame, and melted into tears. 
 Sad Helen next in pomp of grief appears : 
 Fast from the shining sluices of her eyes QdO 
 
 Fall the round crystal drops, while thus she cries. 
 
 Ah, dearest friend ! in whom the Gods had join'd 
 The mildest manners with the bravest mind ; 
 Now twice ten years (unhappy years) are o'er 
 Since Paris brought me to the Trojan shore ; 965 
 (O had I perish'd e'er that form divine 
 Seduc'd this soft, this easy heart of mine '.) 
 Yet was it ne'er my fate, from thee to find 
 A deed ungentle, or a word unkind : 
 When others curst the authoress of their woe, gfO 
 Thy pity check'd my sorrows in their flow : 
 If some proud brotiier ey'd me with disdain. 
 Or scornfiil sister with her sweeping train ; 
 Thy gentle accents soften'd all my pain. 
 For thee I mourn ; and mourn myself in thee, 975 
 The wretched source of all this misery ! 
 The fate I caus'd, for ever I bemoan ; 
 Sad Helen has no friend, now thou art gone f 
 Thro' Troy's wide streets abandon'd shall I roam ! 
 In Troy deserted, as abhorr'd at home ! 980 
 
 So spoke the fair, with sorrow-streaming eye : 
 Distressful beauty melts each stauder-by ;
 
 536 THE ILIAD. Book XXIV. 
 
 On all around th' infectious sorrow grows ; 
 But Priam check'd the torrent as it rose. 
 Perform, ye Trojans ! what the rites require, 985 
 And-fell the forests for a funeral pyre; 
 Twelve days, nor foes nor secret ambush dread; 
 Achilles grants these honors to tlie dead. 
 
 lie spoke ; and, at his word, the Trojan train 
 Their mules and oxen harness to the wain, 990 
 
 Pour through tlie gates, and, fell'd from Ida's crown, 
 Holl brack the gathered forests to the town. 
 These toils continue nine succeeding days, 
 And high in air a sylvan structure raise. 
 But when the tenth fair morn bagan to shine, 993 
 Forth to tiie pile was borne the man divine, 
 And plac'd aloft : while all, with streaming ej-es. 
 Beheld the flames and rolling smokes arise. 
 Soon as Aurora, daughter of the dawn. 
 With rosy lustre streak'd the dewy lawn ; 1000 
 
 Again the mournful crowds surround the pyre, 
 And quench with wine the yet remaining lire. 
 The snowy bones his friends and brothers place 
 (With tears collected) in a golden vase ; 
 The golden vase in purple palls tliey roll'd, 1005 
 Of softest texture, and inwrought with gold. 
 Last o'er the urn the sacred earth thej' spread. 
 And rais'd the tomb, memorial of the dead. 
 (Strong guards and spies, till all the rites were done, 
 Watch'd from the rising to the setting sun.) 1010 
 All Troy then moves to Priam's court again, 
 A solemn, silent, melancholy train : 
 Assembled there, from pious toil they rest, 
 And sadly shar'd the last sepulchral feast. 
 Such honors Uion to her hero paid, 1015 
 
 And peaceful slept the mighty Hector's shade. 
 
 END OF THE ILIAD.
 
 CONCLUSION OF THE NOTES. 
 
 WE have now past through the Iliad, and seen 
 the anger of Achilles, and the terrible effects 
 of it, at an end : as that only was the subject of the 
 poem, and the nature of epic poetry would not 
 permit our autlior to proceed to the event of the 
 war, it may, perhaps, be acceptable to the common 
 reader, to give a short account of what happened 
 to Troy and the chief actors in this poem, after the 
 conclusion of it. 
 
 I need not mention that Troy was taken soon 
 after the death of Hector, by the stratagem of the 
 wooden horse, the particulars of which are described 
 by Virgil in the second book of the ^Eneis. 
 
 Achilles fell before Troy, by the hand of Paris, 
 by the shot of an arrow in his heel, as Hector had 
 prophesied at his death. Book xxii. 
 
 The unfortunate Priam was killed by Pyrrus the 
 son of Achilles. 
 
 Ajax, after the death of Achilles, had a contest 
 ■with Ulysses for the armor of Vulcan; but being 
 defeated in his aim, he slew himself through 
 indignation. 
 
 Helen, after the death of Paris, married DeYphobus 
 bis brother, and at the taking of Troy, betrayed him, 
 in order to reconcile herself to Menelaiis, her first 
 husband, who received her again into favor. 
 
 Agamemnon at his return was barbarously mur- 
 dered by iEgystus, at the instigation of Clytemnestra, 
 his wife, who, in his absence, had dishonored his 
 bed with iEgystus.
 
 CONCLUSION 
 
 Diomed, after the fall of Troy, was expelled In; 
 own country, and scarce escaped with life from his 
 adulterous wife ^giale ; but at last was received by 
 Daunus in ApuUa, and shaied liis kingdom : it is 
 uncertain how he died. 
 
 Nestor lived in peace, with his children, in Pylos 
 his native country. 
 
 Ulysses also, after innumerable troubles by sea 
 and land, at last returned in safety to Ithaca, which 
 is the subject of Homer's Odysseys. 
 
 I must end these remarks by discharging my duty 
 to two of my fHends, which is the more an indis- 
 pensable piece of justice, as the one of them is since 
 dead : the merit of their kindness to me will appear 
 infinitelj' the greater, as the task they undertook 
 was, in its own nature, of much more labor, than 
 either pleasure or reputation. The larger part of 
 the extracts from Eustathius, together with several 
 excellent observations, were sent me by Mr. Broome: 
 and the whole essay upon Homer was written, upon 
 such memoirs as I had collected, by the late Dr. 
 Parnell, archdeacon of Clogher in Ireland : how 
 very muf:h that gentleman's friendship prevailed 
 over his genius, in detaining a writer of his' spirit 
 in the drudgery of remosing the rubbish of past 
 pedants, will soon appear to the world, when they 
 shall see those beautiful pieces of poetry, the pub- 
 lication of which he left to my charge, almost with 
 his djing breath. 
 
 For what remains, I beg to be excused from the 
 ceremonies of taking leave at the end of my work; 
 and from embarrassing myself, or others, witli any 
 defences or apologies about it. But instead of 
 endeavouring to raise a vain monument to myself, 
 of the merits or difficulties of it (which must be left
 
 OF THE NOTES, 
 to the world, to truth, and to posterity) let me 
 leave behind me a memorial of my friendship, with 
 one of the most valuable men, as well as finest 
 •writers, of my age and country : one who has tried, 
 and knows by his own experience, how hard an 
 undertaking it is to do justice to Homer : and one, 
 who (I am sure) sincerely rejoices with me at the 
 period of my labors. To him therefore, having- 
 brought this long work to a conclusion, I desire to 
 dedicate it ; and to have the honor and satisfaction 
 of placing together, in this manner, the names of 
 Mr. CONGREVE, and of 
 
 A. POPE. 
 March 25, 
 1720. 
 
 FINIS. 
 
 Corrall, Printer, Charing Cross,