2\ ^HOi i i? * ι JWv JO^ >-V > ^ A χ- ν % XlfV -J^^ \ JJIJJnN ■ ^ JiUJi' I* ^ i?i ir tyO: -%)j §U£> ^OFCALI is ϊ||^ ί/Λ Ϊ/Λ. -η <_> v Slh <■ \. a Ο < \ THE ILIAD and ODYSSEY Ο F HOMER, TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH BLANK VERSE, BY W. C Ο W Ρ Ε R, OF THE INNER TEMPLE, ESQ^ IN TWO VOLUMES. VOL. I. CONTAINING THE ILIAD. LONDON PRINTED FOR J. JOHNSON, N° 72, ST. PAUL'S CHURCH-YARD. m d c c x c : . • TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE EARL C Ο W Ρ Ε R, THIS TRANSLATION OF THE ILIAD, THE INSCRIPTION OF WHICH TO HIMSELF, THE LATE LAMENTED EARL, BENEVOLENT TO ALL, AND ESPECIALLY KIND TO THE AUTHOR, - HAD NOT DISDAINED TO ACCEPT, IS HUMBLY OFFERED, a AS A SMALL BUT GRATEFUL TRIBUTE, TO THE MEMORY OF HIS FATHER, BY HIS LORDSHIP'S AFFECTIONATE KINSMAN. AND SERVANT, JUNE 4, 1791. WILLIAM COWPER. R Ε F A C Ε. WHETHER a translation of Homer may be beft executed in blank verfe or in rbime, is a queition in the decifion of which no man can find difficulty, who has ever duly confidered what tranilation ought to be, or who is in any degree practically acquainted with thofe very different kinds of verification. I will venture to affert that a juil tranilation of any antient poet in rhime, is impoilible. No human ingenuity can be equal to the taik of clofing every couplet with founds homotonous, exprefling at the fame time the full fenfe, and only the full fenfe of his original. The tranilator's ingenuity, indeed, in this cafe becomes itfelf a fnare, and the readier he is at invention and expedient, the more likely he is to be betrayed into the wideil departures from the guide whom he profeifes to follow. Hence it has happened, that -although the public have long been in poifefiion of an Englifli Homer by a poet whofe writings have done immortal honour to his country, the demand of a new one, and efpecially in blank verfe, has been repeatedly and loudly made by fome of the beil judges and ableil writers of the prefent day. I have no conteft with my predeceffor. None is fuppofeable between performers on different inftruments. Mr. Pope has fur- mounted all difficulties in his verlion of Homer that it was poirible to VI PREFACE. to furmount in rhime. But he was fettered, and his fetters were his choice. Accuftomed always to rhime, he had formed to him- r which probably could not be much gratified by verfe that wanted it, and determined to encounter even impoflibilities, rather than abandon a mode of writing in which he had excelled every body, for the lake of another to which, unexercifed in it as lie was, he mult have felt ftrong objections. I number myfelf among the warmeft admirers of Mr. Pope as an original writer, and I allow him all the merit he can juftly claim as the tranflator of this chief of poets. He has given us the Tale of Try: divine in fmooth verfe, generally in correct and *ant language, and in diction often highly poetical. But his deviations are lb many, occafioned chiefly by the caufe already men- tioned, that, much as he has done, and valuable as his work is on ccounts, it was yet in the humble province of a tranflator that 1 thought it poflible even for me to follow him with fome advj That he has ibmetimes altogether fupprelTed the fenfe of his author, and has not feldom intermingled his own ideas with it, is a remark which, on this occafion, nothing but neceifity ihould have extorted from me. But we differ fometimes lb widely in our matter, that unlefs this remark, invidious as it feems, be premifed, I know not how to obviate a fufpicion, on the one hand, of carc- . flight, or of factitious embelliihmcnt on the other. On this head, therefore, the Engliih reader is to be admonillied, that the matter found in me, whether he like it or not, is found alfo in J ίθΜ ' PREFACE. ν'ύ Homer, and that the matter not found in me, how much foever he may admire it, is found only in Mr. Pope. I have omitted no- thing ; I have invented nothing. There is indifputably a wide difference between the cafe of an original writer in rhime and a tranilator. In an original work the author is free ; if the rhime be of difficult attainment, and he can- not find it in one direction, he is at liberty to feek it in another ; the matter that will not accommodate itfelf to his occafions he may difcard, adopting fuch as will. But in a tranilation no fuch option is allowable ; the fenfe of the author is required, and we do not furrender it willingly even to the plea of necefTity. Fidelity is indeed of the very eifence of tranilation, and the term itfelf implies it. For which reafon, if we fupprefs the fenfe of our original, and force into its place our own, we may call our work an imitation, if we pleafe, or perhaps a paraphrafe, but it is no longer the fame author only in a different drefs, and therefore it is not tranilation. Should a painter, profeffing to draw the likenefs of a beautiful woman, give her more or fewer features than belong to her, and a general caft of countenance of his own invention, he might be faid to have produced a jeu d*efprit, a curiofity perhaps in its way, but by no means the lady in queftion. It will however be neceifary to fpeak a little more largely to this fubject, on which difcordant opinions prevail even among good judges. The Mil PREFACE. Τ ii r. free and the clofe tranflation have, each, their advocates. But inconveniences belong to both. The former can hardly be true to the original author's ftyle and manner, and the latter is apt to be fervile. The one lofes his peculiarities, and the other his fpirit. Were it poflible, therefore, to find an exact medium, a manner io clofe that it fliould let flip nothing of the text, nor mingle any thing extraneous with it, and at the fame time lb free ) have an air of originality, this feems precifely the mode in which an author might be bcit rendered. I can allure my readers η my own experience, that to difcover this very delicate line is difficult, and to proceed by it when found, through the whole length of a poet voluminous as Homer, nearly impomble. I can only pretend to have endeavoured it. I r is an opinion commonly received, but, like many others, in- debted for its prevalence to mere want of examination, that a tran- flator fliould imagine to himfelf the ftyle which his author would probably have ufed, had the language into which he is rendered been his own. A direction which wants nothing but practicability to recommend it. For fuppofe fix perlbns, equally qualified for the nployed to tranilate the fame Antient into their own lan- gua je, with this rule to guide them. In the event it would be nd that each had fallen on a manner different from that o£ all l, and by probable inference it would follow that none had fallen on the right. On the whole, therefore, as has been faid, the t nflation which partakes equally of fidelity and liberality, that is but not io clofe as to be fervile, free, but not fo free as to Ikentii mifes faireft ; and my ambition will be I ntly atified, PREFACE. IX gratified, if fuch of my readers as are able, and will take the pains to compare me in this refpeit with Homer, mall judge that I have in any meafure attained a point fo difficult. As to energy and harmony, two grand requifites in a tranilation of this moil energetic and moil: harmonious of all poets, it is neither my purpole nor my wiih, mould I be found deficient in either, or in both, to melter myfelf under an unfilial imputation of blame to my mother-tongue. Our language is indeed lefs mufical than the Greek, and there is no language with which I am at all acquainted that is not. But it is muiical enough for the purpoles of melodious verfe, and if it feem to fail, on whatfoever occafion, in energy, the blame is due, not to itfelf, but to the unfkilful ma- nager of it. For fo long as Milton's works, whether his profe or his verfe, mall exiit, fo long there will be abundant proof that no iu eject, however important, however fublime, can demand greater force of exprefiion than is within the compafs of the EnMim language. I have no fear of judges familiar with original Homer. They need not be told that a tranilation of him is an arduous enterprize, and as fuch, entitled to fome favour. From thefe, therefore, I ihall expect, and lhall not be diiappointed, coniiderable candour and allowance. Efpecially they will be candid, and I believe that there are many fuch, who have occafionally tried their own flrength in this boiv of Ulyjfes. They have not found it fupple and pliable, and with me are perhaps ready to acknowledge that they could not always even approach with it the mark of their ambition. b Hut χ PREFACE, But I would willingly, were it poiiible, obviate uncandid criticiim, becaufe to anfwer it is loft labour, and to receive it in iilence has the appearance of ftately referve, and felf-importance. To thofe, therefore, who ihall be inclined to tell me hereafter that my diction is often plain and unelevated, I reply beforehand that I know it — that it would be abfurd were it otherwife, and that Homer himfelf frauds in the fame predicament. In fact, it is one of his numberlefs excellencies, and a point in which his judg- ment never fails him, that he is grand and lofty always in the right place, and knows infallibly how to rife and fall with his fubject. Big "ii-orJs on fmall matters may ferve as a pretty exact definition of the burlefque ; an inftance of which they will find in the battle of the Frogs- and Mice, but none in the Iliad. By others I expect to be told that my numbers, though here and there tolerably fmooth, are not always fuch, but have, now and then, an ugly hitch in their gait, ungraceful in itfelf, and in- venient to the reader. To this charge alfo I plead guilty, but beg leave in alleviation of judgment to add, that my limping lines are not numerous, compared with thofe that limp not. The truth , that nut one of them all efcaped me, but, fuch as they are, they were all made fueh with a willful intention. In poems of great length there is no blemiih more to be feared than famenefs of numbers, and every art is ufeful by which it may be avoided. A line, rough ■η itfelf, has yet its recommendations ; it faves the ear the pain of an irklbme monotony, and leems even to add greater fmoothneis to others. PREFACE. xi others. Milton, whofe ear and tefte were exquifite, has exempli- fied in his Paradtfe Loft the efFeft of this practice frequently. Having mentioned Milton, I cannot but add an obfervation on the fimilitude of his manner to that of Homer. It is fuch, that no perlbn, familiar with both, can read either without being reminded of the other ; and it is in thofe breaks and paufes, to which the numbers of the Engliih poet are fo much indebted both for their dignity and variety, that he chiefly copies the Greeciam But thefe are graces to which rhime is not competent ; fc broken, it lofes all its mufic ; of which any perfon may convince himfelf by reading a page only of any of our poets anterior to Denham, Waller and Dryden. A tranflator of Homer, therefore, feems directed by Homer himfelf to the ufe of blank verfe, as to that alone in which he can be rendered with any tolerable reprefentation of his manner in this particular. A remark which I am natural 1 y led to make by a deiire to conciliate, if poffible, fome, who, rather unreafonably partial to rhime, demand it on all occalions, and feem perfuaded that poetry in our language is a vain attempt without it. Verfe, that claims to be verfe in right of its metre only, they judge to be fuch rather by courtefy than by kind, on an apprehenfion that it coils the writer little trouble, that he has only to give his lines their prefcribed number of fyllables, and, fo far as the mecha- nical part is concerned, all is well. Were this true, they would have reafon on their fide, for the author is certainly beft entitled to applaufe who fucceeds againft the greateft dirHculty, and in verfe that calls for the moft artificial management in its conftruc- tion. But the cafe is not as they fuppofe. To rhime, in our lan- b 2 guage, xii PREFACE. guagc, demands no great exertion of ingenuity, but is always ealy to a perfon exercifed in the practice. Witnefs the multitudes who rhime, but have no other poetical pretenfions. Let it be conil- dered too, how merciful we are apt to be to unclaiTical and indif- ferent language for the fake of rhime, and we fball foon fee that the labour lies principally on the other fide. Many ornaments of no eafy purchafe are required to atone for the abfence of this fingle recommendation. It is not fufficient that the lines of blank verfe be fmooth in themielves, they muil alfo be harmonious in the com- bination. Whereas the chief concern of the rhimiil is to beware that his couplets and his icnk be commenfurate, left the regularity of his numbers ihould be (too frequently at kail) interrupted. A trivial difficulty this, compared with thole which attend the poet unaccompanied by his bells. He, in order that he may be mufical, rnuil exhibit all the variations, as he proceeds, of which ten fylla- bles are fufceptible ; between the firfl fyllable and the lail there is no place at which he muil not occasionally paufe, and the place of tlie paufe muil be perpetually fhifted. To effect this variety, his attention mull be given, at one and the fame time, to the paufes he has already made in the period before him, as well as to that which he is about to make, and to thofe which iliall fucceed it. On no lighter terms than thefe is it polTible that blank verfe can be written which will not, in the courfe of a long work, fatigue the ear pall all endurance. If it be eafier, therefore, to throw five balls, into the air and to catch them in lucceflion, than to fport in that manner with one only, then may blank verfe be more eafily fabricated than rhime. And if to thefe labours we add others equally requilite, a llyle in general more elaborate than rhime requires* PREFACE. xiii requires, farther removed from the vernacular idiom both in the language itfelf and in the arrangement of it, we ihall not long doubt which of thefe two very different fpecies of verfe threatens the compofer with moil expence of itudy and contrivance. I feel• it unpleafant to appeal to my own experience, but, having no other voucher at hand, am conftrained to it. As I affirm, fo I have found. I have dealt pretty largely in both kinds, and have fre- quently written more verfes in a day, with tags, than I could ever write without them. To what has been here faid (which whether it have been faid by others or not, I cannot tell, having never read any modern book on the fubjed) I ihall only add, that to be poetical without rhime, is an argument of a found and claffical conilitution in any language. A word or two on the fubject of the following tranilation, and I have done. My chief boaft is that I have adhered clofely to my original convinced that every departure from him would be puniihed with the forfeiture of fome grace or beauty for which I could fubititute no equivalent. The epithets that would confent to an Engliih form I have preferved as epithets ; others that would not, I have melted into the context. There are none, I believe, which I have not tranilated in one way or other, though the reader will not find them repeated fo often as moil of them are in Homer, for a reaibn. that need not be mentioned. Few XIV PREFACE. ν Few perfons of any consideration are introduced either in the Iliad or Odyfley by their own name only, but their patronymic i given alio. To this ceremonial I have generally attended, becauie it is a circumilance of my author's manner. Homer never allots lefs than a whole line to the introduction of a ipeaker. No, not even when the fpeech itfelf is no longer than the line that leads it. A practice to which, fince he never departs from it, he muir. have been determined by fome cogent reafon. He probably deemed it a formality necefTary to the ma j city of his narration. In this article, therefore, I have fcrupuloufly adhered to my pattern, confidering thefe introductory lines as heralds in a proceflion ; important perfons, becaufe employed to ulher in perfons more important than themfelves. It has been my point everywhere to be as little verbofe as ροίΓι- ble, though, at the fame time, my conftant determination not to facrifice my author's full meaning to an affected brevity. In the affair of ftyle, I have endeavoured neither to creep nor to bluftcr, for no author is fo likely to betray his tranilator into both thefe faults, as Homer, though himfelf never guilty of either. I have cautioully avoided all terms of new invention, with an abundance of which, perfons of more ingenuity than judgment have not enriched our language, but incumbered it. I have alio everywhere ufed an unabbreviated fullnefs of phrafe as moft fuited to the nature of the work, and, above all, have ltudied perfpicuity, not PREFACE. χν not only becaufe verfe is good for little that wants it, but becaufe Homer is the moil perfpicuous of all poets. In all difficult places I have confulted the beil commentators, and where they have differed, or have given, as is often the cafe, a variety of folutions, I have ever exercifed my beil judgment, and felected that which appears, at leafl to myfelf, the moil probable interpretation. On this ground, and on account of the fidelity which I have already boailed, I may venture, I believe, to recom- mend my work as promifing fome ufefulnefs to young iludents of the original. The paifages which will be leail noticed, and poiTibly not at all, except by thofe who ihall wiih to find me at a fault, are thofe which have coil me abundantly the moil labour. It is dif- ficult to kill a iheep with dignity in a modern language, to flay and i to prepare it for the table, detailing every circumilance of the pro- cefs. Difficult alfo, without finking below the level of poetry, to harnefs mules to a waggon, particularizing every article of their furniture, ilraps, rings, ilaples, and even the tying of the knots that kept all together. Homer, who writes always to the eye, . with all his fublimity and grandeur, has the minutenefs of a Flemiih painter. But in what degree I have fucceeded in my verfion either of thefe paifages, and fuch as thefe, or of others more buoyant and ι above-ground, and efpecially of the moil fublime, is now iubmit- ted to the decifion of the reader, to whom I am ready enough to confefs XVI PREFACE. confefs that I have not at all confulted their approbation, λνΐιο account nothing grand that is not turgid, or elegant, that is not zened with metaphor. I purposely decline all declamation on the merits of ' t o\"er, becaufe a tranilator's praifes of his author are liable to a fufpicion of dotage, and becaufe it were impoiTible to improve on thofe which this author has received already. He has been the wonder of all countries that his works have ever reached, even deified by the o-reateft names of antiquity, and in fome places actually wor- fhipped. And to fay truth, were it poiTible that mere man could entitle himfelf by pre-eminence of any kind to divine honours, Homer's aftonifhing powers feem to have given him the beft pre- tenfions. Ι ι in no τ conclude without due acknowledgments to the bell critic in Homer I have ever met with, the learned and ingenious Mr. Fusi Li. Unknown as he was to me when I entered on this arduous undertaking, (indeed to this moment I have never leen him) he yet voluntarily and generouily offered himfelf as my revifor. To his clamcal tafte and juft difcernment I have been indebted for diicovery of many blemifhes in my own work, and of beauties, which would otherwiie have efcaped me, in the original. But his neceilary avocations would not fuffer him to accompany me farther than to the latter books of the Iliad, a circumftance which I fear my readers, as well as myfelf, will regret with too much real'on *, •ne of the few ικ -tcs (ubjoined to my Cranflation of the Odyilcy are bv .Mr. ■.ho had a (hort opportunity to perule the MSS. while the Iliad was printing. ι ked with hi-, initial I liAVE PREFACE. XV 11 I have obligations likewife to many friends, whofe names, were it proper to mention them here, would do me great honour. They have encouraged me by their approbation, have aflifted me with valuable books, and have eafed me of almoft the whole labour of tranfcribins:. ο And now I have only to regret that my pleafantwork is ended. To the illuftrious Greek I owe the fmooth and eafy flight of many thoufand hours. He has been my companion at home and abroad, in the ftudy, in the garden, and in the field -, and no meafure of fuccefs, let my labours fucceed as they may, will ever compenfate to me the lofs of the innocent luxury that I have enjoyed, as a Tranflator of Homer. LIST LIST of SUBSCRIBERS. Tbofe marked f, are Subfiribers for Copies en fine Paper. His Royal Ilighnefs the Duke of Gloucester. Her Royal Highneis the Dutchess of Gloucester. Lord Apfley Lord Alva, f. Lady Anderfon, York The Rt. Hon. Henry Addington, Speaker of the Houfe of Commons, f. The Hon. Sir Wm. Aihhurft, Knt. John Hiley Addington, Efq; Clevehill near Briftol, f. Francis Annefley, Efq; M. P. Sir Rowland Alfton, Bart. John Aubrey, Efq; W. Aiken, Efq; John William Adam, Efq; Crutched Friars,f. George Anfon, Efq; Matthew Robert Arnott, Efq; f. two copies Robert Alexander, Efq; The Rev. Air. Gilbert Auften Mr. George Adams, Fleet ftreet Mr. Wm. Andrews, Olney, Bucks Anonymous, f. , by the Rev. 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The Countefs Dowager Spencer, f. two copies The Marquis of Stafford The Marchionefs of Stafford Lord Sandys Lord Scarfdale Lord Sommers Vifcount LIST of SUBSCRIBERS. Vifcount Sydney The late Lord Biihop of St. Afaph, f. The prefcnt Lord Biihop of St. Afaph, f. The Right Hon. Thomas Steele Sir John Sheffield, Bart. Sir Richard Sutton, Bart. f. Sir Robert Smyth, Bart. James Smyth, Efq; Weft-Bradenham, Norf. Major John Scott Abel Smith, Efq; M.P. Robert Smith, Efq; M.P. Mrs. Robert Smith Samuel Smith, Efq; Nottingham Mrs. Samuel Smith George Smith, Efq; John Smith, Efq; William Smith, Efq; Charles Smith, Efq; Mile end, f. Richard Stonehewer, Efq; The Rev. Mr. Bence Sparrow, Rector of Beccles The Rev. Mr. SifTon, Reading The Rev. W. Strong, A.M. Rector of Bolingbroke cum Hareby, Lincolnihire The Rev. L. Shelford, B.D. The Rev. Mr. Edward Stillingfleet, Kel- field, near York, f. The Rev. Mr. Salmon, Fellow of St. John's College, Cambridge The Rev. John Simons, LL.B. 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K. Time, Efq; f. Walter Taylor, Efq; Portfwood Gr*«n, near Southampton R. G. Temple, Efq; Mortlake James Taylor, Bookfeller, Retford u. The Earl of Uxbridge, two copies The Hon. Frederick Vane, f. The Rev. Dr. Vyfe, Lambeth The Rev. Mr. Unwin, Stock, Ε (Tex, t John Unwin, Efq; Croydon, f. Mrs. Vanfittart, Bifham Abbey W. Lord Willoughby de Broke Lord WaHingharn a Dewagcr LIST of SUBSCRIBER b. Dowager Lady Walfuighair:, f, The Lord Biihop of Winchefter The Lord Biihop of Worceftcr, f. The late Dean of Windier The Hon. Horace Walpole Sir John Wodchoufc, Barf. The late Sir W. W. Wynne, Bart. Sir W. Wynne, Knt. LL.D. Prelident of Trinity Hal!, Cambridge, f. The Rev. Mr. William?, Horton Kirby The Rev. Mr. Wheeler, Arlington ftreet Mrs. Wheeler Dr. Wintcrbottom, f. The Rev. Mr. Williams, Horton Kirby V. . Wilberforce, Efq; M.P.. Mr. Wyndham James Woodcock, Efq; N. Welcomb, Efq; Langford, f. R. Wright, Efq; G. L. Way, Efq; Spencer farm, EiTex F. Wilbraham, Efq', John WeJls, Efq; Bromley, Kent, f. Elbro' Woodcock, Efq; Wiliam White, Efq; Highbury place Sam. Pipe Wolfcrftan, Efq; Statfold, near Tamworth, f. Geo. Wrighte, Efq; Gayhurft, f. I Ed. Bland Wollftonecraft, Efq; Southamp- ton, f. Richard Waller, Efq;. Mr. Wright, Caius' College,, Cambridge Dr. Watfon, Bedford fquare Mr. Jonathan Wathen Mr. Wan fey Mr. D. T. Woodward, Greenwich Mr. John WeAey, Blackfriars Road Y. The Honourable Mrs. Yorke The Honourable Charles Yorke The Rev. Dr. Matthew Young, Fellow o£ Trinity College, Dublin. ERRATA, ERRATA in the ILIAD. Book I. II. II. II. III. IV. IV. V. VI. VI. VII. VII. VIII. X. XI. XI. XI. XI. XI. XV. XVII. XVII. XIX. XX. XXII. XXII. XXIII. XXIII. XXIII. XXIV. XXIV. Line 337• 7 2 7• 7 8x. 893. 64. 149. 457• 691. 285. 313. 45- 225. 418. 462. 307. 511. 692. 835. 893. 600. 133. 357• 454• 27. 54*• 575- 46. 87. 582. 202. 383. No new paragraph. Dele the comma after met. For Troas read Thoas. For nnfaBion'd read unfanfliond. For fone read dr /β. Fovgat not Pallas read Forgat not ; Pallas For ASfopus read Afopus. Give the afterifm to white as ivory. For Xemov t in margin, read Ξα»ο». Give the comma after difrefs to citadel. For Chief read chief. For men read me. Dele colon at the end. For trapann'd read trcpannd. Comma inilead of; at the end. For vailant read valiant. For Phanfas read Phaufias. Wrong* d us oft add ) For Angeias read Angelas. For β aft read fpcar. Dele comma after loud. For brazen-check'' d read brazen-cheek'' d. For frf/? read Ιαβ. For council read counfel. For horribly read cruelly. Dele comma at the end. Dele comma at the end. Dele comma after living. For -iW read /»<*/£. The afterifm is wanting. Dele the comma at the end. N. B. By an overfight of the Tranflator, the name of Epeus is not mentioned among theirs who arofe to contend for the dilcus — Book XX11I. Line 838. ERRATA in the ODYSSEY. Book IV. Line 168. Dele the comma at the end. IV. 521. Dele comma after fationd. IV. 784. For Noinion read No'emon. V. 567. Dele comma after afcending. VII. 193. For la read Ιαβ. VIII. 229. Dele ; and read it with a comma. IX. 224. Dele comma after Phoebus. X. 594• F° r ao " oe read abode. XL 589. Give the comma after here to maintain^. XII. 1 $4. For Naera read Neara. XIL 380. A comma is wanting at the end. XVII. 391. For Argos read Argus. XVIII. 18. For lonv'ring read louring. XX. 261. For So far read Afar. XXII. 563. Dele comma at the end. THE ILIAD OF HOMER, TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH BLANK VERSE. ARGUMENT OF THE FIRST BOOK. THE book opens with an account -of a peftilence that prevailed in the Grecian camp, and the caufe of it is affign'd. A council is called, in which fierce altercation takes place between Aga- memnon and Achilles. The latter folemnly renounces the field. Agamemnon by his heralds demands Brileis, and Achilles refigns her. He makes his complaint to Thetis, who undertakes to plead his caufe with Jupiter. She pleads it, and prevails. The book concludes with an account of what pafled in Heaven on that occafion. The Engliih reader will be pleafed to obferve, that by Achaians, Argives, DanaV, are fignified Greecians. Homer liimfelf having found thefe various appellatives both graceful and convenient, it feemed unreaibnable that a Tranflator of him fhould be denied the fame advantage. ILIAD. BOOK I. Λ CHILLES iing, Ο Goddefs ! Peleus'fon; ^ ^ His wrath pernicious, who ten thoufand woes Caufed to Achaia's hoft, fent many a foul Illuftrious into Ades premature, And Heroes gave (fo flood the will of Jove) 5 To dogs and to all rav'ning fowls a prey, When fierce difpute had feparated once The noble Chief Achilles from the fon Of Atreus, Agamemnon, King of men. Who them to ftrife impell'd? What Pow'r divine? ic Latona's fon and Jove's. For He, incenfed Againft the King, a foul contagion raifed In all the hoft, and multitudes deftroy'd, For that the fon of Atreus had his prieit Difhonour'd, Ghryfes. To the fleet he cr,me Bearing rich ranfom glorious to redeem His daughter, and his hands charged with the w reath And golden fceptre of the God ihaft-arm'd. His fupplication was at large to all The hoft of Greece, but moil of all to two, -:o The fons of Atreus, higher! in command. Ye gallant Chiefs, and ye their gallant hoft, (So may the Gods who in Olympus dwell Give Priam's treat ures to you for a fnoil Β 2 And 4 HOMER's ILIAD. Book I. And ye return in fafety) Take my gifts 25 And loofe my child, in honour of the fon Of Jove, Apollo, archer of the ikies. At once the voice of all was to refpecl: The prieft, and to accept the bounteous price ; But fo it plcafcd not Atreus' mighty fon, 30 Who with rude threat'nings ilern him thence difmifs'd. Beware, old man ! that at thefe hollow barks I find thee not now lingering, or henceforth Returning, left the garland of thy God And his bright fceptre fhould avail thee nought. 35 I will not loofe thy daughter, 'till old age Steal on her. From her native country far, In Argos, in my palace, ihe fhall ply The loom, and ihall be partner of my bed. Move me no more. Be gone ; hence while thou may'ft. 40 He fpake, the old prieft trembled and obey'd. Forlorn he roamed the ocean's founding ihore, And, folitary, with much pray'r his King- Bright- hair'd Latona's fon, Phoebus, implored. God of the filver bow, who with thy power 45- Encircleft Chryfa, and who reign'ft fupreme In Tenedos and Cilia the divine, * Sminthian Apollo ! If I e'er adorned Thy beauteous fane, or on thy altar burn'd The fat acceptable of bulls or goats, 50 Grant my petition. With thy fhafts avenge On the Achaian hoft thy fervant's tears. on account of his having fayed the people of Troas from a plague of mice, fminthos in their language meaning a moufc. Such Βυοκ I. HOMER's ILI A D. 5 Such prayer he made, and it was heard. The God, Down from Olympus with his radiant bow And his full quiver o'er his ihoulder flung, 55 Marched in his anger ; ihaken as he moved His rattling arrows told of his approach. Gloomy he came as night ; fat from the lhips Apart, and fent an arrow. Clang'd the cord * Dread-founding, bounding on the filver bow. 60 Mules firft and dogs he {truck, but at themfelves Difpatching foon his bitter arrows keen, Smote them. Death-piles on all iides always blazed. Nine days throughout the camp his arrows flew ; The tenth, Achilles from all parts convened 6$ The hoft in council. Juno the white-armed, Moved at the fight of Greecians all around Dying, imparted to his mind the thought. The full afTembly, therefore, now convened, Uprofe Achilles ardent, and began. 70 Atrides ! Now, it feems, no courfe remains For us, but that the feas roaming again, We hence return ; at leaft if we furvive ; But hafte, confult we quick fome prophet here Or prieft, or ev'n interpreter of dreams, 7 5 (For dreams are alfo of Jove) that we may learn By what crime we have thus incenfed Apollo, What broken vow, what hecatomb unpaid * For this fingular line the Tranlhtor begs to apologize, by pleading the ftrong defirc he felt to produce an Englifh line, if poiiible, fomcwhat refembling in its cffed the famous original one. Δπιίι S\ κλαίγε yiviT άξγυξίύΐο ρι&ι;?. He 6 ilOMER's ILIAD. Book I. He charges on us, and if foothed with iteam Of lambs or goats unblemifh'd, he may yet 80 Be won to ipare us, and avert the plague. Pie fpake and Lit, when Theftor's fon arofe Calchas, an augur foremoft in his art, Who all things, prefent, pair, and future knew, And whom his ikill in prophecy, a gift 85 Conferr'd by Phoebus on him, had advanced To be conductor of the fleet to Troy ; He, prudent, them admonifhing, replied. Tove-lovM Achilles ! Would'il thou learn from me What caufe hath mov'd Apollo to this wrath, 90 The ihaft-arm'd King? I fhall divulge the caufe. But thou, fwear firfl and covenant on thy part That 1 peaking, acting, thou wilt ftand prepared To give me iuccour ; for I judge amifs, Or he who rules the Argives, the fupreme 9 ς O'er all Achaia's holt, will be incenfed. Woe to the man who iliall provoke the King ! For if, to day, he fmother dole his wrath, He harbours ilill the vengeance, and in time Performs it. Anfwer, therefore, wilt thou fave me ? 100 To whom Achilles, fwifteft of the fwift. What thou hail learn'd in fecret from the God, it fpeak, and boldly. By the fon of Jove, Apollo, whom thou, Calchas, feek'ft in prayer Made for the Danai, and who thy foul 105 Fills with futurity, in all the holt The Grecian lives not, who while I iliall breathe, Vnd fee the Light of day, (hall in this camp 4 Opprefs Book I. HOMER' s ILIAD. 7 Opprefs thee ; no — not even if thou name Him, Agamemnon, fov'reign o'er us all. no Then was the fecr emboldcn'd, and he ipake. Nor vow nor hecatomb unpaid on us He charges, but the wrong done to his prieft Whom Agamemnon flighted when he fought His daughter's freedom, and his gifts refufed. 115 He is the caufe. Apollo for his fake Afflicts and will afflict us, neither end Nor intermiilion of his heavy fcourge Granting, 'till unredeem'd, no price required, The black-eyed maid be to her father fent, 120 And a whole hecatomb in Chryfa bleed. Then, not before, the God may be appeafed. He fpake and fat ; when Atreus^ fon arofe, The Hero Agamemnon, throned fupreme. Tempefts of black refentment overcharged 125 His heart, and indignation fired his eyes. On Calchas louring, him he firft addrefs'd. Prophet of mifchief ! from whofe tongue no note Of grateful found to me, was ever heard ; 111 tidings are thy joy, and tidings glad 1 30 Thou tell'il not, or thy words come not to pafs. And now among the Dana'i thy dreams Divulging, thou pretend'it the Archer — God For his prieits' fake, our enemy, becaufe I fcorn'd his offer'd ranfom of the maid 135 Chryfeis, more defirous far to bear Her to my home, for that fhe charms me more Than Clytemneitra, my own firft efpous'd, With 3 HOMER's ILIAD. Book I. With whom, in difpofition, feature, form, Accompliihments, flic may be well compared. 140 Yet, being inch, I will return her hence If that flic go be belt. Periili myfelf — But let the people of my charge be faved ! Prepare ye, therefore, a reward for me, And leek it initant. It were much unmeet 145 That I alone of all the Argive hoft Should want due recompenfe, whofe former prize Is clfewhcre dcitined, as ye all perceive. To whom Achilles, matchlefs in the race. Atrides, glorious above all in rank, 150 And as intent on gain as thou art great, Whence fhall the Greecians give a prize to thee ? The general ilock is poor ; the fpoil of towns Which we have taken, hath already parled In diltribution, and it were unjuft 15^ To gather it from all the Greeks again. But fend thou back this Virgin to her God, And when Jove's favour ill all have given us Troy, A threefold, fourfold fhare (hall then be thine. To whom the Sovereign of the hoft replied. 160 Godlike Achilles, valiant as thou art, WonUm thou be fubtle too ? But me no fraud Shall over-reach, or art pcrfuade, of thine. Would'ft thou, that thou be recompens'd, and I Sit meekly down defrauded of my due? 165 And did'ft thou bid me yield her? Let the bold Achaians give me competent amends, Such as may pleafe me, and it fhall be well. Elfe, Book I. HOMER's ILIAD, g Elfe, if they give me none, I will command Thy prize, the prize of Ajax, or the prize 170 It may be of UlyfTes to my tent, And let the lofer chafe. But this concern Shall be adjufted at convenient time. Come — Launch we now into the facred Deep A bark with luity rowers well fupplied ; 17 c Then put on board Chryfeis, and with her The facriflce required. Go alfo one High in authority, fome counfellor, Idomeneus, or Ajax, or thyfelf, Thou moil untraceable of all mankind; 180 And feek by rites of facrifice and pray'r To appeafe Apollo on our hofts behalf. Achilles eyed him with a frown, and ipake. Ah ! cloathed with impudence as with a cloak, And full of fubtlety, who, thinkeit thou — 185 What Greecian here will ferve thee, or for thee Wage covert war, or open ? Me thou know'il, Troy never wronged ; I came not to avenge Harm done to me ; no Trojan ever drove My pailures, ileeds or oxen took of mine, 190 Or plunder'd of their fruits the golden fields Of Phthia the deep-foil'd. She lies remote, And obftacles are num'rous interpofed, Vale-dark'ning mountains, and the dalhing fea. No — * Shamelefs Wolf! For thy good pleafure fake 195 We came, and, t Face of flint ! t' avenge the wrongs By Menclaus and thyfelf furtain'd, * Kivwirx. f f*ty*v**&f• G On ΙΟ HOMER's ILIAD. Book I. On the offending Trojan — fervice kind, But loft on thee, regardlefs of it all. And now — What now ? Thy threatening is to feize 200 Thyillf, the juft requital of my toils, My prize hard-carn'd, hy common fuffrage mine. 1 never gain, what Trojan town foe'er We ranfack, half thy hooty. The fwift march And furious onfet — thefe I largely reap, 205 But, diftribution made, thy lot exceeds Mine far ; while I, with any pittance pleas'd, Bear to my iliips the little that I win After long battle, and account it much. But I am gone, I and my fable barks 210 (My wiier courfe) to Phthia, and I judge, Scorn'd as I am, that thou (halt hardly glean Without me, more than thou fhalt foon confume. He ceafed, and Agamemnon thus replied. Fly,, and fly now; if in thy foul thou feel 215 Such ardour of delire to go — begone ! I woo thee not to ftay ; ftay not an hour On my behalf, for I have others here Who will refpecl me more, and above all All-judging Jove. There is not in the hoft 220 King or commander whom I hate as thee, r all thy pleafure is in ftrlfc and blood, And at all times ; yet valour is no ground Whereon to boaft, it is the gift of Heav'n. t ye back to Phthia, thou and thine! 225 There rule thy "Myrmidons. Τ need not tnee, >r heed thy wrath a jot. But this I lay, Sure Book Ι. Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s I L I A D, 1 1 Sure as Apollo takes my loveh* prize Chryfeis, and I mall return her home In mine own bark, and with my proper crew, 230 So fure the fair Brifeis ihall be mine. I ihall demand her even at thy tent. So fhalt thou well be taught, how high in pow'r I foar above thy pitch, and none ihall dare Attempt, thenceforth, companion with me. 235 He ended, and the big difdainful heart Throbbed of Achilles ; racking doubt enfued And fore perplex'd him, whether forcing wide A paflkge through them, with his blade uniheathed To lay Atrides breathlefs at his foot, 240 Or to command his ftormy fpirit down. So doubted he, and undecided yet Stood drawing forth his faulchion huge ; when lo ! Down fent by Juno, to whom both alike Were dear, and who alike watched over both, 245 Pallas defcended. At his back fhe ilood To none apparent, fave himfelf alone, And feized his golden locks. Startled, he turned, And inftant knew Minerva. Flamed her eyes Terrific ; whom with accents on the wing 250 Of hafte, incontinent he queftioned thus. Daughter of Jove, why com'it thou ? that thyillf May 'It witnefs thefe affronts which I endure From Agamemnon ? Surely as I fpeak, This moment, for his arrogance, he dies. To whom the blue-eyed Deity. From heav'fl Mine enand is, to footh, if thou wilt hear, C 2 Thine ία HOMER's ILIA D. Book I. Thine anger. Juno the white-arm'd, alike To him and thee propitious, bade me down : Reftrain thy wrath. Draw not thy faulchion forth. 260 Retort, and marply, and let that fuffice. For I foretell thee true. Thou ilialt receive, Some future day, thrice told, thy prefent lofs For this day's wrong. Ceafe, therefore, and be ilill. To whom Achilles. Goddefs, although much 265 Exafperate, I dare not diiregard Thy word, which to obey is always belt. Who hears the Gods, the Gods hear alfo him. He faid ; and on his filver hilt the force Of his broad hand impreiTmg, fent the blade 270 Home to its reft, nor would the counfel fcorn Of Pallas. She to heav'n well-pleas'd return'd, And in the manfion of Jove * ^Egis-armed Arriving, mingled with her kindred Gods. But though from violence, yet not from words 275 Abftaincd Achilles, but with bitter taunt Opprobrious, his antagoniil reproached. Oh charged with wine, in itedfaftnefs of face Dog unabaihed, and yet at heart a deer ! Thou never, when the troops have taken arms, 280 it dared to take thine alfo: never thou AiTbciatc with Achaia's Chiefs, to form The fecret ambufh. No. The found of war Is as the voice of deftiny to thee. Doubtlefs the courfe is fafer far, to range 285 * The ihicld of Jupiter, made by Vulcan, rjid (o called from its covering, which in of the goat that fuckfcd him. Our Book Ι. Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. 13 Our mim'rcms holt, and if a man have dared Difpute thy will, to rob him of his prize. King ! over whom ? Women and fpiritlefs — Whom therefore thou devourefl ; elfe themfelves Would flop that mouth that it lhould feoff no more. 290 But hearken. I ihall fwear a folemn oath. By this fame fceptre, which mall never bud, Nor boughs bring forth as once, which having left It's flock on the high mountains, at what time The woodman's ax lopped off its foliage green, 29 ς And itript it's bark, ihall never grow again ; Which now the judges of Achaia bear, Who under Jove, iland guardians of the laws, By this I fwear (mark thou the facred oath) Time ihall be, when. Achilles fhall be miffed ; 300 When all ihall want him, and thyfelf the pow'r To help the Achaians, whatfoe'er thy will ;. When Hedtor at your heels fhall mow you down ; The Hero-ilaught'ring Hector ! Then thy foul, Vexation-flung, fhall tear thee with remorfe, 305 That thou haft fcorn'd, as he were nothing worth, A Chief, the foul and bulwark of your caufe. So faying, he calf his fceptre on the ground Studded with gold, and fat. On th' other fide The foil of Atreus all impailion'd flood, 310 When the harmonious orator arofe Neflor, the Pylian oracle, whofe lips Dropp'd eloquence — the honey not fo fwect. Two generations pail of mortals born In Pylus, coetaneous with himfelf, 3 ι ς He ί \- ) Μ Ε R ' s ILIAD. Book I. govera'd now the third — amid them all FIc flood, and thus, benevolent, began. Ah ! what calamity hath falPn on Greece ! Now Priam and his Tons may well exult, Now all in Ilium, ihail have joy of heart 320 Abundant, hearing of this broil, the prime Of Greece between, in council and in arms. But be perfuaded ; ye are younger both Than I, and I was converfant of old With Princes your fuperiors, yet from them 325 No difrefoect at any time received. Their equals faw I never ; never iliall ; Exadius, Coeneus, and the God-like fon Of JEgeus, mighty Thefeus ; men renown'd For force fuperior to the race of man. 330 Brave Chiefs they were, and with brave foes they fought, With the rude dwellers on the mountain-heights The Centaurs, whom with havock fuch as fame Shall never ceafe to celebrate, they flew. With thefe men I conforted erfl, what time 335 From Pylus, though a land from theirs remote, They called me forth, and fuch as was my flrength, With all that flrength I ferved them. Who is he r What Prince or Chief of the degenYate -race Now feen on earth, who might with thefe compare? 340 Vet even thefe would liften and conform To my advice in confutation giv n, Which hear ye alio; for compliance proves Oft times the fafer and the manlier courfe. Thou, Agamemnon ! valiant as thou art, 343 Seize Book Ι. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. 15 Seize not the maid, his portion from the Greek-, But leave her his ; nor thou, Achilles, urive With our imperial Chief; for never King Had equal honour at the hands of Jove With Agamemnon, or was throned L• high. 350 Say thou art ilronger, and art Goddefs-born, How then ? His territory pafTes thine, And he is Lord of thoufands more than thou. Ceafe, therefore, Agamemnon ; calm thy wrath ; And it ihall be mine office to entreat 355 Achilles alio to a calm, whofe might The chief munition is of all our hoit. To whom the fov'reign of the Greeks replied, The fon of Atrcus. Thou haft fpoken well, Old Chief, and wifely. But this wrangler here — 360 Nought will fuffice him but the higheft place ; He muff, controul us all, reign over all, Diotate to all ; but he ihall find at leaft One here, difpofed to queftion his commands. If the eternal Gods have made him brave, 365 Derives he thence a privilege to rail ? Whom thus Achilles interrupted fierce. Could I be found fo abject as to take The meafure of my doings at thy lips, Well might they call me coward through the camp, 370 AvafTal, and a fellow of no worth. Give law to others. Think not to controul Me, fubject to thy proud commands no more. Hear yet again ! And weigh what thou ilialt hear. I will not ftrive with thee in fuch a caufe, 375 Nor Ο Μ F. R ' s I L I A D. Book Τ. Ξ with any man; I fcorn to fight r her, whom having giv'h, ye take away. I have other precious things on board; thole take none away without my leave. Or if it plcaie thee, put me to the proof 380 Before this whole affembly, and my fpear Shall ftream that moment, purpled with thy blood. Thus they long time in oppofition fierce Maintained the war of. words ; and now, at length, (The grand confult dirlblved,) Achilles walked, 385 (Patroclus and the Myrmidons his ileps Attending) to his camp and to his fleet. But Agamemnon order'd forth a bark, A fwift one, manned with twice ten lufty row'rs ; He fent on board the Hecatomb; he placed 390 Chryfeis with the blooming cheeks, himfelf, And to UlyfTes gave the freight in charge. So all embarked, and plow'd their wat'ry way. Atrides, next, bade purify the hoif; The ho ft was purified, as he enjoin'd, 395 And the ablution call into the fea. Then to Apollo, on the ihore, they flew, Of the untillable and barren deep, Whole Hecatombs of bulls and goats, whofe fteam 6lowly in fmoky \ r olumes climbed the ikies. 400 Thus was the camp employed ; nor ceas'd the while The ίοπ of Atreus from his threats denounced At firft againft Achilles, but command ve t< Talthybius and Mury bates His heralds, ever faithful to his will. 4ος Halle— Book Ι. Η Ο Μ Ε R's ϊ Ι. Ι Λ D. Π Halle — Seek ye both the tent of Peleus' ion Achilles. Thence lead hither by the hand Blooming Brifeis, whom if he withhold, Not her alone, but other fpoil myfelf Will take in perfon — He iliall rue the hour. 410 With fuch harm meflage charged he them difmifled. They, fad and flow, befide the barren waile Of Ocean, to the galleys and the tents Moved of the Myrmidons. Him there they found Beneath the ihadow of his bark reclined, 41 ς Nor glad at their approach. Trembling they flood, In prefence of the royal Chief, awe-ilruck, Nor queilioned him or fpake. He not the lefs Knew well their embafTy, and thus began. Ye heralds, meflengers of Gods and men, 420 Hail, and draw near ! I bid you welcome both. I blame not you ; the fault is his alone Who fends you to conduct the damfel hence Briieis. Go Patroclus, gen'rous friend ! Lead forth, and to their guidance give the maid. 425 But be themfelves my witnefTes before The blefTed Gods, before mankind, before The ruthlefs king, fliould want of me be felt To fave the noil from havoc * — Oh, his thoughts Are madnefs all ; intelligence or ikill, 430 Forccail or retrofpect, how beil the camp May be fecured from inroad, none hath he. * The original is here abrupt, and exprefles the precipitancy of the fyeakcr by a moil beautiful apofiopefis. D He Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. Book I. He ended, nor Patroclus difobey'd, But leading beautiful Briieis forth Into their guidance gave her; loth fhe went 435 From whom fhe loved, and looking oft behind. Then wept Achilles, and apart from all, With eyes directed to the gloomy Deep And arms outftretch'd, his mother fuppliant fought. Since, mother, though ordain'd fo foon to die, 440 I am thy ion, I might with caufe expeol Some honour at the Thund'rer's hands, but none To me he iho\vs, whom Agamemnon, Chief Of the Achaians, hath himfelf difgraced, Seizing by violence my juft reward. 445 So prayed he weeping, whom his mother heard Within the gulphs of Ocean where ilie fat Befide her antient fire. From the gray flood Afcending fudden, like a miit, ihe came, Sat down before him, ilroak'd his face, and faid. 450 Why weeps my fon ? and what is thy diitrefs ? Hide not a forrow that I vvifli to iliare. To whom Achilles, iighing deep, replied. Why tell thee woes to thee already known ? At Thebes, Eetion's city, we arrived, 455 Smote, fack'd it, and brought all the fpoil away. Juft diftribution made among the Greeks, The fon of Atreus for his lot received Chryfeis. Her, Apollo's prieil Old Chryfes followed to Achaia's camp, 460 That he might loofe his daughter. Ranfom rich He brought, and in his hands the hallow'd wreath And Βοοκϊ. HOMER's ILIAD. ι 9 And golden fceptre of the Archer God Apollo, bore ; to the whole Greecian hoir, But chiefly to the foremoil in command 465 He fued, the ions of Atreus ; then, the reft All recommended reverence of the Seer, And prompt acceptance of his cofrly giftfc But Agamemnon might not fo be pleafed, Who gave him rude difmiffion ; he, in wrath 470 Returning, prayed, whofe pray'r Apollo heard, For much he lov'd him. A peitif'rous iliaft He inftant iliot into the Greecian holl, And heap'd the people died. His arrows fwept The whole wide camp of Greece, 'till at the laft 475 A Seer, by Phoebus taught, explain' d the caufe. I firit advifed propitiation. Rage Fired Agamemnon. Riiing, he denounced Vengeance, and hath fulfilled it. She, in truth, Is gone to Chryfa, and with her we fend 480 Propitiation alio to the King Shaft-arm'd Apollo. But my beauteous prize Brifeis, mine by the award of all, His Heralds, at this moment, lead away. But thou, wherein thou can'il, aid thy own ron ! 48 5 Hafte hence to Heav'n, and if thy word or deed Hath ever gratified the heart of Jove, With earned fuit prefs him on my behalf. For I, not feldom, in my father's hall Have heard thee boailing, how when once the Gods, 490 With Juno, Neptune, Pallas at their head, Confpired to bind the Thund'rer, thou did'il loofe D 2 His . ;o 3 Μ Ε R's ILIA D. Book I. His bands, Ο Goddefs ! calling to his aid The Hundred-handed warrior, by the Gods Briareus, but by men .Egeon named. 495 r he in prowefs and in might iurpafTed His father Neptune, who, enthroned fublime, Sits fecond only to Satnrnian Jove, Elate with glory and joy. Him all the Gods Fearing from that bold enterprize abftained. 500 Now, therefore, of thele things reminding Jove, Embrace his knees; entreat him that he give The holt, of Troy his fuccour, and fhut fait The routed Greecians, pris'ners in the fleet,' That all may find much -•• lblace in their King, 505 And that the mighty fovereign o'er them all, Their Agamemnon, may himfelf be taught His rafhnefs, who hath thus difhonour'd foul The life itfelf, and bulwark of his caufe. To him, with itreaming eyes, Thetis replied. 510 Born as thou waft to forrow, ah, my ion ! Why have I rear'd thee ? Would that without tears, Or caufe for tears (traniient as is thy life, A little fpan) thy days might pafs at Troy ! But ihort and forrowful the fates ordain 515. Thy life, peculiar trouble muft be thine, Whom, therefore, Oh that I had never borne ! But feeking the Olympian hill fnow-crown'd, I will myfelf plead for thee in the ear Of Jove, the Thund'rcr. Meantime at thy fleet ^20 Abiding, let thy wrath againft the Greeks ;~y.i t Still Book Ι. Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s ILIAD. Still burn, and altogether ceafe from war. For to the banks of the * Oceanus, Where ^Ethiopia holds a feail to Jove, He journeyed yeilerday, with whom the Gods 52 j Went alio, and the twelfth day brings them home. Then will I to his brazen-floord abode, That I may clafp his knees, and much mifdeem Of my endeavour, or my prayer ihall fpeed. So faying, fhe went; but him fhe left enraged 530 For fair Brifeis' fake, forced from his arms By flrefs of pow'r. Meantime UlyiTes came To Chryfa with the Hecatomb in charge. Arrived within the haven t deep, their fails Furling) they flowed them in the bark below. 535 Then by its tackle low'ring fwift the mail Into its crutch, they brifkly pufh'd to land, Heav'd anchors out, and moor'd the veifel fail. Forth came the mariners, and trod the beach ; Forth came the victims of Apollo next, 540 And, lail, Chryfeis. Her UlyiTes led Toward the altar, gave her to the arms Of her own father, and him thus addrefs'd. Ο Chryfes ! Agamemnon, King of men, Hath fent thy daughter home, with whom we bring 543 An Hecatomb on all our hoils behalf To Phoebus, hoping to appeafe the God By whofe dread fhafts the Argives now expire. A name by which we are frequently to undcriranJ the Nile in Homer» f The original word (tto ) feems to exprefs variety of founding*, an probably not to be conveyed in an Englifli epithet. So :2 HO Γνί Ε R'l I LI A D. Book 1. So faying, he gave her to him, who with joy Received his daughter. Then, before the ilirine 550 Magnificent in order due they ranged The noble Hecatomb. Each laved his hands And took the falted meal, and Chryfes made His fervent pray'r with hands upraifed on high. God of the filver bow, who with thy pow'r 555 Encircleft Chryfa, and who reign'ft fupreme In Tenedos, and Cilia the divine ! Thou prov'dft propitious to my flrit requeft, Haft honoured me, and puniih'd fore the Greeks; Hear yet thy fervanfs pray'r; take from their hoft 560 At once the loathfome peftilence away ! So Chryfes prayed, whom Phoebus heard well-pleafed ; Then prayed the Grcecians alfo, and with meal Sprinkling the victims, their retracted necks Firft pierced, then flay'd them; the disjointed thighs 565 They, next, inverted with the double caw!, Which with crude ilices thin they overfprcad. The prieft burned incenfe, and libation poured Large on the hiding brands, while, him beiide, Bufywith fpit and prong, flood many a youth 570 Trained to the taik. The thighs with fire confumed, They gave to each his portion of the maw, Then flaihed the remnant, pierced it with the fpits, And managing with culinary fkill The roait, withdrew it from the fpits again. 575 Their whole taik thus accompliih'd, and the board Set forth, they feailed, and were all fuiTiced. When neither hunger more nor thirft remained Unfatisfied, Book I. IIOMER's ILIAD. *3 Unfatisfied, boys crown'd the beakers high With wine delicious, and from right to left 580 Diftributing the cups, fcrvYl ev'ry gueil. Thenceforth the youths of the Achaian race To fong propitiatory gave the day, Paeans to Phoebus, Archer of the ikies, Chaunting melodious. Pleas'd, Apollo heard. 5^5 But, when, the fun defending, darknefs fell, They on the beach befide their hawfers llept ; And, when the day fpring's daughter, rofy-palm'd Aurora lock'd abroad, then back they ileer'd To the vail camp. Fair wind, and blowing freih, 590^ Apollo fent them ; quick they rear'd the mail, Then fpread th' unfullied canvas to the gale, And the wind filled it. Roared the fable flood Around the bark, that ever as fhe went DaftYd wide the brine, and fcudded fwift away. 595 Thus reaching foon the lpacious camp of Greece, Their galley they updrew fheer o'er the fands From the rude furge remote, then propp'd her fides With fcantlings long, and fought their fev'ral tents. But Peleus 9 noble fon, the fpeed-renown'd 600 Achilles, he, his well-built bark befide, Confum'd his hours, nor would in council more, Where wife men win diitinclion, or in fight Appear, to forrow and heart-with'ring woe Abandon'd ; though for battle, ardent, ilill 605 He panted, and the ihout-refounding field. But when the twelfth fair morrow flreak'd the EaiT, Then all the everlailing Gods to Hcav'n Reforted, 11U Μ KR's ILIAD. Book I. Reforted, with the Thund'rer at their head, And Thetis, not unmindful of her ion 610 From the fait flood emerged, feeking betimes Olympus and the boundlefs fields of heav'n. High, on the topmoft eminence fublime Of the deep-fork'd Olympian The perceiv'd ' ν Thund'rer fcated, from the Gods apart. 615 fat before him, clafped with her left hand His knees, her right beneath his chin ihe placed, And thus the King, Saturnian Jove, implored. Father of all, by all that I have done Or faid that ever pleafed thee, grant my fuit. 620 Exalt my ion, by deltiny ihort-liv'd Beyond the lot of others. Him with fhame The King of men hath overwhelmed, by force; Ufurping his juft meed ; thou, therefore, Jove, Supreme in wifdom,. honour him, and give 625 Succefs to Troy, till all Achaia's fons Shall yield him honour more than he hath loft ! She ipake, to whom the Thund'rer nought replied, it filent fat long time. She, as her hand 1 grown there, lull importunate, his knees 630 Clafp'd as at iirft, and thus her fuit renewed. Or grant my prayer, and ratify the grant, ( 'end me hence (for thou hall none to fear) Plainly refined ; that 1 may know and feel JJy how much I am leaft of all in heav'n. 635 To whom the ι lud-aliembler at the laft Spake, deep-diftrefs'd. Hard taik and full of ftrife halt enjoined me ; Juno will not fpare For Book Ι. Η Ο Μ Κ Rs ILIAD. 25 For gibe and taunt injurious, whofe complaint Sounds daily in the ears of all the Gods, 640 That I ailift the Trojans ; but depart, Left ilie obferve thee ; my concern mall be How beil I may perform thy full deiire. And to afTure thee more, I give the iign Indubitable, which all fear ex pells 645 At once from heavenly minds. Nought, fo confirmed, May, after, be reverfed or render'd vain. He ceafed, and under his dark brows the nod Vouchfafed of confirmation. All around The Sov'reign's everlafting head his curls 650 Ambroiial ihook, and the huge mountain reeled. Their conf'rence clofed, they parted. She, at once, From bright Olympus plunged into the flood Profound, and Jove to his own courts withdrew. Together all the Gods, at his approach, 65$ Uprofe ; none fat expectant till he came, But all advanced to meet th' Eternal Sire• So on his throne he fat. Nor Juno him Not understood ; ih e J watchful, had obferved, In confultation clofe with Jove engaged 660 Thetis, bright-footed daughter of the deep, And keen the fon of Saturn thus reproved. Shrewd as thou art, who now hath had thine ear ? Thy joy is ever fuch, from me apart To plan and plot clandeftine, and thy thoughts, 66$ Think what thou may 'ft, are always barred to me. To whom the father, thus, of heav'n and earth. Expect not, Juno, that thou fhalt partake Ε My 2 6 HOMER's ILIAD. Book. I. My counfds at all times, which oft in height And depth, thy comprehenfion far exceed, 670 Jove's confort as thou art. When aught occurs Meet for thine ear, to none will I impart Of Gods or men more free than to thyfelf. But for my fecret thoughts, which I withold From all in heav'n befide, them learch not thou 675 With irkfome curioilty and vain. Him anfwer'd then the Goddefs ample-eyed What word hath pafTed thy lips, Saturnian Jove, Thou moil fevere ! I never iearch thy thoughts, Nor the ferenity of thy profound 680 Intentions trouble ; they are fafe from me ; But now there feems a caufe. Deeply I dread Left Thetis, iilver-footed daughter fair Of Ocean's hoary Sov'reign, here arrived At early dawn to practice on thee, Jove I 685 I noticed her a fuitrefs at thy knees, And much mifdeem or promife-bound thou iland'il To Thetis pail recall, t' exalt her fon, And Greeks to ilaughter thoufands at the iliips. To whom the cloud-afTembler God, incenfed. 690 Ah fubtle ! Ever teeming with furmife, And fathomer of my concealed defigns, Thy toil is vain, or (which is worle for thee) Shall but eilrange thee from mine heart the more. And be it as thou iayeit — I am well pleafed 695 That fo it ihould be. Be advifed, defiil, Hold thou thy peace. Elfe, if my glorious hands Once Book Ι. Η Ο Μ Ε R * s I L I A D. 27 Once reach thee, the Olympian Pow'rs combined To rcicue thee, ihall interfere in vain. He faid, — whom Juno, awful Goddefs, heard 700 Appall'd, and mute iubmitted to his wijl. But through the courts of Jove the heav'nly Pow'rs All felt difpleafure ; when to them aroie Vulcan, illuilrious artift, who with fpeech Conciliatory interpofed to (both 705 His white-arm'd mother Juno, Goddefs dread. Hard doom is ours, and not to be endured, If feaft and merriment muft paufe in heav'n While ye fuch clamour raife tumultuous here For man's unworthy fake ; yet thus we fpeed 710 Ever, when evil overpoifes good. But I exhort my mother, though herfelf Already warn'd, that meekly ihe fubmit To Jove our father, left our father chide More roughly, and confufion mar the feaft. 715 For the Olympian Thund'rer could with eafe Us from our thrones precipitate, fo far He reigns to all fuperior. Seek to afTuage His anger therefore ; fo iliall he with fmiles Chear thee, nor thee alone, but all in heav'n. 720 So Vulcan, and, upftarting, placed a cup Full-charged between his mother's hands, and faid. My mother, be advifed, and, though aggrieved, Yet patient ; left I fee thee whom I love So dear, with ftripes chaftized before my face, 725 Willing, but impotent to give thee aid. Who can refill: the Thund'rer ? Me, when once Ε 2 1 flew is HOMER's ILIAD, Book I. I flew to favc thee, by the foot he feiz'd And hurl'd me through the portal of the fkies. " From morn to eve I fell, a iummers' day," 730 And dropped, at lait, in Lemnos. There half- dead The Sintians found me, and with fuceour prompt And hofpitablc, entertained me fall'n. So He ; then Juno fmiled, Goddefs white-arm'd, cd fmiling itill, from his -unwonted hand 735 Received the goblet. He from right to left Rich nectar from the beaker drawn, alert Diftributed to all the pow'rs divine. Heav'n rang with laughter inextinguiihable Peal after peal, fuch pleafure all conceived 740 At fight of Vulcan in his new employ. So fpent they in feftivity the day, And all were cheered ; nor was Apollo's harp Silent, nor did the Mufes fpare to add Refponfive melody of vocal fweets. 745 But when the fun's bright orb had now declined, Each to his manfion, wherefoever built By the lame matchlefs Architect, withdrew. Jove alfo, kindler of the fires of heav'n, His couch afcending as at other times 750 When gentle flcep approach'd him, ilept ferene, With golden-fceptred Juno at his fide. * The reader, in order that he may partake with the Gods in the drollery of this fcene, ihould obferve that the crippled and diftorted Vulcan had thrulk himfelf into an uffic•. uxlminilter'd cither by Hebe or Ganymede. A R G U- ARGUMENT OF THE SECOND BOOK. Jupiter, in purfuance of his purpofe to diftrefs the Greecians in anfwer to the prayer of Thetis, deceives Agamemnon by a dream- He, in confequence of it, calls a council, the refult of which is that the army ihall go forth to battle. Therfites is mutinous, and is chaftized by UlyiTes. UlyiTes, Neitor and Agamemnon harangue the people ; and preparation is made for battle. An exa<£t. account follows of the forces on both fides. BOOK II. A LL night both Gods and Chiefs eqneilrian ilept, But not the Sire of all. He, waking foon, Mufed how to exalt Achilles, and deftroy No few in battle at the Greecian fleet. This counfel, at the laft, as beil he chofe 5 And likelieil ; to difpatch an evil Dream To Agamemnon's tent, and to his fide The phantom fummoning, him thus addrefled. Hafte, evil Dream ! Fly to the Greecian fleet, And, cnt'ring royal Agamemnon's tent, ig His ear pofTefs thou thus, omitting nought Of all that I enjoin thee. Bid him arm His univerfal holt, for t^iat the time When the Achaians ihall at length poifefs Wide Ilium, hath arrived. The Gods above 15 No 30 Π Ο Μ Ε R's I L 1 A D. Boot II. No longer dwell at variance. The requcft Of Juno hath prevailed; now, Woe to Troy! j charged, the Dream departed. At the mips Well-built arriving of Achaia's hoft, He Agamemnon, ion of Atreus, fought. 20 Him fleeping in his tent he found, immerfed In foft repofe ambroiial. At his head The ill ado w flood, fimilitude exact Of Neftor, fon of Neleus ; fage, with whom In Agamemnon's thought might none compare. 25 His form affumed, the facred Dream began. Oh fon of Atreus the renown'd in arms And in the race ! Sleep' ft thou ? It ill behoves To ileep all night the man of high employ, And charged, as thou art, with a people's care. 30 Now, therefore, mark me well, who, fent from Jove, Inform thee, that although fo far remote, He yet compafTionates and thinks on thee With kind folicitude. He bids thee arm Thine univcrfal hoft, for that the time 35 When the Achaians ihall at length poflefs Wide Ilium, hath arrived. The Gods above No longer dwell at variance. The requefts Of Juno have prevail'd. Now, woe to Troy From Jove himfelf ! Her fate is on the wing. 40 Awaking from thy dewy flumbers, hold In firm remembrance all that thou haft heard. So fpake the Dream, and van idling, him left In falfe hopes occupied and mufings vain. Full fure he thought, ignorant of the plan 45 By Book II. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIA D. 31 By Jove defign'd, that day the la ft of Troy. Fond thought! For toils and agonies to Gr£ek And Trojans hoth, in many α bloody field To be endured, The ThiincPrer yet ordain'd. Starting he woke, and feeming ftill to hear 50 The warning voice divine, with hafty leap » Sprang from his bed, and fat. His fleecy veft New-woven he put on, and mantle wide ; His fandals fair to his unfullied feet He braced, and flung his argent-ftudded fword. 55 Then, incorruptible for evermore The fceptre of his fires he took, with which He iffued forth into the camp of Greece. Aurora now on the Olympian heights Proclaiming flood new day to all in heav'n, 60 When he his clear-voiced heralds bade convene The Greeks in council. Went the fummons forth Into all quarters, and the throng began. Firft, at the ihip of Neftor, Pylian King, The fenior Chiefs for high exploits renown'd 65 He gather'd, whom he prudent thus addrefs'd. My fellow- warriors hear ! A dream from heav'n, Amid the ftillnefs of the vacant night Approach'd me, femblance clofe in ftature, bulk. And air, of noble Neftor. At mine head 70 The ihadow took his• ftand, and thus he fpakc. Oh fon of Atreus the renown'd in arms And in the race, ileep'ft thou ? It ill beho\ es To ileep all night the man of high employ, And charged as thou art with a people's care. 75 Now -ρ Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. Βυακ Π. Now, therefore, mark me well, who, lent from Jove, Inform thee, that although fo far remote, lie yet compailionates and thinks on thee With kind iblicitude. He bids thee arm Thine univerfal holt ; for that the time So When the Achaians lhall at length poflefs Wide Ilium, hath arrived. The Gods above No longer dwell at variance. The requeils Of Juno have prevail'd, Now, woe to Troy From Jove himfelf ! Her fate is on the wing. 85 Charge this on thy remembrance. Thus he fpake, Then vanifhed fuddenly, and I awoke. Hafte therefore, let us arm, *if arm we may, The warlike fons of Greece ; but firit, myfelf Will prove them, recommending inftant flight 90 With all our ihips, and ye throughout the hoft Difperfed, ihall, next, encourage all to ftay. He ceafed, and fat ; when in the midil arofe Of higheft fame for wifdom, Neitor, King Of fandy Pylus, who them thus befpake. 95 Friends, Counfellors, and Leaders of the Greeks ! Had any meaner Argive told his dream, We had pronounced it falfe, and fhoukl the more Have ihrunk from battle; but the dream is his Who boafts himfelf our Higheft in command. 100 Hafte, arm we, if we may, the fons of Greece. So faying, he left the council ; him, at once, The fceptred Chiefs, obedient to his voice, * Agamemnon fecms to entertain Come doubts left the army ihould fo rcfent his trea'.ment of their favorite Achilles, as to be indiipofed to fervc him. Arifing, Book II. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIA D. 33 Arifing, folio w'd ; and the throng began. As from the hollow rock bees itream abroad, 105 And in fucccflion endlefs feek the fields, Now clufVring, and now fcattered far and near, In fpring-time, among all the new-blown flowers, So they to council fwarm'd, troop after troop, Greecians of ev'ry tribe, from camp and fleet no AfTembling orderly o'er all the plain Beiide the fhore of Ocean. In the midit A kindling rumour, mefTenger of Jove, Impell'd them, and they went. Loud was the din Of the afTembling thoufands ; groan'd the earth 115 When down they fat, and murmurs ran around. Nine heralds cried aloud — will ye reftrain Your clamours, that your heav'n-taught Kings may fpeak ? Scarce were they fettled, and the clang had ceafed, When Agamemnon, fov'reign o'er them all, 120 Sceptre in hand, arofe. (That fceptre erft Vulcan with labour forged and to the hand Confign'd it of the King, Saturnian Jove ; Jove to the * vanquiiher of Ino's f guard, And he to Pelops ; Pelops, in his turn, 125 To royal Atreus ; Atreus at his death Bequeathed it to Thyeiles rich in flocks, And rich Thyeiles left it to be borne By Agamemnon, fymbol of his right To empire over Argos and her iiles) 130 On that he lean'd, and, rapid, thus began. * Mercury. f Argus. F Friends, j 4 noMER's ILIAD, Book IL Friends, Grcecian Heroes, minifters of Mars ! Ye fee me here entangled in the fnares Of unpropitious Jove. He promifed once, And with a nod confirm'd it, that with fpoils 13s Of Ilium laden, we ihould hence return ; But now, devifing ill, he fends me iliamed, And with diminifhed numbers, home to Greece. So ftands his fov'reign pleafure, who hath laid The bulwarks of full many a city low, 140 And more ihall level, matchlefs in his might. That fuch a numerous hoft of Greeks as we, Warring with fewer than ourfelves, ihould find- No fruit of all our toil, (and none appears) Will make us vile with ages yet to come. 145 For ihould we now ftrike truce, till Greece and Troy Might number each her own, and were the Greeks Diftributed in bands, ten Greeks in each, Our banded decads ihould exceed fo far Their units, that all Troy could not fupply 1 50 For ev'ry ten, a man, to fill us wine ; So far th' Achaians, in my thought, furpafs The native Trojans. But in Troy are thofe Who baffle much my purpofe ; aids derived From other ilates, fpear-arm'd auxiliars, firm 155 In the defence of Ilium's lofty tow'rs. Nine years have pafTed us over, nine long years ; Our ihips arc rotted, and our tackle marred, And all our w ives and little-ones at home Sit watching our return, while this attempt 160 Hangs ftill in doubt, for which that home we left. Accept Book II. HOMER'sILIAD. 35 Accept ye then my counfel. Fly we iwift With all our fleet back to our native land, Hopelefs of Troy, not yet to be fubdued. So fpake the King, whom all the concourfe heard 165 With minds in tumult toiled ; all, fave the few, Partners of his intent. Commotion fhook The whole afTembly, fuch as heaves the flood Of the Icarian Deep, when South and Eafl Buril forth together from the clouds of Jove. 170 And as when vehement the Weil-wind falls On {landing corn mature, the loaded ears Innumerable bow before the gale, So was the council ihaken. With a fhout All flew toward the fhips ; uprais'd, the duft 175 Stood o'er them ; univerfal was the cry, " Now clear the pafTages, ilrike down the props, " Set every vefTel free, launch, and away !" Heaven rang with exclamation of the hoil All homeward bent, and launching glad the fleet. 180 Then baffled Fate had the Achaians fcen Returning premature, but Juno thus, With admonition quick to Pallas fpake. UnconquerYl daughter of Jove ./Egis-arm'd ! Ah foul diihonour ! Is it thus at lail 185 That the Achaians on the billows borne, Shall feek again their country, leaving here, To be the vaunt of Ilium and her King, Helen of Argos, in whofe caule the Greeks Have num'rous perifh'd from their home remote? 190 Haile ! Seek the mail-arm'd multitude, by force F 2 Detain IIOMER's ILIAD. Book II. Detain them of thy foothing fpeech, e'er yet All launch their oary barks into the flood. She fpake, nor did Minerva not comply, But darting fwift from the Olympian heights, 195 Reach'd foon Achaia's fleet. There, ihe perceived Prudent as Jove himfelf, UlyfTes ; firm He Hood ; he touch'd not even with his hand His fable bark, for forrow whelm'd his foul. The Athencean Goddefs azure-eyed 20a Befide him flood, and thus the Chief befpake. Laertes' noble fon, for wiles renown'd ! Why feek ye, thus precipitate, your fhips ? Intend ye flight ? And is it thus at laft, That the Achaians on the billows borne, 205 Shall feek again their country, leaving here, To be the vaunt of Ilium and her King, Helen of Argos, in whofe caufe the Greeks Have num'rous periih'd from their home remote? Delay not. Ruih into the throng; by force 210 Detain them of thy foothing fpeech, e'er yet All launch their oary barks into the flood. She ceafed, whom by her voice UlyfTes knew. Calling his mantle from him, which his friend Eurybates the Ithacenfian caught, 215 He ran ; and in his courfe meeting the fon Of Atreus, Agamemnon, from his hand The everlafting fceptre quick received, Which bearing, through Achaia's fleet he pafs'd. What King ibevcr, or diilinguihYd Greek 220 lie found, approaching to his fide, in terms Of Book II. HOMER'sILIAD. 37 Of gentle fort he ftay'd him. Sir, he cried, It is unfeemly that a man renownYl As thou, ihould tremble. Go — Refume the feat Which thou hail left, and bid the people fit. 225 Thou know'ft not clearly yet the monarch's mind. He proves us now, but foon he will chaftize. All were not prefent ; few of us have heard His fpeech this day in council. Oh, beware, Left in refentment of this hafty courfe 230 Irregular, he let his anger loofe. Dread is the anger of a King ; he reigns By Jove's own ord'nance, and is dear to Jove. But what plebeian bafe fo 'ere he heard Stretching his throat to fwell the gen'ral cry, 235 He lay'd the fceptre fmartly on his back, With reprimand fevere. Fellow, he faid, Sit ftill ; hear others ; thy fuperiors hear. For who art thou ? A dailard and a drone, Of none account in council, or in arms. 240 By no means may we all alike bear fway At Ilium ; fuch plurality of Kings Were evil. One fufFices. One, to whom The fon of politic Saturn hath aihgn'd The fceptre, and inforcement of the laws, 245 That he may rule us as a monarch ought. With fuch authority the troubled hoft He fway'd ; they, quitting camp and fleet again, Rufh'd back to council ; deaf 'ning was the found As when a billow of the boill'rous deep 250 Some broad beach dafhes, and the ocean roars. The 3 5 HOMER's ILIAD. Book It The hoft all feated, and the benches fill'd, Therfitcs only of loquacious tongue Ungovern'd, clamour'd mutinous ; a wretch Of utt'rance prompt, but in coarfe phrafe obfcene ϊ$$ Deep-leanVd alone, with which to flander Kings. Might he but fet the rabble in a roar, He cared not with what jeit ; of all from Greece To Ilium fent, his country's chief reproach. : III. II Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. 75 But when both fat, UlyiTes in his air Had more of ftate and dignity than he. In the deliv'ry of a fpeech addrefs'd To the full fen ate, Menelaus ufed Few words, but to the matter, fitly ranged, 255 And with much fweetnefs utter'd ; for in loofe And idle play of oitentatious terms He dealt not, though he were the younger man. But when the wife UlyiTes from his feat Had once arifen, he would his downcaft eyes 260 So rivet on the earth, and with an hand That feem'd untutor'd in it's ufe, fo hold His fceptre, fwaying it to neither fide, That hadft thou feen him, thou hadft thought him, fure, Some chafed and angry ideot, paffion-fixt. 265 Yet, when at length, the clear and mellow bafe Of his deep voice brake forth, and he let fall His chofen words like flakes of feather'd mow, None then might match UlyiTes ; leifure, then, Found none to wonder at his noble form. 270 The third of whom the venerable king Enquired, was Ajax. — Yon Achaian tall, Whofe head and ihoulders tow'r above the reft, And of fuch bulk prodigious — who is he ? Him anfwer'd Helen, loveliefl of her fex. 275 A bulwark of the Greeks. In him thou feeft Gigantic Ajax. Oppofite appear The Cretans, and among the Chiefs of Crete Stands, like a God, Idomeneus. Him oft From Crete arrived, was Menelaus wont 280 L 2 To 7 6 HUMER's ILIAD. Book III. To entertain ; and others now I fee, Achaians, whom I could recall to mind, And give to each his name ; but two brave youths I yet diicern not ; for equeftrian ikill One famed, and one a boxer never foiled; 285 My brothers ; born of Leda ; fons of Jove ; Caftor and Pollux. Either they abide In lovely Sparta ilill, or if they came, Decline the fight, by my difgrace abafh'd, And the reproaches which have fallen on me. 290 She faid ; but they already ilept inhumed In Lacedemon, in their native foil. And now the heralds, through the ftreets of Troy Charged with the lambs, and with a goat-ikin filled With heart-exhilarating wine prepared 295 For that divine folemnity, return'cL Idaeus in his hand a beaker bore Refplendent, with its fellow cups of gold, And thus he fummon'd antient Priam forth. Son of Laomedon, arife. The Chiefs 30a Call thee, the Chiefs of Ilium and of Greece. Defcend into the plain. We itrike a truce, And need thine oath to bind it. Paris fights With warlike Menelaus for his fpoufe, Their ipears decide the ltrife. The conqueror wins 505 Helen and all her treafures. W r c, thenceforth, (Peace fworn and amity) iliall dwell fccure In Troy, while they to Argos iliall return And to A thai a praifed for women fair. He Book III. HOMER' s ILIAD. 77 He fpake, and Priam, (hudd'ring, bade his train 310 Prepare his fteeds ; they fedulous obey'd. Firft, Priam mounting, backward ftretch'd the reins ; Antenor, next, beiide him fat, and through The Scaean gate they drove into the plain. Arriving at the hofts of Greece and Troy 315 They left the chariot, and proceeded both Into the interval between the hofts. Then, uprofe Agamemnon, and uprofe All- wife Ulyfles. Next, the heralds came Confpicuous forward, expediting each 320 The ceremonial ; they the beaker fill'd With wine, and to the hands of all the kings Minifter'd water. Agamemnon then Drawing his dagger which he ever bore Appendant to his heavy faulchion's (heath, 32 " Cut off the forelocks of the lambs, of which The heralds gave to ev'ry Greecian Chief A portion, and to all the Chiefs of Troy. Then Agamemnon rais'd his hands, and pray'd. Jove, father, who from Ida itretcheft forth 330 Thine arm omnipotent, o'er-ruling all, And thou, all-feeing and all-hearing fun, Ye rivers, and thou confcious earth, and ye Who under earth on human kind avenge. Severe, the guilt of violated oaths, 33 - Hear ye, and ratify what now we fwear ! Should Paris (lay the hero amber-hair'd, My brother Mcnelaus, Helen's wealth And Helen's felf are his, and all our hoft Shall -g Η Ο Μ Κ R's I L I A D. Book III. Shall home return to Greece; but mould it chance 340 That Paris fall by Menelaus' hand, Then Troy lliall render back what fhe detains, With iuch amercement as is meet, a fum To be remember\l in all future times. Which penalty ihould Priam and his fons 345 Not pay, though Paris fall, then here in arms I will contend for payment of the mulct My due, 'till, fatisfied, I clofe the war. He faid, and with his ruthlefs fteel the lambs Stretch'd panting all, but foon they ceas'd to pant, 350 For mortal was the itroke. Then drawing forth Wine from the beaker, they with brimming cups IlailVl the immortal Gods, and prayYl again, And many a Greecian thus and Trojan fpake ; All-glorious Jove, and ye^the pow'rs of heaven, 355 Whofo fhall violate this contract firft, So be the brains of them and of their fons Pour'd out, as we this wine pour on the earth, And may their wives bring forth to other men ! So they; but them Jove heard not. Then arofe 360 Priam, the fon of Dardanus, and faid, Hear me, ye Trojans and ye Greeks well-arm'd. Hence back to wind-fwept Ilium I return, liable to fuftain the fight, my fon i like Menelaus match'd in arms. 365 Jove knows, and the immortal Gods, to whom Of both, tlii.•. day is preorclain'd the lait. ipakc the God-like monarch, and difpofed Within the royal chariot all the lambs; Then, Book III. HOMER's ILIAD. 5 Then, mounting, check'd the reins ; Antcnor next 370 Afcended, and to Ilium both returned. Firft, Hector and Ulyffes, noble Chief, Meaiur'd the ground ; then taking lots for proof Who of the combatants mould foremoft hurl His fpear, they ihook them in a brazen cafque; 375 Meantime the people raifed their hands on high, And many a Greecian thus, and Trojan pray'd. Jove, Father, who on Ida feated, feeft And ruleil all below, glorious in pow'r ί Of thefe two champions, to the drear abodes 380 Of Ades him appoint who furniih'd firil The caufe of ftrife between them, and let peace Oath-bound, and amity unite the reit ! So fpake the hofts ; then Hector ihook the lots, Majeftic Chief, turning his face afide. 385 Forth fprang the lot of Paris. They in ranks Sat all, where flood the fiery fteeds of each, And where his radiant arms lay on the field. Illuftrious Alexander his bright arms Put on, fair Helen's paramour. He clafp'd 390 His poliih'd greaves with filver ftuds fecured ; His brother's corilet to his breail he bound, Lycaon's, apt to his own ihape and fize, And flung athwart his ihoulders, bright embofs'd, His brazen fword ; his mafTy buckler broad 395 He took, and to his graceful head his cafque A dj uftcd elegant, which, as he moved, It's bufliy creft waved dreadful ; laft he feized, Well fitted to his gripe, his poncVrous fy^ ar. Meantime 3ο Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. Book III. Meantime the hero Menelaus made 400 Like preparation, and his arms put on. When thus, from all the multitude apart, Both combatants had arm'd, with eyes that flaili'd Defiance to the middle fpace they ilrode, Trojans and Greeks between. Aitoniihment 405 Seized all beholders. On the meafured ground Full near they flood, each brandiihing on high His maiTy fpear, and each was fiery wroth. Firit, Alexander his long-ihadow'd fpear Sent forth, and on his fmooth ihield's furface ilruck 410 The foil of Atreus, but the brazen guard Pierced not, for at the diik, with blunted point Reflex, his inefTeotual weapon ilay'd. Then Menelaus to the fight advanced Impetuous, after pray'r offer'd to Jove. 415 King over all ! now grant me to avenge My wrongs on Alexander ; now fubdue Th' aggrefibr under me ; that men unborn May iliudder at the thought of faith abufed, And hofpitality with rape repaid. 420 He faid, and brandiihing his maiTy fpear, Difmifs'd it. Through the burnifli'd buckler broad Of Priam's fon the itormy weapon flew, Tranfpierccd his coftly hauberk, and the veil Ripp'd on his flank; but with a fideward bend 425 He baffled it, and banlk'd the dreadful death. Then Menelaus drawing his bright blade, Swung it aloft, and on the hairy crcll Smote him ; but fhivcrd into fragments fmall The Book III. II Ο Μ Ε R's I L Ι Λ D. Si The faulchion at the ilrokc fell from his hand. 430 Vexation fill'd him ; to the fpacious heav'ns He look'd, and with a voice of woe exclaim'd — Jupiter ! of all pow'rs by man adored To me moil adverfe ! Confident I hoped Revenge for Paris' treafon, but my fword 4 Is ihiver'd, and I fped my fpear in vain. So faying, he fprang on him, and his long creil Seized fail ; then, turning, drew him by that hold Toward the Greecian hoil. The broiderYl band That underbraced his helmet at the chin, 440 Strain'd to his fmooth neck with a ceafelefs force, Choak'd him ; and now had Menelaus won Deathlefs renown, dragging him off the field, But Venus, foam-fprung Goddefs, feeling quick His peril imminent, fhapp'd lliort the brace 445 Though ilubborn, by a * ilaughter'd ox fupplied, And the void helmet follow'd as he pull'd. That prize the Hero, whirling it aloft, Threw to his Greeks, who caught it and fecurcd, Then with vindictive itrides he rufh'd again 450 On Paris, fpear in hand ; but him involved In mift opaque Venus with eafe divine Snatch'd thence, and in his chamber placed him, fill'd With fcents odorous, fpirit-foothing fweets. Nor ilay'd the Goddefs, but at once in que ft 45 ς Of Helen went ; her on a lofty tow*r She found, where many a damfel flood of Troy, * Becaufe the hide of a heart that dies in health is tougher . for ufe than of another that dies difeafe Μ And 8a HOMER's ILIAD. Book III. And twitch*d her fragrant robe. In form fhe feem'd An antient matron, who, while Helen dwelt In Lacedaemon, her unfullied wool 460 Drefs'd for her, faithfullelt of all her train. Like her difguifed the Goddefs thus began. Hafte — Paris calls thee — on his fculptur'd couch (Sparkling alike his looks and his attire) He waits thy wiih'd return. Thou would'il not dream 465 That he had fought ; he rather feems prepared For dance, or after dance, for foft repofe. So faying, fhe tumult railed in Helen's mind. Yet foon as by her fymmetry of neck, By her love-kindling breafts and luminous eyes 470 She knew the Goddefs, her fhe thus befpake. Ah whence, deceitful deity ! thy wifh Now to enfnare me ? Would'il thou lure me, fay,, To lb me fair city of Mceonian name Or Phrygian, more remote from Sparta (till ? 475. Haft thou fome human fav'rite alfo there ? Is it becaufe Atridcs hath prevailed To vanquiih Paris, and would bear me home Unworthy as I am, that thou attempt'ft Again to cheat me ? Go thyfelf — fit thou 480 Befide him — for his fake renounce the ikies ; Watch him, weep for him ; till at length his wife lie deign to make thee, or perchance his Have. I go not (now to go were ihame indeed) To drefs his couch; nor will I be the jefl 485 Of all my fex in Ilium. Oh ! my griefs Are infinite, and more than I can bear. To Book III. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L Ι Λ D. * ο To whom, the foam-fprung Goddcfs thus, incenfed. Ah wretch ! provoke not me ; left in my wrath Abandoning thee, I not hate thee lefs 490 Than now I fondly love thee, and beget Such deteftation of thee in all hearts, Greecian and Trojan, that thou die abhorrM. The Goddefs ceas'd. Jove's daughter, Helen, fear'd, And, in her lucid veil clofe wrapt around, 495 Silent retired, of all thofe Trojan dames Unfeen, and Venus led, herfelf, the way. Soon then as Alexander's fair abode They reach'd, her maidens quick their taiks refumed, And fhe to her own chamber lofty-roof 'd 500 Afcended, lovelieft of her fex. A feat For Helen, daughter of Jove ./Egis-arm'd, To Paris oppoiite, the Queen of fmiles Herfelf difpofed ; but with averted eyes She fat before him, and him keen reproach'd. 505 Thou haft efcaped. — Ah would that thou had'ft died By that heroic arm, mine hufband's erft ! Thou once didft vaunt thee in addrefs and ftrength Superior. Go then — challenge yet again The warlike Menelaus forth to fight. 510 But hold. The hero of the amber locks Provoke no more fo raihly, left the point Of his victorious fpear foon ftretch thee dead. She ended, to whom Paris thus replied. Ah Helen, wound me not with taunt fevere ! 515 Me, Menelaus, by Minerva's aid, Hath vanquiih'd now, who may hereafter, him. Μ 2 We 8 4 Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. Book III, We alio have our Gods. But let us love» For never fines the day when thee I bore From pleafant Lacedxmon o'er the waves 520 To Cranae's fair iile, and firft enjoy 'd Thy beauty, lov'd I as I love thee now, Or felt fuch fweetnefs of intenfe deiire. He fpake, and fought his bed, whom followed foon Jove's daughter, reconcil'd to his embrace. 525- But Menelaus like a lion ranged The multitude, enquiring far and near For Paris loft. Yet neither Trojan him Nor friend of Troy could fhew, whom, elfe, through love None had conceal'd, for him as death itfelf 530• All hated, but his going none had feen. Amidft them all then fpake the King of men.. Trojans, and Dardans, and allies of Troy ! The warlike Menelaus hath prevailed, As is moil plain. Now therefore bring ye forth 5 3 c, Helen with all her treafures, alfo bring Such large amercement as is meet, a fum To be rememberM in all future times. So fpake Atrides, and Achaia's hoft With loud applaufe confirm'd the monarch's claim, 540 ARGU* R G U Μ Ε Ν Τ OF THE Ε Ο U R Τ Η BOO Κ. in a Council of the Gods, a difpute arifes between Jupiter and Juno, which is at kit compromifed, Jove confenting to difpatch Minerva with a charge to incite fome Trojan to a violation of the truce. Minerva defcends for that purpofe, and in the form of Laodocus, a fon of Priam, exhortsPandarus to moot at Mene- laus, and fucceeds. Menelaus is wounded, and Agamemnon having coniigned him to the care of Machaon, goes forth to perform the duties of commander in chief, in the encouragement of his hoft to battle. The battle begins. BOOK IV. NOW, on the golden floor of Jove's abode The Gods all fat confulting ; Hebe them, Graceful, with nectar ferved ; they pledging each His next, alternate quafPd from cups of gold, And at their eafe reclined, look'd down on Troy ; 5 When, fudden, Jove efTay'd by piercing ipcech Invidious, to enkindle Juno's ire. Two GoddeiTes on Menelaus' part Confed'rate ftand, Juno in Argos known, Pallas in * Alalcomene ; yet they ι ο Scqueiler'd fit, look on, and are amufed. • A town of that name in Bceotin, where Pallas was particularly worshipped. Not $6 HOMER's ILIAD. Book IV. Not ίο fmile-loving Venus ; fhe, befide Her champion ftation'd, faves him from his fate, And at this moment, by her aid, he lives. But now, ilnce victory hath proved the lot 15 Of warlike Menelaus, weigh ye well The matter ; fhall we yet the ruinous ilrife Prolong between the nations, or confent To give them peace? fhould peace your pref 'rence win, And prove alike acceptable to all, 20 Stand Ilium, and let Menelaus bear Helen of Argos back to Greece again. He ended ; Juno and Minerva heard, Low-murm 7 ring deep difguit ; for fide by fide They forging fat calamity to Troy^ 25 Minerva through difpleafure againil Jove Nought utterd, for with rage her bolbm boil'd ; but Juno check'd not hers, who thus replied. What word hath pafs'd thy lips, Jove moil fevere ! How? wouldft thou render fruitlefs all my pains? 30 The fweat that I have pour'd ? my fteeds themfelves Have fainted while I gather'd Greece in arms For puniihment of Priam and his fons. Do it. But fmall thy praife fhall be in heav'n. Then her the Thund'rer anfwer'd fore difpleafed. 35 Ah fliamelefs ! how have Priam and his fons So much tranfgrefs'd againft thee, that thou burn'it With ceafelefs rage to ruin populous Troy ? Go, make thine entrance at her lofty gates, Priam and all his houfe, and all his boil 40 Alive devour ; Then, haply, thou wilt reft ; Do Book IV. II Ο Μ ERY ILIAD; S7 Do even as thou wilt, that this difpute Live not between us a confuming fire For ever. But attend ; mark well the word. When I fhall alio doom in future time 45 Some city to deftruction, dear to thee, Oppofe me not, but give my fury v/ay As I give w r ay to thine, not pleafed myfelf, Yet not unfatisfied, fo thou be pleafed. For of all cities of the fons of men, 50 And which the fun and ftars from heav'n behold, Me facred Troy moft pleafes, Priam me Moil, and the people of the warrior King. Nor without caufe. They feed mine altar w r ell ; Libation there, and fteam of fav'ry fcent 5 5 Fail not, the tribute which by lot is ours. Him anfwer'd, then, the Goddefs ample-eyed-'-, Majeitic Juno : three fair cities me, Of all the earth, moil intereil and engage, Mycenae for magnificence renowm'd, 60 Argos, and Sparta. Them, when next thy wrath Shall be inflamed againft them, lay thou wafte ; I will not interpofe on their behalf; Thou ihalt not hear me murmur ; what avail Complaint or force againft thy matchlefs arm? 65 Yet were it moft unmeet that even I Should toil in vain ; I alfo boait a birth Celeftial ; Saturn deeply wife, thy Sire, Is alfo mine ; our origin is one. * ν>οχ7ης } conilant defcription of Juno, but not fufccptiblc of literal tranflation. Thee J Ι Ο Μ Ε It's ILIA D. Book IV. Thee I acknowledge Sov'reign, yet account 70 Myfelf entitled by a twofold claim To veneration both from Gods and men, The daughter of Jove's fire, and fpoufe of Jove. Concemon mutual therefore both thyfelf Befits and me, whom when the Gods perceive 75 Difpofed to peace, they alio fhali accord. Come then. — To yon dread field difpatch.in hafte Minerva, with command that ilie incite The Trojans firft to violate their oath fome frefh infult on the exulting Greeks. 80 So Juno ; nor the fire of all refufed, But in wirigVi accents thus to Pallas fpake. Begone ; fwift fly to yonder field ; incite The Trojans firft to violate their oath By fome frefh infult on the exulting Greeks. 85 The Goddefs heard, and what ilie wifh'd, enjohvcl, Down-darted fwift from the Olympian heights, In form a meteor, fuch as from his hand Not feldom Jove difmiifes, beaming bright And breaking into ftars, an omen fent <)θ To mariners, or to fome num'rous hoft. Such Pallas feenfd, and fwift defcending, dropp'd Full in the midft between them. They with awe That lign portentous and with wonder view'd, Achaians both and Trojans, and his next 95 The foldier thus befpake. >w either war And dire hoftility again iliall flame, Or Jove now gives us peace. Both are from Jove. So Book IV. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L Ι Λ D. < , So fpake the ibldiery ; but fixe the form Taking of brave Laodocus, the fori roo Of old An tenor, throughout all the ranks Sought godlike Pandarus. Ere long flic found The valiant fon illuftrious of Lycaon, Standing encompafsYl by his dauntlefs troops, Β road-ili i elded warriors, from ^Efepus' ltrcam 10; His followers ; to his fide the Goddefs came, And in wing'd accents ardent him befpake. Brave offspring of Lycaon, is there hope That thou wilt hear my counfel ? dar'ft thou flip A fhaft at Menelaus ? much renown no Thou flialt and thanks from all the Trojans win, But moil of all, from Paris, prince of Troy. From him illuftrious gifts thou ihalt receive Doubtlefs, when Menelaus he (hall fee The martial Ion of Atreus by a iliaft 1 1 ς Subdued of thine, placed on his fun'ral pile* Come. Shoot at Menelaus, glorious Chief! But vow to Lycian Phcebus bow-renown'd An hecatomb, all firftlings of the flock, To fair Zeleia's walls once fafe reftored. 120 So Pallas fpake, to whom infatuate he Liil'ning, uncafed at once his poliih'd bow. That bow, the laden brows of a wild goat Salacious had fupplied ; him on a day Forth-iifuing from his cave, in ambufii placed 125 He wounded with an arrow to his breaft Difpatch'd, and on the rock fupine he fell. Each horn had from his head tall growth attained, Ν Full 9 o II Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. Book IV, Full fixteen palms ; them ihaven fmooth the fimth Had aptly join'd, and tipt their points with gold. 13a That bow he ftrung, then, ftooping, planted firm The nether horn, his comrades bold the while Screening him clofe with fhields, left ere the prince Were ilricken, Menelaus, brave in arms, The Greeks with fierce aflault mould interpofe. 1 3 5; He raifed his quiver's lid ; he chofe a dart Unflown, full-fledg'd, and barb'd with pangs of death. He lodg'd in hafte the arrow on the ftring, And vow'd to Lycian Phcebus bow-renown'd An hecatomb, all firillings of the flock, 140. To fair Zeleias' walls once fafe reftored. Comprefling next nerve and notch'd arrow-head He drew back both together, to his pap Drew home the nerve, the barb home to his bow, And when the horn was curved to a wide arch, 145 He twang'd it. Whizz'd the bowftring, and the reed. Leap'd off, impatient for the diftant throng. Thee, Menelaus, then the blefTed Gods Forgat not Pallas, huntrefs of the fpoil, Thy guardian then, baffled the cruel dart. 150 Far as a mother wafts the -fly afkle That haunts her ilumb'ring babe, fo far fhe drove Its courfe aflant, directing it herfelf Again ft the golden clafps that join'd his belt, For there the doubled hauberk interpofed. 155 The bitter arrow plunged into his belt. It pierced his broiderM belt, flood fixt within I lis twifted hauberk, nor th* interior quilt, Though Boon IV. Η Ο Μ Ε R \s ILIA D. 9 t Though penetrable lead to arrow points And his beil guard, withheld it, but it pafs'd 160 That alfo, and the Hero's ikin inlcribed. Quick flowed a fable current from the wound. As when a Carian or Mceonian maid Impurples ivory ordain'd to grace The cheek of martial fteed ; fafe itored it lies, 165 By many a Chief defired, but proves at lad The ilately trapping of fome prince, the pride Of his high-pamper'd deed, nor lefs his own ; Such, Menelaus, feem'd thy fhapely thighs, Thy legs, thy feet, ftained with thy trickling blood. 170 Shuddered King Agamemnon when he faw The blood fail trickling from the wound, nor lefs Shudder'd himfelf the bleeding warrior bold. But neck and barb obferving from the flefh Extant, he gathered heart, and lived again. 175 Then royal Agamemnon, iighing, grafp'd The hand of Menelaus, and while all Their followers ilgh'd around them, thus began. I fwore thy death, my brother, when I fwore This truce, and fet thee forth, in fight of Greeks 180 And Trojans, our fole champion ; for the foe Hath trodden underfoot his facred oath, And ftained it with thy blood. But not in vain, The truce was ratified, the blood of lambs Poured forth, libation made, and right hands joiiVd 185 In holy confidence. The wrath of Jove May ileep, but will not always ; they ill all pay Dear penalty; their own obnoxious heads Ν 2 Shall 9 2 HOMER's ILIA D. Book IV. Shall be the mulct, their children and their wives. For this I know, know furely ; that a day 190 Shall come, when Ilium, when the warlike King Of Ilium and his hoft fhall perifh all. Saturnian Jove high-throned, dwelling in heaven, Refentful of this outrage, then ihall ihake His ftorm-clad JKgis over them. He will, 195 I fpeak no fable. Time ihall prove me true. But, oh my Menelaus, dire diitrefs Awaits me, if thy clofe of life be come, And thou mnft die. Then ignominy foul Shall hunt me back to Argos long-deiired ; 200 For then, all here will recollect their home, And, hope abandoning, will Helen yield To be the boaft of Priam, and of Troy. So ihall our toils be vain, and while thy bones Shall wafte thefe clods beneath, Troy's haughty fons 205 The tomb of Menelaus glory-crown'd Infulting barbarous, ihall feoff at me. So may Atrides, fhall they fay, perform His anger ftill as he performed it here, Whither he led an unfuccefsful hoilj 210 Whence he hath failed again without the fpoils, And where he left his brother's bones to rot. So ihall the Trojan fpeak ; then open earth Her mouth, and hide me in her deepeft gulphs ! But him, the hero of the golden locks 215 Thus chcer'd. My brother fear not, nor infect With fear the Greecians ; the fharp-pointed reed Hath touch'd no vital part. The broidcr'd zone, The Book IV. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. 03 The hauberk, and the tough interior quilt, Work of the armourer, its force reprefs'd. 220 Him anfwer'd Agamemnon, King of men. So be it, brother ! but the hand of one• Skillful to heal ihall vifit and fhall drefs The wound with drugs of pain-aiTuaging pow'r. He ended, and his noble herald, next, 225 Befpake,-Talihybius. • Halle, call hither quick The fon of iEiculapius, leech renown'd, The prince Machaon* Bid him fly to attend The warlike Chieftain Menelaus; him Some archer, either Lycian or of Troy, 230 A dext'rous one, hath ilricken with a fhaft To his own glory, and to our diftrefs. He fpake, nor him the herald difobey'd, But through the Greeks bright-arm'd his courfe began The Hero feeking earned on all fides, - 235 Machaon. Him, ere long, he ftation'd faw Amid the fhielded-ranks of his brave band From fteed-famed Tricca drawn, and at his fide With accents ardour- wing'd, him thus addrefs'd. Hafte, Afclepiades ! The King of men 240 Calls thee. Delay not. Thou muft viiit quick Brave Menelaus, Atreus' fon, for him Some archer, either Lycian or of Troy, A dext'rous one, hath ilricken with a fhaft To his own glory, and to our diftrefs. 245 So faying,• he roufed Machaon, who his courfe Through the wide hoft began. Arriving foon Where wounded Menelaus flood, while all The HOMER's ILIAD. Book IV. The braveft of Achaia"s hoft around The Godlike hero prefs'd, he itrove at once 250 To draw the arrow from his cincture forth, But, drawing, hent the barbs. He therefore loos'd His broider'd belt, his hauberk and his quilt, Work of the armourer, and laying bare His body where the bitter fhaft had plow'd 255 His fleih, he iuck'd the wound, then fpread it o'er With drugs of balmy pow'r, giv'n on a time For friendihip's fake by Chiron to his fire. While Menelaus thus the cares engroffed Of all thole Chiefs, the fhielded pow'rs of Troy 260 ; Gan move toward them, and the Greeks again Put on their armour, mindful of the fight. Then hadft thou not great Agamemnon feen Slumbering, or trembling, or averfe from war, But ardent to begin his glorious tafk. 265 Mis ileeds and his bright chariot brafs-inlaid He left ; the fnorting ileeds Eurymedon, Offspring of Ptolemy Piraides Detain'd apart ; for him he Uriel: enjoin'd Attendance near, left wcarinefs of limbs 270 Should feize him marfhalling his num'rous hoil. So forth he went, and through the files on foot Proceeding, where the warrior Greeks he faw Alert, he roufed them by his words the more. Argivcs ! abate no fpark of -all your fire. 275 Jove will not profper traitors. Them who firft TranfgrciVd the truce the vultures ihall devour, But we (their city taken) ihall their v. l•. Lead Book IV. HOMER's ILIAD, or Lead captive, and their children home to Greece. So cheer'd he them. But whom he faw fupine, 280 Or in the rugged work of war remifs, In terms of anger them he item rebuked. Oh Greeks ! The fhame of Argos ! Arrow-doom'd ! Blufli ye not ! Wherefore iland ye thus agnail, Like fawns which wearied after fcouring.wide 285 The champaign, gaze and pant, and can no more ? Senfelefs like them ye ftand, nor feek the fight. Is it your purpofe patient here to wait Till Troy invade your vefTels on the ihore Of the grey deep, that ye may trial make 290 Of Jove, if he will prove, himfelf, your ihield ? Thus, in difcharge of his high office, pafs'd Atrides through the ranks, and now arrived Where, hardy Chief! Idomeneus in front Of his bold Cretans itood, flout as a boar. 295 The van he occupied, while in the rear Meriones harangued the moil remote. Them fo prepared the King of men beheld With joyful heart, and thus in courteous terms Inftant the brave Idomeneus addrefs'd. 300 Thee fighting, feafting, howfoe'er employed, I moft refpect, Idomeneus, of all The well-horfed Danai ; for when the Chiefs Of Argos, banquetting, their beakers charge With rofy wine the honourable meed 305 Of valour, thou alone of all the Greeks Drink'ft not by meafure. No — thy goblet ilands Repleniih'd ilill, and like myfelf thou know'ft No 9 β HOMER's ILIAD. Book IV. No rule or bound, lave what thy choice prefcribes. March. Seek the foe. Fight now as heretofore. 310 To whom Idomeneus of Crete replied. Atrides ! all the friend fliip and the love Which• I have promifed will I well perform. Go ; animate the .reft, Chief after Chief Gf the Achaians, that the fight begin. 315 For Troy hath fcatterVl to the winds all faith, All conlcience, and for fuch her treach'ry foul Shall have large recompencc of death and woe. He laid, whom Agamemnon at his heart Exulting, pafs'd, and in his progrefs came 320 Where flood each Ajax ; them he found prepared With all their cloud of infantry behind. As when the goat-herd on fome rocky point Advanced, a cloud fees wafted o'er the deep By weitern gales, and rolling flow along, 325 To him, who frauds remote, pitch-black it feems, And comes with tempefl charged ; he at the fight Shudd'ring, his flock compels into a cave.; So moved the gloomy phalanx, rough with fpears, And denfe with fhiclds of youthful warriors bold, 330 Clofe-follo.wing cither Ajax to the fight. Them alfo, pleafcd, the King of men beheld, And in wing'xl accents haiTd them as he pafs'd. Brave leaders of the mail-clad hofl of Greece ! I priove not you to duty; ye yourfdves 335 Move others, and no leflbn need from me. Jove, Pallas, and Apollo ! Were but all Courageous as yourfclvos lbon Priam's tow'rs Should Book IV. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. 97 Should totter, and his Ilium ilormYl and fack'd By our victorious bands, iloop to the duft. 340 He ceafed, and itill proceeding, next arrived Where flood the Pylian orator, his band Marfhalling under all their leaders bold Alaftor, Chromius, Pelagon the vail, Hsemon the prince, and Bias, martial Chief. 345 Chariot and horfe he ilation'd in the front ; His numerous infantry, a ilrong referve Right valiant, in the rear ; the worft, and thofe In whom he truiled lead, he drove between, That fuch through mere neceflity might act. 350 Firil to his charioteers he gave in charge Their duty; bade them rein their horfes hard, Shunning confufion. Let no warrior, vain And overweening of his ilrength or ikill, Start from his rank to dare the fight alone, 355 Or fall behind it, weak'ning whom he leaves* * And if, difmounted from his own, he climb Another's chariot, let him not affect Perverfe the reins, but let him ftand, his fpcar Advancing firm, far better fo employYl. 360 Such was the difcipline, in antient times, Of our forefathers ; by thefe rules they fought Succefsful, and lay'd many a city low. So counfell'd them the venerable Chief Long time expert in arms; him alfo faw 365 * Diverfc interpretations are given of this paflage. I have adopted that which to me appeared moil plaufible. It feems to be a caution againft the rnifchicfi that π enfuc, fhould the horfes be put under the management of a driver with whom they were unacquainted. — The fcholium by Villoifon much countenances this folution. Ο King 9 % Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s 1 L I A D. Book IV. King Agamemnon with delight, and {aid, Old Chief ! ah how I wifh that thy firm heart Were but fupported by as firm a knee ! But time unhinges all. Oh that fome youth Had thine old age, and thou waft young again ! 370 To whom the valiant Neftor thus replied. Atrides, I could alfo ardent wifh That I were now robuft as when I ftruck Brave * Ereuthalion breathlefs to the ground ! But never all their gifts the Gods confer 375 On man at once ; if then I had the force Of youth, I fuffer now the effects of age. Yet antient as I am, I will be feen Still mingling with the charioteers, itill prompt To give them counfel ; for to counfel youth 38a Is the old warrior's province. Let the green In years, my juniors, unimpaired by time, Pufli with the lance, for they have ftrength to boaft. So he, whom Agamemnon joyful heard, And pairing thence, the fon of Peteos found 385 Meneftheus, foremoft in equeilrian fame, Among his brave Athenians ; near to him UlyfTes held his ftation, and at hand The Cephallenians ftood, hardy and bold. For rumour none of the approaching fight 390 Them yet had rcach'd, fo recent had the itir Aris'n in either holt ; they, therefore, watch'd * Here Neftor only mentions the nan reuthalfon, knowing the prefent to be an improper time for ftury-tellin^ ; m v.. th book he relates his fight and 17 at length. This paflage may ferve to confute thole who charge Neftor with indii'criminate loquacity. 'Till Book IV. Ι! Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. 9[! 'Till the example of ibme other band Marching, mould prompt them to begin the fight. But Agamemnon, thus, the King of men 395 Them feeing, fudden and fevere reproved. Meneftheus, lbn of Peteos prince renowned, And thou, devifer of all evil wiles ! Adept in artifice ! why iland ye here Appall'dr why wait ye on this diitant fpot 400 'Till others move ? I might expect from you More readinefs to meet the burning war, Whom foremoft I invite of all to fhare The banquet, when the Princes feaft with me. There ye are prompt ; ye find it pleafant there 40 5 To eat your fav'ry food, and quaff your wine Delicious, 'till fatiety enfue ; But here ye could be well content to ftand Spectators only, while ten Greecian troops Should wage before you the wide-wailing war. 410 To whom UlyfTes, with refentful tone Dark-frowning, thus replied. What words are thefe Which have efcaped thy lips ? and for what caufe, Atrides, haft thou calPd me flow to fight ? When we of Greece ihall in iharp conteft clafh 4T5 W r ith yon fteed-tamer Trojans, mark me then ; Then thou ihalt fee (if the concerns of war So nearly touch thee, and thou fo incline) The father of Telemachus engaged Among the foremoft Trojans. But thy fpeech 420 W r as light as is the wind, and rafhly made. Ο 2 When TOO HOMER's ILIAD. Book IV. When him thus moved he fawj the monarch fmiled Complacent, and in gentler terms replied. Laertes' noble ion, for wiles renown'd 1 Short reprimand and exhortation fhort 425 Suffice for thee, nor did I purpofe more. For I have known thee long, that thou art one Of kindeft nature, and fo much my friend That we have both one heart. Go therefore thou, Lead on, and if a word have falTh amifs, 430 We will hereafter mend it, and may heaven Obliterate in thine heart it's whole effect ! He ceaied, and ranging itill along the line, The fon of Tydeus, Diomede, perceived, Heroic Chief, by chariots all around 435 Inviron'd, and by fteeds, at fide of whom Stood Sthenelus, the fon of Capaneus. Him alio, Agamemnon, King of men, In accents of afperity reproved. Ah, fon of Tydeus, Chief of dauntlefs heart 440 And of equeftrian fame ! why itandeft thou Appall'd, and peering through the walks of war ? So did not Tydeus. In the foremoft fight His fav'rite {ration was, as they affirm Who witnefs'd his exploits; I never faw 445 Or met him, but by popular report He was the brave ft warrior of his day. Yet came he once, but not in hoitile fort, To fair Mycenae, by the Godlike prince Attended, Polynices, at what time 450 The hoft was called together, and the iiege Was Boon IV. IIOMER's ILIAD. 101 Was pnrpofed of the facred city Thebes. Earneft they fued for an auxiliar band, Which we had gladly granted, but that Jove By vinpropitioiis tokens interfered. 455 So forth they went, and on the reedy banks Arriving of iEfopus, there thy iire By deiignation of the Greeks was fent AmbafTador, and enter'd Thebes. He found In Eteocles' palace num'rous guefts, 460 The fons of Cadmus feailing, among whom, Although a folitary ftranger, flood Thy father without fear, and challenged forth Their beft to cope with him in manly games. Them Tydeus vanquiih'd eafily, fuch aid 465 Pallas vouchfafed him. Then the fpur-arm'd race Of Cadmus was incenfed, and fifty youths In ambufh clofe expected his return. Them, Lycophontes obilinate in fight, Son of Autophonus, and Mxon, fon 470 Of Haemon, Chief of Godlike ftature, led. Thofe alfo Tydeus flew ; Mseon except, (Whom, warned from heav'n, he fpared, and fent him home With tidings of the reil) he flew them all. Such was iEtolian Tydeus ; w r ho begat 47 c A fon in fpeech his better, not in arms. He ended, and his fov'reign's awful voice Tydides reverencing, nought replied ; But thus the fon of glorious Capaneus. Atrides, confeious of the truth, fpeak truth. 480 We with our fires compared, luperior praife Claim. ■HOMER's ILIAD. Book IV, Claim juftly. We, confiding in the aid Of Jove, and in propitious iigns from heaven, Led to the city confecrate to Mars Our little hoft, inferior far to theirs, 485 And took fev'n -gated Thebes, under whofe walls Our fathers by their own imprudence fell. Their glory, then, match never more with ours. He fpake, whom with a frowning brow the brave Tydides, anfwerU Sthenelus, my friend ! 490 I give thee counfel. Mark it. Hold thy peace. If Agamemnon, who hath charge of all, Excite his well-appointed hoft to war, He hath no blame from me. For iliould the Greeks (Pier people vanquiih'd) win imperial Troy, 495 The glory ihall be his, or, if his hoft O'erpower'd in battle periih, his the ihame. Come, therefore; be it ours to roufe at once To aolion all the fury of our might. He faid, and from his chariot to the plain 500 Leap'd ardent ; rang the armour on the brcail Of the advancing Chief; the boldeft heart Had felt emotion, ftartled at the found. As when the waves by Zephyrus up-heaved Crowd fail toward lbme founding ihore, at lirft, 505 On the broad bofom of the deep their heads They curl on high, then breaking on the land Thunder, and o'er the rocks that bread the flood J >rne turgid, fcatter far the fhow'ry fpray, So moved tlvj Greeks fuccefliVe, rank by rank, 510 And phalanx after phalanx, cv'ry Chief His Book IV. Η Ο Μ Ε R 5 s I L I A D. 103 His loud command proclaiming, while the reft, As voice in all thofe thoufands none had been, Heard mute ; and, in refplendent armour clad, With martial order terrible advanced. 511;, Not fo the Trojans came. As fheep, the Hock Of fome rich man, by thoufands in his court Penn'd clofe at milking time, incefFant bleat, Loud anfw'ring all their bleating lambs without, Such din from Ilium's wide-fpread hoft arofe. 520. Nor was their ihout, nor was their accent one, But mingled languages were heard of men From various climes. Thefe Mars to battle roufed, Thofe Pallas azure-eyed ; nor Terrour thence Nor Flight was abfent, nor infatiate Strife, 525 Sifter and mate of homicidal Mars, Who fmall at firit, but fwift to grow, from earth Her tow'ring creft lifts gradual to the ikies. She, foe alike to both, the brands difpers'd Of burning hate between them, and the woes 530 Enhanced of battle wherefoe'er ihe pafs'd. And now the battle joined. Shield claih'd with ihield, And fpear with fpear, conflicting corilets rang, Bofs'd bucklers met, and tumult wild arofe. Then, many a yell was heard, and many a ihout 535 Loud intermix'd, the flayer o'er the maimed Exulting, and the field was drench'd with blood. As when two winter torrents rolling down The mountains, ihoot their floods through gullies huge Into one gulph below, ftation'd remote 540 The fhepherd in the uplands hears the roar ; Such. ib4 HOMER's ILIAD. Book IV, Such was the thunder of the mingling hofts. And firft, Antilochus a Trojan Chief Slew Echepolus, from Thalyfias fprung, Contending valiant in the van of Troy. 545 Him fmiting on his crefted cafque, he drove The brazen lance into his front, and pierced The bones within; night overfpread his eyes, And in fierce battle, like a tow'r, he fell. Him fallen by hoth feet Calchodons' fon 550 Seized, royal Elephenor, leader brave Of the Abantes, and in hafte to itrip His armour, drew him from the fight afide. But ihort was that attempt. Him fo employ'd Dauntlel^ Agenor mark'd, and as he floop'd, 555 In his u η ih i elded flank a pointed fpear Implanted deep; he languid funk and died. So Elephenor fell, for whom arofe Sharp confirfl ; Greeks and Trojans mutual flew Like wolves to battle, and man grappled man. 560 Then Telamonian Ajax, in his prime Of youthful vigour Simoiims flew, Son of Anthemion. Him on Simois' banks His mother bore, when with her parents once She came from Ida down to view the flocks, 565 And thence they named him ; but his parents love He lived not to requite, in early youth Slain by the fpear of Ajax famed in arms. Lor him advancing Ajax at the pap Wounded ; right through his flioulder driv'n the point 570 Stood forth behind ; he fell, and prefs'd the dull. So Book IV. Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD,. ιο$ So in fome fpacious marih the poplar falls Smooth-fkinn'd, with boughs unladen fave aloft ; Some chariot-builder with his ax the trunk Severs, that he may warp it to a wheel 575 Of fhapely form ; meantime expofed it lies To parching airs beiide the running ftream : Such Simoifius feemed, Anthemion's fon, Whom noble Ajax flew. But foon at him Antiphus, fon of Priam, bright in arms, 580 Huii'd through the multitude his pointed fpear. He erred from Ajax, but he pierced the groin Of Leucus, valiant warrior of the band Led by UlyfTes. He the body dragg'd Apart, but fell beiide it, and let fall, 585 Breathlefs himfelf, the burthen from his hand. Then burn'd UlyfTes' wrath for Leucus flain, And through the foremoil combatants, array'd In dazzling arms, he rufh'd. Full near he flood, And, looking keen around him, hurl'd a lance. 590 Back fell the Trojans from before the face Difperfed of great UlyfTes. Not in vain His weapon flew, but on the field outitretch'd A fpurious fon of Priam, from the fhores Call'd of Abydus famed for fleeteft mares, 595 Democoon ; him, for Leucus' fake enraged, UlyfTes through both temples with his fpear Tranfpierced. The night of death hung on his eyes, And founding on his batter' d arms he fell. Then Hec~tor and the van of Troy retired ; 600 Loud fhout the Greecians ; thefe draw off the dead, Ρ Thofe 10 6 IIOMER's ILIAD. Book IV. Thole onward march amain, and from the heights Of Pergamns Apollo looking down In anger, to the Trojans called aloud. Turn, turn, ye Trojans ! face your Greecian foes. 605 They, like yourfelves, are vulnerable flefli, Not adamant or ileel. Your direil dread Achilles, foil of Thetis radiant-haird, Fights not, but fullcn in his fleet abides. Such from the citadel was heard the voice 610 Of dread Apollo. But Minerva ranged Meantime, Tritonian progeny of Jove, The Greecians, rouiing whom ilie faw remifs. Then Amarynceus' ion, Diores, felt The force of fate, bruifed by a rugged rock 615 At his right heel, which Pirus, Thracian Chief, The foil of Imbrafus of iEnos, threw. Bones and both tendons in its fall the mafs Enormous cruili'd. He, ilretch'd in duft lupine, With palms outfpread toward his warrior friends 620 Lay gafping life away. But he who gave The fatal blow, Pirus, advancing, urged to his navel a keen lance, and ilied His bowels forth ; then, darknefs veil'd his eyes. Nor Pirus long furvived ; him through the brealt, 625 Above the pap, iEtolian Thoas pierced, And in his lungs fet fail the quiv'ring fpcar. Then Thoas fwift approach'd, pluck'd from the wound His ftormy fpear, and with his faulchion bright Gaibing his middle behy, ilretch'd him dead. 630 Yet ilripp'd he not the ilain, whom with long fpears His Book IV. HOMER' s ILIAD. 107 His Thracians * hairy-fcalp'd fo round about Encompaffed, that though bold and large of limb Were Thoas, from before them him they thruil Stagg'ring and reeling in his forced retreat. 635 They therefore in the duft, th' Epean Chief Diores, and the Thracian, Pirus lay Stretch'd fide by fide, with num'rous flain around. Then had Minerva led through all that field Some warrior yet unhurt, him ihelt'ring fafe 640 From all annoyance dread of dart or fpear, No caufe of blame in either had he found That day, fo many Greeks and Trojans preiTed, Extended fide by fide, the duity plain. * ΆκξίΜ[λοι. They wore only a lock of hair on the crown of the head. ρ 2 ARGU- ARGUMENT OF THE FIFTH BOOK. Diomede is extraordinarily diftinguilhed. He kills Pandarus, who had violated the truce, and wounds firit Venus, and then Mars. BOOK V. THEN Athenian Pallas on the foil Of Tydeus, Diomede, new force conferral And daring courage, that the Argives all He might furpafs, and deathlefs fame atchieve. Fires on his helmet, and his fhield around 5 She kindled, bright and fteady as the ilar Autumnal, which in Ocean newly bathed AfTumes frefh beauty ; with fuch glorious beams His head encircling and his ihoulders broad, She urged him forth into the thickeft fight. 10 There lived a man in Troy, Dares his name, The prieit of Vulcan ; rich he was and good, The father of two fons, Idxus this, That, Phegeus calFd ; accompliih'd warriors both. Thefe, ilTuing from their phalanx, puuYd direct 15 Their deeds at Diomede, who fought on foot. When now fmall interval was left between, Firit Phegeus his long-ihadow'd ipear difmifs'd; But over Diomedes' left ihouldcr pafs'd The Book V. Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s I'L I A D. ij, and Dileord as at firft Raging implacable, for them prepared. UlyiTes, either Ajax, Diomede — Thefe roufed the Greeks to battle, who themielw The force feared nothing, or the ihoirts of Troy, - ( •; ftedfaft flood, like clouds by Jove hmafVd On lofty mountain?,, while the fury.ileeps Of Boreas, and of all the ftormy winds Shrill-voiced, that chafe the v;. .ien:they blow. So flood the. Greeks, ; expecting firm • 625 Of Ilium's pow'rs,' and rieithcr fled nor feared. Then Agamemnon the embattled hoft On all fides ranging, cheer'd them. Now he cried, Be ftedfaft, fellow warriors, now be men ! Hold fail a fenfe of honour. More efcape 630 Of men who fear difgrace, than fall in fight, While daftards forfeit life and glory both. He faid, and hurled his fpear. He pierced a friend Of brave iEneas, warring in the van, Deicoon fon of Pergafus, in Troy 635 Not lefs efteem'd than Priam's fons themfelves, Such was his fame in foremoft fight acquired. Him Agamemnon on his buckler fmote, Nor flayed the weapon there, but through his belt His bowels enter'd, and with hideous clang 640 And outcry- of his batter'd arms he fell. ^neas next two mightieft warriors flew, Sons of Diodes, of a wealthy fire, Whofe houfe magnificent in Phxrce flood, * Vide Sainton to Harapha in the Agoniftcs. There the word is tried in the fair,? fenfe. S Orfilochus '3° HOMER's ILIAD. Book. Y. Orfilochus and Crethon. Their defcent 645 From broad-ftream'd Alpheus, Pylian flood, they drew. Alpheus begat Orfilochus, a prince Of num'rous pow'rs. Orfilochus begat Warlike Diodes. From Diodes fprang Twins, Crethon and Orfilochus, alike 650 Valiant, and ikilful in all forms of war. Their boyiih prime fcarce pail, they, with the Greeks Embarking, in their fable fhips had failed To iteed-famed Ilium ; juft revenge they fought For Atreus' fons, but periflied firil themfelves. 655 As two young lions, in the deep recefs Of fome dark foreil on the mountain's brow Late nourifhed by their dam, forth-iifuing, feize The fatted flocks and kine, both folds and flails Wailing rapacious, 'till, at length, themfelves 660 Deep- wounded perifh by the hand of man, So they, both vanquiih'd by iEneas fell, And like two lofty pines uprooted, lay. Them fall'n in battle Menelaus faw With pity moved; radiant in arms he ihook 665 His brazen fpear, and ilrode into the van. Mars urged him furious on, conceiving hope Of his death alfo by ^Eneas' hand. But him the fon of gen'rous Neilor mark'd Antilochus, and to the foremoil fight 670 Flew alfo, fearing left fome dire mifchance The Prince befalling, at one fatal ilroke Should fruilrate all the labours of the Greeks. They, hand to hand, and fpear to fpear oppofed, Stood Book V. Η Ο Μ Ε R »s I L I A D. !ji Stood threat'ning dreadful onfet, when beiide 675 The Spartan chief Antilochns appear'd. iEneas, at the fight of two combined, Stood not, although intrepid. They the dead Thence drawing far into the Greecian hoft To their allbciates gave the haplefs pair, 680 Then, both returning, fought in front again. Next, fierce as Mars, Pylaemenes they flew, Prince of the fhielded band magnanimous Of Paphlagonia. Him Atrides kill'd Spear-practifed Menelaus, with a lance 685 His throat tranfpiercing while erect he rode. Then, while his charioteer, Mydon the brave, Son of Atymnias, turn'd his ileeds to flight, Full on his elbow-point Antilochus, The fon of Neftor, dafli'd him with a ilone. 690 The flack reins % white as ivory, forfook His torpid hand and traifd the duft. At once Forth fprang Antilochus, and with his fword HewVl deep his temples. On his head he pitched Panting, and on his flioulders in the fand 695 (For in deep fand he fell) flood long erect, 'Till his own courfers fpread him in the duft ; The fon of Neftor feized, and with his fcourge Drove them afar into the hoft of Greece. Them Hector through the ranks efpying, flew 700 With clamour loud to meet them ; after whom Advanced in phalanx firm the pow'rs of Troy. * This is a conftruction of λακ 'fAffavri, given by fume of the beft commenta- tors, and that fecms the moft probable. S 2 Mar* 13* HOMER's ILIAD', Book V. Mars led them, with Enyo terrour-clad ; She by the madd'ning tumult of the fight Attended, he, with his enormous fpear 705 In both hands brandiih'd, italking now in front Of Hector, and now following his ileps. Him Diomede the bold difcerning, felt Himfelf no fmall difmay ; and as a man Wand'ring he knows not whither, far from home, 710 If chance a rapid torrent to the fea Borne headlong thwart his courfe, the foaming flood Obltrep'rous views awhile, then quick retires, So he, and his attendants thus befpake. How oft, my countrymen! have we admired 715 The noble He&or, ikillful at the fpear And unappall'd in fight ? but mil hath he Some God his guard, and even now I view In human form Mars moving at his fide. Ye, then, with faces to the Trojans turn'd, 720 Ceafelefs retire, and war not with the Gods. He ended; and the Trojans now approach'd. Then two bold warriors in one chariot borne, By valiant Hector died, Menefthes, one, And one, Anchialus. Them fall η in fight 725 Ajax the vail, touch'd with companion faw; Within fmall fpace he flood, his glitt'ring fpear DifmifsYl, and pierced Amphius. Son was lie Of Sclagus, and Poefus was his home, Where opulent he dwelt, but by his fate 730 Was led to fight for Priam and his ions. Ilim Telamonian Ajax through his belt Wounded, Book V. Η Ο Μ Ε R ' 5 ILIAD. 135 Wounded, and in his nether bowels deep Fix'd his long-ihadow'd fpear. Sounding he fell• Illuftrious Ajax running to the llain 735 Prepared to ftrip his arms, but him a ihow'r Of glitt'ring weapons keen from Trojan hands AiTaii'd, and num'rous his broad ihield receiv'd. He, on the body planting firm his heel, Forth drew the poliih'd fpear, but his bright arms 740 Took not, by darts thick-flying fore annoy 'd. Nor fear'd he little left his haughty foes, Spear-arm'd and bold, ihould compafs him around ; Him, therefore, valiant though he were and huge, They puih'J before them. Stagg'ring he retired. 745 Thus toiled both hofts in that laborious field. And now his ruthlefs deftiny impell'd Tlepolemus, Alcides' fon, a Chief Dauntlefs and huge, againft a God-like foe Sarpedon. They, approaching, face to face 750 Stood, fon and grandfon of high-thund'ring Jove, And, haughty, thus Tlepolemus began. Sarpedon, leader of the Lycian hoft, Thou trembler ! thee what caufe could hither urge A man unfkiU'd in arms ? They falfely fpeak 755 Who call thee fon of ^Egis-bearing Jove, So far below their might thou fall'ft who fprang From Jove in days of old. What fays report Of Hercules (for him I boaft my fire) All-daring hero with a lion's heart? 760 With fix fhips only, and with followers few, He for the horfes of Laomedon Lay'd ι.Η Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. Book V. Lay'd Troy in duft, and widow'd all her itreets. But thou art bafe, and thy diminifh'd pow'rs Periih around thee; think not that thou cam'il 765 For Ilium's good, but rather, whatfoe'er Thy force in fight, to find, fubdued by me, A fure difmiffion to the gates of hell. To whom the leader of the Lycian band. Tlepolemus! He ranfack'd facred Troy, 7 7° As thou halt faid, but for her monarch's fault Laomedon, who him with language harih Requited ill for benefits received, Nor would the fteeds furrender, feeking which He voyaged from afar. But thou ihalt take 775 Thy bloody doom from this victorious arm, And, vanquiuYd by my fpear, ihalt yield thy fame To me, thy foul to Pluto iteed-renown'd. So fpake Sarpedon, and his afhen beam Tlepolemus upraifed. Both hurl'd at once 780 Their quiv'ring fpears. Sarpedon's through the neck Pafs'd of Tlepolemus, and ihow'd beyond It's ruthlefs point ; thick darknefs veil'd his eyes. Tlepolemus with his long lance the thigh Pierced of Sarpedon; iheer into his bone 785 He pierced him, but Sarpedon's father, Jove, Him refcued even on the verge of fate. His noble friends conducted from the field The god-like Lycian, trailing as he went The pendent fpear, none thinking to extract 790 For his relief the weapon from his thigh, Through eagernefs of haite to bear him thence. On Book V. HOMER 's ILIA I». , 3S On th' other fide, the Greecians brazen-mail'd Bore off Tlepolemus. Ulyfles fill'd With earneft thoughts tumultuous them obferved, 795 Danger-defying Chief! Doubtful he flood Or to purfue at once the Thund'rer's lbn Sarpedon, or to take more Lycian lives. But not for brave UlyfTes had his fate That praife referved, that he ihould flay the fon 800 Renown'd of Jove ; therefore his wav'ring mind Minerva bent againft the Lycian band. Then Cceranus, Alaftor, Chromius fell, Alcander, Halius, Prytanis, and brave Noemon ; nor had thefe fufheed the Chief 805 Of Ithaca, but Lycians more had falPn, Had not creit-toffing Hector huge perceived The havoc ; radiant to the van he flew, Filling with dread the Greecians ; his approach Sarpedon, fon of Jove, joyful beheld, Sio And piteous thus addrefs'd him as he came. Ah, leave not me, Priamides ! a prey To Greecian hands, but in your city, at leafl, Grant me to die ; iince hither, doom'd, 1 came Never to gratify with my return 815 To Lycia, my lov'd fpoufe or infant child. He fpake ; but Hector unreplying pafs'd Impetuous, ardent to repulfe the Greeks Tbat moment, and to drench his fword in blood. Then, under Inciter of a fpreading beech 820 Sacred to Jove, his noble followers placed The God-like Chief Sarpedon, where his friend Uluitrious I3 S VOMER'S ILIA D. Book V. Ilhiftrious Pclagon, the allien fpcar Extracted. Sightlefs, of all thought bereft, He but ibon revived, by breathing airs 825 RefreuYd, that fann'd him gently from the North. Meantime the Argives, although prefs'd alike By Mars himfelf and Hector brazen-arm 'cl, Neither to flight inclined, nor yet advanced To I but informal that Mars the fight 830 Waged on the fide of Ilium, flow rehired. Whom firft, whom laft flew then the mighty ion Of Priam, Hector, and the brazen Mars ! Firft God-like Teuthras, an equeitrian Chief, Oreites, Trechus of iEtolian race, 835 CEnomaus, Helenns from CEnops' fprung, And * briik in fight Oreibius ; rich was he, And covetous of more in Hyla dwelt Faft by the lake Cephiffus, where abode, Boeotian Princes nunrrous, rich themfelves 840 And rulers of a people wealth-renowned. But Juno, fuch dread flaughter of the Greeks Noting, thus, ardent, to Minerva fpake. Daughter of Jove invincible ! Our word That Troy ihall pcriih, hath been giv'n in vain 845 To Menelaus, if we fufFer Mars To ravage longer uncontrouled. The time Urges, and need appears that we ourfelves Now call to mind the fury of our might. She fpake; nor blue-eyed Pallas not complied. S50 Then Juno, Goddcfs dread, from Saturn fprung, • This, according to Porphyrias as quoted by Clarke, is the true meaning of Her Book V. Η Ο Μ Ε R's 1 L Ι Λ Π. Μ7 Her coiirfers gold-capariibnVl prepared Impatient, Ik-he to the chariot rolled The hrazen wheels, and joined them to the fmooth Steel axle; twiee four ipokes divided each 8^5 Shot from the centre to the verge. The verge Was gold by fellies of eternal hrafs Guarded, a dazzling ihow ! The fhining naves Were filver ; liiver cords and cords of gold The feat upbore; two # crefcents blazed in front. 860 The pole was argent all, to which fhe bound The golden yoke, and in their place difpofed The breaft-bands incorruptible of gold ; But Juno to the yoke, herfelf, the ileeds Led forth, on fire to reach the dreadful field. 865 Meantime, Minerva, progeny of Jove, On the adamantine floor of his abode Let fall profufe her variegated robe, Labour of her own hands. She firft put on The corilet of the cloud-afTembler God, 870 Then arm'd her for the field of w r oe complete. She charged her fhoulder with the dreadful fhield The ihaggy iEgis, border'd thick around With terrour; there was Difcord, Prowefs there, There hot Purfuit, and there the feature grim 875 Of Gorgon, dire Deformity, a fign Oft' borne portentous on the arm of Jove. Her golden helm, whofe concave had fufliced The legions of an hundred cities, rough * Thcfe which I have called crefcents, were a kind of hook of a iVmicircular form, to which the reins were occaiionally fattened. Τ With i 3 t H Ο Μ Ε R's I L I A D. Book V. With warlike ornament fuperb, ihe fix'd 880 On her immortal head. Thus armed, ihe rofe Into the flaming chariot, and her fpear Seized pond'rous, huge, with which the Goddefs fprung From an Almighty father, levels ranks Of Heroes, againft whom her anger burns. 885 Juno with lifted laih urged quick the ileeds ; At her approach, fpontaneous roared the wide- Unfolding gates of heav'n ; the heav'nly gates Kept by the watchful Hours, to whom the charge Of the Olympian fummit appertains, 890 And of the boundlefs aether, back to roll, And to replace the cloudy barrier denfe. Spurr'd through the portal flew the rapid ileeds ; Apart from all, and feated on the point Superior of the cloven mount, they found 895 The Thund'ren Juno the white-arnVd her fteeds There ftayVl, and thus the Goddefs, ere ihe pafs'd, Queition'd the fon of Saturn, Jove fupreme. Jove, Father, feeil thou, and art not incenfed, Thefe ravages of Mars? Oh what a field, 900 Drench'd with what Greecian blood ! All rafhly fpilt, And in defpight of me. Venus, the while, Sits, and the Archer of the filver bow Delighted, and have urged, themfelves, to this The frantic Mars within no bounds confined 905 Of law or order. But, eternal fire! Shall I offend thee chafing far away Mars deeply fmitten from the field of war I To Book V. Jl Ο Μ Ε R'i Ι Ι. Ι Α Π. ijj To whom the doud-aiiembler God replied, (ίο ! but exhort thou rather to the taik 910 Spoil-hunt'reis Athenian Pallas, htm Accuftom'd to chaltize with pain ievere. He fpake, nor white-arm'd Juno not obey\l. She lafliVl her fteeds ; they readily their flight Began, the earth and ftarry vault between. 915 Far as from his high tower the watchman kens O'er uloomv ocean, fo far at one bound Advance the ihrill-voicea 1 couriers of the Gods. But when at Troy and at the confluent ilreams Of Simo'is and Scamander they arrived, 920 There Juno, white-arm'd Goddefs, from the yoke Her fteeds releafmg, them in gathered ihades Conceal'd opaque, while Simo'is caufed to fpring Ambrofia from his bank, whereon they browfed. Swift as her pinions waft the dove away 925 They fought the Greecians, ardent to begin : Arriving where the mightieft and the moft Compafs'd equeftrian Diomede around, In afpecl; lion-like, or like wild boars Of matchlefs force, there white-arm'd Juno ftood, 930 And in the form of Stentor for his voice Of brafs renown'd, audible as the roar Of fifty throats, the Greecians thus harangued. Oh ihame, ihame, ihame ! Argives in form alone, Beautiful but diihonourable race ! 93 5 While yet divine Achilles ranged the field, No Trojan ftepp'd from yon Dardanian gates Abroad ; all trembled at his ftormy fpear ; Τ 2 But 140 HOMER's ILIAD. Book V. But now they venture forth, now at your fhips Defy you, from their city far remote. 940 She ceas'd, and all caught courage from the found. But Athencean Pallas eager fought The fon of Tydcus ; at his chariot fide She found the Chief, cooling his fiery wound Received from Pandarus ; for him the fweat 945 Beneath the broad band of his oval ihield Exhauited, and his arm failed him fatigued ; He therefore raifed the band, and wiped the blood Coagulate ; when o'er his chariot yoke Her arm the Goddefs threw, and thus began. 950 Tydeus, in truth, begat a fon himfelf Not much refembling. Tydeus was of fize Diminutive, but had a warrior's heart. When him I once commanded to abilain From furious fight (what time he enter'd Thebes 955 AmbafTador, and the Cadmeans found Feaiting, himfelf the fole Achaian there) And bade him quietly partake the feaft, He, fired with wonted ardour, challenged forth To proof of manhood the Cadmean youth, 960 Whom eafily, through my effectual aid, In contefts of each kind he overcame. But thou, whom I encircle with my power, Guard vigilant, and even bid thee forth To combat with the Trojans, thou, thy limbs 965 Feel'ft wearied with the toils of war, or worle, Indulgeft womanifii and heartlefs fear. Henceforth thou art not worthy to be deem\l Son Book V. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. i 4 i Son of Oenides, Tydeus famed in arms. To whom thus valiant Diomede replied. 970 I know thee well, oh Goddefs fprung from Jove! And therefore willing ihall, and plain, reply. Me neither wearinefs nor heartlefs fear Reitrains, but thine injunctions which imprefs My mem'ry ilill, that 1 fhould fear to oppofe 975 The blefTed Gods in fight, Venus except, Whom in the battle found thou bad'ft me pierce With unrelenting fpear ; therefore myfelf Retiring hither, I have hither call'd The other Argives alio, for I know 980 That Mars, himfelf in arms, controuls the war. Him anfwer'd then the Goddefs azure-eyed. Tydides ! Diomede, my heart's delight ! Fear not * this Mars, nor fear thou other pow'r Immortal, but be confident in me. 985 Arife. Drive forth. Seek Mars ; him only feek ; Him hand to hand engage ; this fiery Mars Refpect not aught, bafe implement of wrong And mifchief, fhifting ilill from fide to fide. He promifed Juno lately and myfelf 990 That he would fight for Greece, yet now forgets His promife, and gives all his aid to Troy. So faying, fhe backward by his hand withdrew The fon of Capaneus, who to the ground Leaped inftant; fhe, impatient to his place 995 Afcending, fat befide brave Diomede. Loud groan'd the beechen axle, under weight Unwonted, HOMER's ILIAD. Βυοκ. V. Unwonted, for it bore into the fight An awful Goddcis, and the chief of men. Quick-ieizing lalh and reins Minerva drove iooo Direct at Mars. That moment he had ilain Periphas, bra veil of ^Etolia's ions, And huge of bulk ; Ochefius was his fire. Him Mars the ilaught'rer had of life bereft Newly, and Pallas to elude his fight 1005 The helmet fix'd of Ades on her head. Soon as gore-tainted Mars the approach perceived Of Diomede, he left the giant length Of Periphas extended where he died, And flew to cope with Tydeus' valiant fon. roio Full nigh they came, when Mars on fire to flay The hero, foremoft with his brazen-lance AflaiTd him, hurling o'er his horfes heads. But Athenaean Pallas in her hand The flying weapon caught and turn'd it wide, T015 Baffling his aim. Then Diomede on him Ruih'd furious in his turn, and Pallas plunged The bright ipear deep into his cinctured waiff . Dire was the wound, and plucking back the ipear She tore him. Bellow'd brazen-throated Mars 1020 Loud as nine thoufand warriors, or as ten Joined in clofe combat. Greecians, Trojans ihook Appall'd alike at the tremendous voice Of Mars infatiable with deeds of blood. Such as the dimnefs is when fummer winds 1025 Breathe hot, and fultry mift obfeures the fky, Such brazen Mars to Diomede appeared By Book V. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. 143 By clouds accompanied in his afcent Into the boundlefs ether. Reaching foon Th' Olympian heights, feat of the Gods, he fat 1030 Beiide Saturnian Jove ; woe fill'd his heart ; He ihow'd faft-itreaming from the wound his blood Immortal, and impatient thus complain'd. Jove, Father ! Seeft thou thefe outrageous acts Unmoved with anger? Such are day by day 1035 The dreadful mifchiefs by the Gods contrived Againit each other, for the fake of man. Thou art thyfelf the caufe. Thou haft produced A foolifh daughter petulant, addict To evil only and injurious deeds ; 1 040 There is not in Olympus, fave herfelf, Who feels not thy controul ; but fhe her will Gratifies ever, and reproof from thee Finds none, becaufe, pernicious as fhe is, She is thy daughter; fhe hath now the mind 1045 Of haughty Diomede with madnefs filPd Againit th' immortal Gods ; flrit Venus bled ; Her hand he pierced impetuous, then aifailed, As if himfelf immortal, even me. But me my feet ftole thence, or overwhelm'd 1050 Beneath yon heaps of carcafes impure, What had I not fuilained ? And if at laffc I lived, had halted crippled by the fword. To whom with dark difpleafure Jove replied. Bafe and fide-fhifting traitor! vex not me i°55 Here fitting querulous ; of all who dwell On the Olympian heights, thee moil I hate Contentious, M4 IIOMER's ILIAD. Book V. Contentious, whofe delight is war alone. Thou haft thy mother's moods, the very fpleen Of Juno, uncontroulable as fhe, 1 060 Whom even I, reprove her as I may, Scarce rule by mere commands; I therefore judge Thy fufferirigs a contrivance all her own. But loft. Thou art my Ion whom I begat, And Juno bare thee. I cannot endure 1065 That thou ihouldit iuffer long. Hadit thou been bom Of other parents thus deteftable, What Deity foe'er had brought thee forth, Thou ihouldit have found long fince an humbler fphere. He ceafed, and to the care his fon confign'd 1070 Of Paeon ; he, with drugs of lenient pow'rs, Soon healed whom immortality fecured From dhTolution. As the juice from figs Exprefs'd, what fluid was in milk before Coagulates, ftirr'd rapidly around, τ 075 So foon was Mars by Paeon's ikill reitored. Him Hebe bathed, and with divine attire Graceful adorn'd ; when at the fide of Jove ain his glorious feat fublime he took. Meantime to the abode of Jove fupreme 1080 Afcended Juno throughout Argos known And mighty Pallas ; Mars, the plague of man, By their fuccefsful force from ilaughter driv'n. ARGU- ARGUMENT OF THE SIXTH Β Ο Ο Κ. The battle is continued. The Trojans being clofely purfued, Hector by the advice of Helenus enters Troy, and recommends it to Hecuba to go in folemn proceifion to the temple of Minerva ; ihe with the matrons goes accordingly. Hector takes the oppor- tunity to find out Paris, and exhorts him to return to the held of battle. An interview fucceeds between Hector and Andromache, and Paris, having armed himfelf in the meantime, comes up with Hector at the clofe of it, when they fally from the gate together. BOOK VI. a THUS was the field forfaken by the Gods. And now fuccefs proved various ; here the Greeks With their extended fpears, the Trojans there Prevailed alternate, on the champain fpread The Xanthus and the Simois between. . 5 Firit Telamonian Ajax, bulwark firm Of the Achaians, broke the Trojan ranks, And kindled for the Greeks a gleam of hope, Slaying the braveft of the Thracian band, Huge Acamas, Euforus' fon ; him firft ι ο Full on the ihaggy creft he fmote, and urged The fpear into his forehead ; through his icull The bright point pafs'd, and darknefs veiled his eyes. U But ι 4 6 II Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. Book VL But Diomede, heroic Chief, the ion Of Teuthras flew, Axylus. Rich was he, 15 And in Arifba, (where he dwelt beiide The public road, and at his open door Made welcome all) refpe&ed and belov'd. But of his num'rous guefts none interpofed T' avert his woeful doom ; nor him alone 20 He flew, but with him alfo to the ihades Caleiius fent, his friend and charioteer. Opheltius fell and Drefus, by the hand Slain of Euryalus, who, next, his arms On Pedafus and on iEfepus turned 25 Brethren and twins. Them Abarbarea bore, A Naiad, to Bucolion, fon renown'd Of King Laomedon, his eldeft born, But by his mother, at his birth, conceal'd. Bucolion pafturing his flocks, embraced 30 The lovely nymph ; fhe twins produced, both whom, Brave as they were and beautiful, thy * fon Meciileus ! flew, and from their fhoulders tore Their armour. Dauntlefs Polypcetes flew Aftyalus. Ulyfles with his fpear 35 Transfixed Pydites, a Percofian Chief, And Teuccr Aretaon ; Neftor's pride Antilochus, with his bright lance, of life Bereft Ablerus, and the royal arm Of Agamemnon, Elatus ; he dwelt 40 Among the hills of lofty Pedafus, On Satnio's banks, fmooth-fliding river pure. Phylacus fled, whom Le'ftus as fwift • Euryalus. Soon Βουκ. VI. Η Ο Μ ER's Ι !. i Α Ο. Soon imote. Melanthius at the feet expired Of the renowned Eurypylus, and, flufhed 45 With martial ardour, Menelaus icized And took alive Adraftus. As it chanced A thicket his affrighted fteeds detained Their feet entangling ; they with reftive force At its extremity fnapp'd ihort the pole, 50 And to the city, whither others fled, Fled alio. From his chariot headlong hurled, Adraftus prefs'd the plain fail by his wheel. Flew Menelaus, and his quiv'ring fpear Shook over him ; he, life imploring, clafped 55 Importunate his knees, and thus exclaimed. Oh, fon of Atreus, let me live ! accept Illuftrious ranfom ! In my father's houle Is wealth abundant, gold, and brafs, and ileel Of trueft temper, which he will impart 60 'Till he have gratified thine utmoft wifli, Inform'd that I am captive in your fleet. He faid, and Menelaus by his words Vanquished, him foon had to the fleet difmiffed Giv'n to his train in charge, but fwift and item 65 Approaching, Agamemnon interpofed.— Now brother, whence this milkinefs of mind, Thefe fcruples about blood ? Thy Trojan friends Have doubtlefs much obliged thee. Die the race ! May none efcape us ! Neither he who flies, 70 Nor ev'n the infant in his mother's womb Unconfcious. Perifli univerfal Troy Unpitied, till her place be found no more ! U 2 So i 4 S Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. Book VI. So faying, his brother's mind the Hero turn'd, Advifing him aright; he with his hand 75 Thruft back Adraftus, and himfelf, the King, His bowels pierced. Supine Adraftus fell, And Agamemnon, with his foot the corle Impreiling firm, pluck'd forth his aihen fpear. Then Neilor, raiiing high his voice, exclaim'd. 80 Friends, Heroes, Greecians, minifters of Mars ! Let none, defirous of the fpoil, his time Devote to plunder now ; now flay your foes, And ftrip them when the field mail be your own• He faid, and all took courage at his word. 85 Then had the Trojans enter'd Troy again By the heroic Greecians foul repulfed, So was their fpirit daunted, but the fon Of Priam, Helenus, an augur far Excelling all, at Hector's fide his fpeech - 90 To him and to ^Eneas thus addrefTed. Hector, and thou iEneas, fince on you The Lycians chiefly and ourfelves depend, For that in difficult em prize ye iliow Moil courage ; give beft counfel ; iland yourfelves, 95 And, vifiting all quarters, caufe to itand Before the city-gates our fcatter'd troops, Ere yet the fugitives within the arms Be ilaughter'd of their wives, the fcorn of Greece. When thus yc fhall have rallied ev'ry band 100 .(1 routed their courage, weary though we be, Yet fince neceflity commands, cv'n here Will we give battle to the hoft of Greece. But, Book VI. HOMER 's ILIAD. 149 But, Hector ! to the city thou depart ; There charge our mother, that ihe go direct, 105 With the aiTembled matrons, to the fane Of Pallas in the citadel of Troy. Opening her chambers' facred doors, of all Her treafured mantles there, let her felect The wideit, moil magnificently wrought, no And which ihe values moil ; that let her fpread On Athenian Pallas' lap divine. Twelve heifers of the year yet never touched With puncture of the goad, let her alike Devote to her, if ihe will pity Troy, 1 1 5 Our wives and little-ones, and will avert The fon of Tydeus from thefe facred tow'rs, That dreadful Chief, terror of all our hoft, Braveft, in my account, of all the Greeks. For never yet Achilles hath himfelf 120 So taught our people fear, although efteem'd Son of a Goddefs. But this warriors' rage Is boundlefs, and his itrength paft all compare. So Helenus ; nor Hector not complied. Down from his chariot inftant to the ground 125 All arm'd he leap'd, and, ihaking his fharp fpears, Through ev'ry phalanx pafs'd, roufing again Their courage, and rekindling horrid war. They, turning, faced the Greeks ; the Greeks repulfed, Ceafed from all carnage, nor fuppofed they lefs 1 30 Than that fome Deity, the ftarry ikies Forfaken, help'd their foes, fo firm they itood. But Hector to the Trojans called aloud. Ye τ 5 ο HOMER's ILIAD. Boo;; VI. Ye dauntlefs Trojans and confed'rate pow'rs Call'd from afar! now be ye men, my friends, 135 Now fummon all the fury of your might ! I go to charge our'fenators and wives That they addrefs the Gods with prayers and vows For our iuccefs, and hecatombs devote. So faying the Hero went, and as he ilrode 1 40 The fable hide that lined his bofTy fhield Smote on his neck and on his ancle-bone. And now into the middle fpace between Both hoils, the fon of Tydeus and the fon Moved of Hippolochus, intent alike 145 On furious combat ; face to face they flood, And thus heroic Diomede began. Moil noble Champion ! who of human kind Art thou, whom in the man-ennobling fight I now encounter fir ft r Pail all thy peers 150 I mull eileem thee valiant, who haft dared To meet my coming, and my fpear defy. Ah ! they are Ions of miferable Sires Who dare my might ; but if a God from heav'n Thou come, behold ! I fight not with the Gods. 155 That war Lycurgus fon of Dryas, waged, And faw not many years. The nurfes he Of brain-difturbing Bacchus down the fteep Purfued of facred Nyfla ; they their wands Vine-wreath'd call all away, with an ox-goad 160 Chaftized by fell Lycurgus. Bacchus plunged Meantime difmay'd into the Deep, where him Trembling, and at the Hero's haughty threats Confounded, Book VI. HOMER' s ILIAD. Mi Confounded, Thetis in her bofom hid. Thus by Lycurgus were the blefled pow'rs 165 Of heav'n offended, and Saturnian Jove Of fight bereaved him, who not long that lofs Survived, for he was curft by all above. I, therefore, wage no conteft with the Gods. But if thou be of men, and feed on bread 170 Of earthly growth, draw nigh, that with a ftroke Well-aimed, I may at once cut ihort thy days. To whom th' illuilrious Lycian Chief replied. Why afks brave Diomede of my defcent? For, as the leaves, fuch is the race of man. 175 The wind fhakes down the leaves, the budding grove Soon teems with others, and in fpring they grow. So pafs mankind. One generation meets Its deilined period, and a new fucceeds. But fince thou feem'il deiirous to be taught 180 My pedigree, whereof no few have heard, Know that in Argos, in the very lap Of Argos, for her iieed-grazed meadows famed, Stands Ephyra ; there Sifyphus abode, Shrewdeft of human kind; Sifyphus, named 185 iEolides. Himfelf a fon begat, Glaucus, and he Bellerophon, to whom The Gods both manly force and beauty gave. Him Prcetus (for in Argos at that time Prcetus was fovereign, to whofe fceptre Jove 190 Had fubjeoted the land) plotting his death, Contrived to baniih from his native home. For fair Anteia, wife of Proetus, mad Through HOMER's ILIAD. Book VI. Through love of young Bellerophon, him oft In fecret to illicit joys enticed; 195 But ihe prevailed not o'er the virtuous mind Difcrete of whom fhe wooed ; therefore a lie Framing, ihe royal Prcetus thus befpake. Die thou, or flay Bellerophon, who fought Of late to force me to his lewd embrace. 200 So faying, the anger of the King ihe routed. Slay him himfelf he would not, for his heart Forbad the deed ; him therefore he difmifs'd To Lycia, charged with tales of dire import Written in tablets, which he bade him ihow, 205 That he might perifli, to Anteia's lire. To Lycia then, conducted by the Gods, He went, and on the ihores of Xanthus found Free entertainment noble at the hands Of Lycia's potent King. Nine days complete 210 He feafted him, and flew each day an ox. But when the tenth day's ruddy morn appear'd, He afked him then his errand, and to fee Thofe written tablets from his fon-in-law. The letters feen, he bade him, firft, deitroy 215 Chimxra, deem'd invincible, divine In nature, alien from the race of man, Lion in front, but dragon all behind* And in the mid ft a fhe-goat breathing forth Profufc the violence of flaming fire. 220 r, confident in figns from heav'n, he ilew. Next, with the men of Solymoe he fought, Brave warriors far-renown'd, with whom he waged, In Book VI. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. l S3 In his account, the fierceft of his wars. And laftly, when in battle he had flain 225 The man-reiifting Amazons, the King Another itratagem at his return Devifed againit him, placing clofe-concealed An ambuih for him from the braveil chos'n In Lycia ; but they faw their homes no more; 230 Belle rophon the valiant ilew them all. The monarch hence collecting, at the lail, His heav'nly origin, him there detained, And gave him his own daughter, with the half Of all his royal dignity and pow'r. 235 The Lycians alio, for his proper ufe, Large lot ailigned him of their richeil foil, Commodious for the vine, or for the plough. And now his confort fair three children bore To bold Bell erophon ; Ifandrus one, 240 And one, Hippolochus ; his youngeil born Laodamia was for beauty fuch That ihe became a concubine of Jove. She bore Sarpedon of heroic note. But when Bellerophon, at lail, himfelf 245 Had anger'd all the Gods, feeding on grief He roam'd alone the Aleian field, exiled By choice, from ev'ry cheerful haunt of man. Mars, thirily mil for blood, his fon deflroy'd Ifandrus, warring with the hoft renown'd 250 Of Solymae ; and in her wrath divine Diana from her chariot golden-rein'd Laodamia flew. Myfelf I boail X Sprung 1J4 JI Ο Μ Κ R's I L Ι Λ D. βοοκ VI, Sprung from llippolochus ; he fent me forth To fight for Troy, charging me much and oft 255 That I mould outilrip always all mankind In worth and valour, nor the houle dilgrace Of my forefathers, heroes without peer In Ephyra, and in Lycia's wide domain. Such is my lineage ; Inch the blood I boail. 260 He ceafed. Then valiant Diomede rejoiced. He pitch'd his fpear, and to the Lycian Prince In terms of peace and amity replied. Thou art my own hereditary friend, Whofe noble Grandilre was the gueft of mine. 265 For Oeneus, on a time, full twenty days Regaled Bellerophon, and pledges fair Of hofpitality they interchanged. Oeneus a belt radiant with purple gave To brave Bellerophon, who in return 270 Gave him a golden goblet. Coming forth left the kind memorial fafe at home. Λ child was I when Tydeus went to Thebes Where the Achaians periih'd, and of him Hold no remembrance; but henceforth, my friend, 275 Thine hoit am I in Argos, and thou mine In Lycia, iliould I chance to fojourn there. We will not claih. Trojans or aids of Troy Xo few, the Gods iliall furniih to my fpear, Whom I may ilaughter; and no want of Greeks 280 On whom to prove thy prowefs, thou ilialt find. But it were well that an exchange enfucd "Between us ; take mine armour, give me thine, That Book VI. - Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. 155 That all who notice us may underftand Our * patrimonial amity and love. 285 So they, and each alighting, hand in hand Stood locked, faith promifing and firm accord. Then Jove of foher judgment fo bereft Infatuate Glaucns, that with Tydeus' fon He barter'd gold for brafs, an hundred beeves 293 In value, for the value fmall of nine. But Hector at the Scxan gate and beech Meantime arrived, to whofe approach the wives And daughters flock'd of Troy, enquiring each The fate of huiband, brother, fon, or friend. 295 He bade them all with folemn pray'r the Gods Seek fervent, for that woe was on the wing. But when he enter'd Priam's palace, built With fplendid porticoes, and which within Had fifty chambers lined with poliih'd ilone, 300 Contiguous all, where Priam's fons repofed And his fons' wives, and where, on th' other iide> In twelve magnificent chambers alio lined With poliih'd marble, and contiguous all, The fons-in-law of Priam lay befide 305 His fpotlefs daughters, there the mother-queen Seeking the chamber of Laodice, Lovelieft of all her children, as fhe went Met Hector. On his hand fhe hune and iaid : Why leav'ft thou, Ο my fon! the dang'rous field? 310 I fear that the Achaians (hateful name !) Compafs the walls fo clofely, that thou feek'lt, Urged by difirefs, the citadel to lift Xmc» •δτατρωϊο<. X 2 Thine ι 5 6 Η Ο Μ Ε R's I L I A D. Book VI. Thine hands in pray'r to Jove ? But paufe awhile, 'Till I Hiall bring thee wine, that having poured 315 Libation rich to Jove and to the pow'rs Immortal, thou may'ft drink and be refreih'd. For wine is mighty to renew the ilrength Of weary man, and weary thou muil be Thyfelf, thus long defending us and ours. 320 To whom her fon majeftic thus replied. My mother, whom I rev'rence ! cheering wine Bring none to me, left I forget my might. I fear, befide, with unwaftYd hands to pour Libation forth of fable wine to Jove, 325 And dare on none account, thus blood-defiled, Approach the tempeft-ftirring God in prayer. Thou, therefore, gath'ring all our matrons, feek The fane of Pallas, huntrefs of the fpoil, Bearing fweet incenfe ; but from the attire 330 Treafured within thy chamber, firft feleor. The ampler!: robe, moil exquifitely wrought, And which thou prizeft moil, — then fpread the gift On Athenaean Pallas' lap divine. Twelve heifers alfo of the year, untouched 335 With punolure of the goad, promife to ilay In facriflce, if ihe will pity Troy, Our wives and little-ones, and will avert The fon of Tydeus from thefe facred tow'rs, That dreadful Chief, terrour of all our hoft. 340 Go then, my mother, feek the hallow'd fane Of the fpoil-huntrefs Deity. I, the while, Seek Paris, and, if Paris yet can hear, Shall call him forth. But oh that earth would yawn And Book VI. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. 157 And fwallow him, whom Jove hath made a curfe 345 To Troy, to Priam, and to all his houfe ! Methinks, to fee him plunged into the ihades For ever, were a cure for all my woes. He ceafed ; the Queen, her palace ent'ring, charged Her maidens ; they, incontinent, throughout 350 All Troy convened the matrons, as ihe bade. Meantime into her wardrobe incenfe-fumed, Herfelf defcended ; there her treafures lay, Works of Sidonian women, whom her fon The Godlike Paris, when he crofTed the feas 355 With Jove-begotten Helen, brought to Troy. The moil magnificent, and varied moil With colours radiant, from the reft ihe chofe For Pallas ; vivid as a ilar it ihone, And loweft lay of all. Then, forth ihe went, 360 The Trojan matrons all following her iteps. But when the long proceflion reach'd the fane Of Pallas in the heights of Troy, to them The fair Theano ope'd the portals wide, Daughter of ChTeus, brave Antenor's fpoufe, 365 And by appointment public, at that time, Prieftefs of Pallas. All with lifted hands In prefence of Minerva wept aloud. Beauteous Theano on the Goddefs' lap Then fpread the robe, and to the daughter fair 370 Of Jove omnipotent her fuit addrefs'd. * Goddefs of GoddeiTes, our city's fhield, Adored Minerva, hear ! oh ! break the lance * X7. $7x Q:*xv, Of 15 5 H Ο Μ Ε R's I L I A D, Book VL Of Diomede, and give himfeif to fall Prone in the duft before the Scxan gate. 375 So will we offer to thee at thy fhrine, This day, twelve heifers of the year, untouched By yoke or goad, if thou wilt pity fhow To Troy, and fave our children and our wives. Such pray'r the prieftefs offer'd, and luch pray'r 380 All prefent ; whom Minerva heard averfe. But Hector to the palace fped meantime Of Alexander, which himfeif had built, Aided by ev'ry architect of name Illuftrious then in Troy. Chamber it had, 385 Wide hall, proud dome, and on the heights of Troy Near-ncighb'ring Hector's houfe and Priam's itood. There enter'd Hector, Jove-belov'd, a fpear In length eleven cubits in his hand, Its glinting head bound with a ring of gold. 390 He found within his chamber whom he fought, Poliihing with exacteft care his arms Resplendent, ihield and hauberk fing'ring o'er With curious touch, and tamp'ring with his bow. Helen of Argos with her female train 395 Sat occupied, the while, to each in turn Some fplendid talk affigning. He&or fixed His eyes on Paris, and him ftern rebuked. Thy fullen humours, Paris, are ill-timed. The people perifh at our lofty walls ; 400 The flames of war have compafTed Troy around, And thou haft kindled them; who yet thyfelf That Uacknefs ihow'lt which in another ic^n Thou Book VI. Η Ο Μ Ε R *s ILIAD. , 59 Thou would'ft refent to death. Hafte, feek the field This moment, left, the next, all Ilium blaze. 405 To whom thus Paris graceful as a God. Since, Hector, thou haft charged me with a fault, And not unjuftly, I will anfwer make, And give thou fpecial heed. That here I fit, The caufe is forrow, which I wiihed to footh 410 In fecret, not difpleafure or revenge. I tell thee alfo, that ev'n now my wife Was urgent with me in moft foothing terms That I would forth to battle ; and, myfelf, Aware that victory oft changes fides, 415 That courfe prefer. Wait, therefore, thou awhile, 'Till I ihall drefs me for the fight, or go Thou firft, and I will overtake thee foon. He ceafed, to whom brave Hector anfwer none Returned, when Helen him with lenient fpeech 420 Accofted mild. My Brother ! who in me Haft found a fifter worthy of thy hate, Auth'refs of all calamity to Troy, Oh that the winds, the day when I was born, Had fwept me out of fight, whirled me aloft 425 To fome inhofpitable mountain-top, Or plung'd me in the deep ; there I had funk O'erwhelnVd, and all thefe ills had never been. But fince the Gods would bring thefe ills to pafs, I fhould, at leaft, fome worthier mate have chos'n, 430 One not infcnfible to public fhame. But this, oh this, nor hath nor will acquire Hereafter, aught which like difcretion ihews Or 1 6ο HOMER's ILIAD. Book VI. Or reaibn, and fhall find his juil reward. But enter; take this feat; for who as thou 435 Labours, or who hath caufe like thee to rue The crime, my brother, for which Heav'n hath doomed Both Paris and my moil deteited felf To be the burthens of an endleis fong ? To whom the warlike He£lor * huge replied. 440 Me bid not, Helen, to a feat, howe'er Thou wifh my ftay, for thou muft not prevail. The Trojans mifs me, and myfelf no lefs Am anxious to return ; but urge in hafle This loit'rer forth; yea, let him urge himfelf 445 To overtake me, ere I quit the town. For I muft home in hafte, that I may fee My loved Andromache, my infant boy And my domettics, ignorant if e'er I ill all behold them more, or if my fate 450 Ordain me now to fall by Greecian hands. So fpake the dauntlefs hero, and withdrew. But reaching foon his own well-built abode He found not fair Andromache ; ihe flood Lamenting Hector, with the nurfe who bore 455 Her infant, on a turret's top fublime. He then, not finding his chaile fpoufe within, Thus, from the portal, of her train enquired. Tell me ye maidens, whither went from home Andromache the fair ? Went fhe to fee 460 Her female kindred of my father's houfe, Or to Minerva's temple, where convened I The bulk of his heroes is a circumftance of which Homer frequently reminds us by the ufc of the word μίγχς — and which ought, therefore, by no means to be iupprefled. The Book VI. II Ο Μ ER's ILIA D. ιέ) The bright-haired matrons of the city feek To footh the awful Goddefs ? Tell me true. To whom his houfhold's governefs difcrete. 465 Since, Hector, truth is thy demand, receive True anfwcr. Neither went fhe forth to fee Her female kindred of thy father's houfe, Nor to Minerva's temple, where convened The bright-haired matrons of the city feek 470 To footh the awful Goddefs, but ihe w r ent Hence to the tow'r of Troy 5 for ihe had heard That the Achaians had prevail'd, and driv'n The Trojans to the wails ; ihe, therefore, wild With grief, flew thither, and the nurfe her Heps 47 ς Attended, with thy infant in her arms. So fpake the prudent governefs ; whofe words When Hector heard, iifuing from his door He backward trod with haily fteps the itreets Of lofty Troy, and having traverfed all 480 The fpacious city, when he now approach'd The Sccean gate, whence he mufc feek the field, There, hailing home again his noble wife Met him, Andromache the rich-endow'd, Fair daughter of Eetion famed in arms. 485 Eetion, who in Hypoplacian Thebes Umbrageous dwelt, Cilicia's mighty lord, — His daughter valiant Hector had efpoufed. There ihe encounter'd him, and with herfelf The nurfe came alfo, bearing in her arms 490 Hectorides, his infant darling boy, Beautiful as a irar. Him Hector called Υ Scamandriusi ϊ6 2 Η Ο Μ Ε R's I L I A D. Book VI. Scamandrius, but *Aftyanax all elfe In lliuni named him, for that Hector's arm Alone was the defence and ltrength of Troy. 495 The father, iilent, eyed his babe, and fmiled. Andfomache, meantime, before him flood With ftreaming cheeks, hung on his hand, and faid. Thy own great courage will cut fhort thy days, My noble Hector! neither pitieft thou 500 Thy helplefs infant, or my haplefs felf, Whofe widowhood is near ; for thou wilt fall Ere long, afTail'd by the whole hoft of Greece. Then let me to the tomb, my beil retreat When thou art ilain. For comfort none or joy 505 Can I expect, thy day of life extinct, But thenceforth, forrow. Father I have none ; No mother. When Cilicia's city, Thebes The populous, was by Achilles fack'd, He flew my father ; yet his gorgeous arms 510 Stripp'd not through rev'rence of him, but confumed, Arm'd as it was, his body on the pile, And heap'd his tomb, which the Oreades t Jove's daughters, have with elms inclofed around. My feven brothers, glory of our houfe, 515 All in one day defended to the ihades ; For brave Achilles, while they fed their herds And fnowy flocks together, flew them all. My mother, Queen of the well-wooded realm Of Hypoplacian Thebes, her hither brought 520 Among his other fpoils, he loos'd again 1 The name fignifiesj die Chief 'of the ctiy* \ Mountain-nymphs. At Book VI. Η Ο Μ l•; R.'i ILIA Π. i«j At an ineilimable ranfom-price, But, by -Diana pierced, fhe died at home. Yet Hedtor — oh my hufband ! I in thee Find parents, brothers, all that I have loft. 5^5 Come ! have companion on us. Go not hence, But guard this turret, left of me thou make A widow, and an orphan of thy boy. The city walls are eaiieft of afcent At yonder fig-tree; ftation there thy pow'rs ; 536 For whether by a prophet warned, or taught By fearch and obfervation, in that part Each Ajax with Idomeneus of Crete, The fons of Atreus, and the valiant foil Of Tydeus, have now thrice afTailed the town. 535 To whom the leader of the hoft of Troy. Thefe cares, Andromache, which thee engage, All touch me alfo ; but I dread to incur The fcorn of male and female tongues in Troy, If, daftard-like, I iliould decline the fight. 540 Nor feel I fuch a wiih. No. I have learned To be courageous ever, in the van Among the flow'r of Ilium to aifert Aly glorious father's honour, and my own. For that the day ihall come, when facred Troy, 545 When Priam, and the people of the old Spear-praclifed King ihall perifh, well I know. But for no Trojan forrows yet to come So much I mourn, not e'en for Hecuba, Nor yet for Priam, nor for all the brave ς 5 ο * Sudden deaths were afcribed either to Diana or Apollg. Υ ι Of ,6 4 IiUiMER's ILIAD. Book VI. Of my own brothers who ihall kifs the dure, As for thyfelf, when iome Achaian Chief Shall have convey'd thee weeping hence, thy fun Of peace and liberty for ever fet. Then ihalt thou toil in Argos at the loom 555 For a taik-miitrefs, and conftrained ihalt draw From Hyperc'ia's fount, or from the fount MefTe'is, water at her proud command. Some Greecian then, feeing thy tears, fhall fay — " This was the wife of Hector, who excelled 560 " All Troy in fight when Ilium was befieged." Such he fliall fpeak thee, and thy heart, the while, Shall bleed afrefli through want of fuch a friend To iland between captivity and thee. But may I reft beneath my hill of earth 565: Or ere that day arrive ! I would not live To hear thy cries, and fee thee torn away. So faying, illuftrious Hector ftretch'd his arms Forth to his ion, but with a fcream, the child Fell back into the bofom of his nurfe, 570 His father's afpect dreading, whofe bright arms He had attentive mark'd, and ihaggy creft Playing tremendous o'er his helmet's height. His father and his gentle mother laugh'd *, And noble Hector lifting from his head 575 His dazzling helmet, placed it on the ground, Then kifs'd his boy and dandled him, and thus In earneft pray'r the hcav'nly pow'rs implored. * The Scholiaft in Villoifllm calls it pva-jxo» π»λ *αι μιτμον -jf/.ccra— a natural *au moderate iaughttri Hear Book VI. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. 165 Hear all ye Gods ! as ye have giv'n to me, So alio on my foil excelling might 580 Beftow, with chief authority in Troy. And be his record this, in time to come, When he returns from battle. Lo ! how far The fon excells the Sire ! May every foe Fall under him, and he come laden home 585 With fpoils blood-itain'd to his dear mother's joy• He faid, and gave his infant to the arms Of his Andromache, who him received Into her fragrant bofom, bitter tears With fweet fmiles mingling ; he with pity moved 590 That fight obferv'd, foft touched her cheek, and faid. Mourn not, my loved Andromache, for me Too much ; no man lhall fend me to the fhades Of Tartarus, ere mine allotted hour, Nor lives he who can overpafs the date 595 By heav'n aflign'd him, be he bafe or brave. Go then, and occupy content at home The woman's province ; ply the diftaff, fpin And weave,, and talk thy maidens. War belongs To man; to all men; and of all who firlt 600 Drew vital breath in Ilium, moil to me.. He ceafcd, and from the ground his helmet raifed Hair-creited ; his Andromache, at once Obedient, to her home repair'd, but oft Turn'd as ihe went, and, turning, wept afreili. 605 No fooner at the palace ihe arrived Of havoc-fp reading Hec"tor, than among Her num'rous maidens found within, ihe raifed A general HuMER's ILIA D. Εοοκ VI. A general lamentation ; with one voice, In his own houfe, his whole domeilic train 610 Mourned Heclor, yet alive ; for none the hope Conceived of his efcape from Greecian hands, Or to behold their living mailer more. Nor Paris, in his (lately manfion long Delay 'd, but, arm'd refplendent, traversal fwift 615 The city, all alacrity and joy. As fome flailed horfe high-fed, his ilable-cord Snapt fhort, beats under foot the founding plain, Accuftom'd in fmooth-fliding ilreams to lave Exulting; high he bears his head, his mane 620 Undulates o'er his lhoulders, pleafed he eyes His glofTy fides, and borne on pliant knees Shoots to the meadow where his fellows graze ; So Paris, fon of Priam, from the heights Of Pergamus into the llreets of Troy, 625 All dazzling as the fun, defcended, flufli'd With martial pride, and bounding in his courfe. At once he came where noble Hec~lor flood Now turning, after conference with his fpoufe, When godlike Alexander thus began. 630 My hero brother, thou hail rarely found My long delay moil irkfome. More difpatch Mad pleafed thee more, for fuch was thy command. To whom the warlike Hecflor thus replied. No man, judicious, and in feats of arms 635 Intelligent, would pour contempt on thee, (For thou art valiant) wcr't thou not remifs And wilful negligent ; and when I hear The Book VI. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. 167 The very men who labour in thy caufe Reviling thee, I make thy ihame my own. 640 But let us on. All fuch complaints iliall ceafe Hereafter, and thy faults be touched no more, Let Jove but once afford us riddance, clear Of thefe Achaians, and to quaff the cup Of liberty, before the living Gods. 64; ARGU. ARGUMENT OF THE SEVENTH BOO K. Ajax and Hector engage in fingle combat. The Greecians fortify their camp. BOOK VII. SO faying, illuitrious Hector through tr ites To battle ruined, with Paris at his ίΐ , And both were bent on deeds of high renown. As when the Gods vouchfafe propitious gales To longing mariners, who with fmooth oars 5 Threfhing the waves have all their ftrength confumed, So them the longing Trojans glad received. At once each flew a Greecian. Paris flew Menefthius who in Arna dwelt, the fon Of Areithous, club-bearing Chief, 10 And of Philomcdufa radiant-eyed. But Hector wounded with his glitt'ring fpear E'ioneus; he pierced his neck beneath His brazen morion's verge, and dead he fell. Then Glaucus, leader of the Lycian hoft, 15 Son of Hippolochus, in furious fight [phinoUS ^n\ of Dexias affail'd, Mounting his rapid marcs, and with his lance Hk Ihoulder pierced ; unhorfed he fell and died. Such Book VII. HOMER'* ILIA D. , } Such (laughter of the Greccians in fierce fight 20 Minerva noting, from the Olympian hills Flew down to iacred Ilium ; whofe approach Marking from Pergamus Apollo flew To meeu her, ardent on the part of Troy. Beneath the beech they join'd, when firft the King, 25 The fon of Jove, Apollo, thus began. Daughter of Jove fu])reme ! why haft thou left Olympus, and with fuch impetuous fpeed ? Com'it thou to give the Dana'i fuccefs Deciiive ? For I know that pity none 30 Thou feePil for Trojans, periih as they may. But if advice of mine can influence thee To that which ihall be beft, let us compofe This day the furious fight, which mall again Hereafter rage, 'till Ilium be deftroy'd, 35 Since fuch is Juno's pleafure and thy own. Him anfwer'd then Pallas coerulean-eyed. Celeftial archer ! be it fo. I came Myfelf ίο purpoilng into the field From the Olympian heights. But by what means 40 Wilt thou induce the warriors to a paufe ? To whom the King, the fon of Jove, replied. The courage of equeilrian Hector bold Let us excite, that he may challenge forth To fingle conflict terrible fome Chief 4 ζ Achaian. The Achaians brazen-mail'd Indignant, will fupply a champion foon To combat with the noble Chief of Troy. Ζ So 170 Η Ο Μ Ε R\s ILIA D. Book VII. So fpake Apollo, and his connfel plefts'd Minerva ; which when Helenus the ieer 50 Priam's own ion, in his prophetic ibul Perceived, approaching Hector, thus he fpake. Jove's peer in wifdom, Heclor, Priam's ion ! I. am thy brother. Wilt thou lift to me? Bid ceafe the battle. Bid both armies fit. $$ Call firft, thyfelf, the mightieft of the Greeks To iingle conflidt. I have heard the voice Of the Eternal Gods, and well aflured Foretell thee that thy death not now impends. He fpake, whom Hector heard with joy elate. 60 Before his van finding into the fpace Both hofts between, he with his fpear tranfverfe PreiTed back the Trojans, and they fat. Down fat The well-greaved Greecians alfo at command Of Agamemnon ; and in fhape afTumed 6$ Of vultures, Pallas and Apollo perched High on the lofty beech facred to Jove The father iEgis-arm'd ; delighted thence They viewed the peopled plain horrent around With ihields and helms and glitt'ring fpears eredl. 70 As when frefh-blowing Zephyrus the flood Sweeps firft, the ocean blackens at the blaft, Such feem'd the plain whereon th' Achaians fat And Trojans, whom between thus Hector fpake. Ye Trojans, and Achaians brazen-greaved, 75 Attend while I ill al 1 fpenk ! Jove high-enthroned I lath not fulfill'd the truce, but evil plans Againft both hofts, till cither ye ill all take Troy's Book VII. Η Ο Μ Ε R's Ι 1. I A 1>. ryi Troy's lofty tow'rs, or iliall yourfelves in fight Fall vanquiih'd at your billow-cleaving barks. 80 With you is all the flower of Greece. Let him Whole heart iliall move him to encounter fole Illuftrious Heclor, from among you all Stand forth, and Jove be witnels to us both. If he, with his long-pointed lance, of life 85 Shall me bereave, my armour is his prize, Which he iliall hence into your fleet convey ; Not fo my body ; that he iliall refign For burial to the men and wives of Troy. But if Apollo make the glory mine, 90 And he fall vanquiihed, him will I defpoil, And hence conveying into v facred Troy His arms, will in the temple hang them high Of the bow-bender God, but I will fend His body to the fleet, that him the Greeks 95 Alay grace with rites funereal. On the banks Of wide-fpread Hellefpont ye fhall upraife His tomb, and as they cleave with oary barks The fable Deep, poilerity iliall fay— ; " It is a warrior's tomb; in antient day r s, 100 " The Hero died 5 him warlike Hector flew." So men iliall fpeak hereafter, and my fame Who ilew him, and my praife, iliall never die. He ceafed, and all fat mute. His challenge bold None dared accept, which yet they bluiliM to ihun, 105 'Till Menelaus, at the laft, arofe Groaning profound, and thus reproach'd the Greeks. Ζ 2 Ah- i 7 2 IIOMER's ILIAD. Βυοκ VH. Ah boailers ! henceforth women — men no more — Eternal ihame, ihame infinite is ours, If none of all the Greecians dares contend 110 With Hector. Daitards — deaf to glory's call — Rot where ye fit. I will my 1 elf take arms Againft him, for the Gods alone difpofe, At their own pleafure, the events of war. He ended, and put on his radiant arms. 115 Then, Menelaus, manifeft appear'd Thy death, approaching by the dreadful hands Of Hector, mightier far in arms than thou, But that the Chiefs of the Achaians all Upilarting ftay'd thee, and himfelf the King, 120 The fon of Atreus, on thy better hand . Seizing affectionate, thee thus addrefs'd. Thou rav'lt, my royal brother ! and art feized With needlefs frenzy. But, however chafed, Bertram thy wrath, nor covet to contend τ 25 With Priameian Hector, whom in fight All dread, a warrior thy fuperior far. Not ev'n Achilles, in the glorious field (Though ilronger far than thou) this hero meets Undaunted. Go then, and thy feat refume 130 In thy own band ; th* Achaians fhall for him, Doubtlefs, fomc fitter champion furniih forth. Brave though he be, and with the toils of war Infatiable, he fhall be willing yet, Seated on his bent knees, to breathe awhile, 135 Should he cfcape the arduous brunt fevcrc. So Book VII. HOMER's ILIAD. i 7] So faying, the hero by his counfel wife His brother's purpofe alter'd ; he complied, And his glad fervants eafed him of his arms. Then Neftor thus the Argive hoft befpake. 140 Great woe, ye Gods ! hath on Achaia faU'ru Now may the warlike Peleus, hoary Chief, Who both with eloquence and wifdom rules The Myrmidons, our foul difgrace deplore. With him difcourfing, erft, of antient times, 145 When all your pedigrees I traced, I made His heart bound in him at the proud report. But now, when he ihall learn how here we fat Cow'ring at foot of Hector, he ihall oft His hands uplift to the immortal Gods, 150 Praying a fwift releafe into the ihades. Jove ! Pallas ! Phcebus ! Oh that I were young As when the Pylians in fierce fight engaged Th' Arcadians fpear-expert, befide the itream Of rapid Celadon ! Beneath the walls 155 We fought of Pheia, where the Jardan rolls. There Ereuthalion, Chief of Godlike form, Stood forth before his van, and with loud voice Defied the Pylians. Armed he was in fteel By royal Are'ithous whilom worn; τ 60 Brave Are'ithous, * Corynetes named By ev'ry tongue; for that in bow and fpear Nought truiled he, but with an iron mace The clofe embattled phalanx ihatter'd wide. Him by addrefs, not by fuperior force, 165 * The club-bearer. Lycurgus i-4 HOMER's ILIA D. Boo- VII. Lycurgus vanquiuYd, in a narrow pafs, Where him his iron * whirl-hat nought avail'd. Lycurgus ftealing on him, with his lance Tranfpierced and fixVl him to the foil lupine. Him of his arms, bright gift of brazen Mars, 170 He ftripp'd, which after, in th' embattled held Lycurgus wore himfelf, but, growing old, Surrender'd them to Ereuthalion's uie His armour-bearer, high in his efteem, And Ereuthalion wore them on the day 175 When he defied our heft. All hung their head^> And trembled ; none dared meet him ; 'till at latt With inborn courage warmed, and nought difmayed, Though youngeft of them all, I undertook That conteil, and, by Pallas' aid, prevailed. 180 I flew the man in height and bulk all men SurpafTing, and much foil he cover'd ilain. Oh for the vigour of thofe better days ! Then iliould not Hector want a champion long, Whofe call to combat, ye, although the prime 185 And pride of all our land, feem ilow to hear. He fpake reproachful, when at once arofe Nine heroes. Agamemnon, King of men, Foremoft arofe ; then Tydeus' mighty fon, With cither Ajax in fierce prowefs clad; 190 The Cretan next, Idomcneus, with whom Uprofe Mcriones his friend approved, Terrible as the man-deitroyer Mars. EvxmoiVs noble offspring next appear'd * It is a word ufed by Drydcn. Eurypylus ; Book VII. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. J 75 Eurypylus ; Androemons' fon the next I95 Thoas ; and lait, UlyiTes, glorious Chief. All thefe flood ready to engage in arms With warlike Hector, when the antient King, Gerenian Neilor, thus his fpeech refumed. Now cart the lot for all. Who wins the chance 200 Shall yield Achaia fervice, and himfelf Serve alfo, if fuccefsful he efcape This brunt of holtile hardiment fevere. So Neilor. They, infcribing each his lot, Into the helmet call it of the fon 205 Of Atreus, Agamemnon. Then the hoft Pray'd all, their hands uplifting, and with eyes To the wide heav'ns directed, many faid— Eternal fire ! chufe Ajax, or the fon Of Tydeus, or the King himfelf who fways 210 The fceptre in Mycenae wealth-renown'd ! * Such pray'r the people made ; then Neilor ihook The helmet, and forth leaped, whofe moil they wifhed, The lot of Ajax. Throughout all the hoft To ev'ry chief and potentate of Greece, 215 From right to left the herald bore the lot By all difown'd ; but when at length he reached Th' infcriber of the lot, who cail it in, Illuilrious Ajax, in his open palm The herald plac'd it, {landing at his fide. 220 He, confcious, with heroic joy the lot Cail at his foot, and thus exclaimed aloud. My friends ! the lot is mine, and my own heart * Agamemnon. Rejoices HOMER's ILIA D. Book VII. Rejoices alio ; for I nothing doubt That noble Hedor ftiall be foil'd by men. 225 But while I put mine armour on, pray all in filence to the King Saturnian Jove, Left, while ye pray, the Trojans overhear. Or pray aloud, for whom have we to dread ? No man ill all my firm (landing by his ilrength 230 Unfettle, or for ignorance of mine Me vanquiih, who, 1 hope, brought forth and train'd In Salamis, have, now, not much to learn. He ended. They with heav'n-direoted eyes The King in pray'r addreiVd, Saturnian Jove. 235 Jove ! glorious father ! who from Ida's height Controuleft all below, let Ajax prove Victorious, make the honour all his own ! Or, if not lei's than Ajax, Hedor ihare Thy love and thy regard, divide the prize 240 Of glory, and let each atchieve renown ! Then Ajax put his radiant armour on, And, arm'd complete, rufh'd forward. As huge Mars To battle moves the fons of men between Whom Jove with heart-devouring thiril infpires 245 Of war, fo mov'd huge Ajax to the fight, Tow'r of the Greeks, dilating with a fmile I lis martial features terrible ; on feet, Firm-planted, to the combat he advanced Stride after ftride, and ihook his quiv'ring fpear. 250 Him viewing, Argos' univerfal hoft lulted, while a panic loos'd the knees Of ev'ry Trojan; even Hector's heart Beat Book VII. HOMER's ILIAD, 177 Beat double, but efcape for him remain'd None now, or to retreat into his ranks 255 Again, from whom himfelf had challenged forth. Ajax advancing like a tow'r his ihield Sevenfold, approached. It was the labour'd work Of Tychius, armourer of matchlefs ikill, Who dwelt in Hyla; coated with the hides 260 Of fev'n high-pamperVl bulls that ihield he framed For Ajax, and the diik plated with brafs. Advancing it before his breail, the fon Of Telamon approached the Trojan Chief, And face to face, him threat'ning, thus began. 265 Now, Hector, prove, by me alone oppofed, What Chiefs the Dana'i can furnifh forth In abfence of the lion-hearted prince Achilles, breaker of the ranks of war. He, in his billow-cleaving barks, incenfed 270 Againft our leader Agamemnon, lies ; But warriors of my meafure, who may ferve To cope with thee, we want not ; num'rous filch Are found amongil us. But begin the fight. To whom majeitic Hector fierce in arms. 275 Ajax ! heroic leader of the Greeks ? Offspring of Telamon Ϊ efTay not me With words to terrify, as I were boy Or girl unikill'd in war; I am a man Well exercifed in battle, who have ihed 2-80 The blood of many a warrior, and have learned, From hand to hand fhifting my ihield, to fight Unwearied ; I can make a fport of war, A a In τ-78 Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIA D. ΒοοκΥΚ. in Handing fight adj lifting, all my fteps To martial meafures fweet, or vaulting light 285 Into my chariot, thence can urge the foe. » - • Yet in contention with a Chief like thee I will employ no ftratagem, or leek To finite thee privily, hut with a ftroke (If I may reach thee) vifible to all. 290 So fiying, he ihook, then hurl'd his maify fpear At Ajax, and his broad ihield fevenfold On its eighth furface of refplendent brafs Smote full ; fix hides th' unblunted weapon pierced, But in the feventh flood rooted. Ajax, next, 295 Heroic Chief, hurl'd his long-ihadow'd fpear And ftruck the oval ihield of Priam's foil. Through his bright diik the weapon tempeft-driv'n Glided, and in his hauberk-rings infixt' At his foft flank, ripp'd wide his veil within. ' 300 Inclined oblique he 'fcaped the dreadful doom. Then each from other's ihield his maify fpear Recov'ring quick, like lions hunger-pinch'd Or wild boars irrefiitible in force, They fell to clofe encounter. Priam's fon 305 The ihield of Ajax at its centre fmote, But fail'd to pierce it, for he bent his point. Sprang Ajax then, and meeting full the targe Of Hedor, ihock'd him ; through it and beyond Uc urged the weapon with its Aiding edge 310 Athwart his neck, and blood was feen to Chart. But itill, for no fuch caufe, from battle ccas'd Creit-toiiing Ilcdfor, but retiring, feized An Book VII. IT Ο Μ Ε R's Ι L I A D. i 79 An huge ilone angled fliarp and black with age That on the champain lay. The bull-hide guard 313 Sev'n-fold of Ajax with that {lone he fmote Full on its centre ; fang the circling brafs. Then Ajax far an heavier ilone upheaved ; He whirled it, and with might immeafurable Difmifs'd the mafs, which witli a mill-flone weight 320 Sank through the fhield of He£lor, and his knees Difabled ; with his fhield fupine he fell, But by Apollo raifed, flood foon again. And now, with fwords they had each other hewn, Had not the mefTengers of Gods and men 325 The heralds wife, Idaeus on the part Of Ilium, and Talthybius for the Greeks, Advancing interpofed. His fceptre each Between them held, and thus Idaeus fpake. My children, ceafe ! prolong not ftill the fight. 330 Ye both are dear to cloud-afTembler Jove, Both valiant, and all know it. But the night Hath falPn, and night's command muft be obeyed. To him the fon of Telamon replied. Idxus ! bid thy mailer fpeak as thou. 335 He is the challenger. If fuch his choice, Mine differs not ; I wait but to comply. Him anfwer'd then heroic Hec~lor huge. Since, Ajax, the immortal pow'rs on thee Have bulk pre-eminent and flrength beflowcd, 340 With fuch addrefs in battle, that the hoil Of Greece hath not thine equal at the fpear, Now let the combat ceafe. We ihall not want A a 2 More ,8o HOMER's ILIA D. Book VII. More fair occafion ; on fome future day We will not part till all-difpofing heav'n 345 Shall give thee vicYry, or ihall make her mine. But night hath fallYi, and night muft be obey'd, That thou may'ft gratify with thy return Th' Achaians, and efpecially thy friends And thy own countrymen. I go, no lefs 35a T' exhilarate in Priam's royal town Men and robed matrons, who iliall feek the Gods For me, with pious ceremonial due. But come. We will exchange, or ere \vp part, Some princely gift, that Greece and Troy may fay 355 Hereafter, with foul-wailing rage they fought, But parted with the geutlenefs of friends. So faying, he with its iheath and belt a fword Prefented bright-embofs'd, and a bright belt Purpureal * took from Ajax in return. 36a Thus feparated, one the Greecians fought, And one the Trojans ; they when him they faw From the unconquer'd hands return'd alive Of Ajax, with delight their Chief received, And to the city led him, double joy 365 Conceiving all at his unhoped efcape. On th' other fide, the Greecians brazen-mail'd To noble Agamemnon introduced Exulting Ajax, and the King of men In honour of the conqu'ror flew an ox ^70 Of the fifth year to Jove omnipotent. This word I have taken leave to coin. The Latins have both fubltantive and adjective. Purpura — Purpureus. We make purple ferve both ilfes ; but it feems a poverty to which wc have no need to iubmit, at leait in poetrj . Him Book VII. Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s I L I A D. 1S1 Him flaying firft, they carved him next and fpread The whole abroad, then, fcoring deep the flefli, They pierced it with the fpits, and from the fpits, (Once roaited well) withdrew it all again. 375 Their labour thus accompliih'd, and the board Furnifli'd with plenteous cheer, they feafted all 'Till all were fatisfied ; nor Ajax mifs'd The conqueror's meed, to whom the hero-king Wide-ruling Agamemnon, gave the chine 380 Perpetual-, his dim'nguiuYd portion due. The calls of hunger and of thirft at length Both well fufficed, thus, foremoft of them all The antient Neftor, whofe advice, had oft Proved falutary, prudent thus began. 385 Chiefs of Achaia, and thou, chief of all, Great Agamemnon ! Many of our hoil Lie flain, whofe blood fprinkles, in battle Ihed, The banks of fmooth Scamander, and their fouls Have journey'd down into the realms of death. 390 To-morrow, therefore, let the battle paufe As need requires, and at the peep of day With mules and oxen, wheel ye from all parts The dead, that we may burn them near the fleet. So, home to Greece returning, will we give 395 The fathers aihes to the childrens care. Accumulating next, the pile around, One common tomb for all, with briik difpatch * The word is here ufed in the Latin fenfe of it. Virgil, describing the entertain- ment given by Evander to the Trojans, fays that he regaled them Perpetui tergo bovis et luitralibus CXtis. Λ\κ. viii. It means, the whole. We l32 IT C Μ Ε R's I L 1 Λ D. Book Mi. We will upbuild for more iccure defence Of us and of our fleet, ftrong tow'rs and tall 400 Adjoining to the tomb, and ev'ry tow'r Shall have its pond'rous gate, commodious pais Affording to the mounted charioteer. And latt, without thofe tow'rs and at their foot, Dig we a trench, which comparing around 405 Our camp, both Reeds and warriors fhall exclude, And all fierce inroad of the haughty foe. So counfelPd he, whom ev'ry Chief approved. In Troy meantime, at Priam's gate beiide The lofty citadel, debate began 410 Th' alTembled fenators between, confufed, Clamorous, and with furious heat purfued, When them Anterior, prudent, thus beipake. Ye Trojans, Dardans, and allies of Troy, My counfel hear ! Delay not. Inilant yield 415 To the Atridx, hence to be convey'd, Helen of Greece with all that is her own. For charged with violated oaths we fight, And hope I none conceive that aught by us Defign'd fhall profper, unlefs fo be done. 420 He fpake and fat ; when from his feat arofe Paris, fair Helen's noble paramour, Who thus with fpeech impaiiion'd quick replied. Antenor ! me thy counfel hath not pleas'd ; Thou could'ft have framed far better; but if this 425 Be thy delib'ratc judgment, then the Gods Make thy delib'ratc judgment nothing worth. But 1 will fpeak myfelf. Ye Chiefs of Troy I tell Book Ϋ II. HOMER's ILIAD. 183 1 tell you plain. I will not yield my fpoufe. .But all her treafures to our houfe convey'd 430 From Argos, thofe will I reiign, and add Still other compenfation from my own. Thus Paris faid and• fat; when like* the Gods Themfelves in wifdom, from his feat uprofe Dardanian Priam, who them thus addrefs'd. 435 Trojans, Dardanians, and allies of Troy ! - • I ihall declare my fentence ; hear ye me. Now let the legions, as at other times, Take due refrefhment ; let the watch be fet, Ariel keep ye vigilant guard. At early dawn 440 We will difpatch Idsius to• the fleet,' Who mall inform th ,; Atridae of this laft Refolve of Paris, author of the war. Difcrete Idsem'arfo ihall propofe A refpite (if th' Atridae fo incline) 445 From war's dread clamour, while we burn the dead. Then will we claih again, 'till heav'n at length Shall part us, and the doubtful itrife decide. He ceas'd, whofe voice th' aifembly pleafed, obey'd. Then, troop by troop, the army took repair, 450 And at the dawn Ida^us fought the fleet ; He found the Danai, fervants of Mars, Befide the item of Agamemnon's fliip Confulting ; and amid th' aifembied Chiefs Arrived, with utt'rance clear them thus addrefs'd. 455 Ye fons of Aureus, and ye Chiefs, the flow'r Of all Achaia ! Priam and the Chiefs Of Ilium, bade me to your ear impart (if x84 Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L Τ A D. Book VII. (If chance fuch embaffy might pleafe your ear) The mind of Paris, author of the war. 460 The treafures which on board his fliips he brought From Argos home (oh had he periihcd firil !) Me yields them with addition from his own. Not fo the confort of the glorious prince Brave Menelaus ; her (although in Troy 465 All counfel otherwife) he ftill detains. Thus too I have in charge. Are ye inclined That the dread-founding clamours of the field Be caufed to ceafe, 'till we fhall burn the dead ? Then will we claih again, 'till heav'n at length 470 Shall part us, and the doubtful ftrife decide. So (pake Idxus, and all filent fat ; 'Till at the laft brave Diomede replied. No. We will none of Paris' treafures now, Nor even Helen's felf. A child may fee 475 Deftruction winging fwift her courfe to Troy. He faid. Th' admiring Greeks with loud applaufe All praifed the fpeech of warlike Diomede, And anfwer thus the King of men return'd. Idaeus ! thou haft witnefs'd the refolve 480 Of the Achaian Chiefs, whofe choice is mine. But for the {lain, I ihall not envy them A fun'ral pile ; the fpirit fled, delay Suits not. Laft rites cannot too foon be paid. Burn them. And let high-thund'ring Jove atteft 485 Himfelf mine oath, that war fhall ceafe the while. So faying, he to all the Gods upraifed His fceptre, and Idaeus homeward fped TO Book VII. I Ι Ο Μ Ε Κ \s ILIA D. 185 To facred Ilium. The Pardanians there And Trojans, all afTembled, his return 490 Expected anxious. lie amid them told Diitinct. his errand, when, at once difTolved, The whole afTembly role, thefe to collect The fcatter'd bodies, thofe to gather wood ; While, on the other fide, the Greeks arofe 495 As iudden, and all iiluing from the fleet Sought fuel, fome, and, fome, the fcatter'd dead. Now from the gently-fwelling flood profound The fun ariiing, with his earlier!: rays In his afcent to heav'n. fmote on the fields, 500 When Greeks and Trojans met. Scarce could the ilain Be clear diiUnguifh'd, but they cleanfed from each His clotted gore with water, and warm tears Dittilling copious, heaved them to the w r ains. But wailing none was heard, for fuch command 505 Had Priam iffued ; therefore heaping high The bodies, iilent and with furrowing hearts They burn'd them, and to facred Troy return'd. The Greecians alfo, on the fun'ral pile The bodies heaping fad, burn'd them with fire 510 Together, and return'd into the fleet. Then, ere the peep of dawn, and while the veil Of night, though thinner, itill o'erhung the earth, Achaians, chofen from the reft, the pile EncompafVd. With a tomb (one tomb for all) 515 They crown'd the fpot aduft, and to the tomb (For fafety of their fleet and of themfelves) Strong fortrefs added of high wall and tow'r, Β b With ,80 HOMER's ILIAD. Book VII. With folid gates affording egrefs thence Commodious to the mounted charioteer ; 520 Deep fofs and broad they alio dug without, And planted it with piles. So toiled the Greeks. The Gods, that mighty labour, from beiide The Thund'rer's throne with admiration view'd, When Neptune, ihaker of the fhores, began. 525 Eternal father ! is there on the face Of all the boundlefs earth one mortal man Who will, in times to come, confult with heav'n ? See'il thou yon height of wall, and yon deep trench With which the Greecians have their fleet inclofed, 530 And, carelefs of our bleiling, hecatomb Or invocation have prefented none ? Far as the day-fpring ilioots herfelf abroad, So far the glory of this work ill all fpread, While Phcebus and myfelf, who, toiling hard, 535 Built walls for King Laomedon, fhall fee Forgotten all the labour of our hands. To whom, indignant, thus high-thund'ring Jove. Oh thou, who ihak'it the folid earth at will, What haft thou fpbken ? An inferior pow'r, 540 A God of lefs fufliciency than thou, Might be allowed fome fear from fuch a caufe. Fear not. Where'er the morning fhoots her beams, Thy glory fhall be known ; and when the Greeks Shall feek their country through the waves again, 545 Then break this bulwark down, fubmerge it whole, And fpreading deep with fand the fpacious ihore As at the firfr, leave not a trace behind. Such Book VII. HOMER'i ILIAi' 187 Such conf'rence held the Gods ; and now the fun Went down, and, that great work performed, the Greeks 550 From tent to tent ilaughter'd the fatted ox And ate their evening cheer. Meantime arrived Large fleet with Lemnian wine ; Euneus, fon Of Jafon and Hypfipile, that fleet From Lemnos freighted, and had ftow'd on board 555 Λ thoufand meafures from the reft apart For the Atridae ; but the hoft at large By traflick were fupplied ; fome barter'd brafs, Others bright fteel ; fome purchafed wine with hides, Thefe with their cattle, with their captives thofe, 560 And the whole hoft prepared a glad regale. AH night the Greecians feafted, and the hoft Of Ilium, and all night deep-planning Jove Portended dire calamities to both, Thund'ring tremendous !— Pale was ev'ry cheek; 565 Each poured his goblet on the ground, nor dared The hardieft drink, 'till he had firft performed Libation meet to the Saturnian King Omnipotent; then, all retiring, fought Their couches, and partook the gift of lleep. 570 Β In All G l T - ARGUMENT OF Τ II Ε EIGHTH BOOK. Jove calls a council, in which he forbids all interference of the Gods between the Greeks and Trojans. He repairs to Ida, where having conlulted the fcales of deftiny, he directs his lightning againft the Greecians. Neftor is endangered by the death of one of his horfes. Diomede delivers him. In the chariot of Diomede they both haiien to engage Hector, whofe charioteer is ilain by Diomede. Jupiter again interpofes by his thunders, and the whole Greecian hoft difcomfited, is obliged to feek refuge within the rampart. Diomede, with others, at fight of a favourable omen fent from Jove in anfwer to Agamemnon's prayer, fallies. Teucer performs great exploits, but is dilabled by Hector. Juno and Pallas fet forth from Olympus in aid of the Greecians, but are flopped by Jupiter, who re-afcends from Ida, and in heaven foretells the diftreifes which await the Greecians. Hector takes meafures for the fecurity of Troy during the night, and prepares his hoft for an afiault to be made on the Greecian camp in the morning. BOOK VIII. THE faffron-mantled morning now was fpread O'er all the nations, when the Thund'rer Jove, On the deep-fork'd Olympian's topmoil height Convened the Gods in council, amid whom He fpake himfelf ; they all attentive heard. 5 Gods! Book VIII. HOMER's ILIAD. 189 Gods ! Goddeffes ! Inhabitants of heav'n ! Attend ; I make my fecret purpofe known. Let neither God nor Goddefs interpofe My counfel to refcind, but with one heart Approve it, that it reach, at once, its end. 10 Whom I (hall mark foever from the reft Withdrawn, that he may Greeks or Trojans aid, Difgrace ihall find him ; fhamefully chaftized He ihall return to the Olympian heights, Or I will hurl him deep into the gulphs 1 5 Of gloomy Tartarus, where Hell fliuts fail Her iron gates, and fpreads her brazen floor, As far below the fhades, as earth from heav'n. There ihall he learn how far I pafs in might All others; which if ye incline to doubt, 20 Now prove me. Let ye down the golden chain From heav'n, and at its nether links pull all Both Goddeffes and Gods. But me your King, Supreme in wifdom, ye ihall never draw To earth from heav'n, toil adverfe as ye may. 25 Yet I, when once I ihall be pleas'd to pull, The earth itfelf, itfelf the fea, and you Will lift with eafe together, and will wind The chain around the fpiry fummit fharp Of the Olympian, that all things upheaved 30 Shall hang in the mid heav'n. So far do I, Compar'd with all who live, tranfcend them all. He ended, and the Gods long time amazed Sat filent, for with awful tone he fpake ; But at the laft Pallas blue-eyed began. 35 Father ! i 9 o HOME R's ILIAD. Book VIJI. Father ! Saturnian Jove ! of Kings fuprerae ! We know thy force refiftlefs; but our hearts Feel not the lefs, when we behold the Greeks Exhaufting all the forrows of their lot. If thou command, we, doubtlefs, will abftain 4.0 From battle, yet fuch counlel to the Greeks Suggefting ftill, as may in part effect Their fafety, left thy wrath confume them all. To whom with fmiles anfwer'd cloud-gath'rer Jove» Fear not, my child ! item as mine accent was, 45 I forced a frown — no more. For in mine heart Nought feel I but benevolence to thee. He faid, and to his chariot joined his fteeds Swift, brazen-hoof 'd, and maned with wavy gold ; He put on golden raiment, his bright fcourge 50 Of gold receiving roie into his feat, And lafh'd his fteeds; they not unwilling flew Midway the earth between and ftarry heav'n. To fpring-fed Ida, mother of wild beafts, He came, where ftands in Gargarus his fhrine 55 Breathing freili incenfe ; there the Sire of all Arriving, loos'd his couriers, and around Involving them in gather'd clouds opaque, Sat on the mountain's head, in his own might Exulting, with the tow'rs of Ilium all 60 Beneath his eve and the whole fleet of Greece. In all their tents, meantime, Achaia's fons Took ihort refreihment, and for fight prepared. On th' other fide, though fewer, yet conftrained By ftrong neceflity, thro up, 1 «out all Troy, 65 In Book Vlfl. HOMER's ILIAD, |$| In the defence of children and of wives Ardent, the Trojans panted for the field. Wide flew the city-gates ; forth ruihed to war Horfemen and foot, and tumult wild arofe. They met, they clafh'd ; loud was the din of fpears 70 And bucklers on their bofoms brazen-mail'd Encount'ring, ihields in opposition firm Met bofTy ihields, and * tumult wild arofe. There, many a iliout and many a dying groan Were heard, the flayer and the maim'd aloud 75 Clamouring, and the earth was drench'd with blood. 'Till facred morn had brighten'd into noon, The vollied weapons on both fides their taik Perform'd effectual, and the people fell. But when the fun had climb'd the middle ikies, So The Sire of all then took his golden fcales ; Doom againft doom he weigh'd, th' eternal fates In counterpoife, of Trojans and of Greeks. He rais'd the beam ; low fank the heavier lot Of the Achaians ; the Achaian doom 8$ Subiided, and the Trojan itruck the ikies. Then roar'd his thunders from the fummit hurl'd Of Ida, and his vivid lightnings flew Into Achaia's hoil. They at the fight Aftonifh'd flood ; fear whiten'd ev'ry cheek. 90 Idomeneus dar'd not himfelf abide That ihock, nor Agamemnon ftood, nor flood The heroes Ajax, miniiters of Mars. Gerenian Neftor, guardian of the Greeks, * In the repetition of this expreiHon, the tranflator follows the original. Alone ι qi HOMER's ILIA D. Book VIIL Alone fled not, nor he by choice remainYl, 0,5 But by his fteed retarded, which the mate Of beauteous Helen, Paris, with a fhaft Had ltricken where the forelock grows, a part Of all moil mortal. Tortured by the wound Erect he rofe, the arrow in his brain, 1 00 And, writhing furious, feared his fellow fleeds. Meantime, while, ilrenuous, with his falchion's edge The hoary warrior flood flaihing the reins, Through multitudes of fierce purfuers borne On rapid wheels, the dauntlefs charioteer io£ Approach'd him, Hector. Then, pail hope, had died The antient King, but Diomede difcern'd His peril imminent, and with a voice Like thunder, called UlyfTes to his aid. Laertes' noble fon, for wiles renown'd ! no Art thou too fugitive, and turn'fl thy back Like the bafe multitude ? Ah ! fear a lance Implanted ignominious in thy fpine. Stop — Neilor dies. Fell He&o.r is at hand. So fhoutcd Diomede, whofe fummons loud 115 UlyfTes yet heard not, but, pairing, flew With headlong hafte to the Achaian fleet. Then, Diomede, unaided as lie was, Rufh'd ardent to the yaw-ward, and before The fteeds of the Neleian fov'reign old 120 Standing, in accents wing'd, him thus addrefs'd. Old Chief! thefe youthful warriors are too briik For thee, prefs'd alio by encroaching age. Thy fervant too is feeble, and thy fteeds Arc Book VIII. Η Ο Μ Ε R *s ILIAD. , 93 Arc tardy. Mount my chariot. Thou ihalt fee 125 With what rapidity the flecds of Troy, Purfuing or retreating, fcour the field. I took them from that terror of his foes, iEncas. Thine to our attendants leave, While thefe againil the warlike pow'rs of Troy 130 We puih direct ; that Hector's felf may know If my fpear rage not furious as his own. He faid, nor the Gerenian Chief refufed. Thenceforth their fervants, Sthenelus and good Eurymedon, took charge of Neilor's ileeds, 135 And they the chariot of Tydides both Afcended ; Neilor feiz'd the reins, plied well The fcourge, and foon they met. Tydides hurPd At Hector firit, while rapid he advanced ; But miffing Hector, wounded in the breaft 140 Eniopeus his charioteer, the fon Of brave Thebseus, managing the ileeds. He fell ; his fiery couriers, at the found Startled, recoil'd, and where he fell he died. Deep forrow for his charioteer o'erwhelm'd 145 The mind of Hector ; yet, although he mourn'd He left him, and another fought as brave. Nor wanted long his ileeds a charioteer, For finding foon the fon of Iphitus, Bold ArcheptolerrmSj he bade him mount 150 His chariot, and the reins gave to his hand. Then deeds of bloodieil note ihould have enfu'd, Penn'd had the Trojans been, as lambs, in Troy, But for quick fuccotir of the fire of all. C c Thund'ring i 9 4 IIOMER's ILIAD. Βυοκ VIII. Thund'ring, he downward hurled his candent bolt 155 To the horfe-feet of Diomede ; dire fumed The flaming fulphur, and both horfes drove Under the axle, belly to the ground. Forth flew the fplendid reins from. Neftor's hand, And thus to Diomede, appalfd, he fpake. 160 Back to the fleet, Tydides ! Can'il not fee That Jove ordains not, now, the vict'ry thine ? The fon of Saturn glorifies to-day This Trojan, and, if fuch his will, can make The morrow ours; but vain it is to thwart 165 The mind of Jove, for he is Lord of all. To him the valiant Diomede replied. Thou hail well faid, old warrior ! but the pang That wrings my foul, is this. The public ear In Ilium fhall from Hector's lips be told — 170 I drove Tydides — Fearing me he fled. So ihall he vaunt, and may the earth her jaws That moment op'ning fwallow me alive ! Him anfwer'd the Gerenian warrior old. What faith the fon of Tydeus, glorious Chief? 175 Should Hector fo traduce thee as to call Thee bafe and timid, neither Trojan him Nor Dardan would believe, nor yet the wives Of num'rous ihielded warriors brave of Troy, Widow'd by thy unconquerable arm. 180 So faying, he through the fugitives his fteeds TunVd fwift to flight. Then Hedtor and his hoft With clamour infinite their darts woe-wing'd Shower'd after them, and Hector, mighty Chief Majefric, Boor VIII. II Ο Μ Ε R *s ILIA D. U)S Majeitic, from afar, thus call'd aloud. j 8 ς Tydides ! thee the Dana'i fv, ift-horfed Were wont to grace with a fuperior feat, The mefs of honour, and the brimming cup, But now will mock thee. Thou art woman now. Go, tim'rous girl ! Thou never ihalt behold ι go Me flying, climb our battlements, or lead Our women captive. I will flay thee Aril. He ceas'd. Then Diomede in dread fufpenfe Thrice purpos'd, turning, to withftand the foe, And thrice in thunder from the mountain-top 195 Jove gave the iignal of fuccefs to Troy, When Hector thus the Trojans hail'd aloud. Trojans and Lycians, and clofe- warring fons * Of Dardanus, oh fummon all your might, Now, now be men ! I know that from his heart 200 Saturnian Jove glory and bright fuccefs For me prepares, but havoc for the Greeks. Fools ! they fhall find this Avail which they have rais'd Too w r eak to check my courfe, a feeble guard Contemptible; fuch alfo is the trench ; 205 My ileeds fhall flight it with an eafy leap. But when ye fee me in their fleet arrived, Remember fire. Then bring me flaming brands That I may burn their galleys, and themfelves Slaughter befide them, itruggling in the fmoke. 210 He fpake, and thus encouraged next his fteeds. Xanthus ! Podargus ! and ye gen'rous pair ./Ethon and glofly Lampus ! now requite Mine, and the bounty of Andromache, C c 2 Far- ι 9 β HOMER's ILIAD. Book VIII. Far-famed Eetion's daughter ; fhe your bowl 215 With corn frefh-flavour'd and with wine full oft Hath mingled, your rcfreihment feeking firit Ere mine, who have a youthful hufband's claim. Now follow ! now be fwift ! that we may feize The ihield of Neftor, bruited to the ikies 220 As golden all, trappings and diik alike. Now from the ihoulders of th' equeitrian Chief T\ elides, tear we off his fplendid mail, The work of Vulcan. May we take but th'efe, I have good hope that, ere this night be fpent, 225 The Greeks ihall climb their galleys and away. So vaunted he, but Juno with difdain His proud boait heard, and fhudd'ring in her throne, Rock'd the Olympian ; turning then toward The Ocean's mighty fov'reign, thus ihe fpake. 230 Alas ! earth-iliaking fov'reign of the waves, Feerft thou no pity of the periihing Greeks ? Yet Greece, in Helice, with gifts nor few Nor fordid, and in iEgae, honours thee, Whom therefore thou fhould'ft profper. Would we all 235 Who favour Greece afTociate to repulfe The Trojans, and to check loud-thund'ring Jove, On Ida feated he might lour alone. To whom the fov'reign, fhaker of the ihores, Indignant. Juno ! rafh in fpeech ! what word 240 Hath 'fcap'd thy lips? never, with my confent, Shall we, the pow'rs fubordinatc, in arms With Jove contend. He far excells us all. So Book VIII. Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s ILIAD. '97 So they. Meantime, the trench and * wall between, The narrow interval with iteeds was fill'd 245 Clofe-throng'd and fhielded warriors. There immew'd By Priameian Hector, fierce as Alars, They flood, for Hector had the help of Jove. And now with blazing fire their gallant barks He had confumed, but Juno moved the mind 250 Of Agamemnon, vigilant himfelf, To exhortation of Achaia's hoil. Through camp and fleet the monarch took his way, And, his wide robe imperial in his hand, High on UlyfTes' huge black galley flood, 255 The central fliip confpicuous ; thence his voice Might reach the moil remote of all the line At each extreme, where Ajax had his tent Pitch'd, and Achilles, fearlefs of furprife. Thence, with loud voice, the Greecians thus he hail'd. 260 Oh fliame to Greece ! Warriors in ihew alone ! Where is your boailed prowefs ? Ye profefs'd Vain-glorious erfl in Lemnos, while ye fed Plenteoufly on the fleih of beeves fall-grown, And crown'd your beakers high, that ye would face 265 Each man an hundred Trojans in the field — Ay, twice an hundred — yet are all too few To face one Hector now ; nor doubt I aught But he ihall foon fire the whole fleet of Greece. Jove! Father! what great fov'rcign ever felt 270 * None daring to keep the field, and all ftriving to enter the gates together, they obitructcd their own paffage, and were, of courfe, compelled into the narrow intt between the fofs and rampart. But there are different opinions about the fpacc intended. See Villoiflon. Thy lc; : HOMER's ILIAD. Boo:c VIII. Thy frowns as I ? Whom haft thou fhamed as me ? Yet I neglected not, through all the courfe Of our diiaft'rous voyage (in the hope That we iliould vanquiih Troy) thy facred rites, But where I found thine altar, piled it high 275 With fat and fleili of hulls, on ev'ry ihore. But oh, vouchfafe to us, that we at leaft Ourielves, delivered, may efcape the fword, Nor let their foes thus tread the Greecians down ! He faid. Th' eternal father pitying faw 280 His tears, and for the monarch's fake preferred The people. Inftant, fureft of all figns, He fent his eagle ; in his pounces ftrong A fawn he bore, fruit of the nimble hind, Which fail befide the beauteous altar raifed 285 To * Panomphaean Jove fudden he dropp'd. They, confcious, foon, that fent from Jove he came, More ardent fprang to fight. Then none of all Thofe num'rous Chiefs could boaft that he outftripp'd Tydides, urging forth beyond the fofs 290 His rapid fteeds, and milling to the war. He, foremoft far, a Trojan ilew, the fon Of Phradmon, Agelaus ; as he turn'd His fteeds to flight, him turning with his fpear Through back and bofom Diomede tranfpierced, 295 And with loud clangor of his arms he fell. Then, royal Agamemnon paft'd the trench And Menelaus ; cither Ajax, then, Clad with freili prowefs both ; them follow'd, next, * To Jove the fourcc of all oracular information. Idomcneus, Book VIII. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. j 99 Idomeneus, with his heroic friend 300 In battle dread as homicidal Mars, Meriones ; Evoemon's fon renown'd Succeeded, bold Eurypylus ; and ninth Teucer, wide-ftraining his impatient bow. He under covert fought of the broad fhield 305 Of Telamonian Ajax ; Ajax high Upraifed his fhield ; the hero from beneath Took aim, and whom his arrow ftruck, he fell ; Then clofe as to his mother's iide a child For fafety creeps, Teucer to Ajax' fide 310 Retired, and Ajax fhielded him again. Whom then flew Teucer firft, illuilrious Chief? Orfilochus, and Opheleiles, fir ft, And Ormenus he flew, then Daetor died, Chromius and Lycophontes brave in fight 315 With Amopaon Polyaemon's fon, And Melanippus. Thefe, together heap'd, All fell by Teucer on the plain of Troy. The Trojan ranks thinn'd by his mighty bow The King of armies Agamemnon faw 320 Well-pleas'd, and him approaching, thus began. Brave Telamonian Teucer, oh my friend, Thus flioot, that light may vifit once again The Dana'i, and Telamon rejoice ! Thee Telamon within his own abode 325 Rear'd although fpurious ; mount him, in return, Although remote, on glory's heights again. I tell thee, and th' effect fliall follow fure, Let but the Thund'rer and Minerva grant The 2od HOMER's ILIA D. Book VIII. The pillage of fair Ilium to the Greeks, 330 Am 1 give to thy victorious hand, After my own, the nobleft recompenfe, A tripod cr a chariot with its iteeds, Or ibme fair captive to partake thy bed. To whom the gen'rous Teucer thus replied. 335 Atrides ! glorious monarch ! wherefore me Exhorteil thou to battle ? who myfelf Glow with fuilicient ardour, and fuch ftrength As heav'n affords me 'fpare not to employ. Since fir ft we drove them back, with watchful eye 340 Their warriors 1 have mark'd ; eight fhafts my bow Hath fent long-barb'd, and ey'ry fhaft, weli-aim'd, The body of fome Trojan youth robuffc Hath pierced, but full yon rav'ning wolf cfcapes. He faid, and from the nerve another fhaft 345 Impatient fent at Hector ; but it flew Devious, and brave Gorgythion (truck in (lead. ] Iim beautiful Callianira, brought By Priam from ^Efyma, nymph of form Celeftial, to the King of Ilium bore. 350 As in the garden, with the weight furcharged Of its own fruit, and drench'd by vernal rains The poppy falls oblique, fo he his head Hung languid, by his helmet's weight deprciVd. Then Teucer yet an arrow from the nerve 355 Difpatclvd at Hector, with impatience fired To pierce him ; but again his weapon err'd Turn'd by Apollo, and the bofom {truck Of Archeptolemus, his rapid Iteeds To Book VIIL II ϋ Μ Ε R's ILIA D. 20I To battle urging, Hector's charioteer. 360 He fell, his fiery couriers at the found Recoiled, and lifelefs where he fell he lay. Deep forrow for his charioteer the mind O'erwhelm'd of Hector, yet he left the ilain, And feeing his own brother nigh at hand, 365 Cebriones, him fummon'd to the reins, Who with alacrity that charge received. Then Hector, leaping with a dreadful iliout From his refplendent chariot, grafp'd a ilone, And rufh'd on Teucer, vengeance in his heart. 370 Teucer had newly fitted to the nerve An arrow keen felected from the reft, And warlike Hector, while he flood the cord Retracting, fmote him with that rugged rock Juft where the key-bone interpofed divides 375 The neck and bofom, a moil mortal part. It fnapp'd the bow-firing, and with numbing force Struck dead his hand; low on his knees he dropp'd, And from his op'ning grafp let fall the bow. Then not unmindful of a brother fallen 380 Was Ajax, but, advancing rapid, ilalk'd Around him, and his broad iliield interpofed, 'Till brave Alaflor and Mecifleus, Con Of Echius, friends of Teucer, from the earth Uprais'd and bore him groaning to the fleet. 38; And now again frefh force Olympian Jove Gave to the Trojans; right toward the fofs They drove the Greeks, while Hector in the van Advanced, death menacing in evVy look. D (1 202 II Ο Μ L• R 's I L I A I). Book VIII. As fome fleet hound clofe-threafning flank or haunch Of boar or lion, oft as he his head 391 Turns flying, marks him with a ftcdfaft eye, So Hector chafed the Greecians, flaying itill The hindmoft of the fcatter'd multitude. But when, at length, both piles and hollow fofs 395 They had furmounted, and no few had falPn By Trojan hands, within their fleet they flood Imprifon'd, calling each to each, and pray Υ With lifted hands, loud ofPring to the Gods. With Gorgon looks, meantime, and eyes of Mars, 400 Hector impetuous his mane-toiling fteeds From fide to fide before the rampart drove, When white-arm'd Juno pitying the Greeks, In accents wing'd her fpeech to Pallas turn'd. Alas, Jove's daughter! iliall not we at leaft 405 In this extremity of their diftrefs Care for the Greecians by the fatal force Of this one Chief deilroy'd ? I can endure The rage of Priame'ian Hector now No longer; fuch dire mifchiefs he hath wrought. 410 Whom anfwer'd thus Pallas, ccerulean-eyed. — And Hector had himfelf long fince his life Refigned and rage together, by the Greeks Slain under Ilium's walls, but Jove, my lire, Mad counlcls executing and perverfe, 415 Me counterworks in all that I attempt, Nor aught remembers how I laved oft-times His fon enjoin'd full many a talk fevere. By King Euryitheus ; to the Gods he wept, And Book VIII. II Ο Μ Ε \i' s ILIAD. 20J And me Jove fent in hafte to his relief. 420 But had I then forcieen what now I know, When through the adamantine gates he pafs'd To bind the dog of hell, by the deep floods Hemm'd in of Styx, he had return'd no more. But Thetis wins him now; her will prevails, 425 And mine he hates ; for ihe hath kifs'd his knees And grafp'd his beard, and him in pray'r implored That he would honour her heroic fon Achilles, city-waiter prince renownxl. Tis well — the day iliall come when Jove again 430 Shall call me darling, and his blue-eyed maid As heretofore — But thou thy fteeds prepare, While I, my father's manfion ent'ring, arm For battle. I would learn by trial fure, If Hector, Priam's offspring famed in fight 435 (Ourfelves appearing in the walks of war) Will greet us- gladly. Doubtlefs at the fleet Some Trojan alfo, iliall to dogs reiign His flefh for food, and to the fowls of heaven. So counfell'd Pallas, nor the daughter dread 440 Of mighty Saturn, Juno, disapproved. But buiily and with diipatch prepared The trappings of her courfers golden-rein'd. Meantime, Minerva, progeny of Jove, On the adamantine floor of his abode 445 Let fall profufe her variegated robe, Labour of her own hands. She firft put on The cornet of the clond-afTemblcr Goi}y Then arm'd her for the field of woe, complete. D d 2 Mounting L04 II Ο Μ Ε R's I L Ι Λ D. Βυοκ. VIII. Mounting the fiery chariot, next ilie feizcd 450 Her pond'rous fpear, huge, irrefiitible, With which Jove's awful daughter levels ranks Of heroes againft whom her anger burns. Juno with lifted laili urged on the fteeds. At their approach, fpontaneous roar'd the wide- 455 Unfolding gates of heav'n ; the heav'nly gates Kept by the watchful Hours, to whom the charge Of the Olympian fummit appertains, And of the boundlefs aether, back to roll, And to replace the cloudy barrier denfe. 460 Spurr'd through the portal flew the rapid fteeds. Which when th' Eternal Father from the heights Of Ida faw, kindling w r ith inftant ire To golden-pinion'd Iris thus he fpake. Hafte, Iris, turn them thither whence they came, 465 Me let them not encounter ; honour fmall To them, to me, ihould from that ftrife accrue. Tell them, and the effect ihall fure enfue, That I will fmite their fteeds, and they ihall halt Difabled, break their chariot, daili themfelves 470 Headlong, and ten whole years ihall not efface The wounds by my avenging bolts imprefs'd. So mall my blue-eyed daughter learn to dread A father's anger ; but for the offence Of Juno, I refent it lefs ; for ihe 47 5 * Claihes with all my counfels from of old. * Κί/ίχλακ. — The word is here metaphorical, and exprefles, in its primary ufe, the breaking of ;t (pear againft .1 fliield. He Rook VIII. Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s ILIAD. •205 He ended ; Iris with a tempeil's fpeed From the Idaean fummit foar'd at once To the Olympian ; at the open gates Exterior of the mountain many-valed 480 She frayed them, and her coming thus declared. Whither, and for what caufe ? What rage is this ? Ye may not aid the Greecians ; Jove forbids ; The lbn of Saturn threatens, if ye force His wrath by perfeverance into act, 485 That he will finite your fteeds, and they fhall halt Difabled, break your chariot, daili yourfelves Headlong, and ten whole years ihall not efface The wounds by his avenging bolts imprefs'd. So ihall his blue-eyed daughter learn to dread 490 A father's anger ; but for the offence Of Juno, he refents it lefs ; for ihe Claihes with all his counfels from of old. But thou, Minerva, if thou dare indeed Lift thy vail fpear againit the breaft of Jove, 495 Incorrigible art and dead to ihame. So faying, the rapid Iris difappeared, And thus her fpeech to Pallas Juno turn'd. Ah Pallas, progeny of Jove ! henceforth No longer, in the caufe of mortal men, 500 Contend we again ft Jove. Perifh or live Greecians or Trojans as he wills ; let him Difpofe the order of his own concerns, And judge between them, as of right he may. So faying, ihe turn'd the courfers ; them the Hours 5ος Releafed, and to ambroiial mangers bound, Then 2:6 Η Ο Μ Ε R's I L Ι A D. Book VIM. Then thruft their chariot to the luminous w all. They, mingling with the Gods, on golden thrones Dejected fat, and Jove from Ida borne Rcach'd the Olympian heights, feat of the Gods. c.ro His fteeds the glorious King of Ocean loos'd, And thruft the chariot, with its veil o'erfpread, Into its ftation at the altar's fide. Then fat the Thund'rer on his throne of gold Ilimfelf, and the huge mountain ihook. Meantime 515 Juno aad Pallas* feated both apart, Spake not or queftiou'd him. Their mute reierve He noticed, confeious of the caufe, and faid. Juno and Pallas, wherefore fit ye fad ? Not through fatigue by glorious fight incurr'd 520 And (laughter of the Trojans whom ye hate. Mark now the difPrence. Not the Gods combined Should have conilrain'd me back, 'till all my force, Superior as it is, had fail'd, and all My fortitude. But ye, ere ye beheld $1$ The wonders of the field, trembling retired. And ye did well — Hear what had elfe befalPn. My bolts had found you both, and ye had reach'd, in your own chariot borne, th' Olympian heights, Seat of the bleft Immortals, never more. 530 He ended ; Juno and Minerva heard Low murm'ring deej) difguit, and fide by fide Deviling fat calamity to Troy. Minerva, through difplcafurc againft Jove, light utter'd, for her bofom boil'd with rage; 535 Juno check'd not hers, who thus replied. What Book VIII. IIOMER's ILIAD. 107 What word hath pafs'd thy lips, Jove moft fevere ! We know thy force reilftlefs ; yet our hearts Feel not the lefs when we behold the Greeks Exhaufting all the forrows of their lot. 540 If thou command, we doubtlefs will abilain From battle, yet fuch counfel to the Greeks Suggefting itill, as may in part effect Their fafety, left thy wrath confume them all. Then anfwer, thus, cloud-gath'rer Jove return'd. 545 Look forth, imperial Juno, if thou wilt, To-morrow at the blufh of earlieft dawn, And thou ihalt fee Saturn's almighty fon The Argive hoft deftroying far and wide. For Hector's fury ihall admit no paufe 550 'Till he have roufed Achilles, in that day When at the fhips, in perilous itreights, the hoils Shall wage fierce battle for Patroclus ilain. Such is the voice of fate. But as for thee— Withdraw thou to the confines of th' abyfs 555 Where Saturn and Iapetus retired, Exclufion fad endure from balmy airs And from the light of morn, hell-girt around, I will not call thee thence. No. Should thy rage Tranfport thee thither, there thou may 'it abide, 560 There fullen nurfe thy difregarded fpleen Obftinate as thou art, and void of fhame. Fie ended ; to whom Juno nought replied. And now the radiant fun in Ocean fank, Drawing night after him o'er all the earth ; 565 Night, undefired by Troy, but to the Greeks Thrice 2oS Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. Book VIIl. Thrice welcome for its interpofing gloom. Then Hector on the river's brink fail by The Greecian fleet, where fpace he found unftrew'd With carcafes, convened the Chiefs of Troy. 570 They, there difmounting, liften'd to the words Of Hector Jove-belov'd — He grafp'd a fpear In length eleven cubits, bright its head Of brafs, and collarYl with a ring of gold. He lean'd on it, and ardent thus began. 575 Trojans, Dardanians, and allies of Troy ! I hoped, ' this evening, (ev'ry ihip confumed, And all the Greccians ilain) to have return'd To wind-fwept Ilium. But the iliades of night Have intervened, and to the night they owe, 580 In chief, their whole fleets fafety and their own. Now, therefore, as the night enjoins, all take Needful refreihment. Your high-mettled iteeds Eelcafe, lay food before them, and in halle Drive hither from the city fatted ilieep 585 And oxen ; bring ye from your houfes bread, Make fpeedy purchafe of heart-cheering wine, id gather fuel plenteous; that all night, Ev'n till Aurora, daughter of the morn Shall look abroad, we may with many fires 590 Illume the ikies; left even in the night, unching, they mount the billows and efcape. Beware that they depart not unannoy'd, but, as he leaps on board, give each a wound With fhaft or fpear, which he lhall nurfe at home. 595 So ihall the nations fear us, and ihall vex And Book VII Γ. II Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. 209 With ruthlefs war Troy's gallant ions no more. Next, let the heralds, minifters of Jove, Loud notice ilTue, that the boys well-grown, And antients lilver-hair'd on the high tow'rs 60b Built by the Gods, keep watch ; on ev'ry hearth In Troy, let thole of the inferior fex Make fprightly blaze, and place ye there a guard Sufficient, left in ablence of the troops Λ η ambufh enter, and iurpriie the town. 605 Act thus, ye dauntlefs Trojans ; the advice Is w holefome, and lhall ierve the prefent need, And fo much for the night: ye Hi all be told The buiinefs of the morn when morn appears. It is my prayY to Jove and to all heaven 610 (Not without hope) that I may hence expel Thefe dogs, whom Ilium's unpropitious fates Have wafted hither in their fable barks. But we will alfo watch this night, ourfelves, And, arming with the dawn, will at their iliips 615 Give them brifk onfet. Then fhall it appear If Diomede the brave ihall me compel Back to our walls, or I, his arms blood-ftain'd, Torn from his breathlefs body, bear away. To-morrow, if he dare but to abide 620 My lance, he fhall not want occafion meet For ftiow of valour. But much more I judge That the next rinng fun fhall fee him Haiti With no few friends around him. Would to heav'n ! I were as fure to 'fcape the blight of age, 625 And iliare their honours with the Gods above, Ε e As 2io Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIA D. Book VIII. As comes the morrow fraught with woe to Greece. So Hector, whom his ho ft with loud acclaim All praifed. Then each his fweating fteeds releafed, And rein'd them fafely at his chariot-fide. 630 And now from Troy provifion large they brought, Oxen, and iheep, with ftore of wine and bread, And fuel much was gather'd. * Next, the Gods With facrifice they fought, and from the plain Upwafted by the winds the fmoke aipired 635 Sav'ry, but unacceptable to thofe Above ; fuch hatred in their hearts they bore To Priam, to the people of the brave Spear-practifed Priam, and to facred Troy. Big with great purpofes and proud, they fat, 640 Not difarray'd, but in fair form difpofed Of even ranks, and watched their num'rous fires. As when around the clear bright moon, the itars Shine in full fplendour, and the winds are huih'd, The groves, the mountain-tops, the headland-heights 645 Stand all apparent, not a vapour ftreaks The boundlefs blue, but aether open'd wide All glitters, and the ihepherd's heart is cheer'd ; So num'rous feem'd thofe fires the bank between Of Xanthus, blazing, and the fleet of Greece, 650 In profpect all of Troy ; a thoufand fires, Each watch'd by fifty warriors feated near. The fteeds befide the chariots flood, their corn Chewing, and waiting "till the golden-thron'd Aurora ihould rcftore the light of day. 655 * The following lines, to the end of this paragraph, are a tranflation of fome which Rarncb ha i.fcrtcd fiom the fecund Alcibiades of Plato. ARGU- ARGUMENT OF THE NINTH BOOK. By advice of Neftor, Agamemnon fends Ulyfies, Phcenix, and Ajax to the tent of Achilles with propofals of reconciliation. They exe- cute their commiffion, but without effect. Phoenix remains with Achilles ; UlyiTes and Ajax return. BOOK IX. SO watch'd the Trojan hoft ; but thoughts of flight, Companions of chill fear, from heav'n infufed, PofTefs'd the Greecians ; ev'ry leader's heart Bled, pierced with anguiih infupportable. As when two adverfe winds blowing from Thrace, 5. Boreas and Zephyrus, the fliliy Deep Vex fudden, all around, the fable flood High-curPd, flings forth the fait weed on the ihorc, Such tempeil rent the mind of ev'ry Greek. Forth italk'd Atrides with heart-riving woe 10 Transfixt ; he bade his heralds call by name Each Chief to council, but without the found Of proclamation ; and that talk himfelf Among the foremoit ledulous performM. The fad aifembly fat ; when weeping fail ι ς Ε e 1 Vs 212 HOMER's ILIA D. Βυοκ IX. As fome * deep fountain pours its rapid ftream Down from the fummit of a lofty rock, King Agamemnon in the mid ft arofe, And, groaning, the Achaians thus addrefs'd. Friends, counfellors and leaders of the Greeks! 20 In dire perplexity Saturnian Jove Involves me, cruel ; he allured me erft, And folemnly, that I ihould not return 'Till I had wafted wall-encircled Troy ; But now (ah fraudulent and foul reverfe !) 25 Commands me back inglorious to the mores Of diftant Argos, with diminifh'd troops. So ftands the purpofe of almighty Jove, Who many a citadel hath laid in duft, And ihall hereafter, mat chiefs in his pow'r. 30 Hafte therefore. My advice is, that we all Flv with our fleet into our native land, For wide-built Ilium ihall not yet be ours. He ceafed, and all fat iilent ; long the fons Of Greece, o'erwhelm'd with forrow, iilent fat, 35 When thus, at laft, bold Diomede began. Atrides ! foremoft of the Chiefs I rife To contravert thy purpofe ill-conceived, And with fuch freedom as the laws, Ο King ! Of confultation and debate allow. 40 Hear patient. Thou haft been thyfelf the firft * In the original the word is — μίλΛΡυϊρος — dark-watered — and it is rendered — deep — by the beft interpreters, becaufe deep waters have a blackiih appearance. ΔίΌ?{ρο* uL-p h properly water that runs with rapidity ; water— jtAfT* h\,r,7tu; φεροιχίϊον. Who Book IX. Η Ο Μ Ε R » s I L I A D. n 3 Who e'er reproach'd me in the public ear As one effeminate and flow to fight ; How truly, let both young and old decide. The ion of wiley Saturn hath to thee 45 Giv'n, and refufed; he placed thee high in pow'r, Gave thee to fway the fceptre o'er us all, But courage gave thee not, his nobleft gift. Art thou in truth perfuaded that the Greeks Are pufillanimous, as thou haft faid ? 5 ο If thy own fears impell thee to depart, Go thou ; the way is open ; num'rous mips, Thy followers from Mycenae, line the ihore. But we, the reft, depart not, 'till the fpoil Of Troy reward us. Or if all incline £5 To feek again their native home, fly all ; Myfelf and Sthenelus will perfevere 'Till Ilium fall, for with the Gods we came. He ended ; all th' admiring fons of Greece With iliouts the warlike Diomedc extoll'd, 60 When thus equeftrian Neftor next began. Tydides, thou art eminently brave In fight, and all the princes of thy years ExceU'ft in council. None of all the Greeks Shall find occafion juft to blame thy fpeech 65 Or to gainfay ; yet thou haft fallen fhort. What wonder? Thou art young; and were myfelf Thy father, thou fhould'ft be my latcft-born. Yet when thy fpeech is to the Kings of Greece, It is well framed and prudent. Now attend! 70 Myfelf will fpeak, who have more years to boaft Than 2Ι4 Η Ο Μ Ε R*s I L I A D. Βυοκ IX. Than thou haft feen, and will fo clofely fcan The matter, that Atrides, our fupreme, Himfelf ihall have no caufe to ceniure ;//;. He is a wretch, infenfible and dead 75 To all the chanties of focial life, *Whofe pleafure is in civil broils alone. But night is urgent, and with night's demands Let all comply. Prepare we now repair, And let the .guard be ftationed at the trench So Without the wall ; the youngeft ihall fupply That iervice ; next, Atrides, thou begin (For thou art here fupreme) thy proper taik. Banquet the elders ; it ihall not difgrace Thy fov'reignty, but ihall become thee well. 85 Thy tents are filled with wine which day by day Ships bring from Thrace ; accommodation large Haft thou, and nunVrous is thy menial train. Thy many guefts afTembled, thou ihalt hear Our counfel, and ihalt chuie the beft ; great need 90 Have all Achaia's Ions, now, of advice Moil prudent ; for the foe, fail by the fleet Hath kindled num'rous fires, which who can fee Unmoved? This night ihall lave us or deftrov. He fpake, whom all with full confent approved. 95 Forth ruih'd the guard well-armed; firft went the fon Of Nfeftor, Thrafymcdcs, valiant Chief; Then, fons of Mars, \fcalaphus advanced, • rvation teems -.lew to prevent inch a reply from Agamem- ede as might l'ivc birth to new diflentions, while it reminds him indirectly iiefs th.it bad already att And Book IX. Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s I L I A D. 215 And brave Ialmenus ; whom follow'd next Deipyrus, Aphareus, Meriones, 100 And Lycomedes, Creon's fon renown'd. Seven were the leaders of the guard, and each An hundred fpearmen headed, young and bold. Between the wall and trench their feat they chofe, There kindled fires, and each his food prepared. 105 Atrides, then, to his pavilion led The thronging Chiefs of Greece, and at his board Regaled them ; they with readinefs and keen Difpatch of hunger ihared the fav'ry feafl, And when nor thirft remain'd nor hunger more no Unfated, Neftor then, ariiing firil, Whofe counfels had been ever wifeil deem'd, Warm for the public int'reft, thus began. Atrides ! glorious fov'reign ! King of men ! Thou art my firil and lail, proem and cloie, 115 For thou art mighty, and to thee are giv'n From Jove the fceptre and the laws in charge, For the advancement of the gen'ral good. Hence, in peculiar, both to fpeak and hear Become thy duty, and the beil advice, 120 By whomlbever offer'd, to adopt And to perform, for thou art judge alone, i will promulge the counfel which to me Seems wifeil; fuch, that other Greecian none Shall give thee better ; neither is it new, 125 But I have ever held it fince the day When, moil illuilrious ! thou wail pleas'd to take By force the maid Brife'is from the tent Of 2\6 Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIA D. Book IX. Of the enraged Achilles ; not, in truth, By nay advice, who did diffuade thee much; 130 But thou complying with thy princely wrath, Haft ihamed an Hero whom themfelves the Gods Delight to honour, and his prize detain'il. Yet even now contrive we, although late, By lenient gifts liberal, and by fpeech 135 Conciliatory, to afTuage his ire. Then aniwer'd Agamemnon, King of men. Old Chief ! there is no falihood in thy charge ; I have offended, and confefs the wrong. The warrior is alone an hoft, whom Jove 1 40 Loves as he loves Achilles, for whoie fake He hath Achaia's thoufands thus fubdued. But if the impulfe of a wayward mind Obeying, I have err'd, behold me, now, Prepared to iboth him with atonement large 14- Of gifts ineftimable, which by name I will propound in prefence of you all. Sev'n tripods, never fullied yet with fire ; Of gold ten talents ; twenty cauldrons bright ; Twelve couriers, ftrong, victorious in the race; 150 1 man poifeffing prizes inch as mine Which they have won for me, fhall feel the want acquiiitions fplendid, or of gold. :i virtuous female captives will I give iert in arts domeftic, Lefbians all, 155 Whom, when hi mill f took Leibos, I received My chofen portion, pairing w r omankind 1 ι perl lovelinefs of face and form. Thefe Book IX. Η Ο Μ Ε R's Ι Γ- ϊ A D. *ι? Thefe will I give~ 3 and will with thefe refign Her whom I took, Briseis, with an oath 1 60 Moft folemn, that unconfcious as fhe was Of my embraces, fuch I yield her his. All thefe I give him now ; and if at length The Gods vouchfafe to us to overturn Priam's great city, let him heap his fhips 165. With gold and brafs, ent'ring and chufing firft When we ihall ihare the ipoil. Let him beiide Chuie twenty from among the maids of Troy, Helen except, lovelieft of all their iex. And if, once more, the rich milk-flowing land 170 We reach of Argos, he ihall there become My fon-in-law, and ihall enjoy like itate With him whom I in all abundance rear, My only fon Oreiles. At my home I have three daughters; let him thence conduct 175 To Phthia, her whom he ihall moil approve. Chryfothemis ihall be his bride, or elfe Laodice ; or if fhe pleafe him more, IphianafTa ; and from him I aik No dow'r, myfelf will fuch a dow'r bellow 180 As never father on his child before. Sev'n fair well-peopled cities I will give ; Cardamyle and Enope, and rich In herbage, Hira ; Pherae ilately-built, And for her depth of paiturage renown'd 185 Antheia ; proud ^Epeia's lofty tow'rs, And Pedafus impurpled dark with vine*. All thefe are maritime, and on the ihore F f They ςι8 Η Ο Μ ER'S ILIA D. Book IX They itand of Pylus, by a race poffefs'd Moil rich in flocks and herds, who tributes large, 190 And gifts prefenting to his fceptred hand, Shall hold him high in honour as a God. Thefe will 1 give him if from wrath he ceaie» Let him be overcome. Pluto alone Is found implacable and deaf to pray'r, 195 Whom therefore of all Gods men hate the mofL My pow'r is greater, and my years than his More num'rous, therefore let him yield to me- To him Gerenian Neftor thus replied. Atrides ! glorious fov'reign ! King of men ! 200 No fordid gifts, or to be view'd with fcorn, Giv'ft thou the Prince Achilles. But away ! Send chofen mefTengers, who mall the fon Of Peleus, inftant, in his tent addrefs. Myfelf will chufe them, be it theirs t' obey. 205 Let Phcenix lead, Jove loves him. Be the next Huge Ajax; and the wife UlyfTes third. Of heralds, Odius and Eurybates Shall them attend. Bring water for our hands; Give charge that every tongue abftain from fpeech 210 Portentous, and propitiate Jove by pray'r. He lpake, and all were pleas'd. The heralds pour'd Pure water on their hands; attendant youths The beakers crown'd, and wine from right to left Diitributcd to all. Libation made, 215 All drank, and in inch mcafure as they chole, Then hailed forth from Agamemnon's tent. Gerenian Neftor at their fide them oft initruct.ed, Book IX. Π Ο Μ Κ K/s 1 1. J A J). ( j Inftruitedj each admoniihing by looks Significant, and motion of his eyes, 220 But moil Ulyfles, to omit no means By which Achilles likelieit might be won» Along the margin of the founding Deep They pafs'd, to Neptune, compafler of earth, Preferring vows ardent with num'rous pray'rs, 225 That they might fway with eaie the mighty mind Of fierce .Eacides. And now they reach'd The ilation where his Myrmidons abode. Him folacing they found his heart with notes Struck from his filver-framed harmonious lyre ; 230 Among the fpoils he found it when he fack'd Eetion's city ; with that lyre his cares He footh'd, and glorious heroes were his theme» Patroclus lilent fat, and he alone, Before him, on ^Eacides intent, £3.5 Expecting frill when he ihould ceafe to iing. The meffengers advanced (UlyfTes firft) Into his prefence ; at the fight, his harp Still in his hand, Achilles from his feat Started afloniuYd ; nor with lefs amaze 240 Patroclus alfo, feeing them, arofe. Achilles feiz'd their hands, and thus he fpake. Hail friends ! ye all are welcome. Urgent cauie Hath doubtlefs brought you, whom I deareft hold, (Though angry flill) of all Achaia's hoft. 24; So faying, he introduced them, and on feats Placed them with purple arras ovcrfpread, Then thus befpake Patroclus (landing nigh. F f 2 Son 120 IIOMER's ILIAD. Book IX. Son of Menaetius ! bring a beaker more Capacious, and replenifh it with wine /250 * Diluted lefs ; then give to each his cup ; For dearer friends than thefe who now arrive My roof beneath, or worthier, have I none. He ended, and Patroclus quick obey'd Whom much he lov'd. Achilles, then, himfelf 255 Advancing near the lire an + ample tray, Spread goats fleili on it, with the fleih of iheep And of a fatted brawn ; of each a chine. Automedon attending held them fail, While with fharp ileel Achilles from the bone 260 Sliced thin the meat, then pierced it with the fpits. Meantime the godlike Menaetiades Kindled fierce fire, and when the flame declined, Raked wide the embers, lay'd the meat to roait, And taking facred fait from the hearth-fide 265 Where it was treafured, fhow'r'd it o'er the feail. When all was finifiYd, and the board fet forth, Patroclus furniih'd it around with bread In baikets, and Achilles ferved the gueits. Betide the tent-wall, oppofite he fat 270 To the divine UlyfTes ; firil he bade Patroclus make oblation ; he conilgnYl I nave given this fenfe to the word Ζω/ιοτερον — on the authority of the Venetian lium, though fome contend that it ihould be tranflated — quickly. Achilles, who . vproached Agamemnon with intemperate drinking, was, himfelf, more addicted to mufic man to wine. I It is not without authority that 1 have thus rendered kouov y--yy» Homer's banquets are never (tewed or boiled ; it cannot therefore lignily a kettle. It was probably a kitv. <•, duller, or tray, on which the meat was prepared for the fpit. . (is very meat was (pitted afterward. See Schaufclbergerus. The Book IX. II Ο Μ Ε R's ILIA D. 221 The confecrated morfel to the fire, And each, at once, his fav'ry mefs aiTail'd. When neither edge of hunger now they felt 275 Nor thirfted longer, Ajax with a nod Made fign to Phoenix, which UlyfTes mark'd, And charging high his cup, drank to his hoit. Health to Achilles ! hofpitable cheer And well prepared, we want not at the board 280 Of royal Agamemnon, or at thine, For both are nobly fpread ; but dainties now, Or plenteous boards, are little our concern. Oh godlike Chief! tremendous ills we fit Contemplating with fear, doubtful if life 285 Or death, with the deitruction of our fleet, Attend us, unlefs thou put on thy might. For lo ! the haughty Trojans, with their friends Call'd from afar, at the fleet-fide encamp Fail by the wall, where they have kindled fires 290 Xum'rous, and threaten that no force of ours Shall check their purpos'd inroad on the ihips. Jove grants them favourable iigns from heav'n, Bright lightnings ; Ilee'tor glares revenge, with rage Infuriate, and by Jove affiiled, heeds 295 Nor God nor man, but prays the morn to rife That he may hew away our vefTel-heads, Burn all our fleet with fire, and at their fides Slay the Achaians ftruggling in the fmoke. Horrible are my fears left thefe his threats 300 The Gods accompliili, and it be our doom To perifh here, from Argos far remote. Up, » . > HOMER's ILIA D. Book IX, Up, therefore ! it' thou can'it, and now at laft The weary ions of all Achaia fave From Trojan violence. Regret, but vain, 305 Shall elle be thine hereafter, when no cure Of iuch great ill, once fuffer'd, can be found. Thou therefore, feaibnably kind, devife Means to prcferve from fuch difaiVrous fate The Greecians. Ah, my friend ! when Mens thee 310 From Phthia fent to Agamemnon's aid, On that fame day he gave thee thus in charge. " Juno, my fori, and Pallas, if they pleafe, " Can make thee valiant ; but thy own big heart " Thyielf reitrain. Sweet manners win refpecl;. 315 " Ceafe from pernicious ftrife, and young and old " Throughout the hoft fhall honour thee the more." Such was thy father's charge, which thou, it feems, Remember^ not. Yet eVn now thy wrath Renounce; be reconciled ; for princely gifts 320 Atrides gives thee if thy wrath fubfide. Hear, if thou wilt, and I will tell thee all, How vail the gifts which Agamemnon made By promife thine, this night within his tent. Sev'n tripods never fullied yet with fire; 325 Of gold ten talents ; twenty cauldrons bright ; Twelve iteeds itrong-limb'd, victorious in the race; 1 man pofiefl&ng prizes Inch as thofe Which they have won for him, mall feel the want Of acquiiitions fplendid, or of gold. 3 30 Sev'n virtuous female captives he will give, >eit in arts domeftic, Leibians all, Whom Book IX. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. n 3 Whom when thou conquer'dil Leibos, he received His chofen portion, pairing woman-kind In perfect lovelinefs of face and form. 335 Thefe will he give, and will with thefe refign Her whom he took, Briieis, with an oath Moffc folemn, that unconfcious as ilie was Of his embraces, fuch he yields her back. All thefe he gives thee now ! and if at length 340 The Gods vouchfafe to us to overturn Priam's great city, thou ihalt heap thy ihips With gold and brafs, ent'ring and chufing firir, When we ihall fhare the fpoil ; and ilialt beiide Chufe twenty from among the maids of Troy, 345 Helen except, lovelieft of all their fex. And if once more the rich milk-flowing land We reach of Argos, thou ilialt there become His fon-in-law, and ihalt enjoy like irate With him, whom he in all abundance rears, 350 His only fon Oreites. In his houfe He hath three daughters ; thou may'fl home conduct To Phthia, her whom thou ilialt moil approve. Chryfothemis ihall be thy bride ; or elfe Laodice; or if ihe pleafe thee more 355 IphianaiTa ; and from thee he aiks No dow'r ; himfelf will fuch a dow'r bellow As never father on his child before. Sev'n fair well-peopled cities will he give ; Cardamyle and Enope ; and rich 360 In herbage, Hira ; Phene itately-built, And for her depth of pafturage renowivM* Antheia ; **4 HO Μ Ε R's ILIA D. Book IX. Antheia ; proud .zEpeia's lofty towers, And Pedafus impurpled dark with vines. Ml thcie are maritime, and on the iliore 365 They iland of Pvlus, by a race poffefs'd Moil rich in flocks and herds, who tribute large, And gifts prefenting to thy fcepter'd hand, Shall hold thee high in honour as a God. Thefe will he give thee, if thy wrath fubfide. 370 But ihould'ft thou rather in thine heart the more Both Agamemnon and his gifts deteft, Yet oh companionate th' afflidted hoft Prepared to adore thee. Thou ihalt win renown Among the Greecians that ihall never die. 375 Now ftrike at Heclor — He is here — Himfelf Provokes thee forth ; madnefs is in his heart, And in his rage he glories that our ihips Have hither brought no Greecian brave as he. Then thus Achilles matchlefs in the race. 380 Laertes' noble ion, for wiles renown'd ! I muft with plainnefs fpeak my fixt refolve Unalterable ; left I hear from each The fame long murmur'd melancholy tale. For I abhor the man, not more the gates 385 Of Hell itfelf, whofe words belie his heart. So ihall not mine. My judgment nndifguifed is this ; that neither Agamemnon me Γ all the Greeks ihall move ; for ceafelefs toil Wins here no thanks; one recompence awaits 390 The fedentary and the moil alert, The brave and bafe in equal honour ft and, And Book IX. II Ο Μ Ε R*s ILIAD. 225, And drones and heroes full unwept alike. I after all my labours, who expofed My life continual in the field, have earn'd 395 No very fumptuous prize. As the poor bird Gives to her unfledged brood a model gain'd After long fearch, though wanting it herfelf, So I have worn out many ileeplefs nights, And waded deep through many a bloody day 400 In battle for their * wives. 1 have deftroy'd Twelve cities with my fleet, and twelve, fave one, On foot contending in the fields of Troy. From all thefe cities, precious fpoils I took Abundant, and to Agamemnon's hand 405 Gave all the treafure. He within his ihips Abode the while, and having all received, Little diftributed, and much retained ; He gave, however, to the Kings and Chiefs A portion, and they keep it. Me alone 410' Of all the Greecian hoft he hath defpoil'd ; My bride, my foul's delight is in his hands, And let him, couch'd with her, enjoy his fill Of dalliance. What fufficient caufe, what need Have the Achaians to contend with Troy ? 415 Why hath Atrides gather'd fuch an hoft, And led them hither ? Was't not for the fake Of beauteous Helen ? And of all mankind Can none be found who love their proper wives. But the Atridae ? There is no good man 42Φ * Dacier obferves, that he pluralizcs the one wife of Menelaus through the impu- tuofity of his fpirit. G g Who 226 Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIA D. Book IX. Who loves not, guards not, and with care provides For his own wife, and, though in battle won, I loved the fair Brifeis at my heart. But having diipoiTefs'd me of my prize So foully, let him not eflay me now, 425 For I am warn'd, and he fhall not prevail. With thee and with thy peers let him advife, Ulyfles ! how the fleet may likelieft 'fcape Yon hoftile fires ; full many an arduous talk He hath accomplifh'd without aid of mine; 430 So hath he now this rampart and the trench Which he hath digg'd around it, and with ilakes -Planted contiguous — puny barriers all To hero-ilaught'ring Hector's force oppofed. While I the battle waged, prefent myfelf 435 Among th' Achaians, Hector never fought Far from his walls, but to the Scsean gate Advancing and the beech-tree, there remained. Once, on that fpot he met me, and my arm Efcaped with difficulty even there. 440 But, fince I feel myfelf not now inclined To fight with noble Hector, yielding firft To Jove due woriliip, and to all the Gods, To-morrow will I launch, and give my mips Their lading. Look thou forth at early dawn, 445 And, if fuch fpectacle delight thee aught, Thou fli alt behold me cleaving with my prows The waves of Hellcfpont, and all my crews Of lulty rowers, active in their taik. So fhall I reach (if Ocean's mighty God 450 Profper Book ΪΧ. II Ο Μ PR's ILIA D. 227 Proiper my paftage) Phthia the deep-fbil'd θα the third day. I have poiTeflions there. Which hither roaming in an evil hour I left abundant. 1 iliall alfo hence Convey much treafure, gold and burnihYd brafs, 455 And glittering iteel, and women palling fair My portion of the fpoils. But he, your King, The prize he gave, himlelf, himfelf refumed, And taunted at me. Tell him my reply, And tell it him aloud, that other Greeks 460 May indignation feel like me, if arm'd Always in impudence, he feek to wrong Them alfo. Let him not henceforth prefume, Canine and hard in afpect though he be, To look me in the face. I will not iliare 465 His counfels, neither will I aid his works. .Let it fuffice him, that he wrong'd me once, Deceived me once, henceforth his glozing arts Are loft on me. But let him rot in peace Crazed as he is, and by the ftroke of Jove 470 Infatuate. I deteil his gifts, and him So honour, as the thing which moil I fcorn. And would he give me twenty times the worth Of this his offer, all the treafured heaps Which he pofTefTes, or fhall yet poffefs, ' 47 ; All that Orchomenos within her walls, And all that opulent ^Egyptian Thebes Receives, the city with an hundred gates, Whence twenty thoufand chariots ruih to war, And would he give me riches as the fands, 4H0 G q; 2 Vnd i2 8 HOMER's ILIA D. Book IX. And as the duit of earth» no gifts from him Should (both me, 'till my foul were firft avenged For all the offeniive licence of his tongue. I will not wed the daughter of your Chief, Of Agamemnon. Could ihe vie in charms 485 With golden Venus, had ihe all the ikill Of blue-eyed Pallas, even fo endow'd She were no bride for me. No. He may chufe From the Achaians fome fuperior Prince, One more her equal. Peleus, if the Gods 490 Preferve me, and I fafe arrive at home, Himfelf, ere long, ill all mate me with a bride. In Hellas and in Phthia may be found Fair damfels many, daughters of the Chiefs Who guard our cities ; I may chufe of them, 495 And make the lovelieit of them all my own. There, in my country, it hath ever been My deareft purpofe, wedded to a wife Of rank convenient, to enjoy in peace Such wealth as antient Peleus hath acquired. 500 For life, in my account, furpafTes far In value, all the treafures which report Afcribed to populous Ilium, ere the Greeks Arrived, and while the city yet had peace ; Thole alfo which Apollo's marble fhrine 505 In rocky Pytho boafts. Fat flocks and beeves May be by force obtain'd, tripods and fteeds Arc bought or won, but if the breath of man Once overpafs its bounds, no force arreits Or may conltrain th' unbodied fpirit back. 510 Me, Book IX. Η Ο Μ Ε R *s ILIAD. 229 Me, as my filver-footed mother fpeaks Thetis, a twofold confummation waits. If ilill with battle I encompafs Troy, I win immortal glory, but all hope Renounce of my return. If I return 515 To my beloved country, I renounce Th' illuilrious meed of glory, but obtain Secure and long immunity from death. And truly I would recommend to all To voyage homeward, for the fall as yet 520 Ye ihall not fee of Ilium's lofty tow'rs, For that the Thund'rer with uplifted arm Protects her, and her courage hath revived. Bear ye mine anfwer back, as is the part Of good ambafTadors, that they may frame 525 Some likelier plan, by which both fleet and hoil May be preferved ; for, my refentment ilill Burning, this project is but premature. Let Phcenix flay with us, and ileep this night Within my tent, that, if he fo incline, 530 He may to-morrow in my fleet embark, And hence attend me ; but I leave him free. He ended ; they aitoniuYd at his tone (For vehement he fpake) fat filent all, 'Till Phcenix, aged warrior, at the lafl: 535 Gufh'd into tears (for dread his heart o'crwhelm'd Left the whole fleet mould perifh) and replied. If thou indeed have purpofed to return, Noble Achilles ! and fuch wrath retain'il That thou art altogether fixt to leave 540 The 230 HOMER's I L Ι Λ D. Book IX. The fleet a prey to defolating fires, How then, my ion ! fhall I at Troy abide Forlorn of thee ? When Pcleus, hoary Chief, Sent thee to Agamemnon, yet a child, Unpractifed in deitructivc fight, nor lefs 545 Of councils ignorant, the fchools in which Great minds are form'd, he bade me to the war Attend thee forth, that I might teach thee all, Both elocution and addrefs in arms. Me therefore ihalt thou not with my confent 550 Leave here, my fon ! no, not would Jove himfelf Promife me, reaping fmooth this filver beard, To make me downy-cheek'd as in my youth ; Such as when erlt from Hellas beauty-famed I fled, efcaping from my father's wrath 555 Amyntor, fon of Ormenus, who loved A beauteous concubine, and for her fake Defpifed his wife and perfecuted me. My mother fuppliant at my knees, with pray'r Perpetual importuned me to embrace 560 The damfel Aril, that ihe might loath my fire. I did fo; and my father foon poffefAl With hot fufpicion of the fact, let loofe A ltorm of imprecation, in his rage Invoking all the Furies to forbid 56 ς That ever fon of mine ihould prefs his knees. Tartarian * Jove and dread t Perfephone Fulfilled his curfes ; with my pointed fpcar 1 would have picre'd his heart, but that my wrath Pluto. \ Proferpine. Some Book IX. II Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. aji Some Deity affuaged, iuggefting oft 570 What fhame and obloquy I ihould incur, Known as a parricide through all the land. At length, fo treated, I refolved to dwell No longer in his houfe. My friends, indeed, And all my kindred compafs'd me around 575 With much intreaty, wooing me to flay ; Oxen and iheep they ilaughter'd, many a plump Well-fatted brawn extended in the flames, And drank the old man's veiTels to the lees. Nine nights continual at my fide they ilept, 580 While others watch'd by turns, nor were the fires ExtinguiuYd ever, one, beneath the porch Of the barr'd hall, and one that from within The veftibule illumed my chamber door. But when the tenth dark night at length arrived, 585 Sudden the chamber-doors buriting I flew That moment forth, and unperceived alike By guards and menial women, leap'd the wall. Through fpacious Hellas flying thence afar, I came at length to Phthia the deep-foiled, 590 Mother of flocks, and to the royal houfe Of Peleus ; Peleus with a willing heart Receiving, loved me as a father loves His only fon, the fon of his old age, Inheritor of all his large demefnes. 595 He made me rich ; placed under my controul A populous realm, and on the ikirts I dwelt Of Phthia, ruling the Dolopian race Thee from my foul, thou femblancc of the Gods, I loved, w HOMER's ί L 1 A I>. Book IX. I loved, and all illnitrious as thou art, 600 Achilles ! fuch I made thee. For with me, Me only, would'ft thou forth to feaft abroad, Nor would'ft thou taite thy food at home, 'till firft 1 placed thee on my knees, with my own hand Thy viands carved and fed thee, and the wine 605 Held to thy lips ; and many a time in fits Of infant frowardnefs, the purple juice Rejecting, thou haft deluged all my veil, And filled my bofom. Oh, I have endured Much, and have alio much performed for thee, 6ro Thus purpofmg, that fince the Gods vouchfafed No fon to me, thyfelf ihould'it be my ion, Godlike Achilles ! who ihould'it fcreen perchance From a foul fate my elfe unihelter'd age. Achilles ! bid thy mighty fpirit down. 615 Thou ihould'it not be thus mercilefs ; the Gods, Although more honourable, and in pow'r And virtue thy fuperiors, are themfelves Yet placable ; and if a mortal man Offend them by tranfgreffion of their laws, 620 Libation, incenfe, facrifice and prayer, In mceknefs offer'd, turn their wrath away. Pray'rs are Jove's daughters, * wrinkled, lame, ilant-eyed, 1 Wrinkled — becaufe the countenance of a man driven to prayer by a confeiouf- iicfs of guilt is forrowful and dejected. Lame — becaufe it is a remedy to which men recur late, and with reluctance. And ilant-eved — either becaufe, in that irate of humiliation, they fear to lift their eyes to heaven, or are employed in taking a retro- thcir pail miiconai The whole allegory, coniideriflg JVhcn and Where it was compofed, forms a very itriking paflage. Which, Βυο^ IK. ΓΙΟ Μ ER's ILIAD. Which, though far diftant, yet with conffant pace Follow Offence. Offence, robuft of limb, 625 And treading firm the ground, outftrips them all, And over all the earth before them runs Hurtful to man. They, following, heal the hurt. Received refpeclfully when they approach, They help us, and our pray'rs hear in return. 6yo But if we flight, and with obdurate heart Reiift them, to Saturnian Jove they cry Againit us, fupplicating that Offence May cleave to us for vengeance of the wrong. Thou, therefore, Ο Achilles ! honour yield 635 To Jove's own daughters, vanquifh'd, as the brave Have oftimes been, by honour paid to Thee. For came not Agamemnon as he comes With gifts in hand, and promifes of more Hereafter ; burn'd his anger ilill the fame, 640 I would not move thee to renounce thy own, And to affift us, howfoe'er diilrefs'd. But now, not only are his prefent gifts Moft lib'ral, and his promifes of more Such alfo, but thefe Princes he hath fent 645 Charged with entreaties, thine efpecial friends, And chofen for that caufe, from all the hoft. Slight not their embaffy, nor put to fhame Their interceilion. We confefs that once Thy wrath was unreproveable and juft. 650 Thus we have heard the heroes of old times Applauded oft, whole anger, though intenfe, Yet left them open to the gentle fway Η h Of 234 HOMER's ILIAD. Book IX. Of jeafon and conciliatory gifts. I recoiled: an antient hiilory, 655 Which, fince all here are friends, I will relate. The brave JEtolians and Curetes met Beneath the walls of Calydon, and fought With mutual daughter ; the yEtolian pow'rs In the defence of Calydon the fair, 660 And the Curetes, bent to lay it wafte : That ltrife Diana of the golden throne Kindled between them, with refentment fired That Oeneus had not in fome fertile fpot The firlt fruits of his harveft fet apart 665 To her; w r ith hecatombs he entertained All the Divinities of heav'n befide, And her alone, daughter of Jove fupreme, Or through forget fulnefs, or fome neglect, Served not ; omiilion carelefs and profane ! 670 She, progeny of Jove, Goddefs ihaft-arm'd, A favage boar bright-tuik'd in anger fent, Which haunting Oeneus' fields much havoc made. Trees num'rous on the earth in heaps he cait Uprooting them, with all their blofToms on. 675 But Meleager, Oeneus' fon, at length Slew him, the hunters gath'ring, and the hounds Of num'rous cities ; for a boar fo vail Might not be vanquiih'd by the pow'r of few, And many to their funeral piles he fent. 680 Then railed Diana clamorous difpute, And conteil hot between them, all alike, Curetes and /Etolians fierce in arms The Book IX. Η Ο Μ Ε R * a I L I A D. *ο5 The boar's head claiming, and his briftly hide. So ]ong as warlike Mcleager fought, » 68 ς ^tolia profper'd, nor with all their pow*rs Could the Cureles itand before the walls. But when refentment once had fired the heart Of Meleager, which hath tumult oft Excited in the breaits of wileft men, 690 (For his own mother had his wrath provoked Althaea) thenceforth with his wedded wife He dwelt, fair Cleopatra, clofe retired. She was MarpefiVs daughter, whom fhe bore To Idas, braveft warrior in his day 695 Of all on earth. He fear'd not 'gainft the King Himfelf Apollo, for the lovely nymph MarpefTa's fake, his fpoufe, to bend his bow. Her, therefore, Idas and MarpefTa named Thenceforth Alcyone, becaufe the fate 700 Of fad Alcyone MarpefTa fhared, And wept like her, by Phcebus forced away* Thus Meleager, tortured with the pangs Of wrath indulged, with Cleopatra dwelt, Vex'd that his mother curs'd him; for, with grief 705 Frantic, his mother importuned the Gods T' avenge her ilaughter'd -brothers on his head. Oft would fhe finite the earth, while on her knees Seated, ihe fill'd her bofom with her tears, And calPd on Pluto and dread Proferpinc 710 To flay her fon ; nor vain was that requeft, But by implacable Erynnis heard * She had ritre brothers: Iphiclus, Polyphonic», Phanes, Eurypjlus, rlexippus. Η h 2 Roaming Η Ο Μ El's ILIA D. £οοκ IX. .-■ Roaming the ihades of Erebus. Ere long The tumult and the deaf'ning din of war Hoard at the gates, and all the batterVl tow'rs 715 Refounded. Then the ciders of the town Difpatch'd the high-prieits of the Gods to plead With Meleager for his inftant aid, With itrong afTurances of rich reward. Where Calydon afforded fatteil foil 720 They bade him chufe to his own ufe a farm Of fifty meafured acres, vineyard half, And half of land commodious for the plough. Him Oeneus alfo, warrior grey with age, Afcending to his chamber, and his doors 725 Smiting importunate, with earneil pray'rs AfTay'd to foften, kneeling to his ion. Nor lefs his filters woo'd him to relent, Nor lefs his mother ; but in vain ; he grew Still more obdurate. His companions lait, 730 The moil eiteeirfd and deareft of his friends, The fame fuit urged, yet he perlifted ilill Relcntlefs, nor could even they prevail. But when the battle fhook his chamber-doors, And the Curetes climbing the high tow'rs 735 Had fired the fpacious city, then with tears The beauteous Cleopatra, and with pray'rs AfT-iil'd him ; in his view ihe fet the woes fciumberlefs of a city ftorm'd. — The men ighter'd, the city burnt to duit, the chafte 740 Matrons with all their children dragg'd away. That dread recital roilfed him, and at length Effuing, Book IX. Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. " IiTuing, he put his radiant armour on. Thus Meleager, gratifying firft His own refentment, from a fatal day 745 Saved the yEtolians, who the promifed gift Refufed him, and his toils found no reward. But thou my fon be wifer; follow thou No daemon who would tempt thee to a courfe Like his; occafion more propitious far 750 Smiles on thee now ? than if the fleet were fired. Come, while by gifts invited, and receive From all the hoft, the honours of a God ; For ihould'ft thou, by no gifts induced, at lail Enter the bloody field, although thou chafe 755 The Trojans hence, yet lefs ill all be thy praife. Then thus Achilles, matchlefs in the race. Phoenix, my guide, wife, noble and revered ! I covet no fuch glory ; the renown Ordain'd by Jove for me, is to refiil 760 All, importunity to quit my ihips While I have pow'r to move, or breath to draw. Hear now, and mark me well. Ceafe thou from tears. Confound me not, pleading with fighs and fobs In Agamemnon's caufe; Ο love not Him, 765 Left I renounce thee, who am now thy friend. Aiiiil me rather, as thy duty tads, Him to afflict, who hath afflicted me, So ihalt thou fhare my glory and my pow'r. Thefe fhall report as they have heard, but here 770 Reft thou this night, and with the rifing morn We will decide, to ft ay or to depart. He j-jfl 1 1 Ο Μ Ε R ' s ILIAD. Book IX. He ceafed, and filent, by a nod injoin'd Patrodus to prepare an eafy couch For Phoenix, anxious to difmifs the reft 775 Incontinent; when Ajax, godlike fon Of Telamon, arifing, thus began. Laertes' noble fon, for wiles renown'd ! Depart we now ; for I perceive that end Or fruit of all our reas'nings iliall be none. 780 It is expedient alio that we bear Our anfwer back (unwelcome as it is) With all difpatch, for the aflembled Greeks Expect us. Brave Achilles ihuts a fire Within his breaft ; the kindnefs of his friends, 785 And the refpect peculiar by ourfelves Shown to him, on his heart work no efFeot. Inexorable man ! others accept Ev'n for a brother ilain, or for a fon Due compenfation ; the delinquent dwells 790 Secure at home, and the receiver, footh'd And pacified, repreffes his revenge. But thou, refentful of the lofs of one, One virgin (fuch obduracy of heart The Gods have giv'n thee) can'ft not be appeafed. 795 Yet we affign thee {even in her ftead, The moft diftinguifh'd of their fex, and add Large gifts be fide. Ah then, at laft relent ! Refpcct thy roof; we are thy guefls ; we come Chos'n from the multitude of all the Greeks, 800 Beyond them all ambitious of thy love. To Book IX. Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s ILIAD. 239 To whom Achilles, fwifteft of the fwift. My noble friend, offspring of Telamon ! Thou feem'ft iincere, and I believe thee fuch. But at the very mention of the name 805 Of Aureus' fon, who ihamed me in the fight Of all Achaia's hoft, bearing me down As I had been fome vagrant at his door, My bofom boils. Return ye and report Your anfwer. I no thought will entertain 810 Of crimfon war, 'till the illuftrious fon Of warlike Priam, Hector, blood-embrued, Shall in their tents the Myrmidons afTail Themfelves, and fire my fleet. At my own ihip, And at my own pavillion, it may chance 815 That even Hector's violence ihall paufe. He ended ; they from mafTy goblets each Libation pour'd, and to the fleet their courfe Refumed direct, UlyfTes at their head. Patroclus then his fellow warriors bade, 820 And the attendant women, fpreacl a couch For Phoenix ; they the couch, obedient, fpreacl With fleeces, with rich arras, and with flax Of fubtleil woof. There hoary Phoenix lay In expectation of the facred dawn. 825 Meantime Achilles in th' interior tent, With beauteous Diomeda by himfell From Lefbos brought, daughter of Phorbas, lay. Patroclus oppofite repofed, with whom Slept charming I phis ; her, when he had won 830 The lofty tow'rs of Scyros, the divine \chilles HOMER's ILIAD. Book IX'. Achilles took, and on his friend beilowM. But when thole Chiefs at Agamemnon's tent Arrived, the Greeks on ev'ry fide arofe With golden cups welcoming their return. 835 All queftion'd them, but Agamemnon firft. Oh worthy of Achaia's higheft praife, And her chief ornament, UlyfTes, fpeak ! Will he defend the fleet ? or his big heart Indulging wrathful, cloth he itill refufe ? 840 To whom renown'd UlyfTes thus replied. Atrides, Agamemnon, King of men ! He, his refentment quenches not, or will, But burns with wrath the more, thee and thy gifts Rejecting both. He bids thee with the Greeks 845 Confult by what expedient thou may'it fave The fleet and people, threatening that himfelf Will at the peep of day launch all his barks, And counfelling, befide, the gen'ral hoft To voyage homeward, for that end as yet 850 Of Ilium wall'd to heav'n, ye fhall not find, Since Jove the Thund'rer with uplifted arm Protects her, and her courage hath revived. Thus fpeaks the Chief, and Ajax is prepared, With the attendant heralds, to report 855 \s i have faid. But Phcenix in the tent Sleeps of Achilles, who his Hay deiired, That on the morrow, if he fo incline, The hoary warrior may attend him hence Home to his country, but he leaves him free. 860 He Book IK. II Ο Μ Ε R's ϊ L 1 A D. 241 He ended. They aftoniih'd at his tone (For vehement he fpake) fat iilent all. Long filent fat th' afflicted fons of Greece, When thus the mighty Diomede began. Atrides, Agamemnon, King of men!. 86 ς Thy fupplications to the valiant fon Of Peleus, and the offer of thy gifts Innum'rous, had heen hetter far witheld. He is at all times haughty, and thy fuit Hath but encreafed his haughtinefs of heart 870 Pail bounds ; but let him itay, or let him go, As he fhall chufe. He will refume the fight When his own mind ihall prompt him, and the Gods Shall urge him forth. Now follow my advice. Ye have refrefh'd your hearts with food and wine, 875 Which are the ilrength of man ; take now repofe, And when the rofy-finger'd morning fair, Shall iliine again, fet forth without delay The battle, horfe and foot, before the fleet, And where the foremoft fight, fight alfo thou. 880 He ended ; all the Kings applauded warm His counfel, and the dauntlefs tone admired Of Diomede. Then, due libation made, Each fought his tent, and took the gift of ileep. I i ARGU- ARGUMENT OF THE TENTH BOOK. Diomede and Ulyfles enter the Trojan hoft by night, and flay Rhefus. BOOK X. AL L night, the leaders of the hoft of Greece Lay funk in foft repofe, all, fave the Chief, The fon of Atreus ; him from thought to thought Roving folicitous, no ileep relieved. As when the fpoufe of beauteous Juno, darts £ His frequent fires, deiigning heavy rain Immenfe, or hail-ftorm, or field-whitening fnow, Or elfe wide-throated war calamitous, So frequent were the groans by Atreus' fon Heaved from his inmoft heart, trembling With dread. io For cail he but his eye toward the plain Of Ilium, there, aftoniih'd, he beheld The city fronted with bright fires, and heard Pipes, and recorders, and the hum of war ; But when again the Greecian fleet he view'd, 15 And thought on his own people, then his hair Uprooted elevating to the Gods, He from his gen'rous bofom groaned again. At length lie thus refolvM ; of all the Greeks To . Χ. Π Ο Μ Ε R f s ILIA D. To feek Neleian Neilor firft, with whom 20 He might, perchance, ibme plan for the defence Of the afflicted Dana*i, devife. Riling, he wrapp'd his tunic to his breaft, And to his royal feet unfullied bound His fandals ; o'er his fhoulders, next, he threw 2 5 Of ampleft fize a lion's tawny ikin That fwept his footfteps, dappled o'er with blood, Then took his fpear. Meantime not lefs appall'd Was Menelaus, on whole eyelids ileep Sat not, left the Achaians for his fake 30 O'er many waters borne, and now intent On glorious deeds, fhould periili all at Troy. With a pard's fpotted hide his fhoulders broad He mantled over ; to his head he raifed His brazen helmet, and with vig'rous hand 35 Grafping his fpear, forth hTued to aroufe His brother, mighty fov'reign of the hoft, And by the Greecians like a God revered — He found him at his galley's item, his arms Aiiuming radiant ; welcome he arrived 40 To Agamemnon, whom he thus addrefs'd. Why arm'it thou, brother ? Would'ft thou urge abroad Some trufty fpy into the Trojan camp? I fear left none fo hardy fhall be found As to adventure, in the dead ftill night, 4; So far, alone ; valiant indeed were he ! To whom great Agamemnon, thus replied. Heav'n-favour'd Menelaus ! We have need, Thou and myfelf, of fomc device well-framed, I i 2 Which 244 HOMER's ILIA D. Book X. Which both the Greecians and the fleet of Greece 50 May refcue, for the mind of Jove hath changed, And Hector's pray'rs alone now reach his ear. I never faw, nor by report have learned From any man, that ever iingle chief Such awful wonders in one day performed 55 As he with eafe againff. the Greeks, although Nor from a Goddefs fprung nor from a God. Deeds he hath done, which, as I think, the Greeks Shall deep and long lament, filch num'rous ills Achaia's hoit hath at his hands fuitain'd. 60 But haile, begone, and at their fev'ral ihips Call Ajax and Idomeneus ; I go T' exhort the noble Neftor to arife, That he may viiit, if he fo incline, The chofen band who watch, and his advice 6$ Give them ; for him moil prompt they will obey, Whofe fon, together with Meriones, Friend of Idomeneus, controuls them all, Entrufted by ourfelves with that command. Him anfwer'd Menelaus bold in arms. 70 Explain thy purpofe. — Would'ft thou that I wait Thy coming, there, or thy commands to both Given, that I incontinent return ? To whom the Sov'reign of the hoft replied. There ftay; left ftrikirtg into different paths 75 (For many pailes interfe6t the camp) mifs each other; fummon them aloud Where rliou ihalt come; enjoin them to arife; Call each by his hereditary name, Honouring Book Χ. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. 2 45 Honouring all. Beware of manners proud, 80 For we ourfelves mult labour, at our birth By Jove oidain'd to fufPring and to toil. So faying, he his brother thence difmifs'd Inftrudted duly, and, himfelf, his fteps Turned to the tent of Neftor. Him he found 85 Amid his fable galleys in his tent Repofing foft, his armour at his fide, Shield, fpears, bright helmet, and the broider'd belt Which, when the Senior arm'd led forth his hoit To fight, he wore ; for he complied not yet 90 With the encroachments of enfeebling age. He railed his head, and on his elbow propp'd, Queftioning Agamemnon, thus began. But who art thou, who thus alone, the camp Roameft, amid the darknefs of the night, g$ While other mortals fleep ? Com'il thou abroad Seeking fome friend or foldier of the guard ? Speak — come not nearer mute. What is thy wiili ? To whom the fon of At reus, King of men. Oh Neftor, glory of the Greecian name, 100 Offspring of Neleus ! thou in me fhalt know The fon of Atreus, Agamemnon, doom'd By Jove to toil, while life fhall yet inform Thefe limbs, or I fhall draw the vital air. I wander thus, becaufe that on my lids 1 05 Sweet lleep fits not, but war and the concerns Of the Achaians occupy my foul. Terrible are the fears which I endure For thefe my people ; fuch as fuperfede All 24 5 HOMER's I L I A D. Book X. All thought ; my bofom can no longer hold no My throbbing heart, and tremors ihakc my limbs. But if thy mind, more capable, project Aught that may profit us (for thee it feems Sleep alfo ihuns) ariie, and let us both Vilit the watch, left, haply, overtoiled 115 They yield to ileep, forgetful of their charge. The foe is polled near, and may intend (None knows his purpofe) an afTault by night. To him Gerenian Neftor thus replied. Illuftrious Agamemnon, King of men! s 120 Deep^planning Jove th' imaginations proud Of Hector will not ratify, nor all His fanguine hopes effectuate ; in his turn He alfo (fierce Achilles once appeafed) Shall trouble feel, and, haply, more than we. 125 But with all readinefs I will arife And follow thee, that we may alfo roufe Yet others ; Diomede the fpear-renowned, Ulvfles, the fwift Ajax, and the fon Of Phyleus, valiant Meges. It were well 130 Were others alfo vifited and calPd, The Godlike Ajax, and Idomeneus, Whofe (hips are at the camp's extremeft bounds. it though I love thy brother and revere, And though I grieve ev'n thee, yet fpeak I mult, 135 And plainly cenfure him, that thus he ileeps And leaves to thee the labour, who himfelf >uld range the hoil, foliating the Chiefs Of ev'ry band, as utmolt need requires. Him Book X. HOMER' s ILIAD. 247 Him anfwer'd Agamemnon, King of men. 140 Old warrior, times there are, when I could wiih Myfelf thy cenfure of him, for in act He is not feldom tardy and remifs. Yet is not iluggiih indolence the caufe, No, nor ftupidity, but he obferves 145 Me much, expecting 'till I lead the way. But he was foremoft now, far more alert This night than I, and I have fent him forth Already, thofe to call whom thou haft named. But let us hence, for at the guard I truft 150 To find them, fince I gave them fo in charge. To whom the brave Gerenian Chief replied. Him none will cenfure, or his will difpute, Whom He ihall waken and exhort to rife. So faying, he bound his corflet to his breaft, 155 His fandals fair to his unlullied feet, And faft'ning by its clafps his purple cloak Around him, double and of ihaggy pile, Seized, next, his fturdy fpear headed with brafs, And ifTued, firit, into the Greecian fleet. 160 There, Neftor, brave Gerenian, with a voice Sonorous roufed the Godlike counfellor From ileep, Ulyifes ; the alarm came o'er His ftartled ear, forth from his tent he fprang Sudden, and of their coming, quick, enquired. 165 Why roam ye thus the camp and fleet alone In darknefs ? by what urgent need conftrained ? To whom the hoary Pylian thus replied. Laertes' noble fon, for wiles renown'd ! Relent HOMER's ILIAD. Book X. Refent it not, for dread is our diftrefs. 17° Come, therefore, and a (lift us to convene Vet others, qualified to judge if war Be moil expedient, or immediate flight. He ended, and regaining, quick, his tent, UlyiTes Hung his fhield, then coming forth 175 Join'd them. The fon of Tydeus firft they fought. Him fleeping arm'd before his tent they found, EncompafsM by his friends alfo alleep; His head each retted on his fhield, and each Had planted on its nether * point erect 180 His fpear beiide him ; bright their poliih'd heads As Jove's own lightening glitter'd from afar. Himfelf, the Hero, ilept. A wild bull's hide Was fpread beneath him, and on arras tinged With fplendid purple lay his head reclined. 185 Neilor, befide him {landing, with his heel Shook him, and, urgent, thus the Chief reproved. Awake, Tydides ! wherefore giv'fl the night Entire to balmy ilumber ? Hail not heard How on the riiing-ground beiide the fleet 190 The Trojans fit, fmall interval between ? He ceas'd ; then upfprang Diomede alarm'd Inilant, and in wing'd accents thus replied. Old wakeful Chief! thy toils are never done. Are there not younger of the fons of Greece, 195 Who ranging in all parts the camp, might call * Σχυρωτηρ — fcems t>J have been a hollow iron with a point, fitted to the obtufe end of the fpear for the purpofe of planting that end of it in the ground. It might probably be taken oft" at pleafure. The Book Χ. Η Ο Μ Ε R's Ι Ι. Ι Λ 1λ a 4 9 The Kings to council ? But no curb, controuls Or can abate activity like thine. To whom Gerenian Neftor in return. My friend! thou haft well fpoken. I have fons, 200 And they are well deferring ; I have here A num'rous people alio, one of whom Might have fufriced to call the Kings of Greece. But fuch occafion prefles now the hoft As hath not oft occurred ; the overthrow 205 Complete, or full deliv'rance of us all, In balance hangs, poifed on a razor's edge. But hafte, and if thy pity of my toils Be fuch, fmce thou art younger, call, thyfelf, Ajax the fwift, and Meges to the guard. 210 Then Diomede a lion's tawny ikin Around him wrapp'd, dependent to his heels, And, fpear in hand, fet forth. The Hero call'd Thole two, and led them whither Neftor bade. They, at the guard arrived, not ileeping found 215 The captains of the guard, but fitting all In vigilant pofture with their arms prepared. As dogs that, careful, watch the fold by night, Hearing fome wild beaft in the woods, which hounds And hunters with tumultuous clamour drive 220 Down from the mountain-top, all ileep forego, So, fat not on their eyelids gentle ileep That dreadful night, but conftant to the plain At ev'ry found of Trojan feet they turned. The old Chief joyful at the fight, in terms 225 Of kind encouragement them thus addrefs'd. Κ k So s 5 o IIOMER's ILIAD, Book X. So watch, my children ! and beware that ileep Invade none here, left all become a prey. So faying, he traversal with quick pace the trench By ev'ry Chief whom they had thither call'd 230 Attended, with whom Neftor's noble fon Went, and Meriones, invited both ΐο join their confutation. From the fofs Emerging, in a vacant fpace they fat, Un'flrew'd with bodies of the ilain, the fpot 235 Whence furious Hector, after (laughter made Of nunvrous Greeks, night falling, had return'd. There feated, mutual converfe clofe they held, And Neilor, brave Gerenian, thus began. Oh friends ! hath ilo Achaian here fuch truil 240 In his own prowefs, as to venture forth Among yon haughty Trojans ? He, perchance, Might on the borders of their hoft furprize Some wand'ring adverfary, or might learn Their confultations, whether they propofe 24 ς Here to abide in profpect of the fleet, Or, fatiate with fuccefs againft the Greeks So iignal, meditate retreat to Troy. Thefe tidings gain'd, fhould he at laft return Secure, his recompence will be renown 250 Extenfive as the heav'ns, and fair reward. From ev'ry leader of the fleet, his gift Shall be a :i fable ewe, and fucking lamb, Hare acquisition ! and at ev'ry board fj I caufe the expedition was made by night, and each with a lamb, as typical ft the fruit of their labou And Book Χ. Η Ο Μ Ε R »s I L I A D. α>Ί And fumptuous banquet, he iliall be a gueft. 255 He ceafed, and all fat illent, whew at length The mighty fon of Tydeus thus replied. Me, Neftor, my courageous heart incites To penetrate into the neighbour hoft Of enemies; but went fome other Chief 260 With me, far greater would my comfort prove» And I ihould dare the more. Two going forth, One quicker fees than other, and fuggefts Prudent advice ; but he who iingle goes, Mark whatfoe'er he may, th' occaiion lefs 265 Improves, and his expedients foon exhauits. He ended, and no few willing arofe To go with Diomede. Servants of Mars Each Ajax willing flood ; willing as they Meriones ; moil willing Neftor's fon ; 270 Willing, the brother of the Chief of all, Nor willing lefs UlyfTes to explore The hoft of Troy, for he poflefs'd a heart Delighted ever with fome bold exploit. Then Agamemnon, King of men, began. 27; Now Diomede, in whom my foul delights ! Chufe whom thou wilt for thy companion ; chufe The fitteft here ; for num'rous wifli to go. Leave not, through def'rence to another's rank, The more deferving, nor prefer a worie, 280 Refpecting either pedigree or pow'r. Such fpeech he interpofed, fearing his choice Of Menelaus ; then, renown'd in arms The fon of Tydeus, rifing, fpake again. Κ k 2 Since, α52 Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. Book Χ. Since, then, ye bid me my own partner chufe 285 Free from conftraint, how can I overlook Divine UlyiTes, whole courageous heart With inch peculiar cheerfulnefs endures Whatever toils, and whom Minerva loves ? Let Him attend me, and through fire itfelf 290 We mall return ; for none is wife as he. To him Uhffes, hardy Chief, replied. Tydides ! neither praife me much, nor blame, For thefe are Greecians in whofe ears thou fpeak'lt, And know me well. But let us hence ! the night 295 Draws to a clofe ; day comes apace ; the ftars Are far advanced ; two portions have elapfed Of darknefs, but the third is yet entire. So they ; then each his dreadful arms put on. To Diomede, who at the fleet had left 300 His own, the dauntlefs Thrafymedes gave His fhield and fword two-edg\l, and on his head Placed, creitlefs, unadorn'd, his bull-ikin cafque. Jt was a itripling's helmet, fuch as youths Scarce yet confirm'd in lufty manhood, wear. 305 Meriones with quiver, bow and fword Furniih'd UlyiTes, and his brows enclofed In his own cafque of hide with many a thong Well braced within; guarded it was without With boar's teeth iv'ry-white inherent firm 310 On all fides, and with woollen head-piece lined. That helmet erit ■'- Autolycus had brought From Eleon, city of Amyntor ion ■ Autolycus was grandfather of UlyiTes by the mother's fide. Or Book Χ. HOMER' s ILIAD. 253 Of Hormenus, where he the iblid Avails Bored through, clandestine, of Amyntor's houfe. 315 He on Amphidamas the prize beitow'd In Scandia ; from Amphidamas it pafs'd To Molus as an hofpitable pledge ; He gave it to Meriones his fon, And now it guarded fhrewd UlyfTes' brows. 320 Both clad in arms terrific, forth they fped, Leaving their fellow Chiefs, and as they went An heron, by command of Pallas, flew Clofe on the right beiide them ; darkling they Difcern'd him not, but heard his clanging plumes. 325 Ulyfles in the favorable iign Exulted, and Minerva thus invoked. Oh hear me, daughter of Jove iEgis-arm'd I My prefent helper in all {freights, whofe eye Marks all my ways, oh with peculiar care 330 Now guard me, Pallas ! grant that after toil Succefsful, glorious, fuch as long fhall fill With grief the Trojans, we may fafe return And with immortal honours to the fleet. Valiant Tydides, next, his pray'r preferr'd. 335 Hear alfo me, Jove's offspring by the toils Of war invincible ! me follow now As my heroic father erft to Thebes Thou followedft, Tydeus ; by the Greeks dilpatch'd Ambaifador, he left the mail-clad hoft 340 Beiide Afopus, and with terms of peace Entrufted, enter'd Thebes; but by thine aid Benevolent, and in thy ifrength, perform'd Returning, 2 - 4 HOMER's ILIA D. Book X. Returning, deeds of terrible renown. Thus, now, protect me alfo ! In return 3-45 I vow an ofPring at thy fhrine, a young Broad-fronted heifer, to the yoke as yet Untamed, whole horns I will incafe with gold. Such pray'r they made, and Pallas heard well-pleafed. Their or'ifons ended to the daughter dread 350 Of mighty Jove, lion-like they advanced Through (hades of night, through carnage, arms and blood. Nor Hector to his gallant holt indulged Sleep, but convened the leaders ; leader none Or fenator of all his hoft he left 355 Uniummon'd, and his purpofe thus promulged. Where is the warrior who for rich reward, Such as iliall well fuffice him, will the talk Adventurous, which 1 propofe, perform ? A chariot with two ileeds of proudcil height, 360 Surpaifing all in the whole fleet of Greece Shall be his portion, with immortal praife, Who iliall the well-appointed (hips approach Courageous, there to learn if yet a guard As heretofore, keep them, or if fubdued 365 Beneath us, the Achaians flight intend, And worn with labour have no will to watch. So Hector fpake, but anfwer none return'd. There was a certain Trojan, Dolon named, Son of Eumedes herald of the Gods, 370 Rich both in gold and brafs, but in his form Unfightly ; yet the man was fwift of foot, Sole brother of five filters ; he his fpeech To Book Χ. Η Ο Μ Ε R * s I L I A D. 255 To Hector and the Trojans thus addrefs'd. My fpirit, Hector, prompts me, and my mind 375 Endued with manly vigour, to approach Yon gallant fhips, that I may tidings hear. But come. For my aiTurance, lifting high Thy fceptre, fwear to me, for my reward, The horfes and the brazen chariot bright 380 Which bear renown'd Achilles o'er the field. I will not prove an ufclefs fpy, nor fall Below thy beil opinion ; pais I will Their army through, 'till I fhall reach the fhip Of Agamemnon, where the Chiefs, perchance, 385 Now fit coniulting, or to fight, or fly. Then raifing high his fceptre, Hector fware. Know, Jove himfelf, Juno's high-thund'ring fpoufe ! That Trojan none fhall in that chariot ride By thofe fleeds drawn, fave Dolon ; on my oath 390 I make them thine ; enjoy them evermore. He faid, and falfely fware, yet him allured. Then Dolon, inltant, o'er his fhoulJer flung His bow elaftic, wrapp'd himfelf around With a grey wolf-ikin, to his head a cafque 395 Adjuited, coated o'er .vith ferret's felt, And feizing his iharp javelin, from the hofl Turned rig' it toward the fleet, but was ordained To dil appoint his fender, and to bring No tidings thence. The throng of Trojan fleeds 400 And warriors left, with brifker pace he moved, When brave Ulyfles his approach perceiv'd, And thus to Diomcde his fpeech addrefs'd. Tydides ! 256 HOMER's ILIA D. Book X. Tydides ! yonder man is from the hoil ; Either a ipy he comes, or with intent 405 To fpoil the dead. Firit, freely let him pals Few paces, then purfuing him with fpeed, Seize on him fuddenly ; but ihould he prove The nimbler of the three, with threat' ning fpear Enforce him from his camp toward the fleet, 410 Left he elude us, and efcape to Troy. So they ; then, turning from the road oblique, Among the carcafes each lay'd him down. Dolon, fufpecting nought, ran fwiftly by. * But when fuch fpace was interpofed as mules 415 Plow in a day, (for mules the ox furpafs Through fallows deep drawing the pond'rous plough) Both ran toward him. Dolon at the found Stood ; for he hoped fome Trojan friends at hand From Hector fent to bid him back again. 420 But when within fpear's caff, or lefs they came, Knowing them enemies he turn'd to flight Incontinent, whom they as fwift purfued. As two fleet hounds fharp fang'd, train'd to the chace, Hang on the rear of flying hind or hare, 425 And drive her, never fwerving from the track, Through copfes clofe ; ilie fcreaming feuds before; So Diomedc and dread UlylTes him Chafed conftant, intercepting his return. And now, fail-fleeing to the ihips, he foon 430 Had reach'd the guard, but Pallas with ne ν force * Commentators here arc extremely in the dark, and even Ariftarchus feems to have attempted an explanation in vain. — The Tranflalo: does not pretend to have tained the diftancc intended, but only to have given a diilance fuited to the occafion. Infpired Book Χ. II Ο Λί Ε R 's ϊ I. I A D. 2 ;7 Infpircd Tydides, left a meaner Greek Should boaft that he had fmitten Dolon firft, And Diomede win only fecond praife. He pois'd his lifted fpear, and thus exclaim'd. 435 Stand ! or my fpear fhall flop thee. Death impends At ev'ry ftep ; thou can'ft not 'icape me long. He faid, and threw his fpear, but by defign Err'd from the man. The pblifh'd weapon fwift O'er-glancing his right moulder, in the foil 440 Stood hxt, beyond him. Terrified he ftood, Stamm'ring, and founding through his lips the clafh. Of chatt'ring teeth, with vifage deadly wan. They panting ruih'd on him, and both his hands Seized fail ; he wept, and fuppliant them befpake. 445 Take me alive, and I will pay the price Of my redemption. I have gold at home, Brafs alfo, and bright fteel, and when report Of my captivity within your fleet Shall reach my father, treasures he will give 450 Not to be told, for ranfom of his fon. To whom UlyfTes politic replied. Take courage; entertain no thought of death. But hafte ! this tell me, and difclofe the truth. Why thus toward the ihips com'lt thou alone 455 From yonder hoft, by night, while others ileep ? To fpoil fome carcafe . ? or from Hector lent A fpy of all that paries in the fleet ? Or by thy curiofity impell'd ? Then Dolon, his limbs trembling, thus replied. 460 To my great detriment, and far beyond L 1 My 258 HOMER's ILIAD. Book X. My own deiign, Hector trapann'd me forth, Who promifed me the ileeds of Peleus' fon Illuilrious, and his brazen chariot bright. He bade me, under night's fail-flitting fhades 465 Approach our enemies, a fpy, to learn If itill as heretofore, ye ftation guards For fafety of your fleet, or if fubdued Completely, ye intend immediate flight, And worn with labour, have no will to watch. 470 To whom Ulyffes, foiling, thus replied. Thou hadil, in truth, an appetite to gifts Of no mean value, coveting the iteeds Of brave ^Eacides ; but ileeds are they Of fiery fort, difficult to be ruled 475 By force of mortal man, Achilles' felf Except, whom an immortal mother bore. But tell me yet again ; ule no difguife ; Where left'it thou, at thy coming forth, your Chief, The valiant Hector ? where hath he difpofed 480 His armour battle-worn, and where his ileeds ? What other quarters of your hoft are watch'd ? Where lodge the guard, and what intend ye next ? Still to abide in profpecl: of the fleet ? Or well-content that ye have thus reduced 48 j Achaia's hoft, will ye retire to Troy ? To whom this anfwer Dolon ftrait returned ; of Eumedes. With unfeigning truth dimply and plainly will I utter all. Hector, with all the Senatorial Chiefs, 490 Befide the tomb of facred llius fits Confultin Book Χ, Π Ο Μ L R's I L Ι Λ Π. 2 59 Confulting, from the noify camp remote. But for the guard-, Hero ! concerning whom Thou haft enquired, there is no certain watch And regular appointed o'er the camp ; 40 ς *The native Trojans (for they can no lefs) Sit ileeplefs all, and each his next exhorts To vigilance ; but all our foreign aids, Who neither wives nor children hazard here, Trufting the Trojans for that fervice, ileep. 500 To whom UlyfTes, ever wife, replied. I low fleep the ftrangers, and allies ? — apart ? Or with the Trojans mingled ? — I would learn. So fpake UlyfTes ; to whom Dolon thus, Son of Eumedes. I will all unfold, 505 And all moil truly. By the fea are lodged The Carians, the Paeonians arm'd with bows, The Leleges, with the Pelafgian band, And the Gaucones. On the fkirts encamp Of Thymbra, the Mseonians crefted high, 510 The Phrygian horfemen, with the Lycian hoil, And the bold troop of Myiia's haughty fons. But wherefore thefe enquiries, thus minute ? For if ye wiili to penetrate the hoil, Thefe who poffefs the borders of the camp 515 Fartheil removed of all, are Thracian pow'rs Newly arrived ; among them Rhefus ileeps, Son of E'ioneus, their Chief and King. His ileeds I faw, the fairefl by thefe eyes * "Οσα-χί yy.p τρων» πυρός ι<τγα.ρχ\ — As many as are owners of hearths— that is to fay, all who are householders here, or natives of the city. L 1 2 Ever ιβο Η Ο Μ Κ R 's I L I A D. Book X, Ever beheld, and loftieft ; fnow itfelf 520 They pafs in whitenefs, and in fpeed the winds. With gold and filver all his chariot burns, And he arrived in golden armour clad Stupendous ! little fuited to the irate Of mortal man — fit for a God to wear ! 525 Now, either lead me to your gallant fleet, Or, where ye find me, leave me flraitly bound 'Till ye return, and, after trial made, Shall know if I have fpoken falfe or true. But him brave Diomede with afpect item 530 Anfwer'd. Since, Dolon ! thou art caught, although Thy tidings have been good, hope not to live ; For ihould we now releafe thee and difmifs., Thou wilt revifit yet again the fleet A fpy or open foe ; but fmitten once 535 By this death-dealing arm, thou ilialt return To render mifchief to the Greeks no more. He ceafed, and Dolon would have itretch'd his hand Toward his beard, and pleaded hard for life, But with his faulchion, rifing to the blow, 540 On the mid-neck he fmote him, cutting iheer Both tendons with a ftroke fo fwift, that ere [lis tongue had ceafed, his head was in the duft. They took his helmet cloath'd with ferret's felt, Stripped off his wolf-lkin, feized his bow and fpear, 545 And brave UlyiTes lifting in his hand The trophy to Minerva, pray'd and faid : Hail Goddcfs ; thefe are thine ! for thee of all Who in Olympus dwell, we will invoke Firft Book X. HOMER' s ILIAD. 261 Firft to our aid. Now alio guide our fteps, 550 Propitious, to the Thracian tents and fteeds. He ceafed, and at arms-length the lifted fpoils Hung on a tamarifk ; but mark'd the fpot, Plucking away with hand -full grafp the reeds And fpreading boughs, left they fhould feek the prize 555 Themfelves in vain, returning ere the night, Swift trav'ler, fhould have fled before the dawn. Thence, o'er the bloody champain ftrew'd with arms Proceeding, to the Thracian lines they came. They, wearied, ilept profound ; heiide them lay, 560 In triple order regular arranged, Their radiant armour, and their ileeds in pairs. Amid them Rhefus ilept, and at his fide His couriers, to the outer chariot-ring Faften'd fecure. UlyfTes faw him firft, 565 And, feeing, mark'd him out to Diomede. Behold the man, Tydides ! Lo ! the fteeds By Dolon fpecified whom we have ilain. Be quick. Exert thy force. Arm'd as thou art, Sleep not. Loofe thou the fteeds, or {laughter thou 570 The Thracians, and the fteeds ihall be my care. He ceafed ; then blue -eyed Pallas with freih force Invigour'd Diomede. From fide to fide He flew ; dread groans arofe of dying men Hewn with the f wordy and the earth fwam with blood. 575 As if he find a flock unguarded, fheep Or goats, the lion rufhes on his prey, With fuch unfparing force Tydides fmote The men of Thrace, 'till he had flaughter'd twelve ; And a <5» Η Ο Μ Ε R ' β ILIAD, Book Χ, And whom Tydides with his faulchion ftruek 580 Laertes' ion dragg'd by his feet abroad, Forecailing that the ileeds might pals with euie, Nor ilart, as yet uncuftom'd to the dead. But when the fon of Tydeus found the King, Him alfo panting forth his lail, lail breath, 585 He added to the twelve ; for at his head An evil dream that night had ilood, the form Of Diomede, by Pallas' art deviled. Meantime, the bold Ulyiies loofed the ileeds, Which, to each other rein'd, he drove abroad, 590 Smiting them with his bow, (for of the fcourge He thought not in the chariot-feat fecured) And as he went, hifs'd, warning Diomede. But he, projecting itill fome hardier deed, Stood doubtful, whether by the pole to draw 595 The chariot thence, laden with gorgeous arms, Or whether heaving it on high, to bear The burthen off, or whether yet to take More Thracian lives ; when him with various thoughts Ferplex'd, Minerva, drawing near, befpake. 600 Son of bold Tydeus ! think on thy return yonder fleet, left thou depart conflrained. Some other God may roufe the pow'rs of Troy. She ended, and he knew the voice divine. Λτ once he mounted. With his bow the ileeds 605 UlyfTes plyed, and to the fhips they flew. Nor Look'd the bender of the filver bow, Apollo, forth in vain, but at the fight Of Pallas following Diomede incenfed, Defccnded Book Χ, Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L Ι Λ D. 263 Defcended to the field where num'rous moft 610 He faw the Trojans, and the Thracian Chief And counfellor, Hippocoon aroufed, Kinfman of Rhefus, and renown'd in arms. He, flarting from his fleep, foon as he faw The fpot deferted where fo lately lay 615 Thofe fiery courfers, and his warrior friends Gafping around him, founded loud the name Of his lov'd Rhefus. Inftant, at the voice, Wild ftir arofe and clamorous uproar Of faft-afTembling Trojans. Deeds they faw — 620 Terrible deeds, and marvellous perform'd, But not their authors — they had fought the ihips. Meantime arriv'd where they had ilain the fpy Of Hector, there UlyfTes, dear to Jove, The courfers itay'd, and, leaping to the ground, 625 The fon of Tydeus in UlyfTes' hands The arms of Dolon placed foul with his blood, Then vaulted light into his feat again. He lafh'd the iteeds, they, not unwilling, flew To the deep-bellied barks, as to their home. 630 Firft Neftor heard the found, and thus he faid. Friends ! Counfellors ! and leaders of the Greeks ! Falfe ihall I fpeak, or true? — but fpeak I muft, The echoing found of hoofs alarms my ear. Oh that UlyfTes and brave Diomede 635 This moment might arrive drawn into camp By Trojan iteeds ! But ah, the dread I feel! Left fome difaiter have for ever quell'd In yon rude hoft thofe nobleft of the Greeks• He 264 HOMERS ILIAD. Book X. He had not ended, When themfelves arrived. 640 Both quick diimounted ; joy at their return Fill'd ev'ry bofom ; each with kind falute Cordial, and right-hand welcome greeted them, And firft Gerenian Neftor thus enquired. Oh Chief by all extoll'd, glory of Greece, 64; Ulyfles ! how have ye thefe lteeds acquired? In yonder hoft ? or met ye as ye went Some God who gave them to you ? for they mow A luitre dazzling as the beams of day. Old as I am, I mingle yet in fight 650 With Ilium's Tons, — lurk never in the fleet — Yet faw I at no time, or have remark'd Steeds fuch as thefe ; which therefore I believe Perforce, that ye have gained by gift divine ; For cloud-afTembler Jove, and azure-eyed 655 Minerva, Jove's own daughter, love you both. To whom UlyrTes, thus, difcrete, replied. Neleian Neilor, glory of the Greeks! A God, fo willing, could have giv'ri us fteeds Superior, for their bounty knows no bounds. 660 But, venerable Chief! thefe which thou fee'it. Are Thracians new-arrived. Their matter lies Slain by the valiant Diomede, with twelve The noblcit of his warriors at his fide. A thirteenth alio, at fmall diftance hence 665 We ilew, by Hector and the Chiefs of Troy * Homer did not here forget himfcli, though fome have altered rr»,' to τίτρακαι- /ί/.Λτοι. — Rhefus for distinction fake a not numb-red with his people. See Villoifibn Sent .Χ, Η Ο Μ ΕΚ ! $ ί Li A D. ι&$ Sent to infpect the pofture of our hoft. He faid ; then, high in exultation, drove The courfers o'er the trench, and with him paiTed The glad Achaians ; at the fpacious tent 670 Of Diomede arrived, with even thongs They tied them at the cribs where ilood the iteeds Of Tydeus' fon, with winnow'd wheat fupplied• Ulyfles in his bark the gory fpoils Of Dolon placed, deiigning them a gift 675 To Pallas. Then, defending to the fea, Neck, thighs and legs from fweat profufe they cleanfed, And, fo refrefh'd and purified, their laft Ablution in bright tepid baths performed. Each thus completely laved, and with fmooth oil 680 Anointed, at the well-fpread board they fat, And quafPd, in honour of Minerva, wine Delicious, from the brimming beaker drawn. m m A R G U- ARGUMENT OF THE ELEVENTH BOOK. Agamemnon diitinguiihes himfelf. He is wounded, and retires. Diomede is wounded by Paris ; Ulyiles by Socus. Ajax with Menelaus flies to the relief of Ulyiles, and Eurypylus, foon after, to the relief of Ajax. While he is employed in ailiiting Ajax, he is mot in the thigh by Paris, who alfo wounds Machaon. Neilor conveys Machaon from the field. Achilles difpatches Patroclus to the tent of Neilor, and Neftor takes that occafion to exhort Patroclus to engage in battle, cloathed in the armour of Achilles. BOOK XI. AURORA from Tithonus' fide arofe With light for heav'n and earth, when Jove difpatch'd Difcord, the fiery lignal in her hand Of battle bearing, to the Greecian fleet. High on Ulyffes' huge black (hip ihe ilood 5 The centre of the fleet, whence all might hear, The tent of Telamon's huge fon between, And of Achilles ; for confiding they in their heroic fortitude, their barks Well-poifed had ftation'd utmoft of the line. 10 There (landing, ilirill ihe fent a cry abroad Among th' Achaians, fuch as thirit infufed Of battle ceafelefs into ev'ry breaft. All Book XI. HOMER' s ILIAD. All deemed, at once, war fsvecter, than to fee Their native country through the waves again. 15 Then with loud voice Atrides bade the Greeks Gird on their armour, and himfelf his arms Took radiant. Firlt around his legs he claip'd His ihining greaves with filver ftuds fecurcd, Then bound his corilet to his bofom, gift 20 Of Cynyras long fince ; for rumour loud Had Cyprus reached of an Achaian hoft AfTembling, deftined to the mores of Troy, Wherefore, to gratify the King of men, He made the fplendid ornament his own. 25 Ten rods of ffeel cerulean all around Embraced it, twelve of gold, twenty of tin ; * Six fpiry ferpents their uplifted heads Cxrulean darted at the wearer's throat, Splendor diffuiing as the various bow 30 Fix'd by Saturnian Jove in ihow'ry clouds, A fign to mortal men. He flung his fword Athwart his ihoulders ; dazzling bright it ihone With gold embofs'd, and filver was the fheath Sufpended graceful in a belt of gold. 3 ^ His mafTy ihield o'erihadowing him whole, High-wrought and beautiful, he next afTumech Ten circles bright of brafs around its field Exteniive, circle within circle, ran ; The central bofs was black, but hemm'd about 40 * Ύρας iv.zTifi, — Three on a fitte. This is evidently the proper panellation, though it differs from that of all the editions that I have ken. I find it no where but in the Venetian Scholium. Μ m 2 With *68 Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. Book XL With twice ten bofles of refplendent tin. There, dreadful ornament ! the vifage dark Of Gorgon fcowFd, border'd by Flight and Fear, The loop was iilver, and a ferpent form Caerulean over all its furface twined, 45 Three heads erecting on one neck, the heads Together wreath'd into a ftately crown. His helmet • - quatre-crefted, and with ftuds Fail rivetted around he to his brows A dj uftcd, whence tremendous waved his creft 50 Of mounted hair on high. Two fpears he feized Pond'rous, brafs-pointed, and that flafiYd to heav'n. + Sounds like clear thunder, by the fpoufe of Jove And by Minerva railed to extol the King Of opulent Mycenae, roll'd around. 55 At once each bade his charioteer his fteeds Hold fait beiide the margin of the trench In orderly array ; the foot all-arm'd Ruih'd forward, and the clamour of the hoft Rofe infinite into the dawning ikies ; 60 Firft, at the trench, th* embattled J infantry Stood ranged ; the chariots followed clofe behind ; Dire was the tumult by Saturnian Jove Excited, and from aether down he ilied Blood-tinc^ur'd dews among them, for he meant 65 • Qu itre-crefted. So I have rendcr'd τιτρχφχλτ,ρον, which literally fignifies having four cones. The cone was a tube into which the creft was inferted. The word 4'j;!tre-crcfted may need a precedent for its juftiheation, and iecins to have a iufKcient pne in the cinquc-fpotted cowflip of Shakeipeare. f- This feertS the proper import of ιγίουπησχν. Jupiter is called ιρ ι γίοΊττος. | The Tranflator follows Clarke in this interpretation q HOM.ER's ILIAD. Book χΐ. Saturnian, for his purpos'd aid to Troy. Th' eternal father reck'd not ; he, apart Seated in folitary pomp, enjoy'd His glory, and from on high the tow'rs furvey'd Of Ilium and the fleet of Greeee, the flaih t too Of gleaming arms, the flayer and the flain. While morning lafted, and the light of day Encreas'd, lb long the weapons on both fides Flew in thick vollies, and the people fell. But, what time his repair, the woodman fpreads 105 In fome umbrageous vale ; his iinewy arms Wearied with hewing many a lofty tree, And his wants fatisfied, he, feels at length The pinch of appetite to pleafant food, Then was it, that encouraging aloud no Each other, in their native virtue ilrong, The Greecians through the phalanx burft of Troy. Forth fprang the monarch firif. ; he flew the Chief Bianor, nor himfelf alone, but flew O'iieus alio driver of his Heeds. 115 O'ileus, with a leap alighting, ruih'd On Agamemnon ; he his fierce affault Encountering, with a fpear met full his front. Nor could his helmet's pond'rous brafs fuftain That force, but both his helmet and his fcull 120 It fhatter'd, and his martial rage rcprefs'd. The King of men, (tripping their corllets, bared Their (hining breads, and left them. Ifus, next, And Antiphus he flew to flay, the fons Of Priam both, and in one chariot borne, 125 This Book XI. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. 271 This fpurious, genuine that. The bayard drove, And Antiphus, a warrior high-renown'd, Fought from the chariot ; them Achilles erft Feeding their flocks on Ida had furprized And bound with oilers, but for ranlbm loofed. 130 Of thefe, imperial Agamemnon, firir, Above the pap pierced Ifus ; next, he fmote Antiphus with his fword beiide the ear, And from his chariot cail him to the ground. Confcious of both, their glitt'ring arms he itripp'd, 135 For he had feen them when from Ida's heights Achilles led them to the Greecian fleet. As with reiiftlefs fangs the lion breaks The young in pieces of the nimble hind, Ent'ring her lair, and takes their feeble lives; 140 She, though at hand, can yield them no defence, But through the thick wood, wing'd with terrour, itarts Herfelf away, trembling at fuch a foe, So them the Trojans had no pow'r to fave, Themfelves all driv'n before the hoil of Greece. 145 Next, on Pifandrus, and of dauntlefs heart Hippolochus he rufh'd ; they were the fons Of brave Antimachus, who with rich gifts By Paris bought, inflexible witheld From Menelaus ftill his lovely bride. 150 His fons, the monarch, in one chariot borne Encounter'd; they (for they had loll the reins) With trepidation and united force EfTay'd to check the Heeds'; aftonilhment Seized both ; Atrides with a lion's rage 155 Came Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. Booh XL Came on, and from the chariot thus they fued. Oh fpare us ! ion of Atreus, and accept Ranforn immenfe. Antimachus our fire Is rich in various treafure, gold and brals, And tempered fteel, and, hearing the report 160 That in Achaia's fleet his fons furvive, I le will requite thee with a glorious price. So they, with tears and gentle terms the King Accoited, but no gentle anfwer heard. Are ye indeed the offspring of the Chief 105 Antimachus, who when my brother once With Godlike Laertiades your town EnterVl ambafladour, his death advifed In council, and to let him forth no more ? Now rue ye both the bafenefs of your fire. 170 He faid, and from his chariot to the plain Thru ft down Pifandrus, piercing with keen lance His bofom, and lupine he fmote the field. Down leap'd Hippolochus, whom on the ground He flew; cut fheer his hands, and lopp'd his head, 175 And roll'd it like a -mortar through the ranks. He left the flain, and where he law the field With thicker! battle cover'd, thither flew By all the Greecians folio wM bright in arms. The fcatter'd infantry conftrained to fly, τ 80 Fell by the infantry ; the charioteers, While with loud hoofs their fteeds the dufty foil Excited, o'er the charioteers their wheels Prove brazcn-fellied, and the King of men όλμος. IncefTant Book XI. HOMER's ILIAD. a 7 j Inceffant flaught'tiog, called his -Argivcs on. 185 As when fierce flames fome antient foreit feizc, From fide to fide in flakes the various wind Rolls them, and to the roots devoured, the trunks Fall proftrate under fury of the fire, So under Agamemnon fell the heads 190 Of flying Trojans. Many a courfer proud The empty chariots through the paths of war Whirled rattling, of their charioteers deprived ; They breathlefs prefs'd the plain, now fitter far To feed the vultures than to cheer their wives. 195 Conceal'd, meantime, by Jove, Hector efcaped The duft, darts, deaths, and tumult of the field, And Agamemnon to the fwift purfuit Call'd loud the Greecians. Through the middle plain Befide the fepulchre of Ilus, fon 200 Of Dardanus, and where the fig-tree flood, The Trojans flew, panting to gain the town, While Agamemnon preiling clofe the rear, Shout after iliout terrifick fent abroad, And his victorious hands reek'd, red with gore. 205 But at the beech tree and the Scasan gate Arrived, the Trojans halted, waiting there The rearmoft fugitives ; they o'er the field Came like an herd, which in the dead of night A lion drives ; all fly, but one is doom'd 210 To death inevitable ; her with jaws * The Greecians at large arc indifcriminatcly called Dana'i, Argivc?, and Achaians, in the original. The Phthians in particular — Hellenes. They were the troops of Achilles. Ν η True 274 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XI, True to their hold he feizes, and her neck Breaking, embowels her, and laps the blood ; So, Atreus' royal ion, the hindmoil frill Slaying, and ftill puriuing, urged them on. 215 Many lupine, and many prone, the field Prefs'd, by the fon of Atreus in their flight Dhinounted ; for no weapon raged as his. But now, at laft, when he fhould foon have reached The lofty walls of Ilium, came the Sire 2 2p Of Gods and men defcending from the ikies, And on the heights of Ida fountain-fed, Sat arm'd with thunders. Galling to his foot Swift Iris golden-pinion'd, thus he fpake. Iris ! away. Thus fpeak in Hector's ears. 225 While yet he ihall the fon of Atreus fee Fierce warring in the van, and mowing down The Trojan ranks, fo long let him abilain From battle, leaving to his hoft the taik Of bloody conteft furious with the Greeks. 230 But foon as Atreus fon by fpear or ihaft Wounded mall climb his chariot, with fuch force I will endue Hector, that he ihall flay Till he have reach'd the fhips, and 'till the fun Defcending, facred darknefs cover all. 235 He fpake, nor rapid Iris difobey'd Storm- wing'd embaifadrefs, but from the heights Of Ida ftoop'd to Ilium. There fhe found The fon of royal Priam by the throng Of chariots and of fteeds compafs'd about. 140 She, ftanding at his lide, him thus befpake. Oh Boor XI. H Ο Μ ER's 1 L I A J). Oh fon of Priam ! as the Gods difcrcte ! Ϊ bring thee counfel from the Sire of all. While yet thou (halt the fon of Atreus Fierce warring in the van, and mowing down 245 The warrior ranks, L• long he bids thee paufe From battle, leaving to thy hoil the tafk Of bloody conteil furious with the Greeks. But foon as Atreus' fon, by fpear or ihaft, Wounded ihall climb his chariot, Jove will then 250 Endue thee with fuch force, that thou ihalt flay 'Till thou have reach'd the fliips, and 'till, the fun Defcending, facred darknefs cover all. So faying, fwift-pinion'd Iris difappear'd. Then Hedlor from his chariot at a leap 255 Came down all arm'd, and, fhaking his bright fpears, Ranged ev'ry quarter, animating loud The legions, and rekindling horrid war. Back rolfd the Trojan ranks, and faced the Greeks ; The Greeks their hoil: to clofer phalanx drew ; 260 The battle was reflored, van fronting van They flood, and Agamemnon into fight Sprang foremoil, panting for fuperior fame. Say now, ye Nine, who on Olympus dwell ! What Trojan firft, or what ally of Troy 265 Oppofed the force of Agamemnon's arm ? Iphidamas, Antenor's valiant fon, Of loftieft ftature, who in fertile Thrace Mother of flocks was nouriih'd. Ciffeus him His grandlire, father of Theano prais'd ^7° For lovelier!: features, in his own abode Ν η 2 Rear'd 27 6 HOMER's ILIA D. Book XI. Rear'd yet a child, and when at length he reach VI The meafure of his glorious manhood firm Difmifs'd him not, but, to engage him more, Gave him his daughter. Wedded, he his bride 275 As foon deferted, and with galleys twelve Following the rumour'd voyage of the Greeks, The fame courfe iteer'd ; but at Percope moor'd, And marching thence, arrived on foot at Troy. He firft oppofed Atrides. They approach'd. 28a The fpear of Agamemnon wander'd wide ; But him Iphidamas on his broad belt Beneath the corilet itruck, and, bearing ilill On his fpear-beam, enforced it ; but ere yet He pierced the broider'd zone, his point, imprefs'd 285 Againft, the fllver, turn*d, obtufe as lead. Then royal Agamemnon in his hand The weapon grafping, with a lion's rage Home drew it to himfelf, and from his gripe Wreiling it, with his faulchion keen his neck 290 Smote full, and ilretch'd him lifelefs at his foot. So llept Iphidamas among the ilain. Unhappy ! from his virgin bride remote, Aflbciate with the men of Troy in arms He fell, and left her beauties unenjoyYh 295 lie gave her much, gave her an hundred beeves, And fhecp and goats a thouiand from his flocks Promifed, for numbcrlefs his meadows ranged ; But Agamemnon, fon of Atreus, him Slew and defpoiTd, and through the Greecian hoit 300 Proceeded, laden with his gorgeous arms. Coon Book XI. HOMER' s ILIAD. 277 Coon that fight beheld, illuftrious Chief, Antenor's eldeft born, but with dim eyes Through anguiih for his brother's fall. Unfeen Of noble Agamemnon, at his fide 305 He cautious flood, and with a fpear his arm, Where thickeft fleih'd, below his elbow, pierced ; Till oppofite the glitt'ring point appear'd. A thrilling horror feized the King of men So wounded ; yet though wounded fo, from fight 310 He ceafed not, but on Coon ruih'd, his fpear Grafping, * well-thriven growth of many a wind. He by the foot drew off Iphidamas, His brother, fon of his own fire, aloud Calling the Trojan leaders to his aid, 315 When him ib occupied with his keen point Atrides pierced his boiTy fhield beneath. Expiring on Iphidamas he fell Proftrate, and Agamemnon lopp'd his head. Thus, under royal Agamemnon's hand, 320 Antenor's fons their deftiny fulfill'd, And to the houfe of Ades journey 'd both. Through other ranks of warriors then he pafs'd, Now w T ith his fpear, now with his faulchion arm'd, And now with miiiile force of marly ftones, 325 While yet his warm blood fallied from the wound. But, when the wound grew dry, and the blood ceafed, Anguiih intolerable undermined Then, all the might of Atreus' royal fon. As when a lab'ring woman's arrowy throes 330 * A^olpfpf?— -literally— wind-nouriihcd. Seize HO Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. Book XI. Seize her intenfe, by Juno's daughters dread The birth-prefiding Ilithyce deep Infixt, difpenfers of thofe pangs fevere ; So, anguiih infupportable fubdued Then, all the might of Atreus' royal fon. 335 Upfpringing to his feat, inilant he bade His charioteer drive to the hollow barks, Heart-lick himfelf with pain ; yet, ere he went, With voice loud-echoing haiPd the Dana'i. Friends ! counfellors and leaders of the Greeks ! 340 Nov,- drive, yourfelves, the battle from your ihips, For me the Gods permit not to employ In fight with Ilium's hoil the day entire. He ended, and the charioteer his fteeds LauYd to the ihips ; they not unwilling flew, 345 Bearing from battle the afflicted King With foaming chefts and bellies grey with duil. Soon Hector, noting his retreat, aloud Caird on the Trojans and allies of Troy. Trojans and Lycians, and clofe-flghting fons 350 Of Dardanus ! oh iummon all your might, Now, now be men ! Their braveil is withdrawn ! Glory and honour from Saturnian Jove On me attend ; now full againfl the Greeks Drive all your fteeds, and win a deathlefs name. 355 He fpake — and all drew courage from his word. As when his hounds bright-tooth'd fome hunter cheers Againft the lion or the forcft-boar, So Priame'ian Hector cheer'd his hoft Magnanimous againil the fons of Greece, 360 Terrible Book XI. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. 279 Terrible as gore-tainted Mars. Among The foremoil warriors, with fuccefs elate He itrode, and flung himfelf into the fight Black as a fborm which fudden from on high Defcending, furrows deep the gloomy flood. 365 Then whom flew Priame'ian Hector firil, Whom lafl, by Jove, that day, with glory crown'd ? AfTseus, Dolops, Orus, Agelaus, Autonous, Hipponous, ./Eiymnus, Opheltius and Opites firft he flew, 370 All leaders of the Greeks, and, after thcie, The people. As when whirl winds of the Well A ftorm encounter from the gloomy South, The waves roll multitudinous, and the foam Upfwept by wand'ring gufts fills all the air, 37 5 So Hector fwept the Greecians. Then defeat Paft remedy and havoc had enfued, Then had the routed Greecians, flying, fought Their ihips again, but that UlyfTes thus Summon'd the brave Tydides to his aid. 380 Whence comes it, Diomede, that we forget Our wonted courage ? Hither, Ο my friend ! And, fighting at my fide, ward off the fliame That muft be ours, ihould Hector feize the fleet. To whom the valiant Diomede replied. 385 I will be firm ; truit me thou fhalt not find Me fhrinking ; yet fmall fruit of our attempts Shall follow, for the Thund'rer, not to us, But to the Trojan, gives the glorious day. The 28ο Π Ο Μ Ε R*s ILIAD. Book XL The Hero fpake, and from his chariot caft 390 Thymbrseus to the ground pierced through the pap, While by UlyrTes' hand his charioteer Godlike Molion, fell. The warfare thus Of both for ever clofed, them there they left, And plunging deep into the warrior-throng 395 Troubled the multitude. As when two boars Turn defp'rate on the clofe-purfuing hounds, So they, returning on the hoft of Troy, Slew on all fides, and, overtoiled with flight From Hector's arm, the Greeks meantime refpired. 400 Two warriors, next, their chariot and themfelves They took, plebeians brave, fons of the feer Percofian Merops in prophetic ikill Surpafling all ; he both his fons forbad The mortal field, but difobedient they 405 Still fought it, for their deftiny prevail'd. Spcar-practifed Diomede of life deprived Both thefe, and ftripp'd them of their glorious arms, While by UlyiTes' hand Hippodamus Died and Hypeirochus. And now the fon 410 Of Saturn, looking down from Ida, poifed The doubtful war, and mutual deaths they dealt. Tydides plung'd his fpear into the groin Of the illuftrious fon of Paeon, bold Agaftrophus. No ileeds at his command 415 Had he, infatuate ! but his charioteer His ileeds detained remote, while through the van Himfelf on foot ruih'd madly 'till he fell. But Hector through the ranks darting his eye Perceived, Book XI. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. 281 Perceived, and with ear-piercing cries advanced 420 Againtt them, followed by the hoft of Tro The fon of Tycleus, ihiuld'ring, his approach Difcern'd, and inilant to Ulyffes fpake. Now comes the ftorm ! This way the mifchief rolls ! Stand and repulfe the Trojan. Now be firth. 425 Fie laid, and hurling his long-ihadow'd beam Smote Hector. At his helmet's crown he aim'd Nor err'd, but brafs encountring brafs, the point Glanced wide, for he had cafed his youthful brows In triple brafs, Apollo's glorious gift. 430 Yet with rapidity at fuch a fhock Hector recoil'd into the multitude Afar, where linking to his knees, he lean'd On his broad palm, and darknefs veil'd his eyes. But while Tydides follow'd through the van 435 His ilormy fpear, which in the diftant foil Implanted flood, Hector his fcatter'd fenfe Recov'ring, to his chariot fprang again, And, driving deep into his hoft, efcaped. The noble fon of Tydeus, fpear in hand, 440 Rufh'd after him, and as he went, exclaim'd. Dog ! thou hail now efcaped ; but, fure the ftroke Approach'd thee nigh, well-aim'd. Once more thy pray'rs Which ever to Apollo thou prefer'ft Ent'ring the claih of battle, have prevailed, 44; And he hath refcued thee. But well beware Our next encounter, for if alfo me Some God befriend, thou dy'ft. Now will I feek Another mark, and fmite whom next I may. Ο ο lie 2S2 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XI. He fpake, and of his armour ilripp'd the fon 450 Spear- famed of Paeon. Meantime Paris, mate Of beauteous Helen, drew his bow againfl Tydides ; by a pillar of the tomb Of Has, antient fenator revered, Conceal'd he flood, and while the Hero loos'd 455 His corilet from the breaft of Paeon's fon Renown'd, and of his helmet and his targe Defpoil'd him ; Paris, arching quick his bow, No devious fhaft difmifs'd, but his right foot Pierced through the fole, and fix'd it to the ground. 460 Tranfported from his ambuili forth he leap'd With a loud laugh, and, vaunting, thus exclaim'd : Oh ihaft well ihot ! it galls thee. Would to heav'n That it had pierced thy heart, and thou hadft died ! So had the Trojans refpite from their toils 465 Enjoy'd, who, now, ihudder at fight of thee Like fhe-goats when the lion is at hand. To whom, undaunted, Diomede replied. Archer ihrew-tongued ! fpie-maiden ! f man of curls ! Should'ft thou in arms attempt me face to face, 470 Thy bow and arrows mould avail thee nought. Vain boafter ! thou hail: fcratch'd my foot, — no more — And I regard it as I might the ftroke Of a weak woman or a iimple child; The weapons of a daftard and a Have 47 5 ' In the original — χ.\ ρΛ Λγλβ.1. — All that I pretend to know of this expreflion is that it is ironical, and may relate cither to the head-drefs of Paris, or to his archerfhip. I ο tranflatc it is irnpoflible j to paraphrafc it in a paiTagc ot l'o much emotion, would be abfurd. I have endeavoured to fupply its place by an appellation in point of con- lemj t trual. Are Book XI. HOMER 1 ! ILIAD, slj Are ever iuch. More terrible arc mine, And whom they pierce, though {lightly pierced, he dies. His wife her cheeks rends inconfolable, His babes are fatherlefs, his blood the glebe Incarnadines, and where he bleeds and rots 480 More birds of prey than women haunt the place. He ended, and UlyfTes, drawing nigh, Shelter'd Tydides ; he behind the Chief Of Ithaca fat drawing forth the ihaft, But pierced with agonizing pangs the while. 485 Then, climbing to his chariot-feat, he bade Sthenelus hailen to the hollow mips, Heart-ikk with pain. And now alone w r as feen Spear-famed UlyfTes ; not an Argive more RemainVl, fo univerfal was the rout, 490 And groaning, to his own great heart he faid. Alas ! what now awaits me ? if, appalTd By multitudes, I fly, much detriment ; And if alone they intercept me here, Still more; for Jove hath fcatter'd all the hoft. 495 Yet why thefe doubts ? for know I not of old That only dailards fly, and that the voice Of honour bids the famed in battle iland, Bleed they themfelves, or caufe their foes to bleed ? While bufied in fuch thought he flood, the ranks 500 Of Trojans, fronted with broad fhields, cnclofed The hero with a ring, hemming around Their own deftruction. As when dogs, and Twain s In prime of manhood, from all quarters ruili Around a boar, he from his thicket bolts 505 Ο ο 2 The .g 4 HOMER's ILIAD, Βυοκ. XI. The bright tuik whetting in his crooked jaws ; They prefs him on all fides, and from beneath Loud gnafhings hear, yet, firm, his threats defy ; Like them the Trojans on all fides aifail'd Ulyifes dear to Jove. Firit with his fpear 510 He fprang impetuous on a vailant chief, Whofe moulder with a downright point he pierced, Deiopites ; Thoon next he flew, And Ennomus, and from his courfers' backs Alighting quick, Cherfidamas ; beneath 515 His boffy ihield the gliding weapon pafs'd Right through his navel; on the plain he fell Expiring, and with both hands clench'd the duil. Them ilain he left, and Charops wounded next, Brother of Socus, gen'rous Chief, and fon 520 Of Hippafus ; .brave Socus to the aid Of Charops flew, and, godlike, thus began, Illuftrious chief, Ulyifes ! itrong to toil And rich in artifice ! Or boaft to-day Two fons of Hippafus, brave warriors both, 525 Of armour and of life bereft by thee, Or to my vengeful fpear refign thy own ! So faying, Ulyifes' oval diik he fmote. Th rough his bright diik the ftormy weapon flew, Tranfpierced his twitted mail, and from his fide 53a Drove all the akin, but to his nobler parts Found entrance none, by Pallas turn'd allant. I lyflesj confcious of his life untouch'd, Retired a ftep from Socus, and replied. Ah Book XI. HOMER *s ILIAD. 285 Ah haplefs youth ! thy fate is on the wing ; 535 Me thou haft forced indeed to ceafe a while From battle with the Trojans, but I fpeak Thy death at hand ; for, vanquiih'd by my fpear, This felf-fame day thou ihalt to me refign Thy fame, thy foul to Pluto fteed-renown'd. 540 He ceafed ; then Socus turn'd his back to fly, But, as he turn'd, his ihoulder-blades between He pierced him, and the fpear urged thro' his breail. On his refounding arms he fell, and thus Godlike UlyfTes gloried in his fall. 545 Ah Socus, fon of Hippafus, a chief Of fame equeftrian ! fwifter far than thou Death folio w'd thee, and thou half not efcaped. Ill-fated youth ! thy parents' hands thine eyes Shall never clofe, but birds of rav'nous maw 550 Shall tear thee, flapping thee with frequent wing, While me the noble Greecians ihall intomb ! So faying, the valiant Socus' fpear he drew From his own fleili, and through his boffy fhield. The weapon drawn, forth fprang the blood, and left 555 His fpirit faint. Then Ilium's dauntlefs fons, Seeing UlylTes' blood, exhorted glad Each other, and, with force united, all Prefs'd on him. He, retiring, fummon'd loud His followers. Thrice, loud as a mortal may, 560 He call'd, and valiant Menelaus thrice Hearing the voice, to Ajax thus remark'd. mutinous ion of Tclamon ! The voice Of Laertiades comes o'er my ear With 2 36 Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. Book XI. λΥΙίΙι fuch a found, as if the hardy chief, $6$ Abandoned of his friends, were overpower'd By numbers intercepting his retreat. Hafte ! force we quick a paffage through the ranks. His worth demands our fuccour, for I fear Left fole conflicting with the hoft of Troy, 570 Brave as he is, he periih, to the lofs Unfpeakable and long regret of Greece. . So laying, he went, and Ajax, godlike Chief, Folio w'd him. At the voice arrived, they found UlyfTes Jove-belovVl compafs'd about 575 By Trojans, as the lynxes in the hills, Ad nil for blood, compafs an antler'd ftag Pierced by an archer ; while his blood is warm And his limbs pliable, from him he 'fcapes ; But when the feather'd barb hath quell'd his force, 580 In fome dark hollow of the mountain's fide, The hungry troop devour him ; chance, the while, Conducts a lion thither, before whom All vaniih, and the lion feeds alone ; So fwarm'd the Trojan pow'rs, num'rous and bold, 585 Around UlyiTes, who with wary ikill Heroic combated his evil day. But Ajax came cover'd with his broad fliield That feem'd a tow'r, and at UlyfTes' fide Stood fail; then fled the Trojans wide-difpers'd, 590 And Mcnelaus led him by the hand 'Till his own chariot to his aid approacrfd. But Ajax, fpringing on the Trojans, flew Doryclus, from the loins of Priam fprung, But Book XI. HOMER' s ILIAD. 287 But fpurious. Pandocus he wounded next, 595 Then wounded Pyrafus, and after him Pylartes and Lyfander. As a flood Runs headlong from the mountains to the plain After long ihow'rs from Jove ; many a dry oak And many a pine the torrent fweeps along, 600 And, turbid, ihoots much foil into the fea, So, glorious Ajax troubled wide the field, Horfe and man ilaught'ring, whereof Hector yet Heard not ; for on the left of all the war He fought beiide Scamander, where around , 605 Huge Neftor, and Idomeneus the brave, Moil deaths were dealt, and loudeil roar'd the fight. There Hector toiPd, feats wonderful of fpear And horfemanfhip atchieving, and the lines Of many a phalanx defolating wide. 610 Nor even then had the bold Greeks retired, But that an arrow triple-barb'd, difpatch'd By Paris, Helen's mate, againft the Chief Machaon warring with diftinguiih'd force, Pierc'd his right ihoulder. For his fake alarm'd, 615 The valour-breathing Greecians fear'd, left he In that difaft'rous field mould alfo fall. At once, Idomeneus of Crete approach'd The noble Neftor, and him thus befpake. Arife, Neleian Neftor ! Pride of Greece ! 620 Afcend thy chariot, and, Machaon placed Befide thee, bear him, inftant, to the fleet. For one, fo ikilPd in med'eine, and to free Th' inherent barb, is worth a multitude. He 288 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XI. He faid, nor the Gerenian hero old 625 Aught heiitated, but into his feat Afcended, and Machaon, ion renown'd Of yEfcuIapius, mounted at his fide. He laih'd the ileeds, they not unwilling fought The hollow ihips, long their familiar home. 630 Cebriones, meantime, the charioteer Of Hector, from his feat the Trojan ranks Obferving fore difcomfited, began. Here are we bulled, Hector ! on the ikirts Of roaring battle, and meantime I fee 635 Our hoil confufed, their horfes and themfelves All mingled. Telamonian Ajax there Routs them ; I know the hero by his fhield. Hafte, drive we thither, for the carnage moll: Of horfe and foot conflicting furious, there 640 Rages, and infinite the iliouts arife. He faid, and with fhrill-founding fcourge the ileeds Smote ample-maned ; thev, at the fudden ilroke Through both holts whiiTd the chariot, iliields and men Trampling; with blood the axle underneath 645 All redden'd, and the chariot-rings with drops From the horfe-hoofs, and from the fellied wheels, [till on the multitude he drove, on fire To burlt the phalanx, and confufion fent Among the Greeks, for * nought he fhunn'd the fpear. All quarters elfe with faulchion or with lance, 651 1 This interpretation of — μικυΛ», it γζζίΐο $χρος — is taken from the Scholium by illoiflbn. — It differs from thofe ol Clarke, Euirathius, and another Scholiaft quoted ri.irkL, but fetms to fuit the context much bettef than either. Or Book XI. II Ο Μ Ε R 's I L ί A D i% 9 Or with huge (tones he ranged, but cautious fhunhM Th' encounter of the Telamonian Chief. But the eternal father throned on high With fear fill\l Ajax ; panic-iixt he ftood, 655 His fev'n-fold fhield behind his ihoulder caft, And hemm'd by numbers, with an eve afkant, Watchful retreated. As a beait of prey- Retiring, turns and looks, fo he his face Turn'd oft, retiring (low, and ftep by ftep. 660 As when the watch- dogs and afTembled fwains Have driv'n a tawny lion from the flails, Then, interdicting him his wifh'd repair, Watch all the night, he, famifh'd, yet again Comes furious on, but fpeeds not, kept aloof 665 By frequent fpears from daring hands, but more By flaih of torches, which, though fierce, he dreads, 'Till, at the dawn, fullen he flalks away ; So from before the Trojans Ajax italk'd Sullen, and with reluctance flow retir'd, 670 His brave heart trembling for the fleet of Greece. As when (the boys o'erpow'r'd) a fluggiih afs, On whofe tough fides they have fpent many a ftaff, Enters the harveft, and the fpiry ears Crops perfevering; with their rods the boys 675 Still ply him hard, but all their puny might Scarce drives him forth when he hath browzed his fill, So, there, the Trojans and their foreign aids With glitt'ring lances keen huge Ajax urged, His broad ihield's centre fmiting. He, by turns, 6 So With defp'rate force the Trojan phalanx denfe Ρ ]) Facing, 2 9 HOMER's ILIA D. Book XI. Facing, repulfed them, and by turns he fled, But ftill forbad all inroad on the fleet. Trojans and Greeks between, alone, he flood A bulwark. Spears from daring hands difmifs'd 685 Some, piercing his broad fhield, there planted flood, While others, in the midway falling, fpent Their disappointed rage deep in the ground. Eurypylus, Evaemon's noble fon, Him feeing, thus, with weapons overwhelm'd 690 Flew to his fide, his glitt'ring lance difmifs'd, And Apifaon, fon of Phanfias, flruck Under the midriff; through his liver pafs'd The ruthlefs point, and, falling, he expired• Forth fprang Eurypylus to feize the fpoil; 695 Whom foon as godlike Alexander faw Defpoiling Apifaon of his arms, Drawing incontinent, his bow, he fent A ihaft to his right thigh ; the brittle reed Snappd, and the rankling barb fluck fail within. 700 Terrified at the flroke, the wounded Chief To his own band retired, but, as he went, With echoing voice call'd on the Dana*i — Friends ! Counfellors, and leaders of the Greeks ! Turn ye and fland, and from his dreadful lot 705 Save Ajax whelm'd with weapons ; 'fcape, I judge, He cannot from the roaring fight, yet oh Stand fail around him ; fave, if fave ye may, Your champion huge, the Tulamonian, Chief! So fpake the wounded warrior. They at once ith Hoping bucklers, and with fpcars erec~l, 710 To ΒοοκΧΓ. HOMER's ILIAD. 291 To his relief approached. Ajax with joy The friendly phalanx join'd, then turn'd and flood. Thus burn'd th' imhattled field as with the flames Of a devouring fire. Meantime afar 7 ι 5 From all that tumult the Neleian mares Bore Neftor, foaming as they ran, with whom Machaon alfo rode, leader revered. Achilles mark'd him pailing ; for he flood Exalted on his huge ihip's lofty flern, 720 Spectator of the toil fevere, and flight Deplorable of the defeated Greeks. He call'd his friend Patroclus. He below Within his tent the fudden fummons heard And fprang like Mars abroad, all unaware 725 That in that found he heard the voice of fate. Him firfh Mencetius' gallant fon addrefs'd. What would Achilles ? Wherefore hath he call'd ? To whom Achilles fwifteil of the fwift : Brave Mencetiades ! my foul's delight ! 730 Soon w r ill the Greecians now my knees furround Suppliant, by dread extremity conftrain'd. But fly Patroclus, hafte, oh dear to Jove ! Enquire of Neftor, whom he hath convey'd From battle, wounded ? Viewing him behind, 73^ I moil believed him iEfculapius' fon Machaon, but the ileeds fo fwiftly pafs'd My galley, that his face efcapcd my note. He faid, and prompt to gratify his friend, Forth ran Patroclus through the camp of Greece. 740 Now when Neleian Neftor to his tent Ρ ρ 2 Had 292 HOMER's ILIAD, Book XL Had brought Machaon, they alighted both, And the old hero's friend Eurymedon Releas'd the courfers. On the beach awhile Their tunics fweat- imbued in the cool air 745 They ventilated, facing full the breeze, Then on foft couches in the tent repofed. Meantime, their bev'rage Hecamcde mix'd, The old King's bright-haired captive, whom he brought From Tenedos, what time Achilles fack'd 750 The city, daughter of the noble Chief Arfinous, and felected from the reft For Neftor, as the honourable meed Of counfels always eminently wife. She, firft, before them placed a table bright, 755 With feet caerulean ; thirft-provoking fauce She brought them alfo in a brazen tray, Garlick and honey new, and facred meal. Befide them, next, ihe placed a noble cup Of labour exquiiite, which from his home 760 The antient King had brought with golden ftuds EmbellinYd ; it prefented to the grafp Four ears ; two golden turtles, perch'd on each, em'd feeding, and two * turtles form'd the bafe. That cup once fill'd, all others muft have toil'd 765 To move it from the board, but it was light In Neftor's hand ; he lifted it with eafe. The graceful virgin in that cup a draught * I have interpreted the very ambiguous words S\j U <Γ υ'ττο irvQy.mi Ivxv according fq Athenrcus ag quoted by Clarke, and his interpretation of them is confirmed by the ,-lium in the Venetian edition of the Iliad, lately pubhlhcJ by V illuillbn. Mix'd Book XI. HOMER' s. ILIAD. 293 Mix'd for them, Pramnian wine and fav'ry cheefe Of goat's milk, grated with a brazen rafp, 770 Then fprinkled all with meal. The draught prepared, She gave it to their hand ; they, drinking, flaked Their fiery thiril, and with each other fat Converting friendly, when the Godlike youth By brave Achilles fent, flood at the door. 775 Him feeing, Neltor from his fplendid couch Arofe, and by the hand leading him in Entreated him to fit, but that requefl Patroclus, on his part refilling, faid, Oh venerable King! no feat is here 780 For me, nor may thy courtefy prevail. He is irafcible, and to be fear'd Who bade me aik what Chieftain thou hail brought From battle, wounded ; but untold I learn ; I fee Machaon, and fhall now report 785 As I have feen ; oh antient King revered ! Thou know'ft Achilles fiery, and propenfe Blame to impute even where blame is none. To whom the brave Gerenian thus reply'd Why feels Achilles for the wounded Greeks 790 Such deep concern ? He little knows the height To which our forrows fwell. Our nobleil lie By fpear or arrow wounded in the fleet. Diomede, warlike fon of Tydeus, bleeds GalFd by a ill aft ; Ulyfles, glorious Chief, 795 And * Agamemnon fuffer by the fpear; * It would have fuited the dignity of Agamemnon's rank to have mentioned his wound fcrft ; but Neftor making this recital to the friend o£ Achilla names him flightly, and without any addition, Eurypylus 294 HOMER's* ILIAD. Book. XT. Eurypylus is ihot into the thigh, And here lies ilijl another newly brought By me from fight, pierced alfo by a ihaft. What then ? How itrong foe'er to give them aid Achilles feels no pity of the Greeks. Waits he 'till evYy vefTel on the ihore Fired, in defpite of the whole Argive boil, Be funk in it's own allies, and ourfelves All perilh, heaps on heaps ? For in my limbs No longer lives th' agility of my youth. Oh for the vigour of thofe days again, When Elis, for her cattle which we took, Strove with us, and .Itymoneus I Hew, Brave offspring of Hypirochus ; he dwelt In Elis, and while I the pledges drove, Stood for his herd, but fell among the firft By a fpear huii'd from my victorious arm. Then fled the rultic multitude, and we Drove off abundant booty from the plain, Herds fifty of fat beeves, large flocks of goats As many, with as many fheep and fwine, And full thrice fifty mares of brighter! hue, All breeders, many with their foals beneath. All thefe, by night returning fafe, we drove Into Neleian Pylus, and the heart Rejoiced of Neleus, in a fon fo young A warrior, yet enrich'd with fuch a prize. At early dawn the heralds fummon'd loud The citizens, to prove their juft demands On fruitful Elis, and th* c.ivmblcd Chiefs Soo 805- 8ro 8i5 820 825 Divifion Book XI. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. 295 Divifion made (for num'rous were the debts Which the Epeans, in the weak eftate Of the unpeopled Pylus, had incurr'd ; For Hercules, few years before, had * fack'd 830 Our city, and our mightieft ilain. Ourfelves The gallant fons of Neleus, were in all Twelve youths, of whom myfelf alone furvived ; The reft all periih'd ; whence, prefumptuous grown, The brazen-mail'd Epeans wrong'd us oft. 835 An herd of beeves my father for himfclf Selected, and a num'rous flock beiide, Three hundred lheep, with fhepherds for them all. For he a claimant was of large arrears From facred Elis. Four unrivall'd fteeds 840 With his own chariot to the games he fent, That mould contend for the appointed prize A tripod ; but Augeias, King of men, Detain'd the fteeds, and fent the charioteer Defrauded home. My father, therefore, fired 845 At fuch foul outrage both of deeds and words, Took much, and to the Pylians gave the reft For fatisfaotion of the claims of all. While thus we builed were in thefe concerns, And in performance of religious rites 850 Throughout the city, came th' Epeans arm'd, Their whole vaft multitude both horle and foot On the third day ; came alfo clad in brafs * It is faid that the Thebans having war with the people of Orchomenos, the Pylians aflifted the latter, for which caufe Hercules deftoycd their city. — See Scholium p~er Villoiflon. The ιφ HOMER's ILIAD. Book Xt. The two Molions, inexpert as yet In feats of arms, and of a boyifh age. 855 There is a city on a mountain's head, Fait by the banks of Alpheus, far remote, The utmoft town which fandy Pylus owns, Named ThryoeiTa, and, with ardour fir'd To lay it watte, that city they beiieged. 860 Now when their holt, had traverfed all the plain, Minerva from Olympus flew by night And bade us arm ; nor were the Pylians flow T' afTemble, but impatient for the fight. Me, then, my father iufFer'd not to arm, 865 But hid my iteeds, for he fuppqfed me raw As yet, and ignorant how war is waged. Yet, even thus, unvantaged and on foot, Superior honours I that day acquired To theirs who rode, for Pallas led me on 870 Herfelf to victory. There is a ftream Which at Arena falls into the fea, Named Minueius ; on that river's bank The Pylian horfemen waited day's approach, And thither all our foot came pouring down. 875 The flood divine of Alpheus thence we reach'd At noon, all arm'd complete; there, hallow'd rites We held to Jove omnipotent, and ilevv A bull to facred Alpheus, with a bull To Neptune, and an heifer of the herd 880 To Pallas ; then, all marfhallM as they were, From van to rear our legions took repaft, And at the river's fide flept on their arms. Already Book XL HOMER's ILIA D. 19: Already the Epean hoil had round Begirt the city, bent to lay it wafte, 88 ς A taik which coil them, firft, both blood and toil. For when the radiant fun on the green earth Had ris'n, with pray'r to Pallas and to Jove, We gave them battle. When the Pylian ho ft And the Epeans thus were clofe engaged, 890 I firft a warrior flew, Mulius the brave, And feized his couriers. He the eldeft-born Of King Angeias' daughters had efpoufed The golden Agamede ; not an herb The fpacious earth yields but ihe knew its pow'rs. 895 Him, ruihing on me, with my brazen lance I fmote, and in the duft he fell ; I leap'd Into his feat, and drove into the van. A panic feiz'd th' Epeans when they faw The leader of their horfe o'erthrown, a Chief 900 Surpaffing all in fight. Black as a cloud With whirlwind fraught, I drove impetuous on, Took fifty chariots, and at fide of each Lay two flain warriors, with their teeth the foil Grinding, all vanquifh'd by my fingle arm. 905 I had flain alfo the Molions, fons Of Actor, but the Sov'reign of the deep Their own authentic Sire, in darknefs denfe Involving both, convey'd them fafe away. Then Jove a victory of prime renown 910 Gave to the Pylians ; for we chafed and flew And gather'd fpoil o'er -all the champain fpread With fcattered ihields, 'till we our ftccds had driv'n Ο q To 298 IIOMER's ILIAD,' Book XI. To the Buprafian fields laden with corn, To the Olenian rock, and to a town 915 In fair Colona iituatc, and named Alefla. There it was that Pallas turn'd Our people homeward ; there I left the laft Of all the ilain, and he was ilain by me. Then drove th' Achaians from Buprafium home 920 Their couriers fleet, and Jove, of Gods above, Received moil praife, Neflor of men below. Such once was I. But brave Achilles ihuts His virtues clofe, an unimparted flore ; Yet even he iliall w r eep, when all the hoil, 925 His fellow-warriors once, iliall be deilroy'd. But recollect, young friend ! the fage advice Which when thou cam'il from Phthia to the aid Of Agamemnon, on that felf fame day Mencetius gave thee. We were prefent there, 930 (JlyfTes and myfelf, both in the houfe, And heard it all ; for to the houfe we came Of Peleus in our journey through the land Of fertile Greece, gath'ring her ilates to war. We found thy noble fire Mencetius there, 93 ς Thee and Achilles ; antient Peleus flood To Jove the Thund'rer off'ring in his court Thighs of an ox, and on the blazing rites Libation pouring from a cup of gold. While ye on preparation of the feaft 940 Attended both, Ufyfles and myfelf Stood in the veuilmlc ; Achilles flcw^ Toward us, introduced us by the hand. And, Book XL II Ο ME R's I I. Ι Λ U. 709 And, feating us, fuch lib'ral portion gave To each, as hofpitality requires. 9 4. ς Our thiril, at length, and hunger both fufficed, J, foremoit fpeaking, aik'd you to the wars, And ye were eager both, but from your fires Much admonition, ere ye went, received. Old Peleus charged Achilles to afpire 950 To higher!, praife, and always to excell. But thee, thy fire Mencetius thus advifed. " My fon ! Achilles boafts the nobler birth, " But Thou art elder ; He in itrength excells " Thee far; Thou, therefore, with difcretion rule 955 " His inexperience ; thy advice impart " With gentlenefs ; inftruction wife fuggeft " Wifely, and thou ihalt find him apt to learn." So thee thy father taught, but, as it feems, In vain; yet even now eflay to move 960 Warlike Achilles ; if the Gods fo pleafe, Who knows but that thy reafons may prevail To roufe his valiant heart ? men rarely fcorn The earneil interceflion of a friend. But if fome prophecy alarm his fears, 965 And from his Goddefs mother he have aught Received, who may have learnt the fame from Jove, Thee let him fend at leait, and order forth With thee the Myrmidons ; a dawn of hope Shall thence, it may be, on our holt arife* 970 And let him fend thee to the battle clad In his own radiant armour ; Troy, deceived By fuch refemblance, mall abitain perchance Qq : From 3°° HOMER's ILIAD. Book XI. From conflict, and the weary Greeks enjoy Short refpite ; it is all that war allows. 975 Frefh as ye are, ye, by your iliouts alone, May eafily repulfe an army fpent With labour, from the camp and from the fleet. Thus Neftor, and his mind bent to his words. Back to JEacides through all the camp 980 lie ran; and when, itill running, he arrived Among Ulyfles' barks, where they had fix'd The forum, where they miniiler'd the laws, And had erected altars to the Gods, There him Eurypylus, Evaemon's ion 985 Illuftrious met, deep- wounded in his thigh ,- And halting back from battle. From his head The fweat, and from his fhoulders ran profufe, And from his perilous wound the fable blood Continual itream'd ; yet was his mind compofed. 990 Him feeing, Mencetiades the brave Compaffion felt, and, mournful, thus began. Ah haplefs fenators and Chiefs of Greece ! Left ye your native country that the dogs Might fatten on your flefh at diftant Troy ? 995 But tell me, Hero ! fay, Eurypylus ! Have the Achaians pow'r itill to withftand Th' enormous force of Hector, or is this The moment when his fpear muil pierce us all ? To whom Eurypylus, difcrete, replied. 1000 Patroclus, dear to Jove ! there is no help, No remedy. We perifh at our fhips. The warriors, once moft ftrenuous of the Greeks, Lie Dook XI. IIOMER's ILIAD. ;ci Lie wounded in the fleet by foes whofe might Encreafes ever. But thyfelf afford 1005 To me fome iuccour ; lead me to my ihip ; Cut forth the arrow from my thigh ; the gore With warm ablution cleanfe, and on the wound Smooth unguents fpread, the fame as by report Achilles taught thee ; taught, himfelf, their ufe ι ο ι ο By Chiron, Centaur, juiteft of his kind. For Podalirius and Machaon both Are occupied. Machaon, as I judge, Lies wounded in his tent, needing like aid Himfelf, and Podalirius in the field 10 15 Maintains fharp conflict with the fons of Troy. To whom Mencetius' gallant fon replied. Hero ! Eurypylus ! how ihall we act In this perplexity ? what courfe purfue ? I feek the brave Achilles, to whofe ear 1020 I bear a meifage from the antient Chief Gerenian Neftor, guardian of the Greeks. Yet will I not, even for fuch a caufe, My friend ! abandon thee in thy diftrefs. He ended, and his arms folding around 1025 The warrior, bore him thence into his tent. His fervant, on his entrance, fpread the floor With hides, on which Patroclus at his length Extended him, and with his knife cut forth The rankling point ; with tepid lotion, next, 1030 He cleanfed the gore, and with a bitter root Bruifed fmall between his palms, fprinkled the wound. At once, the anodyne his pains aiTuaged, The wound was dried within, and the blood ccas'd. ARGU- ARGUMENT OF THE TWELFTH BOOK. The Trojans aflail the» ramparts, and Hector forces the gates. « BOOK XII. SO was Mencetius' valiant foil employ Μ Healing Eurypylus. The Greeks, meantime, And Trojans with tumultuous fury fought. Nor was the fofs ordain'd long time to exclude The hoil of Troy, nor yet the rampart huilt 5 Betide it for protection of the fleet ; For hecatomb the Greeks had offer'd none, Nor pray r to heav'n, that it might keep fecure Their iliips with all their fpoils. The mighty work As in defiance of the Immortal Pow'rs 10 Had ris'n, and could not, therefore, long endure. While Hector liv'd, and while Achilles held His wrathful purpofe ; while the city yet Of royal Priam was unfack'd, lo long The maffy itructure itood ; but when the heft 15 And braveit of the Trojan hoft were flain, And of the Greecian heroes, fome had falFn And ibmc furviv'd, when Priam's tow'rs had blazU In the tenth year, and to their native fhores The Book XII. Η Ο Μ Κ R ' s ILIAD. 203 The Greecians with their fhips, at length, returned, 20 Then Neptune, with Apollo leagued, devis'd Its ruin ; every river that defcends From the Idaean heights into the fea They brought againft it, gath'ring all their force, Rhefus, Carefus, Rhodius, the wide-branched 25 Heptaporus, iEfepus, Granicus, Scamander's facred current, and thy ftream Simois, whofe banks with helmets and with ihields Were ftrew'd, and Chiefs of origin divine ; All thefe with refluent courfe Apollo drove 30 Nine days againft the rampart, and Jove rain'd InceiTant, that the Greecian wall wave-whelm'd Through all its length might fudden difappear. Neptune with his tridental mace, himfelf, Led them, and beam and buttrefs to the flood 35 Coniigning, laid by the laborious Greeks, Swept the foundation, and the level bank Of the fwift-rolling Hellefpont reftor'd. The ftructure thus effacd, the fpacious beach He fpread with fand as at the iirft ; then bade 40 Subiide the ftreams, and in their channels wind With limpid courfe, and pleafant as before. Apollo thus and Neptune, from the firft, Deiign'd its fall ; but now the battle raved And clamours of the warriors all around 45 The ftrong-built turrets, whofe aflaulted planks Rang, while the Greecians, by the fcourge of Jove Subdu'd, flood clofe within their fleet immur'd, At Hector's phalanx- featuring force appall'd. He, 3^ Κ Ο Μ Ε R's Ι Γ I A D. Book XII. He, as before, wifh whirlwind fury fought. 50 As when the boar or lion fiery-eyed Turns ihort, the hunters and the hounds among, The clofe-imbattled troop him firm oppofe, And ply him fail with fpears ; he no difmay Conceives or terror in his noble heart, 55 But by his courage falls ; frequent he turns Attempting bold the ranks, and where he points Direct his onfet, there the ranks retire; So, through the concourfe, on his rolling wheels Borne rapid, Hector animated loud 60 His fellow- warriors to furpafs the trench. But not his own fwift-footed fteeds would dare That hazard ; {landing on the dang'rous brink They neigh'd aloud, for by its breadth the fofs DeterrVl them; neither was the effort flight 65 To leap that gulph, nor eafy the attempt To pafs it through ; ileep were the banks profound On both fides, and with maffy piles acute Thick-planted, interdicting all afTault. No courfer to the rapid chariot braced 70 Had enter'd there with eafe; yet ilrong defires Poffefs'd the infantry of that emprize, And thus Polydamas the ear addrefsVl Of dauntlefs Hector, Handing at his fide. Hector, and ye the leaders of our hofl, 75 Both Trojans and allies ! rafh the attempt { deem, and vain, to pufh our horfes through, So dang'rous is the pafs; rough is the trench With pointed flakes, and the Achaian wall Meets Book ΧΙΓ. HOMER's ILIA D. 305 Meets us beyond. No chariot may defcend 80 Or charioteer fight there ; ftraight are the bounds, And incommodious, and his death were furc. If Jove, high-thund'ring Ruler of the fkies, Will fuccour Ilium, and nought lefs intend Than utter devaluation of the Greeks, 85 I am content ; now perifli all their hoil Inglorious, from their country far remote. But ihould they turn, and mould ourfelves be driv'n Back from the fleet impeded and perplex'd In this deep fofs, I judge that not a man, 90 'Scaping the rallied Greecians, ihould furvive To bear the tidings of our fate to Troy. Now, therefore, act we all as I advife. Let ev'ry charioteer his courfers hold Faft-rein'd befide the fofs, while we on foot, 95 With order undifturb'd and arms in hand, Shall follow Hector. If deftruction borne On wings of deiliny this day approach The Greecians, they will fly our firit aiTault. So fpake Polydamas, whofe fafe advice 1 00 Pleas'd Hector; from his chariot to the ground All arm'd he leap'd, nor would a Trojan there (When once they faw the Hero on his feet) Ride into battle, but, unanimous Defcending with a leap, all trod the plain. 105 Each gave command that at the trench his iteeds Should iland detain'd in orderly array ; Then, fuddenly, the parted hoil became Five bands, each following its appointed chief. R r The 3 ο6 HOMER 's ILIAD. Book XII. The braveil and moil num'rous, and whofe hearts no Wiih'd moil to buril the barrier and to wage The battle at the Chips, with Heotor marchM And with Polydamas, whom follow'd, third, Cebriones ; for Hec"lor had his ileeds Confign'd and chariot to inferior care. 115; Paris, Alcathous, and Agenor led The fecond band, and, fons of Priam both, Deiphobus and Helenus, the third ; With them was feen, partner of their command, The Hero Aiius ; from Arriba came 12a Aims Hyrtacides, to battle drawn From the Selleis' banks by martial ileeds iiaired fiery-red and of the nobleil fize. The fourth, Anchifes' mighty fon controuFd, ./Eneas; under him Antenors fons, 125 Archilochus and Acamas, advanced, Adept in all the practice of the field. Laft came the glorious pow'rs in league with Troy- Led by Sarpedon ;* he with Glaucus ihar'd His high controul, and with the warlike Chief 13c Aileropoeus ; for of all his hoil Them braveil he eileem'd, himfelf except Superior in heroic might to all. And now, (their Ihields adjuiled each to each) AVith dauntlefs courage fired, right on they mov'd 135 Againft the Greecians ; nor expected lefs Than that, bcfidc their fable ihips, the hoil Should felf-abandon'd fall an eafy prey* The Book XII. Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIA Π. 3 The Trojans, thus, with their confecTrate pow'rs, The counfel of the accompliih'd Prince purfued, 140 Polydamas, one Chief alone except, Aims Hyrtacides. He fcorn'd to leave His charioteer and couriers at the trench, And drove toward the fleet. Ah, madly brave ! His evil hour was come; he was ordain'd 1.45 With horfe and chariot and triumphant ihout To enter wind-fwept Ilium never more. Deucalion's offspring, firlt, into the iliades Difmifs'd him ; by Idomeneus he died. Leftward he drove furious, along the road 150 By which the ileeds and chariots of the Greeks Return'd from battle ; in that track he flew, Nor found the portals by the mafTy bar Secur'd, but open for reception fafe Of fugitives, and to a guard confign'd. 155 Thither he drove direct, and in his rear His band ihrill-ihouting followed, for they judg'd The Greeks no longer able to withftand Their foes, but fure to perifh in the camp. Vain hope ! for in the gate two Chiefs they found 160 Lapithae-born, courageous offspring each Of dauntlefs father; Polypcetes, this, Sprung from Pirithcius ; that, the warrior bold Leonteus, terrible as gore-tainted Mars. Thefe two, defenders of the lofty gates, 165 Stood firm before them. As when two tall oaks On the high mountains day by day endure Rough wind and rain, by deep-defcending roots 11 r 2 Of 3 o8 HOMER's I L I A D. Book XII. Of hugeft growth fail-founded in the foil ; So they, fuitain'd by confciotis valour, law, 170 Unmov'd, high tow'ring Afius on his way, Nor fear'd him aught, nor ilirank from his approach. Right on toward the barrier, lifting high Their feafon'd bucklers and with clamour loud The band advanced, King Afius at their head, 175 With whom lamenus, expert in arms, Oreftes, Thoon, Acamas the fon Of Afius, and Oenomaus, led them on. 'Till now, the warlike pair, exhorting loud The Greecians to defend the fleet, had flood 180 Within the gates ; but foon as they perceiv'd The Trojans fwift advancing to the Wall, And heard a cry from all the flying Greeks, Both fallying, before the gates they fought Like foreft-boars, which hearing in the hills 185 The crafh of hounds and huntfmen nigh at hand, With itart oblique lay many a faplin flat Short-broken by the root, nor ceafe to grind Their founding tufks, 'till by the fpear they die ; So founded on the breads of thofe brave Two 190 The fmitten brafs ; for refolute they fought, Emboldened by their might who kept the wall, And trailing in their own ; they, in defence Of camp and fleet and life, thick batt'ry hurl'd Of ftones precipitated from the tow'rs ; 195 Frequent as mows they fell, which ilormy winds, Driving the gloomy clouds, fhake to the ground, 'Till all the fertile earth lies cover'd deep. Such Book Xlf. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. 3°9 Such volley pour'd the Greeks, and fuch return'd The Trojans ; cafques of hide, arid and tough, 200 And bofly fhields rattled, by fuch a ftorm AfTail'd of millitone mafTes from above. Then Aims, fon of Hyrtacus, a groan Indignant utter'd ; on both thighs he imote With difappointment furious, and exclaim'd, 205 Jupiter ! even thou art falfe become, And altogether fuch. Full fure I deem'd That not a Greecian Hero mould abide One moment force invincible as ours, And lo ! as wafps • ring-ftraked, or bees that build 210 Their dwellings in the highway's craggy iide Leave not their hollow home, but fearlefs wait The hunter's coming, in their brood's defence, So thefe, although two only, from the gates Alove not, or will, 'till either feized or ilain. 215 So Aiius fpake, but fpeaking fo, changed not The mind of Jove on Hector's glory bent. Others, as obitinate, at other gates Such deeds perform'd, that to enumerate all Were difficult, unlefs to pow'r divine. 220 For fierce the hail of itones from end to end Smote on the barrier; anguifh fill'd the Greeks, Yet, by neceffity conftrain'd, their ihips They guarded frill ; nor lefs the Gods themfelves, Patrons of Greece, all forrow'd at the fight. 225 * The word is of fcrir/ture ufc : fee Gen. ch. xxx. where ic defcribes the cattle of Jacob. At Π Ο Μ Κ R's ILIA IX iSooK XII. At once the valiant Lapithx began Terrible coi\&&it and Pirithous' fan Brave Polypaetes through his helmet pierced Damafus ; his refplendent point the brafs Sufliccd not to withftand ; entering, it cruih'd 230 The bone within, and mingling all his brain With his own blood, his onfet fierce reprefsU Pylon and Ormenus he next fubdued. Meantime Leonteus, branch of Mars, his fpear HuiTd at Hippomachus, whom through his belt 235 He pierced ; then drawing forth his faulchion keen, Through all the multitude he flew to finite Antiphates, and with a downright ilroke Fell'd him. Tamenus and Menon next He Hew, with brave Oreftes, whom he heap'd, 240 All three together, on the fertile glebe. While them the Lapithx of their bright arms Defpoil'd, Polydamas and Hector flood (With all the bra veil youths and moil refolv'd To buril the barrier and to fire the fleet) 245 Befide the fofs, pondering the event. For, while they prefs'd to pafs, they fpied a bird Sublime in air, an eagle. Right between Both hoils he foar'd (the Trojan on his left) A ferpent bearing in his pounces clutch'd 250 Enormous, dripping blood, but lively ilill And mindful of revenge ; for from beneath The eagle's breail, updarting fierce his head, Fail by the throat he ilruck him ; anguiih-lick The ΒοοκΧΙΓ. HOMER's ILIAD, 311 The eagle caft him down into the fpace 255 Between the hofts, and, clanging loud his plumes, As the wind bore him, floated far away. Shudder'd the Trojans viewing at their feet The fpotted ferpent ominous, and thus Polydamas to dauntlefs Hector fpake. 260 Oftimes in council, Hector, thou art wont To cenfure me, although advifing well ; Nor ought the private citizen, I confefs, Either in council or in war to indulge Loquacity, but ever to employ 265 All his exertions in fupport of thine. Yet hear my beit opinion once again. Proceed we not in our attempt againil The Greecian fleet. For if in truth the fign Refpect the hoft of Troy ardent to pais, 270 Then, as the eagle foar'd both hofts between, With Ilium's on his left, and clutch'd a fnake Enormous, dripping blood, but ftill alive, Which yet he dropped fuddenly, ere he reach'd His eyry, or could give it to his young, 275 So we, although with mighty force we buril Both gates and barrier, and although the Greeks Should all retire, ihall never yet the way Tread honourably back by which we came. No. Many a Trojan ihall we leave behind 280 Slain by the Greecians in their fleet's defence. An augur ikill'd in omens would expound This omen thus, and faith would win from all. To - 2 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XII. To whom, dark-louring, Hector thus replied. Polvdamas ! I like not thy advice; 2.85 Thou could'ft have framed far better; hut if this Be thy delhVrate judgement, then the Gods Make thy delhVrate judgement nothing worth, Who bidd'ft me difregard the Thuiid'rer's firm * A flu ranee to myfelf announced, and make 290 The wild inhabitants 1 of air my guides, Which I alike defpife, fpeed they their courie With right-hand flight toward the ruddy Eait, Or leftward down into the ihades of eve. Confider we the will of Jove alone, 295 Sov'reign of heav'n and earth. Omens abound, But the beft omen is our country's caufe. Wherefore fhould fiery war thy foul alarm ? For were we ilaughter'd, one and all, around The fleet of Greece, thou need'il not fear to die, 300 Whofe courage never will* thy flight retard. But if thou ill rink thyfelf, or by fmooth fpeech Seduce one other from a foldier's part, Pierced by this fpear incontinent thou dieft. So faying he led them, who with deaf'ning roar 305 Follow'd him. Then, from the Idaean hills Jove hnrl'd a ftorm which wafted right the duft Into the fleet; the fpirits too he quelfd Of the AchaianF, and the glory gave To Hector and his hoft ; they, trufting firm 310 In iigns from Jove, and in their proper force, ι Alluding to the meflagc delivered to him from Jupiter by Iris. Aflhy'd Book XII. Η Ο Μ ER's i L I A D. JiJ Aflay'd the barrier ; from the tow'rs they tore The gallYies, caff the battlements to ground, And the projecting buttrefTes adjoin'd To ftrengthen the vaft work, with bars upheaved. 315 All thefe, with expectation fierce to break The rampart, down they drew ; nor yet the Greeks Gave back, but, fencing clofe with fhields the wall, Smote from behind them many a foe beneath. Meantime from tow'r to tow'r th' Ajaces moved 320 Exhorting all, with miidnefs lbme, and fome With harfh rebuke, whom they obferv'd through fear Declining bafe the labours of the fight. Friends ! Argives ! warriors of whatever rank ! Ye who excel, and ye of humbler note ! 325 And ye the laft and leaft ! (for fvich there are, All have not magnanimity alike,) Now have we work for all, as all perceive. Turn not, retreat not to your fhips, appall'd By founding menaces, but prefs the foe ; 330 Exhort each other, and e'en now perchance Olympian Jove, by whom the lightnings burn, Shall grant us to repulfe them, and to chafe The routed Trojans to their gates again. So they vociferating to the Greeks, 335 Stirr'd them to battle. As the feath'ry fnows Fall frequent, on fome wint'ry day, when Jove Hath ris'n to ilied them on the race of man, And fhow T his arrowy itores ; he lulls the winds, Then fhakes them down continual, cov'ring thick 340 Mountain tops, promontories, flowYy meads, S f And 514 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XII. And cultured valleys rich ; the ports and ihores Receive it alio of the hoary Deep, But there the waves hound it, while all hefide Lies whelm'd beneath Jove's fail-defcending fhow'r, 345 So thick, from fide to fide, by Trojans hurl'd Againil the Greeks, and by the Greeks returned The ilony vollies flew ; refounding loud Through all its length the batter'd rampart roar'd. Nor yet had Hector and his hoft prevail'd 350 To burft the gates, and break the marly bar, Had not all-feeing Jove Sarpedon mov'd His fon, againil the Greeks, furious as falls The lion on fome horned herd of beeves. At once his polifh'd buckler he advanced 355 With leafy brafs o'erlaid ; for with fmooth brafs The forger of that fhield its oval diik Had plated, and with thicken: hides throughout Had lined it, ilitch'd with circling wires of gold. That ihield he bore before him ; firmly grafp'd 360 He ihook two fpears, and with determin'd ilrides March'd forward. As the lion mountain-bred, After long fail, by impulfe of his heart Undaunted urged, feeks refolute the flock Ev'n in the fhelter of their guarded home; 365 He finds, perchance, the fhepherds arm'd with fpears, And all their dogs awake, yet cannot leave Untried the fence, but either leaps it light, And ent'ring tears the prey, or in th* attempt Pierced by fome dext'rous peafant, bleeds himfelf; 370 So his high courage to th' aftault impell'd Godlike Book XII. ilOMER's I L ί Λ 1). 3»5 Godlike Sarpedon, and him fir'd with hope To break the barrier; when to Glaucns thus, Son of Hippolochus, his fpeech he turnVl. Why, Glaucus, is the feat of honour ours, 375 Why drink we brimming cups, and feait in ftate ? Why gaze they all on us as we were Gods In Lycia, and why iliare we pleafant fields And fpacious vineyards, where the Xanthus winds ? Diilinguilli'd thus in Lycia, we are call'd 380 To firmnefs here, and to encounter bold The burning battle, that our fair report Among the Lycians may be blazoiVd thus — No daftards are the potentates who rule The bright-arm'd Lycians ; on the fatted flock 385 They banquet, and they drink the richefr. wines, But they are alfo valiant, and the fight Wage dauntlefs in the vaward of us all. Oh Glaucus, if efcaping fafe the death That threats us here, we alfo could efcape 390 Old age, and to ourfelves fecure a life Immortal, I would neither in the van Myfelf expofe, nor would encourage thee To tempt the perils of the glorious field. But fince a thoufand meiTengers of fate 395 Purfue us clofe, and man is born to die — E'en let us on ; the prize of glory yield, If yield we muft, or wreil it from the foe. He faid, nor cold refufal in return ReceivYl from Glaucus, but toward the wall 400 Their num'rous Lycian hoft both led direct• S f 2 Mencftheus, 3i6 Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. Book ΧΙΓ. Meneftheus, ion of Peteos, faw appall'd Their dread approach, for to his tow'r they bent Their threatening march. An eager look he cafe. On the embodied Greeks, feeking fome Chief 405 Whofe aid might turn the battle from his van : He faw, where never fated with exploits Of war, each Ajax fought, near whom his eye Kenn'd Teucer alfo, newly from his tent, But vain his efforts were with loudeil call 410 To reach their ears, fuch was the deaf'ning din Upfcnt to Heav'n, of ihields and crefted helms, And of the batter'd gates ; for at each gate They thund'ring flood, and urged alike at each Their fierce attempt by force to burft the bars. 415 To Ajax therefore he at once difpatch'd An herald, and Thootes thus injoin'd. My noble friend Thootes ! with all fpeed Call either Ajax ; bid them hither both ; Far better fo ; for havoc is at hand. 420 The Lycian leaders, ever in afTault Tempeftuous, bend their force againft this tow'r My ftation. But if alfo there they find Laborious conflict preiTing them fevere, At leafl let Telamonian Ajax come, 42 r And Teucer with his death-difpenfmg bow. He fpake, nor was Thootes flow to hear; Betide the rampart of the mail-clad Greeks Rapid he flew, and, at their fide arrival, To either Ajax, eager, thus began. 430 Ye Book XII. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. 317 Ye leaders of the well-appointed Greeks, The fon of noble Peteos calls ; he begs With inftant iuit, that ye would ihare his toils, However ihort your ftay ; the aid of both Will ferve him belt, for havoc threatens there. 435 The Lycian leaders, ever in affault Tempeftuous, bend their force toward the tow'r His ilation. But if alfo here ye find Laborious conflict preiling you fevere, At leaft let Telamonian Ajax come, 440 And Teucer with his death-difpenfing bow. He fpake, nor his requeil the tow'ring fon Of Telamon denied, but quick his fpeech To Ajax Oi'liades addrefs'd. Ajax ! abiding here, exhort ye both 445 (Heroic Lycomedes and thyfelf) The Greeks to battle. Thither I depart To aid our friends, which fervice once perform'd Duly, I will incontinent return. So faying, the Telamonian Chief withdrew, 450 With whom went Teucer, fon of the fame lire, Pandion alfo, bearing Teucer's bow. Arriving at the turret giv'n in charge To the bold Chief Meneftheus, and the wall Ent'ring, they found their friends all iharply tried. 455 Black as a florm the fenators renown'd And leaders of the Lycian hoft affaiPd Buttrefs and tow'r, while oppofite the Greeks Withilood them, and the battle- iliout began. Firit, Ajax fon, of Telamon, a friend 460 And . Ι HOMER'* I L 1 A D. Book XII. And fellow-warrior of Sarpedon flew, Epicles. With a marble fragment huge That crown'd the .battlement's interior fide, He imote him. No man of our puny race, Although in prime of youth, had with both hands 46 ς That weight fuftain'd ; but he the cumb'rous mafs Uplifted high, and hurfd it on his head. It burft his helmet, and his batter'd fcull Daih'd from all form. He from the lofty tow'r Dropped downright, with a diver's plunge, and died. 470 But Teucer wounded G\ aucus with a fhaft, Son of Hippolochus ; he, climbing, bared His arm, which Teucer marking, from the wall Transfix'd it, and his onfet fierce reprefs'd, For with a backward leap Glaucus withdrew 475 Sudden and filent, cautious left the Greeks Seeing him wounded lliould infult his pain. Grief feiz'd, at light of his retiring friend, Sarpedon, who forgat not yet the fight, But piercing with his lance Alcmaon, lbn 480 Of Theftor, fuddenly revulfed the beam, Which following, Alcmaon to the earth Fell prone, with clangor of his brazen arms. Sarpedon, then, ftrenuous with both hands Tugg'd, and down fell the battlement entire ; 485 The wall, difmantled at the fummit, flood A ruin, and wide chafm was open'd through. Then Ajax him and Teucer at one time Struck both ; an arrow ftruck from Teucer's bow The belt that crofs'd his bofom, by which hung 490 His ftooK XII. HOMER's ILIAD. 3 l 9 His ample ihield ; yet left his fon ihould fall Among the ihips, Jove turn'd the death afide. But Ajax, fpringing to his thruft, a fpear Drove through his ihield. Sarpedon at the ihock With backward ilep iliort interval recoil'd, 495 But not retired, for in his bofom liv'd The hope of glory ftill, and, looking back On all his godlike Lycians, he exclaim'd, Oh Lycians ! where is your heroic might ? Brave as I boaft myfelf, I feel the tafk 500 Arduous, through the breach made by myfelf To win a paffage to the ihips, alone. Follow me all — Moil laborers, moft difpatch f. So he ; at whofe iharp reprimand abaili'd Th' imbattled hoft to clofer conflict mov'd, 505 Obedient to their counfellor and King. On th' other ikle the Greeks within the wall Made firm the phalanx, feeing urgent need, Nor could the valiant Lycians through the breach Admittance to the Greecian fleet obtain, 5-fo Nor, ilnce they firft approached it, had the Greeks With all their efforts, thruft the Lycians back. But as two claimants of one common field, Each with his rod of meafurement in hand, Difpute the boundaries, litigating w T arm 515 Their right in fome fmall portion of the foil, So they, divided by the barrier, ftruck With hoftile rage the bull-hide bucklers round, irX'tSupv βί το• tpyv xfxuvov. — Thus is evidently piovcrbia), for which rcafon I have given it that air in the tranilation. And 3 zo II Ο Μ Ε R's I L I A D. Β Λκ ΧίΤ. And the light targets on each other's brcalt. Then many a wound the.ruthlefs weapons made. 520 Pierced through the unarm'd back, if an\ turn'd, He died, and numVous even thro\igh the fhield. The battlements from en(\ to end with, blood Of Greecians and of Trojans on .bothi fides Were fprinkled ; yet no violence could move 525 The ftubborn Greeks, or turn their pow'rs' to flight. So hung the war in balance, .as the fcales \ H§\<\ by fome woman fcrupulouily jurl, A fpinner ; wool and weight fhe poifes nice, Hard-earning ilender pittance for her babes, 530 Such was the poife in which the battle hung,. 'Till Jove himielf iuperior fame, at lengthy To Priameian Hector gave, who fprang Firft through the wall. In lofty founds that reach'd Their utmoft ranks, he calfd on all his hoft, 535 Now prefs them, now ye Trojans iteed-reiiown\l R 11 ill on ! break through the Greecian rampart, hurl Afr-once devouring flames into the fleet. Such was his exhortation ; .they his voice All hearing, with clofe-order\l ranks direct 540 Itore on the barrier, and upfwarming fliow'd On the high battlement their glitt'ring lpears. But Hector feiz'd a (lone; of ample bale But tap'ring to a point, before the gate It Hood. No two men, mightioil of a land 545 (Such men as now arc mighty) could with eale I hive heav'd it from the earth up to a wain ; uvung it'Tafily\i!o:K •; fd light The Bqok XII. Ϊ1 υ Μ Ε R's 1 1. Ι Λ D. 3*ι The fon of Saturn made it in his hand. As in one hand with eafe the fhcphcrd hears 550 A ram's fleece home, nor toils beneath the weight, So Hector, right toward the planks of thofe Majeftic folding-gates, clofe-jointed, firm And folid, hore the ftone. Two bars within Their correfponding force combined tranfverfe 555 To guard them, and one bolt fecured the bars. He flood faft by them, parting wide his feet For 'vantage fake, and fmote them in the naidfl. He burft both hinges ; inward fell the rock Ponderous, and the portals roar'd; the bars 560 Endur'd not, and the planks, liv'n by the force Of that huge mafs, flew fcatter'd on all fides. In leap'd the godlike Hero at the breach, Gloomy as night in afpect, but in arms All-dazzling, and he grafp'd two quiv'ring fpears. 565 Him ent'ring with a leap the gates, no force Whate'er of oppoiition had reprefs'd, Save of the Gods alone. Fire fill'd his eyes ; Turning, he bade the multitude without Afcend the rampart ; they his voice obey'd ; 570 Part climb'd the wall, part pour'd into the gate ; The Greecians to their hollow galleys flew Scatter'd, and tumult infinite arofe. Τ t ARGU- ARGUMENT OF THE THIRTEENTH BOOK Neptune engages on the part of the Greecians. The battle pro- ceeds. Deiphobus advances to combat, but is repulfed by Meriones, who lofing his fpear, repairs to his tent for another. Teucer flays Imbrius, and Hector Amphimachus. Neptune, under the fimilitude of Thoas, exhorts Idomeneus. Idomeneus having armed himfelf in his tent, and, going forth to battle, meets Meriones. After difcourfe held with each other, Idomeneus accommodates Meriones with a fpear, and they proceed to battle. Idomeneus flays Othryoneus, and Afius. Deiphobus aiTails Idomeneus, but, his fpear glancing over him, kills Hypfenor. Idomeneus flays Alcathoiis, fon-in-law of Anchifes. Deiphobus and Idomeneus refpectively fummon their friends to their ailiftance, and a conteil enfues for the body of Alcathoiis. BOOK XIII. WHEN Jove to Hector and his hoil had giv*n Such entrance to the fleet, to all the woes And toils of unremitting battle there He them abandon'd, and his glorious eyes Averting, on the land look'd down remote 5 Of the horfe-breeding Thracians, of the bold Clofe-fighting Myiian race, and where abide On milk fuitain'd, and bleft with length of days, The Hippemolgi, jufteft of mankind» No Book XIII. ΓΙ Ο Μ Ε it's 1 L Ι Α ΪΧ 3*3 No longer now on Troy his eyes he turnM, 10 For expedition none within his breaft Survived, that God or Goddefs would the Greeks Approach with fuccour, or the Trojans more. Nor Neptune, fovreign of the boundlefs Deep, Look'd forth in vain ; he on the fuinmit fat ι £ Of Samothracia foreil-crown'd, the ilir Admiring thence and tempeft of the field ; For thence appear'd all Ida, thence the tow'rs Of lofty Ilium, and the fleet of Greece. There fitting from the deeps upris'n, he mourn'd 20 The vanquiuYd Greecians, and refentment fierce Conceived and wrath againil all-ruling Jove. Ariiing fudden, down the rugged ileep With rapid ilrides he came ; the mountains huge And foreils under the immortal feet 25 Trembled of Ocean's Sov'reign as he ilrode. Three ilrides he made, the fourth conveyed him home To iEgee. At the bottom of th' abyfs, There ftands magnificent his golden fane, A dazzling incorruptible abode. 30 Arrived, he to his chariot join'd his ileeds Swift, brazen-hoof 'd, and maned with wavy gold ; Himfelf attiring next in gold, he feized His golden fcourge, and to his feat lliblime Afcending, o'er the billows drove; the whales 35- Leaving their caverns, gambolVl on all fides Around him, not unconfcious of their King ; He fwept the furge that tinged not as he pals'd His axle, and the fea parted for joy. Τ t 2 His 324 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XIII. His bounding couriers to the Greecian fleet 40 Convey 'd him fwift. There is a fpacious cave Deep in the bottom of the flood, the rocks Of Imbrus rude and Tenedos between ; There Neptune, fhaker of the ihores, his fteeds Station'd fecure ; he loofed them from the yoke, 45 Gave them ambrofial food, and bound their feet With golden tethers not to be untied Or broken, that unwand'ring they might wait Their Lord's return, then fought the Greecian hoft. The Trojans, tempeft-like or like a flame, 50 Now, following Priame*ian Heo~tor, all Came furious on and fhouting to the fkies. Their hope was to poflefs the fleet, and leave Not an Achaian of the hoft unilain. But earth-encircler Neptune from the gulph 5 5 Emerging, in the form and with the voice Loud-toned of Calchas, roufed the Argive ranks To battle — and his exhortation firit To either Ajax turn'd, themfelves prepared. Ye heroes Ajax ! your accuftom'd force 60 Exert, oh ! think not of difaftrous flight* And ye ihall fave the people. Nought I fear Fatal elfewhere, although Troy's haughty fons Have pals'd the barrier with fo fierce a throng Tumultuous; for the Greecians brazen-greaved 65 Will chuck them there. Here only I expect And with much dread fome dire event forebode, Where Ileclor, terrible as fire, and loud Vaunting his glorious origin from Jove, Leads Book XIII. Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s I L I A D. 325 Leads on the Trojans. Oh that from on high » Q Some God would form the purpofe in your hearts To ftand yourfclves firmly, and to exhort The reft to iland ! fo fhould ye chafe him hence All ardent as he is, and ev'n although Olympian Jove himfelf his rage infpire. 75 So Neptune fpake, compaffer of the earth, And, with his fceptre fmiting both, their hearts FilFd with freili fortitude ; their limbs the touch Made agile, wing'd their feet and nerved their arms. Then, fwift as iloops a falcon from the point 80 Of fome rude rock fublime, when he would chafe A fowl of other wing along the meads, So ilarted Neptune thence, and difappear'd. Him, as he went, fwift O'iliades Firil recognized, and, inftant, thus his fpeech 85 To Ajax, fon of Telamon, addrefs'd. Since, Ajax, fome inhabitant of heav'n Exhorts us, in the prophet's form, to fight, (For prophet none or augur we have feen ; This was not Calchas ; as he went I mark'd 90 His iteps and knew him ; Gods are known with eafe.) I feel my fpirit in my bofom fired Afreih for battle; lightnefs in my limbs, In hands and feet a glow u η felt before. To whom the fon of Telamon replied. 95 I alfo with invigorated hands More firmly grafp my fpear, my courage mounts, A buoyant animation in my feet Bears mc along, and I am all on fire To J2 6 )i υ Μ ER's I L ί A D. Boon Xlli. To cope with Priam's furious foil, alone. ioo Thus they, with martial tranfport to their fouls Imparted by the God, conferral elate. Meantime the King of Ocean roufed the Greeks, Who in the rear, befide their gallant barks Some refpite fought. They, fpent with arduous toil, 105 Felt not alone their weary limbs unapt To battle, but their hearts with grief opprefs'd, Seeing the num'rous multitude of Troy Within the mighty barrier ; fad they view'd That fight, and bathed their cheeks with many a tear, Defpairing of efcape. But Ocean's Lord in Ent'ring among them, foon the fpirit ftirr'd Of every valiant phalanx to the fight. Teucer and Leitus, and famed in arms Peneleus, Thoas and Deipyrus, 115 Meriones, and his compeer renown'd, Antilochus ; all thefe in accents wing'd \^ 7 itri fierce alacrity the God addrefs'd. Oh fhame ye Greecians ! vig'rous as ye are And in life's prime, to your exertions moil 120 ί tr ufted for the fafety of our fhips. If ye renounce the labours of the field, Then hath the day aris'n of our defeat And final ruin by the pow'rs of Troy. Oh ! I behold a prodigy, a fight 125 Tremendous, deem'd impofllble by me, The Trojans at our ihips ! the daftard race Fled once like fleeted hinds the deltined prey Of lynxes, leopards, wolves ; feeble and flight And Book XIII. HOMER's ILIAD. 327 And of a nature indifpofed to war 130 They rove uncertain ; fo the Trojans erft Stood not, nor to Achaian prowefs dared The hindrance of a moment's ftrife oppofe. But now, Troy left afar, ev'n at our iliips They give us battle, through our leader's fault 135 And through the people's negligence, who fill'd With fierce difpleafure againft him^ prefer Death at their iliips, to war in their defence. But if the fon of Atreus, our fupreme, If Agamemnon, have indeed tranfgrefs'd 140 Pail all excufe, difhonouring the fwift Achilles, ye at leaft the fight decline Blame-worthy, and with no fufficient plea. But heal we fpeedily the breach ; brave minds Eafily coalefce. It is not well 145 That thus your fury {lumbers, for the hofl Hath none illuftrious as yourfelves in arms. I can excufe the timid if he fhrink, But am incenled at you. My friends beware ! Your tardinefs will prove ere long the caufe 150 Of fome worfe evil. Let the dread of ihame Affect your hearts ; oh tremble at the thought Of infamy ! Fierce conflict hath aris'n, Loud-fhouting Hector combats at the iliips Nobly, hath forced the gates and buril the bar. 155 With fuch encouragement thofe Greecian chiefs The King of Ocean roufed. Then, circled foon By many a phalanx either Ajax ftood, Whofe order Mars himfclf arriving there Had 51 | Η Ο Μ Ε R '3 I L I A D. Boon XIII. Had praifed) or Pallas, patronefs of arms. 160 For there the flow"r of all expected firm Bold Hector and his hoft; fpcar crowded fpear, * hield, helmet, man, prefsVI helmet, man and fhield ; The hairy crefts of their refplendent caiques KilVd dole at ev'ry nod, fo wedged they ftopd; 165 No fpear was feen but in the manly grafp It quiver'dj and their evYy wifh was war. The pow'rs of Ilium gave the firlt. aflault lmbattled dole; them He&or led himfelf Right on, impetuous as a rolling rock 170 Deftruotive ; torn by torrent waters off from its old lodgment on the mountain's brow, It bounds, it fhoots away ; the craihing wood Falls under it ; impediment or check None ftays its fury, till, the level found, 175 There, fettling by degrees, it rolls no more ; So after many a threat that he would pafs Ea^ly through the Greecian camp and fleet And Hay to the lea brink, when Hector once Had fall'n on thofe firm ranks, itanding, he bore 180 Vehement on them ; but by many a fpear Urged and bright faulchion, foon, reeling, retired, And cali'd vocif'rous on the boil: of Troy. Trojans, and Lycians, and clofe-fighting fons Of Dardanus, oh ftand ! not long the Greeks 185 Will me confront, although embodied clofe In folid phalanx; doubt it not; my fpear Shall chafe and fcatter them, if Jove, in truth, * For this admi able line the Tranflator h indebted to Mr. Fufeli. High• Book XIII, Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. 3 ι 9 High-thurid'ring mate of Juno, bid me on. So faying he roufed the courage of them all, 190 Foremoft of whom advanced, of Priam's race Deiphobus, ambitious of renown. Tripping he came with ihorten'd fteps•••, his feet Shelt'ring behind his buckler ; but at him Aiming, Meriones his fplendid lance 195 Difmifs'd, nor err'd; his bull-hide targe he ilruck But ineffectual ; where the hollow wood Receives th' inferted brafs, the quiv'ring beam Snapp'd ; then, Deiphobus his ihield afar Advanced before him, trembling at a fpear 200 Huii'd by Meriones. He, moved alike With indignation for the vidt'ry loft And for his broken fpear, into his band At firil retired, but foon fet forth again In progrefs through th' Achaian camp, to fetch 205 Its fellow-fpear within his tent referved. The reft all fought, and dread the ihouts arofe On all fides. Telamonian Teucer, firft, Slew valiant Imbrius, fon of Mentor, rich In herds of fprightly fteeds. He ere the Greeks 210 Arrived at Ilium, in Pedseus dwelt, And Priam's fpurious daughter had efpoufed Medeiicafta. But the barks well-oar'd Of Greece arriving, he return'd to Troy, Where he excell'd the nobleft, and abode 215 With Priam, loved and honour'd as his own. A fitter occafion to remark on this lingular mode of' approach In battle, will prcfent itfclf hereafter. U u Him HOMER's ILIAD. Book XIII. • M Him Teucer pierced beneath his ear, and pluck'd His weapon home; he fell as falls an aih Which on fome mountain vifible afar, Hewn from its bottom by the woodman's ax, 220 With all its tender foliage meets the ground. So Imbrius fell ; loud rang his armour bright With ornamental brafs, and Teucer flew To feize his arms, whom hailing to the fpoil Hector with his refplendent fpear aflail'd ; 225 He, marking oppoiite its rapid flight, Declined it narrowly and it pierced the breaft, As he advanced to battle, of the fon Of Cteatus of the Actorian race, Amphimachus ; he, founding, fmote the plain, 230 And all his batter'd armour rang aloud. Then, Hector fwift approaching, would have torn The well -forged helmet from the brows away Of brave Amphimachus ; but Ajax hurl'd Right forth at Hector halting to the fpoil 235 His radiant fpear ; no wound the fpear imprefs'd, For he was arm'd complete in burniih'd brafs Terrific ; but the folid bofs it pierced Of Hector's ihield, and with enormous force So fhock'd him, that retiring he reflgn'd 240 Both bodies, which the Greecians dragg'd away. Stichius and Meneftheus, leaders both Of the Athenians, to the hoft of Greece Bore off Amphimachus, and, fierce in arms Th'Ajaces, Imbrius. As two lions bear 245 * The bodies of Imbrius and Amphimachus. Through Book XIII. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. Through thick entanglement of boughs and brakes A goat match'd newly from the peafants' dogs, Upholding high their prey above the ground, So either Ajax terrible in fight, Upholding Imbrius high, his brazen arms 250 Tore off, and O'iliades his head From his fmooth neck diflev'ring in revenge For ilain Amphimachus, through all the noil Sent it with fwift rotation like a globe, 'Till in the duft at Hector's feet it fell. 255 Then anger fill'd the heart of Ocean's King, His * grandfon ilain in battle ; forth he pafs'd Through the Achaian camp and fleet, the Greeks Rouiing, and meditating woe to Troy ; It chanced that brave Idomeneus return'd 260 That moment from a Cretan at the knee Wounded, and newly borne into his tent. His friends had borne him off, and when the Chief Had given him into ikilful hands, he fought The field again, itill coveting renown. 265 Him therefore, meeting him on his return, Neptune befpake, but with the borrow'd voice Of Thoas, offspring of Andracmon, King In Pleuro and in lofty Calydon, And honour'd by th'./Etolians'as a God. 270 Oh counfellor of Crete ! our threats denounced Againil the tow'rs of Troy, where are they now ? To whom the leader of the Cretans, thus, Idomeneus. For aught that I perceive * Amphimachus. U u 2 Thoae ! 332 Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s I L I A D. Book XI1L Thoas ! no Greecian'is this day in fault; 275 For we arc all intelligent in arms, None yields by fear oppreis'd, none lulPd by {loth From battle fhrinks, but fuch the pleafure feems Of Jove himfelf, that we mould periih here Inglorious, from our country far remote. 280 But, Thoas ! (for thine heart was ever firm In battle, and thyfelf art wont to roufe Whom thou obferv'il remifs) now alfo fight As erit, and urge each leader of the hoft. Him anfwer'd, then, the Sov'reign of the Deep. 285 Return that Greecian never from the ihores Of Troy, Idomeneus ! but may the dogs Feait on him, who ihall this day intermit Through wilful negligence his force in fight ! But hafte, take arms and come; we muft exert 290 All diligence, that, being only two, We yet may yield fome fervice. Union much Emboldens ev'n the weakeft, and our might Hath oft been proved on warriors of renown. So Neptune fpake, and, turning, fought again 295 The toilfome field. Ere long, Idomeneus, Arriving in his fpacious tent, put on His radiant armour, and, two fpears in hand, Set forth like lightning which Saturnian Jove From bright Olympus ihakes into the air, 300 A iign to mortal men, dazzling all eyes ; So beam'd the Hero's armour as he ran. But him not yet far dillant from his tent Meriones, his fellow-warrior met, Foi Book XIII. HOMER's ILIAD, 333 For he had left the fight, feeking a fpear, 305 When thus the brave Idomeneus began. Swift fon of Mollis ! chos'n companion dear ! Wherefore, Meriones ! hail thou the field Abandon'd ? Art thou wounded ? Bring'ft thou home Some pointed mifchief in thy fleili infixt ? 310 Or cora'ft thou lent to me, who of myfelf The itill tent covet not, but feats of arms r To whom Meriones difcrete replied. Chief leader of the Cretans, brazen-maiPd Idomeneus! if yet there be a fpear 315 Left in thy tent, I feek one ; for I broke The fpear, ev'n now, with which erewhile I fought, Smiting the ihield of fierce Deiphobus. Then anfwer thus the Cretan Chief return'd Valiant Idomeneus. If fpears thou need, 320 Within my tent, leaning againft the wall, Stand twenty fpears and one, forged all in Troy, Which from the ilain I took ; for diftant fight Me fuits not ; therefore in my tent have I Both fpears and boiTy fhields, with brazen cafques 325 And corilets bright that fmile againft the fun. Him anfwer'd, then, Meriones difcrete. I alfo, at my tent and in my fhip Have many Trojan fpoils, but they are hence Far difbnt. I not lefs myfelf than thou 330 Am ever mindful of a warrior's part, And when the din of glorious arms is heard, Fight in the van. If other Greeks my deeds Know not, at leaft I judge them known to thee. To 3J4- HOMER's ILIA Γ). Book XIII. To whom the leader of the hoft of Crete 335 Idomcneus. I know thy valour well, Why fpeakeft thus to me ? Chofe we this day An ambulh forth of all the braveft Greeks, (For in the ambufli is diftinguiftYd beft The courage; there, the tim'rous and the bold 340 Plainly appear ; the daftard changes hue And fhifts from place to place, nor can he calm The fears that fhake his trembling limbs, but fits Low-crouching on his hams, while in his breaft Quick palpitates his death- foreboding heart, 345 And his teeth chatter; but the valiant man His pofture fhifts not ; no exceifive fears- Feels he, but feated once in ambufh, deems Time tedious till the bloody fight begin) Ev'n there, thy courage fhould no blame incur. 350 For ihould'ft thou, toiling in the fight, by fpear Or faulchion bleed, not on thy neck behind Would fall the weapon, or thy back annoy, But it would meet thy bowels or thy cheft While thou did ft rufh into the clam'rous van. 355 But hafte — we may not longer loiter here As children prating, left fome fharp rebuke Reward us. Enter quick, and from within My tent provide thee with a noble fpear. Then, fwift as Mars, Meriones produced 360 A brazen fpear of thofe within the tent Refcrv'd, and kindling with heroic fire Followed Idomcneus. As gory Mars By Terrour follow'd, his own dauntlcfs foil Who Book XIII. II Ο Μ Ε R's I L I A D. 33$ Who quells the bokleil heart, to battle moves; 365 From Thrace againft the Ephyri they arm, Or hardy Phlegyans, and by both invoked, Hear and grant victory to which they pleafe, Such, bright in arms Meriones, and fuch Idomeneus advanced, when foremoil thus 370 Meriones his fellow-chief befpake. Son of Deucalion ! where inclin'il thou moil To enter into battle ? On the ris;ht Of all the hoft ? or through the central ranks ? Or on the left? for nowhere I account 375 The Greeks fo destitute of force as there. Then anfwer thus Idomeneus return'd Chief of the Cretans. Others ftand to guard The middle fleet ; there either Ajax wars, And Teucer, nobleil archer of the Greeks, 380 Nor lefs in ilationary fight approved. Bent as he is on battle, they will talk And urge to proof fufiiciently the force Of Priameian Hector ; burn his rage How fierce foever, he ihall find it hard, 385 With all his thirft of victory, to quell Their firm refiftance, and to fire the fleet, Let not Saturnian Jove caft down from heav'n Himfelf a flaming brand into the fhips. High-tow'ring Telamonian Ajax yields 390 To no mere mortal by the common gift Suftain'd of Ceres, and whofe flcfli the fpear Can penetrate, or rocky fragment bruife ; In itanding fight Ajax would not retire Even jj6 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XIII. Even before that breaker of the ranks 395 Achilles, although far lefs fwift than lie. But turn we to the left, that we may learn At once, it glorious death, or life be ours. Then, rapid as the God of war, his courfe Meriones toward the left began, 400 As he enjoin'd. Soon as the Trojans faw Idomeneus advancing like a flame, And his compeer Meriones in arms All-radiant clad, encouraging aloud From rank to rank each other, on they came 405 To the afTault combined. Then foon arofe Sharp conteit on the left of all the fleet. As when fhrill winds blow vehement, what time Duft deeped fpreads the ways, by warring Wafts Upborne a fable cloud ftands in the air, 410 Such was the fudden conflict ; equal rage To ftain with gore the lance ruled ev'ry breaff. Horrent with quiv'ring fpears the fatal field Frown'd on all fides ; the brazen flafhes dread Of nnm'rous helmets, corllets furbifhVl bright, 415 And fhields refulgent meeting, dull'd the eye, And turn'd it dark away. Stranger indeed Were he to fear, who could that itrife have view'd With heart elate, or fpirit unperturb'd. Two mighty ions of Saturn adverfe parts 420 Took in that conteit, purpoiing alike To many a valiant Chief forrow and pain. Jove, for the honour of Achilles, gave Succefs to Hector and the hoft of Troy, Not Book XIII. Π Ο Μ Κ R's I L Ι Λ D. Not for complete deftruction of the Greeks 42$ At Ilium, but that glory might redound To Thetis thence, and to her dauntlefs fon. On the other fide, the King of Ocean ris'n Secretly from the hoary Deep, the hoft Of Greece encouraged, whom he grieved to f< 430 Vanquiih'd by Trojans, and with anger fierce Againft the Thund'rer burn'd on their behalf. Alike from one great origin divine Sprang they, but Jove was elder, and furpafs'd In various knowledge ; therefore when he roufed 435 Their courage, Neptune traversal ftill the ranks Clandeitine, and in human form difguifed. Thus, thefe Immortal Two, {training the cord Indiflbluble of all-waiting war, Alternate meafured with it either hoft, 440 And loos'd the joints of many a warrior bold. Then, loud exhorting (though himfelf with age Half grey) th' Achaians, into battle fprang Idomeneus, and fcatter'd, firit, the foe, Slaying Othryoneus, who, by the lure 445 Of martial glory drawn, had left of late Cabefus. He Priam's fair daughter woo'd CafTandra, but no nuptial gift vouchsafed * To offer, fave a founding promife proud To chafe, himfelf, however refolute 450 The Greecian hoft, and to deliver Troy. To him affenting, Priam, anticnt King, Affured to him his wifli, and in the faith * It was cuftomary for the fuitor to pay the aovt Χ χ Of 33 8 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XIII. Of that afTurance confident, he fought. But brave Idomeneus his fplendid lance 455 Well-aim'd difmifling, ftruck the haughty Chief, Pacing elate the field ; his brazen mail Endured not ; through his bowels pierced, with clang Of all his arms he fell, and thus with joy Immenfe exulting, fpake Idomeneus. 460 I give thee praife, Othryoneus ! beyond All mortal men, if truly thou perform Thy whole big promife to the Dardan king, Who promifed thee his daughter. Now, behold, We alfo promife; doubt not the effecl:. 465 We give into thy arms the moil admired Of Agamemnon's daughters, whom ourfelves Will hither bring from Argos, if thy force With ours uniting, thou wilt rafe the walls Of populous Troy. Come — follow me; that here 470 Among the ihips we may adjuft the terms Of marriage, for we take not fcanty dow'r. So faying, the Hero dragg'd him by his heel Through all the furious fight. His death to avenge Afius on foot before his fteeds advanced, 475 For them, where'er he moved, his charioteer Kept breathing ever on his neck behind. With fierce deiire the heart of Afius burn'd To finite Idomeneus, who with his lance Him reaching firft, pierced him beneath the chin 48a Into his throat, and urged the weapon through. He fell, as fome green poplar falls, or oak, Or lofty pine, by naval artifts hewn Wifh Book XIII. II Ο Μ Γ. R 's ILIAD. j 3 9 With new-edg'd axes on the mountain's fide. So, his teeth grinding, and the bloody dull 48 ς Clenching, before his chariot and his fteeds Extended, Afius lay. His charioteer (All recollection loft) Hit panic-ftunn'd, Nor dared for fafety turn his fteeds to flight. Him bold Antilochus right through the waift 490 Tranfpierced ; his mail fufficed not, but the fpear Implanted in his midrnoft bowels flood. Down from his feat magnificent he fell Panting, and young Antilochus the fteeds Drove captive thence into the hoft of Greece. 495 Then came Deiphobus by lbrrow urged For Afius, and, fmall interval between, Hurl'd at Idomeneus his glitt'ring lance ; r But he, forefeeing its approach, the point- Eluded, covered whole by his round fhield 500 Of hides and brafs by double belt fuftain'd, And it flew over him, but on his targe Glancing, elicited a tinkling found. Yet left it not in vain his vig'rous grafp, But pierced the liver of Hypfenor, fon 505 Of Hippafus ; he fell incontinent, And meafurelefs exulting in his fall Deiphobus with mighty voice exclaim'd. Not unavenged lies Afius ; though he feek Hell's iron portals, yet fhall he rejoice, ς ι ο For I have given him a conductor home. So he, whofe vaunt the Greeks indignant heard ; But of them all to anger moil he roufcd Χ χ 2 Antilochus, 34 o H Ο Μ Κ R ' s I L I A D. Book XIII. Antilochus, who yet his breathlefs * friend Left not, but, halting, fenced him with his ihield, 515 And brave Alaftor with Mecitteus fon Of Echius, bore him to the hollow mips Deep-groaning both, for of their band was he. Nor yet Idomeneus his warlike rage Remitted aught, but perfevering if rove 520 Either to plunge fome Trojan in the ihades, Or fall himfelf, guarding the fleet of Greece. Then flew he brave Alcathoiis the fon Of iEiyeta, and the fon-in-law Of old Anchifes, who to him had giv'n 525 The eldeft-born of all his daughters fair, Hippodamia ; dearly lov'd was ihe By both her parents in her virgin ftate t y For that in beauty fhe furpafVd, in works Ingenious, and in faculties of mind 530 All her cooevals ; wherefore ihe was deem'd Well worthy of the nobleft prince of Troy. Him in that moment, Neptune by the arm Quell'd of Idomeneus, his radiant eyes • Dimming, and fett'ring his proportion'd limbs* 535 All powr of flight or to elude the ftroke Forfook him, and while motionlefs he flood ^s ftands a pillar tall or tow'ring oak, The hero of the Cretans with a fpear Transiix'd his middle cheft. He fplit the mail 540 * Hypfcnor. This leans to be the meaning of \\> y.iyy.^ y an expreifion fimilar to that of myiihenes in a parallel cafe — jfj-j ">m the hoarfe battle to his rapid fleeds A; id his bright chariot in the diftant rear, Which bore him back to Troy, languid and loud- Groaning, and bleeding from his recent wound. 65$ Still raged the war, and infinite arbfe The clamour. Aphareus, Caletor's fon, Turning Book XIII. HQMER's ILIAD, 345 Turning to face ^Eneas, in his throat Inltant the Hero's pointed lance received. With head reclined, and hearing to the ground 660 Buckler and helmet with him, in dark fhades Of foul-divorcing death involved, he fell. Antilochus, observing Thoon turn'd To flight, that moment pierced him ; from his hack He ripp'd the vein which through the trunk its courfe Winds upward to the neck; that vein he ripp'd 666 All forth ; fupine he fell, and with hoth hands Extended to his fellow- warriors, died. Forth fprang Antilochus to itrip his arms, But watch'd, meantime, the Trojans, who in crowds 670 Encircling him, his fplendid huckler broad Smote oft, but none with ruthlefs point prevail'd Ev'n to inferibe the ikin of Neftor's fon, Whom Neptune, iliaker of the iliores, amid Innumerable darts kept frill fecure. 675 Yet never from his foes he ihrank, but faced From fide to fide, nor idle ilept his fpear, But with rotation ceafelefs turn'd and turn'd To ev'ry part, now levell'd at a foe Far-diftant, at a foe, now, near at hand. 680 Nor he, thus occupied, unfeen efcaped By Alius' offspring Adamas, who dole Advancing, ftruck the centre of his fhield. But Neptune azure-haired fo dear a life Denied to Adamas, and render'd vain 685 The weapon ; part within his dilk remain'd Like a feer'd itake, and part fell at his feet. Υ y Then 346 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XIII. Then Adam as, for his own life alarm'd, Retired, but as he went, Meriones Him reaching with his lance, the fhame between 690 And navel pierced him, where the itroke of Mars Proves painful moil to milerable man. There enter'd deep the weapon ; down he fell, And in the dull lay panting as an ox Among the mountains pants by peafants held 695 In twilled bands, and dragg'd perforce along ; So panted dying Adamas, but foon Ceas'd, for Meriones, approaching, pluck'd The weapon forth, and darknefs veil'd his eyes. Helenus, with his heavy Thracian blade 700 Smiting the temples of Deipyrus, DaftYd off his helmet ; from his brows remote It fell, and wand'ring roll'd, 'till at his feet Some warrior found it, and fecured ; meantime The fightlefs fhades of death him wrapp'd around. 705 Grief at that fpe&acle the bofom fuTd Of valiant Menelaus \ high he ihook His radiant fpear, and threat'ning him, advanced On royal Helenus, who ready ilood With his bow bent. They met ; impatient, one, 710 To give his pointed lance its rapid courfe, And one, to ilart his arrow from the nerve. The arrow of the fon of Priam llruck Atrides' hollow corflet, but the reed Glanced wide. As vetches or as fwarthy beans 715 Leap from the van and fly athwart the floor £y iharp winds driv'n, and by the winnower's force, So Book XIII. II Ο Μ Ε Κ ' s ILIA D. J17 So from the corllet of the glorious Greek Wide-wandYing flew the bitter ihaft aw ;iy. But Menelaus the left-hand tranfpierced Of Helenus, and with the lance's point FaftenM it to his bow ; ihiinning a ilroke 720 More fatal, Helenus into his band Retired, his arm dependent at his fide, And trailing, as he went, the allien beam ; 725 There, bold Agenor from his hand the lance Drew forth, then folded it with fofteft wool Around, fling- wool, and borrow'd from the fling Which his attendant into battle, bore. Then fprang Pifander on the glorious Chief 730 The fon of Atreus, but his evil fate Beckon'd him to his death in conflict fierce Oh Menelaus, mighty Chief ! with thee. And now they met, fmall interval between. Atrides hurl'd his w r eapon, and it err'd. 735 Pifander with his fpear {truck full the fliield Of glorious Menelaus, but his force Reiiiled by the ftubborn buckler broad Fail'd to tranfpierce it, and the weapon fell Snapp'd at the neck. Yet, w r hen he itruck, the heart 740 Rebounded of Pifander, full of hope. But Menelaus, drawing his bright blade, Sprang on him, while Pifander from behind His buckler drew a brazen battle-ax By its long haft of poliuYd olive-wood, 745 And both Chiefs itruck together. He the crell That crown'd the fliaggy cafque of Atreus' fon Υ y ζ llcw'd 3 + β HOMER's ILIAD. Book XIII. Hew'd from its bafe, but Menelaus him In his fwift onfet fmote full on the front Above his nofe ; founded the fhatter'd bone, 750 And his eyes both fell bloody at his feet. Convolved with pain he lay ; then, on his breaft Atrides letting fall his heel, tore off His armour, and exulting thus began. So mall ye leave at length the Greecian fleet, 755 Traitors, and never fatisfied with war ! Nor want ye other guilt, dogs and profane ! But me have injured alfo, and defied The hot difpleafure of high-thund'ring Jove The Hofpitable, who fhall waite in time, 760 And level with the duft your lofty Troy. I wrong'd not you, yet bore ye far away My youthful bride who welcom'd you, and ilole My treafures alfo, and ye now are bent To burn Achaia's gallant fleet with fire 765 And ilay her Heroes ; but your furious thirif, Of battle ihall hereafter meet a check. Oh Father Jove ! Thee wifeft we account In heav'n or earth, yet from thyfelf proceed All thefe calamities, who favour ihow'il 770 To this flagitious race the Trojans, ltrong In wickednefs alone, and whofe delight In war and bloodihed never can be cloy'd. All pleafures breed fatiety, fweet ileep, Soft dalliance, mufic, and the graceful dance, 775 Though fought with keener appetite by moil Than bloody war ; but Troy Itill covets blood. So Book XIII. II Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. 349 So fpake the royal Chief, and to his friends Pifander's gory fpoils configning, flew To mingle in the foremoft fight again. 780 Him, next, Harpalion, offspring of the King Pylaemenes alTail'd ; to Troy he came Following his fire, but never thence return'd. He, from fmall diftance, fmote the central bofs Of Menelaus' buckler with his lance, 785 But wanting pow'r to pierce it, with an eye Of cautious circumfpec~tion, left perchance Some fpear ihould reach him, to his band retired. But him retiring with a brazen ihaft Meriones purfued ; fwift flew the dart 790 To his right buttock, flipp'd beneath the bone, His bladder grazed and itarted through before. There ended his retreat ; fudden he fank And like a worm lay on the ground, his life Exhaling in his fellow-warriors arms, 795 And with his fable blood foaking the plain. Around him flock'd his Paphlagonians bold, And in his chariot placed drove him to Trov, With whom his father went, mourning with tears A ion, whofe death he never faw avenged. 800 Him ilain with indignation Paris view'd, For he, with num'rous Paphlagonians more His gueft had been ; he, therefore, in the thirft Of vengeance, fent a brazen arrow forth. There was a certain Greek, Euchenor, for* 805 Of Poly ides the foothfayer, rich And brave in fight, and who in Corinth dwelt. He. HOMER's ILIAD. Book XIII. He, knowing well his fate, yet fail'd to Troy. For Polyides oft, his reverend fire, Had prophecied that he fhould either die 810 By fome dire malady at home, or, llain By Trojan hands, amid the fleet of Greece. He, therefore, ihunning the reproach alike Of the Achaians, and that dire difeafe Had join'd the Greecian hoft ; him Paris pierced 8 re; The ear and jaw beneath ; life at the flroke Left him, and darknefs overfpread his eyes. So raged the battle like devouring fire» But Heolor dear to Jove not yet had learn'd, . Nor aught furmifed the havoc of his hoft 820 Made on the left, where vicYry crown'd well-nigh The Greecians animated to the fight By Neptune feconding himfelf their arms. He, where he firft had ilarted through the gate After difperfion of the fhielded Greeks 825 Compact, ftill per fevered. The galleys there Of Ajax and Proteiilaus flood Updrawn above the hoary Deep ; the wall Was there of humbleft ltrudture, and the fteeds And warriors there conflicted furious moit. 830 Th' Epeans there and * laonians robed- Prolix, the t Phthians, Locrians, and the bold L'ceotians check'd the terrible aiiault * The laonians were a difiimfl people from the lonians, and according to the Scho- lium, feparated from them by a pillar bearing on oppofitc fides the name of each. See Barnes. See alfo Villoiflbn. f The people of Achilles were properly called the Phthiotae ; whereas the Phthians ;• lged to Proteulam and PhilucU-r. Sc -ς Euftathiuf, as quoted by Clarke. Of Book XIII. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. 351 Of Hector, noble Chief, ardent as flame, Yet not repulfed him. Chos'n Athenians form'd 835 The van, by Peteos' fon, Meneftheus led, Whofe high command undaunted Bias ihared, Phidas and Stichius. The Epean hoil Under Amphion, Dracius, Meges, fought. Podarces brave in arms the Phthians ruled, 840 And Medon (Medon was by fpurious birth Brother of Ajax O'iliades, And for his uncle's death, whom he had ilain> The brother of O'ileus' wife, abode In Phylace ; but from Iphiclus fprang 845 Podarces ;) thefe, all ftation'd in the front Of Phthias' hardy fons, together ilrove With the Boeotians for the fleet's defence. Ajax the fwift fwerved never from the fide Of Ajax fon of Telamon a ilep, 850 But as in fome deep fallow two black fleers Labour combined, dragging the pond'rous plow, The briny fweat around their rooted horns Oozes profufe ; they, parted as they toil Along the furrow, by the yoke alone, 855 Cleave to its bottom iheer the ilubborn glebe, So, iide by fide, they, perfevering fought. The fon of Telamon a people led Num'rous and bold, who, when his bulky limbs Faifd overlabour'd, eafed him of his ihield. 860 Not fo attended by his Locrians fought O'ileus' valiant fon ; pitch'd battle them Suited not, unprovided with bright cafques Of HOMER'S I.L'I A Ρ Book XIII. Of hairy creft, λ\ itk allien fpcars, and fhields Of ample orb; for, trolling in the bow 865 And twitted fling alone, they came to Troy, And broke with iliafts and volley'd ftones the ranks. Thus occupying, clad in burnifrfd arms, The van, thefe Two with Hector and his hoil Conflicted, while the Locrians from behind 870 Vex'd them with iliafts, fecure ; nor could the men Of Ilium ftand, by fuch a fhow'r confufed. Then, driven with dreadful havoc thence, the foe To wind-fwept Ilium had again retired, Had not Polydamas, at Hector's fide 875 Standing, the dauntlefs Hero thus addrefs'd. Hector ! Thou ne'er canft liften to advice ; But think'ft thou, that if heav'n in feats of arms Give thee pre-eminence, thou muft- excel Therefore in council alio all mankind ? 880 No. All-fufficiency is not for thee. To one, fuperior force in arms is giv'n, Skill, to another, in the graceful dance, Sweet long and pow'rs of mufic to a third, And to a fourth loud-thund'ring Jove imparts 885 Wifdom, which profits many, and which faves Whole cities oft, though rev'renced but by few. Yet hear ; I fpeak as wifeil feems to me. War, like a fiery circle, all around Environ- thee; the Trojans, fmce they pafs'd 890 The bulwark, cither hold themfelves aloof, Or, wide-difpers'd among the galleys, cope With numbers far fuperior to their own. , Retiring, Boor XIII, Π Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIA D. 353 Retiring, therefore, fummon all our Chiefs To confultation on the fum of all, 895 Whether (iliould heav'n fo profper us) to rnili Impetuous on the gallant barks of Greece, Or to retreat fecure *> for much I dread Left the Achaians punctually refund All yefterday's arrear, ilnce yonder * Chief 900 Infatiable with battle it ill abides Within the fleet, nor longer, as I judge, Will rett a mere fpectator of the field. . So fpake Poly dam as, whofe fate advice Pleas'd Hector ; from his chariot down he leap'd 905 All arm'd, and in wing'd accents thus replied. Polydamas ! here gather all the Chiefs ; I ha lie into the fight, and my commands Once iftued there, incontinent return. He ended, and confpicuous as the height 910 Of fome mow-creited mountain, ihouting ranged The Trojans and confederates of Troy. They fwift around Polydamas, brave fon Of Panthus, at the voice of Hector, ran. Himfelf with haily ftrides the front, meantime, 915 Of battle roam'd, feeking from rank to rank Afius Hyrtacides, with Aims' fon Adamas, and Deiphobus, and the might Of Helenus, his royal brother bold. Them neither altogether free from hurt 920 He found, nor living all. Beneath the items Of the Achaian ihips fome ilaughter'd lay * Achilles. Ζ ζ By 3SA . Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. Book XIIT. By Greecian hands ; fome itricken by the fpear Within the rampart, fat, fome by the fword. But leftward of the woeful field he found, 925 Ere long, bright Helen's paramour his band Exhorting to the fight. Hector approach'd, And him, in fierce difpleafure, thus befpake. Curit Paris, fpecious, fraudulent and lewd ! Where is Deiphobus, and where the might 930 Of royal Helenus ? Where Adamas Offspring of Aims, and where Afius, fon Of Hyrtacus, and where Othryoneus ? Now lofty Ilium from her topmoil height Falls headlong, now is thy own ruin fure. 935 To whom the Godlike Paris thus replied. Since, Hector ! thou art pleafed with no juft caufe To cenfure me, I may decline, perchance, Much more the battle on fome future day, For I profefs fome courage, even I. 940 Witnefs our conitant conflict with the Greeks Here, on this fpot, iince firft led on by thee The holt of Troy waged battle at the ihips. But thofe our friends of whom thou hail enquired Are llain, Deiphobus alone except 945 And royal Helenus, who in the hand i-car each a wound inflicted by the fpear, And have retired ; but Jove their life preferved. Come now — conduct us whither moil thine heart Prompts thee, and thou ihalt find us ardent all 950 To face like danger; what we can, we will. The bill and moil determined can no more. So BookXIIL HOMER's ILIAD. 355 So faying, the Hero footh'd his brother's mind. Then moved they both toward the hotter!: war Together, where Polydamas the brave, 955 Phalces, Cebriones, Orthaeus fought, Palmy s and Polyphoetes, godlike Chief, And Morys and Afcanius, gallant fons Both of Hippotion. They at Troy arrived From fair Afcania the preceding morn, 960 *In recompence for aid by Priam lent Erewhile to Phrygia, and, by Jove impelled, Now waged the furious battle fide by fide. ■The march of thefe at once, was as the found Of mighty winds from deep-hung thunder-clouds 965 Defcending ; clamorous the blail and wild With ocean mingles ; many a billow, then, Upridg'd rides turbulent the founding flood, Foam-creiled, billow after billow driv'n, So moved the hoft of Troy, rank after rank 970 Behind their Chiefs,, all dazzling-bright in arms. Before them Priameian Hector ilrode Fierce as gore-tainted Mars, and his broad ihield Advancing came, heavy with hides, and thick- Plated with brafs ; his helmet on his brows 975 Refulgent fhook, and in its turn he tried The force of ev'ry phalanx, if perchance Behind his broad ihield pacing he might ihakc Their ftedfail order ; but he bore not down * This, according to Euftathius, is the import of άμοιβο). Sec Iliad 3 — in which rriam relates an expedition of his into that country. Ζ z a The 356 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XIII. The fpirit of the firm Achaian hoft. 980 Then Ajax funding forth, him, firft, defied. Approach. Why tempted thou the Greeks to fear? No bahes are we in aught that appertains To arms, though humbled by the fcourge of Jove. Thou cherifhed the foolifh hope to burn 985 Our fleet with fire ; but even we have hearts Prepared to guard it, and your populous Troy, By us difmantled and to pillage giv'n, Shall perifh fooner far. Know this thyfelf Alfo ; the hour is nigh when thou ihalt aik 990 In pray'r to Jove and all the Gods of heav'n, That fpeed more rapid than the falcon's flight May wing thy couriers, while, exciting denfe The dufty plain, they whirl thee back to Troy. While thus he fpake, fublime on the right-hand 995 An eagle foar'd ; confident in the fign The whole Achaian hod with loud acclaim ί Iail\l it. Then glorious Heolor thus replied. Brainlefs and big, what means this boad of thine, Earth-cumb'rer Ajax ? Would I were the fon 100c As fare, for ever, of almighty Jove And Juno, and fuch honour might receive Henceforth as Pallas and Apollo ill are, As comes this day with iiniverfal woe Fraught for the Greecians, among whom thyfelf 1 00 ς Shalt alio perifh if thou dare abide My mafly fpear, which fliall thy pampcr'd flefh Disfigure, and amid the barks of Greece Falling, thou fhalt the vultures with thy bulk Enormous Book XIII. HOMER's ILIAD. 3S7 Enormous initiate, and the dogs of Troy. 1010 He fpake, and led his hoft ; with clamour loud They folio w'd him, and all the diitant rear Came (homing on. On the other fide the Greeks Re-echoed fhout for fhout, all undifmay'd, And waiting firm the hraveft of their foes. 1015 Upwent the double roar into the heights Ethereal, and among the beams of Jove. ARGU- ARGUMENT OF Τ Η Π FOURTEENTH BOOK. Agamemnon and the other wounded Chiefs taking Neftor with them, vifit the battle. Juno having borrowed the Ceftus of Venus, firft engages the ailiitance of ileep, then haftes to Ida to inveigle Jove. She prevails. Jove ileeps ; and Neptune takes that oppor- tunity to fuccour the Greecians. BOOK XIV. NOR was that cry by Neftor unperceived Though drinking, who in words wing'd with furprize The fon of iEfculapius thus addrefs'd. Divine Machaon ! think what this may bode. The cry of our young warriors at the fhips 5 Grows louder ; fitting here, the fable w T ine Quaff thou, while bright-hair'd Hecamede warms Λ bath, to cleanfe thy crimfon ilains away. I from yon eminence will learn the canfe. So faying, he took a iliield radiant with brafs 10 There lying in the tent, the fhield well-forged Of valiant Thrafymedes, his own fon, (For he had borne to fight his father's iliield) And arming next his hand with a keen lance Stood forth before the tent. Thence foon he faw ι ς Foul Book XIV. HOMER's ILIAD. 3S9 Foul deeds and ftrange, the Greecian hoil confufed, Their broken ranks flying before the hoft Of Ilium, and the rampart overthrown. As when the wide fea, darken'd over all Its filent flood, forebodes ilirill winds to blow, 20 The doubtful waves roll yet to neither fide, 'Till fwept at length by a decifive gale, So itood the fenior, with diftrefsful doubts Conflicting anxious, whether firil to feek The Greecian hoft, or Agamemnon's felf 25 The fov'reign, and at length that courfe preferred. Meantime with mutual carnage they the field Spread far and wide, and by fpears double-edg'd Smitten, and by the fword their corflets rang. The royal Chiefs afcending from the fleet, 30 UlyfTes, Diomede, and Atreus' fon Imperial Agamemnon, who had each Bled in the battle, met him on his way. For from the war remote they had updrawn Their galleys on the fhore of the gray Deep, 35 The fore moil to the plain, and at the Herns Of that exterior line had built the wall. For, fpacious though it were, the fhore alone That fleet fufflced not, incommoding much The people ; wherefore they had ranged the ihips 40 Line above line gradual, and the bay Between both promontories, all was filFd. They, therefore, curious to furvey the fight, Came forth together, leaning on the fpear, When Neftor met them ; heavy were their hearts, 45 And OMER'i ILIAD. KIV. And at the fight of Him ilill more alarm'd, Whom royal Agamemnon thus befpake. Neleian Neftor, glory of the Greeks ! What moved thee to forfake yon bloody field, And urged thee hither? Caufe I fee of fear, 50 \ furious Hector even now his threat Among the Trojans publiiliM, verify, That he would never enter Ilium more 'Till he had burn'd our fleet, and llain ourfelves. So threaten'd Hector, and ihall now perform. 55 Alas ! alas I th' Achaians brazen-greaved All, like Achilles, have deferted me Refentful, and decline their fleet's defence. To whom Gerenian Neftor thus replied. Thofe threats are verified; nor Jove himfelf 60 The Thunderer can difappoint them now; For our chief ftrength in which we trufted moil That it iliould guard impregnably fecure Our navy and ourfelves, the wall hath fall'n. Hence all this conflict by our hoft fuftain'd 65 Among the mips ; nor could thy keeneit fight Inform thee where in the Achaian camp Confufion moll: prevails, fuch deaths are dealt Promifcuous, and the cry afcends to heav'n, Put come — confult we on the fum of all, 70 If counii-1 yet may profit. As for you, Ye ill all have exhortation none from me To feck the fight ; the wounded have excufe. Whom Agamemnon anfwer'd, King of men. Ah Neftor ! if beneath our very fterns 75 The Book XIV. Η Ο Μ Ε R*a ILIAD, ') ι The battle rage, if neither trench nor wall Conftructed with luch labour, and iuppofed Of ftrength to guard impregnably fecure Our navy and ourfelvcs, avail us aught, It is bccaufe almighty Jove hath wilFd 80 That the Achaian hoft ihould periih here Inglorious, from their country far remote. When he vouchfafed aififtance to the Greeks, I knew it well ; and now, not lefs I know That high as the immortal Gods he lifts 85 Our foes to glory, and deprefTes us. Hafte therefore all, and act as I advife. Our (hips — all thofe that nearer! fkirt the Deep, Launch we into the facred flood, and moor With anchors fafely, 'till o'erfhadowing night 90 (If night itfelf may fave us) (hall arrive. Then may we launch the reft ; for I no fhame Account it, ev'n by 'vantage of the night To fly deftrudtion. Wifer him I deem Who 'fcapes his foe, than whom his foe enthralls. 9 ς But him UlyfTes, frowning item, reproved. What word, Atrides, now hath pafs'd thy lips ? Counfellor of defpair ! thou fhould'ft command (And would to heav'n thou didft) a difPrent hoit, Some daftard race, not ours ; whom Jove ordains 100 From youth to hoary age to weave the weh Of toilfome warfare, 'till we periih all. , Wilt thou the fpacious city thus renounce For which fuch num'rous woes we have endured r Huih ! left fome other hear ; it is a word ι ο ς 3 A Which MOMER's ILIAD. Book XIV. Which no man qualified by years mature To fpeak difcreetly, no man bearing rule O'er iuch a people as confefs thy fway, Should iuffer to contaminate his lips. I from my foul condemn thee, and condemn no Thy counfel, who perfuad'if. us in the heat Of battle terrible as this, to launch Our fleet into the waves, that we may give Our too fuccefsful foes their full defire, And that our own preponderating fcale 1 15 May plunge us pail all hope; for while they draw Their galleys down, the Greecians ihall but ill Suftain the fight, feaward will cait their eyes And ihun the battle, bent on flight alone. Then fhall they rue thy counfel, King of men ! 120 To w r hom th' imperial leader of the Greeks• Thy iharp reproof, Uly fifes, hath my foul Pierced deeply. Yet I gave no fuch command That the Achaians fhould their galleys launch, Would they, or would they not. No. I defire 125 That, young or old, ibme other may advice More prudent give, and he fhall pleafe me well. Then thus the gallant Diomede replied. That man is near, and may ye but be found Tractable, our enquiry fhall be fhort. 130 patient each, nor chide me or reproach Becaufe I am of greener years than ye, For I am fprung from an illuitrious Sire, From Tydeus, who beneath his hill of earth Lies now entomb'd at Thebes. Three noble fons 135 Were Book XIV, II Ο Μ Ε R's ILIA D. • Were born to Porthcus, who in Pleuro dwelt, And on the heights of Calydon ; the firft Agrius ; the fecond Melas ; and the third Brave Ocneus, father of my father, famed For virtuous qualities above the reft. 140 Oeneus ilill dwelt at home ; but wand'ring thence, My father dwelt in Argos ; fo the will Of Jove appointed, and of all the Gods. There he efpoufed the daughter of the King Adraftus, occupied a maniion rich 145 In all abundance ; many a field poffeiVd Of wheat, well-planted gardens, num'rous flocks, And was expert in fpearmanihip efteem'd Pail all the Greecians. I eileemed it right That ye ihoiild hear thefe things, for they are true. 150 Ye will not, therefore, as I were obfcure And of ignoble origin, reject What I fhall well advife. Expedience bids That, wounded as we are, we join the hoft. We will preferve due diftance from the range 155 Of fpears and arrows, left, already gall'd, We fuffer worfc ; but we will others urge To combat, who have flood too long aloof, Attentive only to their own repofe. He fpake, whom all approval, and forth they went, Imperial Agamemnon at their head. τ 6 l Nor watch'd the glorious Shaker of the ihores In vain, but like a man time-worn approach^, And, feizing Agamemnon's better hand, In accents wing'd the monarch thus addrefVd. ιύ; 3 Λ 2 Atlidcs ! ^ 4 Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s I L I A D. Book XIV. Atrides ! now exults the vengeful heart Of fierce Achilles, viewing at his eafe The flight and ilaughter of Achaia's hoft; For he is mad, and let him periih fuch, And may his portion from the Gods be ihame ! 170 But as for thee, not yet the pow'rs of heav'n Thee hate implacable ; the Chiefs of Troy Shall cover yet with cloudy duft the breadth Of all the plain, and backward from the camp To Ilium's gates thyfelf (halt fee them driv'n. 175 He ceafed, and ihouting travers'd fwift the field. Loud as nine thoufand or ten thoufand iliout In furious battle mingled, Neptune fent His voice abroad, force irrefiftible Infufing into ev'ry Greecian heart, 180 And thirft of battle not to be afTuaged. But Juno of the golden throne flood forth. On the Olympian fummit, viewing thence The field, where clear diftinguifhing the God Of ocean, her own brother, fole engaged 185 Amid the glorious battle, glad was ihe. Seeing Jove alfo on the topmotl point Of fpring-fed Ida feated, flic conceived Hatred againft him, and thenceforth began Deliberate, how beil fhe might deceive 190 The Thunderer, and thus at laft refolved ; Attired with ikill ccleilial to defcend On Ida, with the hope to allure him firft Won by her beauty to a fond embrace, -Then doling fail in balmy llcep profound 195 His Book XlV. Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s I L I A D. 3 6$ His eyes, to elude his vigilance, fecure. She fought her chamber ; Vulcan her own foil That chamber built. He framed the folid doors, And to the potts fait clofed them with a key Myfterious, which, herfelf except, in heav'n 200 None underilood. Entering fhe fecured The fplendid portal. Firit, ihe laved all o'er Her beauteous body with ambroiial lymph, Then, polifh'd it with richeil oil divine Of boundlefs fragrance ; oil that in the courts 205 Eternal only ihaken, through the ikies Breathed odours, and through all the diftant earth. Her whole fair body with thofe fweets bedew'd, She pafs'd the comb through her ambroiial hair, And braided her bright locks ftreaming profufe 210 From her immortal brows ; with golden ftuds She made her gorgeous mantle fail before, Ethereal texture, labour of the hands Of Pallas, beautified with various art, And braced it with a zone fringed all around 215 An hundred fold ; her pendents triple-gemm'd Luminous, graceful, in her ears ilie hung, And cov'ring all her glories with a veil Sun-bright, new-woven, bound to her fair feet Her fandals elegant. Thus, full attired 220 In all her ornaments, lhe iiTued forth, And beck'ning Venus from the other pow'rs Of heav'n apart, the Goddefs thus befpake. Daughter belov'd ! Shall I obtain my fuit, Or wilt thou thwart me, angry that I aid 225 The 3 66 Η Ο Μ Ε R * s ILIAD. Book XIV. The Greedans, while thine aid is giv'n to Troy ? To whom Jove's daughter Venus thus replied. What would majeftic Juno, daughter dread Of Saturn, fire of Jove ; I feel a mind Difpofed to gratify thee, if thou aik 230 Things poffible, and pofllble to me. Then thus with wiles veiling her deep defign Imperial Juno. Give me thofe defires, That love-enkindling pow'r by which thou fway'ft Immortal hearts, and mortal, all alike. 235 For to the green earth's utmoil bounds I go, To vifit there the parent of the Gods, Oceanus, and Tethys his efpoufed, Mother of all. They kindly from the hands Of Rhea took, and with parental care 240 Suftain'd and cherifh'd me, what time from heav'n The Thund'rer huiTd down Saturn, and beneath The earth fail bound him and the barren Deep. Them go I now to vifit, and their feuds Innumerable to compofe ; for long 245 They have from conjugal embrace abftain'd Through mutual wrath, whom by perfuafive fpeech Might I reftore into each others' arms, They would for ever love me and revere. Her, foam-born Venus then, Goddefs of fmiles, 250 Thus anfwer'd. Thy requeit, who in the arms Of Jove repofeJt the omnipotent, Nor juft it were nor feemly to refufc. So faying, the cincture from her breaft fhe loos'd Embroidered, various, her all-charming zone. 255 It Book XIV. Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s I L I A D. 367 It was an ambuih of fweet fnares, replete With love, deiirc, foft intercourfe of hearts, And raufic of refiillefs whifper'd founds That from the wifeit ileal their beil refolves ; She placed it in her hands and thus ihe faid. 260 Take this — this girdle fraught with ev'ry charm. Hide this within thy bofom, and return, Whate'er thy purpofe, miftrefs of it all. She fpake ; imperial Juno fmiled, and ilill Smiling complacent, bofom'd fafe the zone. 265 Then Venus to her father's courts returned, And Juno, ilarting from th' Olympian height, O'erflew Pieria and the lovely plains Of broad Emathia ; foaring thence lire fwept The fnow-clad iummits of the Thracian hills 270 Steed-famed, nor printed, as fhe pafs'd, the foil. From Athos o'er the foaming billows borne She came to Lemnos, city and abode Of noble Thoas, and there meeting Sleep, Brother of Death, fhe prefs'd his hand, and faid, 275 Sleep, over all, both Gods and men, fupreme ! If ever thou haft heard, hear alfo now My fuit ; I will be grateful evermore. Seal for me fail the radiant eyes of Jove In th'inilant of his gratified deiire. 280 Thy recompence fhall be a throne of gold, Bright, incorruptible ; my limping fon, Vulcan, fhall faihion it himfelf with art Laborious, and, beneath, fhall place a ilool For thy fair feet, at the convivial board. 285 Then IIOMER's ILIAD. Book XIV. J Then anfwer thus the tranquil Sleep return'd. Great Saturn's daughter, awe-infpiring queen ! All other of the everlafting Gods I could with eafe make ilumber, ev'n the ftreams Of Ocean, Sire of all. Not fo the King 290 The fon of .Saturn ; him, unlefs himfelf Give me command, I dare not lull to reft, Or ev'n approach him, taught as I have been Already in the fchool of thy commands That wifdom. I forget not yet the day 395 When, Troy laid wafte, that valiant fon * of his Sail'd homeward : then my influence I diffufed Soft o'er the fov'reign intellect of Jove ; While thou, againft the Hero plotting harm, Didft roufe the billows with tempeftuous blafts, 300 And ieparating him from all his friends Brought/ft him to pop'lous Cos. Then Jove awoke, And, hurling in his wrath the Gods about, Sought chiefly me, whom far below all ken He had from heav'n call down into the Deep, 305 But Night, refiitlefs vanquiiher of all, Both Gods and men, preferv'd me ; for to her I fled for refuge. So the Thund'rer cool'd, Though fore difpleafed, and lpared me through a fear To violate the peaceful fway of Night. 310 And thou wouldft now embroil me yet again ! To whom majeftic Juno thus replied. Ah, wherefore, Sleep ! ihould'it thou indulge a fear >undlefs ? Chafe it from thy mind afar. Hercules, Think'il Book XIV, Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. 369 Think'ft tho\i the Thund'rer as intent to ferve 315 The Trojans, and as jealous in their caufe As erft for Hercules, his genuine Ton ? Come then, a*nd I will blels thee with a bride ; One of the younger Graces ihall be thine, Pafithea, day by day Hill thy deiire. 320 She ipake ; Sleep heard delighted, and replied. By the inviolable Stygian flood Swear to me ; lay thy right hand on the glebe All-teeming, lay thy other on the face Of the flat fea, that all the Immortal pow'rs 325 Who compafs Saturn in the nether realms May witnefs, that thou giv'il me for a bride The younger Grace whom thou hail named, divine Pafithea, day by day itill my defire. He faid, nor beauteous Juno not complied, 330 But fware, by name invoking all the pow'rs Titanian call'd, w r ho in the loweft gulph Dwell under Tartarus, omitting none. Her oath with folemn ceremonial fworn, Together forth they went ; Lemnos they left 335 And Imbrus, city of Thrace, and in dark clouds Mantled, with gliding eafe fwam through the air To Ida's mount with rilling waters vein'd, Parent of favage hearts ; at Lectos * firft They quitted Ocean, overpaying high 340 The dry land, while beneath their feet the woods Their fpiry fummits wavedi There, unperceived By Jove, Sleep mounted Ida's loftier! pine * One of the heads of Id.i. ς Β Of 370 HOMER's ILIA D. Book XIV. Of growth that pierced the iky, and hidden fat Secure by its expanded boughs, the bird 345 Shrill-voiced refembling in the mountains feen, Chalcis in heav'n, on earth Cymindis named. But Juno fwift to Gargarus the top Of Ida, foarYI, and there Jove law his fpoufe. — Saw her — and in his breaft the fame love felt 350 Rekindled vehement, which had of old Joined them, when, by their parents unperceived, They ilole afide, and fnatch'd their firft embrace. Soon he accofted her, and thus enquired. Juno ! what region feeking haft thou left 355 Th' Olympian fummir, and haft here arrived With neither fteed nor chariot in thy train ? To whom majeftic Juno thus replied DifTembling. . To the green earth's end I go, To viiit there the parent of the Gods 360 Oceanus, and Tethys his efpoufed, Mother of all. They kindly from the hands Of PJiea took, and with parental care Suftaiird and cheriih'd me ; to them I hafte Their feuds innumerable to compofe, 36 ς Who difunited by inteftine ftrife Long time, from conjugal embrace abftain. My fteeds, that lightly over dank and dry Shall bear me, at the rooted bale I left Of Ida river-vein'd. But for thy fake ' 370 From the Olympian fummit I arrive, Left journeying remote to the abode Of Ocean, and with no confent of thine Entreated ζ XIV". il Ο El's I L Ι Λ Π. Entreated firft, I fhould, perchance, offend. To whom the cloud-arTembler God replied. 3^5 Juno ! thy journey thither may be made Hereafter. Let us turn to dalliance now. For never Goddefs pour'd, nor woman yet So full a tide of love into my bread ; I never lov'd Ixion's contort thus 380 Who bore Pirithous, wife as we in heav'n ; Nor fweet Acrifian Dan'ae, from whom Sprang Perfeus, nobleit of the race of man ; Nor Phcenix' daughter fair *, of whom were born Minos unmatch'd but by the pow'rs above, 385 And Rhadamanthus ; nor yet Semele, Nor yet Alcmena, who in Thebes produe'd The valiant Hercules ; and though my fon By Semele were Bacchus, joy of man ; Nor Ceres golden-hair'd, nor high-enthroned 390 Latona in the ikies, no — nor thyfelf As now I love thee, and my foul perceive O'erwhelm'd with fweetnefs of intenfe deiire. Then thus majeftic Juno her reply Framed artful. Oh unreafonable hafte ! 395 What fpeaks the Thund'rer ? If on Ida's heights Where all is open and to view expofed Thou wilt that we embrace, what mult betide, Should any of the everlafting Gods Obferve us, and declare it to the reit ? 400 Never could I, ariling, feek again Thy manfion, ib unfeemly were the deed. ' Europa. ς Β 2 Bur 37* HOMER's ILIAD. Book XIV. But if thy inclinations that way tend, Thou haft a chamber ; it is Vulcan's work Our fon's ; he framed and fitted to its pofts 405 The folid portal ; thither let us hie, And there repofe, iince fuch thy pleafure feems. To whom the cloud-afTembler Deity. Fear thou not, Juno, left the eye of Man Or of a God difcern us; at my word 410 A golden cloud fhall fold us fo around, That not the fun himfelf fhall through that veil Difcover aught, though keeneft-eyed of all. So fpake the fon of Saturn, and his fpoufe Faft lock'd within his arms. Beneath them earth 415 With fudden herbage teemed ; at once upfprang The crocus foft, the lotus bathed in dew, And the crifp hyacinth with cluft'ring bells ; Thick was their growth, and high above the ground Upbore them. On that flow'ry couch they lay, 420 Inverted with a golden cloud that ilied Bright dew-drops all around. His heart at eafe, There lay the Sire of all, by fleep and love Vanquifh'd on lofty Gargarus, his fpoufe Conftraining ftill with amorous embrace. 425 Then, gentle Sleep to the Achaian camp Sped iwift away, with tidings for the ear Of earth-encircler Neptune charged ; him foon He found, and in wing'd accents thus began. Now Neptune, yield the Greeks effectual aid, 430 And, while the moment lafts of Jove's repofe, Make vicYry theirs ; for him in ilnmbers foft ΐ have Book XIV. Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. 373 I have involved, while Juno hy deceit Prevailing, lured him with the bait of love. He laid, and fwift departed to his taik 435 Among the nations ; but his tidings urged Neptune with ltill more ardour to aiiiil The Dana'i ; he leap'd into the van Afar, and thus exhorted them aloud. Oh Argives ! yield we yet again the day 440 To Priameian Hector ? Shall he feize Our ihips, and make the glory all his own ? Such is his expectation, fo he vaunts, For that Achilles leaves not yet his camp, Refentful ; but of him fmall need, I judge, 445 Should here be felt, could once the reft be roufed To mutual aid. Ac!:, then, as I advife. The beft and broadeft bucklers of the hoft, And brighter!: helmets put we on> and, arm'd With longeil fpears, advance; myfelf will lead ; 45c And truft me, furious though he be, the fon Of Priam flies. Ye then who feel your hearts Undaunted, but are arm'd with fmaller ihields, Them give to thofe who fear, and in exchange Their ftronger ihields and broader take yourfelves. 455 So he, whom, unreluetant, all obey'd. Then, wounded as they were> themfelves the Kings, Tydides, Agamemnon and 'UlyfTes Marfliall'd the warriors, and from rank to rank Made juft exchange of arms, giving the beft 400 To the beft warriors, to the worfe, the worft. And now in brazen armour all array'd refulgent, , 7 , Η Ο Μ Ε R*s I L Ι Λ J"). Book XIV. Refulgent, on they moved, by Neptune led With firm hand grafting his long-bladed fword Keen as Jove's bolt; with Him may none contend 40 ς In dreadful fight; but fear chains evYy arm. Oppofite, Priameian He&or ranged His Trojans ; then they ftretch'd the bloody cord Of conrlicl: tight, Neptune cjerulean-hair'd, And Hector, pride of Ilium; one, the Greeks 470 Supporting firm, and one, the pow'rs of Troy ; A fea-flood dauYd the galleys, and the holts Join'd clamorous. Not fo the billows roar The ihores among, when Boreas' rougher!: blaft Sweeps landward from the main the tow'ring furge ; 475 Not fo, devouring fire among the trees That clothe the mountain, when the iheeted flames Afcending wrap the fore ft in a blaze ; Nor howl the winds through leafy bouo;hs of oaks Upgrown aloft, (though loudeft there they rave) 480 With founds fo awful as were heard of Greeks And Trojans ihouting when the claili began. At Ajax firit, (for face to face they flood) llluftrious Hector threw a fpear well-aimed, But fmote him where the belts that bore his fhield 485 And faulchion crofs'd each other on his brcaft. The double guard preferv'd him unannoy'd. Indignant that his fpear had bootlefs flown, "N et learing death at hand, the Trojan Chief Coward the phalanx of his friends retired. 490 but, as he went, huge Ajax with a ftone Of thofe which propp'd the lliips (for numerous fuch Lay Book XIV. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. 375 Lay rolling at the feet of thofe who fought) AfTail'd him. Twirling like a top it pafs'd The fhield of Hector, near the neck his breaft 495 Struck full, then plow'd circuitous the duft. As when Jove's arm omnipotent an oak Proilrates uprooted on the plain, a fume Rifes fulphureous from the riven trunk, And if, perchance, fome trav'ler nigh at hand 500 See it, he trembles at the bolt of Jove, So fell the might of He&or, to the earth Smitten at once. Down dropp'd his idle fpear, And with his helmet and his ihield himfelf Alfo; loud thunderVl all his gorgeous arms. 505 Swift flew the Greecians ihouting to the ikies, And fhow'ring darts, to drag his body thence, But neither fpear of theirs nor ihaft could harm The fallen leader, with fuch inilant aid His princely friends encircled him around, 510 Sarpedon, Lycian Chief, Glaucus the brave, Polydamas, iEneas, and renown'd Agenor; neither tardy were the reft, But with round fhields all fhelter'd Hector fall'n. Ilim foon uplifted from the plain his friends 515 Bore thence, 'till where his fiery courfers lfood, And fplendid chariot in the rear, they came, Then Troy-ward drove him groaning as he went. Ere long arriving at the pleafant ftream Of eddied Xanthus, progeny of Jove, 520 They lay'd him on the bank, and on his face Poured watery he, reviving, upward gazed, And Η Ο Μ Η R 's ILIA I). Book XIV. And feated on his hams black blood diigorged Coagulate, but ibon relapilng, fell Supine, his eyes with pitchy darknefs veil'd, 525 And all his pow'rs ftili torpid by the blow. Then, feeing Hector borne away, the Greeks Rufh'd fiercer on, all mindful of the fight, And far before the reft, Ajax the fwift, The O'ilean Chief, with pointed fpear 530 On Satnius fpringing, pierced him. Him a nymph A Naiad, bore to Enops, while his herd Feeding, on Satnio's graffy verge he ftray'd. But Oiliades the fpear-renown'd Approaching, pierced his flank ; fupine he fell, 535 And fiery conteft for the dead arofe. In vengeance of his fall, fpear- making Chief The fon of Panthus into fight advanced Poly dam as, who Prothoenor pierced Offspring of Areilocus, and urged 540 Through his right ihoulder iheer the ftormy lance. He, proftrate, clench'd the duft, and with loud voice Polvdamas exulted at his fall. Yon fpear, methinks, huiTd from the warlike hand Of Panthus' noble fon, flew not in vain, 545 Hut fome Greek hath it, purpofing, I judge, To lean on it in his defcent to Hell. So he, whole vaunt the Greeks indignant heard, But moll indignant, Ajax, offspring bold Of Telamon, to whom he neareft fell. 550 He, quick, at the retiring conqifrer caft Hi radiant fpear; Polydamas the ftroke Shunn'd Book XIV. IlOMER's ILIAD. Shunn'd, itarting fideward ; but Antenor's fon Archilochus the mortal dint received, Death-deftin'd by the Gods; where neck and fpine 555 Unite, both tendons he difTever'd wide, And, ere his knees, his noilrils met the ground. Then Ajax in his turn vaunting aloud Againit. renown'd Polydamas, exclaim'd. Speak now the truth, Polydamas, and weigh 560 My queftion well. His life whom I have {lain Makes it not compenfation for the lofs Of Prothoenor's life ? To me he feems Nor bafe himfelf, nor yet of bafe defcent, But brother of Antenor fteed-renown'd, 565 Or elfe perchance his foil ; for in my eyes Antenor's lineage he refembles moit. So he, well knowing him, and forrow feiz'd Each Trojan heart. Then Acamas around His brother {talking, wounded with his fpear 570 Boeotian Promachus, who by the feet Dragg'd off the {lain. Acamas in his fall Aloud exulted with a boundlefs joy. Vain-glorious Argives, archers inexpert ! War's toil and trouble are not ours alone, 575 But ye iliall periih alfo ; mark the man — How found he ileeps tamed by my conqu'ring arm, Your fellow-warrior Promachus ! the debt Of vengeance on my brother's dear behalf Demanded quick difcharge ; well may the wiili 580 Of ev'ry dying warrior be to leave A brother living to avenge his fall. 3 G He 37 8 HOMER's ILIAD, Book XIV, He ended, whom the Greeks indignant heard, But chiefly brave Peneleus ; fwift he ruhYd On Acamas; but from before the force 585 Of King Peneleus Acamas retired, And, in his ilead, Ilioneus he pierced, Offspring of Phorbas rich in flocks, and blefl By Mercury with fuch abundant wealth As other Trojan none, nor child to him 590 His ipoufe had borne, Ilioneus except. Him clofe beneath the brow to his eye-roots Piercing, he pufh'd the pupil from its feat, And through his eye and through his poll the fpear Urged furious. He down-fitting on the earth 595 Both hands extended ; but, his glitt'ring blade Forth-drawn, Peneleus through his middle neck Enforced it ; head and helmet to the ground He lopp'd together, with the lance infixt Still in his eye ; then like a poppy's head 600 The crimfon trophy lifting, in the ears He vaunted loud of Ilium's hoft, and cried* Go, Trojans ! be my mefTengers ! Inform The parents of Ilioneus the brave That they may mourn their fon through all their houfe, For fo the wife of Alegenor's fon 605 Boeotian Promachus muft him bewail, Nor fhall ihe welcome his return with fmiles Of joy affectionate, when from the ihores Of Troy the fleet fhall bear us Greecians home. 610 He laid ; fear whiten'd ev'ry Trojan cheek, And cv'ry Trojan eye with carncft, look Enquired Book XIV. Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. 379 Enquired a refuge from impending fate. Say now, ye Mufes, bleft inhabitants Of the Olympian realms ! what Greecian firft 61 ζ Fill'd his victorious hand with armour ftript From ilaughter'd Trojans, after Ocean's God Mad, interpofing, changed the battle's courfe ? Firft, Telamonian Ajax Hyrtius ilew, Undaunted leader of the Myiian band. 620 Phalces and Mermerus their arms reiign'd To young Antilochus ; Hyppotion fell And Morys by Meriones ; the fhafts Right-aim'd of Teucer to the ihades difmifVd Prothous and Periphetes, and the prince 625 Of Sparta, Menelaus, in his flank Pierced Hyperenor ; on his entrails prey'd The hungry iteel, and, through the gaping wound Expell'd, his fpirit flew ; night veil'd his eyes. But Ajax O'iliades the fwift β 30 Slew moil ; him none could equal in purfuit Of tremblers fcatter'd by the frown of Jove. ς C 2 A R G U- D ARGUMENT OF THE FIFTEENTH BOOK. Jove, awaking and feeing the Trojans routed, threatens Juno. He lends Iris to admoniih Neptune to relinquifh the battle, and Apollo to reitore health to Hector. Apollo armed with the JEgis* puts to flight the Greecians ; they are purfued home to their fleets and Telamonian Ajax flays twelve Trojans bringing fire to burn it. BOOK XV. BUT when the flying Trojans had o'erpafs'd Both flakes and trench, and num'rous ilaughter'd lay By Greecian hands, the remnant halted all Beiide their chariots, pale, difcomfited. Then was it that on Ida's fummit Jove 5 At Juno's iide awoke ; flarting, he flood At once erect ; Trojans and Greeks he faw, Thefe broken, thofe purfuing and led on By Neptune ; he beheld alio remote Encircled by his friends, and on the plain 10 Extended, Hector; there he panting lav, Scnfelefs, ejecting blood, bruis'd by a blow From not the feebleft of the fons of Greece. Touched with compaihon at that light, the Sire Of Gods and men, frowning terrific, fix'd 15 His eyes on Juno, and her thus befpake. No Book XV. HOMER 's ILIAD. 381 No place for doubt remains. Oh verfed in wiles, Juno ! thy mifchief-teeming mind perverfe Hath plotted this ; thou haft contriv'd the hurt Of Hector, and haft driv'n his hoft to flight. 20 I know not but thyfelf may'ft chance to reap The firft-fruits of thy cunning, * fcourged by me. Haft thou forgotten how I once aloft Sufpended thee, with anvils at thy feet, And both thy wrifts bound with a golden cord 25 IndifToluble ? In the clouds of heav'n I hung thee, while from the Olympian heights The Gods look'd mournful on, but of them all None could deliver thee, for whom I feized, HurPd through the gates of heav'n on earth he fell, 30 Half-breathlefs. Neither fo did I reiign My hot refentment of the Hero's wrongs Immortal Hercules, whom thou by ftorms Call'd from the North, with mifchievous intent Hadft driv'n far diftant o'er the barren Deep 35 To populous Cos. Thence I deliver'd him, And after num'rous woes fevere, he reach'd The fliores of fruitful Argos, faved by me. * The Tranfiator feizes the opportunity afforded to him by this remarkable paflage, to affure his readers, who are not readers of the original, that the discipline which Juno is here (aid to have fuffered from the hands of Jove, is not of his own invention. He found it in the original, and confidering fidelity as his indifpenfible duty, has not attempted to (often or to refine away the matter. He begs that this obfervation may be adverted to as often as any paflage ihall occur, in which antient practices or cuftoms, not confonant to our own, either in point of delicacy or humanity, may be cither cxprefied or alluded to. He makes this requcft the rather, becaufe on thefe occafions Mr. Pope has ob- ferved a different conduct, fuppr effing all fuch images as he had reafoa to fuppofe might be offenftve. I thus βζ HOMER's ILIAD. Book XV. I thus remind thee now, that thou may 'ft ceafe • Henceforth from artifice, and may'lt. be taught 40 How little all the dalliance and the love Which, ilealing down from heav'n, thou hail by fraud Obtnin'd from me, iliall profit thee at laft. He ended, whom imperial Juno heard Shudd'ring, and in wing'd accents thus replied. 45 Be witnefs Earth, the boundlefs Heav'n above, And Styx beneath, whofe ftream the blefTed Gods Ev'n tremble to adjure; be witnefs too Thy facred life, and our connubial bed, Which by a falfe oath I will never wrong, 50 That by no art induced or plot of mine Neptune, the ihaker of the ihores, inflicts Thefe harms on Hector and the Trojan hoft Aiding the Greecians, but impell'd alone By his own heart with pity moved at fight 55 Of the Achaians at the ihips fubdued. But even Him, oh fov'reign of the florins ! I am prepared to admoniih that he quit The battle, and retire where thou command'ft. So fhe ; then fmiled the Sire of Gods and men, 60 And in wing'd accents anfwer thus return'd. Juno ! would'll thou on thy celeilial throne Aflift my counlels, howfoe'er in heart He differ now, Neptune fhould foon his will Submiffive bend to thy defires and mine. 65 But if fincerity be in thy words And truth, repairing to the bleil abodes Send Iris hither, with the archer God Apollo ; Book XV. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. 3 8 3 Apollo ; that me, viiiting the hoil Of Greece, may bid the Sov'reign of the Deep 70 Renounce the fight, and feek his proper home. Apollo's part ihall be to roufe again Hector to battle, to infpire his foul Afreih with courage, and all mem'ry thence To baniili of the pangs which now he feels. 7 5 Apollo alfo ihall again repulfe Achaia's hoil, which with bafe panic fill'd, Shall even to Achilles fhips be driv'n. Achilles ihall his valiant friend exhort Patroclus forth; him under Ilium's walls 80 Shall glorious Hector flay ; but many a youth Shall periili by Patroclus furl, with whom, My noble fon Sarpedon. Peleus' fon, Refentful of Patroclus' death, ihall flay Hector, and I will urge ceafelefs, myfelf, 85 Thenceforth the routed Trojans back again, 'Till by Minerva's aid the Greeks fhall take Ilium's proud city ; 'till that day arrive My wrath fhall burn, nor will I one permit Of all the Immortals to airiil the Greeks, 90 But will perform Achilles' whole deiire. Such was my promife to him at the iiril, Ratified by a nod that felf-iame day When Thetis clafp'd my knees, begging revenge And glory for her city-fpoiler fom 95 He ended ; nor his fpoufe white-arm'd refufed Obedience, but from the Idxan heights Departing, to the Olympian fummit foar'd. Swift 384 Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIA D. Book XV. Swift as the trav'lcrs thought, who, many a land Traversal, deliberates on his future courfe Uncertain, and his mind fends ev'ry way, So fwift updarted Juno to the ikies. Arrived on the Olympian heights, ihe found The Gods afTemhled ; they, at once, their feats At her approach forfaking, with full cups 105 Her coming hail'd ; heedlefs of all heiide, She took the cup from blooming Themis' hand, For ihe fir ft flew to welcome her, and thus In accents wing'd of her return enquired. Say, Juno, why this fudden reafcent I no Thou feem'ft difmayM ; hath Saturn's fon, thy fpoufe, Driv'n thee affrighted to the ikies again? To whom the whitc-arm'd Goddefs thus replied. Themis divine, afk not. Full well thou know'ft How harihly temper'd is the mind of Jove, 115 And how untraceable. Refume thy feat ; The banquet calls thee ; at our board preilde. Thou ihalt be told, and all in heav'n ihall hear What ills he threatens ; fuch as fhall not leave All minds at eafe, I judge, here or on earth, 120 However tranquil fome and joyous now. So {pake the awful fpoufe of Jove, and fat. Then, all alike, the Gods difpleafure felt Throughout the courts of Jove, but ihe, her lips Gracing with fmiles from which her fable brows 125 DhTented, thus, indignant them addrefs'd. Alas ! how vain againit the ThundYer's will Our anger, and the hope to fuperfede His Book XT. Η Ο λ: ί R ' , I L Ι Λ D. **; His purpofe, by perfuaiion or by force ! He folitary fits, all unconcerned 130 At our refentment, and himfelf proclaims Mightieil and moil to be revered in heav'n. Be patient, therefore, and let each endure Such ills as Jove may fend him. Mars, I ween, Already hath his fhare; the warrior God 135 Hath loft Afcalaphus, of all mankind His moft belov'd, and whom he calls his own. She fpake, and with expanded palms his thighs Smiting, thus, forrowful, the God exclaimed. Inhabitants of the Olympian heights ! 140 Oh bear with me, if to avenge my fon I feek Achaia's fleet, although my doom Be thunder-bolts from Jove, and with the dead Outftretch'd to lie in carnage and in duft. He fpake, and bidding Horror and Difmay 145 Lead to the yoke his rapid fteeds, put on His all-refulgent armour. Then had wrath More dreadful, fome ftrange vengeance on the Gods From Jove befall'n, had not Minerva, touch'd With timely fears for all, upftarting fprung 150 From where ihe fat, right through the veftibule. She fnatch'd the helmet from his brows, the ihield From his broad fhoulder, and the brazen fpear Forced from his grafp into its place reltored. Then reprimanding Mars, ihe thus began. 155 Frantic, delirious ! thou art loft for ever ! Is it in vain that thou haft ears to ear, And haft thou neither ihame nor reafon left ? 3 D How: 3 86 IIOMER's ILIAD, Book XV, How ? hear it thou not the Goddefs, the report Of white-anrfd Juno from Olympian Jove 160 Return'd this moment ? or preferr'ft thou rather, Plagued with a thoufand woes, and under force Of fad necefTity to feek again Olympus, and at thy return to prove Author of countlefs mis'ries to us all? 165 For He at once Greecians and Trojans both Abandoning, will hither hafte prepared To * tempera us in heav'n, whom he will feize, The guilty and the guiltlefs, all alike. I bid thee, therefore, patient bear the death 170 Of thy Afcalaphus ; braver than he And abler have, ere now, in battle falPh, And fhall hereafter ; arduous were the taik To refcue from the ilroke of fate, the race Of mortal men, with all their progeny. 1 75 So faying, Minerva on his throne replaced The fiery Mars. Then, fummoning abroad Apollo from within the hall of Jove, With Iris, fwift embafTadrefs of heav'n, Them in wing'd accents Juno thus befpake. 180 Jove bids you hence with undclaying fpeed To Ida ; in his prefence once arriv'd, See that ye execute his whole command. To tempefl — χυ^ψχσυ» — Milton ufcs tempejl as a verb. Speaking of the fiihes, he i. -part, huge of bulk Wallowing unwieldy, enormous in their gait, Tcmpe/i the ocean. So Book XV. Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s I L I A D. 3 3 7 So faying, the awful Gocklefs to her throne Return'd and fat. They, cleaving fwift the air, 185 Alighted foon on Ida fountain-fed, Parent of favage kinds. High on the point Seated of Gargarus, and wrapt around With fragrant clouds, they found Saturnian Jove The Thunderer, and in his preience flood. 190 fie, nought difpleafed that they his high command Had with fuch readinefs obey'd, his fpeech To Iris, fir ft, in accents wing'd addrefs'd. Swift Iris, hafte— to royal Neptune bear My charge entire; falilfy not the word. 195 Bid him, relinquifhing the fight, withdraw Either to heav'n, or to the boundlefs Deep. But fhould he difobedient prove, and fcorn My mefTage, let him, next, confider well How he will bear, powerful as he is, 200 My coming. Me I boail fuperior far In force, and elder-born ; yet deems he flight The danger of comparifon with me, Who am the terrour of all heav'n beilde. He fpake, nor ftorm-wing'd Iris difobey'd, 205 But down from the Idaean fummit ftoop'd To (acred Ilium. As when mow or hail Flies drifted by the cloud-difpelling North, So fwiftly, wing'd with readinefs of will, She ihot the gulph between, and {landing foon 2 1 c At glorious Neptune's fide, him thus addrefsM To thee, Ο Neptune azure-hair'd ! I come With tidings charged from yEgis-bearing Jove. 3 D 2 He jS8 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XV. He bids thee ceafe from battle, and retire Either to heav'n, or to the boundlefs Deep. 215 But ihotild'ft thou, difobedient, fet at nought His words, he threatens that himfelf will hafte To fight again ft thee ; but he bids thee ihun That ilrife with one fuperior far to thee, And elder-born; yet deem'ft thou flight, he faith, 220 The danger of comparifon with Him, Although the terrour of all heav'n beiide. Her then the mighty, ihaker of the mores Anfwer'd indignant. Great as is his pow'r, Yet hath he fpoken proudly, threatening me 225 With force, high-born and glorious as himfelf. We are three brothers ; Saturn is our fire, And Rhea brought us forth ; firit, Jove fhe bore ; Me next ; then, Pluto, fov'reign of the fhades. By diftribution tripart we received 230 Each his peculiar honours ; me the lots Made Ruler of the hoary floods, and there I dwell for ever. Pluto, for his part, The regions took of darknefs ; and the heav'ns, The clouds, and boundlefs aether, fell to Jove» 235 The Earth and the Olympian heights alike Are common to the three. My life and being I hold not, therefore, at his will, whofe beit And fafeft courfe, with all his boafted pow'r, Were to poflefs in peace his proper Third. 240 Let him not feek to terrify with force Me like a daftard ; let him rather chide His own-begotten ; with big-founding words His Book XV. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. 339 His fons and daughters govern, who perforce Obey his voice, and fhrink at his commands. 245 To whom thus Iris tempeft-wing'd replied. Caerulean-treffed Sov'reign of the Deep ! Shall I report to Jove, harfh as it is, Thy fpeech, or wilt thou foften it ? The wife Are flexible, and on the Elder-born 250 Erynnis, with her vengeful fitters, waits. Her anfwer'd then the Shaker of the ihores. Prudent is thy advice, Iris divine! Difcretion in a mefTenger is good At all times. But the caufe that fires me thus, 255 And with refentment my whole heart and mind PofTeiTes, is the licenfe that he claims To vex with provocation rude of fpeech Me his compeer, and by decree of Fate Ilhiftrious as himfelf ; yet, though incenfed?- 260 And with juft caufe, I will not now perfiit, But hear — for it is treafured in my heart The threat that my lips utter. If he ilill Refolve to fpare proud Ilium in defpight Of me, of Pallas, Goddefs of the fpoils, 265 Of Juno, Mercury, and the King of fire, And will not overturn her lofty tow'rs, Nor grant immortal glory to the Greeks, Then tell him thus — Hoftility ihall burn* And wrath between us never to be quench'd. 270 So faying, the Shaker of the Ihores forfook The Greecian hoit, and plunged into the Deep* Mifs'd by Achaia's heroes. Then, the cloud- Affembler 39° HOME R's ILIAD. Book XV. Aflemblcr God thus to Apollo lpake. Hence, my Apollo ! to the Trojan Chief 275 lienor; for earth-encircler Neptune, awed By fear of my difpleafure imminent, Hath fought the facred Deep. Elfe, all the Goik Who compafs Saturn in the nether realms, Had even there our conteft heard, I ween, 280 And heard it loudly. But that he retreats Although at full incenfed, fhunning my wrath, is falutary both for him and me, Whole difference elfe had not been heal'd with eafe. Take thou my ihaggy'^Egis, and with force 285 Smiting it, terrify the Chiefs of Greece. As for illuftrious Hector, him I give To thy peculiar care ; fail not to roufe His flerceft courage, 'till he pufh the Greeks To Hellefpont, and to their mips again; 290 Thenceforth to yield to their afflicted holt Some paufe from toil, ill all be my own concern. He ended, nor Apollo difobey'd His father's voice ; from the Idaean heights, Swift as the fwifteft of the fowls of air, 295 The dove-deftroyer falcon, down he flew. The noble Hector, valiant Priam's fon He found, not now extended on the plain, But feated ; newly, as from death, awaked, And confeious of his friends ; freely he breathed, 300 Nor fweated more, by Jove himfelf revived. Apollo ftood beiide him, and began. Say, Book XV. IIOMER's ILIAD. 391 Say, H'edtor, Priam's fbn ! why fitted here Feeble and fpiritlefs, and from thy holt. Apart? what new difailer hath befalPn ? 305 To whom with difficulty thus replied The warlike Chief. — But tell me, who art Thou, Divine enquirer ! beil of pow'rs above ! Know'ft not that dauntlefs Ajax me his friends Slaughtering at yonder mips, hath with a ilone 310 Surceas'd from fight, fmiting me on the breaft? I thought to have beheld, this day, the dead In Ades, ev'ry breath fo feem'd my laft. Then anfwer thus the Archer God return'd. Courage this moment ! fuch an helper Jove 315 From Ida fends thee at thy fide to war Continual, Phoebus of the golden fword, Whofe guardian aid both thee and lofty Troy Hath fuccour'd many a time. Therefore arife !' Initant bid drive thy num'rous charioteers 320 Their rapid fieeds full on the Greecian fleet ; I, marching at their head, will fmooth, myfelf, The way before them, and will turn again To flight the Heroes of the hoft of Greece. He faid, and with new ilrength the Chief infpired. 325 As fome itall'd horfe high-pamper'd, fnapping fliort His cord, beats under- foot the founding foil, Accuftom'd in fmooth-iliding flreams to lave Exulting ; high he bears his head, his mane Wantons around his ihouldcrs ; pleas'd, he eyes 330 His gloify fides, and borne on pliant knees Soon finds the haunts where all his fellows graze, So $2 MO Μ Ε R's ILIAD. Book XV So bounded Hector, and his agile joints Plied lightly, quicken'd by the voice divine, And gather'd fall his charioteers to battle. 335 But as when hounds and hunters through the woods lluih in purfuit of flag or of wild goat, He, in fome cave with tangled boughs o'erhung, Lies fafe conceal'd, no deftined prey of theirs, Till by their clamours rouied, a lion grim 340 vStarts forth to meet them ; then, the boldeil fly ; Such hot purfuit the Danai, with fwords And fpears of double edge long time maintain'd, But feeing Hector in his ranks again Occupied, felt at once their courage falPn. 345 Then, Thoas them, Andraemon's fon, addrefs'd, P^oremoft of the iEtolians, at the ipear Skilful, in ftationary combat bold, And when the ions of Greece held in difpute The prize of eloquence, excell'd by few. 350 Prudent advihng them, he thus began. Ye Gods ! what prodigy do I behold ? Hath Hector, 'fcaping death, rifen again ? For him, with confident perfuafion all Believed by Tclamonian Ajax ilain. 355 But fome Divinity hath interpofed To refcue and fave Hector, who the joints Hath -iliffen\l of full many a valiant Greek, As furely now he fhall ; for, not without The Thunderer's aid, he flames in front again. 360 But take ye all my counfeL Send we back The multitude into the fleet, and fir ft Let Boor XV. HUM β R's I L Ι Λ D. 393 Let us, who boail ourfelv.es braveil in fight Stand, that encountering him with lifted fpears, . We may attempt to give his rage a check. 365 To thruit himielf into a band like ours Will, doubtlefs, ev'n in Hector move a fear. He ceas'd, with whofe advice all, glad, complied. Then Ajax with Idomeneus of Crete, Teucer, Meriones, and Meges fierce 370 As Mars in battle, fummoning aloud The noblefl Greeks, in oppofition firm To Hedlor and his holt their bands prepared, While others all into the fleet retired. Troy's crowded hoft * flruck firil. With awful itrides 375 Game Hector foremoil ; him Apollo led, His ihoulders wrapt in clouds, and, on his arm, The ^Egis ihagg'd terrific all around, Tempefluous, dazzling-bright ; it was a gift To Jove from Vulcan, and defign'd t' appall, 380 And drive to flight the armies of the earth. Arm'd with that ihield Apollo led them on. Firm flood th' embodied Greeks ; from either hoft Shrill cries arofe ; the arrows from the nerve Leap'd, and, by vig'rous arms difmifs'd, the fpears 385 Flew frequent ; in the fleih fome flood infixt Of warlike youths, but many, ere they reach'd The mark they coveted, undated fell Between the hofls, and reiled in the foil. Long as the God unagitated held 390 * Ύρνις at πρχτνψχϊ κολλεις. The tranflation is literal, and affords one of many inrtances in which the Greek and Engliih idiom corrcipond cxaclly. 3 Ε The ?9 + 1 1 Ο Μ BR's ILIAD. Book XV. The dreadful difk, lb long the vollied darts Made mutual ilaughter, and the people fell ; But when he look'd the Greecian charioteers Full in the face and iliook it, raiiing high Himfelf the ihout of battle, then he quelPd 395 Their fpirits, then he ftruck from ev'ry mind At once all mem'ry of their might in arms. As when two. lions in the ilill dark night An herd of beeves fcatter or num'rous flock Suddenly, in the abfence of the guard, 400 So fled the heartlefs Greeks, for Phcebus fent Terrours among them, but renown conferred And triumph proud on Hector and his hoft. Then, in that foul diforder of the field, Man iingled man. Arcefllaus died 405 By Hector's arm, and Stichius ; one, a * Chief Of the Boeotians brazen-mail'd, and one, Meneitheus' faithful follower to the fight. ./Eneas Medon and lafus flew. Medon was fpurious offspring of divine 410 O'ileus Ajax' father, and abode In Phylace ; for he had ilain a Chief Brother of Eriopis the efpoufed Of brave O'ileus ; but Iafus led Λ phalanx of Athenians, and the foil 415 Of Sphclus, ion of Bucolus was deem'd. Pierced by Polydamas Mecitteus fell. Politcs, in the van of battle, ilcw Ε hion, and Agenor Clonius ; • Λ red: But Book W. Η Ο Μ Ε R ' • L 1 Λ Π 395 But Paris, while De'iochus to flight 420 Turn'd with the routed van, pierced him beneath His fhoulder-blade, and urged the weapon through. While them the Trojans fpoiPd, meantime the Greeks, Entangled in the piles of the deep fofs, Fled ev'ry way, and through neceflity 42 ς Repafs'd the wall. Then Hector with a voice Of loud command bade ev'ry Trojan ceafe From fpoil, and rufh impetuous on the fleet. *And whom I find far ling'ring from the mips Wherever, there he dies ; no fuiVral fires 430 Brother on him, or lifter, ihall beftow, But dogs fhall rend him in the fight of Troy. So faying, he lauYd the fhoulders of his ileeds, And, through the ranks vociferating, caird His Trojans on ; they, clamorous as he, 435 All lafli'd their fteeds, and menacing, advanced. Before them with his feet Apollo pulh'd The banks into the fofs, bridging the gulph With pafs commodious, both in length and breadth A lance's flight, for proof of vigour hurl'd. 440 There, phalanx after phalanx, they their hoft Pour'd denfe along, while Phoebus in the van Difplay'd the awful aegis, and the wall Levell'd with eafe divine. As, on the fhore, Some wanton boy with fand builds plaything walls, 445 Then, fportive, fpreads them with his feet abroad, So thou, fhaft-arm'd Apollo ! that huge work * This abruptness of tranfition from the third perfon to the ftrit, follows the ori- ginal. ^> Ε 2 Laborious 396 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XV. Laborious of the Greeks didft turn with eafe To ruin, and themfelves drov'ft all to flight. They, thus enforced into the fleet, again 450 Stood fail, with mutual exhortation each His friend encouraging, and all the Gods With lifted hands foliating aloud. But, more than all, Gerenian Neftor pray'd Fervent, Achaia's guardian, and with arms 455 OutitretchYl toward the ftarry ikies, exclaim'd. Jove, Father ! if, in corn-clad Argos, one, One Greek hath ever, burning at thy fhrine Fat thighs of fheep or oxen, afk'd from thee A fafe return, whom thou haft gracious heard, 46a Olympian King ! and promis'd what he fought, Now, in remembrance of it, give us help In this difaftrous day, nor thus permit Their Trojan foes to tread the Greecians down ! So Neftor pray'd, and Jove thunder'd aloud 465 Refponfive to the old Nele'ian's pray'r• But when that voice of aegis-bearing Jove The Trojans heard, more furious on the Greeks They fprang, all mindful of the fight. As when A turgid billow of lbme fpacious fea, 470 While the wind blows that heaves it higheft, borne Sheer o'er the veifels' fide, rolls into her, With fuch loud roar the Trojans pafs'd the wall. In ruih'd the fteeds, and at the ihips they waged Fierce battle hand to hand, from chariots, thefe, 475 With fpears of double edge, thofe, from the decks Of many a fable bark, with naval poles Long, Book XV. Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s ILIA D. μ Long, poncTrous, iliod with iteel ; for ev'ry ihip Had fuch, for conflict maritime prepared. While yet the battle raged only without 480 The wall, and from the mips apart, fo long Patroclus quiet in the tent and calm Sat of Eurypylus, his gen'rous friend Confoling with fweet converfe, and his wound Sprinkling with drugs afTuailve of his pains. 48 ς But foon as through the broken rampart borne He faw the Trojans, and the clamour heard And tumult of the flying Greeks, a voice Of loud lament utt'ring, with open palms His thighs he fmote, and, forrowful, exclaim'd. 490 Eurypylus ! although thy need be great, No longer may I now fit at thy ilde, Such conteft hath aris'n ; thy fervant's voice Muft footh thee now, for I will to the tent Hafte of Achilles, and exhort him forth; 495 Who knows ? if fuch the pleafure of the Gods, I may prevail ; friends rarely plead in vain. So faying, he went. Meantime the Greeks endured The Trojan onfet, firm, yet from the ihips Repulfed them not, though fewer than themfelves, 500 Nor could the hoft of Troy, breaking the ranks Of Greece, mix either with the camp or fleet ; But as the line divides the plank aright, Stretch'd by fome naval architect, whofe hand Minerva hath accomplifh'd in his art, 505 So ftretch'd on them the cord of battle lay. Others at other ihips the conflict waged, But HOMER's ILIA D. Book XV. But Hector to the fhip advanced direct Of glorious Ajax ; for one fhip they ftrove ; gfor Hector, him diilodging thence, could fire 510 The fleet, nor Ajax from the fleet repulfe Hector, conducted thither by the Gods. Then, noble Ajax with a fpear the breaft Pierced of Caletor ion of Clytius, arm'd With fire to bnrn his bark ; founding he fell, 515 And from his loofen'd grafp down dropp'd the brand. But Hector feeing his own kinfman falPn Beneath the fable bark, with mighty voice CalPd on the holts of Lycia and of Troy. Trojans and Lycians, and clole-fighting fons 520 Of Dardanus, within this narrow pafs Stand firm, retreat not, but redeem the foil Of Clytius, left the Greecians of his arms Defpoil him llain in battle at the fhips. So faying, at Ajax his bright fpear he caft. 525 Him pierced he not, but Lycophron the fon Of Maftor, a Cytherian, who had left Cythene, fugitive for blood, and dwelt With Ajax. Him ftanding at Ajax' fide, He pierced above his ear; down from the ftern 530 Supine he fell, and in the duft expired. Then, fhudd'ring, Ajax to his brother fpake. Alas, my Teucer ! we have loft our friend ; Maftorides is ilain, whom we received An inmate from Cytherae, and with love 535 And rev'rence even filial, entertain'd ; By Hector pierced, he dies. Where are thy fhafts J >jath-wing'd, and bow, by gift from Phoebus thine ? He Book XV.' HOMER's ILIAD. 399 He faid, whom Teucer hearing, inflant ran With bow and well-ftored quiver to his fide, 540 Whence ibon his arrows fought the Trojan hoil. He ilruck Pifenor's fon Clytus, the friend And charioteer of brave Polydamas, Offspring of Panthus, toiling with both hands To rule his fiery fteeds ; for more to pleafe 545 The Trojans and their Chief, where flormy moil He faw the battle, thither he had driv'n. But fudden mifchief, valiant as he was, Found him, and fuch as none could waft afide. For right into his neck the arrow plunged, 550 And down he fell ; his ilartled courfers ihook Their trappings, and the empty chariot rang. That found alarm'd Polydamas ; he turn'd, And flying to their heads, confign'd them o'er To Protiaon's fon, Aitynous, 555 Whom he enjoin'd to keep them in his view, Then, turning, mingled with the van again. But Teucer flill another ihaft produced Defign'd for valiant Hedlor, whofe exploits (Had that, ihaft reach'd him) at the mips of Greece 560 Had ceafed for ever. But the eye of Jove, Guardian of Hector's life, flept not ; he took From Telamonian Teucer that renown, And while he flood ftraining the twilled nerve Againft the Trojan, fnapp'd it. Devious flew 565 The ^ileel-charged arrow, and he dropp'd his bow. * The Tranilator hopes that his learned readers will pardon him, if fomctimes, to avoid an irkfome cacophony, he turns brafs into fteel. In fa&, the arrow had not a point of fteel, but a brazen one. Then, HOMER's ILIAD. Book XV. Then, ihudd'ring, to his brother thus he fpake. ■\h ! it is evident. \ Some Pow'r divine Makes fruitless all pur efforts, who hath ft ruck My bow out of my hand, and Inapt the cord 570 With which I ftrung it new at dawn of day, That it might bear the bound of many a ihaft. To whom the tow'ring ion of Telamon. Leave then thy bow, and let thine arrows reft, Which, envious of the Greeks, fome God confounds, 57 ς That thou may'ft fight with fpear and buckler arm'd, And animate the reft. Such be our deeds That, ihould they conquer us, our foes may find Our ihips, at leaft a prize not lightly won. So Ajax fpake; then Teucer, in his tent 580 The bow replacing, flung his fourfold ihield, Settled on his illuftrious brows his cafque With hair high crefted, waving, as he moved, Terrible from above, took forth a fpear Tough-grain'd, acuminated iharp with brafs, 585 And ftood, incontinent, at Ajax' fide. Hector perceived the change, and of the caufe Confcious, with echoing voice call'd to his hoft. Trojans and Lycians and clofe-fighting fons Of Dardanus, oh now, my friends, be men, 590 Now, wherefoever through the fleet difpers'd, Call into mind the fury of your might ! For. I have fecn, myfelf, Jove rend'ring vain The arrows of their mightieft. Man may know W T ith cafe the hand of intcrpofing Jove, 595 Both whom to glory he ordains, and whom jje weakens and aids not ; fo now he leaves The Book X\ r . HOME R's I L 1 Λ D. 401 The Greecians, but propitious fmiles on us. Therefore ftand faft, and whoibever gallVJ By arrow or by fhaft, dies — Let him die; 600 It iball not fhame him that he died to ferve I lis country, but his children, wife and home, With all his heritage, iliall be fecure, Drive but the Greecians from the fliores of Troy. So faying, he animated each. Meantime, 605 Ajax his fellow-warriors thus add refs'd. Shame on you all ! Now Greecians either die, Or fave at once your galleys and yourfelves. Hope ye, that fhould your iliips become the prize Of warlike Hector, ye iliall yet return 610 On foot ? Or hear ye not the Chief aloud Summoning all his hoit, and publiihing His own heart's wifh to burn your fleet with fire ? Not to a dance, believe me, but to fight He calls them ; therefore wifer courfe for us 615 Is none, than that we mingle hands with hands In conteil obilinate, and force with force. Better at once to perifh, or at once To refcue life, than to confume the time Hour after hour in ling'ring conflict vain 620 Here at the iliips, with an inferior foe. He faid, and by his words into all hearts Freili confidence infufed. Then Hector fmote Schedius, a Chief of the Phoceniian pow'rs And lbn of Perimedes ; Ajax flew, 62$ Meantime, a Chief of Trojan infantry, Laodamas, Antenor's noble fon, 3 F While 4© 1 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XV. While by Polydamas, a leader bold Of the Epeatis, and * Phylides' friend, Cyllenian Otus died. Meges that fight 630 Viewing indignant on the conqu'ror fprang, But, itarting wide, Poly clam as efcaped, Saved by Apollo, and his fpear tranfpierced The breaft of Crsefmus ; on his founding mield Proftrate he fell, and Meges ftripp'd his arms. 635 Him fo employ'd Dolops alFail'd, brave fori Of Lampus beif. of men and bold in fight, Offspring of King Laomedon ; he flood Full near, and through his middle buckler ftruck The fon of Phyleus, but his corilet thick 640 With plates of fcaly brafs his life fecured. That corilet Phyleus on a time brought home From Ephyre, where the Selle'is winds, And it was giv'n him for his life's defence In furious battle by the King of men, 645 Euphetes. Many a time had it prefer ved Unharm'd the fire, and now it faved the fon. Then Meges, ri iing, with his pointed lance The bufhy creft of Dolops' helmet drove Sheer from its bafe ; new tinged with purple bright 650 Entire it fell and mingled with the duft. While thus they ftro ve, each hoping victory^ Came martial Menelaus to the aid Of Meges ; fpear in hand apart he ftoocl By Dolops unperceived, through his back drove 655 And through his brealt the fpear, and far beyond, ' Meges, And Book KV. Η υ Μ Ε Κ 's Π- I A D. 403 And down fell Dolops, forehead to the ground. At once both flew to ftrip his radiant arms. Then, Hector fummoning his kindred, call'd Each to his aid, and Melanippus firft, 660 llluftrious Hicetaon's ion, reproved. Ere yet. the enemies of Troy arrived He in Percote fed his wand'ring beeves, But when the Dana'i with all their fleet Came thither, then returning, he outfhone 665 The nobleil Trojans, and at Priam's fide Dwelling, was honour'd by him as a fon. Him Hector reprimanding, item began. Are we thus flack ? Can Melanippus view Unmoved a kinfman flain? Seeft not the Greeks 670 How bufy there with Dolops and his arms ? Come on. It is no time for diftant war, But either our Achaian foes muft bleed, Or Ilium taken, from her topmoft height Muft ftoop, and all her citizens be flain. 675 So faying he went, whofe fteps the godlike Chief Attended, and the Telamonian, next, Huge Ajax, animated thus the Greeks. ♦ Oh friends, be men! Deep treafure in your hearts An honeft fhame, and, fighting bravely, fear 680 Each to incur the cenfure of the relt. Of men fo minded more furvive than die, While daftards forfeit life and glory both. So moved he them, themfelves already bent To chace the Trojans ; yet his word they bore 68^ Faithful in mind, and with a wall of brafs 3 F 2 Fenced 4 θ4 HuMER's ILIAD. Book XV. Fenced firm the fleet, while Jove impell'd the foe. Then Menelaus, brave in fight, approach'd Antilochus, and thus his courage roufed. Antilochus ! in all the holt is none 690 Younger, or fwifter, or of itronger limb Than thou. Make trial, therefore, of thy might, Spring forth and prove it on fome Chief of Troy. He ended and retired, but him his praife Effectual animated; from the van 695 Starting, he caft a wiftful eye around And hurl'd his glitt'ring fpear ; back fell the ranks Of Troy appall'd ; nor vain his weapon flew, But Melanippus pierced heroic fon Of Hicetaon, coming forth to fight, 700 Full in the bofom, and with dreadful found Of all his batter'd armour down he fell. Swift flew Antilochus as flies the hound Some fawn to feize, which ifTuing from her lair The hunter with his lance hath ftricken dead, 705 So thee, Ο Melanippus ! to defpoil Of thy bright arms valiant Antilochus Sprang forth, but not unnoticed by the eye Of noble Hecftor, who through all the war Ran to encounter him ; his dread- approach 710 Antilochus, although expert in arms, Stood not, but as fome prowler of the wilds, Confcious of injury that he hath done, Slaying the watchful herdfman or his dog, Efcapes, ere yet the peafantry arife, 715 So fled the fon of Nelfor, after whom The Book X\ . Η Ο Μ Ε R » s 1 Ι. I A D. 405 The Trojans clamouring and Hecftor pour'd Darts numberleis ; but at the front arrived Of his own phalanx, there he turn'd and flood. Then, eager as voracious lions, rufh'd 7 so The Trojans on the fleet of Greece, the mind Of Jove accompliihing who them impell'd Continual, calling all their courage forth, While, ev'ry Greecian heart he tamed, and took Their glory from them, flrength'ning Ilium's hoil. 725 For Jove's unalter'd purpofe was to give Succefs to Priameian Heolor's arms, That he might call into the fleet of Greece Devouring flames, and that no part might fail Of Thetis' ruthlefs pray'r ; that fight alone 730 He watch'd to fee, one galley in a blaze, Ordaining foul repulfe, thenceforth, and flight To Ilium's hoil, but glory to the Greeks. Such was the caufe for which, at Aril, he moved To that afTault Hec"lor, himfelf prepared 735 And ardent for the taik ; nor lefs he raged Than Mars while fighting, or than flames that feize Some foreil on the mountain-tops ; the foam Hung at his lips, beneath his awful front His keen eyes gliften'd, and his helmet mark'd 740 The agitation wild with which he fought. For Jove omnipotent, himfelf, from heav'n Ailiiled Heolor, and, although alone With multitudes he ftrove, gave him to reach The heights of glory, for that now his life 745 Waned fail, and, urged by Pallas on, hii> hour To 4 c6 HOMKR's ILIA D. Book XV. To die by Pcleus' mighty ion approach'd. lie then, wherever richeit arms he faw •And thickeft throng, the warrior-ranks effay'd To break, but broke them not, though fierce reiblved, 750 In even fquare compact fo firm they flood. As fome ν a ft rock be fide the hoary Deep The ltreis endures of many a hollow wind, And the huge billows tumbling at his bafe, So flood the Dana'i, nor fled nor fear'd. 755 But He, all-fiery bright in arms, the hoft Ailaifd on ev'ry fide, and on the van Fell, as a wave by wint'ry blafts upheav'd Falls pond'rous on the fhip ; white clings the foam Around her, in her fail fhrill howls the ftorm, 760 And ev'ry feaman trembles at the view Of thoufand deaths from which he fcarce efcapes, Such anguifh rent the bofom of the Greeks. * But He, as leaps a famiih'd lion fell On beeves that graze fome marihy meadow's breadth 765 A countlefs herd, tended by one tmfkill'd To cope with favage beafts in their defence, Be fide the foremoft kine or with the lafl He paces heedlefs 3 but the lion, borne Impetuous on the midmoft, one devours 770 And fcatters all the reft, * fo fled the Greeks, Terrified from above, before the arm Of Hector, and before the frown of Jove. All fled, but of them all alone he flew * This tern ination of thu period, fo little confonant to the beginning of it, Γοΐΐοννε ; ginal, where it is citcemcJ by commentators a irreat beauty. The Book XV. Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s I L I A D. 407 The Mycenaean Periphetes, ion 775 Of Copreus cuftom'd mefTenger of King Euryflheus to the might of Hercules. From fuch a fire inglorious had aris'n A fon far worthier, with all virtue graced, Swift-footed, valiant, and by none excelled 780 In wifdom of the Mycenaean name ; Yet all but ferv'd to ennoble Hector more. For Periphetes, with a backward flep Retiring, on his buckler's border trod, Which fwept his heels ; fo check'd, he fell fupine, 785 And dreadful rang the helmet on his brows. Him Hector quick noticing, to his fide Hailed, and, planting in his breaft a fpear, Slew him before the phalanx of his friends. But they, although their fellow-warriors fate 790 They mourn'd, no fuccour interpos'd, or could, Themfelves by noble Hector fore appall'd. And now behind the mips (all that updrawn Above the more, ftood foremoil of the fleet) The Greeks retired; in rufh'd a flood of foes; 795 Then, through neceflity, the fhips in front Abandoning, amid the tents they flood Compact, not difarray'd, for ihame and fear Fail held them, and vociferating each Aloud, call'd ceafelefs on the reft to fland. 800 But earneil more than all, guardian of all, Gerenian Neflor in their parents' name Implored them, falling at the knees of each. Oh 4θ3 Π Ο Μ Ε R *s I L I A D. Book XV. Oh friends ! be men. Now clearly prize your place Each in the eftimation of the reft. 805 Now call to memory your children, wives, Pofleilions, parents ; ye whofe parents live, And ye whofe parents are not, all alike ! By them as if here prefent, I entreat That ye Hand fail — Oh be not turn'd to flight! 810 So laying he roufed the courage of the Greeks ; Then, Pallas chafed the cloud fall'n from above On ev'ry eye ; great light the plain illumed On all iides, both toward the fleet, and where t The undifcriminating battle raged. 815 Then might be feen Hector and Hector's hoft - Diftinct, as well the rearmoft who the fight Shared not, as thofe who waged it at the fhips. To {land aloof where other Greecians flood No longer now would fatisfy the mind 820 Of Ajax, but from deck to deck with ftrides Enormous marching, to and fro he fwung With iron ftuds embofs'd a battle-pole Unwieldy, twenty and two cubits long. As one, expert to fpring from horfe to horfe, 825 From many Heeds felecling four, toward Some noble city drives them from the plain Along the populous road; him many a youth And many a maiden eyes, while ftill fecure From fteed to fteed he vaults ; they rapid fly ; 830 So Ajax o'er the decks of num'rous fhips StalkM (hiding large, and lent his voice to heav'n. Thus, ever clamouring, he bade the Greeks Stand Book XV. Π Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. 409 Stand both for camp and fleet. Nor could himfelf Hector, contented, now, the battle wage 835 Loll in the multitude of Trojans more, But as the tawny eagle on full wing AfTails the feather'd nations, gcefc or cranes Or fwans lithe-neck'd grazing the river's verge, So Hector at a galley fable-prow'd 840 Darted ; for, from behind, Jove urged him on With mighty hand, and his hoft after him. And now again the battle at the mips Grew furious ; thou hadft deem'd them of a kind By toil untameable, fo fierce they ilrove, 845 And, ftriving, thus they thought. The Greecians judg'd Hope vain, and the whole holt's deitruction fure ; But nought expected ev'ry Trojan lefs Than to confume the fleet with fire, and leave Achaia's heroes lifelefs on the field. 850 With fuch perfuafion occupied, they fought. Then Hector feized the ftern of a brave bark Well-built, iharp-keel'd, and of the fwifteft fail, Which had to Troy Protefilaus brought, But bore him never thence. For that fame ihip 855 Contending, Greeks and Trojans hand to hand Dealt ilaughter mutual. Javelins now no more Might ferve them, or the arrow-ilarting bow, But clofe conflicting and of one mind all With bill and battle- ax, with pond'rous fwords S60 And with long lances double-edg'd they fought. Many a black-hilted faulchion huge of haft Fell to the ground, fame from the grafp, and fame 3 G From 4io HOMER's U.IAD. Book XV. From moulders of embattled warriors hewn, And pools of blood foak'd all the fable glebe. 865 Hector that iliip once grappled by the item Left not, but griping fait her upper edge With both hands, to his Trojans call'd aloud. Fire ! Bring me fire ! Stand fait and ihout to heav'n ! Jove gives us now a day worth all the pait ; 870 The mips are ours which, in the Gods' defpight Steer'd hither, fuch calamities to us Have caufed, for which our Seniors moit I blame Who me withheld from battle at the fleet And check'd the people; but if then the hand 875 Of Thund'rer Jove our better judgment marr'd, Himfelf now urges and commands us — On. He ceas'd ; they itill more violent aiTail'd The Greecians. Even Ajax could endure, Whelm'd under weapons numberlefs, that itorm 880 No longer, but expecting death retired Down from the decks to an inferior itand, Where itill he watch'd, and if a Trojan bore Fire thither, he repulfed him with his fpear, Roaring continual to the hoit of Greece. 885 Friends ! Greecian heroes ! miniiters of Mars ! Be men, my friends ! now fummon all your might Ϊ Think we that we have thoufands at our backs To fuccour us, or yet fome itronger wall To guard our warriors from the battle's force? 890 Not fo. No tow'red city is at hand, None that prefents us with a fafe retreat While others occupy our itation here, But Book XV. Η Ο Μ Κ k's ILIAD, 4Il But from the ihores of Argos far remote Our camp is, where the Trojans arm'd complete 89 ς Swarm on the plain, and Ocean fhuts us in. Our hands muft therefore ft.ve us, not our heels. He faid, and furious witu his fpear again PrefsM them, and whatfoever Trojan came, Obfequious to the will of Hector, arm'd 900 With fire to burn the fleet, on his fpear's point Ajax receiving pierced him, 'till at length Twelve in clofe fight fell by his fingle arm. 3 C 2 ARGU- ARGUMENT OF THE SIXTEENTH BOOK. Achilles, at the fuit of Patroclus, grants him his own armour, and permiflion to lead the Myrmidons to battle. They, Tallying, repulfe the Trojans. Patroclus flays Sarpedon, and Hector, when Apollo had firit, ftripped off his armour and Euphorbus wounded him, flays Patroclus. BOOK XVI; SUCH conteft for that gallant bark they waged. Meantime Patroclus, Handing at the ilde Of the illuftrious Chief Achilles, wept Fail as a chryital fountain from the height Of fome rude rock pours down its * rapid ilream. 5 Divine Achilles with companion moved Mark'd him, and in wing'd accents thus began. Why weeps Patroclus like an infant girl Who, running at her mother's fide, entreats To be uplifted in her arms ? She graips ι ο Her mantle, checks her hafte, and looking up With tearful eyes, pleads earneft to be borne ; So fall, Patroclus ! thy unceaiing tears. 7 This tranflation of Svotptpov is warranted by the SchoudiT, who paraphrafes it thus; μιτα $Μτ<ηως φίροι*ιννν. Iliad per Vill. Bring'ft Book XVI. HOMER 's ILIAD. 413 Bring'ft thou to me or to my people aught Afflictive ? Hail thou mournful tidings learn'd 1 5 From Phthia, trufted to thine ear alone ? Mencetius, ion of Actor, as they fay, Still lives ; ftill lives his Myrmidons among Peleus ^Eacides ; whom, were they dead, With caufe fufricient we fhould both deplore. 20 Or weep'ft thou the Achaians at the (hips Perilhing, for their outrage done to me ? Speak. Name thy trouble. I would learn the caufe. To whom, deep-forrowing, thou did ft reply, Patroclus ! oh Achilles, Peleus' fon ! 2 5 Nobleft of all our hoil ! bear with my grief, Since fuch diftrefs hath on the Greecians fallen. The braveft in their ihips difabled lie, Some wounded from afar, fome hand to hand. Diomede, warlike fon of Tydeus, bleeds, 30 GalPd by a lhaft ; UlyiTes, glorious Chief, And Agamemnon fufFer by the fpear, And brave Eurypylus an arrow-point Bears in his thigh. Thefe all, are now the care Of healing hands. Oh thou art pity-proof, 35 Achilles ! be my bofom ever free From anger fuch as. harbour finds in thine, Scorning all limits ! whom, of men unborn, Hereafter wilt thou fave, from whom avert Difgrace, if not from the Achaians now ? 40 Ah ruthlefs ! neither Peleus thee begat, Nor Thetis bore, but rugged rocks fublime, And roaring billows blue gave birth to thee, Who 4U HOMER's ILIAD. Book XVI. Who bear'fl a mind that knows not to relent. But, if fome prophecy alarm thy fears, 45 If from thy Goddefs-mother thou have aught Received, and with authority of Jove, Me fend at leaft, me quickly, and with me The Myrmidons. A dawn of cheerful hope Shall thence, it may be, on the Greeks arife. 50 Grant me thine armour alfo, that the foe Thyfelf fuppoling prefent, may abilain From battle, and the weary Greeks enjoy Short refpite; it is all that Avar allows. We, frefh and vig'rous, by our fhouts alone 5 5 May eafily repulfe an army fpent With labour, from the camp, and from the fleet. Such fuit he made, alas ! all unforewarn'd That his own death fhould be the bitter fruit, And thus Achilles, forrowful, replied. 60 Patroclus, noble friend ! what haft thou fpoken ? Me neither prophecy that I have heard Holds in fufpenle, nor aught that I have learn'd From Thetis, with authority of Jove; Hence fprings, and hence alone, my grief of heart; 65 If one, in nought fuperior to myfelf Save in his office only, fhould by force Amerce me of my well-earn'd recompenfe — How then? There lies the grief that flings my foiil. The virgin chofen for me by the fons 70 Of Greece, my juft reward, by my own fpear Obtain'd, when 1 Edition's city took, } Icr, Agamemnon, leader of the hoft From Book XVI, HOMER 's ILIAD. 415 From my pofTemon wrung, as I had been Some alien wretch, unhonour'd and unknown. 75 But let it pafs ; anger is not a flame To feed for ever ; I afnrm'd, indeed, Mine inextinguiihable till the ihout Of battle mould invade my proper barks ; But thou put on my glorious arms, lead forth 80 My valiant Myrmidons, iince fuch a cloud, So dark, of dire hoftility furrounds The fleet, and the Achaians, by the waves Hemm'd in, are prifon'd now in narrow fpace. Becaufe the Trojans meet not in the field 85 My dazzling helmet, therefore bolder grown All Ilium comes abroad ; but had I found Kindnefs at royal Agamemnon's hands, Soon had they fled, and with their bodies choak'd The itreams, from whom ourfelves now fufFer iiege. 90 For in the hands of Diomede his fpear No longer rages refcuing from death Th' affticl:ed Dana"i, nor hear I more The voice of Agamemnon ifTuing harfh From his detefted throat, but all around 95 The -buril of homicidal Hector's cries, Calling his Trojans on ; they loud infult The vanquiih'd Greeks, and claim the field their own. Go therefore, my Patroclus ! furious fall On thefe affailants, even now preferve 100 From fire the only hope of our return» But hear the fum of all ; mark well my word ; * π^ΐΛγνί/τα». A word of incomparable force, and that defies translation. So 41 6 Η Ο Μ Ε R' s I L I A D. Book XVI. So ihalt thou glorify me in the eyes Of all the Dana'i, and they iliall yield Briseis mine, with many a gift befide. 105 The Trojans from the fleet expell'd, return. Should Juno's awful fpoufe give thee to win Victory, be content ; feek not to prefs The Trojans without me, for thou ilialt add Still more to the difgrace already mine. 1 10 Much lefs, by martial ardour urged, conduct Thy flaught'ring legions to the walls of Troy, Left fome Immortal pow'r on her behalf Defcend, for much the Archer of the ikies Loves Ilium. No — the fleet once laved, lead back 115 Thy band, and leave the battle to themfelves. For oh, by all the Powers of heav'n I would That not one Trojan might efcape of all, Nor yet a Greecian, but that we, from death Ourfelves efcaping, might furvive to fpread 120 Troy's facred bulwarks on the ground, alone ? Thus they conferral. But Ajax overwhelm'd Meantime with darts, no longer could endure, Quell'd both by Jupiter and by the fpears Of many a noble Trojan ; hideous rang 125 His batter'd helmet bright, ftroke after ltroke Suitaining on all fides, and his left arm That had fo long ihifted from fide to fide His renieis fliield, now fail'd ; yet could not all Difplace him with united force, or move. 130 Quick pantings heav'd his cheft, copious the fweat ckled from all his limbs, nor found he time, However Book XVI. II Ο Μ Ε R *s i J. 1 Λ J). 4^7 However fhort, to breathe again, ib clofe Evil on evil heap'd hemm'd him around. Olympian Mufes ! now declare, how tirll 135 The fire was kindled in Achaia's fleet ? Hedtor the amen lance of Ajax fmote With his broad faulchion, at the nether end, And lopp'd it fheer. The Telamonian Chief His mutilated beam brandifh'd in vain, 143 And the bright point ihrill-founding fell remote. Then Ajax in his noble mind perceived, Shudd'ring with awe, the interpoling pow'r Of heav'n, and that, propitious to the arms Of Troy, the Thund'rer had ordain'd to mar 145 And fruit rate all the counfels of the Greeks. He left his itand ; they fired the gallant bark ; Through all her length the conflagration ran Incontinent, and wrapped her item in flames. Achilles faw them, fmote his thighs, and faid, 150 Patroclus, noble charioteer, arife ! I fee the rapid run of hoitile fires Already in the fleet — left all be loft, And our return impoflible. Arm, arm This moment, I will call, myfelf, the band. 155 Then put Patroclus on his radiant arms. Around his legs his poliih'd greaves he clafp'd, With argent ituds fecured ; the hauberk rich Star-fpangled to his breaft he bound of fwift TEaeides ; he flung his brazen fword τ 60 W T ith filver bright- embofs'd, and his broad fhield Ponderous ; on his noble head his cafque 3 Η He 4 ,8 Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L 1 A D. Book XVI. He fettled elegant, whofe lofty creft Waved dreadful o'er his brows, and lail he feized Well fitted to his gripe two fturdy fpears. 165 Of all Achilles' arms his fpear alone He took not ; that huge beam, of bulk and length Enormous, none, ^Eacides except, in all Achaia's hoft had pow'r to wield. it was that Pelian aili which from the top 170 Of Pelion hewn that it might prove the death Of heroes, Chiron had to Peleus giv'n. He bade Automedon his courfers bind Speedily to the yoke, for him he loved Next to Achilles moit, as worthieit found 175 Of truft, what time the battle loudeil roar'd. Then led Automedon the fiery ileeds Swift as wing'd tempefts to the chariot-yoke, Xanthus and Balius. Them the harpy bore Podarge, while in meadows green ihe fed 180 On Ocean's fide, to Zephyrus the wind. To thefe he added, at their fide, a third The noble Pedafus ; him Peleus' fon, Eetion's city taken, thence had brought, Though mortal, yet a match for ileeds divine. 185 Meantime from ev'ry tent Achilles call'd And arm'd his Myrmidons. As wolves that gorge The prey yet panting, terrible in force, When on the mountains wild they have devour'd An antler'd ltag new-ilain, with bloody jaws 190 Troop all at once to fome clear fountain, .there To lap with flender tongues the brimming wave ; No Book XVI. Η Ο Μ ί£ R ' s ILIA D. V9 No fears have they, but at their eafe eje£t From full maws flatulent the clotted gore, Such feem'd the Myrmidon heroic Chiefs 195 Aflembling fail around the valiant friend Of fwift iEacides. Amid them flood Warlike Achilles, the well-ihielded ranks Exhorting, and the ileeds, to glorious war. The galleys by Achilles dear to Jove 200 Commanded, when to Ilium's coail he iteer'd, Were fifty ; fifty rowers fat in each, And five, in whom he trufted, o'er the reft He captains named, but ruled, himfelf, fupreme. One band Meneftheus fwift in battle led, 205 Offspring of Sperchius heav'n-defcended ilream. Him Polydora, Peleus* daughter, bore To ever-flowing Sperchius, comprefs'd, Although a mortal woman, by a God. But his reputed father was the fon 210 Of Perieres, Borus, who with dow'r Enrich'd, and made her openly his bride. Warlike Eudorus led the fecond band. Him Polymela, graceful in the dance, And daughter beautiful of Phylas, bore, 2 1 ς A mother unfufpected of a child. Her worfhipping the golden-fhafted Queen Diana, in full choir, with fong and dance, The valiant Argicide beheld and loved. Afcehding with her to an upper room, 220 All-bounteous Mercury clandeiline there Embraced her, who a noble fon produced 3 Η 2 Eudorus, 4•2θ HOMER'a ILIA D. Book XVL Eiulorus, fwift to run, and bold in fight. No (boner Ilithya, arbitrefs Of pangs puerperal, had giv'n him birth, 225 And he beheld the beaming fun, than her Echechleus, Actor's mighty fon, enrichVl With countlefs dowY, and led her to his home ; While antient Phylas, cheriihing her boy With fond affection, reared him as his own. 230 The third brave troop warlike Pifander led, Offspring of Maimalus ; he far excell'd In fpear- fight ev'ry Myrmidon, the friend Of Peleus' dauntlefs fon alone except. The hoary Phoenix of equeitrian fame 235 The fourth band led to battle, and the fifth Laerceus' offspring, bold Alcimedon. Thus, all his bands beneath their proper Chiefs MarftiaU'd, Achilles gave them ilrict command — Myrmidons ! all that vengeance now inflict, 240 Which in this fleet ye ceafed not to denounce Againft the Trojans while my wrath endured. Me ceniuring, ye have proclaim'd me oft Obdurate. Oh Achilles ! ye have faid, Thee not with milk thy mother but with bile 245 Suckled, who hold'ft thy people here in camp Thus long imprifon'd. Unrelenting Chief! ;i let us hence in our fea-ikimming barks To Phthia, iince thou cantt not be appeafed — Thus in full council have ye fpoken oft. 250 av, therefore, fince a day of glorious toil \t laft appears, fuch as ye have deiircd, There Book XVI. Η Ο Μ Ε R *s ILIAD. 421 There lies the field — go — give your courage proof. So them he roufed, and they, their leader's voice Hearing elate, to clofeft order dre\r. 255 As when an architect fome palace wall With fhapely ftones upbuilds, cementing clofe A barrier again ft all the winds of heav'n, So wedg'd, the helmets and bofs'd bucklers ftood ; Shield, helmet, man, prefs'd helmet, man, and ihield, 260 And ev'ry bright-arm'd warrior's bufhy creft Its fellow fwept, fo denfe was their array. In front of all, two Chiefs their ftation took, Patroclus and Automedon ; one mind In both prevail'd, to combat in the van 265 Of all the Myrmidons. Achilles, then, Retiring to his tent, difplaced the lid Of a capacious cheft magnificent By filver- footed Thetis ilow'd on board His bark, and fill'd with tunics, mantles warm, 270 And gorgeous arras ; there he alio kept Secure a goblet exquifitely wrought, Which never lip touch'd fave his own, and whence He offer'd only to the Sire of all. That cup producing from the cheft, he firft 275 With fulphur fumed it, then with water rinfed Pellucid of the running ftream, and, laft, (His hands clean laved) he charged it high with wine. And now, advancing to his middle court, He pourVl libation, and with eyes to heav'n 280 Uplifted pray'd, of Jove not unobferv'd. Pelafgian, Λ22 Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s I L Ι Λ D. Book XVI. Pelalgian, Dodoneean Jove fupreme, Dwelling remote, who on Dodona's heights Snow-clad reign'ft Sov'rcign, by thy feers around CompafVd, the Selii, prophets vow-conftrain'd 285 To unwafh'd feet and {lumbers on the ground ! Plain I behold my former pray'r perform'd, Myfelf exalted, and the Greeks abafed. Now alfo grant me, Jove, this my deiire ! Here, in my fleet, I ihall myfelf abide, 290 But lo ! with all thefe Myrmidons I fend My friend to battle. Thunder-rolling Jove Send glory with him, make his courage firm ! That even Hector may himfelf be taught, If my companion have a valiant heart 295 When he goes forth alone, or only then The noble frenzy feels that Mars infpires When I ruih alfo to the glorious field. But when he ihall have driv'n the battle-fhout Once from the fleet, grant him with all his arms, 300 None loft, himfelf unhurt, and my whole band Of dauntlefs warriors with him, fafe return ! Such pray'r Achilles offer'd, and his fuit Jove hearing, part confirm'd, and part refufed ; To chafe the dreadful battle from the fleet 305 He gave him, but vouchfafed him no return. Pray'r and libation thus perform'd to Jove The Sire of all, Achilles to his tent ReturnVl, replaced the goblet in his elicit, And anxious mil that conflict to behold 310 Between the holts, ftood forth before his tent. Then Book XVI. HOMER' s ILIAD. 42 j Then ruih'd the bands by brave Patroclus led, Full on the Trojan hoft. As wafps forfake Their home by the way-fide, provoked by boys Difturbing inconfid'rate their abode, 315 Not without nuifance fore to all who pafs, For if, thenceforth, fome trav'ler unaware Annoy them, iftuing one and all they fwarm Around him, fearlefs in their broods' defence, So iifued from their fleet the Myrmidons 320 Undaunted ; clamour infinite arofe, And thus Patroclus loud his hoft addrefs'd. Oh Myrmidons, attendants in the field On Peleus' fon, now be ye men my friends ! Call now to mind the fury of your might; 325 That we, clofe-fighting fervants of the Chief Moil excellent in all the camp of Greece, May glory gain for Him, and that the wide- Commanding Agamemnon, Atreus' fon, May learn his fault, that he diihonour'd foul 330 The prince in whom Achaia glories moil. So faying he fired their hearts, and on the van Of Troy at once they fell ; loud ihouted all The joyful Greecians, and the navy rang. Then, foon as Ilium's hoft the valiant fon 335 Saw of Mencetius and his charioteer In dazzling armour clad, all courage loft, Their clofeft ranks gave way, believing fure That, wrath renounced, and terms of friendfhip chofen, Achilles' fclf was there; thus thinking, each 340 Look'd ev'ry way for refuge from his fate. Patroclus 4=4 11 Ο Μ F R's ILIAD. Book XVI. roclus firft, where thickeil throng he faw Gather'd tumultuous around the bark Of brave Protefihus, hurl'd direct At the whole multitude his glitt'ring fpear. 345 lie fmote Pynechmes; he his horfeman band Poeonian led from Amy don, and from Broad-flowing Axius. In his fhoulder flood The fpear, and with loud groans fupine he fell. At once fled all his followers, on all lides 350 With confternation fill'd, feeing their Chief And their beft warrior, by Patroclus ilain. Forth from the fleet he drove them, quenched the flames, And refcued half the ihip. Then fcatter'd fled With infinite uproar the hoft of Troy, 355 While from between their fhips the Dana'i Pourd after them, and hideous rout eniued. when the King of lightnings, Jove, difpcdls From fome huge eminence a gloomy cloud, The groves, the mountain- tops, the headland heights 360 Shine all, illumin'd from the boundlefs heav'n, So when the Dana'i thofe hoilile Ares Had from their fleet expell'd, awhile they breath'd, Yet found ihort refpite, for the battle yet Ceafed not, nor fled the Trojans in all parts 365 Alike, but ftill refitted, from the fhips Retiring through ncceffity alone. Then, in that fcatter'd warfare, ev'ry Chief Slew one. re'ilochus his back 1 arn'd on Patroclus, fudden with a lance 370 His thigh he pierced, and urged the weapon through, Shiv'ring Book XVI. IIOMER's ILIAD. 42 5 Shiv'ring the bone ; he headlong fmote the ground. The Hero Menelaus, where he law The bread of Thoas by his ilanting ihield Unguarded, ftruck and itretchM him at his feet. 375 * Phylides, meeting with preventive fpear The furious onfet of Amphiclus, gaih'd His leg below the knee, where brawny moil The mufcles fwell in man ; difparted wide The tendons ihrank, and darknefs veil'd his eyes. 380 The two Neiloridae flew each a Chief. Of thefe, Antilochus Atymnius pierced Right through his flank, and at his feet he fell. With fierce refentment fired Maris beheld His brother's fall, and guarding, fpear in hand, 385 The flain, impetuous on the conqu'ror flew ; But godlike tThrafymedes wounded firil Maris, ere he Antilochus ; he pierced His upper arm, and with the lance's point Rent off and ilript the mufcles to the bone. 39© Sounding he fell, and darknefs veil'd his eyes. They thus, two brothers by two brothers flain, Went down to Erebus, affociates both Of brave Sarpedon, and fpear-prac"lis'd fons Of Amifodarus; of him who fed 395 ChimaeraJ, moniler, by whom many died. * Meges. f Brother of Antilochus. Χ <ί^χψχ•ΔτΎ^ — is a word which I can find nowhere iatisfaclorily derived. Perhaps it is expreflive of great length, and I am the more inclined to that lenfe of it, becaufe it is the Epithet given to the mail on which Ulyfles floated to Charybdis. Wc muft in that cafe derive it from ο,/λχ and ρηχός Dorice, uaxos — longitudo. In this uncertainty I thought myfelf free to tranflatc it as I have, bv the word — monftcr. 3 I Ajax Π Ο Μ ER's ί L 1 Λ P. Book XVI. Ajax the fwift on Cleobulus fprang, Whom, while he toil'd entangled in the crowd, lie feized alive, but fmote him where he flood With his huge-hafted fword full on the neck ; 400 The blood warm'd all his blade, and ruthlefs fate Benighted dark the dying warrior's eyes. Peneleus into clofe contention rufh'd And Lycon. Each had hurl'd his glitt'ring fpear, But each in vain, and now with f words they met. 405 He fmote Peneleus on the creiled cafque, But fnapp'd his faulchion ; him Peneleus fmote Beneath his ear ; the whole blade ent'ring fank Into his neck, and Lycon with his head Depending by the fkin alone, expired. 410 Meriones o'ertaking Acamas Ere yet he could afcend his chariot, thrufl A lance into his flioulder ; down he fell In dreary death's eternal darknefs whelm'd. idomeneus his ruthlefs fpear enforced 415 Into the mouth of Erymas. The point Stay'd not, but gliding clofe beneath the brain, Tranfpierced his * fpine, and flarted forth beyond. It wrench'd his teeth, and fill'd his eyes with blood ; Blood alfo blowing through his open mouth 42© And noflrils, to the realms of death he pafs'd. Thus flew thefe Greecian leaders, each, a foe. Sudden as hungry wolves the kids purloin Or lambs, which haply fome unheeding fwain * Apollonius fays that the οζ-ίχ λιυχχ here mean the νπονίνλους, or vertebrae of the - • yilloiflbn. Hath Book XVI. Η Ο Μ Ε R * s ILIAD. 4 ; 7 I lath left to roam at large the mountains wild; 425 They, feeing, match them from befide the dams, And rend incontinent the feeble prey, So fwift the Dana'i the holt aflail'd Of Ilium ; they, into tumultuous flight Together driv'n, all hope, all courage loft. 430 Huge Ajax ceafelefs fought his fpear to caft At Hector brazen-mail'd, who, not untaught The warrior's art, with bull-hide buckler ftood Shelt'ring his ample moulders, while he mark'd The hifs of flying fhafts and craili of {pears. 435 Full fure he law the ihifting courfe of war Now turn'd, but fcorning flight, bent all his thoughts To relcue yet the remnant of his friends. As when the Thund'rer fpreads a fable ftorm O'er aether, late ferene, the cloud that wrapp'd 440 Olympus' head efcapes into the ikies, So fled the Trojans from the fleet of Greece Clamouring in their flight, nor pafs'd the trench In fair array ; the courfers fleet indeed Of Hector, Him bore fafe with all his arms 44 c Right through, but in the fofs entangled foul He left his hoft, and ftruggling to efcape. Then many a chariot-whirling iteed, the pole Broken at its extremity, forfook His driver, while Patroclus with the ihout 4-0 Of battle calling his Achaians on, Deftruotion purpofed to the pow'rs of Troy. They, once difpers'd, with clamour and with flight Fill'd all the ways, the duft beneath the clouds 3 I 2 Hung 42 S IlOMER's ILIAD. Book XVI. Hung like a temped, and the iteeds firm-hoof 'd 455 WhiiTd off at ftretch the chariots to the town. He, wherefoe'er moil troubled he perceived The routed holt, loud-threat'ning thither drove, While under his own axle many a Chief Fell prone, and the o'ertumbled chariots rang. 460 Right o'er the hollow fofs the couriers leap'd Immortal, by the Gods to Peleus giv'n, Impatient for the plain, nor lefs deiire Felt he who drove to fmite the Trojan Chief, But him his fiery iteeds caught fwift away. 465 As when a tempeit from autumnal ikies Floats all the fields, what time Jove heavieil pours Impetuous rain, token of wrath divine Againit perverters of the laws by force, Who drive forth juftice, recklefs of the Gods; 470 The rivers and the torrents, where they dwell, Sweep many a green declivity away, And plunge at length, groaning, into the Deep From the hills headlong, leaving where they pafs'd No traces of the pleafant works of man, 475 So, in their flight, loud groan'd the iteeds of Troy. And now, their foremoit intercepted all, Patroclus back again toward the fleet Drove them precipitate, nor the afcent Permitted them to Troy for which they itrove, 480 But in the midway fpace between the ihips The river and the lofty Trojan wall Purfued them ardent, flaught'ring whom he reach Vi, And vengeance took for many a Greecian flain. Firfl Book XVI. HOMER 's ILIAD. 429 Firil then, with glitt'ring fpear the breaft he pierced 485 Of Pronous, undefended by his fhield, And ilretch'd him dead ; loud rang his batter'd arms. The fon of Enops, Theftor next he fmote. He on his chariot-feat magnificent Low-cow'ring fat, a fear-diftracted form, 490 And from his paliied grafp the reins had falPn. Then came Patroclus nigh, and through his cheek His teeth tranfpiercing, drew him by his lance Sheer o'er the chariot front. As when a man On fome projecting rock feated, with line. 495 And fplendid hook draws forth a fea-fiih huge, So him wide-gaping from his feat he drew At his fpear-point, then {hook him to the ground Prone on his face, where gafping he expired. At Eryalus, next, advancing fwift 500 He hurl'd a rock ; full on the middle front He fmote him, and within the pond'rous cafque His whole head open'd into equal halves. With deadlieft night furrounded, prone he fell.. Epaltes, Erymas, Amphoterus, 505 Echius, Tlepolemus Damaitor's fon, Evippus, Ipheus, Pyres, Polymelus, All thefe he on the champain, corfe on corfe Promifcuous flung. Sarpedon, when he faw Such havoc made of his * uncinctured friends 510 By Mencetiades, with iliarp rebuke * Ά/^ιτρο^ιτα,^α? is a word, according to Clarke, dclcriptive of their peculiar habit. Their corfler, and the mail worn under it, were of a piece, and put on together. To them therefore the cincture or belt of the Greeks was unnecefiary. His 43 o Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. Book XVI. His band of godlike Lycians loud addrcfsYl. Shame on you, Lycians ! Whither would ye fly ? Now are ye fwift indeed. I will oppofe Myfelf this conqueror, that I may learn 515 Who thus airlifts the Trojan holt, of life Bereaving num'rous of their warriors bold. He faid, and with his arms leap'd to the ground. On the other fide, Patroclus at that fight Sprang from his chariot. As two vultures clafli 520 Bow-beak'd, crook-talon\l, on fome lofty rock Clamouring both, fo they together rufh'd With clamours loud; whom when the foil obferved Of wily Saturn, with companion moved His filter and his fpoufe he thus befpake. 525 Alas he falls ! my moil belov'd of men Sarpedon, vanquiih'd by Patroclus falls ! So will the Fates. Yet, doubtful, much I mufe Whether to place him, fnatch'd from furious fight, In Lycia's wealthy realm, or to permit 530 His death by valiant Mencetiades. To whom his awful fpoufe, difpleafed, replied. How fpeaks the terrible Saturnian Jove? Wouldit thou again from pangs of death exempt A mortal man, deftined long fince to die? 535 Do it. But fmall thy praife iliall be in heav'n. irk thou my words, and in thy inmoft brealt Treafure them. If thou fend Sarpedon fafe To his own home, how many Gods their fons May alfo fend from battle? Weigh it well. 540 For under yon great city fight no few Sprung Book XVI. Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. 431 Sprung from Immortals whom thou ihalt provoke. But if thou love him, and thine heart his lot Commis'rate, leave him by the hands to fall Of Mencetiades in conflidt dire, £45 But give command to Death and gentle Sleep That him of life bereft at once they bear To Lycia's ample realm, where, with due rites Funereal, his next kindred and his friends Shall honour him, a pillar and a tomb 550 (The dead man's portion) rearing to his name. She faid, from whom the Sire of Gods and men DifTented not, but on the earth diitill'd A fanguine iliow'r in honour of a fon Dear to him, whom Patroclus on the field 55 c Of fruitful Troy ihould flay, far from his home. Oppofite now, fmall interval between, Thofe heroes flood. Patroclus at his waiil Pierced Thrafymelus the illuitrious friend Of King Sarpedon, and his charioteer. 5(50 Spear'd through the lower bowels, dead he fell. Then hurl'd Sarpedon in his turn a lance But mifs'd Patroclus and the fhoulder pierced Of Pedafus the horfe ; he groaning heaved His fpirit forth, and fallen on the field 565 In long loud moanings forrowful expired. Wide itarted the immortal pair ; the yoke Creak'd, and entanglement of reins enfucd To both, their fellow flaughterVl at their fide. That mifchief foon Automedon redrefs'd. 570 He rofe, and from belkle his iturdy thigh Drawing 4 . 2 Η Ο Μ Ε R's I L I A D. Book XVI. Drawing his faulchion, with effectual itroke Cut loofe the fide-horfe; then the pair reduced To order, in their traces flood compofed, Vnd the two heroes fierce engaged again. 575 Again his radiant fpear Sarpedon huiTd But miiVd Patroclus ; the innocuous point, O'erflying his left ihoulder, pafs'd beyond. Then with bright lance Patroclus in his turn AiTail'd Sarpedon, nor with erring courfe 580 The weapon fped or vain, but pierced profound His chelt, enclofure of the guarded heart. As falls an oak, poplar, or lofty pine With new-edged axes on the mountains hewn Right through, for itruclure of ibme gallant bark, 585 So fell Sarpedon itretch'd his fteeds before And gnafhYl his teeth and clutch'd the bloody duft. And as 'a lion Hays a tawny bull Leader magnanimous of all the herd ; Beneath the lion's jaws groaning he dies; 590 So, leader of the fhielded Lycian's groan'd Indignant, by Patroclus ilain, the bold Sarpedon, and his friend thus, fad, befpake. Glaucus, my friend, among thefe warring Chiefs Thyielf a Chief illuftrious ! thou hail need 595 Of all thy valour now, now ftrenuous fight, And, if thou bear within thee a brave mind, Now make the war's calamities thy joy. l• iift, marching through the holt of Lycia, roufe Our Chiefs to combat for Sarpedon ilain, 600 Then hafte, thyfelf, to battle for thy friend. For Book XVI. II Ο Μ Ε R*a ILIAD. 4 33 For ihame and foul difhonour which no time Shall e'er obliterate, I muil prove to thee, Should the Achaians of my glorious arms Defpoil me in full •■• profpec"l of the fleet. 605 Fight, therefore, thou, and others urge to fight. He faid, and cover'd by the night of death Nor look'd nor breath'd again ; for on his cheft Implanting firm his heel, Patroclus drew The fpear enfolded with his vitals forth, 610 Weapon and life at once. Meantime his ileeds Snorted by myrmidons detain'd, and, loofed From their own mailer's chariot, foam'd to fly. Terrible was the grief by Glaucus felt Hearing that charge, and troubled was his heart 615 That all pow'r faiFd him to protecl the dead. Compreffing his own arm he flood, with pain Extreme tormented which the ihaft had caufed Of Teucer, who while Glaucus climb'd the. wall * Sarpedon certainly was not flain in the fleet, neither can the Greek exprefliori ViZv h dyuvi be with propriety interpreted — in certamine de navibus — as Clarke and M me Dacier are inclined to render it. Juvenum in certamine, feems equally an im- probable fenfe of it. Euftathius, indeed, and Terraflbn, fuppofing Sarpedon to aflert that he dies in the middle of the fleet (which was falfe in fact) are kind enough to vindicate Homer by pleading in his favour, that Sarpedon, being in the article of death, was delirious, and knew not, in reality, where he died. But Homer, however he may have been charged with now and then a nap (a crime of whieh I am perfuaded he is never guilty) certainly does not number here, nor needs to be fo defended. Άν«ι in the 23 d Iliad, means the whole extenfive area in which the games were exhibited and may therefore here, without any ftrain of the expreffion, be underftood to fignifv the whole range of Jhore on which the fhips were {rationed. In which cafe Sarpedon reprefents the matter as it was, faying that he dies— vf»> \ v ^h— that j^ j n t h c neighbourhood of the fhips, and in full profpeft of them. The Tranflator aflumes not to himfelf the honour οι this judicious remark. It belongs to Mr. Fufeli. 3 Κ Had 454 /Ι ο Μ Ε R Ί I L I A D. Book XVI. Had pierced him from it in the fleet's defence. 620 Then, thus, to Phcebus, King ihaft-arnfd, he pray'd. Hear now, Ο King ! For whether in the land Of wealthy Lycia dwelling, or in Troy, Thou hear'ft in ev'ry place alike the pray'r Of the afflicted heart, and iuch is mine; 625 Behold my wound ; it fills my ufelefs hand With anguiih, neither can my blood be itay'd, And all my fhoulder fuffers. I can graip A fpear, or ruili to conflict with the Greeks No longer now, and we have alfo loft 630 Our nobieft Chief, Sarpedon, fon of Jove, Who guards not his own fon. But thou, Ο King ! Heal me, afTuage my anguifh, give me ilrength, That I may animate the Lycian hoft To fight, and may, myfelf, defend the dead! 635 Such pray'r he offer'd, whom Apollo heard ; He eafed at once his pain, the fable blood Staunch'd, and his foul with vigour new infpired. Then Glaucus in his heart that pray'r perceived Granted, and joyful for the fudden aid 640 Vouchlafed to him by Phcebus, firit, the lines Of Lycia ranged, fummoning ev'ry Chief To fight for ilain Sarpedon ; ftriding next With eager haile into the ranks of Troy Renown'd Agenor and the fon he call'd 64 ς Of Panthus, brave Polydamas, with whom /Eneas alfo, and approaching laft To Hector brazen-maiFd him thus befpake. Now Book XVI. II Ο Μ ER's IX Ι Λ D 435 Now, Hector! now, thou hail indeed refign'd All care of thy allies, who, for thy fake, 650 Loft both to friends and country, on thefe plains Perifh, unaided and unmifVd by thee. Sarpedon breathlefs lies, who led to fight Our fhielded bands, and from whofe juft controul And courage Lycia drew her chief defence, 655 Htm brazen Mars hath by the fpear fubdued Of Menoetiades. But ftand ye firm ! Let indignation fire you, Ο my friends ! Left, ftripping him of his refplendent arms, The Myrmidons with foul diihonour fhame 660 His body, through refentment of the deaths Of num'rous Greecians ilain by fpears of ours. He ceas'd ; then forrow ev'ry Trojan heart Seized infupportable and that difdain'd All bounds, for that, although a ftranger born, 66 ς Sarpedon ever had a bulwark proved To Troy, the leader of a num'rous hoft, And of that hoft by none in fight excelled. Right on toward the Dana'i they moved Ardent for battle all, and at their head £-0 Enraged for ilain Sarpedon, Hector came. Meantime, * βοιιΐ -hearted Chief y Patroclus rouied The Greecians, and exhorting firft (themfelves Already prompt) th' Ajaces, thus began. Heroic pair ! now make it all your joy - ς To chace the Trojan hoft, and fuch to prove As erft, or even bolder, if ye may. * Λάτιο* Knp, 3 Κ 2 The i3 S HOMER's I Μ A D. Book XVI. The Chief lies breathlefs who afcended fir ft Our wall, Sarpedon. Let us bear him hence, Strip and dishonour him, and in the blood 680 Of his protectors drench the ruthlefs fpear. So Mencetiades his warriors urged, Themielves courageous. Then the Lycian hoil And Trojan, here, and there, the Myrmidons With all the hoft of Greece, clofing the ranks, 685 Ruih'd into furious conteft for the dead Shouting tremendous ; clang'd their brazen arms, And Jove with Night's pernicious ihades o'erhung The bloody field, fo to enhance the more Their toilfome itrife for his own fon. Firft then 690 The Trojans from their place and order fhock'd The bright-eyed Greecians, flaying not the leail Nor woril among the Myrmidons, the brave Epigeus, from renown'd Agacles fprung. He, eril, in populous Budeum ruled> 695 But for a valiant kinfman of his own Whom there he flew, had thence to Peleus fled And to his filver-footed fpoufe divine, Who with Achilles, phalanx-breaker Chief, Sent him to fight beneath the walLs of Troy. 700 Him feizing fail the body, with a ftone Uluftrious Hector fmote full on the front, And his whole fcull within the ponderous cafque Split fheer; he proftrate on the body fell In Ihades of foul-divorcing death involved. 705 Patroclus, grieving for his flaughter'd friend, KunYd through the foremoft warriors. As the hawk Swift- Book XVI. IlOMER's ILIAD. 437 Swift-wing'd before him ftarlings drives or daws. So thou Patroclus, of equeftrian fame ! Full on the Lycian ranks and Trojan drov'it 710 Refentful of thy fellow- warriors fall. At Sthenelaus an huge itone he caft Son of Ithaemenes, whom on the neck He fmote and burit the tendons ; then the van Of Ilium's hoft, with Hector, all retired. 715 Far as a ilender javelin cuts the air Hurl'd with collected force, or in the games, Or ev'n in battle at a defp'rate foe, So far the Greeks repulfed the hoil of Troy. Then Glaucus firil, Chief of the ihielded bands 720 Of Lycia, Hew Bathycles, valiant fon Of Calchon ; Hellas was his home, and far He pafs'd in riches all the Myrmidons. Him chafing Glaucus whom he now attain'd The Lycian, turning ludden, with his lance 725 Pierced through the breaft, and, founding, down he fell. Grief fill'd Achaia's fons for fuch a Chief So ilain, but joy the Trojans ; thick they throng'd The conqueror around, nor yet the Greeks Forgat their force, but refolute advanced. 730 Then, by Meriones a Trojan died Of noble rank, Laogonus, the fon Undaunted of Onetor great in Troy, Prieft of Ideean Jove. The ear and jaw Between, he pierced him with a mortal force; 73c Swift flew the life, and darknefs veil'd his eyes, iEneas, in return, his brazen fpear Hurl'd 4 , δ Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIA D. Book XVI. Hurl'd at Meriones with ardent hope To pierce him, while, with * nimble fteps and fhort Behind his buckler made, he paced the field; 740 But, warn'd of its approach, Meriones Bowed low his head, ihunning it, and the fpear Behind him pierced the ibil ; there quiv'ring ftood The weapon, vain, though from a vigorous arm, 'Till fpent by flow degrees its fury flept. 745 — — — — + Indignant then iEneas thus exclaim'd. Meriones ! I fent thee iuch a fpear As, reaching thee, mould have for ever marr'd 750 Thy ilep, accomplinYd dancer as thou art. To whom Meriones fpear-famed replied, JEneas ! thou wilt find the labour hard How great foe'er thy might, to quell the force Of all oppofers. Thou art alfo doom'd 755 Thyielf to die, and may but fpear of mine Well-aim'd once itrike thee full, what ftrength foe'er Or magnanimity be thine to boait, * 'ϊτΛΓτιοΊα 7Τ€:βιβΖ;7ος. A fimilar expreflion occurs in Book XIII. 158. There we read '-τχ,τπίλχ ττοοποίίξ^. Which is explained by the Scholiaft in iflbn to iignify — advancing with quick ihort Ireps, and at the feme time covering the feet with a ihield. A practice which, unlek they bore the οί^φ^βρότην aκ XVII. On flain Patroclus, but at length his fpeech To warlike Menelaus thus addrefs*d. Ah Menelaus, valiant friend ! 1 hope No longer, now, that even we ihall 'foape 290 Ourfelves from fight ; nor fear I fo the lofs Of dead Patroclus, who ihall ibon the dogs Of Ilium, and the fowls fate with his flefli, As for my life I tremble and for thine, That cloud of battle, Hector, fuch a gloom 295 Sheds all around ; death manifeft impends. Hade — call our bed, if even they can hear. He fpake, nor Menelaus not complied, But call'd aloud on all the Chiefs of Greece. Friends, fenators, and leaders of the pow'rs 300 Of Argos ! who with Agamemnon drink And Menelaus at the public feafl•,. Each bearing rule o'er many, by the will Of Jove advanced to honour and renown ! The taik were difficult to ikigle out 305 Chief after Chief by name amid the blaze Of fuch contention ; but oh come yourfelves indignant forth, nor let the dogs of Troy Patroclus rend, and gambol with his bones ! He ceafed, whom O'iliades the fwift 310 Hearing incontinent, of all the Chiefs Ran foremoft, after whom Idomeneus Approach'd, and dread as homicidal Mars Meriones. But never mind of man Could ev'n in filent recollection name 31c; The whole vatt multitude who, following thefc, Renew'd Book XVII. Η Ο Μ Ε R's 1 L I A D. 4 *1 Renewed the battle on the part of Greece. The Trojans firrt, with Hector at their head, Wedg'd in clofe phalanx, rnih'd to the affault. As when within fame rapid river's mouth 320 The billows and ftream claih, on either * more Loud founds the * roar of waves ejected wide, Such feem'd the clamours of the Trojan hoft. But the Achaians, one in heart, around Patroclus flood, bulwark VI with fhiekls of brafs, 325 And over all their glitt'ring helmets Jove Darknefs diffufed, for he had loved Patroclus While yet he lived friend of ^Eacides, And, now, abhorring that the dogs of Troy Should eat him, urged the Greeks to his defence. 330 The hoft of Troy firft ihook the Greecian hoft ; The body left, they fled ; yet of them all, The Trojan pow'rs, determined as they were, Slew none, but dragg'd the body. Neither ftood The Greeks long time aloof, ibon as repulfed 335 Again led on by Ajax, who in form And in exploits all others far excell'd, Peerlefs yEacides alone except. Right through the foremoft combatants he rufh'd In force refembling moil fome favage boar 340 That in the mountains burtting through the brakes, The lwains difperfes and their hounds with eafe ; Like him, illuftrious Ajax, mighty foil * There is no word in our language exprefHve of loud found, at all comparable in effect to the Greek Bc-o-ofin. I have therefore endeavoured by the juxtapofition of two words fimilar in found, to palliate in fuuie fin all degree a defect which it was not in my power to cure. Of II Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. Book XVII. Of Telamon, at his aflault difperfed With cafe the clofe imbattled ranks, who fought 345 Around Patroclus' body, itrong in hope Γο atchieve it, and to make the glory theirs. Hippothous, a youth of high renown, Son of Pelafgian Lethus, by a noofe Around his ancle caft dragg'd through the fight 350 Patroclus, fo to gratify the hoft Of Ilium and their Chief; but evil him Reach'd fuddenly, by none of all his friends (Though num'rous wiih'd to fave him) turn'd afide. For fwift advancing on him through the crowd 355 The ion of Telamon pierced, fpear in hand, His helmet brazen-check'd ; the crelted cafque, So fmitten, open'd wide, for huge the hand And pond'rous was the fpear that gave the blow, And all around its neck, mingled with blood 360 Guili'd forth the brain. There, lifelefs, down he fank, Let fall the Hero's foot, and fell himfelf Prone on the dead, never to fee again Deep-foil'd Lariffa, never to requite Their kind folicitudes who gave him birth, 365 In bloom of life by dauntlefs Ajax flain. Then, Heclor hurl'd at Ajax his bright fpear, But he, forewarned of its approach, efcaped Narrowly and it pierced Schedius initead, Brave fon of Iphitus; he, noblcll Chief 370 Of the Phoccnfians, over many reign 'd, Dwelling in Panopeus the far-renown'd. Ent'ring Book XVII. II Ο Μ Ε R's I L I A D. 463 Ent'ring beneath the * clavicle the point Right through his moulder's fummit pafs'd behind, And on his loud-refounding arms he fell. 375 But Ajax at his waift wounded the fon Of Phcenops, valiant Phorcys, while he flood Guarding Hippothcius ; through his hollow mail Enforced the weapon drank his inmoft life, And in his palm, fupine, he clench'd the dure. 380 Then, Hector with the foremoft Chiefs of Troy Fell back ; the Argives fent a ihout to heav'n, And dragging Phorcys and Hippothcius thence Stripp'd both. In that bright moment Ilium's hoft Fear-quell'd before Achaia's warlike fons 385 Had Troy re-enter'd, and the hoft of Greece By matchlefs might and fortitude their own Had fnatch'd a vicf'ry from the grafp of Fate, But that, himfelf, the King of radiant fhafts iEneas roufed ; Epytis' fon he feem'd 390 Periphas, antient in the fervice grown Of old Anchifes whom he dearly loved ; His form affumed, Apollo thus began. How could ye fave, iEneas, were the Gods Your enemies, the tow'rs of lofty Troy ? 395 As I have others feen, warriors who would, Men fiird with might and valour, firm themfelves And Chiefs of multitudes difdaining fear. But Jove to us the victory far more Than to the Greecians wills; therefore the fault 400 Is yours, who tremble and refule the fight. * Or collar-bone. He A r H Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s I L Ι Α Γ). Book XVII. He ended, whom .Eneas marking, knew At once the glorious Archer of. the ikies, And thus to diftant Hector call'd aloud. Oh Hector, and ye other Chiefs of Troy 405 And of her brave confed'rates ! Shame it were Should we re-enter Ilium, driv'n to flight By daftard fear before the hoft of Greece. A God allured me even now, that Jove, Supreme in battle, gives his aid to Troy. 410 Ruih, therefore, on the Dariai direct, r let them, fafe at lealt and unannoy'd, ar hence Patroclus' body to the fleet. He fpake, and ftarting far into the van Stood foremoft forth ; they, wheeling, faced the Greeks. Then, fpear in hand, yEneas fmote the friend 416 Of Lycomedes, brave Leocritus, Son of Arifbas. Lycomedes faw Companionate his death, and drawing nigh Firft ilood, then hurling his refplendent lance 420 ;ht through the liver Apifaon pierced Offspring of Hippafus, his cheit beneath, And, lifelefs, inftant, on the field he fell. He from Paeonia the deep-fbil'd to Troy me forth, Afteropceus fole except, 425 Braveft of all PcConia's band in arms. Aileropxus faw, and to the van irang forth for furious cumbat well prepared, But room ■< r fight found none, fo thick a fence Of fhields and ported fpears fronted fecure 430 The Book XVII. ίΐ Ο Μ Ε R's ILIA D. 465 The phalanx guarding Menoetiadcs. For Ajax ranging all the ranks, aloud Admonifli'd them that no man Yielding ground Should leave Patroclus, or advance before The reft, but all alike fight and ftand faft. 435 Such order gave huge Ajax ; purple gore Drench'd all the ground ; in ilaughter'd heaps they fell Trojans and Trojan aids of dauntlefs hearts And Greecians ; for not even they the fight Waged bloodlefs, though with far lefs coft of blood, 440 Each mindful to avert his fellow's fate. Thus burn'd the battle ; neither hadft thou deem'd The fun himfelf in heav'n unquench'd, or moon, Beneath a cope fo denfe of darknefs ftrove Unceafing all the moil renown'd in arms 445 For Mencetiades. Meantime the war, Wherever elfe, the bright-arm'd Greecians waged And Trojans under ikies ferene. The fun On them his radiance darted ; not a cloud, From mountain or from vale rifing, allay'd 450 His fervour ; there at diftance due they fought And paufed by turns, and ihunn'd the cruel dart. But in the middle field not war alone They fuffer'd, but night alfo ; ruthlefs raged The iron ftorm, and all the mightieft bled. 455 Two glorious Chiefs, the w T hile, Antilochus And Thrafymedes, had no tidings heard Of brave Patroclus flain, but deem'd him ftill Living, and troubling ftill the hoft of Troy ; 3 Ο For Α ββ HQMER's ILIA D. Book XVII. For * watchful only to prevent the flight 460 Or {laughter of their fellow-warriors, they Maintain'd a diftant itation, ίο enjoin'd By Neitor when he lent them to the field. But fiery conflict arduous employ 'd The reft all day continual ; knees and legs, 465 Feet, hands, and eyes of thofe who fought to guard The valiant friend of fwift iEacides Sweat gather'd foul and dull. As when a man An. huge ox-hide drunken with ilipp'ry lard Gives to be itretch'd, his fervants all around 470 Difpofed, juft intervals between, the taik Ply ftrenuous, and while many {training hard Extend it equal on all fides, it fweats The moifture out, and drinks the unction in, So they, in narrow fpace ilruggling, the dead 475 Dragg'd ev'ry way, warm hope conceiving, thefe To drag him thence to Troy, thofe, to the ihips. Wild tumult raged around him ; neither Mars Gath'rer of holts to battle, nor herfelf Pallas, however angry, had beheld 480 That conflict with dildain, Jove to fuch length Protracted on that day the bloody toil Of itccds and men for Mencetiades. \or knew divine Achilles or had aught Heard of Patroclus llain, for from the fhips 485 The proper meaning of Ιττιοσ<το[Χί•,ω — is not fimply looking ou 3 but providing -.jL And thus their ignorance of the death of Patroclus is accounted for. They ordered by Ncilor to a pofl in which they ihould have little to do themfelves, pt to fuperintend others, and were confequcntly too remote from Patroclus to fee him fall, 1 to hear that he had fallen• bee ViilouTon, Remote Book XVIL Η Ο Μ Ε R *s I L I A I). 4 ^ Remote they fought, beneath the walls of Troy. He, therefore, fear'd not for his death, but hope Indulged much rather, that, the battle pufh'd To Ilium's gates, he mould return alive. For that his friend, unaided by himfelf 490 Or even aided, iliould prevail to lay Troy wafte, he nought fuppofed ; by Thetis warn'd In jfecret conf'rence oft, he better knew Jove's purpofe ; yet not even die had borne Thofe dreadful tidings to his ear, the lofs 495 Immeafurable of his deareft friend. They all around the dead fought fpear in hand With mutual llaughter ceafelefs, and amid Achaia's hoft thus fpake a Chief mail-arm'd. Shame were it, Greecians ! ihould we feek by flight 500 Our galleys now ; yawn earth our feet beneath And here ingulph us rather! Better far Than to permit the iteed-famed hoil of Troy To drag Patroclus hence into the town, And make the glory of this conflict theirs. 50j>' Thus alfo of the dauntlefs Trojans fpake A certain warrior. Oh my friends ! although The Fates ordain us, one and all, to die Around this body, Hand ! quit not the field. So fpake the warrior prompting into act 5 1 o• The courage of his friends, and fuch they ftrovc On both fides ; high into the vault of heav'n The iron din pafs'd through the deiart air. Meantime the horfes of iEacides From fight withdrawn, foon as they underftood 515 3 Ο 2 Their A (i HOMER's ILIAD. Book XVII. Their charioteer fall'n in the drift beneath The arm of homicidal Hector, wept. Them oft with hafty lafli Diores' fon Automedon impatient fmote, full oft He itroak'd them gently, and as oft he * chode, 520 Yet neither to the fleet ranged on the fliore Of fpacious Hellefpont would they return, Nor with the Greecians feek the fight, but flood As a fepulchral pillar Hands, unmoved Between their traces; to the earth they hung 525 Their heads, with plenteous tears their driver mourn'd, And mingled their diihevelFd manes with dufl. Jove faw their grief with pity, and his brows Shaking, within himfelf thus, peniive, faid. Ah haplefs pair! Wherefore by gift divine 530 Were ye to Peleus giv'n, a mortal king, Yourfelves immortal and from age exempt ? Was it that ye might fhare in human woes ? For, of all things that breathe or creep the earth, No creature lives fo mere a wretch as man. $,2,$ Yet fhall not Priameian Hector ride Triumphant, drawn by you. Myfelf forbid. Suffice it that he boaits vain-glorioufly Thofe arms his own. Your fpirit and your limbs I will invigorate, that ye may bear 540. Safe hence Automedon into the fleet. For I ordain the Trojans itill to fpread Carnage around victorious, 'till they reach * This is the proper imperfect of the verb chide, though modern ufage has fubrti- ' chid, a. word of mean and aukward found, in the place of it. The Bock XVII. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. 469 The gallant barks, and 'till the fun at length Defcending, facred darknefs cover all. 545 He faid, and with new might the ileeds infpired. They, fhaking from their hair profufe the duft Between the van of either army whirFd The rapid chariot. Fighting as he pafs'd, Though fill'd with forrow for his ilaughter'd friend, 550 Automedon high-mounted fwept the field Impetuous as a vulture featuring getfe ; Now would he vanifh, and now, turn'd again, Chafe through a multitude his trembling foe ; But whomfoe'er he follow'd, none he ilew, 555 Nor was the taik pofTible to a Chief Sole in the facred chariot, both to aim The fpear aright and guide the fiery ileeds. At length Alcimedon, his friend in arms, Son of Laerceus fon of vEmon, him 560 Obferving, from behind the chariot hail'd The flying warrior whom he thus befpake* What pow'r, Automedon ! hath ta'en away Thy better judgment, and thy breaft infpired With this vain purpofe to afTail alone 565 The Trojan van ? Thy partner in the fight Is flain, and Hector on his moulders bears, Elate, the armour of ./Eacides. Then, anfwer thus Automedon return'd Son of Diores. Who of all our.hoft 570 Was ever ikill'd, Alcimedon ! as thou To rule the fire of thefe immortal ileeds, Save only while he lived, peer of the Gods In tfe IIOMER's ILIA D. Book XVII. In that great ait, Patroclus, now no more ? Thou, therefore, the refplendent reins receive 575 And fcourge, while I, demounting, wage the fight. He eeas'd ; Alcimcdon without delay The battle-chariot mounting, feized at once The laih and reins, and from his feat down leapM Automedon. Them noble Hector mark'd, 580 And to .T/ncas at his ilde began. Illuftrious Chief of Trojans brazen-maird yEneas ! I have noticed yonder fteeds Of fwift Achilles milling into fight Confpicuous, but under fway of hands 585 Unfkilful ; whence arifes a fair hope That we might feize them, wert thou fo inclin'd ; For never would thofe two dare to oppofe In battle an aflault dreadful as ours. He ended, nor the valiant fon refufed 59a Of old Anchifes, but with targets firm Of feaibn'd hide brafs-plated thrown athwart Their moulders, both advanced direct, with whom Of godlike form Aretus alfo went And Chromius. Ardent hope they all conceived 595 To ilay thofe Chiefs, and from the field to drive Achilles' lofty fteeds. Vain hope ! for them No bloodlefs ftrife awaited with the force Of brave Automedon ; he, pray'r to Jove Fiiif ofTring, felt his angry foul with might 600 Heroic fill'd, and thus his faithful friend Alcimcdon, incontinent, addrefsYl. Alcimcdon I Book XVII. HOMER's ILIAD, 47* Alcimedon ! hold not the ileeds remote But breathing on my back ; for I expect That never Priame'ian Hector's rage 605 Shall limit know, or paufe, 'till, flaying us, He ihall himfelf the couriers ample-maned Mount of Achilles and to flight compel The Argive hoil, or periih in the van. So faying, he call'd aloud on Menelaus 610 With either Ajax. Oh illuftrious Chiefs Of Argos, Menelaus, and ye bold * Ajaces ! leaving all your beft to cope With Ilium's pow'rs and to protect the dead, From friends ftill living ward the bitter day. 615 For hither borne, two Chiefs, braveft of all The Trojans, Hector and ^Eneas ruili Right through the battle. The events of war Heav'n orders ; therefore even I will give My fpear its flight, and Jove difpofe the reft ! 620 He faid, and brandifhing his mafly fpear Difmifs'd it at Aretus ; full he fmote His ample fhield, nor ilay'd the pointed brafs, But penetrating iheer the difk, his belt Pierced alfo, and flood planted in his waift. 625 As when fome vigorous youth with fharpen'd ax A paftured bullock fmites behind the horns And hews the mufcle through ; he, at the flroke Springs forth and falls, fo fprang Aretus forth, Then fell fupine, and in his bowels flood 630 * The Latin plural of Ajax is fomctimes ncceflary, becauie the Engliih plural— Ajaxes — would be infupportable. The • : HOMER's ILIAD. Book XVII. The keen-edg'd lance (till quiv'ring 'till he died. Then Hector, in return, his radiant fpear HuiTd at Automedon, who of its flight Forewarn'd, his body bowing prone, the ftroke Eluded, and the fpear piercing the foil 635 Behind him, iliook to its fuperior end, 'Till, fpent by How degrees, its fury ilept. And now, with hand to hilt, for clofer war Both flood prepared, when through the multitude Advancing at their fellow- warriors call 640 Th' Ajaces fuddenly their combat fierce Prevented. Awed at once by their approach He&or retired, with whom ^neas went Alfo and godlike Chromius, leaving there Aretus with his vitals torn, whofe arms, 645 Fierce as the God of war Automedon Stripp'd off, and thus exulted o'er the flain. My foul fome portion of her grief refigns Confoled, although by ilaughter of a worfe, For lofs of valiant Mencetiades. 650 So faying, within his chariot he difpofed The gory fpoils, then mounted it himfelf With hands and feet purpled, as from a bull His bloody prey, fome lion newly-gorged. And now around Patroclus raged again 655 Dread flrife deplorable ; for from the ikies Defcending at the Thunderer's command Whofe purpofe now was to afTift the Greeks, Pallas enhanced the fury of the fight. As when from heav'n, in view of mortals, Jove 660 Exhibits VII. Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. Α η λ Exhibits bright his bow, a iign ordaha'd Of war, or numbing froft which all the works Sufpends of man and faddens all the βο( So fhe, all mantled with a radiant cloud Entering Achaia's hoft, fir'd ev'ry breaft. 665 But meeting Men clans firft, brave fon Of Atreus, in the form and with the voice Robuft of Phoenix, him ihe thus befpake. Shame, Menelaus, ihall to thee redound For ever, and reproach, fhould dogs devour 670 The faithful friend of Peleus' noble fon Under Troy's battlements ; but ftand, thyfelf, Undaunted, and encourage all the hoil. To whom the fon of Atreus bold in arms. Ah Phoenix, friend revered, antient and fage ! 675 Would Pallas give me might and from the dint Shield me of dart and fpear, with willing mind I would defend Patroclus, for his death Hath touch'd me deep. But Hector with the rage Burns of confuming fire, nor to his fpear 680 Gives paufe, for him Jove leads to victory. He ceas'd, whom Pallas, Goddefs azure-eyed Hearing, rejoiced that of the heav'nly pow'rs He had invoked her foremoft to his aid. His ihoulders with new might, and limbs ilie fill'd, 685 And perfevering boldnefs to his breaft Imparted, fuch as prompts the fly, which oft From fleih of man repulfed, her purpofe yet To bite holds fa ft, refolved on human blood. His ftormy bofom with fuch courage fill'd 690 3 Ρ 4 - 4 Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIA D. Book XVII. By Pallas, toTatroclus he approach'd And hurl'd, incontinent, his gMtfring fpear. There was a Trojan Chief, Podes by name, Son of Ee'tion, valorous and rich ; Of all Troy's citizens him Hector molt 695 Reflected, in convivial pleafures fweet His chos'n companion. As he fprang to flight, The hero of the golden locks his belt Struck with full force and fent the weapon through. Sounding he fell, and from the Trojan ranks 70a Atrides dragg'd the body to his own. Then drew Apollo near to Hector's iidc, And in the form of Phcenops, Aims' fon, Of all the foreign gueils at Hector's board His fav'rite moil, the hero thus addrefs'd. 705 What Chief of all the Greecians ihall henceforth Fear Hector, who from Menelaus ihrinks Once deem'd effeminate, but dragging now The body of thy valiant friend approv'd Whom he hath ilain, Podes, Eetion's ion ? 710 He fpake, and at his words grief like a cloud involved the mind of Hector dark around ; Right through the foremoif. combatants he rufh'd All clad in dazzling brafs. Then, lifting high His taiTel'd rcgis radiant, Jove with ftorms 715 Envelop'd Ida ; flaili'd his lightnings, roar'd His thunders, and the mountain ihook throughout. Troy's hoft he profper'd, and the Greeks diiperfcd. Firft fled Peneleus, the Boeotian Chief, Whom iacing firm the foe Polydamas 720 Struck Btfo* XVfl. 1 1 Ο Μ Ε R's ILIA D. 475 Struck on the ihoulder's ■* 'limit with a lance HurPd nigh at hand, which flight infcribed the bone. * Le'itus alio, ion of the renownVl -Xlectryon, pierced by He&or in the wriit, Difabled left the fight; trembling he fled 725 \nd peering narrowly around, nor hoped To lift a fpear againil the Trojans more. He£tor, purfuing Le'itus, the point Encounter'd of the brave Idomeneus Full on his cheft ; but in his mail the lance 730 Snapp'd, and the Trojans ihouted to the ikies. He, in his turn, caft at Deucalion's foil Idomeneus, who in that moment eaiii'd t A chariot-feat ; but him the erring fpear Attained not, piercing Cceranus inilead 735 The friend and follower of Meriones From wealthy Lyctus, and his charioteer. For when he left, that day, the gallant barks Idomeneus had fought the field on foot, And triumph proud, full fure, to Ilium's hoft 7 40 Had yielded now, but that with rapid hafte Cceranus drove to his relief, from him The fate averting which himfelf incurred * Le'itus was another Chief of the Boeotians. -f Αίφρν Ιψιςχοτις. — Yet we learn foon after that he fought on foot. But the Scholiaft explains the expreifioft thus — vsufi tj ί*ψΜ Ιτπβχ-.τος. The f..ct was that Idomeneus had left the camp on foot, and was on foot when Hector prepared to threw at him. But Cceranus, charioteer of Meriones, cbferving his danger drove inftantly to his aid. Idomeneus had juft time to mount, and the fpear, defigru him, ftruck Cceranus. — For a right underftanding of this very intricate and difficult pafTage, I am altogether indebted to the Scholiair. as quoted by Vuloiflbn. 3 Ρ ft Victim φ Η Ο Μ Ε R *s ILIAD. Book XVII. Victim of Hector's homicidal airti. Him Hector fmiting between ear and jaw 745 Puih'd from their fockets with the lance's point His firm-fet teeth, and fever'd fheer his tongue. Difmounted down he fell, and from his hand Let Aide the flowing reins, which, to the earth Stooping, Meriones in hafte refumed, 7^0 And briefly thus Idomeneus addrefs'd. Now drive, and ceafe not, to the fleet of Greece, Thyfelf fee'il victory no longer ours. He faid ; Idomeneus whom, now, difmay Seized alfo, with his laih. plying fevcre 755 The couriers ample-maned, flew to the fleet. Nor Ajax, dauntlefs hero, not perceived Nor Menelaus, by the fway of Jove The victory inclining fail to Troy,. And thus the Telamonian Chief began. 760 Ah ! who. can be fo blind as not to fee Th' eternal Father, now, with his own hand Awarding glory to the Trojan hoft, YVhofe ev'ry fpear flies, inftant, to the mark Sent forth by brave or bafe ? Jove guides them all; 765 While, ineffectual, ours fall to the ground. But haile, devife we of ourfelves the means How likelicil we may bear Patroclus hence, And gladden, iafe returning, all our friends, Who, hither looking anxious, hope have none 770 That we ihall longer check th' unconqucr'd force Of hero-flaught'ring Hector, but expect To Book XVII. Η Ο Μ Ε R *s ILIAD. 477 * To fee him ibon amid the fleet of Greece. Oh for fome Greecian now to carry fwift The tidings to Achilles' ear, untaught, 775 As I conjecture, yet, the doleful news Of his Patroclus ilain ! but no fuch Greek May I difcern, fuch univerfal gloom Both men and fteeds envelops all around. Father of heav'n and earth ! deliver thou 780 Achaia's hoit from darknefs ; clear the ikies ; Give day ; and (iince thy fov'reign will is fuch) Deitrudlion with it — but oh give us day ! He fpake, whofe tears Jove faw with pity moved And chafed the untimely ihades ; bright beam'd the fun 785 And the whole battle was difplayVL Then fpake The hero thus to Atreus' mighty fom Now, noble Menelaus ! looking forth, See if Antilochus be yet alive, Brave fon of Neftor, whom exhort to fly 790 With tidings to Achilles, of the friend Whom moil he lov'd, of his Patroclus ilain. He ceas'd, nor Menelaus, dauntlefs Chief, That tafk refufed, but went ; yet neither fwift Nor willing. As a lion leaves the flails 795 Wearied himfelf with harrafling the guard, Who, interdicting him his purpos'd prey, Watch all the night ; he, famiih'd, yet again Comes furious on, but fpeeds not, kept aloof * The Tranflator here follows the Interpretation preferred by the Scholiafr. The original cxpreffion is ambiguous, and may fignify, either, that we ββΙΙ perifh in the feet turfehes, or that He&or will fopn be in the midft of it. Vide VilloifTon in loco. By 4 .3 HO Μ Κ R 's ILIA D. Book XVII. By fpears from (taring hands difmifVd, but more 800 By flaih of torches which, though fierce, he dreads, "Till, at the dawn, fullen he italks away ; So from Patroclus Menelaus went, Heroic Chief ! reluctant ; for he fear'd Left the Achaians fliould rcfign the dead, Soe; Through confternation, to the hoft of Troy. Departing, therefore, he admonifh'd oft Meriones and the Ajaces, thus. Ye two brave leaders of the Argive hoft, And thou, Meriones ! now recollect 8 ι ο The gentle manners of Patroclus falPn llaplefs in battle, who by carriage mild Well underftood, while yet he lived, to engage 11 hearts, though pris'ner now of death and fate. So laying, the Hero amber-hair'd his flops 815 Turn'd thence, the held exploring with an eye Sharp as the eagle's of all fowls beneath The azure heav'ns for keeneft light renown'd, Whom, though he foar fublime, the leveret By broadeft leaves conceal'd Tcapes not, but fwift 820 Defccnding, even her he makes his prey, So, noble Menelaus ! were thine eyes Turn'd into ev'ry quarter of the hoft In fearch of Ncftor's fon, if ftill he lived. Him, foon, encouraging his band to fight, 825 He noticed on the left of all the field, And fudden ftanding at his fide, began. Antilochus ! oh hear me, noble friend] - nd thou ihalt learn tidings of fuch a deed As Book XVII. HOMER* s ILIAD. 479 As befl had never been. Thou know'il, I judge, 830 And hail already feen, how Jove exalts To victory the Trojan hoil, and rolls Diilrefs on ours ; but ah ! Patroclus lies, Our chief Achaian, ilain, whofe lofs the Greeks Fills with regret. Haile, therefore, to the fleet, 835 Inform Achilles ; bid him haile to fave, If fave he can, the body of his friend ; He can no more, for Hector hath his arms. He ceas'd. Antilochus with horror heard Thofe tidings; mute long- time he flood, his eyes 840 Swam tearful, and his voice, fonorous eril, Found utt'rance none. Yet even fo diilrefs'd, He not the more neglected the command Of Menelaus. Setting forth to run, He gave his armour to his noble friend 845 Laodocus, who thither turn'd his ileeds, And, weeping as he went, on rapid feet Sped to Achilles with that tale of woe. Nor could the noble Menelaus ilay To give the weary Pylian band, bereft 850 Of their belov'd Antilochus, his aid, But leaving them to Thrafymedes' care, He flew to Mencetiades again, And the Ajaces, thus, inilant befpake. He goes. I have difpatch'd him to the fleet 855 To feek Achilles ; but his coming nought Expect I now, although with rage he burn Againil illuilrious Hector ; for what fight Can 4oO Η Ο Μ Ε R's I L Ι Λ Π. Book XVII- Can he, unarmYl, againft the Trojans wage ? Deliberating, therefore, frame we means 8 60 How be ft to fave Patroclus, and to 'fcape Ourfelves unilain from this difaftrous field. Whom anfwerYl the vaft ion of Telamon. Molt noble Alenelaus ! good is all Which thou haft fpoken. Lift ye from the earth 865 Thou and Meriones, at once, and bear The dead Patroclus from the bloody field. To cope meantime with Hector and his hoft Shall be our taik, who. one in name, nor lefs In fpirit one, alreadv have the brunt 870 Of much fharp conflict, iide by fide, fuftain'd. He ended ; they, enfolding in their arms The dead, upbore him high above the ground With force united ; after whom the hoft Of Troy, feeing the body borne away, 875 outed, and with impetuous onfet all Follow'd them. As the hounds, urged from behind youthful hunters, on the wounded boar Make fierce aflault ; awhile at utmoil fpeed They it retch toward him, hungring for the prey, 880 But oft as, turning fudden, the ftout brawn .ccs them, fcatter'd on all fides efcape, The Trojans fo, thick thronging in the rear, Ceafelefs with faulchions and fpears double-edged Annoy'd them fore, but oft as in retreat 885 The dauntlefs Heroes, the Ajaces, turn'd face them, deadly wan grew cVry cheek, And Book ΧΛΊΙϊ Η Ο Μ Ε R s ί L I A D. 4 3i And not a Trojan dared with onfet rude Moleft them more in conflict for the dead. Thus they, laborious, forth from battle bore 890 Patroclus to the fleet, tempeiluous war Their fteps attending, rapid as the flames Which, kindled fuddenly, fome city wafte ; Con fumed amid the blaze houfe after houfe Sinks, and the wind, meantime, roars through the fire, 895 So them a deaf'ning tumult as they went Purfued, of horfes and of men fpear-arm'd. And as two mules with ftrength for toil endued, Draw through rough ways down from the diftant hills Huge timber, beam or mail ; fweating they go, 900 And overlabour'd to faint wearinefs, So they the body bore, while, turning oft, Th' Ajaces check'd the Trojans. As a mound Planted with trees and ftretch'd athwart the mead Repels an overflow; the torrents loud 905 Baffling, it fends them far away to float The level land, nor can they with the force Of all their waters burit a pafTage through, So the Ajaces, conftant, in the rear ReprefVd the Trojans; but the Trojans them 910 Attended ftill, of whom iEneas moft Troubled them, and the glorious Chief of Troy. They, as a cloud of itarlings or of daws Fly fcreaming fhrill, warn'd timely of the kite Or hawk, devourers of the fmaller kinds, 9 1 5 So they mrill-clamouring toward the fleet, 3 Q Halted 4 Si HOMER's ILIAD, Book XVII. Hailed before ^Eneas and the might Of Heclor, nor the battle heeded more. Much radiant armour round about the fofs Fell of the flying Greecians, or within 920 Lay fcatter'd, and no paufe of war they found* A R G U- ARGUMENT OF THE EIGHTEENTH BOOK. Achilles, by command of Juno, mows himfelf to the Trojans, who fly at his appearance ; Vulcan, at the inilance of Thetis, forges for him a fuit of armour. BOOK XVXil. THUS burn'd the battle like devouring fire. Meantime, Antilochus with rapid fleps Came to Achilles. Him he found before His lofty barks, occupied, as he flood, With boding fears of all that had befalPn. 5 He groan'd, and to his noble felf he faid, Ah ! woe is me — why falls Achaia's hoil, With fuch diforder foul, back on the fleet ? I tremble left the Gods my anxious thoughts Accomplifh and my mother's words, who eril 10 Hath warn'd me, that the braveft and the beft Of all my Myrmidons•, while yet I live, Slain under Troy, mtift view the fun no more. Brave Mencetiades is, doubtlefs, llain. Unhappy friend ! I bade thee oft, our barks 1 5 Denver'd once from hoftile fires, not feek To cope in arms with Hector, but return. 3 Q 2 While 4 < li Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. Book XV11L While muiing thus he flood, the fon approach'd Of noble Neftor, and with tears his cheeks Bedewing copious, his fad meflage told. 20 Oh fon of warlike Peleus ! thou ilialt hear Tidings of deeds which heft had never been. Patroclus is no more. The Greecians fight For his bare corfe, and Hector hath his arms. Then clouds of forrow fell on Peleus' fon, 25 And, grafping with both hands the afhes, down He pour'd them on his head, his graceful brows, Difhonouring, and thick the footy fhow'r Defcending fettled on his fragrant veil. Then, ilretch'd in afhes, at the vail extent 30 Of his whole length he lay, dilbrd'ring wild With his own hands, and rending off his hair. The maidens, captiv'd by himfelf in war And by Patroclus, fhrieking from the tent -Ran forth, and hemm'd the glorious Chief around. 35 All fmote their bofoms, and all, fainting, fell. On the other fide, Antilochus the hands Held of Achilles, mourning and deep groans Uttering from his noble heart, through fear Left Peleus' fon fhould perifh felf-deftroy'd. 40 Loud groan'd the Hero, whofe loud groans within The gulphs of ocean r where fhe fat befide Her antient Sire, his Goddefs-mother heard, And hearing, fhriek'd ; around her, at the voice ArTembled all the Nereids of the Deep. 45 Cymodoce, Thalia, Glauca came, Nifsea, Spio, Thoa, and with eyes Protub'rant Book XVIII. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. 485 Protuberant beauteous Halia ; came with thefe Cymothoe, and Actaea, and the nymph Of marmes, Limnorea, nor delay'd 50 Agave, nor Amphithoe the fwift, Ioera, Doto, Melita, nor thence Was abfent Proto or Dynamene r Callianira, Doris, Panope, Pherufa or Amphinome, or fair 55 Dexamene, or Galatea prais'd For matchlefs form divine; Nemertes pure Game alio, with Apleudes chryftal -bright, Callianaifa, Maera, Clymene, Janeira and JanafTa, iiiter pair, 60 And Orithya, and with azure locks Luxuriant, Amathea; nor alone Came thefe, but ev'ry ocean-nymph beiide. The filver cave was fill'd ; each fmote her breaft, And Thetis, loud lamenting, thus began. 65 Ye fifter Nereids hear S that ye may all From my own lips my boundlefs forrow learn. Ah me forlorn ! ah me, parent in vain Of an ilhiftrious birth ! who, having borne A noble fon magnanimous, the chief 70 Of Heroes, faw him like a thriving plant Shoot vigorous under my maternal care, And fent him early in his gallant fleet Embark'd, to combat with the fons of Troy. But Him from fight return'd I ihall receive 75 Beneath the roof of Peleus, never more, And while he lives, and on the fun his eyes Open?, 4 86* Η Ο Μ Ε R's I L• I A D. Book XVIII. Opens, he mourns, nor, going, can I aught AfTift him ; yet I go, that I may fee My darling ion, and from his lips be taught So What grief hath now befallen him, who clofe Abiding in his tent (hares not the war. So faying fhe left the cave, whom all her nymphs Attended weeping, and where'er they pafs'd The breaking billows open'd wide away. 85 At fruitful Troy arrived, in order fair Thev climbxl the beach, where by his num'rous barks Encompafs'd, fwift Achilles iighing lay. Then, drawing nigh to her afflicted fon The Goddefs-mother prefs'd between her palms go His temples, and in accents wing'd enquired. Why weeps my fon? what forrow wrings thy foul? Speak, hide it not. Jove hath fulfiU'd the pray'r Which erft with lifted hands thou did ft prefer, That all Achaia's hoft, wanting thy aid, 95 Might be compellV.1 into the fleet, and foul Diigrace incur, there prifon'd for thy fake. To whom Achilles, groaning deep, replied. My mother ! it is true ; Olympian Jove That pray'r fulfils ; but thence, what joy to me, 100 Patroclus ilain ? the friend of all my friends Whom moll I lov'd, dear to me as my life — Him I have loft. Slain and defpoil'd he lies By Hector of his glorious armour bright The wonder of all eyes, a matchlefs gift 105 ( riv'n by the Gods to Peleus on that day When thee they doom'd into a mortal's arm?. Oh Εοοκ XVIII. HOMER's ILIAD. 487 Oh that with thefe thy deathlefs ocean-nymphs Dwelling content, thou hadil my father left T" efpoufe a mortal bride, fo hadil thou 'fcaped no Pangs numberlefs which thou muft now endure For thy fon's death, whom thou ill alt never meet From Troy return'd, in Peleus' maniion more I For life I covet not, nor longer wiih To mix with human kind, unlefs my fpear 115 May find out Hector, and atonement take By flaying Him, for my Patroclus llain. To whom, with itreaming tears, Thetis replied• Swift comes thy deftiny as thou haft faid, For after Hector's death thine next enfues. 120 Then anfwer, thus, indignant he return'd. Death feize me now ! fince when my friend was flain, My doom was, not to fuccour him. He died From home remote, and wanting me to fave him. Now, therefore, fince I neither vifit more 125 My native land, nor, prefent here, have aught Avail'd Patroclus or my many friends Whom noble Hector hath in battle flain, But here I fit unprofitable grown, Earth's burden, though of fuch heroic note, 130 If not in council foremoil (for I yield That prize to others) yet in feats of arms, Such as none other in Achaia's noil, May fierce contention from among the Gods Perifh, and from among the human race, 135 With wrath, which fets the wifeft hearts on fire ; Sweeter than dropping honey to the taile, But 4 8β II Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. Book: XVIII. But in the bofom of mankind, a fmoke ! Such was my wrath which Agamemnon roufed, The King of men. But iince the paft is fled 140 Irrevocable, howfoe'er diftrefs'd, Renounce we now vain muiings on the paft, Content through fad neceffity. I go In qucft of noble Hector, who hath flain My lov'd Patroclus, and fuch death will take, 145 As Jove ordains me and the Pow'rs of heav'n At their own feafon, fend it when they may. For neither might the force of Hercules, Although high-favour'd of Saturnian Jove, From death efcape, but Fate and the revenge 150 Reillefs of Juno vanquifh'd even Him. 1 alia, if a deftiny like his Await me, fhall, like him, find reft in death ; But glory calls me now ; now will I make Some Trojan wife or Dardan with both hands 155 Wipe her foft cheeks, and utter many a groan. Long time have I been abfent from the field, And they fhall know it. Love me as thou may'ft, Yet thwart me not, for I am fixt to go. Whom Thetis anfwerYl, Goddefs of the Deep. 160 Thou haft well faid, my fon ! it is no blame To lave from threaten'd death our fufPring friends. But thy magnificent and dazzling arms Are now in Trojan hands ; them Hedfor wears Exulting, but ordain'd not long t' exult, j6$ So habited ; his death is alfo nigh. But thou with yonder warring multitudes Mix Book XVIII. Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIA D. 489 Mix not, 'till thou behold me here again ; For with the riling fun I will return To-morrow, and will bring thee glorious arms, 170 By Vulcan forged himfelf, the King of fire. She faid, and turning from her fon afide, The fitlerhood of Ocean thus addrefs'd. Plunge ye again into the briny Deep, And to the hoary Sov'reign of the floods 175 Report as ye have heard. I to the heights Olympian hafte, that I may there obtain From Vulcan, glorious artift of the ikies, Arms of excelling beauty for my fon. She faid; they plunged into the waves again, 180 And ill ver- footed Thetis, to the heights Olympian foaring fwiftly to obtain Arms for renown'd Achilles, difappear'd. Meantime, with infinite uproar the Greeks From Hector's hero-flaying arm had fled 185 Home to their galleys ilation'd on the banks Of Hellefpont. Nor yet Achaia's fons Had borne the body of Patroclus clear From flight of darts away, but ftill again The multitude of warriors and of Heeds 190 Came on, by Priameian Hector led Rapid as fire. Thrice, noble Hector feized His ancles from behind, ardent to drag Patroclus, calling to his hoft the while. But thrice, the two Ajaces, clothed with might, 195 Shock'd and repulfed him reeling. He with force Fill'd indefatigable, through his ranks 3 R IfTuingj 490 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XVIII. liTmng, by turns aiTaiTd them, and by turns Stood clamouring, yet not a itep retired ; But as the hinds deter not from his prey 200 A tawny lion by keen hunger urged, So could not both A j aces, warriors bold, Intimidate and from the body drive Hector ; and he had dragg'd him thence and won Immortal glory, but that Iris, fent 205 Unfeen by Jove and by the Pow'rs of heav n, From Juno, to Achilles brought command That he mould ihow himfelf. Full near ihe drew, And in wing'd accents thus the Chief addrefs'd. Hero ! moil terrible of men, arife ! 210 Protect Patroclus, for whofe fake the war Stands at the fleet of Greece. Mutual prevails The ilaughter, thefe the dead defending, thofe Refolute hence to drag him to the gates Of wind-fwept Ilium. But beyond them all 215 llluftrious Hector, obitinate is bent To win him, purpoilng to lopp his head, \nd to exhibit it impaled on high. Thou then arife, nor longer on the ground Lie ftretch'd inactive; let the thought with ihame 220 Touch thee, of thy Patroclus made the fport Of Trojan dogs, whofe corfe, if it return Difhonour'd home, brings with it thy reproach. To whom Achilles matchlefs in the race. Iris divine ! of all the Gods who fent thee ! 225 Then, thus, the fwift ambafTadrcfs of heav'n. By Juno fent I come, confort of Jove. Nor Book XVIII. IIOMER's ILIAD. 491 Nor knows Saturnian Jove high-throned, himfelf, My flight, or any of the Immortal Pow'rs, Tenants of the Olympian heights fnow-crown'd. 230 Her anfwer'd then Pelides, glorious Chief. How (hall I leek the fight r they have my arms. My mother charged me alio to abihrin From battle, 'till fhe bring me armour new Which fhe hath promis'd me from Vulcan's hand. 235 Meantime, whofe armour elfe might ferve my need I know not, favc perhaps alone the fhieid Of Telamonian Ajax, whom I deem Himfelf now buried in the ilormy van, Slaying the Trojans in my friend's defence. 240 To whom the fwift-wing'd mefTenger of heav'n. Full well we know thine armour Hector's prize. Yet, iffuing to the margin of the fofs, Show thyfelf only. Panic-feized, perchance, The Trojans mall from fight defiit, and yield 245 To the o'ertoil'd though dauntlefs fons of Greece Short refpite ; it is all that war allows. So faying, the itorm-wing'd Iris difappear'd. Then rofe at once Achilles dear to Jove, Athwart whofe ihoulders broad Minerva call 250 Her JEgis fringed terrific, and his brows Encircled with a golden cloud that iliot Fires infupportable to fight abroad. As when fome iiland, fituate afar On the wide waves, inverted all the day 255 By cruel foes from their own city pour'd, Upfends a fmoke to heav'n, and torches ihow s ς R 2 On 492 Η Ο Μ Ε R's I L 1 A D. Book XVIII. On all her turrets at the clofe of eve Which flaih againft the clouds, kindled in hope Of aid from neighbour maritime allies, 260 So from Achilles' head light flaih'd to heav'm lulling through the wall, befide the fofs He flood, but mix'd not with Achaia's hoft, Obedient to his mother's wile command. He ftood and ihcmted; Pallas alfo rais'd 265 A dreadful ihout, and tumult infinite Excited throughout all the hoft of Troy. Clear as the trumpet's note when it proclaims A num'rous hoft approaching to inveft Some city clofe around, fo clear the voice 270 Rang of ^Eacides, and tumult-tolVd Was ev'ry foul that heard the brazen tone. With fwift recoil the long-maned couriers thruft The chariots back, all boding woe at hand, And ev'ry charioteer aftonifh'd faw 275 Fires, that fail'd not, illumining the brows Of Peleus' fon, by Pallas kindled there. Thrice, o'er the trench Achilles fent his voice Sonorous, and confuiion at the found Thrice feized the Trojans, and their famed allies. 280 Twelve, in that moment, of their nobleft died By their own fpears and chariots, and with joy The Greecians from beneath an hill of darts Dragging Patroclus, placed him on his bier. Around him throng'd his fellow-warriors bold, 285 All weeping, after whom Achilles went Faft-weeping alfo at the doleful fight Of Book XVIII. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. 493 Of his true friend on his funereal bed Extended, gafh'd with many a mortal wound, Whom he had fent into the fight with fteeds 290 And chariot, but received him thence no more. And now majeftic Juno fent the fun, Unwearied minuter of light, although Reluctant, down into the Ocean itream. So the fun fank, and the Achaians ceas'd 295 From the all-wafting labours of the war. On th' other fide, the Trojans, from the fight Retiring, loos'd their freeds, but ere they took Thought of refrefhment, in full council met. It was a council at which no man fat, 300 Or dared ; all flood ; fuch terrour had on all Fallen, for that Achilles had appeared, After long paufe from battle's arduous toil. Firit rofe Polydamas the prudent fon Of Panthus, above all the Trojans ikill'd 305 Both in futurity and in the pail. He was the friend of Hector, and one night Gave birth to both. In council one excell'd, And one ftill more in feats of high renown. Thus then,, admoniihing them, he began. 310 My friends ! weigh well the occafion. Back to Troy By my advice, nor wait the facred morn Here, on the plain, from Ilium's walls remote.. So long as yet the anger of this Chief 'Gainft noble Agamemnon burn'd, fo long 3*5" We found the Greeks lefs formidable foes, And I rejoiced, myfelf, {pending the night Befide 494 HOMER's ILIAD,, Book XVJIL Beiidc their oary barks, for that I hoped To feize them ; but I now tremble at thought Of Peleus' rapid fon again in arms. 320 A fpirit proud as his will fcorn to fight Here, on the plain, where Greeks and Trojans take Their common fhare of danger and of toil, And will at once itrike at your citadel, Impatient 'till he make your wives his prey. 325 Hafte — let us home — elfe thus ihall it befall ; Night's balmy influence in his tent detains Achilles now, but milling arm'd abroad To-morrow, iliould he find us ling'ring here, None ihall miftake him then; happy the man 330 Who fooneft, then, ihall 'fcape to facred Troy ! Then, dogs ihall make and vultures on our fleih Plenteous repait. Oh fpare mine ears the tale ! But if, though troubled, ye can yet receive My counfel, thus afTembled we will keep 335 Strict guard to night ; meantime, her gates and tow'rs With all their mafs of folid timbers, fmooth And cramp'd with bolts of lteel, will keep the town. But early on the morrow we will ftand All arm'd on Ilium's tow'rs. Then, if he chufe, 340 His galleys left, to compafs Troy about, 1 le ihall be taik'd enough ; his lofty fteeds Shall have their fill of couriing to and fro jneath, and gladly ihall to camp return. But wafte the town he fliall not, nor attempt 345 With all the utmoft valour that he boails To force a pais ; dogs ihall devour him firil. To Book. XVIII. JIOMER's ILIAD. 495 To whom brave Hector louring, and in wrath. Polydamas, I like not thy advice Who bidd'il us in our city fkulk, again 350 Imprlfon'd there. Are ye not yet content ? Willi ye for durance ilill in your own tow'rs ? Time was, when in all regions under heav'n Men prais'd the wealth of Priam's city ftored With gold and brafs ; but all our houfes now 355 Stand emptied of their hidden treafures rare. Jove in his wrath hath fcatter'd them ; our wealth Is marketted, and Phrygia hath a part Purchas'd, and part Mceonia's lovely land. But ilnce the foil of wily Saturn old 360 Hath giv'n me glory now, and to inclofe The Greecians in their fleet hemm'd by the fea, Fool ! taint not with fuch talk the public mind. For not a Trojan here will thy advice Follow, or ihall ; it hath not my confent. 365 But thus I counfel. Let us, band by band, Throughout the hoil take fupper, and let each, Guarded againil nocturnal danger, watch. And if a Trojan here be rack'd in mind Left his poiTeflions perifh, let him call 370 His golden heaps into the public * maw, Far better fo confumed than by the Greeks. Then, with the morrow's dawn, all fair array'd In battle, we will give them at their fleet Sharp onfet, and if Peleus' noble foil 375 Have ris'n indeed to conflict for the mips, Κκτκ$ν[Λθβο{>ν<Γκι, The HOMER's ILIAD. Book XVIII. The worfe for him. I fhall not for his fake Avoid the deep-toned battle, but will firm Oppofe his utmoft. Either He mall gain Or I, great glory. Mars his favours deals 380 Impartial, and the flayer oft is {lain. So counfell'd Heolor, whom with fhouts of praife The Trojans anfwer'd. Fools, and by the pow'r Of Pallas of all fober thought bereft ! For all applauded Hector, who had giv'n 385 Advice pernicious, and Polydamas, Whofe counfel was difcrete and wholefome, none. So then they took repalt. But all night long The Greecians o'er Patroclus wept aloud, While, (landing in the midil, Pelides led 390 The lamentation, heaving many a groan, And on the bofom of his breathlefs friend Impofing, fad, his homicidal hands. As the grim lion, from whofe gloomy lair Among thick trees the hunter hath his whelps 395 Purloin'd, too late returning mourns his lofs, Then, up and down, the length of many a vale Courfes, exploring fierce the robber's foot, Incenfed as he, and with a figh deep-drawn Thus to his Myrmidons Achilles fpake. 400 How vain, alas ! my word fpoken that day At random, when to footh the Hero's fears Mencetius, then our guelt, I promis'd him His noble fon at Opouis again, Living and laden with the fpoils of Troy ! 405 But Jove performs not all the thoughts of man, For Βυρκ XVIII, Π ν) VI ]-. R.' s ί L Ι Λ 11. 497 For we were both deltined to tinge the foil Of Ilium with our blood, nor 1 ihall fee, Myfelf, my father in his manfion more Or Thetis, but mu.it find my burial here. 410 Yet, my Patroclus ! jince the earth expecls Me next, I will not thy funereal rites Finiih, 'till I fliall bring both head and arms Of that bold Chief who flew thee, to my tent. * j I alio will fmite off, before thy pile, 413 The heads of twelve illuilrious fons of Troy, Refentful of thy death. Meantime, among My lofty galleys thou ilialt lie, with tears Mourn'd day and night by Trojan captives fair And Dardan compafiing thy bier around, 420 Whom we, at price of labour hard, ourfelves With mafTy fpears toiling in battle took From many an opulent city, now no more. So faying, he bade his train furround with fire A tripod huge, that they might quickly cleanfe 42$ Patroclus from all ftain of clotted gore. They on the blazing hearth a tripod placed Capacious, fill'd with water its wide womb, And thruit dry wood beneath, 'till, fierce, the flames Embraced it round, and warm'd the flood within. 430 Soon as the water in the ringing brafs Simmer'd, they bathed him, and with limpid oil Anointed ; filling, next, his ruddy wounds With unguent mellowVl by nine circling years, They itretch'd him on his bed, then, cover'd him 435 From head to feet with linen texture light, λ S And 49 8 HOMER's ILIA D. Book XVIII. And ^-vith a wide unlullied mantle, lail. All night the Myrmidons around the fwilt Achilles ftood, deploring loud his friend, And Jove his fpoufe and fifter thus befpake. 440 So then, Imperial Juno ! not in vain Thou haft the fwift Achilles fought to roufe Again to battle; the Achaians, fure, Are thy own children, thou hail borne them all. 'To whom the awful Goddefs ample-eyed. 445 What word hath'pafs'd thy lips Jove moil: fevere ? A man, though mortal merely, and to me Inferior in device, might have atchieved That labour eaiily. Can I w r ho boaft Myfelf the Chief of GoddefTes, and fuch 450 Not by birth only, but as thine efpoufed, Who art thyfelf Sov'reign of all the Gods, Can I with anger burn againft the houfe Of Priam, and want means of juft revenge ? Thus they in heav'n their mutual conf'rence held. 455 Meantime, the iilver-footed Thetis reach'd The ltarr'd abode eternal, brazen-walf d Of Vulcan, by the builder lame himfelf Uprear'd, a wonder ev'n in eyes divine. She found him fweating, at his bellows huge 460 Toiling induftrious ; tripods bright he form'd Twenty at once, his palace-wall to grace Hanged in harmonious order. Under each Ί wo golden wheels he fet, on which (a light Marvellous !) into council they ihould roll 465 Self-moved, and to his houfe, felf- moved, return. Thus Book Will. Η ϋ Μ Ε R's ILIA i\ 499 Thus far the work was ilniuYd, but not yet. Their ears of exquiiite deiign afhxt, For them he flood faihioning, and prepared The rivets. While he thus his matchlefs fkill 470 Employ'd laborious to his palace-gate The filver-footed Thetis now advanced. Whom Charis, Vulcan's well-attired fpoufe, Beholding from the palace portal, flew To- fcize the Goddefs' hand, and thus enquired. 475 Why, Thetis ! worthy of all reverence And of all love, com'ft thou to our abode, Unfrequent here ? But enter, and accept Such welcome as to fucli a gueil is due. So faying, ilie introduced and to a feat 480 Led her with argent iluds border'd around And foot-ftool'd fumptuoufly ; then, calling forth Her fpoufe, the glorious artiil, thus fhe faid. Haile, Vulcan ! Thetis wants thee ; linger not. To whom the artift of the ikies replied. 485 A Goddefs then, whom with much caufe I love And venerate is here, who when I fell Saved me, what time my ihamelefs mother fought To carl me, becaufe lame, out of all iight ; Then had I been indeed forlorn, had not 490 Eurynome the daughter of the Deep And Thetis in their laps receiv'd me fall'n. Nine years with them reiiding, for their ufe I fortrfd. nice trinkets, clafps, rings, pipes and chains, While loud around our hollow cavern roar'd 495 The furge of the vail Deep, nor God nor man, 3 S 2 Save 5oo HOME'R's ILIA I>, Book XVIII. Save Thetis and Eurynome, my life's Prefervers, knew where I was kept concealM. Since, therefore, fhe is come, Τ cannot lefs Than recompenfe to Thetis amber-hair'd 500 With readinefs the boon of life preferved, Hafle, then, and hofpitably ipread the board For her regale, while with my beil difpatch I lay my bellows and my tools afide. He fpake, and vail: in bulk and hot with toil 505 Rofe limping from beiide his anvil-flock Upborne with pain on legs tortuous and weak. Firll, from the forge diilodgYl he thrufl apart His bellows, and his tools collecting all Beftow'd them, careful, in a iilver chefl, ς 10 Then, all around with a wet fponge he wiped His vifage, and his arms and brawny neck Purified, and his fhaggy breafl from fmutch ; Laft, putting on his veil, he took in hand His ilurdy flail, and muffled through the door. 515 Befide the King of fire two golden forms I Majeflic moved, that ferved him in the place Of handmaids ; young they feem'd, and feem'd alive, Nor want they intellect:, or fpeech, or force, Or prompt dexterity by the Gods infpired. ς 20 Thefe his fupporters were, and at his Ink Attended diligent, while He, with gait Uncouth, approaching Thetis where fhe fat On a bright throne, feized fait her hand and laid. Why, Thetis! worthy as thou art of love 52 ς And of all reverence, hail thou arrived. Unfrequent Book XVIII. II Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. 501 Unfrequent here ? Speak — tell me thy defire, Nor doubt my fervices, if thou demand Things poiTible, and poilible to me. Then Thetis, weeping plenteouily, replied. 530 Oh Vulcan ! Is there on Olympus' heights A Goddefs with fuch load of forrow opprefs'd As, in peculiar, Jove afligns to me ? Me only, of all ocean-nymphs, he made Spoufe to a man, Peleus iEacides, 535 Whofe bed, although reluctant and perforce, I yet endured to iliare. He now, the prey Of cheerlefs age, decrepid lies, and Jove Still other woes heaps on my wretched head. He gave me to bring forth, gave me to rear 540 A fon illuilrious, valiant, and the chief Of heroes ; he, like a luxuriant plant * Upran to manhood, while his lufty growth I nouriih'd as the hufbandman his vine Set in a fruitful field, and being grown 545 I fent him early in his gallant fleet Embark'd, to combat with the fons of Troy ; But him from fight return'd I ihall receive, Beneath the roof of Peleus, never more, And while he lives and on the fun his eyes 550 Opens, affliction is his certain doom, Nor aid refides or remedy in me. The virgin, his own portion of the fpoils, Allotted to him by the Greecians — Her At rides, King of men, refumed, and grief 555 'Avtty&pt. Devoured C02 HOMER's 1 L I A D. Book XVIII. Devoured Achilles' fpirit for her fake. Meantime, the Trojans ihutting clofe within Their camp the Greecians, have forbidden them All egrefs, and the fenators of Greece Have fought with fplendid gifts to footh my fon. ■ 560 He, indifpofed to refcue them himfelf From ruin, lent, inftead, Patroclus forth Clad in his own refplendent armour, Chief Of the whole holt of Myrmidons. Before The Soean gate from morn to eve they fought, 5 6 ς And, on that felf-fame day had Ilium fallen, But that Apollo, to advance the fame Of Hector, flew Mencetius' noble fon Full-rlunYd with vicYry. Therefore at thy knees Suppliant I fall, imploring from thine art 570 A ihield and helmet, greaves of fhapely form With clafps fecured, and corflet for my fon. For thole, once his, his faithful friend hath loft Slain by the Trojans, and Achilles lies, Himfelf, extended mournful on the ground. 575 Her anfwer'd then the artiit of the ikies. Courage ! Perplex not with thefe cares thy foul. I would that when his fatal hour ihall come, I could as fure fecrete him from the itroke Of deftiny, as he ihall foon have arms 580 illuftrious, fuch as each particular man Of thoufands, feeing them, ihall wiih his own. He laid, and to hib bellows quick repair'd, Which turning to the fire he bade them heave. Full twenty bellows working all at once 5^5 Breathed Book XVIII. Η Ο 'Μ Ε R ' s ILIAD. S o 2 Breathed on the furnace, blowing eafy and free The managed winds, now forcible, as beft Suited difpatch, now gentle, if the will Of Vulcan and his labour fo required. Impenetrable brafs, tin, fdver, gold 590 He caft into the forge, then, fettling firm His ponderous anvil on the block, one hand With his huge hammer fill'd, one with the tongs. He fafhion'd firit a ihield mafTy and broad Of labour exquifite, for which he form'd 595 A triple border beauteous, dazzling bright, And loop'd it with a iilver brace behind. The ihield itfelf with five ftrong folds he forged, And with devices multiform the diik Capacious charged, toiling with ikill divine. 600 There he defcribed the earth, the heav'n, the fea, The fun that re its not, and the moon full-orb'd. There alfo, all the ilars which round about As with a radiant frontlet bind the ikies, The Pleiads and the Hyads, and the might 605 Of huge Orion, with Him Urfa call'd, Known alfo by his popular name, the Wain, That fpins around the pole looking toward Orion, only ftar of thefe denied To flake his beams in Ocean's briny baths. 616 Two fplendid cities alfo there he form'd Such as men build. In one were to be feen Rites matrimonial folemnized with pomp Of fumptuous banquets ; from their chambers forth Leading the brides they uiher'd them along 615 With 5 04 Η Ο Μ ER's ILIAD. Book XVIII. With torches through the ftrcets, and fweet was heard The voice around of Hymenjeal ibng. Here, ftriplings danced in circles to the found Of pipe and harp, while in the portals ftood Women, admiring, all, the gallant ihow. 620 Elfewhere was to be feen in council met The clofe-throng'd multitude. There ftrife arofe. Two citizens contended for a mulcl 'Hie price of blood. This man affirm'd the fine All paid, haranguing vehement the crowd, 625 That man denied that he had aught received, And to the judges each made his appeal Eager for their award.' Meantime the people As favour fway'd them, clamour'd loud for each. The heralds quelfd the tumult; rev'rend fat 630 On polifh'd Hones the Elders in a ring, Each with an herald's fceptre in his hand, Which holding thev arofe, and all in turn Gave fentence. In the midil two talents lay Of gold, his detuned recompenfe whofe voice 635 Deciiive mould pronounce the belt award. The other city by two glitt'ring hoils Inverted flood, and a difpute arofe Between the hoils, whether to burn the town And lay all wafte,, or to divide the fpoil. 640 Meantime, the citizens, itill undifmay'd, Sarrender'd not the town, but taking arms Secretly, fet the ambuih in array, And on the walls their wives and children kept Vigilant guard, with all the antient men. 645 They Book XVIII. Η Μ Ε R. ' $ ILIAD. 5°5 They fallied ; at their head Pallas and Mars Both golden and in golden veils attired Advanced, proportion each fhowing divine, Large, prominent, and fuch as Gods befeem'd. Not fuch the people, but of humbler fize. 650 Arriving at the Ipot for ambuih chos'n, A river's fide, where cattle of each kind Drank, down they fat, all arm'd in dazzling brafs. 'Apart from all the reft fat alfo down Two (pies, both looking for the flocks and herds. 655 Soon they appear'd, and at their fide were feen Two fhepherd fwains, each playing on his pipe Garelefs, and of the clanger nought apprized. Swift ran the fpies, perceiving their approach, And intercepting fuddenly the herds 660 And flocks of filver fleece, ilew r alfo thofe Who fed them. The befiegers, at that time in council, by the found alarm'd, their fteeds Mounted, and hailed, inftant, to the place ; Then, Handing on the river's brink they fought 665 And puih'd each other with the brazen lance. There Difcord raged, there Tumult, and the force Of ruthlefs Deftiny ; ihe now a Chief Seized newly wounded, and now captive held Another yet unhurt, and now a third 670 Dragg'd breathlefs through the battle by his feet, And all her garb was dappled thick with blood. Like living men they traverfed and they ftrove And dragg'd by turns the bodies of the ilain. % Τ He 5 ο6 Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s 1 L 1 A D. Book XVIII. He alio graved on it a fallow field 675 Rich, fpacious, and well-till'd. Flowers not few, There driving to and fro their iturdy teams, Labour'd the land ; and oft as in their courfe They came to the field's bourn, fo oft a man Met them, who in their hands a goblet placed 680 Charged with delicious wine. They, turning, wrought Each his own furrow, and impatient feem'd To reach the border of the tilth, which black Appear'd behind them as a glebe new-turn'd, Though golden. Sight to be admir'd by all! 685 There too he form'd the likenefs of a field Crowded with corn, in which the reapers toil'd Each with a iharp-tooth'd fickle in his hand. Along the furrow here, the harveil fell In frequent handfulls, there, they bound the iheaves. 690 Three binders of the iheaves their fultry taik All plied induftrious, and behind them boys Attended, filling with the corn their arms And ofPring Hill their bundles to be bound. Amid them, ilaff in hand, the mailer flood 695 Silent exulting, while beneath an oak Apart, his heralds bufily prepared The banquet, dreiling a well-thriven ox New-flam, and the attendant maidens mix'd Large fupper for the hinds of whitcll flour. 700 There alfo, laden with its fruit he form'd A vineyard all of gold ; purple he made The cluilers, and the vines fupported ilood By poles of iilver fet in even rows. The Book XVIII. !I '.) Μ Ε R Ί ILIA D. 507 The trench he colcror'd fable, and around 705 Fenced it with tin. One only path it fhowU By which the gath'rers tvhen they ftripp'd the vines Pafs'd and repais'd. There, youths and maidens blithe In frails of wicker bore the luicious fruit, While, in the midft, a boy on his ilirill harp 710 Harmonious play'd, ilill as he flruck the chord Carolling to it with a (lender voice. They fmote the ground together, and with fong And fprightly reed came dancing on behind. There too an herd he fafhion'd of tall beeves 715 Part gold, part tin. They, lowing, from the flails PviinYd forth to pafture by a river-fide Rapid, fonorous, fringed with whifp'ring reeds. Four golden herdfmen drove the kine a-field Β ν nine fwift dogs attended. Dreadful fprang 720 Two lions forth, and of the foremofl herd Seized fall a bull. Him bellowing they dragg'd, While dogs and peafants all flew to his aid. The lions tore the hide of the huge prey And lapp'd his entrails and his blood. Meantime 725 The herdfmen, troubling them in vain, their hounds Encouraged ; but no tooth for lions' fleili Found they, and, therefore, flood afide and bark'd. There alio, the illuilrious fmith divine Amidft a pleafant grove a pafture form'd 730 Spacious, and fprinkled o'er with filver fheep Numerous, and flails and huts and fhepherds' tents. To thefe the glorious Artiil added next With various fkill delineated cxacl: 3 Τ 2 A la- 5 cS HOMER's ILIAD. Book XVIII. A lab'rynth for the dance, fuch as of old 735 In Crete's broad illand Daedalus compofed For bright-hair'd Ariadne. There the youths And youth-alluring maidens, hand in hand, Danced jocund, ev'ry maiden neat-attired In finer!: linen, and the youths in veils 740 Well-woven, glofly as the glaze of oil. Thefe all wore garlands, and bright faulchions, thofe, Of burniih'd gold in filver trappings hung : — They, with well-tutor'd ilep, now, nimbly ran The circle, fwift, as when, before his wheel 745 Seated, the potter twirls it with both hands For trial of its fpeed, now, cro fling quick They pafs'd at once into each other's place. On either fide fpeotators num'rous ftood Delighted, and two tumblers roll'd themfelves 750 Between the dancers, finging as they roll'd. Laft, with the might of Ocean's boundlefs flood He fill'd the border of the wond'rous ihield. When, thus, the marly iliield magnificent He had accompliih'd, for the hero next 755 He forged, more ardent than the blaze of fire, A corilet ; then, a pond'rous helmet bright Well-fitted to his brows, crefted with gold, And with laborious art divine adorn'd. He alio made him greaves of molten tin. 760 The armour finiih'd, bearing in his hand The whole, he let it down at Thetis' feet. She, like a falcon, from the fnowy top StoopYl of Olympus, bearing to the earth The dazzling wonder freih from .Vulcan's hand. 765 A R G U- ARGUMENT OF THE NINETEENTH BOOK. Achilles is reconciled to Agamemnon, and, cloathed in new ar- mour forged by Vulcan, leads out the Myrmidons to battle. BOOK XIX. NOW rofe the morn in faffron veil attired From Ocean, with new day for Gods and men, When Thetis at the fleet of Greece arrived, Bearing that gift divine. She found her fon All tears, and clofe enfolding in his arms 5 Patroclus, while his Myrmidons around Wept alfo ; ihe amid them, graceful, flood, And, feizing fail his hand, him thus befpake. Although our lofs be great, yet, oh my fon ! Leave we Patroclus lying on the bier 10 To which the Gods ordain'd him from the firft. Receive from Vulcan's hands thefe glorious arms, Such as no mortal moulders ever bore. So faying, ihe placed the armour on the ground Before him, and the whole bright treafure rang. 15 A tremor ihook the Myrmidons ; none dared Look on it, but all fled. Not fo himfclf. In Him frefh vengeance kindled at the view, And, 5 ιο Π Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. Book XIX, And, while he gazed, a fplendour as of fire FlauYd from his eyes. Delighted, in his hand 20 He held the glorious bounty of the God, And, wond'ring at thofe ftrokes of art divine, His eager fpeech thus to his mother turn'd. The God, my mother ! hath beftow'd in truth Such armour on me as demanded ikill 25 Like his, iurp ailing far all pow'r of man. Now, therefore, I will arm. But anxious fears Trouble me, left intrufive flies, meantime, Breed worms within the fpear-in fueled wounds Of Mencetiades, and fill with taint 30 Of putrefaction his whole breathlefs form. But him the filver-footed Goddefs fair Thus anfwer'd. Oh, my foil ! chafe from thy mind All fuch concern. I will, myfelf, effay To drive the noifome fwarms which on the ilain 35 In battle feed voracious. Should he lie The year complete, his fleih ihall yet be found L'ntaintcd, and, it may be, fragrant too. But thou, the Heroes of Achaia's hoft Convening, in their ears thy wrath renounce 40 Again ft the King of men, then, inftant, arm For battle, and put on thy glorious might. So laying, the Goddefs raifed his courage high. Then, through the noftrils of the dead ihe pour'd Ambrolia, and the ruddy juice divine 45 Of nectar, antidotes againft decay. And now forth went Achilles by the fide Of Ocean, calling with a dreadful fhout To Book XIX. HOMER's ILIAD. 511 To council all the Heroes of the hoft. Then, even they who in the fleet before 50 Conftant abode, helmfmen and thofe who held In ftewardfhip the food and public ilores, All flock'd to council, for that now at length After long abftinence from dread exploits Of war, Achilles had once more appear'd. 55 Two went together, halting on the fpear, (For ftill they felt the anguifh of their wounds) Noble UlyfTes and brave Diomede, And took an early feat ; whom follow'd lail The King of men, by Goon in the field bo Of furious battle wounded with a lance. The Greecians all afTembled, in the midft Upilood the fwift Achilles, and began. Atrides ! we had doubtlefs better fped Both thou and I, thus doing, when at Aril 65 With cruel rage we burn'd, a girl the caufe. I would that Dian's ihaft had in the fleet Slain her, that felf-fame day when I deitroy'd LyrnefTus, and by conqueft made her mine ! Then had not many a Greecian, lifelefs now, 70 Clench'd with his teeth the ground, victim, alas ! Of my revenge ; whence triumph hath accrued To Hector and his hoil, while ours have caufe For long remembrance of our mutual itrife. But evils pail let pafs, yielding perforce 75 To fad neceflity. My wrath ill all ceafe Now ; I refign it ; it hath burn'd too long. Thou, therefore, fummon forth the hoft to fight, That 5Ι2 Κ Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. Book XIX. That I may learn, meeting them in the field, If ltill the Trojans purpofe at our fleet 80 To watch us this night alio. But I judge That driven by my fpear to rapid flight, They ihall efcape with weary * limbs at leaft. He ended, and the Greecians brazen-greaved Rejoiced that Peleus' mighty fon had cart 85 His wrath aiide. Then, not into the midft Proceeding, but at his own feat, upftood King Agamemnon, and them thus befpake. Friends ! Greeciah Heroes ! Minifters of Mars ! Arife who may to fpeak, he claims your ear. 90 All interruption wrongs him, and diftraols, Howe'er expert the fpeaker. Who can hear Amid the roar of tumult, or who fpeak ? The cleareft voice, belt utt'rance, both are vain. I ihall addrefs Achilles. Hear my fpeech 95 Ye Argives, and with underftanding mark. I hear not now the voice of your τ reproach Firft ; ye have oft condemn'd me. Yet the blame Refts not with me ; Jove, Deftiny, and fhe Who roams the fhades, Erynnis, caufed th' offence. 100 She fill'd my foul with fury on that day In council, when I feized Achilles 1 prize. For what could I ? All things obey the Gods. Ate, pernicious Pow'r, daughter of Jove, ra5 Roufe alfo. Not a promife yeftemight Was made thee by UlyfTes in thy tent 165 On my behalf, but ill all be well performVl. Or if it pleafe thee, though impatient, wait Short feaibn, and my train ihall bring the gifts Ev'n now ; that thou may'ft underftand and know That my peace-ofFrings are indeed iincere. 170 To whom Achilles, fwifteft of the fwift. Atrides ! Agamemnon ! pairing all In glory ! King of men ! recompenfe juit By gifts to make me, or to make me none, That refts with thee. But let us to the fight 175 Incontinent. It is no time to play The game of rhet'ric, and to waite the hours In fpeeches. Much remains yet unperformed. Achilles muft go forth. He muft be feen Once more in front of battle, wafting wide 180 With brazen fpear the crowded ranks of Troy. Mark Him — and as He fights, fight alfo ye. To whom UlyfTes ever-wife replied. Nay — Urge not, valiant as thou art thyfelf, Achaia's fons up to the battlements 185 Of Ilium, by repaft yet unrefreuYd, Godlike Achilles ! — For when phalanx once Shall claih with phalanx, and the Gods with rage Both hoits infpire, the conteft ihall not then Prove ihort. Bid rather the Achaians take 190 Both food and wine, for they are itrength and might. To ftand all day 'till funfet to a foe Oppofed in battle, failing, were a taik 3 U 2 Might U 6 il Ο Μ Ε R '$ IL1 A D. Book XIX. Might foil the bell: ; for though his will be prompt To combat, yet the pow'r mutt by degrees 195 Forfake him ; thirit and hunger he mure feel, And his limbs failing him at ev'ry ftep. But he who hath his vigour to the full Fed with due nouriihment, although he fight All dav, yet feels his courage unimpair'd, 200 Nor wearinefs perceives 'till all retire. Come then — difmifs the people with command That each prepare repleniihment. Meantime Let Agamemnon, King of men, his gifts in prefence here of the afTembled Greeks 205 Produce, that all may view them, and that thou May'it feel thine own heart gladden'd at the fight. Let the King alfo, ftanding in the midft, Swear to thee, that he renders back the maid A virgin itill, and ftrange to his embrace, 210 And let thy own compofure prove, the while, That thou art fatisfied. Laft, let him fpread A princely banquet for thee in his tent, That thou may'ft want no part of juft amends. Thou too, Atrides, fhalt hereafter prove 215 More juft to others; for himfelf, a King, Stoops not too low, foothing whom he hath wrong'd. Him Agamemnon anfwer'd, King of men. Thou halt arranged wifely the whole concern, Ο Laertiades, and I have heard 220 Thy fpeech, both words and method, with delight. Willing I am, yea more, I wiih to fwear \S thou haft laid, for by the Gods I can Moil Book XIX. II Ο Μ Ε R "s ILIA D. 517 Moil truly. Let Achilles, though of pauie Impatient, iuffer yet a iliort delay 225 With all ailembled here, 'till from my tent The gifts arrive, and oaths of peace be fworn. To thee I give it in peculiar charge That chufing forth the moil illuilrious youths Of all Achaia, thou produce the gifts 230 From my own fhip, all thofe which yeilernight We promifed, nor the women leave behind. And let Talthybius throughout all the camp Of the Achaians, inilant, feek a boar For facrifice to Jove and to the Sun. 235 Then thus Achilles matchlefs in the race. Atrides ! moil illuilrious ! King of men ! Expedience bids us to thefe cares attend Hereafter, when fome paufe, perchance, of fight Shall happen, and the martial rage which fires 240 My bofom now, fhall fomewhat lefs be felt. Our friends, by Priameian Kedlor ilain, Now ilrew the field mangled, for him hath Jove Exalted high, and giv'n him great renown. But haile, now take refreshment ; though, in truth, 245 Might I direct", the hoft ihould by all means Unfed to battle, and at fet of fun All fup together, this affront revenged. But as for me, no drop fhall pafs my lips Or morfel, whofe companion lies with feet 250 Turn'd to the veilibule, pierced by the fpear, And compafs'd by my weeping train around. Κ ο want of food feel I, My wifiies call For ci8 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XIX. For carnage, blood, and agonies and groans. But Him, excelling in all wifdom, thus 255 Ι Ί vfl.es anfwer'd. Oh Achilles ! fon Of Peleus ! braveft far of all our hoft ! Me, in no fcanty mealure, thou excell'ft Wielding the fpear, and thee in prudence, I Not lels. For I am elder, and have learn'd 260 What thou haft yet to learn. Bid then thine heart Endure with patience to be taught by me. Men, fatiate foon with battle, loath the field On which the moil abundant harveft falls, Reap'd by the fword ; and when the hand of Jove, 265 Difpenfer of the great events of war, Turns once the fcale, then, farewell ev'ry hope Of more than fcanty gleanings. Shall the Greeks Abftain from fuftenance for all who die ? That were indeed fevere, iince day by day 270 No few expire, and refpite could be none. The dead, die whofo may, mould be inhumed. This, duty bids, but bids us alfo deem One day fufheient for our iighs and tears. Ourfelves, all we who ftill furvive the war, 275 Have need of fuftenance, that we may bear The lengthen'd conflict with recruited might, Cafed in enduring brafs. — Ye all have heard Your call to battle ; let none ling'ring ftand In expectation of a farther call, 280 Which if it found, mall thunder prove to him Who lurks among the ihips. No. Rufh we all Together forth, for conteft iharp, prepared, And Book XIX. Η Ο Μ Ε R *s I L I A D. 519 Arid perfevering with the hoft of Troy. So faying, the ions of Neftor, glorious Chief, 285 He chofe, with Meges Phyleus' noble ion, Thoas, Meriones, and Melanippus And Lycomedes. Thefe, together, fought The tent of Agamemnon, King of men. They afked, and they received. Soon they produced 290 The feven promifed tripods from the tent, Twice ten bright cauldrons, twelve high-mettled ileeds, Sev'n lovely captives fkill'd alike in arts Domeilic, of unblemiih'd beauty rare, And laft, Briseis with the blooming cheeks. 295 Before them went Ulyffes, bearing w r eighed Ten golden talents, whom the chofen Greeks Attended laden with the remnant gifts. Full in the midft they placed them. Then arofe King Agamemnon, and Talthybius 300 The herald, clear in utterance as a God, Beiide him ilood, holding the victim boar. Atrides, drawing forth his dagger bright, Appendant ever to his fword's huge {heath, Sever'd the briftly forelock of the boar, 305 A previous off'ring. Next, with lifted hands To Jove he pray'd, w r hile, all around, the Greeks Sat lift'ning filent to the Sov'reign's voice. He look'd to the wide heav'n, and thus he pray'd, Firft, Jove be witnefs ! of all Pow'rs above 310 Bell and fupreme ; Earth next, and next the Sun ! And laft, who under earth the guilt avenge Of oaths fworn falfely, let the Furies hear ! For 5 20 Η Ο Μ Ε R *s ILIA D. Book XIX. For no refpecT: of amorous defire Or other purpofe, have I lay'd mine hand 315 On fair Briseis, but within my tent Untouch'd, immaculate the hath remain'd* And if I falfely fwcar, then may the Gods The many woes with which they mark the crime Of men forfworn, pour alfo down on me! 320 So faying, he pierced the victim in his throat, And, whirling him around, Talthybius, next, Call him into the ocean, fiihes food. Then, in the centre of Achaia's fons Uprofe Achilles, and thus fpake again. 325 Jove ! Father ! dire calamities, effects Of thy appointment, fall on human-kind. Never had Agamemnon in my breaft Such anger kindled, never had he feized, Blinded by wrath, and torn my prize away, 330 But that the Haughter of our num'rous friends Which thence enfued, thou had ft, thyfelf, ordain'd. Now go, ye Greecians, eat, and then to battle. So faying, Achilles fuddenly diffolved The hafty council, and all flew difperfed 335 To their own ihips. Then took the Myrmidons Thofe fplendid gifts which in the tent they lodged Of fwift Achilles, and the damfels led Each to a feat, while others of his train Drove forth the fteeds to pafture with his herd. 340 But when Briseis, bright as Venus, faw Patroclus 1] ing mangled by the fpear, Enfolding him around, fhe ihrick'd and tore Her ίϊ Ο Μ ER's I LI Α Ό. 5 21 Her bofom, her imooth neck and beauteous chee) Then thus, divinely fair, with tears fhe faid. 345 Ah my Patroclus ! deareft friend of all To haplefs me, departing from this tent I left thee living, and now, gen'rous Chief I Reftored to it again, here find thee dead. How rapid in iucceinon are my woes ! 350 1 law, myfelf, the valiant prince to whom My parents had betroth'd me, ilain before Our city walls ; and my three brothers, fons Of my own mother, whom with long regret I mourn, fell alfo in that dreadful field. 355 But when the fwift Achilles 11 ew the prince Deilgn'd my fpoufe, and the fair city fack'd Of noble Mynes, thou by ev'ry art Of tender friendfhip didft forbid my tears, Promiiing oft that thou woukrft make me bride 360 Of Peleus' godlike fon, that thy own iliip Should waft me hence to Phthia, and that thyfelf Would'lt furnilli forth among the Myrmidons Our nuptial feait. Therefore thy death I mourn Ceafelefs, for thou waft ever kind to me. 365 She fpake, and all her fellow-captives heav'd Refponfive iighs, deploring each, in ihow, The dead Patroclus, but, in truth, herfelf. Then the Achaian Chiefs gather'd around Achilles, wooing him to eat, but He 370 Groan'd, and ftill refolute, their fuit refufed — If I have here a friend on whom by pray'rs I may prevail, I pray that ye defilf, 3 X $12 Π Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. Book XIX. Nor longer prefs me, mourner as I am, To eat or drink, for 'till the fun go down 375 I am inflexible, and will abilain. So faying, the other princes he difmifs'd Impatient, but the fons of Atreus both, Ulylfes, Neitor, and Idomeneus, With Phoenix, hoary warrior, in his tent 380 Abiding {till, with cheerful converfe kind EfTay'd to footh him, whofe afflicted foul All foothing fcorn'd 'till he mould once again Rum on the rav'ning edge of bloody war. Then, mindful of his friend, groaning he faid. 385 Time was, unhappieft, deareft of my friends ! When even thou, with diligent difpatch, Thyfelf, haft fpread a table in my tent, The hour of battle drawing nigh between The Greeks and warlike Trojans. But there lies 390 Thy body now, gored by the ruthlefs fteel, And for thy fake I neither eat nor drink, Though dearth be none, confcious that other woe Surpailing this I can have none to fear. No, not if tidings of my father's death 395 Should reach me, who, this moment, weeps, perhaps, In Phthia tears of tenderer! regret For fucli a fon ; while I, remote from home, ht for detefted Helen under Troy. Nor even were He dead, whom, if he live, 400 I rear in Scyros, my own darling fon, My Neoptolemus of form divine. For ftill this hope I chcrifh'd in my breali 'Till Book XIX. Π Μ Ε R ? 5 ILIA 13. 5 2 3 'Till now, that, of us two, myfelf alone Should fall at Ilium, and that thou, reitorcd 405 To Phthia, fhould'ft have wafted o'er the waves My ion from Scyros to his native home, That thou mighttl iliow him all his heritage, My train of menials, and my fair abode. For either dead already 1 account 410 Peleus, or .doubt not that his refidue Of miferable life ihall ibon be fpent, Through ilrefs of age and expectation fad That tidings of my death ihall, next, arrive. So fpake Achilles weeping, around whom 415 The Chiefs all fighVl, each with remembrance pain'd Of fome loved object, left at home. Meantime Jove, with companion moved, their forrow faw, And in wing'd accents thus to Pallas fpake. Daughter! thou hail abandoned, as it feems, 420 Yon virtuous Chief for ever ; ihall no care Thy mind engage of brave Achilles more ? Before his gallant fleet mourning he fits His friend, difconfolate ; the other Greeks Eat and are fatisfied ; he only fails. 425 Go, then — inftil nectar into his breail, And fweets ambrofial, that he hunger not. So faying, he urged Minerva prompt before. In form a ihrill-voiced harpy of long wing Through aether down ihe darted, while the Greeks 430 In all their camp for initant battle arm'd. Ambrofial fweets and nectar ihe inflill'd Into his breail, left he ihould fuffer lofs 3X2 Of 5*4 HOME'R's III A D. Book XIX, Of itrength through abftinence, then ibar'd again To her great Sire's unperifhing ahode. 435 And now the Greecians from their gallant fleet All pour'd themfelves abroad. As when thick mow From Jove defcends, driv'n by impetuous gufts Of the cloud-fcatt'ring North, fo frequent ihone IfTuing from the fleet the dazzling caiques, 440 BolVd bucklers, hauberks itrong, and afhen fpears. Upwent the flaili to heav'n ; wide all around The champain laugh 'd with beamy brafs illumed, And tramplings of the warriors on all fides R.efounded, amidil whom Achilles arm'd. 445 He gnafh'd his teeth, fire glimmer'd in his eyes, Anguifh intolerable wrung his heart And fury againft Troy, while he put on His glorious arms, the labour of a God. Firft, to his legs his polifh'd greaves he clafp'd 450- St udded with lilvcr, then his corilet bright Braced to his bolom, his huge iword of brafs Athwart his moulder flung, and his broad fhield Uplifted cafr, luminous as the moon. Such as to mariners a fire appears, 455 Kindled by fhepherds on the diftant top Of lbme lone hixl ; they, driv'n by ftormy winds, Reluctant roam far off the fifhy Deep, Such from Achilles' burning fhield divine A luJtre J truck the ikies ; ftarlike it fhone, 460 And fliook its curling creft of builiy gold, By Vulcan taught to wave profufe around So clad, godlike Achilles trial made it Book XIX. II Ο Μ Ε R ' s 1 L I A D. 525 If his arms fitted him, and gave free fcope To his proportion'd limbs ; buoyant they proved 465 As wings, and high upbore his airy tread. He drew his father's fpear forth from its cafe, Heavy and huge and long. That fpear, of all Achaia's fons, none elfe had pow'r to wield; Achilles only could the Pelian fpear 470 Brandifh, by Chiron for his father hewn From Pelion's top for {laughter of the brave. His courfers, then, Automedon prepared And Alcimus, adjutting diligent The fair caparifons ; they thruft the bits 47 5 Into their mouths, and to the chariot feat Extended and made fait the reins behind. The fplendid fcourge commodious to the grafp Seizing, at once Automedon upfprang Into his place; behind him, arm'd complete 480 Achilles mounted, as the orient fun All dazzling, and with awful tone his fpeech Di reeled to the courfers of his Sire. Xanthus, and Balius of Podarges' blood Illuitrious ! fee ye that, the battle done, 485 Ye bring whom now ye bear back to the hoft Of the Achaians in far other fort, Nor leave him, as ye left Patroclus, dead. Him then his ileed unconquer'd in the race, Xanthus, thus anfwer'd from beneath his yoke, 490 But, hanging low his head, and with his mane Diiheveird all, and ftreaming to the ground. Him Juno vocal made, Goddefs white-arm'd. And 5 26 Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIA D. Book XIX. And doubtlefs lb we will. This clay at leail We bear thee fafe from battle, ftormy Chief! 495 But thee the hour of thy deitruction fwift Approaches, haften'd by no fault of ours, But by the force of fate and pow'r divine. For not through iloth or tarclinels on us Aught chargeable, have Ilium's fons thine arms 500 Stript from Patroclus' moulders, but a God Matchleis in battle, offspring of bright-hair'd Latona, him contending in the van Slew, for the glory of the Chief of Troy. We, Zephyrus himfelf, though by report 505 Swiftefl of all the winds of heav'n, in fpeed Could equal, but the Fates thee alfo doom By human hands to fall, and hands divine. The interpoiing Furies at that word Supprefs'd his utt'rance, and indignant, thus, 510 Achilles, fwifteft of the fwift, replied. Why, Xanthus, prophecieft thou my death ? It ill befeems thee. I already know That from my parents far remote my doom Appoints me here to die ; yet not the more 515 Ceafe I from feats of arms, 'till Ilium's hoft Shall have received, at length, their fllj of war. He faid, and with a fhout drove forth to battle. A RG U- ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTIETH BOOK. By permiffion of Jupiter the Gods defcend into the battle, and range themfelves on either fide refpectively. Neptune refcues ./Eneas from death by the hand of Achilles, from whom Apollo, foon after, refcues Hector. Achilles flays many Trojans. BOOK XX; THE Greecians, thus, before their lofty ihips Stood arm'd around Achilles, glorious Chief Infatiable with war, and oppoiite The Trojans on the rifing-ground appear'd. Meantime, Jove order'd Themis, from the head 5 Of the deep-fork'd Olympian to convene The Gods in council. She to ev'ry part Proceeding, bade them to the courts of Jove. Nor of the Floods was any abfent thence Oceanus except, or of the nymphs 10 Who haunt the pleafant groves, or dwell befide Stream-feeding fountains, or in meadows green. Within the courts of cloud-afTembler Jove Arrived, on pillar'd thrones radiant they fat, With ingenuity divine contrived 1 5 By Vulcan for the mighty Sire of all. Thus they within the Thund'rer's palace fat AiTemblcd ; HOI .: 's ILIA D. Bo ι AfTembled ; nor was Neptune flow to hear The voice of Themis, but (the billows left) Came alio; in the mid ft his feat he took, 20 And aik'd, incontinent, the mind of Jove. King of the lightnings ! wherefore haft thou call'd The Gods to council ? Haft thou aught at heart Important to the hofts of Greece and Troy ? For on the battle's fiery edge they ftand. 25 To whom replied Jove, Sov'reign of the ftorms. Thou know'ft my council, Shaker of the ihores ! And wherefore ye are call'd. Although ordairi'd So foon to die, they intereft me ftill. Myfelf, here feated on Olympus' top, 30 With contemplation will my mind indulge Of yon great fpe£tacle ; but ye, the reft, Defcend into the field, Trojan or Greek h to affift, as each (hall moil incline. • fhould Achilles in the field no foe 35 I fave the Trojans, quickly fhould they fly- Before the rapid force of Peleus' fon. They trembled ever at his look, and fince h fury for his friend hath fired his heart, I fear left he anticipate the will 40 Of Fate, and Ilium perifh premature. So fpake the fon of Saturn kindling war Inevitable, and the Gods to fight in move with minds difcordant. Juno fought And Pali as, with the earth-encircling Pow'r 45 Neptune, the Greecian fleet, with whom were join'd . teacher of all ufeful arts, And Book XX. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. 529 And Vulcan, rolling n all fides his eyes Tremendous, but on dilproportion'd legs, Not without labour hard, halting uncouth. 50 Mars, warrior-God, on Ilium's part appeafd With Phcebus ncver-fhorn, Dian fhaft-arnfd, Xanthus, Latona, and the Queen of fmiles, Venus. So long as the Immortal Gods Mix'd not with either holt, Achaia's fons 55 Exulted, feeing, after tedious paufe, Achilles in the field, and terrour iliook The knees of ev'ry Trojan, at the fight Of fwift Achilles like another Mars Panting for blood, and bright in arms again. 60 But when the Olympian Pow'rs had enter'd once The multitude, then Difcord, at whofe voice The million maddens, vehement arofe ; Then, Pallas at the trench without the wall By turns flood fhouting, and by turns a ihout 65 Sent terrible along the founding fliore, While, gloomy as a tempeit, oppoiite, Mars from the lofty citadel of Troy Now yell'd aloud, now running o'er the hill Callicolone, on the Simois' fide. 70 Thus the Immortals, ever-bleit, impell'd Both hoils to battle, and dire inroad caufed Of itrife among them. Sudden from on high The Sire of Gods and men thunder'd ; meantime, Neptune the earth and the high mountains iliook ; 75 Through all her bafe and to her topmoit peak Ida fpring-fed the agitation felt 3 V Reeling, 53θ HOMER J s ILIA D. Book XX» Reeling, all Ilium and the fleet of Greece. Upilarted from his throne, appalfd, the King Of Erebus, and with a cry his fears 80 Through hell proclaim'd, left Neptune, o'er his head Shatt'ring the vaulted earth, ihould wide difclofe To mortal and immortal eyes his realm Terrible, fqualid, to the Gods themfelves A dreaded fpectacle ; with fuch a found 8 5 The Pow'rs eternal into battle rufh'd. Oppos'd to Neptune, King of the vail Deep, Apollo flood with his wing'd arrows arm'd ; Pallas to Mars ; Diana ill aft-expert, Sifter of Phoebus, in her golden bow 90 Rejoicing, with whofe ihouts the forefts ring, To Juno ; Mercury, for ufeful arts Famed, to Latona; and to Vulcan's force The eddied river broad by mortal men Scamander call'd, but Xanthus by the Gods. 95 So Gods encounter'd Gods. But moil deilre Achilles felt, breaking the ranks, to ruih On Priameian Heclor, with whofe blood Chiefly his fury prompted him to fate The indefatigable God of war. 100 But, the encourager of Ilium's holl Apollo, urged yEneas to affail The fon of Peleus, with heroic might Infpiring his bold heart. He feign'd the voice Of Priam's fon Lycaon, and his form 105 Affuming, thus the Trojan Chief addrefs'd. ^Eneas ! Βορκ XX. Η Ο Μ Ε R's Γ 1, Ι Λ D. 5 3* ./Eneas ! Trojan leader ! where are now Thy vaunts, which, banquetting erewhile among Our princes, o'er thy brimming cups thou mad'it, That thou would'ft fight, thyfelf, with Peleus' fon ? no To whom ^Eneas aniwer thus return'd. Offspring of Priam ! why enjoin'il thou me Not ib inclined, that arduous taik, to cope With the unmatch'd Achilles ? I have proved His force already, when he chafed me down 115 From Ida with his fpear, what time he made Seizure of all our cattle, and deilroy'd Pedafus and LyrnefTus ; but I 'fcaped Unilain, by Jove himfelf empow'r'd to fly. Elfe had I fallen by Achilles' hand, 120 And by the hand of Pallas, who his ileps Conducted, and exhorted him to flay Us and the Leleges. Vain, therefore, proves All mortal force to Peleus' fon oppofed ; For one, at leaf!:, of the Immortals (lands 125 Ever beiide him, guardian of his life, And, of himfelf, he hath an arm that fends His rapid fpear unerring to the mark. Yet, would the Gods more equal fway the fcales Of battle, not with eafe ihould he fubdue 130 Me, though he boaft a panoply of brafs. Him, then, Apollo anfwer'd, fon of Jove. Hero ! prefer to the Immortal Gods Thy pray'r, for thee men rumour Venus' fon, Daughter of Jove, and Peleus' fon his birth 135 Drew from a Goddefs of inferior note. 3 Υ 2 Thy S32 Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ί L Ι Λ D. Book XX, Thy mother is from Jove; the offspring, his, JLefs noble of the hoary Ocean old. Go, therefore, and thy con qu ring fpear uplift Againft him, nor let aught his founding' words 140 Appall thee, or his threats turn thee away. So faying, with martial force the Chief he fill'-d, Who through the foremofl combatants advanced Radiant in arms. Nor pafs'd Anchifes' fort Unfeen of Juno, through the crowded ranks 145 Seeking Achilles, but the Pow'rs of heav'n Convened by her command, ihe thus addrefsVl. Neptune, and thou, Minerva ! with mature Deliberation, ponder the event. Ton Chief, iEneas, dazzling bright in arms, 150 Goes to withftand Achilles, and he goes Sent by Apollo ; in defpight of whom 3>e it our taik to give him quick repulfe, Or, of ourfelves, let fome propitious Pow'r Strengthen Achilles with a mind exempt 155 From terrour, and with force invincible. - » ihall lie know that of the Gods above The mightieft are his friends, with whom compared The favourers of Ilium in time pail, Who flood her guardians in the bloody flrife, 160 \re empty boailers all, and nothing worth. i or therefore came we down, that we may ill are This fight, and that Achilles fuffer nought Fatal to-day, though fuffer all he muil Hereafter, with his thread of life entwined 165 By Deitiny, the (lay when he was born, But Book XX. II Ο Μ Ε R ' s I L ί A D. S33 But fhould Achilles unapprized remain Of fach advantage by a voice divine, When he fhall meet fome Deity in the field, Fear then will feize him, for celeitial forms 170 Unveil'd are terrible to mortal eyes. To whom replied the Shaker of the ihores. Juno ί thy hot impatience needs controul ; It ill befits thee. No defire I feel To force into contention with ourfelves 175 Gods, our inferiors. No. Let us, retired To yonder hill, diitant from all refort, There fit, while thefe the battle wage alone, But if Apollo, or if Mars the fight 180 Ent'ring, begin, themfelves, to interfere Againfl: Achilles, then will we at once To battle alio ; and, I much mifdeem, Or glad they mall be foon to mix again Among the Gods on the Olympian heights, 185 By ftrong coercion of our arms fubdued. So faying, the God of Ocean azure-hair'd Moved foremoft to the lofty mound earth-built Of noble Hercules, by Pallas raifed And by the Trojans for his fafe efcape, 190 What time the moniler of the Deep purfued The Hero from the fea-bank o'er the plain. There Neptune fat, and his confed'rate Gods,, Their moulders with impenetrable clouds O'ermantled, while the city-fpoiler Mars 195 Sat with Apollo oppofite on the hill Callicolone, with their aids divine, So, ru II Ο Μ Ε R's ILIA D. Book XX. So, Gods to Gods in oppoiite afpeit Sat ruminating, and alike the work All tearing to begin of arduous war, 200 While from his feat fublime Jove urged them on. The champain all was fill'd, and with the blaze Illumin'd wide of men and Iteeds brafs-arm'd, And the incumber'd earth jarrYl under foot Of the encount'ring holts. Then, two, the reft 205 Surpafling far, into the midlt advanced Impatient for the fight, Anchiics' lbn neas, and Achilles, glorious Chief! /Eneas firlt, under his pond'rous caique Nodding and menacing, advanced; before 210 His brealt he held the well-cond lifted orb Of his broad mield, and ihook his brazen fpear. On th' other fide, Achilles to the fight Flew like a rav'ning lion, on whofe death Refclved the peafants from all quarters meet ; 215 He, viewing with difdain the foremoft, ftalks Right on, but fmitten by fome dauntlefs youth Writhes himfelf, and difclofes his huge fangs Hung with white foam ; then, growling for revenge, Lafhes himfelf to battle with his tail, 220 'Till with a burning eye and a bold heart He fprings to llaughter, or himfelf is llain ; So, by his valour and his noble mind ImpelFd, renown'd Achilles moved toward ./Eneas, and, fmall interval between, 225 Thus fpake the Hero matchlefs in the race. Why Book XX. HOMER's ILIAD. 535 Why iland'it thou here, ^neas ! thy own band Left at fuch diftance ? Is it that thine heart Glows with ambition to contend with me In hope of Priam's honours, and to fill 230 His throne hereafter in Troy iteed-renown'd ? But ihould'ft thou flay me, not for that exploit Would Priam fuch large recompenfe beilow, For he hath fons, and hath, befide, a mind And difpofition not fo lightly changed. 235 Or have the Trojans of their richeil foil For vineyard apt or plow aiTIgn'd thee part If thou ihalt ilay me ? Difficult, I hope, At leaft, thou ihalt experience that emprize. For, as I think, I have already chafed 240 Thee with my fpear. Forgetteft thou the day When, finding thee alone, I drove thee down Headlong from Ida, and, thy cattle left Afar, thou didft not dare in all thy flight Turn once, 'till at Lyrneffus fafe arrived, 245 Which city by Jove's aid and by the aid Of Pallas I deftroy'd, and captive led Their women ? Thee, indeed, the Gods preferved, But they fhall not preferve thee, as thou dream'it, Now alfo. Back into thy hoft again ; 250 Hence, I command thee, nor oppofe in fight My force, left evil find thee. To be taught By fuff 'rings only is the part of fools. To whom iEneas anfwer thus return'd. Pelides ! hope not, as I were a boy, 255 With words to fcare me. I have alfo taunts At S3 6 HOMER's ILIAD. Boor XX. At my command, and could be fliarp as thou. By iuch report as from the lips of men We oft have heard, each other's birth we know And parents; but my parents to behold 260 Was ne'er thy lot, nor have 1 thine beheld. Thee men proclaim from noble Peleus fprung And Thetis, bright -hair'd Goddefs of the Deep; I boaft myfelf of lovely Venus born To brave Anchifes, and his foil this day 265 In battle ilain thy Sire mall mourn, or mine; For I expect not that we ill all depart Like children, fatisfied with words alone. But if it pleafe thee more at large to learn My lineage {thoufands can atteit it true) 270 Know this. Jove, Sovereign of the ilorms, begat Dardanus, and ere yet the facred walls Of Ilium rofe, the glory of this plain, I le built Dardania ; for at Ida's foot Dwelt our progenitors in antient days. 275 Dardanus was the father of a foil, King Eri&honius, wealthier!: of mankind. Three thoufand mares of his the marifli grazed, Each ruckling with delight her tender foal. Boreas, enamour'd of no few of thefe, 280 The pafture fought, and cover'd them in form Of a fteed azure- maned. They, pregnant thence, Twelve foals produced, and all fo light of foot, That when they wanton'd in the fruitful field J ht ; fwept, and fnapp'd it not, the golden ear, 285 And when, they wanton'd on the boundlefs Deep, They Βυοκ XX. Π Ο Μ Ε R's I LI A D. * ^7 They fkimm'd the green wave's frothy ridge, lbcure. From Eriothonius fprang Xros, King of Troy, And Tros was father of three famous fons, lius, Aifaracus, and Ganymede 290 Lovelieit of human-kind, whom for his charms The Gods caught up to heav'n, there to abide With the Immortals, cup-hearer of Jove. llus begat Laomedon, and he Five fons, Tithonus, Priam, Ciytius, 295 Lampus, and Hicetaon, branch of Mars. Aflaracus a fon begat, by name Gapys, and Capys in due time his fon Warlike Anchifes, and Anchifes me. But Priam is the noble Hector's iire. 300 Such is my lineage, and fuch blood I boaft; But valour is from Jove ; He, as he wills, Encreafes or reduces it in man, For He is Lord of all. Therefore enough — Too long like children we have ftood, the time 305 Conf uming here, while battle roars around. Reproach is cheap. Eaiily might we cail Gibes at each other, 'till a fhip that aiks An hundred oars ihould iink beneath the load. The tongue of man is voluble, hath words 310 For ev'ry theme, nor wants wide field and long, And as he fpeaks fo iliall he hear again. But we — why ihould we wrangle, and with taunts AfTail each other, as the practice is Of women, who with hcart-devourinc: ftrife ^τς On fire, itart forth into the public way 3 Ζ IV: 53 8 MOMER's ILIAD. Book XX. To mock each other, utt'ring, as may chance, Much truth, much falfehood, as their anger bids ? The ardour of my courage will not flack For all thy fpeeches ; we muft combat firft ; 320 Now, therefore, without more delay, begin, That we may taile each other's force in arms. So fpake ^Eneas, and his brazen lance Hurl'd with full force againft the dreadful fhield. Loud roar'd its ample concave at the blow. 325 Not unalarrn'd Pelides his broad dilk Thruft farther from him, deeming that the force Of fuch an arm ihould pierce his guard with eafe. Vain fear ! he recollected not that arms Glorious as his, gifts of th' Immortal Gods, 330 Yield not fo quickly to the force. of man. The itormy fpear by brave iEneas fent, No paiTage found ; the golden plate divine ReprefsYl its vehemence ; two folds it pierced, But three were ilill behind, for with five folds 335 Vulcan had fortified it ; two were brafs ; The two interior, tin ; the midmoit, gold ; And at the golden one the weapon flood-. Achilles, next, huiTd his long-ihadow\l fpear, And itruck iEneas on the utmoft verge 340 Of his broad ihield, where thinnelt lay the brafs r ' Some commentator?, fuppofing the golden plate the outcrmoft as the moft orna- tal, have perplexed thcmlelves much with this paflage, for how-, fay they, could folds he pierced and the fpear be flopped by the gold,, if the gold lay on the fur- But to avoid the difficulty, we need only fuppofe that the gold was inferted between the two plates of brafs and the two of tin, Vulcan, in this particular, having -»< nded lefs to ornament than to fecurity. 'he Scholiaft in Villoifl'on., who argues at large in favour of this opinion. And Book Χ λ J Ι Ο Μ Γ. R's ILIA D. 539 And thinneil the ox-hide. The Pelian aili Started right through the buckler, and it rang. ./Eneas crouch'd terrified, and his fhicld Thruil farther from him ; but the rapid beam 345 Burfling both borders of the ample diik, Glanced o'er his back, and plunged into the foil. 1 le 'leaped it, and he flood ; but, as he flood, With horror infinite the weapon faw Planted ίο near him. Then, Achilles drew 350 Mis faulchion keen, and with a deaPning iliout Sprang on him ; but ./Eneas feized a ilone Heavy and huge, a weight to overcharge Two men (fuch men as are accounted ilrong Now) but He wielded it with eafe, alone. 355 Then had ./Eneas, as Achilles came Impetuous on, fmitten, although in vain, His helmet or his ihield, and Peleus' fon Had with his faulchion him flretch'd at his feet, But that the God of Ocean quick perceived 36° His peril, and th' Immortals thus befpake. I pity brave iEneas, who fhall foon, Slain by Achilles, fee the realms below, By fmooth fuggeftions of Apollo lured To danger, fuch as He can ne'er avert. 365 But wherefore fhould the Chief, guiltleis himfelf, Die for the fault of others ? at no time His gifts have fail'd, grateful to all in heav'n. Gome, therefore, and let us from death ourlelves Refcue him, left if by Achilles' arm 370 This Hero perifli, Jove himfelf be wroth ; 3 Ζ ?. For 540 11 Ο Μ Ε R's 1 L ί Α Ι). Book XX. For he is deflin'd to furvive, left all The houfe of Dardanus (whom Jove beyond All others loved, his Ions of woman born) Fail with yEneas, and be found no more. 375 Saturnian Jove hath hated now longtime The family of Priam, and henceforth ./Eneas and his fon, and his foils' fons, Shall fway the fceptre o'er the race of Troy. To whom, majeftic thus the fpoufe of Jove. 380 Neptune ! deliberate thyfelf, and chufe Whether to fave ^tEneas, or to leave The Hero victim of Achilles' ire. For Pallas and myfelf oftimes have fwom In full affembly of the Gods, to aid 385 Troy never, never to avert the day Of her diftrefs, not even when the flames Kindled by the heroic fons of Greece, Shall climb with fury to her topmoft tow'rs. She fpake ; then Neptune, inilant, thro' the throng 390 Of battle flying, and the claili of fpears, Came where Achilles and iEneas fought. At once with ihadows dim he blurr'd the fight Of Peleus' fon, and from the fhield, himfelf, Of brave ^Eneas the bright-pointed aih 395 Retracting, placed it at Achilles' feet. Then, lifting high ^Eneas from the ground, He heav'd him far remote ; o'er many a rank Of Heroes and of bounding fteeds he flew. Launched into air from the expanded palm 400 Of Neptune, and alighted in the rear Of Book XX. llOMER's ILIAD. $41 Of all the battle where the Caucons flood. Neptune approach'd him there, and at his fide Standing, in accents wing'd, him thus befpake. What God, .i^neas ! tempted thee to cope 405 Thus inconfiderately with the fon Of Peleus, both more excellent in fight Than thou, and more the fav'rite of the ikies ϊ From him retire hereafter, or expect A premature defcent into the fhades. 410 But when Achilles ihall have once fulfnTd His deftiny, in battle (lain, then fight Fearlefs, for thou canil fall by none beilde. So faying, he left the well-admonifh'd Chief, And from Achilles' eyes fcatter'd the gloom 415 Shed o'er them by himfelf. The Hero faw Clearly, and with his noble heart, incenfed By difappointment, thus conferring, faid. Gods ! I behold a prodigy. My fpear Lies at my foot, and He at whom I caft 420 The weapon with fuch deadly force, is gone ! ./Eneas therefore, as it feems, himfelf Intereils the Immortal Gods, although I deem'd his boaft of their protection vain. I reck not. Let him go. So gladly 'fcaped 425 From ilaughter now, he fhall not foon again Feel an ambition to contend with me. Now will I ronfe the' Dan ai, and prove The force in fight of many a Trojan more. He faid, and fprang to battle with loud voice, 45a Calling the Greecians after him. — Ye fons Of IIOMER's ILIAD. Book XX. Of the Achaians ! iland not now aloof, My noble friends ! but foot to foot let each Fall on courageous, and defire the fight. The talk were difficult for me alone, 435 Brave as I boail myfelf, to chafe a foe So num'rous, and to combat with them all. Not Mars himfelf, immortal though he be, Nor Pallas, could with all the ranks contend \ Of this vait multitude, and drive the whole. 440 With hands, with feet, with fpirit and with might, All that I can I will ; right through I go, And not a Trojan who iliall chance within Spear's reach of me, iliall, as I judge, rejoice. Thus he the Greeks exhorted. Oppofite, 445 Meantime, illuftrious Hector to his hoft Vociferated, his defign to oppofe Achilles publi thing in ev'ry ear. ι car not, ye valiant men of Troy ! fear not The Ion of Peleus. In a war of words 450 I could, myfelf, cope even with the Gods ; But not with fpears ; there they excell us all. Nor iliall Achilles full performance give To all his vaunts, but, if he fome fulfill, Shall others leave mutilate in the midft. 455 1 will encounter him, though his hands be fire, Though fire his hands, and his heart hammer'd iteel. So fpake he them exhorting. At his word Uprofe the Trojan fpears, thick intermixt The battle join'd, and clamour loud began. 460 Then thus, approaching Hector, Phcebus fpake. Henceforth, S Book XX. HOMER »s ILIAD. $43 Henceforth, advance not Hector ! in the front Seeking Achilles, but retired within The ftormy multitude his coming wait, Left his fpear reach thee, or his glittering fword. 465 He faid,. and Hector far into his hoft Withdrew, admonihYd by the voice divine. Then, ihouting terrible, and cloath'd with might, Achilles fprang to battle. Firft, he flew The valiant Chief Iphition, whom a band 470 Num'rous obey'd. Otrynteus was his Sire» Him to Otrynteus, city-waiter Chief, A Naiad under fnowy Tmolus bore In fruitful Hyda. Right into his front As he advanced, Achilles drove his fpear, 475 And rived his fcull ; with thundering found he fell, And thus the conqu'ror gloried in his fall. Ah Otryntides ! thou art {lain. Here lies The terrible in arms, who born beilde The broad Gygsean lake, where Hyllus flows 480 And Hermus, call'd the fertile foil his own. Thus gloried he. Meantime the fhades of death Covered Iphition, and Achaian wheels And horfes ground his body in the van. Demoleon next, Antenor's fon, a brave 485 Defender of the walls of Troy, he flew. Into his temples through his brazen cafque He thruit the Pelian afh, nor could the brafs Such force refill, but the huge weapon drove The fhatter'd bone into his inmoft brain, 490 And his fierce onfet at a ftroke reprefVd. Hippodamas 544 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XX. Hippodamas his weapon next received Within his fpine, while with a leap he left His fteeds and fled. He, panting forth his life, Moan'd like a bull, by confecrated youths 495 Dragg'd round the * Heliconian King, who views That viotim with delight. So, with loud moans The noble" warrior iigh'd his foul away. Then, fpear in hand, againit. the godlike fon Of Priam, Polydorus, he advanced. 500 Not yet his father had to him indulged A warrior's place, for that of all his fons He was the youngeit-born, his- hoary Sire's Chief darling, and in fpeed furpafs'd them all. Then alfo, in the vanity of youth, 505 For fhow of nimblenefs, he itarted oft Into the vaward, 'till at laft he fell. Him gliding fwiftly by, fwifter than he Achilles with a javelin reach'd ; he (truck His belt behind him, where the golden clafps 510 Met, and the double hauberk interpofed. The point tranfpierced his bowels, and fprang through His navel; fcreaming, on his knees he fell, Death-fhadows dimm'd his eyes, and with both hands, Stooping, he prefs'd his gather'd bowels back. 515 But noble Hector, foon as he beheld His brother Polydorus to the earth Inclined, and with his bowels in his hands, Sightlcfs well-nigh with anguiih could endure * Neptune. So called, cither becaufe he was worihipped on Helicon, a mountain of Bueotia, or from tielice, an ifla.nd of Achaia, where he had a temple. No Book XX. Η ϋ Μ Ε R ' s ILIAD. 5 15 No longer to remain aloof; flame-like 520 He buril abroad, and fhaking his fharp fpear, Advanced to meet Achilles, whofe approach Seeing, Achilles bounded with delight, And thus, exulting, to himielf he faid. Ah ! he approaches, who hath flung my foul 525 Deepeft, the ilayer of whom moil I loved ! Behold, we meet ! Caution is at an end, And timid ikulking in the walks of war. He ceasVl, and with a brow knit into frowns, Call'd to illuilrious Hector. Haile, approach, 530 That I may quick difpatch- thee to the fhades. Whom anfwer'd warlike Hector nought appall'd. Pelides ! hope not, as I were a boy, With words to fcare me. I have alfo taunts At my command, and can be fharp as thou. 535 I know thee valiant, and myfelf I know Inferior far ; yet, whether thou ihalt Hay Me, or, inferior as I am, be ilain By me, is at the pleafure of the Gods, For I wield alfo not a pointlefs beam. 540 He faid, and, brandifhing it, hurl'd his fpear, Which Pallas, breathing foftly, wafted back From the renown'd Achilles, and it fell Succefslefs at illuilrious Hector's feet. Then, all on fire to flay him, with a ihout 545 That rent the air Achilles rapid flew Toward him; but him wrapt in clouds opaque Apollo caught with eafe divine away. Thrice, fwift Achilles fprang to the affault 4 A Impetuous, 546 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XX. Impetuous, thrice the pitchy cloud he fmote, 550 And at his fourth aflault, godlike in act, And terrible in utt'rance, thus exclaim'd. Dog ! thou art fafe, and haft efcaped again ; But narrowly, and by the aid once more Of Phoebus, without previous luit to whom 555 Thou ventur'it never where the javelin iings. But when we next encounter, then expect, If one of all in heav'n aid alfo me, To clofe thy proud career. Meantime I feek Some other, and afTail e'en whom I may. 560 So faying, he pierced the neck of Dryops through, And at his feet he fell. Him there he left, And turning on a valiant warrior huge, Philetor's ion, Demuchus, in the knee Pierced, and detain'd him by the planted ipear, 565 'Till with his fword he fmote him, and he died• Laogonus and Dardanus he next AfTaulted, fons of Bias ; to the ground Difmounting both, one with his fpear he flew. The other with his faulchion at a blow. 570 Tros too, Alaftor's fon — He fuppliant clafp'd Achilles' knees, and for his pity fued, Pleading equality of years, in hope That he would fpare, and fend him thence alive. Ah dreamer! ignorant how much in vain 575 That fuit he urged ; for not of milky mind, Or placable in temper was the Chief To whom he fued, but fiery. With both hands His knees he clafp'd importunate, and he Fail Book XX. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. 547 Faft by the liver gafhVl him with his fword. , 580 His liver falling forth, with fable blood His bofom fill'd, and darknefs veil'd his eyes. Then, drawing clofe to Mulius, in his ear He fet the pointed brafs, and at a thru ft Sent it, next moment, through his ear beyond. 585 Then, through the forehead of Agenor's fon Echechlus, his huge-hafted blade he drove, And death and fate for ever veil'd his eyes. Next, where the tendons of the elbow meet, Striking Deucalion, through his wrift he urged 590 The brazen point ; he all defencelefs flood, Expecting death ; down came Achilles' blade Full on his neck ; away went head and cafque Together ; from his fpine the marrow fprang, And at his length outftretch'd he prefs'd the plain. 595 From him to Rhigmus, Pireus' noble fon, He flew, a warrior from the fields of Thrace. Him through the loins he pierced, and with the beam Fixt in his bowels, to the earth he fell ; Then piercing, as he turn'd to flight, the fpine 600 Of Areithous his charioteer, He thruft him from his feat ; wild with difmay Back flew the fiery courfers at his fall. As a devouring fire within the glens Of fome dry mountain ravages the trees, 605 While, blown around, the flames roll to all lick-, So, on ail fides, terrible as a God, Achilles drove the death-devoted hoft Of Ilium, and the champain ran with blood. 4 A 2 V, $4 8 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XX. As when the peafant his yoked fleers employs 6 1 ο To tread his barley, the broad-fronted pair With pond'rous hoofs trample it out with eafe, So, by magnanimous Achilles driv'n, His couriers folid-hoof'd itamp'd as they ran The ihields, at once, and bodies of the ilain; 615 Blood ipatter'd all his axle, and with blood From the horfe-hoofs and from the fellied wheels His chariot redden'd, w T hile himfelf, athiril For glory, his unconquerable hands Defiled with mingled carnage, fweat and duil. 620 A R G U- ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTY-FIRST BOOK. Achilles having feparated the Trojans, and driven one part of them to the city and the other into the Scamander, takes twelve young men alive, his intended victims to the manes of Patroclus. The river overflowing his banks with purpofe to overwhelm him, is oppofed by Vulcan, and gladly rdinquifhes the attempt. The battle of the Gods enfues. Apollo, in the form of Agenor, decoys Achilles from the town, which in the mean time the Trojans enter and iliut the gates againft him. BOOK XXL BUT when they came, at length, where Xanthus winds His itrearn vortiginous from Jove derived, There, feparating Ilium's hoil, he drove Part o'er the plain to Troy in the fame road By which the Greecians had fo lately fled 5 The fury of illuftrious Hector's arm. That way they fled pouring themfelves along Flood-like, and Juno, to retard them, threw Darknefs as night before them. Other part, Pufh'd down the fides of Xanthus, headlong plunged 10 With daihing found into his dizzy ftream, And all his banks re-echoed loud the roar. They, ftrugglingj fhriek'd in filver eddies whirl'di sp IIOMER's I L I A D. Γ,υοκ XXI. As when, by violence of fire expell'd, Locuits uplifted on the wing efcape 15 To fome broad river, fwift the i'udden blaze Purfues tlierxij they, aitoniih'd, itrew the flood, So, by Achilles driv'n, a mingled throng Of horfes and of warriors overfpread Xanthus, and glutted all his founding courfe. 20 He, chief of heroes, leaving on the bank His fpear againft a tamarifk reclined Plunged like a God, with faulchion arm'd alone, But fill'd with thoughts of havoc. On all fides Down came his edge; groans follow'd dread to hear 25 Of warriors fmitten by the fword, and all The waters as they ran redden'd with blood. As fmaller fiihes, flying the purfuit Of fome huge dolphin, terrified, the creeks And fecret hollows of a haven fill, 30 For none of all that he can feize he fpares, So lurk'd the trembling Trojans in the caves Of Xanthus' awful flood. But He (his hands Wearied at length with ilaughter) from the reft Twelve youths felected whom to death he doom'd, 35 In vengeance for his lov'd Patroclus flain. Them ilupified with dread like fawns he drove Forth from the river, manacling their hands Behind them fail with their own tunic-itrings, And gave them to his warrior train in charge. 40 Then, ardent ftill for blood, rufhing again Toward the ftream, Dardanian Priam's ion lie met, Lycaon, as he climb'd the bank. Him Book XXI. HOMER's ILIAD. 5$I Him erft by night, in his own father's field Finding him, he had led captive away. 45 Lycaon was employed cutting green moots Of the wild-fig for chariot-rings, when lo ! Terrible, unforefeen, Achilles came. He feized and fent him in a iliip afar To Lemnos ; there the fon of Jafon pay'd 50 His price, and, at great coft, Eetion The gueft of Jafon, thence redeeming him, Sent him to fair Ariiba ; but he Tcaped Thence alfo, and regain'd his father's houfe. Eleven days, at his return, he gave 55 To recreation joyous with his friends, And on the twelfth his fate caft him again Into Achilles' hands, who to the fhades Now doom'd him, howfoever loth to go. Soon as Achilles fwifteft of the fwift 60 Him naked faw (for neither fpear had he Nor ihield nor helmet, but, when he emerged, Weary and faint had call them all away) Indignant to his mighty felf he faid. Gods ! I behold a miracle ! Ere long 65 The valiant Trojans whom my felf have ilain Shall rife from Erebus, for he is here, The felf-fame warrior whom I lately fold At Lemnos, free, and in the field again. The hoary Deep is prifon itrong enough 70 For moil, but not for him. Now ihall he tafie The point of this my fpear, that I may learn By fure experience, whether hell itfelf That 5S 3 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XXI. That holds the ftrongeft fail, can him detain, Or whether he ill all thence alio efcape. 7 5 While muirng thus he flood, ftunn'd with difmay The youth approach'd, eager to clafp his knees, For vehement he felt the dread of death Working within him ; with his Pelian aili Uplifted high noble Achilles flood 8° Ardent to fmite him ; he with body bent Kan under it, and to his knees adhered ; The weapon, milling him, implanted flood Clofe at his back, when, feizing with one hand Achilles' knees, he with the other grafp'd 85 The dreadful beam, refolute through defpair, And in wing'd accents fuppliant thus began. Oh fpare me ! pity me ! Behold I clafp Thy knees, Achilles ! Ah, illuilrious Chief ! Reject not with difdain a fuppliant's prayV. 90 I am thy gueit alfo, at thy own board Have eaten bread, and did partake the gift Of Ceres with thee on the very day When thou didft fend me in yon field furprifed Fo'r fale to facred Lemnos, far remote, 95 And for my price receiv'dft an hundred beeves. Loofe me, and I will yield thee now that fum Thrice told. Alas ! this morn is but the twelfth ice, after num'rous hardihips, I arrived Once more in Troy, and now my ruthlefs lot ioo Hath given me into thy hands again. Jove cannot lefs than hate me, who hath twice Made me thy pris'ncr, and my doom was death, Death Book XXI. Η Ο Μ ER's ILIA b. 553 Deiith in my prime, the clay when I was born ϊοη of Laothoe from Alta fprung, 105 From Alta, whom the Leleges obey On Satnio'b banks in lofty Pedafus. His daughter to his other num'rous wive, King Priam added, and two Ions ilie bore Only to be deprived by thee of both. no My brother hath already died, in front Of Ilium's infantry, by thy bright fpear, The godlike Polydorus ; and like doom Shall now be mine, for I defpair to efcape Thine hands, to which the Gods yield me again. 115 But hear and mark me well. My birth w r as not From the fame womb as Hector's, who hath ilain Thy valiant friend for clemency renown'd. Such fupplication the illuilrious fon Of Priam made, but anfwer harfli received. 120 Fool ! fpeak'it of ranfom ? Name it not to me. For 'till my friend his miferable fate Accompliih'd, I was fomewhat giv'n to fpare, And num'rous, whom I feized alive, I fold. But now, of all the Trojans whom the Gods 125 Deliver to me, none ihall death efcape, 'Specially of the houfe of Priam, none. Die, therefore, even thou, my friend ! What mean Thy tears unreafonably ihed and vain ? Died not Patrocius, braver far than thou ? 130 And look on me — fee'ft not to what an height My ftature tow'rs, and what a bulk I boait? A King begat me, and a Goddefs bore. 4 Β What Hi. HOMER's ILIA D. Book XXX. What then ! A death by violence awaits Me alio, and at morn, or eve, or noon 135 I perifh, whenfoe'er the deitin'd fpear Shall reach me, or the arrow from the nerve. He ceas'd, and where the fuppliant kneel'd, he died. Quitting the fpear, with both hands fpread abroad He fat, but fwift Achilles with his fword 140 'Twixt neck and key-bone fmote him, and his blade Of double tage fank all into the wound. He prone extended on the champain lay Bedewing with his fable blood the glebe, Till, by the foot, Achilles cart, him far 145^ Into the ilream, and, as he floated down, Thus in wing'd accents, glorying, exclaimVL Lie there, and feed the fillies, which fhall lick Thy blood fecure. Thy mother ne'er fhall place Thee on thy bier, nor on thy body weep, 150 But fwift Scamander on his giddy tide Shall bear thee to the bofom of the fea. There, many a fifh ihall through the chryita! flood Afcending to the rippled furface, find Lycaon's pamper'd fleih delicious fare.. 155 Die Trojans ! 'till we reach your city, you Fleeing, and flaught'ring, I. This pleafant ilream. Of dimpling filver which ye worfhip oft With victim bulls, and fate with living fteeds His rapid whirlpools, ihall avail you nought, 160 But ye ihall die, die terribly, 'till all Shall have requited me with juft amends For my Patroclus, and for other Greeks • Slain Book XXI. I-I Ο Μ Ε R ' s ILIAD. jj| Slain at the iliips while I declined the war. He ended, at whole words itill more incenfed 165 Scamander means deviled, thenceforth, to check Achilles, and avert the doom of Troy. Meantime the ion of Peleus, his huge fpear Grafping, aflaiFd Aileropxus fon Of Pelegon, on fire to take his life. 170 Fair Perihoea, daughter eldeit-horn Of AcefTamenus, his father bore To broad-ilream'd Axius, who had clafpM the nymph In his embrace. On him Achilles fprang. He, newly rifen from the river, flood 175 Arm'd with two lances oppoiite, for him Xanthus embolden'd, at the deaths incenfed Of many a youth whom, mercy none vouchfafed, Achilles had in all his current llain. And now, fmall diilance interpofed, they faced 180 Each other, when Achilles thus began. Who art and whence, who dar'ft encounter me r Haplefs the iires whofe fons my force defy. To whom the noble fon of Pelegon. Pelides, mighty Chief! Why hail thou aik'd 1S5 My derivation r From the land I come Of mellow-foil'd Pceonia far remote, Chief leader of Pceonia's noil fpear-arm'd ; This day hath alio the eleventh ris'n Since I at Troy arrived. For my defcent, 19c It is from Axius river wide- diiFu fed, From Axius, faireft llream that waters earth, Sire of bold Pelegon whom men report 4 Β 2 My 55 6 Η Ο Μ E-R's ILIA D. Βυοκ XXL My fire. Let this iuflice. .Now fight, Achilles I So fpake he threat'ning, and Achilles rais'd 195 Daimtlefs the Pelian afh. At once two fpears The hero bold, Afteropaeus threw, With both hands apt for battle. One his fhield Struck but pierced not, impeded by the gold, Gift of a God; the other as it flew 20a Grazed his right elbow ; fprang the fable blood ; But, overflying him, the fpear m earth Stood planted deep, itill hung'ring for the prey.. Then, full at the Pceonian Peleus' ion Hurl'd forth his weapon with unfparing force 205 But vain ; he {truck the iloping river-bank, And mid-length deep flood plunged the afhen beam. Then, with his faulchion drawn, Achilles, flew To finite him ; he in vain, meantime, efTay'd To pluck the rooted fpear forth from the bank ; 2;i& Thrice with full force he fhook the beam, and thrice* Although reluctant, left it ; at his fourth Lait effort, bending it he fought to break The afhen fpear-beam of ./Eacides* But perifh'd by his keen-edg'd faulchion iirft; 2 re For on the belly at his navel's fide He fmote him ; to the ground effufed fell all His bowels, death's dim fhadows veil'd his eyes, Achilles ardent on his bofom flx'd His foot, defpoil'd him, and exulting cried. 220 Lie there ; though River-fprung thou find'ft it hard To cope with fons of Jove omnipotent. Thou faid'it, a miglity River is my fire — Bat Boo:< XXI. Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s I L I A D. 557 But my defcent from mightier Jove I boait ; My father, whom the Myrmidons obey, 225 Is fon of iEacus, and he, of Jove. As Jove all itreams excells that feek the fea, So, Jove's defcendents nobler are than theirs. Behold a River at thy fide — Let Him Afford thee, if he can, fome fuccour — No — 230 He may not fight again it Saturnian Jove. Therefore, not kingly Acheloms, Nor yet the ilrength of Ocean's vail profound, Although from Him all rivers and all feas All fountains and all wells proceed, may bo ait 235 Comparifon with Jove, but even He Aitoniih'd trembles at his fiery bolt, And his dread thunders rattling in the iky. He faid, and, drawing from the bank his fpear, Aiteropaeus left itretch'd on the fands, 240 Where, while the clear wave daih'd him, eels his flanks And rav'ning fifties num'rous nibbled bare. The horfed Pceonians, next, he fierce aflaiPd, Who, feeing their brave Chief ilain by the fword And forceful arm of Peleus' fon, befide 245 The eddy-whirling itream fled all difperfed- Therfilochu3 and Mydon then he flew, Thrafius, Aitypylus and Opheleitcs, Junius and Mnefus ; nor had thefe fufficed Achilles, but Pceonians more had fall'n, 250 Had not the angry Pviver from within His circling gulphs in femblance of a man CalFd to him, interrupting thus his rage. Oh 55* Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIA D. Book XXL Oh both in courage and injurious deeds Unmatched, Achilles ! whom themfelves the Gods 255 Ceafe not to aid, if Saturn's ion have doom'd All Ilium's race to periih by thine arm, Expel them, firil, from me, ere thou atchieve That dread exploit ; for, cumber'd as I am With bodies, I can pour my plealant ilream 260 No longer down into the facred Deep ; All vaniih where thou com'ft. But Oh defiil Dread Chief ! Amazement fills me at thy deeds. To whom Achilles, matchlefs in the race. River divine ! hereafter be it fo. 265 But not from ilaughter of this faithlefs hoft I ceafe, 'till I ihall ihut them fail in Troy And trial make of Heolor, if his arm In fingle fight fhall ilrongeil prove, or mine. He faid, and like a God, furious, again 270 AfTaiTd the Trojans ; then the circling flood To Phoebus thus his loud complaint addrefs'd. Ah fon of Jove, God of the filver bow ! The mandate of the fon of Saturn ill Haft thou perform'd, who, earneil, bade thee aid 275 The Trojans, 'till (the fun funk in the Weil) Night's fhadow dim mould veil the fruitful field. He ended, and Achilles fpear-renown'd Plunged from the bank into the middle ftream. Then, turbulent, the River all his tide 280 Stirr'd from the bottom, landward heaving off The num'rous bodies that his current choak'd Slain by Achilles ; them, as with the roar Of Book XXI. HOMER» s ILIAD. 559 Of bulls, he caft aground, but deep within His oozy gulphs the living fafe conceal'd. 285 Terrible all around Achilles flood The curling wave, then, falling on his ihield Daih'd him, nor found his footiteps where to reft. An elm of marly trunk he feized and branch Luxuriant, but it fell torn from the root 290 And drew the whole bank after it ; immerfed It damm'd the current with its ample boughs, And join'd as with a bridge the diftant ihores. Upfprang Achilles from the gulph and turn'd His feet, now wing'd for flight, into the plain 295 AftoniuVd ; but the God, not fo appeafed,. Arofe againft him with a * darker curl, That he might quell him and deliver Troy. Back flew Achilles with a bound, the length Of a fpear's caft, for fuch a fpring he own'd 300 As bears the black-plumed eagle on her prey Stronger!: and fwifteft of the fowls of air. Like Her he fprang, and dreadful on his chefr. Clang'd his bright armour. Then, with courfe oblique He fled his fierce purfuer, but the flood, 305 Fly where he might, came thund'ring in his rear. As when the peafant with his fpade a rill Conducts from fome pure fountain through his grove Or garden, clearing the obftrudtecl courfe, The pebbles, as it runs, all ring beneath, 310 And, as the flope ftill deepens, fwifter ftill * 'AxpoxtXetivuuv. — The beauty and force of this word arc wonderful.; I hav£ in vain endeavoured to do it juftice. 2l JIOMER'j ILIAD. οκ XXL It run?, and, murmuring, oufilrips the guide, So I Jim though fwift the River always reach'd Still fwifter ; who can cope with pow'r divine ? Oft as the noble Chief, turning, eiiay'd 315 Refinance, and to learn if all the Gods Alike ruih'd after him, fo oft the flood, Jove's offspring, laved his ihoulders. Upward then 1 ie fprang diltrefs'd, but with a fidelong fweep AfTailing him, and from beneath his ileps 320 Wailing the foil, the ilream his force fubdued. Then, looking to the ikies, aloud he mourn'd. Eternal Sire ! forfaken by the Gods I fink, none deigns to fave me from the flood, From which once faved, I would no death decline. 325 Yet blame I none of all the Pow'rs of heav'n As Thetis ; ihe with falfehood footh'd my foul, She promis'd me a death by Phoebus' iliafts Swift-wing'd, beneath the battlements of Troy. I would that Hector, nobleft of his race, 330 Had {lain me, I had then bravely expired And a brave man had ftripp'd me of my arms. But Fate now dooms me to a death abhorr'd Whelm'd in deep waters like a fwine- herd's boy Drown'd in wet weather while he fords a brook. 335 So fpake Achilles ; then, in human form, Minerva ftood and Neptune at his iide ; Each feized his hand confirming him, and thus The mighty Shaker of the fhores began. Achilles! mod'ratc thy difmay, fearnought. 340 In us behold, in Pall a: and in me, Effectual ΒοσκΧΧϊ. Η D Μ I. R's ί L IAD. Effectual aids, and with confent of Jove ; -For to be vanquiifc'd by a river's force Is not thy doom. This foe mall foon be quel I'd'; Thine eyes ihall fee it. Let our counfel rule 34^ Thy deed, and all is well. Ceafe not from war 'Till fail within proud Ilium's walls her noil Again be prilbn'd, all who mall efcape; Then (Heolor flain) to the Achaian fleet «Return; w r e make the glorious vicTry thine. 350 So they, and both departing fought the ikies, Then, animated by the voice divine? He moved toward the plain now all o'erfpread By the vail flood on which the bodies fwam And fhields of many a youth in battle ilain. 3-55 He leap'd, he waded, and the current ilemm'd Right onward, by the flood in vain oppofed, With fuch might Pallas fill'd him. Nor his rage Scamander aught reprefVd, but flill the more incenfed againil Achilles, curl'd aloft 360 His waters, and on Simo'is ■ call'd aloud. Brother ! oh let us with united force Check, if we may, this warrior ; he fhall elfe Soon lay the lofty tow'rs of Priam low, Whofe hoit, appall'd, defend them now no more. 365 Haile — fuccour me — Thy channel fill with ilreams From all thy fountains ; call thy torrents down ; Lift high the waters ; mingle trees and ilones With uproar wild, that we may quell the force Of this dread Chief triumphant now, and fill'd 370 With projects that might more befeem a God, 4 C But 02 . Η Ο Μ Ε R ; s ILIAD. Book X But vain fliall be his ftrength, his beauty nought Shall profit him or his refplendent arms, For I will bury them in flimc and ooze. And I will overwhelm himlelf with foil, 375 Sands heaping o'er him and around him fands Infinite, that no Greek ihall find his bones For ever, in my bottom deep immerfed. There ihall his tomb be piled, nor other earth, At his laft rites, his friends fliall need for Him. 380 He faid, and lifting high his angry tide Vortiginous, againft Achilles hurl'd, Roaring, the foam, the bodies, and the blood ; Then all his fable waves divine again Accumulating, bore him fwift along. 385 Shriek'd Juno at that fight, terrified left Achilles in the whirling deluge funk Should periih, and to Vulcan quick exclaim'd. Vulcan, my fon, arife ; for we account Xanthus well able to contend with thee. 390 Give inftant fuccour ; fliow forth all thy fires» Myfelf will hafte to call the rapid South And Zephyrus, that tempefts from the fea Blowing, thou may'ft both arms and dead confume With hideous conflagration. Burn along 395 The banks of Xanthus, fire his trees and Him Seize alfo. Let him by no fpecious guile Of flatt'ry footh thee, or by threats appall, Nor flack thy furious fires 'till with a fhout I give command, then bid them ceafe to blaze. 400 She Book ΧΧΓ. HOMERS ILIAD. $6j She fpake, and Vulcan at her word his fires Shot dreadful forth ; firft, kindling on the field, He burn'd the bodies ilrew'd numerous around Slain by Achilles ; arid grew the earth And the flood ceas'd. As when a fprightly breeze 405 Autumnal blowing from the North, at once Dries the new-water'd garden, * gladd'ning him Who tills the foil, fo was the champain dried ; The dead confumed, again ft the River, next, He turn'd the fiercenefs of his glitt'ring fires, 410 Willows and tamariiks and elms he burn'd, Burn'd lotus, ruihes, reeds ; all plants and herbs That clothed profufe the margin of his flood. His eels and fillies, whether wont to dwell In gulphs beneath, or tumble in the ftream, 415 All languiih'd while the Artift of the ikies Breathed on them ; even Xanthus loft, himfelf, All force, and, fuppliant, Vulcan thus addrefs'd. Oh Vulcan ! none in heav'n itfelf may cope With thee. I yield to thy confuming fires. 420 Ceafe, ceafe. I reck not if Achilles drive Her citizens, this moment, forth from Troy, For what are war and war's concerns to me ? So fpake he fcorch'd, and all his waters boiPd. As fome huge cauldron hifles, urged by force 425 Of circling fires and filPd with melted lard, The unctuous fluid t overbubbling ftreams * The reafon given in the Scholium is, that the furface being hardened by the wind the moifturc remains unexhaled from beneath, and has time to faturate the roots.— See Villoiflbn. f Άμβολοίίην. 4 C ? On $$4- HO Μ Ε R's Ι L ΙΑ !>.- Hook ΧΧΓ On all fides, while the dry wood flames beneath}. So Xanthus bubbled and his pleafant flood Hifs'd in the fire, nor could he longer flow 430 But check'd his current, with hot fleams annoy'd. By Vulcan railed'. His fupplication, then,., Importunate to Juno thus he turn'd. Ah Juno ! why ailails thy ion my ilreams,.. Hoilile to me alone? Of all who aid 43 £: The Trojans I. am furely leafl to blame,. Yet even I defifl if thou command; And let thy fon ceafe alfo ; for I fwear That nevsr will I from the. Trojans turn Their evil day, . not even when the noil 44a Of Greece fhall fet all Ilium in a blaze. He faid, and by his oath pacified, thus The white-arm'd Deity to Vulcan fpake. Peace, glorious fon ! we may not in behalf Of mortal man thus longer vex a God. 445 Then Vulcan his tremendous fires reprefs'd. And down into his gulphy channel ruih'd; The refluent flood; for,, when the force was once Subdued of Xanthus, Juno interpofed, Although incenfed,. herfelf to quell the.ilrife,. 45 ς> But conteil vehement the other Gods Now waged, each breathing difcord ; . loud they ruih'd And fierce to battle, while the boundlefs earth Quaked under them, and, all around, the hcav'ns ig them together with a trumpet's voice. 455- Jove lilt'ning, on the Olympian fummit fat Well-pleas'd, and, in his heart laughing for joy>. Beheld Book XXI. Η Ο Μ Ε R's I L I A D. '6$ Beheld the Pow'rs of heav'n in battle join'd. Not long aloof they flood. Shield-piercer Mars His brazen fpear grafp'd, and began the fight 460 Ruihing on Pallas, whom he thus reproach'd. Wafp ! front of impudence, and paft all bounds Audacious ! Why impelled: thou the Gods To fight? Thy own proud fpirit is the caufe. Remember'it not, how, urged by thee, the fon 465 Of Tydeus, Diomede, myfelf aflail'd, When thou, the radiant fpear with thy own hand Guiding, didft rend my body ? Now, I ween, The hour is come in which I ihall exact Vengeance for all thy malice fhown to me. 470 So faying, her fhield he fmote taiTelPd around Terrific, proof againil the bolts of Jove ; . That fhield gore-tainted Mars with fury fmote, But fhe, retiring, with ftrong. grafp upheav'd A rugged ftone, black, pond'rous, from the plain, 47 5 A land-mark fixt by men of antient times, Which hurling at the neck of flormy Mars She fmote him. Down he fell. Sev'n acres, ftretch'd, He overfpread, his ringlets in the duil Polluted lay, and dreadful rang his arms. 483 The goddefs laugh'd, and thus in accents wing'd With exultation, as he lay, exclaim'd. Fool ! Art thou ftill to learn how far my force SurpafTes thine, and dar'ft thou cope with me ? Now feel the furies of thy mother's ire. 485 Who hates thee for thy treach'ry to the Greeks, And for thy fuccour giv'n to faithlefs Troy, She ζ Γ:6 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XXL She laid, and turn VI from Mars her glorious eyes. But him deep-groaning and his torpid pow'rs Recov'ring flow, Venus conducted thence 490 Daughter of Jove, whom foon as Juno mark'd, In accents wing'd to Pallas thus fhe fpake. Daughter invincible of glorious Jove ! Hafte — follow her — Ah fhamelefs ! how fhe leads Gore-tainted Mars through all the holt, of heav'n. 495 So fhe, whom Pallas with delight obey'd ; To Venus fwift fhe flew, and on the breaft With iuch force fmote her that of fenfe bereft The fainting Goddefs fell. There Venus lay And Mars extended on the fruitful glebe, 50a And Pallas thus" in accents wing'd exclaim'd. I would that all who on the part of Troy Oppofe in fight Achaia's valiant fons, Were firm and bold as Venus in defence Of Mars, for whom fhe dared my pow'r defy ! 505 So had difTention (Ilium overthrown And defolated) ceas'd long iince in heav'n. So Pallas, and approving Juno fmiled. Then the imperial Shaker of the ihores Thus to Apollo. Phoebus ! wherefore itand 510 We thus aloof? Since others have begun, Begin we alfo ; ihame it were to both Should we, no combat waged, afcend again Olympus and the brafs-built hall of Jove. Begin, for thou art younger ; me, whole years 515 Alike and knowledge thine furpals fo far, It fuits not. Oh itupidity ! how grofs Art Book XXL Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. 5^7 Art thou and fenfelefs ! Arc no traces left In thy remembrance of our num'rous wrongs Suftain'd at Ilium, when, of all the Gods Ourfelves alone, by Jove's commandment, ferved For ilipulated hire, a year complete, Our talk-mailer the proud Laomedon ? Myfelf a bulwark'd town, fpacious, fecure Againil aiiault* and beautiful as ilrong Built for the Trojans, and thine office was To feed for King Laomedon his herds Among the groves of Ida many-valed. But when the gladfome hours the feafon brought Of payment, then the unjuit King of Troy Difmifs'd us of our whole reward amerced • By violence, and added threats befide. Thee into diilant illes, bound hand and foot, To fell he threaten'd, and to amputate The ears of both ; we, therefore, hailed thence Refenting deep our promised hire withheld. Aid'il thou for this the Trojans ? Can'll thou lefs Than feek, with us, to exterminate the whole Perfidious race, wives, children, huibands, all? To whom the King of radiant ihafts Apollo. Me, Neptune, thou wouldil deem, thyfelf, unwife Contending for the fake of mortal men With thee ; a wretched race, who like the leaves Now flouriih rank, by fruits of earth fuilain'd, Now faplefs fall. Here, therefore, us between Let all ilrife ceafe, far better left to Them. 520 5^5 530 53$ 54° 545 He p$ HOMER's ILIAD. ΒοοκΧΧΤ. He faid, and turn'd away, fearing to lift His hand againit the brother of his fire. ]/ut him Diana of the woods with fharp Rebuke, his huntrefs fitter, thus reproved. ς 5 c Fly'ft thou, Apollo ! and to Neptune yields An unearn'd vicTry, the prize of fame Refigning patieni: and with no difpute ? Fool ! wherefore beareft thou the bow in vain ? Ah, let me never in my father's courts 555 Hear thee among the Immortals vaunting more That thou would'ft Neptune's felf confront in arms. So ihe, to whom Apollo nought replied. Cut thus the confort of the Thund'rer, fired With wrath, reprov'd the Archerefs of heav'n. 5 bo How haft thou dared, impudent, to oppofe My will ? Bow-praclis'd as thou art, the taik To match my force were difficult to thee. . it, becaufe by ordinance of Jove Thou art a lionefs to womankind, 565 Killing them at thy pleafure ? Ah beware — Far eafier is it, on the mountain-heights To ilay wild beads and chafe the roving hind, Than to conflict with mightier than ourfelves. But, if thou wifh a lefTon on that theme, 570 Approach — Thou ihalt be taught with good efTecl: How far my force in combat pafTes thine. She faid, and with her left hand feizing both Diana s wrifts, fnatch'd fuddenly the bow Sufpended on her ihouldcr with the right, 575 d, milling, imote her with it on the ears. She, Book XXI. Π Ο i\l Ε R*s ILIA D. 569 She, writhing oft and itruggling, to the ground Shook forth her rapid ihafts, then, weeping, fled As to her cavern in fome hollow rock The dove, not deitined to his talons, flies 580 The hawk's purfuit, and left her arms behind. Then, meiienger of heav'n, the Argicide Addrefs'd Latona. Combat none with thee, Latona, Λνϋΐ 1 wage. Unlafe it were To, cope in battle with a ipoufe of Jove. 585 Go, therefore, loudly as thou wilt, proclaim To all the Gods that thou haft vanquiih'd me. Collecting, then, the bow and arrows fall'n In wild dilbrder on the dufcy plain, Latona with the facred charge withdrew 590 Following her daughter ; ihe, in the abode Brafs-built arriving of Olympian Jove, Sat on his knees, weeping till all her robe Ambrofial fhook. The mighty Father fmiled, And to his bofom ilraining her, enquired. 595 Daughter belov'd ! who, which of all the Gods Hath rais'd his hand, prefumptuous, againft Thee, As if convicted of fome open wrong? To whom the clear- voiced Huntrefs crefcent-crown'd. My Father! Juno, thy own confort fair 600 My forrow caufed, from whom difpute and ihife Perpetual, threaten the Immortal Pow'rs. Thus they in heav'n mutual conferr'd. Meantime Apollo into facred Troy return VI Mindful to guard her bulwarks, left the Greeks 605 Too loon for Fate ihould delblate the town. 4 D The 57 o HOMER's ILIAD. Book XXI, The other Gods, ibme angry, fome elate With victory, the Olympian heights regain'd, And fat befide the ThundVen But the ion Of Peleus — He both Trojans flew and fteeds. 610 As when in volumes flow fmoke climbs the ikies From fome great city which the Gods have fired Vindicative, forrow thence to many enfues With mifchief, and to all labour fevere, So caufed Achilles labour, on that day, 615 Severe, and mifchief to the men of Troy. But ancient Priam from a facred tow'r Stood looking forth, whence foon he noticed vail Achilles, before whom the Trojans fled All courage loft. Defcending from the tow'r 620 With mournful cries and hailing to the wall He thus enjoin'd the keepers of the gates. Hold wide the portals 'till the flying holl Re-enter, for himfelf is nigh, himfelf Achilles drives them home. Now, woe to Troy ! 625 But foon as fafe within the walls received They breathe again, fliut fail the pond'rous gates At once, left that deftroyer alfo pafs. He faid ; they, ihooting back the bars, threw wide The gates and faved the people, whom to aid 630 Apollo alfo fprang into the field. They, parctfd with drought and whiten'd all with duft Flew right toward the town, while, fpear in hand, Achilles prefs'd them, vengeance in his heart And all on fire for glory. Then, full fure, 635 Ilium, the city of lofty gates, had fall'n Won Book XXI. Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. 571 Won by the Greecians, had not Phoebus roufed Antenor's valiant fon, the noble Chief Agenor ; him with dauntlefs might he fill'd, And iliielding him againft the flroke of fate 640 Beiide him flood himfelf, by the broad beech Cover'd and wrapt in clouds. Agenor, then, Seeing the city-wafter hero nigh Achilles, flood, but flanding, felt his mind Troubled with doubts; he groan'd, and thus he mufed. 645 Alas ! if following the tumultuous flight Of thefe, I ihun Achilles, fwifter far He foon will lop my ignominious head. But if, thefe leaving to be thus difperfed Before him, from the city-wall I fly 650 Acrofs the plain of Troy into the groves Of Ida, and in Ida's thickets lurk, I may, at evening, to the town return Bathed and refreih'd. But whither tend my thoughts ? Should he my flight into the plain obferve 655 And fwift purfuing feize me, then, farewell All hope to 'fcape a miferable death, For he hath ilrength pairing the ilrength of man. How then — lhall I withiland him here before The city? He hath alfo flefli to fleel 660 Pervious, within it but a iingle life, And men report him mortal, howfoe'er Saturnian Jove lift him to glory now. So faying, he turn'd and flood, his dauntlefs heart Beating for battle. As the pard fprings forth 665 To meet the hunter from her gloomy lair, 4 D 2 Vor, 57* HOMER's ILIAD. Book XXL Nor, hearing loud the hounds, fears or retires, . But whether from afar or nigh at hand He pierce her firft, although transfixt, the fight Still tries, and combats defp'rate 'till lire fall,. 670 So, brave Antenor's foil fled not, or ihrank, 'Till he had proved Achilles, but his breaft O'erihadowing with his buckler, and his fpear Aiming well-poifed againil him, loud exclaim'd. Renown'd Achilles ! Thou art high in hope 675. Doubtlefs, that thou ihalt this day overthrow The city of the glorious fons of Troy. Fool ! ye muft labour yet ere ilie be won, For num'rous are her citizens and bold, And we will guard her for our parents' fake 680 Our wives and little ones. But here thou dieft Terrible Chief and dauntlefs as thou art. He faid, and with full force hurling his lance Smote, and err\l not, his greave beneath the knee. The glitt'ring tin, forged newly, at the ftroke 685 Tremendous rang, but quick recoil'd and vain The weapon, weak againil that guard divine. Then iprang Achilles in his turn, to affail Godlike Agenor, but Apollo took That glory from him, matching wrapt in clouds 69 g cnor thence, whom calm he fent away. Then Phcebus from purfuit of Ilium's hoi> art averted Pc'leus' foil ; the form AiTuming oi ior, fwift he fled "ore him, and Achilles fwift purfued. 69 c; hile Him Apollo thus lured to the chafe Wide Book XXI. HOMER's ILIAD. 573 Wide o'er the fruitful plain, inclining ilill Toward Scamander's dizzy ftream his courfe Nor flying far before, but with falfe hope Always beguiling him, the fcatter'd hoft 700 Meantime, in joyful throngs, regain'd the town• They filFd and iliut it fail, nor dared to wait Each other in the field, or to enquire Who liv'd and who had fall'n, but all, whom flight Had refcued, like a flood pour'd into Troy, 705 ARGU- ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND BOOK. Achilles flays Hector. BOOK XXII. THUS they, throughout all Troy, like hunted fawns Difpers'd, their trrickling limbs at leifure cool'd, And, drinking, flaked their fiery thiril, reclined Againil the battlements. Meantime, the Greeks Sloping their ihields, approach'd the walls of Troy, 5 And Hector, by his adverfe fate enfnared, Still ilood expofed before the Scaean gate. Then fpake Apollo thus to Peleus' fon. Wherefore, thyfelf mortal, purfu'il thou me Immortal ? oh Achilles ! blind with rage, ι ο Thou know'il not yet, that thou purfu'il a God. Unmindful of thy proper taik, to prefs The flying Trojans, thou hail hither turn'd Devious, and they are all now fafe in Troy ; Yet hope not me to flay ; I cannot die. 1 5 To whom Achilles fwifteft of the fwift, Indignant. Oh, of all the Pow'rs above To me moil adverfe, Archer of the ikies ! Thou hail beguiled me, leading me away From Book XXII. Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s I L Ι Λ D. 57s From Ilium far, whence intercepted, elfe, 20 No few had at this moment gnaw'd the glebe. Thou haft defrauded me of great renown, And, fate thyfelf, haft refcued them with eafe. Ah — had I pow'r, I would requite thee well. So faying, incenfed he turned toward the town 25 His rapid courfe, like fome victorious fteed That whirls, at ftretch, a chariot to the goal. Such feem'd Achilles, courting light the field. Him, firft, the antient King of Troy perceived Scouring the plain, refplendent as the ftar 30 Autumnal, of all ftars in dead of night Confpicuous moft, and named Orion's dog ; Brighter! it ihines, but ominous, and dire Difeafe portends to miferable man ; So beam'd Achilles' armour as he flew. 35 Loud wail'd the hoary King ; with lifted hands His head he fmote, and, utt'ring doleful cries Of fupplication, fued to his own fon. He, fixt before the gate, deiirous flood Of combat with Achilles, when his Sire 40 With arms outftretch'd toward him, thus began. My Hector ! wait not, oh my fon ! th' approach Of this dread Chief, alone, left premature Thou die, this moment by Achilles {lain. For he is ftrongeft far. Oh that the Gods 45 Him lov'd as I ! then, foon fhould vultures rend And dogs his carcafe, and my grief ihould ceafe. He hath unchilded me of many a fon, All valiant youths, whom he hath ilain or fold To II Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD, Book XXII. To diftant iiles, and, even now, I mifs 50 Two ions, whom fince the ihutting of the gates I find not, Polydorns and Lycaon, My children by Laothoc the fair. If they furvive pris'ners in yonder camp, I will redeem them with the gold and brais 5 5 By noble Altes to his daughter giv'h, Large ilore, and itill referved. But ihould they both, Already {lain, have journey'd to the fhades, We, then, from whom they fprang have caufe to mourn And mourn them long, but ihorter fhall the grief 60 Of Ilium prove, if thou efcape and live. Come then, my Ton ! enter the city-gate That thou may'ft fave us all, nor in thy bloom Of life cut off, enhance Achilles' fame. Commis'rate alfo thy unhappy Sire 65 Ere yet diffracted, whom Saturnian Jove Ordains to a fad death, and ere I die To woes innumerable ; to behold Sons ilaughter'd, daughters raviih'd, torn and ifripp'd The matrimonial chamber, infants daih'd 70 Againft the ground in dire.hofhlity, And matrons dragg'd by ruthlefs Greecian hands. Me, haply, laft of all, dogs iliall devour In my own veilibuje, when once the fpcar Or •faulchion of fome Greek hath laid me low. 75 The very dogs fed at my table-fide, My portal-guards, drinking their mailer's blood To drunkennefs, iliall wallow in my courts. Fair falls the Warlike yduth in battle ilain, And Book XXII. Η.Ό Μ Ε R's I L Ι Α ι And when he lies torn by the- pointed fleel, 80 His death becomes him well ; he is fecure, ι Though dead, from fhame, whatever next befalls. But when the iilver locks and iilver beard Of an old man llain by the fword, from dogs Receive difhonour, of all ills that wait 85 On miferable man, that fure is worfl. So fpake the antient King, and his grey hairs Pluck'd with both hands, but Heolor firm endured. On the other fide all tears his mother flood, And lamentation ; with one hand fhe bared, 90 And with the other hand produced her breail, Then in wing'd accents, weeping, him befpake. My Hector ! rev'rence This, and pity me. If ever, drawing forth this bread, thy griefs Of infancy Ifooth'd, oh now, my fon! 95 Acknowledge it, and from within the walls Repulfe this enemy ; Hand not abroad To cope with Ht'm, for he is favage-fierce, And ihould he flay thee, neither ihall myfelf Who bore thee, nor thy noble fpoufe weep o'er too Thy body, but, where we can never come, Dogs ihall devour it in the fleet of Greece. So they with pray'rs importun'd, and with tears Their fon, but him fway'd not ; unmoved he flood, Expecting vail Achilles now at hand. 105 As fome fell ferpent in his cave expcdls The traveller's approach, batten'd with herbs Of baneful juice to fury, forth he looks Hideous, and lies coil'd all around his den. 4 Ε 57 8 Η Ο Μ Ε R's I L I A D. Book XXII. So Hector, fill'd with confidence untamed, no Fled not, but placing his bright ihicld againil A buttrefs, with his noble heart conferral. Alas for me ! mould I repafs the gate, Polydamas would be the firft to heap Reproaches on me, for he bade me lead 115 The Trojans back this lait calamitous night In which Achilles role to arms again. But I refufed, although to have complied, Had proved more profitable far ; ilnce then By raili refolves of mine I have deftroy'd 120 The people, how can I efcape the blame Of all in Troy ? The meaneft there will fay — By his felf-will he hath deftroy'd us all. So ihall they fpeak, and then iliall I regret That I return 'd ere I had ilain in fight 125 Achilles, or that, by Achilles ilain, I died not nobly in defence of Troy. But iliall I thus ? Lay down my boify fhield, Put off my helmet, and my fpear recline Againit the city wall, then go myfelf 130 To meet the brave Achilles, and at once Promife him Helen, for whofe fake we ftrive, With all the wealth that Paris in his fleet Brought home, to be reftored to Atreus' fons, And to diftribute to the Greeks at large 135 All hidden treafurcs of the town, an oath Taking befide from ev'ry fenator, That he will nought conceal, but will produce And fhare in juft equality what ftores Soever Book XXII. Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s ILIAD. 5 79 Soever our fair city ftill includes? 140 Ah airy fpeculations, queftions vain ! I may not file to Him ; companion none Will he vouchfafe me, or my fuit refpect, But, feeing me unarm'd, will fate at once His rage, and womanlike I ihall be flain. τ 45 It is no time from oak or hollow rock With Him to parley, as a nymph and fwain, - A nymph and fwain foft parley mutual hold, But rather to engage in combat fierce Incontinent; fo ihall we fooneit learn 150 Whom Jove will make victorious, Him or me. Thus pondering he flood ; meantime approach'd Achilles, terrible as fiery Mars, Creil-toifing God, and brandiih'd as he came O'er his right ihoulder high the Pelian fpear. 155 Like lightning, or like flame, or like the fun Afcending beam'd his armour. At that fight Trembled the Trojan Chief, nor dared expect His nearer ftep, but flying left the gates Far diilant, and Achilles fwift purfued. 160 As in the mountains, fleeter! fowl of air, The hawk darts eager at the dove ; ihe feuds Ailant, he, fcreaming, fprings and fprings again To feize her, all impatient for the prey, So flew Achilles conftant to the track 165 Of Hector, who with dreadful hafte beneath * The repetition follows the Original, and the Scholiaft is of opinion that Homer ufes it here that he may exprefs more emphatically the length to which fuch conferences ipt to proceed. — Δ»α Tt|V %o\-jXoyix\> τγ ΰναλτιψα Ε^ρπτΛΤ•. 4 Ε 7. The H'OMER's ILIA D. Book XX [U The Trojan bulwarks plied his agile limbs. Pairing the profpect-mount where high in air The * wild-fig waved, they runYd along the road, Declining never from the wall of Troy. 170 And now they reach'd the running riv'iets clear, Where from Scamanders dizzy flood arife Two fountains, tepid one, from which a fmoke Iflues voluminous as from a fire, The other, ev'n in rummer heats, like hail 175 For cold, or mow, or chryftal-ftream froil-bound. Beiide them may be feen the broad canals Of marble fcoop'd, in which the wives of Troy And all her daughters fair were wont to lave Their coftly raiment, while the land had reft, 180 And ere the warlike fons of Greece arrived. By |hefe they ran, one fleeing, one in chafe. Valiant was he who fled, but valiant far Beyond him He who urged the fwift purfuit ; Nor ran they for a vulgar prize, a beail 185 For facrifice, or for the hide of fuch, The fwift foot-racer's cuftomary meed, But for the noble Hector's life they ran. when two fteeds, oft conqu'rors, trim the goal For fome illuftrious prize, a tripod bright 190 Or beauteous virgin, at a fun'ral game, So they with nimble feet the city thrice Of Priam compaiVd. All the Gods look'd on, And thus the Sire of Gods and men began. * h grew near to the tomb of Ilus. Ml Book XXII. ί Ι Ο Μ Ε R ' s I L I A D. r Ah — I behold a warrior dear to me 195 Around the wails of Ilium driv'n, and grieve For Hector, who the thighs of fatted bulls On yonder heights of Ida many-valed Bur n'd oft to me, and in the heights of Troy. But Him Achilles, glorious Chief, around 200 The city-walls of Priam now purities. Coniider this, ye Gods ! weigh the event. Shall we from death lave Hector, or, at length, Leave him, although in battle high-renown'd, To perifh by the might of Peleus' fon ? 205 Whom anfwer'd thus Pallas caerulean-eyed. Dread Sov'reign of the ilorms ! what haft thou faid ? Would'ft thou deliver from the ftroke of fate A mortal man death-deftin'd from of old ? Do it; but fmall thy praife ihall be in heav'n. 210 Then anfwer thus cloud-gath'rer Jove return'd. Fear not, Tritonia, daughter dear ! that word Spake not my purpofe ; me thoa fhalt perceive Always to thee indulgent. What thou wilt That execute, and ule thou no delay. 215 So roufed he Pallas of herfelf prepared, And from the heights Olympian down fhe flew. With unremitting fpeed Achilles ftill Urged Hector. As among the mountain-heights The hound purfues, roufed newly from her lair 220 The flying fawn through many a vale and grove ; And though fhe trembling ikulk the fhrubs beneath, Tracks her continual, 'till he find the prey, So 'fcaped not Hector, Peleus' rapid fon. Oft $3ι Ο Μ Ε R's I L I A D. Book XXII. Oft as toward the Dardan gates he fprang 225 Direct, and to the bulwarks firm of Troy, Hoping fome aid by volleys from the wall, So oft, outftripping him, Achilles thence Enforced him to the field, who, as he might, Still ever ftretch'd toward the walls again. 230 * As, in a dream, purfuit hefitates oft, This hath no pow'r to fly, that to purfue, So thefe — One fled, and one purfued in vain. How, then, had Hector his impending fate Eluded, had not Phoebus, at his laft, 235 Laft effort meeting him, his ilrength reftored, And wing'd for flight his agile limbs anew ? The fon of Peleus, as he ran, his brows Shaking, forbad the people to difmifs A dart at Hector, left a meaner hand 240 Piercing him, ihould uiurp the foremoft praife. But when the fourth time to thofe rivulets They came, then lifting high his golden fcales, Two lots the everlafting Father placed Within them, for Achilles one, and one 245 For Hector, balancing the doom of both. Grafping it in the midft, he rais'd the beam. Down went the fatal day of Hector, down To Ades, and Apollo left his fide. Then blue-eyed Pallas hafting to the fon 250 Of Peleus, in wing'd accents him addrefs'd. The numbers in the original are ίο conftruckd as to exprefs the painful ftruggle that characterize fuch a dream. Now, Book XXII. Η Ο Μ ER's I L I A D. 583 Now, dear to Jove, Achilles famed in arms ! I hope that, fierce in combat though he be, We mail, at laii, flay Hector, and return Crown'd with great glory to the fleet of Greece. 255 No fear of his deliv'rance now remains, Not even fhould the King of radiant fhafts Apollo toil in fupplication, rolFd * And roll'd again before the Thund'rer's feet. But iland, recover breath ; myfelf, the while, 260 Shall urge him to oppofe thee face to face. So Pallas fpake, whom joyful he obey'd, And on his fpear brafs-pointed lean'd. But fhe, (Achilles left) to noble Hector pafs'd, And in the form, and with the voice loud-toned 265 Approaching of Deiphobus, his ear In accents, as of pity, thus addrefs'd. Ah brother ! thou art overtaik'd, around The walls of Troy by fwift Achilles driv'n ; But iland, that we may chafe him in his turn. 270 To whom creil-tofTIng Hector huge replied. Deiphobus ! of all my father's fons Brought forth by Hecuba, I ever loved Thee moil, but more than ever love thee now, Who hail not fear'd, feeing me, for my fake 275 To quit the town, where others reil content. To whom the Goddefs, thus, caerulean-eyed. Brother ! our parents with much earneit fuit Clafping my knees, and all my friends implored me To flay in Troy (fuch fear hath feized on all) 280 But HOMER.'s I L I A D. .U. But grief for thee prey'd on my inmoft foul. Come — fight we bravely — fpare we now our fpears No longer ; now for proof if Peleus' ion ring us both, ihall bear into the fleet arms gore-fbin'd, or perifh llain by thee. 285 So laying, the wily Goddefs led the wav. They ibon, approaching each the other, flood Oppofite, and huge Hector thus began. Peliues ! I will fly thee now no more. Thrice I have compafs'd Priam's ipacious walls 290 A fugitive, and have not dared abide Thy onfet, but my heart now bids me ftand Dauntlefs, and I will flay, or will be ilain. But come. We will atteft the Gods ; for they Are fitteil both to witnefs and to guard 295 Our covenant. If Jove to me vouchfafe The hard-carn'd vict'ry, and to take thy life, I will not with diihonour foul infult Thy body, but, thine armour ftripp'd, will give Thee to thy friends, as thou ihal't me to mine. 300 To whom Achilles, louring dark, replied. 1 lector ! my bitt'reft foe ! fpeak not to me Of covenants ; as concord can be none Lions and men between, nor wolves and lambs Can be unanimous, but hate perforce 305 Each other by a law not to be changed, So cannot amity fubfiit between Thee and myfelf ; nor league make I with thee Or compact, 'till thy blood in battle fhed Or mine, ihall gratify the fiery Mars. 310 Roufe Book XXII. Η Q Μ Ε R's I L I A 1). 585 Roufe all thy virtue ; thou hail utmoft need Of valour now, and of addrefs in arms. Efcape me more thou cantl not ; Pallas' hand By mine lubducs thee ; now will I avenge At once the agonies of ev'ry Greek 315 In thy uniparing fury {lain by thee. He faid, and, brandiihing the Pelian afh, Difmifs'd it ; but illullrious Heftor warn'd, Couch'd low, and, overflying him, it pierced The foil beyond, whence Pallas plucking it 320 Unfeen, reftor'd it to Achilles' hand, And Heclor to his godlike foe replied. Godlike Achilles ! thou hail err'd, nor know'it At all my doom from Jove, as thou pretend'il, But feek'll, by fubtlety and wind of words, 325 All empty founds, to rob me of my might. Yet Hand I firm. Think not to pierce my back. Behold my bofom ! if the Gods permit, Meet me advancing, and tranfpierce me there. Meantime avoid my glitt'ring fpear, but oh 330 May'il thou receive it all ! fince lighter far To Ilium mould the toils of battle prove, Wert thou once ilain, the flerceil of her foes. He faid, and hurling his long fpear with aim Unerring, fmote the centre of the ihield 3 3 ς Of Peleus' fon, but his fpear glanced awav. He, angry to have fent it forth in vain, (For he had other none) with eyes downcail Stood motionlefs awhile, then with loud voice Sought from Deiphobus, white-fhieldcd Chief, 340 4 F \ fecond ; 5 86 II Ο Μ Ε R's ILIA D. Book XXII. A fecond ; but Deiphobus was gone. Then Hector underitood his doom, and laid. Ah, it is plain ; this is mine hour to die. I thought Deiphobus at hand, but me Pallas beguiled, and he is ftill in Troy. 345 A bitter death threatens me, it is nigh, And there is no eicape ; Jove, and Jove's fon Apollo, from the firtt, although awhile My prompt deliv'rers, chofe this lot for me, And now it finds me. But I will not fall 350 Inglorious ; I will act fome great exploit That ihall be celebrated ages hence. So faying, his keen faulchion from his fide He drew, well-temper'd, ponderous, and ruih'd At once to combat. As the eagle darts 355 Right downward through a fullen cloud to feize Weak lamb or tim'rous hare, fo, brandiihing His iplendid faulchion, Hector ruih'd to fight. Achilles, oppoiitc, with felleft ire Full-fraught came on ; his ihield with various art 360 Celcilial form'd, o'erfpread his ample chert, And on his radiant cafque terrific waved The bufhy gold of his refplendcnt creft, Vulcan fpun, and pour'd profufc around. Bright as, among the itars, the itar of all 365 Moil radiant, Hefpcrus, at midnight moves, S », in the right-hand of Achilles beanfd His brandim'd fpear, while, meditating woe To Hedtor, he explored his noble form, iking where he was vulnerable molt 370 But Book XXII. Η Ο Μ Ε R's ! 1 I 5 *7 But ev'ry part, his dazzling armour tor From brave Patroclus' body, well fecared, Save where the circling key-bone from the neck Disjoins the ihoulder ; there his throat appeared, Whence injured life with fwifteft flight eicapes ; 375 Achilles, plunging in that part his fpear, Impell'd it through the yielding fie ih beyond. The allien beam his pow'r of utt'rance left Still unimpair'd, but in the duft he fell, And the exulting conqueror exclainVd. 380 But Hedtor ! thou hadfT once far other hopes, And, ilripping ilain Patroclus, thought'ft thee fafe, Nor car'dft for abfent me. Fond dream and vain ! I was not diftant far ; in yonder fleet He left one able to avenge his death, 385 And he hath ilain thee. Thee the dogs iliall rend Diihonorably, and the fowls of air, But all Achaia's ho ft iliall him entomb. To whom the Trojan Chief languid replied. By thy own life, by theirs who gave thee birth, 390 And by thy * knees, oh let not Greecian dogs Rend and devour me, but in gold accept And brafs a ranfom at my father's hands, And at my mother's, an illuftrious price ; Send home my body, grant me burial rites 39 ς Among the daughters and the fons of Troy. To whom with afpect ftern Achilles thus. Dog ! neither knees nor parents name to me. * The knees of the conqueror were a kind of f.incluary to which the vanquifhcJ £ed for refuge. 4 F 2 I would 5 88 II Ο Μ Ε R's I 1, I A D. Book XXII. 1 would my fiercenefs of revenge were inch, That I could carve and eat thee, to whole arms 400 Such griefs I owe ; fo true it is and lure, That none lhall fave thy carcafe from the dogs. No, trull me, would thy parents bring me weigh'd X en — twenty ranfoms, and engage on oath To add itill more; would thy Dardanian Sire 405 Priam, redeem thee with thy weight in gold, Not even at that price would I conient That the who bare ihould place thee on thy bier With lamentation ; dogs and rav'ning fowls Shall rend thy body while a fcrap remains. 410 Then, dying, warlike Heclor thus replied. Full well I knew before, how fuit of mine Should fpeed preferr'd to thee. Thy heart is ileel. But oh, while yet thou liv'ft, think, left the Gods "Requite thee on that day, when pierced thyfelf 415 By Paris and Apollo, thou fhalt fall, Brave as thou art, before the Scoean gate. He ceasM, and death involved him dark around. Mis fpirit from his limbs difmifs'd the houfe Of Ades fought, mourning in her defcent 420 Youth's prime and vigour loft, difafVrous doom ! But Him though dead, Achilles thus befpake. Die thou. My death ihall find me at what hour Jove gives commandment, and the Gods above. lie fpake, and from the dead drawing away 425 His brazen fpear, placed it apart, then ftripp'd His arms gore-itain'd. Meantime the other fons Of the Achaians, gathYing fait around, The Book XXII. IIOiMER's ILIA D. 589 The bulk admired, and the proportion juft Of Hector, neither ftood a Greecian there 430 Who pierced him not, and thus the foldier fpake. Ye Gods ! how far more patient of the touch Is Hector now, than when he fired the fleet ! Thus would they fpeak, then give him each a itab. And now, the body ftripp'd, their noble Chief 435 The fwift Achilles ftanding in the midlt, The Greecians in wing'd accents thus addrefs'd. Friends, Chiefs and Senators of Argos' hoft ! Since, by the will of heav'n, this man is {lain Who harm'd us more than all our foes beiide, 440 EfTay we next the city, fo to learn The Trojan purpofe, whether (Hector ilain) They will for fake the citadel, or ilill Defend it, even though of Him deprived. But wherefore fpeak I thus ? Hill undeplored, 445 Unburied in my fleet Patroclus lies ; Him never, while, alive myfelf, I mix With living men and move, will I forget. In Ades, haply, they forget the dead, Yet will not I Patroclus, even there. 430 Now chaunting paeans, ye Achaian youths ! Return we to the fleet with this our prize ; ■We have atchieved great glory, we have llain Illuitrious Hector, him whom Ilium prais'd In all her gates, and as a God revered. 435 * The lines of which thefe three are a tranflation, are ftippofed by ibme to have been defigned for the Ett»wx»ov 3 or fong of victory fung by the whole army. He 11 Ο Μ ER's I I. Ι Λ D. Βοοκ.3 lie iliid ; then purpoiing dimonour foul To noble Hector, both his feet he bored From heel to ancle, and, inferring thongs, Them tied behind his chariot, but his head Left unfuftain'd to trail along the ground. 460 Λ (lending next, the armour at his fide He placed, then lafh'd the fteeds ; they willing flew. Thick duft around the body dragg'd arofe, His fable locks all fwept the plain, and all His head, ίο graceful once, now track'd the duft, 465 For Jove had giv'n it into hoftile hands That they might fliame it in his native foil. Thus, whelm'd in duft, it went. The mother Queen Her fon beholding, pluck'd her hair away, Cart, far afule her lucid veil, and fill'd 470 With ihrieks the air. His father wept aloud, And, all around, long long complaints were heard And lamentations in the ftreets of Troy, Not fewer or lefs piercing, than if flames Had wrapt all Ilium to her topmoft tow'rs. 475 His people fcarce detained the antient King Grief-ftung, and refolute to ifTue forth Through the Dardanian gates ; to all he kneePd In turn, then roll'd himfelf in duft, and each By name foliated to give him way. 480 Stand off, my fellow mourners ! I would pafs The gates, would feek, alone, the Grcecian fleet. I go to fupplicatc the bloody man, Yon ravager ; he may refpe£t, perchance, My years, may feel Ibme pity of my age ; 485 For Book XXII. HOMER's ILIAD. 59* For, fuch as I am, his own father is, Peleus, who rear'd him for a curfe to Troy, But chiefly rear'd him to myfelf a curfe, So num'rous have my fons in prime of youth Fall'n by his hand, all whom I lefs deplore 490 (Though mourning all) than one ; my agonies For Hector, loon fhall fend me to the fhades. Oh had he but within thefe arms expired, The haplefs Queen who bore him, and myfelf Had wept him, then, 'till forrow could no more ! 495 So fpake he weeping, and the citizens All ilgh'd around ; next, Hecuba began Amid the women, thus, her fad complaint. Ah wherefore, oh my fon ! wretch that I am, Breathe I forlorn of thee? Thou, night and day, 500 My glory wail in Ilium, thee her fons And daughters, both, hail'd as their guardian God, Confcious of benefits from thee received, Whofe life prolong'd fhould have advanced them all To high renown. Vain boaft ! thou art no more. 505 So mourn'd the Queen. But fair Andromache Nought yet had heard, nor knew bv fure report Hector's delay without the city-gates. She in a clofet of her palace fat, A twofold web weaving magnificent, 510 With fprinkled flow'rs inwrought of various hues, And to her maidens had commandment giv'n Through all her houfe, that compailing with fire An ample tripod, they fhould warm a bath For noble Hector from the fight return'd. , 515 Tendernefs HOMER'. ILIAD. Book XXII. Tenderneis ill-inform'd ! ilie little knew That in the field, from fuch re freili merits far, Pallas had ilain him by Achilles' hand. She heard a cry of forrow from the tow'r ; r limbs fhook under her, her fhuttle fell, 520 And to her bright-hair'd train, alarm'd, ihe cried. Attend me two of yon, that I may learn What hath befallen. I have heard the voice Of the Queen-mother, my rebounding heart Choaks me, and I feem fetter'd by a fro ft. 525 Some mifchief, fure, o'er Priam's fons impends. Far be fuch tidings from me ! but I fear Horribly, left Achilles, cutting off My dauntlefs Hector from the gates alone, Enforce him to the field, and quell perhaps 533 The might, this moment, of that dreadful arm I lis hindrance long ; for Hector ne'er was wont To feek his fafety in the ranks, but flew Firft into battle, yielding place to none. So faying, ihe ruili'd with palpitating heart 535 And frantic air abroad, by her two maids Attended ; foon arriving at the tow'r, And at the throng of men, awhile ihe ftood, Down looking willful from the city-wall, And, feeing him in front of Ilium, dragg'd ς 40 So horribly toward the fleet of Greece, O'erwhclm'd with fudden darkncfs at the view :1 backward, with a figh heard all around. τ diftant flew difperfed her head-attire, Twift, frontlet^ diadem, and cvh the veil 54 ς By Βυυκ XXII. HOMER's ILIAD. SW By golden Venus giv'n her on the day When Hector led her from Eetion's houfe Enrich'd with nuptial prefents to his home. Around her throng'd her filters of the houfe Of Priam, num'rous, who within their arms 550 Fail held her * loathing Life ; but ihe, her breath At length and fenfe recov'ring, her complaint Broken with fighs amid them thus began. Hector ! I am undone ; we both were born To mis'ry, thou in Priam's houfe in Troy, 555 And I in Hypoplacian Thebes wood-crown'd Beneath Eetion's roof. He, doom'd himfelf To forrow, me more forrowfully doom'd, Suftain'd in helplefs infancy, whom oh That he had ne'er begotten ! thou defcend'il 560 To Pluto's fubterraneous dwelling drear, Leaving myfelf deilitute, and thy boy, Fruit of our haplefs loves, an infant vet, Never to be hereafter thy delight, Nor love of thine to fhare or kindnefs more. ^6 ς For ihould he fafe furvive this cruel war With the Achaians, penury raid toil Muft be his lot, llnce ilrangers will remove At will his landmarks, and pofTefs his fields. Thee loll, he lofes all, of father, both, 570 And equal playmate in one day deprived, To fad looks doom'd, and never-ceafing tears. * It is an obieivation of (.lie Scholiafl, that two more afFe£Hng fpe&acles cannot be imagined, than Priam ilruggling to eicape into the field, and Andromache to calt her- fclf lion the wall ; for fo he underfrands άτυζομίνην κπολίνΰΰΗ, 4 c; He 594 ί! ϋ Μ Ε. R's ILI A D. Book XXII. He feeks, neceftitous, his father's friends, One by his mantle pulls, one by his veil, Whole utmoil pity yields to his parch'd lips, 575 A thirit-provoking drop, and grudges more ; Some happier child, as yet untaught to mourn A parent's lofs, ihoves rudely from the board My fon, and, fmiting him, reproachful cries — Away — Thy father is no gueft of ours — 580 Then, weeping, to his widow'd mother comes Aftyanax, who on his fathers lap Ate marrow only, once, and fat of lambs, And when ileep took him, and his crying fit Had ceas'd, ilept ever on the fofteft bed, 585 Warm in his nurfe's arms, fed to his fill With delicacies, and his heart at reft. But now, Aftyanax (fo named in Troy For thy fake, guardian of her gates and tow'rs) His father loir, muft many a pang endure. 590 And as for thee, caft naked forth among Yon galleys, where no parent's eye of thine Shall find thee, when the dogs have torn thee once 'Till they are fated, worms iliall eat thee next. Meantime, thy graceful raiment rich, prepared 595 By our own maidens, in thy palace lies ; But I will burn it, burn it all, becaufe Ufelefs to thee, who never, ίο adorn'd, rait (lumber more; yet ev'ry eye in Troy -hall fee, how glorious once was thy attire. 600 SOj weeping, flic ; to whom the multitude Of Trojan dames refponiive ligh/d around. Λ R G U- ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTY-THIRD BOOK. The body of Patroclus is burned, and the funeral games enfue. BOOK XXIII. SUCH mourning was in Troy ; meantime the Greeks Their galleys and the ihores of Hellefpont Regaining, each to his own ihip retired. But not the Myrmidons ; Achilles them Clofe rank'd in martial order ftill detain'd, 5 And thus his fellow- warriors brave addrefs'd. Ye fwift-horfed Myrmidons, affociates dear ! Releafe not from your chariots yet your iteeds Firm-hoof 'd, but, iteeds and chariots driving near, Bewail Patroclus, as the rites demand - I ο Of burial ; then, fatiate with grief and tears. We will releafe our iteeds, and take repaft. He ended, and, himfelf leading the way, His num'rous band all mourn'd at once the dead. Around the body thrice their gioify iteeds, 1 Mourning, they drove, while Thetis in their hearts The thirit of forrow kindled ; they with tears The funds bedew'd* with tears their radiant arms, ρ regret of one ίο brave they felt. 4 G 2 Then• 59 6 Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. Book. XXIII. Then, placing on the bofom of his friend 20 His homicidal hands, Achilles thus The iliade of his Patroclus, fad, befpake. Hail, oh Patroclus, ev'n in Ades hail ! For I will now accomplifh to the full My promife pledged to thee, that I would give 25 Hector dragged hither to be torn by dogs Piecemeal, and would before thy fun'ral pile The necks diflever of twelve Trojan youths Of nobleil rank, refentful of thy death. He faid, and meditating foul difgrace 30 To noble Heel: or, itretch'd him prone in duft Befide the bier of Mencetiades. Then all the Myrmidons their radiant arms Put off, and their ihrill-neighing iteeds releas'd. A num'rous band befide the bark they fat 35 Of fwift yEacides, who furnifh'd forth Himfelf a feaft funereal for them all. Many a white ox under the ruthlefs ileel Lay bleeding, many a iheep and blatant goat, With many a faginated boar bright-tuik'd, 40 Amid fierce flames Vulcanian ftretch'd to roaft. Copious the blood ran all around the dead. And now the Kings of Greece conducted thence To Agamemnon's tent the royal fon Of Peleus, loth to go, and won at laft 45 With difficulty, fuch his anger was, And deep refentment of his ilaughterM friend. Soon then as Agamemnon's tent they reach'd, The Sov*reign bade his heralds kindle fire Around Book XXIII. ΓΙ Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. 597 Around an ample vafe, with purpofe kind 50 Moving Achilles from his limbs to cleanfe The ftains of battle ; but he firm refufed That fuit, and bound refufal with an oath — No ; by the Higheft and the beil of all> By Jove I will not. Never may it be 55 That brazen bath approach this head of mine, 'Till I fhall firft Patroclus' body give To his laft fires, 'till I ihall pile his tomb, And fheer my locks in honour of my friend ; For, like to this, no fecond woe ihall ere 60 My heart invade, while vital breath I draw. But, all unwelcome as it is, repail Now calls us. Agamemnon, King of men ! Give thou command that at the dawn they bring Wood hither, fuch large portion as befeems 65 The dead, defcending to the fhades, to ihare, That hungry flames confuming out of iight His body foon, the hoil may war again. He fpake ; they, hearing, readily obey'd. Then, each his food preparing with difpatch, 70 They ate, nor wanted any of the guefts Due portion, and, their appetite fufficed To food and wine, all to their tents repair'd Seeking repofe ; but on the fands befide The billowy deep Achilles groaning lay 75 Amidft his Myrmidons, where fpace he found With blood unftainM befide the daihing wave. There, foon as ileep, deliv'rer of the mind, Wrapp'd him around (for much his noble limbs With κ<β II Ο Μ ER's Ι Ι, I A D. Book. XXIII. With chafe of Heclor round the battlements 80 Of wind-fwept Ilium wearied were and fpent) The foul came to him of his haplefs friend, In bulk refembling, in expreffive eyes And voice Patroclus, afid ία clad as he. Him, hov'ring o'er his head, the form addrefs'd. 85 Sleep'if. thou, Achilles ! of thy friend become Heedlefs ? Him living, thou didft not negleft. Whom thou neglectelt dead. Give me a tomb Inftant, that I may pafs the infernal gates. For now, the fhades and fpirits of the dead 90 Drive me afar, denying me my wiili To mingle with them on the farther fhore, And in wide-portal'd Ades fole I roam. Give me thine hand, I pray thee, for the earth I vifit never more, once burnt with fire; 95 We never fliall again clofe council hold As we were wont, for me my fate fevere, Mine even from my birth, hath deep abforb'd. And oh Achilles, femblance of the Gods ! Thou too predeitin'd art beneath the wall 100 To periih of the high-born Trojan race. But hear my laft injunction! ah, my friend ! My bones fepulchre not from thine apart, But as, together we were nourifhYl both Beneath thy roof, (what time from Opoeis 105 lectins led me to thy father's houfe, Although a child, yet fugitive for blood, Which, in a quarrel at the dice, I fpilt, Killing my playmate bv a cafual blow, The Book XXIII. IIOMER's ILIAD, 599 The offspring of Amphidamas, when, like 1 1 ο A father, Peleus with all tcndernefs Received and cherifh'd me, and call'd me thine) So, let one vafe inclofe, at laft, our bones, The golden vafe, thy Goddefs mother's gift. To whom Achilles, matchlefs in the race. 115 Ah, lov'd and honour'd ! wherefore hail thou come ? Why thus enjoin'd me ? I will all perform With diligence that thou haft now deiired. But nearer ftand, that we may mutual clafp Each other, though but with a ihort embrace, 120 And fad fatiety of grief enjoy. He faid, and ftretch'd his arms toward the ihade, But him feized not ; ihrilJ -clamouring and light As fmoke, the fpirit pafs'd into the earth. Amazed, upfprang Achilles, claih'd aloud 125 His palms together, and thus, fad, exclaim'd. Ah then, ye Gods ! there doubtlefs are below The foul and femblance both, but empty forms ; For all night long, mourning, difconfolate, The foul of my Patroclus, haplefs friend! 130 Hath hover'd o'er me, giving me in charge His la ft requefts, juft image of himfelf. So faying, he call'd anew their forrow forth, And rofy-palm'd Aurora found them all Mourning afrefh the pitiable dead. 135 Then royal Agamemnon call'd abroad Mules and mule-drivers from the tents in hafte To gather wood. Uprofe a valiant man, Friend of the virtuous Chief Idomeneus, Meriones, IIOMER's ILIAD, Book XXIII. Meriones, who led them to the taik. 140 They, bearing each in hand his fharpen'd ax And Lvvitted cord, thence journey'd forth, the mules Driving before them ; much uneven fpace They meafur'd, hill and dale, right onward now, And now circuitous; but at the groves 145 Arrived, at length, of Ida fountain-fed, Their keen-edg'd axes to the tow'ring oaks Dii patch ful they applied ; down fell the trees With cralh fonorous. Splitting, next, the trunks, They bound them on the mules ; they, with firm hoofs The hill-fide itamping, through the thickets rufh'd, 151 Defirous of the plain. Each man his log (For fo the armour-bearer of the King Of Crete, Meriones, had them enjoin'd) Bore after them, and each his burthen call 155 Down on the beach regular, where a tomb Of ample iize Achilles for his friend Patroclus had, and for himfelf, deiign'd. Much fuel thrown together, fide by fide There down they fat, and his command at once 160 Achilles ilTued to his warriors bold, That all fhould gird their armour, and the ileeds Join to their chariots ; undelaying each Complied, and in bright arms itood foon array 'd. Then mounted combatants and charioteers. 165 I• irft, moved the chariots, next, the infantry Proceeded num'rous, amid whom his friends, Bearing the body of Patroclus, went. They polled thru• heads, and covered him with hair Show Yd Book XXIII. II Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. 6οι Show'r'd over all his body, while behind 170 Noble Achilles march'd the Hero's head Sustaining forrowfui, for to the realms Of Ades a diftinguiih'd friend he fent. And now, arriving on the ground erewhile Mark'd by Achilles, fetting down the dead, 175 They heap'd the fuel quick, a lofty pile. But Peleus' fon, on other thoughts intent, Retiring from the fuivral pile, fhore off His amber ringlets, whofe exub'rant growth Sacred to Sperchius he had kept unihorn, 180 And looking o'er the gloomy Deep, he faid. Sperchius ! in vain Peleus my father vow'd That, hence returning to my native land, Thefe ringlets fhorn I mould prefent to thee With a whole hecatomb, and ihould, beiide, 185 Rams offer fifty at thy fountain head In thy own field, at thy own fragrant ilirine. So vow'd the hoary Chief, whofe wifhes thou Leav'il unperform'd. Since, therefore, never more I fee my native home, the Hero thefe 190 Patroclus takes down with him to the ihades. He faid, and Riling with his hair the hand Of his dead friend, the forrows of his train Waken'd afreih. And now the lamp of day ■'■ WefVring apace, had left them ilill in tears, 195 Had not Achilles fuddenly addreiVd King Agamemnon, {landing at his fide. • * Wdl'ring wheel. Milto. 4 Η Atrides * 6ο• 2 Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIA D. Bcok XXIII. Atrides ! (for Achaia's ions thy word Will readieft execute) we may with grief Satiate ourfelves hereafter; but, the hoft 200 Difperfing from the pile, now give command That they prepare repait ; * ourfelves, to whom Thefe labours in peculiar appertain Will finiih them ; but bid the Chiefs abide. Which when imperial Agamemnon heard, 205 He icatter'd inftant to their fev'ral ihips The people ; but the burial-drefTers thence Went not ; they, ftill abiding, heap'd the pile. An hundred feet of breadth from fide to fide They gave to it, and on the fummit placed 210 With lbrrowing hearts the body of the dead. Many a fat iheep, with many an ox full-horn'd They flay'd before the pile, bufy their taik Adminiftring, and Peleus' fon the fat Taking from ev'ry victim, overfpread 215 Complete the body with it of his friend Patroclus, and the flay'd beafts heap'd around. Then, placing flagons on the pile, replete With oil and honey, he inclined their mouths Toward the bier, and flew and added, next, 220 Deep-groaning and in hafte, four martial fteeds. Nine dogs the Hero at his table fed, Of which beheading two, their carcafes I lc added alio. Laft, twelve gallant ions Of noble Trojans flaying, (for his heart 225 Teem'd with great vengeance) he applied the force • Himfelf and the Myrmidons, Of Book XXIII, Π Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIA D. C03 Of hungry flames that fhould devour the whole, Then, mourning loud, by name his friend invoked. Rejoice, Patroclus ! even in the fhades. Behold my promife to thee all fulfilled ! 230 Twelve gallant fons of Trojans fam'd in arms, Together with thyfelf, are all become Food for thefe fires; but fire ihall never feed On Hector ; him I deftine to the dogs. So threaten'd he ; but Him no dogs devour'd ; 235 Them, day and night, Jove's daughter Venus chafed Afar, and fmooth'd the Hero o'er with oils Of rofy fcent ambroiial, left his corfe, Behind Achilles' chariot dragg'd along So rudely, iliould be torn, and Phoebus hung 240 A veil of fable clouds from heav'n to earth, O'erlhadowing broad the fpace where Hector lay, Left parching funs intenfe iliould ftiffen him. But the pile kindled not. Then, Peleus' foil Seeking a place apart, two winds in pray'r 245 Boreas invoked and Zephyrus, to each Vowing large facrifice. With earned fuit (Libation pouring from a golden cup) Their coming he implored, that fo the flames Kindling, incontinent might burn the dead. 250 Iris, his fupplications hearing, fwift Convey 'd them to the winds ; they, in the hall Banquetting of the heavy-blowing Weft, Sat frequent. Iris, fudden at the gate Appear'd; they, at the fight upftarting all, 155 Invited each the Goddefs to himfelf. 4 Η 2 But 6ο4 Η Ο Μ Ε R's I L I A D. Book XXI Π But ilie re f u fed a feat and thus ilie fpake. I fit not here. Borne over Ocean's llream Again, to ^Ethiopia's land I go Where hecatombs are offer'd to the Gods, 260 Which, with the reft, I alfo wiili to mare. But Peleus' fon, earner!, the aid implores Of Boreas and of Zephyrus the loud, Vowing large facrifice if ye will fan Brifkly the pile on which Patroclus lies 265 By all Achaia's warriors deep deplored. She faid, and went. Then fuddenly arofe The winds, and, roaring, fwept the clouds along. Firil, on the fea they blew ; big rofe the waves Beneath the blare. At fruitful Troy arrived 270 Vehement on the pile they fell, and dread On all fides foon a crackling blaze enfued. All night, together blowing ihrill, they drove The fheeted flames wide from the fun'ral pile* And all night long, a goblet in his hand 275 From golden beakers fill'd, Achilles flood With large libations foaking deep the foil, And calling on the fpirit of his friend. As fome fond father mourns, burning the bones Of his own fon, who, dying on the eve 2$o Of his glad nuptials, hath his parents left O'erwhelm'd with inconfolable diftrefs* So mourn'd Achilles, his companions' bones Burning, and pacing to and fro the field Befidc the pile with many a figh profound. 285 But when the ftar, day's harbinger, arofe* Soon Book XXIII. Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. 605 Soon after whom, in faffron veil attired The morn her beams diffufes o'er the fea, The pile, then waited, ceafed to flame, and then Back flew the winds over the Thracian deep 290 Rolling the flood before them as they pafVd. And now Pelides lying down apart From the funereal pile, ilept, but not long, Though weary ; waken'd by the flir and din Of Agamemnon's train. He fat erect, 295 And thus the leaders of the hoil addrefs'd. Atrides, and ye potentates who rule The whole Achaian hoil ! firft quench the pile Throughout with gen'rous wine, where'er the fire Hath feized it. We will then the bones collect 300 Of Mencetiades, which iliall with eafe Be known, though many bones lie fcatter'd near, Since in the middle pile Patroclus lay, But wide apart and on its verge we burn'd The iteeds and Trojans, a promifcuous heap. 305 Them fo collected in a golden vafe We will difpofe, lined with a double caul, Till I iliall, alfo, to my home below. I wifh not now a tomb of ampleil bounds But fuch as may fuffice, which yet in height 310 The Greecians and in breadth fhall much augment Hereafter, who, furvivors of my fate, Shall ilill remain in the Achaian fleet. So fpake Pelides, and the Chiefs complied. Where'er the pile had blazed, with gen'rous wine 315 They quench'd it, and the hills of aihes fank. Then, Π Ο Μ Ε R's I L Ι Α 1). Book XXIII. Then, weeping, to a golden vafe, with lard Twice lined, they gave their gentle comrade's bones Fire-bleachM, and lodging fafely in his tent The relics, overfpread them with a veil. 320 Deilgning, next, the compafs of the tomb They mark'd its boundary with ftones, then fili'd The wide cnclofure haitily with earth, And, having heap'd it to its height, return'd. But all the people, by Achilles ftill 325 Detained, there fitting, form'd a fpacious ring, And he the deitined prizes from his fleet Produced, capacious cauldrons, tripods bright, Steeds, mules, tall oxen, women at the breaft Clofe-cinotur'd elegant, and *unwrought iron. 330 Firft, to the chariot-drivers he propofed A noble prize ; a beauteous maiden vers'd In arts domeftic, with a tripod ear'd, Of twenty and two meafures. Thefe he made The conqu'rors meed. The fecond mould a mare 335 Obtain, unbroken yet, fix years her age, Pregnant, and bearing in her womb a mule. A cauldron of four meafures, never fmirch'd By fmoke or flame, but freih as from the forge The third awaited ; to the fourth he gave 340 Two golden talents, and, unfullied yet By ufe, a twin-ear'd t phial to the fifth. He flood ereel:, and to the Greeks he cried. * Such it appears to have been in the fequel. -J- Φ,χ/.γ. — a veflel, as Athenaeus defcribes it, made for trc purpole of warming Water. It was formed of brafs, and expanded fomewhat in the fhape of a broad leaf. Atrides, Book XXIII. IIOMER's ILIAD. u>; Atrides, and ye Chiefs of all the hoil ! Thefe prizes, in the circus placed, attend 345 The charioteers. Held we the prefent games In honour of ibme other Greecian dead, I would myfelf bear hence the foremoft prize ; For ye are all witnefTes well-inform'd Of the fuperior virtue of my fteeds. 350 They are immortal ; Neptune on my fire Peleus conferral them, and my fire on me. But neither I this conteft ihare rnyfelf, Nor ihall my fteeds ; for they would mifs the force And guidance of a charioteer fo kind 355 As they have loft, who many a time hath cleanfed Their manes with water of the chryftal brook, And made them ileek, himfelf, with limpid oil. Him, therefore, mourning, motionlefs they ftand With hair diihevell'd, ftreaming to the ground. 360 But ye, whoever of the hoft profefs Superior ikill, and glory in your fteeds And well-built chariots, for the ftrife prepare ! So fpake Pelides, and the charioteers, For fpeed renown'd, arofe. Long ere the reft 365 Eumelus, King of men, Admetus' fon Arofe, accompliih'd in equeftrian arts. Next, Tydeus' fon, brave Diomede, arofe ; He yoked the Trojan courfers by himfelf In battle from iEneas won, what time 370 Apollo faved their mailer. Third, upftood The fon of Atreus with the golden locks, Who to his chariot Agamemnon's mare Swift 6o* UOMER's ILIA EX Book ΧΧΙΠ, Swift JEthe and his own Podargus join'd. Her Echepolus from Anchiies fprung 375 To Agamemnon gave ; fhe w r as the price At which he purchafed leave to dwell at home Excufed attendance on the King at Trov, For, by the gift of Jove, he had acquired Great riches, and in wide-fpread Sicyon dwelt, 380 Her wing'd with ardour, Menelaus yoked. Antilochus, arifing fourth, his fteeds Bright-maned prepared, lbn of the valiant King Of Pylus, Neftor Nele'iades. Of Pylian breed were they, and thus his fire, 385 With kind intent approaching to his fide, Advifed him, of Himfelf not uninform'd. Antilochus ! Thou art, I know, belov'd By Jove and Neptune both, from whom, though young, Thou halt received knowledge of ev'ry art 390 Equeitrian, and haft little need to learn. Thou know'ft already how to trim the goal With niceft ikill, yet wond'rous flow of foot Thy courfers are, whence evil may enfue. But though their fteeds be fwifter, I account 395 Thee wife, at leaft, as they. Now is the time For counfel, furnifh now thy mind with all Precaution, that the prize efcape thee not. The feller of huge trees by ikill prevails More than by ftrength ; by ikill the pilot guides 400 His flying bark rock'd by tempeftuous winds, And more by fkill than (peed the race is won. But He who in his chariot and his fteeds Trails Book XXIIL II Ο Μ Ε R's I L I A D 609 Trufts only, wanders here and wanders there UnfVeady, while his couriers loofely reiri'd 405 Roam wide the held; not fo the charioteer Of found intelligence ; he though he drive Inferior fteeds, looks ever to the goal Which clofe he clips, not ignorant to check His couriers at the fir ft, hut with tight rein 410 Ruling his own, and watching thofe before. Now mark ; I will defcribe fo plain the goal That thou ill alt know it furely. A dry ftump Extant above the ground an ell in height Stands yonder; either oak it is, or pine 415 More likely, which the weather leaft impairs. Two ftones, both white, flank it on either hand. The way is narrow there, but fmooth the courfe On both fides. It is either, as I think, A monument of one long fince deceas'd, 420 Or was, perchance, in antient days deiign'd, As now by Peleus' mighty fon, a goal. That mark in view, thy fteeds and chariot pufh Near to it as thou may'ft; then, in thy feat Inclining gently to the left, prick fmart 425 Thy right-hand horfe challenging him aloud, And give him rein ; but let thy left-hand horfe Bear on the goal fo clofely, that the nave * And felly of thy wheel may feem to meet. Yet fear to ftrikc the ftonc, left foul difgrace 430 * This could not happen urilefs the felly of the wheel were nearly horizontal to the eye of the fpectat/jr, in which rale the chariot muft be infallibly overturned. — There is an obfeurity in the paffage which none of the commentators explain. The Scholiafr, * .ted by Clarke, attempts an explanation, but, I think, not fuccefsfully. 4 I Of 5, α Η Ο Μ Ε Κ \s ILIA D. Book ΧΧΙΙί Of broken chariot and of crippled fteeds Enfue, and thou become the public jeft. My boy belov'd ! ufe caution ; for if once Thou turn the goal at fpeed, no man thenceforth Shall reach, or if he reach, ihall pais thee by, 435 Although Arion in thy rear he drove Adraflus' rapid horfe of race divine, Or thofe, Troy's boaft, bred by Laomedon. So Neftor fpake, inculcating with care On his fon's mind thefe leflbns in the art, 443 And to his place retiring, fat again. Meriones his couriers glony-maned Made ready lair. Then to his chariot-feat Each mounted, and the lots were thrown ^ himfelf Achilles ihook them. Firil, forth leaped the lot 445 Of Neftor's foil Antilochus, after whom The King Eumelus took his deilin'd place. The third was Menelaus fpear-renown'd ; Meriones the fourth ; and laft of all Braveil of all, heroic Diomede 450 The fon of Tydeus took his lot to drive. So ranged they flood ; Achilles ihow'd the goal Far on the champain, nigh to which he placed The godlike Phcenix fervant of his lire, To mark the race and make a true report• 455 All rais'd the laih at once, and with the reins At once all fmote their fteeds, urging them on Vociferous ; they, fudden, left the fleet Far, far 'behind them, fcouring fwift the plain. Dark, like a ilormy cloud, uprofe the dull 460 Their .. XXIII. HOMER's ILIAD. 611 Their chefts beneath, and fcattciM in the wind Their manes all floated; now the chariots fwept The low declivity unfeen, and now Emerging ilarted into view ; erect The drivers flood ; emulous, e\Ty heart 465 Beat double ; each encouraged loud his iteeds ; They, flying-, filFd with dull the darken'd air. But when returning to the hoary deep They ran their lail career, then each difplay'd Brighteit his charioteerihip, and the race 470 Lay llretchU, at once, into its titmoft fpeed. Then, foon the mares of * Pheretiades Pafs'd all, but Diomede behind him came, Borne by his unemafculated iteeds Of Trojan pedigree ; they not remote, 475 But clofe purfued him ; and at ev'ry pace Seem'd entering, both, the chariot at their head ; For blowing warm into Eumelus' neck Behind, and on his ihouiders broad, they went, And their chins refted on him as they flew. 480 Then had Tydides pafs'd him, or had made Decillon dubious, but Apollo ilruck, f Refentful, from his hand the glitfring fcourge. Fail roll'd the tears indignant down his cheeks, For he beheld the mares with double fpeed 485 Flying, and, of the fpur deprived, his own Retarded ileeds continual throw r n behind. But not unnoticed by Minerva pafs'd * Eumelus. (• Refentful of the attack made on him by Diomede in the fifth book. 4 I 2 The 6i2 Η Ο Μ Ε K's ILIA LX βοοκ XXIII. The art by Phoebus practised to impede The fon of Tydeus, whom with winged haile 490 Following, ihe gave to him his fcourge again, And with new force his lagging Heeds infpired. Eumelus, next, the angry Goddefs, fwift Purfuing, fnapt his yoke ; wide flew the mares Afunder, and the pole fell to the ground. 495 Himfelf, roll'd from his feat, fail: by the wheel With lacerated elbows, noitrils, mouth, And batter'd brows lay prone ; forrow his eyes Deluged, and disappointment choak'd his voice. Then, far outilripping all, Tydides puih'd 500 His ileeds beyond, which Pallas filFd with pow'r, That flie might make the glorious prize his own, Him follow'd Mcnelaus amber-hair'd, The fon of Atreus, and his father's ileeds Encouraging, thus fpake Antilochus. 505 Away — now flretch ye forward to the goal. I bid you not to an unequal ftrife With thofe of Diomede, for Pallas them Quickens that he may conquer, and the Chief So far advanced makes competition vain. 5 ro But reach the fon of Atreus, fly to reach His ileeds, incontinent; ah, be not fhamed Fur ever, foil'd by iEthe, by a mare ! Why full ye thus behind, my noblell ileeds ? I tell you both, and ye fhall prove me true, 515 No favour fhall ye find at Neilor's hands, My valiant Sire, but he will thruil his fpear Right through you, ihould we lofc, for iloth of yours, Or Book XXIII. Μ Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. 613 Or by your negligence, the nobler prize. Hafte then — puriue him — reach the royal Chief — 520 And how to pais him in yon narrow way Shall be my care, and not my care in vain. He ended ; they, awhile, awed by his voice, With more exertion ran, and Neftor's fon Now faw the hollow itreight mark'd by his Sire. 525 It was a chafm abrupt, where winter-floods, Wearing the foil, had gullied deep the way. Thither Atrides, anxious to avoid A clafh of chariots drove, and thither drove Alfo, but fomewhat devious from his track, 530 Antilochus. Then Menelaus fear'd, And with loud voice the fon of Neilor hail'd. Antilochus, at what a madman's rate Driv'ft thou ! flop — check thy iteeds — the way is here Too itreight, but widening foon, will give thee fcope 535 To pafs me by ; beware, left chariot clofe To chariot driv'n, thou maim thyfelf and me. He faid ; but ftilL more rapid and the icourge Plying continual, as he had not heard, Antilochus came on. • Far as the quoit 54° By fome broad-ilioulder'd youth for trial hurl'd Of manhood flies,, fo far Antilochus Shot forward, but the courfers fell behind Of Atreus' fon, who now abated much By choice his driving, left, the iteeds of both 545 Juitling, ihould overturn with fudden fhock Both chariots, and themfelves in duft be roll'd, Through hot ambition of the foremoit prize. I iinv 6ι* Η Ο Μ Ε Κ s I L 1 Λ i>. Book XXIII. Him then the Herp golden-hair'd reproved. Antilochus ! the man lives not on earth 5ςο Like thee for love of mifchief. Go, extoll'd For wifdom falfely by the ions of Greece. Yet, truft mc, not without an oath, the prize Thus foullv fouoht fhall even now be thine. He faid, and to his couriers call'd aloud. 555 Ah be not tardy ; itand not forrow-check'd ; Their feet will fail them lboner far than yours, For years have pafs'd fince they had youth to boaft. So He ; and fpringing at his voice, his iteeds Regain'd apace the vantage loft. Meantime 560 The Greecians, in full circus feated, mark'd The iteeds ; they flying, fill'd with duft the air. Then, ere the reft, Idomeneus difcern'd The foremoft pair ; for, on a rifing ground Exalted, he without the circus fat, 565 And hearing, though remote, the driver's voice Chiding his iteeds, knew it, and knew befide The leader horfe diftinguiih'd by his hue, Cheftnut throughout, fave that his forehead bore A fplendid blazon w r hite, round as the moon. 570 He itood erect, and to the Greeks he cried. Friends ! Chiefs and fenators of Argos' hoft ! Difcern I fole the iteeds, or alfo ye ? The horfes, foremoft now, to me appear Other than erit, and I defcry at hand 575 A difPrent charioteer; the mares of late \ ictorious, fomewhere diftant in the race Are hurt ; I plainly faw them at the firit Turning ΒοοκΧ'ΧΙΙΙ. HOMER's ILIAD. 615 Turning the goal, but fee them now no more ; And yet with eyes inquiiitive I range 580 From iide to fide the whole broad plain of Troy. Either the charioteer had ilipp'd the reins, Or rounded not fuccefsfully the goal Through want of guidance. Thrown, as it ihould feem, Forth from his feat, he hath his chariot maim'd, 585 And his ungovern'd fteeds have roam'd away. Arife and look ye forth yourfelves, for I With doubtful ken behold him ; yet the man Seems, in my view, iEtolian by defcent, A Chief of prime renown in Argos' hoft, 590 The Hero Tydeus' fon, brave Diomede. But Ajax Oiliades the fwift Him iharp reproved. Why art thou always giv'n To prate, Idomeneus ? thou feeft the mares, Remote indeed, but porting to the goal. 595 Thou art not youngeft of the Argives here So much, nor from beneath thy brows look forth Quick-iighted more than ours, thine eyes abroad, Yet itill thou prateit, although filence more Should fuit thee, among wifer far than thou. 600 The mares which led, lead itill, and he who drives Eumelus is, the fame who drove before. To whom the Cretan Chief, angry, replied. Ajax ! whom none in wrangling can excell Or rudenefs, though in all befide thou fall 605 Below the Argives, being boorifh-rough, Come now — a tripod let us wager each, Or cauldron, and let Agamemnon judge Whole Η Ο MJElIUs ILIA D. Βοακ X\lll. Whofe horfesJead, that, lofmg, thou ma\*it learn. Me faid ; then fudden from his feat upfprang 610 Swift AjaxjQ'iliadcs, prepared For harih retort, nor had the conteit ceasM Between them, but had grown from ill to worfe, Ha himfelf, Achilles, interpofed. Ajax — Idomeneus— abitain ye both 61 ς From bitter fpeeeh often five, and inch terms As ill become you. ye, would, feel, yourfelves, Relentment, fnould another act as ve. Survey the courfe, peaceable, from your feats ; The charioteers, by competition wing'd, 620 Will foon themfelve^arrive, then fhall ye know Diftinctly, both who follows and who leads. He fcarce had faid, when nigh at hand appear'd Tydides, ladling, as he came, his Heeds Continual; they with hoofs uplifted high 625 Their yet remaining ground fhortenYl apace, Sprinkling with dully drops at ev'ry itroke Their charioteer, while clofe upon their heels Radiant with tin and gold the chariot ran, :ce tracking light the durt, fo fwift they flew. 630 He flood in the mid-circus ; there the fweat Rain'd under them from neck and chef! profufe, And Diomcde from his refplendent feat Leaping, reclined his fcourge againft the yoke. Nor was his friend brave Sthenclus remifs, 635 But, feizing with alacrity the prize, Configivd the tripod and the virgin. lirtt, To his own band in charge ; then, Joos'd the fteeds. Next Εουκ XXIII, Η Ο Μ Ε fe'j ILIA D. 617 Next came, by ilratagem, not fpeed advanced To that diftinofcion, Neftor's fon, whom yet 640 The Hero Menelaus clofe purfued. Near as the wheel runs to a courier's heels, Drawing his mailer at full lpeed ; his tail With its extreme!!: hairs the felly fweeps That clofe attends him o'er the fpacious plain, 645 So near had Menelaus now approached Antilochus ; for though at firit he fell A full quoit's carl: behind, he foon retrieved That lofs, with fuch encreaiing fpeed the mare Bright-maned of Agamemnon, iEthe, ran; 650 She, had the courfe few paces more to both Afforded, fhould have clearly ihot beyond Antilochus, nor dubious left the prize. But noble Menelaus threw behind Meriones, companion in the field 655 Of King Idomeneus, a lance's flight, For iloweif. were his deeds, and he, to rule The chariot in the race, leail ikill'd of all. Laft came Eumelus drawing to the goal, Himfelf, his fplendid chariot, and his mare? 660 Driving before him. Peleus' rapid Ion Beheld him with companion, and, amid The Argives, in wing'd accents thus he lpake. Here comes the moil expert, driving his itceds Before him. Jure it were that he received 665 The fecond prize ; Τ y elides claims the firft. lie laid, and all applauded the award. Then had Achilles to Eumelus giv'n 4 Κ The 6l 3 Η Ο Μ Ε R's I L I A D. Book XXIII. The mare (for fuch the pleafure feenVd of all) Had not the foil of mighty Neftor ris'n, 670 Antilochus, who pleaded thus his right. Achilles ! acting as thou hail propofed, Thou ilialt offend me much, for thou ihalt take The prize from me, becaufe the Gods, his iteeds \nd chariot-yoke difabling, rendered vain 675 His efforts, and no failure of his own. It was his duty to have fought the Gods In pray'r, then had he not, following on foot His courfers, hindmoit of us all arrived. But if thou pity him, and deem it good, 680 Thou halt much gold, much brafs, and many iheep In thy pavilion ; thou haft maidens fair, And couriers alfo. Of thy proper ftores Hereafter give to him a richer prize Than this, or give it now, fo ill all the Greeks 685 Applaud thee ; but this mare yield I to none ; Stand forth the Greecian who defires to win That recompenfe, and let him fight with me. He ended, and Achilles, godlike Chief, Smiled on him, gratulating his fuccefs, 690 horn much he lov'd ; then, ardent, thus replied. Antilochus ! if thou would'ft wiili me give Eumelus of my own, ev'n fo I will. ί will prefent to him my corllet bright Won from Aftcropoeus, edg'd around 695 With glitt'ring tin ; a precious gift, and rare. So faying, he bade Automedon his friend Produce it from the tent; he at his word Departing, "Book ΧΧΙΙΪ. HOMER'i ILIAD. 619 Departing, to Achilles brought the fpoil, Which at his hands Eumelus glad received. 700 Then, ftung with grief, and with refentment fired Immeafurable, Menelaus role To charge Antilochus. His herald gave The fceptre to his hand, and (filence bidden To all) the godlike Hero thus began. 705 Antilochus ! oh heretofore difcrete ! What haft thou done ? Thou haft difhonour'd foul My ikill, and wrong'd my couriers, throwing thine, Although inferior far, by fraud before them. Ye Chiefs and Senators of Argos' hoft ! 710 Impartial judge between us, left, of thefe, Some fay hereafter, Menelaus bore Antilochus by falfehood down, and led The mare away, becaufe, although his fteeds Were worfe, his arm was mightier, and prevail'd. 715 Yet hold — myfelf will judge, and will to all Contentment give, for I will judge aright. Hither, Antilochus, illuftrious youth ! And, as the law prefcribes, ftanding before Thy fteeds and chariot, holding too the fcourge 720 With which thou drov'ft, lay hand on both thy fteeds. And fwear by Neptune, circler of the earth, That neither wilfully, nor yet by fraud Thou didft impede my chariot in its couric. Then, prudent, thus Antilochus replied. - ! 5 Oh royal Menelaus ! patient bear The fault of one thy junior fat*, in years Alike unequal and in worth to thee. 4 Κ Thou 6ιο Η Ο Μ Ε R s ILIA D. Book ΧλΊΠ. Thou know'ft how rafh is youth, and how propenfe To pafs the bounds by decency prefcribed, 730• Quick, but not wife. Lay, then, thy wrath alide ; The mare now giv'n me I will myfelf Deliver to thee, and if thou require A larger recompenfe, will rather yield A larger much than from thy favour fall 735 Defervedly for ever, mighty Prince I And fin fo heinoufly againft the Gods. So faying, the fon of valiant Neftor led The mare, himfelf, to Menelaus' handy Who with heart-frefh'ning joy the prize received. 740 As on the ears of growing corn the dews Fall grateful, while the fpiry grain erect Briftles the fields, fo, Menelaus, felt Thy inmoft foul a foothing pleafure fweet ! Then anfwer thus the Hero quick return'd. 745 Antilochus ! exafp'rate though I were, Now, fuch no longer, I relinquiili glad All ilrife with thee, for that at other times Thou never ineoniid'rate waft or light, Although by youthful heat mis-led to day. 750 Yet fafer is it not to over- reach Superiors, for no other Greecian here Had my extreme difpleafure calm'd fo foon ; But thou haft fuffer'd much, and much haft toil'd, As thy good father and thy brother have, 755 On my behalf; I, therefore, yield, fubdued By thy entreaties, and the mare, though mine, \Vill alfo give thee, that thefe Greccians all May Book XXIII. Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s I L I A D. 6:1 May know me neither proud nor hard to appeafe. So faying, the mare he to Noemon gave, 760 Friend of Antilochus, and, well-content, The poliih'd cauldron for his prize receiv'd. The fourth awarded lot (for he had fourth Arrived) Meriones afTerted next, The golden talents; but the phial ftill 765 Left unappropriated Achilles bore Acrofs the circus in his hand, a gift To antient Neftor, whom he thus befpake* Thou alfo, oh my father ! this accept, Which, in remembrance of the fun'ral rites 770 Of my Patroclus, keep, for him thou feeft Among the Greeks no more. Receive a prize, Thine by gratuity ; for thou ihalt wield The coeftus, wreille, at the fpear contend, Or in the foot-race (fallen as thou art 775 Into the wane of life) never again•. He faid, and placed it in his hands. He, glad, Receiving it, in accents wing'd replied.. True, oh my fon ! is all which thou hail fpokcn. Thefe limbs, thefe hands, young friend ! (their vigour loft) No longer, darted from the ihoulder, fpring 7 8 r At once to battle. Ah that I could grow Young yet again, could feel again fuch force. Athletic, as when in Buprafium erft The Epeans with fepulchral pomp entomb'd 785 King Amarynceus, where his fons ordain'd Funereal games in honour of their Sire ! Epean none or even Pylian there Could 6 I2 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XXIII. Could cope with me, or yet iEtolian bold. Boxing, I vanquifh'd Clytomedes, fon 790 Of Enops ; wreftling, the Pleuronian Chief Ancaeus ; in the foot-race Iphiclus, Though a fleet runner, and I over-pitch'd Phyleus and Polydorus at the fpear. The fons of Aclor in the chariot-race 795 Alone furpafs'd me, being two for one, And jealous both left I ihould alfo win That prize, for to the victor charioteer They had affign'd the nobleft prize of all. They were twin-brothers, and one ruled the fteeds, 800 -The fteeds one ruled, the other laih'd them on. Such once was I ; but now, thefe fports I leave To younger ; me fubmiflion moil befits To withering age, who then outihone the beft. But go. The fun'ral of thy friend with games Proceed to celebrate ; I accept thy gift 805 With pleafure ; and my heart is alfo glad That thou art mindful evermore of one Who loves thee, and fuch honour in the fight Yield'ft me of all the Greeks, as is my due. ν the Gods blefs thee for it more and more ! 810 He fpake, and Peleus' fon, when he had heard At large his commendation from the lips Of Neftor, through th' aiTembled Greeks return'd. e next propofed, not lightly to be won, The boxer's prize. lie tethcr'd down a mule, 815 Untamed and hard to tame, but ftrong to toil, • Tli, . . riginal. And Rook XXIII. HOMER's ILIAD. ι 2 j And in her prime of vigour, in the midft ; A goblet to the vanquiih'd he affign'd, Then ftood erect, and to the Greeks exclaim'd. Atridoe ! and ye Argives brazen-greaved ! 820 I call for two bold combatants expert To wage fierce ftrife for thefe, with lifted fills Smiting each other. He, who by the aid Of Phcebus fhall overcome, and whom the Greeks Shall all pronounce victorious, leads the mule 825 Hence to his tent ; the vanquiih'd takes the cup. He fpake, and at his word a Greek arofe Big, bold, and ikilful in the boxer's art, Epeus, fon of Panopeus ; his hand He on the mule impofed, and thus he faid. 830 Approach the man ambitious of the cup ! For no Achaian here ihall with his flit Me foiling, win the mule. I boait rnyfelf To all fuperior. May it not fufflce That I to no pre-eminence pretend 835 In battle ? To attain to foremoft praife Alike in ev'ry art is not for one. But this I promife, and will well perform — My blows mail lay him open, iplit him, crufh His bones to fplinters, and let all his friends, 840 Attendant on him, wait to bear him hence, Vanquiih'd by my fuperior force in fight. He ended, and his fpeech found no reply. One godlike Chief alone, Euryalus, Son of the King Meciileus, who, himfelf, 845 Sprang from Talaion, oppofite arofe. He, 62 4 H Ο Μ Ε R 's I L Ι A I). Boo* XXIII. lie, on the death of Oedipus, at Thebes Contending in the games held at his tomb, Had overcome the whole Cadmean race. Him Diomede fpear-famed for fight prepared, 850 Giving him all encouragement, for much Hewiih'd him victory. Firft then he '•'-threw His cincture to him; next, he gave him t thongs Cut from the hide of a wild buffalo. Both girt around, into the midft they moved. 85 5 Then, lifting high their brawny arms, and fifts Mingling with fills, to furious fight they fell ; Dire was the crafh of jaws, and the fweat ftream'd From ev'ry limb. Epeus fierce advanced, And while Euryalus with cautious eye 860 Watch'd his advantage, pa-hVi him on the cheek. lie flood no longer, but, his ihapely limbs, nl to his weight, finking, he fell, by the riiing North- wind driv'n aihore An huge fifh flounces on the weedy beach, 865 Which foon the fable flood covers again, So, beaten down, he bounded. But Epeiis, Heroic Chief, uprais'd him by his hand, And his own comrades from the circus forth Led him, itep dragging after Hep, the blood 870 Ejecting grumous, and at ev'ry pace Rolling his head languid from fide to fide. They placed him all unconfeious on a feat In his own band, then fetch'd his prize, the cup. ζρ&χ&ζζ&λί. -f "With which they bound on the caeilu^. Still Book XXIII. Η Ο Μ Γ R' s ILIAD. 6:5 Still other prizes, then, Achilles placed 875 Ια view of all, the iturdy wreiller's meed. A large hearth-tripod, valued by the Greeks At twice fix beeves, mould pay the victor's toil ; But for the vanquinVd, in the midit he fet A damfel in variety expert 880 Of arts domeitic, valued at four beeves. He rofe erect, and to the Greeks he cried. Arife ye, now, who ihall this prize difpute. So fpake the fon of Peleus ; then arofe Huge Telamonian Ajax, and upftood 885 UlyfTes alTo, in all wiles adept. Both girt around, into the midit they moved. With vig'rous gripe each lock'd the other fair, Like rafters, fhanding, of fome manfion built By a prime artift, proof againft all winds. 890 Their backs, tugg'd vehemently, * creak'd, the fvveat Trickled, and on their flanks and ihoulders, red The whelks arofe ; they bearing ilill in mind The tripod, ceafed not itruggling for the prize. Nor could UlyfTes from his itation move 895 And cait down Ajax, nor could Ajax him Unfettle, fixt To firm UlyfTes flood. But when, long time expectant, all the Greeks Grew weary, then, huge Ajax him befpake. Laertes' noble Ton, for wiles rcnown'd ! 900 Lift, or be lifted, and let Jove decide. He Taid, and heav'd UlyfTes. Then, his wiles Forgat not He, but on the ham behind * πτρίγΐί. — It is η circumftance on which the Scholiaft o'oI'tvcs that it denotes in awreftler the greateft poifible budijy ftrength a il firmnefs υί'ρυίίαυη. — Sec Villoiilbn. 4 L ChopiVd g 2 $ HOMER'S ILIA D. Book XXIII. Chopp'd him ; the limbs of Ajax at the ftroke Difabled fank ; he fell fupine, and bore 905 Ulyfles clofe adhering to his cheil Down with him. Wonder rivetted all eyes. Tlien brave UlyfTes from the ground awhile Him lifted in his turn, but ere he flood, * Inferring his own knee the knees between 910 Of Ajax, threw him. To the earth they fell Both, and with dull defiled lay fide by fide. And now, arifing to a third eflay, They ihould have wreftled yet again, had not Achilles, interfering, them reftrain'd. 915 Strive not together more ; ceafe to exhauft Each other's force ; ye both have earn'd the prize. Depart alike requited, and give place To other Greecians who fhall next contend. He fpake ; they glad complied, and wiping oft 920 The duff, put on their tunics. Then again Achilles other prizes yet propofed, The rapid runner's meed. Firft, he produced A filver goblet of fix meafures ; earth Own'd not its like for elegance of form, 925 Skillful Sidonian artifts had around Llmbelliih'd it, and o'er the fable Deep Phoenician merchants into Lemnos' port 1 borne it, and the boon to t Thoas giv'n ; But Jafon's fon, Euueus, in exchange 930 * I have given what feems to mc the inoft probable interpretation, and luch a one 1 any perfon who has ever witnelVd a Wreftling-match, will, I prcfumc, appear I King of Lemnos. For •. ΒοοκΧΧΙΙΙ. Η Ο Μ Ε R*s ILIA 627 For Priam's fon Lycaon, to the hand Had-pafs'd it of Patroclus famed in arms. Achilles this, in honour of his friend, Set forth, the fwifteil runner's recompenfe. The fecond fliould a fatted ox recei 935 Of large it fize, and he affign'd of gold A juft half-talent to the worft and laft. lie flood erect, and to the Greeks he cried. Now Hand ye forth who mall this prize difpute. He faid, and at his word inttant arofe 940 Swift Ajax O'iliades ; upfprang The ihrewd UlyiTes next, and after him Brave Neilor's fon Antilochus, with whom None vied in fpeed of all the youths of Greece. They flood prepared. Achilles fhow'd the goal. 945 At once all ilarted. O'iliades Led fwift the courfe, and clofely at his heels UlyiTes ran. Near as fome cindlurd maid Induilrious, holds the diilaff to her breail, While to and fro with praotis'd finger neat 950 She tends the flax, drawing it to a thread. So near UlyiTes follow'd him, and prefs'd His footileps, ere the duft fill'd them again, Pouring his breath into his neck behind, And never flack'ning pace. His ardent thirl! q ς ς Of victory with univerial fliouts All feconded, and, eager, bade him On. And now, the conteil fhort'ning to a clofe, UlyiTes his requefl filent and brief To azure-eyed Minerva thus prcferrM. 960 4 L 2 Oh 628 Η Ο Μ Ε R's I L I A D. Book XXIII. Oh Goddefs hear, profper me in the race ! Such was his pray'r, with which Minerva pleafed, Freiheh'd his limbs, and made him light to run. And now, when in one moment they ihould both Have darted on the prize, then, Ajax' foot 965 Sliding, he fell ; for where the dung of beeves Slain by Achilles for his friend, had fpread The foil, there * Pallas tripp'd him. Ordure foul His mouth, and ordure foul his noilrils fill'd. Then brave UlyiTes, firil arriving, feized 970 The cup, and Ajax took his prize, the ox. He grafp'd his horn, and fputt'ring as he flood The ordure forth, the Argives thus befpake. Ah — Pallas tripp'd my footfteps ; fhe attends UlyiTes ever with a mother's care. 975 Loud laugh'd the Greecians. Then, the remnant prize Antilochus receiving, fmilcd and faid. Ye need not, fellow-warriors, to be taught That now, as ever, the immortal Gods Honour on feniority beftow. 980 Ajax is elder, yet not much, than I. But Laertiades was born in times Long pair, a Chief coeval with our Sires, >t young, but vigorous ; and, of the Greeks, Achilles may alone with Him contend. 985 So faying, the merit of fuperior fpeed To Peleus' fon he gave, who thus replied. Antilochus ! thy praife of me fhall prove Nor vain nor unproductive to thyfelf, . UlyiTes j who from the firft intending it, had run clofc behind him. For Book XXIII. Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIA D. For the half-talent doubled fhall be thine. 990 He fpakc, and, doubling it, the talent placed Whole in his hand. He glad the gift received. Achilles, then, Sarpedon's arms produced, Stripp'd from him by Patroclus, his long fpear, Helmet and Ihield, which in the midft he placed. 995 He flood erect, and to the Greeks he cried. I call for two brave warriors arm'd, to prove Each other's (kill with weapons keen, this prize Difputing, next, in prefence of us all. Who firft ihall through his armour reach the flrin 1000 Of his antagonift, and iliall draw his blood, To Him this filver-ltudded faulchion bright I give ; the blade is Thracian, and of late Afteropseus wore it, whom I flew. Thefe other arms ihall be their common meed, 100 ς And I will banquet both within my tent. He faid ; then Telamonian Ajax huge Arofe, and oppofite the foil arofe Of warlike Tydeus, Diomede the brave. Apart from all the people each put on 10 10 His arms, then moved into the middle fpace, Louring terrific, and on fire to fight. The hofl look'd on amazed. Approaching each The other, thrice they fprang to the aiiault, And thrice ftruck, hand to hand. Ajax the ihield 1015 Pierced of his adverfary, but the flelh Attain'd not, harried by his mail within. Then Tydeus' fon, iheer o'er the ample dilk Of Ajax, thruft a lance home to his neck» nd 6 jo ITOMER's ILI A D, Book XXIII. And the Achaians for the life appall'd 1020 Of Ajax, bade them, ceafing, ihare the prize. But the huge faulchion with its fheath and belt — Achilles them on Diomede beftowYl. The Hero, next, an iron clod produced Rough from the forge, and wont to taik the might 1025 Of King Eetion ; but, when him he ilew, Pelides, glorious Chief, with other fpoils From Thebes convey'd it in his fleet to Troy. He flood creel, and to the Greeks he cried. Come forth who alfo fhall this prize difpute ! 1030 How far foe'er remote the winner's fields, This lump fhall ferve his wants five circling years ; His ihepherd ihall not, or his plower, need In queft of iron leek the diftant town, But hence he fhall himfelf their wants fupply. 1035 Then Polypcetes brave in fight arofe, Arofe Leonteus alfo, godlike Chief, With Ajax fon of Telamon. Each took His ilation, and Epeus feized the clod. He fwung, he caft it, and the Greecians laugh'd. 1040 Leonteus, branch of Mars, quoited it next. Huge Telamqnian Ajax with ftrong arm Difmifs'd it third, and overpitch'd them both. But when brave Polypcetes feized the mafs, Far as the vig'rous herdfman flings his ftafF i°45 That twirling flies his num'rous beeves between. So far his call: outmeafur'd all befide, And the hoft iliouted. Then the friends arofe Of Polypcetes valiant Chief, and bore His ox. XXIII. II Ο Μ Ε R's ILIA D. 631 His pond'rous acquifition to the ihips. 1050 The archers prize Achilles next proposed, Ten double and ten iingle axes, form'd Of ileel convertible to arrow-points. He fix'd, far diitant on the lands, the mail Of a brave bark caerulean-prow'J, to which 1055 With fmall cord failen'd by the foot he tied A tim'rons dove, their mark at which to aim. * Who ftrikes the dove, he conquers, and ihall bear Thefe double axes all into his tent, But who the cord alone, miffing the bird, 1060 Succefsful lefs, he wins the iingle blades. The might of royal Teucer then arofe, And, fellow- warrior of the King of Crete, Valiant Meriones. A brazen cafque Received the lots ; they iliook them, and the lot 1065 Fell firft to Teucer. He, at once, a fhaft Sent fmartly forth, but vow'd not to the t King An hecatomb, all flrftlings of the flock. He therefore (for Apollo greater praife Denied him) mifs'd the dove, but itruck the cord 1070 That tied her, at fmall diftance from the knot, And with his arrow fever'd it. Upfprang The bird into the air, and to the ground Depending fell the cord. Shouts rent the Ikies. Then, all in hafte, Meriones the bow 107 5 Caught from his hand holding a ihaft the while Already aim'd, and to Apollo vow'd An hecatomb, all firftlings of the flock. * The cranfition from narrative to dramatic follows the Original. f Apollo j frequently by Ηοηκτ CiJkd the King without any addition. He t 3 z HOMER's ILIAD. Be ill. lie eyed the dove aloft, under a cloud, And, while ihe wheel'd around, ftruck her beneath 1080 The pinion ; through her and beyond her pafs'd The arrow, and, returning, pierced ihe foil Fail by the foot of brave Meriones. She, perching on the mail again, her h Reclined, and hung her wide-unfolded wing, 1085 But, foon expiring, dropp'd and fell remote. Amazement feized the people. To his tent Meriones the ten befl axes bore, And Teucer the inferior ten to his. Then, lair, Achilles in the circus placed 1090 A pond'rous fpear and cauldron yet unfired, Embofs'd with flow'rs around, its worth an ox. Upllood the fpear-expert ; Atrides firit, Wide-ruling Agamemnon, King of men, And next, brave fellow-warrior of the King IS95 Of Crete, Meriones ; when thus his ipeech Achilles to the royal Chief addrefs'd. Atrides ! (for we know thy null and force Matchlefs ; that none can hurl the fpear as thou) This prize is thine, order it to thy ihip ; 1100 And if it pleafe thee, as I would it might, Let brave Meriones the fpear receive. He faid ; nor Agamemnon not complied, But to Meriones the brazen fpear Prefenting, to Talthybius gave in charge 1105 The cauldron, next, his own illultrious prize. A R G U- ARGUMENT OF Τ II Ε TWENTY -FOURTH BOOR. Priam, by command of Jupiter, and under conduct of Mercury, feeks Achilles in his tent, who admoniihed previoufly by Thetis, contents to accept ranfom for the body of Hector. Hector is mourned, and the manner of his funeral, circumftantially defcribed, concludes the poem. BOOK XXIV. Τ Η Ε games all clofed, the people went difpers'd Each to his ihip ; they, mindful of repaft, And to enjoy repoie ; but other thoughts Achilles' mind employ'd ; he ilill deplored With tears his lov'd Patroclus, nor the force 5 Felt of all-conqu'ring ileep, but turn'd and turn'd Reftlefs from iide to ride, mourning the lofs Of fuch a friend, ib manly, and fo brave. Their fellowihip in toil ; their hard (hips oft Suitain'd in fight laborious, or o'ercomc ro With difficulty on the perilous Deep — Remembrance bufily retracing themes Like thefe, drew down his cheeks continual tears. Now on his iide he lay, now lay fupine, Now prone ; then ltarting from his couch, he roam'd 1 5 4 Μ Forlorn 634 Η OMER's ILIAD. Book XXIV. Forlorn the beach, nor did the rifing morn On feas and ihores efcape his watchful eye, But joining to his chariot his fwift iteeds, He faften'd He&or to be dragg'd behind. Around the tomb of Mencetiades 20 Him thrice he dragg'd ; then refted in his tent, Leaving him at his length ftretch'd in the duft. Meantime Apollo, with companion touch'd Ev'n of the lifelefs Hector, from all taint Saved him, and with the golden oegis broad 25 Cov'ring, prefer ved him, although dragg'd, untorn. While he, indulging thus his wrath, difgraced Brave Hector, the Immortals, at that fight With pity moved, exhorted Mercury The watchful Argicide, to ileal him thence. 30 That counfel pleafed the reft, but neither pleafed Juno, nor Neptune, nor the blue-eyed maid. They ftill, as at the firft, held faft their hate Of facred Troy, detefted Priam ftill, And ftill his people, mindful of the crime 35 Of Paris, who when to his rural hut They came, thofe GoddefTes affronting, praife And admiration gave -to Her alone Who with vile lufts his preference repaid. But when the twelfth enfuing morn arofe, 40 Apollo, then, the Immortals thus addrefs'd. Ye Gods, your dealings now injurious feem And cruel. Was not I lector wont to burn Thighs of fat goats and bullocks at your ihrines ? Whom now, though dead, ye cannot yet endure 45 To Book XXIV. HOMER's ILIAD, 6 3 ζ To refcue, that Andromache once more Might view him, his own mother, his own fon, His father and the people, who would foon Yield him his juil demand, a fun'ral fire. But, oh ye Gods! your pleafure is alone 50 To pleafe Achilles, that pernicious Chief, Who neither right regards, nor owns a mind That can relent, but as the lion, urged By his own dauntiefs heart and favage force, Invades without remorfe the rights of man, 5 5 That he may banquet on his herds and flocks, So Peleus' fon all pity from his breaft Hath driv'n, and fhame.*, man's blefling or his curfe*. For whofoever hath a lofs fuftain'd Still dearer, whether of his brother born 60 From the fame womb, or even of his fon, When he hath once bewail'd him, weeps no more» For fate itfelf gives man a patient mind. Yet Peleus' fon, not fo contented, Hays llluitrious Hector firit, then drags his corfe 65 In cruel triumph at his chariot-wheels Around Patroclus' tomb; but neither well He acts, nor honorably to himfelf, Who may, perchance, brave though he be, incur Our anger, while to gratify revenge 70 He pours diihonour thus on fehfelefs clay. To whom, incenfed, Juno whitc-arm'd replied. And be it fo ; iland• fail this word of thine, * His blefling, if he is properly influenced by it ; his curfe in its Confc.[ucnc. he is deaf to its dictates. 4 Μ 2 God 6 3 6 II Ο Μ Ε R's I L I A D. Βυοκ XXIV. God of the Silver bow ! if ye account Only fiich honour to Achilles due 75 As Hector claims ; but Hector was by birth Mere man, and luckled at a woman's bread. Not iuch Achilles ; him a Goddefs bore, Whom I myfelf nourilli'd, and on my lap Fondled, and in due time to Peleus gave 80 In marriage, to a Chief belov'd in heav'n Peculiarly ; ye were yourlelves, ye Gods ! Partakers of the nuptial feafl, and thou Waft prefent alfo with thine harp in hand, Thou comrade of the vile ! thou faithlefs ever ! 85 Then anfwer thus cloud-gath'rer Jove return'd. Juno, forbear. Indulge not always wrath Againit the Gods. They ihall not fhare alike, And in the fame proportion our regards. Yet even Hector was the man in Troy 90 Moft favour'd by the Gods, and him no lefs I alfo loved, for punctual were his gifts To us ; mine altar never miffed from him Libation, or the fleam of facrifice, The meed allotted to us from of old. 95 But ileal him not, fince by Achilles' eye Unfeen ye cannot, who both day and night ♦Watches him, as a mother tends her fon. But call ye Thetis hither, I would give The Goddefs counfel, that, at Priam's hands 1 00 Accepting gifts, Achilles loofe the dead. * This is the fenfe preferred by the Scholiaft, for it is not true that Thetis was always prefent with Achilles, as is proved by the paiTage immediately enfuing. He Book XXIV. Η Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIAD. 637 He ceas'd. Then Iris tempeft-wing'd arofe. Samos between, and Imbrus rock-begirt, She plung'd into the gloomy flood ; loud groan'd The briny pool, while fudden down ihe ruih'd, 105 As finks the * bull's horn with its leaden weight, Death bearing to the rav'ners of the Deep. Within her vaulted cave Thetis ihe found By ev'ry nymph of Ocean round about Encompafs'd ; ihe, amid them all, the fate 110 Wept of her noble fon ordain'd to death At fertile Troy, from Phthia far remote. Then, Iris, drawing near, her thus addrefs'd. Arife, Ο Thetis ! Jove, the author dread Of everlailing counfels, calls for thee. 115 To whom the Goddefs of the Silver feet. Why calls the mighty Thund'rer me ? I fear, OpprelVd with countlefs forrows as I am, To mingle with the Gods. — Yet I obey — No word of his can prove an empty found. 120 So faying, the Goddefs took her fable veil, (Eye ne'er beheld a darker) and began Her progrefs, by the florm-wing'd Iris led. On either hand the billows open'd wide A pafs before them ; they, afcending foon 125 The ihore, updarted fwift into the ikies. They found loud-voiced Saturnian Jove around Environ'd by the ever bleifed Gods Convened in full alfembly ; ihe bellde * The angler's cuftom was, in thofe days, to guard his line above the hook, from the fiihes bite, by pairing it through a pipe of horn. Her OMER's I L I A D. Bcn IV. Her Father Jove (Pallas retiring) fat. 130 Then, Juno, with confolatory fpeech, Prefented to her hand a golden cup, Of which ilie drank, then gave it back again, And thus the Sire of Gods and men began. Go of ocean, Thetis! thou haft fought 135 Olympus, bearing in thy bofom grief Never to be afTua?ed, as well I know. Vet ill alt thou learn, afHioted as thou art, Why I have fummon'd thee. Nine days the Gods, Concerning Hector's body and thy own 140 Brave city-fpoiler fon, have held difpute, And fome have urged oft-times the Argicide Keen-fighted Mercury, to ileal the dead. But I forbad it for Achilles' fake, Whom I exalt, the better to infure 145 Thy rev'rence and thy friendfhip evermore. Hafle, therefore, feek thy fon, and tell him thus. The Gods refent it, fay (but moil of all Myfclf am angry) that he ilill detains Amid his fleet, through fury of revenge, 150 Unranfom'd Hector ; lb fhall he, at length, Through fear of me, perchance, releafe the ilain. Myfclf to gen'rous Priam will, the while, Send Iris, who fhall bid him to the fleet Of Greece, fuch ranfom bearing as may footh 155 Achilles, for redemption of his fon. So fpake the God, nor Thetis not complied. Defcending fwift from the Olympian heights She reach'd Achilles' tent. Him there ihe found Groaning Book XXIV. Η Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. 639 Groaning difconfolate, while others ran 160 To and fro, occupied around a iheep New-flaughter'd, large, and of exubYant fleece. She, fitting clofe befide him, foftly ftroak'd His cheek, and thus, affectionate, began. How long, my fon ! forrowing and mourning here, 165 Wilt thou confume thy foul, nor give one thought Either to food or love ? Yet love is good, And woman grief's beft cure ; for length of days Is not thy doom, but, even now, thy death And ruthlefs deftiny are on the wing. 170 Mark me — I come a lieger fent from Jove. The Gods, he faith, refent it, but himfelf More deeply than the reft, that thou detain'fl: Amid thy fleet, through fury of revenge, Unranfom'd Hector. Be advis'd, accept 175 Ranfom, and to his friends reiign the dead. To whom Achilles, fwifteft of the fwift. Come then the ranfomer, and take him hence ; If Jove himfelf command it, — Be it fo. So they, among the fhips, conferring fat 180 On various themes, the Goddefs and her fon ; Meantime Saturnian Jove commanded down His fwift embaifadrefs to facred Troy. Hence, rapid Iris ! leave the Olympian heights, And, finding noble Priam, bid him hafte 185 Into Achaia's fleet, bearing fuch gifts As may afTuage Achilles, and prevail To liberate the body of his fon. Alone, he mull: ; no Trojan of them nil May 640 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XXIV. λίαν company the fenior thither, fave 190 An antient herald to direct his mules And his wheel'd litter, and to bring the dead Back into Ilium, whom Achilles flew. Let neither fear of death nor other fear Trouble him aught, ib lafe a guard and fure 195 We give him ; Mercury ihall be his guide Into Achilles' prefence in his tent. Nor will himfelf Achilles ilay him there, Or ev'n permit his death, but will forbid All violence; for he is not unwile 200 Nor heedieis, no — nor wilful to offend, But will his fuppliant with much grace receive. He ceas'd ; then Iris tern pelf- wing'd arofe, Jove's mefTenger, and, at the gates arrived Of Priam, woe and wailing found within. 205 Around their father, in the hall, his fons Their robes with tears water'd, while them amidit The hoary King fat mantled, muffled clofe, And on his venerable head and neck Much dull was fpread, which, rolling on the earth, 210 lie had fhow'r'd on them with unfparing hands. The palace echoed to his daughters cries, And to the cries of matrons calling freili Into remembrance many a valiant Chief Now ftretch'd in duft, by Argive hands denroy'd. 215 The mefTenger of Jove at Priam's fide • Jupiter juftifies him againil Apollo's charge, affirming him to be free from thofe mental defects which chiefly betray men into fin — folly — improvidence, and pcr- verfenefs. Standing, Book XXIV. Η Ο Μ Ε It's ILIA D. 641 Standing, with whilpcr'd accents low his car Saluted, but he trembled at the found. Courage, Dardanian Priam ! fear thou nought ; To thee no prophetefs of ill, I come; 220 But with kind purpofe : Jove's ambaffadrefs Am I, who though remote, yet entertains Much pity, and much tender care for thee. Olympian Jove commands thee to redeem The noble Hector, with an ofF'ring large 225 Of gifts that may Achilles' wrath appeafe. Alone, thou muft ; no Trojan of them all Hath leave to attend thy journey thither, fave An antient herald to direot thy mules And thy wheel'd litter, and to bring the dead 230 Back into Ilium, whom Achilles ilew. Let neither fear of death nor other fear Trouble thee aught, fo fafe a guard and fure He gives thee ; Alercury fhall be thy guide E'en to Achilles' prefence in his tent. 235 Nor will himfelf Achilles flay thee there, Or ev'n permit thy death, but will forbid All violence ; for he is not unwife Nor heedlefs, no — nor wilful to offend, But will his fuppliant with much grace receive. 240 So fpake the fwift ambafTadrefs, and went. Then, calling to his fons, he bade them bring His litter forth, and bind the coffer on, While to his fragrant chamber he repair'd Himfelf, with cedar lined and lofty-roof 'd, 245 Λ treafury of wonders, into which 4 Ν The 4 4 3 Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A I). Book XXIV. The Queen he fummon'd, whom he thus befpake. Hecuba ! the ambafTadrefs of Jove Hath come, who bids me to the Greecian fleet, Bearing fuch preients thither as may footh 2 50 Achilles, for redemption of my ion. But fay, what leems this enterprise to thee ? Myfelf am much inclined to it, I feel My courage prompting me amain toward The fleet, and into the Achaian camp. 255 Then wept the Queen aloud, and thus replied. Ah ! whither is thy wifdom fled, for which Both ilrangers once, and Trojans honoured thee f How canil thou wifh to penetrate alone The Greecian fleet, and to appear before 260 His face, by whom fo many valiant fons Of thine have falPn ? Thou hail an iron heart ! For mould that favage man and faithlefs once Seize and difcover thee, no pity expect Or rev'rence at his hands. Come — let us weep 265 Together, here fequeiter'd ; for the thread Spun for him by his deitiny fevere When he was born, ordain'd our fon remote From us his parents to be food for hounds In that Chief's tent. Oh ! clinging to his fide, 270 How I could tear him with my teeth ! His deeds, Difgraceful to my fon, then ihould not want Retaliation ; for he flew not him Skulking, but {landing boldly for the wives, The daughters fair, and citizens of Troy, 275 Guiltlefs βοοκΧΧίν. II Ο Μ Ε R's 1 L I A D. 64.J •Guiltlefs of flight, and of the wiih to fly. Whom Godlike Priam anfwer'd, antient King. Impede me not who willing am to go, Nor he, thyfelf, a hird of ominous note To terrify me under my own roof, 280 For thou ilialt not prevail. Had mortal man Enjoin'd me this attempt, prophet, or prieft, Or foothfayer, I had pronounced him falfe, And fear'd it but the more. But, fince I faw The Goddefs with theie eyes, and heard, myfelf, 285 The voice divine, I go ; that word iliall itand ; And, if my doom be in the fleet of Greece To peri ill, be it fo ; Achilles' arm Shall give me fpeedy death, and I iliall die Folding my ion, and fatisfied with tears. 290 So faying, he open'd wide the elegant lids Of num'rous chefts, whence mantles twelve he took Of texture beautiful ; twelve Angle cloaks ; As many carpets, with as many robes, To which he added veils, an equal itore. 295 He alfo took ten talents forth of gold, All weigh'd, two fplendid tripods, cauldrons four, And after thefe a cup of matchlefs worth Giv'n to him when ambafTador in Thrace ; A noble gift, which yet the hoary King 300 Spared not, fuch fervour of deiire he felt To loofe his fon. Then from his portico, With angry taunts he drove the gathei'd crowds. * But, at firft, he did fly. It is therefore fpoken, as the Scholiaft obferves, f ' Γοργές-, and muft be underftood as the language of ftrong maternal affe&ion. 4 Ν 2 Away ! Η OMER's ILIAD. > Book XXIV. Away ! away ! ye dregs of earth, away ! Ye fhame of human kind ! Have ye no griefs 305 At home, that ye come hither troubling me f Deem ye it little that Saturnian Jove Afflicts me thus, and of my very beft, Beit boy deprives me ι Ah ! ye fliall be taught Yourfelves that lofs, far ealier to be flain 310 By the Achaians now, iince he is dead. But I, ere yet the city I behold Taken and pillaged, with thefe aged eyes, Shall find fafe hiding in the ihades below. He faid, and chafed them with his itaff; they left 315 In hafte the doors, by the old King expell'd. Then, chiding them aloud, his fons he call'd, Helenus, Paris, noble Agathon, Pammon, Antiphonus, and bold in fight Polites, Dios of illuilrious fame, 320 Hippothous and Deiphobus — all nine He call'd, thus ifTuing, angry, his commands. Quick ! quick ! ye ilothful in your father's caufe, Ye worthlefs brood ! would that in Hector's itead Ye all had periih'd in the fleet of Greece ! 325 Oh altogether wretched I in all Troy No man had fons to boaft valiant as mine, And I have loft them all. Meftor is gone The godlike, Troilus the ileed-renown'd, And Hector, who with other men compared 330 Seem'd a Divinity, whom none had deem'd From mortal man deriv'd, but from a God. Thefe Mars hath taken, and hath left me none But Book XXIV. II Ο Μ Ε R 's ILIA D. C.\$ But icandals of my houfe, void of all truth, Dancers, * exact itep-meafurers, a band 335 Of public robbers, thieves of kids and lambs. Will ye not bring my litter to the gate This moment, and with all this package quick Charge it, that we may hence without delay ? He faid, and by his chiding aw'd, his ions 340 Drew forth the royal litter, neat, new-built, And following fwift the draught, on which they bound The coffer ; next, they lower'd from the wall The iculptured boxen yoke with its two rings t ;. And with the yoke its furniture, in length 345 Nine cubits ; this to the extremeft end Adjufting of the pole, they caff the ring Over the ring-bolt ; then, thrice through the yoke They drew the brace on both fides, made it faft With even knots, and χ tuck'd the dangling ends. 350 Producing, next, the glorious ranfom-price Of Hector's body, on the litters floor They heap'd it all, then yoked the fturdy mules, A gift illuftrious by the Myiians erft Conferr'd on Priam ; to the chariot, lail, 355 They led forth Priam's ileeds, which the old King (In perfon ferving them) with freiheft corn Conftant fupplied ; meantime, himfelf within The palace, and his herald, were employed * κοροιτν•π»γ<Γΐν> eipi$ 01. f Through which the reins were pafs'd. \ The yoke being flat at bottom, and the pole round, there would of courfe be a fmall aperture between the band and the pole on both fides, through which, according to the Scholium in Villoifibn, they thruft the ends of the tackle left they fhould dangle. Girding 6 4 5 HOMER's ILIAD. Book XXIV. * Girding themfelves, to go; wife each and good. 360 And now came mournful Hecuba, with wine Delicious charged, which in a golden cup She brought, that not without libation due Firil made, they might depart. Before the fteeds Her fteps ihe itay'd, and Priam thus addrefs'd. 365 Take this, and to the Sire of all perform Libation, praying him a fafe return From hoftile hands, fmce thou art urged to leek The Greecian camp, though not by my defire. Pray alfo to Idcean Jove cloud-girt, 370 Who overfees all Ilium, that he fend His meffenger or ere thou go, the bird His fav'rite moil, furpaiTmg all in ftrength, At thy right-hand ; him feeing, thou ihalt tend With better hope toward the fleet of Greece. 37 t; But ihould loud-thund'ring Jove his lieger fwift Withhold, from me far be it to advife This journey, howfoe'er thou wiih to go. To whom the godlike Priam thus replied. This exhortation will I not refufe, 380 Ο Queen ! for, lifting to the Gods his hands In pray'r for their companion, none can err. So faying, he bade the maiden o'er the reft, Chief in authority, pour on his hands Pure water, for the maiden at his fide 385 * The text here is extremely intricate ; as it ftands now, the Tons are, firil, faid to y.olcc the horfes, then Priam and Idrrus are faid to do it, and in the palace too. I have therefore adapted an alteration fuggelled by Clarke, who with very little violence to the copy, propofes ir.ftead of ζιυγήσϋγ,ν to read — ζωηίκτΰην» With Book XXIV. HOMER' s ILIAD. 647 With ewer charged and laver, flood prepared. He laved his hands ; then, taking from the Queen The goblet, in his middle area flood Pouring libation with his eyes upturn'd Heav'n-ward devout, and thus his pray'r preferr'd. 390 Jove, great and glorious above all, who ruFfl, On Ida's fummit feated, all below I Grant me arriv'd within Achilles' tent Kindnefs to meet and pity, and oh fend Thy meflenger or ere I go, the bird 395 Thy fav'rite moil, furpafling all in flrength, At my right hand, which feeing, I fhall tend With better hope toward the fleet of Greece. He ended, at whofe pray'r, incontinent, Jove fent his eagle, fureil of all iigns, 400 The black-plumed bird voracious, * Morphnos named, And * Percnos. Wide as the well-guarded door Of fome rich potentate his vanns he fpread On either fide ; they faw him on the right, Skimming the tow'rs of Troy; glad they beheld 405 That omen, and all felt their hearts confoled. Delay'd not then the hoary King, but quick Afcending to his feat, his couriers urged Through veilibule and founding porch abroad. The four-wheel'd litter led, drawn by the mules 410 Which fage Idaeus managed, behind whom Went Priam, plying with the fcourge his fleeds Continual through the town, while all his friends, Following their Sovereign with dejected hearts, * The words both iignify — iablc. Lamented 1 HOMER's ILIA D. Book XXIV. Lamented him as going to his death. 415 But when from Ilium's gate into the plain They had defcended, then the fons-in-law Of Priam, and his fons, to Troy returud. Nor they, now travelling the plain, the note Efcaped of Jove the Thund'rer; he beheld 420 Companionate the venerable King, And thus his own fon Mercury befpake. Mercury ! (for above all others thou Delighteft to affociate with mankind Familiar, whom thou wilt winning with eafe 425 To converfe free) go thou, and fo conduct Priam into the Greecian camp, that none Of all the num'rous Dana'i may fee Or mark him, 'till he reach Achilles' tent. He fpake, nor the emballador of heav'n 430 The Anncide delav'd, but bound in haile His undecaying fandals to his feet, Golden, divine, which waft him o'er the floods Swift as the wind, and o'er the boundlefs earth, lie took his rod with which he charms to ileep 435 All eyes, and theirs who ileep opens again. Arm'd with that rod, forth flew the Argicide. At Ilium and the Hellefpontic fhores Arriving ludden, a King's fon he feem'd, Now cloathing firft his ruddy cheek with down, 440 Which is youth's lovelieft feafon ; fo difguifed, His progrefs he began. They now (the tomb Magnificent of Ilus pail) betide The river ftay'd their mules and deeds to drink, For Book XXIV. II Ο Μ Ε R's ILIAD. 649 For twilight dimm'd the fields. Idaeus firft 445 Perceiv'd him near, and Priam thus befpake. Think, fon of Dardanus ! for we have need Of our be ft thought. I fee a warrior. No\\ r , Now we ihall die ; I know it. Turn we quick Our fteeds to flight; or let us clafp his knees 450 And his companion fuppliant eilay. Terrour and confternation at that found The mind of Priam felt ; erect the hair Briftled his limbs, and with amaze he flood Motionlefs. But the God, meantime, approach'd, 455 And, feizing antient Priam's hand, enquired. Whither, my father ! in the dewy night Driv'ft thou thy mules and fteeds, while others ileep ? And fear 1 ft thou not the fiery hoft of Greece, Thy foes implacable, ib nigh at hand ? 460 Of whom fhould any, through the ihadow dun Of flitting night, difcern thee bearing forth So rich a charge, then what wouldft thou expect ? Thou art not young thyfelf, nor with the aid Of this thine antient fervant, ftrong enough 465 Force to repulfe, ihould any threaten force. But injury fear none or harm from me ; I rather much from harm by other hands Would fave thee, thou refembleil fo my Sire. Whom anfwer'd godlike Priam, hoar with age. 470 My fon ! well fpoken. Thou haft judg'd aright. Vet even me fome Deity protects Thus far ; to whom I owe it that I meet So feafonablv one like thee, in form 4 Ο So Ο Μ Ε R's I L I A I). Book XXIV. So admirable, and in mind difcrete 475 As thou art beautiful. Bleft parents, thine ! To whom the mefTenger of heav'n again, The Argicide. Oh antient and revered ! Thou hall well fpoken all. Yet this declare, And with fincerity ; bear'il thou away 480 Into fome foreign country, for the fake Of fafer cuilody, this precious charge ? Or, urged by fear, forfake ye all alike Troy's facred tow'rs ? fince he whom thou hail loft, Thy noble fon, was of excelling worth 485 In arms, and nought inferior to the Greeks. Then thus the godlike Priam, hoary King. But tell me flrft, who "Thou art, and from whom Defcended, lovelieil youth ! who haft the fate So well of my unhappy fon rehears'd ? 49 To whom the herald Mercury replied. Thy queftions, venerable Sire ! propofed Concerning noble Hector, are defign'd To prove me. Him, not feldom, with thefe eyes In man-ennobling fight I have beheld 495 Moil aclive ; faw him when he thinn'd the Greeks With his fharp fpear, and drove them to the ihips. Amazed we flood to notice him ; for us, Incenfed againft the ruler of our hoft, Achilles iuffertl not to ihare the fight. 500 I ferve Achilles ; the fame gallant bark Brought us, and of the Myrmidons am I, Son of Polyclor ; wealthy is my Sire, And fuch in years as thou ; fix ions he hath, Beiidc δοοκ XXIV. Η Ο Μ 1 k's ILIA D. 6$ι Befidc myielf the fev'nth, and, (the lots caft 505 Among us all,) mine fent me to the wars. That I have left the ihips, feeking the plain, The caufe is this ; the Greeks, at hreak of day, Will compals, arm'd, the city, for they loath To fit inactive, neither can the Chiefs 510 Reftrain the hot impatience of the hoil. Then godlike Priam anfwer thus return\L If of the band thou be of Peleus* ion, Achilles, tell me undifguifed the truth. My fon, fubiifts he ftill, or hath thy Chief 515 Limb after limb given him to his dogs ? Him anfwer'd then the herald of the ikies. Oh venerable Sir ! him neither dogs Have eaten yet, nor fowls, but at the ihips His body, and within Achilles' tent 520 Neglected lies. Twelve days he fo hath lain ; Yet neither worm, which diets on the brave In battle fall'n, hath eaten him, or taint Invaded. He around Patroclus' tomb Drags him indeed pitilefs, oft as day 525 Reddens the Eaft, yet fafe from blemiih ftill His corfe remains. Thou would'ft, thyfelf, admire, Seeing how f re ill the dew-drops, as he lies, Reft on him, and his blood is cleanfed away That not a ftain is left. Even his wounds 530 (For many a wound they gave him) all are clofed, Such care the bleifed Gods have of thy fon, Dead as he is, whom living much they loved. 4 Ο 2 So (, , Η Ο Μ 3Ε Κ 's ILIA 1λ Book XXIV» So he ; then, glad, the antient King replied. Good is it, oh my ion ! to yield the Gods 535 Their juft demands. My boy, while yet he liv'd, Liv'd not unmindful of the worihip due To the Olympian pow'rs, who, therefore, him Remember, even in the bands of death. Come then — this beauteous cup take at my hand — 540 Be thou my guard, and, if the Gods permit,. My guide, 'till to Achilles' tent I come. Whom anfwer'd then the meflenger of heav'n. Sir ! thou perceiv'il me young, and art difpofed To try my virtue ; but it ihall not fail. 545 Thou bidd'ft me at thine hand a gift accept, Whereof Achilles knows not ; but I fear Achilles, and on no account ihould dare Defraud him, left fome evil find me next. But Thee I would with pleamre hence conduct 550 Even to glorious Argos, over fea Or over land, nor any, through contempt Of fuch a guard, ihould dare to do thee wrong. So Mercury, and to the chariot feat Upfpringing, feized at once the laili and reins, 555 And with freili vigour mules and iteeds infpired. Arriving at the fofs and tow'rs, they found The gnard preparing now their evening cheer, vll whom the Argicide with hidden ileep Opprefs'd, then oped the gates, thruft back the bars* 560 And introduced, with all his litter-load Of coftly gifts, the venerable King. But when they reach'd the tent for Pelcus' fon Rais'd Book XXIV. Η Ο Μ Ε R ' s I L I A D. 6j Rais'd by the Myrmidons (with trunks of pine They built it, lopping fmooth the boughs away, 565 Then fpread with ihaggy mowings of the mead Its lofty roof, and with a fpacious court Surrounded it, all fenced with driven ftakes ; One bar alone of pine fecured the door, Which afk'd three Greecians with united force 570 To thruft it to its place, and three again To thruft it back, although Achilles oft Would heave it to the door himielf alone) Then Hermes, benefactor of mankind, That bar difplacing for the King of Troy, 575 Gave entrance to himfelf and to his gifts For Peleus' fon deiign'd, and from the feat Alighting, thus his fpeech to Priam turn'd. Oh antient Priam ! an immortal God Attends thee; I am Hermes, by command 580 Of Jove my father thy appointed guide» But I return. I will not, entering here, Stand in Achilles' fight ; immortal Pow'rs May not fo unrefervedly indulge Creatures of mortal kind. But enter thou, 585 Embrace his knees, and by his father both And by his Goddefs mother fue to him, And by his fon, that his whole heart may melt. So Hermes fpake, and to the ikies again Afcended. Then leap'd Priam to the ground, 590 Leaving Idseus ; he, the mules and iteeds Watch'd, while the antient King into the tent Proceeded of Achilles dear to Jove, Him 6^4 HOMER's ILIAD. Boo* XXIV. Him there he found, and fitting found apart His fellow-warriors, of whom two alone 595 Served at his fide, Alcimus, branch of Mars, And brave Automedon ; he had himfelf Supp'd newly, and the board ftood unremoved. Unfeen of all huge Priam enter'd, itood Near to Achilles, clafp'd his knees, and kifs'd 600 Thofe terrible and homicidal hands That had deftroy'd fo many of his fons. As when a fugitive for blood the houfe Of fome Chief enters in a foreign land, All gaze, aftonifli'd at the fudden gueir, 605; So gazed Achilles feeing Priam there, And fo flood all aitonifh'd, each his eves In filence fail'ning on his fellow's face. But Priam kneel'd, and fuppliant thus began. Think, oh Achilles, femblance of the Gods ! 610 On thy own father full of days like me, And trembling on the gloomy verge of life. Some neighbour Chief, it may be, even now Oppreifes him, and there is none at hand, No friend to fuccour him in his diilrefs. 615 Yet, doubtlefs, hearing that Achilles lives, He ilill rejoices, hoping, day by day, That one day he ihall fee the face again Of his own fori from diftant Troy return'd. But me no comfort cheers, whofe bra veil: fons, 620 So late the fiow'r of Ilium, all are ilain. When Greece came hither, I had fifty fons ; Nineteen were children of one bed, the reft Born Book XXIV. HOMER's ILIAD. O55 Born of my concubines. A num'rous houfe ! But fiery Mars hath thinn'd it. One I had, 625 One, more than all my ions the ilrength of Troy, Whom {landing for his country thou hail ilain — Hector — His body to redeem I come Into Achaia's fleet, bringing, myfelf, Ranfom ineltimable to thy tent. 630 Rev'rence the Gods, Achilles ! recollect: Thy father ; for his fake companion iliow To me more pitiable ilill, who draw Home to my lips (humiliation yet Unfeen on earth) his hand who flew my fon* 635 So faying, he waken'd in his foul regret Of his own Sire ; foftly he placed his hand On Priam's hand, and pufh'd him gently away• Remembrance melted both. Rolling before Achilles' feet, Priam his ion deplored 640 Wide-ilaughfring Hector, and Achilles• wept By turns his father, and by turns his friend Patroclus ; founds of forrow fill'd the tent. But when, at length fatiate, Achilles felt His heart from grief, and all his frame relieved, 645 Upitarting from his feat, with pity moved Of Priam's filver locks and filver beard, He raifed the antient father by his hand, Whom in wing'd accents kind he thus befpake. Wretched indeed ! ah what muft thou have felt ! 650 How hail thou dared to feek alone the fleet Of the Achaians, and his face by whom So many of thy valiant fons have fall'n ? Thou 6 5 θ Π Ο Μ Ε R's 1 LI A D. Ρ,οοκ XXIV. Thou hail: an heart of iron, terrour-proof. Come — fit befide me — Let us, if we may, 655 Great mourners both, bid forrow ilcep awhile. There is no profit of our fighs and tears ; For thus, exempt from care themielves, the God^ Ordain man's miferable race to mourn. Fail: by, the threfhold of Jove's courts are placed 660 Two caiks, one ilored with evil, one with good, From which the God difpehfes as he wills. For whom the glorious Thund'rer mingles both, He leads a life checquer'd with good and ill Alternate ; but lo whom he gives unmixt 66$ The bitter cup, he makes that man a curfe, His name becomes a by-word of reproach, His ftrength is hunger- bitten, and he walks The blefTed earth, unblefb, go where he may. So was my father Peleus at his birth 6^0 Nobly endow'd, with plenty and with wealth DiftinguinYd by the Gods pail all mankind, Lord of the Myrmidons, and, though a man, Yet match'd from heav'n with an immortal bride. But even Him the Gods afflict, a fon 675 llefufing him, who might pofTefs his throne Hereafter ; for myfelf, his only heir, Pafs as a dream, and while I live, inftead Of folacing his age, here fit, before \ our dirtant walls, the fcourge of thee and thine. 680 Thee alio, antient Priam, we have heard Reported, once poiferTbr of fuch wealth As neither Lefbos, feat of Macar, owns, Nor Book. XXIV. II Ο Μ ER's ILIA D. 657 Nor Eaftern Phrygia, nor yet all the ports Of Hellefpont, but thou .didft pais them all 685 In riches, and in number of thy fons. But fince the Paw'rs of heav'n brought on thy land This fatal war, buttle and deeds of death Always lurround the city where thou rcign'ft. Ceafe, therefore, from unprofitable tears, 690 Which, ere they raife thy ion to life again, Shall, doubtlefs, find freih caufe for which to flo\v. To whom the antient King godlike replied. Hero, forbear. . t No feat is here for me, While Hector lies unburied in your camp. 695 Loofe him,• and loofe hkn no\v, ?( that; with. thefe. eyes . ._ I may behold my fon ; accept a price Magnificent, which may.'it thou long enjoy, And, fince my life was precious in th-y fight, May'il thou reviiit fafe thy native more !. •,• 7.00 To whom Achilles, louring, and in '-.wrath, Urge me no longer, at a time like this, With that harm note j-j I am already inclined To loofe him. Thetis, t my α wa .mother came• Herfelf on that fame errand, fent from Jove. 705 Priam ! I underftand thee well. I know That, by fome God concluded, thou hail reach/d Achaia's fleet ; fpr, without aid divine, No mortal, even in his prime of vouth, Had dared the attempt; guards vigilant as ours 710 * Mortified to f.c his gencroflty, after 'fo much kindnefs fhown to Priam', flill diftrufted, and that the imp;uiciice bf the old i -1 to deprive him of all opportunity to do gracefully what he co.uW ootfce d to do willingly. 4 Ρ He 6^8 Η Ο Μ Ε R 's I L I A D. Book XXIV. He fhould not eafily elude, fuch gates, So mafly, ihould not eaiily unbar. Thou, therefore, vex me not in my diilrefs, Left I abhor to fee thee in my tent, And, borne beyond all limits, fet at nought 715 Thee, and thy pray'r, and the command of Jove. He faid ; the old King trembled, and obey'd. Then fprang Pelides like a lion forth, Not fole, but with his two attendant friends Alcimus and Automedon the brave, 720 For them (Patroclus ilain) he honour'd moil Of all the Myrmidons. They from the yoke Releafed both iteeds and mules, then introduced And placed the herald of the hoary King. They lighten'd next the litter of its charge 725 Ineftimable, leaving yet behind Two mantles and a veil, that, not unveiPd, The body might be borne back into Troy. Then, calling forth his women, them he bade Lave and anoint the body, but apart, 730 Left haply Priam, noticing his fon, Through ftrcfs of grief iliould give refentment fcope, And irritate by fome affront himfelf To flay him, in defpight of Jove's commands. They, therefore, laving and anointing firit 735 The body, cover'd it with cloak and veil; Then, Peleus' fon difpofed it on the bier, Lifting it from the ground, and his two friends Together heaved it to the Royal wain. Achilles, laft, groaning, his friend invoked. 740 Patroclus • Book £XIV. 11 Ο Μ Ε R r i Ϊ HAD, 6; 9 Patroclus ! ihould the tidings reach thine ear» Although in Ades, that I have releafecl The noble Hector at his father's fuit, Refent it not ; no fordid gifts have paid His ranfom-price, which thou ihalt alfo iharc. 745 So faying, Achilles to his tent return'd, And on the fplendid couch whence he had ris'n Again reclined, oppofite to the feat Of Priam, whom the Hero thus befpake. Priam ! at thy requeft thy fon is loos'd, 750 And lying on his bier ; at dawn of day Thou ihalt both fee him and convey him hence Thyfelf to Troy. But take we now repail ; For even bright-h air'd Niobe her food Forgat not, though of children twelve bereft* 755 Of daughters fix, and of fix blooming fons. Apollo thefe ilruck from his filver bow, And thofe ihaft-arm'd Diana, both incenfed That oft Latona's children and her own Numb'ring, ihe fcorn'd the Goddefs who had borne 760 Two only, while herfelf had twelve to boaft. Vain boaft ! thofe two fufhced to flay them all. Nine days they welter'd in their blood, no man Was found to bury them, for Jove had changed To ftone the people ; but themfelves, at laft, 765 The Pow'rs of heav'n entomb'd them on the tenth• Yet even ihe, once fatisfied with tears, Remember'd food ; and now, the rocks among And pathlefs folitudes of Sipylus, The rumour Yl cradle of the nymphs who dance 770 4 Ρ 2 On 66o flOMER's ILIAD. Book XXIV, On Achclous' banks, although to ilone Transform'd, fhe broods her heav'n-inflicted woes. Come, then, my venerable gueft ! take we Refreihment alio ; once arrived in Troy With thy dear fon, thouihalt have time to weep 775 Sufficient, nor without moft weighty caufe. So fpake Achilles, and, upftarting, flew A iheep white-fleeced, which his attendants flay'd, 1 bufily and with much ikill their talk Adminiilring, firft fcored the viands well, 780 Then pierced them with the fpits, and when the roaft Was finiih 5 'dpfdnta them from the fpits again. And now, Automedon .difpenfed around . The poliih'd board bread in neat baikets piled, Which done, Achilles portion'd out to each 785 His iliare, and-all-afTail'd the ready feaft. But when nor hunger more nor thirft they felt, Dardanian Priam, wond'ring'at his bulk \nd beauty, (for he feem'd fome God from heav'n) Gdzed on Achilles, while Achilles held 790 Not lefs in admiration of his looks Benign, and. of• his' gentle con verfe wife, Gazed on Dardanian Priam, and, at length, (The eyes of each gratified to the full) The antient Kifug thijs to Achilles fpake. 795 Hero!" difmifs us now each to our bed, That there at cafe reclined, we may enjoy eet deep ; for never have thefe eyelids clofed Since Hector fell and died,, but without ceafc I mourn, and nourifliing unnumbcrM woes, 800 Have Book XXIV. HOMER's ILIAD. Have roll'd me in the allies of my courts. But I have now both tailed food, and giv'n Wine to my lips, untafted 'till with thee. So he, and at his word Achilles bade His train beneath his portico prepare 805 With all difpatch two couches, purple rugs And arras, and warm mantles over all. Forth went the women bearing lights, and fpread A couch for each, when * feigning needful fear, Achilles thus his fpeech to Priam turn'd. 8ro My aged gueil belov'd ! lleep thou without ; Left fome Achaian Chief (for fuch are wont Oftimes, here fitting, to confult with me) Hither repair ; of whom iliould any chance To fpie thee through the gloom, he would at once 815 Convey the tale to Agamemnon's ear, Whence hindrance might arife, and the releafe Haply of Hector's body be delay'd. But anfwer me with truth. How many days Wt)uld'ft thou aiiign to the funereal rites 820 Of noble Hector, for fo long I mean Myfelf to reft, and keep the hoft at home ? Then thus the antient King godlike replied. If thou indeed be willing that we give Burial to noble Hector, by an act S25 So gen'rous, Ο Achilles ! me thou ihalt * 'Επικιρτ ορίων. Clarke renders the word in this place, fa /Jo mctu ludetis, and Euftathius lays that Achilles fuggefted fuch caufe of fear to Priam, to excufe his lodging him in an exterior part of the tent. The general import of the Grc-ek word is farcaftic, but here it fignifics rather — to intimidate. See alio Dacier. Much 6βζ Η Ο Μ Ε II 'i, ILIAD. Book XXIV. Much gratify ; for we are fhut, thou know'ft, In Uium clofe, and fuel muft procure From Ida's fide remote ; fear, too, hath feized On all our people. Therefore thus I fay. 830 Nine days we wiili to mourn him in the houfe ; To his interment we would cive the tenth, And to the public banquet ; the eleventh Shall fee us build his tomb ; and on the twelfth (If war we muft) we will to war again. 835 To whom Achilles, matchiefs in the race. So be it, antient Priam ! 1 will curb Twelve days the rage of war, at thy defire. He fpake, and at his wrift the right-hand grafp'd Of the old Sov'reign, to difpel his fear. 840 Then in the veilibule the herald ilept And Priam, prudent both, but Peleus' fon In the interior tent, and at his fide Briseis, with tranfeendent beauty adorn'd. Now 'all, all night, by gentle ileep iubdued, 845 Both Gods and chariot-ruling warriors lay, But not the benefactor of mankind, Hermes ; him ileep feized not, but deep he mufed How likelieft from amid the Greecian fleet He might deliver by the guard unfeen 850 The King of Ilium ; at his head he flood In vifion, and the fenior thus befpake. Ah heedlefs and fecure ! haft thou no dread Of mifchief, antient King, that thus by foes Thou ileep'ft furrounded, lull'd by the confent 855 And fufF ranee of Achilles ? Thou haft giv'n Much Book XXIV. HOMER's ILIAD. 663 Much for redemption of thy darling fon, But thrice that fum thy fons who ilill furvive -Mutt give to Agamemnon and the Greeks For thy redemption, iliould they know thee here. 86o He ended ; at the found alarm'd upfprang The King, and roufed his herald. Hermes yoked Himfelf both mules and ileeds, and through the camp Drove them incontinent, by all unfeen. Soon as the windings of the ftream they reach'd, 865 Deep-eddied Xanthus, progeny of Jove, Mercury the Olympian fummit fought, And faffron-veited morn o'erfpread the earth. They, loud lamenting, to the city drove Their Heeds ; the mules clofe folio w'd with the dead. 870 Nor warrior yet, nor cinctured matron knew Of all in Ilium aught of their approach, CafTandra fole except. She, beautiful As golden Venus, mounted on the height Of Pergamus, her father firft difcern'd, 875 Borne on his chariot-feat erect, and knew The herald heard fo oft in echoing Troy ; Him alfo on his bier outftretch'd ihe mark'd, Whom the mules drew. Then, ihrieking, thro* the ilreets She ran of Troy, and loud proclaim'd the fight• 88a Ye fons of Ilium and ye daughters hafte, Hafte all to look on Hector, if ye e'er With joy beheld him, while he yet furvived, From fight returning ; for all Ilium erft In him, and all her citizens rejoiced. S85 She &5 4 II C Μ Ε It's ILIAD. Bobx XXIV. She fpake. Then neither male nor female more In Troy remain d, fuch forrow feized on all. Iffuing from the city-gate, they met Priam conducting, fad, the body home, And, foremoft of them al!, the mother flew 890 And wife of Hector to the bier, on which Their torn -off treffes with unfparing hands They ihow'r'd, while all the people wept around. All day, and to the going down of day They thus had mourn'd the dead before the gates, 895 Had not their Sovereign from his chariot-feat Thus fpoken to the multitude around. Fall back on either fide, and let the mules Pafs on ; the body in my palace once Depoiited, ye then may weep your fill. 9°° He faid ; they, op'ning, gave the litter way. Arrived within the royal houfe, they ftretch'd The breathlefs Hector on a fumptuous bed, And fingers placed befide him, who mould chaunt The ftrain funereal; they with many a groan 905 The dirge began, and itill, at ev'ry clofe, The female train with many a groan replied. Then, in the midft, Andromache white-arm'd Between her palms the dreadful Hector's head PreiTing, her lamentation thus began. 910 My Hero ! thou haft falfn in prime of life, Me leaving here deiolatc, and the fruit Of our ill-fated loves, an helplefs child, Whom grown to manhood 1 defpair to lee. For ere that day arrive, down from her height 915 Precipitated Book XXIV. IIOMER's I J. Ι Λ Π. te$ Precipitated ihall this city fall, Since thou haft periuYd, once her fure defence, Faithful protector of her fpotlcfs wives, And all their little ones. Thofe wives ihall foou In Greecian barks capacious hence be borne, 920 And I among the reft. But thee, my child ! Either thy fate ihall with thy mother fend Captive into a land where thou fhalt ferve In fordid drudgery ibme cruel lord, Or haply ibme Achaian here, thy hand 925 Seizing, ihall hurl thee from a turret-top To a fad death, avenging brother, fon, Or father by the hands of Hector {lain ; For He made many a Greecian bite the ground. Thy father, boy, bore never into fight 930 A milky mind, and for that felf-fame caufe Is now bewail'd in evYy houfe of Trov, Sorrow unutterable thou haft can fed Thy parents, Hector ! but to me haft left Largeft bequeft of mifery, to whom, 9«ς Dying, thou neither didft thy arms extend Forth from thy bed, nor gav'ft me precious word To be rememberd day and night with tears. So fpake ihe weeping, whom her maidens all With iighs accompanied, and her cOmplainf « η 40 Mingled with fobs Hecuba next began. Ah Hector! deareft to thy mother's heart Of all her fons, much muft the Gods have lov'd Thee living, whom, though dead, they thus preserve. What fon foever of our houfe be fide 94^ 4 Q \i hilles 666 HOMER's ILIAD. Βοο.κ XXIV, Achilles took, over the barren Deep To Samos, Imbrus, or to Lemnos girt With rocks inhofpitable, him he fold ; But thee, by his dread fpear of life deprived, He dragg'd and dragg'd around Patrodus' tomb, 950 As if to raife again his friend to life Whom thou hadft vanquifli'd ; yet he rais'd him not. But as for thee, thou Heft here with dew Befprinkled, frefti as a young * plant, and more Refembleft fome fair youth by gentle ihafts 955 Of Phoebus pierced, than one in battle ilain. So fpake the Queen, exciting in all hearts Sorrow immeafurable, after whom Thus Helen, third, her lamentation pour'd. Ah, dearer far than all my brothers elfe 960 Of Priam's houfe ! for being Paris' fpoufe, Who brought me (would I had iirft died) to Troy, 1 call thy brothers mine ; fince forth I came From Sparta, it is now the twentieth year, Yet never heard I once hard fpeech from thee, 965 Or taunt morofe, but if it ever chanced, That of thy father's houfe female or male Blamed me, and even if herfelf the Queen, (For in the King, whate'er befell, I found Always a father) thou haft interpofed 970 Thy gentle temper and thy gentle fpeech To footh them ; therefore, with the fame fad drops Thy fate, oh Ile&or! and my own I weep; * Thiv, accord'um to the Scholjait, is a probable fenfe of vf ο<τφ χτος . — He derives it y all. So Helen {pake weeping, to whom with groans The countlefs multitude replied, and thus Their antient Sovereign next his people charged. Ye Trojans, now bring fuel home, nor fear 980 Clofe ambuili of the Greeks ; Achilles' felf Gave me, at my difmifTion from his fleet, AfTurance, that from hoflile force fecure We fliall remain, 'till the twelfth dawn arife. All, then, their mules and oxen to the wains 985 Join'd fpeedily, and under Ilium's walls AfTembled num'rous ; nine whole days they toil'd, ^Bringing much fuel home, and when the tenth Bright morn, with light for human kind, arofe, Then hearing noble Heclor forth, with tears 990 Shed copious, on the fummit of the pile They placed him, and the fuel fired beneath. But when Aurora, daughter of the Dawn, Redden'd the Eaft, then, thronging forth, all Troy Encompafs'd noble Hedlor's pile around. 995 The whole vail multitude convened, with wine Jhey quench'd the pile throughout, leaving no part Un vifited, on which the fire had feized. His brothers, next, collected, and his friends, His white bones, mourning, and with tears profufe 1000 Wat'ring their cheeks ; then in a golden urn They placed them, which with mantles foft they veil'd Mosonian-hued, and, delving, buried it, And 66$ HOMER's ILIAD, Book XXIV. And overfpread with ilones the fpot aduit. Laftly, ihort time allowing to the taik, 1005 They heap'd his tomb, while, polled on all fides, Suipicious of aflault, fpies watch'd the Greeks. The tomb once heap'd, afTembling all again Within the palace, they a banquet glared Magnificent, by godlike Priam giv'n. ι ο ι ο * Such burial the illuilrious Hedlor found. * 'XI? liy αμφίίπον ταψον Έατορος ιπποδχμοιο, I cannot take my leave of this noble poem, without exprefling how much I am {truck with this plain conclufion of it. It is like the exit of a great man out of com- pany whom he has entertained magnificently; neither pompous nor familiar; not contemptuous, yet without much ceremony. I recollect nothing, among the works of mere man, that exemplifies fo ftrongly the true ftile of great antiquity. END of the ILIAD. '*. % University of California SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY Return this material to the library from which it was borrowed. I ^E-LIBRARYQr «S 1 i Γ" ^ VERS"//, IVERJ//, VJ-JO" ^ \\»'l -OAFILMIVFRf/*. tf %MllVJ 5 1 \Γ % NGElfr, .- ,v'DJO v D 000 001 48( ι L!^3^ % e? ^»