The Iliad
by Homer · English · Gutenberg #3059 · 877,373 chars · public domain (US)
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Title: The Iliad
Author: Homer
Translator: Andrew Lang
Walter Leaf
Ernest Myers
Release date: February 1, 2002 [eBook #3059]
Most recently updated: July 16, 2024
Language: English
Other information and formats: www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/3059
Credits: Sandra Stewart and Jim Tinsley
*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ILIAD ***
THE
ILIAD OF HOMER
Done into English Prose
by
Andrew Lang, M.A. Walter Leaf, Litt. D.
Late fellow of Merton College, Late fellow of Trinity College,
Oxford Cambridge
and
Ernest Meyers, M.A.
Late fellow of Wadham College,
Oxford
_REVISED EDITION_
MACMILLAN AND CO., LIMITED
ST. MARTINS STREET, LONDON
1911
Contents
PREFATORY NOTE.
THE ILIAD OF HOMER
BOOK I.
BOOK II.
BOOK III.
BOOK IV.
BOOK V.
BOOK VI.
BOOK VII.
BOOK VIII.
BOOK IX.
BOOK X.
BOOK XI.
BOOK XII.
BOOK XIII.
BOOK XIV.
BOOK XV.
BOOK XVI.
BOOK XVII.
BOOK XVIII.
BOOK XIX.
BOOK XX.
BOOK XXI.
BOOK XXII.
BOOK XXIII.
BOOK XXIV.
PREFATORY NOTE.
The execution of this version of the _Iliad_ has been entrusted to the
three Translators in the following three parts:
Books I.—IX. . . . . W. LEAF.
Books X.—XVI. . . . . A. LANG.
Books XVII.—XXIV. . . . . E. MYERS.
Each Translator is therefore responsible for his own portion; but the
whole has been revised by all three Translators, and the rendering of
passages or phrases recurring in more than one portion has been
determined after deliberation in common. Even in these, however, a
certain elasticity has been deemed desirable.
On a few doubtful points, though very rarely, the opinion of two of the
translators has had to be adopted to the suppression of that held by
the third. Thus, for instance, the Translator of Books X.—XVI. Would
have preferred “c” and “us” to “k” and “os” in the spelling of all
proper names.
The text followed has been that of La Roche (Leipzig, 1873), except
where the adoption of a different reading has been specified in a
footnote. Where the balance of evidence, external and internal, has
seemed to the Translator to be against the genuineness of the passage,
such passage has been enclosed in brackets [].
The Translator of Books X.—XVI. has to thank Mr. R.W. RAPER, Fellow of
Trinity College, Oxford, for his valuable aid in revising the
proof-sheets of these Books.
NOTE TO REVISED EDITION
In the present Edition the translation has been carefully revised
throughout, and numerous minor corrections have been made. The Notes at
the end of the volume have been, with a few exceptions, omitted; one of
the Translators hopes to publish very shortly a Companion to the Iliad
for English readers, which will deal fully with most of the points
therein referred to.
The use of square brackets has in this edition been restricted to
passages where there is external evidence, such as absence from the
best MSS., for believing in interpolation. One or two departures from
this rule are noticed in footnotes.
_November_ 1891
The sacred soil of Ilios is rent
With shaft and pit; foiled waters wander slow
Through plains where Simois and Scamander went
To war with gods and heroes long ago.
Not yet to dark Cassandra lying low
In rich Mycenae do the Fates relent;
The bones of Agamemnon are a show,
And ruined is his royal monument.
The dust and awful treasures of the dead
Hath learning scattered wide; but vainly thee,
Homer, she meteth with her Lesbian lead,
And strives to rend thy songs, too blind is she
To know the crown on thine immortal head
Of indivisible supremacy.
A.L.
Athwart the sunrise of our western day
The form of great Achilles, high and clear,
Stands forth in arms, wielding the Pelian spear.
The sanguine tides of that immortal fray,
Swept on by gods, around him surge and sway,
Wherethrough the helms of many a warrior peer,
Strong men and swift, their tossing plumes uprear.
But stronger, swifter, goodlier he than they,
More awful, more divine. Yet mark anigh;
Some fiery pang hath rent his soul within,
Some hovering shade his brows encompasseth.
What gifts hath Fate for all his chivalry?
Even such as hearts heroic oftenest win;
Honour, a friend, anguish, untimely death.
E.M.
THE ILIAD OF HOMER
BOOK I.
How Agamemnon and Achilles fell out at the siege of Troy; and Achilles
withdrew himself from battle, and won from Zeus a pledge that his wrong
should be avenged on Agamemnon and the Achaians.
Sing, goddess, the wrath of Achilles Peleus’ son, the ruinous wrath
that brought on the Achaians woes innumerable, and hurled down into
Hades many strong souls of heroes, and gave their bodies to be a prey
to dogs and all winged fowls; and so the counsel of Zeus wrought out
its accomplishment from the day when first strife parted Atreides king
of men and noble Achilles.
Who then among the gods set the twain at strife and variance? Even the
son of Leto and of Zeus; for he in anger at the king sent a sore plague
upon the host, that the folk began to perish, because Atreides had done
dishonour to Chryses the priest. For he had come to the Achaians’ fleet
ships to win his daughter’s freedom, and brought a ransom beyond
telling; and bare in his hands the fillet of Apollo the Far-darter upon
a golden staff; and made his prayer unto all the Achaians, and most of
all to the two sons of Atreus, orderers of the host: “Ye sons of Atreus
and all ye well-greaved Achaians, now may the gods that dwell in the
mansions of Olympus grant you to lay waste the city of Priam, and to
fare happily homeward; only set ye my dear child free, and accept the
ransom in reverence to the son of Zeus, far-darting Apollo.”
Then all the other Achaians cried assent, to reverence the priest and
accept his goodly ransom; yet the thing pleased not the heart of
Agamemnon son of Atreus, but he roughly sent him away, and laid stern
charge upon him, saying: “Let me not find thee, old man, amid the
hollow ships, whether tarrying now or returning again hereafter, lest
the staff and fillet of the god avail thee naught. And her will I not
set free; nay, ere that shall old age come on her in our house, in
Argos, far from her native land, where she shall ply the loom and serve
my couch. But depart, provoke me not, that thou mayest the rather go in
peace.”
So said he, and the old man was afraid and obeyed his word, and fared
silently along the shore of the loud-sounding sea. Then went that aged
man apart and prayed aloud to king Apollo, whom Leto of the fair locks
bare: “Hear me, god of the silver bow, that standest over Chryse and
holy Killa, and rulest Tenedos with might, O Smintheus! If ever I built
a temple gracious in thine eyes, or if ever I burnt to thee fat flesh
of thighs of bulls or goats, fulfil thou this my desire; let the
Danaans pay by thine arrows for my tears.”
So spake he in prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him, and came down from
the peaks of Olympus wroth at heart, bearing on his shoulders his bow
and covered quiver. And the arrows clanged upon his shoulders in wrath,
as the god moved; and he descended like to night. Then he sate him
aloof from the ships, and let an arrow fly; and there was heard a dread
clanging of the silver bow. First did he assail the mules and fleet
dogs, but afterward, aiming at the men his piercing dart, he smote; and
the pyres of the dead burnt continually in multitude.
Now for nine days ranged the god’s shafts through the host; but on the
tenth Achilles summoned the folk to assembly, for in his mind did
goddess Hera of the white arms put the thought, because she had pity on
the Danaans when she beheld them perishing. Now when they had gathered
and were met in assembly, then Achilles fleet of foot stood up and
spake among them: “Son of Atreus, now deem I that we shall return
wandering home again—if verily we might escape death—if war at once and
pestilence must indeed ravage the Achaians. But come, let us now
inquire of some soothsayer or priest, yea, or an interpreter of
dreams—seeing that a dream too is of Zeus—who shall say wherefore
Phoebus Apollo is so wroth, whether he blame us by reason of vow or
hecatomb; if perchance he would accept the savour of lambs or
unblemished goats, and so would take away the pestilence from us.”
So spake he and sate him down; and there stood up before them Kalchas
son of Thestor, most excellent far of augurs, who knew both things that
were and that should be and that had been before, and guided the ships
of the Achaians to Ilios by his soothsaying that Phoebus Apollo
bestowed on him. He of good intent made harangue and spake amid them:
“Achilles, dear to Zeus, thou biddest me tell the wrath of Apollo, the
king that smiteth afar. Therefore will I speak; but do thou make
covenant with me, and swear that verily with all thy heart thou wilt
aid me both by word and deed. For of a truth I deem that I shall
provoke one that ruleth all the Argives with might, and whom the
Achaians obey. For a king is more of might when he is wroth with a
meaner man; even though for the one day he swallow his anger, yet doth
he still keep his displeasure thereafter in his breast till he
accomplish it. Consider thou, then, if thou wilt hold me safe.”
And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and spake to him: “Yea, be of
good courage, speak whatever soothsaying thou knowest; for by Apollo
dear to Zeus, him by whose worship thou, O Kalchas, declarest thy
soothsaying to the Danaans, no man while I live and behold light on
earth shall lay violent hands upon thee amid the hollow ships, no man
of all the Danaans, not even if thou mean Agamemnon, that now avoweth
him to be greatest far of the Achaians.”
Then was the noble seer of good courage, and spake: “Neither by reason
of a vow is he displeased, nor for any hecatomb, but for his priest’s
sake to whom Agamemnon did despite, and set not his daughter free and
accepted not the ransom; therefore hath the Far-darter brought woes
upon us, yea, and will bring. Nor will he ever remove the loathly
pestilence from the Danaans till we have given the bright-eyed damsel
to her father, unbought, unransomed, and carried a holy hecatomb to
Chryse; then might we propitiate him to our prayer.”
So said he and sate him down, and there stood up before them the hero
son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, sore displeased; and his dark
heart within him was greatly filled with anger, and his eyes were like
flashing fire. To Kalchas first spake he with look of ill: “Thou seer
of evil, never yet hast thou told me the thing that is pleasant. Evil
is ever the joy of thy heart to prophesy, but never yet didst thou tell
any good matter nor bring to pass. And now with soothsaying thou makest
harangue among the Danaans, how that the Far-darter bringeth woes upon
them because, forsooth, I would not take the goodly ransom of the
damsel Chryseis, seeing I am the rather fain to keep her own self
within mine house. Yea, I prefer her before Klytaimnestra my wedded
wife; in no wise is she lacking beside her, neither in favour nor
stature, nor wit nor skill. Yet for all this will I give her back, if
that is better; rather would I see my folk whole than perishing. Only
make ye me ready a prize of honour forthwith, lest I alone of all the
Argives be disprized, which thing beseemeth not; for ye all behold how
my prize is departing from me.”
To him then made answer fleet-footed goodly Achilles: “Most noble son
of Atreus, of all men most covetous, how shall the great-hearted
Achaians give thee a meed of honour? We know naught of any wealth of
common store, but what spoil soe’er we took from captured cities hath
been apportioned, and it beseemeth not to beg all this back from the
folk. Nay, yield thou the damsel to the god, and we Achaians will pay
thee back threefold and fourfold, if ever Zeus grant us to sack some
well-walled town of Troy-land.”*
Reading with Cobet Τρῳήν for Τροίην.
To him lord Agamemnon made answer and said: “Not in this wise, strong
as thou art, O godlike Achilles, beguile thou me by craft; thou shalt
not outwit me nor persuade me. Dost thou wish, that thou mayest keep
thy meed of honour, for me to sit idle in bereavement, and biddest me
give her back? Nay, if the great-hearted Achaians will give me a meed
suited to my mind, that the recompense be equal—but if they give it
not, then I myself will go and take a meed of honour, thine be it or
Aias’, or Odysseus’ that I will take unto me; wroth shall he be to
whomsoever I come. But for this we will take counsel hereafter; now let
us launch a black ship on the great sea, and gather picked oarsmen, and
set therein a hecatomb, and embark Chryseis of the fair cheeks herself,
and let one of our counsellors be captain, Aias or Idomeneus or goodly
Odysseus, or thou, Peleides, most redoubtable of men, to do sacrifice
for us and propitiate the Far-darter.”
Then Achilles fleet of foot looked at him scowling and said: “Ah me,
thou clothed in shamelessness, thou of crafty mind, how shall any
Achaian hearken to thy bidding with all his heart, be it to go a
journey or to fight the foe amain? Not by reason of the Trojan spearmen
came I hither to fight, for they have not wronged me; never did they
harry mine oxen nor my horses, nor ever waste my harvest in deep-soiled
Phthia, the nurse of men; seeing there lieth between us long space of
shadowy mountains and sounding sea; but thee, thou shameless one,
followed we hither to make thee glad, by earning recompense at the
Trojans’ hands for Menelaos and for thee, thou dog-face! All this thou
threatenest thyself to take my meed of honour, wherefor I travailed
much, and the sons of the Achaians gave it me. Never win I meed like
unto thine, when the Achaians sack any populous citadel of Trojan men;
my hands bear the brunt of furious war, but when the apportioning
cometh then is thy meed far ampler, and I betake me to the ships with
some small thing, yet mine own, when I have fought to weariness. Now
will I depart to Phthia, seeing it is far better to return home on my
beaked ships; nor am I minded here in dishonour to draw thee thy fill
of riches and wealth.”
Then Agamemnon king of men made answer to him “Yea, flee, if thy soul
be set thereon. It is not I that beseech thee to tarry for my sake; I
have others by my side that shall do me honour, and above all Zeus,
lord of counsel. Most hateful art thou to me of all kings, fosterlings
of Zeus; thou ever lovest strife and wars and fightings. Though thou be
very strong, yet that I ween is a gift to thee of God. Go home with thy
ships and company and lord it among thy Myrmidons; I reck not aught of
thee nor care I for thine indignation; and all this shall be my threat
to thee: seeing Phoebus Apollo bereaveth me of Chryseis, her with my
ship and my company will I send back; and mine own self will I go to
thy hut and take Briseis of the fair cheeks, even that thy meed of
honour, that thou mayest well know how far greater I am than thou, and
so shall another hereafter abhor to match his words with mine and rival
me to my face.”
So said he, and grief came upon Peleus’ son, and his heart within his
shaggy breast was divided in counsel, whether to draw his keen blade
from his thigh and set the company aside and so slay Atreides, or to
assuage his anger and curb his soul. While yet he doubted thereof in
heart and soul, and was drawing his great sword from his sheath, Athene
came to him from heaven, sent forth of the white-armed goddess Hera,
whose heart loved both alike and had care for them. She stood behind
Peleus’ son and caught him by his golden hair, to him only visible, and
of the rest no man beheld her. Then Achilles marvelled, and turned him
about, and straightway knew Pallas Athene; and terribly shone her eyes.
He spake to her winged words, and said: “Why now art thou come hither,
thou daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus? Is it to behold the insolence of
Agamemnon, son of Atreus. Yea, I will tell thee that I deem shall even
be brought to pass: by his own haughtinesses shall he soon lose his
life.”
Then the bright-eyed goddess Athene spake to him again: “I came from
heaven to stay thine anger, if perchance thou wilt hearken to me, being
sent forth if the white-armed goddess Hera, that loveth you twain alike
and careth for you. Go to now, cease from strife, and let not thine
hand draw the sword; yet with words indeed revile him, even as it shall
come to pass. For thus will I say to thee, and so it shall be
fulfilled; hereafter shall goodly gifts come to thee, yea in threefold
measure, by reason of this despite; hold thou thine hand, and hearken
to us.”
And Achilles fleet of foot made answer and said to her: “Goddess, needs
must a man observe the saying of you twain, even though he be very
wroth at heart; for so is the better way. Whosoever obeyeth the gods,
to him they gladly hearken.”
He said, and stayed his heavy hand on the silver hilt, and thrust the
great sword back into the sheath, and was not disobedient to the saying
of Athene; and she forthwith was departed to Olympus, to the other gods
in the palace of aegis-bearing Zeus.
Then Peleus’ son spake again with bitter words to Atreus’ son, and in
no wise ceased from anger: “Thou heavy with wine, thou with face of dog
and heart of deer, never didst thou take courage to arm for battle
among thy folk or to lay ambush with the princes of the Achaians; that
to thee were even as death. Far better booteth it, forsooth, to seize
for thyself the meed of honour of every man through the wide host of
the Achaians that speaketh contrary to thee. Folk-devouring king!
seeing thou rulest men of naught; else were this despite, thou son of
Atreus, thy last. But I will speak my word to thee, and swear a mighty
oath therewith: verily by this staff that shall no more put forth leaf
or twig, seeing it hath for ever left its trunk among the hills,
neither shall it grow green again, because the axe hath stripped it of
leaves and bark; and now the sons of the Achaians that exercise
judgment bear it in their hands, even they that by Zeus’ command watch
over the traditions—so shall this be a mighty oath in thine eyes—verily
shall longing for Achilles come hereafter upon the sons of the Achaians
one and all; and then wilt thou in no wise avail to save them, for all
thy grief, when multitudes fall dying before manslaying Hector. Then
shalt thou tear thy heart within thee for anger that thou didst in no
wise honour the best of the Achaians.”
So said Peleides and dashed to earth the staff studded with golden
nails, and himself sat down; and over against him Atreides waxed
furious. Then in their midst rose up Nestor, pleasant of speech, the
clear-voiced orator of the Pylians, he from whose tongue flowed
discourse sweeter than honey. Two generations of mortal men already had
he seen perish, that had been of old time born and nurtured with him in
goodly Pylos, and he was king among the third. He of good intent made
harangue to them and said: “Alas, of a truth sore lamentation cometh
upon the land of Achaia. Verily Priam would be glad and Priam’s sons,
and all the Trojans would have great joy of heart, were they to hear
all this tale of strife between you twain that are chiefest of the
Danaans in counsel and chiefest in battle. Nay, hearken to me; ye are
younger both than I. Of old days held I converse with better men even
than you, and never did they make light of me. Yea, I never beheld such
warriors, nor shall behold, as were Peirithoos and Dryas shepherd of
the host and Kaineus and Exadios and godlike Polyphemos [and Theseus
son of Aigeus, like to the immortals]. Mightiest of growth were they of
all men upon the earth; mightiest they were and with the mightiest
fought they, even the wild tribes of the mountain caves, and destroyed
them utterly. And with these held I converse, being come from Pylos,
from a distant land afar; for of themselves they summoned me. So I
played my part in fight; and with them could none of men that are now
on earth do battle. And they laid to heart my counsels and hearkened to
my voice. Even so hearken ye also, for better is it to hearken. Neither
do thou, though thou art very great, seize from him his damsel, but
leave her as she was given at the first by the sons of the Achaians to
be a meed of honour; nor do thou, son of Peleus, think to strive with a
king, might against might; seeing that no common honour pertaineth to a
sceptred king to whom Zeus apportioneth glory. Though thou be strong,
and a goddess mother bare thee, yet his is the greater place, for he is
king over more. And thou, Atreides, abate thy fury; nay, it is even I
that beseech thee to let go thine anger with Achilles, who is made unto
all the Achaians a mighty bulwark of evil war.”
Then lord Agamemnon answered and said: “Yea verily, old man, all this
thou sayest is according unto right. But this fellow would be above all
others, he would be lord of all and king among all and captain to all;
wherein I deem none will hearken to him. Though the immortal gods made
him a spearman, do they therefore put revilings in his mouth for him to
utter?”
Then goodly Achilles brake in on him and answered: “Yea, for I should
be called coward and man of naught, if I yield to thee in every matter,
howsoe’er thou bid. To others give now thine orders, not to me [play
master; for thee I deem that I shall no more obey]. This, moreover,
will I say to thee, and do thou lay it to thy heart. Know that not by
violence will I strive for the damsel’s sake, neither with thee nor any
other; ye gave and ye have taken away. But of all else that is mine
beside my fleet black ship, thereof shalt thou not take anything or
bear it away against my will. Yea, go to now, make trial, that all
these may see; forthwith thy dark blood shall gush about my spear.”
Now when the twain had thus finished the battle of violent words, they
stood up and dissolved the assembly beside the Achaian ships. Peleides
went his way to his huts and trim ships with Menoitios’ son* and his
company; and Atreides launched a fleet ship on the sea, and picked
twenty oarsmen therefor, and embarked the hecatomb for the god, and
brought Chryseis of the fair cheeks and set her therein; and Odysseus
of many devices went to be their captain.
* Patroklos
So these embarked and sailed over the wet ways; and Atreides bade the
folk purify themselves. So they purified themselves, and cast the
defilements into the sea and did sacrifice to Apollo, even unblemished
hecatombs of bulls and goats, along the shore of the unvintaged sea;
and the sweet savour arose to heaven eddying amid the smoke.
Thus were they busied throughout the host; but Agamemnon ceased not
from the strife wherewith he threatened Achilles at the first; he spake
to Talthybios and Eurybates that were his heralds and nimble squires:
“Go ye to the tent of Achilles Peleus’ son, and take Briseis of the
fair cheeks by the hand and lead her hither; and if he give her not,
then will I myself go, and more with me, and seize her; and that will
be yet more grievous for him.”
So saying he sent them forth, and laid stern charge upon them.
Unwillingly went they along the beach of the unvintaged sea, and came
to the huts and ships of the Myrmidons. Him found they sitting beside
his hut and black ship; nor when he saw them was Achilles glad. So they
in dread and reverence of the king stood, and spake to him no word, nor
questioned him. But he knew in his heart, and spake to them: “All hail,
ye heralds, messengers of Zeus and men, come near; ye are not guilty in
my sight, but Agamemnon that sent you for the sake of the damsel
Briseis. Go now, heaven-sprung Patroklos, bring forth the damsel, and
give them her to lead away. Moreover, let the twain themselves be my
witnesses before the face of the blessed gods and mortal men, yea and
of him, that king untoward, against the day when there cometh need of
me hereafter to save them all from shameful wreck. Of a truth he raveth
with baleful mind, and hath not knowledge to look before and after,
that so his Achaians might battle in safety beside their ships.”
So said he, and Patroklos hearkened to his dear comrade, and led forth
from the hut Briseis of the fair cheeks, and gave them her to lead
away. So these twain took their way back along the Achaians’ ships, and
with them went the woman all unwilling. Then Achilles wept anon, and
sat him down apart, aloof from his comrades on the beach of the grey
sea, gazing across the boundless main; he stretched forth his hands and
prayed instantly to his dear mother: “Mother, seeing thou didst of a
truth bear me to so brief span of life, honour at the least ought the
Olympian to have granted me, even Zeus that thundereth on high; but now
doth he not honour me, no, not one whit. Verily Atreus’ son,
wide-ruling Agamemnon, hath done me dishonour; for he hath taken away
my meed of honour and keepeth her of his own violent deed.”
So spake he weeping, and his lady mother heard him as she sate in the
sea-depths beside her aged sire. With speed arose she from the grey
sea, like a mist, and sate her before the face of her weeping son, and
stroked him with her hand, and spake and called on his name: “My child,
why weepest thou? What sorrow hath entered into they heart? Speak it
forth, hide it not in thy mind, that both may know it.”
Then with heavy moan Achilles fleet of foot spake to her: “Thou knowest
it; why should I tell this to thee that knowest all! We had fared to
Thebe, the holy city of Eëtion, and laid it waste and carried hither
all the spoils. So the sons of the Achaians divided among them all
aright; and for Atreides they set apart Chryseis of the fair cheeks.
But Chryses, priest of Apollo the Far-darter, came unto the fleet ships
of the mail-clad Achaians to win his daughter’s freedom, and brought a
ransom beyond telling, and bare in his hands the fillet of Apollo the
Far-darter upon a golden staff, and made his prayer unto all the
Achaians, and most of all to the two sons of Atreus, orderers of the
host. Then all the other Achaians cried assent, to reverence the priest
and accept his goodly ransom; yet the thing pleased not the heart of
Agamemnon son of Atreus, but he roughly sent him away and laid stern
charge upon him. So the old man went back in anger; and Apollo heard
his prayers, seeing he loved him greatly, and he aimed against the
Argives his deadly darts. So the people began to perish in multitudes,
and the god’s shafts ranged everywhither throughout the wide host of
the Achaians. Then of full knowledge the seer declared to us the oracle
of the Far-darter. Forthwith I first bade propitiate the god; but wrath
gat hold upon Atreus’ son thereat, and anon he stood up and spake a
threatening word, that hath now been accomplished. Her the
glancing-eyed Achaians are bringing on their fleet ship to Chryse, and
bear with them offerings to the king; and the other but now the heralds
went and took from my hut, even the daughter of Briseus, whom the sons
of the Achaians gave me. Thou therefore, if indeed thou canst, guard
thine own* son; betake thee to Olympus and beseech Zeus by any deed or
word whereby thou ever didst make glad his heart. For oft have I heard
thee proclaiming in my father’s halls and telling that thou alone amid
the immortals didst save the son of Kronos, lord of the storm-cloud,
from shameful wreck, when all the other Olympians would have bound him,
even Hera and Poseidon and Pallas Athene. Then didst thou, O goddess,
enter in and loose him from his bonds, having with speed summoned to
high Olympus him of the hundred arms whom gods call Briareus, but all
men call Aigaion; for he is mightier even than his father—so he sate
him by Kronion’s side rejoicing in his triumph, and the blessed gods
feared him withal and bound not Zeus. This bring thou to his
remembrance and sit by him and clasp his knees, if perchance he will
give succour to the Trojans; and for the Achaians, hem them among their
ships’ sterns about the bay, given over to slaughter; that they may
make trial of their king, and that even Atreides, wide-ruling
Agamemnon, may perceive his blindness, in that he honoured not at all
the best of the Achaians.”
* Reading ἑοῖο.
Then Thetis weeping made answer to him: “Ah me, my child, why reared I
thee, cursed in my motherhood? Would thou hadst been left tearless and
griefless amid the ships, seeing thy lot is very brief and endureth no
long while; but now art thou made short-lived alike and lamentable
beyond all men; in an evil hour I bare thee in our halls. But I will go
myself to snow-clad Olympus to tell this thy saying to Zeus, whose joy
is in the thunder*, if perchance he may hearken to me. But tarry thou
now amid thy fleet-faring ships, and continue wroth with the Achaians,
and refrain utterly from battle: for Zeus went yesterday to Okeanos,
unto the noble Ethiopians for a feast, and all the gods followed with
him; but on the twelfth day will he return to Olympus, and then will I
fare to Zeus’ palace of the bronze threshold, and will kneel to him and
think to win him.”
* perhaps rather, “hurler of the thunderbolt.”
So saying she went her way and left him there, vexed in spirit for the
fair-girdled woman’s sake, whom they had taken perforce despite his
will: and meanwhile Odysseus came to Chryse with the holy hecatomb.
When they were now entered within the deep haven, they furled their
sails and laid them in the black ship, and lowered the mast by the
forestays and brought it to the crutch with speed, and rowed her with
oars to the anchorage. Then they cast out the mooring stones and made
fast the hawsers, and so themselves went forth on to the sea-beach, and
forth they brought the hecatomb for the Far-darter Apollo, and forth
came Chryseis withal from the seafaring ship. Then Odysseus of many
counsels brought her to the altar and gave her into her father’s arms,
and spake unto him: “Chryses, Agamemnon king of men sent me hither to
bring thee thy daughter, and to offer to Phoebus a holy hecatomb on the
Danaans’ behalf, wherewith to propitiate the king that hath now brought
sorrow and lamentation on the Argives.”
So saying he gave her to his arms, and he gladly took his dear child;
and anon they set in order for the god the holy hecatomb about his
well-builded altar; next washed they their hands and took up the barley
meal. Then Chryses lifted up his hands and prayed aloud for them:
“Hearken to me, god of the silver bow that standest over Chryse and
holy Killa, and rulest Tenedos with might; even as erst thou heardest
my prayer, and didst me honour, and mightily afflictest the people of
the Achaians, even so now fulfil me this my desire: remove thou from
the Danaans forthwith the loathly pestilence.”
So spake he in prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him. Now when they had
prayed and sprinkled the barley meal, first they drew back the victims’
heads and slaughtered them and flayed them, and cut slices from the
thighs and wrapped them in fat, making a double fold, and laid raw
collops thereon, and the old man burnt them on cleft wood and made
libation over them of gleaming wine; and at his side the young men in
their hands held five-pronged forks. Now when the thighs were burnt and
they had tasted the vitals, then sliced they all the rest and pierced
it through with spits, and roasted it carefully, and drew all off
again. So when they had rest from the task and had made ready the
banquet, they feasted, nor was their heart aught stinted of the fair
banquet. But when they had put away from them the desire of meat and
drink, the young men crowned the bowls with wine, and gave each man his
portion after the drink-offering had been poured into the cups. So all
day long worshipped they the god with music, singing the beautiful
paean, the sons of the Achaians making music to the Far-darter;* and
his heart was glad to hear. And when the sun went down and darkness
came on them, they laid them to sleep beside the ship’s hawsers; and
when rosy-fingered Dawn appeared, the child of morning, then set they
sail for the wide camp of the Achaians; and Apollo the Far-darter sent
them a favouring gale. They set up their mast and spread the white
sails forth, and the wind filled the sail’s belly and the dark wave
sang loud about the stem as the ship made way, and she sped across the
wave, accomplishing her journey. So when they were now come to the wide
camp of the Achaians, they drew up their black ship to land high upon
the sands, and set in line the long props beneath her; and themselves
were scattered amid their huts and ships.
* Or, “the Averter” (of pestilence).
But he sat by his swift-faring ships, still wroth, even the
heaven-sprung son of Peleus, Achilles fleet of foot; he betook him
neither to the assembly that is the hero’s glory, neither to war, but
consumed his heart in tarrying in his place, and yearned for the
war-cry and for battle.
Now when the twelfth morn thereafter was come, then the gods that are
for ever fared to Olympus all in company, led of Zeus. And Thetis
forgat not her son’s charge, but rose up from the sea-wave, and at
early morn mounted up to great heaven and Olympus. There found she
Kronos’ son of the far-sounding voice sitting apart from all on the
topmost peak of many-ridged Olympus. So she sat before his face and
with her left hand clasped his knees, and with her right touched him
beneath his chin, and spake in prayer to king Zeus son of Kronos:
“Father Zeus, if ever I gave thee aid amid the immortal gods, whether
by word or deed, fulfil thou this my desire: do honour to my son, that
is doomed to earliest death of all men: now hath Agamemnon king of men
done him dishonour, for he hath taken away his meed of honour and
keepeth her of his own violent deed. But honour thou him, Zeus of
Olympus, lord of counsel; grant thou victory to the Trojans the while
until the Achaians do my son honour and exalt him with recompense.”
So spake she; but Zeus the cloud-gatherer said no word to her, and sat
long time in silence. But even as Thetis had clasped his knees, so held
she by him clinging, and questioned him yet a second time: “Promise me
now this thing verily, and bow thy head thereto; or else deny me,
seeing there is naught for thee to fear; that I may know full well how
I among all gods am least in honour.”
Then Zeus the cloud-gatherer, sore troubled, spake to her: “Verily it
is a sorry matter, if thou wilt set me at variance with Hera, whene’er
she provoketh me with taunting words. Even now she upbraideth me ever
amid the immortal gods, and saith that I aid the Trojans in battle. But
do thou now depart again, lest Hera mark aught; and I will take thought
for these things to fulfil them. Come now, I will bow my head to thee,
that thou mayest be of good courage; for that, of my part, is the
surest token amid the immortals; no word of mine is revocable nor false
nor unfulfilled when the bowing of my head hath pledged it.”
Kronion spake, and bowed his dark brow, and the ambrosial locks waved
from the king’s immortal head; and he made great Olympus quake.
Thus the twain took counsel and parted; she leapt therewith into the
deep sea from glittering Olympus, and Zeus fared to his own palace. All
the gods in company arose from their seats before their father’s face;
neither ventured any to await his coming, but stood up all before him.
So he sate him there upon his throne; but Hera saw, and was not
ignorant how that the daughter of the Ancient of the sea, Thetis the
silver-footed, had devised counsel with him. Anon with taunting words
spake she to Zeus the son of Kronos: “Now who among the gods, thou
crafty of mind, hath devised counsel with thee? It is ever thy good
pleasure to hold aloof from me and in secret meditation to give thy
judgments, nor of thine own good will hast thou ever brought thyself to
declare unto me the thing thou purposest.”
Then the father of gods and men made answer her: “Hera, think not thou
to know all my sayings; hard they are for thee, even though thou art my
wife. But whichsoever it is seemly for thee to hear, none sooner than
thou shall know, be he god or man. Only when I will to take thought
aloof from the gods, then do not thou ask of every matter nor make
question.”
Then Hera the ox-eyed queen made answer to him. “Most dread son of
Kronos, what word is this thou hast spoken? Yea, surely of old I have
not asked thee nor made question, but in my heart sore afraid lest thou
have been won over by silver-footed Thetis, daughter of the Ancient of
the sea, for she at early morn sat by thee and clasped thy knees. To
her I deem thou gavest a sure pledge that thou wilt do honour to
Achilles, and lay many low beside the Achaians’ ships.”
To her made answer Zeus the cloud-gatherer: “Lady, Good lack! ever art
thou imagining, nor can I escape thee; yet shalt thou in no wise have
power to fulfil, but wilt be the further from my heart; that shall be
even the worse for thee. And if it be so, then such must my good
pleasure be. Abide thou in silence and hearken to my bidding, lest all
the gods that are in Olympus keep not off from thee my visitation, when
I put forth my hands unapproachable against thee.”
He said, and Hera the ox-eyed queen was afraid, and sat in silence,
curbing her heart; but throughout Zeus’ palace the gods of heaven were
troubled. Then Hephaistos the famed craftsman began to make harangue
among them, to do kindness to his mother, white-armed Hera: “Verily
this will be a sorry matter, neither any more endurable, if ye twain
thus fight for mortals’ sakes, and bring wrangling among the gods;
neither will there any more be joy of the goodly feast, seeing that
evil triumpheth. So I give counsel to my mother, though herself is
wise, to do kindness to our dear father Zeus, that our father upbraid
us not again and cast the banquet in confusion. What if the Olympian,
the lord of the lightning, will to dash us from our seats! for he is
strongest far. Nay, approach thou him with gentle words, then will the
Olympian forthwith be gracious unto us.”
So speaking he rose up and sat in his dear mother’s hand the
twy-handled cup, and spake to her: “Be of good courage, mother mine,
and endure, though thou art vexed, lest I behold thee, thou art so
dear, chastised before mine eyes, and then shall I not be able for all
my sorrow to save thee; for the Olympian is a hard foe to face. Yea,
once ere this, when I was fain to save thee, he caught me by my foot
and hurled me from the heavenly threshold; all day I flew, and at the
set of sun I fell in Lemnos, and little life was in me. There did the
Sintian folk forthwith tend me for my fall.”
He spake, and the white-armed goddess Hera smiled, and smiling took the
cup at her son’s hand. Then he poured wine to all the other gods from
right to left, ladling the sweet nectar from the bowl. And laughter
unquenchable arose amid the blessed gods to see Hephaistos bustling
through the palace.
So feasted they all day till the setting of the sun; nor was their soul
aught stinted of the fair banquet, nor of the beauteous lyre that
Apollo held, and the Muses singing alternately with sweet voice.
Now when the bright light of the sun was set, these went each to his
own house to sleep, where each one had his palace made with cunning
device by famed Hephaistos the lame god; and Zeus the Olympian, the
lord of lightning, departed to his couch where he was wont of old to
take his rest, whenever sweet sleep visited him. There went he up and
slept, and beside him was Hera of the golden throne.
BOOK II.
How Zeus beguiled Agamemnon by a dream; and of the assembly of the
Achaians and their marching forth to battle. And of the names and
numbers of the hosts of the Achaians and the Trojans.
Now all other gods and chariot-driving men slept all night long, only
Zeus was not holden of sweet sleep; rather was he pondering in his
heart how he should do honour to Achilles and destroy many beside the
Achaians’ ships. And this design seemed to his mind the best, to wit,
to send a baneful dream upon Agamemnon son of Atreus. So he spake, and
uttered to him winged words: “Come now, thou baneful Dream, go to the
Achaians’ fleet ships, enter into the hut of Agamemnon son of Atreus,
and tell him every word plainly as I charge thee. Bid him call to arms
the flowing-haired Achaians with all speed, for that now he may take
the wide-wayed city of the Trojans. For the immortals that dwell in the
halls of Olympus are no longer divided in counsel, since Hera hath
turned the minds of all by her beseeching, and over the Trojans sorrows
hang.”
So spake he, and the Dream went his way when he had heard the charge.
With speed he came to the Achaians’ fleet ships, and went to Agamemnon
son of Atreus, and found him sleeping in his hut, and ambrosial slumber
poured over him. So he stood over his head in seeming like unto the son
of Neleus, even Nestor, whom most of all the elders Agamemnon honoured;
in his likeness spake to him the heavenly Dream:
“Sleepest thou, son of wise Atreus tamer of horses? To sleep all night
through beseemeth not one that is a counsellor, to whom peoples are
entrusted and so many cares belong. But now hearken straightway to me,
for I am a messenger to thee from Zeus, who though he be afar yet hath
great care for thee and pity. He biddeth thee call to arms the
flowing-haired Achaians with all speed, for that now thou mayest take
the wide-wayed city of the Trojans. For the immortals that dwell in the
halls of Olympus are no longer divided in counsel, since Hera hath
turned the minds of all by her beseeching, and over the Trojans sorrows
hang by the will of Zeus. But do thou keep this in thy heart, not let
forgetfulness come upon thee when honeyed sleep shall leave thee.”
So spake the Dream, and departed and left him there, deeming in his
mind things that were not to be fulfilled. For indeed he thought to
take Priam’s city that very day; fond man, in that he knew not the
plans that Zeus had in mind, who was willed to bring yet more grief and
wailing on Trojans alike and Danaans throughout the course of stubborn
fights. Then woke he from sleep, and the heavenly voice was in his
ears. So he rose up sitting, and donned his soft tunic, fair and
bright, and cast around him his great cloak, and beneath his glistering
feet he bound his fair sandals, and over his shoulders cast his
silver-studded sword, and grasped his sires’ sceptre, imperishable for
ever, wherewith he took his way amid the mail-clad Achaians’ ships.
Now went the goddess Dawn to high Olympus, foretelling daylight to Zeus
and all the immortals; and the king bade the clear-voiced heralds
summon to the assembly the flowing-haired Achaians. So did those
summon, and these gathered with speed.
But first the council of the great-hearted elders met beside the ship
of king Nestor the Pylos-born. And he that had assembled them framed
his cunning counsel: “Hearken, my friends. A dream from heaven came to
me in my sleep through the ambrosial night, and chiefly to goodly
Nestor was very like in shape and bulk and stature. And it stood over
my head and charged me saying: ‘Sleepest thou, son of wise Atreus tamer
of horses? To sleep all night through beseemeth not one that is a
counsellor, to whom peoples are entrusted and so many cares belong. But
now hearken straightway to me, for I am a messenger to thee from Zeus,
who though he be afar yet hath great care for thee and pity. He biddeth
thee call to arms the flowing-haired Achaians with all speed, for that
now thou mayest take the wide-wayed city of the Trojans. For the
immortals that dwell in the palaces of Olympus are no longer divided in
counsel, since Hera hath turned the minds of all by her beseeching, and
over the Trojans sorrows hang by the will of Zeus. But do thou keep
this in thy heart.’ So spake the dream and was flown away, and sweet
sleep left me. So come, let us now call to arms as we may the sons of
the Achaians. But first I will speak to make trial of them as is
fitting, and bid them flee with their benched ships; only do ye from
this side and from that speak to hold them back.”
So spake he and sate him down; and there stood up among them Nestor,
who was king of sandy Pylos. He of good intent made harangue to them
and said: “My friends, captains and rulers of the Argives, had any
other of the Achaians told us this dream we might deem it a false
thing, and rather turn away therefrom; but now he hath seen it who of
all Achaians avoweth himself far greatest. So come, let us call to arms
as we may the sons of the Achaians.”
So spake he, and led the way forth from the council, and all the other
sceptred chiefs rose with him and obeyed the shepherd of the host; and
the people hastened to them. Even as when the tribes of thronging bees
issue from the hollow rock, ever in fresh procession, and fly
clustering among the flowers of spring, and some on this hand and some
on that fly thick; even so from ships and huts before the low beach
marched forth their many tribes by companies to the place of assembly.
And in their midst blazed forth Rumour, messenger of Zeus, urging them
to go; and so they gathered. And the place of assemblage was in an
uproar, and the earth echoed again as the hosts sate them down, and
there was turmoil. Nine heralds restrained them with shouting, if
perchance they might refrain from clamour, and hearken to their kings,
the fosterlings of Zeus. And hardly at the last would the people sit,
and keep them to their benches and cease from noise. Then stood up lord
Agamemnon bearing his sceptre, that Hephaistos had wrought curiously.
Hephaistos gave it to king Zeus son of Kronos, and then Zeus gave it to
the messenger-god the slayer of Argus;* and king Hermes gave it to
Pelops the charioteer, and Pelops again gave it to Atreus shepherd of
the host. And Atreus dying left it to Thyestes rich in flocks, and
Thyestes in his turn left it to Agamemnon to bear, that over many
islands and all Argos he should be lord. Thereon he leaned and spake
his saying to the Argives:
* Or, possibly, “the swift-appearing”
“My friends, Danaan warriors, men of Ares’ company, Zeus Kronos’ son
hath bound me with might in grievous blindness of soul; hard of heart
is he, for that erewhile he promised me and pledged his nod that not
till I had wasted well-walled Ilios should I return; but now see I that
he planned a cruel wile and biddeth me return to Argos dishonoured,
with the loss of many of my folk. So meseems it pleaseth most mighty
Zeus, who hath laid low the head of many a city, yea, and shall lay
low; for his is highest power. Shame is this even for them that come
after to hear; how so goodly and great a folk of the Achaians thus
vainly warred a bootless war, and fought scantier enemies, and no end
thereof is yet seen. For if perchance we were minded, both Achaians and
Trojans, to swear a solemn truce, and to number ourselves, and if the
Trojans should gather together all that have their dwellings in the
city, and we Achaians should marshal ourselves by tens, and every
company choose a Trojan to pour their wine, then would many tens lack a
cup-bearer: so much, I say, do the sons of the Achaians outnumber the
Trojans that dwell within the city. But allies from many cities, even
warriors that wield the spear, are therein, and they hinder me
perforce, and for all my will suffer me not to waste the populous
citadel of Ilios. Already have nine years of great Zeus passed away,
and our ships’ timbers have rotted and the tackling is loosed; while
there our wives and little children sit in our halls awaiting us; yet
is our task utterly unaccomplished wherefor we came hither. So come,
even as I bid let us all obey. Let us flee with our ships to our dear
native land; for now shall we never take wide-wayed Troy.”
So spake he, and stirred the spirit in the breasts of all throughout
the multitude, as many as had not heard the council. And the assembly
swayed like high sea-waves of the Icarian Main that east wind and south
wind raise, rushing upon them from the clouds of father Zeus; and even
as when the west wind cometh to stir a deep cornfield with violent
blast, and the ears bow down, so was all the assembly stirred, and they
with shouting hasted toward the ships; and the dust from beneath their
feet rose and stood on high. And they bade each man his neighbor to
seize the ships and drag them into the bright salt sea, and cleared out
the launching-ways, and the noise went up to heaven of their hurrying
homewards; and they began to take the props from beneath the ships.
Then would the Argives have accomplished their return against the will
of fate, but that Hera spake a word to Athene: “Out on it, daughter of
aegis-bearing Zeus, unwearied maiden! Shall the Argives thus indeed
flee homeward to their dear native land over the sea’s broad back? But
they would leave to Priam and the Trojans their boast, even Helen of
Argos, for whose sake many an Achaian hath perished in Troy, far away
from his dear native land. But go thou now amid the host of the
mail-clad Achaians; with thy gentle words refrain thou every man,
neither suffer them to draw their curved ships down to the salt sea.”
So spake she, and the bright-eyed goddess Athene disregarded not; but
went darting down from the peaks of Olympus, and came with speed to the
fleet ships of the Achaians. There found she Odysseus standing, peer of
Zeus in counsel, neither laid he any hand upon his decked black ship,
because grief had entered into his heart and soul. And bright-eyed
Athene stood by him and said: “Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus
of many devices, will ye indeed fling yourselves upon your benched
ships to flee homeward to your dear native land? But ye would leave to
Priam and the Trojans their boast, even Helen of Argos, for whose sake
many an Achaian hath perished in Troy, far from his dear native land.
But go thou now amid the host of the Achaians, and tarry not; and with
gentle words refrain every man, neither suffer them to draw their
curved ships down to the salt sea.”
So said she, and he knew the voice of the goddess speaking to him, and
set him to run, and cast away his mantle, the which his herald gathered
up, even Eurybates of Ithaca, that waited on him. And himself he went
to meet Agamemnon son of Atreus, and at his hand received the sceptre
of his sires, imperishable for ever, wherewith he took his way amid the
ships of the mail-clad Achaians.
Whenever he found one that was a captain and a man of mark, he stood by
his side, and refrained him with gentle words: “Good sir, it is not
seemly to affright thee like a coward, but do thou sit thyself and make
all thy folk sit down. For thou knowest not yet clearly what is the
purpose of Atreus’ son; now is he but making trial, and soon he will
afflict the sons of the Achaians. And heard we not all of us what he
spake in the council? Beware lest in his anger he evilly entreat the
sons of the Achaians. For proud is the soul of heaven-fostered kings;
because their honour is of Zeus, and the god of counsel loveth them.”*
Reading διοτρεφέων βασιλήων with Zenodotos.
But whatever man of the people he saw and found him shouting, him he
drave with his sceptre and chode him with loud words: “Good sir, sit
still and hearken to the words of others that are thy betters; but thou
art no warrior, and a weakling, never reckoned whether in battle or in
council. In no wise can we Achaians all be kings here. A multitude of
masters is no good thing; let there be one master, one king, to whom
the son of crooked-counselling Kronos hath granted it, [even the
sceptre and judgments, that he may rule among you”].
So masterfully ranged he the host; and they hasted back to the assembly
from ships and huts, with noise as when a wave of loud-sounding sea
roareth on the long beach and the main resoundeth.
Now all the rest sat down and kept their place upon the benches, only
Thersites still chattered on, the uncontrolled of speech, whose mind
was full of words many and disorderly, wherewith to strive against the
chiefs idly and in no good order, but even as he deemed that he should
make the Argives laugh. And he was ill-favored beyond all men that came
to Ilios. Bandy-legged was he, and lame of one foot, and his two
shoulders rounded, arched down upon his chest; and over them his head
was warped, and a scanty stubble sprouted on it. Hateful was he to
Achilles above all and to Odysseus, for them he was wont to revile. But
now with shrill shout he poured forth his upbraidings upon goodly
Agamemnon. With him the Achaians were sore vexed and had indignation in
their souls. But he with loud shout spake and reviled Agamemnon:
“Atreides, for what art thou now ill content and lacking? Surely thy
huts are full of bronze and many women are in they huts, the chosen
spoils that we Achaians give thee first of all, whene’er we take a
town. Can it be that thou yet wantest gold as well, such as some one of
the horse-taming Trojans may bring from Ilios to ransom his son, whom I
perchance or some other Achaian have led captive; or else some young
girl, to know in love, whom thou mayest keep apart to thyself? But it
is not seemly for one that is their captain to bring the sons of the
Achaians to ill. Soft fools, base things of shame, ye women of Achaia
and men no more, let us depart home with our ships, and leave this
fellow here in Troy-land to gorge him with meeds of honour, that he may
see whether our aid avail him aught or no; even he that hath now done
dishonour to Achilles, a far better man than he; for he hath taken away
his meed of honour and keepeth it by his own violent deed. Of a very
surety is there no wrath at all in Achilles’ mind, but he is slack;
else this despite, thou son of Atreus, were thy last.”
So spake Thersites, reviling Agamemnon shepherd of the host. But goodly
Odysseus came straight to his side, and looking sternly at him with
hard words rebuked him: “Thersites, reckless in words, shrill orator
though thou art, refrain thyself, nor aim to strive singly against
kings. For I deem that no mortal is baser than thou of all that with
the sons of Atreus came before Ilios. Therefore were it well that thou
shouldest not have kings in thy mouth as thou talkest, and utter
revilings against them and be on the watch for departure. We know not
yet clearly how these things shall be, whether we sons of the Achaians
shall return for good or for ill. Therefore now dost thou revile
continually Agamemnon son of Atreus, shepherd of the host, because the
Danaan warriors give him many gifts, and so thou talkest tauntingly.
But I will tell thee plain, and that I say shall even be brought to
pass: if I find thee again raving as now thou art, then may Odysseus’
head no longer abide upon his shoulders, nor may I any more be called
father of Telemachos, if I take thee not and strip from thee thy
garments, thy mantle and tunic that cover thy nakedness, and for
thyself send thee weeping to the fleet ships, and beat thee out of the
assembly with shameful blows.”
So spake he, and with his staff smote his back and shoulders: and he
bowed down and a big tear fell from him, and a bloody weal stood up
from his back beneath the golden sceptre. Then he sat down and was
amazed, and in pain with helpless look wiped away the tear. But the
rest, though they were sotty, laughed lightly at him, and thus would
one speak looking at another standing by: “Go to, of a truth Odysseus
hath wrought good deeds without number ere now, standing foremost in
wise counsels and setting battle in array, but now is this thing the
best by far that he hath wrought among the Argives, to wit, that he
hath stayed this prating railer from his harangues. Never again,
forsooth, will his proud soul henceforth bid him revile the kings with
slanderous words.”
So said the common sort; but up rose Odysseus waster of cities, with
sceptre in his hand. And by his side bright-eyed Athene in the likeness
of a herald bade the multitude keep silence, that the sons of the
Achaians, both the nearest and the farthest, might hear his words
together and give heed to his counsel. He of good intent made harangue
to them and said: “Atreides, now surely are the Achaians for making
thee, O king, most despised among all mortal men, nor will they fulfil
the promise that they pledged thee when they still were marching hither
from horse-pasturing Argos; that thou shouldest not return till thou
hadst laid well-walled Ilios waste. For like young children or widow
women do they wail each to the other of returning home. Yea, here is
toil to make a man depart disheartened. For he that stayeth away but
one single month far from his wife in his benched ship fretteth himself
when winter storms and the furious sea imprison him; but for us, the
ninth year of our stay here is upon us in its course. Therefore do I
not marvel that the Achaians should fret beside their beaked ships; yet
nevertheless is it shameful to wait long and to depart empty. Be of
good heart, my friends, and wait a while, until we learn whether
Kalchas be a true prophet or no. For this thing verily we know well in
our hearts, and ye all are witnesses thereof, even as many as the fates
of death have not borne away. It was as it were but yesterday or the
day before that the Achaians’ ships were gathering in Aulis, freighted
with trouble for Priam and the Trojans; and we round about a spring
were offering on the holy altars unblemished hecatombs to the
immortals, beneath a fair plane-tree whence flowed bright water, when
there was seen a great portent: a snake blood-red on the back,
terrible, whom the god of Olympus himself had sent forth to the light
of day, sprang from beneath the altar and darted to the plane-tree. Now
there were there the brood of a sparrow, tender little ones, upon the
topmost branch, nestling beneath the leaves; eight were they and the
mother of the little ones was the ninth, and the snake swallowed these
cheeping pitifully. And the mother fluttered around wailing for her
dear little ones; but he coiled himself and caught her by the wing as
she screamed about him. Now when he had swallowed the sparrow’s little
ones and the mother with them, the god who revealed him made of him a
sign; for the son of crooked-counselling Kronos turned him to stone,
and we stood by and marvelled to see what was done. So when the dread
portent brake in upon the hecatombs of the gods, then did Kalchas
forthwith prophesy, and said: ‘Why hold ye your peace, ye
flowing-haired Achaians? To us hath Zeus the counsellor shown this
great sign, late come, of late fulfilment, the fame whereof shall never
perish. Even as he swallowed the sparrow’s little ones and herself, the
eight wherewith the mother that bare the little ones was the ninth, so
shall we war there so many years, but in the tenth year shall we take
the wide-wayed city.’ So spake the seer; and now are all these things
being fulfilled. So come, abide ye all, ye well-greaved Achaians, even
where ye are, until we have taken the great city of Priam.”
So spake he, and the Argives shouted aloud, and all round the ships
echoed terribly to the voice of the Achaians as they praised the saying
of god-like Odysseus. And then spake among them knightly Nestor of
Gerenia: “Out on it; in very truth ye hold assembly like silly boys
that have no care for deeds of war. What shall come of our covenants
and our oaths? Let all counsels be cast into the fire and all devices
of warriors and the pure drink-offerings and the right hands of
fellowship wherein we trusted. For we are vainly striving with words
nor can we find any device at all, for all our long tarrying here. Son
of Atreus, do thou still, as erst, keep steadfast purpose and lead the
Argives amid the violent fray; and for these, let them perish, the one
or two Achaians that take secret counsel—though fulfilment shall not
come thereof—to depart to Argos first, before they know whether the
promise of aegis-bearing Zeus be a lie or no. Yea, for I say that most
mighty Kronion pledged us his word that day when the Argives embarked
upon their fleet ships, bearing unto the Trojans death and fate; for by
his lightning upon our right he manifested signs of good. Therefore let
Trojan’s wife and paid back his strivings and groans for Helen’s sake.
But if any man is overmuch desirous to depart homewards, let him lay
his hand upon his decked black ship, that before all men he may
encounter death and fate. But do thou, my king, take good counsel
thyself, and hearken to another that shall give it; the word that I
speak, whate’er it be, shall not be cast away. Separate thy warriors by
tribes and by clans, Agamemnon, that clan may give aid to clan and
tribe to tribe. If thou do thus and the Achaians hearken to thee, then
wilt thou know who among thy captains and who of the common sort is a
coward, and who too is brave; for they will fight each after their
sort. So wilt thou know whether it is even by divine command that thou
shalt not take the city, or by the baseness of thy warriors and their
ill skill in battle.”
And lord Agamemnon answered and said to him: “Verily hast thou again
outdone the sons of the Achaians in speech, old man. Ah, father Zeus
and Athene and Apollo, would that among the Achaians I had ten such
councillors; then would the city of king Priam soon bow beneath our
hands, captive and wasted. But aegis-bearing Zeus, the son of Kronos,
hath brought sorrows upon me, in that he casteth my lot amid fruitless
wranglings and strifes. For in truth I and Achilles fought about a
damsel with violent words, and I was first to be angry; but if we can
only be at one in council, then will there no more be any putting off
the day of evil for the Trojans, no not for an instant. But now go ye
to your meal that we may join battle. Let each man sharpen well his
spear and bestow well his shield, and let him well give his
fleet-footed steeds their meal, and look well to his chariot on every
side and take thought for battle, that all day long we may contend in
hateful war. For of respite shall there intervene no, not a whit, only
that the coming of night shall part the fury of warriors. On each man’s
breast shall the baldrick of his covering shield be wet with sweat, and
his hand shall grow faint about the spear, and each man’s horse shall
sweat as he draweth the polished chariot. And whomsoever I perceive
minded to tarry far from the fight beside the beaked ships, for him
shall there be no hope hereafter to escape the dogs and birds of prey.”
So spake he, and the Argives shouted aloud, like to a wave on a steep
shore, when the south wind cometh and stirreth it; even on a jutting
rock, that is never left at peace by the waves of all winds that rise
from this side and from that. And they stood up and scattered in haste
throughout the ships, and made fires in the huts and took their meal.
And they did sacrifice each man to one of the everlasting gods, praying
for escape from death and the tumult of battle. But Agamemnon king of
men slew a fat bull of five years to most mighty Kronion, and called
the elders, the princes of the Achaian host, Nestor first and king
Idomeneus, and then the two Aiantes and Tydeus’ son, and sixthly
Odysseus peer of Zeus in counsel. And Menelaos of the loud war-cry came
to him unbidden, for he knew in his heart how his brother toiled. Then
stood they around the bull and took the barley-meal. And Agamemnon made
his prayer in their midst and said: “Zeus, most glorious, most great,
god of the storm-cloud, that dwellest in the heaven, vouchsafe that the
sun set not upon us nor the darkness come near, till I have laid low
upon the earth Priam’s palace smirched with smoke, and burnt the
doorways thereof with consuming fire, and rent on Hector’s breast his
doublet cleft with the blade; and about him may full many of his
comrades prone in the dust bite the earth.”
So spake he, but not as yet would Kronion grant him fulfilment; he
accepted the sacrifice, but made toil to wax increasingly.
Now when they had prayed and sprinkled the barley-meal they first drew
back the bull’s head and cut his throat and flayed him, and cut slices
from the thighs and wrapped them in fat, making a double fold, and laid
raw collops thereon. And these they burnt on cleft wood stript of
leaves, and spitted the vitals and held them over Hephaistos’ flame.
Now when the thighs were burnt and they had tasted the vitals, then
sliced they all the rest and pierced it through with spits, and roasted
it carefully and drew all off again. So when they had rest from the
task and had made ready the banquet, they feasted, nor was their heart
aught stinted of the fair banquet. But when they had put away from them
the desire of meat and drink, then did knightly Nestor of Gerenia open
his saying to them: “Most noble son of Atreus, Agamemnon king of men,
let us not any more hold long converse here, nor for long delay the
work that god putteth in our hands; but come, let the heralds of the
mail-clad Achaians make proclamation to the folk and gather them
throughout the ships; and let us go thus in concert through the wide
host of the Achaians, that the speedier we may arouse keen war.”
So spake he and Agamemnon king of men disregarded not. Straightway he
bade the clear-voiced heralds summon to battle the flowing-haired
Achaians. So those summoned and these gathered with all speed. And the
kings, the fosterlings of Zeus that were about Atreus’ son, eagerly
marshalled them, and bright-eyed Athene in the midst, bearing the holy
aegis that knoweth neither age nor death, whereon wave an hundred
tassels of pure gold, all deftly woven and each one an hundred oxen
worth. Therewith she passed dazzling through the Achaian folk, urging
them forth; and in every man’s heart she roused strength to battle
without ceasing and to fight. So was war made sweeter to them than to
depart in their hollow ships to their dear native land. Even as
ravaging fire kindleth a boundless forest on a mountain’s peaks, and
the blaze is seen from afar, even so as they marched went the dazzling
gleam from the innumerable bronze through the sky even unto the
heavens.
And as the many tribes of feathered birds, wild geese or cranes or
long-necked swans, on the Asian mead by Kaystrios’ stream, fly hither
and thither joying in their plumage, and with loud cries settle ever
onwards, and the mead resounds; even so poured forth the many tribes of
warriors from ships and huts into the Skamandrian plain. And the earth
echoed terribly beneath the tread of men and horses. So stood they in
the flowery Skamandrian plain, unnumbered as are leaves and flowers in
their season. Even as the many tribes of thick flies that hover about a
herdsman’s steading in the spring season, when milk drencheth the
pails, even in like number stood the flowing-haired Achaians upon the
plain in face of the Trojans, eager to rend them asunder. And even as
the goatherds easily divide the ranging flocks of goats when they
mingle in the pasture, so did their captains marshal them on this side
and that, to enter into the fray, and in their midst lord Agamemnon,
his head and eyes like unto Zeus whose joy is in the thunder, and his
waist like unto Ares and his breast unto Poseidon. Even as a bull
standeth out far foremost amid the herd, for he is pre-eminent amid the
pasturing kine, even such did Zeus make Atreides on that day,
pre-eminent among many and chief amid heroes.
Tell me now, ye Muses that dwell in the mansions of Olympus—seeing that
ye are goddesses and are at hand and know all things, but we hear only
a rumour and know not anything—who were the captains of the Danaans and
their lords. But the common sort could I not number nor name, nay, not
if ten tongues were mine and ten mouths, and a voice unwearied, and my
heart of bronze within me, did not the Muses of Olympus, daughters of
aegis-bearing Zeus, put into my mind all that came to Ilios. So will I
tell the captains of the ships and all the ships in order.
Of the Boiotians Peneleos and Leitos were captains, and Arkesilaos and
Prothoënor and Klonios; these were they that dwelt in Hyria and rocky
Aulis and Schoinos and Skolos and Eteonos full of ridges, Thespeia and
Graia and Mykalessos with wide lawns; and that dwelt about Harma and
Eilesion and Erythrai, and they that possessed Eleon and Peteon and
Hyle, Okalea and the stablished fortress of Medeon, Kopai and Eutresis
and Thisbe haunt of doves; and they of Koroneia and grassy Haliartos,
and that possessed Plataia and that dwelt in Glisas, and that possessed
the stablished fortress of lesser Thebes and holy Onchestos, Poseidon’s
bright grove; and that possessed Arne rich in vineyards, and Mideia and
sacred Nisa and Anthedon on the furthest borders. Of these there came
fifty ships, and in each one embarked young men of the Boiotians an
hundred and twenty. And they that dwelt in Aspledon and Orchomenos of
the Minyai were led of Askalaphos and Ialmenos, sons of Ares, whom
Astyoche conceived of the mighty god in the palace of Aktor son of
Azeus, having entered her upper chamber, a stately maiden; for mighty
Ares lay with her privily. And with them sailed thirty hollow ships.
And the Phokians were led of Schedios and Epistrophos, sons of
great-hearted Iphitos son of Naubolos; these were they that possessed
Kyparissos and rocky Pytho and sacred Krisa and Daulis and Panopeus,
and they that dwelt about Anemoreia and Hyampolis, yea, and they that
lived by the goodly river Kephisos and possessed Lilaia by Kephisos’
springs. And with them followed forty black ships. So they marshalled
the ranks of the Phokians diligently, and had their station hard by the
Boiotians on the left.
And of the Lokrians the fleet son of Oileus was captain, Aias the less,
that was not so great as was the Telamonian Aias but far less. Small
was he, with linen corslet, but with the spear he far outdid all the
Hellenes and Achaians. These were they that dwelt in Kynos and Opus and
Kalliaros and Bessa and Skarphe and lovely Augeiai and Tarphe and
Thronion, about the streams of Boagrios. And with Aias followed forty
black ships of the Lokrians that dwell over against holy Euboia.
And the Abantes breathing fury, they that possessed Euboia and Chalkis
and Eiretria and Histiaia rich in vines, and Kerinthos by the sea and
the steep fortress of Dios, and they that possessed Karytos, and they
that dwelt in Styra, all these again were led of Elephenor of the stock
of Ares, even the son of Chalkodon, and captain of the proud Abantes.
And with him followed the fleet Abantes with hair flowing behind,
spearmen eager with ashen shafts outstretched to tear the corslets on
the breasts of the foes. And with him forty black ships followed.
And they that possessed the goodly citadel of Athens, the domain of
Erechtheus the high-hearted, whom erst Athene daughter of Zeus fostered
when Earth, the grain-giver, brought him to birth;—and she gave him a
resting-place in Athens in her own rich sanctuary; and there the sons
of the Athenians worship him with bulls and rams as the years turn in
their courses—these again were led of Menestheus son of Peteos. And
there was no man upon the face of earth that was like him for the
marshalling of horsemen and warriors that bear the shield. Only Nestor
rivalled him, for he was the elder by birth. And with him rivalled him,
for he was the elder by birth. And with him fifty black ships followed.
And Aias led twelve ships from Salamis, [and brought them and set them
where the battalions of the Athenians stood.]
And they that possessed Argos and Tiryns of the great walls, Hermione
and Asine that enfold the deep gulf, Troizen and Eïonai and Epidauros
full of vines, and the youths of the Achaians that possessed Aigina and
Mases, these were led of Diomedes of the loud war-cry and Sthenelos,
dear son of famous Kapaneus. And the third with them came Euryalos, a
godlike warrior, the son of king Mekisteus son of Talaos. But Diomedes
of the loud war-cry was lord over all. And with them eighty black ships
followed.
And of them that possessed the stablished fortress of Mykene and
wealthy Corinth and stablished Kleonai, and dwelt in Orneiai and lovely
Araithyrea and Sikyon, wherein Adrestos was king at the first; and of
them that possessed Hyperesie and steep Gonoessa and Pellene, and dwelt
about Aigion and through all the coast-land and about broad Helike, of
them did lord Agamemnon son of Atreus lead an hundred ships. With him
followed most and goodliest folk by far; and in their midst himself was
clad in flashing bronze, all glorious, and was pre-eminent amid all
warriors, because he was goodliest and led folk far greatest in number.
And of them that possessed Lakedaimon lying low amid the rifted hills,
and Pharis and Sparta and Messe, the haunt of doves, and dwelt in
Bryseiai and lovely Augeiai, and of them too that possessed Amyklai and
the sea-coast fortress of Helos, and that possessed Laas and dwelt
about Oitylos, of these was the king’s brother leader, even Menelaos of
the loud war-cry, leader of sixty ships, and these were arrayed apart.
And himself marched among them confident in his zeal, urging his men to
battle: and his heart most of all was set to take vengeance for his
strivings and groans for Helen’s sake.*
* Or, “for Helen’s searchings of heart and groans.”
And of them that dwelt in Pylos and lovely Arene and Thryon the
fording-place of Alpheios, and in established Aipy, and were
inhabitants of Kyparisseis and Amphigeneia and Pteleos and Helos and
Dorion—where the Muses met Thamyris the Thracian, and made an end of
his singing, as he was faring from Oichalia, from Eurytos the
Oichalian; for he averred with boasting that he would conquer, even did
the Muses themselves sing against him, the daughters of aegis-bearing
Zeus; but they in their anger maimed him, moreover they took from him
the high gift of song and made him to forget his harping—of all these
was knightly Nestor of Gerenia leader, and with him sailed ninety
hollow ships.
And of them that possessed Arkadia beneath the steep mountain of
Kyllene, beside the tomb of Aipytos, where are warriors that fight hand
to hand; and of them that dwelt in Pheneos and Orchomenos abounding in
flocks, and Rhipe and Stratie and windy Enispe, and that possessed
Tegea and lovely Mantineia, and possessed Stymphelos and dwelt in
Parrhasie, of these was Ankaios’ son lord Agapenor leader, even of
sixty ships; and in each ship embarked many Arkadian warriors skilled
in fight. For Agamemnon king of men himself gave them benched ships
wherewith to cross the wine-dark sea, even he the son of Atreus; for
matters of seafaring concerned them not.
And they too that inhabited Bouprasion and goodly Elis, so much thereof
as Hyrmine and Myrsinos upon the borders and the Olenian rock and
Aleision bound between them, of these men there were four captains, and
ten swift ships followed each one, and many Epeians embarked thereon.
So some were led of Amphimachos and Thalpios, of the lineage of Aktor,
sons one of Kteatos and one of Eurytos; and of some was stalwart Diores
captain, son of Amarynkes; and of the fourth company godlike Polyxeinos
was captain, son of king Agasthenes Augeias’ son.
And them of Doulichion and the holy Echinean Isles that stand beyond
the sea over against Elis, even these did Meges lead, the peer of Ares,
Phyleides to wit, for he was begotten of knightly Phyleus dear to Zeus,
him that erst changed his habitation to Doulichion for anger against
his father. And with him followed forty black ships.
And Odysseus led the great-hearted Kephallenians, them that possessed
Ithaka and Neriton with quivering leafage, and dwelt in Krokyleia and
rugged Aigilips, and them that possessed Zakynthos and that dwelt in
Samos, and possessed the mainland and dwelt in the parts over against
the isles. Them did Odysseus lead, the peer of Zeus in counsel, and
with him followed twelve ships with vermillion prow.
And of the Aitolians Thoas was captain, the son of Andraimon, even of
them that dwelt in Pleuron and Olenos and Pylene, and Chalkis on the
sea-shore and rocky Kalydon. For the sons of great-hearted Oineus were
no more, neither did he still live, and golden-haired Meleagros was
dead, to whose hands all had been committed, for him to be king of the
Aitolians. And with Thoas there followed forty black ships.
And of the Cretans Idomeneus the famous spearman was leader, even of
them that possessed Knosos and Gortys of the great walls, Lyktos and
Miletos and chalky Lykastos and Phaistos and Rhytion, stablished cities
all; and of all others that dwelt in Crete of the hundred cities. Of
these men was Idomeneus the famous spearman leader, and Meriones peer
of the man-slaying war-god. With these followed eighty black ships.
And Tlepolemmos, Herakles’ son goodly and tall, led from Rhodes nine
ships of the lordly Rhodians, that dwelt in Rhodes in threefold
ordering, in Lindos and Ialysos and chalky Kameiros. These were led of
Tlepolemos the famous spearman, that was born to great Herakles by
Astyocheia, whom he had brought away from Ephyre by the river Selleëis,
when he laid waste many cities of strong men, fosterlings of Zeus. Now
when Tlepolemos had grown to manhood within the strong palace walls,
anon he slew his own father’s dear uncle, an old man now, Likymnios of
the stock of Ares. Then with speed built he ships and gathered much
folk together, and went fleeing across the deep, because the other sons
and grandsons of great Herakles threatened him. So he came to Rhodes a
wanderer, enduring hardships, and his folk settled by kinship in three
tribes, and were loved of Zeus that is king among gods and men; and
Kronion poured upon them exceeding great wealth.
Nireus, moreover, led three trim ships from Syme, Nireus son of Aglaia
and king Charopos, Nireus the most beauteous man that came up under
Ilios of all the Danaans, after the noble son of Peleus. Howbeit he was
a weakling, and a scanty host followed him.
And of them that possessed Nisyros and Krapathos and Kasos and Kos the
city of Eurypylos, and the Kalydnian Isles, of them Pheidippos and
Antiphos were leaders, the two sons of king Thessalos son of Herakles.
With them were arrayed thirty hollow ships.
Now all moreover that dwelt in the Pelasgian Argos and inhabited Alos
and Alope and Trachis and possessed Phthia and Hellas the home of fair
women, and were called Myrmidons and Hellenes and Achaians; of all
these, even fifty ships, Achilles was captain. But these took no
thought of noisy war; for there was no man to array them in line of
battle. For fleet-footed goodly Achilles lay idle amid the ships, wroth
for the sake of a damsel, Briseis of the lovely hair, whom he had won
from Lyrnessos with much travail, what time he laid waste Lyrnessos and
the walls of Thebe, and overthrew Mynes and Epistrophos, warriors that
bare the spear, sons of king Euenos Selepos’ son. For her sake lay
Achilles sorrowing; but soon was he to arise again.
And of them that possessed Phylake and flowery Pyrasos, Demeter’s
sanctuary, and Iton mother of flocks, and Antron by the sea-shore and
Pteleos couched in grass, of all these was warlike Protesilaos leader
while yet he lived; but now ere this the black earth held him fast. His
wife with marred visage was left alone in Phylake, yea, and his bridal
chamber half builded; for a Dardanian warrior slew him as he leapt from
his ship far first of the Achaians. Yet neither were his men
leaderless, though they sorrowed for their leader; for Podarkes of the
stock of Ares marshalled them, son of Phylakos’ son Iphiklos was he,
the lord of many flocks, own brother of great-hearted Protesilaos, and
younger-born than he: but the other was alike the elder and the braver,
even Protesilaos, that mighty man of war. Yet did not the host lack at
all a leader, only they yearned for the noble dead. With him followed
forty black ships.
And of them that dwelt in Pherai by the Boibeian mere, in Boibe and
Glaphyre and stablished Iolkos, of them, even eleven ships, Admetos’
dear son was leader, Eumelos whom Alkestis, fair among women, bare to
Admetos, she that was most beauteous to look upon of the daughters of
Pelias.
And of them that dwelt in Methone and Thaumakie, and possessed Meliboia
and rugged Olizon, of these, even seven ships, was Philoktetes leader,
the cunning archer; and in each ship sailed fifty oarsmen skilled to
fight amain with the bow. But their captain lay enduring sore pain in
the isle of goodly Lemnos, where the sons of the Achaians left him sick
of a grievous wound from a deadly water-snake. There lay he pining; yet
were the Argives soon to bethink them beside their ships of king
Philoktetes. Yet neither were his men leaderless, only they sorrowed
for their leader; but Medon marshalled them, Oileus’ bastard son, whom
Rhene bare to Oileus waster of cities.
And of them that possessed Trikke and terraced Ithome and that
possessed Oichalia city of Eurytos the Oichalian, of these again
Asklepios’ two sons were leaders, the cunning leeches Podaleirios and
Machaon. And with them were arrayed thirty hollow ships.
And of them that possessed Ormenios and the fountain of Hypereia, and
possessed Asterion and the white crests of Titanos, of these was
Eurypylos leader, Euaimon’s glorious son; and with him forty black
ships followed.
And of them that possessed Argissa and dwelt in Gyrtona, Orthe and
Elone and the white city of Oloosson, of these was captain unflinching
Polypoites, son of Peirithoos that immortal Zeus begat: and Polypoites
did famed Hippodameia conceive of Peirithoos on that day when he took
vengeance of the shaggy wild folk, and thrust them forth from Pelion
and drave them to the Aithikes. And Polypoites ruled not alone, but
with him was Leonteus of the stock of Ares, son of high-hearted Koronos
Kaineus’s son. And with them forty black ships followed.
And Gouneus from Kyphos led two-and-twenty ships, and with him followed
the Enienes and unflinching Peraibians that had pitched their homes
about wintry Dodona, and dwelt on the tilth about lovely Titaresios
that poureth his fair-flowing stream into Peneios. Yet doth he not
mingle with the silver eddies of Peneios, but floweth on over him like
unto oil, seeing that he is an offspring from the water of Styx, the
dread river of the oath.
And the Magnetes were led of Prothoos son of Tenthredon, even they that
dwelt about Peneios and Pelion with trembling leafage. These did fleet
Prothoos lead, and with him forty black ships followed.
So these were the leaders of the Danaans and their captains. Now tell
me, O Muse, who among them was first and foremost, of warriors alike
and horses that followed the sons of Atreus. Of horses they of Pheres’
son were far goodliest, those that Eumelos drave, swift as birds, like
of coat, like of age, matched to the measure of a levelling line across
their backs. These were reared in Peraia by Apollo of the silver bow,
two mares carrying onward the terror of battle. But of warriors far
best was the Telamonian Aias, while the wrath of Achilles yet endured;
for he was greatest of all, he and his horses that bore him, even
Peleus’ noble son. But he lay idle among his seafaring ships, in sore
wrath against Agamemnon Atreus’ son, shepherd of the host; and his folk
along the sea-shore sported with quoits and with casting of javelins
and archery; and the horses each beside his own chariot stood idle,
champing clover and parsley of the marsh, and their lords’ chariots lay
well covered up within the huts, while the men yearned for their
warrior chief, and wandered hither and thither through the camp and
fought not.
So marched they then as though all the land were consuming with fire;
and the earth groaned beneath them as at the wrath of Zeus whose joy is
in the thunder, when he lasheth the earth about Typhoeus in the country
of the Arimoi, where men say is Typhoeus’ couch. Even so groaned the
earth aloud at their tread as they went: and with speed advanced they
across the plain.
Now fleet Iris the wind-footed went to the Trojans, a messenger from
aegis-bearing Zeus, with a grievous message. These were holding
assembly at Priam’s gate, being gathered all together both young men
and old. And fleet-footed Iris stood hard by and spake to them; and she
made her voice like to the voice of Polites son of Priam, who was the
sentinel of the Trojans and was wont to sit trusting in his fleetness
upon the barrow of Aisyetes of old, and on the top thereof wait the
sallying of the Achaians forth from their ships. Even in his likeness
did fleet-footed Iris speak to Priam: “Old man, words beyond number are
still pleasant to thee as erst in the days of peace; but war without
respite is upon us. Of a truth have I very oft ere now entered into
battles of the warriors, yet have I never seen so goodly a host and so
great; for in the very likeness of the leaves of the forest or the
sands of the sea are they marching along the plain to fight against the
city. But Hector, thee do I charge beyond all to do even as I shall
say. Seeing that the allies are very many throughout Priam’s great
city, and diverse men, being scattered abroad, have diverse tongues;
therefore let each one give the word to those whose chieftain he is,
and them let him lead forth and have the ordering of his countrymen.”
So spake she, and Hector failed not to know the voice of the goddess,
and straightway dismissed the assembly, and they rushed to arms. And
the gates were thrown open wide, and the host issued forth, footmen and
horsemen, and mighty din arose.
Now there is before the city a certain steep mound apart in the plain,
with a clear way about it on this side and on that; and men indeed call
this “Batieia,” but the immortals call it “The tomb of lithe Myrine.”
There did the Trojans and their allies divide their companies.
Amid the Trojans great Hector of the glancing helm was leader, the son
of Priam; with him the greatest hosts by far and the goodliest were
arrayed, eager warriors of the spear.
But the Dardanians were led of the princely son of Anchises, Aineias,
whom bright Aphrodite conceived to Anchises amids the spurs of Ida, a
goddess wedded to a mortal. Neither was he alone; with him were
Antenor’s two sons, Archelochos and Akamas, well skilled in all the
ways of war.
And of them that dwelt in Zeleia beneath the nethermost foot of Ida,
the men of substance that drink the dark waters of Aisepos, even the
Troes; of these Lykaon’s glorious son was leader, Pandaros, to whom
Apollo himself gave the bow.
And of them that possessed Adresteia and the land of Apaisos and
possessed Pityeia and the steep hill of Tereia, of these Adrestos was
captain, and Amphios of the linen corslet, the two sons of Merops of
Perkote, that beyond all men knew soothsaying, and would have hindered
his children marching to murderous war. But they gave him no heed, for
the fates of black death led them on.
And they that dwelt about Perkote and Praktios and possessed Sestos and
Abydos and bright Arisbe, these were led of Hyrtakos’ son Asios, a
prince of men, Asios son of Hyrtakos, whom his tall sorrel steeds
brought from Arisbe, from the river Selleëis.
And Hippothoos led the tribes of the Pelasgians that fight with spears,
them that inhabited deep-soiled Larisa. These were led of Hippothoos
and Pylaios of the stock of Ares, twain sons of Pelasgian Lethos son of
Teutamos.
And the Thracians were led of Akamas and hero Peiroos, even all they
that the strong stream of Hellespont shutteth in. And Euphemos was
captain of the Kikonian spearmen, the son of Troizenos Keos’ son,
fosterling of Zeus.
But Pyraichmes led the Paionians with curving bows, from far away in
Amydon, from the broad stream of Axios, Axios whose water is the
fairest that floweth over the face of the earth.
And Pylaimenes of rugged heart led the Paphlagonians from the land of
the Eneti, whence is the breed of wild mules. This folk were they that
possessed Kytoros and dwelt about Sesamon, and inhabited their famed
dwellings round the river Parthenios and Kromna and Aigialos and lofty
Erythini.
And the Alizones were led of Odios and Epistrophos, from far away in
Alybe, where is the birthplace of silver.
And the Mysians were led of Chromis and Ennomos the augur, yet with all
his auguries warded he not black fate from him, but was vanguished by
the hand of fleet-footed Aiakides in the river, when he made havoc of
the Trojans there and of the rest.
And Phorkys and godlike Askanios led the Phrygians from far Askania,
and these were eager to fight in the battle-throng.
And the Maionians were commanded of Mesthles and Antiphos, Talaimenes’
two sons, whose mother was the Gygaian mere. So these led the
Maionians, whose birthplace was under Tmolos.
But Nastes led the Karians, uncouth of speech, that possessed Miletos
and the mountain of Phthires, of leafage numberless, and the streams of
Maiandros and the steep crest of Mykale. These were led of Amphimachos
and Nastes: Nastes and Amphimachos the glorious children of Nomion. And
he came, forsooth, to battle with golden attire like a girl—fond man:
that held not back in any wise grievous destruction, but he was
vanguished by the hands of fleet-footed Aiakides in the river, and
wise-hearted Achilles carried away his gold.
And Sarpedon and blameless Glaukos led the Lykians from far away in
Lykia by eddying Xanthos.
BOOK III.
How Menelaos and Paris fought in single combat; and Aphrodite rescued
Paris. And how Helen and Priam beheld the Achaian host from the walls
of Troy.
Now when they were arrayed, each company with their captains, the
Trojans marched with clamour and with shouting like unto birds, even as
when there goeth up before heaven a clamour of cranes which flee from
the coming of winter and sudden rain, and fly with clamour towards the
streams of ocean, bearing slaughter and fate to the Pigmy men, and in
early morn offer cruel battle. But on the other side marched the
Achaians in silence breathing courage, eager at heart to give succour
man to man.
Even as when the south wind sheddeth mist over the crests of a
mountain, mist unwelcome to the shepherd, but to the robber better than
night, and a man can see no further than he casteth a stone; even so
thick arose the gathering dust-clouds at their tread as they went; and
with all speed they advanced across the plain.
So when they were now come nigh in onset on each other, godlike
Alexandros played champion to the Trojans, wearing upon his shoulders
panther-skin and curved bow and sword; and he brandished two
bronze-headed spears and challenged all the chieftains of the Argives
to fight him man to man in deadly combat. But when Menelaos dear to
Ares marked him coming in the forefront of the multitude with long
strides, then even as a lion is glad when he lighteth upon a great
carcase, a horned stag, or a wild goat that he hath found, being an
hungered; and so he devoureth it amain, even though the fleet hounds
and lusty youths set upon him; even thus was Menelaos glad when his
eyes beheld godlike Alexandros; for he thought to take vengeance upon
the sinner. So straightway he leapt in his armour from his chariot to
the ground.
But when godlike Alexandros marked him appear amid the champions, his
heart was smitten, and he shrank back into the host of his comrades,
avoiding death. And even as a man that hath seen a serpent in a
mountain glade starteth backward and trembling seizeth his feet beneath
him, and he retreateth back again, and paleness hath hold of his
cheeks, even so did godlike Alexandros for fear of Atreus’ son shrink
back into the throng of lordly Trojans. But Hector beheld and upbraided
him with scornful words: “Ill Paris, most fair in semblance, thou
deceiver woman-mad, would thou hadst been unborn and died unwed. Yea,
that were my desire, and it were far better than thus to be our shame
and looked at askance of all men. I ween that the flowing-haired
Achaians laugh, deeming that a prince is our champion only because a
goodly favour is his; but in his heart is there no strength nor any
courage. Art thou indeed such an one that in thy seafaring ships thou
didst sail over the deep with the company of thy trusty comrades, and
in converse with strangers didst bring back a fair woman from a far
country, one that was by marriage daughter to warriors that bear the
spear, that she might be a sore mischief to thy father and city and all
the realm, but to our foes a rejoicing, and to thyself a hanging of the
head? And canst thou not indeed abide Menelaos dear to Ares? Thou
mightest see what sort of warrior is he whose lovely wife thou hast.
Thy lyre will not avail thee nor the gifts of Aphrodite, those thy
locks and fair favour, when thou grovellest in the dust. But the
Trojans are very cowards: else ere this hadst thou donned a robe of
stone* for all the ill thou hast wrought.”
* _i.e_., been stoned by the people.
And godlike Alexandros made answer to him again: “Hector, since in
measure thou chidest me and not beyond measure—thy heart is ever keen,
even as an axe that pierceth a beam at the hand of a man that shapeth a
ship’s timber with skill, and thereby is the man’s blow strengthened;
even such is thy heart undaunted in thy breast. Cast not in my teeth
the lovely gifts of golden Aphrodite; not to be flung aside are the
gods’ glorious gifts that of their own good will they give; for by his
desire can no man win them. But now if thou wilt have me do battle and
fight, make the other Trojans sit down and all the Achaians, and set ye
me in the midst, and Menelaos dear to Ares, to fight for Helen and all
her wealth. And whichsoever shall vanquish and gain the upper hand, let
him take all the wealth aright, and the woman, and bear them home. And
let the rest pledge friendship and sure oaths; so may ye dwell in
deep-soiled Troy, and let them depart to Argos pasture-land of horses,
and Achaia home of fair women.”
So spake he, and Hector rejoiced greatly to hear his saying, and went
into the midst and restrained the battalions of the Trojans, with his
spear grasped by the middle; and they all sate them down. But the
flowing-haired Achaians kept shooting at him, aiming with arrows and
casting stones. But Agamemnon king of men cried aloud: “Refrain, ye
Argives; shoot not, ye sons of the Achaians; for Hector of the glancing
helm hath set himself to say somewhat.”
So spake he, and they refrained from battle and made silence speedily.
And Hector spake between the two hosts, “Hear of me, Trojans and
well-greaved Achaians, the saying of Alexandros, for whose sake strife
hath come about. He biddeth the other Trojans and all the Achaians to
lay down their goodly armour on the bounteous earth, and himself in the
midst and Menelaos dear to Ares to fight alone for Helen and all her
wealth. And whichsoever shall vanquish and gain the upper hand, let him
take all the wealth aright, and the woman, and bear them home; but let
all of us pledge friendship and sure oaths.”
So spake he, and they all kept silence and were still. Then in their
midst spake Menelaos of the loud war-cry: “Hearken ye now to me, too;
for into my heart most of all is grief entered; and I deem that the
parting of Argives and Trojans hath come at last; seeing ye have
endured many ills because of my quarrel and the first sin of
Alexandros. And for whichsoever of us death and fate are prepared, let
him lie dead: and be ye all parted with speed. Bring ye two lambs, one
white ram and one black ewe, for earth and sun; and let us bring one
for Zeus. And call hither great Priam, that he may pledge the oath
himself, seeing he hath sons that are overweening and faithless, lest
any by transgression do violence to the oath of Zeus; for young men’s
hearts are ever lifted up. But wheresoever an old man entereth in, he
looketh both before and after, whereby the best issue shall come for
either side.”
So spake he, and Achaians and Trojans were glad, deeming that they
should have rest from grievous war. So they refrained their chariots to
the ranks, and themselves alighted and doffed their arms. And these
they laid upon the earth each close to each, and there was but small
space between. And Hector sent two heralds to the city will all speed,
to bring the lambs, and to call Priam. And lord Agamemnon sent forth
Talthybios to go to the hollow ships, and bade him bring a ram; and he
was not disobedient to noble Agamemnon.
Now Iris went with a message to white-armed Helen in the likeness of
her husband’s sister, the spouse of Antenor’s son, even her that lord
Helikaon Antenor’s son had to wife, Laodike fairest favoured of Priam’s
daughters. And in the hall she found Helen weaving a great purple web
of double fold, and embroidering thereon many battles of horse-taming
Trojans and mail-clad Achaians, that they had endured for her sake at
the hands of Ares. So fleet-footed Iris stood by her side and said:
“Come hither, dear sister, that thou mayest see the wondrous doings of
horse-taming Trojans and mail-clad Achaians. They that erst waged
tearful war upon each other in the plain, eager for deadly battle, even
they sit now in silence, and the tall spears are planted by their
sides. But Alexandros and Menelaos dear to Ares will fight with their
tall spears for thee; and thou wilt be declared the dear wife of him
that conquereth.”
So spake the goddess, and put into her heart sweet longing for her
former husband and her city and parents.
Forthwith she veiled her face in shining linen, and hastened from her
chamber, letting fall a round tear; not unattended, for there followed
with her two handmaidens, Aithre daughter of Pittheus and ox-eyed
Klymene. Then came she straightway to the place of the Skaian gates.
And they that were with Priam and Panthoos and Thymoites and Lampos and
Klytios and Hiketaon of the stock of Ares, Oukalegon withal and
Antenor, twain sages, being elders of the people, sat at the Skaian
gates. These had now ceased from battle for old age, yet were they
right good orators, like grasshoppers that in a forest sit upon a tree
and utter their lily-like* voice; even so sat the elders of the Trojans
upon the tower. Now when they saw Helen coming to the tower they softly
spake winged words one to the other: “Small blame is it that Trojans
and well-greaved Achaians should for such a woman long time suffer
hardships; marvellously like is she to the immortal goddesses to look
upon. Yet even so, though she be so goodly, let her go upon their ships
and not stay to vex us and our children after us.”
* Supposed to mean “delicate” or “tender”.
So said they, and Priam lifted up his voice and called to Helen: “Come
hither, dear child, and sit before me, that thou mayest see thy former
husband and they kinsfolk and thy friends. I hold thee not to blame;
nay, I hold the gods to blame who brought on me the dolorous war of the
Achaians—so mayest thou now tell me who is this huge hero, this Achaian
warrior so goodly and great. Of a truth there are others even taller by
a head; yet mine eyes never behold a man so beautiful nor so royal; for
he is like unto one that is a king.”
And Helen, fair among women, spake and answered him: “Reverend art thou
to me and dread, dear father of my lord; would that sore death had been
my pleasure when I followed thy son hither, and left my home and my
kinsfolk and my daughter in her girlhood and the lovely company of mine
age-fellows. But that was not so, wherefore I pine with weeping. Now
will I tell thee that whereof thou askest me and enquirest. This is
Atreides, wide-ruling Agamemnon, one that is both a goodly king and
mighty spearman. And he was my husband’s brother to me, ah shameless
me; if ever such an one there was.”
So said she, and the old man marvelled at him, and said: “Ah, happy
Atreides, child of fortune, blest of heaven; now know I that many sons
of the Achaians are subject to thee. Erewhile fared I to Phrygia, the
land of vines, and there saw I that the men of Phrygia, they of the
nimble steeds, were very many, even the hosts of Otreus and godlike
Mygdon, that were then encamped along the banks of Sangarios. For I too
being their ally was numbered among them on the day that the Amazons
came, the peers of men. Yet were not even they so many as are the
glancing-eyed Achaians.”
And next the old man saw Odysseus, and asked: “Come now, tell me of
this man too, dear child, who is he, shorter by a head than Agamemnon
son of Atreus, but broader of shoulder and of chest to behold? His
armour lieth upon the bounteous earth, and himself like a bell-wether
rangeth the ranks of warriors. Yea, I liken him to a thick-fleeced ram
ordering a great flock of ewes.”
Then Helen sprung of Zeus made answer to him: “Now this is Laertes’
son, crafty Odysseus, that was reared in the realm of Ithaka, rugged
though it be, and skilled in all the ways of wile and cunning device.”
Then sage Antenor made answer to her: “Lady, verily the thing thou
sayest is true indeed, for erst came goodly Odysseus hither also on an
embassage for thee, in the company of Menelaos dear to Ares; and I gave
them entertainment and welcomed them in my halls, and learnt the aspect
of both and their wise devices. Now when they mingled with the Trojans
in the assembly, while all stood up Menelaos overpassed them all by the
measure of his broad shoulders; but when both sat down, Odysseus was
the more stately. And when they began to weave the web of words and
counsel in the face of all, then Menelaos harangued fluently, in few
words, but very clearly, seeing he was not long of speech, neither
random, though in years he was the younger. But whenever Odysseus full
of wiles rose up, he stood and looked down, with eyes fixed upon the
ground, and waved not his staff whether backwards or forwards, but held
it stiff, like to a man of no understanding; one would deem him to be
churlish, and naught but a fool. But when he uttered his great voice
from his chest, and words like unto the snowflakes of winter, then
could no mortal man contend with Odysseus; then marvelled we not thus
to behold Odysseus’ aspect.”
And thirdly the old man say Aias, and asked: “Who then is this other
Achaian warrior, goodly and great, preeminent among the Archives by the
measure of his head and broad shoulders?”
And long-robed Helen, fair among women, answered: “This is huge Aias,
bulwark of the Achaians. And on the other side amid the Cretans
standeth Idomeneus like a god, and about him are gathered the captains
of the Cretans. Oft did Menelaos dear to Ares entertain him in our
house whene’er he came from Crete. And now behold I all the other
glancing-eyed Achaians, whom well I could discern and tell their names;
but two captains of the host can I not see, even Kastor tamer of horses
and Polydeukes the skilful boxer, mine own brethren, whom the same
mother bare. Either they came not in the company from lovely
Lakedaimon; or they came hither indeed in their seafaring ships, but
now will not enter into the battle of the warriors, for fear of the
many scornings and revilings that are mine.”
So said she; but them the life-giving earth held fast there in
Lakedaimon, in their dear native land.
Meanwhile were the heralds bearing through the city the holy
oath-offerings, two lambs and strong-hearted wine, the fruit of the
earth, in a goat-skin bottle. And the herald Idaios bare the shining
bowl and golden cups; and came to the old man and summoned him and
said: “Rise, thou son of Laomedon. The chieftains of the horse-taming
Trojans and mail-clad Achaians call on thee to go down into the plain,
that ye may pledge a trusty oath. But Alexandros and Menelaos dear to
Ares will fight with their long spears for the lady’s sake; and let
lady and treasure go with him that shall conquer. And may we that are
left pledge friendship and trusty oaths and dwell in deep-soiled Troy,
and they shall depart to Argos pasture-land of horses and Achaia home
of fair women.”
So said he, and the old man shuddered and base his companions yoke the
horses; and they with speed obeyed. Then Priam mounted and drew back
the reins, and by his side Antenor mounted the splendid chariot. So the
two drave the fleet horses through the Skaian gates to the plain. And
when they had come even to the Trojans and Achaians, they went down
from the chariots upon the bounteous earth, and marched into the midst
of Trojans and Achaians. Then forthwith rose up Agamemnon king of men,
and up rose Odysseus the man of wiles; and the lordly heralds gathered
together the holy oath-offerings of the gods, and mingled the wine in a
bowl, and poured water over the princes’ hands. And Atreides put forth
his hand and drew his knife that hung ever beside his sword’s great
sheath, and cut the hair from off the lambs’ heads; and then the
heralds portioned it among the chief of the Trojans and Achaians. Then
in their midst Atreus’ son lifted up his hands and prayed aloud:
“Father Zeus, that rulest from Ida, most glorious, most great, and thou
Sun that seest all things and hearest all things, and ye Rivers and
thou Earth, and ye that in the underworld punish men outworn, whosoever
sweareth falsely; be ye witnesses, and watch over the faithful oath. If
Alexandros slay Menelaos, then let him have Helen to himself and all
her possessions; and we will depart on our seafaring ships. But if
golden-haired Menelaos slay Alexandros, then let the Trojans give back
Helen and all her possessions and pay the Argives the recompense that
is seemly, such as shall live among men that shall be hereafter. But if
so be that Priam and Priam’s sons will not pay the recompense unto me
when Alexandros falleth, then will I fight on thereafter for the price
of sin, and abide here till I compass the end of war.”
So said he, and cut the lambs’ throats with the pitiless knife. Them he
laid gasping upon the ground, failing of breath, for the knife had
taken their strength from them; and next they drew the wine from the
bowl into the cups, and poured it forth and prayed to the gods that
live for ever. And thus would say many an one of Achaians and Trojans:
“Zeus most glorious, most great, and all ye immortal gods, which folk
soe’er be first to sin against the oaths, may their brains be so poured
forth upon the earth even as this wine, theirs and their children’s;
and let their wives be made subject unto strangers.”
So spake they, but the son of Kronos vouchsafed not yet fulfilment. And
in their midst Priam of the seed of Dardanos uttered his saying:
“Hearken to me, Trojans and well-greaved Achaians. I verily will return
back to windy Ilios, seeing that I can in no wise bear to behold with
mine eyes my dear son fighting with Menelaos dear to Ares. But Zeus
knoweth, and all the immortal gods, for whether of the twain the doom
of death is appointed.”
So spake the godlike man, and laid the lambs in his chariot, and
entered in himself, and drew back the reins; and by his side Antenor
mounted the splendid chariot. So they departed back again to Ilios; and
Hector son of Priam and goodly Odysseus first meted out a space, and
then they took the lots, and shook them in a bronze-bound helmet, to
know whether of the twain should first cast his spear of bronze. And
the people prayed and lifted up their hands to the gods; and thus would
say many an one of Achaians and Trojans: “Father Zeus, that rulest from
Ida, most glorious, most great; whichsoe’er it be that brought this
trouble upon both peoples, vouchsafe that he may die and enter the
house of Hades; that so for us peace may be assured and trusty oaths.”
So said they; and great Hector of the glancing plume shook the helmet,
looking behind him; and quickly leapt forth the lot of Paris. Then the
people sat them down by ranks where each man’s high-stepping horses and
inwrought armour lay. And upon his shoulders goodly Alexandros donned
his beauteous armour, even he that was lord to Helen of the lovely
hair. First upon his legs set he his greaves, beautiful, fastened with
silver ankle-clasps; next upon his breast he donned the corslet of his
brother Lykaon, and fitted it upon himself. And over his shoulders cast
he his silver-studded sword of bronze, and then a shield great and
sturdy. And on his mighty head he set a wrought helmet of horse-hair
crest, whereover the plume nodded terribly, and he took him a strong
spear fitted to his grasp. And in like wise warlike Menelaos donned his
armour.
So when they had armed themselves on either side in the throng, they
strode between Trojans and Achaians, fierce of aspect, and wonder came
on them that beheld, both on the Trojans tamers of horses and on the
well-greaved Achaians. Then took they their stand near together in the
measured space, brandishing their spears in wrath each against other.
First Alexandros hurled his far shadowing spear, and smote on Atreides’
round shield; but the bronze brake not through, for its point was
turned in the stout shield. Next Menelaos son of Atreus lifted up his
hand to cast, and made prayer to father Zeus: “King Zeus, grant me
revenge on him that was first to do me wrong, even on goodly
Alexandros, and subdue thou him at my hands; so that many an one of men
that shall be hereafter may shudder to wrong his host that hath shown
him kindness.”
So said he, and poised his far-shadowing spear, and hurled, and smote
on the round shield of the son of Priam. Through the bright shield went
the ponderous spear and through the inwrought breastplate it pressed
on; and straight beside his flank the spear rent the tunic, but he
swerved and escaped black death. Then Atreides drew his silver-studded
sword, and lifted up his hand and smote the helmet-ridge; but the sword
shattered upon it into three, yea four, and fell from his hand. Thereat
Atreides looked up to the wide heaven and cried: “Father Zeus, surely
none of the gods is crueller than thou. Verily I thought to have gotten
vengeance on Alexandros for his wickedness, but now my sword breaketh
in my hand, and my spear sped from my grasp in vain, and I have not
smitten him.”
So saying, he leapt upon him and caught him by his horse-hair crest,
and swinging him round dragged him towards the well-greaved Achaians;
and he was strangled by the embroidered strap beneath his soft throat,
drawn tight below his chin to hold his helm. Now would Menelaos have
dragged him away and won glory unspeakable, but that Zeus’ daughter
Aphrodite was swift to mark, and tore asunder for him the strap of
slaughtered ox’s hide; so the helmet came away empty in his stalwart
hand. Thereat Menelaos cast it with a swing toward the well-greaved
Achaians, and his trusty comrades took it up; and himself sprang back
again eager to slay him with spear of bronze. But Aphrodite snatched up
Paris, very easily as a goddess may, and hid him in thick darkness, and
sent him down in his fragrant perfumed chamber; and herself went to
summon Helen. Her she found on the high tower, and about her the Trojan
women thronged. So with her hand she plucked her perfumed raiment and
shook it and spake to her in the likeness of an aged dame, a woolcomber
that was wont to work for her fair wool when she dwelt in Lakedaimon,
whom too she greatly loved. Even in her likeness fair Aphrodite spake:
“Come hither; Alexandros summoneth thee to go homeward. There is he in
his chamber and inlaid bed, radiant in beauty and vesture; nor wouldst
thou deem him to be come from fighting his foe, but rather to be faring
to the dance, or from the dance to be just resting and set down.”
So said she, and stirred Helen’s soul within her breast; and when now
she marked the fair neck and lovely breast and sparkling eyes of the
goddess, she marvelled straightway and spake a word and called upon her
name: “Strange queen, why art thou desirous now to beguile me? Verily
thou wilt lead me further on to some one of the people cities of
Phrygia or lovely Maionia, if there too thou hast perchance some other
darling among mortal men, because even now Menelaos hath conquered
goodly Alexandros, and will lead me, accursed me, to his home.
Therefore thou comest hither with guileful intent. Go and sit thou by
his side, and depart from the way of the gods; neither let thy feet
ever bear thee back to Olympus, but still be vexed for his sake and
guard him till he make thee his wife or perchance his slave. But
thither will I not go— that were a sinful thing—to array the bed of
him; all the women of Troy will blame me hereafter; and I have griefs
untold within my soul.”
Then in wrath bright Aphrodite spake to her: “Provoke me not, rash
woman, lest in mine anger I desert thee, and hate thee even as now I
love thee beyond measure, and lest I devise grievous enmities between
both, even betwixt Trojans and Achaians, and so thou perish in evil
wise.”
So said she, and Helen sprung of Zeus was afraid, and went wrapped in
her bright radiant vesture, silently, and the Trojan women marked her
not; and the goddess led the way.
Now when they were come to the beautiful house of Alexandros the
handmaidens turned straightway to their tasks, and the fair lady went
to the high-roofed chamber; and laughter-loving Aphrodite took for her
a chair and brought it, even she the goddess, and set it before the
face of Paris. There Helen took her seat, the child of aegis-bearing
Zeus, and with eyes turned askance spake and chode her lord: “Thou
comest back from battle; would thou hadst perished there, vanquished of
that great warrior that was my former husband. Verily it was once thy
boast that thou wast a better man than Menelaos dear to Ares, in the
might of thine arm and thy spear. But go now, challenge Menelaos, dear
to Ares to fight thee again face to face. Nay, but I, even I, bid thee
refrain, nor fight a fight with golden-haired Menelaos man to man,
neither attack him recklessly, lest perchance thou fall to his spear
anon.”
And Paris made answer to her and said: “Chide not my soul, lady, with
cruel taunts. For now indeed hath Menelaos vanquished me with Athene’s
aid, but another day may I do so unto him; for we too have gods with
us. But come now, let us have joy of love upon our couch; for never yet
hath love so enwrapped my heart—not even then when first I snatched
thee from lovely Lakedaimon and sailed with thee on my seafaring ships,
and in the isle of Kranaë had converse with thee upon thy couch in
love—as I love thee now and sweet desire taketh hold upon me.” So
saying he led the way to the couch, and the lady followed with him.
Thus laid they them upon their fretted couch; but Atreides the while
strode through the host like to a wild beast, if anywhere he might set
eyes on godlike Alexandros. But none of the Trojans or their famed
allies could discover Alexandros to Menelaos dear to Ares. Yet surely
did they in no wise hide him for kindliness, could any have seen him;
for he was hated of all even as black death. So Agamemnon king of men
spake among them there: “Hearken to me, Trojans and Dardanians and
allies. Now is victory declared for Menelaos dear to Ares; give ye back
Helen of Argos and the possessions with her, and pay ye the recompense
such as is seemly, that it may live even among men that shall be
hereafter.” So said Atreides, and all the Achaians gave assent.
BOOK IV.
How Pandaros wounded Menelaos by treachery; and Agamemnon exhorted his
chief captains to battle.
Now the gods sat by Zeus and held assembly on the golden floor, and in
the midst the lady Hebe poured them their nectar: they with golden
goblets pledged one another, and gazed upon the city of the Trojans.
Then did Kronos’ son essay to provoke Hera with vexing words, and spake
maliciously: “Twain goddesses hath Menelaos for his helpers, even Hera
of Argos and Alalkomenean Athene. Yet these sit apart and take their
pleasure in beholding; but beside that other ever standeth
laughter-loving Aphrodite and wardeth off fate from him, and now hath
she saved him as he thought to perish. But of a truth the victory is to
Menelaos dear to Ares; so let us take thought how these things shall
be; whether once more we shall arouse ill war and the dread battle-din,
or put friendship between the foes. Moreover if this were welcome to
all and well pleasing, may the city of king Priam yet be an habitation,
and Menelaos take back Helen of Argos.”
So said he, but Athene and Hera murmured thereat, who were sitting by
him and devising ills for the Trojans. Now Athene held her peace and
said not anything, for wrath at father Zeus, and fierce anger gat hold
upon her: But Hera’s breast contained not her anger, and she spake:
“Most dread son of Kronos, what word is this thou hast spoken? How hast
thou the will to make my labour void and of none effect, and the sweat
of my toil that I sweated, when my horses were wearied with my
summoning of the host, to be the plague of Priam and his sons? Do as
thou wilt; but we other gods do not all approve thee.”
Then in sore anger Zeus the cloud-gatherer spake to her: “Good lack,
how have Priam and Priam’s sons done thee such great wrong that thou
art furiously minded to sack the stablished citadel of Ilios? Perchance
wert thou to enter within the gates and long walls and devour Priam
raw, and Priam’s sons and all the Trojans, then mightest thou assuage
thine anger. Do as thou art minded, only let not this quarrel hereafter
be to me and thee a sore strife between us both. And this moreover will
I say to thee, and do thou lay it to thy heart; whene’er I too be of
eager mind to lay waste a city where is the race of men that are dear
to thee, hinder thou not my wrath, but let me be, even as I yield to
thee of free will, yet with soul unwilling. For of all cities beneath
sun and starry heaven that are the dwelling of mortal men, holy Ilios
was most honoured of my heart, and Priam and the folk of Priam of the
good ashen spear. For never did mine altar lack the seemly feast, even
drink-offering and burnt-offering, the worship that is our due.”
Then Helen the ox-eyed queen made answer to him: “Of a surety three
cities are there that be dearest far to me, Argos and Sparta and
wide-wayed Mykene; these lay thou waste whene’er they are found hateful
to thy heart; not for them will I stand forth, nor do I grudge thee
them. For even if I be jealous and would forbid thee to overthrow them,
yet will my jealousy not avail, seeing that thou art stronger far than
I. Still must my labour too not be made of none effect; for I also am a
god, and my lineage is even as thine, and Kronos the crooked counsellor
begat me to the place of honour in double wise, by birthright, and
because I am named thy spouse, and thou art king among all the
immortals. Let us indeed yield each to other herein, I to thee and thou
to me, and the rest of the immortal gods will follow with us; and do
thou with speed charge Athene to betake her to the fierce battle din of
Trojans and Achaians, and to essay that the Trojans may first take upon
them to do violence to the Achaians in their triumph, despite the
oaths.”
So said she, and the father of men and gods disregarded not; forthwith
he spake to Athene winged words: “Betake thee with all speed to the
host, to the midst of Trojans and Achaians, and essay that the Trojans
may first take upon them to do violence to the Achaians in their
triumph, despite the oaths.”
So spake he, and roused Athene that already was set thereon; and from
Olympus’ heights she darted down. Even as the son of Kronos the crooked
counsellor sendeth a star, a portent for mariners or a wide host of
men, bright shining, and therefrom are scattered sparks in multitude;
even in such guise sped Pallas Athene to earth, and leapt into their
midst; and astonishment came on them that beheld, on horse-taming
Trojans and well-greaved Achaians. And thus would many an one say,
looking at his neighbor: “Of a surety either shall sore war and the
fierce battle din return again; or else Zeus doth stablish peace
between the foes, even he that is men’s dispenser of battle.”
Thus would many an one of Achaians and Trojans say. Then the goddess
entered the throng of Trojans in the likeness of a man, even Antenor’s
son Laodokos, a stalwart warrior, and sought for godlike Pandaros, if
haply she might find him. Lykaon’s son found she, the noble and
stalwart, standing, and about him the stalwart ranks of the
shield-bearing host that followed him from the streams of Aisepos. So
she came near and spake winged words: “Wilt thou now hearken to me,
thou wise son of Lykaon? Then wouldst thou take heart to shoot a swift
arrow at Menelaos, and wouldst win favour and glory before all the
Trojans, and before king Alexandros most of all. Surely from him first
of any wouldst thou receive glorious gifts, if perchance he see
Menelaos, Atreus’ warrior son, vanquished by thy dart and brought to
the grievous pyre. Go to now, shoot at glorious Menelaos, and vow to
Apollo, the son of light,* the lord of archery, to sacrifice a goodly
hecatomb of firstling lambs when thou art returned to thy home, in the
city of holy Zeleia.”
* Or, perhaps, “the Wolf-born.”
So spake Athene, and persuaded his fool’s heart. Forthwith he
unsheathed his polished bow of horn of a wild ibex that he himself had
erst smitten beneath the breast as it came forth from a rock, the while
he awaited in a lurking-place; and had pierced it in the chest, so that
it fell backward on the rock. Now from its head sprang there horns of
sixteen palms; these the artificer, even the worker in horn, joined
cunningly together, and polished them all well and set the top of gold
thereon. So he laid it down when he had well strung it, by resting it
upon the ground; and his staunch comrades held their shields before
him, lest the warrior sons of the Achaians should first set on them,
ere Menelaos, Atreus’ warrior son, were smitten. Then opened he the lid
of his quiver and took forth a feathered arrow, never yet shot, a
source of grievous pangs; and anon he laid the bitter dart upon the
string and vowed to Apollo, the son of light, the lord of archery, to
sacrifice a goodly hecatomb of firstling lambs when he should have
returned to his home in the city of holy Zeleia. Then he took the notch
and string of oxes’ sinew together, and drew, bringing to his breast
the string, and to the bow the iron head. So when he had now bent the
great bow into a round, the horn twanged, and the string sang aloud,
and the keen arrow leapt eager to wing his way amid the throng.
But the blessed gods immortal forgat not thee, Menelaos; and before all
the daughter of Zeus, the driver of the spoil, who stood before thee
and warded off the piercing dart. She turned it just aside from the
flesh, even as a mother driveth a fly from her child that lieth in
sweet slumber; and with her own hand guided it where the golden buckles
of the belt were clasped and the doubled breastplate met them. So the
bitter arrow lighted upon the firm belt; through the inwrought belt it
sped and through the curiously wrought breastplate it pressed on and
through the taslet* he wore to shield his flesh, a barrier against
darts; and this best shielded him, yet it passed on even through this.
Then did the arrow graze the warrior’s outermost flesh, and forthwith
the dusky blood flowed from the wound.
* An apron or belt set with metal, worn below the corslet.
As when some woman of Maionia or Karia staineth ivory with purple, to
make a cheek-piece for horses, and it is laid up in the treasure
chamber, and many a horseman prayeth for it to wear; but it is laid up
to be a king’s boast, alike an adornment for his horse and a glory for
his charioteer; even in such wise, Menelaos, were thy shapely thighs
stained with blood and thy legs and thy fair ankles beneath.
Thereat shuddered Agamemnon king of men when he saw the black blood
flowing from the wound. And Menelaos dear to Ares likewise shuddered;
but when he saw how thread* and barbs were without, his spirit was
gathered in his breast again. Then lord Agamemnon moaned deep, and
spake among them, holding Menelaos by the hand; and his comrades made
moan the while: “Dear brother, to thy death, meseemeth, pledged I these
oaths, setting thee forth to fight the Trojans alone before the face of
the Achaians; seeing that the Trojans have so smitten thee, and trodden
under foot the trusty oaths. Yet in no wise is an oath of none effect,
and the blood of lambs and pure drink-offerings and the right hands of
fellowship wherein we trusted. For even if the Olympian bring not about
the fulfilment forthwith, yet doth he fulfil at last, and men make dear
amends, even with their own heads and their wives and little ones. Yea
of a surety I know this in heart and soul; the day shall come for holy
Ilios to be laid low, and Priam and the folk of Priam of the good ashen
spear; and Zeus the son of Kronos enthroned on high, that dwelleth in
the heaven, himself shall brandish over them all his lowring aegis, in
indignation at this deceit. Then shall all this not be void; yet shall
I have sore sorrow for thee, Menelaos, if thou die and fulfil the lot
of life. Yea in utter shame should I return to thirsty Argos, seeing
that the Achaians will forthwith bethink them of their native land, and
so should we leave to Priam and the Trojans their boast, even Helen of
Argos. And the earth shall rot thy bones as thou liest in Troy with thy
task unfinished: and thus shall many an overweening Trojan say as he
leapeth upon the tomb of glorious Menelaos: ‘Would to God Agamemnon
might so fulfil his wrath in every matter, even as now he led hither
the host of the Achaians for naught, and hath gone home again to his
dear native land with empty ships, and hath left noble Menelaos
behind.’ Thus shall men say hereafter: in that day let the wide earth
gape for me.”
* By which the iron head was attached to the shaft.
But golden-haired Menelaos encouraged him and said: “Be of good
courage, neither dismay at all the host of the Achaians. The keen dart
lighted not upon a deadly spot; my glistening belt in front stayed it,
and the kirtle of mail beneath, and the taslet that the coppersmiths
fashioned.”
Then lord Agamemnon answered him and said: “Would it may be so, dear
Menelaos. But the leech shall feel the wound, and lay thereon drugs
that shall assuage thy dire pangs.”
So saying he spake to godlike Talthybios, his herald: “Talthybios, with
all speed call Machaon hither, the hero son of Asklepios the noble
leech, to see Menelaos, Atreus’ warrior son, whom one well skilled in
archery, some Trojan or Lykian, hath wounded with a bow-shot, to his
glory and our grief.”
So said he, and the herald heard him and disregarded not, and went his
way through the host of mail-clad Achaians to spy out the hero Machaon.
Him he found standing, and about him the stalwart ranks of the
shield-bearing host that followed him from Trike, pasture land of
horses. So he came near and spake his winged words: “Arise, thou son of
Asklepios. Lord Agamemnon calleth thee to see Menelaos, captain of the
Achaians, whom one well skilled in archery, some Trojan or Lykian, hath
wounded with a bow-shot, to his glory and our grief.”
So saying he aroused his spirit in his breast, and they went their way
amid the throng, through the wide host of the Achaians. And when they
were now come where was golden-haired Menelaos wounded, and all as many
as were chieftains gathered around him in a circle, the godlike hero
came and stood in their midst, and anon drew forth the arrow from the
clasped belt; and as it was drawn forth the keen barbs were broken
backwards. Then he loosed the glistering belt and kirtle of mail
beneath and taslet that the coppersmiths fashioned; and when he saw the
wound where the bitter arrow had lighted, he sucked out the blood and
cunningly spread thereon soothing drugs, such as Cheiron of his good
will had imparted to his sire.
While these were tending Menelaos of the loud war-cry, the ranks of
shield-bearing Trojans came on; so the Achaians donned their arms
again, and bethought them of the fray. Now wouldest thou not see noble
Agamemnon slumbering, nor cowering, nor unready to fight, but very
eager for glorious battle. He left his horses and his chariot adorned
with bronze; and his squire, even Eurymedon son of Ptolemaios
Peiraieus’ son, kept apart the snorting steeds; and he straitly charged
him to have them at hand whenever weariness should come upon his limbs
with marshalling so many; and thus on foot ranged he through the ranks
of warriors. And whomsoever of all the fleet-horsed Danaans he found
eager, he stood by them and by his words encouraged them: “Ye Argives,
relax not in any wise your impetuous valour; for father Zeus will be no
helper of liars, but as these were first to transgress against the
oaths, so shall their own tender flesh be eaten of the vultures, and we
shall bear away their dear wives and little children in our ships, when
once we take the stronghold.”
But whomsoever he found shrinking from hateful battle, these he chode
sore with angry words: “Ye Argives, warriors of the bow, ye men of
dishonour, have ye no shame? Why stand ye thus dazed like fawns that
are weary with running over the long plain and so stand still, and no
valour is found in their hearts at all? Even thus stand ye dazed, and
fight not. Is it that ye wait for the Trojans to come near where your
good ships’ sterns are drawn up on the shore of the grey sea, to see if
Kronion will stretch his arm over you indeed?”
So masterfully ranged he through the ranks of warriors. Then came he to
the Cretans as he went through the throng of warriors; and these were
taking arms around wise Idomeneus; Idomeneus amid the foremost, valiant
as a wild boar, and Meriones the while was hastening his hindermost
battalions. Then Agamemnon king of men rejoiced to see them, and anon
spake to Idomeneus with kindly words: “Idomeneus, more than all the
fleet-horsed Danaans do I honour thee, whether in war or in task of
other sort or in the feast, when the chieftains of the Argives mingle
in the bowl the gleaming wine of the counsellor. For even though all
the other flowing-haired Achaians drink one allotted portion, yet thy
cup standeth ever full even as mine, to drink as oft as they soul
biddeth thee. Now arouse thee to war like such an one as thou avowest
thyself to be of old.”
And Idomeneus the captain of the Cretans made answer to him: “Atreides,
of very truth will I be to thee a trusty comrade even as at the first I
promised and gave my pledge; but do thou urge on all the flowing-haired
Achaians, that we may fight will all speed, seeing the Trojans have
disannulled the oaths. But for all that death and sorrow hereafter
shall be their lot, because they were the first to transgress against
the oaths.”
So said he, and Agamemnon passed on glad at heart. Then came he to the
Aiantes as he went through the throng of warriors; and these twain were
arming, and a cloud of footmen followed with them. Even as when a
goatherd from a place of outlook seeth a cloud coming across the deep
before the blast of the west wind; and to him being afar it seemeth
ever blacker, even as pitch, as it goeth along the deep, and bringeth a
great whirlwind, and he shuddereth to see it and driveth his flock
beneath a cave; even in such wise moved the serried battalions of young
men, the fosterlings of Zeus, by the side of the Aiantes into furious
war, battalions dark of line, bristling with shields and spears. And
lord Agamemnon rejoiced to see them and spake to them winged words, and
said: “Aiantes, leaders of the mail-clad Argives, to you twain, seeing
it is not seemly to urge you, give I no charge; for of your own selves
ye do indeed bid your folk to fight amain. Ah, father Zeus and Athene
and Apollo, would that all had like spirit in their breasts; then would
king Priam’s city soon bow captive and wasted beneath our hands.”
So saying he left them there, and went to others. Then found he Nestor,
the clear-voiced orator of the Pylians, arraying his comrades, and
urging them to fight, around great Pelagon and Alastor and Chromios and
lord Haimon and Bias shepherd of the host. And first he arrayed the
horsemen with horses and chariots, and behind them the footmen many and
brave, to be a bulwark of battle; but the cowards he drave into the
midst, that every man, even though he would not, yet of necessity must
fight. First he laid charge upon the horsemen; these he bade hold in
their horses nor be entangled in the throng. “Neither let any man,
trusting in his horsemanship and manhood, be eager to fight the Trojans
alone before the rest, nor yet let him draw back, for so will ye be
enfeebled. But whomsoever a warrior from the place of his own car can
come at a chariot of the foe, let him thrust forth with his spear; even
so is the far better way. Thus moreover did men of old time lay low
cities and walls, because they had this mind and spirit in their
breasts.”
So did the old man charge them, being well skilled of yore in battles.
And lord Agamemnon rejoiced to see hem, and spake to him winged words,
and said: “Old man, would to god that, even as thy spirit is in thine
own breast, thy limbs might obey and thy strength be unabated. But the
common lot of age is heavy upon thee; would that it had come upon some
other man, and thou wert amid the young.”
Then knightly Nestor of Gerenia answered him: “Atreides, I verily, even
I too, would wish to be as on the day when I slew noble Ereuthalion.
But the gods in no wise grant men all things at once. As I was then a
youth, so doth old age now beset me. Yet even so will I abide among the
horsemen and urge them by counsel and words; for that is the right of
elders. But the young men shall wield the spear, they that are more
youthful than I and have confidence in their strength.”
So spake he, and Atreides passed on glad at heart. He found Menestheus
the charioteer, the son of Peteos, standing still, and round him were
the Athenians, masters of the battle-cry. And hard by stood crafty
Odysseus, and round about him the ranks of Kephallenians, no feeble
folk, stood still; for their host had not yet heard the battle-cry,
seeing the battalions of horse-taming Trojans and Achaians had but just
bestirred them to move; so these stood still tarrying till some other
column of the Achaians should advance to set upon the Trojans and begin
the battle. But when Agamemnon king of men saw it, he upbraided them,
and spake to them winged words, saying: “O son of king Peteos
fosterling of Zeus, and thou skilled in evil wiles, thou cunning of
mind, why stand ye shrinking apart, and tarry for others? You beseemeth
it to stand in your place amid the foremost and to front the fiery
battle; for ye are the first to hear my bidding to the feast, as oft as
we Achaians prepare a feast for the counsellors. Then are ye glad to
eat roast meat and drink your cups of honey-sweet wine as long as ye
will. But now would ye gladly behold it, yea, if ten columns of
Achaians in front of you were fighting with the pitiless sword.”
But Odysseus of many counsels looked fiercely at him and said:
“Atreides, what word is this that hath escaped the barrier of thy lips?
How sayest thou that we are slack in battle? When once our* Achaians
launch furious war on the Trojans, tamers of horses, then shalt thou,
if thou wilt, and if thou hast any care therefor, behold Telemachos’
dear father mingling with the champions of the Trojans, the tamers of
horses. But that thou sayest is empty as air.”
* Or, “that we are slack in battle, when once we Achaians,” putting the
note of interrogation after “tamers of horses.”
Then lord Agamemnon spake to him smiling, seeing how he was wroth, and
took back his saying: “Heaven-sprung son of Laertes, Odysseus full of
devices, neither do I chide thee beyond measure nor urge thee; for I
know that thy heart within thy breast is kindly disposed; for thy
thoughts are as my thoughts. Go to, we will make amends hereafter, if
any ill word hath been spoken now; may the gods bring it all to none
effect.”
So saying he left them there and went on to others. The son of Tydeus
found he, high-hearted Diomedes, standing still with horses and chariot
well compact; and by him stood Sthenelos son of Kapaneus. Him lord
Agamemnon saw and upbraided, and spake to him winged words, and said:
“Ah me, thou son of wise Tydeus tamer of horses, why shrinkest thou,
why gazest thou at the highways of the battle? Not thus was Tydeus wont
to shrink, but rather to fight his enemies far in front of his dear
comrades, as they say that beheld him at the task; for never did I meet
him nor behold him, but men say that he was preeminent amid all. Of a
truth he came to Mykene, not in enmity, but as a guest with godlike
Polyneikes, to raise him an army for the war that they were levying
against the holy walls of Thebes; and they besought earnestly that
valiant allies might be given them, and our folk were fain to grant
them and made assent to their entreaty, only Zeus showed omens of ill
and turned their minds. So when these were departed and were come on
their way, and had attained to Asopos deep in rushes, that maketh his
bed in grass, there did the Achaians appoint Tydeus to be their
ambassador. So he went and found the multitude of the sons of Kadmos
feasting in the palace of mighty Eteokles. Yet was knightly Tydeus,
even though a stranger, not afraid, being alone amid the multitude of
the Kadmeians, but challenged them all to feats of strength, and in
every one vanquished he them easily; so present a helper was Athene
unto him. But the Kadmeians, the urgers of horses, were wroth, and as
he fared back again they brought and set a strong ambush, even fifty
young men, whose leaders were twain, Maion son of Haimon, like to the
immortals, and Autophonos’ son Polyphontes staunch in battle. Still
even on the Tydeus brought shameful death; he slew them all, save one
that he sent home alone; Maion to wit he sent away in obedience to the
omens of heaven. Such was Tydeus of Aitolia; but he begat a son that in
battle is worse than he; only in harangue is he the better.”
So said he, and stalwart Diomedes made no answer, but had respect to
the chiding of the king revered. But the son of glorious Kapaneus
answered him: “Atreides, utter not falsehood, seeing thou knowest how
to speak truly. We avow ourselves to be better men by far than our
fathers were: we did take the seat of Thebes the seven gated, though we
led a scantier host against a stronger wall, because we followed the
omens of the gods and the salvation of Zeus; but they perished by their
own iniquities. Do not thou therefore in any wise have our fathers in
like honour with us.”
But stalwart Diomedes looked sternly at him, and said: “Brother, sit
silent and obey my saying. I grudge not that Agamemnon shepherd of the
host should urge on the well-greaved Achaians to fight; for him the
glory will attend if the Achaians lay the Trojans low and take holy
Ilios; and his will be the great sorrow if the Achaians be laid low. Go
to now, let us too bethink us of impetuous valour.”
He spake and leapt in his armour from the chariot to earth, and
terribly rang the bronze upon the chieftain’s breast as he moved;
thereat might fear have come even upon one stout-hearted.
As when on the echoing beach the sea-wave lifteth up itself in close
array before the driving of the west wind; out on the deep doth it
first raise its head, and then breaketh upon the land and belloweth
aloud and goeth with arching crest about the promontories, and speweth
the foaming brine afar; even so in close array moved the battalions of
the Danaans without pause to battle. Each captain gave his men the
word, and the rest went silently; thou wouldest not deem that all the
great host following them had any voice within their breasts; in
silence feared they their captains. On every man glittered the
inwrought armour wherewith they went clad. But for the Trojans, like
sheep beyond number that stand in the courtyard of a man of great
substance, to be milked of their white milk, and bleat without ceasing
to hear their lambs’ cry, even so arose the clamour of the Trojans
through the wide host. For they had not all like speech nor one
language, but their tongues were mingled, and they were brought from
many lands. These were urged on of Ares, and those of bright-eyed
Athene, and Terror and Rout, and Strife whose fury wearieth not, sister
and friend of murderous Ares; her crest is but lowly at the first, but
afterward she holdeth up her head in heaven and her feet walk upon the
earth. She now cast common discord in their midst, as she fared through
the throng and made the lamentation of men to wax.
Now when they were met together and come unto one spot, then clashed
they targe and spear and fury of bronze-clad warrior; the bossed
shields pressed each on each and mighty din arose. Then were heard the
voice of groaning and the voice of triumph together of the slayers and
the slain, and the earth streamed with blood. As when two winter
torrents flow down the mountains to a watersmeet and join their furious
flood within the deep ravine from their great springs, and the shepherd
heareth the roaring far off among the hills: even so from the joining
of battle came there forth shouting and travail. Antilochos first slew
a Trojan warrior in full array, valiant amid the champions, Echepolos
son of Thalysios; him was he first to smite upon the ridge of his
crested helmet, and he drave the spear into his brow and the point of
bronze passed within the bone; darkness clouded his eyes, and he
crashed like a tower amid the press of fight. As he fell lord Elephenor
caught him by the foot, Chalkodon’s son, captain of the great-hearted
Abantes, and dragged him from beneath the darts, eager with all speed
to despoil him of his armour. Yet but for a little endured his essay;
great-hearted Agenor saw him haling away the corpse, and where his side
was left uncovered of his buckler as he bowed him down, there smote he
him with bronze-tipped spear-shaft and unstrung his limbs. So his life
departed from him, and over his corpse the task of Trojans and Achaians
grew hot; like wolves leapt they one at another, and man lashed at man.
Next Telamonian Aias smote Anthemion’s son, the lusty stripling
Simoeisios, whose erst his mother bare beside the banks of Simoeis on
the way down from Ida whither she had followed with her parents to see
their flocks. Therefore they called him Simoeisios, but he repaid not
his dear parents the recompense of his nurture; scanty was his span of
life by reason of the spear of great-hearted Aias that laid him low.
For as he went he first was smitten on his right breast beside the pap;
straight through his shoulder passed the spear of bronze, and he fell
to the ground in the dust like a poplar-tree, that hath grown up smooth
in the lowland of a great marsh, and its branches grow upon the top
thereof; this hath a wainwright felled with gleaming steel, to bend him
a felloe for a goodly chariot, and so it lies drying by a river’s
banks. In such a fashion did heaven-sprung Aias slay Simoeisios son of
Anthemion; then at him Antiphos of the glancing corslet, Priam’s son,
made a cast with his keen javelin across the throng. Him he missed, but
smote Odysseus’ valiant comrade Leukos in the groin as he drew the
corpse his way, so that he fell upon it and the body dropped from his
hands. Then Odysseus was very wroth at heart for the slaying of him,
and strode through the forefront of the battle harnessed in flashing
bronze, and went and stood hard by and glanced around him, and cast his
bright javelin; and the Trojans shrank before the casting of the hero.
He sped not the dart in vain, but smote Demokoon, Priam’s bastard son
that had come to him from tending his fleet mares in Abydos. Him
Odysseus, being wroth for his comrade’s sake, smote with his javelin on
one temple; and through both temples passed the point of bronze, and
darkness clouded his eyes, and he fell with a crash and his armour
clanged upon him. Then the forefighters and glorious Hector yielded,
and the Argives shouted aloud, and drew the bodies unto them, and
pressed yet further onward. But Apollo looked down from Pergamos, and
had indignation, and with a shout called to the Trojans: “Arise, ye
Trojans, tamers of horses; yield not to the Argives in fight; not of
stone nor iron is their flesh, that it should resist the piercing
bronze when they are smitten. Moreover Achilles, son of Thetis of the
fair tresses, fighteth not, but amid the ships broodeth on his bitter
anger.”
So spake the dread god from the city; and the Achaians likewise were
urged on of Zeus’ daughter the Triton-born, most glorious, as she
passed through the throng wheresoever she beheld them slackening.
Next was Diores son of Amrynkeus caught in the snare of fate; for he
was smitten by a jagged stone on the right leg hard by the ankle, and
the caster thereof was captain of the men of Thrace, Peiroös son of
Imbrasos that had come from Ainos. The pitiless stone crushed utterly
the two sinews and the bones; back fell he in the dust, and stretched
out both his hands to his dear comrades, gasping out his soul. Then he
that smote him, even Peiroos, sprang at him and pierced him with a
spear beside the navel; so all his bowels gushed forth upon the ground,
and darkness clouded his eyes. But even as Peiroos departed from him
Thoas of Aitolia smote with a spear his chest above the pap, and the
point fixed in his lung. Then Thoas came close, and plucked out from
his breast the ponderous spear, and drew his sharp sword, wherewith he
smote his belly in the midst, and took his life. Yet he stripped not
off his armour; for his comrades, the men of Thrace that wear the
top-knot, stood around, their long spears in their hands, and albeit he
was great and valiant and proud they drave him off from them and he
gave ground reeling. So were the two captains stretched in the dust
side by side, he of the Thracians and he of the mail-clad Epeians; and
around them were many others likewise slain.
Now would none any more enter in and make light of the battle, could it
be that a man yet unwounded by dart or thrust of keen bronze might roam
in the midst, being led of Pallas Athene by the hand, and by her
guarded from the flying shafts. For many Trojans that day and many
Achaians were laid side by side upon their faces in the dust.
BOOK V.
How Diomedes by his great valour made havoc of the Trojans, and wounded
even Aphrodite and Ares by the help of Athene.
But now to Tydeus’ son Diomedes Pallas Athene gave might and courage,
for him to be pre-eminent amid all the Argives and win glorious renown.
She kindled flame unwearied from his helmet and shield, like to the
star of summer that above all others glittereth bright after he hath
bathed in the ocean stream. In such wise kindled she flame from his
head and shoulders and sent him into the midst, where men thronged the
thickest.
Now there was amid the Trojans one Dares, rich and noble, priest of
Hephaistos; and he had two sons, Phegeus and Idaios, well skilled in
all the art of battle. These separated themselves and assailed him face
to face, they setting on him from their car and he on foot upon the
ground. And when they were now come near in onset on each other, first
Phegeus hurled his far-shadowing spear; and over Tydeides’ left
shoulder the spear point passed, and smote not his body. Then next
Tydeides made a spear-cast, and the javelin sped not from his hand in
vain, but smote his breast between the nipples, and thrust him from the
chariot. So Idaios sprang away, leaving his beautiful car, and dared
not to bestride his slain brother; else had neither he himself escaped
black fate: but Hephaistos guarded him and saved him in a veil of
darkness, that he might not have his aged priest all broken with
sorrow. And the son of great-hearted Tydeus drave away the horses and
gave them to his men to take to the hollow ships. But when the
great-hearted Trojans beheld the sons of Dares, how one was fled, and
one was slain beside his chariot, the spirit of all was stirred. But
bright-eyed Athene took impetuous Ares by the hand and spake to him and
said: “Ares, Ares, blood-stained bane of mortals, thou stormer of
walls, can we not now leave the Trojans and Achaians to fight, on
whichsoever it be that father Zeus bestoweth glory? But let us twain
give place, and escape the wrath of Zeus.”
So saying she led impetuous Ares from the battle. Then she made him sit
down beside loud Skamandros, and the Danaans pushed the Trojans back.
Each one of the captains slew his man; first Agamemnon king of men
thrust from his chariot the lord of the Halizonians, great Odios; for
as he first turned to flight Agamemnon thrust his dart into his back
between his shoulders, and drave it through his breast. And he fell
with a crash, and his armour clanged upon him.
And Idomeneus slew Phaistos son of Boros the Maionian, that came from
deep-soiled Tarne. Him in the act to mount upon his car spear-famed
Idomeneus pierced with his long dart through his right shoulder; and he
fell from the car and hateful darkness gat hold of him.
Him then Idomeneus’ squires despoiled; and Skamandrios, son of
Strophios, cunning in the chase, fell to the keen-pointed spear of
Menelaos son of Atreus; even he the mighty hunter, whom Artemis herself
had taught to shoot all manner of wild things that the mountain forest
breedeth. But now did Archer Artemis avail him naught nor all his
marksmanship wherein of old time he excelled; but spear-famed Menelaos
son of Atreus smote him with his dart as he fled before him, in his
back [between his shoulders, and pierced through his breast]. So he
fell prone and his armour clanged upon him.
And Meriones slew Phereklos, son of Tekton Harmon’s son, whose hands
were cunning to make all manner of curious work; for Pallas Athene
loved him more than all men. He likewise built Alexandros the trim
ships, source of ills, that were made the bane of all the Trojans and
of himself, because he knew not the oracles of heaven. Him Meriones
pursued, and overtaking him smote him in the right buttock, and right
through passed the point straight to the bladder beneath the bone; and
he fell to his knees with a cry, and death overshadowed him.
Then Meges slew Pedaios Antenor’s son, that was a bastard; yet goodly
Theano nurtured him carefully like to her own children, to do her
husband pleasure. To him Phyleus’ spear-famed son came near, and with
keen dart smote him upon the sinew of the head; and right through amid
the teeth the point of bronze cleft the tongue’s root. So he fell in
the dust, and bit the cold bronze with his teeth.
And by Eurypylos, Euaimon’s son, noble Hypsenor son of high-hearted
Dolopion that was appointed Skamandros’ priest and like to a god was
held in honour of the folk—by Eurypylos Euaimon’s glorious son, he as
he fled before him was pursued and smitten on the shoulder with a
sword-thrust, and his heavy arm was shorn away. All bleeding the arm
fell upon the earth; and over his eyes came gloomy death and forceful
fate.
So laboured these in the violent mellay; but of Tydeides man could not
tell with whom he were joined, whether he consorted with Trojans or
with Achaians. For he stormed across the plain like a winter torrent at
the full, that in swift course scattereth the causeys; neither can the
long lines of* causeys hold it in, nor the fences of fruitful orchards
stay its sudden coming when the rain of heaven driveth it; and so
before it perish in multitudes the fair works of the sons of men. Thus
before Tydeides the serried battalions of the Trojans were overthrown,
and they abode him not for all they were so many.
* Reading ἐερμέναι, with Aristarchos.
But when Lykaon’s glorious son marked him storming across the plain,
overthrowing battalions before him, anon he bent his crooked bow
against Tydeides, and smote him as he sped onwards, hitting hard by his
right shoulder the plate of his corslet; the bitter arrow flew through
and held straight upon its way, and the corslet was dabbled with blood.
Over him then loudly shouted Lykaon’s glorious son: “Bestir you,
great-hearted Trojans, urgers of horses; the best man of the Achaians
is wounded, and I deem that he shall not for long endure the violent
dart, if verily the king, the son of Zeus,* sped me on my way from
Lykia.”
* Apollo
So spake he boasting; yet was the other not vanquished of the swift
dart, only he gave place and stood before his horses and his chariot
and spake to Sthenelos son of Kapaneus: “Haste thee, dear son of
Kapaneus; descend from thy chariot, to draw me from my shoulder the
bitter arrow.”
So said he, and Sthenelos leapt from his chariot to earth and stood
beside him and drew the swift shaft right through, out of his shoulder;
and the blood darted up through the pliant tunic. Then Diomedes of the
loud war-cry prayed thereat: “Hear me, daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus,
unwearied maiden! If ever in kindly mood thou stoodest by my father in
the heat of battle, even so now be thou likewise kind to me, Athene.
Grant me to slay this man, and bring within my spear-cast him that took
advantage to shoot me, and boasteth over me, deeming that not for long
shall I see the bright light of the sun.”
So spake he in prayer, and Pallas Athene heard him, and made his limbs
nimble, his feet and his hands withal, and came near and spake winged
words: “Be of good courage now, Diomedes, to fight the Trojans; for in
thy breast I have set thy father’s courage undaunted, even as it was in
knightly Tydeus, wielder of the buckler. Moreover I have taken from
thine eyes the mist that erst was on them, that thou mayest well
discern both god and man. Therefore if any god come hither to make
trial of thee, fight not thou face to face with any of the immortal
gods; save only if Aphrodite daughter of Zeus enter into the battle,
her smite thou with the keen bronze.”
So saying bright-eyed Athene went her way and Tydeides returned and
entered the forefront of the battle; even though erst his soul was
eager to do battle with the Trojans, yet now did threefold courage come
upon him, as upon a lion whom some shepherd in the field guarding his
fleecy sheep hath wounded, being sprung into the fold, yet hath not
vanquished him; he hath roused his might, and then cannot beat him
back, but lurketh amid the steading, and his forsaken flock is
affrighted; so the sheep are cast in heaps, one upon the other, and the
lion in his fury leapeth out of the high fold; even so in fury mingled
mighty Diomedes with the Trojans.
There slew he Astynoos and Hypeiron shepherd of the host; the one he
pierced above the nipple with his bronze-shod dart, the other with his
great sword upon the collar-bone beside the shoulder he smote, and
severed the shoulder from neck and back. Them left he there, and
pursued after Abas and Polyidos, sons of old Eurydamas dreamer of
dreams; yet discerned he no dreams for them when they went,* but
stalwart Diomedes despoiled them. Then went he after Xanthos and Thoon,
sons of Phainops, striplings both; but their father was outworn of
grievous age, and begat no other son for his possessions after him.
Then Diomedes slew them and bereft the twain of their dear life, and
for their father left only lamentation and sore distress, seeing he
welcomed them not alive returned from battle; and kinsmen divided his
substance.
* Or, “yet came they not home for him to discern dreams for them.”
Then caught he two sons of Priam of the seed of Dardanos, riding in one
chariot, Echemmon and Chromios. As a lion leapeth among the kine and
breaketh the neck of cow or heifer grazing in a woodland pasture, so
Tydeus’ son thrust in ill wise from their chariot both of them
unwilling, and thereafter despoiled them of their arms; and the horses
gave he to his comrades to drive them to the ships.
Him Aineias beheld making havoc of the ranks of warriors, and went his
way along the battle and amid the hurtling of spears, seeking godlike
Pandaros, if haply he might find him. Lykaon’s son he found, the noble
and stalwart, and stood before his face, and spake a word unto him.
“Pandaros, where now are thy bow and thy winged arrows, and the fame
wherein no man of this land rivalleth thee, nor any in Lykia boasteth
to be thy better? Go to now, lift thy hands in prayer to Zeus and shoot
thy dart at this fellow, whoe’er he be that lordeth it here and hath
already wrought the Trojans much mischief, seeing he hath unstrung the
knees of many a brave man; if indeed it be not some god wroth with the
Trojans, in anger by reason of sacrifices; the wrath of god is a sore
thing to fall on men.”*
* Or, “and the wrath of gods be heavy upon us.”
And Lykaon’s glorious son made answer to him: “Aineias, counsellor of
the mail-clad Trojans, in everything liken I him to the wise son of
Tydeus; I discern him by his shield and crested helmet, and by the
aspect of his horses; yet know I not surely if it be not a god. But if
it be the man I deem, even the wise son of Tydeus, then not without
help of a god is he thus furious, but some immortal standeth beside him
with a cloud wrapped about his shoulders and turned aside from him my
swift dart even as it lighted. For already have I shot my dart at him
and smote his right shoulder right through the breastplate of his
corslet, yea and I thought to hurl him headlong to Aidoneus, yet I
vanquished him not; surely it is some wrathful god. And I have no
steeds at hand nor any chariot whereon to mount—yet in Lykaon’s halls
are eleven fair chariots, new wrought, with gear all fresh, and cloths
spread over them; and beside each standeth a yoke of horses, champing
white barley and spelt. Moreover Lykaon the aged spearman at my
departing laid instant charge upon me in our well-builded house; he
bade me mount horse and chariot to lead the Trojans in the violent
mellay; but I obeyed him not—far better had that been!—but spared the
horses lest in the great crowd of men they should lack fodder that had
been wont to feed their fill. Therefore I left them and am come on foot
to Ilios, trusting to my bow; and now must my bow not help me! Already
have I aimed at two princes, Tydeus’ and Atreus’ sons, and both I smote
and surely drew forth blood, yet only roused them the more. Therefore
in an evil hour I took from the peg my curved bow on that day when I
led my Trojans to lovely Ilios, to do noble Hector pleasure. But if I
return and mine eyes behold my native land and wife and great palace
lofty-roofed, then may an alien forthwith cut my head from me if I
break not this bow with mine hands and cast it upon the blazing fire;
worthless is its service to me as air.”
Then Aineias captain of the Trojans answered him: “Nay, talk not thus;
naught shall be mended before that we with horses and chariot have gone
to face this man, and made trial of him in arms. Come then, mount upon
my car that thou mayest see of what sort are the steeds of Tros, well
skilled for following or for fleeing hither or thither very fleetly
across the plain; they will e’en bring us to the city safe and sound,
even though Zeus hereafter give victory to Diomedes son of Tydeus. Come
therefore, take thou the lash and shining reins, and I will stand upon
the car to fight;* or else withstand thou him, and to the horses will I
look.”
* Reading ἐπιβήσομαι, with Zenodotos.
To him made answer Lykaon’s glorious son: “Aineias, take thou thyself
the reins and thine own horses; better will they draw the curved car
for their wonted charioteer, if perchance it hap that we must flee from
Tydeus’ son; lest they go wild for fear and will not take us from the
fight, for lack of thy voice, and so the son of great-hearted Tydeus
attack us and slay us both and drive away the whole-hooved horses. So
drive thou thyself thy chariot and thy horses, and I will await his
onset with my keen spear.” So saying mounted they upon the well-dight
chariot, and eagerly drave the fleet horses against Tydeides. And
Sthenelos, the glorious son of Kapaneus, saw them, and anon spake to
Tydeides winged words: “Diomedes son of Tydeus, dear to mine heart, I
behold two stalwart warriors eager to fight against thee, endued with
might beyond measure. The one is well skilled in the bow, even
Pandaros, and he moreover boasteth him to be Lykaon’s son; and Aineias
boasteth himself to be born son of great-hearted Anchises, and his
mother is Aphrodite. Come now, let us give place upon the chariot,
neither rage thou thus, I pray thee, in the forefront of battle, lest
perchance thou lose thy life.”
Then stalwart Diomedes looked sternly at him and said: “Speak to me no
word of flight, for I ween that thou shalt not at all persuade me; not
in my blood is it to fight a skulking fight or cower down; my force is
steadfast still. I have no mind to mount the chariot, nay, even as I am
will I go to face them; Pallas Athene biddeth me not be afraid. And as
for these, their fleet horses shall not take both back from us again,
even if one or other escape. And this moreover tell I thee, and lay
thou it to heart: if Athene rich in counsel grant me this glory, to
slay them both, then refrain thou here these my fleet horses, and bind
the reins tight to the chariot rim; and be mindful to leap upon
Aineias’ horses, and drive them forth from the Trojans amid the
well-greaved Achaians. For they are of that breed whereof farseeing*
Zeus gave to Tros recompense for Ganymede his child, because they were
the best of all horses beneath the daylight and the sun. That blood
Anchises king of men stole of Laomedon, privily putting mares to them.
Thereof a stock was born him in his palace, even six; four kept he
himself and reared them at the stall, and the other twain gave he to
Aineias deviser of rout.** Them could we seize, we should win us great
renown.”
* Or, “Zeus of the far-borne voice.”
** Reading μήστωρι.
In such wise talked they one to the other, and anon those other twain
came near, driving their fleet horses. First to him spake Lykaon’s
glorious son: “O thou strong-souled and cunning, son of proud Tydeus,
verily my swift dart vanquished thee not, the bitter arrow; so now will
I make trial with my spear if I can hit thee.”
He spake and poised and hurled his far-shadowing spear, and smote upon
Tydeides’ shield; right through it sped the point of bronze and reached
the breastplate. So over him shouted loudly Lykaon’s glorious son:
“Thou art smitten on the belly right through, and I ween thou shalt not
long hold up thine head; so thou givest me great renown.”
But mighty Diomedes unaffrighted answered him: “Thou hast missed, and
not hit; but ye twain I deem shall not cease till one or other shall
have fallen and glutted with blood Ares the stubborn god of war.”
So spake he and hurled; and Athene guided the dart upon his nose beside
the eye, and it pierced through his white teeth. So the hard bronze cut
through his tongue at the root and the point issued forth by the base
of the chin. He fell from his chariot, and his splendid armour gleaming
clanged upon him, and the fleet-footed horses swerved aside; so there
his soul and strength were unstrung.
Then Aineias leapt down with shield and long spear, fearing lest
perchance the Achaians might take from him the corpse; and strode over
him like a lion confident in his strength, and held before him his
spear and the circle of his shield, eager to slay whoe’er should come
to face him, crying his terrible cry. Then Tydeides grasped in his hand
a stone—a mighty deed—such as two men, as men now are, would not avail
to lift; yet he with ease wielded it all alone. Therewith he smote
Aineias on the hip where the thigh turneth in the hip-joint, and this
men call the “cup-bone.” So he crushed his cup-bone, and brake both
sinews withal, and the jagged stone tore apart the skin. Then the hero
stayed fallen upon his knees and with stout hand leant upon the earth;
and the darkness of night veiled his eyes. And now might Aineias king
of men have perished, but that Aphrodite daughter of Zeus was swift to
mark, even his mother that conceived him by Anchises as he tended the
kine. About her dear son wound she her white arms, and spread before
his face a fold of her radiant vesture, to be a covering from the
darts, lest any of the fleet-horsed Danaans might hurl the spear into
his breast and take away his life.
So was she bearing her dear son away from battle; but the son of
Kapaneus forgat not the behest that Diomedes of the loud war-cry had
laid upon him; he refrained his own whole-hooved horses away from the
tumult, binding the reins tight to the chariot-rim, and leapt on the
sleek-coated horses of Aineias, and drave them from the Trojans to the
well-greaved Achaians, and gave them to Deïpylos his dear comrade whom
he esteemed above all that were his age-fellows, because he was
like-minded with himself; and bade him drive them to the hollow ships.
Then did the hero mount his own chariot and take the shining reins and
forthwith drive his strong-hooved horses in quest of Tydeides, eagerly.
Now Tydeides had made onslaught with pitiless weapon on Kypris,*
knowing how she was a coward goddess and none of those that have
mastery in battle of the warriors—no Athene she nor Enyo waster of
cities. Now when he had pursued her through the dense throng and come
on her, then great-hearted Tydeus’ son thrust with his keen spear, and
leapt on her and wounded the skin of her weak hand; straight through
the ambrosial raiment that the Graces themselves had woven her pierced
the dart into the flesh, above the springing of the palm. Then flowed
the goddess’s immortal blood, such ichor as floweth in the blessed
gods; for they eat no bread neither drink they gleaming wine, wherefore
they are bloodless and are named immortals. And she with a great cry
let fall her son: him Phoebus Apollo took into his arms and saved him
in a dusky cloud, lest any of the fleet-horsed Danaans might hurl the
spear into his breast and take away his life. But over her Diomedes of
the loud war-cry shouted afar: “Refrain thee, thou daughter of Zeus,
from war and fighting. Is it not enough that thou beguilest feeble
women? But if in battle thou wilt mingle, verily I deem that thou shalt
shudder at the name of battle, if thou hear it even afar off.”
* Aphrodite.
So spake he, and she departed in amaze and was sore troubled: and
wind-footed Iris took her and led her from the throng tormented with
her pain, and her fair skin was stained. There found she impetuous Ares
sitting, on the battle’s left; and his spear rested upon a cloud, and
his fleet steeds. Then she fell on her knees and with instant prayer
besought of her dear brother his golden-frontleted steeds: “Dear
brother, save me and give me thy steeds, that I may win to Olympus,
where is the habitation of the immortals. Sorely am I afflicted with a
wound wherewith a mortal smote me, even Tydeides, who now would fight
even with father Zeus.”
So spake she, and Ares gave her his golden-frontleted steeds, and she
mounted on the chariot sore at heart. By her side mounted Iris, and in
her hands grasped the reins and lashed the horses to start them; and
they flew onward nothing loth. Thus soon they came to the habitation of
the gods, even steep Olympus. There wind-footed fleet Iris loosed the
horses from the chariot and stabled them, and set ambrosial forage
before them; but fair Aphrodite fell upon Dione’s knees that was her
mother. She took her daughter in her arms and stroked her with her
hand, and spake and called upon her name: “Who now of the sons of
heaven, dear child, hath entreated thee thus wantonly, as though thou
wert a wrong-doer in the face of all?”
Then laughter-loving Aphrodite made answer to her: “Tydeus’ son wounded
me, high-hearted Diomedes, because I was saving from the battle my dear
son Aineias, who to me is dearest far of all men. For no more is the
fierce battle-cry for Trojans and Achaians, but the Danaans now are
fighting even the immortals.”
Then the fair goddess Dione answered her: “Be of good heart, my child,
and endure for all thy pain; for many of us that inhabit the mansions
of Olympus have suffered through men, in bringing grievous woes one
upon another. So suffered Ares, when Otos and stalwart Ephialtes, sons
of Aloeus, bound him in a strong prison-house; yea in a vessel of
bronze lay he bound thirteen months. Then might Ares insatiate of
battle have perished, but that the step-mother of Aloeus’ sons, fair
Eëriboia, gave tidings to Hermes, and he stole away Ares, already
pining; for the grievous prison-house was wearing him out. So suffered
Hera when Amphitryon’s stalwart son smote her on the right breast with
a three-barbed arrow, so that pain unassuageable gat hold of her
likewise. So suffered awful Hades a swift arrow like the rest, when
this same man, the son of aegis-bearing Zeus, smote him in Pylos* amid
the dead and gave him over to anguish. And he went to the mansion of
Zeus and to high Olympus, grieved at heart, pierced through with
anguish; for the arrow was driven into his stout shoulder, and vexed
his soul. But Paieon spread soothing drugs upon the wound and healed
him; seeing that verily he was of no mortal substance. Headstrong man
and violent of deed, that recked not of his evil doings, and with his
archery vexed the gods that dwell in Olympus! So upon thee was this man
sent by the bright-eyed goddess Athene; fond man—for the heart of
Tydeus’ son knoweth not this, that he of a surety is not long-lived
that fighteth with immortals, nor ever do his children prattle upon his
knees at his returning from war and terrible fray. Therefore now let
Tydeides, though he be very mighty, beware lest one better than thou
encounter him; and so Aigialeia, wise daughter of Adrestos, wake from
sleep with lamentations all her household, bewailing her wedded lord,
the best man of the Achaians, even she that is the brave wife of
horse-taming Diomedes.”
* Or, “at the gate of hell.” according to Aristarchos.
So saying with both hands she wiped the ichor from the arm; her arm was
comforted, and the grievous pangs assuaged. But Athene and Hera beheld,
and with bitter words provoked Zeus the son of Kronos. Of them was the
bright-eyed goddess Athene first to speak: “Father Zeus, wilt thou
indeed be wroth with me whate’er I say? Verily I ween that Kypris was
urging some woman of Achaia to join her unto the Trojans whom she so
marvellously loveth; and stroking such an one of the fair-robed women
of Achaia, she tore upon the golden brooch her delicate hand.”
So spake she, and the father of gods and men smiled, and called unto
him golden Aphrodite and said: “Not unto thee, my child, are given the
works of war; but follow thou after the loving tasks of wedlock, and to
all these things shall fleet Ares and Athene look.”
Now while they thus spake in converse one with the other, Diomedes of
the loud war-cry leapt upon Aineias, knowing full well that Apollo
himself had spread his arms over him; yet reverenced he not even the
great god, but still was eager to slay Aineias and strip from him his
glorious armour. So thrice he leapt on him, fain to slay him, and
thrice Apollo beat back his glittering shield. And when the fourth time
he sprang at him like a god, then Apollo the Far-darter spake to him
with terrible shout: “Think, Tydeides, and shrink, nor desire to match
thy spirit with gods; seeing there is no comparison of the race of
immortal gods and of men that walk upon the earth.”
So said he, and Tydeides shrank a short space backwards, to avoid the
wrath of Apollo the Far-darter. Then Apollo set Aineias away from the
throng in holy Pergamos where his temple stood. There Leto and Archer
Artemis healed him in the mighty sanctuary, and gave him glory; but
Apollo of the silver bow made a wraith like unto Aineias’ self, and in
such armour as his; and over the wraith Trojans and goodly Achaians
each hewed the others’ bucklers on their breasts, their round shields
and fluttering targes.
Then to impetuous Ares said Phoebus Apollo: “Ares, Ares, blood-stained
bane of mortals, thou stormer of walls, wilt thou not follow after this
man and withdraw him from the battle, this Tydeides, who now would
fight even with father Zeus? First in close fight he wounded Kypris in
her hand hard by the wrist, and then sprang he upon myself like unto a
god.”
So saying he sate himself upon the height of Pergamos, and baleful Ares
entered among the Trojan ranks and aroused them in the likeness of
fleet Akamas, captain of the Thracians. On the heaven-nurtured sons of
Priam he called saying: “O ye sons of Priam, the heaven-nurtured king,
how long will ye yet suffer your host to be slain of the Achaians?
Shall it be even until they fight about our well-builded gates? Low
lieth the warrior whom we esteemed like unto goodly Hector, even
Aineias son of Anchises great of heart. Go to now, let us save from the
tumult our valiant comrade.”
So saying he aroused the spirit and soul of every man. Thereat Sarpedon
sorely chode noble Hector: “Hector, where now is the spirit gone that
erst thou hadst? Thou saidst forsooth that without armies or allies
thou wouldest hold the city, alone with thy sisters’ husbands and thy
brothers; but now can I not see any of these neither perceive them, but
they are cowering like hounds about a lion; and we are fighting that
are but allies among you. Yea I being an ally am come from very far;
far off is Lykia upon eddying Xanthos, where I left my dear wife and
infant son, and left my great wealth that each one coveteth that is in
need. Yet for all that I urge on my Lykians, and myself am eager to
fight my man, though here is naught of mine such as the Achaians might
plunder or harry. But thou standest, nay thou dost not even urge all
thine hosts to abide and guard their wives. Only beware lest, as though
tangled in meshes of all-ensnaring flax, ye be made unto your foemen a
prey and a spoil; and they will soon lay waste your well-peopled city.
Thee it behoveth to give thought to all these things both by night and
day, and to beseech the captains of thy far-famed allies to hold on
unflinchingly; and so shalt thou put away their sore rebuking from
thee.”
So spake Sarpedon, and his word stung Hector to the heart, Forthwith he
leapt from his chariot in his armour to the earth, and brandishing two
keen spears went everywhere through the host, urging them to fight, and
roused the dread battle-cry. So they were rallied and stood to face the
Achaians: and the Argives withstood them in close array and fled not.
Even as a wind carrieth the chaff about the sacred threshing-floors
when men are winnowing, what time golden-haired Demeter in rush of wind
maketh division of grain and chaff, and so the chaff-heaps grow
white—so now grew the Achaians white with falling dust which in their
midst the horses’ hooves beat up into the brazen heaven, as fight was
joined again, and the charioteers wheeled round. Thus bare they forward
the fury of their hands: and impetuous Ares drew round them a veil of
night to aid the Trojans in the battle,* ranging everywhere; so
fulfilled he the behest of Phoebus Apollo of the golden sword, who bade
him rouse the Trojans’ spirit when he beheld Pallas Athene departed;
for she was helper to the Danaans. And Apollo himself sent forth
Aineias from his rich sanctuary and put courage in the heart of him,
shepherd of the hosts. So Aineias took his place amid his comrades, and
they were glad to see him come among them alive and sound and full of
valiant spirit. Yet they questioned him not at all, for all the toil
forbade them that the god of the silver bow was stirring and Ares bane
of men and Strife raging insatiably.
* Or, drew round the battle a veil of night to help the Trojans.
And on the other side the two Aiantes and Odysseus and Diomedes stirred
the Danaans to fight; yet these of themselves feared neither the
Trojans’ violence nor assaults, but stood like mists that Kronos’ son
setteth in windless air on the mountain tops, at peace, while the might
of the north wind sleepeth and of all the violent winds that blow with
keen breath and scatter apart the shadowing clouds. Even so the Danaans
withstood the Trojans steadfastly and fled not. And Atreides ranged
through the throng exhorting instantly: “My friends, quit you like men
and take heart of courage, and shun dishonour in one another’s eyes
amid the stress of battle. Of men that shun dishonour more are saved
than slain, but for them that flee is neither glory found nor any
safety.”
So saying he darted swiftly with his javelin and smote a foremost
warrior, even great-hearted Aineias’ comrade Deïkoon son of Pergasos,
whom the Trojans held in like honour with Priam’s sons, because he was
swift to do battle amid the foremost. Him lord Agamemnon smote with his
dart upon the shield, and it stayed not the spear, but the point passed
through, so that he drave it through the belt into his nethermost
belly: and he fell with a crash and his armour clanged upon him.
Then did Aineias slay two champions of the Danaans, even the sons of
Diokles, Krethon and Orsilochos, whose father dwelt in stablished
Phere, a man full of substance, whose lineage was of the river
Alpheios, that floweth in broad stream through the land of the Pylians;
Alpheios begat Orsilochos to be king of many men, and Orsilochos begat
great-hearted Diokles, and of Diokles were born twin sons, even Krethon
and Orsilochos, well skilled in all the ways of war. Now when these
were of full age, they bare the Argives company on their black ships to
Ilios home of horses, to win recompense for Atreus’ sons, Agamemnon and
Menelaos; but now the issue of death shrouded them about. Like them,
two lions on the mountain tops are nurtured by their dam in the deep
forest thickets; and these harry the kine and goodly sheep and make
havoc of the farmsteads of men, till in their turn they too are slain
at men’s hands with the keen bronze; in such wise were these twain
vanquished at Aineias’ hands and fell like tall pine-trees.
But Menelaos dear to Ares had pity of them in their fall, and strode
through the forefront, harnessed in flashing bronze, brandishing his
spear; and Ares stirred his courage, with intent that he might fall
beneath Aineias’ hand. But Antilochos, great-hearted Nestor’s son,
beheld him, and strode through the forefront; because he feared
exceedingly for the shepherd of the host, lest aught befall him and
disappoint them utterly of their labour. So those two were now holding
forth their hands and sharp spears each against the other, eager to do
battle; when Antilochos came and stood hard by the shepherd of the
host. But Aineias faced them not, keen warrior though he was, when he
beheld two men abiding side by side; so these haled away the corpses to
the Achaians’ host, and laid the hapless twain in their comrades’ arms,
and themselves turned back and fought on amid the foremost.
Then slew they Pylaimenes, peer of Ares, captain of the great-hearted
Paphlagonians bearers of the shield. Him as he stood still Atreus’ son,
spear-famed Menelaos, pierced with his javelin, smiting upon the
collar-bone; and Antilochos hurled at Mydon, his squire and charioteer,
Atymnios’ brave son, even as he was wheeling the whole-hooved horses,
and with a stone smote his elbow in the midst; so the reins white with
ivory fell from his hands to earth, even into the dust. Then Antilochos
sprang on him and drave the sword into his temple, and he fell gasping
from the well-wrought chariot headlong in the dust on crown and
shoulders. A while he stood there, being lighted on deep sand, until
his horses spurned him and cast him to earth, even in the dust; and
them Antilochos lashed, and drave them to the Achaians’ host.
But Hector marked them across the ranks, and sprang on them with a
shout, and the battalions of the Trojans followed him in their might:
and Ares led them on and dread Enyo, she bringing ruthless turmoil of
war, the while Ares wielded in his hands his monstrous spear, and
ranged now before Hector’s face, and now behind.
Then Diomedes of the loud war-cry shuddered to behold him; and even as
a shiftless man crossing a great plain cometh on a swift-streaming
river flowing on to the sea, and seeing it boil with foam springeth
backwards, even so now Tydeides shrank back and spake to the host:
“Friends, how marvel we that noble Hector is a spearman and bold man of
war! Yet ever is there beside him some god that wardeth off
destruction; even as now Ares is there by him in likeness of a mortal
man. But with faces towards the Trojans still give ground backwards,
neither be desirous to fight amain with gods.”
So said he, and the Trojans came very close upon them. Then Hector slew
two that knew well the battle joy, riding in one chariot, even
Menesthes and Anchialos. And the great Telamonian Aias had pity of them
in their fall, and came hard by and darted with his bright javelin, and
smote Amphios son of Selagos, that dwelt in Paisos, a man rich in
substance, rich in meadow land; but fate led him to bring succour to
Priam and his sons. Him Telamonian Aias smote upon the belt, and in his
nether belly the far-shadowing spear stuck and he fell with a crash.
Then glorious Aias ran at him to strip him of his armour, and the
Trojans rained on him keen javelins glittering, and his shield caught
many thereof. But he set his heel upon the corpse and plucked forth the
spear of bronze; only he could not strip from his shoulders all the
fair armour therewith, being overwhelmed of spears. Moreover he feared
the haughty Trojans’ stout defence, they being many and brave that with
their spears pressed on him, so that for all he was so great and
valiant and proud they thrust him from them; and he was shaken and
shrank back.
Thus toiled these in violent battle; and Tlepolemos son of Herakles,
valiant and tall, was driven of forceful fate against godlike Sarpedon.
Then when the twain were come nigh in onset on each other, even the son
and grandson of Zeus the cloud-gatherer, then first to the other spake
Tlepolemos: “Sarpedon, counsellor of the Lykians, why must thou be
skulking here, being a man unskilled in battle? Falsely do men say that
thou art offspring of aegis-bearing Zeus, seeing thou art found lacking
greatly beside those men that in days of old were born of Zeus. Ah,
what an one do men say* was mighty Herakles, even my father the
steadfast lion-heart, who erst came hither for Laomedon’s mares with
but six ships and a scantier host, yet sacked the city of Ilios and
made her highways desolate. But thine is a base spirit, and thy folk
are minishing. I ween that thou art in no wise come from Lykia to be a
bulwark unto the Trojans, for all thy great strength, but that thou
shalt be vanquished at my hand and pass the gates of Hades.”
* Or, “of other sort, men say,” if we read ἀλλοῖον for ἀλλ’ οῖον.
Then Sarpedon captain of the Lykians answered him: “Tlepolemos, he
verily overthrew holy Ilios by the folly of the proud man Laomedon,
that rewarded his good deed with harsh upbraiding, and paid him not the
steeds wherefor he came from afar. And for thee I say that slaughter
and black death shall come about here at my hands; vanquished by my
spear thou shalt yield to me my glory, and thy life to Hades of the
goodly steeds.”
So spake Sarpedon, and Tlepolemos lifted his ashen spear, and both
their long javelins sped from their hands together. Sarpedon smote the
midst of his neck, and the grievous point past right through, and the
darkness of night fell on his eyes and shrouded him: and Tlepolemos
with long spear smote the other’s left thigh, and the point sped
through furiously, grazing the bone; but his father yet warded off
destruction.
So his goodly comrades bare away godlike Sarpedon from the battle, but
the long spear dragging was heavy upon him, and no man marked it or
took thought in their haste to draw the ashen spear out from his thigh
that he might stand upright; such labour had they in tending him. And
over against them the well-greaved Achaians bare Tlepolemos from the
battle. And noble Odysseus of the patient soul marked it, and his heart
was stirred within him. Then doubted he in mind and soul whether first
to pursue the son of Zeus the loud thunderer, or take the lives of the
common sort of the Lykians. But it was not destined to great-hearted
Odysseus to slay with his keen blade the mighty son of Zeus; so Athene
turned his fury upon the multitude of the Lykians. Then slew he
Koiranos and Alastor and Chromios and Alkandros and Halios and Noëmon
and Prytanis; and yet more Lykians had noble Odysseus slain but that
great Hector of the glancing helm was swift to mark him, and strode
through the forefront of battle, harnessed in flashing bronze, and
brought terror to the Danaans; but Sarpedon the son of Zeus was glad at
his coming, and spake to him a word of pain: “O son of Priam, let me
not now be left a prey unto the Danaans, but bring me succour; howbeit
thereafter let my life depart from me in your city, seeing it might not
be that I should return home to my dear native land, to make glad my
dear wife and infant son.”
So said he, but Hector of the glancing helm spake no word to him, but
hastened on, desirous with all speed to thrust back the Argives and
take the lives of many. So his goodly comrades made godlike Sarpedon to
sit beneath a fair oak-tree of aegis-bearing Zeus, and valiant Pelagon
that was his dear comrade thrust forth from his thigh the ashen spear;
and his spirit failed him and mist overspread his eyes. Then breathed
he again, and the breath of the north wind blew round about him and
brought him to life from the grievous swoon of his soul.
Now the Argives before the face of Ares and mail-clad Hector neither
turned them round about toward their black ships, nor charged forward
in battle, but still fell backward, when they heard of Ares amid the
Trojans. And now who first was slaughtered, and who last, by Hector son
of Priam and brazen Ares? Even godlike Teuthras, and thereafter Orestes
the charioteer, and Trechos spearman of Aitolia, and Oinomaos and
Helenos son of Oinops and Oresbios with gleaming taslets, who dwelt in
Hyle and had great care of his substance, lying beside the Kephisian
mere; and near him dwelt all the Boiotians, inhabiters of a full rich
domain.
Now when the white-armed goddess Hera marked them making havoc of the
Argives in the press of battle, anon she spake winged words to Athene:
“Out on it, thou daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, unwearied maiden! Was
it for naught we pledged our word to Menelaos, that he should not
depart till he had laid waste well-walled Ilios,—if thus we let baleful
Ares rage? Go to now, let us twain also take thought of impetuous
valour.”
So said she, and the bright-eyed goddess Athene disregarded not. So
Hera the goddess queen, daughter of Kronos, went her way to harness the
gold-frontleted steeds; and Hebe quickly put to the car the curved
wheels of bronze, eight-spoked, upon their axle-tree of iron. Golden is
their felloe, imperishable, and tires of bronze are fitted thereover, a
marvel to look upon; and the naves are of silver, to turn about on
either side. And the car is plaited tight with gold and silver thongs,
and two rails run round about it. And the silver pole stood out
therefrom; upon the end bound she the fair golden yoke, and set thereon
the fair breaststraps of gold, and Hera led beneath the yoke the horses
fleet of foot, and hungered for strife and the battle-cry. And Athene,
daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus, cast down at her father’s threshold her
woven vesture many-coloured, that herself had wrought and her hands had
fashioned, and put on her the tunic of Zeus the cloud-gatherer, and
arrayed her in her armour for dolorous battle. About her shoulders cast
she the tasselled aegis terrible, whereon is Panic as a crown all round
about, and Strife is therein and Valour and horrible Onslaught withal,
and therein is the dreadful monster’s Gorgon head, dreadful and grim,
portent of aegis-bearing Zeus. Upon her head set she the two-crested
golden helm with fourfold plate, bedecked with men-at-arms of a hundred
cities. Upon the flaming chariot set she her foot, and grasped her
heavy spear, great and stout, wherewith she vanquisheth the ranks of
men, even of heroes with whom she of the awful sire is wroth. Then Hera
swiftly smote the horses with the lash; self-moving groaned upon their
hinges the gates of heaven whereof the Hours are warders, to whom is
committed great heaven and Olympus, whether to throw open the thick
cloud or set it to. There through the gates guided they their horses
patient of the lash. And they found the son of Kronos sitting apart
from all the gods on the topmost peak of many-ridged Olympus. Then the
white-armed goddess Hera stayed her horses and questioned the most high
Zeus, the son of Kronos, and said: “Father Zeus, hast thou no
indignation with Ares for these violent deeds? How great and goodly a
company of Achaians hath he destroyed recklessly and in unruly wise,
unto my sorrow. But here in peace Kypris and Apollo of the silver bow
take their pleasure, having set on this mad one that knoweth not any
law. Father Zeus, wilt thou at all be wroth with me if I smite Ares and
chase him from the battle in sorry plight?”
And Zeus the cloud-gatherer answered and said to her: “Go to now, set
upon him Athene driver of the spoil, who most is wont to bring sore
pain upon him.”
So spake he, and the white-armed goddess Hera disregarded not, and
lashed her horses; they nothing loth flew on between earth and starry
heaven. As far as a man seeth with his eyes into the haze of distance
as he sitteth on a place of outlook and gazeth over the wine-dark sea,
so far leap the loudly neighing horses of the gods. Now when they came
to Troy and the two flowing rivers, even to where Simoeis and
Skamandros join their streams, there the white-armed goddess Hera
stayed her horses and loosed them from the car and poured thick mist
round about them, and Simoeis made ambrosia spring up for them to
graze. So the goddesses went their way with step like unto
turtle-doves, being fain to bring succour to the men of Argos. And when
they were now come where the most and most valiant stood, thronging
about mighty Diomedes tamer of horses, in the semblance of ravening
lions or wild boars whose strength is nowise feeble, then stood the
white-armed goddess Hera and shouted in the likeness of great-hearted
Stentor with voice of bronze, whose cry was loud as the cry of fifty
other men: “Fie upon you, Argives, base things of shame, so brave in
semblance! While yet noble Achilles entered continually into battle,
then issued not the Trojans even from the Dardanian gate; for they had
dread of his terrible spear. But now fight they far from the city at
the hollow ships.”
So saying she aroused the spirit and soul of every man. And to
Tydeides’ side sprang the bright-eyed goddess Athene. That lord she
found beside his horses and chariot, cooling the wound that Pandaros
with his dart had pierced, for his sweat vexed it by reason of the
broad baldrick of his round shield; therewith was he vexed and his arm
grew weary, so he was lifting up the baldrick and wiping away the dusky
blood. Then the goddess laid her hand on his horses’ yoke, and said:
“Of a truth Tydeus begat a son little after his own likeness. Tydeus
was short of stature, but a man of war; yea even when I would not have
him fight nor make display—what time he came apart from the Achaians on
an embassage to Thebes, to the midst of the multitude of the Kadmeians,
I bade him feast in their halls at peace; but he, possessing his
valiant soul as of old time, challenged the young men of the Kadmeians
and in everything vanquished them [easily; so sure a helper was I unto
him]. But for thee, beside thee stand I and guard thee and with all my
heart bid thee fight the Trojans; yet either hath weariness of much
striving entered into thy limbs, or disheartening terror hath taken
hold of thee. If that be so, no offspring art thou of Tydeus, the wise
son of Oineus.”
And stalwart Diomedes made answer to her and said: “I know thee,
goddess daughter of aegis-bearing Zeus: therefore with my whole heart
will I tell thee my thought and hide it not. Neither hath disheartening
terror taken hold upon me, nor any faintness, but I am still mindful of
thy behest that thou didst lay upon me. Thou forbadest me to fight face
to face with all the blessed gods, save only if Zeus’ daughter
Aphrodite should enter into battle, then to wound her with the keen
bronze. Therefore do I now give ground myself and have bidden all the
Argives likewise to gather here together; for I discern Ares lording it
in the fray.”
Then the bright-eyed goddess Athene answered him: “Diomedes son of
Tydeus, thou joy of mine heart, fear thou, for that, neither Ares nor
any other of the immortals; so great a helper am I to thee. Go to now,
at Ares first guide thou thy whole-hooved horses, and smite him hand to
hand, nor have any awe of impetuous Ares, raving here, a curse
incarnate, the renegade that of late in converse with me and Hera
pledged him to fight against the Trojans and give succour to the
Argives, but now consorteth with the Trojans and hath forgotten these.”
So speaking, with her hand she drew back Sthenelos and thrust him from
the chariot to earth, and instantly leapt he down; so the goddess
mounted the car by noble Diomedes’ side right eagerly. The oaken axle
creaked loud with its burden, bearing the dread goddess and the man of
might. Then Pallas Athene grasped the whip and reins; forthwith against
Ares first guided she the whole-hooved horses. Now he was stripping
huge Periphas, most valiant far of the Aitolians, Ochesios’ glorious
son. Him was blood-stained Ares stripping; and Athene donned the helm
of Hades, that terrible Ares might not behold her. Now when Ares
scourge of mortals beheld noble Diomedes, he left huge Periphas lying
there, where at the first he had slain him and taken away his life, and
made straight at Diomedes tamer of horses. Now when they were come nigh
in onset on one another, first Ares thrust over the yoke and horse’s
reins with spear of bronze, eager to take away his life. But the
bright-eyed goddess Athene with her hand seized the spear and thrust it
up over* the car, to spend itself in vain. Next Diomedes of the loud
war-cry attacked with spear of bronze; and Pallas Athene drave it home
against Ares’ nethermost belly, where his taslets were girt about him.
There smote he him and wounded him, rending through his fair skin, and
plucked forth the spear again. Then brazen Ares bellowed loud as nine
thousand warriors or ten thousand cry in battle as they join in strife
and fray. Thereat trembling gat hold of Achaians and Trojans for fear,
so mightily bellowed Ares insatiate of battle.
Reading ὑπέρ with the best MS. for ὐπ’ ἐκ.
Even as gloomy mist appeareth from the clouds when after heat a stormy
wind ariseth, even so to Tydeus’ son Diomedes brazen Ares appeared amid
clouds, faring to wide heaven. Swiftly came he to the gods’ dwelling,
steep Olympus, and sat beside Zeus son of Kronos with grief at heart,
and shewed the immortal blood flowing from the wound, and piteously
spake to him winged words: “Father Zeus, hast thou no indignation to
behold these violent deeds? For ever cruelly suffer we gods by one
another’s devices, in shewing men grace. With thee are we all at
variance, because thou didst beget that reckless maiden and baleful,
whose thought is ever of iniquitous deeds. For all the other gods that
are in Olympus hearken to thee, and we are subject every one; only her
thou chastenest not, neither in deed nor word, but settest her on,
because this pestilent one is thine own offspring. Now hath she urged
on Tydeus’ son, even overweening Diomedes, to rage furiously against
the immortal gods. Kypris first he wounded in close fight, in the wrist
of her hand, and then assailed he me, even me, with the might of a god.
Howbeit my swift feet bare me away; else had I long endured anguish
there amid the grisly heaps of dead, or else had lived strengthless
from the smitings of the spear.”
Then Zeus the cloud-gatherer looked sternly at him and said: “Nay, thou
renegade, sit not by me and whine. Most hateful to me art thou of all
gods that dwell in Olympus: thou ever lovest strife and wars and
battles. Truly thy mother’s spirit is intolerable, unyielding, even
Hera’s; her can I scarce rule with words. Therefore I deem that by her
prompting thou art in this plight. Yet will I no longer endure to see
thee in anguish; mine offspring art thou, and to me thy mother bare
thee. But wert thou born of any other god unto this violence, long ere
this hadst thou been lower than the sons of Heaven.”*
* The Titans, imprisoned in Tartaros. Others explain “lower than the
heavenly gods.” Zenodotos read ἐνέρτατος, “lowest of the sons of
heaven.”
So spake he and bade Paieon heal him. And Paieon laid assuaging drugs
upon the wound [and healed him; seeing he was verily of no mortal
substance]. Even as fig juice maketh haste to thicken white milk, that
is liquid but curdleth speedily as a man stirreth, even so swiftly
healed he impetuous Ares. And Hebe bathed him, and clothed him in
gracious raiment, and he sate him down by Zeus son of Kronos, glorying
in his might.
Then fared the twain back to the mansion of great Zeus, even Hera of
Argos and Alalkomenean Athene, having stayed Ares scourge of mortals
from his man-slaying.
BOOK VI.
How Diomedes and Glaukos, being about to fight, were known to each
other, and parted in friendliness. And how Hector returning to the city
bade farewell to Andromache his wife.
So was the dread fray of Trojans and Achaians left to itself, and the
battle swayed oft this way and that across the plain, as they aimed
against each other their bronze-shod javelins, between Simoeis and the
streams of Xanthos.
First Aias son of Telamon, bulwark of the Achaians, brake a battalion
of the Trojans and brought his comrades salvation, smiting a warrior
that was chiefest among the Thracians, Eussoros’ son Akamas the goodly
and great. Him first he smote upon his thick-crested helmet-ridge and
drave into his forehead, so that the point of bronze pierced into the
bone; and darkness shrouded his eyes.
Then Diomedes of the loud wrar-cry slew Axylos Teuthranos’ son that
dwelt in stablished Arisbe, a man of substance dear to his fellows; for
his dwelling was by the roadside and he entertained all men. Howbeit of
all these was there then not one to meet the foe before his face and
save him from fell destruction; but Diomedes took the life of both of
them, even of him and Kalesios his squire that now was the driver of
his chariot; so passed both below the earth.
And Euryalos slew Dresos and Opheltios, and followed after Aisepos and
Pedasos whom erst the fountain-nymph Abarbarea bare to noble Boukolion.
Now Boukolion was son of proud Laomedon, his eldest born, begotten of a
mother unwedded; and as he tended his flocks he had converse with the
nymph in love, and she concei
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