Intertextual Bible intertextual.bible

Homer, Iliad

Classical · 940 B.C.E.

The Iliad is one of two major ancient Greek epic poems attributed to Homer and is among the oldest surviving works of literature. Like the Odyssey, it is divided into 24 books and written in dactylic hexameter, totaling nearly 16,000 lines. Often considered the first major works of literature, it plays a central role in the Epic Cycle. Set during the final weeks of the Trojan War, the poem focuses on the wrath of Achilles following a dispute with King Agamemnon and leads to the death of the Trojan prince Hector. The English text is based on A. T. Murray's 1924 Loeb Classical Library translation, with archaic language lightly modernized.

1The wrath sing, O goddess, of Peleus’ son, Achilles, that baneful wrath which brought countless woes upon the Achaeans, and sent forth to Hades many valiant souls of warriors, and made themselves to be a spoil for dogs and all manner of birds; and thus the will of Zeus was being brought to fulfilment;—sing of it 5 from the time when at the first there parted in strife Atreus’ son, king of men, and goodly Achilles. Who then of the gods was it that brought these two together to contend? The son of Leto and Zeus; for he in wrath against the king roused throughout the host an evil pestilence, and the folk were perishing, 10 because upon the man Chryses, his priest, the son of Atreus had wrought dishonour. For he had come to the swift ships of the Achaeans to free his daughter, and he bore with him ransom past counting; and in his hands he held the fillets of Apollo, who strikes afar, on a staff of gold, and he made prayer to all the Achaeans, 15 but most of all the two sons of Atreus, the marshallers of the host: “You sons of Atreus, and you other well-greaved Achaeans, to you may the gods who have homes upon Olympus grant that you sack the city of Priam, and return safe to your homes; but set my dear child free for me, and accept the ransom 20 out of awe for the son of Zeus, Apollo, who strikes afar.” Then all the rest of the Achaeans shouted assent, bidding them reverence the priest and accept the glorious ransom, yet the thing did not please the heart of Agamemnon, son of Atreus, but he sent him away harshly, and laid upon him a stern command: 25 “Let me not find you, old man, by the hollow ships, either lingering now or coming back hereafter, lest your staff and the fillet of the god fail to protect you. But her I will not set free: before that, old age shall come upon her in our house, in Argos, far from her country, 30 as she walks to and fro before the loom and tends my couch. No, be gone; do not anger me, so that you may go the safer.” So he spoke, and the old man was seized with fear and heeded his word. Forth he went in silence along the shore of the loud-resounding sea, and earnestly thereafter, when he had gone apart, did the old man pray 35 to the prince, Apollo, whom fair-haired Leto bore: “Hear me, you of the silver bow, who stand over Chryse and holy Cilla, and rule mightily over Tenedos, you Sminthian, if ever I roofed over a shrine to your pleasing, or if ever I burned to you fat thigh-pieces of bulls or goats, 40 fulfil for me this prayer: let the Danaans pay for my tears by your shafts.” So he spoke in prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him. Down from the peaks of Olympus he strode, angry at heart, bearing on his shoulders his bow and covered quiver.[1] 45 The arrows rattled on the shoulders of the angry god, as he moved; and his coming was like the night. Then he sat down apart from the ships and let fly a shaft: terrible was the twang of the silver bow. The mules he assailed first and the swift dogs, 50 but thereafter on the men themselves he let fly his stinging arrows, and struck; and always the pyres of the dead burned thick. For nine days the missiles of the god went throughout the host, but on the tenth Achilles called the folk to the place of gathering, for so had the goddess, white-armed Hera, put it in his heart; 55 since she pitied the Danaans, because she saw them dying. So, when they were assembled and met together, among them arose and spoke Achilles, swift of foot: “Son of Atreus, now I think we shall be driven back and return with baffled purpose, should we even escape death, 60 if war and pestilence alike are to waste the Achaeans. But come, let us ask some prophet or priest, yes, or some reader of dreams—for a dream too is from Zeus—who may perhaps tell us for what cause Phoebus Apollo has conceived such anger, whether it is because of a vow that he blames us, or of a hecatomb; 65 in hope that perhaps he may accept the savour of lambs and unblemished goats, and be minded to ward off from us the pestilence.” When he had thus spoken he sat down, and among them rose up Calchas, son of Thestor, far the best of diviners, who had knowledge of all things that were, and that were to be, and that had been before, 70 and who had guided the ships of the Achaeans to Ilios by his soothsaying that Phoebus Apollo had bestowed upon him. He with good intent addressed their gathering, and spoke among them: “Achilles, dear to Zeus, you bid me declare the wrath of Apollo, who strikes afar. 75 Therefore I will speak; but take thought, and swear that truly with a ready heart you will defend me with word and with might of hand; for I think I shall anger a man who rules mightily over all the Argives, and whom the Achaeans obey. For mightier is a king, when he is angry at a baser man. 80 Even if he swallows down his wrath for the one day, yet thereafter he cherishes resentment in his heart till he brings all to pass. Consider, then, whether you will keep me safe.” Then in answer to him spoke Achilles, swift of foot: “Take good heart, and speak out whatever oracle you know, 85 for by Apollo, dear to Zeus, to whom you pray, Calchas, and declare oracles to the Danaans, no one, while I live and have sight on the earth, shall lay heavy hands on you beside the hollow ships, no one of the whole host of the Danaans, 90 not even if it is Agamemnon you mean, who now declares himself far the best of the Achaeans.” Then the blameless prophet took heart, and spoke, saying: “It is not then because of a vow that he blames us, nor a hecatomb, but because of the priest to whom Agamemnon did dishonour, and did not release his daughter nor accept the ransom. 95 For this cause the god who strikes afar has given woes, yes, and will give them, nor will he drive off from the Danaans the loathsome pestilence, until we give back to her father the bright-eyed maiden, unbought,— unransomed, and lead a sacred hecatomb to Chryse: then perhaps we might appease his wrath and persuade him.” 100 When he had thus spoken he sat down, and among them rose up the warrior, son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, deeply vexed; and with rage was his black heart wholly filled, and his eyes were like blazing fire. To Calchas first of all he spoke, and his look boded ill: 105 “Prophet of evil, never yet have you spoken to me the thing that is good; ever is evil dear to your heart to prophesy, but a word of good you have never yet spoken, nor brought to pass. And now in the midst of the gathering of the Danaans you utter your prophecies, and declare, if you please, that it is for this cause that the god who strikes afar is bringing woes upon them, 110 because I would not accept the glorious ransom for the maid, the daughter of Chryses, since I am minded far rather to keep her in my home. For, know this, I prefer her before Clytemnestra, my wedded wife, since she is in no way inferior to her, either in form or in stature, or in mind, or at all in handiwork. 115 Yet even so I will give her back, if that is better; I would rather have the folk safe than perishing. But for me make ready a prize at once, that I may not alone of the Argives be without a prize, since that would not even be seemly; for you all see this, that my prize goes from me elsewhere.” 120 Then in answer to him spoke goodly Achilles, swift of foot: “Most glorious son of Atreus, you most covetous of all men, how shall the great-souled Achaeans give you a prize? Nothing do we know of wealth laid up in common store, but whatever we took by pillage from the cities has been apportioned, 125 and it would not be fitting to gather these things back from the folk. No, give her up at the god’s behest, and we Achaeans will recompense you threefold and fourfold, if ever Zeus grants us to sack the well-walled city of Troy.” Then in answer to him spoke lord Agamemnon: 130 “Not in this way, valiant though you are, godlike Achilles, seek to beguile me by your wit; for you shall not outstrip me nor persuade me. Would you, so that you yourself may keep your prize, yet have me abide thus in want, while you bid me give her back? No; if the great-souled Achaeans give me a prize, 135 suiting it to my mind, so that the recompense be equal!—but if they do not give it, then I will come myself and take your prize or that of Aias, or that of Odysseus I will seize and bear away. Angry will he be to whomever I shall come. However, of these things we will take thought hereafter; for the present 140 let us launch a black ship into the bright sea, and gather in it a due number of rowers, and place on board a hecatomb, and embark on it the fair-cheeked daughter of Chryses herself. And let one who is a counsellor take command, Aias perhaps, or Idomeneus, or goodly Odysseus, 145 or you, son of Peleus, of all men most dread, that you may offer sacrifice and appease him who works afar.” Then with an angry glance from beneath his brows spoke to him Achilles, swift of foot: “Ah me, you clothed in shamelessness, you of crafty mind, how shall any man of the Achaeans obey your bidding with a ready heart 150 either to go on a journey or to fight in force against warriors? I did not come here to fight because of the spearmen of Troy, since they are in no way at fault toward me. Never have they in any way harried my cattle or my horses, nor ever in deep-soiled Phthia, nurse of men, 155 did they lay waste the grain, for very many things lie between us—shadowy mountains and sounding sea. But you, you shameless one, we followed here, that you might be glad, seeking to win recompense for Menelaus and for you, you dog-face, at the hands of the Trojans. This you do not regard, nor take thought of it; 160 and now you even threaten that you will yourself take from me the prize for which I toiled much, and which the sons of the Achaeans gave me. Never have I a prize like yours, when the Achaeans sack a well-peopled citadel of the Trojans; no, the brunt of tumultuous war 165 do my hands bear, but if ever an apportionment comes, your prize is greater far, while I go to my ships with some small thing, yet my own, when I have grown weary with fighting. Now I will go from here to Phthia, since it is better far to return home with my beaked ships, nor 170 am I minded to stay here in dishonour and draw for you your fill of goods and wealth.” Then made answer the king of men, Agamemnon: “Yes, flee, if your heart bids you; I do not beg you to remain for my sake. With me are others who will do me honour, and above all Zeus, the lord of counsel. 175 Most hateful to me are you of the kings nurtured by Zeus, for always is strife dear to you, and wars and fightings. Though you are very valiant, a god, I think, gave you this. Go home with your ships and your men, and lord it over your Myrmidons; for you I do not care, 180 nor do I heed your wrath. And this shall be my threat to you: since Phoebus Apollo takes from me the daughter of Chryses, her with a ship of mine and men of mine I will send back, but I will myself come to your hut and take the fair-cheeked Briseis, that prize of yours; so that you may know full well 185 how far mightier I am than you, and another too may shrink from declaring himself my peer and likening himself to me to my face.” So he spoke, and grief came upon the son of Peleus, and within his shaggy breast his heart was divided in counsel, whether he should draw his sharp sword from beside his thigh, 190 and break up the gathering, and himself slay the son of Atreus, or should stay his wrath and curb his spirit. While he pondered thus in mind and heart, and was drawing from its sheath his great sword, Athene came from heaven, sent forth by the goddess, white-armed Hera, 195 for in her heart she loved them both alike and had care for them. She took her stand behind him, and caught the son of Peleus by his golden hair, letting herself be seen by him alone, and of the rest no man beheld her. And Achilles was seized with wonder, and turned around, and at once knew Pallas Athene; and terribly did her eyes flash. 200 Then he spoke to her with winged words, and said: “Why now have you come again, daughter of Zeus, who bears the aegis? Was it that you might see the insolence of Agamemnon, son of Atreus? No, I will tell you, and I think this shall truly be brought to pass: through his own overweening pride shall he soon lose his life.” 205 Then the goddess, flashing-eyed Athene, answered him: “To stay your anger, if you will obey, I came from heaven, and the goddess, white-armed Hera, sent me forth, for in her heart she loves you both alike, and has care for you. But come, cease from strife, and do not let your hand draw the sword. 210 With words indeed taunt him, even as it shall be; for thus I will speak, and truly this thing shall be brought to pass: hereafter shall glorious gifts three and four times as many be brought to you because of this outrage. Refrain, therefore, and obey us.” Then in answer to her spoke Achilles, swift of foot: 215 “A man must, goddess, observe the words of you two, however angry he may be at heart, for so it is better. Whoever obeys the gods, to him they gladly give ear.” He spoke, and stayed his heavy hand on the silver hilt, and back into its sheath thrust the great sword, and did not disobey 220 the word of Athene; and she had at once gone to Olympus to the palace of Zeus, who bears the aegis, to join the company of the other gods. But the son of Peleus again addressed with violent words the son of Atreus, and in no way ceased from his wrath: “You heavy with wine, you with the face of a dog but the heart of a deer, 225 never have you had courage to arm for battle with your folk, or go forth to an ambush with the chiefs of the Achaeans. That seems to you even as death. In truth it is better far throughout the wide camp of the Achaeans to take for yourself the prize of whoever speaks against you. 230 Folk-devouring king, since you rule over men of no worth; else, son of Atreus, you would now work insolence for the last time. But I will declare my word to you, and will swear to it a mighty oath: by this staff, that shall no more put forth leaves or shoots since first it left its stump among the mountains, 235 nor shall it again grow green, because the bronze has stripped it of leaves and bark, and now the sons of the Achaeans who give judgment bear it in their hands, even those who guard the judgments by ordinance of Zeus; and this shall be for you a mighty oath:—surely a longing for Achilles shall some day come upon the sons of the Achaeans 240 one and all, and on that day you shall in no way be able to help them for all your grief, when many shall fall in death before man-slaying Hector. But you shall gnaw your heart within you in wrath that you in no way honoured the best of the Achaeans.” So spoke the son of Peleus, and down to the earth he dashed 245 the staff studded with golden nails, and himself sat down; while over against him the son of Atreus continued to vent his wrath. Then among them rose up Nestor, sweet of speech, the clear-voiced orator of the men of Pylos, he from whose tongue flowed speech sweeter than honey. Two generations of mortal men had he before now seen pass away, 250 who of old had been born and reared with him in sacred Pylos, and he was king among the third. He with good intent addressed their gathering and spoke among them: “For shame! In truth great grief has come upon the land of Achaea. Priam truly would rejoice and the sons of Priam, 255 and the rest of the Trojans would be right glad at heart were they to hear all this tale of the strife of you two who are foremost of all the Danaans in counsel and foremost in war. But listen to me; you are both younger than I. Before now I have consorted with warriors who were better men than you, 260 and never did they make light of me. Such warriors I have never since seen, nor shall see, as Peirithous was and Dryas, shepherd of the host, and Caeneus and Exadius and godlike Polyphemus, and Theseus, son of Aegeus, peer of the immortals. 265 Mightiest were these of all men reared upon the earth; mightiest were they, and with the mightiest did they fight, even with the centaurs that had their lairs among the mountains, and terribly did they destroy them. With these men I had fellowship, when I had come from Pylos, from afar, from a distant land; for they themselves called me. 270 And in fight I took my part as my own man; but with them could no man fight of all mortals that now are upon the earth. Yes, and they listened to my counsel, and gave ear to my words. So you also must listen, for to listen is better. Do not, mighty though you are, seek to take from him the girl, 275 but let her be, even as at the first the sons of the Achaeans gave her to him as a prize; nor, son of Peleus, be minded to strive with a king, might against might, for it is no common honour that is the portion of a sceptred king to whom Zeus gives glory. Though you are valiant, and a goddess mother bore you, 280 yet he is the mightier, since he is king over more. Son of Atreus, check your rage; indeed, I myself beg you to let go your anger against Achilles, who is for all the Achaeans a mighty bulwark against evil war.” Then in answer to him spoke lord Agamemnon: 285 “Yes, truly, old sire, all this you have spoken according to right. But this man is minded to be above all others; over all he is minded to hold sway and be king among all, and to give orders to all; and in this there is one, I think, who will not obey him. If the gods who are for ever made him a warrior, 290 do they therefore set him on to utter revilings?” Then goodly Achilles broke in upon him, and said: “Yes, for I should bear the name of coward and man of no account, if I am to yield to you in every matter, however you bid. On others lay these commands, but give no orders to me, 295 for I think I shall obey you no more. And another thing I will tell you, and lay it to heart: by might of hand I will strive for the girl’s sake neither with you nor with any other, since you do but take away what you gave. But of all else that is mine by my swift black ship, 300 you shall take or bear away nothing against my will. But come, make trial, that these too may know: at once shall your dark blood flow forth about my spear.” So when the two had made an end of contending with violent words, they rose, and broke up the gathering beside the ships of the Achaeans. 305 The son of Peleus went his way to his huts and his shapely ships together with the son of Menoetius, and with his men; but the son of Atreus had a swift ship launched on the sea, and chose for it twenty rowers, and drove on board a hecatomb for the god, and brought the fair-cheeked daughter of Chryses and set her in the ship; 310 and Odysseus of many wiles went on board to take command. So these embarked and sailed over the watery ways; but the son of Atreus ordered the host to purify itself. And they purified themselves, and cast the defilement into the sea, and offered to Apollo acceptable hecatombs 315 of bulls and goats by the shore of the unresting sea; and the savour of them went up to heaven, eddying amid the smoke. Thus were they busied throughout the camp; yet Agamemnon did not cease from the strife with which he had at first threatened Achilles, but called to Talthybius and Eurybates, 320 who were his heralds and ready squires, saying: “Go to the hut of Achilles, Peleus’ son, and take by the hand the fair-cheeked Briseis, and lead her here; and if he does not give her, I will myself go with a larger company and take her; that will be even the worse for him.” 325 So saying, he sent them forth, and laid upon them a stern command. Unwilling went the two along the shore of the unresting sea, and came to the huts and the ships of the Myrmidons. Him they found sitting beside his hut and his black ship; nor was Achilles glad at sight of them. And 330 the two, seized with dread, and in awe of the king, stood, and spoke no word to him, nor asked any question; but he knew in his heart, and spoke, saying: “Hail, heralds, messengers of Zeus and men, draw near. It is not you who are guilty in my sight, but Agamemnon, 335 who sent you forth for the sake of the girl, Briseis. But come, Patroclus, sprung from Zeus, bring forth the girl, and give her to them to lead away. Yet let these two themselves be witnesses before the blessed gods and mortal men, yes, and before him, that ruthless king, if hereafter 340 there shall be need of me to ward off shameful ruin from the host. In truth he rages with baneful mind, and does not know at all how to look both before and after, so that his Achaeans might wage war in safety beside their ships.” So he spoke, and Patroclus gave ear to his dear comrade, 345 and led forth from the hut the fair-cheeked Briseis, and gave her to them to lead away. So the two went back beside the ships of the Achaeans, and with them, all unwilling, went the woman. But Achilles at once burst into tears, and withdrew apart from his comrades, and sat down on the shore of the grey sea, looking forth over the wine-dark deep; 350 and earnestly did he pray to his dear mother with hands outstretched: “My mother, since you bore me, though to so brief a span of life, honour surely ought the Olympian to have given into my hands, even Zeus who thunders on high; but now he has honoured me, no, not in the least. Yes, truly, the son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon 355 has done me dishonour; for he has taken away and holds my prize through his own arrogant act.” So he spoke, weeping, and his queenly mother heard him, as she sat in the depths of the sea beside the old man, her father. And speedily she came forth from the grey sea like a mist, and sat down before his face, as he wept; 360 and she stroked him with her hand, and spoke to him, and called him by name: “My child, why do you weep? What sorrow has come upon your heart? Speak out; do not hide it in your mind, that we both may know.” Then with heavy moaning spoke to her Achilles, swift of foot: “You know. Why, in truth, should I tell the tale to you who know all? 365 We went forth to Thebe, the sacred city of Eëtion, and laid it waste, and brought here all the spoil. This the sons of the Achaeans duly divided among themselves, but for the son of Atreus they chose out the fair-cheeked daughter of Chryses. Yet Chryses, priest of Apollo, who strikes afar, 370 came to the swift ships of the brazen-coated Achaeans, to win freedom for his daughter, and he brought ransom past counting, bearing in his hands the fillets of Apollo, who strikes afar, on a staff of gold, and he made prayer to all the Achaeans, but most of all to the two sons of Atreus, the marshallers of the host. 375 Then all the rest of the Achaeans shouted assent, bidding them reverence the priest and accept the glorious ransom; yet the thing did not please the heart of Agamemnon, son of Atreus, but he sent him away harshly, and laid upon him a stern command. So the old man went back again in wrath; and Apollo 380 heard his prayer, for he was very dear to him, and sent against the Argives an evil dart. Then the folk began to die thick and fast, and the shafts of the god ranged everywhere throughout the wide camp of the Achaeans. But to us the prophet with sure knowledge declared the oracles of the god who strikes afar. 385 At once, then, I was the first to urge them to propitiate the god, but thereafter wrath laid hold of the son of Atreus, and immediately he arose and spoke a threatening word, that has now been brought to pass. For the bright-eyed Achaeans are taking the maiden in a swift ship to Chryse, and are bearing gifts to the god; 390 while that other the heralds have but now taken from my hut and led away, even the daughter of Briseus, whom the sons of the Achaeans gave me. But, if you have power, guard your own son; go to Olympus and make prayer to Zeus, if ever you have made his heart glad by word or deed. 395 Often have I heard you glorying in the halls of my father, and declaring that you alone among the immortals warded off shameful ruin from the son of Cronos, lord of the dark clouds, on the day when the other Olympians were eager to put him in bonds, even Hera and Poseidon and Pallas Athene. 400 But you came, goddess, and loosed him from his bonds, when you had with speed called to high Olympus him of the hundred hands, whom the gods call Briareus, but all men Aegaeon; for he is mightier than his father. He sat down by the side of the son of Cronos, exulting in his glory, 405 and the blessed gods were seized with fear of him, and did not bind Zeus. Bring this now to his remembrance, and sit by his side, and clasp his knees, in hope that he may perhaps be minded to succour the Trojans, and for those others, the Achaeans, to pen them in among the sterns of their ships and around the sea as they are slain, so that they may all have profit of their king, 410 and that the son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, may know his blindness in that he in no way honoured the best of the Achaeans.” Then Thetis made answer to him, shedding tears as she spoke: “Ah me, my child, why did I rear you, cursed in my child-bearing? Would that it had been your lot to remain by your ships without tears and without grief, 415 since your span of life is brief and endures no long time; but now you are doomed to a speedy death and besides are beset with sorrow above all men; therefore to an evil fate did I bear you in our halls. Yet to tell this saying of yours to Zeus who hurls the thunderbolt I will myself go to snowy Olympus, in hope that he may listen. 420 But remain by your swift, sea-faring ships, and continue your wrath against the Achaeans, and refrain utterly from battle; for Zeus went yesterday to Oceanus, to the blameless Ethiopians for a feast, and all the gods followed with him; but on the twelfth day he will come back again to Olympus, 425 and then I will go to the house of Zeus with threshold of bronze, and will clasp his knees in prayer, and I think I shall win him.” So saying, she went her way and left him where he was, angry at heart for the fair-girdled woman’s sake, whom they had taken from him by force against his will; and meanwhile Odysseus 430 came to Chryse bringing the holy hecatomb. When they had now come within the deep harbour, they furled the sail, and stowed it in the black ship, and the mast they lowered by the forestays and brought it to the crutch with speed, and rowed her with oars to the place of anchorage. 435 Then they cast out the mooring-stones and made fast the stern cables, and themselves went forth upon the shore of the sea. Forth they brought the hecatomb for Apollo, who strikes afar, and forth stepped also the daughter of Chryses from the sea-faring ship. Her then did Odysseus of many wiles lead to the altar, 440 and place in the arms of her dear father, saying to him: “Chryses, Agamemnon, king of men, sent me forth to bring you your daughter, and to offer to Phoebus a holy hecatomb on the Danaans’ behalf, that with it we may propitiate the king, who has now brought upon the Argives woes and lamentation.” 445 So saying he placed her in his arms, and he joyfully took his dear child; but they made haste to set in array for the god the holy hecatomb around the well-built altar, and thereafter they washed their hands, and took up the barley grains. Then Chryses lifted up his hands, and prayed aloud for them: 450 “Hear me, you of the silver bow, who stand over Chryse and holy Cilla, and rule mightily over Tenedos. Even as before you heard me when I prayed—me you honoured, and mightily struck the host of the Achaeans—even so now fulfil for me this my desire: 455 ward off now from the Danaans the loathsome pestilence.” So he spoke in prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him. Then, when they had prayed, and had sprinkled the barley grains, they first drew back the victims’ heads, and cut their throats, and flayed them, and cut out the thighs and covered them 460 with a double layer of fat, and laid raw flesh upon them. And the old man burned them on billets of wood, and made libation over them of flaming wine; and beside him the young men held in their hands the five-pronged forks. But when the thigh-pieces were wholly burned, and they had tasted the inner parts, they cut up the rest and spitted it, 465 and roasted it carefully, and drew all off the spits. Then, when they had ceased from their labour and had made ready the meal, they feasted, nor did their hearts lack anything of the equal feast. But when they had put from them the desire of food and drink, the youths filled the bowls brim full of drink 470 and served out to all, first pouring drops for libation into the cups. So the whole day long they sought to appease the god with song, singing the beautiful paean, the sons of the Achaeans, hymning the god who works afar; and his heart was glad, as he heard. But when the sun set and darkness came on, 475 they lay down to rest by the stern cables of the ship, and as soon as early Dawn appeared, the rosy-fingered, then they set sail for the wide camp of the Achaeans. And Apollo, who works afar, sent them a favouring wind, and they set up the mast and spread the white sail. 480 So the wind filled the belly of the sail, and the dark wave sang loudly about the stem of the ship, as she went, and she sped over the wave, accomplishing her way. But when they had come to the wide camp of the Achaeans, they drew the black ship up on the shore, 485 high upon the sands, and set in line the long props beneath, and themselves scattered among the huts and ships. But he in his wrath remained beside his swift-faring ships, the heaven-sprung son of Peleus, Achilles, swift of foot. Never did he go forth to the place of gathering, where men win glory, 490 nor ever to war, but let his own heart waste away, as he lingered where he was; and he longed for the war-cry and the battle. Now when the twelfth morning thereafter had come, then to Olympus went the gods who are for ever, all in one company, and Zeus led the way. And Thetis did not forget the behest 495 of her son, but rose up from the wave of the sea, and at early morning mounted up to great heaven and Olympus. There she found the son of Cronos, whose voice is borne afar, as he sat apart from the rest upon the topmost peak of many-ridged Olympus. So she sat down before him, and laid hold of his knees 500 with her left hand, while with her right she clasped him beneath the chin, and she spoke in prayer to king Zeus, son of Cronos: “Father Zeus, if ever amid the immortals I gave you aid by word or deed, fulfil for me this prayer: do honour to my son, who is doomed to a speedy death beyond all other men; 505 yet now Agamemnon, king of men, has put dishonour upon him, for he has taken and keeps his prize by his own arrogant act. But show him honour, Olympian Zeus, lord of counsel; and for so long give might to the Trojans, even until the Achaeans do honour to my son, and magnify him with recompense.” 510 So she spoke; but Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, spoke no word to her, but sat a long time in silence. Yet Thetis, even as she had clasped his knees, so held to him, clinging close, and questioned him again a second time: “Promise me now this thing in very truth and bow your head to it, or else deny me, for there is nothing to make you afraid; so that I may know full well 515 how far I among all the gods am honoured the least.” Then, greatly troubled, Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, spoke to her: “Truly here will be sorry work, since you will set me on to engage in strife with Hera, whenever she shall anger me with taunting words. Even now she is always upbraiding me among the immortal gods, 520 and declaring that I give aid to the Trojans in battle. But for the present depart again, lest Hera notice anything; and I will take thought for these things to bring all to pass. Come, I will bow my head to you, that you may be certain, for this from me is the surest token among the immortals; 525 no word of mine may be recalled, nor is false, nor unfulfilled, to which I bow my head.” The son of Cronos spoke, and bowed his dark brow in assent, and the ambrosial locks waved from the king’s immortal head; and he made great Olympus quake. 530 When the two had taken counsel together in this fashion, they parted; she leapt at once into the deep sea from gleaming Olympus, and Zeus went to his own palace. All the gods together rose from their seats before the face of their father; nor did any dare to await his coming, but they all rose up before him. 535 So he sat down there upon his throne; but Hera saw, and did not fail to notice how silver-footed Thetis, daughter of the old man of the sea, had taken counsel with him. At once then she spoke to Zeus, son of Cronos, with mocking words: “Who of the gods, you crafty one, has now again taken counsel with you? 540 Always is it your good pleasure to hold aloof from me, and to give judgments which you have pondered in secret, nor have you ever brought yourself with a ready heart to declare to me the matter which you purpose.” Then made answer to her the father of men and gods: “Hera, do not think that you shall know all my words: 545 hard will they prove for you, my wife though you are. No, whatever it is fitting for you to hear, this none other shall know before you, whether of gods or men; but what I am minded to purpose apart from the gods, of all this do not in any way question me, nor ask about it.” 550 Then made answer to him the ox-eyed, queenly Hera: “Most dread son of Cronos, what a word you have said! Yes, truly, in the past I have not been used to ask you nor question you, but at your ease you devise all things whatever you will. But now I have wondrous dread at heart, lest 555 silver-footed Thetis, daughter of the old man of the sea, may have beguiled you; for at early dawn she sat by you and clasped your knees. To her, I think, you bowed your head in sure token that you will honour Achilles, and bring many to death beside the ships of the Achaeans.” Then in answer to her spoke Zeus, the cloud-gatherer: 560 “Strange queen, you are always imagining, and I do not escape you; yet you shall in no way have power to accomplish anything, but shall be the further from my heart; and that shall be even the worse for you. If this thing is as you say, then it must be my good pleasure. No, sit down in silence, and obey my word, 565 lest all the gods that are in Olympus be of no avail to you against my drawing near, when I put forth upon you my irresistible hands.” He spoke, and ox-eyed, queenly Hera was seized with fear, and sat down in silence, curbing her heart. Then troubled were the gods of heaven throughout the palace of Zeus, 570 and among them Hephaestus, the famed craftsman, was first to speak, doing pleasure to his dear mother, white-armed Hera: “Truly here will be sorry work, that is no more to be borne, if you two are to wrangle thus for mortals’ sakes, and set the gods in tumult; nor will there be any joy in the fine feast, 575 since worse things prevail. And I give counsel to my mother, wise though she is herself, to do pleasure to our dear father Zeus, so that the father may not upbraid her again, and bring confusion upon our feast. What if the Olympian, the lord of the lightning, should be minded 580 to dash us from our seats! for he is mightiest far. No, speak to him with gentle words; so shall the Olympian at once be gracious to us.” So saying, he sprang up and placed in his dear mother’s hand the double cup, and spoke to her: 585 “Be of good cheer, my mother, and endure for all your grief, lest, dear as you are to me, my eyes behold you struck, and then I shall in no way be able to succour you for all my sorrow; for a hard foe is the Olympian to meet in strife. Yes, once before this, when I was eager to save you, 590 he caught me by the foot and hurled me from the heavenly threshold; the whole day long I was borne headlong, and at set of sun I fell in Lemnos, and but little life was in me. There the Sintian folk made haste to tend me for my fall.” So he spoke, and the goddess, white-armed Hera, smiled, 595 and smiling took in her hand the cup from her son. Then he poured wine for all the other gods from left to right, drawing forth sweet nectar from the bowl. And laughter unquenchable arose among the blessed gods, as they saw Hephaestus puffing through the palace. 600 Thus the whole day long till set of sun they feasted, nor did their heart lack anything of the equal feast, nor of the beautiful lyre, that Apollo held, nor yet of the Muses, who sang, replying one to the other with sweet voices. But when the bright light of the sun had set, 605 they went each to his own house to take their rest, where for each one a palace had been built with cunning skill by the famed Hephaestus, the god of the two strong arms; and Zeus, the Olympian, lord of the lightning, went to his couch, where of old he was accustomed to take his rest, when sweet sleep came upon him. 610 There he went up and slept, and beside him lay Hera of the golden throne.

2Now all the other gods and men, lords of chariots, slumbered the whole night through, but Zeus was not held by sweet sleep, for he was pondering in his heart how he might do honour to Achilles and lay many low beside the ships of the Achaeans. And this plan seemed to his mind the best, 5 to send to Agamemnon, son of Atreus, a baneful dream. So he spoke, and addressed him with winged words: “Up, go, you baneful Dream, to the swift ships of the Achaeans, and when you have come to the hut of Agamemnon, son of Atreus, 10 tell him all my word truly, even as I charge you. Bid him arm the long-haired Achaeans with all speed, since now he may take the broad-wayed city of the Trojans. For the immortals, that have homes upon Olympus, are no longer divided in counsel, 15 since Hera has bent the minds of all by her supplication, and over the Trojans hang woes.” So he spoke, and the Dream went his way, when he had heard this saying. At once he came to the swift ships of the Achaeans, and went his way to Agamemnon, son of Atreus, and found him sleeping in his hut, and over him was shed ambrosial slumber. 20 So he took his stand above his head, in the likeness of the son of Neleus, Nestor, whom above all the elders Agamemnon held in honour; likening himself to him, the Dream from heaven spoke, saying: “You are sleeping, son of wise-hearted Atreus, the tamer of horses. To sleep the whole night through does not befit a man that is a counsellor, 25 to whom a host is entrusted, and upon whom rest so many cares. But now, listen quickly to me, for I am a messenger to you from Zeus, who, far away though he is, has exceeding care for you and pity. He bids you arm the long-haired Achaeans with all speed, since now you may take the broad-wayed city of the Trojans. 30 For the immortals that have homes upon Olympus are no longer divided in counsel, since Hera has bent the minds of all by her supplication, and over the Trojans hang woes by the will of Zeus. But keep this in your heart, nor let forgetfulness lay hold of you, when honey-hearted sleep shall let you go.” 35 So spoke the Dream, and departed, and left him there, pondering in his heart on things that were not to be brought to pass. For in truth he thought that he would take the city of Priam that very day, fool that he was! since he did not know what deeds Zeus was purposing, 40 who was yet to bring woes and groanings on Trojans alike and Danaans throughout the course of stubborn fights. Then he awoke from sleep, and the divine voice was ringing in his ears. He sat upright and put on his soft tunic, fair and glistening, and about him cast his great cloak, and beneath his shining feet he bound his fair sandals, 45 and about his shoulders flung his silver-studded sword; and he grasped the sceptre of his fathers, imperishable ever, and with it took his way along the ships of the brazen-coated Achaeans. Now the goddess Dawn went up to high Olympus, to announce the light to Zeus and the other immortals, 50 but Agamemnon ordered the clear-voiced heralds to summon to the place of gathering the long-haired Achaeans. And they made summons, and the men gathered very quickly. But the king first made the council of the great-souled elders sit down beside the ship of Nestor, the king Pylos-born. 55 And when he had called them together, he contrived a cunning plan, and said: “Listen, my friends, a Dream from heaven came to me in my sleep through the ambrosial night, and it was most like goodly Nestor, in form and in stature and in build. It took its stand above my head, and spoke to me, saying: 60 ‘You are sleeping, son of wise-hearted Atreus, the tamer of horses. To sleep the whole night through does not befit a man that is a counsellor, to whom a host is entrusted, and upon whom rest so many cares. But now, listen quickly to me, for I am a messenger to you from Zeus, who, far away though he is, has exceeding care for you and pity. 65 He bids you arm the long-haired Achaeans with all speed, since now you may take the broad-wayed city of the Trojans. For the immortals that have homes upon Olympus are no longer divided in counsel, since Hera has bent the minds of all by her supplication, and over the Trojans hang woes by the will of Zeus. 70 But keep this in your heart.’ So he spoke, and flew away, and sweet sleep let me go. Come now, if in any way we may, let us arm the sons of the Achaeans; but first I will make trial of them in speech, as is right, and will bid them flee with their benched ships; 75 but you, from this side and from that, speak to them, and strive to hold them back.” So saying, he sat down, and among them rose up Nestor, who was king of sandy Pylos. He with good intent addressed their gathering and spoke among them: “My friends, leaders and rulers of the Argives, 80 if it were any other of the Achaeans that told us this dream we might deem it a false thing, and turn away from it the more; but now he has seen it who declares himself to be far the mightiest of the Achaeans. Come then, if in any way we may arm the sons of the Achaeans.” He spoke, and led the way out from the council, 85 and the other sceptred kings rose up at this and obeyed the shepherd of the host; and the people meanwhile were hastening on. Even as the tribes of thronging bees go forth from some hollow rock, ever coming on afresh, and in clusters over the flowers of spring fly in throngs, some here, some there; 90 even so from the ships and huts before the low sea-beach marched forth in companies their many tribes to the place of gathering. And in their midst blazed forth Rumour, messenger of Zeus, urging them to go; and they were gathered. 95 And the place of gathering was in a turmoil, and the earth groaned beneath them, as the people sat down, and a din arose. Nine heralds with shouting sought to restrain them, if perhaps they might refrain from uproar and listen to the kings, nurtured of Zeus. Hardly at the last were the people made to sit, and were kept in their places, 100 ceasing from their clamour. Then among them lord Agamemnon rose up, bearing in his hands the sceptre which Hephaestus had wrought with toil. Hephaestus gave it to king Zeus, son of Cronos, and Zeus gave it to the messenger Argeïphontes; and Hermes, the lord, gave it to Pelops, driver of horses, 105 and Pelops in turn gave it to Atreus, shepherd of the host; and Atreus at his death left it to Thyestes, rich in flocks, and Thyestes again left it to Agamemnon to bear, so that he might be lord of many isles and of all Argos. On it he leaned, and spoke his word among the Argives: 110 “My friends, Danaan warriors, squires of Ares, great Zeus, son of Cronos, has ensnared me in grievous blindness of heart, cruel god! since of old he promised me, and bowed his head to it, that not until I had sacked well-walled Ilios should I return home; but now he has planned cruel deceit, and bids me return inglorious to Argos, 115 when I have lost many people. So, I think, must be the good pleasure of Zeus, supreme in might, who has laid low the heads of many cities, yes, and will yet lay low, for his power is above all. A shameful thing is this even for the hearing of men that are yet to be, 120 that thus vainly so fine and so great a host of the Achaeans waged a fruitless war, and fought with men fewer than they, and no end of it has as yet been seen. For should we be minded, both Achaeans and Trojans, to swear a solemn oath with sacrifice, and to number ourselves, 125 and should the Trojans be gathered together, all those that have dwellings in the city, and we Achaeans be marshalled by tens, and choose, each company of us, a man of the Trojans to pour our wine, then many tens would lack a cup-bearer; so far, I deem, do the sons of the Achaeans outnumber the Trojans that dwell in the city. 130 But there are allies out of many cities, men that wield the spear, who hinder me mightily, and for all that I am eager, do not allow me to sack the well-peopled citadel of Ilios. Already nine years of great Zeus have gone by, 135 and see, our ships' timbers are rotten, and the tackling loosed; and our wives, I think, and little children sit in our halls awaiting us; yet our task is wholly unaccomplished, in furtherance of which we came here. Come, even as I shall bid, let us all obey: 140 let us flee with our ships to our dear native land; for there is no more hope that we shall take broad-wayed Troy.” So he spoke, and roused the hearts in the breasts of all throughout the multitude, as many as had not heard the council. And the gathering was stirred like the long sea-waves of the Icarian sea, 145 which the East Wind or the South Wind has raised, rushing upon them from the clouds of father Zeus. And even as when the West Wind at its coming stirs a deep field of grain with its violent blast, and the ears bow beneath it, even so was all their gathering stirred, and they with loud shouting rushed towards the ships; 150 and from beneath their feet the dust arose on high. And they called each one to his fellow to lay hold of the ships and draw them into the bright sea, and they set themselves to clear the launching-ways, and their shouting went up to heaven, so eager were they for their return home; and they began to take the props from beneath the ships. 155 Then the Argives would have accomplished their return even beyond what was ordained, had not Hera spoken a word to Athene, saying: “For shame, child of Zeus that bears the aegis, unwearied one! Is it thus indeed that the Argives are to flee to their dear native land over the broad back of the sea? 160 Yes, and they would leave to Priam and the Trojans their boast, Argive Helen, for whose sake many an Achaean has perished in Troy, far from his dear native land. But go now throughout the host of the brazen-coated Achaeans; with your gentle words seek to restrain every man, 165 nor allow them to draw into the sea their curved ships.” So she spoke, and the goddess, flashing-eyed Athene, did not fail to heed. Down from the peaks of Olympus she went darting, and speedily came to the swift ships of the Achaeans. There she found Odysseus, the peer of Zeus in counsel, 170 as he stood. He laid no hand upon his benched, black ship, for grief had come upon his heart and soul; and flashing-eyed Athene stood near him, and said: “Son of Laërtes, sprung from Zeus, Odysseus of many wiles, is it thus indeed that you will fling yourselves 175 on your benched ships to flee to your dear native land? Yes, and you would leave to Priam and the Trojans their boast, Argive Helen, for whose sake many an Achaean has perished in Troy, far from his dear native land. But go now throughout the host of the Achaeans, and hold back no more; 180 and with your gentle words seek to restrain every man, nor allow them to draw into the sea their curved ships.” So she said, and he knew the voice of the goddess as she spoke, and set off at a run, and cast from him his cloak, which his herald gathered up, Eurybates of Ithaca, who waited on him. 185 But he himself went straight to Agamemnon, son of Atreus, and received at his hand the staff of his fathers, imperishable ever, and with it went his way along the ships of the brazen-coated Achaeans. Whomever he met that was a chieftain or man of note, to his side he would come and with gentle words seek to restrain him, saying: 190 “Good Sir, it is not fitting to seek to frighten you as if you were a coward, but sit down yourself, and make the rest of your people sit. For you do not yet know clearly what is the mind of the son of Atreus; now he is only making trial, whereas soon he will strike the sons of the Achaeans. Did we not all hear what he said in the council? 195 Beware lest, growing angry, he work mischief to the sons of the Achaeans. Proud is the heart of kings, fostered of heaven; for their honour is from Zeus, and Zeus, god of counsel, loves them.” But whatever man of the people he saw, and found brawling, him he would strike with his staff, and rebuke with words, saying, 200 “Fellow, sit still, and listen to the words of others that are better men than you; whereas you are unwarlike and a weakling, neither to be counted in war nor in counsel. In no way shall we Achaeans all be kings here. No good thing is a multitude of lords; let there be one lord, 205 one king, to whom the son of crooked-counselling Cronos has granted the sceptre and judgments, that he may take counsel for his people.” Thus masterfully did he range through the host, and they hurried back to the place of gathering from their ships and huts with noise, as when a wave of the loud-resounding sea 210 thunders on the long beach, and the deep roars. Now the others sat down and were kept in their places, only there still kept chattering on Thersites of measureless speech, whose mind was full of a great store of disorderly words, with which to utter revilings against the kings, idly, and in no orderly way, 215 but whatever he thought would raise a laugh among the Argives. Ugly was he beyond all men that came to Ilios: he was bandy-legged and lame in the one foot, and his two shoulders were rounded, stooping together over his chest, and above them his head was warped, and a scant stubble grew on it. 220 Hateful was he to Achilles above all, and to Odysseus, for it was those two that he was accustomed to revile; but now again with shrill cries he uttered abuse against goodly Agamemnon. With him the Achaeans were exceedingly angry, and had indignation in their hearts. But with loud shoutings he spoke and rebuked Agamemnon: 225 “Son of Atreus, with what are you now again discontented, or what do you lack? Filled are your huts with bronze, and very many women are in your huts, chosen spoils that we Achaeans give you first of all, whenever we take a citadel. Or do you still want gold also, 230 which some man of the horse-taming Trojans shall bring you out of Ilios as a ransom for his son, whom I perhaps have bound and led away, or some other of the Achaeans? Or is it some young girl for you to know in love, whom you will keep apart for yourself? No, it does not befit one that is their captain to bring to ill the sons of the Achaeans. 235 Soft fools! base things of shame, you women of Achaea, men no more, homeward let us go with our ships, and leave this fellow here in the land of Troy to digest his prizes, so that he may learn whether in us too there is any aid for him or not—for him that has now done dishonour to Achilles, a man better far than he; 240 for he has taken away, and keeps his prize by his own arrogant act. Surely there is no wrath in the heart of Achilles; no, he does not heed at all; else, son of Atreus, you would now work insolence for the last time.” So spoke Thersites, railing at Agamemnon, shepherd of the host. But quickly to his side came goodly Odysseus, 245 and with an angry glance from beneath his brows, rebuked him with harsh words, saying: “Thersites of reckless speech, clear-voiced talker though you are, restrain yourself, and do not be minded to strive singly against kings. For I deem that there is no viler mortal than you among all those that with the sons of Atreus came beneath Ilios. 250 Therefore it would be well that you should not take the name of kings in your mouth as you prate, to cast reproaches upon them, and to watch for home-going. In no way do we know clearly as yet how these things are to be, whether it is for good or ill that we sons of the Achaeans shall return. Therefore you now continually utter revilings against Atreus' son, Agamemnon, shepherd of the host, 255 because the Danaan warriors give him very many gifts; whereas you prate on with railings. But I will speak out to you, and this word shall truly be brought to pass: if I find you again playing the fool, even as you are now, then may the head of Odysseus remain no more upon his shoulders, 260 nor may I any more be called the father of Telemachus, if I do not take you, and strip off your clothing, your cloak, and your tunic that cover your nakedness, and send you yourself wailing to the swift ships, beaten out from the place of gathering with shameful blows.” 265 So spoke Odysseus, and with his staff struck his back and shoulders; and Thersites cowered down, and a big tear fell from him, and a bloody weal rose up on his back beneath the staff of gold. Then he sat down, and fear came upon him, and stung by pain with helpless looks he wiped away the tear. 270 But the Achaeans, deeply vexed at heart though they were, broke into a merry laugh at him, and thus would one speak with a glance at his neighbour: “Well now! truly Odysseus has before now wrought good deeds without number as leader in good counsel and setting battle in array, but now this deed is far the best that he has wrought among the Argives, 275 since he has made this scurrilous babbler cease from his prating. Never again, I think, will his proud spirit henceforth set him on to rail at kings with words of reviling.” So spoke the multitude; but up rose Odysseus, sacker of cities, the sceptre in his hand, and by his side flashing-eyed Athene, 280 in the likeness of a herald, ordered the host to keep silence, that the sons of the Achaeans, both the nearest and the farthest, might hear his words, and lay to heart his counsel. He with good intent addressed their gathering and spoke among them: “Son of Atreus, now truly are the Achaeans minded to make you, O king, 285 the most despised among all mortal men, nor will they fulfill the promise that they made to you, while faring here from Argos, the pasture-land of horses, that not until you had sacked well-walled Ilios should you return home. For like little children or widow women 290 do they wail each to the other in longing to return home. Truly there is toil enough to make a man return disheartened. For he that stays but one single month far from his wife in his benched ship has vexation of heart, even he whom winter blasts and surging seas keep far away; 295 but for us the ninth year is at its turn, while we stay here; therefore I do not count it shame that the Achaeans have vexation of heart beside their beaked ships; yet even so it is a shameful thing to linger long, and return empty. Endure, my friends, and stay for a time, that we may know 300 whether the prophecies of Calchas are true, or not.” “For this in truth we know well in our hearts, and you are all witnesses to it, as many as the fates of death have not borne away. It was but as yesterday or the day before, when the ships of the Achaeans were gathering in Aulis, laden with woes for Priam and the Trojans; 305 and we round about a spring were offering to the immortals upon the holy altars hecatombs that bring fulfillment, beneath a fair plane-tree from which flowed the bright water; then appeared a great portent: a serpent, blood-red on the back, terrible, whom the Olympian himself had sent forth to the light, 310 glided from beneath the altar and darted to the plane-tree. Now upon this were the young of a sparrow, tender little ones, on the topmost bough, cowering beneath the leaves, eight in all, and the mother that bore them was the ninth, Then the serpent devoured them as they twittered piteously, 315 and the mother fluttered around them, wailing for her dear little ones; but he coiled himself and caught her by the wing as she screamed about him. But when he had devoured the sparrow's little ones and the mother with them, the god, who had brought him to the light, made him unseen; for the son of crooked-counselling Cronos turned him to stone; 320 and we stood there and marveled at what was wrought. So, when the dread portent broke in upon the hecatombs of the gods, then at once did Calchas prophesy, and address our gathering, saying: 'Why are you thus silent, you long-haired Achaeans? To us has Zeus the counsellor shown this great sign, 325 late in coming, late in fulfillment, the fame of which shall never perish. Even as this serpent devoured the sparrow's little ones and the mother with them—the eight, and the mother that bore them was the ninth—so shall we war there for so many years, but in the tenth shall we take the broad-wayed city.' Thus spoke Calchas, 330 and now all this is truly being brought to pass. Come, stay, all of you, you well-greaved Achaeans, even where you are, until we take the great city of Priam.” So he spoke, and the Argives shouted aloud, and all round about them the ships echoed wondrously beneath the shouting of the Achaeans, 335 as they praised the words of godlike Odysseus. And there spoke among them the horseman, Nestor of Gerenia: “Now look; in very truth you are holding assembly after the manner of silly boys that do not care at all for deeds of war. What then is to be the end of our compacts and our oaths? 340 No, into the fire let us cast all counsels and plans of warriors, the drink-offerings of unmixed wine, and the hand-clasps in which we put our trust. For vainly do we wrangle with words, nor can we find any device at all, for all our long lingering here. Son of Atreus, you, as of old, keep unbending purpose, 345 and be leader of the Argives throughout stubborn fights; and for these, let them perish, the one or two of the Achaeans, that take secret counsel apart—yet no accomplishment shall come of it—to depart first to Argos before we have learned whether the promise of Zeus that bears the aegis is a lie or not. 350 For I declare that Cronos' son, supreme in might, gave promise with his nod on that day when the Argives went on board their swift-faring ships, bearing to the Trojans death and fate; for he lightened on our right and showed forth signs of good. Therefore let no man make haste to depart homewards until each has lain with the wife of some Trojan, 355 and has got requital for his strivings and groanings for Helen's sake. But if any man is exceedingly eager to depart homewards, let him lay his hand upon his black, well-benched ship, that before the face of all he may meet death and fate. 360 But you, O King, take good counsel yourself, and listen to another; whatever word I speak, you shall not lightly cast aside. Separate your men by tribes, by clans, Agamemnon, that clan may bear aid to clan and tribe to tribe. If you do this, and the Achaeans obey you, 365 you will know then who among your captains is a coward, and who among your men, and who too is brave; for they will fight each clan for itself. So shall you know whether it is even by the will of heaven that you shall not take the city, or by the cowardice of your folk and their witlessness in war.” Then in answer to him spoke the king, Agamemnon: 370 “Yes, truly, once more, old sir, you are pre-eminent in speech above the sons of the Achaeans. I would, O father Zeus and Athene and Apollo, that I had ten such counsellors; then would the city of king Priam at once bow her head, taken and laid waste beneath our hands. 375 But the son of Cronos, even Zeus that bears the aegis, has brought sorrows upon me, in that he casts me into the midst of fruitless strifes and wranglings. For truly I and Achilles fought about a girl with violent words, and it was I that grew angry first; but if ever we shall be at one in counsel, 380 then shall there no more be any putting off of evil for the Trojans, no, not for an instant. But for the present go to your meal, that we may join battle. Let every man whet well his spear and set well in order his shield, and let him well give to his swift-footed horses their food, and look well to his chariot on every side, and take thought for fighting; 385 that the whole day through we may contend in hateful war. For of respite shall there intervene, no, not the least, until night at its coming shall part the fury of warriors. Wet with sweat about the breast of many a man shall be the baldric of his sheltering shield, and about the spear shall his hand grow weary, 390 and wet with sweat shall a man's horse be, as he tugs at the polished chariot. But whomever I shall see minded to linger apart from the fight beside the beaked ships, for him there shall be no hope afterward to escape the dogs and birds.” So he spoke, and the Argives shouted aloud as a wave against a high headland, 395 when the South Wind comes and makes it swell—even against a jutting crag that is never left by the waves of all the winds that come from this side or from that. And they arose and hurried to scatter among the ships, and made fires in the huts, and took their meal. 400 And they made sacrifice one to one of the gods that are for ever, and one to another, with the prayer that they might escape from death and the toil of war. But Agamemnon, king of men, slew a fat bull of five years to the son of Cronos, supreme in might, and called the elders, the chieftains of the Achaean host, 405 Nestor, first of all, and king Idomeneus, and after them the two Aiantes and the son of Tydeus, and as the sixth Odysseus, the peer of Zeus in counsel. And unbidden came to him Menelaus, good at the war-cry, for he knew in his heart with what his brother was busied. 410 About the bull they stood and took up the barley grains, and in prayer lord Agamemnon spoke among them, saying. “Zeus, most glorious, most great, lord of the dark clouds, that dwells in the heaven, grant that the sun may not set, nor darkness come upon us, until I have cast down in headlong ruin the hall of Priam, blackened with smoke, 415 and have burned with consuming fire its portals, and cloven about the breast of Hector his tunic, rent with the bronze; and in throngs may his comrades round about him fall headlong in the dust, and bite the earth.” So he spoke; but not yet would the son of Cronos grant him fulfillment; 420 no, he accepted the sacrifice, but toil he made to grow unceasingly. Then, when they had prayed and had sprinkled the barley grains, they first drew back the victims' heads and cut their throats, and flayed them; and they cut out the thigh-pieces and covered them with a double layer of fat, and laid raw flesh on them. 425 These they burned on billets of wood stripped of leaves, and the inner parts they pierced with spits, and held them over the flame of Hephaestus. But when the thigh-pieces were wholly burned and they had tasted of the inner parts, they cut up the rest and spitted it, and roasted it carefully, and drew all off the spits. 430 Then, when they had ceased from their labour and had made ready the meal, they feasted, nor did their hearts lack anything of the equal feast. But when they had put from them the desire of food and drink, among them the horseman, Nestor of Gerenia, was first to speak, saying: “Most glorious son of Atreus, Agamemnon, king of men, 435 let us now not any more remain gathered here, nor any more put off the work which truly the god grants us. Come, let the heralds of the brazen-coated Achaeans make proclamation, and gather together the host throughout the ships, and let us go thus in a body through the broad camp of the Achaeans, 440 that we may with the more speed stir up sharp battle.” So he spoke, and the king of men, Agamemnon, did not fail to heed. At once he ordered the clear-voiced heralds to summon to battle the long-haired Achaeans. And they made summons, and the host gathered very quickly. 445 The kings, nurtured of Zeus, that were about Atreus' son, sped swiftly, marshalling the host, and in their midst was the flashing-eyed Athene, bearing the priceless aegis, that knows neither age nor death, from which are hung a hundred tassels all of gold, all of them cunningly woven, and each one of the worth of a hundred oxen. 450 With it she sped dazzling throughout the host of the Achaeans, urging them to go forth; and in the heart of each man she roused strength to war and to battle without ceasing. And to them at once war became sweeter than to return in their hollow ships to their dear native land. 455 Even as a consuming fire makes a boundless forest blaze on the peaks of a mountain, and from afar its glare is to be seen, even so from their innumerable bronze, as they marched forth, went the dazzling gleam up through the sky to the heavens. And as the many tribes of winged fowl, 460 wild geese or cranes or long-necked swans on the Asian meadow by the streams of Caystrius, fly this way and that, glorying in their strength of wing, and with loud cries settle ever onwards, and the meadow resounds; even so their many tribes poured forth from ships and huts 465 into the plain of Scamander, and the earth echoed wondrously beneath the tread of men and horses. So they took their stand in the flowery meadow of Scamander, numberless, as are the leaves and the flowers in their season. Even as the many tribes of swarming flies 470 that buzz to and fro throughout the herdsman's farmstead in the season of spring, when the milk drenches the pails, even in such numbers stood the long-haired Achaeans upon the plain in the face of the men of Troy, eager to tear them apart. And even as goatherds separate easily the wide-scattered flocks of goats, 475 when they mingle in the pasture, so did their leaders marshal them on this side and on that to enter into the battle, and among them lord Agamemnon, his eyes and head like Zeus that hurls the thunderbolt, his waist like Ares, and his breast like Poseidon. 480 Even as a bull among the herd stands forth far the foremost over all, for he is pre-eminent among the gathering cattle, even so did Zeus make Agamemnon on that day, pre-eminent among many, and foremost amid warriors. Tell me now, you Muses that have dwellings on Olympus— 485 for you are goddesses and are at hand and know all things, whereas we hear only a rumour and do not know anything—who were the captains of the Danaans and their lords. But the common folk I could not tell nor name, no, not though ten tongues were mine and ten mouths 490 and a voice unwearying, and though the heart within me were of bronze, unless the Muses of Olympus, daughters of Zeus that bears the aegis, called to my mind all those that came beneath Ilios. Now I will tell the captains of the ships and the ships in their order. Of the Boeotians Peneleos and Leïtus were captains, 495 and Arcesilaus and Prothoënor and Clonius; these were they that dwelt in Hyria and rocky Aulis and Schoenus and Scolus and Eteonus with its many ridges, Thespeia, Graea, and spacious Mycalessus; and that dwelt about Harma and Eilesium and Erythrae; 500 and that held Eleon and Hyle and Peteon, Ocalea and Medeon, the well-built citadel, Copae, Eutresis, and Thisbe, the haunt of doves; that dwelt in Coroneia and grassy Haliartus, and that held Plataea and dwelt in Glisas; 505 that held lower Thebe, the well-built citadel, and holy Onchestus, the bright grove of Poseidon; and that held Arne, rich in vines, and Mideia and sacred Nisa and Anthedon on the seaboard. Of these there came fifty ships, and on board of each 510 went young men of the Boeotians a hundred and twenty. And they that dwelt in Aspledon and Orchomenus of the Minyae were led by Ascalaphus and Ialmenus, sons of Ares, whom, in the palace of Actor, son of Azeus, Astyoche, the honoured maiden, conceived of mighty Ares, when she had entered into her upper chamber; 515 for he lay with her in secret. And with these were ranged thirty hollow ships. And of the Phocians Schedius and Epistrophus were captains, sons of great-souled Iphitus, son of Naubolus; these were they that held Cyparissus and rocky Pytho, 520 and sacred Crisa and Daulis and Panopeus; and that dwelt about Anemoreia and Hyampolis, and that lived beside the noble river Cephisus, and that held Lilaea by the springs of Cephisus. With these followed forty black ships. 525 And their leaders busily marshalled the ranks of the Phocians, and made ready for battle close by the Boeotians on the left. And the Locrians had as leader the swift son of Oïleus, Aias the less, in no way as great as Telamonian Aias, but far less. Small of stature was he, with corselet of linen, 530 but with the spear he far excelled the whole host of Hellenes and Achaeans. These were they that dwelt in Cynus and Opus and Calliarus and Bessa and Scarphe and lovely Augeiae and Tarphe and Thronium about the streams of Boagrius. With Aias followed forty black ships of 535 the Locrians that dwell opposite sacred Euboea. And the Abantes, breathing fury, that held Euboea and Chalcis and Eretria and Histiaea, rich in vines, and Cerinthus, close by the sea, and the steep citadel of Dios; and that held Carystus and dwelt in Styra,— 540 all these again had as leader Elephenor, scion of Ares, he that was son of Chalcodon and captain of the great-souled Abantes. And with him followed the swift Abantes, with hair long at the back, spearmen eager with outstretched ashen spears to rend the corselets about the breasts of the foes. 545 And with him there followed forty black ships. And they that held Athens, the well-built citadel, the land of great-hearted Erechtheus, whom of old Athene, daughter of Zeus, fostered, when the earth, the giver of grain, had borne him; and she made him dwell in Athens, in her own rich sanctuary, 550 and there the youths of the Athenians, as the years roll on in their courses, seek to win his favour with sacrifices of bulls and rams;—these again had as leader Menestheus, son of Peteos. Like him was no other man upon the face of the earth for the marshalling of chariots and of warriors that bear the shield. 555 Only Nestor could vie with him, for he was the elder. And with him there followed fifty black ships. And Aias led from Salamis twelve ships, and stationed them where the battalions of the Athenians stood. And they that held Argos and Tiryns, famed for its walls, 560 and Hermione and Asine, that enfold the deep gulf, Troezen and Eïonae and vine-clad Epidaurus, and the youths of the Achaeans that held Aegina and Mases,—these again had as leaders Diomedes, good at the war-cry, and Sthenelus, dear son of glorious Capaneus. 565 And with them came a third, Euryalus, a godlike warrior, son of king Mecisteus, son of Talaus; but leader over them all was Diomedes, good at the war-cry. And with these there followed eighty black ships. And they that held Mycenae, the well-built citadel, 570 and wealthy Corinth, and well-built Cleonae, and dwelt in Orneiae and lovely Araethyrea and Sicyon, where at first Adrastus was king; and they that held Hyperesia and steep Gonoessa and Pellene, 575 and that dwelt about Aegium and throughout all Aegialus, and about broad Helice,—of these was the son of Atreus, lord Agamemnon, captain, with a hundred ships. With him followed most people by far and goodliest; and among them he himself put on his gleaming bronze, a king all-glorious, and was pre-eminent among all the warriors, 580 for he was noblest, and led a people far the most in number. And they that held the hollow land of Lacedaemon with its many ravines, and Pharis and Sparta and Messe, the haunt of doves, and that dwelt in Bryseiae and lovely Augeiae, and that held Amyclae and Helus, a citadel close by the sea, 585 and that held Laas, and dwelt about Oetylus,—these were led by Agamemnon's brother, even Menelaus, good at the war-cry, with sixty ships; and they were marshalled apart. And he himself moved among them, confident in his zeal, urging his men to battle; and above all others was his heart eager 590 to get requital for his strivings and groanings for Helen's sake. And they that dwelt in Pylos and lovely Arene and Thryum, the ford of Alpheius, and fair-founded Aepy, and that had their abodes in Cyparisseïs and Amphigeneia and Pteleos and Helus and Dorium, 595 where the Muses met Thamyris the Thracian and made an end of his singing, even as he was journeying from Oechalia, from the house of Eurytus the Oechalian: for he vaunted with boasting that he would conquer, were the Muses themselves to sing against him, the daughters of Zeus that bears the aegis; but they in their wrath maimed him, 600 and took from him his wondrous song, and made him forget his minstrelsy;—all these folk again had as leader the horseman, Nestor of Gerenia. And with him were ranged ninety hollow ships. And they that held Arcadia beneath the steep mountain of Cyllene, beside the tomb of Aepytus, where are warriors that fight in close combat; 605 and they that dwelt in Pheneos and Orchomenus, rich in flocks, and Rhipe and Stratia and wind-swept Enispe; and that held Tegea and lovely Mantineia; and that held Stymphalus and dwelt in Parrhasia, —all these were led by the son of Ancaeus, Lord Agapenor, 610 with sixty ships; and on each ship embarked very many Arcadian warriors well-skilled in fight. For of himself had the king of men, Agamemnon, given them benched ships with which to cross over the wine-dark sea, even the son of Atreus, for with matters of seafaring they had nothing to do. 615 And they that dwelt in Buprasium and goodly Elis, all that part of it that Hyrmine and Myrsinus on the seaboard and the rock of Olen and Alesium enclose between them—these again had four leaders, and ten swift ships followed each one, and many Epeians embarked on them. 620 Of these some were led by Amphimachus and Thalpius, of the blood of Actor, sons, the one of Cteatus and the other of Eurytus; and of some was the son of Amarynceus captain, even mighty Diores; and of the fourth company godlike Polyxeinus was captain, son of king Agasthenes, Augeias' son. 625 And those from Dulichium and the Echinae, the holy isles, that lie across the sea, opposite Elis, these again had as leader Meges, the peer of Ares, even the son of Phyleus, whom the horseman Phyleus, dear to Zeus, begot—he that of old had gone to dwell in Dulichium in wrath against his father. 630 And with Meges there followed forty black ships. And Odysseus led the great-souled Cephallenians that held Ithaca and Neritum, covered with waving forests, and that dwelt in Crocyleia and rugged Aegilips; and those that held Zacynthus, and that dwelt about Samos, 635 and held the mainland and dwelt on the shores opposite the isles. Of these was Odysseus captain, the peer of Zeus in counsel. And with him there followed twelve ships with vermilion prows. And the Aetolians were led by Thoas, Andraemon's son, even they that dwelt in Pleuron and Olenus and Pylene and Chalcis, close by the sea, and rocky Calydon. For the sons of great-hearted Oeneus were no more, nor did he himself still live, and fair-haired Meleager was dead, to whom commands had been given that he should bear full sway among the Aetolians. And with Thoas there followed forty black ships. 645 And the Cretans had as leader Idomeneus, famed for his spear, even they that held Cnosus and Gortys, famed for its walls, Lyctus and Miletus and Lycastus, white with chalk, and Phaestus and Rhytium, well-peopled cities; and all those besides that dwelt in Crete of the hundred cities. 650 Of all these was Idomeneus, famed for his spear, captain, and Meriones, the peer of Enyalius, slayer of men. And with these there followed eighty black ships. And Tlepolemus, son of Heracles, a valiant man and tall, led from Rhodes nine ships of the lordly Rhodians, 655 that dwelt in Rhodes separated in three divisions—in Lindos and Ialysus and Cameirus, white with chalk. These were led by Tlepolemus, famed for his spear, he that was born to mighty Heracles by Astyocheia, whom he had led forth out of Ephyre from the river Selleïs, 660 when he had laid waste many cities of warriors fostered of Zeus. But when Tlepolemus had grown to manhood in the well-fenced palace, at once he slew his own father's dear uncle, Licymnius, scion of Ares, who was then growing old. So he immediately built ships, and when he had gathered together many people, 665 went forth in flight over the sea, because the other sons and grandsons of mighty Heracles threatened him. But he came to Rhodes in his wanderings, suffering woes, and there his people settled in three divisions by tribes, and were loved by Zeus that is king among gods and men; 670 and upon them was wondrous wealth poured by the son of Cronos. Moreover Nireus led three shapely ships from Syme, Nireus that was son of Aglaïa and Charops the king, Nireus the comeliest man that came beneath Ilios of all the Danaans after the fearless son of Peleus. 675 But he was a weakling, and only few people followed with him. And they that held Nisyrus and Crapathus and Casus and Cos, the city of Eurypylus, and the Calydnian isles, these again were led by Pheidippus and Antiphus, the two sons of king Thessalus, son of Heracles. 680 And with them were ranged thirty hollow ships. Now all those again that inhabited Pelasgian Argos, and dwelt in Alos and Alope and Trachis, and that held Phthia and Hellas, the land of fair women, and were called Myrmidons and Hellenes and Achaeans— 685 of the fifty ships of these men was Achilles captain. But they gave no thought to woeful war, since there was no man to lead them forth into the ranks. For he lay in idleness among the ships, the swift-footed, goodly Achilles, in wrath because of the fair-haired girl Briseïs, 690 whom he had taken out of Lyrnessus after great toil, when he wasted Lyrnessus and the walls of Thebe, and laid low Mynes and Epistrophus, warriors that raged with the spear, sons of king Evenus, Selepus' son. In deep grief for her lay Achilles idle; but soon was he to arise again. 695 And they that held Phylace and flowery Pyrasus, the sanctuary of Demeter, and Iton, mother of flocks, and Antron, close by the sea, and Pteleos, couched in grass, these again had as leader warlike Protesilaus, while yet he lived; but by now the black earth held him fast. 700 His wife, her two cheeks torn in wailing, was left in Phylace and his house but half established, while, for himself, a Dardanian warrior slew him as he leapt forth from his ship by far the first of the Achaeans. Yet neither were his men leaderless, though they longed for their leader; for Podarces, scion of Ares, marshalled them, 705 he that was son of Phylacus' son, Iphiclus, rich in flocks, own brother to great-souled Protesilaus, and younger-born; but the other was the elder and the better man, even the warrior, valiant Protesilaus. So the host in no way lacked a leader, though they longed for the noble man they had lost. 710 And with him there followed forty black ships. And they that dwelt in Pherae beside the lake Boebeïs, and in Boebe, and Glaphyrae, and well-built Iolcus, these were led by the dear son of Admetus with eleven ships, even by Eumelus, whom Alcestis, queenly among women, bore to Admetus, 715 even she, the comeliest of the daughters of Pelias. And they that dwelt in Methone and Thaumacia, and that held Meliboea and rugged Olizon, these with their seven ships were led by Philoctetes, well-skilled in archery, 720 and on each ship embarked fifty oarsmen well skilled to fight hard with the bow. But Philoctetes lay suffering grievous pains in an island, even in sacred Lemnos, where the sons of the Achaeans had left him in anguish with an evil wound from a deadly water-snake. There he lay suffering; 725 yet very soon were the Argives beside their ships to remember king Philoctetes. But neither were these men leaderless, though they longed for their leader; but Medon marshalled them, the bastard son of Oïleus, whom Rhene bore to Oïleus, sacker of cities. And they that held Tricca and Ithome of the crags, 730 and Oechalia, city of Oechalian Eurytus, these again were led by the two sons of Asclepius, the skilled physicians Podaleirius and Machaon. And with these were ranged thirty hollow ships. And they that held Ormenius and the fountain Hypereia, 735 and that held Asterium and the white crests of Titanus, these were led by Eurypylus, the glorious son of Euaemon. And with him there followed forty black ships. And they that held Argissa, and dwelt in Gyrtone, Orthe, and Elone, and the white city of Oloösson, 740 these again had as leader Polypoetes, staunch in fight, son of Peirithous, whom immortal Zeus begot— even him whom glorious Hippodameia conceived to Peirithous on the day when he got vengeance on the shaggy centaurs, and thrust them forth from Pelium, and drove them to the Aethices. 745 Not alone was he, but with him was Leonteus, scion of Ares, the son of Caenus' son, Coronus, high of heart. And with them there followed forty black ships. And Gouneus led from Cyphus two and twenty ships, and with him followed the Enienes and the Peraebi, staunch in fight, 750 that had set their dwellings about wintry Dodona, and dwelt in the ploughland about lovely Titaressus, that pours his fair-flowing streams into Peneius; yet he does not mingle with the silver eddies of Peneius, but flows on over his waters like olive oil; 755 for he is a branch of the water of Styx, the dread river of oath. And the Magnetes had as captain Prothous, son of Tenthredon. These were they that dwelt about Peneius and Pelion, covered with waving forests. Of these was swift Prothous captain; and with him there followed forty black ships. 760 These were the leaders of the Danaans and their lords. But who was far the best among them, tell me, Muse—best of the warriors and of the horses that followed with the sons of Atreus. Of horses best by far were the mares of the son of Pheres, those that Eumelas drove, swift as birds, 765 alike in coat, alike in age, their backs as even as a levelling line could make. These had Apollo of the silver bow reared in Pereia, both of them mares, bearing with them the panic of war. And of warriors far best was Telamonian Aias, while yet Achilles cherished his wrath; for Achilles was far the mightiest, 770 he and the horses that bore the peerless son of Peleus. But he remained amid his beaked, seafaring ships in utter wrath against Agamemnon, Atreus' son, shepherd of the host; and his people along the sea-shore took their joy in casting the discus and the javelin, and in archery; 775 and their horses each beside his own chariot, eating lotus and parsley of the marsh, stood idle, while the chariots were set, well covered up, in the huts of their masters. But the men, longing for their captain, dear to Ares, roamed here and there through the camp, and did not fight. 780 So they marched then as though all the land were swept with fire; and the earth groaned beneath them, as beneath Zeus that hurls the thunderbolt in his wrath, when he scourges the land about Typhoeus in the country of the Arimi, where men say is the couch of Typhoeus. Even so the earth groaned greatly beneath their tread as they went; 785 and very swiftly did they speed across the plain. And to the Trojans went, as a messenger from Zeus that bears the aegis, wind-footed, swift Iris with a grievous message. These were holding assembly at Priam's gate, all gathered in one body, the young men alike and the elders. 790 And swift-footed Iris stood near and spoke to them; and she made her voice like that of Polites, son of Priam, who was accustomed to sit as a sentinel of the Trojans, trusting in his fleetness of foot, on the topmost part of the barrow of aged Aesyetes, waiting until the Achaeans should sally forth from their ships. 795 Likening herself to him swift-footed Iris spoke to Priam, saying: “Old sir, ever are endless words dear to you, now even as of old in time of peace; but war unabating is afoot. Truly very often have I entered before now into battles of warriors, but never yet have I seen a host so fine and so great; 800 for most like the leaves or the sands are they, as they march over the plain to fight against the city. Hector, to you beyond all others I give command, and do even according to my word. Inasmuch as there are very many allies throughout the great city of Priam, and tongue differs from tongue among men that are scattered abroad; 805 let each one therefore give the word to those whose captain he is, and these let him lead forth, when he has marshalled the men of his own city.” So she spoke, and Hector in no way failed to know the voice of the goddess, but at once broke up the gathering; and they rushed to arms. The gates one and all were opened wide, and forth the folk hurried, 810 both footmen and charioteers; and a great din arose. Now there is before the city a steep mound far out in the plain, with a clear space about it on this side and on that; this men truly call Batieia, but the immortals call it the barrow of Myrine, light of step. 815 There on this day did the Trojans and their allies separate their companies. The Trojans were led by great Hector of the flashing helm, the son of Priam, and with him were marshalled the greatest hosts by far and the goodliest, raging with the spear. Of the Dardanians again the valiant son of Anchises was captain, 820 even Aeneas, whom fair Aphrodite conceived to Anchises amid the spurs of Ida, a goddess couched with a mortal man. Not alone was he; with him were Antenor's two sons, Archelochus and Acamas, well skilled in all manner of fighting. And they that dwelt in Zeleia beneath the lowest foot of Ida, 825 men of wealth, that drink the dark water of Aesepus, even the Troes, these again were led by the glorious son of Lycaon, Pandarus, to whom Apollo himself gave the bow. And they that held Adrasteia and the land of Apaesus, and that held Pityeia and the steep mount of Tereia, 830 these were led by Adrastus and Araphius, with corslet of linen, two sons of Merops of Percote, who was above all men skilled in prophesying, and would not allow his sons to go into war, the bane of men. But the two would in no way listen, for the fates of black death were leading them on. 835 And they that dwelt about Percote and Practius, and that held Sestus and Abydus and goodly Arisbe, these again were led by Hyrtacus' son Asius, a leader of men—Asius, son of Hyrtacus, whom his horses tawny and tall had borne from Arisbe, from the river Selleïs. 840 And Hippothous led the tribes of the Pelasgi, that rage with the spear, even those that dwelt in deep-soiled Larisa; these were led by Hippothous and Pylaeus, scion of Ares, two sons of Pelasgian Lethus, son of Teutamus. But the Thracians Acamas led and Peirous, the warrior, 845 even all those that the strong stream of the Hellespont encloses. And Euphemus was captain of the Ciconian spearmen, the son of Ceas' son Troezenus, nurtured of Zeus. But Pyraechmes led the Paeonians, with curved bows, from afar, out of Amydon from the wide-flowing Axius— 850 Axius, the water of which flows the fairest over the face of the earth. And the Paphlagonians did Pylaemenes of the shaggy heart lead from the land of the Eneti, from which comes the race of wild she-mules. These were they that held Cytorus and dwelt about Sesamon, and had their famed dwellings around the river Parthenius 855 and Cromna and Aegialus and lofty Erythini. But of the Halizones Odius and Epistrophus were captains from afar, from Alybe, where is the birth-place of silver. And of the Mysians the captains were Chromis and Ennomus the augur; but with his auguries he did not ward off black fate, 860 but was slain beneath the hands of the son of Aeacus, swift of foot, in the river, where Achilles was making havoc of the Trojans and the others as well. And Phorcys and godlike Ascanius led the Phrygians from afar, from Ascania, and were eager to fight in the press of battle. And the Maeonians had two captains, Mesthles and Antiphus, 865 the two sons of Talaemenes, whose mother was the nymph of the Gygaean lake; and they led the Maeonians, whose birth was beneath Tmolas. And Nastes again led the Carians, uncouth of speech, who held Miletus and the mountain of Phthires, dense with its leafage, and the streams of Maeander, and the steep crests of Mycale. 870 These were led by two captains, Amphimachus and Nastes—Nastes and Amphimachus, the glorious children of Nomion. And he came to the war all decked with gold, like a girl, fool that he was; but his gold in no way availed to ward off woeful destruction; no, he was slain in the river beneath the hands of the son of Aeacus, swift of foot; 875 and Achilles, wise of heart, bore off the gold. And Sarpedon and peerless Glaucus were captains of the Lycians from afar out of Lycia, from the eddying Xanthus.

3Now when they were marshalled, the several companies with their captains, the Trojans came on with clamour and with a cry like birds, even as the clamour of cranes rises before the face of heaven, when they flee from wintry storms and measureless rain, 5 and with clamour fly toward the streams of Ocean, bearing slaughter and death to Pigmy men, and in the early dawn they offer evil battle. But the Achaeans came on in silence, breathing fury, eager at heart to bear aid each man to his fellow. 10 Even as when the South Wind sheds a mist over the peaks of a mountain, a mist that the shepherd does not love, but that to the robber is better than night, and a man can see only so far as he casts a stone; even in such a way rose the dense dust-cloud from beneath their feet as they went; and very swiftly did they speed across the plain. 15 Now when they had come near, as they advanced one host against the other, among the Trojans there stood forth as champion godlike Alexander, bearing upon his shoulders a panther skin and his curved bow, and his sword; and brandishing two spears tipped with bronze he challenged all the best of Argives 20 to fight with him face to face in dread combat. But when Menelaus, dear to Ares, was aware of him as he came forth before the throng with long strides, then even as a lion is glad when he lights on a great carcass, having found a horned stag or a wild goat 25 when he is hungry; for greedily does he devour it, even though swift dogs and lusty youths set upon him: even so was Menelaus glad when his eyes beheld godlike Alexander; for he thought that he had got his vengeance on the sinner. And at once he leapt in his armour from his chariot to the ground. 30 But when godlike Alexander was aware of him as he appeared among the champions, his heart was struck, and back he shrank into the throng of his comrades, avoiding fate. And even as a man at sight of a snake in the glades of a mountain starts back, and trembling seizes his limbs beneath him, 35 and he withdraws back again and pallor lays hold of his cheeks; even so did godlike Alexander, seized with fear of Atreus' son, shrink back into the throng of the lordly Trojans. But Hector saw him, and chided him with words of shame: “Evil Paris, most fair to look upon, you who are mad after women, you beguiler, 40 would that you had never been born and had died unwed. Yes, that is what I would gladly have, and it would have been better far than that you should thus be a reproach, and that men should look upon you in scorn. Truly, I think, the long-haired Achaeans will laugh aloud, deeming that a prince is our champion because a comely 45 form is his, while there is no strength in his heart nor any valour. Was it in such strength as this that you sailed over the main in your seafaring ships, when you had gathered your trusty comrades, and, coming to an alien folk, brought back a comely woman from a distant land, even a daughter of warriors who wield the spear, 50 but to your father and city and all the people a grievous bane—to your foes a joy, but to your own self a hanging down of the head? Will you indeed not face Menelaus, dear to Ares? You would learn what manner of warrior he is whose lovely wife you have. Then your lyre will not help you, nor the gifts of Aphrodite, 55 your locks and your comeliness, when you lie low in the dust. No, truly, the Trojans are utter cowards: otherwise you would before this have donned a coat of stone because of all the evil you have done.” And to him godlike Alexander made answer, saying: “Hector, seeing that you chide me duly, and not beyond what is due— 60 ever is your heart unyielding, even as an axe that is driven through a beam by the hand of a man that skilfully shapes a ship's timber, and it makes the force of his blow increase; even so is the heart in your breast undaunted—do not cast in my teeth the lovely gifts of golden Aphrodite. 65 Not to be flung aside, mind you, are the glorious gifts of the gods, even all that of themselves they give, whereas by his own will no man could win them. But now, if you would have me war and do battle, make the other Trojans sit down and all the Achaeans, but set me in the midst and Menelaus, dear to Ares, 70 to do battle for Helen and all her possessions. And whichever of us two shall win, and prove himself the better man, let him duly take all the wealth and the woman, and bear them to his home. But as for you others, swear friendship and oaths of faith with sacrifice. So should you dwell in deep-soiled Troyland, and let them return 75 to Argos, pasture-land of horses, and to Achaea, the land of fair women.” So he spoke, and Hector rejoiced greatly when he heard his words; and he went into the midst, and kept back the battalions of the Trojans with his spear grasped by the middle; and they all sat down. 80 But the long-haired Achaeans sought meanwhile to aim their arrows at him, and to strike him, and to cast at him with stones. But aloud shouted Agamemnon, king of men: “Hold, you Argives, shoot no more, you youths of the Achaeans; for Hector of the flashing helm makes as though he would say something.” So he spoke, and they held back from battle, and became silent at once. 85 And Hector spoke between the two hosts: “Hear from me, you Trojans and well-greaved Achaeans, the words of Alexander, for whose sake strife has been set afoot. The other Trojans and all the Achaeans he bids to lay aside their fine battle-gear upon the bounteous earth, 90 and himself in the midst and Menelaus, dear to Ares, to do battle for Helen and all her possessions. And whichever of the two shall win, and prove himself the better man, let him duly take all the wealth and the woman, and bear them to his home; but as for us others, let us swear friendship and oaths of faith with sacrifice.” 95 So he spoke, and they all became hushed in silence; and among them spoke Menelaus, good at the war-cry: “Listen now to me as well, for upon my heart above all others sorrow has come; my mind is that Argives and Trojans now be parted, seeing you have suffered many woes 100 because of my quarrel and Alexander's beginning of it. And for whichever of us two death and fate are appointed, let him lie dead; but you others, be parted with all speed. Bring two lambs, a white ram and a black ewe, for Earth and Sun, and for Zeus we will bring another; 105 and fetch here the mighty Priam, that he may himself swear an oath with sacrifice, seeing that his sons are over-weening and faithless; lest any by presumptuous act should do violence to the oaths of Zeus. Ever unstable are the hearts of the young; but in whatever an old man takes part, he looks both before and after, 110 that the issue may be far the best for either side.” So he spoke, and the Achaeans and Trojans grew glad, deeming that they had won rest from woeful war. So they halted their chariots in the ranks, and themselves stepped forth, and took off their battle-gear. This they laid upon the ground, 115 each close by each, and there was but little space between. And Hector sent to the city two heralds with all speed to fetch the lambs and to summon Priam. And lord Agamemnon sent Talthybius forth to the hollow ships, and ordered him to bring a lamb; 120 and he did not fail to listen to goodly Agamemnon. But Iris went as a messenger to white-armed Helen, in the likeness of her husband's sister, the wife of Antenor's son, even her whom lord Helicaon, Antenor's son, had for his wife, Laodice, the comeliest of the daughters of Priam. 125 She found Helen in the hall, where she was weaving a great purple web of double fold, and on it was embroidering many battles of the horse-taming Trojans and the brazen-coated Achaeans, that for her sake they had endured at the hands of Ares. Close to her side then came Iris, swift of foot, and spoke to her, saying: 130 “Come here, dear lady, that you may behold the wondrous doings of the horse-taming Trojans and the brazen-coated Achaeans. They that of old were accustomed to wage tearful war against one another on the plain, their hearts set on deadly battle, even they remain now in silence, and the battle has ceased, 135 and they lean upon their shields, and beside them their long spears are fixed. But Alexander and Menelaus, dear to Ares, will do battle with their long spears for you; and whoever conquers, his dear wife you shall be called.” So the goddess spoke, and put into her heart sweet longing 140 for her former lord and her city and parents; and at once she veiled herself with shining linen, and went forth from her chamber, letting fall round tears, not alone, for with her followed two handmaids as well, Aethra, daughter of Pittheus, and ox-eyed Clymene; 145 and with speed they came to the place where the Scaean gates were. And those who were about Priam and Panthous and Thymoetes and Lampus and Clytius and Hicetaon, scion of Ares, and Ucalegon and Antenor, men of prudence both, sat as elders of the people at the Scaean gates. 150 Because of old age they had now ceased from battle, but speakers they were very good, like cicadas that in a forest sit upon a tree and pour forth their lily-like voice; even in such a way sat the leaders of the Trojans upon the wall. Now when they saw Helen coming upon the wall, 155 softly they spoke winged words one to another: “Small blame that Trojans and well-greaved Achaeans should for such a woman long suffer woes; wondrously like is she to the immortal goddesses to look upon. But even so, for all that she is such a one, let her depart upon the ships, 160 nor be left here to be a bane to us and to our children after us.” So they said, but Priam spoke, and called Helen to him: “Come here, dear child, and sit before me, that you may see your former lord and your kinsfolk and your people—you are in no way to blame in my eyes; it is the gods, I think, that are to blame, 165 who roused against me the tearful war of the Achaeans —and that you may tell me who this huge warrior is, this man of Achaea so valiant and so tall. Truly there are others that are even taller by a head, but so comely a man have my eyes never yet beheld, 170 nor one so royal: he is like one that is a king.” And Helen, fair among women, answered him, saying: “Revered are you in my eyes, dear father of my husband, and dread. Would that evil death had been my pleasure when I followed your son here, and left my bridal chamber and my kinfolk 175 and my daughter, well-beloved, and the lovely companions of my girlhood. But that was not to be; and so I pine away with weeping. Yet this I will tell you, of which you ask and enquire. That man is the son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, who is both a noble king and a valiant spearman. 180 And he was husband's brother to shameless me, as sure as ever such a one there was.” So she spoke, and the old man was seized with wonder, and said: “Ah, happy son of Atreus, child of fortune, blessed of heaven; now I see that youths of the Achaeans in great number are made subject to you. Before now I have journeyed to the land of Phrygia, rich in vines, 185 and there I saw in multitudes the Phrygian warriors, masters of glancing steeds, even the people of Otreus and godlike Mygdon, who were then encamped along the banks of Sangarius. For I, too, being their ally, was numbered among them on the day when the Amazons came, the peers of men. 190 Yet not even they were as many as are the bright-eyed Achaeans.” And next the old man saw Odysseus, and asked: “Come now, tell me also of that man there, dear child, who he is. Shorter is he by a head than Agamemnon, son of Atreus, but broader of shoulder and of chest to look upon. 195 His battle-gear lies upon the bounteous earth, but he himself ranges like the bell-wether of a herd through the ranks of warriors. Like a ram he seems to me, a ram of thick fleece, that paces through a great flock of white ewes.” To him made answer Helen, sprung from Zeus: 200 “This again is Laertes' son, Odysseus of many wiles, who was reared in the land of Ithaca, rugged though it is, and he knows all manner of craft and cunning devices.” Then to her again made answer Antenor, the wise: “Lady, this indeed is a true word that you have spoken, 205 for once in former days goodly Odysseus came here also on an embassy concerning you, together with Menelaus, dear to Ares; and it was I that gave them entertainment and welcomed them in my halls, and came to know the form and stature of them both and their cunning devices. Now when they mingled with the Trojans, as they were gathered together, 210 when they stood Menelaus overtopped him with his broad shoulders; but when the two were seated Odysseus was the more royal. But when they began to weave the web of speech and of counsel in the presence of all, Menelaus in truth spoke fluently, with few words, but very clearly, seeing he was not a man of lengthy speech 215 nor of rambling, though indeed in years he was the younger. But whenever Odysseus of many wiles arose, he would stand and look down with eyes fixed upon the ground, and his staff he would move neither backwards nor forwards, but would hold it stiff, in semblance like a man of no understanding; 220 you would have deemed him a churlish man and nothing but a fool. But whenever he uttered his great voice from his chest, and words like snowflakes on a winter's day, then no mortal man besides could vie with Odysseus; then we did not so marvel to behold Odysseus' aspect.” 225 And, thirdly, the old man saw Aias, and asked: “Who then is this other Achaean warrior, valiant and tall, towering above the Argives with his head and broad shoulders?” And to him made answer long-robed Helen, fair among women: “This is huge Aias, bulwark of the Achaeans. 230 And Idomeneus across from him stands amid the Cretans even as a god, and about him are gathered the captains of the Cretans. Very often Menelaus, dear to Ares, used to entertain him in our house, whenever he came from Crete. And now all the rest of the bright-eyed Achaeans I see, 235 whom I could well note, and tell their names; but two marshallers of the host I cannot see, Castor, tamer of horses, and the noble boxer, Polydeuces, even my own brothers, whom the same mother bore. Either they did not follow with the host from lovely Lacedaemon, 240 or though they followed here in their seafaring ships, they have now no heart to enter into the battle of warriors for fear of the words of shame and the many revilings that are mine.” So she said; but they before now were held fast by the life-giving earth there in Lacedaemon, in their dear native land. 245 Meanwhile the heralds were bearing through the city the offerings for the holy oaths of the gods, two lambs and, in a goat-skin bottle, wine that makes glad the heart, the fruit of the earth. And the herald Idaeus bore a shining bowl and golden cups; and he came to the old king's side and roused him, saying: 250 “Rise, son of Laomedon, the chieftains of the horse-taming Trojans, and of the brazen-coated Achaeans, summon you to go down into the plain, that you may swear oaths of faith with sacrifice. But Alexander and Menelaus, dear to Ares, will do battle with long spears for the woman's sake; 255 and whichever of the two shall conquer, let woman and treasure follow him; and we others, swearing friendship and oaths of faith with sacrifice, should then dwell in deep-soiled Troy, but they will depart to Argos, pastureland of horses, and Achaea, the land of fair women.” So he spoke, and the old man shuddered, yet ordered his companions 260 to yoke the horses; and they speedily obeyed. Then Priam mounted and drew back the reins, and by his side Antenor mounted the beautiful chariot; and the two drove the swift horses through the Scaean gates to the plain. But when they had now come to the Trojans and Achaeans, 265 they stepped forth from the chariot upon the bounteous earth, and went into the midst of the Trojans and Achaeans. At once then rose up Agamemnon, king of men, and Odysseus of many wiles, and the lordly heralds brought together the offerings for the holy oaths of the gods, and mixed the wine in the bowl, 270 and poured water over the hands of the kings. And the son of Atreus drew forth with his hand the knife that always hung beside the great sheath of his sword, and cut hair from the heads of the lambs; and the heralds portioned it out to the chieftains of the Trojans and Achaeans. 275 Then in their midst Agamemnon lifted up his hands and prayed aloud: “Father Zeus, who rule from Ida, most glorious, most great, and you Sun, who behold all things and hear all things, and you rivers and you earth, and you that in the world below take vengeance on men that are done with life, whoever has sworn a false oath; 280 be witnesses, and watch over the oaths of faith. If Alexander slays Menelaus, then let him keep Helen and all her treasure; and we will depart in our seafaring ships. But if fair-haired Menelaus shall slay Alexander, 285 then let the Trojans give back Helen and all her treasure, and pay to the Argives in requital such recompense as is fitting, even such as shall abide in the minds of men that are yet to be. But if Priam and the sons of Priam are not minded to pay recompense to me, when Alexander falls, 290 then I will fight on even after that, to win my recompense, and will stay here until I find an end of war.” He spoke, and cut the lambs' throats with the pitiless bronze; and laid them down upon the ground gasping and failing of breath, for the bronze had robbed them of their strength. 295 Then they drew wine from the bowl into the cups, and poured it forth, and made prayer to the gods that are for ever. And thus would one of the Achaeans and Trojans say: “Zeus, most glorious, most great, and you other immortal gods, whichever host of the two shall be first to work harm in defiance of the oaths, 300 may their brains be thus poured forth upon the ground even as this wine, theirs and their children's; and may their wives be made slaves to others.” So they spoke, but not yet was the son of Cronos to grant them fulfillment. Then in their midst spoke Priam, Dardanus' son, saying: “Listen to me, you Trojans and well-greaved Achaeans. 305 I indeed will go my way back to windy Ilios, since I can in no way bear to behold with my eyes my dear son doing battle with Menelaus, dear to Ares. But this, I think, Zeus knows, and the other immortal gods, for which of the two the doom of death is ordained.” 310 So spoke the godlike man, and had the lambs placed in his chariot, and himself mounted, and drew back the reins, and by his side Antenor mounted the beautiful chariot; and the two departed back to Ilios. But Hector, Priam's son, and goodly Odysseus 315 first measured out a space, and thereafter took the lots and shook them in the bronze-wrought helmet, to know which of the two should first let fly his spear of bronze. And the people made prayer and lifted their hands to the gods; and thus would one of the Achaeans and Trojans speak: 320 “Father Zeus, who rule from Ida, most glorious, most great, whichever of the two it is that brought these troubles upon both peoples, grant that he may die and enter the house of Hades, whereas to us there may come friendship and oaths of faith.” So they spoke, and great Hector of the flashing helm shook the helmet, 325 looking behind him meanwhile; and at once the lot of Paris leapt forth. Then the people sat down in ranks, where each man's high-stepping horses were, and his inlaid armour was set. But goodly Alexander put on about his shoulders his beautiful armour, even he, the lord of fair-haired Helen. 330 The greaves first he set about his legs; beautiful they were, and fitted with silver ankle-pieces; next he put on about his chest the corselet of his brother Lycaon, and fitted it to himself. And about his shoulders he cast his silver-studded sword 335 of bronze, and thereafter his shield great and sturdy; and upon his mighty head he set a well-wrought helmet with horse-hair crest —and terribly did the plume nod from above— and he took a valorous spear, that fitted his grasp. And in the self-same manner warlike Menelaus put on his battle-gear. 340 But when they had armed themselves on either side of the throng, they strode into the space between the Trojans and Achaeans, glaring terribly; and amazement came upon those that beheld, both the Trojans, tamers of horses, and the well-greaved Achaeans; and the two took their stand near together in the measured space, 345 brandishing their spears in wrath one at the other. First Alexander hurled his far-shadowing spear, and struck upon the son of Atreus' shield that was well balanced on every side; but the bronze did not break through but its point was turned in the stout shield. Next Atreus' son, Menelaus, rushed upon him with his spear, 350 and made prayer to father Zeus: “Zeus, our king, grant that I may avenge myself on him that was first to do me wrong, even on goodly Alexander, and subdue him beneath my hands; that many a one even of men yet to be may shudder to work evil to his host, that has shown him friendship.” 355 He spoke, and poised his far-shadowing spear, and hurled it; and he struck upon the son of Priam's shield, that was well balanced upon every side. Through the bright shield went the mighty spear, and through the corselet, richly adorned, did it force its way; and straight on beside his flank the spear sheared through his tunic; 360 but he bent aside and escaped black fate. Then the son of Atreus drew his silver-studded sword, and raising himself on high struck the horn of his helmet; but upon it his sword shattered into three pieces, indeed four, and fell from his hand. Then the son of Atreus uttered a bitter cry with a glance at the broad heaven: 365 “Father Zeus, than you there is no other god more baleful. Truly I deemed that I had got my vengeance upon Alexander for his wickedness, but now my sword is broken in my hands, and forth from my grasp my spear has flown in vain, and I did not strike him.” So saying, he sprang upon him, and seized him by the helmet with thick crest of horse-hair, 370 and whirling him about began to drag him towards the well-greaved Achaeans; and Paris was choked by the richly-embroidered strap beneath his soft throat, that was drawn tight beneath his chin to hold his helm. And now Menelaus would have dragged him away, and won glory unspeakable, had not Aphrodite, daughter of Zeus, been quick to see, 375 and to his cost broken in two the thong, cut from the hide of a slaughtered ox; and the empty helm came away in his strong hand. This he then tossed with a swing into the company of the well-greaved Achaeans, and his trusty comrades gathered it up; but he himself sprang back again, eager to slay his foe 380 with spear of bronze. But Aphrodite snatched him up, very easily as a goddess may, and shrouded him in thick mist, and set him down in his fragrant, vaulted chamber, and herself went to summon Helen. Her she found on the high wall, and round about her in throngs were the women of Troy. 385 Then with her hand the goddess laid hold of her fragrant robe, and plucked it, and spoke to her in the likeness of an old woman, a wool-comber, who had been accustomed to card the fair wool for her when she dwelt in Lacedaemon, and who was well loved by her; in her likeness fair Aphrodite spoke: 390 “Come here; Alexander calls you to go to your home. There he is in his chamber and on his inlaid couch, gleaming with beauty and fair garments. You would not deem that he had come there from warring with a foe, but rather that he was going to the dance, or sat there as one that had just now ceased from the dance.” 395 So she spoke, and stirred Helen's heart in her breast; and when she noticed the beautiful neck of the goddess, her lovely bosom, and her flashing eyes, then amazement seized her, and she spoke, and addressed her, saying: “Strange goddess, why are you minded to beguile me thus? 400 Truly you will lead me yet further on to one of the well-peopled cities of Phrygia or lovely Maeonia, if there too there is some one of mortal men who is dear to you, seeing that now Menelaus has conquered goodly Alexander, and is minded to lead hateful me to his home. 405 It is for this reason that you have now come here with guileful thought. Go, and sit by his side, and depart from the way of the gods, nor let your feet any more bear you back to Olympus; but ever be troubled for him, and guard him, until he makes you his wife, or perhaps his slave. 410 But there I will not go—it would be a shameful thing—to array that man's couch; all the women of Troy will blame me hereafter; and I have measureless griefs at heart.” Then stirred to wrath fair Aphrodite spoke to her: “Do not provoke me, rash woman, lest I grow angry and desert you, 415 and hate you, even as now I love you wondrously; and lest I devise grievous hatred between both, Trojans alike and Danaans; then you would perish of an evil fate.” So she spoke, and Helen, sprung from Zeus, was seized with fear; and she went, wrapping herself in her bright shining mantle, 420 in silence; and she was unseen by the Trojan women; and the goddess led the way. Now when they had come to the beautiful palace of Alexander, the handmaids turned at once to their tasks, but she, the fair lady, went to the high-roofed chamber. And the goddess, laughter-loving Aphrodite, took for her a chair, 425 and set it before the face of Alexander. On it Helen sat down, the daughter of Zeus who bears the aegis, with eyes turned askance; and she chided her lord, and said: “You have come back from the war; would that you had perished there, vanquished by a valiant man that was my former lord. 430 Truly it was your boast before that you were a better man than Menelaus, dear to Ares, in the might of your hands and with your spear. But go now, challenge Menelaus, dear to Ares, again to do battle with you, man to man. But no, I of myself bid you refrain, and not war with all your might against fair-haired Menelaus, 435 nor fight with him in your folly, lest perhaps you be vanquished soon by his spear.” Then Paris made answer, and spoke to her, saying: “Do not chide my heart, lady, with hard words of reviling. For the present Menelaus has vanquished me with Athene's aid, 440 but another time I shall vanquish him; on our side too there are gods. But come, let us take our joy, couched together in love; for never yet has desire so encompassed my soul—no, not when at the first I snatched you from lovely Lacedaemon and sailed with you on my seafaring ships, 445 and on the isle of Cranae had dalliance with you on the couch of love—as now I love you, and sweet desire lays hold of me.” He spoke, and led the way to the couch, and with him followed his wife. Thus the two were couched upon the corded bed; but the son of Atreus ranged through the throng like a wild beast, 450 if anywhere he might catch sight of godlike Alexander. But none of the Trojans or their famed allies could then reveal Alexander to Menelaus, dear to Ares. Not for love, truly, were they willing to hide him, could any have seen him, for he was hated by all even as black death. 455 Then the king of men, Agamemnon, spoke among them, saying: “Listen to me, you Trojans and Dardanians and allies. Victory is now surely seen to rest with Menelaus, dear to Ares; therefore give up Argive Helen and the treasure with her, and pay in requital such recompense as is fitting, 460 even such as shall abide in the minds of men that are yet to be.” So spoke the son of Atreus, and all the Achaeans shouted assent.

4Now the gods, seated by the side of Zeus, were holding assembly on the golden floor, and in their midst the queenly Hebe poured them nectar, and they with golden goblets pledged one another as they looked out upon the city of the Trojans. 5 And at once the son of Cronos made an attempt to provoke Hera with mocking words, and said with malice: “Two of the goddesses has Menelaus for helpers, namely Argive Hera, and Alalcomenean Athene. Yet these truly sit apart and take their pleasure in beholding, 10 whereas by the side of that other laughter-loving Aphrodite always stands, and wards off fate from him, and just now she saved him, when he thought to perish. But surely victory rests with Menelaus, dear to Ares; let us therefore take thought how these things are to be; 15 whether we shall again rouse evil war and the dread din of battle, or put friendship between the hosts. If this might in any way be welcome to all and their good pleasure, then might the city of king Priam still be a habitation, and Menelaus take back Argive Helen.” 20 So he spoke, and at this Athene and Hera murmured, who sat side by side, and were devising ills for the Trojans. Athene indeed held her peace and said nothing, angry though she was at father Zeus, and fierce anger got hold of her; but Hera's breast did not contain her anger, but she spoke to him, saying: 25 “Most dread son of Cronos, what a word have you said! How are you minded to render my labour vain and of no effect, and the sweat that I sweated in my toil,—yes, and my two horses grew weary with my summoning the host for the bane of Priam and his sons? Do as you will; but be sure we other gods do not all assent to it.” 30 Then, stirred to hot anger, Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, spoke to her: “Strange queen, in what way do Priam and the sons of Priam do you ills so many, that you rage unceasingly to lay waste the well-built citadel of Ilios? If you were to enter within the gates and the high walls, 35 and to devour Priam raw and the sons of Priam and all the Trojans besides, then perhaps you might heal your anger. Do as you please; do not let this quarrel in time to come be to you and me a grievous cause of strife between us two. And another thing I will tell you, and lay it to heart. 40 When it shall be that I, vehemently eager to lay waste a city, choose one in which dwell men that are dear to you, do not seek in any way to hinder my anger, but allow me; since I too have yielded to you of my own will, yet with soul unwilling. For of all cities beneath sun and starry heaven 45 in which men that dwell upon the face of the earth have their abodes, of these sacred Ilios was most honoured of my heart, and Priam and the people of Priam, with fine spear of ash. For never at any time was my altar in lack of the equal feast, the drink-offering, and the savour of burnt-offering, the worship that is our due.” 50 Then in answer to him spoke ox-eyed, queenly Hera: “Truly I have three cities that are far dearest in my sight, Argos and Sparta and broad-wayed Mycenae; these lay waste whenever they shall be hateful to your heart. Not in their defence do I stand forth, nor do I account them too greatly. 55 For even though I grudge you, and would gladly thwart their overthrow, I achieve nothing by my grudging, for truly you are far the mightier. Still it is fitting that my labour too should not be made of no effect; for I also am a god, and my birth is from the stock from which your own comes, and crooked-counselling Cronos begot me as the most honoured of his daughters 60 on two counts, because I am eldest, and am called your wife, while you are king among all the immortals. Well then, let us yield one to the other in this, I to you and you to me, and all the other immortal gods will follow with us; and at once bid Athene 65 go her way into the dread din of battle of Trojans and Achaeans, and contrive how the Trojans may be first in defiance of their oaths to work evil upon the Achaeans that exult in their triumph.” So she said, and the father of men and gods did not fail to listen; at once he spoke to Athene winged words: 70 “Hurry with all speed to the host into the midst of Trojans and Achaeans, and contrive how the Trojans may be first in defiance of their oaths to work evil upon the Achaeans that exult in their triumph.” So saying, he stirred on Athene who was already eager, and down from the peaks of Olympus she went darting. 75 Even in the way that the son of crooked-counselling Cronos sends a star to be a portent for seamen or for a wide host of warriors, a gleaming star, and from it the sparks fly thick; even so darted Pallas Athene to earth, and down she leapt into the midst; and amazement came upon all who beheld, 80 on horse-taming Trojans and well-greaved Achaeans; and thus would a man say with a glance at his neighbour: “Surely we shall again have evil war and the dread din of battle, or else friendship is set amid the hosts by Zeus, who is for men the dispenser of battle.” 85 So would many a one of Achaeans and Trojans speak. But Athene entered the throng of the Trojans in the guise of a man, Laodocus, son of Antenor, a valiant spearman, in quest of god-like Pandarus, if perhaps she might find him. And she found Lycaon's son, peerless and stalwart, 90 as he stood, and about him were the stalwart ranks of the shield-bearing hosts that followed him from the streams of Aesepus. Then she drew near, and spoke to him winged words: “Will you now listen to me, you wise-hearted son of Lycaon? Then you would dare to let fly a swift arrow upon Menelaus, 95 and would win favour and renown in the eyes of all the Trojans, and of king Alexander most of all. From him surely you would before all others bear off glorious gifts, should he see Menelaus, the warlike son of Atreus, laid low by your shaft, and set upon the grievous pyre. 100 Come, shoot your arrow at glorious Menelaus, and vow to Apollo, the wolf-born god, famed for his bow, that you will sacrifice a glorious hecatomb of firstling lambs, when you come to your home, the city of sacred Zeleia.” So spoke Athene, and persuaded his heart in his folly. 105 At once he uncovered his polished bow of the horn of a wild ibex, that he himself had once struck beneath the breast as it came out from a rock, while he lay in wait in a place of ambush, and had hit it in the chest, so that it fell backward in a cleft of the rock. From its head the horns grew to a length of sixteen palms; 110 these the worker in horn had wrought and fitted together, and smoothed all with care, and set on it a tip of gold. This bow he bent, leaning it against the ground, and laid it carefully down; and his noble comrades held their shields before him, lest the warrior sons of the Achaeans should leap to their feet 115 before Menelaus, the warlike son of Atreus, was struck. Then he opened the lid of his quiver, and took out an arrow, a feathered arrow that had never been shot, freighted with dark pains; and at once he fitted the bitter arrow to the string, and made a vow to Apollo, the wolf-born god, famed for his bow, 120 that he would sacrifice a glorious hecatomb of firstling lambs, when he should come to his home, the city of sacred Zeleia. And he drew the bow, clutching at once the notched arrow and the string of ox's sinew: the string he brought to his breast and to the bow the iron arrow-head. But when he had drawn the great bow into a round, 125 the bow twanged and the string sang aloud, and the keen arrow leapt, eager to wing its way amid the throng. Then, O Menelaus, the blessed gods, the immortals, did not forget you; and before all the daughter of Zeus, she who drives the spoil, who took her stand before you, and warded off the stinging arrow. 130 She swept it just aside from the flesh, even as a mother sweeps a fly from her child when he lies in sweet slumber; and of herself she guided it where the golden clasps of the belt were fastened and the corselet overlapped. On the clasped belt lit the bitter arrow, 135 and through the richly adorned belt was it driven, and clean through the curiously wrought corselet did it force its way, and through the taslet which he wore, a screen for his flesh and a barrier against darts, in which was his chief defence; yet even through this did it speed. So the arrow grazed the outermost flesh of the warrior, 140 and at once the dark blood flowed from the wound. As when a woman stains ivory with scarlet, some woman of Maeonia or Caria, to make a cheek-piece for horses, and it lies in a treasure-chamber, though many horsemen pray to wear it; but it lies there as a king's treasure, 145 at once an ornament for his horse and to its driver a glory; in just such a way, Menelaus, were your thighs stained with blood, your shapely thighs and your legs and your fair ankles beneath. At this the king of men, Agamemnon, shuddered, as he saw the black blood flowing from the wound, 150 and Menelaus, dear to Ares, himself likewise shuddered. But when he saw that the sinew and the barbs were outside the flesh, back again into his breast was his spirit gathered. But with a heavy moan lord Agamemnon spoke among them, holding Menelaus by the hand; and his comrades too made moan: 155 “Dear brother, it was for your death, it seems, that I swore this oath with sacrifice, setting you forth alone before the face of the Achaeans to do battle with the Trojans, since the Trojans have thus struck you, and trodden under foot the oaths of faith. Yet in no way is an oath of no effect and the blood of lambs and drink-offerings of unmixed wine and the hand-clasps, in which we put our trust. 160 For even if for the moment the Olympian does not grant fulfillment, yet late and at length he fulfills them, and with a heavy price men make atonement, with their own heads and their wives and their children. For surely I know this in heart and soul: the day shall come when sacred Ilios shall be laid low, 165 and Priam, and the people of Priam, with fine spear of ash; and Zeus, son of Cronos, throned on high, who dwells in the heaven, shall himself shake over them all his dark aegis in wrath for this deceit. These things truly shall not fail of fulfillment; yet dread grief for you shall be mine, O Menelaus, 170 if you die and fill up your lot of life. Yes, and as one most despised should I return to thirsty Argos, for at once the Achaeans will turn their thoughts to their native land, and so we should leave to Priam and the Trojans their boast, Argive Helen. And your bones shall the earth rot 175 as you lie in the land of Troy with your task unfinished; and thus shall many a one of the overweening Trojans say, as he leaps upon the barrow of glorious Menelaus: ‘Would that in every matter it may be thus that Agamemnon may fulfill his wrath, even as now he led here a host of the Achaeans to no purpose, and see! 180 he has departed home to his dear native land with empty ships, and has left here noble Menelaus.’ So shall some man speak in time to come; in that day let the wide earth gape for me.” But fair-haired Menelaus spoke and heartened him, saying: “Be of good cheer, and do not in any way alarm the host of the Achaeans. 185 Not in a fatal spot has the shaft been fixed; before that, my flashing belt stopped it, and the kilt beneath, and the taslet that the coppersmiths fashioned.” Then in answer to him spoke lord Agamemnon: “May it be so, dear Menelaus. 190 But the healer shall search the wound and lay on it herbs that shall make you cease from dark pains.” With that he spoke to Talthybius, the godlike herald: “Talthybius, make haste to call Machaon here, son of Asclepius, the peerless healer, 195 to see warlike Menelaus, son of Atreus, whom some man well skilled in archery has struck with an arrow, some Trojan or Lycian, winning glory for himself but for us sorrow.” So he spoke, and the herald did not fail to listen, as he heard, but went his way throughout the host of the brazen-coated Achaeans, 200 glancing this way and that for the warrior Machaon; and he saw him as he stood, and round about him were the stalwart ranks of the shield-bearing hosts that followed him from Trica, the pastureland of horses. And he came up to him, and spoke winged words, saying: “Rouse yourself, son of Asclepius; lord Agamemnon calls you 205 to see warlike Menelaus, captain of the Achaeans, whom some man, well skilled in archery, has struck with an arrow, some Trojan or Lycian, winning glory for himself but for us sorrow.” So he spoke, and roused the heart in his breast, and they went their way in the throng throughout the broad host of the Achaeans. And when they had come where fair-haired Menelaus was, 210 wounded, and around him were gathered in a circle all those who were chieftains, the godlike hero came and stood in their midst, and at once drew out the arrow from the clasped belt; and as it was drawn out the sharp barbs were broken backwards. 215 And he loosed the flashing belt and the kilt beneath and the taslet that the coppersmiths fashioned. But when he saw the wound where the bitter arrow had struck, he sucked out the blood, and with sure knowledge spread on it soothing herbs, which of old Cheiron had given to his father with kindly thought. 220 While they were thus busy with Menelaus, good at the war-cry, meanwhile the ranks of the shield-bearing Trojans came on; and the Achaeans again put on their battle-gear, and turned their thoughts to war. Then you would not have seen goodly Agamemnon slumbering, nor cowering, nor with no heart for fight, 225 but very eager for battle where men win glory. His horses and his chariot adorned with bronze he left, and his squire, Eurymedon, son of Peiraeus' son Ptolemaeus, kept the snorting steeds withdrawn apart; and strictly did Agamemnon charge him to have them at hand, whenever 230 weariness should come upon his limbs, as he gave commands throughout all the host; but he himself ranged on foot through the ranks of warriors. And whomever of the Danaans with swift steeds he saw eager, to these he would draw near, and hearten them earnestly, saying: “Argives, do not relax one whit of your furious valour; 235 for father Zeus will be no helper of lies; no, they that were the first to commit violence in defiance of their oaths, their tender flesh surely vultures shall devour, and we shall bear away in our ships their dear wives and little children, when we have taken their citadel.” 240 And whomever again he saw holding back from hateful war, these he would chide roundly with angry words: “You Argives that rage with the bow, you men of dishonour, have you no shame? Why is it that you stand thus dazed, like fawns that, when they have grown weary with running over a wide plain, 245 stand still, and in their hearts no valour is found at all? Even so you stand dazed and do not fight. Is it that you wait for the Trojans to come near where your ships with stately sterns are drawn up on the shore of the grey sea, that you may know if perhaps the son of Cronos will stretch out his arm over you?” 250 Thus he ranged giving his commands through the ranks of warriors; and he came to the Cretans as he went through the throng of men. These were arming for war around wise-hearted Idomeneus; and Idomeneus stood amid the foremost fighters like a wild boar in valour, while Meriones was speeding on the hindmost battalions. 255 At sight of them Agamemnon, king of men, grew glad, and at once he spoke to Idomeneus with gentle words: “Idomeneus, beyond all the Danaans with swift steeds do I show honour to you both in war and in tasks of other sorts, and at the feast, when the chieftains of the Argives have mixed in the bowl the flaming wine of the elders. 260 For even though the other long-haired Achaeans drink an allotted portion, your cup stands always full, even as for my own self, to drink whenever your heart bids you. Come, rouse yourself for battle, such a man as of old you declared yourself to be.” 265 To him then Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, made answer, saying: “Son of Atreus, surely I will be to you a trusty comrade, even as at the first I promised and gave my pledge; but urge on the other long-haired Achaeans that we may fight with speed, since the Trojans have made our oaths of no effect. 270 Death and woes shall hereafter be their lot, because they were the first to commit violence in defiance of the oaths.” So he spoke, and the son of Atreus passed on, glad at heart, and came to the Aiantes as he went through the throng of warriors; 275 these were arming for battle, and a cloud of footmen followed with them. Even as when from some place of outlook a goatherd sees a cloud coming over the face of the deep before the blast of the West Wind, and to him, being far off, it seems blacker than pitch as it passes over the face of the deep, and it brings a mighty whirlwind; and he shudders at sight of it, and drives his flock beneath a cave; 280 even so by the side of the Aiantes did the thick battalions of youths, nurtured by Zeus, move into furious war—dark battalions, bristling with shields and spears. At sight of these lord Agamemnon grew glad, and he spoke and addressed them with winged words: 285 “Aiantes, leaders of the brazen-coated Argives, to you two, for it is not fitting to urge you, I give no charge; for of yourselves you truly bid your people fight with all their might. I would, O father Zeus and Athene and Apollo, that such spirit as yours might be found in the breasts of all; 290 then would the city of king Priam at once bow her head, taken and laid waste beneath our hands.” So saying, he left them there and went to others. Then he found Nestor, the clear-voiced orator of the Pylians, arraying his comrades and urging them to fight, 295 around mighty Pelagon and Alastor and Chromius and lord Haemon and Bias, shepherd of the host. The charioteers first he arrayed with their horses and chariots, and behind them the footmen, many and valiant, to be a bulwark of battle; but the cowards he drove into the midst, 300 so that, however unwilling he might be, each man would have to fight perforce. Upon the charioteers he was first laying charge, and he ordered them to keep their horses in hand, nor drive tumultuously on amid the throng. “Neither let any man, trusting in his horsemanship and his valour, be eager to fight with the Trojans alone in front of the rest, 305 nor yet let him draw back; for so you will be the feebler. But whatever man from his own chariot can come at a chariot of the foe, let him thrust out with his spear, since truly it is far better so. Thus also did men of old lay waste cities and walls, having in their breasts mind and spirit such as this.” 310 So the old man was urging them on, having knowledge of battles from long ago. At sight of him lord Agamemnon grew glad, and he spoke, and addressed him with winged words: “Old Sir, I wish that even as is the spirit in your breast, so your limbs might obey, and your strength be firm. 315 But evil old age presses hard upon you; I wish that some other among the warriors had your years, and that you were among the youths.” To him then made answer the horseman, Nestor of Gerenia: “Son of Atreus, truly I myself could wish that I were such a man as on the day when I slew goodly Ereuthalion. 320 But in no way do the gods grant to men all things at one time. As I was then a youth, so now old age attends me. Yet even so I will remain among the charioteers and urge them on by counsel and by words; for that is the office of elders. Spears shall the young men wield 325 who are more youthful than I and have confidence in their strength.” So he spoke, and the son of Atreus passed on glad at heart. He found Menestheus, driver of horses, son of Peteos, as he stood, and about him were the Athenians, masters of the war-cry. And close by stood Odysseus of many wiles, 330 and with him the ranks of the Cephallenians, no weakling folk, stood still; for their host had not yet heard the war-cry, since the battalions of the horse-taming Trojans and the Achaeans had only just stirred themselves to move; so these stood, and waited until some other serried battalions of the Achaeans should advance 335 to set upon the Trojans, and begin the battle. At sight of these Agamemnon, king of men, chided them, and spoke, and addressed them with winged words: “O son of Peteos, the king nurtured by Zeus, and you that excel in evil wiles, you of crafty mind, 340 why do you stand apart cowering, and wait for others? For you two it would be fitting to take your stand amid the foremost, and confront blazing battle; for you are the first to hear my bidding to the feast, whenever we Achaeans make ready a banquet for the elders. 345 Then you are glad to eat roast meat and drink cups of honey-sweet wine as long as you will. But now you would gladly behold it, yes, even if ten serried battalions of the Achaeans were to fight in front of you with the pitiless bronze.” Then with an angry glance from beneath his brows Odysseus of many wiles addressed him: 350 “Son of Atreus, what a word has escaped the barrier of your teeth! How can you say that we are slack in battle, whenever we Achaeans rouse keen war against the horse-taming Trojans? You shall see, if you will and if you care at all for it, the father of Telemachus mingling with the foremost fighters 355 of the horse-taming Trojans. This that you say is as empty wind.” Then lord Agamemnon spoke to him with a smile, when he knew that he was angry, and took back his words: “Zeus-born son of Laertes, Odysseus of many wiles, neither do I chide you overmuch nor urge you on, 360 for I know that the heart in your breast knows kindly thoughts, since you are minded even as I am. Come, these things we will make good hereafter, if any harsh word has been spoken now; and may the gods make all come to nothing.” So saying he left them there and went to others. 365 Then he found the son of Tydeus, Diomedes high of heart, as he stood in his jointed chariot; and by his side stood Sthenelus, son of Capaneus. At sight of him too lord Agamemnon chided him, and spoke and addressed him with winged words: 370 “Ah me, son of wise-hearted Tydeus, tamer of horses, why do you cower, why do you gaze at the dykes of battle? Tydeus surely was not accustomed thus to cower, but far in advance of his comrades to fight against the foe, as they tell who saw him amid the toil of war; for I never 375 met him, nor saw him; but men say that he was pre-eminent over all. Once indeed he came to Mycenae, not as an enemy, but as a guest, in company with godlike Polyneices, to gather a host; for in that day they were waging a war against the sacred walls of Thebe, and earnestly they prayed that glorious allies be granted them; 380 and the men of Mycenae were minded to grant them, and were assenting even as they asked, but Zeus turned their minds by showing tokens of ill. So when they had departed and were on their way, and had come to the Asopus with its deep reeds, that couches in the grass, there the Achaeans sent forth Tydeus on an embassy. 385 And he went his way, and found the many sons of Cadmus feasting in the house of mighty Eteocles. Then, for all he was a stranger, the horseman Tydeus was not afraid, all alone though he was amid the many Cadmeians, but challenged them all to feats of strength and in every one he vanquished them 390 most easily; such a helper was Athene to him. But the Cadmeians, goaders of horses, grew angry, and as he journeyed back, brought and set a strong ambush, fifty youths, and there were two as leaders, Maeon, son of Haemon, peer of the immortals, 395 and Autophonus' son, Polyphontes, staunch in fight. But Tydeus let loose a shameful fate even upon these, and slew them all; one man only he allowed to return home; Maeon he sent away in obedience to the portents of the gods. Such a man was Tydeus of Aetolia; yet the son 400 that he fathered is worse than he in battle, though in the place of gathering he is better.” So he spoke, and stalwart Diomedes answered him not a word, but respected the reproof of the king revered. But the son of glorious Capaneus made answer. “Son of Atreus, do not utter lies, when you know how to speak truly. 405 We declare ourselves to be better men by far than our fathers: we took the seat of Thebe of the seven gates, when we two had gathered a lesser host against a stronger wall, putting our trust in the portents of the gods and in the aid of Zeus; whereas they perished through their own blind folly. 410 Therefore I bid you not to put our fathers in like honour with us.” Then with an angry glance from beneath his brows stalwart Diomedes addressed him: “Good friend, keep silent, and listen to my word. I do not count it shame that Agamemnon, shepherd of the host, should urge on to battle the well-greaved Achaeans; 415 for upon him will great glory attend if the Achaeans slay the Trojans and take sacred Ilios, and upon him likewise will fall great sorrow, if the Achaeans are slain. Come, let us two also take thought for furious valour.” He spoke, and leapt in his armour from his chariot to the ground, 420 and terribly rang the bronze upon the breast of the prince as he moved; at this terror might have seized even one who was steadfast of heart. As when on a sounding beach the swell of the sea beats, wave after wave, before the driving of the West Wind; out on the deep at first it is gathered into a crest, but thereafter 425 is broken upon the land and thunders aloud, and round about the headlands it swells and rears its head, and spews forth the salt brine: even so on that day did the battalions of the Danaans move, rank after rank, without cease, into battle; and each captain gave charge to his own men, and the rest marched on in silence; you would not have thought 430 that those who followed in such multitudes had any voice in their breasts, all silent as they were through fear of their commanders; and on every man flashed the inlaid armour in which they went clad. But as for the Trojans, even as ewes stand in throngs past counting in the court of a man of much substance to be milked of their white milk, 435 and bleat without ceasing as they hear the voices of their lambs: even so arose the clamour of the Trojans throughout the wide host; for they did not all have like speech or one language, but their tongues were mingled, and they were a folk summoned from many lands. These were urged on by Ares, and the Greeks by flashing-eyed Athene, 440 and Terror, and Rout, and Discord that rages incessantly, sister and comrade of man-slaying Ares; she at first rears her crest but little, yet afterwards plants her head in heaven, while her feet tread on earth. She it was that now cast evil strife into their midst 445 as she went through the throng, making the groaning of men increase. Now when they had met together and come into one place, then they dashed together shields and spears and the fury of bronze-mailed warriors; and the bossed shields closed each with each, and a great din arose. 450 Then were heard alike the sound of groaning and the cry of triumph of the slayers and the slain, and the earth flowed with blood. As when winter torrents, flowing down the mountains from their great springs to a place where two valleys meet, join their mighty floods in a deep gorge, 455 and far off amid the mountains the shepherd hears the thunder of them; even so from the joining of these in battle came shouting and toil. Antilochus was first to slay a warrior of the Trojans in full armour, a noble man amid the foremost fighters, Echepolus, son of Thalysius. Him he was first to strike upon the horn of his helmet with crest of horse-hair, 460 and into his forehead drove the spear, and the point of bronze passed within the bone; and darkness enfolded his eyes, and he crashed as a wall does, in the mighty conflict. As he fell lord Elephenor caught him by the feet, the son of Chalcodon, and captain of the great-souled Abantes, 465 and sought to drag him from beneath the missiles, eager with all speed to strip off his armour; yet only for a scant space did his striving endure; for as he was hauling the corpse great-souled Agenor caught sight of him, and where his side was left uncovered by his shield, as he stooped, even there; he struck him with a thrust of his bronze-shod spear, and loosed his limbs. 470 So his spirit left him, and over his body was wrought grievous toil of Trojans and Achaeans. Even as wolves they leapt one upon the other, and man made man reel. Then Telamonian Aias struck Anthemion's son, the lusty youth Simoeisius, whom once his mother 475 had borne beside the banks of Simois, as she journeyed down from Ida, where she had followed with her parents to see their flocks. For this reason they called him Simoeisius; yet he did not pay back to his dear parents the recompense of his upbringing, and only brief was the span of his life, because he was laid low by the spear of great-souled Aias. 480 For, as he strode amid the foremost, he was struck on the right breast beside the nipple; and clean through his shoulder went the spear of bronze, and he fell to the ground in the dust like a poplar tree that has grown up in the bottom land of a great marsh, smooth of stem, but from the top of it branches grow: 485 this some wheelwright has felled with the gleaming iron that he might bend for himself a felloe for a beautiful chariot, and it lies drying by a river's banks. Even so did Zeus-born Aias slay Simoeisius, son of Anthemion. And at him Priam's son Antiphus, of the flashing corselet, 490 cast with his sharp spear amid the throng. Him he missed, but struck in the groin Odysseus' noble comrade, Leucus, as he was drawing the corpse to the other side; so he fell upon it, and the body slipped from his grasp. For his slaying Odysseus grew mightily angry at heart, 495 and strode amid the foremost warriors, clad in flaming bronze; close to the foe he came and took his stand, and glancing warily about him hurled with his bright spear; and back the Trojans shrank from the warrior as he cast. Not in vain did he let fly his spear, but struck Priam's bastard son Democoon, 500 who had come at his call from Abydus, from his stud of swift mares. Him Odysseus, angry for his comrade's sake, struck with his spear on the temple, and out through the other temple passed the spear-point of bronze, and darkness enfolded his eyes, and he fell with a thud and upon him his armour clanged. 505 Then the foremost warriors and glorious Hector gave ground; and the Argives shouted aloud, and drew off the bodies, and charged far further onward. And Apollo, looking down from Pergamus, was indignant, and called with a shout to the Trojans: “Rouse yourselves, horse-taming Trojans, do not give ground in fight 510 before Argives; not of stone nor of iron is their flesh to resist the bronze that cleaves the flesh, when they are struck. What is more, Achilles does not fight, the son of fair-haired Thetis, but amid the ships nurses his bitter wrath.” So spoke the dread god from the city; but the Achaeans 515 were urged on by the daughter of Zeus, most glorious Tritogeneia, who went throughout the throng wherever she saw them giving ground. Then Amarynceus' son, Diores, was caught in the snare of fate; for with a jagged stone he was struck on the right leg by the ankle, and it was the leader of the Thracians that made the cast, 520 Peiros, son of Imbrasus, who had come from Aenus. The two sinews and the bones did the ruthless stone utterly crush; and he fell backward in the dust and stretched out both his hands to his dear comrades, gasping out his life; and there ran up the man who had struck him, 525 Peiros, and dealt him a wound with a thrust of his spear beside the navel; and out upon the ground gushed all his bowels, and darkness enfolded his eyes. But as the other sprang back Thoas of Aetolia struck him with a cast of his spear in the breast above the nipple, and the bronze was fixed in his lung; and Thoas came close to him, and plucked out from his chest the mighty spear, 530 and drew his sharp sword and struck him with it full upon the belly, and took away his life. Yet of his armour he did not strip him, for about him his comrades, men of Thrace who wear the hair long at the top, stood with long spears grasped in their hands, and for all that he was great and mighty and lordly, 535 drove him back from them, so that he reeled and gave ground. Thus the two lay stretched in the dust each by the other, captains the one of the Thracians and the other of the brazen-coated Epeians; and about them were very many others likewise slain. Then could no man any more enter into the battle and make light of it, 540 whoever still unwounded by missile or by thrust of sharp bronze, might move throughout the midst, being led by Pallas Athene by the hand, and by her guarded from the onrush of missiles: for multitudes of Trojans and Achaeans alike were that day stretched one by the other's side with faces in the dust.

5And now to Tydeus' son, Diomedes, Pallas Athene gave might and courage, that he should prove himself pre-eminent among all the Argives, and win glorious renown. She kindled from his helmet and shield flame unwearying, 5 like the star of harvesttime that shines bright above all others when he has bathed in the stream of Ocean. Just such a flame did she kindle from his head and shoulders; and she sent him into the midst where men thronged the thickest. Now there was among the Trojans one Dares, a rich man and blameless, 10 a priest of Hephaestus; and he had two sons, Phegeus and Idaeus, both well skilled in all manner of fighting. These two separated themselves from the host and went out against Diomedes, they in their chariot, while he charged on foot upon the ground. And when they had come near, as they advanced against each other, 15 first Phegeus let fly his far-shadowing spear; and over the left shoulder of the son of Tydeus passed the point of the spear, and did not strike him. Then Tydeus' son rushed on with the bronze, and not in vain did the shaft speed from his hand, but he struck his foe on the breast between the nipples, and thrust him from the chariot. 20 And Idaeus sprang back, and left the beautiful chariot, and had no heart to stand over his slain brother. No, nor would he himself have escaped black fate, had not Hephaestus guarded him, and saved him, enfolding him in darkness, that his aged priest might not be utterly overcome with grief. 25 But the horses the son of great souled Tydeus drove off and gave to his comrades to bring to the hollow ships. But when the great-souled Trojans saw the two sons of Dares, the one in flight and the other slain beside the chariot, the hearts of all were dismayed. And flashing-eyed Athene 30 took furious Ares by the hand and spoke to him, saying: “Ares, Ares, you bane of mortals, you blood-stained stormer of walls, shall we not now leave the Trojans and Achaeans to fight, to whichever of the two it may be that father Zeus shall grant glory? But as for us two, let us give way, and avoid the wrath of Zeus.” 35 So she spoke, and led furious Ares out of the battle. Then she made him sit down on the sandy banks of Scamander, and the Trojans were turned in flight by the Danaans. Each one of the captains slew his man; first the king of men, Agamemnon, thrust from his chariot the leader of the Halizones, great Odius, 40 for as he turned first of all to flee he fixed his spear in his back between the shoulders and drove it through his breast; and he fell with a thud, and upon him his armour clanged. And Idomeneus slew Phaestus, son of Borus the Maeonian, who had come from deep-soiled Tarne. 45 Him, even as he was mounting his chariot, Idomeneus, famed for his spear, pierced with a thrust of his long spear through the right shoulder; and he fell from his chariot, and hateful darkness took hold of him. Him then the squires of Idomeneus stripped of his armour; and Scamandrius, son of Strophius, skilled in the chase, 50 Atreus' son Menelaus slew with his sharp spear, him the mighty hunter; for Artemis herself had taught him to strike down all wild things that the mountain forest nurtures. Yet in no way did the archer Artemis help him now, nor all that skill in archery in which he had excelled of old; 55 but the son of Atreus, Menelaus famed for his spear, struck him as he fled before him with a thrust of his spear in the back between the shoulders, and drove it through his breast. So he fell face foremost, and upon him his armour clanged. And Meriones slew Phereclus, son of Tecton, 60 Harmon's son, whose hands were skilled to fashion all manner of intricate work; for Pallas Athene loved him above all men. It was he who had also built for Alexander the shapely ships, source of ills, that were made the bane of all the Trojans and of himself, since he did not in any way know the oracles of the gods. 65 After him Meriones pursued, and when he had caught up with him, struck him in the right buttock, and the spear-point passed clean through to the bladder beneath the bone; and he fell to his knees with a groan, and death enfolded him. And Pedaeus, Antenor's son, was slain by Meges; 70 he was in truth a bastard, but noble Theano had reared him carefully just as her own children, to please her husband. Phyleus' son, famed for his spear, drew near him and struck him with a cast of his sharp spear on the sinew of the head; and straight through between the teeth the bronze sheared away the tongue at its base. 75 So he fell in the dust, and bit the cold bronze with his teeth. And Eurypylus, son of Euaemon, slew noble Hypsenor, son of Dolopion high of heart, who was made priest of Scamander, and was honoured by the people as a god—upon him did Eurypylus, Euaemon's glorious son, 80 rush with his sword as he fled before him, and in mid-course strike him upon the shoulder and lop off his heavy arm. So the arm all bloody fell to the ground; and down over his eyes came dark death and mighty fate. Thus they toiled in the mighty conflict; 85 but of Tydeus' son you could not have told with which of the two hosts he was joined, whether it was with the Trojans that he had fellowship or with the Achaeans. For he stormed across the plain like a winter torrent at the full, that with its swift flood sweeps away the embankments; this the close-fenced embankments do not hold back, 90 nor do the walls of the fruitful vineyards stop its sudden coming when the rain of Zeus drives it on; and before it in multitudes the fair works of men fall in ruin. In just this way before Tydeus' son were the thick battalions of the Trojans driven in rout, nor could they withstand him for all they were so many. 95 But when the glorious son of Lycaon became aware of him as he raged across the plain and drove the battalions in rout before him, at once he bent his curved bow against the son of Tydeus, and with sure aim struck him as he rushed onwards upon the right shoulder on the plate of his corselet; through this sped the bitter arrow 100 and held straight on its way, and the corselet was spattered with blood. Over him then shouted aloud the glorious son of Lycaon: “Rouse yourselves, great-souled Trojans, you goaders of horses. Struck is the best man of the Achaeans, and I think he will not for long endure the mighty shaft, if in very truth the king, 105 the son of Zeus, sped me on my way when I set out from Lycia.” So he spoke boastfully; but the swift arrow did not lay that other low, but he drew back, and took his stand before his horses and chariot, and spoke to Sthenelus, son of Capaneus: “Rouse yourself, good son of Capaneus; get down from the chariot, 110 so that you may draw out the bitter arrow from my shoulder.” So he spoke, and Sthenelus leapt from his chariot to the ground, and stood beside him, and drew the swift arrow clean out through his shoulder; and the blood spurted up through the pliant tunic. And at this Diomedes, good at the war-cry, made prayer: 115 “Hear me, child of Zeus who bears the aegis, unwearied one! If ever with kindly thought you stood by my father's side amid the fury of battle, so now be kind to me as well, Athene. Grant that I may slay this man, and that he come within the cast of my spear, he who has struck me before I was aware of him, and boasts over me, 120 and declares that not for long shall I behold the bright light of the sun.” So he spoke in prayer, and Pallas Athene heard him, and made his limbs light, his feet and his hands above; and she drew near to his side and spoke to him winged words: “Take courage now, Diomedes, to fight against the Trojans, 125 for in your breast I have put the might of your father, the dauntless might, such as the horseman Tydeus, wielder of the shield, used to have. And the mist moreover I have taken from your eyes that before was upon them, so that you may well discern both god and man. So now if any god comes here to make trial of you, 130 do not in any way fight face to face with any other immortal gods, except only if Aphrodite, daughter of Zeus, shall enter the battle, her strike with a thrust of the sharp bronze.” When she had thus spoken, the goddess, flashing-eyed Athene, departed, and the son of Tydeus returned again and mingled with the foremost fighters; 135 and though before his heart had been eager to do battle with the Trojans, now indeed did fury three times as great lay hold upon him, even as upon a lion that a shepherd in the field, guarding his fleecy sheep, has wounded as he leapt over the wall of the sheep-fold, but has not vanquished; his might he has roused, but after that makes no more defence, 140 but slinks among the farm buildings, and the flock all unprotected is driven in rout, and the sheep are strewn in heaps, each close by the other, but the lion in his fury leaps out from the high fold; in just such fury did mighty Diomedes mingle with the Trojans. Then he slew Astynous and Hypeiron, shepherd of the host; 145 the one he struck above the nipple with a cast of his bronze-shod spear, and the other he struck with his great sword upon the collar-bone beside the shoulder, and sheared off the shoulder from the neck and from the back. These then he let be, but went his way in pursuit of Abas and Polyidus, sons of the old man Eurydamas, the reader of dreams; 150 but they did not come back for the old man to interpret dreams for them, but mighty Diomedes slew them. Then he went on after Xanthus and Thoön, the two sons of Phaenops, and both well beloved; and their father was worn down with grievous old age, and begot no other son to leave in charge of his possessions. 155 There Diomedes slew them, and robbed them of dear life, both of them; but for the father he left lamentation and grievous sorrow, since they did not live for him to welcome them on their return; and the next of kin divided his goods. Then he took two sons of Priam, Dardanus' son, 160 Echemmon and Chromius, the two being in one chariot. Even as a lion leaps among the cattle and breaks the neck of a heifer or a cow as they graze in a woodland pasture, so did Tydeus' son thrust both these brutally from their chariot, much against their will, and after that despoiled them of their armour; 165 and the horses he gave to his comrades to drive to the ships. But Aeneas saw him as he made havoc of the ranks of warriors, and went his way along the battle amid the hurtling of the spears in search of godlike Pandarus, in case he might find him anywhere. He found the son of Lycaon, noble and valiant, 170 and took his stand before his face, and spoke to him, saying: “Pandarus, where now are your bow and your winged arrows, and your fame? In this no man of this land may vie with you, nor any in Lycia declare himself to be better than you. Come now, lift up your hands in prayer to Zeus, and let fly a shaft at this man, 175 whoever he is that prevails like this, and has truly done the Trojans much harm, since he has loosed the knees of many men and noble ones; unless indeed he is some god that is angry with the Trojans, angered because of sacrifices; with grievous weight does the wrath of a god rest upon men.” To him then spoke the glorious son of Lycaon: 180 “Aeneas, counsellor of the brazen-coated Trojans, to the wise-hearted son of Tydeus I liken him in all things, knowing him by his shield and his crested helmet, and when I look on his horses; yet I do not know for sure whether he is not a god. But if he is the man I think him, the wise-hearted son of Tydeus, 185 not without the aid of some god does he rage like this, but one of the immortals stands close by him, his shoulders wrapped in cloud, and turned aside from him my swift shaft even as it struck. For already I have let fly a shaft at him, and I struck him upon the right shoulder clean through the plate of his corselet; 190 and I thought that I should send him down to Aïdoneus, yet I did not subdue him; surely he is some wrathful god. And I have no horses at hand, nor chariot on which I might mount—yet in Lycaon's halls, I think, there are eleven fair chariots, new-wrought, new-furnished, with cloths spread over them; 195 and by each stands its yoke of horses feeding on white barley and spelt. Yes, and as I set out to come here the old spearman Lycaon strictly charged me in our well-built house: he told me to be mounted on horse and chariot, 200 and so lead the Trojans in mighty conflicts.” “But I did not listen— truly it would have been far better!—but spared the horses lest in the multitude of men they should lack fodder, they that were used to eating their fill. So I left them, and have come on foot to Ilios, trusting in my bow; 205 but this, it seems, was not to help me. Already I have let fly a shaft at two chieftains, the son of Tydeus and Atreus' son, and struck them fairly, and from them both I surely drew blood, yet I only aroused them the more. So it was in an evil hour that I took my curved bow from the peg 210 on that day when I led my Trojans to lovely Ilios to please Hector. But if I shall return and behold with my eyes my native land and my wife and great, high-roofed palace, then may some stranger at once cut my head from me, 215 if I do not break this bow with my hands and cast it into the blazing fire; for worthless as wind does it attend me.” To him then spoke in answer Aeneas, leader of the Trojans: “No, do not speak like this; things shall in no way be any better before we two with horses and chariot 220 go to face this man and make trial of him in arms. Come, mount upon my chariot, so that you may see of what sort the horses of Tros are, well skilled to run swiftly here and there over the plain whether in pursuit or in flight. These two will bring the two of us safely to the city, 225 if again Zeus shall grant glory to Tydeus' son Diomedes. Come, therefore, take now the lash and the shining reins, and I will dismount to fight; or else await his onset yourself, and I will look to the horses.” Then the glorious son of Lycaon answered him: 230 “Aeneas, keep the reins yourself, and drive your own horses; they will draw the curved chariot better under their usual charioteer, if we must flee from the son of Tydeus. I would not have them take fright and run wild, and for want of your voice be unwilling to carry us out of the battle, 235 and so the son of great-souled Tydeus leap upon us and slay the two of us, and drive off the single-hooved horses. No, drive your own chariot and your own horses yourself, and I will await this man's onset with my sharp spear.” So saying they mounted upon the inlaid chariot and 240 eagerly drove the swift horses against the son of Tydeus. And Sthenelus, the glorious son of Capaneus, saw them and immediately spoke to Tydeus' son winged words: “Diomedes, son of Tydeus, dear to my heart, I behold two valiant warriors eager to fight against you, 245 endowed with measureless strength. The one is well skilled with the bow, Pandarus, and moreover declares himself to be the son of Lycaon; while Aeneas declares himself to be born of peerless Anchises, and his mother is Aphrodite. Come, let us give ground on the chariot, and do not rage like this, 250 I beg you, among the foremost fighters, lest you perhaps lose your life.” Then with an angry glance from beneath his brows mighty Diomedes spoke to him: “Do not talk to me of flight, for I think you will not persuade me. It is not in my blood to fight a skulking fight or to cower down; my strength is still steadfast. 255 And I have no mind to mount upon a chariot, but just as I am I will go to face them; Pallas Athene does not allow me to quail. As for these two, their swift horses shall not carry both back from us again, even if one or the other escapes. And another thing I will tell you, and lay it to heart. 260 If Athene, rich in counsel, shall grant me this glory, to slay them both, then hold these swift horses here, binding the reins taut to the chariot rim; but be mindful to rush upon the horses of Aeneas and drive them away from the Trojans to the host of the well-greaved Achaeans. 265 For they are of that stock from which Zeus, whose voice is borne afar, gave to Tros recompense for his son Ganymedes, because they were the best of all horses that are beneath the dawn and the sun. Of this stock the king of men Anchises stole a breed, putting his mares to them while Laomedon knew nothing of it. 270 And from these a stock of six was born to him in his palace; four he kept himself and reared at the stall, and the other two he gave to Aeneas, devisers of rout. Could we but take these two, we should win ourselves noble renown.” Thus they spoke in this way to one another, 275 and at once the other two drew near, driving the swift horses. And Lycaon's glorious son spoke first to him, saying: “You son of lordly Tydeus, stalwart and wise of heart, truly my swift shaft did not subdue you, the bitter arrow; now I will again make trial of you with my spear, in case I may hit you.” 280 So saying, he poised and hurled his far-shadowing spear, and struck upon the shield of Tydeus' son; and straight through it sped the point of bronze and reached the corselet. Then over him shouted aloud the glorious son of Lycaon: “You are struck clean through the belly, and not for long, I think, 285 shall you endure; but to me you have granted great glory.” Then with no touch of fear mighty Diomedes spoke to him: “You have missed and not hit; but you two, I think, shall not cease until one or the other of you shall have fallen and glutted with his blood Ares, the warrior with tough shield of hide.” 290 So he spoke and hurled; and Athene guided the spear upon his nose beside the eye, and it pierced through his white teeth. So the stubborn bronze sheared off his tongue at its root, and the spear-point came out by the base of the chin. Then he fell out of the chariot, 295 and his armour all bright and flashing clanged upon him, and the swift-footed horses swerved aside; and there his spirit and his strength were undone. But Aeneas leapt down with shield and long spear, seized with fear lest perhaps the Achaeans might drag the dead man from him. Over him he strode like a lion confident in his strength, and before him he held his spear and his shield that was well balanced on every side, 300 eager to slay the man whoever should come to seize the corpse, and crying a terrible cry. But the son of Tydeus grasped in his hand a stone—a mighty deed—one that not two men could carry, such as mortals now are; yet lightly did he wield it even alone. 305 With it he struck Aeneas on the hip, where the thigh turns in the hip joint,—the cup, men call it—and crushed the cup-bone, and broke both sinews besides, and the jagged stone tore the skin away. Then the warrior fell upon his knees, and stayed so, and with his stout hand he leaned 310 upon the earth; and dark night enfolded his eyes. And now the king of men, Aeneas, would have perished, had not the daughter of Zeus, Aphrodite, been quick to notice, his mother, who conceived him by Anchises as he tended his cattle. About her dear son she flung her white arms, 315 and before him she spread a fold of her bright garment to be a shelter against missiles, lest any of the Danaans with swift horses might hurl a spear of bronze into his breast and take away his life. She then was carrying her dear son out of the battle; but the son of Capaneus did not forget 320 the commands that Diomedes good at the war-cry laid upon him. He held his own single-hooved horses away from the turmoil, binding the reins taut to the chariot rim, but rushed upon the fair-maned horses of Aeneas, and drove them away from the Trojans into the host of the well-greaved Achaeans, 325 and gave them to Deïpylus his dear comrade, whom he honoured above all the companions of his youth, because he was like-minded with himself; him he ordered to drive them to the hollow ships. Then the warrior mounted his own chariot and took the bright reins, and immediately drove his stout-hooved horses in eager search of Tydeus' son. 330 He meanwhile had gone in pursuit of Cypris with his pitiless bronze, discerning that she was a weakling goddess, and not one of those that lord it in the battle of warriors,—no Athene she, nor Enyo, sacker of cities. But when he had come upon her as he pursued her through the great throng, 335 then the son of great-souled Tydeus thrust with his sharp spear and leapt upon her, and wounded the surface of her delicate hand, and at once through the ambrosial robe that the Graces themselves had made for her the spear pierced the flesh upon the wrist above the palm and out flowed the immortal blood of the goddess, 340 the ichor, such as flows in the blessed gods; for they do not eat bread nor drink flaming wine, and so they are bloodless, and are called immortals. She then with a loud cry let fall her son, and Phoebus Apollo took him in his arms 345 and saved him in a dark cloud, lest any of the Danaans with swift horses might hurl a spear of bronze into his breast and take away his life. But over her shouted aloud Diomedes good at the war-cry: “Keep away, daughter of Zeus, from war and fighting. Is it not enough that you beguile weakling women? 350 But if you will enter into battle, truly I think you shall shudder at the name of it, if you hear it even from afar.” So he spoke, and she departed frantic, and was deeply distressed; and wind-footed Iris took her and led her out of the throng, racked with pain, and her fair flesh was darkened. 355 Soon she found furious Ares waiting on the left of the battle, and upon a cloud his spear was leaning, and at hand were his two swift horses. Then she fell upon her knees and with urgent prayer begged for her dear brother's horses with frontlets of gold: “Dear brother, save me, and give me your horses, 360 so that I may get to Olympus, where the abode of the immortals is. For I am in great pain with a wound which a mortal man dealt me, Tydeus' son, who would now fight even with father Zeus.” So she spoke, and Ares gave her his horses with frontlets of gold; and she mounted upon the chariot, her heart distraught, 365 and beside her Iris mounted and took the reins in her hand. She touched the horses with the lash to start them, and the pair sped willingly onward. Immediately then they came to the abode of the gods, to steep Olympus and there wind-footed, swift Iris stopped the horses and loosed them from the chariot, and cast ambrosial food before them; 370 but fair Aphrodite flung herself upon the knees of her mother Dione. She clasped her daughter in her arms, and stroked her with her hand and spoke to her, saying: “Who now of the sons of heaven, dear child, has treated you so wantonly, as though you were doing some evil before the face of all?” 375 To her then laughter-loving Aphrodite answered: “Tydeus' son, Diomedes high of heart, wounded me, because I was carrying my dear son Aeneas out of the war, who is in my eyes far the dearest of all men. For no longer is the dread battle one between Trojans and Achaeans; 380 no, the Danaans now fight even with the immortals.” To her then Dione, the fair goddess, answered: “Take heart, my child, and endure for all your suffering; for very many of us that have dwellings on Olympus have suffered at the hands of men, in bringing grievous woes one upon the other. 385 So Ares suffered, when Otus and mighty Ephialtes, the sons of Aloeus, bound him in cruel bonds, and in a brazen jar he lay bound for thirteen months; and then Ares, insatiate of war, would have perished, had not the stepmother of the sons of Aloeus, the beautiful Eëriboea, 390 brought tidings to Hermes; and he stole Ares away, who was now in great distress, for his grievous bonds were overpowering him. So Hera suffered, when the mighty son of Amphitryon struck her on the right breast with a three-barbed arrow; then upon her too came pain that could in no way be eased. 395 And so monstrous Hades suffered a bitter arrow as the rest did, when this same man, the son of Zeus who bears the aegis, struck him in Pylos amid the dead, and gave him over to pains. But he went to the house of Zeus and to high Olympus with grief at heart, pierced through with pains; 400 for into his mighty shoulder the shaft had been driven, and distressed his soul. But Paeëon spread healing herbs on it that slay pain, and healed him; for truly he was in no way of mortal mould. Rash man, worker of violence, who cared nothing for his evil deeds, since with his arrows he vexed the gods that hold Olympus. 405 And upon you the goddess, flashing-eyed Athene, has set this man—fool that he is; for the heart of Tydeus' son does not know this, that truly he does not last long who fights with the immortals, nor do his children prattle about his knees when he has come back from war and the dread conflict. 410 So now let Tydeus' son, for all he is so mighty, beware lest one better than you fight against him, lest in truth Aegialeia, the daughter of Adrastus, exceedingly wise, wake all her household from sleep with her long lamentings, as she wails for her wedded husband, the best man of the Achaeans, she, 415 the stately wife of horse-taming Diomedes.” She spoke, and with both her hands wiped the ichor from the arm; the arm was restored, and the grievous pains eased. But Athene and Hera, as they looked upon her, sought to anger Zeus, son of Cronos, with mocking words. 420 And among them the goddess flashing-eyed Athene was first to speak: “Father Zeus, will you be at all angry with me for the word that I shall say? Surely now Cypris has been urging some one of the women of Achaea to follow after the Trojans, whom now she so wondrously loves; and while stroking such a one of the fair-robed women of Achaea, 425 she has scratched her delicate hand upon her golden brooch.” So she spoke, but the father of men and gods smiled, and calling golden Aphrodite to him, said: “Not to you, my child, are works of war given; no, follow after the lovely works of marriage, 430 and all these things shall be the business of swift Ares and Athene.” In this way they spoke to one another; but Diomedes, good at the war-cry, leapt upon Aeneas, though he knew well that Apollo himself held his arms out above him; yet he had no awe even of the great god, but was still eager 435 to slay Aeneas and strip his glorious armour from him. Three times then he leapt upon him, furiously eager to slay him, and three times Apollo beat back his shining shield. But when for the fourth time he rushed upon him like a god, then with a terrible cry Apollo who works afar spoke to him: 440 “Think, son of Tydeus, and give way, and do not be minded to be like the gods in spirit; since in no way of like sort is the race of immortal gods and that of men who walk upon the earth.” So he spoke, and the son of Tydeus gave ground a scant space backward, avoiding the wrath of Apollo who strikes afar. 445 Aeneas then Apollo set apart from the throng in sacred Pergamus where his temple was built. There Leto and the archer Artemis healed him in the great sanctuary, and glorified him; but Apollo of the silver bow fashioned a wraith 450 in the likeness of Aeneas himself and in armour like his; and over the wraith the Trojans and noble Achaeans struck the bull's-hide bucklers about one another's breasts, the round shields and fluttering targets. Then Phoebus Apollo spoke to furious Ares: 455 “Ares, Ares, you bane of mortals, you blood-stained stormer of walls, will you not now enter into the battle and withdraw this man from it, this son of Tydeus, who now would fight even against father Zeus? Cypris first he has wounded in close fight on the hand at the wrist, and after that he rushed upon my own self like a god.” 460 So he spoke, and himself sat down upon the height of Pergamus, and baneful Ares entered among the Trojans' ranks and urged them on, in the likeness of swift Acamas, leader of the Thracians. To Priam's sons, nurtured by Zeus, he called, saying: “You sons of Priam, the king nurtured by Zeus, 465 how long will you still allow your host to be slain by the Achaeans? Shall it be until they fight about our well-built gates? Low lies a man whom we honoured as much as noble Hector, Aeneas, son of great-hearted Anchises. Come, let us save our noble comrade from the din of conflict.” 470 So saying he aroused the strength and spirit of every man. And Sarpedon moreover sternly rebuked noble Hector, saying: “Hector, where now has the strength gone that you once had? You said, I suppose, that without hosts and allies you would hold the city alone with the aid of your sisters' husbands and your brothers; 475 but of these I can now neither see nor make out anyone, but they cower like dogs about a lion; and it is we that fight, we that are only allies among you. For I that am only an ally have come from very far; far off is Lycia by eddying Xanthus, 480 where I left my dear wife and infant son, and my great wealth which every man that is in need covets. Yet even so I urge on the Lycians, and am eager myself to fight my man, though here there is nothing of mine such as the Achaeans might carry away or drive off; 485 whereas you stand and do not even urge your hosts to hold their ground and defend their wives. Beware lest you and they, as if caught in the meshes of all-ensnaring flax, become a prey and spoil to your foes; and they shall soon lay waste your well-peopled city. On you should all these cares rest by night and day, 490 and you should beg the captains of your far-famed allies to hold their ground unflinchingly, and so put away strong rebukes from you.” So Sarpedon spoke, and his word stung Hector to the heart. At once he leapt in his armour from his chariot to the ground, 495 and brandishing his two sharp spears went everywhere throughout the host, urging men to fight, and roused the dread din of battle. So they rallied and took their stand with their faces towards the Achaeans; and the Argives in close throng awaited their coming and did not flee. And even as the wind carries chaff about the sacred threshing-floors 500 of men that are winnowing, when fair-haired Demeter amid the driving blasts of wind separates the grain from the chaff, and the heaps of chaff grow white; even so now did the Achaeans grow white over head and shoulders beneath the cloud of dust that through the midst of the warriors the hooves of their horses beat up to the brazen heaven, 505 as the fight was joined again; and the charioteers wheeled round. The might of their hands they bore straight forward, and about the battle furious Ares drew a veil of night to aid the Trojans, ranging everywhere; so he fulfilled the command of Phoebus Apollo of the golden sword, who told him 510 to rouse the spirit of the Trojans, whenever he saw that Pallas Athene had departed; for it was she who brought aid to the Danaans. And Apollo himself sent Aeneas out of the rich sanctuary, and put courage in the breast of the shepherd of the host. And Aeneas took his place in the midst of his comrades, and these grew glad 515 as they saw him come to join them alive and whole and possessed of valiant courage. But they did not question him at all, for toil of another sort forbade them, that which he of the silver bow was stirring, and Ares the bane of mortals, and Discord that rages without ceasing. On the other side the two Aiantes and Odysseus and Diomedes 520 roused the Danaans to fight; yet these even of themselves did not quail before the Trojans' violence and their onsets, but stood their ground like mists that in still weather the son of Cronos sets on the mountain-tops motionless, when the might of the North Wind sleeps and of the other furious winds 525 that blow with shrill blasts and scatter the shadowy clouds this way and that; even so the Danaans withstood the Trojans steadfastly, and did not flee. And the son of Atreus ranged throughout the throng with many a word of command: “My friends, be men, and take to yourselves hearts of valour, and have shame each before the other in the fierce conflict. Of men that have shame more are saved than are slain, but from those that flee comes neither glory nor any avail.” He spoke, and hurled his spear swiftly and struck a foremost warrior, a comrade of great-souled Aeneas, Deïcoön, 535 son of Pergasus, whom the Trojans honoured as much as the sons of Priam, because he was swift to fight among the foremost. Him lord Agamemnon struck with his spear upon the shield, and this did not stop the spear, but clean through it passed the bronze, and into the lower belly he drove it through the belt; 540 and he fell with a thud, and upon him his armour clanged. Then Aeneas slew two champions of the Danaans, the sons of Diocles, Crethon and Orsilochus, whose father lived in well-built Pheme, a man rich in substance, and in lineage he was sprung from the river 545 Alpheius that flows in broad stream through the land of the Pylians, and that begot Orsilochus to be king over many men. And Orsilochus begot great-souled Diocles, and of Diocles were born twin sons, Crethon and Orsilochus, well skilled in all manner of fighting. 550 Now when the two had reached manhood, they followed with the Argives on the black ships to Ilios famed for its horses, seeking to win recompense for the sons of Atreus, Agamemnon and Menelaus; but they themselves in that land the doom of death enfolded. Like them two lions upon the mountain tops 555 are reared by their mother in the thickets of a deep wood; and the two snatch cattle and fine sheep and make havoc of the farmsteads of men, until they themselves are slain by the hands of men with the sharp bronze; in just this way were these two vanquished beneath the hands of Aeneas, and fell like tall fir-trees. 560 But as they fell Menelaus dear to Ares had pity for them, and strode through the foremost fighters, armed in flaming bronze and brandishing his spear; and Ares roused his might with intent that he might be vanquished beneath the hands of Aeneas. 565 But Antilochus, son of great-souled Nestor, saw him, and strode through the foremost fighters; for he greatly feared for the shepherd of the host, lest anything befall him, and he utterly thwart them of their toil. Now the two were holding out their hands and their sharp spears each against the other, eager to do battle, 570 when Antilochus came close beside the shepherd of the host. Then Aeneas did not hold his ground, swift warrior though he was, when he saw the two holding their ground side by side; and they, when they had dragged the dead to the host of the Achaeans, laid the hapless pair in the arms of their comrades, 575 and themselves turned back and fought among the foremost. Then the two slew Pylaemenes, peer of Ares, the leader of the great-souled Paphlagonian shieldmen. Him as he stood still, the son of Atreus, spear-famed Menelaus, pierced with his spear, striking him upon the collar-bone; 580 and Antilochus made a cast at Mydon, his squire and charioteer, the noble son of Atymnius, even as he was turning the single-hooved horses, and struck him with a stone full upon the elbow; and the reins, white with ivory, fell from his hands to the ground in the dust. Then Antilochus leapt upon him and drove his sword into his temple, 585 and gasping he fell out of the well-built chariot headlong in the dust on his head and shoulders. A long time he stood there—for he landed in deep sand—until his horses kicked him and cast him to the ground in the dust; and Antilochus lashed them, and drove them into the host of the Achaeans. 590 But Hector saw them across the ranks, and rushed upon them shouting aloud, and with him followed the strong battalions of the Trojans; and Ares led them and the queen Enyo, she bringing ruthless Din of War, while Ares wielded in his hands a monstrous spear, 595 and ranged now in front of Hector and now behind him. At sight of him Diomedes, good at the war-cry shuddered; and even as a man in passing over a great plain halts in dismay at a swift-streaming river that flows on to the sea, and seeing it seething with foam starts backward, 600 so now did the son of Tydeus give ground, and he spoke to the host: “Friends, see how we were always accustomed to marvel at noble Hector, thinking him a spearman and a dauntless warrior; whereas always by his side is some god that wards off ruin from him, just as now Ares is by his side in the likeness of a mortal man. 605 But with faces turned toward the Trojans keep giving ground backwards, and do not rage to fight hard with gods.” So he spoke, and the Trojans came very close to them. Then Hector slew two warriors well skilled in fight, Menesthes and Anchialus, the two being in one chariot. 610 And as they fell great Telamonian Aias had pity for them, and came and stood close at hand, and with a cast of his shining spear struck Amphius, son of Selagus, who lived in Paesus, a man rich in substance, rich in grain-land; but fate led him to bring aid to Priam and his sons. 615 Him Telamonian Aias struck upon the belt, and in the lower belly the far-shadowing spear was fixed, and he fell with a thud. Then glorious Aias rushed upon him to strip him of his armour, and the Trojans rained their spears upon him, all sharp and gleaming, and his shield caught many of them. 620 But he planted his heel upon the corpse and drew out the spear of bronze, yet he could not likewise manage to strip the rest of the fair armour from his shoulders, for he was hard pressed with missiles. Furthermore, he feared the strong defence of the lordly Trojans, that beset him both many and valiant with spears in their hands and, 625 for all he was so tall and mighty and lordly, thrust him from them; and he gave ground and was made to reel. So these toiled in the mighty conflict, but Tlepolemus, son of Heracles, a valiant man and tall, was roused by resistless fate against godlike Sarpedon. 630 And when they had come near as they advanced one against the other, the son and grandson of Zeus the cloud-gatherer, then Tlepolemus was first to speak, saying: “Sarpedon, counsellor of the Lycians, why must you be skulking here, you that are a man unskilled in battle? 635 They speak only a lie who say you are sprung from Zeus who bears the aegis, since you are far inferior to those warriors that were sprung from Zeus in the days of men of old. Of another sort, men say, was mighty Heracles, my father, staunch in fight, the lionhearted, 640 who once came here because of the mares of Laomedon with only six ships and a smaller host, yet sacked the city of Ilios and made her streets desolate. But yours is a coward's heart, and your people are dwindling. In no way, I think, shall your coming from Lycia prove a defence to the men of Troy, 645 however strong you may be, but you shall be vanquished by my hand and pass the gates of Hades.” And Sarpedon, captain of the Lycians, answered him: “Tlepolemus, your father truly destroyed sacred Ilios through the folly of the lordly man, Laomedon, 650 who rebuked with harsh words him that had done him good service, and did not render him the mares for the sake of which he had come from afar. But for you, I think that death and black fate shall here be wrought by my hands, and that vanquished beneath my spear you shall yield glory to me, and your soul to Hades of the noble steeds.” 655 So Sarpedon spoke, and Tlepolemus lifted on high his ashen spear, and the long spears sped from the hands of both at one moment. Sarpedon struck him full upon the neck, and the grievous point passed clean through, and down upon his eyes came the darkness of night and enfolded him. 660 And Tlepolemus struck Sarpedon upon the left thigh with his long spear, and the point sped through furiously and grazed the bone; but his father as yet warded off destruction from him. Then his noble companions carried godlike Sarpedon out of the fight, and the long spear weighed heavily on him, 665 as it trailed, but no man noticed it or thought in their haste to draw the spear of ash from his thigh, that he might stand upon his feet; such toil had they in tending him. And on the other side the well-greaved Achaeans carried Tlepolemus out of the fight, and noble Odysseus 670 of the enduring soul was aware of it, and his spirit grew furious within him; and he pondered then in heart and soul whether he should pursue further after the son of Zeus who thunders aloud, or should rather take the lives of more Lycians. But it was not ordained for great-hearted Odysseus 675 to slay the valiant son of Zeus with the sharp bronze; so Athene turned his mind toward the host of the Lycians. Then he slew Coeranus and Alastor and Chromius and Alcandrus and Halius and Noëmon and Prytanis; and noble Odysseus would have slain yet more of the Lycians, 680 but that great Hector of the flashing helmet was quick to see, and strode through the foremost fighters armed in flaming bronze, bringing terror to the Danaans. 685 Then Sarpedon, son of Zeus, was glad at his coming, and spoke a piteous word to him: “Son of Priam, do not allow me to lie here a prey to the Danaans, but bring me aid; after that, if need be, let life depart from me in your city, since it might not be that I should return home to my own native land to make glad my dear wife and infant son.” So he spoke, yet Hector of the flashing helmet spoke no word in answer, 690 but hurried by, eager with all speed to thrust back the Argives and take the lives of many. Then his noble comrades made godlike Sarpedon sit beneath a beautiful oak of Zeus who bears the aegis, 695 and valiant Pelagon, who was his dear comrade, thrust the spear of ash out of his thigh; and his spirit failed him, and down over his eyes a mist was shed. But he revived, and the breath of the North Wind as it blew upon him made him live again after he had grievously breathed out his spirit. But the Argives before the onset of Ares and Hector armed in bronze 700 neither turned to make for the black ships, nor yet could they hold out in fight, but they kept giving ground backward, when they heard that Ares was among the Trojans. Who then was first to be slain and who last by Hector, Priam's son, and brazen Ares? 705 Godlike Teuthras, and after him Orestes, driver of horses, Trechus, spearman of Aetolia, and Oenomaus, and Helenus, son of Oenops, and Oresbius with flashing taslet, he that lived in Hyle on the border of the Cephisian lake, having great care of his wealth; 710 and close by him lived other Boeotians having an exceedingly rich land. But when the goddess, white-armed Hera, became aware of them as they made havoc of the Argives in the fierce conflict, at once she spoke winged words to Athene: “For shame, you child of Zeus who bears the aegis, unwearied one, 715 truly it was for nothing that we pledged our word to Menelaus, that not until he had sacked well-walled Ilios should he go home, if we are to allow baneful Ares to rage like this. Come, let us two likewise turn our minds to furious valour.” So she spoke, and the goddess, flashing-eyed Athene, did not fail to listen. 720 Then Hera, the queenly goddess, daughter of great Cronos, went to and fro harnessing the horses of golden frontlets; and Hebe quickly put to the chariot on either side the curved wheels of bronze, eight-spoked, about the iron axle-tree. Of these the felloe indeed is of gold imperishable, 725 and over it are tires of bronze fitted, a marvel to behold; and the hubs are of silver, revolving on this side and on that; and the body is plaited tight with gold and silver thongs, and there are two rims that run about it. From the body stood out the pole of silver, and on the end 730 of it she bound the fair golden yoke, and cast on it the fair golden breast-straps; and Hera led the swift-footed horses beneath the yoke, and was eager for strife and the war-cry. But Athene, daughter of Zeus who bears the aegis, let fall her soft robe upon her father's floor, 735 richly embroidered, that she herself had made and her hands had fashioned, and put on the tunic of Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, and arrayed herself in armour for tearful war. About her shoulders she flung the tasselled aegis, fraught with terror, all about which Rout is set as a crown, 740 and in it is Strife, in it Valour, and in it Onset, that makes the blood run cold, and in it is the head of the dread monster, the Gorgon, dread and awful, a portent of Zeus who bears the aegis. And upon her head she set the helmet with two horns and with four bosses, wrought of gold, and fitted with the men-at-arms of a hundred cities. 745 Then she stepped upon the flaming chariot and grasped her spear, heavy and huge and strong, with which she vanquishes the ranks of men—of warriors with whom she is angry, she, the daughter of the mighty father. And Hera swiftly touched the horses with the lash, and self-bidden groaned upon their hinges the gates of heaven which the Hours had in their keeping, 750 to whom are entrusted great heaven and Olympus, whether to throw open the thick cloud or shut it. There through the gate they drove their horses patient of the goad; and they found the son of Cronos as he sat apart from the other gods on the topmost peak of many-ridged Olympus. 755 Then the goddess, white-armed Hera, stopped the horses, and questioned Zeus most high, the son of Cronos, and spoke to him: “Father Zeus, have you no indignation with Ares for these violent deeds, that he has destroyed so great and so noble a host of the Achaeans recklessly and in no seemly way to my sorrow; 760 while at their ease Cypris and Apollo of the silver bow take their joy, having set on this madman that regards no law? Father Zeus, will you be at all angry with me if I strike Ares in sorry fashion and drive him out of the battle?” Then in answer Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, spoke to her: 765 “Come now, rouse Athene against him, driver of the spoil, who has always been accustomed above others to bring sharp pain upon him.” So he spoke, and the goddess, white-armed Hera, did not fail to listen, but touched her horses with the lash; and the pair flew willingly on between earth and starry heaven. 770 As far as a man sees with his eyes into the haze of distance as he sits on a place of outlook and gazes over the wine-dark deep, so far do the loud-neighing horses of the gods spring at a bound. But when they had come to the land of Troy and the two flowing rivers, where the Simoïs and Scamander join their streams, 775 there the goddess, white-armed Hera, stopped her horses, and loosed them from the chariot, and shed thick mist about them; and Simoïs made ambrosia spring up for them to graze upon. Then the two goddesses went their way with steps like those of timorous doves, eager to bring aid to the Argive warriors. 780 And when they had come where the most and the bravest stood close thronging about mighty Diomedes, tamer of horses, in semblance like ravening lions or wild boars, whose strength is no weakling's, there the goddess, white-armed Hera, 785 stood and shouted in the likeness of great-hearted Stentor of the brazen voice, whose voice is as the voice of fifty other men: “Shame, you Argives, base things of shame fair in semblance only! So long as noble Achilles used to go into battle, never would the Trojans come out even before the Dardanian gate; 790 for they had dread of his mighty spear; but now far from the city they are fighting at the hollow ships.” So saying she roused the strength and spirit of every man. And to the side of Tydeus' son sprang the goddess, flashing-eyed Athene. She found that prince beside his horses and chariot, 795 cooling the wound that Pandarus had dealt him with his arrow. For the sweat vexed him beneath the broad baldric of his round shield; with this he was vexed and his arm grew weary, so he was lifting up the baldric and wiping away the dark blood. Then the goddess laid hold of the yoke of his horses, and said: 800 “Truly little like himself was the son that Tydeus begot. Tydeus was small in stature, but a warrior. Even when I would not allow him to fight or make a show of prowess, when he came, and no Achaean with him, on an embassy to Thebes into the midst of the many Cadmeians— 805 I told him to feast in their halls in peace—yet he having his valiant soul as of old challenged the youths of the Cadmeians and vanquished them in everything very easily; so ' present a helper was I to him. But as for you, I truly stand by your side and guard you, 810 and with a ready heart I bid you fight with the Trojans, yet either weariness born of your many onsets has entered into your limbs, or perhaps spiritless terror possesses you. Then you are no offspring of Tydeus, the wise-hearted son of Oeneus.” Then in answer to her mighty Diomedes spoke: 815 “I know you, daughter of Zeus who bears the aegis; therefore with a ready heart I will tell you my thought and not hide it. In no way does spiritless terror possess me nor any slackness, but I am still mindful of your command which you laid upon me. You would not allow me to fight face to face with the other blessed gods, 820 but if Aphrodite the daughter of Zeus should enter the battle, her you told me to strike with the sharp bronze. That is why I now give ground myself and have given command to all the rest of the Argives to be gathered here likewise; for I discern Ares lording it over the battle-field.” 825 And the goddess, flashing-eyed Athene, answered him, saying: “Son of Tydeus, Diomedes, dear to my heart, do not fear Ares for that, nor any other of the immortals; so present a helper am I to you. Come, at Ares first drive your single-hooved horses, 830 and strike him in close fight, and have no awe of furious Ares that raves here a full-wrought bane, a renegade, who just now spoke with me and Hera, and made as though he would fight against the Trojans but give aid to the Argives; yet now he keeps company with the Trojans and has forgotten these.” 835 So saying, with her hand she drew back Sthenelus, and thrust him from the chariot to earth, and he quickly leapt down; and she stepped upon the chariot beside noble Diomedes, a goddess eager for battle. Loudly did the oaken axle creak beneath its burden, for it bore a dread goddess and a peerless warrior. 840 Then Pallas Athene grasped the lash and the reins, and against Ares first she quickly drove the single-hooved horses. He was stripping of his armour huge Periphas who was far the best of the Aetolians, the glorious son of Ochesius. Blood-stained Ares was stripping him; but Athene 845 put on the cap of Hades, so that mighty Ares should not see her. Now when Ares, the bane of mortals, became aware of noble Diomedes, he let huge Periphas be to lie where he was, even where at the first he had slain him and taken away his life but made straight for Diomedes, tamer of horses. 850 And when they had now come near as they advanced one against the other, Ares first lunged over the yoke and the reins of the horses with his spear of bronze, eager to take away the other's life; but the spear the goddess, flashing-eyed Athene, caught in her hand and thrust above the chariot to fly its way in vain. 855 Next Diomedes, good at the war-cry, lunged at Ares with his spear of bronze, and Pallas Athene sped it mightily against his lowest belly, where he was girded with his taslets. There he thrust and struck him, rending the fair flesh, and drew the spear out again. Then brazen Ares bellowed 860 loud as nine thousand warriors or ten thousand cry in battle, when they join in the strife of the War-god; and at this trembling came upon Achaeans and Trojans alike, and fear took hold of them; so mightily did Ares insatiate of war bellow. Even as a black darkness appears from the clouds 865 when after heat a blustering wind arises, in just such a way to Diomedes, son of Tydeus, did brazen Ares appear, as he went amid the clouds to broad heaven. Quickly he came to the abode of the gods, to steep Olympus, and sat down by the side of Zeus, son of Cronos, grieved at heart, and showed the immortal blood flowing from the wound, 870 and with wailing spoke to him winged words: “Father Zeus, have you no indignation to behold these violent deeds? Always we gods continually suffer most cruelly by one another's devices, whenever we show favour to men. 875 With you are we all at strife, for you are father to that mad and baneful maid, whose mind is always set on deeds of lawlessness. For all the other gods that are in Olympus are obedient to you, and subject to you, each one of us; but to her you pay no heed whether in word or in deed, 880 but rather set her on, because this pestilent maiden is your own child. Now she has set on the son of Tydeus, Diomedes high of heart, to vent his rage upon immortal gods. Cypris first he wounded with a thrust in close fight upon the hand at the wrist, and after that rushed upon my own self as if he were a god. 885 But my swift feet carried me away; otherwise I would long have suffered woes there amid the gruesome heaps of the dead, or else would have lived strengthless because of the blows of the spear.” Then with an angry glance from beneath his brows Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, spoke to him: “Do not sit by me in any way and whine, you renegade. 890 Most hateful to me are you of all gods that hold Olympus, for strife is always dear to you and wars and fightings. You have the unbearable, unyielding spirit of your mother, Hera; I can scarcely control her by my words. So it is by her promptings, it seems to me, that you suffer like this. 895 But I will no longer endure that you should be in pain, for you are my offspring, and it was to me that your mother bore you; but were you born of any other god, pestilent as you are, then long before this you would have been lower than the sons of heaven.” He spoke, and ordered Paeëon to heal his hurt; 900 and Paeëon spread healing herbs on it that slay pain, and healed him; for truly he was in no way of mortal mould. Even as the juice of the fig quickly makes the white milk that is liquid grow thick, and it is quickly curdled as a man stirs it, so swiftly did he heal furious Ares. 905 And Hebe bathed him, and clothed him in beautiful garments, and he sat down by the side of Zeus, son of Cronos, exulting in his glory. Then back to the palace of great Zeus went Argive Hera and Alalcomenean Athene, when they had made Ares, the bane of mortals, cease from his man-slaying.

6So was the dread strife of the Trojans and Achaeans left to itself, and often to this side and to that surged the battle over the plain, as they aimed one at the other their bronze-tipped spears between the Simoïs and the streams of Xanthus. 5 Aias, son of Telamon, bulwark of the Achaeans was first to break a battalion of the Trojans, and to bring a light of deliverance to his comrades, for he struck a man who was foremost among the Thracians, Eüssorus' son Acamas, a valiant man and tall. Him he was first to strike upon the horn of his helmet with thick crest of horse-hair, 10 and drove the spear into his forehead so that the point of bronze pierced within the bone; and darkness enfolded his eyes. And Diomedes, good at the war-cry, slew Axylus, Teuthras' son, who lived in well-built Arisbe, a man rich in substance, who was beloved by all men; 15 for he lived in a home by the high-road and was accustomed to give entertainment to all. Yet of all these there was not one on this day to meet the foe before his face, and ward off woeful destruction from him; but Diomedes robbed the two of life, himself and his squire Calesius, who was then the driver of his chariot; so the two of them passed beneath the earth. 20 Then Euryalus slew Dresus and Opheltius, and went on after Aesepus and Pedasus, whom once the fountain-nymph Abarbarea bore to peerless Bucolion. Now Bucolion was son of lordly Laomedon, his eldest born, though the mother who bore him was unwed; 25 he while shepherding his flocks lay with the nymph in love, and she conceived and bore twin sons. Of these the son of Mecisteus loosed the might and the glorious limbs and stripped the armour from their shoulders. And Polypoetes staunch in fight slew Astyalus, 30 and Odysseus with his spear of bronze laid low Pidytes of Percote, and Teucer goodly Aretaon. And Antilochus, son of Nestor, slew Ablerus with his bright spear, and the king of men, Agamemnon, slew Elatus who lived in steep Pedasus by the banks of fair-flowing Satnioeis. 35 And the warrior Leïtus slew Phylacus, as he fled before him; and Eurypylus laid Melanthius low. But Adrastus Menelaus, good at the warcry, took alive; for his two horses, coursing in terror over the plain, became entangled in a tamarisk bough, and breaking the curved chariot at the end of the pole, 40 themselves went on toward the city where the rest were fleeing in rout; but their master rolled out of the chariot beside the wheel headlong in the dust upon his face. And to his side came Menelaus, son of Atreus, bearing his far-shadowing spear. 45 Then Adrastus clasped him by the knees and begged him: “Take me alive, son of Atreus, and accept a worthy ransom; treasures in great number lie stored in the palace of my wealthy father, bronze and gold and iron wrought with toil; from these my father would grant you ransom past counting, 50 should he hear that I am alive at the ships of the Achaeans.” So he spoke, and sought to persuade the other's heart in his breast, and Menelaus was about to give him to his squire to lead to the swift ships of the Achaeans, but Agamemnon came running to meet him, and spoke a word of reproof, saying: 55 “Soft-hearted Menelaus, why do you care so for the men? Has such great kindness then been done you in your house by Trojans? Of them let not one escape sheer destruction and the might of our hands, no, not the man-child whom his mother bears in her womb; let not even him escape, 60 but let all perish together out of Ilios, unmourned and unmarked.” So spoke the warrior, and turned his brother's mind, for he counselled rightly; so Menelaus with his hand thrust the warrior Adrastus from him, and lord Agamemnon struck him on the flank, and he fell backward; and the son of Atreus 65 planted his heel on his chest, and drew out the ashen spear. Then Nestor shouted aloud, and called to the Argives: “My friends, Danaan warriors, squires of Ares, let no man now stay behind in eager desire for spoil, that he may come to the ships bearing the greatest store; 70 no, let us slay the men; afterward in peace you shall strip the armour from the corpses that lie dead over the plain.” So saying he aroused the strength and spirit of every man. Then would the Trojans have been driven back by the Achaeans dear to Ares up to Ilios, vanquished in their weakness, 75 had not the son of Priam, Helenus, far the best of augurs, come up to Aeneas and Hector, and said to them: “Aeneas and Hector, seeing that upon you above all others rests the war-toil of Trojans and Lycians, because in every undertaking you are the best both in war and in counsel, 80 hold your ground, and go this way and that throughout the host and keep them back before the gates, before in flight they fling themselves into their women's arms, and are made a joy to their foes. But when you have aroused all our battalions, we indeed will stay here and fight against the Danaans, 85 greatly wearied though we are, for necessity weighs hard upon us; but you, Hector, go your way to the city and speak there to her who is your mother and mine; let her gather the aged wives to the temple of flashing-eyed Athene in the citadel, and when she has opened with the key the doors of the holy house, 90 the robe that seems to her the fairest and amplest in her hall, and that is far dearest to her own self, this let her lay upon the knees of fair-haired Athene, and vow to her that she will sacrifice in her temple twelve sleek heifers that have not felt the goad, if she will have compassion 95 on the city and the Trojans' wives and their little children; in hope she may hold back from sacred Ilios the son of Tydeus, that savage spearman, a mighty deviser of rout, who has truly, it seems to me, proved himself the mightiest of the Achaeans. Not even Achilles did we ever fear in this way, that leader of men, 100 who, they say, is born of a goddess; but this man rages beyond all measure, and no one can vie with him in might.” So he spoke, and Hector was in no way disobedient to his brother's word. At once he leapt in his armour from his chariot to the ground, and brandishing his two sharp spears went everywhere throughout the host, 105 urging them to fight; and he roused the dread din of battle. So they rallied, and took their stand with their faces toward the Achaeans, and the Argives gave ground and ceased from slaying; and they deemed that one of the immortals had come down from starry heaven to bear aid to the Trojans, that they rallied thus. 110 And Hector shouted aloud and called to the Trojans: “Trojans, high of heart, and far-famed allies, be men, my friends, and be mindful of furious valour, while I go to Ilios and bid the elders who give counsel, and our wives 115 to make prayer to the gods, and promise them hecatombs.” So saying, Hector of the flashing helm departed, and the black hide at either end beat against his ankles and his neck, the rim that ran about the outermost edge of his bossed shield. But Glaucus, son of Hippolochus, and the son of Tydeus 120 came together in the space between the two hosts, eager to do battle. And when the two had now come near as they advanced one against the other, Diomedes, good at the war-cry, was first to speak, saying: “Who are you, mighty one, among mortal men? For never have I seen you in battle where men win glory 125 until this day, but now you have come forth far in advance of all in your daring, in that you stand against my far-shadowing spear. Unhappy are they whose children face my might. But if you are one of the immortals come down from heaven, then I will not fight with the heavenly gods. 130 No, for even the son of Dryas, mighty Lycurgus, did not live long, seeing that he strove with heavenly gods—he who once drove down over the sacred mount of Nysa the nursing mothers of mad Dionysus; and they all let fall to the ground their wands, struck with an ox-goad by man-slaying Lycurgus. 135 But Dionysus fled, and plunged beneath the wave of the sea, and Thetis received him in her bosom, filled with dread, for mighty terror got hold of him at the man's threats. Then against Lycurgus the gods that live at ease grew angry, and the son of Cronos made him blind; 140 and he did not live long, seeing that he was hated by all the immortal gods. So I would not be minded to fight against the blessed gods. But if you are of men, who eat the fruit of the field, come near, that you may the sooner enter the toils of destruction.” Then spoke to him the glorious son of Hippolochus: 145 “Great-souled son of Tydeus, why do you ask about my lineage? Even as are the generations of leaves, such are those also of men. As for the leaves, the wind scatters some upon the earth, but the forest, as it buds, puts forth others when the season of spring has come; even so of men one generation springs up and another passes away. 150 Yet, if you will, hear this also, that you may know my lineage well; and there are many who know it. There is a city Ephyre in the heart of Argos, pasture-land of horses, and there lived Sisyphus who was craftiest of men, Sisyphus, son of Aeolus; and he fathered a son Glaucus; 155 and Glaucus fathered peerless Bellerophon.” “To him the gods granted beauty and lovely manliness; but Proetus in his heart devised evil against him, and drove him, since he was mightier far, from the land of the Argives; for Zeus had made them subject to his sceptre. 160 Now the wife of Proetus, fair Anteia, lusted madly for Bellerophon, to lie with him in secret love, but could in no way prevail upon wise-hearted Bellerophon, because his heart was upright. So she made a tale of lies, and spoke to king Proetus: ‘Either die yourself, Proetus, or slay Bellerophon, 165 seeing he was minded to lie with me in love against my will.’ So she spoke, and wrath took hold of the king to hear that word. From slaying him he refrained, for his soul was in awe of that; but he sent him to Lycia, and gave him baneful tokens, engraving in a folded tablet many signs and deadly, 170 and told him to show these to his own wife's father, that he might be slain. So he went his way to Lycia under the blameless escort of the gods. And when he had come to Lycia and the stream of Xanthus, then with a ready heart the king of wide Lycia did him honour: for nine days he showed him entertainment, and slew nine oxen. But when the tenth rosy-fingered Dawn appeared, 175 then at length he questioned him and asked to see whatever token he bore from his daughter's husband, Proetus. But when he had received from him the evil token of his daughter's husband, first he ordered him to slay the raging Chimaera. 180 She was of divine stock, not of men, in the front part a lion, in the hind part a serpent, and in the middle a goat, breathing forth in terrible fashion the might of blazing fire. And Bellerophon slew her, trusting in the signs of the gods. Next he fought with the glorious Solymi, 185 and this, he said, was the mightiest battle of warriors that he ever entered; and thirdly he slew the Amazons, women the peers of men. And against him, as he journeyed back from there, the king wove another cunning wile; he chose out of wide Lycia the bravest men and set an ambush; but these never returned home, 190 for peerless Bellerophon slew them one and all.” “But when the king now knew that he was the valiant offspring of a god, he kept him there, and offered him his own daughter, and gave to him the half of all his kingly honour; moreover the Lycians measured out for him an estate pre-eminent above all, 195 a fair tract of orchard and of plough-land, to possess it. And the lady bore to wise-hearted Bellerophon three children, Isander and Hippolochus and Laodameia. With Laodameia lay Zeus the counsellor, and she bore godlike Sarpedon, the warrior harnessed in bronze. 200 But when even Bellerophon came to be hated by all the gods, then he wandered alone over the Aleian plain, devouring his own soul, and shunning the paths of men; and Isander his son was slain by Ares, insatiate of battle, as he fought against the glorious Solymi; 205 and his daughter was slain in wrath by Artemis of the golden reins. But Hippolochus fathered me and from him I declare that I am sprung; and he sent me to Troy and strictly charged me ever to be bravest and pre-eminent above all, and not bring shame upon the race of my fathers, 210 who were far the noblest in Ephyre and in wide Lycia. This is the lineage and the blood from which I declare that I am sprung.” So he spoke, and Diomedes, good at the warcry, was glad. He planted his spear in the bounteous earth, and with gentle words spoke to the shepherd of the host: 215 “Truly now you are a friend of my father's house from of old: for goodly Oeneus once entertained peerless Bellerophon in his halls, and kept him twenty days; and moreover they gave one to the other fair gifts of friendship. Oeneus gave a belt bright with scarlet, 220 and Bellerophon a double cup of gold which I left in my palace as I came here. But Tydeus I do not remember, seeing I was only a little child when he left, at the time when the host of the Achaeans perished at Thebes. Therefore now I am a dear guest-friend to you in the midst of Argos, 225 and you to me in Lycia, whenever I journey to the land of that people. So let us shun one another's spears even amid the throng; there are very many for me to slay, both Trojans and famed allies, whomever a god shall grant me and my feet overtake; 230 and many Achaeans again for you to slay, whomever you can. And let us make exchange of armour, each with the other, that these men too may know that we declare ourselves to be friends from our fathers' days.” When they had thus spoken, the two leapt down from their chariots and clasped each other's hands and pledged their faith. And then from Glaucus Zeus, son of Cronos, took away his wit, 235 seeing he made exchange of armour with Diomedes, son of Tydeus, giving golden for bronze, the worth of a hundred oxen for the worth of nine. But when Hector had come to the Scaean gate and the oak-tree, round about him came running the wives and daughters of the Trojans asking about their sons and brothers and friends 240 and husbands. But he then told them to make prayer to the gods, all of them in turn; yet over many were sorrows hung. But when he had now come to the beautiful palace of Priam, adorned with polished colonnades —and in it were fifty chambers of polished stone, 245 built each close by the other; in these the sons of Priam used to sleep beside their wedded wives; and for his daughters facing them on the opposite side within the court were twelve roofed chambers of polished stone, built each close by the other; 250 in these slept Priam's sons-in-law beside their chaste wives—there his bounteous mother came to meet him, leading in Laodice, fairest of her daughters to look upon; and she clasped him by the hand and spoke and addressed him: “My child, why have you left the fierce battle and come here? 255 Surely the sons of the Achaeans, of evil name, are pressing hard upon you as they fight about our city, and your heart has told you to come here and lift up your hands to Zeus from the citadel. But stay till I have brought you honey-sweet wine that you may pour libation to Zeus and the other immortals first, 260 and then you yourself shall have profit from it, if you will drink. When a man is spent with toil wine greatly makes his strength increase, even as you are spent with defending your fellows.” Then in answer to her spoke great Hector of the flashing helm: “Bring me no honey-hearted wine, honoured mother, 265 lest you cripple me, and I be forgetful of my might and my valour; moreover with unwashed hands I shrink from pouring libation of flaming wine to Zeus; nor may it in any way be that a man should make prayer to the son of Cronos, lord of the dark clouds, all befouled with blood and filth. No, go to the temple of Athene, 270 driver of the spoil, with burnt-offerings, when you have gathered together the aged wives; and the robe that seems to you the fairest and amplest in your hall, and that is dearest far to your own self, this lay upon the knees of fair-haired Athene and vow to her that you will sacrifice in her temple twelve sleek heifers that have not felt the goad, 275 if she will take pity on Troy and the Trojans' wives and their little children; in hope she may hold back the son of Tydeus from sacred Ilios, that savage spearman, a mighty deviser of rout. So go to the temple of Athene, driver of the spoil; 280 and I will go after Paris, to summon him, if perhaps he will listen to my bidding. Would that the earth might at once gape for him! for in grievous fashion the Olympian has reared him as a bane to the Trojans and to great-hearted Priam, and the sons of Priam. If I but saw him going down to the house of Hades, 285 then might I deem that my heart had forgotten its woe.” So he spoke, and she went to the hall and called to her handmaidens; and they gathered together the aged wives throughout the city. But the queen herself went down to the vaulted treasure-chamber in which were her robes, richly embroidered, the handiwork of Sidonian women, 290 whom godlike Alexander had himself brought from Sidon, as he sailed over the wide sea on that journey on which he brought back high-born Helen. Of these Hecabe took one, and bore it as an offering for Athene, the one that was fairest in its embroideries and amplest, 295 and shone like a star, and lay undermost of all. Then she went her way, and the throng of aged wives hastened after her. Now when they had come to the temple of Athene in the citadel, the doors were opened for them by fair-cheeked Theano, daughter of Cisseus, the wife of Antenor, tamer of horses; 300 for the Trojans had made her priestess of Athene. Then with sacred cries they all lifted up their hands to Athene; and fair-cheeked Theano took the robe and laid it upon the knees of fair-haired Athene, and with vows made prayer to the daughter of great Zeus: 305 “Lady Athene, who guard our city, fairest among goddesses, break now the spear of Diomedes, and grant furthermore that he himself may fall headlong before the Scaean gates; so that we may now at once sacrifice to you in your temple twelve sleek heifers that have not felt the goad, if you will take pity 310 on Troy and the Trojans' wives and their little children.” So she spoke praying, but Pallas Athene denied the prayer. Thus these were praying to the daughter of great Zeus, but Hector went his way to the palace of Alexander, the fair palace that he himself had built with the men 315 who were in that day the best builders in deep-soiled Troy; these had made him a chamber and hall and court close by the palaces of Priam and Hector in the citadel. There Hector, dear to Zeus, entered, and in his hand he held a spear of eleven cubits, and before him blazed 320 the spear-point of bronze, around which ran a ring of gold. He found Paris in his chamber busied with his beautiful arms, his shield and his corselet, and handling his curved bow; and Argive Helen sat amid her serving-women and assigned them their glorious handiwork. 325 And at sight of him Hector rebuked him with words of shame: “Strange man, you do not do well to nurse this anger in your heart. Your people are perishing about the town and the steep wall in battle, and it is because of you that the battle-cry and the war are ablaze about this city; you would yourself vent wrath on any other, 330 whomever you should perhaps see shrinking from hateful war. No, then, rouse yourself, lest soon the city blaze with consuming fire.” And to him godlike Alexander made answer, saying: “Hector, seeing that you chide me duly, and not beyond what is due, therefore I will tell you; and take thought and listen to me. 335 Not so much by reason of wrath and indignation against the Trojans did I sit in my chamber, but I was minded to yield myself to sorrow. Even now my wife sought to turn my mind with gentle words and urged me to the war: and I, my own self, think that it will be better so; victory shifts from man to man. 340 But come now, wait a while, let me put on my harness of war; or go your way, and I will follow; and I think I shall overtake you.” So he said, and Hector of the flashing helm did not answer him a word, but to him Helen spoke with gentle words: “O Brother of me who am a dog, a contriver of mischief and abhorred of all, 345 I wish that on the day when first my mother gave me birth an evil storm-wind had borne me away to some mountain or to the wave of the loud-resounding sea, where the wave might have swept me away before these things came to pass. Yet, seeing the gods thus ordained these ills, 350 would that I had been wife to a better man, who could feel the indignation of his fellows and their many revilings. But this man's understanding is not now stable, nor ever will be hereafter; of this I think he will even reap the fruit. But come now, come in, and sit on this chair, 355 my brother, since above all others trouble has encompassed your heart because of shameless me, and the folly of Alexander; on whom Zeus has brought an evil doom, that even in days to come we may be a song for men who are yet to be.” Then great Hector of the flashing helm answered her: 360 “Do not bid me sit, Helen, though you love me; you will not persuade me. Even now my heart is impatient to bear aid to the Trojans who long sorely for me, who am not with them. No, but rouse this man, and let him of himself make haste, that he may overtake me while I am still within the city. 365 For I shall go to my home, that I may behold my household, my dear wife, and my infant son; for I do not know if I shall ever return home to them again, or if even now the gods will slay me beneath the hands of the Achaeans.” So saying, Hector of the flashing helm departed, 370 and came speedily to his well-built house. But he did not find white-armed Andromache in his halls; she with her child and a fair-robed handmaiden had taken her stand upon the wall, weeping and wailing. So Hector when he did not find his peerless wife within, 375 went and stood upon the threshold, and spoke among the serving-women: “Come now, serving-women, tell me truly; where did white-armed Andromache go from the hall? Has she gone to the house of any of my sisters or my brothers' fair-robed wives, or to the temple of Athene, where the other 380 fair-tressed women of Troy are seeking to propitiate the dread goddess?” Then a busy housekeeper spoke to him, saying: “Hector, since you strictly bid us tell you truly, she has neither gone to any of your sisters or your brothers' fair-robed wives, nor yet to the temple of Athene, where the other 385 fair-tressed Trojan women are seeking to propitiate the dread goddess; but she went to the great wall of Ilios, because she heard the Trojans were hard pressed, and great victory rested with the Achaeans. So she has gone in haste to the wall, like one beside herself; and with her the nurse carries the child.” 390 So spoke the housekeeper, and Hector hastened from the house back over the same way along the well-built streets. When now he had come to the gate, as he passed through the great city, the Scaean gate, by which he was minded to go out to the plain, there came running to meet him his bounteous wife, 395 Andromache, daughter of great-hearted Eëtion, Eëtion who lived beneath wooded Placus, in Thebe under Placus, and was lord over the men of Cilicia; for it was his daughter that bronze-harnessed Hector had as wife. She now met him, and with her came a handmaid carrying in her bosom 400 the tender boy, a mere babe, the well-loved son of Hector, like a fair star. Him Hector used to call Scamandrius, but other men Astyanax; for only Hector guarded Ilios. Then Hector smiled, as he glanced at his boy in silence, 405 but Andromache came close to his side weeping, and clasped his hand and spoke to him, saying: “Ah, my husband, this prowess of yours will be your doom, neither have you any pity for your infant child nor for hapless me who soon shall be your widow; for soon will the Achaeans 410 all set upon you and slay you. But for me it would be better to go down to the grave if I lose you, for nevermore shall any comfort be mine, when you have met your fate, but only woes. I have neither father nor queenly mother.” “My father, indeed, goodly Achilles slew, 415 for he utterly laid waste the well-peopled city of the Cilicians, Thebe of lofty gates. He slew Eëtion, yet he did not despoil him, for his soul was in awe of that; but he burned him in his armour, richly adorned, and heaped over him a barrow; and all about were elm-trees planted by nymphs of the mountain, daughters of Zeus who bears the aegis. 420 And the seven brothers that were mine in our halls, all these on the very same day entered into the house of Hades, for all were slain by swift-footed, goodly Achilles, amid their cattle of shambling gait and their white-fleeced sheep. 425 And my mother, who was queen beneath wooded Placus, her he brought here with the rest of the spoil, but afterward set her free, when he had taken ransom past counting; and in her father's halls Artemis the archer slew her. No, Hector, you are to me father and queenly mother, 430 you are brother, and you are my stalwart husband. Come now, have pity, and remain here on the wall, lest you make your child an orphan and your wife a widow. And as for your host, station it by the wild fig-tree, where the city may best be scaled, and the wall is open to assault. 435 For three times at this point the most valiant came, in company with the two Aiantes and glorious Idomeneus and the sons of Atreus and the valiant son of Tydeus, and tried to enter: whether it was that one well-skilled in prophecy told them, or perhaps their own spirit urges and bids them to it.” 440 Then spoke to her great Hector of the flashing helm: “Woman, I too take thought of all this, but I feel great shame before the Trojans, and the Trojans' wives, with trailing robes, if like a coward I skulk apart from the battle. Nor does my own heart allow it, seeing I have learned to be valiant 445 always and to fight amid the foremost Trojans, striving to win my father's great glory and my own. For surely I know this in heart and soul: the day shall come when sacred Ilios shall be laid low, and Priam, and the people of Priam with fine spear of ash. 450 Yet not so much does the grief of the Trojans that shall be in the time to come move me, neither Hecabe's own, nor king Priam's, nor my brothers', many and brave, who then shall fall in the dust beneath the hands of their foes, as does your grief, when some brazen-coated Achaean 455 shall lead you away weeping and rob you of your day of freedom. Then perhaps in Argos you shall ply the loom at another's bidding, or carry water from Messeis or Hypereia, greatly against your will, and strong necessity shall be laid upon you. And some man shall say as he beholds you weeping: 460 ‘See, the wife of Hector, who was pre-eminent in war above all the horse-taming Trojans, in the day when men fought about Ilios.’ So shall one say; and to you shall come fresh grief in your lack of a man like me to ward off the day of bondage. But let me be dead, and let the heaped-up earth cover me, 465 before I hear your cries as they drag you into captivity.” So saying, glorious Hector stretched out his arms to his boy, but back into the bosom of his fair-girdled nurse shrank the child crying, frightened at the aspect of his dear father, and seized with dread of the bronze and the crest of horse-hair, 470 as he noticed it waving dreadfully from the topmost helm. Aloud then laughed his dear father and queenly mother; and at once glorious Hector took the helm from his head and laid it all-gleaming upon the ground. But he kissed his dear son, and fondled him in his arms, 475 and spoke in prayer to Zeus and the other gods: “Zeus and you other gods, grant that this my child may likewise prove, even as I, pre-eminent among the Trojans, and as valiant in might, and that he rule mightily over Ilios. And some day may some man say of him as he comes back from war,‘He is better far than his father’; 480 and may he bear the blood-stained spoils of the foe he has slain, and may his mother's heart be glad.” So saying, he laid his child in his dear wife's arms, and she took him to her fragrant bosom, smiling through her tears; and her husband was touched with pity at sight of her, 485 and he stroked her with his hand, and spoke to her, saying: “Dear wife, in no way, I beg you, grieve overmuch at heart; no man beyond my fate shall send me forth to Hades; only his doom, I think, no man has ever escaped, whether he is coward or valiant, when once he has been born. 490 No, go to the house and busy yourself with your own tasks, the loom and the distaff, and tell your handmaids to ply their work: but war shall be for men, for all, but most of all for me, of those who live in Ilios.” So spoke glorious Hector and took up his helm 495 with horse-hair crest; and his dear wife went at once to her house, often turning back, and shedding big tears. Soon she came to the well-built palace of man-slaying Hector and found her many handmaidens there; and among them all she roused lamentation. 500 So in his own house they made lament for Hector while he still lived; for they thought that he would never more come back from battle, escaped from the might and the hands of the Achaeans. Nor did Paris linger long in his lofty house, but put on his glorious armour, adorned with bronze, 505 and hastened through the city, trusting in his fleetness of foot. Even as when a stalled horse that has fed his fill at the manger breaks his halter and runs stamping over the plain—being accustomed to bathe in the fair-flowing river—and exults; on high he holds his head, and about his shoulders 510 his mane floats streaming, and as he glories in his splendour, his knees nimbly bear him to the haunts and pastures of mares; even so Paris, son of Priam, strode down from high Pergamus, all gleaming in his armour like the shining sun, laughing for glee, and his swift feet bore him on. Speedily then 515 he overtook goodly Hector, his brother, just as he was about to turn back from the place where he had lingered with his wife. Then godlike Alexander was first to speak to him, saying: “My brother, surely I delay you in your haste by my slowness, and did not come in due season, as you told me.” 520 Then in answer to him spoke Hector of the flashing helm: “Strange man, no one who is right-minded could make light of your work in battle, for you are valiant; but of your own will you are slack, and have no care; and at this my heart is grieved within me, whenever I hear regarding you words of shame 525 from the lips of the Trojans, who because of you have grievous toil. But let us go our way; these things we will make good hereafter, if Zeus grants us to set for the heavenly gods that are for ever a bowl of deliverance in our halls, when we have driven forth from the land of Troy the well-greaved Achaeans.”

7So saying, glorious Hector hurried out from the gates, and with him went his brother Alexander; and in their hearts both were eager for war and battle. And as a god gives to longing seamen 5 a fair wind when they have grown weary of beating the sea with polished oars of fir, and their limbs are worn out with weariness; even so these two appeared to the longing Trojans. Then the one of them slew the son of king Areithous, Menesthius, who lived in Arne, who was born of the mace-man 10 Areithous and ox-eyed Phylomedusa; and Hector with his sharp spear struck Eioneus on the neck beneath the well-wrought helmet of bronze, and loosed his limbs. And Glaucus, son of Hippolochus, leader of the Lycians, made a cast with his spear in the fierce conflict at Iphinous, 15 son of Dexios, as he sprang upon his chariot behind his swift mares, and struck him on the shoulder; so he fell from his chariot to the ground and his limbs were loosed. But when the goddess, flashing-eyed Athene, became aware of them as they were slaying the Argives in the fierce conflict, she went darting down from the peaks of Olympus 20 to sacred Ilios. And Apollo sped out to meet her, for he looked down from Pergamus and saw her, and wished to have victory for the Trojans. So the two met one with the other by the oak-tree. Then king Apollo, son of Zeus, spoke first to her: “Why have you come again so eagerly from Olympus, you daughter of great Zeus, 25 and why has your proud spirit sent you? Is it that you may give the Danaans victory to turn the tide of battle, since you have no pity for the Trojans, who perish? But if you would in any way listen to me—and so it would be far better—let us now stop the war and fighting 30 for this day. Afterwards they shall fight again until they win the goal of Ilios, since so it seems good to the hearts of you immortal goddesses, to lay waste this city.” And the goddess, flashing-eyed Athene, spoke to him in answer: “So be it, you god who works from afar; 35 with this in mind I myself have come from Olympus to the midst of Trojans and Achaeans. But come, how do you intend to stop the battle of the warriors?” Then king Apollo, son of Zeus, spoke to her in answer: “Let us rouse the valiant spirit of horse-taming Hector, in hope that he may challenge some one of the Danaans in single fight 40 to do battle with him man to man in dread combat. So the bronze-greaved Achaeans will be indignant and rouse some one to do battle in single combat against goodly Hector.” So he spoke, and the goddess, flashing-eyed Athene, did not fail to listen. And Helenus, the dear son of Priam, understood in spirit 45 this plan that had found pleasure with the gods in council; and he came and stood by Hector's side, and spoke to him, saying: “Hector, son of Priam, peer of Zeus in counsel, would you now in any way listen to me? for I am your brother. Make the Trojans sit down, and all the Achaeans, 50 and challenge whoever is best of the Achaeans to do battle with you man to man in dread combat. It is not yet your fate to die and meet your doom; for so have I heard the voice of the gods who are for ever.” So he spoke and Hector rejoiced greatly when he heard his words; 55 and he went into the midst and held back the battalions of the Trojans with his spear grasped by the middle; and they all sat down, and Agamemnon made the well-greaved Achaeans sit. And Athene and Apollo of the silver bow in the likeness of vultures sat 60 upon the lofty oak of father Zeus who bears the aegis, rejoicing in the warriors; and the ranks of these sat close, bristling with shields and helmets and spears. Even as the ripple of the West Wind, newly risen, is spread over the face of the deep, and the deep grows black beneath it, 65 so sat the ranks of the Achaeans and Trojans in the plain. And Hector spoke between the two hosts: “Hear me, you Trojans and well-greaved Achaeans, that I may speak what the heart in my breast tells me. Our oaths the son of Cronos, throned on high, did not bring to fulfillment, 70 but with ill intent ordains a time for both hosts, until either you take well-walled Troy or are yourselves vanquished beside your sea-faring ships. With you are the chieftains of the whole host of the Achaeans; of these let whatever man his heart now tells to fight with me 75 come here from among you all to be your champion against goodly Hector. And this is my word that I declare, and let Zeus be our witness to it: if he slays me with the long-edged bronze, let him strip me of my armour and carry it to the hollow ships, but let him give my body back to my home, 80 that the Trojans and the Trojan wives may give me my due portion of fire in my death. But if I slay him, and Apollo gives me glory, I will strip him of his armour and carry it to sacred Ilios and hang it upon the temple of Apollo, the god who strikes from afar, but his corpse I will give back to the well-benched ships, 85 that the long-haired Achaeans may give him burial, and heap up a barrow for him by the wide Hellespont. And some one shall some day say, even of men who are yet to be, as he sails in his many-benched ship over the wine-dark sea: ‘This is the barrow of a man who died in olden days, 90 whom once, in the midst of his prowess, glorious Hector slew.’ So shall some man say, and my glory shall never die.” So he spoke, and they all became hushed in silence; they were ashamed to refuse him, but they feared to meet him. Yet at length Menelaus arose among them and spoke, 95 rebuking them with words of reproach, and he groaned deeply at heart: “Ah me, you braggarts, you women of Achaea, men no more! Surely this will be a disgrace dread and dire, if no man of the Danaans now goes to meet Hector. No, may you one and all turn to earth and water, 100 you who sit there each man with no heart in him, utterly inglorious. Against this man I will arm myself; but the issues of victory are held on high by the immortal gods.” So he spoke, and put on his fine armour. And now, Menelaus, the end of life would have appeared for you 105 at the hands of Hector, since he was far mightier, had not the kings of the Achaeans sprung up and laid hold of you. And Atreus' son himself, wide-ruling Agamemnon, caught him by the right hand and spoke to him, saying: “You are mad, Menelaus, nurtured of Zeus, and this madness of yours does not become you. 110 Hold back, for all your grief, and do not wish in rivalry to fight with one better than you, even with Hector, son of Priam, of whom others besides you are afraid. Even Achilles shudders to meet this man in battle, where men win glory; and he is far better than you. 115 No, go now for the present, and sit among the company of your fellows; against this man the Achaeans shall raise up another champion. Fearless though he is and insatiate of battle, I think he will be glad to bend his knees in rest, if he escapes from the fury of war and the dread conflict.” 120 So the warrior spoke and turned his brother's mind, for he counselled rightly; and Menelaus obeyed. Then with gladness his squires took his armour from his shoulders; and Nestor rose up and spoke among the Argives: “Shame on you! In truth great grief has come upon the land of Achaea. 125 Truly old Peleus would groan aloud, the driver of chariots, noble counsellor, and orator of the Myrmidons, who once questioned me in his own house, and rejoiced greatly as he asked of the lineage and birth of all the Argives. If he were to hear that these were now all cowering before Hector 130 then he would lift up his hands to the immortals in instant prayer that his soul might depart from his limbs into the house of Hades.” “I wish, O father Zeus and Athene and Apollo, that I were young as when beside swift-flowing Celadon the Pylians and Arcadians who rage with spears gathered together and fought 135 beneath the walls of Pheia about the streams of Iardanus. On their side Ereuthalion stood forth as champion, a godlike man, bearing upon his shoulders the armour of king Areithous, goodly Areithous whom men and fair-girdled women used to call the mace-man, 140 because he did not fight with bow or long spear, but broke the battalions with a mace of iron. Him Lycurgus slew by guile and in no way by might, in a narrow way, where his mace of iron did not save him from destruction. For before that could be, Lycurgus came upon him unawares 145 and pierced him through the middle with his spear, and he was hurled backward upon the earth; and Lycurgus stripped him of the armour that brazen Ares had given him. This armour he afterwards wore himself amid the turmoil of Ares, but when Lycurgus grew old within his halls 150 he gave it to Ereuthalion, his dear squire, to wear. And wearing this armour Ereuthalion challenged all the bravest; but they trembled greatly and were afraid, nor had any man courage to face him. But my enduring heart set me on to battle with him in my boldness, though in years I was youngest of all. So I fought with him, and Athene gave me glory. 155 He was the tallest and the strongest man that I ever slew: like a huge sprawling bulk he lay stretched this way and that. I wish I were now as young and my strength as firm; then Hector of the flashing helmet would soon find one to face him. But you who are chieftains of the whole host of the Achaeans, 160 even you are not minded with a ready heart to meet Hector face to face.” So the old man rebuked them, and nine in all stood up. Far the first sprang up the king of men, Agamemnon, and after him Tydeus' son, mighty Diomedes, and after them the Aiantes, clothed in furious valour, 165 and after them Idomeneus and Idomeneus' comrade Meriones, the peer of Enyalius, slayer of men, and after them Eurypylus, the glorious son of Euaemon; and up sprang Thoas, son of Andraemon, and goodly Odysseus; all these were minded to do battle with goodly Hector. 170 Then among them the horseman, Nestor of Gerenia, spoke again: “Now cast the lot from the first to the last for whoever shall be chosen; for he shall truly profit the well-greaved Achaeans and shall himself profit in his own soul as well, if he escapes from the fury of war and the dread conflict.” 175 So he said, and they marked each man his lot and cast them in the helmet of Agamemnon, son of Atreus; and the host made prayer, and lifted up their hands to the gods. And thus would one say with a glance up to the broad heaven: “Father Zeus, grant that the lot fall to Aias or the son of Tydeus 180 or else to the king himself of Mycene rich in gold.” So they spoke, and the horseman, Nestor of Gerenia, shook the helmet, and out of it leapt the lot that they themselves desired, the lot of Aias. And the herald carried it everywhere throughout the throng, and showed it from left to right to all the chieftains of the Achaeans; 185 but they did not know it, and every man disowned it. But when, carrying it everywhere throughout the throng, he had come to him who had marked it and cast it into the helmet, glorious Aias, then Aias held out his hand, and the herald drew near and laid the lot in it; and Aias knew at a glance the token on the lot, and grew glad at heart. 190 Then he cast the lot upon the ground beside his foot, and spoke: “My friends, surely the lot is mine, and my own heart rejoices, for I think that I shall vanquish goodly Hector. But come now, while I am putting on my battle gear, pray meanwhile to king Zeus, son of Cronos, 195 in silence by yourselves, that the Trojans learn nothing of it—no, or openly, if you will, since in any case we fear no man. For by force shall no man drive me in flight of his own will and in spite of mine, nor yet by skill; since I think I was born and reared in Salamis no unskilled man.” 200 So he spoke, and they made prayer to king Zeus, son of Cronos; and thus would one speak with a glance up to the broad heaven: “Father Zeus, who rules from Ida, most glorious, most great, grant victory to Aias and that he may win glorious renown; or if you love Hector too, and care for him, 205 grant to both equal might and glory.” So they spoke, and Aias arrayed himself in gleaming bronze. But when he had clothed his flesh in all his armour, then he sped on just as huge Ares goes forth when he enters into battle amid warriors whom the son of Cronos 210 has brought together to contend in the fury of soul-devouring strife. Just so huge Aias sprang forth, the bulwark of the Achaeans, with a smile on his grim face; and he went with long strides of his feet beneath him, brandishing his far-shadowing spear. Then the Argives were glad as they looked upon him, 215 but over the Trojans dread trembling crept on the limbs of every man, and Hector's own heart beat fast within his breast. Yet in no way could he any longer flee or shrink back into the throng of the host, since he had made the challenge to fight. So Aias drew near, bearing his shield that was like a city wall, 220 a shield of bronze with sevenfold bull's-hide, which Tychius had wrought with toil, he who was far the best of workers in hide, having his home in Hyle, who had made him his flashing shield of seven hides of sturdy bulls, and over them had wrought an eighth layer of bronze. This Telamonian Aias bore before his breast, 225 and he came and stood close by Hector, and spoke threateningly: “Hector, now you shall surely know, man to man, what kind of chieftains there are among the Danaans too, even after Achilles, breaker of the ranks of men, the lion-hearted. Yet he stays among his beaked seafaring ships 230 in utter wrath against Agamemnon, Atreus' son, shepherd of the host; yet we are such as to face you, yes, very many of us. But you begin war and battle.” To him then great Hector of the flashing helmet made answer: “Aias, sprung from Zeus, you son of Telamon, captain of the host, 235 do not in any way make trial of me as of some puny boy or a woman who knows nothing of deeds of war. No, I know battles and slayings of men full well. I know well how to wield to the right, and well how to wield to the left my shield of seasoned hide, which I consider a sturdy thing to wield in fight; 240 and I know how to charge into the melee of chariots drawn by swift mares; and I know how in close fight to tread the measure of furious Ares. Yet I do not intend to strike you, being such a one as you are, by spying on you unawares; but rather openly, if I may hit you.” He spoke, and poised his far-shadowing spear, and hurled it; 245 and he struck Aias' dread shield of sevenfold bull's-hide upon the outermost bronze, the eighth layer that was on it. Through six folds the stubborn bronze sheared, but in the seventh hide it was stopped. Then in turn Zeus-born Aias hurled his far-shadowing spear, 250 and struck upon the shield of the son of Priam, that was well balanced on every side. Through the bright shield went the mighty spear, and through the richly adorned corselet it forced its way; and straight on beside his flank the spear sheared through his tunic; but he bent aside, and escaped black fate. 255 Then the two at the same moment drew out their long spears with their hands, and fell to, in semblance like ravening lions or wild boars, whose strength is no weakling's. Then the son of Priam struck full upon the shield of Aias with a thrust of his spear, yet the bronze did not break through, for its point was turned; 260 but Aias leapt upon him and pierced his buckler, and the spear went clean through and made him reel in his onset; even to his neck it made its way, and gashed it, and the dark blood welled up. Yet not even so did Hector of the flashing-helmet cease from fight, but giving ground he seized with stout hand a stone 265 that lay upon the plain, black and jagged and great; with it he struck Aias' dread shield of sevenfold bull's-hide full upon the boss; and the bronze rang about it. Then Aias in turn lifted on high a far greater stone, and swung and hurled it, putting measureless strength into the cast; 270 and he burst the buckler inwards with the cast of the rock that was like a mill-stone, and beat down Hector's knees; so he stretched upon his back, gathered together under his shield; but Apollo at once raised him up. And now they would have been striking with their swords in close fight, had not the heralds, messengers of Zeus and men, 275 come, one from the Trojans and one from the brazen-coated Achaeans, Talthybius and Idaeus, men of prudence both. Between the two they held out their staves, and the herald Idaeus, skilled in prudent counsel, spoke, saying: “Fight no more, dear sons, nor do battle; 280 you are both loved by Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, and both are spearmen; that indeed we all know. Moreover night is now upon us, and it is well to yield obedience to night's command.” Then Telamonian Aias spoke to him in answer: “Idaeus, tell Hector to speak these words, 285 for it was he who of himself challenged all our best to combat. Let him be first and I will indeed listen, even as he shall say.” Then great Hector of the flashing helmet spoke to him: “Aias, since God gave you stature and might, yes, and wisdom, and with your spear you are pre-eminent above all the Achaeans, 290 let us now cease from battle and strife for this day; afterwards we shall fight again until God judges between us, and gives victory to one side or the other. But night is now upon us, and it is well to yield obedience to night's command, that you may make all the Achaeans glad beside their ships, 295 and most of all the kinsfolk and comrades who are yours; and I throughout the great city of king Priam shall make glad the Trojan men and Trojan women with trailing robes, who because of me will enter the gathering of the gods with thanksgivings. But come, let us both give glorious gifts each to the other, 300 so that many a one of Achaeans and Trojans alike may say this: ‘The two indeed fought in rivalry of soul-devouring strife, but afterwards made a compact and parted in friendship.’” When he had said this, he brought and gave him his silver-studded sword with its scabbard and well-cut baldric; 305 and Aias gave his belt bright with scarlet. So they parted, and one went his way to the host of the Achaeans and the other betook himself to the throng of the Trojans. And these grew glad when they saw Hector coming to join them alive and whole, escaped from the fury of Aias and his invincible hands; 310 and they brought him to the city scarcely believing that he was safe. And Aias for his part was led by the well-greaved Achaeans to goodly Agamemnon, filled with joy at his victory. And when they had now come to the huts of the son of Atreus, then the king of men, Agamemnon, slew a bull there, 315 a male of five years, for the son of Cronos, supreme in might. This they flayed and dressed, and cut up all the limbs. Then they sliced these skillfully, and spitted them and roasted them carefully and drew all off the spits. But when they had ceased from their labour and had made ready the meal, 320 they feasted, nor did their hearts lack anything of the equal feast. And to Aias for his honour the long chine was given by the warrior son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon. But when they had put from them the desire of food and drink, first of all the old man began to weave the web of counsel for them, 325 Nestor, whose counsel had ever seemed the best in the past. He with good intent addressed their gathering and spoke among them: “Son of Atreus and you other princes of the hosts of Achaea, see, very many long-haired Achaeans are dead, whose dark blood keen Ares has now spilt about fair-flowing Scamander, 330 and their souls have gone down to the house of Hades; therefore it would be well for you to make the battle of the Achaeans cease at daybreak, and we will gather to haul the corpses here on carts with oxen and mules; and we will burn them a little way from the ships so that each man may carry their bones home to their children, 335 whenever we return again to our native land. And about the pyre let us heap a single barrow, raising it from the plain for all alike, and beside it build with speed a lofty wall, a defence for our ships and for ourselves. And in it let us build close-fastening gates, 340 that through them there may be a way for the driving of chariots; and outside let us dig a deep ditch close by, which shall lie between and keep back chariots and footmen, lest ever the battle of the lordly Trojans press heavily upon us.” So he spoke, and all the kings assented to it. 345 And among the Trojans likewise a gathering was held in the citadel of Ilios, a gathering fierce and tumultuous, beside Priam's doors. Among them wise Antenor was first to speak, saying: “Listen to me, you Trojans and Dardanians and allies, that I may speak what the heart in my breast tells me. 350 Come now, let us give Argive Helen and the treasure with her to the sons of Atreus to take away. Now we fight after proving false to our oaths of faith, and so I have no hope that anything will turn out to our profit, if we do not do this.” When he had spoken thus he sat down, and among them rose up 355 goodly Alexander, lord of fair-haired Helen; he made answer, and spoke to him winged words: “Antenor, what you say is no longer to my pleasure; indeed you know how to devise better words than these. But if you truly speak this in earnest, 360 then surely the gods themselves have destroyed your wits. But I will speak among the gathering of horse-taming Trojans and declare outright: my wife I will not give back; but the treasure that I brought from Argos to our home, all this I am willing to give, and to add to it from my own store.” 365 When he had spoken thus he sat down, and among them rose up Priam, son of Dardanus, peer of the gods in counsel. He with good intent addressed their gathering, and spoke among them: “Listen to me, you Trojans and Dardanians and allies, that I may say what the heart in my breast tells me. 370 For the present take your supper throughout the city, just as in the past, and take care to keep watch, and be wakeful every man; and at dawn let Idaeus go to the hollow ships to declare to Atreus' sons, Agamemnon and Menelaus, the word of Alexander, for whose sake strife has been set afoot. 375 And let him also declare to them this word of wisdom, whether they are willing to cease from grievous war till we have burned the dead; afterwards we shall fight again until God judges between us, and gives victory to one side or the other.” So he spoke, and they readily listened to him, and obeyed; 380 then they took their supper throughout the host by companies, and at dawn Idaeus went his way to the hollow ships. There he found the Danaans, squires of Ares, in the place of gathering beside the stern of Agamemnon's ship; and the loud-voiced herald took his stand in the midst and spoke among them: 385 “Son of Atreus, and you other princes of the hosts of Achaea, Priam and the other lordly Trojans ordered me to declare to you—if perhaps it is your wish and your good pleasure—the saying of Alexander, for whose sake strife has been set afoot. The treasure that Alexander brought to Troy 390 in his hollow ships—I wish he had perished first!—all this he is willing to give, and to add to it from his own store; but the wedded wife of glorious Menelaus, he declares he will not give; though indeed the Trojans tell him to do it. Moreover they ordered me to declare to you this word also, whether you are willing 395 to cease from grievous war till we have burned the dead; afterwards we shall fight again until God judges between us and gives victory to one side or the other.” So he spoke, and they all became hushed in silence. But at length Diomedes, good at the war-cry, spoke among them: 400 “Let no man now accept the treasure from Alexander, no, nor Helen; it is known, even to him who has no wit at all, that now the cords of destruction are made fast upon the Trojans.” So he spoke, and all the sons of the Achaeans shouted aloud, applauding the saying of Diomedes, tamer of horses. 405 Then lord Agamemnon spoke to Idaeus: “Idaeus, you yourself truly hear the word of the Achaeans, how they make answer to you; and my own pleasure is even as theirs. But as for the dead I do not in any way begrudge that you burn them; for no man should begrudge dead corpses, 410 when once they are dead, the speedy consolation of fire. But let Zeus be witness to our oaths, the loud-thundering lord of Hera.” So saying, he lifted up his staff before the face of all the gods, and Idaeus went his way back to sacred Ilios. Now they were sitting in assembly, Trojans and Dardanians alike, 415 all gathered in one body waiting until Idaeus should come; and he came and stood in their midst and declared his message. Then they made ready with all speed for either task, some to bring the dead, and others to seek for wood. And the Argives on the other side hurried from the benched ships, 420 some to bring the dead and others to seek for wood. The sun was now just striking on the fields, as he rose from softly-gliding, deep-flowing Oceanus, and climbed the heavens, when the two hosts met together. Then it was a hard task to recognize each man; 425 but with water they washed the clotted blood from them, and lifted them upon the wagons, shedding hot tears all the while. But great Priam would not allow his people to wail aloud; so in silence they heaped the corpses upon the pyre, their hearts deeply stricken; and when they had burned them with fire they went their way to sacred Ilios. 430 And in like manner on the other side the well-greaved Achaeans heaped the corpses upon the pyre, their hearts deeply stricken, and when they had burned them with fire they went their way to the hollow ships. Now when dawn had not yet come, but night was still between light and dark, then the chosen host of the Achaeans gathered about the pyre, 435 and they made about it a single barrow, raising it from the plain for all alike; and beside it they built a wall and a lofty rampart, a defence for their ships and for themselves. And in it they made gates, close-fastening, that through them there might be a way for the driving of chariots. 440 And outside they dug a deep ditch close by, wide and great, and in it they planted stakes. So they were toiling, the long-haired Achaeans; and the gods, as they sat by the side of Zeus, the lord of the lightning, marvelled at the great work of the brazen-coated Achaeans. 445 And among them Poseidon, the Shaker of Earth, was first to speak: “Father Zeus, is there now anyone of mortals on the face of the boundless earth, who will any longer declare his mind and counsel to the immortals? Do you not see that now again the long-haired Achaeans have built a wall to defend their ships, and have drawn a trench about it, 450 but did not give glorious hecatombs to the gods? Surely the fame of it shall reach as far as the dawn spreads, and men will forget the wall that I and Phoebus Apollo built with toil for the warrior Laomedon.” Then, greatly troubled, Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, spoke to him: 455 “Ah me, you Shaker of Earth, wide of sway, what a thing you have said! Another of the gods might perhaps fear this device, one who was far feebler than you in hand and might; but your fame shall surely reach as far as the dawn spreads. Come now, when once the long-haired Achaeans have gone with their ships to their dear native land, 460 then burst the wall apart and sweep it all into the sea, and cover the great beach again with sand, so that the great wall of the Achaeans may be brought to nothing by you.” In this way they spoke, one to the other, 465 and the sun set, and the work of the Achaeans was accomplished; and they slaughtered oxen throughout the huts and took supper. And very many ships were at hand from Lemnos, bearing wine, sent forth by Jason's son, Euneus, whom Hypsipyle bore to Jason, shepherd of the host. 470 And for the sons of Atreus alone, Agamemnon and Menelaus, Euneus had given wine to be brought to them, a thousand measures. From these ships the long-haired Achaeans bought wine for themselves, some for bronze, some for gleaming iron, some for hides, some for whole cattle, 475 and some for slaves; and they made themselves a rich feast. So the whole night through the long-haired Achaeans feasted, and the Trojans likewise in the city, and their allies; and all night long Zeus, the counsellor, devised evil for them, thundering terribly. Then pale fear got hold of them, 480 and they let the wine flow from their cups upon the ground, nor did any man dare to drink until he had made a drink-offering to the son of Cronos, supreme in might. Then they lay down, and took the gift of sleep.

8Now Dawn the saffron-robed was spreading over the face of all the earth, and Zeus who hurls the thunderbolt made a gathering of the gods upon the topmost peak of many-ridged Olympus, and himself addressed their gathering; and all the gods gave ear: 5 “Listen to me, all you gods and goddesses, that I may speak what the heart in my breast bids me. Let no goddess nor yet any god attempt this thing, to thwart my word, but all of you alike assent to it, that with all speed I may bring these deeds to pass. 10 Whomever I shall see minded apart from the gods to go and bear aid either to Trojans or Danaans, struck in no seemly way shall he come back to Olympus, or I shall take and hurl him into murky Tartarus, 15 far, far away, where is the deepest gulf beneath the earth, whose gates are of iron and its threshold of bronze, as far beneath Hades as heaven is above earth: then shall you know how far the mightiest I am of all gods. Come, make trial, you gods, that you all may know. Fasten from heaven a chain of gold, 20 and lay hold of it, all you gods and all goddesses; yet you could not drag to earth from out of heaven Zeus the counsellor most high, not though you laboured greatly. But whenever I was minded to draw with a ready heart, then with earth itself should I draw you and with sea as well; 25 and the rope should I then bind about a peak of Olympus and all those things should hang in space. By so much am I above gods and above men.” So he spoke, and they all became hushed in silence, marvelling at his words; for very masterfully did he address their gathering. 30 But at length there spoke among them the goddess, flashing-eyed Athene: “Father of us all, you son of Cronos, high above all lords, well we know of ourselves that your might is unyielding, yet even so we have pity for the Danaan spearmen who now shall perish and fulfill an evil fate. 35 Yet truly we will refrain from battle, even as you bid; but counsel we will offer to the Argives which shall be for their profit, that they do not all perish by reason of your wrath.” Then with a smile Zeus the cloud-gatherer spoke to her: “Be of good cheer, Tritogeneia, dear child. In no way 40 do I speak with full purpose of heart, but am minded to be kindly to you.” So saying, he harnessed beneath his chariot his bronze-hooved horses, swift of flight, with flowing manes of gold; and with gold he clad himself about his body, and grasped the well-wrought whip of gold, and stepped upon his chariot 45 and touched the horses with the lash to start them; and nothing loath the pair sped onward midway between earth and starry heaven. To Ida he went, the many-fountained, mother of wild beasts, even to Gargarus, where is his sacred precinct and his fragrant altar. There the father of men and gods halted his horses, 50 and loosed them from the chariot, and shed thick mist upon them; and himself sat amid the mountain peaks exulting in his glory, looking upon the city of the Trojans and the ships of the Achaeans. But the long-haired Achaeans took their meal hastily throughout the huts, and as they rose up from it arrayed themselves in armour; 55 and in like manner, the Trojans, on their side, armed themselves throughout the city; fewer they were, but even so they were eager to contend in battle through utter need, for their children's sake and their wives'. And all the gates were opened, and the host hurried forth, footmen alike and charioteers; and a great din arose. 60 But when they had met together and come into one place, then they clashed their shields and spears, and the fury of bronze-mailed warriors; and the bossed shields closed each with each, and a great din arose. Then were heard alike the sound of groaning and the cry of triumph 65 of the slayers and the slain, and the earth flowed with blood. Now as long as it was morning and the sacred day was growing, so long the missiles of either side struck home, and the folk kept falling. But when the sun had reached mid heaven, then the Father lifted on high his golden scales, 70 and set in them two fates of grievous death, one for the horse-taming Trojans, and one for the brazen-coated Achaeans; then he grasped the balance by the middle and raised it, and down sank the day of doom of the Achaeans. So the Achaeans' fates settled down upon the bounteous earth and those of the Trojans were raised aloft toward wide heaven. 75 Then he himself thundered aloud from Ida, and sent a blazing flash amid the host of the Achaeans; and at the sight of it they were seized with wonder, and pale fear got hold of all. Then neither Idomeneus had the heart to stand firm, nor Agamemnon, nor yet the two Aiantes, squires of Ares; 80 only Nestor of Gerenia stayed, the warder of the Achaeans, and he by no means of his own will, but his horse was grievously wounded, since goodly Alexander, lord of fair-haired Helen, had struck him with an arrow upon the crown of the head where the foremost hairs of horses grow upon the skull, and where is the deadliest spot. 85 So, stung with agony the horse leapt on high as the arrow sank into his brain, and he threw into confusion horses and chariot as he writhed upon the bronze. And while the old man sprang forth and with his sword was cutting away the traces, meanwhile the swift horses of Hector came on through the tumult, bearing a bold charioteer, 90 Hector himself. And now the old man would have lost his life here, had not Diomedes, good at the war-cry, been quick to see; and he shouted with a terrible shout, urging on Odysseus: “Zeus-born son of Laërtes, Odysseus of many wiles, where are you fleeing with your back turned, like a coward in the throng? 95 Let it not be that as you flee some man plants his spear in your back. No, hold your ground, that we may thrust back from old Nestor this wild warrior.” So he spoke, yet the much-enduring goodly Odysseus did not hear him, but hurried by to the hollow ships of the Achaeans. But the son of Tydeus, alone though he was, mingled with the foremost fighters, 100 and took his stand before the horses of the old man, Neleus' son, and spoke and addressed him with winged words: “Old sir, surely young warriors press you hard; whereas your might is broken and grievous old age attends you, and your squire is a weakling and your horses slow. 105 Come, mount upon my chariot, that you may see of what sort are the horses of Tros, well skilled to course swiftly here and there over the plain whether in pursuit or in flight, those that I once took from Aeneas, devisers of rout. Your horses our two squires shall tend, but these two 110 shall you and I drive straight against the horse-taming Trojans, that Hector too may know whether my spear also rages in my hands.” So he spoke, and the horseman, Nestor of Gerenia, did not fail to heed. So the mares of Nestor were tended by the two squires, valiant Sthenelus and Eurymedon the kindly; 115 and the other two both mounted upon the chariot of Diomedes. Nestor took in his hands the shining reins, and touched the horses with the lash, and speedily they drew near to Hector. Upon him then as he charged straight at them the son of Tydeus made a cast: him he missed, but his squire who drove the chariot, Eniopeus, son of Thebaeus, high of heart, 120 even as he was holding the reins, he struck on the breast beside the nipple. So he fell from out of the chariot, and the swift-footed horses swerved aside at this; and there his spirit and his strength were undone. Then the soul of Hector was clouded with dread sorrow for his charioteer. 125 Yet he left him to lie there, although he sorrowed for his comrade, and sought a bold charioteer; nor did his two horses long lack a master, for at once he found Iphitus' son, bold Archeptolemus, and made him mount behind his swift-footed horses, and gave the reins into his hands. 130 Then ruin would have come and deeds beyond remedy been wrought, and they would have been penned in Ilios like lambs, had not the father of men and gods been quick to see. He thundered terribly and let fly his white lightning-bolt, and down before the horses of Diomedes he hurled it to earth; 135 and a terrible flame arose of burning sulphur, and the two horses, seized with terror, cowered beneath the chariot. Then from the hands of Nestor slipped the shining reins, and he grew afraid at heart, and spoke to Diomedes: “Son of Tydeus, come now, turn in flight your single-hooved horses. 140 Do you not see that victory from Zeus does not attend you? Now to that man Zeus, the son of Cronos, grants glory for this day; hereafter he shall grant it also to us, if he wills. But a man may in no way thwart the purpose of Zeus, however valiant he is; for truly he is mightier far.” 145 And in answer to him Diomedes, good at the war cry, spoke: “Yes, truly, old sir, all this you have spoken rightly. But in this dread grief comes upon my heart and soul, for Hector will some day say, as he speaks in the gathering of the Trojans: ‘Tydeus' son, driven in flight before me, took himself to the ships.’ 150 So shall he some day boast—on that day let the wide earth gape for me.” And in answer to him the horseman, Nestor of Gerenia, spoke: “Ah me, you son of wise-hearted Tydeus, what a thing you have said! For though Hector shall call you coward and weakling, yet the Trojans and the Dardanians will not listen to him, 155 nor the wives of the great-souled Trojans, bearers of the shield, they whose vigorous husbands you have hurled in the dust.” So he spoke, and turned in flight his single-hooved horses, back through the tumult; and the Trojans and Hector with wondrous shouting poured forth upon them their missiles fraught with groanings. 160 Over him then great Hector of the flashing helm shouted aloud: “Son of Tydeus, above all others the Danaans with swift steeds were accustomed to honour you with a seat of honour and meat and full cups, but now they will scorn you; you are, it seems, no better than a woman. Away with you, cowardly puppet; since through no flinching of mine 165 shall you mount upon our walls, and carry away our women in your ships; before that I will deal you your doom.” So he spoke, and the son of Tydeus was divided in counsel whether he should not wheel his horses and fight him face to face. Three times he wavered in heart and soul 170 and three times from the mountains of Ida Zeus the counsellor thundered, giving to the Trojans a sign and victory to turn the tide of battle. And Hector shouted aloud and called to the Trojans: “You Trojans and Lycians and Dardanians, who fight in close combat, be men, my friends, and be mindful of furious valour. 175 I perceive that with a ready heart the son of Cronos has given to me victory and great glory, and to the Danaans woe. Fools they are, who contrived these walls, weak and of no account; these shall not hold back our might, and our horses shall lightly leap over the dug ditch. 180 But when at length I have come amid the hollow ships, then see that consuming fire is not forgotten, that with fire I may burn the ships and furthermore slay the men, the Argives beside their ships, distraught by reason of the smoke.” So saying he shouted to his horses, and said: “Xanthus, and you Podargus, and Aethon, and goodly Lampus, 185 now pay me back your tending, with which in abundance Andromache, daughter of great-hearted Eëtion, set before you honey-hearted wheat, and mixed wine for you to drink when your souls urged you, 190 sooner than for me, who claim to be her stalwart husband. Come, hurry in pursuit, that we may take the shield of Nestor, the fame of which now reaches to heaven, that it is all of gold, the rods alike and the shield itself; and may take moreover from the shoulders of horse-taming Diomedes 195 his richly made breastplate, which Hephaestus wrought with toil. Could we but take these two, then might I hope to make the Achaeans this very night embark upon their swift ships.” So he spoke boastfully, and queenly Hera was indignant at this; she shook herself on her throne and made high Olympus quake, 200 and to the mighty god Poseidon she spoke, saying: “Ah me, you Shaker of Earth, wide of sway, not even the heart in your breast has pity for the Danaans who are perishing. Yet in your honour they bring to Helice and Aegae offerings many and gracious and until now you wished them victory. 205 For if only we were willing, all of us who are helpers of the Danaans, to drive back the Trojans and to hold back Zeus whose voice is borne afar, then, in vexation of spirit, he would sit alone there upon Ida.” Then, his heart deeply troubled, the lord, the Shaker of Earth, spoke to her: “Hera, reckless in speech, what a word you have spoken! 210 It is not I who would wish to see us all at strife with Zeus, son of Cronos, for he truly is mightier far.” In this way they spoke, one to the other; and now all the space that the moat of the wall enclosed on the side of the ships was filled alike with chariots and shield-bearing men 215 huddled together: and huddled they were by Hector, Priam's son, the peer of swift Ares, now that Zeus granted him glory. And now he would have burned the shapely ships with blazing fire, had not queenly Hera put it in Agamemnon's mind to bestir himself, and speedily rouse the Achaeans. 220 So he went his way along the huts and ships of the Achaeans, bearing his great purple cloak in his stout hand, and took his stand by Odysseus' black ship, huge of hull, that was in the middle so that a shout could reach to either end, both to the huts of Aias, son of Telamon, 225 and to those of Achilles; for these had drawn up their shapely ships at the furthest ends, trusting in their valour and in the strength of their hands. There he uttered a piercing shout, calling aloud to the Danaans: “For shame, you Argives, base things of shame fair in semblance only. 230 Where have our boastings gone, when we declared that we were bravest, the boasts that when you were in Lemnos you uttered vaingloriously as you ate abundant flesh of straight-horned cattle and drank bowls brim full of wine, saying that each man would stand to face in battle a hundred, yes, two hundred Trojans! whereas now we cannot match even one, 235 this Hector, who soon will burn our ships with blazing fire. Father Zeus, was there ever before now one among mighty kings whose soul you blinded with blindness such as this, and robbed him of great glory? Yet I am certain that never in my benched ship did I pass by a fair altar of yours on my ill-starred way here, 240 but upon all I burned the fat and the thighs of bulls, in my eagerness to lay waste well-walled Troy. No, Zeus, fulfill this desire for me: allow us at least to flee and escape, and do not permit the Achaeans thus to be vanquished by the Trojans.” 245 So he spoke, and the Father had pity on him as he wept, and granted him that his folk should be saved and not perish. At once he sent an eagle, surest of omens among winged birds, holding in his talons a fawn, the young of a swift hind. Beside the fair altar of Zeus he let fall the fawn, 250 right where the Achaeans were accustomed to offer sacrifice to Zeus from whom all omens come. So they, when they saw that it was from Zeus that the bird had come, leapt the more upon the Trojans and turned their thoughts to battle. Then could no man of the Danaans, for all that they were so many, boast that he before the son of Tydeus guided his swift horses 255 to drive them forth across the trench and to fight man to man; no, he was first by far to slay a mailed warrior of the Trojans, Agelaus, Phradraon's son. He in truth had turned his horses to flee, but as he wheeled about Diomedes fixed his spear in his back between the shoulders, and drove it through his breast; 260 so he fell from out of the chariot, and upon him his armour clanged. And after him came the sons of Atreus, Agamemnon and Menelaus, and after them the Aiantes, clothed in furious valour, and after them Idomeneus and Idomeneus' comrade, Meriones, peer of Enyalius, slayer of men, 265 and after them Eurypylus, the glorious son of Euaemon; and Teucer came as the ninth, stretching his back-bent bow, and took his stand beneath the shield of Aias, son of Telamon. Then Aias would move his shield aside from over him, and the warrior would spy his chance; and when he had shot his bolt and had struck one in the throng, 270 then that man would fall where he was and give up his life, and Teucer would hurry back, and as a child beneath his mother, so take himself for shelter to Aias; and Aias would always hide him with his shining shield. Whom first then of the Trojans did peerless Teucer slay? Orsilochus first and Ormenus and Ophelestes and 275 Daetor and Chromius and godlike Lycophontes and Amopaon, Polyaemon's son, and Melanippus. All these, one after another, he brought down to the bounteous earth. And at the sight of him Agamemnon, king of men, grew glad, as with his mighty bow he made havoc of the battalions of the Trojans; 280 and he came and stood by his side and spoke to him, saying: “Teucer, beloved, son of Telamon, captain of hosts, shoot on in this way, in the hope that you may prove a light of deliverance to the Danaans and a glory to your father Telamon, who reared you when you were a babe, and for all that you were a bastard cherished you in his own house; 285 him, far away though he is, bring to honour. Moreover, I will declare to you what shall truly be brought to pass. If Zeus who bears the aegis, and Athene shall grant me to lay waste the well-built citadel of Ilios, in your hand first after my own self will I place a prize of honour, 290 either a tripod or two horses with their chariot, or a woman who shall go up into your bed.” Then in answer to him peerless Teucer spoke: “Most glorious son of Atreus, why do you urge me on, who of myself am eager? Truly I do not hold back so far as might is in me, 295 but from the time when we drove them toward Ilios, from that very moment I lie in wait with my bow and slay the men. Eight long-barbed arrows have I now let fly, and all are lodged in the flesh of youths swift in battle; only this mad dog I cannot strike.” 300 He spoke, and shot another arrow from the string straight against Hector; and his heart was eager to strike him. Yet him he missed, but peerless Gorgythion he struck in the breast with his arrow, Priam's valiant son, whom a mother wedded from Aesyme had borne, 305 fair Castianeira, in form like the goddesses. And he bowed his head to one side like a poppy that in a garden is laden with its fruit and the rains of spring; so he bowed his head to one side, laden with his helmet. And Teucer shot another arrow from the string 310 straight against Hector, and his heart was eager to strike him. Yet he missed him once again, for Apollo made his dart swerve, but Archeptolemus, the bold charioteer of Hector, as he hurried into battle he struck on the breast beside the nipple. So he fell from out of the chariot, and the swift-footed horses swerved aside at this; 315 and there his spirit and his strength were undone. Then the soul of Hector was clouded with dread sorrow for his charioteer. Yet he left him to lie there, though he sorrowed for his comrade, and told Cebriones, his own brother, who was near at hand, to take the reins of the horses; and he heard and did not fail to heed. 320 And Hector himself leapt to the ground from his gleaming chariot crying a terrible cry, and seizing a stone in his hand made right at Teucer, and his heart urged him to strike him. Now Teucer had drawn forth from the quiver a bitter arrow, and laid it upon the string, but even as he was drawing it back Hector of the flashing helm 325 struck him beside the shoulder where the collar-bone parts the neck and the breast, where is the deadliest spot; right there as he aimed eagerly against him he struck him with the jagged stone, and he broke the bow-string; but his hand grew numb at the wrist, and he sank upon his knees and remained so, and the bow fell from his hand. 330 Yet Aias was not unmindful of his brother's fall, but ran and stood astride him and flung before him his shield as a cover. Then two trusty comrades stooped beneath him, Mecisteus, son of Echius, and goodly Alastor, and bore him, groaning heavily, to the hollow ships. 335 Then once again the Olympian aroused might in the hearts of the Trojans; and they thrust the Achaeans straight toward the deep ditch; and amid the foremost went Hector exulting in his might. And even as a hound pursues with swift feet after a wild boar or a lion, and snatches at him from behind 340 either at flank or buttock, and watches for him as he wheels; even so Hector pressed upon the long-haired Achaeans, always slaying the hindmost; and they were driven in rout. But when in their flight they had passed through stakes and trench, and many had been vanquished beneath the hands of the Trojans, 345 then beside their ships they halted and held their ground, calling one upon the other, and lifting up their hands to all the gods they made fervent prayer each man of them. But Hector wheeled this way and that his fair-maned horses, and his eyes were like the eyes of the Gorgon or of Ares, bane of mortals. 350 Now at the sight of them the goddess, white-armed Hera, had pity; and at once spoke winged words to Athene: “Shame on it, you child of Zeus who bears the aegis, shall we two no longer take thought of the Danaans who are perishing, even for this last time? Now they will fill up the measure of evil doom and perish 355 before the onset of one single man, Hector, Priam's son, who now rages past all bearing, and has indeed wrought evils manifold.” Then the goddess, flashing-eyed Athene, spoke to her: “Yes, truly, gladly would I see this fellow lose strength and life, slain beneath the hands of the Argives in his own native land; 360 but my own father rages with evil mind, cruel that he is, ever perverse, a thwarter of my purposes; nor has he any memory of this, that very often I saved his son when he was worn out by reason of Eurystheus' tasks. For truly he would make lament toward heaven and from heaven Zeus would 365 send me forth to help him. Had I but known all this in the wisdom of my heart when Eurystheus sent him forth to the house of Hades the Warder, to bring out of Erebus the hound of loathed Hades, then he would not have escaped the sheer-falling waters of Styx. 370 But now Zeus hates me, and has brought to fulfillment the counsels of Thetis, who kissed his knees and with her hand clasped his chin, beseeching him to show honour to Achilles, sacker of cities. Truly the day shall come when he shall again call me his flashing-eyed darling. But now make ready for us two our single-hooved horses, 375 while I enter into the palace of Zeus, who bears the aegis, and array myself in armour for battle, so that I may see whether Priam's son, Hector of the flashing helm, will rejoice when we two appear to view along the dykes of battle. Surely many a one of the Trojans shall glut the dogs and birds 380 with his fat and flesh, when he has fallen at the ships of the Achaeans.” So she spoke, and the goddess, white-armed Hera, did not fail to heed. She then went to and fro harnessing the horses of golden frontlets, Hera, the queenly goddess, daughter of great Cronos; but Athene, daughter of Zeus who bears the aegis, 385 let fall upon her father's floor her soft robe, richly embroidered, that she herself had wrought and her hands had fashioned, and put on the tunic of Zeus the cloud-gatherer, and arrayed herself in armour for tearful war. Then she stepped upon the flaming chariot and grasped her spear, 390 heavy and huge and strong, with which she vanquishes the ranks of men, of warriors with whom she is angry, she the daughter of the mighty sire. And Hera swiftly touched the horses with the lash, and self-bidden groaned upon their hinges the gates of heaven, which the Hours had in their keeping, to whom are entrusted great heaven and Olympus, 395 whether to throw open the thick cloud or shut it. There through the gate they drove their horses patient of the goad. But when father Zeus saw them from Ida he grew wondrously angry, and sent forth golden-winged Iris to bear a message: “Up, go, swift Iris; turn them back and do not allow them to come face to face with me, 400 since it will be in no happy way that we shall join in combat. For thus will I speak and truly this thing shall be brought to pass. I will maim their swift horses beneath the chariot, and themselves will I hurl from out of the chariot, and will break in pieces the chariot; nor in the space of ten circling years 405 shall they be healed of the wounds with which the thunderbolt shall strike them; that she of the flashing eyes may know what it is to strive against her own father. But against Hera I have not so great indignation nor wrath, since it is ever her custom to thwart me in whatever I have decreed.” So he spoke, and storm-footed Iris hurried to bear his message, 410 and went forth from the mountains of Ida to high Olympus. And at the very entrance of the gate of many-folded Olympus she met them and stopped them, and declared to them the saying of Zeus: “Where are you two hurrying? Why is it that the hearts are mad within your breasts? The son of Cronos does not allow you to give aid to the Argives. 415 For in this way he threatens, even as he will bring it to pass: he will maim your swift horses beneath your chariot, and yourselves will he hurl from out of the chariot, and will break in pieces the chariot; nor in the space of ten circling years shall you be healed of the wounds with which the thunderbolt shall strike you; 420 that you may know, you of the flashing eyes, what it is to strive against your own father. But against Hera he has not so great indignation nor wrath, since it is ever her custom to thwart him in whatever he has decreed. But you are most dread, you bold and shameless thing, if in good truth you will dare to raise your mighty spear against Zeus.” 425 When she had thus spoken swift-footed Iris departed; but Hera spoke to Athene, saying: “Shame on it, you child of Zeus who bears the aegis! I truly will no longer allow that we two seek to wage war against Zeus for mortals' sake. Of them let one perish and another live, 430 just as it may befall; and as for him, let him take his own counsel in his heart and judge between Trojans and Danaans, as is fitting.” So she spoke, and turned back her single-hooved horses. Then the Hours unyoked for them their fair-maned horses, and tethered them at their ambrosial mangers, 435 and leaned the chariot against the bright entrance wall; and the goddesses sat down upon golden thrones amid the other gods, with deep grief at heart. But father Zeus drove from Ida his well-wheeled chariot and his horses to Olympus, and came to the session of the gods. 440 And for him the famed Shaker of Earth both unyoked his horses and set the chariot upon a stand, and spread a cloth over it; and Zeus, whose voice is borne afar, himself sat upon his throne of gold, and beneath his feet great Olympus quaked. Only Athene and Hera 445 sat apart from Zeus, and spoke no word to him nor asked any question. But he knew in his heart and spoke, saying: “Why are you thus grieved, Athene and Hera? Surely you two have not grown weary with making havoc of the Trojans in battle, in which men win glory, seeing you cherish against them wondrous hate! 450 Come what may, since I have such might and hands irresistible, all the gods that are in Olympus could not turn me; and as for you two, trembling got hold of your glorious limbs before ever you had sight of war and the grim deeds of war. For thus will I speak, and truly this thing would have been brought to pass: 455 not upon your chariot, once you were struck by the thunderbolt, would you have gone back to Olympus, where is the abode of the immortals.” So he spoke, and at this murmured Athene and Hera, who sat by his side and were devising ills for the Trojans. Athene indeed held her peace and said nothing, 460 angry though she was with father Zeus, and fierce anger got hold of her; yet Hera's breast could not contain her anger, but she spoke to him, saying: “Most dread son of Cronos, what a word you have said! Well we know of ourselves that yours is no weakling strength; yet even so we have pity for the Danaan spearmen 465 who now shall perish and fulfill an evil fate. Yet truly we will refrain from battle, if you so bid; but counsel we will offer to the Argives which shall be for their profit, that they do not all perish by reason of your wrath.” Then in answer Zeus the cloud-gatherer spoke to her: 470 “At dawn you shall behold, if you will, O ox-eyed, queenly Hera, the most mighty son of Cronos making yet more grievous havoc of the great host of Argive spearmen; for dread Hector shall not refrain from battle until the swift-footed son of Peleus has risen beside his ships 475 on the day when at the sterns of the ships they shall be fighting in grimmest stress about Patroclus fallen; for thus it is ordained of heaven. But for you I care nothing in your anger, no, not though you should go to the lowest bounds of earth and sea, where Iapetus and Cronos dwell, 480 and have joy neither in the rays of Helios Hyperion nor in any breeze, but deep Tartarus is round about them. Though you should go even there in your wanderings, yet I do not care for your wrath, since there is nothing more shameless than you.” So he said; but white-armed Hera spoke no word in answer. 485 Then into Oceanus fell the bright light of the sun drawing black night over the face of the earth, the giver of grain. Much against the will of the Trojans sank the daylight, but over the Achaeans welcome, indeed thrice-prayed-for, came the darkness of night. Then glorious Hector made a gathering of the Trojans, 490 leading them apart from the ships beside the eddying river in an open space, where the ground showed clear of dead. Forth from their chariots they stepped upon the ground, to listen to the word that Hector dear to Zeus spoke among them. In his hand he held a spear of eleven cubits, and before him blazed 495 the spear-point of bronze, around which ran a ring of gold. On it he leaned, and spoke his word among the Trojans: “Listen to me, you Trojans and Dardanians and allies: I thought 500 just now to make havoc of the ships and all the Achaeans, and so return back again to windy Ilios; but darkness came on before that might be, which above all else has now saved the Argives and their ships upon the beach of the sea. So then for the present let us yield to black night and make ready our supper; loose your fair-maned horses from the chariots, and cast fodder before them; 505 and from the city bring oxen and fine sheep with speed, and get yourselves honey-hearted wine and bread from your houses, and furthermore gather abundant wood, that all night long until early dawn we may burn very many fires and their gleam may reach to heaven, 510 lest perhaps even by night the long-haired Achaeans make haste to take flight over the broad back of the sea.” “No, truly, not without a struggle let them board their ships nor at their ease; but see that many a one of them has a missile to brood over even at home, being struck either with an arrow or sharp-pointed spear 515 as he leapt upon his ship; that so others may dread to bring tearful war against the horse-taming Trojans. And let heralds, dear to Zeus, make proclamation throughout the city that stripling boys and old men of hoary temples gather round the city upon the battlement built by the gods; 520 and as for the women folk, let them build each one a great fire in her halls; and let a diligent watch be kept, lest an ambush enter the city while the host is afield. Let it be so, great-hearted Trojans, even as I proclaim; of counsel, good and sound for the present, let this be enough; 525 but more will I proclaim at dawn amid the horse-taming Trojans. I pray in high hope to Zeus and the other gods to drive out from here these dogs borne by the fates, whom the fates bore on their black ships. But for the night we will guard our own selves, 530 but in the morning at the coming of dawn arrayed in our armour let us arouse sharp battle at the hollow ships. I shall know whether the son of Tydeus, mighty Diomedes, will thrust me back from the ships to the wall, or whether I shall slay him with the bronze and bear off his bloody spoils. 535 Tomorrow he shall come to know his valour, whether he can withstand the onset of my spear. No, amid the foremost, I think, shall he lie struck with a spear-thrust, and very many of his comrades round about him at the rising of tomorrow's sun. I wish that I myself might be immortal and ageless all my days, 540 and that I might be honoured even as Athene and Apollo, as surely as this day now brings evil upon the Argives.” So Hector addressed their gathering, and at this the Trojans shouted aloud. Their sweating horses they loosed from beneath the yoke, and tethered them with thongs, each man beside his own chariot; 545 and from the city they brought oxen and fine sheep with speed, and got themselves honey-hearted wine and bread from their houses, and furthermore gathered abundant wood; and to the immortals they offered hecatombs that bring fulfillment. And from the plain the winds bore the savour up into heaven—a sweet savour, 550 but of it the blessed gods did not partake, nor were they minded to; for utterly hated by them was sacred Ilios, and Priam, and the people of Priam with fine spear of ash. These then with high hearts stayed the whole night through along the dykes of war, and their fires burned in multitudes. 555 Even as in heaven about the gleaming moon the stars shine clear, when the air is windless, and forth to view appear all mountain peaks and high headlands and glades, and from heaven breaks open the infinite air, and all stars are seen, and the shepherd rejoices in his heart; 560 even in such multitudes between the ships and the streams of Xanthus shone the fires that the Trojans kindled before the face of Ilios. A thousand fires were burning in the plain and by each sat fifty men in the glow of the blazing fire. And their horses, eating white barley and spelt, 565 stood beside the chariots and waited for fair-throned Dawn.

9Thus the Trojans kept watch, but the Achaeans were held by wondrous Panic, the handmaid of numbing fear, and with grief intolerable were all the noblest stricken. Even as two winds stir up the teeming deep, 5 the North Wind and the West Wind that blow from Thrace, coming suddenly, and at once the dark wave rears itself in crests and casts much tangle out along the sea; even so were the hearts of the Achaeans torn within their breasts. But the son of Atreus, stricken to the heart with deep grief, 10 went this way and that, bidding the clear-voiced heralds summon every man by name to the place of gathering, but not to shout aloud; and he himself toiled among the foremost. So they sat in the place of gathering, deeply troubled, and Agamemnon stood up weeping even as a fountain of dark water 15 that down over the face of a beetling cliff pours its dusky stream; even so with deep groaning he spoke among the Argives, saying: “My friends, leaders and rulers of the Argives, great Zeus, son of Cronos, has ensnared me in grievous blindness of heart, cruel god! seeing that long ago he promised me, and bowed his head to it, 20 that not until I had sacked well-walled Ilios should I return home; but now he has planned cruel deceit, and bids me return inglorious to Argos, when I have lost many of my people. So, I think, must be the good pleasure of Zeus supreme in might, who has laid low the heads of many cities, 25 yes, and will lay low; for his power is above all. No, come, even as I shall bid let us all obey: let us flee with our ships to our dear native land; for there is no more hope that we shall take broad-wayed Troy.” So he spoke, and they all became hushed in silence. 30 For a long time they were silent in their grief, the sons of the Achaeans, but at length there spoke among them Diomedes, good at the war-cry: “Son of Atreus, with you first will I contend in your folly, where it is right, O king, here in the place of gathering: and do not be at all angry at this. My valour you reviled at the first among the Danaans, 35 and said that I was no man of war but a weakling; and all this the Achaeans know, both young and old. But as for you, the son of crooked-counselling Cronos has endowed you by halves: with the sceptre he has granted you to be honoured above all, but valour he did not give you, in which is the greatest might. 40 Strange king, do you indeed think that the sons of the Achaeans are as unwarlike and weak as you say? No, if your own heart is eager to return, be gone; before you lies the way, and your ships stand beside the sea, all the many ships that followed you from Mycenae. 45 But the other long-haired Achaeans will stay here until we have laid waste Troy. No, let them also flee in their ships to their dear native land; yet we two, Sthenelus and I, will fight on, until we reach the goal of Ilios; for with the aid of heaven have we come.” 50 So he spoke, and all the sons of the Achaeans shouted aloud, applauding the word of Diomedes, tamer of horses. Then rose up and spoke among them the horseman Nestor: “Son of Tydeus, above all men are you mighty in battle, 55 and in council you are the best among all those of your own age. Not one of all the Achaeans will make light of what you say or gainsay it; yet you have not reached a final end of words. Moreover, you are in truth only young, you might even be my son, my youngest born; yet you give prudent counsel to the princes of the Argives, seeing that you speak according to right. 60 But come, I who avow myself to be older than you will speak out and will declare the whole; nor shall any man scorn my words, no, not even lord Agamemnon. A clanless, lawless, hearthless man is he who loves dread strife among his own people. 65 But for the present let us yield to black night and make ready our supper; and let sentinels post themselves each in his place along the dug ditch outside the wall. To the young men I give this charge; but after that, son of Atreus, you take the lead, for you are most kingly. 70 Make a feast for the elders; this would be only right and fitting for you. Full are your huts of wine that the ships of the Achaeans bring you each day from Thrace, over the wide sea; all manner of entertainment you have at hand, seeing you are king over many. And when many are gathered together you shall follow him who shall devise 75 the wisest counsel. And great need have all the Achaeans of counsel both good and prudent, seeing that foemen close by the ships are kindling their many watchfires; what man could rejoice at this? This night shall either bring to ruin or save our host.” So he spoke, and they readily listened to him and obeyed. 80 Out hurried the sentinels in their armour around Nestor's son Thrasymedes, shepherd of the host, and Ascalaphus and Ialmenus, sons of Ares, and Meriones and Aphareus and Deïpyrus, and the son of Creon, goodly Lycomedes. 85 Seven were the captains of the sentinels, and with each went a hundred youths bearing long spears in their hands; then they went and sat down midway between trench and wall; and there they kindled a fire and each man made ready his meal. But the son of Atreus led the counsellors of the Achaeans all together 90 to his hut, and set before them a feast to satisfy the heart. So they put out their hands to the good cheer lying ready before them. But when they had put from them the desire for food and drink, first of all the old man began to weave the web of counsel for them, Nestor, whose counsel had in the past always seemed the best. 95 He with good intent addressed their gathering and spoke among them: “Most glorious son of Atreus, Agamemnon, king of men, with you will I begin and with you make an end, since you are king over many hosts, and to you Zeus has granted the sceptre and judgements, that you may take counsel for your people. 100 Therefore it befits you above all others both to speak and to listen, and to fulfill also for another whatever his heart may bid him speak for our profit; for on you will depend whatever any man may begin. So I will speak what seems to me to be best. No other man shall devise a better thought 105 than this I have had in mind from long ago until now, ever since the day when you, O king sprung from Zeus, took from the hut of the angry Achilles the maiden Briseïs and went your way—in no way according to our will. No, for I, myself, urgently sought to dissuade you; but you yielded to your lordly spirit, 110 and upon a man most mighty, whom the very immortals honoured, you put dishonour; for you took away and keep his prize. But let us even now still take thought how we may make amends, and persuade him with kindly gifts and with gentle words.” To him then the king of men, Agamemnon, spoke in answer: 115 “Old sir, not falsely have you recounted the tale of my blind folly. Blind I was; I myself do not deny it. Of the worth of many hosts is the man whom Zeus loves in his heart, even as now he honours this man and destroys the host of the Achaeans. Yet seeing I was blind, and yielded to my miserable passion, 120 I am minded to make amends and to give requital past counting. In the midst of you all let me name the glorious gifts; seven tripods that the fire has not touched, and ten talents of gold and twenty gleaming cauldrons, and twelve strong horses, winners in the race, that have won prizes by their fleetness. 125 Not without booty would a man be, nor unpossessed of precious gold, who had wealth as great as the prizes my single-hooved steeds have won me. And I will give seven women skilled in fine handiwork, women of Lesbos, whom on the day when he himself took well-built Lesbos I chose for myself from the spoil, 130 and who in beauty surpass all womankind. These will I give him, and among them shall be she whom I then took away, the daughter of Briseus; and I will furthermore swear a great oath that I never went up into her bed nor had dalliance with her as is the appointed way of mankind, of men and women. 135 All these things shall be ready to his hand at once; and if hereafter it so happens that the gods grant us to lay waste the great city of Priam, let him then enter in, when we Achaeans are dividing the spoil, and heap up his ship with a store of gold and bronze, and himself choose twenty Trojan women 140 who are fairest after Argive Helen. And if we return to Achaean Argos, the richest of lands, he shall be my son, and I will honour him even as Orestes who is reared in all abundance, my well-beloved son. Three daughters have I in my well-built hall, 145 Chrysothemis, and Laodice, and Iphianassa; of these let him lead to the house of Peleus whichever one he wishes, without gifts of courtship, and I will furthermore give a very rich dowry, such as no man ever yet gave with his daughter. And seven well-peopled cities will I give him, 150 Cardamyle, Enope, and grassy Hire, and sacred Pherae and Antheia with deep meadows, and fair Aepeia and vine-clad Pedasus. All are near the sea, on the outermost border of sandy Pylos, and in them dwell men rich in flocks and rich in cattle, 155 men who shall honour him with gifts as though he were a god, and beneath his sceptre shall bring his ordinances to prosperous fulfillment. All this will I bring to pass for him, if he will only cease from his wrath. Let him yield—Hades, I think, is not to be soothed, nor overcome, and for this reason he is most hated by mortals of all gods. 160 And let him submit himself to me, seeing I am more kingly, and avow that I am his elder in years.” Then answered the horseman, Nestor of Gerenia: “Most glorious son of Atreus, Agamemnon, king of men, the gifts that you offer the prince Achilles no man may any longer condemn. 165 Come, therefore, let us send out chosen men to go at once to the hut of Peleus' son, Achilles. No, rather, whomever I shall choose, let them consent. First of all let Phoenix, dear to Zeus, lead the way, and after him great Aias and goodly Odysseus; 170 and of the heralds let Odius and Eurybates attend them. And now bring water for our hands, and call for holy silence, that we may make prayer to Zeus, son of Cronos, in the hope that he will have compassion upon us.” So he said, and the words that he spoke were pleasing to all. Then heralds poured water over their hands, 175 and youths filled the bowls brim full of drink, and served out to all, pouring first drops for libation into the cups. But when they had made libation and had drunk to their hearts' content, they went out from the hut of Agamemnon, son of Atreus. And the horseman, Nestor of Gerenia, 180 laid strict command upon them with many a glance at each, and chiefly upon Odysseus, that they should make an attempt to persuade the peerless son of Peleus. So the two went their way along the shore of the loud-resounding sea, with many an earnest prayer to the god who holds the earth and shakes it, that they might easily persuade the great heart of the son of Aeacus. 185 And they came to the huts and the ships of the Myrmidons, and found him delighting his soul with a clear-toned lyre, fair and richly wrought, on which was a bridge of silver; this he had taken from the spoil when he laid waste the city of Eëtion. With this he was delighting his soul, and he sang of the glorious deeds of warriors; 190 and Patroclus alone sat opposite him in silence, waiting until Aeacus' son should cease from singing. But the two came forward and goodly Odysseus led the way, and they took their stand before his face; and Achilles leapt up in amazement with the lyre in his hand, and left the seat on which he sat; 195 and in like manner Patroclus, when he saw the men, rose up. Then swift-footed Achilles greeted the two and spoke, saying: “Welcome, truly you are friends who have come—great must the need be — you who even in my anger are to me the dearest of the Achaeans.” So saying, goodly Achilles led them in 200 and made them sit on couches and rugs of purple; and at once he spoke to Patroclus, who was near: “Set out a larger bowl, son of Menoetius; mix stronger drink, and prepare each man a cup, for these are men most dear, who are beneath my roof.” So he spoke, and Patroclus listened to his dear comrade. He cast down a great chopping-block in the light of the fire and laid on it a sheep's back and a fat goat's, and the chine of a great hog as well, rich with fat. And Automedon held them for him, while goodly Achilles carved. 210 Then he sliced the meat with care and spitted it upon spits, and the son of Menoetius, a godlike man, made the fire blaze high. But when the fire had burned down and the flame had died away, he scattered the embers and laid the spits over them, and sprinkled the morsels with holy salt when he had set them upon the fire-dogs. But when he had roasted the meat and laid it on platters, 215 Patroclus took bread and dealt it out on the table in fair baskets, while Achilles dealt the meat. He himself sat down opposite godlike Odysseus, by the other wall, and told Patroclus, his comrade, to offer sacrifice to the gods; 220 and Patroclus cast burnt-offering into the fire. So they put out their hands to the good cheer lying ready before them. But when they had put from them the desire for food and drink, Aias nodded to Phoenix; and goodly Odysseus was aware of it, and filling a cup with wine he pledged Achilles: 225 “Hail, O Achilles, of the equal feast we have no lack, either in the hut of Agamemnon, son of Atreus, or now in yours; for here is abundance that satisfies the heart to feast upon. Yet matters of the delicious feast are not in our thoughts; no, Zeus-nurtured one, it is utter ruin that we behold, and are afraid; 230 for it is in doubt whether we save the benched ships or they perish, unless you clothe yourself in your might. Close by the ships and the wall the Trojans, high of heart, and their far-famed allies have set their bivouac, and kindled many fires throughout the host, and they think that they shall no longer be stopped, 235 but will fall upon our black ships. And Zeus, son of Cronos, shows them signs upon the right with his lightnings, and Hector exulting greatly in his might rages furiously, trusting in Zeus, and cares nothing for men or gods, for mighty madness has possessed him. 240 His prayer is that with all speed sacred Dawn may appear, for he declares that he will hew from the ships' sterns the topmost ensigns, and burn the very hulls with consuming fire, and among them make havoc of the Achaeans, distraught because of the smoke.” “This then is the great fear of my heart, lest the gods fulfill for him his boastings, and it be our fate to 245 perish here in Troy, far from horse-pasturing Argos. No, up then, if you are minded even at the last to save from the war-din of the Trojans the sons of the Achaeans, who are hard pressed. To your own self shall sorrow be hereafter, nor can healing 250 be found for ill once wrought—no, rather, before it is too late consider how you may ward from the Danaans the day of evil. Good friend, surely it was to you that your father Peleus gave command on the day when he sent you to Agamemnon from Phthia: ‘My son, strength shall Athene and Hera 255 give you if they are so minded, but curb your proud spirit in your breast, for gentle-mindedness is the better part; and withdraw from strife, contriver of mischief, so that the Argives both young and old may honour you the more.’ In this way did that old man charge you, but you forget. Yet cease even now, 260 and put away your bitter wrath. To you Agamemnon offers worthy gifts, if you will cease from your anger. No, come, listen to me, and I will tell the tale of all the gifts that in his hut Agamemnon promised you: seven tripods, that the fire has not touched, and ten talents of gold 265 and twenty gleaming cauldrons, and twelve strong horses, winners in the race that have won prizes by their fleetness. Not without booty would a man be, nor unpossessed of precious gold, who had wealth as great as the prizes Agamemnon's horses have won by their speed. 270 And he will give seven women skilled in fine handiwork, women of Lesbos, whom on the day when you yourself took well-built Lesbos he chose for himself from the spoil, and who in beauty surpassed all womankind. These will he give you, and among them shall be she whom he then took away, the daughter of Briseus; and he will furthermore swear a great oath, 275 that he never went up into her bed, nor had dalliance with her, as is the appointed way, O king, of men and women. All these things shall be ready to your hand at once; and if hereafter it so happens that the gods grant us to lay waste the great city of Priam, then enter in, 280 when we Achaeans are dividing the spoil, and heap up your ship with a store of gold and bronze, and yourself choose twenty Trojan women who are fairest after Argive Helen. And if we return to Achaean Argos, richest of lands, you shall be his son, and he will honour you even as Orestes, 285 who is reared in all abundance, his well-beloved son.” “Three daughters has he in his well-built hall, Chrysothemis, and Laodice, and Iphianassa; of these you may lead to the house of Peleus whichever one you wish, without gifts of courtship; and he will furthermore give a dowry 290 very rich, such as no man ever yet gave with his daughter. And seven well-peopled cities will he give you, Cardamyle, Enope, and grassy Hire, and sacred Pherae, and Antheia, with deep meadows, and fair Aepeia, and vine-clad Pedasus. 295 All are near the sea, on the outermost borders of sandy Pylos, and in them dwell men rich in flocks and rich in cattle, men who shall honour you with gifts as though you were a god, and beneath your sceptre shall bring your ordinances to prosperous fulfillment. All this will he bring to pass for you, if you will only cease from your wrath. 300 But if the son of Atreus is too utterly hated by you at heart, himself and his gifts, yet have pity at least on the rest of the Achaeans, who are hard pressed throughout the host; these shall honour you as though you were a god, for truly you shall win great glory in their eyes. Now you might slay Hector, seeing he would come very near you 305 in his baneful rage, for he thinks there is no man like him among the Danaans that the ships brought here.” Then in answer to him spoke swift-footed Achilles: “Zeus-born son of Laërtes, Odysseus of many wiles, I must indeed speak my word outright, even as I am minded, 310 and as it shall be brought to pass, so that you may not sit by me here on this side and on that and chatter endlessly. For hateful in my eyes, even as the gates of Hades, is that man who hides one thing in his mind and says another. No, I will speak what seems to me to be best. 315 Not me, I think, shall Atreus' son, Agamemnon, persuade, nor yet shall the other Danaans, seeing there was to be no thanks, it seems, for warring against the foeman ever without respite. Like portion has he who stays at home, and if one wars his best, and in one honour are held both the coward and the brave; 320 death comes alike to the idle man and to him who works much. Nor have I any profit in this, that I suffered woes at heart, ever staking my life in fight. Even as a bird brings in her bill to her unfledged chicks whatever she may find, but with her own self it goes ill, 325 even so was I accustomed to watch through many a sleepless night, and bloody days did I pass in battle, fighting with warriors for their women's sake.” “Twelve cities of men have I laid waste with my ships and by land eleven, I avow, throughout the fertile land of Troy; 330 from all these I took much spoil and fine, and all would I ever bring and give to Agamemnon, this son of Atreus; but he, staying behind beside his swift ships, would take and apportion some small part, but keep the most. Some he gave as prizes to chieftains and kings, 335 and for them they remain untouched; but from me alone of the Achaeans has he taken and keeps my wife, the darling of my heart. Let him lie by her side and take his joy. But why must the Argives wage war against the Trojans? Why has he gathered and led here his host, this son of Atreus? Was it not for fair-haired Helen's sake? 340 Do they then alone of mortal men love their wives, these sons of Atreus? No, for whoever is a true man and sound of mind loves his own and cherishes her, even as I too loved her with all my heart, though she was only the captive of my spear. But now, seeing he has taken from my arms my prize, and has deceived me, 345 let him not tempt me who know him well; he shall not persuade me. No, Odysseus, together with you and the other princes let him take thought to ward from the ships consuming fire. Truly very much has he wrought without my aid; see, he has built a wall and dug a ditch close by, 350 wide and great, and in it he has planted stakes; yet even so he is not able to stop the might of man-slaying Hector. But so long as I was warring among the Achaeans Hector had no mind to rouse battle far from the wall, but would come only so far as the Scaean gates and the oak-tree; 355 there once he awaited me in single combat and hardly did he escape my onset. But now, seeing I am not minded to battle with goodly Hector, tomorrow I will do sacrifice to Zeus and all the gods, and load my ships well, when I have launched them on the sea; then you shall see, if you wish, and if you care anything for it, 360 my ships at early dawn sailing over the teeming Hellespont, and on board men very eager to ply the oar; and if the great Shaker of the Earth grants me fair voyaging, on the third day I shall reach deep-soiled Phthia. Very many possessions have I that I left on my ill-starred way here, 365 and yet more shall I bring from here, gold and ruddy bronze, and fair-girdled women and grey iron—all that fell to me by lot; but my prize he who gave it me has taken back in his arrogant pride, lord Agamemnon, son of Atreus. To him declare all, even as I bid, 370 openly, so that other Achaeans also may be angry, if perhaps he hopes to deceive yet some other of the Danaans, seeing he is ever clothed in shamelessness. Yet not in my face would he dare to look, though he has the front of a dog.” “Neither counsel will I devise with him nor any work, 375 for utterly has he deceived me and sinned against me. Never again shall he beguile me with words; the past is enough for him. No, let him go to his ruin in comfort, seeing that Zeus the counsellor has utterly robbed him of his wits. Hateful in my eyes are his gifts, I count them at a hair's worth. Not though he gave me ten times, yes, twenty times all that he now has, 380 and if yet more should be added to it I do not care from where, not though it were all the wealth that goes in to Orchomenus, or to Thebes of Egypt, where treasures in greatest store are laid up in men's houses,—Thebes which is a city of a hundred gates from which sally out through each two hundred warriors with horses and chariots; 385 —no, not though he gave gifts in number as sand and dust; not even so shall Agamemnon any longer persuade my soul, until he has paid the full price of all the outrage that stings my heart. And the daughter of Agamemnon, son of Atreus, I will not wed, not though she vied in beauty with golden Aphrodite 390 and in handiwork were the equal of flashing-eyed Athene: not even so will I wed her; let him choose another of the Achaeans who is of like station with himself and more kingly than I. For if the gods preserve me, and I reach my home, Peleus, I think, will afterwards of himself seek a wife for me. 395 Many Achaean maidens there are throughout Hellas and Phthia, daughters of chieftains who guard the cities; of these whomever I choose I shall make my dear wife. Very often was my proud spirit eager to take for myself there a wedded wife, a fitting helpmate, 400 and to have joy of the possessions that the old man Peleus won for himself. For in my eyes not of like worth with life is even all that wealth that men say Ilios possessed, the well-peopled citadel, long ago in time of peace before ever the sons of the Achaeans came,—no, nor all that the marble threshold of the Archer 405 Phoebus Apollo encloses in rocky Pytho. For by raiding may cattle be had and fine sheep, and tripods by the winning and chestnut horses as well; but that the spirit of man should come again when once it has passed the barrier of his teeth, neither raiding avails nor winning. 410 For my mother the goddess, silver-footed Thetis, tells me that twofold fates are bearing me toward the doom of death: if I stay here and war around the city of the Trojans, then lost is my home-return, but my renown shall be imperishable; but if I return home to my dear native land, 415 lost then is my glorious renown, yet shall my life long endure, nor shall the doom of death come soon upon me.” “Yes, and I would counsel you others also to sail back to your homes; seeing there is no more hope that you shall reach the goal of steep Ilios; for mightily does Zeus, whose voice is borne afar, 420 hold forth his hand above her, and her people are filled with courage. But go your way and declare my message to the chieftains of the Achaeans—for that is the office of elders—so that they may devise some other plan in their minds better than this, even such as shall save their ships, and the host of the Achaeans 425 beside the hollow ships; seeing this is not to be had for them, which now they have devised, because of the fierceness of my anger. But let Phoenix stay here with us, and lie down to sleep, that he may follow with me on my ships to my dear native land tomorrow, if he wishes; but I will not take him by force.” 430 So he spoke, and they all became hushed in silence, marvelling at his words; for with great vehemence did he deny them. But at length there spoke among them the old horseman Phoenix, bursting into tears, for greatly did he fear for the ships of the Achaeans: “If truly you lay up in your mind, glorious Achilles, 435 the purpose of returning, and are not minded at all to ward from the swift ships consuming fire, because wrath has fallen upon your heart; how can I then, dear child, be left here without you, alone? It was to you that the old horseman Peleus sent me on the day when he sent you to Agamemnon, from Phthia, 440 a mere child, knowing nothing as yet of evil war, nor of gatherings in which men grow preeminent. For this reason he sent me to instruct you in all these things, to be both a speaker of words and a doer of deeds. So, dear child, I am not minded hereafter 445 to be left alone without you, no, not though a god himself should pledge to strip from me my old age and render me strong in youth as in the day when first I left Hellas, the home of fair women, fleeing from strife with my father Amyntor, son of Ormenus; for he grew grievously angry with me because of his fair-haired concubine, 450 whom he himself ever cherished, and scorned his wife, my mother. So she begged me by my knees continually, to have dalliance with that other first myself, that the old man might be hateful in her eyes.” “I listened to her and did the deed, but my father was aware of it at once and cursed me mightily, and invoked the dire Erinyes 455 that never should there sit upon his knees a dear child begotten of me; and the gods fulfilled his curse, Zeus of the nether world and dread Persephone. Then I took counsel to slay him with the sharp sword, but someone of the immortals checked my anger, bringing to my mind 460 the voice of the people and the many revilings of men, so that I should not be called a father-slayer among the Achaeans. Then could the heart in my breast in no way be held any longer to linger in the halls of my angered father. My fellows indeed and my kinsfolk crowded around me 465 with many prayers and sought to keep me there in the halls, and many fine sheep did they slaughter, and sleek cattle of shambling gait, and many swine, rich with fat, were stretched to singe over the flame of Hephaestus, and wine in plenty was drunk from the jars of that old man. 470 For the space of nine nights around my own body they watched the night through; in turn they kept watch, nor were the fires quenched, one beneath the portico of the well-fenced court, and one in the porch before the door of my chamber. But when the tenth dark night had come upon me, 475 then indeed I burst the cunningly fitted doors of my chamber and leapt the fence of the court very easily, unseen by the watchmen and the slave women. After that I fled far through spacious Hellas, and came to deep-soiled Phthia, mother of flocks, 480 to king Peleus; and he received me with a ready heart, and cherished me as a father cherishes his only and well-beloved son, who is heir to great possessions; and he made me rich and gave many people to me, and I dwelt on the farthest border of Phthia, ruling over the Dolopians. 485 And I reared you to be such as you are, O godlike Achilles, loving you from my heart; for with no other would you go to the feast or take food in the hall, till I had set you on my knees and given you your fill of the savoury morsel cut first for you, and had put the wine cup to your lips. 490 Very often have you wetted the tunic upon my breast, sputtering out the wine in your sorry helplessness.” “So have I suffered much for you and toiled much, ever mindful of this, that the gods would in no way grant me a son born of my own body. No, it was you that I sought to make my son, O godlike Achilles, 495 so that you may hereafter save me from shameful ruin. So, Achilles, master your proud spirit; it does not befit you to have a pitiless heart. No, even the very gods can bend, and theirs besides is more excellent worth and honour and might. Their hearts by incense and reverent vows 500 and libations and the savour of sacrifice do men turn from wrath with supplication, whenever any man transgresses and does sin. For Prayers are the daughters of great Zeus, halting and wrinkled and of eyes askance, and they are ever mindful to follow in the steps of Sin. 505 But Sin is strong and fleet of foot, and so she far outruns them all, and goes before them over the face of all the earth making men to fall, and Prayers follow after, seeking to heal the hurt. Now whoever reveres the daughters of Zeus when they draw near, him they greatly bless, and hear him, when he prays; 510 but if a man denies them and stubbornly refuses, then they go their way and make prayer to Zeus, son of Cronos, that Ate may follow after such a one so that he may fall and pay full atonement. No, Achilles, see that you too pay reverence to the daughters of Zeus, even such as bends the hearts of all men who are upright. 515 For if the son of Atreus were not offering you gifts and telling of yet others hereafter, but were ever furiously angry, I surely would not bid you cast aside your anger and bring aid to the Argives even in their great need. But now he offers you many gifts at once, and promises you more hereafter, 520 and has sent out warriors to beseech you, choosing those who are best throughout the host of the Achaeans, and who to your own self are dearest of the Argives; do not scorn their words, nor their coming here; though till then no man could blame you that you were angry. Even in this manner have we heard the fame of men of old 525 who were warriors, whenever furious wrath came upon any; won might they be by gifts, and turned aside by pleadings. I myself bear in mind this deed of old days and not of yesterday, how it was; and I will tell it among you who are all my friends. The Curetes once were fighting and the Aetolians staunch in battle 530 around the city of Calydon, and were slaying one another, the Aetolians defending lovely Calydon and the Curetes eager to waste it utterly in war. For upon their people Artemis of the golden throne had sent a plague in wrath because Oeneus did not offer her the first-fruits of the harvest in his rich orchard land; 535 whereas the other gods feasted on hecatombs, and it was to the daughter of great Zeus alone that he did not offer, whether perhaps he forgot, or did not notice; and he was greatly blinded in heart.” “At this the Archer-goddess, the child of Zeus, grew angry and sent against him a fierce wild boar, white of tusk, 540 that wrought much evil, wasting the orchard land of Oeneus; many a tall tree did he uproot and cast upon the ground, yes, root and apple blossom with it. But the boar did Meleager, son of Oeneus, slay, when he had gathered out of many cities huntsmen 545 and hounds; for not by few men could the boar have been slain, so huge was he; and many a man did he set upon the grievous pyre. But about his body the goddess brought to pass much clamour and shouting concerning his head and shaggy hide, between the Curetes and the great-souled Aetolians. 550 Now so long as Meleager, dear to Ares, warred, so long did it go ill with the Curetes, nor could they remain outside their wall, for all that they were very many. But when wrath entered into Meleager, wrath that makes the heart swell in the breasts also of others, even though they are wise, 555 he then, angry at heart against his dear mother Althaea, stayed beside his wedded wife, the fair Cleopatra, daughter of Marpessa of the fair ankles, child of Evenus, and of Idas who was mightiest of men that were then upon the face of earth; who also took his bow to face the king 560 Phoebus Apollo for the sake of the fair-ankled maid. Her long ago in their halls had her father and honoured mother called Halcyone by name, because the mother herself, in a plight even as that of the halcyon-bird of many sorrows, wept because Apollo who works afar had snatched her child away. 565 By her side lay Meleager nursing his bitter anger, angry because of his mother's curses; for she prayed earnestly to the gods, being grieved for her brother's slaying; and furthermore earnestly beat with her hands upon the all-nurturing earth, calling upon Hades and dread Persephone, 570 while she knelt and made the folds of her bosom wet with tears, that they should bring death upon her son; and the Erinys who walks in darkness heard her from Erebus, she of the ungentle heart. Now soon the din of the foemen rose about their gates, and the noise of the battering of walls, and to Meleager the elders 575 of the Aetolians made prayer, sending to him the best of the priests of the gods, that he should come out and succour them, and they promised him a mighty gift; they told him, where the plain of lovely Calydon was fattest, there to choose a fair tract of fifty acres, the half of it vineland, 580 and the half clear plough-land, to be cut from the plain.” “And earnestly the old horseman Oeneus entreated him, standing upon the threshold of his high-roofed chamber, and shaking the jointed doors, in prayer to his son, and earnestly too did his sisters and his honoured mother beseech him 585 —but he denied them yet more—and earnestly his companions who were truest and dearest to him of all; yet not even so could they persuade the heart in his breast, until at the last his chamber was being hotly battered, and the Curetes were mounting upon the walls and firing the great city. 590 Then indeed his fair-girdled wife entreated Meleager with wailing, and told him all the woes that come on men whose city is taken; the men are slain and the city is wasted by fire, and their children and low-girdled women are led captive by strangers. 595 Then was his spirit stirred, as he heard the evil tale, and he went his way and put on his body his gleaming armour. Thus did he ward from the Aetolians the day of evil, yielding to his own spirit; and to him afterwards they did not pay the gifts, many and gracious; yet even so did he ward evil from them. 600 But, friend, let me not see you thus minded in heart, nor let heaven turn you into this path; it would be a harder task to save the ships already burning. No, come while gifts may still be had; the Achaeans shall honour you even as a god. But if without gifts you enter into the battle, the bane of men, 605 you shall not then be in like honour, even though you may ward off the battle.” Then in answer to him spoke Achilles, swift of foot: “Phoenix, old sire, my father, nurtured of Zeus, in no way do I need this honour: honoured have I been, I deem, by the apportionment of Zeus, which shall be mine among the beaked ships so long as the breath 610 remains in my breast and my knees are quick. And another thing I will tell you, and lay it to heart; do not seek to confound my spirit by weeping and sorrowing, to do the pleasure of the warrior, son of Atreus; it does not befit you to cherish him, lest you be hated by me who cherish you. 615 It would be well for you with me to vex whoever vexes me. Be king even as I am, and share the half of my honour. But these shall bear my message, while you stay here and lie down on a soft couch, and at break of day we will take counsel whether to return to our own or to tarry here.” 620 He spoke and to Patroclus nodded his brow in silence that he should spread for Phoenix a thick couch, that the others might at once think of departing from the hut. But among them Aias, the godlike son of Telamon, spoke, saying: “Zeus-born son of Laërtes, Odysseus of many wiles, 625 let us go our way, for the fulfillment of the charge laid on us will not, I think, be brought to pass by our coming here; and it is fitting for us with speed to declare the message, though it is in no way good, to the Danaans, who, I think, now sit waiting for it. But Achilles has wrought to fury the proud heart within him, 630 cruel man! nor does he care for the love of his comrades with which we ever honoured him among the ships above all others—pitiless one! See, a man accepts recompense from the slayer of his brother, or for his dead son; and the slayer remains in his own land for the paying of a great price, 635 and the kinsman's heart and proud spirit are restrained by the taking of recompense. But as for you, the gods have put in your breast a heart that is obdurate and evil because of one girl only; whereas we now offer you seven, far the best there are, and many other gifts besides; no, then, take to yourself a heart of grace, 640 and have respect for your hall; for under your roof have we come from the host of the Danaans, and we would gladly be nearest to you and dearest beyond all other Achaeans as many as there are.” Then in answer to him spoke Achilles, swift of foot: “Aias, sprung from Zeus, son of Telamon, captain of the host, 645 all this you seem to speak almost after my own mind; but my heart swells with wrath whenever I think of this, how the son of Atreus has wrought indignity upon me among the Argives, as though I were some alien who had no rights. But go and declare my message, 650 for I will not think of bloody war until wise-hearted Priam's son, goodly Hector, has come to the huts and ships of the Myrmidons, as he slays the Argives, and has smirched the ships with fire. But about my hut and my black ship 655 I think that Hector will be stopped, eager though he is for battle.” So he spoke, and they each took a two-handled cup, and when they had made libation went their way along the lines of ships, and Odysseus led. But Patroclus told his comrades and the handmaids to spread at once a thick couch for Phoenix; 660 and they obeyed, and spread the couch, as he ordered, fleeces and a rug and soft fabric of linen. There the old man lay down and waited for bright Dawn. But Achilles slept in the innermost part of the well-built hut, and by his side lay a woman that he had brought from Lesbos, 665 the daughter of Phorbas, fair-cheeked Diomede. And Patroclus lay down on the opposite side, and by him in like manner lay fair-girdled Iphis, whom goodly Achilles had given him when he took steep Scyrus, the city of Enyeus. But when the others had now come to the huts of the son of Atreus, 670 the sons of the Achaeans stood up on this side and that and pledged them in cups of gold, and questioned them, and the king of men, Agamemnon, was the first to ask: “Come, tell me now, Odysseus, greatly to be praised, you great glory of the Achaeans, is he minded to ward off consuming fire from the ships, 675 or did he say no, and does wrath still possess his proud spirit?” Then much-enduring goodly Odysseus answered him: “Most glorious son of Atreus, Agamemnon, king of men, he truly is not minded to quench his wrath but is filled yet more with fury, and will have none of you, or of your gifts. 680 For your own self he bids you to take counsel among the Argives how you may save the ships and the host of the Achaeans. But for himself he threatens that at break of day he will launch upon the sea his well-benched curved ships. Yes, and he said that he would counsel others also 685 to sail back to their homes, seeing there is no more hope that you shall reach the goal of steep Ilios; for mightily does Zeus, whose voice is borne afar, hold forth his hand above her, and her people are filled with courage. So he spoke, and these are here also to tell you this, they that followed with me, Aias and the two heralds, men of prudence both. 690 But the old man Phoenix lay down there to rest, for so Achilles told him, that he may follow with him on his ships to his dear native land tomorrow, if he wishes, but he will not take him by force.” So he spoke, and they all became hushed in silence, marvelling at his words; for very masterfully did he address their gathering. 695 For a long time they were silent in their grief, the sons of the Achaeans, but at length there spoke among them Diomedes, good at the war-cry: “Most glorious son of Atreus, Agamemnon, king of men, would that you had never entreated the peerless son of Peleus, nor offered countless gifts; haughty is he even of himself, 700 and now you have set him yet far more in haughtiness. But truly we will let him be; he may depart or he may tarry; hereafter he will fight when the heart in his breast shall bid him, and a god arouse him. But come, even as I shall bid, let us all obey. 705 For the present go to your rest, when you have satisfied your hearts with food and wine, for in this is courage and strength; but as soon as fair, rosy-fingered Dawn appears, at once array before the ships your people and your chariots, and urge them on; and fight yourself among the foremost.” 710 So he spoke, and all the kings assented to it, marvelling at the words of Diomedes, tamer of horses. Then they made libation, and went every man to his hut, and there lay down and took the gift of sleep.

10Now beside their ships all the other chieftains of the host of the Achaeans were slumbering the whole night through, overcome by soft sleep, but Agamemnon, son of Atreus, shepherd of the host, was not held by sweet sleep, so many things did he debate in mind. 5 Even as when the lord of fair-haired Hera flashes his lightning, at the time when he makes ready either a mighty rain unspeakable or hail or snow, when the snow-flakes sprinkle the fields, or perhaps the wide mouth of bitter war; even so often did Agamemnon groan from the depths of his breast, 10 and his heart trembled within him. As often as he gazed toward the Trojan plain, he marvelled at the many fires that burned before the face of Ilios, and at the sound of flutes and pipes, and the din of men; but whenever he looked toward the ships and the host of the Achaeans, 15 then many were the hairs that he pulled from his head by the very roots in appeal to Zeus who is above, and in his noble heart he groaned mightily. And this plan seemed to his mind the best, to go first of all to Nestor, son of Neleus, in the hope that he might contrive with him some fine scheme 20 that might serve to ward off evil from the Danaan host. So he sat up and put on his tunic about his breast, and beneath his shining feet bound his fair sandals, and after that clothed himself in the tawny skin of a lion, fiery and great, a skin that reached his feet; and he grasped his spear. 25 And in just the same way was Menelaus held by trembling fear—for on his eyelids too sleep did not settle down—lest anything should befall the Argives who for his sake had come to Troy over the wide waters of the sea, pondering in their hearts fierce war. With a leopard's skin first he covered his broad shoulders, a dappled pelt, 30 and lifted up and set upon his head a helmet of bronze, and grasped a spear in his stout hand. Then he went his way to rouse his brother, who ruled mightily over all the Argives, and was honoured by the people even as a god. Him he found putting about his shoulders his fair armour 35 by the stern of his ship, and welcome was he to him as he came. To him first spoke Menelaus, good at the war-cry: “Why, my brother, are you arming like this? Will you be rousing some man of your comrades to spy upon the Trojans? No, I am greatly afraid that none would undertake for you this task, 40 to go forth alone and spy upon the foe, through the immortal night; very hardy of heart must that man be.” Then in answer to him spoke lord Agamemnon: “We have need, both you and I, O Menelaus, fostered by Zeus, of shrewd counsel that will save and deliver 45 the Argives and their ships, since the mind of Zeus is turned. To the sacrifices of Hector, it seems, his heart inclines rather than to ours. For never have I seen or heard by the telling of another that one man devised in one day so many terrible deeds as Hector, dear to Zeus, has brought upon the sons of the Achaeans, by himself alone, 50 he who is not the dear son of goddess or of god. Deeds has he done that I think will be a sorrow to the Argives for ever and ever, so many evils has he devised against the Achaeans. But go now, run swiftly along the lines of ships and call here Aias and Idomeneus, and I will go to goodly Nestor 55 and bid him arise, in case he will be willing to go to the sacred company of the sentinels and give them orders. To him they would listen as to no other, for his son is captain over the guard, he and Meriones, comrade of Idomeneus; for to them above all we entrusted this charge.” 60 Then made answer to him Menelaus, good at the war-cry: “With what meaning does your word thus charge and command me? Shall I remain there with them, waiting until you come, or run back to you again, when I have duly laid on them your command?” And to him the king of men, Agamemnon, made answer, saying: 65 “Remain there, lest perhaps we miss each other as we go, for many are the paths throughout the camp. But lift up your voice wherever you go, and bid men be awake, calling each man by his lineage and his father's name, giving due honour to each, and do not be proud of heart 70 but rather let us ourselves be busy; even so, I think, has Zeus laid upon us even at our birth the heaviness of woe.” So he spoke, and sent forth his brother when he had duly given him his orders. But he went his way after Nestor, shepherd of the host, and found him by his hut and his black ship 75 on his soft bed, and beside him lay his armour richly adorned, his shield and two spears and gleaming helmet. And by his side lay the flashing belt, with which the old man used to gird himself whenever he armed himself for battle, the bane of men, and led forth his people, for he did not yield to grievous old age. 80 He rose upon his elbow, lifting up his head, and spoke to the son of Atreus, and questioned him, saying: “Who are you that go alone by the ships throughout the camp in the darkness of night, when other mortals are sleeping? Are you seeking one of your mules, or of your comrades? 85 Speak, and do not come silently upon me. What is your need?” Then made answer the king of men, Agamemnon: “Nestor, son of Neleus, great glory of the Achaeans, you will know Agamemnon, son of Atreus, whom beyond all others Zeus has set amid toils continually, 90 so long as the breath remains in my breast and my knees are quick. I wander like this because sweet sleep does not settle upon my eyes, but war is a trouble to me and the woes of the Achaeans. Exceedingly do I fear for the Danaans, nor is my mind firm, but I am tossed to and fro, and my heart 95 leaps forth out of my breast, and my glorious limbs tremble beneath me. But if you would do anything, since on you too sleep does not come, come, let us go to the sentinels, that we may look to them, lest, worn out with toil and drowsiness, they are slumbering, and have wholly forgotten their watch. 100 The foe are bivouacked close by, nor do we know at all whether perhaps they may not be eager to do battle even in the night.” Then made answer to him the horseman Nestor of Gerenia: “Most glorious son of Atreus, Agamemnon, king of men, surely not all his purposes will Zeus the counsellor fulfill for Hector, 105 even all that he now thinks; no, I think he will labour amid troubles yet more than ours, if Achilles should turn his heart from grievous anger. Yet with you I will gladly follow, but let us moreover arouse others also, both the son of Tydeus, famed for his spear, and Odysseus, 110 and the swift Aias, and the valiant son of Phyleus. And I wish that someone would go and summon these also, the godlike Aias and lord Idomeneus, for their ships are furthest of all and by no means near at hand. But Menelaus I will chide, dear though he is and honoured, 115 yes, though you should be angry with me, nor will I hide my thought, because he sleeps like this, and has allowed you to toil alone. Now it would have been fitting that he laboured among all the chieftains, beseeching them, for need has come upon them that can no longer be borne.” And to him the king of men, Agamemnon, made answer, saying: 120 “Old sir, at another time you shall chide him even at my own bidding, since he is often slack and not minded to labour, yielding neither to sloth nor to heedlessness of mind, but always looking to me and awaiting my lead. But now he awoke even before me, and came to me, 125 and I myself sent him forth to summon those of whom you inquire. But let us go; we shall find them before the gates amid the sentinels, for there I told them to gather.” Then made answer to him the horseman, Nestor of Gerenia: “So will no man be angry at him or disobey him 130 of all the Argives, whenever he urges any man or gives commands.” So saying he put on his tunic about his breast, and beneath his shining feet bound his fair sandals and around him buckled a purple cloak of double fold and wide, on which the down was thick. 135 And he grasped a mighty spear, tipped with sharp bronze, and went his way among the ships of the brazen-coated Achaeans. Then it was Odysseus first, the peer of Zeus in counsel, whom the horseman, Nestor of Gerenia, awakened out of sleep with his voice, and at once the call rang all about his mind 140 and he came forth from the hut and spoke to them, saying: “How is it that you go about alone like this by the ships throughout the camp in the immortal night? What need so great has come upon you?” Then made answer to him the horseman, Nestor of Gerenia: “Zeus-born son of Laërtes, Odysseus of many wiles, 145 do not be angry, for great sorrow has overpowered the Achaeans. Come, follow, that we may arouse another also, whomever it befits to take counsel, whether to flee or to fight.” So he spoke, and Odysseus of many wiles went to the hut and cast about his shoulders a shield richly adorned, and followed after them. 150 And they came to Tydeus' son, Diomedes, and him they found outside his hut with his arms; and around him his comrades were sleeping with their shields beneath their heads, but their spears were driven into the ground erect on their spikes, and far off shone the bronze like the lightning of father Zeus. But the warrior was sleeping, 155 and beneath him was spread the hide of an ox of the field, and beneath his head was stretched a bright carpet. To his side came the horseman, Nestor of Gerenia, and woke him, stirring him with a touch of his heel, and aroused him, and chided him to his face: “Awake, son of Tydeus, why do you slumber the whole night through in sleep? 160 Do you not know that the Trojans on the rising ground of the plain are camped close by the ships, and only scant space still holds them off?” So he said, but the other very swiftly sprang up out of sleep, and he spoke and addressed him with winged words: “Hardy are you, old sir, and from toil you never cease. 165 Are there not other sons of the Achaeans who are younger, who might then rouse each one of the kings, going everywhere throughout the host? But with you, old sir, no man can deal.” Then the horseman, Nestor of Gerenia, answered him: “Yes, truly, friend, all this you have spoken according to right. 170 Peerless sons I have, and people there are very many, of whom any one might go and call others. But in truth great need has overpowered the Achaeans, for now for all it stands on a razor's edge, either woeful ruin for the Achaeans, or to live. 175 But go now and rouse swift Aias and the son of Phyleus, for you are younger —if indeed you pity me.” So he spoke, and Diomedes clothed his shoulders in the skin of a lion, fiery and great, a skin that reached his feet, and grasped his spear, and he went his way, and roused those warriors from where they were, and brought them. 180 Now when they had joined the company of the sentinels as they were gathered together, they did not find the leaders of the sentinels asleep, but all were sitting awake with their arms. And even as dogs keep painful watch about sheep in a fold, when they hear the wild beast, stout of heart, that comes through the wood 185 among the hills, and a great din arises about him of men and dogs, and from them sleep perishes; even so from their eyelids did sweet sleep perish, as they kept watch through the evil night; for toward the plain were they always turning, if perhaps they might hear the Trojans coming on. 190 At sight of them the old man grew glad and heartened them, and spoke and addressed them with winged words: “Even so now, dear children, keep your watch, nor let sleep seize any man, lest we become a cause of rejoicing to our foes.” So saying he hurried through the trench, and there followed with him 195 the kings of the Argives, even all that had been called to the council. But with them went Meriones and the glorious son of Nestor; for of themselves they asked these to share in their counsel. So they went through and out from the dug ditch and sat down in an open space, where the ground showed clear of dead men fallen, 200 even where mighty Hector had turned back again from destroying the Argives, when night enfolded him. There they sat down and spoke one to the other, and among them the horseman, Nestor of Gerenia, was first to speak: “My friends, is there then no man who would trust his own venturesome spirit 205 to go among the great-souled Trojans, in the hope that he might slay some straggler of the foe, or perhaps hear some rumour among the Trojans, and what counsel they devise among themselves, whether to remain where they are by the ships far off, or to withdraw again to the city, 210 since they have worsted the Achaeans? All this might he learn, and come back to us unscathed: great would his fame be under heaven among all men, and a fine gift shall be his. For of all the princes that hold sway over the ships, 215 of all these shall every man give him a black ewe with a lamb at the teat— with this no possession can compare;—and always shall he be with us at feasts and drinking-bouts.” So he said, and they all became hushed in silence. Then spoke among them Diomedes, good at the war-cry: 220 “Nestor, my heart and proud spirit urge me to enter the camp of the foe that are near, even of the Trojans; yet if some other man were to follow with me, greater comfort would there be, and greater confidence. When two go together, one discerns before the other 225 how profit may be had; whereas if one alone perceives anything, yet his wit is the shorter, and only slender his plan.” So he spoke, and many there were that were eager to follow Diomedes. Eager were the two Aiantes, squires of Ares, eager was Meriones, and very eager the son of Nestor, 230 eager was the son of Atreus, Menelaus, famed for his spear, and eager too was the steadfast Odysseus to steal into the throng of the Trojans, for always daring was the spirit in his breast. Then among them spoke the king of men, Agamemnon: “Diomedes, son of Tydeus, dear to my heart, 235 that man you shall choose as your comrade, whomever you will, the best of them that offer themselves, for many are eager. And do not out of reverent heart leave the better man behind, and take as your comrade one that is worse, yielding to reverence, and looking to birth, no, not even if one is more kingly.” 240 So he said, since he feared for the sake of fair-haired Menelaus. But among them spoke again Diomedes, good at the war-cry: “If in truth you bid me of myself choose a comrade, how should I then forget godlike Odysseus, whose heart and proud spirit are beyond all others eager 245 in all manner of toils; and Pallas Athene loves him. If he but follows with me, even out of blazing fire might we both return, for wise above all is he in understanding.” Then spoke to him much enduring goodly Odysseus: “Son of Tydeus, do not praise me overmuch, nor blame me in anything: 250 this you say among the Argives who themselves know all. Rather, let us go, for truly the night is waning and dawn draws near; see, the stars have moved onward, and of the night more than two watches have passed, and the third alone is left us.” So saying the two clothed themselves in their dread armour. 255 To Tydeus' son Thrasymedes, staunch in fight, gave a two-edged sword—for his own was left by his ship—and a shield, and about his head he set a helmet of bull's hide without horn and without crest, a helmet that is called a skull-cap, and that guards the heads of vigorous youths. 260 And Meriones gave to Odysseus a bow and a quiver and a sword, and about his head he set a helmet made of hide, and with many a tight-stretched thong was it made stiff within, while outside the white teeth of a boar of gleaming tusks were set thick on this side and that, 265 well and skilfully, and within was fixed a lining of felt. This cap Autolycus once stole out of Eleon when he had broken into the stout-built house of Amyntor, son of Ormenus; and he gave it to Amphidamas of Cythera to take to Scandeia, and Amphidamas gave it to Molus as a guest-gift, 270 but he gave it to his own son Meriones to wear; and now, set upon it, it covered the head of Odysseus. So when the two had clothed themselves in their dread armour, they went their way and left there all the chieftains. And for them Pallas Athene sent forth on their right a heron, close by the way, 275 and though they did not see it through the darkness of night, yet they heard its cry. And Odysseus was glad at the omen, and made prayer to Athene: “Hear me, child of Zeus, who bears the aegis, you who ever stand by my side in all manner of toils, nor am I unseen by you wherever I move; 280 now again be my friend, Athene, as never before, and grant that with noble renown we come back to the ships, having accomplished a great work that shall be a sorrow to the Trojans.” And after him again prayed Diomedes, good at the war-cry: “Listen now to me also, child of Zeus, unwearied one. 285 Follow now with me even as you followed with my father, goodly Tydeus, into Thebes, at the time when he went forth as a messenger of the Achaeans. Them he left by the Asopus, the brazen-coated Achaeans, and he bore a gentle word there to the Cadmeians; but as he journeyed back he devised deeds most terrible 290 with you, fair goddess, for with a ready heart you stood by his side. Even so now of your own will stand by my side, and guard me. And to you in return will I sacrifice a sleek heifer, broad of brow, unbroken, which no man has yet led beneath the yoke. Her will I sacrifice to you and will overlay her horns with gold.” 295 So they spoke in prayer and Pallas Athene heard them. But when they had prayed to the daughter of great Zeus, they went their way like two lions through the black night, amid the slaughter, amid the corpses, through the arms and the black blood. Nor did Hector allow the lordly Trojans 300 to sleep, but he called together all the noblest, as many as were leaders and rulers of the Trojans; and when he had called them together he contrived a cunning plan, and said: “Who is there now that would promise me this deed and bring it to pass for a great gift? Truly his reward shall be sure. 305 For I will give him a chariot and two horses with high arched necks, even those that are the best at the swift ships of the Achaeans, to any man who will dare—and for himself win glory as well— to go close to the swift-faring ships, and spy out whether the swift ships are guarded as of old, 310 or whether by now our foes, subdued beneath our hands, are planning flight among themselves and have no mind to watch the night through, being worn out with dread weariness.” So he spoke and they all became hushed in silence. Now there was among the Trojans one Dolon, the son of Eumedes 315 the godlike herald, a man rich in gold, rich in bronze, who was unsightly to look upon, but swift of foot for all that; and he was the only brother among five sisters. He then spoke a word to the Trojans and to Hector: “Hector, my heart and proud spirit urge me 320 to go close to the swift-faring ships and spy out all. But come, I beg you, lift up your staff and swear to me that truly you will give me the horses and the chariot, richly adorned with bronze, even those that bear the peerless son of Peleus. And to you I shall prove no vain scout, nor one to deceive your hopes. 325 For I will go straight on to the camp, even until I come to the ship of Agamemnon, where, I think, the chieftains will be holding council, whether to flee or to fight.” So he spoke, and Hector took the staff in his hands, and swore to him, saying: “Now be my witness Zeus himself, the loud-thundering lord of Hera, 330 that on those horses no other man of the Trojans shall mount, but it is you, I declare, that shall have glory in them continually.” So he spoke, and swore to it an idle oath, and stirred the heart of Dolon. At once then he cast about his shoulders his curved bow, and over it clothed himself in the skin of a grey wolf, 335 and on his head he set a cap of ferret skin, and grasped a sharp javelin, and went his way toward the ships from the host; but he was not to return again from the ships, and bring word to Hector. But when he had left the throng of horses and of men, he went forth eagerly on the way, and Odysseus, sprung from Zeus, became aware of him as he drew near, 340 and spoke to Diomedes: “Over there, Diomedes, comes some man from the camp, I do not know whether as a spy upon our ships, or with intent to strip one or another of the corpses of the dead. But let us allow him at first to pass by us on the plain 345 a little way, and then let us rush forth upon him and seize him speedily; and if he should outrun us two by speed of foot, always hem him in toward the ships away from the host, darting after him with your spear, lest in any way he escape toward the city.” So saying the two lay down among the dead apart from the path, 350 but he ran quickly past them in his witlessness. But when he was as far off as is the range of mules in ploughing—for they are better than oxen to draw through deep fallow land the jointed plough—then the two ran after him, and he stood still when he heard the sound, 355 for in his heart he supposed that they were friends coming from amid the Trojans to turn him back, and that Hector was withdrawing the host. But when they were a spear-cast off or even less, he knew them for foes and plied his limbs swiftly in flight, and they speedily set out in pursuit. 360 And as when two sharp-fanged hounds,—skilled in the hunt, press hard on a doe or a hare in a wooded place, and it ever runs screaming before them; even so did the son of Tydeus, and Odysseus, sacker of cities, cut Dolon off from the host and ever pursue hard after him. 365 But when he was now about to come among the sentinels, as he fled towards the ships, then truly Athene put strength into Tydeus' son, that no man among the brazen-coated Achaeans might boast before him to have dealt the blow, and he come too late. And mighty Diomedes rushed upon him with his spear, and called: 370 “Stand, or I shall reach you with the spear, and I think you will not long escape sheer destruction at my hand.” He spoke, and hurled his spear, but on purpose he missed the man, and over his right shoulder passed the point of the polished spear, and fixed itself in the ground; and Dolon stood still, seized with terror, 375 stammering and pale with fear, and the teeth clattered in his mouth; and the two, panting for breath, came upon him, and seized his hands; and he with a burst of tears spoke to them, saying: “Take me alive, and I will ransom myself; for at home I have a store of bronze and gold and iron, worked with toil; 380 from it my father would grant you ransom past counting, should he hear that I am alive at the ships of the Achaeans.” Then in answer to him spoke Odysseus of many wiles: “Be of good cheer, and do not let death be in your thoughts. But come, tell me this, and declare it truly. 385 Where are you going like this alone to the ships from the host in the darkness of night, when other mortals are sleeping? Is it with intent to strip one or another of the corpses of the dead? Did Hector send you forth to the hollow ships to spy out all, or did your own heart bid you?” 390 To him then Dolon made answer, and his limbs trembled beneath him: “With many foolish hopes did Hector lead my wits astray, who pledged himself to give me the single-hooved horses of the lordly son of Peleus, and his chariot richly adorned with bronze; and he ordered me to go through the swift, black night close to the foe, and spy out 395 whether the swift ships are guarded as of old, or whether by now our foes, subdued beneath our hands, are planning flight among themselves, and have no mind to watch the night through, being worn out with dread weariness.” 400 Then smiling upon him Odysseus of many wiles made answer: “Truly now on great rewards was your heart set, even the horses of the wise-hearted son of Aeacus, but hard are they for mortal men to master or to drive, except only for Achilles whom an immortal mother bore. 405 But come tell me this, and declare it truly: where now, as you came here, did you leave Hector, shepherd of the host? Where lies his battle-gear, and where his horses? And how are disposed the watches and the sleeping-places of the other Trojans? And what counsel do they devise among themselves?—to remain 410 where they are by the ships far off, or to withdraw again to the city, since they have worsted the Achaeans?” Then made answer to him Dolon, son of Eumedes: “Truly now I will frankly tell you all. Hector with all those that are counsellors 415 is holding council by the tomb of godlike Ilus, away from the turmoil; but as for the guards you ask about, O warrior, no special guard keeps or watches the host. By all the watch-fires of the Trojans, truly, those who must lie awake and bid one another keep watch, 420 but the allies, summoned from many lands, are sleeping; for to the Trojans they leave it to keep watch, since their own children do not dwell near, nor their wives.” Then in answer to him spoke Odysseus of many wiles: “How is it now, do they sleep mingled with the horse-taming Trojans, 425 or apart? tell me in full that I may know.” Then made answer to him Dolon, son of Eumedes: “Truly now this likewise will I frankly tell you. Towards the sea lie the Carians and the Paeonians, with curved bows, and the Leleges and Caucones, and the goodly Pelasgi. 430 And towards Thymbre fell the lot of the Lycians and the lordly Mysians, and the Phrygians that fight from chariots and the Maeonians, lords of chariots. But why is it that you question me closely regarding all these things? For if you are eager to enter the throng of the Trojans, see, here apart are the Thracians, newcomers, the outermost of all, 435 and among them their king Rhesus, son of Eïoneus. His truly are the fairest horses that ever I saw, and the greatest, whiter than snow, and in speed like the winds. And his chariot is skilfully wrought with gold and silver, and armour of gold he brought with him, huge of size, a wonder to behold. 440 Such armour it is not fitting that mortal men should wear, but immortal gods. But bring me now to the swift-faring ships, or bind me with a cruel bond and leave me here, that you may go and make trial of me, 445 whether or not I have spoken to you according to right.” Then with an angry glance from beneath his brows, spoke to him mighty Diomedes: “No, I bid you, Dolon, put no thought of escape in your heart, even though you have brought good news, since you have come into our hands. For if we release you now or let you go, 450 yet even hereafter you will come to the swift ships of the Achaeans, either to spy upon us, or to fight in open combat; but if, subdued beneath my hands, you lose your life, never again will you prove a bane to the Argives.” He spoke, and the other was on the point of touching his chin with his stout hand 455 and making entreaty, but Diomedes sprang upon him with his sword and struck him full upon the neck, and sheared off both the sinews, and even while he was yet speaking his head was mingled with the dust. Then from him they stripped the cap of ferret skin from off his head, and the wolf's hide, and the back-bent bow and the long spear, 460 and these things did goodly Odysseus hold aloft in his hand to Athene, the driver of the spoil, and he made prayer, and spoke, saying: “Rejoice, goddess, in these, for on you, first of all the immortals in Olympus, will we call; but send us on against the horses and the sleeping-places of the Thracian warriors.” 465 So he spoke, and lifted from him the spoils on high, and set them on a tamarisk bush, and set beside it a marker plain to see, gathering handfuls of reeds and luxuriant branches of tamarisk, lest they two might miss the place as they came back through the swift, black night. But the two went forward through the arms and the black blood, 470 and swiftly came in their course to the company of the Thracian warriors. Now these were slumbering, worn out with weariness, and their fine battle-gear lay by them on the ground, all in due order, in three rows, and close by each man was his yoke of horses. But Rhesus slept in the midst, and close by him his swift horses 475 were tethered by the reins to the topmost rim of the chariot. Him Odysseus was first to spy, and showed him to Diomedes: “See, here, Diomedes, is the man, and here are the horses of which Dolon, whom we slew, told us. But come now, put forth mighty strength; it does not befit you at all 480 to stand idle with your weapons; no, loose the horses; or else slay the men, and I will look to the horses.” So he spoke, and into the other's heart flashing-eyed Athene breathed might, and he fell to slaying on this side and on that, and from them rose hideous groaning as they were struck with the sword, and the earth grew red with blood. 485 And even as a lion comes on flocks unshepherded, on goats or on sheep, and leaps upon them with fierce intent, so up and down amid the Thracian warriors went the son of Tydeus until he had slain twelve. But whomever the son of Tydeus drew near and struck with the sword, 490 him would Odysseus of the many wiles seize by the foot from behind and drag aside, with this thought in mind, that the fair-maned horses might easily pass through and not be frightened at heart as they trod over dead men; for they were as yet unused to it. But when the son of Tydeus came to the king, 495 him the thirteenth he robbed of honey-sweet life, as he breathed hard, for like an evil dream there stood above his head that night the son of Oeneus' son, by the design of Athene. Meanwhile steadfast Odysseus loosed the single-hooved horses and bound them together with the reins, and drove them forth from the throng, 500 striking them with his bow, for he had not thought to take in his hands the bright whip from the richly adorned chariot; and he whistled to give a sign to goodly Diomedes. But he lingered and pondered what most reckless deed he might do, whether to take the chariot, where lay the war-gear richly adorned, 505 and draw it out by the pole, or lift it on high and so carry it out, or whether he should rather take the lives of yet more Thracians. While he was pondering this in heart, even then Athene drew near and spoke to goodly Diomedes: “Think now of returning, son of great-souled Tydeus, 510 to the hollow ships, lest you go there in full flight, and perhaps some other god rouse up the Trojans.” So she spoke, and he knew the voice of the goddess as she spoke, and swiftly mounted the horses; and Odysseus struck them with his bow, and they sped toward the swift ships of the Achaeans. 515 But no blind watch did Apollo of the silver bow keep when he saw Athene attending the son of Tydeus; in wrath against her he entered the great throng of the Trojans, and aroused a counsellor of the Thracians, Hippocoön, the noble kinsman of Rhesus. And he leapt up out of sleep, 520 and when he saw the place empty where the swift horses had stood, and the men gasping amid gruesome streams of blood, then he uttered a groan, and called by name upon his dear comrade. And from the Trojans arose a clamour and confusion unspeakable as they hurried together; and they gazed upon the terrible deeds, 525 even all that the warriors had wrought and then gone to the hollow ships. But when these had now come to the place where they had slain the spy of Hector, then Odysseus, dear to Zeus, halted the swift horses, and the son of Tydeus leaping to the ground placed the bloody spoils in the hands of Odysseus, and again mounted; 530 and he touched the horses with the lash, and willingly the pair sped on to the hollow ships, for there they were eager to be. And Nestor was first to hear the sound, and he spoke, saying: “My friends, leaders and rulers of the Argives, shall I be wrong, or speak the truth? My heart bids me speak. 535 The sound of swift-footed horses strikes upon my ears. I hope that Odysseus and the valiant Diomedes may even thus speedily have driven forth from among the Trojans single-hooved horses; but exceedingly do I fear at heart lest those bravest of the Argives have suffered some harm through the battle din of the Trojans.” 540 Not yet was the word fully uttered, when they came themselves. Down they leapt to earth, and the others were seized with joy and welcomed them with hand-clasps and with gentle words. And the horseman, Nestor of Gerenia, was first to question them: “Come tell me now, Odysseus, greatly to be praised, great glory of the Achaeans, 545 how you two took these horses. Was it by entering the throng of the Trojans? Or did some god that met you give you them? Marvellously like are they to rays of the sun. Always do I mingle in battle with the Trojans and by no means, I think, do I linger by the ships, old warrior though I am; 550 but never yet have I seen such horses nor thought of such. Rather, I think some god has met you and given you them; for both of you does Zeus the cloud-gatherer love and the daughter of Zeus who bears the aegis, even flashing-eyed Athene.” Then in answer spoke to him Odysseus of many wiles: 555 “Nestor, son of Neleus, great glory of the Achaeans, easily might a god that willed it bestow even better horses than these, for the gods are mightier far. But these horses, old sir, about which you ask, are newly come from Thrace, and their lord brave Diomedes 560 slew, and beside him twelve of his comrades, all those that were the best. And for the thirteenth we slew a scout near the ships, one that Hector and the other lordly Trojans had sent forth to spy upon our camp.” So he spoke, and drove the single-hooved horses through the trench, 565 exultingly, and with him went joyously the rest of the Achaeans. But when they had come to the well-built hut of the son of Tydeus, the horses they bound with shapely thongs at the manger where stood the swift-footed horses of Diomedes, eating honey-sweet grain. 570 And on the stern of his ship Odysseus placed the bloody spoils of Dolon until they should make ready a sacred offering to Athene. But for themselves they entered the sea and washed away the abundant sweat from shins and necks and thighs. And when the wave of the sea had washed the abundant sweat 575 from their skin, and their hearts were refreshed, they went into polished baths and bathed. But when the two had bathed and anointed themselves richly with oil, they sat down at supper, and from the full mixing-bowl they drew off honey-sweet wine and made libation to Athene.

11Now Dawn rose from her couch from beside lordly Tithonus, to bring light to immortals and to mortal men; and Zeus sent forth Strife to the swift ships of the Achaeans, dread Strife, bearing in her hands a portent of war. 5 And she took her stand by Odysseus' black ship, huge of hull, that was in the middle so that a shout could reach to either end, both to the huts of Aias, son of Telamon, and to those of Achilles; for these had drawn up their shapely ships at the furthest ends, trusting in their valour and the strength of their hands. 10 There stood the goddess and uttered a great and terrible shout, a shrill cry of war, and in the heart of each man of the Achaeans she put great strength to war and to fight unceasingly. And to them at once war became sweeter than to return in their hollow ships to their dear native land. 15 But the son of Atreus shouted aloud, and ordered the Argives to array themselves for battle, and himself amid them put on the gleaming bronze. The greaves first he set about his legs; beautiful they were, and fitted with silver ankle-pieces; next he put on about his chest the corselet 20 that Cinyras had once given him as a guest-gift. For he heard far off in Cyprus the great rumour that the Achaeans were about to sail forth to Troy in their ships, and so he gave him the breastplate to please the king. On it were ten bands of dark cyanus, 25 and twelve of gold, and twenty of tin; and serpents of cyanus writhed up toward the neck, three on either side, like rainbows that the son of Cronos has set in the clouds, a portent for mortal men. And about his shoulders he flung his sword, on which gleamed 30 studs of gold, while the scabbard about it was of silver, fitted with golden chains. And he took up his richly adorned, valorous shield, that sheltered a man on both sides, a fair shield, and round about it were ten circles of bronze, and upon it twenty bosses of tin, 35 gleaming white, and in the middle of them was one of dark cyanus. And on it was set as a crown the Gorgon, grim of aspect, glaring terribly, and about her were Terror and Rout. From the shield was hung a baldric of silver, and on it writhed a serpent of cyanus, that had 40 three heads turned this way and that, growing out from one neck. And upon his head he set his helmet with two horns and with four bosses, with horsehair crest, and terribly did the plume nod from above. And he took two mighty spears, tipped with bronze; keen they were, and far from him into heaven shone the bronze; 45 and at this Athene and Hera thundered, doing honour to the king of Mycenae, rich in gold. Then on his own charioteer each man laid command to hold in his horses well and orderly there at the trench, but they themselves on foot, arrayed in their armour, ranged swiftly forward, 50 and a cry unquenchable rose up before the face of Dawn. Long in advance of the charioteers were they arrayed at the trench, but after them a little space followed the charioteers. And among them the son of Cronos roused an evil din, and down from on high out of heaven he sent dew-drops dank with blood, because he was about 55 to send forth to Hades many a valiant head. And the Trojans opposite them on the rising ground of the plain mustered about great Hector and peerless Polydamas and Aeneas who was honoured by the people of the Trojans like a god, and the three sons of Antenor, Polybus and goodly Agenor 60 and young Acamas, like the immortals. And Hector amid the foremost bore his shield that was well balanced upon every side. Just as from amid the clouds there gleams a baneful star, all glittering, and again it sinks behind the shadowy clouds, so Hector would now appear amid the foremost 65 and now amid the hindmost giving them commands; and all in bronze he flashed like the lightning of father Zeus who bears the aegis. And as reapers facing each other drive their swathes in a rich man's field of wheat or barley, and the handfuls fall thick and fast; 70 so the Trojans and Achaeans leapt upon one another and made havoc, nor would either side take thought of ruinous flight; and equal heads had the battle, and they raged like wolves. And Strife, who is fraught with many groanings, was glad as she looked on it; for alone of the gods she was with them in their fighting; 75 whereas the other gods were not among them, but stayed in peace in their own halls, where for each one a fair palace was built amid the folds of Olympus. And all were blaming the son of Cronos, lord of the dark clouds, because he willed to give glory to the Trojans. 80 But the father did not care about them; but apart from the others he sat alone exulting in his glory, looking upon the city of the Trojans, and the ships of the Achaeans, on the flashing of the bronze, and on the slayers and the slain. Now as long as it was morning and the sacred day was growing, 85 so long the missiles of either side struck home, and the people kept falling; but at the hour when a woodsman makes ready his meal in the glades of a mountain, when his arms have grown tired with felling tall trees, and weariness comes upon his soul, and desire of sweet food seizes his heart, 90 just then the Danaans by their valour broke the battalions, calling to their fellows through the lines. And among them Agamemnon rushed forth first and slew a warrior, Bienor, shepherd of the host,—himself and after him his comrade, Oïleus, driver of horses. Oïleus leapt down from his chariot and stood and faced him, 95 but even as he rushed straight at him the king struck him on the forehead with his sharp spear, nor was the spear stopped by his helmet, heavy with bronze, but it passed through it and through the bone, and all his brain was spattered about within; so he stopped him in his fury. These then Agamemnon, king of men, left there, 100 gleaming with their naked breasts, when he had stripped off their tunics, and went on to slay Isus and Antiphus, two sons of Priam, one a bastard and one born in wedlock, the two being in one chariot: the bastard held the reins, but glorious Antiphus stood by his side to fight. These two Achilles had once 105 bound with fresh willow shoots amid the spurs of Ida, taking them as they were herding their sheep, and had set them free for a ransom. But now the son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, struck Isus on the breast above the nipple with a cast of his spear, and Antiphus he struck close by the ear with his sword, and threw him from the chariot. 110 Then he made haste to strip from the two their fine battle-gear, knowing them very well, for he had seen them before by the swift ships, when Achilles, fleet of foot, brought them from Ida. And as a lion easily crushes the little ones of a swift hind, when he has seized them with his strong teeth, 115 and has come to their lair, and takes from them their tender life,—and the mother, though she happens to be very near, cannot help them, for on herself too comes dread trembling, and swiftly she darts through the thick brush and the woodland, hurrying and sweating before the onset of the mighty beast; 120 so no one of the Trojans was able to ward off destruction from these two, but they themselves were driven in flight before the Argives. Then he took Peisander and Hippolochus, staunch in fight. Sons were they of wise-hearted Antimachus, who above all others in hope of receiving gold from Alexander, fine gifts, 125 would not allow Helen to be given back to fair-haired Menelaus. His two sons lord Agamemnon took, the two being in one chariot, and together they were trying to drive the swift horses, for the shining reins had slipped from their hands, and the two horses were running wild; but he rushed against them like a lion, 130 the son of Atreus, and the two made entreaty to him from the chariot: “Take us alive, son of Atreus, and accept a worthy ransom; treasures in great number lie stored in the palace of Antimachus, bronze and gold and iron, wrought with toil; from these our father would grant you ransom past counting, 135 should he hear that we are alive at the ships of the Achaeans.” So with weeping the two spoke to the king with gentle words, but all ungentle was the voice they heard: “If you are truly the sons of wise-hearted Antimachus, who once in the gathering of the Trojans, when Menelaus 140 had come on an embassy with godlike Odysseus, urged them to slay him then and there, and not allow him to return to the Achaeans, now surely you shall pay the price of your father's foul outrage.” He spoke, and thrust Peisander from his chariot to the ground, striking him with his spear upon the breast, and backward he was hurled upon the earth. 145 But Hippolochus leapt down, and him he slew upon the ground, and shearing off his arms with the sword, and striking off his head, sent him rolling, like a round stone, amid the throng. These then he let be, but where the battalions were chiefly being driven in rout, there he leapt in, and with him other well-greaved Achaeans. 150 Footmen were always slaying footmen as they fled under compulsion, and horsemen horsemen — and from beneath them rose up from the plain the dust which the thundering hooves of horses stirred up — and they made havoc with the bronze. And lord Agamemnon, always slaying, followed after, calling to the Argives. 155 And as when consuming fire falls upon thick woodland, and the whirling wind carries it everywhere, and the thickets fall utterly as they are assailed by the onrush of the fire; so beneath Agamemnon, son of Atreus, fell the heads of the Trojans as they fled, and many horses with high-arched necks rattled 160 empty chariots along the dykes of battle, lacking their peerless charioteers, who were lying upon the ground far dearer to the vultures than to their wives. But Hector Zeus drew out from the missiles and the dust, from the man-slaying and the blood and the din; 165 but the son of Atreus followed after, calling fiercely to the Danaans. And past the tomb of ancient Ilos, son of Dardanus, over the middle of the plain, past the wild fig-tree they sped, striving to reach the city, and always the son of Atreus followed shouting, and with gore his invincible hands were spattered. 170 But when they had come to the Scaean gates and the oak-tree, there the two hosts halted and waited for each other. Yet some were still being driven in rout over the middle of the plain like cattle that a lion has scattered, coming upon them in the dead of night; all he has scattered, but to one appears sheer destruction; 175 her neck he seizes first in his strong teeth and breaks it and then devours the blood and all the inward parts: in just the same way lord Agamemnon, son of Atreus, followed hard upon the Trojans, always slaying the hindmost, and they were driven in rout. And many fell from their chariots upon their faces or upon their backs 180 beneath the hands of Atreus' son, for around and before him he raged with his spear. But when he was now about to come beneath the city and the steep wall, then the father of men and gods came down from heaven, and sat down on the peaks of many-fountained Ida; and in his hands he held the thunderbolt. 185 And he sent forth golden-winged Iris to bear his message: “Up, go, swift Iris, and declare this word to Hector: So long as he sees Agamemnon, shepherd of the host, raging amid the foremost fighters, laying waste the ranks of men, so long let him hold back, and order the rest of the host 190 to fight with the foe in the fierce conflict. But when, either wounded by a spear-thrust or struck by an arrow, Agamemnon leaps upon his chariot, then I will grant strength to Hector to slay and slay until he comes to the well-benched ships, and the sun sets and sacred darkness comes on.” 195 So he spoke, and wind-footed swift Iris did not fail to obey, but went down from the hills of Ida to sacred Ilios. She found the son of wise-hearted Priam, goodly Hector, standing in his jointed chariot; and swift-footed Iris drew near him and spoke to him, saying: 200 “Hector, son of Priam, peer of Zeus in counsel, Zeus the father has sent me forth to declare to you this message. So long as you see Agamemnon, shepherd of the host, raging amid the foremost fighters, laying waste the ranks of men, so long withdraw from battle, but order the rest of the host 205 to fight with the foe in the fierce conflict. But when either wounded by a spear-thrust or struck with an arrow Agamemnon leaps upon his chariot, then Zeus will grant strength to you to slay and slay until you come to the well-benched ships, and the sun sets and sacred darkness comes on.” 210 When she had spoken this swift-footed Iris departed; and Hector leapt in his armour from his chariot to the ground, and brandishing his two sharp spears went everywhere throughout the host, urging them to fight, and roused the dread din of battle. So they rallied, and took their stand with their faces toward the Achaeans, 215 and the Argives opposite them made strong their battalions. And the battle was set in array, and they stood facing each other, and among them Agamemnon rushed forth first, and was minded to fight far in advance of all. Tell me now, you Muses, who have dwellings on Olympus, who it was that first came to face Agamemnon, 220 either of the Trojans themselves or of their famed allies. It was Iphidamas, son of Antenor, a valiant man and tall, who was nurtured in deep-soiled Thrace, mother of flocks, and Cisseus reared him in his house while he was still only a little child, his mother's father, who fathered fair-cheeked Theano. 225 But when he came to the measure of glorious youth he sought to keep him there, and offered him his own daughter; yet, a bridegroom newly wed, out from his bridal chamber he went after the rumour of the coming of the Achaeans, with twelve beaked ships that followed him. Now these he had left at Percote, the shapely ships, 230 but he himself had come by land to Ilios; he it was who now came to face Agamemnon, son of Atreus. And when they had come near as they advanced one against the other, the son of Atreus missed, and his spear was turned aside, but Iphidamas stabbed him on the belt beneath the corselet, 235 and put his weight into the thrust, trusting in his heavy hand; yet he did not pierce the flashing belt, for long before that the spear-point struck the silver, and was bent like lead. Then wide-ruling Agamemnon seized the spear in his hand and drew it toward him furiously like a lion, and pulled it from the hand of Iphidamas, 240 and struck him on the neck with his sword and loosed his limbs. So there he fell, and slept a sleep of bronze, unhappy youth, far from his wedded wife, bearing aid to his townsfolk—far from the bride of whom he had known no joy, yet much had he given for her; first he gave a hundred cattle, and then promised a thousand, 245 goats and sheep together, which were herded for him in flocks past counting. Then Agamemnon, son of Atreus, stripped him and went through the throng of the Achaeans bearing his fine armour. But when Coön, pre-eminent among warriors, eldest son of Antenor, noticed him, strong grief 250 enfolded his eyes for his brother's fall, and he took his stand to one side with his spear, unseen by goodly Agamemnon, and stabbed him full upon the arm below the elbow, and clean through went the point of the shining spear. At this Agamemnon king of men shuddered, 255 yet even so he did not cease from battle and war, but, wind-nurtured spear in hand, leapt upon Coön. Now he was eagerly dragging by the foot Iphidamas, his own brother, born of the same father, and was calling upon all the bravest, but even as he dragged him through the throng Agamemnon struck him with a thrust of his bronze-shod spear beneath his bossed shield, 260 and loosed his limbs; and he drew near and struck off his head over Iphidamas. There then the sons of Antenor beneath the hands of the king, the son of Atreus, fulfilled the measure of their fate, and went down to the house of Hades. But Agamemnon ranged along the ranks of the other warriors 265 with spear and sword and great stones, so long as the blood still welled warm from his wound. But when the wound grew dry, and the blood ceased to flow, then sharp pains came upon the mighty son of Atreus. And just as when the sharp dart strikes a woman in labour, 270 the piercing dart that the Eilithyiae, the goddesses of childbirth, send—the daughters of Hera who have in their keeping bitter pangs; so sharp pains came upon the mighty son of Atreus. Then he leapt upon his chariot and ordered his charioteer to drive to the hollow ships, for he was deeply pained at heart. 275 And he uttered a piercing shout, and called to the Danaans: “My friends, leaders and rulers of the Argives, now ward off from the seafaring ships the grievous din of battle, for Zeus the counsellor does not allow me to war the whole day through against the Trojans.” 280 So he spoke, and the charioteer lashed the fair-maned horses towards the hollow ships, and the pair sped onward willingly. With foam were their breasts flecked, and with dust their bellies stained beneath them as they bore the wounded king out of the battle. But when Hector saw Agamemnon departing, 285 to Trojans and Lycians he called with a loud shout: “You Trojans and Lycians and Dardanians who fight in close combat, be men, my friends, and remember your furious valour. Gone is the best of the men, and to me Zeus, son of Cronos, has granted great glory. No, drive your single-hooved horses straight towards 290 the valiant Danaans, so that you may win the glory of victory.” So saying he aroused the strength and spirit of every man. And just as when a huntsman sets his white-toothed hounds upon a wild boar or a lion, so upon the Achaeans did 295 Hector, son of Priam, peer of Ares, the bane of mortals, set the great-souled Trojans. He himself with high heart strode among the foremost, and fell upon the conflict like a blustering tempest, that leaps down and lashes to fury the violet-hued deep. Who then was first to be slain, and who last by 300 Hector, Priam's son, when Zeus granted him glory? Asaeus first, and Autonous, and Opites and Dolops, son of Clytius, and Opheltius, and Agelaus, and Aesymnus, and Orus, and Hipponous, staunch in fight. These leaders of the Danaans he slew and then fell upon the multitude, 305 and just as when the West Wind drives the clouds of the white South Wind, striking them with a violent squall, and many a swollen wave rolls onward, and on high the spray is scattered beneath the blast of the wandering wind; so many heads of the host were laid low by Hector. 310 Then ruin would have come, and deeds beyond remedy been done, and now the Achaeans in flight would have flung themselves upon their ships, had not Odysseus called to Diomedes, son of Tydeus: “Tydeus' son, what has come over us that we have forgotten our furious valour? No, come here, good friend, and take your stand by my side, for truly shame 315 will it be if Hector of the flashing helm takes the ships.” Then in answer to him mighty Diomedes spoke: “Surely I will stay and endure, yet only for a short space shall be our profit, for Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, plainly wills to give victory to the Trojans rather than to us.” 320 He spoke, and thrust Thymbraeus from his chariot to the ground, striking him with his spear on the left breast, and Odysseus struck Molion, the godlike squire of that prince. These then they let be, when they had made them cease from war; but the two ranged throughout the throng, making havoc of it, as when two boars 325 with high hearts fall upon hunting hounds; so they turned again upon the Trojans and slew them, and the Achaeans gladly had respite in their flight before goodly Hector. Then they took a chariot and two men, the best of their people, two sons of Merops of Percote, who was above all men 330 skilled in prophesying, and would not allow his sons to go into war, the bane of men; but the two would in no way listen to him, for the fates of black death were leading them on. These the son of Tydeus, Diomedes, famed for his spear, robbed of spirit and of life, and took from them their fine battle-gear. 335 And Odysseus slew Hippodamus and Hypeirochus. Then the son of Cronos stretched evenly for them the line of battle, as he looked down from Ida, and they kept slaying one another. Tydeus' son wounded the warrior Agastrophus, son of Paeon, on the hip with a thrust of his spear; nor were his horses 340 near at hand for him to flee, but he was greatly blinded at heart, for his squire held the horses withdrawn apart, and he on foot was raging amid the foremost fighters until he lost his life. But Hector was quick to notice them across the ranks, and rushed upon them, shouting, and with him followed the battalions of the Trojans. 345 At sight of him Diomedes, good at the war-cry, shuddered, and at once spoke to Odysseus who was near: “On us two this ruin is rolling, mighty Hector; but come, let us stand, and ward off his onset staying where we are.” He spoke and poised his far-shadowing spear, and hurled it, nor did he miss the mark at which he aimed, but struck him on the head, on the top of the helmet, but the bronze was turned aside by bronze, and did not reach his fair flesh, for it was stopped by the threefold crested helmet, which Phoebus Apollo had given him. But Hector sprang back a wondrous way, and mingled with the throng, 355 and he fell upon his knees and stayed so, and with his stout hand leaned upon the earth, and dark night enfolded his eyes. But while the son of Tydeus was following after the cast of his spear far through the foremost fighters, where he had seen it fix itself in the earth, meanwhile Hector revived again, and leaping back into his chariot 360 drove forth into the throng, and escaped black fate. And rushing after him with his spear mighty Diomedes spoke to him: “Now again, you dog, you have escaped from death, though truly your bane came near you; but once more Phoebus Apollo has saved you, to whom surely you must make prayer whenever you go amid the hurtling of spears. 365 Truly I will yet make an end of you when I meet you hereafter, if any god is a helper to me as well. But now I will go after the rest, whomever I may come upon.” So he spoke, and went on to strip of his armour the son of Paeon, famed for his spear. But Alexander, lord of fair-haired Helen, 370 aimed an arrow at Tydeus' son, shepherd of the host, leaning meanwhile against a pillar on the barrow that men's hands reared for Ilus, son of Dardanus, an elder of the people in days of old. Now Diomedes was stripping the gleaming corselet of valiant Agastrophus from about his breast, and the shield from off his shoulder, 375 and his heavy helmet, when Paris drew the centre-piece of the bow and struck him—for not in vain did the shaft speed from his hand—upon the flat of the right foot, and the arrow passed clean through and fixed itself in the ground; and with a very merry laugh Paris leapt up from his hiding place and spoke boastfully: 380 “You are struck, not in vain has my shaft sped; I wish that I had struck you in the lowest part of the belly, and taken away your life. So would the Trojans have had respite from their woe, who now tremble before you as bleating goats before a lion.” But with no touch of fear mighty Diomedes spoke to him: 385 “Bowman, reviler, proud of your curling locks, you ogler of girls! O that you would make trial of me man to man in armour, then your bow and your swift-falling arrows would not help you; whereas now having only grazed the flat of my foot you boast vainly. I care nothing for it, any more than if a woman had struck me or a witless child, 390 for blunt is the dart of one who is a weakling and a worthless man. Truly otherwise, when sped by my hand, even though it only touches, does the spear prove its edge, and at once lays low its man; torn then with wailing are the two cheeks of his wife, and his children fatherless, while he, reddening the earth with his blood, 395 rots away, more birds than women around him.” So he spoke, and Odysseus, famed for his spear, drew near to him, and took his stand before him, and Diomedes sat down behind him, and drew out the sharp arrow from his foot, and a sharp pang shot through his flesh. Then he leapt upon his chariot and ordered his charioteer 400 to drive to the hollow ships, for he was deeply pained at heart. Now Odysseus, famed for his spear, was left alone, nor did any of the Argives stay by him, because fear had laid hold of them all. Then deeply moved he spoke to his own great-hearted spirit: “Woe is me; what is to befall me? Great evil would it be if I flee, 405 seized with fear of the throng; yet this would be a worse thing, if I am taken all alone, for the rest of the Danaans the son of Cronos has scattered in flight. But why does my heart hold such converse with me? For I know that they are cowards who depart from battle, whereas whoever is pre-eminent in fight, it is truly fitting for him 410 to hold his ground boldly, whether he is struck, or strikes another.” While he pondered this in mind and heart, meanwhile the ranks of the shield-bearing Trojans came on and hemmed him in the middle, setting among them their own bane. And just as hounds and lusty youths press upon a boar on this side and on that, 415 and he comes out from the deep thicket, whetting his white tusks in his curving jaws, and they charge upon him on either side, and at this rises the sound of the gnashing of tusks; but at once they withstand his onset, however dreadful he is; so then around Odysseus, dear to Zeus, did the Trojans press. 420 But first he struck peerless Deïopites from above in the shoulder, leaping upon him with sharp spear; and then he slew Thoön and Eunomus, and then Chersidamas as he leapt down from his chariot he stabbed with his spear upon the navel beneath his bossed shield; 425 and he fell in the dust and clutched the ground with his palm. These then he let be, but struck Charops, son of Hippasus, with a thrust of his spear, the own brother of wealthy Socus. And to bear him aid came Socus, a godlike man; close to Odysseus he came, and took his stand, and he spoke, saying: 430 “Odysseus, greatly to be praised, insatiable in wiles and in toil, this day you shall either boast over both the sons of Hippasus, for having slain two such warriors and stripped them of their armour, or else struck by my spear you shall lose your life.” So saying, he struck upon his shield that was well balanced upon every side. 435 Through the bright shield went the mighty spear, and through the corselet, richly adorned, it forced its way, and all the flesh it tore from his side; but Pallas Athene did not allow it to pierce the bowels of the warrior. And Odysseus knew that the spear had in no way landed on a fatal spot, 440 and he drew back and spoke to Socus, saying: “Ah wretch, surely sheer destruction has come upon you. Truly you have made me cease from warring against the Trojans; but upon you I think that here this day death and black fate shall come, and that vanquished beneath my spear you 445 shall yield glory to me, and your soul to Hades of the noble steeds.” He spoke, and the other turned back and started to flee, but even as he turned Odysseus fixed the spear in his back between the shoulders, and drove it through his breast. And he fell with a thud, and goodly Odysseus exulted over him: 450 “Ah Socus, son of wise-hearted Hippasus, tamer of horses, the end of death has been too quick in coming upon you; you have not escaped it. Ah poor wretch, your father and queenly mother shall not close your eyes in death, but the birds that eat raw flesh shall tear you, beating their wings thick and fast about you; 455 whereas to me, if I die, the goodly Achaeans shall give burial.” So saying he drew the mighty spear of wise-hearted Socus out from his flesh and from his bossed shield, and when it was drawn out the blood gushed forth and distressed his spirit. But the great-souled Trojans, when they beheld the blood of Odysseus, 460 called one to another through the throng and made at him all together. But he gave ground, and shouted to his comrades; three times he shouted then as loud as a man's head can shout, and three times Menelaus, dear to Ares, heard his call, and at once he spoke to Aias who was near at hand: 465 “Aias, sprung from Zeus, son of Telamon, captain of the host, in my ears rang the cry of Odysseus, of the steadfast heart, as though the Trojans had cut him off in the fierce conflict and were overpowering him alone as he is. No, come, let us make our way through the throng; to bear him aid is the better course. 470 I fear that some evil may befall him, alone amid the Trojans, valiant though he is, and great longing for him come upon the Danaans.” So saying he led the way, and Aias followed, a godlike man. Then they found Odysseus, dear to Zeus, and round about the Trojans beset him, as tawny jackals in the mountains 475 about a horned stag that has been wounded, that a man has struck with an arrow from the string; from him the stag has escaped and flees swiftly so long as the blood flows warm and his knees are quick, but when at length the swift arrow overpowers him, then ravening jackals tear him amid the mountains 480 in a shadowy grove; but God brings against them a murderous lion, and the jackals scatter in flight, and he tears the prey: so then did the Trojans, many and valiant, beset Odysseus round about, the wise and crafty-minded; but the warrior darting forth with his spear warded off the pitiless day of doom. 485 Then Aias drew near, bearing his shield that was like a city wall, and stood forth beside him, and the Trojans scattered in flight, one here, one there. And warlike Menelaus led Odysseus out of the throng, holding him by the hand, until his squire drove up the horses and chariot. Then Aias leapt upon the Trojans and slew Doryclus, 490 bastard son of Priam, and after him struck Pandocus with a thrust, and likewise Lysander and Pyrasus and Pylartes. And as when a river in flood comes down upon a plain, a winter torrent from the mountains, driven on by the rain of Zeus, and many a dry oak and many a pine it carries in its course, 495 and much drift it casts into the sea; so glorious Aias charged tumultuously over the plain on that day, slaying horses and men. Nor did Hector as yet know anything of it, for he was fighting on the left of all the battle by the banks of the river Scamander, where chiefly 500 the heads of warriors were falling, and a cry unquenchable arose, round about great Nestor and warlike Idomeneus. With these Hector was contending, and terrible deeds he did with the spear and in horsemanship, and he laid waste the battalions of the young men. Yet the goodly Achaeans would in no way have given ground from their course, 505 had not Alexander, the lord of fair-haired Helen, stopped Machaon, shepherd of the host, in the midst of his valorous deeds, and struck him on the right shoulder with a three-barbed arrow. Then the Achaeans breathing might feared greatly for him, lest men should slay him in the turning of the fight. 510 And at once Idomeneus spoke to goodly Nestor: “Nestor, son of Neleus, great glory of the Achaeans, come, get upon your chariot, and let Machaon mount beside you, and swiftly drive your single-hooved horses to the ships. For a healer is worth many other men 515 for the cutting out of arrows and the spreading of soothing remedies.” So he spoke, and the horseman, Nestor of Gerenia, did not fail to obey. At once he got upon his chariot, and beside him mounted Machaon, the son of Asclepius the peerless healer; and he touched the horses with the lash, and the pair sped on willingly 520 to the hollow ships, for there they were eager to be. But Cebriones beheld the Trojans being driven in rout, as he stood by Hector's side in his chariot, and he spoke to him, saying: “Hector, we two are contending with the Danaans here, on the edges of grievous war, whereas the other 525 Trojans are driven in rout confusedly, both horses and men. And it is Aias, son of Telamon, who drives them; well do I know him, for wide is the shield he has about his shoulders. No, let us too drive our horses and chariot there, where most of all horsemen and footmen, vying in evil rivalry, 530 are slaying one another, and the cry goes up unquenchable.” So saying he struck the fair-maned horses with the shrill-sounding lash, and they, feeling the blow, swiftly bore the swift chariot amid the Trojans and Achaeans, trampling on the dead and on the shields, and with blood all the axle was 535 sprinkled beneath, and the rims round about the chariot, with the drops that struck upon them from the horses' hooves and from the tires. And Hector was eager to enter the throng of men, to leap in and shatter it, and an evil din of war he sent among the Danaans, and little rest did he give his spear. 540 No, he ranged among the ranks of the other warriors with spear and sword and with great stones; only he avoided battle with Aias, son of Telamon. Now father Zeus, throned on high, roused Aias to flight, 545 and he stood in a daze, and on his back he cast his sevenfold shield of bull's-hide, and with an anxious glance toward the throng he gave way, like a wild beast, always turning about and retreating slowly step by step. And just as a tawny lion is driven from the fold of the cattle by dogs and country folk, 550 who do not allow him to seize the fattest of the herd, watching the whole night through, but he in his lust for flesh goes straight on, yet accomplishes nothing by it, for thick the darts fly to meet him, hurled by bold hands, and blazing brands as well, before which he cowers, however eager he is, 555 and at dawn he departs with sullen heart; so Aias then gave way before the Trojans sullen at heart, and greatly against his will, for exceedingly did he fear for the ships of the Achaeans. And as when an ass that passes by a field of grain gets the better of boys—a lazy ass about whose ribs many a cudgel is broken, 560 and he goes in and wastes the deep grain, and the boys beat him with cudgels, though their might is only puny, and with difficulty they drive him out when he has had his fill of fodder; so then did the Trojans, high of heart, and their allies, gathered from many lands, strike great Aias, son of Telamon, 565 with spears full upon his shield, and always press upon him. And Aias would now be mindful of his furious valour, and wheeling upon them would hold back the battalions of the horse-taming Trojans, and now again he would turn to flee. But he barred them all from making their way to the swift ships, 570 and he himself stood between Trojans and Achaeans, battling furiously. And the spears hurled by bold hands were some of them lodged in his great shield, as they sped onward, and many, before ever they reached his white body, stood fixed midway in the earth, eager to glut themselves with flesh. 575 But when Euaemon's glorious son, Eurypylus, saw him oppressed by thick-flying missiles, he came and stood by his side and hurled with his shining spear, and struck Apisaon, son of Phausius, shepherd of the host, in the liver below the midriff, and immediately loosed his knees; 580 and Eurypylus leapt upon him and set about stripping the armour from his shoulders. But when godlike Alexander saw him stripping the armour from Apisaon, at once he drew his bow against Eurypylus, and struck him with an arrow on the right thigh; and the reed of the arrow broke, yet his thigh was made heavy. 585 Then back he shrank into the throng of his comrades, avoiding fate, and he uttered a piercing shout, and called to the Danaans: “My friends, leaders and rulers of the Argives, turn and stand, and ward off the pitiless day of doom from Aias who is oppressed with missiles; nor do I think 590 that he will escape from grievous war. No, truly, stand and face the foe about great Aias, son of Telamon.” So spoke the wounded Eurypylus, and they came and stood close beside him, leaning their shields against their shoulders and holding their spears on high; and toward them came Aias, 595 and turned and stood when he had reached the throng of his comrades. So they fought like blazing fire; but the mares of Neleus, all bathed in sweat, bore Nestor out of the battle, and bore also Machaon, shepherd of the host. And swift-footed goodly Achilles beheld and noticed him, 600 for Achilles was standing by the stern of his ship, huge of hull, gazing upon the utter toil of battle and the tearful rout. And at once he spoke to his comrade Patroclus, calling to him from beside the ship; and he heard, and came out of the hut like Ares; and this to him was the beginning of evil. 605 Then the valiant son of Menoetius spoke first: “Why do you call me, Achilles? What need have you of me?” And in answer to him Achilles, swift of foot, spoke: “Noble son of Menoetius, dear to this heart of mine, now I think the Achaeans will be standing about my knees in prayer, 610 for need has come upon them that can no longer be borne. Yet go now, Patroclus, dear to Zeus, and ask Nestor who it is that he brings wounded out of the war. In truth from behind he seems in all things like Machaon, son of Asclepius, but I did not see the eyes of the man, 615 for the horses darted by me, speeding eagerly onward.” So he spoke, and Patroclus heeded his dear comrade, and went running along the huts and the ships of the Achaeans. But when those others had come to the hut of the son of Neleus, they stepped down upon the bountiful earth, 620 and Eurymedon the squire loosed old Nestor's horses from the chariot, and the two dried the sweat from their tunics standing in the breeze by the shore of the sea; and then they went into the hut and sat down on chairs. And for them fair-tressed Hecamede mixed a potion, 625 she whom old Nestor had taken out of Tenedos, when Achilles sacked it, the daughter of great-hearted Arsinous; for the Achaeans had chosen her out for him, because in counsel he was always best of all. She first drew before the two a table, fair, with feet of cyanus, and well-polished, and set on it 630 a basket of bronze, and with it an onion, a relish for their drink, and pale honey, and ground meal of sacred barley; and beside them a beautiful cup, that the old man had brought from home, studded with bosses of gold; four were its handles, and about each 635 two doves were feeding, while below were two supports. Another man could scarcely have managed to lift that cup from the table, when it was full, but old Nestor would raise it quite easily. In it the woman, like the goddesses, mixed a potion for them with Pramnian wine, and on this she grated cheese of goat's milk 640 with a bronze grater, and sprinkled over it white barley meal; and she urged them to drink, when she had made ready the potion. Then when the two had drunk, and sent from them parching thirst, they took delight in tales, speaking each to the other; and there Patroclus stood at the doors, a godlike man. 645 At sight of him the old man sprang from his bright chair, and took him by the hand and led him in, and urged him to be seated. But Patroclus, standing opposite him, refused, and spoke, saying: “I may not sit, old sir, fostered by Zeus, nor will you persuade me. Revered and to be dreaded is he who sent me forth to learn 650 who it is that you bring home wounded. But I know it myself, and I behold Machaon, shepherd of the host. And now I will go back again as a messenger, to bear word to Achilles. Well you know, old sir, fostered by Zeus, what sort of man he is, dread man; lightly would he blame even one in whom was no blame.” 655 Then the horseman Nestor of Gerenia made answer: “Why now does Achilles have such pity for the sons of the Achaeans, as many as have been struck with missiles? Nor does he know at all what grief has arisen throughout the camp; for the best men lie among the ships struck by darts or wounded with spear-thrusts. 660 Struck is the son of Tydeus, mighty Diomedes, wounded with a spear-thrust is Odysseus, famed for his spear, and Agamemnon, and struck is Eurypylus too with an arrow in the thigh, and this man besides I have just now borne out of the war struck with an arrow from the string. Yet Achilles, 665 valiant though he is, does not care for the Danaans, nor has pity. Does he wait until the swift ships close by the sea, in despite of the Argives, blaze with consuming fire, and we ourselves are slain man after man? For my strength is not such as it was of old in my supple limbs. 670 I wish that I were young and my strength were as when strife was set afoot between the Eleans and our people about the lifting of cattle, at the time when I slew Itymoneus, the valiant son of Hypeirochus, a man who lived in Elis, when I was driving off what we had seized in reprisal; and he while fighting for the cattle 675 was struck amid the foremost by a spear from my hand; and he fell, and the country folk about him fled in terror. And exceedingly great booty did we drive together out of the plain, fifty herds of cattle, as many flocks of sheep, as many droves of swine, as many roving herds of goats, 680 and chestnut horses a hundred and fifty, all mares, and many of them had foals at the teat. These then we drove into Neleian Pylos by night into the citadel, and Neleus was glad at heart because much spoil had fallen to me when going as a stripling into war. 685 And heralds made loud proclamation at break of dawn that all men should come to whom a debt was owing in goodly Elis; and those who were leaders of the Pylians gathered together and made division, for to many the Epeians owed a debt, seeing that we in Pylos were few and oppressed. 690 For mighty Heracles had come and oppressed us in the years before, and all who were our bravest had been slain. Twelve were we who were sons of peerless Neleus, and of these I alone was left, and all the rest had perished; and so the bronze-coated Epeans, proud of heart at this, 695 in wantonness devised mischief against us.” “And out of the spoil old Neleus chose for himself a herd of cattle and a great flock of sheep, choosing three hundred and their herdsman with them. For to him a great debt was owing in goodly Elis, his horses, winners of prizes, with their chariot, 700 that had gone to the games, for they were to race for a tripod; but Augeias, king of men, kept them there, and sent back their driver, sorrowing for his horses. Because of these things, both deeds and words, the old man was angry and chose for himself recompense past telling; and the rest he gave to the people 705 to divide, so that so far as it lay with him no man might go cheated of an equal share. So we were disposing of all that there was, and round about the city were offering sacrifice to the gods; and on the third day the Epeians came all together, many men and single-hooved horses, with all speed, and among them the two Moliones put on their battle-gear, 710 though they were as yet only striplings unskilled in furious valour. Now there is a city Thryoessa, a steep hill, far off on the Alpheius, the furthest of sandy Pylos; about this they set their camp, eager to raze it utterly. But when they had coursed over the whole plain Athene came to us, 715 speeding down from Olympus by night with the message that we should array ourselves for battle, and in no way reluctant were the people she gathered in Pylos, but very eager for war. Now Neleus would not allow me to arm myself, but hid away my horses, for he thought that as yet I knew nothing of deeds of war. 720 Yet even so I was pre-eminent among our horsemen, on foot though I was, for so did Athene order the fight. There is a river Minyeïus that empties into the sea near Arene, where we waited for bright Dawn, we the horsemen of the Pylians, and the throngs of footmen flowed on after. 725 From there with all speed, arrayed in our armour, we came at midday to the sacred stream of Alpheius. There we sacrificed fine victims to Zeus, supreme in might, and a bull to Alpheius, and a bull to Poseidon, but to flashing-eyed Athene a heifer of the herd; 730 and then we took supper throughout the host by companies, and lay down to sleep, each man in his battle-gear, about the streams of the river. But the great-souled Epeians were marshalled about the city, eager to raze it utterly; but before that could be there appeared to them a mighty deed of war; 735 for when the bright sun stood above the earth we made prayer to Zeus and Athene, and joined battle.” “But when the strife of the Pylians and Epeians began, I was first to slay my man, and to win his single-hooved horses—the spearman Mulius; son-in-law he was of Augeias, 740 and had as wife his eldest daughter, fair-haired Agamede, who knew all the herbs that the wide earth nourishes. Him as he came against me I struck with my bronze-tipped spear, and he fell in the dust; but I leapt upon his chariot and took my stand amid the foremost fighters. But the great-souled Epeians 745 fled one here, one there, when they saw the man fallen, him who was leader of the horsemen and pre-eminent in fight. But I sprang upon them like a black tempest and fifty chariots I took, and about each one two warriors bit the ground, subdued by my spear. 750 And now I would have slain the two Moliones, of the blood of Actor, had not their father, the wide-ruling Shaker of Earth, saved them from war, and shrouded them in thick mist. Then Zeus granted great might to the men of Pylos, for so long did we follow through the wide plain, 755 slaying the men and gathering their fine battle-gear, until we drove our horses to Buprasium, rich in wheat, and the rock of Olen and the place where is the hill called the hill of Alesium, from where Athene again turned back the host. Then I slew the last man, and left him; but the Achaeans drove back their swift horses 760 from Buprasium to Pylos, and all gave glory among the gods to Zeus, and to Nestor among men. Such was I among warriors, as surely as ever I was. But Achilles would have profit of his valour alone. No, truly, I think he will bitterly lament hereafter, when the people perish. 765 Ah, friend, surely Menoetius laid this charge upon you on the day when he sent you forth from Phthia to Agamemnon. And we two were inside, I and goodly Odysseus, and in the halls we heard all things, as he gave you charge. For we had come to the well-built house of Peleus, 770 gathering the host throughout the bountiful land of Achaia. There then we found in the house the warrior Menoetius and you, and with you Achilles; and the old man Peleus, driver of chariots, was burning the fat thighs of a bull to Zeus who hurls the thunderbolt, in the enclosure of the court, and he held in his hand a golden cup, 775 pouring out the flaming wine to accompany the burning offerings. You two were busy about the flesh of the bull, and we stood in the doorway; and Achilles, seized with wonder, sprang up, and took us by the hand and led us in, and urged us to be seated, and he set before us abundant entertainment, all that is the due of strangers.” “ 780 But when we had had our fill of food and drink, I was first to speak, and urged you to follow with us; and you were both very eager, and those two laid on you many commands. Old Peleus told his son Achilles always to be bravest, and pre-eminent above all, 785 but to you Menoetius, son of Actor, gave this command: ‘My child, in birth Achilles is nobler than you, but you are the elder though in might he is far the better. Yet speak to him well a word of wisdom and give him counsel, and direct him; and he will obey you to his profit.’ 790 So the old man charged you, but you forget. Yet even now at the last speak this way to wise-hearted Achilles, if perhaps he may listen. Who knows but that with heaven's help you might rouse his spirit with your persuading? A good thing is the persuasion of a friend. But if in his heart he is shunning some oracle 795 and his queenly mother has declared to him anything from Zeus, yet let him send you forth, and with you let the rest of the host of the Myrmidons follow, if perhaps you may prove a light of deliverance to the Danaans; and let him give you his fair armour to bear into the war, in hope that the Trojans may take you for him, and so hold aloof from battle, 800 and the warlike sons of the Achaeans may take breath, wearied though they are; for short is the breathing-space in battle. And easily might you who are unwearied drive men who are wearied with battle back toward the city from the ships and the huts.” So he spoke, and roused the heart in the breast of Patroclus, 805 and he set out to run along the line of the ships to Achilles, son of Aeacus. But when in his running Patroclus had come to the ships of godlike Odysseus, where was their place of gathering and of the giving of judgments, where also their altars of the gods were built, there Eurypylus met him, 810 the Zeus-born son of Euaemon, struck in the thigh with an arrow, limping out of the battle. And in streams down from his head and shoulders flowed the sweat, and from his grievous wound the black blood was gushing, yet his spirit was unshaken. At sight of him the valiant son of Menoetius had pity on him, 815 and with wailing spoke to him winged words: “Ah you wretched men, leaders and lords of the Danaans, so then you were destined, far from your friends and your native land, to glut with your white fat the swift dogs in Troy. But come, tell me this, Eurypylus, warrior fostered by Zeus, 820 will the Achaeans perhaps still hold back mighty Hector, or will they now perish, slain beneath his spear?” And to him again the wounded Eurypylus made answer: “No longer, Zeus-born Patroclus, will there be any defence of the Achaeans, but they will fling themselves upon the black ships. 825 For truly all those who before were bravest lie among the ships struck by darts or wounded with spear-thrusts at the hands of the Trojans, whose strength keeps growing. But help me, and lead me to my black ship, and cut the arrow from my thigh, and wash the black blood from it 830 with warm water, and sprinkle on it kindly remedies of healing power, which men say you have learned from Achilles, whom Cheiron taught, the most righteous of the Centaurs. For of the healers, Podaleirius and Machaon, the one I think lies wounded amid the huts, 835 having need himself of a good healer, and the other in the plain withstands the sharp battle of the Trojans.” And to him again the valiant son of Menoetius spoke: “How can these things be? What shall we do, warrior Eurypylus? I am on my way to declare to wise-hearted Achilles a message 840 with which Nestor of Gerenia, warder of the Achaeans, charged me. No, but even so I will not neglect you who are in grievous plight.” He spoke and clasped the shepherd of the host beneath the breast, and led him to his hut, and his squire when he saw them spread upon the ground hides of oxen. There Patroclus made him lie at full length, 845 and with a knife cut from his thigh the sharp-piercing arrow, and from the wound washed the black blood with warm water, and upon it put a bitter root, when he had rubbed it between his hands, a root that kills pain, which stopped all his pangs; and the wound grew dry, and the blood ceased.

12So then amid the huts the valiant son of Menoetius was tending the wounded Eurypylus, but the others, Argives and Trojans, fought on in throngs, nor were the ditch of the Danaans and their wide wall above long to protect them, 5 the wall that they had built as a defence for their ships and had drawn a trench about it—yet they did not give glorious hecatombs to the gods—that it might hold within its bounds their swift ships and abundant spoil, and keep all safe. But against the will of the immortal gods was it built; therefore for no long time did it remain unbroken. 10 As long as Hector still lived, and Achilles still cherished his wrath, and the city of king Priam was unsacked, just so long the great wall of the Achaeans likewise remained unbroken. But when all the bravest of the Trojans had died and many of the Argives—some were slain and some were left— 15 and the city of Priam was sacked in the tenth year, and the Argives had gone back in their ships to their dear native land, then indeed did Poseidon and Apollo take counsel to sweep away the wall, bringing against it the might of all the rivers that flow forth from the mountains of Ida to the sea— 20 Rhesus and Heptaporus and Caresus and Rhodius, and Granicus and Aesepus, and goodly Scamander, and Simois, by whose banks many shields of bull's-hide and many helmets fell in the dust, and the race of men half-divine—of all these did Phoebus Apollo turn the mouths together, 25 and for nine days he drove their flood against the wall; and Zeus rained continually, that the sooner he might overwhelm the wall in the salt sea. And the Shaker of Earth, bearing his trident in his hands, was himself the leader, and swept forth upon the waves all the foundations of beams and stones, that the Achaeans had laid with toil, 30 and made all smooth along the strong stream of the Hellespont, and again covered the great beach with sand, when he had swept away the wall; and the rivers he turned back to flow in the channel, where before they had been accustomed to pour their fair streams of water. Thus were Poseidon and Apollo to do in later time; 35 but then war and the din of war blazed about the well-built wall, and the beams of the towers rang, as they were struck; and the Argives, conquered by the scourge of Zeus, were penned by their hollow ships, and held in check in terror of Hector, the mighty deviser of rout, 40 while he as before fought like a whirlwind. And as when, among hounds and huntsmen, a wild boar or a lion wheels about, exulting in his strength, and these array themselves in ranks in the fashion of a wall, and stand against him, and hurl from their hands javelins thick and fast; 45 yet his valiant heart does not fear nor quail in any way, though his valour is his bane; and often he wheels about and makes trial of the ranks of men, and wherever he charges, there the ranks of men give way: even so Hector kept going through the throng and implored his comrades, 50 urging them to cross the trench. Yet his swift-footed horses did not dare, but loudly they neighed, standing on the sheer brink, for the trench frightened them, so wide was it, easy neither to leap over at a bound nor to drive across; for overhanging banks stood all about its circuit on this side and on that, 55 and at the top it was set with sharp stakes that the sons of the Achaeans had planted, close together and great, a defence against foes. Not easily could a horse, tugging at the wheeled chariot, get within that circuit; but the men on foot were eager, if they might achieve it. 60 Then Polydamas drew near to Hector, and spoke, saying: “Hector, and you other leaders of the Trojans and allies, it is only folly that we seek to drive across the trench our swift horses; hard indeed is it to cross, for sharp stakes are set in it, and close beside them is the wall of the Achaeans. 65 There it is in no way possible for charioteers to descend and fight; for the space is narrow, and there, I think, we shall suffer harm. For if Zeus, who thunders on high, is utterly to crush our foes in his wrath, and is minded to give aid to the Trojans, then truly I too would be glad that this might come to pass at once, that the Achaeans should perish here far from Argos, and have no name; 70 but if they turn upon us and we are driven back from the ships and become entangled in the dug ditch, then, I think, not one man of us shall return back to the city from before the Achaeans when they rally, not even to bear the tidings. 75 But come, as I shall say, let us all obey. As for the horses, let the squires hold them back by the trench, but let us on foot, arrayed in our armour, follow all in one throng after Hector; and the Achaeans will not withstand us, if indeed the bonds of destruction are made fast upon them.” 80 So spoke Polydamas, and his prudent counsel was well pleasing to Hector, and at once he leapt in his armour from his chariot to the ground. Nor did the other Trojans remain gathered together upon their chariots, but they all leapt down when they beheld goodly Hector on foot. Then on his own charioteer each man laid command to hold in his 85 horses well and in good order there at the trench, but the men divided and arrayed themselves, and marshalled in five companies they followed after the leaders. Some went with Hector and peerless Polydamas, 90 those who were most in number and bravest, and who were most eager to break through the wall and fight by the hollow ships, and with them followed Cebriones as the third; for by his chariot had Hector left another man, weaker than Cebriones. The second company was led by Paris and Alcathous and Agenor, and the third by Helenus and godlike Deïphobus— 95 two sons of Priam; and a third was with them, the warrior Asius,—Asius son of Hyrtacus, whom his horses tawny and great had borne from Arisbe, from the river Selleïs. And of the fourth company the valiant son of Anchises was leader, Aeneas, and with him were Antenor's two sons, 100 Archelochus and Acamas, well skilled in all manner of fighting. And Sarpedon led the glorious allies, and he chose as his comrades Glaucus and warlike Asteropaeus, for these seemed to him to be the bravest beyond all others after himself, but he was pre-eminent even among all. 105 These then, when they had fenced one another with their well-wrought shields of bull's-hide, made straight for the Danaans, most eagerly, nor did they think that they would be checked any more, but would fall upon the black ships. Then the rest of the Trojans and their far-famed allies obeyed the counsel of blameless Polydamas, 110 but Asius, son of Hyrtacus, leader of men, was not minded to leave his horses there and his squire the charioteer, but chariot and all he drew near to the swift ships, fool that he was! for he was not to escape the evil fates, and return, glorying in horses and chariot, 115 back from the ships to windy Ilios. No, before that could be, fate, of evil name, enfolded him, by the spear of Idomeneus, the lordly son of Deucalion. For he made for the left wing of the ships, where the Achaeans were accustomed to return from the plain with horses and chariots: 120 there he drove his horses and chariot through, and at the gate he did not find the doors shut nor the long bar drawn, but men were holding them flung wide open, in case they might save any of their comrades fleeing out of the battle toward the ships. There of set purpose he drove his horses, and after him followed his men with shrill cries, 125 for they thought that they would no more be checked by the Achaeans, but would fall upon the black ships—fools that they were! for at the gate they found two warriors most valiant, high-hearted sons of Lapith spearmen, the one stalwart Polypoetes, son of Peirithous, 130 and the other Leonteus, peer of Ares the bane of men. These two before the high gate stood firm just as oaks of lofty crest among the mountains, that always withstand the wind and rain day by day, firm fixed with roots great and long; 135 even so these two, trusting in the might of their arms, awaited the oncoming of great Asius, and did not flee. But their foes came straight against the well-built wall, lifting on high their shields of dry bull's-hide with loud shouting, around king Asius, and Iamenus, and Orestes, 140 and Adamas, son of Asius, and Thoön and Oenomaus. And the Lapiths for a time from within the wall had been rousing the well-greaved Achaeans to fight in defence of the ships; but when they saw the Trojans rushing upon the wall, while the Danaans with loud cries turned in flight, 145 out rushed the two and fought in front of the gate like wild boars that among the mountains await the tumultuous throng of men and dogs that comes against them, and charging from either side they crush the trees about them, cutting them at the root, and from this arises a clatter of tusks, 150 till someone strikes them and takes their life away: even so clattered the bright bronze about the breasts of the two, as they were struck with faces toward the foe; for most stoutly they fought, trusting in the host above them and in their own might. For the men above kept hurling stones from the well-built towers, 155 in defence of their own lives and of the huts and of the swift-faring ships. And like snowflakes the stones fell continually earthward, like flakes that a blustering wind, as it drives the shadowy clouds, sheds thick and fast upon the bounteous earth; even so flowed the missiles from the hands of these, of Achaeans 160 alike and Trojans; and helmets rang harshly and bossed shields, as they were struck with great stones. Then Asius, son of Hyrtacus, uttered a groan, and struck both his thighs, and in deep indignation he spoke, saying: “Father Zeus, surely you too then are utterly a lover of lies, 165 for I did not think that the Achaean warriors would check our might and our invincible hands. But they, like wasps of nimble waist, or bees that have made their nest in a rugged path, and do not leave their hollow home, but stand fast, 170 and in defence of their young ward off hunters; even so these men, though they are only two, are not minded to give ground from the gate, till they either slay or are slain.” So he spoke, but with these words he did not move the mind of Zeus, for it was to Hector that Zeus willed to grant glory. 175 But others were fighting in battle about the other gates, and it would be hard for me, as though I were a god, to tell the tale of all these things, for everywhere about the wall of stone rose the wondrous-blazing fire; for the Argives, though in deep distress, defended their ships of necessity; and the gods were grieved at heart, 180 all who were helpers of the Danaans in battle. And the Lapiths clashed in war and strife. Then the son of Peirithous, mighty Polypoetes, cast with his spear and struck Damasus through the helmet with cheek pieces of bronze; 185 and the bronze helmet did not stop the spear, but the point of bronze broke clean through the bone, and all the brain was spattered about within; so he stopped him in his fury. And after that he slew Pylon and Ormenus. And Leonteus, scion of Ares, struck Hippomachus, son of Antimachus, with a cast of his spear, striking him upon the belt. 190 And again he drew from its sheath his sharp sword and darting upon him through the throng struck Antiphates first in close fight, so that he was hurled backward upon the ground; and after that Menon, and Iamenus, and Orestes, all of these one after the other he brought down to the bounteous earth. 195 While they were stripping from these their shining arms, meanwhile the youths who followed with Polydamas and Hector, those who were most in number and bravest, and who were most eager to break through the wall and burn the ships with fire, these still lingered in doubt, as they stood by the trench. 200 For a bird had come upon them, as they were eager to cross over, an eagle of lofty flight, skirting the host on the left, and in its talons it bore a blood-red, monstrous snake, still alive as if struggling, nor was it yet forgetful of combat, it writhed backward, and struck the one who held it on the breast beside the neck, 205 till the eagle, stung with pain, cast it from him to the ground, and let it fall in the midst of the throng, and himself with a loud cry sped away down the blasts of the wind. And the Trojans shuddered when they saw the writhing snake lying in the midst of them, a portent of Zeus who bears the aegis. 210 Then Polydamas drew near, and spoke to bold Hector: “Hector, you always rebuke me in the gatherings of the people, though I give good counsel, since it would indeed be unseemly that a man of the people should speak contrary to you, whether in council or in war, but he should always increase your might; 215 yet now I will speak as seems to me to be best. Let us not go forward to fight with the Danaans for the ships. For thus, I think, will the issue be, seeing that indeed this bird has come upon the Trojans, as they were eager to cross over, an eagle of lofty flight, skirting the host on the left, 220 bearing in his talons a blood-red, monstrous snake, still living, yet immediately let it fall before he reached his own nest, nor did he finish his course, to bring and give it to his little ones—even so shall we, though we break the gates and the wall of the Achaeans by our great might, and the Achaeans give way, 225 come back over the same road from the ships in disarray; for many of the Trojans shall we leave behind, whom the Achaeans shall slay with the bronze in defence of the ships. So would a soothsayer interpret, one who in his mind had clear knowledge of omens, and to whom the people listened.” 230 Then with an angry glance from beneath his brows Hector of the flashing helm spoke to him: “Polydamas, what you say is no longer to my pleasure; indeed, you know how to devise better words than these. But if you truly speak thus in earnest, then surely the gods themselves have destroyed your wits, 235 seeing you tell me to forget the counsels of loud-thundering Zeus, which he himself promised me and bowed his head to it. But you tell us to be obedient to birds long of wing, which I do not regard, nor take thought of, whether they go to the right, toward the Dawn and the sun, 240 or to the left toward the murky darkness. No, for us, let us be obedient to the counsel of great Zeus, who is king over all mortals and immortals. One omen is best, to fight for one's country. Why do you fear war and battle? 245 For if the rest of us are slain one and all at the ships of the Argives, yet there is no fear that you should perish,—for your heart is—not staunch in fight nor warlike. But if you hold aloof from battle, or beguile with your words another, and turn him from war, 250 at once, struck by my spear, you shall lose your life.” So he spoke and led the way; and they followed after with a wondrous din; and at this Zeus, who hurls the thunderbolt, roused from the mountains of Ida a blast of wind, that bore the dust straight against the ships and he bewildered the mind of the Achaeans, but granted glory to the Trojans and to Hector. Trusting therefore in his portents and in their might they sought to break the great wall of the Achaeans. The pinnacles of the fortifications they dragged down and overthrew the battlements, and pried out the supporting beams that the Achaeans had set 260 first in the earth as buttresses for the wall. These they sought to drag out, and hoped to break the wall of the Achaeans. Yet not even now did the Danaans give ground from the path, but closed up the battlements with bull's-hides, and from there cast at the foes, as they came up against the wall. 265 And the two Aiantes ranged everywhere along the walls urging men on, and arousing the might of the Achaeans. One man with gentle words, another with harsh they would chide, whomever they saw giving ground utterly from the fight: “Friends, whoever is pre-eminent among the Danaans, whoever holds a middle place, 270 or whoever is lesser, for in no way are all men equal in war, now there is a work for all, and this, I think, you know even of yourselves. Let no man turn back to the ships now that he has heard one who cheers him on; no, press forward, and urge one another, 275 in hope that Olympian Zeus, lord of the lightning, may grant us to thrust back the assault and drive our foes to the city.” So shouted forth the two, and aroused the battle of the Achaeans. And as flakes of snow fall thick on a winter's day, when Zeus, the counsellor, 280 bestirs himself to snow, showing forth to men these arrows of his, and he lulls the winds and sheds the flakes continually, until he has covered the peaks of the lofty mountains and the high headlands, and the grassy plains, and the rich tilled fields of men; yes, and over the harbours and shores of the grey sea the snow is strewn, 285 although the wave as it beats against it keeps it off, but all things else are wrapped in it, when the storm of Zeus drives it on: even so from both sides their stones flew thick, some upon the Trojans, and some from the Trojans upon the Achaeans, as they cast at one another; and over all the wall the din arose. 290 Yet not even then would the Trojans and glorious Hector have broken the gates of the wall and the long bar, had not Zeus the counsellor roused his own son, Sarpedon, against the Argives, as a lion against sleek cattle. At once he held before him his shield that was well balanced upon every side, 295 a fair shield of hammered bronze,—that the bronze-smith had hammered out, and had stitched the many bull's-hides within with stitches of gold that ran all about its circuit. This he held before him, and brandished two spears, and so went his way like a mountain-nurtured lion 300 that has long lacked food, and his proud spirit bids him go even into the close-built fold to make an attack upon the flocks. For even though he finds there the herdsmen with dogs and spears keeping watch over the sheep, yet he is not minded to be driven from the farmstead before he makes an attempt; 305 but either he leaps amid the flock and seizes one, or is himself struck as a foremost champion by a javelin from a swift hand: even so did his spirit then urge godlike Sarpedon to rush upon the wall, and break down the battlements. At once then he spoke to Glaucus, son of Hippolochus: 310 “Glaucus, why is it that we two are held in honour above all with seats, and portions of meat, and full cups in Lycia, and all men gaze upon us as on gods? Yes, and we possess a great estate by the banks of Xanthus, a fair tract of orchard and of wheat-bearing ploughland. 315 Therefore now it is fitting for us to take our stand amid the foremost Lycians, and confront the blazing battle, that many a one of the mail-clad Lycians may say: ‘Truly no inglorious men are these who rule in Lycia, our kings, who eat fat sheep 320 and drink choice wine, honey-sweet: no, but their might too is noble, seeing they fight amid the foremost Lycians. Ah friend, if once escaped from this battle we were for ever to be ageless and immortal, neither should I fight myself amid the foremost, 325 nor should I send you into battle where men win glory; but now—for in any case fates of death beset us, fates past counting, which no mortal may escape or avoid—now let us go forward, whether we shall give glory to another, or another to us.’” So he spoke, and Glaucus did not turn aside, 330 nor disobeyed him, but the two went straight forward, leading the great host of the Lycians. At sight of them, Menestheus, son of Peteos, shuddered, for it was to his part of the wall that they came, bearing with them ruin; and he looked in fear along the wall of the Achaeans, in hope that he might see one of the leaders who would ward off bane from his comrades; 335 and he saw the two Aiantes, insatiate in war, standing there, and Teucer who had newly come from his hut, close at hand; yet it was in no way possible for him to shout so as to be heard by them, so great a din was there, and the noise went up to heaven of struck shields and helmets with crests of horse-hair, 340 and of the gates, for all had been closed, and before them stood the foe, and sought to break them by force, and enter in. At once then to Aias he sent the herald Thoötes: “Go, goodly Thoötes, run, and call Aias, or rather the two, for that would be far best of all, 345 seeing that here utter ruin will soon be wrought. Hard upon us here press the leaders of the Lycians, who of old have always been fierce in mighty conflicts. But if over there with them too the toil of war and strife has arisen, yet at least let valiant Aias, son of Telamon, come alone, 350 and let Teucer, who is well skilled with the bow, follow with him.” So he spoke, and the herald did not fail to heed as he heard, but set off running beside the wall of the brazen-coated Achaeans, and he came and stood by the Aiantes, and at once said: “You two Aiantes, leaders of the brazen-coated Achaeans, 355 the son of Peteos, nurtured of Zeus, bids you go there, that, though it is only for a little while, you may confront the toil of war—both of you, if it may be, for that would be far best of all, seeing that over there utter ruin will soon be wrought. Hard upon them there press the leaders of the Lycians, who of old 360 have always been fierce in mighty conflicts. But if here too war and strife have arisen, yet at least let valiant Aias, son of Telamon, go alone, and let Teucer, who is well skilled with the bow, follow with him.” So he spoke, and great Telamonian Aias did not fail to heed. 365 At once he spoke winged words to the son of Oïleus: “Aias, you two, you and strong Lycomedes, stand fast here and urge on the Danaans to fight with all their might, but I will go over there, and confront the war, and quickly will I come back, when to the full I have brought them aid.” 370 So saying Telamonian Aias departed, and with him went Teucer, his own brother, begotten of one father, and with them Pandion carried the curved bow of Teucer. Now when, as they passed along within the wall, they reached the post of great-souled Menestheus—and to men hard pressed they came— 375 the foe were mounting upon the battlements like a dark whirlwind, the mighty leaders and rulers of the Lycians; and they clashed together in fight, and the battle-cry arose. Then Aias, son of Telamon, was first to slay his man, great-souled Epicles, comrade of Sarpedon, 380 for he struck him with a huge jagged rock, that lay the topmost of all within the wall by the battlements. Not easily with both hands could a man, such as mortals now are, hold it, however young and strong he might be, but Aias lifted it on high and hurled it, and he shattered the four-horned helmet, and crushed together 385 all the bones of the head of Epicles; and he fell like a diver from the high wall, and his spirit left his bones. And Teucer struck Glaucus, the stalwart son of Hippolochus, as he rushed upon them, with an arrow from the high wall, where he saw his arm uncovered; and he stopped him from fighting. 390 Back from the wall he leapt secretly, that no man of the Achaeans might notice that he had been struck, and vaunt over him boastfully. But over Sarpedon came grief at Glaucus' departing, as soon as he was aware of it, yet even so he did not forget to fight, but struck with a thrust of his spear Alcmaon, son of Thestor, with sure aim, 395 and again drew out the spear. And Alcmaon, following the spear, fell headlong, and about him rang his armour, adorned with bronze. But Sarpedon with strong hands caught hold of the battlement and tugged, and the whole length of it gave way, and the wall above was laid bare, and he made a path for many. 400 But against him came Aias and Teucer at the same moment: Teucer struck him with an arrow on the gleaming baldric of his sheltering shield about his breast, but Zeus warded off the fates from his own son that he should not be laid low at the ships' sterns; and Aias leapt upon him and thrust against his shield, but the spear-point 405 did not pass through, yet he made him reel in his onset. So he gave ground a little way from the battlement, yet did not withdraw wholly, for his spirit hoped to win himself glory. And he wheeled about, and called to the godlike Lycians: “Lycians, why are you so slack in furious valour? 410 It is hard for me, however mighty I am, alone to breach the wall, and make a path to the ships. No, come at them with me; the more men the better the work.” So he spoke; and they, seized with fear of the rebuke of their king, pressed on the more around their counsellor and king, 415 and the Argives facing them made strong their battalions within the wall; and before them was set a mighty work. For neither could the mighty Lycians break the wall of the Danaans, and make a path to the ships, nor ever could the Danaan spearmen thrust back the Lycians 420 from the wall, when once they had drawn near it. But as two men with measuring-rods in hand strive about the landmark-stones in a common field, and in a narrow space contend each for his equal share; even so did the battlements hold these apart, and over them 425 they struck the bull's-hide bucklers about one another's breasts, the round shields and fluttering targets. And many were wounded in the flesh by thrusts of the pitiless bronze, both whenever any turned and his back was left bare, as they fought, and many clean through the very shield. 430 Indeed, everywhere the walls and battlements were spattered with blood of men from both sides, from Trojans and Achaeans alike. Yet even so they could not put the Achaeans to rout, but they held their ground, as a careful woman who labours with her hands at spinning holds the balance and raises the weight and the wool in either scale, making them equal, 435 that she may win a meagre wage for her children; so evenly was strained their war and battle, until Zeus granted the glory of victory to Hector, son of Priam, who was first to leap within the wall of the Achaeans. He uttered a piercing shout, calling aloud to the Trojans: 440 “Rouse yourselves, horse-taming Trojans, break the wall of the Argives, and fling among the ships wondrous-blazing fire.” So he spoke, urging them on, and they all heard with their ears, and rushed straight upon the wall in one mass, and with sharp spears in their hands mounted upon the pinnacles. 445 And Hector grasped and carried a stone that lay before the gate, thick at the base, but sharp at the point; not easily could two men, the mightiest of the people, have heaved it from the ground onto a wagon—men, such as mortals now are—yet lightly did he wield it even alone; 450 and the son of crooked-counselling Cronos made it light for him. And as when a shepherd easily carries the fleece of a ram, taking it in one hand, and but little does its weight burden him; even so Hector lifted up the stone and bore it straight against the doors that guarded the close and strongly fitted gates— 455 double gates they were, and high, and two crossbars held them within, and a single bolt fastened them. He came and stood close by, and planting himself struck them full in the middle, setting his feet well apart that his cast might lack no strength; and he broke off both the hinges, and the stone fell within by its own weight, 460 and loudly groaned the gates on either side, nor did the bars hold fast, but the doors were dashed apart this way and that beneath the onrush of the stone. And glorious Hector leapt within, his face like sudden night; and he shone in terrible bronze with which his body was clothed, and in his hands 465 he held two spears. None who met him could have held him back, none except the gods, when once he leapt within the gates; and his two eyes blazed with fire. And he wheeled about in the throng, and called to the Trojans to climb over the wall; and they heeded his urging. At once some climbed over the wall, and others poured in 470 by the strong-built gate, and the Danaans were driven in rout among the hollow ships, and a ceaseless din arose.

13Now Zeus, when he had brought the Trojans and Hector to the ships, left the combatants there to have toil and woe unceasingly, but he himself turned away his bright eyes, and looked afar, upon the land of the Thracian horsemen, 5 and of the Mysians that fight in close combat, and of the lordly Hippemolgi that drink the milk of mares, and of the Abii, the most righteous of men. To Troy he no longer in any way turned his bright eyes, for he did not think in his heart that any of the immortals would draw near to aid either Trojans or Danaans. 10 But the lord, the Shaker of Earth, kept no blind watch, for he sat marvelling at the war and the battle, high on the topmost peak of wooded Samothrace, for from there all Ida was plain to see; and plain to see were the city of Priam, and the ships of the Achaeans. 15 There he sat, having come forth from the sea, and he had pity on the Achaeans that they were overcome by the Trojans, and against Zeus was he mightily angry. At once then he went down from the rugged mount, striding forth with swift footsteps, and the high mountains trembled and the woodland beneath the immortal feet of Poseidon as he went. 20 Three times he strode in his course, and with the fourth stride he reached his goal, Aegae, where his famous palace was built in the depths of the sea, golden and gleaming, imperishable for ever. There he came, and harnessed beneath his chariot his two bronze-hooved horses, swift of flight, with flowing manes of gold; 25 and with gold he clothed himself about his body, and grasped the well-wrought whip of gold, and stepped upon his chariot, and set out to drive over the waves. Then the sea-beasts gambolled beneath him on every side from the deeps, for well they knew their lord, and in gladness the sea parted before him; 30 very swiftly they sped on, and the axle of bronze was not wetted beneath; and to the ships of the Achaeans the prancing steeds bore their lord. There is a wide cavern in the depths of the deep sea, midway between Tenedos and rugged Imbros. There Poseidon, the Shaker of Earth, stopped his horses, 35 and loosed them from the chariot, and cast before them ambrosial food to graze upon, and about their feet he put hobbles of gold, neither to be broken nor loosed, that they might stay fast where they were until the return of their lord; and he himself went to the host of the Achaeans. But the Trojans, all in one body, like flame or tempest-blast were following furiously after 40 Hector, son of Priam, with loud shouts and cries, and they thought that they would take the ships of the Achaeans, and slay all the bravest beside them. But Poseidon, the Enfolder and Shaker of Earth, set about urging on the Argives, when he had come forth from the deep sea, 45 in the likeness of Calchas, both in form and untiring voice. To the two Aiantes he spoke first, who were very eager of themselves: “You two Aiantes, you two shall save the host of the Achaeans, if you are mindful of your might, and do not think of chill rout. Nowhere else do I dread the invincible hands 50 of the Trojans that have climbed over the great wall in their multitude, for the well-greaved Achaeans will hold back all; no, it is here that I have wondrous dread lest some evil befall us, here where that madman is leading on like a flame of fire, Hector, who boasts that he is a son of mighty Zeus. 55 But in the hearts of you two may some god put it, here to stand firm yourselves, and to bid others do the same; so might you drive him back from the swift-faring ships, despite his eagerness, yes, even though the Olympian himself is urging him on.” With this the Enfolder and Shaker of Earth 60 struck the two with his staff, and filled them with valorous strength and made their limbs light, their feet and their hands above. And he himself, just as a hawk, swift of flight, speeds forth to fly, and poising itself aloft above a high sheer rock, darts over the plain to chase some other bird; 65 even so from them sped Poseidon, the Shaker of Earth. And of the two swift Aias, son of Oïleus, was first to recognize the god, and at once spoke to Aias, son of Telamon: “Aias, since it is one of the gods who hold Olympus that in the likeness of the prophet bids the two of us fight beside the ships— 70 he is not Calchas, the prophet, and reader of omens, for easily did I know the tokens behind him of feet and of legs as he went from us; and plain to be known are the gods—see, my own heart also within my breast is the more eager to war and do battle, 75 and my feet beneath and my hands above are very eager.” Then in answer Telamonian Aias spoke to him: “So too my own invincible hands are eager now to grasp the spear, and my might is roused, and both my feet are swift beneath me; and I am eager to meet even in single fight 80 Hector, Priam's son, who rages incessantly.” In this way they spoke one to the other, rejoicing in the fury of fight which the god put in their hearts; and meanwhile the Enfolder of Earth roused the Achaeans that were in the rear beside the swift ships, and were refreshing their hearts. 85 Their limbs were loosed by their grievous toil and with it sorrow grew in their hearts, as they beheld the Trojans that had climbed over the great wall in their multitude. Indeed, as they looked upon these they let tears fall from beneath their brows, for they did not think that they would escape from ruin. But the Shaker of Earth, 90 lightly passing among them, aroused their strong battalions. To Teucer first he came and to Leïtus, to bid them on, and to the warrior Peneleos, and Thoas and Deïpyrus, and Meriones and Antilochus, masters of the war-cry; to these he spoke, spurring them on with winged words: 95 “Shame, you Argives, mere striplings! It was in your fighting that I trusted for the saving of our ships; but if you are to flinch from grievous war, then surely the day has now dawned for us to be vanquished beneath the Trojans. Alas! Truly a great marvel is this that my eyes behold, 100 a dread thing that I thought would never be brought to pass: the Trojans are making way against our ships, they that before now were like panic-stricken hinds that in the woodland become the prey of jackals and leopards and wolves, as they wander vainly in their cowardice, nor is there any fight in them. 105 Even so the Trojans formerly never had the heart to stand and face the might and the hands of the Achaeans, no, not for a moment. But see, now far from the city they are fighting at the hollow ships because of the baseness of our leader and the slackness of the people, who, being at strife with him, have no heart to defend 110 the swift-faring ships, but are slain in the midst of them. But if in very truth the warrior son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, is the cause of all, because he dishonoured the swift-footed son of Peleus, yet may we in no way prove slack in war. 115 No, let us atone for the fault with speed: the hearts of good men admit of atonement. But it is no longer well that you are slack in furious valour, all you who are the best men in the host. I myself would not quarrel with one who was slack in war, if he were only a sorry wretch, but with you I am exceedingly angry at heart. 120 You weaklings, soon you shall cause yet greater evil by this slackness. No, take in your hearts, each man of you, shame and indignation; for in truth mighty is the conflict that has arisen. Hector, good at the war-cry, is fighting at the ships, strong in his might, and has broken the gates and the long bar.” 125 Thus did the Earth-enfolder arouse the Achaeans with his word of command, and round about the two Aiantes their battalions took their stand, so strong in might, that not Ares might have entered in and made light of them, nor yet Athene, the rouser of hosts; for they that were the chosen bravest awaited the onset of the Trojans and goodly Hector, 130 fencing spear with spear, and shield with serried shield; buckler pressed on buckler, helm on helm, and man on man; and the horse-hair crests on the bright helmet-ridges touched each other, as the men moved their heads, in such close array they stood one beside another, and spears in stout hands overlapped each other, as they were brandished, 135 and their minds did not swerve, but they were eager to fight. Then the Trojans drove forward in close throng and Hector led them, pressing ever forward, like a boulder from a cliff that a river swollen by winter rains thrusts from the brow of a hill, when it has burst with its wondrous flood the foundations of the ruthless stone; 140 high aloft it leaps, as it flies, and the woods resound beneath it, and it speeds on its course and is not stopped until it reaches the level plain, but then it rolls no more for all its eagerness; even so Hector for a time threatened lightly to make his way even to the sea through the huts and ships of the Achaeans, 145 slaying as he went, but when he encountered the close-set battalions, then he was stopped, as he drew close against them. And the sons of the Achaeans faced him, thrusting with swords and two-edged spears, and drove him back from them, so that he gave ground and was made to reel. Then he uttered a piercing shout, calling aloud to the Trojans: 150 “You Trojans and Lycians and Dardanians that fight in close combat, stand fast. No long space shall the Achaeans hold me back, for all that they have arrayed themselves in fashion like a wall; no, I think, they will give ground before my spear, if truly the highest of gods has urged me on, the loud-thundering lord of Hera.” 155 So saying, he aroused the strength and spirit of every man. Then among them with high heart strode Deïphobus, son of Priam, and before him he held his shield that was well-balanced upon every side, stepping forward lightly on his feet and advancing under cover of his shield. And Meriones aimed at him with his bright spear, 160 and cast, and did not miss, but struck the shield of bull's hide, that was well balanced upon every side, yet did not in any way drive through it; no, well before that might be, the long spear-shaft was broken in the socket; and Deïphobus held from him the shield of bull's hide, and his heart was seized with fear 165 of the spear of wise-hearted Meriones; but that warrior shrank back into the throng of his comrades, and grew wondrously angry both for the loss of victory and for the spear which he had shattered. And he set out to go along the huts and ships of the Achaeans to fetch a long spear that he had left in his hut. But the rest fought on, and a cry unquenchable arose. 170 And Teucer, son of Telamon, was first to slay his man, the spearman Imbrius, the son of Mentor, rich in horses. He dwelt in Pedaeum before the sons of the Achaeans came, and had as wife a daughter of Priam that was born out of wedlock, Medesicaste; but when the curved ships of the Danaans came 175 he returned back to Ilios and was pre-eminent among the Trojans, and he dwelt in the house of Priam, who held him in like honour with his own children. Him the son of Telamon struck beneath the ear with a thrust of his long spear, and again drew forth the spear; and he fell like an ash-tree that, on the summit of a mountain that is seen from afar on every side, 180 is cut down by the bronze, and brings its tender leafage to the ground; even so he fell, and about him rang his armour adorned with bronze. And Teucer rushed forth eager to strip from him his armour, but Hector, even as he rushed, cast at him with his bright spear. But Teucer, looking steadily at him, avoided the spear of bronze by a little, 185 but Hector struck Amphimachus, son of Cteatus, the son of Actor, in the breast with his spear as he was coming into the battle; and he fell with a thud, and upon him his armour clanged. Then Hector rushed forth to tear from the head of great-hearted Amphimachus the helm that was fitted to his temples, 190 but Aias lunged with his bright spear at Hector as he rushed, yet in no way did he reach his flesh, for he was all clad in dread bronze; but he struck the boss of his shield, and thrust him back with mighty strength, so that he gave ground backward from the two corpses, and the Achaeans drew them off. 195 Amphimachus then Stichius and goodly Menestheus, leaders of the Athenians, carried to the host of the Achaeans, and Imbrius the two Aiantes bore away, their hearts fierce with furious valour. And as when two lions that have snatched away a goat from sharp-toothed hounds, bear it through the thick brush, 200 holding it in their jaws high above the ground, even so the two warrior Aiantes held Imbrius on high, and stripped him of his armour. And the head the son of Oïleus cut from the tender neck, being angry for the slaying of Amphimachus, and with a swing he sent it rolling through the throng like a ball; 205 and it fell in the dust before the feet of Hector. Then truly Poseidon grew mightily angry at heart when his son's son fell in the dread conflict, and he went his way along the huts and ships of the Achaeans to arouse the Danaans; but for the Trojans he was fashioning woes. 210 And there met him Idomeneus, famed for his spear, on his way from a comrade that he had just now found coming from the battle struck in the knee with the sharp bronze. Him his comrades bore forth, but Idomeneus had given charge to the physicians, and was going to his hut, for he was still eager to confront the battle; 215 and the lord, the Shaker of Earth, spoke to him, likening his voice to that of Andraemon's son Thoas, who in all Pleuron and steep Calydon was lord over the Aetolians, and was honoured by the people even as a god: “Idomeneus, counsellor of the Cretans, where now, I ask you, 220 are the threats gone, with which the sons of the Achaeans threatened the Trojans?” And to him Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, made answer: “O Thoas, there is no man now at fault, so far as I know; for we are all skilled in war. Nor is any man held by craven error, 225 nor does any through dread withdraw from evil war, but even so, I think, it must be the good pleasure of the son of Cronos, supreme in might, that the Achaeans should perish here far from Argos, and have no name. But, Thoas, since formerly you were ever staunch in fight, and also urge on another, wherever you see one shrinking from fight, 230 therefore do not cease now, but call to every man.” And Poseidon, the Shaker of Earth, answered him: “Idomeneus, never may that man any more return home from Troy-land, but here may he become the sport of dogs, whoever in this day's course of his own will shrinks from fight. 235 Up then, take your armour and go forth: here it is fitting that we play the man together, in hope there may be help in us, though we are but two. Prowess comes from fellowship even of very sorry folk, but we two know well how to do battle even with men of valour.” So he spoke, and went back again, a god into the toil of men; 240 and Idomeneus, as soon as he had come to his well-built hut, put on his fair armour about his body, and grasped two spears, and went his way like the lightning that the son of Cronos seizes in his hand and brandishes from gleaming Olympus, showing forth a sign to mortals, and brightly flash its rays; 245 even so shone the bronze about his breast as he ran. And Meriones, his valiant squire, met him, while he was still near the hut; for he was on his way to fetch a spear of bronze; and mighty Idomeneus spoke to him: “Meriones, Molus' son, swift of foot, dearest of my comrades, 250 why have you come, leaving the war and battle? Are you perhaps wounded, and does the point of a dart distress you? Or have you come after me with some message? No, of my own self I am eager, not to stay in the huts, but to fight.” To him again the wise Meriones made answer: 255 “Idomeneus, counsellor of the brazen-coated Cretans, I am on my way to fetch a spear, if perhaps you have one left in the huts; for the one that I carried before I have shattered, as I cast at the shield of the overweening Deïphobus.” And to him Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, made answer: 260 “Spears, if you wish, you shall find, whether one or twenty, standing in the hut against the bright entrance wall, spears of the Trojans of which it is my custom to despoil their slain. For I am not minded to fight with the foemen while standing far off; so I have spears and bossed shields, 265 and helms, and corselets gleaming bright.” Then to him the wise Meriones made answer: “Yes, in my own hut also and my black ship are many spoils of the Trojans, but I do not have them at hand to take from. For I think that I too am not forgetful of valour, 270 but I take my stand amid the foremost in battle, where men win glory, whenever the strife of war arises. Some other of the brazen-coated Achaeans might sooner be unaware of my fighting, but you, I think, of your own self know it well.” And to him Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, made answer: 275 “I know what manner of man you are in valour; what need have you to tell the tale of it? For if now all the best of us were being told off beside the ships for an ambush, where the valour of men is best discerned—there the coward comes to light and the man of valour; for the colour of the coward changes ever to another hue, 280 nor is the spirit in his breast steadied that he should remain steadfast, but he shifts from knee to knee and rests on either foot, and his heart beats loudly in his breast as he forebodes death, and the teeth chatter in his mouth; but the colour of the brave man does not change, 285 nor does he fear overmuch once he takes his place in the ambush of warriors, but he prays to mingle at once in woeful war— not even in such case, I say, would any man make light of your courage or the strength of your hands. For if you were stricken by a dart in the toil of battle, or struck with a thrust, not from behind in neck or back would the missile fall; 290 no, but on your breast would it light or on your belly, as you were pressing on into the dalliance of the foremost fighters. But come, no longer let us loiter here and talk thus like children, lest perhaps some man grow angry beyond measure; no, but go to the hut, and get yourself a mighty spear.” 295 So he spoke, and Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, speedily took from the hut a spear of bronze, and followed Idomeneus with high thought of battle. And even as Ares, the bane of mortals, goes forth to war, and with him follows Rout, his son, valiant alike and fearless, 300 who turns to flight a warrior, however staunch of heart he may be—these two arm themselves and go forth from Thrace to join the Ephyri or the great-hearted Phlegyes, yet they do not listen to both sides, but give glory to one or the other; even in such a way did Meriones and Idomeneus, leaders of men, 305 go forth into the fight, harnessed in flaming bronze. And Meriones spoke first to Idomeneus, saying: “Son of Deucalion, at what point are you eager to enter the throng? On the right of all the host, or in the centre, or shall it be on the left? For truly, I think, in no other place 310 do the long-haired Achaeans so fail in the fight.” And to him again Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, made answer: “Among the midmost ships there are others for defence, the two Aiantes, and Teucer, best of all the Achaeans in bowmanship, 315 and a good man too in close fight; these shall drive Hector, Priam's son, to surfeit of war, despite his eagerness, however stalwart he may be. Hard shall it be for him, however furious for war, to overcome their might and their invincible hands, and to fire the ships, unless the son of Cronos should himself 320 cast a blazing brand upon the swift ships. But to no man would great Telamonian Aias yield, to any man that is mortal, and eats the grain of Demeter, and may be cloven with the bronze or crushed with great stones. No, not even to Achilles, breaker of the ranks of men, 325 would he give way, in close fight at least; but in fleetness of foot no man may vie with Achilles. But for us two, do, just as you say, make for the left of the host, that we may know at once whether we shall give glory to another or another to us.” So he spoke, and Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, led the way until they came to the host, at the point where Idomeneus told him to go. 330 Now when the Trojans had sight of Idomeneus, in might as it were a flame, himself and his squire clad in armour richly adorned, they called one to another through the throng, and all made at him; and by the sterns of the ships arose a strife of men clashing together. And as gusts come thick and fast when shrill winds are blowing, 335 on a day when dust lies thickest on the roads, and the winds raise up confusedly a great cloud of dust; even so their battle clashed together, and they were eager in the throng to slay one another with the sharp bronze. And the battle, that brings death to mortals, bristled with long spears 340 which they held for the rending of flesh, and eyes were blinded by the blaze of bronze from gleaming helmets, and corselets newly burnished, and shining shields, as men came on confusedly. Sturdy in truth would he have been of heart who took joy at sight of such toil of war, and did not grieve. 345 Thus were the two mighty sons of Cronos, divided in purpose, fashioning grievous woes for mortal warriors. Zeus would have victory for the Trojans and Hector, so giving glory to Achilles, swift of foot; yet he was in no way minded that the Achaean host should perish utterly before the face of Ilios, 350 but wished only to give glory to Thetis and to her son, strong of heart. But Poseidon went among the Argives and urged them on, stealing forth secretly from the grey sea; for it vexed him that they were being overcome by the Trojans, and against Zeus was he exceedingly angry. Both of them truly were of one stock and of one parentage, 355 but Zeus was the elder born and the wiser. Therefore it was that Poseidon avoided giving open aid, but secretly sought ever to rouse the Argives throughout the host, in the likeness of a man. So these two knotted the ends of the cords of mighty strife and evil war, and drew them taut over both armies, 360 a knot none might break nor undo, that loosed the knees of many men. Then Idomeneus, although his hair was flecked with grey, called to the Danaans, and leaping amid the Trojans turned them to flight. For he slew Othryoneus of Cabesus, a sojourner in Troy, who had only newly come following the rumour of war; 365 and he asked in marriage the comeliest of the daughters of Priam, Cassandra; he brought no gifts of courtship, but promised a mighty deed, that he would drive forth by force out of Troy-land the sons of Achaeans. To him the old man Priam promised that he would give her, and bowed his head to it, and Othryoneus fought, trusting in his promise. 370 But Idomeneus aimed at him with his bright spear, and cast and struck him as he strode proudly on, nor did the corselet of bronze that he wore avail him, but the spear was fixed full in his belly, and he fell with a thud and Idomeneus exulted over him and spoke, saying: “Othryoneus, truly above all mortal men do I count you happy, 375 if in truth you shall accomplish all that you promised to Dardanian Priam; and he promised you his own daughter. Yes, and we too would promise the same and would bring all to pass, and would give you the comeliest of the daughters of the son of Atreus, bringing her forth from Argos that you might wed her; 380 if only you will make common cause with us and sack the well-peopled city of Ilios. No, follow with us, that at the seafaring ships we may make agreement about the marriage, for you may be sure we do not deal harshly in exacting gifts of courtship.” So saying, the warrior Idomeneus dragged him by the foot through the mighty conflict. But Asius came to bear aid to Othryoneus, 385 on foot in front of his horses; and these two the squire that was his charioteer ever drove so that their breath struck upon the shoulders of Asius. And he was ever eager of heart to cast at Idomeneus; but the other was too quick for him, and struck him with a cast of his spear on the throat beneath the chin, and drove the bronze clean through. And he fell as an oak falls, or a poplar, 390 or a tall pine that among the mountains shipwrights fell with whetted axes to be a ship's timber; even so before his horses and chariot Asius lay out-stretched, moaning aloud and clutching at the bloody dust. And the charioteer, stricken with terror, did not keep the wits that he had before, 395 nor dared to turn the horses back and so escape out of the hands of the foemen; but Antilochus, staunch in fight, aimed at him, and pierced him through the middle with his spear, nor did the corselet of bronze that he wore avail him, but he fixed the spear full in his belly. And gasping he fell out of his well-built chariot, 400 and the horses Antilochus, son of great-souled Nestor, drove forth from the Trojans into the host of the well-greaved Achaeans. Then Deïphobus in deep grief for Asius drew very near to Idomeneus, and cast at him with his bright spear. But Idomeneus, looking steadily at him, avoided the spear of bronze, 405 for he hid beneath the cover of his shield that was well-balanced upon every side, which he was accustomed to bear, cunningly wrought with bull's hide and gleaming bronze, and fitted with two rods; beneath this he gathered himself together, and the spear of bronze flew over; and harshly rang his shield, as the spear grazed it. 410 Yet not in vain did Deïphobus let the spear fly from his heavy hand, but he struck Hypsenor, son of Hippasus, shepherd of the people, in the liver beneath the midriff, and at once loosed his knees. And Deïphobus exulted over him in terrible fashion, and cried aloud: “Ha, in truth not unavenged lies Asius; no, I think, 415 even as he goes to the house of Hades, the strong warder, he will be glad at heart, for see, I have given him one to escort him on his way!” So he spoke, and upon the Argives came sorrow because of his exulting, and beyond all did he stir the soul of wise-hearted Antilochus; yet, despite his sorrow, he was not unmindful of his dear comrade, 420 but ran and bestrode him, and covered him with his shield. Then two trusty comrades stooped down, Mecisteus, son of Echius, and goodly Alastor, and bore Hypsenor, groaning heavily, to the hollow ships. And Idomeneus did not slacken in his furious might, but was ever eager 425 to enwrap some one of the Trojans in the darkness of night, or himself to fall in warding off ruin from the Achaeans. Then the dear son of Aesyetes, fostered by Zeus, the warrior Alcathous—son by marriage was he to Anchises, and had married the eldest of his daughters, Hippodameia, 430 whom her father and queenly mother heartily loved in their hall, because she excelled all maidens of her years in comeliness, and in handiwork, and in wisdom; and so the best man in wide Troy had taken her as wife—this Alcathous did Poseidon subdue beneath Idomeneus, 435 for he cast a spell upon his bright eyes and ensnared his glorious limbs that he might in no way flee backwards nor avoid the spear; but as he stood fixed, even as a pillar or a tree, high and leafy, the warrior Idomeneus struck him with a thrust of his spear full upon the breast, 440 and cleft his coat of bronze round about him, that formerly had always warded death from his body, but now it rang harshly as it was cloven about the spear. And he fell with a thud, and the spear was fixed in his heart, that still beating made its butt quiver; but there at length did mighty Ares stay its fury. 445 But Idomeneus exulted over him in terrible fashion, and cried aloud: “Deïphobus, shall we now think perhaps that due requital has been made—three men slain for one—since you boast thus? No, good sir, but stand forth yourself and face me, that you may know what manner of son of Zeus I am that have come here. 450 For Zeus at the first fathered Minos to be a watcher over Crete, and Minos in turn had a son, the peerless Deucalion, and Deucalion fathered me, a lord over many men in wide Crete; and now the ships have brought me here a bane to you and your father and the other Trojans.” 455 So he spoke, and Deïphobus was divided in counsel, whether he should give ground and take as comrade some one of the great-souled Trojans, or should make trial by himself alone. And as he pondered this thing seemed to him the better—to go after Aeneas; and he found him standing last amid the throng, 460 for Aeneas was ever angry with goodly Priam, because brave though he was amid warriors Priam did not honour him a whit. Then Deïphobus drew near and spoke to him winged words: “Aeneas, counsellor of the Trojans, now in truth it is right for you to bear aid to your sister's husband, if in any way grief for your kin comes upon you. 465 Come with me, that we may bear aid to Alcathous, who, though he was only your sister's husband, reared you in the halls when you were still a little child; he, I tell you, has been slain by Idomeneus, famed for his spear.” So he spoke, and roused the heart in the breast of Aeneas, and he went to seek Idomeneus, with high thoughts of war. 470 But terror did not get hold of Idomeneus, as if he had been some petted boy, but he stood his ground like a boar in the mountains, that trusts in his strength, and awaits the great, tumultuous throng of men that comes against him, in a lonely place; he bristles up his back and his two eyes blaze with fire, 475 and he whets his tusks, eager to ward off dogs and men; even so Idomeneus, famed for his spear, awaited the oncoming of Aeneas to bear aid, and did not give ground, but called to his comrades, looking to Ascalaphus, Aphareus, and Deïpyrus, and Meriones, and Antilochus, masters of the war-cry; 480 to these he spoke winged words, and spurred them on: “Here, friends, and bear aid to me who am alone, and greatly do I dread the oncoming of Aeneas, swift of foot, who comes against me; very strong is he to slay men in battle, and he has the flower of youth, in which is the fulness of strength. 485 Were we but of like age and our mood such as now it is, then at once would he win great victory, or perhaps I.” So he spoke, and they all, having one spirit in their breasts, took their stand, each close by the other, leaning their shields against their shoulders. And Aeneas over against them called to his comrades, 490 looking to Deïphobus, and Paris, and goodly Agenor, who with himself were leaders of the Trojans; and after them followed the host, as sheep follow after the ram to water from the place of feeding, and the shepherd rejoices in his heart; even so the heart of Aeneas was glad in his breast, 495 when he saw the throng of the host that followed after him. Then over Alcathous they clashed in close fight with their long spears, and about their breasts the bronze rang terribly as they aimed each at the other in the throng; and above all the rest two men of valour, 500 Aeneas and Idomeneus, peers of Ares, were eager each to cleave the other's flesh with the pitiless bronze. And Aeneas first cast at Idomeneus, but he, looking steadily at him, avoided the spear of bronze, and the lance of Aeneas sank quivering down into the earth, 505 because it sped in vain from his mighty hand. But Idomeneus cast and struck Oenomaus, full upon the belly, and broke the plate of his corselet, and the bronze let forth the bowels through it; and he fell in the dust and clutched the earth in his palm. And Idomeneus drew forth from the corpse the far-shadowing spear, 510 yet he was not able likewise to strip the rest of the fair armour from his shoulders, since he was hard pressed with missiles. For the joints of his feet were not firm as of old in a charge, that he might rush forth after his own cast, or avoid another's. So in close fight he warded off the pitiless day of doom, 515 but in flight his feet no longer bore him swiftly from the war. And as he drew back step by step Deïphobus cast at him with his shining spear, for truly he ever cherished a ceaseless hate against him. But this time again he missed him, and struck with his spear Ascalaphus, son of Enyalius, and through the shoulder the mighty spear held its way; 520 and he fell in the dust and clutched the ground with his palm. But as yet loud-voiced dread Ares did not know at all that his son had fallen in the mighty conflict; but he sat on the topmost peak of Olympus beneath the golden clouds, constrained by the will of Zeus, 525 where also were the other immortal gods, being held aloof from the war. Then over Ascalaphus they clashed in close fight, and Deïphobus tore from Ascalaphus his shining helm, but Meriones, the peer of swift Ares, leapt upon Deïphobus and struck his arm with his spear, 530 and from his hand the crested helm fell to the ground with a clang. And Meriones sprang forth again like a vulture, and drew forth the mighty spear from the upper arm of Deïphobus, and shrank back in the throng of his comrades. But Polites, the own brother of Deïphobus, stretched his arms around his waist, 535 and led him forth out of the dolorous war, until he came to the swift horses that stood waiting for him at the rear of the battle and the conflict with their charioteer and chariot richly adorned. These bore him to the city groaning heavily and deeply distressed and down ran the blood from his newly wounded arm. 540 But the rest fought on, and a cry unquenchable arose. Then Aeneas leapt upon Aphareus, son of Caletor, who was turned toward him, and struck him on the throat with his sharp spear, and his head sank to one side, and his shield was hurled upon him and his helm as well, and death that slays the spirit encompassed him. 545 Then Antilochus, biding his time, leapt upon Thoön, as he turned his back, and struck him with a thrust, and wholly severed the vein that runs along the back continually until it reaches the neck; this he severed wholly, and Thoön fell on his back in the dust, stretching out both his hands to his dear comrades. 550 But Antilochus leapt upon him and set about stripping the armour from off his shoulders, looking warily around the while; for the Trojans encircled him and thrust from this side and from that upon his broad, shining shield; but they could not pierce through and graze the tender flesh of Antilochus with the pitiless bronze; for mightily did Poseidon, the Shaker of Earth, 555 guard Nestor's son, even in the midst of many darts. For never aloof from the foe was Antilochus, but he ranged among them, nor ever was his spear at rest, but was ceaselessly brandished and shaken; and he ever aimed in heart to cast at some foeman, or rush upon him in close fight. 560 But as he was aiming amid the throng he was not unnoticed by Adamas, son of Asius, who struck him full upon the shield with a thrust of the sharp bronze, setting upon him from near at hand. But the spear-point was made of no avail by Poseidon, the dark-haired god, 565 who begrudged it the life of Antilochus. And the one part of the spear stayed here, like a charred stake, in the shield of Antilochus, and half lay on the ground; and Adamas shrank back into the throng of his comrades, avoiding fate. But Meriones followed after him as he went and cast with his spear, and struck him midway between the private parts and the navel, where most of all Ares is cruel to wretched mortals. 570 There he fixed his spear, and the other, leaning over the shaft which pierced him, writhed as a bull that herdsmen amid the mountains have bound with twisted withes and drag with them by force; even so he, when he was struck, writhed a little while, but not long, till the warrior Meriones came near and drew the spear forth out of his flesh; 575 and darkness enfolded his eyes. Then in close fight Helenus struck Deïpyrus on the temple with a great Thracian sword, and tore away his helm, and the helm, dashed from his head, fell to the ground, and one of the Achaeans gathered it up as it rolled amid the feet of the fighters; 580 and down upon the eyes of Deïpyrus came the darkness of night, and enfolded him. But the son of Atreus was seized with grief at this, Menelaus, good at the war-cry, and he strode forth with a threat against the prince, the warrior Helenus, brandishing his sharp spear, while the other drew the centre-piece of his bow. So the two at the same moment let fly, 585 the one with his sharp spear, and the other with an arrow from the string. Then the son of Priam struck Menelaus on the breast with his arrow, on the plate of his corselet, and off from it glanced the bitter arrow. And as from a broad shovel in a great threshing-floor the dark-skinned beans or pulse 590 leap before the shrill wind and the might of the winnower; even so from the corselet of glorious Menelaus glanced aside the bitter arrow and sped afar. But the son of Atreus, Menelaus, good at the war-cry, cast, and struck Helenus on the hand with which he was holding the polished bow, and into the bow 595 clean through the hand was driven the spear of bronze. Then back he shrank into the throng of his comrades, avoiding fate, letting his hand hang down by his side; and the ashen spear trailed after him. This then great-souled Agenor drew forth from his hand, and bound the hand with a strip of twisted sheep's wool, 600 a sling that his squire carried for him, the shepherd of the host. But Peisander made straight at glorious Menelaus; yet an evil fate was leading him to the end of death, to be slain by you, Menelaus, in the dread conflict. And when they had come near, as they advanced one against the other, 605 the son of Atreus missed, and his spear was turned aside; but Peisander thrust and struck the shield of glorious Menelaus, yet could not drive the bronze clean through, for the wide shield stopped it and the spear broke in the socket; yet he had joy at heart, and hope for victory. 610 But the son of Atreus drew his silver-studded sword, and leapt upon Peisander; and he from beneath his shield grasped a noble axe of fine bronze, set on a haft of olive-wood, long and well-polished; and at the same moment they set each upon the other. Peisander indeed struck Menelaus upon the horn of his helmet with crest of horse-hair 615 —on the topmost part beneath the very plume; but Menelaus struck him as he came against him, on the forehead above the base of the nose; and the bones crashed loudly, and the two eyeballs, all bloody, fell before his feet in the dust, and he bowed and fell; and Menelaus set his foot upon his breast, and despoiled him of his arms, and exulted, saying: 620 “In such a way surely shall you leave the ships of the Danaans, drivers of swift horses, you overweening Trojans, insatiate of the dread din of battle. Yes, and of other outrage and shame you lack nothing, with which you have done outrage to me, you evil dogs, and had no fear at heart of the grievous wrath of Zeus, who thunders aloud, the god of hospitality, 625 who shall some day destroy your high city. For you bore forth wantonly over sea my wedded wife and with her much treasure, when it was with her that you had found entertainment; and now again you are very eager to fling consuming fire on the sea-faring ships, and to slay the Achaean warriors. 630 No, but you shall be stopped from your fighting, however eager you may be! Father Zeus, in truth men say that in wisdom you are above all others, both men and gods, yet it is from you that all these things come; in such a way now do you show favour to men of wantonness, the Trojans, whose might is always perverse, 635 nor can they ever have their fill of the din of evil war. Of all things is there satiety, of sleep, and love, and of sweet song, and the noble dance; of these things truly a man would rather have his fill than of war; but the Trojans are insatiate of battle.” 640 With this peerless Menelaus stripped from the body the bloody armour and gave it to his comrades, and he himself went back again, and mingled with the foremost fighters. Then there leapt forth against him the son of king Pylaemenes, Harpalion, who followed his dear father to Troy to the war, 645 but did not come back again to his dear native land. He then thrust with his spear full upon the shield of the son of Atreus, from near at hand, yet could not drive the bronze clean through, and back he shrank into the throng of his comrades, avoiding fate, glancing warily on every side, lest some man should wound his flesh with the bronze. 650 But as he drew back, Meriones let fly at him a bronze-tipped arrow, and struck him on the right buttock, and the arrow passed clean through even to the bladder beneath the bone. And sitting down where he was in the arms of his dear comrades he breathed forth his life, and lay stretched out like a worm on the earth; 655 and the black blood flowed forth and wetted the ground. Him the great-hearted Paphlagonians tended, and setting him in a chariot they bore him to sacred Ilios, sorrowing the while, and with them went his father, shedding tears; but there was no blood-price gotten for his dead son. 660 And for his slaying Paris grew mightily angry at heart, for among the many Paphlagonians Harpalion had been his host; and in wrath for his sake he let fly a bronze-tipped arrow. A certain Euchenor there was, son of Polyidus the prophet, a rich man and a valiant, and his home was in Corinth. 665 He embarked upon his ship knowing full well the deadly fate to be, for often had his old father, good Polyidus, told it to him, namely, that he must either perish of dire disease in his own halls, or amid the ships of the Achaeans be slain by the Trojans; so he avoided at the same time the heavy fine of the Achaeans 670 and the hateful disease, that he might not suffer woes at heart. Him Paris struck beneath the jaw, under the ear, and at once his spirit departed from his limbs, and hateful darkness got hold of him. So they fought like blazing fire; but Hector, dear to Zeus, had not heard, nor knew at all 675 that on the left of the ships his hosts were being slain by the Argives; and soon would the Achaeans have won themselves glory, of such might was the Enfolder and Shaker of Earth who urged on the Argives and also aided them by his own strength. No, Hector pressed on where at the first he had leapt within the gate and the wall, 680 and had burst the close ranks of the Danaan shield-men, even in the place where were the ships of Aias and Protesilaus, drawn up along the beach of the grey sea, and beyond them the wall was built lowest; there, as in no other place, the men and their horses grew furious in fight. 685 There the Boeotians and the Ionians, of trailing tunics, and the Locrians, and Phthians, and glorious Epeians, had great difficulty in stopping his onset upon the ships, and could not thrust back from themselves goodly Hector, who was like a flame of fire,—even they who were picked men of the Athenians; 690 and among them Menestheus, son of Peteos, was leader, and there followed with him Pheidas and Stichius and valiant Bias, while the Epeians were led by Meges, son of Phyleus, and Araphion and Dracius, and in the forefront of the Phthians were Medon and Podarces, staunch in fight. The one, Medon, was a bastard son of godlike Oïleus 695 and brother of Aias, but he dwelt in Phylace, far from his native land, because he had slain a man of the kin of his stepmother Eriopis, whom Oïleus had as wife; and the other, Podarces, was the son of Iphiclus, son of Phylacus. These, harnessed in their armour, in the forefront of the great-souled Phthians, 700 were fighting in defence of the ships together with the Boeotians. And Aias, the swift son of Oïleus, would no more in any way depart from the side of Aias, son of Telamon, no, not for an instant; but even as in fallow land two wine-dark oxen with one accord strain at the jointed plough, and about 705 the roots of their horns oozes up the sweat in streams—the two the polished yoke alone holds apart as they labour through the furrow, till the plough cuts to the limit of the field; even in such a way did the two Aiantes take their stand and stay each close by the other's side. After the son of Telamon indeed there followed many valiant hosts of his comrades, 710 who would ever take from him his shield, whenever weariness and sweat came upon his limbs. But the Locrians did not follow with the great-hearted son of Oïleus, for their hearts did not remain steadfast in close fight, since they had no brazen helms with thick plumes of horse-hair, 715 nor round shields, nor spears of ash, but trusting in bows and well-twisted slings of sheep's wool had they followed with him to Ilios; with these thereafter they shot thick and fast, and sought to break the battalions of the Trojans. So the one part in front with their war-gear, richly adorned, 720 fought with the Trojans and with Hector in his harness of bronze, and the others behind kept shooting from their cover; and the Trojans thought no more of fight, for the arrows confounded them. Then in sorry fashion would the Trojans have given ground from the ships and huts to windy Ilios, 725 had not Polydamas drawn near to bold Hector, and said: “Hector, hard to deal with are you, that you should listen to words of persuasion. Since god has given to you as to none other works of war, therefore in counsel too are you minded to have wisdom beyond all; but in no way shall you be able of your own self to compass all things. 730 To one man has God given works of war, to another the dance, to another the lyre and song, and in the breast of another Zeus, whose voice is borne afar, puts a mind of understanding, from which many men get profit, and many he saves; but he knows it best himself. 735 So I will speak what seems to me to be best. Behold, all about you blazes a circle of war, and the great-souled Trojans, now that they have passed over the wall, are some of them standing aloof with their arms, and others are fighting, fewer men against more, scattered among the ships. 740 No, fall back, and call here all the bravest. Then shall we consider all manner of counsel, whether we shall fall upon the many-benched ships, if the god wills to give us victory, or thereafter shall return unscathed back from the ships. Truly, for myself, 745 I fear lest the Achaeans shall pay back the debt of yesterday, since there stays by the ships a man insatiate of war, who no longer, I think, will hold himself utterly aloof from battle.” So Polydamas spoke, and his prudent counsel was well pleasing to Hector, and at once he leapt in his armour from his chariot to the ground; 750 and he spoke and addressed him with winged words: “Polydamas, hold back here all the bravest, but I will go there and confront the war, and quickly will I come again, when to the full I have laid on them my charge.” So he spoke, and set forth, in semblance like a snowy mountain, 755 and with loud shouting he sped through the Trojans and allies. And they hastened one and all toward the kindly Polydamas, son of Panthous when they heard the voice of Hector. But he ranged through the foremost fighters, in quest of Deïphobus, and the valiant prince Helenus, and Adamas, son of Asius, and Asius, son of Hyrtacus, 760 if perhaps he might find them. But he found them no more in any way unscathed or free from bane, but some were lying at the sterns of the ships of the Achaeans, slain by the hands of the Argives, and some were within the wall, struck by darts or wounded with spear-thrusts. 765 But one he soon found on the left of the tearful battle, goodly Alexander, the lord of fair-tressed Helen, heartening his comrades and urging them on to fight; and he drew near and spoke to him with words of shame: “Evil Paris, most fair to look upon, you who are mad after women, you beguiler, 770 where, I ask you, is Deïphobus, and the valiant prince Helenus, and Adamas, son of Asius, and Asius, son of Hyrtacus? Yes, and where, tell me, is Othryoneus? Now is steep Ilios wholly plunged into ruin; now, you may see, is utter destruction sure.” Then godlike Alexander spoke to him again: 775 “Hector, since it is your mind to blame one in whom is no blame, at some other time have I perhaps withdrawn from war rather than now, for my mother did not bear even me wholly a weakling. For from the time you roused the battle of your comrades beside the ships, even from that time we stay here and have dalliance with the Danaans 780 ceaselessly; but our comrades are dead about whom you ask. Only Deïphobus and the valiant prince Helenus have departed, both of them struck in the arm with long spears; yet the son of Cronos warded off death. But now lead on wherever your heart and spirit bid you, 785 and as for us, we will follow with you eagerly, nor, I think, shall we be in any way wanting in valour, so far as we have strength; but beyond his strength no man may fight, however eager he may be.” So the warrior spoke, and turned his brother's mind; and they set out to go where the battle and the din were fiercest, 790 round about Cebriones and peerless Polydamas, and Phalces, and Orthaeus, and godlike Polyphetes, and Palmys, and Ascanius, and Morys, son of Hippotion, who had come from deep-soiled Ascania on the morning before to relieve their fellows, and now Zeus roused them to fight. 795 And they came on like the blast of direful winds that rushes upon the earth beneath the thunder of father Zeus, and with wondrous din mingles with the sea, and in its track are many surging waves of the loud-resounding sea, high-arched and white with foam, some in the van and after them others; 800 even so the Trojans, in close array, some in the van and after them others, flashing with bronze, followed with their leaders. And Hector, son of Priam, led them, the peer of Ares, the bane of mortals. Before him he held his shield that was well-balanced upon every side, his shield thick with hides, on which abundant bronze had been welded, 805 and about his temples waved the crest of his shining helm. And everywhere on this side and on that he strode forward and made trial of the battalions, if they would give way before him, as he advanced under cover of his shield; yet he could not confound the heart in the breast of the Achaeans. And Aias came on with long strides, and was first to challenge him: 810 “Good sir, draw near; why do you seek thus vainly to frighten the Argives? In no way, I tell you, are we ignorant of battle, but by the evil scourge of Zeus were we Achaeans subdued. Truly, your heart hopes, I think, to despoil our ships, but be sure we too have hands to defend them. 815 In truth your well-peopled city is likely, before that, to be taken and laid waste beneath our hands. And for your own self, I declare that the day is near when in flight you shall pray to father Zeus and the other immortals, that your fair-maned horses may be swifter than falcons— 820 they that shall bear you citywards, coursing in dust over the plain.” Even as he spoke thus, there flew forth a bird upon the right hand, an eagle of lofty flight; and at this the host of the Achaeans shouted aloud, heartened by the omen; but glorious Hector made answer: “Aias, witless in speech, you braggart, what a thing you have said. 825 I wish that I my own self were all my days as surely the son of Zeus, who bears the aegis, and my mother were the queenly Hera, and that I were honoured even as are Athene and Apollo, as truly this day bears evil for the Argives, one and all; and among them shall you too be slain, if you have the heart 830 to await my long spear, that shall rend your lily-like skin; and you shall glut with your fat and your flesh the dogs and birds of the Trojans, when you have fallen amid the ships of the Achaeans.” So he spoke, and led the way; and they followed after with a wondrous din, and the host shouted behind. 835 And the Argives over against them shouted in answer, and did not forget their valour, but awaited the oncoming of the best of the Trojans; and the clamour of the two hosts went up to the aether and the splendour of Zeus.

14And the cry of battle was not unnoticed by Nestor, though he was at his wine, but he spoke winged words to the son of Asclepius: “Consider, goodly Machaon, how these things are to be; louder indeed by the ships grows the cry of lusty youths. 5 But sit now where you are and drink the flaming wine, until fair-tressed Hecamede heats a warm bath for you, and washes from you the clotted blood, but I will go at once to a place of outlook and see what is happening.” So he spoke and took the well-wrought shield of his son, 10 horse-taming Thrasymedes, that was lying in the hut, all gleaming with bronze; but the son had the shield of his father. And he grasped a valorous spear, tipped with sharp bronze, and took his stand outside the hut, and at once saw a deed of shame, the Achaeans in rout and the Trojans high of heart driving them; 15 and the wall of the Achaeans was broken down. And as when the great sea heaves darkly with a soundless swell, and forebodes the swift paths of the shrill winds, though only vaguely, and its waves do not roll forward to this side or to that until some settled gale comes down from Zeus; 20 even so the old man pondered, his mind divided this way and that, whether he should hurry into the throng of the Danaans of swift steeds, or go after Agamemnon, son of Atreus, shepherd of the host. And as he pondered, this seemed to him the better—to go after the son of Atreus. But the others meanwhile were fighting on and slaying one another, 25 and about their bodies rang the stubborn bronze, as they thrust at one another with swords and two-edged spears. And Nestor was met by the kings, fostered of Zeus, as they went up from the ships, all those who had been struck by the bronze, the son of Tydeus, and Odysseus, and Atreus' son, Agamemnon. 30 Far apart from the battle were their ships drawn up on the shore of the grey sea; for these they had drawn up to land in the foremost row, but had built the wall close to the hindmost. For though the beach was wide, yet it could in no way hold all the ships, and the host was cramped; 35 so they had drawn up the ships row behind row, and had filled up the wide mouth of all the shore that the headlands shut in between them. The kings therefore were going all in one body, leaning each on his spear, to look upon the war and the combat, and grieved were the hearts in their breasts. 40 And old Nestor met them, and made the spirit quail in the breasts of the Achaeans. Then lord Agamemnon lifted up his voice and spoke to him: “O Nestor, son of Neleus, great glory of the Achaeans, why have you left the war, the bane of men, and come here? I fear that in truth mighty Hector may make good his word and the threats with which he once threatened us, 45 as he spoke among the Trojans, that he would not return to Ilios from the ships till he had burned the ships with fire and slain the men as well. So he spoke, and now all this is truly being brought to pass. Alas! surely the other well-greaved Achaeans 50 are laying up wrath against me in their hearts, even as Achilles does, and have no mind to fight by the sterns of the ships.” Then the horseman Nestor of Gerenia answered him: “Yes, truly, these things have now been brought to pass and are here at hand, nor could Zeus himself, who thunders on high, fashion them otherwise. 55 For see, the wall has been thrown down, in which we put our trust that it should be an unbreakable bulwark for our ships and ourselves. And the foes at the swift ships maintain a ceaseless fight, and make no end; nor could you any longer tell, were you to look ever so closely, from what side the Achaeans are driven in rout, 60 so confusedly are they slain, and the cry of battle goes up to heaven. But as for us, let us take thought how these things are to be, if wit may avail anything. But I do not urge that we should enter the war; in no way can a wounded man do battle.” Then again the king of men, Agamemnon, answered: 65 “Nestor, since they are fighting at the sterns of the ships, and the well-built wall has not availed, nor in any way the trench, over which the Danaans toiled hard, and hoped in their hearts that it would be an unbreakable bulwark for their ships and for themselves—even so, I think, it must be the good pleasure of Zeus, supreme in might, 70 that the Achaeans should perish here far from Argos, and have no name. I knew it when with a ready heart he was aiding the Danaans, and I know it now when he is giving glory to our foes, as to the blessed gods, and has bound our might and our hands. Come now, as I direct, let us all obey. 75 Let us drag down the ships that are drawn up in the first line close by the sea, and let us draw them all out into the bright sea, and moor them afloat with anchor-stones, till immortal night comes, if even at her bidding the Trojans will refrain from war; and after that we might drag down all the ships. 80 For truly I count it no shame to flee from ruin, no, not even by night. Better it is if one flees from ruin and escapes, than if he is taken.” Then with an angry glance from beneath his brows Odysseus of many wiles addressed him: “Son of Atreus, what a word has escaped the barrier of your teeth! Doomed man that you are, I wish you were in command of some other, inglorious army, 85 and not king over us, to whom Zeus has given, from youth right up to age, to wind the skein of grievous wars till we perish, every man of us. Are you in truth so eager to leave behind you the broad-wayed city of the Trojans, for the sake of which we endure many grievous woes? 90 Be silent, lest some other of the Achaeans hear this word, which no man should in any way allow to pass through his mouth at all, no man who has understanding in his heart to utter things that are right, and who is a sceptred king to whom hosts as many yield obedience as are the Argives among whom you are lord. 95 But now I have utter scorn for your wits, that you speak in this way, since you urge us, when war and battle are afoot, to draw down our well-benched ships to the sea, so that even more than before the Trojans may have their desire, they who are victors even now, and that on us utter destruction may fall. For the Achaeans 100 will not maintain their fight once the ships are drawn down to the sea, but will always be looking away, and will withdraw from battle. Then your counsel will prove our bane, you leader of hosts.” To him then Agamemnon, king of men, made answer: “Odysseus, in truth you have stung my heart with harsh reproof; 105 yet I do not urge that against their will the sons of the Achaeans should drag the well-benched ships down to the sea. But now I wish there were one who might utter counsel better than this of mine, whether young man or old; most welcome would it be to me.” Then among them Diomedes, good at the war-cry, also spoke: 110 “Near by is that man; not long shall we seek him, if you are minded to listen, and are in no way vexed and angry, each one of you, because in years I am the youngest among you. No, of a noble father I too declare that I come by lineage, of Tydeus, whom in Thebe the heaped-up earth covers. 115 For to Portheus were born three peerless sons, and they dwelt in Pleuron and steep Calydon, Agrius and Melas, and the third was the horseman Oeneus, who was father to my father, and in valour was pre-eminent among them. He remained there, but my father went wandering to Argos, and there settled, 120 for so, I think, was the will of Zeus and the other gods. And he wedded one of the daughters of Adrastus, and dwelt in a house rich in substance, and abundance was his of wheat-bearing fields, and many orchards of trees round about, and many sheep besides; and with his spear he excelled all the Argives. 125 Of these things you must have heard, whether I speak the truth. So you shall not say that by lineage I am a coward and a weakling, and so despise my spoken counsel, whatever I may speak rightly. Come, let us go down to the battle, wounded though we are, since we must. After that we will hold ourselves aloof from the fight, 130 beyond the range of missiles, lest perhaps anyone take wound on wound; but the others we will spur on and send into battle, those who until now have indulged their resentment, and who stand aloof and do not fight.” So he spoke, and they readily listened to him and obeyed. So they set out to go, and the king of men, Agamemnon, led them. 135 And no blind watch did the famed Shaker of Earth keep, but went with them in the likeness of an old man, and he laid hold of the right hand of Agamemnon, son of Atreus, and spoke, and addressed him with winged words: “Son of Atreus, now indeed, I think, the baneful heart of Achilles 140 rejoices within his breast, as he beholds the slaughter and rout of the Achaeans, since he has no understanding, no, not a whit. Well, so may he perish, and a god bring him low. But with you the blessed gods are in no way utterly angry; no, even yet, I think, shall the leaders and rulers of the Trojans 145 raise the dust of the wide plain, and you yourself behold them fleeing to the city from the ships and huts.” So saying, he shouted mightily, as he sped over the plain. Loud as nine thousand warriors, or ten thousand, cry in battle when they join in the strife of the War-god, 150 even so mighty a shout did the lord, the Shaker of Earth, send forth from his breast; and in the heart of each man of the Achaeans he put great strength, to war and fight unceasingly. Now Hera of the golden throne, standing on a peak of Olympus, caught sight of him from there, and at once knew him 155 as he went busily about in the battle where men win glory, her own brother and her lord's as well; and she was glad at heart. And Zeus she saw seated on the topmost peak of many-fountained Ida, and hateful was he to her heart. Then she took thought, the ox-eyed, queenly Hera, 160 how she might beguile the mind of Zeus who bears the aegis. And this plan seemed to her mind the best—to go to Ida, when she had beautifully adorned her person, in the hope that he might desire to lie by her side and embrace her body in love, and she might shed a warm and gentle sleep 165 upon his eyelids and his cunning mind. So she went her way to her chamber, which her dear son Hephaestus had fashioned for her, and had fitted strong doors to the door-posts with a secret bolt, that no other god might open. Into it she went, and closed the bright doors. 170 With ambrosia first she cleansed from her lovely body every stain, and anointed herself richly with oil, ambrosial, soft, and of rich fragrance; were this but shaken in the palace of Zeus with threshold of bronze, even so its fragrance would reach to earth and heaven. 175 With this she anointed her lovely body, and she combed her hair, and with her hands plaited the bright tresses, fair and ambrosial, that streamed from her immortal head. Then she clothed herself in a robe ambrosial, which Athene had wrought for her with cunning skill, and had set on it very many embroideries; 180 and she pinned it upon her breast with brooches of gold, and she fastened about her a girdle set with a hundred tassels, and in her pierced ears she put ear-rings with three clustering drops; and abundant grace shone from them. And with a veil over all did the bright goddess 185 veil herself, a fair veil, all glistening, and it was white as the sun; and beneath her shining feet she bound her fair sandals. But when she had decked her body with all adornment, she went out from her chamber, and calling Aphrodite to her, apart from the other gods, she spoke to her, saying: 190 “Will you now listen to me, dear child, in what I shall say? or will you refuse me, being angered at heart because I give aid to the Danaans and you to the Trojans?” Then Aphrodite, daughter of Zeus, made answer to her: “Hera, queenly goddess, daughter of great Cronos, 195 speak what is in your mind; my heart bids me fulfill it, if I can fulfill it, and if it is a thing that can be fulfilled.” Then with crafty thought queenly Hera spoke to her: “Give me now love and desire, with which you are accustomed to subdue all immortals and mortal men. 200 For I am going to visit the limits of the all-nurturing earth, and Oceanus, from whom the gods are sprung, and mother Tethys, those who lovingly nursed and cherished me in their halls, when they had taken me from Rhea, at the time when Zeus, whose voice is borne afar, thrust Cronos down to dwell beneath earth and the unresting sea. 205 Them I am going to visit, and will loose for them their endless strife, since now for a long time they have kept aloof from one another, from the marriage-bed and from love, because wrath has come upon their hearts. If by words I might only persuade the hearts of these two, and bring them back to be joined together in love, 210 I should ever be called dear by them and worthy of reverence.” To her again laughter-loving Aphrodite spoke in answer: “It cannot be that I should refuse you, nor would it be seemly; for you sleep in the arms of mightiest Zeus.” She spoke, and loosed from her bosom the embroidered girdle, 215 intricately wrought, in which are fashioned all manner of allurements; in it is love, in it desire, in it dalliance—beguilement that steals the wits even of the wise. This she laid in her hands, and spoke, and addressed her: “Take now and lay in your bosom this girdle, 220 intricately wrought, in which all things are fashioned; I tell you, you shall not return with that unaccomplished, whatever in your heart you desire.” So she spoke, and ox-eyed, queenly Hera smiled, and smiling laid the girdle in her bosom. She then went to her house, the daughter of Zeus, Aphrodite, 225 but Hera darted down and left the peak of Olympus; on Pieria she stepped and lovely Emathia, and sped over the snowy mountains of the Thracian horsemen, over their topmost peaks, nor did she graze the ground with her feet; and from Athos she stepped upon the billowy sea, 230 and so came to Lemnos, the city of godlike Thoas. There she met Sleep, the brother of Death; and she clasped him by the hand, and spoke and addressed him: “Sleep, lord of all gods and of all men, if ever you listened to a word of mine, so obey me even now, 235 and I will owe you thanks all my days. Lull to sleep for me the bright eyes of Zeus beneath his brows, as soon as I have lain by his side in love. And gifts I will give you, a fair throne, ever imperishable, wrought of gold, that Hephaestus, my own son, 240 the god of the two strong arms, shall fashion for you with skill, and beneath it he shall set a foot-stool for the feet, on which you may rest your shining feet when you drink your wine.” Then sweet Sleep made answer to her, saying: “Hera, queenly goddess, daughter of great Cronos, another of the gods, that are for ever, I might easily lull to sleep, yes, even were it the streams of the river 245 Oceanus, from whom they all are sprung; but to Zeus, son of Cronos, I will not draw near, nor lull him to slumber, unless he himself bids me. For before now in another matter a command of yours taught me a lesson, 250 on the day when the glorious son of Zeus, high of heart, sailed from Ilios, when he had laid waste the city of the Trojans. I, for my part, beguiled the mind of Zeus, who bears the aegis, being shed in sweetness round about him, and you devised evil in your heart against his son, when you had roused the blasts of cruel winds over the face of the deep, and afterward bore him away to well-peopled Cos, far from all his kinsfolk. But Zeus, when he awakened, was angry, and flung the gods here and there about his palace, and me above all he sought, and would have hurled me from heaven into the deep to be seen no more, had Night not saved me—Night that bends to her sway both gods and men. 260 To her I came in my flight, and implored her, and Zeus restrained himself, though he was angry, for he was in awe lest he do anything displeasing to swift Night. And now again you ask me to fulfill this other task, that can in no way be done.” To him then ox-eyed, queenly Hera spoke again: “Sleep, why do you ponder these things in your heart? 265 Do you think that Zeus, whose voice is borne afar, will aid the Trojans, even as he grew angry for the sake of Heracles, his own son? No, come, I will give you one of the youthful Graces to wed and to be called your wife, Pasithea, for whom you have ever longed all your days.” 270 So she spoke, and Sleep was glad, and made answer saying: “Come now, swear to me by the inviolable water of Styx, and with one hand take hold of the bounteous earth, and with the other of the shimmering sea, that one and all they may be witnesses between us two, the gods that are below with Cronos, 275 that truly you will give me one of the youthful Graces, Pasithea, whom I myself long for all my days.” So he spoke, and the goddess, white-armed Hera, did not fail to heed him, but swore as he asked, and invoked by name all the gods below Tartarus, who are called Titans. 280 But when she had sworn and finished the oath, the two left the cities of Lemnos and Imbros, and clothed in mist went forth, speeding swiftly on their way. To many-fountained Ida they came, the mother of wild creatures, to Lectum, where they first left the sea; and the two went on over the dry land, 285 and the topmost forest quivered beneath their feet. There Sleep halted, before the eyes of Zeus saw him, and climbed up on a fir-tree exceedingly tall, the highest that then grew in Ida; and it reached up through the mists into heaven. On it he perched, thick-hidden by the branches of the fir, 290 in the likeness of a clear-voiced mountain bird, that the gods call Chalcis, and men Cymindis. But Hera swiftly drew near to topmost Gargarus, the peak of lofty Ida, and Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, beheld her. And when he beheld her, then love encompassed his wise heart, 295 even as when at the first they had gone to the couch and had dalliance together in love, their dear parents knowing nothing of it. And he stood before her, and spoke, and addressed her: “Hera, with what desire have you come here down from Olympus? See, your horses are not at hand, nor your chariot, on which you might mount.” 300 Then with crafty mind the queenly Hera spoke to him: “I am going to visit the limits of the all-nurturing earth, and Oceanus, from whom the gods are sprung, and mother Tethys, those who lovingly nursed me and cherished me in their halls. Them I am going to visit, and will loose for them their endless strife, 305 since now for a long time they have kept aloof from one another, from the marriage-bed and from love, because wrath has fallen upon their hearts. And my horses stand at the foot of many-fountained Ida, my horses that shall bear me both over the solid land and the waters of the sea. But now it is because of you that I have come here down from Olympus, 310 lest perhaps you might grow angry with me later, if without a word I depart to the house of deep-flowing Oceanus.” Then Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, spoke to her in answer: “Hera, you may go there even later. But for us two, come, let us take our joy couched together in love; 315 for never yet did desire for goddess or mortal woman so shed itself about me and overmaster the heart within my breast—no, not when I was seized with love of the wife of Ixion, who bore Peirithous, the peer of the gods in counsel; nor of Danaë of the fair ankles, daughter of Acrisius, 320 who bore Perseus, pre-eminent above all warriors; nor of the daughter of far-famed Phoenix, who bore me Minos and godlike Rhadamanthys; nor of Semele, nor of Alcmene in Thebes, and she brought forth Heracles, her son stout of heart, 325 and Semele bore Dionysus, the joy of mortals; nor of Demeter, the fair-tressed queen; nor of glorious Leto; no, nor yet of your own self, as now I love you, and sweet desire takes hold of me.” Then with crafty mind the queenly Hera spoke to him: 330 “Most dread son of Cronos, what a word you have said. If now you are eager to be couched in love on the peaks of Ida, where all is plain to view, what if some one of the gods that are for ever should behold us two as we sleep, and should go and tell it to all the gods? 335 Then truly I could not rise from the couch and go again to your house; that would be a shameful thing. But if you will, and it is your heart's good pleasure, you have a chamber, that your dear son Hephaestus fashioned for you, and fitted strong doors upon the door-posts. 340 There let us go and lie down, since the couch is your desire.” Then Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, spoke to her in answer: “Hera, do not fear that any god or man shall behold the thing, with such a cloud shall I enfold you, a cloud of gold. Through it not even Helios could discern us two, 345 though his sight is the keenest of all for beholding.” With that the son of Cronos clasped his wife in his arms, and beneath them the divine earth made fresh-sprung grass to grow, and dewy lotus, and crocus, and hyacinth, thick and soft, that bore them up from the ground. 350 There lay the two, and were clothed about with a cloud, fair and golden, from which fell drops of glistening dew. Thus in quiet slept the Father on topmost Gargarus, by sleep and love overmastered, and clasped in his arms his wife. But sweet Sleep set out to run to the ships of the Argives 355 to bear word to the Enfolder and Shaker of Earth. And he came up to him, and spoke winged words, saying: “With a ready heart now, Poseidon, bring aid to the Danaans, and grant them glory, if only for a little while, while Zeus still sleeps; for over him I have shed soft slumber, 360 and Hera has beguiled him to couch with her in love.” So he spoke and departed to the glorious tribes of men, but Poseidon he spurred on yet more to bear aid to the Danaans. At once then he leapt forth among the foremost, and cried aloud: “Argives, are we in truth again to yield victory to Hector, 365 son of Priam, that he may take the ships and win glory for himself? Indeed, so he says, and boasts that it shall be, because Achilles remains by the hollow ships, filled with wrath at heart. Yet we shall in no way miss him overmuch if we others rouse ourselves to bear aid one to the other. 370 Come now, as I direct, let us all obey. In the shields that are best in the host and largest let us arm ourselves, and our heads let us cover with helmets all-gleaming, and in our hands take the longest spears, and so go forth. And I will lead the way, nor, I think, 375 will Hector, son of Priam, hold his ground longer, however eager he may be. And whoever is a man, staunch in fight, but has a small shield on his shoulder, let him give it to a worse man, and himself take up a large shield.” So he spoke, and they readily listened to him, and obeyed. And the kings themselves, though they were wounded, set them in array, 380 the son of Tydeus, and Odysseus, and Atreus' son Agamemnon. And going throughout all the host, they made exchange of battle-gear. In good armour the good warrior arrayed himself, and to the worse they gave the worse. Then when they had clothed their bodies in gleaming bronze, they set forth, and Poseidon, the Shaker of Earth, led them, 385 bearing in his strong hand a dread sword, long of edge, like the lightning, with which it is not permitted that any should mingle in dreadful war, but terror holds men aloof from it. But the Trojans facing them glorious Hector was setting in array. Then truly were strained the cords of war's most dreadful strife 390 by dark-haired Poseidon and glorious Hector, bearing aid the one to the Trojans, the other to the Argives. And the sea surged up to the huts and ships of the Argives, and the two sides clashed with a mighty din. Not so loudly bellows the wave of the sea upon the shore, 395 driven up from the deep by the dread blast of the North Wind, nor so loud is the roar of blazing fire in the glades of a mountain when it leaps to burn the forest, nor does the wind shriek so loud amid the high crests of the oaks—the wind that roars the loudest in its rage— 400 as then was the cry of Trojans and Achaeans, shouting terribly as they leapt upon each other. At Aias glorious Hector first cast his spear, as he was turned full toward him, and did not miss him, but struck him where the two baldrics— 405 one of his shield and one of his silver-studded sword—were stretched across his breast; and they guarded his tender flesh. And Hector grew angry because the swift shaft had flown vainly from his hand, and back he shrank into the throng of his comrades, avoiding fate. But then as he drew back, great Telamonian Aias struck him with a stone; 410 for many there were, props of the swift ships, that rolled among their feet as they fought; of these he lifted one on high, and struck Hector on the chest over the shield-rim, close by the neck, and set him whirling like a top with the blow; and he spun round and round. And even as when beneath the blast of father Zeus an oak falls uprooted, 415 and a dread reek of sulphur rises from it—then truly courage no longer possesses him who looks on it and stands near by, for dread is the bolt of great Zeus—even so mighty Hector fell at once to the ground in the dust. And the spear fell from his hand, but the shield was hurled upon him, 420 and the helmet as well, and round about him rang his armour adorned with bronze. Then with loud shouts they ran up, the sons of the Achaeans, hoping to drag him off, and they hurled their spears thick and fast; but no one succeeded in wounding the shepherd of the host with thrust or with cast, for before that could be, the bravest stood forth to guard him, 425 Polydamas, and Aeneas, and goodly Agenor, and Sarpedon, leader of the Lycians, and peerless Glaucus as well, and of the rest no man was heedless of him, but before him they held their round shields; and his comrades lifted him up in their arms and bore him out of the toil of war until he came to the swift horses 430 that stood waiting for him at the rear of the battle and the conflict, with their charioteer and chariot richly adorned. These bore him groaning heavily toward the city. But when they had now come to the ford of the fair-flowing river, eddying Xanthus, whom immortal Zeus fathered, 435 there they lifted him from the chariot to the ground and poured water upon him. And he revived, and looked up with his eyes, and kneeling on his knees he vomited forth black blood. Then again he sank back upon the ground, and both his eyes were enfolded in black night; and the blow still overwhelmed his spirit. 440 But when the Argives saw Hector withdrawing, they leapt yet the more upon the Trojans, and turned their minds to battle. Then far the first did swift Aias, son of Oïleus, leap upon Satnius and wound him with a thrust of his sharp spear, the son of Enops, whom a peerless Naiad nymph conceived 445 to Enops, as he tended his herds by the banks of Satnioeis. To him the son of Oïleus, famed for his spear, drew near, and struck him upon the flank; and he fell backward, and about him Trojans and Danaans joined in fierce conflict. To him then came Polydamas, wielder of the spear, to bear him aid, 450 the son of Panthous, and he cast and struck upon the right shoulder Prothoënor, son of Areïlycus, and through the shoulder the mighty spear held its way; and he fell in the dust and clutched the ground with his palm. And Polydamas exulted over him terribly, and cried aloud: “Ha, I think, yet again from the strong hand of the great-souled son of Panthous 455 has the spear not leapt in vain. No, one of the Argives has got it in his flesh, and leaning on it for a staff, I think, he will go down into the house of Hades.” So he spoke, but upon the Argives came sorrow because of his exulting, and beyond all he stirred the soul of Aias, wise of heart, 460 the son of Telamon, for closest to him did the man fall. Swiftly then he cast with his bright spear at the other, even as he was drawing back. And Polydamas himself escaped black fate, springing to one side; but Archelochus, son of Antenor, received the spear; for to him the gods purposed death. 465 Him the spear struck at the joining of head and neck on the topmost joint of the spine, and it sheared off both the sinews. And far sooner did his head and mouth and nose reach the earth as he fell, than his legs and knees. Then Aias in his turn called aloud to peerless Polydamas: 470 “Consider, Polydamas, and tell me truly, was not this man worthy to be slain in requital for Prothoënor? No mean man he seems to me, nor of mean descent, but a brother of Antenor, tamer of horses, or perhaps a son; for he is most like him in build.” 475 So he spoke, knowing the truth very well, and sorrow seized the hearts of the Trojans. Then Acamas, as he stood over his brother, struck with a thrust of his spear the Boeotian Promachus, who was seeking to drag the body from beneath him by the feet. And over him Acamas exulted terribly, and cried aloud: “You Argives, who rage with the bow, insatiable in threats, 480 not for us alone, mind you, shall there be toil and woe, but in like manner you too shall be slain. See how your Promachus sleeps, vanquished by my spear, so that the blood-price of my brother may not be long unpaid. Yes, and for this reason a man prays 485 that a kinsman may be left him in his halls, to ward off ruin.” So he spoke, and upon the Argives came sorrow because of his exulting, and beyond all he stirred the soul of wise-hearted Peneleos. He rushed upon Acamas, but Acamas did not await the onset of the prince Peneleos. Yet Peneleos thrust and struck Ilioneus, 490 son of Phorbas, rich in herds, whom Hermes loved above all the Trojans and gave him wealth; and to him the mother bore Ilioneus, an only child. Him then Peneleos struck beneath the brow at the roots of the eyes, and drove out the eyeball, and the shaft went clean through the eye 495 and through the nape of the neck, and he sank down stretching out both his hands. But Peneleos drawing his sharp sword let drive full upon his neck, and struck off to the ground the head with the helmet, and still the mighty spear stood in the eye; and holding it on high like a poppy-head 500 he showed it to the Trojans, and spoke a word exultingly: “Tell, I beg you, Trojans, the dear father and the mother of lordly Ilioneus to make wailing in their halls, for neither will the wife of Promachus, son of Alegenor, rejoice in the coming of her dear husband, 505 when we youths of the Achaeans return with our ships out of Troy-land.” So he spoke, and at this trembling seized the limbs of them all, and each man gazed about to see how he might escape utter destruction. Tell me now, you Muses, who have dwellings on Olympus, who was first of the Achaeans to bear away the bloody spoils of warriors, 510 when once the famed Shaker of Earth had turned the battle. Aias was first, the son of Telamon. He struck Hyrtius, the son of Gyrtius, leader of the Mysians stalwart of heart; and Antilochus stripped the spoils from Phalces and Mermerus, and Meriones slew Morys and Hippotion, 515 and Teucer laid low Prothoön and Periphetes; after that Atreus' son struck with a thrust in the flank Hyperenor, shepherd of the host, and the bronze let out the bowels, as it cut through, and his soul sped hastening through the stricken wound, and darkness enfolded his eyes. 520 But most men did Aias slay, the swift son of Oïleus; for there was none other like him to pursue with speed of foot amid the rout of men, when Zeus turned them to flight.

15But when the Trojans in their flight had passed over the palisade and the trench, and many had been vanquished beneath the hands of the Danaans, then beside their chariots they stayed, and were halted, pale with fear, terror-stricken; and Zeus awoke 5 on the peaks of Ida beside Hera of the golden throne. Then he sprang up, and stood, and saw Trojans alike and Achaeans, these in rout, and the Argives driving them on from the rear, and amid them the lord Poseidon. And Hector he saw lying on the plain, while about him sat his comrades, 10 and he was gasping with painful breath, distraught in mind, and vomiting blood; for not the weakest of the Achaeans was it that had struck him. At sight of him the father of men and gods had pity, and with a dread glance from beneath his brows he spoke to Hera, saying: “Hera, you who are hard to deal with, it is the craft of your evil wiles 15 that has kept goodly Hector from the fight, and has driven the host in rout. Truly I do not know but that you will yet be the first to reap the fruits of your wretched ill-contriving, and I shall scourge you with stripes. Do you not remember when you were hung from on high, and from your feet I suspended two anvils, and about your wrists cast 20 a band of gold that could not be broken? And in the air amid the clouds you hung, and the gods had indignation throughout high Olympus; yet they were not able to draw near and loose you. No, whomever I caught, I would seize and hurl from the threshold until he reached the earth, his strength all spent. Yet not even so was my heart 25 eased of its ceaseless pain for godlike Heracles, whom you, when you had leagued yourself with the North Wind and suborned his blasts, sent over the unresting sea, by your evil devising, and afterward carried away to well-peopled Cos. Him I saved from there, and brought again 30 to horse-pasturing Argos, though after he had laboured greatly. Of these things I will remind you yet again, that you may cease from your beguilings, to the end that you may see whether they in any way avail you, the dalliance and the couch, on which you lay with me when you had come forth from among the gods, and beguiled me.” So he spoke, and the ox-eyed, queenly Hera shuddered; 35 and she spoke and addressed him with winged words: “Now let Earth be my witness to this, and the broad Heaven above, and the down-flowing water of Styx, which is the greatest and most dread oath for the blessed gods, and your own sacred head, and the couch of us two, couch of our wedded love, 40 by which I truly would never forswear myself —not by my will does Poseidon, the Shaker of Earth, work harm to the Trojans and Hector, and give succour to their foes. No, I think, it is his own soul that urges and bids him on, and he has seen the Achaeans hard-pressed by their ships and taken pity upon them. 45 But I tell you, I would counsel even him to walk in that way, where you, O lord of the dark cloud, may lead him.” So she spoke, and the father of men and gods smiled, and made answer, and spoke to her with winged words: “If in truth, O ox-eyed, queenly Hera, 50 your thought hereafter were to be one with my thought as you sit among the immortals, then would Poseidon, however contrary his wish might be, at once bend his mind to follow your heart and mine. But if truly you speak in frankness and in truth, go now among the tribes of gods and call 55 Iris to come here, and Apollo, famed for his bow, that she may go amid the host of the brazen-coated Achaeans, and bid the lord Poseidon cease from war, and go to his own house; but let Phoebus Apollo rouse Hector to the fight, 60 and breathe strength into him again, and make him forget the pains that now distress his heart; and let him drive the Achaeans back once more, when he has roused in them craven panic; so shall they flee and fall among the many-benched ships of Achilles, son of Peleus, and he shall send forth his comrade 65 Patroclus, yet him shall glorious Hector slay with the spear before the face of Ilios, after he himself has slain many other youths, and among them my son as well, goodly Sarpedon. And in wrath for Patroclus shall goodly Achilles slay Hector. Then from that time forth shall I cause a driving back of the Trojans from the ships 70 evermore continually, until the Achaeans take steep Ilios through the counsels of Athene. But until that hour neither do I refrain my wrath, nor will I allow any other of the immortals to bring aid to the Danaans here, until the desire of the son of Peleus is fulfilled, 75 even as I promised at the first and bowed my head to it, on the day when the goddess Thetis clasped my knees, beseeching me to do honour to Achilles, sacker of cities.” So he spoke, and the goddess, white-armed Hera, did not fail to heed, but went her way from the mountains of Ida to high Olympus. 80 And even as swiftly darts the mind of a man who has travelled over far lands and thinks in the wisdom of his heart, “I wish I were here, or there,” and many are the wishes he conceives: even so swiftly sped on in her eagerness the queenly Hera; and she came to steep Olympus, and found 85 the immortal gods gathered together in the house of Zeus, and at sight of her they all sprang up, and greeted her with cups of welcome. She for her part let the others be, but took the cup from Themis, of the fair cheeks, for she ran first to meet her, and spoke, and addressed her with winged words: 90 “Hera, why have you come? You are like one distraught. Surely the son of Cronos has frightened you, he your own husband.” Then the goddess, white-armed Hera, made answer to her: “Do not ask me at large about this, O goddess Themis; you yourself know what manner of mood is his, how over-haughty and unbending. 95 No, begin for the gods the equal feast in the halls, and this you shall hear amid all the immortals, even what manner of evil deeds Zeus declares. In no way, I think, will it delight in like manner the hearts of all, whether mortals or gods, if any even now still feasts with a joyful mind.” 100 When she had thus spoken, queenly Hera sat down, and the gods grew angry throughout the hall of Zeus. And she laughed with her lips, but her forehead above her dark brows did not relax, and, moved with indignation, she spoke among them all: “Fools, that in our witlessness are angry with Zeus! 105 In truth we are even yet eager to draw near to him and thwart him of his will by word or by constraint, but he sits apart and does not care, nor gives any heed to it; for he deems that among the immortal gods he is manifestly supreme in might and strength. So content yourselves with whatever evil thing he sends upon each. 110 Even now I deem that sorrow has been wrought for Ares, seeing that his son, dearest of men to him, has perished in battle, even Ascalaphus, whom mighty Ares declares to be his own.” So she spoke, but Ares struck his sturdy thighs with the flat of his hands, and with wailing spoke, and said: 115 “Do not count it blame for me now, O you who have dwellings on Olympus, if I go to the ships of the Achaeans and avenge the slaying of my son, even though it is my fate to be struck with the bolt of Zeus, and to lie low in blood and dust amid the dead.” So he spoke and told Terror and Rout to yoke his horses, 120 and himself put on his gleaming armour. Then would yet greater and more grievous wrath and anger have been stirred between Zeus and the immortals, had not Athene, seized with fear for all the gods, sped forth through the doorway, and left the throne on which she sat, and taken the helm from the head of Ares and the shield from his shoulders; 125 and she took from his strong hand the spear of bronze, and set it down, and with words rebuked furious Ares: “You madman, distraught of wit, you are beside yourself! Truly it is for nothing that you have ears for hearing, and your understanding and sense of right are gone from you. 130 Do you not hear what the goddess, white-armed Hera, says, she who has but now come from Olympian Zeus? Would you yourself fulfill the measure of manifold woes, and so return to Olympus despite your grief, of necessity, and for all the rest sow the seeds of grievous woe? 135 For he will at once leave the Trojans, high of heart, and the Achaeans, and will hurry to Olympus to set us all in tumult, and will lay hands upon each in turn, the guilty alike and him in whom is no guilt. So now I bid you put away your wrath for your own son. For before now many a one more excellent than he in might and strength of hand has been slain, 140 or will yet be slain; and a hard thing it is to preserve the lineage and offspring of men.” So she spoke, and made furious Ares sit down upon his throne. But Hera called Apollo forth out of the hall, and Iris, who is the messenger of the immortal gods; 145 and she spoke and addressed them with winged words: “Zeus bids you two go to Ida with all the speed you can; and when you have come, and looked upon the face of Zeus, then do whatever he may order and command.” When she had thus spoken queenly Hera returned again 150 and sat down upon her throne; and the two sprang up and sped forth upon their way. To many-fountained Ida they came, mother of wild beasts, and found Zeus, whose voice is borne afar, seated on topmost Gargarus; and about him a fragrant cloud was wreathed. The two then came before the face of Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, 155 and at sight of them his heart grew in no way angry, because they had speedily obeyed the words of his dear wife. And to Iris first he spoke winged words: “Up, go, swift Iris; to the lord Poseidon bear all these tidings, and see that you tell him true. 160 Bid him cease from war and battle, and go to join the tribes of gods, or into the bright sea. And if he will not obey my words, but shall hold them as nothing, let him consider then in mind and heart, lest, however strong he is, he have no hardihood to abide my on-coming; 165 for I avow that I am better far than he in might, and the elder born. Yet his heart counts it but a little thing to declare himself the peer of me of whom even the other gods are afraid.” So he spoke, and wind-footed, swift Iris did not fail to heed, but went down from the hills of Ida to sacred Ilios. 170 And as when from the clouds there flies snow or chill hail, driven by the blast of the North Wind that is born in the bright heaven, even so fleetly sped in her eagerness swift Iris; and she drew near, and spoke to the glorious Shaker of Earth, saying: “A message for you, O Earth-Enfolder, you dark-haired god, 175 have I come here to bring from Zeus, who bears the aegis. He bids you cease from war and battle, and go to join the tribes of gods, or into the bright sea. And if you will not obey his words, but shall hold them as nothing, he threatens that he will himself come here to set his might against yours in battle; 180 and he bids you keep clear of his hands; for he avows that he is better far than you in might, and the elder born. Yet your heart counts it but a little thing to declare yourself the peer of him, of whom even the other gods are afraid.” Then, stirred to hot anger, the glorious Shaker of Earth spoke to her: 185 “For shame, truly strong though he is he has spoken overweeningly, if indeed by force and in my own despite he will restrain me who am of like honour with himself. For three brothers are we, begotten of Cronos, and born of Rhea,—Zeus, and myself, and the third is Hades, who is lord of the dead below. And in three ways are all things divided, and to each has been apportioned his own domain. 190 I truly, when the lots were shaken, won for my portion the grey sea to be my habitation for ever, and Hades won the murky darkness, while Zeus won the broad heaven amid the air and the clouds; but the earth and high Olympus remain yet common to us all. Therefore I will not in any way walk after the will of Zeus; no, in quiet 195 let him stay in his third portion, however strong he is. And with might of hand let him not seek to frighten me, as though I were some coward. His daughters and his sons it would be better for him to threaten with blustering words, even those whom he himself begot, who of necessity will listen to whatever he may bid.” 200 Then wind-footed swift Iris answered him: “Is it thus in truth, O Earth-Enfolder, you dark-haired god, that I am to bear to Zeus this message, unyielding and harsh, or will you in any way turn; for the hearts of the good may be turned? You know how the Erinyes ever follow to aid the elder-born.” 205 Then answered her again Poseidon, the Shaker of Earth: “Goddess Iris, this word of yours is most fitly spoken; and a good thing truly is this, when a messenger has an understanding heart. But in this dread grief comes upon my heart and soul, whenever anyone is minded to upbraid with angry words 210 one of like portion with himself, to whom fate has decreed an equal share. Yet for the present I will yield, despite my indignation; but another thing I will tell you, and make this threat in my wrath: if in despite of me, and of Athene, driver of the spoil, 215 and of Hera, and Hermes, and lord Hephaestus, he shall spare steep Ilios, and shall be minded not to lay it waste, nor to give great might to the Argives, let him know this, that between us two shall be wrath that nothing can appease.” So saying, the Shaker of Earth left the host of the Achaeans, and went to the sea and plunged into it; and the Achaean warriors missed him greatly. 220 Then to Apollo spoke Zeus, the cloud-gatherer: “Go now, dear Phoebus, to Hector, harnessed in bronze, for now the Enfolder and Shaker of Earth has gone into the bright sea, avoiding our utter wrath; else truly others too would have heard of our strife, 225 even the gods who are in the world below with Cronos. But this was better for both, for me and for his own self, that before then he yielded to my hands despite his wrath, for not without sweat would the issue have been wrought. But take in your hands the tasselled aegis, 230 and shake it fiercely over the Achaean warriors to frighten them with it. And for your own self, you god who strike from afar, let glorious Hector be your care, and for this time's space rouse in him great might, even until the Achaeans come in flight to their ships and the Hellespont. From that moment I will myself contrive word and deed, 235 to the end that yet again the Achaeans may have respite from their toil.” So he spoke, nor was Apollo disobedient to his father's bidding, but went down from the hills of Ida, like a fleet falcon, the slayer of doves, that is the swiftest of winged things. He found the son of wise-hearted Priam, even goodly Hector, 240 sitting up, for he lay no longer, and he was but newly gathering back his spirit, and knew his comrades round about him, and his gasping and his sweat had ceased, for the will of Zeus, who bears the aegis, revived him. And Apollo, who works from afar, drew near to him, and said: “Hector, son of Priam, why is it that you apart from the rest 245 stay here fainting? Is it perhaps that some trouble has come upon you?” Then, his strength all spent, spoke to him Hector of the flashing helm: “Who of the gods are you, mightiest one, that question me face to face? Do you not know that at the sterns of the Achaeans' ships as I made havoc of his comrades, Aias, good at the war-cry, struck me 250 on the breast with a stone, and made me cease from my furious might? Yes, and I deemed that on this day I should behold the dead and the house of Hades, when I had gasped forth my life.” Then spoke to him again the lord Apollo, who works from afar: “Be now of good cheer, so mighty a helper has the son of Cronos 255 sent forth from Ida to stand by your side and succour you, even me, Phoebus Apollo of the golden sword, who of old ever protect you, yourself and the steep citadel as well. But come now, bid your many charioteers drive against the hollow ships their swift horses, 260 and I will go before and make smooth all the way for the chariots, and will turn in flight the Achaean warriors.” So saying, he breathed great might into the shepherd of the host. And even as when a stalled horse that has fed his fill at the manger, breaks his halter, and runs stamping over the plain— 265 being accustomed to bathe in the fair-flowing river—and exults; on high he holds his head and about his shoulders his mane floats streaming, and as he glories in his splendour his knees nimbly bear him to the haunts and pastures of mares; even so swiftly plied Hector his feet and knees, 270 urging on his charioteers, when he had heard the voice of the god. But as when dogs and country-folk pursue a horned stag or a wild goat, but a sheer rock or a shadowy thicket saves him from them, nor is it their lot to find him; 275 and then at their clamour a bearded lion shows himself in the way, and at once turns them all back despite their eagerness: even so the Danaans for a time ever followed on in throngs, thrusting with swords and two-edged spears, but when they saw Hector going up and down the ranks of men, 280 then were they seized with fear, and the spirits of all men sank down to their feet. Then among them spoke Thoas, son of Andraemon, far the best of the Aetolians, well-skilled in throwing the javelin, but a good man too in close fight, and in the place of assembly could but few of the Achaeans surpass him, when the young men were striving in debate. 285 He with good intent addressed their gathering, and spoke among them: “Now look, truly a great marvel is this that my eyes behold, how now he has risen again and has avoided the fates, even Hector. In truth the heart of each man of us hoped that he had died beneath the hands of Aias, son of Telamon. 290 But see, some one of the gods has again delivered and saved Hector, who truly has loosed the knees of many Danaans, as, I think, will befall even now, since not without the will of loud-thundering Zeus does he stand forth thus eagerly as a champion. No, come, even as I shall bid, let us all obey. 295 The multitude let us bid return to the ships, but ourselves, all we who declare ourselves to be the best in the host, let us take our stand, if we may first face him, and thrust him back with our outstretched spears; I think, for all his eagerness he will fear at heart to enter into the throng of the Danaans.” 300 So he spoke, and they readily listened and obeyed. They that were in the company of Aias and prince Idomeneus, and Teucer, and Meriones, and Meges, the peer of Ares, called to the chieftains, and marshalled the fight, fronting Hector and the Trojans, 305 but behind them the multitude went back to the ships of the Achaeans. Then the Trojans drove forward in close throng, and Hector led them, advancing with long strides, while before him went Phoebus Apollo, his shoulders wrapped in cloud, bearing the fell aegis, girt with shaggy fringe, awful, gleaming bright, that the smith 310 Hephaestus gave to Zeus to bear for the putting to rout of warriors; this Apollo bore in his hands as he led on the host. And the Argives in close throng awaited their coming, and the war-cry rose shrill from either side, and the arrows leapt from the bow-string, and many spears, hurled by bold hands, 315 were some of them lodged in the flesh of youths swift in battle, and many of them, before ever they reached the white flesh, stood fixed midway in the earth, eager to glut themselves with flesh. Now so long as Phoebus Apollo held the aegis moveless in his hands, even so long the missiles of either side reached their mark and the folk kept falling; 320 but when he looked full in the faces of the Danaans of swift horses, and shook the aegis, and himself shouted mightily as well, then he made their hearts faint within their breasts, and they forgot their furious might. And as when two wild beasts drive in confusion a herd of cattle or a great flock of sheep in the darkness of black night, 325 when they have come upon them suddenly, and a herdsman is not by, even so were the Achaeans driven in rout with no might in them; for upon them Apollo had sent panic, and to the Trojans and Hector he was giving glory. Then man slew man as the fight was scattered. Hector laid low Stichius and Arcesilaus, 330 the one a leader of the brazen-coated Boeotians, and the other a trusty comrade of great-souled Menestheus; and Aeneas slew Medon and Iasus. The one truly, Medon, was a bastard son of godlike Oïleus, and brother of Aias, 335 but he dwelt in Phylace far from his native land, because he had slain a man of the kin of his stepmother, Eriopis, whom Oïleus had as wife; and Iasus was a captain of the Athenians, and was called the son of Sphelus, son of Bucolus. And Polydamas slew Mecisteus, and Polites slew Echius 340 in the forefront of the fight, and Clonius was slain by goodly Agenor. And Paris struck Deïochus from behind, as he fled amid the foremost fighters, upon the base of the shoulder, and drove the bronze clean through. While they were stripping the armour from these, meanwhile the Achaeans were flinging themselves into the dug trench and against the palisade, 345 fleeing this way and that, and were getting within their wall of necessity. And Hector shouted aloud, and called to the Trojans: “Speed against the ships, and let the blood-stained spoils be. Whomever I shall see holding aloof from the ships on the further side, on the very spot shall I devise his death, nor shall his 350 kinsmen and kinswomen give him his due share of fire in death, but the dogs shall rend him in front of our city.” So saying, with a downward sweep of his arm he struck his horses with the lash, and called aloud to the Trojans along the ranks; and they all raised a shout, and together with him drove the steeds that drew their chariots, with a wondrous din; 355 and before them Phoebus Apollo lightly dashed down with his feet the banks of the deep trench, and cast them into the midst of it, bridging for the men a pathway long and broad, even as far as a spear-cast, when a man hurls, making trial of his strength. 360 Through it they poured forward rank on rank, and before them went Apollo, bearing the priceless aegis. And very easily he cast down the wall of the Achaeans, even as when a boy scatters the sand by the sea, one that makes of it a plaything in his childishness, and then again confounds it with hands and feet as he makes sport: 365 so lightly did you, O archer Phoebus, confound the long toil and labour of the Achaeans, and on themselves send rout. So then beside their ships the Danaans halted, and were stayed, calling one upon the other, and lifting up their hands to all the gods they made fervent prayer, each man of them; 370 and most of all prayed Nestor of Gerenia, the warder of the Achaeans, stretching forth his two hands to the starry heaven: “O father Zeus, if ever any man of us in wheat-bearing Argos burned to you fat thigh-pieces of bull or of ram with the prayer that he might return, and you promised and nodded your head to it, 375 be now mindful of these things, and ward from us, O Olympian god, the pitiless day of doom, and do not allow the Achaeans thus to be vanquished by the Trojans.” So he spoke in prayer, and Zeus the counsellor thundered aloud, hearing the prayer of the aged son of Neleus. But the Trojans, when they heard the thunder of Zeus who bears the aegis, 380 leapt yet the more upon the Argives and turned their minds to battle. And as when a great billow of the broad-wayed sea sweeps down over the bulwarks of a ship, whenever it is driven on by the might of the wind, which above all makes the waves swell; even so did the Trojans with a great cry rush down over the wall, — 385 they in their chariots, but the Achaeans high up on the decks of their black ships to which they had climbed, fought from there with long pikes that lay at hand for them upon the ships for sea-fighting,— jointed pikes, shod at the tip with bronze. 390 And Patroclus, so long as the Achaeans and Trojans were fighting about the wall aloof from the swift ships, even so long sat in the hut of kindly Eurypylus, and was making him glad with talk, and on his grievous wound was spreading herbs to assuage his dark pangs. 395 But when he saw the Trojans rushing upon the wall, while the Danaans with loud cries turned in flight, then he uttered a groan, and struck his two thighs with the flat of his hands, and with wailing spoke, saying: “Eurypylus, in no way may I stay longer with you here, 400 though your need is great; for see, a mighty struggle has arisen. No, as for you, let your squire bring you comfort, but I will hasten to Achilles, that I may urge him on to do battle. Who knows but that, heaven helping, I may rouse his spirit with my persuading? A good thing is the persuasion of a comrade.” 405 When he had thus spoken his feet bore him on; but the Achaeans firmly withstood the oncoming of the Trojans, yet were not able to thrust them back from the ships, though they were fewer, nor ever could the Trojans break the battalions of the Danaans and make way into the midst of the huts and the ships. 410 But as the carpenter's line makes straight a ship's timber in the hands of a cunning workman, who is well skilled in all manner of craft by the promptings of Athene, so evenly was strained their war and battle. So they fought on, some about one ship and some about another, 415 but Hector made straight for glorious Aias. The two were labouring in the toil of war about the same ship, nor could the one drive back the other and burn the ship with fire, nor the other thrust him back, now that a god had brought him near. Then glorious Aias cast his spear and struck upon the breast Caletor, son of Clytius, 420 as he was bearing fire against the ship; and he fell with a thud, and the torch dropped from his hand. But Hector, when his eyes beheld his cousin fallen in the dust in front of the black ship, called to the Trojans and Lycians with a loud shout: 425 “Trojans and Lycians and Dardanians who fight in close combat, in no way give ground from battle in this strait: no, save the son of Clytius, lest the Achaeans strip him of his armour, now that he has fallen amid the gathering of the ships.” So saying, he hurled at Aias with his bright spear; 430 him he missed, but Lycophron, Mastor's son, a squire of Aias from Cythera, who dwelt with him, because he had slain a man in sacred Cythera—him Hector struck upon the head above the ear with the sharp bronze, even as he stood near Aias, and backward in the dust 435 he fell to the ground from the stern of the ship and his limbs were loosed. And Aias shuddered, and spoke to his brother: “Good Teucer, indeed a true comrade of us two has been laid low, even the son of Mastor, whom while he stayed with us, having come from Cythera, we honoured in our halls even as our own parents. 440 Him great-souled Hector has slain. Where now are your arrows that bring swift death, and the bow that Phoebus Apollo gave you?” So he spoke, and the other heard, and ran, and took his stand close beside him, bearing in his hand his bent-back bow and the quiver that held his arrows; and very swiftly he let fly his shafts upon the Trojans. 445 And he struck Cleitus, the glorious son of Peisenor, comrade of Polydamas, the lordly son of Panthous, even as he was holding the reins in his hand, and was busied with his horses; for there he was driving them, where the most battalions were being driven in rout, thus doing pleasure to Hector and the Trojans. But very swiftly 450 upon himself came evil that not one of them could ward off, however eager they were. For upon the back of his neck lighted the arrow fraught with groanings, and he fell from the chariot, and at this the horses swerved aside, rattling the empty chariot. And the prince Polydamas swiftly noticed it, and was first to stride toward the horses. 455 These he gave to Astynous, son of Protiaon, and strictly enjoined him to hold them near at hand, watching him all the while; and he himself went back and mingled with the foremost fighters. Then Teucer drew forth another arrow for Hector, harnessed in bronze, and would have made him cease from battle by the ships of the Achaeans, 460 had he but struck him while he was showing his prowess and taken away his life. But he was not unnoticed by the wise mind of Zeus, who guarded Hector, and took the glory from Teucer, son of Telamon. For Zeus broke the well-twisted string upon the fine bow, even as he was drawing it against Hector, and his arrow 465 heavy with bronze was turned aside, and the bow fell from his hand. Then Teucer shuddered, and spoke to his brother: “Now look, in truth a god is utterly bringing to nothing the counsels of our battle, in that he has cast the bow from my hand, and has broken the newly-twisted string that I bound fast 470 this morning that it might avail to bear the arrows that should leap thick and fast from it.” Then great Telamonian Aias answered him: “Yes, friend, but leave your bow and your many arrows to lie where they are, seeing that a god has confounded them, in malice toward the Danaans; but take in your hand a long spear and a shield upon your shoulder, 475 and do battle with the Trojans, and urge on the rest of the folk. Truly not without a struggle, for all they have overpowered us, shall they take our well-benched ships; no, let us be mindful of battle.” So he spoke, and Teucer laid the bow again within the hut, but about his shoulders put a fourfold shield, 480 and upon his mighty head set a well-wrought helmet with horse-hair crest; and terribly did the plume nod from above; and he took a valorous spear, tipped with sharp bronze, and went his way, and swiftly ran and took his stand by the side of Aias. But when Hector saw that Teucer's shafts had been brought to nothing, 485 to Trojans and Lycians he called with a loud shout, “Trojans and Lycians and Dardanians who fight in close combat, be men, my friends, and be mindful of furious valour amid the hollow ships; for truly my eyes have seen how Zeus has brought to nothing the shafts of a man who is a chieftain. 490 Very easy to discern is the aid Zeus gives to men, both to whomever he grants the glory of victory, and whomever again he diminishes, and has no mind to aid, even as now he diminishes the might of the Argives, and bears aid to us. No, fight at the ships in close throngs, and if any of you, 495 struck by dart or thrust, shall meet death and fate, let him lie in death. No unseemly thing is it for him to die while fighting for his country. Rather, his wife is safe and his children after him, and his house and his portion of land are unharmed, if only the Achaeans are gone with their ships to their dear native land.” 500 So saying, he aroused the strength and spirit of every man. And Aias again, over against him called to his comrades: “Shame on you, Argives, now it is sure that we must either perish utterly or find deliverance by thrusting back the peril from the ships. Do you think perhaps that if Hector of the flashing helm takes the ships, 505 you shall come on foot each man of you to his own native land? Do you not hear Hector urging on all his host in his fury to burn the ships? Truly it is not to the dance that he bids them come, but to battle. And for us there is no counsel or device better than this, 510 that in close combat we bring our hands and our might against theirs. Better is it once for all either to die or live, than long to be hard-pressed in dread conflict thus fruitlessly beside the ships at the hands of men that are meaner.” So saying, he aroused the strength and spirit of every man. 515 Then Hector slew Schedius, son of Perimedes, a leader of the Phocians, and Aias slew Laodamas, the leader of the footmen, the glorious son of Antenor; and Polydamas laid low Otus of Cyllene, comrade of Phyleus' son, captain of the great-souled Epeians. 520 And Meges saw, and leapt upon him, but Polydamas swerved from beneath him and Meges missed him; for Apollo would not allow the son of Panthous to be vanquished amid the foremost fighters; but with a spear-thrust he struck Croesmus full upon the breast. And he fell with a thud, and the other set about stripping the armour from his shoulders. 525 Meanwhile upon him leapt Dolops, well skilled with the spear, the son of Lampus, whom Lampus, son of Laomedon, begot, even his bravest son, well skilled in furious might; he it was that then thrust with his spear full upon the shield of Phyleus' son, setting upon him from near at hand. But his cunningly-wrought corselet saved him, 530 the corselet that he was accustomed to wear, fitted with plates of mail. This Phyleus had brought out of Ephyre, from the river Seleïs. For a guest-friend of his, the king of men Euphetes, had given it to him that he might wear it in war, a defence against foe-men; and this now warded death from the body of his son. 535 Then Meges thrust with his sharp spear upon the topmost socket of the helm of bronze with horse-hair plume which Dolops wore, and sheared from it the plume of horse-hair, and all the plume, bright with its new scarlet dye, fell in the dust. Now while Meges stayed and fought with Dolops, and yet hoped for victory, 540 meanwhile warlike Menelaus came to bear him aid, and he took his stand on one side with his spear, unnoticed by Dolops, and cast and struck him on the shoulder from behind; and the spear in its fury sped through his breast, darting eagerly onward, and he fell upon his face; and the two made for him to strip from his shoulders his armour wrought of bronze. 545 But Hector called to his kinsmen, one and all, and first he chided Hicetaon's son, strong Melanippus. He until this time had been accustomed to feed his cattle of shambling gait in Percote, while the foemen were yet afar, but when the curved ships of the Danaans came, 550 he returned back to Ilios, and was pre-eminent among the Trojans; and he dwelt in the house of Priam, who held him in like honour with his own children. Him Hector chided, and spoke and addressed him, saying: “In truth, Melanippus, are we to be thus slack? Has your own heart no regard for your kinsman who is slain? 555 Do you not see how they are busied about the armour of Dolops? No, come on; for no longer may we fight with the Argives from afar, till either we slay them, or they utterly take steep Ilios, and slay her people.” So saying, he led the way, and the other followed with him, a godlike man. 560 And the Argives great Telamonian Aias urged on, saying: “My friends, be men, and take shame in your hearts, and have shame each of the other in the fierce conflict. Of men that have shame more are saved than are slain; but from those that flee springs neither glory nor any profit.” 565 So he spoke, and they even of themselves were eager to ward off the foe, but they laid up his word in their hearts, and fenced in the ships with a hedge of bronze; and against them Zeus urged on the Trojans. Then Menelaus, good at the war-cry, exhorted Antilochus: “Antilochus, no other of the Achaeans is younger than you, 570 nor swifter of foot, nor valiant as you are in fight; I wish you might leap forth, and strike some man of the Trojans.” He spoke, and hurried back again himself, but aroused the other, and Antilochus leapt forth from amid the foremost fighters and, glancing warily about him, hurled with his bright spear, and back did the Trojans shrink 575 from the warrior as he cast. Not in vain did he let fly his spear, but struck Hicetaon's son, Melanippus, high of heart, as he was coming to the battle, upon the breast beside the nipple; and he fell with a thud, and darkness enfolded his eyes. And Antilochus sprang upon him, as a hound that darts upon a wounded fawn, 580 that a hunter with sure aim has struck as it leapt from its lair, and has loosed its limbs; even so upon you, O Melanippus, leapt Antilochus staunch in fight, to strip from you your armour. But he was not unseen by goodly Hector, who came running to meet him amid the battle; 585 and Antilochus did not stand his ground, swift warrior though he was, but fled like a wild beast that has wrought some mischief—one that has slain a hound or a herdsman beside his cattle, and flees before the throng of men is gathered together; even so fled the son of Nestor; and the Trojans and Hector 590 with wondrous shouting poured forth upon him their darts fraught with groanings; but he turned and stood, when he had reached the host of his comrades. But the Trojans, like ravening lions, rushed upon the ships and were fulfilling the commands of Zeus, who ever roused great might in them, but made the hearts 595 of the Argives melt, and took away their glory, while he spurred on the others. For his heart was set on giving glory to Hector, son of Priam, to the end that he might cast upon the beaked ships unwearied, wondrous-blazing fire, and so fulfill to the uttermost the presumptuous prayer of Thetis. Even for this was Zeus the counsellor waiting, 600 that his eyes might behold the glare of a burning ship; for from that time forth he was to ordain a driving-back of the Trojans from the ships, and to grant glory to the Danaans. With this intent he was rousing against the hollow ships Hector son of Priam, who was himself very eager. 605 And he was raging like Ares, wielder of the spear, or as when consuming fire rages among the mountains in the thickets of a deep wood; and foam came forth about his mouth, and his two eyes blazed beneath his dreadful brows, and round about his temples terribly shook the helm of Hector as he fought; 610 for Zeus out of heaven was himself his defender, and granted him honour and glory, alone as he was amid so many warriors. For brief was his span of life to be, since even now Pallas Athene was hastening on the day of his doom beneath the might of the son of Peleus. 615 But eager was he to break the ranks of men, making trial of them wherever he saw the greatest throng and the finest arms. Yet not even so was he able to break them, for all he was so eager; for they stood firm-fixed as it were a wall, like a crag, sheer and great, close by the grey sea, 620 that withstands the swift paths of the shrill winds, and the swelling waves that belch forth against it; even so the Danaans withstood the Trojans steadfastly, and did not flee. But Hector shining all about as with fire leapt among the throng, and fell upon them; even as when beneath the clouds a fierce-rushing wave, 625 swollen by the winds, falls upon a swift ship, and she is all hidden by its foam, and the dread blast of the wind roars against the sail, and the hearts of the sailors shudder in their fear, because only by a little are they borne forth from death; even so were the hearts of the Achaeans rent within their breasts. 630 But he fell upon them like a lion of baneful mind coming against cattle, that are grazing in the bottom-land of a great marsh, and there is no counting them, and among them is a herdsman who is as yet unskilled to fight with a wild beast over the carcass of a sleek heifer that has been slain: he truly walks ever by their side, now abreast of the foremost of the cattle, and now of the hindmost, 635 but the lion leaps upon the midmost, and devours a heifer, and at this they all flee in terror; even so in wondrous fashion were the Achaeans one and all then driven in wondrous rout by Hector and father Zeus, though Hector slew one man only, Periphetes of Mycenae, the dear son of Copreus, who had been accustomed to go on messages from king Eurystheus 640 to the mighty Heracles. Of him, a father baser by far, was begotten a son nobler in all manner of excellence, both in fleetness of foot and in fight, and in mind he was among the first of the men of Mycenae; he it was who then yielded to Hector the glory of victory. 645 For, as he turned back, he tripped upon the rim of the shield that he himself bore, a shield that reached to the feet, a defence against javelins: on this he stumbled and fell backward, and about his temples his helm rang wondrously as he fell. And Hector was quick to notice it, and ran, and stood close beside him, 650 and fixed his spear in his breast, and slew him close by his dear comrades; and they could not aid him, though they sorrowed for their comrade; for they themselves were greatly afraid of goodly Hector. Now they had got among the ships, and the outermost ships encircled them, even those that had been drawn up in the first line; but their foes rushed on. 655 And the Argives gave way of necessity from the outermost ships, but stayed there beside their huts, all in one body, and did not scatter throughout the camp; for shame held them back and fear; and unceasingly they called aloud one to the other. And above all others Nestor of Gerenia, the warder of the Achaeans, 660 besought each man, adjuring him by those who begot him, saying: “My friends, play the man, and take in your hearts shame of other men, and be mindful, each man of you, of children and wife, of possessions and of his parents, whether in the case of any they are living or are dead. 665 For the sake of those who are not here with us I now beseech you to stand firm, and do not turn back in flight.” So saying, he aroused the strength and spirit of every man, and from their eyes Athene thrust away the wondrous cloud of mist, and mightily did light come to them from either hand, 670 both from the side of the ships and from that of evil war. And all beheld Hector, good at the war-cry, and his comrades, alike those who stood in the rear and did not fight, and all those who did battle by the swift ships. Now it was no more pleasing to the soul of great-hearted Aias 675 to stand in the place where the rest of the sons of the Achaeans stood aloof, but he kept going with long strides up and down the decks of the ships, and he wielded in his hands a long pike for sea-fighting, a pike jointed with rings, of a length of twenty-two cubits. And as a man well-skilled in horsemanship 680 harnesses together four horses chosen out of many, and drives them in swift course from the plain toward a great city along a highway, while many marvel at him, both men and women, and ever with sure step he leaps, and passes from horse to horse, while they speed on; 685 even so Aias kept ranging with long strides over the many decks of the swift ships, and his voice went up to heaven, as ever with terrible cries he called to the Danaans to defend their ships and huts. Nor did Hector stay amid the throng of the mail-clad Trojans, 690 but as a tawny eagle darts upon a flock of winged fowl that are feeding by a river's bank—a flock of wild geese, or cranes, or long-necked swans, even so Hector made for a dark-prowed ship, rushing straight at it; and from behind Zeus thrust him on 695 with exceedingly mighty hand, and aroused the host together with him. Then again keen battle was set afoot beside the ships. You would have thought that all unwearied and unworn they faced one another in war, so furiously did they fight. And in their fighting they were minded thus: The Achaeans 700 truly thought that they should never escape out of the peril, but should perish, while for the Trojans, the heart in each man's breast hoped that they should fire the ships and slay the Achaean warriors. Such were their thoughts as they stood, each host against the other. But Hector laid hold of the stern of a seafaring ship, 705 a fair ship, swift upon the brine, that had borne Protesilaus to Troy, but did not bring him back again to his native land. About his ship Achaeans and Trojans were slaying one another in close combat, nor did they any longer hold aloof and thus endure the flight of arrows and darts, 710 but standing man against man in oneness of heart, they fought with sharp battle-axes and hatchets, and with great swords and two-edged spears. And many fine blades, bound with dark thongs at the hilt, fell to the ground, some from the hands and some from the shoulders 715 of the warriors as they fought; and the black earth flowed with blood. But Hector, when he had grasped the ship by the stern, would not loose his hold, but kept the ensign in his hands, and called to the Trojans: “Bring fire, and with it raise the war-cry all with one voice; now Zeus has granted us a day that is recompense for all— 720 to take the ships that came here in despite of the gods, and brought us many woes, because of the cowardice of the elders, who, when I was eager to fight at the sterns of the ships, kept me back, and held back the host. But if Zeus, whose voice is borne afar, then dulled our wits, 725 now of himself he urges and gives command.” So he spoke, and they leapt the more upon the Argives. But Aias no longer stood his ground, for he was hard beset with darts, but, ever foreboding death, gave ground a little along the bridge of seven feet in height, and left the deck of the shapely ship. 730 There he stood on the watch, and with his spear he ever warded from the ship whoever of the Trojans sought to bring unwearied fire; and ever with terrible cries he called to the Danaans: “Friends, Danaan warriors, squires of Ares, be men, my friends, and be mindful of furious might. 735 Do we perhaps think that there are other helpers at our backs, or some stronger wall to ward off ruin from men? In no way is there close at hand a city fenced with walls, by which we might defend ourselves, having a host to turn the tide of battle; no, it is in the plain of the mail-clad Trojans 740 that we are set, with nothing to support us but the sea, and far from our native land. Therefore in the might of our hands is the light of deliverance, and not in slackness in fight.” He spoke, and kept driving furiously at the foe with his sharp spear. And whoever of the Trojans would rush upon the hollow ships with blazing fire, doing pleasure to Hector at his bidding, 745 for him would Aias wait, and wound him with a thrust of his long spear; and twelve men did he wound in close fight in front of the ships.

16Thus then they were warring around the well-benched ship, but Patroclus drew near to Achilles, shepherd of the host, shedding hot tears, even as a fountain of dark water that down over the face of an overhanging cliff pours its dusky stream; 5 and swift-footed goodly Achilles had pity when he saw him, and spoke and addressed him with winged words: “Why, Patroclus, are you bathed in tears, like a girl, a mere babe, that runs by her mother's side and begs her to take her up, and clutches at her gown, and hinders her in her going, 10 and tearfully looks up at her, till the mother takes her up? Even like her, Patroclus, do you let fall round tears. Do you perhaps have something to declare to the Myrmidons or to my own self, or is it some news out of Phthia that you alone have heard? Still lives Menoetius, men tell us, Actor's son, 15 and still lives Peleus, son of Aeacus, amid the Myrmidons, for which two we would grieve very deeply, were they dead. Or are you sorrowing for the Argives, how they are being slain beside the hollow ships because of their own presumptuous act? Speak out; do not hide it in your mind; that we both may know.” 20 Then with a heavy groan, you made answer, O knight Patroclus: “O Achilles, son of Peleus, far the mightiest of the Achaeans, do not be angry; so great a sorrow has overmastered the Achaeans. For truly all those who before were bravest lie among the ships struck by darts or wounded with spear-thrusts. 25 Struck is the son of Tydeus, mighty Diomedes, wounded with spear-thrust is Odysseus, famed for his spear, and Agamemnon, and struck, too, is Eurypylus with an arrow in the thigh. About these the healers, skilled in many remedies, are busy, seeking to heal their wounds; but with you no man can deal, Achilles. 30 Never upon me let such wrath lay hold, as that which you cherish, O you whose valour is only a bane! In what way shall any other, even one yet to be born, have profit of you, if you do not ward off shameful ruin from the Argives? Pitiless one, your father, it seems, was not the knight Peleus, nor was Thetis your mother, but the grey sea bore you, 35 and the overhanging cliffs, since your heart is unbending. But if in your mind you are shunning some oracle, and your queenly mother has declared to you anything from Zeus, yet send me at least forth speedily, and with me let the rest of the host of the Myrmidons follow, if it may be that I prove a light of deliverance to the Danaans. 40 And grant me to buckle upon my shoulders that armour of yours, in the hope that the Trojans may take me for you, and so desist from war, and the warlike sons of the Achaeans may take breath, wearied as they are; for scant is the breathing-space in battle. And easily might we who are unwearied 45 drive men who are wearied with the battle back to the city from the ships and the huts.” So he spoke in prayer, fool that he was, for in truth it was to be his own evil death and fate for which he prayed. Then, his heart deeply stirred, swift-footed Achilles spoke to him: “Ah me, Zeus-born Patroclus, what a thing you have said! 50 Neither do I care for any oracle, that I know of, nor has my queenly mother declared to me anything from Zeus; but in this, dread grief comes upon heart and soul, whenever a man is minded to rob one who is his equal, and take from him his prize, because he surpasses him in power. 55 Dread grief is this to me, seeing I have suffered woes at heart. The girl whom the sons of the Achaeans chose out for me as a prize, and whom I won with my spear, when I had laid waste a well-walled city, her lord Agamemnon has taken back from my arms, this son of Atreus, as though I were some alien who had no rights. 60 But these things we will let be, as past and done. In no way, it seems, was I to be filled with ceaseless wrath at heart; yet truly I thought that I should not make an end of my anger, until the hour when to my own ships should come the war-cry and the battle. But come, put upon your shoulders my glorious armour, 65 and lead forth the war-loving Myrmidons to the fight, if in very truth the dark cloud of the Trojans has encompassed the ships mightily, and those others remain with nothing to support them but the shore of the sea, having only scant space of land still left them, the Argives; while the whole city of the Trojans has come forth against them 70 fearlessly, for they do not see the front of my helm shining close at hand; very soon in their flight would they fill the water-courses with their dead, were only lord Agamemnon of kindly mind toward me, whereas now they are warring around the camp.” “For not in the hands of Diomedes, son of Tydeus, 75 does the spear rage, to ward off ruin from the Danaans, nor as yet have I heard the voice of the son of Atreus, shouting from his hated head; no, it is the voice of man-slaying Hector that breaks about me, as he calls to the Trojans, and they with their din possess all the plain, and vanquish the Achaeans in battle. 80 Yet even so, Patroclus, in warding destruction from the ships fall upon them mightily, lest they burn the ships with blazing fire and rob the Greeks of their desired return. But listen, that I may put in your mind the sum of my counsel, so that you may win me great recompense and glory 85 at the hands of all the Danaans, and that they send back that beautiful girl, and with her give glorious gifts. When you have driven them from the ships, come back, and if the loud-thundering lord of Hera grants you to win glory, do not be eager to war apart from me 90 against the war-loving Trojans: you will lessen my honour. And do not, as you exult in war and conflict, and slay the Trojans, lead on to Ilios, lest one of the gods who are for ever should come down from Olympus and enter the fray; very dearly does Apollo, who works from afar, love them. 95 No, turn back, once you have set a light of deliverance amid the ships, and allow the rest to battle over the plain. For I wish, O father Zeus, and Athene, and Apollo, that no man of the Trojans might escape death, of all that there are, nor any of the Argives, but that we two might escape destruction, 100 that alone we might loose the sacred diadem of Troy.” In this way they spoke one to the other, but Aias no longer held his ground, for he was hard pressed by darts; the will of Zeus was overmastering him, and the lordly Trojans with their missiles; and terribly did the bright helm about his temples 105 ring continually, as it was struck, for struck it ever was upon the well-wrought cheek-pieces, and his left shoulder grew weary as he ever firmly held his flashing shield; nor could they beat it back about him, for all that they pressed him hard with darts. And constantly was he distressed by laboured breathing, 110 and down from his limbs on every side abundant sweat kept streaming, nor had he any respite at all to get his breath, but every way evil was heaped upon evil. Tell me now, you Muses, who have dwellings on Olympus, how fire was first flung upon the ships of the Achaeans. It was Hector who drew near to Aias 115 and struck his ashen spear with his great sword close by the socket, at the base of the point, and sheared it clean away, so that Telamonian Aias brandished all in vain a pointless spear, and far from him the head of bronze fell ringing to the ground. And Aias knew in his noble heart, and shuddered 120 at the deeds of the gods, how Zeus, who thunders on high, brought utterly to nothing the counsels of his battle, and willed victory for the Trojans. Then he gave ground out of range of the darts; and the Trojans cast upon the swift ship unwearied fire, and over her at once streamed a flame that could not be quenched. So then was the ship's stern wreathed about with fire, but Achilles 125 struck both his thighs and spoke to Patroclus: “Up now, Zeus-born Patroclus, master of horsemen. Look, I see by the ships the rush of consuming fire. Let it not happen that they take the ships and there is no more escaping! Put on my armour with all haste, and I will gather the host.” 130 So he spoke, and Patroclus armed himself in gleaming bronze. The greaves first he set about his legs; beautiful they were, and fitted with silver ankle-pieces; next he put on about his chest the corselet of the swift-footed son of Aeacus, richly wrought, and spangled with stars. 135 And about his shoulders he cast the silver-studded sword of bronze, and then the shield, great and sturdy; and upon his mighty head he set the well-wrought helmet with horse-hair crest, and terribly did the plume nod from above; and he took two valorous spears, that fitted his grasp. 140 Only the spear of the peerless son of Aeacus he did not take, the spear heavy and huge and strong; this no other of the Achaeans could wield, but Achilles alone was skilled to wield it, the Pelian spear of ash, that Cheiron had given to his dear father from the peak of Pelion, to be for the slaying of warriors. 145 And the horses he told Automedon to yoke speedily, the man he honoured most after Achilles, breaker of the ranks of men, and who in his eyes was faithful above all to await his call in battle. At his bidding then Automedon led beneath the yoke the fleet horses, Xanthus and Balius, that flew swift as the winds, horses 150 that the Harpy Podarge conceived to the West Wind, as she grazed on the meadow beside the stream of Oceanus. And in the side-traces he set the goodly Pedasus that once Achilles had brought away, when he took the city of Eetion; and he, though only mortal, kept pace with immortal steeds. 155 But Achilles went to and fro throughout the huts and had all the Myrmidons arm themselves in their armour, and they rushed forth like ravening wolves in whose hearts is fury unspeakable—wolves that have slain in the hills a great horned stag, and rend him, and the jaws of all are red with gore; 160 and in a pack they go to lap with their slender tongues the surface of the black water from a dusky spring, belching forth meanwhile blood and gore, the heart in their breasts unflinching, and their bellies gorged full; even so the leaders and rulers of the Myrmidons sped forth 165 round about the valiant squire of the swift-footed son of Aeacus. And among them all stood warlike Achilles, urging on both horses and men who bear the shield. Fifty were the swift ships which Achilles, dear to Zeus, led to Troy, 170 and in each ship at the thole-pins were fifty men, his comrades; and five leaders had he appointed whom he trusted to give command, and he himself in his great might was king over all. The one rank was led by Menesthius of the flashing corselet, son of Spercheius, the heaven-fed river. 175 Him fair Polydora, daughter of Peleus, bore to tireless Spercheius, a woman who lay with a god, but in name she bore him to Borus, son of Perieres, who openly wedded her, when he had given gifts of wooing past counting. And of the next company warlike Eudorus was captain, 180 the son of an unwed girl, and him Polymele, fair in the dance, daughter of Phylas, bore. With her the strong Argeiphontes fell in love, when his eyes caught sight of her amid the singing maidens, in the dancing-floor of Artemis, huntress of the golden arrows and the echoing chase. At once then he went up into her upper chamber, and lay with her secretly, 185 Hermes the helper, and she gave him a fine son, Eudorus, pre-eminent in speed of foot and as a warrior. But when at length Eileithyia, goddess of child-birth, had brought him to the light, and he saw the rays of the sun, then her did the stalwart and mighty Echecles, son of Actor, 190 lead to his home, when he had given countless gifts of wooing, and Eudorus old Phylas nursed and cherished tenderly, loving him dearly, as if he had been his own son. And of the third company warlike Peisander was captain, son of Maemalus, a man pre-eminent among all the Myrmidons 195 in fighting with the spear, after the comrade of the son of Peleus. And the fourth company the old knight Phoenix led, and the fifth Alcimedon, the peerless son of Laerces. But when at length Achilles had set them all in array with their leaders, duly separating company from company, he laid upon them a stern command: 200 “Myrmidons, let no man, I bid you, be forgetful of the threats with which beside the swift ships you threatened the Trojans throughout all the time of my wrath, and upbraided me, each man of you, saying: ‘Cruel son of Peleus, surely it was on gall that your mother reared you, you pitiless one, seeing that against their will you hold back your comrades beside the ships. 205 No, homeward let us return again with our seafaring ships, since in this way evil wrath has fallen upon your heart.’ With such words you would often gather together and chatter at me, but now there is set before you a great work of war, of which in time past you were enamoured. Therefore let it be with valiant heart that each man fights with the Trojans.” 210 So saying, he aroused the strength and spirit of every man, and yet closer were their ranks serried when they heard their king. And as when a man builds the wall of a high house with close-set stones, to avoid the might of the winds, even so close were arrayed their helms and bossed shields; 215 buckler pressed on buckler, helm upon helm, and man on man. The horse-hair crests on the bright helmet-ridges touched each other, as the men moved their heads, in such close array they stood one by another. And in the front of all two warriors arrayed themselves for war, Patroclus and Automedon, both of one mind, 220 to war in the forefront of the Myrmidons. But Achilles went into his hut, and opened the lid of a chest, fair and richly adorned, that silver-footed Thetis had set on his ship for him to carry with him, when she had filled it well with tunics, and cloaks to keep off the wind, and woollen rugs. 225 In it he had a fair-fashioned cup, from which no other man was accustomed to drink the flaming wine, nor was he accustomed to pour drink offerings to any other of the gods except father Zeus. This cup he then took from the chest and cleansed it first with sulphur, and then washed it in fair streams of water; 230 and he washed his own hands, and drew flaming wine. Then he made prayer, standing in the midst of the court, and poured forth the wine, looking up to heaven; and not unnoticed was he by Zeus, who hurls the thunderbolt: “Zeus, O king, Dodonaean, Pelasgian, you who dwell afar, ruling over wintry Dodona,—and about you dwell the Selli, 235 your interpreters, men with unwashed feet who sleep on the ground. Before now indeed you heard my word, when I prayed: me you honoured, and mightily struck the host of the Achaeans; even so now also fulfill for me this my desire. I myself indeed will remain in the gathering of the ships, 240 but my comrade I am sending forth amid the host of the Myrmidons to war: with him send forth glory, O Zeus, whose voice is borne afar, and make bold the heart in his breast, so that Hector, too, may know whether even alone my squire has skill to fight, or whether his hands 245 only rage invincible whenever I enter the turmoil of Ares. But when away from the ships he has driven war and the din of war, then all unscathed let him come back to the swift ships with all his arms, and his comrades who fight in close combat.” So he spoke in prayer, and Zeus, the counsellor, heard him, 250 and a part the Father granted him, and a part denied. That Patroclus should thrust back the war and battle from the ships he granted; but that he should return safe out of the battle he denied. Achilles then, when he had poured libation and made prayer to father Zeus, went again into his tent, and laid the cup away in the chest, and came forth and 255 stood in front of the hut; for still his heart was eager to look upon the dread conflict of Trojans and Achaeans. But those who were arrayed together with great-hearted Patroclus marched forth, until with high spirits they leapt upon the Trojans. Immediately they poured forth like wasps 260 of the wayside, which boys are accustomed to stir to anger, ever tormenting them in their nests beside the way, foolish that they are; and a common evil they make for many. And the wasps, if some wayfaring man as he passes by rouses them unwittingly, 265 fly forth one and all in the valour of their hearts, and fight each in defence of his young; having a heart and spirit like theirs the Myrmidons then poured forth from the ships, and a cry unquenchable arose. But Patroclus called to his comrades with a loud shout: “Myrmidons, comrades of Achilles, son of Peleus, 270 be men, my friends, and call to mind your furious valour, so that we may win honour for the son of Peleus, who is far the best of the Argives by the ships, he and his squires who fight in close combat; and that the son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, may know his blindness in that he did not honour at all the best of the Achaeans.” 275 So saying, he roused the strength and spirit of every man, and on the Trojans they fell all in a throng, and round about them the ships echoed wondrously beneath the shouting of the Achaeans. But when the Trojans saw the valiant son of Menoetius, himself and his squire, shining in their armour, 280 the heart of each man was stirred, and their battalions were shaken, for they thought that by the ships the swift-footed son of Peleus had cast aside his wrath and had chosen friendliness; and each man gazed about to see how he might escape utter destruction. Then Patroclus was first to cast with his bright spear 285 straight into the midst where men thronged the thickest, by the stern of the ship of great-souled Protesilaus, and struck Pyraechmes, who had led the Paeonians, lords of chariots, out of Amydon, from the wide-flowing Axius. Him he struck on the right shoulder, 290 and backward in the dust he fell with a groan, and about him his comrades were driven in rout, the Paeonians, for upon them all had Patroclus sent panic, when he slew their leader who was pre-eminent in fight. Out of the ships then he drove them, and quenched the blazing fire. And half-burnt the ship was left there, 295 but the Trojans were driven in rout with a wondrous din, and the Danaans poured in among the hollow ships, and a ceaseless din arose. And as when from the high crest of a great mountain Zeus, who gathers the lightnings, moves a dense cloud away, and forth to view appear all mountain peaks, and high headlands, 300 and glades, and from heaven breaks open the infinite air; even so the Danaans, when they had thrust back from the ships consuming fire, had respite for a little time; yet there was no ceasing from war. For not yet were the Trojans driven in headlong rout by the Achaeans, dear to Ares, from the black ships, 305 but still they sought to withstand them, and gave ground from the ships under compulsion. Then man slew man of the chieftains as the fight was scattered. First the valiant son of Menoetius struck the thigh of Areilycus with a cast of his sharp spear at the moment when he turned to flee, and drove the bronze clean through; 310 and the spear broke the bone, and he fell on his face on the ground. And warlike Menelaus thrust and struck Thoas on the breast, where it was left bare beside the shield, and loosed his limbs. And the son of Phyleus, as he watched Amphiclus who was rushing upon him, proved quicker than his foe, and struck him upon the base of the leg, where 315 a man's muscle is thickest; and round about the spear-point the sinews were torn apart; and darkness enfolded his eyes. Then of the sons of Nestor, the one, Antilochus, thrust at Atymnius with his sharp spear, and drove the spear of bronze through his flank; and he fell forward. But Maris, close at hand, 320 rushed upon Antilochus with his spear, angry for his brother's sake, and took his stand before the dead; but godlike Thrasymedes was too quick for him, and at once, before his foe could thrust, struck upon his shoulder, and did not miss; but the point of the spear sheared the base of the arm away from the muscles, and utterly broke the bone apart; 325 and he fell with a thud, and darkness enfolded his eyes. So these two, overcome by two brothers, went their way to Erebus, noble comrades of Sarpedon, spearmen sons of Araisodarus, who reared the raging Chimaera, a bane to many men. 330 And Aias, son of Oileus, leapt upon Cleobulus, and caught him alive, entangled in the throng; but even there he loosed his might, striking him upon the neck with his hilted sword. At this all the blade grew warm with his blood, and down over his eyes came dark death and mighty fate. 335 Then Peneleos and Lyco rushed together, for with their spears each had missed the other, and both had cast in vain; but again they rushed together with their swords. Then Lyco let drive at the horn of the helm with horse-hair crest, and the sword was shattered at the hilt; 340 but Peneleos struck him upon the neck beneath the ear, and all the blade sank in, so that nothing but the skin held fast, and the head hung to one side, and his limbs were loosed. And Meriones with swift strides overtook Acamas, and thrust and struck him, even as he was mounting his chariot, upon the right shoulder; and he fell from his chariot and down over his eyes a mist was shed. 345 Then Idomeneus struck Erymas upon the mouth with a thrust of the pitiless bronze, and clean through passed the spear of bronze beneath the brain, and split apart the white bones; and his teeth were shaken out, and both his eyes were filled with blood; and up through mouth and nostrils he spurted blood as he gaped, 350 and a black cloud of death enfolded him. These, then, leaders of the Danaans, slew each his man. And as murderous wolves fall upon lambs or kids, choosing them out of the flocks, when through the witlessness of the shepherd they are scattered among the mountains, and the wolves seeing it, 355 at once harry the young whose hearts know nothing of valour; even so the Danaans fell upon the Trojans, and they turned their thoughts to ill-sounding flight, and forgot their furious valour. And the great Aias was ever eager to cast his spear at Hector, harnessed in bronze, but he in his cunning of war, his broad shoulders 360 covered with shield of bull's-hide, ever watched the whirring of arrows and the hurtling of spears. In truth he knew the tide of victory was turning, but even so he held his ground, and sought to save his trusty comrades. And as when from Olympus a cloud moves toward heaven 365 out of the bright air, when Zeus spreads forth the tempest, even so from the ships came the shouting and the rout of these; nor was it in good order that they crossed the trench again. As for Hector, his swift-footed horses bore him forth with his battle-gear, and he left the hosts of Troy, whom the dug trench held back against their will. 370 And in the trench many pairs of swift horses, drawers of chariots, broke the pole at the end, and left the chariots of their lords. But Patroclus followed after, calling fiercely to the Danaans, with purpose of evil toward the Trojans, while they with shouting and in flight filled all the ways, now that their ranks were broken; 375 and on high a cloud of dust was spread up beneath the clouds, and the single-hoofed horses strained back toward the city from the ships and the huts. And Patroclus, wherever he saw the greatest throng huddled in rout, there he would drive with shouting; and beneath his axle-trees men kept falling headlong from their chariots, and the chariots were overturned. 380 And straight over the trench leapt the swift horses—the immortal horses that the gods gave as glorious gifts to Peleus—in their onward flight, and against Hector the heart of Patroclus urged him on, for he was eager to strike him; but his swift horses ever bore Hector forth. And even as beneath a tempest the whole black earth is oppressed, 385 on a day in harvest-time, when Zeus pours forth rain most violently, whenever in anger he grows wrathful against men who by violence give crooked judgments in the place of gathering, and drive justice out, caring nothing for the vengeance of the gods; and all their rivers flow in flood, 390 and many a hillside the torrents furrow deeply, and down to the dark sea they rush headlong from the mountains with a mighty roar, and the tilled fields of men are wasted; even so mighty was the roar of the mares of Troy as they sped on. But when Patroclus had cut off the foremost battalions, he hemmed them 395 back again towards the ships and would not allow them for all their eagerness to set foot in the city, but in the mid-space between the ships and the river and the high wall he rushed among them and slew them, and took vengeance for many a slain comrade. There first he struck Pronous with a cast of his bright spear, 400 upon the breast where it was left bare beside the shield, and loosed his limbs; and he fell with a thud. Next upon Thestor, son of Enops, he rushed. Crouching he sat in his polished chariot, for his wits were distraught with terror, and the reins had slipped from his hands, but Patroclus drew near to him, and struck him 405 upon the right jaw with his spear, and drove it through his teeth; and he laid hold of the spear and dragged him over the chariot-rim, as when a man sitting upon a jutting rock drags to land a sacred fish out of the sea, with line and gleaming hook of bronze; even so on the bright spear he dragged him gaping out of the chariot, 410 and cast him down upon his face; and life left him as he fell. Then as Erylaus rushed upon him, he struck him full upon the head with a stone, and his head was wholly split apart within the heavy helmet; and he fell headlong upon the earth, and death, that slays the spirit, was shed about him. 415 After this Erymas and Amphoterus, and Epaltes, and Tlepolemus, son of Damastor, and Echius and Pyris, and Ipheus and Evippus, and Polymelus, son of Argeas, all these one after another he brought down to the bounteous earth. But when Sarpedon saw his comrades, who wear the tunic ungirt, 420 being laid low beneath the hands of Patroclus, son of Menoetius, he called aloud, reproaching the godlike Lycians: “Shame, you Lycians, where are you fleeing? Now be swift to fight; for I myself will meet this man, that I may know who he is that prevails here, and truly has done the Trojans much mischief, 425 seeing he has loosed the knees of many men, and noble ones.” He spoke, and leapt in his armour from his chariot to the ground. And Patroclus, facing him, when he beheld him, sprang from his chariot. And as vultures crooked of talon and curved of beak fight with loud cries upon a high rock, 430 even so with cries they rushed one against the other. And the son of crooked-counselling Cronos took pity when he saw them, and spoke to Hera, his sister and his wife: “Ah, woe is me, since it is fated that Sarpedon, dearest of men to me, be slain by Patroclus, son of Menoetius! 435 And in two ways is my heart divided in counsel as I ponder in my thought whether I shall snatch him up while he still lives and set him far from the tearful war in the rich land of Lycia, or whether I shall slay him now beneath the hands of the son of Menoetius.” Then ox-eyed queenly Hera answered him: 440 “Most dread son of Cronos, what a word you have said! A man who is mortal, doomed long since by fate, are you minded to deliver again from grievous death? Do as you will; but be sure that we other gods do not all assent to it. And another thing I will tell you, and lay it to heart: 445 if you send Sarpedon living to his house, beware lest hereafter some other god also be minded to send his own dear son away from the fierce conflict; for there are many fighting around the great city of Priam who are sons of the immortals, and among the gods you will send dread wrath. 450 But if he is dear to you, and your heart is grieved, allow him indeed to be slain in the fierce conflict beneath the hands of Patroclus, son of Menoetius; but when his soul and life have left him, then send Death and sweet Sleep to bear him away 455 until they come to the land of wide Lycia; and there his brothers and his kinsfolk shall give him burial with mound and pillar; for this is the due of the dead.” So she spoke, and the father of men and gods did not fail to listen. Yet he shed bloody rain-drops on the earth, 460 showing honour to his dear son—his own son whom Patroclus was about to slay in the deep-soiled land of Troy, far from his native land. Now when they had come near, as they advanced one against the other, then Patroclus struck glorious Thrasymelus, who was the valiant squire of the prince Sarpedon; 465 him he struck on the lower belly, and loosed his limbs. But Sarpedon missed him with his bright spear, as in turn he went at him, but struck with his spear the horse Pedasus on the right shoulder; and the horse shrieked aloud as he gasped forth his life, and down he fell in the dust with a moan, and his spirit flew from him. 470 But the other two reared this way and that, and the yoke creaked, and above them the reins were entangled, when the trace-horse lay low in the dust. But for this Automedon, famed for his spear, found a remedy; drawing his long sword from beside his stout thigh, he sprang forth and cut loose the trace-horse, and did not falter, 475 and the other two were righted, and strained at the reins; and the two warriors came together again in soul-devouring strife. Then again Sarpedon missed with his bright spear, and over the left shoulder of Patroclus went the point of the spear and did not strike him. 480 But Patroclus in turn rushed on with the bronze, and not in vain did the shaft speed from his hand, but struck his foe where the midriff is set close about the throbbing heart. And he fell as an oak falls, or a poplar, or a tall pine, that among the mountains shipwrights fell with whetted axes to be a ship's timber; 485 even so before his horses and chariot he lay outstretched, moaning aloud and clutching at the bloody dust. And as a lion comes into the midst of a herd and slays a bull, tawny and high of heart amid the cattle of trailing gait, and with a groan he perishes beneath the jaws of the lion; 490 even so beneath Patroclus the leader of the Lycian shieldmen struggled in death; and he called by name his dear comrade: “Dear Glaucus, warrior amid men of war, now in very truth it is fitting for you to show yourself a spearman and a dauntless warrior; now let evil war be your heart's desire if indeed you are swift to fight. 495 First go up and down everywhere, and urge on the leaders of the Lycians to fight for Sarpedon, and then do battle yourself with the bronze in my defence. For to you even in time to come I shall be a reproach and a hanging of the head, all your days continually, 500 if the Achaeans strip me of my armour, now that I have fallen amid the gathering of the ships. No, hold your ground valiantly, and urge on all the host.” Even as he spoke thus the end of death enfolded him, his eyes alike and his nostrils; and Patroclus, setting his foot upon his breast, drew the spear out of the flesh, and the midriff followed with it; 505 and at the one moment he drew forth the spear-point and the soul of Sarpedon. And the Myrmidons held there the snorting horses, which were eager to flee now that they had left the chariot of their lords. But upon Glaucus came dread grief as he heard the voice of Sarpedon, and his heart was stirred, since he was not able to help him. 510 And with his hand he caught and pressed his arm, for his wound tormented him, the wound that Teucer, while warding off destruction from his comrades, had dealt him with his arrow as he rushed upon the high wall. Then in prayer he spoke to Apollo, who strikes from afar: “Hear me, O king, who are perhaps in the rich land of Lycia 515 or perhaps in Troy, but everywhere have power to listen to a man who is in sorrow, even as now sorrow has come upon me. For I have this grievous wound and my arm on this side and on that is shot through with sharp pangs, nor can the blood be staunched; and my shoulder is made heavy with the wound, 520 and I am not able to grasp my spear firmly, nor to go and fight with the foemen. And a man far the noblest has perished, Sarpedon, the son of Zeus; and he does not help his own child. But, O king, heal me of this grievous wound, and lull my pains, and give me might, 525 that I may call to my comrades, the Lycians, and urge them on to fight, and myself do battle about the body of him who has fallen in death.” So he spoke in prayer, and Phoebus Apollo heard him. At once he made his pains cease, and staunched the black blood that flowed from his grievous wound, and put might into his heart. 530 And Glaucus knew in his mind, and was glad that the great god had quickly heard his prayer. First he went up and down everywhere and urged on the leaders of the Lycians to fight for Sarpedon, and then went with long strides into the midst of the Trojans, 535 to Polydamas, son of Panthous, and goodly Agenor, and he went after Aeneas, and after Hector, harnessed in bronze. And he came up to him and spoke winged words, saying: “Hector, now in very truth you are utterly forgetful of the allies, who for your sake far from their friends and their native land 540 are wasting their lives away, yet you do not care to aid them. Low lies Sarpedon, leader of the Lycian shieldmen, he who guarded Lycia by his judgments and his might. Him brazen Ares has laid low beneath the spear of Patroclus. No, friends, take your stand beside him, and have indignation in heart, 545 lest the Myrmidons strip him of his armour and work shame upon his corpse, being angry for the sake of all the Danaans who have perished, whom we slew with our spears at the swift ships.” So he spoke, and the Trojans were utterly seized with grief, unbearable, overpowering; for Sarpedon 550 was ever the stay of their city, although he was a stranger from afar; for many people followed with him, and among them he was himself pre-eminent in fight. And they made straight for the Danaans very eagerly, and Hector led them, in wrath for Sarpedon's sake. But the Achaeans were urged on by Patroclus, of the shaggy heart, son of Menoetius. 555 To the two Aiantes he spoke first, who were of themselves very eager: “You two Aiantes, now let it be your will to ward off the foe, being of such valour as of old you were amid warriors, or even braver. Low lies the man who was first to leap within the wall of the Achaeans, Sarpedon. No, let us seek to take him, and work shame upon his body, 560 and strip the armour from his shoulders, and many a one of his comrades who seek to defend his body let us slay with the pitiless bronze.” So he spoke, and they even of themselves were eager to ward off the foe. Then when on both sides they had made strong their battalions, the Trojans and Lycians, and the Myrmidons and Achaeans, 565 they joined battle to fight for the body of him who had fallen in death, with terrible shouting; and loud rang the armour of men. And Zeus drew baneful night over the mighty conflict, that around his dear son might be waged the baneful toil of war. And first the Trojans drove back the bright-eyed Achaeans, 570 for struck was a man in no way the worst among the Myrmidons, the son of great-souled Agacles, goodly Epeigeus, who was king in well-peopled Budeum of old, but when he had slain a noble man of his kin, to Peleus he came as a suppliant, and to silver-footed Thetis; 575 and they sent him to follow with Achilles, breaker of the ranks of men, to Ilios, famed for its horses, that he might fight with the Trojans. Him, as he was laying hold of the corpse, glorious Hector struck upon the head with a stone; and his head was wholly split apart within the heavy helmet, 580 and he fell headlong upon the corpse, and death, that slays the spirit, was shed about him. Then over Patroclus came grief for his slain comrade, and he charged through the foremost fighters like a fleet falcon that drives in flight jackdaws and starlings; even so straight against the Lycians, O Patroclus, master of horsemen, 585 and against the Trojans you charged, and your heart was full of wrath for your comrade. And he struck Sthenelaus, the dear son of Ithaemenes, on the neck with a stone, and broke away from it the sinews; and the foremost fighters and glorious Hector gave ground. Far as is the flight of a long javelin, 590 that a man casts, making trial of his strength, in a contest, perhaps, or in war beneath the press of murderous foemen, even so far did the Trojans draw back, and the Achaeans drove them. And Glaucus first, the leader of the Lycian shieldmen, turned about, and slew great-souled Bathycles, 595 the dear son of Chalcon, who had his abode in Hellas, and for wealth and substance was pre-eminent among the Myrmidons. Him Glaucus struck full upon the breast with a thrust of his spear, turning suddenly upon him, when the other was about to overtake him in pursuit. And he fell with a thud, and heavy grief took hold of the Achaeans, 600 since a good man had fallen; but mightily did the Trojans rejoice. And they came in throngs and took their stand about him, nor did the Achaeans forget their valour, but bore their might straight toward the foe. Then Meriones slew a warrior of the Trojans, in full armour, Laogonus, the bold son of Onetor, 605 one who was priest of Idaean Zeus, and was honoured by the people as a god: him he struck beneath the jaw under the ear, and at once his spirit departed from his limbs, and hateful darkness took hold of him. And Aeneas cast at Meriones his spear of bronze, for he hoped to strike him as he advanced under cover of his shield. 610 But Meriones, looking steadily at him, avoided the spear of bronze; for he stooped forward, and the long spear fixed itself in the ground behind him, and the butt of the spear quivered; but there at length mighty Ares stilled its fury. [And the lance of Aeneas sank quivering down into the earth, 615 since it sped in vain from his mighty hand.] Then Aeneas grew angry at heart, and spoke, saying: “Meriones, very soon, for all that you are a nimble dancer, my spear would have made you cease dancing for ever, had I only struck you.” And Meriones, famed for his spear, made answer: 620 “Aeneas, hard would it be for you, valiant though you are, to quench the might of every man, whoever comes against you to make defence. Of mortal stuff, I think, are you as well. If I should cast, and strike you fairly with my sharp spear, quickly then, for all that you are strong and trust in your hands, 625 you would yield glory to me, and your soul to Hades of the noble steeds.” So he spoke, but the valiant son of Menoetius rebuked him, saying: “Meriones, why do you, who are a man of valour, speak in this way? Good friend, it is not for words of reviling that the Trojans will give ground from the corpse; before that the earth shall hold many a one. 630 For in our hands is the issue of war; that of words is in the council. Therefore it is not fitting in any way to multiply words, but to fight.” So saying, he led the way, and the other followed, a godlike man. And from them—even as the din arises of woodcutters in the glades of a mountain, and the sound of it is heard afar— 635 so from them went up a clanging from the broad-wayed earth, a clanging of bronze and of hide and of well-wrought shields, as they thrust one at the other with swords and two-edged spears. Nor could a man, though he knew him well, any longer have recognised goodly Sarpedon, since he was utterly wrapped in darts and blood and dust, 640 from his head to the very soles of his feet. And they ever thronged about the corpse as when in a farmstead flies buzz about the full milk-pails, in the season of spring, when the milk drenches the vessels; even so they thronged about the corpse. Nor did Zeus in any way 645 turn his bright eyes from the fierce conflict, but ever looked down upon them, and debated in heart, pondering much about the slaying of Patroclus, whether in the fierce conflict even there over godlike Sarpedon, glorious Hector 650 should slay him likewise with the sword, and should strip the armour from his shoulders, or whether for yet more men he should make the utter toil of war grow. And as he pondered, this thing seemed to him the better, that the valiant squire of Achilles, Peleus' son, 655 should again drive toward the city the Trojans and Hector, harnessed in bronze, and take the lives of many. In Hector first of all he roused cowardly rout, and he leapt upon his chariot and turned to flight, and called on the rest of the Trojans to flee; for he knew the turning of the sacred scales of Zeus. Then the valiant Lycians likewise did not stand, but were driven in rout 660 one and all, when they saw their king struck to the heart, lying in the gathering of the dead; for many had fallen above him, when the son of Cronos strained taut the cords of the fierce conflict. But from the shoulders of Sarpedon they stripped his shining armour of bronze, 665 and this the valiant son of Menoetius gave to his comrades to bear to the hollow ships. And then to Apollo spoke Zeus, the cloud-gatherer: “Up now, dear Phoebus, go cleanse the dark blood from Sarpedon, when you have taken him out of the range of darts, and then bear him far away, and bathe him in the streams of the river, 670 and anoint him with ambrosia, and clothe him about with immortal garments, and give him to swift conveyers to bear with them, to the twin brothers, Sleep and Death, who shall set him speedily in the rich land of wide Lycia. There his brothers and his kinsfolk shall give him burial 675 with mound and pillar; for this is the due of the dead.” So he spoke, nor was Apollo disobedient to his father's bidding, but went down from the hills of Ida into the dread din of battle. At once then he lifted up goodly Sarpedon out of the range of darts, and when he had borne him far away, bathed him in the streams of the river, 680 and anointed him with ambrosia, and clothed him about with immortal garments, and gave him to swift conveyers to bear with them, to the twin brothers, Sleep and Death, who set him speedily in the rich land of wide Lycia. But Patroclus with a call to his horses and to Automedon, 685 pressed after the Trojans and Lycians, and was greatly blinded in heart, fool that he was! for had he observed the word of the son of Peleus, he would truly have escaped the evil fate of black death. But ever is the intent of Zeus stronger than that of men, for he drives even a valiant man in rout, and robs him of victory 690 very easily, and again of himself he rouses men to fight; and he it was who now put fury in the breast of Patroclus. Then whom first, whom last did you slay, Patroclus, when the gods called you deathward? Adrastus first, and Autonous, and Echeclus, 695 and Perimus, son of Megas, and Epistor, and Melanippus, and then Elasus, and Mulius, and Pylartes: these he slew, and the others each turned their thoughts to flight. Then would the sons of the Achaeans have taken high-gated Troy by the hands of Patroclus, for around and before him he raged with his spear, 700 had not Phoebus Apollo taken his stand upon the well-built wall thinking thoughts of bane for him, but bearing aid to the Trojans. Three times did Patroclus set foot upon a corner of the high wall, and three times did Apollo fling him back, thrusting against the bright shield with his immortal hands. 705 But when for the fourth time he rushed on like a god, then with a terrible cry Apollo spoke to him winged words: “Fall back, Zeus-born Patroclus. It is not fated, I tell you, that by your spear the city of the lordly Trojans shall be laid waste, no, nor by that of Achilles, who is better far than you.” 710 So he spoke, and Patroclus gave ground a great space backward, avoiding the wrath of Apollo who strikes from afar. But Hector at the Scaean gate was holding his single-hoofed horses, for he was divided in mind, whether he should drive again into the turmoil and do battle, or should call to the host to gather within the wall. 715 And while he pondered thus there drew near to him Phoebus Apollo in the likeness of a man young and strong, Asius, who was uncle to horse-taming Hector, and own brother to Hecabe, but son of Dymas, who dwelt in Phrygia by the streams of Sangarius. 720 In his likeness Apollo, the son of Zeus, spoke to Hector: “Hector, why do you cease from battle? It does not befit you. I wish that I were as much stronger than you as I am weaker; then immediately would it be to your own hurt that you draw back from the war. No, come, drive against Patroclus your strong-hoofed horses, 725 in the hope that you may slay him, and Apollo give you glory.” So he spoke, and went back again, a god into the toil of men. Then to wise-hearted Cebriones glorious Hector gave command to lash his horses into the battle. But Apollo went his way, and entered into the throng, and sent an evil panic upon the Argives, 730 and granted glory to the Trojans and to Hector. But Hector let the other Danaans be, nor sought to slay them, but drove his strong-hoofed horses against Patroclus; and Patroclus, facing him, leapt from his chariot to the ground with a spear in his left hand, 735 while with the other he grasped a stone, shining and jagged, that his hand closed around. Firmly he planted himself, and hurled it, nor was he long in awe of his foe, nor did he speed his missile in vain, but struck the charioteer of Hector, Cebriones, a bastard son of glorious Priam, upon the forehead with the sharp stone, as he was holding the reins of the horses. 740 And both his brows the stone dashed together, and the bone did not hold, but the eyes fell to the ground in the dust there, before his feet. And like a diver he fell from the well-wrought chariot, and his spirit left his bones. Then with mocking words you spoke to him, knight Patroclus: 745 “Ha, look, truly nimble is the man; how easily he dives! In truth if he were on the teeming deep, this man would satisfy many by seeking for oysters, leaping from his ship however stormy the sea, seeing that now on the plain he dives easily from his chariot. Truly among the Trojans too there are men who dive.” 750 So saying he made for the warrior Cebriones with the rush of a lion that, while he ravages the farmstead, has been struck on the breast, and his own valour brings him to ruin; even so upon Cebriones, O Patroclus, you leapt furiously. 755 And Hector, facing him, leapt from his chariot to the ground. So the two joined in strife for Cebriones like two lions, that on the peaks of a mountain fight for a slain hind, both of them hungering, both high of heart; even so for Cebriones the two masters of the war-cry, 760 Patroclus, son of Menoetius, and glorious Hector, were eager each to hew the other's flesh with the pitiless bronze. Hector, once he had seized the corpse by the head, would not loose his hold, and Patroclus, facing him, held fast to the foot; and about them the others, Trojans and Danaans, joined in fierce conflict. 765 And as the East Wind and the South strive with one another in shaking a deep wood in the glades of a mountain,—a wood of beech and ash and smooth-barked cornel, and these dash one against the other their long boughs with a wondrous din, and there is a crashing of broken branches; 770 even so the Trojans and Achaeans leapt one upon another and made havoc, nor would either side take thought of ruinous flight. And round about Cebriones many sharp spears were fixed, and many winged arrows that leapt from the bow-string, and many great stones struck against shields, as men fought around him. 775 But he in the whirl of dust lay mighty in his mightiness, forgetful of his horsemanship. Now as long as the sun bestrode mid-heaven, so long the missiles of either side reached their mark, and the people kept falling; but when he turned to the time for the unyoking of oxen, 780 then indeed beyond their portion the Achaeans proved the better. Out of the range of darts they drew the warrior Cebriones from the battle-din of the Trojans, and stripped the armour from his shoulders; and Patroclus with fell intent leapt upon the Trojans. Three times then he leapt upon them, the peer of swift Ares, 785 crying a terrible cry, and three times he slew nine men. But when for the fourth time he rushed on, like a god, then for you, Patroclus, the end of life appeared; for Phoebus met you in the fierce conflict, a dread god. And Patroclus did not notice him as he passed through the turmoil, 790 for enfolded in thick mist he met him; and Apollo took his stand behind him, and struck his back and broad shoulders with the flat of his hand, and his eyes were made to whirl. And from his head Phoebus Apollo struck the helmet, which rang as it rolled 795 beneath the feet of the horses—the crested helm; and the plumes were fouled with blood and dust. Not until that hour had the gods allowed that helm with plume of horse-hair to be fouled with dust, but ever it guarded the head and comely brow of a godlike man, Achilles; but then Zeus granted it to Hector, 800 to wear upon his head, yet destruction was near at hand for him. And in the hands of Patroclus the far-shadowing spear was wholly broken, the spear, heavy, and huge, and strong, and tipped with bronze; and from his shoulders the tasselled shield with its baldric fell to the ground, and his corselet Apollo loosed—the prince, the son of Zeus. 805 Then blindness seized his mind, and his glorious limbs were loosed beneath him, and he stood in a daze; and from behind him from close at hand a Dardanian struck him upon the back between the shoulders with a cast of his sharp spear, Panthous' son, Euphorbus, who excelled all men of his years in casting the spear, and in horsemanship, and in speed of foot; and indeed twenty warriors had he already cast 810 from their chariots at his first coming with his chariot to learn his lesson of war. He it was who first hurled his spear at you, knight Patroclus, yet did not subdue you; but he ran back again and mingled with the throng, when he had drawn forth the ashen spear from the flesh, and he did not stand against 815 Patroclus, unarmed though he was, in the fray. But Patroclus, overcome by the stroke of the god and by the spear, drew back into the throng of his comrades, avoiding fate. But Hector, when he beheld great-souled Patroclus drawing back, struck with the sharp bronze, 820 came near him through the ranks, and struck him with a thrust of his spear in the lowest part of the belly, and drove the bronze clean through; and he fell with a thud, and deeply grieved the host of the Achaeans. And as a lion overmasters in fight an untiring boar, when the two fight with high hearts on the peaks of a mountain 825 for a scant spring, from which both are minded to drink: hard pants the boar, yet the lion overcomes him by his might; even so from the valiant son of Menoetius, after he had slain many, did Hector, Priam's son, take life away, striking him from close at hand with his spear. And vaunting over him he spoke winged words: 830 “Patroclus, you thought, I suppose, that you would sack our city, and from the women of Troy would take the day of freedom, and bear them in your ships to your dear native land, you fool. No, in front of them the swift horses of Hector stride forth to the fight, 835 and with the spear I myself am pre-eminent among the war-loving Trojans, I who ward from them the day of doom; but as for you, vultures shall devour you here. Ah, poor wretch, even Achilles, for all his valour, did not help you, who, I suppose, though himself staying behind, laid strict command upon you, as you went forth: ‘Do not come back, I charge you, Patroclus, master of horsemen, 840 to the hollow ships, till you have torn about the breast of man-slaying Hector the tunic red with his blood.’ So, I suppose, he spoke to you, and persuaded your wits in your witlessness.” Then, your strength all spent, you answered him, knight Patroclus: “For this time, Hector, boast mightily; for to you have 845 Zeus, the son of Cronos, and Apollo, granted victory, they who subdued me very easily, for of themselves they took the armour from my shoulders. But if twenty such as you had faced me, here would all have perished, slain by my spear. No, it was baneful Fate and the son of Leto that slew me, 850 and of men Euphorbus, while you are the third in my slaying. And another thing I will tell you, and lay it to heart: truly you shall not yourself be long in life, but even now death stands close by you, and mighty fate, that you be slain beneath the hands of Achilles, the peerless son of Aeacus.” 855 Even as he spoke thus the end of death enfolded him; and his soul fleeting from his limbs was gone to Hades, bewailing her fate, leaving manliness and youth. And to him even in his death spoke glorious Hector: “Patroclus, why do you prophesy for me sheer destruction? 860 Who knows but that Achilles, the son of fair-tressed Thetis, may first be struck by my spear, and lose his life?” So saying, he drew forth the spear of bronze from the wound, setting his foot upon the dead, and thrust him backward from the spear. And at once he was gone with his spear after Automedon, the godlike squire of the swift-footed son of Aeacus, 865 for he was eager to strike him; but his swift horses bore him away, the immortal horses that the gods gave as glorious gifts to Peleus.

17And the son of Atreus, Menelaus, dear to Ares, did not fail to notice that Patroclus had been slain in battle by the Trojans, but went amid the foremost fighters, armed in flaming bronze, and stood over the dead, as over a calf its mother stands lowing plaintively, one that has brought forth 5 her first-born, before then knowing nothing of motherhood; even so over Patroclus strode fair-haired Menelaus, and before him he held his spear and his shield that was well-balanced on every side, eager to slay the man who should come to seize the corpse. Then Panthous' son, of the good spear of ash, was not unheeding 10 of the fall of peerless Patroclus, but he took his stand close by him, and spoke to Menelaus, dear to Ares: “Menelaus, son of Atreus, fostered of Zeus, leader of hosts, draw back, and leave the corpse, and let the bloody spoils be; for before me no man of the Trojans and their famed allies struck 15 Patroclus with the spear in the fierce conflict; so allow me to win fine renown among the Trojans, lest I cast and strike you, and rob you of honey-sweet life.” Then, his heart mightily stirred, fair-haired Menelaus spoke to him: “O father Zeus, no good thing is it to boast overweeningly. 20 Truly neither is the spirit of the leopard so high, nor of the lion, nor of the wild boar, of baneful mind, in whose breast the greatest fury exults exceedingly in might, as is the spirit of Panthous' sons, of the good spear of ash. No, but in truth even the mighty Hyperenor, tamer of horses, 25 had no profit of his youth, when he made light of me and awaited my coming, and thought that among the Danaans I was the meanest warrior; not on his own feet, I think, did he go home to gladden his dear wife and his worthy parents. Even so, it seems to me, shall I loose your might as well, 30 if you stand to face me; no, of myself I tell you to get back into the throng, and do not stand forth to face me, before some evil befalls you; when it is done even a fool gains understanding.” So he spoke, yet did not persuade the other, but he answered, saying: “Now in very truth, Menelaus, nurtured of Zeus, 35 shall you truly pay the price for my brother whom you slew, and over whom you speak boastfully; and you made his wife a widow in her new-built bridal chamber, and brought grief unspeakable and sorrow upon his parents. Truly for them in their misery I should prove an easing of grief, if I but bring your head and your armour 40 and lay them in the hands of Panthous and queenly Phrontis. But not for long shall the struggle be untried or unfought, whether for victory or for flight.” So saying, he struck upon his shield that was well-balanced on every side; but the bronze did not break through, 45 but its point was bent back in the stout shield. Then in turn Atreus' son, Menelaus, rushed upon him with his spear, and made prayer to father Zeus; and as he drew back, stabbed him at the base of the throat, and put his weight into the thrust, trusting in his heavy hand; and clean out through the tender neck passed the point. 50 And he fell with a thud, and upon him his armour clanged. In blood was his hair drenched, that was like the hair of the Graces, and his tresses that were braided with gold and silver. And as a man rears a sturdy sapling of an olive in a lonely place, where water wells up abundantly— 55 a fine sapling and a fair-growing; and the blasts of all the winds make it quiver, and it burgeons out with white blossoms; but suddenly the wind comes with a mighty tempest, and tears it out of its trench, and lays it low upon the earth; even in such a way did 60 Menelaus, son of Atreus, slay Panthous' son, Euphorbus of the good ashen spear, and set about stripping him of his armour. And as when a mountain-nurtured lion, trusting in his might, has seized from amid a grazing herd the heifer that is finest: her neck he seizes first in his strong jaws, and breaks it, and then devours the blood and all the inward parts in his fury; 65 and round about him hounds and herdsmen clamour loudly from afar, but have no will to come against him, for pale fear takes hold of them; even so the heart in the breast of no Trojan dared to go to face glorious Menelaus. 70 Very easily then would Atreus' son have borne off the glorious armour of the son of Panthous, had not Phoebus Apollo begrudged it to him, and in the likeness of a man, Mentes, leader of the Cicones, roused against him Hector, the peer of swift Ares. And he spoke and addressed him in winged words: 75 “Hector, now you are hastening thus vainly after what you may not attain, the horses of the wise-hearted son of Aeacus; but they are hard for mortal men to master or to drive, except only for Achilles, whom an immortal mother bore. Meanwhile has warlike Menelaus, son of Atreus, 80 stood over Patroclus, and slain the best man of the Trojans, Panthous' son, Euphorbus, and has made him cease from his furious valour.” So he spoke, and went back again, a god into the toil of men. But the soul of Hector was darkly clouded with dread sorrow, and he glanced then along the lines, and at once was aware of the one 85 stripping off the glorious arms, and of the other lying on the ground; and the blood was flowing down from the stricken wound. Then he strode forth amid the foremost fighters, armed in flaming bronze, crying a shrill cry, in fashion like the flame of Hephaestus that none may quench. Nor was his shrill cry unheard by the son of Atreus, 90 but deeply troubled he spoke to his own great-hearted spirit: “Ah, woe is me! If I leave behind the fine arms, and Patroclus, who lies low here because he would win me recompense, I fear lest many a Danaan grow angry against me, whoever sees it. But if for very shame I, who am alone, do battle with Hector and the Trojans, 95 I fear lest perhaps they surround me, many against one; for Hector of the flashing helm is leading all the Trojans here. But why does my heart thus hold converse with me? Whenever a warrior is minded against the will of heaven to fight with another whom a god honours, at once mighty woe rolls upon him. 100 So no man of the Danaans will grow angry against me, whoever shall see me giving ground before Hector, since he fights with the help of heaven. But if I might anywhere find Aias, good at the war-cry, then we two might turn back and take thought for the fight, even if it were against the will of heaven, in hope of saving the dead 105 for Achilles, Peleus' son: of ills that would be the best.” While he pondered thus in mind and heart, meanwhile the ranks of the Trojans came on, and Hector led them. Then Menelaus gave ground backward, and left the corpse, ever turning about like a bearded lion 110 that dogs and men drive from a fold with spears and shouting; and the valiant heart in his breast grows chill, and very unwillingly he goes from the farmstead; even so from Patroclus went fair-haired Menelaus. But he turned about and stood, when he reached the throng of his comrades, 115 glancing this way and that for great Aias, son of Telamon. Him he saw very quickly on the left of the whole battle, heartening his comrades, and urging them on to fight, for wondrous fear had Phoebus Apollo cast upon them. And he set off running, and at once came up to him, and spoke, saying: 120 “Aias, come here, good friend, let us hasten in defence of the dead Patroclus, if perhaps we may bear forth his corpse at least to Achilles—his naked corpse; but his armour is held by Hector of the flashing helm.” So he spoke, and stirred the soul of wise-hearted Aias, and he strode amid the foremost fighters, and with him fair-haired Menelaus. 125 Now Hector, when he had stripped from Patroclus his glorious armour, sought to haul him away that he might cut the head from his shoulders with the sharp bronze, and drag off the corpse, and give it to the dogs of Troy; but Aias drew near, bearing his shield, that was like a city wall. Then Hector gave ground backward into the throng of his comrades, 130 and leapt upon his chariot, and gave the fine armour to the Trojans to bear to the city, to be a great glory to him. But Aias covered the son of Menoetius round about with his broad shield, and stood as a lion over his whelps, 135 one that huntsmen have encountered in the forest as he leads his young; then he exults in his strength, and draws down all his brows to cover his eyes; even so did Aias stand over the warrior Patroclus, and close by him stood the son of Atreus, Menelaus, dear to Ares, nursing great sorrow in his breast. 140 And Glaucus, son of Hippolochus, leader of the Lycians, with an angry glance from beneath his brows, rebuked Hector with hard words, saying: “Hector, most fair to look upon, in battle you are sorely lacking. In truth it is but in vain that fair renown possesses you, who are but a runaway. Consider now how by yourself you may save your city and home 145 aided only by the folk that were born in Ilios; for of the Lycians at least no man will go forth to do battle with the Danaans for the city's sake, since there was to be no thanks, it seems, for warring against the enemy ever without respite. How are you likely to save a lesser man amid the press of battle, 150 you heartless one, when Sarpedon, who was at once your guest and your comrade, you left to the Argives to be their prey and spoil!—one that very often proved a boon to you, to your city and your own self, while he still lived; whereas now you did not have the courage to ward the dogs from him. So now, if any one of the men of Lycia will listen to me, 155 homeward we will go, and for Troy utter destruction shall be made plain. Ah, if only there were now in the Trojans dauntless courage, that knows nothing of fear, such as comes upon men who for their country's sake toil and strive with the enemy; then at once we should drag Patroclus into Ilios. 160 And if this man were to come, a corpse, to the great city of king Priam, and we should drag him forth from the battle, at once the Argives would give back the fine armour of Sarpedon, and we should bring his body into Ilios; for such a man is he whose squire has been slain, one that is far the best 165 of the Argives by the ships, himself and his squires that fight in close combat. But you did not have the courage to stand before great-hearted Aias, facing him eye to eye amid the battle-cry of the enemy, nor to do battle against him, since he is a better man than you.” Then with an angry glance from beneath his brows, Hector of the flashing helm spoke to him: 170 “Glaucus, why have you, being such a one as you are, spoken an overweening word? Good friend, in truth I thought that in wisdom you were above all others that dwell in deep-soiled Lycia; but now I have utter scorn for your wits, that you speak thus, since you say I did not stand to face mighty Aias. 175 I do not shudder at battle, I tell you, nor at the din of chariots, but ever is the purpose of Zeus who bears the aegis strongest, for he drives even a valiant man in rout, and robs him of victory very easily, and again of himself he rouses men to fight. No, come here, good friend, take your stand by my side, and behold my handiwork, 180 whether this whole day through I shall prove myself a coward, as you babble, or shall stop many a one of the Danaans, however fierce for valorous deeds he may be, from fighting in defence of the dead Patroclus.” So saying, he shouted aloud, and called to the Trojans: “You Trojans, and Lycians, and Dardanians that fight in close combat, 185 be men, my friends, and take thought for furious valour, until I put on the armour of peerless Achilles, the fine armour that I stripped from the mighty Patroclus, when I slew him.” When he had thus spoken, Hector of the flashing helm went forth from the fury of war, and ran, 190 and speedily reached his comrades not yet far off, hastening after them with swift steps, those who were bearing toward the city the glorious armour of the son of Peleus. Then he halted apart from the tear-fraught battle, and changed his armour; his own he gave to the war-loving Trojans to bear to sacred Ilios, but clad himself in the immortal armour 195 of Peleus' son, Achilles, that the heavenly gods had given to his father and that he had given to his son, when he himself grew old; but in the armour of the father the son did not come to old age. But when Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, beheld him from afar as he armed himself in the battle-gear of the godlike son of Peleus, 200 he shook his head, and thus he spoke to his own heart: “Ah, poor wretch, death truly is not in your thoughts, that yet draws near you; but you are putting on the immortal armour of a princely man before whom others besides you are accustomed to quail. His comrade, kindly and valiant, you have slain, 205 and in unseemly fashion have stripped the armour from his head and shoulders. But for the present I will grant you great might, in recompense for this—that in no way shall you return from the battle for Andromache to receive from you the glorious armour of the son of Peleus.” The son of Cronos spoke and nodded assent with his dark brows, 210 and upon Hector's body he made the armour fit, and there entered into him Ares, the dread Enyalius, and his limbs were filled within with valour and with might. Then he went his way into the company of the famed allies, 215 crying a great cry, and showed himself before the eyes of all, flashing in the armour of the great-souled son of Peleus. And going to and fro he spoke and heartened each man, Mesthles and Glaucus and Medon and Thersilochus and Asteropaeus and Deisenor and Hippothous and Phorcys and Chromius and Ennomus, the augur—these he heartened, and spoke to them winged words: 220 “Hear me, you tribes uncounted of allies that dwell round about. Not because I sought for numbers or had need of them did I gather each man of you from your cities, but that with ready hearts you might save the Trojans' wives and their little children from the war-loving Achaeans. 225 With this intent I am wasting the substance of my own folk that you may have gifts and food, and thereby I make the strength of each one of you grow. So let every man turn straight against the foe and die, perhaps, or live; for this is the dalliance of war. And whoever shall drag Patroclus, dead though he is, 230 into the midst of the horse-taming Trojans, and make Aias yield, half of the spoils I will give to him, and half I will keep myself; and his glory shall be even as my own.” So he spoke, and they charged straight against the Danaans with all their weight, holding their spears on high, and their hearts within them 235 were full of hope to drag the corpse from beneath Aias, son of Telamon—fools that they were! Truly very many did he rob of life over that corpse. Then Aias spoke to Menelaus, good at the war-cry, “Good Menelaus, fostered of Zeus, no more have I hope that we two by ourselves alone shall win back from the war. 240 In no way have I such dread for the corpse of Patroclus, that shall soon glut the dogs and birds of the Trojans, as I have for my own life, lest some evil befall, and for yours as well, for a cloud of war surrounds everything, Hector himself, and for us utter destruction is plain to see. 245 But come, call upon the chieftains of the Danaans, if perhaps any may hear.” So he spoke, and Menelaus, good at the war-cry, did not fail to listen, but uttered a piercing shout and called to the Danaans: “Friends, leaders and rulers of the Argives, you who at the board of the sons of Atreus, Agamemnon and Menelaus, 250 drink at the common cost, and give commands each one to his folk—you upon whom attend honour and glory from Zeus—it is hard for me to discern each man of the chieftains, so fiercely is the strife of war ablaze. No, let every man go forth unbidden, and have shame at heart that 255 Patroclus should become the sport of the dogs of Troy.” So he spoke, and swift Aias, son of Oileus, heard him clearly, and was first to come running to meet him amid the battle, and after him Idomeneus and Idomeneus' comrade, Meriones, the peer of Enyalius, slayer of men. 260 But of the rest, what man of his own wit could name the names—of all that came after these and aroused the battle of the Achaeans? Then the Trojans drove forward in close throng, and Hector led them. And as when at the mouth of some heaven-fed river the mighty wave roars against the stream, 265 and the headlands of the shore echo on either hand, as the salt-sea bellows outside; even with such din of shouting came on the Trojans. But the Achaeans stood firm about the son of Menoetius with oneness of heart, fenced about with shields of bronze. And the son of Cronos 270 shed thick darkness over their bright helms, for even before was the son of Menoetius in no way hated by him, while he was yet alive and the squire of the son of Aeacus; and now Zeus was very loath that he should become the sport of the dogs of his foes, those of Troy; so Zeus roused his comrades to defend him. And first the Trojans drove back the bright-eyed Achaeans, 275 who left the corpse and shrank back before them; yet not a man did the Trojans high of heart slay with their spears, though they were eager, but they set about dragging the corpse. Yet for but a short time were the Achaeans to hold back from it, for very speedily did Aias rally them—Aias who in comeliness and in deeds of war was above 280 all the other Danaans next to the peerless son of Peleus. Straight through the foremost fighters he strode, in might like a wild boar that amid the mountains easily scatters hounds and vigorous youths when he wheels upon them in the glades; even so the son of lordly Telamon, glorious Aias, 285 when he had got among them, easily scattered the battalions of the Trojans, that had taken their stand above Patroclus, and were eager above all to drag him to their city, and win glory for themselves. Now Hippothous, the glorious son of Pelasgian Lethus, was dragging the corpse by the foot through the fierce conflict, 290 and had bound his baldric about the tendons of both ankles, doing a pleasure to Hector and the Trojans. But very swiftly upon him came evil that not one of them could ward off, however eager they were. For the son of Telamon, darting upon him through the throng, struck him from close at hand through the helmet with cheek-pieces of bronze; 295 and the helm with horse-hair crest was split about the spear-point, struck by the great spear and the strong hand; and the brain spurted forth from the wound along the socket of the spear all mingled with blood. There then his strength was loosed, and from his hands he let fall 300 to lie upon the ground the foot of great-hearted Patroclus, and close by it he himself fell headlong upon the corpse, far from deep-soiled Larissa; nor did he pay back to his dear parents the recompense of his upbringing, and brief was the span of his life, for he was laid low by the spear of great-souled Aias. And Hector in turn cast at Aias with his bright spear, 305 but Aias, looking steadily at him, avoided the spear of bronze though only by a little, and Hector struck Schedius, son of great-souled Iphitus, far the best of the Phocians, who dwelt in a house in famous Panopeus, and was king over many men. Him Hector struck beneath the middle of the collar-bone, 310 and clean through passed the point of bronze, and came out beneath the base of the shoulder. And he fell with a thud, and upon him his armour clanged. And Aias in his turn struck wise-hearted Phorcys, son of Phaenops, full upon the belly as he stood over Hippothous, and he broke the plate of his corselet, 315 and the bronze let out the bowels through it; and he fell in the dust and clutched the earth in his palm. At this the foremost fighters and glorious Hector gave ground, and the Argives shouted aloud, and drew off the dead, Phorcys and Hippothous, and set about stripping the armour from their shoulders. Then would the Trojans have been driven again by the Achaeans, 320 dear to Ares, up to Ilios, vanquished in their cowardice, and the Argives would have won glory even beyond the allotment of Zeus, by reason of their might and their strength, had not Apollo himself aroused Aeneas, taking upon himself the form of the herald, Periphas, son of Epytos, who in the house of his old father 325 had grown old in his heraldship, and was of kindly mind toward him as well. In his likeness the son of Zeus, Apollo, spoke to Aeneas: “Aeneas, how could you ever guard steep Ilios, in defiance of a god? In truth I have seen other men that had trust in their strength and might, in their valour 330 and in their host, and that held their realm even in defiance of Zeus. But for us Zeus wills the victory far more than for the Danaans; yet you yourselves have measureless fear, and do not fight.” So he spoke, and Aeneas knew Apollo who strikes from afar, when he looked upon his face, and he called aloud, and spoke to Hector: 335 “Hector, and you other leaders of the Trojans and allies, shame truly would this be, if before the Achaeans, dear to Ares, we are driven back to Ilios, vanquished in our cowardice. Yet even now, declares one of the gods who stood by my side, is Zeus, the counsellor most high, our helper in the fight. 340 So let us make straight for the Danaans, and let it not be at their ease that they bring the dead Patroclus to the ships.” So he spoke, and leapt forth far to the front of the foremost fighters, and stood there. And they rallied, and took their stand with their faces toward the Achaeans. Then Aeneas wounded with a thrust of his spear Leocritus, 345 son of Arisbas and valiant comrade of Lycomedes. And as he fell Lycomedes, dear to Ares, had pity for him, and came and stood close by and with a cast of his bright spear struck Apisaon, son of Hippasus, shepherd of the host, in the liver, below the midriff, and at once loosed his knees—Apisaon 350 who had come from deep-soiled Paeonia, and next to Asteropaeus was preeminent above them all in fight. But as he fell warlike Asteropaeus had pity for him, and he too rushed onward, eager to fight with the Danaans; but he could no longer avail in this, for with shields they were fenced in on every side, 355 as they stood around Patroclus, and before them they held their spears. For Aias ranged to and fro among them and strictly charged every man; not one, he told them, should give ground backward from the corpse, nor yet fight in front of the rest of the Achaeans as one pre-eminent above them all; but stand firm close beside the corpse and do battle hand to hand. 360 Thus mighty Aias charged them, and the earth grew wet with dark blood, and the dead fell thick and fast alike of the Trojans and their mighty allies, and of the Danaans; for these too did not fight without shedding of blood, though fewer of them by far were falling; for they ever took care 365 to ward utter destruction from one another in the throng. So they fought like blazing fire, nor would you have thought that sun or moon still remained, for with darkness were they shrouded in the fight, all the chieftains that stood around the slain son of Menoetius. 370 But the rest of the Trojans and the well-greaved Achaeans fought at their ease under clear air, and over them was spread the piercing brightness of the sun, and on all the earth and the mountains no cloud was seen; and they fought resting at times, avoiding one another's shafts, fraught with groaning, 375 and standing far apart. But those in the middle suffered woes by reason of the darkness and the war, and were sorely distressed by the pitiless bronze, all those that were chieftains. But two men that were famous warriors, Thrasymedes and Antilochus, had not yet learned that peerless Patroclus was dead, but thought that, 380 still alive, he was fighting with the Trojans in the forefront of the throng. And those two, watching against the death and rout of their comrades, were warring in a place apart, for so Nestor had ordered them, when he roused them forth to the battle from the black ships. So then the whole day through raged the great strife 385 of their cruel fray, and with the sweat of toil the knees and legs and feet of each man beneath him were ever ceaselessly bedewed, and his arms and eyes, as the two hosts fought about the noble squire of swift-footed Achilles. And as when a man 390 gives to his people the hide of a great bull for stretching, all drenched in fat, and when they have taken it, they stand in a circle and stretch it, and at once its moisture goes out and the fat enters in under the tugging of many hands, and all the hide is stretched to the utmost; even so they on this side and on that were dragging the corpse this way and that in a narrow space; 395 and their hearts within them were full of hope, the Trojans that they might drag him to Ilios, but the Achaeans to the hollow ships; and around him the battle grew wild, nor could even Ares, rouser of hosts, nor Athene, at sight of that strife have made light of it, even if their anger were exceedingly great. 400 Such evil toil of men and horses did Zeus on that day strain taut over Patroclus. Nor as yet did goodly Achilles know anything of Patroclus' death, for far from the swift ships were they fighting beneath the wall of the Trojans. So Achilles never thought in his heart 405 that he was dead, but that he would return alive, after he had reached even to the gates; nor did he think this in any way, that Patroclus would sack the city without him, no, nor with him, for very often had he heard this from his mother, listening to her in secret, whenever she brought him tidings of the purpose of great Zeus. 410 But then his mother did not tell him how great an evil had come to pass, that his comrade, far the dearest, had been slain. But the others round about the corpse, with sharp spears in their hands, ever pressed on continually, and slew each other. And thus would one of the brazen-coated Achaeans say: 415 “Friends, no fair fame truly would it be for us to return back to the hollow ships; no, even here let the black earth gape for us all. That would be far better for us at once, if we are to yield this man to the Trojans, tamers of horses, to drag to their city, and win glory.” 420 And thus in like manner would one of the great-hearted Trojans speak: “Friends, even if it is our fate all together to be slain beside this man, yet let none draw back from the fight.” Thus would one speak and arouse the might of each. So they fought on, 425 and the iron din went up through the unresting air to the brazen heaven. But the horses of the son of Aeacus, being apart from the battle, were weeping, ever since they learned that their charioteer had fallen in the dust beneath the hands of man-slaying Hector. In truth Automedon, valiant son of Diores, 430 very often plied them with blows of the swift lash, and very often spoke to them with gentle words, and often with threats; yet neither back to the ships to the broad Hellespont were the two minded to go, nor yet into the battle amid the Achaeans. No, as a pillar remains firm that stands on the tomb 435 of a dead man or woman, even so they remained immovable with the beautiful chariot, bowing their heads down to the earth. And hot tears ever flowed from their eyes to the ground, as they wept in longing for their charioteer, and their rich manes were soiled, 440 streaming from beneath the yoke-pad beside the yoke on this side and on that. And as they mourned, the son of Cronos saw them and was touched with pity, and he shook his head, and thus spoke to his own heart: “Ah unhappy pair, why did we give you to king Peleus, to a mortal, while you are ageless and immortal? 445 Was it that among wretched men you too should have sorrows? For in truth there is nothing, I think, more miserable than man among all things that breathe and move upon earth. Yet truly not upon you and your chariot, richly adorned, 450 shall Hector, Priam's son, mount; that I will not allow. Is it not enough that he has the armour and vainly boasts of it besides? No, in your knees and in your heart I will put strength, so that you may also bear Automedon safe out of the war to the hollow ships; for still shall I grant glory to the Trojans, to slay and slay, until they come to the well-benched ships, 455 and the sun sets and sacred darkness comes on.” So saying he breathed great might into the horses. And the two shook the dust from their manes to the ground, and fleetly bore the swift chariot amid the Trojans and Achaeans. And behind them fought Automedon, though he sorrowed for his comrade, swooping 460 with his chariot as a vulture on a flock of geese, for easily would he flee from the battle-din of the Trojans, and easily charge, setting upon them through the great throng. But no man could he slay as he hastened to pursue them, for in no way was it possible for him, being alone in the sacred chariot, 465 to assail them with the spear, and at the same time to hold the swift horses. But at last a comrade caught sight of him with his eyes, Alcimedon, son of Laerces, son of Haemon, and he halted behind the chariot and spoke to Automedon: “Automedon, what god 470 has put in your breast unprofitable counsel and taken from you your heart of understanding, that thus in the foremost throng you fight with the Trojans, alone as you are? For your comrade has been slain, and his armour Hector wears on his own shoulders, the armour of the son of Aeacus, and glories in it.” To him then made answer Automedon, son of Diores: 475 “Alcimedon, what other man of the Achaeans is of like worth to curb and guide the spirit of immortal steeds, except only Patroclus, the peer of the gods in counsel, while he still lived? But now death and fate have come upon him. However, 480 take the lash and the shining reins, and I will dismount to fight.” So he spoke, and Alcimedon leapt upon the chariot that was swift in battle, and quickly grasped in his hands the lash and reins; and Automedon leapt down. And glorious Hector caught sight of them, and at once spoke to Aeneas, who was near: 485 “Aeneas, counsellor of the brazen-coated Trojans, over there I see the two horses of the swift-footed son of Aeacus coming forth into view in the battle with weakling charioteers. These two I might hope to take, if you in your heart are willing, since the men would not withstand the onset of us two, 490 and stand to contend with us in battle.” So he spoke, and the valiant son of Anchises did not fail to listen. And the two went straight forward, their shoulders clad with shields of bull's-hide, dry and tough, and abundant bronze had been welded upon them. 495 And with them went Chromius, and godlike Aretus both, and their hearts within them were full of hope to slay the men and drive off the horses with high-arched necks—fools that they were! for not without shedding of blood were they to get back from Automedon. He made prayer to father Zeus, and his dark heart within him was filled with valour and strength; 500 and at once he spoke to Alcimedon, his trusty comrade: “Alcimedon, do not hold the horses far from me, but let their breath strike upon my very back; for I truly do not think that Hector, son of Priam, will be stopped from his fury until he mounts behind the fair-maned horses of Achilles, 505 and has slain the two of us, and driven in rout the ranks of the Argive warriors, or perhaps is himself slain amid the foremost.” So he spoke, and called to the two Aiantes and to Menelaus: “You two Aiantes, leaders of the Argives, and you, Menelaus, come now, leave the corpse in charge of those that are bravest 510 to stand firm about it and to ward off the ranks of men; but from us two who still live ward off the pitiless day of doom, for here are pressing hard in tearful war Hector and Aeneas, the best men of the Trojans. Yet these things truly lie on the knees of the gods: 515 I too will cast, and the issue shall rest with Zeus.” He spoke, and poised his far-shadowing spear and hurled it, and struck upon the shield of Aretus, that was well-balanced on every side, and this did not stop the spear, but the bronze passed clean through, and into the lower belly he drove it through the belt. 520 And as when a strong man with sharp axe in hand strikes behind the horns of an ox of the farmstead and cuts clean through the sinew, and the ox leaps forward and falls; even so Aretus leapt forward and fell upon his back, and the spear, exceedingly sharp, fixed quivering in his entrails, loosed his limbs. 525 But Hector cast at Automedon with his bright spear, yet he, looking steadily at him, avoided the spear of bronze, for he stooped forward, and the long spear fixed itself in the ground behind him, and the butt of the spear quivered; but there at length did mighty Ares stay its fury. 530 And now they would have clashed with their swords in close fight had not the two Aiantes parted them in their fury, for they came through the throng at the call of their comrade, and seized with fear of them Hector and Aeneas and godlike Chromius gave ground again 535 and left Aretus lying there stricken to the death. And Automedon, the peer of swift Ares, stripped him of his armour, and exulted, saying: “Truly I have eased my heart a little of grief for the death of Menoetius' son, though it is but a worse man that I have slain.” 540 So saying, he took up the bloody spoils, and set them in the chariot, and himself mounted on it, his feet and his hands above all bloody, even as a lion that has devoured a bull. Then again over Patroclus was strained taut the mighty conflict, dread and fraught with tears, and Athene roused the strife, 545 having come down from heaven; for Zeus, whose voice is borne afar, had sent her to urge on the Danaans, for indeed his mind was turned. As Zeus stretches forth for mortals a lurid rainbow from heaven to be a portent whether of war or of chill storm that 550 makes men cease from their work upon the face of the earth, and vexes the flocks; even so Athene, wrapping herself in a lurid cloud, entered the throng of the Danaans, and urged on each man. First to hearten him she spoke to Atreus' son, valiant Menelaus, for he was near her, 555 likening herself to Phoenix, in form and untiring voice: “To you, truly, Menelaus, shall there be shame and a hanging of the head, if the trusty comrade of lordly Achilles is torn by swift dogs beneath the wall of the Trojans. No, hold your ground valiantly, and urge on all the host.” 560 Then Menelaus, good at the war-cry, answered her: “Phoenix, old sire, my father of ancient days, would that Athene may give me strength and keep from me the onrush of darts. Then I would be very eager to stand by Patroclus' side and aid him; for in truth his death has touched me to the heart. 565 But Hector has the dread fury of fire, and does not cease to make havoc with the bronze; for it is to him that Zeus grants glory.” So he spoke, and the goddess, flashing-eyed Athene, was glad, because to her first of all the gods he made his prayer. And she put strength into his shoulders and his knees, 570 and in his breast set the daring of the fly, that though it is driven away ever so often from the skin of a man, ever persists in biting, and sweet to it is the blood of man; even with such daring she filled his dark heart within him, and he stood over Patroclus and hurled with his bright spear. 575 Now among the Trojans was one Podes, son of Eetion, a rich man and a valiant, and Hector honoured him above all the people, because he was his comrade, a welcome companion at the feast. Him fair-haired Menelaus struck upon the belt with a spear cast as he started to flee, and drove the bronze clean through; 580 and he fell with a thud. But Menelaus, son of Atreus, dragged the dead body from amid the Trojans into the throng of his comrades. Then Apollo drew near to Hector, and urged him on, in the likeness of Asius' son Phaenops, who of all his guest-friends was dearest to him, and had his house at Abydus. 585 In his likeness Apollo who works from afar spoke to Hector: “Hector, what other man of the Achaeans will fear you any more, since you have thus quailed before Menelaus, who before was a weakling warrior? Now with none to aid him he has taken the dead from the ranks of the Trojans and is gone—yes, he has slain your trusty comrade, 590 a good man among the foremost fighters, Podes, son of Eetion.” So he spoke, and a black cloud of grief enwrapped Hector, and he strode amid the foremost fighters, armed in flaming bronze. And then the son of Cronos took his tasselled aegis, all gleaming bright, and wrapped Ida in clouds, 595 and flashed lightning and thundered mightily, and shook the aegis, giving victory to the Trojans, but the Achaeans he drove in rout. First to begin the rout was Peneleos the Boeotian. For as he stood ever facing the foe he was struck on the surface of the shoulder with a spear, a grazing blow, 600 but the spear-point of Polydamas cut even to the bone, for he it was that cast at him from close at hand. And Leitus again, the son of great-souled Alectryon, Hector wounded in close fight, on the hand at the wrist, and made him cease from fighting: and casting an anxious glance about him he shrank back, since he no longer had hope that bearing spear in hand he might do battle with the Trojans. 605 And as Hector pursued Leitus, Idomeneus struck him upon the corselet, on the breast beside the nipple; but the long spear-shaft was broken in the socket, and the Trojans shouted aloud. And Hector cast at Idomeneus, Deucalion's son, as he stood upon his chariot, and missed him by but little; 610 but he struck Coeranus, the comrade and charioteer of Meriones, who followed him from well-built Lyctus—for on foot had Idomeneus come at first from the curved ships, and would have yielded great victory to the Trojans, had not Coeranus speedily driven up the swift-footed horses. 615 Thus to Idomeneus he came as a light of deliverance, and warded from him the pitiless day of doom, but himself lost his life at the hands of man-slaying Hector—this Coeranus did Hector strike beneath the jaw under the ear, and the spear dashed out his teeth by the roots, and split his tongue apart in the middle; and he fell from the chariot, and let fall the reins down upon the ground. 620 And Meriones stooped, and gathered them in his own hands from the earth, and spoke to Idomeneus: “Ply the lash now, until you come to the swift ships. See, even of yourself you know that victory is no longer with the Achaeans.” So he spoke, and Idomeneus lashed the fair-maned horses back 625 to the hollow ships; for truly fear had fallen upon his soul. Nor were great-hearted Aias and Menelaus unaware that Zeus was giving to the Trojans victory to turn the tide of battle; and of them great Telamonian Aias was first to speak, saying: “Alas, now may any man, however foolish he is, 630 know that father Zeus himself is aiding the Trojans. For the missiles of all of them strike home, whoever hurls them, whether brave man or coward: Zeus in any case guides them all aright; but for us the shafts of every man fall vainly to the ground. No, come, let us of ourselves devise the counsel that is best, 635 by which we may both haul away the corpse, and ourselves return home for the joy of our dear comrades, who I think are deeply distressed as they look this way, and think that the fury and the irresistible hands of man-slaying Hector will not be stayed, but will fall upon the black ships. 640 But I wish there were some comrade to bear word with all speed to the son of Peleus, for I think he has not even heard the woeful tale, that his dear comrade is slain. But nowhere can I see such a one among the Achaeans, for in darkness are they all enwrapped, themselves and their horses as well. 645 Father Zeus, deliver from the darkness the sons of the Achaeans, and make clear sky, and grant us to see with our eyes. In the light even slay us, since such is your good pleasure.” So he spoke, and the Father had pity on him as he wept, and at once scattered the darkness and drove away the mist, 650 and the sun shone forth upon them and all the battle was made plain to view. Then Aias spoke to Menelaus, good at the war-cry: “Look out now, Menelaus, nurtured of Zeus, if perhaps you may catch sight of Antilochus still alive, son of great-souled Nestor, and stir him to go with speed to Achilles, wise of heart, 655 to tell him that his comrade, far the dearest, is slain.” So he spoke, and Menelaus, good at the war-cry, did not fail to listen, but went his way as a lion from a farmstead when he grows weary of harrying dogs and men that do not allow him to seize the fattest of the herd, 660 watching the whole night through; but he in his lust for flesh goes straight on, yet accomplishes nothing by it, for thick the darts fly to meet him, hurled by bold hands, and blazing brands as well, before which he quails, however eager he is, and at dawn he departs with sore heart; 665 even so from Patroclus departed Menelaus, good at the war-cry, sorely against his will; for exceedingly did he fear lest the Achaeans in sorry rout should leave him to be a prey to the enemy. And many a charge he laid on Meriones and the Aiantes, saying: “You two Aiantes, leaders of the Argives, and you, Meriones, 670 now let each man remember the kindliness of hapless Patroclus; for to all he was ever gentle while he still lived, but now death and fate have come upon him.” So saying fair-haired Menelaus departed, glancing warily on every side like an eagle, which, men say, has 675 the keenest sight of all winged things under heaven, from whom, though he is on high, the swift-footed hare is not hidden as he crouches beneath a leafy bush, but the eagle swoops upon him and at once seizes him, and robs him of life. Even so then, Menelaus, nurtured of Zeus, did your bright eyes 680 range everywhere over the throng of your many comrades, if perhaps they might catch sight of Nestor's son still alive. Him he saw very quickly on the left of the whole battle, heartening his comrades and urging them on to fight. And drawing near, fair-haired Menelaus spoke to him, saying: 685 “Antilochus, up, come here, you nurtured of Zeus, that you may learn woeful tidings, such as I wish had never been. Even now, I think, you know, for your eyes behold it, that a god rolls ruin upon the Danaans, and that victory is with the men of Troy. And slain is the best man of the Achaeans, 690 Patroclus, and great longing for him has come upon the Danaans. But run with speed to the ships of the Achaeans and bear word to Achilles, in hope that he may at once bring safe to his ship the corpse—the naked corpse; but his armour is held by Hector of the flashing helm.” So he spoke, and Antilochus was horrified as he heard that word. 695 For a long time he was speechless, and both his eyes were filled with tears, and the flow of his voice was checked. Yet not even so was he neglectful of the bidding of Menelaus, but set off running, and gave his armour to his peerless comrade Laodocus, who close beside him was wheeling his single-hoofed horses. 700 Him then, as he wept, his feet bore forth from the battle to bear an evil tale to Peleus' son Achilles. Nor was your heart, Menelaus, nurtured of Zeus, minded to bear aid to the hard-pressed comrades from whom Antilochus had departed, and great longing came upon the men of Pylos. 705 But to aid them he sent goodly Thrasymedes, and himself went again to stand over the warrior Patroclus; and he ran, and took his stand beside the Aiantes, and at once spoke to them: “That man I have truly sent forth to the swift ships, to go to Achilles, fleet of foot. But I do not think 710 that Achilles will come forth, however angry he is with goodly Hector; for in no way can he fight against the Trojans unarmed as he is. But let us of ourselves devise the counsel that is best, by which we may both haul away the corpse, and ourselves escape death and fate amid the battle-din of the Trojans.” 715 Then great Telamonian Aias answered him: “All this you have spoken rightly, most glorious Menelaus. But you and Meriones stoop with all speed beneath the corpse, and raise him up, and bear him forth from the toil of war; but behind you we two will do battle with the Trojans and goodly Hector, 720 one in heart as we are one in name, we who before have been accustomed to stand firm in fierce battle, abiding each by the other's side.” So he spoke, and the others took the dead in their arms from the ground, and lifted him on high in their great might; and at this the host of the Trojans behind them shouted aloud, when they saw the Achaeans lifting the corpse. 725 And they charged straight upon them like hounds that in front of hunting youths dart upon a wounded wild boar: for a while they rush upon him eager to tear him apart, but whenever he wheels among them trusting in his might, then they give ground and shrink in fear, one here, one there; 730 even so the Trojans for a time ever followed on in throngs, thrusting with swords and two-edged spears, but whenever the two Aiantes would wheel about and stand against them, then their colour would change, and no man dared dart forth and do battle for the dead. 735 Thus the two were hastening to bear the corpse forth from the battle to the hollow ships, and against them was strained a conflict fierce as fire that, rushing upon a city of men with sudden onset, sets it aflame, and houses fall amid the mighty glare, and the might of the wind drives it roaring on. 740 Even so against them as they went came ever the ceaseless din of chariots and of spearmen. But as mules that, putting forth on either side their great strength, drag down from the mountain along a rugged path a beam, perhaps, or a great ship-timber, and within them their hearts 745 as they strive are distressed with toil alike and sweat; even so these hastened to bear forth the corpse. And behind them the two Aiantes held back the foe, as a ridge holds back a flood 750 —some wooded ridge that happens to lie right across a plain and that holds back even the dread streams of mighty rivers, and at once turns the current of them all to wander over the plain, nor does the might of their flood avail to break through it; even so the two Aiantes ever kept back the battle of the Trojans, but these ever followed after, and two among them above all others, Aeneas, Anchises' son, and glorious Hector. 755 And as a cloud of starlings or of daws flies, shrieking cries of doom, when they see coming upon them a falcon that brings death to small birds; so before Aeneas and Hector fled the youths of the Achaeans, shrieking cries of doom, and forgot all fighting. 760 And fair arms in great number fell around and about the trench as the Danaans fled; but there was no ceasing from war.

18So they fought like blazing fire, but Antilochus, swift of foot, came to bear tidings to Achilles. Him he found in front of his ships with upright horns, foreboding in his heart the thing that even now had been brought to pass; 5 and deeply troubled he spoke to his own great-hearted spirit: “Ah, woe is me, how is it that again the long-haired Achaeans are being driven toward the ships in rout over the plain? Let it not be that the gods have brought to pass grievous woes for my soul, even as my mother once declared to me, and said that 10 while I still lived the best man of the Myrmidons would leave the light of the sun beneath the hands of the Trojans! In truth the valiant son of Menoetius must now be dead, foolhardy one. Surely I told him to come back again to the ships when he had thrust off the consuming fire, and not to fight with all his might against Hector.” 15 While he pondered this in mind and heart, the son of lordly Nestor drew near to him, shedding hot tears, and spoke the grievous tidings: “Woe is me, you son of wise-hearted Peleus, very grievous are the tidings you must hear, such as I wish had never been. 20 Low lies Patroclus, and around his corpse they are fighting—his naked corpse; but his armour is held by Hector of the flashing helm.” So he spoke, and a black cloud of grief enveloped Achilles, and with both his hands he took the dark dust 25 and strewed it over his head and defiled his fair face, and on his fragrant tunic the black ashes fell. And he himself lay outstretched in the dust, mighty in his mightiness, and with his own hands he tore and marred his hair. And the handmaidens, whom Achilles and Patroclus had taken as booty, shrieked aloud in anguish of heart, 30 and ran out around wise-hearted Achilles, and all beat their breasts with their hands, and the knees of each one were loosened beneath her. And opposite them Antilochus wailed and shed tears, holding the hands of Achilles, who was moaning mightily in his noble heart; for he feared lest he should cut his throat with the knife. 35 Then terribly did Achilles groan aloud, and his queenly mother heard him as she sat in the depths of the sea beside the old man her father. At this she uttered a shrill cry, and the goddesses thronged about her, all the daughters of Nereus that were in the deep of the sea. There were Glauce and Thaleia and Cymodoce, 40 Nesaea and Speio and Thoë and ox-eyed Halië, and Cymothoë and Actaeä and Limnoreia, and Melite and Iaera and Amphithoe and Agave, Doto and Proto and Pherousa and Dynamene, and Dexamene and Amphinone and Callianeira, 45 Doris and Pynope and glorious Galatea, Nemertes and Apseudes and Callianassa, and there were Clymene and Ianeira and Ianassa, Maera and Orithyia and fair-tressed Amatheia, and other Nereids that were in the deep of the sea. 50 With these the bright cave was filled, and they all alike beat their breasts, and Thetis was leader in their lamenting: “Listen, sister Nereids, so that one and all you may hear and know all the sorrows that are in my heart. Ah, woe is me unhappy, woe is me that bore to my sorrow the best of men, 55 for after I had borne a son peerless and stalwart, pre-eminent among warriors, and he shot up like a sapling; then when I had reared him like a tree in a rich orchard plot, I sent him forth in the beaked ships to Ilios to war with the Trojans; but never again shall I welcome him 60 back to his home, to the house of Peleus. And while he still lives and beholds the light of the sun, he has sorrow, nor can I help him in any way, though I go to him. But go I will, that I may behold my dear child, and hear what grief has come upon him while he still stays aloof from the war.” 65 So saying she left the cave, and the nymphs went with her weeping, and around them the waves of the sea were split apart. And when they had come to the deep-soiled land of Troy they stepped out upon the beach, one after the other, where the ships of the Myrmidons were drawn up in close lines around swift Achilles. 70 Then to his side, as he groaned heavily, came his queenly mother, and with a shrill cry she clasped the head of her son, and with wailing spoke to him winged words: “My child, why do you weep? What sorrow has come upon your heart? Speak out; do not hide it. Your wish has indeed been brought to pass for you 75 by Zeus, as you once prayed, stretching out your hands, that one and all the sons of the Achaeans should be huddled at the sterns of the ships in dire need of you, and should suffer cruel things.” Then groaning heavily swift-footed Achilles answered her: “My mother, these prayers the Olympian has indeed brought to pass for me, 80 but what pleasure do I have in it, since my dear comrade is dead, Patroclus, whom I honoured above all my comrades, even as my own self? Him I have lost, and his armour Hector who slew him has stripped from him, that fair armour, huge in size, a wonder to behold, that the gods gave as a glorious gift to Peleus 85 on the day when they laid you in the bed of a mortal man. I wish you had remained where you were among the immortal maidens of the sea, and that Peleus had taken to his home a mortal bride. But now—it was so that you too might have measureless grief at heart for your dead son, whom you shall never again welcome 90 to his home; for my own heart does not bid me live on and remain among men, unless Hector first, struck by my spear, loses his life, and pays back the price for making spoil of Patroclus, son of Menoetius.” Then Thetis spoke to him again, shedding tears all the while: 95 “Doomed then to a speedy death, my child, you shall be, since you speak this way; for immediately after Hector your own death is ready at hand.” Then, mightily moved, swift-footed Achilles spoke to her: “At once may I die, since I was not to bring aid to my comrade at his slaying. Far, far from his own land 100 he has fallen, and had need of me to ward off ruin. Now therefore, since I do not return to my dear native land, nor proved in any way a light of deliverance to Patroclus or to my other comrades, those many that have been slain by goodly Hector, but remain here by the ships. A profitless burden upon the earth— 105 I that in war am such as is no other of the brazen-coated Achaeans, though in council there are others better— so may strife perish from among gods and men, and anger that sets a man on to grow angry, however wise he may be, and that sweeter far than trickling honey 110 grows like smoke in the breasts of men; just as now the king of men, Agamemnon, moved me to wrath. But these things we will let be as past and done, for all our pain, curbing the heart in our breasts, because we must. But now I will go out that I may come upon the slayer of the man I loved, 115 Hector himself; for my fate, I will accept it whenever Zeus wills to bring it to pass, and the other immortal gods. For not even the mighty Heracles escaped death, though he was most dear to Zeus, son of Cronos, the king, but fate overcame him, and the dread wrath of Hera. 120 So also shall I, if a like fate has been fashioned for me, lie low when I am dead. But now let me win glorious renown, and set many a one among the deep-bosomed Trojan or Dardanian women to wipe with both hands the tears from her tender cheeks, and to moan ceaselessly; 125 and let them know that truly I have long kept apart from the war. Do not seek then to hold me back from battle, for all that you love me; you shall not persuade me.” Then answered him the goddess, silver-footed Thetis: “Yes, truly, as you say, my child, it is in truth no ill thing to ward off utter destruction from your comrades, who are hard beset. 130 But your fine armour is held among the Trojans, your armour of bronze, all gleaming-bright. This Hector of the flashing helm wears on his own shoulders, and exults in it. Yet I think that not for long shall he glory in it, since his own death is near at hand. But do not enter into the turmoil of Ares 135 until your eyes behold me coming here again. For in the morning I will return at the rising of the sun, bearing fair armour from the lord Hephaestus.” So saying she turned to go back from her son, and having turned she spoke among her sisters of the sea: 140 “Plunge now beneath the broad bosom of the deep, to visit the old man of the sea, and the halls of our father, and tell him all. But I will go to high Olympus to the house of Hephaestus, the famed craftsman, in the hope that he will give my son glorious shining armour.” 145 So she spoke, and they at once plunged beneath the surge of the sea, while she, the goddess, silver-footed Thetis, went her way to Olympus, that she might bring glorious armour for her dear son. Her then were her feet bearing to Olympus, but the Achaeans fled with wondrous shouting from before man-slaying Hector, 150 and came to the ships and the Hellespont. But Patroclus, the squire of Achilles, the well-greaved Achaeans could not draw forth from amid the darts; for now again the host and the chariots of Troy overtook him, and Hector, son of Priam, in might like a flame. 155 Three times from behind did glorious Hector seize him by the feet, eager to drag him away, and called mightily upon the Trojans, and three times did the two Aiantes, clothed in furious valour, hurl him back from the corpse. But he, ever trusting in his might, would now charge upon them in the fray, and would now stand 160 and shout aloud; but backward he would never give a whit. And as shepherds of the farmstead are in no way able to drive from a carcass a tawny lion when he is ravenously hungry, even so the two warrior Aiantes were not able to frighten Hector, Priam's son, away from the corpse. 165 And now he would have dragged away the body, and have won glory unspeakable, had not wind-footed, swift Iris, speeding from Olympus with a message that he array himself for battle, come to the son of Peleus, all unknown to Zeus and the other gods, for Hera sent her forth. And she drew near, and spoke to him winged words: 170 “Rouse yourself, son of Peleus, of all men most dread. Bring aid to Patroclus, for whose sake a dread strife is afoot before the ships. And men are slaying one another, these seeking to defend the corpse of the dead, while the Trojans charge on to drag him to windy Ilios; and above all glorious Hector 175 is eager to drag him away; and his heart bids him sever the head from the tender neck, and fix it on the stakes of the wall. No, up then, lie here no more! Let awe come upon your soul that Patroclus should become the sport of the dogs of Troy. 180 Yours would be the shame, if in any way he comes, a corpse shamefully mistreated.” Then swift-footed goodly Achilles answered her: “Goddess Iris, who of the gods sent you as a messenger to me?” And to him again spoke wind-footed, swift Iris: “Hera sent me forth, the glorious wife of Zeus; 185 and the son of Cronos, throned on high, knows nothing of it, nor any other of the immortals that dwell upon snowy Olympus.” Then in answer to her spoke Achilles, swift of foot: “But how shall I enter the fray? Those over there hold my battle-gear; and my dear mother forbade me to array myself for the fight 190 until my eyes should behold her coming here again; for she pledged to bring fine armour from Hephaestus. No other man do I know whose glorious armour I might put on, except it were the shield of Aias, son of Telamon. But he himself, I think, is busy amid the foremost fighters, 195 as he makes havoc with his spear in defence of dead Patroclus.” And to him again spoke wind-footed, swift Iris: “Well do we know ourselves that your glorious armour is held by them; but just as you are, go to the trench, and show yourself to the men of Troy, in the hope that, seized with fear of you, 200 the Trojans may desist from battle, and the warlike sons of the Achaeans may take breath, wearied as they are; for scant is the breathing-space in war.” When she had spoken thus swift-footed Iris departed; but Achilles, dear to Zeus, roused himself, and around his mighty shoulders Athene flung her tasselled aegis, 205 and around his head the fair goddess set thick a golden cloud, and from the man she made a gleaming fire blaze forth. And as when smoke goes up from a city and reaches to heaven from afar, from an island that foes besiege, and its men contend the whole day through in hateful war 210 from their city's walls, and then at sunset the beacon-fires flame forth one after another and high aloft their glare darts for those who dwell round about to behold, in the hope that they may come in their ships to ward off ruin; even so from the head of Achilles the gleam went up toward heaven. 215 Then he strode from the wall to the trench, and there took his stand, yet did not join the company of the Achaeans, for he had regard for his mother's wise command. There he stood and shouted, and from afar Pallas Athene uttered her voice; but among the Trojans he roused confusion unspeakable. Clear as the trumpet's voice when it sounds aloud 220 beneath the press of murderous foemen that besiege a city, so clear then was the voice of the son of Aeacus. And when they heard the brazen voice of the son of Aeacus the hearts of all were dismayed; and the fair-maned horses 225 turned their chariots backward, for their spirits foreboded ruin. And the charioteers were stricken with terror when they saw the unwearied fire blaze fearsomely above the head of the great-souled son of Peleus; for the goddess, flashing-eyed Athene, made it blaze. Three times over the trench goodly Achilles shouted mightily, and three times the Trojans and their famed allies were confounded. 230 And there in that hour twelve men of their best perished amid their own chariots and their own spears. But the Achaeans with gladness drew Patroclus out from the darts and laid him on a bier, and his dear comrades thronged about him weeping; and among them followed swift-footed Achilles, 235 shedding hot tears, because he saw his trusty comrade lying on the bier, mangled by the sharp bronze. Him indeed he had sent out with horses and chariot into the war, but never again did he welcome him home. Then the unwearying sun was sent by ox-eyed, queenly Hera 240 to go his way, much against his will, to the stream of Ocean. So the sun set and the goodly Achaeans ceased from the fierce strife and the evil war. And on their side, the Trojans, when they had come back from the fierce conflict, loosed their swift horses from beneath their chariots, 245 and gathered in assembly before they thought of supper. On their feet they stood while the gathering was held, nor did any man have heart to sit; for they were all held by fear, since Achilles had come out, though he had long kept himself aloof from grievous battle. Then among them wise Polydamas was first to speak, 250 the son of Panthous; for he alone looked both before and after. He was a comrade of Hector, and in the one night they were born: but one was far the best in speech, the other with the spear. He with good intent addressed their gathering, and spoke among them: “Consider well on both sides, my friends. For my own part I bid you 255 return even now to the city, and not on the plain beside the ships await bright Dawn, for far from the wall are we. As long as this man continued in wrath against goodly Agamemnon, so long were the Achaeans easier to fight against; yes, and I too was glad, when close by the swift ships I spent the night, 260 in hope that we should take the curved ships. But now I terribly fear the swift-footed son of Peleus; so masterful is his spirit, he will not be minded to remain in the plain, where in the midst both Trojans and Achaeans share in the fury of Ares; 265 but it is for our city that he will fight, and for our wives. No, let us go to the city; listen to me, for this is how it shall be. For the present immortal night has stayed the swift-footed son of Peleus, but if tomorrow he comes forth in armour and comes upon us still remaining here, very well shall many a one come to know him; for with joy shall he that escapes make his way to sacred Ilios, 270 and many of the Trojans shall the dogs and vultures devour—far from my ear be the tale of it. But if we listen to my words, for all our reluctance, this night we shall keep our forces in the place of gathering, and the city shall be guarded by the walls 275 and high gates and by the tall well-polished doors that are set in them, bolted fast. But in the morning at the coming of Dawn, arrayed in our armour, we will make our stand upon the walls; and the worse will it be for him, if he is minded to come forth from the ships and fight with us to win the wall. 280 Back again to his ships he shall go, when he has given his horses, with high-arched necks, their fill of coursing to and fro, as he drives vainly beneath the city. But to force his way within his heart will not allow him, nor shall he lay it waste; before that the swift dogs shall devour him.” Then with an angry glance from beneath his brows Hector of the flashing helm spoke to him: 285 “Polydamas, what you say is no longer to my pleasure, since you bid us go back and be penned within the city. In truth, have you not yet had your fill of being penned within the walls? Of old all mortal men were accustomed to tell of Priam's city, for its wealth of gold, its wealth of bronze; 290 but now its fine treasures have perished from its homes, and indeed very many possessions have been sold away to Phrygia and lovely Maeonia, since great Zeus grew angry. But now, when the son of crooked-counselling Cronos has granted me to win glory at the ships, and to pen the Achaeans, beside the sea, 295 no longer, you fool, show forth counsels such as these among the folk. For not a man of the Trojans will listen to you; I will not allow it. No, come; as I shall bid, let us all obey: for the present take your supper throughout the host by companies, and take heed to keep watch, and be wakeful every man. 300 And of the Trojans whoever is distressed beyond measure for his goods, let him gather them together and give them to the folk to feast on in common; better would it be that they have profit of them than the Achaeans. But in the morning, at the coming of Dawn, arrayed in our armour, let us arouse sharp battle at the hollow ships. But if in deed and in truth goodly Achilles has risen up by the ships, the worse shall it be for him, if he so wills it. I truly will not flee from him out of grievous war, but face to face will I stand against him, whether he shall win great victory, or perhaps I. Alike to all is the god of war, and indeed he slays him that would slay.” So Hector addressed their gathering, and at this the Trojans shouted aloud, fools that they were! for from them Pallas Athene took away their wits. To Hector they all gave praise in his ill advising, but Polydamas no man praised, though he devised counsel that was good. So then they took supper throughout the host; but the Achaeans 315 the whole night through made moan in lamentation for Patroclus. And among them the son of Peleus began the vehement lamentation, laying his man-slaying hands upon the breast of his comrade and uttering many a groan, even as a bearded lion whose whelps some hunter of stags has snatched away 320 out of the thick wood; and the lion, coming back afterward, grieves deeply, and through many a glen he ranges on the track of the man's footsteps, in the hope that he may find him somewhere; for exceedingly grim anger lays hold of him. Even so with heavy groaning Achilles spoke among the Myrmidons: “Alas! Vain in truth was the word I uttered on that day, 325 when I sought to hearten the warrior Menoetius in our halls; and said that when I had sacked Ilios I would bring back to him at Opoeis his glorious son with the share of the spoil that should fall to his lot. But Zeus does not fulfil for men all their purposes; for both of us are fated to redden the same earth with our blood 330 here in the land of Troy; since neither shall I come back to be welcomed by the old knight Peleus in his halls, nor by my mother Thetis, but even here shall the earth hold me fast. But now, Patroclus, since I shall pass beneath the earth after you, I will not give you burial until I have brought here the armour and the head of Hector, 335 your slayer, O great-souled one; and of twelve glorious sons of the Trojans I will cut the throats before your pyre in my wrath at your slaying. Until then beside the beaked ships you shall lie, just as you are, and around you shall deep-bosomed Trojan and Dardanian women 340 make lament night and day with shedding of tears, those whom we two won by toil, by our might and our long spears, when we laid waste rich cities of mortal men.” So saying, goodly Achilles ordered his comrades to set upon the fire a great cauldron, that with speed 345 they might wash from Patroclus the bloody gore. And they set upon the blazing fire the cauldron for filling the bath, and poured in water, and took billets of wood and kindled them beneath it. Then the fire played about the belly of the cauldron, and the water grew warm. But when the water boiled in the bright bronze, 350 then they washed him and anointed him richly with oil, filling his wounds with ointment nine years old; and they laid him upon his bed, and covered him with a soft linen cloth from head to foot, and over that with a white robe. So the whole night through around Achilles, swift of foot, 355 the Myrmidons made moan in lamentation for Patroclus; but Zeus spoke to Hera, his sister and his wife: “You have had your way then, O ox-eyed, queenly Hera; you have aroused Achilles, swift of foot. In truth the long-haired Achaeans must be children of your own womb.” 360 Then the ox-eyed, queenly Hera answered him: “Most dread son of Cronos, what a word you have said. Surely even a man, I think, is likely to accomplish what he can for another man, one who is but mortal, and does not know all the wisdom that is mine. How then was I, who declare myself to be highest of goddesses 365 on two counts, because I am eldest and am called your wife, and you are king among all the immortals—how was I not in my wrath against the Trojans to devise evil against them?” In this way they spoke to one another; but silver-footed Thetis came to the house of Hephaestus, 370 imperishable, decked with stars, preeminent among the houses of immortals, wrought all of bronze, that the crook-foot god himself had built for himself. Him she found sweating with toil as he moved to and fro about his bellows in eager haste; for he was fashioning tripods, twenty in all, to stand around the wall of his well-built hall, 375 and golden wheels he had set beneath the base of each, so that of themselves they might enter the gathering of the gods at his wish and again return to his house, a wonder to behold. They were finished thus far, that the cunningly fashioned handles were not yet set on them; these he was making ready, and was forging the rivets. 380 And while he laboured at this with cunning skill, meanwhile the goddess, silver-footed Thetis, drew near to him. And Charis of the gleaming veil came forward and noticed her—fair Charis, whom the famed god of the two strong arms had wedded. And she clasped her by the hand, and spoke, and addressed her: 385 “Why, long-robed Thetis, have you come to our house, an honoured guest, and a welcome one? Before now you have not been accustomed to come. But follow me further, that I may set before you entertainment.” So saying the bright goddess led her on. Then she made her sit on a silver-studded chair, 390 a beautiful chair, richly-wrought, and beneath was a footstool for the feet; and she called to Hephaestus, the famed craftsman, and spoke to him, saying: “Hephaestus, come out here; Thetis has need of you.” And the famous god of the two strong arms answered her: “Truly then a dread and honoured goddess is within my halls, 395 she who saved me when pain had come upon me after I had fallen far through the will of my shameless mother, who wished to hide me away because of my lameness. Then I would have suffered woes in heart, had not Eurynome and Thetis received me into their bosom—Eurynome, daughter of backward-flowing Oceanus. 400 With them then for nine years I forged much cunning handiwork, brooches, and spiral arm-bands, and rosettes and necklaces, within their hollow cave; and around me flowed, murmuring with foam, the stream of Oceanus, a flood unspeakable. Nor did any other know of it, either of gods or of mortal men, 405 but Thetis knew and Eurynome, they who saved me. And now Thetis has come to my house; therefore it is indeed right for me to pay to fair-tressed Thetis the full price for the saving of my life. But set before her fair entertainment, while I put aside my bellows and all my tools.” 410 He spoke, and from the anvil rose, a huge, panting bulk, limping all the while, but beneath him his slender legs moved nimbly. The bellows he set away from the fire, and gathered all the tools with which he worked into a silver chest; and with a sponge he wiped his face and his two hands as well, 415 and his mighty neck and shaggy breast, and put on a tunic, and grasped a stout staff, and went out limping; but there moved swiftly to support their lord handmaidens wrought of gold in the semblance of living maids. In them is understanding in their hearts, and in them speech 420 and strength, and they know cunning handiwork by gift of the immortal gods. These busily moved to support their lord, and he, limping near to where Thetis was, sat down upon a shining chair; and he clasped her by the hand, and spoke, and addressed her: “Why, long-robed Thetis, have you come to our house, 425 an honoured guest and a welcome one? Before now you have not been accustomed to come. Speak what is in your mind; my heart bids me fulfill it, if fulfill it I can, and if it is a thing that can be fulfilled.” And Thetis answered him, shedding tears all the while: “Hephaestus, is there now any goddess, of all those that are in Olympus, 430 that has endured so many grievous woes in her heart as are the sorrows that Zeus, son of Cronos, has given me beyond all others? Of all the daughters of the sea he subdued me alone to a mortal, Peleus, son of Aeacus, and I endured the bed of a mortal though greatly against my will. And now he lies 435 in his halls worn out with grievous old age, but now other griefs are mine. A son he gave me to bear and to rear, pre-eminent among warriors, and he shot up like a sapling; then when I had reared him like a tree in a rich orchard plot, I sent him forth in the beaked ships to Ilios 440 to war with the Trojans; but never again shall I welcome him back to his home, to the house of Peleus. And while he still lives and beholds the light of the sun, he has sorrow, nor can I help him in any way, though I go to him. The girl that the sons of the Achaeans chose out for him as a prize, 445 her the lord Agamemnon has taken back out of his arms. Truly in grief for her he was wasting his heart; but the Trojans were penning the Achaeans at the sterns of the ships, and would not allow them to go forth. And to him the elders of the Argives made prayer, and named many glorious gifts. 450 Then though he himself refused to ward off ruin from them, yet he clad Patroclus in his own armour and sent him into the war, and sent many men with him besides. All day long they fought around the Scaean gates, and on that same day would have laid the city waste, but that, 455 after the valiant son of Menoetius had done great harm, Apollo slew him amid the foremost fighters and gave glory to Hector. Therefore I have now come to your knees, in the hope that you will be willing to give my son, who is doomed to a speedy death, shield and helmet, and fine greaves fitted with ankle-pieces, 460 and corselet. For the armour that was his before, his trusty comrade lost, when he was slain by the Trojans; and my son lies on the ground in anguish of heart.” Then the famous god of the two strong arms answered her: “Be of good cheer, and do not let these things distress your heart. I wish that I might as surely be able to hide him far away from grievous death, 465 when dread fate comes upon him, as surely fine armour shall be his, such that in time to come many a one among the multitude of men shall marvel, whoever shall behold it.” So saying he left her there and went to his bellows, and he turned these toward the fire and ordered them to work. 470 And the bellows, twenty in all, blew upon the melting-vats, sending out a ready blast of every force, now to aid him as he laboured hard, and again in whatever way Hephaestus might wish and his work go on. And on the fire he put stubborn bronze and tin 475 and precious gold and silver; and then he set on the anvil-block a great anvil, and took in one hand a massive hammer, and in the other he took the tongs. First he fashioned a shield, great and sturdy, adorning it cunningly in every part, and around it set a bright rim, 480 threefold and glittering, and from it made fast a silver baldric. Five were the layers of the shield itself; and on it he wrought many intricate designs with cunning skill. On it he wrought the earth, on it the heavens, on it the sea, and the unwearied sun, and the moon at the full, 485 and on it all the constellations with which heaven is crowned—the Pleiades, and the Hyades and the mighty Orion, and the Bear, that men also call the Wain, that circles ever in her place, and watches Orion, and alone has no part in the baths of Ocean. 490 On it he also fashioned two cities of mortal men, very fair. In the one there were marriages and feastings, and by the light of the blazing torches they were leading the brides from their chambers through the city, and loud rose the bridal song. And young men were whirling in the dance, and in their midst 495 flutes and lyres sounded continually; and there the women stood each before her door and marvelled. But the folk were gathered in the place of assembly; for there a strife had arisen, and two men were striving about the blood-price of a man slain; the one avowed that he had paid all, 500 declaring his cause to the people, but the other refused to accept anything; and each was eager to win the issue on the word of an arbiter. Moreover, the folk were cheering both, showing favour to this side and to that. And heralds held back the folk, and the elders were sitting upon polished stones in the sacred circle, 505 holding in their hands the staves of the loud-voiced heralds. With these then they would spring up and give judgment, each in turn. And in the midst lay two talents of gold, to be given to whoever among them should utter the most righteous judgment. But around the other city lay in siege two hosts of warriors 510 gleaming in armour. And two plans found favour with them, either to lay waste the town or to divide in two portions all the substance that the lovely city contained within. But the besieged would in no way listen to this, but were arming to meet the foe in an ambush. The wall their dear wives and little children were guarding, 515 as they stood on it, and with them the men who were held by old age; but the rest were going forth, led by Ares and Pallas Athene, both fashioned in gold, and of gold were the garments in which they were clad. Fair were they and tall in their armour, as befits gods, clear to view amid the rest, and the folk at their feet were smaller. 520 But when they had come to the place where it seemed good to them to set their ambush, in a river-bed where there was a watering-place for all herds alike, there they sat down, clothed about with flaming bronze. Then two scouts were set by them apart from the host, waiting until they should have sight of the sheep and sleek cattle. 525 And these soon came, and two herdsmen followed with them playing upon pipes; and of the trick they knew nothing at all. But the men in ambush, when they saw these coming on, rushed out against them and speedily cut off the herds of cattle and fair flocks of white-fleeced sheep, and slew the herdsmen as well. 530 But the besiegers, as they sat before the places of gathering and heard much tumult among the cattle, mounted at once behind their high-stepping horses, and set out toward it, and speedily came upon them. Then they set their battle in array and fought beside the river banks, and were ever striking one another with bronze-tipped spears. 535 And among them Strife and Tumult joined in the fray, and deadly Fate, grasping one man alive, fresh-wounded, another without a wound, and another she dragged dead through the melee by the feet; and the garment that she had about her shoulders was red with the blood of men. Even as living mortals they joined in the fray and fought; 540 and they were hauling away each the bodies of the others' slain. On it he set also soft fallow-land, rich tilled soil and wide, that was ploughed three times; and ploughmen in great number on it were wheeling their yokes and driving them this way and that. And whenever after turning they came to the headland of the field, 545 then a man would come out to each and give into his hands a cup of honey-sweet wine; and the ploughmen would turn in the furrows, eager to reach the headland of the deep soil. And the field grew black behind and seemed truly as if it had been ploughed, for all that it was of gold; in this was the great marvel of the work. 550 On it he set also a king's estate, where labourers were reaping, bearing sharp sickles in their hands. Some handfuls were falling in rows to the ground along the swathe, while others the binders of sheaves were binding with twisted ropes of straw. Three binders stood close by them, while behind them 555 boys would gather the handfuls, and bearing them in their arms would busily give them to the binders; and among them the king, staff in hand, was standing in silence at the swathe, rejoicing in his heart. And heralds apart beneath an oak were making ready a feast, and were dressing a great ox they had slain for sacrifice; and the women 560 sprinkled the flesh with white barley in abundance, for the workers' mid-day meal. On it he set also a vineyard heavily laden with clusters, a vineyard fair and wrought of gold; black were the grapes, and the vines were set up throughout on silver poles. And around it he drove a trench of cyanus, and about that a fence of tin; 565 and one single path led to it, by which the vintagers went and came, whenever they gathered the vintage. And maidens and youths in childish glee were bearing the honey-sweet fruit in wicker baskets. And in their midst a boy made pleasant music with a clear-toned lyre, 570 and to it sang sweetly the Linos-song with his delicate voice; and his fellows beating the earth in unison with it followed on with bounding feet amid dance and shouts. And on it he wrought a herd of straight-horned cattle: the cattle were fashioned of gold and tin, 575 and with lowing they hurried out from stall to pasture beside the sounding river, beside the waving reed. And golden were the herdsmen that walked beside the cattle, four in number, and nine dogs swift of foot followed after them. But two dread lions amid the foremost cattle 580 were holding a loud-lowing bull, and he, bellowing mightily, was dragged off by them, while after him pursued the dogs and young men. The two lions had rent the hide of the great bull, and were devouring the inner parts and the black blood, while the herdsmen vainly sought to frighten them, urging on the swift hounds. 585 These, however, shrank from fastening on the lions, but stood close by and barked and sprang aside. On it also the famed god of the two strong arms wrought a pasture in a fair dell, a great pasture of white-fleeced sheep, and folds, and roofed huts, and pens. 590 On it furthermore the famed god of the two strong arms cunningly wrought a dancing-floor like that which in wide Cnosus Daedalus fashioned of old for fair-tressed Ariadne. There were youths dancing and maidens worth many cattle, holding their hands upon one another's wrists. 595 Of these the maidens were clad in fine linen, while the youths wore well-woven tunics faintly glistening with oil; and the maidens had fair garlands, and the youths had daggers of gold hanging from silver baldrics. Now they would run round with cunning feet 600 very lightly, as when a potter sits by his wheel that is fitted between his hands and tries it to see whether it will run; and now again they would run in rows toward each other. And a great company stood around the lovely dance, taking joy in it; 605 and two tumblers whirled up and down through the midst of them as leaders in the dance. On it he set also the great might of the river Oceanus, around the outermost rim of the strongly-wrought shield. But when he had wrought the shield, great and sturdy, 610 then he wrought for him a corselet brighter than the blaze of fire, and he wrought for him a heavy helmet, fitted to his temples, a fair helm, richly adorned, and set on it a crest of gold; and he wrought him greaves of pliant tin. But when the glorious god of the two strong arms had fashioned all the armour, 615 he took and laid it before the mother of Achilles. And like a falcon she sprang down from snowy Olympus, bearing the flashing armour from Hephaestus.

19Now Dawn the saffron-robed arose from the streams of Oceanus to bring light to immortals and to mortal men, and Thetis came to the ships bearing gifts from the god. And she found her dear son as he lay, clasping Patroclus, 5 and wailing aloud; and in throngs round about him his comrades were weeping. Then in the midst of them the bright goddess came to his side, and she clasped his hand, and spoke and addressed him: “My child, this man we must let be, for all our sorrow, to lie as he is, seeing he has been slain once for all by the will of the gods. 10 But receive from Hephaestus glorious armour, exceedingly fair, such as never yet a man bore upon his shoulders.” So saying the goddess set down the arms in front of Achilles, and they all rang aloud in their splendour. Then trembling seized all the Myrmidons, 15 neither dared any man to look on them, but they shrank in fear. But when Achilles saw the arms, then wrath came upon him yet the more, and his eyes blazed forth terribly from beneath their lids, as if it were flame; and he was glad as he held in his arms the glorious gifts of the god. But when in his soul he had taken delight in gazing on the glory of them, 20 at once to his mother he spoke winged words: “My mother, the arms that the god has given are such as the works of immortals should fitly be, such as no mortal man could fashion. Now therefore I will array myself for battle; 25 yet I am greatly afraid lest meantime flies enter the wounds that the bronze has dealt on the corpse of the valiant son of Menoetius, and breed worms in them, and work shame upon his corpse—for the life is slain out of him—and so all his flesh shall rot.” Then the goddess, silver-footed Thetis, answered him: “My child, do not let these things distress your heart. 30 From him I will try to ward off the savage tribes, the flies that feed upon men slain in battle. For even though he lie for the full course of a year, yet his flesh shall be sound continually, or better even than it is now. But call to the place of gathering the Achaean warriors, 35 and renounce your wrath against Agamemnon, shepherd of the host, and then array yourself with all speed for battle and clothe yourself in your might.” So saying, she filled him with dauntless courage, and on Patroclus she shed ambrosia and ruddy nectar through his nostrils, that his flesh might be sound continually. 40 But goodly Achilles strode along the shore of the sea, crying a terrible cry, and aroused the Achaean warriors. And even those who before were accustomed to remain in the gathering of the ships—those who were pilots and wielded the steering-oars of the ships, or were stewards that dealt out food— 45 even these came then to the place of gathering, because Achilles had come forth, although he had long kept himself aloof from grievous war. Two there were, squires of Ares, that came limping, Tydeus' son, staunch in fight, and goodly Odysseus, leaning each on his spear, for their wounds were grievous still; 50 and they went and sat down in the front of the gathering. And last of all came the king of men, Agamemnon, burdened with his wound; for him too in the fierce conflict had Coon, Antenor's son, wounded with a thrust of his bronze-shod spear. But when all the Achaeans were gathered together, 55 Achilles, swift of foot, arose among them and said: “Son of Atreus, was this then the better for us two, for you and for me, when with grief at heart we raged in soul-devouring strife for the sake of a girl? Would that amid the ships Artemis had slain her with an arrow 60 on the day when I took her from out of the spoil after I had laid waste Lyrnessus! Then so many Achaeans would not have bitten the vast earth with their teeth beneath the hands of the foemen, because of the fierceness of my wrath. For Hector and the Trojans this was the better, but long shall the Achaeans, I think, remember the strife between me and you. 65 But these things we will let be as past and done, for all our pain, curbing the heart in our breasts because we must. Now truly I make my wrath cease: it does not befit me to be angry for ever unrelentingly; but come, rouse quickly to battle the long-haired Achaeans, 70 so that I may go forth against the Trojans and make trial of them yet again, whether they are eager to spend the night close by the ships. No, many a one of them, I think, will be glad to bend his knees in rest, whoever shall escape from the fury of war, and from my spear.” So he spoke, and the well-greaved Achaeans grew glad, because the great-souled son of Peleus 75 renounced his wrath. And among them spoke the king of men, Agamemnon, from the very place where he sat, not standing forth in their midst: “My friends, Danaan warriors, squires of Ares, it is fitting to give ear to him who stands to speak, 80 nor is it seemly to break in upon his words; that would be grievous even for one well-skilled. And amid the uproar of many how should a man either hear or speak? —he is hampered then, clear-voiced talker though he is. To the son of Peleus I will declare my mind, but you other Argives give heed, and mark well my words each man of you. 85 Very often have the Achaeans spoken this word to me, and were ever eager to chide me; but it is not I that am at fault, but Zeus and Fate and Erinys, who walks in darkness, seeing that in the midst of the place of gathering they cast upon my soul fierce blindness on that day, when of my own arrogance I took from Achilles his prize. 90 But what could I do? It is God that brings all things to their issue. Eldest daughter of Zeus is Ate who blinds all—a power fraught with bane; delicate are her feet, for it is not upon the ground that she goes, but she walks over the heads of men, bringing men to harm, and this one or that she ensnares. 95 Indeed, once she blinded Zeus, although men say that he is the greatest among men and gods; yet even him Hera, who was but a woman, beguiled in her craftiness on the day when Alcmene in fair-crowned Thebe was to bring forth the mighty Heracles. 100 Zeus spoke boastfully among all the gods: ‘Listen to me, all you gods and goddesses, that I may speak what the heart in my breast bids me. This day shall Eileithyia, the goddess of childbirth, bring to the light a man who shall be the lord of all those who dwell round about, 105 one of the race of those men who are of me by blood.’ But with crafty mind the queenly Hera spoke to him:‘You will play the cheat, and not bring your word to fulfillment. No, come, Olympian, swear me now a mighty oath that in very truth that man shall be lord of all those who dwell round about, 110 whoever this day shall fall between a woman's feet, one of those men who are of the blood of your stock.’ So she spoke; but Zeus in no way perceived her craftiness, but swore a great oath, and with that was greatly blinded.” “But Hera darted down and left the peak of Olympus, 115 and swiftly came to Achaean Argos, where she knew was the stately wife of Sthenelus, son of Perseus, who bore a son in her womb, and see, the seventh month had come. This child Hera brought forth to the light even before the full count of the months, but stayed Alcmene's bearing, and held back the Eileithyiae. 120 And she herself spoke to Zeus, son of Cronos, to bring him word: ‘Father Zeus, lord of the bright lightning, a word I will speak for your heeding. See, even now is born a valiant man who shall be lord over the Argives, Eurystheus, son of Sthenelus, the son of Perseus, of your own lineage; it is not unfitting that he be lord over the Argives.’ 125 So she spoke, and sharp pain struck him in the depth of his heart, and at once he seized Ate by her bright-tressed head, angry in his soul, and swore a mighty oath that never again to Olympus and the starry heaven should Ate come, she who blinds all. 130 So he said, and whirling her in his hand flung her from the starry heaven, and quickly she came to the tilled fields of men. At thought of her he would always groan, whenever he saw his dear son in unseemly labour beneath Eurystheus' tasks. So I also, when great Hector of the flashing helm 135 was making havoc of the Argives at the sterns of the ships, could not forget Ate, by whom at the first I was made blind. But seeing I was blinded, and Zeus robbed me of my wits, I am willing to make amends and to give recompense past counting. Come, rouse yourself for battle, and rouse the rest of your people as well. 140 Gifts I have here ready to offer you, all that goodly Odysseus promised you last night, when he had come to your hut. Or, if you will, wait a while, eager though you are for war, and the gifts shall squires take and bring to you from my ship, so that you may see that I will give what will satisfy your heart.” Then swift-footed Achilles answered him, and said: 145 “Most glorious son of Atreus, Agamemnon, king of men, as for the gifts, to give them if you will, as is only fitting, or to withhold them, rests with you. But now let us turn our minds to battle with all speed; it is not fitting to dally here in talk, 150 nor to make delay, for a great work is yet undone—so that many a one may again behold Achilles amid the foremost laying waste with his spear of bronze the battalions of the men of Troy. With this in mind let each one of you take thought as he fights with his man.” Then Odysseus of many wiles answered him and said: 155 “No, valiant though you are, godlike Achilles, do not urge the sons of the Achaeans in this way to go fasting against Ilios to do battle with the men of Troy, since not for a short space shall the battle last when once the ranks of men are met and the god breathes might into either host. 160 But tell the Achaeans by their swift ships to taste of food and wine; since in these is courage and strength. For there is no man that shall be able the whole day long until sunset to fight against the foe, fasting all the while from food; for though in his heart he is eager for battle, 165 yet his limbs grow heavy unawares and thirst comes upon him and hunger as well, and his knees grow weary as he goes. But whoever, having had his fill of wine and food, fights the whole day long against the foemen, see, his heart within him is of good cheer, and his limbs do not grow weary 170 until all withdraw from battle. Come then, dismiss the host, and tell them to make ready their meal. And as for the gifts, let Agamemnon, king of men, bring them forth into the midst of the place of gathering, that all the Achaeans may behold them with their eyes, and you be made glad at heart. And let him rise up in the midst of the Argives 175 and swear to you an oath, that he has never gone up into the woman's bed nor lain with her, as is the appointed way, O king, of men and of women; and let the heart in your own breast be open to appeasement. After that let him make amends to you in his hut with a very rich feast, 180 that you may have nothing lacking of your due. Son of Atreus, towards others also you shall be more righteous hereafter; for in no way is it a reproach for a king to make amends to another, if he has grown angry without a cause.” To him then spoke again the king of men, Agamemnon: 185 “I am glad, son of Laertes, to hear your words, for duly have you set forth the whole matter, and told the tale of it. This oath I am ready to swear, and my heart bids me to it, nor shall I perjure myself before the god. But let Achilles remain here meanwhile, eager though he is for war, 190 and remain all you others together, until the gifts are brought from my hut, and we make oaths of faith with sacrifice. And to you yourself I give this charge and command: choose young men, princes of the host of the Achaeans, and bring from my ship the gifts 195 all that we promised last night to give Achilles, and bring the women as well. And let Talthybius at once make ready for me a boar in the midst of the wide camp of the Achaeans, to sacrifice to Zeus and to the Sun.” But swift-footed Achilles answered him, and said: “Most glorious son of Atreus, Agamemnon, king of men, 200 at some other time it would be even better that you be busied thus, when perhaps there shall come some pause in war, and the fury in my breast is not so great. Now they lie mangled, those whom Hector, son of Priam, slew, when Zeus granted him glory, 205 and you two are bidding us to food! Truly for my own part I would even now bid the sons of the Achaeans do battle fasting and unfed, and at sunset make them ready a mighty meal, when we shall have avenged the shame. Till that shall be, down my throat, at least, 210 neither drink nor food shall pass, seeing my comrade is dead, who lies in my hut mangled by the sharp bronze, his feet turned toward the door, while round about him our comrades mourn; therefore it is in no way on these things that my heart is set, but on slaying, and blood, and the grievous groanings of men.” 215 Then Odysseus of many wiles answered him, and said: “O Achilles, son of Peleus, far the mightiest of the Achaeans, you are better than I and mightier not a little with the spear, but in counsel I might surpass you by far, seeing I am the elder-born and know more; 220 therefore let your heart endure to listen to my words. Quickly do men have their fill of battle, in which the bronze strews most straw upon the ground, though the harvest is scantiest, whenever Zeus tilts his balance, he who is for men the dispenser of battle. 225 But with the belly it can in no way be that the Achaeans should mourn a corpse, for very many are always falling one after another day by day; when then could one find respite from toil? No, we must bury him who is slain, steeling our hearts and weeping only the one day's space; 230 but all those who are left alive from hateful war must give thought to drink and to food, so that yet the more we may fight with the foemen ever incessantly, clothed about with stubborn bronze. And let no man of all the host hold back awaiting any further summons, 235 for the summons is this: it shall go ill with him who is left at the ships of the Argives. No, setting out in one throng let us rouse keen battle against the horse-taming Trojans.” He spoke, and took with him the sons of glorious Nestor, and Meges, son of Phyleus, and Thoas and Meriones and Lycomedes, 240 son of Creon, and Melanippus; and they went their way to the hut of Agamemnon, son of Atreus. Then at once, in the same moment, the word was said, and the deed fulfilled. Seven tripods they bore from the hut, just as he promised him, and twenty gleaming cauldrons and twelve horses; 245 and forth they quickly led women skilled in fine handiwork; seven they were, and the eighth was fair-cheeked Briseis. Then Odysseus weighed out ten talents of gold in all, and led the way and with him the other youths of the Achaeans bore the gifts. These then they set in the midst of the place of gathering, and Agamemnon 250 rose up, and Talthybius, whose voice was like a god's, took his stand by the side of the shepherd of the people, holding a boar in his hands. And the son of Atreus drew forth with his hand the knife that always hung beside the great sheath of his sword, and cut the first hairs from the boar, and lifting up his hands 255 made prayer to Zeus; and all the Argives sat by in silence, listening as was fitting to the king. And he spoke in prayer, with a look up to the wide heaven: “Be Zeus my witness first, highest and best of gods, and Earth and Sun, and the Erinyes, that under earth 260 take vengeance on men, whoever has sworn a false oath, that I never laid hand upon the girl Briseis either by way of a lover's embrace or in any other way, but she always remained untouched in my huts. And if anything of this oath is false, may the gods give me woes 265 very many, all that they are accustomed to give to him who sins against them in his swearing.” He spoke, and cut the boar's throat with the pitiless bronze, and the body Talthybius whirled and flung into the great gulf of the grey sea, to be food for the fishes; but Achilles rose up, and spoke among the war-loving Argives: 270 “Father Zeus, great in truth is the blindness you send upon men. Never would the son of Atreus have utterly roused the wrath within my breast, nor led off the girl ruthlessly against my will, but perhaps it was the good pleasure of Zeus that on many of the Achaeans death should come. 275 But now go to your meal, that we may join in battle.” So he spoke, and hastily broke up the gathering. Then the others scattered, each to his own ship, but the great-hearted Myrmidons busied themselves about the gifts, and bore them forth to the ship of godlike Achilles. 280 And they stored them in the huts, and set the women there, and the horses proud squires drove off to the herd. But Briseis, who was like golden Aphrodite, when she saw Patroclus mangled with the sharp bronze, flung herself about him and shrieked aloud, 285 and with her hands she tore her breast and tender neck and beautiful face. And amid her wailing spoke the woman like the goddesses: “Patroclus, dearest to my wretched heart, alive I left you when I went from the hut, and now I find you dead, you leader of hosts, 290 as I return to it: thus for me evil ever follows hard on evil. My husband, to whom my father and queenly mother gave me, I saw mangled with the sharp bronze before our city, and my three brothers whom my own mother bore, beloved brothers, all these met their day of doom. 295 But you, when swift Achilles slew my husband, and laid waste the city of godlike Mynes, would not even allow me to weep, but said that you would make me the wedded wife of Achilles, and that he would carry me in his ships to Phthia, and make me a marriage-feast among the Myrmidons. 300 Therefore I wail for you in your death and know no ceasing, for you were always kind.” So she spoke wailing, and to this the women added their laments; Patroclus indeed they mourned, but with that each one her own sorrows. But around Achilles gathered the elders of the Achaeans, begging him to eat; but he refused them, moaning all the while: 305 “I beg you, if any of my dear comrades will listen to me, do not bid me before the time sate my heart with food or drink, seeing dread grief has come upon me. Till sunset I will wait, and endure even as I am.” So he spoke, and sent from him the other chieftains, 310 but the two sons of Atreus remained, and goodly Odysseus, and Nestor and Idomeneus and the old man Phoenix, driver of chariots, seeking to comfort him in his exceeding sorrow; but not at all would his heart be comforted until he entered the mouth of bloody war. And as he thought on this he heaved a heavy sigh and spoke, saying: 315 “Ah truly in time past, you too, O unhappy one, dearest of my comrades, you yourself were accustomed to set forth in our hut with nimble haste a savoury meal, whenever the Achaeans made haste to bring tearful war against the horse-taming Trojans. But now you lie here mangled, and my heart 320 will have nothing of food and drink, though they are here at hand, through yearning for you. Nothing more grievous than this could I suffer, not though I should hear of the death of my own father, who now perhaps in Phthia is shedding round tears for lack of a son like me, while I in a land of alien folk 325 for the sake of abhorred Helen am warring with the men of Troy; no, nor though it were he that in Scyrus is reared for me, my son well-beloved —if indeed godlike Neoptolemus still lives. For until now the heart in my breast had hope that I alone should perish far from horse-pasturing Argos, 330 here in the land of Troy, but that you should return to Phthia, that so you might take my child in your swift, black ship from Scyrus, and show him all things—my possessions, my slaves, and my great high-roofed house. For by now I think Peleus is either 335 dead and gone, or else, though perhaps he still lives feebly, is greatly distressed with hateful old age, and with waiting ever for woeful tidings of me, when he shall hear that I am dead.” So he spoke weeping, and to this the elders added their laments, each one thinking of what he had left at home. 340 And as they mourned the son of Cronos saw them, and was touched with pity; and at once he spoke winged words to Athene: “My child, see, you utterly forsake your own warrior. Is there then no place in your thought any more for Achilles? Over there 345 he sits in front of his ships with upright horns, mourning for his dear comrade; the others indeed have gone to their meal but he fasts and will have nothing of food. Come, go, shed into his breast nectar and pleasant ambrosia, that hunger-pangs may not come upon him.” So saying he urged on Athene, who was already eager: 350 and she like a falcon, wide of wing and shrill of voice, leapt down upon him from out of heaven through the air. Then while the Achaeans were arming themselves speedily for battle throughout the camp, into the breast of Achilles she shed nectar and pleasant ambrosia that grievous hunger-pangs should not come upon his limbs; 355 and then she herself was gone to the stoutly built house of her mighty father, and the Achaeans poured forth from the swift ships. As when thick and fast the snowflakes flutter down from Zeus chill beneath the blast of the North Wind, born in the bright heaven; so then thick and fast from the ships were borne the helms, bright-gleaming, 360 and the bossed shields, the corselets with massive plates, and the ashen spears. And the gleam of them went up to heaven, and all the earth round about laughed because of the flashing of bronze; and there went up a din from beneath the feet of men; and in their midst goodly Achilles armed himself for battle. 365 There was a gnashing of his teeth, and his two eyes blazed as if they were a flame of fire, and into his heart there entered grief that could not be borne. Thus in fierce wrath against the Trojans he clad himself in the gifts of the god, that Hephaestus had wrought for him with toil. The greaves first he set about his legs: 370 beautiful they were, and fitted with silver ankle-pieces, and next he put on the corselet about his chest. And about his shoulders he cast the silver-studded sword of bronze, and after that grasped the shield great and sturdy, from which went forth afar a gleam as of the moon. 375 And as when out over the sea there appears to seamen the gleam of blazing fire, and it burns high up in the mountains in a lonely farmstead—but greatly against their will the storm-winds bear them over the teeming deep far from their friends; so from the shield of Achilles went up a gleam to heaven, from that shield 380 fair and richly adorned. And he lifted the mighty helm and set it upon his head; and it shone like a star—the helm with crest of horse-hair, and around it waved the plumes of gold, that Hephaestus had set thick about the crest. And goodly Achilles tested himself in his armour, 385 whether it fitted him, and his glorious limbs moved free; and it became as it were wings to him, and lifted up the shepherd of the people. And forth from its stand he drew his father's spear, heavy and huge and strong, that none other of the Achaeans could wield, but Achilles alone was skilled to wield it, 390 the Pelian spear of ash that Cheiron had given to his dear father from the peak of Pelion, to be for the slaying of warriors. And Automedon and Alcimus set busily to yoke the horses, and about them they set the fair breast-straps, and cast bits within their jaws, and drew the reins 395 behind to the jointed chariot. And Automedon grasped in his hand the bright lash, that fitted it well, and leapt upon the chariot; and behind him stepped Achilles harnessed for fight, gleaming in his armour like the bright Hyperion. Then terribly he called aloud to the horses of his father: 400 “Xanthus and Balius, you far-famed children of Podarge, take thought in some other way to bring your charioteer back safe to the host of the Danaans, when we have had our fill of war, and do not leave him there dead, as you did Patroclus.” Then from beneath the yoke spoke to him the horse Xanthus, of the swift-glancing feet; 405 suddenly he bowed his head, and all his mane streamed from beneath the yoke-pad beside the yoke, and touched the ground; and the goddess, white-armed Hera, gave him speech: “Yes indeed, yet for this time we will save you, mighty Achilles, although the day of doom is near you, nor shall we be the cause of it, 410 but a mighty god and overpowering Fate. For it was not through sloth or slackness of ours that the Trojans were able to strip the armour from the shoulders of Patroclus, but one, far the best of gods, he whom fair-haired Leto bore, slew him amid the foremost fighters and gave glory to Hector. 415 But as for us two, we could run swift as the blast of the West Wind, which, men say, is of all winds the fleetest; no, it is you yourself that are fated to be slain in fight by a god and a mortal.” When he had thus spoken, the Erinyes checked his voice. Then, his heart mightily stirred, spoke to him swift-footed Achilles: 420 “Xanthus, why do you prophesy my death? You do not need to at all. I know well even of myself that it is my fate to perish here, far from my father dear, and my mother; but even so I will not cease, until I have driven the Trojans to their fill of war.” He spoke, and with a cry drove amid the foremost his single-hoofed horses.

20So by the beaked ships around you, O son of Peleus, insatiate of fight, the Achaeans arrayed themselves for battle; and likewise the Trojans opposite them on the rising ground of the plain. But Zeus told Themis to summon the gods to the place of gathering from the 5 brow of many-ribbed Olympus; and she sped everywhere, and told them to come to the house of Zeus. There was no river that did not come, except only Oceanus, nor any nymph, of all that haunt the fair copses, the springs that feed the rivers, and the grassy meadows. 10 And having come to the house of Zeus they sat down within the polished colonnades which Hephaestus had built for father Zeus with cunning skill. Thus were they gathered within the house of Zeus; nor did the Shaker of Earth fail to heed the call of the goddess, but came forth from the sea to join their company; 15 and he sat in the midst, and asked about the purpose of Zeus: “Why, lord of the bright lightning, have you called the gods to the place of gathering? Is it that you are pondering something concerning the Trojans and Achaeans? for now their battle and fighting are kindled close at hand.” Then Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, answered him, and said: 20 “You know, O Shaker of Earth, the purpose in my breast, for which I gathered you here; I care for them, even though they die. Yet for myself I will remain here sitting in a fold of Olympus, from which I will gaze and make glad my heart; but all you others go forth until you come among the Trojans and Achaeans, and bear aid to this side or that, even as the mind of each may be. 25 For if Achilles fights alone against the Trojans, not even for a little while will they hold back the swift-footed son of Peleus. No, even before now they used to tremble as they looked upon him, and now when truly his heart is grievously in wrath for his friend, I fear that even beyond what is ordained he may lay waste the wall.” 30 So spoke the son of Cronos, and roused unabating war. And the gods went their way into the battle, divided in counsel: Hera went to the gathering of the ships, and with her Pallas Athene, and Poseidon, the Shaker of Earth, and the helper Hermes, who was beyond all in the cunning of his mind; 35 and together with these went Hephaestus, exulting in his might, limping, but beneath him his slender legs moved nimbly; but to the Trojans went Ares, of the flashing helm, and with him Phoebus, of the unshorn locks, and Artemis, the archer, 40 and Leto and Xanthus and laughter-loving Aphrodite. Now as long as the gods were far from the mortal men, for just so long the Achaeans triumphed mightily, since Achilles had come forth, although he had long kept himself aloof from grievous battle; but upon the Trojans came dread trembling on the limbs of every man 45 in their terror, when they saw the swift-footed son of Peleus, flaming in his armor, the peer of Ares, the bane of men. But when the Olympians had come into the midst of the throng of men, then up leapt mighty Strife, the rouser of hosts, and Athene cried aloud,—now she would stand beside the dug trench outside the wall, 50 and now upon the loud-sounding shores she would utter her loud cry. And opposite her shouted Ares, dread as a dark whirlwind, calling with shrill tones to the Trojans from the topmost citadel, and now again as he sped by the shore of Simois over Callicolone. Thus did the blessed gods urge on the two hosts to 55 clash in battle, and among them made grievous strife burst forth. Then terribly thundered the father of gods and men from on high; and from beneath Poseidon made the vast earth quake, and the steep crests of the mountains. All the roots of many-fountained Ida were shaken, 60 and all her peaks, and the city of the Trojans, and the ships of the Achaeans. And seized with fear in the world below was Aidoneus, lord of the shades, and in fear he leapt from his throne and cried aloud, lest above him the earth be split open by Poseidon, the Shaker of Earth, and his abode be made plain to view for mortals and immortals— 65 the dread and dank abode, which the gods themselves loathe: so great was the din that arose when the gods clashed in strife. For against king Poseidon stood Phoebus Apollo with his winged arrows, and against Enyalius the goddess, flashing-eyed Athene; 70 against Hera stood forth the huntress of the golden arrows, and the echoing chase, the archer Artemis, sister of the god who strikes from afar; against Leto stood forth the strong helper, Hermes, and against Hephaestus the great, deep-eddying river, whom gods call Xanthus, and men Scamander. 75 Thus gods went forth to meet with gods. But Achilles was eager to meet with Hector, Priam's son, above all others in the throng, for with his blood, as with that of no other, his spirit urged him to glut Ares, the warrior with tough shield of hide. But Apollo, rouser of hosts, made Aeneas go forth 80 to face the son of Peleus, and he put great might into him: and he likened his own voice to that of Lycaon, son of Priam. In his likeness the son of Zeus, Apollo, spoke to Aeneas: “Aeneas, counsellor of the Trojans, where now are your threats, with which you used to declare to the princes of the Trojans over your wine, 85 that you would do battle man to man against Achilles, son of Peleus?” Then Aeneas answered him, and said: “Son of Priam, why in this way do you bid me face in fight the son of Peleus, high of heart, though I have no mind to it? 90 Not now for the first time shall I stand forth against swift-footed Achilles; no, once before now he drove me with his spear from Ida, when he had come forth against our cattle, and laid Lyrnessus waste and Pedasus as well; but Zeus saved me, who roused my strength and made my knees swift. Otherwise I would have been slain beneath the hands of Achilles and of Athene, 95 who always went before him and set there a light of deliverance, and told him to slay Leleges and Trojans with spear of bronze. So it cannot be that any man face Achilles in fight, since always by his side is some god, who wards off ruin from him. Yes, and of itself his spear flies straight, and does not stop 100 until it has pierced through the flesh of man. But if a god were to stretch the issue of war with even hand, then not easily would he vanquish me, no, not though he boasts that he is wholly wrought of bronze.” Then in answer to him spoke the prince Apollo, son of Zeus: “Come, warrior, you too pray 105 to the gods who are forever; for of you too men say that you were born of Aphrodite, daughter of Zeus, while he is sprung from a lesser goddess. For your mother is daughter of Zeus, and his of the old man of the sea. Come, bear your stubborn bronze straight against him, and do not let him turn you back in any way with words of contempt and with threats.” 110 So saying he breathed great might into the shepherd of the host, and he strode among the foremost fighters, armed in flaming bronze. Nor was the son of Anchises unseen by white-armed Hera, as he went forth to face the son of Peleus amid the throng of men, but she gathered the gods together, and spoke among them, saying: 115 “Consider within your hearts, you two, O Poseidon and Athene, how these things are to be. See, here is Aeneas, gone forth, armed in flaming bronze, to face the son of Peleus, and it is Phoebus Apollo who has set him on. 120 Come then, let us turn him back at once; or else afterwards let one of us likewise stand by Achilles' side, and give him great might, and not allow the heart in his breast to fail in any way; so that he may know that those who love him are the best of the immortals, and those are worthless as wind who until now have warded off war and battle from the Trojans. 125 All of us have come down from Olympus to mingle in this battle, so that Achilles takes no hurt among the Trojans for this day; but afterwards he shall suffer whatever Fate spun for him with her thread at his birth, when his mother bore him. But if Achilles does not learn this from some voice of the gods, 130 he shall have dread later when some god comes against him in battle; for hard are the gods to look upon when they appear in manifest presence.” Then Poseidon, the Shaker of Earth, answered her: “Hera, do not be angry beyond what is wise; you have no need at all. I for one would not wish to make gods clash 135 with gods in strife. No, for our part let us rather go apart from the track to some place of outlook, and sit there, and war shall be for men. But if Ares or Phoebus Apollo makes a beginning of fight, or keeps Achilles in check and does not allow him to do battle, 140 then at once from us likewise shall the strife of war arise; and very soon, I think, they will separate themselves from the battle and hurry back to Olympus, to the gathering of the other gods, vanquished beneath our hands by force.” So saying, the dark-haired god led the way 145 to the heaped-up wall of godlike Heracles, the high wall that the Trojans and Pallas Athene had built for him, so that he might flee there and escape from the monster of the deep, whenever the monster drove him from the seashore to the plain. There Poseidon and the other gods sat down, 150 and clothed their shoulders round about with a cloud that could not be torn; and those of the other side sat opposite them on the brows of Callicolone, round about you, O archer Phoebus, and Ares, sacker of cities. So they sat on either side devising counsels, but to make a beginning of grievous war 155 both sides were loath, although Zeus, who sits on high, had bidden them. But the whole plain was filled with men and horses, and aflame with bronze, and the earth resounded beneath their feet as they rushed together; and two warriors, by far the best of all, came one against the other into the space between the two hosts, eager to do battle, 160 Aeneas, Anchises' son, and goodly Achilles. Aeneas first strode forth with threatening mien, his heavy helmet nodding above him; his valorous shield he held before his breast, and he brandished a spear of bronze. And on the other side the son of Peleus rushed against him like a lion, 165 a ravening lion that men are eager to slay, even a whole people gathered together; and he at first, caring nothing for them, goes his way, but when one of the youths swift in battle has struck him with a spear-cast, then he gathers himself open-mouthed, and foam comes forth about his teeth, and in his heart his valiant spirit groans, 170 and with his tail he lashes his ribs and his flanks on this side and on that, and rouses himself to fight, and with glaring eyes he rushes straight on in his fury, whether he slays some man or is himself slain in the foremost throng; even so was Achilles driven by his fury, 175 and his lordly spirit to go forth to face great-hearted Aeneas. And when they had come near, as they advanced one against the other, then swift-footed goodly Achilles spoke first to Aeneas: “Aeneas, why have you sallied this far forth from the throng to stand and face me? Is it that your heart bids you fight with me 180 in hope that you shall be master of Priam's sovereignty among the horse-taming Trojans? No, but even if you slay me, Priam will not for that place his kingship in your hands, for he has sons, and besides is sound and in no way flighty of mind. 185 Or have the Trojans marked out for you an estate pre-eminent above all, a fair tract of orchard and of plough-land, so that you may possess it, if you slay me? Hard, I think, will you find that deed. Yes, for on another day before now, I think, I drove you before my spear. Do you not remember when you were alone and I made you run from the cattle down with swift steps from Ida's hills 190 in headlong haste? On that day you did not once look behind you in your flight. From there you fled forth to Lyrnessus, but I laid it waste, assailing it with the aid of Athene and father Zeus, and the women I led captive and took from them the day of freedom; but you yourself were saved by Zeus and the other gods. But not this day, I think, will he save you, 195 as you suppose in your heart; no, of my own accord I bid you go back into the throng and not stand forth to face me, before some evil befalls you; when it is done even a fool gains understanding.” Then Aeneas answered him and said: 200 “Son of Peleus, do not think to frighten me with words, as if I were a child, since I myself know well how to utter taunts and seemly speech as well. We know each other's lineage, and each other's parents, for we have heard the tales told in olden days by mortal men; 205 but with the sight of your eyes you have never seen my parents nor I yours. Men say that you are son of peerless Peleus, and that your mother was fair-tressed Thetis, a daughter of the sea; but for me, I declare that I am son of great-hearted Anchises, and my mother is Aphrodite. 210 Of these, one pair or the other shall mourn a dear son this day; for truly not with childish words, I think, shall we two thus part one from the other and return out of the battle. But, if you wish, hear this also, so that you may know my lineage well, and many there are who know it: 215 at the first Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, fathered Dardanus, and he founded Dardania, for not yet was sacred Ilios built in the plain to be a city of mortal men, but they still dwelt upon the slopes of many-fountained Ida. And Dardanus in turn fathered a son, king Erichthonius, 220 who became richest of mortal men. Three thousand steeds he had that pastured in the marsh-land; mares they were, rejoicing in their tender foals. With these as they grazed the North Wind became enamoured, and he likened himself to a dark-maned stallion and covered them; 225 and they conceived, and bore twelve fillies. These, when they bounded over the earth, the giver of grain, would course over the topmost ears of ripened grain and not break them, and whenever they bounded over the broad back of the sea, would course over the topmost breakers of the hoary brine. 230 And Erichthonius fathered Tros to be king among the Trojans, and from Tros again three peerless sons were born, Ilus, and Assaracus, and godlike Ganymedes, who was born the fairest of mortal men; so the gods caught him up on high to be cupbearer to Zeus because of his beauty, that he might dwell with the immortals. 235 And Ilus again fathered a son, peerless Laomedon, and Laomedon fathered Tithonus and Priam and Clytius, and Hicetaon, scion of Ares. And Assaracus fathered Capys, and he Anchises; but Anchises fathered me, and Priam goodly Hector. 240 This then is the lineage amid the blood from which I declare myself sprung.” “But as for valour, it is Zeus who increases it for men or diminishes it, even as he himself wills, since he is mightiest of all. But come, let us no longer talk like this, like children, 245 as we two stand in the midst of the strife of battle. There are insults for both of us to utter, very many insults; a ship of a hundred benches would not bear their load. Glib is the tongue of mortals, and there are many and manifold words in it, and the range of speech is wide on this side and on that. 250 Whatever word you speak, such will you also hear. But what need have we two to bandy strifes and wranglings one with the other like women, who when they have grown angry in soul-devouring strife go forth into the middle of the street 255 and wrangle one against the other with words true and false; for anger bids them speak even these. But from battle, since I am eager for it, you shall not turn me by words until we have fought with the bronze man to man; no, come, let us at once make trial each of the other with bronze-tipped spears.” He spoke, and let drive his mighty spear against the other's dread and wondrous shield, and loud rang the shield about the spear-point. 260 And the son of Peleus held the shield away from him with his stout hand, seized with dread; for he thought that the far-shadowing spear of great-hearted Aeneas would easily pierce it through— 265 fool that he was, nor did he know in his mind and heart that the glorious gifts of the gods are not easy for mortal men to master, nor do they yield either. Nor did the mighty spear of wise-hearted Aeneas then break through the shield, for the gold stopped it, the gift of the god. Yet through two folds he drove it, but there were still three, 270 for five layers had the crook-foot god welded, two of bronze, and two within of tin, and one of gold, in which the spear of ash was stopped. Then Achilles in his turn hurled his far-shadowing spear and struck Aeneas' shield that was well-balanced upon every side, 275 beneath the outermost rim where the bronze ran thinnest, and thinnest was the backing of bull's-hide; and straight through sped the spear of Pelian ash, and the shield rang beneath the blow. And Aeneas cringed and held the shield away from him, seized with fear; and the spear passed over his back and was stopped in the ground 280 for all its fury, although it tore apart two circles of the sheltering shield. And having escaped the long spear he stood up, and over his eyes measureless grief was shed, and fear came over him because the spear was planted so near. But Achilles drew his sharp sword and leapt upon him furiously, 285 crying a terrible cry; and Aeneas grasped in his hand a stone—a mighty deed—one that two mortals could not carry, such as men are now; yet easily did he wield it even alone. Then Aeneas would have struck him with the stone, as he rushed upon him, either on the helmet or on the shield that had warded off woeful destruction from him, 290 and the son of Peleus in close combat would have robbed Aeneas of life with his sword, had not Poseidon, the Shaker of Earth, been quick to see. And at once he spoke among the immortal gods, saying: “Look now, truly I have grief for great-hearted Aeneas, who soon will go down to the house of Hades, 295 slain by the son of Peleus, because he listened to the bidding of Apollo who strikes from afar—fool that he was! nor will the god in any way ward off woeful destruction from him. But why should he, a guiltless man, suffer woes in vain because of sorrows that are not his own?—when he always gives acceptable gifts to the gods who hold broad heaven. 300 Come, let us lead him forth out of death, lest the son of Cronos be angry in any way, if Achilles slays him; for it is ordained for him to escape, so that the race of Dardanus may not perish without seed and be seen no more—of Dardanus whom the son of Cronos loved above all the children born to him 305 from mortal women. For at last the son of Cronos has come to hate the race of Priam; and now truly shall the mighty Aeneas be king among the Trojans, and his sons' sons who shall be born in days to come.” Then the ox-eyed, queenly Hera answered him: 310 “Shaker of Earth, take counsel yourself in your own heart concerning Aeneas, whether you will save him or allow him to be slain for all his valour by Achilles, Peleus' son. We two truly, Pallas Athene and I, 315 have sworn very many oaths among the immortals never to ward off the day of evil from the Trojans, no, not when all Troy burns in the burning of consuming fire, and the warlike sons of the Achaeans are its burners.” Now when Poseidon, the Shaker of Earth, heard this, he went his way amid the battle and the hurtling of spears, 320 and came to the place where Aeneas was and glorious Achilles. At once then he shed a mist over the eyes of Achilles, Peleus' son, and the ashen spear, well-shod with bronze, he drew forth from the shield of the great-hearted Aeneas and set it before the feet of Achilles, 325 but Aeneas he lifted up and swung on high from off the ground. Over many ranks of warriors and many of chariots sprang Aeneas, soaring from the hand of the god, and came to the uttermost verge of the furious battle, where the Caucones were arraying themselves for the fight. Then close to his side came Poseidon, the Shaker of Earth, 330 and he spoke, and addressed him with winged words: “Aeneas, what god is it that thus bids you in blindness of heart do battle man to man with the high-hearted son of Peleus, since he is a better man than you, and dearer besides to the immortals? No, draw back, whenever you fall in with him, lest even beyond your doom you enter the house of Hades. But when Achilles has met his death and fate, then take courage to fight among the foremost, for there is no other of the Achaeans who shall slay you.” 340 So saying he left him there, when he had told him all. Then quickly he scattered the wondrous mist from Achilles' eyes; and he stared hard with his eyes, and, mightily moved, spoke to his own great-hearted spirit: “Look now, truly a great marvel is this that my eyes behold. 345 My spear lies here upon the ground, yet I can in no way see the man at whom I hurled it, eager to slay him. Truly, it seems, Aeneas likewise is dear to the immortal gods, although I thought that his boasting was idle and vain. Let him go his way! he shall find no heart to make trial of me again, 350 since now he is glad to have escaped from death. But come, I will call to the war-loving Danaans and go forth against the other Trojans to make trial of them.” He spoke, and leapt along the ranks, and called to each man: “No longer now stand far from the Trojans, you goodly Achaeans, 355 but come, let man go forth against man and be eager for the fray. Hard is it for me, however mighty I am, to deal with so many men, and to fight them all; not even Ares, for all he is an immortal god, nor Athene could control by dint of toil the jaws of such a fray. 360 Yet so far as I am able with hands and feet and might, in no way, I think, shall I be slack, no, not a whit; but straight through their line will I go, nor do I think that any of the Trojans will be glad, whoever comes near my spear.” So he spoke, urging them on; and to the Trojans glorious Hector 365 called with a shout, and declared that he would go forth to face Achilles: “Trojans, high of heart, do not fear the son of Peleus. I too with words could fight even the immortals, but with the spear it would be hard, for they are mightier far. Neither shall Achilles bring all his words to fulfillment, 370 but part of them he will fulfill, and part leave incomplete. Against him will I go forth, though his hands are even as fire, though his hands are as fire and his fury as the flashing steel.” So he spoke, urging them on; and the Trojans with their faces toward the foe lifted their spears on high, and the fury of both sides clashed confusedly, and the battle cry arose. 375 Then Phoebus Apollo came near to Hector, and spoke, saying: “Hector, no longer in any way stand forth as a champion against Achilles, but await him in the throng and amid the din of conflict, lest he strike you with a cast of his spear or with his sword in close combat.” So he spoke, and Hector fell back again into the throng of men, 380 seized with fear, when he heard the voice of the god as he spoke. But Achilles leapt among the Trojans, his heart clothed about in might, crying a terrible cry, and first he slew Iphition, the valiant son of Otrynteus, the leader of a great host, whom a Naiad nymph bore to Otrynteus, sacker of cities, 385 beneath snowy Timolus in the rich land of Hyde. Him, as he rushed straight upon him, goodly Achilles struck with a cast of his spear full upon the head, and his head was split wholly apart. And he fell with a thud, and goodly Achilles exulted over him: “Low you lie, son of Otrynteus, of all men most dread; 390 here is your death, although your birth was by the Gygaean lake, where the estate of your fathers is, by Hyllus, that teems with fish, and eddying Hermus.” So he spoke boastfully, but darkness enfolded the other's eyes. Him the chariots of the Achaeans tore apart 395 with their tires in the forefront of the fray, and after him Demoleon, Antenor's son, a valiant warder of battle, Achilles pierced in the temple through the helmet with cheek-pieces of bronze. Nor did the bronze helmet stop the spear, but through it sped the spear-point and broke the bone apart; and all the brain 400 was scattered about within; so he stopped him in his fury. Hippodamas next, as he leapt down from his chariot and fled before him, he struck upon the back with a thrust of his spear. And as he breathed forth his spirit he gave a bellowing cry, even as a bull bellows that is dragged, when young men drag him about the altar of the lord of Helice; 405 for in such does the Shaker of Earth delight; even so bellowed Hippodamas, as his lordly spirit left his bones. But Achilles with his spear went on after godlike Polydorus, son of Priam. His father would in no way allow him to fight, because among his children he was the youngest born 410 and was dearest in his eyes; and in swiftness of foot he surpassed all. And now in his folly, making show of his fleetness of foot, he was rushing through the foremost fighters, until he lost his life. Him swift-footed goodly Achilles struck full upon the back with a cast of his spear, as he darted past, just where the golden clasps of the belt 415 were fastened, and the corselet overlapped; through this straight on its way beside the navel passed the spear-point, and he fell to his knees with a groan and a cloud of darkness enfolded him, and as he sank he clasped his bowels to him with his hands. But when Hector saw his brother Polydorus, 420 clasping his bowels in his hand and sinking to earth, down over his eyes a mist was shed, nor could he any longer endure to range apart, but strode against Achilles, brandishing his sharp spear, like a flame. But when Achilles saw him, at once he sprang up and spoke boastfully: 425 “See, near is the man who above all has stricken me to the heart, because he slew the comrade I honoured. Not for long shall we shrink any more one from the other along the dykes of war.” He said, and with an angry glance from beneath his brows spoke to goodly Hector: “Come near, so that you may the sooner enter the toils of destruction.” 430 But with no touch of fear, Hector of the flashing helm spoke to him: “Son of Peleus, do not think to frighten me with words, as if I were a child, since I myself know well how to utter taunts and seemly speech as well. I know that you are valiant, and I am far weaker than you. 435 Yet these things truly lie on the knees of the gods, whether I, although the weaker, shall rob you of life with a cast of my spear; for my missile too has been found keen before now.” He spoke, and poised his spear and hurled it, but Athene with a breath turned it back from glorious Achilles, 440 breathing very lightly; and it came back to goodly Hector, and fell there before his feet. But Achilles leapt upon him furiously, eager to slay him, crying a terrible cry. But Apollo snatched up Hector very easily, as a god may, and shrouded him in thick mist. 445 Three times then did swift-footed, goodly Achilles leap upon him with spear of bronze, and three times he struck the thick mist. But when for the fourth time he rushed upon him like a god, then with a terrible cry he spoke to him winged words: “Now again, you dog, you have escaped from death, though truly 450 your bane came near you; but once more Phoebus Apollo has saved you, to whom surely you must make prayer, whenever you go amid the hurtling of spears. Truly I will yet make an end of you, when I meet you later, if any god is helper to me likewise. But now I will go after others, whomever I may come upon.” 455 So saying he struck Dryops full upon the neck with a thrust of his spear, and he fell down before his feet. But he left him there, and stopped Demuchus, Philetor's son, a valiant man and tall, from the fight, striking him upon the knee with a cast of his spear; and afterwards he struck him with his great sword, and took away his life. 460 Then setting upon Laogonus and Dardanus, two sons of Bias, he thrust them both from their chariot to the ground, striking the one with a cast of his spear and the other with his sword in close fight. Then Tros, Alastor's son—he came to clasp his knees, in hope that he would spare him, by taking him captive, and let him go alive, 465 and not slay him, having pity on one of like age, fool that he was! nor did he know this, that with him there would be no listening; for in no way soft of heart or gentle of mind was the man, but exceedingly fierce— he sought to clasp Achilles' knees with his hands, eager to make his prayer; but he struck him upon the liver with his sword, and forth the liver slipped, 470 and the dark blood welling forth from it filled his bosom; and darkness enfolded his eyes, as he swooned. Then with his spear Achilles came near to Mulius and struck him upon the ear, and clean through the other ear passed the spear-point of bronze. Then he struck Agenor's son Echeclus 475 full upon the head with his hilted sword, and all the blade grew warm with his blood, and down over his eyes came dark death and mighty fate. Next Deucalion, at the point where the sinews of the elbow join, there he pierced him through the arm 480 with spear-point of bronze; and he awaited his onset with arm weighed down, seeing death before him; but Achilles, striking him with the sword upon his neck, hurled his head far away and his helmet with it; and the marrow spurted forth from the spine, and the corpse lay stretched upon the ground. Then he went on after the peerless son of Peires, 485 Rhigmus, who had come from deep-soiled Thrace. Him he struck in the middle with a cast of his spear, and the bronze was fixed in his belly; and he fell forth out of his chariot. And Areithous, his squire, as he was turning the horses round, Achilles pierced in the back with his sharp spear, and thrust him from the chariot; and the horses ran wild. 490 As through the deep glens of a parched mountainside rages wondrous-blazing fire, and the deep forest burns, and the wind as it drives it on whirls the flame everywhere, even so he raged everywhere with his spear, like some god, ever pressing hard upon those he slew; and the black earth ran with blood. 495 And as a man yokes bulls broad of brow to tread white barley in a well-ordered threshing-floor, and quickly the grain is trodden out beneath the feet of the loud-bellowing bulls; even so beneath great-souled Achilles his single-hooved horses trampled alike on the dead and on the shields; and with blood 500 all the axle was sprinkled beneath, and the rims round about the chariot, for drops struck upon them from the horses' hooves and from the tires. But the son of Peleus pressed on to win glory, and with gore were his invincible hands spattered.

21But when they had now come to the ford of the fair-flowing river, eddying Xanthus whom immortal Zeus begot, there Achilles split them apart, and the one part he drove to the plain toward the city, where the Achaeans had been fleeing in rout 5 the day before, at the time when glorious Hector was raging—there some poured forth in rout, and Hera spread before them a thick mist to hinder them; but half of them were penned into the deep-flowing river with its silver eddies. Into it they flung themselves with a great din, and the sheer-falling streams resounded, 10 and the banks round about rang loudly; and with noise of shouting they swam this way and that, whirled about in the eddies. And as when beneath the onrush of fire locusts take wing to flee to a river, and the unwearied fire burns them with its sudden oncoming, and they shrink down into the water; 15 even so before Achilles the sounding stream of deep-eddying Xanthus was filled confusedly with chariots and with men. But the Zeus-begotten left there his spear upon the bank, leaning against the tamarisk bushes, and himself leapt in like a god with nothing but his sword; and grim was the work he purposed in his heart, and turning this way 20 and that he struck and struck; and from them rose hideous groaning as they were struck with the sword, and the water grew red with blood. And as before a dolphin, huge of maw, other fishes flee and fill the nooks of some harbour of fair anchorage in their terror, for greedily he devours whichever one he catches; 25 even so the Trojans cowered in the streams of the dread river beneath the steep banks. And he, when his hands grew weary of slaying, chose twelve youths alive out of the river as blood-price for dead Patroclus, son of Menoetius. These he led forth dazed like fawns, 30 and bound their hands behind them with shapely thongs, which they themselves wore about their pliant tunics, and gave them to his comrades to lead to the hollow ships. Then he himself sprang back again, very eager to slay. There he met a son of Dardanian Priam 35 fleeing forth from the river, Lycaon, whom he had once himself taken and brought much against his will from his father's orchard, when he had come out in the night; he was cutting with the sharp bronze the young shoots of a wild fig-tree, to be the rims of a chariot; but upon him, an unlooked-for bane, came goodly Achilles. 40 For that time he had sold him into well-built Lemnos, carrying him there on his ships, and the son of Jason had given a price for him; but from there a guest-friend had ransomed him— and a great price he gave—Eetion of Imbros, and had sent him to goodly Arisbe; from where he had fled forth secretly and come to the house of his fathers. 45 For eleven days he had joy among his friends, having come forth from Lemnos; but on the twelfth a god cast him once more into the hands of Achilles, who was to send him to the house of Hades, loath though he was to go. When the swift-footed, goodly Achilles became aware of him, 50 all unarmed, without helmet or shield, nor did he have a spear, but had thrown all these from him to the ground; for the sweat vexed him as he sought to flee out of the river, and weariness overmastered his knees beneath him; then, mightily moved, Achilles spoke to his own great-hearted spirit: “Now look, truly a great marvel is this that my eyes behold! 55 In truth the great-hearted Trojans whom I have slain will rise up again from beneath the murky darkness, seeing this man has thus come back and has escaped the pitiless day of doom, although he was sold into sacred Lemnos; nor has the deep of the grey sea stopped him, which holds back very many against their will. 60 No, but come, he shall taste the point of our spear also, that I may see and know in heart whether in like manner he will come back even from beneath, or whether the life-giving earth will hold him fast, she who holds even him that is strong.” So he pondered, and waited; but the other drew near him, dazed, 65 eager to touch his knees, and exceedingly did he long in heart to escape from evil death and black fate. Then goodly Achilles lifted on high his long spear, eager to strike him, but Lycaon stooped and ran under it, and clasped his knees; and the spear passed over his back and came to rest in the ground, 70 although eager to glut itself with the flesh of man. Then Lycaon implored him, with one hand clasping his knees while with the other he held the sharp spear, and would not let it go; and he spoke and addressed him with winged words: “I beseech you by your knees, Achilles, respect me and have pity; in your eyes, O you 75 nurtured of Zeus, I am as a sacred suppliant, for at your table first did I eat the grain of Demeter on the day when you took me captive in the well-ordered orchard, and led me far from father and from friends, and sold me into sacred Lemnos; and I fetched you the price of a hundred oxen. 80 See, now I have bought my freedom by paying three times as much, and this is my twelfth morning since I came to Ilios, after many sufferings; and now again deadly fate has put me in your hands; surely it must be that I am hated by father Zeus, seeing he has given me to you again; 85 and to a brief span of life did my mother bear me, Laothoe, daughter of the old man Altes,—Altes who is lord over the war-loving Leleges, holding steep Pedasus on the Satnioeis. His daughter Priam had as wife, and many another besides, and of her we two were born, and you will butcher us both. 90 Him you laid low among the foremost foot-soldiers, godlike Polydorus, when you had struck him with a cast of your sharp spear, and now even here shall evil come upon me; for I do not think that I shall escape your hands, seeing a god has brought me near you. Yet another thing I will tell you, and lay it to heart: 95 do not slay me; since I am not sprung from the same womb as Hector, who slew your comrade the kindly and valiant.” So the glorious son of Priam spoke to him with words of entreaty, but all ungentle was the voice he heard: “Fool, do not offer ransom to me, nor make a harangue. 100 Until Patroclus met his day of fate, until then it was more pleasing to me to spare the Trojans, and very many I took alive and sold overseas; but now there is not one who shall escape death, whomever before the walls of Ilios God shall deliver into my hands— 105 yes, not one among all the Trojans, and least of all among the sons of Priam. No, friend, you too must die; why do you lament like this? Patroclus also died, who was far better than you. And do you not see what manner of man I am, how handsome and how tall? A good man was my father, and a goddess the mother who bore me; yet over me too hang death and mighty fate. 110 There shall come a dawn or evening or midday, when some man shall take my life too in battle, whether he strikes me with a cast of the spear, or with an arrow from the string.” So he spoke, and the other's knees were loosened where he was and his heart was melted. 115 The spear he let go, but crouched with both hands outstretched. But Achilles drew his sharp sword and struck him upon the collar-bone beside the neck, and the whole two-edged sword sank in; and prone upon the earth he lay outstretched, and the dark blood flowed forth and wetted the ground. 120 Him then Achilles seized by the foot and flung into the river to go his way, and vaunting over him he spoke winged words: “Lie there now among the fishes that shall lick the blood from your wound, and care nothing for you, nor shall your mother lay you on a bier and make lament; 125 no, eddying Scamander shall carry you into the broad gulf of the sea. Many a fish, as he leaps among the waves, shall dart up beneath the black ripple to eat the white fat of Lycaon. So perish, all of you, until we have come to the city of sacred Ilios, you in flight, and I making havoc in your rear. 130 Not even the fair-flowing river with his silver eddies shall avail you anything, although to him, I think, you have long been accustomed to sacrifice very many bulls, and to cast single-hooved horses while they still lived into his eddies. Yet even so you shall perish by an evil fate until you have all paid the price for the slaying of Patroclus and for the woe of the Achaeans, 135 whom by the swift ships you slew while I lingered far away.” So he spoke, and the river grew the more angry at heart, and pondered in mind how he should stop goodly Achilles from his labour and ward off ruin from the Trojans. Meanwhile the son of Peleus, bearing his far-shadowing spear, leapt, eager to slay him, 140 upon Asteropaeus, son of Pelegon, who was born of wide-flowing Axius and Periboea, eldest of the daughters of Acessamenus; for with her lay the deep-eddying River. Upon him Achilles rushed, and Asteropaeus 145 stood forth from the river to face him, holding two spears; and courage was set in his heart by Xanthus, who was angry because of the youths slain in battle, on whom Achilles was making havoc along the stream and had no pity. But when they had come near, as they advanced one against the other, then first to Asteropaeus spoke swift-footed, goodly Achilles: 150 “Who among men are you, and from where, that you dare come forth against me? Unhappy are they whose children face my might.” Then the glorious son of Pelegon spoke to him: “Great-souled son of Peleus, why do you ask of my lineage? I come from deep-soiled Paeonia, a land far away, 155 leading the Paeonians with their long spears, and this is now my eleventh morning since I came to Ilios. But my lineage is from wide-flowing Axius—Axius, whose water flows the fairest over the face of the earth—who begot Pelegon famed for his spear, and he, men say, 160 was my father. Now let us do battle, glorious Achilles.” So he spoke threatening, but goodly Achilles raised on high the spear of Pelian ash; but the warrior Asteropaeus hurled with both spears at once, for he was one who could use both hands alike. With the one spear he struck the shield, 165 but it did not break through, for the gold stopped it, the gift of the god; and with the other he struck the right forearm of Achilles a grazing blow, and the black blood gushed forth; but the spear-point passed above him and fixed itself in the earth, eager to glut itself with flesh. Then Achilles in his turn hurled 170 at Asteropaeus his straight-flying spear of ash, eager to slay him, but missed the man and struck the high bank, and up to half its length he fixed in the bank the spear of ash. But the son of Peleus, drawing his sharp sword from beside his thigh, leapt upon him furiously, 175 and the other was not able to draw in his stout hand the ashen spear of Achilles out of the bank. Three times he made it quiver in his eagerness to draw it, and three times he gave up his effort; but the fourth time his heart was eager to bend and break the ashen spear of the son of Aeacus; but before that could be, Achilles drew near and robbed him of life with his sword. 180 In the belly he struck him beside the navel, and out upon the ground gushed all his bowels, and darkness enfolded his eyes as he lay gasping. And Achilles leapt upon his breast and despoiled him of his arms, and exulted, saying: “Lie as you are! Hard is it 185 to strive with the children of the mighty son of Cronos, even for one born of a River. You truly declare that your birth is from the wide-flowing River, whereas I declare myself to be of the lineage of great Zeus. The father who begot me is one who is lord among the many Myrmidons, Peleus, son of Aeacus; and Aeacus was begotten by Zeus. 190 Therefore as Zeus is mightier than rivers that murmur seaward, so mightier too is the seed of Zeus than the seed of a river. For see, close beside you is a great River, if he can avail you anything; but it cannot be that one should fight with Zeus the son of Cronos. With him not even king Achelous vies, 195 nor the great might of deep-flowing Ocean, from whom all rivers flow and every sea, and all the springs and deep wells; yet even he has fear of the lightning of great Zeus, and his dread thunder, whenever it crashes from heaven.” 200 He spoke, and drew forth from the bank his spear of bronze, and left Asteropaeus where he was, when he had robbed him of his life, lying in the sands; and the dark water wetted him. With him then the eels and fishes dealt, plucking and tearing the fat about his kidneys; 205 but Achilles went his way after the Paeonians, lords of chariots, who were still huddled in rout along the eddying river, when they saw their best man mightily vanquished in the fierce conflict beneath the hands and sword of the son of Peleus. There he slew Thersilochus and Mydon and Astypylus 210 and Mnesus and Thrasius and Aenius and Ophelestes; and swift Achilles would have slain yet more of the Paeonians, had not the deep-eddying River grown angry and called to him in the likeness of a man, sending forth a voice from out of the deep eddy: “O Achilles, beyond men you are in might, and beyond men you do deeds of evil; 215 for the very gods ever give you aid. If the son of Cronos has granted you to slay all the men of Troy, out of my stream at least drive them, and work your dreadful work on the plain. See, my lovely streams are full of dead men, nor can I in any way pour my waters forth into the bright sea, 220 being choked with dead, while you ever slay ruthlessly. No, come, leave off; amazement holds me, you leader of hosts.” Then swift-footed Achilles answered him, saying: “So it shall be, Scamander, nurtured of Zeus, just as you command. But the proud Trojans I will not cease to slay 225 until I have penned them in their city, and have made trial of Hector, man to man, whether he shall slay me or I him.” So saying he leapt upon the Trojans like a god. Then to Apollo spoke the deep-eddying River: “For shame, you lord of the silver bow, child of Zeus, you truly have not kept the commandment 230 of the son of Cronos, who strictly charged you to stand by the side of the Trojans and to aid them, until the late-setting star of evening shall have come forth and darkened the deep-soiled earth.” He spoke, and Achilles, famed for his spear, sprang from the bank and leapt into his midst; but the River rushed upon him with surging flood, and roused all his streams tumultuously, and swept along the many dead 235 that lay thick within his bed, slain by Achilles; these he cast forth to the land, bellowing all the while like a bull, and the living he saved under his fair streams, hiding them in eddies deep and wide. 240 In terrible fashion about Achilles towered the tumultuous wave, and the stream as it beat upon his shield thrust him backward, nor could he manage to stand firm upon his feet. Then he grasped an elm, shapely and tall, but it fell uprooted and tore away all the bank, and stretched over the fair streams 245 with its thick branches, and dammed the River himself, falling all within him; but Achilles, springing forth from the eddy, hastened to fly with swift feet over the plain, for he was seized with fear. Yet the great god did not cease, but rushed upon him with dark-crested wave, that he might stop 250 goodly Achilles from his labour, and ward off ruin from the Trojans. But the son of Peleus rushed back as far as a spear-cast with the swoop of a black eagle, the mighty hunter, which is at once the strongest and swiftest of winged things; like him he darted, and upon his breast 255 the bronze rang terribly, while he swerved from beneath the flood and fled ever onward, and the River followed after, flowing with a mighty roar. As when a man who guides its flow leads from a dusky spring a stream of water among his plants and garden-lots, a mattock in his hands, and clears away the dams from the channel— 260 and as it flows all the pebbles beneath are swept along with it, and it glides swiftly onward with murmuring sound down a sloping place and outstrips even him who guides it;—even so did the flood of the River 265 ever overtake Achilles for all he was fleet of foot; for the gods are mightier than men. And as often as swift-footed, goodly Achilles strove to make a stand against him and to learn whether all the immortals who hold broad heaven were driving him in rout, so often would the great flood of the heaven-fed River beat upon his shoulders from above; and he would spring on high with his feet 270 in vexation of spirit, and the River was ever tiring his knees with its violent flow beneath, and was snatching away the ground from under his feet. Then the son of Peleus uttered a bitter cry, with a look at the broad heaven: “Father Zeus, how is it that no one of the gods takes it upon himself in my pitiless plight to save me out of the River! after that let come upon me what may. 275 None other of the heavenly gods do I blame so much, but only my dear mother, who beguiled me with false words, saying that beneath the wall of the mail-clad Trojans I should perish by the swift missiles of Apollo. Would that Hector had slain me, the best of the men bred here; 280 then a brave man would have been the slayer, and a brave man would he have slain. But now by a miserable death it was appointed for me to be cut off, penned in the great river, like a swineherd boy whom a torrent sweeps away as he attempts to cross it in winter.” So he spoke, and at once Poseidon and Pallas Athene 285 drew near and stood by his side, likened in form to mortal men, and they clasped his hand in theirs and pledged him in words. And among them Poseidon, the Shaker of Earth, was first to speak: “Son of Peleus, do not tremble too much, nor be in any way afraid, such helpers are we two from the gods— 290 and Zeus approves of it —I and Pallas Athene. Therefore it is not your doom to be vanquished by a river; no, he shall soon give respite, and you yourself shall know it. But we will give you wise counsel, if you will listen. Do not let your hands cease from evil battle 295 until within the famed walls of Ilios you have penned the Trojan host, whoever escapes. But for yourself, when you have bereft Hector of life, come back to the ships; see, we grant you to win glory.” When the two had thus spoken, they departed to the immortals, but he went on 300 toward the plain, for mightily did the bidding of the gods arouse him; and the whole plain was filled with a flood of water, and many fine arms and corpses of youths slain in battle were floating there. But on high leapt his knees, as he rushed straight on against the flood, nor could the wide-flowing River stop him; for Athene put great strength in him. 305 Nor yet would Scamander abate his fury, but was even more angry against the son of Peleus, and raising himself on high he made the surge of his flood into a crest, and he called with a shout to Simois: “Dear brother, the might of this man let us stop, though it take the two of us, since soon he will lay waste the great city of king Priam, 310 nor will the Trojans stand against him in battle. No, bring aid with speed, and fill your streams with water from your springs, and arouse all your torrents; raise a great wave, and stir a mighty din of tree-trunks and stones, that we may check this fierce man 315 who now prevails, and is minded to vie even with the gods. For I think that his strength shall avail him nothing, nor in any way his beauty, nor yet that fine armour, which, I believe, deep beneath the marsh shall lie covered over with slime; and himself I will wrap in sands and pour over him a great store of shingle 320 past all measuring; nor shall the Achaeans know where to gather his bones, with such a depth of silt shall I enshroud him. Even here shall be his sepulchre, nor shall he have need of a heaped-up mound, when the Achaeans make his funeral.” He spoke, and rushed tumultuously upon Achilles, raging on high 325 and seething with foam and blood and dead men. And the dark flood of the heaven-fed River rose towering above him, and was on the point of overwhelming the son of Peleus. But Hera called aloud, seized with fear for Achilles, lest the great deep-eddying River should sweep him away. 330 And at once she spoke to Hephaestus, her dear son: “Rouse yourself, Crook-foot, my child! for it was against you that we thought eddying Xanthus to be matched in fight. No, bring aid with speed, and put forth your flames unstintingly. 335 But I will hasten and rouse from the sea a fierce blast of the West Wind and the white South, which shall utterly consume the dead Trojans and their battle gear, ever driving on the evil flame; and along the banks of Xanthus burn up his trees, and beset him about with fire, nor let him in any way turn you back with soft words or with threats; 340 nor hold back your fury, except only when I call to you with a shout; then hold back your unwearied fire.” So she spoke, and Hephaestus made ready wondrous-blazing fire. First on the plain was the fire kindled, and burned the dead, the many dead who lay thick there, slain by Achilles; 345 and all the plain was parched, and the bright water was stopped. And as when at harvest-time the North Wind quickly parches again a freshly-watered orchard, and glad is he who tills it; so was the whole plain parched, and the dead he utterly consumed; and then against the River he turned his gleaming flame. 350 Burned were the elms and the willows and the tamarisks, burned the lotus and the rushes and the galingale, that grew abundantly round the fair streams of the river; tormented were the eels and the fishes in the eddies, and in the fair streams they plunged this way and that, 355 greatly distressed by the blast of Hephaestus of many wiles. Burned too was the mighty River, and he spoke and addressed the god: “Hephaestus, there is none of the gods who can vie with you, nor will I fight you, ablaze with fire as you are. Cease from strife, and as for the Trojans, let goodly Achilles at once 360 drive them forth out of their city; what part have I in strife or in bearing aid?” So he spoke, burning all the while with fire, and his fair streams were seething. And as a cauldron boils within, when the fierce flame sets upon it, while it melts the lard of a fatted hog, and it bubbles in every part, and dry faggots are set beneath it; 365 so his fair streams burned in fire, and the water boiled; nor had he any mind to flow further onward, but was stopped; for the blast of the might of wise-hearted Hephaestus distressed him. Then with earnest prayer he spoke winged words to Hera: “Hera, why has your son beset my stream to afflict it 370 beyond all others? I truly am not so much at fault in your eyes as are all those others who are helpers of the Trojans. Yet I will refrain, if you so bid, and let him also refrain. And I will furthermore swear this oath, never to ward off from the Trojans the day of evil, 375 no, not when all Troy shall burn with the burning of consuming fire, and the warlike sons of the Achaeans shall be the burners of it.” But when the goddess, white-armed Hera, heard this plea, at once she spoke to Hephaestus, her dear son: “Hephaestus, hold back, my glorious son; it is in no way seemly 380 thus to strike an immortal god for mortals' sake.” So she spoke, and Hephaestus quenched his wondrous-blazing fire, and once more in the fair river-bed the flood rushed down. But when the fury of Xanthus was quelled, the two thereafter ceased, for Hera stopped them, although she was angry; 385 but upon the other gods fell strife heavy and grievous, and in different ways the spirit in their breasts was blown. Together then they clashed with a mighty din and the wide earth rang, and round about great heaven pealed as with a trumpet. And Zeus heard it where he sat upon Olympus, and the heart within him laughed aloud 390 in joy as he saw the gods joining in strife. Then no more did they hold long aloof, for Ares, piercer of shields, began the fray, and first leapt upon Athene, bronze spear in hand, and spoke a word of reviling: “Why now again, you dog-fly, 395 are you making gods clash with gods in strife, in the fierceness of your daring, as your proud spirit sets you on? Do you not remember the time when you moved Diomedes, Tydeus' son, to wound me, and yourself in the sight of all grasped the spear and thrust it straight at me, and tore my fair flesh? Therefore you shall now, I think, pay the full price of all that you have done.” 400 So saying he struck upon her tasselled aegis—the awful aegis against which not even the lightning of Zeus can prevail—on it blood-stained Ares struck with his long spear. But she gave ground, and seized with her stout hand a stone that lay upon the plain, black and jagged and great, 405 that men of former days had set to be the boundary mark of a field. With it she struck furious Ares on the neck, and loosed his limbs. Over seven roods he stretched in his fall, and fouled his hair with dust, and about him his armour clanged. But Pallas Athene broke into a laugh, and vaunting over him she spoke winged words: 410 “Fool, not even yet have you learned how much mightier than you I declare myself to be, that you match your strength with mine. In this way you shall satisfy in full the Avengers invoked by your mother, who in her wrath devises evil against you, because you have deserted the Achaeans and bring aid to the overweening Trojans.” 415 When she had thus spoken, she turned her bright eyes from Ares. Him then the daughter of Zeus, Aphrodite, took by the hand, and sought to lead away, as he uttered many a moan, and hardly could he gather back his spirit. But when the goddess, white-armed Hera, noticed her, at once she spoke winged words to Athene: 420 “For shame, you child of Zeus who bears the aegis, unwearied one, see, there again the dog-fly is leading Ares, the bane of mortals, forth from the fury of war through the throng; no, go after her.” So she spoke, and Athene sped in pursuit, glad at heart, and rushing upon her she struck Aphrodite on the breast with her stout hand; 425 and her knees were loosened where she stood, and her heart melted. So the two lay upon the bounteous earth, and vaunting over them Athene spoke winged words: “In such a plight let all now be who are helpers of the Trojans when they fight against the mail-clad Argives, 430 and in this way bold and stalwart, just as Aphrodite came to bring aid to Ares, and braved my might. Then long before this we should have ceased from war, having sacked Ilios, that well-peopled city.” So she spoke, and the goddess, white-armed Hera, smiled at this. 435 But to Apollo spoke the lord Poseidon, the Shaker of Earth: “Phoebus, why do we two stand aloof? It is not fitting, seeing others have begun. No, it would be the more shameful if without fighting we should go back to Olympus, to the house of Zeus with threshold of bronze. Begin, since you are the younger; 440 it would not be fitting for me, seeing I am the elder-born and know more. Fool, how witless is the heart you have! Nor do you remember all the woes that we two alone of all the gods endured at Ilios, at the time when we came 445 at the bidding of Zeus and served the lordly Laomedon for a year at a fixed wage, and he was our taskmaster and laid his commands on us. I truly built for the Trojans round about their city a wall, wide and exceedingly fair, that the city might never be broken; and you, Phoebus, herded the sleek cattle of shambling gait among the spurs of wooded Ida, the many-ridged. 450 But when at length the glad seasons were bringing to its end the term of our hire, then dread Laomedon cheated us two of all hire, and sent us away with a threatening word. He threatened that he would bind together our feet and our hands above, and would sell us into islands that lie far away. 455 Yes, and he made as if he would lop off with the bronze the ears of us both. So we two went back with angry hearts, resentful for the hire he promised but did not give us. It is to his people now that you show favour, nor do you seek with us that the overweening Trojans may perish miserably 460 in utter ruin with their children and their honoured wives.” Then spoke to him lord Apollo, who works from afar: “Shaker of Earth, you would count me in no way sound of mind if I should war with you for the sake of mortals, pitiful creatures, who like leaves 465 are now full of flaming life, eating the fruit of the field, and now again pine away and perish. No, with speed let us cease from strife, and let them do battle by themselves.” So saying he turned back, for he was ashamed to deal in blows with his father's brother. 470 But his sister railed at him hotly, the queen of the wild beasts, Artemis of the wild wood, and spoke a word of reviling: “See, you flee, you god who works from afar, and to Poseidon you have utterly yielded the victory, and given him glory for nothing! Fool, why do you carry a bow as worthless as wind? 475 Let me no more hear you in the halls of our father boasting as of old among the immortal gods that you would do battle in open combat with Poseidon.” So she spoke, but Apollo, who works from afar, did not answer her. But the revered wife of Zeus grew angry, and chided the archer queen with words of reviling: 480 “How now, are you eager, you bold and shameless thing, to stand forth against me? No easy foe, I tell you, am I, that you should vie with me in might, although you carry the bow, since it was against women that Zeus made you a lion, and granted you to slay whichever of them you will. 485 In truth it is better on the mountains to be slaying beasts and wild deer than to fight hard with those mightier than you. But if you wish, learn of war, that you may know full well how much mightier I am, seeing you match your strength with mine.” With this she caught both the other's hands by the wrist 490 with her left hand, and with her right took the bow and its gear from her shoulders, and with these same weapons, smiling all the while, she beat her about the ears, as she turned this way and that; and the swift arrows fell out of the quiver. Then weeping the goddess fled from before her, just as a dove that from before a falcon flies into a hollow rock, 495 a cleft—nor is it her lot to be taken; even so Artemis fled weeping, and left her bow and arrows where they lay. But to Leto spoke the messenger Argeiphontes: “Leto, it is not I who will in any way fight with you; a hard thing it would be to trade blows with the wives of Zeus, the cloud-gatherer; 500 no, with a very ready heart boast among the immortal gods that you vanquished me with your great might.” So he spoke, and Leto gathered up the curved bow and the arrows that had fallen here and there amid the whirl of dust. She then, when she had taken her daughter's bow and arrows, went back; 505 but the maiden came to Olympus, to the house of Zeus with threshold of bronze, and sat down weeping upon her father's knees, while about her the fragrant robe quivered; and her father, the son of Cronos, clasped her to him, and asked her, laughing gently: “Who now of the sons of heaven, dear child, has treated you 510 so wantonly, as though you were doing some evil before the face of all?” Then the fair-crowned huntress of the echoing chase answered him: “Your wife it was who buffeted me, father, white-armed Hera, from whom strife and contention have been fastened upon the immortals.” In this way they spoke one to the other; 515 but Phoebus Apollo entered into sacred Ilios, for he was troubled for the wall of the well-built city, lest the Danaans beyond what was ordained should lay it waste on that day. But the other gods who are for ever went to Olympus, some of them in wrath and some exulting greatly, 520 and they sat down beside the Father, the lord of the dark clouds. But Achilles was still slaying alike the Trojans themselves and their single-hooved horses. And as when smoke rises and reaches the wide heaven from a city that burns, and the wrath of the gods drives it on—it causes toil to all and upon many it lets loose woes— 525 even so Achilles caused toil and woes for the Trojans. And the old man Priam stood upon the heaven-built wall, and saw monstrous Achilles, and how before him the Trojans were being driven in headlong rout; and help there was none. Then with a groan he went down to the ground from the wall, 530 calling all the while to the glorious keepers of the gate along the wall: “Hold the gates wide open with your hands until the people come to the city in their rout, for see, here at hand is Achilles, as he drives them on; now I think there shall be sorry work. But when they have found respite, being gathered within the wall, 535 then close the double doors again, close fitted; for I fear that this baneful man may leap within the wall.” So he spoke, and they undid the gates and thrust back the bars; and the gates, flung wide, brought deliverance. But Apollo leapt forth to face Achilles, that so he might ward off ruin from the Trojans. 540 And they, meanwhile, were fleeing straight for the city and the high wall, parched with thirst, and begrimed with dust from the plain, while Achilles pressed upon them furiously with his spear; for fierce madness ever possessed his heart, and he was eager to win glory. Then would the sons of the Achaeans have taken high-gated Troy, 545 had not Phoebus Apollo aroused goodly Agenor, Antenor's son, a peerless warrior and a stalwart. In his heart he put courage, and himself stood by his side, that he might ward from him the heavy hands of death; against the oak he leaned, and he was enfolded in deep mist. 550 So when Agenor noticed Achilles, sacker of cities, he halted, and many things did his heart darkly ponder as he waited; and mightily moved he spoke to his own great-hearted spirit: “Ah, woe is me; if I flee before mighty Achilles, there where the rest are being driven in rout, 555 even so shall he overtake and butcher me in my cowardice. But what if I leave these to be driven before Achilles, son of Peleus, and with my feet flee from the wall elsewhere, toward the Ilean plain, until I come to the glens and the spurs of Ida, and hide in the thickets? 560 Then at evening, when I have bathed in the river and cooled off my sweat, I might get back to Ilios. But why does my heart thus hold converse with me? May he not notice me as I turn away from the city toward the plain, and darting after me overtake me by his fleetness of foot. 565 Then it will no longer be possible to escape death and the fates, for exceedingly mighty is he above all mortal men. What then if in front of the city I go forth to meet him? Even his flesh too, I think, may be pierced with the sharp bronze, and in him is but one life, and mortal do men deem him 570 to be; yet Zeus, son of Cronos, gives him glory.” So saying he gathered himself together to await Achilles' onset, and within him his valiant heart was eager to war and to do battle. Just as a leopard goes forth from a deep thicket before the face of a huntsman, 575 and is not at all afraid at heart, nor flees when she hears the baying of the hounds; for though the man is first to strike her with thrust or with dart, yet even pierced through with the spear she does not cease from her fury until she grapples with him or is slain; even so lordly Antenor's son, goodly Agenor, 580 refused to flee till he should make trial of Achilles, but held before him his shield that was well-balanced on every side, and aimed at Achilles with his spear, and shouted aloud: “Truly, I think, you hope in your heart, glorious Achilles, 585 on this day to sack the city of the lordly Trojans. You fool! in truth many are the woes that shall yet be brought about because of her. Within her are we, many men and valiant, who in front of our dear parents and wives and sons guard Ilios; no, it is you who shall here meet your doom, for all you are so dread and so bold a man of war.” 590 He spoke, and hurled the sharp spear from his heavy hand, and struck him on the shin below the knee, and did not miss him; and the greave of new-wrought tin rang terribly upon him; but back from him whom it struck leapt the bronze, and did not pierce through, for the gift of the god stopped it. 595 And the son of Peleus in his turn set upon godlike Agenor; but Apollo did not allow him to win glory, but snatched away Agenor, and shrouded him in thick mist, and sent him forth from the war to go his way in peace. 600 But Apollo by craft kept the son of Peleus away from the people, for, likened in all things to Agenor himself, the god who works from afar took his stand before his feet; and Achilles rushed upon him swiftly to pursue him. And while he pursued him over the wheat-bearing plain, turning him toward the river, deep-eddying Scamander, as he outran him by only a little—for by craft did Apollo beguile him, 605 so that he ever hoped to overtake him in his running—meanwhile the rest of the Trojans who were fleeing in rout came crowding gladly toward the city, and the town was filled with the throng of them. Nor did they dare any longer to wait for one another outside the city and wall, and to learn who perhaps had escaped and 610 who had been slain in the fight; but with eager haste they poured into the city, whichever of them their feet and knees could save.

22So they throughout the city, huddled in rout like fawns, were cooling their sweat and drinking and quenching their thirst, as they rested on the fair battlements; while the Achaeans drew near the wall leaning their shields against their shoulders. 5 But Hector deadly fate ensnared to abide there where he was in front of Ilios and the Scaean gates. Then to the son of Peleus spoke Phoebus Apollo: “Why, son of Peleus, do you pursue me with swift feet, yourself a mortal, while I am an immortal god? 10 Not even yet have you known me, that I am a god, but you rage incessantly! Have you in truth no care for your toil regarding the Trojans whom you drove in rout, who now are gathered into the city, while you have turned aside this way? You shall never slay me, for I am not one that is appointed to die.” Then with a mighty burst of anger spoke to him swift-footed Achilles: 15 “You have foiled me, you god who works from afar, most cruel of all gods, in that you have now turned me here from the wall; else many a man would yet have bitten the ground before they came into Ilios. Now you have robbed me of great glory, and them you have saved very easily, since you had no fear of vengeance in the time to come. 20 Truly I would avenge myself on you, if I only had the power.” So he spoke, and was gone toward the city in pride of heart, speeding as speeds with a chariot a horse that is a winner of prizes, one that lightly courses at full speed over the plain; even so swiftly Achilles plied his feet and knees. 25 Him the old man Priam was first to behold with his eyes, as he sped all-gleaming over the plain, like the star that comes forth at harvest-time, and brightly do his rays shine amid the host of stars in the darkness of night, the star that men call by name the Dog of Orion. 30 Brightest of all is he, yet he is also a sign of evil, and brings much fever upon wretched mortals. Even so did the bronze gleam upon the breast of Achilles as he ran. And the old man uttered a groan, and beat upon his head with his hands, lifting them up on high, and with a groan he called aloud, 35 beseeching his dear son, who was standing before the gates furiously eager to do battle with Achilles. To him the old man spoke piteously, stretching out his arms: “Hector, my dear child, do not wait, I beg you, for that man, alone with none to aid you, lest at once you meet your doom, 40 slain by the son of Peleus, since truly he is far the mightier— cruel that he is. I wish that he were loved by the gods even as by me! Then the dogs and vultures would speedily devour him as he lay unburied; so would dread sorrow depart from my soul, since he has made me bereft of sons many and valiant, 45 slaying them and selling them into isles that lie far away. For even now there are two of my sons, Lycaon and Polydorus, that I cannot see amid the Trojans that are gathered into the city, those whom Laothoe bore me, a princess among women. But if they are still alive in the camp of the foe, then truly 50 will we ransom them with bronze and gold, since there is a store of it in my house; for very many gifts did the old Altes, of glorious name, give to his daughter. But if they are even now dead and in the house of Hades, then there shall be sorrow to my heart and to their mother, to us who gave them birth; but to the rest of the host a briefer sorrow, 55 provided you do not die as well, slain by Achilles. No, come within the walls, my child, that you may save the Trojan men and Trojan women, and that you may not give great glory to the son of Peleus, and be yourself robbed of your dear life. Furthermore, have compassion on me who can still feel — 60 on wretched me whom the father, son of Cronos, will slay by a grievous fate on the threshold of old age, when I have beheld very many ills, my sons perishing and my daughters dragged away, and my treasure chambers laid waste, and little children hurled to the ground in the dread conflict, and my sons' wives 65 being dragged away beneath the deadly hands of the Achaeans. Myself then last of all at the entrance of my door shall ravening dogs rend, when some man by thrust or cast of the sharp bronze has robbed my limbs of life—the very dogs that in my halls I reared at my table to guard my door, 70 which then, having drunk my blood in the madness of their hearts, shall lie there in the gateway. A young man it wholly befits, when he is slain in battle, that he lie mangled by the sharp bronze; dead though he is, all is honourable, whatever is seen. But when dogs bring shame upon the hoary head and hoary beard 75 and on the nakedness of an old man slain, this is the most piteous thing that comes upon wretched mortals.” Thus spoke the old man, and with his hands he plucked and tore the hoary hairs from his head; but he could not persuade the heart of Hector. And facing him the mother in her turn wailed and shed tears, 80 loosening the folds of her robe, while with the other hand she showed her breast, and amid shedding of tears she spoke to him winged words: “Hector, my child, have respect for this and pity me, if ever I gave you the breast to lull your pain. Think of it, dear child, and ward off that foe 85 from within the wall, and do not stand forth to face him. Cruel is he; for if he slays you, never shall I lay you on a bier and bewail you, dear plant, born of my own self, no, nor shall your bounteous wife; but far away from us by the ships of the Argives swift dogs shall devour you.” 90 So the two with weeping spoke to their dear son, beseeching him earnestly; yet they could not persuade the heart of Hector, but he awaited Achilles as he drew near in his mightiness. And as a serpent of the mountain awaits a man at his lair, having fed upon evil herbs, and dread wrath has entered into him, 95 and terribly he glares as he coils about within his lair; even so Hector in his courage unquenchable would not give ground, leaning his bright shield against the jutting wall. Then, mightily moved, he spoke to his own great-hearted spirit: “Ah, woe is me, if I go within the gates and the walls 100 Polydamas will be the first to put reproach upon me, because he urged me to lead the Trojans to the city during this fatal night, when goodly Achilles arose. But I did not listen—truly it would have been far better! But now, since I have brought the host to ruin in my blind folly, 105 I feel shame before the Trojans, and the Trojans' wives with trailing robes, lest perhaps some other baser man may say: ‘Hector, trusting in his own might, brought ruin on the host.’ So will they say; but for me it would be far better to meet Achilles man to man and slay him, and so get home, 110 or myself perish gloriously before the city.” “Or what if I lay down my bossed shield and my heavy helm, and leaning my spear against the wall, go myself to meet peerless Achilles, and promise him that Helen, 115 and with her all the store of treasure that Alexander brought in his hollow ships to Troy —which was the beginning of strife—we will give to the sons of Atreus to take away, and furthermore, and separate from this, will make due division with the Achaeans of all that this city holds; and if afterward I take from the Trojans an oath sworn by the elders 120 that they will hide nothing, but will divide all in two, all the treasure that the lovely city holds within? But why does my heart thus hold converse with me? Let it not be that I go and draw near him, and he then show me no pity nor any reverence, but slay me out of hand all unarmed, 125 as if I were a woman, when I have put off my armour. In no way may I now from oak-tree or from rock hold dalliance with him, even as youth and maiden—youth and maiden! —hold dalliance one with the other. Better would it be to clash in strife with all speed; 130 let us know to which of us two the Olympian will grant glory.” So he pondered as he waited, and near to him came Achilles, the peer of Enyalius, warrior of the waving helm, brandishing over his right shoulder the Pelian ash, his terrible spear; and all around the bronze flashed like the gleam 135 of blazing fire or of the sun as he rises. But trembling took hold of Hector when he became aware of him, nor did he dare any longer to stay where he was, but left the gates behind him, and fled in fear; and the son of Peleus rushed after him, trusting in his fleetness of foot. As a falcon in the mountains, swiftest of winged things, 140 swoops lightly after a trembling dove: she flees before him, and he close at hand darts ever at her with shrill cries, and his heart bids him seize her; even so Achilles in his fury sped straight on, and Hector fled beneath the wall of the Trojans, and plied his limbs swiftly. 145 Past the place of watch, and the wind-waved wild fig-tree they sped, ever away from under the wall along the wagon-track, and came to the two fair-flowing fountains, where well up the two springs that feed eddying Scamander. The one flows with warm water, and all around a smoke 150 goes up from it as if from a blazing fire, while the other even in summer flows forth cold as hail or chill snow or ice that water forms. And there close by the very same springs are broad washing-tanks, fair and wrought of stone, 155 where the wives and fair daughters of the Trojans used to wash bright garments in former days in the time of peace, before the sons of the Achaeans came. Past these they ran, one fleeing, and one pursuing. In front a good man fled, but one mightier far pursued him swiftly; for it was not for beast of sacrifice or for bull's hide 160 that they strove, such as are men's prizes for swiftness of foot, but it was for the life of horse-taming Hector that they ran. And as when single-hooved horses that are winners of prizes race swiftly around the turning-points, and some — great prize is set forth, a tripod perhaps or a woman, in honour of a warrior that is dead; 165 even so these two circled three times with swift feet about the city of Priam; and all the gods gazed upon them. Then among these the father of men and gods was first to speak: “Look now, in truth a well-loved man do my eyes behold pursued around the wall; and my heart has sorrow 170 for Hector, who has burned for me many thighs of oxen on the crests of many-ridged Ida, and at other times on the topmost citadel; but now again goodly Achilles is pursuing him with swift feet around the city of Priam. Come then, you gods, consider and take counsel 175 whether we shall save him from death, or now at last shall slay him, good man though he is, by the hand of Achilles, son of Peleus.” Then to him spoke the goddess, flashing-eyed Athene: “O Father, Lord of the bright lightning and of the dark cloud, what a word you have said! A man that is mortal, doomed long since by fate, are you minded 180 to deliver again from grievous death? Do as you will; but be sure that we other gods do not all assent to it.” Then in answer to her spoke Zeus, the cloud-gatherer: “Take heart, Tritogeneia, dear child. In no way do I speak with full purpose of heart, but I am minded to be kind to you. 185 Do as your pleasure is and hold back no more.” So saying he urged on Athene, who was already eager, and down from the peaks of Olympus she went darting. But hard upon Hector pressed swift Achilles in ceaseless pursuit. And as when on the mountains a hound 190 rouses from his covert the fawn of a deer and chases him through glens and glades, and though he escapes for a time, cowering beneath a thicket, yet the hound tracks him out and runs on and on until he finds him; even so Hector did not escape the swift-footed son of Peleus. As often as he strove to rush straight for the Dardanian gates 195 to gain the shelter of the well-built walls, in the hope that his comrades from above might help him with missiles, so often would Achilles head him off and turn him back toward the plain, but himself sped on by the city's walls. And as in a dream a man cannot pursue one that flees before him— 200 the one cannot flee, nor the other pursue—even so Achilles could not overtake Hector in his fleetness, nor Hector escape. And how would Hector have escaped the fates of death, had not Apollo, though for the last and latest time, drawn near him to rouse his strength and make swift his knees? 205 And to his men goodly Achilles made a sign with a nod of his head, and would not allow them to hurl at Hector their bitter darts, lest another might strike him and win glory, and he himself come too late. But when for the fourth time they had come to the springs, then the Father lifted on high his golden scales, 210 and set in them two fates of grievous death, one for Achilles, and one for horse-taming Hector; then he grasped the balance by the middle and raised it; and down sank the day of doom of Hector, and departed to Hades; and Phoebus Apollo left him. But to Peleus' son came the goddess, flashing-eyed Athene, 215 and drawing near she spoke to him winged words: “Now in truth, glorious Achilles, dear to Zeus, I have hope that to the ships we two shall bear off great glory for the Achaeans, having slain Hector, insatiable of battle though he is; for now it is no longer possible for him to escape us, 220 no, not though Apollo, who works from afar, should toil greatly, grovelling before Father Zeus, who bears the aegis. But stand now, and get your breath; I myself will go and persuade that warrior to do battle with you man to man.” So spoke Athene, and he obeyed and was glad at heart, 225 and stood leaning upon his bronze-barbed spear of ash. But she left him, and came to goodly Hector in the likeness of Deiphobus both in form and untiring voice; and drawing near she spoke to him winged words: “Dear brother, very surely fleet Achilles does violence to you, 230 chasing you with swift feet around the city of Priam. But come, let us stand, and staying here ward off his onset.” Then to her spoke great Hector of the flashing helm: “Deiphobus, truly in time past you were far the dearest of my brothers, who were born of Hecabe and Priam, 235 but now I think that I shall honour you in my heart even more, since you have dared for my sake, when your eyes beheld me, to come forth out of the wall, while the others stay within.” To him then spoke again the goddess, flashing-eyed Athene: “Dear brother, in truth my father and queenly mother, yes, and my comrades around me, 240 begged me much, entreating me each in turn that I should stay there, so greatly do they all tremble before Achilles; but my heart within me was deeply distressed with bitter grief. But now let us charge straight at him and do battle, and let there be no sparing of spears at all, so that we may know whether Achilles 245 shall slay us both, and bear our bloody spoils to the hollow ships, or whether he shall perhaps be vanquished by your spear.” By such words and by guile Athene led him on. And when they had come near as they advanced one against the other, then first to Achilles spoke great Hector of the glancing helm: 250 “No longer, son of Peleus, will I flee from you, as before I fled three times around the great city of Priam, nor ever had the heart to await your onset; but now again my spirit bids me stand and face you, whether I slay or am slain. But come here, let us call the gods to witness, for they shall be the best 255 witnesses and guardians of our covenant: I will do you no foul outrage, if Zeus grants me strength to outlast you, and I take your life; but when I have stripped from you your glorious armour, Achilles, I will give your dead body back to the Achaeans; and you do the same.” 260 Then with an angry glance from beneath his brows spoke to him Achilles, swift of foot: “Hector, do not talk to me, you madman, of covenants. As between lions and men there are no oaths of faith, nor do wolves and lambs have hearts of concord but are evil-minded continually one against the other, 265 even so it is not possible for you and me to be friends, nor shall there be oaths between us till one or the other shall have fallen, and glutted with his blood Ares, the warrior with tough shield of hide. Call to mind every kind of valour: now in truth it befits you to acquit yourself as a spearman and a dauntless warrior. No more is there any escape for you, but at once shall Pallas Athene 270 lay you low by my spear. Now you shall pay back the full price of all my sorrows for my comrades, whom you slew when raging with your spear.” He spoke, and poised his far-shadowing spear, and hurled it; but glorious Hector, looking steadily at him, avoided it; 275 for he saw it in time and crouched, and the spear of bronze flew over, and fixed itself in the earth; but Pallas Athene caught it up, and gave it back to Achilles, unseen by Hector, shepherd of the host. And Hector spoke to the peerless son of Peleus: “You have missed, nor in any way, as it seems, O Achilles like the gods, have you yet known from Zeus of my doom, though 280 truly you thought so. But you were only glib of tongue and a cunning rogue in speech, so that, seized with fear of you, I might be forgetful of my might and my valour. Not as I flee shall you plant your spear in my back; no, as I charge upon you drive it straight through my breast, 285 if a god has granted you this. Now in turn avoid my spear of bronze. Would that you might take it all into your flesh! So would war be lighter for the Trojans, if you were only dead; for you are their greatest bane.” He spoke, and poised his far-shadowing spear and hurled it, 290 and struck full upon the shield of the son of Peleus, and did not miss him; but far from the shield the spear leapt back. And Hector grew angry because the swift shaft had flown vainly from his hand, and he stood confounded, for he had no second spear of ash. Then he shouted aloud, and called to Deiphobus of the white shield, 295 and asked him for a long spear; but he was nowhere near. And Hector knew all in his heart, and spoke, saying: “Alas, in truth the gods have called me to my death. For I thought that the warrior Deiphobus was at hand, but he is within the wall, and Athene has deceived me. 300 Now surely evil death is near at hand, and no longer far from me, nor is there any way of escape. So, I think, from of old was the good pleasure of Zeus, and of the son of Zeus, the god who strikes from afar, the very ones who before were ready of heart to help me; but now again my doom has come upon me. No, not without a struggle let me die, nor ingloriously, 305 but in the working of some great deed for the hearing of men that are yet to be.” So saying, he drew his sharp sword that hung beside his flank, a great sword and a mighty, and gathering himself together swooped like an eagle of lofty flight that darts to the plain through the dark clouds to seize a tender lamb or a cowering hare; 310 even so Hector swooped, brandishing his sharp sword. And Achilles rushed upon him, his heart full of savage wrath, and before his breast he made a covering of his shield, fair and richly adorned, and tossed his bright 315 four-horned helm; and fair about it waved the plumes wrought of gold, that Hephaestus had set thick about the crest. As a star goes forth amid stars in the darkness of night, the star of evening, that is set in heaven as the fairest of all; even so went forth a gleam from the keen spear that Achilles poised in his right hand, 320 as he devised evil for goodly Hector, looking all the while upon his fair flesh to find where it was most open to a blow. Now all the rest of his flesh was covered by the armour of bronze, the fine armour that he had stripped from mighty Patroclus when he slew him; but there was an opening where the collar bones part the neck and shoulders, that is, the gullet, 325 where destruction of life comes most speedily; just there, as he rushed upon him, goodly Achilles let drive with his spear; and clean out through the tender neck went the point. Yet the ashen spear, heavy with bronze, did not sever the windpipe, so that he might still make answer and speak to his foe. Then he fell in the dust, 330 and goodly Achilles exulted over him; “Hector, you thought, I suppose, while you were despoiling Patroclus, that you would be safe, and had no thought of me who was far away, you fool. Far from him a helper, mightier far, was left behind at the hollow ships, 335 I myself, who have loosed your knees. Dogs and birds shall rend you in unseemly fashion, but to him shall the Achaeans give burial.” Then, his strength all spent, spoke to him Hector of the flashing helm: “I implore you by your life and knees and parents, do not let me be devoured by dogs by the ships of the Achaeans; 340 no, take a store of bronze and gold, gifts that my father and queenly mother shall give you, but give my body back to my home, that the Trojans and the Trojans' wives may give me my due portion of fire in my death.” Then with an angry glance from beneath his brows spoke to him Achilles swift of foot: 345 “Do not implore me, dog, by knees or parents. Would that in some way wrath and fury might drive me to carve your flesh and eat it raw myself, because of what you have done, as surely as there lives no man who shall ward off the dogs from your head; no, not though they should bring here and weigh out ransom ten-fold, yes, twenty-fold, 350 and should promise yet more; no, not though Priam, son of Dardanus, should bid them pay your weight in gold; not even so shall your queenly mother lay you on a bier and make lament for you, the son she herself bore, but dogs and birds shall devour you utterly.” 355 Then even in dying spoke to him Hector of the flashing helm: “Truly I know you well, and foresee what shall be, nor was it to be that I should persuade you; in truth the heart in your breast is of iron. Consider now, lest perhaps I bring the wrath of the gods upon you on the day when Paris and Phoebus Apollo shall slay you, 360 valorous though you are, at the Scaean gate.” Even as he thus spoke the end of death enfolded him, and his soul fleeting from his limbs was gone to Hades, bewailing her fate, leaving manliness and youth. And to him even in his death spoke goodly Achilles: 365 “Lie dead; my fate I will accept whenever Zeus wills to bring it to pass, and the other immortal gods.” He spoke, and from the corpse drew out his spear of bronze and laid it aside, and set to stripping from the shoulders the blood-stained armour. And the other sons of the Achaeans ran up all around, 370 and gazed upon the stature and wondrous beauty of Hector, nor did any draw near without dealing him a wound. And thus would one speak, with a look at his neighbour: “Look, in truth Hector is softer to handle now than when he burned the ships with blazing fire.” 375 Thus would one speak, and drawing near would deal a wound. But when goodly Achilles, swift of foot, had despoiled him, then he stood up among the Achaeans and spoke winged words: “My friends, leaders and rulers of the Argives, since the gods have granted us to slay this man, 380 who has done much evil beyond all the host of the others, come, let us make trial in arms about the city, so that we may know still further what purpose the Trojans have in mind, whether they will leave their high city now that this man is fallen, or whether they are minded to stay, even though Hector is no more. 385 But why does my heart thus hold converse with me? There lies by the ships a dead man unwept, unburied, Patroclus; him I will not forget so long as I remain among the living, and my knees still move. No, if even in the house of Hades men forget their dead, 390 yet even there I will remember my dear comrade. But come, singing our song of victory, you sons of the Achaeans, let us go back to the hollow ships and bring this corpse there. We have won great glory; we have slain goodly Hector, to whom the Trojans prayed throughout their city, as to a god.” 395 He spoke, and devised foul treatment for goodly Hector. The tendons of both his feet behind he pierced from heel to ankle, and fastened through them thongs of oxhide, and bound them to his chariot, but left the head to trail. Then when he had mounted his chariot and had lifted into it the glorious armour, 400 he touched the horses with the lash to start them, and not unwilling the pair sped onward. And from Hector as he was dragged the dust rose up, and on either side his dark hair flowed outspread, and all in the dust lay the head that was before so fair; but now Zeus had given him over to his foes to suffer foul treatment in his own native land. 405 So was his head all befouled with dust; but his mother tore her hair and flung far from her her gleaming veil and uttered an exceedingly loud cry at sight of her son. And a piteous groan did his father utter, and around them the people were held fast by wailing and groaning throughout the city. 410 It was most like this, as though all beetling Ilios were utterly burning with fire. And the people had much trouble holding back the old man in his frenzy, eager as he was to go forth from the Dardanian gates. To all he made prayer, grovelling all the while in the filth, 415 and calling on each man by name: “Hold back, my friends, and for all your love allow me to go forth from the city alone, and make my way to the ships of the Achaeans. I will make prayer to that ruthless man, that worker of violence, if perhaps he may have shame before his comrades and have pity on my old age. 420 He too, I think, has a father such as I am, Peleus, who begot him and reared him to be a bane to Trojans; but above all others he has brought woe upon me, so many sons of mine has he slain in their prime. Yet for them all I do not mourn so much, despite my grief, 425 as for one only, sharp grief for whom will bring me down to the house of Hades—for Hector. Ah, if only he had died in my arms; then we would have taken our fill of weeping and wailing, the mother who bore him to her sorrow, and I myself.” So he spoke weeping, and to this the townsfolk added their laments. 430 And among the women of Troy Hecabe led the vehement lamentation: “My child, ah woe is me! How shall I live in my deep anguish, now you are dead?—you who were my boast night and day in the city, and a blessing to all, both to the men and women of Troy throughout the town, who always greeted you as a god; 435 for truly you were to them an exceedingly great glory, while you still lived; but now death and fate have come upon you.” So she spoke weeping; but the wife knew nothing as yet, the wife of Hector—for no true messenger had come to tell her that her husband remained outside the gates; 440 but she was weaving a web in the innermost part of the lofty house, a purple web of double fold, and in it was embroidering flowers of varied hue. And she called to her fair-tressed handmaids through the house to set a great tripod on the fire, so that there should be a hot bath for Hector whenever he returned from the battle—unwitting one, 445 nor did she know at all that far from all baths flashing-eyed Athene had laid him low by the hand of Achilles. But the shrieks she heard and the groanings from the wall, and her limbs reeled, and from her hand the shuttle fell to earth. Then she spoke again among her fair-tressed handmaids: 450 “Come here, two of you, and follow me, let me see what deeds have been done. It was the voice of my husband's honoured mother that I heard, and in my own breast my heart leaps to my mouth, and beneath me my knees are numbed; truly close at hand is some evil thing for the children of Priam. Far from my ear be the word, 455 but greatly am I afraid lest to my sorrow goodly Achilles may have cut off from the city bold Hector by himself alone, and have driven him to the plain, yes, and have by now made him cease from the baneful valour that possessed him; since he would never stay in the throng of men, but would always charge far to the front, yielding to no man in his might.” 460 So saying she hurried through the hall with throbbing heart like one beside herself, and with her went her handmaidens. But when she had come to the wall and the throng of men, then on the wall she stopped and looked, and saw him as he was dragged before the city; and swift horses 465 were dragging him ruthlessly toward the hollow ships of the Achaeans. Then down over her eyes came the darkness of night, and enfolded her, and she fell backward and gasped out her spirit. Far from her head she cast its bright attire, the frontlet and coif and kerchief and woven band, 470 and the veil that golden Aphrodite had given her on the day when Hector of the flashing helm led her as his bride forth from the house of Eetion, after he had brought bride-gifts past counting. And all around her thronged her husband's sisters and his brothers' wives, who held her up in their midst, distraught even to the point of death. 475 But when she revived, and her spirit had returned into her breast, then she lifted up her voice in wailing, and spoke among the women of Troy: “Ah Hector, woe is me! to one fate, it seems, we were born, both of us, you in Troy in the house of Priam, and I in Thebe beneath wooded Placus 480 in the house of Eetion, who reared me when I was a babe, hapless father of a cruel-fated child; I wish he had never begotten me. Now to the house of Hades beneath the depths of earth you are departing, but me you leave in bitter grief, a widow in your halls, 485 and your son is still a mere babe, the son born of you and me in our haplessness; nor shall you be any help to him, Hector, since you are dead, nor he to you. For even if he escapes the woeful war of the Achaeans, yet his portion shall be labour and sorrow in the time to come, for others will take away his lands. 490 The day of orphanhood cuts a child off from the friends of his youth; always his head is bowed low, and his cheeks are bathed in tears, and in his need the child goes to his father's friends, plucking one by the cloak and another by the tunic; and of those who are touched with pity, one holds out his cup for a moment: 495 his lips he wets, but his palate he does not wet. And one whose father and mother still live thrusts him from the feast with blows of the hand, and scolds him with words of reviling: ‘Be gone, just as you are! No father of yours feasts in our company.’ Then in tears to his widowed mother comes back the child— 500 Astyanax, who formerly on his father's knees ate only marrow and the rich fat of sheep; and when sleep came upon him and he ceased from his childish play, then he would slumber on a couch in the arms of his nurse in his soft bed, his heart satisfied with good things. 505 But now, since he has lost his dear father, he will suffer very many ills—my Astyanax, whom the Trojans call by this name because you alone saved their gates and their high walls. But now by the beaked ships far from your parents writhing worms shall devour you, when the dogs have had their fill, as you lie a naked corpse; 510 yet in your halls lies clothing, finely-woven and fair, wrought by the hands of women. But all these things I will indeed burn in blazing fire—in no way a profit to you, since you shall not lie in them, but to be an honour to you from the men and women of Troy.” 515 So she spoke weeping, and to this the women added their laments.

23Thus they made lamentation throughout the city; but the Achaeans, when they had come to the ships and the Hellespont, scattered each man to his own ship; but the Myrmidons Achilles would in no way allow to be scattered, 5 but spoke among his war-loving comrades, saying: “You Myrmidons of fleet steeds, my trusty comrades, let us not yet loose our single-hooved horses from their chariots, but with horses and chariots let us draw near and mourn Patroclus; for that is the due of the dead. 10 Then when we have taken our fill of dire lamenting, we will unyoke our horses and take supper here all together.” So he spoke, and they raised the voice of wailing all with one accord, and Achilles was leader of it. Then three times around the corpse they drove their fair-maned steeds, mourning all the while; and among them Thetis roused desire of wailing. 15 Wetted were the sands and wetted the armour of the warriors with their tears; so mighty a deviser of rout was he for whom they mourned. And among them the son of Peleus was leader in the vehement lamentation, laying his man-slaying hands upon the breast of his comrade: “Hail to you, O Patroclus, even in the house of Hades, 20 for even now I am bringing to fulfillment all that I promised you before: that I would drag Hector here and give him raw to dogs to devour, and of twelve glorious sons of the Trojans would I cut the throats before your pyre, in my wrath at your slaying.” He spoke, and devised foul treatment for goodly Hector, 25 stretching him on his face in the dust before the bier of the son of Menoetius. And they took off, each man of them, their shining armour of bronze, and loosed their loud-neighing horses, and themselves sat down beside the ship of the swift-footed son of Aeacus, a countless host; and he made them a funeral feast to satisfy their hearts. 30 Many sleek bulls bellowed about the knife, as they were slaughtered, many sheep and bleating goats, and many white-tusked swine, rich with fat, were stretched to singe over the flame of Hephaestus; and everywhere about the corpse the blood ran so that one might dip cups in it. 35 But the prince, the swift-footed son of Peleus, was led to goodly Agamemnon by the chiefs of the Achaeans, who had great trouble persuading him to it, so angry at heart was he for his comrade. But when, as they went, they had come to the hut of Agamemnon, at once they ordered clear-voiced heralds 40 to set upon the fire a great cauldron, in the hope that they might persuade the son of Peleus to wash the bloody gore from him. But he steadfastly refused them, and swore an oath to it: “No, by Zeus, who is highest and best of gods, it may not be that water should come near my head, 45 until such time as I have laid Patroclus on the fire, and have heaped him a barrow, and shorn my hair as well, since never again shall a second grief like this reach my heart, while I still remain among the living. But for now let us yield to the banquet we must loathe; but in the morning rouse the people, king of men Agamemnon, 50 to bring wood, and to make ready all that it is fitting for a dead man to have, when he goes beneath the murky darkness, so that untiring fire may burn him quickly from sight, and the host may turn to its tasks.” So he spoke, and they readily listened to him and obeyed, 55 and speedily making ready each man his meal they ate, nor did their hearts lack anything of the equal feast. But when they had put from them the desire of food and drink, they went each man to his hut to take his rest; but the son of Peleus upon the shore of the loud-resounding sea 60 lay groaning heavily amid the host of the Myrmidons, in an open space where the waves splashed upon the shore. And when sleep seized him, loosening the cares of his heart, being shed in sweetness all around him — for very weary were his glorious limbs with speeding after Hector to windy Ilios— 65 then there came to him the spirit of hapless Patroclus, in all things like his very self, in stature and fair eyes and in voice, and he was clad in like clothing as well; and he stood above Achilles' head and spoke to him, saying: “You sleep, and have forgotten me, Achilles. 70 Not in my life were you unmindful of me, but now in my death! Bury me with all speed, that I may pass within the gates of Hades. Far off the spirits keep me away, the phantoms of men who have done with toils, nor do they allow me to join them beyond the River, but vainly I wander through the wide-gated house of Hades. 75 And give me your hand, I pitifully entreat you, for never again shall I come back out of Hades, once you have given me my due of fire. Never more in life shall we sit apart from our dear comrades and take counsel together, but for me hateful fate has 80 opened its maw, the fate that was appointed me even from my birth. Yes, and you yourself also, Achilles like the gods, are doomed to be brought low beneath the wall of the wealthy Trojans. And another thing I will say, and charge you, if you will listen. Do not lay my bones apart from yours, Achilles, but let them lie together, even as we were reared in your house, 85 when Menoetius brought me, while still a little lad, from Opoeis to your country, by reason of grievous man-slaying, on the day when I slew Amphidamus' son in my folly, though I did not intend it, in wrath over the dice. Then the knight Peleus received me into his house 90 and reared me with kindly care and named me your squire; so too let one coffer enfold our bones, a golden coffer with two handles, which your queenly mother gave you.” Then in answer Achilles, swift of foot, spoke to him: “Why, O beloved head, have you come here, 95 and give me charge like this about each thing? Truly I will fulfill all for you, and will do even as you ask. But, I pray you, draw nearer; though it is only for a little while let us clasp our arms around each other, and take our fill of dire lamenting.” So saying he reached out with his hands, 100 yet did not clasp him; but the spirit like a vapour was gone beneath the earth, gibbering faintly. And seized with amazement Achilles sprang up, and struck his hands together, and spoke a word of wailing: “Look now, even in the house of Hades the spirit and phantom are something, though the mind is not in it at all; 105 for the whole night long the spirit of hapless Patroclus has stood over me, weeping and wailing, and gave me charge concerning each thing, and was wondrously like his very self.” So he spoke, and in them all aroused the desire of lament, and rosy-fingered Dawn shone out upon them 110 while they still wailed around the piteous corpse. But the lord Agamemnon sent out mules and men from all sides out of the huts to fetch wood, and a man of valour watched over them, Meriones, squire of kindly Idomeneus. And they went out bearing in their hands axes for the cutting of wood 115 and well-woven ropes, and before them went the mules: and ever upward, downward, sideward, and aslant they traveled. But when they had come to the spurs of many-fountained Ida, at once they set to felling high-crested oaks with the long-edged bronze in busy haste, and with a mighty crash the trees kept falling. 120 Then the Achaeans split the trunks apart and bound them behind the mules, and these tore up the earth with their feet as they hurried toward the plain through the thick underbrush. And all the woodcutters bore logs; for so Meriones, squire of kindly Idomeneus, had ordered them. 125 Then down upon the shore they cast these, man after man, where Achilles planned a great barrow for Patroclus and for himself. But when on all sides they had cast down the measureless wood, they sat down there and waited, all in one throng. And Achilles at once ordered the war-loving Myrmidons 130 to gird themselves with bronze, and yoke each man his horses to his chariot. And they arose and put on their armour and mounted their chariots, warriors and charioteers alike. In front went the men in chariots, and after them followed a cloud of footmen, a host past counting; and in the midst his comrades bore Patroclus. 135 And as with a garment they wholly covered the corpse with their hair that they cut off and cast upon it; and behind them goodly Achilles clasped the head, sorrowing all the while; for peerless was the comrade whom he was speeding to the house of Hades. But when they had come to the place that Achilles had appointed for them, they set down the dead, and swiftly heaped up for him an abundant store of wood. 140 Then again swift-footed goodly Achilles took other counsel; he took his stand apart from the fire and cut off a golden lock, whose rich growth he had nursed for the river Spercheüs, and his heart mightily moved, he spoke, with a look over the wine-dark sea: “Spercheüs, to no purpose did my father Peleus vow to you 145 that when I had come home there to my dear native land, I would shear my hair for you and offer a holy hecatomb, and on the same spot would sacrifice fifty rams, males without blemish, into your waters, where your domain is and your fragrant altar. So that old man vowed, but you did not fulfill his desire for him. 150 Now, therefore, since I am not going home to my dear native land, I would gladly give to the warrior Patroclus this lock to go with him.” He spoke and set the lock in the hands of his dear comrade, and in them all aroused the desire of lament. And now the light of the sun would have gone down upon their weeping, 155 had not Achilles drawn near to Agamemnon's side and said: “Son of Atreus—for to your words as to those of no other will the host of the Achaeans give heed— of lamenting they may truly take their fill, but for now disperse them from the pyre, and order them to make ready their meal; for all things here we to whom the dead is nearest and dearest will take due care; 160 and with us let the chieftains also remain.” Then when the king of men Agamemnon heard this word, he at once dispersed the people among the shapely ships, but those who were nearest and dearest to the dead stayed there, and heaped up the wood, and made a pyre of a hundred feet this way and that, 165 and on the topmost part of it they set the dead man, their hearts sorrow-laden. And many fine sheep and many sleek cattle of shambling gait they flayed and dressed before the pyre; and from them all great-souled Achilles gathered the fat, and enfolded the dead in it from head to foot, and around him heaped the flayed bodies. 170 And on it he set two-handled jars of honey and oil, leaning them against the bier; and four horses with high arched necks he cast swiftly upon the pyre, groaning aloud all the while. Nine dogs had the prince, that fed beneath his table, and of these Achilles cut the throats of two, and cast them upon the pyre. 175 And twelve valiant sons of the great-souled Trojans he slew with the bronze—and grim was the work he purposed in his heart and to it he set the iron might of fire, to range at large. Then he uttered a groan, and called on his dear comrade by name: “Hail to you, O Patroclus, even in the house of Hades, 180 for now I am bringing all to pass, which I promised you before. Twelve valiant sons of the great-souled Trojans, look, all these together with you the flame devours; but Hector, son of Priam, I will in no way give to the fire to feed upon, but to dogs.” So he spoke threatening, but no dogs could deal with Hector; 185 no, the daughter of Zeus, Aphrodite, kept dogs from him by day alike and by night, and she anointed him with oil, rose-sweet, ambrosial, so that Achilles might not tear him as he dragged him. And over him Phoebus Apollo drew a dark cloud from heaven to the plain, and covered all the place 190 where the dead man lay, lest before the time the might of the sun should shrivel his flesh all around on his sinews and limbs. But the pyre of dead Patroclus did not kindle. Then again swift-footed goodly Achilles took other counsel; he took his stand apart from the pyre, and made prayer to the two winds, 195 to the North Wind and the West Wind, and promised fair offerings, and very earnestly, as he poured libations from a cup of gold, he begged them to come, so that the corpses might speedily blaze with fire, and the wood make haste to be kindled. Then at once Iris heard his prayer, and sped with the message to the winds. 200 They in the house of the fierce-blowing West Wind were feasting all together at the banquet, and Iris halted from her running on the threshold of stone. As soon as their eyes beheld her, they all sprang up and called her each one to himself. But she refused to sit, and spoke, saying: 205 “I may not sit, for I must go back to the streams of Oceanus, to the land of the Ethiopians, where they are sacrificing hecatombs to the immortals, that I too may share in the sacred feast. But Achilles prays the North Wind and the noisy West Wind to come, and promises them fair offerings, so that you may rouse the pyre to burn on which lies 210 Patroclus, for whom all the Achaeans groan aloud.” When she had thus spoken she departed, and they arose with a wondrous din, driving the clouds tumultuously before them. And swiftly they came to the sea to blow upon it, and the wave swelled 215 beneath the shrill blast; and they came to deep-soiled Troyland, and fell upon the pyre, and mightily roared the wondrous blazing fire. So the whole night long as with one blast they beat upon the flame of the pyre, blowing shrill; and the whole night long swift Achilles, taking a two-handled cup in hand, 220 drew wine from a golden bowl and poured it upon the earth, and wetted the ground, calling ever upon the spirit of hapless Patroclus. As a father wails for his son, as he burns his bones, a son newly wed whose death has brought woe to his hapless parents, so Achilles wailed for his comrade as he burned his bones, 225 going heavily about the pyre with ceaseless groaning. But at the hour when the star of morning goes forth to herald light over the face of the earth—the star after which saffron-robed Dawn follows and spreads over the sea—just then the burning grew faint, and its flame died down. And the winds went back again to return to their home 230 over the Thracian sea, and it roared with surging flood. Then the son of Peleus withdrew apart from the burning pyre, and lay down deeply wearied; and sweet sleep leapt upon him. But those who were with the son of Atreus gathered in a throng, and the noise and din of their approach roused him; 235 and he sat upright and spoke to them, saying: “Son of Atreus, and you other princes of the hosts of Achaea, first quench with flaming wine the burning pyre, all of it that the might of the fire has reached, and afterwards let us gather the bones of Patroclus, Menoetius' son, singling them out well from the rest; 240 and they are easy to discern, for he lay in the midst of the pyre, while the others burned apart on its edges, horses and men mingled together. Then let us place the bones in a golden urn wrapped in a double layer of fat until such time as I myself am hidden in Hades. 245 But I do not ask you to raise a huge barrow for him with toil, but only such a one as is fitting; but afterwards, you Achaeans, build it broad and high, you who shall be left among the benched ships when I am gone.” So he spoke, and they obeyed the swift-footed son of Peleus. 250 First they quenched with flaming wine the pyre, so far as the flame had come upon it, and the ash had settled deep; and with weeping they gathered up the white bones of their gentle comrade into a golden urn, and wrapped them in a double layer of fat, and placing the urn in the hut they covered it with a soft linen cloth. 255 Then they traced the compass of the barrow and set out its foundations all around the pyre, and at once they piled the up-piled earth. And when they had piled the barrow, they set out to go back again. But Achilles kept the people where they were, and made them sit in a wide gathering; and from his ships brought out prizes: cauldrons and tripods 260 and horses and mules and strong oxen and fair-girdled women and grey iron. For swift charioteers first he set out fine prizes, a woman to lead away, one skilled in fine handiwork, and an eared tripod of twenty-two measures 265 for him who should be first; and for the second he appointed a mare of six years, unbroken, with a mule foal in her womb; and for the third he set out a cauldron untouched by fire, a fair cauldron that held four measures, white even as at first; and for the fourth he appointed two talents of gold; 270 and for the fifth a two-handled urn, still untouched by fire. Then he stood up, and spoke among the Argives, saying: “Son of Atreus, and you other well-greaved Achaeans, for the charioteers these prizes lie waiting in the lists. If we Achaeans were now holding contests in honour of some other man, 275 surely it would be I who should win the first prize, and bear it to my hut; for you know how far my two horses surpass in excellence, since they are immortal, and it was Poseidon who gave them to my father Peleus, and he gave them to me. But I indeed will hold back, I and my single-hooved horses, 280 so valiant and glorious a charioteer have they lost, and one so kind, who very often would pour soft oil upon their manes when he had washed them in bright water. For him they stand and mourn, and on the ground their manes are trailing, and the two stand there, grieving at heart. 285 But you others make yourselves ready throughout the host, whoever of the Achaeans has trust in his horses and his jointed chariot.” So the son of Peleus spoke, and the swift charioteers roused themselves. Up sprang, first, Eumelus, king of men, Admetus' dear son, a man well-skilled in horsemanship 290 and after him sprang up Tydeus' son, mighty Diomedes, and led beneath the yoke the horses of Tros, the very ones that he had once taken from Aeneas, though Apollo snatched away Aeneas' own self; and after him rose up Atreus' son, fair-haired Menelaus, sprung from Zeus, and led beneath the yoke swift steeds, Aethe, Agamemnon's mare, and his own horse Podargus. 295 The mare Anchises' son Echepolus had given to Agamemnon without price, so that he might not follow him to windy Ilios, but might stay at home and take his joy; for Zeus had given him great wealth, and he lived in spacious Sicyon: 300 her Menelaus led beneath the yoke, and she was exceedingly eager for the race. And fourth Antilochus made ready his fair-maned horses, he the peerless son of Nestor, the king high of heart, the son of Neleus; and bred at Pylos were the swift-footed horses that drew his chariot. And his father drew near and gave counsel 305 to him for his profit — a wise man to one who himself had knowledge. “Antilochus, young as you are, Zeus and Poseidon have loved you and taught you all manner of horsemanship; so there is no great need to teach you, for you know well how to wheel around the turning-post; yet your horses are slowest in the race: therefore I think there will be sorry work for you. The horses of the others are swifter, but the men do not know how to devise more cunning counsel than you yourself. So come, dear son, store up in your mind cunning of every sort, so that the prizes do not escape you. 315 By cunning, you know, a woodman is far better than by might; by cunning too a helmsman on the wine-dark deep guides aright a swift ship that is buffeted by winds; and by cunning charioteer proves better than charioteer.” “Another man, trusting in his horses and chariot, 320 heedlessly wheels wide to this side and that, and his horses roam over the course, nor does he keep them in hand; whereas he who has a crafty mind, though he drives worse horses, keeps his eye always on the turning-post and wheels close by it, nor does he forget how at the first to force his horses with the oxhide reins, 325 but keeps them always in hand, and watches the man who leads him in the race. Now I will tell you a clear sign that will not escape you. There stands, about a fathom's height above the ground, a dry stump, whether of oak or of pine, which does not rot in the rain, and two white stones on either side 330 of it are firmly set against it at the joinings of the course, and around it is smooth ground for driving. Perhaps it is a monument of some man long ago dead, or perhaps it was made the turning-post of a race in the days of men of old; and now swift-footed goodly Achilles has appointed it his turning-post. Pressing hard upon it drive your chariot and horses close, and yourself lean in your well-plaited 335 chariot a little to the left of the pair, and to the off horse give the goad, calling to him with a shout, and give him rein from your hand. But let the near horse draw close to the post, so that the nave of the well-wrought wheel seems to graze its surface— 340 but beware of touching the stone, lest perhaps you wound your horses and wreck your chariot; so there would be joy for the rest, but reproach for yourself. No, dear son, be wise and on your guard; for if at the turning-post you drive past the rest in your course, 345 there is no man who shall catch you by a burst of speed, nor pass you by, no, not though in pursuit he were driving goodly Arion, the swift horse of Adrastus, that was of heavenly stock, or those of Laomedon, the fine breed of this land.” So saying Nestor, son of Neleus, sat down again in his place, 350 when he had told his son the sum of every matter. And fifth Meriones made ready his fair-maned horses. Then they mounted their chariots, and cast in the lots; and Achilles shook them, and out leapt the lot of Nestor's son, Antilochus; after him the lord Eumelus had a place, 355 and next to him Atreus' son, Menelaus, famed for his spear, and next to him Meriones drew his place; and last of all the son of Tydeus, though far the best, drew a place for his chariot. Then they took their places in a row, and Achilles showed them the turning-post far off in the smooth plain; and by it he set as an umpire 360 godlike Phoenix, his father's follower, that he might mark the running and tell the truth of it. Then they all at one moment lifted the lash each above his yoke of horses, and struck them with the reins, and called to them with words, very eagerly; and at once they sped swiftly over the plain 365 away from the ships, and beneath their breasts the dust arose and stood, like a cloud or a whirlwind, and their manes streamed on the blasts of the wind. And the chariots would now course over the bounteous earth, and now again would bound on high; and those who drove 370 stood in the chariots, and each man's heart was throbbing as they strove for victory; and they called every man to his horses, that flew in the dust over the plain. But when now the swift horses were finishing the last stretch of the course, back toward the grey sea, then indeed the worth of each was made manifest, 375 and the pace of their horses was forced to the uttermost. And at once the swift-footed mares of the son of Pheres shot to the front, and after them Diomedes' stallions of the breed of Tros; not far behind were they, but close behind, for they seemed always about to mount upon 380 Eumelus' chariot, and with their breath his back grew warm and his broad shoulders, for right over him they leaned their heads as they flew along. And now Tydeus' son would have passed him by or left the issue in doubt, had not Phoebus Apollo grown angry with him and struck the shining lash from his hand. 385 Then from his eyes ran tears in his wrath because he saw the mares coursing even far more swiftly than before, while his own horses were hampered, as running without goad. But Athene was not unaware of Apollo's cheating of the son of Tydeus, and very swiftly she sped after the shepherd of the host, 390 and gave him back the lash and put strength into his horses. Then in wrath she was gone after the son of Admetus, and the goddess broke the yoke of his steeds, and to his cost the mares swerved to this side and that of the course, and the pole was swung to the earth; and Eumelus himself was hurled out of the chariot beside the wheel, 395 and from his elbows and his mouth and nose the skin was stripped, and his forehead above his brows was bruised; and both his eyes were filled with tears and the flow of his voice was checked. Then Tydeus' son turned his single-hooved horses aside and drove on, darting out far in advance of the rest; for Athene 400 put strength in his horses and gave glory to the man himself. And after him drove the son of Atreus, fair-haired Menelaus. But Antilochus called to the horses of his father: “Go in now, you two as well; strain to your utmost speed. With those steeds there I truly do not ask you to strive, 405 with the horses of wise-hearted Tydeus to which Athene has now given speed and granted glory to him who drives them. But overtake the horses of the son of Atreus with speed, and do not be outstripped by them, lest shame be shed on you by Aethe, who is only a mare. Why are you outstripped, good steeds? 410 For thus I will speak out to you, and truly it shall be brought to pass: there shall be no care for you two with Nestor, the shepherd of the host, but at once he will slay you with the sharp bronze, if through your heedlessness we win only a worse prize. No, go after them with all the speed you can, 415 and this I myself will contrive and plan, that we slip past them in the narrow way; it shall not escape me.” So he spoke, and they, seized with fear at the rebuke of their master, ran more swiftly on for a little time, and then quickly Antilochus, staunch in fight, spied a narrow place in the hollow road. 420 A rift there was in the ground, where the water, swollen by winter rains, had broken away a part of the road and had hollowed all the place. There Menelaus drove in hope that no other might drive abreast of him. But Antilochus turned aside his single-hooved horses, and drove on outside the track, and followed after him, a little to one side. 425 And the son of Atreus was seized with fear, and shouted to Antilochus: “Antilochus, you are driving recklessly; no, rein in your horses! Here the way is narrow, but soon it will be wider for passing; lest perhaps you do harm to us both by fouling my chariot.” So he spoke, but Antilochus drove on all the more hotly, 430 and plied the goad, as if he were one who did not hear. And as far as the range of a discus swung from the shoulder, which a young man hurls, making trial of his strength, so far they ran on; but the mares of the son of Atreus fell back, for of his own will he refrained from urging them, 435 lest perhaps the single-hooved horses should clash together in the track, and overturn the well-plaited chariots, and they themselves be hurled in the dust in their eager haste for victory. Then fair-haired Menelaus chided Antilochus, and said: “Antilochus, there is no other of mortals more malicious than you. 440 Go, and ruin take you, since falsely did we Achaeans think you wise. But even so you shall not bear off the prize without an oath.” So he said, and called to his horses, saying: “Do not hold back, I urge you, nor stand still with grief at heart. Their feet and knees will grow weary 445 before yours, for they both are lacking in youth.” So he spoke, and they, seized with fear at the rebuke of their master, ran more swiftly on, and quickly came close to the others. But the Argives sitting in the place of gathering were gazing at the horses, that flew amid the dust over the plain. 450 And the first to notice them was Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans, for he sat outside the gathering, the highest of all, in a place of outlook, and when he heard the voice of him who shouted, though far off, he knew it; and he caught sight of a horse, showing clear to view in front, one that was a bay all the rest of him, but on his forehead was 455 a white spot round like the moon. And he stood up, and spoke among the Argives, saying: “My friends, leaders and rulers of the Argives, is it I alone who discern the horses, or do you as well? Others they are, it seems to me, that are now in front, 460 and another is the charioteer who appears; and the mares must have come to harm out there on the plain, they that were in front on the outward course. For in truth I saw them sweeping first around the turning-post, but now I can nowhere spy them, though my eyes glance everywhere over the Trojan plain, as I gaze. 465 Did the reins perhaps slip from the charioteer, and was he unable to guide the course aright about the post, and did he fail in the turn? There, I think, he must have been hurled to earth, and have wrecked his chariot, and the mares must have swerved from the course in wild terror of heart. But stand up also, and look; for myself 470 I do not discern clearly, but the man seems to me to be an Aetolian by race, and is king among the Argives, the son of horse-taming Tydeus, mighty Diomedes.” Then swift Aias, son of Oïleus, shamefully rebuked him: “Idomeneus, why are you a braggart from of old? No, still far off are 475 the high-stepping mares speeding over the wide plain. Neither are you so far the youngest among the Argives, nor do your eyes look out from your head so far the keenest; yet you always prattle loudly. It is not fitting for you to be loud of speech, for here are others better than you. 480 The same mares are in the lead that led before, those of Eumelus, and he himself stands firmly in the chariot and holds the reins.” Then the leader of the Cretans grew angry, and spoke in answer: “Aias, you master of railing, witless in counsel, in all else you fall behind the other Argives, for your mind is stubborn. 485 Come now, let us wager a tripod or a cauldron, and as umpire between us two let us choose Atreus' son Agamemnon, as to which mares are in the lead — that you may learn by paying the price.” So he spoke, and at once swift Aias, son of Oïleus, rose up in wrath to answer him with angry words; 490 and the strife between the two would have gone yet further, had not Achilles himself stood up, and spoken, saying: “No longer now, O Aias and Idomeneus, answer one another with angry words, with evil words, for that would be unseemly. You would feel indignation with another who should act this way. 495 No, sit down in the place of gathering, and watch the horses; very soon in their eager haste for victory they will come here, and then you shall know, each man of you, the horses of the Argives, which are behind, and which in the lead.” So he spoke, and Tydeus' son came close at hand as he drove, 500 and with his lash dealt many a stroke down from the shoulder; and his horses leapt on high as they swiftly sped on their way. And flakes of dust kept striking the charioteer, and his chariot overlaid with gold and tin ran on behind the swift-footed horses, and small trace there was 505 of the wheel tires behind in the light dust, as the two flew speeding on. Then he drew up in the midst of the place of gathering, and in streams the sweat flowed from the necks and chests of the horses to the ground. And Diomedes himself leapt to the ground from his gleaming chariot, 510 and leaned the goad against the yoke. Nor did mighty Sthenelus delay at all, but speedily took the prize, and gave to his comrades, high of heart, the woman and the eared tripod to bear away; and he himself loosed the horses from beneath the yoke. And next after him Antilochus of the stock of Neleus drove in his horses, 515 for by guile, and in no way by speed, had he outstripped Menelaus; but even so Menelaus guided his swift horses close behind. As far as a horse is from the wheel, a horse that draws his master over the plain, and strains at the chariot—the hindmost hairs of his tail touch its tire, 520 for it runs close behind, and only scant space is there between, as he courses over the wide plain—just so far was Menelaus behind peerless Antilochus, though at the first he was behind as far as a man hurls the discus; but quickly he was overtaking Antilochus, for the fine mettle 525 of the mare of Agamemnon, fair-maned Aethe, rose ever higher. And if the course had been yet longer for the two, then he would have passed him by, and not left the issue in doubt. But Meriones, valiant squire of Idomeneus, was a spear-cast behind glorious Menelaus, 530 for slowest of all were his fair-maned horses, and he himself least skilled to drive a chariot in the race. And the son of Admetus came in last, behind all the rest, dragging his fair chariot and driving his horses before him. And at sight of him swift-footed, goodly Achilles had pity 535 and he stood up amid the Argives, and spoke winged words: “See, in the last place the man who is far the best drives his single-hooved horses. But come, let us give him a prize, as is fitting, a prize for the second place; but let the son of Tydeus bear away the first.” So he spoke, and they all assented even as he urged. 540 And now he would have given him the mare —for the Achaeans assented to it —had not Antilochus, son of great-souled Nestor, risen up and answered Achilles, son of Peleus, to claim his due: “Achilles, I shall be deeply angry with you if you fulfill this word, for you mean to rob me of my prize, 545 thinking of this, how his chariot and his swift horses came to harm, and he himself as well, good man though he is. No, he should have made prayer to the immortals; then he would in no way have come in last of all in the race. But if you pity him, and he is dear to your heart, look, in your hut is a great store of gold, and bronze is there 550 and sheep, yes, and handmaids too, and single-hooved horses. Take from these later and give him an even finer prize, or even now at once, that the Achaeans may applaud you. But the mare I will not yield; for her let any man who will, try to do battle with me by might of hand.” 555 So he spoke, and swift-footed, goodly Achilles smiled, taking joy in Antilochus, because he was his dear comrade; and he made answer, and spoke to him winged words: “Antilochus, if you would have me give Eumelus some other thing out of my house as a further prize, even this I will do. 560 I will give him the corselet that I took from Asteropaeus; it is of bronze, and on it is set in circles a casting of bright tin, and it shall be to him a thing of great worth.” He spoke, and ordered his dear comrade Automedon to bring it from the hut, and he went and brought it, 565 and placed it in Eumelus' hands, and he received it gladly. Then among them rose up also Menelaus, deeply vexed at heart, furiously angry at Antilochus; and a herald gave the staff into his hand, and proclaimed silence among the Argives; and then the godlike man spoke among them: 570 “Antilochus, you who before were wise, what a thing you have done! You have put my skill to shame and have thwarted my horses, thrusting to the front your own that were far worse. Come now, you leaders and rulers of the Argives, judge rightly between us two, and show no favour to either, 575 lest in later time some one of the brazen-coated Achaeans shall say: ‘Over Antilochus Menelaus prevailed by lies, and departed with the mare, because his horses were far worse, but he himself was the mightier in worth and in power.’ No, but I will myself declare the right, and I think that 580 no other of the Danaans shall reproach me, for my judgement shall be just. Antilochus, fostered by Zeus, up, come here and, as is the appointed way, stand before your horses and chariot, and take in hand the slender lash with which you used to drive before, and laying your hand on your horses swear by him who holds and shakes the earth 585 that not of your own will did you hinder my chariot by guile.” Then in turn wise Antilochus answered him: “Bear with me now, for I am far younger than you, king Menelaus, and you are the elder and the better man. You know of what sort are the transgressions of a man who is young, 590 for hasty is he of purpose and slender is his wit. So let your heart be patient; the mare that I have won I will give you of my own accord. Yes, and if you should ask some other finer thing out of my house, I would at once gladly give it to you out of hand, rather than all my days be cast out of your heart, you who are nurtured by Zeus, 595 and be a sinner in the eyes of the gods.” So the son of great-souled Nestor spoke, and led up the mare, and gave her into the hands of Menelaus. And his heart was gladdened even as the grain when with the dew upon the ears it grows ripe, at the time when the fields are bristling. 600 In such a way, Menelaus, was your heart gladdened in your breast. Then he spoke winged words to Antilochus, saying: “Antilochus, see now, I of myself cease from my anger against you, since in no way were you flighty or light of wit before, though now your youth has got the better of your reason. 605 Another time do not seek to outwit your betters. Truly no other of the Achaeans would soon have persuaded me, but you have suffered greatly and toiled greatly, you and your brave father and your brother, for my sake; therefore I will listen to your prayer, yes, 610 and will give the mare to you, though she is my own, so that these too may know that my heart is never over-haughty nor unbending.” He spoke, and gave the mare to Noëmon, the comrade of Antilochus, to lead away, and then himself took the shining cauldron. And Meriones took up the two talents of gold in the fourth place, 615 even as he had driven; but the fifth prize was left unclaimed, the two-handled urn. To Nestor Achilles gave this, bearing it through the gathering of the Argives; and he came to his side, and said “Take this now, old sir, and let it be a treasure for you, a memorial of Patroclus' burial; for never again shall you behold him 620 among the Argives. See, I give you this prize unwon; for you shall not contend in boxing, nor in wrestling, nor shall you enter the lists for the casting of javelins, nor run upon your feet; for now grievous old age weighs heavy upon you.” So saying he placed the urn in his arms, and Nestor received it gladly, 625 and spoke, and addressed him with winged words: “Yes, indeed, my son, all this you have spoken rightly, for my limbs, my feet, are no longer firm, O my friend, as of old, nor do my arms as of old dart out lightly from my shoulders on either side. Would that I were young, and my strength were firm 630 as on the day when the Epeians were burying lord Amarynceus at Buprasium, and his sons appointed prizes in honour of the king. Then there was no man who proved himself my peer, neither of the Epeians nor of the Pylians themselves nor of the great-souled Aetolians. In boxing I overcame Clytomedes, son of Enops, 635 and in wrestling Ancaeus of Pleuron, who stood up against me; Iphiclus I outran in the foot-race, good man though he was; and in casting the spear I outthrew Phyleus and Polydorus. In the chariot race alone the two sons of Actor outstripped me by force of numbers, crowding their horses to the front, being exceedingly jealous for victory, 640 because the finest prize still remained there in the lists. Twin brothers they were— the one drove with sure hand, drove with sure hand, while the other plied the goad. Thus I was once, but now let men who are younger face such tasks; I must yield to grievous old age, 645 but then I was pre-eminent among warriors. But come, hold funeral rites with contests for your comrade too. For this gift, I receive it with gladness, and my heart rejoices that you remember me, your friend, and that I am not forgotten by you, nor the honour with which it is fitting that I be honoured among the Achaeans. 650 And to you may the gods in return for it grant grace to satisfy your heart.” So he spoke, and the son of Peleus went his way through the great throng of the Achaeans, when he had listened to all the praise of the son of Neleus. Then he set out prizes for grievous boxing. A sturdy mule he brought and tethered in the place of gathering, 655 a mule of six years, unbroken, which is hardest of all to break; and for him who should be worsted he appointed a two-handled cup. Then he stood up, and spoke among the Argives, saying: “Son of Atreus, and you other well-greaved Achaeans, for these prizes we invite two warriors, the best there are, to lift up their hands and box hard. 660 Let him to whom Apollo shall grant strength to endure, and all the Achaeans know of it, go his way to his hut leading the sturdy mule; but he who is worsted shall bear as his prize the two-handled cup.” So he spoke, and at once there rose up a man valiant and tall, 665 well-skilled in boxing, Epeius, son of Panopeus; and he laid hold of the sturdy mule, and spoke, saying: “Let him draw near, whoever is to bear as his prize the two-handled cup: the mule I think that no other of the Achaeans shall lead away, by worsting me with his fists, for I declare myself to be the best man. 670 Is it not enough that I fall short in battle? One may not, it seems to me, prove himself a man of skill in every work. For thus I will speak, and truly this thing shall be brought to pass: I will utterly rend his flesh and crush his bones. So let those who are his next of kin remain here in a throng, 675 that they may bear him out when worsted by my hands.” So he spoke, and they all became hushed in silence. Euryalus alone rose up to face him, a godlike man, son of king Mecisteus, son of Talaus, who once had come to Thebes for the burial of Oedipus, 680 when he had fallen, and there had worsted all the sons of Cadmus. And Tydeus' son, famed for his spear, made Euryalus ready, heartening him with words, and much he wished him victory. A girdle first he cast about him, and then gave him well-cut thongs of the hide of an ox of the field. 685 So the two, when they had girded themselves, stepped into the midst of the place of gathering, and lifting their mighty hands on high one against the other, fell to, and their hands clashed together in heavy blows. Dread then was the grinding of their teeth, and the sweat flowed on every side from their limbs. But upon him goodly Epeius rushed 690 as he peered for an opening, and struck him on the cheek, nor after that, I think, did he long stand upright, for there his glorious limbs sank beneath him. And as when beneath the ripple of the North Wind a fish leaps up on the tangle-strewn sand of a shallow, and then the black wave hides it, so Euryalus leapt up when he was struck. But great-souled Epeius 695 took him in his hands and set him on his feet, and his dear comrades thronged about him and led him through the place of gathering with trailing feet, spitting out clotted blood and letting his head hang to one side; and they brought him wandering in his wits and set him down in the midst of their company, and themselves went and fetched the two-handled cup. 700 Then the son of Peleus at once set out in the sight of the Danaans other prizes for a third contest, for toilsome wrestling — for him who should win, a great tripod to stand upon the fire, that the Achaeans valued among themselves at the worth of twelve oxen; and for him who should be worsted he set in the midst a woman 705 of manifold skill in handiwork, and they valued her at the worth of four oxen. And he stood up and spoke among the Argives, saying: “Up now, you two who will make trial likewise in this contest.” So he spoke, and at this great Telamonian Aias arose, and up stood Odysseus of many wiles, he of guileful mind. 710 Then the two, when they had girded themselves, stepped into the midst of the place of gathering, and laid hold each of the other in close grip with their mighty hands, even as the gable-rafters of a high house, which some famous craftsman joins together, that he may have shelter from the might of the winds. And their backs creaked beneath the violent tugging of bold hands, 715 and the sweat flowed down in streams; and many a weal, red with blood, sprang up along their ribs and shoulders; and they strove ever with all their might for victory, to win the fashioned tripod. Neither could Odysseus manage to trip Aias and throw him to the ground, 720 nor Aias him, for the mighty strength of Odysseus held firm. But when at last they were about to weary the well-greaved Achaeans, then great Telamonian Aias spoke to Odysseus, saying: “Zeus-born, son of Laertes, Odysseus of many wiles, lift me, or let me lift you; but the issue shall rest with Zeus.” 725 He spoke, and lifted him; but Odysseus did not forget his guile. He struck with a sure blow the hollow of Aias' knee from behind, and loosed his limbs, so that he was thrown backward, and Odysseus fell upon his chest; and the people gazed at it and were seized with wonder. Then in his turn the much-enduring goodly Odysseus tried to lift, 730 and moved him a little from the ground, but did not lift him; yet he crooked his knee within that of Aias, and upon the ground the two fell one close by the other, and were befouled with dust. And now they would have sprung up again for the third time and have wrestled, had not Achilles himself risen up, and held them back: 735 “No longer strain now, nor be worn with pain. Victory is with you both; take then equal prizes and go your ways, that other Achaeans too may strive.” So he spoke, and they readily listened to him and obeyed, and wiping the dust from their bodies they put on their tunics. 740 Then the son of Peleus at once set out other prizes for fleetness of foot: a mixing-bowl of silver, richly wrought; six measures it held, and in beauty it was far the finest in all the earth, since Sidonians, well skilled in deft handiwork, had wrought it cunningly, and men of the Phoenicians brought it over the murky deep, and landed it in harbour, 745 and gave it as a gift to Thoas; and as a ransom for Lycaon, son of Priam, Jason's son Euneos gave it to the warrior Patroclus. This bowl Achilles set out as a prize in honour of his comrade, for whoever should prove fleetest in speed of foot. 750 For the second again he set an ox great and rich with fat; and a half-talent in gold he appointed for the last. And he stood up, and spoke among the Argives, saying: “Up now, you who will make trial likewise in this contest.” So he spoke, and at once swift Aias, son of Oïleus, rose up, 755 and Odysseus of many wiles, and after them Antilochus, Nestor's son, for he surpassed all the youths in swiftness of foot. Then they took their places in a row, and Achilles showed them the goal, and a course was marked out for them from the turning-point. Then speedily the son of Oïleus forged to the front, and close after him sped goodly Odysseus; 760 close as is the weaving-rod to the breast of a fair-girdled woman, when she deftly draws it in her hands, pulling the spool past the warp, and holds the rod near to her breast; so close behind ran Odysseus, 765 and his feet trod in the footsteps of Aias before the dust had settled in them, and down upon his head beat the breath of goodly Odysseus, as he ran ever swiftly on; and all the Achaeans shouted to spur him on as he struggled for victory, and called to him as he strained to the utmost. But when now they were running the last part of the course, at once Odysseus made prayer in his heart to flashing-eyed Athene: 770 “Hear me, goddess, and come as a good helper to my feet.” So he spoke in prayer, and Pallas Athene heard him, and made his limbs light, his feet and his hands above. But when they were now about to dart out to win the prize, then Aias slipped as he ran—for Athene hampered him— 775 where the filth was strewn from the slaying of the loud-bellowing bulls that swift-footed Achilles had slain in honour of Patroclus; and his mouth and nostrils were filled with the filth of the bulls. So then much-enduring, goodly Odysseus took up the bowl, since he came in first, and glorious Aias took the ox. 780 And he stood holding in his hands the horn of the ox of the field, spitting out the filth; and he spoke among the Argives: “Curse it, see, the goddess hampered me in my running, she who always stands by Odysseus' side like a mother, and helps him.” So he spoke, but they all laughed merrily at him. 785 Then Antilochus bore away the last prize, smiling all the while, and spoke among the Argives, saying: “To you all who know it well, I will declare, my friends, that even to this day the immortals show honour to older men. For Aias is only a little older than I, 790 whereas Odysseus is of an earlier generation and of earlier men—a green old age is his, men say—yet it would be hard for any other Achaean to contend with him in running, except only Achilles.” So he spoke, and gave glory to the son of Peleus, swift of foot. And Achilles made answer, and spoke to him, saying: 795 “Antilochus, not in vain shall your word of praise be spoken; no, I will add to your prize a half-talent of gold.” So saying, he set it in his hands, and Antilochus received it gladly. But the son of Peleus brought and set in the place of gathering a far-shadowing spear, and with it a shield and helmet, 800 the battle-gear of Sarpedon, that Patroclus stripped from him; and he stood up, and spoke among the Argives, saying: “To win these prizes we invite two warriors, the best there are, to clothe themselves in their armour and take bronze that cleaves the flesh, and so make trial each of the other before the host. 805 Whichever of the two shall first reach the other's fair flesh, and touch the inward parts through armour and dark blood, to him I will give this silver-studded sword—a fine Thracian sword which I took from Asteropaeus; and let the two bear away these arms to hold in common; 810 and we shall set a fine banquet before them in our huts.” So he spoke, and at this great Telamonian Aias arose, and up rose the son of Tydeus, stalwart Diomedes. So when they had armed themselves on either side of the throng, into the midst strode the two, eager for battle, 815 glaring terribly; and amazement held all the Achaeans. But when they had come near as they advanced one against the other, three times they set upon each other, and three times they clashed together. Then Aias thrust upon the shield, that was well-balanced upon every side, but did not reach the flesh, for the corselet within kept off the spear. 820 But Tydeus' son over the great shield sought ever to reach the neck with the point of his shining spear. Then indeed the Achaeans, seized with fear for Aias, told them to cease and take up equal prizes. But to Tydeus' son the warrior gave the great sword, 825 bringing it with its scabbard and its well-cut baldric. Then the son of Peleus set out a mass of rough-cast iron, which in the past the mighty strength of Eëtion used to hurl; but swift-footed goodly Achilles had slain him, and bore this away on his ships with his other possessions. 830 And he stood up, and spoke among the Argives, saying: “Up now, you who will make trial likewise in this contest. Though his rich fields lie very far off, the winner of this will have it for five revolving years to serve his need; for not through lack of iron will his shepherd or ploughman 835 go to the city; no, this will supply them.” So he spoke, and at this arose Polypoetes, staunch in fight, and the mighty strength of godlike Leonteus, and Aias, son of Telamon, and goodly Epeius. Then they took their places in order, and goodly Epeius grasped the mass, 840 and whirled and flung it; and all the Achaeans laughed aloud at it. Then in turn Leonteus, scion of Ares, made a cast; and third great Telamonian Aias hurled it from his strong hand, and sent it past the marks of all. But when Polypoetes, staunch in fight, 845 grasped the mass, as far as a herdsman flings his crook, and it flies whirling over the herds of cattle, so far he cast it beyond all the gathering; and the people shouted aloud. And the comrades of strong Polypoetes rose up and bore to the hollow ships the prize of the king. 850 Then for the archers he set out as a prize dark iron—ten double axes he laid down, and ten single; and he set up the mast of a dark-prowed ship far off in the sands, and with a slender cord made fast to it by the foot a timorous dove, and told them to shoot at it. 855 “Whoever shall hit the timorous dove, let him take up all the double axes and bear them home, and whoever shall hit the cord, though he misses the bird: see, his is the worse shot; he shall bear as his prize the single axes.” So he spoke, and there arose the might of the prince Teucer, 860 and Meriones the valiant squire of Idomeneus. Then they took the lots and shook them in a helmet of bronze, and Teucer drew by lot the first place. At once he let fly an arrow with might, but he did not vow that he would sacrifice to the king a glorious hecatomb of firstling lambs. 865 So he missed the bird, for Apollo grudged him that, but hit the cord beside its foot with which the bird was tied, and clean away the bitter arrow cut the cord. Then the dove darted skyward, and the cord hung loose toward earth; and the Achaeans shouted aloud. 870 But Meriones speedily snatched the bow from Teucer's hand—he had long been holding an arrow while Teucer aimed—and vowed at once that he would sacrifice to Apollo who strikes from afar a glorious hecatomb of firstling lambs. High up beneath the cloud he spied the timorous dove; 875 there as she circled round he struck her in the midst beneath the wing, and clean through passed the shaft, and fell again and fixed itself in the ground before the foot of Meriones; but the dove, lighting on the mast of the dark-prowed ship, hung down her head, and her thick plumage drooped. 880 Swiftly the life fled from her limbs, and she fell far from the mast; and the people gazed at it and were seized with wonder. And Meriones took up all ten double axes, and Teucer bore the single ones to the hollow ships. Then the son of Peleus brought and set in the place of gathering a far-shadowing spear 885 and a cauldron, that the fire had not yet touched, of an ox's worth, embossed with flowers; and men who were hurlers of javelins arose. Up rose the son of Atreus, wide-ruling Agamemnon, and Meriones, the valiant squire of Idomeneus. But swift-footed, goodly Achilles spoke among them: 890 “Son of Atreus, we know how far you excel all, and how far you are the best in might and in the casting of the spear; no, take this prize and go your way to the hollow ships; but let us give the spear to the warrior Meriones, if your heart consents to it: so at least I would have it:” 895 So he spoke, and the king of men, Agamemnon, did not fail to obey. Then to Meriones he gave the spear of bronze, but the warrior handed to the herald Talthybius the beautiful prize.

24Then the gathering was broken up, and the folk scattered, each man to go to his own ship. The rest turned their thoughts to supper and to sweet sleep, to take their fill of it; but Achilles wept, ever remembering his dear comrade, nor could sleep, 5 that masters all, lay hold of him, but he turned ever to this side or to that, yearning for the manhood and valorous might of Patroclus, thinking of all he had done with him and all the woes he had borne, passing through wars of men and the grievous waves. Thinking of these things he would shed big tears, 10 lying now upon his side, now upon his back, and now upon his face; and then again he would rise to his feet and roam distraught along the shore of the sea. Nor would he fail to mark the Dawn, as she shone over the sea and the sea-beaches, but would yoke beneath the chariot his swift horses, 15 and bind Hector behind the chariot to drag him as well; and when he had hauled him three times around the barrow of the dead son of Menoetius, he would rest again in his hut, but would leave Hector outstretched on his face in the dust. But Apollo kept all disfigurement from his flesh, pitying the warrior 20 even in death, and with the golden aegis he covered him wholly, so that Achilles might not tear his body as he dragged him. Thus Achilles in his fury did foul outrage to goodly Hector; but the blessed gods had pity on him as they beheld him, and urged the keen-sighted Argeiphontes to steal away the corpse. 25 And the plan was pleasing to all the rest, yet not to Hera or Poseidon or the flashing-eyed maiden, but they continued just as when at the first sacred Ilios became hateful in their eyes, and Priam and his folk, by reason of the sin of Alexander, because he put reproach upon those goddesses when they came to his farmstead, 30 and gave preference to her who furthered his fatal lustfulness. But when at length the twelfth morning after that had come, then among the immortals Phoebus Apollo spoke: “Cruel are you, O you gods, and workers of harm. Has Hector then never burned for you thighs of bulls and goats without blemish? 35 Him now you do not have the heart to save, a corpse though he is, for his wife to look upon and his mother and his child, and his father Priam and his people, who would at once burn him in the fire and pay him funeral rites. No, it is the ruthless Achilles, O you gods, that you are eager to help, 40 him whose mind is in no way right, nor the purpose in his breast one that may be bent; but his heart is set on cruelty, just as a lion that at the bidding of his great might and lordly spirit goes forth against the flocks of men to win himself a feast; even so has Achilles lost all pity, nor is there shame in his heart, 45 which harms men greatly and profits them as well. See, it may be that a man has lost one dearer even than this was—a brother, born of the same mother, or perhaps a son; yet truly when he has wept and wailed for him he makes an end; for an enduring soul have the Fates given to men. 50 But this man, when he has robbed goodly Hector of life, binds him behind his chariot and drags him around the barrow of his dear comrade; in truth neither honour nor profit shall he have from it. Let him beware lest we grow angry with him, good man though he is; for see, in his fury he does foul outrage to senseless clay.” 55 Then, stirred to anger, white-armed Hera spoke to him: “Even this might be as you say, Lord of the silver bow, if indeed you gods will grant like honour to Achilles and to Hector. Hector is but mortal and was suckled at a woman's breast, but Achilles is the child of a goddess whom I myself 60 fostered and reared, and gave to a warrior to be his wife, to Peleus, who was dear to the hearts of the immortals. And all of you, O you gods, came to her marriage, and among them you yourself sat at the feast, your lyre in your hand, O you friend of evildoers, faithless ever.” Then Zeus, the cloud-gatherer, answered her, and said: 65 “Hera, do not be utterly angry against the gods; the honour of these two shall not be the same; yet Hector too was dearest to the gods of all mortals that are in Ilios. So was he to me at least, for in no way did he fail of acceptable gifts. For never was my altar in want of the equal feast, 70 the drink-offering and the savour of burnt-offering, the worship that is our due. But of the stealing away of bold Hector we will have nothing; it cannot be but that Achilles would be aware of it; for truly his mother comes ever to his side alike by night and day. But I wish that one of the gods would call Thetis to come to me, 75 so that I may speak to her a word of wisdom, to the end that Achilles may accept gifts from Priam, and give Hector back.” So he spoke, and storm-footed Iris hastened to bear his message, and midway between Samos and rugged Imbros she leapt into the dark sea, and the waters sounded loud above her. 80 Down she sped to the depths like a plummet of lead, which, set upon the horn of an ox of the field, goes down bearing death to the ravenous fishes. And she found Thetis in the hollow cave, and round about her other goddesses of the sea sat in a throng, and she in their midst 85 was wailing for the fate of her peerless son, who to her sorrow was to perish in deep-soiled Troy, far from his native land. And swift-footed Iris drew near, and spoke to her: “Rouse yourself, O Thetis; Zeus, whose counsels are everlasting, calls you.” Then Thetis, the silver-footed goddess, spoke in answer: 90 “Why does that mighty god summon me? I am ashamed to mingle in the company of the immortals, seeing I have measureless griefs at heart. Yet I will go, nor shall his word be vain, whatever he shall speak.” So saying, the fair goddess took a dark-hued veil, than which there was no garment more black, 95 and set out to go, and before her wind-footed swift Iris led the way; and about them the surge of the sea parted asunder. And when they had stepped forth upon the beach they sped up to heaven; and they found the son of Cronos, whose voice is borne afar, and around him sat gathered together all the other blessed gods that are forever. 100 Then she sat down beside father Zeus, and Athene gave place. And Hera set in her hand a fair golden cup, and spoke words of cheer; and Thetis drank, and gave back the cup. Then among them the father of men and gods was first to speak: “You have come to Olympus, O goddess Thetis, 105 for all your sorrow, though you have comfortless grief at heart; I know it myself; yet even so I will tell you why I called you here. For nine days strife has arisen among the immortals concerning the corpse of Hector and Achilles, sacker of cities. They would urge the keen-sighted Argeiphontes to steal the body away, 110 yet in this I grant honour to Achilles; for I would gladly keep in time to come your worship and your love. Hurry with all speed to the host and declare to your son my command. Tell him that the gods are angered with him, and that I above all immortals am filled with wrath, because in the fury of his heart 115 he holds Hector at the beaked ships and did not give him back, if perhaps he may be seized with fear of me and give Hector back. But I will send forth Iris to great-hearted Priam, to bid him go to the ships of the Achaeans to ransom his dear son, and to bear gifts to Achilles which shall make his heart glad.” 120 So he spoke, and the goddess, silver-footed Thetis, did not fail to listen, but went darting down from the peaks of Olympus, and came to the hut of her son. There she found him groaning ceaselessly, and round about him his dear comrades with busy haste were making ready their early meal, 125 and in the hut a ram, great and shaggy, lay slaughtered for them. Then she, his queenly mother, sat down close by his side and stroked him with her hand, and spoke, and called him by name: “My child, how long will you devour your heart with weeping and sorrowing, and take no thought of food, 130 nor of your bed? It would be good for you even to take your pleasure in a woman's embrace. For, I tell you, you shall not yourself be long in life, but even now death stands close beside you and mighty fate. But listen to me at once, for I am a messenger to you from Zeus. He declares that the gods are angered with you, 135 and that he himself above all immortals is filled with wrath, because in the fury of your heart you hold Hector at the beaked ships, and did not give him back. Come, give him up, and take ransom for the dead.” Then in answer to her Achilles, swift of foot, spoke: “So let it be; whoever brings ransom, let him bear away the dead, 140 if truly with full purpose of heart the Olympian himself so commands.” In this way amid the gathering of the ships mother and son spoke many winged words one to the other, but the son of Cronos sent forth Iris to sacred Ilios: “Up, go, swift Iris; leave the abode of Olympus 145 and bear tidings within Ilios to great-hearted Priam that he go to the ships of the Achaeans to ransom his dear son, and that he bear gifts to Achilles which shall make his heart glad; alone let him go, nor let any other man of the Trojans go with him. A herald may attend him, an elder man, 150 to guide the mules and the light-running wagon, and to carry back to the city the dead, the man whom Achilles slew. Do not let death be in his thoughts, nor any fear; such a guide will we give him, even Argeiphontes, who shall lead him, until in his leading he brings him near to Achilles. 155 And when he has led him into the hut, neither shall Achilles himself slay him nor allow any other to slay him; for he is not without wisdom, nor without purpose, nor yet hardened in sin; but with all kindliness will he spare a suppliant man.” So he spoke, and storm-footed Iris hastened to bear his message. 160 She came to the house of Priam, and found there clamour and wailing. His sons sat about their father within the court soiling their garments with their tears, and in their midst was the old king close-wrapped in his mantle; and upon the old man's head and neck was filth in abundance, 165 which he had gathered in his hands as he grovelled on the earth. And his daughters and his sons' wives were wailing throughout the house, remembering the warriors many and valiant who were lying low, slain by the hands of the Argives. And the messenger of Zeus drew near to Priam, and spoke to him; 170 softly she uttered her voice, yet trembling got hold of his limbs: “Be of good courage, O Priam, son of Dardanus, and do not fear at all. Not to forebode any evil to you have I come here, but with good intent. I am a messenger to you from Zeus, who, far away though he is, has exceeding care for you and pity. 175 The Olympian bids you ransom goodly Hector, and bear gifts to Achilles which shall make his heart glad; go alone, nor let any other man of the Trojans go with you. A herald may attend you, an elder man, to guide the mules and the light-running wagon, 180 and to carry back to the city the dead, the man whom Achilles slew. Do not let death be in your thoughts, nor any fear; such a guide shall go with you, even Argeiphontes, who shall lead you, until in his leading he brings you near to Achilles. And when he has led you into the hut, 185 neither shall Achilles himself slay you nor allow any other to slay you; for he is not without wisdom, nor without purpose, nor yet hardened in sin; but with all kindliness will he spare a suppliant man.” When she had spoken thus, swift-footed Iris departed; but the king told his sons 190 to make ready the running mule wagon, and bind the wicker box upon it. And he himself went down to the vaulted treasure-chamber, fragrant of cedar wood and high of roof, that held very many treasures; and he called to him Hecabe his wife, and spoke: “Lady, from Zeus an Olympian messenger has come to me, 195 that I go to the ships of the Achaeans to ransom my dear son, and that I bear gifts to Achilles which shall make his heart glad. But come, tell me this, how does it seem to your mind? For as for myself, wondrously does the desire of my heart bid me go there to the ships, into the wide camp of the Achaeans.” 200 So he spoke, but his wife uttered a shrill cry, and spoke in answer: “Ah, woe is me, where now is gone the wisdom for which of old you were famed among foreign folk and among those you rule? How can you wish to go alone to the ships of the Achaeans to meet the eyes of the man who 205 has slain your sons, many and valiant? Of iron truly is your heart. For if he gets you in his power and his eyes behold you, so savage and faithless is the man, he will neither pity you nor have any reverence. No, let us now make our lament far from him we mourn, staying here in the hall. In this way for him did mighty Fate spin 210 with her thread at his birth, when I myself bore him, that he should glut swift-footed dogs far from his parents, in the abode of a violent man, into whose inmost heart I wish I could fix my teeth and feed on it; then perhaps might deeds of requital be done for my son, since in no way was he slain by him while playing the coward, 215 but while standing forth in defence of the men and deep-bosomed women of Troy, with no thought of shelter or of flight.” Then the old man, godlike Priam, spoke to her in answer: “Do not seek to stop me, who am eager to go, nor be yourself a bird of ill omen in my halls; you shall not persuade me. 220 For if any other of the men that are upon the face of the earth had bidden me this, whether of prophets that divine from sacrifice or of priests, we might deem it a false thing, and turn away from it the more; but now—for I myself heard the voice of the goddess and looked upon her face—I will go forth, nor shall her word be vain. And if it is my fate 225 to lie dead by the ships of the brazen-coated Achaeans, so would I have it; let Achilles slay me at once, when once I have clasped my son in my arms, and have put from me the desire for wailing.” He spoke, and opened the fine lids of chests, from which he took twelve beautiful robes 230 and twelve cloaks of single fold, and as many coverlets, and as many white mantles, and as many tunics besides. And of gold he weighed out and brought forth talents, ten in all, and two gleaming tripods, and four cauldrons, and an exceedingly fair cup, that the men of Thrace had given him 235 when he went there on an embassy, a great treasure; not even this did the old man spare in his halls, for he was exceedingly eager to ransom his dear son. Then he drove all the Trojans out of the portico, and rebuked them with words of reviling: “Get out of here, wretches, you that bring me shame! 240 Have you not lamentation at home as well, that you come here to vex me? Do you not count it enough that Zeus, son of Cronos, has brought this sorrow upon me, that I should lose my son, the best of all? No, but you yourselves too shall know it, for easier shall you be, now he is dead, for the Achaeans to slay. 245 But for me, before ever my eyes behold the city sacked and laid waste, may I go down into the house of Hades.” He spoke, and plying his staff went among the men, and they went out from before the old man in his haste. Then he called aloud to his sons, chiding Helenus and Paris and goodly Agathon 250 and Pammon and Antiphonus and Polites, good at the war-cry, and Deiphobus and Hippothous and lordly Dius. To these nine the old man called aloud, and gave command: “Hurry, base children that are my shame; I wish that you all together in Hector's place had been slain at the swift ships! 255 Woe is me, who am all unblessed, seeing that I fathered sons the best in the broad land of Troy, yet of them I declare that not one is left, not godlike Mestor, not Troilus the warrior charioteer, not Hector who was a god among men, nor did he seem the son of a mortal man, but of a god: 260 all these Ares has slain, yet these things of shame are all left me, false of tongue, nimble of foot, peerless at beating the floor in the dance, robbers of lambs and kids from your own folk. Will you not make ready a wagon for me, and that with speed, and lay all these things in it, so that we may get forward on our way?” 265 So he spoke, and they, seized with fear of the rebuke of their father, brought out the light-running wagon drawn by mules, fair and newly made, and bound the wicker box upon it; and down from its peg they took the mule-yoke, a boxwood yoke with a knob on it, well fitted with guiding-rings; 270 and they brought out the yoke-band of nine cubits, and the yoke with it. The yoke they set with care upon the polished pole at its upturned end, and cast the ring upon the peg; and they bound it fast to the knob with three turns to left and right, and after that made it fast to the post, and bent the hook beneath it. 275 Then they brought out from the treasure-chamber and heaped upon the polished wagon the countless ransom for Hector's head, and yoked the strong-hoofed mules that toil in harness, which at one time the Mysians had given to Priam, a splendid gift. And for Priam they led beneath the yoke horses that the old king 280 kept for his own and reared at the polished stall. Thus were the two having their chariots yoked in the high palace, the herald and Priam, with thoughts of wisdom in their hearts, when Hecabe came near to them, her heart deeply stricken, bearing in her right hand honey-hearted wine in a cup of gold, so that they might make libation before they went. 285 And she stood before the horses, and spoke, saying: “Here, pour libation to father Zeus, and pray that you may come back home from the midst of the enemy, seeing your heart sends you forth to the ships, although I would rather you did not go. 290 Then make prayer to the son of Cronos, lord of the dark clouds, the god of Ida, who looks down upon all the land of Troy, and ask of him a bird of omen, the swift messenger that to himself is dearest of birds and is mightiest in strength; let him appear upon your right hand, so that marking the sign with your own eyes, 295 you may have trust in it, and go your way to the ships of the Danaans of fleet steeds. But if Zeus whose voice is borne afar does not grant you his own messenger, then I certainly would not urge you on and bid you go to the ships of the Argives, however eager you may be.” Then godlike Priam spoke to her in answer: 300 “Wife, I will not disregard this command of yours; for it is good to lift up hands to Zeus, if perhaps he will have pity.” Thus the old man spoke, and told the housekeeper who attended him to pour pure water over his hands; and the handmaid drew near bearing in her hands both basin and pitcher. 305 Then, when he had washed his hands, he took the cup from his wife and then made prayer, standing in the midst of the court, and poured out the wine, with a look toward heaven, and spoke aloud, saying: “Father Zeus, who rules from Ida, most glorious, most great, grant that I may come to Achilles' hut as one to be welcomed and to be pitied; 310 and send a bird of omen, the swift messenger that to yourself is dearest of birds and is mightiest in strength; let him appear upon my right hand, so that, marking the sign with my own eyes, I may have trust in it, and go my way to the ships of the Danaans of fleet steeds.” So he spoke in prayer, and Zeus the Counsellor heard him. 315 At once he sent an eagle, surest of omen among winged birds, the dusky eagle, the hunter, that men also call the black eagle. As wide as is the door of some rich man's high-roofed treasure-chamber, a door well fitted with bolts, so wide did his wings spread to this side and to that; and he appeared to them on the right, 320 darting across the city. And at sight of him they grew glad, and the hearts in the breasts of all were cheered. Then the old man made haste and stepped into his chariot, and drove out from the gateway and the echoing portico. In front the mules drew the four-wheeled wagon, 325 driven by wise-hearted Idaeus, and behind came the horses that the old man, ever plying the lash, drove swiftly through the city; and his kinsfolk all followed, wailing aloud as for one going to his death. But when they had gone down from the city and had come to the plain, 330 back then to Ilios turned his sons and his daughters' husbands; but the two were not unseen by Zeus, whose voice is borne afar, as they came forth upon the plain, but as he saw the old man he had pity, and at once spoke to Hermes, his dear son: “Hermes, since you love above all others to keep company with a man, 335 and you listen to whomever you please, up, go and guide Priam to the hollow ships of the Achaeans in such a way that no man may see him or be aware of him among all the Danaans, until he has come to the son of Peleus.” So he spoke, and the messenger, Argeiphontes, did not fail to listen. 340 Immediately he bound beneath his feet his beautiful sandals, immortal, golden, which used to bear him over the waters of the sea and over the boundless land swift as the blasts of the wind. And he took the wand with which he lulls to sleep the eyes of whom he will, while others again he awakens even out of slumber. 345 With this in his hand the strong Argeiphontes flew, and quickly came to Troy-land and the Hellespont. Then he went his way in the likeness of a young man who is a prince, with the first down upon his lip, in whom the charm of youth is fairest. Now when the others had driven past the great barrow of Ilus, 350 they halted the mules and the horses in the river to drink; for darkness had by now come down over the earth. Then the herald looked and was aware of Hermes close at hand, and he spoke to Priam, saying: “Take thought, son of Dardanus, 355 here is something that calls for prudent thought. I see a man, and soon, I think, we shall be cut to pieces. Come, let us flee in the chariot, or at least clasp his knees and entreat him, if perhaps he will have pity.” So he spoke, and the old man's mind was confounded and he was greatly afraid, and the hair stood up on his pliant limbs, 360 and he stood in a daze. But of himself the Helper drew near, and took the old man's hand, and questioned him, saying: “Where, Father, are you thus guiding horses and mules through the immortal night when other mortals are sleeping? Are you untouched by fear of the fury-breathing Achaeans, 365 hostile men and ruthless that are close beside you? If one of them should spy you bearing such a store of treasure through the swift black night, what would your counsel be then? You are not young yourself, and your companion here is old, to defend yourselves against a man, when one grows angry without a cause. 370 But as for me, I will in no way harm you; indeed, I will even defend you against another; for you are like my dear father in my eyes.” Then the old man, godlike Priam, answered him: “Even so, dear son, are all these things as you say. Yet still has some god stretched out his hand even over me, 375 seeing he has sent a wayfarer such as you to meet me, a bringer of blessing, so wondrous in form and comeliness, and you are wise of heart as well; blessed are the parents from whom you are sprung.” Then again the messenger, Argeiphontes, spoke to him: “Yes indeed, old sire, all this you have spoken rightly. 380 But come, tell me this, and declare it truly, whether you are bearing forth these many fine treasures to some foreign folk, where they may remain safe for you, or whether by now you are all forsaking holy Ilios in fear; so great a warrior, the noblest of all, has perished, 385 your son; for never did he hold back from warring with the Achaeans.” And the old man, godlike Priam, answered him: “Who are you, noble youth, and from what parents are you sprung, seeing you speak so fitly of the fate of my hapless son?” Then again the messenger, Argeiphontes, spoke to him: 390 “You would test me, old sire, in asking me of goodly Hector. Him have my eyes very often seen in battle, where men win glory, and when after driving the Argives to the ships he would slay them in havoc with the sharp bronze; and we stood there and marvelled, 395 for Achilles would not allow us to fight, being filled with wrath against the son of Atreus. I am his squire, and the same well-made ship brought us here. I am one of the Myrmidons, and my father is Polyctor. He is rich in substance, and an old man just as you are, and he has six sons, and I am the seventh. 400 From these by the casting of lots I was chosen to come here. And now I have come to the plain from the ships; for at dawn the bright-eyed Achaeans will set the battle in array about the city. For it irks them that they sit idle here, nor can the kings of the Achaeans manage to hold them back in their eagerness for war.” 405 And the old man, godlike Priam, answered him: “If you are indeed a squire of Peleus' son Achilles, come now, tell me all the truth, whether my son is even yet by the ships or whether by now Achilles has hewn him limb from limb and cast him before his dogs.” 410 Then again the messenger Argeiphontes spoke to him: “Old sire, not yet have dogs and birds devoured him, but still he lies there beside the ship of Achilles amid the huts as he was at the first; and this is now the twelfth day that he lies there, yet his flesh does not decay at all, 415 nor do worms consume it, such as devour men that are slain in fight. Truly Achilles drags him ruthlessly around the barrow of his dear comrade, as often as sacred Dawn appears, yet he does not mar him; you would yourself marvel, were you to come and see how dewy-fresh he lies, and is washed clean of blood, 420 nor has he any pollution anywhere; and all the wounds with which he was struck are closed, for many there were that drove the bronze into his flesh. In this way do the blessed gods care for your son, a corpse though he is, since he was dear to their hearts.” So he spoke, and the old man grew glad, and answered, saying: 425 “My child, it is a good thing in truth even to give to the immortals such gifts as are due; for never did my son—as sure as ever there was such a one—forget in our halls the gods that hold Olympus; therefore they have remembered this for him, even though he is in the doom of death. But come, take from me this fair goblet, 430 and guard me myself, and guide me with the speeding of the gods, until I come to the hut of the son of Peleus.” And again the messenger, Argeiphontes, spoke to him: “You are testing me, old sire, who am younger than you; but you shall not prevail upon me, seeing you bid me take gifts from you while Achilles knows nothing of it. 435 I have fear and awe of him at heart, that I should defraud him, lest perhaps some evil befall me hereafter. But as your guide I would go even to glorious Argos, attending you with kindly care in a swift ship or on foot; nor would any man make light of your guide and set upon you.” 440 So the Helper spoke, and leaping upon the chariot behind the horses quickly grasped in his hands the lash and reins, and breathed great might into the horses and mules. But when they had come to the walls and the trench that guarded the ships, just as the watchmen were only now busying themselves about their supper, 445 upon all of these the messenger Argeiphontes shed sleep, and at once opened the gates, and thrust back the bars, and brought in Priam, and the splendid gifts upon the wagon. But when they had come to the hut of Peleus' son, the lofty hut which the Myrmidons had built for their king, 450 hewing beams of fir for it —and they had roofed it over with downy thatch, gathered from the meadows; and round it they made for him, their king, a great court with thick-set stakes; and its door was held by one single bar of fir that 455 three Achaeans used to drive home, and three to draw back the great bolt of the door (three of the rest, but Achilles would drive it home even by himself)—then truly the helper Hermes opened the door for the old man, and brought in the glorious gifts for the swift-footed son of Peleus; and from the chariot he stepped down to the ground and spoke, saying: 460 “Old sire, I who have come to you am an immortal god, even Hermes; for the Father sent me to guide you on your way. But now truly I will go back, and not come within Achilles' sight; it would be good cause for wrath that an immortal god should thus openly be entertained by mortals. 465 But go in, and clasp the knees of the son of Peleus and entreat him by his father and his fair-haired mother and his child, so that you may stir his soul.” So Hermes spoke, and departed to high Olympus; and Priam leapt from his chariot to the ground, 470 and left Idaeus there, who stayed holding the horses and mules; but the old man went straight toward the house where Achilles, dear to Zeus, used to sit. There he found Achilles, but his comrades sat apart: two only, the warrior Automedon and Alcimus, scion of Ares, 475 waited busily upon him; and he had just ceased from food, from eating and drinking, and the table still stood by his side. Unseen by these great Priam entered in, and coming close to Achilles, clasped his knees in his hands, and kissed his hands, the terrible, man-slaying hands that had slain his many sons. 480 And as when deep blindness of heart comes upon a man, who in his own country slays another and escapes to a land of strangers, to the house of some man of substance, and wonder holds those who look upon him; even so was Achilles seized with wonder at sight of godlike Priam, and the others likewise were seized with wonder, and they glanced one at the other. 485 But Priam made entreaty, and spoke to him, saying: “Remember your father, O Achilles like the gods, whose years are even as mine, on the grievous threshold of old age. Him very likely the neighbours that dwell round about are treating evilly, nor is there anyone to ward off ruin and harm from him. 490 Yet, while he hears of you as still alive he has joy at heart, and hopes as well day by day that he shall see his dear son returning from Troy-land. But I—I am utterly unblessed, seeing I fathered sons the best in the broad land of Troy, yet of them I declare that not one is left. 495 Fifty I had, when the sons of the Achaeans came; nineteen were born to me of the same womb, and the others women of the palace bore. Of these, many as they were, furious Ares has loosed the knees, and he who alone was left me, who by himself guarded the city and the men, 500 him you slew only now as he fought for his country, even Hector. For his sake I have now come to the ships of the Achaeans to win him back from you, and I bring with me ransom past counting. Come, have awe of the gods, Achilles, and take pity on me, remembering your own father. See, I am more piteous far than he, 505 and have endured what no other mortal on the face of the earth has yet endured, to reach forth my hand to the face of him who has slain my sons.” So he spoke, and in Achilles he roused desire to weep for his father; and he took the old man by the hand, and gently put him from him. So the two remembered their dead, and wept; the one wept bitterly for man-slaying Hector, 510 while he grovelled at Achilles' feet, but Achilles wept for his own father, and now again for Patroclus; and the sound of their moaning went up through the house. But when goodly Achilles had had his fill of lamenting, and the longing for it had departed from his heart and limbs, 515 at once he sprang from his seat, and raised the old man by his hand, pitying his grey head and grey beard; and he spoke and addressed him with winged words: “Ah, unhappy man, very many in truth are the evils you have endured in your soul. How did you have the heart to come alone to the ships of the Achaeans, 520 to meet the eyes of me who have slain your sons many and valiant? Of iron truly is your heart. But come, sit upon a seat, and we will allow our sorrows to lie quiet in our hearts, despite our pain; for no profit comes of chill lament. 525 For in this way have the gods spun the thread for wretched mortals, that they should live in pain; and they themselves are sorrowless. For two urns are set upon the floor of Zeus of the gifts that he gives, the one of ills, the other of blessings. To whomever Zeus, who hurls the thunderbolt, gives a mingled lot, 530 that man meets now with evil, now with good; but to whomever he gives only of the baneful, him he makes to be reviled by men, and dire madness drives him over the face of the sacred earth, and he wanders honoured neither by gods nor mortals. Even so to Peleus did the gods give glorious gifts 535 from his birth; for he excelled all men in good estate and in wealth, and was king over the Myrmidons, and to him that was but a mortal the gods gave a goddess to be his wife. 540 Yet even upon him the gods brought evil, in that there sprang up in his halls no offspring of princely sons, but he fathered one only son, doomed to an untimely fate. Nor may I tend him as he grows old, seeing that far, far from my own country I remain in the land of Troy, vexing you and your children. And of you, old sire, we hear that of old you were blessed; how of all that Lesbos, the seat of Macar, encloses toward the sea, 545 and Phrygia in the upland, and the boundless Hellespont, over all these folk, men say, you, old sire, were preeminent by reason of your wealth and your sons. But from the time when the heavenly gods brought this bane upon you, ever around your city are battles and slayings of men. Bear up, and do not wail ever ceaselessly in your heart; for you will accomplish nothing by grieving for your son, 550 nor will you bring him back to life; before that you shall suffer some other ill.” And the old man, godlike Priam, answered him: “Do not seat me in any way upon a chair, O you fostered of Zeus, so long as Hector lies uncared for amid the huts; 555 but give him back with speed, so that my eyes may behold him; and accept the ransom, the great ransom, that we bring. So may you have joy of it, and come to your native land, seeing that from the first you have spared me.” Then with an angry glance from beneath his brows Achilles swift of foot spoke to him: 560 “Provoke me no more, old sir; I am minded even of myself to give Hector back to you; for from Zeus there came to me a messenger, the mother who bore me, daughter of the old man of the sea. And of you, Priam, I know in my heart—it in no way escapes me—that some god led you to the swift ships of the Achaeans. 565 For no mortal man, however young and strong he might be, would dare to come amid the host; nor could he then escape the watch, nor easily thrust back the bar of our doors. Therefore stir my heart no more amid my sorrows, lest, old sire, I do not spare even you within the huts, 570 my suppliant though you are, and so sin against the command of Zeus.” So he spoke, and the old man was seized with fear, and obeyed his word. But like a lion the son of Peleus sprang forth from the house—not alone, for with him went two squires as well, the warrior Automedon and Alcimus, 575 whom Achilles honoured above all his comrades, after the dead Patroclus. These then loosed the horses and mules from beneath the yoke, and led in the herald, the crier of the old king, and set him on a chair; and from the wagon of fine wheel-rims they took the countless ransom for Hector's head. 580 But they left there two robes and a finely woven tunic, so that Achilles might wrap the dead in them and so give him to be borne to his home. Then Achilles called forth the handmaids and told them to wash and anoint him, bearing him to a place apart so that Priam might not see his son, lest in grief of heart he should not restrain his wrath, 585 when he saw his son, and Achilles' own spirit be stirred to anger, and he slay him, and so sin against the command of Zeus. So when the handmaids had washed the body and anointed it with oil, and had cast about it a fair cloak and a tunic, then Achilles himself lifted it and set it upon a bier, 590 and his comrades with him lifted it upon the polished wagon. Then he groaned, and called his dear comrade by name: “Do not be angry with me, Patroclus, if you hear even in the house of Hades that I have given back goodly Hector to his dear father, seeing that the ransom he has given me is not unseemly. 595 And to you I shall render even of this all that is your due.” So goodly Achilles spoke, and went back into the hut and sat down on the richly wrought chair from which he had risen, by the opposite wall, and he spoke to Priam, saying: “Your son, old sire, is given back as you wished, 600 and lies upon a bier; and at break of day you shall yourself behold him, as you bear him away; but for now let us turn our thoughts to supper. For even the fair-haired Niobe took thought of food, although twelve children perished in her halls, six daughters and six lusty sons. 605 The sons Apollo slew with arrows from his silver bow, being angry with Niobe, and the daughters the archer Artemis, because Niobe had matched herself with fair-cheeked Leto, saying that the goddess had borne only two, while she herself was mother to many; so they, for all they were but two, destroyed them all. 610 For nine days they lay in their blood, nor was there anyone to bury them, for the son of Cronos turned the folk to stones; but on the tenth day the gods of heaven buried them; and Niobe took thought of food, for she was wearied with the shedding of tears. And now somewhere amid the rocks, on the lonely mountains, 615 on Sipylus, where, men say, are the resting-places of goddesses, the nymphs that range swiftly in the dance about Achelous, there, although a stone, she broods over her woes sent by the gods. But come, let us two likewise, noble old sire, take thought of food; and afterward you shall make lament over your dear son, 620 when you have borne him into Ilios; he shall be mourned by you with many tears.” With that swift Achilles sprang up, and slew a white-fleeced sheep, and his comrades flayed it and made it ready well and duly, and sliced it skilfully and spitted the morsels, and roasted them carefully and drew all off the spits. 625 And Automedon took bread and dealt it out on the table in fair baskets, while Achilles dealt the meat. So they put forth their hands to the good cheer lying ready before them. But when they had put from them the desire for food and drink, then truly Priam, son of Dardanus, marvelled at Achilles, how tall he was and how comely; 630 for he was like the gods to look upon. And Achilles marvelled at the son of Dardanus, beholding his noble aspect and listening to his words. But when they had had their fill of gazing one upon the other, then the old man, godlike Priam, was first to speak, saying: 635 “Show me my bed now with speed, O you nurtured of Zeus, so that lulled at length by sweet sleep we may rest and take our joy; for never yet have my eyes closed beneath my eyelids since at your hands my son lost his life, but ever do I wail and brood over my countless sorrows, 640 grovelling in the filth in the closed spaces of the court. But now I have tasted food, and have let flaming wine pass down my throat; whereas until now I had tasted nothing.” He spoke, and Achilles told his comrades and the handmaids to set bedsteads beneath the portico, 645 and to lay fair purple blankets on them, and to spread coverlets over them, and on these to put fleecy cloaks for clothing. So the maids went forth from the hall with torches in their hands, and immediately spread two beds in busy haste. Then Achilles, swift of foot, spoke mockingly to Priam: 650 “Lie down outside, dear old sire, lest one of the counsellors of the Achaeans come here, who ever sit by my side and take counsel, as is fitting. If one of these were to catch sight of you through the swift black night, he might perhaps at once tell it to Agamemnon, shepherd of the host, 655 and so there would arise delay in the giving back of the body. But come, tell me this, and declare it truly: for how many days you are minded to hold funeral for goodly Hector, so that for so long I may myself remain, and may keep back the host.” And the old man, godlike Priam, answered him, saying: 660 “If you are indeed willing that I accomplish the burial of goodly Hector, then in doing so, O Achilles, you will act according to my wish. You know how we are pent up within the city, and it is far to fetch wood from the mountain, and the Trojans are greatly afraid. 665 For nine days we will wail for him in our halls, and on the tenth we will hold his funeral, and the folk shall feast, and on the eleventh we will heap a barrow over him, and on the twelfth we will do battle, if we must.” Then swift-footed, goodly Achilles spoke to him in answer: “This also shall be so, aged Priam, just as you would have it; 670 for I will hold back the battle for as long as you bid.” When he had spoken thus he clasped the old man's right hand by the wrist, lest his heart should in any way grow fearful. So they lay down to sleep there in the fore-hall of the house, the herald and Priam, with hearts of wisdom in their breasts; 675 but Achilles slept in the innermost part of the well-built hut, and by his side lay fair-cheeked Briseis. Now all the other gods and men, lords of chariots, slumbered the whole night through, overcome by soft sleep; but sleep could not lay hold upon the helper Hermes, 680 as he pondered in mind how he should guide king Priam forth from the ships unnoticed by the strong keepers of the gate. He took his stand above his head and spoke to him, saying: “Old sire, you have no thought then of any evil, that you still sleep thus amid enemies, because Achilles has spared you. 685 Now truly you have ransomed your son, and a great price you gave. But for your own life the sons you have, those that are left behind, must give a ransom three times as great, if Agamemnon, Atreus' son, gets knowledge of you, or the host of the Achaeans gets knowledge.” So he spoke, and the old man was seized with fear, and roused the herald. 690 And Hermes yoked the horses and mules for them, and himself lightly drove them through the camp, nor did any man know of it. But when they had now come to the ford of the fair-flowing river, eddying Xanthus, whom immortal Zeus fathered, then Hermes departed to high Olympus, 695 and Dawn, the saffron-robed, was spreading over the face of all the earth. So they with moaning and wailing drove the horses to the city, and the mules bore the dead. Nor was anyone else aware of them, whether man or fair-girdled woman; but in truth Cassandra, peer of golden Aphrodite, 700 having gone up upon Pergamus, saw her dear father as he stood in the chariot, and the herald, the city's crier; and she caught sight of that other lying on the bier in the wagon drawn by the mules. At this she uttered a shrill cry, and called throughout all the town: “Come, men and women of Troy, and behold Hector, 705 if ever while he still lived you had joy of his coming back from battle; since he was a great joy to the city and to all the folk.” So she spoke, nor was any man left there within the city, nor any woman, for upon all had come grief that could not be borne; and close by the gates they met Priam, as he bore home the dead. 710 First Hector's dear wife and queenly mother flung themselves upon the light-running wagon, and clasping his head all the while, wailed and tore their hair; and the folk thronged about and wept. And now the whole day long until sunset would they have made lament for Hector with shedding of tears there outside the gates, 715 had not the old man spoken amid the folk from the chariot: “Make way for me for the mules to pass through; afterward you shall take your fill of wailing, when I have brought him to the house.” So he spoke, and they stood apart and made way for the wagon. But the others, when they had brought him to the glorious house, 720 laid him on a corded bedstead, and by his side set singers, leaders of the dirge, who led the song of lamentation—they chanted the dirge, and at this the women made lament. And amid these white-armed Andromache led the wailing, holding in her arms all the while the head of man-slaying Hector: 725 “Husband, you have perished out of life, still in your youth, and leave me a widow in your halls; and your son is still but a babe, the son born of you and me in our haplessness; nor do I think that he will come to manhood, for before that this city shall be utterly laid waste. For you have perished who watched over it, 730 you who guarded it, and kept safe its noble wives and little children. These, I think, shall soon be riding upon the hollow ships, and I among them; and you, my child, shall follow with me to a place where you shall labour at unseemly tasks, toiling before the face of some harsh master, or else some Achaean shall seize you by the arm 735 and hurl you from the wall, a woeful death, being angry because Hector slew his brother perhaps, or his father, or his son, seeing that very many Achaeans at the hands of Hector have bitten the vast earth with their teeth; for in no way gentle was your father in woeful war. 740 Therefore the folk wail for him throughout the city, and grief unspeakable and sorrow have you brought upon your parents, Hector; and for me beyond all others shall grievous woes be left. For at your death you did not stretch out your hands to me from your bed, nor speak to me any word of wisdom on which 745 I might have pondered night and day with shedding of tears.” So she spoke, wailing, and at this the women made lament. And among them Hecabe in turn led the vehement wailing: “Hector, far dearest to my heart of all my children, truly while you lived you were dear to the gods, 750 and therefore they have had care of you even though you are in the doom of death. For other sons of mine, whomever he took, swift-footed Achilles would sell beyond the unresting sea, to Samos and Imbros and Lemnos, shrouded in smoke, but, when he had taken away your life with the long-edged bronze 755 he would often drag you around the barrow of his comrade, Patroclus, whom you slew; yet even so he could not raise him up. But now all dewy-fresh you lie in my halls as though newly slain, like one whom Apollo of the silver bow assails with his gentle arrows and slays.” 760 So she spoke, wailing, and roused unabating lament. And after that Helen was the third to lead the wailing: “Hector, far dearest to my heart of all my husband's brothers! In truth my husband is godlike Alexander, who brought me to Troy-land —I wish I had died before then! 765 For this is now the twentieth year from the time when I went from there and am gone from my native land, but never yet have I heard an evil or spiteful word from you; but if any other spoke reproachfully of me in the halls, a brother of yours or a sister, or a brother's fair-robed wife, 770 or your mother—but your father was ever gentle as if he had been my own—yet you would turn them with speech and restrain them by the gentleness of your spirit and your gentle words. Therefore I wail alike for you and for my hapless self with grief at heart; for I no longer have anyone else in broad Troy 775 who is gentle to me or kind; but all men shudder at me.” So she spoke, wailing, and at this the countless throng moaned. But the old man Priam spoke among the folk, saying: “Bring wood now, you men of Troy, to the city, and have no fear at heart of a cunning ambush of the Argives; for truly Achilles gave me this word 780 when he sent me forth from the black ships, that he would do us no harm until the twelfth dawn comes.” So he spoke, and they yoked oxen and mules to wagons, and speedily after that gathered together before the city. For nine days they brought in a measureless store of wood, 785 but when the tenth Dawn arose, giving light to mortals, then they bore forth bold Hector, shedding tears all the while, and on the topmost pyre they laid the dead man, and cast fire upon it. But as soon as early Dawn appeared, the rosy-fingered, then the folk gathered about the pyre of glorious Hector. 790 And when they were assembled and met together, first they quenched with flaming wine all the pyre, so far as the fire's might had come upon it, and afterward his brothers and his comrades gathered the white bones, mourning, and big tears flowed ever down their cheeks. 795 The bones they took and placed in a golden urn, covering them over with soft purple robes, and quickly laid the urn in a hollow grave, and covered it over with great close-set stones. Then with speed they heaped the mound, and round about watchmen were set on every side, 800 lest the well-greaved Achaeans should set upon them before the time. And when they had piled the barrow they went back, and gathering together duly feasted a glorious feast in the palace of Priam, the king fostered of Zeus. In this way they held funeral for horse-taming Hector.

Glossary