The Online Library of Liberty
A project of Liberty Fund, Inc.

• Home
  • Front Page
  • About Liberty Fund
  • Other LF Sites
• The Forum
  • About the Forum
  • Resources
  • Reading Lists
    • Sign Up
    • Log In
  • Search the Forum
  • Archive
• The Library
  • About the Library
  • Starting Points
  • Latest Additions
  • Authors (by Period)
  • Titles (by Subject)
  • Groups & Collections
  • Portable Library DVD
  • RSS
  • Advanced Search

Ancient Political Philosophy

Prerequisites

None

Synopsis of course content

The course will focus on five interrelated themes: agency and tragedy; violence power and morality; theory’s relationship to politics and as a practice; democratic politics and democratic culture, political speech and political silences.

Textbooks

• Homer, Iliad
• Aeschylus, The Oresteia
• Sophocles, Antigone
• Thucydides, History
• Plato, The Apology and Crito, The Republic, The Gorgias
• Aristotle, The Politics and selections from The Ethics

Other Online Resources

• Dept. of Political Science, Stanford University
• Stanford University Library Catalog
• The Complete Dialogues of Plato, Past Masters InteLex [Electronic Resource available only to Stanford affiliated users]

Term Papers

• Undergraduates - three 4-5 page essays
• Graduates - 20-25 page term paper

Grade to be based on

• 30% participation
• 70% essays

• Back to Top

  1: 1. Homer’s Iliad

  We will begin our discussion of Ancient Political Philosophy with Homer’s epic poem about the Trojan War “The Iliad”.

  See another online edition of the Iliad at the Perseus Project at Tufts University.

  Homer, The English Works of Thomas Hobbes of Malmesbury; Now First Collected and Edited by Sir William Molesworth, Bart., (London: Bohn, 1839-45). 11 vols. Vol. 10. Chapter: HOMER’S ILIADS. TRANSLATED OUT OF GREEK by THOMAS HOBBES OF MALMESBURY.

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/773/90072 on 2007-12-07

  The text is in the public domain.

  ---

  HOMER’S ILIADS.
  TRANSLATED OUT OF GREEK by THOMAS HOBBES OF MALMESBURY.

  LIB. I.

  • The discontent and secession of Achilles.

  • O goddess sing what woe the discontent
  • Of Thetis’ son brought to the Greeks; what souls
  • Of heroes down to Erebus it sent,
  • Leaving their bodies unto dogs and fowls;
  • 5Whilst the two princes of the army strove,
  • King Agamemnon and Achilles stout.
  • That so it should be was the will of Jove,
  • But who was he that made them first fall out?
  • Apollo; who incensed by the wrong
  • 10To his priest Chryses by Atrides done,
  • Sent a great pestilence the Greeks among;
  • Apace they died, and remedy was none.
  • For Chryses came unto the Argive fleet,
  • With treasure great his daughter to redeem;
  • 15And having in his hands the ensigns meet,
  • That did the priestly dignity beseem,
  • A golden sceptre and a crown of bays,
  • Unto the princes all made his request;
  • But to the two Atrides chiefly prays,
  • 20Who of the Argive army were the best.
  • O sons of Atreus, may the Gods grant you
  • A safe return from Troy with victory;
  • And you on me compassion may shew,
  • Receive these gifts and set my daughter free;
  • 25And have respect to Jove’s and Leto’s son.
  • To this the princes all gave their consent,
  • Except King Agamemnon. He alone,
  • And with sharp language from the fleet him sent;
  • Old man, said he, let me not see you here
  • 30Now staying, or returning back again,
  • For fear the golden sceptre which you bear,
  • And chaplet hanging on it, prove but vain.
  • Your daughter shall to Argos go far hence,
  • And make my bed, and labour at the loom,
  • 35And take heed you no farther me incense,
  • Lest you return not safely to your home.
  • Frighted with this, away the old man went;
  • And often as he walked on the sand,
  • His prayers to Apollo up he sent.
  • 40Hear me, Apollo, with thy bow in hand,
  • That honour’d art in Tenedos and Chryse,
  • And unto whom Cylla great honour bears,
  • If thou accepted hast my sacrifice,
  • Pay th’ Argives with thy arrows for my tears.
  • 45His prayer was granted by the deity;
  • Who with his silver bow and arrows keen,
  • Descended from Olympus silently
  • In likeness of the sable night unseen.
  • His bow and quiver both behind him hang,
  • 50The arrows chink as often as he jogs,
  • And as he shot the bow was heard to twang,
  • And first his arrows flew at mules and dogs.
  • But when the plague into the army came,
  • Perpetual was the fire of funerals;
  • 55And so nine days continued the same.
  • Achilles on the tenth for counsel calls;
  • And Juno ’twas that put it in his head,
  • Who for the Argive army was afraid:
  • The lords to counsel being gathered,
  • 60Up stood Achilles, and thus to them said,
  • We must, I think, Atrides, run from hence,
  • Since war and plague consume us both at once,
  • Let’s think on how to stay the pestilence,
  • Or else at Troy resolve to leave our bones.
  • 65Let’s with some priest or prophet here advise,
  • That knows the pleasure of the gods above,
  • Or some that at expounding dreams are wise,
  • For also dreams descend on men from Jove:
  • That we may from him know Apollo’s mind,
  • 70If we for sacrifice be in arrear,
  • Or if he will for lambs and goats be kind,
  • And to destroy us from henceforth forbear.
  • Achilles then sat down, and Chalchas rose,
  • That was of great renown for augury,
  • 75And any thing was able to disclose,
  • That had been, is, or should hereafter be;
  • And guided had the Greeks to Ilium;
  • Achilles, said he, since you me command
  • To tell you why this plague is on us come,
  • 80Swear you will save me both with word and hand.
  • Of all the Greeks it will offend the best;
  • Who though his anger for awhile he smother,
  • Will not, I fear, long time contented rest,
  • But will revenged be some time or other.
  • 85Chalchas, replied Achilles, do not fear,
  • But what the god has told you bring to light:
  • By Phœbus, not a man shall hurt you here,
  • As long as I enjoy my life and sight;
  • Though Agamemnon be the man you dread,
  • 90Who is of all the army most obeyed.
  • The prophet by these words encouraged,
  • Said what before to say he was afraid.
  • ’Tis not neglect of vow or sacrifice
  • That doth the God Apollo thus displease;
  • 95But that we do his priest so much despise,
  • As not his child for ransom to release.
  • And more, till she be to her father sent,
  • And with a hecatomb, and ransomless,
  • The anger of the god will not relent,
  • 100Nor will the sickness ’mongst the people cease.
  • This said, he sat. The king look’d furiously,
  • And anger flaming stood upon his eyes,
  • While many black thoughts on his heart did lie;
  • And to the prophet Chalchas thus replies:
  • 105Unlucky prophet, that didst never yet
  • Good fortune prophecy to me, but ill,
  • And ever with a mind against me set
  • Inventest prophecies to cross my will;
  • And now again you fain would have it thought,
  • 110Because I would not let Chryseis go,
  • The gifts refusing which her father brought,
  • Therefore this plague was sent amongst us now.
  • With Clytemnestra she may well contend,
  • For person, or for beauty, or for art;
  • 115Yet so, to send her home I do intend,
  • For of our loss I bear the greatest part.
  • But you must then some prize for me provide;
  • Shall no man unrewarded go but I?
  • This said, Achilles to the king replied,
  • 120Atrides, that on booty have your eye,
  • You know divided is, or sold the prey
  • Which never can resumed be again.
  • But send her home. When we shall have sack’d Troy,
  • Your loss shall be repaid with triple gain.
  • 125No, said Atrides, that I never meant;
  • D’ye think ’tis fit that you your shares retain?
  • And only mine unto the God be sent,
  • That unrewarded none but I remain?
  • I thought it reason th’ Argives should collect
  • 130Amongst themselves the value (how they list)
  • And give it me before they did expect
  • This prize of mine should be by me dismist.
  • If they’ll do that, ’tis well. If not, I’ll go
  • To your, or Ajax, or Ulysses’ tent,
  • 135And take his prize, and right myself will so,
  • Wherewith I think he will not be content.
  • But since there’s time enough to speak of this,
  • Let’s ready make a ship with able rowers,
  • And th’ hecatomb, to go with fair Chryseis,
  • 140And, to direct, one of the counsellors;
  • Ajax, Idomeneus, Ulysses, or
  • Yourself may go, Achilles, if you please,
  • And do the business you are pleading for,
  • And, if you can, th’ offended God appease.
  • 145O impudence! Achilles then replied,
  • What other of th’ Achæans willingly,
  • Will, when you only for yourself provide,
  • Go where you bid, or fight with th’ enemy?
  • Against the Trojans I no quarrel have.
  • 150In Pthia plund’ring they were never seen,
  • Nor ever thence my kine or horses drave,
  • Nor could; the sea and great hills are between.
  • Only for yours and Menelaus’ sake,
  • To honour gain for you we came to Troy,
  • 155Whereof no notice, dogs-head, now you take,
  • But threaten me my prize to take away;
  • Which by my labour I have dearly bought,
  • And by th’ Achæans given me has been.
  • And when the city Troy we shall have got,
  • 160Your share will great, mine little be therein.
  • For though my part be greatest in the pain,
  • Yet when unto division we come,
  • You will expect the greatest part o’ th’ gain,
  • And that with little I go weary home.
  • 165Then farewell Troy. To sea I’ll go again,
  • And back to Pthia. Then it will be seen
  • When you without me shall at Troy remain,
  • What honour and what riches you shall win.
  • Go when you will, said Agamemnon, fly,
  • 170I’ll not entreat you for my sake to stay.
  • When you are gone more honour’d shall be I,
  • Nor Jove, I hope, will with you go away.
  • In you I shall but lose an enemy
  • That only loves to quarrel and to fight.
  • 175The Gods have given you strength I not deny.
  • Go ’mongst your myrmidons and use your might.
  • I care not for you, nor your anger fear,
  • For after I have sent away Chryseis,
  • And satisfi’d the God, I’ll not forbear
  • 180To fetch away from you the fair Briseis,
  • And that by force. For I would have you see
  • How much to mine inferior is your might,
  • And others fear t’ oppose themselves to me.
  • This swell’d Achilles’ choler to the height,
  • 185And made him study what to do were best,
  • To draw his sword and Agamemnon kill,
  • Or take some time his anger to digest.
  • His sword was drawn, yet doubtful was his will.
  • But Juno, that of both of them took care,
  • 190Sent Pallas down, who coming stood behind
  • Achilles, and laid hold upon his hair.
  • Whereat Achilles wond’ring in his mind,
  • Turn’d back, and by the terror of her eyes
  • Knew her; but by none else perceiv’d was she.
  • 195Come you, said he, to see the injuries
  • That are by Agamemnon done to me?
  • So great, O Goddess Pallas, is his pride,
  • As I believe it cost him will his life.
  • I hither came, Athena then reply’d,
  • 200To put an end to this unlucky strife.
  • From heaven I hither was by Juno sent,
  • That loves you both, and of you both takes care,
  • Drawing of swords and bloodshed to prevent.
  • But as for evil words you need not spare.
  • 205For the wrong done you he shall trebly pay
  • Another time. Hold then. Your sword forbear.
  • I must then, said Achilles, you obey,
  • Tho’ wrong’d. Who hears not Gods, the Gods not hear.
  • This said, his mighty sword again he sheath’d,
  • 210And Pallas up unto Olympus flew.
  • Achilles still nothing but choler breath’d,
  • And Agamemnon thus revil’d anew.
  • Dog’s-face, and drunkard, coward that thou art,
  • That hat’st to lead the people out to fight;
  • 215Nor yet to lie in ambush hast the heart,
  • And painfully watch in the field all night.
  • But thou to take from other men their due,
  • Safe lying in the camp, more pleasure hast.
  • But fools they are that ruled are by you,
  • 220Or else this injury had been your last.
  • But this I’ll say, and with an oath make good.
  • (Now by this sceptre, which hath left behind
  • The stock whereon it once grew in the wood,
  • And never more shall have nor leaf nor rind,
  • 225And by Achæan princes now is borne
  • By whom Jove’s laws to th’ people carried be.)
  • You hear now what a great oath I have sworn:
  • If ere the Acheans shall have need of me,
  • And Agamemnon cannot them relieve,
  • 230When Hector fills the field with bodies slain,
  • And Agamemnon only for them grieve,
  • They my assistance wish for shall in vain.
  • This said, Achilles threw the sceptre down
  • That stuck all over was with nails of gold;
  • 325And Nestor rose, of Pyle that wore the crown,
  • Wise and sweet orator and captain old.
  • His words like honey dropped from his tongue.
  • Two ages he in battle honour gain’d.
  • For all that while he youthful was and strong,
  • 240And with the third age now in Pyle he reign’d.
  • What grief t’ Achæa coming is, said he,
  • O Gods, what joy to Priam and his seed,
  • How glad will all the Trojans be to see
  • You two, that all the rest in pow’r exceed,
  • 245With your own hands shed one another’s blood!
  • I elder am, do then as I advise.
  • For I conversed have with men as good,
  • That yet my counsel never did despise.
  • Perithous and Dryas were great men,
  • 250And Polyphemus and Exadius,
  • Such as for strength I ne’er shall see again;
  • And so were Cæneus, and Theseus,
  • The strongest of mankind were these, and slew
  • The strongest of wild beasts that haunt the wood.
  • 255These strong men I convers’d withal and knew;
  • And with them also I did what I could.
  • With these no other could contend in fight.
  • Yet they from Pyle thought fit to call me forth
  • Far off; nor ever did my counsel slight.
  • 260Think not therefore my counsel nothing worth.
  • Atrides take not from him, though you can,
  • The damsel which the Greeks have given him.
  • Forbear the king, Pelides. For the man
  • Whom Jove hath crown’d is made of Jove a limb.
  • 265Though you be strong, and on a Goddess got,
  • Atrides is before you in command.
  • Atrides, be but you to peace once brought,
  • T’ appease Achilles I will take in hand,
  • Who is (while we are lying here) our wall.
  • 270To this Atrides answered again,
  • I nothing can deny of this at all.
  • But he amongst us thinks he ought to reign,
  • And give the law to all as he thinks fit.
  • But I am certain that shall never be.
  • 275He well can fight; the Gods have granted it,
  • But they ne’er taught him words of infamy.
  • Then interrupting him, Achilles said,
  • I were a wretch and nothing worth indeed,
  • If I whatever you command obey’d.
  • 280I will no more to what you say take heed.
  • But this I tell you, if you take away
  • The damsel which is mine by your own gift,
  • I do not mean for that to make a fray
  • Amongst the Greeks, or once my hand to lift.
  • 285Fetch her yourself, Atrides, but take heed
  • Against my will you nothing else take there.
  • Try; that th’ Achæans may see how you speed,
  • And how your black blood shall run down my spear.
  • Thus in disorder the assembly ends.
  • 290Achilles to his own ships took his way,
  • Patroclus with him and his other friends.
  • And Agamemnon then without delay
  • Launched a bark, and in go row’rs twice ten.
  • Aboard the maid and th’ hecatomb they lay.
  • 295Ulysses went commander of the men.
  • And swiftly then the ship cuts out her way.
  • And then Atrides th’ army purifi’d,
  • And threw into the sea the purgament.
  • Then sacrific’d o’ th’ sands by the sea side
  • 300A hecatomb. To heaven up went the scent,
  • And busy were the people. But the king
  • Still on his quarrel with Achilles thought,
  • And how Briseis from his tent to bring.
  • For what he threaten’d he had not forgot.
  • 305But sent Talthybius and Eurybates
  • T’ Achilles’ tent to fetch Briseis thence.
  • (Two public servants of the king were these,
  • Ordained to carry his commandments.)
  • If he refuse, said he, to let her go,
  • 310I’ll thither go myself with greater force
  • And take her thence, whether he will or no.
  • Which, angry as he is, will vex him worse.
  • The messengers, though not well pleased, went
  • Unto the fleet o’ th’ Myrmidons, and there
  • 315They found Achilles sitting by his tent.
  • Well pleas’d he was not. And they silent were,
  • And stood still, struck with fear and reverence.
  • Achilles seeing that, spake first, and said,
  • Come near. To me you have done no offence.
  • 320Go you, Patroclus, and lead forth the maid,
  • And give her to these men, that they may be
  • To Gods and men, and to th’ unbridled man,
  • My witnesses, when they have need of me
  • To save th’ Achæans, which he never can.
  • 325For what can he devise of any worth?
  • Or how can he the Greeks in battle save?
  • This said, Patroclus led Briseis forth,
  • And to Atrides’ messengers her gave.
  • She with them went, though much against her heart.
  • 330Achilles from his friends went off and pray’d.
  • And sitting with his face to the sea apart
  • Weeping, unto his mother Thetis said,
  • Mother, though Jove have given me so small
  • A time of life, I could contented be,
  • 335Had I not been dishonoured withal,
  • And forc’d to bear such open injury.
  • Thetis in the inmost closets of the deep,
  • Sat with the old God Nereus, and heard.
  • And not enduring long to hear him weep,
  • 340Above the sea like to a mist appear’d,
  • And by him sat, and strok’d his head, and said,
  • Why weep you, child? What is’t that grieves you so?
  • Tell me, speak out. Of what are you afraid?
  • Come, whatsoever ’tis let me it know.
  • 345Mother, said he, ’tis not to you unknown,
  • When we took Thebe, and had brought away
  • The captives and the riches of the town,
  • Chryseis fell t’ Atrides for his prey.
  • And how her father Chryses came to th’ fleet
  • 350With ransom great his daughter to redeem,
  • And having in his hands the ensigns meet
  • Which did his priestly dignity beseem,
  • A golden sceptre and a crown of bays,
  • Unto the princes all made his request.
  • 355But to the two Atrides chiefly prays,
  • Who of the Argive army were the best.
  • O sons of Atreus, may the Gods grant you
  • A safe return from Troy with victory;
  • And you on me compassion may shew,
  • 360Receive these gifts, and set my daughter free;
  • And have respect to Jove’s and Leto’s son.
  • To this the princes all gave their consent,
  • Except King Agamemnon. He alone,
  • And with sharp language from the fleet him sent.
  • 365Away the old man goes, and as he went,
  • Against the Greeks he to Apollo pray’d;
  • Who heard him, and the plague amongst them sent,
  • Which daily multitudes of them destroy’d.
  • Of which the prophet, being ask’d the cause,
  • 370Said, ’twas for th’ injury to Chryses done.
  • I mov’d to send her back. Then angry was
  • Atrides, though beside Atrides, none.
  • And though he too has sent her now away,
  • Yet what he threaten’d he has brought to pass.
  • 375His officers from me have forc’d my prey,
  • And Agamemnon now Briseis has.
  • And now, if ever, let me have your aid,
  • If you have holpen Jove with word or deed;
  • (For in my father’s house you oft have said,
  • 380That heretofore you stood him in great stead,
  • When other Gods to bind him had decreed,
  • Juno and Neptune, Pallas and the rest,
  • You to him came and from his bonds him freed.
  • For up you fetch’d Briareus, the best
  • 385Of Titans all, whom men Ægæon call,
  • The gods Briareus, with a hundred hands,
  • And set him next to Jove. No God at all
  • Then durst to Jupiter approach with bonds);
  • Put Jove in mind of this, and him intreat
  • 390The Trojan hands to fortify in fight,
  • And to repel the Greeks with slaughter great,
  • That in their goodly king they may delight,
  • And Agamemnon count what he hath won
  • By doing such dishonour to the best
  • 395Of th’ Argives, and that has such service done.
  • Ay me, said Thetis, would you could here rest
  • Unhurt, ungriev’d. For I have born you to
  • Short life. And not far from you is your fate.
  • And grievous ’tis to be dishonour’d too.
  • 400But I to Jove will all you say relate
  • When I go to Olympus. Till then stay,
  • And angry though you are, from war forbear.
  • To blackmoor-land the Gods went yesterday,
  • And twelve days hence again they will be there.
  • 405This said, the Goddess went away, and left
  • Her son Achilles with his anger striving,
  • For that he had been of his prize bereft.
  • And then Ulysses at the port arriving
  • Of Chryse, first his sails he furl’d, and stow’d
  • 410Them on the deck together with the mast;
  • And with their oars their ship ashore they row’d,
  • And out their anchors threw; and ty’d her fast.
  • And on the beach the men descending laid
  • The victims in good order on the sand.
  • 415When this was done, they disembark’d the maid.
  • And then Ulysses took her by the hand,
  • And brought her to the altar, where the priest
  • Her father stood, and to him spake, and said,
  • O Chryses, see, Atrides hath dismiss’d
  • 420Your daughter, and this hecatomb hath paid.
  • By Agamemnon we are hither sent
  • The same to offer, and t’ Apollo pray,
  • That he accept it will, and be content
  • The sickness from the Greeks to take away.
  • 425This said, he put Chryseis to his hand,
  • And he with great contentment her receiv’d.
  • Then all with salt and barley ready stand,
  • And Chryses pray’d with hands to heaven upheav’d.
  • Hear me, Apollo, with the silver bow,
  • 430That dost in Tenedos and Cylla reign,
  • And heardst my pray’r against the Greeks; hear now,
  • And from them send the pestilence again.
  • When Chryses had thus to Apollo pray’d,
  • Then pray’d they all; and salt and barley threw
  • 435Upon the victims; which they kill’d and flay’d.
  • But from the altar first they them withdrew.
  • And then the thighs cut off they alit in twain,
  • And round about they cover them with fat,
  • And one part on the other laid again.
  • 440The priest himself came when they had done that,
  • And burnt them on a fire of cloven wood;
  • And as they burning were pour’d on black wine.
  • Young men with spits five-branched by them stood.
  • When burnt the thighs were for the pow’r divine,
  • 445And entrails eaten, the rest cut in joints
  • Before the fire they roasted skilfully,
  • Pierced through with the spits that had five points;
  • And took it up when roasted thoroughly.
  • When ended was their work, began the feast;
  • 450Where nothing wanting was of what was good.
  • And having thirst and hunger dispossest,
  • And filled with sweet wine the temp’rers stood.
  • Then round the cups were borne; and all day long
  • Sitting they celebrated Phœbus’ might,
  • 455And magnifi’d his goodness in sweet song,
  • And he in his own praises took delight.
  • But when the sun had borne away his light,
  • Upon the sands they laid them down to sleep.
  • And when again Aurora came in sight,
  • 460Again they launch their ship into the deep.
  • A good fore-wind Apollo with them sent.
  • Then with her breast the ship the water tore
  • (Which by her down on both sides roaring went)
  • And soon arrived at the Trojan shore.
  • 465And there they drew her up again to land,
  • And ev’ry man went which way he thought best.
  • Achilles yet not able to command
  • The anger that still boiled in his breast,
  • No longer would the Greeks at council meet,
  • 470Nor with them any more to battle come;
  • But sullen sat before his tent and fleet,
  • Wishing to see the Argives beaten home.
  • Twelve times the sun had risen now and set,
  • The Gods t’ Olympus all returned were;
  • 475Thetis her son’s complaints did not forget,
  • But up she carried them to Jupiter.
  • Upon the highest top alone sat he
  • Of the great many-headed hill, and laid
  • One hand on’s breast, th’ other on his knee.
  • 480And in that posture thus unto him said,
  • O father Jove, if for you I have done
  • Service at any time by word or deed,
  • Repay it now I pray you to my son,
  • Whom Agamemnon hath dishonoured.
  • 485Short time the Fates have given him to life.
  • Atrides taken from him hath his prey.
  • Now victory unto the Trojans give
  • Till Agamemnon for his fault shall pay.
  • Thus prayed she. But Jove made no reply.
  • 490Nor took she off her hands; but pray’d anew;
  • O Jove, my prayer grant me, or deny,
  • That I may know what power I have in you.
  • Then Jove much grieved, spake to her, and said,
  • ’Twixt me and Juno ’twill a quarrel make.
  • 495For she before the Gods will me upbraid,
  • When she shall know the Trojans’ part I take.
  • But go, lest she observe what you do here.
  • I’ll give a nod to all that you have spoken,
  • That you may safely trust to and not fear.
  • 500A nod from me is an unfailing token.
  • This said, with his black brows he to her nodded,
  • Wherewith displayed were his locks divine;
  • Olympus shook at stirring of his Godhead;
  • And Thetis from it jump’d into the brine,
  • 505And Jupiter unto his house went down.
  • The Gods arose and waited on him thither:
  • But unto Juno it was not unknown
  • That he and Thetis had conferr’d together,
  • Who presently to Jove her husband went,
  • 510And angry him rebuk’d with language keen.
  • You that still in my absence tricks invent,
  • What God hath with you now in counsel been?
  • Though unto me you hate to tell your mind.
  • Juno, said Jove, you must not hope to hear
  • 515All whatsoe’er it be, I have design’d.
  • But what I mean shall come unto the ear
  • Of all the Gods, you first of all shall know.
  • But what from all together I shall hide
  • Ask me no more, I will not tell you, though
  • 520My wife you be. Juno then thus repli’d.
  • Harsh Chronides, what words of yours are these!
  • To ask you questions I’ll henceforth forbear,
  • And quietly let you do what you please.
  • But one thing I must tell you that I fear.
  • 525Thetis, I fear, has gotten your consent,
  • For her son’s sake the Argives to oppress.
  • Suspect you can, said Jove, but not prevent,
  • Which doth but give me cause to love you less.
  • Though it be true, ’twas I would have it so.
  • 530Therefore sit still and do as I would have you.
  • Lest when my mighty hands about you go,
  • Nor all the other Gods in heav’n shall save you.
  • Then Juno silent sat with grief and fear;
  • And all the Gods i’ th’ house of Jove did grieve.
  • 535But Vulcan, the renoun’d artificer,
  • Stood up his mother Juno to relieve.
  • O what will this come to at last, said he,
  • If you for mortals thus shall be at odds!
  • The tumult than the cheer will greater be.
  • 540What pleasure can this be unto the Gods?
  • And though my mother wiser be than I,
  • Yet thus much I’ll not doubt her to advise,
  • That with my father’s will she would comply,
  • That no such quarrel may hereafter rise.
  • 545For by the roots he can the world pluck up.
  • Therefore I pray you mother speak him fair;
  • He’ll soon be pleas’d. Then filled he a cup
  • Of nectar sweet, and bore it to her chair;
  • And to her said, mother, I pray you hold,
  • 550And do no more my father’s choler move.
  • If you be beaten I shall but behold,
  • And grieve I am not strong enough for Jove.
  • I would have helpt you once, when by the foot
  • He threw me down to Lemnos from the sky.
  • 555All the day long I was a falling to’t,
  • Where more than half dead taken up was I.
  • And there by th’ Sincians I was taken up.
  • When Vulcan had his history told out,
  • His mother on him smil’d, and took the cup,
  • 560And to the Gods he nectar bore about.
  • And then the Gods laught all at once outright
  • To see the lame and sooty Vulcan skink.
  • And all the day from morning unto night
  • Ambrosia they eat, and nectar drink.
  • 565Apollo played, and alternately
  • The Muses to him sung. When night was come,
  • Then gently Sleep solicited each eye,
  • And to his house each God departed home.
  • And Jupiter went up unto the bed
  • 570Where he at other times was wont to lie
  • When sleep came on him, and laid down his head
  • To take repose; and Juno lay him by.

  LIB. II.

  • The dream of Agamemnon. The tempting of the army, and the catalogue of ships and commanders.

  • The Gods, and princes of the Argive host
  • Slept all night long. Jove only waking lay,
  • And many projects in his mind he tost,
  • To grace Achilles, and the Greeks annoy.
  • 5At last a Dream he call’d. False Dream, said he,
  • Go, hie to Agamemnon’s tent, and say,
  • Distinctly as you bidden are by me.
  • Bid him bring up his army now to Troy;
  • For now the time is come he shall it take.
  • 10The Gods no more thereon deliberate,
  • But all consented have for Juno’s sake,
  • No longer to delay the Trojan fate.
  • Then with his errand went the Dream away,
  • And quickly was at Agamemnon’s tent.
  • 15And finding him as fast asleep he lay,
  • Up presently unto his head he went.
  • And in the shape of Nestor to him spake.
  • Sleep you, said he, Atrides? ’Tis not fit
  • For him from whom the people counsel take,
  • 20That sleep all night upon his eyes should sit.
  • But Jove looks to you. Listen then to me.
  • For ’tis from Jove that I am to you come.
  • He bids you lead the army presently
  • Up every man to the walls of Ilium.
  • 25For now the time is come you shall it take.
  • The Gods no more thereon deliberate.
  • But all consented have for Juno’s sake,
  • No longer to delay the Trojan fate.
  • And therefore when you wake forget it not.
  • 30This said, the Dream departed. And the king
  • Believ’d it as an oracle, and thought
  • To take Troy now as sure as anything;
  • Vain man, presuming from a dream Jove’s will,
  • Who meant to th’ Greeks and Trojans yet much woe,
  • 35And with their carcasses the field to fill
  • Before the Greeks should back to Argos go.
  • The king awak’d, and sat upon his bed,
  • Puts on his coat and a great cloak upon,
  • Handsome and new; his dream still in his head;

  • The dream of Agamemnon, &c.

  • 40And then his silver-studded sword puts on.
  • And then he took his sceptre in his hand
  • Which formerly his ancestors had borne,
  • And went to th’ ships whereof he had command.
  • And to the Gods with light then came the morn.
  • 45Then Agamemnon bids to counsel call.
  • The cryers call’d, the Greeks together went.
  • But first he had with the old captains all
  • Consulted what to do at Nestor’s tent;
  • And said he dream’d that one like Nestor spake
  • 50To him and said, Atrides ’tis not fit
  • For one of whom the people counsel take
  • That sleep upon his eyes all night should sit.
  • But Jove secures you. Listen then to me,
  • For ’tis from him that I unto you come.
  • 55He bids you lead the army presently
  • Up every man to the walls of Ilium.
  • For now the time is come you shall it take,
  • The Gods thereon no more deliberate,
  • But all consented have for Juno’s sake,
  • 60No longer to delay the Trojan fate.
  • And therefore when you wake forget it not.
  • This said, the dream went off again, and I
  • How to th’ assault the army may be brought
  • As far as we can safely fain would try.
  • 65I’ll first give them advice to go away,
  • As if there were no hope to gain the town.
  • But you must then be sure to make them stay.
  • This said, King Agamemnon sat him down,
  • And Nestor rose. Captains of th’ host, said he,
  • 70This dream, had it been told b’another man,
  • Feigned and foolish would have seem’d to me.
  • But since the king is th’ author (if we can)
  • Let us persuade the people to take arms.
  • And having said, began to lead away.
  • 75And now the people coming there in swarms.
  • For as the bees in a fair summer’s day
  • Come out in clusters from the hollow rock,
  • And light upon the flow’rs that honey yield;
  • So to th’ assembly did the people flock,
  • 80And bristling stood with expectation fill’d.
  • When they sat down, it made the ground to sigh.
  • The lords nine criers then amongst them sent
  • To make them silent, or to drown their cry,
  • And from the press their chairs to defend.
  • 85With much ado at last they silent were.
  • Then Agamemnon took into his hand
  • His sceptre (which was made by Mulciber
  • For Jove to carry when he did command.
  • Jove gave it afterward to Mercury;

  • The tempting of the army.

  • 90And Mercury to Pelops gave the same.
  • From Pelops it went down successively
  • To Atreus, and to Thyestes came.
  • From him it came to Agamemnon’s hand,
  • Who many islands and all Argos sway’d.)
  • 95And leaning now upon it with his hand,
  • Unto the princes of the army said.
  • Servants of Mars, commanders of the Greeks,
  • O what great trouble Jove involves me in!
  • Disgracefully to send me home he seeks,
  • 100Although he told me I the town should win,
  • And now (when I have lost so many men)
  • It seems to play with men he takes delight.
  • What towns has he destroy’d, and will again
  • Destroy still more, to exercise his might?
  • 105For both to us and our posterity
  • ’Twill be a great disgrace to go to Troy
  • With so great multitudes, and baffled be,
  • And nothing done again to come away.
  • If we and they should on a truce agree,
  • 110And one by one they muster up their men;
  • And we should count how many tens we be,
  • And make one Trojan fill out wine for ten,
  • Many a ten would want a man to skink,
  • So much in number we the town exceed.
  • 115But when upon their many aids I think,
  • I wonder less that we no better speed.
  • Nine years are gone; our cordage spoiled with rain:
  • Our ships are rotted, and our wives at home,
  • And children dear expect us back again.
  • 120Nor know we of the war what will become.
  • Come, then, and all agree on what I say,
  • Let’s put to sea, and back t’ Achæa fly.
  • We shall not win the town although we stay.
  • This said, the army with applauses high
  • 125Consented all (save those that had been by
  • In council of the princes of Achæa)
  • And moved were like to the billows high
  • That rolled are by some great wind at sea.
  • Or as, when in a field of well-grown wheat
  • 130The ears incline by a sharp wind opprest;
  • So bow’d the heads in this assembly great
  • When their consent they to the king exprest.
  • Then going to the ships cry’d Ha la la!
  • Great dust they raised, and encouraged
  • 135Each other to the sea his ship to draw,
  • And cleans’d the way to th’ water from each bed;
  • And straight unpropt their ships; and to the sky
  • Went up the noise. Then Juno sent away
  • Pallas. Pallas, quoth she, the Greeks will fly,
  • 140And Helen leave behind, for whom at Troy
  • So many of the Greeks their lives have lost,
  • And stay’d so long in vain before the town.
  • And then will Priam and the Trojans boast,
  • Unless you quickly to the ships go down.
  • 145Go quickly then, try if you can prevail,
  • With hopeful words to stay them yet ashore,
  • And take away their sudden list to sail,
  • And let the ships lie as they did before.
  • This said, the Goddess leapt down to the ground,
  • 150From high Olympus, and stood on the sand
  • Where lay the Greeks. Ulysses there she found
  • Angry to see the people go from land.
  • Ulysses, said she, do you mean to fly,
  • And here leave Helen after so much cost
  • 155Of time and blood, and show your vanity;
  • And leave the Trojans of their rape to boast?
  • Speak to each one, try if you can prevail
  • With hopeful words to stay them on the shore,
  • And take away this sudden list to sail,
  • 160And let the ships lie where they lay before.
  • Ulysses then ran t’ Agamemnon’s tent,
  • And took his staff (the mark of chief command)
  • And laying by his cloak to th’ ships he went,
  • Amongst th’ Achæans with that staff in’s hand.
  • 165And when he met with any prince or peer,
  • He gently said, fear does not you become.
  • You should not only you yourself stay here,
  • But also others keep from flying home.
  • Atrides now did but the Argives try,
  • 170And those he sees most forward to be gone
  • Shall find perhaps least favour in his eye.
  • For of the secret council you were none.
  • Deep-rooted is the anger of a king,
  • To whom high Jove committed has the law,
  • 175And justice left to his distributing.
  • But when a common man he bawling saw,
  • He bang’d him with his staff, and roughly spake.
  • Be silent, and hear what your betters say.
  • For who of you doth any notice take
  • 180In council or in martial array?
  • Let one be king (we cannot all be kings)
  • To whom Jove gave the sceptre and the laws
  • To rule for him. Thus he the people brings
  • Off from their purpose, and to council draws.
  • 185Then to th’ assembly back again they pass’d,
  • With noise like that the sea makes when it breaks
  • Against the shore, and quiet were at last.
  • Thersites only standeth up and speaks.
  • One that to little purpose could say much.
  • 190And what he thought would make men laugh would say.
  • And for an ugly fellow none was such
  • ’Mongst all the Argives that besieged Troy.
  • Lame of one leg he was; and look’d asquint;
  • His shoulders at his breast together came;
  • 195His head went tapering up into a point,
  • With straggling and short hair upon the same.
  • Ulysses and Achilles most him hated,
  • For these two princes he us’d most to chide;
  • And Agamemnon now aloud he rated,
  • 200And thereby anger’d all the Greeks beside.
  • What is’t, Atrides, said he, stays you here?
  • Your tent is full of brass; women you have
  • The best of all that by us taken were,
  • For always unto you the choice we gave.
  • 205Or look you for more gold that yet may come
  • For ransom of some prisoner whom I
  • Or other Greeks shall take at Ilium,
  • Or for some young maid to keep privately?
  • But kings ought not their private ease to buy
  • 210With public danger and a common woe.
  • Come, women of Achaia, let us fly,
  • And let him spend his gettings on the foe.
  • For then how much we help him he will know,
  • That has a better than himself disgrac’d.
  • 215But that Achilles is to anger slow,
  • That injury of his had been his last.
  • This said, Ulysses straightway to him went,
  • And with sour look, and bitter language said,
  • Prater, that to thyself seems eloquent,
  • 220How darest thou alone the king t’ upbraid?
  • A greater coward than thou art there’s none
  • ’Mongst all the Greeks that came with us to Troy.
  • Else ’gainst the king thy tongue would not so run.
  • Thou seek’st but an excuse to run away.
  • 225Because we know not how we shall come off
  • As yet from Troy, must you the king upbraid,
  • And at the princes of the army scoff,
  • As if they too much honour to him paid?
  • But I will tell you one thing, and will do’t.
  • 230If here again I find you fooling thus,
  • Then from my shoulders let my head be cut,
  • Or let me lose my son Telemachus,
  • If I not strip you naked to the skin,
  • And send you soundly beaten to the ships
  • 235With many stripes and ugly to be seen.
  • This said, he basted him both back and hips.
  • Thersites shrugg’d, and wept, sat down, and had
  • His shoulders black and blue, dy’d by the staff;
  • Look’d scurvily. The people that were sad
  • 240But just before, now could not choose but laugh.
  • And, oh, said one t’ another standing near,
  • Ulysses many handsome things has done,
  • When we in council or in battle were,
  • A better deed than this is he did none,
  • 245That has so silenced this railing knave,
  • And of his peevish humour stay’d the flood,
  • As he no more will dare the king to brave.
  • And then to speak Ulysses ready stood.
  • Where Pallas like a crier did appear,
  • 250And standing by him silence did command,
  • That also they that sat far off might hear.
  • Then spake he, with the sceptre in his hand.
  • The people, O Atrides, go about
  • To put you on an act will be your shame,
  • 255Forgetting what they promis’d setting out,
  • Not to return till Troy they overcame.
  • But now like widow-women they complain,
  • Or little children longing to go home.
  • To be from home a month, it is a pain
  • 260To them that to their loving wives would come.
  • To sea they’d go though certain to be tost
  • By many a sturdy wind upon the same.
  • But they have now lain here nine years almost;
  • I cannot therefore say they are to blame.
  • 265But certainly after so long a stay
  • ’Tis very shameful empty back to go.
  • Let us at least abide till know we may
  • Whether what Chalchas said be true or no.
  • For this we all know and are witnesses
  • 270(Excepting only those that since are dead)
  • When we from Aulis went to pass the seas,
  • And by contrary winds were hindered,
  • That there we to the gods did sacrifice
  • Upon an altar close unto a spring,
  • 275That of a plane-tree at the root did rise;
  • And how we saw there a prodigious thing.
  • A mighty serpent with a back blood-red
  • From out the spring glided up to the tree,
  • The boughs whereof were ev’ry way far spread.
  • 280On th’ utmost chanc’d a sparrow’s nest to be.
  • Young ones were in it eight, with th’ old one nine;
  • The old one near the nest stay’d fluttering,
  • And grievously the while did cry and whine.
  • At last the serpent catcht her by the wing.
  • 285And when the serpent had devour’d all nine,
  • He presently was turn’d into a stone;
  • That we might see from Jove it was a sign
  • Of what should afterward at Troy be done.
  • We were amaz’d so strange a thing to see,
  • 290Till Chalchas rose and did the same explain.
  • This is a certain sign from Jove, said he,
  • That he intends to do the like again.
  • For as the snake devour’d nine birds in all;
  • So nine years long we shall make war at Troy,
  • 295And after nine years Ilium shall fall.
  • But in the tenth year we shall come away.
  • This then said Chalchas; and all hitherto
  • Is come to pass. Therefore Achæans stay,
  • Since nothing here remaineth now to do,
  • 300But overcoming the old town of Troy.
  • This said, the people made a mighty noise,
  • Which bounding from the ships was twice as great,
  • Sounding of nothing but Ulysses’ praise.
  • And up then rose old Nestor from his seat.
  • 305Fie, fie, said he, why sit we talking here?
  • Where are your promises, and whither gone
  • Our oaths and vows? To what end did we swear?
  • Where be the hands that we rely’d upon?
  • What good will’t do to sit upon the shore,
  • 310How long soever be our time to stay?
  • Hold fast, Atrides, as you did before
  • The power you have; and lead us up to Troy.
  • A man or two you safely may neglect,
  • Though they dissent and secret counsel take.
  • 315For they’ll be able nothing to effect,
  • Before to Argos our retreat we make,
  • And know if Jove have spoken true or no.
  • For when we went aboard to go for Troy,
  • Jove light’ned to the right hand, which all know
  • 320A sign of granting is for what we pray.
  • Let none of you long therefore to be gone,
  • Till of some Trojan’s wife he hath his will,
  • And ta’en a not unfit revenge upon
  • The Trojans that have Helen us’d as ill.
  • 325But he that for all this is fiercely bent
  • On going home, and thinks that counsel best,
  • And lays hand on his ship, let him be sent
  • Down into Erebus before the rest.
  • But you, O king, think well, and take advice
  • 330First into tribes the army to divide,
  • And tribes again into fraternities,
  • That tribe may tribe and fellow fellow aid.
  • The leaders and the soldiers then you’ll know
  • Which of them merits praise, and which is naught.
  • 335And if the town you do not overthrow,
  • Whether on us or Jove to lay the fault.
  • To this Atrides answer made and said,
  • O Nestor, father, you exceed all men
  • In giving counsel. Would the Gods me aid
  • 340With counsellors such as you are but ten,
  • The town of Priam we should quickly win.
  • Nor had we now so long about it staid,
  • If Jupiter had not engag’d me in
  • A quarrel with Achilles for a maid.
  • 245But if we come but once more to agree,
  • The evil day from Troy will not be far.
  • Now take your food, that we may ready be,
  • And able to endure the toil of war.
  • Let ev’ry man now sharpen well his spear,
  • 350His buckler mend, and give his horses meat,
  • And look well to his chariot everywhere,
  • That we may fight all day without retreat,
  • For we shall fight I doubt not all day long,
  • And never cease as long as we can see.
  • 355Of many a shield sweaty will be the thong,
  • And spear upon the hand lie heavily;
  • And many horses at the chariot sweat.
  • But he that willingly to avoid the fight
  • Shall stay behind, or to the ships retreat,
  • 360His body shall be food for dog and kite.
  • This said, the people pleas’d with what was spoken,
  • Approv’d the same with shouts, as loud as when
  • Betwixt great waves and rocks the sea is broken.
  • Then from the assembly they return again.
  • 365And at their ships they sacrifice and pray
  • Each one to th’ God in whom he trusted most,
  • That he might by his favour come away
  • Alive, with whole limbs from the Trojan host.
  • But Agamemnon sacrific’d a steer
  • 370To Jove, of five years old, and to the feast
  • Call’d such as in the army princes were,
  • Or held to be for chivalry the best,
  • Nestor, Idomeneus, two Ajaces,
  • And the son of Tydeus Diomed,
  • 375The sixth Ulysses Laertiades,
  • And Menelaus thither came unbid.
  • For well he knew his brother would be sad.
  • About the victim then th’ assembly stands,
  • And in their hands they salt and barley had.
  • 380Then pray’d Atrides holding up his hands;
  • Great, glorious Jove, that dwellest in the sky,
  • O let not Phœbus carry hence the day
  • Till Priam’s palace proud in ashes lie,
  • And Hector sprawling in the dust of Troy,
  • 385And many Trojans with him. So pray’d he.
  • And Jove was with his sacrifice content.
  • But unto all his pray’r did not agree,
  • Intending still his labour to augment.
  • Whan all had pray’d, they salt and barley threw
  • 390Upon the victim which they kill’d and flay’d.
  • But from the altar they it first withdrew.
  • The thighs they slit, and fat upon them laid.
  • And burnt them in a fire of cloven wood;
  • The entrails o’er the fire they broiled eat,
  • 395The rest they roast on spits that by them stood;
  • And when they roasted were, fell to their meat.
  • When the desire of meat and drink was gone,
  • Nestor stood up, and to Atrides said,
  • Let us no longer leave the work undone,
  • 400Which Jupiter himself has on us laid.
  • Let’s call the Greeks together out of hand,
  • That we may make them ready for the war.
  • Atrides then to th’ criers gave command
  • T’ assemble them. They soon assembled are.
  • 405And then the princes went into the field,
  • And them in tribes and in fraternities
  • Distinguished. And Pallas with her shield,
  • (An undecaying shield and of great price,
  • Rais’d at the brim with orbs of beaten gold
  • 410An hundred, worth an hundred cows at least.)
  • With this the Goddess went, to make them bold,
  • Courage inspiring into ev’ry breast.
  • And now their hearts are all on fire to fight,
  • And vanish’d is the thought of their returning.
  • 415And such as of a mountain is the sight
  • Upon whose top a large thick wood stands burning;
  • Such, as they marching were, the splendour was,
  • And seemed to reach up unto the sky,
  • Reflected from so many arms of brass
  • 420Bright and new polished unto the eye.
  • As when of many sorts the long-neck’d fowls
  • Unto the large and flow’ry plain repair,
  • Through which Cayster’s water gently rolls,
  • In multitudes high flying in the air,
  • 425Then here and there fly priding in their wing,
  • And by and by at once light on the ground,
  • And with great clamour make the air to ring,
  • And th’ earth whereon they settle to resound;
  • So when th’ Acheans went up from the fleet,
  • 430And on their march were to the town of Troy,
  • The earth resounded loud with hoofs and feet.
  • But at Scamander’s flow’ry bank they stay,
  • In number like the flowers of the field,
  • Or leaves in spring, or multitude of flies
  • 435In some great dairy ’bout the vessels fill’d,
  • Delighted with the milk, dance, fall and rise.
  • The leaders then amongst them went, and brought
  • Them quickly into tribes and companies,
  • As ev’ry goat-herd quickly knows his goat
  • 440Whether it be another man’s or his.
  • And Agamemnon there amongst the rest
  • Was eminent. Like Jove in hea and face;
  • Belted like Mars; like Neptune’s was his breast.
  • Such beauty Jove upon the man did place.

  • The catalogue of ships and commanders.

  • 445Now, Muses, ye that in Olympus dwell,
  • (For Goddesses you are, and present were,
  • And all that pass’d at Troy can truly tell,
  • And we can nothing know but what we hear.)
  • Who of the Greeks at Troy commanded men?
  • 450The common soldiers you need not name,
  • For I should never say them o’er again,
  • Although I had as many tongues as Fame.
  • Boetia, wherein contained be
  • Eteonus, and Schœnus, and Scolus,
  • 455Aulis, Thespeia, Græa, Hyrie,
  • Harma, Eilesius, and Mycalessus,
  • Erythræ, Elion, Ocaliæ.
  • Hylæ, Eutresis, Thisbe, Peleon,
  • Platæa, Aliareus, and Copæ,
  • 460Coronia, Glisse, Thebe, Medeon,
  • Onchestus Neptune’s town, Nissa divine,
  • And Midias, and utmost Anthedon,
  • And Arne that great plenty has of wine.
  • The which in all made fifty ships. And those
  • 465Commanded were by Archesilaus,
  • And Prothoenor and Peneleos,
  • And Leitus, and with them Clonius.
  • The seamen in each one to six score rose.
  • Aspledon and Orchomenus besides
  • 470Did set forth twenty good black ships to sea.
  • Ascalaphus and Ialmenus were guides,
  • Begot by Mars upon Astyoche.
  • The towns of Phocis, Crissa, Panopea,
  • And Cyparissus, Python, and Daulis,
  • 475And on the brook of Cephisus Lilæa,
  • And Anemoria, and Hyampolis,
  • And other towns o’ th’ bank of Cephisus,
  • Made ready forty good ships for the seas,
  • Ruled by Schedius and Epistraphus
  • 480The sons of Iphitus Naubolides.
  • The Locrians the lesser Ajax led,
  • Of King Oileus the valiant son.
  • (For he was lower more than by the head
  • Than t’ other Ajax, son of Telamon)
  • 485A linen armour he wore on his breast.
  • But understood as well to use a spear,
  • Or better, than could any of the rest
  • That in the army of th’ Achæans were.
  • There went with him from Cynus and Opus,
  • 490From Bessa, Scarphe, Thronius, Aygiæ,
  • Tarphe, Calliarus, Boagrius,
  • Forty good ships well fitted for the sea.
  • Th’ Eubœans were by Elephenor led,
  • That dwell in Chalcis and Eretriæ,
  • 495Cerinthus, Dion (that holds high her head),
  • Carystus, Styra, and in Istiæa.
  • And by the name Abantes they all go,
  • Good men, and that in battle use the spear,
  • And love to pierce the armour of a foe.
  • 500And these on forty ships embarked were.
  • From Athens (who Erectheus’ people were,
  • Aurora’s son, by Pallas nourished
  • In her own temple, in which ev’ry year
  • Many good bulls and lambs are offered),
  • 505Under Menesteus fifty ships did pass,
  • Who for the ord’ring of a battle well
  • Of horse or foot the best of all men was,
  • Save Nestor, who in age did him excel.
  • From Salamis came to the Trojan shore,
  • 510And by the greater Ajax govern’d were,
  • The son of Telamon, twelve good ships more,
  • And lay at anchor to th’ Athenians near.
  • Argos, Tyrinthe, Trœzen, Asine,
  • And Epidaurus, and Hermione,
  • 515Mases and Ægina, and Eione,
  • Amongst them all put four score ships to sea.
  • Of which there were three captains, Diomed,
  • Euryalus, and Sthenelus. But they
  • By Diomed were chiefly governed.
  • 520For him they all commanded were t’ obey.
  • And from Mycenæ, Corinth, Cleonæ,
  • And Orthe, and Hyperesiæ,
  • From Sicyon, and Aræthuree,
  • And Gonoessa, and from Helice,
  • 525Pellenæ, Ægium, and all that shore,
  • An hundred ships were laid upon the sea;
  • And with King Agamemnon passed o’er,
  • And his peculiar command were these.
  • Amongst them he puts on his armour then,
  • 530Proud that he was of all the heroes best.
  • For of his own he thither brought most men,
  • And chief commander was of all the rest.
  • From Sparta, Pharæ, Messa, Brysiæ,
  • From about Otylus, with those from Laus,
  • 535Helos, Amyclæ, and from Aygiæ,
  • Went thirty good black ships with Menelaus.
  • Which from his brother’s forces stood apart,
  • And he amongst them heart’ning them to fight,
  • And breathing courage into every heart.
  • 540For to the Trojans he bare greatest spite.
  • Pylus, Arene, Cyparisseis,
  • Amphigenia, Æpy, and Thryus,
  • (Whereat a ford i’ th’ stream Alpheus is)
  • Elos, and Pteleus, and Dorius.
  • 545(Here ’twas the Muses met with Toamyris
  • The Thracian fiddler, which their art did slight,
  • And said their skill was not so good as his,
  • And they depriv’d him both of art and sight.)
  • The number of the ships those towns set forth,
  • 550In all amounted to four score and ten;
  • And led were by a captain of great worth.
  • ’Twas Nestor the command had of these men.
  • From Phene, Ripe, and Orchomenus,
  • And from Enispe, and from Stratiæ,
  • 555Tege, Mantinea, Stymphalus,
  • And those that dwelled in Parrhasia,
  • (Arcadians all, and in sharp war well skill’d)
  • Came sixty ships by Agapenor led,
  • And ev’ry ship sufficiently fill’d.
  • 560But then the ships Atrides furnished.
  • The men of Helis, and Buprasium,
  • And all the ground enclos’d by Hyrmine,
  • Myrsinus, Olene, Alisium,
  • Amongst them all put forty ships to sea,
  • 565Led by Amphimachus and Thalpius,
  • Diores, and Polyxenus, the son
  • Of martial Agasthenes, and then
  • Ten good ships were commanded by each one.
  • Dulichium, and th’ isles Echinades,
  • 570Sent forty ships. Messes commander went
  • The son of Phyleus, who for his ease
  • Liv’d from his father there in discontent.
  • Ulysses also brought out twelve good ships
  • From Ithaca, Neritus, Ceph’lonia,
  • 575From Same, and from Zant, and Ægylips,
  • And from Epirus, and Croæylia.
  • Th’ Ætolians with Thoas Andræmon’s son
  • Sent from Pylene, and from Chalcis, and
  • From Olenus, Pleuron, and Calydon
  • 580Sent forty ships, whereof the sole command
  • In Thoas was. For Œneus was dead,
  • And Meleager; all the royal race.
  • Andræmon’s son their men to Troy to lead
  • By suffrage of the cities chosen was.
  • 585From Crossus, Gortys (in the isle of Crete)
  • Lictus, Miletus, Phæstus, Rycius,
  • Lycastus, and some others went a fleet
  • Of eighty ships with King Idomenus.
  • And valiant as Mars Meriones.
  • 590And nine good ships went with Tlepolemus
  • (That was the son of mighty Hercules)
  • From Lindus, Camirus, Ialissus.
  • For Hercules Tlepolemus begat
  • On Astyochia whom in war he won,
  • 595And for her many cities had laid flat.
  • But after Hercules was dead and gone,
  • Tlepolemus, now grown a man and bold,
  • Licymnius (his father’s uncle) slew
  • By th’ mother’s side, a branch of Mars, but old.
  • 600Then cuts down trees, and rigs a navy new,
  • And many men together gathered,
  • And wandered till to Rhodes he came at last,
  • And there dwelt in three tribes distributed.
  • Fear of his kindred made him go in haste.
  • 605And mightily in little time they throve,
  • And ev’ry day in wealth and power grew,
  • And favour’d were continually by Jove.
  • For daily he unto them riches threw.
  • From Syme went with Nireus ships three,
  • 610Nireus that was the fairest man of all
  • (Achilles always must excepted be)
  • But weak was Nireus, and his number small.
  • From Casus, Carpathus, and Nisyrus,
  • Calydnæ Islands, and the Isle of Cous
  • 615Went thirty ships. Two sons of Thessalus
  • The son of Hercules commanded those.
  • And the Pelasgic Argives sent to sea
  • From Trechis, and from Hellas, and Halus,
  • From Pthia, and the port of Alope,
  • 620Commanded by the son of Peleus,
  • Fifty good ships of Myrmidons, which some
  • Achæans, others Hellens used to call.
  • But these would not to any battle come.
  • For sullen sat ashore their general,
  • 625Because Briseis they had forc’d away,
  • Which when he won Lyrnessus, was his prize,
  • And did Epistrophus and Mynes slay.
  • There sat he then, but shall again arise.
  • From Inon, Phylace, and Pyrasus,
  • 630From Pteleus, and Antron on the sea
  • Went forty ships, with Protesilaus,
  • Which he commanded while alive was he.
  • But he was dead. For as he leapt to land
  • From out his ship, he was the first man slain
  • 635Of all th’ Achæans by a Trojan hand,
  • And left his wife to tear her hair in vain,
  • His house at Phylace half finished.
  • His soldiers chose Podarces in his place,
  • His younger brother, who at Troy them led.
  • 640A captain good; but th’ elder better was.
  • And they that dwelt about Boebeis Lake,
  • Iaolcus, Boebe, Pheræ, Glaphyræ,
  • Put all together, ships eleven make.
  • Under Eumelus these were put to sea.
  • 645From rugged Olizon and Melibœa,
  • The towns Methone and Thomacia sent
  • Seven ships of fifty oars apiece to sea,
  • And Philoctetes their commander went.
  • But him the Achæans left in Lemnos isle,
  • 650In cruel torment bitten by a snake.
  • And of his ships medon took charge the while.
  • But better care of him the Greeks will take.
  • From Tricca then, and from Methone steep,
  • And from Oechalia (seat of Euritus),
  • 655Thirty good ships to Troy went o’er the sea,
  • By Machaon led and Podalirius,
  • Two skilful sons of Æsculapius.
  • From chalky Titanus Hyperia, and
  • Astirius, and from Ormenius,
  • 660Eurypilus did forty ships command.
  • And from the towns Argissa and Gyrtone,
  • From Oloosson, Orthe on the Hill,
  • With those that sent were from the town Elone,
  • So many went as forty ships did fill.
  • 665And had two leaders. Polypœtes one,
  • Son of Perithous the son of Jove,
  • And gotten by him was the day whereon
  • He and the Lapiths ’gainst the Centaurs strove,
  • And drave them from the mountain Pelion.
  • 670The other leader was Leontius,
  • Whose father was Capaneus, who the son
  • Was of the valiant Lapith Cœneus.
  • The Ænians and Perrhibœans bold
  • Did two-and-twenty good black ships set out,
  • 675From hollow Cyphus, and Dodona cold,
  • And other habitations about
  • The pleasant river Titaretius,
  • That into Peneus runs, but doth not mix,
  • But glides like oil at top of Peneus,
  • 680For Titaretius is a branch of Styx.
  • These Gonneus led. Then the Magnesians sent
  • From towns upon the banks of Peneus,
  • And sides of Pelion mountain eminent,
  • Forty good ships under swift Prothous.
  • 685These were the leaders of the Achæan forces.
  • O Goddess, tell me now who was the best
  • In battle of the leaders, and whose horses
  • In swiftness and in force excell’d the rest.
  • Eumelus, his two horses did surpass
  • 690(Though they were females) all the rest for speed;
  • Their colour, age, and stature equal was,
  • Sprung in Pieria from Apollo’s breed,
  • That terror drew about as swift as wind.
  • ’Mongst Greeks the greater Ajax had no peer.
  • 695For now Achilles had the war declin’d,
  • Whom none in prowess equall’d or came near,
  • Nor other horses could with his compare.
  • But at his ships he discontented stay’d,
  • And full of spite which he th’ Atrides bare,
  • 700Whilst on the beach idle his soldiers play’d
  • At who could furthest throw a dart or stone.
  • The horses loosely wander’d here and there
  • Amongst the people, and had riders none,
  • Or upon lote and cinquefoil feeding were.
  • 705But the Achæans to Scamander march’d
  • Swiftly as when a fire runs o’er a plain
  • Which Phœbus had with a long summer parch’d,
  • And going made the ground to groan again,
  • As when Jove angry lasheth Arimy,
  • 710Which men say of Typhæus is the bed,
  • The earth therewith is made to groan and sigh,
  • So groan’d the ground when they to Troy were led.
  • Then Jove unto the Trojans Iris sent,
  • Who old and young were then at Priam’s gate
  • 715Assembled with the king in parliament.
  • Over their heads stood Iris as they sate.
  • Her voice was like to that of Priam’s son
  • Polytes, that was watching at the tomb
  • Of old Æsuites, there to wait upon
  • 720The coming of the Greeks to Ilium.
  • Old man, said she, you love to hear men preach
  • As in a time of peace. But now ’tis war.
  • The Greeks no more lie idle on the beach,
  • But at your gates, and numberless they are,
  • 725As sands by the sea-side, or leaves in spring.
  • And to the city now they bring the war.
  • Hector, to you this counsel now I bring.
  • Within the city many people are
  • To aid you come of divers languages.
  • 730Let them that hither led them lead them here,
  • Arm, and command them each one as he please.
  • When she had done, dismiss’d the people were.
  • Hector to open all the gates commands,
  • And with great clamour horse and foot come out.
  • 735Before the city a high pillar stands,
  • To which the field lies open round about;
  • And Battiea called was by men;
  • Which ’mongst the Gods another name did bear,
  • Myrinna’s sepulchre. And there again
  • 740The Trojans and their succours muster’d were.
  • The Trojans were by Hector led. The best
  • In battle, and in number most were these,
  • With spear in hand, and brass on back and breast.
  • The Dardans were commanded by Æneas,
  • 745(Anchises’ son; but Venus was his mother;
  • Amongst the hills of Ida got he was.)
  • And joint commanders with him were two other
  • Brave men, Archilochus and Acamas.
  • And of Zeleia the inhabitants,
  • 750Which of Mount Ida lieth at the foot,
  • And on the river of Æsopus stands,
  • Under command of Pandarus were put,
  • Son of Lycaon, and that well knew how
  • To make an arrow in the air fly true.
  • 755Phœbus himself had given him a bow,
  • And how to use the same none better knew.
  • Th’ Adrasteians and the men of Apæsus,
  • Of Pityeia and Tereia hill
  • Were by Adrastus led and Amphius,
  • 760Two sons of Merops, that had mighty skill
  • In prophecy, and both of them forbad
  • Themselves to venture in the war at Troy.
  • But Fate a greater power with them had,
  • And made them go, but brought them not away.
  • 765The people of Percosia, and they
  • That dwell upon the banks of Practius,
  • Arisbe, Sestus, Abydus, obey
  • The orders of their leader Asius
  • The son of Hyrtacus, whose chariot
  • 770By horses great and black as any coal,
  • And on it he to Ilium was brought;
  • And of Selleis race each one a foal.
  • Larissa was Pelasgic by descent.
  • Under Pylæus and Hyppothous,
  • 775Two stout Pelasgic leaders these were sent,
  • Who both the grandsons were of Teutomus.
  • The Thracians on this side Hellespont,
  • Were led by Pirus and by Achamas.
  • O’ th’ Cycon who do these oppose in front
  • 780Trœzenus’ son Euphemus leader was.
  • From Amydon that standeth on the side
  • Of Axius, the fairest stream that flows,
  • The Pœons came. Pyrechmus them did guide,
  • And arm’d they were with arrows and with bows.
  • 785The Enneti in Paphlagonia,
  • From whence proceedeth of wild mules the race,
  • Parthenius’ brook and the town Coronia,
  • Cytorus, Sesamus, and the high place
  • Of th’ Erithius, and of Ægyalus
  • 790The charge was given to Pylomenus,
  • And of the Halizons t’ Epistrophus,
  • But not alone; join’d with him was Dius
  • Of Alybe, where is a silver mine.
  • The leaders of the Mysians were Chronis,
  • 795And Enomus. Both of them could divine
  • By flight of birds, though they foresaw not this
  • That in Scamander stream they both should die,
  • Slain by Achilles who there massacred
  • Many a Trojan, many a good ally,
  • 800Which to the sea the river carried.
  • The Phrygians from Ascania, far off,
  • Were led by Phorcys and Ascanius;
  • And battle lov’d. But the commanders of
  • The Mæones, Mesthles and Antiphus,
  • 805The two sons were of old Pylomenes,
  • Both of them born upon Gygæna lake,
  • (At th’ foot of Tmolus dwell the Mæones.)
  • Amphimachus and Nastes charge did take
  • Of those of Caria, people of rude tongue;
  • 810And of Miletus, and the hill Phtheiron,
  • And of the towns that seated are among
  • The windings of Mæander, and upon
  • Mount Mycale. And Nastes carried gold
  • Unto the battle, like a child or sot;
  • 815Wherewith his life he did not buy but sold.
  • For slain he was; his gold Achilles got,
  • And left him lying at the river dead.
  • The succours by the Lycians sent to Troy,
  • By Glaucus were and King Sarpedon led.
  • Far off they dwelt, and a long march had they.

  LIB. III.

  • The duel of Menelaus and Paris, for the ending of the war.

  • When both the armies were prepar’d for fight,
  • The Trojans marched on with noise and cry.
  • As in the air of cackling fowl a flight,
  • Or like the cranes when from the north they fly,
  • 5The army of Pygmæan men to charge,
  • And shun the winter, with a mighty cry
  • Fly through the air over the ocean large;
  • So swiftly march’d the Greeks, but silently
  • Resolved one another to assist.
  • 10And such a dust between both hosts did rise,
  • As when upon the mountains lies a mist,
  • Which to a stone’s cast limiteth the eyes.
  • (Which good for thieves is, but for shepherds not)
  • So great a dust the middle space possest.
  • 15When they were near to one another got,
  • Came Alexander forth before the rest.
  • A leopard’s skin he wore upon his shoulders,
  • Two spears in hand, his sword girt at his side,
  • Bow at his back, and brave to the beholders;
  • 20And any of Achæan host defied.
  • And glad was Menelaus to see this.
  • As when a lion finds a lusty prey,
  • A wild goat or a stag well pleased is,
  • And hungry seizes him without delay,
  • 25Although by hunters and by hounds pursu’d;
  • So glad was Menelaus him to see.
  • And soon as he his person had well view’d,
  • Arm’d from his char’ot to the ground leap’d he.
  • Assured, as he thought, revenge to take.
  • 30But soon as Alexander once saw that,
  • He fled into the throng, as from a snake
  • Seen unawares, trembling and pale thereat.
  • Then Hector him with words of great disgrace
  • Reprov’d and said, Fine man and lover keen,
  • 35Cajoler, that confidest in thy face,
  • I would to God thou born hadst never been,
  • Or never hadst been married. For that
  • A great deal better had been of the twain,
  • Than to be scorn’d of men, and pointed at
  • 40For one that durst not his own word maintain.
  • O how the Greeks are laughing now to see
  • That so absurdly they themselves mistook,
  • Supposing you some mighty man to be
  • That art worth nothing, judging by your look.
  • 45Was’t you to Lacedemon pass’d the deep,
  • And fetch’d fair Helen thence, the bane of Troy,
  • And now, when it concerns you her to keep,
  • You dare not in her husband’s presence stay?
  • For you would quickly know what kind of man
  • 50You have bereav’d unjustly of his wife.
  • Neither your cittern, nor your beauty can,
  • Nor other gifts of Venus save your life.
  • Were not the Trojans fearful more than needs,
  • You had a coat of stones by this time had,
  • 55A fit reward for all your evil deeds.
  • This answer then to Hector, Paris made.
  • Hector, since your reproof is just, said he,
  • And your hard language (as when help’d by art
  • A shipwright’s axe strikes deep into a tree)
  • 60Like rigid steel has cut me to the heart;
  • If with Atrides you would have me fight,
  • Object not Venus’ favours (’tis unfit
  • The gifts of the immortal Gods to slight),
  • But make the Greeks and Trojans both to sit.
  • 65And in the midst set me and Menelaus,
  • And which of us shall have the victory,
  • Helen be his, and all the wealth she has,
  • And ’twixt the Greeks and Trojans amity.
  • Let this be sworn to, that we may remain
  • 70At Troy in quiet, and the Greeks repass
  • To Argos and Achæa back again.
  • At this brave proffer Hector joyful was;
  • And stepping forth, the Trojan ranks kept in
  • With both his hands o’ th’ middle of his spear.
  • 75And to shoot at him the Greeks begin,
  • And many took up stones and hurling were.
  • But Agamemnon with a voice as high
  • As high as he could raise it, to the Greeks cried, hold.
  • Throw no more stones, let no more arrows fly;
  • 80Hector to us has somewhat to unfold.
  • This said, they held their hands, and silent were,
  • And Hector both to Greeks and Trojans spake.
  • May you be pleased on both sides to hear
  • The motion I from Alexander make.
  • 85Let arms, said he, on both sides be laid by,
  • And in the midst set him and Menelaus,
  • And which of them shall have the victory,
  • Be Helen his, with all the wealth she has.
  • And let the rest an oath on both sides take
  • 90The pacts agreed on not to violate.
  • When this was said, then Menelaus spake,
  • And both the armies with great silence sate.
  • Hear me too then, said Menelaus, who
  • By Alexander have been most offended.
  • 95If you’ll do that which I advise you to,
  • The quarrel he began will soon be ended.
  • Which of us two shall fall in single fight,
  • Let him die only, and the rest agree.
  • Bring forth two lambs, one black, another white,
  • 100To t’ Earth and Sun a sacrifice to be.
  • Another we will sacrifice to Jove.
  • And let the old King Priam present be,
  • (His proud sons think themselves all oaths above)
  • That what is sworn he may performed see.
  • 105No hold is to be taken of an oath
  • Which young men make, whose likings change like wind.
  • But old men can foresee what’s good for both.
  • ’Tis good for both that makes a contract bind.
  • These words did to both armies sweetly sound;
  • 110They thought the worst was past; and up they tied
  • Their horses; and their spears stuck in the ground,
  • With spaces left between them, but not wide.
  • Then Hector to the king two heralds sent,
  • To fetch the lambs, and Priam to implore
  • 115To take the oath. From Agamemnon went
  • Talthybius to the fleet to fetch two more.
  • Meanwhile to the fair Helen Iris came,
  • So like t’ Antenor’s wife Laodice,
  • King Priam’s daughter, that she seem’d the same.
  • 120Quickly she found her; for at work was she
  • Upon a double splendid web, wherein
  • Many a cruel battle she had wrought
  • The Trojans and th’ incensed Greeks between,
  • That for her own sake only had been fought.
  • 125Come nymph, said Iris, see one battle more
  • Between the gallant men of Greece and Troy.
  • They fight not altogether as before,
  • But silent sit, and from their arms away.
  • Shields are their cushions, planted are their spears;
  • 130Paris and Menelaus only fight.
  • Save these two no man any armour wears;
  • And you his wife are, that has greatest might.
  • Thus Iris said, and her inspir’d anew
  • With love to Menelaus as before.
  • 135Then o’er her head a milk-white scarf she threw,
  • And out went weeping at the chamber door,
  • But not alone; two maidens follow’d her,
  • Fair Æthre Pittheus’ child, and Clymene.
  • And quickly at the Scæan gate they were,
  • 140Where Priam sate; and in his company
  • Were the old lords, Lampus and Clytius,
  • And Icetaon, and Ucalegon,
  • Antenor, Thymetes, and Panthous,
  • Whence both the armies they might look upon.
  • 145Old men they were, but had brave captains been,
  • And now for consultation prized were.
  • As soon as Helen came into their sight,
  • They whisper’d one another in the ear,
  • I cannot blame the man that for her strives,
  • 150Like an immortal God she is. Yet so,
  • Rather than we should hazard all our lives,
  • I should advise the king to let her go.
  • Thus said they one t’ another. But the king
  • Call’d her and said, daughter, sit down by me,
  • 155(Not you, but the immortal powers bring
  • Upon the Trojans this calamity.)
  • And tell me who that great Achæan is.
  • I see some higher by the head than he,
  • But comelier man I never saw than this,
  • 160Nor liker to a king in majesty.
  • O king, then answered Helen, to whom I
  • Of all men owe most reverence and fear,
  • Would I had rather chosen there to die,
  • Than to your son’s ill counsel given ear,
  • 165Leaving my house, my child, and brothers two,
  • And all my sweet companions for his sake.
  • But since I cannot what is done undo,
  • Unto your question I’ll now answer make.
  • The man you point to Agamemnon is,
  • 170A good king, and a valiant man in fight,
  • And brother to the husband is of this
  • Unworthy woman, me, that did him slight.
  • And Priam then the man admiring said,
  • Happy Atrides, great is thy command,
  • 175Whose soldiers though now very much decay’d,
  • In such great multitude before us stand.
  • At a great fight I was in Phrygia,
  • And brought to Otreus and Mygdon aid
  • Against the Amazons. I never saw
  • 180Till then, so many for a fight array’d,
  • As were the Amazons, upon the banks
  • Of Sangareus, and yet they fewer were,
  • Than are contained in the bristled ranks
  • Of th’ armed Greeks that stand before us here.
  • 185Again Ulysses coming in his sight,
  • Tell me, said he, sweet daughter, who is this?
  • He wants the head of Agamemnon’s height,
  • But at the breast and shoulders broader is.
  • His arms lie still upon the ground; but he
  • 190In no one certain place himself can keep,
  • But through the ranks and files runs busily,
  • Just as a ram runs in a fold of sheep.
  • To this Jove’s daughter, Helen, thus replies.
  • Ulysses ’tis, the old Laertes’ son,
  • 195Of Ithaca; to counsel and devise,
  • In all the army like him there is none.
  • O Helen, said Antenor, you say right;
  • On your affair he once came into Troy
  • With Menelaus. I did them both invite
  • 200To sup with me; and in my house they lay.
  • I them compar’d. When at their audience
  • They both stood up, Atrides taller seem’d;
  • Sitting Ulysses won most reverence,
  • And was amongst the people most esteem’d.
  • 205And when they were orations to make,
  • Atrides’ words went easily and close,
  • For little he, but to the purpose spake,
  • Though th’ younger man. But when Ulysses rose,
  • Upon the ground a while he fix’d his eyes,
  • 210Nor ever mov’d the sceptre in his hand;
  • You would have thought him sullen or unwise,
  • That did not yet his bus’ness understand.
  • But when his voice was raised to the height,
  • And like a snow upon a winter’s day
  • 215His gentle words fell from him, no man might
  • With him compare; so much his words did weigh.
  • Then Priam seeing Ajax, ask’d again,
  • What Greek is that, that taller by the head
  • And shoulders is than all the other men?
  • 220And Helen to the king thus answered,
  • Great Ajax; who of th’ Argives is the sconce:
  • And he o’ th’ other side Idomeneus,
  • Who was the guest of Menelaus once,
  • And lodg’d at Lacedemon in his house.
  • 225And now I see the rest, and could them name.
  • But Castor I and Pollux cannot see.
  • Two princes are they, and well known by Fame,
  • And by one mother brothers are to me.
  • Did they not pass the sea? Yes sure they did
  • 230Come with the rest; but are asham’d of me.
  • And in the Argive fleet lie somewhere hid,
  • And will not in my shame partakers be.
  • Thus Helen said, because she could not tell
  • Whether her brothers were alive or dead.
  • 235But dead they were; and, where they both did dwell,
  • In Lacedemon they were buried.
  • The heralds now the two lambs had brought in,
  • That for their sacrifice appointed were,
  • And full of noble wine a great goat skin.
  • 240Idæus with the golden cups stood near,
  • And pray’d the king to go down to the plain.
  • There stay for you the Greeks and Trojans both;
  • A peace agreed on is; but all in vain
  • Unless you also go and take the oath.
  • 245For Paris must with Menelaus fight,
  • And he must Helen and her wealth enjoy
  • Upon whose side the victory shall light;
  • The Greeks return; and peace remain at Troy.
  • These words to th’ old man’s heart came cold as ice.
  • 250But straight he bade his coach made ready be.
  • The servants made it ready in a trice,
  • And up into ’t Antenor went and he;
  • And pass’d the Scæan gate into the plain.
  • And when they came near to Scamander’s banks,
  • 255From out the coach alighted they again,
  • And stood between the adverse armies’ ranks.
  • Then Agamemnon and Ulysses came,
  • And to the contract for the Greeks did swear.
  • And Priam and Antenor swore the same.
  • 260The heralds mix the wine with water clear;
  • And poured water on the princes’ hands.
  • Atrides at his sword a knife did wear,
  • And as he near unto the victims stands,
  • Cuts with it from their foreheads locks of hair,
  • 265Which by the heralds were distributed,
  • Till ev’ry leader part had of the hair.
  • The ceremonies being finished,
  • Atrides to the Gods then made this prayer.
  • O mighty Jove, the monarch of the Gods,
  • 270O glorious Sun, with thy all-seeing eye,
  • O Streams, O Earth, O you that hold the rod
  • Beneath the earth, scourges of perjury,
  • Hear me, and be you witnesses of this.
  • If Menelaus be by Paris slain,
  • 275Let Helen and the wealth she has be his,
  • And to Achæ we return again.
  • If slain by Menelaus Paris be,
  • Let Helen with her wealth to Greece be sent
  • With some amends made for the injury,
  • 280To be of th’ wrong done an acknowledgment.
  • If such amends the Trojans will not make,
  • I will pursue the war, and here abide,
  • Till I the town of Ilium shall take,
  • Or till the Gods the quarrel shall decide.
  • 285This said, the victims with his knife he slew.
  • And sprawling there upon the place they lay.
  • Then into golden cups the wine they drew,
  • And pour’d it on the lambs. Then prayed they
  • Both Greeks and Trojans; Jove, and pow’rs divine,
  • 290Who first to break this peace shall go about,
  • As poured on the victims is this wine,
  • So they, and their sons’ brains be poured out.
  • Thus prayed they. But Jove that pray’r did slight.
  • Then Priam said, To Troy return will I.
  • 295It cannot please me to behold the fight.
  • For none but Gods know which of them shall die.
  • And then into the char’ot went again
  • He and Antenor, and drave t’ Ilium,
  • And with them carried their victims slain.
  • 300Then in Ulysses and great Hector come,
  • And having measur’d out the lists, wherein
  • They were to fight, then the two lots they drew
  • For who to throw his spear should first begin.
  • And then the Greeks and Trojans pray’d anew.
  • 305O glorious Jove, whom all the Gods obey,
  • Let him that of the war the author was
  • Be slain, and all the rest firm peace enjoy.
  • Then mighty Hector shook the skull of brass.
  • The lot that was the first drawn out, was that
  • 310Which gave to Paris the right to begin.
  • Then down upon the ground the people sate
  • In order as their armour plac’d had been.
  • And Paris arm’d himself, and first puts on
  • His leg-pieces of brass, and closely ties,
  • 315That silver’d over were at th’ ancle-bone.
  • And then his breast-plate to his breast applies.
  • Lycaon’s breast-plate ’twas, but ev’ry whit
  • As just upon him sat, as it had done
  • Upon Lycaon when he used it.
  • 320And next to this his good sword he puts on.
  • And then his broad shield and his helmet good.
  • And last of all a spear takes in his hand.
  • And in like armour Menelaus stood.
  • Then come they forth, and in the lists they stand.
  • 325And one did on another fiercely look.
  • (The people stupid sat ’twixt hope and fear.)
  • And when they come were nigh, their spears they shook.
  • But Paris was the first to throw his spear,
  • And threw, and smote the shield of Menelaus,
  • 330But through the mettle tough it passed not,
  • But turn’d, and bended at the point it was.
  • Then Menelaus was to throw by lot.
  • But first he prayed. Grant me, O Jove, said he,
  • That this my spear may Alexander slay,
  • 335Who was the first that did the injury;
  • That they who shall be born hereafter may
  • Not dare to violate the sacred laws
  • Of hospitality. Having thus said,
  • He threw his spear, which Paris’ shield did pass,
  • 340And through his breast-plate quite, and there it stay’d;
  • But tore his coat. And there he had been dead,
  • But that his belly somewhat he drew back.
  • Then with his sword Atrides smote his head
  • Which arm’d was, and the sword in pieces broke.
  • 345Then Menelaus grieved at the heart,
  • Looking to heaven did on Jove complain.
  • O Jove, that of the Gods most cruel art,
  • Broken my sword, my spear is thrown in vain.
  • Then suddenly laid hold on Paris’ crest,
  • 350And to the Greeks to drag him did begin,
  • And Paris then was mightily distrest,
  • Choakt by the latchet underneath his chin.
  • And to the Greeks had dragg’d been by the head,
  • If Venus to his aid had not come in,
  • 355Who broke the string and him delivered.
  • Atrides’ conquest else had famous been.
  • Then to the Greeks the empty cask he threw.
  • But Venus snatcht him from him in a mist.
  • And whither she convey’d him none there knew.
  • 360A God she is, and can do what she list.
  • When Paris to his chamber was convey’d,
  • His chamber which of perfumes sweetly smelt,
  • Then puts she on the form of an old maid
  • That Helen serv’d when she at Sparta dwelt.
  • 365And in that shape went to call Helen home,
  • That stood with other ladies of the town
  • Upon a tow’r. When she was to her come,
  • She gently with her finger stirr’d her gown.
  • Helen, said she, Paris has for you sent,
  • 370And on his glorious bed doth for you stay,
  • Not as a man that came from fight, but went
  • To dance, or from it were new come away.
  • Helen at this was mov’d, and mark’d her eyes,
  • And of her lovely neck did notice take,
  • 375And knew ’twas Venus though in this disguise;
  • And troubled as she was, thus to her spake.
  • Venus, why seek you to deceive me still,
  • Since Menelaus has the victory?
  • Though I have wrong’d him, he receive me will,
  • 380And you come hither now to hinder me.
  • Whither d’ye mean to send me further yet;
  • To Phrygia or to Mœonia,
  • That there I may another husband get?
  • You shall not me to Alexander draw.
  • 385Go to him you, and Heaven for ever quit;
  • Grieve with him; have a care the man to save,
  • And by his side continually to sit,
  • Till he his bride have made you, or his slave.
  • I will not to him go (for ’twere a shame)
  • 390Nor any longer meddle with his bed,
  • Nor longer bear the scorns, nor mocks, nor blame
  • Which from the wives of Troy I suffered.
  • Then Venus vext, Hussie, said she, no more
  • Provoke my anger. If I angry be,
  • 395And hate you as I loved you before,
  • The armies both will to your death agree.
  • This said, the beauteous Helen frighted was,
  • And with the Goddess went, who led the way,
  • And by the Trojan wives did quiet pass
  • 400Unto the house where Alexander lay.
  • I’th’ rooms below at work her women were,
  • But up went Helen with the Goddess fair.
  • And when to Alexander they were near,
  • The Goddess unto Helen fetcht a chair.
  • 405Then sat she down, and look’d at him again.
  • You come from battle. I would you had there
  • And by my former husband’s hand, been slain.
  • You bragg’d you were his better at a spear.
  • Go challenge him again, and fight anew.
  • 410But do not though, for fear you should be kill’d
  • But rather when you see him, him eschew,
  • Lest he should leave you dead upon the field.
  • To Helen Alexander then replied.
  • Forbear; though he have now the victory
  • 415By Pallas’ help; there are Gods on our side,
  • And they another time may favour me.
  • Let’s go to bed, and in sweet love agree.
  • Your beauty never did me so much move,
  • At Lacedemon, nor in Cranae;
  • 420Where the first blessing I had of your love.
  • This said, to bed they went, first he, then she.
  • Atrides then sought Paris in the throng
  • O’th’ Trojans and their aids; but could not see
  • Nor hear of him the company among.
  • 425They would not have conceal’d him though they might;
  • But had to Menelaus him betray’d.
  • So hateful to the Trojans was his sight.
  • Then stood King Agamemnon up and said,
  • Hear me ye Trojans and your aids. ’Tis plain
  • 430That Menelaus has the victory.
  • Let Helen therefore rendered be again,
  • And pay your fine. ’Tis right, the Greeks all cry.

  LIB. IV.

  • The articles broken by the Trojans.

  • Mean while the Gods at counsel drinking sat.
  • Hebe the nectar carried up and down.
  • And Jove amongst them present was thereat,
  • And sitting had his eyes upon Troy town.
  • 5Then Jupiter puts out a word, to see
  • What Juno would unto the same reply.
  • Two Goddesses assistants are (said he)
  • To Menelaus, but sit idly by,
  • Pallas and Juno; but on th’other side
  • 10Venus gives Paris aid, and really
  • Has helpt him when he thought he should have died;
  • Though Menelaus have the victory.
  • But let us now think which the best will be,
  • To suffer war to make an end of Troy,
  • 15Or let Troy stand and make them to agree,
  • And Helen with Atrides go her way.
  • Juno and Pallas that together sat,
  • Grumble and plot; Pallas her spite kept in.
  • But such of Juno was the choler, that
  • 20Had she not spoke, her heart had broken been.
  • Harsh Jove, said she, what do you mean by this?
  • Shall I with so much sweat, and labour spent,
  • And horses tir’d, now of my purpose miss?
  • Do. But the other Gods will not consent.
  • 25Devil, said Jove, what hurt is done to you
  • By Priam and his sons, that you should so
  • Fiercely the ruin of the town pursue?
  • I think if you int’ Ilium should go,
  • And eat up Priam and his children all,
  • 30And every Trojan in the town beside,
  • Man, woman, child alive within the wall,
  • Your anger will at last be satisfied.
  • Do as you please. It shall breed no contention
  • ’Twixt you and me. But then remember this,
  • 35When I to raze a city have intention
  • That yours, and greatly in your favour is,
  • To let me do’t without plea or request;
  • Since to give you your will I lose my own.
  • For Ilium I love above the rest,
  • 40Though under Heaven be many a goodly town.
  • For I by Priam and his people still
  • Have honour’d been, my altars richly serv’d
  • With wine and sacrifices to my will,
  • Which is the honour to the Gods reserv’d.
  • 45To this the Goddess Juno then replied,
  • Three cities I prefer before the rest,
  • Argos, and Sparta, and Mycena wide.
  • Destroy you may which of them you think best,
  • If you see cause; I’ll not stand in your way.
  • 50Or if I do, what mends can I have so?
  • For since your power does mine so much outweigh,
  • It will be done whether I will or no.
  • But you ought not t’undo what I have done,
  • For I a Goddess am, and have the same
  • 55Parents, of whom you boast to be the son.
  • And further of your wife I bear the name,
  • Whom mortals and immortals all obey.
  • Then let us not in such things disagree.
  • But I to you, and you to me give way.
  • 60For of our two minds all the Gods will be.
  • Let Pallas to the army straight be sent
  • To make the Trojans first the peace to break.
  • And Jupiter to do so was content,
  • And did (as he was bid) to Pallas speak.
  • 65Pallas, said he, down to the armies go,
  • Let not this peace be by the Trojans kept.
  • When Pallas heard her father Jove say so,
  • Glad of the errand, from the sky she leapt,
  • Just like a falling star, which Saturn sends
  • 70To armies or unto seafaring men;
  • Which change of fortune, commonly portends.
  • The Goddess through the air descending then,
  • Splendid and sparkling on the ground did light.
  • The armies that were in the field array’d,
  • 75Both Greeks and Trojans wond’red at the sight;
  • And one unto another next him said,
  • This bloody war will sure return again,
  • Or else the peace be surer made than ’tis;
  • But which o’ th’ two Jove has not yet made plain,
  • 80Who both of peace and war disposer is.
  • Pallas the form took of Laodocus,
  • Antenor’s son, and went into the throng
  • O’ th’ Trojans to inquire for Pandarus.
  • At last she found him his own troops among,
  • 85That were of Lycaonia the bands,
  • And from Zeleia led by Pandarus
  • To Ilium. There Pallas by him stands
  • Like to Antenor’s son; and to him thus:
  • Lycaon’s son, says she, dare you let fly
  • 90A shaft at Menelaus? For I know
  • The Trojans all would thank you, specially
  • Paris, the son of Priam, and bestow
  • Great presents on you if you should him kill.
  • Shoot at him then, and to Apollo pray,
  • 95The God of archers, that he help you will.
  • And vow a hecatomb of lambs to pay,
  • When to Zeleia safely you come home.
  • For there your people to Apollo vow.
  • When this was said, the vain man overcome,
  • 100From off his shoulders taketh down his bow,
  • (Which did a lusty goat’s head once adorn,
  • Which with a shaft he killed had among
  • The rocks, and taken from his head the horn,
  • Which was no less than sixteen handfuls long.
  • 105And to a fletcher gave it to be wrought,
  • Shaven, and polish’d, and gilt at the hand.)
  • This bow he bent; and lest the foe should know’t,
  • He crouched down, and laid it on the sand.
  • But lest the Greeks should rush on him, before
  • 110He ready were to shoot, they that stood near,
  • Before him with their bucklers stood good store.
  • And being now delivered of that fear,
  • From out the quiver takes an arrow keen,
  • And new, well wing’d to carry mischief true,
  • 115Which shot before that time had never been.
  • But yet his vow before his arrow flew.
  • Phœbus, said he, if I Atrides slay;
  • As soon as I shall to Zeleia come,
  • I vow unto your deity to pay
  • 120Of my first-yeaned lambs an hecatomb.
  • Then to his breast he drew the leather string,
  • And to the bow return’d the arrow head.
  • Out leapt the shaft, and as it went did sing
  • Amongst the throng, as pleas’d man’s blood to shed.
  • 125And, Menelaus, now the Gods you blest,
  • And chiefly Pallas, that before you stood,
  • And turn’d the deadly arrow from your breast,
  • About as much as a kind mother could
  • From her child’s face divert a busy fly;
  • 130And made it on the golden buckle fall,
  • Where of his breast-plate double was the ply,
  • And though it pass’d through buckle, plate, and all,
  • And girdle which his coat unto him bound,
  • The shaft into his body penetrated,
  • 135And made, though not a great one, yet a wound,
  • The force it went with being much abated;
  • Yet out the blood ran. As when ivory
  • Is stain’d with crimson, to adorn the cheeks
  • Of the proud steeds, and please the driver’s eye,
  • 140Many a cavalier to have it seeks.
  • The dame that stain’d it then holds up the prize,
  • And keeps it by her as a precious thing;
  • So lovely seems the colour to her eyes,
  • As to be sold to none but to a king.
  • 145So look’d his body when the streams of blood
  • His iv’ry legs and insteps did defile.
  • But Agamemnon stiff with horror stood;
  • And so did Menelaus for a while.
  • But when he saw the arrow barbs appear
  • 150Above the nerve, his courage came again.
  • But Agamemnon, not yet out of fear,
  • Did of the Trojans’ perjury complain.
  • Brother, said he, and took him by the hand,
  • Dear brother, ’tis the oath that has you slain,
  • 155Making you thus before the Trojans stand.
  • But sure I am the oath cannot be vain,
  • Confirmed with so great solemnity.
  • They shall, though late, pay for it with their lives;
  • (For Jove ne’er fails to punish perjury)
  • 160Both they themselves, their children, and their wives.
  • For I well know the fatal day will come
  • To Priam, and to Priam’s people all.
  • Jove will his black shield shake o’er Ilium,
  • And for this ugly action make it fall.
  • 165This, Menelaus, is a thing to come.
  • But what if of your wound you chance to die?
  • The Argives straight will think of going home.
  • How by the Greeks then scorned shall be I!
  • How proud will Priam and the Trojans be,
  • 170When Argive Helen shall be left behind,
  • And your bones rotting in the ground they see,
  • Without effecting what they had design’d?
  • Some trampling on your grave perhaps will say,
  • Would Agamemnon thus would always vent
  • 175His choler, as he now has done at Troy,
  • Now gone with empty ships back to repent,
  • Leaving his brother Menelaus here.
  • Then should I wish the earth would swallow me.
  • But Menelaus, to displace that fear,
  • 180Fright not the army, brother, thus said he.
  • Not mortal is the wound. ’Twixt me and death
  • My armour and the clasps stood, all of brass;
  • Besides a good tough girdle underneath.
  • Pray God ’t be true, said he to Menelaus,
  • 185But we must send for a chirurgeon,
  • To mitigate with lenitives the pain.
  • Talthybius, said he, call Machaon,
  • And having found him quickly come again.
  • Tell him he must to Menelaus come,
  • 190Who by a foe is with an arrow shot,
  • Trojan or Lycian, I know not whom,
  • That with great grief to us has honour got.
  • This said, the herald went and look’d about
  • Amongst the troops of Tricca which he led.
  • 195Nor was it long before he found him out
  • With many targetiers environed.
  • You must, said he, to Menelaus come,
  • Who by some foe is with an arrow shot,
  • Trojan or Lycian, I know not whom,
  • 200That, with great grief to us, has honour got.
  • ’Tis Agamemnon calls you. Then they pass
  • Together through the host, and hastened
  • Till they were come where Menelaus was
  • With many other lords encompassed.
  • 205There Machaon the arrow first pulls out.
  • (The barbs were broken as they came away)
  • Then took he off his armour and his coat.
  • Then sucked he the wound the blood to stay;
  • And laid on unguents to allay the pain.
  • 210Meanwhile the Trojans arm’d were coming in.
  • And then the Greeks were forc’d to arm again.
  • And Agamemnon’s virtue now was seen.
  • He did not at their coming sleep nor start,
  • But speedily prepared for the fight,
  • 215And of a chief commander did the part,
  • His own commanders first to disaffright.
  • His horses and his chariot he sent off.
  • T’ Eurymeaon, the son of Ptolemy,
  • The son of Pirus he gave charge thereof,

  • The first battle.

  • 220And bad him with it always to be nigh,
  • To use when labour tired had his knees.
  • Through the great army then on foot he went,
  • And where them hasting to the fight he sees,
  • He gives them in few words encouragement.
  • 225On, Argives, and be sure Jove never fights
  • Against good men for such perfidious knaves,
  • But leave them will for food to dogs and kites,
  • And to their foes their wives and children slaves.
  • But where he saw the soldiers negligent,
  • 230His admonition was then severe.
  • Fie, Argives, what d’ you fear? To what intent
  • Stand you thus staring like a herd of deer?
  • Just like so many deer that had been chased
  • O’er some great plain looking about they stay,
  • 235So stand you here like frighted deer amazed,
  • Till to our ships come down the troops of Troy,
  • To try if Jove will help you there or no.
  • Thus he commanding went the host throughout.
  • And when the martial Cretans he came to,
  • 240Where armed stood Idomeneus stout.
  • (Meriones the rear led, he the van)
  • And Agamemnon look’d on them with joy;
  • And to Idomeneus thus began.
  • Of all the Greeks that me assist at Troy
  • 245I value you the most, both in the war
  • And otherwise. And when at feast we drink,
  • Other men’s cups by measure stinted are,
  • But yours, as mine, stands always full to th’ brink.
  • The King of Crete replied, I shall, said he,
  • 250Continue still your good confederate,
  • As heretofore I promis’d you to be.
  • But go, and th’ other leaders animate,
  • That we may with the Trojans quickly fight.
  • Then woe be to them, sure they are to die
  • 255Who of the Gods and sacred oaths make light.
  • Then on went Agamemnon joyfully;
  • And came to the quarters of the Ajaxes,
  • There armed both complete, and followed
  • With a huge multitude of Greeks he sees,
  • 260And ready to the battle to be led.
  • As when a shepherd from a hill espies
  • A full-charg’d cloud march tow’rds him in the deep,
  • It seems as black as pitch unto his eyes,
  • And makes him seek a shelter for his sheep;
  • 265So black the squadrons of the Ajaxes,
  • And horrible with thick and upright spears
  • T’ Atrides seem, and well it did him please,
  • And both of them he thus commends and cheers.
  • O Ajaxes, expect not I should bid
  • 270You hearten up your army for the fight;
  • ’Tis done so well already, there’s no need.
  • O Jove, Apollo, Pallas, that I might
  • Find all the other leaders such as you,
  • We should not need from Argos long to stay
  • 275Ere we the town of Priam should subdue
  • And rifle. And this said, he went away,
  • And came to Nestor, who was ordering
  • His troops and bands of horse and foot, each one
  • Against the enemy encouraging.
  • 280And with him stood Alastor, Pelagon,
  • Hæmon, and Chromius, skilful men in war.
  • I’ th’ front the char’ots and the horsemen were.
  • The most and best infantry placed are
  • (A hedge unto the battle in the rear.)
  • 285The middle ranks were filled up with those,
  • Upon whose courage he did least rely.
  • For these would fight because they could not choose;
  • Since they could neither back nor forward fly.
  • And Nestor to the horsemen spake. Let none,
  • 290Said he, before another go, to shew
  • His manhood or his skill. But all go on
  • At once. To single is to weaken you.
  • Further, If any of you should have need
  • To mount into another’s chariot,
  • 295There let him use his spear; but still take heed
  • That with the horses reins he meddle not.
  • Our fathers have before us us’d these laws,
  • And thereby many cities level laid.
  • Thus Nestor taught them. Glad Atrides was,
  • 300And with great approbation to him said,
  • O Nestor, that your arms were but as strong
  • As is your mind! But they’re decay’d by age.
  • Or could you give your age to some man young,
  • And with the youngest of the foes engage.
  • 305Atrides, then said Nestor, so wish I.
  • Would I were as when Eruthalyon
  • I slew. But Gods’ gifts come successively.
  • I then was young; and age is now come on.
  • But as I am I’ll ride amongst my horse,
  • 310And as becomes an old man, give advice,
  • While they that may presume upon their force,
  • With spear in hand charge on their enemies.
  • Atrides pass’d on to th’ Athenians
  • That by Menestheus commanded were.
  • 315And by these stood the Cephalonians
  • Ulysses’ bands. Neither of these did hear
  • The clamour of the battle new begun,
  • But stood unmoved, because they did expect
  • Some greater troops of Greeks should first fall on.
  • 320For this Atrides grievously them check’d.
  • Menestheus, said he, son of a king,
  • And you the crafty man Ulysses, why
  • When you your men should to the battle bring,
  • Stand you here shrinking from the enemy?
  • 325You hear the first when there will be a feast,
  • And stay for no man. For your messes are
  • Greater than other men’s; your wine the best,
  • And without stint. And therefore in the war
  • You should strive who should be the first to fight.
  • 330But now, though ten troops were before you there,
  • You would not be displeased with the sight.
  • These words came harshly to Ulysses’ ear,
  • And with a frowning look, what’s this, said he,
  • Are we not making all the haste we can?
  • 335Telemachus his father you shall see
  • By and by fighting in the Trojan van,
  • And that this reprehension needless was.
  • But Agamemnon smiling then replied,
  • (Seeing his censure did not kindly pass)
  • 340Noble Ulysses, I meant not to chide,
  • Nor to direct you, that so skilful are.
  • For we are both of us of the same mind.
  • What’s said amiss I shall again repair.
  • But let it now away go with the wind.
  • 345Then on he went and came to Diomed,
  • Whom mounted on his chariot he found
  • With Capaneus’ son accompanied,
  • And other lords that him encompass’d round.
  • Ay me, Tydides, wherefore stand you thus,
  • 350As if you for some bridge did look about.
  • You do not as your father Tydeus,,
  • Who still before his fellows leaped out.
  • So said they that had seen him at the war,
  • Which I did not, but take it upon fame,
  • 355Which him above the rest preferred far.
  • But certain ’tis, he to Mycena came
  • With Polynices, to desire their aid
  • Against the Thebans. And they willingly
  • Had granted it, but that they were afraid.
  • 360For Jove forbad them by a prodigy.
  • Then to the brook Asopus back they went,
  • Which doth the Theban territory bound.
  • To Tydeus the Greeks a letter sent
  • To enter Thebes, and terms of peace propound.
  • 365To Thebes he went, and with Eteocles
  • He found the chief o’ th’ Thebans at a feast.
  • And at all manly games the prize with ease,
  • By Pallas’ help, he carried from the best.
  • And when for spite they sent out fifty men
  • 370With Mæon Hæmon’s son, and Lycophon
  • To murder him as he went back again,
  • Slain by Tydeus they were all but one.
  • For he sav’d Mæon, warned by the Gods.
  • Such Tydeus was, but left a son behind
  • 375That less could do, but for words had the odds.
  • But valiant Diomed reply declined,
  • Who gave t’Atrides what respect was due.
  • The other answered him with language rude.
  • You say, said he, what you know is not true.
  • 380We than our fathers there more manhood shew’d.
  • For we with fewer men proud Thebes did gain,
  • By Jove’s help, and observances divine,
  • Whilst the Cadmeans for their pride were slain.
  • How from our fathers then do we decline?
  • 385But straight reprov’d he was by Diomed.
  • My friend, said he, are you more grieved than I?
  • Would you not have the army ordered?
  • Atrides, both i’ th’ loss and victory
  • Is most concern’d. Let us of battle think,
  • 390And down he leapt, as soon as that was said,
  • In complete arms, with such a sudden chink,
  • As might a constant man have made afraid.
  • As when the billows of the sea rais’d high
  • By some great wind, go rolling to the shore,
  • 495And follow one another to the dry,
  • There stopp’d and broken are, and foam, and roar:
  • So then the Greeks up to the Trojans come,
  • Obeying each his leader silently,
  • (You would have thought them, though so many, dumb)
  • 400In glittering arms, and glorious to the eye.
  • On th’other side, the Trojans made a noise,
  • Like ewes a milking kept off from their lambs
  • When in the field abroad they hear their cries,
  • And they again bleat back unto their dams.
  • 405But did not one another understand;
  • For few there were whose language was the same.
  • Some were of one, some of another land,
  • And most of them from far off thither came.
  • Pallas the Greeks, Mars Trojans favoured.
  • 410Then Fright came in, with (Mars his sister) Strife,
  • Little when born, but grew until her head
  • Was in the clouds; for she grows all her life.
  • But when the armies were together near,
  • Then man to man came close, and shield to shield,
  • 415And mingled in the front was spear with spear,
  • And horrible the noise was in the field;
  • Whilst some insult and others groaning die.
  • And th’earth they stood on covered was with blood.
  • As when great torrents from the mountains high
  • 420Pour down into the valleys a great flood;
  • The streams through thousand channels falling roar;
  • The trembling shepherds hear it on the hills.
  • So much the noise o’th’ battle the air tore,
  • And all the region with terror fills.
  • 425A Trojan was the first man that was slain,
  • Echepolus son of Thalysias.
  • He smote was with a spear into the brain;
  • Antilochus the man that smote him was.
  • His armour rattled on him as he fell,
  • 430As if some tow’r had fall’n. But then Elphenor
  • (To strip him of his arms that hoped well)
  • Dragging him off was killed by Agenor.
  • For whilst in stooping he his flank unhides.
  • Agenor quickly his advantage spies,
  • 435And pierc’d him with his spear through both his sides.
  • Then down he fell, and darkness seiz’d his eyes.
  • And then about his body rose great strife,
  • And one upon another falling on,
  • Antheman’s son, a fair youth, lost his life,
  • 440Slain by great Ajax, son of Telamon,
  • And Simoisius called was by name,
  • ’Cause born upon the bank of Simois,
  • Whither from Ida both his parents came
  • To view their flocks, lest aught should be amiss;
  • 445But had no joy of him. He was unblest
  • To be the first that came in Ajax’s way,
  • Who smote him with his spear quite through the breast.
  • There dead he fell, and by the river lay.
  • As when a man has fell’d a poplar tree,
  • 450Tall, straight, and smooth, with many fair boughs on,
  • Of which he meant a cart-wheel made shall be,
  • And leaves it on the bank to dry i’ th’ sun;
  • So lay the comely Simoisius,
  • Slain by great Ajax, son of Telamon.
  • 455At Ajax then a spear threw Antiphus,
  • Bright-arm’d Antiphus, King Priam’s son.
  • Death the spear carries, but of Ajax misses,
  • And deadly wounds the groin of Leucus bold,
  • And well beloved soldier of Ulysses,
  • 460Who dragg’d the dead, but now lets go his hold.
  • Ulysses, angry that his friend was slain,
  • Went out before the rest, and coming close
  • To th’ Trojan front, some fit revenge to gain.
  • Democoon, King Priam’s son, he chose,
  • 465(A lawful son where nature is the law).
  • The Trojans when they saw him look about,
  • Into the shelter of the ranks withdraw.
  • Then soon his spear Democoon pick’d out,
  • And through both temples forward went the head.
  • 470Then heavily he falls, his armour chinks,
  • His eyes with endless night are covered,
  • And Hector with his Trojans from him shrinks.
  • The Greeks then shouted, and drew off their slain,
  • And on the Trojans pressing further were.
  • 475But then Apollo cried out amain
  • From Pergam tow’r, O Trojans, what d’ye fear?
  • Go on upon the Greeks; no more give way.
  • Their bodies neither are of stone nor steel,
  • Nor able are the force of brass to stay,
  • 480No less than you the wounds it makes they feel.
  • Nor fights Achilles here, but angry lies,
  • And wishes that the Greeks were overthrown.
  • So Phœbus. ’Mongst the Argives Pallas flies,
  • Through ranks and files encouraging each one.
  • 485And then Diores slain was with a stone,
  • By Pyros, whom the Thracians obey’d.
  • Crush’d of his right leg was the ankle-bone,
  • And in the dust upon his back was laid,
  • Unto his fellows holding up his hands.
  • 490Ready to die he for assistance cries.
  • Pyros comes quickly in, and o’er him stands,
  • And wounds him in the belly. Then he dies.
  • But Thoas then slew Pyros with his spear,
  • That pass’d his breast till in his lungs it stopp’d.
  • 495Then coming in he drew his sword, and there
  • His belly ripp’d till out his bowels dropp’d,
  • But to disarm him could not stay, because
  • So many Thracians about him stood.
  • Then back retir’d he, and well pelted was,
  • 500Leaving two leaders wrapp’d in dust and blood,
  • One an Epeian, th’ other Thracian,
  • And many others lying by them dead.
  • This battle was well fought. Although a man
  • Through both the armies safely had been led
  • 505By Pallas, and protected by her shield,
  • He had no want of courage seen that day,
  • So many Greeks and Trojans in the field
  • Depriv’d of life by one another lay.

  LIB. V.

  • And Pallas now t’ ennoble Diomed
  • Amongst the Greeks, with force did him inspire,
  • Whereby his heart and hands were strengthened;
  • And on his shield and helmet stood a fire

  • The first battle continued, wherein Pallas strengtheneth Diomedes to supply the absence of Achilles.

  • 5Bright as th’ autumnal star above his head
  • And shoulders flaming. And straightway he runs
  • (Set on by Pallas and encouraged)
  • Into the throng, where were the two good sons
  • Of Dares, who was Vulcan’s priest. Well skill’d
  • 10They both were in the war. Idæus one,
  • The other Phegus. These seeing him i’ th’ field
  • On foot, and not far from them, and alone,
  • Met him; and Phegus threw, but hit him not.
  • For o’er his shoulder flew the spear in vain.
  • 15Then Diomedes threw, and Phegus smote,
  • Clean through the breast. When Phegus thus was slain
  • Down leap’d Idæus from the chariot;
  • But durst not by his brother’s body stay.
  • For if he had, the like fate he had got.
  • 20But Vulcan in a smoke took him away,
  • Not willing that his priest should childless die.
  • Tydides to the ships the horses sent.
  • To see these two, one slain, the other fly,
  • To the proud Trojans’ very hearts it went.
  • 25But Pallas then took Mars by th’ hand, and said,
  • Mars, bloody Mars, to what end stay we here?
  • Let’s neuters be. For I am much afraid
  • We both shall too much anger Jupiter.
  • This said, she led him out, and set him on
  • 30Scamander’s bank. And then the Trojans fled
  • Before the Greeks. Each leader killed one,
  • Pressing them at their backs uncovered.
  • Then Dalius first his char’ot turn’d about,
  • And open lay to Agamemnon’s spear,
  • 35Which in at’s back, and at his breast went out.
  • Down fell the Alizonian charioteer.
  • Idomeneus slew Phæstus with a thrust,
  • As up into his chariot he went,
  • The spear at the right shoulder passed just,
  • 40And back again unto the earth him sent.
  • And Menelaus slew Scamandrius,
  • That well the art of hunting understood.
  • I’ th’ hills and woods none was more dexterous,
  • But Dian, and his skill did him no good.
  • 45For Menelaus pierc’d him back and breast,
  • Between the shoulders with a deadly spear,
  • And down he tumbled of life dispossest,
  • His eyes with endless darkness covered were.
  • Meriones slew Phoriclus, the son
  • 50Of Harmonides, the great architect,
  • That, but by Pallas, taught had been by none.
  • But of his art unhappy was th’ effect.
  • ’Twas he that built those ships for Alexander,
  • That brought with him so much ill luck to Troy,
  • 55And to himself, and to his chief commander;
  • Not knowing what the oracles did say.
  • But he, as from the fight he fled, was here
  • O’ertaken by Meriones, and slain.
  • At his right buttock entered the spear;
  • 60And at his groin the point came out again.
  • Meges Pedæus slew, Antenor’s son,
  • Though not his wife’s, yet was his wife so kind
  • T’ Antenor, that she bred him as her own,
  • And look’d upon him with a mother’s mind.
  • 65Him Meges overtaking as he fled
  • Slew with his strong sharp-pointed spear, which lighting
  • Behind upon the noddle of his head,
  • Forward he fell, the senseless weapon biting.
  • And then Eurypylus, Euæmon’s son,
  • 70Hypsenor slew, new made Scamander’s priest,
  • That from him, but not fast enough, did run.
  • Eurypylus shav’d off his hand at th’ wrist.
  • For at his shoulder though he aim’d the stroke,
  • The quick sword finding there the brass resist,
  • 75Slipt down unto his hand with force unbroke,
  • And there in streams of blood his soul dismiss’d.
  • Meanwhile Tydides, like a man enraged,
  • Ran up and down the field. One could not know
  • With whom and where he was in fight engaged,
  • 80Whether amongst the Greeks, or with the foe.
  • As when a torrent falling from the hills
  • Distends itself with fury on the plain,
  • And suddenly the river overfills,
  • Supplied by Jove with mighty showers of rain,
  • 85And beareth down the bridges as it goes;
  • No fence of vineyard can against it stand,
  • But all the husbandry of men o’erthrows,
  • And uncontrolled passes o’er their land;
  • Tydides so brake through each Trojan band,
  • 90And made them fly before him as he went.
  • And Pandarus then took his bow in hand,
  • And a sharp arrow from it to him sent,
  • Which pass’d through the right shoulder of his coat
  • Of mail, and fetch’d the blood, and with great joy,
  • 95Trojans, cried he, no more stand so remote.
  • For wounded is the stoutest foe of Troy,
  • And long he cannot the sore pain endure,
  • Unless my faith in Phœbus be in vain.
  • Thus said he boasting. For he thought ’twas sure
  • 100The wound was mortal, and Tydides slain.
  • Tydides to his char’ot did then retreat,
  • And Sthenelus alighting on the ground
  • (For sitting he was on the char’ot-seat)
  • Drew out the cruel arrow from the wound,
  • 105And out the blood gush’d. Then Tydides pray’d,
  • O Pallas, Jove’s all-conquering child, said he,
  • If e’er you did me or my father aid,
  • Within my spear’s reach let me this man see,
  • That with his arrow me prevented has,
  • 110And boasting says, I have not long to live.
  • Athena to his wish indulgent was,
  • And to him did more strength and courage give.
  • Fear not, said she, to go into the throng,
  • And charge i’ th’ thickest of the enemies.
  • 115For I have made thee as thy father strong,
  • And taken have the mist off from thy eyes,
  • That thou mayst see who Gods are, who are men.
  • If any God oppose thee, give him way,
  • Except if Venus thou encounter; then
  • 120Spare her no more than mortals in the fray.
  • This said, away the Goddess Pallas went,
  • And Diomed went to the fight again,
  • And though before he were upon it bent,
  • His courage now was trebled by his pain.
  • 125As when a shepherd sees a lion come,
  • And wounds him slightly as he leaps the pen;
  • Then leaves his sheep, and frighted runneth home,
  • And dares not in the field appear again;
  • The lion now made fiercer than before,
  • 130Lays all the sheep one by another dead,
  • And back again the pen once more leaps o’er:
  • So rag’d amongst the Trojans Diomed.
  • Astynous there, and Hypenor died;
  • One through the breast he pierced with his spear;
  • 135And th’ other’s head did from his neck divide
  • With his broad sword. And slain he left them there,
  • And overtook Abas and Polyeide,
  • Sons of Eurydamas, who could tell what
  • Upon a dream should to a man betide,
  • 140And slew them both. No dream had told him that.
  • Thoon and Xanthus then he followed,
  • Phænop’s two sons, gotten when he was old,
  • And of them both the vital blood did shed;
  • Th’ estate to strangers came to have and hold.
  • 145Then Chromius and Echemon he slew,
  • Two sons of Priam, in one chariot,
  • Whom from the seat unto the ground he threw,
  • And till he had disarm’d them left them not.
  • But to the ships he sent away the horses.
  • 150Æneas seeing how he disarray’d
  • Before him as he went the Trojan forces,
  • Sought Pandarus, and having found him, said,
  • Lycaon’s son, where are thy shafts and bow,
  • And skill, wherein the Lycians yield to thee?
  • 155See you the man that rages yonder now?
  • Aim a shaft at him whosoe’er he be,
  • For many valiant Trojans he has slain.
  • (Unless he be one of the Gods above
  • Neglected by us) ’twill not be in vain.
  • 160Shoot boldly then, but first invoking Jove.
  • Then Pandarus replying, to him said,
  • ’Tis Diomed as far as can be guess’d.
  • His horses, and his shield I have survey’d,
  • And plaited horse-hair hanging at his crest.
  • 165Though it be he, as I believe it is,
  • Yet sure some God does on his shoulders sit.
  • For else of killing him how could I miss,
  • When I his shoulder with my arrow hit?
  • For I one arrow shot at him before,
  • 170And verily believ’d I had him slain.
  • His armour all besmeared was with gore,
  • But slew him not. Now here he is again.
  • I did not on a char’ot hither come,
  • Although Lycaon have eleven new,
  • 175With handsome curtains to each one, at home,
  • And horses fit to draw them not a few.
  • The old knight too advis’d me earnestly
  • That when to battle I the Trojans led,
  • I from a car should charge the enemy;
  • 180But to his counsel I not hearkened.
  • (Which I repent.) It came into my head
  • That when within Troy’s walls we should be pent,
  • My horses, which were us’d to be well fed,
  • Would there be useless wanting nourishment.
  • 185This made me come without a chariot,
  • And march, as far as ’twas, to Troy on foot,
  • And trust unto my bow, which helps me not,
  • But faileth me as often as I shoot.
  • For two of them I have already shot,
  • 190Tydides and Atrides, and good store
  • Of blood have drawn from both, though killed not,
  • But made them fiercer than they were before.
  • In an ill hour sure I took down my bow
  • To fight for Hector and the Trojan men;
  • 195But if I safely to my country go,
  • And to my house and wife get back again,
  • Let any man that will cut off my head,
  • If presently my bow I do not burn,
  • That never yet my hopes has answered.
  • 200For why not, when it doth not serve my turn?
  • To Pandarus Æneas then replied:
  • No, say not so, but first let’s to him go.
  • For by th’ encounter soon it will be tried
  • Whether he be indeed a God or no.
  • 205Get up into the seat, and you shall see
  • The virtue of my horses on the plain,
  • And if some God with Diomedes be,
  • How nimbly they will fetch us off again.
  • Come, take the whip and reins in hand, and I
  • 210Descend will from the chariot and fight.
  • Or if you please, when to him we are nigh
  • I’ll hold the whip and reins, and you alight.
  • No, no, said he, keep you the reins in hand,
  • The horses us’d thereto will you obey.
  • 215To me, it may be, they will restive stand,
  • And to the foe themselves and us betray.
  • Let me alight and meet him with my spear.
  • This said, they mounted both; and coming on
  • Towards Tydides, both observed were
  • 220By Sthenelus Copaneus his son,
  • Who warning to Tydides gave. I see
  • Two mighty men to fight us coming on,
  • Of which I know th’ one Pandarus to be,
  • The other Venus and Anchises’ son.
  • 225Come up into your chariot and retire.
  • But frowning he replied, I’ll ne’er do that
  • It not becomes the children of my sire,
  • When they should fight to double nor to squat.
  • I loath to sit upon a chariot,
  • 230And as I am I will attend them here.
  • For of my strength deprived I am not,
  • And Pallas has forbidden me to fear.
  • I doubt not but to kill them both, or one.
  • If both, your reins unto the two wheels tie,
  • 235And to Æneas’ horses quickly run,
  • And seize their reins, less frighted they should fly.
  • Then send them to the ships, brave steeds, well bred;
  • Of heavenly race they are, and got by those,
  • Which Jove, to make amends for Ganymed,
  • 240Was pleas’d to give unto his father Tros.
  • Anchises privily convey’d to these,
  • Six mares, and had a colt by ev’ry one;
  • Whereof he gave two to his son Æneas.
  • To take these horses now were bravely done.
  • 245While they were talking, th’other two came nigh,
  • And then said Pandarus, O Diomed,
  • Since my swift arrow could not make you die,
  • I come to try now how my spear will speed.
  • And as he spake the spear flew from his hand
  • 250And pass’d his shield, but in his armour stayed.
  • Y’are hit, said he, and long you cannot stand.
  • But Diomed, nothing at all dismayed,
  • No, no, cried out, your spear is thrown in vain.
  • But I believe before we have done here,
  • 255That one of you, if not both, will be slain.
  • And as he spake he at him threw his spear.
  • Which at his nose close by his eye went in,
  • And struck his teeth out, and cut off his tongue,
  • And out again it pass’d beneath his chin.
  • 260For Pallas from above it downward flung.
  • There dead he lay. Æneas to defend
  • His body, to him came with spear and shield,
  • And ’bout him went, resolv’d the man to send
  • To hell, that should oppose him in the field.
  • 265Tydides then took up a mighty stone
  • Which two men scarce could bear such as are now.
  • But Diomedes swinging it alone,
  • The same with ease did at Æneas throw,
  • And hit him on the huckle bone, wherein
  • 270Into the hip inserted is the thigh.
  • And torn was by the rugged stone the skin,
  • And tendons broken which the joint did tie.
  • Then down upon his knees and hands he fell,
  • And taken from him was his sight with pain.
  • 275That Venus saw him lying thus ’twas well;
  • Else by Tydides he had there been slain.
  • For then came Venus down, and with the lap
  • Of her celestial robe him covered,
  • Lest any of the Greeks should have the hap
  • 280To kill or wound him as from earth he fled.
  • But Stheneius rememb’ring well his order,
  • Tied his own steeds up to his chariot-wheels,
  • And led them out o’th’ tumult and disorder,
  • And to Deiphilus that was at’s heels,
  • 285(His friend) he gave the horses of Æneas
  • To carry them unto the Argive fleet.
  • But took Tydides’ horses, and with these
  • To try went if Tydides he could meet.
  • But he in chase of Venus now was gone
  • 290(Knowing that she a tender Goddess was,
  • And for the war commission had none,
  • Nor had as Pallas any shield of brass.)
  • And had when he came to her wounded her.
  • For through her robe, though by the Graces made,
  • 295Without resistance quickly pass’d the spear,
  • And at her wrist did her fair hand invade.
  • And from the wound out sprang the blood divine,
  • (Not such as men have in their veins, but ichor.
  • For Gods that neither eat bread nor drink wine
  • 300Have in their veins another kind of liquor,
  • And therefore bloodless and immortal be.)
  • And Venus screaming then lets fall her son,
  • But by Apollo’s hand preserv’d was he,
  • Convey’d thence in a mist perceiv’d by none,
  • 305For fear he should be by some Argive slain.
  • To Venus then Tydides whoop’d, and said,
  • Away, Jove’s daughter, from the war abstain.
  • Go practise how to cozen wife or maid,
  • For I believe if here you longer stay,
  • 310(So many such as these mishaps there are)
  • That you therein will have but little joy,
  • And troubled be when men but talk of war.
  • This said, away she went, not knowing where
  • She was; and great the pain was of her hand.
  • 315But Iris from the fight conducted her,
  • And set her hard by Mars upon the sand.
  • For there by Pallas placed he had been.
  • His horses and his char’ot by him staid
  • Hid in a mist, by man not to be seen.
  • 320And Venus there before him kneeling said,
  • Dear brother, let me your good horses have,
  • To bear me to Olympus from the fray;
  • This cruel wound mad Diomed me gave,
  • And would wound Jove if he came in his way.
  • 325Mars presently his horses to her lent.
  • Venus and Iris mount into the seat;
  • Iris the reins held, and away they went;
  • The time they spent in going was not great.
  • When they were there, Iris the steeds untied,
  • 330And set them up, and gave unto them meat,
  • Such as immortal horses use to eat,
  • Ambrosian meat, till they were satisfied.
  • But Venus fell into Diones’ lap,
  • Her mother, who embrac’d her lovingly,
  • 335Strok’d her, and said, how came this sad mishap?
  • Who used you thus? What a rash God was he?
  • What more could he have done, if he had found
  • You doing something openly amiss?
  • It was a man, said she, gave me this wound,
  • 340Tydides; and for nothing else but this;
  • I sav’d my son Æneas from his hand,
  • My dearest son, whom he was going to slay.
  • And now the war is all (I understand)
  • ’Twixt Greeks and Heaven, not ’twixt Greeks and Troy.
  • 345Daughter (replied Dione then) ’tis hard,
  • For we the Gods that in Olympus dwell
  • Many from men as ill as you have far’d,
  • And many no less wrongs have put up well.
  • Otus and Ephialtes, Neptune’s sons,
  • 350In a brass dungeon once imprison’d Mars,
  • And kept him in the dark there thirteen moons.
  • There like he was t’have stayed till now, for scarce
  • Could Hermes set him free with all his art
  • And Juno’s help. And when to liberty
  • 355He was restor’d, he took it in good part,
  • Though with his chains he gall’d was cruelly.
  • When Hercules shot Juno in the breast,
  • Though wounded sore, yet she reveng’d it not.
  • And Pluto by the same man shot did rest
  • 360Contented, and no reparation got.
  • But to the house of Jupiter he went,
  • And got the arrow pluck’d out from the wound
  • By Pæon; who with gentle plaisters sent
  • The pain away, and made his shoulder sound.
  • 365But though no God of any wound can die,
  • Yet of Amphitryon the peevish son
  • (Who little cares at whom his arrows fly)
  • Great mischief oft unto the Gods has done.
  • But Pallas ’tis that thus has wounded you,
  • 370Though with Tydides spear. Fool as he was,
  • What ’tis to wound a God he never knew.
  • Not long such wicked deeds unpunish’d pass.
  • Such men when they return from painful war
  • Shall seldom set their children on their knee
  • 375Pleas’d with their half-form’d words. Let him beware
  • Lest he provoke some stronger Deity,
  • And then Ægilia Diomede’s wife
  • Awake the household with her lamentation,
  • And cry, Tydides, thou hast lost thy life,
  • 380O my dear husband, best of all the nation.
  • This said, she wip’d the ichor from her hand,
  • And straight her hand was well, the pain was gone.
  • Then Juno by, and Pallas, jeering stand.
  • And Pallas thus to Jupiter begun.
  • 385Shall I say what I think? O father Jove,
  • Venus some Argive dame has courting been
  • To take the Trojan’s part, whom she doth love,
  • And stroking her, her hand scratch’d with a pin.
  • Jove smil’d at this, and then to Venus said,
  • 390Daughter, I gave you no command in war.
  • That charge on Mars and Pallas I have laid.
  • Of nuptials and love take you the care.
  • While they were thus discoursing, Diomed
  • Did with great speed and rage Æneas follow,
  • 395To gain his armour and his blood to shed,
  • Knowing he was in th’ hands now of Apollo.
  • Undaunted then, with shield before his breast,
  • And sword in hand, struck at Æneas thrice,
  • And thrice again Phœbus his rage repress’d.
  • 400But at the fourth time gave him good advice.
  • Retire, said he, Tydides, and beware
  • You not yourself think equal to the Gods.
  • They sway the heav’ns, on earth men creeping are.
  • ’Twixt mortals and immortals there’s great odds.
  • 405Tydides then retir’d a little way,
  • Not knowing what harm might from Phœbus come.
  • And Phœbus thence Æneas did convey
  • T’ a temple of his own in Pergamum.
  • There Leto and Diana cur’d his wound.
  • 410And then an image Phœbus like him made,
  • And in like arms, and set it on the ground,
  • For which the foes each other then invade,
  • And there they one another’s bucklers hew.
  • To Mars Apollo speaking, why, said he,
  • 415Mars, bloody, murd’ring Mars, why suffer you
  • Tydides at the battle still to be?
  • Mad as he is now, he with Jove would fight.
  • From Venus’ hand he made the blood run down,
  • And then at me he flew like any sprite.
  • 420This said, he sat o’ th’ top of Pergam town.
  • And Mars the Trojan bands encouraged,
  • Taking the shape of valiant Acamas,
  • Who to the war at Troy the Thracians led.
  • And as he through the armed ranks did pass,
  • 425Children of Priam what d’ye mean, said he;
  • Shall the Greeks follow killing us to Troy?
  • Fall’n is Æneas, the great man whom we
  • Like Hector honour’d. Come, let’s if we may
  • This good commander rescue. Thus said he.
  • 430Sarpedon likewise Hector sharpen’d. Where
  • Are now your kin you said enough would be
  • Troy to defend? I see none of them here.
  • Like hounds about a lion off they stand,
  • We your confederates the fight maintain.
  • 435The labour lieth all upon our hand;
  • And I myself amongst the rest would fain
  • Make trial of this mighty man in fight.
  • At least I shall, as doth a friend become,
  • My people’s courage all I can excite;
  • 440Since they are here, and very far from home;
  • And though from me the Greeks can nothing get,
  • Neither to carry nor to drive away.
  • But you to th’ Trojans have not spoken yet,
  • So much as to defend their wives in Troy
  • 445From being taken in the Argives’ net,
  • And plund’red be the stately town of Troy.
  • When chiefly you on this your heart should set,
  • And your confederates persuade to stay,
  • And not the fault on one another lay.
  • 450So said Sarpedon. Hector therewith stung,
  • Upon his chariot could no longer stay,
  • But armed down unto the ground he sprung.
  • And ’mongst the Trojan ranks and files he goes,
  • Into their hearts new courage to inspire.
  • 455And then they turn’d their faces to their foes.
  • Nor did the Argives from their place retire.
  • And then, as when on Ceres’ sacred floor
  • The winnowed chaff lies heap’d together white,
  • So white the troops of Argives were all o’er
  • 460With dust their horses rais’d had in the fight.
  • And then the Trojans boldly marched on,
  • And Mars to aid them dark’ned had the field,
  • As he was bidden by Latona’s son,
  • When Pallas from the Greeks removed her shield.
  • 465And from the Temple fetch’d Æneas out
  • Alive and whole, and bold, and made him stand
  • Amongst the troops, that joyful stood about.
  • But other work now lying on their hand,
  • (Made them by Mars and Strife) no time had they
  • 470To ask him questions. But encouraged
  • The Argives were by th’ Ajaxes to stay,
  • And by Ulysses and by Diomed.
  • For of the Trojans they were not afraid.
  • But as a cloud that resteth on a hill,
  • 475Which in calm weather there by Jove is laid,
  • Till boisterous winds arise it resteth still.
  • Then up and down went Agamemnon there,
  • My friends, said he, be bold, and fight like men,
  • Of one another’s censure stand in fear.
  • 480Of them that do so, fewer perish than
  • Of those that fly and never think upon
  • The loss of fame. This said, he threw his spear
  • And smote Æneas’ friend Democoon,
  • Who was unto the Trojans no less dear
  • 485Than if he one of Priam’s sons had been.
  • For with the foremost he was still in fight.
  • And at his buckler went the weapon in,
  • And through both that and belt it passed quite.
  • And mortal in his belly was the wound,
  • 490And with his armour rat’ling down he fell.
  • Æneas then two Greeks laid on the ground,
  • The sons of Diocles, descended well.
  • For of th’ immortal and fair stream Alpheus,
  • Orsilochus a great king was the son.
  • 495And he the father was of Diocles,
  • And he Orsilochus got and Crethon;
  • Brave men, who when they came to man’s estate
  • With Atreus’ son his honour to regain,
  • To Ilium sail’d, and there they met their fate,
  • 500And never to their country came again.
  • As when two lions in the mountains bred
  • And woods obscure, come down into the plain,
  • And sheep and cattle in the field leave dead,
  • Until at last by hunters they are slain;
  • 505So fell these two men by Æneas kill’d,
  • And like two fir trees straight laid on the sand.
  • And Menelaus then with fury fill’d,
  • With helmet on his head, and spear in hand,
  • Advanced boldly to Anchises’ son,
  • 510In hope to have deprived him of breath.
  • And Mars himself it was that set him on
  • To bring him by Æneas’ hand to death.
  • Antilochus then, Nestor’s valiant son,
  • Fearing lest Menelaus should be slain,
  • 515Resolv’d he should not fight with him alone,
  • And all their toil at Ilium make vain.
  • Went after him, and overtook him as
  • They ready were to fight, but nothing done.
  • Æneas then, as valiant as he was,
  • 520Retir’d, eschewing th’ odds of two to one.
  • And when they had brought off the bodies slain,
  • And left them in their fellow-soldiers’ hands,
  • Unto the skirmish they returned again,
  • And slew the Prince of Paphlagonians
  • 525Pylæmines. Atrides threw the spear
  • Which near the shoulder pass’d into his neck.
  • By Nestor’s son slain was his charioteer,
  • Mydon by name that did his horses check,
  • As he his char’ot turning was to fly,
  • 530Antilochus him wounded with a stone
  • On th’ elbow, and benumb’d his hand, whereby
  • The sense he had to hold the reins was gone.
  • The reins fell down, and then with sword in hand
  • Antilochus divides his head in twain,
  • 535And headlong fell he where it chanc’d the sand
  • Was very deep, and there he did remain
  • With head and shoulders sticking in the sands.
  • But upright in the air were both his hips.
  • The horses laid him flat. Which by the hands
  • 540Of Nestor’s son convey’d were to the ships.
  • Hector saw this, and in came with great cry,
  • Whom bands of lusty Trojans followed,
  • Mars and Bellona marching furiously
  • Against the Argives to the fight them led.
  • 545Bellona brought in tumult and affright.
  • And Mars a mighty spear had in his hand.
  • And sometimes after Hector went i’ th’ fight,
  • Sometimes before, and oft did by him stand.
  • Tydides when he saw him was afraid,
  • 550As when a man in haste has lost his way,
  • And running on is at some river stayed,
  • That’s deep and swift, he runs as fast away;
  • So he retir’d. And to his Argives said,
  • No wonder ’tis if Hector valiant be;
  • 555One God or other always gives him aid,
  • And near him stands from death to set him free.
  • Now Mars comes with him, like a mortal wight.
  • Retire. But turn your faces to the foe,
  • Forbearing still against the Gods to fight.
  • 560This said he, but the Trojans near were now.
  • And Hector there had slain two men that sat
  • Together, Mnestheus and Anchialus,
  • Both warriors good. But Ajax griev’d thereat,
  • (The greater Ajax, Telamonius)
  • 565Darted his heavy spear at Amphius.
  • Rich was he both in lands and goods, and dwelt
  • At Pæsus: and fought here for Priamus.
  • But by the spear which pass’d quite through his belt
  • Upon his belly took a mortal wound.
  • 570And as he fell, Ajax ran fiercely in
  • To strip him of his armour on the ground,
  • And stript him had, had he not hindered been.
  • For from the Trojans came a shower of spears,
  • Whereof his shield received not a few.
  • 575Then to be hemm’d in by the foe he fears.
  • His own spear he recover’d and withdrew.
  • Whilst they in stubborn war thus toiling were,
  • Unlucky fate Tlepolemus brought on
  • To charge Sarpedon; and when they were near
  • 580Together come, Jove’s grandson and his son,
  • Tlepolemus said then, what need had you,
  • Unskilful in the war, to tremble here?
  • Jove’s son men say you are, but ’tis not true.
  • No such weak men by Jove begotten were;
  • 585But such as Hercules is said t’have been,
  • Courageous as a lion; with few men
  • In but six ships, this strong town he did win,
  • And rifled it, and safe went off again.
  • But you are weak, your men a great part dead,
  • 590And can but little help afford to Troy,
  • And though from Lycia you were strengthened,
  • I mean to send you now another way.
  • To this Sarpedon answered, ’Tis true
  • That Hercules sack’d Troy, because the steeds
  • 595Laomedon kept back that were his due,
  • And gave him evil language for good deeds.
  • But you from me shall present death receive,
  • For which I shall have honour truly paid,
  • And you your soul shall now to Pluto leave.
  • 600And this Sarpedon had no sooner said,
  • Than from their hands the spears together started.
  • Tlepolemus clean through the neck was struck,
  • And from him presently his life departed.
  • But from Sarpedon Jove kept such ill luck;
  • 605Yet on his left thigh he receiv’d a wound:
  • For through it went the spear close by the bone.
  • Sarpedon, by his friends borne off the ground,
  • Was plac’d apart where battle there was none,
  • Tormented with the spear still in his thigh.
  • 610To pull it out they all had quite forgot.
  • In so great haste they were, the foe so nigh,
  • The time so little, and the fight so hot.
  • Meanwhile Tlepolemus his body dead
  • The Greeks fetch’d off. The wise Ulysses then
  • 615Within himself a while considered,
  • Whether to charge Sarpedon or his men.
  • But since by fate Sarpedon was to die
  • By other, and not by Ulysses’ hands,
  • Athena made him lay that purpose by,
  • 620And turn his anger on the Lycians.
  • Alastor then he slew, and Cœramus,
  • Alcander, Prytanis, and Noemon.
  • And Halius he slew, and Chromius,
  • And many Lycians more had overthrown,
  • 625But mighty Hector now approached near
  • In glittering arms, and brought with him affright.
  • But glad Sarpedon was to see him there;
  • And when he was come up unto him quite,
  • Himself lamenting, thus to Hector said,
  • 630Leave me not, Hector, to the Greeks a prey,
  • But let my body in your ground be laid,
  • Since I my country must no more enjoy,
  • Nor my beloved wife and tender son.
  • So said Sarpedon. Hector not replies,
  • 635But to the enemy he passeth on;
  • And as he goes the ground with blood he dies.
  • Under a beech, sacred to Jupiter
  • Sarpedon placed was upon the ground,
  • And gently Pelagon pull’d out the spear;
  • 640The pain hereof put him into a swound.
  • Lost was his sight; but by a gentle wind
  • And cool, that from the north upon him blew,
  • He soon recover’d both his sight and mind,
  • And all the company about him knew.
  • 645To Mars and Hector still the Greeks gave way
  • And still their faces to the Trojans were,
  • But for to charge none durst advance or stay.
  • For Diomed had told them Mars was there.
  • Now tell me, Muse, who slain by Hector was?
  • 650Trechus, Orestes, Teuthras, Helenus,
  • (Whose father Œnops was) and Œnonaus;
  • And last of all wealthy Oresbius.
  • In Hyla on Cephisses lake he dwelt,
  • The richest pasture of Bœotia,
  • 655And known was by the gayness of his belt.
  • This slaughter of the Greeks when Juno saw,
  • She then to Pallas spake. Pallas, said she,
  • If we let Mars still play the madman here,
  • Our word to Menelaus false will be,
  • 660That he from Troy return should conqueror.
  • Let’s courage take, and try what we can do.
  • Pallas contented, ’twas agreed upon.
  • And Juno ready made herself to go,
  • And quickly the coachwheels Hebe sets on.
  • 665Eight spokes each wheel had, and were all of brass,
  • And fixed round about at th’ axle-tree.
  • The axle-tree itself of iron was,
  • The circle gold, and wonderful to see.
  • But arm’d it was above with plates of brass.
  • 670The naves on both sides were of silver white,
  • With gold and silver wire extended was
  • The seat, which had two silver rings and bright,
  • In which the beam of silver fast’ned stayed;
  • At the other end th’ golden yoke she tied,
  • 675And on the yoke the golden reins she laid.
  • And Juno then no longer could abide,
  • But to the coach herself the horses brought,
  • From quarrels so impatiently she stayed.
  • Pallas threw off her robe, and took Jove’s coat,
  • 680And with the same she there herself array’d.
  • And then her breast with armour covered,
  • And on her shoulder hung her frightful shield,
  • Wherein Strife, Force, Flight, Chase, were figured,
  • With all the horror of a foughten field;
  • 685And in the middle stood out Gorgoe’s head.
  • Then put she on her golden helmet, that
  • Ten thousand men’s heads might have covered,
  • And to the chariot up she went, and sat,
  • And her great heavy spear takes in her hands
  • 690The spear wherewith, when she displeased is,
  • She scatters of proud kings the armed bands.
  • Then Juno with the whip was not remiss,
  • And of itself flew open heaven-gate,
  • Though to the Seasons, Jove the power gave
  • 695Alone to judge of early and of late.
  • And out the Goddesses their horses drave.
  • Jove on the highest of Olympus tops,
  • Sitting alone they found, and none him nigh.
  • The Goddess Juno there her horses stops,
  • 700And spake unto him thus, his mind to try:
  • Pray tell me, Jove, if you contented be,
  • That Mars thus raging in the field remain;
  • For what unseemly work he makes, you see,
  • And of brave Greeks how many he has slain,
  • 705While Venus at my grief stands laughing by,
  • And pleased is Apollo with the sight,
  • And set him on. But I could make him fly
  • (But that I fear your anger) from the fight.
  • Do’t then, said Jove; not you, but Pallas; she
  • 710Accustom’d is to vex him more than you.
  • Juno took this commission willingly.
  • Feeling the whip, away her horses flew,
  • ’Twixt heaven and earth, and went at every strain
  • As far as coming one can see a ship,
  • 715That from a hill looketh upon the main,
  • So far the horses of the Gods can skip.
  • Arriv’d at Troy, on ground they set their feet,
  • And Juno there her heavenly steeds untied,
  • Where Simois doth with Scamander meet.
  • 720And with ambrosia, Simois them supplied.
  • Then swift as doves, to give the Argives aid,
  • They went to where they saw the greatest throng.
  • There was Tydides, and about him stayed
  • Many as lions valiant and strong.
  • 725And Juno there in shape of Stentor stood,
  • And spake as loud as any fifty men.
  • Argives, said she, cowards, for nothing good,
  • Although you make a goodly show. For when
  • Achilles went before you to the fight,
  • 730Out at their gates the Trojans durst not peep,
  • So much they of his spear abhorr’d the sight,
  • But from your ships you scarce now can them keep.
  • When Juno thus the Greeks encouraged,
  • To Diomed went Pallas; whom she found
  • 735Hard by his horses sitting, wearied.
  • And cooling in the open air the wound
  • Given by Pandarus; which with the sweat
  • Under his belt afflicted him the more;
  • And lifting up his belt some ease to get,
  • 740He from the wound was wiping off the gore.
  • As at the yoke Athena leaning stood,
  • Like him, said she, your father left no son;
  • A little man was he, but warrior good.
  • Though I not bade him, he went boldly on.
  • 745And when to Thebes alone I bade him go
  • Ambassador, and with the Theban lords
  • To sit at feast, and not provoke the foe,
  • And at their table to forbear harsh words,
  • Yet he his native courage still retained,
  • 750And them defied at manly exercises,
  • And from them all the victory he gained,
  • And won, by my assistance, all the prizes.
  • But when I you, as I did him, defend,
  • And bid you boldly with the Trojans fight,
  • 755You are afraid, or weariness pretend.
  • Of Tydeus sure the son you are not right.
  • Tydides to her then replying said,
  • Daughter of Jove, Pallas I know you are,
  • ’Tis not that I am weary or afraid,
  • 760That I stand here abstaining from the war,
  • But in obedience to your own command,
  • Who gave me leave, if Venus in the wars
  • I met, to wound her; but not lift my hand
  • ’Gainst other Gods. Now in the field is Mars,
  • 765And domineering fights on Hector’s side;
  • And that’s the cause why I from fight abstain,
  • And others by my counsel here abide.
  • To this the Goddess then replied again,
  • Nor Mars nor any of th’ Immortals spare,
  • 770That shall advance against you in the field.
  • And for your safety trust unto my care,
  • And know you are protected by my shield.
  • But first to Mars drive up your horses close,
  • And strike the blockhead with your spear in hand,
  • 775That fights sometimes for these, sometimes for those,
  • And with the Trojans now you see him stand,
  • And yet to help the Greeks he promis’d me
  • And Juno, but a little while before,
  • And now amongst the Trojans fighteth he,
  • 780And thinks upon his promises no more.
  • This said, they mount into the chariot,
  • And Sthenelus descending left his seat.
  • The axle-tree groaned under them. Why not?
  • A great man he, she was a Goddess great.
  • 785And then to Mars directly they drive on,
  • Who had but newly slain great Periphas,
  • Of old Ochesius the valiant son,
  • And far the best of all th’ Ætolians was.
  • Athena then puts Pluto’s helmet on,
  • 790Lest she by Mars should be discovered.
  • When Mars there saw Tydides all alone,
  • He Periphas forsook, who there lay dead;
  • And turn’d to meet Tydides on the way;
  • And when to one another they were near,
  • 795Mars making full account the man to slay,
  • Over the yoke thrusts at him with his spear.
  • But Pallas with her hand the point suppress’d,
  • And made it light beneath the seat in vain.
  • Tydides then to Mars a spear address’d,
  • 800Which had he been a mortal had him slain;
  • For Pallas in his belly stuck the spear,
  • And presently the same pluck’d out again.
  • Mars roar’d as loud as if in battle there
  • Fighting had been nine or ten thousand men,
  • 805And frighted both the armies with the noise.
  • Then like a black cloud which some wind makes rise,
  • He left th’ unlucky field and went his ways,
  • And in a little time was in the skies.
  • And sitting down hard by his father’s throne,
  • 810Shew’d him the blood that from the wound did flow,
  • And grievously lamenting made his moan.
  • Father, said he, do you such work allow?
  • That we the Gods such harm from mortals take,
  • While some for Trojans, some for Argives fight,
  • 815And partial be for one another’s sake,
  • The fault is to be laid on you by right.
  • For you brought forth this mad, pernicious maid,
  • Whose study is her malice to effect,
  • When by us other Gods you are obey’d;
  • 820And this you saw, but never would correct.
  • ’Twas she that on the Gods set Diomed,
  • Who wounded Venus first, then flew at me.
  • And there in pain I lain had ’mongst the dead,
  • Or crippled been, had not my feet been free.
  • 825Uncertain Mars, then Jupiter replied,
  • Of all the Gods most hateful to my sight,
  • That quarrel lov’st to make, but not decide;
  • Thou hast thy mother Juno’s nature right,
  • That oft provokes me with her peevish tongue,
  • 830And by her order, I think, this was done.
  • But in this pain I’ll not detain you long,
  • Seeing you are as well mine as her son.
  • But had another got you, you had sure
  • To Pluto and th’ infernal Gods been sent.
  • 835This said, to Pæon he commits his cure;
  • And Pæon presently about it went.
  • As quickly as the milk is turn’d to curd,
  • When with a proper rennet it is mix’d,
  • And with a housewife’s hand together stirr’d,
  • 840So quickly was the wide wound clos’d and fix’d.
  • Then bath’d he was by Hebe, and new clad;
  • And that he so came off was well content.
  • Juno and Pallas when they driven had
  • Mars from th’ battle, up t’ Olympus went.

  LIB. VI.

  • The first battle yet continued. The other Gods forbidden by Jove to assist.

  • The Gods to neither side assistance yield,
  • But on his own hand each man’s fortune lies;
  • Now here, now there, they skirmish in the field,
  • Betwixt the streams Xanthus and Simseis.
  • 5And first great Ajax killed Acamas,
  • And for his fellows opened a door
  • For slaughter ’mongst the files and ranks to pass,
  • And caus’d thereby the loss of many more.
  • And by Tydides Axylus was slain,
  • 10That at Arisbe dwelt near the highway,
  • Rich, and the Greeks did often entertain;
  • But none of them would save him in the fray,
  • For slain he was by Diomedes there,
  • Together with his squire, Calesius,
  • 15That by him sat, and was his charioteer.
  • Euryalus then slew Opheltius
  • And Dresus. After Pedasus he runs,
  • And Æsepus, sons of Bucalion,
  • Who by Abarbarea had two sons,
  • 20But he for father had Laomedon,
  • And th’ eldest was, but not in wedlock got;
  • And twins the sons were of Bucalion.
  • But from Euryalus they ’scaped not,
  • Nor long they lay there with their armour on.
  • 25Then Polypœtes by Astyalus,
  • Pidytes by Ulysses, and by Teuc-
  • er Areton, and by Antilochus
  • Ablerus; by Atrides Eleteus
  • Was slain, that the Pedasians led
  • 30From the delightful bank of Satnius.
  • And Leitus Philacus slew as he fled.
  • Eurypylus then slew Melanthius;
  • And then Adrestus taken was alive
  • By Menelaus. For his horses frighted,
  • 35Whilst to the town they labour’d to arrive,
  • Upon two branches of a tree they lighted,
  • And brake the char’ot pole off at the head.
  • The horses loose away ran tow’rd the town,
  • As did the rest that from the battle fled.
  • 40Adrestus headlong from the seat fell down,
  • And by him with a spear Atrides stood.
  • Adrestus then lays hold upon his knee.
  • Save me, said he, my ransom will be good,
  • At any rate I shall redeemed be.
  • 45My father wants nor iron, nor brass, nor gold,
  • And any thing to set me free will give,
  • When he of my condition shall be told,
  • And that I am your prisoner and live.
  • This said, Atrides was thereto inclin’d,
  • 50And ready for to send him to the ships.
  • But Agamemnon came and chang’d his mind
  • Before he had confirm’d it with his lips.
  • Brother, said he, what makes you be so kind
  • To any of these men? Is it because
  • 55You did at home the Trojans faithful find,
  • And that they had well served Menelaus?
  • No, no, we must no quarter give at Troy,
  • Nor spare the child yet in his mother’s womb,
  • But utterly the nation destroy,
  • 60And pluck up by the root proud Ilium.
  • Then Menelaus pitied him no more,
  • But violently push’d him from his knee,
  • Wherewith he backward tumbled o’er and o’er,
  • And soon by Agamemnon slain was he.
  • 65Then Nestor to the Greeks, with voice as high
  • As he could raise it, cried out, Let none
  • Yet on the spoil and booty set his eye,
  • But follow killing now, plunder anon:
  • The dead will stay till back again we come.
  • 70The Greeks by Nestor thus encouraged,
  • Had chas’d the Trojans unto Ilium,
  • But that by Helenus was hindered.
  • For standing near to Hector and Æneas,
  • Since all the work, said he, lies on your hand,
  • 75And you in fight and counsel chiefly please
  • Both Lycians and Trojans, make them stand;
  • About them go, and put yourselves between
  • The gates and them, lest followed by the foe
  • They should be by their loving wives there seen,
  • 80And the Argives stand triumphing in our woe.
  • And when you once have them encouraged,
  • Æneas and myself will with them stay,
  • And fight against the Greeks, though wearied.
  • But Hector to the town go you away,
  • 85And bid your and my mother take with her
  • The eldest Trojan matrons, and make haste
  • To Pallas’ temple, and present her there
  • With the best robe she has; and having plac’d
  • It on her knee, vow to her deity
  • 90(If she protect our wives and children will,
  • And city from this raging enemy,
  • And take off Diomed) that you will kill
  • Twelve heifers at her altar. For in fight
  • He has the great Achilles much outdone,
  • 95Who never did the Trojans thus affright,
  • Although they say he is a Goddess’ son.
  • Then Hector armed leapt down to the ground,
  • And with two spears about the army goes,
  • Courage inspiring to the Trojans round,
  • 100And straight they turn’d their faces to the foes.
  • The Greeks retiring then no longer fought.
  • Some God from heav’n descended was, they thought,
  • And t’ Hector and the Trojans aid had brought.
  • Then Hector to the Trojans cried out,
  • 105Trojans and aids, said he, be sure to stay
  • And play the men, whilst I to Ilium
  • Return, and cause them to the Gods to pray,
  • And to them sacrifice an hecatomb.
  • And as he walk’d, the edges of his shield
  • 110By turns his ankle and his neck did smite.
  • Tydides then, and Glaucus, on the field
  • Met one another, and prepar’d to fight.
  • Tydides speaking first, Brave man, said he,
  • Who are you? Let me know your name and race,
  • 115That dares so boldly thus advance on me.
  • I never yet in battle saw your face.
  • Men mortal to provoke me thus none dare,
  • But they whose parents are condemn’d to woe.
  • But if some God come down from heaven you are,
  • 120Do what you will I’ll not return a blow.
  • Licurgus, son of Dryas, chas’d the train
  • Of Bacchus with a goad at Nyssa, where
  • The Mænades threw from them on the plain
  • Their ivy-twined staves, and fled for fear;
  • 125Bacchus himself leapt into Thetis’ lap,
  • Trembling and frighted, and the Goddess kind
  • Receiv’d him, and defended from mishap.
  • But for this act Jove struck Licurgus blind,
  • Who died soon after. For the Gods above
  • 130All hated him. And that’s the cause that I
  • Dare not the anger of the Gods to move.
  • But if thou mortal art, come near and die.
  • O brave Tydides, Glaucus answer’d then,
  • To what end serves it you to know my race?
  • 135As with green leaves, so fareth it with men;
  • Some fall with wind, others grow in their place.
  • But since you ask me (though it be well known)
  • My pedigree at large I shall you tell.
  • Within a creek of Argos stands a town
  • 140Call’d Ephyre. There Sisyphus did dwell;
  • The subtle Sisyphus, who Glaucus got.
  • Glaucus, the father of Bellerophon,
  • Than whom a fairer person there was not,
  • Nor valianter in all the land not one.
  • 145But Prætus sought to take away his life;
  • For so enamour’d of him was the queen
  • Anteia, who of Prætus was the wife,
  • That she a suitor to him oft had been.
  • But still in vain; for he would not consent.
  • 150The fury of her love then turn’d to hate.
  • And spitefully she to her husband went,
  • And weeping bitterly, down by him sate,
  • And to him said, O king, resolve to die
  • Yourself, or else Bellerophon to kill,
  • 155For he attempted has my chastity,
  • And would have lain with me against my will.
  • The king incens’d, to kill him did intend,
  • But loth to do it there, he thought it better
  • Unto the King of Lycia him to send
  • 160(Who was Anteia’s father) with a letter,
  • Wherein he had declar’d his cruel mind,
  • And many ways to bring it to effect.
  • He, ignorant of what was then design’d,
  • The king’s commandement did not neglect.
  • 165To Lycia he went, and coming thither,
  • In favour with the Gods, was honoured
  • And treated like a God, nine days together.
  • O’ th’ tenth his letter he delivered.
  • The letter read, the king him first employ’d
  • 170The terrible Chimæra to assail,
  • That by the monster he might be destroy’d.
  • A lion’s head it had and dragon’s tail,
  • And in the midst the body of a goat;
  • A flame of burning fire was its breath.
  • 175Bellerophon with this foul monster fought,
  • And put it (by the aid o’ th’ Gods) to death.
  • The next adventure that he set him on,
  • Was th’ expedition ’gainst the Solymi.
  • The third when from the Amazons he won
  • 180(Those martial females) a great victory.
  • And as he came from thence the king had laid
  • An ambush for him on the way in vain,
  • Of choicest Lycians, whom he destroy’d,
  • That not a man of them return’d again.
  • 185The king receiv’d him then, believing now
  • That he descended was of heavenly race,
  • And gave him half his pow’r, and land enough,
  • And with his daughter’s marriage did him grace.
  • Bellerophon by her had children three;
  • 190Two sons, Isandrus and Hippolochus,
  • And one fair daughter, call’d Laodamie,
  • On whom by Jove Sarpedon gotten was.
  • Her father, by the Gods forsaken, then
  • Liv’d up and down in the Alean plain,
  • 195And shunn’d the conversation of men.
  • At Solym battle was Isander slain.
  • But of Hippolochus the son am I,
  • And he of noble ancestors descended.
  • To Troy he sent me, and especially
  • 200Unto me th’ honour of my race commended,
  • Than which in Ephyre none nobler is,
  • Nor in the land of Lycia more renown’d.
  • And Diomedes, joyful to hear this,
  • Turn’d his spear’s point and stuck it in the ground,
  • 205And to him kindly spake. There is, said he,
  • Between your ancestors and mine of old,
  • A mutual bond of hospitality.
  • Bellerophon, as I have oft been told,
  • Was by my grandsire, Œneus, freely treated,
  • 210And stayed with him twenty days and nights,
  • And when again he from his house retreated,
  • They tokens gave of hospitable rights;
  • Œneus to him a belt most glorious,
  • Bellerophon to him a golden cup,
  • 215Which I not with me brought, but in my house
  • When I came thence I safely left lock’d up.
  • My father I remember not. For he
  • Left me too young when last he went from home.
  • Henceforth my guest in Argos you must be,
  • 220I yours in Lycia, when I thither come.
  • Meantime, let’s one another’s spear decline;
  • For many Trojans more I have to kill,
  • Unless I cross’d be by some pow’r divine.
  • And of the Achæans kill you whom you will.
  • 225And that our friendship may the more appear,
  • I will present you with these arms of mine;
  • And you to me present the arms you wear.
  • This said, they lighted and their hands did join.
  • But Glaucus surely here bewitched was,
  • 230Or cursed by the Gods, that had forgot
  • His arms were gold, and Diomed’s but brass.
  • An hundred his, nine beeves the other bought.
  • Hector was now come to the Scæan gates;
  • To him the Trojan wives and daughters run
  • 235To ask their husbands’ and their brothers’ fates,
  • But to those questions he answer’d none.
  • But to the temples bade them go and pray;
  • Inquire no more for what you will lament;
  • Then to the royal palace went his way.
  • 240For great the danger was and imminent.
  • On every side within were galleries
  • Magnificent, of square well-plained stones,
  • With fifty lodgings for the families
  • (One by another) of King Priam’s sons;
  • 245And for his daughters twelve apartments were
  • (In the same court, but on the other side)
  • To lodge his sons-in-law when they were there,
  • Of the same stone in like form beautified.
  • Here Hecuba, as she conducted home
  • 250Laodice, her beautifulest daughter,
  • Met her son Hector that was newly come
  • In dusty bloody armour from the slaughter.
  • And took him by the hand, and to him said,
  • Why come you from the fight? Have we the worst,
  • 255And you come to solicit Jove for aid,
  • And after that is done to quench your thirst?
  • A little wine will much the strength sustain
  • Of one that labour’d has as you have done.
  • No, no, from wine (said he) I must abstain,
  • 260Lest I forget and leave my work undone.
  • Besides, to Jove I dare not offer wine
  • With bloody hands, lest I should him incense.
  • But, mother, go you to Minerva’s shrine
  • With other ladies, and with frankincense;
  • 265And of the robes in your perfumed chest
  • Take with you that which in your judgment is
  • Amongst them all the largest and the best,
  • And lay it down upon the Goddess’ knees.
  • And vow that at her altar you will kill
  • 270Twelve yearling heifers of the best you have,
  • If at your prayer condescend she will
  • Your children with yourselves and Troy to save,
  • And from the fight this Diomed remove.
  • To th’ temple presently go you away.
  • 275But I to Paris now must go, and prove
  • If he th’ advice I give him will obey.
  • Then Hecuba into the chamber came
  • Where many divers-colour’d vestures lay,
  • The work of many a Sidonian dame,
  • 280Which then from Sidon Paris brought to Troy,
  • When thither he from Sparta Helen brought.
  • Of these, to give the Goddess, she took one
  • The largest and most curiously wrought,
  • And that like to a star in heaven shone.
  • 285And when unto the temple come they were,
  • Theano opened the door; for she
  • (Antenor’s wife) was Pallas’ priest. And there
  • She took the robe, and laid it on her knee.
  • Then prayed she (whilst with a mighty cry
  • 290They to the Goddess lifted up their hands.)
  • Pallas, said she, daughter of Jove most high,
  • In whose protection ev’ry city stands,
  • Great Pallas, break the spear of Diomed,
  • And overthrow him at the Scæan gate,
  • 295That at thy altar may be offered
  • Twelve yearling heifers; and commiserate
  • The wives and children and the state of Troy.
  • Thus prayed they; but Pallas would not hear.
  • To th’ house of Paris Hector went away
  • 300That was unto his own and Priam’s near,
  • Built by himself the citadel within,
  • With all the art the Trojans understood.
  • There Hector with his spear in hand went in,
  • That was in length eleven cubits good,
  • 305And pointed at the head with polish’d brass,
  • Fasten’d into the staff with a gold ring.
  • Busy about his armour Paris was,
  • And Helen work to th’ maids distributing.
  • Here Hector Paris chid. Is this, said he,
  • 310The fittest time to manifest your spite
  • Against the Trojans, when the enemy
  • Under our walls is killing them in fight?
  • When none but you the cause is of the war
  • And tumult, which surrounds the town of Troy.
  • 315I think it would become you better far
  • To rate those men that from the battle stay.
  • Brother, said Paris, what you say is right.
  • But hear me, too. I stayed not behind
  • Because I to the Trojans bear a spite,
  • 320But from their slanders to avert my mind.
  • And now my wife too has persuaded me,
  • Who of myself was ready to begone.
  • Not sure to any side is victory.
  • Stay only while I put my armour on.
  • 325Or go. I’ll follow you and find you out.
  • Thus he. But Hector to it nothing said.
  • And to begone his face he turn’d about,
  • But Helen saw about to speak, and stayed.
  • Brother, said she, though I unworthy am
  • 330To call you so, I would I had been thrown
  • Into the sea the same day that I came
  • Into the world, so many shames to own.
  • Or that this husband sensible had been,
  • As men of honour should be of ill-fame;
  • 335But that’s not now, nor ever will be seen,
  • He one day will, I fear, repent the same.
  • But brother, pra’ ye, sit down and rest awhile,
  • That with the toil of battle weary are;
  • The cause whereof am I the woman vile,
  • 340That with me brought to Troy this cruel war.
  • Unlucky day that brought me first acquainted
  • With Alexander to our infamy,
  • Which through the world hereafter will be chaunted,
  • And make us loathsome to posterity.
  • 345Helen, said Hector, now I cannot stay,
  • The Trojans of my presence stand in need;
  • But bid you Alexander come away,
  • While I am in the town, and that with speed.
  • For hence unto my house I must go home
  • 350To see my wife, my child, and family,
  • And ’t may be never back again shall come,
  • But by the hands of the Achæans die.
  • This said, home Hector went, and there was told
  • His wife Andromache at home was not.
  • 355For with the nurse the battle to behold,
  • Into the tow’r on Scæa gate was got.
  • Then Hector of the women ask’d again,
  • Is she gone to some sister or some brother?
  • Or to the Goddess temple in the train
  • 360Of those that thither waited on my mother?
  • To this one of the women said again,
  • She neither went to sister nor to brother,
  • Nor to the Goddess’ temple, in the train
  • Of those that thither waited on your mother.
  • 365But when I know not who inform’d her had
  • That th’ Argives did the Trojans overpower,
  • With her young son and nurse as one that’s mad
  • Ran to the gate, and up into the tower.
  • Then back went Hector passing the same streets
  • 470Through which he went when he came from the fight,
  • Where in the way Andromache he meets
  • That now was running home in great affright.
  • The daughter she was of Eetion,
  • Who of Cilicia the sceptre carried,
  • 375And dwelt at Thebe in Hypoplacion,
  • But unto noble Hector she was married.
  • Now Hector met her with their little boy
  • That in the nurse’s arms was carried,
  • And like a star upon her bosom lay
  • 380His beautiful and shining golden head.
  • Scamandrius he called was by Hector,
  • Astyanax he named was in Troy.
  • Because his father was their sole protector,
  • The people from his honour nam’d the boy.
  • 385Then Hector smiling look’d upon his son.
  • And to him weeping said Andromache,
  • My dear, you’ll by your courage be undone,
  • And this your son a wretched orphan be.
  • The Greeks at once on you alone will fall,
  • 390And then a woeful widow shall be I,
  • And have no comfort in the world at all,
  • But live in misery and wish to die.
  • Father or mother they have left me none,
  • For by the great Achilles he was slain
  • 395When he the goodly town of Thebe won.
  • But from disarming him he did refrain.
  • Together with his arms he did him burn,
  • And with such rites as did a prince become.
  • And having put his ashes in an urn
  • 400Buried the same, and o’er it rais’d a tomb.
  • The mountain-nymphs, daughters of Jupiter,
  • Planted about it many elmen-trees.
  • My seven brothers all were killed there.
  • In one day by Achilles slain were these,
  • 405As they defending were their kine and sheep.
  • My mother with the booty he brought hither,
  • And her he at the ships did pris’ner keep
  • Until her friends her ransom had sent thither.
  • Then to her country back they sent my mother,
  • 410Who shortly after there fell sick and died.
  • Now Hector you my father are and brother,
  • Husband and mother. In you I confide.
  • For pity’s sake then on this turret stay,
  • Lest fatherless your son, I widow be;
  • 415And set your armed people in array,
  • And those that aid you at the syc’more-tree,
  • Where to the city easiest is th’ access.
  • For there it was the Argives thrice fell on
  • Led by Idomeneus, and th’ Ajaxes,
  • 420The two Atrides, and Tydeus’ son.
  • Whether they had some God for their director,
  • Or had observ’d some weakness in the place,
  • I know not. And to this replied Hector,
  • Dear wife, this might be done. But what disgrace
  • 425Shall I be in? How will the Trojans scoff,
  • Both men and women, and deride my fear,
  • If on the tow’r they saw me standing off
  • When others fighting with the Argives were?
  • Besides, by nature I am framed so,
  • 430I am not able to abstain from fight,
  • But must be ’mongst the foremost, when the foe
  • Invades my father’s honour in my sight.
  • And yet I know the evil day will come,
  • That Priam and his people perish must,
  • 435And utterly destroy’d be Ilium,
  • And all her stately buildings lie in dust.
  • Yet am not griev’d so much to think upon
  • The fate of Troy, of Priam, of my mother,
  • Or all my brothers, as for you alone
  • 440When by a proud Achæan one or other
  • You dragg’d are weeping into slavery,
  • And when t’ Achæa he has brought you home,
  • To fetch in water you employ’d shall be,
  • And made to labour at another’s loom.
  • 445And one that sees you weeping, there will say,
  • This woman was the noble Hector’s bride,
  • The bravest man of all that fought for Troy,
  • And of your tears bring back again the tide.
  • But dead may I be first and buried
  • 450Before I see you dragg’d or hear you cry.
  • And when he thus had said, his arms he spread
  • The childto take, who terrified thereby,
  • And unacquainted with a glittering crest
  • And horse’s mane that nodding at it hung,
  • 455Turn’d his face crying to the nurse’s breast,
  • And with his little arms close to her clung;
  • Which made his father and his mother smile.
  • Then Hector on the ground his helmet laid,
  • And took the child, and dandled him awhile,
  • 460And then to Jove and all the Gods he pray’d.
  • O Jove and Gods, grant that this son of mine
  • No less in Troy may honour’d be than I,
  • Nor from his father’s virtue e’er decline,
  • But hold the reins of Ilium steadily,
  • 465That men may say when he hath slain his foe,
  • And bringeth with him home his spoil to Troy,
  • In battle he his father doth outdo,
  • And fill his loving mother’s heart with joy.
  • This said, he gave the child t’ Andromache,
  • 470Which she receiving hugg’d, and laugh’d, and cried.
  • Which Hector with compassion did see,
  • And thus with gentle words his wife did chide.
  • Dear wife, do not afflict yourself for me.
  • No man can die before his hour is come;
  • 475And when ’tis come, put off it cannot be
  • By weak nor strong. Therefore I pray go home,
  • And tend your work, and give your women theirs,
  • And sit still at your spindle and your loom,
  • And leave to men these martial affairs,
  • 480And me that have the charge of Ilium.
  • Then up he takes his helmet and departs,
  • And homewards she; but often turn’d her head.
  • At home with grief she fill’d her women’s hearts,
  • And made them mourn for Hector not yet dead.
  • 485Nor Paris at his house did longer stay
  • Than he must needs his armour to put on,
  • And up and down the streets went ev’ry way,
  • To see if he could Hector light upon.
  • As when a horse i’ th’ stable pampered,
  • 490And used to be washed in the river
  • His headstall breaks, or be delivered
  • From that which held him by what means soever;
  • Then proudly he sets up his tail and head,
  • And beats the plain, and with the wind he makes
  • 495His mane play in the air dishevelled,
  • Then to the pasture known the way he takes:
  • So from his house went Paris through the streets
  • With shining arms, and courage at his heart;
  • And quickly with his valiant brother meets,
  • 500Turning from where he and his wife did part.
  • And first to Hector Paris thus began.
  • Brother, I fear I’ve made you stay too long.
  • No, he replied, your courage no man can
  • Accuse, but such as mean to do you wrong.
  • 505But when you, out of humour, will not fight,
  • The Trojans that much suffer for your sake
  • Speak all the ill they can of you in spite.
  • Which, when I hear, it makes my heart to ache.
  • But now let’s go. If e’er the powers divine
  • 510Displace the Achæan host, and give us peace,
  • That freely to them we may offer wine,
  • Your quarrel with the Trojans soon will cease.

  LIB. VII.

  • The Greeks enclose their ships with a wall and ditch. The duel betwixt Hector and Ajax.

  • This said, they went together to the fight,
  • For Paris now no more the war declin’d,
  • And welcome to the Trojans was the sight,
  • As to a weary rower a good wind.
  • 5There Paris slew Menesthius, the son
  • Of the great clubman Areïthous
  • Of Arne. And by Hector overthrown
  • And struck clean through the neck was Eionus.
  • Iphinous, the son of Dexias,
  • 10As to his car he mounted to have fled,
  • By Glaucus through the shoulder wounded was,
  • And to the ground again fell backward dead.
  • When Pallas saw the Argives fall so fast,
  • She from Olympus leaped to Ilium:
  • 15Apollo then to meet her made great haste,
  • That saw her from his tow’r in Pergamum.
  • And when they were together at the beach,
  • He for the Trojans, for the Argives she,
  • Apollo to her thus address’d his speech:
  • 20Daughter of Jove, what great necessity
  • Brought you to Troy? Was it to please your mind,
  • Or give unto the Greeks the victory?
  • For well I know to Troy you are not kind.
  • But for the present be advis’d by me.
  • 25Let th’ armies both give over fight to day,
  • And fight it out hereafter, till they know
  • What end the Fates assigned have to Troy,
  • Since you and Juno needs will have it so.
  • Your counsel’s good, said Pallas, and the same
  • 30I thought upon. But tell me how to do it.
  • For to that end I from Olympus came.
  • Tell me but how, and I’ll consent unto it.
  • Why then, said Phœbus, Hector I’ll excite
  • In duel all the Argives to defy;
  • 35And they some one will choose with him to fight,
  • And both the armies quietly stand by.
  • This counsel was by both agreed upon;
  • And known to Helenus by augury,
  • To Helenus, that was King Priam’s son.
  • 40And he to Hector did himself apply.
  • Hector, said he, will you do that which I,
  • That am your brother, shall advise you to?
  • Go to th’ Achæan army, and defy
  • The best of all the Argives; boldly go;
  • 45For in this combat you are not to die:
  • The Gods have told me so. Then never fear.
  • Then to the front came Hector joyfully,
  • With both his hands o’ th’ middle of his spear
  • To keep the Trojans back and make them stand;
  • 50And straight King Agamemnon seeing it,
  • Unto the Argives gave the like command.
  • Then on the ground both Greeks and Trojans sit.
  • Phœbus and Pallas flew up to the tree,
  • The high beech-tree that sacred was to Jove,
  • 55I’ th’ likeness of two vultures, thence to see
  • How the two armies looked from above.
  • As when a west wind ruffled has the main,
  • It black and horrid to the eye appears;
  • So look’d the Greeks and Trojans on the plain,
  • 60Grisly and dark with helmets, shields, and spears.
  • Into the midst between them Hector stept.
  • You, Trojans and well-armed Greeks, said he,
  • Since ’twas Jove’s will our oath should not be kept,
  • But that the war continued shall be
  • 65Till either you shall win the town of Troy,
  • Or we your army and your ships confound,
  • Fighting till one another we destroy;
  • I to you, Argives, somewhat will propound.
  • The best of all the Greeks are present here.
  • 70Let one of them come forth and fight with me,
  • On these conditions (witness Jupiter)
  • If by his hand I slain in combat be,
  • Let him do with my armour what he will,
  • But send my body into Ilium.
  • 75But if Apollo grant me him to kill,
  • His armour I will have and carry home,
  • And in Apollo’s temple dedicate.
  • His body to the ships shall rendered be,
  • That on his urn the Greeks may elevate
  • 80A mount of earth for passengers to see
  • Upon the shore of Hellespont, and say,
  • Here lies a valiant Greek by Hector slain
  • Long since, when th’ Argives were besieging Troy.
  • My honour thus for ever will remain.
  • 85So Hector said. The Greeks all silent were.
  • For shame the challenge they could not refuse;
  • And to accept it ev’ry one did fear.
  • But Menelaus then his valour shews,
  • And rising up in anger, thus he said,
  • 90Women of Argos, what a shame is this,
  • That you should all of Hector be afraid!
  • What now become of all your threat’ning is?
  • There (dust and water, heartless, nameless), sit.
  • Myself I’ll arm (for I perceive no odds)
  • 95And will this sturdy champion Hector meet.
  • For victory comes only from the Gods.
  • This said, he rose and arm’d himself; and there
  • Depriv’d of life had Menelaus been
  • (So much too weak he was) by Hector’s spear,
  • 100But that the princes starting up came in.
  • And Agamemnon seizing on his hand,
  • Why, Menelaus, are you mad, said he,
  • In fight you cannot against Hector stand,
  • How much soever you concerned be.
  • 105Avoid him in the field as others do.
  • Achilles, who than you much stronger is,
  • Strong as he is, considers Hector too,
  • And cooler grows as oft as he him sees.
  • Therefore, good brother, sit still at your troop.
  • 110Some other we’ll oppose to Hector’s might,
  • That, haughty as he is, shall make him stoop,
  • And thank the Gods if safe he come from fight.
  • To this good counsel yielded Menelaus.
  • Whereat his servants not a little joy’d,
  • 115Came in, and soon by them unarm’d he was,
  • And to the Greeks then Nestor rose, and said,
  • O how unwelcome will this story be
  • To Greece, and Peleus king o’ th’ Myrmidons,
  • Who at his house the names enquir’d of me
  • 120Both of yourselves, your fathers, and your sons;
  • If he should know how much you Hector dread,
  • How oft would he hold up his hands, and pray
  • The Gods to send him down amongst the dead,
  • And from his body take all sense away!
  • 125O that I were as young as I was then
  • When war was ’twixt Arcadia and Pyle,
  • And at the walls of Pheia stood the men
  • Ready for bloody fight in rank and file!
  • Amongst them stood one Ereuthalion,
  • 130And of the great man Areïthous
  • Upon his shoulders had the armour on,
  • Who Clubman commonly surnamed was,
  • Because he used neither bow nor spear,
  • But with an iron club the battles brake.
  • 135Lycurgus slew him though he weaker were,
  • (When at advantage great he did him take)
  • By craft, not strength. For in a narrow way
  • He watch’d him at a turning with his spear,
  • And on a sudden took his life away,
  • 140So that the club had nothing to do there.
  • Then took he off his arms, and wore the same
  • In battle when there was occasion,
  • But gave them, when old age upon him came,
  • To this his squire Ereuthalion.
  • 145Who wearing them our army did defy,
  • At which, when others trembling stood and shook,
  • Although the youngest of them all was I,
  • Great as he was, the man I undertook,
  • And slew him by the Goddess Pallas’ aid,
  • 150The strongest and tallest that I e’er slew,
  • As when upon the ground he stretch’d was laid,
  • The place he covered did plainly show.
  • If I were now as young and strong as then,
  • The Greeks for Hector soon a match should find,
  • 155Though none of you that are their bravest men
  • To try your fortune with him have a mind.
  • Thus Nestor th’ Argive lords did reprehend,
  • And nine of them in number (all that durst
  • In single fight with Hector to contend)
  • 160Armed, and Agamemnon was the first.
  • And next the strong and valiant Diomed,
  • And then the greater Ajax, then the less,
  • Then King Idomeneus, of Crete the head,
  • And with him his good squire Meriones,
  • 165Who as the God of battle valiant was,
  • Besides Eurypylus Euæmon’s son,
  • And of Andremon the stout son Thoas,
  • And wise Ulysses last of all made one.
  • So many Greeks durst Hector undertake.
  • 170Bring in your lots, said Nestor then, and we
  • Will in a helmet them together shake.
  • And who by lot our champion shall be
  • Shall please us all, but please himself much more
  • When back again he cometh from the fight.
  • 175Then brought they in their lots; which o’er and o’er
  • He shook in Agamemnon’s helmet bright.
  • Meanwhile the people lift their hands, and pray,
  • O Jove, let now the lot to Ajax fall,
  • Or that on Diomedes light it may,
  • 180Or on Atrides our great general.
  • The helmet shaken threw out Ajax’ lot,
  • Which th’ herald took and carried about
  • To th’ Argive princes, but they own’d it not,
  • Till to the hand of Ajax it was brought,
  • 185Who sign’d it had, and into th’ helmet thrown.
  • He took it, and awhile consider’d it;
  • And when he was assured ’twas his own,
  • Rose up, and lets it fall before his feet.
  • And to the princes said, This lot is mine,
  • 190And glad I am, and hope for victory.
  • But send your pray’rs up to the pow’rs divine,
  • While I put on my arms; and silently,
  • So that, at least, the Trojans may not hear.
  • Or, now I think on’t, plain and openly.
  • 195For I see nothing that I need to fear.
  • I am not forc’d to fight unwillingly,
  • Nor rashly undertook the enterprise.
  • For I was born and bred in Salamis,
  • And hope I am not so weak or unwise.
  • 200As soon as mighty Ajax had said this,
  • The people looking up to heav’n pray’d.
  • O Jove, said one, grant Ajax victory,
  • Or if you be inclin’d Hector to aid,
  • Then let their strength and glory equal be.
  • 205When Ajax had his arms put on complete,
  • He walked away with a majestic pace,
  • As Mars goes to the war. His strides were great,
  • And scornful smiles with terror in his face.
  • And as he went he shook his mighty spear,
  • 210Which joyfully the Argives did behold;
  • But by the Trojans look’d on was with fear;
  • And Hector at the heart himself was cold,
  • But was ashamed back again to fly,
  • Since he provok’d him had into the field.
  • 215And Ajax now was come unto him nigh,
  • As from a tower, looking o’er his shield,
  • By Tychius of Hyla made it was,
  • And cover’d with sev’n fat bulls’ hides well tann’d,
  • And over them an eighth of shining brass,
  • 220And at his breast he held it with his hand,
  • And threat’ning said, Hector, I’ll make you see,
  • That in the army many yet remain,
  • Though from us angry gone Achilles be,
  • And discontent from battle now abstain,
  • 225That fear not Hector. Do the worst you can.
  • Ajax, said Hector, I am not a child,
  • Nor woman, to be threaten’d, but a man
  • That understands the bus’ness of the field,
  • And can my buckler bear from left to right,
  • 230And have whereon in battle to rely,
  • And know to guide my horses in a fight,
  • And move my feet to Mars his melody.
  • But no such cunning will I use with you,
  • My spear I’ll send unto you openly.
  • 235And at that word the long spear from him flew,
  • And pierc’d his target to the seventh ply.
  • But there it staid. Then Ajax threw his spear,
  • Which Hector’s shield, armour, and coat went thro’;
  • But Hector shrunk his belly in for fear,
  • 240For else it pierced had his belly too.
  • Then from their shields the spears they plucked out,
  • And them no more at one another threw,
  • But came unto each other close, and fought,
  • And like two lions on each other flew.
  • 245And Hector made a thrust at Ajax’ shield
  • Which enter’d not, resisted by the brass:
  • But Hector’s shield to Ajax’ spear did yield,
  • Which pierc’d it through, and so far in did pass,
  • That grazing on his neck it fetch’d the blood.
  • 250But Hector, not dismay’d, took up a stone.
  • Ajax took ’t on his shield and firmly stood,
  • And with his hand took up a greater one,
  • And rougher, which did Hector’s buckler tear,
  • And with the weight unto the ground him threw,
  • 255But up again Apollo did him rear.
  • Then both of them, the combat to renew,
  • Their swords were drawing. But the heralds then,
  • Idæus and Talthibius, came in,
  • The sacred messengers of Gods and men,
  • 260And put themselves the combatants between.
  • Troy’s herald then, Idæus, to them spake.
  • Good sons, belov’d of Jove, give over fight,
  • For all men of your valour notice take.
  • And now ’tis late; we must submit to night.
  • 265Idæus, then said Ajax, let these words
  • From Hector come, from whom came the defy.
  • ’Twas he that challeng’d all the Argive lords.
  • Let him give over first, and then will I.
  • Then Hector spake. Ajax, since you, said he,
  • 270The Gods endued have with strength and wit,
  • Let for to-day the quarrel ended be.
  • Hereafter let the Gods determine it,
  • And give which side they please the victory,
  • For now ’tis late. To night we must submit;
  • 275That you the Greeks may cheer, and specially
  • Your own friends and companions, at your fleet:
  • And I the Trojans from their fear relieve,
  • And wives, that for my safe return do pray.
  • But come, let’s t’ one another tokens give,
  • 280That Greeks and Trojans seeing them may say,
  • These two men fought and sought each other’s death,
  • Yet parted friends. This said, he to him gave
  • His belt with his good sword and iv’ry sheath;
  • Ajax to him his shining girdle brave.
  • 285Thus parted, Ajax to the Argives went;
  • And Hector back into the troops of Troy;
  • Who mightily rejoic’d at the event
  • That past all hope they saw him come away.
  • The lords conducted him to Ilium:
  • 290The Greeks to Agamemnon Ajax led.
  • And when they all unto his tent were come,
  • He for them sacrific’d a bull well fed,
  • Which flay’d, divided, roasted, taken up,
  • The carvers into messes cut. This done,
  • 295King Agamemnon and the princes sup.
  • The chine at Ajax’ table was set on,
  • And when their thirst and hunger were subdu’d,
  • Nestor, whose counsel still had been the best,
  • What further was to be consider’d shew’d,
  • 300And to the princes all his speech address’d.
  • Atrides, and you other princes, know
  • How Mars with Argives strewed hath the plain,
  • And sent their souls down to the pow’rs below,
  • Whose bloody bodies in the field remain.
  • 305Tomorrow, therefore, let us cease from war,
  • And early in the morning fetch the dead,
  • And burn them somewhere from the ships not far,
  • That t’ Argos back they may be carried,
  • When we depart from hence; that their bones may
  • 310By their own friends and children buried be.
  • Let’s raise a mount upon the shore of Troy,
  • One for them all, for passengers to see,
  • And fortify our good ships with a wall,
  • And turrets in it, and a ditch without,
  • 315Lest unawares the Trojans on us fall,
  • And gates for char’ots to go in and out.
  • Meanwhile the Trojan lords at counsel were
  • Loud and discordant. Then Antenor said,
  • Trojans and aids, I pray to me give ear,
  • 320For of the worst I greatly am afraid.
  • Let Menelaus have his wife again,
  • And all the goods she brought with her. Take heed;
  • Against our oath we shall but fight in vain.
  • Then let her go, or never look to speed.
  • 325Antenor, then said Paris, this is not
  • The best advice you could have given, or
  • (If what you say dissent not from your thought)
  • You are not now so wise as heretofore:
  • Thus much to you. But to the Trojans this:
  • 330Her wealth I’ll render, with more of mine own,
  • But my wife Helen I will not dismiss.
  • And when he that had said, again sat down.
  • Then Priam rose. Trojans and aids, said he,
  • Now take your supper as you us’d to do,
  • 335And sentinels set, such as careful be;
  • To-morrow I will send Idæus to
  • The Greeks with Paris’ answer, and to try
  • If they from battle for so long will cease,
  • That we may burn our slain men quietly,
  • 340And fight again hereafter when they please.
  • This said, the Trojans to their suppers went.
  • Next morn Idæus found the Argive lords
  • Together met at Agamemnon’s tent,
  • And coming in, unto them said these words:
  • 345Atrides, and you Argives all, I come
  • With terms from Paris, and by Priam sent,
  • On which you may depart from Ilium,
  • And end the war, if thereto you consent.
  • The wealth which he with Helen brought ashore,
  • 350(I would before he brought it he had died)
  • To Menelaus he will give, and more;
  • But his wife Helen shall with him abide.
  • Besides, the people have commanded me
  • To ask you if you will the war suspend,
  • 355Until our dead fetch’d off and burned be,
  • And after fight till Jove the war shall end.
  • So said Idæus. The Greeks silent were
  • Awhile. At last Tydides rose and spake.
  • Let not the Greeks so much the Trojans fear
  • 360As Helen’s goods, or her herself to take
  • At Alexander’s hands. The hour is come
  • (As any child may manifestly see)
  • That must o’erthrow the state of Ilium.
  • So said Tydides, and much prais’d was he.
  • 365Then Agamemnon answer’d to Idæus,
  • You hear what the Argives say. I say the same.
  • As for the dead men, burn them if you please;
  • They’re good for nothing. I contented am.
  • And of this truce let Jove a witness be.
  • 370This said, to Jove his sceptre up he heav’d.
  • Idæus back to Troy went speedily,
  • The answer to relate he had receiv’d.
  • Meanwhile the states of Troy in council sat,
  • And there their herald’s coming back expected.
  • 375Idæus then went in, and told them that
  • The offer made by Paris was rejected,
  • But that a truce was granted for a day.
  • Next morn the Trojans, early as they could,
  • Went some to th’ field to fetch their dead away,
  • 380And others to the hill to fetch down wood.
  • So did the Argives some to Ida go
  • For wood, and others to the bloody field,
  • But could not then distinguish friend from foe.
  • But by and by the sun began to gild
  • 385Scamander’s plain; then wash’d they off the gore
  • And dust, and laid their dead men upon carts.
  • But Priam had forbidden them to roar,
  • Or cry outright, though grieved at their hearts.
  • When they had burnt them, back they went again.
  • 390The Greeks too, when they had consum’d with fire
  • And done their lamentation for the slain,
  • Unto their ships did back again retire.
  • But this th’ Achæans did at break of day,
  • And rais’d one mighty monument for all.
  • 395And the incursion of the foe to stay,
  • Their navy they inclosed with a wall,
  • With turrets high, and a great ditch without,
  • (Upon the sides whereof sharp pales they fix)
  • And gates for char’ots to go in and out.
  • 400And all the day thus toiling were the Greeks.
  • Meanwhile the Gods together sat above,
  • And wond’ring look’d upon this work of men;
  • And Neptune then address’d his speech to Jove.
  • What mortals will the Gods consult again?
  • 405See you not what a wall the Greeks have rear’d,
  • And what a ditch about it made, said he,
  • The fame whereof ’mongst people will be heard
  • As far as the sun-beams extended be?
  • Yet to the Gods they hecatomb gave none.
  • 410Whereas the walls that I and Phœbus rais’d
  • About the city for Laomedon,
  • Obscur’d by this, no longer will be prais’d.
  • Then answer’d Jove. Neptune, I never thought
  • That such a word would e’er have come from you,
  • 415That have the pow’r to bring their work to nought.
  • A lesser God might have complain’d, ’tis true;
  • But of your pow’r Aurora sees no bound.
  • Stay only till the Greeks be gone away;
  • Then break their wall, and throw it to the ground,
  • 420And hide the place with sand. Thus talked they.
  • The sun now set, and finish’d was the wall.
  • The Greeks went back then each man to his tent,
  • And many good fat beeves they made to fall;
  • And wine they had great store from Lemnos sent.
  • 425For ships abundance laden were come in,
  • Which by Euneus (th’ hero Jason’s son,
  • Got on Hypsiphile) thither sent had been,
  • For which the army barter’d. Hides gave one,
  • Another th’ ox itself, another brass;
  • 430One iron, and another gave a slave,
  • Beside what by Euneus given was
  • To the two Atrides of free gift to have.
  • When supper ready was they all sat down,
  • And all night long the feast continued,
  • 435Greeks in their tents, and Trojans in the town.
  • And all night long aloud Jove thundered,
  • Meaning no good to th’ Greeks. Then pour’d they on
  • The ground the offer’d wine, Jove to content,
  • And no man durst to drink till that was done.
  • And when they had well drunk to sleep they went.

  LIB. VIII.

  • The second battle; and the Trojans stay all night in the field.

  • The morning now was quite display’d, and Jove
  • Upon Olympus’ highest top was set:
  • And all the Gods and Goddesses above
  • By his command were there together met.
  • 5And Jupiter unto them speaking said,
  • You Gods all, and you Goddesses, d’ye hear,
  • Let none of you the Greeks or Trojans aid;
  • I cannot do my work for you. Forbear.
  • For whomsoever I assisting see
  • 10The Argives or the Trojans, be it known
  • He wounded shall return and laugh’d at be,
  • Or headlong into Tartarus be thrown,
  • Into the deepest pit of Tartarus,
  • Shut in with gates of brass, as much below
  • 15The common hell, as ’tis from hell to us.
  • But if you will my pow’r by trial know,
  • Put now into my hand a chain of gold,
  • And let one end thereof lie on the plain,
  • And all you Gods and Goddesses take hold;
  • 20You shall not move me howsoe’er you strain.
  • At th’ other end, if I my strength put to’t,
  • I’ll pull you Gods and Goddesses to me,
  • Do what you can, and earth and sea to boot,
  • And let you hang there till my pow’r you see.
  • 25The Gods were out of countenance at this,
  • And to such mighty words durst not reply,
  • Till Pallas said, Well known, O father, is
  • Your mighty pow’r. But do not us deny,
  • When we so many Argives falling see,
  • 30To show we have compassion, and grieve.
  • And though in fight we no assistants be,
  • Yet let us sometimes counsel to them give,
  • Lest in your anger they be all destroy’d.
  • Dear child, said Jove, it goes against my mind.
  • 35I would not have my orders disobey’d.
  • ’Tis granted though. For I’ll to you be kind.
  • This said, he set his horses to his car,
  • Hard hoof’d, swift-footed horses two. Like gold
  • Their manes profound well-combed shined far.
  • 40Then arm’d himself, and on the whip laid hold.
  • No sooner had the horses felt the whip,
  • But up they start, and ’twixt the earth and sky
  • The winds themselves with swiftness they outstrip,
  • And came unto the top of Ida high
  • 45To Gargarus, and there Jove took them out,
  • And hiding them with air on th’ hill sat down;
  • And as he sat he cast his eyes about
  • With great content upon the fleet and town.
  • The Argives at their tents short breakfast make,
  • 50And arm’d themselves as soon as they had done.
  • The Trojans, for their wives’ and children’s sake,
  • (Though fewer) arm’d and made haste to be gone.
  • Then open’d were the gates, and to the field
  • Out came they horse and man; and being met,
  • 55They man to man came up with shield to shield,
  • And spear to spear; and on each other set.
  • Some groan’d, some vaunted, mighty was the din
  • Of those that kill, and those that falling cry.
  • And this condition they continued in
  • 60Until the sun had mounted half the sky.
  • Then Jove took up a pair of scales of gold,
  • And weigh’d the fates of both the nations,
  • And equally suspended them did hold;
  • But not so equal were their inclinations.
  • 65For th’ Argive scale sat still upon the ground,
  • While th’ other lifted was up to the skies.
  • Heaven and earth did then with thunder sound,
  • And Jove threw lightning in the Argives’ eyes,
  • Then all the Greeks amazed ran away.
  • 70Idomeneus and Agamemnon ran;
  • Nor either of the Ajaxes durst stay:
  • Except old Nestor they fled ev’ry man.
  • And Nestor too had fled, had he known how:
  • For of his horses Paris one had shot,
  • 75And pierc’d his forehead just above the brow
  • Into the brain, so that his chariot
  • Now useless was, and the horse troublesome.
  • Then cuts he th’ harness; but so long did stay,
  • That Hector now was almost to him come,
  • 80And th’ old man surely had been cast away,
  • But that Tydides saw him in this pain,
  • And terribly t’ Ulysses cried out,
  • Whether d’ye fly, Ulysses? Come again,
  • Help to defend old Nestor; face about.
  • 85While he said this, Ulysses still ran on,
  • Not minding what he said. And Diomed,
  • To succour Nestor, to him went alone,
  • And with him stood before his chariot’s head,
  • And said, O Nestor, youthful is the foe
  • 90That cometh on, and you now very old,
  • Your charioteer not strong, your horses slow,
  • Come up into my char’ot, and behold
  • My Trojan horses how well they can run
  • When there is cause t’approach or shun the fight;
  • 95From Venus’ son Æneas I them won,
  • A man of much experience in flight:
  • Send back your horses, and with mine we’ll go
  • And fight the Trojans. ’Twill not be amiss
  • To let the mighty champion Hector know,
  • 100A spear as mad is in my hand as his.
  • This said, both Sthen’lus and Eurymedon
  • With Nestor’s horses went to Nestor’s tent:
  • Nestor and Diomed, both mounted on
  • Tydides’ chariot, up to Hector went.
  • 105And when they were to one another near,
  • At Hector Diomedes threw in haste,
  • And miss’d of him, and kill’d his charioteer;
  • Clean through his breast the spear well driven pass’d;
  • Down dead he fell, but Hector lets him lie,
  • 110And turns aside to seek a charioteer,
  • The place of Heniopeus to supply.
  • And Archeptolemus then being near,
  • Call’d up by Hector, on the reins laid hold.
  • Then mighty work and slaughter there had been,
  • 115And Trojans shut like lambs within a fold
  • In Troy, but that it was by Jove foreseen;
  • For in a clap of thunder Jove down threw
  • His bolt at Diomedes’ horses’ feet,
  • And th’ earth with sulphur flaming looked blue.
  • 120Nestor himself astonish’d was to see’t;
  • Lets go the reins, and down the horses fell.
  • And Nestor then to Diomedes said,
  • ’Tis Jove, you see, that doth our force repel,
  • And Hector, for this day, intends to aid.
  • 125Another day to us he will be kind,
  • If he see cause; for no man can him tie,
  • Nor able is to make him change his mind,
  • And therefore now our best course is to fly.
  • ’Tis true, O Nestor, said Tydides then,
  • 130But what a pain then at my heart will lie,
  • When Hector, speaking to the Trojan men,
  • Shall brag he made Tydides from him fly?
  • Then should I wish the earth would swallow me.
  • Though Hector says so, Nestor then replied,
  • 135Believed by the Trojans ’twill not be,
  • So many of them by your hand have died.
  • And at this word his steeds he turn’d about.
  • A show’r of spears then from the Trojans flies,
  • Who them pursued with a mighty shout.
  • 140Then Hector loud unto Tydides cries,
  • Ho! Diomed, by th’ Argives honoured
  • Above the most, serv’d with a greater mess,
  • And higher seat, and wine unlimited,
  • You will hereafter be esteemed less.
  • 145Unmanly Diomed. Fly, baggage, fly;
  • You ne’er shall come within the walls of Troy,
  • To freight your ship with women here; for I
  • Intend to send you first another way.
  • This said, Tydides was awhile in doubt
  • 150Whether to turn or no and Hector meet,
  • And thrice to turn his horses was about,
  • And Jove thrice thund’ring turn’d them tow’rd the fleet,
  • Shewing that he the honour of that day
  • Had granted to the Trojans. Hector then
  • 155Pursu’d them close, and roaring all the way,
  • Trojans, said he, and aids, now play the men,
  • For sure I am that Jove is on our side,
  • And give us will the victory this day.
  • And fools they are that in their wall confide;
  • 160For through their trench our horse shall find a way.
  • When we are at the ships, let one or other
  • Have fire to burn them ready, and then fall
  • Upon the men confounded in the smother.
  • This said, he did upon his horses call,
  • 165Xanthus, Podargus, Æthon, Lampus, see
  • You pay now what you owe me for your meat,
  • Laid in your mangers by Andromache,
  • Who always served you with pleasant wheat,
  • And steep’d sometimes, when she thought fit, in wine;
  • 170And very oft, though I her husband be,
  • Your dinner was made ready before mine.
  • Now, now pursue the Argives lustily,
  • That Nestor’s shield of gold I may obtain;
  • Nor of Tydides’ armour must we fail,
  • 175By Vulcan wrought. If we but these can gain,
  • The Argives will this very night hoist sail.
  • At Hector’s speech Juno upon her throne
  • Unquiet sitting, made Olympus shake;
  • For mov’d she was with his presumption,
  • 180And looking upon Neptune to him spake.
  • Neptune, said she, are you not stirr’d at this?
  • You know at Ægæ, and at Helice,
  • Their liberality abundant is,
  • And sure I am you wish them victory.
  • 185What! cannot we, who with the Argives side,
  • If we our pow’rs together join in one,
  • Drive back the Trojans, and abate their pride,
  • And leave Jove here to sit and chafe alone?
  • Juno, said Neptune, griev’d, these words are bold:
  • 190I’ll not rebel; for we shall have the worst,
  • And so we have by Jupiter been told.
  • Thus Neptune and the wife of Jove discours’d.
  • And now between the walls and ships, the place
  • With horses and with armed men was fill’d,
  • 195And crammed were within a narrow space
  • By Hector, that was master of the field.
  • And had not Agamemnon been inspired
  • By Juno to put courage in his men,
  • The Argive ships had certainly been fired,
  • 200And never had the Greeks gone back again.
  • Then ’mongst the ships he went, and stayed at
  • Ulysses’ ship, which was the middlemost
  • Of all the navy, and the tallest; that
  • He might be heard to both ends of the host,
  • 205Both to Achilles and to Ajax’ tent,
  • Clad in th’ imperial robe, that all might see’t;
  • For these two being the most confident,
  • Had plac’d themselves at th’ utmost of the fleet;
  • And with a mighty voice to th’ Argives cried,
  • 210Disgrace of Greece, mere outsides, where are now
  • Your brags, that any of you durst abide
  • An hundred Trojans, and yet dare not show
  • A face to Hector, who our ships would fire?
  • But this was said at Lemnos in your wine,
  • 215Which rais’d your language than your nature higher;
  • But cooled now the battle you decline.
  • Was ever king afflicted as I am,
  • O Jove, or lost a victory so near?
  • And yet at all your altars as I came,
  • 220My sacrifices duly payed were,
  • In hope that I the town of Troy should sack.
  • But grant at least, O Jove, that we may come
  • Ourselves into Achæa safely back,
  • And not be here destroy’d at Ilium.
  • 225This said, Jove grants them safely to depart,
  • And from him presently his eagle came,
  • And brought the tender issue of a hart,
  • And near unto his altar dropp’d the same.
  • The Argives when they saw the bird of Jove,
  • 230Were to the fight again encouraged,
  • And who should first repass the trenches strove.
  • And he that first came forth was Diomed.
  • And much before that any of the rest
  • Had any slain, he killed Agelaus,
  • 235Whom with his spear he pierc’d from back to breast,
  • When from him he his char’ot turning was.
  • Then Agamemnon came, and Menelaus,
  • And then the greater Ajax, then the less.
  • The sixth the king Idomeneus was,
  • 240And with him came his squire Meriones.
  • And next Eurypylus, Euæmon’s son.
  • The ninth was Teucer with his bow unbent.
  • Hid with the shield of Ajax Telamon
  • His mighty brother, to the field he went,
  • 245Which Ajax lifting, Teucer chose his man,
  • And having at him aim’d, and shot, and kill’d,
  • As children to their mothers, back he ran,
  • And hid himself behind his brother’s shield.
  • How many were the men he killed thus?
  • 250Orstolochus, Ophlestus, Lycophon,
  • And Melanippus, Dætor, Ormenus,
  • And Chromius, and last Amopaon.
  • All those lay dead together on the sands.
  • When Agamemnon saw what work was done
  • 255By Teucer’s arrows on the Trojan’s bands,
  • He to him came, and said, O valiant son
  • Of Telamon, so, so your shafts bestow,
  • Unto the Argives all an honour be,
  • And to your father Telamon; for though
  • 260Unto your mother married not was he,
  • Yet has he still maintain’d you as his own.
  • And if it please Jove and the pow’rs divine
  • To make me once the master of this town,
  • Your share shall be the next set out to mine,
  • 265And to your honour shall receive from me
  • A tripod, and two horses with the car;
  • Or if you will, your bed shall honour’d be
  • With some fair woman taken in the war.
  • Teucer to this then answer made and said,
  • 270Of this encouragement no need have I.
  • Since we came forth I have no time delay’d,
  • But done as much as in my pow’r did lie.
  • Eight shafts already have gone from my bow,
  • And in as many Trojans fix’d have been.
  • 275Of this mad dog I miss I know not how.
  • Then took he out another arrow keen,
  • And aim’d at Hector, but he hit him not,
  • But wounded on the breast Gorgythion,
  • Who on fair Castianira was begot,
  • 280And of King Priam’s valiant sons was one.
  • Who falling on his knees hung down his head,
  • Just as a poppy charg’d with fruit and rain,
  • So had his casque his head o’erburthened.
  • And Teucer then at Hector shot again,
  • 285And miss’d again. Apollo put it by.
  • But Archeptolemus, his charioteer,
  • He missed not. Hector ’scap’d narrowly,
  • And Archeptolemus expired there
  • Shot through the breast. Hector was sorry, but
  • 290Left him. Cebriones chanc’d to be nigh,
  • And in his hands Hector the reins did put,
  • And from his chariot leap’d down suddenly,
  • And took a heavy stone into his hand.
  • Teucer the while again his bow had bent.
  • 295But drawing did so long, and aiming stand,
  • The stone from Hector the arrow did prevent,
  • And near the shoulder on the breast him struck.
  • And broken was the bow-string with the blow,
  • And his benumbed arm all sense forsook,
  • 300And sinking on his knees he dropped the bow.
  • Then Ajax stepp’d before him with his shield.
  • Mecistheus and Alastor him convey’d
  • Unto the Argive ships from off the field,
  • Grievously bruised, groaning and dismayed.
  • 305The courage of the Trojans now renew’d,
  • They chas’d the Argives back unto their wall,
  • And till the trenches they had pass’d, pursu’d,
  • And Hector at their heels the near’st of all.
  • As when a hound pursueth a wild boar,
  • 310Or lion, and presuming on his feet
  • Pinches his haunch or side, and then gives o’er,
  • Not daring if he turn the beast to meet;
  • So Hector chasing them still slew the last.
  • And many of them had the Trojans slain
  • 315Ere they the trenches and the pale had pass’d.
  • But being in they there themselves contain,
  • And comfort one another all they can;
  • And to the Gods and Goddesses they pray,
  • Lifting their hands to heaven every man;
  • 320And Hector then turn’d off and went his way.
  • Which Juno seeing, unto Pallas said,
  • Daughter of Jupiter, do you not see
  • What Greeks one madman, Hector, has destroy’d?
  • Shall we sit still in this extremity?
  • 325To Juno then Athena thus replied,
  • Had not my father’s wits been at a loss,
  • This furious Hector by the Greeks had died,
  • But he my counsel always loves to cross.
  • He has forgot how oft his son I sav’d
  • 330Oppressed by Euristheus’ tyranny.
  • For always when his father’s help he crav’d,
  • Down to the earth from heaven sent was I.
  • But had I known as much as I do now,
  • When for the dog he went to Pluto’s gate,
  • 335He had for me till this time staid below,
  • And by the odious Styx for ever sate.
  • But now he hates me. And by Thetis led,
  • He must Achilles honour. But my hope is,
  • The time will come I shall be favoured
  • 340By him again, and called his dear Glaucopis.
  • But make you ready now your chariot,
  • While I put on my arms; that we may see
  • If Hector will thereof be glad or not,
  • Or if some Trojans rather shall not be
  • 345Left dead for dogs and vultures to devour.
  • Then Juno to her car the horses brought.
  • To Jove’s house Pallas went, and on the floor
  • Threw down her long robe, and put on Jove’s coat.
  • And then her breast with armour covered.
  • 350And on her shoulder hung her fearful shield.
  • Then took her heavy spear with brazen head,
  • Wherewith she breaketh squadrons in the field.
  • Then open of itself flew heaven-gate,
  • (Though to the Seasons Jove the power gave
  • 355Alone to judge of early and of late)
  • And out the Goddesses the horses drave.
  • Then Jove to Iris said, Go, to them speak.
  • Tell them an ill match they will have of me.
  • I’ll lame their horses and their char’ot break,
  • 360Unto the ground they both shall tumbled be;
  • And with my thunder wounded shall be so,
  • That ten years after they shall not be well.
  • For I would have Glaucopis well to know
  • What ’tis against her father to rebel.
  • 365But Juno is so us’d to cross my will,
  • That towards her my anger is the less.
  • Then Iris went her way from Ida hill,
  • And near Olympus met the Goddesses,
  • And as she bidden was did to them speak.
  • 370What fury’s this? Whither d’ye go, said she.
  • Jove will your horses lame, your char’ot break,
  • And to the ground you both will tumbled be,
  • And with his thunder wounded will be so,
  • That ten years after you will not be well.
  • 375For you, Glaucopis, he will make to know
  • What ’tis against your father to rebel.
  • But Juno is so us’d to cross his will
  • That he affronts from her can better bear;
  • But, Pallas, at your hands he takes it ill
  • 380That you should dare against him lift a spear.
  • Iris, her errand done, no longer stay’d,
  • And to Minerva thus said Juno then:
  • Jove shall no more for me be disobey’d,
  • By taking part in war with mortal men.
  • 385But let one live and let another die,
  • As by the chance of war it shall fall out,
  • And let him do what he thinks equity.
  • This said, her chariot she turn’d about.
  • The horses by the Seasons freed and fed,
  • 390The char’ot was set up against the wall.
  • The Goddesses themselves then entered,
  • And took their places in the council-hall
  • With th’ other Gods. And Jove himself from Ida
  • T’ Olympus came, and lighted from his car,
  • 395And Neptune from the same his steeds untied,
  • And set them up, and of them had a care.
  • The chariot he set to the altar near
  • Cover’d with linen fine. Then to his throne,
  • His throne of gold, mounted the Thunderer,
  • 400And made Olympus shake as he sat down.
  • But Juno and Athena silent sat
  • Together by themselves from Jove apart
  • And discontent. But Jove knew well for what;
  • And answer made to what was in her heart.
  • 405Juno, said he, and Pallas, why so sad?
  • Your fight against the Trojans was not long.
  • And more you had been vexed if it had;
  • So much for th’ other Gods I am too strong.
  • The danger scarce begun was when you fled.
  • 410But had you dar’d the battle to maintain,
  • You had been by my hand so thundered,
  • You never had t’ Olympus come again.
  • Juno at this and Pallas grumbling sat,
  • And Pallas from replying did abstain,
  • 415Although no less the Trojans she did hate.
  • But Juno was not able to contain.
  • O cruel Jove, said she, what words are these?
  • Must we unto our friends be so ingrate,
  • Because we know you can do what you please,
  • 420As not the Argives to commiserate?
  • We are content, since you will have it so,
  • No longer in the war to give them aid;
  • But let us give them counsel what to do,
  • Lest in your anger they be all destroy’d.
  • 425Juno, said Jove, tomorrow you shall know
  • If you’ll be pleas’d the battle to behold,
  • How many martial Greeks I’ll overthrow.
  • For Hector shall not be by me control’d
  • Until Achilles be fetch’d back again,
  • 430And at the Argive ships the battle be
  • About the body of Patroclus slain.
  • For so it is ordain’d by destiny.
  • And for your anger, Juno, I not care,
  • Though to the end of earth and sea you go,
  • 435(Where pent Iäpetus and Saturn are
  • In horrid darkness) and complain; yet so
  • I will not for your anger care a jot.
  • For you are grown extremely insolent.
  • Thus Jupiter; and Juno answer’d not.
  • 440Then down the sun into the ocean went,
  • Drawing upon the fields a cloudy night,
  • Which gave the Trojan army no content,
  • But to the Greeks more welcome was than light.
  • The army Hector call’d to parliament,
  • 445And led them to a clean place, free from blood,
  • And there they all on foot about him throng.
  • Hector unto them giving orders stood
  • With spear in hand eleven cubits long.
  • Hear me, you Trojans and you aids, said he,
  • 450I thought we should have now the Greeks destroy’d,
  • And lodged in the town with victory.
  • But this my hope is by the night made void,
  • Nor can we help it. Let us now provide,
  • For supper, beeves and sheep, and wine and bread
  • 455From Troy; and let the horses be untied,
  • And care be taken that they be well fed.
  • Then fetch in wood, and fires abundance make,
  • That with the flame light’ned may be the sky,
  • Lest th’ Argives in the dark advantage take,
  • 460To go aboard and safe to Argos fly.
  • Let them embark at least in haste, and bear
  • Along with them their wounds uncured home,
  • That others who shall see’t may stand in fear,
  • And say, This ’tis to fight ’gainst Ilium.
  • 465And let great boys and old men all night wake
  • Upon the walls and tow’rs, and guards be set,
  • And every wife at home a great fire make,
  • Lest into Troy the foe by treason get.
  • This, valiant Trojans, let be done to-night,
  • 470To morrow I shall further order give.
  • I doubt not but to put these dogs to flight
  • By th’ help of Jove, and Ilium relieve.
  • But while ’tis night have on your guards a care,
  • Tomorrow early arm yourselves for fight.
  • 475For to the Argive ships I’ll bring the war,
  • And trial make of Diomedes’ might,
  • If from the ships he drive me shall away,
  • Or with my spear I him shall overthrow
  • And send his bloody armour into Troy.
  • 480Tomorrow he his strength will better know.
  • I would I were as certain not to die,
  • And of old age live still free from the sorrow,
  • As Phœbus and Athena do, as I
  • Am sure we shall defeat these Greeks tomorrow.
  • 485Thus ended he. The Trojans, full of joy,
  • Their sweating horses soon took out and fed,
  • And some were sent into the town of Troy,
  • To bring in beeves and sheep, and wine, and bread,
  • While others fetch’d in wood. Then to the sky
  • 490Arose the pleasant vapour of the roast.
  • The Trojans confident of victory
  • Sat cheerful at their arms throughout the host.
  • As many stars as in a heav’n serene
  • Together with the moon appear i’ th’ night,
  • 495When all the tops of hills and woods are seen,
  • And joyful are the shepherds at the sight:
  • So many seem’d the fires upon the plain.
  • A thousand fires, and at each fifty men,
  • That by their horses there all night remain
  • Expecting till Aurora rose again.

  LIB. IX.

  • The Greeks deliberate of going home, but are staid by Diomed and Nestor.

  • Thus watch the Trojans kept. But at the fleet
  • Distracted was with fear the Argive host,
  • And their commanders; as when two winds meet,
  • The sea between them into heaps is toss’d.
  • 5And Agamemnon grieved at the heart,
  • Bad th’ heralds forthwith to th’ assembly call
  • The prime commanders ev’ry one apart,
  • And not make proclamation once for all;
  • And some of them himself he summoned.
  • 10When met were all the leaders of the Greeks,
  • They sat them down with hearts discouraged,
  • And tears ran down on Agamemnon’s cheeks.
  • As springs of water issue from a rock,
  • So fell the tears from Agamemnon’s eyes,
  • 15And to th’ assembly thus he weeping spoke.
  • My friends, what help can any man devise?
  • Jove told me I should conquer Ilium,
  • And unto Argos safe return again,
  • And now deceiv’d me has, and sends me home
  • 20With shame when I have lost so many men.
  • And thus he loves to do to show his might.
  • Therefore my counsel, Argives, all obey:
  • Let’s hoist our sails and save ourselves by flight;
  • For we shall never take the town of Troy.
  • 25This said, the princes long time silent sit,
  • At last Tydides rising thus replied,
  • King Agamemnon, so far as ’tis fit
  • In such a public place I must you chide.
  • Take it not ill, because not long ago
  • 30You me with want of courage did upbraid
  • Before the Greeks, as old and young well know.
  • Jove giv’n you has the right to be obey’d,
  • And grac’d you with the title of our king,
  • But has denied you a courageous spirit,
  • 35Which now is the most necessary thing.
  • You think too meanly of your people’s merit.
  • As for yourself, if you will needs away,
  • Go. That’s your way. Your ships there ready lie
  • That from Mycene brought you unto Troy,
  • 40But leave the rest their fortune here to try.
  • If none else stay, yet Sthenelus and I
  • Will not give over fighting till we know
  • To what side Jove will give the victory.
  • The Gods, I’m sure, will favour to us show.
  • 45This speech the lords commended very much.
  • Then Nestor rose, and to Tydides said,
  • There is not of your age another such,
  • For counsel wise, in battle not afraid.
  • None will deny but what you say is right;
  • 50But you have not said all you could have done;
  • And no great wonder, since for age you might
  • (So young you are) have been my youngest son.
  • Yet the advice you given have is best;
  • I that am elder what wants will supply,
  • 55Adding thereto what you have not express’d,
  • To take from Agamemnon all reply.
  • For none but such as have no law, nor kin,
  • Nor house, in civil discord can delight.
  • But let us first our chiefest work begin,
  • 60And make the young men keep good watch all night.
  • And let them all from you, Atrides, take
  • Their orders. For you are our general.
  • And for the princes a good supper make,
  • And all the eldest captains to it call.
  • 65It best becomes you that can do it best.
  • For in your tents of wine you have good store,
  • And easlier provided than the rest,
  • So many ships you have to bring in more.
  • Hear their advice, and do what you think fit.
  • 70Good counsel now we need the most of all,
  • Since our insulting foes so near us sit.
  • By this night’s counsel we must stand or fall.
  • Thus Nestor said, and ’twas agreed upon.
  • The captains of the watch then straight went forth;
  • 75First Thrasymedes, that was Nestor’s son;
  • And after him six captains more of worth,
  • Ascalaphus, and then Ialmenus,
  • Then Aphyres, and then Meriones,
  • And Lycomedes, and Deipyrus:
  • 80The seven captains of the watch were these.
  • And with each one a hundred spearmen went
  • Betwixt the pale and wall, and supped there.
  • And the old leaders t’ Agamemnon’s tent,
  • And by him nobly entertained were.
  • 85But when they had an end made of the feast,
  • Nestor his counsel further open laid,
  • Which formerly had always been the best;
  • And, looking t’ Agamemnon, thus he said.
  • King Agamemnon, I’ll with you begin,
  • 90And with you end, since you the sceptre bear,
  • And in your care it lies to lose or win.
  • You chiefly should good counsel give and hear.
  • Hear then what now is my opinion,
  • Than which a better, I think, you’ll not find,
  • 95Nor is it now the first time thought upon.
  • But heretofore I was of the same mind,
  • When from Achilles you Briseis took,
  • And I advised you to let her stay,
  • Though my good counsel then you could not brook,
  • 100But to your own great heart too much gave way,
  • Dishonouring the man of greatest might
  • In all the army, and most honoured
  • By all the Gods, and, contrary to right,
  • Taking the prize which he had purchased.
  • 105So that the bus’ness we have now to do
  • Is how to reconcile him if we can,
  • What gifts to give him, who shall with them go,
  • And with sweet language pacify the man.
  • This said, Atrides penitent replied,
  • 110O Nestor, all you charge me with is true,
  • And for Achilles’ sake, ’tis not denied,
  • Jove does th’ Achæan army now subdue.
  • He whom Jove loves worth a whole army is.
  • But since I made Achilles discontent,
  • 115I’ll make amends for what I did amiss,
  • And send a noble present to his tent.
  • I’ll name the gifts I’ll give him one by one.
  • Seven fire new trivets. Talents ten of gold.
  • Twenty black cauldrons. Twelve steeds that have won
  • 120Each one their prizes, and yet are not old.
  • A man that hath so many and so fleet
  • I think not poor, but gold may quickly win,
  • When I consider with their nimble feet
  • How many prizes they have brought me in.
  • 125And women seven, the best of women kind
  • For beauty and for works of housewifery.
  • And unto these Briseis shall be join’d,
  • And I’ll be sworn she goes untouch’d from me.
  • And all this shall be sent him presently.
  • 130Hereafter, if we win the town of Troy,
  • Let him, before the prey divided be,
  • Come in and carry to his ship away
  • As much as it can bear of gold and brass.
  • And twenty Trojan women which he please,
  • 135Helen except. But if it come to pass
  • That safe to Argos we repass the seas,
  • My son in law he shall be if he will,
  • And as my son Orestes honour’d be;
  • Within my house three daughters I have still,
  • 140Iphianassa and Laodice,
  • And fair Chrysothemis, take which he list,
  • And to his father’s house convey. For I
  • On settling of estate will not insist,
  • But of my own do that sufficiently.
  • 145Seven cities he shall have: Pheræ divine,
  • Enope, Ire, and Cardamyle,
  • And Pedasus that fertile is of wine,
  • Anthria, Æpia, all on the sea
  • Of sandy Pyle; and rich in sheep and kine
  • 150The people are, and will his laws obey,
  • And tribute pay as to a pow’r divine.
  • All this I’ll give his anger to allay.
  • And this content him may if anything.
  • Inexorable none but Pluto is,
  • 155But hated for’t. I am the greater king,
  • And elder man: he should consider this.
  • Thus Agamemnon. And then Nestor said,
  • The gifts, O king, no man can reprehend.
  • The next thing to be thought upon and weigh’d,
  • 160Is whom we shall unto Achilles send,
  • I think that Phœnix ought to lead the way,
  • Then Ajax and Ulysses, and with these
  • The public heralds two, Eurybates
  • And Odius, and here no longer stay

  • Ambassadors sent with gifts to reconcile Achilles in vain.

  • 165Than to bring water for our hands, that we
  • May first send up our prayers unto Jove,
  • That our embassage may successful be.
  • This said by Nestor, all the rest approve.
  • When water was brought in they wash’d and pray’d;
  • 170The young men fill’d the temperers with wine;
  • And round about the full cups were convey’d,
  • And offer’d up unto the powers divine.
  • When they had offer’d, and drunk what they would,
  • And parting were from Agamemnon’s tent,
  • 175Old Nestor to instruct them how they should
  • Achilles best persuade, out with them went.
  • And one by one advis’d them what to say,
  • Especially Ulysses. Then they went
  • Saying their prayers to Neptune all the way,
  • 180Until they came unto Achilles’ tent.
  • Who sitting, in his hand had a guitar
  • To pass the time, and sung unto the same
  • The noble acts that had been done in war
  • By th’ ancient heroes, men of greatest fame.
  • 185Patroclus sat before him, looking when
  • He should have done. Ulysses then led in
  • Ajax and Phœnix. And Achilles then
  • Leap’d up as one that had surprised been.
  • And them receiving kindly to them said,
  • 190Welcome, my friends, whate’er your bus’ness be.
  • To see you I am not a little joy’d,
  • Although th’ Achæans have provoked me.
  • And to his friend Patroclus order gave,
  • A larger temperer, said he, set up,
  • 195For these the dearest friends are that I have.
  • Pure be the wine, and give each man a cup.
  • Patroclus did so. And sets on a pot
  • Upon the flaming fire, and puts into’t
  • A good sheep’s chine, another of a goat,
  • 200Besides the chine of a fat boar to boot.
  • The blood boil’d out, Automedon it takes
  • And holds it to Achilles to divide,
  • Who of it many equal portions makes.
  • Patroclus makes a fire of wood well dried;
  • 205And when the flame was spent, the coals he rakes
  • Till they lay even; then the meat he spits
  • And roasts; and when ’twas roasted up it takes,
  • And on clean dresser-boards the same he sets;
  • And brought, in baskets, to the table bread;
  • 210And by Achilles was set on the meat.
  • Who when he saw the table furnished
  • Over against Ulysses took his seat,
  • And bade Patroclus sacrifice, who then
  • The first cut took and threw into the fire,
  • 215And freely to their meat then fell the men.
  • But when of food they had no more desire,
  • Then Ajax Phœnix jogg’d, which was the sign
  • When to begin, for which Ulysses staid.
  • Ulysses then fill’d up his cup with wine,
  • 220And speaking to Achilles, thus he said.
  • All health t’Achilles. Noble is your fare,
  • And by Atrides treated well we were.
  • Your tables plentifully furnished are,
  • But that’s not it for which we now are here.
  • 225Our ships in danger are to be destroy’d;
  • The Trojans are encamped near our wall.
  • Unless you condescend to give us aid,
  • By Hector they are like to perish all;
  • Who threatens he will set them all on fire,
  • 230And is encourag’d to’t by signs from Jove.
  • To see the morning rise is his desire,
  • And feareth neither men nor pow’rs above.
  • And like a dog enrag’d, and looking grim,
  • Assures the Trojans he our ships will burn,
  • 235And either put us for our lives to swim,
  • Or never to Achæa to return.
  • I am afraid the Gods perform it will,
  • And so to perish here will be our fate.
  • Rise, then; if but a little you sit still,
  • 240All you can do for us will come too late.
  • And then I am assured you will grieve,
  • When remedy there can be none, in vain:
  • Therefore, while yet you can, the Greeks relieve;
  • Your father’s counsel call to mind again.
  • 245My son, said he (when you took leave for Troy),
  • May Juno and Athena strengthen you.
  • But this one lesson take from me. I pray
  • Remember still your anger to subdue;
  • Decline all contestation of the tongue,
  • 250And let your conversation gentle be;
  • So shall you win the hearts of old and young
  • In the Achæan host. Thus counsell’d he.
  • Though you have this forgot, yet now be friends,
  • And since he sorry is, forget th’ offence,
  • 255And take the gifts he offers for amends,
  • Which we esteem a worthy recompence.
  • I’ll name the gifts he offers one by one.
  • Seven fire-new trivets. Talents ten of gold.
  • Twenty black cauldrons. Twelve steeds that have won
  • 260Their sev’ral prizes, and yet are not old.
  • A man that has so many and so fleet
  • I think not poor, but gold will quickly win,
  • When I consider with their nimble feet
  • What prizes to Atrides they brought in.
  • 265And seven fair women, best of all the kind
  • For beauty and for works of housewifery,
  • And unto these Briseis shall be join’d;
  • And swear he will she is from blemish free.
  • And all this shall be sent you presently.
  • 270Hereafter, if we take the town of Troy,
  • You may, before the prey divided be,
  • Come in and carry to your ship away
  • As much as it can bear of gold and brass;
  • And twenty Trojan women which you please,
  • 275Helen except. But if it come to pass
  • That safe to Argos we get o’er the seas,
  • His son in law you shall be if you will,
  • And as his son Orestes honour’d be.
  • Within his house three daughters he hath still,
  • 280Iphianassa and Laodice,
  • And fair Chrysothemis, take which you list,
  • And to your father’s house convey her; he
  • On settling of estate will not insist,
  • But of his own do that sufficiently.
  • 285Seven cities you shall have. Phæræ divine,
  • Enope, Ire, and Cardamyle,
  • And Pedasus that fertile is of wine,
  • Anthria, Æpia, all on the sea
  • Of sandy Pyle; and rich in sheep and kine
  • 290The people are, and will your laws obey,
  • And tribute pay as to a pow’r divine.
  • All this he’ll give your anger to allay.
  • And though Atrides and his gifts you hate;
  • Honour’d you are by th’ other Argives all,
  • 295And should have pity on their sad estate,
  • Who in such numbers before Hector fall;
  • Whom you may have the honour now to kill;
  • For now he will your spear no longer shun,
  • But stand you in the open field he will;
  • 300For’mongst the Greeks he thinks there’s like him none.
  • To this Achilles answer’d, and thus said,
  • Ulysses, I perceive I must be plain.
  • For if I be not so, I am afraid
  • I shall be put to speak my mind again.
  • 305But to prevent more importunity,
  • What once I say I’ll do. Those men I hate
  • Whose tongues and hearts I find to disagree,
  • As much as I abominate hell-gate.
  • I will no more persuaded be to fight
  • 310By Agamemnon or by any Greek,
  • Since they my labour do so ill requite,
  • And they that fight, and fight not fair alike.
  • For good and bad are equal when they die.
  • Then for my pain and danger in the wars,
  • 315What more than any other man have I?
  • With me as with a bird i’ t’ field it fares,
  • That to her unfledg’d young ones bringeth meat.
  • She has it in her mouth and hungry is,
  • Yet she forbears and gives it them to eat.
  • 320With the Atrides twain my case is this,
  • In blood by day I lead a weary life,
  • And sleepless am the great’st part of the night.
  • And why? That Menelaus may win his wife
  • Achilles must against the Trojans fight.
  • 325I did so; and from Troy twelve cities won
  • Upon the shore, i’ th’ land eleven more,
  • And all the prey I sent to Atreus’ son,
  • Wherein of precious treasure was great store.
  • A small part he divided ’mongst the host.
  • 330Somewhat he gave for honour to the best;
  • But to himself made sure to keep the most.
  • And firm is whatsoe’er he gave the rest;
  • From none but me his gift he takes away.
  • I am content, and let him keep her still
  • 335And her enjoy. But why then came to Troy
  • Atrides with such strength? What was his will?
  • Was it not only for fair Helen’s sake?
  • What then must no man love his wife but they?
  • Yes, all men of their own wives much should make,
  • 340If they have either wit or honesty.
  • And I love mine as well as he loves his,
  • Although she be my captive. But since she
  • By Agamemnon from me taken is,
  • Ne’er think, Ulysses, to prevail with me.
  • 345He shall not twice deceive me. But provide,
  • Ulysses, that your ships not burned be.
  • I know a wall, a ditch pal’d, deep and wide,
  • Is made by Agamemnon without me.
  • But all this will not Hector long keep out.
  • 350But with the Greeks when I went to the fight
  • He never durst to show his face without
  • The Scæan gate, save once. And then by flight
  • He ’scap’d. And since I am no more his foe,
  • To morrow to the Gods I’ll sacrifice,
  • 355And launch and lade my ships, and homewards go.
  • And you shall see me, e’er the sun shall rise,
  • Upon the Hellespont if you think fit,
  • And how my lusty Myrmidons can row.
  • And so, if Neptune please, the wind may fit,
  • 360As in three days we may to Phthia go,
  • Where treasure plenty I behind me left:
  • And now shall carry thither gold and brass,
  • Iron and women fair, although bereft
  • Of her that given me by Atrides was.
  • 365Tell him all this, and speak it openly,
  • Lest other Greeks put up the like disgrace.
  • As for myself, though impudent he be,
  • He dares no more to look me in the face.
  • I will no more in battle or advice
  • 370With Agamemnon join. Let him be glad
  • He could deceive me once. He shall not twice.
  • There let him rest. The Gods have made him mad.
  • I hate his gifts. And him I value not.
  • Though he would twenty times as much bring forth
  • 375As now he has, or to him shall be brought,
  • Or all that which Orchomenus is worth,
  • Or Thebæ, that Egyptian town that can
  • Send twenty thousand chari’ts to the field,
  • And all provided well with horse and man;
  • 380Yet so I will not t’ Agamemnon yield;
  • No, nor for gold so much as here is sand,
  • Till he has smarted for this injury,
  • Nor any wife will I take at his hand
  • Though she should fairer much than Venus be.
  • 385Nor though she could like Pallas work, or better,
  • I’ll not his daughter take. Bid him bestow her
  • Upon some prince he thinks more worthy. Let her
  • For husband have a king of greater power.
  • For if the Gods to Hellas bring me home,
  • 390Peleus will there provide me of a wife.
  • King’s daughters, not a few there are, of whom
  • I shall choose one, and with her lead my life,
  • And with my father live contentedly.
  • For all the wealth of stately Ilium,
  • 395Which they enjoyed in tranquillity
  • When yet the Argives were not hither come,
  • And all Apollo’s sacred treasury
  • Laid up at Pytho, is not price enough
  • The life of any man though poor to buy.
  • 400Horses, and kine, and sheep, and household stuff,
  • May be recover’d, but man’s life cannot.
  • My mother Thetis told me as my end,
  • That if I fight ’gainst Troy, ’twill be my lot
  • To die there, but that Fame would me commend.
  • 405But on the other side assured me,
  • That if ’gainst Ilium I warred not,
  • But back to Phthia went, my fate would be
  • Long time to live, and after be forgot.
  • And I advise you and the rest to sail
  • 410As soon as may be to your native land;
  • For you will not at Ilium prevail,
  • Since Jupiter protects it with his hand.
  • And now go tell the princes what I say,
  • That they may better counsel take to save
  • 415Their ships and men by sea, because the way
  • Which now they take no good effect will have.
  • Let Phœnix, if he will (not else), stay here.
  • This said, th’ ambassadors were mute, and sorry
  • They from him could no better answer bear,
  • 420Than a denial, flat and peremptory.
  • At last unto Achilles Phœnix spake;
  • If you, said he, resolv’d are to be gone,
  • And leave the war for Agamemnon’s sake,
  • In what estate shall I be here alone?
  • 425When you to Agamemnon first were sent,
  • You were a child, and understood not war,
  • Unable to say clearly what you meant,
  • Which the first principles of honour are.
  • And by your father I was with you sent,
  • 430To show you how you were to speak and do.
  • So that if you to go be fully bent,
  • You need not doubt but I shall be so too,
  • And should be though I were as young as when
  • I Hellas left, and from my father fled,
  • 435Amyntor, son of Orminus, who then
  • A concubine had taken to his bed;
  • My mother, to the end to make her hate
  • In such a way the old man’s company,
  • Was with me oftentimes importunate
  • 440To court her, and I did thereto agree,
  • And got her love. Which when my father knew,
  • He fell into a mighty passion,
  • And many bitter curses on me threw,
  • And pray’d the Gods I ne’er might have a son.
  • 445His pray’r by Pluto and by Proserpine
  • Was heard, and I no longer would abide
  • At home; but cross’d awhile was my design,
  • By friends and nephews that my purpose spy’d,
  • Who pray’d me and retain’d me with good cheer;
  • 450Many good kine they kill’d and lusty sheep,
  • And many swine were daily singed there,
  • And much wine spent, and nightly watch they keep
  • By turns nine nights together; and fires twain.
  • One in the court against my chamber-door,
  • 455Another in the porch they kept in vain.
  • For on the tenth the court-wall I leapt o’er
  • And undiscerned to king Peleus fled,
  • Who us’d me as a father would his son,
  • His only son far off begot and bred;
  • 460Enrich’d, and gave me the dominion
  • Of the Dolopians, who are a part
  • Of Peleus’ realm. · Now, no man like you is,
  • Divine Achilles, whom I love at th’ heart,
  • And joy that I have brought you up to this,
  • 465Though painful to me were your infancy,
  • Who not at feast nor in the house would eat,
  • If first I did not set you on my knee,
  • And into little pieces cut your meat.
  • And often on my breast you puk’d your wine.
  • 470But since I knew my line with me would end,
  • To take you for my heir was my design,
  • Who in my feeble age might me defend.
  • Master your heart, Achilles; for you know
  • The Gods, though stronger and more fear’d than you,
  • 475With incense and with pray’rs are made to bow,
  • Although from men they not receive their due.
  • For Prayers of high Jove the daughters are,
  • Though lame their feet, and squinting be their eyes;
  • And follow Wrath (though she runs faster far),
  • 480And to the hurt she does give remedies,
  • And cure all those that show them due respect.
  • But when an angry man they cannot move,
  • That reconcilement always will reject,
  • They call for judgment from their father Jove.
  • 485Therefore, Achilles, give respect unto
  • These Goddesses, the daughters of high Jove,
  • As other mighty men and princes do.
  • Had not Atrides, to redeem your love,
  • Offer’d you presents great, and promised more,
  • 490I never had advis’d you to agree
  • To save their ships from burning on the shore.
  • Till that were done you could not blamed be.
  • But since he does so amply make amends,
  • And chosen has good men to intercede,
  • 495Who are of all the Greeks your greatest friends,
  • Refuse them not the grace for which they plead,
  • Such was the hero’s custom heretofore,
  • When one had done another injury,
  • The damage they had done first to restore,
  • 500And then with gifts and pray’rs buy amity.
  • But I will tell you how it came to pass
  • At Calydon long since, not yesterday,
  • War ’twixt the Curets and th’ Ætolians was,
  • These to defend, the other to destroy.
  • 505For Œneus having got his harvest in,
  • To all the Gods made a great sacrifice;
  • Only Diana had no part therein,
  • Forgot she was; he did not her despise.
  • But she in anger sent a great wild boar,
  • 510That wasted and made havoc of his field,
  • And up by the roots, his goodly fruit-trees tore.
  • This boar Meleager, son of Œneus kill’d,
  • Assisted by the youth of many a state
  • That to the chase with men and hounds came in.
  • 515Between them then Diana rais’d debate
  • About who was to have the head and skin.
  • While Meleager with them went to war,
  • The Curets never durst approach the wall,
  • Although they were the greater number far.
  • 520But when with choler swelled was his gall,
  • (Which often happens to a man, though wise)
  • He kept his chamber and abstain’d from fight,
  • Offended with his mother’s injuries,
  • And of all company eschew’d the sight,
  • 525But Cleopatra, consort of his bed,
  • Child of Marpissa, who (by stealth) was bride
  • Of Idas, who at that time carried
  • For strength the reputation far and wide.
  • This Idas’ child was Meleager’s wife.
  • 530But Idas rashly for his dear wife’s sake
  • Against Apollo did engage his life,
  • And him at bow and arrows undertake.
  • But Cleopatra then surnamed was
  • Halcyone, that was not so before
  • 535Her father with Apollo fought, because
  • She did her mother’s death so much deplore.
  • With her now grieving Meleager lay,
  • And angry at the curses of his mother;
  • Who to the Gods continually did pray
  • 540Against his life for killing of her brother;
  • And from her eyes the tears ran down her breast,
  • And often with her hand the ground she smote.
  • Making to Pluto and his queen request
  • To kill her son; which they rejected not.
  • 545Meanwhile the uproar heard was at the gates,
  • And thumping of the tow’rs of Calydon.
  • To Meleager then came priests and states
  • Intreating him his armour to put on,
  • And save the town, and offer’d for his pain,
  • 550As much good land (so take it where he would,
  • One half for wine, the other half for grain)
  • As fifty able oxen labour could.
  • Then came his father rattling at his door,
  • His brothers, and his angry mother too:
  • 555But he persisted in his will the more;
  • His dearest friends could with him nothing do.
  • But when the cry and danger now was nigher,
  • And on the tow’rs the Curets mounted were,
  • And ready now to set the town on fire,
  • 560Then Cleopatra to her husband dear
  • Show’d th’ image of a town won by the foe.
  • How butcher’d are the men, the houses burned,
  • Their wives and children dragg’d away; and so
  • Her husband’s heart again to pity turned.
  • 565Then went he and repell’d the enemies,
  • Though what they promis’d him they never gave.
  • But that’s not it to which I you advise;
  • But first the ships, and then the Greeks to save;
  • But not without these gifts to go to war:
  • 570For more unto your honour it will be
  • To give them aid when satisfied you are,
  • By Agamemnon for the injury.
  • Thus Phœnix said. Achilles then replied,
  • Such honour I seek none. Jove honours me,
  • 575Since by his will I at my ships abide,
  • And will do till I dead or strengthless be.
  • No more molest me for Atrides’ sake,
  • But stay with me, and equal to me reign,
  • And such as are my friends for your friends take,
  • 580And do not lose my friendship his to gain.
  • Stay, then, this night, and take your lodging here;
  • My answer t’ Agamemnon these will carry;
  • As soon as morning shall again appear,
  • We’ll talk of whether we shall go or tarry.
  • 585And as he spake those words, he wink’d upon
  • Patroclus to give order for his bed,
  • That he himself prepare might to be gone.
  • Amongst them then great Ajax spake and said,
  • Ulysses come, our labour here is lost;
  • 590Let’s carry back his answer, such as ’tis,
  • To Agamemnon and the Argive host,
  • Who us expect, since obstinate he is,
  • And can a thought so savage entertain,
  • Unkind and unregardful of his friends,
  • 595When others for a son or brother slain
  • Can be contented to receive amends,
  • And let the man that slew him live in rest,
  • As soon as they have paid for their misdeed.
  • But you, Achilles, harbour in your breast
  • 600An everlasting anger without need,
  • And hurtful to your friends no less than foes,
  • For ’tis but for one maid he took away;
  • And for her now he seven on you bestows,
  • And much beside, your anger to allay.
  • 605Regard your house. We your domestics are,
  • Nearer than any of the Greeks beside,
  • And in your honour more concern’d by far.
  • Thus Ajax said. Achilles then replied,
  • O Ajax, noble son of Telamon,
  • 610I not deny but all you say is well;
  • But always when that man you mention,
  • My choler rising, makes my heart to swell.
  • He made me has to th’ Argives despicable,
  • As if I were a fool or inmate who
  • 615Of honour in a town is incapable,
  • And with the public nothing has to do.
  • Go, therefore, let Atrides know my mind.
  • I will no more against the Trojans fight,
  • Till Hector at my tents and ships I find,
  • 620And th’ Argive fleet be flaming in my sight.
  • For if he come unto my ships, I think,
  • Keen as he is, I shall his fury stay.
  • This said, unto the Gods above they drink,
  • And then they with his answer went away.
  • 625Patroclus then gave order for a bed
  • With woolly cov’rings soft and linen fine
  • For Phœnix, where he lay till day was spread.
  • But with Achilles slept a concubine,
  • Fair Diomeda, whom he brought away
  • 630From Lesbos when he had that city sack’d.
  • And in another part Patroclus lay,
  • Nor he a beautiful bed-fellow lack’d,
  • Fair Iphis, whom Achilles gave him when
  • He newly rifled had the town of Scyros,
  • 635And now th’ ambassadors were come again,
  • And to them store of people flock, desirous
  • To hear the news, and wine unto them brought.
  • But Agamemnon first inquir’d and said,
  • Ulysses, will he save the fleet or not,
  • 640Or is his choler not to be allay’d?
  • And he Achilles’ answer then related.
  • The man, said he, retains his anger still.
  • And now ’tis greater rather than abated,
  • And says, tomorrow put to sea he will.
  • 645And your alliance and your gifts rejects,
  • And says he would advise us to go home;
  • Since Jupiter himself the town protects,
  • He says in vain we stay at Ilium.
  • And bids you order take to save the fleet.
  • 650Thus said he, as these know as well as I,
  • Ajax and both the heralds, men discreet,
  • Who all the while he spake were standing by,
  • And Phœnix too. But he lies there all night,
  • That o’er the sea together they may go,
  • 655If Phœnix will, as soon as it is light;
  • But forc’d is not whether he will or no.
  • When thus Ulysses ended had his story,
  • All silent were awhile and much dismay’d
  • With his denial flat and peremptory.
  • 660At last Tydides to them spake and said,
  • O king Atrides, we have done amiss
  • With gifts and prayers thus to seek his aid,
  • That proud before, by this made prouder is.
  • Let him go when he will. Be not afraid,
  • 665But let’s refresh ourselves tonight with bread
  • And wine; for that gives men both strength and heart,
  • And see your men i’ th’ morn embatteled,
  • And at the head of them do you your part.
  • This said, the princes of the host admired
  • 670The gallant speech of valiant Diomed:
  • And every one unto his tent retired,
  • With a good will to sleep, and went to bed.

  LIB. X.

  • Encounter of the scouts by night.

  • All night the princes of the Argives slept,
  • Save Agamemnon, who could take no rest,
  • But with unquiet thoughts was waking kept,
  • And casting for his safety what was best.
  • 5And frequent as the lightning flashes are
  • When Jove is making rain or hail i’ th’ skies,
  • Or somewhere punishing the proud by war;
  • So frequent then were Agamemnon’s sighs.
  • And when the fires he saw upon the plain
  • 10Made by the foe, and th’ acclamation
  • And shouts he heard, he wondered. But again
  • When he his ships and people look’d upon,
  • Then by the roots he pluck’d off from his head
  • Handfuls of hair, and sigh’d and groaned more;
  • 15And thought it best then to be counselled
  • By Nestor how he might himself restore.
  • And rising up, his coat he first puts on,
  • And to his smooth white feet his shoes he tied;
  • And then, above his coat, he cast upon
  • 20His back a great and tawny lion’s hide.
  • And Menelaus, too, that waking lay
  • And trembling in his bed all night, for fear
  • The Greeks that for his sake were come to Troy
  • Should fall into some great disaster there,
  • 25Rose up and to his brother’s tent went in.
  • A spear he had in’s hand, and armed was,
  • Having upon his back a leopard’s skin,
  • And on his head a helmet good of brass.
  • And said to Agamemnon, Brother, why
  • 30So early up? Have you a mind to send
  • Into the army of the foe some spy?
  • I fear you will not find so bold a friend
  • As thither dares to go i’ th’ night alone.
  • Brother, said Agamemnon, you and I
  • 35Must better counsel take than we have done,
  • Since Jove now favoureth the enemy,
  • And takes in Hector’s sacrifice delight.
  • For so much harm so soon was never done,
  • As he to us has done in one day’s fight;
  • 40Yet nor of God nor Goddess is the son.
  • His this day’s acts the Greeks will ne’er forget.
  • But go you to the princes quickly. Run.
  • Call up Idomeneus the King of Crete,
  • And the great Ajax son of Telamon,
  • 45While I call Nestor up and bring him to
  • The place which is appointed for the guard,
  • T’ instruct the men with what they have to do,
  • Because his counsel they will most regard.
  • For by his son the watch commanded is,
  • 50And with him we Meriones have join’d.
  • Then Menelaus farther ask’d him this,
  • That he might fully understand his mind,
  • When they are call’d, what next is to be done?
  • Must I stay here till you come back again,
  • 55Or after you about the army run?
  • No, no, said he, where you are now, remain.
  • But going call upon each one aloud,
  • And by the name he from his father takes,
  • And praise them all, let them not think you proud;
  • 60Pain is no shame when ’tis for our own sakes.
  • This said, they part, and Agamemnon went
  • To seek out Nestor; whom he found a-bed,
  • And all his armour by him in his tent,
  • His shield, two spears, and helmet for his head,
  • 65And belt of many colours finely wrought,
  • Which always he was wont in war to use
  • When he his people unto battle brought.
  • No labour would he on his age excuse.
  • Now raised on his elbow, Who, said he,
  • 70Are you that walk abroad when others sleep?
  • Stay there, I say, and come no nearer me;
  • Until your name you tell, at distance keep.
  • Seek you some officer or camerade?
  • I Agamemnon am, said he, your friend,
  • 75Whom Jove to bear such miseries hath made,
  • As while I live will never have an end;
  • And in my bed no sleep at all I take
  • For fear of some unfortunate event.
  • Unsettled is my heart, my limbs all shake,
  • 80And in this plight I wand’red to your tent:
  • And now, I pray you, since you waking lie
  • Come with me to the watch; for since the foe
  • Unto our wall encamped is so nigh,
  • They charge us may by night for aught we know.
  • 85To this old Nestor answer made and said,
  • Think not, Atrides, Jove will all things do
  • As they are now in Hector’s fancy laid?
  • For harder work he would be put unto
  • If we Achilles can but once appease.
  • 90But go, I’ll follow you, and call upon
  • Tydides and Ulysses if you please,
  • Ajax the less, and Meges Phyleus’ son.
  • I wish some other man of nimbler feet
  • Were to great Ajax sent to make him rise,
  • 95And to Idomeneus the King of Crete,
  • Whose quarter from this place a great way lies.
  • But Menelaus I intend to chide,
  • That sleeps and leaves the work to you alone.
  • ’Tis no fit time within his tent t’ abide,
  • 100But to the princes should himself have gone.
  • To Nestor Agamemnon then replied,
  • O Nestor, he is often negligent,
  • And often I have pray’d you him to chide.
  • Yet ’tis not sloth; but my commandement
  • 105He always looks for, though there be no cause.
  • And yet tonight he has prevented me.
  • For up and arm’d before me now he was;
  • And when he came I sent him presently
  • To call up Ajax and the King of Crete.
  • 110And at the watch we both of them shall see,
  • Where I appointed have the rest to meet.
  • Nestor again replied. ’Tis well, said he,
  • The Greeks will of him have a better thought,
  • And readier obedience he will find.
  • 115This said, he put himself into his coat,
  • And tied his shoes on, and his cloak well lined,
  • And took his spear in hand. Then on they went
  • Among the Argive ships upon the sand.
  • And when they came unto Ulysses’ tent,
  • 120To call and waken him, they made a stand.
  • And Nestor, with his voice stretch’d to the height,
  • Call’d to him by his name. Ulysses straight
  • Came forth and said, Why come you in the night?
  • Your bus’ness sure must be of mighty weight.
  • 125O Laërtiades, said Nestor then,
  • Take it not ill. Such is our misery.
  • But come with us to call up other men,
  • That we may counsel take to fight or fly.
  • Ulysses then return’d into his tent,
  • 130And on his shoulders hung his painted shield;
  • And with them first to Diomed he went,
  • Whom they found armed in the open field,
  • His soldiers sleeping lay about him round,
  • And on his buckler each one had his head,
  • 135The butt-ends of their spears fix’d in the ground,
  • Whereof the points like lightning glittered.
  • But he himself slept on a good cow-hide,
  • His head upon a gaudy carpet laid.
  • Then Nestor came and standing at his side
  • 140Awak’d him with his foot, and to him said,
  • Awake, Tydides, hear you not how nigh
  • The Trojans are encamped to the fleet?
  • This said, Tydides leap’d up suddenly,
  • And when he raised was upon his feet,
  • 145Nestor, said he, unhappy restless man,
  • That aged as you are take not your ease,
  • When younger men there are that better can
  • Call up the Argive princes if they please.
  • ’Tis true, said Nestor, I have at my tent
  • 150Sons of my own, and others can command,
  • Who might upon such errands have been sent,
  • But that upon the very brink we stand
  • Of life and death. And since you pity me,
  • Call little Ajax up, and Phyleus’ son.
  • 155For young you are, and can do’t easily.
  • Tydides then a lion’s skin puts on
  • Tawny and reaching to his heels, and then
  • Into his hand he took a heavy spear,
  • And out he went and called up those men.
  • 160When to the watch they come together were,
  • The captains of the watch were not asleep,
  • But all were sitting at their arms awake.
  • As dogs that guarding are a fold of sheep
  • Hearing the noise the hounds and hunters make,
  • 165When in the woods they chase some savage beast,
  • And nearer still and nearer hear the cries,
  • They doubt the worst, and cannot take their rest,
  • But list’ning stand and sleep forsakes their eyes;
  • So watchfully spent they the tedious night,
  • 170And ever when of feet they heard the tread
  • ’Twixt them and Troy, that way they turn’d their sight;
  • So much they Hector’s coming on did dread.
  • When Nestor coming by, observ’d them had,
  • So, so, said he, brave lads, continue so,
  • 175And give no cause to Hector to be glad.
  • He and the princes then together go
  • (All that to counsel had been made to rise,
  • Except Meriones and Nestor’s son,
  • Whom they thought worthy with them to advise)
  • 180And part the ditch, and sitting down upon
  • The place to which they were pursued before
  • By Hector, who retiring thence, left clear
  • The ground from dead men’s carcasses and gore,
  • Of what they next should do consulted there.
  • 185First Nestor spake. Who dares (said he) to go
  • Unto the Trojan camp that lies so near,
  • And kill, or bring thence some outlying foe?
  • Or what they shall resolve upon to hear?
  • Whether (since they have worsted us) to stay
  • 190So near us, or retire into the town.
  • If this he do and safely come away,
  • He to himself acquire will great renown,
  • And by each one that has of ships command,
  • He for his service shall be well requited.
  • 195Each one an ewe and lamb shall give him, and
  • He to our public feastings be invited.
  • This said, they paus’d awhile, but by and by
  • Tydides rising spake. Nestor, said he,
  • To go into the Trojan camp dare I.
  • 200But ’twould be best some other went with me,
  • More hope and courage is where there are two;
  • What one observeth not the other may.
  • A man alone can little see or do,
  • And single judgments see but little way;
  • 205At these words many with him would have gone,
  • Ajaxes, both the greater and the less,
  • And stout Antilochus, old Nestor’s son,
  • And Menelaus and Meriones.
  • But most of all Ulysses long’d to see
  • 210What projects in the Trojan camp were laid.
  • For none adventure farther durst than he.
  • Then to Tydides Agamemnon said,
  • Tydides, whom I love, now choose your man;
  • Regard not birth nor sceptres, but the cause.
  • 215Take him that you think best assist you can,
  • And this he said in fear for Menelaus.
  • To this Tydides answer made again,
  • Since of my fellows I the choice must make,
  • Ulysses I prefer before all men,
  • 220And him for my assistant I will take;
  • So much in diligence he doth excel,
  • And so much care Athena of him has,
  • That I believe we both should come off well
  • Though through a flaming fire we were to pass.
  • 225Then, said Ulysses, Speak no more of me,
  • Nor good nor ill. The Argives know me well.
  • Let’s go. Two-thirds o’ th’ night are spent, you see,
  • As any man that sees the stars can tell.
  • Then put they on their arms. And Thrasymed
  • 230Gave Diomed a sword (who had forgot
  • To bring his own), and to defend his head
  • A leather cap without crest, call’d a pot.
  • Meriones unto Ulysses gave
  • His bow and quiver, sword and dogskin cap,
  • 235Pleated with thongs within, his head to save
  • If need should be in combat, from mishap.
  • For ’twixt the leathers tough inserted were
  • Guards of thick felt; of boar’s teeth was the brim.
  • Eleon was the first that did it wear,
  • 240But taken by Autolycus from him,
  • And given ’twas unto Amphidamus,
  • Which he to Molon gave that was his guest,
  • And to Meriones then left it was,
  • And now upon Ulysses’ head did rest.
  • 245And being both thus armed, forth they went
  • And by the way a heron dexter flew,
  • A lucky sign, and by Athena sent,
  • As by the sound made by her wings they knew.
  • Ulysses then unto the Goddess pray’d,
  • 250Hail virgin daughter of almighty Jove,
  • That all my labour seest, and giv’st me aid,
  • Now more than ever let me find your love.
  • Grant me that I some good exploit may do
  • To vex the Trojans, and come safe from thence.
  • 255And then Tydides pray’d unto her too.
  • Celestial maid, that with my father went’st
  • When he ambassador to Thebes was sent
  • With words of peace, and coming back achieved
  • By your assistance and encouragement
  • 260Such noble acts as scarce will be believed,
  • If you will aid me as you aided him,
  • O Goddess, I will to you sacrifice
  • A heifer, and with gold her horns I’ll trim.
  • This said, their suit the Goddess not denies.
  • 265When their devotion now was at an end,
  • Away they went, ’mongst carcases and blood,
  • Like lions that on slaughter love t ’attend.
  • Nor Hector and the Trojans idle stood,
  • But call’d a council of the chiefs, and said,
  • 270Who’s he will undertake what I’ll propound,
  • And for his pains be honourably paid,
  • And for his valour far and near renown’d?
  • I give him will two horses and a coach,
  • The best that shall be taken from the foe,
  • 275That will unto the Argive fleet approach,
  • And bring me word what they intend to do;
  • Whether their ships they guard as heretofore,
  • Or mean to quit the siege at Ilium.
  • And beaten thus, haul down their ships from shore,
  • 280And ere their work be finished, go home.
  • This said, they silent sat. But one there was,
  • Dolon by name, the squire Eumedes’ son,
  • That master was of store of gold and brass,
  • A sorry fellow, but that well could run.
  • 285Hector, said he, I’ll to the fleet approach.
  • Swear now by Jove, and hold your sceptre high,
  • I shall Achilles’ horses have and coach,
  • And I for you will be a faithful spy.
  • For down to Agamemnon’s tent I’ll go,
  • 290Where they consult whether to fight or fly:
  • For there their resolution I shall know.
  • Then Hector held his sceptre up on high.
  • O Jove, betwixt us witness bear, said he,
  • No Trojan shall these horses have but you,
  • 295And yours they shall perpetually be.
  • Thus Hector swore, although it prov’d not true.
  • Upon his shoulder then his bow he hung.
  • His cap of cat, a wolf’s skin was his coat.
  • And when he gotten clear was from the throng,
  • 300With spear in hand he fell into his trot.
  • And first Ulysses heard the sound of feet.
  • I hear one come, said he to Diomed,
  • Perhaps a spy that sent is to our fleet,
  • Or one that has a mind to strip the dead.
  • 305’Tis best t’ avoid him till he past us be,
  • And then to follow him and drive him on.
  • But lest he swifter be of foot than we,
  • And to the city back again should run,
  • Rise and be sure to turn him with your spear.
  • 310And when he was a land’s length past them gone
  • They follow’d him. And he their feet did hear,
  • And thought some Trojans had been coming on
  • By Hector sent to call him back again.
  • But when they from him were scarce a spear’s cast,
  • 315He knew then they were Agamemnon’s men,
  • And frighted was; and then his feet mov’d fast.
  • As two hounds in a wood obscure and dim
  • Pursue a fearful doe or hare, just so
  • Tydides and Ulysses hunted him,
  • 320When back into the herd he could not go.
  • When Dolon to the watch was very near,
  • Athena puts into Tydides’ head,
  • That some man else might at him throw a spear,
  • And be thereby before him honoured.
  • 325To Dolon then Tydides spake, and said,
  • Stay, or my spear shall make you stay; for long
  • I am assur’d you cannot death avoid.
  • And as he spake the word, his spear he flung,
  • And miss’d on purpose, but it lighted near.
  • 330Dolon affrighted, pale and trembling stands,
  • And in his head chatter’d his teeth with fear.
  • Then in they came and seiz’d on both his hands;
  • And Dolon weeping, then for quarter pray’d,
  • Great ransom for me will my father give,
  • 335For gold he has enough; and will, he said,
  • Give any price, when here he knows I live.
  • Then to him said Ulysses, Do not fear,
  • Nor think of death. But see you tell me true
  • Upon what weighty bus’ness you are here,
  • 340When others sleep, and at a time undue.
  • Meant you to rifle any of the dead?
  • Or were you sent by Hector as a spy,
  • Or undertook the same of your own head?
  • T’ Ulysses Dolon then did thus reply:
  • 345I was by Hector’s promises set on,
  • And should have had Achilles’ chariot
  • And horses, if I to the fleet had gone.
  • And good intelligence to Hector brought,
  • Whether the ships be guarded as before,
  • 350Or that the Greeks now beaten mean to fly,
  • And weary of their labour, watch no more.
  • To this again Ulysses made reply,
  • And smiling said, It was no small reward
  • You aimed at. Achilles’ horse, ye say?
  • 355To rule them for a mortal man ’tis hard.
  • The Goddess Thetis’ son they’ll scarce obey.
  • But tell me further; when you came away,
  • Where you left Hector, where his horses are,
  • And where his arms; where other Trojans stay
  • 360To sleep or watch, and whether they prepare
  • To go into the town, or mean t’ abide
  • Always so near our ships as they are now.
  • T’ Ulysses Dolon then again replied,
  • This also I will let you truly know.
  • 365I Hector left at Ilus’ sepulchre
  • With other lords in consultation,
  • The rest about the bonfires waking were.
  • But certain watch appointed there was none;
  • But those confederates that came from far
  • 370Slept at their ease all night and watched not;
  • For that they trusted to the Trojans’ care,
  • Having no wives nor children with them brought.
  • Ulysses then examin’d him again,
  • How lie the strangers? mix’d with those of Troy,
  • 375Or by themselves? Inform me and be plain.
  • Nothing, said Dolon, but the truth I’ll say.
  • Pæans, Pelasgians, Caucons, Leleges,
  • And Cars lie by the sea-side on the sands,
  • The rest near Thymbra quarter, and are these;
  • 380The Mæons, Mysians, Lycians, Phrygians.
  • But there’s no need to tell you ev’ry thing;
  • For if upon our quarters you would fall,
  • There lie the Thracians new come, and their king,
  • Rhesus by name, and utmost lies of all.
  • 385Such horses yet I never did behold,
  • Swift as the wind, and than the snow more white,
  • With silver cover’d is his car, and gold;
  • Gold are his arms, and make a gallant sight,
  • And fitter for a God than man to wear.
  • 390But try now whether I say true or no,
  • And send me to the ships, or bind me here.
  • Then said Tydides with a frowning brow,
  • Think not to ’scape, though all you say be true;
  • For if I let you loose, for aught I know,
  • 395You may return again to fight or view;
  • But hurt us cannot if I kill you now.
  • As Dolon then beginning was to pray,
  • Tydides’ sword lighted on’s neck so just,
  • That from his shoulders fell his head away
  • 400As he was speaking, and lay in the dust.
  • And from him then they took his cap of cat,
  • His spear, and wolf’s skin coat, and bow unbent,
  • And in his hands Ulysses took all that,
  • And to Minerva up his prayer sent.
  • 405Hail Pallas, whom we pray’d to for success
  • Before all other Gods, receive these gifts,
  • And us unto the Thracian tents address.
  • This said, the spoils of Dolon up he lifts,
  • And lays them in a tree; and for a mark,
  • 410They near the way laid store of boughs and reeds
  • To find them coming back, because ’twas dark.
  • Then with Tydides onward he proceeds,

  • The surprise of Rhesus.

  • And ev’ry step on arms or blood they tread,
  • And soon amongst the Thracians they were,
  • 415That sleeping lay, as if they had been dead,
  • And by each one his buckler and his spear.
  • Their horses to the chariot seats were tied.
  • Thus in three rows the Thracians were laid,
  • Rhesus i’ th’ midst; which first Ulysses spied,
  • 420And to Tydides speaking softly, said,
  • See there the horses, and see there the man
  • Rhesus, of whom we were by Dolon told.
  • Untie the horses; or kill all you can,
  • And I upon the horses will lay hold.
  • 425Tydides then, made by Minerva bold,
  • Amongst them killing went, and never staid
  • (Like lion fierce in a neglected fold)
  • Till he a dozen of them dead had laid.
  • And whomsoever Diomedes slew,
  • 430Ulysses following took him by the foot,
  • And from the place a little way him drew,
  • For fear the steeds, not yet accustom’d to’t,
  • Should boggle, tremble, and refuse to pass.
  • To Rhesus last of all went Diomed,
  • 435And kill’d him too. So he the thirteenth was.
  • And panted as he slept; for at his head
  • He dreamt Tydides all night standing was.
  • Ulysses to the horses went; and now
  • Seiz’d, and their heads together tied has:
  • 440But for a whip he made use of his bow.
  • And gotten forth, whistled to Diomed
  • To come away, who gave no ear thereto,
  • But staying with himself, considered
  • What further hurt he might the Trojans do.
  • 445To draw away the chariot by the pole,
  • Wherein the golden arms of Rhesus lay,
  • Or thence upon his shoulders bear the whole;
  • Or whether he more Thracians should destroy.
  • While thus he studied, Pallas by him stood.
  • 450Contented be, said she, with what is done.
  • To go unto the ships I think it good,
  • For fear you thither should be forc’d to run.
  • Some other God awake the Trojans may.
  • This said, that Pallas to him spake he thought,
  • 455And from the Thracian quarter came away,
  • And on one of the horses’ backs he got,
  • And tow’rds the ships at full speed then they ride,
  • Ulysses with his bow still switching on;
  • But Phœbus with Tydides Pallas spy’d,
  • 460And angrily call’d up Hippocoon;
  • Who, when he came and empty saw the ground
  • Where th’ horses stood, and dy’d with blood the field,
  • And sprawling in their blood the Thracians found,
  • Ay me, said he, they have my uncle kill’d.
  • 465The Trojans then in haste and frighted rise,
  • And at the place in great disorder meet,
  • And gaze upon the mischief with their eyes,
  • But they that did it fled were to the fleet.
  • When flying they were at the tree, where lay
  • 470The spoils of Dolon, there awhile they tarry,
  • Until Tydides fetch’d them had away,
  • And to Ulysses given them to carry,
  • And mounted was upon his horse again.
  • Again Ulysses switch’d them tow’rds the fleet;
  • 475And when they near it were, old Nestor then,
  • Who was the first that heard the horses’ feet,
  • Cried out, The sound of horses’ feet I hear;
  • I wish Ulysses ’twere and Diomed.
  • But somewhat else and worse it is, I fear;
  • 480So many sad mishaps run in my head.
  • He scarce had spoken this but they came in.
  • When they alighted were and welcomed
  • With hands and speeches of their friends had been,
  • Then Nestor thus Ulysses questioned:
  • 485Ulysses, glory of the Greeks, said he,
  • Whence are these horses, beauteous as the sun?
  • Won from the Trojans? But that cannot be;
  • For such amongst the Trojans I saw none,
  • Though I amongst them were in ev’ry fight.
  • 490Or given by the Gods? which may be true;
  • For both of you are gracious in their sight,
  • And Jove and Pallas have a care of you.
  • O noble Nestor, said Ulysses then,
  • Gods can give better horses if they please;
  • 495For richer much are they than mortal men.
  • Tydides from a king of Thrace took these,
  • Who was come newly to the Trojans’ aid;
  • And slain him has, besides a dozen more,
  • And besides these a spy that them betray’d,
  • 500By Hector sent your purpose to explore.
  • This said, Ulysses with much people went
  • Triumphing, and the milk-white horses drove
  • Over the trenches to Tydides’ tent.
  • There sets them up, and wheat unto them gave;
  • 505But Dolon’s spoils astern his ship he plac’d,
  • Preparing for Athena’s sacrifice.
  • And then into the sea they went and wash’d
  • The sweat from off their shoulders, legs, and thighs,
  • And after bathe, and ’noint themselves with oil;
  • 510That done, they sit down to their meat and dine;
  • And being thus refreshed from their toil,
  • Unto the Goddess Pallas offer wine.

  LIB. XI.

  • The third fight.

  • Aurora rising from Tithonus’ bed,
  • Before both Gods and men to hold her light,
  • Eris from Jove the signal carried
  • Unto the Argive fleet of bloody fight.
  • 5And down unto Ulysses’ ship she went,
  • That was the middlemost and high’st of all,
  • That heard she might be to Achilles’ tent,
  • And Ajax’s, that they might hear her call.
  • At th’ outsides of the fleet they quarter’d were;
  • 10For they upon their prowess most relied:
  • Then Eris with her voice the air did tear,
  • And horribly to the Achæans cried,
  • Come quickly forth into the field and fight;
  • Be bold, Achæans; to the battle come.
  • 15Encourag’d thus, the Greeks took more delight
  • In staying at the war than going home.
  • Fellows, to arms, then Agamemnon cried,
  • And to put on his arms the first man was.
  • His leg-pieces he down to th’ ankles tied
  • 20With silver buckles, leg-pieces of brass;
  • And then puts on an armour on his breast,
  • That had been given him by Cinyres,
  • (His ancient acquaintance and his guest,)
  • Whilst he preparing was to pass the seas:
  • 25For long before the Greeks for Troy set sail,
  • Their purpose was at Cyprus known by fame,
  • And thinking such a gift might him avail,
  • In kindness t’ Agamemnon sent the same.
  • The colour was by pales distinguished,
  • 30Ten black, twelve gold, and twenty were of tin:
  • And in it three black serpents figured,
  • As if they creeping were unto his chin.
  • Their sides like rainbows look’d, which in the sky
  • Are shown by Jove for men to wonder at.
  • 35Then from his shoulder down upon his thigh
  • He hung his sword. Studded with gold was that.
  • Then took his shield which finely varied was;
  • Bossed in twenty places with white tin;
  • And round about them were ten orbs of brass;
  • 40And black the circle was enclos’d within.
  • Then Gorgo painted was with killing eyes,
  • And with her standing Terror and Affright:
  • His belt of silver was, and to the skies
  • Returned back again the glitt’ring light.
  • 45Wound up lay on it painted a great snake,
  • Which had three heads, and crowned was each one.
  • And last into his hand two spears did take,
  • Having his helmet on his head put on.
  • Thus Agamemnon armed was. And then
  • 50Juno and Pallas both rais’d such a sound
  • (To honour him before the Greeks) as when
  • A man that’s slain falls suddenly to th’ ground.
  • Then every one unto his charioteer
  • Commandment gave upon the ditch to stay
  • 55And ready be. The foot all armed were,
  • And forth into the field were march’d away.
  • But soon again the horses with them stood.
  • Then Jove amongst them Noise and Tumult sent;
  • And mingled was the morning dew with blood,
  • 60For on that day much blood was to be spent.
  • Upon a rising ground now Hector was,
  • Æneas with him, and Polydamas,
  • And three sons of Antenor, Acamas,
  • Agenor, Polybus, and th’ army was.
  • 65And Hector with a round shield at their head,
  • As when a star does through the clouds appear,
  • And presently again is covered;
  • Sometimes i’ th’ front was, sometimes in the rear
  • Giving command; his arms like lightning show.
  • 70As mowers standing one rank ’gainst another,
  • A field of barley or of wheat to mow;
  • So Greeks and Trojans mow down one the other.
  • On neither side thought any man of flight,
  • But like to wolves on one another fly,
  • 75In number equal; and gave great delight
  • To Eris, who (and no God else) was by.
  • The other Gods stayed on Olympus Hill,
  • Within whose folds they dwell, and murmur’d at
  • Their father Jove for bearing such goodwill
  • 80To Ilium. But he car’d not for that.
  • And by himself he from them went; and then
  • Took pride to see the Greeks and Trojans fight,
  • And look on killing and on dying men,
  • And of their arms to see the flashing light.
  • 85Now all the while that mounting was the sun,
  • The number slain on both sides was the same;
  • But when the woodman half his work had done,
  • And willingly unto his dinner came,
  • The Greeks then brake the Trojan ranks, and on
  • 90Fell Agamemnon, and Bienor slew,
  • Both him and Ocles his companion,
  • That drove the horses which the chariot drew.
  • He lighting and assailing him was slain;
  • And Ocles had no time his spear to throw:
  • 95For Agamemnon’s spear had pierc’d his brain,
  • Passing both through his helmet and his brow.
  • These there he left, stript both of arms and coat,
  • And Antiphus and Isus then drew near,
  • Both Priam’s sons, one legal, th’ other not,
  • 100Upon one seat, and Isus charioteer.
  • Once by Achilles taken were these men,
  • As they were feeding sheep on Ida’s hills,
  • And for their ransom were set free again;
  • But both of them now Agamemnon kills.
  • 105For Isus’ breast he pierc’d through with his spear;
  • The other with his sword he overthrew,
  • And seen him had when he was prisoner.
  • And that ’twas Antiphus (when stript) he knew.
  • As when a lion with his mighty teeth
  • 110Crusheth the tender issue of a hind,
  • Which the affrighted dam stands by and seeth,
  • And grieveth, but no remedy can find;
  • And skipping in the woods for shelter seeks
  • To save her own life; so the Trojans fled,
  • 115Pursu’d by Agamemnon and the Greeks,
  • And thought not on their fellows they left dead.
  • T’ Hyppolochus then comes he and Pisander,
  • Sons of Antimachus, a person noted
  • For having gold receiv’d of Alexander,
  • 120And for it in the common council voted.
  • And these two Agamemnon took alive;
  • For by mischance the reins slipp’d from their hands,
  • And then they saw it was in vain to strive,
  • And Agamemnon now before them stands.
  • 125Then as they sat together on one seat,
  • Save us (said they) Atrides, let us live,
  • For we redeem’d shall be with ransom great,
  • Our father for us what you please will give.
  • Are you Antimachus’s son, said he,
  • 130That gave advice to murder Menelaus,
  • Contrary to the laws of honesty,
  • When of the Greeks ambassador he was,
  • And with Ulysses sent into the town?
  • You for your father’s evil deed must pay.
  • 135Then from his car Pisander he struck down;
  • With breast pierc’d through upon his back he lay.
  • Hyppolochus was lighted and on foot,
  • And with the sword of Agamemnon slain,
  • Who cuts his head off, and his hands to boot,
  • 140And then upon the Trojans press’d again.
  • And great the slaughter was of them that fled,
  • And wonderful the dust that raised was;
  • And both the field and army covered,
  • Forc’d up by troops of horses shod with brass.
  • 145As boughs fall in a wood that’s set on flame,
  • And shaken by the violence of wind,
  • So fast unto the ground the Trojans came,
  • When Agamemnon follow’d them behind.
  • And many horses made their chariots rattle,
  • 150Which empty ran about when no man drives.
  • For they that drove them fall’n were in the battle,
  • A lovelier sight to vultures than their wives.
  • But Hector was by Jove set out of sight
  • Of all this dust and slaughter and disorder:
  • 155But Agamemnon still with all his might
  • Pursuing killed, and to kill gave order.
  • Then they that were encamp’d at Ilus’ tomb
  • Retir’d in haste unto the sycamore,
  • Half the plain over towards Ilium,
  • 160And after them Atrides, covered o’er
  • With blood and dust. But when the Trojans were
  • Got back unto the beech near Scæa gate,
  • Awhile they for their fellows stayed there,
  • Who swiftly ran, fearing to come too late.
  • 165As when a lion falleth in the night
  • Upon a herd of kine, and one must die,
  • And all the rest are put into a fright,
  • So Agamemnon made the Trojans fly;
  • And all the way he went the hindmost kill’d.
  • 170And from their cars some forward fell, and some
  • Upon their backs, and lay dead on the field.
  • But when unto the wall they near were come,
  • Then Jove came down to Ida from the sky
  • With thunder in his hand, and t’ Iris said,
  • 175Go, Iris, quickly, and tell Hector I
  • Command him Agamemnon to avoid
  • As long as in the front he raging is,
  • And let the fight by others manag’d be.
  • But when he Agamemnon wounded sees,
  • 180And leave the field, I’ll give the victory
  • To him, and he shall put them all to flight,
  • And to the fleet go killing all the way,
  • Until the sun be set, and dark the night.
  • This said, away she went without delay;
  • 185And down from Ida came to Ilium,
  • And finding him upon his car, To you
  • From Jove (said she) O Hector, I am come
  • To warn you Agamemnon to eschew,
  • As long as in the front he raging is.
  • 190And let the fight by others manag’d be;
  • But when by spear or bow he wounded is,
  • And leaves the field, he’ll give the victory
  • To you, and you shall put them all to flight,
  • And to the fleet go killing all the way,
  • 195Until the sun be set, and dark the night.
  • Having thus said, she did no longer stay.
  • Then Hector armed, leap’d unto the ground,
  • And with two spears well pointed in his hand
  • Exhorting went about the army round.
  • 200Their faces then the Trojans turn, and stand.
  • The first that did advance Atrides was.
  • But tell me, Muse, who first came in his way?
  • One of Antenor’s sons, Iphidamas,
  • That was brought up in Thrace (though born at Troy)
  • 205By Cisseus, who his mother’s father was,
  • From childhood till to man’s estate he came,
  • And made his son in law. But then, because
  • The coming of the Greeks was known by Fame,
  • Was thence, although but new espoused, sent
  • 210To th’ aid of Priam and his sons at Troy,
  • And at Percopa landing t’ Ilium went,
  • And now was standing in Atrides’ way.
  • First Agamemnon threw his spear and miss’d:
  • Iphidamas then at Atrides threw,
  • 215And hit his belt, which did the stroke resist,
  • For massy silver was the belt and true,
  • And bent the point as if it had been lead.
  • Then Agamemnon with his sword came on,
  • And smote him on the neck, and laid him dead.
  • 220Thus died Iphidamas, Antenor’s son:
  • And much to be lamented was his case,
  • That far from his espoused virgin wife,
  • Without receiving from her any grace,
  • Should fighting for his country lose his life.
  • 225He given for her had a thousand kine,
  • And promis’d sheep and goats a thousand more.
  • Now slain, and stript was of his armour fine
  • By Agamemnon, and triumphed o’er.
  • But Coön then, Antenor’s eldest son,

  • Agamemnon wounded.

  • 230Incensed by his brother’s death, came in,
  • And pierc’d Atrides’ arm close by the bone,
  • (Unseen) the elbow and the wrist between.
  • Then cold was Agamemnon’s heart with fear,
  • But gave not over. For as Coön drew
  • 235His brother off, he came on with his spear,
  • And with a thrust beneath his shield, him slew,
  • And, on his brother, then cuts off his head.
  • Thus these two brothers finished their fate.
  • Atrides still the slaughter followed
  • 240With spear, and sword, and stones of mighty weight,
  • Not giving over whilst the wound was warm.
  • But when ’twas cleans’d, and stayed was the blood,
  • So cruel then the pain was in his arm,
  • That on the ground no longer stay he could.
  • 245Then, mounted on his chariot, he said,
  • Drive to the ships; for he was in great pain.
  • And on the princes then the charge he laid,
  • The fight against the Trojans to maintain.
  • My friends, said he, ’tis your part now to stay
  • 250The fury of the Trojans from our ships;
  • Since Jove not suffers me to fight all day.
  • This said, the charioteer his horses whips,
  • Which when they felt, away they swiftly went,
  • And stain’d with sweat and powder of the plain,
  • 255Brought wounded Agamemnon to his tent,
  • From off the field bestrew’d with bodies slain.
  • As soon as Hector saw Atrides gone,
  • Now Trojans, Dardans, Lycians, he cried,
  • Now charge the Greeks with resolution,
  • 260For he is gone on whom they most relied,
  • And Jove assures me that the day is mine.
  • This said, like hounds encourag’d by the hunter
  • Against a lion or a tusked swine,
  • The Trojans boldly marched to th’ encounter,

  • The Greeks beaten to their camp.

  • 265And on them fell, with Hector at their head.
  • And as a down-right wind the sea, so he
  • The Argive ranks and files disordered,
  • And them that fled pursued furiously.
  • But tell me, Muse, whilst Hector, Priam’s son,
  • 270By Jove assisted, did the Greeks pursue,
  • And great renown amongst the Trojans won,
  • Who and how many were the men he slew.
  • Assæus first, and then Antonous,
  • Oplites, Dolops, and Ophelitus,
  • 275And then Æsymnus, and Agelaus;
  • Then Orus, and the last Hipponous.
  • All these were princes in the Argive host.
  • But look how many are the drops of dew,
  • When into th’ air the sea by winds is tost,
  • 280So many private soldiers Hector slew.
  • And then incurable their loss had been,
  • And fled had to their ships the Greeks, dismay’d,
  • Had not Ulysses then the same foreseen,
  • And to Tydides, not far from him, said,
  • 285Tydides, to what purpose stand we here?
  • Come hither, man, and stand close to my side,
  • To let our ships be lost great shame it were.
  • Tydides to Ulysses then replied,
  • Yes, yes, Ulysses, I will with you bide,
  • 290Though we shall take but little pleasure here,
  • For Jove I see inclineth to their side.
  • This said, he at Thymbræus threw his spear,
  • Which lighting on his left pap pierc’d him through.
  • Ulysses slew Molion, Priam’s man;
  • 295Upon the field unstript they left these two,
  • And then into the Trojan throng they ran,
  • (Whilst th’ other Greeks from Hector swiftly fly)
  • Like two wild boars that turn upon the hounds,
  • That know they may upon their strength rely,
  • 300And scatter ’mongst the Trojans death and wounds.
  • And there two valiant sons of Merops kill’d,
  • As they together on one chariot sate.
  • This Merops was in prophecy well skill’d,
  • And bade them stay, and told them had their fate.
  • 305But the two forward youths would not obey,
  • But led unto the war by destiny,
  • Unluckily came in Tydides’ way,
  • Where by his hand their fortune ’twas to die.
  • Hippodamas was by Ulysses kill’d,
  • 310As also was Eypirichus; and now
  • None knew who had the better in the field
  • But Jove, who looked on from Ida’s brow.
  • And then Agastrophus, King Pæon’s son,
  • Was by Tydides wounded in the thigh,

  • Diomed, Machaon, Ulysses, and Eurypylus wounded.

  • 315And would have fled, but horses he had none,
  • His man that held them for him was not nigh.
  • Yet fought he ’mongst the foremost till he died.
  • This Hector saw, and towards Diomed
  • His horses turn’d, and to the Trojans cried,
  • 320Come, follow me, and they all followed.
  • And Diomed, as soon as he saw this,
  • Though chill with fear, unto Ulysses said,
  • To us this plaguy Hector rolling is;
  • But stand, and let him see we’re not afraid.
  • 325This said, he straight at Hector threw his spear,
  • Which hit his helmet, but glanc’d from the brass,
  • And never to his tender skin came near:
  • This helmet given him by Apollo was.
  • But stunn’d he was, and resting on his knees,
  • 330He kept himself from falling with his hand.
  • Dark are his eyes, nothing at all he sees,
  • And for a while unable is to stand.
  • But whilst Tydides on the plain advanced,
  • To get into his hand again the spear,
  • 335Which from the place he aim’d at far was glanced,
  • Hector was mounted, and his senses clear.
  • Tydides then upon him look’d, and said,
  • Thou dog, escap’d an evil death thou hast;
  • And twice been saved by Apollo’s aid,
  • 340But sure I shall dispatch thee at the last,
  • For of a God I also have the aid.
  • But now to other Trojans I’ll go on,
  • Such as shall come into my way. This said,
  • Away he went to strip King Pæon’s son.
  • 345And then, as Diomed was taking from
  • Agastrophus the armour of his breast,
  • Paris, that leaning stood at Ilus’ tomb,
  • To him an arrow unperceiv’d addrest,
  • Which hit him on the foot above the toes,
  • 350And to the ground clean thorough went the shaft.
  • Then openly into the field he goes,
  • And coming nearer to him spake, and laugh’d.
  • Ye’re hit, said he, Tydides. Would it had
  • Been on your belly, that you might have died;
  • 355The Trojans would of that been very glad,
  • That are so often by you terrified.
  • Proud, boasting archer, said Tydides, know,
  • If in your armour you before me stood,
  • To try your valour and your force, your bow
  • 360And arrows would not do you any good.
  • You value such a scratch as this too much.
  • The weapons of the strengthless blunted are:
  • Mine is not so; but whom it does but touch,
  • His wife lamenting tears her cheeks and hair;
  • 365His children orphans are; and red the ground
  • Whereon he rotting lies; and vultures more
  • Than women standing by him will be found.
  • Ulysses then, that near him was before,
  • Stepp’d in, and stood betwixt him and his foes
  • 370Whilst from his foot the arrow he pull’d out.
  • Then to his char’ot up Tydides goes,
  • And left the field where he had nobly fought.
  • And now Ulysses left was all alone,
  • For from him all the rest were fled for fear,
  • 275And then unto himself he made his moan.
  • Ay me, said he, what now shall I do here?
  • Though many be the foes, ’tis ill to fly,
  • But yet, since Jove saves all the rest by flight,
  • It would be worse if I alone should die.
  • 380But why dispute I, when I ought to fight?
  • None but a coward from the fight will run.
  • But he that honour loves will stand his ground,
  • And be content with what he cannot shun,
  • Whether it be to give or take a wound.
  • 385While thus Ulysses argued in his mind,
  • Hector was near him, and enclos’d him had
  • With targetiers before him and behind,
  • Whereof they had no reason to be glad.
  • As when the hounds by hunters are set on
  • 390A wild boar as he comes out from the wood,
  • He whets his teeth, they from him will not run;
  • Even so Ulysses ’mongst the Trojans stood;
  • Where by him slain first Deiopites was,
  • And Thoon then, and Eunomus he kill’d;
  • 395And after these he slew Chersidamas,
  • As from his car he lighted in the field.
  • Then leaving these, slew Charops with his spear,
  • Socus, his brother Hippasus his son.
  • Then Socus to him came, and standing near
  • 400Unto Ulysses, with a speech begun.
  • Ulysses, much renown’d for craft and pain,
  • This day you either must the honour wear
  • Of having Hippasus his two sons slain,
  • Or lose your own life, wounded by my spear.
  • 405Then threw his spear, and pierc’d Ulysses’ shield,
  • His breast-plate, and his coat, and tore his skin.
  • But Pallas him preserv’d from being kill’d;
  • For to the vital parts it went not in.
  • Ulysses knew the wound not mortal was;
  • 410Made a step back, and then to Socus said,
  • Fool that thou art, that wouldst not let me pass
  • On other Trojans, hast thyself destroy’d,
  • I do not think you shall this hour outlive,
  • But from my spear’s sharp point receive your death,
  • 415And unto me more reputation give,
  • And leave your soul unto the pow’rs beneath.
  • Then Socus turn’d himself about to fly,
  • But overtaken by Ulysses’ spear,
  • That pierc’d him back and breast, he fell down dead.
  • 420Then scornfully Ulysses did him jeer.
  • O Socus, gallant man at arms, said he,
  • By death prevented is your enterprise;
  • Your eyes shall not by parents closed be,
  • But shall be pecked out by crows and pyes.
  • 425Then from his shield and body he pull’d out
  • The spear which at him was by Socus thrown.
  • The blood then from the wound did freely spout,
  • Which when the Trojans saw, they straight came down
  • And all together tow’rds him went the rabble.
  • 430Then he retir’d, and as he going was,
  • Thrice called out, as loud as he was able,
  • For help; and thrice was heard by Menelaus,
  • Who t’ Ajax said, Ulysses’ voice I hear,
  • And like the voice of one that is distrest.
  • 435He hemm’d in by the Trojans is, I fear;
  • Come, let us to him go, and do our best
  • To fetch him off. For valiant though he be,
  • I fear, unless we aid him with great speed,
  • He by the Trojans will be slain, and we
  • 440Lose a good man, of whom we oft have need.
  • Then up they went, and found him by the foes
  • Environ’d round. As when a stag is shot
  • By some young man, he swiftly from him goes
  • Whilst strong his knees are, and his blood is hot.
  • 445But when he by the arrow tamed is,
  • The wolves feed on him in the gloomy wood;
  • Then comes the lion, and the prey is his.
  • About Ulysses so the Trojans stood,
  • Till Ajax, with a target like a tower,
  • 450Came to his aid; then sev’ral ways they fled.
  • Ulysses, now no longer in their power,
  • Was from the field by Menelaus led,
  • And mounted on his chariot again.
  • But on went Ajax, and slew Pandocus,
  • 455King Priam’s son, and wounded three good men,
  • Lisander, Pylartes, and Pyrasus.
  • Then as a river coming to the plain,
  • And swell’d by Jupiter with show’rs of rain
  • More than the banks are able to contain,
  • 460Bears oaks and pines before it to the main,
  • So Ajax charg’d the Trojan troops. But this
  • Hector knew nothing of; for far off now
  • Upon Scamander’s banks he fighting is,
  • And to the ground doth many an Argive throw.
  • 465There was the noise, there aged Nestor stood,
  • And there Idomeneus, with their steeds.
  • And Hector, that the use well understood
  • Of spears and horses, there did mighty deeds.
  • And yet the Greeks retir’d not; nor had done
  • 470If Paris had not with an arrow smote
  • Machaon on the shoulder to the bone.
  • Three-forked was the arrow which he shot;
  • And mightily the Argives were afraid
  • Since now the foe prevail’d, he would be slain.
  • 475To Nestor then Idomeneus said,
  • O Nestor, to your char’ot mount again,
  • And with Machaon make haste to the ships.
  • A surgeon many other men is worth.
  • For many other men alive he keeps
  • 480By making salves and drawing weapons forth.
  • Then Nestor mounteth and the horses whips,
  • Which they no sooner feel than they are gone,
  • And quickly brought unto the hollow ships
  • Machaon Æsculapius his son.
  • 485Mean while Cebriones, the chari’teer
  • Of Hector, saw the Trojans were distress’d,
  • And to him said, To what end stay we here,
  • Since yonder by the Greeks our friends are press’d?
  • ’Tis Ajax that disorders them, I see;
  • 490I know him by the largeness of his shield.
  • Now where they fighting are most furiously,
  • Let us go down to that side of the field.
  • This said, he crack’d his whip, his horses ran
  • Unto the place where greatest was the cry,
  • 495O’er many a shield, and over many a man
  • That gasping on the bloody field did lie.
  • The horses’ bellies and the char’ot wheels
  • And axletrees with blood were cover’d o’er,
  • Forc’d up in drops by the swift horses’ heels.
  • 500And Hector rushing in, their battles tore.
  • But Hector still took heed of Ajax’ spear.
  • And fought in other places of the field.
  • But Ajax, struck by Jupiter with fear,
  • Amazed, at his shoulder hung his shield;
  • 505And staring on the foe awhile he stood,
  • Then turn’d and softly from them went away.
  • As when a lion coming from the wood
  • Down to a pasture, on a cow to prey,
  • Is hu’d by dogs and peasants in the night,
  • 510And hungry sometimes goes and sometimes stands,
  • But cannot have his will for all his might,
  • So many spears are flying from their hands,
  • And flaming brands which put him in a fright,
  • Keen as he is, then sullenly he goes
  • 515Back to the wood and comes no more in sight;
  • So then retired Ajax from his foes.
  • Or as an ass, in spite of many boes,
  • Is got into the corn, and there abides,
  • Though they upon him fall with blows and noise,
  • 520And many cudgels break upon his sides,
  • For he the force of boys but little feels,
  • He hardly will be driven out though fill’d,
  • And now and then kicks at them with his heels:
  • So Ajax at the last went off the field,
  • 525By Hector and the Trojans still pursu’d,
  • Upon his shield receiving many a spear;
  • Sometimes his back, sometimes his face he show’d,
  • So that they could not to the ships come near.
  • Thus he between the Greeks and Trojans stands,
  • 530While spears abundance at him hurled were;
  • Some in his shield stuck, driven by strong hands,
  • Some on the ground fell short and fix’d were there.
  • But then Eurypylus, Euæmon’s son,
  • That saw him thus oppress’d, came to his side,
  • 535And wounded with his spear Apisaon
  • The liver through; and on the place he died.
  • But as he stripp’d him lying on the ground
  • Was shot by Alexander in the thigh,
  • And broken was the arrow in the wound,
  • 540And much increased was his pain thereby.
  • Then went Eurypylus into the crowd,
  • And cried out to the princes of the host,
  • Turn and save noble Ajax from this cloud
  • Of Trojan spears, or else he will be lost.
  • 545This said, the best commanders to him go
  • With spears advanc’d, and bucklers turn’d before,
  • And place themselves between him and the foe.
  • And then again the fight was very sore.
  • Mean while Achilles as he sitting was
  • 550On high astern his ship to see them fight,
  • Perceived Nestor and Machaon pass,
  • And to Patroclus call’d with all his might,
  • Come hither, friend. Patroclus heard him call,
  • For he was sitting in Achilles’ tent,
  • 555And (which was the beginning of his fall)
  • Immediately rose up and to him went,
  • And said, Achilles, what’s your will with me?
  • Achilles then replied, Patroclus, now
  • The Argives, I believe, will bend the knee,
  • 560For their condition never was so low.
  • But go to Nestor and informed be
  • Who ’tis that he brought with him from the fight.
  • Machaon by his back he seem’d to me,
  • But of his face I could not have a sight.
  • 565So many cars and horses cross’d the way.
  • This said, unto the ships Patroclus went;
  • But at the ships arrived now were they,
  • Alighted and gone into Nestor’s tent:
  • The horses by Eurymedon untied
  • 570Were cooled by the sea-side in the air,
  • And of their sweat well cleansed were and dried,
  • And in the mean time Ecameda fair,
  • That was the daughter of Arsinous,
  • And taken by Achilles was when he
  • 575Conquer’d and sack’d the city Tenedus,
  • And by the Greeks to Nestor giv’n; and she
  • To Nestor and Machaon setteth up
  • A table with a black foot smooth and fine,
  • And on it set a basket, and a cup,
  • 580And to each one before him set on wine.
  • The cup with nails of gold was studded o’er,
  • Four ears it had, and two doves at each ear,
  • And those were gold, and at the foot two more
  • In posture such as if they feeding were.
  • 585Nestor to Troy had with him brought this cup.
  • Another scarce could lift it from the table
  • When fill’d with wine; though he to take it up,
  • Old as he was, and easily was able.
  • And in the same the woman made the drink,
  • 590With goat’s-milk cheese, and white flour sprinkled o’er,
  • And left it on the board full to the brink.
  • Then quenched they their thirst, and drank no more,
  • But talking sat, to put out of their thought
  • Their ill success. Now at the door o’ th’ tent
  • 595Patroclus was, and in by Nestor brought,
  • And pray’d to sit, but he would not consent,
  • But said, Achilles bade me ask you who
  • It is whom you brought with you from the fight.
  • And this already I can answer to.
  • 600Machaon ’tis that sits there in my sight.
  • What need then is there of my longer stay?
  • Return I will with all the speed I can,
  • For fear he should some blame upon me lay,
  • Though I deserve it not. You know the man.
  • 605What makes Achilles, aged Nestor said,
  • Of th’ Argives wounded men to take such care?
  • He knows not how the army is dismay’d,
  • Nor yet how many of them wounded are.
  • Ulysses wounded is, and Diomed,
  • 610And Agamemnon, and Eurypylus,
  • And this man whom I with me hither led.
  • Achilles pity has on none of us;
  • Although our safety now lie in his hands.
  • Intends he to sit still till Hector burn
  • 615In spite of us our ships upon the sands,
  • And ev’ry one of us kill in his turn?
  • For now my strength decayed is with age.
  • O that I were as strong as I was then
  • When war ’twixt us and th’ Elians did rage,
  • 620And we our cattle fetch’d from them again,
  • And slew Itymoneus that took our kine,
  • For I then went his cattle to distrain,
  • And take amends for those he took of mine.
  • There he defending them by me was slain,
  • 625And all his people from him ran away.
  • And there we took of fifty herds of kine
  • And of as many herds of goats a prey,
  • As many flocks, as many herds of swine,
  • And horses three times fifty, females all,
  • 630Of colour sandy mix’d with sparks of light;
  • And most of them had foals, and to the wall
  • Of Pyle I brought this booty all by night.
  • My father Neleus joyful was to see’t;
  • For yet he thought I was for war too young.
  • 635Next morn the criers make the people meet,
  • (All those to whom the Elians had done wrong)
  • The lords amongst them then divide the prey.
  • Many there were that had been injured,
  • And with their shares contented sent away,
  • 640Though Pylus were not well inhabited.
  • For Hercules not many years before
  • Had kill’d the best of them. And Neleus then
  • Had twelve good sons, whereof he left no more
  • Alive but me. This made th’ Epian men
  • 645Despise our number small, and do us wrong.
  • And Neleus now unto himself did keep
  • The best herd of the kine, and from among
  • The flocks chose one that had three hundred sheep,
  • And justly, since so great a loss had none.
  • 650For he four steeds unto the games had sent
  • Of value great, which all had prizes won.
  • But by Augias his commandement,
  • When for a tripod they prepar’d to run,
  • Together with the cars were there detain’d.
  • 655Chari’teers related what was done.
  • And Neleus then the best o’ th’ prey retain’d;
  • And ev’ry man had of the rest his share.
  • This done unto the Gods we sacrifice.
  • Mean while the Elians for war prepare,
  • 660And two days after altogether rise,
  • And forth o’ th’ town went they both foot and horse,
  • And with them Molion’s two sons, not yet
  • Arrived at the age of martial force,
  • And round about the town Colone sit.
  • 665Colone is a frontier-town, between
  • Elis and Pyle, upon Alphæus’ side.
  • Passing the plain they were by Pallas seen;
  • And she aloud unto the Pylians cried,
  • To arms, you men of Pyle. Then in the night
  • 670We put on arms, and to the field we hied;
  • And cheerfully went ev’ry one to fight.
  • My horses only were convey’d aside.
  • For Neleus thought I was in war unskill’d:
  • But I at home could not be made t’ abide,
  • 675But with the rest on foot went to the field,
  • For on the Goddess Pallas I relied.
  • Near to Arene falls into the main
  • A little brook. All night by that we lay,
  • And in the morn betime we march’d again,
  • 680And to Alphæus came in half a day.
  • And there to Jove his sacred rites we paid.
  • To Neptune and Alphæus each a bull;
  • An heifer to the heav’nly martial maid
  • We gave; and when the bands of foot were full,
  • 685Then sup we in our ranks, and armed slept.
  • Th’ Epeians still the town besieging lay;
  • But seeing the war was now so near them crept,
  • They rose; then presently began the fray.
  • And there the first man that was slain I slew,
  • 690Which Molius was, Augias’ son-in-law.
  • He wedded Acameda had, who knew
  • As many med’cines as the world e’er saw.
  • Him first I slew, and to his char’ot mounted.
  • Then fled th’ Epeians scatter’d here and there:
  • 695For he the best amongst them was accounted.
  • And as they fled I follow’d with my spear,
  • And fifty char’ots took, and at each one
  • Two men I kill’d; for like a storm I went;
  • Nor had I left to Molius any son,
  • 700If Neptune had not hinder’d my intent,
  • That took them up and sav’d them in a cloud.
  • Great honour won the Pyleans that day;
  • For on the plains we chac’d th’ Epeians proud,
  • Killing and gath’ring armour all the way
  • 705Until we came unto Buprasium,
  • Alesium, and Rock-Olene; and there
  • Advis’d we were by Pallas to go home.
  • To Pylus then we went and welcome were.
  • And thanks were given to the Gods, but most
  • 710To Jupiter the greatest God. And then
  • In general were thanked all the host,
  • And Nestor namely above other men.
  • Thus I behav’d myself amongst the Greeks,
  • Whereas Achilles sitting in his tent,

  • Patroclus is persuaded by Nestor to obtain of Achilles to be sent to the aid of the Greeks in Achilles’ armour.

  • 715Neglecting us, his own contentment seeks;
  • Though if our fleet be lost he will repent.
  • But, O Patroclus, the advice was good
  • Menœtius your father gave you then
  • When I at Phthia was and by him stood,
  • 720By Agamemnon sent to levy men.
  • To Peleus’ house Ulysses came and I,
  • And there we found Menœtius and you.
  • And you upon Achilles waited nigh,
  • And Peleus to the Gods fat cattle slew
  • 725I’ th’ court o’ th’ grass, a gold cup in his hand,
  • And pour’d wine on the burning sacrifice,
  • And you then saw us in the gate-house stand,
  • Though busy you were then to burn the thighs.
  • Achilles to us came and led us in,
  • 730And made us sup, and supper being done,
  • To tell our bus’ness then I did begin,
  • Which was to bring with us to Troy his son.
  • Both he and you desirous were to go;
  • And Peleus then unto Achilles said,
  • 735Strive still to be the best, and let the foe
  • Be always of your spear the most afraid.
  • Then to you spake your father; Son, said he,
  • Achilles is a better man of war
  • Than you, and higher in nobility
  • 740Of blood; but you in age before him are.
  • Give him good counsel therefore, and suggest
  • What’s for his good, although he see it not:
  • He will obey when for himself ’tis best;
  • Thus he advis’d you, though you have forgot.
  • 745But do it now. For ’tis not yet too late.
  • Who knows but you may make him change his mind?
  • Or if he still continue obstinate,
  • Or in some oracle a scruple find,
  • Or Thetis told him somewhat has from Jove,
  • 750Yet let him send his Myrmidons with you,
  • The Trojans from the navy to remove,
  • And give th’ Achæans time to breathe anew.
  • But let him give you his own arms. Then they
  • (When like unto Achilles you appear,
  • 755Leading fresh forces) fly will into Troy,
  • And rid th’ Achæans of their present fear.
  • This said, Patroclus, grieved, went his way,
  • And tow’rds Achilles’ tent ran back apace,
  • Passing by where Ulysses’ vessels lay.
  • 760There were the altars, there the market-place,
  • There were the courts of justice. There he met
  • Eurypylus, with the arrow in his wound,
  • And from his head and shoulders dropp’d the sweat,
  • And bled apace, but still his sense was sound.
  • 765Then, pitying him, Patroclus spake, and said,
  • Ah! poor commanders of the Achæan host,
  • Must we be all so far from home destroy’d,
  • And lie for dogs’-meat on the Trojan coast?
  • But say, Eurypylus, is there no way
  • 770To keep off Hector, but must perish all?
  • Nothing I know, said he, can Hector stay,
  • But in our flaming ships we all must fall.
  • For all the best of us here wounded lie,
  • And still the Trojan power grows more and more.
  • 775But, O Patroclus, cut out of my thigh
  • This arrow-head; for it torments me sore,
  • And with warm water wash away the blood,
  • And salves apply, the same that Chiron knew,
  • (The best of Centaurs) to be very good,
  • 780And taught Achilles, and Achilles you.
  • For of two surgeons in the army, one
  • As much need of a surgeon hath as I,
  • And Podalirius to the fight is gone.
  • Patroclus to him then made this reply.
  • 785How can this now be done, Eurypylus,
  • Since to Achilles I must go with speed
  • With Nestor’s answer? Yet to leave you thus
  • In torture, were but an ungentle deed.
  • Then in his arms he bears him to his tent,
  • 790And there, upon a many cow-hides spread,
  • Laid him, and with his knife to work he went,
  • And from his thigh cuts out the arrow-head.
  • And in his hands he bruis’d a bitter root,
  • And wash’d away the blood. When that was done.
  • 795He cleans’d the wound, applied the med’cine to’t,
  • And straight the blood was stopp’d, the pain was gone.

  LIB. XII.

  • The fourth fight, Hector having entered the Argive camp, at the ships.

  • Thus was Eurypylus of pain releas’d.
  • Meanwhile the Greeks and Trojans fiercely fought,
  • Nor could the Argive wall and trench (unbless’d,
  • For on a hecatomb they never thought)
  • 5Though made their ships and booty to defend,
  • Keep Hector and the Trojans long time out.
  • For very quickly cometh to an end
  • Whate’er without the Gods men go about.
  • Indeed while Hector liv’d, and angry lay

  • The fourth fight.

  • 10Achilles at his tent, and would not fight,
  • And standing were the walls and town of Troy,
  • The great wall of the Argives stood upright.
  • But when the bravest Trojans once were slain,
  • And many Greeks, and burnt was Ilium,
  • 15That had almost ten years held out in vain,
  • And what remained of the Greeks gone home.
  • Then Neptune and Apollo both devise
  • The wall to ruin, and the rivers all
  • That in this spacious mountain Ida rise
  • 20Upon this Argive mighty work make fall.
  • Aresus, Rhesus, Heptaporius,
  • Æsepus, Rhodius, Scamander, and
  • Besides these six, the river Granicus,
  • And Simoeis, upon whose banks of sand
  • 25Many a shield and helmet scatter’d lay,
  • And many a Demi-God. These rivers all
  • Apollo turned from their wonted way,
  • Directing them unto the Argives’ wall.
  • Nine days perpetually they thither run,
  • 30And Jove nine days together pour’d down rain,
  • To th’ end the work might be the sooner done.
  • And Neptune with his trident from the main
  • Before them went and wrenched out the stone
  • And timber which had there been laid with pain
  • 35The deep’st of all for the foundation,
  • And made it to the sea all smooth again.
  • And strew’d again with sand the ample shore;
  • And made the brooks in their own channels run
  • No otherwise than they were wont before:
  • 40But this not yet, but afterwards was done.
  • For Hector had the Greeks with show’rs of spears
  • Constrain’d to quit their walls and tow’rs so high,
  • That rattled terribly about their ears,
  • And back unto their hollow ships to fly.
  • 45As when a lion or a boar beset
  • With hounds and hunters, this and that way tries
  • (Close as they stand) through them by strength to get,
  • And passing on their spears prevails or dies,
  • And as he goes still makes them to give way;
  • 50So Hector ’mongst his friends went here and there,
  • Exhorting them the trenches to assay.
  • The horses when upon the brink they were
  • Boggled and whinnied, and refus’d to pass;
  • For broad it was and not to be leap’d o’er:
  • 55And to descend into, too deep it was,
  • And on each side bristled with stakes good store,
  • Fix’d by the Achæans to keep off the foe;
  • So that for horse and cars there was no way.
  • But very willing were the foot to go,
  • 60And only to receive command did stay.
  • And then to Hector said Polydamas,
  • Hector and you, the princes of our friends,
  • We strive in vain to make our horses pass
  • O’er such great stakes, so sharpen’d at the ends,
  • 65Having above our heads the enemy.
  • Where (though we could get down) we cannot fight,
  • Though Jove unto our side inclined be,
  • And to the Greeks should bear as much despite,
  • As I, that wish their name were rooted out.
  • 70Yet if the Greeks, when we encumber’d were
  • For want of room, should turn and face about,
  • And set upon us in the ditch, I fear
  • A man of us would not be left alive
  • To tell at Troy what is become of us.
  • 75But if you mean to have the bus’ness thrive,
  • Then hear my counsel, Let us all do thus:
  • Till of our horse and chariots we have need
  • Let servants hold them to the trenches nigh,
  • And we on foot fight; for if Jove indeed
  • 80Intend us victory, the Greeks will fly.
  • Thus he advis’d; and Hector thought it best,
  • And from his chariot leap’d unto the sand,
  • Arm’d as he was; and so did all the rest,
  • And to their charioteers they gave command
  • 85All in their order near the trench to stand.
  • The Trojans in five parts themselves divide;
  • And Hector of the first took the command.
  • But with himself he joined two beside,
  • Polydamas and stout Cebriones,
  • 90And left a meaner man to hold his car.
  • Of all the Trojan host the best were these.
  • O’ th’ second party Paris had the care,
  • Join’d with Agenor and Alcathous.
  • The third commanded was by leaders three:
  • 95First Helenus, and then Deiphobus,
  • The third was Asius. From Arisbe he
  • With mighty horses, colour’d like to flame,
  • Bred on the bank of Sellis, came to Troy.
  • The fourth command unto Æneas came;
  • 100And he likewise two seconds had, and they
  • Two sons were of Antenor (both well skill’d
  • In war), Archelochus and Acamas.
  • Lastly, Sarpedon led into the field
  • The Trojan aids; and he assisted was
  • 105By valiant Glaucus and Asterapæus.
  • For of the Lycians which he led thither
  • The ablest and the best men he thought these.
  • And then with bucklers joined close together,
  • Away they march directly to the foe,
  • 110And to the combat had a great desire.
  • The Greeks (they thought) as fast as they could go,
  • Would presently unto their ships retire,
  • But Asius would not his horses leave
  • And man, without the trench, as others did.
  • 115Fool as he was himself so to deceive.
  • Upon his chariot tow’rds the ships he rid;
  • But never came triumphant back again
  • For all his flaming horses and his car,
  • But by Idomeneus’ spear was slain.
  • 120When Hector to the ships had brought the war,
  • The Greeks had in their wall a gate, whereat
  • Their horses to the field were us’d to pass,
  • And Asius with his chariot drave to that,
  • Which now left open by the Argives was,
  • 125Their people chas’d by Hector to let in.
  • And all his party with a mighty cry
  • March’d after him, as if they sure had been
  • The Argives to their hollow ships would fly;
  • But were deceived. For at the gate they found
  • 130Two mighty men that like two great oaks stood
  • With deep and large roots fixed in the ground,
  • That many winds and storms had long withstood.
  • And Lapiths they were both; Leontes one,
  • The other Polypœtes gotten by
  • 135Pirithous. Both saw them coming on,
  • And staying, on their hands and strength rely.
  • The Trojans led by Asius came on
  • With mighty noise, Orestes, Adamas,
  • (This Adamas of Asius was the son)
  • 140Thoon, Iamenus, and Œnomaus,
  • And o’er their heads they held their shields on high,
  • For fear of stones and spears from off the wall.
  • The Greeks within to one another cry
  • To save the ships, the tents, themselves, and all.
  • 145But when they saw the Trojans went about
  • To scale the wall, they roar’d and frighted were;
  • But the two Lapiths presently leap’d out,
  • And furiously fell on the Trojans there.
  • As if two boars the men and hounds withstood,
  • 150You’d often hear the boughs before them snap,
  • While with their bended necks they tear the wood;
  • So thick they did the Trojan armours rap.
  • For valiantly they fought, in part relying
  • Upon their strength, and partly on the showers
  • 155Of mighty stones perpetually flying
  • Upon the Trojans from the wall and tow’rs.
  • As thick as to the ground fall flakes of snow,
  • When by a cold wind stirred is the cloud,
  • Their weapons from their hands on both sides go,
  • 160And shields and helmets crack apace and loud.
  • But Asius at this vex’d to the heart,
  • Then spake to Jove, and clapping of his thigh,
  • Aye me, said he, thou too a liar art,
  • That mad’st us to believe the Greeks would fly;
  • 165Who like so many motly wasps or bees
  • That in the hollow way their houses build,
  • And for their young resist their enemies,
  • Till they repel them or themselves be kill’d,
  • Still sharply fight and will not quit the place.
  • 170Thus Asius said, but Jove unmoved sate,
  • And none that day but Hector meant to grace.
  • And as at this they fought at ev’ry gate,
  • I cannot like a God relate it all,
  • The flaming stones that from the Trojans flew
  • 175With fire divine up to the Argive wall
  • On ev’ry side. How th’ Argives no way knew
  • To save themselves but for the ships to fight;
  • And how the Gods that with the Greeks took part
  • Sat discontent in heav’n, and full of spite,
  • 180To see Jove so severely make them smart.
  • But for the fight without, ’twas first begun
  • By the bold Lapiths, though but two they were.
  • For Polypœtes, Pirithous’ son,
  • At Damasus threw first a heavy spear,
  • 185And through his helmet’s brazen cheeks it went,
  • And through the bone into the brain went on;
  • And when unto the shades he him had sent,
  • He killed Orminus and Pyloon:
  • And then a deadly spear Leontes threw,
  • 190Which through the body pierc’d Hippolochus.
  • And on Antiphates his sword he drew
  • And killed him, and then Iamenus,
  • Orestes, Menon, one upon another.
  • But whilst they stay’d to strip these and the rest,
  • 195Hector, Polydamas, and many other,
  • That of the Trojan army were the best,
  • Were at the trench, and stood upon the brink
  • The wall to break, and set the ships on fire.
  • But as they stood a little while to think,
  • 200There came a bird not suiting their desire.
  • An eagle in his pounces held a snake,
  • And over Hector’s soldiers carried it
  • Alive, but that could yet resistance make,
  • And by and by the snake the eagle bit.
  • 205The eagle smarting cried and flew away,
  • And ’mongst the Trojans lets the serpent fall,
  • And there amazed they, and gaping stay
  • To see Jove’s prodigy before them crawl.
  • O Hector, said Polydamas, though you
  • 210In courts and councils cross whate’er I say,
  • How good soe’er it for you be and true,
  • Unless in ev’ry thing I go your way,
  • (Which is not well done, for your counsel ought
  • In peace and war to have their voices free,
  • 215And never give advice against their thought,
  • But always for the public good to be);
  • Yet now I’ll tell you, if this bird be sent
  • Unto the Trojans as a prodigy,
  • ’Tis not uneasy to foresee th’ event.
  • 220For this I think the end of it will be:
  • As th’ eagle in his pounces bore the snake,
  • But could not to her young ones bear it home;
  • So if the Trojans this attempt shall make,
  • They’ll back unto the city smarting come,
  • 225And many good companions leave behind,
  • Whom th’ Argives, to defend their ships, will kill.
  • And this, I think, will any augur find
  • That in’s profession has any skill.
  • Then Hector sourly looking thus replied:
  • 230Polydamas, this counsel I like not;
  • You have a better which you from me hide.
  • But if indeed it be your very thought,
  • The Gods have sure depriv’d you of your sense,
  • That bids me not on Jove to set my rest,
  • 235But feather’d fowls, that fly I care not whence,
  • Nor whither, right or left, or east or west;
  • But we to Jove, the greatest God, will trust,
  • That all the other Gods excels in might.
  • He one bird has, that still observe we must,
  • 240And that is, for our country well to fight.
  • But why are you so much afraid? For though
  • You ne’er so many see before you slain,
  • You of yourself will have a care I know,
  • And not adventure where you may abstain.
  • 245But if you stay or counsel other men
  • To stay behind, my spear shall strike you dead.
  • This said, he led them further on; and then
  • They all with mighty clamour followed.
  • And Jove a mighty wind from Ida sent,
  • 250Which to the ships directly blew the dust,
  • That to the Trojans gave encouragement,
  • But to the Argives horror and distrust.
  • Encourag’d thus, unto the wall they go
  • And brake down battlements, and posts pluck’d out,
  • 255And piles that had been planted by the foe,
  • With levers strong they wring up by the root.
  • Thus at the wall the Trojans laboured,
  • And hope they had the same to overthrow.
  • Before the battlements the Argives spread
  • 260Cow-hides, and thence threw stones on them below.
  • The Ajaxes then ran from tow’r to tow’r,
  • Endeavouring to give the Argives heart,
  • Some with sweet words, and some of them with sour,
  • According as they each one did his part.
  • 265Fellows, said they, you that excel in war,
  • And you that great strength have, and you that small
  • (For well you know, all men not equal are)
  • Now play the men, there’s bus’ness for you all.
  • Fear not the clamour of this threat’ning man;
  • 270Endure this brunt, which if you overcome,
  • As (if Jove hinder not) I know you can,
  • We’ll course him to the gates of Ilium.
  • Thus they encouraged the Greeks. And now,
  • As when great Jove to show his armory
  • 275Upon a winter’s day sends down his snow,
  • Innumerable are the flakes that fly
  • And cover hills, and woods, and pastures green,
  • And all the fruitful works of husbandry,
  • And cover would, but that the sea comes in,
  • 280Both ports and shores; for there snow cannot lie;
  • The wall with stones resounded round about,
  • Yet Hector ne’er had broken wall nor gate,
  • But by the Greeks had still been kept without,
  • Had not Jove sent, the Trojans t’ animate,
  • 285His son Sarpedon. With his shield of brass,
  • Lined with many folds of strong cow-hide,
  • And which with golden circles strength’ned was,
  • And two spears in his hand, to th’ wall he hied.
  • And as a lion that had fasted long
  • 290Comes from the hill upon a flock of sheep,
  • Will try what he can do, for all the throng
  • Of men and dogs that them are set to keep;
  • So boldly goes Sarpedon to the walls,
  • With mighty hand the battlements to tear,
  • 295And as he going was to Glaucus calls.
  • Glaucus, said he, what cause think you is there
  • That we in Lycia more honour’d are
  • Than other men, and look’d upon like Gods,
  • And higher sit at feasts, and better fare,
  • 300And drink best wine, and more land have by odds?
  • Is’t not because we foremost are in fight!
  • ’Tis not in vain, they’ll say, our princes have
  • More honour, since they are of greater might,
  • And their lives venture other men to save.
  • 305Glaucus, if we could death eschew and age
  • By running from the battle cowardly,
  • D’ye think I foremost would myself engage,
  • Or ever counsel you to follow me?
  • You know the ways to death are infinite.
  • 310Though we ne’er fight we cannot always live.
  • Therefore come on, and let us bravely fight,
  • And either honour gain, or honour give.
  • So said Sarpedon. Glaucus him obey’d;
  • And tow’rds the Greeks well followed they went.
  • 315Then Mnesteus was terribly afraid,
  • For to assault his tower he saw them bent,
  • And look’d about what heroes he could spy
  • On other towers unto his aid to call.
  • He saw th’ Ajaxes two, and Teucer by,
  • 320But too far off to hear. For at the wall
  • Of shields and helmets so great thumping was,
  • That ’twas impossible to hear him call.
  • The gates resounded no less than the brass;
  • For fiercely they were fighting at ’em all.
  • 325Then Mnesteus to the squire, Thootes, said,
  • Run quickly, call the Ajaxes to me,
  • Both, if they can be spar’d. I am afraid
  • Against these men I shall not able be
  • To keep my place. Keen warriors they are.
  • 330But if they be themselves distressed there,
  • Let Telamonius of the place take care,
  • And Teucer use his bow and arrows here.
  • Thootes then unto th’ Ajaxes ran
  • Along the Argive wall, and to them said,
  • 335Mnesteus entreats both of you, if you can,
  • To come unto his tow’r and give him aid.
  • Keen warriors, he says, these Lycians are:
  • But if you be yourselves distressed here,
  • Let Telamonius of the place take care,
  • 340And Teucer use his bow and arrows there.
  • This said, great Ajax said unto the less,
  • Æliades, stay here awhile, till I
  • Deliver Mnesteus from his distress.
  • That done, I shall be with you presently.
  • 345Ajax and Teucer then together go
  • Unto the tow’r of Mnesteus with all speed,
  • Pandion with them, carry’ng Teucer’s bow,
  • And at their coming found him in great need.
  • The Lycians, like a black and low’ring cloud,
  • 350Ascended to the wall, and fiercely fought.
  • The Greeks resist. The noise is mighty loud.
  • And with a heavy stone stood Ajax out,
  • That two men scarce could carry, such as now
  • The earth brings forth, and with the same he stroke
  • 355Epicles on the helmet such a blow
  • As head and helmet both in pieces broke.
  • Down like a diver from the wall fell he
  • Headlong, and dead upon the ground he lay.
  • At Glaucus Teucer lets an arrow flee
  • 360Which through his arm unarmed made its way.
  • Glaucus, no longer able now to fight,
  • Leapt from the wall unseen unto the ground,
  • For fear, if of his hurt they had a sight,
  • The Greeks would make a triumph of his wound.
  • 365Griev’d was Sarpedon to see Glaucus gone,
  • But not so grieved but that still he fought,
  • And fix’d a heavy spear in Alcmaon,
  • And with the same his life and all pluck’d out.
  • Sarpedon then tore down a battlement,
  • 370And wider for the Lycians made the way.
  • But Teucer then an arrow to him sent;
  • But Jupiter, to save his son that day,
  • The shaft unto his shield and belt directed,
  • So that it passed not unto the skin,
  • 375The shield and belt together him protected.
  • And then, with spear in hand came Ajax in,
  • And with a push that pierc’d his shield clean through,
  • His coming on a little while he staid.
  • But with Sarpedon that could little do,
  • 380That honour sought. Then to his friends he said,
  • Ye Lycians, what makes ye thus remiss?
  • Can I make way unto the ships alone?
  • Strong as I am, impossible it is.
  • For many hands much better are than one.
  • 385This said, the Lycians heavier than before,
  • To please their prince, upon the Argives lay.
  • The Greeks within their broken ranks restore,
  • And terrible the battle was that day.
  • For neither could the Lycians passage make
  • 390Unto the ships and break the Argives’ wall,
  • Nor Greeks compel the Lycians to forsake
  • The battlements, so fiercely fought they all.
  • As two men on the confines of their ground
  • At two ends of a measure tugging stand,
  • 395Contending earnestly about their bound,
  • And each of them would fain enlarge his land:
  • So for the battlement they striving stood,
  • And wounded one another back and breast,
  • And sprinkled was the battlement with blood,
  • 400Nor was it certain yet who had the best.
  • But as a woman that is fain to spin,
  • To find herself and children sorry food,
  • In one scale wool, in th’ other weight puts in
  • Till they hang ev’n: so ev’n the battle stood
  • 405Till Hector came, to whom Jove chiefly meant
  • To give the honour of the victory.
  • Then Hector up the wall the foremost went,
  • And thence unto his Trojans loud did cry,
  • Trojans, come on, and break me down this wall,
  • 410And set the Argives’ hollow ships on flame.
  • This said, he heard was by the Trojans all,
  • And straight unto the battlements they came.
  • Then Hector at the gate took up a stone,
  • Great and sharp pointed, two men such as now
  • 415Could scarce have lifted up so great a one:
  • But Hector with one hand the same could throw;
  • For Jupiter to him had made it light.
  • And as unto a shepherd is a fleece
  • Of wool, that to be borne needs little might;
  • 420So eas’ly borne the stone by Hector is;
  • And standing at the gate well fortified
  • With planks well join’d, and two cross-bars within,
  • And taking with his right foot back a stride,
  • Out flew the stone, and at the gate went in.
  • 425The gate then roar’d; the hinges broken were;
  • The bars upon the ground asunder lay;
  • And pieces of the planks flew here and there;
  • And to the ships now open was the way.
  • And Hector with a countenance like night
  • 430Flew in. And fire appeared in his eyes:
  • His armour as he marched shining bright,
  • And light reflected up unto the skies;
  • And two good spears he grasped in his fist.
  • And then the Greeks were mightily afraid;
  • 435For none except a God could him resist.
  • And then unto the Trojans turning said,
  • Now Trojans to the wall. And presently
  • Great numbers of the Trojans that way pass,
  • And others at the gate. The Argives fly
  • Unto their ships. And great the tumult was.

  LIB. XIII.

  • Neptune encourageth the Greeks.

  • When Jove had to the ships the Trojans brought,
  • He left them fighting there, and turn’d his face
  • (Thinking th’ Immortals would no more have fought)
  • And look’d upon the fields and men of Thrace,
  • 5And Mysians, and Hippomolgi (men
  • That live on milk the goodly mothers give
  • Of lusty steeds, and are more honest than
  • The rest of mortals, and do longer live.)
  • While Neptune from a hill in Samothrace
  • 10Look’d down and saw the Greeks and Trojans fight.
  • For thence of Ida hill and all the space
  • ’Bout Troy and th’ Argive fleet he had a sight.
  • And grieved was to see the Argives slain,
  • And mightily offended was with Jove,
  • 15And from the hill in haste came down again
  • On foot; and ever as his feet did move,
  • Under the same the haughty mountains shook,
  • And the thick woods, and unto Ægæ came.
  • Thither to come four steps he only took.
  • 20There stands a temple sacred to his name,
  • Of glistering gold and never to decay.
  • And there he puts his horses to his car;
  • Long manes of gold they had, and swift were they;
  • And then in gold himself array’d for war,
  • 25And mounted on his car o’er sea he drives.
  • The whales on both sides from the bottom rise
  • Their king to see. The sea her bosom rives,
  • But not a drop up to the axtree flies.
  • Thus quickly to the Argives Neptune came.
  • 30Half way ’twixt Tenedus and Imbrus is
  • In the deep sea a cave, and in the same
  • (Lest coming back his horses he should miss)
  • He sets them up and laid before them meat,
  • And tied them there with foot-locks at their feet,
  • 35Strong locks of gold, that loose they could not get.
  • Then up he went unto the Argive fleet,
  • And there he found the Trojans like a flame
  • At Hector’s heels with mighty noise and cry,
  • Greedy and full of hope the Greeks to tame,
  • 40And then in flames to make their ships to fry.
  • Then Neptune speaking to th’ Ajaxes two
  • In Chalchas’ shape, You two, said he, can save
  • The ships, if you but set yourselves thereto.
  • For of the foe no fear at all I have
  • 45In other parts. Defended they will be
  • By other Greeks. The danger all is here
  • Where Hector like a flame you leading see,
  • That would be thought the son of Jupiter.
  • If you but think some God bids you resist,
  • 50And stand your ground when Hector cometh on,
  • And cheer your fellows; though Jove him assist,
  • He quickly from your good ships will be gone.
  • This said, he on them both his sceptre laid,
  • And presently themselves they stronger find;
  • 55Their thighs and legs and hands much lighter weigh’d.
  • And Neptune suddenly rose from the ground.
  • Just as a hawk from off a rock flies at
  • Some other fowl; so quickly Neptune rose.
  • The lesser Ajax first observed that,
  • 60And to the greater did the same disclose.
  • Ajax, said he, this was some Deity
  • That in the shape of Chalchas bade us fight.
  • For ’twas not Chalchas I am sure. For I
  • As he went off had of his legs a sight,
  • 65And of his feet and steps. For marks there are
  • To know a God by from a man. Withal
  • I find myself much more inclin’d to war.
  • Methinks my hands and feet for battle call.
  • And so do mine, said Telamonius,
  • 70And fain I would with Hector have a bout.
  • While they together were discoursing thus,
  • Neptune behind them busy was about.
  • Confirming those that to the ships were gone
  • A little to refresh themselves. For they
  • 75Had long and painful labour undergone,
  • And heavy at their hearts the danger lay
  • When Hector and his troops had pass’d the wall,
  • And of their safety were in great despair.
  • But Neptune coming soon confirm’d them all,
  • 80And gave them hope their fortune to repair.
  • To Teucer first he came and Leitus,
  • To Deipyrus and to Meneleos,
  • Meriones and stout Antilochus,
  • And standing near address’d his speech to those.
  • 85Fie, Argives, fie young men; what shame is this;
  • Upon your hands I chiefly did rely
  • To save our ships. If you be so remiss,
  • The day is come in which we all must die
  • By Hector’s hands. O strange! I never thought
  • 90The Trojans durst to th’ ships have come so near,
  • That heretofore peep out o’ th’ town durst not,
  • But like to hinds that hide themselves for fear
  • Of leopards, wolves, and other beasts of prey.
  • For so at first they did. But you’ll not fight
  • 95For anger that the king had sent away
  • Dishonoured the man of greatest might.
  • But what though Agamemnon have indeed
  • Dishonour’d Thetis’ son, must we therefore
  • Give over fight? Or rather with all speed
  • 100Endeavour all we can to cure the sore?
  • But, howsoe’er, you that excuseless are,
  • And of the Argive army all the best,
  • And bodies have and hearts well made for war,
  • I needs must reprehend you. But the rest
  • 105That weak or wretched are I cannot blame.
  • Fond men, this negligence may bring forth yet
  • Some greater ill. Then come away for shame.
  • For never were the Greeks so hard beset.
  • Hector has broken both the bars and gates,
  • 110And now hard by our ships he fiercely fights,
  • And with great noise his Trojans animates.
  • Thus Neptune the dismayed Greeks excites.
  • At th’ Ajaxes the ranks stood firm and close.
  • Nor Mars nor Pallas could a fault have spied.
  • 115They chosen were the Trojans to oppose
  • Whom Hector led. And standing side by side,
  • Shield shield, and target target, and man man
  • Sustain’d, and spear by spear assisted was.
  • So close they stood, and labour all they can
  • 120Lest Hector to their hollow ships should pass.
  • And Hector with his troops went swiftly on.
  • As when a torrent swell’d with showers of rain
  • Breaks from the hill a round and heavy stone,
  • It makes the wood resound, till at the plain,
  • 125Swift as it hither roll’d, it rolls no more;
  • So Hector marching made account to pass
  • Through th’ Argive fleet and tents to the sea-shore.
  • But at th’ Ajaxes battle stopp’d he was;
  • And forced back a little to recoil,
  • 130Resisted by so many spears and swords,
  • And speaking to his Trojans stood awhile,
  • And Lycians, and Dardans in these words.
  • Ye Trojans, Lycians, Dardans, do not fly.
  • I know they cannot long maintain the fight,
  • 135If we upon Jove’s promise may rely,
  • Who all the other Gods excels in might.
  • This said, Deiphobus went towards the foe,
  • Holding his buckler out before him high,
  • So that it cover’d him from head to toe.
  • 140Meriones, that on him had his eye,
  • His spear threw at him, which no harm did do.
  • For though upon the buckler fell the stroke,
  • It carried not th’ intended mischief through,
  • But in the tough bull-hides the spear he broke.
  • 145Then back unto the throng he went, and fum’d
  • Both for the loss of the good spear he brake,
  • And of the victory he had presum’d,
  • And went to the ships another spear to take.
  • The rest fought on, and mighty noise there was.
  • 150There Teucer with his spear slew Imbrius
  • The son of Mentor, till the Greeks did pass
  • The sea to Troy he dwelt at Pedasus,
  • And to Medesicaste there was wed.
  • But when the Argives came to Troy, he then
  • 155Dwelt in King Priam’s court, much honoured
  • Both by the king himself and by his men.
  • But now by Teucer’s spear was slain. And as
  • Upon a hill a goodly ashen tree,
  • Unto the ground, cut from the roots with brass,
  • 160Brings down its boughs, so to the ground fell he.
  • To strip him of his arms then Teucer goes;
  • Which Hector seeing, at him threw his spear,
  • And misses him; yet not in vain he throws,
  • But kills another man that stood him near,
  • 165Amphimacus, that newly to the fight
  • Was from the ships come back t’ assist the rest;
  • And scarcely of the skirmish had a sight,
  • When Hector’s spear he felt upon his breast.
  • Then to Amphimachus came Hector near,
  • 170Meaning his helmet from his head to take.
  • Which Ajax seeing, at him threw his spear
  • That hit his shield, but passage could not make.
  • Yet with such strength the spear fell on his shield,
  • That backward he was driven from the dead;
  • 175So that the Argives bore them off the field.
  • Amphimachus to th’ ships was carried
  • By Mnestheus and Stichius, that led
  • Th’ Athenian troops. But the Ajaxes two,
  • One at the feet, another at the head,
  • 180Bore Imbrius from off the ground into
  • The throng of Greeks, like hungry lions two,
  • That carry in their jaws a goat which they
  • Had snatched from the dogs, and were to go
  • Through many shrubs to carry it away.
  • 185Him they disarm’d, and to let Hector know it,
  • The lesser Ajax cutteth off his head,
  • And turning round with all his strength doth throw it,
  • And unto Hector’s feet ’twas carried.
  • Now Neptune for Amphimachus thus slain,
  • 190Who from his loins descended, vexed sore,
  • Went to the Argive ships and tents again
  • To cheer the Greeks, and hurt the Trojans more,
  • And with Idomeneus met as he went,
  • That had a wounded friend brought from the fight,
  • 195And straightway back again to go he meant
  • To them that fought, and help them all he might.
  • And Neptune like unto Andremon’s son,
  • Thoas, whose father all th’ Ætolians sway’d
  • Like Jove in Pleuron and in Calydon,
  • 200Unto Idomeneus then spake and said,
  • O king Idomeneus, what is betide
  • Of th’ Argive threats that Ilium they would tame?
  • O Thoas, then Idomeneus replied,
  • I know not any man that we can blame.
  • 205There’s none of us but understands the war,
  • Nor any that betray themselves with fear,
  • Nor that for sloth to fight unwilling are.
  • But Jove, it seems, will have us perish here.
  • But Thoas, you that always heretofore
  • 210Have fought so well, and set on other men,
  • Still hold that purpose never giving o’er.
  • T’ Idomeneus then Neptune said again,
  • Idomeneus, may that man ne’er come back,
  • But in the fields lie for the dogs a prey,
  • 215That at this time is negligent or slack.
  • But now put on your arms and come away,
  • And quickly. For although we are but two,
  • Yet since conjoined force of men not strong
  • Can do as much as one good man, let’s go.
  • 220This said, up Neptune went into the throng.
  • Idomeneus then goes into his tent
  • And arm’d himself, and took in’s hand two spears,
  • And out again he came like light’ning sent
  • To men from Jove to fill their hearts with fears.
  • 225And scarce came forth, he met Meriones
  • That to his tent was going for a spear,
  • And speaking to him said Idomeneus,
  • Meriones, my friend, what make you here?
  • What are you wounded that you leave the fight?
  • 230Or bring you me some news? For I to hide
  • Myself from battle here take no delight.
  • Meriones then to him thus replied.
  • O king Idomeneus, unto your tent
  • I forc’d was from the battle to come down,
  • 235And thence to take a spear of yours I meant,
  • Since on Deiphobus I broke my own.
  • A spear, then said Idomeneus, there are
  • Twenty, if you had need of them, that stand
  • Upright against the walls, which in this war
  • 240I took from Trojans vanquish’d by my hand.
  • For when I fight I stand near to the foe.
  • And that’s the cause so many spears I have,
  • And can so many shields and helmets show,
  • And armours for the breast great store and brave.
  • 245Then spake Meriones; And I, said he,
  • Have many spoils of Trojans at my tent,
  • But fetch’d from thence so soon they cannot be.
  • For close up to the foe I also went
  • Amongst the foremost boldly. Which although
  • 250The Argives take no notice of, yet you
  • That how I still behav’d myself well know,
  • Can bear me witness what I say is true.
  • To him then thus Idomeneus replied,
  • Meriones, this need not have been said;
  • 255I know your courage were it to be tried,
  • And men somewhere in ambush to be laid,
  • Where fear and courage are discerned best;
  • For there ’tis seen who valiant are, who not.
  • A coward’s heart still panteth in his breast;
  • 260And nothing but on death he has his thought;
  • He cannot without trembling quiet sit,
  • But dances on his hams, and changes hue;
  • And cannot hold himself upon his feet;
  • And shakes his chaps. These things a coward show.
  • 265But in a valiant man there’s none of this.
  • He quietly abides without afright,
  • When in the danger he engaged is;
  • And longs for nothing but to come to fight.
  • If you amongst them had been there, I know
  • 270None of them such a fault in you had found.
  • Or if you had been hurt ’tis sure enow,
  • Nor in your back nor neck had been the wound,
  • But either in your belly or your breast.
  • But let’s no longer talk like children here,
  • 275Lest we be blam’d. I think it therefore best
  • You now go to my tent and take a spear.
  • This said, Meriones fetch’d out a spear,
  • And with Idomeneus went to the fight,
  • As Mars, when in the field he will appear,
  • 280And with him his beloved son Affright,
  • And to th’ Ephyrians and Phlegyans goes
  • From Thrace to give one side the victory;
  • So with Idomeneus unto the foes
  • Meriones went up courageously,
  • 285And to him said, Idomeneus, where now
  • O’ th’ left or right side of the Trojan host,
  • Or in the midst shall we our force bestow
  • To help the Greeks? For now they need us most.
  • Idomeneus then to him said again,
  • 290The middle of the battle to maintain
  • There ready stand enow, and able men,
  • Teucer good bowman and th’ Ajaxes twain.
  • Hector shall there of fighting have his fill,
  • As greedy as he is. Though strong he be,
  • 295He’ll find it hard that way to have his will,
  • And come unto the ships with victory,
  • And burn them, if Jove not with his own hand
  • Throw in the brands. He must be more than man,
  • Whom Ajax is not able to withstand;
  • 300Not mortal, such as live by Ceres can,
  • And may be killed with a spear or stone.
  • For Ajax with Achilles may compare
  • In standing fight, though able less to run.
  • In that, Achilles him excelleth far.
  • 305But now unto the battle let us go,
  • And fall on at the left side of the field,
  • And try what we are able there to do,
  • And either honour win or honour yield.
  • This said, they went together to the fight,
  • 310And on them presently the Trojans fell.
  • There was no place for victory to light,
  • So close they fought on both sides and so well.
  • And such a mighty cloud of dust they raise,
  • As, when great winds contend upon the plain,
  • 315Is in dry weather raised from the ways;
  • While one to kill another takes great pain.
  • And horrid of the squadrons was the sight,
  • That bristled was all over with great spears.
  • Their armours, shields, and helmets, with their light
  • 320Dazzled the eyes, and clamour fill’d the ears.
  • Hard-hearted had he been that with dry eyes
  • Had this affliction of the heroes seen,
  • That from the sons of Saturn did arise,
  • And but for their dissention had not been:
  • 325For Jupiter for Hector was and Troy,
  • And meant to honour Thetis and her son;
  • But not th’ Achæan army to destroy.
  • But Neptune moved with compassion
  • To see the Argives by the Trojans slain,
  • 330And angry with his brother, secretly
  • In likeness of a man rose from the main
  • T’ encourage them and give them victory.
  • Though they were brothers, yet Jove of the two
  • The elder and the wiser was, so that
  • 335Neptune against Jove’s will durst nothing do
  • In favour of the Greeks distress’d, but what
  • He thought might be effected privily.
  • And thus the saw, from brother unto brother,
  • Of cruel war was drawn alternately,
  • 340And many slain of one side and the other.
  • And now half gray came in Idomeneus
  • With lusty Cretans, and the Trojan frighted.
  • For presently he slew Othryoneus,
  • Othryoneus that was by fame invited
  • 345To purchase honour in the war at Troy,
  • And promis’d, if Cassandra he might wed,
  • From Ilium to drive the Greeks away.
  • Which Priam to him granted if he sped.
  • And in this hope, strutting he went to fight.
  • 350There with his spear Idomeneus him smote.
  • The spear upon his belly just did light,
  • And down he fell; his armour sav’d him not.
  • Idomeneus, insulting o’er him, spake:
  • Othryoneus, great praise you’ll win indeed,
  • 355If you can do what you did undertake.
  • Come fight for us, and you shall no worse speed.
  • For if you for us win the town of Troy,
  • Atrides’ fairest daughter yours shall be.
  • Come with me to the Greeks, that there we may
  • 360Upon the wedding articles agree.
  • And then to be reveng’d Asius meant,
  • And was on foot, although his horses there,
  • Breathing upon his back, behind him went.
  • And at Idomeneus had thrown his spear,
  • 365But that to throw he time enough had not;
  • Because the other made the greater haste,
  • And with his spear had hit him in the throat,
  • And out again at’s neck the point had pass’d.
  • And there, as some great oak or poplar tree,
  • 370Or pine cut down, that by a ship-wright must
  • Be saw’d in planks, falls down, so fell down he,
  • Grasping with both his hands the bloody dust.
  • The charioteer was so amaz’d thereat,
  • That he forgot to turn his car with fear,
  • 375And quiet sat. Antilochus saw that,
  • And going nearer, at him threw his spear,
  • Which through his armour and his belly went,
  • And gasping, fell to th’ ground the charioteer.
  • Antilochus to the ships his horses sent,
  • 380And by the Argives now possess’d they were.
  • And then Deiphobus himself advanc’d
  • And at Idomeneus he threw his spear,
  • Which, grazing only on his buckler, glanc’d
  • Unto the Argives that behind him were.
  • 385For as he saw it come, he sunk and hid
  • His body all under his shield of brass.
  • Yet not from out his hand depart it did
  • In vain; for with it slain Hypsenor was.
  • Deiphobus then crowing said, So, so,
  • 390Asius goes not unreveng’d to hell.
  • And though the place unpleasant be, I know
  • To have such company will please him well.
  • Antilochus then to the body came,
  • And kept the Trojans off from stripping it.
  • 395Mecistes and Alastor bore the same
  • Upon their shoulders to the Argive fleet.
  • Idomeneus still like a fury went
  • To kill more Trojans, or himself be kill’d.
  • And for the Argives thought his life well spent.
  • 400Aloathous then met him on the field,
  • Who was a suitor to Hippodamie,
  • Anchises’ eldest daughter, and the best
  • Beloved by her parents both was she,
  • And of her time exceeded all the rest
  • 405In beauty, and in curious work, and wit,
  • And a fit consort for the best of Troy.
  • But Neptune now on purpose bound his feet,
  • And from his eyes, though bright, took sight away,
  • So that he could not fly, nor turn, nor fight,
  • 410But fixed stood, like to a post or tree;
  • And by Idomeneus, with Neptune’s might,
  • Pierced through the armour and the breast was he,
  • And through the heart, as plainly did appear.
  • For as he bleeding on the ground did lie,
  • 415The beating of his heart did shake the spear;
  • And Mars took from him all his chivalry.
  • Idomeneus then crowed mightily.
  • Deiphobus, said he, is’t not enough
  • That for your one man I have killed three?
  • 420If not, come on, and take a better proof
  • Of what the seed of Jove in war can do.
  • For Jove got Minos, and Deucalion he.
  • He me, and I whole shiploads bring of woe
  • To Troy, unto thy father, and to thee.
  • 425This said, Deiphobus considered
  • Whether to stay and meet him hand to hand,
  • Or see by whom he might be seconded.
  • And at the rear he saw Æneas stand.
  • For he not much good will did Priam bear,
  • 430Who small respect unto his virtue paid.
  • To him Deiphobus approaching near,
  • Æneas, now, said he, you must us aid.
  • Your brother-law, Alcathous, is kill’d,
  • Who oftentimes has fed you with his hand,
  • 435And naked will be left upon the field
  • B’ Idomeneus, unless you him withstand.
  • This said, t’ Idomeneus they came away,
  • And with him greedy were to enter fight.
  • And he as boldly did their coming stay;
  • 440Though two to one, they did not him affright.
  • But as a boar in unfrequented place,
  • By dogs and men pursu’d, stands sullenly,
  • Knowing his strength, and looks them in the face,
  • Bristled his back, and flaming is his eye;
  • 445So for Æneas staid Idomeneus,
  • And to his fellows call’d; Ascalaphus,
  • Meriones, Antilochus, and Aphareus,
  • Good men of war, and you, Deipyrus,
  • Come hither friends, said he. I coming see
  • 450Æneas towards me with mighty rage,
  • A valiant man at arms you know is he,
  • And now is in the flower of his age.
  • Were I so young, and of the mind I am,
  • I’d honour win of him or he of me.
  • 455This said, they quickly all about him came
  • Æneas to repel or kill. Then he
  • Call’d Paris to him, and Agenor, and
  • Deiphobus, the Argives to oppose,
  • And all of them of Trojans had command,
  • 460And with their spears behind him marched close.
  • As when a shepherd leads with a green bough
  • His sheep from off the pasture to the brook,
  • Is joy’d to see them follow him; so now
  • Æneas in his troops great pleasure took.
  • 465No sooner they were come unto the ground
  • Whereon Alcathous his body was,
  • But close they fought, and hideous was the sound
  • Of helmets, shields, and mighty arms of brass.
  • And there the two that far excell’d the rest,
  • 470Æneas and Idomeneus, would fain
  • Have fix’d their spears in one another’s breast.
  • First threw Æneas, but he threw in vain,
  • For by Idomeneus declin’d it was,
  • And coming to the ground stuck trembling there.
  • 475And then threw he and killed Œnomaus,
  • And pierced was his belly with a spear,
  • Who falling filled both his hands with dust.
  • Idomeneus pull’d out again his spear,
  • But to take off his arms he durst not trust
  • 480Himself, so many lances flying were.
  • His limbs and feet not supple were and light
  • To throw or shun a spear. They now were past
  • Their best, yet good were in a standing fight,
  • But could not from the battle run so fast.
  • 485And as he slowly walked off the field,
  • Deiphobus, that always bore him spite,
  • A spear threw at him, but him miss’d, and kill’d
  • Ascalaphus, son of the God of fight,
  • And on his hands into the dust fell he.
  • 490But Mars yet knew not that his son was dead,
  • For in the golden clouds, by Jove’s decree,
  • With all the other Gods prohibited
  • To meddle in the battle, quiet sat.
  • About Ascalaphus the strife was all,
  • 495And first Deiphobus his helmet gat,
  • But forc’d he was again to let it fall,
  • For in the arm he then receiv’d a wound,
  • Which by Meriones was to him sent,
  • Who quickly took the helmet from the ground,
  • 500And with it back unto the Argives went.
  • Deiphobus was by Polites (who
  • His brother was) borne forth unto his car,
  • And bleeding in his car the town into.
  • But still upon the field went on the war,
  • 505And Aphareus there wounded in the throat
  • Was by Æneas’ spear, wherewith his head
  • On one side hanging, shield and helmet brought
  • Down with him to the earth. There lay he dead.
  • And Thoon by Antilochus was slain,
  • 510That to him turn’d his back and meant to fly;
  • For by the spear in two was cut the vein
  • Which all along the back to th’ neck doth lie,
  • And down he fell. Antilochus stepp’d in
  • To strip him; but the foes about him round
  • 515Threw at him spears, but never touch’d his skin,
  • Although his shield received many a wound.
  • For he was well defended on each side
  • By Neptune, who unto him bore good will,
  • Because he ne’er would from the fight abide,
  • 520And ’mongst the foes his spear was flying still.
  • But as his spear at one he aiming stood,
  • He by Asiades observed was,
  • Who to him came, as near as well he could,
  • And threw his spear, whereof one half did pass
  • 525Clean through Antilochus his shield, and stuck
  • Therein; but th’ other half fell to the ground,
  • For Neptune him preserv’d from that ill luck.
  • So ’scap’d Antilochus without a wound.
  • And Adamas retir’d into the rout,
  • 530Meriones sent after him a spear,
  • Which ent’ring at his hinder parts, came out
  • Beneath his navel, and above his gear,
  • Where wounds most fatal are. Then down he falls,
  • And like a cow that by the horns is tied
  • 535By strength of swains, a little while he sprawls,
  • But with the plucking out the spear he died.
  • And then the son of Priam, Helenus,
  • With a broad sword in hand, all steel of Thrace,
  • Upon the helmet smote Deipyrus,
  • 540Who there fell down and died upon the place.
  • The Greeks took up the helmet at their feet;
  • And griev’d thereat was Menelaus so,
  • That up he went with Helenus to meet,
  • Shaking his spear. The other draws his bow,
  • 545And on the breast-plate hit was Menelaus;
  • But off the arrow flew, like chaff which fann’d
  • Is from the corn. But th’ other wounded was,
  • Just where he held the bow, quite through the hand,
  • And dragging hand and spear, himself withdrew
  • 550Into the Trojan troops; where from the wound
  • The heavy spear his friend Agenor drew,
  • And in a woollen bandage wrapp’d it round,
  • Which in his hand a servant held hard by.
  • And then Pisandrus went to Menelaus,
  • 555Betray’d thereto by cruel destiny,
  • For to have slain him in great hope he was,
  • And when they were to one another nigh,
  • First Menelaus threw his spear, but wide.
  • At him Pisandrus then his spear lets fly;
  • 560But passage being at the shield denied,
  • Beneath the brazen point in twain it crack’d.
  • Then to him with his sword went Menelaus,
  • And he to Menelaus with an ax,
  • Which cover’d with his buckler ready was,
  • 565And on his helmet crest then fell the stroke;
  • But he Pisandrus with his keen sword hit
  • Upon the forehead near the nose, which broke
  • The bone, and carried present death with it;
  • His eyes unto the ground fell in the blood.
  • 570Atrides kick’d him as o’ th’ ground he lay,
  • Then stripp’d him of his arms, and o’er him stood,
  • Insulting and reproaching those of Troy.
  • Thus, thus, said he, proud Trojans, you’ll at last
  • Be taught to quit our ships, and have your fill
  • 575Of bloody war, and pay for what is past.
  • You thought, ye dogs, too little was the ill,
  • Against the laws of hospitality
  • To steal away my goods, and wedded wife;
  • But further will (if in your pow’r it lie)
  • 580Deprive the Argive princes all of life,
  • And burn their ships, although no injury
  • I ever did you. But I hope ye shall
  • Your greediness of fighting satisfy.
  • But father Jove, who, men say, art of all
  • 585The Gods most wise, all this proceeds from you,
  • That to the Trojans, false and insolent,
  • More favour shew than to the just and true;
  • So that with peace they never are content.
  • Of everything there is satiety.
  • 590Of sleep, of love, of dance, and pleasant song,
  • And all men else with war may cloyed be:
  • Only the Trojans still for fighting long.
  • This said, the armour to the ships he sent,
  • And ’mongst the foremost Greeks again he fought.
  • 595And there Harpalion unto him went
  • (Who t’ Ilium was by his father brought,
  • But brought from thence again he never was)
  • And at him throws his spear, and hits his shield
  • Right in the midst; but through it could not pass,
  • 600The stubborn brass unto it would not yield.
  • Missing his purpose, he the field forsook,
  • And fearing to be slain, look’d still about
  • Until an arrow keen him overtook,
  • Sent from Meriones, that pass’d throughout
  • 605From buttock unto bladder. Then he sat
  • Expiring ’mongst the Trojans, his good friends,
  • And lay like to a worm benumbed, that
  • Upon the ground itself at length extends.
  • The Paphlagonians of him had a care,
  • 610And, sorry for him, carried him to Troy.
  • His father weeping followed the car,
  • But how to be revenged saw no way.
  • And Paris then with anger was possest,
  • And ’mongst the Argives lets an arrow fly,
  • 615For of Harpalion he had been the guest,
  • And well received in Paphlagonie.
  • Amongst the Argives one Euchenor was,
  • The son of Polydus, an aged prophet,
  • That knew full well how things would come to pass
  • 620Before the town of Troy, and told him of it.
  • You must, said he, at home by sickness die,
  • Or going with the Greeks, at Troy be slain.
  • But for all that the young man valiantly
  • Went with the Greeks; but ne’er came home again,
  • 625Though he behav’d himself with caution there,
  • In hope t’ avoid both danger and diseases.
  • But Paris shot him ’twixt the cheek and ear,
  • And on his eyes there death and darkness seizes.
  • Thus keenly fought they here; but Hector yet
  • 630Knew not the Trojans that were fighting at
  • The left hand of the host were so beset,
  • For if he had perhaps been told of that,
  • He might have given the Greeks the victory;
  • Such courage Neptune gave unto them there.
  • 635And sometimes by his strength immediately
  • In battle fighting they assisted were.
  • But Hector yet was where he first made way,
  • Breaking the Argive ranks, and wall, and gate,
  • Where of Protesilaus the good ships lay,
  • 640And those of Ajax next unto them sate;
  • Where low the wall and sharpest was the fight.
  • Th’ Epeians, Pthians, and Ionians,
  • Bœotians, Locrians, all oppose their might
  • To Hector’s Trojans, Dardans, Lycians,
  • 645And led were by good men. Th’ Athenians
  • By Menestheus, Bias, Phidas, Stichius.
  • Meges the leading had of th’ Epians,
  • And with him Amphion and Dracius.
  • Medon and Meneptolemus brought on
  • 650The Pthians. Medon was Ajax’s brother,
  • And of Oileus the natural son,
  • Not gotten by his wife, but by another.
  • His wife was call’d Eriopis. And he
  • For killing of her brother forced fled,
  • 655To save himself, to th’ town of Phylacie,
  • Where Meneptolemus was born and bred.
  • And so the Phthian leaders were these two,
  • And ’mongst the chief of the Bœotians, sought
  • To keep the Trojans from approaching to
  • 660The Argive ships, to burn them as they thought.
  • But Ajax the swift, son of Œleus,
  • Not all this while departed from the side
  • Of Ajax, son of Telamonius,
  • But as two oxen which the ground divide
  • 665Go tugging of the plough with one consent,
  • Till underneath their horns their foreheads sweat,
  • So labouring in the field together went
  • Yok’d, both the little Ajax and the great.
  • But Telamonius was followed
  • 670With good companions, who, when there was cause,
  • His mighty buckler for him carried.
  • The other destitute of followers was,
  • For none but Locrians to the war he led,
  • Who have no use of bucklers when they fight,
  • 675Nor spears, nor helmets, that defend the head;
  • But came to Troy with bows and arrows light,
  • And in a standing fight durst not abide.
  • But from behind the Argive ranks unseen,
  • They Hector and his Trojans terrified
  • 680Incessantly with showers of arrows keen,
  • Whilst from the front with spears they plagued were.
  • The Trojans’ courage then was so allay’d,
  • That into Troy they all had run for fear,
  • But that Polydamas to Hector said,
  • 685Hector, you are a man uncounselable.
  • Because in deeds of arms you so excel,
  • You think yourself in counsel too much able,
  • As if all virtues must in one man dwell.
  • The Gods to some have given well to fight,
  • 690And others with the muses they have graced;
  • Others with dance the people to delight;
  • And in the mind of others wisdom placed,
  • The fruit whereof by many is enjoy’d:
  • It cities saves, as they that have it know,
  • 695Which quickly would without it be destroy’d,
  • But what we are to do I’ll tell you now,
  • The war now lieth only on your hand;
  • For since we pass’d the wall, some quite give o’er,
  • And armed as they were do idle stand,
  • 700And th’ enemy than ours that fight are more.
  • Therefore retire, and call the princes hither,
  • That it may be determin’d by them all,
  • Upon mature deliberation, whether
  • Upon the Argives at their ships to fall
  • 705(If so it please the Gods) or otherwise,
  • Since Ajax there resolved is to stay,
  • How with most safety we may hence arise,
  • For they are in our debt for yesterday.
  • So said Polydamas, and Hector thought
  • 710The counsel not amiss, and straight obey’d.
  • And armed from his chariot leapt out,
  • And standing on the ground unto him said,
  • Polydamas, stay you, and here detain
  • The Trojan chiefs, while to the fight I go,
  • 715And give some orders there; I shall again
  • Be with you quickly, when I have done so.
  • He miss’d Deiphobus, and Helenus,
  • And valiant Adamas, Asiades,
  • And Asius, the son of Hyrtacus,
  • 720And went about the field to look for these;
  • Of which some wounded were retir’d to Troy,
  • And some in battle by the Argives kill’d;
  • But found his brother Paris in his way,
  • Encouraging his men upon the field,
  • 725And spake unto him, in ill language, thus:
  • Unlucky Paris, fine man, lover keen,
  • Where are Deiphobus, and Helenus,
  • And Adamas? Where are they to be seen?
  • And what is of Othryoneus become?
  • 730And where is Asius? Now certainly
  • Down to the ground burnt will be Ilium,
  • And thou a miserable death wilt die.
  • So Hector said, and Paris thus replied:
  • Hector, there was for such words now no cause.
  • 735Sometimes perhaps you may me justly chide.
  • I do not think a coward born I was,
  • For since unto the ships you brought the war,
  • We with the Greeks perpetually have fought.
  • But those you miss slain by the Argives are,
  • 740Save that Deiphobus was carried out,
  • And Helenus, both wounded in the hand.
  • Now lead us on to what part you think fit;
  • We ready are to do what you command,
  • As far as strength of body will permit.
  • 745This said, his brother reconciled was,
  • And both went to where cruelly they fought.
  • About Cebriones, Polydamas,
  • Orthæus, Polyphœtes, and about
  • Phalces and Palmes, and the children two,
  • 750Ascanius, Moris, of Hippotion,
  • Who Ilium but the day before came to,
  • And now to th’ battle went by Jove set on.
  • As when a storm of wind falls on the plain,
  • The sea erects itself in ridges white,
  • 755And foaming rolls in order on the main;
  • So to the Greeks, with helmets shining bright,
  • The Trojans one another followed
  • In order with their captains to the fight,
  • And Hector, like another Mars, at th’ head,
  • 760With buckler round and strong, and armour bright.
  • His buckler he before him held far out,
  • That cover’d was his body with the same,
  • And peeping under it he look’d about,
  • And in that posture to the Argives came.
  • 765And at the foremost ranks went here and there
  • To try if through them he could passage make;
  • But fast they stood, nor at it troubled were;
  • And Ajax seeing it, unto him spake,
  • Come nearer, man. Why think you to affright
  • 770The Greeks? We are not so unus’d to war.
  • Nor are we driven hither by your might;
  • But by the hand of Jove afflicted are.
  • Hector, I know, to burn our ships you think;
  • But we have hands as good the ships to save,
  • 775And Troy will first, I think, int’ ashes sink.
  • And shortly, I believe, you’ll wish to have
  • And pray to Jove and all the pow’rs on high
  • For horses that run faster than hawks fly,
  • That from the ships you may go speedily.
  • 780This said, an eagle dexter presently
  • Flew over them. And they Jove’s prodigy
  • Received gladly with a mighty cry.
  • Then thus to Ajax Hector did reply.
  • Ajax, you love to prate and brag and lie.
  • 785O that the son of Jove as sure were I,
  • And had been certainly conceived by
  • Juno, Jove’s wife, and as a Deity
  • Like Pallas and Apollo ne’er to die,
  • As I am sure great woe will fall this day
  • 790Upon the Argives all and then be kill’d,
  • If for the coming of my spear thou stay,
  • And dogs and kites shall eat thee in the field.
  • This said, he led away. The Trojans shout,
  • So do the Argives, and resolv’d to try
  • 795The power of their foes with courage stout.
  • The noise on both sides went up to the sky.

  LIB. XIV.

  • Now Nestor with Macaon drinking sat,
  • And heard the Greeks and Trojans fighting roar,
  • And to him said: Macaon, hear you that?
  • The noise is greater much than ’twas before.

  • Juno, by the help of Venus, layeth Jove asleep, whilst Neptune assisteth the Greeks.

  • 5Let Hecamede o’er the fire set water,
  • And wash away the blood from off your sore,
  • While I go hence and see what is the matter.
  • But at the wine sit you still as before.
  • This said, he took up Thrasymedes’ shield,
  • 10And Thrasymedes, his son, took up his,
  • And with a good sharp spear went to the field;
  • And going forth, a shameful sight he sees,
  • The Trojans chasing, while the Argives fly,
  • And down unto the ground was torn their wall.
  • 15And then, as when a wave is raised high
  • By secret gales, on neither side can fall,
  • Until some certain and prevailing wind
  • Commandeth in the air: so Nestor stood,
  • And with two thoughts distracted was his mind.
  • 20Sometimes to go t’ Atrides he thought good,
  • And sometimes to the battle. But at last
  • Resolved, unto Agamemnon goes,
  • Whilst shields and helmets, all the way he past,
  • Resounded in his ears with frequent blows.
  • 25And as he went, the wounded chiefs he met,
  • Ulysses, Agamemnon, Diomed.
  • For far off from the fight the ships were set,
  • And close unto the shore lay at a head.
  • Only the foremost haul’d were to the plain,
  • 30And close astern of those was built the wall.
  • For with so many ships they cross’d the main,
  • That near the field they could not place them all.
  • But side-by-side along the shore they lay,
  • And took up all the compass of the bay.
  • 35The wounded men, to look upon the fray,
  • Help’d by their spears, went softly on the way,
  • Griev’d at the heart, and met with Nestor there,
  • Who, with his coming, made them more afraid.
  • And when unto them Nestor was come near,
  • 40Then Agamemnon spake, and to him said:
  • O Nestor, glory of the Argive nation,
  • I am afraid that Hector will make good
  • That which he promised once in his oration,
  • Before the Trojans, when he boasting stood.
  • 45I never will to Troy come back, said he,
  • Till I have slain these Greeks, and set on fire
  • Their ships. And now performed it will be.
  • Oh, strange! Do all the other Greeks conspire
  • Against me with Achilles, Thetis’ son,
  • 50And therefore are resolved not to fight?
  • ’Tis plain, said Nestor, some such thing is done,
  • Else Jove himself could not with all his might
  • Have made such work. The wall is broken down,
  • In which, to save ourselves we did confide;
  • 55And at the ships they fight, nor was it known,
  • Nor could it be observed on which side
  • The Greeks that fighting were, were most distrest,
  • So thick to th’ ground in ev’ry part they fall.
  • But let’s consult what course to take were best,
  • 60If counsel can do any thing at all.
  • But that we all should fight I’ll not advise.
  • For what can wounded men in battle do?
  • To Nestor, Agamemnon then replies,—
  • Nestor, since now the war is brought unto
  • 65Our ships, and that, nor wall, nor trench does good,
  • And much the Argives suffer’d have who thought
  • Their wall for all the Trojans would have stood,
  • And all our hopes built on it come to nought.
  • For though I know Jove once was to us kind,
  • 70Yet now I see our ruin he designs,
  • And pleasure takes in changing of his mind,
  • And aids the Trojans whilst our hands he binds.
  • Let’s all to what I saying am agree.
  • The ships that nearest lie to the sea-side,
  • 75Drawn down into the water let them be,
  • And there till night let them at anchor ride.
  • And if the Trojans then give over fight,
  • We’ll fetch away the rest. For ’tis less shame
  • A danger to eschew, although by night,
  • 80Than needlessly to perish in the same.
  • Ulysses frowning on him then replied:
  • Atrides, what a word have you let fall?
  • You ought of cowards to have been the guide,
  • And not of us Achæans general.
  • 85For we by Jove are fram’d for actions high,
  • And to achieve the wars we undertake,
  • How dangerous soever, or to die.
  • And must we now the siege of Troy forsake,
  • And after so much labour lost go hence?
  • 90Peace! let no other Greek hear what you say.
  • Who would have said this that had common sense,
  • And whom so great an army did obey?
  • Nor is, in how to fly, your counsel right.
  • Must we our ships draw down from off the shore,
  • 95And at the same time with the Trojans fight,
  • Who now rejoice, but would do then much more,
  • And we that fight be utterly destroy’d?
  • For they that were at anchor on the main
  • Would go their way the danger to avoid.
  • 100Thus by your counsel we should all be slain.
  • Atrides to him then this answer gave:
  • Ulysses, your reproof is very smart;
  • Yet not command but counsel ’twas I gave,
  • And better I would hear with all my heart.
  • 105And so you shall, said Diomed, and though
  • Amongst you all the youngest man I be,
  • Be not offended with it. For you know
  • That born I am of a good family.
  • For Portheus three worthy sons begat,
  • 110In Calydon and Pleuron they all dwelled;
  • Melas, and Agrius, and Œneus, that
  • The other two in deeds of arms excelled.
  • Of him my father, Tydeus, was the son,
  • But in exile at Argos led his life,
  • 115And of Adrastus’ daughters married one,
  • And great possessions had he with his wife;
  • And there a rich and noble house did keep.
  • For corn, and wine, and fruit he had much ground,
  • And in his pastures had great store of sheep,
  • 120And chiefly was for chivalry renown’d.
  • Therefore, my counsel, if you find it good,
  • You should not for my person take amiss,
  • Since I dare fight and am of noble blood.
  • The counsel I shall give you now is this:
  • 125Let ev’ry man unto the battle go,
  • And place the wounded out o’th’ reach o’th’ shot,
  • That they encourage may against the foe,
  • Those discontented men that fight would not.
  • This said, they went together to the fight,
  • 130Which, Neptune spying, did not idle stand,
  • But, like unto an aged man in sight,
  • Came in, and took Atrides by the hand.
  • Achilles’ heart, said he, now leaps to see
  • The slaughter of the Argives, and the flight,
  • 135And joys therein, so little wit has he.
  • May death and shame upon him for it light!
  • Atrides, do not all the Gods mistrust,
  • For sure I am you’ll aided be by some,
  • And see the Trojans fill the air with dust,
  • 140As from your ships they fly to Ilium.
  • This said, amongst the Greeks he went about,
  • And loud, as if nine or ten thousand men
  • Together on a plain had made a shout,
  • He shouted, and the Greeks took heart again.
  • 145Now Juno standing on Olympus high,
  • Her brother ’mongst the Argives saw with joy,
  • And Jove on Ida with an angry eye;
  • And in her mind consid’ring was which way
  • To cozen him. And was resolv’d, at last,
  • 150To go to Ida to him finely drest,
  • And after she had by him been embrac’d,
  • To bind him fast, in gentle sleep to rest.
  • Then went she to her chamber, which her son
  • Vulcan had for her made, with door-posts high,
  • 155And solid doors, which of the Gods not one
  • Could open but herself, such mystery
  • Was in the lock and key. Then went she in,
  • And fast she lock’d the door, and there alone
  • She with ambrosia cleans’d her dainty skin,
  • 160Till not a speck unmeet was left thereon.
  • Then ’noints herself with sweet ambrosian oil,
  • That as unto the house of Jove she went,
  • The scent thereof diffus’d was all the while
  • Throughout the space ’twixt th’ earth and firmament.
  • 165Then comb’d and plaited she her golden hair,
  • And cloth’d herself with her ambrosian vest,
  • And many figures on’t embroid’red were,
  • And with gold buttons button’d at her breast.
  • A hundred tassels at her girdle hung.
  • 170And wore a precious pendant at her ear
  • Of three rich gems. And over all she flung
  • A dainty scarf, by which they cover’d were.
  • Then on her tender feet she tied her shoes.
  • And when herself she fully had array’d
  • 175From out her chamber presently she goes,
  • And Venus took aside and to her said,
  • Sweet child, I come a favour to request;
  • But tell me, will you grant it, yea or nay.
  • I fear you bear me ill will in your breast,
  • 180’Cause I for th’ Argives am, and you for Troy.
  • And Venus to her answer made and said,
  • Juno, Jove’s sister, do not from me hide
  • Your mind, which to my power shall be obey’d.
  • Juno to Venus then again replied,
  • 185Lend me Desire and Love, by which you tame
  • Both mortal men and the immortal Gods.
  • For to Oceanus I going am,
  • And Tethys, far from hence, that are at odds.
  • For when beneath the earth Jove Saturn sent,
  • 190I was by them receiv’d and cherished.
  • But now with one another discontent,
  • They will not come together in one bed.
  • If by this means I him can get within
  • Love’s arms again, no jar shall them divide,
  • 195And I from both shall love and honour win.
  • And Venus then again to her replied,
  • Juno, Jove’s wife and sister, your request
  • Cannot by me, nor ought to be denied.
  • And as she spake, she from about her breast
  • 200The fine enchanting girdle straight untied;
  • Wherein embroid’red were love and desire,
  • Soothing, and comfort, that sufficient were,
  • A heart, though very wise, to set on fire.
  • And to her hands she puts it, and said, Here,
  • 205Take it. There’s nothing wanting that you need
  • When you would have a man or God beguiled.
  • Put it but in your bosom, you will speed.
  • So Juno did, and as she did it smiled.
  • And to the house of Jove then Venus goes.
  • 210But Juno o’er Æmathia, and all
  • Pierra, and all the Thracian snows,
  • And never on the ground her foot lets fall.
  • And from the mountain Athos o’er the deep,
  • And came to Lemnos where king Thoas sway’d.
  • 215And there she met the gentle God of sleep.
  • And took him by the hand, and to him said,
  • Sweet Sleep, to whom both men and Gods all bow,
  • If ever with my will you did comply,
  • Deny not what I shall request you now.
  • 220Diffuse sound sleep a while upon Jove’s eye,
  • As soon as he with love is satisfied.
  • And I will thank you for it whilst I live.
  • And from my hand you shall receive beside,
  • A chair of beaten gold which I’ll you give;
  • 225Vulcan my son shall make it curiously,
  • Together with a foot-stool for your foot.
  • And Sleep to Juno then made such reply,
  • As if he were afraid and durst not do’t.
  • Juno, said he, if ’twere another God,
  • 230Though Ocean the great sire of them all,
  • I durst upon his eyes have softly trod.
  • But not on Jove’s, unless he for me call.
  • Your order once, like this, I did obey
  • Before, when Hercules, Jove’s mighty son,
  • 235Went off to sea after he conquer’d Troy.
  • Meanwhile the strong unruly Winds set on
  • By you, with mighty blasts at sea arose,
  • And from his best friends hurried him in pain,
  • And at the last threw him ashore at Coos.
  • 240But Jupiter, when he awoke again,
  • The Gods at home he all tost up and down,
  • And chiefly would of me have had a sight.
  • Into the sea then sure I had been thrown,
  • But that I fled, and was conceal’d by Night,
  • 245Till of his anger blunted was the edge.
  • For Night great power has with Gods and men,
  • And loth was Jove to break her privilege.
  • T’encourage him then Juno said again,
  • D’ye think Jove will as angry be for Troy,
  • 250As he was then for Hercules his son?
  • But go. Pasiphae you shall enjoy;
  • She’s fair and young, and of my Graces one,
  • And with you as a wife shall always stay.
  • Content, said Sleep; but I will have you swear
  • 255By Styx. Come, on the earth now one hand lay,
  • The other on the sea, that witness bear
  • May all the Gods below, that Juno will
  • Give me the Grace Pasiphae to wife,
  • And that as wife she shall dwell with me still,
  • 260That love her dearly as I do my life.
  • Then Juno, as she was required, sware
  • By all the subtartarian Gods, by name
  • The Titans and the brood of Saturn are.
  • And then together both from Lemnos came
  • 265To Lectos, at the foot of Ida hill,
  • And o’er the woods upward their way they took.
  • But out of sight of Jove there Sleep stood still;
  • And as they went the wood below them shook.
  • Then Sleep went up into a high fir tree,
  • 270And there he sat in likeness of a fowl,
  • All cover’d o’er with boughs and leaves was he,
  • Call’d Chalcis by the Gods, by us an owl.
  • Juno went on to Gargarus, where Jove
  • Saw her and met her with no less desire
  • 275Than when the first time to enjoy her love
  • Without their parents’ knowledge he lay by her.
  • And Jove then standing by her very near,
  • What made you from Olympus come, said he,
  • Neither your car nor horses have you here.
  • 280Deceitfully then to him answer’d she,
  • I going am upon a visit now
  • To th’ father and the mother of the Gods,
  • Oceanus and Tethys; who, you know,
  • Did bring me up. For now they are at odds,
  • 285And angry he abstaineth from her bed.
  • But if I can I reconcile them will.
  • The horses that me brought unharnessed
  • Attend me at the foot of Ida hill.
  • But that I from Olympus hither came,
  • 290Was that I would not such a journey take,
  • And not make you acquainted with the same.
  • This said, to Juno Jove again thus spake.
  • You may, said he, at any time do that,
  • But let us now with love ourselves delight.
  • 295For never yet upon my heart love sat
  • For woman or for Goddess with such might.
  • Not when upon the wife of Ixion
  • The wise Perithous I did beget;
  • Nor when the fair maid Danae I won
  • 300That brought forth godlike Perseus; nor yet,
  • When by Europa I two children got,
  • Minos and Rhadamant, both famous men,
  • For her; nor Semele, when I begot
  • Bacchus, man’s joy; nor for Alcmena, when
  • 305I Hercules begot, my lusty boy;
  • Nor Ceres, Leto, nor yourself till now,
  • So much I long your beauty to enjoy.
  • Fierce Cronides, then answered Juno, how?
  • On Ida top, for some o’ th’ Gods to spy,
  • 310And tell it to the rest to make them sport?
  • Then so ashamed of it shall be I,
  • That I shall never after come to court.
  • You have a chamber without chink or hole,
  • Made you by Mulciber, my son, whereat
  • 315Neither the sun nor any living soul
  • Can peep. Go thither if you will do that.
  • And Jove to Juno then again replied.
  • That man or God shall see us do not fear;
  • With such a cloud of gold I will us hide,
  • 320As to the Sun himself we’ll not appear.
  • This said, within his arms his wife he caught,
  • Whilst under them the Earth made to arise
  • Great store of saffron, hyacinth, and lote.
  • There pleased Jupiter with Juno lies,
  • 325Closely concealed in a cloud of gold.
  • Away went Sleep unto the Argive fleet,
  • And speaking there to Neptune said, Be bold,
  • And help the Greeks awhile. Jove cannot see’t.
  • I clos’d his eyes as he by Juno lay.
  • 330He’ll soon awake; but help the Greeks till then,
  • Who now before the Trojans dare not stay.
  • This said, Sleep went amongst the tribes of men,
  • And Neptune to the Argive ranks, and cried,—
  • Shall Hector think to get the victory
  • 335Because Achilles is not on our side?
  • No. Of Achilles little need would be
  • If every man would his companion cheer.
  • But now the counsel I shall give obey:
  • Arm every man himself with a good spear,
  • 340And shield, and helmet strong, and come away,
  • And follow me. I’ll lead you to the field.
  • Hector, though bold, my coming will not stay.
  • But let the best man take the largest shield,
  • And to a weaker put his own away.
  • 345This said, well pleased were the Argives all;
  • The wounded princes arm’d themselves each one;
  • King Agamemnon first, the general;
  • Ulysses and Tydides then put on
  • Their arms, and every way the field they range,
  • 350Surveying men and arms; and all along
  • Make weak men with their betters armours change,
  • And give their heavy arms to men more strong.
  • Thus armed all, and Neptune at the head,
  • Who with a great and long sword in his hand,
  • 355Went brandishing as if ’t had lightened,
  • To th’ fight they go; no man durst him withstand.
  • And Hector, with the Trojans well array’d,
  • On th’ other side came on. And then began,
  • Betwixt the Greeks that had the God for aid,
  • 360And those of Troy led by a valiant man,
  • A cruel fight. And high the sea arose
  • Up to the ships and tents. And presently,
  • With Alalaes the mighty armies close;
  • And up unto the heavens went the cry.
  • 365So loud as now, the sea did never roar,
  • When beaten ’twas int’ heaps by Boreas;
  • Nor wind, when in the woods great oaks it tore
  • Up by the roots, nor th’ wood when fir’d it was.
  • And here did Hector first begin the fight,
  • 370And at the greater Ajax threw his spear,
  • Which hit him; but upon two belts did light,
  • Which one upon another lying were,—
  • One of his sword, the other of his shield.
  • Hector was angry that in vain he flung,
  • 375For he was in great hope he had him kill’d,
  • And now retired backward to the throng.
  • Then Ajax in his hand took up a stone,
  • Of those to which the Greeks their ships did tye,
  • For there amongst their feet lay many a one,
  • 380And at him, as he parted, lets it fly;
  • And as a top he made it flying spin.
  • It but a little o’er his buckler flew,
  • And hit him ’twixt his buckler and his chin,
  • Upon the breast, and to the ground him threw.
  • 385As when an oak is overthrown by thunder,
  • Which known is eas’ly by the brimstone smell,
  • Men look upon’t with horror and with wonder;
  • So gazed they at Hector when he fell.
  • And from his hands went out both shield and spear,
  • 390And helmet from his head; and with great cry
  • The Greeks rush on, and in fair hope they were
  • To gain his body, and their spears let fly.
  • But all in vain. For by Polydamas,
  • Divine Æneas, and Agenor, and
  • 395Sarpedon, and by Glaucus sav’d he was,
  • Who all before him with their bucklers stand.
  • His friends then from the battle him convey’d
  • Unto his chariot and charioteer,
  • That close behind the squadrons for him stay’d,
  • 400And in his car tow’rds Ilium him bear.
  • But at the ford of Xanthus, by the way,
  • They poured water on his face, and then,
  • In little time, as on the ground he lay,
  • He breath’d, and came unto himself again.
  • 405Then sitting on his knees, he cast up blood;
  • And backward fell unto the ground again:
  • Upon his eyes again the darkness stood,
  • For of the stroke remained still the pain.
  • The Greeks, as soon as they saw Hector gone,
  • 410Took heart, and on the Trojans fiercer were.
  • Then Ajax, of Oileus the son,
  • Slew Satnius, son of Enops, with his spear.
  • His mother, Neis, was a very fine
  • Nymph of the river Satnius. Of the same,
  • 415Enops upon the bank sat keeping kine,
  • And on her got a son called by that name.
  • Him Ajax now struck through the flank and slew;
  • Then for the body there was much ado.
  • At him Polydamas a spear then threw,
  • 420Which Prothoenor’s shoulder pierced through.
  • And on his hands into the dust he fell.
  • To th’ Greeks then, boasting, said Polydamas,
  • I have not thrown in vain. I know full well
  • That one Greek or another taken ’t has
  • 425To lean on as a staff i’ th’ way to Hell.
  • At this, the Greeks were griev’d, but specially
  • The heart of Telamonius did swell.
  • For Prothoenor slain did near him lie;
  • And with his spear threw at Polydamas,
  • 430Who nimbly leapt aside and it declin’d.
  • But by Archelocus receiv’d it was,
  • Antenor’s son, whose death the Fates design’d,
  • Who having on his neck receiv’d the wound,
  • His forehead, and his eyes, and lips, and nose,
  • 435Before his legs or knees came to the ground.
  • Then Ajax took his turn, and at it crows.
  • Polydamas, said he, was Prothoenor
  • As good a man in your own estimation,
  • As this man that was brother to Antenor,
  • 440Or son? For he is not unlike that generation.
  • This said he, though he well knew who it was.
  • Then Promachus, as he drew off the dead,
  • Was killed by a spear from Acamas.
  • And in it Acamas then gloried.
  • 445Argives, said he, great threat’ners as you are
  • You vulnerable are as well as we,
  • And no less subject to the chance of war.
  • How quiet Promachus now lies you see,
  • And so I hope ere long you all shall lie.
  • 450My brother not long unrevenged lay.
  • ’Tis good you see to have a brother nigh.
  • And when he this had said he went away.
  • Peneleus then went to throw his spear
  • At Acamas, but Acamas was gone.

  • Neptune assisteth the Greeks.

  • 455But yet he threw and kill’d another there,
  • Iliones, of Phorbas th’ only son,
  • A man much favoured by Mercury.
  • The spear beneath his eyebrow enter’d in,
  • And to the ground fell down the bloody eye.
  • 460The spear went on unto the brain within,
  • Then sitting down with both his hands outspread,
  • The deadly spear yet sticking in his eye,
  • Peneleus with his sword cuts off his head,
  • Which to the ground with helmet on did fly.
  • 465Then looking up, he to the Trojans said,
  • Tell this in Troy. And let his parents mourn.
  • For Promochus’s wife will not be joy’d,
  • When we without her husband shall return.
  • This said, the Trojans stricken were with fear,
  • 470And look’d about each one which way to fly.
  • Now tell me, Muse, who and by whom slain were
  • When they pursu’d the flying enemy.
  • Great Ajax first, the son of Telamon,
  • Killed the Mysian leader, Hyrtius,
  • 475Of Gyrtias the strong and valiant son;
  • Antilochus then killed Mermerus
  • And Phalces. By Meriones were slain
  • Hippotion and Morys. Teucer slew
  • Prothon and Periphetes, good men twain.
  • 480At Hyperenor then Atrides threw,
  • And gave him on the flank a cruel wound,
  • And where the spear went in, his life went out,
  • And suddenly he fell unto the ground,
  • And on his eyes sat darkness all about.
  • 485But he that far the greater number slew,
  • The lesser Ajax was, Oïleus’ son.
  • ’Twas hard to scape when Ajax did pursue;
  • For of the Argives all he best could run.

  LIB. XV.

  • Jupiter awakes and sends away Neptune. Hector chaseth the Greeks again to their ships, and fireth one of them. The acts of Ajax. Which is the fifth battle.

  • When flying they had pass’d the ditch and wall,
  • They at the horses and the chariots stay’d,
  • With loss of many men, and looking pale.
  • And Jove, awak’d, stood and the field survey’d,
  • 5And saw the Greeks pursue, and Trojans fly,
  • And Neptune with the Greeks, and Hector laid
  • Upon the plain, his friends there sitting by,
  • And not a little of his life afraid,
  • For gasping he scarce able was to draw
  • 10His breath, and blood abundance vomited,
  • Nor knew his friends. When Jupiter him saw,
  • Offended his condition pitied.
  • And then on Juno fiercely look’d and said,
  • Juno, I see all this is done by you;
  • 15And if you for it with a whip were paid,
  • ’Twould be no more than for your work is due.
  • Have you forgot how once you swung i’ th’ air,
  • And had two anvils hanging at your feet,
  • Your hand with a gold chain tied to my chair?
  • 20Though sorry were the other Gods to see’t;
  • Yet had I any seen but go about
  • Your manacles or shackles to untie,
  • I from the sill of heaven had thrown him out,
  • And strengthless made him on the earth to lie.
  • 25I was not so much griev’d for Hercules
  • When Boreas, set on by you, arose
  • As he went off from Troy, enrag’d the seas,
  • And at the last threw him ashore at Coos.
  • But I to Argos brought him safe again.
  • 30And this I now repeat, that you may try
  • Whether you likely are to lose or gain,
  • Abusing our familiarity.
  • This said, the Goddess Juno, struck with fear,
  • By Earth, said she, and Heaven about it spread,
  • 35By Styx, which is our greatest oath, I swear,
  • And by your life, and by our nuptial bed,
  • I never did to Neptune speak a word,
  • To hurt the Trojans, or the Greeks to aid;
  • But all he did was of his own accord,
  • 40By pity only and compassion sway’d.
  • And from henceforward I will him advise,
  • Seeing what way you lead, the same to take.
  • Then Jupiter with favourable eyes
  • On Juno look’d, and thus unto her spake.
  • 45Juno, if we were both one way inclin’d,
  • Neptune would quickly with us both comply.
  • Now if your words dissent not from your mind,
  • Go ’mongst the other Gods, and presently
  • Bid Iris and Apollo to me come.
  • 50For Iris unto Neptune I will send,
  • To bid him leave the battle and go home.
  • To Hector and the Trojans I intend
  • To send Apollo, to give Hector might,
  • And cure him of his pain, that he may lead

  • Jupiter awakes and sends away Neptune.

  • 55The Trojans on, and put the Greeks to flight,
  • That Thetis’ son may see them scattered;
  • And he shall send Patroclus to the field,
  • Who shall the Trojans rout and kill my son
  • Sarpedon, and himself shall then be kill’d
  • 60By Hector’s spear. And after that is done,
  • Achilles in revenge again shall fight,
  • And by his hand stout Hector shall be kill’d
  • Under the walls of Troy, i’ th’ Trojans’ sight,
  • And beaten be the Trojans from the field,
  • 65Till Troy by Pallas’ counsel taken be.
  • Nor till I have performed all I said
  • To Thetis, supplicating at my knee,
  • Let any God presume the Greeks to aid.
  • This said, went Juno to Olympus high.
  • 70As when a man looks o’er an ample plain,
  • To any distance quickly goes his eye;
  • So swiftly Juno went with little pain,
  • And found the Gods at wine together set.
  • And at her coming in they all stood up.
  • 75But Themis forward went and Juno met,
  • And to her hand delivered the cup,
  • And said, You look as if you frighted were
  • By Jupiter for something. But what is’t?
  • You know, said Juno, that he is severe;
  • 80And you shall hear the matter if you list,
  • Together with the other Gods, though bad.
  • They will not all contented with it be;
  • But some of them will troubled be and sad.
  • And griev’d was she, though speaking smilingly.
  • 85Then Juno went up to her throne, and sat;
  • And unto all the Gods spake angrily,
  • How mad, said she, or foolish are we, that
  • Are thinking how again Jove’s hands to tie,
  • Who, careless and unmov’d on Ida hill,
  • 90Knows his own strength, and does our plots despise.
  • And therefore what he sends, be’t good or ill,
  • We’ll take it patiently, if we be wise.
  • Nor must the God of war on Jove complain,
  • Or in rebellion against him rise
  • 95Because his son Ascalaphus is slain.
  • At this, with both his hands Mars clapp’d his thighs,
  • And to the Gods above complaining said,
  • Pardon me, Gods; I will revenge my son,
  • And ’mongst the Argives go and give them aid,
  • 100Though I should lie amongst the dead. Then on
  • He puts his armour, and gives order to
  • Terror and Flight his chariot to prepare;
  • And then there had been twice as much ado
  • T’appease Jove’s anger ere it came to war,
  • 105If Pallas had not (for the Gods afraid)
  • Pluck’d off his helmet, and set up his spear,
  • And pull’d his buckler off, and to him said,
  • Fool, Bedlam, what! have you no ears to hear?
  • You hear what news now Juno brings from Jove.
  • 110And if you care not though yourself be lost,
  • Yet let the danger of us all you move.
  • For Jove will leave both Greek and Trojan host,
  • And, coming hither, seize us one by one,
  • And never ask who guilty is or not.
  • 115Therefore give over vexing for your son,
  • For better men than he, by Gods begot,
  • Already here have been and shall be slain.
  • The Gods cannot preserve their children all.
  • This said, she brought Mars to his place again.
  • 120And Juno to their houses went to call
  • Iris and Phœbus. You must go, said she,
  • To Jove on Ida. What you are to do,
  • You will by Jove himself informed be,
  • As soon as you his presence come into.
  • 125Her message done, Juno resumes her place,
  • Iris and Phœbus down to Ida fly,
  • And finding Jove, stood still before his face.
  • Nor look’d he on them with an angry eye;
  • For soon they did his wife’s command obey.
  • 130Then speaking first to Iris, Go, said he,
  • To Neptune quickly, tell him what I say.
  • Bid him no longer at the battle be,
  • But either go t’Olympus to the Gods,
  • Or to the sea. If he will neither do,
  • 135Bid him consider if there be no odds
  • As well in strength as age between us two.
  • He knows that all the other Gods me fear,
  • And for my coming dareth none to stay,
  • As strong as to himself he doth appear.
  • 140This said, swift-footed Iris went her way
  • From Ida hill, and Jove without delay,
  • And swift as any cloud before the winds,
  • Came down unto the battle before Troy,
  • And there amongst the Argives Neptune finds,
  • 145And going to his side, I came, said she,
  • To speak with you a word or two from Jove.
  • You must not in the war a party be.
  • He bids you go up to the Gods above,
  • Or down to th’ sea, where lies your own command.
  • 150If you refuse, he threatens you with war,
  • And bids you have a care t’avoid his hand;
  • And th’elder is, he says, and stronger far,
  • Which you yourself, he thinks, will not deny,
  • Since th’other Gods of him stand all in awe.
  • 155Neptune to this replying, first spake high:
  • Good as he is, said he, it is not law,
  • Thus to usurp upon my liberty.
  • For sons and heirs of Saturn we were three,
  • Begot on Rhea. Pluto, Jove, and I.
  • 160By lot the rule o’ th’ waters came to me.
  • To Jove the government of heaven fell,
  • And of the clouds, and the ethereal sky.
  • To Pluto darkness, and the rule of hell.
  • Earth and Olympus did as common lie.
  • 165Let Jove then with his share contented be,
  • And not encroach on me. For well ’tis known
  • I hold not any thing of him in fee,
  • But live as he should do, upon my own.
  • He should not unto me such language use,
  • 170But to his children, that will be afraid,
  • And dare not what he bids them to refuse.
  • Thus Neptune spake. Again then Iris said,
  • Neptune, shall I this haughty answer carry
  • To Jove? And will you that I with it go
  • 175As ’tis? The wise their minds oft vary;
  • And Furies on the eldest wait you know.
  • So she to him. Then Neptune thus to her.
  • Iris, this word was spoken in good season.
  • Much worth, I see, is a wise messenger.
  • 180But I was vex’d, because thus without reason,
  • When I his equal am by birth and lot,
  • Jove uses me as if I were his slave.
  • Well. For the present, cross him I will not,
  • Though I be vex’d. That answer let him have.
  • 185And further, that if he without consent
  • Of me, Athena, Juno, Mercury,
  • And Vulcan, Troy shall spare, our discontent
  • For th’ Argives’ wrong implacable will be.
  • And when he this had said he fight forbears,
  • 190Nor any longer ’mongst the Argives stay’d,
  • But div’d into the sea o’er head and ears.
  • Then Jove unto Apollo spake, and said,
  • To Hector go; for Neptune now is gone
  • For fear of my displeasure; had he stay’d,
  • 195The sons of Saturn of our war had known.
  • ’Twas wisely done of him my hand t’ avoid.
  • And better both for him and me; but go,
  • And shaking your great shield, the Greeks affright,
  • And strengthen Hector, and encourage so
  • 200That he the Argive lords may put to flight,
  • And follow them down to the Hellespont,
  • And make them for their hollow ships to fight.
  • What then is to be done? I’ll think upon’t.
  • For I intend not to destroy them quite.

  • Hector chaseth the Greeks again to their ships.

  • 205This said, Apollo left his father Jove,
  • And down he came to Troy from Ida hill,
  • Swift as a falcon flying at a dove,
  • And Hector on the ground found sitting still,
  • Not laid, but to his senses come anew,
  • 210And freely breathing, although very weak,
  • And very well his friends about him knew.
  • There Phœbus standing nigh did to him speak.
  • Hector, said he, why sit you here alone?
  • O, kindest of the Gods, said he, you know
  • 215That Ajax wounded has me with a stone,
  • So that I am disabled with the blow,
  • And once to-day I thought I should have gone
  • To Erebus with other shadows dim;
  • With such a force he threw the mighty stone.
  • 220Then thus again Apollo answered him.
  • Hector, I Phœbus am, and hither come
  • From Jove, against the Greeks to give you aid,
  • And ever have wish’d well to Ilium.
  • Lead to the ships your troops. Be not afraid.
  • 225Hector at this encourag’d was again,
  • And as a horse at rack and manger fed,
  • Breaking his headstall, scuds upon the plain,
  • And high into the air he holds his head,
  • His mane upon his shoulders plays with th’ air,
  • 230And proud is in his freedom to behold
  • The pleasant river and the pastures fair,
  • To which he had accustom’d been of old,
  • And swiftly to the same is carried;
  • So swiftly now went Hector to each part,
  • 235And in the field his troops encouraged,
  • After Apollo once had giv’n him heart.
  • But as when swains with curs to chase a roe,
  • Go forth into the field, and with their cry
  • Rouse a fierce lion, they the prey let go
  • 240To save itself i’ th’ woods or rochers high,
  • And both the men and dogs are forc’d to fly;
  • Just so the Greeks whilst they in bodies fight,
  • They save themselves; but seeing Hector nigh,
  • They troubled were, and lost their courage quite.
  • 245Then to them spake Thoas, Andræmon’s son,
  • Well skill’d at distance or at hand to fight.
  • Amongst th’ Ætolians better there was none.
  • And few compare with him for counsel might.
  • O strange, said he, what wond’rous sight is this!
  • 250I verily thought Hector had been slain
  • By Ajax’ hand. But see he risen is.
  • Some God or other rais’d him has again.
  • He kill’d us has already many men,
  • And many more is likely now to slay.
  • 255For Jupiter defends him now as then.
  • But come, let all my counsel now obey.
  • Let us that most pretend to fortitude
  • Stay here embattl’d to receive the foe,
  • And to the ships send back the multitude.
  • 260For thither, I think, Hector dares not go:
  • This counsel was approv’d, and then stood out
  • Ajax, Idomeneus, Meriones,
  • Teucer, Meges, and such as were most stout,
  • And one battalion was made of these,
  • 265Th’impression of Hector to sustain,
  • Till to the ships the rest retreated were.
  • And Hector with his troops came on amain,
  • Himself the foremost shaking his long spear.
  • Apollo march’d before him to the field,
  • 270Concealing in a cloud his glorious head,
  • And carried in his hand a shining shield,
  • Which whosoever laid his eyes on fled.
  • ’Twas made at first by Mulciber, and then
  • Given to Jove when he came down to fight
  • 275Against the squadrons of rebellious men,
  • To make them fly the field at the first sight.
  • Expecting Hector, close the Argives stand,
  • And loud and sharp on both sides was the cry,
  • And many a spear from every lusty hand,
  • 280And in the air, arrows abundant fly,
  • And spears; whereof some flying home did kill,
  • And others would have done, but short they fell.
  • As long as Phœbus did his shield hold still,
  • Many a soul on both sides flew to Hell.
  • 285When shaking it, he made the Argives see ’t,
  • They stricken were with fear and suddenly
  • Their heavy hearts fell down into their feet,
  • And then they made all haste they could to fly.
  • And as a herd or flock is frighted when
  • 290A wolf or lion coming on they see,
  • And no assistance have of dogs or men;
  • So th’ Argives scatter’d before Hector flee.
  • Then slain by Hector was Arcesilaus,
  • And Stichius who the Bœotians led.
  • 295The other a good friend of Mnesteus was;
  • Both killed were by Hector as they fled;
  • Æneas Medon slew, and Iasus.
  • Medon was little Ajax’ bastard brother,
  • And lived from his father Oileus,
  • 300By th’ instigation of his stepmother
  • Eriopis, whose brother he had slain.
  • And Iäsus th’ Athenian leader was,
  • But back to Athens led them not again.
  • His father was Sphelus Bucalidas.
  • 305Mecestes slain was by Polydamas.
  • Polites Echius slew in the first fight,
  • And Clonius by Agenor killed was;
  • And Deiochus by Paris in the flight.
  • Whilst from the foe each one his armour takes,
  • 310The flying Greeks into the ditch leap’d all,
  • And there encumber’d mightily with stakes,
  • Were forced to retire within the wall.
  • Then Hector roared to the Trojans, saying,
  • On to the ships, and let the dead men lie.
  • 315I’ll be his death whom ever I find staying,
  • Nor shall he buried be or burned by
  • His friends and kin, but in the fields of Troy
  • Be left for dogs to tear and haul about.
  • This said, unto the ships he drave away,
  • 320By th’ Trojans follow’d with a mighty shout.
  • Phœbus before them march’d, and with his foot
  • Into the trench threw down the earth again,
  • And made an easy and plain passage through’t
  • As far as one a spear can well hurl, when
  • 325He hurleth for a wager. To the wall
  • The Trojans go, Apollo there again
  • Before them is, and eas’ly makes it fall,
  • As children when themselves they entertain
  • With making pretty things upon the sands,
  • 330Then comes into their heads another toy,
  • And down they push this with their feet or hands;
  • So easily Apollo did destroy
  • The Argives’ mighty work, and bring the fight
  • Again unto the ships. Where now they pray’d,
  • 335And one another’s courage did excite.
  • Nestor to heav’n held up his hands and said,
  • O Jove, if you the sacrifice accepted have
  • Of any Greek before he hither came,
  • And promis’d that the army you would save,
  • 340O, at our prayer, now perform the same;
  • Let us not perish by the Trojans here.
  • Thus Nestor pray’d, and then Jove thundered,
  • Declaring that his prayers granted were.
  • At this the Trojans were encouraged,
  • 345And by their hopes interpreting Jove’s mind,
  • Upon the Greeks with greater fury fall.
  • As when a wave is thrown by some great wind
  • Into a ship, so pass’d they at the wall,
  • And to the ships they went with horse and car.
  • 350The Greeks went up into their ships to fight,
  • And with long spears, made for a naval war
  • And pointed well with brass, and shining bright,
  • The Greeks and Trojans push at one another,
  • These mounted stood upon their chari’ts high,
  • 355And higher on their black ships stood the other.
  • Patroclus, that till now sat quietly,
  • Because the fight was only at the wall,
  • And to Eurypylus his care applied
  • And med’cines fit to cure his wounds withal,
  • 360And sat discoursing with him by his side,
  • Now when he saw the Trojans were within,
  • And of the Argives heard the woful cries,
  • And saw the fear and danger they were in,
  • With both his hands then clapped he his thighs.
  • 365Eurypylus, said he, I cannot stay;
  • For mightily increased is th’ affray.
  • Your wound be dressed by your servant may,
  • But to Achilles I must go away.
  • Who knows but I may win him at the last
  • 370To help the Greeks? This said, away he went,
  • And left Eurypylus, and made what haste
  • He could to get unto Achilles’ tent.
  • Meanwhile the victory no way inclin’d.
  • Neither the Greeks could make the Trojans fly,
  • 375Nor yet the Trojans, as they had design’d,
  • Back from the ships could force the enemy;
  • But level hung the wings of victory,
  • As when two scales are charg’d with equal weight,
  • Made by the art of Pallas curiously,
  • 380The beam lies level in the air and straight.
  • And at one time at divers ships they fought.
  • Directly unto Ajax Hector went,
  • And there sharp fighting was one ship about.
  • Hector to burn, Ajax to save it meant.
  • 385Here Ajax, with a long spear in his hand,
  • Killed Caletor, Hector’s brother’s son,
  • As he was coming with a flaming brand
  • To fire the ship, and died before ’twas done.
  • This Hector saw, and to his fellows cried,
  • 390Trojans and friends, defend the body dead
  • Of Clytius’ son, and shrink not from my side.
  • And as he spake his long spear from him fled,
  • Which, aim’d at Ajax, fell on Lycophron,
  • A man that was to Ajax very dear,
  • 395But born at Cythera, and Mastor’s son,
  • That having kill’d a man durst not stay there,
  • But unto Ajax fled, and with him staid,
  • Till now by Hector’s spear struck through the head
  • He died. Then Ajax to his brother said,
  • 400Teucer, our friend Mastorides is dead.
  • You know how much we honour’d him at home.
  • ’Tis Hector that has slain him. Where are now
  • Your deadly arrows? And what is become
  • Of Phœbus’ gift, your so egregious bow?
  • 405Which Teucer hearing, quickly with him was
  • With bow and quiver in his hand, and shot
  • And slew the servant of Polydamas,
  • That had the guiding of his chariot,
  • Clitus by name, who while in vain he sought
  • 410By driving to where hottest was the fight,
  • From Hector and the Trojans thanks t’ have got,
  • The fatal arrow on his neck did light.
  • Then down he fell. The frighted horses shook
  • The empty car. Then came Polydamas,
  • 415And by the heads the cap’ring horses took,
  • And sets Astynous in Clytus’ place;
  • And gave him a strict charge to hold them nigh,
  • But not to come with them into the fight.
  • Then Teucer lets another arrow fly
  • 420At Hector, which if it had hit him right,
  • He never at the ships again had fought.
  • But Jupiter was pleas’d to save him now,
  • And brake the bow-string. Then in vain flew out
  • The arrow, and into the dust the bow.
  • 425And Teucer to his brother made his moan.
  • Ajax, said he, is’t not a wondrous thing?
  • My bow is started from my hand and gone,
  • Some God or other broken has the string,
  • Yet new ’twas made this morning purposely
  • 430To last all day. Teucer, said Ajax then,
  • Cannot you let your bow and quiver lie,
  • And fight with spear in hand like other men,
  • And give unto the Greeks encouragement?
  • No. Though the Gods above should in their hate
  • 435To let the Trojans take our ships be bent,
  • Yet let us sell them at a lusty rate.
  • Teucer then laid his bow up in his tent,
  • And arm’d himself with helmet and with shield,
  • And a good spear, and back to Ajax went,
  • 440And found him where he left him in the field.
  • When Hector saw that Teucer’s noble bow
  • Was useless now, he to his squadrons cried,
  • Trojans and Lycians, come on boldly now,
  • For Teucer now his bow hath laid aside.
  • 445Jove brake the string. I saw it with these eyes.
  • For easily it may discerned be
  • To whom the hand of Jove intends the prize,
  • And to whom he denies the victory.
  • And now upon our side he is you see,
  • 450And from the Greeks their courage takes away.
  • Then to the ships let’s go courageously,
  • And let the fear of death no man dismay.
  • For why should any of us fear to die?
  • When for his country ’tis, it is no shame.
  • 455And if we make the enemy to fly,
  • Sav’d are his wife and children, goods, and name.
  • Whilst Hector thus the Trojans did excite,
  • Ajax unto the Argives spake, and said,
  • We must now either put our foes to flight,
  • 460Or make account we shall be all destroy’d.
  • If Hector here to burn our ships should chance,
  • Can you go home again, d’ye think, a-foot?
  • He calleth on his men; ’tis not to dance,
  • But fire our ships, if we will let him do’t.
  • 465For us ’tis better in close fight to die
  • Here all at once, or get the victory,
  • Than here, God knows how long, consuming lie,
  • And peck in vain at a weak enemy.
  • Thus Ajax rais’d the courage of th’ Achæans.
  • 470Then Hector slew the son of Perimed,
  • Stichius that had command of the Phocæans.
  • And Ajax slew Laodamas that led
  • The Trojan foot, and was Antenor’s son.
  • And Otus by Polydamas was slain,
  • 475Otus, that led the bold Epeians on,
  • And was a friend of Meges. He again
  • A spear threw at Polydamas, and miss’d;
  • For Phœbus kindness had for Panthus’ son,
  • And with a present wit did him assist
  • 480To turn about and let the spear go on,
  • And Crœsmus there receiv’d it on his breast,
  • And down he fell. Then Dolops, Lampus’ son,
  • (Lampus, that was of living men the best,
  • And grandchild of the King Laomedon)
  • 485To be reveng’d, at Meges threw his spear,
  • Which pass’d his shield, but in his breastplate staid,
  • (The breastplate which his father used to wear,
  • With many plies of strong mail overlaid,
  • And given was to Phyleus by his guest
  • 490At Ephyre, wherewith, in martial strife,
  • From deadly strokes of spears to save his breast,
  • And of his son it now preserv’d the life),
  • But Meges Dolops hit upon the head,
  • And from his crest struck off the goodly main,
  • 495Which he but newly then had dyed red.
  • But Dolops still the fight did well maintain,
  • Till Menelaus stole unto his side,
  • And struck him through the shoulder with his spear.
  • No longer stood he then, but fell and died,
  • 500And both of them to strip him going were.
  • And Hector then call’d out to all his kin,
  • And unto Menalippus specially,
  • Who, while the Greeks were absent, lived in
  • Percote, and took care of th’ husbandry,
  • 505But when the Argive fleet to Troy was come,
  • He then return’d his country to defend,
  • And liv’d in Priam’s house at Ilium,
  • And proud the Trojans were of such a friend,
  • And lov’d he was by Priam as his son.
  • 510And now unto him Hector spake, and said,
  • Have we for Dolops no compassion,
  • Or to defend his body are afraid?
  • Come, follow me. We must no longer play
  • At distance with the Greeks, but either they
  • 515Must utterly deface the town of Troy,
  • And kill us all, or we them all destroy.
  • This said, away they both together went
  • To save the body of their cousin dead;
  • And Ajax, with a contrary intent,
  • 520His Argives to the fight encouraged.
  • Argives, said he, to honour have an eye,
  • And of your fellows’ censures have a care;
  • For slain are always more of those that fly
  • Than those that of base flight ashamed are.
  • 525This said, though of it no great need there was
  • Amongst the Greeks, they presently obey’d,
  • And at the ships stood like an hedge of brass;
  • But on came Hector, not at all afraid.
  • T’ Antilochus then Menelaus said,
  • 530Amongst us there is none that better can
  • Both fight and run. Why should you be afraid
  • To leap unto the throng and kill your man?
  • This said, away again went Menelaus.
  • Antilochus leapt out before the rest,
  • 535And threw his spear at Menalippus, as
  • He coming was, and hit him on the breast.
  • No sooner was he fallen to the ground,
  • Than to the spoil Antilochus ran in,
  • As quick as when upon a deer a hound
  • 540Runs in, that by the hunter kill’d had been.
  • But soon as he saw Hector coming on,
  • As valiant as he was, he durst not stay;
  • But as some wild beast that had mischief done,
  • Ere people could assemble, ran away.
  • 545The Trojans follow’d him with clamour loud,
  • And spears abundance after him they threw,
  • But he ran on, and got into the crowd.
  • But they unto the ships the Greeks pursue;
  • For Jupiter to make his promise good
  • 550To Thetis, hitherto the Greeks dismay’d,
  • And in the battle with the Trojans stood,
  • Until he had performed all he said;
  • But meant to stay no longer with them, than
  • To see some Argive ship with fire to shine,
  • 555And then to let the Greeks prevail again.
  • From the beginning such was his design
  • In aiding Hector, who now furiously
  • Went on like Mars, or like fire in a wood,
  • With foam about his mouth, and fire in’s eye.
  • 560And Jove himself came down, and o’er him stood,
  • To save him when he was hemm’d in by foes,
  • And honour him, since ’twas his destiny
  • That not long after he his life should lose,
  • And by none but Achilles’ hand should die.
  • 565Now Hector, looking where the best men stood,
  • And armed best, tried first to break in there.
  • Keen as he was, he there could do no good;
  • So close they join’d to one another were,
  • And stuck like great stones in a tow’r or rock,
  • 570That of the boist’rous winds and billows high
  • Which break upon it, still endures the shock.
  • Then Hector other places went to try,
  • And through he pass’d. Then as a wave high grown,
  • When in foul weather forced by the wind
  • 575Under dark clouds, into a ship is thrown,
  • The mist and roaring sails bring to the mind
  • Of the poor seamen nothing but to die;
  • So frighted were the Greeks. But forward he
  • Still went; and as when in the meadows by
  • 580The river’s side thousands of kine there be,
  • And th’ herdsmen see a lion to them come,
  • But with a wild beast know not how to fight,
  • Some go before them, and behind them some,
  • The lion falleth on them in their sight,
  • 585Between both ends, and killeth only one,
  • The rest all fly; so th’ Argives all, before
  • Hector and Jupiter, dispersed run,
  • But only one was killed, and no more.
  • And Periphetes ’twas, the worthy son
  • 590Of an unworthy father, Copreus, who,
  • When any labour great was to be done
  • By Hercules, did from Eurystheus go
  • As messenger, to carry the commands.
  • But Periphetes virtue wanted none.
  • 595His feet were swift, and valiant were his hands,
  • A wiser man Mycena had not one.
  • But slain he was; for as he turn’d to fly,
  • He trod upon the edge of his own shield,
  • And overthrown, upon his back did lie;
  • 600And with a stab of Hector’s spear was kill’d.
  • His friends, though many standing by him were,
  • And griev’d to see him fall, did him no good,
  • For ev’ry one now for himself did fear,
  • And out of Hector’s way kept all he could.

  • The acts of Ajax.

  • 605The Greeks retreated were no further yet,
  • Than to between the first and second row
  • Of th’ Argive ships; but fore’d that place to quit,
  • Near to their tents themselves they rally now,
  • Where Nestor them encouraged again.
  • 610Argives, my friends, be valiant now, said he,
  • And, if at any time, now play the men.
  • Of one another’s censures fearful be.
  • Besides, by what you should be moved most,
  • Your parents, children, wives, and goods and land,
  • 615Whether you have them still, or have them lost,
  • I you conjure against the foe to stand.
  • This Nestor said, the Argives to excite:
  • And Pallas from them took the mist again,
  • That they might see who did, who did not fight,
  • 620Both at the ships and elsewhere on the plain.
  • But Ajax Telamonius thought not good
  • To stay with other Argives in the throng,
  • But up into a ship he went and stood,
  • With a ship’s spear twenty-two cubits long.
  • 625As when a man that taught has been to guide
  • Four horses at a time, and in his hand
  • Holdeth their reins while they go side by side,
  • And people on the way admiring stand,
  • He from one horse unto another skips,
  • 630And makes them run together to the town;
  • So Ajax o’er the Argives’ ranged ships
  • To save them, and the tents, ran up and down.
  • And terribly unto the Argives cried
  • To play the men. Nor Hector ’mongst his troops
  • 635Could be persuaded longer to abide;
  • But suddenly as a black eagle stoops
  • At a great flock of geese, or cranes, or swans,
  • So Hector of the Argive ships to one
  • Flew down, and Jove, with his puissant hands,
  • 640Behind him marching, always push’d him on.
  • Then at the ships the fight began again,
  • More cruel than before. You would have said
  • They had no sense of weariness or pain,
  • So mightily they all about them laid.
  • 645The Greeks were in despair of their return.
  • The Trojans thought the Argive lords to rout,
  • And all the ships that brought them thither burn.
  • Thus minded on each side, they fiercely fought.
  • Upon a ship then Hector laid his hand,
  • 650Which brought Protesilaus unto Troy,
  • But never back unto his native land.
  • For this good ship they one another slay.
  • Arrows and darts no longer flew about;
  • But now with battle-axes of great strength,
  • 655In one another’s reach they stood and fought,
  • And with great spears, and of a mighty length,
  • And great keen swords, whereof from dying hands
  • Abundance fell on either side to th’ ground;
  • And cover’d were with streaming blood the sands,
  • 660That gushed out from many a ghastly wound.
  • But Hector on the ship his hand held fast,
  • And to his Trojans call’d aloud for fire.
  • This day, said he, requites our ill days past;
  • To burn these ships Jove with us doth conspire.
  • 665And set on fire they had been long ago
  • (For I would gladly at the ships have fought)
  • But that the senate would not have it so,
  • And kept both you and me from going out.
  • But though by Jove then smitten were their hearts,
  • 670Yet boldly now himself he leads us on.
  • This said, the Trojans bravely play their parts,
  • And with more vigour fought than they had done.
  • Then on the deck no longer Ajax staid,
  • So many spears went singing by his head.
  • 675For if he there had stood he was afraid
  • That some unlucky spear would strike him dead;
  • And to the far side of the ship retreats,
  • Leaving the deck, which fenceless was and high,
  • And sat upon one of the rower’s seats,
  • 680And still upon the Trojans kept his eye.
  • And thence he from the fire the ship defends,
  • And terribly on th’ Argive heroes calls
  • To do their best. We have, said he, no friends
  • Behind to save our lives, nor better walls
  • 685Than those we made; nor any city nigh,
  • That can or willing are our part to take.
  • But far from home, in hostile ground we lie,
  • And hemmed in are by the briny lake;
  • And nothing can redeem us but our hands.
  • 690This said, he look’d about him furiously,
  • To see if any durst approach with brands,
  • Resolved to kill him that with fire came nigh.
  • And many to the ship with fire were sent
  • By Hector; but when they approached near,
  • 695Ajax continually did them prevent,
  • And twelve he killed with his naval spear.

  LIB. XVI.

  • The sixth battle. The acts of Patroclus, and his death.

  • Thus fiercely fought the Trojans and the Greeks.
  • And with Achilles was Patroclus now,
  • With tears abundance running down his cheeks,
  • Like springs that from a high rock streaming flow.
  • 5No sooner him Achilles weeping spied,
  • But pitied him. Why weep you so, said he,
  • Like a child running by his mother’s side,
  • And holding by her coat, would carried be?
  • Bring you some news that none but you can tell?
  • 10Menœtius and Peleus still do live
  • At Phthia with the Myrmidons, and well.
  • If not, we both have cause enough to grieve.
  • Or is it that the Greeks are slaughter’d so,
  • And fall before their ships? ’Tis for their pride!
  • 15Speak, what’s the matter, that we both may know?
  • Patroclus, sobbing, to him then replied,
  • O son of Peleus, of all Greeks the best,
  • Forgive me if in this necessity
  • I freely speak. They that excel the rest
  • 20In prowess, at the ships all wounded lie.
  • Ulysses wounded is, and Diomed,
  • And Agamemnon, and Eurypylus,
  • And cur’d may be, but stand us in no stead;
  • Nor does your virtue any good to us.
  • 25O Gods, let never anger in me dwell
  • Like this of yours. If you cannot, who can
  • The Trojans from the Argive fleet repel,
  • And save so many lives? O cruel man!
  • The noble Peleus sure was not your father;
  • 30Born of the Goddess Thetis you were not.
  • Sprung from the raging sea I think you rather,
  • And that by some hard rock you were begot.
  • But if you stand upon some prophecy,
  • Or Thetis have forbidden you to fight
  • 35From Jove, yet send some Myrmidons with me,
  • That I may to the Argives give some light.
  • But in your armour let me be array’d,
  • That when they see me they may think me you,
  • And back into the city run dismay’d,
  • 40And th’ Argives wearied take breath anew.
  • For long the Trojans have endur’d the fight;
  • And if fresh enemies they coming see,
  • With little labour they’ll be put to flight,
  • And leave the Argive tents and navy free.

  • The sixth battle.

  • 45Thus prayed he, but ’gainst himself he pray’d,
  • And rashly sued to cast his life away.
  • To this Achilles answer made and said,
  • My dear Patroclus, what is this you say?
  • I stand not on, nor care for prophecy,
  • 50Nor yet by Jove forbidden am to fight;
  • But at my heart it lieth grievously,
  • My equal should oppress me by mere might.
  • A town I won, in which we found great prey;
  • For my reward the Greeks gave me a maid,
  • 55Which Agamemnon from me took away,
  • Only because more people him obey’d,
  • As if I were a man of little worth.
  • But let that pass. Though once I never meant
  • My Myrmidons should with the Greeks go forth
  • 60To battle till the foes were at my tent,
  • Yet since the Argive ships with such a mist
  • Of Trojans on the shore environ’d lie,
  • And th’ Argives, wanting room, can scarce resist,
  • And have the pow’r of Troy for enemy,
  • 65Take you my arms, and lead unto the fight
  • The Myrmidons. The Trojans shall not see
  • My helmet near to put them in a fright.
  • If Agamemnon had been just to me,
  • The ditches had been fill’d with Trojans dead.
  • 70But now into the very camp they break;
  • Nor can resisted be by Diomed.
  • To save the ships Tydides is too weak.
  • Nor can that hateful mouth of Atreus’ son
  • Be heard for Hector, who the air doth fill
  • 75With roaring to the Trojans to fall on,
  • And shouting of the Trojans as they kill.
  • Yet so, Patroclus, charge them lustily,
  • For fear the ships should all be set on fire;
  • Then lost the Greeks are without remedy,
  • 80And to their country never shall retire.
  • But now what I shall say give ear unto,
  • To th’ end the Greeks may honour me, and send
  • Briseis back with gifts, you thus must do.
  • When you have freed the ships, there make an end
  • 85And come away. If Jove give you success,
  • No longer without me pursue the fight,
  • ’Twill make my honour with the Greeks the less;
  • Nor in the slaughter take so much delight
  • As to proceed up to the walls of Troy,
  • 90Lest by some God or other you be check’d;
  • But having freed the ships come straight away,
  • Apollo has for Troy a great respect,
  • And leave both sides to fight upon the plain
  • Till, grant it, O ye Gods, there left are none
  • 95But you and I the town of Troy to gain.
  • Thus they to one another talk’d alone.
  • Ajax by this time from the ship was gone,
  • Forc’d by the spears that from the Trojans flew,
  • And weak’ned by the hand of Saturn’s son.
  • 100For at his head the Trojans alway threw,
  • And forc’d he was to hold his great shield high,
  • And wearied was thereby his buckler-hand.
  • With spear in hand no Trojan durst come nigh,
  • But pelting him with spears aloof they stand.
  • 105The sweat ran down his limbs, nor could he well,
  • Though mightily for breath he pull’d, respire,
  • Now tell me, Muses, that in heav’n do dwell,
  • How came the ship first to be set on fire?
  • Thus. Hector with his broad-sword, at a blow,
  • 110The spear of Ajax chanc’d to cut in twain,
  • Where to the staff the head was fix’d, and so
  • His mighty naval spear he shook in vain:
  • The head of brass flew humming to the ground.
  • This Ajax saw, and frighted was to see
  • 115Jove thus the counsel of the Greeks confound,
  • To give unto the Trojans victory,
  • And went his way. Then in the Trojans came
  • With brands of flaming fire; and presently
  • The hind part of the ship was all in flame.
  • 120Achilles with his hand then clapp’d his thigh,
  • And to Patroclus said, a flame I see
  • Rise at the ships. ’Tis time that you were gone,
  • Lest our retreat should intercepted be.
  • Away, and quickly put my armour on.
  • 125This said, Patroclus first of all puts on
  • His boots of war, and to his legs them tied
  • With silver clasps; and next of Thetis’ son
  • The breast-plate good he to his breast applied,
  • With golden stars like heaven beautified.
  • 130His sword then o’er his shoulder he puts on,
  • With silver studs to hang down by his side;
  • And then his helmet, shining like the sun,
  • He puts upon his head; and last of all
  • He took two spears that fit were for his hand.
  • 135But not that which Achilles fought withal,
  • For that none but Achilles could command.
  • A great and strong and heavy spear it was,
  • Made of an ash cut down i’ th’ woody hill
  • Of Pelius, and by Chiron given ’twas
  • 140To Peleus, his mighty foes to kill.
  • Then to Achilles’ car Automedon
  • The horses Balius and Xanthus tied,
  • That were by Zephyrus begotten on
  • Podarge, feeding by the ocean’s side;
  • 145And at their heads he Pedasus did place,
  • (A horse he took at Thebe in the prey),
  • That with them both was able to keep pace,
  • Though he were mortal, and immortal they.
  • While by his car Patroclus arming stands,
  • 150Apace from tent to tent Achilles runs,
  • And calleth unto those that had commands,
  • To arm and bring away the Myrmidons.
  • Then came they and about Patroclus stood,
  • Like wolves that on a lusty stag had fed,
  • 155And lapping stain’d the river with his blood,
  • With bellies full and hearts encouraged.
  • When they together were, Achilles then
  • Appointed who i’ th’ field should them command.
  • To Troy he ships brought with him five times ten,
  • 160From ev’ry ship came fifty men to land.
  • And then five bodies he made of them all,
  • And captains five by whom they led should be.
  • But was himself the captain-general,
  • For of the Myrmidons the king was he.
  • 165Of these five captains one Menestius was,
  • Who was the river Sperchius his son,
  • And by the name of Boro then did pass.
  • His mother was of Peleus’ daughters one,
  • And Polydora was her name. And she
  • 170To Perierus had been married,
  • And for his wife reputed constantly
  • Before she was of M’nestius brought to bed.
  • The second bands were by Eudorus led,
  • The son of Polymela, a fair maid.
  • 175Hermes of her became enamoured,
  • As at a dance her beauty he survey’d.
  • It was upon Diana’s holy day
  • He saw her dancing, and at night he got
  • Unseen into her bed and with her lay,
  • 180And his brave son Eudorus then begot.
  • To Echecles she after married.
  • Her father Phylas to him took her son,
  • And unto man’s estate him nourished,
  • And lov’d no less than if t’ had been his own.
  • 185The third Pisandrus led, that swift could run,
  • And had at fighting with a spear more art
  • In bloody war than any Myrmidon
  • Amongst them all, Patroclus set apart.
  • The fourth was by the old knight Phœnix led.
  • 190And of the fifth, charge had Alcimedon.
  • When they were all together gathered,
  • Unto them sharply thus spake Thetis’ son.
  • Ye Myrmidons, said he, remember now,
  • How all the time I kept you have from fight,
  • 195You have the Trojans threaten’d hard; and how
  • You said my mother fed me had with gall,
  • And in great tumult bid me let you go,
  • Or at the ships upon the Trojans fall.
  • Lo, there before you is the war you crave.
  • 200The Trojans are about to burn the fleet;
  • Do you your utmost now the same to save.
  • Let him that brags of valour let us see’t.
  • This said, the Myrmidons became more keen,
  • Because they saw the king had chang’d his mind;
  • 205And presently into their ranks fell in,
  • And close themselves to one another join’d,
  • As close as in a wall are laid the stones,
  • By him that means his house shall keep out wind;
  • So close together stood the Myrmidons,
  • 210Helmets with helmets, shields with shields conjoin’d.
  • Before them all two good men armed went,
  • Patroclus and Automedon, to th’ fight.
  • Achilles then returned to his tent,
  • Where stood a chest most beautiful to sight,
  • 215Which Thetis gave him when he went to Troy,
  • Wherein were carpets, coats, and cloaks laid up,
  • To keep him warm when he a ship-board lay;
  • And in the same was kept a dainty cup,
  • In which no other man e’er drank but he,
  • 220Though ’twere to offer to the Gods above.
  • Nor he himself (such was his nicety)
  • E’er in it drank but offering to Jove.
  • Achilles then with sulphur scour’d the cup,
  • And having rins’d it clean with water fair,
  • 225And wash’d his hands, went out and held it up
  • Tow’rds heav’n, and thus to Jove address’d his prayer.
  • Pelasgic Jove, that far from hence dost dwell,
  • But at Dodona men thy counsel know,
  • The Selli there, thy prophets, fortunes tell,
  • 230Though on the ground they sleep, and barefoot go,
  • That at my prayer once didst honour me,
  • And broughtest on the Argive host much woe,
  • Once more unto my prayer inclined be.
  • Though to the fight myself I do not go,
  • 235I thither send my dear companion.
  • O Jove, now honour him! Let Hector know
  • Patroclus is a man of war alone,
  • And not then only when I with him go.
  • And when he has the Trojans driven from
  • 240The Argive ships, then grant, O Jove, he may
  • With all his Myrmidons safe hither come,
  • With all their arms, and make no longer stay!
  • Thus prayed he. To half of his desire
  • Jove nodded; but the other half denied.

  • The acts of Patroclus, and his death.

  • 245He granted him to save the ships from fire;
  • But at returning safe his neck he wried.
  • Achilles, when he offer’d had and pray’d,
  • Went with the cup again into his tent,
  • And safely laid it up; and not long staid,
  • 250But out again to see the fight he went.
  • The Myrmidons now marched orderly;
  • But when unto the Trojans they were near,
  • Like wasps incensed they upon them fly.
  • As when at unawares a traveller
  • 255Is going by a wasps’ nest near the way,
  • Which to the common damage stirr’d has been,
  • And anger’d by a young unlucky boy,
  • Upon the traveller they vent their spleen,
  • And all at once with fury on him fly:
  • 260Just so the Myrmidons occasion take,
  • Provok’d by Agamemnon’s injury,
  • To fall upon the Trojans for his sake.
  • Patroclus yet did further them incite.
  • Ye Myrmidons, said he, Achilles’ bands,
  • 265Remember now courageously to fight;
  • Achilles’ honour now lies in your hands,
  • The best of Greeks. Let Agamemnon see
  • The fault he did, and know he was unwise,
  • How wide soever his dominion be,
  • 270The best of all th’ Achæans to despise.
  • Then on the Trojans all at once they fly:
  • With them the other Greeks by shouts conspire.
  • The Trojans when they saw Patroclus nigh,
  • With stout Automedon, Achilles’ squire,
  • 275Their courage fell, their ranks disorder’d were,
  • They look’d about which way ’twere best to run.
  • For they suppos’d Achilles now was there,
  • And that his discontent was past and gone.
  • Patroclus first of all lets fly his spear
  • 280Amongst the thickest of the foes, about
  • Protesilaus’ hollow ship (for there
  • The Trojans standing close together fought)
  • And slew Pyræchmes, who from Amydon,
  • And Axius’ wide stream, the Pœons led.
  • 285The spear passed through his right shoulder-bone,
  • And when the Pœons saw him fall, they fled.
  • Not only these he frighted had, but all,
  • By killing of a captain of such fame.
  • Patroclus then upon the rest did fall,
  • 290And drave them from the ships, and quench’d the flame.
  • The Trojans towards Troy retire apace;
  • Patroclus and the Argives them pursue,
  • Leaving the ship half burnt upon the place,
  • And on the plain the fight began anew.
  • 295As men see all the rocks and woods about,
  • When than the hills the mist is gotten higher;
  • So when the fire was at the ships put out,
  • The Greeks did for a little while respire.
  • For yet the Trojans did not plainly fly,
  • 300But still resisting went, and losing ground.
  • Here Areilochus was killed by
  • Patroclus, that gave him a deadly wound
  • Upon the thigh, just as he turn’d about;
  • The spear went through, and passing brake the bone,
  • 305And at the wound his blood and life went out,
  • And on his face he fell down with a groan.
  • Thoas by Menelaus on the breast,
  • Close by his shield, a wound receiv’d and died.
  • To Meges Antichus a spear addrest,
  • 310But Meges, that his purpose had espied,
  • Prevented him, and with his spear him hits
  • Upon the leg, and near unto the knee,
  • And all the nerves thereof asunder splits,
  • And of the wound he died presently.
  • 315Antilochus then slew Atymnius,
  • The spear went through his flank and struck him dead.
  • And Maris then struck at Antilochus,
  • But was prevented by Torasymed,
  • And slain, pierc’d through the shoulder with his spear.
  • 320And thus by two sons of old Nestor slain
  • The two sons of Amisodorus were,
  • And of Sarpedon good companions twain;
  • Their sire, Amisodorus, kept at home
  • The foul Chimæra, that had done much harm,
  • 325Devouring people which did that way come,
  • Till she was slain by Bellerophontes’ arm.
  • Cleobulus then, pester’d in the throng
  • By little Ajax, taken was alive,
  • But after he was taken, liv’d not long,
  • 330For Ajax did him of his life deprive.
  • For on the neck he gave him such a wound
  • With his broad sword as made it smoke with blood;
  • And presently he fell unto the ground,
  • And on his eyes perpetual darkness stood.
  • 335With swords Peneleos and Lycon prest
  • Each other hard. For both their spears had miss’d.
  • Lycon him hit upon the helmet crest,
  • And broke his sword. One part staid in his fist,
  • The other flew. Peneleos him hit
  • 340Upon the neck. The sword so far went in,
  • As from the shoulders it divided it,
  • Save that it hung a little by the skin.
  • Meriones pursued Acamas,
  • Amongst the Trojans that before him fled;
  • 345And overtook him as he mounting was,
  • And with a wound i’ th’ shoulder left him dead.
  • And by Idomeneus, the king of Crete,
  • Hit in the mouth was Erymas and slain.
  • His teeth all stricken out, fell at his feet,
  • 350And by the spear pierced through was his brain,
  • And fill’d with blood stood staring both his eyes,
  • Which through his nose and mouth he strove to void,
  • And gasping, seeks to cast it out, and dies.
  • Thus the Greek lords each one his man destroy’d:
  • 355And then as bloody wolves invade the lambs
  • Or kids, that by the shepherd’s negligence
  • Are wander’d on the mountains from their dams,
  • And kill; for nature gives them no defence;
  • So fiercely on the Trojans fell the Greeks,
  • 360But they no more trust to their hands, but feet.
  • Ajax to throw his spear at Hector seeks,
  • But with him Hector has no mind to meet,
  • But by th’ advantage of his skill in war,
  • Knowing of arrows and of spears the sound,
  • 365To keep aloof from Ajax still took care,
  • And cover’d with his shield, oft shifted ground.
  • And though he knew the honour of the day
  • Would fall unto th’ Achæans in the end,
  • Yet from the field he went not straight away,
  • 370But staid and sought his people to defend.
  • And then as clouds rise from Olympus high,
  • And through the air to heaven tend upright
  • Before tempestuous winds; so rose the cry
  • At th’ Argive ships. Then Hector left the fight,
  • 375And after him the Trojans take their heels,
  • But in the trench greatly encumbered were,
  • And many char’ot-poles they brake and wheels.
  • And when they of the trench were gotten clear,
  • Fill’d with affright was ev’ry path and way;
  • 380Thus at the ships the storm of war gave o’er.
  • The horses that were loose ran back to Troy;
  • And to the ships the Trojans came no more.
  • Patroclus, where he most disorder found,
  • Thither he drove, and trod the Trojans down,
  • 385And char’ot-seats were tumbled to the ground,
  • And many from their seats were headlong thrown.
  • But the swift horses of Patroclus, which
  • On Peleus by the Gods bestowed were,
  • Found no impediment, but leapt the ditch,
  • 390Pursuing Hector, who now was not there.
  • As when with stormy winds th’ autumnal rain
  • Falls heavy on the earth, from heaven sent,
  • When wrested are the laws by men for gain,
  • Who from the Gods expect no punishment;
  • 395The rivers swell; down from the mountain’s side
  • Innumerable currents headlong run,
  • Roaring and foaming, to the ocean wide;
  • And wash’d away is all man’s work, and gone:
  • So fled the Trojans. These thus put to flight,
  • 400He kept the Greeks from going to the town,
  • As they desir’d; yet gave not over fight,
  • But ’twixt the ships and river overthrown
  • Were many more; for unrevenged yet
  • Were many Greeks. First Pronous he kill’d,
  • 405Whom with his spear upon the breast he hit,
  • Where he was not well cover’d with his shield.
  • The next he slew was Thestor, Enop’s son,
  • That sate upon his seat amaz’d with fear,
  • And from his hand the horses’ reins were gone.
  • 410Patroclus standing by him with his spear,
  • Struck him upon the cheek, and there it stuck
  • Fast in his teeth; and over the fore-wheel
  • To th’ ground Patroclus fetch’d him with a pluck,
  • As to the bank a fisher pulls an eel,
  • 415And to the earth he threw him on his face.
  • Eryalus then to him went, in vain,
  • And by Patroclus slain was on the place,
  • For with a stone he cleft his head in twain.
  • Epaltes, Erymas, Amphoterus,
  • 420And Echius, Pyres, Damastorides,
  • Euippus, Polymelus, Iphius;
  • He one upon another kill’d all these.
  • Sarpedon saw how fast his good friends died,
  • And that his Lycians ready were to fly;
  • 425He them rebuking, with a loud voice cried,
  • Whither d’ye go? For shame, stay here; for I
  • Intend to meet this man myself, and know
  • Who ’tis that here so furiously fights,
  • And lays so many valiant Trojans low.
  • 430This said, he from his chariot alights.
  • Patroclus, seeing that, alighted too,
  • And presently betook him to the fight,
  • As keen as on a high rock vultures two.
  • And Jupiter was grieved at the sight,
  • 435And to his wife and sister, Juno, said,
  • Ay me, my son Sarpedon will be slain,
  • For by the Fates long since it so is laid;
  • And now my mind divided is in twain,
  • To snatch him hence, and carry him again
  • 440To Lycia, or now to let him die,
  • And by Patroclus’ fatal spear be slain.
  • And Juno then to Jove made this reply.
  • O Jove, most wilful of the Gods, what say’e?
  • A mortal man condemn’d is by the Fates,
  • 445And you would now the execution stay?
  • Do. But take heed how you offend the states.
  • And this I tell you further, if you do
  • Your son, Sarpedon, from the combat save,
  • The other Gods will look to do so too,
  • 450For sons at Troy many immortals have.
  • But since you love your son, and for him grieve,
  • First let Patroclus take away his life,
  • And then to Death and Sleep commandment give
  • To carry him, from out the bloody strife,
  • 455To Lycia, amongst his friends and kin,
  • Who see him will embalm’d and buried,
  • And build a tomb to lay his ashes in,
  • Which are the honours due unto the dead.
  • This Juno says; Jove to it condescends,
  • 460And for the honour of his son so dear,
  • For rain he drops of blood from heaven sends.
  • When they were come to one another near,
  • First threw Patroclus, and kill’d Thrasymed,
  • A valiant man, Sarpedon’s charioteer,
  • 465The spear into his belly entered.
  • Then at Patroclus flew Sarpedon’s spear,
  • And hit him not, but Pedasus he slew,
  • The fore-horse of Achilles’ car, and now
  • The sprawling horse caus’d a disorder new.
  • 470The yoke screeks, and Automedon lets go
  • The reins; whereby the combatants are parted;
  • Automedon soon found a remedy,
  • For from the char’ot-seat he nimbly started,
  • And cut the gears that did the fore-horse tie.
  • 475The horses two adjusted were again,
  • And then the combatants the fight renew.
  • And first Sarpedon threw, and threw in vain;
  • The spear just over his left shoulder flew.
  • But not in vain Patroclus’ spear was thrown,
  • 480That smote him through the midriff. Heavily
  • Sarpedon then unto the ground came down,
  • As if’t had been an oak or poplar-tree;
  • Or as a pine cut down i’ th’ hill, to be
  • A mast for some great ship, falls to the ground,
  • 485So fell to th’ earth Sarpedon heavily,
  • And with his armour made the place resound.
  • As when a bull is by a lion slain,
  • Under his paw to th’ ground he groaning falls;
  • So groaning fell Sarpedon, in great pain,
  • 490And to his friend, the valiant Glaucus, calls,
  • And to him said, Now, Glaucus, valiant be,
  • And set your mind on nothing but to fight.
  • But first, go call my best men all to me,
  • And to assist me here join all your might.
  • 495If of my arms I stripp’d be by the foe,
  • The shame thereof for ever will abide.
  • So therefore quickly call the people: go.
  • And when he thus had spoken to him, died.
  • Patroclus on the body sets his foot,
  • 500And out again he pull’d the bloody spear,
  • With pieces of the midriff sticking to’t.
  • And now away the horses ready were
  • To run, for no man was upon the seat;
  • But by the Myrmidons they soon were staid.
  • 505The grief of Glaucus then was very great,
  • For that he knew not how the king to aid;
  • For in great pain his arm was with the stroke
  • Of Teucer’s arrow, at the Argive wall,
  • And found no remedy but to invoke
  • 510Apollo, and upon him thus did call:
  • Apollo, whether thou in Troy be now
  • Or Lycia, unto my prayer give ear;
  • For when distressed men unto thee bow,
  • Thou dost from any place or distance hear.
  • 515I grievously am wounded in the hand,
  • The pain whereof up to my shoulder goes;
  • No longer now can I my spear command,
  • When most I need to use it ’gainst the foes.
  • Sarpedon, the brave son of Jove, is slain;
  • 520His father of him takes no further care.
  • But thou, Apollo, now assuage my pain,
  • And cure my wound, and make me fit for war;
  • That I may bring the Lycians to fight,
  • And I with them the body may defend.
  • 525This said, Apollo, by his heavenly might,
  • His wound heal’d up, the pain was at an end;
  • The blood was gone; encourag’d was his mind,
  • And Glaucus knew Apollo did it all,
  • And joy’d such favour with the God to find:
  • 530Then out he went the Lycians to call.
  • That done, he to the Trojan princes goes,
  • Agenor, Hector, and Polydamas,
  • Divine Æneas, and craves aid of those;
  • But what he said, to Hector spoken was.
  • 535Hector, said he, your friends you now forget,
  • Who from their country hither came so far,
  • Their lives to venture for your sake. For yet
  • How to assist them you take little care.
  • Slain is the King Sarpedon in the fight,
  • 540That both with might and justice rul’d the land
  • Of Lycia. Let them not vent their spite
  • Upon the body slain; but by him stand:
  • The Myrmidons else, for th’ Achæans’ sake,
  • Of whom he slew so many at the fleet,
  • 545Will in revenge his armour from him take,
  • And do unto him other things unmeet.
  • This said, the Trojans all were on a flame
  • To be reveng’d. To Troy he was a wall,
  • Although he thither as a stranger came;
  • 550He many led, himself the best of all.
  • And to the Myrmidons they march’d away,
  • Hector himself before them, at the head,
  • As angry for Sarpedon’s death as they.
  • Patroclus then the Greeks encouraged,
  • 555And speaking first to the Ajaxes two,
  • Ajax, said he, both you and you, again
  • Fight gallantly, as you are us’d to do,
  • Or better if you can. For I have slain
  • Sarpedon with my spear, who was the man
  • 560That mounted first up to the Argive wall.
  • Let’s take his armour off him if we can,
  • And make his fellows some of them to fall.
  • This said, they into order put their men,
  • Trojan and Lycian; Greek and Myrmidon;
  • 565And to the body slain return again,
  • And fiercely one another fell upon.
  • And Jove the place with darkness cover’d round,
  • As long as they were fighting ’bout his son.
  • And at the first the Greeks forsook the ground.
  • 570For then there was a noble Myrmidon,
  • Epigeus, that king was formerly
  • Of Budeon, and forced thence away
  • For a man’s death, to Peleus did fly,
  • Who sent him with Achilles unto Troy.
  • 575And now no sooner layed had his hand
  • Upon Sarpedon’s body, but was slain
  • By a great stone, that flew from Hector’s hand,
  • And broke (for all his casque) his skull in twain.
  • Down he upon the dead king falling, dies.
  • 580Patroclus, when he saw his friend thus fall,
  • Swift as a hawk that at a starling flies,
  • Up to the foes ran, and amongst them all
  • He threw a stone, which lighted on the neck
  • Of Stenelaus, and the tendon rent.
  • 585And this gave to the Trojan horse a check;
  • And back a little Hector with them went,
  • As far as one can for experiment,
  • Or at a foe in battle throw a spear;
  • So far back Hector with his char’ot went,
  • 590The Argives them pursuing in the rear.
  • But Glaucus, that did then the Lycians lead,
  • Pursu’d by Bathycles, and very near,
  • Upon a sudden to him turn’d his head,
  • And deep into his breast he thrust his spear,
  • 595And down he fell. The Trojans then were glad,
  • And at the body fallen boldly staid.
  • On th’ other side, the Greeks were very sad
  • To lose so good a man, but not dismay’d.
  • Meriones then slew Laogonus,
  • 600Son of Onetor, priest of Jupiter,
  • And honour’d like a God in Gargarus,
  • The spear him pierc’d between the cheek and ear.
  • Then at Meriones Æneas threw,
  • And was in hopes to give him his death’s wound;
  • 605But he then stoop’d, and o’er him the spear flew,
  • And one end shook, the other stuck i’ th’ ground.
  • At this Æneas, angry, to him said,
  • Meriones, as well as you can dance,
  • My spear was like your motion to have staid,
  • 610And that it did not, think it was by chance.
  • To him replying, said Meriones,
  • Æneas, strong and valiant as you are,
  • You cannot kill men whom and when you please;
  • Yourself are subject to the chance of war
  • 615As well as I. And if my spear fall right
  • (As much as to your hands you trust) you’ll die
  • Like other men, and I win honour by’t,
  • And to the shades below your soul will fly.
  • This said, Patroclus came and him reproved.
  • 620Meriones, why talk you thus, said he,
  • D’ye think the Trojans can be hence removed
  • With evil words, till many slain there be?
  • In council words may somewhat signify,
  • But hands in war determine the event,
  • 625’Tis to no purpose words to multiply.
  • This said, away they both together went,
  • And by and by was heard a mighty sound,
  • As if the woods were falling on the hills,
  • Of men in armour falling to the ground,
  • 630And swords and spears on helmets and on shields.
  • Sarpedon cover’d was from top to toe,
  • With dust and spears, and so besmear’d with blood,
  • That wise he must have been that could him know,
  • Though who it was they all well understood,
  • 635And busy were about him as the flies
  • That buzz in summer time about the pans
  • Of milk. And all this while Jove kept his eyes
  • Upon the battle; and advising stands,
  • Whether ’twere best to let Patroclus die
  • 640Upon Sarpedon, slain by Hector, or
  • Let him go on, and follow those that fly,
  • And of the Trojans make the slaughter more.
  • At last resolv’d, he made the Trojans fly.
  • Patroclus then pursu’d them up to Troy,
  • 645And as he went, made many of them die;
  • And Hector was the first that fled away,
  • Not ignorant of Jove’s apostacy.
  • And then the lusty Lycians also fled;
  • Whose king, Sarpedon, now i’ th’ heap did lie,
  • 650Stretch’d out on th’ earth amongst the other dead.
  • And him Patroclus of his armour strips,
  • His mighty armour, all of solid brass,
  • And sent it by his fellows to the ships.
  • Thus slain and stripp’d Jove’s son Sarpedon was.
  • 655Then Jove unto Apollo spake, and said,
  • Go, Phœbus, bear Sarpedon from the fight
  • A great way off, and let him be array’d
  • In an immortal garment, pure and bright.
  • But in the river clear first wash him clean,
  • 660And with ambrosia anoint his skin.
  • Let Death and Sleep, two sisters, bear him then
  • To Lycia, unto his friends and kin,
  • By whom his body will embalmed be,
  • And tomb and pillar set upon his grave,
  • 665Whereby preserv’d will be his memory,
  • Which all the honour is the dead can have.
  • This said, Apollo down from Ida came,
  • And bare Sarpedon’s body from the fight.
  • And far off in the river wash’d the same,
  • 670And with ambrosia his body white
  • Anointed, and with garments fair array’d,
  • Immortal garments; and into the hands
  • Of Death and Sleep committed it, who laid
  • It down again amongst the Lycians.
  • 675Patroclus then commands Automedon
  • To drive to Troy. Not well; for had he then
  • The counsel of Achilles thought upon,
  • He had escap’d. But Jove knows more than men,
  • And quickly can take from a man of might,
  • 680And to a weaker give the victory,
  • Whom he himself encourage will to fight,
  • As now by Jove himself set on was he.
  • But while Patroclus chas’d the Trojans thus,
  • Who fell? Adrestus, and Autonous,
  • 685Epistor, Melanippus, Perimus,
  • Pylartus, Mulius, and Echeclus,
  • And Elasus. And taken had been Troy
  • Now by Patroclus, but that Phœbus stood
  • Upon the tow’r, and push’d him still away,
  • 690To vex the Greeks, and do the Trojans good.
  • For thrice he mounted, and was thrice put back
  • By the immortal hand; but when again
  • He mounting was, Apollo to him spake.
  • Retire, said he, Patroclus, ’tis in vain;
  • 695It is not you that Ilium can win,
  • Nor Thetis’ son, a better man than you.
  • Patroclus, at these words, great fear was in,
  • And far off from the wall himself withdrew.
  • Now Hector was upon his char’ot seat,
  • 700I’ th’ Scæan gate, and did deliberate
  • Whether to make the Trojans to retreat,
  • And when they were come in to shut the gate,
  • Or go to th’ fight. While he consulted thus,
  • Apollo came, and standing by his side
  • 705In likeness of his uncle Asius,
  • Him sharply did for standing idle chide.
  • Hector, said he, why stay you here? If I
  • Exceeded you in strength as you do me,
  • I teach you would, in such necessity
  • 710To quit the field thus, and unuseful be.
  • Go: to Patroclus now directly drive,
  • And doubt not but that by Apollo’s aid,
  • You may him of his life and arms deprive.
  • Away went Phœbus when he this had said,
  • 715And Hector then returned to the fight,
  • While Phœbus did the Argive throng dismay.
  • Cebriones still kept his horses right
  • Upon Patroclus. For upon the way
  • Hector pass’d through the Greeks, and killed none.
  • 720Patroclus then alighting, with his spear
  • In his left hand, in th’ other took a stone,
  • And with it killed Hector’s charioteer,
  • Cebriones, King Priam’s bastard son.
  • Above his eyes, upon his forehead just,
  • 725Patroclus hit him with the knobby stone,
  • Then from his seat he dropp’d into the dust.
  • Broke was his skull, his eye-brows crush’d int’ one,
  • And at his feet, before him fell his eyes.
  • Patroclus scoff’d, and said ’tis nimbly done.
  • 730And proudly thus, insulting, o’er him cries:
  • Oh, that we had a man could leap like him,
  • And set upon one of our ships were he,
  • To leap into the sea, and groping swim!
  • How satisfied with oysters should we be!
  • 735So quickly down he tumbled to the plain,
  • I see that there good tumblers are in Troy.
  • This said, he ran unto the body slain,
  • Himself with his own valour to destroy.
  • And then unto the ground leapt Hector too,
  • 740And at Cebriones his body, fought
  • He and Patroclus, fierce as lions two,
  • That had a great stag, slain by chance, found out;
  • And hungry both, strove who should first be fed,
  • So sought these two each other to destroy.
  • 745And Hector pull’d the dead man by the head,
  • Patroclus by the heels, the other way.
  • Meanwhile the Greeks and Trojans fighting stood,
  • As when between two hills two great winds fight,
  • On both sides strongly shaken is the wood,
  • 750And boughs beat one another with great might,
  • And with a horrid noise together clash,
  • And many lusty limbs then broken are,
  • Of barky corme, broad beech, and lofty ash;
  • So did it with the Greeks and Trojans fare.
  • 755About Cebriones stuck many a spear,
  • And many a fledg’d arrow from the bow,
  • And many shields by great stones broken were,
  • While he along in bed of dust lay low,
  • And quite forgotten had his chivalry.
  • 760Now all the while that mounting was the sun,
  • The weapons flew, and men fell equally,
  • But after noon, when half the day was gone,
  • The Argives clearly had the victory,
  • And from the field Cebriones they drew,
  • 765And stripp’d there of his armour, let him lie.
  • Patroclus then the Trojans chas’d anew,
  • And there before the Myrmidons leapt out,
  • Like Mars himself, and thrice nine Trojans slew.
  • And out again he went; but at that bout,
  • 770Upon himself untimely death he drew.
  • For Phœbus came (Patroclus saw him not)
  • Wrapp’d up in air, and standing on the ground,
  • Between the shoulders with his hand him smote,
  • That all about him seemed to go round,
  • 775And from his head his helmet then he flung
  • Into the dust, and foul it was all o’er,
  • And beaten by the hoofs of horses rung,
  • That never had been so defil’d before,
  • When on Achilles’ godlike head it sate.
  • 780But Jove to Hector gave it now to wear,
  • And only then, when near him was his fate.
  • Moreover, Phœbus brake Patroclus’ spear,
  • A heavy spear, well armed at the head,
  • And pluck’d his mighty shield out of his hand,
  • 785And left him of his arms uncovered.
  • With this, Patroclus did amazed stand;
  • And near unto him then a Dardan came,
  • And in the back he smote him with his spear;
  • Panthorides Euphorbus was his name,
  • 790And kill’d him not, but back ran to the rear.
  • For though he well could fight, and ride, and run,
  • And going first abroad to learn the wars,
  • He was by no man of his age outdone,
  • And had o’erthrown twice ten men from their cars;
  • 795Yet for Patroclus now he durst not stay,
  • Although he wounded and disarmed were.
  • Then to the rear Patroclus went away;
  • And after him ran Hector with his spear,
  • And at the belly struck him through the side,
  • 800And down he fell. The Greeks were grieved sore.
  • As when at a small fountain almost dried,
  • Together come a lion and a boar
  • With equal thirst, and drink they both would fain,
  • But fight who shall drink first, slain is the boar;
  • 805So now by Hector was Patroclus slain,
  • Though many Trojans he had kill’d before.
  • And Hector then triumphing o’er him said,
  • Patroclus, you thought sure t’ have stormed Troy,
  • And in your ships our women t’ have convey’d
  • 810To Argos with you, when you went away.
  • Were you so simple that you could not see
  • That Hector, with his horses and his spear,
  • Protects the Trojans from captivity?
  • Now shall you for the dogs and fowls lie here;
  • 815Nor can Achilles do you any good,
  • That bad you, ’t may be, when you from him went,
  • Not to return, till dyed in his blood,
  • You Hector’s coat had from his shoulders rent,
  • And vain enough you were to promise it.
  • 820Patroclus, with a feeble voice, replied,
  • Hector, you now may boast as you think fit,
  • And in your own ability take pride.
  • T’ Apollo first my death I owe, who threw
  • My armour from my body to the ground;
  • 825I could have slain else twenty such as you,
  • And from Euphorbus I receiv’d a wound.
  • To bring me down, you were but one of three.
  • But hear me, and remember what I say;
  • Hector, you will not long live after me,
  • 830And only for Achilles’ hand you stay.
  • And at these words he was of life bereft.
  • His soul unto th’ infernal regions fled,
  • Lamenting so much youth and vigour left;
  • And Hector to him spake again, though dead.
  • 835Patroclus, why do you foretell my death?
  • Who knows but that Achilles may be slain
  • By me first, and before me lose his breath?
  • This said, he pulled out the spear again,
  • And presently pursu’d Automedon,
  • 840Who of Achilles was the char’oteer;
  • But he away was carried and gone
  • By Peleus’ horses, that immortal were.

  LIB. XVII.

  • The seventh battle, about Patroclus’s body.

  • And Menelaus understanding now
  • That slain Patroclus lay upon the ground,
  • Careful, as of her first calf is a cow,
  • To th’ body went and walk’d about it round,
  • 5Couching his spear and holding out his shield,
  • Resolv’d to kill him, whosoe’er he was,
  • That durst to stand against him in the field.
  • Then to him said Euphorbus, Menelaus,
  • Retire, let me advise you, from the dead.
  • 10For I am he that gave him the first wound,
  • That with his arms I may be honoured;
  • Lest with my spear I strike you to the ground.
  • And Menelaus to him thus replied.
  • O Jupiter, in lion never was,
  • 15Nor yet in panther, nor in boar, such pride
  • (Though other beasts in strength they far surpass)
  • As in these sons of Panthus. Though they know,
  • When Hyperenor proudly me defied,
  • And spitefully did value me below
  • 20All other Greeks, that by my hand he died,
  • And sorry were his parents and his wife.
  • Now you succeed will to your brother’s fate.
  • Begone, then, if you mean to save your life,
  • And quickly, or you will be wise too late.
  • 25No, Menelaus, said Euphorbus then,
  • Since you have griev’d his parents and his wife,
  • ’Tis best, I think, to comfort them again,
  • By making you pay for it with your life.
  • For though intolerable be their grief,
  • 30Yet when they see your armour and your head
  • Brought to them home, it will be some relief.
  • But this by fight must be determined.
  • This said, he made a thrust at Menelaus,
  • Which he received on his trusty shield,
  • 35It entered not, resisted by the brass,
  • Which bent the point, and passage none did yield.
  • Then, as he backward stepp’d to get away,
  • He by Atrides on the breast was hit.
  • The spear press’d with his hand not there did stay,
  • 40But to his neck went up and pierced it.
  • And then the ground he with his armour knocks,
  • And dyed was with blood his dainty hair,
  • Those fine, with gold and silver twined, locks,
  • Like those that Cytherea’s Graces wear.
  • 45As when one planted hath an olive sprig
  • In open place, and where are many springs,
  • And stirr’d by gentle winds it is grown big,
  • Then comes a storm and to the ground it flings;
  • So by Atrides fell Euphorbus now.
  • 50As when a lion cometh from the wood
  • Into the herd and seizeth on a cow,
  • First breaks her neck, then feeds he on her blood
  • And bowels, dogs and herdsmen looking on
  • And hueing him, that dare not to go near;
  • 55So then upon Atrides ventur’d none,
  • So much the Trojans stricken were with fear.
  • And now into the hands of Menelaus
  • Patroclus’ armour came; and borne away
  • Had been, but that by Phœbus cross’d he was,
  • 60That was a friend to Hector and to Troy.
  • And in the shape of Mentes gone was then
  • (Whom now the Cicon regiments obey’d)
  • To call back Hector to the field again,
  • And overtaking him, thus to him said:
  • 65Hector, you here Automedon pursue
  • To take Achilles’ horses all in vain,
  • Which never will be won or rul’d by you,
  • And suffer good Euphorbus to be slain
  • By Menelaus at the body dead
  • 70Of Menœtiades. Then went his way.
  • And Hector grieved turn’d about his head,
  • And saw how on the ground Euphorbus lay,
  • Bleeding and naked left by Menelaus.
  • And Hector then, enflamed with the sight,
  • 75Like raging fire did through the squadrons pass.
  • And with great cry returned to the fight.
  • And cold was then Atrides at the heart,
  • And with himself he thus disputing stands;
  • If I should from the body slain depart,
  • 80The Greeks would say of me but little good;
  • But if I stay alone here ’twill be worse
  • Than anything the Greeks can of me say.
  • For he brings with him all the Trojan force.
  • But wherefore do I thus disputing stay?
  • 85Who fights against him whom a God doth aid,
  • Draws on himself a great and certain ill.
  • My best course then is Hector to avoid,
  • And let the Greeks say of it what they will.
  • But if of Ajax I could get a sight,
  • 90Then he and I together would not fear
  • With Hector aided by a God to fight,
  • And to Achilles the dead body bear.
  • Whilst thus unto himself he laid the case,
  • The Trojans came with Hector at their head,
  • 95And Menelaus then forsook the place,
  • And going left behind the body dead.
  • But oft look’d back. As when a lion is
  • Compell’d to leave a fold by men and dogs,
  • He oft looks back, and runs not for all this,
  • 100But tow’rds the wood still slowly on he jogs
  • Unwillingly; his heart’s too big to run;
  • So Menelaus off went safe and sound.
  • And then for Ajax, son of Telamon,
  • Look’d round about, and ’mongst his troops him found
  • 105Inciting them to fight. For not a man
  • But frighted was by Phœbus and dismay’d;
  • And with all speed Atrides to him ran,
  • And standing at his side unto him said,
  • Come, Ajax, quickly come away with me
  • 110To save Patroclus from the Trojans’ wrath,
  • That to Achilles carried he may be
  • Though naked. For his armour Hector hath.
  • Ajax enrag’d at this, flies to the place
  • With Menelaus where Patroclus lay,
  • 115When Hector from the field him drawing was
  • (Having already snatch’d his arms away)
  • Unto the Trojans to cut off his head,
  • And give the body to the dogs to eat.
  • But when great Ajax thither came, he fled,
  • 120And to the Trojans made a quick retreat;
  • And order gave to bear the arms to Troy,
  • Achilles’ arms, a noble monument
  • Of his great deed. But Ajax still did stay,
  • And with his shield about the body went.
  • 125As when a lion, his whelps following him,
  • Into the open fields comes from the wood,
  • And hunters meets, he looks upon them grim;
  • So Ajax looking, by Patroclus stood.
  • And Glaucus then, that led the Lycian bands,
  • 130To Hector went and frowning to him said,
  • Though you be thought a good man of your hands,
  • Hector, it is not so I am afraid.
  • Consider first if you the town can save
  • By Trojans only, without other guard,
  • 135And of their service how great need you have;
  • And then how lightly you their pains regard.
  • What Lycian again will for you fight?
  • Or how will you defend a meaner man,
  • That left Sarpedon to the Argives’ spite
  • 140And sport, and from his body frighted ran,
  • That was your friend and had such service done?
  • So that if I were won to lead them home,
  • You’d find a little after we were gone,
  • The utmost fate of Troy were on it come.
  • 145For if the Trojans had as forward been,
  • As men should be that for their country fight,
  • Patroclus’ body we in Troy had seen,
  • Fetch’d from the field, for all the Argives’ might;
  • And from the Greeks in change we might have had
  • 150Sarpedon’s corpse, and brought it into Troy;
  • And all the Greeks thereof would have been glad,
  • So great experience of his worth had they.
  • But you to Ajax never yet durst go,
  • And when he came to you, you from him ran
  • 155Into the throng o’ th’ Trojans. And why so?
  • But that you know he is the better man.
  • Then Hector, frowning on him, thus replied,
  • Glaucus, ’tis strange that such a man as you
  • Should so severely without cause me chide;
  • 160I thought you very wise, but ’tis not true.
  • You say I dare not with great Ajax fight,
  • When I do neither foot nor horsemen shun,
  • But only way give sometimes to the might
  • Of Jove when he the enemy sets on.
  • 165For he to whom he will gives victory,
  • And from the proud their courage takes away.
  • But to the fight come with me now, and see
  • If I be such a coward as you say;
  • And do not from Patroclus’ body make
  • 170Some of the Argives to retire again.
  • This said, he turn’d and to the Trojans spake.
  • Trojans, said he, and Lycians, play the men
  • Whilst I myself in these good arms array,
  • Which from Patroclus’ body slain I took.
  • 175This said, he from the field went toward Troy,
  • And quickly those that bare them overtook,
  • And gave to them the armour he then wore,
  • And th’ armour of Patroclus there puts on,
  • Giv’n by the Gods to Peleus heretofore,
  • 180Which he when aged gave unto his son,
  • But were not kept by him till he was old.
  • Then Jove that out of sight in heaven sat,
  • And Hector in this armour did behold,
  • Poor man, said he, he knoweth not his fate,
  • 185Which now is near; and at it shook his head,
  • And said, though now these heavenly arms you wear
  • Of this great man whom all men else did dread,
  • Killing the gentle knight that did them bear,
  • And so unhandsomely, you’ll never go
  • 190To show them to Andromache your wife.
  • Yet now you shall prevail against the foe,
  • To please you, since thus shorten’d is your life.
  • And as he said it, seal’d it with a nod.
  • Now Hector, having on these arms and fit,
  • 195Into his breast went in the mighty God
  • Of battle, and with courage filled it.
  • Then Hector, like Achilles shining, came
  • To his confederates, and ’mongst them went,
  • Calling upon the best of them by name,
  • 200To give unto them all encouragement,
  • Mesthles, and Glaucus, and Thersilochus,
  • Asteropæus, and Hippothous,
  • Medon, Disinor, Phorcys, Chromius,
  • And you, the skilful augur, Ennomus,
  • 205And you, the thousands that to aid me come,
  • ’Tis not to muster that you called are,
  • But to defend the wives of Ilium,
  • And babes, against the Greeks, that love the war;
  • Which to prevent, the Trojans day by day
  • 210With pay and with free quarter, tired are.
  • Let’s therefore fight, and either die or slay;
  • For there’s no other traffic at the war,
  • And he that shall Patroclus’ body gain,
  • And, spite of Ajax, fetch it off the field,
  • 215Half of his armour shall have for his pain,
  • And I will half the honour to him yield.
  • This said, the Trojans on the Argives fell
  • With all their weight, and made account to gain
  • Patroclus’ body; for they could not tell
  • 220How many Trojans there would first be slain.
  • And then to Menelaus Ajax said,
  • I fear we shall no more return from Troy;
  • And am not for Patroclus so afraid
  • (That to the dogs is sure to be a prey)
  • 225As for myself and you; with such a cloud
  • Of Trojans Hector thund’ring cometh on.
  • Go therefore, presently, and call aloud
  • To th’ other princes. Other help there’s none.
  • Then Menelaus cried out aloud,
  • 230O you that have command in th’ Argive host,
  • And diet with Atrides are allow’d,
  • And drink unstinted at the public cost,
  • ’Tis hard to call you ev’ry one by name,
  • But you that hear me come away with speed;
  • 235For to us all ’twill be no little shame,
  • To let the dogs upon Patroclus feed.
  • This said, first little Ajax running came,
  • And with Idomeneus, Meriones,
  • Then many more came in; but who can name
  • 240The number great that came in after these?
  • And Hector with the Trojans then came in,
  • And as the sea that rolleth to the shore
  • Which by some mighty wind had driven been;
  • So to the fight the Trojans marching roar.
  • 245The Greeks about Patroclus’ body staid,
  • All of one mind, all cover’d with their shields,
  • And on their head Jove then a great fog laid,
  • And all the place about with darkness fills.
  • For while Patroclus was alive, and serv’d
  • 250Achilles, Jove took at him no offence,
  • Nor thought that to be dogs’ meat he deserv’d,
  • And therefore urg’d the Greeks to his defence.
  • At first the Trojans made the Greeks to fly,
  • And leave the body, but they killed none,
  • 255So great a fog upon the place did lie.
  • Then with his friends again came Ajax on,
  • Of all the Greeks, for person and for might,
  • The bravest man, excepting Thetis’ son.
  • The Trojans, when the Greeks refus’d to fight,
  • 260The body seiz’d, and thought the bus’ness done.
  • As when a boar, pursu’d by hounds and men,
  • Upon them turns, they scatter’d are and fly;
  • So, when great Ajax to them came again,
  • The Trojans, scatter’d, let Patroclus lie.
  • 265For when Hippothous was in great hope
  • To drag Patroclus’ body up to Troy,
  • And to his ankle tyed had a rope,
  • Arrived to him was his latest day.
  • For Ajax now was come unto him near,
  • 270And smote him through the helmet and the brain,
  • Which, stained with his blood, stuck to the spear,
  • And down he threw Patroclus’ foot again,
  • And with it near unto the body fell,
  • Depriv’d of life by mighty Ajax’ spear,
  • 275Far from Larissa, where his friends did dwell,
  • And never for his breeding payed were.
  • And Hector then a spear at Ajax threw,
  • Which he perceiving, did a little shun,
  • A very little it beside him flew,
  • 280And killed Schedius, Iphitus’ son,
  • That of Photæans all was far the best,
  • And did in well-built Panopæa reign.
  • The spear, sharp-pointed, enter’d at his breast,
  • And at his shoulder out it went again.
  • 285And Ajax then the valiant Phorcys slew,
  • That ’bout the body of Hippothous went.
  • The spear through breast-plate and through belly flew,
  • And as it pass’d the guts in pieces rent.
  • Then Hector and the Trojan lords gave way,
  • 290Retiring from the Argive lords; and thus
  • By th’ Argives coming in, without delay,
  • Stripp’d were both Phorcys and Hippothous.
  • And now the Trojans had, for want of heart,
  • Been chased by the Argives up to Troy,
  • 295And th’ Argives gotten had on th’ other part,
  • Without the Gods, an honourable day;
  • Had not Apollo, like to Periphas,
  • Anchises’ squire, to Æneas come disguised,
  • That very wise now grown, and aged was,
  • 300And standing by his side, him thus advised;
  • Æneas, cannot you, without the Gods,
  • As well as the Achæans, gain the day
  • By valour, since in men they have no odds?
  • For Jove would rather you should win than they.
  • 305Thus Phœbus said. Æneas knew ’twas he;
  • And with a loud voice, unto Hector said:
  • Hector, and you who the commanders be
  • Of Trojans, or have brought unto them aid,
  • Oh, what a shame ’tis for us thus to run
  • 310Before the Greeks, ourselves in Troy to hide!
  • But come, there yet amongst the Gods is one
  • That hath assur’d me Jove is on our side.
  • This said, before the Trojans he leapt out,
  • And with his spear in hand, stood at their head.
  • 315And when he made them had to wheel about,
  • Unto the body he directly led,
  • And with his spear Leocritus he slew,
  • The friend of Lycomed, Arisbas’ son;
  • And Lycomed, displeas’d, at Hector threw,
  • 320And hit him not, but kill’d Apisaon;
  • Of all that from Pæonia pass’d the seas,
  • He was in battle of the greatest might,
  • Excepting no man but Asteropæus;
  • Who angry at his fall went to the fight.
  • 325But now the Greeks about Patroclus stood
  • So close, with spears advanc’d, with bucklers hidden,
  • That there Asteropæus did no good;
  • For by great Ajax so they had been bidden.
  • Let none from hence again retire, said he,
  • 330Nor any man before the rest skip out,
  • But stand together till you charged be.
  • Thus roaring to them Ajax went about,
  • And thick the Trojans and their aids now fell,
  • And with their blood bedewed was the ground.
  • 335Nor did the Argives come off very well;
  • But fewer of them ’mongst the dead were found,
  • For standing close, one shield sav’d more than one.
  • Thus keen as fire on both sides fought they here;
  • And such a darkness was the place upon,
  • 340As if nor sun nor moon in safety were.
  • But th’ other places all about had light,
  • And brightly did the sun in Ida shine,
  • And gentle at a distance was the fight,
  • And one another’s spear did oft decline.
  • 345But in the middle, where the very best
  • Both of the Argives and the Trojans stood,
  • The pain they suffer’d cannot be express’d,
  • Of restless labour, and of loss of blood.
  • But of Patroclus, by the Trojans kill’d,
  • 350Antilochus and Torasymed knew not,
  • But fought in other places of the field,
  • And that he still pursu’d the Trojans thought,
  • When for his body, who the same should get,
  • Now fighting were the Trojans and the Greeks,
  • 355And from their knees and legs ran down the sweat,
  • And stained were with blood their arms and cheeks.
  • As when men set themselves about the skin
  • Of some fat bull, and stretch it ev’ry way,
  • That th’ humour may go out, the grease go in,
  • 360Just so Patroclus’ body tugged they,
  • Trojans to Troy, and Argives to the fleet;
  • And thereupon arose this mighty fray.
  • If Mars or Pallas had been there to see’t,
  • They had not known on whom a fault to lay,
  • 365Though angry they had been; such work was then
  • By Jove, about Patroclus’ body, set
  • For Trojans and for Argives, horse and men.
  • But to Achilles known it was not yet,
  • That slain by th’ Trojans was his favourite.
  • 370For now not far off from the Trojan wall,
  • At a great distance from him, was the fight,
  • So that he thought not on his death at all;
  • But having chas’d the Trojans to the gates
  • Of Ilium, that straight he would come back;
  • 375For well he knew ’twas order’d by the Fates,
  • Patroclus never should the city sack.
  • His mother, Thetis, oft had told him that,
  • As she before had told it been by Jove;
  • But quite Patroclus’ destiny forgat,
  • 380Or knew it not, whom he so much did love.
  • The Greeks and Trojans at the body staid
  • Together close, and one another kill’d.
  • And one Achæan to another said,
  • ’Twould be a great disgrace to quit the field,
  • 385And leave the body of Patroclus thus;
  • I rather had by th’ earth we swallowed were,
  • Than they should have it and crow over us,
  • And to the town the noble body bear.
  • The Trojans likewise t’ one another cried,
  • 390Though ev’ry one of us were sure to die
  • By this man’s body, let us here abide.
  • And then the clamour rose up to the sky.
  • Achilles’ steeds now, with Automedon
  • Upon the car, without the battle stood;
  • 395But to the fight he could not get them on.
  • He to them call’d, but that would do no good;
  • And then he flatters them, then threats, then whips,
  • But for Patroclus griev’d, they would not go
  • With th’ Argives to the fight, nor to the ships,
  • 400But lay down on the ground, and wept for woe
  • That they had lost a gentle char’oteer.
  • Jove, seeing them upon the ground thus laid,
  • And for Patroclus how they grieved were,
  • Shaking his head, unto himself he said,
  • 405Poor steeds, why did I you on man bestow,
  • That mortal is, and you immortal are,
  • And make you also misery to know,
  • And to participate of human care?
  • There breatheth not upon the earth so wide,
  • 410So poor a thing and wretched as a man.
  • But Hector on your car shall never ride,
  • For he, without my leave, do nothing can.
  • Is’t not enough for him that he hath got
  • Achilles’ arms, to please himself in vain?
  • 415But have Achilles’ horses he shall not,
  • For you shall to the ships return again,
  • And safely carry back Automedon,
  • Though to the Trojans I intend to-day
  • The victory, till setting of the sun,
  • 420And that by darkness parted be the fray.
  • This said, he strength and courage to them gave:
  • Automedon then to the troops of Greece,
  • As swiftly the immortal horses drave
  • As flies a vulture at a flock of geese.
  • 425For from the foe he quickly could retire,
  • And easily upon them go again,
  • As oft as the occasion should require;
  • But by his hand no enemy was slain,
  • For since he was upon the seat alone,
  • 430He could not both together fight and guide.
  • But to him came at last Alcimedon,
  • Laertes’ son, and stood by th’ char’ot side.
  • What God, said he, has put it in your head,
  • Automedon, amongst so many spears
  • 435To be alone, knowing your friend is dead,
  • And Hector now Achilles’ armour wears?
  • Automedon unto him then replied:
  • Alcimedon, a fitter man is none
  • Than you are, the immortal steeds to guide,
  • 440Since Menoctiades, my friend, is gone.
  • Get up then you, and the good steeds command,
  • Whilst on the ground I with the Trojans fight.
  • Alcimedon then took the whip in hand
  • And reins; Automedon did then alight.
  • 445This Hector saw, and to Æneas spake:
  • Achilles’ horses yonder coming are;
  • To us, said he, they are not hard to take,
  • For with them there is no great man of war;
  • And if we to them go, they dare not stand.
  • 450This said, Æneas well contented was,
  • And forward then they go, with spear in hand,
  • And shoulders cover’d well with hide and brass.
  • And Chromius with them, and Aretus went,
  • And made no doubt but both the men to slay;
  • 455And then to seize Achilles’ steeds they meant,
  • And with the car triumphing drive to Troy.
  • Vain men, that were not sure themselves to save.
  • To Jupiter Automedon then pray’d,
  • Who heard his pray’r, and great strength to him gave.
  • 460And then unto Alcimedon he said:
  • Alcimedon, keep still thy horses near,
  • So that upon my back may fall their breath;
  • For quiet never will be Hector’s spear,
  • Until of both of us he see the death,
  • 465And set himself upon Achilles’ car,
  • And put the squadrons of the Greeks to rout,
  • Or be amongst the foremost slain i’ th’ war.
  • This said, he to th’ Ajaxes cried out,
  • And Menelaus: Ajax, Menelaus,
  • 470The care of him that’s dead to others give,
  • And shew your valour where there is more cause.
  • Come hither, and take care of us that live;
  • For Hector and Æneas both are here.
  • But yet, since on Jove’s will dependeth all,
  • 475Both good and evil hap, I’ll throw my spear,
  • And let him where he pleaseth make it fall.
  • And as he spake the spear he from him sent,
  • Which chanc’d to light upon Aretes’ shield,
  • And passing through, into his belly went,
  • 480At which he starting fell upon the field.
  • And at Automedon then Hector threw;
  • But stooping forward he the spear declin’d,
  • And o’er his head through th’ empty air it flew,
  • And shaking fix’d it stood i’ th’ ground behind.
  • 485And then the fight by Mars becalmed was;
  • But with their swords they had again fall’n on,
  • But that th’ Ajaxes two and Menelaus
  • Came in, that call’d were by Automedon.
  • Æneas then and Hector shrunk away,
  • 490And Chromius with them, but Aretes not,
  • But on the ground without his armour lay.
  • Automedon then mounts his chariot
  • All bloody, and the armour by him set;
  • And said, though this revenge be very small
  • 495For great Patroclus’ death, ’tis better yet,
  • Though this a worse man be, than none at all.
  • And at Patroclus’ body now the fight
  • Was greater than before, and fiercer grown.
  • For Pallas coming, did the Greeks incite,
  • 500By Jove himself (whose mind was chang’d) sent down.
  • As when to mortals Jove will signify
  • Th’ approach of war, or tempests cold and loud,
  • To make men leave their work, and cattle die,
  • He sets up in the sky a purple cloud;
  • 505In such a cloud wrapp’d up Athena came,
  • The daughter of great Jove, and martial maid,
  • To th’ Argive host, their courage to inflame,
  • And to Atrides, who stood nearest, said,
  • In voice and shape like Phœnix: Menelaus,
  • 510If you let dogs Patroclus’ body tear,
  • That of Achilles so beloved was,
  • You will be scorn’d. Go to him, do not fear.
  • Phœnix, said he, would Pallas strengthen me,
  • And save me from so many spears that fly,
  • 515Patroclus’ body soon should rescued be.
  • For no man for him griev’d is more than I,
  • But Hector fighteth like a raging flame,
  • And as he goes Jove gives him victory.
  • This said, Athena pleas’d was with the same,
  • 520Because to her he trusted specially,
  • And strengthened both his shoulders and his thighs,
  • And made him bold as is a busy fly,
  • Which, beaten off, again upon you flies,
  • And fears not for a little blood to die.
  • 525And to Patroclus then went Menelaus,
  • And ’mongst the throng of Trojans threw his spear.
  • It chanced that amongst them one there was,
  • Pydes, Eëtion’s son, to Hector dear,
  • And at the wine his good companion.
  • 530Him Menelaus with his spear then slew
  • Just as he turn’d himself about to run,
  • And from the Trojans the dead body drew.
  • To Hector then came Phœbus, having on
  • The form of Phœnops, son of Asius,
  • 535In Hector’s grace inferior to none,
  • And standing by his side said to him thus:
  • If you be so afraid of Menelaus,
  • What other Greek will be afraid of you?
  • He never yet good spear-man counted was,
  • 540Nor is, though Pydes now by chance he slew,
  • And vainly now he thinks alone he can
  • Bring off Patroclus’ body from the field.
  • This said, unto the body Hector ran,
  • And Jove then lifted up his mighty shield,
  • 545And in thick clouds the mountain Ida wraps,
  • And dark it was upon the field as night.
  • And then with lightning and with thunder claps
  • The squadrons of the Argives puts to flight.
  • Menelaus, who the Bœotians led,
  • 550Hurt in the shoulder by Polydamas,
  • Of the Achæans was the first that fled,
  • And Leïtus his mate the second was,
  • That was by Hector wounded in the wrist,
  • And could no longer use make of his spear;
  • 555But from the battle forc’d was to desist,
  • And looking still about him ran in fear.
  • Him Hector as he running was pursues.
  • On Hector’s shield then lights a heavy spear,
  • That thrown was at him by Idomeneus,
  • 560But brake in two; and glad the Trojans were.
  • And at Idomeneus then Hector threw;
  • Beside him but a little went the spear,
  • And lighting upon Cœranus him slew,
  • Who was Meriones his char’oteer,
  • 565And with him came to Lyctus all the way
  • By sea, and thence he went to Troy by land.
  • And much good service he had done to Troy,
  • For fallen had the king by Hector’s hand,
  • And safe had been himself; but now was hit
  • 570By Hector’s spear betwixt the cheek and ear,
  • And struck out were his teeth, his tongue was slit,
  • And fallen to the ground expired there.
  • And then Meriones took up the reins,
  • And to Idomeneus cried out to fly.
  • 575To little purpose now is all our pains;
  • You see the Trojans have the victory.
  • Idomeneus to th’ ships then drave away
  • As fast as he could make the horses go,
  • As being certain they had lost the day.
  • 580And Ajax did the same acknowledge now.
  • Meriones, said he, and Menelaus,
  • That Jove will to the Trojans give the day,
  • A man may see that little judgment has,
  • So manifestly now he fights for Troy.
  • 585The spears thrown by the Trojans never miss,
  • But on one Greek or other always light;
  • Ours seldom hit. What cause is there of this,
  • But that great Jove doth for the Trojans fight?
  • Let’s therefore here consider of some way
  • 590To fetch Patroclus off, and then go home.
  • For to our friends in Greece ’twill be a joy
  • To see us safe again from Hector come;
  • Who when they to the sea their faces turn,
  • Despair of ever seeing us again,
  • 595And think that Hector will the navy burn,
  • And that we there shall ev’ry man be slain.
  • O that we had some fit man here to send
  • T’Achilles’ tent; for nothing yet knows he,
  • That by the Trojans slain is his dear friend;
  • 600But ’tis so dark I no such man can see.
  • O Jove, give us once more a sky serene;
  • Remove this mist that we may see to fight,
  • Or if to kill the Argives all you mean,
  • O father Jove, yet kill us in the light.
  • 605This said, Jove had compassion on his tears;
  • The sun again his glitt’ring beams displays,
  • Scatters the clouds again and th’ Heaven clears.
  • And then to Menelaus Ajax says,
  • About the field go Menelaus now,
  • 610And seek Antilochus, and bid him go
  • Unto Achilles’ tent, and let him know
  • His friend Patroclus slain is by the foe.
  • This said, away Atrides went. As when
  • A hungry lion parteth from a fold,
  • 615Having in vain provok’d the dogs and men
  • That did him from th’ expected prey withhold,
  • Watching all night, when fain he would have fed;
  • But all the night the darts about him fly
  • And flaming brands, which lions chiefly dread;
  • 620Away he goes i’th’ morn unwillingly;
  • So from Patroclus’ body parted he
  • Against his will, thinking the Greeks afraid
  • Might leave Patroclus to the enemy,
  • And to Meriones and th’ Ajaxes said,
  • 625How good a man Patroclus was you know,
  • And how in our defence his blood he shed,
  • And therefore valiantly defend him now.
  • Let not the foe abuse his body dead.
  • And when he this had said he went away,
  • 630Amongst the Argives peeping here and there,
  • Like to an eagle soaring for a prey
  • Amongst the bushes peeping for a hare;
  • So he amongst the Argives look’d about
  • Seeking of Nestor’s son Antilochus.
  • 635Nor was it long before he found him out,
  • Cheering his men, and said unto him thus:
  • Antilochus, come near, and hear from me
  • Sad news; I would it were not also true.
  • That now the Trojans have the victory,
  • 640I think it is already known to you.
  • But further know that slain Patroclus is.
  • Run therefore to Achilles quickly, and
  • Tell him the news. It may be, mov’d by this
  • To help the Argives with his mighty hand,
  • 645He’ll to the naked body hither come;
  • For now Achilles’ armour Hector wears.
  • At this Antilochus was stricken dumb,
  • And filled were and swoln his eyes with tears.
  • And there Antilochus no longer staid,
  • 650But to Laodocus his armour gave,
  • And he the same upon his char’ot laid;
  • For to that end he near unto him drave.
  • Away Antilochus then weeping went
  • To carry to Achilles the ill news,
  • 655And left to Thrasymed his regiment.
  • For Menelaus did the same refuse;
  • Though of a valiant commander then
  • The tired Pylians had the greatest need,
  • And to the Ajaxes return’d again
  • 660Where lay Patroclus’ body, with all speed.
  • And when he thither came, unto them said,
  • Antilochus is to Achilles gone,
  • Although I see not how he should us aid.
  • How can he, seeing armour he has none?
  • 665Let’s therefore now bethink ourselves, how we
  • Ourselves may bear the body from the field,
  • And also how we may secured be,
  • Against the Trojans, that we be not kill’d!
  • Ajax to this replying said, ’Tis true,
  • 670And the advice I’ll give you will be right.
  • Take up the corpse, Meriones and you,
  • And on your shoulders bear it from the fight.
  • We two, that are of one name and one mind,
  • And in the field together use to be,
  • 675Will fighting with the Trojans come behind,
  • Till at the ships the body lain we see.
  • This said, Meriones and Menelaus
  • Up to their shoulders hoist the body dead.
  • Whilst towards them the back of Ajax was,
  • 680The Trojans with great shouting followed.
  • Just as a pack of hounds pursue a boar
  • Wounded by hunters, running with great cry,
  • Until he turn; then follow him no more,
  • But scatter’d are, and this and that way fly;
  • 685So did the Trojans after Ajax run
  • As long as towards them was not his face.
  • But when he turned, near him durst stay none,
  • But stood at a great distance from the place.
  • Thus fetch’d they off at last the body dead,
  • 490With at their heels of Trojans’ spears great showers;
  • And Argives dropt abundance as they fled,
  • Like houses in a town on fire, and tow’rs.
  • As when two mules in heavy way are set
  • To drag down from the hills some mighty tree,
  • 695To be a beam or mast, it makes them sweat
  • Before into the plain it drawn could be;
  • So Menelaus and Meriones
  • Sweating and moiling with the body go;
  • And as a rock that keepeth off the seas;
  • 700So Ajax at their backs kept off the foe.
  • The Trojans, led by Hector and Æneas,
  • Pursue the flying Greeks with mighty cry,
  • As from a hawk that preys on birds like these,
  • A cloud of starlings cackle when they fly.
  • 705And many of them threw their arms away,
  • And that they came to fight had quite forgot;
  • In and about the ditch much armour lay
  • Of flying Greeks. But done the fight was not.

  LIB. XVIII.

  • The grief of Achilles, and new armour made for him by Vulcan.

  • Whilst at the ships the Greeks and Trojans fought,
  • Antilochus came to Achilles’ tent,
  • And found him to the Argive ditch gone out,
  • Presaging in his mind the sad event,
  • 5And saying to himself, Ah me, what’s this?
  • The battle to the ships is come again;
  • Pray God it be not as I fear it is,
  • The Greeks are routed and Patroclus slain.
  • My mother told me that the best of all
  • 10The Myrmidons by th’ Trojans should be slain.
  • I bad him not assault the Trojan wall,
  • Nor fight with Hector, but come back again.
  • As speaking to himself Achilles stood,
  • Antilochus unto him weeping came,
  • 15The news, said he, I bring you is not good;
  • I cannot without tears relate the same.
  • Slain is Patroclus. On the ground he lies,
  • And now they fighting are with swords and spears
  • Who shall his body have, with mighty cries,
  • 20Though naked; for his armour Hector wears.
  • At this sad news dark were Achilles’ eyes;
  • And up he takes the dust with both his hands,
  • And throws it on his head; then down he lies,
  • His face and coat sullied with dust and sands,
  • 25And tore his hair. And then the lovely prey
  • Of captive women, that had taken been
  • By him and by Patroclus before Troy,
  • Affrighted from Achilles’ tent came in,
  • And over him they beat they breasts and moan’d.
  • 30On t’ other side Antilochus was fain
  • To hold his hands, so mightily he groan’d;
  • Lest otherwise he should himself have slain.
  • His mother Thetis hearing him complain,
  • Though sitting in the deepest of the seas,
  • 35Wept out aloud, and presently her train
  • About her came of the Nereiades.
  • Glauca, Thaleia, and Cymodoca,
  • Nesæa, Speio, Thoa, Halia,
  • And Æmioreia, and Cymothoa,
  • 40Melita Iæra, and Amphithoa,
  • And Doto, Proto, Actæa, Agava,
  • Doris, Dexamena, Dynamena,
  • And Callianeira, and Amphinoma,
  • Pherusa Apseudes, and fair Panopa,
  • 45Nemertes, and the milk-white Galatæa,
  • And Clymene there was, and Callianassa,
  • And Mæra, Orithvia, and glorious Amatheia,
  • And, not to name them all, fair Janassa
  • With all the rest, and fill’d the silver cave,
  • 50And beat their breasts, and round her stood dismay’d.
  • And Thetis then th’ account unto them gave
  • Of her great grief, and thus unto them said:
  • Hear me, Nereiades, my sisters dear,
  • And be acquainted with my misery.
  • 55Ah, wretched Goddess that I was, to bear
  • The best of all the heroes; and when he
  • Was quickly grown up to a goodly height,
  • Send him unto the war at Ilium
  • Against the Trojans for the Greeks to fight,
  • 60From whence he never should again come home;
  • But spend his little time of life in woe,
  • And I can nothing do for his relief.
  • And now I mean to visit him, and know,
  • Since he not fights, what cause he hath of grief.
  • 65This said, she with her nymphs went from the cave.
  • The sea before them her smooth water tore,
  • And gentle passage to the Goddess gave,
  • Till they were landed on the Trojan shore,
  • Where lay Achilles’ ships upon the sand;
  • 70And straight up to Achilles Thetis went,
  • The nymphs attending on her hand in hand,
  • And seeing him so grievously lament,
  • She held him by the head, and to him said,
  • Why weep you thus, sweet child; what is’t you ail?
  • 75For that which formerly to Jove you prayed
  • Against th’ ingrateful Greeks, I did prevail.
  • To th’ ships they have been beaten from the field,
  • And know in what great need they stand of you,
  • And have in heaps been by the Trojans kill’d.
  • 80To this Achilles answ’ring said, ’Tis true,
  • But in my life what pleasure can I find,
  • Since sweet Patroclus slain is by his foes,
  • On whom of all men most I set my mind,
  • And Hector in his arms triumphing goes;
  • 85Those mighty arms, giv’n by the Gods that day
  • That you were pleas’d a mortal man to wed,
  • To Peleus. Oh, had you been away,
  • And he a mortal woman married!
  • You had not for your son been grieved then,
  • 90That never to you should return again.
  • Nor do I wish to live with mortal men,
  • But till I with my spear have Hector slain.
  • By what you say, said Thetis to her son,
  • Short-liv’d you are. Your own fate then is nigh.
  • 95I care not, said Achilles, when that’s done
  • I shall be very well content to die.
  • For since I never must return again,
  • And no defence in me Patroclus found,
  • Nor other good men by the Trojans slain,
  • 100I but a needless weight am to the ground.
  • Oh that contention lost for ever were,
  • And choler to the heart of man so sweet,
  • Which often make the wisest men to err!
  • In Agamemnon and myself I see’t.
  • 105But since ’tis past, let’s put it out of mind.
  • For dead he is, and cannot live again.
  • And now I’ll see if Hector I can find,
  • That has my dearest friend Patroclus slain,
  • And then let Jove do what himself thinks good.
  • 110For Hercules could not avoid his fate,
  • Who most of mortals in his favour stood,
  • But died by destiny and Juno’s hate;
  • And so shall I, when my day shall arrive,
  • Lie still when dead. But now let me gain fame
  • 115Amongst th’ Achæans while I am alive.
  • And make some Trojan or some Dardan dame
  • With both her tender hands to tear her cheeks,
  • And sigh, and with her tears her beauty blot,
  • And know my hand from that of other Greeks,
  • 120And when I with th’ Achæans am, when not.
  • And therefore, mother, dearly as you love me,
  • Endeavour not to make me here abide.
  • For from my purpose you cannot remove me.
  • Unto Achilles Thetis then replied,
  • 125Dear child, your purpose I’ll not reprehend,
  • Patroclus’ body from the foe to save,
  • Nor that the Argive people you defend.
  • But now you know your arms the Trojans have,
  • And Hector weareth them; but shall not long.
  • 130The latest of his days is to him nigh.
  • But go not you into the bloody throng,
  • Till here again you have me in your eye.
  • This said, she turn’d to the Nereiades,
  • And to them said, Nereiades, dive you
  • 135To Nereus, at the bottom of the seas,
  • And all you see has happ’ned to him show.
  • For I up to Olympus must be gone
  • To Vulcan, if such favour I can gain,
  • To get a good new armour for my son.
  • 140This said, the nymphs to sea return’d again,
  • And Thetis to Olympus went her way.
  • Meanwhile the Greeks before the Trojans fly
  • With mighty cries, and never stopt till they
  • Were at the ships, and to the wide sea nigh.
  • 145Nor was Patroclus’ body rescued yet;
  • For now afresh the Trojans to them came,
  • Which did another fiercer fight beget,
  • And Hector fell upon them like a flame.
  • Thrice laid he hold upon Patroclus’ foot,
  • 150And forc’d he was as oft to let it fall
  • To kill some others, then again came to’t,
  • But from the body went not back at all.
  • No more could Hector driven be away
  • From the dead body by th’ Ajaxes two,
  • 155Than can a hungry lion from his prey
  • For anything the herdsmen griev’d can do.
  • And Hector had Patroclus’ body got,
  • And gained had thereby a great renown,
  • But Juno, though the other Gods knew not,
  • 160T’ Achilles in great haste sent Iris down.
  • T’ Achilles straight she came, and to him said,
  • Up, terrible Pelides, to the war,
  • And your beloved friend Patroclus aid;
  • For at the ships they fighting for him are.
  • 165The Greeks to save his body are in pain,
  • The Trojans fain would drag him into Troy,
  • And Hector most of all that has him slain,
  • And from his shoulders take his head away
  • And stick it up upon the Trojan wall,
  • 170Leaving his corpse a prey to dog and kite.
  • Think what reproach will then upon you fall.
  • Lie then no longer here, but rise and fight.
  • Achilles then replied. Iris, said he,
  • Tell me what God or Goddess sent you down.
  • 175Juno, said Iris, sent me; none but she.
  • To all the rest my coming is unknown.
  • And then Achilles to her said again,
  • Since they have got my arms how can I fight?
  • And Thetis bids me from the war abstain
  • 180Till she return again into my sight,
  • Who is to Vulcan for new armour gone,
  • And here’s no other armour for me fit
  • But Ajax’s; who, I hope, has it on,
  • And for Patroclus now has use of it.
  • 185We know, said Iris, armour you have none.
  • But as you are, upon the ditch appear.
  • The Trojans from the corpse will soon begone,
  • And leave it to the Greeks for very fear.
  • This said, the Goddess Iris vanished.
  • 190Achilles rose, and Pallas to him came,
  • And on him puts her shield, and on his head
  • A golden cloud, from which arose a flame.
  • As when an isle invaded is by foes,
  • The citizens to call their neighbours in
  • 195Make fires, the smoke up to the heaven goes
  • By day; by night the flame; and far are seen;
  • Upon Achilles’ head stood such a flame,
  • And then unto the ditch he went and shouted,
  • And farther off Athena did the same.
  • 200The Trojans, when they heard it, strait were routed.
  • As clear as any trumpet in the wars,
  • They heard Achilles’ voice, and were afraid,
  • And in disorder turn’d about their cars,
  • But at his flaming head were most dismay’d.
  • 205Thrice shouted he, thrice they disorder’d were;
  • And slain were of the Trojans twelve brave men
  • By their own cars and spears encumber’d there.
  • In so much haste they turn’d to fly. And then
  • The Greeks the body laid upon a bed
  • 210And bier, and standing by his side lament.
  • And tears abundance there Achilles shed,
  • And that he sent him had did now repent.
  • The sun by Juno hasten’d quench’d his fire;
  • The Argives on the place stay quietly;
  • 215The Trojans to without the ditch retire,
  • And from the cars the weary steeds untie.
  • Then presently the chiefs to counsel call
  • Before they sup, and standing on their feet,
  • This apparition so scar’d them all,
  • 220That none amongst them had a mind to sit.
  • And first unto them spake Polydamas
  • Panthoides, Hector’s friend; both born one night.
  • He better counsellor than Hector was,
  • But Hector better was than he to fight.
  • 225My friends, be well advised now, said he,
  • It is not safe here on the plain to stay
  • Until the morning light again we see,
  • So near the Argive ships, so far from Troy.
  • Whilst this man absent was in discontent
  • 230With Agamemnon, and forbore to fight,
  • The Greeks were easy foes; to th’ ships I went
  • Myself, and willingly lay out all night;
  • But if Achilles hither now should come,
  • We must not only here fight for our lives;
  • 235So proud he is, he’ll go to Ilium,
  • And for the city fight and for our wives.
  • Let’s to the city go. ’Tis as I say,
  • And nothing keeps him from us but the night.
  • And if he here shall find us when ’tis day,
  • 240Some of us will acknowledge I say right.
  • And many flying, wish, when ’tis too late,
  • They were within the walls of Ilium,
  • Whom dogs and kites shall eat without the gate.
  • But to my ears may never such news come.
  • 245But if you will be ruled all by me,
  • Into the market-place of Troy by night
  • We’ll bring our strength, and, soon as we can see,
  • Stand arm’d upon the tow’rs prepar’d to fight.
  • Then let him from the ships come fight at Troy,
  • 250And drive about the walls and do his worst,
  • And having tir’d his horses go away;
  • Take it he shall not, dogs shall eat him first.
  • Then Hector frowning on him, thus replies:
  • Again, said he, I from you must dissent,
  • 255Since you to shut ourselves in Troy advise.
  • We have already there too long been pent.
  • Troy once was counted rich in brass and gold;
  • But since Jove angry was, all that is gone,
  • In Phrygia and in Mœonia sold,
  • 360And little left in Ilium to be won;
  • But since the Greeks are beaten and dismay’d
  • By th’ hand of Jove, your fear is out of season,
  • Nor will you by the Trojans be obey’d,
  • Nor shall you; though the Trojans thought it reason.
  • 265And therefore take my counsel, which is this.
  • Go now and ev’ry man his supper take
  • In rank and file there where he placed is;
  • And set good guards, and keep yourselves awake.
  • If any Trojan for his goods lament,
  • 270He may the same upon the town bestow
  • In service of the public to be spent,
  • Rather than be possessed by the foe;
  • And armed in the morn go to the fleet,
  • And sharply charge the Greeks by break of day.
  • 275And if indeed Achilles there we meet,
  • He were not best oppose us in our way;
  • For from him I will neither fly nor shrink,
  • But either honour from him bear away,
  • Or he from me. Mars common is, I think,
  • 280To them that fight; and slain are they that slay.
  • This said, the Trojans heard with great applause,
  • Fools as they were; Pallas had made them mad.
  • But none of them commend Polydamas,
  • That given them much better counsel had.
  • 285The Trojans presently to supper went,
  • The Greeks all night about Patroclus stand;
  • And there began Achilles to lament.
  • And on Patroclus’ breast he laid his hand.
  • As when a lion coming to his den,
  • 290Misses the tender whelps he left behind,
  • He roars, and furiously goes out again,
  • And through the vallies hunts, the thief to find;
  • Such fierce thoughts on Achilles’ heart then lay,
  • And sighing, to the Myrmidons he spake:
  • 295Oh, what did I to old Menœtius say!
  • How vain a promise did I to him make;
  • I said, when we had sack’d the town of Troy,
  • That I to Opus would bring back his son,
  • Enriched with his portion of the prey.
  • 300But all we hope from Jove is seldom done.
  • For both of us have the same destiny,
  • With our heart’s blood to dye the Trojan plain,
  • And as he lieth now, so shall I lie,
  • And never to my parents come again.
  • 305But since, Patroclus, you the first are dead,
  • Your funeral I will not celebrate,
  • Till I have brought you Hector’s arms and head,
  • Whose bloody hand deliver’d your sad fate,
  • And have twelve of the noble youths of Troy
  • 310Beheaded in revenge. Till then stay here,
  • Where Trojan captive women, night and day
  • Bewailing you, shall stand about the bier.
  • This said, he order gave for water hot,
  • To cleanse Patroclus’ body from the gore.
  • 315Into a cauldron, said he, water put,
  • And make a fire, and set the cauldron o’er.
  • Into a cauldron water then they put,
  • And made a fire, and set the cauldron o’er.
  • The flame about it goes; the water’s hot.
  • 320Then washed from the body was the gore,
  • And then again they laid him on the bed;
  • From head to foot in linen they him fold,
  • And on him laid a fair white coverlid,
  • His wounds first fill’d with unguent nine years old.
  • 325About the body of Patroclus stay’d
  • Achilles and the Myrmidons, all night
  • Lamenting him. Then Jove to Juno said,
  • You have Achilles brought again to fight
  • Against the Trojans, on the Argives’ side.
  • 330Are they your children, that you love them so?
  • And Juno then to Jupiter replied:
  • Harsh Cronides, what words do you let go?
  • Since mortal men, that know much less than we,
  • May to a friend do good, and hate a foe,
  • 335Why may not I, that boast myself to be
  • The wife and sister of great Jove, do so,
  • And make my foes, the Trojans, feel my hate?
  • Whilst Jove and Juno were discoursing thus,
  • The Goddess Thetis come was to the gate
  • 340Of Vulcan’s undecaying famous house
  • Of shining brass, with brighter stars thick set,
  • That ’mongst the houses of the heaven shone.
  • But he was at his work-house in a sweat,
  • And at his bellows swaying up and down.
  • 345For tripods twenty he had laboured,
  • With golden wheels, to go and come again
  • At his command; but had not finished
  • The ears and chains, which he was making then.
  • And whilst this bus’ness Vulcan was about,
  • 350Thetis was come, and at the gate did stand.
  • And Charis, Vulcan’s wife, then going out,
  • Saw her, and straightway took her by the hand.
  • Thetis, said she, ’tis strange to see you here;
  • Much honour’d, and a welcome guest you are,
  • 355Come in, and pleased be t’ accept our cheer.
  • Then led her in and brought her to a chair,
  • A dainty chair, with foot-stool join’d thereto,
  • And then unto her husband’s shop she hied,
  • For, Thetis, said she, you have work to do.
  • 360And Vulcan, glad, to Charis thus replied:
  • Is Thetis here, that sav’d me from mishap!
  • When for my lameness thrown down from the sky,
  • Thetis was pleas’d to catch me in her lap,
  • When else I had been in great misery.
  • 365I wrought for her, and for Eurynome,
  • Nine years, and made them many pretty things,
  • Within a rock encompass’d by the sea,
  • As buckles, clasps, fine boxes, beads, and rings,
  • Which neither mortal nor immortal knew,
  • 370But only Thetis and Eurynome.
  • And now to Thetis I must pay what’s due,
  • The ransom of my life, for saving me.
  • Go you, and entertain her well, while I
  • My tools take up, and bellows set away.
  • 375This said, the bellows he took and set by,
  • But in a chest his working tools did lay.
  • Then with a sponge he wip’d his hands and face,
  • His brawny neck, and hairy breast, and on
  • He puts his coat, and with his staff, apace,
  • 380Though halting goes, and waited was upon
  • By maids of massy gold, endu’d with wit,
  • And speech, and strength, and learn’d in heav’nly art;
  • And went to Thetis and did by her sit,
  • And joyful at her presence was his heart,
  • 385And laid his hand on hers, and to her said,
  • Thetis, so welcome to me there is none;
  • Tell me wherein you think I can you aid,
  • And if it can be done, it shall be done.
  • And then to Vulcan Thetis answered:
  • 390No Goddess ever was distress’d like me,
  • Whom Jove made subject to a mortal’s bed,
  • And Peleus’ wife constrained me to be,
  • Who lies at home decrepid now and spent,
  • And when I borne unto him had a son,
  • 395Of all the heroes the most excellent,
  • And of his breeding care omitted none,
  • And when he grown was to a goodly height,
  • He sent was to the war at Ilium,
  • Against the Trojans for the Greeks to fight;
  • 400From whence he never shall again come home.
  • Though yet he live, he takes therein no joy,
  • And I to comfort him no power have,
  • Since Agamemnon taken has away
  • Her whom the Greeks for honour to him gave.
  • 405And then my son no longer would him aid;
  • And by the Trojans beaten were the Greeks;
  • And Agamemnon then sent gifts, and pray’d,
  • And by ambassadors his favour seeks.
  • Then though to th’ fight himself he would not go,
  • 410Yet he his armour to Patroclus gave,
  • And Myrmidons t’ assist him ’gainst the foe,
  • And to the Scæan gate the Trojans drave.
  • And by Patroclus taken had been Troy,
  • Had he not then been by Apollo slain,
  • 415That unto Hector gave a glorious day,
  • And th’ armour of my valiant son to gain.
  • Which makes me now come hither, to request
  • That you would make new armour for my son,
  • A shield, a helmet, armour for the breast,
  • 420And for the legs; for those he had are gone.
  • Then to her answer’d Vulcan, Do not fear.
  • Oh, that when for him the harsh Fates enquire,
  • To hide him from them I as able were
  • As make him arms, for mortals to admire.
  • 425This said, unto his shop he went, and bad
  • His golden serving statues blow the fire.
  • For twenty bellowses in all he had
  • To blow as he should, and his work require.
  • And then into the fire he threw in tin,
  • 430And brass, and silver fine, and precious gold;
  • And to the socket puts the anvil in,
  • And th’ heavy hammer in one hand did hold,
  • Into his other hand the tongs he takes,
  • And forges first a mighty shield and strong,
  • 435And many various figures in it makes,
  • And fastens to the same a silver thong,
  • And bound the edge about with triple brass.
  • The shield itself consisted of five plies,
  • And with great art described in it was
  • 440The surface of the earth, the sea and skies,
  • The sun, the moon at full, and all the train
  • Of heaven, Pleiades, and Hyades,
  • Orion, and the bear, men call the Wain,
  • That only never dives into the seas,
  • 445But always to Orion has an eye.
  • And in it were two cities. In the one
  • Good cheer and weddings, and great melody,
  • And women at their doors stand looking on
  • To see the bridegroom as he passed by,
  • 450And lusty youths, that dancing with them go,
  • To citterns and to pipes, and Hymen cry,
  • And turn as swift as tops upon the toe.
  • And full of people was the market-place,
  • Assembled at the hearing of a cause.
  • 455A man was slain. And this was then the case.
  • One said that he had satisfied the laws,
  • The other said that nothing he had paid;
  • And on this issue they will both be tried,
  • And have their proofs before the judges laid,
  • 460And clamour great of friends was on each side.
  • The cryers when they stilled had the cry,
  • Into the judges’ hands their sceptres gave,
  • And in the midst, of gold two talents lie,
  • For him that has the better cause to have.
  • 465Before the other town two armies stood.
  • The foe resolved was to plunder it;
  • The town, to save it, offer’d half their good,
  • The other to accept it thought not fit.
  • Then up unto the walls the towns-men sent
  • 470Their women, children, and their men grown old,
  • And all the rest out from the city went,
  • And Mars and Pallas with them, all in gold,
  • And taller than the multitude by odds,
  • Who in respect of them seem’d very low,
  • 475For men are much inferior to the Gods.
  • Then they before the gate to council go.
  • The enemies themselves in ambush laid
  • At th’ watering place upon the river’s brink,
  • And scouts sent out, which not far from them staid,
  • 480To tell them when the cattle came to drink.
  • And when they were informed they were nigh,
  • And shepherds two, that did suspect no harm,
  • They on the shepherds and the cattle fly.
  • At which the other army took th’ alarm,
  • 485And rising up from council, with their horse
  • Pursued, and soon they overtaken were,
  • And then began the fight. Without remorse
  • They one another slay with sword and spear.
  • And there disorder plac’d was and debate;
  • 490And one borne wounded out, another found,
  • Another dead was dragg’d away by Fate,
  • With bloody coat and armour on the ground.
  • So lively seemed to the eye their features,
  • In fighting and in fetching off their slain,
  • 495One would have thought they had been living creatures,
  • And that the fight had real been. Again
  • Describ’d was in the same a spacious ground,
  • And men at plough; and at each ridge’s end,
  • At turning of the plough about, they found
  • 500A man that for them did with wine attend.
  • And then again the plough about they wind,
  • And lab’ring to the other end go back;
  • And as they plough, still what they leave behind,
  • Though golden ’twas, to th’ eye appeared black;
  • 505A wonder ’twas. Besides, in the same shield
  • Pourtrayed, was a goodly close of wheat,
  • And many reapers working on the field,
  • That threw it to the ground in handfuls great;
  • And boys that follow’d took it from the ground,
  • 510And put it in the hands of binders three,
  • By whom they made were into sheaves and bound,
  • Which standing by, their lord was glad to see.
  • His squires not far off standing were aside;
  • And at a tree a cow kill’d of the best,
  • 515A supper for the reapers to provide,
  • And to the women gave it to be dress’d.
  • And in’t a golden vineyard was pourtray’d:
  • The grapes that on it hung were black, and all
  • The vines supported and from drooping staid
  • 520With silver props, that down they could not fall.
  • A ditch there was about it black, and on
  • The same a hedge, the colour of it tin,
  • And path unto it there was only one,
  • By which the fruit in vintage was brought in.
  • 525And on it boys and girls described were,
  • After a fiddle play’d on by a boy,
  • That sing, dance, whistle, and full baskets bear,
  • Of Bacchus’ gifts, unto the house with joy.
  • And in it was a herd of bulls and kine,
  • 530Part gold, part tin, and herds-men four of gold,
  • That to the pasture drave them with dogs nine,
  • T’ a sedgy river; where two lions bold
  • Upon the horned herd came from a wood,
  • And ’mongst the foremost seiz’d upon a bull;
  • 535The dogs went to them near, and barking stood:
  • Then roars the bull. The lions tear and pull.
  • And in the same he pasture made for sheep
  • Within a valley large, with lodges good,
  • And folds, and cover’d houses them to keep
  • 540In safety from the wild beasts of the wood.
  • And in it was a dancing place pourtray’d,
  • Like that which Dædalus had made before
  • For Ariadne, while in Crete he staid,
  • And on it dancing youths and maidens store
  • 545Go hand in hand. The girls, some clad in fine
  • White linen were, and some in coats well spun
  • Of glossy wool, that with the oil did shine;
  • And ev’ry one a garland gay had on.
  • The boys with silver hangers were adorn’d,
  • 550And golden swords, and with their well-taught feet
  • Sometimes they dancing in a circle turn’d,
  • Sometimes divided in two ranks they meet.
  • And round about of people stood a throng,
  • And in the lovely dance took great delight.
  • 555And in the midst two tumblers sung the song,
  • And many wond’rous things did in their sight.
  • With the ocean then he all environed.
  • The shield now done, he went about the rest,
  • And made a helmet strong fit for his head,
  • 560And formed was of massy gold the crest,
  • And breast-plate shining brighter than the fire,
  • And pieces for his legs of ductile tin.
  • And when he all had done to his desire,
  • He from his forge return’d, and brought it in,
  • 565And in the hands of Thetis puts the same;
  • Which she received from him joyfully.
  • Then straightway from Olympus down she came,
  • As swift as at a fowl a hawk can fly.

  LIB. XIX.

  • Achilles reconciled to Agamemnon goes forth to battle.

  • No sooner in her saffron robe was seen
  • Aurora, holding light above the ground,
  • Than at the ships the silver-footed queen
  • Achilles by Patroclus weeping found,
  • 5And with him many of his friends dismay’d.
  • Then in, into the midst of them she went,
  • And laid her hand on his, and to him said:
  • My son, why do you thus in vain lament?
  • Come, since the Gods have slain him, leave him here,
  • 10And take the arms which I from Vulcan bring,
  • Such as yet mortal man did never wear;
  • Which, as she lays them down before him, ring.
  • The Myrmidons were troubled at the sight,
  • And turn’d their backs, affrighted at the show.
  • 15Achilles’ wrath was more enflamed by’t,
  • His eyes a-fire, and bended was his brow;
  • Yet when he had them in his hands was glad,
  • And with great admiration them survey’d.
  • And when enough beholden them he had,
  • 20Unto his mother he replied, and said:
  • Mother, I see such arms from Vulcan here,
  • As none but an immortal could have made,
  • And presently will put them on, but fear
  • Lest flies the body should meanwhile invade,
  • 25And in the wounds some filthy vermin breed.
  • And Thetis then replied: Son, do not fear,
  • For I myself to that will take such heed,
  • As, that although it should lie here a year,
  • It shall no worse, but rather better be.
  • 30Go you, and th’ Argive lords to council call,
  • And with king Agamemnon there agree,
  • And put your anger off before them all;
  • And spend your choler boldly on your foes.
  • This said, she to Patroclus mov’d her feet,
  • 35And dropp’d ambrosia into his nose,
  • To keep his body incorrupt and sweet.
  • Achilles then went down unto the shore,
  • And there the heroes did to council call
  • By name, though they were ready there before.
  • 40But thither at the news came th’ Argives all,
  • Steers-men and stewards of provision,
  • And all the rest to th’ council thronging in,
  • Though but to see the face of Thetis’ son,
  • So long they thought he absent now had been.
  • 45Tydides also, and Ulysses came,
  • Though of their wounds they yet not cured were,
  • Both halting, leaning on their spears, and lame.
  • The last of all was Agamemnon there,
  • Wounded by Coon, nor recovered yet;
  • 50But th’ heroes for his coming not long staid.
  • And when they were together all and set,
  • Achilles rose, and t’ Agamemnon said:
  • Atrides, what great profit got we by
  • This our unlucky strife about a maid?
  • 55I would it had her fortune been to die,
  • Before I siege unto Lyrnessus laid.
  • To Hector and the Trojans comes the gain;
  • The Greeks with grief will think on’t while they live.
  • But since it is too late now to complain,
  • 60Go forth, and orders for the battle give;
  • That I may to them go again, and see
  • If at the ships they mean to stay all night.
  • I think they will much rather wish to be
  • Within the walls of Troy than stay and fight.
  • 65This said, the Greeks were glad and courage take,
  • Assured that Achilles would them aid,
  • And Agamemnon, sitting, to them spake,
  • (Which he excus’d), and thus unto them said:
  • ’Twere fitter, Argive princes, I stood out,
  • 70That so my words you might the better hear;
  • But such a number standing are about,
  • My voice, though greater, would not reach your ear.
  • Nor were it fit for me to go about,
  • And tell my mind to each man in his ear.
  • 75T’ Achilles therefore only I’ll speak out,
  • But so, if you attend, that all may hear.
  • I often have, said he, been blamed by
  • The Greeks for taking from you your fair prize,
  • When not in me, but Jove the fault did lie,
  • 80And in Erinnys and the Destinies,
  • That did me of my wits that day bereave.
  • For what can I do when the Gods do all?
  • Jove’s daughter Atè did me then deceive,
  • From whom, on men and Gods great troubles fall.
  • 85Her feet are soft, because she never treads
  • On th’ earth; but when she mischief has to do
  • Walks in the air, and puts it in men’s heads,
  • And sometimes does shrewd turns t’ immortals too.
  • For Juno, though but of th’ female sex,
  • 90That day that Hercules was to be born,
  • Was able Jove, the best o’ th’ Gods, to vex,
  • And labour of Alcmena to adjourn.
  • For Jove before th’ immortals having said
  • That he a man that day to light would bring,
  • 95By whom his race in Greece should all be sway’d.
  • You jest, said Juno, you mean no such thing.
  • I’ll not believe’t, unless you first be sworn
  • That he shall of your seed in Greece be king,
  • That of a woman shall this day be born.
  • 100This said, straight Jove, no fraud imagining,
  • The great oath took. But after did repent.
  • And Juno from Olympus’ lofty head
  • Leapt down, and t’ Argos of Achaia went,
  • And brought the wife of Sthenelus to bed.
  • 105And there was she deliver’d of a son,
  • That was by Perseus of Jove’s descent,
  • Though she but seven months had of him gone.
  • And then to Thebes she to Alcmena went,
  • And hinder’d her that day from bringing forth.
  • 110Then up to Jupiter she came again,
  • And said, This day is born a man of worth,
  • Eurysteus, in Argos fit to reign,
  • And of your seed. And Jove in choler then
  • Took Atè by the head and swung her round,
  • 115And swore she ne’er to heav’n should come again.
  • And having said it, threw her to the ground;
  • And always after sigh’d to see the pain
  • To which Eurysteus did put his son;
  • As I do, when I see the Argives slain
  • 120By Hector, grieve to think what I have done.
  • But since that Jove has made me to offend,
  • I for my error willing am to pay.
  • Come, then, and your assistance to us lend,
  • And quickly bring your Myrmidons away.
  • 125And all that by Ulysses yesterday
  • I to you promis’d shall performed be.
  • Or presently, if you will for it stay,
  • That you th’ atoning gifts yourself may see.
  • Achilles then unto him thus replies.
  • 130As for your gifts, to give them me or no,
  • Yet only in your choice, Atrides, lies.
  • But now ’tis time we to the Trojans go,
  • To make fine speeches here is but delay.
  • But let your men o’ th’ field Achilles see
  • 135Through squadrons of the Trojans making way,
  • The Argives then encouraged will be.
  • Ulysses then t’ Achilles answered:
  • Godlike Achilles, mighty as you are,
  • Urge not the Greeks to fight till they be fed;
  • 140They fasting cannot long endure the war,
  • And likely ’tis the battle will be long,
  • Especially if Gods both sides assist;
  • And bread and wine is that which makes men strong.
  • Let therefore now the Argives be dismiss’d.
  • 145Who can, d’ye think, the toil of battle bear
  • From morning unto night, unless he first
  • With food his heart and feeble limbs do cheer?
  • He would be heavy, hungry, and athirst.
  • But he that is with food well satisfied,
  • 150Courageous is, and fight will all the day;
  • His heart and limbs are strong, and will abide
  • As long as any on the field dare stay.
  • Come, let the people now to breakfast go.
  • And Agamemnon send the presents in
  • 155Into th’ assembly where we sit, that so
  • By the Achæans all they may be seen;
  • And let him take an oath before us, that
  • Briseis’ bed he never went unto,
  • Nor all this while has done unto her what
  • 160A husband to his wife is us’d to do.
  • And you your anger henceforth bridle must.
  • And you, Atrides, feast him like a friend,
  • And for hereafter learn to be more just,
  • Nor think’t a shame for men their faults to mend.
  • 165Ulysses, said Atrides, I am joy’d
  • The counsel you have given us to hear,
  • For ’tis but reason all that you have said,
  • And I with all my heart the oath will swear.
  • And let Achilles, though in haste, stay here
  • 170With all the rest, that they my gifts may see,
  • And witnesses be to the oath I swear.
  • And for the gifts, Ulysses, presently
  • Go you yourself with good men, whom you will,
  • And bring them from my tent and set them here,
  • 175For what they are, you well remember still;
  • The same that by you promis’d from me were.
  • And you, Talthybius, provide a swine,
  • That we may offer up a sacrifice
  • To Jove, the Sun, and other pow’rs divine.
  • 180This said, Achilles to him thus replies:
  • Renowned Agamemnon, I think yet
  • Another time for feast had better been,
  • As when in war a pause we intermit.
  • And whilst yet unabated is my spleen,
  • 185We see our friends lie torn upon the ground,
  • The Greeks to battle and revenge I prompt.
  • You think my counsel therein is not sound,
  • And seek with feasting to divert them from’t.
  • But let us fasting to the battle go,
  • 190And make good cheer when we come back again,
  • And have reveng’d ourselves upon the foe;
  • For I will neither eat nor drink till then.
  • For whilst Patroclus mangled lieth here,
  • And they that love him stand lamenting by,
  • 195There nothing is that I can think good cheer
  • But slaughter, blood, and groans of men that die.
  • To this Ulysses did again reply:
  • Achilles, you have not in Greece your peer
  • For martial worth; yet elder much am I,
  • 200And more have seen; I pray you therefore hear.
  • The fare of war soon breeds satiety.
  • Much straw there is, but harvest none, or small.
  • If Jove once hold the scales unevenly,
  • Innumerable are the men that fall.
  • 205When then an end of weeping shall we see?
  • The bellies of the Argives must not mourn.
  • They that go to the war must patient be,
  • And let the dead unto their graves be borne,
  • And not weep over them above a day.
  • 210And we that safe from fight are come again,
  • When we are fed can all day fighting stay.
  • All other exhortation is vain.
  • Let therefore now the Greeks to breakfast go,
  • Which is the soldier’s best encouragement,
  • 215Then all together fall upon the foe.
  • And when he this had said, away he went,
  • And with him took Meges, Meriones,
  • Theas, Antilochus, and Thrasymed,
  • And Menalippus, and added unto these
  • 220The martial son of Creon, Lycomed,
  • And brought the presents from Atrides’ tent.
  • Sev’n tripods great, and twenty cauldrons bright,
  • Twelve horses, and sev’n women with them went,
  • And, fair’st of all, Briseis made them eight.
  • 225Talents of gold Ulysses weigh’d out ten,
  • And took the pains himself to carry that;
  • The rest was carri’d by the younger men,
  • And laid before the princes as they sat.
  • Then Agamemnon rose, and by him near
  • 230Talthybius attended with a swine,
  • From which Atrides clipt a lock of hair,
  • And lifts his hands unto the pow’rs divine.
  • O Jove, said he, the chiefest of the Gods,
  • O Sun, and Earth, and Furies underground,
  • 235That in your hands carry th’ eternal rods
  • To punish such as perjur’d shall be found,
  • My hand I on Briseis never laid,
  • Neither for bed, nor any other cause;
  • But always in my tent untouch’d she staid,
  • 240Nor ever by me once attempted was.
  • And if herein I told you have a lie,
  • Let all the dreadful torments that are due
  • To such as guilty are of perjury
  • Upon me fall. This said, the swine he slew.
  • 245Then out the stomach of the swine did cut,
  • And that Talthybius took in his hands.
  • And threw’t into the sea the fish to glut.
  • That done, Achilles up amongst them stands.
  • ’Tis thou, O Jove, said he, that spoilest all.
  • 250Briseis at my tent had stayed still,
  • Nor had her going from me mov’d my gall,
  • But that thou hadst a mind the Greeks to kill.
  • This said, the council he dissolv’d, and sent
  • Th’ Achæans to their ships to break their fast.
  • 255Then ev’ry man unto his own ship went,
  • And busy were about their short repast.
  • Meanwhile the Myrmidons the presents bear
  • T’ Achilles’ ships, and laid them in his tent,
  • And thither also brought the women were.
  • 260But th’ horses to the field his servants sent.
  • Briseis, when she saw Patroclus lie
  • With many ghastly wounds dead on the bier,
  • She flung her arms about him and did cry,
  • And her white neck, and face, and breast did tear,
  • 265And weeping over him did thus complain.
  • O dear Patroclus, whom alive I left,
  • Now when I to you am return’d again,
  • Ah me, I find you of your life bereft.
  • How fast my woes on one another fall!
  • 270The husband which my parents made me wed,
  • And three good brothers of one mother all,
  • I saw before Lyrnessus massacred.
  • And then, Patroclus, you to comfort me,
  • Told me that I should be Achilles’ wife,
  • 275And to him married in Pthia be.
  • But now since you have also lost your life,
  • I never of my woe shall see an end.
  • And then the other women wept and roar’d,
  • All for Patroclus, as they did pretend,
  • 280But inwardly their own fate they deplor’d.
  • The Greeks again about Achilles stood,
  • And urged him, ere he to battle went,
  • Himself to strengthen with a little food,
  • But could by no means get him to consent.
  • 285My friends, said he, importune me no more
  • To eat or drink before we go to fight.
  • My heart within me now is vexed sore;
  • Fear not, I shall endure from morn to night.
  • This said, the other princes from him went.
  • 290The two Atrides and Ulysses stay,
  • And Phœnix and old Nestor at his tent,
  • And King Idomeneus, his grief t’ allay,
  • But nothing they could say did any good,
  • So fiercely he was set upon the fight.
  • 295And looking on Patroclus’ body stood,
  • And then afresh lamented at the sight.
  • Sweet friend, said he, you wont were to provide
  • Good breakfast for me when I was to fight,
  • But since that comfort now I am denied,
  • 300In meat and drink I take no more delight.
  • For greater hurt cannot upon me fall,
  • Although for want of me my father die,
  • While absent from him at the Trojan wall,
  • For this accursed Helen’s sake I lie;
  • 305Nor though my son Neptolemus should die,
  • Whom I in Scyros isle left to be bred,
  • Nor thinking then that here both you and I
  • Should lose our lives; but that when I was dead
  • He should by you be to my house convey’d,
  • 310And made to know my servants and estate.
  • For Peleus now is very much decay’d,
  • If quite he have not finished his fate.
  • When this Achilles, weeping, spoken had,
  • The good old men, that also had their fears
  • 315For those they left at home, were very sad.
  • And Jove had pity on Achilles’ tears,
  • And speaking to Athena, Child, said he,
  • Your love to valiant men, I see, is gone.
  • Achilles must no more remember’d be.
  • 320Behold how for his friend he maketh moan,
  • And takes no food, though th’ other princes feast,
  • Let not his strength by hunger be decay’d;
  • Distil ambrosia into his breast,
  • And nectar. Straight Athena him obey’d.
  • 325And swift as any harpy came away,
  • And arming of themselves she found the rest;
  • But that Achilles’ strength might not decay,
  • She dropt ambrosia into his breast,
  • And nectar sweet, and out the Argives went.
  • 330As when from Jove descendeth a thick snow,
  • Which Boreas bloweth through the element;
  • Such of the armed Argives was the show;
  • So bright their burnish’d arms and helmets were,
  • The lustre up to heaven did rebound,
  • 335And smiling all about the fields appear,
  • And at the moving of their feet resound.
  • Achilles then his mighty arms puts on,
  • And grinds his teeth, and fire was in his eyes,
  • And hasted to the battle to be gone;
  • 340So much his heart did at the Trojans rise.
  • First to his legs the leg pieces he tied
  • With buckles of fine silver all along,
  • And next his breast-plate to his breast applied,
  • And on his shoulder then his sword he hung;
  • 345Then up into his hands his shield he took,
  • Large, strong, and mighty; radiant was the same,
  • And from afar it like the moon did look,
  • Or, as to seamen, on the wolds a flame,
  • That sure are of a storm when that they see,
  • 350And from their friends to scatter’d be by wind
  • To places where they not desire to be;
  • So then the buckler of Achilles’ shin’d.
  • And next he puts his helmet on his head,
  • Which shined like a comet in the air,
  • 355So finely Vulcan had it polished,
  • And made it seem to blaze with golden hair.
  • And then to try his arms if fit they were,
  • He walk’d about, and thought he wings had worn.
  • And last from out a tub he took his spear
  • 360(Which by his father formerly was borne,
  • And made by Chiron in Mount Pelion)
  • Which no man but Achilles now could wield,
  • Since Peleus’ strength decayed was and gone.
  • A fatal spear to heroes in the field.
  • 365And Alcimus then and Automedon,
  • The horses to the chariot made fast,
  • And harness’d them and put their bridles on,
  • And back unto the seat the reins they cast.
  • With whip in hand then mounts Automedon,
  • 370And after him Achilles not long staid,
  • Yclad in armour shining like the sun,
  • And roughly to his horses speaking said,
  • Xanthus and Balius take heed I pray,
  • A little better of your char’oteer,
  • 375Than of Patroclus you did yesterday,
  • Whom dead and stript you left behind you here.
  • This said, his sprightly head low Xanthus hung,
  • Till on the ground his golden mane was laid.
  • And Juno human speech gave to his tongue.
  • 380And to Achilles then he spake and said,
  • Yes, great Achilles, we will save you now:
  • But know ye, that your utmost day is nigh;
  • Not by our faults; the Gods will have it so,
  • And, which cannot be shunn’d, your destiny.
  • 385And that Patroclus is disarm’d and slain,
  • ’Twas not because we lazy were or slow,
  • But that Priamides might honour gain,
  • Apollo slew him with his silver bow.
  • For we could have gone faster than the wind,
  • 390If that could to him any good have done.
  • The thread of life which for him was design’d
  • Was by the Destinies drawn out and spun.
  • This then said Xanthus, but could not proceed.
  • His speech the Furies from him took again.
  • 395Xanthus, replied Achilles, there’s no need
  • For you to prophecy my death in vain.
  • I know already that I here must die,
  • Far from my parents; yet I mean to stay
  • Till I have made the Trojans hence to fly.
  • 400This said, his Myrmidons he led away.

  LIB. XX.

  • The eighth battle, and the Gods permitted to assist.

  • Whilst with Achilles th’ Argives armed stand,
  • And on the plain the Trojans ready all,
  • Jove to the goddess Thetis gave command
  • The common council of the Gods to call.
  • 5Then down she came, and calling went about.
  • Ye Gods, said she, Jove calls you to his house.
  • And straight the Rivers from their streams came out,
  • All but their father old Oceanus.
  • The Nymphs from ev’ry meadow, spring and grove,
  • 10Up to the Mount Olympus went in haste;
  • And when they come were to the house of Jove,
  • In porches round on polish’d seats were plac’d;
  • And Neptune also having heard the call,
  • Leap’d from the sea up to Olympus’ hill,
  • 15And sitting in the midst, before them all
  • To Jove he spake, and said, What is your will?
  • D’ye call us hither our advice to hear;
  • To give the day to Trojan or to Greek;
  • For I perceive the battle now is near?
  • 20My mind, said Jupiter, you need not seek.
  • For of the Greeks distrest I have a care.
  • But on Olympus I intend to stay,
  • And please myself with looking on the war.
  • But let the other Gods go down to Troy,
  • 25And take which side they will. For else I fear,
  • Achilles, whom the Trojans did so dread,
  • When in the battle no immortals were,
  • And more enrag’d is since his friend is dead;
  • When he has driv’n the Trojans from the field,
  • 30Will then directly go to Ilium,
  • And overthrow the wall which you did build,
  • Before the time, by fate appointed, come.
  • This said, the fight began. On th’ Argives’ side
  • Stood Juno, Pallas, Neptune, Mercury;
  • 35And Vulcan, taking in his strength great pride,
  • Went halting ’mongst them with his legs awry.
  • On th’ other side, Mars for the Trojans stood,
  • And Phœbus, and his sister Artemis,
  • Their mother Leto, and Scamander-flood,
  • 40And Venus that of all the fairest is.
  • And whilst they from the battle stood aside,
  • The Argives mightily encourag’d were,
  • And in Achilles’ presence took great pride;
  • For long it seem’d they had not seen him there.
  • 45The Trojans, when they saw him, shook for fear,
  • So like to Mars he was, his arms so bright.
  • But when the Gods on both sides with them were,
  • Then all about was filled with affright,
  • And in the air heard was Athena’s shrill
  • 50As from the ditch, and sometimes from the shore,
  • And Mars sometimes from Callidone hill,
  • And sometimes as at Troy was heard to roar,
  • The Trojans he, but she the Greeks to incite.
  • Thus by the Gods from heav’n encouraged,
  • 55The armies met, and cruel was the fight,
  • And terribly above Jove thundered,
  • And Neptune shook the earth on ev’ry side;
  • The Argive ships, and stately Trojan tow’rs,
  • The plain beneath, and lofty tops of Ide.
  • 60And frighten’d with it were th’ infernal pow’rs;
  • And Pluto, starting from his ugly throne,
  • To Neptune cried out his hand to hold,
  • For fear his dismal dwelling should be shown
  • To men and Gods, so hateful to behold.
  • 65So great a noise the Gods make when they fight.
  • Phœbus to Neptune now opposed is,
  • And Pallas stands against rude Mars his might,
  • And Juno matched is with Artemis,
  • And Mercury against Latona stood.
  • 70But he that Vulcan had to deal withal,
  • Was the divine and deep swift-running flood,
  • Which Xanthus Gods, but men Scamander call.
  • Thus were th’ Immortals matched one to one.
  • Achilles would have given any good
  • 75That he had matched been to Priam’s son,
  • T’ have made to Mars a breakfast of his blood.
  • And then Apollo sets Æneas on
  • T’ encounter with Achilles; and array’d
  • In th’ person and the voice of Lycaon
  • 80Came to his side, and thus unto him said:
  • Æneas, when the wine was in your head,
  • I oft have heard you of yourself say this,
  • That ’gainst Achilles you in fight durst stand.
  • What say you to him now? See, there he is.
  • 85Priamides, Æneas then replied,
  • Why would you have me with Achilles fight?
  • I once already was, upon mount Ide
  • Keeping our cattle, by him put to flight;
  • And thence for safety to Lyrnessus fled.
  • 90But he the town Lyrnessus quickly won,
  • And Pedassus. And then I had been dead
  • If Jove had not enabled me to run.
  • For Pallas with him was and made him way,
  • Striking his foes before him with affright,
  • 95And urging him the Trojans to destroy.
  • ’Tis more than man can do t’ oppose his might;
  • One God or other always with him is
  • To put aside the spears before they come.
  • And whom he aims at he doth never miss,
  • 100And to the mark his spear flies always home.
  • But if the Gods unpartial would be,
  • Although of solid brass his body were,
  • He should not eas’ly get the victory.
  • Æneas, then said Phœbus, do not fear,
  • 105But pray unto the Gods. Your mother is
  • Jove’s daughter Cytherea, as they say,
  • A greater Goddess by descent than his;
  • And therefore boldly to him go your way.
  • His mighty words and threats you must not fear.
  • 110This said, he courage breath’d into his breast.
  • Then through the foremost went he with his spear,
  • And helmet of strong brass with glitt’ring crest.
  • Now Juno of his going was aware,
  • And calling to her th’ other Gods, she said,
  • 115Neptune and Pallas, let us have a care;
  • I see a danger that ought to be weigh’d.
  • Æneas yonder, with his spear in hand,
  • Goes to Achilles with a mind to fight.
  • Let’s keep him off, or by Achilles stand,
  • 120And add both to his courage and his might,
  • That he may know the Gods of greatest pow’r
  • Are on his side, and those that stand for Troy
  • In virtue much to us inferior,
  • And dare not in the field against us stay;
  • 125And that we from Olympus hither came
  • To save him now; hereafter, whatsoe’er
  • Mischances come, he must endure the same,
  • Since at his birth they woven with him were.
  • For if unknown our purpose to him be,
  • 130To meet a God will put him into fear.
  • ’Tis dangerous Gods as they are to see;
  • So terrible to mortals they appear.
  • And Neptune unto Juno then replied,
  • You are too fierce: a fight between the Gods
  • 135I would not have begin upon our side;
  • Nor does it need, so much we have the odds.
  • But let’s go hence to yonder mountain top,
  • And leave the battle in the hands of men.
  • If Mars or Phœbus then Achilles stop,
  • 140We to the battle will return again,
  • And send them to Olympus home with shame,
  • ’Mongst other of the Gods at court to stay,
  • Well beaten at our hands, disgrac’d, and tame.
  • And when he this had said, he led away,
  • 145And when he come was to the castle-wall,
  • Which was by th’ Trojans built for Hercules
  • By Pallas’ help, to save him from the whale
  • That much annoy’d the Trojans from the seas,
  • He and his party of the Gods staid there,
  • 150Concealed by a cloud, and looking on.
  • But Mars and Phœbus, with their party, were
  • Sitting upon the brow of Callidon.
  • Thus from the field the Gods on both sides staid,
  • Consulting how their friends the day might win,
  • 155But neither side effectually would aid,
  • For not a God amongst them durst begin.
  • Now cover’d over was the field with men,
  • Both horse and foot, array’d in armour bright;
  • The earth resounded with their feet. And then
  • 160Two warriors in the midst stood out to fight,
  • Achilles and Æneas, the two best.
  • And first Æneas, with fierce looks, went on
  • With spear in hand, and shield before his breast.
  • To meet him then advanced Thetis’ son.
  • 165As when to chase a lion from the plain,
  • The people of the town with weapons rise,
  • The lion looks upon them with disdain,
  • As if he did their multitude despise;
  • But when a spear from any of them comes,
  • 170He whips himself int’ anger with his tail,
  • And terribly goes on, and yawns and foams,
  • To kill, or to be killed if he fail:
  • So at the seeing of Æneas’ spear,
  • Achilles did himself to th’ fight provoke.
  • 175And when they stood to one another near,
  • Achilles first unto Æneas spoke.
  • Æneas, why, said he, come you away
  • So far before the rest? To fight with me?
  • Will Priam, think you, make you king of Troy,
  • 180If by your hand perhaps I slain should be?
  • No. He is wise, and sons has of his own.
  • Or will the Trojans set you out great lands,
  • Some to be planted, others to be sown,
  • Whenever I am killed by your hands?
  • 185But that I hope will never be. You know
  • How once I made you run down Ida hill,
  • Into Lyrnessus, in great haste; and how
  • You ne’er look’d back for fear of greater ill;
  • And how the town I won, and led away
  • 190The women captives; though ’twas then Jove’s will
  • That from my hands you should escape that day,
  • You must not look that you should do so still.
  • And therefore I advise you to be gone,
  • And in the throng o’ th’ Trojans to abide,
  • 195For ev’ry fool his harm knows when ’tis done.
  • This said, Æneas to him thus replied:
  • Pelides, do not think you can me fright,
  • As if I were a child, with words of scorn;
  • For if in evil words I took delight,
  • 200I could as many easily return.
  • We one another’s parents know by fame;
  • Peleus your father was, Anchises mine.
  • Your mother is divine, Thetis by name;
  • And Venus mine, of the celestial line;
  • 205And one of them to-day must lose a son,
  • For ’tis not words can fetch us off this place.
  • But if you’ll know my generation,
  • I’ll by my father likewise count my race;
  • For first by Jove was Dardanus begot,
  • 210That rul’d the Dardans under Ida hill,
  • In divers towns; for Ilium yet was not,
  • But at the foot of Ida they dwelt still.
  • And Dardan Erichthonius begat,
  • That was the wealthiest of mortal men:
  • 215Three thousand mares he had, and unto that
  • As many foals, all feeding on the fen.
  • And twelve of these were got by Boreas,
  • That leapt their dams in likeness of a horse,
  • And o’er the ears of standing corn could pass
  • 220And never make them stoop, such was their force;
  • And run upon the sea, and never wet
  • Their hoofs, which very wondrous was to see.
  • And Erichthonius did Tros beget.
  • And Tros the father was of children three,
  • 225Ilus, Assaracus, and Ganymed.
  • But Ganymed was taken up by Jove,
  • So fair he was, and t’ heaven carried,
  • To minister unto the Gods above.
  • The son of Ilus was Laomedon,
  • 230And he Tithonus got, and Priamus,
  • And Lampus, Clytius, Icetaon.
  • But Capys son was of Assaracus.
  • Capys begat Anchises, and he me.
  • I need not be ashamed of my race,
  • 235Though virtue lieth not in pedigree,
  • But given is to them whom Jove will grace.
  • Then let us from reproachful words abstain,
  • Whereof there is great plenty ev’rywhere,
  • To serve all men that will them entertain,
  • 240That as a man will speak, so he may hear.
  • What need we, like two women in the street,
  • When they cannot agree, to rail and scoff?
  • Who, say they true or false, are indiscreet.
  • For from my purpose you’ll not put me off
  • 245With scornful words, before your force I try,
  • Let’s therefore here no longer talk, but fight.
  • And as he spake his spear he letteth fly,
  • Which on Achilles’ mighty shield fell right,
  • And terribly it made the same resound,
  • 250Achilles far before him held his shield,
  • For fear Æneas through it might him wound;
  • Though heav’nly arms to mortals will not yield.
  • But that he thought not on. Nor did the spear,
  • Well driven as it was, and strong, pass through;
  • 255For of five plies that labour’d in it were
  • By Mulciber, it pierced only two,
  • And those were brass. There still remained three,
  • The one of gold, the other two of tin;
  • And stopped by the brass it could not be,
  • 260But coming to the gold it there stuck in.
  • And then Achilles threw his spear at him,
  • Which flying with great force pass’d thro’ his shield,
  • Where thin the brass and hide was near the brim,
  • And over him it flew into the field.
  • 265For when Æneas coming saw the spear,
  • He crouched low, and held his buckler high;
  • And though the same proceeded but from fear,
  • It made the spear above his head to fly.
  • Æneas at the first amazed stands;
  • 270But when Achilles with his sword came on,
  • He stoop’d, and from the ground took in his hands,
  • That near unto him lay, a mighty stone,
  • Which two men, such as now are, scarce could bear,
  • And hit him had on th’ head or breast in vain,
  • 275That with celestial arms defended were,
  • And by Achilles’ sword himself been slain,
  • If it had not by Neptune been foreseen.
  • Who speaking to the Gods did thus complain.
  • O Gods, said he, great pain I now am in
  • 280To see Æneas by Achilles slain,
  • For heark’ning to Apollo foolishly;
  • Who will not help him though he set him on.
  • But wherefore should we let Æneas die,
  • Others to please, when he no fault has done?
  • 285Let’s therefore save him, lest we Jove offend,
  • Who now the offspring of King Priam hates,
  • And that Æneas’ race shall without end
  • The Trojans rule, ’tis ordered by the Fates.
  • This said, to Neptune Juno did reply:
  • 290If you Æneas have a mind to save,
  • Save him yourself. For well you know that I
  • And Pallas ’mongst the Gods sworn often have,
  • That neither of us shall a Trojan aid,
  • Though Ilium itself were in a flame.
  • 295Away went Neptune soon as that was said,
  • And to Æneas and Achilles came,
  • And o’er Achilles’ eyes a mist he spread,
  • And drew his spear out of Æneas’ shield;
  • And to Achilles that he carried,
  • 300And laid it at his feet upon the field.
  • And then Æneas, lifted by the force
  • Of an immortal God, skipp’d to the rear,
  • O’er many ranks of heroes and of horse,
  • Unto the Caucons, that the hindmost were,
  • 305Where Neptune standing by him spake, and said:
  • Æneas, who was’t of th’ immortal Gods,
  • That to engage Achilles you betray’d,
  • That stronger is than you by so much odds?
  • Henceforth take heed you come not in his way,
  • 310Lest by his hand you die. When he is gone,
  • You boldly on the best adventure may,
  • For of the rest you slain shall be by none.
  • This said, he to Achilles went again,
  • And made the mist to vanish from his eyes,
  • 315And round about him look’d Achilles then,
  • And to his feet return’d, his spear espies,
  • And said unto himself, O strange, what’s this?
  • The man is gone, my spear come back I see.
  • Æneas of the Gods beloved is,
  • 320And I thought all he said was vanity.
  • But fare him well. He will not come again,
  • So glad he is that he hath ’scaped so.
  • Now I will first put courage in my men,
  • And then unto some other Trojans go.
  • 325Then through the Argive ranks he went, and said,
  • No longer of the Trojans be so shy,
  • But man to man go close. Be not afraid;
  • Strong as I am, you cannot think that I
  • Can follow such a multitude and fight;
  • 330For neither Mars nor Pallas can do that,
  • Though Gods immortal, and of so great might,
  • That mortal men cannot resist. Yet what
  • My strength alone, with hands and feet can do,
  • I think I shall not anything forbear,
  • 335But break their ranks, and make you way clean through;
  • Nor shall he joyful be whom I come near.
  • Whilst this Achilles to the Argives said,
  • Hector no less the Trojans did excite.
  • Why should you of Achilles be afraid?
  • 340With words ’tis easy ’gainst the Gods to fight,
  • That are too strong to fight with, with a spear;
  • And to Achilles now I mean to go,
  • Though fire his hands, and steel his body were,
  • For more by half he says than he can do.
  • 345When Hector to the Trojans this had said,
  • The fight began, and mighty was the cry;
  • And then for Hector Phœbus was afraid,
  • And presently came in, and standing nigh,
  • Hector, said he, return into the throng.
  • 350Take heed. With Thetis’ son fight not at all,
  • Now nor henceforth (he for you is too strong)
  • Lest by his spear or sword you chance to fall.
  • Thus Hector, by the God admonished,
  • Into the Trojan troops retir’d again.
  • 355The Trojans then before Achilles fled;
  • And by him first Iphition was slain,
  • Whom the nymph Neis to Otrynteus bare,
  • In Ida, at the foot of Tmolus hill;
  • Great troops he brought unto the Trojan war,
  • 360And thought he could the great Pelides kill:
  • But coming on, he met Achilles’ spear,
  • The fatal spear, that cleft his head in twain.
  • Achilles then triumphed o’er him there,
  • Though fallen to the ground he were, and slain.
  • 365So, Otryntides, die there on the earth,
  • Though where runs Hyllus into Hermus deep,
  • On the Gygean lake, you had your birth.
  • This said, he left him in eternal sleep,
  • For th’ Argive char’ot-wheels to crush and grind.
  • 370And after him he slew Demoleon,
  • A warrior good, and of undaunted mind,
  • That of Antenor was a valiant son.
  • Him through the head, with spear in hand, he smote,
  • And out together came both blood and brain;
  • 375His helmet, though of brass, preserv’d him not.
  • And after he Demoleon had slain,
  • He with his spear pursu’d Hippodamas,
  • Who from his car had leapt unto the ground;
  • Frighted, and now before him running was,
  • 380And gave him on the back a mortal wound,
  • Whereat he blows and roars like any bull
  • Brought to the altar for a sacrifice,
  • When young men by the horns him thither pull
  • By violence; then down he falls, and dies.
  • 385Unluckily, then in Achilles’ sight
  • Was Polydorus, Priam’s youngest son,
  • And best belov’d; whom he forbad to fight,
  • Though swiftest of them all he were to run:
  • But he, the virtue of his feet to shew,
  • 390Betwixt the hosts ran up and down the field,
  • Until a spear Achilles at him threw,
  • And with a wound upon the back him kill’d;
  • Out at his navel went the spear again,
  • And for his guts to follow made a way.
  • 395But Hector, when he saw his brother slain,
  • Amongst his troops he could no longer stay,
  • But going to Achilles, shook his spear.
  • Then, speaking to himself, Achilles said,
  • The man that slew Patroclus I see here,
  • 400We must no more each other now avoid;
  • And sourly on him looking, said, Come near,
  • That I may quickly of you make an end.
  • And Hector to him answer’d without fear,
  • In vain, Achilles, your proud words you spend;
  • 405Such words as these may children terrify,
  • And I can speak that language when I list;
  • And though you be a mightier man than I,
  • The victory does not in that consist,
  • But he shall have it whom the Gods appoint,
  • 410Though he be weaker, if his spear fly true,
  • Which mine may do, and sharp is at the point.
  • This said, his spear he at Achilles threw,
  • Which back to Hector’s feet Athena blew,
  • With soft and gentle breath, without a sound;
  • 415And straight Achilles, thund’ring, to him flew.
  • But then Apollo snatch’d him from the ground,
  • Which is by any God done in a trice,
  • And in a mist conceal’d him from his sight:
  • And after him Achilles leapt up thrice,
  • 420And thrice the air obscure in vain did smite.
  • Then whoop’d he after him, and threat’ning said,
  • Dog, an ill death again thou ’scaped hast,
  • That fighting, to Apollo pray’st for aid;
  • But yet I shall dispatch you at the last,
  • 425If any of the Gods for me appear;
  • But now I must to other Trojans go.
  • This said, at Dryops straight he threw his spear,
  • And sent his soul unto the shades below.
  • To meet Demuchus then he went half way,
  • 430That with his sword came toward him to fight:
  • Him with a wound i’ th’ neck he made to stay,
  • And with his sword then killed him outright.
  • Then by him slain the sons of Bias were,
  • Laogonus and Dardanus, the one
  • 435With his great sword, the other with his spear.
  • And next he killed Tros, Alastor’s son,
  • Who not resisted, but fell at his knee,
  • And begg’d his life, for being of his age,
  • Hoping for that he pitied might be.
  • 440But that Achilles’ wrath could not assuage.
  • He quite mistook his nature like a child,
  • For cruel was Achilles, and hard-hearted;
  • But he sweet-natur’d thought he was, and mild,
  • Whereas he never thought how others smarted.
  • 445And then Achilles gave him such a wound,
  • That with the blood his liver started out.
  • And there he left him dying on the ground,
  • And for more Trojan leaders look’d about;
  • Then, coming to him, he saw Mulius,
  • 450And struck him through the head from ear to ear.
  • Then with his sword he killed Echeclus,
  • Antenor’s son, that to him came too near.
  • Then on the arm he hit Demolion,
  • The spear stuck in, and forc’d him there to stay;
  • 455Achilles then came furiously on,
  • And with his sword he skimm’d his head away,
  • Helmet and all. Then Regmus, with a wound
  • Upon the belly, he slew with his spear,
  • Who from his char’ot fell unto the ground;
  • 460And after him he slew his char’oteer,
  • Areithous, whilst he his horses turns.
  • As a thick coppice, on a windy day,
  • If set on fire, unmercifully burns;
  • So went Achilles killing ev’ry way.
  • 465As oxen from the straw tread out the corn,
  • So trampling went his horses o’er the dead,
  • That with their bucklers by the wheels were torn,
  • And th’ axle-tree with blood was covered,
  • And spokes; in part with droppings from the wheels,
  • 470(For going on the ground the wheels were gory)
  • And partly beaten up with th’ horses’ heels,
  • And bloody were his hands; and all for glory.

  LIB. XXI.

  • When to the river Xanthus they were come,
  • The Trojans at the ford half of them pass’d,
  • And on the highway fled to Ilium;
  • The other leapt into the stream for haste,

  • Achilles, with great slaughter, pursues the Trojans to Scamander, and takes twelve alive to kill at Patroclus’s tomb.

  • 5And with the winding flood there swimming strive.
  • As locusts, when by sudden tier sprung,
  • In swarms into the river fly and dive;
  • So they themselves into Scamander flung,
  • And filled was the stream with horse and men.
  • 10Achilles on the bank-side left his spear,
  • Set up on end against a tree; and then
  • Achilles leapt in with his sword; and there
  • He kill’d as fast as he could turn and strike,
  • And with their blood the stream was dyed red.
  • 15And grievous ’twas to hear them groan and shriek,
  • That in the flood were by him massacred.
  • As when the dolphins in a river are,
  • The other fish scud to the banks in shoals,
  • So did it with the swimming Trojans fare;
  • 20They fled to th’ banks, and hid themselves in holes.
  • And twelve of them alive Achilles took,
  • And with their girdles hands behind them bound,
  • Then caus’d them to be led out of the brook,
  • And to the ships conveyed safe and sound,
  • 25To slay them at Patroclus’ funeral.
  • Then from the river out he came again,
  • And Priam’s son Lycaon met withal,
  • That from Scamander flying was in vain,
  • Whom prisoner he had taken once before,
  • 30When in his father’s ground he was by night,
  • Cutting of spoke staves from a sycamore,
  • And on him now the second time did light.
  • To Lemnos first he sent him to be sold,
  • And bought he there was by Eetion.
  • 35Achilles for him had good store of gold.
  • But he got loose and home again did run.
  • And there eleven days he staid; and well
  • Was entertained in his father’s house.
  • The twelfth into Achilles’ hands he fell
  • 40Again, that sent him then to Erebus.
  • Achilles seeing him without a spear,
  • Without a shield, and nothing on his head,
  • (For he had cast away his arms for fear,
  • When almost tir’d he from the river fled.)
  • 45Achilles, grumbling to himself, then said,
  • O strange! These Trojans are stout-hearted men,
  • That being sent away, will not be staid,
  • But to the war must needs come back again.
  • Here’s one I sent to Lemnos to be sold,
  • 50And now he’s come to fight with me again,
  • ’Tis strange the sea could not him from me hold,
  • That can against their will hold other men.
  • But well, I’ll give him of my spear a taste,
  • And send him to the earth that I may see

  • Achilles, with great slaughter, pursues the Trojans, &c.

  • 55Whether the earth or no can hold him fast,
  • By which are holden better men than he.
  • Whilst thus Achilles said, the man came near
  • To beg his life, for loath to die was he.
  • To wound him then Achilles lifts his spear,
  • 60But under it he got unto his knee,
  • And with one hand laid hold upon his spear,
  • And on Achilles’ knee the other laid.
  • And kneeling down before him shook with fear,
  • And lamentably to him speaking said,
  • 65Achilles, I beseech you pity me,
  • And save my life, although ’twere but for this,
  • That I your pris’ner was. Captivity
  • At least for life a sanctuary is.
  • And when you unto Lemnos sent me had,
  • 70You for me got a hundred oxen’s price;
  • And for my ransom now I should be glad
  • You would be pleas’d to take that value thrice.
  • ’Tis but twelve days since I came back to Troy,
  • And all the way had been in grievous pain,
  • 75And when I thought I should my friends enjoy,
  • I fallen am into your hands again.
  • O how have I so much incurr’d the hate
  • Of Jupiter to shorten thus my life!
  • Or from my mother cometh my hard fate,
  • 80Laothoe, whom Priam made his wife?
  • Altheus got her, king of Pedasus,
  • And she of Priam’s many wives was one,
  • For many more beside had Priamus,
  • And by her had me and another son.
  • 85And both of us must by you now be kill’d,
  • For Polydore you have already slain,
  • Whilst like a child he ran about the field.
  • And for myself, I fear, I pray in vain.
  • But what am I that must no quarter have?
  • 90Though by my father I am Hector’s brother,
  • That sent the good Patroclus to his grave,
  • Yet I am nothing to him by the mother.
  • Thus pleaded he. Achilles then replied:
  • Tell me no more of ransom or of quarter.
  • 95’Tis true, I did, before Patroclus died,
  • Suffer some Trojans for their lives to barter;
  • But now if any of the Trojans fall
  • Into my hands before the town of Troy,
  • And those of Priam’s race the least of all,
  • 100Must hope from me to get alive away.
  • But wherefore, friend, should you think much to die?
  • Patroclus, a much better man, is gone.
  • You see how strong and tall a man am I,
  • And of a noble father am the son,
  • 105And have a goddess for my mother. Yet
  • At morn, or noon, or night, with shaft or spear,
  • I’m sure by one or other to be hit
  • And lose my life. Why therefore should you fear?
  • This said, Lycaon’s heart and limbs both fail’d,
  • 110And of the spear let’s go his hold, and wide
  • His hands he spread and his sad fate bewail’d.
  • Achilles then his sword drew from his side,
  • And gave him on the neck a mighty wound,
  • The sword’s whole breadth into his neck he took,
  • 115And presently he fell dead to the ground.
  • Achilles threw him then into the brook,
  • And said insulting, Go now to the deep,
  • And feed the fishes that will lick your blood;
  • Your mother over you shall never weep,
  • 120But to the sea you go shall with the flood,
  • Where to the curled water leaps a fish,
  • Upon Lycaon’s dainty fat to feed;
  • And until Troy be by us won, I wish
  • That th’ other Trojans may no better speed,
  • 125But flying, by my spear be toss’d like hay.
  • Scamander shall afford them little aid,
  • Though to his stream they bulls and horses slay,
  • Till for Patroclus’ death they all have paid.
  • With these his haughty words, Scamander griev’d,
  • 130Contrived how Achilles to repel,
  • And how the Trojans best might be reliev’d,
  • That to escape into his water fell.
  • Achilles then Asteropæus spied,
  • Pelegon’s son, the son of Axius,
  • 135Of Axius the river deep and wide,
  • By th’ daughter of king Acessamenus.
  • And to him with a mind to kill him went,
  • As he was newly come out of the water.
  • But Xanthus gave him such encouragement,
  • 140(Because Achilles fill’d his stream with slaughter),
  • That there Asteropæus for him staid,
  • And both in right and left hand had a spear,
  • And never sought the combat to avoid.
  • And when they were to one another near,
  • 145Who are you, said Achilles, and whose son,
  • That in my anger dares approach me so?
  • For I in arms encounter’d am by none
  • But those whose parents destin’d are to woe.
  • Asteropæus to him then replied:
  • 150Why ask you me whose son and who I am?
  • The forces of Pæonia I guide;
  • To whom elev’n days since I hither came.
  • Of my descent, the author Axius is,
  • The fairest stream that on the earth doth run
  • 155His son was Pelegon, and I am his.
  • Thus who I am ’tis told you, and whose son.
  • And now, Achilles, it is time to fight.
  • This said, from his two hands his two spears fly,
  • For both Asteropæus’ hands were right,
  • 160The one of them his mighty shield did try,
  • But pierc’d it not; the plate of gold withstood.
  • The other gave his arm a little wound
  • Near to his elbow, and fetch’d out some blood,
  • And so beyond him went and stuck i’ th’ ground.
  • 165Achilles then his spear with all his strength
  • Incensed at Asteropæus threw,
  • Which missing, into th’ earth went half its length.
  • Then from his side his sword Achilles drew.
  • Asteropæus to Achilles’ spear
  • 170Went back, and at it thrice he pluck’d in vain;
  • Then thought to break it; but Achilles there
  • Was with his sword, and with that he was slain.
  • For by the sword his belly was so ripp’d,
  • That all his bowels issued at the wound.
  • 175There him Achilles of his armour stripp’d,
  • And o’er him crow’d as he lay on the ground.
  • Lie there, said he; shall rivers’ sons compare
  • With th’ offspring of the blessed Gods above?
  • The issue of a brook, you say, you are,
  • 180But I the issue am of mighty Jove;
  • For Peleus my father was, and his
  • Was Æacus, whom Jupiter begot.
  • But greater he than any river is,
  • Then equal to his race, their race is not.
  • 185A river great enough you had at hand,
  • But that you found had done you little good.
  • For nothing can the power of Jove withstand;
  • Not Achelous with his royal flood,
  • Nor th’ Ocean itself, of waters king,
  • 190From whose abundance seas their water take,
  • And ev’ry river, stream, and well, and spring
  • That goeth on the earth, and ev’ry lake;
  • Who, when they but a clap of thunder hear,
  • From Jove some danger presently they dread.
  • 195This said, from th’ earth he pulled out his spear,
  • And left o’ th’ sands Asteropæus dead,
  • Where Xanthus from the wound shall wash the blood,
  • And eels and other fish feed on his fat.
  • Achilles then pursued those that stood
  • 200Upon Scamander bank amazed at
  • The fury of the giddy stream; and when
  • They saw their leader killed in their sight
  • By th’ hand of terrible Achilles, then
  • They ev’ry one betook themselves to flight.
  • 205Then with his sword he slew Thersilochus,
  • And after him the stout Astypylus,
  • And Opholostes, Mydon, Ænius,
  • And after these, Mnesus and Thrasius,
  • And had shed yet much more Pæonian blood,
  • 210But that Scamander at it took offence,
  • And like a man above his water stood,
  • And to Achilles spake his mind from thence.
  • Achilles, truly you excel in might,
  • And acts you do of great iniquity,
  • 215And by the Gods assisted are in fight.
  • But though by Jove you should allowed be
  • To kill the Trojans, kill them on the plain.
  • My stream so choked is with carcasses,
  • I cannot drive my waters to the main.
  • 220I wonder you should do such deeds as these;
  • Let those you kill be killed openly.
  • Go therefore from me. Thus Scamander said.
  • And then unto the River answer’d he:
  • Divine Scamander, you shall be obey’d.
  • 225But to pursue the Trojans I mean still,
  • Till I have chas’d them up to Ilium.
  • And fight with Hector, if he stay, I will,
  • And see if his or my last day be come.
  • Scamander then unto Apollo spake:
  • 230Phœbus, said he, you Jove’s commandment slight,
  • That bade you of the Trojans care to take,
  • And to defend them all you could till night.
  • Into the stream Achilles leaps again,
  • At which Scamander swelling lifts his waves,
  • 235And out he throws the bodies of dead men,
  • And from Achilles’ hand the living saves.
  • Then throws a billow on Achilles’ head,
  • And heavy on his shield the current lay;
  • And on the ground by no means he could tread,
  • 240So fast the River carried him away.
  • But o’er the water hung an elmen limb
  • Which he laid hold on. Then fell down the tree
  • Into the river. And that saved him,
  • And served as a bridge to set him free.
  • 245And swiftly then Achilles from him ran,
  • But after him Scamander sent his water,
  • Resolv’d to quench the fury of the man,
  • And save the Trojans in his stream from slaughter.
  • And then as far as one can throw a spear
  • 250Achilles from the flood obliquely flies
  • Swift as a hawk; but yet was ne’er the near;
  • For still he water has before his eyes.
  • As when a man makes passage with his spade
  • For water to his garden from a hill,
  • 255The stream outruns him that the channel made;
  • So Xanthus was before Achilles still.
  • And ever as Achilles turn’d or stood
  • To see if any God would by him stand,
  • Above his shoulders rose the mighty flood,
  • 260And while he starts from’s feet removes the sand.
  • Achilles then himself bewailing said,
  • O Jupiter, and look’d up to the sky,
  • Let some God ’gainst this River give me aid,
  • And any other death then let me die.
  • 265But none I know on whom the fault to lay
  • But my dear mother, who to flatter me,
  • Said I should die before the walls of Troy,
  • And by Apollo only killed be.
  • O that I had by Hector’s hand been slain,
  • 270The best of all the men that fight for Troy.
  • But now I perish like a silly swain
  • Passing a torrent in a rainy day.
  • These words Achilles had no sooner said,
  • But Neptune and Athena with him were;
  • 275And on Achilles’ hand their hands they laid.
  • Then Neptune said, Achilles, do not fear.
  • Encouraged by two such Gods as we,
  • Pallas and I, and that by Jove’s command,
  • Retiring soon you shall the river see.
  • 280For fear of him you need not hold your hand.
  • But drive the Trojans all to Ilium
  • Save those that fly. And having Hector slain
  • (As we assure you you shall do) then come
  • Triumphantly unto the ships again.
  • 285This said, unto the Gods again they came.
  • Achilles boldly waded in the field,
  • Where many bodies dead and bucklers swam.
  • With so much courage Pallas had him fill’d,
  • And in the water stoutly lifts his knees.
  • 290For Pallas now his strength augmented had.
  • And Xanthus, vex’d before, when he saw this,
  • Foamed and roar’d as one that had been mad;
  • And cried out for help to Simois.
  • Brother, said he, assist me here, to stay
  • 295This raging man that t’ Ilium going is.
  • I am afraid he’ll take the town of Troy.
  • Make haste to help me; and your channel fill
  • With water both from torrent and from spring,
  • And stones and trees bring with you from the hill,
  • 300That on this furious man we may them fling;
  • So that his strength shall do him little good,
  • Nor armour, which upon the field shall lie
  • Concealed from the eyes of men in mud
  • And sand enough. Thus bury him will I,
  • 305And make his tomb. The Argives will not find
  • Where lie his bones. I’ll earth upon him throw.
  • They shall not need, if they should be so kind,
  • More monument upon him to bestow.
  • This said, he foam’d, and full of bodies dead
  • 310He at Achilles a great billow bowl’d,
  • Which coming to him cover’d had his head,
  • But Juno chanc’d to see it as it roll’d,
  • And unto Vulcan shriek’d in great affright,
  • Rise quickly, dear child, Cyllipodion,
  • 315Xanthus against you coming is to fight,
  • And to defend yourself your flames put on.
  • And I will Zephyrus and Notus call
  • From sea, that for you so shall blow the flame;
  • That the armour, and the heads o’ th’ Trojans all
  • 320Shall not be able to endure the same.
  • Go to his bank, and burn up ev’ry tree,
  • And then throw fire on him, and never fear,
  • Nor by his threats or pray’rs persuaded be
  • To cease, until again you from me hear.
  • 325And Vulcan then made ready a huge flame.
  • And first the dead he burn’d upon the plain;
  • Then to the water with his fire he came
  • To send it to the channel back again.
  • As when a field new moist’ned is with rain
  • 330In summer-time, ’tis quickly dried again
  • By Boreas; so soon dried was the plain,
  • And burn’d the bodies were of the dead men.
  • And to the river then his flame he turn’d,
  • Where th’ elms and willows, tamarisks, and lote,
  • 335Sedges, and many other plants he burn’d,
  • That in or by the river grew about.
  • And eels and fishes in the water hot
  • Tumbled and turn’d their bellies up with heat;
  • Into such pain by Vulcan they were put;
  • 340And Xanthus fainting cover’d was with sweat,
  • And then to Vulcan spake. Vulcan, said he,
  • No God is able to resist your might.
  • What are the Trojans or the Greeks to me?
  • Give over. I’ll no longer with you fight.
  • 345Thus spake Scamander, boiling all the while.
  • As when upon a fire of well-dried wood
  • The grease of a fat swine is made to boil;
  • So boiled he, and went not on, but stood,
  • Making to Juno his complaint, and said,
  • 350Why does your son on me more fiercely fly,
  • Than on the rest that do the Trojans aid,
  • And to be blamed more deserve than I?
  • Let him give over, and I’ll do so too;
  • And swear besides, if you my oath require,
  • 355That I will nothing for the Trojans do,
  • Although the Greeks should set the town on fire.
  • This Xanthus said; and Juno hearing it,
  • To Vulcan with a loud voice spake again:
  • Vulcan, now hold your hand. It is not fit
  • 360T’ offend a God too much, to pleasure men.
  • And Vulcan hearing her his fire puts out;
  • And Xanthus back into his channel went.
  • Thus were they parted, and no longer fought,
  • And Juno, though in choler, was content.
  • 365And then the Gods amongst themselves fell out,
  • And one against another stood in duel,
  • And heav’n and earth resounded as they fought,
  • Giving each other many wounds and cruel.
  • And up unto Olympus rose the cry,
  • 370Where Jove sat on his throne in majesty,
  • And casting on the fields of Troy his eye,
  • Laughed to see them fight that could not die.
  • Mars first began, and to Athena said,
  • You, impudent, that to engage in fight
  • 375The Gods amongst themselves are not afraid,
  • To satisfy your pride and endless spite,
  • Remember how you on me set Tydide
  • To throw his spear at me, and openly
  • Unto my body you the same did guide
  • 380With your own wicked hand, and wounded me,
  • I’ll pay you now. Which was no sooner spoken,
  • But Mars his spear was at Athena’s shield,
  • Which not Jove’s thunderbolt could e’er have broken.
  • Then took she up a stone that lay i’ th’ field,
  • 385Great, knobby, black, that had been heretofore
  • Set there, of some man’s land to show the bound,
  • And with the same she struck Mars o’er and o’er.
  • There lay he, and seven acres hid of ground.
  • And over him insulting, then said she,
  • 390Lie there, and know I can you overcome;
  • And that your mother glad of this will be
  • For fighting ’gainst the Greeks for Ilium.
  • This said, she from him turn’d. Then to him went
  • Venus, and led him groaning from the place.
  • 395Pallas, said Juno, see that impudent
  • That leads him out, and do her some disgrace.
  • Then Pallas to her went, and with her hand
  • Hit her o’ th’ breast; then both fell on the plain,
  • For Mars without her could no longer stand.
  • 400Then Pallas over them insults again:
  • So may, said she, lie all that stand for Troy
  • As these do here. Had it not been for them,
  • The war had ended been; we come away,
  • And Troy destroyed, with all Priam’s stem.
  • 405This Pallas said, and Juno smil’d; and to
  • Apollo Neptune straightway nearer came.
  • Why fight we not, said he, since others do?
  • If we stand still, we cannot without shame
  • Return to Jove, where scorned we shall be.
  • 410Have you forgot how to Laomedon,
  • To work for him, Jove once sent you and me,
  • And how our wages was agreed upon,
  • How I built houses for the Trojans all,
  • As he direction gave me standing by,
  • 415Besides, how hard I labour’d at the wall,
  • How fair I made it, and how strong and high,
  • And how he sent you, Phœbus, to attend
  • His herds of kine upon mount Ida side,
  • And when our work and th’ year was at an end,
  • 420How proudly he our wages us denied,
  • And threat’ned you to bind you hand and foot,
  • And sell you in some island for a slave,
  • And cut off both your and my ears to boot,
  • And forc’d we were by flight ourselves to save?
  • 425Yet for his people you have ever fought,
  • Though by you they deserve to be destroy’d,
  • And will not join with us to root them out.
  • To Neptune Phœbus then replied, and said,
  • O Neptune, you would think me mad, if I
  • 430Should fight with you for such a thing as man.
  • They are but leaves, now fresh, to-morrow die;
  • And when he this had said, away he ran,
  • For with his uncle loath he was to fight.
  • His sister then, Diana, to him came,
  • 435That angry was to see him put to flight;
  • Apollo, said she, is it not a shame
  • Thus easily to give the victory
  • To Neptune? Wherefore carry you a bow
  • And arrows, and to nothing them apply?
  • 440D’ye carry them, like children, for a show?
  • Let me not hear you boasting any more
  • That you to fight with Neptune did not fear,
  • As in my father’s house you did before.
  • Thus she; but Phœbus did not answer her.
  • 445Then Juno, angry, to Diana came;
  • Bold face, said she, how dare you with me fight,
  • That stronger than you are a great deal am?
  • D’ye think that in your bow there is such might?
  • I know to women you a lion are,
  • 450And Jove permits you which you will to kill;
  • But me to overcome ’tis harder far
  • Than t’ hunt a stag or boar upon a hill;
  • But since you have a mind to understand
  • What I can do, I’ll let you see it now.
  • 455Then both her wrists she seiz’d with her left hand,
  • With th’ other from her shoulders took her bow,
  • And beats her with the same about the ears,
  • And laugh’d to see her wriggling strive to fly.
  • At last she freed herself, and shedding tears
  • 460She fled (leaving her bow and shafts to lie
  • Upon the ground, dispersed here and there)
  • Then forth came Hermes and Latona bright,
  • And when they were to one another near,
  • Leto, said he, I will not with you fight,
  • 465That are Jove’s mistress. Boast amongst the Gods
  • That you have got the victory in fight,
  • And by no other means but the great odds
  • You have in strength; and I will not deny’t.
  • This said, Latona gather’d up the bow
  • 470And arrows of her daughter Artemis.
  • To Jove went Artemis, to let him know
  • How ill she had been us’d: and at his knees
  • She weeping sate. And Jove then made her rise,
  • And to her said, Dear child, what God was that,
  • 475That was so rash as t’ use you in this wise,
  • As one that openly had done a fault?
  • ’Twas Juno, then said Artemis, your wife;
  • And she it was that was of all the first
  • To set the Gods amongst themselves at strife.
  • 480Thus Jove and she between themselves discours’d.
  • Then Phœbus went into the town of Troy;
  • For still he had a care to guard the wall,
  • For fear the Greeks the city should destroy.
  • But to Olympus th’ other Gods went all,
  • 485One part triumphing, th’ other discontent,
  • And sate down by their father Jupiter.
  • Meanwhile Achilles fiercely forward went,
  • Killing of men and horses with his spear.
  • As in a town on fire the people all
  • 490Are busy, and the most of them undone,
  • So did it with the Trojans then befal;
  • Some slain were by Achilles, and some run.
  • Now Priam standing was upon a tower,
  • And saw the Trojans by Achilles chas’d,
  • 495And that to turn again they had no power,
  • And down unto the gates he came in haste,
  • And to the porters order gave, and said,
  • Open the gates and let the people in,
  • That from Achilles hither fly dismay’d,
  • 500And shut them when you see they are within;
  • For if that cruel man should with them get
  • Within the wall, ’twould be a dismal day.
  • The porters then the gates wide open set.
  • Then to the gates the Trojans took their way,
  • 505Pursued by Achilles as they fled,
  • And sure he taken had the town of Troy,
  • But that Apollo then encouraged
  • Agenor to oppose him by the way;
  • And lest he should be by Achilles slain,
  • 510He at the beech tree near him took his stand,
  • When need should be to bring him off again
  • Unwounded from Achilles’ heavy hand.
  • But when Agenor saw Achilles nigh,
  • He troubled was, and to himself thus spake:
  • 515What shall I do? If from him I should fly
  • To Ilium, the way that others take,
  • He’ll overtake me, and cut off my head,
  • For swifter much he is of foot than I.
  • What if I let him on the Trojans tread,
  • 520And I some other way to Ida fly,
  • And hide myself i’ th’ bushes there till night?
  • But why do I discourse thus foolishly?
  • I cannot pass the plain but in his sight,
  • And then I lost am without remedy.
  • 525But if I stay and fight with him, what then?
  • His body is not made of steel nor brass,
  • But mortal is, they say, like other men,
  • And like to other men but one life has;
  • His glorious acts are Jupiter’s not his.
  • 530This said, he for Achilles’ coming staid,
  • As when i’ th’ woods a panther roused is;
  • At hearing of the hounds he’s not afraid,
  • But to the hunter goes for all his spear,
  • And though pierc’d through therewith, will to him fly
  • 535Upon the spear itself; that being near
  • He either may revenged be or die;
  • So resolutely then Antenor’s son
  • Agenor, for Achilles waiting, staid,
  • And at him aim’d his spear as he came on,
  • 540And lifting up his voice, unto him said:
  • Achilles, Oh, you think this day to win
  • The town of Troy. There’s yet much work to do,
  • For many mighty men there are therein,
  • And many dangers to be waded through.
  • 545They of their wives and parents will take care,
  • And little babes; but you shall perish here,
  • As terrible and mighty as you are.
  • And as he spake, he at him threw his spear,
  • Which on his leg below the knee did light,
  • 550And with the stroke resounded then the tin;
  • But the celestial arms were of such might,
  • That it rebounded back, and went not in.
  • And when Achilles was to throw at him,
  • Away Apollo snatch’d him from his sight,
  • 555Concealed in a mist obscure and dim,
  • And carried him in safety from the fight.
  • And that the flying Trojans might escape
  • Achilles’ hand, and save themselves in Troy,
  • He took upon himself Agenor’s shape,
  • 560And put himself into Achilles’ way.
  • Achilles then pursues, and Phœbus flies
  • Along Scamander’s bank upon the plain,
  • And kept before him still, but in such wise,
  • As t’ overtake him he might hope in vain.
  • 565Achilles thus by Phœbus was deceived,
  • Till from the town he far was led away.
  • Meanwhile the flying Trojans were received,
  • And thronging got within the gates of Troy:
  • For none of them without the gate durst stay,
  • 570To ask who had escaped, and who not;
  • So glad they were of getting into Troy,
  • That how all others sped they never thought.

  LIB. XXII.

  • The death of Hector, and lamentation in Troy.

  • Thus were the Trojans driven into Troy
  • Like deer, and up unto the wall they went,
  • And from their bodies rubb’d the sweat away,
  • And with good wine renew’d their spirits spent,
  • 5And to the wall advancing was the foe.
  • But Hector, hamper’d by his cruel fate,
  • Into the town of Troy refus’d to go,
  • And staid without, before the Scæan gate.
  • Then to Achilles Phœbus spake, and said,
  • 10Why do you thus pursue me, Peleus’ son,
  • That am a God? which but by passion sway’d
  • You might have known; but rashly you run on,
  • And only look how you may slaughter men.
  • For else, why could you not contented be,
  • 15When you had pent the Trojans up; but then
  • Must leave your way so far to follow me,
  • And cannot kill me; for I cannot die?
  • At this Achilles vex’d was at the heart;
  • And to Apollo answer’d angrily;
  • 20Apollo, thou the most pernicious art
  • Of all the Gods, that hast me thus misled.
  • For had I unto Ilium kept my way,
  • I strewed had the field with Trojans dead
  • Before they could have enter’d into Troy.
  • 25But by your fraud that honour I have lost,
  • Because the strength of men you need not fear.
  • But I would make you pay for’t to your cost,
  • If to revenge myself I able were.
  • This said, to Troy he went a mighty pace,
  • 30And mighty things conceived in his mind,
  • And stretch’d his legs and knees, as in a race
  • Good horses do, to leave the rest behind.
  • Old Priam first upon him set his eyes;
  • For brightly from afar his armour shin’d
  • 35Like the fair star that does in autumn rise,
  • But agues brings, and is to men unkind,
  • And called is Orion’s dog. So bright
  • Achilles in his armour did appear,
  • And put the old man Priam in affright,
  • 40And made him groan, and roar, and tear his hair.
  • To Hector then he cried aloud and said,
  • Hector, come in; come in, my dearest son;
  • For mightily I for you am afraid;
  • Fight not against that cruel man alone.
  • 45Achilles stronger is than you by odds;
  • Lose not your life to give him victory.
  • Oh that he were beloved by the Gods
  • No better than he is belov’d by me!
  • He eaten had ere now been on the plain
  • 50By dogs and fowl, and I been comforted
  • A little for my sons whom he hath slain,
  • Or in the islands far hence trafficked.
  • Lycaon now I miss, and Polydore;
  • They came not into Troy with them that fled.
  • 55Their mother brought me with her wealth good store
  • To pay their ransom if they be not dead.
  • If they be slain, ’tis then remediless.
  • Their parents and the people all will grieve;
  • But yet their sorrow will be much the less
  • 60If Hector still preserved be and live.
  • Come, therefore, quickly in, dear child, and save
  • The Trojans and their wives, yourself and wife;
  • And do not let Achilles th’ honour have
  • Alone to have deprived you of life.
  • 65Besides, you should some pity take of me,
  • That now upon the very brink of age
  • The cruel slaughter of my sons must see,
  • And daughters dragg’d and hurried by the rage
  • Of the Achæans into slavery,
  • 70And chambers torn by the insulting foe,
  • And babes dash’d ’gainst the ground expiring lie,
  • Whilst into servitude their mothers go.
  • And after all this, slain must I be too;
  • My dogs will eat me raw, and lap my blood,
  • 75And pleased be (not knowing what they do),
  • That at my table daily take their food.
  • When young men slain are by the chance of war,
  • There nothing is whereof to be ashamed;
  • But when by dogs abus’d and eaten are
  • 80White heads and beards, and parts not to be named,
  • There’s nothing to a man more miserable.
  • Thus said old Priam, tugging his grey hairs,
  • But to prevail with Hector was not able.
  • And to him then his mother spake with tears,
  • 85And from her bosom layed out a teat,
  • Hector, if this e’er pleased you, said she,
  • Dear son, I pray you into Troy retreat,
  • And have compassion on my misery.
  • Come in; between you let there be a wall;
  • 90For if you should be slain, your wife and I
  • Shall not lament you at your funeral,
  • But at the ships a prey for dogs you’ll lie.
  • Thus weeping, he and she to Hector pray’d,
  • And nothing to them answer’d he again,
  • 95But obstinately for Achilles staid.
  • And as a snake roll’d up before his den,
  • With venom fed, when coming towards him
  • He sees a man, and stirred is his gall,
  • Looks cruelly; so Hector, looking grim,
  • 100Staid with his shield set up against the wall;
  • And grieving, to himself he spake, and said:
  • If I should now into the city go,
  • Polydamas the first would me upbraid,
  • That yesternight advis’d me to do so,
  • 105Then when Achilles in the field was seen.
  • But his good counsel I refused then,
  • Which to have follow’d had much better been;
  • Lost by my folly are so many men.
  • And now I fear the Trojans and their wives
  • 110Will censure me, and some man worse than I
  • Say I have cast away the people’s lives,
  • Presuming on my strength so foolishly.
  • So they will say; and therefore better ’tis
  • To venture on Achilles, though I die,
  • 115A better way I cannot take than this;
  • For should I lay my shield and helmet by,
  • And leave my spear set up against the wall,
  • And to Achilles thus disarmed come,
  • And offer Helen to restore with all
  • 120The wealth she with her brought to Ilium;
  • And to the Greeks give half the goods of Troy,
  • And take an oath that we will nothing hide,
  • Nor anything out of their sight convey,
  • But bring it forth and faithfully divide.
  • 125But whither to no purpose runs my mind?
  • I will not do’t, for it were but in vain.
  • I ne’er the sooner should his favour find,
  • But by him so much eas’lier be slain.
  • I cannot with him talk from hill nor tree,
  • 130As boys and wenches do; he is too nigh,
  • And therefore here I’ll stay for him, and see
  • Whether my fate it be or his to die.
  • Whilst yet he spake, Achilles near him was,
  • As terrible as Mars, and shook his spear;
  • 135As flaming fire relucent was the brass,
  • Or as the sun at morning doth appear.
  • Then Hector durst no longer stay, but fled:
  • Fear nimbly made his feet and knees to move;
  • Achilles no less swiftly followed.
  • 140As when a hawk is flying at a dove,
  • The dove flies out aside, herself to save;
  • But by the hawk again is followed,
  • That gives not over till the prey he have;
  • Achilles so pursu’d and Hector fled,
  • 145Keeping the cart-way still under Troy wall;
  • And to the watch-tow’r came and sicamore,
  • And the two springs that into Xanthus fall,
  • Whereof the one is always cover’d o’er
  • With smoke, as if upon a fire it were,
  • 150And with hot water all the year doth flow.
  • The water of the other all the year
  • As cold is as the hail, or ice, or snow,
  • And two fine washing-places built were there,
  • To which the Trojan women used to come,
  • 155And wash their garments when they sullied were,
  • Before the Argives came to Ilium.
  • This way they ran, and swiftly mov’d their thighs;
  • For ’twas not for a piece of flesh or hide,
  • Which of foot-races is the usual prize,
  • 160But for the life of Hector that they vied.
  • As when race-horses run for some great prize,
  • That used to it are, most swiftly run;
  • So Hector and Achilles now ran thrice
  • About Troy wall, the Gods all looking on.
  • 165Then, speaking to the Gods, Behold, said Jove,
  • I Hector see in danger to be slain,
  • A good and pious man, and whom I love,
  • And for him now my heart is in great pain;
  • For he hath made me many a sacrifice,
  • 170Both in my house on Ida and in Troy,
  • And now before the swift Achilles flies.
  • Say, shall he die, or be convey’d away?
  • Father, said Pallas then, what’s this you say?
  • He’s mortal, and by Fate condemned is,
  • 175And will you now the execution stay?
  • You may; but th’ other Gods will take’t amiss.
  • And Jove to Pallas then again replied:
  • Sweet child, it was not seriously meant,
  • But only said. You shall not be denied;
  • 180Do what you please yourself, I am content.
  • This said, Athena, glad, leapt down to Troy.
  • Achilles Hector still pursued; and as
  • A hound in view pursueth all the way
  • A frighted hare, so coursed Hector was;
  • 185Nor suffer’d was to double or to squat.
  • For when he to the gate ran for defence,
  • Between the gate and him Achilles gat,
  • So that he could not stay for help from thence.
  • Achilles never would the wall forsake;
  • 190But Hector still upon the cart-way fled.
  • As men can neither fly nor overtake
  • When in a dream they think it in their bed;
  • So Hector from Achilles could not fly,
  • Nor could Achilles Hector overtake;
  • 195For Phœbus Hector did with strength supply,
  • But of him then no further care did take.
  • Achilles by a sign all else forbad
  • To throw a spear, for fear the greatest glory
  • Some other of the Argives should have had,
  • 200And he come after but as accessory.
  • When to the spring the fourth time they were nigh,
  • Jove took his golden balance up, and laid
  • In one o’ th’ scales Achilles’ destiny,
  • And Hector’s in the other, and them weigh’d.
  • 205Hector’s was heaviest, and down fell the same
  • As low as hell, so much it overweigh’d.
  • Then Phœbus parted. And t’ Achilles came
  • Athena nigh, and speaking to him, said,
  • Achilles, now, I think, we shall not miss
  • 210Of killing Hector, but with honour go
  • To th’ ships, as greedy as of fight he is;
  • For sure I am he cannot ’scape us now,
  • Phœbus in vain to Jove shall for him pray.
  • But stay you here and breathe awhile; for I
  • 215Will to him go, and make him for you stay,
  • And so encourage him he shall not fly.
  • This said, Achilles, leaning on his spear,
  • Staid where he was. To Hector Pallas came.
  • So like Deiphobus she did appear
  • 220In shape and voice, he took her for the same.
  • And when she with him was, she to him said,
  • Brother, you still are by Achilles cours’d
  • About the wall of Troy. Be not afraid;
  • I’ll by you stand, and let him do his worst.
  • 225Deiphobus, said Hector, who before
  • Was dearest to me of my brothers all,
  • I bound am now to honour you much more,
  • That t’ aid me durst appear without the wall,
  • When all the rest remain within for fear.
  • 230Pallas to Hector then replied, and said,
  • Brother, my father and my mother dear,
  • And friends with their entreaties had me staid,
  • So dreadful is Achilles to them all,
  • But I would not. But come, let’s go and try
  • 235Whether it be our fate by him to fall,
  • Or his by Hector’s hand and spear to die.
  • This said, she went before him with her spear,
  • Lest he, some fraud mistrusting, should have staid.
  • And when they were unto Achilles near,
  • 240Hector spake first, and to Achilles said:
  • Pelides, though before you I have fled
  • Now thrice about the wall, and durst not stay,
  • Yet now to stand I am determined,
  • And fight till either I be slain or slay.
  • 245But come, let’s first the Gods to witness call,
  • Of what shall be agreed ’twixt you and me.
  • If by my hand it be your chance to fall,
  • Your body dead shall not abused be.
  • I’ll take your arms and send them into Troy;
  • 250Your body dead the Greeks shall have again
  • Entire, and not disgraced any way;
  • Do you the like to me if I be slain.
  • Achilles, sourly looking, said again,
  • Talk not of oaths and covenants to me,
  • 255That nothing worth ’twixt lions are and men,
  • And wolves with lambs on nothing can agree;
  • And you and I shall one another hate,
  • Nor oaths and pacts between us will stand good,
  • Till we blood-thirsty Mars shall satiate
  • 260Either with Hector’s or Achilles’ blood.
  • It now behoves you all your pow’r to show,
  • And be an able man of war indeed.
  • You cannot, as you did, run from me now,
  • Although, I think, you never had more need;
  • 265For by Athena slain you shall be here,
  • And for the slaughter of the Greeks be paid.
  • This said, he at him threw his heavy spear,
  • But Hector, stooping, did the same avoid,
  • And o’er his head the spear then harmless flew.
  • 270But Pallas quickly snatch’d it from the sand
  • Invisibly, which Hector never knew,
  • And put the same into Achilles’ hand.
  • Then Hector to Achilles spake, and said,
  • Achilles, you have miss’d. My fate unknown
  • 275Is to you yet; and me to make afraid,
  • You have devised fables of your own;
  • Upon my back your spear shall never fall.
  • If by it to be slain my fate it be,
  • It shall be on my breast, or not at all.
  • 280But how my spear will speed now let me see;
  • Oh, that it would into your body go!
  • The Trojans would the war much better bear,
  • Since from your hands proceeds the greatest woe.
  • And as he spake away he sent his spear,
  • 285And on Achilles’ shield it lighted just,
  • But enter’d not; and other he had none.
  • Upon Deiphobus lay all his trust;
  • But when he call’d Deiphobus was gone,
  • And Hector then perceiv’d his death was near;
  • 290And oh, said he, the Gods now for me call.
  • Deiphobus, I thought, stood by me here,
  • But Pallas ’twas; he’s still within the wall.
  • I shall not ’scape. I see, Jove heretofore,
  • And Phœbus too, did mean it should be so;
  • 295They sav’d me oft, but will do so no more.
  • But let me somewhat do before I go,
  • That men may speak of me in time to come,
  • And not ignoble die: and at that word
  • He roused up his fainting heart, and from
  • 300His side he drew his great and heavy sword.
  • As when an eagle stoopeth to the plain,
  • From a dark cloud, a tender lamb t’ invade,
  • Or fearful hare; so Hector went amain
  • T’ Achilles, brandishing his shining blade.
  • 305Achilles, angry, on the other side
  • Came on, and cruel thoughts had in his mind,
  • And up he kept his shield his breast to hide,
  • And on his head like fire his helmet shin’d;
  • And as he went, at ev’ry step he trod,
  • 310His plume, by Vulcan made of golden hair,
  • And to his crest applied, gave a nod,
  • And o’er his shoulders terribly did flare.
  • As Hesperus at midnight does appear,
  • The brightest star that shineth in the sky;
  • 315So gloriously the point shone of his spear.
  • Thus terribly to Hector he drew nigh,
  • And view’d his arms to see which way his spear
  • Might with most ease into his body pass.
  • But ev’rywhere entire and close they were,
  • 320Save at the neck a little gap there was.
  • At that he aim’d, and with great force he smote
  • Him with his mighty spear clean through the neck;
  • And yet the spear his wind-pipe wounded not.
  • Then down he fell, but able was to speak.
  • 325Achilles, over him insulting, said,
  • Hector, you thought, when you Patroclus kill’d,
  • You safe were, and of me were not afraid,
  • Because you knew I was not in the field;
  • And like a fool ne’er thought of what a friend
  • 330To take revenge he left had at the fleet;
  • Who now has brought you to an evil end
  • For dogs to eat, while he has burial meet.
  • Then Hector feebly to him said again,
  • Let not by dogs my body eaten be,
  • 235But be contented that you have me slain;
  • My friends at any price will ransom me.
  • Take brass and gold, as much as you require;
  • And to my father send my body home,
  • To be consumed in the fun’ral fire,
  • 340By th’ Trojans and their wives in Ilium.
  • Thus Hector said. Achilles answer’d to’t:
  • Hector, you dog, speak not of price to me;
  • If I myself could eat thee I would do’t;
  • But by the dogs I’m sure you’ll eaten be.
  • 345If they would give me twenty times as much,
  • Or buy thy body, weight for weight, with gold,
  • And promise as much more, your deeds are such,
  • Your body shall not at that price be sold.
  • Nor shall your mother lay you on a bed,
  • 350And over you lamenting stand and howl;
  • But in the open field you shall lie dead,
  • Until devour’d you be by dogs and fowl.
  • Hector replied (though ready now to die),
  • I knew you had a heart as hard as steel;
  • 355But thus much to you I will prophecy:
  • The vengeance of the Gods you’ll for it feel,
  • When one day Paris and Apollo shall,
  • As terrible and strong as you are now,
  • Make you before the Scæan gate to fall.
  • 360This said, he died; and to the shades below,
  • Leaving his limbs, his soul, bewailing, flew.
  • And yet Achilles did again reply,
  • And briefly to him answer’d, Now die you;
  • And when the Gods call for me, so will I.
  • 365This said, he from the body pluck’d the spear,
  • And laid it by him down upon the place,
  • And took his armour off. Then others near
  • Stood, gazing at his stature and his grace,
  • And wond’ring at him, t’ one another said:
  • 370We safely now to Hector may go nigher;
  • His raging fit is very much allay’d
  • Since when unto the ships he came with fire.
  • Then spake Achilles to the Greeks and said,
  • My friends, that in the army have command,
  • 375Since by the Gods this great man is destroy’d,
  • And lies before you killed by my hand,
  • Who did the Argive people more annoy
  • Than all the other Trojans put together,
  • Let’s armed as we are go up to Troy,
  • 380And see on what they are resolved, whether
  • They’ll quit the city, seeing Hector’s dead,
  • Or still defend the same without him will.
  • But why should this come now into my head
  • When unbewail’d Patroclus lieth still?
  • 385For my Patroclus I must not forget
  • As long as I am living and can go.
  • And when I come to th’ house of Hades, yet
  • I still shall think upon him there below.
  • But back unto the ships we now will go.
  • 390And let the youth of Argos pæans sing,
  • Whilst thither we in triumph bring the foe
  • With whose great praise the town of Troy did ring.
  • This said, he full of spite on Hector flies,
  • And slits his legs from th’ ankles to the heels,
  • 395And with a rope them to his char’ot ties.
  • Then drives away; and rais’d is by the wheels
  • A cloud of dust; and in it all the while,
  • Along the ground dragg’d was his comely head,
  • Once glorious, now by the Greeks made vile,
  • 400Since to them Jove had him delivered.
  • Which, when his mother from the wall beheld,
  • Enrag’d, she from her head pluck’d off her hood,
  • And threw it from her, tore her hair, and squeal’d.
  • And Priam lamentably sighing stood.
  • 405About him were the Trojans shedding tears,
  • Sighing, and sobbing, and in such affray,
  • As if all Troy had flam’d about their ears.
  • And much ado they Priam had to stay.
  • For down he lay, and spake to ev’ry one,
  • 410Forbear, said he; I will go to this man
  • As fierce and cruel as he is, alone,
  • And move him to compassion, if I can;
  • And what respect he hath to age I’ll see.
  • For Pelius is old as well as I,
  • 415That got that mischief both to Troy and me,
  • To th’ Trojans all, but me especially.
  • For he hath kill’d me many a goodly son,
  • Which all together make me not so smart,
  • Nor wounds so deep as Hector’s death hath done,
  • 420Which is alone enough to break my heart.
  • Oh blessed Gods, that it had been your will
  • He in his mother’s hands and mine had died,
  • That over him we might have wept our fill!
  • This said, the Trojans wept again and sigh’d.
  • 425Then Hecuba amongst the wives of Troy
  • Began her plaint. Hector, my son, said she,
  • O my dear son, my glory and my joy,
  • Why should I ’mongst the living longer be,
  • Since you are dead and gone, that night and day
  • 430The Trojans, men and women, did defend,
  • And as a God was honoured in Troy,
  • And now are come to an untimely end?
  • Thus wail’d his mother. But Andromache
  • Knew not how Hector sped without the gate;
  • 435For at a shining figur’d garment she
  • Within an inner chamber weaving sate,
  • And given had her maids command to set
  • A trivet on the fire, that Hector might,
  • When he came in, wash off his blood and sweat,
  • 440Contracted by great labour in the fight,
  • Not dreaming of her husband’s death. But when
  • She heard the lamentation at the wall,
  • And outcries both of women and of men,
  • She trembling stood, and let her shuttle fall.
  • 445And then unto her maids she call’d, and said,
  • Come hither two of you, and with me go;
  • I hear my mother cry, and am afraid
  • To Priam’s sons there happen’d is some woe.
  • I’ll to the tow’r go up myself, and see
  • 450What ’tis. My heart is at my mouth. I fear
  • Lest by Achilles Hector chased be
  • Alone, and will be killed by his spear.
  • Oh, how I tremble! he can never stay,
  • But out before the rest will always run,
  • 455And never unto any man give way,
  • As if his strength could matched be by none.
  • This said, out went she like a woman mad,
  • And panting, up into the tow’r she hied,
  • Where she no sooner look’d about her had,
  • 460But saw her husband to a char’ot tied,
  • And by Achilles dragg’d away, and dead.
  • And presently she fell into a swoon,
  • And all the comely dressings of her head,
  • Veil, kerchiefs, ribbons, knots, to th’ground came down,
  • 465And coronet unto her given by
  • Venus, when she with Hector married.
  • Her sister-laws, that stood about her nigh,
  • Then took her up, with sorrow almost dead;
  • And when again her spirits to her came,
  • 470She wept, and spake, and stopp’d, and spake again:
  • Hector, of women I most wretched am,
  • And you the most unfortunate of men;
  • Both born to one and the same evil fate,
  • You here in Ilium, king Priam’s son,
  • 475And I in Thebe child unfortunate
  • Of the unfortunate Eëtion.
  • And you now to the shades below are gone,
  • And me a woful widow here have left,
  • And with me my sweet babe your tender son,
  • 480And cannot, since you are of life bereft,
  • Do to him any good, nor he to you.
  • And though he should escape the Argives now,
  • Yet poverty and woe will him pursue,
  • And other men his goodly fields will plough.
  • 485A child that is an orphan has no friend;
  • And, though with tears, must stoop to whatsoe’er
  • To the supplying of his need shall tend,
  • When he his want of food no more can bear.
  • So to your friends my child shall go, and take
  • 490One by the cloak, another by the coat,
  • That give him may some wine for pity’s sake,
  • Enough to cool his lips, but not his throat.
  • Or else some son of them that sit at meat
  • May rate, or give him a good box o’th’ ear,
  • 495And bid him quickly out o’ th’ hall to get,
  • And tell him that his father dines not there.
  • Then weeping comes Astyanax to me,
  • That us’d was by his father to be fed
  • With mutton fat and marrow on his knee,
  • 500And with his nurse repose on a soft bed.
  • But since his father now is dead and gone,
  • Astyanax (whom so the Trojans call
  • Because defended were by you alone,
  • When you were here, the Trojan gates and wall),
  • 505Intolerable grief is like to find,
  • Since at the ships you dead and naked lie
  • For worms to feed on when the dogs have din’d,
  • While all your precious garments here have I
  • Of woman’s work, and burn them will, since you
  • 510Now never in them likely are to lie,
  • ’Tis to the wives of Troy an honour due.
  • This weeping spoken made the women sigh.

  LIB. XXIII.

  • Thus wail’d the Trojans then in Ilium.
  • To Hellespont th’ Achæans straight went down;
  • And when they to their hollow ships were come,
  • Dispers’d themselves each man unto his own,

  • The funeral games for Patroclus.

  • 5Achilles only staid his Myrmidons
  • Upon the place; and thus unto them spake.
  • You Myrmidons, my stout companions,
  • You must not from your cars your horses take,
  • With horses and with cars we first must go,
  • 10And for Patroclus weep about his bier.
  • And when we have by weeping eas’d our woe,
  • Untie your horses and we’ll all sup here.
  • This said, they wail’d. Achilles first began;
  • And thrice about Patroclus’ bier they drave.
  • 15And Thetis, fallen was so great a man,
  • Amongst them stood, and tears unto them gave,
  • Which down their armour fell into the sand.
  • Achilles bade him then with tears, farewell.
  • And laying on Patroclus’ breast his hand,
  • 20Rejoice, said he, Patroclus, though in hell;
  • For now I to you shall my word make good,
  • Since hither I have Hector dragged dead
  • For dogs to eat. And to revenge your blood,
  • Twelve Trojans I will at your pile behead.
  • 25This said, he Hector laid upon his face
  • I’ th’ dust before the bier disgracefully.
  • The Myrmidons meanwhile their arms unlace,
  • And th’ horses from the chariots untie.
  • And then down by Achilles’ ship they sat,
  • 30Who gave unto them all a fun’ral feast,
  • And for them slew both goats and muttons fat,
  • And swine good store, and many a well-fed beast.
  • But to Achilles then came in the lords,
  • To wait upon him t’ Agamemnon’s tent,
  • 35That he might try with comfortable words
  • If he could mitigate his discontent.
  • When they were there Atrides first commands
  • His ministers to bring in water hot,
  • To wash the gore from off his face and hands.
  • 40Achilles peremptorily said, Not,
  • And swearing, unto Agamemnon said,
  • By Jove, that is of all the Gods most high,
  • Till I Patroclus in the fire have laid,
  • And rais’d him have a tomb wherein to lie,
  • 45And with him burn’d these locks of mine, nor hand,
  • Nor face shall washed be by me. But now
  • Let’s sup. I’ th’ morning I will give command
  • That for his pile we may have wood enough,
  • That speedily the body we may burn.
  • 50And when out of our sight we have it laid,
  • The people to their business may return.
  • Thus he advised, and it was obey’d.
  • The people then in haste to supper went,
  • And had good cheer, and heartily they fed.
  • 55And when their hunger and their thirst was spent,
  • Into their tents went every man to bed.
  • Down went Achilles to the water’s side
  • Attended on by many Myrmidons,
  • And in a place clean washed by the tide
  • 60He laid him down to sleep upon the stones.
  • Nor was it long ere sleep upon him crept.
  • For labour’d very hard he had that day.
  • For Hector him in exercise had kept
  • Running before him round the wall of Troy.
  • 65And then the spirit of Patroclus dead,
  • Like him in stature, garments, voice, and eyes,
  • Appeared to him standing at his head,
  • And speaking said unto him in this wise.
  • You sleep, Achilles, and have me forgot,
  • 70Though when I was alive you lov’d me well.
  • Pray bury me, these spirits here will not
  • Let me come in within the gates of hell,
  • Nor let me mix with those beyond the river,
  • But make me wander ’bout the house of Dis.
  • 75Give me your hand upon’t, for I shall never
  • Return, when once my body burned is.
  • We shall no more together counsel take,
  • Since by my fate I taken am away,
  • And you yourself, divine Achilles, make
  • 80Account to die before the walls of Troy.
  • And then the favour let me have, I pray,
  • That when my flesh consum’d is in the flame,
  • My bones with yours you will be pleas’d to lay,
  • And let the urn that holds them be the same;
  • 85That golden urn which Thetis gave to you.
  • We long with one another lived have.
  • For when Amphidamus his son I slew,
  • Unto your house I fled my life to save,
  • From Opus, being little past a boy,
  • 90And childishly the quarrel took at chess;
  • And never meant him ill before that day,
  • And sorry was I for my foolishness.
  • Your father to his house then took me in,
  • Made me your man, and lov’d and cherish’d me,
  • 95And since so long we have together been,
  • Why should not now our bones together be?
  • Achilles to the shadow then replied,
  • Sweet friend, what need had you to come from hell
  • To tell me this? I for you do provide,
  • 100That all you say may be performed well.
  • Come nearer to me, that embrace we may
  • A little while, and one another moan.
  • This said, his arms he spreads; and then away
  • Patroclus sunk and left him there alone.
  • 105At this amazed, up Achilles starts.
  • Oh, oh, said he, I see ’tis certain then,
  • In hell there souls are, though they have no hearts,
  • But idols only are, and forms of men.
  • For by me standing was the soul all night
  • 110Of my Patroclus to me dictating,
  • And wonderfully like him ’twas t’ the sight;
  • And what he wanted told me ev’ry thing.
  • This said, again about the body dead
  • Achilles and the Myrmidons lament,
  • 115And so continued till the day was spread;
  • But to the wood then Agamemnon sent
  • From ev’ry part of th’ army men to Ide,
  • Whereof some axes carried in their hands,
  • And others ropes. And with them goes for guide
  • 120Meriones, and, as their chief, commands.
  • O’er hills and dales then to the woods they went,
  • Driving their mules before them all the way;
  • And lusty oaks unto the ground they sent,
  • And cleft them into pieces as they lay.
  • 125And those unto the mules with ropes they tied,
  • And every one of them took in his hand,
  • Either a heavy bough, or limb beside.
  • For so Meriones had given command.
  • This done, they back descended to the plain
  • 130Fast as they could, through bri’rs and bushes store;
  • And quickly at the ships they were again,
  • And laid their wood in order on the shore.
  • Then to the Myrmidons Achilles spake,
  • You Myrmidons, put on your arms, said he,
  • 135And, horsemen, all your char’ots ready make,
  • And mount into your seats and follow me.
  • When they were ready, foremost went the horse,
  • And by a cloud of foot were followed.
  • I’ th’ midst between them carried was the corse
  • 140With locks of hair thrown on him covered,
  • Which the sad mourners from their heads had shorn.
  • Achilles went himself next to the bier,
  • Who for his friend did principally mourn.
  • When at the place of funeral they were,
  • 145Upon the ground they layed down the bier,
  • And quickly in a pile they heap’d the wood.
  • Then cuts Achilles off his yellow hair,
  • And from the body at a distance stay’d,
  • And towards Greece and Phthia turn’d his eye,
  • 150And speaking to Spercheius’ river said.
  • My father to you made a vow, when I
  • Return’d, this hair should unto you be paid,
  • And to the other Gods a hecatomb,
  • And fifty fat rams at your spring to slay.
  • 155Thus vowed he. But I shall ne’er come home,
  • But here must die before the gates of Troy.
  • Since then my father’s wish you not fulfil,
  • Nor I return into my native land,
  • My hair now to Patroclus give I will.
  • 160And at that word he puts it in his hand.
  • At this the Greeks a-weeping fell again,
  • And wept had till the setting of the sun,
  • But that Achilles spake t’ Atrides then,
  • And pray’d him that the people might be gone.
  • 165King Agamemnon, will the Greeks, said he,
  • Be never with lamenting satisfied?
  • ’Tis in your pow’r; let them dispersed be
  • Unto their ships, their suppers to provide,
  • For we will of the fun’ral take a care.
  • 170But let the leaders of the army stay,
  • And such as specially concerned are.
  • This said, Atrides sent the rest away.
  • And then the wood into a pile they laid.
  • A hundred foot it was from side to side;
  • 175And on the top the corpse. Then kill’d and flay’d
  • Both sheep and beeves, and with their fat they hide
  • Patroclus’ body dead from head to foot.
  • And by it laid the cattle flay’d to burn.
  • To the bier Achilles went and laid into ’t
  • 180Of honey one, of oil another urn.
  • And of Patroclus’ horses four he slew;
  • And of nine little dogs he kept, kill’d two.
  • And those into the fun’ral pile he threw;
  • And last of all, twelve Trojans adds thereto.
  • 185This done, again he to Patroclus said,
  • My dear Patroclus, once again, farewell.
  • Twelve lusty Trojans on your pile are laid.
  • I’m faithful to you, though you be in hell,
  • But Hector for the dogs shall be a prey.
  • 190But Venus ’nointed him with oil of rose,
  • And so preserved him both night and day,
  • That not a dog did on him lay his nose.
  • Then Phœbus sent from heav’n a cloud obscure,
  • The place whereon his body lay to hide,
  • 195To th’ end it might the scorching sun endure,
  • And not be shrivell’d up, nor shrunk, nor dried.
  • And then Achilles a new bus’ness finds;
  • He could not set on flame the new-fell’d wood,
  • But forc’d he was to pray to the two Winds,
  • 200Zephyr and Boreas. Then off he stood,
  • And to them offer’d with a cup in’s hand,
  • And to them vowed a good sacrifice,
  • If they from sea would come, and by him stand,
  • And blow the fire until the flame did rise.
  • 205This Iris hearing, went unto the Winds,
  • To tell them how Achilles to them pray’d,
  • And at good cheer in Zephyr’s house them finds,
  • And fain they would her with them there have staid,
  • And made her sit; but she refused that.
  • 210The Gods, said she, feast at a hecatomb
  • In Blackmoor-land, and I must be thereat,
  • And must make haste, or thither cannot come.
  • To Zephyr now and Boreas I came,
  • To tell them that a plenteous sacrifice
  • 215Achilles make them will, if on a flame
  • They’ll set the pile whereon Patroclus lies.
  • This said, she parts. The Winds arise and roar,
  • And toss the clouds before them in the sky,
  • And at their feet tumble the waves ashore,
  • 220And then upon Patroclus’ pile they fly,
  • And fiercely blow. Inflamed was the pile,
  • And whistling at it staid the Winds all night,
  • Achilles standing by it all the while,
  • Invoking solemnly Patroclus’ spright;
  • 225And th’ earth with wine by cupfuls watered.
  • As one that mourneth for his eldest son,
  • That then dies, when he should be married;
  • So did he for Patroclus sigh and groan.
  • When in the sky the day-star did appear
  • 230To shew that after him Aurora came,
  • The pile and bodies dead consumed were
  • To ashes, and extinguish’d was the flame;
  • Away the Winds went o’er the seas of Thrace,
  • And passing, shook the waters of the deep.
  • 235Achilles went a little from the place,
  • And weary, laid him down and fell asleep.
  • And now ’twas day, the soldiers came again.
  • Then with their trampling did Achilles wake,
  • And up he stood and look’d about. And then
  • 240He to Atrides turn’d his eyes and spake:
  • Atrides, let us first with wine, said he,
  • Put out the fire as far as it is spread,
  • That taken up Patroclus’ bones may be
  • (For where they lie ’tis soon discovered;
  • 245Since in the midst we did his body lay,
  • But others, horse and men, at the outside lie)
  • That in a bason of pure gold they may
  • Reserved be until I also die.
  • And though no great tomb here I have design’d,
  • 250Yet may the Greeks that stay when I am gone,
  • When they think good, if they will be so kind,
  • And see cause for it, make a greater one.
  • This said, the fire they first extinguished;
  • Then down unto the ground the ashes came,
  • 255And up Patroclus’ bones they gathered,
  • And in a golden pan they laid the same;
  • And back into the ships they carried that,
  • To be reserved in Achilles’ tent,
  • Wrapp’d up within a double kell of fat.
  • 260And then about the pile to work they went,
  • And where the pile was, that they made their ground,
  • And earth abundance on the same they lay,
  • Till it became a mighty hill and round.
  • When they had done, Achilles made them stay
  • 265And sit o’ th’ ground, to see the games which he
  • Prepared had, the funeral to grace.
  • Then many prizes rich he caus’d to be
  • Brought from his ship and laid upon the place,
  • Brass cauldrons, tripods, and great iron bars,
  • 270Horses and mules, and cattle of great size,
  • And goodly women taken in the wars.
  • First for the horse; he tells each one his prize.
  • To th’ first a woman that could spin and weave,
  • Together with a tripod deep and wide.
  • 275The next a mare of six years should receive,
  • Together with her young mule by her side.
  • A handsome kettle to the third he gave,
  • Which never on the fire had yet been set.
  • Of gold two talents was the fourth to have;
  • 280The fifth a cup and cover was to get.
  • Then to them spake. These prizes here, said he,
  • Lie waiting for the horsemen on the plain,
  • If any horsemen in the host there be,
  • That with their char’ots hope the same to gain,
  • 285Come in. Had any else these games set forth,
  • The greatest of these prizes had been mine;
  • For of my horses you well know the worth,
  • And that they are immortal and divine,
  • Which Neptune gave to Peleus, he to me.
  • 290But I’ll sit out; my horses shall stay here,
  • Hanging their heads as they do heavily,
  • Since they have lost their gentle char’oteer.
  • Let any other of the Argives, who
  • Is of his horses confident, come in,
  • 295And presently prepare himself thereto,
  • And try which of the prizes he can win.
  • This said, the horsemen straight themselves present.
  • Eumelus first, Adrestus’ noble son,
  • That was for horsemanship most eminent.
  • 300Then Diomed with th’ horses which he won
  • From Venus’ son, when by her sav’d he was.
  • Then sitting on his chariot came forth
  • King Agamemnon’s brother Menelaus,
  • And at it horses two were of great worth.
  • 305The one of them, Podargus, was his own,
  • The other, Æthe, very swift she was,
  • A female, and for Agamemnon’s known,
  • To whom, when he to Ilium was to pass,
  • She given was by Echepolus, who
  • 310T’ excuse himself of following him to Troy
  • (For very rich he was, and loath to go)
  • And with his leave in Siryon to stay.
  • The fourth, with horses of the Pylian brood,
  • Was Nestor’s gallant son, Antilochus.
  • 315His father, careful of him, by him stood
  • Instructing him, and said unto him thus:
  • Antilochus, you have been taught so well
  • By Jove and Neptune, young man as you are,
  • The rules of horsemanship, I need not tell
  • 320You of the art, but pray you to take care;
  • Though you know how about the goal to wind,
  • Their horses somewhat are than yours more swift.
  • I fear you will in that some damage find;
  • But none of them know better how to shift.
  • 325’Tis care, not strength, makes a good carpenter,
  • And ships at sea are governed by care;
  • Force in foul weather little helps to steer;
  • Best char’oteers are they that best beware.
  • A man that on his horses’ speed relies,
  • 330May from the high-way sometimes drive aside,
  • But not come in again. But he that’s wise,
  • Will always tow’rds the goal directly guide,
  • And have an eye on him that goes before.
  • The goal I’ll tell you (lest you know it not)
  • 335A staff is, of a fathom high or more,
  • Of oak or pine, that is not apt to rot,
  • Standing between two great white stones upright,
  • And for a monument set up was there
  • In ancient time, of some deceased wight,
  • 340Or formerly there had a race been there,
  • And to that purpose served now again.
  • Be sure you drive your horses to it close,
  • And leaning, press a little th’ inner rein,
  • And let the farther horse’s rein go loose.
  • 345But let the near horse to it go as near
  • As can be, so the stones you still avoid;
  • You’ll wound your horses else, and char’ot tear,
  • And be asham’d whilst others will be joy’d.
  • If at the staff you once but get the start,
  • 350In coming back before you shall be none,
  • How good soe’er their horses be or art,
  • Though they the steeds were of Laomedon,
  • Or like Arion all their horses were,
  • Adrestus’ horse of the celestial race.
  • 355Thus Nestor his good son instructed there,
  • And having done, returned to his place.
  • The fifth and last came in Meriones.
  • Then up into their seats they mounted all;
  • And then by lots determin’d which of these
  • 360Should start the first. T’ Antilochus did fall
  • To start the first. The next t’ Eumelus came.
  • The third lot fell t’ Atrides Menelaus.
  • The fourth had on’t Meriones his name.
  • The best, and last to start Tydides was.
  • 365Then all a-row they stood. Achilles by,
  • Showed them the goal far off upon the plain;
  • And all at once hold up their whips on high,
  • And beat their horses each one with his rein;
  • And loud upon them call’d to make them run.
  • 370Old Phœnix at the staff was set to stay
  • And be a witness of what there was done,
  • And see there were amongst them no foul play.
  • And swiftly from the ships they part away,
  • In clouds of dust up to their breasts they fly,
  • 375And to the wind their spreading manes display;
  • Their cars sometimes are in the air a-high,
  • And sometimes on the ground. The char’oteers
  • Sit for all that still fast upon their seats,
  • And ev’ry one aloud his horses cheers,
  • 380While in his breast his heart with longing beats.
  • But when about the goal they turned were,
  • And coming back again unto the shore,
  • Then ’twas their virtue chiefly did appear,
  • And faster went their horses than before.
  • 385And now Eumelus’ horses foremost were,
  • And Diomed behind him was not far
  • With his male Trojan horses, but so near,
  • As if they would have gone into his car.
  • So near they were their heads did on it lie,
  • 390And made Eumelus’ back and shoulders hot
  • With breathing on them; and the victory
  • Had got, or doubtful made at least, had not
  • Apollo been to Diomed unkind,
  • And from his hand struck out his shining whip.
  • 395Tydides then again was left behind,
  • And wept to see Eumelus him outstrip.
  • When Pallas saw what wrong was to him done,
  • She puts the whip into his hand again,
  • And angry goes unto Admetus’ son,
  • 400And of his horses breaks the yoke in twain.
  • On one side of the way then went one mare,
  • And on the other side the other goes.
  • Down fell the pole, and with it he; and tare
  • His elbows and his eye-brows, mouth, and nose.
  • 405Tydides in the meantime passed by,
  • And got before them all a mighty length.
  • For Pallas to him meant the victory,
  • And gave unto his horses greater strength.
  • Behind Tydides next was Menelaus,
  • 410And next to him Antilochus; and he
  • Aloud unto his horses calling was.
  • Now let’s, said he, your utmost virtue see.
  • With Diomed you are not bid contend,
  • Whom victor now Athena means to make,
  • 415And strengthened hath his horses to that end;
  • But only Menelaus t’ overtake.
  • Were ’t not a shame that Æthe, but a mare,
  • Should leave you two such lusty steeds behind?
  • But if you now seek how yourselves to spare,
  • 420I tell you this, and true you will it find,
  • You shall be slain. Therefore use all your speed,
  • And when you come into a narrow place,
  • Leave it to me to do what I see need.
  • This said, the horses fearing mend their pace,
  • 425And now were close at Menelaus’ heels.
  • Then near unto a hollow way they came;
  • And lest they break should one another’s wheels,
  • Atrides turn’d aside into the same.
  • The other after him a little wide
  • 430The same way took. Atrides then afraid
  • That he would enter with him side by side,
  • Unto Antilochus cried out and said,
  • Antilochus, you drive too carelessly,
  • The way’s too narrow. Pray a little stay
  • 435Your horses; broader ’twill be by and by,
  • Lest both our cars lie broken on the way.
  • Antilochus then whipp’d his horses on
  • So much the faster, seeming not to hear.
  • And when they were a little further gone,
  • 440Atrides held his horses in, for fear
  • Their cars should clashing overturned be,
  • And with them they be thrown into the dust,
  • And to him spake, reviling: Go, said he,
  • Of all the men I know the most unjust,
  • 445And not so wise as th’ Argives thought you were.
  • But yet the prize you shall not so obtain,
  • But for it first you shall be put to swear.
  • And then his horses he drave on again,
  • And to encourage them unto them said,
  • 450His horses cannot keep before you long;
  • They old are both; strain hard. Be not dismay’d,
  • For both of you brave horses are, and young.
  • This said, at highest speed again they fly,
  • And to Antilochus came up again.
  • 455The Argives on the race now sat to spy
  • Who foremost coming was upon the plain.
  • Idomeneus sat in a place more high
  • Without the race, and heard a char’oteer,
  • Whose voice he knew, unto his horses cry,
  • 460And presently two horses did appear.
  • Of one of them the colour was bright bay,
  • But on his forehead had a spot of white,
  • And, as the moon at full, round ev’ry way,
  • And from afar conspicuous and bright.
  • 465Then to the Greeks he said, Is there no more
  • That see these horses coming back but I?
  • They are not those that foremost were before;
  • And ’tis another char’oteer I spy.
  • Eumelus some mischance has had I fear;
  • 470And yet about the goal he turned well,
  • But now I cannot see him any where.
  • Perhaps out of his hands their bridles fell;
  • No longer would the horses then obey,
  • But thrown him somewhere have o’ th’ field, or borne
  • 475Him in their fit by violence away,
  • And have his char’ot overturn’d, or torn.
  • Stand on your feet yourselves, and mark him well,
  • Whether or no it Diomedes be,
  • The son of Tydeus, for I cannot tell;
  • 480He like him is, and I believe ’tis he.
  • The lesser Ajax then, Oileus’ son,
  • With evil words t’ Idomeneus replied,
  • The mares upon the field are coming on,
  • But you must talk, though from the purpose wide.
  • 485Your eyes are now grown old, and less can see,
  • And yet to talk you love so much the more,
  • Though at discerning many better be;
  • Eumelus, as at first, is still before.
  • Ajax, said he, of all the Greeks the worst,
  • 490Except at railing, let’s a wager lay,
  • A tripod, or a cauldron, who comes first;
  • Atrides judge, that you may know and pay.
  • And Ajax then about was to reply;
  • Nor had the quarrel ’twixt them there been staid,
  • 495But that Achilles, who was sitting by,
  • Rose from his seat, and coming to them said,
  • Idomeneus and Ajax, ’tis a shame
  • For you in evil language to contend,
  • That others when they do so ought to blame.
  • 500Sit down, and but a little while attend,
  • They’ll soon be here. They strive for victory,
  • And driving are as fast as e’er they can;
  • Discerned then it will be easily
  • Which is the foremost, which the hindmost man.
  • 505This said, they saw Tydides very near,
  • Plying his whip; his horses seem’d to fly,
  • And cover’d was with dust the char’oteer,
  • And hard it was the track o’ th’ wheels to spy.
  • Then coming in, before the lords he stopp’d,
  • 510And to the ground leapt from his chariot;
  • With sweat his horses’ breasts and shoulders dropp’d.
  • Then Stenelus the prize neglected not,
  • But nimbly from his place he to it skips,
  • And by his friends there standing by his side
  • 515Sent th’ woman and the tripod to the ships;
  • And having done, the horses he untied.
  • Antilochus next to Tydides was,
  • That not by virtue of his steeds, but sleight,
  • Advantage gotten had of Menelaus,
  • 520When for them both he found the way too streight.
  • But Menelaus to him was so near,
  • As is a char’ot-horse unto the wheel,
  • Which of his tail doth sometimes touch the hair,
  • And makes the horse to run that does it feel.
  • 525So near unto him was Atrides then,
  • That was behind once a quoit’s cast or more.
  • But quickly to him he came up again,
  • For Æthe now ran faster than before,
  • And had they but a little longer run,
  • 530Atrides by Antilochus had pass’d,
  • And without doubt the second prize had won.
  • Meriones behind was a spear’s cast;
  • Slow steeds he had, and but small skill in courses.
  • Eumelus, whom Athena overthrew,
  • 535Came hindmost, and before him drave his horses,
  • And with his hands behind, his char’ot drew.
  • Achilles mov’d with pity was at this,
  • And spake unto the Argives in this wise:
  • Although he come the last, the best he is;
  • 540’Tis fit he have at least the second prize,
  • But Diomed the first, that has it won.
  • And just it seemed in the Argives’ sight,
  • And from Antilochus the prize had gone,
  • Had he not pleaded for it as his right.
  • 545Antilochus then to Achilles spake:
  • Though well, said he, in pity you incline
  • T’ Eumelus, yet my prize he must not take;
  • I won it have, and ’tis not yours, but mine.
  • His horses good, and horseman good he is;
  • 550And he and they upon the ground were laid
  • By some mischance; I’m not concern’d in this,
  • He should unto th’ immortal Gods have pray’d.
  • But you, that pity him, and at your tent
  • Have gold, brass, horses, women, cattle store,
  • 555May out of that, when you think fit, content
  • Eumelus with the value, or with more;
  • For whosoever means to have the mare,
  • Must for her with me fight. Thus pleaded he.
  • Achilles, that great love unto him bare,
  • 560Was glad, and said, Since you so counsel me,
  • The breast-plate I will to him give of brass,
  • That hemm’d is all about with shining tin,
  • With which Asteropæus armed was.
  • Automedon, into my tent go in,
  • 565And quickly to me bring the breast-plate forth.
  • And then Automedon no longer stands,
  • But fetches out the armour of great worth,
  • And puts the same into Eumelus’ hands.
  • Then up Atrides Menelaus stands,
  • 570And in his hand the crier a sceptre laid,
  • And silence to be kept i’ th’ court commands.
  • T’ Antilochus then Menelaus said,
  • Antilochus, what made you me disgrace,
  • Justling my horses in the hollow way,
  • 575When there was so much danger in the place
  • That ’t had been best for both of us to stay?
  • But you, the princes, hear the cause I pray,
  • And judge between us both impartially,
  • Lest any of the Greeks hereafter say
  • 580I did t’ Antilochus an injury,
  • And from him got the mare by fraud or might;
  • And that his horses than mine better were;
  • But come, I now know how myself to right.
  • Come, lay your hand upon the reins, and swear
  • 585By Neptune, that you did not willingly
  • And with prepensed malice cross my car.
  • To this Antilochus did then reply:
  • O Menelaus, since you elder are,
  • You know our faults upon the sudden rise,
  • 590And that before-hand young men study not;
  • Their wits are present, but the old are wise,
  • To do you injury I never thought.
  • The mare is yours; and if you please to send
  • For anything I have, that too I’ll give
  • 595Rather than with an oath the Gods offend,
  • And out of Menelaus’ favour live.
  • This said, he put the mare into his hand;
  • Then Menelaus look’d as fresh and gay
  • As dew, that on the growing corn doth stand,
  • 600Then when the fields are in their best array,
  • And to Antilochus replied again:
  • Antilochus, I angry am no more;
  • I see you were by youth transported then;
  • But putting tricks upon your friends give o’er.
  • 605I not so soon forgiven had another;
  • But you so much have suffer’d for my sake,
  • Together with your father and your brother,
  • That I can easy satisfaction take.
  • And now, to shew I got it not by might,
  • 610Take you the prize, although it be my share.
  • This said, he took t’ himself the cauldron bright,
  • And yielding to Antilochus the mare,
  • Unto Noëmon gave her to set up
  • (Noëmon was Antilochus his man).
  • 615One prize remain’d, which was the double cup;
  • Meriones the two gold talents wan.
  • Achilles rising then to Nestor went,
  • And unto him the double cup he gave.
  • This prize, said he, keep for a monument
  • 620Of my Patroclus lying in his grave.
  • You shall not for it arm your fists with lead,
  • Nor with young men at cast of spear engage,
  • Nor shall you on the foot-race need to tread;
  • Of all such work you are excus’d by age.
  • 625This said, the cup into his hand he laid,
  • Which joyfully he took, and thus replied:
  • Sweet son, you nothing but the truth have said.
  • My strength is past, it cannot be denied;
  • My hands I scarce can to my shoulders raise,
  • 630And heavily my feet both rise and fall.
  • Oh, that I were as young as in those days
  • When I saw Amarynceus’ funeral
  • Set forth most nobly in Buprasion.
  • There many prizes were, and many a man;
  • 635But like to me amongst them there was none,
  • Eperan, Pylian, nor Ætolian.
  • At fists the prize from Clytomed I won;
  • And wrestling with Ancæus I him threw,
  • And Iphiclus, swift as he was, outrun;
  • 640And with the spears I Polydore out-threw,
  • And at the horse-race only was outstripp’d
  • By th’ envy of the sons of Actor two;
  • For sitting on the char’ot they both whipp’d,
  • And from me won that prize with much ado.
  • 645Such then I was. But now to younger men
  • That work I leave. Old age I must obey;
  • But such I was amongst the Argives then.
  • And now, Achilles, here no longer stay,
  • Proceed with other games your friend to grace;
  • 650Your gift I take, and great content I find,
  • In that you shewn have in this public place,
  • Amongst the Greeks you have me in your mind.
  • Achilles having heard these praises all
  • Of Nestor, brought into the place a mule,
  • 655A prize for him that won at fist and ball,
  • A mule of six years old, and hard to rule.
  • As for the vanquish’d, he assign’d to him
  • A lesser prize, which was a silver cup,
  • That crook’d and wryed was about the brim.
  • 660Achilles then amongst the Greeks stood up.
  • Atrides, and you Argives all, said he,
  • Let two men fight for these at fist and ball;
  • The lusty mule shall for the victor be,
  • The cup for him that in the fight shall fall.
  • 665This said, Epeius, a huge man stood up,
  • And that had at this kind of fight great skill,
  • And seiz’d the mule, and said, As for the cup,
  • Let any one against me rise that will,
  • The mule is mine; at this game I am best.
  • 670Is’t not enough that th’ Argives value me
  • In fight but as a mean man like the rest?
  • For no man can the best at all things be.
  • But let him know, whoe’er with me contends,
  • I’ll break his bones. Which being to him known,
  • 675He may about him ready have his friends,
  • To take him up when I have knocked him down.
  • This said, Mecestes’ son, Euryalus,
  • That won the prize from the Cadmæans all,
  • At Thebes, upon the death of Œdipus,
  • 680When celebrated was his funeral,
  • Presents himself. About him, busy was
  • Tydides, wishing him the victory;
  • And gave him of strong leather well-wrought lace,
  • Wherewith the balls unto his wrists to tie.
  • 685The champions up their fists together have,
  • Which when they met so quick and mingled were,
  • That which was which a man could not perceive,
  • But how they rattled at their heads might hear.
  • Euryalus then chanc’d to look aside,
  • 690At which Epeius such a blow him hit,
  • Upon the cheek, that he was stupified,
  • And could no longer stand upon his feet.
  • As when the sea is curl’d by Zephyrus,
  • A little fish leaps up and falls again;
  • 695So started at the stroke Euryalus,
  • And fainted. To him went Epeius, then,
  • And took him up. His friends that by him stood,
  • Led him away trailing his feet behind,
  • His neck aside hanging, and spitting blood;
  • 700And wand’ring out of order was his mind.
  • Achilles other prizes then brought forth
  • For wrestlers; and for him that did the best,
  • A mighty three-foot pot esteemed worth,
  • By th’ company, twelve oxen at the least,
  • 705And for the vanquished a lesser prize,
  • A woman that in many works had skill;
  • And to the Argives speaking, said: Arise,
  • You that contend for the great tripod will!
  • Then up rose Ajax, up Ulysses rose,
  • 710And having girt themselves stood on the place,
  • And presently extend their arms, and close;
  • And one another with twin’d arms embrace.
  • As when a carpenter to keep the wind
  • Out of a house, the timber bows and pleats;
  • 715So were their arms with one another twin’d,
  • And each of them keeps fast his hold, and sweats,
  • And squeez’d until their sides were black and blue.
  • And weary were the Greeks with looking on,
  • When neither Ajax yet Ulysses threw,
  • 720Nor he the mighty son of Telamon.
  • And Ajax then unto Ulysses said,
  • Let’s lift each other; and withal him lifts,
  • And hop’d upon the ground to have him laid,
  • But he, then, not forgetful of his shifts,
  • 725Struck with his right foot Ajax on the ham,
  • So that to turn him Ajax strength did lack.
  • Then both together to the ground they came,
  • One on his breast, the other on his back.
  • And now Ulysses to lift Ajax is.
  • 730And from the ground he heav’d him, but not high,
  • And in he clapt one knee between both his,
  • Then both upon the ground again they lie.
  • Again they rise, and had not so giv’n o’er,
  • But that Achilles to them goes, and says,
  • 735You both are best; torment yourselves no more,
  • But equal prizes take, and go your ways,
  • That other Greeks for other prizes may
  • Their virtue show. This said, they him obey’d,
  • And from their bodies wip’d the dust away,
  • 740And with their coats themselves again array’d.
  • And then Achilles brought new prizes in,—
  • A silver temp’rer that six gallons held,
  • And by Sidonian workmen made had been,
  • And all that e’er they made before excell’d,
  • 745And by Phœnicians into Greece was brought,
  • And giv’n to Thoas, and from him it came
  • T’ Eunæus, Jason’s son. Eunæus bought
  • Lycaon of Patroclus with the same.
  • This was the prize for him that swiftest ran.
  • 750A great fat ox the second was to take;
  • And half a talent, gold, the hindmost man.
  • And then Achilles to the Argives spake.
  • Arise, said he, that for this prize will run.
  • Then Ajax rose, son of Oïleus,
  • 755The lesser Ajax. And then Nestor’s son,
  • The swiftest of the youth, Antilochus.
  • Arow they stand. Achilles to them shows
  • The goal about the which they were to run.
  • Together then they start; and foremost goes
  • 760The nimble-footed Ajax, Oïleus’ son.
  • But next him, and so near Ulysses is,
  • As from a woman’s distaff comes the thread,
  • And on his steps trod ere the dust aris,
  • And breathed all the way upon his head.
  • 765The Greeks upon him called all the way
  • To do his best, and wish’d him victory.
  • Then to Athena did Ulysses pray.
  • O help me, my good Goddess, now, said he.
  • And when almost they ended had the race,
  • 770Then chanced Ajax in the dung to fall
  • Of cattle which had kill’d been on the place,
  • B’ Achilles for Patroclus’ funeral,
  • And fill’d with cow-dung was his mouth and nose.
  • Ulysses on the temp’rer laid his hands.
  • 775And Ajax, spitting dung, again arose,
  • And with his ox before the Argives stands.
  • Oh, oh, said he, ’tis Pallas hath done this,
  • Who, as a careful mother of her child,
  • Upon Ulysses always waiting is.
  • 780And when he that had said th’ Achæans smil’d.
  • Antilochus th’ half talent took of gold,
  • And smil’d, and to the Argives said, You see
  • The Gods still give most honour to the old;
  • Ajax in age a little passeth me;
  • 785Again, Ulysses older is than he.
  • And younger men with these cannot contend
  • At running of a race, except it be
  • Achilles: whom he finely did commend.
  • Achilles, of that commendation glad,
  • 790Unto Antilochus replied again;
  • To your half-talent I’ll another add.
  • That word of yours shall not be said in vain.
  • Achilles then brought forth the shield, and spear,
  • And helmet of Sarpedon, for till he
  • 795Was killed by Patroclus his they were,
  • And said unto the Greeks: now let me see
  • Two valiant men, well-arm’d, contend for these;
  • And he that first draws blood shall bear away
  • This Thracian sword won from Asteropæus.
  • 800The arms in common they shall both enjoy,
  • And at my tent they both shall feasted be.
  • Up then great Ajax, up Tydides rose,
  • And came forth armed from the company,
  • And looking grimly, one to th’ other goes,
  • 805And thrice to one another fiercely leapt,
  • And Ajax’ spear pass’d through Tydides’ shield;
  • But by the breast-plate from his flesh was kept.
  • Good was his breast-plate, and not apt to yield.
  • But still at Ajax’ neck Tydides aim’d,
  • 810Above his shield still pushing with his spear;
  • At which the people standing by exclaim’d;
  • For then of Ajax’ life they stood in fear,
  • And to Achilles cried to part the fray
  • Betime, and let them equal prizes have.
  • 815And by Achilles then dismiss’d were they;
  • But yet the sword he to Tydides gave.
  • And then of iron he brought out a sough,
  • Such as at first it from the furnace came,
  • The which Eëtion was wont to throw;
  • 820Amongst whose goods Achilles found the same,
  • And to his ship he brought it with the rest.
  • And said to th’ Argives, He this prize shall gain,
  • That lets us see he throw it can the best.
  • It will his plough with iron five years maintain.
  • 825He needs not to the town for iron go.
  • Then Polypœtes and Leontes rise,
  • And Ajax, and together stand arow;
  • And last of all unto them comes Epeius.
  • First threw Epeius, and well laugh’d at was.
  • 830And next to him Leontes threw the same.
  • Then Ajax threw and did them both surpass.
  • But when to Polypœtes’ hand it came,
  • As far as doth a shepherd throw his hook
  • Seeing his sheep stand still or straggle out,
  • 835So far threw he. The prize his friends then took
  • And bare it to his tent. The people shout.
  • Achilles then brought other prizes in,
  • Ten double, and ten single axes keen,
  • The which the two best bowmen were to win,
  • 840And said, Now let your archery be seen.
  • And on the sands erects a ship-mast high,
  • And at the top he tied a dove unto’t
  • With slender thread, and said, Your skill now try.
  • For he that dead the tender dove shall shoot,
  • 845Shall have the double axes for his prize;
  • The single he that breaks the thread shall win.
  • Then Teucer and Meriones arise,
  • And lots they cast which of them shall begin.
  • And to begin to Teucer fell the lot.
  • 850And first he shot. But should have made a vow
  • A hecatomb to Phœbus, but forgot.
  • And therefore Phœbus would not him allow
  • To kill the bird. But yet he brake the thread,
  • And tow’rds the ground, it hung down from her feet.
  • 855The frighted dove in th’ air hovered,
  • And mightily the Argives shout to see’t.
  • Meriones then quickly drew his bow,
  • For th’ arrow fitted on’t already lay,
  • And presently to Phœbus made a vow
  • 860Of his first lambs a hecatomb to pay.
  • And seeing how the dove amazed went
  • Above his head this way and that way round,
  • His arrow keen he quickly to her sent,
  • Which pierc’d her thro’, and brought her to the ground.
  • 865The wounded dove unto a mast then flies,
  • And there her feathers sheds, and hangs her head,
  • And having sitten there not long she dies.
  • The Argives gazing at it wondered.
  • And then Meriones away did bear
  • 870The double axes. Teucer took the rest.
  • Achilles then new prizes fetch’d; a spear,
  • And a new cauldron worth an ox at least.
  • To throw the spear then rose the king Atrides,
  • And after him stood up Meriones
  • 875Idomeneus his squire. Then said Pelides,
  • There shall be no contention for these.
  • We know how much you are more excellent
  • At this than any of th’ Achæans here.
  • Take you these prizes therefore to your tent,
  • 880And give unto Meriones the spear,
  • If you think fit. Atrides was content,
  • And to Meriones he gave the spear,
  • And by Talthybius the cauldron sent
  • Unto the ships; and all well pleased were.

  LIB. XXIV.

  • The redemption of Hector, and his funeral.

  • Thus end the games. The Greeks dispersed are,
  • And ev’ry man returned to his tent,
  • And busy was his supper to prepare;
  • And after they had supp’d to bed they went.
  • 5Achilles all the night slept not a wink,
  • But on Patroclus’ worth, and company,
  • And on their common suff’rings still did think,
  • And lay upon his bed unquietly.
  • And weeping sometimes laid himself on this,
  • 10Sometimes on that side, sometimes on his face,
  • And sometimes on his back, and sometimes ris,
  • And walk’d upon the shore from place to place.
  • And soon as ere he saw the morning come,
  • He Hector to his char’ot ti’d again;
  • 15And dragg’d him thrice about Patroclus’ tomb,
  • And then went in, and left him on the plain,
  • With dust all over hidden, but not rent.
  • For Phœbus had him cover’d with his shield,
  • That torn his body was not as they went.
  • 20The Gods meanwhile sat looking on the field,
  • And griev’d to see Achilles show such spite;
  • And some of them advised Mercury
  • To steal away the body from his sight.
  • To this the other Gods did all agree,
  • 25But Neptune, Juno, Pallas, angry were
  • With Priam and with Troy, for Paris’ sake,
  • For that he Venus did so much prefer,
  • And of the others small account did make.
  • Thus pass’d it then. But twelve days after, came
  • 30Apollo to the Gods in council set,
  • And said, Ye Gods unjust, you are to blame.
  • What sacrifice did Hector e’er forget,
  • That to his father, mother, wife, and son,
  • That for his death lament, he must not come,
  • 35And buried be, since he is dead and gone,
  • And have a funeral in Ilium?
  • But to Achilles’ fury you give way,
  • Whose breast is void of all humanity.
  • As lions on men’s cattle love to prey;
  • 40Savage and proud on men so falleth he,
  • Asham’d of nothing. Though another man,
  • That had a loving brother lost, or son,
  • When he has wept a while, give over can,
  • And bear the ill that cannot be undone;
  • 45But he with Hector’s death is not content,
  • But drags his body at his chariot,
  • Not caring how we may the same resent.
  • He’ll find at last ’twere better he had not
  • Upon the senseless earth have shown such spite.
  • 50To this in anger Juno then replied,
  • If equal they had been, you had said right,
  • But that they equal are it is denied.
  • For Hector was a mortal woman’s son;
  • Achilles’ mother a great Goddess is,
  • 55Thetis, that nurs’d was and brought up by none
  • But by myself. The Gods can witness this,
  • Who, when I made her noble Peleus’ bride,
  • Came to the wedding all, and you too then
  • Were with your fiddle there well satisfied,
  • 60Perfidious God, companion of mean men.
  • Then Jupiter to Juno spake and said,
  • Look not so angrily upon the Gods,
  • Nor for Achilles’ honour be afraid.
  • ’Twixt him and Hector I know well the odds.
  • 65But Hector we of mortals love the best,
  • I do at least, of all the men of Troy.
  • He never is behind-hand with my feast,
  • But flesh and wine pays duly at my day.
  • But we’ll not Hector from Achilles steal;
  • 70Nor can, since Thetis for him is awake.
  • Call Thetis hither; for with her I’ll deal
  • To make him for his body ransom take.
  • This said, into the sea leap’d Iris straight
  • Between the isles of Imbros and of Same.
  • 75The water roar’d and started at her weight;
  • And she to th’ bottom like a plummet came,
  • Where in a hollow cave the Goddess sat,
  • Her sea-nymphs all about her sitting round,
  • She in the midst bewailing her son’s fate,
  • 80That was to perish on the Trojan ground.
  • And going to her near, Thetis, said she,
  • Jove calls you to him. She replied, Why so?
  • What has that mighty God to say to me?
  • I am not fit amongst the Gods to go.
  • 85But well; I go. I dare not disobey.
  • And on her head then throws she a black hood.
  • Then up they went, and Iris led the way.
  • To let them pass the sea divided stood,
  • And being landed, leap’d up to the sky,
  • 90When Jove in council and the Gods were met;
  • Where Thetis was received lovingly,
  • And next himself by Jupiter was set:
  • There Juno nectar, Pallas gave her place.
  • And Jove unto her spake. Thetis, said he,
  • 95I know your grief, but such is now the case,
  • You could not from th’ assembly spared be.
  • Nine days amongst ourselves we disagree
  • Concerning Hector’s body what to do;
  • The most would have him stol’n by Mercury,
  • 100But for your sake I would not yield thereto.
  • But go you, Thetis, to your son, and say
  • The Gods are angry, and I most of all,
  • That Hector’s body at the ships doth stay
  • Unransom’d, and without a funeral;
  • 105That he release it may for fear of me.
  • Meanwhile to Priam Iris shall be sent,
  • To bid him go t’ Achilles speedily,
  • And with fair presents fetch it from his tent.
  • This said, she from Olympus took her flight
  • 110T’ Achilles’ tent, and found him sitting there,
  • Where he, Patroclus still lamenting, sigh’d,
  • And with him friends providing dinner were;
  • And killed had a fat sheep in his tent.
  • Then in she went, and sat down by his side.
  • 115How long, said she, will you yourself torment?
  • Be comforted, and for your health provide;
  • And take delight in women’s company,
  • For here you know you are not long to stay,
  • And that at hand is now your destiny.
  • 120And hear what I from Jove must to you say.
  • From Jupiter I come, who bade me say
  • The Gods are angry, and he most of all,
  • That Hector’s body at the ships doth stay
  • Unransom’d, and without a funeral.
  • 125The ransom therefore take, and let him go.
  • To which Achilles a short answer gave.
  • Let him that will, since Jove will have it so,
  • The ransom bring, the body he shall have.
  • Whilst Thetis and her son discoursing were,
  • 130To Priam Jove swift Iris sent away.
  • Iris, said he, this message from me bear
  • To Priam, and relate what now I say.
  • Bid him unto Achilles’ tent to go,
  • And carry with him other Trojans none
  • 135But one old squire, his char’ot to look to,
  • And bring away the body of his son;
  • And honourable presents with him bear,
  • Wherewith Achilles may be well content.
  • And bid him death and danger not to fear,
  • 140So good a guardian with him shall be sent.
  • Hermes shall guide him to Achilles’ tent,
  • And being there he needs not fear at all.
  • Achilles will not kill him, but prevent
  • The hurt that might from others on him fall.
  • 145He wants not judgment, care, nor piety,
  • And pity has for them that to him pray.
  • This said, flew Iris from Olympus high
  • To Priam’s house, where little was of joy.
  • His sons about him weeping sat, and he
  • 150I’ th’ midst involved in his cloak so just,
  • That one th’ impression of his limbs might see,
  • His head and neck bedaub’d with dung and dust,
  • Which he himself had thrown upon his head.
  • His daughters, and his sons’ wives, howling went
  • 155About, for brothers and for husbands that were dead,
  • And to the shades by th’ Argives had been sent.
  • Then Iris unto Priam coming near,
  • With soft and gentle voice unto him said:
  • Priam, be bold, for no ill news I bear
  • 160(For trembling sat he, and was sore afraid),
  • Jove bids you to Achilles’ tent to go,
  • And carry with you other Trojans none
  • But one old squire, your char’ot to look to,
  • And bring away the body of your son;
  • 165And honourable presents with you bear,
  • Wherewith Achilles may be well content.
  • He bids you neither death nor danger fear,
  • So good a guardian with you shall be sent;
  • Hermes shall guide you to Achilles’ tent.
  • 170When you are there, past is the danger all;
  • Achilles will not kill you, but prevent
  • The harm that may from others on you fall.
  • He wants not judgment, care, nor piety,
  • And pity has on them that to him pray
  • 175In their distress, and at his mercy lie.
  • When Iris this had said, she went away.
  • Then Priam said unto his sons, Arise,
  • And make a waggon ready out of hand;
  • And to a cedar chamber down he hies,
  • 180Where his most precious household-stuff did stand,
  • And thither call’d his wife, and to her said,
  • Jove’s messenger t’ Achilles bids me go
  • With ransom for my son. I’m not afraid,
  • But what think you? Is’t best to go, or no?
  • 185At this, aloud she shriek’d, and said, Ay me,
  • What now is of the wit you had become,
  • For which so wise you once were thought to be,
  • By men abroad, and by your friends at home?
  • Will you go put yourself into the hand
  • 190Of him that hath your sons so many slain,
  • A man that does not pity understand,
  • Nor faith? No, no, he’ll not from you abstain.
  • But since the Fates designed had before
  • His birth, to th’ dogs he should be made a prey
  • 195By this hard-hearted man, you may deplore
  • Him here at home, and from Achilles stay.
  • Oh, that between my teeth I had his heart,
  • That to revenge my son I might it eat;
  • It would no little ease be to my smart,
  • 200And less the loss of him I should regret.
  • For Hector only for his country fought,
  • And of his enemies was not afraid,
  • Nor did him wrong, but valiant was and stout.
  • Then Priam to his wife replied, and said,
  • 205Nay, wife, since to him I am bent to go,
  • Dissuade me not, nor ill bird to me be
  • Here in my house, and bode me ill. For know,
  • Whate’er you say, ’twill not prevail with me.
  • If now a priest or prophet to me came,
  • 210And this had said, I thought it had a lie.
  • But howsoever, come what will, I am
  • With Hector in my arms content to die.
  • This said, the chests he presently unlocks,
  • And out he lays twelve robes for womankind,
  • 215As many coats, as many single cloaks,
  • And unto those as many that were lin’d;
  • And further twelve rich carpets out he laid,
  • And when he that had done, he gold brought forth,
  • Whereof he layed by ten talents weigh’d,
  • 220And two great black three-footed pots, much worth;
  • And unto those he set bright cauldrons four,
  • And the fine cup which giv’n him was when he
  • From Troy to Thrace was sent ambassador,
  • So long’d he to set Hector’s body free.
  • 225I’ th’ porch then standing many Trojans were,
  • That sorry for his grief, were thither come;
  • To whom he said, Rascals, what make you here?
  • Find you not cause of grief enough at home,
  • That you must hither come to trouble me,
  • 230As if too little ’twere to lose my son?
  • Hereafter you will eas’lier killed be,
  • Since Hector, who defended you, is gone.
  • As for myself, before I see that day,
  • I hope to be within th’ infernal gates.
  • 235Then with his staff he drave them all away;
  • And turning in again his sons he rates,
  • Paris and Agathon and Helenus,
  • Pammon, Polites, and Antiphobus,
  • Argavus, Deiphobus, Hippothous.
  • 240These nine he rated, saying to them thus,
  • Make haste, unworthy sons. I had been glad
  • If you in Hector’s stead had all been slain.
  • O how unfortunate am I, that had
  • So many and so valiant sons in vain!
  • 245Mestor and Troïlus both valiant men,
  • And godlike Hector. Sure I am accurs’d.
  • Since Mars of these depriv’d me has again,
  • And now I none have left me but the worst,
  • Domestic wolves, the bane of lamb and kid,
  • 250And good for nothing but to dance and lie.
  • Why stand you still? Were you not by me bid
  • The waggon to prepare? Then out they fly,
  • And speedily the waggon forth they bring,
  • And yoke well-fitted with an iron pin;
  • 255And fix’d it to the pole’s end with a ring,
  • And cord nine cubits long, to keep it in;
  • Which thrice about the boxen yoke they wind,
  • And to the waggon laid the ransom in;
  • And to it then the lusty mules they bind,
  • 260Which by the Mysians given him had been.
  • That done, king Priam’s horses to his car
  • Were by himself and by Idæus tied,
  • Of which he always taken had such care,
  • That while they fed he stayed by their side.
  • 265Then Hecuba came to them with a cup,
  • A golden cup of pleasant wine, that they
  • The same to Jupiter might offer up
  • Before unto their foes they went away.
  • Here, take this cup, said she, and pray to Jove
  • 270That he will let you see a lucky flight
  • Of that great bird which he the most doth love,
  • That you may be assured by the sight
  • That safe you shall again return to Troy.
  • For if that favour to you be denied
  • 275I should avise you by all means to stay.
  • And Priam then to Hecuba replied,
  • This counsel, wife, of yours with reason stands.
  • Jove pleased is when to him men look up.
  • For water then he call’d and wash’d his hands,
  • 280And from his wife receiv’d the golden cup.
  • Then looking up to heav’n, O Jove, said he,
  • Of all the Gods most glorious, high, and great,
  • Grant me that I may well received be
  • B’ Achilles at his tent, and well retreat.
  • 285And that thereof I may be confident,
  • Now show me of your bird a lucky flight.
  • This said, Jove presently an eagle sent,
  • Of colour spotted over black and white.
  • As wide as is a prince’s gate or more,
  • 290So wide her wings the mighty eagle spreads,
  • And as it over Ilium did soar,
  • The people joy’d to see it o’er their heads.
  • The old man then went up into his seat,
  • And through the city to the plain did pass.
  • 295The waggon wherein lay the treasure great
  • Before him driven by Idæus was.
  • And so far went his sons, and sons-in-law;
  • And then return’d again into the city.
  • When Jupiter upon the way him saw
  • 300In this estate, he moved was with pity;
  • And unto Hermes turn’d his eyes and said,
  • Since you men’s company do most frequent,
  • And whom you will can quickly hear and aid,
  • Go and guide Priam to Achilles’ tent.
  • 305But so as to be seen by none, until
  • He thither safely come. And Mercury
  • No sooner understood his father’s will
  • But sets himself about it willingly.
  • And first his shoes unto his feet he binds
  • 310Ambrosian shoes that over sea and land
  • Bear him as swift and lightly as the winds;
  • And then his rod he took into his hand,
  • Wherewith he layeth sleep on mortal eyes,
  • And takes it off again when he thinks good.
  • 315Then down to Troy and Hellespont he flies,
  • In likeness of a youth of royal blood,
  • When down begins t’ appear upon his face.
  • Idæus now and Priam at the brink
  • Of Xanthus were, and night came on apace,
  • 320And there they made their mules and horses drink.
  • Idæus near them then saw Mercury,
  • And in great fear, to Priam cried, I see
  • A man, O Priam, coming. Let us fly,
  • Or to him go and fall down at his knee.
  • 325And horribly was Priam then afraid;
  • His hair with fear upon him stood upright.
  • Then Mercury unto him came, and laid
  • His hand on his, and to him said, ’Tis night;
  • What makes you be abroad? Do you not fear
  • 330Your foes, the Greeks? If any of them knew
  • That you were with so great a treasure here,
  • In what a pitiful estate were you?
  • For you, and he that’s with you, both are old,
  • And neither of you can himself defend,
  • 335But as for any hurt from me, be bold;
  • I hither come t’ assist you as a friend,
  • So like, me thinks, you to my father are.
  • And Priam then to Mercury replied:
  • ’Tis true you say; and yet the Gods a care
  • 340Have of me still, to send me such a guide,
  • So great a man, so comely, and so wise,
  • That blessed are the parents you begat.
  • And Mercury to him again replies:
  • Indeed, old man, you say the truth in that.
  • 345But whither bear you your best goods away?
  • To some strange city, till the war be done?
  • Or are the Trojans all now leaving Troy,
  • Since killed is the best of them, your son,
  • That might with any of the Greeks compare?
  • 350Tell me, said Priam, pray ye, who are you,
  • And whence ye come, and who your parents are,
  • And how my son and his hard fate you knew?
  • You mean to try me now, said Mercury.
  • At th’ Argive ships I Hector frighted saw,
  • 355And how he made the Greeks before him fly,
  • And how he toss’d them in the field like straw,
  • Where we stood by, with wonder looking on;
  • Achilles had forbidden us to fight.
  • His man am I, by birth a Myrmidon,
  • 360And stood amongst the rest to see the fight.
  • My father is Polyctor, very rich,
  • But now an old man is, and like to you.
  • And seven sons he has in all, of which
  • I am the last. And lots at home we drew,
  • 365Which of us with Achilles should be sent
  • To th’ war of Troy. The lot then fell to me,
  • And with Achilles in his ship I went,
  • And hither come the place of fight to see.
  • The Greeks by break of day will hither come,
  • 370And try if now the city they can win;
  • Impatient of their stay at Ilium,
  • They cannot by their leaders be kept in.
  • Then Priam to him said again: Since you
  • Achilles’ servant are, is Hector yet
  • 375At th’ Argive ships, I pray you tell me true,
  • Or cut in joints, thrown to the dogs to eat?
  • And Hermes unto this again replies:
  • Nor dogs nor fowl upon him yet have fed,
  • But at the ships he still neglected lies,
  • 380And though he have twelve days now there been dead,
  • Yet is his body uncorrupt, and free
  • From worms that breed in other bodies slain,
  • And though it ev’ry morning dragged be
  • About Patroclus’ tomb, doth whole remain,
  • 385And undefac’d, the blood all wash’d away.
  • You would admire to see him look so fresh,
  • And cleansed of the filth that on him lay,
  • And at his wounds how closed is the flesh,
  • Though many from the Greeks receiv’d he had;
  • 390So kind the Gods were after he was dead.
  • These words of Mercury made Priam glad,
  • And thus again he to him answered:
  • Yes, yes, ’tis good to give the Gods their due,
  • A thing that Hector never did omit;
  • 395And therefore to him they this favour shew,
  • Although his soul be in th’ infernal pit.
  • But now t’ Achilles’ tent be you my guide,
  • And at my hand this handsome cup receive.
  • Again you try me, Mercury replied;
  • 400I dare not take’t without Achilles’ leave,
  • For of his anger in great fear I stand.
  • Without a bribe I’ll with you go along
  • To what place you think fit, by sea or land,
  • Though ’twere to Argos; none shall do you wrong.
  • 405For sure, so wretchedly I do not look,
  • But that a man may of me stand in fear.
  • Then up he leapt, and in his hands he took
  • The whip and reins, and serv’d as char’oteer.
  • When they were come to th’ Argive ditch and wall,
  • 410The watch that placed was the gate to keep,
  • Their supper to provide were busy all,
  • And Mercury there laid them all asleep,
  • Took off the bars, the gate wide open laid,
  • And in the char’ot and the waggon went,
  • 415With all the wealth for Hector to be paid,
  • And forward pass unto Achilles’ tent,
  • Built for him by his Myrmidons, and high,
  • With fir-trees tall, and cover’d over head
  • (To keep it out of danger from the sky)
  • 420With the deep vesture of the flow’ry mead,
  • And to it had a great court pal’d about,
  • And in the pale a high two-valved door,
  • For cars and waggons to go in and out,
  • And one great bar of fir-tree and no more,
  • 425So great that it requir’d three common men
  • Upon the lofty gate to set it on,
  • And three such men to take it off again;
  • None but Achilles shut it could alone.
  • This gate then Hermes open to him laid,
  • 430And with the car and waggon in he came,
  • Then leaping to the ground to Priam said,
  • Old father, I a God immortal am,
  • Hermes, and hither sent to be your guide,
  • From heav’n, on purpose by my father Jove.
  • 435But by Achilles I’ll not here be spied;
  • Gods must not shew to men such open love.
  • But go you to Achilles in, and try
  • What favour from him at his knees you’ll find,
  • And put him of his son in memory,
  • 440And father. That will work upon his mind.
  • This said, t’ Olympus Hermes went his way.
  • Then to the ground leapt Priam from his car,
  • And going in he bad Idæus stay,
  • And of the mules and horses have a care.
  • 445Achilles at his supper now was set,
  • And waiting on him stood Automedon
  • And Alimus, the table standing yet;
  • But supp’d he had, and appetite had none.
  • His other friends at distance from him sat,
  • 450And Priam to them then came in unseen,
  • And kiss’d the hands there of Achilles, that
  • Of many of his sons the death had been.
  • As when a man that kill’d another has,
  • And to another prince for safety flies,
  • 455Men at him stare; so he amazed was
  • When he saw Priam stand before his eyes.
  • The rest admir’d the comely man to see,
  • And both on him and one another look:
  • But Priam then upon Achilles’ knee
  • 460Laid both his hands, and thus unto him spoke:
  • Godlike Achilles, take into your thought
  • Your father, that an old man is as I,
  • And into trouble by his neighbours brought,
  • And has no friend on whom he may rely.
  • 465Yet he has many intervals of joy,
  • And thinking on his son, is comforted
  • With hope to see him back return from Troy.
  • Undone am I; for all my hopes are fled.
  • When th’ army of th’ Achæans landed here,
  • 470I by the Gods with fifty sons was bless’d,
  • Whereof sixteen my wife did to me bear,
  • And other women in my house the rest.
  • But in this war the most of them are lost.
  • And now by Mars reduced are to few.
  • 475And Hector, which of all I loved most,
  • Is lately, O Achilles, slain by you.
  • His body to redeem I hither come,
  • With precious gifts, and fall before your knee,
  • That I may bury it in Ilium.
  • 480Upon your father think, and pity me.
  • Yet is my case more pitiful than his.
  • For what calamity can greater be
  • Than th’ hands that have my children kill’d to kiss?
  • This said, Achilles wept. And from his knee,
  • 485With his, the hands of Priam gently mov’d;
  • And then aloud they both lamented. He
  • For Peleus, and Patroclus whom he lov’d,
  • And Priam for his own calamity,
  • And through the house were heard to sigh and groan.
  • 490Achilles, when his fit of tears was laid,
  • And eased was his heart, came from his throne,
  • And rais’d th’ old man that on his knees yet staid,
  • And to him spake. Alas, old man, said he,
  • You much have suffer’d, and your pain I feel.
  • 495But how alone durst you to come to me,
  • That slew your sons, unless your heart be steel?
  • But come, sit down. In vain lamenting is,
  • The hurt that’s done tears cannot take away,
  • Since so ’tis ordered by the Gods in bliss,
  • 500That men shall live in pain, and they in joy.
  • Two barrels in his cellar Jove has still,
  • Of gifts to be bestow’d on mortal wights,
  • One full of good, the other full of ill.
  • And usually to mingle them delights.
  • 505For they that only ill receive from Jove,
  • Exposed always are to injury,
  • And begging up and down the world shall rove,
  • And both by Gods and men despised be.
  • So Peleus at the first receiv’d much good,
  • 510And did in wealth his neighbours all surpass,
  • And with his subjects in great honour stood,
  • And join’d in wedlock to a Goddess was.
  • But after this the ill unto him came,
  • To leave no child behind him to succeed,
  • 515But only me that so short-lived am,
  • And from him live to vex you and your seed.
  • And you, O Priam, once were rich, they say,
  • And all that was in Lesbos did enjoy,
  • And over all the Hellespont did sway,
  • 520And that all Phrygia did you obey,
  • And with great store of children bless’d you were.
  • But now, you only fights and slaughter see,
  • And patiently you Hector’s death must bear.
  • He cannot with your tears revived be;
  • 525Much sooner you may suffer greater ill.
  • T’ Achilles, Priam then again replies,
  • O Thetis’ son, to sit I have no will,
  • Whilst at the ships my son unburied lies.
  • But bring him forth, that I my son may see,
  • 530And you the presents I have brought enjoy;
  • And prosperous unto you may they be,
  • And safely I again return to Troy.
  • Achilles, angry then, Old man, said he,
  • Provoke me not. I’ll put into your hand
  • 535The body of your son, because to me
  • From Jove my mother came with that command.
  • And very well I know you Priam are,
  • And that you hither had a God for guide.
  • What mortal to the army come would dare?
  • 540Or could have pass’d the watch and not been spied?
  • Or open to you could the gates have set?
  • Therefore take heed, and anger me no more,
  • Lest the command of Jove I should forget,
  • And without Hector send you out adoor.
  • 545This said, old Priam was afraid and sat.
  • Out went Achilles with Automedon
  • And Axamus, his two good servants, that
  • He lov’d the most, Patroclus being gone.
  • And they the horses and the mules untied,
  • 550And from the waggon in the goods they brought,
  • Only, wherewith the body dead to hide,
  • They left behind a handsome robe and coat.
  • Achilles then his drudging maids appointed
  • To bear the body to some chamber meet,
  • 555And see the same well wash’d and well anointed,
  • So secretly that Priam might not see’t,
  • Lest grieved he should something do or say,
  • That might so far Achilles’ anger move,
  • That in his passion he should Priam slay,
  • 560Forgetting the commandement of Jove.
  • And being wash’d, anointed, and array’d,
  • Achilles laid the body on a bed,
  • Which his two servants in the waggon laid.
  • This done, he to Patroclus spake and said,
  • 565O my Patroclus, if you hear in Hell,
  • That Hector’s body I have sent to Troy,
  • Forgive me, since I for it paid am well
  • With gifts, whereof what’s fit to you I’ll pay.
  • This said, Achilles to his tent retired,
  • 570And sat upon the seat from whence he ris.
  • Your son, said he, is freed as you desired,
  • And on a bed laid in your waggon is.
  • Tomorrow with him go, by break of day.
  • But let us not our supper now forget;
  • 575For Niobe twelve children lost, they say;
  • Yet did she not for that refuse to eat.
  • Six lusty sons, six daughters fair they were,
  • And killed all, only for saying this,
  • [Leto but two, and she did many bear.]
  • 580By Phœbus they, and these by Artemis,
  • The Goddess Leto’s daughter and her son.
  • Nine days and nights they lay unburied;
  • For Jove had chang’d the people into stone,
  • And then the Gods with earth them covered.
  • 585Yet Niobe, when she had weeping done,
  • Received food; and now doth somewhere lie
  • I’ th’ wolds of Sepylus, and turn’d to stone,
  • The hurt done by the Gods takes patiently.
  • Come then, old man, and lay your grief away,
  • 590And for the present think upon your meat,
  • And weep for Hector when you come to Troy,
  • For true it is your loss of him is great.
  • This said, forth goes Achilles, and appoints
  • A sheep for supper to be kill’d and flay’d;
  • 595Which straight was done, and cut out into joints,
  • And pierc’d with spits unto the fire was laid.
  • And when it was well roasted, taken up.
  • Automedon o’ th’ table laid the bread.
  • Achilles made the messes. Then they sup,
  • 600And on the meat they laid their hands and fed.
  • But when of food they had no more desire,
  • Priam admir’d Achilles’ form and face.
  • Achilles Priam did no less admire,
  • In his aspect and speech there was such grace.
  • 605When on each other they had look’d enough,
  • Priam began, and to Achilles spake.
  • Dismiss me, if you please, Achilles, now,
  • That I a little sleep at last may take.
  • For since my son was slain, I never slept,
  • 610But rolling on the soiled grass have lain
  • Perpetually, and for him sigh’d and wept,
  • Nor until now touch’d either meat or wine.
  • Achilles then to th’ women gave command
  • I’ th’ porch without to set him up a bed,
  • 615With handsome coverlets of purple, and
  • With fine soft blankets see it covered.
  • The women quickly his command obey’d,
  • And two beds ready made i’ th’ porch without.
  • Achilles smiling then to Priam said,
  • 620Old man, I from my tent must turn you out;
  • Lest some man should, from Agamemnon sent
  • With counsel, come and chance to see you here,
  • And let him know that you are at my tent,
  • And the redemption of your son defer.
  • 625But ere you go, old man, pray tell me right,
  • What time is needful for his obsequies?
  • That I so long may keep the Greeks from fight.
  • Then Priam to Achilles thus replies:
  • You know, Achilles, very well how far
  • 630The hills and woods are distant from the town,
  • And how afraid to go the Trojans are.
  • We need nine days to fetch the fuel down.
  • The tenth he shall be burnt and buried;
  • Th’ eleventh a mount upon him shall be laid;
  • 635The twelfth we’ll fight again if there be need.
  • To this Achilles answered, and said,
  • Old man, the time you asked granted is;
  • So long th’ Achæans shall from fight forbear.
  • This said, in Priam’s hand he layed his,
  • 640That of his faith he might not stand in fear.
  • There in the porch slept Priam and Idæus;
  • And then unto his bed Achilles went,
  • And there he slept, and with him fair Brisëis,
  • Within an inner chamber of his tent.
  • 645The other Gods and men slept all the night;
  • But sleep approached not to Hermes’ eyes,
  • But thinking lay on Priam, how he might
  • Conduct him safely from his enemies.
  • Then up he rose, and went to Priam’s head,
  • 650And to him said, Ho, Priam, sleep you here?
  • Since you redeem’d have Hector’s body dead,
  • You think you nothing farther have to fear.
  • Although you for him paid a lusty price,
  • Yet if alive Atrides find you here,
  • 655Your sons and friends shall pay that value thrice.
  • This said, he suddenly awak’d with fear,
  • And calling to Idæus made him rise.
  • Then Hermes to the waggon and the car,
  • Himself the lab’ring mules and horses ties.
  • 660And now into their seats they mounted are,
  • And through the Argive camp then Hermes drove
  • Unseen, till past Scamander ford they were;
  • Then Hermes left them and return’d to Jove.
  • And now the morning was display’d and clear.
  • 665Then sighing, on they went to Ilium,
  • But were by neither man nor woman spied,
  • Till up into the tow’r of Pergamum
  • Cassandra went, and thence she them discried,
  • And weeping, to the people cried, and said,
  • 670Ye men and women all of Ilium,
  • If ever you at Hector’s coming joy’d,
  • Run to the gates; I see him hither come.
  • Then, man nor woman left was in the town,
  • But Hector to behold went to the gate.
  • 675First came his loving wife and mother down,
  • And in the waggon by him weeping sate.
  • The people in a throng about him staid
  • Lamenting and lamented had all day,
  • But Priam from his car unto them said,
  • 680Trojans, unto the body dead give way.
  • And when within the house I have it laid,
  • Then for him weep till you be satisfied.
  • When this was said, the people him obey’d,
  • And to make way, themselves they then divide.
  • 685Then to the house they brought the body in,
  • And plac’d it on a bed. Then singers by
  • They set, the lamentation to begin.
  • Their song they sung; to which the women sigh.
  • Then to lament Andromache began.
  • 690Oh, my dear husband, you have lost your life
  • Unhappily, that were but a young man,
  • And made a wretched widow of your wife,
  • And with me left behind a tender son,
  • To evil fate begot by you and me.
  • 695To see him grow a man I hope have none;
  • This city first I fear destroy’d will be,
  • Since you are gone that was our sole defence.
  • T’ Achaia now the wives of Troy must go,
  • And with them I. And you my child must hence,
  • 700And in vile work employ’d be by the foe,
  • Or you may by some spiteful man or other
  • Be from the wall or some high tower thrown,
  • For Hector’s sake, that killed has his brother,
  • Or father, or his son before the town.
  • 705For many of the Greeks has Hector slain.
  • He went not to the battle bashfully.
  • For which the Trojans now are in great pain,
  • And I your loving wife especially.
  • O that you thus should in the dust be laid,
  • 710And not give me your hand before you died,
  • Without a word upon your death-bed said
  • For me to think on. Then the women sigh’d.
  • And Hecuba began. Hector, said she,
  • Of all my sons to me you were most dear.
  • 715And when arrived was your destiny,
  • You by the Gods, though dead, beloved were.
  • My other sons, when any taken by
  • Achilles were, beyond sea carried were
  • And sold, and made to suffer slavery
  • 720At Samos, Imbros, Lemnos, or elsewhere;
  • But when of life he had deprived you,
  • Because his friend, Patroclus, you had slain,
  • About his monument he oft you drew,
  • Though that could not bring him to life again.
  • 725But now he sent it to me has again,
  • As fresh and as well colour’d as if by
  • Apollo’s gentle shafts he had been slain.
  • This said, again the people sob and sigh.
  • Then Helen took her turn, Hector, said she,
  • 730Whom best I lov’d of all my brother-laws,
  • For you were so, since Paris married me,
  • Though when I married him accurs’d I was,
  • Now twenty years ’tis since I came to Troy,
  • And never did an ill word from you hear;
  • 735And when your kindred of me ill did say,
  • You took my part, and made them to forbear.
  • Since you are gone my joy is at an end,
  • And in your death I moan my own estate,
  • That now amongst the Trojans have no friend,
  • 740Who hate me as the author of their fate.
  • This, said with tears, provok’d the people’s pity;
  • But Priam then unto them spake, and said:
  • Go Trojans now and fetch wood to the city;
  • You need not of the Argives be afraid.
  • 745Achilles, when I parted from his tent,
  • Eleven days allow’d my son t’ inter
  • And fetch down wood without impediment;
  • So long the Argives should from fight forbear.
  • This said, to th’ hills with oxen, and with wains,
  • 750And mules they went, and busy were about
  • This work nine days together and took pains.
  • Upon the tenth the body was brought out,
  • And on the top of the great wood-pile laid,
  • And fire put to ’t; and all day long it burned,
  • 755And all the night. When morning was display’d,
  • Again the Trojans to the pile returned,
  • And th’ embers with black wine extinguished.
  • His bones then by his brothers and his kin,
  • Were from the ground together gathered,
  • 760And by them to an urn of gold laid in.
  • The urn, with purple robes then cover’d over,
  • Into a grave, which soon was made, they laid.
  • The grave with many and great stones they cover.
  • And last of all, because they were afraid,
  • 765Before their work were done the Greeks would come,
  • They sent out scouts on ev’ry side to spy.
  • And o’er his grave, in haste, they raise a tomb.
  • This done, away they went, and by-and-bye
  • To Priam’s house they came again, and there
  • 770He made a splendid supper for them all.
  • Then home they went, well pleased with their cheer.
  • Thus ended noble Hector’s funeral.

  end of the iliad.

• Back to Top

  2: 2. Aeschylus, Agamemenon

  We will be reading Aeschylus’s trilogy of plays known as “The Oresteia” beginning with “Agamemnon”.

  Aeschylus, The Lyrical Dramas of Aeschylus, translated into English Verse by John Stuart Blackie (London: J.M. Dent, 1906). Chapter: AGAMEMNON

  Accessed from oll.libertyfund.org/title/1039/107068 on 2007-12-07

  The text is in the public domain.

  ---

  PERSONS

  Watchman.

  Chorus of Argive Elders.

  Clytemnestra, Wife of Agamemnon.

  Herald.

  Agamemnon, King of Argos and Mycenæ.

  Cassandra, a Trojan Prophetess, Daughter of Priam.

  Ægisthus, Son of Thyestes.

  Scene—The Royal Palace in Arges.

  INTRODUCTORY REMARKS

  The last sentence of this curious notice contains the Epic germ of which the famous trilogy—the Agamemnon, the Choephorœ, and the Eumenides of Æschylus—the three plays contained in the present volume, present the dramatic expansion. The celebrity of the legends with regard to the return of the mighty Atridan arose naturally from the prominent situation in which he stood as the admiral of the famous thousand-masted fleet; and, besides, the passage from the old Troezenian minstrel just quoted, is sufficiently attested by various passages—some of considerable length—in the Odyssey, which will readily present themselves to the memory of those who are familiar with the productions of the great Ionic Epopœist. In the very opening of that poem, for instance, occur the following remarkable lines:—

  • “Strange, O strange, that mortal men immortal gods will still be blaming,
  • Saying that the source of evil lies with us; while they, in sooth,
  • More than Fate would have infatuate with sharp sorrows pierce themselves!
  • Thus even now Ægisthus, working sorrow more than Fate would have,
  • The Atridan’s wife hath wedded, and himself returning slain,
  • Knowing well the steep destruction that awaits him, for ourselves
  • Sent the sharp-eyed Argus-slayer, Hermes, to proclaim our will,
  • That nor him he dare to murder, nor his wedded wife to woo.
  • Thus spoke Hermes well and wisely; but thy reckless wit, Ægisthus,
  • Moved he not; full richly therefore now thy folly’s fine thou payest.”

  Agamemnon, the son, or, according to a less common account (for which see Schol. ad Iliad II. 249), the grandson of Atreus, being distinguished above the other Hellenic princes for wealth and power, was either by special election appointed, or by that sort of irregular kingship common among half-civilized nations, allowed to conduct the famous expedition against Troy that in early times foreshadowed the conquests of Alexander the Great, and the influence of the Greek language and letters in the East. Such a distant expedition as this, like the crusades in the middle ages, was not only a natural living Epos in itself, but would necessarily give rise to that intense glow of popular sympathy, and that excited state of the popular imagination, which enable the wandering poets of the people to make the best poetic use of the various dramatic incidents that the realities of a highly potentiated history present. Accordingly we find, in the very outset of the expedition, the fleet, storm-bound in the harbour of Aulis, opposite Eubœa, enabled to pursue its course, under good omens, only by the sacrifice of the fairest daughter of the chief. This event—a sad memorial of the barbarous practice of human sacrifice, even among the polished Greeks—formed the subject of a special play, perhaps a trilogic series of plays,* by Æschylus. This performance, however, has been unfortunately lost; and we can only imagine what it may have been by the description in the opening chorus of the present play, and by the beautiful, though certainly far from Æschylean, tragedy of Euripides. For our present purpose, it is sufficient to note that, in the Agamemnon, special reference is made to the sacrifice of Iphigenia, both as an unrighteous deed on the part of the father, for which some retribution was naturally to be expected, and as the origin of a special grudge in the mind of the mother, which she afterwards gratifies by the murder of her husband

  As to that deed of blood itself, and its special adaptation for dramatic purposes, there can be no doubt; as little that Æschylus has used his materials in the present play in a fashion that satisfies the highest demands both of lyric and dramatic poetry, as executed by the first masters of both. The calm majesty and modest dignity of the much-tried monarch; the cool self-possession, and the smooth front of specious politeness that mark the character of the royal murderess the obstreperous bullying of the cowardly braggart, who does the deed with his heart, not with his hand; the half-wild, half-tender ravings of the horror-haunted Trojan prophetess; these together contain a combination of highly wrought dramatic elements, such as is scarcely excelled even in the all-embracing pages of our own Shakespere As far removed from common-place are the lyrical—in Æschylus never the secondary—elements of the piece The sublime outbreak of Cassandra’s prophetic horror is, as the case demanded, made to exhibit itself as much under the lyric as in the declamatory form; while the other choral parts, remarkable for length and variety, are marked not only by that mighty power of intense moral feeling which is so peculiarly Æschylean, but by the pictorial beauty and dramatic reality that distinguish the workmanship of a great lyric master from that of the vulgar dealer in inflated sentiment and sonorous sentences.

  AGAMEMNON

  Watch.

  • I pray the gods a respite from these toils,
  • This long year’s watch that, dog-like, I have kept,
  • High on the Atridan’s battlements,1 beholding
  • The nightly council of the stars, the circling
  • Of the celestial signs, and those bright regents,
  • High-swung in ether, that bring mortal men
  • Summer and winter. Here I watch the torch,
  • The appointed flame that wings a voice from Troy,
  • Telling of capture; thus I serve her hopes,
  • The masculine-minded who is sovereign here2
  • And when night-wandering shades encompass round
  • My dew-sprent dreamless couch (for fear doth sit
  • In slumber’s chair, and holds my lids apart),
  • I chaunt some dolorous ditty, making song,
  • Sleep’s substitute, surgeon my nightly care,
  • And the misfortunes of this house I weep,
  • Not now, as erst, by prudent counsels swayed.
  • Oh! soon may the wished for sign relieve my toils,
  • Thrice-welcome herald, gleaming through the night!

  [The beacon is seen shining.]

  • All hail thou cresset of the dark! fair gleam
  • Of day through midnight shed, all hail! bright father
  • Of joy and dance, in Argos, hail! all hail!
  • Hillo! hilloa!
  • I will go tell the wife of Agamemnon
  • To shake dull sleep away, and lift high-voiced,3
  • The jubilant shout well-omened, to salute
  • This welcome beacon, if, indeed, old Troy
  • Hath fallen—as flames this courier torch to tell.
  • Myself will dance the prelude to this joy.
  • My master’s house hath had a lucky throw,
  • And thrice six falls to me,4 thanks to the flame!
  • Soon may he see his home; and soon may I
  • Carry my dear-loved master’s hand in mine!
  • The rest I whisper not, for on my tongue
  • Is laid a seal.5 These walls, if they could speak,
  • Would say strange things Myself to those that know
  • Am free of speech, to whoso knows not dumb.

  [Exit

  EnterChorusin procession. March time.

  Chorus.

  • Nine years have rolled, the tenth is rolling,
  • Since the strong Atridan pair,
  • Menelaus and Agamemnon,
  • Sceptied kings by Jove’s high grace,6
  • With a host of sworn alliance,
  • With a thousand triremes rare,
  • With a righteous strong defiance,
  • Sailed for Troy From furious breast
  • Loud they clanged the peal of battle;
  • Like the cry of vultures wild
  • O’er the lone paths fitful-wheeling,7
  • With their plumy oarage oaring
  • Over the nest by the spoiler spoiled,
  • The nest dispeopled now and bare,
  • Their long but fruitless care.
  • But the gods see it: some Apollo,
  • Pan or Jove, the wrong hath noted,
  • Heard the sharp and piercing cry
  • Of the startled birds, shrill-throated
  • Tenants of the sky;
  • And the late-chastising Fury8
  • Sent from above to track the spoiler,
  • Hovers vengeful nigh.
  • Thus great Jove, the high protector
  • Of the hospitable laws,9
  • ’Gainst Alexander sends the Atridans,
  • Harnessed in a woman’s cause,
  • The many-lorded fair.
  • Toils on toils shall come uncounted,
  • (Jove hath willed it so);
  • Limb-outwearying hard endeavour,
  • Where the strong knees press the dust,
  • Where the spear-shafts split and shiver,
  • Trojan and Greek shall know.
  • But things are as they are: the chain
  • Of Fate doth bind them; sighs are vain,
  • Tears, libations, fruitless flow,
  • To divert from purposed ire
  • The powers whose altars know no fire.10
  • But we behind that martial train
  • Inglorious left remain,
  • Old and frail, and feebly leaning
  • Strength as of childhood on a staff.
  • Yea! even as life’s first unripe marrow
  • In the tender bones are we,
  • From war’s harsh service free.
  • For hoary Eld, life’s leaf up-shrunken,
  • Totters, his three-footed way
  • Feebly feeling, weak as childhood,
  • Like a dream that walks by day.
  • But what is this? what wandering word,
  • Clytemnestra queen, hath reached thee?
  • What hast seen? or what hast heard
  • That from street to street swift flies
  • Thy word, commanding sacrifice?
  • All the altars of all the gods
  • That keep the city, gods supernal,
  • Gods Olympian, gods infernal,
  • Gods of the Forum, blaze with gifts;
  • Right and left the flame mounts high,
  • Spiring to the sky,
  • With the gentle soothings cherished
  • Of the oil that knows no malice,11
  • And the sacred cake that smokes
  • From the queen’s chamber in the palace.
  • What thou canst and may’st, declare,
  • Be the healer of the care
  • That bodes black harm within me; change it
  • To the bright and hopeful ray,
  • Which from the altar riseth, chasing
  • From the heart the sateless sorrow
  • That eats vexed life away.

  TheChorus,having now arranged themselves into a regular band in the middle of the Orchestra, sing the FirstChoral Hymn.

  • STROPHE.
  • I’ll voice the strain.12 What though the arm be weak
  • That once was strong,
  • The suasive breath of Heaven-sent memories stirs
  • The old man’s breast with song.
  • My age hath virtue left
  • To sing what fateful omens strangely beckoned
  • The twin kings to the fray,
  • What time to Troy concentuous marched
  • The embattled Greek array.
  • Jove’s swooping bird, king of all birds,* led on
  • The kings of the fleet with spear and vengeful hand:
  • By the way-side from shining seats serene,
  • Close by the palace, on the spear-hand seen,†
  • Two eagles flapped the air,
  • One black, the other silver-tipt behind,
  • And with keen talons seized a timorous hare,
  • Whose strength could run no more,
  • Itself, and the live burden which it bore.
  • Sing woe and well-a-day! But still
  • May the good omens shame the ill.
  • ANTISTROPHE.
  • The wise diviner of the host‡ beheld,
  • And knew the sign;
  • The hare-devouring birds with diverse wings
  • Typed the Atridan pair,
  • The diverse-minded kings,13
  • And thus the fate he chaunted:—Not in vain
  • Ye march this march to-day;
  • Old Troy shall surely fall, but not
  • Till moons on moons away
  • Have lingering rolled. Rich stores by labour massed
  • Clean-sweeping Fate shall plunder. Grant the gods,
  • While this strong bit for Troy we forge with gladness,
  • No heavenly might in jealous wrath o’ercast
  • Our mounting hope with sadness.
  • For the chaste Artemis§ a sore grudge nurses
  • Against the kings: Jove’s winged hounds she curses,14
  • The fierce war-birds that tore
  • The fearful hare, with the young brood it bore.
  • Sing woe and well-a-day! but still
  • May the good omens shame the ill.
  • EPODE.
  • The lion’s fresh-dropt younglings, and each whelp
  • That sucks wild milk, and through the forest roves,
  • Live not unfriended; them the fair goddess loves,15
  • And lends her ready help.
  • The vision of the birds shall work its end
  • In bliss, but dashed not lightly with black bane;*
  • I pray thee, Pæan, may she never send16
  • Contrarious blasts dark-lowering, to detain
  • The Argive fleet.
  • Ah! ne’er may she desire to feast her eyes
  • On an unblest unholy sacrifice,
  • From festal use abhorrent, mother of strife,
  • And sundering from her lawful lord the wife.†
  • Stern-purposed waits the child-avenging wrath17
  • About the fore-doomed halls,
  • Weaving dark wiles, while with sure-memoried sting
  • Fury to Fury calls.
  • Thus hymned the seer, the doom, in dubious chaunt
  • Bliss to the chiefs dark-mingling with the bane,
  • From the way-haunting birds; and we
  • Respondent to the strain,
  • Sing woe and well-a-day! but still
  • May the good omens shame the ill.
  • STROPHE I.
  • Jove, or what other name18
  • The god that reigns supreme delights to claim,
  • Him I invoke; him of all powers that be,
  • Alone I find,
  • Who from this bootless load of doubt can free
  • My labouring mind.
  • ANTISTROPHE I.
  • Who was so great of yore,
  • With all-defiant valour brimming o’er,19
  • Is mute; and who came next by a stronger arm
  • Thrice-vanquished fell;
  • But thou hymn victor Jove: so in thy heart
  • His truth shall dwell.
  • STROPHE II.
  • For Jove doth teach men wisdom, sternly wins
  • To virtue by the tutoring of their sins,
  • Yea! drops of torturing recollection chill
  • The sleeper’s heart, ’gainst man’s rebellious will
  • Jove works the wise remorse:
  • Dread Powers, on awful seats enthroned, compel
  • Our hearts with gracious force.20
  • ANTISTROPHE II.
  • The elder chief, the leader of the ships,
  • Heard the dire doom, nor dared to ope his lips
  • Against the seer, and feared alone to stand
  • ’Gainst buffeting fate, what time the Chalcian strand*
  • Saw the vexed Argive masts
  • In Aulis tides hoarse-refluent,21 idly chained
  • By the fierce Borean blasts;
  • STROPHE III.
  • Blasts from Strymon† adverse braying,
  • Harbour-vexing, ship-delaying,
  • Snapping cables, shattering oars,
  • Wasting time, consuming stores,
  • With vain-wandering expectation,
  • And with long-drawn slow vexation
  • Wasting Argive bloom.
  • At length the seer forth-clanged the doom,
  • A remedy strong to sway the breeze,
  • And direful Artemis to appease,
  • But to the chiefs severe:
  • The Atridans with their sceptres struck the ground,
  • Nor could restrain the tear.
  • ANTISTROPHE III.
  • Then spake the elder. To deny,
  • How hard! still harder to comply!
  • My daughter dear, my joy, my life,
  • To slay with sacrificial knife,
  • And with life’s purple-gushing tide,
  • Imbrue a father’s hand, beside
  • The altar of the gods.
  • This way or that is ill: for how
  • Shall I despise my federate vow?
  • How leave the ships? That all conspire
  • Thus hotly to desire
  • The virgin’s blood—wind-soothing sacrifice—
  • Is the gods’ right. So be it22
  • STROPHE IV.
  • Thus to necessity’s harsh yoke he bared
  • His patient neck. Unblissful blew the gale
  • That turned the father’s heart23
  • To horrid thoughts unholy, thoughts that dared
  • The extreme of daring. Sin from its primal spring
  • Mads the ill-counsell’d heart, and arms the hand
  • With reckless strength. Thus he
  • Gave his own daughter’s blood, his life, his joy,
  • To speed a woman’s war, and consecrate24
  • His ships for Troy.
  • ANTISTROPHE IV.
  • In vain with prayers, in vain she beats dull ears
  • With a father’s name; the war-delighting chiefs
  • Heed not her virgin years.
  • The father stood; and when the priests had prayed
  • Take her, he said; in her loose robes enfolden,
  • Where prone and spent she lies,25 so lift the maid.
  • Even as a kid is laid,
  • So lay her on the altar; with dumb force
  • Her beauteous* mouth gag, lest it breathe a voice
  • Of curse to Argos.
  • STROPHE V.
  • And as they led the maid, her saffron robe26
  • Sweeping the ground, with pity-moving dart
  • She smote each from her eye,
  • Even as a picture beautiful, fain to speak,
  • But could not. Well that voice they knew of yore;
  • Oft at her father’s festive board,
  • With gallant banqueters ringed cheerly round,
  • The virgin strain they heard27
  • That did so sweetly pour
  • Her father’s praise, whom Heaven had richly crowned
  • With bounty brimming o’er.
  • ANTISTROPHE V.
  • The rest I know not, nor will vainly pry;
  • But Calchas was a seer not wont to lie.
  • Justice doth wait to teach
  • Wisdom by suffering. Fate will have its way.
  • The quickest ear is pricked in vain to-day,
  • To catch to-morrow’s note. What boots
  • To forecast woe, which, on no wavering wing,28
  • The burthen’d hour shall bring.
  • But we, a chosen band,
  • Left here sole guardians of the Apian land,*
  • Pray Heaven, all good betide!

  EnterClytemnestra.

  Chorus.

  • Hail Clytemnestra! honour to thy sceptre!
  • When her lord’s throne is vacant, the wife claims
  • His honour meetly. Queen, if thou hast heard
  • Good news, or to the hope of good that shall be,
  • With festal sacrifice dost fill the city,
  • I fain would know; but nothing grudge thy silence.

  Clytem.

  • Bearing blithe tidings, saith the ancient saw,
  • Fair Morn be gendered from boon mother Night!
  • News thou shalt hear beyond thy topmost hope;
  • The Greeks have ta’en old Priam’s city.

  Chorus.

  • How!
  • Troy taken! the word drops from my faithless ear.

  Clytem.

  The Greeks have taken Troy. Can I speak plainer?

  Chorus.

  Joy o’er my heart creeps, and provokes the tear.

  Clytem.

  Thine eye accuses thee that thou art kind.

  Chorus.

  What warrant of such news? What certain sign?

  Clytem

  Both sign and seal, unless some god deceive me.

  Chorus.

  Dreams sometimes speak; did suasive visions move thee?

  Clytem.

  Where the soul sleeps, and the sense slumbers, there Shall the wise ask for reasons?

  Chorus.

  • Ever swift
  • Though wingless, Fame,29 with tidings fair hath cheered thee.

  Clytem

  Thou speak’st as one who mocks a simple girl.

  Chorus.

  Old Troy is taken? how?—when did it fall?

  Clytem.

  The self-same night that mothers this to-day.

  Chorus

  But how? what stalwart herald ran so fleetly?

  Clytem.

  • Hephæstus.* He from Ida shot the spark,30
  • And flaming straightway leapt the courier fire
  • From height to height; to the Hermæan rock
  • Of Lemnos, first from Ida; from the isle
  • The Athóan steep of mighty Jove received
  • The beaming beacon; thence the forward strength
  • Of the far-travelling lamp strode gallantly31
  • Athwart the broad sea’s back. The flaming pine
  • Rayed out a golden glory like the sun,
  • And winged the message to Macistus’ watch-tower.
  • There the wise watchman, guiltless of delay,
  • Lent to the sleepless courier further speed,
  • And the Messapian station hailed the torch
  • Far-beaming o’er the floods of the Eurípus.
  • There the grey heath lit the responsive fire,
  • Speeding the portioned message; waxing strong,
  • And nothing dulled across Asopus’ plain
  • The flame swift darted like the twinkling moon,
  • And on Cithæron’s rocky heights awaked
  • A new receiver of the wandering light.
  • The far-sent ray, by the faithful watch not spurned,
  • With bright addition journeying, bounded o’er
  • Gorgópus’ lake and Ægiplanctus’ mount,
  • Weaving the chain unbroken.32 Hence it spread
  • Not scant in strength, a mighty beard of flame,33
  • Flaring across the headlands that look down
  • On the Saronic gulf.34 Speeding its march,
  • It reached the neighbour-station of our city,
  • Arachne’s rocky steep; and thence the halls
  • Of the Atridæ recognised the signal,
  • Light not unfathered by Idæan fire.
  • Such the bright train of my torch-bearing heralds,
  • Each from the other fired with happy news,
  • And last and first was victor in the race35
  • Such the fair tidings that my lord hath sent,
  • A sign that Troy hath fallen.

  Chorus.

  • And for its fall
  • Our voice shall hymn the gods anon: meanwhile
  • I’m fain to drink more wonder from thy words.

  Clytem.

  • This day Troy fell. Methinks I see’t; a host
  • Of jarring voices stirs the startled city,
  • Like oil and acid, sounds that will not mingle,
  • By natural hatred sundered. Thou may’st hear
  • Shouts of the victor, with the dying groan,
  • Battling, and captives’ cry, upon the dead—
  • Fathers and mothers, brothers, sisters, wives—
  • The living fall—the young upon the old;
  • And from enthralléd necks wail out their woe
  • Fresh from the fight, through the dark night the spoilers
  • Tumultuous rush where hunger spurs them on,
  • To feast on banquets never spread for them.
  • The homes of captive Trojan chiefs they share
  • As chance decides the lodgment; there secure
  • From the cold night-dews and the biting frosts,
  • Beneath the lordly roof, to their hearts’ content36
  • They live, and through the watchless night prolong
  • Sound slumbers Happy if the native gods
  • They reverence, and the captured altars spare,37
  • Themselves not captive led by their own folly!
  • May no unbridled lust of unjust gain
  • Master their hearts, no reckless rash desire!
  • Much toil yet waits them. Having turned the goal,38
  • The course’s other half they must mete out,
  • Ere home receive them safe Their ships must brook
  • The chances of the sea; and, these being scaped,
  • If they have sinned39 the gods their own will claim,
  • And vengeance wakes till blood shall be atoned.
  • I am a woman; but mark thou well my words;
  • I hint the harm; but with no wavering scale,
  • Prevail the good! I thank the gods who gave me
  • Rich store of blessings, richly to enjoy.

  Chorus.

  • Woman, thou speakest wisely as a man,
  • And kindly as thyself. But having heard
  • The certain signs of Agamemnon’s coming,
  • Prepare we now to hymn the gods; for surely
  • With their strong help we have not toiled in vain.
  • • O regal Jove! O blessed Night!
    • Thou hast won thee rich adornments,
    • Thou hast spread thy shrouding meshes
    • O’er the towers of Priam Ruin
    • Whelms the young, the old. In vain
    • Shall they strive to o’erleap the snare,
    • And snap the bondsman’s galling chain,
    • In woe retrieveless lost.
    • Jove, I fear thee, just protector
    • Of the wrong’d host’s sacred rights;
    • Thou didst keep thy bow sure bent
    • ’Gainst Alexander; not before
    • The fate-predestined hour, and not
    • Beyond the stars, with idle aim,
    • Thy cunning shaft was shot.
  • CHORAL HYMN.
    STROPHE I.
  • The hand of Jove hath smote them; thou
  • May’st trace it plainly,
  • What the god willed, behold it now
  • Not purposed vainly!
  • The gods are blind,40 and little caring,
  • So one hath said, to mark the daring
  • Of men, whose graceless foot hath ridden
  • O’er things to human touch forbidden.
  • Godless who said so; sons shall rue
  • Their parents’ folly,
  • Who flushed with wealth, with insolence flown,
  • The sober bliss of man outgrown,
  • The trump of Mars unchastened blew,
  • And stirred red strife without the hue
  • Of justice wholly.
  • Live wiselier thou, not waxing gross
  • With gain, thou shalt be free from loss.
  • Weak is his tower, with pampering wealth
  • In brief alliance
  • Who spurns great Justice’ altar dread
  • With damned defiance,
  • Him the deep hell shall claim, and shame
  • His vain reliance.
  • ANTISTROPHE I.
  • Self-will fell Até’s daughter,41 still
  • Fore-counselling ruin,
  • Shall spur him on resistless borne
  • To his undoing.
  • Fined with sharp loss beyond repairing,
  • His misery like a beacon flaring,
  • Shall shine to all. Like evil brass,
  • That tested shows a coarse black mass,
  • His deep distemper he shall show
  • By dints of trial.
  • Even as a boy in wanton sport,42
  • Chasing a bird to his own hurt,
  • And to the state’s redeemless loss,
  • Whom, when he prays, the gods shall cross
  • With sheer denial,
  • And sweep the lewd and lawless liver
  • From earth’s fair memory for ever;
  • Thus to the Atridans’ palace came
  • False Alexander,
  • And shared the hospitable board,
  • A bold offender,
  • Filching his host’s fair wife away
  • To far Scamander.
  • STROPHE II.
  • She went, and to the Argive city left
  • Squadrons shield-bearing,
  • Battle preparing,
  • Swords many-flashing,
  • Oars many-plashing;
  • She went, destruction for her dowry bearing,
  • To the Sigean shore;
  • Light with swift foot she brushed the doorstead, daring
  • A deed undared before.
  • The prophets of the house loud wailing,43
  • Cried with sorrow unavailing,
  • “Woe to the Atridans! woe!
  • The lofty palaces fallen low!
  • The marriage and the marriage bed,
  • The steps once faithful, fond to follow
  • There where the faithful husband led!”
  • He silent stood in sadness, not in wrath,44
  • His own eye scarce believing,
  • As he followed her flight beyond the path
  • Of the sea-wave broadly heaving.
  • And phantoms sway each haunt well known,
  • Which the lost loved one wont to own,
  • And the statued forms that look from their seats
  • With a cold smile serenely,
  • He loathes to look on; in his eye
  • Pines Aphrodité* leanly.
  • ANTISTROPHE II.
  • In vain he sleeps; for in the fretful night
  • Shapes of fair seeming
  • Flit through his dreaming,
  • Soothing him sweetly,
  • Leaving him fleetly
  • Of bliss all barren. The shape fond fancy weaves him
  • His eager grasp would keep,
  • In vain; it cheats the hand; and leaves him, sweeping
  • Swift o’er the paths of sleep.
  • These sorrows pierce the Atridan chiefs,
  • And, worse than these, their private griefs,
  • But general Greece that to the fray
  • Sent her thousands, mourns to-day;
  • And Grief stout-hearted at each door
  • Sits to bear the burden sore
  • Of deathful news from the Trojan shore.
  • Ah! many an Argive heart to-day
  • Is pricked with wail and mourning,
  • Knowing how many went to Troy,
  • From Troy how few returning!
  • The mothers of each house shall wait
  • To greet their sons at every gate,
  • But, alas! not men, but dust of men
  • Each sorrowing house receiveth,
  • The urn in which the fleshly case
  • Its cindered ruin leaveth.
  • STROPHE III.
  • For Mars doth market bodies, and for gold
  • Gives dust, and in the battle of the bold
  • Holds the dread scales of Fate.
  • Burnt cinders, a light burden, but to friends
  • A heavy freight,
  • He sends from Troy; the beautiful vase he sends
  • With dust, for hearts, well lined, on which descends
  • The frequent tear.
  • And friends do wail their praise; this here
  • Expert to wield the pointed spear,
  • And this who cast his life away,
  • Nobly in ignoble fray,
  • For a strange woman’s sake.
  • And in their silent hearts hate burns;
  • Against the kings
  • The moody-muttered grudge creeps forth,
  • And points its stings.
  • Others they mourn who ’neath Troy’s wall
  • Entombed, dark sleep prolong,
  • Low pressed beneath the hostile sod,
  • The beautiful, the strong!
  • ANTISTROPHE III.
  • O hard to bear, when evil murmurs fly,
  • Is a nation’s hate; unblest on whom doth lie
  • A people’s curse!
  • My heart is dark, in my fear-procreant brain
  • Bad begets worse.
  • For not from heaven the gods behold in vain
  • Hands red with slaughter. The black-mantled train*
  • Who watch and wait,
  • In their own hour shall turn to bane
  • The bliss that grew from godless gain.
  • The mighty man with heart elate
  • Shall fall; even as the sightless shades,
  • The great man’s glory fades.
  • Sweet to the ear is the popular cheer
  • Forth billowed loudly;
  • But the bolt from on high shall blast his eye45
  • That looketh proudly.
  • Be mine the sober bliss, and far
  • From fortune’s high-strung rapture,
  • Not capturing others, may I never
  • See my own city’s capture!
  • EPODE.
  • Swift-winged with thrilling note it came,
  • The blithe news from the courier-flame;
  • But whether true and witnessed well,
  • Or if some god hath forged a lie,
  • What tongue can tell?
  • Who is so young, so green of wit,
  • That his heart should blaze with a fever fit,
  • At a tale of this fire-courier’s telling,
  • When a new rumour swiftly swelling,
  • May turn him back to dole? To lift the note
  • Of clamorous triumph ere the fight be fought,
  • Is a light chance may fitly fall,
  • Where women wield the spear.46
  • A wandering word by woman’s fond faith sped
  • Swells and increases,
  • But with dispersion swift a woman’s tale
  • Is lost and ceases.

  EnterClytemnestra.

  • Soon shall we know if the light-bearing lamps
  • And the bright signals of the fiery changes
  • Spake true or, dream-like, have deceived our sense
  • With smiling semblance. For, behold, where comes,
  • Beneath the outspread olive’s branchy shade,
  • A herald from the beach; and thirsty dust,
  • Twin-sister of the clay, attests his speed.
  • Not voiceless he, nor with the smoking flame
  • Of mountain pine will bring uncertain news.
  • His heraldry gives increase to our joy,
  • Or—but to speak ill-omened words I shun;—
  • May fair addition fair beginning follow!

  Chorus.

  • Whoso fears evil where no harm appears,
  • Reap first himself the fruit of his own fears.

  EnterHerald.

  • Hail Argive land! dear fatherland, all hail!
  • This tenth year’s light doth shine on my return!
  • And now this one heart’s hope from countless wrecks
  • I save! Scarce hoped I e’er to lay my bones
  • Within the tomb where dearest dust is stored.
  • I greet thee, native land! thee, shining sun!
  • Thee, the land’s Sovereign, Jove! thee, Pythian King,
  • Shooting no more thy swift-winged shafts against us.
  • Enough on red Scamander’s banks we knew
  • Thee hostile; now our saviour-god be thou,
  • Apollo, and our healer from much harm!47
  • And you, all gods that guide the chance of fight,
  • I here invoke; and thee, my high protector,
  • Loved Hermes, of all heralds most revered.
  • And you, all heroes that sent forth our hosts,
  • Bring back, I pray, our remnant with good omens.
  • O kingly halls! O venerated seats!
  • O dear-loved roofs, and ye sun-fronting gods,48
  • If ever erst, now on this happy day,
  • With these bright-beaming eyes, duly receive
  • Your late returning king; for Agamemnon
  • Comes, like the sun, a common joy to all.
  • Greet him with triumph, as beseems the man,
  • Who with the mattock of justice-bringing Jove
  • Hath dug the roots of Troy, hath made its altars
  • Things seen no more, its towering temples razed,
  • And caused the seed of the whole land to perish.
  • Such yoke on Ilium’s haughty neck the elder
  • Atridan threw, a king whom gods have blessed
  • And men revere, ’mongst mortals worthy most
  • Of honour; now nor Paris, nor in the bond
  • Partner’d with him, old Troy more crime may boast
  • Than penalty; duly in the court of fight,
  • In the just doom of rape and robbery damned,
  • His pledge is forfeited,49 his hand hath reaped
  • Clean bare the harvest of all bliss from Troy.
  • Doubly they suffer for a double crime.

  Chorus.

  Hail soldier herald, how farest thou?

  Herald.

  • Right well!
  • So well that I could bless the gods and die.

  Chorus.

  Doubtless thy love of country tried thy heart?

  Herald.

  To see these shores I weep for very joy.

  Chorus.

  And that soul-sickness sweetly held thee?

  Herald.

  • How?
  • Instruct my wit to comprehend thy words.

  Chorus.

  Smitten with love of them that much loved thee.

  Herald.

  Say’st thou? loved Argos us as we loved Argos?

  Chorus.

  Ofttimes we sorrowed from a sunless soul.

  Herald.

  • How so? Why should the thought of the host have clouded
  • Thy soul with sadness?

  Chorus.

  • Sorrow not causeless came;
  • But I have learned to drug all woes by silence.

  Herald.

  Whom should’st thou quail before, the chiefs away?

  Chorus.

  I could have used thy phrase, and wished to die.

  Herald.

  • Die now, an’ thou wilt, for joy! The rolling years
  • Have given all things a prosperous end, though some
  • Were hard to bear; for who, not being a god,
  • Can hope to live long years of bliss unbroken?
  • A weary tale it were to tell the tithe
  • Of all our hardships; toils by day, by night,
  • Harsh harbourage, hard hammocks, and scant sleep.
  • No sun without new troubles, and new groans,
  • Shone on our voyage; and when at length we landed,
  • Our woes were doubled; ’neath the hostile walls,
  • On marshy meads night-sprinkled by the dews,
  • We slept, our clothes rotted with drenching rain,
  • And like wild beasts with shaggy-knotted hair.
  • Why should I tell bird-killing winter’s sorrows,
  • Long months of suffering from Idéan snows,
  • Then summer’s scorching heat, when noon beheld
  • The waveless sea beneath the windless air
  • In sleep diffused; these toils have run their hour.
  • The dead care not to rise; their roll our grief
  • Would muster o’er in vain; and we who live
  • Vainly shall fret at the cross strokes of fate.
  • Henceforth to each harsh memory of the past
  • Farewell! we who survive this long-drawn war
  • Have gains to count that far outweigh the loss.
  • Well may we boast in the face of the shining sun,
  • O’er land and sea our winged tidings wafting,
  • The Achæan host hath captured Troy; and now
  • On the high temples of the gods we hang
  • These spoils, a shining grace, there to remain
  • An heritage for ever.50 These things to hear
  • Shall men rejoice, and with fair praises laud
  • The state and its great generals, laud the grace
  • Of Jove the Consummator. I have said.

  Chorus.

  • I own thy speech the conqueror; for a man
  • Can never be too old to learn good news,
  • And though thy words touch Clytemnestra most,
  • Joy to the Atridan’s halls is wealth to me.

  Clytem.

  • I lifted first the shout of jubilee,
  • Then when the midnight sign of the courier fire
  • Told the deep downfall of the captured Troy,
  • But one then mocked my faith, that I believed
  • The fire-sped message in so true a tale.
  • ’Tis a light thing to buoy a woman’s heart
  • With hopeful news, they cried; and with these words
  • They wildered my weak wit. And yet I sped
  • The sacrifice, and raised the welcoming shout
  • In woman’s wise, and at a woman’s word
  • Forthwith from street to street uprose to the gods
  • Well-omened salutations, and glad hymns,
  • Lulling the fragrant incense-feeding flame.
  • What needs there more? The event has proved me right,
  • Himself—my lord—with his own lips shall speak
  • The weighty tale; myself will go make ready
  • With well-earned honour to receive the honoured.
  • What brighter bliss on woman’s lot may beam,
  • Than when a god gives back her spouse from war,
  • To ope the gates of welcome. Tell my husband,
  • To his loved home, desired of all, to haste.
  • A faithful wife, even as he left her, here
  • He’ll find expectant, like a watch-dog, gentle
  • To him and his, to all that hate him harsh.
  • The seals that knew his stamp, when hence he sailed,
  • Unharmed remain, untouched: and for myself
  • Nor praise nor blame from other man I know,
  • No more than dyer’s art can tincture brass.51

  Herald.

  • A boast like this, instinct with very truth,
  • Comes from a noble lady without blame.

  Chorus.

  • Wise words she spake, and words that need no comment
  • To ears that understand. But say, good Herald,
  • Comes Menelaus safe back from the wars,
  • His kindly sway in Argos to resume?

  Herald.

  • I cannot gloss a lie with fair pretence;
  • The best told lie bears but a short-lived fruit.

  Chorus.

  • Speak the truth plainly, if thou canst not pleasantly;
  • These twain be seldom wedded; and here, alas!
  • They stand out sundered with too clear a mark.

  Herald

  • The man is vanished from the Achæan host,
  • He and his vessel. Thou hast heard the truth.

  Chorus.

  • Sailed he from Ilium separate from the fleet?
  • Or did the tempest part him from his friends!

  Herald.

  • Like a good marksman thou hast hit the mark,
  • In one short sentence summing many sorrows.

  Chorus.

  • Alive is he or dead? What word hath reached you?
  • What wandering rumour from sea-faring men?

  Herald.

  • This none can tell, save yon bright sun aloft,
  • That cherishes all things with his friendly light.

  Chorus.

  • How came the storm on the fleet? or how was ended
  • The wrath of the gods?

  Herald.

  • Not well it suits to blot
  • With black rehearsal this auspicious day.
  • Far from the honors of the blissful gods52
  • Be grief’s recital. When with gloomy visage
  • An ugly tale the herald’s voice unfolds,
  • At once a general wound, and private grief,
  • An army lost, the sons of countless houses
  • Death-doomed by the double scourge so dear to Ares,*
  • A twin-speared harm, a yoke of crimson slaughter:
  • A herald saddled with such woes may sing
  • A pæan to the Erinnyes. But I,
  • Who to this city blithe and prosperous
  • Brought the fair news of Agamemnon’s safety,
  • How shall I mingle bad with good, rehearsing
  • The wintry wrath sent by the gods to whelm us?
  • Fire and the sea, sworn enemies of old,53
  • Made friendly league to sweep the Achæan host
  • With swift destruction pitiless. Forth rushed
  • The tyrannous Thracian blasts, and wave chased wave,
  • Fierce ’neath the starless night, and ship on ship
  • Struck clashing; beak on butting beak was driven;
  • The puffing blast, the beat of boiling billows,
  • The whirling gulph (an evil pilot) wrapt them
  • In sightless death. And when the shining sun
  • Shone forth again, we see the Ægean tide
  • Strewn with the purple blossoms of the dead,
  • And wrecks of shattered ships. Us and our bark
  • Some god, no man, the storm-tost hull directing,
  • Hath rescued scathless, stealing us from the fray,
  • Or with a prayer begging our life from Fate.
  • Kind Fortune helmed us further, safely kept
  • From yeasty ferment in the billowy bay,
  • Nor dashed on far-ledged rocks. Thus having ’scaped
  • That ocean hell,54 scarce trusting our fair fortune,
  • We hailed the lucid day; but could we hope,
  • The chance that saved ourselves had saved our friends?
  • Our fearful hearts with thoughts of them we fed,
  • Far-labouring o’er the loosely-driving main.55
  • And doubtless they, if yet live breath they breathe,
  • Deem so of us, as we must fear of them,
  • That they have perished. But I hope the best.
  • And first and chief expect ye the return
  • Of Menelaus. If the sun’s blest ray
  • Yet looks on him, where he beholds the day
  • By Jove’s devising,56 not yet willing wholly
  • To uproot the race of Atreus, hope may be
  • He yet returns. Thou hast my tale; and I
  • Have told the truth untinctured with a lie.

  [Exit.

  • CHORAL HYMN.
    STROPHE I.
  • Who gave her a name
  • So true to her fame?
  • Does a Providence rule in the fate of a word?
  • Sways there in heaven a viewless power
  • O’er the chance of the tongue in the naming hour?
  • Who gave her a name,
  • This daughter of strife, this daughter of shame,
  • The spear-wooed maid of Greece?
  • Helen the taker!57 ’tis plain to see
  • A taker of ships, a taker of men,
  • A taker of cities is she.
  • From the soft-curtained chamber of Hymen she fled,
  • By the breath of giant58 Zephyr sped,
  • And shield-bearing throngs in marshalled array
  • Hounded her flight o’er the printless way,
  • Where the swift-plashing oar
  • The fair booty bore
  • To swirling Simois’ leafy shore,
  • And stirred the crimson fray.
  • ANTISTROPHE I.
  • For the gods sent a bride,
  • Kin but not kind,59
  • Ripe with the counsel of wrath to Troy,
  • In the fulness of years, the offender to prove,
  • And assert the justice of Jove;
  • For great Jove is lord
  • Of the rights of the hearth and the festal board.
  • The sons of Priam sang
  • A song to the praise of the bride:
  • From jubilant throats they praised her then,
  • The bride from Hellas brought;
  • But now the ancient city hath changed
  • Her hymn to a doleful note.
  • She weeps bitter tears; she curses the head
  • Of the woe-wedded Paris; she curses the bed
  • Of the beautiful bride
  • That crossed the flood,
  • And filched the life of her sons, and washed
  • Her wide-paved streets with blood.
  • STROPHE II.
  • Whoso nurseth the cub of a lion
  • Weaned from the dugs of its dam, where the draught
  • Of its mountain-milk was free,
  • Finds it gentle at first and tame.
  • It frisks with the children in innocent game,
  • And the old man smiles to see;
  • It is dandled about like a babe in the arm,
  • It licketh the hand that fears no harm,
  • And when hunger pinches its fretful maw,
  • It fawns with an eager glee.
  • ANTISTROPHE II.
  • But it grows with the years; and soon reveals
  • The fount of fierceness whence it came:
  • And, loathing the food of the tame,
  • It roams abroad, and feasts in the fold,
  • On feasts forbidden, and stains the floor
  • Of the house that nursed it with gore.
  • A curse they nursed for their own undoing,
  • A mouth by which their own friends shall perish;
  • A servant of Até, a priest of Ruin,60
  • Some god hath taught them to cherish.
  • STROPHE III.
  • Thus to Troy came a bride of the Spartan race,
  • With a beauty as bland as a windless calm,
  • Prosperity’s gentlest grace;
  • And mild was love’s blossom that rayed from her eye,
  • The soft-winged dart that with pleasing pain
  • Thrills heart and brain.
  • But anon she changed: herself fulfilled
  • Her wedlock’s bitter end;
  • A fatal sister, a fatal bride,
  • Her fateful head she rears;
  • Herself the Erinnys from Jove to avenge
  • The right of the injured host, and change
  • The bridal joy to tears.
  • ANTISTROPHE III.
  • ’Twas said of old, and ’tis said to-day,
  • That wealth to prosperous stature grown
  • Begets a birth of its own:
  • That a surfeit of evil by good is prepared,
  • And sons must bear what allotment of woe
  • Their sires were spared.
  • But this I rebel to believe: I know
  • That impious deeds conspire
  • To beget an offspring of impious deeds
  • Too like their ugly sire.
  • But whoso is just, though his wealth like a river
  • Flow down, shall be scathless his house shall rejoice
  • In an offspring of beauty for ever.
  • STROPHE IV.
  • The heart of the haughty delights to beget
  • A haughty heart.61 From time to time
  • In children’s children recurrent appears
  • The ancestral crime.
  • When the dark hour comes that the gods have decreed,
  • And the Fury burns with wrathful fires,
  • A demon unholy, with ire unabated,
  • Lies like black night on the halls of the fated:
  • And the recreant son plunges guiltily on
  • To perfect the guilt of his sires.
  • ANTISTROPHE IV.
  • But Justice shines in a lowly cell;
  • In the homes of poverty, smoke-begrimed,
  • With the sober-minded she loves to dwell.
  • But she turns aside
  • From the rich man’s house with averted eye,
  • The golden-fretted halls of pride
  • Where hands with lucre are foul, and the praise
  • Of counterfeit goodness smoothly sways:
  • And wisely she guides in the strong man’s despite
  • All things to an issue of right.

  Chorus.

  • But, hail the king! the city-taking
  • Seed of Atreus’ race.
  • How shall I accost thee! How
  • With beseeming reverence greet thee?
  • Nor above the mark, nor sinking
  • Beneath the line of grace?
  • Many of mortal men there be,
  • ’Gainst the rule of right preferring
  • Seeming to substance; tears are free
  • In the eye when woe its tale rehearseth,
  • But the sting of sorrow pierceth
  • No man’s liver; many force
  • Lack-laughter faces to relax
  • Into the soft lines traced by joy.
  • But the shepherd true and wise
  • Knows the faithless man, whose eyes,
  • With a forward friendship twinkling,
  • Fawn with watery love.62
  • For me, I nothing hide. O King,
  • In my fancy’s picturing,
  • From the Muses far I deemed thee,
  • And thy soul not wisely helming
  • When thou drew’st the knife
  • For Helen’s sake, a woman, whelming
  • Thousands in ruin, rushing rashly
  • On unwelcome strife.
  • But now all’s well. No shallow smiles
  • We wear for thee, thy weary toils
  • All finished. Thou shalt know anon
  • What friends do serve thee truly,
  • And who in thy long absence used
  • Their stewardship unduly.

  EnterAgamemnonwith attendants;Cassandrabehind.

  Aga.

  • First Argos hail! and ye, my country’s gods,
  • Who worked my safe return, and nerved my arm
  • With vengeance against Priam! for the gods,
  • Taught by no glozing tongue, but by the sight
  • Of their own eyes knew justice; voting ruin
  • And men-destroying death to ancient Troy,
  • Their fatal pebbles in the bloody urn
  • Not doubtingly they dropt; the other vase,
  • Unfed with hope of suffrage-bearing hand,
  • Stood empty. Now the captured city’s smoke
  • Points where it fell. Raves Ruin’s storm; the winds
  • With crumbled dust and dissipated gold
  • Float grossly laden. To the immortal gods
  • These thanks, fraught with rich memory of much good,
  • We pay; they taught our hands to spread the net
  • With anger-whetted wit, a woman’s frailty
  • Laid bare old Ilium to the Argive bite,
  • And with the setting Pleiads outleapt a birth
  • Of strong shield-bearers from the fateful horse.
  • A fierce flesh-tearing lion leapt their walls,
  • And licked a surfeit of tyrannic blood.
  • This prelude to the gods. As for thy words
  • Of friendly welcome, I return thy greeting,
  • And as your thought, so mine; for few are gifted
  • With such rich store of love, to see a friend
  • Preferred and feel no envy; ’tis a disease
  • Possessing mortal men, a poison lodged
  • Close by the heart, eating all joy away
  • With double barb—his own mischance who suffers
  • And bliss of others sitting at his gate,
  • Which when he sees he groans. I know it well;
  • They who seemed most my friends, and many seemed,
  • Were but the mirrored show, the shadowy ghost
  • Of something like to friendship, substanceless.
  • Ulysses only, most averse to sail,
  • Was still most ready in the yoke with me
  • To bear the harness; living now or dead,
  • This praise I frankly give him. For the rest,
  • The city and the gods, we will take counsel
  • In full assembly freely. What is good
  • We will give heed that it be lasting; where
  • Disease the cutting or the caustic cure
  • Demands, we will apply it. I, meanwhile,
  • My hearth and home salute, and greet the gods,
  • Who, as they sent me to the distant fray,
  • Have brought me safely back. Fair victory,
  • Once mine, may she dwell with me evermore!

  Clytem.

  • Men! Citizens! ye reverend Argive seniors,
  • No shame feel I, even in your face, to tell
  • My husband-loving ways. Long converse lends
  • Boldness to bashfulness. No foreign griefs,
  • Mine own self-suffered woes I tell. While he
  • Was camping far at Ilium, I at home
  • Sat all forlorn, uncherished by the mate
  • Whom I had chosen; this was woe enough
  • Without enforcement; but, to try me further,
  • A host of jarring rumours stormed my doors,
  • Each fresh recital with a murkier hue
  • Than its precedent; and I must hear all.
  • If this my lord, had borne as many wounds
  • In battle as the bloody fame recounted,
  • He had been pierced throughout even as a net;
  • And had he died as oft as Rumour slew him,
  • He might have boasted of a triple coil63
  • Like the three-bodied Geryon, while on earth
  • (Of him below I speak not), and like him
  • Been three times heaped with a cloak of funeral dust.
  • Thus fretted by cross-grained reports, oft-times
  • The knotted rope high-swung had held my neck,
  • But that my friends with forceful aid prevented.
  • Add that my son, pledge of our mutual vows,
  • Orestes is not here; nor think it strange.
  • Thy Phocian spear-guest,64 the most trusty Strophius,
  • Took him in charge, a twofold danger urging
  • First thine beneath the walls of Troy, and further
  • The evil likelihood that, should the Greeks
  • Be worsted in the strife, at home the voice
  • Of many-babbling anarchy might cast
  • The council down, and as man’s baseness is,
  • At fallen greatness insolently spurn.
  • Moved by these thoughts I parted with my boy,
  • And for no other cause. Myself the while
  • So woe-worn lived, the fountains of my grief
  • To their last drop were with much weeping drained;
  • And far into the night my watch I’ve kept
  • With weary eyes, while in my lonely room
  • The night-torch faintly glimmered. In my dream
  • The buzzing gnat, with its light-brushing wing,
  • Startled the fretful sleeper; thou hast been
  • In waking hours, as in sleep’s fitful turns
  • My only thought. But having bravely borne
  • This weight of woe, now with blithe heart I greet
  • Thee, my heart’s lord, the watch-dog of the fold,
  • The ship’s sure mainstay, pillared shaft whereon
  • Rests the high roof, fond parent’s only child,
  • Land seen by sailors past all hope, a day
  • Lovely to look on when the storm hath broken,
  • And to the thirsty wayfarer the flow
  • Of gushing rill. O sweet it is, how sweet
  • To see an end of the harsh yoke that galled us!
  • These greetings to my lord; nor grudge me, friends,
  • This breadth of welcome; sorrows we have known
  • Ample enough. And now, thou precious head,
  • Come from thy car, nay, do not set thy foot,
  • The foot that trampled Troy, on common clay.
  • What ho! ye laggard maids! why lags your task
  • Behind the hour? Spread purple where he treads.
  • Fitly the broidered foot-cloth marks his path,
  • Whom Justice leadeth to his long-lost home
  • With unexpected train. What else remains
  • Our sleepless zeal, with favour of the gods,
  • Shall order as befits.

  Aga.

  • Daughter of Leda, guardian of my house!
  • Almost thou seem’st to have spun thy welcome out
  • To match my lengthened absence; but I pray thee
  • Praise with discretion, and let other mouths
  • Proclaim my pæans. For the rest, abstain
  • From delicate tendance that would turn my manhood
  • To woman’s temper. Not in barbaric wise
  • With prostrate reverence base, kissing the ground,
  • Mouth sounding salutations; not with purple,
  • Breeder of envy, spread my path. Such honors
  • Suit the immortal gods; me, being mortal,
  • To tread on rich-flowered carpetings wise fear
  • Prohibits. As a man, not as a god,
  • Let me be honored. Not the less my fame
  • Shall be far blazoned, that on common earth
  • I tread untapestried. A sober heart
  • Is the best gift of God; call no man happy
  • Till death hath found him prosperous to the close.
  • For me, if what awaits me fall not worse
  • Than what hath fallen, I have good cause to look
  • Bravely on fate.

  Clytem.

  • Nay, but my good lord will not
  • In this gainsay my heart’s most warm desire.

  Aga.

  My wish and will thou shalt not lightly mar.

  Clytem.

  Hast thou a vow belike, and fear’st the gods?

  Aga.

  If e’er man knew, I know my will in this.

  Clytem.

  Had Priam conquered, what had Priam done?

  Aga.

  His feet had trod the purple; doubt it not.

  Clytem.

  • What Priam would, thou may’st, unless the fear
  • Of popular blame make Agamemnon quail.

  Aga.

  But popular babble strengthens Envy’s wing.

  Clytem.

  Thou must be envied if thou wilt be great.

  Aga.

  Is it a woman’s part to hatch contention?

  Clytem.

  For once be conquered; they who conquer may Yield with a grace.

  Aga.

  • And thou in this vain strife
  • Must be perforce the conqueror; is it so?

  Clytem.

  ’Tis even so: for once give me the reins.

  Aga.

  • Thou hast thy will. Come, boy, unbind these sandals,65
  • That are the prostrate subjects to my feet,
  • When I do tread; for with shod feet I never
  • May leave my print on the sea-purple, lest
  • Some god with jealous eye look from afar
  • And mark me. Much I fear with insolent foot
  • To trample wealth, and rudely soil the web
  • Whose precious threads the pure-veined silver buys.
  • So much for this. As for this maid, receive
  • The stranger kindly: the far-seeing gods
  • Look down with love on him who mildly sways.
  • For never yet was yoke of slavery borne
  • By willing neck; of all the captive maids
  • The choicest flower she to my portion fell.
  • And now, since thou art victor o’er my will,
  • I tread the purple to my father’s hall.

  Clytem.

  • The wide sea flows; and who shall dry it up?
  • The ocean flows, and in its vasty depths
  • Is brewed the purple’s die, as silver precious,
  • A tincture ever-fresh for countless robes.
  • But Agamemnon’s house is not a beggar;
  • With this, and with much more the gods provide us;
  • And purple I had vowed enough to spread
  • The path of many triumphs, had a god
  • Given me such ’hest oracular to buy
  • The ransom of thy life. We have thee now,
  • Both root and trunk, a tree rich leafage spreading
  • To shade this mansion from the Sirian dog.
  • Welcome, thou double blessing [Editor: illegible character] to this hearth
  • That bringest heat against keen winter’s cold,
  • And coolness when the sweltering Jove prepares
  • Wine from the crudeness of the bitter grape;
  • Enter the house, made perfect by thy presence.
  • Jove, Jove, the perfecter! perfect thou my vow,66
  • And thine own counsels quickly perfect thou!

  [Exeunt.

  • CHORAL HYMN.
    STROPHE I.
  • Whence these shapes of fear that haunt me?
  • These hovering portents why?
  • Is my heart a seer inspired,
  • To chaunt unbidden and unhired67
  • Notes of dark prophecy?
  • Blithe confidence, my bosom’s lord,*
  • That swayed the doubtful theme,
  • Arise, and with thy clear command
  • Chase the vain-vexing dream!
  • Long years have rolled; and still I fear,
  • As when the Argive band
  • Unloosed their cables from the shore,68
  • And eager plied the frequent oar
  • To the far Ilian strand.
  • ANTISTROPHE I.
  • Now they return: my vouching eyes
  • To prop my faith conspire,
  • And yet my heart, in self-taught hymns,
  • As with a Fury’s burden brims,
  • And will not own the lyre.
  • I fear, I fear: the bold-faced Hope
  • Hath left my heart all drear;
  • And my thought, not idly tossed within,
  • Feels evil creeping near.
  • For the heart hath scent of things to come
  • And prophesies by fear;
  • And yet I pray, may all conspire
  • To prove my boding heart a liar,
  • And me a foolish seer.
  • STROPHE II.
  • Full-blooded health, that in the veins
  • With lusty pulses hotly wells,
  • Shall soon have check. Disease beside it
  • Wall to wall, ill-sundered, dwells.
  • The proud trireme, with sudden shock,
  • In its mid career, on a sunken rock
  • Strikes, and all is lost.
  • Yet there is hope; the ship may rein
  • Its plunge, from whelming ruin free,
  • If with wise sling the merchant fling
  • Into the greedy sea
  • A part to save the whole. And thus
  • Jove, that two-handed stores for us,
  • In our mid woe may pause,
  • Heap gifts on gifts from yearly furrows,
  • And save the house from swamping sorrows,
  • And lean starvation’s jaws.
  • ANTISTROPHE II.
  • But, oh! when black blood stains the ground,
  • And the mortal mortal lies,
  • Shall the dead hear when thou chauntest?
  • To thy charming shall he rise?
  • Once there was a leech so wise
  • Could raise the dead,* but, from the skies,
  • Struck by Jove, he ceased.
  • But cease my song. Were link with link
  • In the chain of things not bound together69
  • That each event must wait its time,
  • Nor one dare trip the other,
  • My tongue had played the prophet’s part,
  • And rolled the burden from my heart;
  • But now, to doubt resigned,
  • With smothered fears, all dumb I wait
  • The unravelling hour; while sparks of fate
  • Flit through my darksome mind.

  EnterClytemnestra.

  Clytem.

  • Come thou, too, in; this maid, I mean; Cassandra!
  • For not in wrath Jove sent thee here to share
  • Our family lustrations, and to stand,
  • With many slaves, beside the household altar.70
  • Step from this car, nor bear thy spirit proudly
  • Above thy fate, for even Alcmena’s son,
  • To slavery sold, once bore the hated yoke.
  • What must be, must be; rather thank the chance
  • That gave thee to an old and wealthy house;
  • For they who reap an unexpected growth
  • Of wealth, are harsh to slaves beyond the line
  • Of a well-tempered rule. Here thou shalt find
  • The common use of bondage.

  Chorus.

  • Plainly she speaks;
  • And thou within Fate’s iron toils once caught
  • Wert wise to go—if go thou wilt—but, soothly,
  • Thou hast no willing look.

  Clytem.

  • Nay! an’ she be not
  • Barbarian to the bone, and speaking nought
  • Save swallow jabber,* she shall hear my voice.
  • I’ll pierce her marrow with it.

  Chorus

  • Captive maid,
  • Obey! thou shouldst; ’tis best; be thou persuaded
  • To leave thy chariot-seat and follow her.

  Clytem.

  • No time have I to stand without the gate
  • Prating with her. Within, on the central hearth,
  • The fire burns bright, the sheep’s fat slaughter waiting,
  • To furnish forth a banquet that transcends
  • The topmost of our hopes. Wilt thou obey,
  • Obey me quickly! If with stubborn sense
  • Thou hast nor ear to hear, nor voice to speak,
  • Answer my sign with thy barbarian hand.

  Chorus.

  • A wise interpreter the maid demands;
  • Like a wild beast new caught, even so she stands.

  Clytem.

  • Ay! she is mad; her wit to sober counsels
  • Is deaf; she comes from the new-captured city,
  • Untaught to bear the Argive bit with patience,
  • But foams and dashes bloody froth. I will not
  • Make myself base by wasting words on her.

  [Exit.

  Chorus.

  • Poor maid, I may not blame; I pity thee.
  • Come, leave thy seat, for, though the yoke be strange,
  • Necessity compels, and thou must bear it.

  STROPHE I.

  Cass.

  • Ah! ah! woes me! woe! woe!
  • Apollo! O Apollo!

  Chorus.

  • Why dost thou wail to Loxias?† is he
  • A gloomy god that he should list sad tales?

  ANTISTROPHE I.

  Cass.

  • Ah! ah! woes me! woe! woe!
  • Apollo! O Apollo!

  Chorus.

  • Again with evil-omened voice she cries
  • Upon the god least fit to wait on woe.

  STROPHE II.

  Cass.

  • Apollo! Apollo!
  • My way-god, my leader Apollo!71
  • Apollo the destroyer!
  • Thou with light labour hast destroyed me quite.

  Chorus.

  • Strange oracles against herself she speaks;
  • Ev’n in the bondsman’s bosom dwells the god.

  ANTISTROPHE II.

  Cass.

  • Apollo! Apollo!
  • Apollo, my leader, whither hast thou led me?72
  • My way-god, Apollo?
  • What homes receive thy captive prophetess?

  Chorus.

  • The Atridæ’s homes. This, an’ thou knowst it not,
  • I tell thee, and the words I speak are true.

  STROPHE III.

  Cass.

  • Ha! the house of the Atridæ!*
  • Well the godless house I know,
  • With the dagger and the rope,
  • And the self-inflicted blow!
  • Where red blood is on the floor,
  • And black murder at the door—
  • This house—this house I know.

  Chorus.

  • She scents out slaughter, mark me, like a hound,
  • And tracks the spot where she shall feast on blood.

  ANTISTROPHE III.

  Cass.

  • Ay! I scent a truthful scent,
  • And the thing I say I know.
  • See! see! these weeping children,
  • How they vouch the monstrous woe!
  • Their red wounds are bleeding fresh,
  • And their father eats their flesh,
  • This bloody house I know.

  Chorus.

  • The fame of thy divinings far renowned
  • Have reached us, but we wish no prophets here.

  STROPHE IV.

  Cass.

  • Ha! ha! what plots she now!
  • A new sorrow, a new snare
  • To the house of the Atridæ,
  • And a burden none may bear!
  • A black harm to all and each,
  • A disease that none may leech,
  • And the evil plot to mar
  • All help and hope is far.

  Chorus.

  • Nay now I’m lost and mazed in vain surmise.
  • What first she said I knew—the common rumour.

  ANTISTROPHE IV.

  Cass.

  • Ha! woman wilt thou dare?
  • Thy bed’s partner and thy mate
  • In the warm refreshing bath
  • Shall he find his bloody fate?
  • How shall I dare to say
  • What comes and will not stay?
  • See, to do her heart’s command
  • Where she stretches her red hand!

  Chorus.

  • Not yet I understand: through riddles dark
  • And cloudy oracles my wits are wandering.

  STROPHE V.

  Cass.

  • Ha! what bloody sight is this!
  • ’Tis a net of Hades spread—
  • ’Tis a snare to snare her lord,
  • The fond sharer of her bed.
  • The black chorus of the place*
  • Shout for vengeance o’er the race,
  • Whose offence cries for atoning,
  • With a heavy death of stoning!

  STROPHE VI.

  Chorus.

  • What black Fury of the place
  • Shall shout vengeance o’er the race?
  • Such strange words I hate to hear.
  • The blithe blood, that crimson ran73
  • In my veins, runs pale and wan
  • With the taint of yellow fear,
  • As when in the mortal anguish,74
  • Life’s last fitful glimpses languish
  • And Fate, as now, is near!

  ANTISTROPHE V.

  Cass.

  • Ha! ha! the work proceeds!
  • From the bull keep back the cow!
  • Lo! now she seizes him
  • By the strong black horn,75 and now
  • She hath wrapt him round with slaughter;
  • She strikes! and in the water
  • Of the bath he falls. Mark well,
  • In the bath doth murder dwell.

  ANTISTROPHE VI.

  Chorus.

  • No prophetic gift is mine
  • The dark saying to divine,
  • But this sounds like evil quite;
  • For to mortal man was never
  • The diviner’s voice the giver
  • Of a message of delight,
  • But in words of mazy mourning,
  • Comes the prophet’s voice of warning,
  • With a lesson of affright.

  STROPHE VII.

  Cass.

  • Fill the cup, and brim the woe!
  • ’Tis my own heart’s blood must flow
  • Me! miserable me!
  • From old Troy why didst thou bring me
  • Poor captive maid, to sing thee
  • Thy dirge, and die with thee?

  STROPHE VIII.

  Chorus.

  • By a god thou art possessed,
  • And he raveth in thy breast,
  • And he sings a song of thee
  • That hath music, but no glee.
  • Like