last Pallas blue-eyed began. 35 Father! Saturnian Jove! of Kings supreme! We know thy force resistless; but our hearts Feel not the less, when we behold the Greeks Exhausting all the sorrows of their lot. If thou command, we, doubtless, will abstain 40 From battle, yet such counsel to the Greeks Suggesting still, as may in part effect Their safety, lest thy wrath consume them all. To whom with smiles answer'd cloud-gatherer Jove. Fear not, my child! stern as mine accent was, 45 I forced a frown—no more. For in mine heart Nought feel I but benevolence to thee. He said, and to his chariot join'd his steeds Swift, brazen-hoof'd, and mailed with wavy gold; He put on golden raiment, his bright scourge 50 Of gold receiving rose into his seat, And lash'd his steeds; they not unwilling flew Midway the earth between and starry heaven. To spring-fed Ida, mother of wild beasts, He came, where stands in Gargarus[3] his shrine 55 Breathing fresh incense! there the Sire of all Arriving, loosed his coursers, and around Involving them in gather'd clouds opaque, Sat on the mountain's head, in his own might Exulting, with the towers of Ilium all 60 Beneath his eye, and the whole fleet of Greece. In all their tents, meantime, Achaia's sons Took short refreshment, and for fight prepared. On the other side, though fewer, yet constrain'd By strong necessity, throughout all Troy, 65 In the defence of children and wives Ardent, the Trojans panted for the field. Wide flew the city gates: forth rush'd to war Horsemen and foot, and tumult wild arose. They met, they clash'd; loud was the din of spears 70 And bucklers on their bosoms brazen-mail'd Encountering, shields in opposition from Met bossy shields, and tumult wild arose.[4] There many a shout and many a dying groan Were heard, the slayer and the maim'd aloud 75 Clamoring, and the earth was drench'd with blood. 'Till sacred morn[5] had brighten'd into noon, The vollied weapons on both sides their task Perform'd effectual, and the people fell. But when the sun had climb'd the middle skies, 80 The Sire of all then took his golden scales;[6] Doom against doom he weigh'd, the eternal fates In counterpoise, of Trojans and of Greeks. He rais'd the beam; low sank the heavier lot Of the Achaians; the Achaian doom 85 Subsided, and the Trojan struck the skies. Then roar'd the thunders from the summit hurl'd of Ida, and his vivid lightnings flew Into Achaia's host. They at the sight Astonish'd stood; fear whiten'd every cheek.[7] 90 Idomeneus dared not himself abide That shock, nor Agamemnon stood, nor stood The heroes Ajax, ministers of Mars. Gerenian Nestor, guardian of the Greeks, Alone fled not, nor he by choice remain'd, 95 But by his steed retarded, which the mate Of beauteous Helen, Paris, with a shaft Had stricken where the forelock grows, a part Of all most mortal. Tortured by the wound Erect he rose, the arrow in his brain, 100 And writhing furious, scared his fellow-steeds. Meantime, while, strenuous, with his falchion's edge The hoary warrior stood slashing the reins, Through multitudes of fierce pursuers borne On rapid wheels, the dauntless charioteer 105 Approach'd him, Hector. Then, past hope, had died The ancient King, but Diomede discern'd His peril imminent, and with a voice Like thunder, called Ulysses to his aid. Laertes' noble son, for wiles renown'd! 110 Art thou too fugitive, and turn'st thy back Like the base multitude? Ah! fear a lance Implanted ignominious in thy spine. Stop—Nestor dies. Fell Hector is at hand. So shouted Diomede, whose summons loud, 115 Ulysses yet heard not, but, passing, flew With headlong haste to the Achaian fleet. Then, Diomede, unaided as he was, Rush'd ardent to the vanward, and before The steeds of the Neleian sovereign old 120 Standing, in accents wing'd, him thus address'd. Old Chief! these youthful warriors are too brisk For thee, press'd also by encroaching age, Thy servant too is feeble, and thy steeds Are tardy. Mount my chariot. Thou shalt see 125 With what rapidity the steeds of Troy, Pursuing or retreating, scour the field. I took them from that terror of his foes, AEneas. Thine to our attendants leave, While these against the warlike powers of Troy 130 We push direct; that Hector's self may know If my spear rage not furious as his own. He said, nor the Gerenian Chief refused. Thenceforth their servants, Sthenelus and good Eurymedon, took charge of Nestor's steeds, 135 And they the chariot of Tydides both Ascended; Nestor seized the reins, plied well The scourge, and soon they met. Tydides hurl'd At Hector first, while rapid he advanced; But missing Hector, wounded in the breast 140 Eniopeus his charioteer, the son Of brave Thebaeus, managing the steeds. He fell; his fiery coursers at the sound Startled, recoil'd, and where he fell he died. Deep sorrow for his charioteer o'erwhelm'd 145 The mind of Hector; yet, although he mourn'd He left him, and another sought as brave. Nor wanted long his steeds a charioteer, For finding soon the son of Iphitus, Bold Archeptolemus, he bade him mount 150 His chariot, and the reins gave to his hand. Then deeds of bloodiest note should have ensued, Penn'd had the Trojans been, as lambs, in Troy, But for quick succor of the sire of all. Thundering, he downward hurled his candent bolt 155 To the horse-feet of Diomede; dire fumed The flaming sulphur, and both horses drove Under the axle, belly to the ground. Forth flew the splendid reins from Nestor's hand, And thus to Diomede, appall'd, he spake. 160 Back to the fleet, Tydides! Can'st not see That Jove ordains not, now, the victory thine? The son of Saturn glorifies to-day This Trojan, and, if such his will, can make The morrow ours; but vain it is to thwart 165 The mind of Jove, for he is Lord of all. To him the valiant Diomede replied. Thou hast well said, old warrior! but the pang That wrings my soul, is this. The public ear In Ilium shall from Hector's lips be told— 170 I drove Tydides—fearing me he fled. So shall he vaunt, and may the earth her jaws That moment opening swallow me alive! Him answer'd the Gerenian warrior old. What saith the son of Tydeus, glorious Chief? 175 Should Hector so traduce thee as to call Thee base and timid, neither Trojan him Nor Dardan would believe, nor yet the wives Of numerous shielded warriors brave of Troy, Widow'd by thy unconquerable arm. 180 So saying, he through the fugitives his steeds Turn'd swift to flight. Then Hector and his host With clamor infinite their darts wo-wing'd Shower'd after them, and Hector, mighty Chief Majestic, from afar, thus call'd aloud. 185 Tydides! thee the Danai swift-horsed Were wont to grace with a superior seat, The mess of honor, and the brimming cup, But now will mock thee. Thou art woman now. Go, timorous girl! Thou never shalt behold 190 Me flying, climb our battlements, or lead Our women captive. I will slay thee first. He ceased. Then Diomede in dread suspense Thrice purposed, turning, to withstand the foe, And thrice in thunder from the mountain-top 195 Jove gave the signal of success to Troy. When Hector thus the Trojans hail'd aloud. Trojans and Lycians, and close-warring sons Of Dardanus, oh summon all your might, Now, now be men! I know that from his heart 200 Saturnian Jove glory and bright success For me prepares, but havoc for the Greeks. Fools! they shall find this wall which they have raised Too weak to check my course, a feeble guard Contemptible; such also is the trench; 205 My steeds shall slight it with an easy leap. But when ye see me in their fleet arrived, Remember fire. Then bring me flaming brands That I may burn their galleys and themselves Slaughter beside them, struggling in the smoke.[8] 210 He spake, and thus encouraged next his steeds. Xanthus! Podargus! and ye generous pair AEthon and glossy Lampus! now requite Mine, and the bounty of Andromache, Far-famed Eetion's daughter; she your bowl 215 With corn fresh-flavor'd and with wine full oft Hath mingled, your refreshment seeking first Ere mine, who have a youthful husband's claim.[9] Now follow! now be swift; that we may seize The shield of Nestor, bruited to the skies 220 As golden all, trappings and disk alike. Now from the shoulders of the equestrian Chief Tydides tear we off his splendid mail, The work of Vulcan.[10] May we take but these, I have good hope that, ere this night be spent, 225 The Greeks shall climb their galleys and away. So vaunted he, but Juno with disdain His proud boast heard, and shuddering in her throne, Rock'd the Olympian; turning then toward The Ocean's mighty sovereign, thus she spake. 230 Alas! earth-shaking sovereign of the waves, Feel'st thou no pity of the perishing Greeks? Yet Greece, in Helice, with gifts nor few Nor sordid, and in AEgae, honors thee, Whom therefore thou shouldst prosper. Would we all 235 Who favor Greece associate to repulse The Trojans, and to check loud-thundering Jove, On Ida seated he might lour alone. To whom the Sovereign, Shaker of the Shores, Indignant. Juno! rash in speech! what word 240 Hath 'scaped thy lips? never, with my consent, Shall we, the powers subordinate, in arms With Jove contend. He far excels us all. So they. Meantime, the trench and wall between,[11] The narrow interval with steeds was fill'd 245 Close throng'd and shielded warriors. There immew'd By Priameian Hector, fierce as Mars, They stood, for Hector had the help of Jove. And now with blazing fire their gallant barks He had consumed, but Juno moved the mind 250 Of Agamemnon, vigilant himself, To exhortation of Achaia's host. Through camp and fleet the monarch took his way, And, his wide robe imperial in his hand, High on Ulysses' huge black galley stood, 255 The central ship conspicuous; thence his voice Might reach the most remote of all the line At each extreme, where Ajax had his tent Pitch'd, and Achilles, fearless of surprise. Thence, with loud voice, the Grecians thus he hail'd. 260 Oh shame to Greece! Warriors in show alone! Where is your boasted prowess? Ye profess'd Vain-glorious erst in Lemnos, while ye fed Plenteously on the flesh of beeves full-grown, And crown'd your beakers high, that ye would face 265 Each man a hundred Trojans in the field— Ay, twice a hundred—yet are all too few To face one Hector now; nor doubt I aught But he shall soon fire the whole fleet of Greece. Jove! Father! what great sovereign ever felt 270 Thy frowns as I? Whom hast thou shamed as me? Yet I neglected not, through all the course Of our disasterous voyage (in the hope That we should vanquish Troy) thy sacred rites, But where I found thine altar, piled it high 275 With fat and flesh of bulls, on every shore. But oh, vouchsafe to us, that we at least Ourselves, deliver'd, may escape the sword, Nor let their foes thus tread the Grecians down! He said. The eternal father pitying saw 280 His tears, and for the monarch's sake preserved The people. Instant, surest of all signs, He sent his eagle; in his pounces strong A fawn he bore, fruit of the nimble hind, Which fast beside the beauteous altar raised 285 To Panomphaean[12] Jove sudden he dropp'd.[13] They, conscious, soon, that sent from Jove he came, More ardent sprang to fight. Then none of all Those numerous Chiefs could boast that he outstripp'd Tydides, urging forth beyond the foss 290 His rapid steeds, and rushing to the war. He, foremost far, a Trojan slew, the son Of Phradmon, Agelaeus; as he turn'd His steeds to flight, him turning with his spear Through back and bosom Diomede transpierced. 295 And with loud clangor of his arms he fell. Then, royal Agamemnon pass'd the trench And Menelaus; either Ajax, then, Clad with fresh prowess both; them follow'd, next, Idomeneus, with his heroic friend 300 In battle dread as homicidal Mars, Meriones; Evaemon's son renown'd Succeeded, bold Eurypylus; and ninth Teucer, wide-straining his impatient bow. He under covert fought of the broad shield 305 Of Telamonian Ajax; Ajax high Upraised his shield; the hero from beneath Took aim, and whom his arrow struck, he fell; Then close as to his mother's side a child For safety creeps, Teucer to Ajax' side 310 Retired, and Ajax shielded him again. Whom then slew Teucer first, illustrious Chief? Orsilochus, and Ophelestes, first, And Ormenus he slew, then Daetor died, Chromius and Lycophontes brave in fight 315 With Amopaon Polyaemon's son, And Melanippus. These, together heap'd, All fell by Teucer on the plain of Troy. The Trojan ranks thinn'd by his mighty bow The King of armies Agamemnon saw 320 Well-pleased, and him approaching, thus began. Brave Telamonian Teucer, oh, my friend, Thus shoot, that light may visit once again The Danai, and Telamon rejoice! Thee Telamon within his own abode 325 Rear'd although spurious; mount him, in return, Although remote, on glory's heights again. I tell thee, and the effect shall follow sure, Let but the Thunderer and Minerva grant The pillage of fair Ilium to the Greeks, 330 And I will give to thy victorious hand, After my own, the noblest recompense, A tripod or a chariot with its steeds, Or some fair captive to partake thy bed. To whom the generous Teucer thus replied. 335 Atrides! glorious monarch! wherefore me Exhortest thou to battle? who myself Glow with sufficient ardor, and such strength As heaven affords me spare not to employ. Since first we drove them back, with watchful eye 340 Their warriors I have mark'd; eight shafts my bow Hath sent long-barb'd, and every shaft, well-aim'd. The body of some Trojan youth robust Hath pierced, but still you ravening wolf escapes. He said, and from the nerve another shaft 345 Impatient sent at Hector; but it flew Devious, and brave Gorgythion struck instead. Him beautiful Castianira, brought By Priam from AEsyma, nymph of form Celestial, to the King of Ilium bore. 350 As in the garden, with the weight surcharged Of its own fruit, and drench'd by vernal rains The poppy falls oblique, so he his head Hung languid, by his helmet's weight depress'd.[14] Then Teucer yet an arrow from the nerve 355 Dispatch'd at Hector, with impatience fired To pierce him; but again his weapon err'd Turn'd by Apollo, and the bosom struck Of Archeptolemus, his rapid steeds To battle urging, Hector's charioteer. 360 He fell, his fiery coursers at the sound Recoil'd, and lifeless where he fell he lay. Deep sorrow for his charioteer the mind O'erwhelm'd of Hector, yet he left the slain, And seeing his own brother nigh at hand, 365 Cebriones, him summon'd to the reins, Who with alacrity that charge received. Then Hector, leaping with a dreadful shout From his resplendent chariot, grasp'd a stone, And rush'd on Teucer, vengeance in his heart. 370 Teucer had newly fitted to the nerve An arrow keen selected from the rest, And warlike Hector, while he stood the cord Retracting, smote him with that rugged rock Just where the key-bone interposed divides 375 The neck and bosom, a most mortal part. It snapp'd the bow-string, and with numbing force Struck dead his hand; low on his knees he dropp'd, And from his opening grasp let fall the bow. Then not unmindful of a brother fallen 380 Was Ajax, but, advancing rapid, stalk'd Around him, and his broad shield interposed, Till brave Alaster and Mecisteus, son Of Echius, friends of Teucer, from the earth Upraised and bore him groaning to the fleet. 385 And now again fresh force Olympian Jove Gave to the Trojans; right toward the foss They drove the Greeks, while Hector in the van Advanced, death menacing in every look. As some fleet hound close-threatening flank or haunch 390 Of boar or lion, oft as he his head Turns flying, marks him with a steadfast eye, So Hector chased the Grecians, slaying still The hindmost of the scatter'd multitude. But when, at length, both piles and hollow foss 395 They had surmounted, and no few had fallen By Trojan hands, within their fleet they stood Imprison'd, calling each to each, and prayer With lifted hands, loud offering to the Gods. With Gorgon looks, meantime, and eyes of Mars, 400 Hector impetuous his mane-tossing steeds From side to side before the rampart drove, When white-arm'd Juno pitying the Greeks, In accents wing'd her speech to Pallas turn'd. Alas, Jove's daughter! shall not we at least 405 In this extremity of their distress Care for the Grecians by the fatal force Of this one Chief destroy'd? I can endure The rage of Priameian Hector now No longer; such dire mischiefs he hath wrought. 410 Whom answer'd thus Pallas, caerulean-eyed. —And Hector had himself long since his life Resign'd and rage together, by the Greeks Slain under Ilium's walls, but Jove, my sire, Mad counsels executing and perverse, 415 Me counterworks in all that I attempt, Nor aught remembers how I saved ofttimes His son enjoin'd full many a task severe By King Eurystheus; to the Gods he wept, And me Jove sent in haste to his relief. 420 But had I then foreseen what now I know, When through the adamantine gates he pass'd To bind the dog of hell, by the deep floods Hemm'd in of Styx, he had return'd no more. But Thetis wins him now; her will prevails, 425 And mine he hates; for she hath kiss'd his knees And grasp'd his beard, and him in prayer implored That he would honor her heroic son Achilles, city-waster prince renown'd. 'Tis well—the day shall come when Jove again 430 Shall call me darling, and his blue-eyed maid As heretofore;—but thou thy steeds prepare, While I, my father's mansion entering, arm For battle. I would learn by trial sure, If Hector, Priam's offspring famed in fight 435 (Ourselves appearing in the walks of war) Will greet us gladly. Doubtless at the fleet Some Trojan also, shall to dogs resign His flesh for food, and to the fowls of heaven. So counsell'd Pallas, nor the daughter dread 440 Of mighty Saturn, Juno, disapproved, But busily and with dispatch prepared The trappings of her coursers golden-rein'd. Meantime, Minerva progeny of Jove, On the adamantine floor of his abode 445 Let fall profuse her variegated robe, Labor of her own hands. She first put on The corslet of the cloud-assembler God, Then arm'd her for the field of wo, complete. Mounting the fiery chariot, next she seized 450 Her ponderous spear, huge, irresistible, With which Jove's awful daughter levels ranks Of heroes against whom her anger burns. Juno with lifted lash urged on the steeds. At their approach, spontaneous roar'd the wide- 455 Unfolding gates of heaven; the heavenly gates Kept by the watchful Hours, to whom the charge Of the Olympian summit appertains, And of the boundless ether, back to roll, And to replace the cloudy barrier dense. 460 Spurr'd through the portal flew the rapid steeds: Which when the Eternal Father from the heights Of Ida saw, kindling with instant ire To golden-pinion'd Iris thus he spake. Haste, Iris, turn them thither whence they came; 465 Me let them not encounter; honor small To them, to me, should from that strife accrue. Tell them, and the effect shall sure ensue, That I will smite their steeds, and they shall halt Disabled; break their chariot, dash themselves 470 Headlong, and ten whole years shall not efface The wounds by my avenging bolts impress'd. So shall my blue-eyed daughter learn to dread A father's anger; but for the offence Of Juno, I resent it less; for she 475 Clashes[15] with all my counsels from of old. He ended; Iris with a tempest's speed From the Idaean summit soar'd at once To the Olympian; at the open gates Exterior of the mountain many-valed 480 She stayed them, and her coming thus declared. Whither, and for what cause? What rage is this? Ye may not aid the Grecians; Jove forbids; The son of Saturn threatens, if ye force His wrath by perseverance into act, 485 That he will smite your steeds, and they shall halt Disabled; break your chariot, dash yourselves Headlong, and ten whole years shall not efface The wounds by his avenging bolts impress'd. So shall his blue-eyed daughter learn to dread 490 A father's anger; but for the offence Of Juno, he resents it less; for she Clashes with all his counsels from of old. But thou, Minerva, if thou dare indeed Lift thy vast spear against the breast of Jove, 495 Incorrigible art and dead to shame. So saying, the rapid Iris disappear'd, And thus her speech to Pallas Juno turn'd. Ah Pallas, progeny of Jove! henceforth No longer, in the cause of mortal men, 500 Contend we against Jove. Perish or live Grecians or Trojans as he wills; let him Dispose the order of his own concerns, And judge between them, as of right he may. So saying, she turn'd the coursers; them the Hours 505 Released, and to ambrosial mangers bound, Then thrust their chariot to the luminous wall. They, mingling with the Gods, on golden thrones Dejected sat, and Jove from Ida borne Reach'd the Olympian heights, seat of the Gods. 510 His steeds the glorious King of Ocean loosed, And thrust the chariot, with its veil o'erspread. Into its station at the altar's side. Then sat the Thunderer on his throne of gold Himself, and the huge mountain shook. Meantime 515 Juno and Pallas, seated both apart, Spake not or question'd him. Their mute reserve He noticed, conscious of the cause, and said. Juno and Pallas, wherefore sit ye sad? Not through fatigue by glorious fight incurr'd 520 And slaughter of the Trojans whom ye hate. Mark now the difference. Not the Gods combined Should have constrain'd me back, till all my force, Superior as it is, had fail'd, and all My fortitude. But ye, ere ye beheld 525 The wonders of the field, trembling retired. And ye did well—Hear what had else befallen. My bolts had found you both, and ye had reach'd, In your own chariot borne, the Olympian height, Seat of the blest Immortals, never more. 530 He ended; Juno and Minerva heard Low murmuring deep disgust, and side by side Devising sat calamity to Troy. Minerva, through displeasure against Jove, Nought utter'd, for her bosom boil'd with rage; 535 But Juno check'd not hers, who thus replied. What word hath pass'd thy lips, Jove most severe? We know thy force resistless; yet our hearts Feel not the less when we behold the Greeks Exhausting all the sorrows of their lot. 540 If thou command, we doubtless will abstain From battle, yet such counsel to the Greeks Suggesting still, as may in part effect Their safety, lest thy wrath consume them all. Then answer, thus, cloud-gatherer Jove return'd. 545 Look forth, imperial Juno, if thou wilt, To-morrow at the blush of earliest dawn, And thou shalt see Saturn's almighty son The Argive host destroying far and wide. For Hector's fury shall admit no pause 550 Till he have roused Achilles, in that day When at the ships, in perilous straits, the hosts Shall wage fierce battle for Patroclus slain. Such is the voice of fate. But, as for thee— Withdraw thou to the confines of the abyss 555 Where Saturn and Iaepetus retired, Exclusion sad endure from balmy airs And from the light of morn, hell-girt around, I will not call thee thence. No. Should thy rage Transport thee thither, there thou may'st abide, 560 There sullen nurse thy disregarded spleen Obstinate as thou art, and void of shame. He ended; to whom Juno nought replied. And now the radiant Sun in Ocean sank, Drawing night after him o'er all the earth; 565 Night, undesired by Troy, but to the Greeks Thrice welcome for its interposing gloom. Then Hector on the river's brink fast by The Grecian fleet, where space he found unstrew'd With carcases convened the Chiefs of Troy. 570 They, there dismounting, listen'd to the words Of Hector Jove-beloved; he grasp'd a spear In length eleven cubits, bright its head Of brass, and color'd with a ring of gold. He lean'd on it, and ardent thus began. 575 Trojans, Dardanians, and allies of Troy! I hoped, this evening (every ship consumed, And all the Grecians slain) to have return'd To wind-swept Ilium. But the shades of night Have intervened, and to the night they owe, 580 In chief, their whole fleet's safety and their own. Now, therefore, as the night enjoins, all take Needful refreshment. Your high-mettled steeds Release, lay food before them, and in haste Drive hither from the city fatted sheep 585 And oxen; bring ye from your houses bread, Make speedy purchase of heart-cheering wine, And gather fuel plenteous; that all night, E'en till Aurora, daughter of the morn Shall look abroad, we may with many fires 590 Illume the skies; lest even in the night, Launching, they mount the billows and escape. Beware that they depart not unannoy'd, But, as he leaps on board, give each a wound With shaft or spear, which he shall nurse at home. 595 So shall the nations fear us, and shall vex With ruthless war Troy's gallant sons no more. Next, let the heralds, ministers of Jove, Loud notice issue that the boys well-grown, And ancients silver-hair'd on the high towers 600 Built by the Gods, keep watch; on every hearth In Troy, let those of the inferior sex Make sprightly blaze, and place ye there a guard Sufficient, lest in absence of the troops An ambush enter, and surprise the town. 605 Act thus, ye dauntless Trojans; the advice Is wholesome, and shall serve the present need, And so much for the night; ye shall be told The business of the morn when morn appears. It is my prayer to Jove and to all heaven 610 (Not without hope) that I may hence expel These dogs, whom Ilium's unpropitious fates Have wafted hither in their sable barks. But we will also watch this night, ourselves, And, arming with the dawn, will at their ships 615 Give them brisk onset. Then shall it appear If Diomede the brave shall me compel Back to our walls, or I, his arms blood-stain'd, Torn from his breathless body, bear away. To-morrow, if he dare but to abide 620 My lance, he shall not want occasion meet For show of valor. But much more I judge That the next rising sun shall see him slain With no few friends around him. Would to heaven! I were as sure to 'scape the blight of age 625 And share their honors with the Gods above, As comes the morrow fraught with wo to Greece. So Hector, whom his host with loud acclaim All praised. Then each his sweating steeds released, And rein'd them safely at his chariot-side. 630 And now from Troy provision large they brought, Oxen, and sheep, with store of wine and bread, And fuel much was gather'd. [16]Next the Gods With sacrifice they sought, and from the plain Upwafted by the winds the smoke aspired 635 Savoury, but unacceptable to those Above; such hatred in their hearts they bore To Priam, to the people of the brave Spear-practised Priam, and to sacred Troy. Big with great purposes and proud, they sat, 640 Not disarray'd, but in fair form disposed Of even ranks, and watch'd their numerous fires, As when around the clear bright moon, the stars Shine in full splendor, and the winds are hush'd, The groves, the mountain-tops, the headland-heights 645 Stand all apparent, not a vapor streaks The boundless blue, but ether open'd wide All glitters, and the shepherd's heart is cheer'd;[17] So numerous seem'd those fires the bank between Of Xanthus, blazing, and the fleet of Greece, 650 In prospect all of Troy; a thousand fires, Each watch'd by fifty warriors seated near. The steeds beside the chariots stood, their corn Chewing, and waiting till the golden-throned Aurora should restore the light of day. 655



THE ILIAD.

BOOK IX.



ARGUMENT OF THE NINTH BOOK.

By advice of Nestor, Agamemnon sends Ulysses, Phoenix, and Ajax to the tent of Achilles with proposals of reconciliation. They execute their commission, but without effect. Phoenix remains with Achilles; Ulysses and Ajax return.



BOOK IX.

So watch'd the Trojan host; but thoughts of flight, Companions of chill fear, from heaven infused, Possess'd the Grecians; every leader's heart Bled, pierced with anguish insupportable. As when two adverse winds blowing from Thrace, 5 Boreas and Zephyrus, the fishy Deep Vex sudden, all around, the sable flood High curl'd, flings forth the salt weed on the shore Such tempest rent the mind of every Greek. Forth stalk'd Atrides with heart-riving wo 10 Transfixt; he bade his heralds call by name Each Chief to council, but without the sound Of proclamation; and that task himself Among the foremost sedulous perform'd. The sad assembly sat; when weeping fast 15 As some deep[1] fountain pours its rapid stream Down from the summit of a lofty rock, King Agamemnon in the midst arose, And, groaning, the Achaians thus address'd. Friends, counsellors and leaders of the Greeks! 20 In dire perplexity Saturnian Jove Involves me, cruel; he assured me erst, And solemnly, that I should not return Till I had wasted wall-encircled Troy; But now (ah fraudulent and foul reverse!) 25 Commands me back inglorious to the shores Of distant Argos, with diminish'd troops. So stands the purpose of almighty Jove, Who many a citadel hath laid in dust, And shall hereafter, matchless in his power. 30 Haste therefore. My advice is, that we all Fly with our fleet into our native land, For wide-built Ilium shall not yet be ours. He ceased, and all sat silent; long the sons Of Greece, o'erwhelm'd with sorrow, silent sat, 35 When thus, at last, bold Diomede began. Atrides! foremost of the Chiefs I rise To contravert thy purpose ill-conceived, And with such freedom as the laws, O King! Of consultation and debate allow. 40 Hear patient. Thou hast been thyself the first Who e'er reproach'd me in the public ear As one effeminate and slow to fight; How truly, let both young and old decide. The son of wily Saturn hath to thee 45 Given, and refused; he placed thee high in power, Gave thee to sway the sceptre o'er us all, But courage gave thee not, his noblest gift.[2] Art thou in truth persuaded that the Greeks Are pusillanimous, as thou hast said? 50 If thy own fears impel thee to depart, Go thou, the way is open; numerous ships, Thy followers from Mycenae, line the shore. But we, the rest, depart not, 'till the spoil Of Troy reward us. Or if all incline 55 To seek again their native home, fly all; Myself and Sthenelus will persevere Till Ilium fall, for with the Gods we came. He ended; all the admiring sons of Greece With shouts the warlike Diomede extoll'd, 60 When thus equestrian Nestor next began. Tydides, thou art eminently brave In fight, and all the princes of thy years Excell'st in council. None of all the Greeks Shall find occasion just to blame thy speech 65 Or to gainsay; yet thou hast fallen short. What wonder? Thou art young; and were myself Thy father, thou should'st be my latest born. Yet when thy speech is to the Kings of Greece, It is well-framed and prudent. Now attend! 70 Myself will speak, who have more years to boast Than thou hast seen, and will so closely scan The matter, that Atrides, our supreme, Himself shall have no cause to censure me. He is a wretch, insensible and dead 75 To all the charities of social life, Whose pleasure is in civil broils alone.[3] But Night is urgent, and with Night's demands Let all comply. Prepare we now repast, And let the guard be stationed at the trench 80 Without the wall; the youngest shall supply That service; next, Atrides, thou begin (For thou art here supreme) thy proper task. Banquet the elders; it shall not disgrace Thy sovereignty, but shall become thee well. 85 Thy tents are fill'd with wine which day by day Ships bring from Thrace; accommodation large Hast thou, and numerous is thy menial train. Thy many guests assembled, thou shalt hear Our counsel, and shalt choose the best; great need 90 Have all Achaia's sons, now, of advice Most prudent; for the foe, fast by the fleet Hath kindled numerous fires, which who can see Unmoved? This night shall save us or destroy.[4] He spake, whom all with full consent approved. 95 Forth rush'd the guard well-arm'd; first went the son Of Nestor, Thrasymedes, valiant Chief; Then, sons of Mars, Ascalaphus advanced, And brave Iaelmenus; whom follow'd next Deipyrus, Aphareus, Meriones, 100 And Lycomedes, Creon's son renown'd. Seven were the leaders of the guard, and each A hundred spearmen headed, young and bold. Between the wall and trench their seat they chose, There kindled fires, and each his food prepared. 105 Atrides, then, to his pavilion led The thronging Chiefs of Greece, and at his board Regaled them; they with readiness and keen Dispatch of hunger shared the savory feast, And when nor thirst remain'd nor hunger more 110 Unsated, Nestor then, arising first, Whose counsels had been ever wisest deem'd, Warm for the public interest, thus began. Atrides! glorious sovereign! King of men! Thou art my first and last, proem and close, 115 For thou art mighty, and to thee are given From Jove the sceptre and the laws in charge, For the advancement of the general good. Hence, in peculiar, both to speak and hear Become thy duty, and the best advice, 120 By whomsoever offer'd, to adopt And to perform, for thou art judge alone. I will promulge the counsel which to me Seems wisest; such, that other Grecian none Shall give thee better; neither is it new, 125 But I have ever held it since the day When, most illustrious! thou wast pleased to take By force the maid Briseis from the tent Of the enraged Achilles; not, in truth, By my advice, who did dissuade thee much; 130 But thou, complying with thy princely wrath, Hast shamed a Hero whom themselves the Gods Delight to honor, and his prize detain'st. Yet even now contrive we, although late, By lenient gifts liberal, and by speech 135 Conciliatory, to assuage his ire. Then answer'd Agamemnon, King of men. Old Chief! there is no falsehood in thy charge; I have offended, and confess the wrong. The warrior is alone a host, whom Jove 140 Loves as he loves Achilles, for whose sake He hath Achaia's thousands thus subdued. But if the impulse of a wayward mind Obeying, I have err'd, behold me, now, Prepared to soothe him with atonement large 145 Of gifts inestimable, which by name I will propound in presence of you all. Seven tripods, never sullied yet with fire; Of gold ten talents; twenty cauldrons bright; Twelve coursers, strong, victorious in the race; 150 No man possessing prizes such as mine Which they have won for me, shall feel the want Of acquisitions splendid or of gold. Seven virtuous female captives will I give Expert in arts domestic, Lesbians all, 155 Whom, when himself took Lesbos, I received My chosen portion, passing womankind In perfect loveliness of face and form. These will I give, and will with these resign Her whom I took, Briseis, with an oath 160 Most solemn, that unconscious as she was Of my embraces, such I yield her his. All these I give him now; and if at length The Gods vouchsafe to us to overturn Priam's great city, let him heap his ships 165 With gold and brass, entering and choosing first When we shall share the spoil. Let him beside Choose twenty from among the maids of Troy, Helen except, loveliest of all their sex. And if once more, the rich milk-flowing land 170 We reach of Argos, he shall there become My son-in-law, and shall enjoy like state With him whom I in all abundance rear, My only son Orestes. At my home I have three daughters; let him thence conduct 175 To Phthia, her whom he shall most approve. Chrysothemis shall be his bride, or else Laodice; or if she please him more, Iphianassa; and from him I ask No dower;[5] myself will such a dower bestow 180 As never father on his child before. Seven fair well-peopled cities I will give Cardamyle and Enope, and rich In herbage, Hira; Pherae stately-built, And for her depth of pasturage renown'd 185 Antheia; proud AEpeia's lofty towers, And Pedasus impurpled dark with vines. All these are maritime, and on the shore They stand of Pylus, by a race possess'd Most rich in flocks and herds, who tributes large, 190 And gifts presenting to his sceptred hand, Shall hold him high in honor as a God. These will I give him if from wrath he cease. Let him be overcome. Pluto alone Is found implacable and deaf to prayer, 195 Whom therefore of all Gods men hate the most. My power is greater, and my years than his More numerous, therefore let him yield to me. To him Gerenian Nestor thus replied. Atrides! glorious sovereign! King of men! 200 No sordid gifts, or to be view'd with scorn, Givest thou the Prince Achilles. But away! Send chosen messengers, who shall the son Of Peleus, instant, in his tent address. Myself will choose them, be it theirs to obey. 205 Let Phoenix lead, Jove loves him. Be the next Huge Ajax; and the wise Ulysses third. Of heralds, Odius and Eurybates Shall them attend. Bring water for our hands; Give charge that every tongue abstain from speech 210 Portentous, and propitiate Jove by prayer. He spake, and all were pleased. The heralds pour'd Pure water on their hands;[6] attendant youths The beakers crown'd, and wine from right to left Distributed to all. Libation made, 215 All drank, and in such measure as they chose, Then hasted forth from Agamemnon's tent. Gerenian Nestor at their side them oft Instructed, each admonishing by looks Significant, and motion of his eyes, 220 But most Ulysses, to omit no means By which Achilles likeliest might be won. Along the margin of the sounding deep They pass'd, to Neptune, compasser of earth, Preferring vows ardent with numerous prayers, 225 That they might sway with ease the mighty mind Of fierce AEacides. And now they reach'd The station where his Myrmidons abode. Him solacing they found his heart with notes Struck from his silver-framed harmonious lyre; 230 Among the spoils he found it when he sack'd Eetion's city; with that lyre his cares He sooth'd, and glorious heroes were his theme.[7] Patroclus silent sat, and he alone, Before him, on AEacides intent, 235 Expecting still when he should cease to sing. The messengers advanced (Ulysses first) Into his presence; at the sight, his harp Still in his hand, Achilles from his seat Started astonish'd; nor with less amaze 240 Patroclus also, seeing them, arose. Achilles seized their hands, and thus he spake.[8] Hail friends! ye all are welcome. Urgent cause Hath doubtless brought you, whom I dearest hold (Though angry still) of all Achaia's host. 245 So saying, he introduced them, and on seats Placed them with purple arras overspread, Then thus bespake Patroclus standing nigh. Son of Menaetius! bring a beaker more Capacious, and replenish it with wine 250 Diluted[9] less; then give to each his cup; For dearer friends than these who now arrive My roof beneath, or worthier, have I none. He ended, and Patroclus quick obey'd, Whom much he loved. Achilles, then, himself 255 Advancing near the fire an ample[10] tray, Spread goats' flesh on it, with the flesh of sheep And of a fatted brawn; of each a chine. Automedon attending held them fast, While with sharp steel Achilles from the bone 260 Sliced thin the meat, then pierced it with the spits. Meantime the godlike Menaetiades Kindled fierce fire, and when the flame declined, Raked wide the embers, laid the meat to roast, And taking sacred salt from the hearth-side 265 Where it was treasured, shower'd it o'er the feast. When all was finish'd, and the board set forth, Patroclus furnish'd it around with bread In baskets, and Achilles served the guests. Beside the tent-wall, opposite, he sat 270 To the divine Ulysses; first he bade Patroclus make oblation; he consign'd The consecrated morsel to the fire, And each, at once, his savoury mess assail'd. When neither edge of hunger now they felt 275 Nor thirsted longer, Ajax with a nod Made sign to Phoenix, which Ulysses mark'd, And charging high his cup, drank to his host. Health to Achilles! hospitable cheer And well prepared, we want not at the board 280 Of royal Agamemnon, or at thine, For both are nobly spread; but dainties now, Or plenteous boards, are little our concern.[11] Oh godlike Chief! tremendous ills we sit Contemplating with fear, doubtful if life 285 Or death, with the destruction of our fleet, Attend us, unless thou put on thy might. For lo! the haughty Trojans, with their friends Call'd from afar, at the fleet-side encamp, Fast by the wall, where they have kindled fires 290 Numerous, and threaten that no force of ours Shall check their purposed inroad on the ships. Jove grants them favorable signs from heaven, Bright lightnings; Hector glares revenge, with rage Infuriate, and by Jove assisted, heeds 295 Nor God nor man, but prays the morn to rise That he may hew away our vessel-heads, Burn all our fleet with fire, and at their sides Slay the Achaians struggling in the smoke. Horrible are my fears lest these his threats 300 The Gods accomplish, and it be our doom To perish here, from Argos far remote. Up, therefore! if thou canst, and now at last The weary sons of all Achaia save From Trojan violence. Regret, but vain, 305 Shall else be thine hereafter, when no cure Of such great ill, once suffer'd, can be found. Thou therefore, seasonably kind, devise Means to preserve from such disast'rous fate The Grecians. Ah, my friend! when Peleus thee 310 From Phthia sent to Agamemnon's aid, On that same day he gave thee thus in charge. "Juno, my son, and Pallas, if they please, Can make thee valiant; but thy own big heart Thyself restrain. Sweet manners win respect. 315 Cease from pernicious strife, and young and old Throughout the host shall honor thee the more." Such was thy father's charge, which thou, it seems, Remember'st not. Yet even now thy wrath Renounce; be reconciled; for princely gifts 320 Atrides gives thee if thy wrath subside. Hear, if thou wilt, and I will tell thee all, How vast the gifts which Agamemnon made By promise thine, this night within his tent. Seven tripods never sullied yet with fire; 325 Of gold ten talents; twenty cauldrons bright; Twelve steeds strong-limb'd, victorious in the race; No man possessing prizes such as those Which they have won for him, shall feel the want Of acquisitions splendid, or of gold. 330 Seven virtuous female captives he will give, Expert in arts domestic, Lesbians all, Whom when thou conquer'dst Lesbos, he received His chosen portion, passing woman-kind In perfect loveliness of face and form. 335 These will he give, and will with these resign Her whom he took, Briseis, with an oath Most solemn, that unconscious as she was Of his embraces, such he yields her back. All these he gives thee now! and if at length 340 The Gods vouchsafe to us to overturn Priam's great city, thou shalt heap thy ships With gold and brass, entering and choosing first, When we shall share the spoil; and shalt beside Choose twenty from among the maids of Troy, 345 Helen except, loveliest of all their sex. And if once more the rich milk-flowing land We reach of Argos, thou shalt there become His son-in-law, and shalt enjoy like state With him, whom he in all abundance rears, 350 His only son Orestes. In his house He hath three daughters; thou may'st home conduct To Phthia, her whom thou shalt most approve. Chrysothemis shall be thy bride; or else Laodice; or if she please thee more 355 Iphianassa; and from thee he asks No dower; himself will such a dower bestow As never father on his child before. Seven fair well-peopled cities will he give; Cardamyle and Enope; and rich 360 In herbage, Hira; Pherae stately-built, And for her depth of pasturage renown'd, Antheia; proud AEpeia's lofty towers, And Pedasus impurpled dark with vines. All these are maritime, and on the shore 365 They stand of Pylus, by a race possess'd Most rich in flocks and herds, who tribute large And gifts presenting to thy sceptred hand, Shall hold thee high in honor as a God. These will he give thee, if thy wrath subside. 370 But should'st thou rather in thine heart the more Both Agamemnon and his gifts detest, Yet oh compassionate the afflicted host Prepared to adore thee. Thou shalt win renown Among the Grecians that shall never die. 375 Now strike at Hector. He is here;—himself Provokes thee forth; madness is in his heart, And in his rage he glories that our ships Have hither brought no Grecian brave as he. Then thus Achilles matchless in the race. 380 Laertes' noble son, for wiles renown'd! I must with plainness speak my fixt resolve Unalterable; lest I hear from each The same long murmur'd melancholy tale. For I abhor the man, not more the gates 385 Of hell itself, whose words belie his heart. So shall not mine. My judgment undisguised Is this; that neither Agamemnon me Nor all the Greeks shall move; for ceaseless toil Wins here no thanks; one recompense awaits 390 The sedentary and the most alert, The brave and base in equal honor stand, And drones and heroes fall unwept alike. I after all my labors, who exposed My life continual in the field, have earn'd 395 No very sumptuous prize. As the poor bird Gives to her unfledged brood a morsel gain'd After long search, though wanting it herself, So I have worn out many sleepless nights, And waded deep through many a bloody day 400 In battle for their wives.[12] I have destroy'd Twelve cities with my fleet, and twelve, save one, On foot contending in the fields of Troy. From all these cities, precious spoils I took Abundant, and to Agamemnon's hand 405 Gave all the treasure. He within his ships Abode the while, and having all received, Little distributed, and much retained; He gave, however, to the Kings and Chiefs A portion, and they keep it. Me alone 410 Of all the Grecian host he hath despoil'd; My bride, my soul's delight is in his hands, And let him, couch'd with her, enjoy his fill Of dalliance. What sufficient cause, what need Have the Achaians to contend with Troy? 415 Why hath Atrides gather'd such a host, And led them hither? Was't not for the sake Of beauteous Helen? And of all mankind Can none be found who love their proper wives But the Atridae? There is no good man 420 Who loves not, guards not, and with care provides For his own wife, and, though in battle won, I loved the fair Briseis at my heart. But having dispossess'd me of my prize So foully, let him not essay me now, 425 For I am warn'd, and he shall not prevail. With thee and with thy peers let him advise, Ulysses! how the fleet may likeliest 'scape Yon hostile fires; full many an arduous task He hath accomplished without aid of mine; 430 So hath he now this rampart and the trench Which he hath digg'd around it, and with stakes Planted contiguous—puny barriers all To hero-slaughtering Hector's force opposed. While I the battle waged, present myself 435 Among the Achaians, Hector never fought Far from his walls, but to the Scaean gate Advancing and the beech-tree, there remain'd. Once, on that spot he met me, and my arm Escaped with difficulty even there. 440 But, since I feel myself not now inclined To fight with noble Hector, yielding first To Jove due worship, and to all the Gods, To-morrow will I launch, and give my ships Their lading. Look thou forth at early dawn, 445 And, if such spectacle delight thee aught, Thou shalt behold me cleaving with my prows The waves of Hellespont, and all my crews Of lusty rowers active in their task. So shall I reach (if Ocean's mighty God 450 Prosper my passage) Phthia the deep-soil'd On the third day. I have possessions there, Which hither roaming in an evil hour I left abundant. I shall also hence Convey much treasure, gold and burnish'd brass, 455 And glittering steel, and women passing fair My portion of the spoils. But he, your King, The prize he gave, himself resumed, And taunted at me. Tell him my reply, And tell it him aloud, that other Greeks 460 May indignation feel like me, if arm'd Always in impudence, he seek to wrong Them also. Let him not henceforth presume, Canine and hard in aspect though he be, To look me in the face. I will not share 465 His counsels, neither will I aid his works. Let it suffice him, that he wrong'd me once, Deceived me once, henceforth his glozing arts Are lost on me. But let him rot in peace Crazed as he is, and by the stroke of Jove 470 Infatuate. I detest his gifts, and him So honor as the thing which most I scorn. And would he give me twenty times the worth Of this his offer, all the treasured heaps Which he possesses, or shall yet possess, 475 All that Orchomenos within her walls, And all that opulent Egyptian Thebes Receives, the city with a hundred gates, Whence twenty thousand chariots rush to war, And would he give me riches as the sands, 480 And as the dust of earth, no gifts from him Should soothe me, till my soul were first avenged For all the offensive license of his tongue. I will not wed the daughter of your Chief, Of Agamemnon. Could she vie in charms 485 With golden Venus, had she all the skill Of blue-eyed Pallas, even so endow'd She were no bride for me. No. He may choose From the Achaians some superior Prince, One more her equal. Peleus, if the Gods 490 Preserve me, and I safe arrive at home, Himself, ere long, shall mate me with a bride. In Hellas and in Phthia may be found Fair damsels many, daughters of the Chiefs Who guard our cities; I may choose of them, 495 And make the loveliest of them all my own. There, in my country, it hath ever been My dearest purpose, wedded to a wife Of rank convenient, to enjoy in peace Such wealth as ancient Peleus hath acquired. 500 For life, in my account, surpasses far In value all the treasures which report Ascribed to populous Ilium, ere the Greeks Arrived, and while the city yet had peace; Those also which Apollo's marble shrine 505 In rocky Pytho boasts. Fat flocks and beeves May be by force obtain'd, tripods and steeds Are bought or won, but if the breath of man Once overpass its bounds, no force arrests Or may constrain the unbodied spirit back. 510 Me, as my silver-footed mother speaks Thetis, a twofold consummation waits. If still with battle I encompass Troy, I win immortal glory, but all hope Renounce of my return. If I return 515 To my beloved country, I renounce The illustrious meed of glory, but obtain Secure and long immunity from death. And truly I would recommend to all To voyage homeward, for the fall as yet 520 Ye shall not see of Ilium's lofty towers, For that the Thunderer with uplifted arm Protects her, and her courage hath revived. Bear ye mine answer back, as is the part Of good ambassadors, that they may frame 525 Some likelier plan, by which both fleet and host May be preserved; for, my resentment still Burning, this project is but premature. Let Phoenix stay with us, and sleep this night Within my tent, that, if he so incline, 530 He may to-morrow in my fleet embark, And hence attend me; but I leave him free. He ended; they astonish'd at his tone (For vehement he spake) sat silent all, Till Phoenix, aged warrior, at the last 535 Gush'd into tears (for dread his heart o'erwhelm'd Lest the whole fleet should perish) and replied. If thou indeed have purposed to return, Noble Achilles! and such wrath retain'st That thou art altogether fixt to leave 540 The fleet a prey to desolating fires, How then, my son! shall I at Troy abide Forlorn of thee? When Peleus, hoary Chief, Sent thee to Agamemnon, yet a child,[13] Unpractised in destructive fight, nor less 545 Of councils ignorant, the schools in which Great minds are form'd, he bade me to the war Attend thee forth, that I might teach thee all, Both elocution and address in arms. Me therefore shalt thou not with my consent 550 Leave here, my son! no, not would Jove himself Promise me, reaping smooth this silver beard, To make me downy-cheek'd as in my youth; Such as when erst from Hellas beauty-famed I fled, escaping from my father's wrath 555 Amyntor, son of Ormenus, who loved A beauteous concubine, and for her sake Despised his wife and persecuted me. My mother suppliant at my knees, with prayer Perpetual importuned me to embrace 560 The damsel first, that she might loathe my sire. I did so; and my father soon possess'd With hot suspicion of the fact, let loose A storm of imprecation, in his rage Invoking all the Furies to forbid 565 That ever son of mine should press his knees. Tartarian Jove[14] and dread Persephone Fulfill'd his curses; with my pointed spear I would have pierced his heart, but that my wrath Some Deity assuaged, suggesting oft 570 What shame and obloquy I should incur, Known as a parricide through all the land. At length, so treated, I resolved to dwell No longer in his house. My friends, indeed, And all my kindred compass'd me around 575 With much entreaty, wooing me to stay; Oxen and sheep they slaughter'd, many a plump Well-fatted brawn extended in the flames, And drank the old man's vessels to the lees. Nine nights continual at my side they slept, 580 While others watch'd by turns, nor were the fires Extinguish'd ever, one, beneath the porch Of the barr'd hall, and one that from within The vestibule illumed my chamber door. But when the tenth dark night at length arrived, 585 Sudden the chamber doors bursting I flew That moment forth, and unperceived alike By guards and menial woman, leap'd the wall. Through spacious Hellas flying thence afar, I came at length to Phthia the deep-soil'd, 590 Mother of flocks, and to the royal house Of Peleus; Peleus with a willing heart Receiving, loved me as a father loves His only son, the son of his old age, Inheritor of all his large demesnes. 595 He made me rich; placed under my control A populous realm, and on the skirts I dwelt Of Phthia, ruling the Dolopian race. Thee from my soul, thou semblance of the Gods, I loved, and all illustrious as thou art, 600 Achilles! such I made thee. For with me, Me only, would'st thou forth to feast abroad, Nor would'st thou taste thy food at home, 'till first I placed thee on my knees, with my own hand Thy viands carved and fed thee, and the wine 605 Held to thy lips; and many a time, in fits Of infant frowardness, the purple juice Rejecting thou hast deluged all my vest, And fill'd my bosom. Oh, I have endured Much, and have also much perform'd for thee, 610 Thus purposing, that since the Gods vouchsaf'd No son to me, thyself shouldst be my son, Godlike Achilles! who shouldst screen perchance From a foul fate my else unshelter'd age. Achilles! bid thy mighty spirit down. 615 Thou shouldst not be thus merciless; the Gods, Although more honorable, and in power And virtue thy superiors, are themselves Yet placable; and if a mortal man Offend them by transgression of their laws, 620 Libation, incense, sacrifice, and prayer, In meekness offer'd turn their wrath away. Prayers are Jove's daughters,[15] wrinkled,[16] lame, slant-eyed, Which though far distant, yet with constant pace Follow Offence. Offence, robust of limb, 625 And treading firm the ground, outstrips them all, And over all the earth before them runs Hurtful to man. They, following, heal the hurt. Received respectfully when they approach, They help us, and our prayers hear in return. 630 But if we slight, and with obdurate heart Resist them, to Saturnian Jove they cry Against us, supplicating that Offence May cleave to us for vengeance of the wrong. Thou, therefore, O Achilles! honor yield 635 To Jove's own daughters, vanquished, as the brave Have ofttimes been, by honor paid to thee. For came not Agamemnon as he comes With gifts in hand, and promises of more Hereafter; burn'd his anger still the same, 640 I would not move thee to renounce thy own, And to assist us, howsoe'er distress'd. But now, not only are his present gifts Most liberal, and his promises of more Such also, but these Princes he hath sent 645 Charged with entreaties, thine especial friends, And chosen for that cause, from all the host. Slight not their embassy, nor put to shame Their intercession. We confess that once Thy wrath was unreprovable and just. 650 Thus we have heard the heroes of old times Applauded oft, whose anger, though intense, Yet left them open to the gentle sway Of reason and conciliatory gifts. I recollect an ancient history, 655 Which, since all here are friends, I will relate. The brave AEtolians and Curetes met Beneath the walls of Calydon, and fought With mutual slaughter; the AEtolian powers In the defence of Calydon the fair, 660 And the Curetes bent to lay it waste: That strife Diana of the golden throne Kindled between them, with resentment fired That Oeneus had not in some fertile spot The first fruits of his harvest set apart 665 To her; with hecatombs he entertained All the Divinities of heaven beside, And her alone, daughter of Jove supreme, Or through forgetfulness, or some neglect, Served not; omission careless and profane! 670 She, progeny of Jove, Goddess shaft-arm'd, A savage boar bright-tusk'd in anger sent, Which haunting Oeneus' fields much havoc made. Trees numerous on the earth in heaps he cast Uprooting them, with all their blossoms on. 675 But Meleager, Oeneus' son, at length Slew him, the hunters gathering and the hounds Of numerous cities; for a boar so vast Might not be vanquish'd by the power of few, And many to their funeral piles he sent. 680 Then raised Diana clamorous dispute, And contest hot between them, all alike, Curetes and AEtolians fierce in arms The boar's head claiming, and his bristly hide. So long as warlike Meleager fought, 685 AEtolia prosper'd, nor with all their powers Could the Curetes stand before the walls. But when resentment once had fired the heart Of Meleager, which hath tumult oft Excited in the breasts of wisest men, 690 (For his own mother had his wrath provoked Althaea) thenceforth with his wedded wife He dwelt, fair Cleopatra, close retired. She was Marpessa's daughter, whom she bore To Idas, bravest warrior in his day 695 Of all on earth. He fear'd not 'gainst the King Himself Apollo, for the lovely nymph Marpessa's sake, his spouse, to bend his bow. Her, therefore, Idas and Marpessa named Thenceforth Alcyone, because the fate 700 Of sad Alcyone Marpessa shared, And wept like her, by Phoebus forced away. Thus Meleager, tortured with the pangs Of wrath indulged, with Cleopatra dwelt, Vex'd that his mother cursed him; for, with grief 705 Frantic, his mother importuned the Gods To avenge her slaughter'd brothers[17] on his head. Oft would she smite the earth, while on her knees Seated, she fill'd her bosom with her tears, And call'd on Pluto and dread Proserpine 710 To slay her son; nor vain was that request, But by implacable Erynnis heard Roaming the shades of Erebus. Ere long The tumult and the deafening din of war Roar'd at the gates, and all the batter'd towers 715 Resounded. Then the elders of the town Dispatch'd the high-priests of the Gods to plead With Meleager for his instant aid, With strong assurances of rich reward. Where Calydon afforded fattest soil 720 They bade him choose to his own use a farm Of fifty measured acres, vineyard half, And half of land commodious for the plow. Him Oeneus also, warrior grey with age, Ascending to his chamber, and his doors 725 Smiting importunate, with earnest prayers Assay'd to soften, kneeling to his son. Nor less his sisters woo'd him to relent, Nor less his mother; but in vain; he grew Still more obdurate. His companions last, 730 The most esteem'd and dearest of his friends, The same suit urged, yet he persisted still Relentless, nor could even they prevail. But when the battle shook his chamber-doors And the Curetes climbing the high towers 735 Had fired the spacious city, then with tears The beauteous Cleopatra, and with prayers Assail'd him; in his view she set the woes Numberless of a city storm'd—the men Slaughter'd, the city burnt to dust, the chaste 740 Matrons with all their children dragg'd away. That dread recital roused him, and at length Issuing, he put his radiant armor on. Thus Meleager, gratifying first His own resentment from a fatal day 745 Saved the AEtolians, who the promised gift Refused him, and his toils found no reward. But thou, my son, be wiser; follow thou No demon who would tempt thee to a course Like his; occasion more propitious far 750 Smiles on thee now, than if the fleet were fired. Come, while by gifts invited, and receive From all the host, the honors of a God; For shouldst thou, by no gifts induced, at last Enter the bloody field, although thou chase 755 The Trojans hence, yet less shall be thy praise. Then thus Achilles, matchless in the race. Phoenix, my guide, wise, noble and revered! I covet no such glory! the renown Ordain'd by Jove for me, is to resist 760 All importunity to quit my ships While I have power to move, or breath to draw. Hear now, and mark me well. Cease thou from tears. Confound me not, pleading with sighs and sobs In Agamemnon's cause; O love not him, 765 Lest I renounce thee, who am now thy friend. Assist me rather, as thy duty bids, Him to afflict, who hath afflicted me, So shalt thou share my glory and my power. These shall report as they have heard, but here 770 Rest thou this night, and with the rising morn We will decide, to stay or to depart. He ceased, and silent, by a nod enjoin'd Patroclus to prepare an easy couch For Phoenix, anxious to dismiss the rest 775 Incontinent; when Ajax, godlike son Of Telamon, arising, thus began. Laertes' noble son, for wiles renown'd: Depart we now; for I perceive that end Or fruit of all our reasonings shall be none. 780 It is expedient also that we bear Our answer back (unwelcome as it is) With all dispatch, for the assembled Greeks Expect us. Brave Achilles shuts a fire Within his breast; the kindness of his friends, 785 And the respect peculiar by ourselves Shown to him, on his heart work no effect. Inexorable man! others accept Even for a brother slain, or for a son Due compensation;[18] the delinquent dwells 790 Secure at home, and the receiver, soothed And pacified, represses his revenge. But thou, resentful of the loss of one, One virgin (such obduracy of heart The Gods have given thee) can'st not be appeased 795 Yet we assign thee seven in her stead, The most distinguish'd of their sex, and add Large gifts beside. Ah then, at last relent! Respect thy roof; we are thy guests; we come Chosen from the multitude of all the Greeks, 800 Beyond them all ambitious of thy love. To whom Achilles, swiftest of the swift. My noble friend, offspring of Telamon! Thou seem'st sincere, and I believe thee such. But at the very mention of the name 805 Of Atreus' son, who shamed me in the sight Of all Achaia's host, bearing me down As I had been some vagrant at his door, My bosom boils. Return ye and report Your answer. I no thought will entertain 810 Of crimson war, till the illustrious son Of warlike Priam, Hector, blood-embrued, Shall in their tents the Myrmidons assail Themselves, and fire my fleet. At my own ship, And at my own pavilion it may chance 815 That even Hector's violence shall pause.[19] He ended; they from massy goblets each Libation pour'd, and to the fleet their course Resumed direct, Ulysses at their head. Patroclus then his fellow-warriors bade, 820 And the attendant women spread a couch For Phoenix; they the couch, obedient, spread With fleeces, with rich arras, and with flax Of subtlest woof. There hoary Phoenix lay In expectation of the sacred dawn. 825 Meantime Achilles in the interior tent, With beauteous Diomeda by himself From Lesbos brought, daughter of Phorbas, lay. Patroclus opposite reposed, with whom Slept charming Iphis; her, when he had won 830 The lofty towers of Scyros, the divine Achilles took, and on his friend bestow'd. But when those Chiefs at Agamemnon's tent Arrived, the Greeks on every side arose With golden cups welcoming their return. 835 All question'd them, but Agamemnon first. Oh worthy of Achaia's highest praise, And her chief ornament, Ulysses, speak! Will he defend the fleet? or his big heart Indulging wrathful, doth he still refuse? 840 To whom renown'd Ulysses thus replied. Atrides, Agamemnon, King of men! He his resentment quenches not, nor will, But burns with wrath the more, thee and thy gifts Rejecting both. He bids thee with the Greeks 845 Consult by what expedient thou may'st save The fleet and people, threatening that himself Will at the peep of day launch all his barks, And counselling, beside, the general host To voyage homeward, for that end as yet 850 Of Ilium wall'd to heaven, ye shall not find, Since Jove the Thunderer with uplifted arm Protects her, and her courage hath revived. Thus speaks the Chief, and Ajax is prepared, With the attendant heralds to report 855 As I have said. But Phoenix in the tent Sleeps of Achilles, who his stay desired, That on the morrow, if he so incline, The hoary warrior may attend him hence Home to his country, but he leaves him free. 860 He ended. They astonish'd at his tone (For vehement he spake) sat silent all. Long silent sat the afflicted sons of Greece, When thus the mighty Diomede began. Atrides, Agamemnon, King of men! 865 Thy supplications to the valiant son Of Peleus, and the offer of thy gifts Innumerous, had been better far withheld. He is at all times haughty, and thy suit Hath but increased his haughtiness of heart 870 Past bounds: but let him stay or let him go As he shall choose. He will resume the fight When his own mind shall prompt him, and the Gods Shall urge him forth. Now follow my advice. Ye have refresh'd your hearts with food and wine 875 Which are the strength of man; take now repose. And when the rosy-finger'd morning fair Shall shine again, set forth without delay The battle, horse and foot, before the fleet, And where the foremost fight, fight also thou. 880 He ended; all the Kings applauded warm His counsel, and the dauntless tone admired Of Diomede. Then, due libation made, Each sought his tent, and took the gift of sleep.

* * * * *

There is much in this book which is worthy of close attention. The consummate genius, the varied and versatile power, the eloquence, truth, and nature displayed in it, will always be admired. Perhaps there is no portion of the poem more remarkable for these attributes.—FELTON.



THE ILIAD.

BOOK X.



ARGUMENT OF THE TENTH BOOK.

Diomede and Ulysses enter the Trojan host by night, and slay Rhesus.



BOOK X.

All night the leaders of the host of Greece Lay sunk in soft repose, all, save the Chief,[1] The son of Atreus; him from thought to thought Roving solicitous, no sleep relieved. As when the spouse of beauteous Juno, darts 5 His frequent fires, designing heavy rain Immense, or hail-storm, or field-whitening snow, Or else wide-throated war calamitous, So frequent were the groans by Atreus' son Heaved from his inmost heart, trembling with dread. 10 For cast he but his eye toward the plain Of Ilium, there, astonish'd he beheld The city fronted with bright fires, and heard Pipes, and recorders, and the hum of war; But when again the Grecian fleet he view'd, 15 And thought on his own people, then his hair Uprooted elevating to the Gods, He from his generous bosom groan'd again. At length he thus resolved; of all the Greeks To seek Neleian Nestor first, with whom 20 He might, perchance, some plan for the defence Of the afflicted Danai devise. Rising, he wrapp'd his tunic to his breast, And to his royal feet unsullied bound His sandals; o'er his shoulders, next, he threw 25 Of amplest size a lion's tawny skin That swept his footsteps, dappled o'er with blood, Then took his spear. Meantime, not less appall'd Was Menelaus, on whose eyelids sleep Sat not, lest the Achaians for his sake 30 O'er many waters borne, and now intent On glorious deeds, should perish all at Troy. With a pard's spotted hide his shoulders broad He mantled over; to his head he raised His brazen helmet, and with vigorous hand 35 Grasping his spear, forth issued to arouse His brother, mighty sovereign of the host, And by the Grecians like a God revered. He found him at his galley's stern, his arms Assuming radiant; welcome he arrived 40 To Agamemnon, whom he thus address'd. Why arm'st thou, brother? Wouldst thou urge abroad Some trusty spy into the Trojan camp?[2] I fear lest none so hardy shall be found As to adventure, in the dead still night, 45 So far, alone; valiant indeed were he! To whom great Agamemnon thus replied. Heaven-favor'd Menelaus! We have need, Thou and myself, of some device well-framed, Which both the Grecians and the fleet of Greece 50 May rescue, for the mind of Jove hath changed, And Hector's prayers alone now reach his ear. I never saw, nor by report have learn'd From any man, that ever single chief Such awful wonders in one day perform'd 55 As he with ease against the Greeks, although Nor from a Goddess sprung nor from a God. Deeds he hath done, which, as I think, the Greeks Shall deep and long lament, such numerous ills Achaia's host hath at his hands sustain'd. 60 But haste, begone, and at their several ships Call Ajax and Idomeneus; I go To exhort the noble Nestor to arise, That he may visit, if he so incline, The chosen band who watch, and his advice 65 Give them; for him most prompt they will obey, Whose son, together with Meriones, Friend of Idomeneus, controls them all, Entrusted by ourselves with that command. Him answer'd Menelaus bold in arms. 70 Explain thy purpose. Wouldst thou that I wait Thy coming, there, or thy commands to both Given, that I incontinent return? To whom the Sovereign of the host replied. There stay; lest striking into different paths 75 (For many passes intersect the camp) We miss each other; summon them aloud Where thou shalt come; enjoin them to arise; Call each by his hereditary name, Honoring all. Beware of manners proud, 80 For we ourselves must labor, at our birth By Jove ordain'd to suffering and to toil. So saying, he his brother thence dismiss'd Instructed duly, and himself, his steps Turned to the tent of Nestor. Him he found 85 Amid his sable galleys in his tent Reposing soft, his armor at his side, Shield, spears, bright helmet, and the broider'd belt Which, when the Senior arm'd led forth his host To fight, he wore; for he complied not yet 90 With the encroachments of enfeebling age. He raised his head, and on his elbow propp'd, Questioning Agamemnon, thus began. But who art thou, who thus alone, the camp Roamest, amid the darkness of the night, 95 While other mortals sleep? Comest thou abroad Seeking some friend or soldier of the guard? Speak—come not nearer mute. What is thy wish? To whom the son of Atreus, King of men. Oh Nestor, glory of the Grecian name, 100 Offspring of Neleus! thou in me shalt know The son of Atreus, Agamemnon, doom'd By Jove to toil, while life shall yet inform These limbs, or I shall draw the vital air. I wander thus, because that on my lids 105 Sweet sleep sits not, but war and the concerns Of the Achaians occupy my soul. Terrible are the fears which I endure For these my people; such as supersede All thought; my bosom can no longer hold 110 My throbbing heart, and tremors shake my limbs. But if thy mind, more capable, project Aught that may profit us (for thee it seems Sleep also shuns) arise, and let us both Visit the watch, lest, haply, overtoil'd 115 They yield to sleep, forgetful of their charge. The foe is posted near, and may intend (None knows his purpose) an assault by night. To him Gerenian Nestor thus replied. Illustrious Agamemnon, King of men! 120 Deep-planning Jove the imaginations proud Of Hector will not ratify, nor all His sanguine hopes effectuate; in his turn He also (fierce Achilles once appeased) Shall trouble feel, and haply, more than we. 125 But with all readiness I will arise And follow thee, that we may also rouse Yet others; Diomede the spear-renown'd, Ulysses, the swift Ajax, and the son Of Phyleus, valiant Meges. It were well 130 Were others also visited and call'd, The godlike Ajax, and Idomeneus, Whose ships are at the camp's extremest bounds. But though I love thy brother and revere, And though I grieve e'en thee, yet speak I must, 135 And plainly censure him, that thus he sleeps And leaves to thee the labor, who himself Should range the host, soliciting the Chiefs Of every band, as utmost need requires. Him answer'd Agamemnon, King of men. 140 Old warrior, times there are, when I could wish Myself thy censure of him, for in act He is not seldom tardy and remiss. Yet is not sluggish indolence the cause, No, nor stupidity, but he observes 145 Me much, expecting till I lead the way. But he was foremost now, far more alert This night than I, and I have sent him forth Already, those to call whom thou hast named. But let us hence, for at the guard I trust 150 To find them, since I gave them so in charge.[3] To whom the brave Gerenian Chief replied. Him none will censure, or his will dispute, Whom he shall waken and exhort to rise. So saying, he bound his corselet to his breast, 155 His sandals fair to his unsullied feet, And fastening by its clasps his purple cloak Around him, double and of shaggy pile, Seized, next, his sturdy spear headed with brass, And issued first into the Grecian fleet. 160 There, Nestor, brave Gerenian, with a voice Sonorous roused the godlike counsellor From sleep, Ulysses; the alarm came o'er His startled ear, forth from his tent he sprang Sudden, and of their coming, quick, inquired. 165 Why roam ye thus the camp and fleet alone In darkness? by what urgent need constrain'd? To whom the hoary Pylian thus replied. Laertes' noble son, for wiles renown'd! Resent it not, for dread is our distress. 170 Come, therefore, and assist us to convene Yet others, qualified to judge if war Be most expedient, or immediate flight. He ended, and regaining, quick, his tent, Ulysses slung his shield, then coming forth 175 Join'd them. The son of Tydeus first they sought. Him sleeping arm'd before his tent they found, Encompass'd by his friends also asleep; His head each rested on his shield, and each Had planted on its nether point[4] erect 180 His spear beside him; bright their polish'd heads, As Jove's own lightning glittered from afar. Himself, the Hero, slept. A wild bull's hide Was spread beneath him, and on arras tinged With splendid purple lay his head reclined. 185 Nestor, beside him standing, with his heel Shook him, and, urgent, thus the Chief reproved. Awake, Tydides! wherefore givest the night Entire to balmy slumber? Hast not heard How on the rising ground beside the fleet 190 The Trojans sit, small interval between? He ceased; then up sprang Diomede alarm'd Instant, and in wing'd accents thus replied. Old wakeful Chief! thy toils are never done. Are there not younger of the sons of Greece, 195 Who ranging in all parts the camp, might call The Kings to council? But no curb controls Or can abate activity like thine. To whom Gerenian Nestor in return. My friend! thou hast well spoken. I have sons, 200 And they are well deserving; I have here A numerous people also, one of whom Might have sufficed to call the Kings of Greece. But such occasion presses now the host As hath not oft occurr'd; the overthrow 205 Complete, or full deliverance of us all, In balance hangs, poised on a razor's edge. But haste, and if thy pity of my toils Be such, since thou art younger, call, thyself, Ajax the swift, and Meges to the guard. 210 Then Diomede a lion's tawny skin Around him wrapp'd, dependent to his heels, And, spear in hand, set forth. The Hero call'd Those two, and led them whither Nestor bade. They, at the guard arrived, not sleeping found 215 The captains of the guard, but sitting all In vigilant posture with their arms prepared. As dogs that, careful, watch the fold by night, Hearing some wild beast in the woods,[5] which hounds And hunters with tumultuous clamor drive 220 Down from the mountain-top, all sleep forego; So, sat not on their eyelids gentle sleep That dreadful night, but constant to the plain At every sound of Trojan feet they turn'd. The old Chief joyful at the sight, in terms 225 Of kind encouragement them thus address'd. So watch, my children! and beware that sleep Invade none here, lest all become a prey. So saying, he traversed with quick pace the trench By every Chief whom they had thither call'd 230 Attended, with whom Nestor's noble son Went, and Meriones, invited both To join their consultation. From the foss Emerging, in a vacant space they sat, Unstrew'd with bodies of the slain, the spot, 235 Whence furious Hector, after slaughter made Of numerous Greeks, night falling, had return'd. There seated, mutual converse close they held, And Nestor, brave Gerenian, thus began. Oh friends! hath no Achaian here such trust 240 In his own prowess, as to venture forth Among yon haughty Trojans? He, perchance, Might on the borders of their host surprise Some wandering adversary, or might learn Their consultations, whether they propose 245 Here to abide in prospect of the fleet, Or, satiate with success against the Greeks So signal, meditate retreat to Troy. These tidings gain'd, should he at last return Secure, his recompense will be renown 250 Extensive as the heavens, and fair reward. From every leader of the fleet, his gift Shall be a sable[6] ewe, and sucking lamb, Rare acquisition! and at every board And sumptuous banquet, he shall be a guest. 255 He ceased, and all sat silent, when at length The mighty son of Tydeus thus replied. Me, Nestor, my courageous heart incites To penetrate into the neighbor host Of enemies; but went some other Chief 260 With me, far greater would my comfort prove, And I should dare the more. Two going forth, One quicker sees than other, and suggests Prudent advice; but he who single goes, Mark whatsoe'er he may, the occasion less 265 Improves, and his expedients soon exhausts. He ended, and no few willing arose To go with Diomede. Servants of Mars Each Ajax willing stood; willing as they Meriones; most willing Nestor's son; 270 Willing the brother of the Chief of all, Nor willing less Ulysses to explore The host of Troy, for he possess'd a heart Delighted ever with some bold exploit. Then Agamemnon, King of men, began. 275 Now Diomede, in whom my soul delights! Choose whom thou wilt for thy companion; choose The fittest here; for numerous wish to go. Leave not through deference to another's rank, The more deserving, nor prefer a worse, 280 Respecting either pedigree or power. Such speech he interposed, fearing his choice Of Menelaus; then, renown'd in arms The son of Tydeus, rising, spake again. Since, then, ye bid me my own partner choose 285 Free from constraint, how can I overlook Divine Ulysses, whose courageous heart With such peculiar cheerfulness endures Whatever toils, and whom Minerva loves? Let him attend me, and through fire itself 290 We shall return; for none is wise as he.[7] To him Ulysses, hardy Chief, replied. Tydides! neither praise me much, nor blame, For these are Grecians in whose ears thou speak'st, And know me well. But let us hence! the night 295 Draws to a close; day comes apace; the stars Are far advanced; two portions have elapsed Of darkness, but the third is yet entire. So they; then each his dreadful arms put on. To Diomede, who at the fleet had left 300 His own, the dauntless Thrasymedes gave His shield and sword two-edged, and on his head Placed, crestless, unadorn'd, his bull-skin casque. It was a stripling's helmet, such as youths Scarce yet confirm'd in lusty manhood, wear. 305 Meriones with quiver, bow and sword Furnish'd Ulysses, and his brows enclosed In his own casque of hide with many a thong Well braced within;[8] guarded it was without With boar's teeth ivory-white inherent firm 310 On all sides, and with woolen head-piece lined. That helmet erst Autolycus[9] had brought From Eleon, city of Amyntor son Of Hormenus, where he the solid walls Bored through, clandestine, of Amyntor's house. 315 He on Amphidamas the prize bestow'd In Scandia;[10] from Amphidamas it pass'd To Molus as a hospitable pledge; He gave it to Meriones his son, And now it guarded shrewd Ulysses' brows. 320 Both clad in arms terrific, forth they sped, Leaving their fellow Chiefs, and as they went A heron, by command of Pallas, flew Close on the right beside them; darkling they Discern'd him not, but heard his clanging plumes.[11] 325 Ulysses in the favorable sign Exulted, and Minerva thus invoked.[12] Oh hear me, daughter of Jove AEgis-arm'd! My present helper in all straits, whose eye Marks all my ways, oh with peculiar care 330 Now guard me, Pallas! grant that after toil Successful, glorious, such as long shall fill With grief the Trojans, we may safe return And with immortal honors to the fleet. Valiant Tydides, next, his prayer preferr'd. 335 Hear also me, Jove's offspring by the toils Of war invincible! me follow now As my heroic father erst to Thebes Thou followedst, Tydeus; by the Greeks dispatch'd Ambassador, he left the mail-clad host 340 Beside Asopus, and with terms of peace Entrusted, enter'd Thebes; but by thine aid Benevolent, and in thy strength, perform'd Returning, deeds of terrible renown. Thus, now, protect me also! In return 345 I vow an offering at thy shrine, a young Broad-fronted heifer, to the yoke as yet Untamed, whose horns I will incase with gold. Such prayer they made, and Pallas heard well pleased. Their orisons ended to the daughter dread 350 Of mighty Jove, lion-like they advanced Through shades of night, through carnage, arms and blood. Nor Hector to his gallant host indulged Sleep, but convened the leaders; leader none Or senator of all his host he left 355 Unsummon'd, and his purpose thus promulged. Where is the warrior who for rich reward, Such as shall well suffice him, will the task Adventurous, which I propose, perform? A chariot with two steeds of proudest height, 360 Surpassing all in the whole fleet of Greece Shall be his portion, with immortal praise, Who shall the well-appointed ships approach Courageous, there to learn if yet a guard As heretofore, keep them, or if subdued 365 Beneath us, the Achaians flight intend, And worn with labor have no will to watch. So Hector spake, but answer none return'd. There was a certain Trojan, Dolon named,[13] Son of Eumedes herald of the Gods, 370 Rich both in gold and brass, but in his form Unsightly; yet the man was swift of foot, Sole brother of five sisters; he his speech To Hector and the Trojans thus address'd. My spirit, Hector, prompts me, and my mind 375 Endued with manly vigor, to approach Yon gallant ships, that I may tidings hear. But come. For my assurance, lifting high Thy sceptre, swear to me, for my reward, The horses and the brazen chariot bright 380 Which bear renown'd Achilles o'er the field. I will not prove a useless spy, nor fall Below thy best opinion; pass I will Their army through, 'till I shall reach the ship Of Agamemnon, where the Chiefs, perchance, 385 Now sit consulting, or to fight, or fly.[14] Then raising high his sceptre, Hector sware Know, Jove himself, Juno's high-thundering spouse! That Trojan none shall in that chariot ride By those steeds drawn, save Dolon; on my oath 390 I make them thine; enjoy them evermore. He said, and falsely sware, yet him assured. Then Dolon, instant, o'er his shoulder slung His bow elastic, wrapp'd himself around With a grey wolf-skin, to his head a casque 395 Adjusted, coated o'er with ferret's felt, And seizing his sharp javelin, from the host Turn'd right toward the fleet, but was ordain'd To disappoint his sender, and to bring No tidings thence. The throng of Trojan steeds 400 And warriors left, with brisker pace he moved, When brave Ulysses his approach perceived, And thus to Diomede his speech address'd. Tydides! yonder man is from the host; Either a spy he comes, or with intent 405 To spoil the dead. First, freely let him pass Few paces, then pursuing him with speed, Seize on him suddenly; but should he prove The nimbler of the three, with threatening spear Enforce him from his camp toward the fleet, 410 Lest he elude us, and escape to Troy. So they; then, turning from the road oblique, Among the carcases each laid him down. Dolon, suspecting nought, ran swiftly by. [15]But when such space was interposed as mules 415 Plow in a day (for mules the ox surpass Through fallows deep drawing the ponderous plow) Both ran toward him. Dolon at the sound Stood; for he hoped some Trojan friends at hand From Hector sent to bid him back again. 420 But when within spear's cast, or less they came, Knowing them enemies he turn'd to flight Incontinent, whom they as swift pursued. As two fleet hounds sharp fang'd, train'd to the chase, Hang on the rear of flying hind or hare, 425 And drive her, never swerving from the track, Through copses close; she screaming scuds before; So Diomede and dread Ulysses him Chased constant, intercepting his return. And now, fast-fleeting to the ships, he soon 430 Had reach'd the guard, but Pallas with new force Inspired Tydides, lest a meaner Greek Should boast that he had smitten Dolon first, And Diomede win only second praise. He poised his lifted spear, and thus exclaim'd. 435 Stand! or my spear shall stop thee. Death impends At every step; thou canst not 'scape me long. He said, and threw his spear, but by design, Err'd from the man. The polish'd weapon swift O'er-glancing his right shoulder, in the soil 440 Stood fixt, beyond him. Terrified he stood, Stammering, and sounding through his lips the clash Of chattering teeth, with visage deadly wan. They panting rush'd on him, and both his hands Seized fast; he wept, and suppliant them bespake. 445 Take me alive, and I will pay the price Of my redemption. I have gold at home, Brass also, and bright steel, and when report Of my captivity within your fleet Shall reach my father, treasures he will give 450 Not to be told, for ransom of his son. To whom Ulysses politic replied. Take courage; entertain no thought of death.[16] But haste! this tell me, and disclose the truth. Why thus toward the ships comest thou alone 455 From yonder host, by night, while others sleep? To spoil some carcase? or from Hector sent A spy of all that passes in the fleet? Or by thy curiosity impell'd? Then Dolon, his limbs trembling, thus replied. 460 To my great detriment, and far beyond My own design, Hector trepann'd me forth, Who promised me the steeds of Peleus' son Illustrious, and his brazen chariot bright. He bade me, under night's fast-flitting shades 465 Approach our enemies, a spy, to learn If still as heretofore, ye station guards For safety of your fleet, or if subdued Completely, ye intend immediate flight, And worn with labor, have no will to watch. 470 To whom Ulysses, smiling, thus replied. Thou hadst, in truth, an appetite to gifts Of no mean value, coveting the steeds Of brave AEacides; but steeds are they Of fiery sort, difficult to be ruled 475 By force of mortal man, Achilles' self Except, whom an immortal mother bore. But tell me yet again; use no disguise; Where left'st thou, at thy coming forth, your Chief, The valiant Hector? where hath he disposed 480 His armor battle-worn, and where his steeds? What other quarters of your host are watch'd? Where lodge the guard, and what intend ye next? Still to abide in prospect of the fleet? Or well-content that ye have thus reduced 485 Achaia's host, will ye retire to Troy? To whom this answer Dolon straight returned Son of Eumedes. With unfeigning truth Simply and plainly will I utter all. Hector, with all the Senatorial Chiefs, 490 Beside the tomb of sacred Ilius sits Consulting, from the noisy camp remote. But for the guards, Hero! concerning whom Thou hast inquired, there is no certain watch And regular appointed o'er the camp; 495 The native[17] Trojans (for they can no less) Sit sleepless all, and each his next exhorts To vigilance; but all our foreign aids, Who neither wives nor children hazard here, Trusting the Trojans for that service, sleep. 500 To whom Ulysses, ever wise, replied. How sleep the strangers and allies?—apart? Or with the Trojans mingled?—I would learn. So spake Ulysses; to whom Dolon thus, Son of Eumedes. I will all unfold, 505 And all most truly. By the sea are lodged The Carians, the Paeonians arm'd with bows, The Leleges, with the Pelasgian band, And the Caucones. On the skirts encamp Of Thymbra, the Maeonians crested high, 510 The Phrygian horsemen, with the Lycian host, And the bold troop of Mysia's haughty sons. But wherefore these inquiries thus minute? For if ye wish to penetrate the host, These who possess the borders of the camp 515 Farthest removed of all, are Thracian powers Newly arrived; among them Rhesus sleeps, Son of Eioneus, their Chief and King. His steeds I saw, the fairest by these eyes Ever beheld, and loftiest; snow itself 520 They pass in whiteness, and in speed the winds, With gold and silver all his chariot burns, And he arrived in golden armor clad Stupendous! little suited to the state Of mortal man—fit for a God to wear! 525 Now, either lead me to your gallant fleet, Or where ye find me leave me straitly bound Till ye return, and after trial made, Shall know if I have spoken false or true. But him brave Diomede with aspect stern 530 Answer'd. Since, Dolon! thou art caught, although Thy tidings have been good, hope not to live; For should we now release thee and dismiss, Thou wilt revisit yet again the fleet A spy or open foe; but smitten once 535 By this death-dealing arm, thou shall return To render mischief to the Greeks no more. He ceased, and Dolon would have stretch'd his hand Toward his beard, and pleaded hard for life, But with his falchion, rising to the blow, 540 On the mid-neck he smote him, cutting sheer Both tendons with a stroke so swift, that ere His tongue had ceased, his head was in the dust.[18] They took his helmet clothed with ferret's felt, Stripp'd off his wolf-skin, seized his bow and spear, 545 And brave Ulysses lifting in his hand The trophy to Minerva, pray'd and said: Hail Goddess; these are thine! for thee of all Who in Olympus dwell, we will invoke First to our aid. Now also guide our steps, 550 Propitious, to the Thracian tents and steeds. He ceased, and at arm's-length the lifted spoils Hung on a tamarisk; but mark'd the spot, Plucking away with handful grasp the reeds And spreading boughs, lest they should seek the prize 555 Themselves in vain, returning ere the night, Swift traveller, should have fled before the dawn. Thence, o'er the bloody champain strew'd with arms Proceeding, to the Thracian lines they came. They, wearied, slept profound; beside them lay, 560 In triple order regular arranged, Their radiant armor, and their steeds in pairs. Amid them Rhesus slept, and at his side His coursers, to the outer chariot-ring Fasten'd secure. Ulysses saw him first, 565 And, seeing, mark'd him out to Diomede. Behold the man, Tydides! Lo! the steeds By Dolon specified whom we have slain. Be quick. Exert thy force. Arm'd as thou art, Sleep not. Loose thou the steeds, or slaughter thou 570 The Thracians, and the steeds shall be my care. He ceased; then blue-eyed Pallas with fresh force Invigor'd Diomede. From side to side He slew; dread groans arose of dying men Hewn with the sword, and the earth swam with blood. 575 As if he find a flock unguarded, sheep Or goats, the lion rushes on his prey, With such unsparing force Tydides smote The men of Thrace, till he had slaughter'd twelve; And whom Tydides with his falchion struck 580 Laertes' son dragg'd by his feet abroad, Forecasting that the steeds might pass with ease, Nor start, as yet uncustom'd to the dead. But when the son of Tydeus found the King, Him also panting forth his last, last, breath, 585 He added to the twelve; for at his head An evil dream that night had stood, the form Of Diomede, by Pallas' art devised. Meantime, the bold Ulysses loosed the steeds, Which, to each other rein'd, he drove abroad, 590 Smiting them with his bow (for of the scourge He thought not in the chariot-seat secured) And as he went, hiss'd, warning Diomede. But he, projecting still some hardier deed, Stood doubtful, whether by the pole to draw 595 The chariot thence, laden with gorgeous arms, Or whether heaving it on high, to bear The burthen off, or whether yet to take More Thracian lives; when him with various thoughts Perplex'd, Minerva, drawing near, bespake. 600 Son of bold Tydeus! think on thy return To yonder fleet, lest thou depart constrain'd. Some other God may rouse the powers of Troy. She ended, and he knew the voice divine. At once he mounted. With his bow the steeds 605 Ulysses plyed, and to the ships they flew. Nor look'd the bender of the silver bow, Apollo, forth in vain, but at the sight Of Pallas following Diomede incensed, Descended to the field where numerous most 610 He saw the Trojans, and the Thracian Chief And counsellor, Hippocooen aroused,[19] Kinsman of Rhesus, and renown'd in arms. He, starting from his sleep, soon as he saw The spot deserted where so lately lay 615 Those fiery coursers, and his warrior friends Gasping around him, sounded loud the name Of his loved Rhesus. Instant, at the voice, Wild stir arose and clamorous uproar Of fast-assembling Trojans. Deeds they saw— 620 Terrible deeds, and marvellous perform'd, But not their authors—they had sought the ships. Meantime arrived where they had slain the spy Of Hector, there Ulysses, dear to Jove, The coursers stay'd, and, leaping to the ground, 625 The son of Tydeus in Ulysses' hands The arms of Dolon placed foul with his blood, Then vaulted light into his seat again. He lash'd the steeds, they, not unwilling, flew To the deep-bellied barks, as to their home. 630 First Nestor heard the sound, and thus he said. Friends! Counsellors! and leaders of the Greeks! False shall I speak, or true?—but speak I must. The echoing sound of hoofs alarms my ear. Oh, that Ulysses, and brave Diomede 635 This moment might arrive drawn into camp By Trojan steeds! But, ah, the dread I feel! Lest some disaster have for ever quell'd In yon rude host those noblest of the Greeks. He hath not ended, when themselves arrived, 640 Both quick dismounted; joy at their return Fill'd every bosom; each with kind salute Cordial, and right-hand welcome greeted them, And first Gerenian Nestor thus inquired. Oh Chief by all extoll'd, glory of Greece, 645 Ulysses! how have ye these steeds acquired? In yonder host? or met ye as ye went Some God who gave them to you? for they show A lustre dazzling as the beams of day. Old as I am, I mingle yet in fight 650 With Ilium's sons—lurk never in the fleet— Yet saw I at no time, or have remark'd Steeds such as these; which therefore I believe Perforce, that ye have gained by gift divine; For cloud-assembler Jove, and azure-eyed 655 Minerva, Jove's own daughter, love you both. To whom Ulysses, thus, discreet, replied. Neleian Nestor, glory of the Greeks! A God, so willing, could have given us steeds Superior, for their bounty knows no bounds. 660 But, venerable Chief! these which thou seest Are Thracians new-arrived. Their master lies Slain by the valiant Diomede, with twelve The noblest of his warriors at his side, A thirteenth[20] also, at small distance hence 665 We slew, by Hector and the Chiefs of Troy Sent to inspect the posture of our host. He said; then, high in exultation, drove The coursers o'er the trench, and with him pass'd The glad Achaians; at the spacious tent 670 Of Diomede arrived, with even thongs They tied them at the cribs where stood the steeds Of Tydeus' son, with winnow'd wheat supplied. Ulysses in his bark the gory spoils Of Dolon placed, designing them a gift 675 To Pallas. Then, descending to the sea, Neck, thighs, and legs from sweat profuse they cleansed, And, so refresh'd and purified, their last Ablution in bright tepid baths perform'd. Each thus completely laved, and with smooth oil 680 Anointed, at the well-spread board they sat, And quaff'd, in honor of Minerva, wine Delicious, from the brimming beaker drawn.