* * * * *

The vividness of the scenes presented to us in this Book constitute its chief beauty. The reader sees the most natural night-scene in the world. He is led step by step with the adventurers, and made the companion of all their expectations and uncertainties. We see the very color of the sky; know the time to a minute; are impatient while the heroes are arming; our imagination follows them, knows all their doubts, and even the secret wishes of their hearts sent up to Minerva. We are alarmed at the approach of Dolon, hear his very footsteps, assist the two chiefs in pursuing him, and stop just with the spear that arrests him. We are perfectly acquainted with the situation of all the forces, with the figure in which they lie, with the disposition of Rhesus and the Thracians, with the posture of his chariot and horses. The marshy spot of ground where Dolon is killed, the tamarisk, or aquatic plant upon which they hung his spoils, and the reeds that are heaped together to mark the place, are circumstances the most picturesque imaginable.



THE ILIAD.

BOOK XI.



ARGUMENT OF THE ELEVENTH BOOK.

Agamemnon distinguishes himself. He is wounded, and retires. Diomede is wounded by Paris; Ulysses by Socus. Ajax with Menelaus flies to the relief of Ulysses, and Eurypylus, soon after, to the relief of Ajax. While he is employed in assisting Ajax, he is shot in the thigh by Paris, who also wounds Machaon. Nestor conveys Machaon from the field. Achilles dispatches Patroclus to the tent of Nestor, and Nestor takes that occasion to exhort Patroclus to engage in battle, clothed in the armor of Achilles.



BOOK XI.

Aurora from Tithonus' side arose With light for heaven and earth, when Jove dispatch'd Discord, the fiery signal in her hand Of battle bearing, to the Grecian fleet. High on Ulysses' huge black ship she stood 5 The centre of the fleet, whence all might hear, The tent of Telamon's huge son between, And of Achilles; for confiding they In their heroic fortitude, their barks Well-poised had station'd utmost of the line. 10 There standing, shrill she sent a cry abroad Among the Achaians, such as thirst infused Of battle ceaseless into every breast. All deem'd, at once, war sweeter, than to seek Their native country through the waves again. 15 Then with loud voice Atrides bade the Greeks Gird on their armor, and himself his arms Took radiant. First around his legs he clasp'd His shining greaves with silver studs secured, Then bound his corselet to his bosom, gift 20 Of Cynyras long since;[1] for rumor loud Had Cyprus reached of an Achaian host Assembling, destined to the shores of Troy: Wherefore, to gratify the King of men, He made the splendid ornament his own. 25 Ten rods of steel coerulean all around Embraced it, twelve of gold, twenty of tin; Six[2] spiry serpents their uplifted heads Coerulean darted at the wearer's throat, Splendor diffusing as the various bow 30 Fix'd by Saturnian Jove in showery clouds, A sign to mortal men.[3] He slung his sword Athwart his shoulders; dazzling bright it shone With gold emboss'd, and silver was the sheath Suspended graceful in a belt of gold. 35 His massy shield o'ershadowing him whole, High-wrought and beautiful, he next assumed. Ten circles bright of brass around its field Extensive, circle within circle, ran; The central boss was black, but hemm'd about 40 With twice ten bosses of resplendent tin. There, dreadful ornament! the visage dark Of Gorgon scowl'd, border'd by Flight and Fear. The loop was silver, and a serpent form Coerulean over all its surface twined, 45 Three heads erecting on one neck, the heads Together wreath'd into a stately crown. His helmet quatre-crested,[4] and with studs Fast riveted around he to his brows Adjusted, whence tremendous waved his crest 50 Of mounted hair on high. Two spears he seized Ponderous, brass-pointed, and that flash'd to heaven. Sounds[5] like clear thunder, by the spouse of Jove And by Minerva raised to extol the King Of opulent Mycenae, roll'd around. 55 At once each bade his charioteer his steeds Hold fast beside the margin of the trench In orderly array; the foot all arm'd Rush'd forward, and the clamor of the host Rose infinite into the dawning skies. 60 First, at the trench, the embattled infantry[6] Stood ranged; the chariots follow'd close behind; Dire was the tumult by Saturnian Jove Excited, and from ether down he shed Blood-tinctured dews among them, for he meant 65 That day to send full many a warrior bold To Pluto's dreary realm, slain premature. Opposite, on the rising-ground, appear'd The Trojans; them majestic Hector led, Noble Polydamas, AEneas raised 70 To godlike honors in all Trojan hearts, And Polybus, with whom Antenor's sons Agenor, and young Acamas advanced. Hector the splendid orb of his broad shield Bore in the van, and as a comet now 75 Glares through the clouds portentous, and again, Obscured by gloomy vapors, disappears, So Hector, marshalling his host, in front Now shone, now vanish'd in the distant rear. All-cased he flamed in brass, and on the sight 80 Flash'd as the lightnings of Jove AEgis-arm'd. As reapers, toiling opposite,[7] lay bare Some rich man's furrows, while the sever'd grain, Barley or wheat, sinks as the sickle moves, So Greeks and Trojans springing into fight 85 Slew mutual; foul retreat alike they scorn'd, Alike in fierce hostility their heads Both bore aloft, and rush'd like wolves to war. Discord, spectatress terrible, that sight Beheld exulting; she, of all the Gods, 90 Alone was present; not a Power beside There interfered, but each his bright abode Quiescent occupied wherever built Among the windings of the Olympian heights; Yet blamed they all the storm-assembler King 95 Saturnian, for his purposed aid to Troy. The eternal father reck'd not; he, apart, Seated in solitary pomp, enjoy'd His glory, and from on high the towers survey'd Of Ilium and the fleet of Greece, the flash 100 Of gleaming arms, the slayer and the slain. While morning lasted, and the light of day Increased, so long the weapons on both sides Flew in thick vollies, and the people fell. But, what time his repast the woodman spreads 105 In some umbrageous vale, his sinewy arms Wearied with hewing many a lofty tree, And his wants satisfied, he feels at length The pinch of appetite to pleasant food,[8] Then was it, that encouraging aloud 110 Each other, in their native virtue strong, The Grecians through the phalanx burst of Troy. Forth sprang the monarch first; he slew the Chief Bianor, nor himself alone, but slew Oileus also driver of his steeds. 115 Oileus, with a leap alighting, rush'd On Agamemnon; he his fierce assault Encountering, with a spear met full his front. Nor could his helmet's ponderous brass sustain That force, but both his helmet and his skull 120 It shatter'd, and his martial rage repress'd. The King of men, stripping their corselets, bared Their shining breasts, and left them. Isus, next, And Antiphus he flew to slay, the sons Of Priam both, and in one chariot borne, 125 This spurious, genuine that. The bastard drove, And Antiphus, a warrior high-renown'd, Fought from the chariot; them Achilles erst Feeding their flocks on Ida had surprised And bound with osiers, but for ransom loosed. 130 Of these, imperial Agamemnon, first, Above the pap pierced Isus; next, he smote Antiphus with his sword beside the ear, And from his chariot cast him to the ground. Conscious of both, their glittering arms he stripp'd, 135 For he had seen them when from Ida's heights Achilles led them to the Grecian fleet. As with resistless fangs the lion breaks The young in pieces of the nimble hind, Entering her lair, and takes their feeble lives; 140 She, though at hand, can yield them no defence, But through the thick wood, wing'd with terror, starts Herself away, trembling at such a foe; So them the Trojans had no power to save, Themselves all driven before the host of Greece. 145 Next, on Pisandrus, and of dauntless heart Hippolochus he rush'd; they were the sons Of brave Antimachus, who with rich gifts By Paris bought, inflexible withheld From Menelaus still his lovely bride. 150 His sons, the monarch, in one chariot borne Encounter'd; they (for they had lost the reins) With trepidation and united force Essay'd to check the steeds; astonishment Seized both; Atrides with a lion's rage 155 Came on, and from the chariot thus they sued. Oh spare us! son of Atreus, and accept Ransom immense. Antimachus our sire Is rich in various treasure, gold and brass, And temper'd steel, and, hearing the report 160 That in Achaia's fleet his sons survive, He will requite thee with a glorious price. So they, with tears and gentle terms the King Accosted, but no gentle answer heard. Are ye indeed the offspring of the Chief 165 Antimachus, who when my brother once With godlike Laertiades your town Enter'd ambassador, his death advised In council, and to let him forth no more? Now rue ye both the baseness of your sire. 170 He said, and from his chariot to the plain Thrust down Pisandrus, piercing with keen lance His bosom, and supine he smote the field. Down leap'd Hippolochus, whom on the ground He slew, cut sheer his hands, and lopp'd his head, 175 And roll'd it like a mortar[9] through the ranks. He left the slain, and where he saw the field With thickest battle cover'd, thither flew By all the Grecians follow'd bright in arms. The scatter'd infantry constrained to fly, 180 Fell by the infantry; the charioteers, While with loud hoofs their steeds the dusty soil Excited, o'er the charioteers their wheels Drove brazen-fellied, and the King of men Incessant slaughtering, called his Argives[10] on. 185 As when fierce flames some ancient forest seize, From side to side in flakes the various wind Rolls them, and to the roots devour'd, the trunks Fall prostrate under fury of the fire, So under Agamemnon fell the heads 190 Of flying Trojans. Many a courser proud The empty chariots through the paths of war Whirl'd rattling, of their charioteers deprived; They breathless press'd the plain, now fitter far To feed the vultures than to cheer their wives. 195 Conceal'd, meantime, by Jove, Hector escaped The dust, darts, deaths, and tumult of the field; And Agamemnon to the swift pursuit Call'd loud the Grecians. Through the middle plain Beside the sepulchre of Ilus, son 200 Of Dardanus, and where the fig-tree stood, The Trojans flew, panting to gain the town, While Agamemnon pressing close the rear, Shout after shout terrific sent abroad, And his victorious hands reek'd, red with gore. 205 But at the beech-tree and the Scaean gate Arrived, the Trojans halted, waiting there The rearmost fugitives; they o'er the field Came like a herd, which in the dead of night A lion drives; all fly, but one is doom'd 210 To death inevitable; her with jaws True to their hold he seizes, and her neck Breaking, embowels her, and laps the blood; So, Atreus' royal son, the hindmost still Slaying, and still pursuing, urged them on. 215 Many supine, and many prone, the field Press'd, by the son of Atreus in their flight Dismounted; for no weapon raged as his. But now, at last, when he should soon have reach'd The lofty walls of Ilium, came the Sire 220 Of Gods and men descending from the skies, And on the heights of Ida fountain-fed, Sat arm'd with thunders. Calling to his foot Swift Iris golden-pinion'd, thus he spake. Iris! away. Thus speak in Hector's ears. 225 While yet he shall the son of Atreus see Fierce warring in the van, and mowing down The Trojan ranks, so long let him abstain From battle, leaving to his host the task Of bloody contest furious with the Greeks. 230 But soon as Atreus' son by spear or shaft Wounded shall climb his chariot, with such force I will endue Hector, that he shall slay Till he have reach'd the ships, and till, the sun Descending, sacred darkness cover all. 235 He spake, nor rapid Iris disobey'd Storm-wing'd ambassadress, but from the heights Of Ida stoop'd to Ilium. There she found The son of royal Priam by the throng Of chariots and of steeds compass'd about 240 She, standing at his side, him thus bespake. Oh, son of Priam! as the Gods discreet! I bring thee counsel from the Sire of all. While yet thou shalt the son of Atreus see Fierce warring in the van, and mowing down 245 The warrior ranks, so long he bids thee pause From battle, leaving to thy host the task Of bloody contest furious with the Greeks. But soon as Atreus' son, by spear or shaft Wounded, shall climb his chariot, Jove will then 250 Endue thee with such force, that thou shalt slay Till thou have reach'd the ships, and till, the sun Descending, sacred darkness cover all. So saying, swift-pinion'd Iris disappear'd. Then Hector from his chariot at a leap 255 Came down all arm'd, and, shaking his bright spears, Ranged every quarter, animating loud The legions, and rekindling horrid war. Back roll'd the Trojan ranks, and faced the Greeks; The Greeks their host to closer phalanx drew; 260 The battle was restored, van fronting van They stood, and Agamemnon into fight Sprang foremost, panting for superior fame. Say now, ye Nine, who on Olympus dwell! What Trojan first, or what ally of Troy 265 Opposed the force of Agamemnon's arm? Iphidamas, Antenor's valiant son, Of loftiest stature, who in fertile Thrace Mother of flocks was nourish'd, Cisseus him His grandsire, father of Theano praised 270 For loveliest features, in his own abode Rear'd yet a child, and when at length he reach'd The measure of his glorious manhood firm Dismiss'd him not, but, to engage him more, Gave him his daughter. Wedded, he his bride 275 As soon deserted, and with galleys twelve Following the rumor'd voyage of the Greeks, The same course steer'd; but at Percope moor'd, And marching thence, arrived on foot at Troy. He first opposed Atrides. They approach'd. 280 The spear of Agamemnon wander'd wide; But him Iphidamas on his broad belt Beneath the corselet struck, and, bearing still On his spear-beam, enforced it; but ere yet He pierced the broider'd zone, his point, impress'd 285 Against the silver, turn'd, obtuse as lead. Then royal Agamemnon in his hand The weapon grasping, with a lion's rage Home drew it to himself, and from his gripe Wresting it, with his falchion keen his neck 290 Smote full, and stretch'd him lifeless at his foot. So slept Iphidamas among the slain; Unhappy! from his virgin bride remote, Associate with the men of Troy in arms He fell, and left her beauties unenjoy'd. 295 He gave her much, gave her a hundred beeves, And sheep and goats a thousand from his flocks Promised, for numberless his meadows ranged; But Agamemnon, son of Atreus, him Slew and despoil'd, and through the Grecian host 300 Proceeded, laden with his gorgeous arms. Cooen that sight beheld, illustrious Chief, Antenor's eldest born, but with dim eyes Through anguish for his brother's fall. Unseen Of noble Agamemnon, at his side 305 He cautious stood, and with a spear his arm, Where thickest flesh'd, below his elbow, pierced, Till opposite the glittering point appear'd. A thrilling horror seized the King of men So wounded; yet though wounded so, from fight 310 He ceased not, but on Cooen rush'd, his spear Grasping, well-thriven growth[11] of many a wind. He by the foot drew off Iphidamas, His brother, son of his own sire, aloud Calling the Trojan leaders to his aid; 315 When him so occupied with his keen point Atrides pierced his bossy shield beneath. Expiring on Iphidamas he fell Prostrate, and Agamemnon lopp'd his head. Thus, under royal Agamemnon's hand, 320 Antenor's sons their destiny fulfill'd, And to the house of Ades journey'd both. Through other ranks of warriors then he pass'd, Now with his spear, now with his falchion arm'd, And now with missile force of massy stones, 325 While yet his warm blood sallied from the wound. But when the wound grew dry, and the blood ceased, Anguish intolerable undermined Then all the might of Atreus' royal son. As when a laboring woman's arrowy throes 330 Seize her intense, by Juno's daughters dread The birth-presiding Ilithyae deep Infixt, dispensers of those pangs severe; So, anguish insupportable subdued Then all the might of Atreus' royal son. 335 Up-springing to his seat, instant he bade His charioteer drive to the hollow barks, Heart-sick himself with pain; yet, ere he went, With voice loud-echoing hail'd the Danai. Friends! counsellors and leaders of the Greeks! 340 Now drive, yourselves, the battle from your ships. For me the Gods permit not to employ In fight with Ilium's host the day entire. He ended, and the charioteer his steeds Lash'd to the ships; they not unwilling flew, 345 Bearing from battle the afflicted King With foaming chests and bellies grey with dust. Soon Hector, noting his retreat, aloud Call'd on the Trojans and allies of Troy. Trojans and Lycians, and close-fighting sons 350 Of Dardanus! oh summon all your might; Now, now be men! Their bravest is withdrawn! Glory and honor from Saturnian Jove On me attend; now full against the Greeks Drive all your steeds, and win a deathless name. 355 He spake—and all drew courage from his word. As when his hounds bright-tooth'd some hunter cheers Against the lion or the forest-boar, So Priameian Hector cheer'd his host Magnanimous against the sons of Greece, 360 Terrible as gore-tainted Mars. Among The foremost warriors, with success elate He strode, and flung himself into the fight Black as a storm which sudden from on high Descending, furrows deep the gloomy flood. 365 Then whom slew Priameian Hector first, Whom last, by Jove, that day, with glory crown'd? Assaeus, Dolops, Orus, Agelaues, Autonoues, Hipponoues, AEsymnus, Opheltius and Opites first he slew, 370 All leaders of the Greeks, and, after these, The people. As when whirlwinds of the West A storm encounter from the gloomy South, The waves roll multitudinous, and the foam Upswept by wandering gusts fills all the air, 375 So Hector swept the Grecians. Then defeat Past remedy and havoc had ensued, Then had the routed Grecians, flying, sought Their ships again, but that Ulysses[12] thus Summon'd the brave Tydides to his aid. 380 Whence comes it, Diomede, that we forget Our wonted courage? Hither, O my friend! And, fighting at my side, ward off the shame That must be ours, should Hector seize the fleet. To whom the valiant Diomede replied. 385 I will be firm; trust me thou shalt not find Me shrinking; yet small fruit of our attempts Shall follow, for the Thunderer, not to us, But to the Trojan, gives the glorious day. The Hero spake, and from his chariot cast 390 Thymbraeus to the ground pierced through the pap, While by Ulysses' hand his charioteer Godlike Molion, fell. The warfare thus Of both for ever closed, them there they left, And plunging deep into the warrior-throng 395 Troubled the multitude. As when two boars Turn desperate on the close-pursuing hounds, So they, returning on the host of Troy, Slew on all sides, and overtoil'd with flight From Hector's arm, the Greeks meantime respired. 400 Two warriors, next, their chariot and themselves They took, plebeians brave, sons of the seer Percosian Merops in prophetic skill Surpassing all; he both his sons forbad The mortal field, but disobedient they 405 Still sought it, for their destiny prevail'd. Spear-practised Diomede of life deprived Both these, and stripp'd them of their glorious arms, While by Ulysses' hand Hippodamus Died and Hypeirochus. And now the son 410 Of Saturn, looking down from Ida, poised The doubtful war, and mutual deaths they dealt. Tydides plunged his spear into the groin Of the illustrious son of Paeon, bold Agastrophus. No steeds at his command 415 Had he, infatuate! but his charioteer His steeds detain'd remote, while through the van Himself on foot rush'd madly till he fell. But Hector through the ranks darting his eye Perceived, and with ear-piercing cries advanced 420 Against them, follow'd by the host of Troy. The son of Tydeus, shuddering, his approach Discern'd, and instant to Ulysses spake.[13] Now comes the storm! This way the mischief rolls! Stand and repulse the Trojan. Now be firm. 425 He said, and hurling his long-shadow'd beam Smote Hector. At his helmet's crown he aim'd, Nor err'd, but brass encountering brass, the point Glanced wide, for he had cased his youthful brows In triple brass, Apollo's glorious gift. 430 Yet with rapidity at such a shock Hector recoil'd into the multitude Afar, where sinking to his knees, he lean'd On his broad palm, and darkness veil'd his eyes. But while Tydides follow'd through the van 435 His stormy spear, which in the distant soil Implanted stood, Hector his scatter'd sense Recovering, to his chariot sprang again, And, diving deep into his host, escaped. The noble son of Tydeus, spear in hand, 440 Rush'd after him, and as he went, exclaim'd. Dog! thou hast now escaped; but, sure the stroke Approach'd thee nigh, well-aim'd. Once more thy prayers Which ever to Apollo thou prefer'st Entering the clash of battle, have prevail'd, 445 And he hath rescued thee. But well beware Our next encounter, for if also me Some God befriend, thou diest. Now will I seek Another mark, and smite whom next I may. He spake, and of his armor stripp'd the son 450 Spear-famed of Paeon. Meantime Paris, mate Of beauteous Helen, drew his bow against Tydides; by a pillar of the tomb Of Ilus, ancient senator revered, Conceal'd he stood, and while the Hero loosed 455 His corselet from the breast of Paeon's son Renown'd, and of his helmet and his targe Despoil'd him; Paris, arching quick his bow, No devious shaft dismiss'd, but his right foot Pierced through the sole, and fix'd it to the ground. 460 Transported from his ambush forth he leap'd With a loud laugh, and, vaunting, thus exclaim'd: Oh shaft well shot! it galls thee. Would to heaven That it had pierced thy heart, and thou hadst died! So had the Trojans respite from their toils 465 Enjoy'd, who, now, shudder at sight of thee Like she-goats when the lion is at hand. To whom, undaunted, Diomede replied. Archer shrew-tongued! spie-maiden! man of curls![14] Shouldst thou in arms attempt me face to face, 470 Thy bow and arrows should avail thee nought. Vain boaster! thou hast scratch'd my foot—no more— And I regard it as I might the stroke Of a weak woman or a simple child. The weapons of a dastard and a slave 475 Are ever such. More terrible are mine, And whom they pierce, though slightly pierced, he dies. His wife her cheeks rends inconsolable, His babes are fatherless, his blood the glebe Incarnadines, and where he bleeds and rots 480 More birds of prey than women haunt the place. He ended, and Ulysses, drawing nigh, Shelter'd Tydides; he behind the Chief Of Ithaca sat drawing forth the shaft, But pierced with agonizing pangs the while. 485 Then, climbing to his chariot-seat, he bade Sthenelus hasten to the hollow ships, Heart-sick with pain. And now alone was seen Spear-famed Ulysses; not an Argive more Remain'd, so universal was the rout, 490 And groaning, to his own great heart he said. Alas! what now awaits me? If, appall'd By multitudes, I fly, much detriment; And if alone they intercept me here, Still more; for Jove hath scatter'd all the host, 495 Yet why these doubts! for know I not of old That only dastards fly, and that the voice Of honor bids the famed in battle stand, Bleed they themselves, or cause their foes to bleed? While busied in such thought he stood, the ranks 500 Of Trojans fronted with broad shields, enclosed The hero with a ring, hemming around Their own destruction. As when dogs, and swains In prime of manhood, from all quarters rush Around a boar, he from his thicket bolts, 505 The bright tusk whetting in his crooked jaws: They press him on all sides, and from beneath Loud gnashings hear, yet firm, his threats defy; Like them the Trojans on all sides assail'd Ulysses dear to Jove. First with his spear 510 He sprang impetuous on a valiant chief, Whose shoulder with a downright point he pierced, Deiopites; Thooen next he slew, And Ennomus, and from his coursers' backs Alighting quick, Chersidamas; beneath 515 His bossy shield the gliding weapon pass'd Right through his navel; on the plain he fell Expiring, and with both hands clench'd the dust. Them slain he left, and Charops wounded next, Brother of Socus, generous Chief, and son 520 Of Hippasus; brave Socus to the aid Of Charops flew, and, godlike, thus began. Illustrious chief, Ulysses! strong to toil And rich in artifice! Or boast to-day Two sons of Hippasus, brave warriors both, 525 Of armor and of life bereft by thee, Or to my vengeful spear resign thy own! So saying, Ulysses' oval disk he smote. Through his bright disk the stormy weapon flew, Transpierced his twisted mail, and from his side 530 Drove all the skin, but to his nobler parts Found entrance none, by Pallas turn'd aslant.[15] Ulysses, conscious of his life untouch'd, Retired a step from Socus, and replied. Ah hapless youth; thy fate is on the wing; 535 Me thou hast forced indeed to cease a while From battle with the Trojans, but I speak Thy death at hand; for vanquish'd by my spear, This self-same day thou shalt to me resign Thy fame, thy soul to Pluto steed-renown'd. 540 He ceased; then Socus turn'd his back to fly, But, as he turn'd, his shoulder-blades between He pierced him, and the spear urged through his breast. On his resounding arms he fell, and thus Godlike Ulysses gloried in his fall. 545 Ah, Socus, son of Hippasus, a chief Of fame equestrian! swifter far than thou Death follow'd thee, and thou hast not escaped. Ill-fated youth! thy parents' hands thine eyes Shall never close, but birds of ravenous maw 550 Shall tear thee, flapping thee with frequent wing, While me the noble Grecians shall entomb! So saying, the valiant Socus' spear he drew From his own flesh, and through his bossy shield. The weapon drawn, forth sprang the blood, and left 555 His spirit faint. Then Ilium's dauntless sons, Seeing Ulysses' blood, exhorted glad Each other, and, with force united, all Press'd on him. He, retiring, summon'd loud His followers. Thrice, loud as mortal may, 560 He call'd, and valiant Menelaus thrice Hearing the voice, to Ajax thus remark'd. Illustrious son of Telamon! The voice Of Laertiades comes o'er my ear With such a sound, as if the hardy chief, 565 Abandon'd of his friends, were overpower'd By numbers intercepting his retreat. Haste! force we quick a passage through the ranks. His worth demands our succor, for I fear Lest sole conflicting with the host of Troy, 570 Brave as he is, he perish, to the loss Unspeakable and long regret of Greece. So saying, he went, and Ajax, godlike Chief, Follow'd him. At the voice arrived, they found Ulysses Jove-beloved compass'd about 575 By Trojans, as the lynxes in the hills, Adust for blood, compass an antler'd stag Pierced by an archer; while his blood is warm And his limbs pliable, from him he 'scapes; But when the feather'd barb hath quell'd his force, 580 In some dark hollow of the mountain's side, The hungry troop devour him; chance, the while, Conducts a lion thither, before whom All vanish, and the lion feeds alone; So swarm'd the Trojan powers, numerous and bold, 585 Around Ulysses, who with wary skill Heroic combated his evil day. But Ajax came, cover'd with his broad shield That seem'd a tower, and at Ulysses' side Stood fast; then fled the Trojans wide-dispersed, 590 And Menelaus led him by the hand Till his own chariot to his aid approach'd. But Ajax, springing on the Trojans, slew Doryclus, from the loins of Priam sprung, But spurious. Pandocus he wounded next, 595 Then wounded Pyrasus, and after him Pylartes and Lysander. As a flood Runs headlong from the mountains to the plain After long showers from Jove; many a dry oak And many a pine the torrent sweeps along, 600 And, turbid, shoots much soil into the sea, So, glorious Ajax troubled wide the field, Horse and man slaughtering, whereof Hector yet Heard not; for on the left of all the war He fought beside Scamander, where around 605 Huge Nestor, and Idomeneus the brave, Most deaths were dealt, and loudest roar'd the fight. There Hector toil'd, feats wonderful of spear And horsemanship achieving, and the lines Of many a phalanx desolating wide. 610 Nor even then had the bold Greeks retired, But that an arrow triple-barb'd, dispatch'd By Paris, Helen's mate, against the Chief Machaon warring with distinguish'd force, Pierced his right shoulder. For his sake alarm'd, 615 The valor-breathing Grecians fear'd, lest he In that disast'rous field should also fall.[16] At once, Idomeneus of Crete approach'd The noble Nestor, and him thus bespake. Arise, Neleian Nestor! Pride of Greece! 620 Ascend thy chariot, and Machaon placed Beside thee, bear him, instant to the fleet. For one, so skill'd in medicine, and to free The inherent barb, is worth a multitude. He said, nor the Gerenian hero old 625 Aught hesitated, but into his seat Ascended, and Machaon, son renown'd Of AEsculapius, mounted at his side. He lash'd the steeds, they not unwilling sought The hollow ships, long their familiar home. 630 Cebriones, meantime, the charioteer Of Hector, from his seat the Trojan ranks Observing sore discomfited, began. Here are we busied, Hector! on the skirts Of roaring battle, and meantime I see 635 Our host confused, their horses and themselves All mingled. Telamonian Ajax there Routs them; I know the hero by his shield. Haste, drive we thither, for the carnage most Of horse and foot conflicting furious, there 640 Rages, and infinite the shouts arise. He said, and with shrill-sounding scourge the steeds Smote ample-maned; they, at the sudden stroke Through both hosts whirl'd the chariot, shields and men Trampling; with blood the axle underneath 645 All redden'd, and the chariot-rings with drops From the horse-hoofs, and from the fellied wheels. Full on the multitude he drove, on fire To burst the phalanx, and confusion sent Among the Greeks, for nought[17] he shunn'd the spear. 650 All quarters else with falchion or with lance, Or with huge stones he ranged, but cautious shunn'd The encounter of the Telamonian Chief. But the eternal father throned on high With fear fill'd Ajax; panic-fixt he stood, 655 His seven-fold shield behind his shoulder cast, And hemm'd by numbers, with an eye askant, Watchful retreated. As a beast of prey Retiring, turns and looks, so he his face Turn'd oft, retiring slow, and step by step. 660 As when the watch-dogs and assembled swains Have driven a tawny lion from the stalls, Then, interdicting him his wish'd repast, Watch all the night, he, famish'd, yet again Comes furious on, but speeds not, kept aloof 665 By frequent spears from daring hands, but more By flash of torches, which, though fierce, he dreads, Till, at the dawn, sullen he stalks away; So from before the Trojans Ajax stalk'd Sullen, and with reluctance slow retired. 670 His brave heart trembling for the fleet of Greece. As when (the boys o'erpower'd) a sluggish ass, On whose tough sides they have spent many a staff, Enters the harvest, and the spiry ears Crops persevering; with their rods the boys 675 Still ply him hard, but all their puny might Scarce drives him forth when he hath browsed his fill, So, there, the Trojans and their foreign aids With glittering lances keen huge Ajax urged, His broad shield's centre smiting.[18] He, by turns, 680 With desperate force the Trojan phalanx dense Facing, repulsed them, and by turns he fled, But still forbad all inroad on the fleet. Trojans and Greeks between, alone, he stood A bulwark. Spears from daring hands dismiss'd 685 Some, piercing his broad shield, there planted stood, While others, in the midway falling, spent Their disappointed rage deep in the ground. Eurypylus, Evaemon's noble son, Him seeing, thus, with weapons overwhelmed 690 Flew to his side, his glittering lance dismiss'd, And Apisaon, son of Phausias, struck Under the midriff; through his liver pass'd The ruthless point, and, falling, he expired. Forth sprang Eurypylus to seize the spoil; 695 Whom soon as godlike Alexander saw Despoiling Apisaon of his arms, Drawing incontinent his bow, he sent A shaft to his right thigh; the brittle reed Snapp'd, and the rankling barb stuck fast within. 700 Terrified at the stroke, the wounded Chief To his own band retired, but, as he went, With echoing voice call'd on the Danai— Friends! Counsellors, and leaders of the Greeks! Turn ye and stand, and from his dreadful lot 705 Save Ajax whelm'd with weapons; 'scape, I judge, He cannot from the roaring fight, yet oh Stand fast around him; if save ye may, Your champion huge, the Telamonian Chief! So spake the wounded warrior. They at once 710 With sloping bucklers, and with spears erect, To his relief approach'd. Ajax with joy The friendly phalanx join'd, then turn'd and stood. Thus burn'd the embattled field as with the flames Of a devouring fire. Meantime afar 715 From all that tumult the Neleian mares Bore Nestor, foaming as they ran, with whom Machaon also rode, leader revered. Achilles mark'd him passing; for he stood Exalted on his huge ship's lofty stern, 720 Spectator of the toil severe, and flight Deplorable of the defeated Greeks. He call'd his friend Patroclus. He below Within his tent the sudden summons heard And sprang like Mars abroad, all unaware 725 That in that sound he heard the voice of fate. Him first Menoetius' gallant son address'd. What would Achilles? Wherefore hath he call'd? To whom Achilles swiftest of the swift: Brave Menoetiades! my soul's delight! 730 Soon will the Grecians now my knees surround Suppliant, by dread extremity constrain'd. But fly Patroclus, haste, oh dear to Jove! Inquire of Nestor, whom he hath convey'd From battle, wounded? Viewing him behind, 735 I most believed him AEsculapius' son Machaon, but the steeds so swiftly pass'd My galley, that his face escaped my note.[19] He said, and prompt to gratify his friend, Forth ran Patroclus through the camp of Greece. 740 Now when Neleian Nestor to his tent Had brought Machaon, they alighted both, And the old hero's friend Eurymedon Released the coursers. On the beach awhile Their tunics sweat-imbued in the cool air 745 They ventilated, facing full the breeze, Then on soft couches in the tent reposed. Meantime, their beverage Hecamede mix'd, The old King's bright-hair'd captive, whom he brought From Tenedos, what time Achilles sack'd 750 The city, daughter of the noble Chief Arsinoues, and selected from the rest For Nestor, as the honorable meed Of counsels always eminently wise. She, first, before them placed a table bright, 755 With feet coerulean; thirst-provoking sauce She brought them also in a brazen tray, Garlic[20] and honey new, and sacred meal. Beside them, next, she placed a noble cup Of labor exquisite, which from his home 760 The ancient King had brought with golden studs Embellish'd; it presented to the grasp Four ears; two golden turtles, perch'd on each, Seem'd feeding, and two turtles[21] form'd the base. That cup once fill'd, all others must have toil'd 765 To move it from the board, but it was light In Nestor's hand; he lifted it with ease.[22] The graceful virgin in that cup a draught Mix'd for them, Pramnian wine and savory cheese Of goat's milk, grated with a brazen rasp, 770 Then sprinkled all with meal. The draught prepared, She gave it to their hand; they, drinking, slaked Their fiery thirst, and with each other sat Conversing friendly, when the godlike youth By brave Achilles sent, stood at the door. 775 Him seeing, Nestor from his splendid couch Arose, and by the hand leading him in, Entreated him to sit, but that request Patroclus, on his part refusing, said, Oh venerable King! no seat is here 780 For me, nor may thy courtesy prevail. He is irascible, and to be fear'd Who bade me ask what Chieftain thou hast brought From battle, wounded; but untold I learn; I see Machaon, and shall now report 785 As I have seen; oh ancient King revered! Thou know'st Achilles fiery, and propense Blame to impute even where blame is none. To whom the brave Gerenian thus replied. Why feels Achilles for the wounded Greeks 790 Such deep concern? He little knows the height To which our sorrows swell. Our noblest lie By spear or arrow wounded in the fleet. Diomede, warlike son of Tydeus, bleeds, Gall'd by a shaft; Ulysses, glorious Chief, 795 And Agamemnon[23] suffer by the spear; Eurypylus is shot into the thigh, And here lies still another newly brought By me from fight, pierced also by a shaft. What then? How strong soe'er to give them aid, 800 Achilles feels no pity of the Greeks. Waits he till every vessel on the shore Fired, in despite of the whole Argive host, Be sunk in its own ashes, and ourselves All perish, heaps on heaps? For in my limbs 805 No longer lives the agility of my youth. Oh, for the vigor of those days again, When Elis, for her cattle which we took, Strove with us and Itymoneus I slew, Brave offspring of Hypirochus; he dwelt 810 In Elis, and while I the pledges drove, Stood for his herd, but fell among the first By a spear hurl'd from my victorious arm. Then fled the rustic multitude, and we Drove off abundant booty from the plain, 815 Herds fifty of fat beeves, large flocks of goats As many, with as many sheep and swine, And full thrice fifty mares of brightest hue, All breeders, many with their foals beneath. All these, by night returning safe, we drove 820 Into Neleian Pylus, and the heart Rejoiced of Neleus, in a son so young A warrior, yet enrich'd with such a prize. At early dawn the heralds summon'd loud The citizens, to prove their just demands 825 On fruitful Elis, and the assembled Chiefs Division made (for numerous were the debts Which the Epeans, in the weak estate Of the unpeopled Pylus, had incurr'd; For Hercules, few years before, had sack'd[24] 830 Our city, and our mightiest slain. Ourselves The gallant sons of Neleus, were in all Twelve youths, of whom myself alone survived; The rest all perish'd; whence, presumptuous grown, The brazen-mail'd Epeans wrong'd us oft). 835 A herd of beeves my father for himself Selected, and a numerous flock beside, Three hundred sheep, with shepherds for them all. For he a claimant was of large arrears From sacred Elis. Four unrivall'd steeds 840 With his own chariot to the games he sent, That should contend for the appointed prize A tripod; but Augeias, King of men, Detain'd the steeds, and sent the charioteer Defrauded home. My father, therefore, fired 845 At such foul outrage both of deeds and words, Took much, and to the Pylians gave the rest For satisfaction of the claims of all. While thus we busied were in these concerns, And in performance of religious rites 850 Throughout the city, came the Epeans arm'd, Their whole vast multitude both horse and foot On the third day; came also clad in brass The two Molions, inexpert as yet In feats of arms, and of a boyish age. 855 There is a city on a mountain's head, Fast by the banks of Alpheus, far remote, The utmost town which sandy Pylus owns, Named Thryoessa, and, with ardor fired To lay it waste, that city they besieged. 860 Now when their host had traversed all the plain, Minerva from Olympus flew by night And bade us arm; nor were the Pylians slow To assemble, but impatient for the fight. Me, then, my father suffer'd not to arm, 865 But hid my steeds, for he supposed me raw As yet, and ignorant how war is waged. Yet, even thus, unvantaged and on foot, Superior honors I that day acquired To theirs who rode, for Pallas led me on 870 Herself to victory. There is a stream Which at Arena falls into the sea, Named Minueius; on that river's bank The Pylian horsemen waited day's approach, And thither all our foot came pouring down. 875 The flood divine of Alpheus thence we reach'd At noon, all arm'd complete; there, hallow'd rites We held to Jove omnipotent, and slew A bull to sacred Alpheus, with a bull To Neptune, and a heifer of the herd 880 To Pallas; then, all marshall'd as they were, From van to rear our legions took repast, And at the river's side slept on their arms. Already the Epean host had round Begirt the city, bent to lay it waste, 885 A task which cost them, first, both blood and toil, For when the radiant sun on the green earth Had risen, with prayer to Pallas and to Jove, We gave them battle. When the Pylian host And the Epeans thus were close engaged, 890 I first a warrior slew, Mulius the brave, And seized his coursers. He the eldest-born Of King Augeias' daughters had espoused The golden Agamede; not an herb The spacious earth yields but she knew its powers, 895 Him, rushing on me, with my brazen lance I smote, and in the dust he fell; I leap'd Into his seat, and drove into the van. A panic seized the Epeans when they saw The leader of their horse o'erthrown, a Chief 900 Surpassing all in fight. Black as a cloud With whirlwind fraught, I drove impetuous on, Took fifty chariots, and at side of each Lay two slain warriors, with their teeth the soil Grinding, all vanquish'd by my single arm. 905 I had slain also the Molions, sons Of Actor, but the Sovereign of the deep Their own authentic Sire, in darkness dense Involving both, convey'd them safe away. Then Jove a victory of prime renown 910 Gave to the Pylians; for we chased and slew And gather'd spoil o'er all the champain spread With scatter'd shields, till we our steeds had driven To the Buprasian fields laden with corn, To the Olenian rock, and to a town 915 In fair Colona situate, and named Alesia. There it was that Pallas turn'd Our people homeward; there I left the last Of all the slain, and he was slain by me. Then drove the Achaians from Buprasium home 920 Their coursers fleet, and Jove, of Gods above, Received most praise, Nestor of men below. Such once was I. But brave Achilles shuts His virtues close, an unimparted store; Yet even he shall weep, when all the host, 925 His fellow-warriors once, shall be destroy'd. But recollect, young friend! the sage advice Which when thou earnest from Phthia to the aid Of Agamemnon, on that selfsame day Menoetius gave thee. We were present there, 930 Ulysses and myself, both in the house, And heard it all; for to the house we came Of Peleus in our journey through the land Of fertile Greece, gathering her states to war. We found thy noble sire Menoetius there, 935 Thee and Achilles; ancient Peleus stood To Jove the Thunderer offering in his court Thighs of an ox, and on the blazing rites Libation pouring from a cup of gold. While ye on preparation of the feast 940 Attended both, Ulysses and myself Stood in the vestibule; Achilles flew Toward us, introduced us by the hand, And, seating us, such liberal portion gave To each, as hospitality requires. 945 Our thirst, at length, and hunger both sufficed, I, foremost speaking, ask'd you to the wars, And ye were eager both, but from your sires Much admonition, ere ye went, received. Old Peleus charged Achilles to aspire 950 To highest praise, and always to excel. But thee, thy sire Menoetius thus advised. "My son! Achilles boasts the nobler birth, But thou art elder; he in strength excels Thee far; thou, therefore, with discretion rule 955 His inexperience; thy advice impart With gentleness; instruction wise suggest Wisely, and thou shalt find him apt to learn." So thee thy father taught, but, as it seems, In vain. Yet even now essay to move 960 Warlike Achilles; if the Gods so please, Who knows but that thy reasons may prevail To rouse his valiant heart? men rarely scorn The earnest intercession of a friend. But if some prophecy alarm his fears, 965 And from his Goddess mother he have aught Received, who may have learnt the same from Jove, Thee let him send at least, and order forth With thee the Myrmidons; a dawn of hope Shall thence, it may be, on our host arise. 970 And let him send thee to the battle clad In his own radiant armor; Troy, deceived By such resemblance, shall abstain perchance From conflict, and the weary Greeks enjoy Short respite; it is all that war allows. 975 Fresh as ye are, ye, by your shouts alone, May easily repulse an army spent With labor from the camp and from the fleet. Thus Nestor, and his mind bent to his words. Back to AEacides through all the camp 980 He ran; and when, still running, he arrived Among Ulysses' barks, where they had fix'd The forum, where they minister'd the laws, And had erected altars to the Gods, There him Eurypylus, Evaemon's son, 985 Illustrious met, deep-wounded in his thigh, And halting-back from battle. From his head The sweat, and from his shoulders ran profuse, And from his perilous wound the sable blood Continual stream'd; yet was his mind composed. 990 Him seeing, Menoetiades the brave Compassion felt, and mournful, thus began. Ah hapless senators and Chiefs of Greece! Left ye your native country that the dogs Might fatten on your flesh at distant Troy? 995 But tell me, Hero! say, Eurypylus! Have the Achaians power still to withstand The enormous force of Hector, or is this The moment when his spear must pierce us all? To whom Eurypylus, discreet, replied. 1000 Patroclus, dear to Jove! there is no help, No remedy. We perish at our ships. The warriors, once most strenuous of the Greeks, Lie wounded in the fleet by foes whose might Increases ever. But thyself afford 1005 To me some succor; lead me to my ship; Cut forth the arrow from my thigh; the gore With warm ablution cleanse, and on the wound Smooth unguents spread, the same as by report Achilles taught thee; taught, himself, their use 1010 By Chiron, Centaur, justest of his kind For Podalirius and Machaon both Are occupied. Machaon, as I judge, Lies wounded in his tent, needing like aid Himself, and Podalirius in the field 1015 Maintains sharp conflict with the sons of Troy. To whom Menoetius' gallant son replied. Hero! Eurypylus! how shall we act In this perplexity? what course pursue? I seek the brave Achilles, to whose ear 1020 I bear a message from the ancient chief Gerenian Nestor, guardian of the Greeks. Yet will I not, even for such a cause, My friend! abandon thee in thy distress. He ended, and his arms folding around 1025 The warrior bore him thence into his tent. His servant, on his entrance, spread the floor With hides, on which Patroclus at his length Extended him, and with his knife cut forth The rankling point; with tepid lotion, next, 1030 He cleansed the gore, and with a bitter root Bruised small between his palms, sprinkled the wound. At once, the anodyne his pain assuaged, The wound was dried within, and the blood ceased.

* * * * *

It will be well here to observe the position of the Greeks. All human aid is cut off by the wounds of their heroes, and all assistance from the Gods forbidden by Jupiter. On the contrary, the Trojans see their general at their head, and Jupiter himself fights on their side. Upon this hinge turns the whole poem. The distress of the Greeks occasions first the assistance of Patroclus, and then the death of that hero brings back Achilles.

The poet shows great skill in conducting these incidents. He gives Achilles the pleasure of seeing that the Greeks could not carry on the war without his assistance, and upon this depends the great catastrophe of the poem.



THE ILIAD.

BOOK XII.



ARGUMENT OF THE TWELFTH BOOK.

The Trojans assail the ramparts, and Hector forces the gates.



BOOK XII.

So was Menoetius' gallant son employ'd Healing Eurypylus. The Greeks, meantime, And Trojans with tumultuous fury fought. Nor was the foss ordain'd long time to exclude The host of Troy, nor yet the rampart built 5 Beside it for protection of the fleet; For hecatomb the Greeks had offer'd none, Nor prayer to heaven, that it might keep secure Their ships with all their spoils. The mighty work As in defiance of the Immortal Powers 10 Had risen, and could not therefore long endure. While Hector lived, and while Achilles held His wrathful purpose; while the city yet Of royal Priam was unsack'd, so long The massy structure stood; but when the best 15 And bravest of the Trojan host were slain, And of the Grecian heroes, some had fallen And some survived, when Priam's towers had blazed In the tenth year, and to their native shores The Grecians with their ships, at length, return'd, 20 Then Neptune, with Apollo leagued, devised Its ruin; every river that descends From the Idaean heights into the sea They brought against it, gathering all their force. Rhesus, Caresus, Rhodius, the wide-branch'd 25 Heptaporus, AEsepus, Granicus, Scamander's sacred current, and thy stream Simoeis, whose banks with helmets and with shields Were strew'd, and Chiefs of origin divine; All these with refluent course Apollo drove 30 Nine days against the rampart, and Jove rain'd Incessant, that the Grecian wall wave-whelm'd Through all its length might sudden disappear. Neptune with his tridental mace, himself, Led them, and beam and buttress to the flood 35 Consigning, laid by the laborious Greeks, Swept the foundation, and the level bank Of the swift-rolling Hellespont restored. The structure thus effaced, the spacious beach He spread with sand as at the first; then bade 40 Subside the streams, and in their channels wind With limpid course, and pleasant as before, Apollo thus and Neptune, from the first, Design'd its fall; but now the battle raved And clamors of the warriors all around 45 The strong-built turrets, whose assaulted planks Rang, while the Grecians, by the scourge of Jove Subdued, stood close within their fleet immured, At Hector's phalanx-scattering force appall'd. He, as before, with whirlwind fury fought. 50 As when the boar or lion fiery-eyed Turns short, the hunters and the hounds among, The close-embattled troop him firm oppose, And ply him fast with spears; he no dismay Conceives or terror in his noble heart, 55 But by his courage falls; frequent he turns Attempting bold the ranks, and where he points Direct his onset, there the ranks retire; So, through the concourse on his rolling wheels Borne rapid, Hector animated loud 60 His fellow-warriors to surpass the trench. But not his own swift-footed steeds would dare That hazard; standing on the dangerous brink They neigh'd aloud, for by its breadth the foss Deterr'd them; neither was the effort slight 65 To leap that gulf, nor easy the attempt To pass it through; steep were the banks profound On both sides, and with massy piles acute Thick-planted, interdicting all assault. No courser to the rapid chariot braced 70 Had enter'd there with ease; yet strong desires Possess'd the infantry of that emprize, And thus Polydamas the ear address'd Of dauntless Hector, standing at his side. Hector, and ye the leaders of our host, 75 Both Trojans and allies! rash the attempt I deem, and vain, to push our horses through, So dangerous is the pass; rough is the trench With pointed stakes, and the Achaian wall Meets us beyond. No chariot may descend 80 Or charioteer fight there; strait are the bounds, And incommodious, and his death were sure. If Jove, high-thundering Ruler of the skies, Will succor Ilium, and nought less intend Than utter devastation of the Greeks, 85 I am content; now perish all their host Inglorious, from their country far remote. But should they turn, and should ourselves be driven Back from the fleet impeded and perplex'd In this deep foss, I judge that not a man, 90 'Scaping the rallied Grecians, should survive To bear the tidings of our fate to Troy. Now, therefore, act we all as I advise. Let every charioteer his coursers hold Fast-rein'd beside the foss, while we on foot, 95 With order undisturb'd and arms in hand, Shall follow Hector. If destruction borne On wings of destiny this day approach The Grecians, they will fly our first assault. So spake Polydamas, whose safe advice 100 Pleased Hector; from his chariot to the ground All arm'd he leap'd, nor would a Trojan there (When once they saw the Hero on his feet) Ride into battle, but unanimous Descending with a leap, all trod the plain. 105 Each gave command that at the trench his steeds Should stand detain'd in orderly array; Then, suddenly, the parted host became Five bands, each following its appointed chief. The bravest and most numerous, and whose hearts 110 Wish'd most to burst the barrier and to wage The battle at the ships, with Hector march'd And with Polydamas, whom follow'd, third, Cebriones; for Hector had his steeds Consign'd and chariot to inferior care. 115 Paris, Alcathoues, and Agenor led The second band, and, sons of Priam both, Deiphobus and Helenus, the third; With them was seen partner of their command; The Hero Asius; from Arisba came 120 Asius Hyrtacides, to battle drawn From the Selleis banks by martial steeds Hair'd fiery-red and of the noblest size. The fourth, Anchises' mighty son controll'd, AEneas; under him Antenor's sons, 125 Archilochus and Acamas, advanced, Adept in all the practice of the field. Last came the glorious powers in league with Troy Led by Sarpedon; he with Glaucus shared His high control, and with the warlike Chief 130 Asteropaeus; for of all his host Them bravest he esteem'd, himself except Superior in heroic might to all. And now (their shields adjusted each to each) With dauntless courage fired, right on they moved 135 Against the Grecians; nor expected less Than that beside their sable ships, the host Should self-abandon'd fall an easy prey. The Trojans, thus with their confederate powers, The counsel of the accomplish'd Prince pursued, 140 Polydamas, one Chief alone except, Asius Hyrtacides. He scorn'd to leave His charioteer and coursers at the trench, And drove toward the fleet. Ah, madly brave! His evil hour was come; he was ordain'd 145 With horse and chariot and triumphant shout To enter wind-swept Ilium never more. Deucalion's offspring, first, into the shades Dismiss'd him; by Idomeneus he died. Leftward he drove furious, along the road 150 By which the steeds and chariots of the Greeks Return'd from battle; in that track he flew, Nor found the portals by the massy bar Secured, but open for reception safe Of fugitives, and to a guard consign'd. 155 Thither he drove direct, and in his rear His band shrill-shouting follow'd, for they judged The Greeks no longer able to withstand Their foes, but sure to perish in the camp. Vain hope! for in the gate two Chiefs they found 160 Lapithae-born, courageous offspring each Of dauntless father; Polypoetes, this, Sprung from Pirithoeus; that, the warrior bold Leonteus, terrible as gore-tainted Mars. These two, defenders of the lofty gates, 165 Stood firm before them. As when two tall oaks On the high mountains day by day endure Rough wind and rain, by deep-descending roots Of hugest growth fast-founded in the soil; So they, sustain'd by conscious valor, saw, 170 Unmoved, high towering Asius on his way, Nor fear'd him aught, nor shrank from his approach Right on toward the barrier, lifting high Their season'd bucklers and with clamor loud The band advanced, King Asius at their head, 175 With whom Iaemenus, expert in arms, Orestes, Thoeon, Acamas the son Of Asius, and Oenomaeus, led them on. Till now, the warlike pair, exhorting loud The Grecians to defend the fleet, had stood 180 Within the gates; but soon as they perceived The Trojans swift advancing to the wall, And heard a cry from all the flying Greeks, Both sallying, before the gates they fought Like forest-boars, which hearing in the hills 185 The crash of hounds and huntsmen nigh at hand, With start oblique lay many a sapling flat Short-broken by the root, nor cease to grind Their sounding tusks, till by the spear they die; So sounded on the breasts of those brave two 190 The smitten brass; for resolute they fought, Embolden'd by their might who kept the wall, And trusting in their own; they, in defence Of camp and fleet and life, thick battery hurl'd Of stones precipitated from the towers; 195 Frequent as snows they fell, which stormy winds, Driving the gloomy clouds, shake to the ground, Till all the fertile earth lies cover'd deep. Such volley pour'd the Greeks, and such return'd The Trojans; casques of hide, arid and tough, 200 And bossy shields rattled, by such a storm Assail'd of millstone masses from above. Then Asius, son of Hyrtacus, a groan Indignant utter'd; on both thighs he smote With disappointment furious, and exclaim'd, 205 Jupiter! even thou art false become, And altogether such. Full sure I deem'd That not a Grecian hero should abide One moment force invincible as ours, And lo! as wasps ring-streaked,[1] or bees that build 210 Their dwellings in the highway's craggy side Leave not their hollow home, but fearless wait The hunter's coming, in their brood's defence, So these, although two only, from the gates Move not, nor will, till either seized or slain. 215 So Asius spake, but speaking so, changed not The mind of Jove on Hector's glory bent. Others, as obstinate, at other gates Such deeds perform'd, that to enumerate all Were difficult, unless to power divine. 220 For fierce the hail of stones from end to end Smote on the barrier; anguish fill'd the Greeks. Yet, by necessity constrain'd, their ships They guarded still; nor less the Gods themselves, Patrons of Greece, all sorrow'd at the sight. 225 At once the valiant Lapithae began Terrible conflict, and Pirithous' son Brave Polypoetes through his helmet pierced Damasus; his resplendent point the brass Sufficed not to withstand; entering, it crush'd 230 The bone within, and mingling all his brain With his own blood, his onset fierce repress'd. Pylon and Ormenus he next subdued. Meantime Leonteus, branch of Mars, his spear Hurl'd at Hippomachus, whom through his belt 235 He pierced; then drawing forth his falchion keen, Through all the multitude he flew to smite Antiphates, and with a downright stroke Fell'd him. Iaemenus and Menon next He slew, with brave Orestes, whom he heap'd, 240 All three together, on the fertile glebe. While them the Lapithae of their bright arms Despoil'd, Polydamas and Hector stood (With all the bravest youths and most resolved To burst the barrier and to fire the fleet) 245 Beside the foss, pondering the event. For, while they press'd to pass, they spied a bird Sublime in air, an eagle. Right between Both hosts he soar'd (the Trojan on his left) A serpent bearing in his pounces clutch'd 250 Enormous, dripping blood, but lively still And mindful of revenge; for from beneath The eagle's breast, updarting fierce his head, Fast by the throat he struck him; anguish-sick The eagle cast him down into the space 255 Between the hosts, and, clanging loud his plumes As the wind bore him, floated far away. Shudder'd the Trojans viewing at their feet The spotted serpent ominous, and thus Polydamas to dauntless Hector spake. 260 Ofttimes in council, Hector, thou art wont To censure me, although advising well; Nor ought the private citizen, I confess, Either in council or in war to indulge Loquacity, but ever to employ 265 All his exertions in support of thine. Yet hear my best opinion once again. Proceed we not in our attempt against The Grecian fleet. For if in truth the sign Respect the host of Troy ardent to pass, 270 Then, as the eagle soar'd both hosts between, With Ilium's on his left, and clutch'd a snake Enormous, dripping blood, but still alive, Which yet he dropp'd suddenly, ere he reach'd His eyry, or could give it to his young, 275 So we, although with mighty force we burst Both gates and barrier, and although the Greeks Should all retire, shall never yet the way Tread honorably back by which we came. No. Many a Trojan shall we leave behind 280 Slain by the Grecians in their fleet's defence. An augur skill'd in omens would expound This omen thus, and faith would win from all. To whom, dark-louring, Hector thus replied. Polydamas! I like not thy advice; 285 Thou couldst have framed far better; but if this Be thy deliberate judgment, then the Gods Make thy deliberate judgment nothing worth, Who bidd'st me disregard the Thunderer's[2] firm Assurance to myself announced, and make 290 The wild inhabitants of air my guides, Which I alike despise, speed they their course With right-hand flight toward the ruddy East, Or leftward down into the shades of eve. Consider we the will of Jove alone, 295 Sovereign of heaven and earth. Omens abound, But the best omen is our country's cause.[3] Wherefore should fiery war thy soul alarm? For were we slaughter'd, one and all, around The fleet of Greece, thou need'st not fear to die, 300 Whose courage never will thy flight retard. But if thou shrink thyself, or by smooth speech Seduce one other from a soldier's part, Pierced by this spear incontinent thou diest. So saying he led them, who with deafening roar 305 Follow'd him. Then, from the Idaean hills Jove hurl'd a storm which wafted right the dust Into the fleet; the spirits too he quell'd Of the Achaians, and the glory gave To Hector and his host; they, trusting firm 310 In signs from Jove, and in their proper force, Assay'd the barrier; from the towers they tore The galleries, cast the battlements to ground, And the projecting buttresses adjoin'd To strengthen the vast work, with bars upheaved. 315 All these, with expectation fierce to break The rampart, down they drew; nor yet the Greeks Gave back, but fencing close with shields the wall, Smote from behind them many a foe beneath. Meantime from tower to tower the Ajaces moved 320 Exhorting all; with mildness some, and some With harsh rebuke, whom they observed through fear Declining base the labors of the fight, Friends! Argives! warriors of whatever rank! Ye who excel, and ye of humbler note! 325 And ye the last and least! (for such there are, All have not magnanimity alike) Now have we work for all, as all perceive. Turn not, retreat not to your ships, appall'd By sounding menaces, but press the foe; 330 Exhort each other, and e'en now perchance Olympian Jove, by whom the lightnings burn, Shall grant us to repulse them, and to chase The routed Trojans to their gates again. So they vociferating to the Greeks, 335 Stirr'd them to battle. As the feathery snows Fall frequent, on some wintry day, when Jove Hath risen to shed them on the race of man, And show his arrowy stores; he lulls the winds, Then shakes them down continual, covering thick 340 Mountain tops, promontories, flowery meads, And cultured valleys rich; the ports and shores Receive it also of the hoary deep, But there the waves bound it, while all beside Lies whelm'd beneath Jove's fast-descending shower, 345 So thick, from side to side, by Trojans hurl'd Against the Greeks, and by the Greeks return'd The stony vollies flew; resounding loud Through all its length the battered rampart roar'd. Nor yet had Hector and his host prevail'd 350 To burst the gates, and break the massy bar, Had not all-seeing Jove Sarpedon moved His son, against the Greeks, furious as falls The lion on some horned herd of beeves. At once his polish'd buckler he advanced 355 With leafy brass o'erlaid; for with smooth brass The forger of that shield its oval disk Had plated, and with thickest hides throughout Had lined it, stitch'd with circling wires of gold. That shield he bore before him; firmly grasp'd 360 He shook two spears, and with determined strides March'd forward. As the lion mountain-bred, After long fast, by impulse of his heart Undaunted urged, seeks resolute the flock Even in the shelter of their guarded home; 365 He finds, perchance, the shepherds arm'd with spears, And all their dogs awake, yet can not leave Untried the fence, but either leaps it light, And entering tears the prey, or in the attempt Pierced by some dexterous peasant, bleeds himself; 370 So high his courage to the assault impell'd Godlike Sarpedon, and him fired with hope To break the barrier; when to Glaucus thus, Son of Hippolochus, his speech he turn'd. Why, Glaucus, is the seat of honor ours, 375 Why drink we brimming cups, and feast in state? Why gaze they all on us as we were Gods In Lycia, and why share we pleasant fields And spacious vineyards, where the Xanthus winds? Distinguished thus in Lycia, we are call'd 380 To firmness here, and to encounter bold The burning battle, that our fair report Among the Lycians may be blazon'd thus— No dastards are the potentates who rule The bright-arm'd Lycians; on the fatted flock 385 They banquet, and they drink the richest wines; But they are also valiant, and the fight Wage dauntless in the vanward of us all. Oh Glaucus, if escaping safe the death That threats us here, we also could escape 390 Old age, and to ourselves secure a life Immortal, I would neither in the van Myself expose, nor would encourage thee To tempt the perils of the glorious field. But since a thousand messengers of fate 395 Pursue us close, and man is born to die— E'en let us on; the prize of glory yield, If yield we must, or wrest it from the foe. He said, nor cold refusal in return Received from Glaucus, but toward the wall 400 Their numerous Lycian host both led direct. Menestheus, son of Peteos, saw appall'd Their dread approach, for to his tower they bent; Their threatening march. An eager look he cast, On the embodied Greeks, seeking some Chief 405 Whose aid might turn the battle from his van: He saw, where never sated with exploits Of war, each Ajax fought, near whom his eye Kenn'd Teucer also, newly from his tent; But vain his efforts were with loudest call 410 To reach their ears, such was the deafening din Upsent to heaven, of shields and crested helms, And of the batter'd gates; for at each gate They thundering' stood, and urged alike at each Their fierce attempt by force to burst the bars. 415 To Ajax therefore he at once dispatch'd A herald, and Thoeotes thus enjoin'd. My noble friend, Thoeotes! with all speed Call either Ajax; bid them hither both; Far better so; for havoc is at hand. 420 The Lycian leaders, ever in assault Tempestuous, bend their force against this tower My station. But if also there they find Laborious conflict pressing them severe, At least let Telamonian Ajax come, 425 And Teucer with his death-dispensing bow. He spake, nor was Thoeotes slow to hear; Beside the rampart of the mail-clad Greeks Rapid he flew, and, at their side arrived, To either Ajax, eager, thus began. 430 Ye leaders of the well-appointed Greeks, The son of noble Peteos calls; he begs With instant suit, that ye would share his toils, However short your stay; the aid of both Will serve him best, for havoc threatens there 435 The Lycian leaders, ever in assault Tempestuous, bend their force toward the tower His station. But if also here ye find Laborious conflict pressing you severe, At least let Telamonian Ajax come, 440 And Teucer with his death-dispensing bow. He spake, nor his request the towering son Of Telamon denied, but quick his speech To Ajax Oiliades address'd. Ajax! abiding here, exhort ye both 445 (Heroic Lycomedes and thyself) The Greeks to battle. Thither I depart To aid our friends, which service once perform'd Duly, I will incontinent return. So saying, the Telamonian Chief withdrew 450 With whom went Teucer, son of the same sire, Pandion also, bearing Teucer's bow. Arriving at the turret given in charge To the bold Chief Menestheus, and the wall Entering, they found their friends all sharply tried. 455 Black as a storm the senators renown'd And leaders of the Lycian host assail'd Buttress and tower, while opposite the Greeks Withstood them, and the battle-shout began. First, Ajax, son of Telamon, a friend 460 And fellow-warrior of Sarpedon slew, Epicles. With a marble fragment huge That crown'd the battlement's interior side, He smote him. No man of our puny race, Although in prime of youth, had with both hands 465 That weight sustain'd; but he the cumberous mass Uplifted high, and hurl'd it on his head. It burst his helmet, and his batter'd skull Dash'd from all form. He from the lofty tower Dropp'd downright, with a diver's plunge, and died. 470 But Teucer wounded Glaucus with a shaft Son of Hippolochus; he, climbing, bared His arm, which Teucer, marking, from the wall Transfix'd it, and his onset fierce repress'd; For with a backward leap Glaucus withdrew 475 Sudden and silent, cautious lest the Greeks Seeing him wounded should insult his pain. Grief seized, at sight of his retiring friend, Sarpedon, who forgat not yet the fight, But piercing with his lance Alcmaon, son 480 Of Thestor, suddenly reversed the beam, Which following, Alcmaon to the earth Fell prone, with clangor of his brazen arms. Sarpedon, then, strenuous with both hands Tugg'd, and down fell the battlement entire; 485 The wall, dismantled at the summit, stood A ruin, and wide chasm was open'd through. Then Ajax him and Teucer at one time Struck both; an arrow struck from Teucer's bow The belt that cross'd his bosom, by which hung 490 His ample shield; yet lest his son should fall Among the ships, Jove turn'd the death aside. But Ajax, springing to his thrust, a spear Drove through his shield. Sarpedon at the shock With backward step short interval recoil'd, 495 But not retired, for in his bosom lived The hope of glory still, and, looking back On all his godlike Lycians, he exclaim'd, Oh Lycians! where is your heroic might? Brave as I boast myself, I feel the task 500 Arduous, through the breach made by myself To win a passage to the ships, alone. Follow me all—Most laborers, most dispatch.[4] So he; at whose sharp reprimand abash'd The embattled host to closer conflict moved, 505 Obedient to their counsellor and King. On the other side the Greeks within the wall Made firm the phalanx, seeing urgent need; Nor could the valiant Lycians through the breach Admittance to the Grecian fleet obtain, 510 Nor since they first approach'd it, had the Greeks With all their efforts, thrust the Lycians back. But as two claimants of one common field, Each with his rod of measurement in hand, Dispute the boundaries, litigating warm 515 Their right in some small portion of the soil, So they, divided by the barrier, struck With hostile rage the bull-hide bucklers round, And the light targets on each other's breast. Then many a wound the ruthless weapons made. 520 Pierced through the unarm'd back, if any turn'd, He died, and numerous even through the shield. The battlements from end to end with blood Of Grecians and of Trojans on both sides Were sprinkled; yet no violence could move 525 The stubborn Greeks, or turn their powers to flight. So hung the war in balance, as the scales Held by some woman scrupulously just, A spinner; wool and weight she poises nice, Hard-earning slender pittance for her babes,[5] 530 Such was the poise in which the battle hung Till Jove himself superior fame, at length, To Priameian Hector gave, who sprang First through the wall. In lofty sounds that reach'd Their utmost ranks, he call'd on all his host. 535 Now press them, now ye Trojans steed-renown'd Rush on! break through the Grecian rampart, hurl At once devouring flames into the fleet. Such was his exhortation; they his voice All hearing, with close-order'd ranks direct 540 Bore on the barrier, and up-swarming show'd On the high battlement their glittering spears. But Hector seized a stone; of ample base But tapering to a point, before the gate It stood. No two men, mightiest of a land 545 (Such men as now are mighty) could with ease Have heaved it from the earth up to a wain; He swung it easily alone; so light The son of Saturn made it in his hand. As in one hand with ease the shepherd bears 550 A ram's fleece home, nor toils beneath the weight, So Hector, right toward the planks of those Majestic folding-gates, close-jointed, firm And solid, bore the stone. Two bars within Their corresponding force combined transvere 555 To guard them, and one bolt secured the bars. He stood fast by them, parting wide his feet For 'vantage sake, and smote them in the midst. He burst both hinges; inward fell the rock Ponderous, and the portals roar'd; the bars 560 Endured not, and the planks, riven by the force Of that huge mass, flew scatter'd on all sides. In leap'd the godlike Hero at the breach, Gloomy as night in aspect, but in arms All-dazzling, and he grasp'd two quivering spears. 565 Him entering with a leap the gates, no force Whate'er of opposition had repress'd, Save of the Gods alone. Fire fill'd his eyes; Turning, he bade the multitude without Ascend the rampart; they his voice obey'd; 570 Part climb'd the wall, part pour'd into the gate; The Grecians to their hollow galleys flew Scatter'd, and tumult infinite arose.[6]



THE ILIAD.

BOOK XIII.



ARGUMENT OF THE THIRTEENTH BOOK.

Neptune engages on the part of the Grecians. The battle proceeds. Deiphobus advances to combat, but is repulsed by Meriones, who losing his spear, repairs to his tent for another. Teucer slays Imbrius, and Hector Amphimachus. Neptune, under the similitude of Thoas, exhorts Idomeneus. Idomeneus having armed himself in his tent, and going forth to battle, meets Meriones. After discourse held with each other, Idomeneus accommodates Meriones with a spear, and they proceed to battle. Idomeneus slays Othryoneus, and Asius. Deiphobus assails Idomeneus, but, his spear glancing over him, kills Hypsenor. Idomeneus slays Alcathoues, son-in-law of Anchises. Deiphobus and Idomeneus respectively summon their friends to their assistance, and a contest ensues for the body of Alcathoues.



BOOK XIII.

[1]When Jove to Hector and his host had given Such entrance to the fleet, to all the woes And toils of unremitting battle there He them abandon'd, and his glorious eyes Averting, on the land look'd down remote 5 Of the horse-breeding Thracians, of the bold Close-fighting Mysian race, and where abide On milk sustain'd, and blest with length of days, The Hippemolgi,[2] justest of mankind. No longer now on Troy his eyes he turn'd, 10 For expectation none within his breast Survived, that God or Goddess would the Greeks Approach with succor, or the Trojans more. Nor Neptune, sovereign of the boundless Deep, Look'd forth in vain; he on the summit sat 15 Of Samothracia forest-crown'd, the stir Admiring thence and tempest of the field; For thence appear'd all Ida, thence the towers Of lofty Ilium, and the fleet of Greece. There sitting from the deeps uprisen, he mourn'd 20 The vanquished Grecians, and resentment fierce Conceived and wrath against all-ruling Jove. Arising sudden, down the rugged steep With rapid strides he came; the mountains huge And forests under the immortal feet 25 Trembled of Ocean's Sovereign as he strode. Three strides he made, the fourth convey'd him home To AEgae. At the bottom of the abyss, There stands magnificent his golden fane, A dazzling, incorruptible abode. 30 Arrived, he to his chariot join'd his steeds Swift, brazen-hoof'd, and maned with wavy gold; Himself attiring next in gold, he seized His golden scourge, and to his seat sublime Ascending, o'er the billows drove; the whales 35 Leaving their caverns, gambol'd on all sides Around him, not unconscious of their King; He swept the surge that tinged not as he pass'd His axle, and the sea parted for joy. His bounding coursers to the Grecian fleet 40 Convey'd him swift. There is a spacious cave Deep in the bottom of the flood, the rocks Of Imbrus rude and Tenedos between; There Neptune, Shaker of the Shores, his steeds Station'd secure; he loosed them from the yoke, 45 Gave them ambrosial food, and bound their feet With golden tethers not to be untied Or broken, that unwandering they might wait Their Lord's return, then sought the Grecian host. The Trojans, tempest-like or like a flame, 50 Now, following Priameian Hector, all Came furious on and shouting to the skies. Their hope was to possess the fleet, and leave Not an Achaian of the host unslain. But earth-encircler Neptune from the gulf 55 Emerging, in the form and with the voice Loud-toned of Calchas, roused the Argive ranks To battle—and his exhortation first To either Ajax turn'd, themselves prepared. Ye heroes Ajax! your accustomed force 60 Exert, oh! think not of disastrous flight, And ye shall save the people. Nought I fear Fatal elsewhere, although Troy's haughty sons Have pass'd the barrier with so fierce a throng Tumultuous; for the Grecians brazen-greaved 65 Will check them there. Here only I expect And with much dread some dire event forebode, Where Hector, terrible as fire, and loud Vaunting his glorious origin from Jove, Leads on the Trojans. Oh that from on high 70 Some God would form the purpose in your hearts To stand yourselves firmly, and to exhort The rest to stand! so should ye chase him hence All ardent as he is, and even although Olympian Jove himself his rage inspire. 75 So Neptune spake, compasser of the earth, And, with his sceptre smiting both, their hearts Fill'd with fresh fortitude; their limbs the touch Made agile, wing'd their feet and nerved their arms. Then, swift as stoops a falcon from the point 80 Of some rude rock sublime, when he would chase A fowl of other wing along the meads, So started Neptune thence, and disappear'd. Him, as he went, swift Oiliades First recognized, and, instant, thus his speech 85 To Ajax, son of Telamon, address'd. Since, Ajax, some inhabitant of heaven Exhorts us, in the prophet's form to fight (For prophet none or augur we have seen; This was not Calchas; as he went I mark'd 90 His steps and knew him; Gods are known with ease) I feel my spirit in my bosom fired Afresh for battle; lightness in my limbs, In hands and feet a glow unfelt before. To whom the son of Telamon replied. 95 I also with invigorated hands More firmly grasp my spear; my courage mounts, A buoyant animation in my feet Bears me along, and I am all on fire To cope with Priam's furious son, alone. 100 Thus they, with martial transport to their souls Imparted by the God, conferr'd elate. Meantime the King of Ocean roused the Greeks, Who in the rear, beside their gallant barks Some respite sought. They, spent with arduous toil, 105 Felt not alone their weary limbs unapt To battle, but their hearts with grief oppress'd, Seeing the numerous multitude of Troy Within the mighty barrier; sad they view'd That sight, and bathed their cheeks with many a tear, 110 Despairing of escape. But Ocean's Lord Entering among them, soon the spirit stirr'd Of every valiant phalanx to the fight. Teucer and Leitus, and famed in arms Peneleus, Thoas and Deipyrus, 115 Meriones, and his compeer renown'd, Antilochus; all these in accents wing'd With fierce alacrity the God address'd. Oh shame, ye Grecians! vigorous as ye are And in life's prime, to your exertions most 120 I trusted for the safety of our ships. If ye renounce the labors of the field, Then hath the day arisen of our defeat And final ruin by the powers of Troy. Oh! I behold a prodigy, a sight 125 Tremendous, deem'd impossible by me, The Trojans at our ships! the dastard race Fled once like fleetest hinds the destined prey Of lynxes, leopards, wolves; feeble and slight And of a nature indisposed to war 130 They rove uncertain; so the Trojans erst Stood not, nor to Achaian prowess dared The hindrance of a moment's strife oppose. But now, Troy left afar, even at our ships They give us battle, through our leader's fault 135 And through the people's negligence, who fill'd With fierce displeasure against him, prefer Death at their ships, to war in their defence. But if the son of Atreus, our supreme, If Agamemnon, have indeed transgress'd 140 Past all excuse, dishonoring the swift Achilles, ye at least the fight decline Blame-worthy, and with no sufficient plea. But heal we speedily the breach; brave minds Easily coalesce. It is not well 145 That thus your fury slumbers, for the host Hath none illustrious as yourselves in arms. I can excuse the timid if he shrink, But am incensed at you. My friends, beware! Your tardiness will prove ere long the cause 150 Of some worse evil. Let the dread of shame Affect your hearts; oh tremble at the thought Of infamy! Fierce conflict hath arisen; Loud shouting Hector combats at the ships Nobly, hath forced the gates and burst the bar. 155 With such encouragement those Grecian chiefs The King of Ocean roused. Then, circled soon By many a phalanx either Ajax stood, Whose order Mars himself arriving there Had praised, or Pallas, patroness of arms. 160 For there the flower of all expected firm Bold Hector and his host; spear crowded spear, Shield, helmet, man, press'd helmet, man and shield;[3] The hairy crests of their resplendent casques Kiss'd close at every nod, so wedged they stood; 165 No spear was seen but in the manly grasp It quiver'd, and their every wish was war. The powers of Ilium gave the first assault Embattled close; them Hector led himself[4] Right on, impetuous as a rolling rock 170 Destructive; torn by torrent waters off From its old lodgment on the mountain's brow, It bounds, it shoots away; the crashing wood Falls under it; impediment or check None stays its fury, till the level found, 175 There, settling by degrees, it rolls no more; So after many a threat that he would pass Easily through the Grecian camp and fleet And slay to the sea-brink, when Hector once Had fallen on those firm ranks, standing, he bore 180 Vehement on them; but by many a spear Urged and bright falchion, soon, reeling, retired, And call'd vociferous on the host of Troy. Trojans, and Lycians, and close-fighting sons Of Dardanus, oh stand! not long the Greeks 185 Will me confront, although embodied close In solid phalanx; doubt it not; my spear Shall chase and scatter them, if Jove, in truth, High-thundering mate of Juno, bid me on. So saying he roused the courage of them all 190 Foremost of whom advanced, of Priam's race Deiphobus, ambitious of renown. Tripping he came with shorten'd steps,[5] his feet Sheltering behind his buckler; but at him Aiming, Meriones his splendid lance 195 Dismiss'd, nor err'd; his bull-hide targe he struck But ineffectual; where the hollow wood Receives the inserted brass, the quivering beam Snapp'd; then, Deiphobus his shield afar Advanced before him, trembling at a spear 200 Hurl'd by Meriones. He, moved alike With indignation for the victory lost And for his broken spear, into his band At first retired, but soon set forth again In prowess through the Achaian camp, to fetch 205 Its fellow-spear within his tent reserved. The rest all fought, and dread the shouts arose On all sides. Telamonian Teucer, first, Slew valiant Imbrius, son of Mentor, rich In herds of sprightly steeds. He ere the Greeks 210 Arrived at Ilium, in Pedaeus dwelt, And Priam's spurious daughter had espoused Medesicasta. But the barks well-oar'd Of Greece arriving, he return'd to Troy, Where he excell'd the noblest, and abode 215 With Priam, loved and honor'd as his own. Him Teucer pierced beneath his ear, and pluck'd His weapon home; he fell as falls an ash Which on some mountain visible afar, Hewn from its bottom by the woodman's axe, 220 With all its tender foliage meets the ground So Imbrius fell; loud rang his armor bright With ornamental brass, and Teucer flew To seize his arms, whom hasting to the spoil Hector with his resplendent spear assail'd; 225 He, marking opposite its rapid flight, Declined it narrowly and it pierced the breast, As he advanced to battle, of the son Of Cteatus of the Actorian race, Amphimachus; he, sounding, smote the plain, 230 And all his batter'd armor rang aloud. Then Hector swift approaching, would have torn The well-forged helmet from the brows away Of brave Amphimachus; but Ajax hurl'd Right forth at Hector hasting to the spoil 235 His radiant spear; no wound the spear impress'd, For he was arm'd complete in burnish'd brass Terrific; but the solid boss it pierced Of Hector's shield, and with enormous force So shock'd him, that retiring he resign'd 240 Both bodies,[6] which the Grecians dragg'd away. Stichius and Menestheus, leaders both Of the Athenians, to the host of Greece Bore off Amphimachus, and, fierce in arms The Ajaces, Imbrius. As two lions bear 245 Through thick entanglement of boughs and brakes A goat snatch'd newly from the peasants' cogs, Upholding high their prey above the ground, So either Ajax terrible in fight, Upholding Imbrius high, his brazen arms 250 Tore off, and Oiliades his head From his smooth neck dissevering in revenge For slain Amphimachus, through all the host Sent it with swift rotation like a globe, Till in the dust at Hector's feet it fell. 255 Then anger fill'd the heart of Ocean's King, His grandson[7] slain in battle; forth he pass'd Through the Achaian camp and fleet, the Greeks Rousing, and meditating wo to Troy. It chanced that brave Idomeneus return'd 260 That moment from a Cretan at the knee Wounded, and newly borne into his tent; His friends had borne him off, and when the Chief Had given him into skilful hands, he sought The field again, still coveting renown. 265 Him therefore, meeting him on his return, Neptune bespake, but with the borrow'd voice Of Thoas, offspring of Andraemon, King In Pleuro and in lofty Calydon, And honor'd by the AEtolians as a God. 270 Oh counsellor of Crete! our threats denounced Against the towers of Troy, where are they now? To whom the leader of the Cretans, thus, Idomeneus. For aught that I perceive Thoas! no Grecian is this day in fault! 275 For we are all intelligent in arms, None yields by fear oppress'd, none lull'd by sloth From battle shrinks; but such the pleasure seems Of Jove himself, that we should perish here Inglorious, from our country far remote 280 But, Thoas! (for thine heart was ever firm In battle, and thyself art wont to rouse Whom thou observ'st remiss) now also fight As erst, and urge each leader of the host. Him answered, then, the Sovereign of the Deep. 285 Return that Grecian never from the shores Of Troy, Idomeneus! but may the dogs Feast on him, who shall this day intermit Through wilful negligence his force in fight! But haste, take arms and come; we must exert 290 All diligence, that, being only two, We yet may yield some service. Union much Emboldens even the weakest, and our might Hath oft been proved on warriors of renown. So Neptune spake, and, turning, sought again 295 The toilsome field. Ere long, Idomeneus Arriving in his spacious tent, put on His radiant armor, and, two spears in hand, Set forth like lightning which Saturnian Jove From bright Olympus shakes into the air, 300 A sign to mortal men, dazzling all eyes; So beam'd the Hero's armor as he ran. But him not yet far distant from his tent Meriones, his fellow-warrior met, For he had left the fight, seeking a spear, 305 When thus the brave Idomeneus began. Swift son of Molus! chosen companion dear! Wherefore, Meriones, hast thou the field Abandon'd? Art thou wounded? Bring'st thou home Some pointed mischief in thy flesh infixt? 310 Or comest thou sent to me, who of myself The still tent covet not, but feats of arms? To whom Meriones discreet replied, Chief leader of the Cretans, brazen-mail'd Idomeneus! if yet there be a spear 315 Left in thy tent, I seek one; for I broke The spear, even now, with which erewhile I fought, Smiting the shield of fierce Deiphobus. Then answer thus the Cretan Chief return'd, Valiant Idomeneus. If spears thou need, 320 Within my tent, leaning against the wall, Stand twenty spears and one, forged all in Troy, Which from the slain I took; for distant fight Me suits not; therefore in my tent have I Both spears and bossy shields, with brazen casques 325 And corselets bright that smile against the sun. Him answer'd, then, Meriones discreet. I also, at my tent and in my ship Have many Trojan spoils, but they are hence Far distant. I not less myself than thou 330 Am ever mindful of a warrior's part, And when the din of glorious arms is heard, Fight in the van. If other Greeks my deeds Know not, at least I judge them known to thee. To whom the leader of the host of Crete 335 Idomeneus. I know thy valor well, Why speakest thus to me? Choose we this day An ambush forth of all the bravest Greeks, (For in the ambush is distinguish'd best The courage; there the timorous and the bold 340 Plainly appear; the dastard changes hue And shifts from place to place, nor can he calm The fears that shake his trembling limbs, but sits Low-crouching on his hams, while in his breast Quick palpitates his death-foreboding heart, 345 And his teeth chatter; but the valiant man His posture shifts not; no excessive fears Feels he, but seated once in ambush, deems Time tedious till the bloody fight begin;) Even there, thy courage should no blame incur.[8] 350 For should'st thou, toiling in the fight, by spear Or falchion bleed, not on thy neck behind Would fall the weapon, or thy back annoy, But it would meet thy bowels or thy chest While thou didst rush into the clamorous van. 355 But haste—we may not longer loiter here As children prating, lest some sharp rebuke Reward us. Enter quick, and from within My tent provide thee with a noble spear. Then, swift as Mars, Meriones produced 360 A brazen spear of those within the tent Reserved, and kindling with heroic fire Follow'd Idomeneus. As gory Mars By Terror follow'd, his own dauntless son Who quells the boldest heart, to battle moves; 365 From Thrace against the Ephyri they arm, Or hardy Phlegyans, and by both invoked, Hear and grant victory to which they please; Such, bright in arms Meriones, and such Idomeneus advanced, when foremost thus 370 Meriones his fellow-chief bespake. Son of Deucalion! where inclinest thou most To enter into battle? On the right Of all the host? or through the central ranks? Or on the left? for nowhere I account 375 The Greeks so destitute of force as there. Then answer thus Idomeneus return'd Chief of the Cretans. Others stand to guard The middle fleet; there either Ajax wars, And Teucer, noblest archer of the Greeks, 380 Nor less in stationary fight approved. Bent as he is on battle, they will task And urge to proof sufficiently the force Of Priameian Hector; burn his rage How fierce soever, he shall find it hard, 385 With all his thirst of victory, to quell Their firm resistance, and to fire the fleet, Let not Saturnian Jove cast down from heaven Himself a flaming brand into the ships. High towering Telamonian Ajax yields 390 To no mere mortal by the common gift Sustain'd of Ceres, and whose flesh the spear Can penetrate, or rocky fragment bruise; In standing fight Ajax would not retire Even before that breaker of the ranks 395 Achilles, although far less swift than he. But turn we to the left, that we may learn At once, if glorious death, or life be ours. Then, rapid as the God of war, his course Meriones toward the left began, 400 As he enjoin'd. Soon as the Trojans saw Idomeneus advancing like a flame, And his compeer Meriones in arms All-radiant clad, encouraging aloud From rank to rank each other, on they came 405 To the assault combined. Then soon arose Sharp contest on the left of all the fleet. As when shrill winds blow vehement, what time Dust deepest spreads the ways, by warring blasts Upborne a sable cloud stands in the air, 410 Such was the sudden conflict; equal rage To stain with gore the lance ruled every breast. Horrent with quivering spears the fatal field Frown'd on all sides; the brazen flashes dread Of numerous helmets, corselets furbish'd bright, 415 And shields refulgent meeting, dull'd the eye, And turn'd it dark away. Stranger indeed Were he to fear, who could that strife have view'd With heart elate, or spirit unperturb'd. Two mighty sons of Saturn adverse parts 420 Took in that contest, purposing alike To many a valiant Chief sorrow and pain. Jove, for the honor of Achilles, gave Success to Hector and the host of Troy, Not for complete destruction of the Greeks 425 At Ilium, but that glory might redound To Thetis thence, and to her dauntless son. On the other side, the King of Ocean risen Secretly from the hoary Deep, the host Of Greece encouraged, whom he grieved to see 430 Vanquish'd by Trojans, and with anger fierce Against the Thunderer burn'd on their behalf. Alike from one great origin divine Sprang they, but Jove was elder, and surpass'd In various knowledge; therefore when he roused 435 Their courage, Neptune traversed still the ranks Clandestine, and in human form disguised. Thus, these Immortal Two, straining the cord Indissoluble of all-wasting war, Alternate measured with it either host, 440 And loosed the joints of many a warrior bold. Then, loud exhorting (though himself with age Half grey) the Achaians, into battle sprang Idomeneus, and scatter'd, first, the foe, Slaying Othryoneus, who, by the lure 445 Of martial glory drawn, had left of late Cabesus. He Priam's fair daughter woo'd Cassandra, but no nuptial gift vouchsafed To offer, save a sounding promise proud To chase, himself, however resolute 450 The Grecian host, and to deliver Troy. To him assenting, Priam, ancient King, Assured to him his wish, and in the faith Of that assurance confident, he fought. But brave Idomeneus his splendid lance 455 Well-aim'd dismissing, struck the haughty Chief. Pacing elate the field; his brazen mail Endured not; through his bowels pierced, with clang Of all his arms he fell, and thus with joy Immense exulting, spake Idomeneus. 460 I give thee praise, Othryoneus! beyond All mortal men, if truly thou perform Thy whole big promise to the Dardan king, Who promised thee his daughter. Now, behold, We also promise: doubt not the effect. 465 We give into thy arms the most admired Of Agamemnon's daughters, whom ourselves Will hither bring from Argos, if thy force With ours uniting, thou wilt rase the walls Of populous Troy. Come—follow me; that here 470 Among the ships we may adjust the terms Of marriage, for we take not scanty dower. So saying, the Hero dragg'd him by his heel Through all the furious fight. His death to avenge Asius on foot before his steeds advanced, 475 For them, where'er he moved, his charioteer Kept breathing ever on his neck behind. With fierce desire the heart of Asius burn'd To smite Idomeneus, who with his lance Him reaching first, pierced him beneath the chin 480 Into his throat, and urged the weapon through. He fell, as some green poplar falls, or oak, Or lofty pine, by naval artists hewn With new-edged axes on the mountain's side. So, his teeth grinding, and the bloody dust 485 Clenching, before his chariot and his steeds Extended, Asius lay. His charioteer (All recollection lost) sat panic-stunn'd, Nor dared for safety turn his steeds to flight. Him bold Antilochus right through the waist 490 Transpierced; his mail sufficed not, but the spear Implanted in his midmost bowels stood. Down from his seat magnificent he fell Panting, and young Antilochus the steeds Drove captive thence into the host of Greece. 495 Then came Deiphobus by sorrow urged For Asius, and, small interval between, Hurl'd at Idomeneus his glittering lance; But he, foreseeing its approach, the point Eluded, cover'd whole by his round shield 500 Of hides and brass by double belt sustain'd, And it flew over him, but on his targe Glancing, elicited a tinkling sound. Yet left it not in vain his vigorous grasp, But pierced the liver of Hypsenor, son 505 Of Hippasus; he fell incontinent, And measureless exulting in his fall Deiphobus with mighty voice exclaim'd. Not unavenged lies Asius; though he seek Hell's iron portals, yet shall he rejoice, 510 For I have given him a conductor home. So he, whose vaunt the Greeks indignant heard! But of them all to anger most he roused Antilochus,