THE ILIAD.

BOOK XVI.



ARGUMENT OF THE SIXTEENTH BOOK.

Achilles, at the suit of Patroclus, grants him his own armor, and permission to lead the Myrmidons to battle. They, sallying, repulse the Trojans. Patroclus slays Sarpedon, and Hector, when Apollo had first stripped off his armor and Euphorbus wounded him, slays Patroclus.



BOOK XVI.

Such contest for that gallant bark they waged. Meantime Patroclus, standing at the side Of the illustrious Chief Achilles, wept Fast as a crystal fountain from the height Of some rude rock pours down its rapid[1] stream. 5 Divine Achilles with compassion moved Mark'd him, and in wing'd accents thus began.[2] Who weeps Patroclus like an infant girl Who, running at her mother's side, entreats To be uplifted in her arms? She grasps 10 Her mantle, checks her haste, and looking up With tearful eyes, pleads earnest to be borne; So fall, Patroclus! thy unceasing tears. Bring'st thou to me or to my people aught Afflictive? Hast thou mournful tidings learn'd 15 Prom Phthia, trusted to thy ear alone? Menoetius, son of Actor, as they say, Still lives; still lives his Myrmidons among Peleus AEacides; whom, were they dead, With cause sufficient we should both deplore. 20 Or weep'st thou the Achaians at the ships Perishing, for their outrage done to me? Speak. Name thy trouble. I would learn the cause To whom, deep-sorrowing, thou didst reply, Patroclus! Oh Achilles, Peleus' son! 25 Noblest of all our host! bear with my grief, Since such distress hath on the Grecians fallen. The bravest of their ships disabled lie, Some wounded from afar, some hand to hand. Diomede, warlike son of Tydeus, bleeds, 30 Gall'd by a shaft; Ulysses, glorious Chief, And Agamemnon suffer by the spear, And brave Eurypylus an arrow-point Bears in his thigh. These all, are now the care Of healing hands. Oh thou art pity-proof, 35 Achilles! be my bosom ever free From anger such as harbor finds in thine, Scorning all limits! whom, of men unborn, Hereafter wilt thou save, from whom avert Disgrace, if not from the Achaians now? 40 Ah ruthless! neither Peleus thee begat, Nor Thetis bore, but rugged rocks sublime, And roaring billows blue gave birth to thee, Who bear'st a mind that knows not to relent, But, if some prophecy alarm thy fears, 45 If from thy Goddess-mother thou have aught Received, and with authority of Jove, Me send at least, me quickly, and with me The Myrmidons. A dawn of cheerful hope Shall thence, it may be, on the Greeks arise. 50 Grant me thine armor also, that the foe Thyself supposing present, may abstain From battle, and the weary Greeks enjoy Short respite; it is all that war allows. We, fresh and vigorous, by our shouts alone 55 May easily repulse an army spent With labor from the camp, and from the fleet, Such suit he made, alas! all unforewarn'd That his own death should be the bitter fruit, And thus Achilles, sorrowful, replied. 60 Patroclus, noble friend! what hast thou spoken? Me neither prophesy that I have heard Holds in suspense, nor aught that I have learn'd From Thetis with authority of Jove! Hence springs, and hence alone, my grief of heart; 65 If one, in nought superior to myself Save in his office only, should by force Amerce me of my well-earn'd recompense— How then? There lies the grief that stings my soul. The virgin chosen for me by the sons 70 Of Greece, my just reward, by my own spear Obtain'd when I Eetion's city took, Her, Agamemnon, leader of the host From my possession wrung, as I had been Some alien wretch, unhonor'd and unknown. 75 But let it pass; anger is not a flame To feed for ever; I affirm'd, indeed, Mine inextinguishable till the shout Of battle should invade my proper barks; But thou put on my glorious arms, lead forth 80 My valiant Myrmidons, since such a cloud, So dark, of dire hostility surrounds The fleet, and the Achaians, by the waves Hemm'd in, are prison'd now in narrow space. Because the Trojans meet not in the field 85 My dazzling helmet, therefore bolder grown All Ilium comes abroad; but had I found Kindness at royal Agamemnon's hands, Soon had they fled, and with their bodies chok'd The streams, from whom ourselves now suffer siege 90 For in the hands of Diomede his spear No longer rages rescuing from death The afflicted Danai, nor hear I more The voice of Agamemnon issuing harsh From his detested throat, but all around 95 The burst[3] of homicidal Hector's cries, Calling his Trojans on; they loud insult The vanquish'd Greeks, and claim the field their own. Go therefore, my Patroclus; furious fall On these assailants, even now preserve 100 From fire the only hope of our return. But hear the sum of all; mark well my word; So shalt thou glorify me in the eyes Of all the Danai, and they shall yield Briseis mine, with many a gift beside. 105 The Trojans from the fleet expell'd, return. Should Juno's awful spouse give thee to win Victory, be content; seek not to press The Trojans without me, for thou shalt add Still more to the disgrace already mine.[4] 110 Much less, by martial ardor urged, conduct Thy slaughtering legions to the walls of Troy, Lest some immortal power on her behalf Descend, for much the Archer of the skies Loves Ilium. No—the fleet once saved, lead back 115 Thy band, and leave the battle to themselves. For oh, by all the powers of heaven I would That not one Trojan might escape of all, Nor yet a Grecian, but that we, from death Ourselves escaping, might survive to spread 120 Troy's sacred bulwarks on the ground, alone. Thus they conferr'd. [5]But Ajax overwhelm'd Meantime with darts, no longer could endure, Quell'd both by Jupiter and by the spears Of many a noble Trojan; hideous rang 125 His batter'd helmet bright, stroke after stroke Sustaining on all sides, and his left arm That had so long shifted from side to side His restless shield, now fail'd; yet could not all Displace him with united force, or move. 130 Quick pantings heaved his chest, copious the sweat Trickled from all his limbs, nor found he time, However short, to breathe again, so close Evil on evil heap'd hemm'd him around. Olympian Muses! now declare, how first 135 The fire was kindled in Achaia's fleet? Hector the ashen lance of Ajax smote With his broad falchion, at the nether end, And lopp'd it sheer. The Telamonian Chief His mutilated beam brandish'd in vain, 140 And the bright point shrill-sounding-fell remote. Then Ajax in his noble mind perceived, Shuddering with awe, the interposing power Of heaven, and that, propitious to the arms Of Troy, the Thunderer had ordain'd to mar 145 And frustrate all the counsels of the Greeks. He left his stand; they fired the gallant bark; Through all her length the conflagration ran Incontinent, and wrapp'd her stern in flames. Achilles saw them, smote his thighs, and said, 150 Patroclus, noble charioteer, arise! I see the rapid run of hostile fires Already in the fleet—lest all be lost, And our return impossible, arm, arm This moment; I will call, myself, the band. 155 Then put Patroclus on his radiant arms. Around his legs his polish'd greaves he clasp'd, With argent studs secured; the hauberk rich Star-spangled to his breast he bound of swift AEacides; he slung his brazen sword 160 With silver bright emboss'd, and his broad shield Ponderous; on his noble head his casque He settled elegant, whose lofty crest Waved dreadful o'er his brows, and last he seized Well fitted to his gripe two sturdy spears. 165 Of all Achilles' arms his spear alone He took not; that huge beam, of bulk and length Enormous, none, AEacides except, In all Achaia's host had power to wield. It was that Pelian ash which from the top 170 Of Pelion hewn that it might prove the death Of heroes, Chiron had to Peleus given. He bade Automedon his coursers bind Speedily to the yoke, for him he loved Next to Achilles most, as worthiest found 175 Of trust, what time the battle loudest roar'd. Then led Automedon the fiery steeds Swift as wing'd tempests to the chariot-yoke, Xanthus and Balius. Them the harpy bore Podarge, while in meadows green she fed 180 On Ocean's side, to Zephyrus the wind. To these he added, at their side, a third, The noble Pedasus; him Peleus' son, Eetion's city taken, thence had brought, Though mortal, yet a match for steeds divine. 185 Meantime from every tent Achilles call'd And arm'd his Myrmidons. As wolves that gorge The prey yet panting, terrible in force, When on the mountains wild they have devour'd An antler'd stag new-slain, with bloody jaws 190 Troop all at once to some clear fountain, there To lap with slender tongues the brimming wave; No fears have they, but at their ease eject From full maws flatulent the clotted gore; Such seem'd the Myrmidon heroic Chiefs 195 Assembling fast around the valiant friend Of swift AEacides. Amid them stood Warlike Achilles, the well-shielded ranks Exhorting, and the steeds, to glorious war. The galleys by Achilles dear to Jove 200 Commanded, when to Ilium's coast he steer'd, Were fifty; fifty rowers sat in each, And five, in whom he trusted, o'er the rest He captains named, but ruled, himself, supreme. One band Menestheus swift in battle led, 205 Offspring of Sperchius heaven-descended stream. Him Polydora, Peleus' daughter, bore To ever-flowing Sperchius, compress'd, Although a mortal woman, by a God. But his reputed father was the son 210 Of Perieres, Borus, who with dower Enrich'd, and made her openly his bride. Warlike Eudorus led the second band. Him Polymela, graceful in the dance, And daughter beautiful of Phylas, bore, 215 A mother unsuspected of a child. Her worshiping the golden-shafted Queen Diana, in full choir, with song and dance, The valiant Argicide[6] beheld and loved. Ascending with her to an upper room, 220 All-bounteous Mercury[7] clandestine there Embraced her, who a noble son produced Eudorus, swift to run, and bold in fight. No sooner Ilithya, arbitress Of pangs puerperal, had given him birth, 225 And he beheld the beaming sun, than her Echechleus, Actor's mighty son, enrich'd With countless dower, and led her to his home; While ancient Phylas, cherishing her boy With fond affection, reared him as his own. 230 The third brave troop warlike Pisander led, Offspring of Maimalus; he far excell'd In spear-fight every Myrmidon, the friend Of Peleus' dauntless son alone except. The hoary Phoenix of equestrian fame 235 The fourth band led to battle, and the fifth Laerceus' offspring, bold Alcimedon. Thus, all his bands beneath their proper Chiefs Marshall'd, Achilles gave them strict command— Myrmidons! all that vengeance now inflict, 240 Which in this fleet ye ceased not to denounce Against the Trojans while my wrath endured. Me censuring, ye have proclaim'd me oft Obdurate. Oh Achilles! ye have said, Thee not with milk thy mother but with bile 245 Suckled, who hold'st thy people here in camp Thus long imprison'd. Unrelenting Chief! Even let us hence in our sea-skimming barks To Phthia, since thou can'st not be appeased— Thus in full council have ye spoken oft. 250 Now, therefore, since a day of glorious toil At last appears, such as ye have desired, There lies the field—go—give your courage proof. So them he roused, and they, their leader's voice Hearing elate, to closest order drew. 255 As when an architect some palace wall With shapely stones upbuilds, cementing close A barrier against all the winds of heaven, So wedged, the helmets and boss'd bucklers stood; Shield, helmet, man, press'd helmet, man, and shield, 260 And every bright-arm'd warrior's bushy crest Its fellow swept, so dense was their array. In front of all, two Chiefs their station took, Patroclus and Automedon; one mind In both prevail'd, to combat in the van 265 Of all the Myrmidons. Achilles, then, Retiring to his tent, displaced the lid Of a capacious chest magnificent By silver-footed Thetis stow'd on board His bark, and fill'd with tunics, mantles warm, 270 And gorgeous arras; there he also kept Secure a goblet exquisitely wrought, Which never lip touched save his own, and whence He offer'd only to the Sire of all. That cup producing from the chest, he first 275 With sulphur fumed it, then with water rinsed Pellucid of the running stream, and, last (His hands clean laved) he charged it high with wine. And now, advancing to his middle court, He pour'd libation, and with eyes to heaven 280 Uplifted pray'd,[8] of Jove not unobserved. Pelasgian, Dodonaean Jove supreme, Dwelling remote, who on Dodona's heights Snow-clad reign'st Sovereign, by thy seers around Compass'd the Selli, prophets vow-constrain'd 285 To unwash'd feet and slumbers on the ground! Plain I behold my former prayer perform'd, Myself exalted, and the Greeks abased. Now also grant me, Jove, this my desire! Here, in my fleet, I shall myself abide, 290 But lo! with all these Myrmidons I send My friend to battle. Thunder-rolling Jove, Send glory with him, make his courage firm! That even Hector may himself be taught, If my companion have a valiant heart 295 When he goes forth alone, or only then The noble frenzy feels that Mars inspires When I rush also to the glorious field. But when he shall have driven the battle-shout Once from the fleet, grant him with all his arms, 300 None lost, himself unhurt, and my whole band Of dauntless warriors with him, safe return! Such prayer Achilles offer'd, and his suit Jove hearing, part confirm'd, and part refused; To chase the dreadful battle from the fleet 305 He gave him, but vouchsafed him no return. Prayer and libation thus perform'd to Jove The Sire of all, Achilles to his tent Return'd, replaced the goblet in his chest, And anxious still that conflict to behold 310 Between the hosts, stood forth before his tent. Then rush'd the bands by brave Patroclus led, Full on the Trojan host. As wasps forsake Their home by the way-side, provoked by boys Disturbing inconsiderate their abode, 315 Not without nuisance sore to all who pass, For if, thenceforth, some traveller unaware Annoy them, issuing one and all they swarm Around him, fearless in their broods' defence, So issued from their fleet the Myrmidons 320 Undaunted; clamor infinite arose, And thus Patroclus loud his host address'd. Oh Myrmidons, attendants in the field On Peleus' son, now be ye men, my friends! Call now to mind the fury of your might; 325 That we, close-fighting servants of the Chief Most excellent in all the camp of Greece, May glory gain for him, and that the wide- Commanding Agamemnon, Atreus' son, May learn his fault, that he dishonor'd foul 330 The prince in whom Achaia glories most. So saying he fired their hearts, and on the van Of Troy at once they fell; loud shouted all The joyful Grecians, and the navy rang. Then, soon as Ilium's host the valiant son 335 Saw of Menoetius and his charioteer In dazzling armor clad, all courage lost, Their closest ranks gave way, believing sure That, wrath renounced, and terms of friendship chosen, Achilles' self was there; thus thinking, each 340 Look'd every way for refuge from his fate. Patroclus first, where thickest throng he saw Gather'd tumultuous around the bark Of brave Protesilaues, hurl'd direct At the whole multitude his glittering spear. 345 He smote Pyraechmes; he his horsemen band Poeonian led from Amydon, and from Broad-flowing Axius. In his shoulder stood The spear, and with loud groans supine he fell. At once fled all his followers, on all sides 350 With consternation fill'd, seeing their Chief And their best warrior, by Patroclus slain. Forth from the fleet he drove them, quench'd the flames, And rescued half the ship. Then scatter'd fled With infinite uproar the host of Troy, 355 While from between their ships the Danai Pour'd after them, and hideous rout ensued. As when the king of lightnings, Jove, dispels From some huge eminence a gloomy cloud, The groves, the mountain-tops, the headland heights 360 Shine all, illumined from the boundless heaven, So when the Danai those hostile fires Had from their fleet expell'd, awhile they breathed, Yet found short respite, for the battle yet Ceased not, nor fled the Trojans in all parts 365 Alike, but still resisted, from the ships Retiring through necessity alone. Then, in that scatter'd warfare, every Chief Slew one. While Areilochus his back Turn'd on Patroclus, sudden with a lance 370 His thigh he pierced, and urged the weapon through, Shivering the bone; he headlong smote the ground. The hero Menelaus, where he saw The breast of Thoas by his slanting shield Unguarded, struck and stretch'd him at his feet. 375 Phylides,[9] meeting with preventive spear The furious onset of Amphiclus, gash'd His leg below the knee, where brawny most The muscles swell in man; disparted wide The tendons shrank, and darkness veil'd his eyes. 380 The two Nestoridae slew each a Chief. Of these, Antilochus Atymnius pierced Right through his flank, and at his feet he fell. With fierce resentment fired Maris beheld His brother's fall, and guarding, spear in hand, 385 The slain, impetuous on the conqueror flew; But godlike Thrasymedes[10] wounded first Maris, ere he Antilochus; he pierced His upper arm, and with the lance's point Rent off and stript the muscles to the bone. 390 Sounding he fell, and darkness veil'd his eyes. They thus, two brothers by two brothers slain, Went down to Erebus, associates both Of brave Sarpedon, and spear-practised sons Of Amisodarus; of him who fed 395 Chimaera,[11] monster, by whom many died. Ajax the swift on Cleobulus sprang, Whom while he toil'd entangled in the crowd, He seized alive, but smote him where he stood With his huge-hafted sword full on the neck; 400 The blood warm'd all his blade, and ruthless fate Benighted dark the dying warrior's eyes. Peneleus into close contention rush'd And Lycon. Each had hurl'd his glittering spear, But each in vain, and now with swords they met. 405 He smote Peneleus on the crested casque, But snapp'd his falchion; him Peneleus smote Beneath his ear; the whole blade entering sank Into his neck, and Lycon with his head Depending by the skin alone, expired. 410 Meriones o'ertaking Acamas Ere yet he could ascend his chariot, thrust A lance into his shoulder; down he fell In dreary death's eternal darkness whelm'd. Idomeneus his ruthless spear enforced 415 Into the mouth of Erymas. The point Stay'd not, but gliding close beneath the brain, Transpierced his spine,[12] and started forth beyond. It wrench'd his teeth, and fill'd his eyes with blood; Blood also blowing through his open mouth 420 And nostrils, to the realms of death he pass'd. Thus slew these Grecian leaders, each, a foe. Sudden as hungry wolves the kids purloin Or lambs, which haply some unheeding swain Hath left to roam at large the mountains wild; 425 They, seeing, snatch them from beside the dams, And rend incontinent the feeble prey, So swift the Danai the host assail'd Of Ilium; they, into tumultuous flight Together driven, all hope, all courage lost. 430 Huge Ajax ceaseless sought his spear to cast At Hector brazen-mail'd, who, not untaught The warrior's art, with bull-hide buckler stood Sheltering his ample shoulders, while he mark'd The hiss of flying shafts and crash of spears. 435 Full sure he saw the shifting course of war Now turn'd, but scorning flight, bent all his thoughts To rescue yet the remnant of his friends. As when the Thunderer spreads a sable storm O'er ether, late serene, the cloud that wrapp'd 440 Olympus' head escapes into the skies, So fled the Trojans from the fleet of Greece Clamoring in their flight, nor pass'd the trench In fair array; the coursers fleet indeed Of Hector, him bore safe with all his arms 445 Right through, but in the foss entangled foul He left his host, and struggling to escape. Then many a chariot-whirling steed, the pole Broken at its extremity, forsook His driver, while Patroclus with the shout 450 Of battle calling his Achaians on, Destruction purposed to the powers of Troy. They, once dispersed, with clamor and with flight Fill'd all the ways, the dust beneath the clouds Hung like a tempest, and the steeds firm-hoof'd 455 Whirl'd off at stretch the chariots to the town. He, wheresoe'er most troubled he perceived The routed host, loud-threatening thither drove, While under his own axle many a Chief Fell prone, and the o'ertumbled chariots rang. 460 Right o'er the hollow foss the coursers leap'd Immortal, by the Gods to Peleus given, Impatient for the plain, nor less desire Felt he who drove to smite the Trojan Chief, But him his fiery steeds caught swift away. 465 As when a tempest from autumnal skies Floats all the fields, what time Jove heaviest pours Impetuous rain, token of wrath divine Against perverters of the laws by force, Who drive forth justice, reckless of the Gods; 470 The rivers and the torrents, where they dwell, Sweep many a green declivity away, And plunge at length, groaning, into the Deep From the hills headlong, leaving where they pass'd No traces of the pleasant works of man, 475 So, in their flight, loud groan'd the steeds of Troy. And now, their foremost intercepted all, Patroclus back again toward the fleet Drove them precipitate, nor the ascent Permitted them to Troy for which they strove, 480 But in the midway space between the ships The river and the lofty Trojan wall Pursued them ardent, slaughtering whom he reached, And vengeance took for many a Grecian slain. First then, with glittering spear the breast he pierced 485 Of Pronoeus, undefended by his shield, And stretch'd him dead; loud rang his batter'd arms. The son of Enops, Thestor next he smote. He on his chariot-seat magnificent Low-cowering sat, a fear-distracted form, 490 And from his palsied grasp the reins had fallen. Then came Patroclus nigh, and through his cheek His teeth transpiercing, drew him by his lance Sheer o'er the chariot front. As when a man On some projecting rock seated, with line 495 And splendid hook draws forth a sea-fish huge, So him wide-gaping from his seat he drew At his spear-point, then shook him to the ground Prone on his face, where gasping he expired. At Eryalus, next, advancing swift 500 He hurl'd a rock; full on the middle front He smote him, and within the ponderous casque His whole head open'd into equal halves. With deadliest night surrounded, prone he fell. Epaltes, Erymas, Amphoterus, 505 Echius, Tlepolemus Damastor's son, Evippus, Ipheus, Pyres, Polymelus, All these he on the champain, corse on corse Promiscuous flung. Sarpedon, when he saw Such havoc made of his uncinctured[13] friends 510 By Menoetiades, with sharp rebuke His band of godlike Lycians loud address'd. Shame on you, Lycians! whither would ye fly? Now are ye swift indeed! I will oppose Myself this conqueror, that I may learn 515 Who thus afflicts the Trojan host, of life Bereaving numerous of their warriors bold. He said, and with his arms leap'd to the ground. On the other side, Patroclus at that sight Sprang from his chariot. As two vultures clash 520 Bow-beak'd, crook-talon'd, on some lofty rock Clamoring both, so they together rush'd With clamors loud; whom when the son observed Of wily Saturn, with compassion moved His sister and his spouse he thus bespake. 525 Alas, he falls! my most beloved of men Sarpedon, vanquished by Patroclus, falls! So will the Fates. Yet, doubtful, much I muse Whether to place him, snatch'd from furious fight In Lycia's wealthy realm, or to permit 530 His death by valiant Menoetiades. To whom his awful spouse, displeased, replied. How speaks the terrible Saturnian Jove! Wouldst thou again from pangs of death exempt A mortal man, destined long since to die? 535 Do it. But small thy praise shall be in heaven, Mark thou my words, and in thy inmost breast Treasure them. If thou send Sarpedon safe To his own home, how many Gods their sons May also send from battle? Weigh it well. 540 For under yon great city fight no few Sprung from Immortals whom thou shalt provoke. But if thou love him, and thine heart his lot Commiserate, leave him by the hands to fall Of Menoetiades in conflict dire; 545 But give command to Death and gentle Sleep That him of life bereft at once they bear To Lycia's ample realm,[14] where, with due rites Funereal, his next kindred and his friends Shall honor him, a pillar and a tomb 550 (The dead man's portion) rearing to his name. She said, from whom the Sire of Gods and men Dissented not, but on the earth distill'd A sanguine shower in honor of a son Dear to him, whom Patroclus on the field 555 Of fruitful Troy should slay, far from his home. Opposite now, small interval between, Those heroes stood. Patroclus at his waist Pierced Thrasymelus the illustrious friend Of King Sarpedon, and his charioteer. 560 Spear'd through the lower bowels, dead he fell. Then hurl'd Sarpedon in his turn a lance, But miss'd Patroclus and the shoulder pierced Of Pedasus the horse; he groaning heaved His spirit forth, and fallen on the field 565 In long loud moanings sorrowful expired. Wide started the immortal pair; the yoke Creak'd, and entanglement of reins ensued To both, their fellow slaughter'd at their side. That mischief soon Automedon redress'd. 570 He rose, and from beside his sturdy thigh Drawing his falchion, with effectual stroke Cut loose the side-horse; then the pair reduced To order, in their traces stood composed, And the two heroes fierce engaged again. 575 Again his radiant spear Sarpedon hurl'd, But miss'd Patroclus; the innocuous point, O'erflying his left shoulder, pass'd beyond. Then with bright lance Patroclus in his turn Assail'd Sarpedon, nor with erring course 580 The weapon sped or vain, but pierced profound His chest, enclosure of the guarded heart. As falls an oak, poplar, or lofty pine With new-edged axes on the mountains hewn Right through, for structure of some gallant bark, 585 So fell Sarpedon stretch'd his steeds before And gnash'd his teeth and clutch'd the bloody dust, And as a lion slays a tawny bull Leader magnanimous of all the herd; Beneath the lion's jaws groaning he dies; 590 So, leader of the shielded Lycians groan'd Indignant, by Patroclus slain, the bold Sarpedon, and his friend thus, sad, bespake. Glaucus, my friend, among these warring Chiefs Thyself a Chief illustrious! thou hast need 595 Of all thy valor now; now strenuous fight, And, if thou bear within thee a brave mind, Now make the war's calamities thy joy. First, marching through the host of Lycia, rouse Our Chiefs to combat for Sarpedon slain, 600 Then haste, thyself, to battle for thy friend. For shame and foul dishonor which no time Shall e'er obliterate, I must prove to thee, Should the Achaians of my glorious arms Despoil me in full prospect[15] of the fleet. 605 Fight, therefore, thou, and others urge to fight. He said, and cover'd by the night of death, Nor look'd nor breath'd again; for on his chest Implanting firm his heel, Patroclus drew The spear enfolded with his vitals forth, 610 Weapon and life at once. Meantime his steeds Snorted, by Myrmidons detain'd, and, loosed From their own master's chariot, foam'd to fly. Terrible was the grief by Glaucus felt, Hearing that charge, and troubled was his heart 615 That all power fail'd him to protect the dead. Compressing his own arm he stood, with pain Extreme tormented which the shaft had caused Of Teucer, who while Glaucus climb'd the wall, Had pierced him from it, in the fleet's defence. 620 Then, thus, to Phoebus, King shaft-arm'd, he pray'd. Hear now, O King! For whether in the land Of wealthy Lycia dwelling, or in Troy, Thou hear'st in every place alike the prayer Of the afflicted heart, and such is mine; 625 Behold my wound; it fills my useless hand With anguish, neither can my blood be stay'd, And all my shoulder suffers. I can grasp A spear, or rush to conflict with the Greeks No longer now; and we have also lost 630 Our noblest Chief, Sarpedon, son of Jove, Who guards not his own son. But thou, O King! Heal me, assuage my anguish, give me strength, That I may animate the Lycian host To fight, and may, myself, defend the dead! 635 Such prayer he offer'd, whom Apollo heard; He eased at once his pain, the sable blood Staunch'd, and his soul with vigor new inspired. Then Glaucus in his heart that prayer perceived Granted, and joyful for the sudden aid 640 Vouchsafed to him by Phoebus, first the lines Of Lycia ranged, summoning every Chief To fight for slain Sarpedon; striding next With eager haste into the ranks of Troy, Renown'd Agenor and the son he call'd 645 Of Panthus, brave Polydamas, with whom AEneas also, and approaching last To Hector brazen-mail'd him thus bespake. Now, Hector! now, thou hast indeed resign'd All care of thy allies, who, for thy sake, 650 Lost both to friends and country, on these plains Perish, unaided and unmiss'd by thee. Sarpedon breathless lies, who led to fight Our shielded bands, and from whose just control And courage Lycia drew her chief defence. 655 Him brazen Mars hath by the spear subdued Of Menoetiades. But stand ye firm! Let indignation fire you, O my friends! Lest, stripping him of his resplendent arms, The Myrmidons with foul dishonor shame 660 His body, through resentment of the deaths Of numerous Grecians slain by spears of ours. He ceased; then sorrow every Trojan heart Seized insupportable and that disdain'd All bounds, for that, although a stranger born, 665 Sarpedon ever had a bulwark proved To Troy, the leader of a numerous host, And of that host by none in fight excell'd. Right on toward the Danai they moved Ardent for battle all, and at their head 670 Enraged for slain Sarpedon, Hector came. Meantime, stout-hearted[16] Chief, Patroclus roused The Grecians, and exhorting first (themselves Already prompt) the Ajaces, thus began. Heroic pair! now make it all your joy 675 To chase the Trojan host, and such to prove As erst, or even bolder, if ye may. The Chief lies breathless who ascended first Our wall, Sarpedon. Let us bear him hence, Strip and dishonor him, and in the blood 680 Of his protectors drench the ruthless spear. So Menoetiades his warriors urged, Themselves courageous. Then the Lycian host And Trojan here, and there the Myrmidons With all the host of Greece, closing the ranks 685 Rush'd into furious contest for the dead, Shouting tremendous; clang'd their brazen arms, And Jove with Night's pernicious shades[17] o'erhung The bloody field, so to enhance the more Their toilsome strife for his own son. First then 690 The Trojans from their place and order shock'd The bright-eyed Grecians, slaying not the least Nor worst among the Myrmidons, the brave Epigeus from renown'd Agacles sprung. He, erst, in populous Budeum ruled, 695 But for a valiant kinsman of his own Whom there he slew, had thence to Peleus fled And to his silver-footed spouse divine, Who with Achilles, phalanx-breaker Chief, Sent him to fight beneath the walls of Troy. 700 Him seizing fast the body, with a stone Illustrious Hector smote full on the front, And his whole skull within the ponderous casque Split sheer; he prostrate on the body fell In shades of soul-divorcing death involved. 705 Patroclus, grieving for his slaughter'd friend, Rush'd through the foremost warriors. As the hawk Swift-wing'd before him starlings drives or daws, So thou, Patroclus, of equestrian fame! Full on the Lycian ranks and Trojan drov'st, 710 Resentful of thy fellow-warrior's fall. At Sthenelaues a huge stone he cast, Son of Ithaemenes, whom on the neck He smote and burst the tendons; then the van Of Ilium's host, with Hector, all retired. 715 Far as the slender javelin cuts the air Hurl'd with collected force, or in the games, Or even in battle at a desperate foe, So far the Greeks repulsed the host of Troy. Then Glaucus first, Chief of the shielded bands 720 Of Lycia, slew Bathycles, valiant son Of Calchon; Hellas was his home, and far He pass'd in riches all the Myrmidons. Him chasing Glaucus whom he now attain'd, The Lycian, turning sudden, with his lance 725 Pierced through the breast, and, sounding, down he fell Grief fill'd Achaia's sons for such a Chief So slain, but joy the Trojans; thick they throng'd The conqueror around, nor yet the Greeks Forgat their force, but resolute advanced. 730 Then, by Meriones a Trojan died Of noble rank, Laogonus, the son Undaunted of Onetor great in Troy, Priest of Idaean Jove. The ear and jaw Between, he pierced him with a mortal force; 735 Swift flew the life, and darkness veil'd his eyes. AEneas, in return, his brazen spear Hurl'd at Meriones with ardent hope To pierce him, while, with nimble[18] steps and short Behind his buckler made, he paced the field; 740 But, warn'd of its approach, Meriones Bow'd low his head, shunning it, and the spear Behind him pierced the soil; there quivering stood The weapon, vain, though from a vigorous arm, Till spent by slow degrees its fury slept. 745 * * * * * * * * * *[19] Indignant then AEneas thus exclaim'd. Meriones! I sent thee such a spear As reaching thee, should have for ever marr'd 750 Thy step, accomplish'd dancer as thou art. To whom Meriones spear-famed replied. AEneas! thou wilt find the labor hard How great soe'er thy might, to quell the force Of all opposers. Thou art also doom'd 755 Thyself to die; and may but spear of mine Well-aim'd once strike thee full, what strength soe'er Or magnanimity be thine to boast, Thy glory in that moment thou resign'st To me, thy soul to Pluto steed-renown'd. 760 He said, but him Patroclus sharp reproved. Why speaks Meriones, although in fight Approved, thus proudly? Nay, my gallant friend! The Trojans will not for reproach of ours Renounce the body. Blood must first be spilt. 765 Tongues in debate, but hands in war decide; Deeds therefore now, not wordy vaunts, we need. So saying he led the way, whom follow'd close Godlike Meriones. As from the depth Of some lone wood that clothes the mountain's side 770 The fellers at their toil are heard remote, So, from the face of Ilium's ample plain Reverberated, was the din of brass And of tough targets heard by falchions huge Hard-smitten, and by spears of double-edge. 775 None then, no, not the quickest to discern, Had known divine Sarpedon, from his head To his foot-sole with mingled blood and dust Polluted, and o'erwhelm'd with weapons. They Around the body swarm'd. As hovel-flies 780 In spring-time buzz around the brimming pails With milk bedew'd, so they around the dead. Nor Jove averted once his glorious eyes From that dread contest, but with watchful note Marked all, the future death in battle deep 785 Pondering of Patroclus, whether him Hector should even now slay on divine Sarpedon, and despoil him of his arms, Or he should still that arduous strife prolong. This counsel gain'd as eligible most 790 At length his preference: that the valiant friend Of Peleus' son should yet again compel The Trojan host with Hector brazen-mail'd To Ilium, slaughtering numerous by the way. First then, with fears unmanly he possess'd 795 The heart of Hector; mounting to his seat He turn'd to flight himself, and bade his host Fly also; for he knew Jove's purpose[20] changed. Thenceforth, no longer even Lycia's host Endured, but all fled scatter'd, seeing pierced 800 Their sovereign through his heart, and heap'd with dead; For numerous, while Saturnian Jove the fight Held in suspense, had on his body fallen. At once the Grecians of his dazzling arms Despoil'd Sarpedon, which the Myrmidons 805 By order of Menoetius' valiant son Bore thence into the fleet. Meantime his will The Thunderer to Apollo thus express'd. Phoebus, my son, delay not; from beneath Yon hill of weapons drawn cleanse from his blood 810 Sarpedon's corse; then, bearing him remote, Lave him in waters of the running stream, With oils divine anoint, and in attire Immortal clothe him. Last, to Death and Sleep, Swift bearers both, twin-born, deliver him; 815 For hence to Lycia's opulent abodes They shall transport him quickly, where, with rites Funereal, his next kindred and his friends Shall honor him, a pillar and a tomb (The dead man's portion) rearing to his name. 820 He ceased; nor was Apollo slow to hear His father's will, but, from the Idaean heights Descending swift into the dreadful field, Godlike Sarpedon's body from beneath The hill of weapons drew, which, borne remote, 825 He laved in waters of the running stream, With oils ambrosial bathed, and clothed in robes Immortal. Then to Death and gentle Sleep, Swift-bearers both, twin-born, he gave the charge, Who placed it soon in Lycia's wealthy realm. 830 Meantime Patroclus, calling to his steeds, And to Automedon, the Trojans chased And Lycians, on his own destruction bent Infatuate; heedless of his charge received From Peleus' son, which, well perform'd, had saved 835 The hero from his miserable doom. But Jove's high purpose evermore prevails Against the thoughts of man; he turns to flight The bravest, and the victory takes with ease E'en from the Chief whom he impels himself 840 To battle, as he now this Chief impell'd. Who, then, Patroclus! first, who last by thee Fell slain, what time thyself was call'd to die? Adrastus first, then Perimus he slew, Offspring of Megas, then Autonoues, 845 Echechlus, Melanippus, and Epistor, Pylartes, Mulius, Elasus. All these He slew, and from the field chased all beside. Then, doubtless, had Achaia's sons prevail'd To take proud-gated Troy, such havoc made 850 He with his spear, but that the son of Jove Apollo, on a tower's conspicuous height Station'd, devoted him for Ilium's sake. Thrice on a buttress of the lofty wall Patroclus mounted, and him thrice the God 855 With hands immortal his resplendent shield Smiting, struck down again; but when he rush'd A fourth time, demon-like, to the assault, The King of radiant shafts him, stern, rebuked. Patroclus, warrior of renown, retire! 860 The fates ordain not that imperial Troy Stoop to thy spear, nor to the spear itself Of Peleus' son, though mightier far than thou. He said, and Menoetiades the wrath Of shaft-arm'd Phoebus shunning, far retired. 865 But in the Scaean gate Hector his steeds Detain'd, uncertain whether thence to drive Amid the warring multitude again, Or, loud commandment issuing, to collect His host within the walls. Him musing long 870 Apollo, clad in semblance of a Chief Youthful and valiant, join'd. Asius he seem'd Equestrian Hector's uncle, brother born Of Hecuba the queen, and Dymas' son, Who on the Sangar's banks in Phrygia dwelt. 875 Apollo, so disguised, him thus bespake. Why, Hector, hast thou left the fight? this sloth Not well befits thee. Oh that I as far Thee pass'd in force as thou transcendest me, Then, not unpunish'd long, should'st thou retire; 880 But haste, and with thy coursers solid-hoof'd Seek out Patroclus, him perchance to slay, Should Phoebus have decreed that glory thine. So saying, Apollo join'd the host again. Then noble Hector bade his charioteer 885 Valiant Cebriones his coursers lash Back into battle, while the God himself Entering the multitude confounded sore The Argives, victory conferring proud And glory on Hector and the host of Troy. 890 But Hector, leaving all beside unslain, Furious impell'd his coursers solid-hoof'd Against Patroclus; on the other side Patroclus from his chariot to the ground Leap'd ardent; in his left a spear he bore, 895 And in his right a marble fragment rough, Large as his grasp. With full collected might He hurl'd it; neither was the weapon slow To whom he had mark'd, or sent in vain. He smote the charioteer of Hector, bold 900 Cebriones, King Priam's spurious son, Full on the forehead, while he sway'd the reins. The bone that force withstood not, but the rock With ragged points beset dash'd both his brows In pieces, and his eyes fell at his feet. 905 He diver-like, from his exalted stand Behind the steeds pitch'd headlong, and expired; O'er whom, Patroclus of equestrian fame! Thou didst exult with taunting speech severe. Ye Gods, with what agility he dives! 910 Ah! it were well if in the fishy deep This man were occupied; he might no few With oysters satisfy, although the waves Were churlish, plunging headlong from his bark As easily as from his chariot here. 915 So then—in Troy, it seems, are divers too! So saying, on bold Cebriones he sprang With all a lion's force, who, while the folds He ravages, is wounded in the breast, And, victim of his own fierce courage, dies. 920 So didst thou spring, Patroclus! to despoil Cebriones, and Hector opposite Leap'd also to the ground. Then contest such For dead Cebriones those two between Arose, as in the lofty mountain-tops 925 Two lions wage, contending for a deer New-slain, both hunger-pinch'd and haughty both. So for Cebriones, alike in arms Expert, brave Hector and Patroclus strove To pierce each other with the ruthless spear. 930 First, Hector seized his head, nor loosed his hold, Patroclus, next, his feet, while all beside Of either host in furious battle join'd. As when the East wind and the South contend To shake some deep wood on the mountain's side, 935 Or beech, or ash, or rugged cornel old. With stormy violence the mingled boughs Smite and snap short each other, crashing loud; So, Trojans and Achaians, mingling, slew Mutual, while neither felt a wish to fly. 940 Around Cebriones stood many a spear, And many a shaft sent smartly from the nerve Implanted deep, and many a stone of grasp Enormous sounded on their batter'd shields Who fought to gain him. He, in eddies lost 945 Of sable dust, with his huge trunk huge space O'erspread, nor steeds nor chariots heeded more. While yet the sun ascending climb'd the heavens, Their darts flew equal, and the people fell; But when he westward journey'd, by a change 950 Surpassing hope the Grecians then prevail'd. They drew Cebriones the hero forth From all those weapons, and his armor stripp'd At leisure, distant from the battle's roar. Then sprang Patroclus on the Trojan host; 955 Thrice, like another Mars, he sprang with shouts Tremendous, and nine warriors thrice he slew. But when the fourth time, demon-like, he rush'd Against them, then, oh then, too manifest The consummation of thy days approach'd 960 Patroclus! whom Apollo, terror-clad Met then in battle. He the coming God Through all that multitude knew not, such gloom Impenetrable him involved around. Behind him close he stood, and with his palms 965 Expanded on the spine and shoulders broad Smote him; his eyes swam dizzy at the stroke. Then Phoebus from his head his helmet dash'd To earth; sonorous at the feet it roll'd Of many a prancing steed, and all the crest 970 Defilement gather'd gross of dust and blood, Then first; till then, impossible; for how Should dust the tresses of that helmet shame With which Achilles fighting fenced his head Illustrious, and his graceful brows divine? 975 But Jove now made it Hector's; he awhile Bore it, himself to swift perdition doom'd His spear brass-mounted, ponderous, huge and long, Fell shiver'd from his grasp. His shield that swept His ancle, with its belt dropp'd from his arm, 980 And Phoebus loosed the corselet from his breast. Confusion seized his brain; his noble limbs Quaked under him, and panic-stunn'd he stood. Then came a Dardan Chief, who from behind Enforced a pointed lance into his back 985 Between the shoulders; Panthus' son was he, Euphorbus, famous for equestrian skill, For spearmanship, and in the rapid race Past all of equal age. He twenty men (Although a learner yet of martial feats, 990 And by his steeds then first to battle borne) Dismounted. He, Patroclus, mighty Chief! First threw a lance at thee, which yet life Quell'd not; then snatching hasty from the wound His ashen beam, he ran into the crowd, 995 Nor dared confront in fight even the unarm'd Patroclus. But Patroclus, by the lance, And by the stroke of an immortal hand Subdued, fell back toward his ranks again. Then, soon as Hector the retreat perceived 1000 Of brave Patroclus wounded, issuing forth From his own phalanx, he approach'd and drove A spear right through his body at the waist. Sounding he fell. Loud groan'd Achaia's host. As when the lion and the sturdy boar 1005 Contend in battle on the mountain-tops For some scant rivulet, thirst-parch'd alike, Ere long the lion quells the panting boar; So Priameian Hector, spear in hand, Slew Menoetiades the valiant slayer 1010 Of multitudes, and thus in accents wing'd, With fierce delight exulted in his fall. It was thy thought, Patroclus, to have laid Our city waste, and to have wafted hence Our wives and daughters to thy native land, 1015 Their day of liberty for ever set. Fool! for their sakes the feet of Hector's steeds Fly into battle, and myself excel, For their sakes, all our bravest of the spear, That I may turn from them that evil hour 1020 Necessitous. But thou art vulture's food, Unhappy youth! all valiant as he is, Achilles hath no succor given to thee, Who when he sent the forth whither himself Would not, thus doubtless gave thee oft in charge: 1025 Ah, well beware, Patroclus, glorious Chief! That thou revisit not these ships again, Till first on hero-slaughterer Hector's breast Thou cleave his bloody corselet. So he spake, And with vain words thee credulous beguiled. 1030 To whom Patroclus, mighty Chief, with breath Drawn faintly, and dying, thou didst thus reply. Now, Hector, boast! now glory! for the son Of Saturn and Apollo, me with ease Vanquishing, whom they had themselves disarm'd, 1035 Have made the victory thine; else, twenty such As thou, had fallen by my victorious spear. Me Phoebus and my ruthless fate combined To slay; these foremost; but of mortal men Euphorbus, and thy praise is only third. 1040 I tell thee also, and within thy heart Repose it deep—thou shalt not long survive; But, even now, fate, and a violent death Attend thee by Achilles' hands ordain'd To perish, by AEacides the brave.[21] 1045 So saying, the shades of death him wrapp'd around. Down into Ades from his limbs dismiss'd, His spirit fled sorrowful, of youth's prime And vigorous manhood suddenly bereft Then, him though dead, Hector again bespake. 1050 Patroclus! these prophetic strains of death At hand, and fate, why hast thou sung to me? May not the son of Thetis azure-hair'd, Achilles, perish first by spear of mine? He said; then pressing with his heel the trunk 1055 Supine, and backward thursting it, he drew His glittering weapon from the wound, nor stay'd, But lance in hand, the godlike charioteer Pursued of swift AEacides, on fire To smite Automedon; but him the steeds 1060 Immortal, rapid, by the Gods conferr'd (A glorious gift) on Peleus, snatch'd away.



THE ILIAD.

BOOK XVII.



ARGUMENT OF THE SEVENTEENTH BOOK.

Sharp contest ensues around the body of Patroclus. Hector puts on the armor of Achilles. Menelaus, having dispatched Antilochus to Achilles with news of the death of Patroclus, returns to the battle, and, together with Meriones, bears Patroclus off the field, while the Ajaces cover their retreat.



BOOK XVII.

Nor Menelaus, Atreus' valiant son, Knew not how Menoetiades had fallen By Trojan hands in battle; forth he rush'd All bright in burnish'd armor through his van, And as some heifer with maternal fears 5 Now first acquainted, compasses around Her young one murmuring, with tender moan, So moved the hero of the amber locks Around Patroclus, before whom his spear Advancing and broad shield, he death denounced 10 On all opposers; neither stood the son Spear-famed of Panthus inattentive long To slain Patroclus, but approach'd the dead, And warlike Menelaus thus bespake. Prince! Menelaus! Atreus' mighty son! 15 Yield. Leave the body and these gory spoils; For of the Trojans or allies of Troy None sooner made Patroclus bleed than I. Seek not to rob me, therefore, of my praise Among the Trojans, lest my spear assail 20 Thee also, and thou perish premature.[1] To whom, indignant, Atreus' son replied. Self-praise, the Gods do know, is little worth. But neither lion may in pride compare Nor panther, nor the savage boar whose heart's 25 High temper flashes in his eyes, with these The spear accomplish'd youths of Panthus' house. Yet Hyperenor of equestrian fame Lived not his lusty manhood to enjoy, Who scoffingly defied my force in arms, 30 And call'd me most contemptible in fight Of all the Danai. But him, I ween, His feet bore never hence to cheer at home His wife and parents with his glad return. So also shall thy courage fierce be tamed, 35 If thou oppose me. I command thee, go— Mix with the multitude; withstand not me, Lest evil overtake thee! To be taught By sufferings only, is the part of fools. He said, but him sway'd not, who thus replied. 40 Now, even now, Atrides! thou shalt rue My brother's blood which thou hast shed, and mak'st His death thy boast. Thou hast his blooming bride Widow'd, and thou hast fill'd his parents' hearts With anguish of unutterable wo; 45 But bearing hence thy armor and thy head To Troy, and casting them at Panthus' feet, And at the feet of Phrontis, his espoused, I shall console the miserable pair. Nor will I leave that service unessay'd 50 Longer, nor will I fail through want of force, Of courage, or of terrible address. He ceased, and smote his shield, nor pierced the disk, But bent his point against the stubborn brass. Then Menelaus, prayer preferring first 55 To Jove,[2] assail'd Euphorbus in his turn, Whom pacing backward in the throat he struck, And both hands and his full force the spear Impelled, urged it through his neck behind. Sounding he fell; loud rang his batter'd arms. 60 His locks, which even the Graces might have own'd, Blood-sullied, and his ringlets wound about With twine of gold and silver, swept the dust. As the luxuriant olive by a swain Rear'd in some solitude where rills abound, 65 Puts forth her buds, and fann'd by genial airs On all sides, hangs her boughs with whitest flowers, But by a sudden whirlwind from its trench Uptorn, it lies extended on the field; Such, Panthus' warlike son Euphorbus seem'd, 70 By Menelaus, son of Atreus, slain Suddenly, and of all his arms despoil'd. But as the lion on the mountains bred, Glorious in strength, when he hath seized the best And fairest of the herd, with savage fangs 75 First breaks her neck, then laps the bloody paunch Torn wide; meantime, around him, but remote, Dogs stand and swains clamoring, yet by fear Repress'd, annoy him not nor dare approach; So there all wanted courage to oppose 80 The force of Menelaus, glorious Chief. Then, easily had Menelaus borne The armor of the son of Panthus thence, But that Apollo the illustrious prize Denied him, who in semblance of the Chief 85 Of the Ciconians, Mentes, prompted forth Against him Hector terrible as Mars, Whose spirit thus in accents wing'd he roused. Hector! the chase is vain; here thou pursuest The horses of AEacides the brave, 90 Which thou shalt never win, for they are steeds Of fiery nature, such as ill endure To draw or carry mortal man, himself Except, whom an immortal mother bore. Meantime, bold Menelaus, in defence 95 Of dead Patroclus, hath a Trojan slain Of highest note, Euphorbus, Panthus' son, And hath his might in arms for ever quell'd. So spake the God and to the fight return'd. But grief intolerable at that word 100 Seized Hector; darting through the ranks his eye, He knew at once who stripp'd Euphorbus' arms, And him knew also lying on the field, And from his wide wound bleeding copious still. Then dazzling bright in arms, through all the van 105 He flew, shrill-shouting, fierce as Vulcan's fire Unquenchable; nor were his shouts unheard By Atreus' son, who with his noble mind Conferring sad, thus to himself began. Alas! if I forsake these gorgeous spoils, 110 And leave Patroclus for my glory slain, I fear lest the Achaians at that sight Incensed, reproach me; and if, urged by shame, I fight with Hector and his host, alone, Lest, hemm'd around by multitudes, I fall; 115 For Hector, by his whole embattled force Attended, comes. But whither tend my thoughts? No man may combat with another fenced By power divine and whom the Gods exalt, But he must draw down wo on his own head. 120 Me, therefore, none of all Achaia's host Will blame indignant, seeing my retreat From Hector, whom themselves the Gods assist. But might the battle-shout of Ajax once Reach me, with force united we would strive, 125 Even in opposition to a God, To rescue for Achilles' sake, his friend. Task arduous! but less arduous than this. While he thus meditated, swift advanced The Trojan ranks, with Hector at their head. 130 He then, retiring slow, and turning oft, Forsook the body. As by dogs and swains With clamors loud and spears driven from the stalls A bearded lion goes, his noble heart Abhors retreat, and slow he quits the prey; 135 So Menelaus with slow steps forsook Patroclus, and arrived in front, at length, Of his own phalanx, stood, with sharpen'd eyes Seeking vast Ajax, son of Telamon. Him leftward, soon, of all the field he mark'd 140 Encouraging aloud his band, whose hearts With terrors irresistible himself Phoebus had fill'd. He ran, and at his side Standing, incontinent him thus bespake. My gallant Ajax, haste—come quickly—strive 145 With me to rescue for Achilles' sake His friend, though bare, for Hector hath his arms. He said, and by his words the noble mind Of Ajax roused; issuing through the van He went, and Menelaus at his side. 150 Hector the body of Patroclus dragg'd, Stript of his arms, with falchion keen erelong Purposing to strike off his head, and cast His trunk, drawn distant, to the dogs of Troy. But Ajax, with broad shield tower-like, approach'd. 155 Then Hector, to his bands retreating, sprang Into his chariot, and to others gave The splendid arms in charge, who into Troy Should bear the destined trophy of his praise, But Ajax with his broad shield guarding stood 160 Slain Menoetiades, as for his whelps The lion stands; him through some forest drear Leading his little ones, the hunters meet; Fire glimmers in his looks, and down he draws His whole brow into frowns, covering his eyes; 165 So, guarding slain Patroclus, Ajax lour'd. On the other side, with tender grief oppress'd Unspeakable, brave Menelaus stood. But Glaucus, leader of the Lycian band, Son of Hippolochus, in bitter terms 170 Indignant, reprimanded Hector thus, Ah, Hector, Chieftain of excelling form, But all unfurnish'd with a warrior's heart! Unwarranted I deem thy great renown Who art to flight addicted. Think, henceforth, 175 How ye shall save city and citadel Thou and thy people born in Troy, alone. No Lycian shall, at least, in your defence Fight with the Grecians, for our ceaseless toil In arms, hath ever been a thankless task. 180 Inglorious Chief! how wilt thou save a worse From warring crowds, who hast Sarpedon left Thy guest, thy friend, to be a spoil, a prey To yonder Argives? While he lived he much Thee and thy city profited, whom dead 185 Thou fear'st to rescue even from the dogs. Now, therefore, may but my advice prevail, Back to your country, Lycians! so, at once, Shall remediless ruin fall on Troy. For had the Trojans now a daring heart 190 Intrepid, such as in the breast resides Of laborers in their country's dear behalf, We soon should drag Patroclus into Troy; And were his body, from the battle drawn, In Priam's royal city once secured, 195 As soon, the Argives would in ransom give Sarpedon's body with his splendid arms To be conducted safe into the town. For when Patroclus fell, the friend was slain Of such a Chief as is not in the fleet 200 For valor, and his bands are dauntless all. But thou, at the first glimpse of Ajax' eye Confounded, hast not dared in arms to face That warrior bold, superior far to thee. To whom brave Hector, frowning stern, replied, 205 Why, Glaucus! should a Chief like thee his tongue Presume to employ thus haughtily? My friend! I thee accounted wisest, once, of all Who dwell in fruitful Lycia, but thy speech Now utter'd altogether merits blame, 210 In which thou tell'st me that I fear to stand Against vast Ajax. Know that I from fight Shrink not, nor yet from sound of prancing steeds; But Jove's high purpose evermore prevails Against the thoughts of man; he turns to flight 215 The bravest, and the victory takes with ease Even from those whom once he favor'd most. But hither, friend! stand with me; mark my deed; Prove me, if I be found, as thou hast said, An idler all the day, or if by force 220 I not compel some Grecian to renounce Patroclus, even the boldest of them all. He ceased, and to his host exclaim'd aloud. Trojans, and Lycians, and close-fighting sons Of Dardanus, oh be ye men, my friends! 225 Now summon all your fortitude, while I Put on the armor of Achilles, won From the renown'd Patroclus slain by me. So saying, illustrious Hector from the clash Of spears withdrew, and with his swiftest pace 230 Departing, overtook, not far remote, The bearers of Achilles' arms to Troy. Apart from all the horrors of the field Standing, he changed his armor; gave his own To be by them to sacred Ilium borne, 235 And the immortal arms of Peleus' son Achilles, by the ever-living Gods To Peleues given, put on. Those arms the Sire, Now old himself, had on his son conferr'd But in those arms his son grew never old. 240 Him, therefore, soon as cloud-assembler Jove Saw glittering in divine Achilles' arms, Contemplative he shook his brows, and said, Ah hapless Chief! thy death, although at hand, Nought troubles thee. Thou wear'st his heavenly 245 Who all excels, terror of Ilium's host. His friend, though bold yet gentle, thou hast slain And hast the brows and bosom of the dead Unseemly bared: yet, bright success awhile I give thee; so compensating thy lot, 250 From whom Andromache shall ne'er receive Those glorious arms, for thou shalt ne'er return. So spake the Thunderer, and his sable brows Shaking, confirm'd the word. But Hector found The armor apt; the God of war his soul 255 With fury fill'd, he felt his limbs afresh Invigorated, and with loudest shouts Return'd to his illustrious allies. To them he seem'd, clad in those radiant arms, Himself Achilles; rank by rank he pass'd 260 Through all the host, exhorting every Chief, Asteropaeus, Mesthles, Phorcys, Medon, Thersilochus, Deisenor, augur Ennomus, Chromius, Hippothoues; all these he roused To battle, and in accents wing'd began. 265 Hear me, ye myriads, neighbors and allies! For not through fond desire to fill the plain With multitudes, have I convened you here Each from his city, but that well-inclined To Ilium, ye might help to guard our wives 270 And little ones against the host of Greece. Therefore it is that forage large and gifts Providing for you, I exhaust the stores Of Troy, and drain our people for your sake. Turn then direct against them, and his life 275 Save each, or lose; it is the course of war. Him who shall drag, though dead, Patroclus home Into the host of Troy, and shall repulse Ajax, I will reward with half the spoils And half shall be my own; glory and praise 280 Shall also be his meed, equal to mine. He ended; they compact with lifted spears Bore on the Danai, conceiving each Warm expectation in his heart to wrest From Ajax son of Telamon, the dead. 285 Vain hope! he many a lifeless Trojan heap'd On slain Patroclus, but at length his speech To warlike Menelaus thus address'd. Ah, Menelaus, valiant friend! I hope No longer, now, that even we shall 'scape 290 Ourselves from fight; nor fear I so the loss Of dead Patroclus, who shall soon the dogs Of Ilium, and the fowls sate with his flesh, As for my life I tremble and for thine, That cloud of battle, Hector, such a gloom 295 Sheds all around; death manifest impends. Haste—call our best, if even they can hear. He spake, nor Menelaus not complied, But call'd aloud on all the Chiefs of Greece. Friends, senators, and leaders of the powers 300 Of Argos! who with Agamemnon drink And Menelaus at the public feast, Each bearing rule o'er many, by the will Of Jove advanced to honor and renown! The task were difficult to single out 305 Chief after Chief by name amid the blaze Of such contention; but oh, come yourselves Indignant forth, nor let the dogs of Troy Patroclus rend, and gambol with his bones! He ceased, whom Oiliades the swift 310 Hearing incontinent, of all the Chiefs Ran foremost, after whom Idomeneus Approach'd, and dread as homicidal Mars Meriones. But never mind of man Could even in silent recollection name 315 The whole vast multitude who, following these Renew'd the battle on the part of Greece. The Trojans first, with Hector at their head, Wedged in close phalanx, rush'd to the assault As when within some rapid river's mouth 320 The billows and stream clash, on either shore[3] Loud sounds the roar[3] of waves ejected wide, Such seem'd the clamors of the Trojan host. But the Achaians, one in heart, around Patroclus stood, bulwark'd with shields of brass 325 And over all their glittering helmets Jove Darkness diffused, for he had loved Patroclus While yet he lived friend of AEacides, And now, abhorring that the dogs of Troy Should eat him, urged the Greeks to his defence, 330 The host of Troy first shook the Grecian host; The body left, they fled; yet of them all, The Trojan powers, determined as they were, Slew none, but dragg'd the body. Neither stood The Greeks long time aloof, soon as repulsed 335 Again led on by Ajax, who in form And in exploits all others far excell'd. Peerless AEacides alone except. Right through the foremost combatants he rush'd, In force resembling most some savage boar 340 That in the mountains bursting through the brakes, The swains disperses and their hounds with ease; Like him, illustrious Ajax, mighty son Of Telamon, at his assault dispersed With ease the close imbattled ranks who fought 345 Around Patroclus' body, strong in hope To achieve it, and to make the glory theirs. Hippothoues, a youth of high renown, Son of Pelasgian Lethus, by a noose Around his ancle cast dragg'd through the fight 350 Patroclus, so to gratify the host Of Ilium and their Chief; but evil him Reached suddenly, by none of all his friends (Though numerous wish'd to save him) turn'd aside. For swift advancing on him through the crowd 355 The son of Telamon pierced, spear in hand, His helmet brazen-cheek'd; the crested casque, So smitten, open'd wide, for huge the hand And ponderous was the spear that gave the blow And all around its neck, mingled with blood 360 Gush'd forth the brain. There, lifeless, down he sank, Let fall the hero's foot, and fell himself Prone on the dead, never to see again? Deep-soil'd Larissa, never to require Their kind solicitudes who gave him birth, 365 In bloom of life by dauntless Ajax slain. Then Hector hurl'd at Ajax his bright spear, But he, forewarn'd of its approach, escaped Narrowly, and it pierced Schedius instead, Brave son of Iphitus; he, noblest Chief 370 Of the Phocensians, over many reign'd, Dwelling in Panopeus the far-renown'd. Entering beneath the clavicle[4] the point Right through his shoulder's summit pass'd behind, And on his loud-resounding arms he fell. 375 But Ajax at his waist wounded the son Of Phoenops, valiant Phorcys, while he stood Guarding Hippothoeus; through his hollow mail Enforced the weapon drank his inmost life, And in his palm, supine, he clench'd the dust. 380 Then, Hector with the foremost Chiefs of Troy Fell back; the Argives sent a shout to heaven, And dragging Phorcys and Hippothoeus thence Stripp'd both. In that bright moment Ilium's host Fear-quell'd before Achaia's warlike sons 385 Had Troy re-enter'd, and the host of Greece By matchless might and fortitude their own Had snatch'd a victory from the grasp of fate, But that, himself, the King of radiant shafts AEneas roused; Epytis' son he seem'd 390 Periphas, ancient in the service grown Of old Anchises whom he dearly loved; His form assumed, Apollo thus began. How could ye save, AEneas, were the Gods Your enemies, the towers of lofty Troy? 395 As I have others seen, warriors who would, Men fill'd with might and valor, firm themselves And Chiefs of multitudes disdaining fear. But Jove to us the victory far more Than to the Grecians wills; therefore the fault 400 Is yours, who tremble and refuse the fight. He ended, whom AEneas marking, knew At once the glorious Archer of the skies, And thus to distant Hector call'd aloud. Oh, Hector, and ye other Chiefs of Troy 405 And of her brave confederates! Shame it were Should we re-enter Ilium, driven to flight By dastard fear before the host of Greece. A God assured me even now, that Jove, Supreme in battle, gives his aid to Troy. 410 Rush, therefore, on the Danai direct, Nor let them, safe at least and unannoy'd, Bear hence Patroclus' body to the fleet. He spake, and starting far into the van Stood foremost forth; they, wheeling, faced the Greeks. 415 Then, spear in hand, AEneas smote the friend Of Lycomedes, brave Leocritus, Son of Arisbas. Lycomedes saw Compassionate his death, and drawing nigh First stood, then hurling his resplendent lance, 420 Right through the liver Apisaon pierced Offspring of Hippasus, his chest beneath, And, lifeless, instant, on the field he fell. He from Paeonia the deep soil'd to Troy Came forth, Asteropaeus sole except, 425 Bravest of all Paeonia's band in arms. Asteropaeus saw, and to the van Sprang forth for furious combat well prepared, But room for fight found none, so thick a fence Of shields and ported spears fronted secure 430 The phalanx guarding Menoetiades. For Ajax ranging all the ranks, aloud Admonish'd them that no man yielding ground Should leave Patroclus, or advance before The rest, but all alike fight and stand fast. 435 Such order gave huge Ajax; purple gore Drench'd all the ground; in slaughter'd heaps they fell Trojans and Trojan aids of dauntless hearts And Grecians; for not even they the fight Waged bloodless, though with far less cost of blood, 440 Each mindful to avert his fellow's fate. Thus burn'd the battle; neither hadst thou deem'd The sun himself in heaven unquench'd, or moon, Beneath a cope so dense of darkness strove Unceasing all the most renown'd in arms 445 For Menoetiades. Meantime the war, Wherever else, the bright-arm'd Grecians waged And Trojans under skies serene. The sun On them his radiance darted; not a cloud, From mountain or from vale rising, allay'd 450 His fervor; there at distance due they fought And paused by turns, and shunn'd the cruel dart. But in the middle field not war alone They suffer'd, but night also; ruthless raged The iron storm, and all the mightiest bled. 455 Two glorious Chiefs, the while, Antilochus And Thrasymedes, had no tidings heard Of brave Patroclus slain, but deem'd him still Living, and troubling still the host of Troy; For watchful[5] only to prevent the flight 460 Or slaughter of their fellow-warriors, they Maintain'd a distant station, so enjoin'd By Nestor when he sent them to the field. But fiery conflict arduous employ'd The rest all day continual; knees and legs, 465 Feet, hands, and eyes of those who fought to guard The valiant friend of swift AEacides Sweat gather'd foul and dust. As when a man A huge ox-hide drunken with slippery lard Gives to be stretch'd, his servants all around 470 Disposed, just intervals between, the task Ply strenuous, and while many straining hard Extend it equal on all sides, it sweats The moisture out, and drinks the unction in,[6] So they, in narrow space struggling, the dead 475 Dragg'd every way, warm hope conceiving, these To drag him thence to Troy, those, to the ships. Wild tumult raged around him; neither Mars, Gatherer of hosts to battle, nor herself Pallas, however angry, had beheld 480 That conflict with disdain, Jove to such length Protracted on that day the bloody toil Of steeds and men for Menoetiades. Nor knew divine Achilles or had aught Heard of Patroclus slain, for from the ships 485 Remote they fought, beneath the walls of Troy. He, therefore, fear'd not for his death, but hope Indulged much rather, that, the battle push'd To Ilium's gates, he should return alive. For that his friend, unaided by himself 490 Or ever aided, should prevail to lay Troy waste, he nought supposed; by Thetis warn'd In secret conference oft, he better knew Jove's purpose; yet not even she had borne Those dreadful tidings to his ear, the loss 495 Immeasurable of his dearest friend. They all around the dead fought spear in hand With mutual slaughter ceaseless, and amid Achaia's host thus spake a Chief mail-arm'd. Shame were it, Grecians! should we seek by flight 500 Our galleys now; yawn earth our feet beneath And here ingulf us rather! Better far Than to permit the steed-famed host of Troy To drag Patroclus hence into the town, And make the glory of this conflict theirs. 505 Thus also of the dauntless Trojans spake A certain warrior. Oh, my friends! although The Fates ordain us, one and all, to die Around this body, stand! quit not the field. So spake the warrior prompting into act 510 The courage of his friends, and such they strove On both sides; high into the vault of heaven The iron din pass'd through the desart air. Meantime the horses of AEacides From fight withdrawn, soon as they understood 515 Their charioteer fallen in the dust beneath The arm of homicidal Hector, wept. Them oft with hasty lash Diores' son Automedon impatient smote, full oft He stroked them gently, and as oft he chode;[7] 520 Yet neither to the fleet ranged on the shore Of spacious Hellespont would they return, Nor with the Grecians seek the fight, but stood As a sepulchral pillar stands, unmoved Between their traces;[8] to the earth they hung 525 Their heads, with plenteous tears their driver mourn'd, And mingled their dishevell'd manes with dust. Jove saw their grief with pity, and his brows Shaking, within himself thus, pensive, said. Ah hapless pair! Wherefore by gift divine 530 Were ye to Peleus given, a mortal king, Yourselves immortal and from age exempt? Was it that ye might share in human woes? For, of all things that breathe or creep the earth, No creature lives so mere a wretch as man. 535 Yet shall not Priameian Hector ride Triumphant, drawn by you. Myself forbid. Suffice it that he boasts vain-gloriously Those arms his own. Your spirit and your limbs I will invigorate, that ye may bear 540 Safe hence Automedon into the fleet. For I ordain the Trojans still to spread Carnage around victorious, till they reach The gallant barks, and till the sun at length Descending, sacred darkness cover all. 545 He said, and with new might the steeds inspired. They, shaking from their hair profuse the dust, Between the van of either army whirl'd The rapid chariot. Fighting as he pass'd, Though fill'd with sorrow for his slaughter'd friend, 550 Automedon high-mounted swept the field Impetuous as a vulture scattering geese; Now would he vanish, and now, turn'd again, Chase through a multitude his trembling foe; But whomsoe'er he follow'd, none he slew, 555 Nor was the task possible to a Chief Sole in the sacred chariot, both to aim The spear aright and guide the fiery steeds. At length Alcimedon, his friend in arms, Son of Laerceus son of AEmon, him 560 Observing, from behind the chariot hail'd The flying warrior, whom he thus bespake. What power, Automedon! hath ta'en away Thy better judgment, and thy breast inspired With this vain purpose to assail alone 565 The Trojan van? Thy partner in the fight Is slain, and Hector on his shoulders bears, Elate, the armor of AEacides. Then, answer thus Automedon return'd, Son of Diores. Who of all our host 570 Was ever skill'd, Alcimedon! as thou To rule the fire of these immortal steeds, Save only while he lived, peer of the Gods In that great art, Patroclus, now no more? Thou, therefore, the resplendent reins receive 575 And scourge, while I, dismounting, wage the fight. He ceased; Alcimedon without delay The battle-chariot mounting, seized at once The lash and reins, and from his seat down leap'd Automedon. Them noble Hector mark'd, 580 And to AEneas at his side began. Illustrious Chief of Trojans brazen-mail'd AEneas! I have noticed yonder steeds Of swift Achilles rushing into fight Conspicuous, but under sway of hands 585 Unskilful; whence arises a fair hope That we might seize them, wert thou so inclined; For never would those two dare to oppose In battle an assault dreadful as ours. He ended, nor the valiant son refused 590 Of old Anchises, but with targets firm Of season'd hide brass-plated thrown athwart Their shoulders, both advanced direct, with whom Of godlike form Aretus also went And Chromius. Ardent hope they all conceived 595 To slay those Chiefs, and from the field to drive Achilles' lofty steeds. Vain hope! for them No bloodless strife awaited with the force Of brave Automedon; he, prayer to Jove First offering, felt his angry soul with might 600 Heroic fill'd, and thus his faithful friend Alcimedon, incontinent, address'd. Alcimedon! hold not the steeds remote But breathing on my back; for I expect That never Priameian Hector's rage 605 Shall limit know, or pause, till, slaying us, He shall himself the coursers ample-maned Mount of Achilles, and to flight compel The Argive host, or perish in the van. So saying, he call'd aloud on Menelaus 610 With either Ajax. Oh, illustrious Chiefs Of Argos, Menelaus, and ye bold Ajaces![9] leaving all your best to cope With Ilium's powers and to protect the dead, From friends still living ward the bitter day. 615 For hither borne, two Chiefs, bravest of all The Trojans, Hector and AEneas rush Right through the battle. The events of war Heaven orders; therefore even I will give My spear its flight, and Jove dispose the rest! 620 He said, and brandishing his massy spear Dismiss'd it at Aretus; full he smote His ample shield, nor stay'd the pointed brass, But penetrating sheer the disk, his belt Pierced also, and stood planted in his waist. 625 As when some vigorous youth with sharpen'd axe A pastured bullock smites behind the horns And hews the muscle through; he, at the stroke Springs forth and falls, so sprang Aretus forth, Then fell supine, and in his bowels stood 630 The keen-edged lance still quivering till he died. Then Hector, in return, his radiant spear Hurl'd at Automedon, who of its flight Forewarn'd his body bowing prone, the stroke Eluded, and the spear piercing the soil 635 Behind him, shook to its superior end, Till, spent by slow degrees, its fury slept. And now, with hand to hilt, for closer war Both stood prepared, when through the multitude Advancing at their fellow-warrior's call, 640 The Ajaces suddenly their combat fierce Prevented. Awed at once by their approach Hector retired, with whom AEneas went Also and godlike Chromius, leaving there Aretus with his vitals torn, whose arms, 645 Fierce as the God of war Automedon Stripp'd off, and thus exulted o'er the slain. My soul some portion of her grief resigns Consoled, although by slaughter of a worse, For loss of valiant Menoetiades. 650 So saying, within his chariot he disposed The gory spoils, then mounted it himself With hands and feet purpled, as from a bull His bloody prey, some lion newly-gorged. And now around Patroclus raged again 655 Dread strife deplorable! for from the skies Descending at the Thunderer's command Whose purpose now was to assist the Greeks, Pallas enhanced the fury of the fight. As when from heaven, in view of mortals, Jove 660 Exhibits bright his bow, a sign ordain'd Of war, or numbing frost which all the works Suspends of man and saddens all the flocks; So she, all mantled with a radiant cloud Entering Achaia's host, fired every breast. 665 But meeting Menelaus first, brave son Of Atreus, in the form and with the voice Robust of Phoenix, him she thus bespake. Shame, Menelaus, shall to thee redound For ever, and reproach, should dogs devour 670 The faithful friend of Peleus' noble son Under Troy's battlements; but stand, thyself, Undaunted, and encourage all the host. To whom the son of Atreus bold in arms. Ah, Phoenix, friend revered, ancient and sage! 675 Would Pallas give me might and from the dint Shield me of dart and spear, with willing mind I would defend Patroclus, for his death Hath touch'd me deep. But Hector with the rage Burns of consuming fire, nor to his spear 680 Gives pause, for him Jove leads to victory. He ceased, whom Pallas, Goddess azure-eyed Hearing, rejoiced that of the heavenly powers He had invoked her foremost to his aid. His shoulders with new might, and limbs she fill'd, 685 And persevering boldness to his breast Imparted, such as prompts the fly, which oft From flesh of man repulsed, her purpose yet To bite holds fast, resolved on human blood. His stormy bosom with such courage fill'd 690 By Pallas, to Patroclus he approach'd And hurl'd, incontinent, his glittering spear. There was a Trojan Chief, Podes by name, Son of Eetion, valorous and rich; Of all Troy's citizens him Hector most 695 Respected, in convivial pleasures sweet His chosen companion. As he sprang to flight, The hero of the golden locks his belt Struck with full force and sent the weapon through. Sounding he fell, and from the Trojan ranks 700 Atrides dragg'd the body to his own. Then drew Apollo near to Hector's side, And in the form of Phoenops, Asius' son, Of all the foreign guests at Hector's board His favorite most, the hero thus address'd. 705 What Chief of all the Grecians shall henceforth Fear Hector, who from Menelaus shrinks Once deem'd effeminate, but dragging now The body of thy valiant friend approved Whom he hath slain, Podes, Eetion's son? 710 He spake, and at his words grief like a cloud Involved the mind of Hector dark around; Right through the foremost combatants he rush'd All clad in dazzling brass. Then, lifting high His tassel'd AEgis radiant, Jove with storms 715 Enveloped Ida; flash'd his lightnings, roar'd His thunders, and the mountain shook throughout. Troy's host he prosper'd, and the Greeks dispersed. First fled Peneleus, the Boeotian Chief, Whom facing firm the foe Polydamas 720 Struck on his shoulder's summit with a lance Hurl'd nigh at hand, which slight inscribed the bone. [10]Leitus also, son of the renown'd Alectryon, pierced by Hector in the wrist, Disabled left the fight; trembling he fled 725 And peering narrowly around, nor hoped To lift a spear against the Trojans more. Hector, pursuing Leitus, the point Encounter'd of the brave Idomeneus Full on his chest; but in his mail the lance 730 Snapp'd, and the Trojans shouted to the skies. He, in his turn, cast at Deucalion's son Idomeneus, who in that moment gain'd[11] A chariot-seat; but him the erring spear Attain'd not, piercing Coeranus instead 735 The friend and follower of Meriones From wealthy Lyctus, and his charioteer. For when he left, that day, the gallant barks Idomeneus had sought the field on foot, And triumph proud, full sure, to Ilium's host 740 Had yielded now, but that with rapid haste Coeranus drove to his relief, from him The fate averting which himself incurr'd Victim of Hector's homicidal arm. Him Hector smiting between ear and jaw 745 Push'd from their sockets with the lance's point His firm-set teeth, and sever'd sheer his tongue. Dismounted down he fell, and from his hand Let slide the flowing reins, which, to the earth Stooping, Meriones in haste resumed, 750 And briefly thus Idomeneus address'd. Now drive, and cease not, to the fleet of Greece! Thyself see'st victory no longer ours. He said; Idomeneus whom, now, dismay Seized also, with his lash plying severe 755 The coursers ample-maned, flew to the fleet. Nor Ajax, dauntless hero, not perceived, Nor Menelaus, by the sway of Jove The victory inclining fast to Troy, And thus the Telamonian Chief began. 760 Ah! who can be so blind as not to see The eternal Father, now, with his own hand Awarding glory to the Trojan host, Whose every spear flies, instant, to the mark Sent forth by brave or base? Jove guides them all, 765 While, ineffectual, ours fall to the ground. But haste, devise we of ourselves the means How likeliest we may bear Patroclus hence, And gladden, safe returning, all our friends, Who, hither looking anxious, hope have none 770 That we shall longer check the unconquer'd force Of hero-slaughtering Hector, but expect [12]To see him soon amid the fleet of Greece. Oh for some Grecian now to carry swift The tidings to Achilles' ear, untaught, 775 As I conjecture, yet the doleful news Of his Patroclus slain! but no such Greek May I discern, such universal gloom Both men and steeds envelops all around. Father of heaven and earth! deliver thou 780 Achaia's host from darkness; clear the skies; Give day; and (since thy sovereign will is such) Destruction with it—but oh give us day![13] He spake, whose tears Jove saw with pity moved, And chased the untimely shades; bright beam'd the sun 785 And the whole battle was display'd. Then spake The hero thus to Atreus' mighty son. Now noble Menelaus! looking forth, See if Antilochus be yet alive, Brave son of Nestor, whom exhort to fly 790 With tidings to Achilles, of the friend Whom most he loved, of his Patroclus slain. He ceased, nor Menelaus, dauntless Chief, That task refused, but went; yet neither swift Nor willing. As a lion leaves the stalls 795 Wearied himself with harassing the guard, Who, interdicting him his purposed prey, Watch all the night; he famish'd, yet again Comes furious on, but speeds not, kept aloof By spears from daring hands dismissed, but more 800 By flash of torches which, though fierce, he dreads, Till at the dawn, sullen he stalks away; So from Patroclus Menelaus went Heroic Chief! reluctant; for he fear'd Lest the Achaians should resign the dead, 805 Through consternation, to the host of Troy. Departing, therefore, he admonish'd oft Meriones and the Ajaces, thus. Ye two brave leaders of the Argive host, And thou, Meriones! now recollect 810 The gentle manners of Patroclus fallen Hapless in battle, who by carriage mild Well understood, while yet he lived, to engage All hearts, through prisoner now of death and fate. So saying, the hero amber-hair'd his steps 815 Turn'd thence, the field exploring with an eye Sharp as the eagle's, of all fowls beneath The azure heavens for keenest sight renown'd, Whom, though he soar sublime, the leveret By broadest leaves conceal'd 'scapes not, but swift 820 Descending, even her he makes his prey; So, noble Menelaus! were thine eyes Turn'd into every quarter of the host In search of Nestor's son, if still he lived. Him, soon, encouraging his band to fight, 825 He noticed on the left of all the field, And sudden standing at his side, began. Antilochus! oh hear me, noble friend! And thou shalt learn tidings of such a deed As best had never been. Thou know'st, I judge, 830 And hast already seen, how Jove exalts To victory the Trojan host, and rolls Distress on ours; but ah! Patroclus lies, Our chief Achaian, slain, whose loss the Greeks Fills with regret. Haste, therefore, to the fleet, 835 Inform Achilles; bid him haste to save, If save he can, the body of his friend; He can no more, for Hector hath his arms. He ceased. Antilochus with horror heard Those tidings; mute long time he stood, his eyes 840 Swam tearful, and his voice, sonorous erst, Found utterance none. Yet even so distress'd, He not the more neglected the command Of Menelaus. Setting forth to run, He gave his armor to his noble friend 845 Laodocus, who thither turn'd his steeds, And weeping as he went, on rapid feet Sped to Achilles with that tale of wo. Nor could the noble Menelaus stay To give the weary Pylian band, bereft 850 Of their beloved Antilochus, his aid, But leaving them to Thrasymedes' care, He flew to Menoetiades again, And the Ajaces, thus, instant bespake. He goes. I have dispatch'd him to the fleet 855 To seek Achilles; but his coming naught Expect I now, although with rage he burn Against illustrious Hector; for what fight Can he, unarm'd, against the Trojans wage? Deliberating, therefore, frame we means 860 How best to save Patroclus, and to 'scape Ourselves unslain from this disastrous field. Whom answer'd the vast son of Telamon. Most noble Menelaus! good is all Which thou hast spoken. Lift ye from the earth 865 Thou and Meriones, at once, and bear The dead Patroclus from the bloody field. To cope meantime with Hector and his host Shall be our task, who, one in name, nor less In spirit one, already have the brunt 870 Of much sharp conflict, side by side, sustain'd. He ended; they enfolding in their arms The dead, upbore him high above the ground With force united; after whom the host Of Troy, seeing the body borne away, 875 Shouted, and with impetuous onset all Follow'd them. As the hounds, urged from behind By youthful hunters, on the wounded boar Make fierce assault; awhile at utmost speed They stretch toward him hungering, for the prey, 880 But oft as, turning sudden, the stout brawn Faces them, scatter'd on all sides escape; The Trojans so, thick thronging in the rear, Ceaseless with falchions and spears double-edged Annoy'd them sore, but oft as in retreat 885 The dauntless heroes, the Ajaces turn'd To face them, deadly wan grew every cheek, And not a Trojan dared with onset rude Molest them more in conflict for the dead. Thus they, laborious, forth from battle bore 890 Patroclus to the fleet, tempestuous war Their steps attending, rapid as the flames Which, kindled suddenly, some city waste; Consumed amid the blaze house after house Sinks, and the wind, meantime, roars through the fire; 895 So them a deafening tumult as they went Pursued, of horses and of men spear-arm'd. And as two mules with strength for toil endued, Draw through rough ways down from the distant hills Huge timber, beam or mast; sweating they go, 900 And overlabor'd to faint weariness; So they the body bore, while, turning oft, The Ajaces check'd the Trojans. As a mound Planted with trees and stretch'd athwart the mead Repels an overflow; the torrents loud 905 Baffling, it sends them far away to float The level land, nor can they with the force Of all their waters burst a passage through; So the Ajaces, constant, in the rear Repress'd the Trojans; but the Trojans them 910 Attended still, of whom AEneas most Troubled them, and the glorious Chief of Troy. They as a cloud of starlings or of daws Fly screaming shrill, warn'd timely of the kite Or hawk, devourers of the smaller kinds, 915 So they shrill-clamoring toward the fleet, Hasted before AEneas and the might Of Hector, nor the battle heeded more. Much radiant armor round about the foss Fell of the flying Grecians, or within 920 Lay scatter'd, and no pause of war they found.



THE ILIAD.

BOOK XVIII.



ARGUMENT OF THE EIGHTEENTH BOOK.

Achilles, by command of Juno, shows himself to the Trojans, who fly at his appearance; Vulcan, at the insistence of Thetis, forges for him a suit of armor.



BOOK XVIII.

Thus burn'd the battle like devouring fire. Meantime, Antilochus with rapid steps Came to Achilles. Him he found before His lofty barks, occupied, as he stood, With boding fears of all that had befall'n. 5 He groan'd, and to his noble self he said. Ah! wo is me—why falls Achaia's host, With such disorder foul, back on the fleet? I tremble lest the Gods my anxious thoughts Accomplish and my mother's words, who erst 10 Hath warn'd me, that the bravest and the best Of all my Myrmidons, while yet I live, Slain under Troy, must view the sun no more. Brave Menoetiades is, doubtless, slain. Unhappy friend! I bade thee oft, our barks 15 Deliver'd once from hostile fires, not seek To cope in arms with Hector, but return. While musing thus he stood, the son approach'd Of noble Nestor, and with tears his cheeks Bedewing copious, his sad message told. 20 Oh son of warlike Peleus! thou shalt hear Tidings of deeds which best had never been. Patroclus is no more. The Grecians fight For his bare corse, and Hector hath his arms.[1] Then clouds of sorrow fell on Peleus' son, 25 And, grasping with both hands the ashes, down He pour'd them on his head, his graceful brows Dishonoring, and thick the sooty shower Descending settled on his fragrant vest. Then, stretch'd in ashes, at the vast extent 30 Of his whole length he lay, disordering wild With his own hands, and rending off his hair. The maidens, captived by himself in war And by Patroclus, shrieking from the tent Ran forth, and hemm'd the glorious Chief around.[2] 35 All smote their bosoms, and all, fainting, fell. On the other side, Antilochus the hands Held of Achilles, mourning and deep groans Uttering from his noble heart, through fear Lest Peleus' son should perish self-destroy'd. 40 Loud groan'd the hero, whose loud groans within The gulfs of ocean, where she sat beside Her ancient sire, his Goddess-mother heard, And hearing shriek'd; around her at the voice Assembled all the Nereids of the deep 45 Cymodoce, Thalia, Glauca came, Nisaea, Spio, Thoa, and with eyes Protuberant beauteous Halia; came with these Cymothoee, and Actaea, and the nymph Of marshes, Limnorea, nor delay'd 50 Agave, nor Amphithoee the swift, Iaera, Doto, Melita, nor thence Was absent Proto or Dynamene, Callianira, Doris, Panope, Pherusa or Amphinome, or fair 55 Dexamene, or Galatea praised For matchless form divine; Nemertes pure Came also, with Apseudes crystal-bright, Callianassa, Maera, Clymene, Janeira and Janassa, sister pair, 60 And Orithya and with azure locks Luxuriant, Amathea; nor alone Came these, but every ocean-nymph beside, The silver cave was fill'd; each smote her breast, And Thetis, loud lamenting, thus began. 65 Ye sister Nereids, hear! that ye may all From my own lips my boundless sorrow learn. Ah me forlorn! ah me, parent in vain Of an illustrious birth! who, having borne A noble son magnanimous, the chief 70 Of heroes, saw him like a thriving plant Shoot vigorous under my maternal care, And sent him early in his gallant fleet Embark'd, to combat with the sons of Troy. But him from fight return'd I shall receive 75 Beneath the roof of Peleus, never more; And while he lives, and on the sun his eyes Opens, he mourns, nor, going, can I aught Assist him; yet I go, that I may see My darling son, and from his lips be taught 80 What grief hath now befallen him, who close Abiding in his tent shares not the war. So saying she left the cave, whom all her nymphs Attended weeping, and where'er they pass'd The breaking billows open'd wide a way. 85 At fruitful Troy arrived, in order fair They climb'd the beach, where by his numerous barks Encompass'd, swift Achilles sighing lay. Then, drawing nigh to her afflicted son, The Goddess-mother press'd between her palms 90 His temples, and in accents wing'd inquired. Why weeps my son? what sorrow wrings thy soul? Speak, hide it not. Jove hath fulfill'd the prayer Which erst with lifted hands thou didst prefer, That all Achaia's host, wanting thy aid, 95 Might be compell'd into the fleet, and foul Disgrace incur, there prison'd for thy sake. To whom Achilles, groaning deep, replied. My mother! it is true; Olympian Jove That prayer fulfils; but thence, what joy to me, 100 Patroclus slain? the friend of all my friends Whom most I loved, dear to me as my life— Him I have lost. Slain and despoil'd he lies By Hector of his glorious armor bright, The wonder of all eyes, a matchless gift 105 Given by the Gods to Peleus on that day When thee they doom'd into a mortal's arms. Oh that with these thy deathless ocean-nymphs Dwelling content, thou hadst my father left To espouse a mortal bride, so hadst thou 'scaped 110 Pangs numberless which thou must now endure For thy son's death, whom thou shalt never meet From Troy return'd, in Peleus' mansion more! For life I covet not, nor longer wish To mix with human kind, unless my spear 115 May find out Hector, and atonement take By slaying him, for my Patroclus slain. To whom, with streaming tears, Thetis replied. Swift comes thy destiny as thou hast said, For after Hector's death thine next ensues. 120 Then answer, thus, indignant he return'd. Death, seize me now! since when my friend was slain, My doom was, not to succor him. He died From home remote, and wanting me to save him. Now, therefore, since I neither visit more 125 My native land, nor, present here, have aught Avail'd Patroclus or my many friends Whom noble Hector hath in battle slain, But here I sit unprofitable grown, Earth's burden, though of such heroic note, 130 If not in council foremost (for I yield That prize to others) yet in feats of arms, Such as none other in Achaia's host, May fierce contention from among the Gods Perish, and from among the human race, 135 With wrath, which sets the wisest hearts on fire; Sweeter than dropping honey to the taste, But in the bosom of mankind, a smoke![3] Such was my wrath which Agamemnon roused, The king of men. But since the past is fled 140 Irrevocable, howsoe'er distress'd, Renounce we now vain musings on the past, Content through sad necessity. I go In quest of noble Hector, who hath slain My loved Patroclus, and such death will take 145 As Jove ordains me and the Powers of Heaven At their own season, send it when they may. For neither might the force of Hercules, Although high-favored of Saturnian Jove, From death escape, but Fate and the revenge 150 Restless of Juno vanquish'd even Him. I also, if a destiny like his Await me, shall, like him, find rest in death; But glory calls me now; now will I make Some Trojan wife or Dardan with both hands 155 Wipe her soft cheeks, and utter many a groan. Long time have I been absent from the field, And they shall know it. Love me as thou may'st, Yet thwart me not, for I am fixt to go. Whom Thetis answer'd, Goddess of the Deep. 160 Thou hast well said, my son! it is no blame To save from threaten'd death our suffering friends. But thy magnificent and dazzling arms Are now in Trojan hands; them Hector wears Exulting, but ordain'd not long to exult, 165 So habited; his death is also nigh. But thou with yonder warring multitudes Mix not till thou behold me here again; For with the rising sun I will return To-morrow, and will bring thee glorious arms, 170 By Vulcan forged himself, the King of fire.[4] She said, and turning from her son aside, The sisterhood of Ocean thus address'd. Plunge ye again into the briny Deep, And to the hoary Sovereign of the floods 175 Report as ye have heard. I to the heights Olympian haste, that I may there obtain From Vulcan, glorious artist of the skies, Arms of excelling beauty for my son. She said; they plunged into the waves again, 180 And silver-footed Thetis, to the heights Olympian soaring swiftly to obtain Arms for renown'd Achilles, disappear'd. Meantime, with infinite uproar the Greeks From Hector's hero-slaying arm had fled 185 Home to their galleys station'd on the banks Of Hellespont. Nor yet Achaia's sons Had borne the body of Patroclus clear From flight of darts away, but still again The multitude of warriors and of steeds 190 Came on, by Priameian Hector led Rapid as fire. Thrice noble Hector seized His ancles from behind, ardent to drag Patroclus, calling to his host the while; But thrice, the two Ajaces, clothed with might, 195 Shock'd and repulsed him reeling. He with force Fill'd indefatigable, through his ranks Issuing, by turns assail'd them, and by turns Stood clamoring, yet not a step retired; But as the hinds deter not from his prey 200 A tawny lion by keen hunger urged, So would not both Ajaces, warriors bold, Intimidate and from the body drive Hector; and he had dragg'd him thence and won Immortal glory, but that Iris, sent 205 Unseen by Jove and by the powers of heaven, From Juno, to Achilles brought command That he should show himself. Full near she drew, And in wing'd accents thus the Chief address'd. Hero! most terrible of men, arise! 210 protect Patroclus, for whose sake the war Stands at the fleet of Greece. Mutual prevails The slaughter, these the dead defending, those Resolute hence to drag him to the gates Of wind-swept Ilium. But beyond them all 215 Illustrious Hector, obstinate is bent To win him, purposing to lop his head, And to exhibit it impaled on high. Thou then arise, nor longer on the ground Lie stretch'd inactive; let the thought with shame 220 Touch thee, of thy Patroclus made the sport Of Trojan dogs, whose corse, if it return Dishonored home, brings with it thy reproach. To whom Achilles matchless in the race. Iris divine! of all the Gods, who sent thee? 225 Then, thus, the swift ambassadress of heaven. By Juno sent I come, consort of Jove. Nor knows Saturnian Jove high-throned, himself, My flight, nor any of the Immortal Powers, Tenants of the Olympian heights snow-crown'd. 230 Her answer'd then Pelides, glorious Chief. How shall I seek the fight? they have my arms. My mother charged me also to abstain From battle, till she bring me armor new Which she hath promised me from Vulcan's hand. 235 Meantime, whose armor else might serve my need I know not, save perhaps alone the shield Of Telamonian Ajax, whom I deem Himself now busied in the stormy van, Slaying the Trojans in my friend's defence. 240 To whom the swift-wing'd messenger of heaven, Full well we know thine armor Hector's prize Yet, issuing to the margin of the foss, Show thyself only. Panic-seized, perchance, The Trojans shall from fight desist, and yield 245 To the o'ertoil'd though dauntless sons of Greece Short respite; it is all that war allows. So saying, the storm-wing'd Iris disappear'd.