Then rose at once Achilles dear to Jove, Athwart whose shoulders broad Minerva cast 250 Her AEgis fringed terrific, and his brows Encircled with a golden cloud that shot Fires insupportable to sight abroad. As when some island, situate afar On the wide waves, invested all the day 255 By cruel foes from their own city pour'd, Upsends a smoke to heaven, and torches shows On all her turrets at the close of eve Which flash against the clouds, kindled in hope Of aid from neighbor maritime allies, 260 So from Achilles' head light flash'd to heaven. Issuing through the wall, beside the foss He stood, but mix'd not with Achaia's host, Obedient to his mother's wise command. He stood and shouted; Pallas also raised 265 A dreadful shout and tumult infinite Excited throughout all the host of Troy. Clear as the trumpet's note when it proclaims A numerous host approaching to invest Some city close around, so clear the voice 270 Rang of AEacides, and tumult-toss'd Was every soul that heard the brazen tone. With swift recoil the long-maned coursers thrust The chariots back, all boding wo at hand, And every charioteer astonish'd saw 275 Fires that fail'd not, illumining the brows Of Peleus' son, by Pallas kindled there. Thrice o'er the trench Achilles sent his voice Sonorous, and confusion at the sound Thrice seized the Trojans, and their famed allies. 280 Twelve in that moment of their noblest died By their own spears and chariots, and with joy The Grecians from beneath a hill of darts Dragging Patroclus, placed him on his bier. Around him throng'd his fellow-warriors bold, 285 All weeping, after whom Achilles went Fast-weeping also at the doleful sight Of his true friend on his funereal bed Extended, gash'd with many a mortal wound, Whom he had sent into the fight with steeds 290 And chariot, but received him thence no more. And now majestic Juno sent the sun, Unwearied minister of light, although Reluctant, down into the Ocean stream.[5] So the sun sank, and the Achaians ceased 295 From the all-wasting labors of the war. On the other side, the Trojans, from the fight Retiring, loosed their steeds, but ere they took Thought of refreshment, in full council met. It was a council at which no man sat, 300 Or dared; all stood; such terror had on all Fallen, for that Achilles had appear'd, After long pause from battle's arduous toil. First rose Polydamas the prudent son Of Panthus, above all the Trojans skill'd 305 Both in futurity and in the past. He was the friend of Hector, and one night Gave birth to both. In council one excell'd And one still more in feats of high renown. Thus then, admonishing them, he began. 310 My friends! weigh well the occasion. Back to Troy By my advice, nor wait the sacred morn Here, on the plain, from Ilium's walls remote So long as yet the anger of this Chief 'Gainst noble Agamemnon burn'd, so long 315 We found the Greeks less formidable foes, And I rejoiced, myself, spending the night Beside their oary barks, for that I hoped To seize them; but I now tremble at thought Of Peleus' rapid son again in arms. 320 A spirit proud as his will scorn to fight Here, on the plain, where Greeks and Trojans take Their common share of danger and of toil, And will at once strike at your citadel, Impatient till he make your wives his prey. 325 Haste—let us home—else thus shall it befall; Night's balmy influence in his tent detains Achilles now, but rushing arm'd abroad To-morrow, should he find us lingering here, None shall mistake him then; happy the man 330 Who soonest, then, shall 'scape to sacred Troy! Then, dogs shall make and vultures on our flesh Plenteous repast. Oh spare mine ears the tale! But if, though troubled, ye can yet receive My counsel, thus assembled we will keep 335 Strict guard to-night; meantime, her gates and towers With all their mass of solid timbers, smooth And cramp'd with bolts of steel, will keep the town. But early on the morrow we will stand All arm'd on Ilium's towers. Then, if he choose, 340 His galleys left, to compass Troy about, He shall be task'd enough; his lofty steeds Shall have their fill of coursing to and fro Beneath, and gladly shall to camp return. But waste the town he shall not, nor attempt 345 With all the utmost valor that he boasts To force a pass; dogs shall devour him first. To whom brave Hector louring, and in wrath. Polydamas, I like not thy advice Who bidd'st us in our city skulk, again 350 Imprison'd there. Are ye not yet content? Wish ye for durance still in your own towers? Time was, when in all regions under heaven Men praised the wealth of Priam's city stored With gold and brass; but all our houses now 355 Stand emptied of their hidden treasures rare. Jove in his wrath hath scatter'd them; our wealth Is marketed, and Phrygia hath a part Purchased, and part Maeonia's lovely land. But since the son of wily Saturn old 360 Hath given me glory now, and to inclose The Grecians in their fleet hemm'd by the sea, Fool! taint not with such talk the public mind. For not a Trojan here will thy advice Follow, or shall; it hath not my consent. 365 But thus I counsel. Let us, band by band, Throughout the host take supper, and let each, Guarded against nocturnal danger, watch. And if a Trojan here be rack'd in mind Lest his possessions perish, let him cast 370 His golden heaps into the public maw,[6] Far better so consumed than by the Greeks. Then, with the morrow's dawn, all fair array'd In battle, we will give them at their fleet Sharp onset, and if Peleus' noble son 375 Have risen indeed to conflict for the ships, The worse for him. I shall not for his sake Avoid the deep-toned battle, but will firm Oppose his utmost. Either he shall gain Or I, great glory. Mars his favors deals 380 Impartial, and the slayer oft is slain. So counsell'd Hector, whom with shouts of praise The Trojans answer'd:—fools, and by the power Of Pallas of all sober thought bereft! For all applauded Hector, who had given 385 Advice pernicious, and Polydamas, Whose counsel was discreet and wholesome none. So then they took repast. But all night long The Grecians o'er Patroclus wept aloud, While, standing in the midst, Pelides led 390 The lamentation, heaving many a groan, And on the bosom of his breathless friend Imposing, sad, his homicidal hands. As the grim lion, from whose gloomy lair Among thick trees the hunter hath his whelps 395 Purloin'd, too late returning mourns his loss, Then, up and down, the length of many a vale Courses, exploring fierce the robber's foot, Incensed as he, and with a sigh deep-drawn Thus to his Myrmidons Achilles spake. 400 How vain, alas! my word spoken that day At random, when to soothe the hero's fears Menoetius, then our guest, I promised him His noble son at Opoeis again, Living and laden with the spoils of Troy! 405 But Jove performs not all the thoughts of man, For we were both destined to tinge the soil Of Ilium with our blood, nor I shall see, Myself, my father in his mansion more Or Thetis, but must find my burial here. 410 Yet, my Patroclus! since the earth expects Me next, I will not thy funereal rites Finish, till I shall bring both head and arms Of that bold Chief who slew thee, to my tent. I also will smite off, before thy pile, 415 The heads of twelve illustrious sons of Troy, Resentful of thy death. Meantime, among My lofty galleys thou shalt lie, with tears Mourn'd day and night by Trojan captives fair And Dardan compassing thy bier around, 420 Whom we, at price of labor hard, ourselves With massy spears toiling in battle took From many an opulent city, now no more. So saying, he bade his train surround with fire A tripod huge, that they might quickly cleanse 425 Patroclus from all stain of clotted gore. They on the blazing hearth a tripod placed Capacious, fill'd with water its wide womb, And thrust dry wood beneath, till, fierce, the flames Embraced it round, and warm'd the flood within. 430 Soon as the water in the singing brass Simmer'd, they bathed him, and with limpid oil Anointed; filling, next, his ruddy wounds With unguent mellow'd by nine circling years, They stretch'd him on his bed, then cover'd him 435 From head to feet with linen texture light, And with a wide unsullied mantle, last.[7] All night the Myrmidons around the swift Achilles stood, deploring loud his friend, And Jove his spouse and sister thus bespake. 440 So then, Imperial Juno! not in vain Thou hast the swift Achilles sought to rouse Again to battle; the Achaians, sure, Are thy own children, thou hast borne them all. To whom the awful Goddess ample-eyed. 445 What word hath pass'd thy lips, Jove, most severe? A man, though mortal merely, and to me Inferior in device, might have achieved That labor easily. Can I who boast Myself the chief of Goddesses, and such 450 Not by birth only, but as thine espoused, Who art thyself sovereign of all the Gods, Can I with anger burn against the house Of Priam, and want means of just revenge? Thus they in heaven their mutual conference 455 Meantime, the silver-footed Thetis reach'd The starr'd abode eternal, brazen wall'd Of Vulcan, by the builder lame himself Uprear'd, a wonder even in eyes divine. She found him sweating, at his bellows huge 460 Toiling industrious; tripods bright he form'd Twenty at once, his palace-wall to grace Ranged in harmonious order. Under each Two golden wheels he set, on which (a sight Marvellous!) into council they should roll 465 Self-moved, and to his house, self-moved, return. Thus far the work was finish'd, but not yet Their ears of exquisite design affixt, For them he stood fashioning, and prepared The rivets. While he thus his matchless skill 470 Employ'd laborious, to his palace-gate The silver-footed Thetis now advanced, Whom Charis, Vulcan's well-attired spouse, Beholding from the palace portal, flew To seize the Goddess' hand, and thus inquired. 475 Why, Thetis! worthy of all reverence And of all love, comest thou to our abode, Unfrequent here? But enter, and accept Such welcome as to such a guest is due. So saying, she introduced and to a seat 480 Led her with argent studs border'd around And foot-stool'd sumptuously;[8] then, calling forth Her spouse, the glorious artist, thus she said. Haste, Vulcan! Thetis wants thee; linger not. To whom the artist of the skies replied. 485 A Goddess then, whom with much cause I love And venerate is here, who when I fell Saved me, what time my shameless mother sought To cast me, because lame, out of all sight; Then had I been indeed forlorn, had not 490 Eurynome the daughter of the Deep And Thetis in their laps received me fallen. Nine years with them residing, for their use I form'd nice trinkets, clasps, rings, pipes, and chains, While loud around our hollow cavern roar'd 495 The surge of the vast deep, nor God nor man, Save Thetis and Eurynome, my life's Preservers, knew where I was kept conceal'd. Since, therefore, she is come, I cannot less Than recompense to Thetis amber-hair'd 500 With readiness the boon of life preserved. Haste, then, and hospitably spread the board For her regale, while with my best dispatch I lay my bellows and my tools aside. He spake, and vast in bulk and hot with toil 505 Rose limping from beside his anvil-stock Upborne, with pain on legs tortuous and weak. First, from the forge dislodged he thrust apart His bellows, and his tools collecting all Bestow'd them, careful, in a silver chest, 510 Then all around with a wet sponge he wiped His visage, and his arms and brawny neck Purified, and his shaggy breast from smutch; Last, putting on his vest, he took in hand His sturdy staff, and shuffled through the door. 515 Beside the King of fire two golden forms Majestic moved, that served him in the place Of handmaids; young they seem'd, and seem'd alive, Nor want they intellect, or speech, or force, Or prompt dexterity by the Gods inspired. 520 These his supporters were, and at his side Attendant diligent, while he, with gait Uncouth, approaching Thetis where she sat On a bright throne, seized fast her hand and said, Why, Thetis! worthy as thou art of love 525 And of all reverence, hast thou arrived, Unfrequent here? Speak—tell me thy desire, Nor doubt my services, if thou demand Things possible, and possible to me. Then Thetis, weeping plenteously, replied. 530 Oh Vulcan! Is there on Olympius' heights A Goddess with such load of sorrow press'd As, in peculiar, Jove assigns to me? Me only, of all ocean-nymphs, he made Spouse to a man, Peleus AEacides, 535 Whose bed, although reluctant and perforce, I yet endured to share. He now, the prey Of cheerless age, decrepid lies, and Jove Still other woes heaps on my wretched head. He gave me to bring forth, gave me to rear 540 A son illustrious, valiant, and the chief Of heroes; he, like a luxuriant plant Upran[9] to manhood, while his lusty growth I nourish'd as the husbandman his vine Set in a fruitful field, and being grown 545 I 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, Beneath the roof of Peleus, never more, And while he lives and on the sun his eyes 550 Opens, affliction is his certain doom, Nor aid resides or remedy in me. The virgin, his own portion of the spoils, Allotted to him by the Grecians—her Atrides, King of men, resumed, and grief 555 Devour'd Achilles' spirit for her sake. Meantime, the Trojans shutting close within Their camp the Grecians, have forbidden them All egress, and the senators of Greece Have sought with splendid gifts to soothe my son. 560 He, indisposed to rescue them himself From ruin, sent, instead, Patroclus forth, Clad in his own resplendent armor, Chief Of the whole host of Myrmidons. Before The Scaean gate from morn to eve they fought, 565 And on that self-same day had Ilium fallen, But that Apollo, to advance the fame Of Hector, slew Menoetius' noble son Full-flush'd with victory. Therefore at thy knees Suppliant I fall, imploring from thine art 570 A shield and helmet, greaves of shapely form With clasps secured, and corselet for my son. For those, once his, his faithful friend hath lost, Slain by the Trojans, and Achilles lies, Himself, extended mournful on the ground. 575 Her answer'd then the artist of the skies. Courage! Perplex not with these cares thy soul. I would that when his fatal hour shall come, I could as sure secrete him from the stroke Of destiny, as he shall soon have arms 580 Illustrious, such as each particular man Of thousands, seeing them, shall wish his own. He said, and to his bellows quick repair'd, Which turning to the fire he bade them heave. Full twenty bellows working all at once 595 Breathed on the furnace, blowing easy and free The managed winds, now forcible, as best Suited dispatch, now gentle, if the will Of Vulcan and his labor so required. Impenetrable brass, tin, silver, gold, 590 He cast into the forge, then, settling firm His ponderous anvil on the block, one hand With his huge hammer fill'd, one with the tongs. [10]He fashion'd first a shield massy and broad Of labor exquisite, for which he form'd 595 A triple border beauteous, dazzling bright, And loop'd it with a silver brace behind. The shield itself with five strong folds he forged, And with devices multiform the disk Capacious charged, toiling with skill divine. 600 There he described the earth, the heaven, the sea, The sun that rests not, and the moon full-orb'd. There also, all the stars which round about As with a radiant frontlet bind the skies, The Pleiads and the Hyads, and the might 605 Of huge Orion, with him Ursa call'd, Known also by his popular name, the Wain, That spins around the pole looking toward Orion, only star of these denied To slake his beams in ocean's briny baths. 610 Two splendid cities also there he form'd Such as men build. In one were to be seen Rites matrimonial solemnized with pomp Of sumptuous banquets; from their chambers forth Leading the brides they usher'd them along 615 With torches through the streets, and sweet was heard The voice around of Hymenaeal song. Here striplings danced in circles to the sound Of pipe and harp, while in the portals stood Women, admiring, all, the gallant show. 620 Elsewhere was to be seen in council met The close-throng'd multitude. There strife arose. Two citizens contended for a mulct The price of blood. This man affirm'd the fine All paid,[11] haranguing vehement the crowd, 625 That man denied that he had aught received, And to the judges each made his appeal Eager for their award. Meantime the people, As favor sway'd them, clamor'd loud for each. The heralds quell'd the tumult; reverend sat 630 On polish'd stones the elders in a ring, Each with a herald's sceptre in his hand, Which holding they arose, and all in turn Gave sentence. In the midst two talents lay Of gold, his destined recompense whose voice 635 Decisive should pronounce the best award. The other city by two glittering hosts Invested stood, and a dispute arose Between the hosts, whether to burn the town And lay all waste, or to divide the spoil. 640 Meantime, the citizens, still undismay'd, Surrender'd not the town, but taking arms Secretly, set the ambush in array, And on the walls their wives and children kept Vigilant guard, with all the ancient men. 645 They sallied; at their head Pallas and Mars Both golden and in golden vests attired Advanced, proportion each showing divine, Large, prominent, and such as Gods beseem'd. Not such the people, but of humbler size. 650 Arriving at the spot for ambush chosen, A river's side, where cattle of each kind Drank, down they sat, all arm'd in dazzling brass. Apart from all the rest sat also down Two spies, both looking for the flocks and herds. 655 Soon they appear'd, and at their side were seen Two shepherd swains, each playing on his pipe Careless, and of the danger nought apprized, Swift ran the spies, perceiving their approach, And intercepting suddenly the herds 660 And flocks of silver fleece, slew also those Who fed them. The besiegers, at that time In council, by the sound alarm'd, their steeds Mounted, and hasted, instant, to the place; Then, standing on the river's brink they fought 665 And push'd each other with the brazen lance. There Discord raged, there Tumult, and the force Of ruthless Destiny; she now a Chief Seized newly wounded, and now captive held Another yet unhurt, and now a third 670 Dragg'd breathless through the battle by his feet And all her garb was dappled thick with blood Like living men they traversed and they strove, And dragg'd by turns the bodies of the slain. He also graved on it a fallow field 675 Rich, spacious, and well-till'd. Plowers not few, There driving to and fro their sturdy teams, Labor'd the land; and oft as in their course They came to the field's bourn, so oft a man Met them, who in their hands a goblet placed 680 Charged with delicious wine. They, turning, wrought Each his own furrow, and impatient seem'd To reach the border of the tilth, which black Appear'd behind them as a glebe new-turn'd, Though golden. Sight to be admired by all! 685 There too he form'd the likeness of a field Crowded with corn, in which the reapers toil'd Each with a sharp-tooth'd sickle in his hand. Along the furrow here, the harvest fell In frequent handfuls, there, they bound the sheaves. 690 Three binders of the sheaves their sultry task All plied industrious, and behind them boys Attended, filling with the corn their arms And offering still their bundles to be bound. Amid them, staff in hand, the master stood 695 Silent exulting, while beneath an oak Apart, his heralds busily prepared The banquet, dressing a well-thriven ox New slain, and the attendant maidens mix'd Large supper for the hinds of whitest flour. 700 There also, laden with its fruit he form'd A vineyard all of gold; purple he made The clusters, and the vines supported stood By poles of silver set in even rows. The trench he color'd sable, and around 705 Fenced it with tin. One only path it show'd By which the gatherers when they stripp'd the vines Pass'd and repass'd. There, youths and maidens blithe In frails of wicker bore the luscious fruit, While, in the midst, a boy on his shrill harp 710 Harmonious play'd, still as he struck the chord Carolling to it with a slender voice. They smote the ground together, and with song And sprightly reed came dancing on behind.[12] There too a herd he fashion'd of tall beeves 715 Part gold, part tin. They, lowing, from the stalls Rush'd forth to pasture by a river-side Rapid, sonorous, fringed with whispering reeds. Four golden herdsmen drove the kine a-field By nine swift dogs attended. Dreadful sprang 720 Two lions forth, and of the foremost herd Seized fast a bull. Him bellowing they dragg'd, While dogs and peasants all flew to his aid. The lions tore the hide of the huge prey And lapp'd his entrails and his blood. Meantime 725 The herdsmen, troubling them in vain, their hounds Encouraged; but no tooth for lions' flesh Found they, and therefore stood aside and bark'd. There also, the illustrious smith divine Amidst a pleasant grove a pasture form'd 730 Spacious, and sprinkled o'er with silver sheep Numerous, and stalls and huts and shepherds' tents. To these the glorious artist added next, With various skill delineated exact, A labyrinth for the dance, such as of old 735 In Crete's broad island Daedalus composed For bright-hair'd Ariadne.[13] There the youths And youth-alluring maidens, hand in hand, Danced jocund, every maiden neat-attired In finest linen, and the youths in vests 740 Well-woven, glossy as the glaze of oil. These all wore garlands, and bright falchions, those, Of burnish'd gold in silver trappings hung:—[14] They with well-tutor'd step, now nimbly ran The circle, swift, as when, before his wheel 745 Seated, the potter twirls it with both hands For trial of its speed,[15] now, crossing quick They pass'd at once into each other's place. On either side spectators numerous stood Delighted, and two tumblers roll'd themselves 750 Between the dancers, singing as they roll'd. Last, with the might of ocean's boundless flood He fill'd the border of the wondrous shield. When thus the massy shield magnificent He had accomplish'd, for the hero next 755 He forged, more ardent than the blaze of fire, A corselet; then, a ponderous helmet bright Well fitted to his brows, crested with gold, And with laborious art divine adorn'd. He also made him greaves of molten tin. 760 The armor finish'd, bearing in his hand The whole, he set it down at Thetis' feet. She, like a falcon from the snowy top Stoop'd of Olympus, bearing to the earth The dazzling wonder, fresh from Vulcan's hand. 765



THE ILIAD.

BOOK XIX.



ARGUMENT OF THE NINETEENTH BOOK.

Achilles is reconciled to Agamemnon, and clothed in new armor forged by Vulcan, leads out the Myrmidons to battle.



BOOK XIX.

Now rose the morn in saffron vest attired From ocean, with new day for Gods and men, When Thetis at the fleet of Greece arrived, Bearing that gift divine. She found her son All tears, and close enfolding in his arms 5 Patroclus, while his Myrmidons around Wept also;[1] she amid them, graceful, stood, And seizing fast his hand, him thus bespake. Although our loss be great, yet, oh my son! Leave we Patroclus lying on the bier 10 To which the Gods ordain'd him from the first. Receive from Vulcan's hands these glorious arms, Such as no mortal shoulders ever bore. So saying, she placed the armor on the ground Before him, and the whole bright treasure rang. 15 A tremor shook the Myrmidons; none dared Look on it, but all fled. Not so himself. In him fresh vengeance kindled at the view, And, while he gazed, a splendor as of fire Flash'd from his eyes. Delighted, in his hand 20 He held the glorious bounty of the God, And, wondering at those strokes of art divine, His eager speech thus to his mother turn'd.[2] The God, my mother! hath bestow'd in truth Such armor on me as demanded skill 25 Like his, surpassing far all power of man. Now, therefore, I will arm. But anxious fears Trouble me, lest intrusive flies, meantime, Breed worms within the spear-inflicted wounds Of Menoetiades, and fill with taint 30 Of putrefaction his whole breathless form.[3] But him the silver-footed Goddess fair Thus answer'd. Oh, my son! chase from thy mind All such concern. I will, myself, essay To drive the noisome swarms which on the slain 35 In battle feed voracious. Should he lie The year complete, his flesh shall yet be found Untainted, and, it may be, fragrant too. But thou the heroes of Achaia's host Convening, in their ears thy wrath renounce 40 Against the King of men, then, instant, arm For battle, and put on thy glorious might. So saying, the Goddess raised his courage high. Then, through the nostrils of the dead she pour'd Ambrosia, and the ruddy juice divine 45 Of nectar, antidotes against decay. And now forth went Achilles by the side Of ocean, calling with a dreadful shout To council all the heroes of the host.[4] Then, even they who in the fleet before 50 Constant abode, helmsmen and those who held In stewardship the food and public stores, All flock'd to council, for that now at length After long abstinence from dread exploits Of war, Achilles had once more appear'd. 55 Two went together, halting on the spear, (For still they felt the anguish of their wounds) Noble Ulysses and brave Diomede, And took an early seat; whom follow'd last The King of men, by Cooen in the field 60 Of furious battle wounded with a lance. The Grecians all assembled, in the midst Upstood the swift Achilles, and began. Atrides! we had doubtless better sped Both thou and I, thus doing, when at first 65 With cruel rage we burn'd, a girl the cause. I would that Dian's shaft had in the fleet Slain her that self-same day when I destroy'd Lyrnessus, and by conquest made her mine! Then had not many a Grecian, lifeless now, 70 Clench'd with his teeth the ground, victim, alas! Of my revenge; whence triumph hath accrued To Hector and his host, while ours have cause For long remembrance of our mutual strife. But evils past let pass, yielding perforce 75 To sad necessity. My wrath shall cease Now; I resign it; it hath burn'd too long. Thou therefore summon forth the host to fight, That I may learn meeting them in the field, If still the Trojans purpose at our fleet 80 To watch us this night also. But I judge That driven by my spear to rapid flight, They shall escape with weary limbs[5] at least. He ended, and the Grecians brazen-greaved Rejoiced that Peleus' mighty son had cast 85 His wrath aside. Then not into the midst Proceeding, but at his own seat, upstood King Agamemnon, and them thus bespake. Friends! Grecian heroes! Ministers of Mars! Arise who may to speak, he claims your ear; 90 All interruption wrongs him, and distracts, Howe'er expert the speaker. Who can hear Amid the roar of tumult, or who speak? The clearest voice, best utterance, both are vain I shall address Achilles. Hear my speech 95 Ye Argives, and with understanding mark. I hear not now the voice of your reproach[6] First; ye have oft condemn'd me. Yet the blame Rests not with me; Jove, Destiny, and she Who roams the shades, Erynnis, caused the offence. 100 She fill'd my soul with fury on that day In council, when I seized Achilles' prize. For what could I? All things obey the Gods. Ate, pernicious Power, daughter of Jove, By whom all suffer, challenges from all 105 Reverence and fear. Delicate are her feet Which scorn the ground, and over human heads She glides, injurious to the race of man, Of two who strive, at least entangling one. She injured, on a day, dread Jove himself 110 Most excellent of all in earth or heaven, When Juno, although female, him deceived, What time Alcmena should have brought to light In bulwark'd Thebes the force of Hercules. Then Jove, among the gods glorying, spake. 115 Hear all! both Gods and Goddesses, attend! That I may make my purpose known. This day Birth-pang-dispensing Ilithya brings An hero forth to light, who, sprung from those That sprang from me, his empire shall extend 120 Over all kingdoms bordering on his own. To whom, designing fraud, Juno replied. Thou wilt be found false, and this word of thine Shall want performance. But Olympian Jove! Swear now the inviolable oath, that he 125 Who shall, this day, fall from between the feet Of woman, drawing his descent from thee, Shall rule all kingdoms bordering on his own. She said, and Jove, suspecting nought her wiles, The great oath swore, to his own grief and wrong. 130 At once from the Olympian summit flew Juno, and to Achaian Argos borne, There sought the noble wife[7] of Sthenelus, Offspring of Perseus. Pregnant with a son Six months, she now the seventh saw at hand, 135 But him the Goddess premature produced, And check'd Alcmena's pangs already due. Then joyful to have so prevail'd, she bore Herself the tidings to Saturnian Jove. Lord of the candent lightnings! Sire of all! 140 I bring thee tidings. The great prince, ordain'd To rule the Argive race, this day is born, Eurystheus, son of Sthenelus, the son Of Perseus; therefore he derives from thee, Nor shall the throne of Argos shame his birth. 145 She spake; then anguish stung the heart of Jove Deeply, and seizing by her glossy locks The Goddess Ate, in his wrath he swore That never to the starry skies again And the Olympian heights he would permit 150 The universal mischief to return. Then, whirling her around, he cast her down To earth. She, mingling with all works of men, Caused many a pang to Jove, who saw his son Laborious tasks servile, and of his birth 155 Unworthy, at Eurystheus' will enjoin'd. So when the hero Hector at our ships Slew us, I then regretted my offence Which Ate first impell'd me to commit. But since, infatuated by the Gods 160 I err'd, behold me ready to appease With gifts of price immense whom I have wrong'd. Thou, then, arise to battle, and the host Rouse also. Not a promise yesternight Was made thee by Ulysses in thy tent 165 On my behalf, but shall be well perform'd. Or if it please thee, though impatient, wait Short season, and my train shall bring the gifts Even now; that thou may'st understand and know That my peace-offerings are indeed sincere. 170 To whom Achilles, swiftest of the swift. Atrides! Agamemnon! passing all In glory! King of men! recompense just By gifts to make me, or to make me none, That rests with thee. But let us to the fight 175 Incontinent. It is no time to play The game of rhetoric, and to waste the hours In speeches. Much remains yet unperform'd. Achilles must go forth. He must be seen Once more in front of battle, wasting wide 180 With brazen spear, the crowded ranks of Troy. Mark him—and as he fights, fight also ye. To whom Ulysses ever-wise replied. Nay—urge not, valiant as thou art thyself, Achaia's sons up to the battlements 185 Of Ilium, by repast yet unrefresh'd, Godlike Achilles!—For when phalanx once Shall clash with phalanx, and the Gods with rage Both hosts inspire, the contest shall not then Prove short. Bid rather the Achaians take 190 Both food and wine, for they are strength and might. To stand all day till sunset to a foe Opposed in battle, fasting, were a task Might foil the best; for though his will be prompt To combat, yet the power must by degrees 195 Forsake him; thirst and hunger he must feel, And his limbs failing him at every step. But he who hath his vigor to the full Fed with due nourishment, although he fight All day, yet feels his courage unimpair'd, 200 Nor weariness perceives till all retire. Come then—dismiss the people with command That each prepare replenishment. Meantime Let Agamemnon, King of men, his gifts In presence here of the assembled Greeks 205 Produce, that all may view them, and that thou May'st feel thine own heart gladden'd at the sight. Let the King also, standing in the midst, Swear to thee, that he renders back the maid A virgin still, and strange to his embrace, 210 And let thy own composure prove, the while, That thou art satisfied. Last, let him spread A princely banquet for thee in his tent, That thou may'st want no part of just amends. Thou too, Atrides, shalt hereafter prove 215 More just to others; for himself, a King, Stoops not too low, soothing whom he hath wrong'd. Him Agamemnon answer'd, King of men. Thou hast arranged wisely the whole concern, O Laeertiades, and I have heard 220 Thy speech, both words and method with delight. Willing I am, yea more, I wish to swear As thou hast said, for by the Gods I can Most truly. Let Achilles, though of pause Impatient, suffer yet a short delay 225 With all assembled here, till from my tent The gifts arrive, and oaths of peace be sworn. To thee I give it in peculiar charge That choosing forth the most illustrious youths Of all Achaia, thou produce the gifts 230 from my own ship, all those which yesternight We promised, nor the women leave behind. And let Talthybius throughout all the camp Of the Achaians, instant, seek a boar For sacrifice to Jove and to the Sun. 235 Then thus Achilles matchless in the race. Atrides! most illustrious! King of men! Expedience bids us to these cares attend Hereafter, when some pause, perchance, of fight Shall happen, and the martial rage which fires 240 My bosom now, shall somewhat less be felt. Our friends by Priameian Hector slain, Now strew the field mangled, for him hath Jove Exalted high, and given him great renown. But haste, now take refreshment; though, in truth 245 Might I direct, the host should by all means Unfed to battle, and at set of sun All sup together, this affront revenged. But as for me, no drop shall pass my lips Or morsel, whose companion lies with feet 250 Turn'd to the vestibule, pierced by the spear, And compass'd by my weeping train around. No want of food feel I. My wishes call For carnage, blood, and agonies and groans. But him, excelling in all wisdom, thus 255 Ulysses answer'd. Oh Achilles! son Of Peleus! bravest far of all our host! Me, in no scanty measure, thou excell'st Wielding the spear, and thee in prudence, I Not less. For I am elder, and have learn'd 260 What thou hast yet to learn. Bid then thine heart Endure with patience to be taught by me. Men, satiate soon with battle, loathe the field On which the most abundant harvest falls, Reap'd by the sword; and when the hand of Jove 265 Dispenser of the great events of war, Turns once the scale, then, farewell every hope Of more than scanty gleanings. Shall the Greeks Abstain from sustenance for all who die? That were indeed severe, since day by day 270 No few expire, and respite could be none. The dead, die whoso may, should be inhumed. This, duty bids, but bids us also deem One day sufficient for our sighs and tears. Ourselves, all we who still survive the war, 275 Have need of sustenance, that we may bear The lengthen'd conflict with recruited might, Case in enduring brass.—Ye all have heard Your call to battle; let none lingering stand In expectation of a farther call, 280 Which if it sound, shall thunder prove to him Who lurks among the ships. No. Rush we all Together forth, for contest sharp prepared, And persevering with the host of Troy. So saying, the sons of Nestor, glorious Chief, 285 He chose, with Meges Phyleus' noble son, Thoas, Meriones, and Melanippus And Lycomedes. These, together, sought The tent of Agamemnon, King of men. They ask'd, and they received. Soon they produced 290 The seven promised tripods from the tent, Twice ten bright caldrons, twelve high-mettled steeds, Seven lovely captives skill'd alike in arts Domestic, of unblemish'd beauty rare, And last, Briseis with the blooming cheeks. 295 Before them went Ulysses, bearing weigh'd Ten golden talents, whom the chosen Greeks Attended laden with the remnant gifts. Full in the midst they placed them. Then arose King Agamemnon, and Talthybius 300 The herald, clear in utterance as a God, Beside him stood, holding the victim boar. Atrides, drawing forth his dagger bright, Appendant ever to his sword's huge sheath, Sever'd the bristly forelock of the boar, 305 A previous offering. Next, with lifted hands To Jove he pray'd, while, all around, the Greeks Sat listening silent to the Sovereign's voice. He look'd to the wide heaven, and thus he pray'd. First, Jove be witness! of all Powers above 310 Best and supreme; Earth next, and next the Sun! And last, who under Earth the guilt avenge Of oaths sworn falsely, let the Furies hear! For no respect of amorous desire Or other purpose, have I laid mine hand 315 On fair Briseis, but within my tent Untouch'd, immaculate she hath remain'd. And if I falsely swear, then may the Gods The many woes with which they mark the crime Of men forsworn, pour also down on me! 320 So saying, he pierced the victim in his throat And, whirling him around, Talthybius, next, Cast him into the ocean, fishes' food.[8] Then, in the centre of Achaia's sons Uprose Achilles, and thus spake again. 325 Jove! Father! dire calamities, effects Of thy appointment, fall on human-kind. Never had Agamemnon in my breast Such anger kindled, never had he seized, Blinded by wrath, and torn my prize away, 330 But that the slaughter of our numerous friends Which thence ensued, thou hadst, thyself, ordained. Now go, ye Grecians, eat, and then to battle. So saying, Achilles suddenly dissolved The hasty council, and all flew dispersed 335 To their own ships. Then took the Myrmidons Those splendid gifts which in the tent they lodged Of swift Achilles, and the damsels led Each to a seat, while others of his train Drove forth the steeds to pasture with his herd. 340 But when Briseis, bright as Venus, saw Patroclus lying mangled by the spear, Enfolding him around, she shriek'd and tore Her bosom, her smooth neck and beauteous cheeks. Then thus, divinely fair, with tears she said. 345 Ah, my Patroclus! dearest friend of all To hapless me, departing from this tent I left thee living, and now, generous Chief! Restored to it again, here find thee dead. How rapid in succession are my woes! 350 I saw, myself, the valiant prince to whom My parents had betroth'd me, slain before Our city walls; and my three brothers, sons Of my own mother, whom with long regret I mourn, fell also in that dreadful field. 355 But when the swift Achilles slew the prince Design'd my spouse, and the fair city sack'd Of noble Mynes, thou by every art Of tender friendship didst forbid my tears, Promising oft that thou would'st make me bride 360 Of Peleus' godlike son, that thy own ship Should waft me hence to Phthia, and that thyself Would'st furnish forth among the Myrmidons Our nuptial feast. Therefore thy death I mourn Ceaseless, for thou wast ever kind to me. 365 She spake, and all her fellow-captives heaved Responsive sighs, deploring each, in show, The dead Patroclus, but, in truth, herself.[9] Then the Achaian Chiefs gather'd around Achilles, wooing him to eat, but he 370 Groan'd and still resolute, their suit refused— If I have here a friend on whom by prayers I may prevail, I pray that ye desist, Nor longer press me, mourner as I am, To eat or drink, for till the sun go down 375 I am inflexible, and will abstain. So saying, the other princes he dismiss'd Impatient, but the sons of Atreus both, Ulysses, Nestor and Idomeneus, With Phoenix, hoary warrior, in his tent 380 Abiding still, with cheerful converse kind Essay'd to soothe him, whose afflicted soul All soothing scorn'd till he should once again Rush on the ravening edge of bloody war. Then, mindful of his friend, groaning he said 385 Time was, unhappiest, dearest of my friends! When even thou, with diligent dispatch, Thyself, hast spread a table in my tent, The hour of battle drawing nigh between The Greeks and warlike Trojans. But there lies 390 Thy body now, gored by the ruthless steel, And for thy sake I neither eat nor drink, Though dearth be none, conscious that other wo Surpassing this I can have none to fear. No, not if tidings of my father's death 395 Should reach me, who, this moment, weeps, perhaps, In Phthia tears of tenderest regret For such a son; while I, remote from home Fight for detested Helen under Troy. Nor even were he dead, whom, if he live, 400 I rear in Scyros, my own darling son, My Neoptolemus of form divine.[10] For still this hope I cherish'd in my breast Till now, that, of us two, myself alone Should fall at Ilium, and that thou, restored 405 To Phthia, should'st have wafted o'er the waves My son from Scyros to his native home, That thou might'st show him all his heritage, My train of menials, and my fair abode. For either dead already I account 410 Peleus, or doubt not that his residue Of miserable life shall soon be spent, Through stress of age and expectation sad That tidings of my death shall, next, arrive. So spake Achilles weeping, around whom 415 The Chiefs all sigh'd, each with remembrance pain'd Of some loved object left at home. Meantime Jove, with compassion moved, their sorrow saw, And in wing'd accents thus to Pallas spake. Daughter! thou hast abandon'd, as it seems, 420 Yon virtuous Chief for ever; shall no care Thy mind engage of brave Achilles more? Before his gallant fleet mourning he sits His friend, disconsolate; the other Greeks Sat and are satisfied; he only fasts. 425 Go then—instil nectar into his breast, And sweets ambrosial, that he hunger not. So saying, he urged Minerva prompt before. In form a shrill-voiced Harpy of long wing Through ether down she darted, while the Greeks 430 In all their camp for instant battle arm'd. Ambrosial sweets and nectar she instill'd Into his breast, lest he should suffer loss Of strength through abstinence, then soar'd again To her great Sire's unperishing abode. 435 And now the Grecians from their gallant fleet All pour'd themselves abroad. As when thick snow From Jove descends, driven by impetuous gusts Of the cloud-scattering North, so frequent shone Issuing from the fleet the dazzling casques, 440 Boss'd bucklers, hauberks strong, and ashen spears. Upwent the flash to heaven; wide all around The champain laugh'd with beamy brass illumed, And tramplings of the warriors on all sides Resounded, amidst whom Achilles arm'd. 445 He gnash'd his teeth, fire glimmer'd in his eyes, Anguish intolerable wrung his heart And fury against Troy, while he put on His glorious arms, the labor of a God. First, to his legs his polish'd greaves he clasp'd 450 Studded with silver, then his corselet bright Braced to his bosom, his huge sword of brass Athwart his shoulder slung, and his broad shield Uplifted last, luminous as the moon. Such as to mariners a fire appears, 455 Kindled by shepherds on the distant top Of some lone hill; they, driven by stormy winds, Reluctant roam far off the fishy deep, Such from Achilles' burning shield divine A lustre struck the skies; his ponderous helm 460 He lifted to his brows; starlike it shone, And shook its curling crest of bushy gold, By Vulcan taught to wave profuse around. So clad, godlike Achilles trial made If his arms fitted him, and gave free scope 465 To his proportion'd limbs; buoyant they proved As wings, and high upbore his airy tread. He drew his father's spear forth from his case, Heavy and huge and long. That spear, of all Achaia's sons, none else had power to wield; 470 Achilles only could the Pelian spear Brandish, by Chiron for his father hewn From Pelion's top for slaughter of the brave. His coursers, then, Automedon prepared And Alcimus, adjusting diligent 475 The fair caparisons; they thrust the bits Into their mouths, and to the chariot seat Extended and made fast the reins behind. The splendid scourge commodious to the grasp Seizing, at once Automedon upsprang 480 Into his place; behind him, arm'd complete Achilles mounted, as the orient sun All dazzling, and with awful tone his speech Directed to the coursers of his Sire. Xanthus, and Balius of Podarges' blood 485 Illustrious! see ye that, the battle done, Ye bring whom now ye bear back to the host Of the Achaians in far other sort, Nor leave him, as ye left Patroclus, dead.[11] Him then his steed unconquer'd in the race, 490 Xanthus answer'd from beneath his yoke, But, hanging low his head, and with his mane Dishevell'd all, and streaming to the ground. Him Juno vocal made, Goddess white-arm'd. And doubtless so we will. This day at least 495 We bear thee safe from battle, stormy Chief! But thee the hour of thy destruction swift Approaches, hasten'd by no fault of ours, But by the force of fate and power divine. For not through sloth or tardiness on us 500 Aught chargeable, have Ilium's sons thine arms Stript from Patroclus' shoulders, but a God Matchless in battle, offspring of bright-hair'd Latona, him contending in the van Slew, for the glory of the Chief of Troy. 505 We, Zephyrus himself, though by report Swiftest of all the winds of heaven, in speed Could equal, but the Fates thee also doom By human hands to fall, and hands divine. The interposing Furies at that word 510 Suppress'd his utterance,[12] and indignant, thus, Achilles, swiftest of the swift, replied. Why, Xanthus, propheciest thou my death? It ill beseems thee. I already know That from my parents far remote my doom 515 Appoints me here to die; yet not the more Cease I from feats if arms, till Ilium's host Shall have received, at length, their fill of war. He said, and with a shout drove forth to battle.



THE ILIAD.

BOOK XX.



ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTIETH BOOK.

By permission of Jupiter the Gods descend into the battle, and range themselves on either side respectively. Neptune rescues AEneas from death by the hand of Achilles, from whom Apollo, soon after, rescues Hector. Achilles slays many Trojans.



BOOK XX.

The Grecians, thus, before their lofty ships Stood arm'd around Achilles, glorious Chief Insatiable with war, and opposite The Trojans on the rising-ground appear'd.[1] Meantime, Jove order'd Themis, from the head 5 Of the deep-fork'd Olympian to convene The Gods in council. She to every part Proceeding, bade them to the courts of Jove.[2] Nor of the Floods was any absent thence Oceanus except, or of the Nymphs 10 Who haunt the pleasant groves, or dwell beside Stream-feeding fountains, or in meadows green. Within the courts of cloud-assembler Jove Arrived, on pillar'd thrones radiant they sat, With ingenuity divine contrived 15 By Vulcan for the mighty Sire of all. Thus they within the Thunderer's palace sat Assembled; nor was Neptune slow to hear The voice of Themis, but (the billows left) Came also; in the midst his seat he took, 20 And ask'd, incontinent, the mind of Jove.[3] King of the lightnings! wherefore hast thou call'd The Gods to council? Hast thou aught at heart Important to the hosts of Greece and Troy? For on the battle's fiery edge they stand. 25 To whom replied Jove, Sovereign of the storms, Thou know'st my council, Shaker of the shores! And wherefore ye are call'd. Although ordain'd So soon to die, they interest me still. Myself, here seated on Olympus' top, 30 With contemplation will my mind indulge Of yon great spectacle; but ye, the rest, Descend into the field, Trojan or Greek Each to assist, as each shall most incline. For should Achilles in the field no foe 35 Find save the Trojans, quickly should they fly Before the rapid force of Peleus' son. They trembled ever at his look, and since Such fury for his friend hath fired his heart, I fear lest he anticipate the will 40 Of Fate, and Ilium perish premature. So spake the son of Saturn kindling war Inevitable, and the Gods to fight 'Gan move with minds discordant. Juno sought And Pallas, with the earth-encircling Power 45 Neptune, the Grecian fleet, with whom were join'd Mercury, teacher of all useful arts, And Vulcan, rolling on all sides his eyes Tremendous, but on disproportion'd legs, Not without labor hard, halting uncouth. 50 Mars, warrior-God, on Ilium's part appear'd With Phoebus never-shorn, Dian shaft-arm'd, Xanthus, Latona, and the Queen of smiles, Venus. So long as the immortal Gods Mixed not with either host, Achaia's sons 55 Exulted, seeing, after tedious pause, Achilles in the field, and terror shook The knees of every Trojan, at the sight Of swift Achilles like another Mars Panting for blood, and bright in arms again. 60 But when the Olympian Powers had enter'd once The multitude, then Discord, at whose voice The million maddens, vehement arose; Then, Pallas at the trench without the wall By turns stood shouting, and by turns a shout 65 Sent terrible along the sounding shore, While, gloomy as a tempest, opposite, Mars from the lofty citadel of Troy Now yell'd aloud, now running o'er the hill Callicolone, on the Simois' side. 70 Thus the Immortals, ever-blest, impell'd Both hosts to battle, and dire inroad caused Of strife among them. Sudden from on high The Sire of Gods and men thunder'd; meantime, Neptune the earth and the high mountains shook; 75 Through all her base and to her topmost peak Ida spring-fed the agitation felt Reeling, all Ilium and the fleet of Greece. Upstarted from his throne, appall'd, the King Of Erebus, and with a cry his fears 80 Through hell proclaim'd, lest Neptune, o'er his head Shattering the vaulted earth, should wide disclose To mortal and immortal eyes his realm Terrible, squalid, to the Gods themselves A dreaded spectacle; with such a sound 85 The Powers eternal into battle rush'd.[4] Opposed to Neptune, King of the vast Deep, Apollo stood with his wing'd arrows arm'd; Pallas to Mars; Diana shaft-expert, Sister of Phoebus, in her golden bow 90 Rejoicing, with whose shouts the forests ring To Juno; Mercury, for useful arts Famed, to Latona; and to Vulcan's force The eddied River broad by mortal men Scamander call'd, but Xanthus by the Gods. 95 So Gods encounter'd Gods. But most desire Achilles felt, breaking the ranks, to rush On Priameian Hector, with whose blood Chiefly his fury prompted him to sate The indefatigable God of war. 100 But, the encourager of Ilium's host Apollo, urged AEneas to assail The son of Peleus, with heroic might Inspiring his bold heart. He feign'd the voice Of Priam's son Lycaon, and his form 105 Assuming, thus the Trojan Chief address'd. AEneas! Trojan leader! where are now Thy vaunts, which, banqueting erewhile among Our princes, o'er thy brimming cups thou mad'st, That thou would'st fight, thyself, with Peleus' son? 110 To whom AEneas answer thus returned. Offspring of Priam! why enjoin'st thou me Not so inclined, that arduous task, to cope With the unmatch'd Achilles? I have proved His force already, when he chased me down 115 From Ida with his spear, what time he made Seizure of all our cattle, and destroy'd Pedasus and Lyrnessus; but I 'scaped Unslain, by Jove himself empower'd to fly, Else had I fallen by Achilles' hand, 120 And by the hand of Pallas, who his steps Conducted, and exhorted him to slay Us and the Leleges.[5] Vain, therefore, proves All mortal force to Peleus' son opposed; For one, at least, of the Immortals stands 125 Ever beside him, guardian of his life, And, of himself, he hath an arm that sends His rapid spear unerring to the mark. Yet, would the Gods more equal sway the scales Of battle, not with ease should he subdue 130 Me, though he boast a panoply of brass. Him, then, Apollo answer'd, son of Jove. Hero! prefer to the immortal Gods Thy Prayer, for thee men rumor Venus' son Daughter of Jove; and Peleus' son his birth 135 Drew from a Goddess of inferior note. Thy mother is from Jove; the offspring, his, Less noble of the hoary Ocean old. Go, therefore, and thy conquering spear uplift Against him, nor let aught his sounding words 140 Appal thee, or his threats turn thee away. So saying, with martial force the Chief he fill'd, Who through the foremost combatants advanced Radiant in arms. Nor pass'd Anchises' son Unseen of Juno, through the crowded ranks 145 Seeking Achilles, but the Powers of heaven Convened by her command, she thus address'd. Neptune, and thou, Minerva! with mature Deliberation, ponder the event. Yon Chief, AEneas, dazzling bright in arms; 150 Goes to withstand Achilles, and he goes Sent by Apollo; in despite of whom Be it our task to give him quick repulse, Or, of ourselves, let some propitious Power Strengthen Achilles with a mind exempt 155 From terror, and with force invincible. So shall he know that of the Gods above The mightiest are his friends, with whom compared The favorers of Ilium in time past, Who stood her guardians in the bloody strife, 160 Are empty boasters all, and nothing worth. For therefore came we down, that we may share This fight, and that Achilles suffer nought Fatal to-day, though suffer all he must Hereafter, with his thread of life entwined 165 By Destiny, the day when he was born. But should Achilles unapprized remain Of such advantage by a voice divine, When he shall meet some Deity in the field, Fear then will seize him, for celestial forms 170 Unveil'd are terrible to mortal eyes. To whom replied the Shaker of the shores. Juno! thy hot impatience needs control; It ill befits thee. No desire I feel To force into contention with ourselves 175 Gods, our inferiors. No. Let us, retired To yonder hill, distant from all resort, There sit, while these the battle wage alone. But if Apollo, or if Mars the fight Entering, begin, themselves, to interfere 180 Against Achilles, then will we at once To battle also; and, I much misdeem, Or glad they shall be soon to mix again Among the Gods on the Olympian heights, By strong coercion of our arms subdued. 185 So saying, the God of Ocean azure-hair'd Moved foremost to the lofty mound earth-built Of noble Hercules, by Pallas raised And by the Trojans for his safe escape, What time the monster of the deep pursued 190 The hero from the sea-bank o'er the plain. There Neptune sat, and his confederate Gods, Their shoulders with impenetrable clouds O'ermantled, while the city-spoiler Mars Sat with Apollo opposite on the hill 195 Callicolone, with their aids divine. So, Gods to Gods in opposite aspect Sat ruminating, and alike the work All fearing to begin of arduous war, While from his seat sublime Jove urged them on. 200 The champain all was fill'd, and with the blaze Illumined wide of men and steeds brass-arm'd, And the incumber'd earth jarr'd under foot Of the encountering hosts. Then, two, the rest Surpassing far, into the midst advanced 205 Impatient for the fight, Anchises' son AEneas and Achilles, glorious Chief! AEneas first, under his ponderous casque Nodding and menacing, advanced; before His breast he held the well-conducted orb 210 Of his broad shield, and shook his brazen spear. On the other side, Achilles to the fight Flew like a ravening lion, on whose death Resolved, the peasants from all quarters meet; He, viewing with disdain the foremost, stalks 215 Right on, but smitten by some dauntless youth Writhes himself, and discloses his huge fangs Hung with white foam; then, growling for revenge, Lashes himself to battle with his tail, Till with a burning eye and a bold heart 220 He springs to slaughter, or himself is slain; So, by his valor and his noble mind Impell'd, renown'd Achilles moved toward AEneas, and, small interval between, Thus spake the hero matchless in the race. 225 Why stand'st thou here, AEneas! thy own band Left at such distance? Is it that thine heart Glows with ambition to contend with me In hope of Priam's honors, and to fill His throne hereafter in Troy steed-renown'd? 230 But shouldst thou slay me, not for that exploit Would Priam such large recompense bestow, For he hath sons, and hath, beside, a mind And disposition not so lightly changed. Or have the Trojans of their richest soil 235 For vineyard apt or plow assign'd thee part If thou shalt slay me? Difficult, I hope, At least, thou shalt experience that emprize. For, as I think, I have already chased Thee with my spear. Forgettest thou the day 240 When, finding thee alone, I drove thee down Headlong from Ida, and, thy cattle left Afar, thou didst not dare in all thy flight Turn once, till at Lyrnessus safe arrived, Which city by Jove's aid and by the aid 245 Of Pallas I destroy'd, and captive led Their women? Thee, indeed, the Gods preserved But they shall not preserve thee, as thou dream'st Now also. Back into thy host again; Hence, I command thee, nor oppose in fight 250 My force, lest evil find thee. To be taught By suffering only is the part of fools. To whom AEneas answer thus return'd. Pelides! hope not, as I were a boy, With words to scare me. I have also taunts 255 At my command, and could be sharp as thou. By such reports as from the lips of men We oft have heard, each other's birth we know And parents; but my parents to behold Was ne'er thy lot, nor have I thine beheld. 260 Thee men proclaim from noble Peleus sprung And Thetis, bright hair'd Goddess of the Deep; I boast myself of lovely Venus born To brave Anchises; and his son this day In battle slain thy sire shall mourn, or mine; 265 For I expect not that we shall depart Like children, satisfied with words alone. But if it please thee more at large to learn My lineage (thousands can attest it true) Know this. Jove, Sovereign of the storms, begat 270 Dardanus, and ere yet the sacred walls Of Ilium rose, the glory of this plain, He built Dardania; for at Ida's foot Dwelt our progenitors in ancient days. Dardanus was the father of a son, 275 King Ericthonius, wealthiest of mankind. Three thousand mares of his the marish grazed, Each suckling with delight her tender foal. Boreas, enamor'd of no few of these, The pasture sought, and cover'd them in form 280 Of a steed azure-maned. They, pregnant thence, Twelve foals produced, and all so light of foot, That when they wanton'd in the fruitful field They swept, and snapp'd it not, the golden ear; And when they wanton'd on the boundless deep, 285 They skimm'd the green wave's frothy ridge, secure. From Ericthonius sprang Tros, King of Troy, And Tros was father of three famous sons, Ilus, Assaracus, and Ganymede Loveliest of human kind, whom for his charms 290 The Gods caught up to heaven, there to abide With the immortals, cup-bearer of Jove. Ilus begat Laomedon, and he Five sons, Tithonus, Priam, Clytius, Lampus, and Hicetaon, branch of Mars. 295 Assaracus a son begat, by name Capys, and Capys in due time his son Warlike Anchises, and Anchises me. But Priam is the noble Hector's sire.[6] Such is my lineage, and such blood I boast; 300 But valor is from Jove; he, as he wills, Increases or reduces it in man, For he is lord of all. Therefore enough— Too long like children we have stood, the time Consuming here, while battle roars around. 305 Reproach is cheap. Easily might we cast Gibes at each other, till a ship that asks A hundred oars should sink beneath the load. The tongue of man is voluble, hath words For every theme, nor wants wide field and long, 310 And as he speaks so shall he hear again. But we—why should we wrangle, and with taunts Assail each other, as the practice is Of women, who with heart-devouring strife On fire, start forth into the public way 315 To mock each other, uttering, as may chance, Much truth, much falsehood, as their anger bids? The ardor of my courage will not slack For all thy speeches; we must combat first; Now, therefore, without more delay, begin, 320 That we may taste each other's force in arms.[7] So spake AEneas, and his brazen lance Hurl'd with full force against the dreadful shield. Loud roar'd its ample concave at the blow. Not unalarm'd, Pelides his broad disk 325 Thrust farther from him, deeming that the force Of such an arm should pierce his guard with ease. Vain fear! he recollected not that arms Glorious as his, gifts of the immortal Gods, Yield not so quickly to the force of man. 330 The stormy spear by brave AEneas sent, No passage found; the golden plate divine Repress'd its vehemence; two folds it pierced, But three were still behind, for with five folds Vulcan had fortified it; two were brass; 335 The two interior, tin; the midmost, gold; And at the golden one the weapon stood.[8] Achilles next, hurl'd his long shadow'd spear, And struck AEneas on the utmost verge Of his broad shield, where thinnest lay the brass, 340 And thinnest the ox-hide. The Pelian ash Started right through the buckler, and it rang. AEneas crouch'd terrified, and his shield Thrust farther from him; but the rapid beam Bursting both borders of the ample disk, 345 Glanced o'er his back, and plunged into the soil. He 'scaped it, and he stood; but, as he stood, With horror infinite the weapon saw Planted so near him. Then, Achilles drew His falchion keen, and with a deafening shout 350 Sprang on him; but AEneas seized a stone Heavy and huge, a weight to overcharge Two men (such men as are accounted strong Now) but he wielded it with ease, alone. Then had AEneas, as Achilles came 355 Impetuous on, smitten, although in vain, His helmet or his shield, and Peleus' son Had with his falchion him stretch'd at his feet, But that the God of Ocean quick perceived His peril, and the Immortals thus bespake. 360 I pity brave AEneas, who shall soon, Slain by Achilles, see the realms below, By smooth suggestions of Apollo lured To danger, such as he can ne'er avert. But wherefore should the Chief, guiltless himself, 365 Die for the fault of others? at no time His gifts have fail'd, grateful to all in heaven. Come, therefore, and let us from death ourselves Rescue him, lest if by Achilles' arm This hero perish, Jove himself be wroth; 370 For he is destined to survive, lest all The house of Dardanus (whom Jove beyond All others loved, his sons of woman born) Fail with AEneas, and be found no more. Saturnian Jove hath hated now long time 375 The family of Priam, and henceforth AEneas and his son, and his sons' sons, Shall sway the sceptre o'er the race of Troy. To whom, majestic thus the spouse of Jove. Neptune! deliberate thyself, and choose 380 Whether to save AEneas, or to leave The hero victim of Achilles' ire. For Pallas and myself ofttimes have sworn In full assembly of the Gods, to aid Troy never, never to avert the day 385 Of her distress, not even when the flames Kindled by the heroic sons of Greece, Shall climb with fury to her topmost towers. She spake; then Neptune, instant, through the throng Of battle flying, and the clash of spears, 390 Came where Achilles and AEneas fought. At once with shadows dim he blurr'd the sight Of Peleus' son, and from the shield, himself, Of brave AEneas the bright-pointed ash Retracting, placed it at Achilles' feet. 395 Then, lifting high AEneas from the ground, He heaved him far remote; o'er many a rank Of heroes and of bounding steeds he flew, Launch'd into air from the expanded palm Of Neptune, and alighted in the rear 400 Of all the battle where the Caucons stood. Neptune approach'd him there, and at his side Standing, in accents wing'd, him thus bespake. What God, AEneas! tempted thee to cope Thus inconsiderately with the son 405 Of Peleus, both more excellent in fight Than thou, and more the favorite of the skies? From him retire hereafter, or expect A premature descent into the shades. But when Achilles shall have once fulfill'd 410 His destiny, in battle slain, then fight Fearless, for thou canst fall by none beside. So saying, he left the well-admonish'd Chief, And from Achilles' eyes scatter'd the gloom Shed o'er them by himself. The hero saw 415 Clearly, and with his noble heart incensed By disappointment, thus conferring, said. Gods! I behold a prodigy. My spear Lies at my foot, and he at whom I cast The weapon with such deadly force, is gone! 420 AEneas therefore, as it seems, himself Interests the immortal Gods, although I deem'd his boast of their protection vain. I reck not. Let him go. So gladly 'scaped From slaughter now, he shall not soon again 425 Feel an ambition to contend with me. Now will I rouse the Danai, and prove The force in fight of many a Trojan more. He said, and sprang to battle with loud voice, Calling the Grecians after him.—Ye sons 430 Of the Achaians! stand not now aloof, My noble friends! but foot to foot let each Fall on courageous, and desire the fight. The task were difficult for me alone, Brave as I boast myself, to chase a foe 435 So numerous, and to combat with them all. Not Mars himself, immortal though he be, Nor Pallas, could with all the ranks contend Of this vast multitude, and drive the whole. With hands, with feet, with spirit and with might, 440 All that I can I will; right through I go, And not a Trojan who shall chance within Spear's reach of me, shall, as I judge, rejoice. Thus he the Greeks exhorted. Opposite, Meantime, illustrious Hector to his host 445 Vociferated, his design to oppose Achilles publishing in every ear. Fear not, ye valiant men of Troy! fear not The son of Peleus. In a war of words I could, myself, cope even with the Gods; 450 But not with spears; there they excel us all. Nor shall Achilles full performance give To all his vaunts, but, if he some fulfil, Shall others leave mutilate in the midst. I will encounter him, though his hands be fire, 455 Though fire his hands, and his heart hammer'd steel. So spake he them exhorting. At his word Uprose the Trojan spears, thick intermixt The battle join'd, and clamor loud began. Then thus, approaching Hector, Phoebus spake. 460 Henceforth, advance not Hector! in the front Seeking Achilles, but retired within The stormy multitude his coming wait, Lest his spear reach thee, or his glittering sword. He said, and Hector far into his host 465 Withdrew, admonish'd by the voice divine. Then, shouting terrible, and clothed with might, Achilles sprang to battle. First, he slew The valiant Chief Iphition, whom a band Numerous obey'd. Otrynteus was his sire. 470 Him to Otrynteus, city-waster Chief, A Naiad under snowy Tmolus bore In fruitful Hyda.[9] Right into his front As he advanced, Achilles drove his spear, And rived his skull; with thundering sound he fell, 475 And thus the conqueror gloried in his fall. Ah Otryntides! thou art slain. Here lies The terrible in arms, who born beside The broad Gygaean lake, where Hyllus flows And Hermus, call'd the fertile soil his own. 480 Thus gloried he. Meantime the shades of death Cover'd Iphition, and Achaian wheels And horses ground his body in the van. Demoleon next, Antenor's son, a brave Defender of the walls of Troy, he slew. 485 Into his temples through his brazen casque He thrust the Pelian ash, nor could the brass Such force resist, but the huge weapon drove The shatter'd bone into his inmost brain, And his fierce onset at a stroke repress'd. 490 Hippodamas his weapon next received Within his spine, while with a leap he left His steeds and fled. He, panting forth his life, Moan'd like a bull, by consecrated youths Dragg'd round the Heliconian King,[10] who views 495 That victim with delight. So, with loud moans The noble warrior sigh'd his soul away. Then, spear in hand, against the godlike son Of Priam, Polydorus, he advanced. Not yet his father had to him indulged 500 A warrior's place, for that of all his sons He was the youngest-born, his hoary sire's Chief darling, and in speed surpass'd them all. Then also, in the vanity of youth, For show of nimbleness, he started oft 505 Into the vanward, till at last he fell. Him gliding swiftly by, swifter than he Achilles with a javelin reach'd; he struck His belt behind him, where the golden clasps Met, and the double hauberk interposed. 510 The point transpierced his bowels, and sprang through His navel; screaming, on his knees he fell, Death-shadows dimm'd his eyes, and with both hands, Stooping, he press'd his gather'd bowels back. But noble Hector, soon as he beheld 515 His brother Polydorus to the earth Inclined, and with his bowels in his hands, Sightless well-nigh with anguish could endure No longer to remain aloof; flame-like He burst abroad,[11] and shaking his sharp spear, 520 Advanced to meet Achilles, whose approach Seeing, Achilles bounded with delight, And thus, exulting, to himself he said. Ah! he approaches, who hath stung my soul Deepest, the slayer of whom most I loved! 525 Behold, we meet! Caution is at an end, And timid skulking in the walks of war. He ceased, and with a brow knit into frowns, Call'd to illustrious Hector. Haste, approach, That I may quick dispatch thee to the shades. 530 Whom answer'd warlike Hector, nought appall'd. Pelides! hope not, as I were a boy, With words to scare me. I have also taunts At my command, and can be sharp as thou. I know thee valiant, and myself I know 535 Inferior far; yet, whether thou shalt slay Me, or, inferior as I am, be slain By me, is at the pleasure of the Gods, For I wield also not a pointless beam. He said, and, brandishing it, hurl'd his spear, 540 Which Pallas, breathing softly, wafted back From the renown'd Achilles, and it fell Successless at illustrious Hector's feet. Then, all on fire to slay him, with a shout That rent the air Achilles rapid flew 545 Toward him; but him wrapt in clouds opaque Apollo caught with ease divine away. Thrice, swift Achilles sprang to the assault Impetuous, thrice the pitchy cloud he smote, And at his fourth assault, godlike in act, 550 And terrible in utterance, thus exclaim'd. Dog! thou art safe, and hast escaped again; But narrowly, and by the aid once more Of Phoebus, without previous suit to whom Thou venturest never where the javelin sings. 555 But when we next encounter, then expect, If one of all in heaven aid also me, To close thy proud career. Meantime I seek Some other, and assail e'en whom I may. So saying, he pierced the neck of Dryops through, 560 And at his feet he fell. Him there he left, And turning on a valiant warrior huge, Philetor's son, Demuchus, in the knee Pierced, and detain'd him by the planted spear, Till with his sword he smote him, and he died. 565 Laogonus and Dardanus he next Assaulted, sons of Bias; to the ground Dismounting both, one with his spear he slew, The other with his falchion at a blow. Tros too, Alastor's son—he suppliant clasp'd 570 Achilles' knees, and for his pity sued, Pleading equality of years, in hope That he would spare, and send him thence alive. Ah dreamer! ignorant how much in vain That suit he urged; for not of milky mind, 575 Or placable in temper was the Chief To whom he sued, but fiery. With both hands His knees he clasp'd importunate, and he Fast by the liver gash'd him with his sword. His liver falling forth, with sable blood 580 His bosom fill'd, and darkness veil'd his eyes. Then, drawing close to Mulius, in his ear He set the pointed brass, and at a thrust Sent it, next moment, through his ear beyond. Then, through the forehead of Agenor's son 585 Echechlus, his huge-hafted blade he drove, And death and fate forever veil'd his eyes. Next, where the tendons of the elbow meet, Striking Deucalion, through his wrist he urged The brazen point; he all defenceless stood, 590 Expecting death; down came Achilles' blade Full on his neck; away went head and casque Together; from his spine the marrow sprang, And at his length outstretch'd he press'd the plain. From him to Rhigmus, Pireus' noble son, 595 He flew, a warrior from the fields of Thrace. Him through the loins he pierced, and with the beam Fixt in his bowels, to the earth he fell; Then piercing, as he turn'd to flight, the spine Of Areithoeus his charioteer, 600 He thrust him from his seat; wild with dismay Back flew the fiery coursers at his fall. As a devouring fire within the glens Of some dry mountain ravages the trees, While, blown around, the flames roll to all sides, 605 So, on all sides, terrible as a God, Achilles drove the death-devoted host Of Ilium, and the champain ran with blood. As when the peasant his yoked steers employs To tread his barley, the broad-fronted pair 610 With ponderous hoofs trample it out with ease, So, by magnanimous Achilles driven, His coursers solid-hoof'd stamp'd as they ran The shields, at once, and bodies of the slain; Blood spatter'd all his axle, and with blood 615 From the horse-hoofs and from the fellied wheels His chariot redden'd, while himself, athirst For glory, his unconquerable hands Defiled with mingled carnage, sweat, and dust.



THE ILIAD.

BOOK XXI.



ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTY-FIRST BOOK.

Achilles having separated the Trojans, and driven one part of them to the city and the other into the Scamander, takes twelve young men alive, his intended victims to the manes of Patroclus. The river overflowing his banks with purpose to overwhelm him, is opposed by Vulcan, and gladly relinquishes the attempt. The battle of the gods ensues. Apollo, in the form of Agenor, decoys Achilles from the town, which in the mean time the Trojans enter and shut the gates against him.



BOOK XXI.

[1]But when they came, at length, where Xanthus winds His stream vortiginous from Jove derived, There, separating Ilium's host, he drove Part o'er the plain to Troy in the same road By which the Grecians had so lately fled 5 The fury of illustrious Hector's arm. That way they fled pouring themselves along Flood-like, and Juno, to retard them, threw Darkness as night before them. Other part, Push'd down the sides of Xanthus, headlong plunged 10 With dashing sound into his dizzy stream, And all his banks re-echoed loud the roar. They, struggling, shriek'd in silver eddies whirl'd. As when, by violence of fire expell'd, Locusts uplifted on the wing escape 15 To some broad river, swift the sudden blaze Pursues them, they, astonish'd, strew the flood,[2] So, by Achilles driven, a mingled throng Of horses and of warriors overspread Xanthus, and glutted all his sounding course 20 He, chief of heroes, leaving on the bank His spear against a tamarisk reclined, Plunged like a God, with falchion arm'd alone But fill'd with thoughts of havoc. On all sides Down came his edge; groans follow'd dread to hear 25 Of warriors smitten by the sword, and all The waters as they ran redden'd with blood. As smaller fishes, flying the pursuit Of some huge dolphin, terrified, the creeks And secret hollows of a haven fill, 30 For none of all that he can seize he spares, So lurk'd the trembling Trojans in the caves Of Xanthus' awful flood. But he (his hands Wearied at length with slaughter) from the rest Twelve youths selected whom to death he doom'd, 35 In vengeance for his loved Patroclus slain. Them stupified with dread like fawns he drove Forth from the river, manacling their hands Behind them fast with their own tunic-strings, And gave them to his warrior train in charge. 40 Then, ardent still for blood, rushing again Toward the stream, Dardanian Priam's son He met, Lycaon, as he climb'd the bank. Him erst by night, in his own father's field Finding him, he had led captive away. 45 Lycaon was employ'd cutting green shoots Of the wild-fig for chariot-rings, when lo! Terrible, unforeseen, Achilles came. He seized and sent him in a ship afar To Lemnos; there the son of Jason paid 50 His price, and, at great cost, Eetion The guest of Jason, thence redeeming him, Sent him to fair Arisba;[3] but he 'scaped Thence also and regain'd his father's house. Eleven days, at his return, he gave 55 To recreation joyous with his friends, And on the twelfth his fate cast him again Into Achilles' hands, who to the shades Now doom'd him, howsoever loth to go. Soon as Achilles swiftest of the swift 60 Him naked saw (for neither spear had he Nor shield nor helmet, but, when he emerged, Weary and faint had cast them all away) Indignant to his mighty self he said. Gods! I behold a miracle! Ere long 65 The valiant Trojans whom my self have slain Shall rise from Erebus, for he is here, The self-same warrior whom I lately sold At Lemnos, free, and in the field again. The hoary deep is prison strong enough 70 For most, but not for him. Now shall he taste The point of this my spear, that I may learn By sure experience, whether hell itself That holds the strongest fast, can him detain, Or whether he shall thence also escape. 75 While musing thus he stood, stunn'd with dismay The youth approach'd, eager to clasp his knees, For vehement he felt the dread of death Working within him; with his Pelian ash Uplifted high noble Achilles stood 80 Ardent to smite him; he with body bent Ran under it, and to his knees adhered; The weapon, missing him, implanted stood Close at his back, when, seizing with one hand Achilles' knees, he with the other grasp'd 85 The dreadful beam, resolute through despair, And in wing'd accents suppliant thus began. Oh spare me! pity me! Behold I clasp Thy knees, Achilles! Ah, illustrious Chief! Reject not with disdain a suppliant's prayer. 90 I am thy guest also, who at thy own board Have eaten bread, and did partake the gift Of Ceres with thee on the very day When thou didst send me in yon field surprised For sale to sacred Lemnos, far remote, 95 And for my price receiv'dst a hundred beeves. Loose me, and I will yield thee now that sum Thrice told. Alas! this morn is but the twelfth Since, after numerous hardships, I arrived Once more in Troy, and now my ruthless lot 100 Hath given me into thy hands again. Jove cannot less than hate me, who hath twice Made me thy prisoner, and my doom was death, Death in my prime, the day when I was born Son of Laothoee from Alta sprung, 105 From Alta, whom the Leleges obey On Satnio's banks in lofty Pedasus. His daughter to his other numerous wives King Priam added, and two sons she bore Only to be deprived by thee of both. 110 My brother hath already died, in front Of Ilium's infantry, by thy bright spear, The godlike Polydorus; and like doom Shall now be mine, for I despair to escape Thine hands, to which the Gods yield me again. 115 But hear and mark me well. My birth was not From the same womb as Hector's, who hath slain Thy valiant friend for clemency renown'd. Such supplication the illustrious son Of Priam made, but answer harsh received. 120 Fool! speak'st of ransom? Name it not to me. For till my friend his miserable fate Accomplish'd, I was somewhat given to spare, And numerous, whom I seized alive, I sold. But now, of all the Trojans whom the Gods 125 Deliver to me, none shall death escape, 'Specially of the house of Priam, none. Die therefore, even thou, my friend! What mean Thy tears unreasonably shed and vain? Died not Patroclus. braver far than thou? 130 And look on me—see'st not to what a height My stature towers, and what a bulk I boast? A King begat me, and a Goddess bore. What then! A death by violence awaits Me also, and at morn, or eve, or noon, 135 I perish, whensoe'er the destined spear Shall reach me, or the arrow from the nerve. He ceased, and where the suppliant kneel'd, he died. Quitting the spear, with both hands spread abroad He sat, but swift Achilles with his sword 140 'Twixt neck and key-bone smote him, and his blade Of double edge sank all into the wound. He prone extended on the champain lay Bedewing with his sable blood the glebe, Till, by the foot, Achilles cast him far 145 Into the stream, and, as he floated down, Thus in wing'd accents, glorying, exclaim'd. Lie there, and feed the fishes, which shall lick Thy blood secure. Thy mother ne'er shall place Thee on thy bier, nor on thy body weep, 150 But swift Scamander on his giddy tide Shall bear thee to the bosom of the sea. There, many a fish shall through the crystal flood Ascending to the rippled surface, find Lycaon's pamper'd flesh delicious fare. 155 Die Trojans! till we reach your city, you Fleeing, and slaughtering, I. This pleasant stream Of dimpling silver which ye worship oft With victim bulls, and sate with living steeds[4] His rapid whirlpools, shall avail you nought, 160 But ye shall die, die terribly, till all Shall have requited me with just amends For my Patroclus, and for other Greeks Slain at the ships while I declined the war. He ended, at those words still more incensed 165 Scamander means devised, thenceforth to check Achilles, and avert the doom of Troy. Meantime the son of Peleus, his huge spear Grasping, assail'd Asteropaeus son Of Pelegon, on fire to take his life. 170 Fair Periboea, daughter eldest-born Of Acessamenus, his father bore To broad-stream'd Axius, who had clasp'd the nymph In his embrace. On him Achilles sprang. He newly risen from the river, stood 175 Arm'd with two lances opposite, for him Xanthus embolden'd, at the deaths incensed Of many a youth, whom, mercy none vouchsafed, Achilles had in all his current slain. And now small distance interposed, they faced 180 Each other, when Achilles thus began. Who art and whence, who dar'st encounter me? Hapless the sires whose sons my force defy. To whom the noble son of Pelegon. Pelides, mighty Chief? Why hast thou ask'd 185 My derivation? From the land I come Of mellow-soil'd Poeonia far remote, Chief leader of Poenia's host spear-arm'd; This day hath also the eleventh risen Since I at Troy arrived. For my descent, 190 It is from Axius river wide-diffused, From Axius, fairest stream that waters earth, Sire of bold Pelegon whom men report My sire. Let this suffice. Now fight, Achilles! So spake he threatening, and Achilles raised 195 Dauntless the Pelian ash. At once two spears The hero bold, Asteropaeus threw, With both hands apt for battle. One his shield Struck but pierced not, impeded by the gold, Gift of a God; the other as it flew 200 Grazed at his right elbow; sprang the sable blood; But, overflying him, the spear in earth Stood planted deep, still hungering for the prey. Then, full at the Poeonian Peleus' son Hurl'd forth his weapon with unsparing force 205 But vain; he struck the sloping river bank, And mid-length deep stood plunged the ashen beam. Then, with his falchion drawn, Achilles flew To smite him; he in vain, meantime, essay'd To pluck the rooted spear forth from the bank; 210 Thrice with full force he shook the beam, and thrice, Although reluctant, left it; at his fourth Last effort, bending it he sought to break The ashen spear-beam of AEacides, But perish'd by his keen-edged falchion first; 215 For on the belly at his navel's side He smote him; to the ground effused fell all His bowels, death's dim shadows veil'd his eyes. Achilles ardent on his bosom fix'd His foot, despoil'd him, and exulting cried. 220 Lie there; though River-sprung, thou find'st it hard To cope with sons of Jove omnipotent. Thou said'st, a mighty River is my sire— But my descent from mightier Jove I boast; My father, whom the Myrmidons obey, 225 Is son of AEacus, and he of Jove. As Jove all streams excels that seek the sea, So, Jove's descendants nobler are than theirs. Behold a River at thy side—let him Afford thee, if he can, some succor—No— 230 He may not fight against Saturnian Jove. Therefore, not kingly Acheloius, Nor yet the strength of Ocean's vast profound, Although from him all rivers and all seas, All fountains and all wells proceed, may boast 235 Comparison with Jove, but even he Astonish'd trembles at his fiery bolt, And his dread thunders rattling in the sky. He said, and drawing from the bank his spear[5] Asteropaeus left stretch'd on the sands, 240 Where, while the clear wave dash'd him, eels his flanks And ravening fishes numerous nibbled bare. The horsed Poeonians next he fierce assail'd, Who seeing their brave Chief slain by the sword And forceful arm of Peleus' son, beside 245 The eddy-whirling stream fled all dispersed. Thersilochus and Mydon then he slew, Thrasius, Astypylus and Ophelestes, AEnius and Mnesus; nor had these sufficed Achilles, but Poeonians more had fallen, 250 Had not the angry River from within His circling gulfs in semblance, of a man Call'd to him, interrupting thus his rage. Oh both in courage and injurious deeds Unmatch'd, Achilles! whom themselves the Gods 255 Cease not to aid, if Saturn's son have doom'd All Ilium's race to perish by thine arm, Expel them, first, from me, ere thou achieve That dread exploit; for, cumber'd as I am With bodies, I can pour my pleasant stream 260 No longer down into the sacred deep; All vanish where thou comest. But oh desist Dread Chief! Amazement fills me at thy deeds. To whom Achilles, matchless in the race. River divine! hereafter be it so. 265 But not from slaughter of this faithless host I cease, till I shall shut them fast in Troy And trial make of Hector, if his arm In single fight shall strongest prove, or mine He said, and like a God, furious, again 270 Assail'd the Trojans; then the circling flood To Phoebus thus his loud complaint address'd. Ah son of Jove, God of the silver bow! The mandate of the son of Saturn ill Hast thou perform'd, who, earnest, bade thee aid 275 The Trojans, till (the sun sunk in the West) Night's shadow dim should veil the fruitful field. He ended, and Achilles spear-renown'd Plunged from the bank into the middle stream. Then, turbulent, the River all his tide 280 Stirr'd from the bottom, landward heaving off The numerous bodies that his current chok'd Slain by Achilles; them, as with the roar Of bulls, he cast aground, but deep within His oozy gulfs the living safe conceal'd. 285 Terrible all around Achilles stood The curling wave, then, falling on his shield Dash'd him, nor found his footsteps where to rest. An elm of massy trunk he seized and branch Luxuriant, but it fell torn from the root 290 And drew the whole bank after it; immersed It damm'd the current with its ample boughs, And join'd as with a bridge the distant shores, Upsprang Achilles from the gulf and turn'd His feet, now wing'd for flight, into the plain 295 Astonish'd; but the God, not so appeased, Arose against him with a darker curl,[6] That he might quell him and deliver Troy. Back flew Achilles with a bound, the length Of a spear's cast, for such a spring he own'd 300 As bears the black-plumed eagle on her prey Strongest and swiftest of the fowls of air. Like her he sprang, and dreadful on his chest Clang'd his bright armor. Then, with course oblique He fled his fierce pursuer, but the flood, 305 Fly where he might, came thundering in his rear. As when the peasant with his spade a rill Conducts from some pure fountain through his grove Or garden, clearing the obstructed course, The pebbles, as it runs, all ring beneath, 310 And, as the slope still deepens, swifter still It runs, and, murmuring, outstrips the guide, So him, though swift, the river always reach'd Still swifter; who can cope with power divine? Oft as the noble Chief, turning, essay'd 315 Resistance, and to learn if all the Gods Alike rush'd after him, so oft the flood, Jove's offspring, laved his shoulders. Upward then He sprang distress'd, but with a sidelong sweep Assailing him, and from beneath his steps 320 Wasting the soil, the Stream his force subdued. Then looking to the skies, aloud he mourn'd. Eternal Sire! forsaken by the Gods I sink, none deigns to save me from the flood, From which once saved, I would no death decline. 325 Yet blame I none of all the Powers of heaven As Thetis; she with falsehood sooth'd my soul, She promised me a death by Phoebus' shafts Swift-wing'd, beneath the battlements of Troy. I would that Hector, noblest of his race, 330 Had slain me, I had then bravely expired And a brave man had stripp'd me of my arms. But fate now dooms me to a death abhorr'd Whelm'd in deep waters, like a swine-herd's boy Drown'd in wet weather while he fords a brook. 335 So spake Achilles; then, in human form, Minerva stood and Neptune at his side; Each seized his hand confirming him, and thus The mighty Shaker of the shores began. Achilles! moderate thy dismay, fear nought. 340 In us behold, in Pallas and in me, Effectual aids, and with consent of Jove; For to be vanquish'd by a River's force Is not thy doom. This foe shall soon be quell'd; Thine eyes shall see it. Let our counsel rule 345 Thy deed, and all is well. Cease not from war Till fast within proud Ilium's walls her host Again be prison'd, all who shall escape; Then (Hector slain) to the Achaian fleet Return; we make the glorious victory thine. 350 So they, and both departing sought the skies. Then, animated by the voice divine, He moved toward the plain now all o'erspread By the vast flood on which the bodies swam And shields of many a youth in battle slain. 355 He leap'd, he waded, and the current stemm'd Right onward, by the flood in vain opposed, With such might Pallas fill'd him. Nor his rage Scamander aught repress'd, but still the more Incensed against Achilles, curl'd aloft 360 His waters, and on Simois call'd aloud. Brother! oh let us with united force Check, if we may, this warrior; he shall else Soon lay the lofty towers of Priam low, Whose host appall'd, defend them now no more. 365 Haste—succor me—thy channel fill with streams From all thy fountains; call thy torrents down; Lift high the waters; mingle trees and stones With uproar wild, that we may quell the force Of this dread Chief triumphant now, and fill'd 370 With projects that might more beseem a God. But vain shall be his strength, his beauty nought Shall profit him or his resplendent arms, For I will bury them in slime and ooze, And I will overwhelm himself with soil, 375 Sands heaping o'er him and around him sands Infinite, that no Greek shall find his bones For ever, in my bottom deep immersed. There shall his tomb be piled, nor other earth, At his last rites, his friends shall need for him. 380 He said, and lifting high his angry tide Vortiginous, against Achilles hurl'd, Roaring, the foam, the bodies, and the blood; Then all his sable waves divine again Accumulating, bore him swift along. 385 Shriek'd Juno at that sight, terrified lest Achilles in the whirling deluge sunk Should perish, and to Vulcan quick exclaim'd. Vulcan, my son, arise; for we account Xanthus well able to contend with thee. 390 Give instant succor; show forth all thy fires. Myself will haste to call the rapid South And Zephyrus, that tempests from the sea Blowing, thou may'st both arms and dead consume With hideous conflagration. Burn along 395 The banks of Xanthus, fire his trees and him Seize also. Let him by no specious guile Of flattery soothe thee, or by threats appall, Nor slack thy furious fires 'till with a shout I give command, then bid them cease to blaze. 400 She spake, and Vulcan at her word his fires Shot dreadful forth; first, kindling on the field, He burn'd the bodies strew'd numerous around Slain by Achilles; arid grew the earth And the flood ceased. As when a sprightly breeze 405 Autumnal blowing from the North, at once Dries the new-water'd garden,[7] gladdening him Who tills the soil, so was the champain dried; The dead consumed, against the River, next, He turn'd the fierceness of his glittering fires. 410 Willows and tamarisks and elms he burn'd, Burn'd lotus, rushes, reeds; all plants and herbs That clothed profuse the margin of his flood. His eels and fishes, whether wont to dwell In gulfs beneath, or tumble in the stream, 415 All languish'd while the artist of the skies Breath'd on them; even Xanthus lost, himself, All force, and, suppliant, Vulcan thus address'd. Oh Vulcan! none in heaven itself may cope With thee. I yield to thy consuming fires. 420 Cease, cease. I reck not if Achilles drive Her citizens, this moment, forth from Troy, For what are war and war's concerns to me? So spake he scorch'd, and all his waters boil'd. As some huge caldron hisses urged by force 425 Of circling fires and fill'd with melted lard, The unctuous fluid overbubbling[8] streams On all sides, while the dry wood flames beneath, So Xanthus bubbled and his pleasant flood Hiss'd in the fire, nor could he longer flow 430 But check'd his current, with hot steams annoy'd By Vulcan raised. His supplication, then, Importunate to Juno thus he turn'd. Ah Juno! why assails thy son my streams, Hostile to me alone? Of all who aid 435 The Trojans I am surely least to blame, Yet even I desist if thou command; And let thy son cease also; for I swear That never will I from the Trojans turn Their evil day, not even when the host 440 Of Greece shall set all Ilium in a blaze. He said, and by his oath pacified, thus The white-arm'd Deity to Vulcan spake. Peace, glorious son! we may not in behalf Of mortal man thus longer vex a God. 445 Then Vulcan his tremendous fires repress'd, And down into his gulfy channel rush'd The refluent flood; for when the force was once Subdued of Xanthus, Juno interposed, Although incensed, herself to quell the strife. 450 But contest vehement the other Gods Now waged, each breathing discord; loud they rush'd And fierce to battle, while the boundless earth Quaked under them, and, all around, the heavens Sang them together with a trumpet's voice. 455 Jove listening, on the Olympian summit sat Well-pleased, and, in his heart laughing for joy, Beheld the Powers of heaven in battle join'd. Not long aloof they stood. Shield-piercer Mars, His brazen spear grasp'd, and began the fight 460 Rushing on Pallas, whom he thus reproach'd. Wasp! front of impudence, and past all bounds Audacious! Why impellest thou the Gods To fight? Thy own proud spirit is the cause. Remember'st not, how, urged by thee, the son 465 Of Tydeus, Diomede, myself assail'd, When thou, the radiant spear with thy own hand Guiding, didst rend my body? Now, I ween, The hour is come in which I shall exact Vengeance for all thy malice shown to me. 470 So saying, her shield he smote tassell'd around Terrific, proof against the bolts of Jove; That shield gore-tainted Mars with fury smote. But she, retiring, with strong grasp upheaved A rugged stone, black, ponderous, from the plain, 475 A land-mark fixt by men of ancient times, Which hurling at the neck of stormy Mars She smote him. Down he fell. Seven acres, stretch'd, He overspread, his ringlets in the dust Polluted lay, and dreadful rang his arms. 480 The Goddess laugh'd, and thus in accents wing'd With exultation, as he lay, exclaim'd. Fool! Art thou still to learn how far my force Surpasses thine, and darest thou cope with me? Now feel the furies of thy mother's ire 485 Who hates thee for thy treachery to the Greeks, And for thy succor given to faithless Troy. She said, and turn'd from Mars her glorious eyes. But him deep-groaning and his torpid powers Recovering slow, Venus conducted thence 490 Daughter of Jove, whom soon as Juno mark'd, In accents wing'd to Pallas thus she spake. Daughter invincible of glorious Jove! Haste—follow her—Ah shameless! how she leads Gore-tainted Mars through all the host of heaven. 495 So she, whom Pallas with delight obey'd; To Venus swift she flew, and on the breast With such force smote her that of sense bereft The fainting Goddess fell. There Venus lay And Mars extended on the fruitful glebe, 500 And Pallas thus in accents wing'd exclaim'd. I would that all who on the part of Troy Oppose in fight Achaia's valiant sons, Were firm and bold as Venus in defence Of Mars, for whom she dared my power defy! 505 So had dissension (Ilium overthrown And desolated) ceased long since in heaven. So Pallas, and approving Juno smiled. Then the imperial Shaker of the shores Thus to Apollo. Phoebus! wherefore stand 510 We thus aloof? Since others have begun, Begin we also; shame it were to both Should we, no combat waged, ascend again Olympus and the brass-built hall of Jove. Begin, for thou art younger; me, whose years 515 Alike and knowledge thine surpass so far, It suits not. Oh stupidity! how gross Art thou and senseless! Are no traces left In thy remembrance of our numerous wrongs Sustain'd at Ilium, when, of all the Gods 520 Ourselves alone, by Jove's commandment, served For stipulated hire, a year complete, Our task-master the proud Laomedon? Myself a bulwark'd town, spacious, secure Against assault, and beautiful as strong 525 Built for the Trojans, and thine office was To feed for King Laomedon his herds Among the groves of Ida many-valed. But when the gladsome hours the season brought Of payment, then the unjust King of Troy 530 Dismiss'd us of our whole reward amerced By violence, and added threats beside. Thee into distant isles, bound hand and foot, To sell he threatened, and to amputate The ears of both; we, therefore, hasted thence 535 Resenting deep our promised hire withheld. Aid'st thou for this the Trojans? Canst thou less Than seek, with us, to exterminate the whole Perfidious race, wives, children, husbands, all? To whom the King of radiant shafts Apollo. 540 Me, Neptune, thou wouldst deem, thyself, unwise Contending for the sake of mortal men With thee; a wretched race, who like the leaves Now flourish rank, by fruits of earth sustain'd, Now sapless fall. Here, therefore, us between 545 Let all strife cease, far better left to them. He said, and turn'd away, fearing to lift His hand against the brother of his sire. But him Diana of the woods with sharp Rebuke, his huntress sister, thus reproved. 550 Fly'st thou, Apollo! and to Neptune yield'st An unearn'd victory, the prize of fame Resigning patient and with no dispute? Fool! wherefore bearest thou the bow in vain? Ah, let me never in my father's courts 555 Hear thee among the immortals vaunting more That thou wouldst Neptune's self confront in arms. So she, to whom Apollo nought replied.[9] But thus the consort of the Thunderer, fired With wrath, reproved the Archeress of heaven. 560 How hast thou dared, impudent, to oppose My will? Bow-practised as thou art, the task To match my force were difficult to thee. Is it, because by ordinance of Jove Thou art a lioness to womankind, 565 Killing them at thy pleasure? Ah beware— Far easier is it, on the mountain-heights To slay wild beasts and chase the roving hind, Than to conflict with mightier than ourselves. But, if thou wish a lesson on that theme, 570 Approach—thou shalt be taught with good effect How far my force in combat passes thine.