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. Phœbus! wherefore stand510

_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 years515

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 Gods520

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 strong525

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 Troy530

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 thence535

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 between545

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 courts555

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.

She said, and with her left hand seizing both

Diana’s wrists, snatch’d suddenly the bow

Suspended on her shoulder with the right,575

And, smiling, smote her with it on the ears.

She, writhing oft and struggling, to the ground

Shook forth her rapid shafts, then, weeping, fled

As to her cavern in some hollow rock

The dove, not destined to his talons, flies580

The hawk’s pursuit, and left her arms behind.

Then, messenger of heaven, the Argicide

Address’d Latona. Combat none with thee,

Latona, will I wage. Unsafe it were

To cope in battle with a spouse of Jove.585

Go, therefore, loudly as thou wilt, proclaim

To all the Gods that thou hast vanquish’d me.

Collecting, then, the bow and arrows fallen

In wild disorder on the dusty plain,

Latona with the sacred charge withdrew590

Following her daughter; she, in the abode

Brass-built arriving of Olympian Jove,

Sat on his knees, weeping till all her robe

Ambrosial shook. The mighty Father smiled,

And to his bosom straining her, inquired.595

Daughter beloved! who, which of all the Gods

Hath raised his hand, presumptuous, against thee,

As if convicted of some open wrong?

To whom the clear-voiced Huntress crescent-crown’d.

My Father! Juno, thy own consort fair600

My sorrow caused, from whom dispute and strife

Perpetual, threaten the immortal Powers.

Thus they in heaven mutual conferr’d. Meantime

Apollo into sacred Troy return’d

Mindful to guard her bulwarks, lest the Greeks605

Too soon for Fate should desolate the town.

The other Gods, some angry, some elate

With victory, the Olympian heights regain’d,

And sat beside the Thunderer. But the son

Of Peleus—He both Trojans slew and steeds.610

As when in volumes slow smoke climbs the skies

From some great city which the Gods have fired

Vindictive, sorrow thence to many ensues

With mischief, and to all labor severe,

So caused Achilles labor on that day,615

Severe, and mischief to the men of Troy.

But ancient Priam from a sacred tower

Stood looking forth, whence soon he noticed vast

Achilles, before whom the Trojans fled

All courage lost. Descending from the tower620

With mournful cries and hasting to the wall

He thus enjoin’d the keepers of the gates.

Hold wide the portals till the flying host

Re-enter, for himself is nigh, himself

Achilles drives them home. Now, wo to Troy!625

But soon as safe within the walls received

They breathe again, shut fast the ponderous gates

At once, lest that destroyer also pass.

He said; they, shooting back the bars, threw wide

The gates and saved the people, whom to aid630

Apollo also sprang into the field,

They, parch’d with drought and whiten’d all with dust,

Flew right toward the town, while, spear in hand,

Achilles press’d them, vengeance in his heart

And all on fire for glory. Then, full sure,635

Ilium, the city of lofty gates, had fallen

Won by the Grecians, had not Phœbus roused

Antenor’s valiant son, the noble Chief

Agenor; him with dauntless might he fill’d,

And shielding him against the stroke of fate640

Beside him stood himself, by the broad beech

Cover’d and wrapt in clouds. Agenor then,

Seeing the city-waster hero nigh

Achilles, stood, but standing, felt his mind

Troubled with doubts; he groan’d, and thus he mused.645

[10]Alas! if following the tumultuous flight

Of these, I shun Achilles, swifter far

He soon will lop my ignominious head.

But if, these leaving to be thus dispersed

Before him, from the city-wall I fly650

Across the plain of Troy into the groves

Of Ida, and in Ida’s thickets lurk,

I may, at evening, to the town return

Bathed and refresh’d. But whither tend my thoughts?

Should he my flight into the plain observe655

And swift pursuing seize me, then, farewell

All hope to scape a miserable death,

For he hath strength passing the strength of man.

How then—shall I withstand him here before

The city? He hath also flesh to steel660

Pervious, within it but a single life,

And men report him mortal, howsoe’er

Saturnian Jove lift him to glory now.

So saying, he turn’d and stood, his dauntless heart

Beating for battle. As the pard springs forth665

To meet the hunter from her gloomy lair,

Nor, hearing loud the hounds, fears or retires,

But whether from afar or nigh at hand

He pierce her first, although transfixt, the fight

Still tries, and combats desperate till she fall,670

So, brave Antenor’s son fled not, or shrank,

Till he had proved Achilles, but his breast

O’ershadowing with his buckler and his spear

Aiming well-poised against him, loud exclaim’d.

Renown’d Achilles! Thou art high in hope675

Doubtless, that thou shalt this day overthrow

The city of the glorious sons of Troy.

Fool! ye must labor yet ere she be won,

For numerous are her citizens and bold,

And we will guard her for our parents’ sake680

Our wives and little ones. But here thou diest

Terrible Chief and dauntless as thou art.

He said, and with full force hurling his lance

Smote, and err’d not, his greave beneath his knee

The glittering tin, forged newly, at the stroke685

Tremendous rang, but quick recoil’d and vain

The weapon, weak against that guard divine.

Then sprang Achilles in his turn to assail

Godlike Agenor, but Apollo took

That glory from him, snatching wrapt in clouds690

Agenor thence, whom calm he sent away.

Then Phœbus from pursuit of Ilium’s host

By art averted Peleus’ son; the form

Assuming of Agenor, swift he fled

Before him, and Achilles swift pursued.695

While him Apollo thus lured to the chase

Wide o’er the fruitful plain, inclining still

Toward Scamander’s dizzy stream his course

Nor flying far before, but with false hope

Always beguiling him, the scatter’d host700

Meantime, in joyful throngs, regain’d the town.

They fill’d and shut it fast, nor dared to wait

Each other in the field, or to inquire

Who lived and who had fallen, but all, whom flight

Had rescued, like a flood pour’d into Troy.705

The Trojans being now within the city, excepting Hector, the field is

cleared for the most important and decisive action in the poem; that

is, the battle between Achilles and Hector, and the death of the

latter. This part of the story is managed with singular skill. It seems

as if the poet, feeling the importance of the catastrophe, wished to

withdraw from view the personages of less consequence, and to

concentrate our attention upon those two alone. The poetic action and

description are narrowed in extent, but deepened in interest. The fate

of Troy is impending; the irreversible decree of Jupiter is about to be

executed; the heroes, whose bravery is to be the instrument of bringing

about this consummation, are left together on the plain.—Felton.

BOOK XXII.

ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND BOOK.

Achilles slays Hector.

BOOK XXII.

Thus they, throughout all Troy, like hunted fawns

Dispersed, their trickling limbs at leisure cool’d,

And, drinking, slaked their fiery thirst, reclined

Against the battlements. Meantime, the Greeks

Sloping their shields, approach’d the walls of Troy,5

And Hector, by his adverse fate ensnared,

Still stood exposed before the Scæan gate.

Then spake Apollo thus to Peleus’ son.

Wherefore, thyself mortal, pursuest thou me

Immortal? oh Achilles! blind with rage,10

Thou know’st not yet, that thou pursuest a God.

Unmindful of thy proper task, to press

The flying Trojans, thou hast hither turn’d

Devious, and they are all now safe in Troy;

Yet hope me not to slay; I cannot die.15

To whom Achilles swiftest of the swift,

Indignant. Oh, of all the Powers above

To me most adverse, Archer of the skies!

Thou hast beguiled me, leading me away

From Ilium far, whence intercepted, else,20

No few had at this moment gnaw’d the glebe.

Thou hast defrauded me of great renown,

And, safe thyself, hast rescued _them_ with ease.

Ah—had I power, I would requite thee well.

So saying, incensed he turned toward the town25

His rapid course, like some victorious steed

That whirls, at stretch, a chariot to the goal.

Such seem’d Achilles, coursing light the field.

Him, first, the ancient King of Troy perceived

Scouring the plain, resplendent as the star30

Autumnal, of all stars in dead of night

Conspicous most, and named Orion’s dog;

Brightest it shines, but ominous, and dire

Disease portends to miserable man;[1]

So beam’d Achilles’ armor as he flew.35

Loud wail’d the hoary King; with lifted hands

His head he smote, and, uttering doleful cries

Of supplication, sued to his own son.

He, fixt before the gate, desirous stood

Of combat with Achilles, when his sire40

With arms outstretch’d toward him, thus began.

My Hector! wait not, oh my son! the approach

Of this dread Chief, alone, lest premature

Thou die, this moment by Achilles slain,

For he is strongest far. Oh that the Gods45

Him loved as I! then, soon should vultures rend

And dogs his carcase, and my grief should cease.

He hath unchilded me of many a son,

All valiant youths, whom he hath slain or sold

To distant isles, and even now, I miss50

Two sons, whom since the shutting of the gates

I find not, Polydorus and Lycaon,

My children by Laothöe the fair.

If they survive prisoners in yonder camp,

I will redeem them with gold and brass55

By noble Eltes to his daughter given,

Large store, and still reserved. But should they both,

Already slain, have journey’d to the shades,

We, then, from whom they sprang have cause to mourn

And mourn them long, but shorter shall the grief60

Of Ilium prove, if thou escape and live.

Come then, my son! enter the city-gate

That thou may’st save us all, nor in thy bloom

Of life cut off, enhance Achilles’ fame.

Commiserate also thy unhappy sire65

Ere yet distracted, whom Saturnian Jove

Ordains to a sad death, and ere I die

To woes innumerable; to behold

Sons slaughter’d, daughters ravish’d, torn and stripp’d

The matrimonial chamber, infants dash’d70

Against the ground in dire hostility,[2]

And matrons dragg’d by ruthless Grecian hands.

Me, haply, last of all, dogs shall devour

In my own vestibule, when once the spear

Or falchion of some Greek hath laid me low.75

The very dogs fed at my table-side,

My portal-guards, drinking their master’s blood

To drunkenness, shall wallow in my courts.

Fair falls the warlike youth in battle slain,

And when he lies torn by the pointed steel,80

His death becomes him well; he is secure,

Though dead, from shame, whatever next befalls:

But when the silver locks and silver beard

Of an old man slain by the sword, from dogs

Receive dishonor, of all ills that wait85

On miserable man, that sure is worst.

So spake the ancient King, and his grey hairs

Pluck’d with both hands, but Hector firm endured.

On the other side all tears his mother stood,

And lamentation; with one hand she bared,90

And with the other hand produced her breast,

Then in wing’d accents, weeping, him bespake.

My Hector! reverence this, and pity me

If ever, drawing forth this breast, thy griefs

Of infancy I soothed, oh now, my son!95

Acknowledge it, and from within the walls

Repulse this enemy; stand not abroad

To cope with _him_, for he is savage-fierce,

And should he slay thee, neither shall myself

Who bore thee, nor thy noble spouse weep o’er100

Thy body, but, where we can never come,

Dogs shall devour it in the fleet of Greece.

So they with prayers importuned, and with tears

Their son, but him sway’d not; unmoved he stood,

Expecting vast Achilles now at hand.105

As some fell serpent in his cave expects

The traveller’s approach, batten’d with herbs

Of baneful juice to fury,[3] forth he looks

Hideous, and lies coil’d all around his den,

So Hector, fill’d with confidence untamed,110

Fled not, but placing his bright shield against

A buttress, with his noble heart conferr’d.

[4]Alas for me! should I repass the gate,

Polydamas would be the first to heap

Reproaches on me, for he bade me lead115

The Trojans back this last calamitous night

In which Achilles rose to arms again.

But I refused, although to have complied,

Had proved more profitable far; since then

By rash resolves of mine I have destroy’d120

The people, how can I escape the blame

Of all in Troy? The meanest there will say—

By his self-will he hath destroy’d us all.

So shall they speak, and then shall I regret

That I return’d ere I had slain in fight125

Achilles, or that, by Achilles slain,

I died not nobly in defence of Troy.

But shall I thus? Lay down my bossy shield,

Put off my helmet, and my spear recline

Against the city wall, then go myself130

To meet the brave Achilles, and at once

Promise him Helen, for whose sake we strive

With all the wealth that Paris in his fleet

Brought home, to be restored to Atreus’ sons,

And to distribute to the Greeks at large135

All hidden treasures of the town, an oath

Taking beside from every senator,

That he will nought conceal, but will produce

And share in just equality what stores

Soever our fair city still includes?140

Ah airy speculations, questions vain!

I may not sue to him: compassion none

Will he vouchsafe me, or my suit respect.

But, seeing me unarm’d, will sate at once

His rage, and womanlike I shall be slain.145

It is no time from oak or hollow rock

With him to parley, as a nymph and swain,

A nymph and swain[5] soft parley mutual hold,

But rather to engage in combat fierce

Incontinent; so shall we soonest learn150

Whom Jove will make victorious, him or me.

Thus pondering he stood; meantime approach’d

Achilles, terrible as fiery Mars,

Crest-tossing God, and brandish’d as he came

O’er his right shoulder high the Pelian spear.155

Like lightning, or like flame, or like the sun

Ascending, beam’d his armor. At that sight

Trembled the Trojan Chief, nor dared expect

His nearer step, but flying left the gates

Far distant, and Achilles swift pursued.160

As in the mountains, fleetest fowl of air,

The hawk darts eager at the dove; she scuds

Aslant, he screaming, springs and springs again

To seize her, all impatient for the prey,

So flew Achilles constant to the track165

Of Hector, who with dreadful haste beneath

The Trojan bulwarks plied his agile limbs.

Passing the prospect-mount where high in air

The wild-fig waved,[6] they rush’d along the road,

Declining never from the wall of Troy.170

And now they reach’d the running rivulets clear,

Where from Scamander’s dizzy flood arise

Two fountains,[7] tepid one, from which a smoke

Issues voluminous as from a fire,

The other, even in summer heats, like hail175

For cold, or snow, or crystal-stream frost-bound.

Beside them may be seen the broad canals

Of marble scoop’d, in which the wives of Troy

And all her daughters fair were wont to lave

Their costly raiment,[8] while the land had rest,180

And ere the warlike sons of Greece arrived.

By these they ran, one fleeing, one in chase.

Valiant was he who fled, but valiant far

Beyond him he who urged the swift pursuit;

Nor ran they for a vulgar prize, a beast185

For sacrifice, or for the hide of such,

The swift foot-racer’s customary meed,

But for the noble Hector’s life they ran.

As when two steeds, oft conquerors, trim the goal

For some illustrious prize, a tripod bright190

Or beauteous virgin, at a funeral game,

So they with nimble feet the city thrice

Of Priam compass’d. All the Gods look’d on,

And thus the Sire of Gods and men began.

Ah—I behold a warrior dear to me195

Around the walls of Ilium driven, and grieve

For Hector, who the thighs of fatted bulls

On yonder heights of Ida many-valed

Burn’d oft to me, and in the heights of Troy:[9]

But him Achilles, glorious Chief, around200

The city walls of Priam now pursues.

Consider this, ye Gods! weigh the event.

Shall we from death save Hector? or, at length,

Leave him, although in battle high renown’d,

To perish by the might of Peleus’ son?205

Whom answer’d thus Pallas cerulean-eyed.

Dread Sovereign of the storms! what hast thou said?

Wouldst thou deliver from the stroke of fate

A mortal man death-destined from of old?

Do it; but small thy praise shall be in heaven.210

Then answer thus, cloud-gatherer Jove return’d.

Fear not, Tritonia, daughter dear! that word

Spake not my purpose; me thou shalt perceive

Always to thee indulgent. What thou wilt

That execute, and use thou no delay.215

So roused he Pallas of herself prepared,

And from the heights Olympian down she flew.

With unremitting speed Achilles still

Urged Hector. As among the mountain-height

The hound pursues, roused newly from her lair220

The flying fawn through many a vale and grove;

And though she trembling skulk the shrubs beneath,

Tracks her continual, till he find the prey,

So ’scaped not Hector Peleus’ rapid son.

Oft as toward the Dardan gates he sprang225

Direct, and to the bulwarks firm of Troy,

Hoping some aid by volleys from the wall,

So oft, outstripping him, Achilles thence

Enforced him to the field, who, as he might,

Still ever stretch’d toward the walls again.230

As, in a dream,[10] pursuit hesitates oft,

This hath no power to fly, that to pursue,

So these—one fled, and one pursued in vain.

How, then, had Hector his impending fate

Eluded, had not Phœbus, at his last,235

Last effort meeting him, his strength restored,

And wing’d for flight his agile limbs anew?

The son of Peleus, as he ran, his brows

Shaking, forbad the people to dismiss

A dart at Hector, lest a meaner hand240

Piercing him, should usurp the foremost praise.

But when the fourth time to those rivulets.

They came, then lifting high his golden scales,

Two lots the everlasting Father placed

Within them, for Achilles one, and one245

For Hector, balancing the doom of both.

Grasping it in the midst, he raised the beam.

Down went the fatal day of Hector, down

To Ades, and Apollo left his side.

Then blue-eyed Pallas hasting to the son250

Of Peleus, in wing’d accents him address’d.

Now, dear to Jove, Achilles famed in arms!

I hope that, fierce in combat though he be,

We shall, at last, slay Hector, and return

Crown’d with great glory to the fleet of Greece.255

No fear of his deliverance now remains,

Not even should the King of radiant shafts,

Apollo, toil in supplication, roll’d

And roll’d again[11] before the Thunderer’s feet.

But stand, recover breath; myself, the while,260

Shall urge him to oppose thee face to face.

So Pallas spake, whom joyful he obey’d,

And on his spear brass-pointed lean’d. But she,

(Achilles left) to noble Hector pass’d,

And in the form, and with the voice loud-toned265

Approaching of Deiphobus, his ear

In accents, as of pity, thus address’d.

Ah brother! thou art overtask’d, around

The walls of Troy by swift Achilles driven;

But stand, that we may chase him in his turn.[12]270

To whom crest-tossing Hector huge replied.

Deiphobus! of all my father’s sons

Brought forth by Hecuba, I ever loved

Thee most, but more than ever love thee now,

Who hast not fear’d, seeing me, for my sake275

To quit the town, where others rest content.

To whom the Goddess, thus, cerulean-eyed.

Brother! our parents with much earnest suit

Clasping my knees, and all my friends implored me

To stay in Troy, (such fear hath seized on all)280

But grief for thee prey’d on my inmost soul.

Come—fight we bravely—spare we now our spears

No longer; now for proof if Peleus’ son

Slaying us both, shall bear into the fleet

Our arms gore-stain’d, or perish slain by thee.285

So saying, the wily Goddess led the way.

They soon, approaching each the other, stood

Opposite, and huge Hector thus began.

Pelides! I will fly thee now no more.

Thrice I have compass’d Priam’s spacious walls290

A fugitive, and have not dared abide

Thy onset, but my heart now bids me stand

Dauntless, and I will slay, or will be slain.

But come. We will attest the Gods; for they

Are fittest both to witness and to guard295

Our covenant. If Jove to me vouchsafe

The hard-earn’d victory, and to take thy life,

I will not with dishonor foul insult

Thy body, but, thine armor stripp’d, will give

Thee to thy friends, as thou shalt me to mine.300

To whom Achilles, lowering dark, replied.

Hector! my bitterest foe! speak not to me

Of covenants! as concord can be none

Lions and men between, nor wolves and lambs

Can be unanimous, but hate perforce305

Each other by a law not to be changed,

So cannot amity subsist between

Thee and myself; nor league make I with thee

Or compact, till thy blood in battle shed

Or mine, shall gratify the fiery Mars.310

Rouse all thy virtue; thou hast utmost need

Of valor now, and of address in arms.

Escape me more thou canst not; Pallas’ hand

By mine subdues thee; now will I avenge

At once the agonies of every Greek315

In thy unsparing fury slain by thee.

He said, and, brandishing the Pelian ash,

Dismiss’d it; but illustrious Hector warn’d,

Crouched low, and, overflying him, it pierced

The soil beyond, whence Pallas plucking it320

Unseen, restored it to Achilles’ hand,

And Hector to his godlike foe replied.

Godlike Achilles! thou hast err’d, nor know’st

At all my doom from Jove, as thou pretend’st,

But seek’st, by subtlety and wind of words,325

All empty sounds, to rob me of my might.

Yet stand I firm. Think not to pierce my back.

Behold my bosom! if the Gods permit,

Meet me advancing, and transpierce me there.

Meantime avoid my glittering spear, but oh330

May’st thou receive it all! since lighter far

To Ilium should the toils of battle prove,

Wert thou once slain, the fiercest of her foes.

He said, and hurling his long spear with aim

Unerring, smote the centre of the shield335

Of Peleus’ son, but his spear glanced away.

He, angry to have sent it forth in vain,

(For he had other none) with eyes downcast

Stood motionless awhile, then with loud voice

Sought from Deiphobus, white-shielded Chief,340

A second; but Deiphobus was gone.

Then Hector understood his doom, and said.

Ah, it is plain; this is mine hour to die.

I thought Deiphobus at hand, but me

Pallas beguiled, and he is still in Troy.345

A bitter death threatens me, it is nigh,

And there is no escape; Jove, and Jove’s son

Apollo, from the first, although awhile

My prompt deliverers, chose this lot for me,

And now it finds me. But I will not fall350

Inglorious; I will act some great exploit

That shall be celebrated ages hence.

So saying, his keen falchion from his side

He drew, well-temper’d, ponderous, and rush’d

At once to combat. As the eagle darts355

Right downward through a sullen cloud to seize

Weak lamb or timorous hare, so brandishing

His splendid falchion, Hector rush’d to fight.

Achilles, opposite, with fellest ire

Full-fraught came on; his shield with various art360

Celestial form’d, o’erspread his ample chest,

And on his radiant casque terrific waved

The bushy gold of his resplendent crest,

By Vulcan spun, and pour’d profuse around.

Bright as, among the stars, the star of all365

Most radiant, Hesperus, at midnight moves,

So, in the right hand of Achilles beam’d

His brandish’d spear, while, meditating wo

To Hector, he explored his noble form,

Seeking where he was vulnerable most.370

But every part, his dazzling armor torn

From brave Patroclus’ body, well secured,

Save where the circling key-bone from the neck

Disjoins the shoulder; there his throat appear’d,

Whence injured life with swiftest flight escapes;375

Achilles, plunging in that part his spear,

Impell’d it through the yielding flesh beyond.

The ashen beam his power of utterance left

Still unimpair’d, but in the dust he fell,

And the exulting conqueror exclaim’d.380

But Hector! thou hadst once far other hopes,

And, stripping slain Patroclus, thought’st thee safe,

Nor caredst for absent me. Fond dream and vain!

I was not distant far; in yonder fleet

He left one able to avenge his death,385

And he hath slain thee. Thee the dogs shall rend

Dishonorably, and the fowls of air,

But all Achaia’s host shall him entomb.

To whom the Trojan Chief languid replied.

By thy own life, by theirs who gave thee birth,390

And by thy knees,[13] oh let not Grecian dogs

Rend and devour me, but in gold accept

And brass a ransom at my father’s hands,

And at my mother’s an illustrious price;

Send home my body, grant me burial rites395

Among the daughters and the sons of Troy.

To whom with aspect stern Achilles thus.

Dog! neither knees nor parents name to me.

I would my fierceness of revenge were such,

That I could carve and eat thee, to whose arms400

Such griefs I owe; so true it is and sure,

That none shall save thy carcase from the dogs.

No, trust me, would thy parents bring me weigh’d

Ten—twenty ransoms, and engage on oath

To add still more; would thy Dardanian Sire405

Priam, redeem thee with thy weight in gold,

Not even at that price would I consent

That she who bare should place thee on thy bier

With lamentation; dogs and ravening fowls

Shall rend thy body while a scrap remains.410

Then, dying, warlike Hector thus replied.

Full well I knew before, how suit of mine

Should speed preferr’d to thee. Thy heart is steel.

But oh, while yet thou livest, think, lest the Gods

Requite thee on that day, when pierced thyself415

By Paris and Apollo, thou shalt fall,

Brave as thou art, before the Scæan gate.

He ceased, and death involved him dark around.

His spirit, from his limbs dismiss’d, the house

Of Ades sought, mourning in her descent420

Youth’s prime and vigor lost, disastrous doom!

But him though dead, Achilles thus bespake.

Die thou. My death shall find me at what hour

Jove gives commandment, and the Gods above.

He spake, and from the dead drawing away425

His brazen spear, placed it apart, then stripp’d

His arms gore-stain’d. Meantime the other sons

Of the Achaians, gathering fast around,

The bulk admired, and the proportion just

Of Hector; neither stood a Grecian there430

Who pierced him not, and thus the soldier spake.

Ye Gods! how far more patient of the touch

Is Hector now, than when he fired the fleet!

Thus would they speak, then give him each a stab.

And now, the body stripp’d, their noble Chief435

The swift Achilles standing in the midst,

The Grecians in wing’d accents thus address’d.

Friends, Chiefs and Senators of Argos’ host!

Since, by the will of heaven, this man is slain

Who harm’d us more than all our foes beside,440

Essay we next the city, so to learn

The Trojan purpose, whether (Hector slain)

They will forsake the citadel, or still

Defend it, even though of him deprived.

But wherefore speak I thus? still undeplored,445

Unburied in my fleet Patroclus lies;

Him never, while alive myself, I mix

With living men and move, will I forget.

In Ades, haply, they forget the dead,

Yet will not I Patroclus, even there.450

Now chanting pæans, ye Achaian youths!

Return we to the fleet with this our prize;

We have achieved great glory,[14] we have slain

Illustrious Hector, him whom Ilium praised

In all her gates, and as a God revered.455

He said; then purposing dishonor foul

To noble Hector, both his feet he bored

From heel to ancle, and, inserting thongs,

Them tied behind his chariot, but his head

Left unsustain’d to trail along the ground.460

Ascending next, the armor at his side

He placed, then lash’d the steeds; they willing flew

Thick dust around the body dragg’d arose,

His sable locks all swept the plain, and all

His head, so graceful once, now track’d the dust,465

For Jove had given it into hostile hands

That they might shame it in his native soil.[15]

Thus, whelm’d in dust, it went. The mother Queen

Her son beholding, pluck’d her hair away,

Cast far aside her lucid veil, and fill’d470

With shrieks the air. His father wept aloud,

And, all around, long, long complaints were heard

And lamentations in the streets of Troy,

Not fewer or less piercing, than if flames

Had wrapt all Ilium to her topmost towers.475

His people scarce detain’d the ancient King

Grief-stung, and resolute to issue forth

Through the Dardanian gates; to all he kneel’d

In turn, then roll’d himself in dust, and each

By name solicited to give him way.480

Stand off, my fellow mourners! I would pass

The gates, would seek, alone, the Grecian fleet.

I go to supplicate the bloody man,

Yon ravager; he may respect, perchance,

My years, may feel some pity of my age;485

For, such as I am, his own father is,

Peleus, who rear’d him for a curse to Troy,

But chiefly rear’d him to myself a curse,

So numerous have my sons in prime of youth

Fall’n by his hand, all whom I less deplore490

(Though mourning all) than one; my agonies

For Hector soon shall send me to the shades.

Oh had he but within these arms expired,

The hapless Queen who bore him, and myself

Had wept him, then, till sorrow could no more!495

So spake he weeping, and the citizens

All sigh’d around; next, Hecuba began

Amid the women, thus, her sad complaint.

Ah wherefore, oh my son! wretch that I am,

Breathe I forlorn of thee? Thou, night and day,500

My glory wast in Ilium, thee her sons

And daughters, both, hail’d as their guardian God,

Conscious of benefits from thee received,

Whose life prolong’d should have advanced them all

To high renown. Vain boast! thou art no more.505

So mourn’d the Queen. But fair Andromache

Nought yet had heard, nor knew by sure report

Hector’s delay without the city gates.

She in a closet of her palace sat,

A twofold web weaving magnificent,510

With sprinkled flowers inwrought of various hues,

And to her maidens had commandment given

Through all her house, that compassing with fire

An ample tripod, they should warm a bath

For noble Hector from the fight return’d.515

Tenderness ill-inform’d! she little knew

That in the field, from such refreshments far,

Pallas had slain him by Achilles’ hand.

She heard a cry of sorrow from the tower;

Her limbs shook under her, her shuttle fell,520

And to her bright-hair’d train, alarm’d, she cried.

Attend me two of you, that I may learn

What hath befallen. I have heard the voice

Of the Queen-mother; my rebounding heart

Chokes me, and I seem fetter’d by a frost.525

Some mischief sure o’er Priam’s sons impends.

Far be such tidings from me! but I fear

Horribly, lest Achilles, cutting off

My dauntless Hector from the gates alone,

Enforce him to the field, and quell perhaps530

The might, this moment, of that dreadful arm

His hinderance long; for Hector ne’er was wont

To seek his safety in the ranks, but flew

First into battle, yielding place to none.

So saying, she rush’d with palpitating heart535

And frantic air abroad, by her two maids

Attended; soon arriving at the tower,

And at the throng of men, awhile she stood

Down-looking wistful from the city-wall,

And, seeing him in front of Ilium, dragg’d540

So cruelly toward the fleet of Greece,

O’erwhelm’d with sudden darkness at the view

Fell backward, with a sigh heard all around.

Far distant flew dispersed her head-attire,

Twist, frontlet, diadem, and even the veil545

By golden Venus given her on the day

When Hector led her from Eëtion’s house

Enrich’d with nuptial presents to his home.

Around her throng’d her sisters of the house

Of Priam, numerous, who within their arms550

Fast held her[16] loathing life; but she, her breath

At length and sense recovering, her complaint

Broken with sighs amid them thus began.

Hector! I am undone; we both were born

To misery, thou in Priam’s house in Troy,555

And I in Hypoplacian Thebes wood-crown’d

Beneath Eëtion’s roof. He, doom’d himself

To sorrow, me more sorrowfully doom’d,

Sustain’d in helpless infancy, whom oh

That he had ne’er begotten! thou descend’st560

To Pluto’s subterraneous dwelling drear,

Leaving myself destitute, and thy boy,

Fruit of our hapless loves, an infant yet,

Never to be hereafter thy delight,

Nor love of thine to share or kindness more.565

For should he safe survive this cruel war,

With the Achaians penury and toil

Must be his lot, since strangers will remove

At will his landmarks, and possess his fields.

Thee lost, he loses all, of father, both,570

And equal playmate in one day deprived,

To sad looks doom’d, and never-ceasing-tears.

He seeks, necessitous his father’s friends,

One by his mantle pulls, one by his vest,

Whose utmost pity yields to his parch’d lips575

A thirst-provoking drop, and grudges more;

Some happier child, as yet untaught to mourn

A parent’s loss, shoves rudely from the board

My son, and, smiting him, reproachful cries—

Away—thy father is no guest of ours—580

Then, weeping, to his widow’d mother comes

Astyanax, who on his father’s lap

Ate marrow only, once, and fat of lambs,[17]

And when sleep took him, and his crying fit

Had ceased, slept ever on the softest bed,585

Warm in his nurse’s arms, fed to his fill

With delicacies, and his heart at rest.

But now, Astyanax (so named in Troy

For thy sake, guardian of her gates and towers)

His father lost, must many a pang endure.590

And as for thee, cast naked forth among

Yon galleys, where no parent’s eye of thine

Shall find thee, when the dogs have torn thee once

Till they are sated, worms shall eat thee next.

Meantime, thy graceful raiment rich, prepared595

By our own maidens, in thy palace lies;

But I will burn it, burn it all, because

Useless to thee, who never, so adorn’d,

Shalt slumber more; yet every eye in Troy

Shall see, how glorious once was thy attire.[18]600

So, weeping, she; to whom the multitude

Of Trojan dames responsive sigh’d around.

BOOK XXIII.

ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTY-THIRD BOOK.

The body of Patroclus is burned, and the funeral games ensue.

BOOK XXIII.

Such mourning was in Troy; meantime the Greeks

Their galleys and the shores of Hellespont

Regaining, each to his own ship retired.

But not the Myrmidons; Achilles them

Close rank’d in martial order still detain’d,5

And thus his fellow-warriors brave address’d.

Ye swift-horsed Myrmidons, associates dear!

Release not from your chariots yet your steeds

Firm-hoof’d, but steeds and chariots driving near,

Bewail Patroclus, as the rites demand10

Of burial; then, satiate with grief and tears,

We will release our steeds, and take repast.

He ended, and, himself leading the way,

His numerous band all mourn’d at once the dead.

Around the body thrice their glossy steeds,15

Mourning they drove, while Thetis in their hearts

The thirst of sorrow kindled; they with tears

The sands bedew’d, with tears their radiant arms,

Such deep regret of one so brave they felt.

Then, placing on the bosom of his friend20

His homicidal hands, Achilles thus

The shade of his Patroclus, sad, bespake.

Hail, oh Patroclus, even in Ades hail!

For I will now accomplish to the full

My promise pledged to thee, that I would give25

Hector dragg’d hither to be torn by dogs

Piecemeal, and would before thy funeral pile

The necks dissever of twelve Trojan youths

Of noblest rank, resentful of thy death.

He said, and meditating foul disgrace30

To noble Hector, stretch’d him prone in dust

Beside the bier of Menœtiades.

Then all the Myrmidons their radiant arms

Put off, and their shrill-neighing steeds released.

A numerous band beside the bark they sat35

Of swift Æacides, who furnish’d forth

Himself a feast funereal for them all.

Many a white ox under the ruthless steel

Lay bleeding, many a sheep and blatant goat,

With many a saginated boar bright-tusk’d,40

Amid fierce flames Vulcanian stretch’d to roast.

Copious the blood ran all around the dead.

And now the Kings of Greece conducted thence

To Agamemnon’s tent the royal son

Of Peleus, loth to go, and won at last45

With difficulty, such his anger was

And deep resentment of his slaughter’d friend.

Soon then as Agamemnon’s tent they reach’d,

The sovereign bade his heralds kindle fire

Around an ample vase, with purpose kind50

Moving Achilles from his limbs to cleanse

The stains of battle; but he firm refused

That suit, and bound refusal with an oath—

No; by the highest and the best of all,

By Jove I will not. Never may it be55

That brazen bath approach this head of mine,

Till I shall first Patroclus’ body give

To his last fires, till I shall pile his tomb,

And sheer my locks in honor of my friend;

For, like to this, no second wo shall e’er60

My heart invade, while vital breath I draw.

But, all unwelcome as it is, repast

Now calls us. Agamemnon, King of men!

Give thou command that at the dawn they bring

Wood hither, such large portion as beseems65

The dead, descending to the shades, to share,

That hungry flames consuming out of sight

His body soon, the host may war again.

He spake; they, hearing, readily obey’d.

Then, each his food preparing with dispatch,70

They ate, nor wanted any of the guests

Due portion, and their appetites sufficed

To food and wine, all to their tents repair’d

Seeking repose; but on the sands beside

The billowy deep Achilles groaning lay75

Amidst his Myrmidons, where space he found

With blood unstain’d beside the dashing wave.[1]

There, soon as sleep, deliverer of the mind,

Wrapp’d him around (for much his noble limbs

With chase of Hector round the battlements80

Of wind-swept Ilium wearied were and spent)

The soul came to him of his hapless friend,

In bulk resembling, in expressive eyes

And voice Patroclus, and so clad as he.

Him, hovering o’er his head, the form address’d.85

Sleep’st thou, Achilles! of thy friend become

Heedless? Him living thou didst not neglect

Whom thou neglectest dead. Give me a tomb

Instant, that I may pass the infernal gates.

For now, the shades and spirits of the dead90

Drive me afar, denying me my wish

To mingle with them on the farthest shore,

And in wide-portal’d Ades sole I roam.

Give me thine hand, I pray thee, for the earth

I visit never more, once burnt with fire;95

We never shall again close council hold

As we were wont, for me my fate severe,

Mine even from my birth, hath deep absorb’d.

And oh Achilles, semblance of the Gods!

Thou too predestined art beneath the wall100

To perish of the high-born Trojan race.

But hear my last injunction! ah, my friend!

My bones sepulchre not from thine apart,

But as, together we were nourish’d both

Beneath thy roof (what time from Opoëis105

Menœtius led me to thy father’s house,

Although a child, yet fugitive for blood,

Which, in a quarrel at the dice, I spilt,

Killing my playmate by a casual blow,

The offspring of Amphidamas, when, like110

A father, Peleus with all tenderness

Received and cherish’d me, and call’d me thine)

So, let one vase inclose, at last, our bones,

The golden vase, thy Goddess mother’s gift.[2]

To whom Achilles, matchless in the race.115

Ah, loved and honor’d! wherefore hast thou come!

Why thus enjoin’d me? I will all perform

With diligence that thou hast now desired.

But nearer stand, that we may mutual clasp

Each other, though but with a short embrace,120

And sad satiety of grief enjoy.

He said, and stretch’d his arms toward the shade,

But him seized not; shrill-clamoring and light

As smoke, the spirit pass’d into the earth.

Amazed, upsprang Achilles, clash’d aloud125

His palms together, and thus, sad, exclaim’d.

Ah then, ye Gods! there doubtless are below

The soul and semblance both, but empty forms;

For all night long, mourning, disconsolate,

The soul of my Patroclus, hapless friend!130

Hath hover’d o’er me, giving me in charge

His last requests, just image of himself.

So saying, he call’d anew their sorrow forth,

And rosy-palm’d Aurora found them all

Mourning afresh the pitiable dead.135

Then royal Agamemnon call’d abroad

Mules and mule-drivers from the tents in haste

To gather wood. Uprose a valiant man,

Friend of the virtuous Chief Idomeneus,

Meriones, who led them to the task.140

They, bearing each in hand his sharpen’d axe

And twisted cord, thence journey’d forth, the mules

Driving before them; much uneven space

They measured, hill and dale, right onward now,

And now circuitous; but at the groves145

Arrived at length, of Ida fountain-fed,

Their keen-edged axes to the towering oaks

Dispatchful they applied; down fell the trees

With crash sonorous. Splitting, next, the trunks,

They bound them on the mules; they, with firm hoofs150

The hill-side stamping, through the thickets rush’d

Desirous of the plain. Each man his log

(For so the armor-bearer of the King

Of Crete, Meriones, had them enjoin’d)

Bore after them, and each his burthen cast155

Down on the beach regular, where a tomb

Of ample size Achilles for his friend

Patroclus had, and for himself, design’d.

Much fuel thrown together, side by side

There down they sat, and his command at once160

Achilles issued to his warriors bold,

That all should gird their armor, and the steeds

Join to their chariots; undelaying each

Complied, and in bright arms stood soon array’d.

Then mounted combatants and charioteers.165

First, moved the chariots, next, the infantry

Proceeded numerous, amid whom his friends,

Bearing the body of Patroclus, went.

They poll’d their heads, and cover’d him with hair

Shower’d over all his body, while behind170

Noble Achilles march’d, the hero’s head

Sustaining sorrowful, for to the realms

Of Ades a distinguish’d friend he sent.

And now, arriving on the ground erewhile

Mark’d by Achilles, setting down the dead,175

They heap’d the fuel quick, a lofty pile.[3]

But Peleus’ son, on other thoughts intent,

Retiring from the funeral pile, shore off

His amber ringlets,[4] whose exuberant growth

Sacred to Sperchius he had kept unshorn,180

And looking o’er the gloomy deep, he said.

Sperchius! in vain Peleus my father vow’d

That, hence returning to my native land,

These ringlets shorn I should present to thee[5]

With a whole hecatomb, and should, beside,185

Rams offer fifty at thy fountain head

In thy own field, at thy own fragrant shrine.

So vow’d the hoary Chief, whose wishes thou

Leavest unperform’d. Since, therefore, never more

I see my native home, the hero these190

Patroclus takes down with him to the shades.

He said, and filling with his hair the hand

Of his dead friend, the sorrows of his train

Waken’d afresh. And now the lamp of day

Westering[6] apace, had left them still in tears,195

Had not Achilles suddenly address’d

King Agamemnon, standing at his side.

Atrides! (for Achaia’s sons thy word

Will readiest execute) we may with grief

Satiate ourselves hereafter; but, the host200

Dispersing from the pile, now give command

That they prepare repast; ourselves,[7] to whom

These labors in peculiar appertain

Will finish them; but bid the Chiefs abide.

Which when imperial Agamemnon heard,205

He scatter’d instant to their several ships

The people; but the burial-dressers thence

Went not; they, still abiding, heap’d the pile.

A hundred feet of breadth from side to side

They gave to it, and on the summit placed210

With sorrowing hearts the body of the dead.

Many a fat sheep, with many an ox full-horn’d

They flay’d before the pile, busy their task

Administering, and Peleus’ son the fat

Taking from every victim, overspread215

Complete the body with it of his friend[8]

Patroclus, and the flay’d beasts heap’d around.

Then, placing flagons on the pile, replete

With oil and honey, he inclined their mouths

Toward the bier, and slew and added next,220

Deep-groaning and in haste, four martial steeds.

Nine dogs the hero at his table fed,

Of which beheading two, their carcases

He added also. Last, twelve gallant sons

Of noble Trojans slaying (for his heart225

Teem’d with great vengeance) he applied the force

Of hungry flames that should devour the whole,

Then, mourning loud, by name his friend invoked.

Rejoice, Patroclus! even in the shades,

Behold my promise to thee all fulfill’d!230

Twelve gallant sons of Trojans famed in arms,

Together with thyself, are all become

Food for these fires: but fire shall never feed

On Hector; him I destine to the dogs.

So threaten’d he; but him no dogs devour’d;235

Them, day and night, Jove’s daughter Venus chased

Afar, and smooth’d the hero o’er with oils

Of rosy scent ambrosial, lest his corse,

Behind Achilles’ chariot dragg’d along

So rudely, should be torn; and Phœbus hung240

A veil of sable clouds from heaven to earth,

O’ershadowing broad the space where Hector lay,

Lest parching suns intense should stiffen him.

But the pile kindled not. Then, Peleus’ son

Seeking a place apart, two Winds in prayer245

Boreas invoked and Zephyrus, to each

Vowing large sacrifice. With earnest suit

(Libation pouring from a golden cup)

Their coming he implored, that so the flames

Kindling, incontinent might burn the dead.250

Iris, his supplications hearing, swift

Convey’d them to the Winds; they, in the hall

Banqueting of the heavy-blowing West

Sat frequent. Iris, sudden at the gate

Appear’d; they, at the sight upstarting all,255

Invited each the Goddess to himself.

But she refused a seat and thus she spake.[9]

I sit not here. Borne over Ocean’s stream

Again, to Æthiopia’s land I go

Where hecatombs are offer’d to the Gods,260

Which, with the rest, I also wish to share.

But Peleus’ son, earnest, the aid implores

Of Boreas and of Zephyrus the loud,

Vowing large sacrifice if ye will fan

Briskly the pile on which Patroclus lies265

By all Achaia’s warriors deep deplored.

She said, and went. Then suddenly arose

The Winds, and, roaring, swept the clouds along.

First, on the sea they blew; big rose the waves

Beneath the blast. At fruitful Troy arrived270

Vehement on the pile they fell, and dread

On all sides soon a crackling blaze ensued.

All night, together blowing shrill, they drove

The sheeted flames wide from the funeral pile,

And all night long, a goblet in his hand275

From golden beakers fill’d, Achilles stood

With large libations soaking deep the soil,

And calling on the spirit of his friend.

As some fond father mourns, burning the bones

Of his own son, who, dying on the eve280

Of his glad nuptials, hath his parents left

O’erwhelm’d with inconsolable distress,

So mourn’d Achilles, his companion’s bones

Burning, and pacing to and fro the field

Beside the pile with many a sigh profound.285

But when the star, day’s harbinger, arose,

Soon after whom, in saffron vest attired

The morn her beams diffuses o’er the sea,

The pile, then wasted, ceased to flame, and then

Back flew the Winds over the Thracian deep290

Rolling the flood before them as they pass’d.

And now Pelides lying down apart

From the funereal pile, slept, but not long,

Though weary; waken’d by the stir and din

Of Agamemnon’s train. He sat erect,295

And thus the leaders of the host address’d.

Atrides, and ye potentates who rule

The whole Achaian host! first quench the pile

Throughout with generous wine, where’er the fire

Hath seized it. We will then the bones collect300

Of Menœtiades, which shall with ease

Be known, though many bones lie scatter’d near,

Since in the middle pile Patroclus lay,

But wide apart and on its verge we burn’d

The steeds and Trojans, a promiscuous heap.305

Them so collected in a golden vase

We will dispose, lined with a double cawl,

Till I shall, also, to my home below.

I wish not now a tomb of amplest bounds,

But such as may suffice, which yet in height310

The Grecians and in breadth shall much augment

Hereafter, who, survivors of my fate,

Shall still remain in the Achaian fleet.

So spake Pelides, and the Chiefs complied.

Where’er the pile had blazed, with generous wine315

They quench’d it, and the hills of ashes sank.

Then, weeping, to a golden vase, with lard

Twice lined, they gave their gentle comrade’s bones

Fire-bleach’d, and lodging safely in his tent

The relics, overspread them with a veil.320

Designing, next, the compass of the tomb,

They mark’d its boundary with stones, then fill’d

The wide enclosure hastily with earth,

And, having heap’d it to its height, return’d.

But all the people, by Achilles still325

Detain’d, there sitting, form’d a spacious ring,

And he the destined prizes from his fleet

Produced, capacious caldrons, tripods bright,

Steeds, mules, tall oxen, women at the breast

Close-cinctured, elegant, and unwrought[10] iron.330

First, to the chariot-drivers he proposed

A noble prize; a beauteous maiden versed

In arts domestic, with a tripod ear’d,

Of twenty and two measures. These he made

The conqueror’s meed. The second should a mare335

Obtain, unbroken yet, six years her age,

Pregnant, and bearing in her womb a mule.

A caldron of four measures, never smirch’d

By smoke or flame, but fresh as from the forge

The third awaited; to the fourth he gave340

Two golden talents, and, unsullied yet

By use, a twin-ear’d phial[11] to the fifth.

He stood erect, and to the Greeks he cried.

Atrides, and ye chiefs of all the host!

These prizes, in the circus placed, attend345

The charioteers. Held we the present games

In honor of some other Grecian dead,

I would myself bear hence the foremost prize;

For ye are all witnesses well-inform’d

Of the superior virtue of my steeds.350

They are immortal; Neptune on my sire

Peleus conferr’d them, and my sire on me.

But neither I this contest share myself,

Nor shall my steeds; for they would miss the force

And guidance of a charioteer so kind355

As they have lost, who many a time hath cleansed

Their manes with water of the crystal brook,

And made them sleek, himself, with limpid oil.

Him, therefore, mourning, motionless they stand

With hair dishevell’d, streaming to the ground.360

But ye, whoever of the host profess

Superior skill, and glory in your steeds

And well-built chariots, for the strife prepare!

So spake Pelides, and the charioteers,

For speed renown’d arose. Long ere the rest365

Eumelus, King of men, Admetus’ son

Arose, accomplish’d in equestrian arts.

Next, Tydeus’ son, brave Diomede, arose;

He yoked the Trojan coursers by himself

In battle from Æneas won, what time370

Apollo saved their master. Third, upstood

The son of Atreus with the golden locks,

Who to his chariot Agamemnon’s mare

Swift Æthe and his own Podargus join’d.

Her Echepolus from Anchises sprung375

To Agamemnon gave; she was the price

At which he purchased leave to dwell at home

Excused attendance on the King at Troy;

For, by the gift of Jove, he had acquired

Great riches, and in wide-spread Sicyon dwelt.380

Her wing’d with ardor, Menelaus yoked.

Antilochus, arising fourth, his steeds

Bright-maned prepared, son of the valiant King

Of Pylus, Nestor Neleïades.

Of Pylian breed were they, and thus his sire,385

With kind intent approaching to his side,

Advised him, of himself not uninform’d.[12]

Antilochus! Thou art, I know, beloved

By Jove and Neptune both, from whom, though young

Thou hast received knowledge of every art390

Equestrian, and hast little need to learn.

Thou know’st already how to trim the goal

With nicest skill, yet wondrous slow of foot

Thy coursers are, whence evil may ensue.

But though their steeds be swifter, I account395

Thee wise, at least, as they. Now is the time

For counsel, furnish now thy mind with all

Precaution, that the prize escape thee not.

The feller of huge trees by skill prevails

More than by strength; by skill the pilot guides400

His flying bark rock’d by tempestuous winds,

And more by skill than speed the race is won.

But he who in his chariot and his steeds

Trusts only, wanders here and wanders there

Unsteady, while his coursers loosely rein’d405

Roam wide the field; not so the charioteer

Of sound intelligence; he though he drive

Inferior steeds, looks ever to the goal

Which close he clips, not ignorant to check

His coursers at the first but with tight rein410

Ruling his own, and watching those before.

Now mark; I will describe so plain the goal

That thou shalt know it surely. A dry stump

Extant above the ground an ell in height

Stands yonder; either oak it is, or pine415

More likely, which the weather least impairs.

Two stones, both white, flank it on either hand.

The way is narrow there, but smooth the course

On both sides. It is either, as I think,

A monument of one long since deceased,420

Or was, perchance, in ancient days design’d,

As now by Peleus’ mighty son, a goal.

That mark in view, thy steeds and chariot push

Near to it as thou may’st; then, in thy seat

Inclining gently to the left, prick smart425

Thy right-hand horse challenging him aloud,

And give him rein; but let thy left-hand horse

Bear on the goal so closely, that the nave

And felly[13] of thy wheel may seem to meet.

Yet fear to strike the stone, lest foul disgrace430

Of broken chariot and of crippled steeds

Ensue, and thou become the public jest.

My boy beloved! use caution; for if once

Thou turn the goal at speed, no man thenceforth

Shall reach, or if he reach, shall pass thee by,435

Although Arion in thy rear he drove

Adrastus’ rapid horse of race divine,

Or those, Troy’s boast, bred by Laomedon.

So Nestor spake, inculcating with care

On his son’s mind these lessons in the art,440

And to his place retiring, sat again.

Meriones his coursers glossy-maned

Made ready last. Then to his chariot-seat

Each mounted, and the lots were thrown; himself

Achilles shook them. First, forth leap’d the lot445

Of Nestor’s son Antilochus, after whom

The King Eumelus took his destined place.

The third was Menelaus spear-renown’d;

Meriones the fourth; and last of all,

Bravest of all, heroic Diomede450

The son of Tydeus took his lot to drive.

So ranged they stood; Achilles show’d the goal

Far on the champain, nigh to which he placed

The godlike Phœnix servant of his sire,

To mark the race and make a true report.455

All raised the lash at once, and with the reins

At once all smote their steeds, urging them on

Vociferous; they, sudden, left the fleet

Far, far behind them, scouring swift the plain.

Dark, like a stormy cloud, uprose the dust460

Their chests beneath, and scatter’d in the wind

Their manes all floated; now the chariots swept

The low declivity unseen, and now

Emerging started into view; erect

The drivers stood; emulous, every heart465

Beat double; each encouraged loud his steeds;

They, flying, fill’d with dust the darken’d air.

But when returning to the hoary deep

They ran their last career, then each display’d

Brightest his charioteership, and the race470

Lay stretch’d, at once, into its utmost speed.

Then, soon the mares of Pheretiades[14]

Pass’d all, but Diomede behind him came,

Borne by his unemasculated steeds

Of Trojan pedigree; they not remote,475

But close pursued him; and at every pace

Seem’d entering both; the chariot at their head,

For blowing warm into Eumelus’ neck

Behind, and on his shoulders broad, they went,

And their chins rested on him as they flew.480

Then had Tydides pass’d him, or had made

Decision dubious, but Apollo struck,

Resentful,[15] from his hand the glittering scourge.

Fast roll’d the tears indignant down his cheeks,

For he beheld the mares with double speed,485

Flying, and of the spur deprived, his own

Retarded steeds continual thrown behind.

But not unnoticed by Minerva pass’d

The art by Phœbus practised to impede

The son of Tydeus, whom with winged haste490

Following, she gave to him his scourge again,

And with new force his lagging steeds inspired.

Eumelus, next, the angry Goddess, swift

Pursuing, snapt his yoke; wide flew the mares

Asunder, and the pole fell to the ground.495

Himself, roll’d from his seat, fast by the wheel

With lacerated elbows, nostrils, mouth,

And batter’d brows lay prone; sorrow his eyes

Deluged, and disappointment chok’d his voice.

Then, far outstripping all, Tydides push’d500

His steeds beyond, which Pallas fill’d with power

That she might make the glorious prize his own.

Him follow’d Menelaus amber-hair’d,

The son of Atreus, and his father’s steeds

Encouraging, thus spake Antilochus.505

Away—now stretch ye forward to the goal.

I bid you not to an unequal strife

With those of Diomede, for Pallas them

Quickens that he may conquer, and the Chief

So far advanced makes competition vain.510

But reach the son of Atreus, fly to reach

His steeds, incontinent; ah, be not shamed

For ever, foil’d by Æthe, by a mare!

Why fall ye thus behind, my noblest steeds?

I tell you both, and ye shall prove me true,515

No favor shall ye find at Nestor’s hands,

My valiant sire, but he will thrust his spear

Right through you, should we lose, for sloth of yours,

Or by your negligence, the nobler prize.

Haste then—pursue him—reach the royal Chief—520

And how to pass him in yon narrow way

Shall be my care, and not my care in vain.

He ended; they, awhile, awed by his voice,

With more exertion ran, and Nestor’s son

Now saw the hollow strait mark’d by his sire.525

It was a chasm abrupt, where winter-floods,

Wearing the soil, had gullied deep the way.

Thither Atrides, anxious to avoid

A clash of chariots drove, and thither drove

Also, but somewhat devious from his track,530

Antilochus. Then Menelaus fear’d,

And with loud voice the son of Nestor hail’d.

Antilochus, at what a madman’s rate

Drivest thou! stop—check thy steeds—the way is here

Too strait, but widening soon, will give thee scope535

To pass me by; beware, lest chariot close

To chariot driven, thou maim thyself and me.

He said; but still more rapid and the scourge

Plying continual, as he had not heard,

Antilochus came on. Far as the quoit540

By some broad-shoulder’d youth for trial hurl’d

Of manhood flies, so far Antilochus

Shot forward; but the coursers fell behind

Of Atreus’ son, who now abated much

By choice his driving, lest the steeds of both545

Jostling, should overturn with sudden shock

Both chariots, and themselves in dust be roll’d,

Through hot ambition of the foremost prize.

Him then the hero golden-hair’d reproved.

Antilochus! the man lives not on earth550

Like thee for love of mischief. Go, extoll’d

For wisdom falsely by the sons of Greece.

Yet, trust me, not without an oath, the prize

Thus foully sought shall even now be thine.

He said, and to his coursers call’d aloud.555

Ah be not tardy; stand not sorrow-check’d;

Their feet will fail them sooner far than yours,

For years have pass’d since they had youth to boast.

So he; and springing at his voice, his steeds

Regain’d apace the vantage lost. Meantime560

The Grecians, in full circus seated, mark’d

The steeds; they flying, fill’d with dust the air.

Then, ere the rest, Idomeneus discern’d

The foremost pair; for, on a rising ground

Exalted, he without the circus sat,565

And hearing, though remote, the driver’s voice

Chiding his steeds, knew it, and knew beside

The leader horse distinguish’d by his hue,

Chestnut throughout, save that his forehead bore

A splendid blazon white, round as the moon.570

He stood erect, and to the Greeks he cried.

Friends! Chiefs and senators of Argos’ host!

Discern I sole the steeds, or also ye?

The horses, foremost now, to me appear

Other than erst, and I descry at hand575

A different charioteer; the mares of late

Victorious, somewhere distant in the race

Are hurt; I plainly saw them at the first

Turning the goal, but see them now no more;

And yet with eyes inquisitive I range580

From side to side the whole broad plain of Troy.

Either the charioteer hath slipp’d the reins,

Or rounded not successfully the goal

Through want of guidance. Thrown, as it should seem,

Forth from his seat, he hath his chariot maim’d,585

And his ungovern’d steeds have roam’d away.

Arise and look ye forth yourselves, for I

With doubtful ken behold him; yet the man

Seems, in my view, Ætolian by descent,

A Chief of prime renown in Argos’ host,590

The hero Tydeus’ son, brave Diomede,

But Ajax Oïliades the swift

Him sharp reproved. Why art thou always given

To prate, Idomeneus? thou seest the mares,

Remote indeed, but posting to the goal.595

Thou art not youngest of the Argives here

So much, nor from beneath thy brows look forth

Quick-sighted more than ours, thine eyes abroad.

Yet still thou pratest, although silence more

Should suit thee, among wiser far than thou.600

The mares which led, lead still, and he who drives

Eumelus is, the same who drove before.

To whom the Cretan Chief, angry, replied.

Ajax! whom none in wrangling can excel

Or rudeness, though in all beside thou fall605

Below the Argives, being boorish-rough,

Come now—a tripod let us wager each,

Or caldron, and let Agamemnon judge

Whose horses lead, that, losing, thou may’st learn.

He said; then sudden from his seat upsprang610

Swift Ajax Oïliades, prepared

For harsh retort, nor had the contest ceased

Between them, but had grown from ill to worse,

Had not himself, Achilles, interposed.

Ajax—Idomeneus—abstain ye both615

From bitter speech offensive, and such terms

As ill become you. Ye would feel, yourselves,

Resentment, should another act as ye.

Survey the course, peaceable, from your seats;

The charioteers, by competition wing’d,620

Will soon themselves arrive, then shall ye know

Distinctly, both who follows and who leads.

He scarce had said, when nigh at hand appear’d

Tydides, lashing, as he came, his steeds

Continual; they with hoofs uplifted high625

Their yet remaining ground shorten’d apace,

Sprinkling with dusty drops at every stroke

Their charioteer, while close upon their heels

Radiant with tin and gold the chariot ran,

Scarce tracking light the dust, so swift they flew.630

He stood in the mid-circus; there the sweat

Rain’d under them from neck and chest profuse,

And Diomede from his resplendent seat

Leaping, reclined his scourge against the yoke.

Nor was his friend brave Sthenelus remiss,635

But, seizing with alacrity the prize,

Consign’d the tripod and the virgin, first,

To his own band in charge; then, loosed the steeds.

Next came, by stratagem, not speed advanced

To that distinction, Nestor’s son, whom yet640

The hero Menelaus close pursued

Near as the wheel runs to a courser’s heels,

Drawing his master at full speed; his tail

With its extremest hairs the felly sweeps

That close attends him o’er the spacious plain,645

So near had Menelaus now approach’d

Antilochus; for though at first he fell

A full quoit’s cast behind, he soon retrieved

That loss, with such increasing speed the mare

Bright-maned of Agamemnon, Æthe, ran;650

She, had the course few paces more to both

Afforded, should have clearly shot beyond

Antilochus, nor dubious left the prize.

But noble Menelaus threw behind

Meriones, companion in the field,655

Of King Idomeneus, a lance’s flight,

For slowest were his steeds, and he, to rule

The chariot in the race, least skill’d of all.

Last came Eumelus drawing to the goal,

Himself, his splendid chariot, and his mares660

Driving before him. Peleus’ rapid son

Beheld him with compassion, and, amid

The Argives, in wing’d accents thus he spake.

Here comes the most expert, driving his steeds

Before him. Just it were that he received665

The second prize; Tydides claims the first.

He said, and all applauded the award.

Then had Achilles to Eumelus given

The mare (for such the pleasure seem’d of all)

Had not the son of mighty Nestor risen,670

Antilochus, who pleaded thus his right.

Achilles! acting as thou hast proposed,

Thou shalt offend me much, for thou shalt take

The prize from me, because the Gods, his steeds

And chariot-yoke disabling, render’d vain675

His efforts, and no failure of his own.

It was his duty to have sought the Gods

In prayer, then had he not, following on foot

His coursers, hindmost of us all arrived.

But if thou pity him, and deem it good,680

Thou hast much gold, much brass, and many sheep

In thy pavilion; thou hast maidens fair,

And coursers also. Of thy proper stores

Hereafter give to him a richer prize

Than this, or give it now, so shall the Greeks685

Applaud thee; but this mare yield I to none;

Stand forth the Grecian who desires to win

That recompense, and let him fight with me.

He ended, and Achilles, godlike Chief,

Smiled on him, gratulating his success,690

Whom much he loved; then, ardent, thus replied.

Antilochus! if thou wouldst wish me give

Eumelus of my own, even so I will.

I will present to him my corslet bright

Won from Asteropæus, edged around695

With glittering tin; a precious gift, and rare.

So saying, he bade Automedon his friend

Produce it from the tent; he at his word

Departing, to Achilles brought the spoil,

Which at his hands Eumelus glad received.700

Then, stung with grief, and with resentment fired

Immeasurable, Menelaus rose

To charge Antilochus. His herald gave

The sceptre to his hand, and (silence bidden

To all) the godlike hero thus began.705

Antilochus! oh heretofore discreet!

What hast thou done? Thou hast dishonor’d foul

My skill, and wrong’d my coursers, throwing thine,

Although inferior far, by fraud before them.

Ye Chiefs and Senators of Argos’ host!710

Impartial judge between us, lest, of these,

Some say hereafter, Menelaus bore

Antilochus by falsehood down, and led

The mare away, because, although his steeds

Were worse, his arm was mightier, and prevail’d.715

Yet hold—myself will judge, and will to all

Contentment give, for I will judge aright.

Hither, Antilochus, illustrious youth!

And, as the law prescribes, standing before

Thy steeds and chariot, holding too the scourge720

With which thou drovest, lay hand on both thy steeds,

And swear by Neptune, circler of the earth,

That neither wilfully, nor yet by fraud

Thou didst impede my chariot in its course.

Then prudent, thus Antilochus replied.725

Oh royal Menelaus! patient bear

The fault of one thy junior far, in years

Alike unequal and in worth to thee.

Thou know’st how rash is youth, and how propense

To pass the bounds by decency prescribed,730

Quick, but not wise. Lay, then, thy wrath aside;

The mare now given me I will myself

Deliver to thee, and if thou require

A larger recompense, will rather yield

A larger much than from thy favor fall735

Deservedly for ever, mighty Prince!

And sin so heinously against the Gods.

So saying, the son of valiant Nestor led

The mare, himself, to Menelaus’ hand,

Who with heart-freshening joy the prize received.740

As on the ears of growing corn the dews

Fall grateful, while the spiry grain erect

Bristles the fields, so, Menelaus, felt

Thy inmost soul a soothing pleasure sweet!

Then answer thus the hero quick return’d.745

Antilochus! exasperate though I were,

Now, such no longer, I relinquish glad

All strife with thee, for that at other times

Thou never inconsiderate wast or light,

Although by youthful heat misled to-day.750

Yet safer is it not to over-reach

Superiors, for no other Grecian here

Had my extreme displeasure calm’d so soon;

But thou hast suffer’d much, and much hast toil’d,

As thy good father and thy brother have,755

On my behalf; I, therefore, yield, subdued

By thy entreaties, and the mare, though mine,

Will also give thee, that these Grecians all

May know me neither proud nor hard to appease.

So saying, the mare he to Noëmon gave,760

Friend of Antilochus, and, well-content,

The polish’d caldron for _his_ prize received.

The fourth awarded lot (for he had fourth

Arrived) Meriones asserted next,

The golden talents; but the phial still765

Left unappropriated Achilles bore

Across the circus in his hand, a gift

To ancient Nestor, whom he thus bespake.

Thou also, oh my father! this accept,

Which in remembrance of the funeral rites770

Of my Patroclus, keep, for him thou seest

Among the Greeks no more. Receive a prize,

Thine by gratuity; for thou shalt wield

The cestus, wrestle, at the spear contend,

Or in the foot-race (fallen as thou art775

Into the wane of life) never again.

He said, and placed it in his hands. He, glad,

Receiving it, in accents wing’d replied.

True, oh my son! is all which thou hast spoken.

These limbs, these hands, young friend! (their vigor lost)780

No longer, darted from the shoulder, spring

At once to battle. Ah that I could grow

Young yet again, could feel again such force

Athletic, as when in Buprasium erst

The Epeans with sepulchral pomp entomb’d785

King Amarynceus, where his sons ordain’d

Funereal games in honor of their sire!

Epean none or even Pylian there

Could cope with me, or yet Ætolian bold.

Boxing, I vanquish’d Clytomedes, son790

Of Enops; wrestling, the Pleuronian Chief

Ancæus; in the foot-race Iphiclus,

Though a fleet runner; and I over-pitch’d

Phyleus and Polydorus at the spear.

The sons of Actor[16] in the chariot-race795

Alone surpass’d me, being two for one,

And jealous both lest I should also win

That prize, for to the victor charioteer

They had assign’d the noblest prize of all.

They were twin-brothers, and one ruled the steeds,800

The steeds one ruled,[17] the other lash’d them on.

Such once was I; but now, these sports I leave

To younger; me submission most befits

To withering age, who then outshone the best.

But go. The funeral of thy friend with games805

Proceed to celebrate; I accept thy gift

With pleasure; and my heart is also glad

That thou art mindful evermore of one

Who loves thee, and such honor in the sight

Yield’st me of all the Greeks, as is my due.810

May the Gods bless thee for it more and more!

He spake, and Peleus’ son, when he had heard

At large his commendation from the lips

Of Nestor, through the assembled Greeks return’d.

He next proposed, not lightly to be won,815

The boxer’s prize. He tether’d down a mule,

Untamed and hard to tame, but strong to toil,

And in her prime of vigor, in the midst;

A goblet to the vanquish’d he assign’d,

Then stood erect and to the Greeks exclaim’d.820

Atridæ! and ye Argives brazen-greaved!

I call for two bold combatants expert

To wage fierce strife for these, with lifted fists

Smiting each other. He, who by the aid

Of Phœbus shall o’ertome, and whom the Greeks825

Shall all pronounce victorious, leads the mule

Hence to his tent; the vanquish’d takes the cup.

He spake, and at his word a Greek arose

Big, bold, and skillful in the boxer’s art,

Epeüs, son of Panopeus; his hand830

He on the mule imposed, and thus he said.

Approach the man ambitious of the cup!

For no Achaian here shall with his fist

Me foiling, win the mule. I boast myself

To all superior. May it not suffice835

That I to no pre-eminence pretend

In battle? To attain to foremost praise

Alike in every art is not for one.

But this I promise, and will well perform—

My blows shall lay him open, split him, crush840

His bones to splinters, and let all his friends,

Attendant on him, wait to bear him hence,

Vanquish’d by my superior force in fight.

He ended, and his speech found no reply.

One godlike Chief alone, Euryalus,845

Son of the King Mecisteus, who, himself,

Sprang from Talaion, opposite arose.

He, on the death of Oedipus, at Thebes

Contending in the games held at his tomb,

Had overcome the whole Cadmean race.850

Him Diomede spear-famed for fight prepared,

Giving him all encouragement, for much

He wish’d him victory. First then he threw[18]

His cincture to him; next, he gave him thongs[19]

Cut from the hide of a wild buffalo.855

Both girt around, into the midst they moved.

Then, lifting high their brawny arms, and fists

Mingling with fists, to furious fight they fell;

Dire was the crash of jaws, and the sweat stream’d

From every limb. Epeüs fierce advanced,860

And while Euryalus with cautious eye

Watch’d his advantage, pash’d him on the cheek

He stood no longer, but, his shapely limbs,

Unequal to his weight, sinking, he fell.

As by the rising north-wind driven ashore865

A huge fish flounces on the weedy beach,

Which soon the sable flood covers again,

So, beaten down, he bounded. But Epeüs,

Heroic chief, upraised him by his hand,

And his own comrades from the circus forth870

Led him, step dragging after step, the blood

Ejecting grumous, and at every pace

Rolling his head languid from side to side.

They placed him all unconscious on his seat

In his own band, then fetch’d his prize, the cup.875

Still other prizes, then, Achilles placed

In view of all, the sturdy wrestler’s meed.

A large hearth-tripod, valued by the Greeks

At twice six beeves, should pay the victor’s toil;

But for the vanquish’d, in the midst he set880

A damsel in variety expert

Of arts domestic, valued at four beeves.

He rose erect, and to the Greeks he cried.

Arise ye, now, who shall this prize dispute.

So spake the son of Peleus; then arose885

Huge Telamonian Ajax, and upstood

Ulysses also, in all wiles adept.

Both girt around, into the midst they moved.

With vigorous gripe each lock’d the other fast,

Like rafters, standing, of some mansion built890

By a prime artist proof against all winds.

Their backs, tugg’d vehemently, creak’d,[20] the sweat

Trickled, and on their flanks and shoulders, red

The whelks arose; they bearing still in mind

The tripod, ceased not struggling for the prize.895

Nor could Ulysses from his station move

And cast down Ajax, nor could Ajax him

Unsettle, fixt so firm Ulysses stood.

But when, long time expectant, all the Greeks

Grew weary, then, huge Ajax him bespake.900

Laertes’ noble son, for wiles renown’d!

Lift, or be lifted, and let Jove decide.

He said, and heaved Ulysses. Then, his wiles

Forgat not he, but on the ham behind

Chopp’d him; the limbs of Ajax at the stroke905

Disabled sank; he fell supine, and bore

Ulysses close adhering to his chest

Down with him. Wonder riveted all eyes.

Then brave Ulysses from the ground awhile

Him lifted in his turn, but ere he stood,910

Inserting his own knee the knees between[21]

Of Ajax, threw him. To the earth they fell

Both, and with dust defiled lay side by side.

And now, arising to a third essay,

They should have wrestled yet again, had not915

Achilles, interfering, them restrain’d.

Strive not together more; cease to exhaust

Each other’s force; ye both have earn’d the prize

Depart alike requited, and give place

To other Grecians who shall next contend.920

He spake; they glad complied, and wiping off

The dust, put on their tunics. Then again

Achilles other prizes yet proposed,

The rapid runner’s meed. First, he produced

A silver goblet of six measures; earth925

Own’d not its like for elegance of form.

Skilful Sidonian artists had around

Embellish’d it,[22] and o’er the sable deep

Phœnician merchants into Lemnos’ port

Had borne it, and the boon to Thoas[23] given;930

But Jason’s son, Euneüs, in exchange

For Priam’s son Lycaon, to the hand

Had pass’d it of Patroclus famed in arms.

Achilles this, in honor of his friend,

Set forth, the swiftest runner’s recompense.935

The second should a fatted ox receive

Of largest size, and he assign’d of gold

A just half-talent to the worst and last.

He stood erect, and to the Greeks he cried.

Now stand ye forth who shall this prize dispute.940

He said, and at his word instant arose

Swift Ajax Oïliades; upsprang

The shrewd Ulysses next, and after him

Brave Nestor’s son Antilochus, with whom

None vied in speed of all the youths of Greece.945

They stood prepared. Achilles show’d the goal.

At once all started. Oïliades

Led swift the course, and closely at his heels

Ulysses ran. Near as some cinctured maid

Industrious holds the distaff to her breast,950

While to and fro with practised finger neat

She tends the flax drawing it to a thread,

So near Ulysses follow’d him, and press’d

His footsteps, ere the dust fill’d them again,

Pouring his breath into his neck behind,955

And never slackening pace. His ardent thirst

Of victory with universal shouts

All seconded, and, eager, bade him on.

And now the contest shortening to a close,

Ulysses his request silent and brief960

To azure-eyed Minerva thus preferr’d.

Oh Goddess hear, prosper me in the race!

Such was his prayer, with which Minerva pleased,

Freshen’d his limbs, and made him light to run.

And now, when in one moment they should both965

Have darted on the prize, then Ajax’ foot

Sliding, he fell; for where the dung of beeves

Slain by Achilles for his friend, had spread

The soil, there[24] Pallas tripp’d him. Ordure foul

His mouth, and ordure foul his nostrils fill’d.970

Then brave Ulysses, first arriving, seized

The cup, and Ajax took his prize, the ox.

He grasp’d his horn, and sputtering as he stood

The ordure forth, the Argives thus bespake.

Ah—Pallas tripp’d my footsteps; she attends975

Ulysses ever with a mother’s care.

Loud laugh’d the Grecians. Then, the remnant prize

Antilochus receiving, smiled and said.

Ye need not, fellow-warriors, to be taught

That now, as ever, the immortal Gods980

Honor on seniority bestow.

Ajax is elder, yet not much, than I.

But Laertiades was born in times

Long past, a chief coëval with our sires,

Not young, but vigorous; and of the Greeks,985

Achilles may alone with him contend.

So saying, the merit of superior speed

To Peleus’ son he gave, who thus replied.

Antilochus! thy praise of me shall prove

Nor vain nor unproductive to thyself,990

For the half-talent doubled shall be thine.

He spake, and, doubling it, the talent placed

Whole in his hand. He glad the gift received.

Achilles, then Sarpedon’s arms produced,

Stripp’d from him by Patroclus, his long spear,995

Helmet and shield, which in the midst he placed.

He stood erect, and to the Greeks he cried.

I call for two brave warriors arm’d to prove

Each other’s skill with weapons keen, this prize

Disputing, next, in presence of us all.1000

Who first shall through his armor reach the skin

Of his antagonist, and shall draw his blood,

To him this silver-studded falchion bright

I give; the blade is Thracian, and of late

Asteropæus wore it, whom I slew.1005

These other arms shall be their common meed,

And I will banquet both within my tent.

He said, then Telamonian Ajax huge

Arose, and opposite the son arose

Of warlike Tydeus, Diomede the brave.1010

Apart from all the people each put on

His arms, then moved into the middle space,

Lowering terrific, and on fire to fight.

The host look’d on amazed. Approaching each

The other, thrice they sprang to the assault,1015

And thrice struck hand to hand. Ajax the shield

Pierced of his adversary, but the flesh

Attain’d not, baffled by his mail within.

Then Tydeus’ son, sheer o’er the ample disk

Of Ajax, thrust a lance home to his neck,1020

And the Achaians for the life appall’d

Of Ajax, bade them, ceasing, share the prize.

But the huge falchion with its sheath and belt—

Achilles them on Diomede bestow’d.

The hero, next, an iron clod produced1025

Rough from the forge, and wont to task the might

Of King Eëtion; but, when him he slew,

Pelides, glorious chief, with other spoils

From Thebes convey’d it in his fleet to Troy.

He stood erect, and to the Greeks he cried.1030

Come forth who also shall this prize dispute!

How far soe’er remote the winner’s fields,

This lump shall serve his wants five circling years;

His shepherd shall not, or his plower, need

In quest of iron seek the distant town,1035

But hence he shall himself their wants supply.[25]

Then Polypœtes brave in fight arose,

Arose Leonteus also, godlike chief,

With Ajax son of Telamon. Each took

His station, and Epeüs seized the clod.1040

He swung, he cast it, and the Grecians laugh’d.

Leonteus, branch of Mars, quoited it next.

Huge Telamonian Ajax with strong arm

Dismiss’d it third, and overpitch’d them both.

But when brave Polypœtes seized the mass1045

Far as the vigorous herdsman flings his staff

That twirling flies his numerous beeves between,[26]

So far his cast outmeasured all beside,

And the host shouted. Then the friends arose

Of Polypœtes valiant chief, and bore1050

His ponderous acquisition to the ships.

The archers’ prize Achilles next proposed,

Ten double and ten single axes, form’d

Of steel convertible to arrow-points.

He fix’d, far distant on the sands, the mast1055

Of a brave bark cerulean-prow’d, to which

With small cord fasten’d by the foot he tied

A timorous dove, their mark at which to aim.

[27]Who strikes the dove, he conquers, and shall bear

These double axes all into his tent.1060

But who the cord alone, missing the bird,

Successful less, he wins the single blades.

The might of royal Teucer then arose,

And, fellow-warrior of the King of Crete,

Valiant Meriones. A brazen casque1065

Received the lots; they shook them, and the lot

Fell first to Teucer. He, at once, a shaft

Sent smartly forth, but vow’d not to the King[28]

A hecatomb, all firstlings of the flock.

He therefore (for Apollo greater praise1070

Denied him) miss’d the dove, but struck the cord

That tied her, at small distance from the knot,

And with his arrow sever’d it. Upsprang

The bird into the air, and to the ground

Depending fell the cord. Shouts rent the skies.1075

Then, all in haste, Meriones the bow

Caught from his hand holding a shaft the while

Already aim’d, and to Apollo vow’d

A hecatomb, all firstlings of the flock.

He eyed the dove aloft, under a cloud,1080

And, while she wheel’d around, struck her beneath

The pinion; through her and beyond her pass’d

The arrow, and, returning, pierced the soil

Fast by the foot of brave Meriones.

She, perching on the mast again, her head1085

Reclined, and hung her wide-unfolded wing,

But, soon expiring, dropp’d and fell remote.

Amazement seized the people. To his tent

Meriones the ten best axes bore,

And Teucer the inferior ten to his.[29]1090

Then, last, Achilles in the circus placed

A ponderous spear and caldron yet unfired,

Emboss’d with flowers around, its worth an ox.

Upstood the spear-expert; Atrides first,

Wide-ruling Agamemnon, King of men,1095

And next, brave fellow-warrior of the King

Of Crete, Meriones; when thus his speech

Achilles to the royal chief address’d.

Atrides! (for we know thy skill and force

Matchless! that none can hurl the spear as thou)1100

This prize is thine, order it to thy ship;

And if it please thee, as I would it might,

Let brave Meriones the spear receive.

He said; nor Agamemnon not complied,

But to Meriones the brazen spear

Presenting, to Talthybius gave in charge

The caldron, next, his own illustrious prize.

BOOK XXIV.

ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH BOOK.

Priam, by command of Jupiter, and under conduct of Mercury, seeks

Achilles in his tent, who admonished previously by Thetis, consents to

accept ransom for the body of Hector. Hector is mourned, and the manner

of his funeral, circumstantially described, concludes the poem.

BOOK XXIV.

The games all closed, the people went dispersed

Each to his ship; they, mindful of repast,

And to enjoy repose; but other thoughts

Achilles’ mind employ’d: he still deplored

With tears his loved Patroclus, nor the force5

Felt of all-conquering sleep, but turn’d and turn’d

Restless from side to side, mourning the loss

Of such a friend, so manly, and so brave.

Their fellowship in toil; their hardships oft

Sustain’d in fight laborious, or o’ercome10

With difficulty on the perilous deep—

Remembrance busily retracing themes

Like these, drew down his cheeks continual tears.

Now on his side he lay, now lay supine,

Now prone, then starting from his couch he roam’d15

Forlorn the beach, nor did the rising morn

On seas and shores escape his watchful eye,

But joining to his chariot his swift steeds,

He fasten’d Hector to be dragg’d behind.

Around the tomb of Menœtiades20

Him thrice he dragg’d; then rested in his tent,

Leaving him at his length stretch’d in the dust.

Meantime Apollo with compassion touch’d

Even of the lifeless Hector, from all taint

Saved him, and with the golden ægis broad25

Covering, preserved him, although dragg’d, untorn.

While he, indulging thus his wrath, disgraced

Brave Hector, the immortals at that sight

With pity moved, exhorted Mercury

The watchful Argicide, to steal him thence.30

That counsel pleased the rest, but neither pleased

Juno, nor Neptune, nor the blue-eyed maid.

They still, as at the first, held fast their hate

Of sacred Troy, detested Priam still,

And still his people, mindful of the crime35

Of Paris, who when to his rural hut

They came, those Goddesses affronting,[1] praise

And admiration gave to her alone

Who with vile lusts his preference repaid.

But when the twelfth ensuing morn arose,40

Apollo, then, the immortals thus address’d.

Ye Gods, your dealings now injurious seem

And cruel. Was not Hector wont to burn

Thighs of fat goats and bullocks at your shrines?

Whom now, though dead, ye cannot yet endure45

To rescue, that Andromache once more

Might view him, his own mother, his own son,

His father and the people, who would soon

Yield him his just demand, a funeral fire.

But, oh ye Gods! your pleasure is alone50

To please Achilles, that pernicious chief,

Who neither right regards, nor owns a mind

That can relent, but as the lion, urged

By his own dauntless heart and savage force,

Invades without remorse the rights of man,55

That he may banquet on his herds and flocks,

So Peleus’ son all pity from his breast

Hath driven, and shame, man’s blessing or his curse.[2]

For whosoever hath a loss sustain’d

Still dearer, whether of his brother born60

From the same womb, or even of his son,

When he hath once bewail’d him, weeps no more,

For fate itself gives man a patient mind.

Yet Peleus’ son, not so contented, slays

Illustrious Hector first, then drags his corse65

In cruel triumph at his chariot-wheels

Around Patroclus’ tomb; but neither well

He acts, nor honorably to himself,

Who may, perchance, brave though he be, incur

Our anger, while to gratify revenge70

He pours dishonor thus on senseless clay.

To whom, incensed, Juno white-arm’d replied.

And be it so; stand fast this word of thine,

God of the silver bow! if ye account

Only such honor to Achilles due75

As Hector claims; but Hector was by birth

Mere man, and suckled at a woman’s breast.

Not such Achilles; him a Goddess bore,

Whom I myself nourish’d, and on my lap

Fondled, and in due time to Peleus gave80

In marriage, to a chief beloved in heaven

Peculiarly; ye were yourselves, ye Gods!

Partakers of the nuptial feast, and thou

Wast present also with thine harp in hand,

Thou comrade of the vile! thou faithless ever!85

Then answer thus cloud-gatherer Jove return’d.

Juno, forbear. Indulge not always wrath

Against the Gods. They shall not share alike,

And in the same proportion our regards.

Yet even Hector was the man in Troy90

Most favor’d by the Gods, and him no less

I also loved, for punctual were his gifts

To us; mine altar never miss’d from him

Libation, or the steam of sacrifice,

The meed allotted to us from of old.95

But steal him not, since by Achilles’ eye

Unseen ye cannot, who both day and night

Watches[3] him, as a mother tends her son.

But call ye Thetis hither, I would give

The Goddess counsel, that, at Priam’s hands100

Accepting gifts, Achilles loose the dead.

He ceased. Then Iris tempest-wing’d arose.

Samos between, and Imbrus rock-begirt,

She plunged into the gloomy flood; loud groan’d

The briny pool, while sudden down she rush’d,105

As sinks the bull’s[4] horn with its leaden weight,

Death bearing to the raveners of the deep.

Within her vaulted cave Thetis she found

By every nymph of Ocean round about

Encompass’d; she, amid them all, the fate110

Wept of her noble son ordain’d to death

At fertile Troy, from Phthia far remote.

Then, Iris, drawing near, her thus address’d.

Arise, O Thetis! Jove, the author dread

Of everlasting counsels, calls for thee.115

To whom the Goddess of the silver feet.

Why calls the mighty Thunderer me? I fear,

Oppress’d with countless sorrows as I am,

To mingle with the Gods. Yet I obey—

No word of his can prove an empty sound.120

So saying, the Goddess took her sable veil

(Eye ne’er beheld a darker) and began

Her progress, by the storm-wing’d Iris led.

On either hand the billows open’d wide

A pass before them; they, ascending soon125

The shore, updarted swift into the skies.

They found loud-voiced Saturnian Jove around

Environ’d by the ever-blessed Gods

Convened in full assembly; she beside

Her Father Jove (Pallas retiring) sat.130

Then, Juno, with consolatory speech,

Presented to her hand a golden cup,

Of which she drank, then gave it back again,

And thus the sire of Gods and men began.

Goddess of ocean, Thetis! thou hast sought135

Olympus, bearing in thy bosom grief

Never to be assuaged, as well I know.

Yet shalt thou learn, afflicted as thou art,

Why I have summon’d thee. Nine days the Gods,

Concerning Hector’s body and thy own140

Brave city-spoiler son, have held dispute,

And some have urged ofttimes the Argicide

Keen-sighted Mercury, to steal the dead.

But I forbade it for Achilles’ sake,

Whom I exalt, the better to insure145

Thy reverence and thy friendship evermore.

Haste, therefore, seek thy son, and tell him thus,

The Gods resent it, say (but most of all

Myself am angry) that he still detains

Amid his fleet, through fury of revenge,150

Unransom’d Hector; so shall he, at length,

Through fear of me, perchance, release the slain.

Myself to generous Priam will, the while,

Send Iris, who shall bid him to the fleet

Of Greece, such ransom bearing as may soothe155

Achilles, for redemption of his son.

So spake the God, nor Thetis not complied.

Descending swift from the Olympian heights

She reach’d Achilles’ tent. Him there she found

Groaning disconsolate, while others ran160

To and fro, occupied around a sheep

New-slaughter’d, large, and of exuberant fleece.

She, sitting close beside him, softly strok’d

His cheek, and thus, affectionate, began.

How long, my son! sorrowing and mourning here,165

Wilt thou consume thy soul, nor give one thought

Either to food or love? Yet love is good,

And woman grief’s best cure; for length of days

Is not thy doom, but, even now, thy death

And ruthless destiny are on the wing.170

Mark me,—I come a lieger sent from Jove.

The Gods, he saith, resent it, but himself

More deeply than the rest, that thou detain’st

Amid thy fleet, through fury of revenge,

Unransom’d Hector. Be advised, accept175

Ransom, and to his friends resign the dead.

To whom Achilles, swiftest of the swift.

Come then the ransomer, and take him hence;

If Jove himself command it,—be it so.

So they, among the ships, conferring sat180

On various themes, the Goddess and her son;

Meantime Saturnian Jove commanded down

His swift ambassadress to sacred Troy.

Hence, rapid Iris! leave the Olympian heights.

And, finding noble Priam, bid him haste185

Into Achaia’s fleet, bearing such gifts

As may assuage Achilles, and prevail

To liberate the body of his son.

Alone, he must; no Trojan of them all

May company the senior thither, save190

An ancient herald to direct his mules

And his wheel’d litter, and to bring the dead

Back into Ilium, whom Achilles slew.

Let neither fear of death nor other fear

Trouble him aught, so safe a guard and sure195

We give him; Mercury shall be his guide

Into Achilles’ presence in his tent.

Nor will himself Achilles slay him there,

Or even permit his death, but will forbid

All violence; for he is not unwise200

Nor heedless, no—nor wilful to offend,

But will his suppliant with much grace receive.[5]

He ceased; then Iris tempest-wing’d arose,

Jove’s messenger, and, at the gates arrived

Of Priam, wo and wailing found within.205

Around their father, in the hall, his sons

Their robes with tears water’d, while them amidst

The hoary King sat mantled, muffled close,

And on his venerable head and neck

Much dust was spread, which, rolling on the earth,210

He had shower’d on them with unsparing hands.

The palace echoed to his daughters’ cries,

And to the cries of matrons calling fresh

Into remembrance many a valiant chief

Now stretch’d in dust, by Argive hands destroy’d.215

The messenger of Jove at Priam’s side

Standing, with whisper’d accents low his ear

Saluted, but he trembled at the sound.

Courage, Dardanian Priam! fear thou nought;

To thee no prophetess of ill, I come;220

But with kind purpose: Jove’s ambassadress

Am I, who though remote, yet entertains

Much pity, and much tender care for thee.

Olympian Jove commands thee to redeem

The noble Hector, with an offering large225

Of gifts that may Achilles’ wrath appease.

Alone, thou must; no Trojan of them all

Hath leave to attend thy journey thither, save

An ancient herald to direct thy mules

And thy wheel’d litter, and to bring the dead230

Back into Ilium, whom Achilles slew.

Let neither fear of death nor other fear

Trouble thee aught, so safe a guard and sure

He gives thee; Mercury shall be thy guide

Even to Achilles’ presence in his tent.235

Nor will himself Achilles slay thee there,

Or even permit thy death, but will forbid

All violence; for he is not unwise

Nor heedless, no—nor wilful to offend,

But will his suppliant with much grace receive.240

So spake the swift ambassadress, and went.

Then, calling to his sons, he bade them bring

His litter forth, and bind the coffer on,

While to his fragrant chamber he repair’d

Himself, with cedar lined and lofty-roof’d,245

A treasury of wonders into which

The Queen he summon’d, whom he thus bespake.

Hecuba! the ambassadress of Jove

Hath come, who bids me to the Grecian fleet,

Bearing such presents thither as may soothe250

Achilles, for redemption of my son.

But say, what seems this enterprise to thee?

Myself am much inclined to it, I feel

My courage prompting me amain toward

The fleet, and into the Achaian camp.255

Then wept the Queen aloud, and thus replied.

Ah! whither is thy wisdom fled, for which

Both strangers once, and Trojans honor’d _thee_?

How canst thou wish to penetrate alone

The Grecian fleet, and to appear before260

His face, by whom so many valiant sons

Of thine have fallen? Thou hast an iron heart!

For should that savage man and faithless once

Seize and discover thee, no pity expect

Or reverence at his hands. Come—let us weep265

Together, here sequester’d; for the thread

Spun for him by his destiny severe

When he was born, ordain’d our son remote

From us his parents to be food for hounds

In that chief’s tent. Oh! clinging to his side,270

How I could tear him with my teeth! His deeds,

Disgraceful to my son, then should not want

Retaliation; for he slew not him

Skulking, but standing boldly for the wives,

The daughters fair, and citizens of Troy,275

Guiltless of flight,[6] and of the wish to fly.

Whom godlike Priam answer’d, ancient King.

Impede me not who willing am to go,

Nor be, thyself, a bird of ominous note

To terrify me under my own roof,280

For thou shalt not prevail. Had mortal man

Enjoin’d me this attempt, prophet, or priest,

Or soothsayer, I had pronounced him false

And fear’d it but the more. But, since I saw

The Goddess with these eyes, and heard, myself,285

The voice divine, I go; that word shall stand;

And, if my doom be in the fleet of Greece

To perish, be it so; Achilles’ arm

Shall give me speedy death, and I shall die

Folding my son, and satisfied with tears.290

So saying, he open’d wide the elegant lids

Of numerous chests, whence mantles twelve he took

Of texture beautiful; twelve single cloaks;

As many carpets, with as many robes,

To which he added vests, an equal store.295

He also took ten talents forth of gold,

All weigh’d, two splendid tripods, caldrons four,

And after these a cup of matchless worth

Given to him when ambassador in Thrace;

A noble gift, which yet the hoary King300

Spared not, such fervor of desire he felt

To loose his son. Then from his portico,

With angry taunts he drove the gather’d crowds.

Away! away! ye dregs of earth, away!

Ye shame of human kind! Have ye no griefs305

At home, that ye come hither troubling _me_?

Deem ye it little that Saturnian Jove

Afflicts me thus, and of my very best,

Best boy deprives me? Ah! ye shall be taught

Yourselves that loss, far easier to be slain310

By the Achaians now, since he is dead.

But I, ere yet the city I behold

Taken and pillaged, with these aged eyes,

Shall find safe hiding in the shades below.

He said, and chased them with his staff; they left315

In haste the doors, by the old King expell’d.

Then, chiding them aloud, his sons he call’d,

Helenus, Paris, noble Agathon,

Pammon, Antiphonus, and bold in fight

Polites, Dios of illustrious fame,320

Hippothoüs and Deiphobus—all nine

He call’d, thus issuing, angry, his commands.

Quick! quick! ye slothful in your father’s cause,

Ye worthless brood! would that in Hector’s stead

Ye all had perish’d in the fleet of Greece!325

Oh altogether wretched! in all Troy

No man had sons to boast valiant as mine,

And I have lost them all. Mestor is gone

The godlike, Troilus the steed-renown’d,

And Hector, who with other men compared330

Seem’d a Divinity, whom none had deem’d

From mortal man derived, but from a God.

These Mars hath taken, and hath left me none

But scandals of my house, void of all truth,

Dancers, exact step-measurers,[7] a band335

Of public robbers, thieves of kids and lambs.

Will ye not bring my litter to the gate

This moment, and with all this package quick

Charge it, that we may hence without delay?

He said, and by his chiding awed, his sons340

Drew forth the royal litter, neat, new-built,

And following swift the draught, on which they bound

The coffer; next, they lower’d from the wall

The sculptured boxen yoke with its two rings;[8]

And with the yoke its furniture, in length345

Nine cubits; this to the extremest end

Adjusting of the pole, they cast the ring

Over the ring-bolt; then, thrice through the yoke

They drew the brace on both sides, made it fast

With even knots, and tuck’d[9] the dangling ends.350

Producing, next, the glorious ransom-price

Of Hector’s body, on the litter’s floor

They heap’d it all, then yoked the sturdy mules,

A gift illustrious by the Mysians erst

Conferr’d on Priam; to the chariot, last,355

They led forth Priam’s steeds, which the old King

(In person serving them) with freshest corn

Constant supplied; meantime, himself within

The palace, and his herald, were employ’d

Girding[10] themselves, to go; wise each and good.360

And now came mournful Hecuba, with wine

Delicious charged, which in a golden cup

She brought, that not without libation due

First made, they might depart. Before the steeds

Her steps she stay’d, and Priam thus address’d.365

Take this, and to the Sire of all perform

Libation, praying him a safe return

From hostile hands, since thou art urged to seek

The Grecian camp, though not by my desire.

Pray also to Idæan Jove cloud-girt,370

Who oversees all Ilium, that he send

His messenger or ere thou go, the bird

His favorite most, surpassing all in strength,

At thy right hand; him seeing, thou shalt tend

With better hope toward the fleet of Greece.375

But should loud-thundering Jove his lieger swift

Withhold, from me far be it to advise

This journey, howsoe’er thou wish to go.

To whom the godlike Priam thus replied.

This exhortation will I not refuse,380

O Queen! for, lifting to the Gods his hands

In prayer for their compassion, none can err.

So saying, he bade the maiden o’er the rest,

Chief in authority, pour on his hands

Pure water, for the maiden at his side385

With ewer charged and laver, stood prepared.

He laved his hands; then, taking from the Queen

The goblet, in his middle area stood

Pouring libation with his eyes upturn’d

Heaven-ward devout, and thus his prayer preferr’d.390

Jove, great and glorious above all, who rulest,

On Ida’s summit seated, all below!

Grant me arrived within Achilles’ tent

Kindness to meet and pity, and oh send

Thy messenger or ere I go, the bird395

Thy favorite most, surpassing all in strength,

At my right hand, which seeing, I shall tend

With better hope toward the fleet of Greece.

He ended, at whose prayer, incontinent,

Jove sent his eagle, surest of all signs,400

The black-plumed bird voracious, Morphnos[11] named,

And Percnos.[11] Wide as the well-guarded door

Of some rich potentate his vans he spread

On either side; they saw him on the right,

Skimming the towers of Troy; glad they beheld405

That omen, and all felt their hearts consoled.

Delay’d not then the hoary King, but quick

Ascending to his seat, his coursers urged

Through vestibule and sounding porch abroad.

The four-wheel’d litter led, drawn by the mules410

Which sage Idæus managed, behind whom

Went Priam, plying with the scourge his steeds

Continual through the town, while all his friends,

Following their sovereign with dejected hearts,

Lamented him as going to his death.415

But when from Ilium’s gate into the plain

They had descended, then the sons-in-law

Of Priam, and his sons, to Troy return’d.

Nor they, now traversing the plain, the note

Escaped of Jove the Thunderer; he beheld420

Compassionate the venerable King,

And thus his own son Mercury bespake.

Mercury! (for above all others thou

Delightest to associate with mankind

Familiar, whom thou wilt winning with ease425

To converse free) go thou, and so conduct

Priam into the Grecian camp, that none

Of all the numerous Danaï may see

Or mark him, till he reach Achilles’ tent.

He spake, nor the ambassador of heaven430

The Argicide delay’d, but bound in haste

His undecaying sandals to his feet,

Golden, divine, which waft him o’er the floods

Swift as the wind, and o’er the boundless earth.

He took his rod with which he charms to sleep435

All eyes, and theirs who sleep opens again.

Arm’d with that rod, forth flew the Argicide.

At Ilium and the Hellespontic shores

Arriving sudden, a king’s son he seem’d,

Now clothing first his ruddy cheek with down,440

Which is youth’s loveliest season; so disguised,

His progress he began. They now (the tomb

Magnificent of Ilus past) beside

The river stay’d the mules and steeds to drink,

For twilight dimm’d the fields. Idæus first445

Perceived him near, and Priam thus bespake.

Think, son of Dardanus! for we have need

Of our best thought. I see a warrior. Now,

Now we shall die; I know it. Turn we quick

Our steeds to flight; or let us clasp his knees450

And his compassion suppliant essay.

Terror and consternation at that sound

The mind of Priam felt; erect the hair

Bristled his limbs, and with amaze he stood

Motionless. But the God, meantime, approach’d,455

And, seizing ancient Priam’s hand, inquired.

Whither, my father! in the dewy night

Drivest thou thy mules and steeds, while others sleep?

And fear’st thou not the fiery host of Greece,

Thy foes implacable, so nigh at hand?460

Of whom should any, through the shadow dun

Of flitting night, discern thee bearing forth

So rich a charge, then what wouldst thou expect?

Thou art not young thyself, nor with the aid

Of this thine ancient servant, strong enough465

Force to repulse, should any threaten force.

But injury fear none or harm from me;

I rather much from harm by other hands

Would save thee, thou resemblest so my sire.

Whom answer’d godlike Priam, hoar with age.470

My son! well spoken. Thou hast judged aright.

Yet even me some Deity protects

Thus far; to whom I owe it that I meet

So seasonably one like thee, in form

So admirable, and in mind discreet475

As thou art beautiful. Blest parents, thine!

To whom the messenger of heaven again,

The Argicide. Oh ancient and revered!

Thou hast well spoken all. Yet this declare,

And with sincerity; bear’st thou away480

Into some foreign country, for the sake

Of safer custody, this precious charge?

Or, urged by fear, forsake ye all alike

Troy’s sacred towers! since he whom thou hast lost,

Thy noble son, was of excelling worth485

In arms, and nought inferior to the Greeks.

Then thus the godlike Priam, hoary King.

But tell me first who _Thou_ art, and from whom

Descended, loveliest youth! who hast the fate

So well of my unhappy son rehearsed?490

To whom the herald Mercury replied.

Thy questions, venerable sire! proposed

Concerning noble Hector, are design’d

To prove me. Him, not seldom, with these eyes

In man-ennobling fight I have beheld495

Most active; saw him when he thinn’d the Greeks

With his sharp spear, and drove them to the ships.

Amazed we stood to notice him; for us,

Incensed against the ruler of our host,

Achilles suffer’d not to share the fight.500

I serve Achilles; the same gallant bark

Brought us, and of the Myrmidons am I,

Son of Polyctor; wealthy is my sire,

And such in years as thou; six sons he hath,

Beside myself the seventh, and (the lots cast505

Among us all) mine sent me to the wars.

That I have left the ships, seeking the plain,

The cause is this; the Greeks, at break of day,

Will compass, arm’d, the city, for they loathe

To sit inactive, neither can the chiefs510

Restrain the hot impatience of the host.

Then godlike Priam answer thus return’d.

If of the band thou be of Peleus’ son,

Achilles, tell me undisguised the truth.

My son, subsists he still, or hath thy chief515

Limb after limb given him to his dogs?

Him answer’d then the herald of the skies.

Oh venerable sir! him neither dogs

Have eaten yet, nor fowls, but at the ships

His body, and within Achilles’ tent520

Neglected lies. Twelve days he so hath lain;

Yet neither worm which diets on the brave

In battle fallen, hath eaten him, or taint

Invaded. He around Patroclus’ tomb

Drags him indeed pitiless, oft as day525

Reddens the east, yet safe from blemish still

His corse remains. Thou wouldst, thyself, admire

Seeing how fresh the dew-drops, as he lies,

Rest on him, and his blood is cleansed away

That not a stain is left. Even his wounds530

(For many a wound they gave him) all are closed,

Such care the blessed Gods have of thy son,

Dead as he is, whom living much they loved.

So he; then, glad, the ancient King replied.

Good is it, oh my son! to yield the Gods535

Their just demands. My boy, while yet he lived,

Lived not unmindful of the worship due

To the Olympian powers, who, therefore, him

Remember, even in the bands of death.

Come then—this beauteous cup take at my hand—540

Be thou my guard, and, if the Gods permit,

My guide, till to Achilles’ tent I come.

Whom answer’d then the messenger of heaven.

Sir! thou perceivest me young, and art disposed

To try my virtue; but it shall not fail.545

Thou bidd’st me at thine hand a gift accept,

Whereof Achilles knows not; but I fear

Achilles, and on no account should dare

Defraud him, lest some evil find me next.

But thee I would with pleasure hence conduct550

Even to glorious Argos, over sea

Or over land, nor any, through contempt

Of such a guard, should dare to do thee wrong.

So Mercury, and to the chariot seat

Upspringing, seized at once the lash and reins,555

And with fresh vigor mules and steeds inspired.

Arriving at the foss and towers, they found

The guard preparing now their evening cheer,

All whom the Argicide with sudden sleep

Oppress’d, then oped the gates, thrust back the bars,560

And introduced, with all his litter-load

Of costly gifts, the venerable King.

But when they reached the tent for Peleus’ son

Raised by the Myrmidons (with trunks of pine

They built it, lopping smooth the boughs away,555

Then spread with shaggy mowings of the mead

Its lofty roof, and with a spacious court

Surrounded it, all fenced with driven stakes;

One bar alone of pine secured the door,

Which ask’d three Grecians with united force570

To thrust it to its place, and three again

To thrust it back, although Achilles oft

Would heave it to the door himself alone;)

Then Hermes, benefactor of mankind,

That bar displacing for the King of Troy,575

Gave entrance to himself and to his gifts

For Peleus’ son design’d, and from the seat

Alighting, thus his speech to Priam turn’d.

Oh ancient Priam! an immortal God

Attends thee; I am Hermes, by command580

Of Jove my father thy appointed guide.

But I return. I will not, entering here,

Stand in Achilles’ sight; immortal Powers

May not so unreservedly indulge

Creatures of mortal kind. But enter thou,585

Embrace his knees, and by his father both

And by his Goddess mother sue to him,

And by his son, that his whole heart may melt.

So Hermes spake, and to the skies again

Ascended. Then leap’d Priam to the ground,590

Leaving Idæus; he, the mules and steeds

Watch’d, while the ancient King into the tent

Proceeded of Achilles dear to Jove.

Him there he found, and sitting found apart

His fellow-warriors, of whom two alone595

Served at his side, Alcimus, branch of Mars

And brave Automedon; he had himself

Supp’d newly, and the board stood unremoved.

Unseen of all huge Priam enter’d, stood

Near to Achilles, clasp’d his knees, and kiss’d600

Those terrible and homicidal hands

That had destroy’d so many of his sons.

As when a fugitive for blood the house

Of some chief enters in a foreign land,

All gaze, astonish’d at the sudden guest,605

So gazed Achilles seeing Priam there,

And so stood all astonish’d, each his eyes

In silence fastening on his fellow’s face.

But Priam kneel’d, and suppliant thus began.

Think, oh Achilles, semblance of the Gods!610

On thy own father full of days like me,

And trembling on the gloomy verge of life.[12]

Some neighbor chief, it may be, even now

Oppresses him, and there is none at hand,

No friend to suocor him in his distress.615

Yet, doubtless, hearing that Achilles lives,

He still rejoices, hoping, day by day,

That one day he shall see the face again

Of his own son from distant Troy return’d.

But me no comfort cheers, whose bravest sons,620

So late the flower of Ilium, all are slain.

When Greece came hither, I had fifty sons;

Nineteen were children of one bed, the rest

Born of my concubines. A numerous house!

But fiery Mars hath thinn’d it. One I had,625

One, more than all my sons the strength of Troy,

Whom standing for his country thou hast slain—

Hector—his body to redeem I come

Into Achaia’s fleet, bringing, myself,

Ransom inestimable to thy tent.630

Reverence the Gods, Achilles! recollect

Thy father; for his sake compassion show

To me more pitiable still, who draw

Home to my lips (humiliation yet

Unseen on earth) his hand who slew my son.635

So saying, he waken’d in his soul regret

Of his own sire; softly he placed his hand

On Priam’s hand, and push’d him gently away.

Remembrance melted both. Rolling before

Achilles’ feet, Priam his son deplored640

Wide-slaughtering Hector, and Achilles wept

By turns his father, and by turns his friend

Patroclus; sounds of sorrow fill’d the tent.

But when, at length satiate, Achilles felt

His heart from grief, and all his frame relieved,645

Upstarting from his seat, with pity moved

Of Priam’s silver locks and silver beard,

He raised the ancient father by his hand,

Whom in wing’d accents kind he thus bespake.

Wretched indeed! ah what must thou have felt!650

How hast thou dared to seek alone the fleet

Of the Achaians, and his face by whom

So many of thy valiant sons have fallen?

Thou hast a heart of iron, terror-proof.

Come—sit beside me—let us, if we may,665

Great mourners both, bid sorrow sleep awhile.

There is no profit of our sighs and tears;

For thus, exempt from care themselves, the Gods

Ordain man’s miserable race to mourn.

Fast by the threshold of Jove’s courts are placed660

Two casks, one stored with evil, one with good,

From which the God dispenses as he wills.

For whom the glorious Thunderer mingles both,

He leads a life checker’d with good and ill

Alternate; but to whom he gives unmixt665

The bitter cup, he makes that man a curse,

His name becomes a by-word of reproach,

His strength is hunger-bitten, and he walks

The blessed earth, unblest, go where he may.

So was my father Peleus at his birth670

Nobly endow’d with plenty and with wealth

Distinguish’d by the Gods past all mankind,

Lord of the Myrmidons, and, though a man,

Yet match’d from heaven with an immortal bride.

But even him the Gods afflict, a son675

Refusing him, who might possess his throne

Hereafter; for myself, his only heir,

Pass as a dream, and while I live, instead

Of solacing his age, here sit, before

Your distant walls, the scourge of thee and thine.680

Thee also, ancient Priam, we have heard

Reported, once possessor of such wealth

As neither Lesbos, seat of Macar, owns,

Nor eastern Phrygia, nor yet all the ports

Of Hellespont, but thou didst pass them all685

In riches, and in number of thy sons.

But since the Powers of heaven brought on thy land

This fatal war, battle and deeds of death

Always surround the city where thou reign’st.

Cease, therefore, from unprofitable tears,690

Which, ere they raise thy son to life again

Shall, doubtless, find fresh cause for which to flow.

To whom the ancient King godlike replied.

Hero, forbear. No seat is here for me,

While Hector lies unburied in your camp.695

Loose him, and loose him now, that with these eyes

I may behold my son; accept a price

Magnificent, which may’st thou long enjoy,

And, since my life was precious in thy sight,

May’st thou revisit safe thy native shore!700

To whom Achilles, lowering, and in wrath.[13]

Urge me no longer, at a time like this,

With that harsh note; I am already inclin’d

To loose him. Thetis, my own mother came

Herself on that same errand, sent from Jove.705

Priam! I understand thee well. I know

That, by some God conducted, thou hast reach’d

Achaia’s fleet; for, without aid divine,

No mortal even in his prime of youth,

Had dared the attempt; guards vigilant as ours710

He should not easily elude, such gates,

So massy, should not easily unbar.

Thou, therefore, vex me not in my distress,

Lest I abhor to see thee in my tent,

And, borne beyond all limits, set at nought715

Thee, and thy prayer, and the command of Jove.

He said; the old King trembled, and obey’d.

Then sprang Pelides like a lion forth,

Not sole, but with his two attendant friends

Alcimus and Automedon the brave,720

For them (Patroclus slain) he honor’d most

Of all the Myrmidons. They from the yoke

Released both steeds and mules, then introduced

And placed the herald of the hoary King.

They lighten’d next the litter of its charge725

Inestimable, leaving yet behind

Two mantles and a vest, that, not unveil’d,

The body might be borne back into Troy.

Then, calling forth his women, them he bade

Lave and anoint the body, but apart,730

Lest haply Priam, noticing his son,

Through stress of grief should give resentment scope,

And irritate by some affront himself

To slay him, in despite of Jove’s commands.[14]

They, therefore, laving and anointing first735

The body, cover’d it with cloak and vest;

Then, Peleus’ son disposed it on the bier,

Lifting it from the ground, and his two friends

Together heaved it to the royal wain.

Achilles, last, groaning, his friend invoked.740