Diomede and Ulysses, as spies, penetrate the camp of the Trojans by
night, and first entrap and slay Dolon, who had set out on the same
errand for the Trojans. Having obtained from him the desired
information, they then attack the Thracians, and slay their king,
Rhesus, while asleep. At the suggestion of Minerva, they then return to
the camp.
The other chiefs, indeed, of all the Greeks were sleeping the whole
night at the ships, overcome by soft slumber; but sweet sleep possessed
not Agamemnon, the son of Atreus, shepherd of the people, revolving
many things in his mind. As when the husband of fair-haired Juno
thunders, preparing either an abundant, immense shower, or hail or
snow, when the snow whitens the fields; or somewhere [preparing] the
wide mouth 332 of bitter war; so frequently groaned Agamemnon in his
breast from the bottom of his heart, and his mind was troubled within
him. As often indeed as he looked towards the Trojan plain, he wondered
at the many fires which were burning before Ilium, the sound of flutes
and pipes, and the tumult of men. But when he looked towards the ships
and army of the Greeks, he tore up many hairs from his head by the
roots, 333 [enraged at] Jove who dwells aloft, and deeply he groaned in
his noble heart. But this plan appeared best to him in his judgment; to
repair first to Neleian Nestor, [and see] whether with him he might
contrive some blameless counsel, which might be an averter of evil.
Rising, therefore, he wrapped his coat around his breast, and beneath
his smooth feet bound the beautiful sandals; next he threw around him
the blood-stained skin of a huge, tawny 334 lion, stretching to his
ankles, and grasped his spear. In like manner, a tremor possessed
Menelaus, for neither did sleep rest upon his eyelids, [through fear]
lest the Greeks should suffer aught, who on his account had come over
the wide sea to Troy, waging daring war. First with a spotted leopard’s
skin he covered his broad back; and next, lifting his brazen helmet,
placed it upon his head, and grasped a spear in his stout hand. But he
went to awaken his brother, who had the chief command of all the
Greeks, and was honoured by the people like a god. Him he found by the
prow of his ship, putting his bright armour around his shoulders; and
arriving, he was welcome to him. Him first Menelaus, valiant in the din
of war, addressed: “Why arm thus, my respected brother? Or whom dost
thou urge of thy companions to go as a spy amongst the Trojans? In
truth I very much fear that no one will undertake this deed, going
alone through the dead of night to reconnoitre the enemy. Any one [who
does so] will be bold-hearted indeed.”
Footnote 332: (return) Cicero pro Arch. § 5, “Totius belli ore ac
faucibus.”
Footnote 333: (return) Or “one after another.” Schol.: ἐπ’ ἀλλήλους, ἢ
προῤῥίζους. See Merrick on Tryphiodor. 388; Alberti on Hesych. t. ii.
p. 1029.
Footnote 334: (return) Or, “active, raging.” The other interpretation
is, however, favoured by Virg. Æn. ii. 721: “Fulvique insternor pelle
leonis.”
But him king Agamemnon, answering, addressed: “O Jove-nurtured
Menelaus, need of prudent counsel [comes upon] both thee and me, which
will protect and preserve the Greeks and their ships, since the mind of
Jove is altered. Surely he has rather given his attention to the
Hectorean sacrifices; for never have I beheld, nor heard a person who
related, that one man has devised so many arduous deeds in one day as
Hector, dear to Jove, hath performed upon the sons of the Greeks in
such a manner, [although] the dear child neither of a goddess nor of a
god. But such deeds hath he done as I conceive will long and for many a
day be a cause of care to the Greeks; so many evils hath he wrought
against the Greeks. But go now, call Ajax and Idomeneus, running
quickly to their ships, but I will go to noble Nestor, and exhort him
to arise, if he be willing to go to the sacred company 335 of guards
and give orders; for to him will they most attentively listen, because
his son commands the guards, along with Meriones, the armour-bearer of
Idomeneus; for to them we intrusted the chief charge.”
Footnote 335: (return) Some picked troop chosen for the especial
purpose of keeping watch. Heyne compares Σ, 504: ἱερὸς κύκλος; Ω, 681:
λαθὼν ἱεροὺς πυλαωρούς. Compare, also, the ἱερὸς λόχος of the Thebans,
Plutarch, in Pelop. t. i. p. 285; E. Athen. xiii. p. 561.
But him Menelaus, valiant in the din of war, then answered: “In what
manner dost thou command and exhort me in thy speech? Shall I remain
there with them, waiting till thou come, or shall I run back again to
thee, after I have duly given them orders?”
But him, in turn, Agamemnon, king of men, addressed: “Wait there, lest,
as we come, we miss 336 one another; for there are many ways through
the camp. But shout aloud whithersoever thou goest, and enjoin them to
be watchful, accosting each man by a name from his paternal race, 337
honourably addressing all; nor be thou haughty in thy mind. Nay, let
even us ourselves labour, whatever be our station, so heavy a calamity
hath Jove laid upon us at our birth.”
Thus saying, he dismissed his brother, having duly charged him. But he
hastened to go to Nestor, the shepherd of the people. Him he found on
his soft couch beside his tent and black ship, and by him lay his
variegated arms, a shield, two spears, and a glittering helmet: beside
him also lay a flexible belt, with which the old man girded himself,
when he was arming for man-destroying war, leading on his people; since
he by no means yielded to sad old age. Being supported on his elbow,
338 and lifting up his head, he addressed the son of Atreus, and
questioned him in [these] words:
Footnote 336: (return) Buttmann, Lexil. p. 85, comes to the conclusion
that “we must include ἀθροτάζειν among the forms of άμαρτάνω, whose
etymological connections, as long as we are ignorant of them, we can
easily do without.”
Footnote 337: (return) Instances of this complimentary style of
address occur in ver. 144. Διογενὲς Λαερτιάδη. 86: Νέστορ Νηληϊάδη.
Footnote 338: (return) Cf. Propert. 1. 3, 34. “Sic ait in molli fixa
toro cubitum.”
“Who art thou who comest thus alone by the ships, along the army,
during the gloomy night, when other mortals are asleep? Whether seeking
any of the guards, or any of thy companions? Speak, nor approach me in
silence; of what is there need to thee?”
But him Agamemnon, king of men, then answered: “O Nestor, son of
Neleus, great glory of the Greeks, thou wilt recognize Agamemnon, the
son of Atreus, whom beyond all Jove hath plunged into toils
continually, whilst breath remains in my breast, or my knees have the
power of motion. I wander 339 thus, because sweet sleep sits not on
mine eyes, but war and the calamities of the Greeks are my care. For I
greatly fear for the Greeks, neither is my heart firm, but I am
confounded. 340 My heart leaps without my breast, and my fair limbs
tremble beneath. But if thou canst do aught (since neither doth sleep
come upon thee), come, let us go down to the guards, that we may see
whether, worn out by toil and [overpowered] 341 by sleep, they slumber,
and are altogether forgetful of the watch. And hostile men are encamped
near, nor do we at all know but that they perhaps meditate in their
minds to engage even during the night.” 342
But him Nestor, the Gerenian knight, then answered: “Agamemnon, most
glorious son of Atreus, king of men, assuredly provident Jove will not
accomplish to Hector all those devices, which now, perhaps, he expects;
but I think that he will labour under even more cares if Achilles shall
but turn away his heart from heavy wrath. Yet will I willingly follow
thee; and let us moreover incite others, both spear-renowned Diomede,
and Ulysses, swift Ajax, and the valiant son of Phyleus. But if any one
going, would call godlike Ajax, and king Idomeneus; for their ships are
the farthest off, 343 and by no means near at hand. But I will chide
Menelaus, dear and respected though he be, nor will I conceal, even if
thou shouldst be displeased with me, since thus he sleeps, and has
permitted thee alone to labour. For now ought he to labour,
supplicating among all the chiefs, for a necessity, no longer
tolerable, invades us.”
Footnote 339: (return) Æsch. Ag. 12: Εὐτ’ ἂν δὲ νυκτίπλαγκτον ἔνδροσόν
τ’ ἔχω Ευνὴν ὀνείροις οὐκ ἐπισκοπουμένην Ἑμὴν, ϕόθος γὰρ ἀνθ’ ὄπνου
παραστατεῖ.
Footnote 340: (return) Cicero ad Attic, ix. 6: “Non angor, sed ardeo
dolore; οὐδέ μοι ἦτορ ἔμπεδον, ἀλλ’ ἀλαλύκτημαι. Non sum, inquam, mihi
crede, mentis compos.”
Footnote 341: (return) Observe the zeugma, which has been imitated by
Hor. Od. III. 4, 11: “Ludo fatigatumque somno.” Compare the learned
dissertation on this subject by D’Orville on Chariton, iv. 4, p. 440,
sqq. ed. Lips.
Footnote 342: (return) Æsch. Sept. c. Th. 28: Λέγει μεγίστην προσζολὴν
Ἀχαΐδα Νυκτηγορεῖσθαι κἀπιθουλεύειν πόλει.
Footnote 343: (return) Soph. Aj. 3: Καὶ νῦν ἐπὶ sκηναῖϛ σε ναυτικαῖϛ
ὁρῶ Αἴαντος, ἔνθα τάξιν ἐσχάτην ἔχει.
But him Agamemnon, king of men, in turn addressed: “Old man, at other
times I would even bid thee blame him, for he is frequently remiss, and
is not willing to labour, yielding neither to sloth, nor
thoughtlessness of mind, but looking to me, and awaiting my
commencement. But now he arose long before me, and stood beside me; him
I have sent before to call those whom thou seekest. But let us go, and
we shall find them before the gates among the guards; for there I bade
them be assembled.”
But him the Gerenian knight Nestor then answered: “If so, none of the
Greeks will be angry, nor disobey when he may exhort or give orders to
any.”
Thus saying, he put on his tunic around his breast, and beneath his
shining feet he placed the beautiful sandals, and fastened about him
his purple cloak with a clasp, double, ample; 344 and the shaggy pile
was thick upon it: and he seized a doughty spear, pointed with sharp
brass. He proceeded first to the ships of the brazen-mailed Achæans;
then the Gerenian knight Nestor, vociferating, aroused from his sleep
Ulysses, equal to Jove in counsel. But the voice immediately penetrated
his mind, and he came out from the tent, and addressed them:
“Why, I pray, wander ye thus alone through the ambrosial night, near
the ships, through the army; what so great necessity now comes upon
you?”
Footnote 344: (return) Schol.: Τὴν μεγάλην, ωστε καὶ διπλῇ αὐτή
χρώμενον ἔχειν ἐκτεταμένην. The epithet φοινικόεσσα denotes that it was
the garb of royalty.
But him Nestor, the Gerenian knight, then answered: “Jove-sprung son of
Laertes, much-scheming Ulysses, be not indignant, for so great a sorrow
hath oppressed the Greeks. But follow, that we may arouse even another,
whomsoever it is fit, to deliberate whether to fly or fight.”
Thus he spake, and much-counselling Ulysses returning into his tent,
flung around his shoulders his variegated shield, and followed them.
But they proceeded to Diomede, the son of Tydeus, and him they found
without, before his tent, with his arms; and his companions slept
around him. Beneath their heads they had their shields, and their
spears were fixed erect upon the nether point; 345 and afar off
glittered the brass, like the lightning of father Jove. The hero
himself however slumbered, and beneath him was strewed the hide of a
wild bull; but under his head was spread a splendid piece of tapestry.
Standing by him, the Gerenian knight Nestor awoke him, moving him on
the heel with his foot, 346 he roused him, and upbraided [him] openly:
“Arise, son of Tydeus, why dost thou indulge in sleep all night?
Hearest thou not how the Trojans are encamped upon an eminence in the
plain near the ships, and that now but a small space keeps them off?”
Footnote 345: (return) Σαυρωτῆροι’ τοῖς στύραξιν τῶν οπίσω τῶν
δοράτων. Hesychius, who also, with reference to the present passage,
has Σαυρωτῆρος’ τοῦ σιδηρίου. Pollux, x. 31, well explains it, τὸ τοῦ
δόρατος ἰστάμενον It is also called στύραξ and στυρά.
Footnote 346: (return) Not “calce pedis movens.” See Kennedy.
Thus he spoke: but he leaped up very quickly from slumber, and
addressing him, spoke winged words:
“Indefatigable art thou, old man: never, indeed, dost thou cease from
labour. Are there not even other younger sons of the Greeks, who, going
about in every direction, might arouse each of the kings? But, O old
man, thou art impossible to be wearied.”
But him then the Gerenian knight Nestor in turn addressed: “Truly, my
friend, thou hast spoken all these things aright. I have to be sure
blameless sons, and I have numerous troops, some of whom indeed, going
round, might give the summons. But a very great necessity hath
oppressed the Greeks, and now are the affairs of all balanced on a
razor’s edge 347, whether there be most sad destruction to the Greeks,
or life. Yet go now, since thou art younger, arouse swift Ajax, and the
son of Phyleus, if thou hast pity on me.”
Footnote 347: (return) Herodot. vii. 11: Επὶ ξυροῦ γὰp τῆς ἀκμῆς
ἔχεται ἡμῖν τα πράγματα. Soph. Antig. 996: Φρόνει βεζὼς αὖ νῦν ἐπὶ
ξυροῦ τύνη. Theocrit. xxii. 6: Ἀνθρώπων σωτῆρες ἐπὶ ξυοοῦ ἤδη ἐόντων.
Thus he spake; but the other threw around his shoulders the skin of a
huge tawny lion, reaching to his feet, and took his spear. He hastened
forth, and the hero, having aroused the rest, led them thence.
But when they now came to the assembled guards, they found not the
leaders of the guards slumbering, but all were sitting vigilantly with
their arms. As dogs with care keep watch around the sheep in a fold,
hearing the furious wild beast, which comes through the wood from the
mountains, but much clamour of men and dogs is against it, and sleep is
utterly lost to them; so was sweet slumber lost to their eyelids,
keeping guard during the sad night, for they were ever turned towards
the plain, whensoever they heard the Trojans advancing. But the old man
seeing them, rejoiced, and encouraged them with a speech, and
addressing them, spoke winged words:
“Thus now, dear children, keep watch; nor let sleep seize upon any,
lest we become a mockery to the enemy.”
Thus saying, he crossed the trench; and with him followed the chiefs of
the Greeks, as many as had been summoned to the council. Along with
these went Meriones, and the illustrious son of Nestor; for they had
invited them, that they might consult with them. Having therefore
passed over the dug trench, they sat down in a clear space, where a
piece of ground appeared free from fallen dead bodies, whence impetuous
Hector had turned back, having destroyed the Greeks, when night at
length enveloped them. There sitting down, they addressed words to each
other, and to them the Gerenian knight Nestor began discourse:
“O friends, would not now some man put such confidence in his own
daring mind as to go against the magnanimous Trojans, if perchance he
might take some of the enemy straying in the outskirts of the camp, or
perhaps even learn some report among the Trojans, what they deliberate
among themselves; whether they intend to remain here by the ships at a
distance, or are about to return to the city, since they have subdued
the Greeks? Could he but hear all this, and come back to us unscathed,
great glory would be his under heaven amongst all men, and he shall
have a good reward. For as many chiefs as command the vessels, of all
these each will give a black sheep, a ewe, having a lamb at its udders;
to which indeed no possession will be like; and he will ever be present
at our banquets and feasts.”
Thus he spoke; and they were all mute in silence; but to them Diomede,
valiant in the din of battle, said:
“Nestor, my heart and gallant spirit urge me to enter the camp of the
hostile Trojans, which is near; but if some other man were to go along
with me, there would be more pleasure, and it would be more
encouraging. For when two go together, the one perceives before the
other how the advantage may be. But if one being alone should observe
anything, his perception is nevertheless more tardy, and his judgment
weak.”
Thus he spoke: and the greater number wished to follow Diomede. The two
Ajaces wished it, servants of Mars; Meriones wished it; the son of
Nestor very earnestly desired it; the spear-renowned son of Atreus,
Menelaus, desired it; and hardy Ulysses was eager to penetrate the
crowd of the Trojans; for ever daring was his mind within his breast.
Among them, however, Agamemnon, the king of men, spoke:
“Diomede, son of Tydeus, most dear to my soul, select the companion
whom thou desirest, the bravest of those who present themselves, since
many are ready. Nor do thou, paying deference in thy mind, leave indeed
the better, and select as follower the worse, through respect [for
rank]; looking neither to family, nor whether one is more the king.”
Thus he spake, for he feared for yellow-haired Menelaus; but amongst
them Diomede, brave in the din of battle, again spoke:
“If then ye now order me to select a companion myself, how can I now
forget godlike Ulysses, whose heart is prudent, and spirit gallant in
all labours; and whom Pallas Minerva loves. He following, we should
both return even from burning fire, for he is skilled in planning
beyond [all others].”
But him much-enduring, noble Ulysses in turn addressed: “Son of Tydeus,
neither praise me beyond measure, nor at all blame, for thou speakest
these things amongst Argives, who are acquainted with them already. But
let us go, for night hastens on, and morn is at hand. The stars have
already far advanced, and the greater portion of the night, by two
parts, has gone by, but the third portion remains.”
Thus having spoken, they clad themselves in their terrible arms. To
Diomede, Thrasymedes, firm in war, gave his two-edged sword, because
his own was left at the ships, and a shield. Upon his head he placed
his bull’s-hide helmet, coneless, crestless, which is called cataityx,
348 and protects the heads of blooming youths. And Meriones gave a bow,
quiver, and sword to Ulysses, and put upon his head a casque of hide;
and within, it was firmly bound with many straps; whilst without, the
white teeth of an ivory-tusked boar set thick together on all sides
fenced it well, and skilfully; and in the midst a woollen head-piece
349 was sewed. It Autolycus once brought from Eleon, the city of
Amyntor, son of Hormenus, having broken into his large mansion. He gave
it, however, to Amphidamas, the Cytherian, to bear to Scandea, and
Amphidamas bestowed it upon Molus, to be a gift of hospitality, but he
gave it to his son Meriones to be worn. Then at last, being placed
around, it covered the head of Ulysses. But they, when they had girt
themselves in dreadful arms, hastened to advance, and left all the
chiefs at the same place. And to them near the way, Pallas Minerva sent
a heron upon the right hand: they did not discern it with their eyes,
because of the gloomy night, but heard it rustling. And Ulysses was
delighted on account of the bird, and prayed to Minerva:
“Hear me, thou daughter of ægis-bearing Jove, who standest by me in all
labours, nor do I escape thy notice, having moved. 350 Now again do
thou, O Minerva, especially befriend me, and grant that, covered with
glory, we may return back to the well-benched barks, having performed a
mighty deed, which will surely occasion care to the Trojans.”
Footnote 348: (return) “The καταῖτυξ might be termed the undress
helmet of the chief who wore it.”—Kennedy.
Footnote 349: (return) Or, “it was stuffed with felt.”—Oxford Transl.
“Wool was inlaid between the straps, in order to protect the head, and
make the helmet fit closer.”—Kennedy.
Footnote 350: (return) Soph. Aj. 18: Καὶ νῦν ἐπέγνως εὖ μ ἐπ’ ἀνδρὶ
δυσμενεῖ Βάσιν ευκλοῦντ’.
Then Diomede, brave in the din of battle, next prayed: “Now hear me,
too, O daughter of Jove, invincible. Attend me, as once thou didst
attend my sire, the noble Tydeus, to Thebes, what time he went as an
ambassador for the Achæans; he left the brazen-mailed Achæans at the
Asopus, and he himself bore thither a mild message to the Cadmæans: but
when returning he performed many arduous deeds, with thy aid, O noble
goddess, when thou propitious didst stand beside him. Thus now
willingly stand by and protect me; and in return I will sacrifice to
thee a heifer of a year old, with broad forehead, untamed, which no man
hath yet brought under the yoke. This will I sacrifice to thee,
encircling its horns with gold.”
Thus they spoke, praying; and Pallas Minerva heard them. But when they
had supplicated the daughter of mighty Jove, they hastened to advance,
like two lions, through the dark night, through slaughter, through
bodies through arms, and black blood.
Nor did Hector allow the gallant Trojans to sleep; but he summoned all
the chiefs together, as many as were leaders and rulers over the
Trojans. Having summoned them together, he framed prudent counsel:
“Who, undertaking it for me, will accomplish this deed for a great
reward? And there shall be sufficient payment for him; for I will give
a chariot and two rough-maned steeds, which excel in speed at the swift
sailing ships of the Greeks, to him whosoever would dare (he will also
obtain glory for himself) to approach near the swift-sailing ships, and
learn whether the fleet ships are guarded as formerly, or whether, now
subdued by our hands, they meditate flight among themselves, nor wish
to keep watch during the night, overcome with grievous toil.”
Thus he spoke; but they were all still in silence. But among the
Trojans there was one Dolon, the son of Eumedes, a divine herald, rich
in gold, and wealthy in brass, who in aspect indeed was deformed, but
[was] swift-footed, and he was an only [son] among five sisters. Who
then, standing by, addressed the Trojans and Hector:
“Hector, my heart and gallant spirit urge me to approach the
swift-sailing ships, and gain information. But come, raise up thy
sceptre to me, and swear that thou wilt assuredly give me the horses
and chariot, variegated with brass, which now bear the illustrious son
of Peleus, and I will not be a vain spy to thee, nor frustrate thy
expectation; for I will go so far into the camp till I reach the ship
of Agamemnon, where the chiefs will perchance be consulting whether to
fly or fight.”
Thus he spoke; but he took the sceptre in his hand and swore to him:
“Let Jove himself now be my witness, the loudly-thundering spouse of
Juno, that no other man of the Trojans shall be carried by these
horses: but I declare that thou shalt entirely have the glory of them.”
Thus he spoke, and indeed swore a vain oath; 351 nevertheless he
encouraged him. Immediately he threw around his shoulders his crooked
bow, and put on above the hide of a grey wolf, with a casque of
weasel-skin upon his head; and seized a sharp javelin. And he set out
to go from the camp towards the ships: nor was he destined to bring
back intelligence to Hector, returning from the ships. But when now he
had quitted the crowd of horses and men, he eagerly held on his way.
But him godlike Ulysses observed advancing, and addressed Diomede:
Footnote 351: (return) “There is no necessity for supposing that
Hector meditated any deceit. The poet contemplates the event, which
frustrated his hopes, and rendered his oath nugatory.”—Kennedy.
“Hark! Diomede, a man comes from the camp; I know not whether as a spy
upon our vessels, or to plunder some of the dead bodies. But let us
suffer him first to pass by a little through the plain, and afterwards,
hastily rushing upon him, let us take him. If, however, he surpasses us
in speed, attacking him with the spear, let us continually drive him
from the camp towards the ships, lest by chance he escape towards the
city.”
Then having thus spoken, they lay down out of the pathway among the
dead; but he, in thoughtlessness, ran hastily past. But when now he was
as far off as is the space ploughed at one effort 352 by mules (for
they are preferable to oxen in drawing the well-made plough through the
deep fallow), they indeed ran towards him; but he stood still, hearing
a noise; for he hoped within his mind that his companions had come from
the Trojans to turn him back, Hector having ordered. But when now they
were distant a spear’s cast, or even less, he perceived that they were
enemies, and moved his active knees to fly; and they immediately
hastened to follow. As when two rough-toothed hounds, skilled in the
chase, ever incessantly pursue through the woody ground either a fawn
or hare, whilst screaming it flies before; thus did Tydides and
Ulysses, sacker of cities, pursue him ever steadily, having cut him off
from his own people. But when now flying towards the ships, he would
speedily have mingled with the watch, then indeed Minerva infused
strength into Tydides, that none of the brazen-mailed Greeks might be
beforehand in boasting that he had wounded him, but he himself come
second; then gallant Diomede, rushing on him with his spear, addressed
him:
“Either stop, or I will overtake thee with my spear; nor do I think
that thou wilt long escape certain destruction from my hand.”
Footnote 352: (return) See the Scholiast, and Kennedy’s note.
He said, and hurled his spear, but intentionally missed the man. Over
the right shoulder the point of the well-polished spear stuck in the
ground. Then indeed he stood still, and trembled, stammering (and there
arose a chattering of the teeth in his mouth), pale through fear.
Panting they overtook him, and seized his hands; but he weeping, spoke
thus:
“Take me alive, and I will ransom myself; for within [my house] I have
brass, and gold, and well-wrought iron; from which my father will
bestow upon you countless ransoms, if he shall hear that I am alive at
the ships of the Greeks.”
But him much-planning Ulysses answering addressed: “Take courage, nor
suffer death at all to enter thy mind; but come, tell me this, and
state it correctly: Why comest thou thus alone from the camp towards
the fleet, through the gloomy night, when other mortals sleep? Whether
that thou mightst plunder any of the dead bodies, or did Hector send
thee forth to reconnoitre everything at the hollow ships? Or did thy
mind urge thee on?”
But him Dolon then answered, and his limbs trembled under him:
“Contrary to my wish, Hector hath brought me into great detriment, who
promised that he would give me the solid-hoofed steeds of the
illustrious son of Peleus, and his chariot adorned with brass. And he
enjoined me, going through the dark and dangerous 353 night, to
approach the enemy, and learn accurately whether the swift ships be
guarded as before, or whether, already subdued by our hands, ye plan
flight with yourselves, nor choose to keep watch during the night,
overcome by severe toil.”
Footnote 353: (return) Buttm. Lexil. p. 369: “I translate θοὴ νύξ by
_the quick and fearful_ night; and if this be once admitted as the
established meaning of the Homeric epithet, it will certainly be always
intelligible to the hearer and full of expression. ‘Night,’ says a
German proverb, ‘is no man’s friend;’ the dangers which threaten the
nightly wanderer are formed into a quick, irritable, hostile goddess.
Even the other deities are afraid of her, who is (Il. Θ, 259) θεῶν
δμήτειρα καὶ ἀνδρῶν; and Jupiter himself, in the midst of his rage,
refrains from doing what might be νυκτὶ θοὴ ἀποθύμια. Nor is the
epithet less natural when the night is not personified: for as ὀξεῖς
καιροί are _dangerous_ times, so by this word θοή it may be intended to
mark the swiftness and imminency of dangers which threaten men who go
διὰ νύκτα μέλαιναν.”
But him crafty Ulysses smiling addressed: “Assuredly thy mind aimed at
mighty gifts, the horses of warlike Æacides; but these are difficult to
be governed by mortal men, and to be driven by any other than Achilles,
whom an immortal mother bore. But come, tell me this, and state
correctly; where now, when coming hither, didst thou leave Hector, the
shepherd of the people? Where lie his martial arms, and where his
steeds? And how [stationed are] the watches and tents of the other
Trojans? What do they consult among themselves? Do they meditate to
remain there at a short distance from the ships, or will they return
again to the city, since, forsooth, they have subdued the Greeks?”
But him Dolon, the son of Eumedes, again addressed: “Therefore will I
indeed detail these things to thee very correctly. Hector, with those,
as many as are counsellors, is deliberating upon plans at the tomb of
divine Ilus, apart from the tumult: but for the watches of which thou
inquirest, O Hero, no chosen [band] defends or watches the camp. But as
many as are the hearths of fires among the Trojans, those at them are
they to whom there is compulsion; 354 and they are both wakeful, and
exhort one another to keep watch. But the allies, on the contrary,
summoned from afar, are sleeping; for they commit it to the Trojans to
keep watch, for their children and wives lie not near them.”
Footnote 354: (return) Construe, κατὰ τόσας μὲν πυρὸς ἐσχάρας, ὅσαι
ἰισὶ Τρώων, οἵδε οἶσιν ἀνάγκη ἐστὶν, ἐγρηγόρθασι, κ. τ. λ.
But him much-planning Ulysses answering addressed: “In what manner now
do they sleep: mingled with the horse-breaking Trojans, or apart? Tell
me, that I may know.”
But him Dolon, the son of Eumedes, answered: “Therefore will I indeed
detail these things also very correctly. On the one hand, towards the
sea, [are] the Carians and Pœonians, armed with crooked bows, the
Lelegans, and Cauconians, and noble Pelasgians. Towards Thymbra, on the
other, the Lycians are allotted their place, and the haughty Mysians,
the horse-breaking Phrygians, and the Mæonian cavalry 355 warriors. But
why inquire ye of me these things separately? For if ye are now eager
to penetrate the host of the Trojans, those Thracians lately arrived
are apart, the last of all the others. And among them is their king
Rhesus, son of Eioneus. And his horses are the most beautiful and
largest I have seen. They are whiter than snow, and like to the winds
in speed. And his chariot is well adorned with both gold and silver;
and he himself came, wearing golden armour of mighty splendour, a
marvel to behold; which does not indeed suit mortal men to wear, but
the immortal gods. But now remove me to the swift ships, or, having
bound me with a cruel bond, leave me here until ye return, and make
trial of me, whether I have indeed spoken to you truly, or not.”
Footnote 355: (return) _I.e._ charioteers.
But him then valiant Diomede sternly regarding, addressed: “Think not
within thy mind to escape from me, O Dolon, although thou hast reported
good tidings, since thou hast once come into my hands. For if indeed we
shall now release thee, or set thee at liberty, hereafter thou wouldst
surely return to the swift ships of the Achæans, either in order to
become a spy, or to fight against us. But if, subdued by my hands, thou
lose thy life, thou wilt not ever afterwards be a bane to the Greeks.”
He said; and the other was preparing to supplicate him, taking him by
the chin with his strong hand; but he, rushing at him with his sword,
smote the middle of his neck, and cut through both the tendons; and the
head of him, still muttering, was mingled with the dust. From his head
they took the weasel-skin helmet, and the wolf skin, with the bent bow
and long spear; and noble Ulysses raised them on high with his hand to
Minerva, the goddess of plunder, and praying, spake:
“Rejoice, O goddess, in these, for thee, first of all the immortals in
Olympus, do we invoke; but guide us likewise to the horses and tents of
the Thracian men.”
Thus he said; and raising them high above himself, he hung them on a
tamarisk-branch. But beside it he placed a conspicuous mark, pulling up
handfuls of reeds, 356 and the wide-spreading branches of the tamarisk,
lest they should escape their notice whilst they were returning through
the dark and dangerous night. Then both advanced onwards through arms
and black blood; and proceeding, they came immediately to the band of
the Thracian heroes. But they were sleeping, overpowered with fatigue;
and their beautiful armour lay upon the ground beside them, carefully
in order, in three rows: and by each of them [stood] a yoke of horses.
Rhesus slept in the midst, and beside him his swift horses were
fastened by the reins to the outer rim 357 of the chariot. And Ulysses
first observing, pointed him out to Diomede:
“This [is] the man, O Diomede, and these [are] the horses, which Dolon,
whom we slew, pointed out to us. But come now, exert thy mighty
strength; nor does it at all become thee to stand leisurely with thy
armour. Loose therefore the steeds, or do thou slay the men, and the
horses shall be my care.”
Footnote 356: (return) Συμμάρψας. Ernesti says: “Confregit leviter
arundines, et addidit similiter confractis myricæ frondibus.”
Footnote 357: (return) Ernesti regards ἐπιδιϕριάδος as an adjective,
with ἄντυγος understood.
Thus he spoke; but into him azure-eyed Minerva breathed valour, and he
slaughtered, turning himself on every side, and a dreadful groaning
arose of those smitten with the sword; and the earth grew red with
blood. As when a lion, coming upon unprotected flocks of goats or
sheep, rushes upon them, designing evils, so fell the son of Tydeus
upon the Thracian men, until he had slain twelve. But much-counselling
Ulysses—whomsoever Diomede standing beside struck with the sword—him
Ulysses dragged backwards, seizing by the foot; meditating these things
in his mind, that the fair-maned steeds should pass through easily, nor
should tremble in spirit, treading on the corses; for as yet they were
unused to them. But when now the son of Tydeus had reached the king,
him, the thirteenth, he deprived of sweet life, panting; for by the
counsel of Minerva an evil dream had stood over his head during the
night, [in likeness of] the son of Œneus: but in the meantime patient
Ulysses was untying the solid-hoofed steeds. With the reins he bound
them together and drove them from the crowd, lashing them with his bow,
because he thought not of taking with his hands the splendid lash from
the well-wrought chariot seat; and then he whistled as a signal to
noble Diomede. But he remaining, was meditating what most daring deed
he should do; whether seizing the car, where lay the embroidered
armour, he should drag it out by the pole 358 or bear it away, raising
it aloft; or take away the life of more of the Thracians. Whilst he was
revolving these things within his mind, Minerva in the meantime
standing near, addressed noble Diomede:
“Be mindful now of a return to the hollow ships, O son of magnanimous
Tydeus, lest thou reach them, having been put to flight; or lest some
other god perchance arouse the Trojans.”
Footnote 358: (return) Understand κατὰ ῥυμοῦ.
Thus she spoke; and he understood the voice of the goddess speaking,
and he quickly ascended the chariot. And Ulysses lashed on [the horses]
with his bow, and they fled to the swift ships of the Greeks.
Nor did silver-bowed Apollo keep a vain watch. When he beheld Minerva
accompanying the son of Tydeus, enraged with her, he descended into the
vast army of the Trojans, and roused Hippocoön, a counsellor of the
Thracians, the gallant cousin of Rhesus. And he, leaping up from sleep,
when he beheld the place empty where the fleet horses had stood, and
the men panting amidst the dreadful slaughter, immediately then wept
aloud, and called upon his dear companion by name. A clamour and
immeasurable tumult of the Trojans running together arose, and they
looked with wonder at the marvellous deeds, which men having
perpetrated, had returned to the hollow ships.
But when now they came where they had slain the spy of Hector, there
Ulysses, dear to Jove, reined in his fleet steeds. But the son of
Tydeus, leaping to the ground, placed the bloody spoils in the hands of
Ulysses, and then ascended the chariot. And he lashed on the steeds,
and both, not unwilling, fled towards the hollow ships, for thither it
was agreeable to their minds [to go]. But Nestor first heard the sound,
and said:
“O friends, leaders and rulers over the Greeks, shall I speak falsely,
or say the truth? Still my mind impels me. The noise of swift-footed
steeds strikes upon my ears. O that now Ulysses and gallant Diomede
would immediately drive some solid-hoofed steeds from the Trojans! But
greatly do I fear in mind lest these bravest of the Greeks suffer aught
from the rude host of Trojans.”
Not yet was the whole speech uttered, when they themselves arrived.
Then indeed they descended to the ground, and [their friends]
rejoicing, saluted them with the right hand and kind expressions. But
[first] the Gerenian knight Nestor asked them:
“Come, tell me, most excellent Ulysses, great glory of the Greeks, how
took ye these horses? [Whether] penetrating the camp of the Trojans; or
did some god, meeting, supply you with them? They are very like unto
the rays of the sun. I indeed always mingle with the Trojans, nor can I
say that I remain at the ships, although being an old warrior: yet have
I never beheld nor remarked such horses, but I think that some god,
meeting you, hath given them. For cloud-compelling Jove loves you both,
and the daughter of ægis-bearing Jove, azure-eyed Minerva.”
But him crafty Ulysses answering addressed: “O Nestor, offspring of
Neleus, great glory of the Greeks, a god indeed, if willing, could
easily have given better horses even than these, since they (the gods)
are much more powerful. But those steeds about which thou inquirest,
old man, are Thracian, lately arrived, and valiant Diomede slew their
lord, and beside him twelve companions, all of the bravest. The
thirteenth, a spy, we killed, near the ships, whom Hector sent forth,
and the other illustrious Trojans, to be a spy, forsooth, [of our
army].”
Thus saying, he drove the solid-hoofed steeds across the ditch,
exulting, and with him went the other Greeks rejoicing. But when they
came to the well-constructed tent of Diomede, they tied the steeds by
the skilfully-cut reins to the horses’ stall, where stood the
swift-footed steeds of Diomede, eating sweet corn. In the stern of his
vessel Ulysses laid the bloody spoils of Dolon, until they could
present them as a sacred gift to Minerva. Then having gone into the
sea, they washed off the abundant sweat from around their legs, their
neck, and thighs. But when the wave of the sea had washed away the
abundant sweat from their bodies, and they were refreshed in their dear
heart, entering the well-polished baths, they bathed. But having bathed
and anointed themselves with rich oil, they sat down to a repast; and
drawing forth sweet wine from a full bowl, they poured it out in
libation to Minerva.