Jove awaking, and finding the Trojans routed, menaces Juno. He then
sends Iris to desire Neptune to relinquish the battle, and Apollo to
restore Hector to health. Armed with the ægis, Apollo puts the Greeks
to flight; who are pursued home to their fleet, while Telamonian Ajax
slays twelve Trojans who were bringing fire to burn it.
But after the fugitives had crossed both the ramparts and the trench,
and many were subdued by the hands of the Greeks, the rest were at
length detained, waiting beside their chariots, pallid with fear, and
terrified. But Jove arose on the summits of Ida, from beside
golden-throned Juno; and starting up, he stood and beheld the Trojans
and Greeks, those indeed in confusion, and the Greeks throwing them
into confusion in the rear; and amongst them king Neptune. Hector he
beheld lying upon the plain, and his companions sat round him: 483 but
he was afflicted with grievous difficulty of respiration, and devoid of
his senses, 484 vomiting blood, for it was not the weakest of the
Greeks who had wounded him. The father of men and gods, seeing, pitied
him, and sternly regarding Juno, severely addressed her:
“O Juno, of evil arts, impracticable, thy stratagem has made noble
Hector cease from battle, and put his troops to flight. Indeed I know
not whether again thou mayest not be the first to reap the fruits of
thy pernicious machinations, and I may chastise thee with stripes. Dost
thou not remember when thou didst swing from on high, and I hung two
anvils from thy feet, and bound a golden chain around thy hands, that
could not be broken? And thou didst hang in the air and clouds, and the
gods commiserated thee throughout lofty Olympus; but standing around,
they were not able to release thee; but whomsoever I caught, seizing, I
hurled from the threshold [of heaven], till he reached the earth,
hardly breathing. Nor even thus did my vehement anger, through grief
for divine Hercules, leave me; whom thou, prevailing upon the storms,
with the north wind, didst send over the unfruitful sea, designing
evils, and afterwards bore him out of his course, to well-inhabited
Cos. I liberated him, indeed, and brought him back thence to
steed-nourishing Argos, although having accomplished many toils. These
things will I again recall to thy memory, that thou mayest cease from
deceits; in order that thou mayest know whether the intercourse and a
couch will avail thee, in which thou wast mingled, coming apart from
the gods, and having deceived me.”
Footnote 483: (return) Δὴ here has the force of _demum_.
Footnote 484: (return) Ἐξεστηκὼς τῇ ψυχῇ.—Scholiast.
Thus he spoke; but venerable large-eyed Juno shuddered, and, addressing
him, spoke winged words:
“Be witness now, Earth, and boundless Heaven above, and the water of
Styx gliding beneath, which is the greatest and most dreaded oath
amongst the blessed gods; likewise thy sacred head, and our own nuptial
couch, by which I would not rashly swear at any time, that it is not by
my instigation that earth-shaking Neptune harasses the Trojans and
Hector, and aids the other side; but certainly his own mind incites and
orders him; for, beholding the Greeks oppressed at the ships, he took
compassion on them. And even him would I advise to go there, where
thou, O Cloud-collector, mayest command.”
Thus she spoke; but the father of men and gods smiled, and answering
her, spoke winged words:
“If indeed thou from henceforth, O venerable, large-eyed Juno, wouldst
sit amongst the immortals, being of the same mind with me, then truly
would Neptune, even although he very much wishes otherwise, immediately
change his mind to the same point, to thy wish and mine. But if indeed
thou speakest in sincerity and truly, go now to the assemblies of the
gods, and call Iris to come hither, and Apollo, renowned in archery,
that she may go to the people of the brazen-mailed Greeks, and tell
king Neptune, ceasing from battle, to repair to his own palaces; but
let Phœbus Apollo excite Hector to battle, and breathe strength into
him again, and make him forgetful of the pains which now afflict him in
his mind: but let him again put the Greeks to flight, exciting
unwarlike panic [amongst them], and, flying, let them fall back upon
the many-benched ships of Achilles, the son of Peleus. Then shall he
stimulate his companion Patroclus, whom illustrious Hector shall slay
with his spear before Ilium, [Patroclus] having slain many other
youths, and with them my son, noble Sarpedon; but noble Achilles shall
slay Hector. From this time forward will I always continually effect
for thee, that there shall be a retreat [of the Trojans] from the
ships, until the Greeks, by the counsels of Minerva, shall take lofty
Ilium. However, I shall not abate my anger, nor will I here permit any
of the immortals to assist the Greeks, before that the request of the
son of Peleus be completed; as first I promised to him, and nodded
assent with my head, on that day when the goddess Thetis touched my
knees, beseeching me that I would honour Achilles, the destroyer of
cities.”
Thus he spoke, nor did the white-armed goddess Juno disobey, but went
down from the Idæan mountains to lofty Olympus. And as when the mind of
a man flashes swiftly [in thought], who, having traversed over many a
land, thinks within his prudent heart, “I was here, I was there,” and
deliberates much: thus quickly hastening, up sprung venerable Juno. But
she reached lofty Olympus, and came in upon the immortal gods,
assembled in the house of Jove but they beholding her, all rose up and
welcomed her with their cups. The rest, however, she neglected, but
received a goblet from fair-cheeked Themis; for she first running, came
to meet her, and addressing her, spoke winged words:
“Why, O Juno, hast thou come [hither], and art like unto one in
consternation? Has then the son of Saturn, who is thy husband, greatly
terrified thee?”
But her the white-armed goddess Juno then answered: “Do not, O goddess
Themis, ask me these things; even thou thyself knowest how overbearing
and cruel a spirit is his. But do thou preside over the equal feast, in
the palaces of the gods, and thou shalt hear these things along with
all the immortals, what evil deeds Jove denounces. Nor do I at all
think that the mind will equally rejoice to all, neither to mortals nor
to the gods, although some one even yet be feasting pleasantly.”
Thus having spoken, venerable Juno sat down; but the gods were grieved
throughout the palace of Jove. But she laughed with her lips [only],
nor was her forehead above her dark brows exhilarated; 485 and,
indignant, she spoke amongst them all:
“Senseless we, who are thus foolishly enraged with father Jove! Of a
truth we still desire to restrain him, approaching near, either by
persuasion or by force; whilst he, sitting apart, does not regard, nor
is moved, for he says he is decidedly the most mighty in strength and
power among the immortal gods. Wherefore endure whatever evil he may
please to send upon each of you; for now already, I think, misfortune
hath been inflicted upon Mars, since his son has perished in the fight,
the dearest of mortals, Ascalaphus, whom impetuous Mars calls his own.”
Footnote 485: (return) Compare Virg. Æn. i. 211: “Spem vultu simulat,
premit altum corde dolorem” with Seneca ad Pol. 24. Nemesian. Eclog.
iv. 17. “Quid vultu mentem premis, ac spem fronte serenas.” Liv.
xxviii. 8: “Mœrebat quidem et angebatur.... in concilio tamen
dissimulans ægritudinem, elato nimo disseruit.”
Thus she spake; but Mars smote his brawny thighs with his dropped
hands, and sorrowing, addressed them:
“Do not now blame me, ye who possess the Olympic mansions, repairing to
the ships of the Greeks, to avenge the slaughter of my son, even
although it should be my fate, smitten with the thunderbolt of Jove, to
lie together with the dead bodies in blood and dust.”
Thus he spake, and he commanded Fear and Flight to yoke his steeds, but
he himself girded on his shining armour. Then indeed some other greater
and more grievous wrath and indignation had fallen upon the immortals
from Jove, had not Minerva, greatly fearing for all the gods, leaped
forth from the vestibule, and left the throne where she sat. From his
head she snatched the helmet, and the shield from his shoulders, and
taking the brazen spear out of his strong hand, she placed it upright;
and rebuked impetuous Mars with [these] words:
“Infuriated one, infatuated in mind, thou art undone! are thy ears
indeed useless for hearing, and have thy sense and shame perished? Dost
thou not hear what the white-armed goddess Juno says, and she has just
now come from Olympian Jove? Dost thou thyself wish, having fulfilled
many misfortunes, to return to Olympus very much grieved, and by
compulsion, and also to create a great evil to all the rest? For he
will immediately leave the Trojans and magnanimous Greeks, and will
come against us, about to disturb us in Olympus; and will seize us one
after the other, whoever is culpable and who is not. Wherefore I exhort
thee now to lay aside thy wrath on account of thy son, for already some
one, even superior to him in strength and in hands, either is slain, or
will be hereafter; for it would be a difficult task to liberate [from
death] the race and offspring of all men.”
So saying, she seated impetuous Mars upon his throne. But Juno called
Apollo outside the house, and Iris, who is the messenger among the
immortal gods, and addressing them, spoke winged words:
“Jove orders you twain to repair with all haste to Ida, but when ye
arrive, and look upon the countenance of Jove, do whatsoever he may
urge and command.”
Then indeed, having thus spoken, venerable Juno retired, and sat down
upon her throne; but they, hastening, flew and arrived at Ida of many
rills, the mother of wild beasts. They found the far-seeing son of
Saturn sitting upon lofty Gargarus, and an odoriferous cloud encircled
him around. But coming before cloud-compelling Jove, they stood; nor
was he enraged in his mind, beholding them, because they quickly obeyed
the commands of his dear wife. And first to Iris he addressed winged
words:
“Haste, begone, fleet Iris, tell all these things to king Neptune, nor
be thou a false messenger. Order him, having ceased from the battle and
the war, to repair to the assemblies of the gods, or to the vast sea.
If, however, he will not obey my words, but shall despise them, let him
then consider in his mind and soul, lest, however powerful he may be,
he may not be able to withstand me coming against him; for I say that I
am superior to him in strength, and elder in birth; but his heart fears
riot to assert himself equal to me, whom even the others dread.”
Thus he spoke, nor was wind-footed, swift Iris disobedient: but she
descended from the Idæan mountains to sacred Ilium. And as when snow
drifts from the clouds, or cold hail, by the impulse of
cloud-dispelling 486 Boreas, so quickly swift Iris with eagerness flew
along, and standing near illustrious Neptune, she addressed him:
“O azure-haired Earth-shaker, I have come hither, bringing a certain
message to thee from ægis-bearing Jove. He has commanded thee, having
ceased from the battle and the war, to repair either to the assemblies
of the gods or to the vast sea. But if thou wilt not obey his words,
but shalt despise them, he threatens that he will come hither himself
to fight against thee; and advises thee to avoid his hands, because he
asserts that he is greatly superior to thee in strength, and elder in
birth: but thy heart does not fear to profess that thou art equal to
him, whom even the others dread.”
But her illustrious Neptune, greatly indignant, then addressed: “Gods!
powerful though he be, he surely has spoken proudly, if he will by
force restrain me unwilling, who am of equal honour. For we are three
brothers [descended] from Saturn, whom Rhea brought forth: Jupiter and
I, and Pluto, governing the infernal regions, the third; all things
were divided into three parts, and each was allotted his dignity. 487 I
in the first place, the lots being shaken, was allotted to inhabit for
ever the hoary sea, and Pluto next obtained the pitchy darkness; but
Jove in the third place had allotted to him the wide heaven in the air
and in the clouds. Nevertheless the earth is still the common property
of all, and lofty Olympus. Wherefore I shall not live according to the
will of Jove, but although being very powerful, let him remain quiet in
his third part; and let him by no means terrify me as a coward with his
hands. For it would be better for him to insult with terrific language
the daughters and sons whom he hath begotten, who will also through
necessity attend to him, exhorting them.”
But him the fleet wind-footed Iris then answered: “O 488 azure-haired
Earth-shaker, shall I really thus bear back from thee to Jove this
relentless and violent reply? Or wilt thou change it at all? The minds
of the prudent indeed are flexible. Thou knowest that the Furies are
ever attendant on the elders.” 489
Footnote 486: (return) More literalty, “producing clear air.” So
Eustathius, or Eumathius, Erotic. ii. p. 14: Αἰθρηγενέτης Βοῤῥάς. Heyne
prefers “in aere genitus.”
Footnote 487: (return) On this division of things, see Servius on
Virg. Æn. i. 143; Fulgent Myth. i. 1, 3. The Scholiasts attempt to
refer it to the ancient theory of the elements.
Footnote 488: (return) These three verses were elegantly applied by
Sostrates in mitigating the intemperate language which Antigonus would
fain have addressed to Ptolemy Philadelphus. See Sextus Emp. adv.
Gramm. i. 13, p. 276.
Footnote 489: (return) The Furies are said to wait on men in a double
sense; either for evil, as upon Orestes after he had slain his mother;
or else for good, as upon elders when they are injured, to protect them
and avenge their wrongs. This is an instance that the pagans looked
upon birthright as a right divine. Eustath. quoted in ed. Dubl. cf. ix.
507.
But her again earth-shaking Neptune in turn addressed: “Goddess Iris,
very rightly hast thou delivered this opinion; moreover, it is good
when a messenger knows fitting things. But on this account severe
indignation comes upon my heart and soul, because he wishes to chide
with angry words me, equal to him by lot, and doomed to an equal
destiny. Nevertheless, at present, although being indignant, I will
give way. But another thing will I tell thee, and I will threaten this
from my soul; if indeed, without me and prey-hunting Minerva, Juno,
Mercury, and king Vulcan, he shall spare lofty Ilium, nor shall wish to
destroy it, and give great glory to the Greeks; let him know this, that
endless animosity shall arise between us.”
So saying, the Earth-shaker quitted the Grecian army, and proceeding,
he plunged into the deep; but the Grecian heroes longed for him. And
then cloud-compelling Jove addressed Apollo:
“Go now, dear Phœbus, to brazen-helmed Hector; for already hath
earth-encircling Neptune departed to the vast sea, avoiding our
dreadful anger; for otherwise the rest, who are infernal gods, being
around Saturn, would surely have heard our quarrel. This, however, is
much better for me as well as for himself, that he hath first yielded
to my hands, accounting himself worthy of blame, because the matter
would not have been accomplished without sweat. But do thou take the
fringed ægis in thy hands, with which, by violently shaking it, do thou
greatly terrify the Grecian heroes. To thyself, however, O far-darting
[Apollo], let illustrious Hector be a care. So long then arouse his
great might unto him, until the Greeks in flight reach the ships and
the Hellespont. Thenceforth I shall myself deliberate in deed and word,
how the Greeks also may revive from labour.”
Thus he spoke, nor did Apollo disobey his sire, but he descended from
the Idæan mountains like unto a swift hawk the dove-destroyer, the
swiftest of birds. He found the son of warlike Priam, noble Hector,
sitting; for he no longer lay [on the ground], but had just collected
his senses, recognizing his friends around him. But the panting and
perspiration had ceased, since the will of ægis-bearing Jove had
aroused him. Then far-darting Apollo, standing near, addressed him:
“Hector, son of Priam, why sittest thou apart from the rest, failing in
strength? Has any grief invaded thee?”
But him then crest-tossing Hector languidly addressed: “And who art
thou, best of the gods, who inquirest face to face? Hast thou not heard
that Ajax, brave in the din of battle, smote me with a stone upon the
breast, and caused me to cease from impetuous valour, when slaying his
companions at the sterns of the Grecian ships? And truly I thought that
I should this day behold the dead, and the mansion of Pluto, since I
was [on the point of] breathing out my dear life.”
But him far-darting king Apollo addressed in turn: “Be of good courage
now, so great an assistant has the son of Saturn sent forth from Ida to
stand up and help thee, Phœbus Apollo, of the golden sword: who am
accustomed to defend at the same time thyself and the lofty city. But
come, encourage now thy numerous cavalry to drive their fleet steeds
towards the hollow ships; but I, going before, will level the whole way
for the horses, and I will turn to flight the Grecian heroes.”
Thus speaking, he inspired great strength into the shepherd of the
people. As when some stalled horse, fed on barley 490 at the manger,
having snapped his halter, runs over the plain, striking the earth with
his feet (accustomed to bathe in the smooth-flowing river), exulting,
he holds his head on high, and around his shoulders his mane is
dishevelled; and, trusting to his beauty 491—his knees easily bear him
to the accustomed places and pasture of the mares: so Hector swiftly
moved his feet and knees, encouraging the horsemen, after he had heard
the voice of the god. But they—as dogs and rustic men rush against
either a horned stag or wild goat; which however a lofty rock and shady
forest protect, nor is it destined for them to catch it; but at their
clamour 492 a bushy-bearded lion appears in the way, and turns them all
back, although ardently pursuing: thus the Greeks hitherto indeed ever
kept following in troops, striking with their swords and double-edged
spears. But when they beheld Hector entering the ranks of heroes, they
were troubled, and the courage of all fell at their feet.
Footnote 490: (return) Cf. vi. 508; and on άκοστήσας, Buttm. Lexil. p.
75, sq.
Footnote 491: (return) Observe the abrupt change of construction.
Footnote 492: (return) Ὕπὸ ἰαχῆς, attracted by their shouting.
Then Thoas, the son of Andræmon, addressed them, by far the bravest of
the Ætolians, skilled in the use of the javelin, and brave in the
standing fight; few also of the Greeks excelled him in the council when
the youths contended in eloquence. Who wisely counselling, harangued
them, and said:
“O gods, surely I behold with mine eyes this mighty miracle, since
Hector has thus risen again, having escaped death. Certainly the mind
of each was in great hopes that he had died by the hands of Telamonian
Ajax. But some one of the gods has again liberated and preserved
Hector, who hath already relaxed the knees of many Greeks; as I think
is about [to occur] now also, for not without far-sounding Jove does he
stand in the van, thus earnest. But come, let us all obey as I shall
desire. Let us order the multitude to retreat towards the ships. But
let us, as many as boast ourselves to be the best in the army, take a
stand, if indeed, opposing, we may at the outset interrupt him,
upraising our spears; and I think that he, although raging, will dread
in mind to enter the band of the Greeks.”
Thus he spoke; but all heard him attentively, and obeyed. Those around
the Ajaces and king Idomeneus, Teucer, Meriones, and Meges, equal to
Mars, calling the chiefs together, marshalled their lines against
Hector and the Trojans; whilst the multitude in the rear retreated to
the ships of the Greeks. But the Trojans in close array pressed
forward; and Hector, taking long strides, led the way; but before him
walked Phœbus Apollo, clad as to his shoulders with a cloud, 493 and he
held the mighty, dreadful, fringed, 494 dazzling ægis, which the artist
Vulcan had given to Jove, to be borne along for the routing of men.
Holding this in his hands, he led on the people. But the Greeks
remained in close array, and a shrill shout arose on both sides. [Many]
arrows bounded from the strings, and many spears from gallant hands:
some were fixed in the bodies of warlike youths, but many half way,
before they had touched the fair body, stuck in the earth, longing to
satiate themselves with flesh. As long as Phœbus Apollo held the ægis
unmoved in his hands, so long did the weapons reach both sides, and the
people fell. But when, looking full in the faces of the swift-horsed
Greeks, he shook it, and he himself besides shouted very loudly, then
he checked the courage in their breasts, and they became forgetful of
impetuous valour. But they, as when two wild beasts, in the depth of
the dark night, 495 disturb a drove of oxen or a great flock of sheep,
coming suddenly upon them, the keeper not being present—so the
enfeebled Greeks were routed; for amongst them Apollo sent terror, and
gave glory to the Trojans and to Hector. Then indeed man slew man, when
the battle gave way. Hector slew Stichius and Arcesilaus; the one the
leader of the brazen-mailed Bœotians; but the other the faithful
companion of magnanimous Menestheus. But Æneas slew Medon and Iasus:
Medon indeed was the illegitimate son of godlike Oïleus, and brother of
Ajax; and he dwelt in Phylace, away from his father-land, having slain
a man, the brother of his stepmother Eriopis, whom Oïleus had
betrothed. Iasus, however, was appointed leader of the Athenians, and
was called the son of Sphelus, the son of Bucolus. But Polydamas slew
Mecistis, and Polites Echius, in the van, and noble Agenor slew
Klonius. Paris also wounded Dëiochous in the extremity of the shoulder
from behind, whilst he was flying amongst the foremost combatants; and
drove the brass quite through.
Footnote 493: (return) “Nube candentes humeros amictus, Augur
Apollo.”—Hor. Od. 2, 31.
Footnote 494: (return) Cf. ii. 448. Literally, “shaggy, rugged, with
fringes around.”
Footnote 495: (return) Cf. Buttm. Lexil. p. 89, whose translation of
νυκτὸς ἀμολγῷ I have followed.
Whilst they were spoiling these of their armour, the Greeks in the
meantime falling into the dug trench and stakes, fled here and there;
and from necessity entered within the rampart. But Hector, shouting
aloud, exhorted the Trojans to rush upon the ships, and to let go the
bloody spoils: “And whatever person I 496 shall perceive apart from the
ships anywhere, there will I cause his death; nor indeed shall his male
and female relatives make him when dead partaker of a funeral pile, but
dogs shall tear him before our city.”
Footnote 496: (return) Observe this sudden and animated change of
person, which has been noticed by Longinus, xxvii. and Dionys. Halic.
de Hom. Poes. § 8. This irregularity is very common in the Greek
Testament. Cf. Luke v. 14; Acts i. 4; xvii. 3; xxiii. 22; xxv. 8; with
the notes of Kuinoel and Pricæus.
So saying, with the lash upon the shoulder he drove on his horses
against the ranks, cheering on the Trojans; but they all shouting along
with him, directed their car-drawing steeds with a mighty clamour. But
Phœbus Apollo in front of them, easily overthrowing the banks of the
deep ditch with his feet, cast [them] into the middle; and bridged a
causeway long and wide, as far as the cast of a spear reaches, when a
man, making trial of his strength, hurls it. In that way they poured
onward by troops, and Apollo [went] before them, holding the
highly-prized ægis. But he overthrew the wall of the Greeks very
easily, as when any boy does the sand from the shore; who, when amusing
himself in childishness he has made playthings, again destroys them
with his feet and hands. Thus, O archer Phœbus, didst thou destroy the
great labour and toil of the Greeks, and didst excite flight amongst
themselves. In this manner indeed, remaining, they were penned up at
the ships; animating each other, and raising up their hands to all the
gods, they each loudly offered vows. But the guardian of the Greeks,
Gerenian Nestor, most particularly prayed, stretching forth his hands
to the starry heaven: “O father Jove, if ever any one in fruitful
Argos, to thee burning the fat thighs of either oxen or sheep,
supplicated that he might return, and thou didst promise and assent; be
mindful of these things, O Olympian, and avert the cruel day; nor thus
permit the Greeks to be subdued by the Trojans.”
Thus he spoke, praying: but provident Jove loudly thundered, hearing
the prayers of the Neleïan old man. But the Trojans, when they
understood the will of ægis-bearing Jove, rushed the more against the
Greeks, and were mindful of battle. And as a mighty wave of the
wide-flowing ocean dashes over the sides of a ship, when the force of
the wind impels it (for that most of all increases waves); so the
Trojans with a mighty shout mounted over the wall. And having driven in
their horses, they fought at the sterns, hand to hand with two-edged
spears, the one party from their chariots, but the other on high from
their black ships, having ascended them with long poles which lay in
their vessels, for fighting by sea, well glued, and clad on the tip
with brass.
But Patroclus, as long indeed as the Greeks and Trojans fought round
the wall, without the swift ships, so long he sat in the tent of
valour-loving Eurypylus, and delighted him with his discourse; and to
the severe wound he applied medicines, assuagers of dark pains. But
when he perceived that the Trojans had burst within the walls, and
moreover that a clamour and flight of the Greeks had arisen, then
indeed he groaned, and smote both his thighs with his downward-bent
hands; and lamenting spoke:
“O Eurypylus, I cannot any longer remain here with thee, although
needing much, for now has a mighty contest arisen. But let thy
attendant entertain thee, and I will hasten to Achilles, that I may
encourage him to fight. And who knows whether, with God’s assistance,
persuading, I may move his soul? for the admonition of a companion is
effectual.” But him his feet then bore away thus speaking. Meanwhile
the Greeks firmly withstood the Trojans rushing on, nor were they able
to repel them from the ships, although being fewer; nor could the
Trojans, breaking through the phalanxes of the Greeks, be mingled with
the tents or ships. But as a plumb-line in the hands of a skilful
shipwright (who knows well the whole art by the precepts of Minerva)
correctly adjusts the naval plank, so was the battle and war equally
extended. Some indeed supported the conflict round one ship, and others
round another, but Hector advanced against glorious Ajax. Thus these
two undertook the task round one ship, nor were they able, the one to
drive the other away and burn the ship with fire, nor the other to
repulse him, since a divinity had brought him near. Then illustrious
Ajax smote upon the breast with his spear Caletor, son of Clytius,
bearing fire against the ship; and falling, he resounded, and the torch
fell from his hand. But when Hector perceived with his eyes his cousin
fallen in the dust before the black ship, he cheered on the Trojans and
Lycians, loudly exclaiming:
“Ye Trojans and Lycians, and close-fighting Dardanians, do not now
retire from the fight in this narrow pass. But preserve the son of
Clytius, lest the Greeks despoil him of his armour, having fallen in
the contest at the ships.” Thus having spoken, he took aim with his
shining spear at Ajax, whom he missed; but [he smote] Lycophron, the
son of Mastor, the servant of Ajax, a Cytherean, who dwelt with him,
since he had killed a man amongst the celebrated Cythereans. He struck
him on the head over the ear, with the sharp brass, whilst he was
standing near Ajax: but he fell supine to the ground from the stern of
the ship in the dust, and his limbs were relaxed. Then Ajax shuddered,
and accosted his brother: “Dear Teucer, now is our faithful companion,
the son of Mastor, whom being domesticated in Cythera, we honoured
equally with our beloved parents in our palaces; but him magnanimous
Hector has slain. Where now are thy death-bearing arrows and bow, which
Phœbus Apollo gave thee?”
Thus he spoke; but he understood; and running, he stood near him,
holding in his hand his bent bow, and arrow-bearing quiver; and very
quickly he shot his arrows amongst the Trojans. He struck Clitus, the
illustrious son of Pisenor, the companion of Polydamas, the renowned
son of Panthous, holding the reins in his hands. He indeed was employed
in [guiding] the horses; for he directed them there, where the most
numerous phalanxes were thrown in confusion, gratifying Hector and the
Trojans. But soon came evil upon him, which no one averted from him,
although eager; for the bitter shaft fell upon his neck from behind,
and he fell from the chariot, whilst his horses started back, rattling
the empty car. But king Polydamas very quickly perceived it, and first
came to meet his horses. Them he intrusted to Astynous, son of
Protiaon, and exhorted him much to keep the horses near him within
sight; but he himself returning was mingled with the foremost
combatants. Teucer, however, drew another arrow against brazen-armed
Hector, and would have made him cease from battle, at the ships of the
Greeks, if striking him while bravely fighting, he had taken away his
life. But it did not escape the prudent mind of Jove, who protected
Hector, and deprived Teucer, the son of Telamon, of glory; and who
(Jove) broke the well-twisted string, in his blameless bow, as he was
drawing against [Hector]; but the brass-laden arrow was turned off in
another direction, and the bow fell from his hand. Then Teucer
shuddered, and addressed his brother:
“Ye gods! a deity, without doubt, cuts short the plans of our battle,
who has shaken the bow from my hand, and has snapped asunder the
newly-twisted string which I tied to it this morning, that it might
sustain the shafts frequently bounding from it.”
But him the mighty Telamonian Ajax then answered: “O my friend, permit
then thy bow and numerous arrows to lie aside, since a god has
confounded them, envying the Greeks; but, taking a long spear in thy
hands, and a shield upon thy shoulder, fight against the Trojans, and
encourage the other forces. Nor let them take the well-benched ships
without labour at least, although having subdued us, but let us be
mindful of the fight.”
Thus he spoke; and he placed his bow within the tents. Then around his
shoulders he hung a four-fold shield, and upon his brave head fixed a
well-made helmet, crested with horse-hair, and the plume nodded
dreadfully from above. And he grasped a stout spear, tipped with sharp
brass, and hastened to advance, and running very quickly, stood beside
Ajax. But when Hector perceived the arrows of Teucer frustrated, he
encouraged the Trojans and Lycians, calling aloud:
“Ye Trojans, Lycians, and close-fighting Dardanians, be men, my
friends, and be mindful of impetuous valour at the hollow ships; for I
have beheld with my eyes the arrows of their chief warrior rendered
vain by Jove. Easily recognizable amongst men is the power of Jove, as
well among those into whose hands he has delivered superior glory, as
those whom he deteriorates, and does not wish to defend. As now he
diminishes the might of the Greeks, and aids us. But fight in close
array at the ships, and whichever of you, wounded or stricken, shall
draw on his death and fate, let him die; it is not inglorious to him to
die fighting for his country; but his wife shall be safe, and his
children left behind him, his house and patrimony unimpaired, if indeed
the Greeks depart with their ships to their dear father-land.”
So saying, he kindled the strength and spirit of each: and Ajax again,
on the other side, animated his companions:
“Shame, oh Argives! now is the moment for us either to perish, or to be
preserved and to repel destruction from the ships. Do ye expect that if
crest-tossing Hector capture the ships, ye will reach on foot each his
native land? Do ye not hear Hector, who now rages to fire the ships,
inciting all his people? Nor indeed does he invite them to come to a
dance, but to battle. But for us there is no opinion or design better
than this, to join in close fight our hands and strength. Better,
either to perish at once, or live, rather than thus uselessly to be
wasted away 497 for a length of time in dire contention at the ships,
by inferior men.”
Footnote 497: (return) The verb στρεύγεσθαι, which may be compared
with ἀπολιβάζειν in Od. xii. 351, is interpreted by Apollonius
καταπονεῖσθαι. Cf. Hesych. t. i. p. 1603, t. ii. p. 1278.
So saying, he aroused the strength and courage of each. Then Hector
indeed slew Schedius, son of Perimedes, prince of the Phoceans; and
Ajax slew Laodamas, leader of the infantry, the illustrious son of
Antenor. Polydamas slew Cyllenian Otus, the companion of the son of
Phyleus, chief of the magnanimous Epeans. Meges rushed upon him,
perceiving it, but Polydamas stooped obliquely, and he missed him; for
Apollo did not suffer the son of Panthous to be subdued among the
foremost warriors. But he wounded Crœsmus in the middle of the breast
with his spear, but falling, he resounded; and he stripped the arms
from his shoulders. In the meantime Dolops, the descendant of Lampus,
well skilled in the spear, leaped upon him (he whom Lampus, son of
Laomedon, the best of men, begat, skilled in impetuous fight), who then
attacking him in close fight, struck the middle of Meges’s shield with
his spear: but the thick corslet defended him, which he wore, compact
in its cavities. This Phyleus formerly brought from Ephyre, from the
river Selleïs: for his host, Euphetes, king of men, had given it to
him, to bear into the battle as a defence against the enemy; and which
then warded off destruction from the body of his son. But Meges with
his sharp spear smote the base of the highest cone of his brazen
horse-haired helmet, and struck off his horse-haired crest; and the
whole fell on the ground in the dust, lately shining with purple.
Whilst the one (Meges) standing firm, fought with the other (Dolops),
and still expected victory; meanwhile, warlike Menelaus came as an
assistant to him (Meges), and stood at his side with his spear,
escaping notice, and wounded him from behind in the shoulder; but the
spear, driven with violence, passed through his breast, proceeding
farther; and he fell on his face. Both then rushed on, about to tear
the brazen armour from his shoulders; but Hector strenuously exhorted
all his relations, and rebuked the gallant Melanippus first, the son of
Hicetaon. He till then had fed his curved-footed oxen at Percote, the
enemy being yet at a distance; but when the equally-plied barks of the
Greeks had arrived, he came back to Troy, and was distinguished amongst
the Trojans; and he dwelt near Priam, and he honoured him equally with
his sons. But Hector rebuked him; and spoke and addressed him:
“Shall we be thus remiss, O Melanippus? Is not thy heart moved, thy
kinsman being slain? Dost thou not perceive how busy they are about the
arms of Dolops? But follow; for it is no longer justifiable to fight at
a distance with the Greeks, before that either we slay them, or that
they tear lofty Ilium from its summit, and slay its citizens.” So
saying, he led on, and the godlike hero followed with him. But mighty
Telamonian Ajax aroused the Greeks.
“O my friends, be men, and set honour 498 in your hearts, and have
reverence for each other during the vehement conflicts. For more of
those men who reverence [each other] are saved than slain; but of the
fugitives, neither glory arises, nor any defence.”
Footnote 498: (return) Cf. v. 530, xiii. 121, with the notes.
Thus he spoke, but they too were eager to repel [the enemy]. And they
fixed his advice in their mind, and enclosed the ships with a brazen
fence; but Jove urged on the Trojans. And Menelaus, brave in the din of
battle, incited Antilochus:
“O Antilochus, no other of the Greeks is younger than thou, nor swifter
of foot, nor strong, as thou [art], to fight. Would 499 that, attacking
some hero of the Trojans, thou couldst wound him.”
Footnote 499: (return) Εἰ is put for εἴθε.
So saying, he on his part withdrew again, and he aroused him. But he
(Antilochus) leaped forth from amongst the foremost warriors, and took
aim with his shining spear, gazing around him; but the Trojans retired,
the hero hurling. But he did not cast his weapon in vain, for he struck
magnanimous Melanippus, the son of Hicetaon, in the breast, near the
pap, advancing to the battle. And falling, he made a crash, and his
arms rang upon him. But Antilochus sprang upon him, as a dog that
rushes on a wounded fawn, which the huntsman aiming at, has wounded,
leaping from its lair, and relaxed its limbs under it. Thus, O
Melanippus, did warlike Antilochus spring on thee, about to despoil
thee of thy armour: but he did not escape noble Hector, who came
against him, running through the battle. But Antilochus did not await
him, though being an expert warrior, but he fled, like unto a wild
beast that has done some mischief, which, having slain a dog or
herdsman in charge of oxen, flies, before a crowd of men is assembled:
so fled the son of Nestor; but the Trojans and Hector, with great
clamour, poured forth their deadly weapons. Yet when he reached the
band of his own companions, being turned round, he stood. But the
Trojans, like raw-devouring lions, rushed upon the ships, and were
fulfilling the commands of Jove; who ever kept exciting their great
strength, and enervated the courage of the Greeks, and took away their
glory; but encouraged those. For his mind wished to bestow glory on
Hector, the son of Priam, that he might cast the dreadfully-burning,
indefatigable fire upon the crooked barks; and accomplish all the
unseasonable prayer of Thetis.
For this did provident Jove await, till he should behold with his eyes
the flame of a burning vessel; for from that time he was about to make
a retreat of the Trojans from the ships, and to afford glory to the
Greeks. Designing these things, he aroused Hector, the son of Priam,
against the hollow ships, although himself very eager. But he raged, as
when Mars [rages], brandishing his spear, or [when] a destructive fire
rages in the mountains, in the thickets of a deep wood. And foam arose
about his mouth, and his eyes flashed from beneath his grim eyebrows;
and the helm was shaken awfully upon the temples of Hector, fighting;
for Jove himself from the æther was an assistant to him, and honoured
and glorified him alone amongst many men; because he was destined to be
short-lived: for Pallas Minerva already impelled him towards the fatal
day, by the might of the son of Peleus. And he wished to break the
ranks of heroes, trying them, wheresoever he beheld the greatest crowd
and the best arms. But not thus was he able to break through them,
although very eager; for they, compact in squares, sustained his
attack, as a lofty, huge cliff, being near the hoary deep, which abides
the impetuous inroads of the shrill winds, and the swollen billows
which are dashed against it. Thus the Greeks firmly awaited the
Trojans, nor fled. But he, gleaming with fire on all sides, rushed upon
the crowd; and fell upon them, as when an impetuous wave, wind-nurtured
from the clouds, dashes against a swift ship, and it [the ship] is
wholly enveloped with the spray, and a dreadful blast of wind roars
within the sail: but the sailors tremble in mind, fearing, because they
are borne but a little way from death: thus was the mind of the Greeks
divided in their breasts. He, however, like a destructive lion coming
upon oxen which feed in myriads in the moist ground of a spacious
marsh, and amongst them a keeper not very skilful in fighting with a
wild beast for the slaughter of a crooked-horned ox; 500 he indeed
always accompanies the foremost or the hindmost cattle, whilst [the
lion] springing into the midst, devours an ox, and all the rest fly in
terror; thus then were the Greeks wondrously put to flight by Hector
and father Jove, all—but [Hector] slew only Mycenæan Periphetes, the
dear son of Copreus, who went with a messenger of king Eurystheus to
mighty Hercules. From this far inferior father sprung a son superior in
all kinds of accomplishments, as well in the race as in the combat, and
who in prudence was among the first of the Mycenæans, who at that time
gave into the hands of Hector superior glory. For, turning backwards,
he trod upon the rim of his shield which he bore, a fence against
javelins, which reached to his feet; by this incommoded, he fell upon
his back, and the helmet terribly sounded round the temples of him
fallen. But Hector quickly perceived, and running, stood near him, and
fixed his spear in his breast, and slew him near his beloved
companions, nor indeed were they able, although grieved for their
comrade, to avail him, for they themselves greatly feared noble Hector.
But they retreated within the line of their ships, 501 and the extreme
ships enclosed them, which were first drawn up: and the others were
poured in. The Argives, therefore, from necessity, retreated from the
foremost vessels, and remained there at their tents in close array, and
were not dispersed through the camp, for shame and fear restrained
them, and they unceasingly exhorted one another with shouting. More
particularly did Gerenian Nestor, the guardian of the Greeks, adjure
them by their parents, earnestly supplicating each man:
“O my friends, be men, and place a sense of reverence 502 of other men
in your minds. Call to memory, each of you, your children, wives,
property, and parents, as well he to whom they survive as he to whom
they are dead; for by those not present I here supplicate you to stand
bravely, nor be ye turned to flight.” So saying, he aroused the might
and spirit of each. But for them Minerva removed the heaven-sent cloud
of darkness from their eyes; and abundant light arose to them on both
sides, both towards the ships and towards the equally destructive
battle. Then they observed Hector, brave in the din of battle, and his
companions, as well whatever of them stood behind and did not fight as
those who fought the battle at the swift ships. Nor was it longer
pleasing to the mind of great-hearted Ajax to stand there where the
other sons of the Greeks stood together; but he went about upon the
decks of the vessels, taking long strides, and wielding in his hands a
great sea-fighting pole, studded with iron nails, twenty-two cubits
long. And as when a man well skilled in vaulting upon steeds, who,
after he has selected four horses out of a greater number, driving them
from the plain, urges them towards a mighty city, along the public way;
and him many men and women behold with admiration; but he, always
leaping up firmly and safely, changes alternately from one to the
other, 503 whilst they are flying along: so went Ajax along many decks
of swift ships, shouting loudly, and his voice reached to the sky; and,
always terribly shouting, he ordered the Greeks to defend their ships
and tents. Nor, indeed, did Hector remain among the crowd of
well-corsleted Trojans; but as the tawny eagle pounces upon a flock of
winged birds, feeding on a river’s bank, either geese or cranes, or
long-necked swans, so did Hector direct his course towards an
azure-prowed vessel, rushing against it; but Jove, with a very mighty
hand, impelled him from behind, and animated his forces along with him.
Again was a sharp contest waged at the ships. You would have said that
unwearied and indefatigable they met each other in battle, so furiously
they fought. And to them fighting this was the opinion: the Greeks,
indeed, thought that they could not escape from destruction, but must
perish. But the soul of each within his breast, to the Trojans, hoped
to burn the ships, and slay the Grecian heroes. They thinking these
things, opposed one another.
Footnote 500: (return) _I.e._ about its carcase. The Scholiast also
gives another interpretation, viz. “to prevent his killing an ox;” but
Kennedy, with reason, prefers the former one.
Footnote 501: (return) “_They now held their ships in view_, which
were arranged in a two-fold line, from the outermost whereof the Greeks
were driven in upon their tents, disposed in the intermediate position
between the lines of the vessels.”—Kennedy.
Footnote 502: (return) Cf. v. 530.
Footnote 503: (return) As the “desultores” (Liv. xxiii. 29). Hence
“desultor amoris,” in Ovid, Amor. i. 3, 15, to denote an inconstant
lover; “desultoria scientia,” Apuleius, Met. i. præf., speaking of his
own varied fable.
But Hector seized the stern of a sea-traversing bark, beautiful, swift,
which had carried Protesilaus 504 to Troy, but did not bear him back
again to his father-land. Round his ship the Greeks and Trojans were
now slaying one another in close combat; nor did they indeed at a
distance await the attacks of arrows and of javelins, but standing
near, having one mind, they fought with sharp battle-axes and hatchets,
with large swords and two-edged spears. And many fair swords,
black-hilted, with massive handles, fell to the ground, some indeed
from the hands, and others from the shoulders of the contending heroes;
and the dark earth streamed with gore. But Hector, after he had seized
[the vessel] by the stern, did not let go, holding the furthest 505
edge with his hands, and he cheered on the Trojans:
“Bring fire, and at the same time do yourselves together excite the
battle. Now hath Jove vouchsafed us a day worth all, 506 to take the
ships, which, coming hither against the will of the gods, brought many
evils upon us through the cowardice of our elders, who kept me back
when desirous myself to fight at the sterns of the ships, and
restrained the people. But if, indeed, far-sounding Jove then injured
507 our minds, he now impels and orders us.” Thus he spoke, but they
rushed the more against the Greeks. Even Ajax no longer sustained them,
for he was overwhelmed with darts; but, thinking he should fall,
retired back a short space to the seven-feet bench, and deserted the
deck of his equal ship. There he stood watching, and with his spear
continually repulsed the Trojans from the ships, whoever might bring
the indefatigable fire; and always shouting dreadfully, he animated the
Greeks:
“O my friends, Grecian heroes, servants of Mars, be men, my friends,
and be mindful of impetuous strength. Whether do we think that we have
any assistants in the rear, or any stronger rampart which may avert
destruction from the men? Indeed there is not any other city near,
fortified with towers, where we may be defended, having a reinforcing
army; but bordering on the sea, we sit in the plain of the well-armed
Trojans, far away from our native land; therefore safety is in our
exertions, not in remission of battle.”
He said, and furious, charged with his sharp spear whoever of the
Trojans was borne towards the hollow ships with burning fire, for the
sake of Hector who incited them;—him Ajax wounded, receiving him with
his long spear; and he slew twelve in close fight before the ships.
Footnote 504: (return) The reader will do well to read the beautiful
sketch of this hero’s deification after death in Philostratus’s preface
to the Heroica. He was the first of the Greeks who fell, being slain by
Hector as he leaped from the vessel (Hygin. Fab. ciii.; Auson. Epigr.
xx.). He was buried on the Chersonese, near the city Plagusa. Hygin.
P.A. ii. 40.
Footnote 505: (return) The Oxford translator renders ἄφλαστον “the
tafferel.”
Footnote 506: (return) This is, I think, much more spirited than the
Scholiast’s πάντων πόνων ἰσόῤῥοπον, or πάντων τῶν τολμηθέντων. Supply,
therefore, ήμάτων.
Footnote 507: (return) _I.e._ befooled our senses, taking away our
proper spirit. So Theognισ has υοοῖ βεβλαμμένος ἐσθλοῦ.