“So eagerly the fiend
O’er bog, or steep, through strait, rough, dense, or rare,
With head, hands, wings, or feet pursues his way,
And swims, or sinks, or wades, or creeps, or flies.”
Footnote 733: (return) So in Senec. Hippol. 1176, “Placemus umbras,
capitis exuvias cape, laceræque frontis accipe abscissam comam.” The
custom is learnedly illustrated by Bernart on Stat. Theb. vi. 195,
Lomeier de Lustrat. § xxv.
But they, when they reached the place where Achilles pointed out to
them, laid him down; and immediately heaped on abundant wood for him.
Then again swift-footed Achilles remembered another thing. Standing
apart from the pile, he cut off his yellow hair, which he had nurtured,
blooming, for the river Sperchius; 734 and, moaning, he spake, looking
upon the dark sea:
Footnote 734: (return) On this custom, cf. Schol. Hesiod. Theog. 348:
Ἀπόλλωνι καὶ ποταμοῖς οὶ νέοι ἀπέτεμον τὰς κόμας, διὰ τὸ αύξήσεως καὶ
ἀνατροφῆς αἰτίους εἷναι. See Lindenbrog on Censorin. de Die Nat. i. p.
6, and Blomf. on Æsch. Choeph. s. init., with my own note. Statius,
Achill. i. 628, “Quærisne meos, Sperchie, natatus, Promissasque comas?”
Cf. Pausan. i. 43, 4; Philostrat. Her. xi.
“In vain, O Sperchius, did my father Peleus vow to thee, that I,
returning to my dear native land, should there cut off my hair for
thee, and offer a sacred hecatomb; and besides, that I would in the
same place sacrifice fifty male sheep at the fountains, where are a
grove and fragrant altar to thee. Thus the old man spake, but thou hast
not fulfilled his will. And now, since I return not to my dear
fatherland, I will give my hair to the hero Patroclus, to be borne
[with him].” Thus saying, he placed his hair in the hands of his dear
companion; and excited amongst them all a longing for weeping. And the
light of the sun had certainly set upon them, mourning, had not
Achilles, standing beside, straightway addressed Agamemnon:
“O son of Atreus (for to thy words the people of the Greeks most
especially hearken), it is possible to satiate oneself even with
weeping; 735 but now do thou dismiss them from the pile, and order them
to prepare supper. We, to whom the corpse is chiefly a care, will
labour concerning these things; but let the chiefs remain with us.”
But when the king of men, Agamemnon, heard this, he immediately
dispersed the people among the equal ships; but the mourners remained
there, and heaped up the wood. They formed a pile 736 a hundred feet
this way and that, and laid the body upon the summit of the pile,
grieving at heart.
Footnote 735: (return) See Buttm. Lexil. p. 25. “Achilles speaks of
the expediency of terminating the lamentations of the army at large,
and leaving what remains to be performed in honour of the deceased to
his more particular friends.”—Kennedy.
Footnote 736: (return) In illustration of the following rites, cf.
Virg. Æn. iii. 62; v. 96; vi. 215; x. 517; xi. 80, 197, sqq.; and the
notes of Stephens on Saxo Grammat. p. 92.
Many fat sheep, and stamping-footed, bent-horned oxen, they skinned and
dressed before the pile; from all of which magnanimous Achilles, taking
the fat, covered over the dead body [with it] from head to feet, and
heaped around the skinned carcases. Leaning towards the bier, he
likewise placed vessels of honey and oil, 737 and, sighing deeply,
hastily threw upon the pyre four high-necked steeds. There were nine
dogs, companions at the table of the [departed] king, and, slaying two
of them, he cast them upon the pile; also twelve gallant sons 738 of
the magnanimous Trojans, slaying them with the brass; and he designed
evil deeds in his mind. Next he applied to it the iron strength of
fire, that it might feed upon it: then he groaned aloud, and addressed
his beloved companion by name: 739
Footnote 737: (return) Cf. Alcæus apud Brunck, Ann. i. p. 490: Καὶ
τάφον ὑψώσαντο, γάλακτι δὲ ποιμένες αἰγῶν Ἔῤῥαναν ξανθῷ μιξάμενοι
μέλιτι. Compare the similar libations to the dead in Eur. Orest. 114;
Heliodor. Eth. vi.; Apul. Met. 3; Stat. Theb. vi. 209; Virg. Æn. iii.
66.
Footnote 738: (return) This cruel custom was in vogue amongst the
followers of Odin. See Olaus Magnus, iii. 3, and Mallet, Northern
Antiquities, p. 213, sq., ed. Bohn.
Footnote 739: (return) On this προσφώνησις, or last address to the
deceased, see my note on Eurip. Alcest. 625, t. i. p. 231, ed. Bohn;
and Suppl. 773, 804; Virg. Æn. iii. 68, v. 79; Propert. i. 17; Auson.
Parent. 159, 10.
“Hail! O Patroclus, even in the dwellings of Hades: for I now fulfil
all things which I formerly promised thee; twelve brave sons of the
magnanimous Trojans, all these, along with thee, shall the fire
consume; but I will not suffer Hector, the son of Priam, to be devoured
by fire, but by the dogs.”
Thus he spoke, threatening; but about him the dogs were not busied; for
Venus, the daughter of Jove, drove off the dogs both days and nights,
and anointed him with a rosy unguent, ambrosial, that he might not
lacerate him dragging him along. Over him also Phœbus Apollo drew a
dark cloud from heaven to the plain, and overshadowed the whole space,
as much as the dead body occupied, lest the influence of the sun should
previously dry the body all around, with the nerves and limbs.
Yet the pile of dead Patroclus burnt not. Then again noble Achilles
meditated other things. Standing apart from the pile, he prayed to two
winds, Boreas and Zephyrus, and promised fair sacrifices; and, pouring
out many libations with a golden goblet, he supplicated them to come,
that they might burn the body with fire as soon as possible, and the
wood might hasten to be burned. But swift Iris, hearing his prayers,
went as a messenger to the winds. They, indeed, together at home with
fierce-breathing Zephyrus, were celebrating a feast, when Iris,
hastening, stood upon the stone threshold. But when they beheld her
with their eyes, they rose up, and invited her to him, each of them.
But she, on the contrary, refused to sit down, and spoke [this] speech:
“No seat [for me]; for I return again to the flowings of the ocean, to
the land of the Æthiopians, where they sacrifice hecatombs to the
immortals, that now I, too, may have a share in their offerings. But
Achilles now supplicates Boreas, and sonorous Zephyrus, to come, that
ye may kindle the pile to be consumed, on which lies Patroclus, whom
all the Greeks bewail.”
She, indeed, thus having spoken, departed; but they hastened to go with
a great tumult, driving on the clouds before them. Immediately they
reached the sea, blowing, and the billow was raised up beneath their
sonorous blast: but they reached the very fertile Troad, and fell upon
the pile, and mightily resounded the fiercely-burning fire. All night,
indeed, did they together toss about the blaze of the pyre, shrilly
blowing; and all night swift Achilles, holding a double cup, poured
wine upon the ground, drawing it from a golden goblet, and moistened
the earth, invoking the manes of wretched Patroclus. And as a father
mourns, consuming the bones of his son, a bridegroom who, dying, has
afflicted his unhappy parents, so mourned Achilles, burning the bones
of his companion, pacing pensively beside the pile, groaning
continually. But when Lucifer arrived, proclaiming light over the
earth, after whom saffron-vested Morn is diffused over the sea, then
the pyre grew languid, and the flame decayed; and the Winds departed
again, to return home through the Thracian sea; but it (the sea)
groaned indeed, raging with swelling billow.
But Pelides, going apart 740 from the pile, reclined fatigued, and upon
him fell sweet sleep. The others, however, were assembling in crowds
round the son of Atreus, the noise and tumult of whom, approaching,
awoke him; and, being raised up, he sat, and addressed them:
Footnote 740: (return) On λιάζομαι, cf. Buttm. Lex. p. 404.
“O son of Atreus, and ye other chiefs of the Greeks, first, indeed,
extinguish the whole pile, as much as the fire has seized, with dark
wine; and then let us collect the bones of Patroclus, the son of
Menœtius, well discriminating them (for they are readily distinguished;
for he lay in the centre of the pyre, but the others, both horses and
men, were burned promiscuously at the extremity), and let us place them
in a golden vessel, and with a double [layer of] fat, till I myself be
hidden in Hades. And I wish that a tomb should be made, not very large,
but of such 741 a size as is becoming; but do ye, O Achæans, hereafter,
make it both broad and lofty, you who may be left behind me at the
many-benched barks.”
Thus he spoke; and they obeyed the swift-footed son of Peleus. First of
all, indeed, they totally extinguished the pyre with dark wine, as much
as the fire had invaded, and the deep ashes fell in; and, weeping, they
collected the white bones of their mild companion into a golden vessel,
and a double [layer of] fat; then, laying them in the tent, they
covered them with soft 742 linen. Next they marked out the area for the
tomb, and laid the foundations around the pile; and immediately
upraised a mound of earth; and, heaping up the tomb, returned. But
Achilles detained the people there, and made the wide assembly sit
down; but from the ships he brought forth prizes, goblets, tripods,
horses, mules, and sturdy heads of oxen, and slender-waisted women, and
hoary 743 iron. First he staked as prizes for swift-footed steeds, a
woman to be borne away, faultless, skilled in works, as well as a
handled tripod of two-and-twenty measures, for the first; but for the
second he staked a mare six years old, unbroken, pregnant with a young
mule; for the third he staked a fireless tripod, beautiful, containing
four measures, yet quite untarnished; 744 for the fourth he staked two
talents of gold; and for the fifth he staked a double vessel, untouched
by the fire. Erect he stood, and spoke this speech to the Greeks:
Footnote 741: (return) Ernesti considers that τοῖον is here added to
indicate _magnitude_, and Heyne accordingly renders it: “magnitudine
fere hac,” the speaker being supposed to use a gesture while thus
speaking.
Footnote 742: (return) See Buttm. Lexil. pp. 236—9.
Footnote 743: (return) “Ernesti conceives that the colour is here
maintained to express, not merely the _shining aspect_, but the newness
of the metal; as λενκὸν in 268. This is ingenious; but why not receive
it as expressive of colour, and borrowed from that to which the metal
itself supplies a well-known epithet, viz., the hair of age?”—Kennedy.
Footnote 744: (return) Αὕτως here designates “_that which is original,
unchanged_, in opposition to common changes, λενκὸν ἔθ΄ αὕτως, still in
_that_ its original state, completely unblackened with fire; and ω.
413; of the body of Hector, ἀλλ’ ἔτε κεῖνος κεῖται. Αὕτως, in _that_
state in which he was before, still free from corruption.”—Buttm.
Lexil. p. 173.
“O son of Atreus, and ye other well-greaved Greeks, these prizes lie in
the circus, awaiting the charioteers. If now, indeed, in honour of
another, we Grecians were contending, then truly would I, receiving,
bear the first [prizes] to my tent. For ye know how much my steeds
surpass in excellence; for they are both immortal, and Neptune gave
them to my father Peleus, who, again, delivered them to me. But
nevertheless I and my solid-hoofed steeds will remain apart [from the
contest]; because they have lost the excellent might of such a
charioteer, who very often poured the moist oil over their manes,
having washed them with limpid water. They, indeed, standing, lament
him, but their manes hang down upon the ground, and they stand, grieved
at heart. However, do ye others through the army prepare, whoever of
the Greeks confides in his steeds and well-fastened chariots.”
Thus spoke the son of Peleus; but the swift charioteers arose. But, far
the first, arose Eumelus, king of men, the dear son of Admetus, who
surpassed in equestrian skill. After him arose the son of Tydeus,
valiant Diomede, and led under the yoke the horses of Tros, which he
formerly took from Æneas; but Apollo preserved himself 745 alive; next
to whom arose the most noble son of yellow-haired Atreus, Menelaus, and
led beneath the yoke fleet steeds, Agamemnon’s mare Æthe, and his own
stallion, Podargus. Her Echepolus, the son of Anchises, had presented
as a gift to Agamemnon, that he need not follow him to wind-swept
Ilium, but staying there might be delighted; for Jove had given him
great wealth, and he dwelt in wise Sicyon. Her, persevering in the
race, he led under the yoke. But Antilochus, the fourth, harnessed his
beautiful-maned steeds (the illustrious son of the magnanimous king
Nestor, the son of Neleus), and swift-footed Pelian-born steeds drew
his chariot for him; but his father, standing near, spoke for his good,
advising him, though himself prudent:
Footnote 745: (return) Æneas.
“O Antilochus, assuredly indeed both Jove and Neptune have loved thee,
although being young, and have taught thee all kinds of equestrian
exercise; wherefore there is no great need to instruct thee. For thou
knowest how to turn the goals with safety; but thy horses are very slow
to run, wherefore I think that disasters may happen. Their horses,
indeed, are more fleet, but they themselves know not how to manoeuvre
better than thou thyself. But come now, beloved one, contrive every
manner of contrivance in thy mind, lest the prizes by any chance escape
thee. By skill is the wood-cutter much better than by strength; and,
again, by skill the pilot directs upon the dark sea the swift ship,
tossed about by the winds; and by skill charioteer excels charioteer.
One man who is confident in his steeds and chariot, turns imprudently
hither and thither over much [ground], and his steeds wander through
the course, nor does he rein them in. But he, on the contrary, who is
acquainted with stratagem [though] driving inferior steeds, always
looking at the goal, turns it close, nor does it escape him in what
manner he may first turn [the course] 746 with his leathern reins; but
he holds on steadily, and watches the one who is before him. But I will
show thee the goal, easily distinguished, nor shall it escape thy
notice. A piece of dry wood, as much as a cubit, stands over the
ground, either of oak or of larch, which is not rotted by rain; and two
white stones are placed on either side, in the narrow part of the way;
747 but the racecourse around is level: either it is the monument 748
of some man long since dead, or perhaps it has been a goal in the time
of former men, and now swift-footed noble Achilles has appointed it the
goal. Approaching this very closely, drive thy chariot and horses near;
but incline thyself gently towards the left of them (the steeds), in
the well-joined chariot-seat; and, cheering on the right-hand horse,
apply the whip, and give him the rein with thy hands. Let thy left-hand
horse, however, be moved close to the goal, so that the nave of the
well-made wheel may appear to touch, the top [of the post]; but avoid
to touch upon the stone, lest thou both wound thy horses, and break thy
chariot in pieces, and be a joy to the others, and a disgrace to
thyself. But, my beloved son, mind to be on thy guard; for if at the
goal thou couldst pass by in the course, there will not be one who
could overtake thee in pursuit, nor pass thee by; not if behind he
drives noble Arion, the swift steed of Adrastus, 749 which was from a
god in race; or those of Laomedon, which, excellent, have here been
reared.”
Footnote 746: (return) Or “pull with his leathern reins.”—Oxf. Transl.
“τανύσῃ, viz. δρόμον σὺν ἱμᾶσιν. Thus τάθη δρόμος, ver. 375. The same
ellipsis occurs in the following verse, in the case of ἔχει, which,
however, admits also of the construction ἔχει ἑαυτόν, one usual in the
latter language.”—Kennedy.
Footnote 747: (return) “The old interpreter explained ἐν ξυνοχῇσιν
ὁδοῦ, and I think correctly, of a wide track in the open plain becoming
somewhat narrower at the point where the old monument stood; but ἀμφίς
they took in the opposite sense of χωρίς, or still more forced. Heyne,
however, understood it quite correctly of the wide plain around, which
was so suited to a chariot-race, and within which, in the distance,
stood also the mark chosen by Achilles, ver. 359. Others see in this
passage the course winding round the monument; but then it must have
been an old course regularly drawn out for the purpose; whereas this
monument was selected by Achilles for the goal or mark quite
arbitrarily, and by his own choice; and Nestor, ver. 332, only
conjectures that it might have formerly served for a goal.”—Buttm.
Lexil. p. 95.
Footnote 748: (return) Such monumental stones were frequently placed
in public places. Cf. Theocrit. vi. 10; Virg. Eel. ix. 55; Dicæarchus
in Athen. xiii. p. 594.
Footnote 749: (return) According to many authors, this horse was
produced from the earth by a stroke of Neptune’s trident. See Serv. on
Virg. Georg. i. 12; Pausan. viii. p. 650; Apollodor. iii. 6, 8; and
Bernart. on Stat. Theb. iv. 43.
Thus speaking, Neleian Nestor sat down again in his own place, when he
had mentioned the most important points of each matter to his son; and
Meriones, fifth, harnessed his beautiful-maned steeds. Then they
ascended their chariots, and cast lots into [the helmet]. Achilles
shook, and the lot of Antilochus, son of Nestor, leaped forth; after
him king Eumelus was allotted; but after him spear-renowned Menelaus,
son of Atreus, and Meriones was allotted to drive after him. But the
son of Tydeus, by far the bravest, was allotted to drive his coursers
last. Then they stood in order; and Achilles pointed out the goals, 750
far off in the level plain; and near it placed godlike Phoenix as an
umpire, the armour-bearer of his own sire, that he might attend to the
race, and report the truth.
Footnote 750: (return) Cf. Æn. v. 129; Quintus Calab. iv. 193: Τοῖσι
δὲ σημαίνεσκε δρόμου τέλος κυτάτοιο Ἀτρείδης.
Then they all at once raised their lashes over their steeds, and struck
them with the reins, and cheered them on with words incessantly; but
they rapidly flew over the plain, far away from the ships, swiftly, and
beneath their breasts the excited dust stood up, raised like a cloud or
a whirlwind; whilst their manes were tossed about by the breath of the
wind. Sometimes, indeed, the chariots approached the fruitful earth,
and at others bounded aloft; but the drivers stood erect in their
chariots, and the heart of each of them, eager for victory, palpitated:
and each animated his own steeds, but they flew along, stirring up dust
from the plain. But when now the fleet steeds were performing the last
course, back towards the hoary deep, then appeared the excellence of
each, and the course was immediately extended to the horses; 751 and
then the swift-footed steeds of the son of Pheres 752 swiftly bore him
away. The male Trojan steeds of Diomede, however, bore [themselves]
next to them; nor were they at all far distant, but very near; for they
always seemed as if about to mount into the chariot. And with their
breathing the back and broad shoulders of Eumelus were warmed; for they
flew along, leaning their heads over him. And certainly he had either
passed, or made [the victory] doubtful, had not Phœbus Apollo been
enraged with the son of Tydeus, and accordingly shaken out of his hands
the shining lash. Then from the eyes of him indignant tears poured,
because indeed he beheld the others now going much swifter, whilst his
[steeds] were injured, running without a goad. Neither did Apollo,
fraudulently injuring Tydides, escape the notice of Minerva, but she
very quickly overtook the shepherd of the people, and gave him his
lash, and put vigour into his steeds. And to the son of Admetus, the
goddess, indignant, advanced, and broke for him his horse-yoke; and so
his mares ran on both sides out of the way, and the pole was dashed
upon the ground. He himself was thrown from the driving-seat close by
the wheel, and was lacerated all round in his arms, his mouth, and
nostrils, and his forehead was bruised near the eyebrows; but his eyes
were filled with tears, and his liquid voice was clogged. Then Diomede
passing by, directed his hollow-hoofed steeds, bounding far before the
others; for Minerva had put vigour into his steeds, and given him
glory. But after him, however, the son of Atreus, yellow-haired
Menelaus, drove; but Antilochus cheered on the steeds of his father:
Footnote 751: (return) _I.e._ “the speed of the horses was immediately
put to the stretch,” as the Oxford Translator well, but freely, renders
it.
Footnote 752: (return) Eumelus.
“Push on! and exert yourselves, both of you, as fast as possible. I
indeed do not order you to contend with the steeds of warlike Diomede,
to which Minerva has now given speed, and given glory to him; but
quickly overtake the horses of Atrides, nor be left behind, lest Æthe,
being a mare, shed disgrace upon you both. Why should ye be left
inferior, O best [of steeds]? For thus I tell you, and it shall surely
be accomplished; attention will not be paid to you by Nestor, the
shepherd of the people, but he will immediately slay you with the sharp
brass, if we, remiss, bear off the less worthy prize. But follow, and
hasten as fast as possible. These things will I myself manage and look
to, to pass him by in the narrow way; nor shall it escape me.”
Thus he spoke; but they, dreading the threat of their master, ran
faster for a short time: but immediately then warlike Antilochus
perceived the narrow of the hollow way. It was a fissure of the earth,
where the wintry torrent collected, had broken away [part] of the road,
and gullied the whole place; thither drove Menelaus, avoiding the clash
of wheels. But Antilochus, deviating, guided his solid-hoofed horses
out of the way, and turning aside, pursued him a little. But the son of
Atreus feared, and shouted to Antilochus:
“Antilochus, rashly art thou driving thy horses; but check thy steeds
for the road is narrow, and thou wilt soon drive past in a wider lest
thou damage both [of us], running foul of [my] chariot.” Thus he spoke;
but Antilochus drove even much faster, urging [them] on with the lash,
like unto one not hearing. As far as is the cast of a quoit, hurled
from the shoulder, which a vigorous youth has thrown, making
experiments of his youthful strength; so far they ran abreast; but
those of Atrides fell back: for he himself voluntarily ceased to drive,
lest the solid-hoofed steeds should clash in the road, and overturn the
well-joined chariots, and they themselves should fall in the dust,
while contending for the victory. And him yellow-haired Menelaus,
chiding, addressed:
“O Antilochus, no other mortal is more pernicious than thou. Avaunt!
for we Greeks untruly said that thou wast prudent. Yet not even thus
shalt thou bear away the prize without an oath.” 753 Thus saying, he
cheered on his steeds, and spoke to them:
“Be not kept back, nor stand, grieving in your hearts: sooner will the
feet and knees grow weary to them than to you; for they are both
deprived of vigour.”
Thus he spoke; but they, dreading the exhortation of their master, ran
more fleetly, and became very near the others. But the Greeks sitting
in assembly, 754 beheld the steeds, and they flew along, raising dust
over the plain. Then first Idomeneus, leader of the Cretans,
distinguished the horses; for he sat outside the circus, very high up,
on an observatory; and hearing him, being far off, encouraging [his
steeds], knew him. He also perceived a remarkable steed outstripping,
which in every other part indeed was chesnut, but in its forehead was a
white round spot, like the moon. And he stood erect, and delivered this
speech amongst the Greeks:
Footnote 753: (return) “Videtur proverbii loco dictum in eos, qui non
facile, non sine gravi labore ac difficultate consequi possent, quod
peterent, sive qui rem valde difficilem peterent.”—Ernesti.
Footnote 754: (return) See note on vii. p. 129, n. 2.
“O friends, leaders and chieftains of the Greeks, do I alone recognize
the horses, or do ye also? Different steeds indeed appear to me to be
foremost, and there seems a different charioteer; but those [mares]
which hitherto were successful, are probably hurt upon the plain
somewhere: for surely I first saw them turning round the goal, but now
I can no longer see them, although my eyes survey the Trojan plain as I
gaze around. Surely the reins have fled the charioteer, and he could
not rein well round the goal, and did not succeed in turning. There I
imagine he fell out, and at the same time broke his chariot, whilst
they (the mares) bolted, when fury seized their mind. But do ye also,
standing up, look, for I cannot well distinguish; it appears to me to
be an Ætolian hero by birth, and [who] rules amongst the Argives, the
son of horse-breaking Tydeus, gallant Diomede.”
But him swift Ajax, the son of Oïleus, bitterly reproached:
“Idomeneus, why dost thou prate endlessly? 755 Those high-prancing
mares run over the vast plain afar. Neither art thou so much the
youngest amongst the Greeks, nor do thine eyes see most sharply from
thy head: but thou art always prating with words. Nor is it at all
necessary for thee to be a prater, for others better than thou are
present. For the mares of Eumelus are still 756 foremost, which were so
before, and he himself is advancing, holding the reins.”
But him the leader of the Cretans, indignant, answered in turn:
“Ajax, best at abuse, reviler, but in all other things thou art
inferior to the Greeks, because thy temper is morose; come now, let us
stake a tripod 757 or a goblet, and let us both appoint Agamemnon, the
son of Atreus, arbiter, which horses are foremost; that paying, thou
mayest learn.”
Footnote 755: (return) “ άρος implies habit, as in i. 553,
particularly in connection with a verb of such import, as in xviii.
425.”—Kennedy.
Footnote 756: (return) This is implied in περ.
Footnote 757: (return) “Ut supra, xxii. 254, erat ἐπιδόσθαι, pro
δόσθαι μάρτυρας ἐπί τινι χρήματι, sic nunc τρίποδος περιδώμεθα est
δώμεθα ὅρκον περὶ τρίποδος, quem pœnæ loco daturus erit uter nostrum
temere contenderit.”—Heyne.
Thus he spoke; but swift Ajax, son of Oïleus, immediately rose to reply
in harsh words. And now doubtless the strife would have proceeded
farther to both, had not Achilles himself risen up, and spoke:
“No longer now, O Ajax and Idomeneus, hold altercation in evil, angry
words, for it is not fitting, and ye also would blame another, whoever
should do such things; but, sitting down in the circus, look towards
the steeds, which themselves will soon arrive, contending for victory;
and then will ye know, each of you, the horses of the Greeks, which are
second, and which first.”
Thus he spoke; but the son of Tydeus came very near, pursuing, and
always drove on [his horses] with the lash across the shoulders; whilst
the steeds were raised up aloft into the air, quickly completing their
course, and the drops of dust kept always bespattering their
charioteer. The chariot, adorned with gold and tin, rolled on close to
the swift-footed steeds; nor was there a deep trace of the tires behind
in the fine dust, but they, hastening, flew. But he stood in the midst
of the circus, and much perspiration exuded from the steeds, from their
necks and chest to the ground. But he himself leaped to the ground from
his all-shining chariot, and rested his scourge against the yoke; nor
was gallant Sthenelus dilatory, but he eagerly seized the prize, and
gave the woman to his magnanimous companions to escort, and the handled
tripod to bear away; whilst he himself unyoked the steeds.
Next to him Nelcian Antilochus drove his steeds, outstripping Menelaus
by stratagem, not indeed by speed. Yet even thus Menelaus drove his
swift horses near; but as far as a horse is distant from the wheel,
which, exerting its speed with the chariot, draws its master through
the plain, and the extreme hairs of its tail touch the wheel-tire, but
it rolls very near, nor is there much space between, while it runs over
the vast plain; so far was illustrious Menelaus left behind by
Antilochus: although at first he was left behind as much as the cast of
a quoit, yet he quickly overtook him; for the doughty strength of
Agamemnon’s mare, the beautiful-maned Æthe, was increased. And if the
course had been still longer to both, he would surely have passed him
by, nor left it doubtful. Meriones again, the good attendant of
Idomeneus, was left behind a spear’s throw by the illustrious Menelaus,
for his fair-maned steeds were the slowest, and he himself least
skilful in driving a chariot in the contest. But the son of Admetus
came last of others, dragging his beauteous chariot, driving his steeds
before him. But him swift-footed, noble Achilles seeing, pitied, and
standing amongst the Greeks, spoke [to him] winged words:
“The best man drives his solid-hoofed steeds the last. But come, let us
give him, as is right, the second prize; and let the son of Tydeus bear
away the first.”
Thus he spoke; and all approved as he ordered. And now truly he had
given the mare to him (for the Greeks approved it), had not Antilochus,
the son of magnanimous Nestor, rising up, replied to Achilles, the son
of Peleus, on the question of justice: 758
Footnote 758: (return) Not “with justice,” as the translators,
following the Scholiast, have interpreted δίκη. That would have
required σὺν δίκη, as in Soph. Antig. 23.
“Ο Achilles, I shall be very indignant with thee, if thou fulfillest
this promise; for thou art about to deprive me of my reward,
considering these things, that his chariot and fleet steeds were
injured, he himself being skilful; but he should have prayed to the
immortals, then would he by no means have come up driving the last. But
if thou pitiest him, and it be agreeable to thy mind, thou hast much
gold and brass in thy tent, and cattle and maidens, and solid-hoofed
steeds are thine. Taking from these, give him afterwards even a greater
reward, or even now forthwith, that the Greeks may applaud thee. This,
however, I will not resign, but let him of the warriors strive for her,
whoever wishes to contend with me in strength of hands.”
Thus he spoke; and swift-footed, noble Achilles smiled, favouring
Antilochus, for he was a dear companion to him; and, answering,
addressed to him winged words:
“O Antilochus, since thou now biddest me give something else to Eumelus
from my house, this will I indeed accomplish. I will give him the
corslet which I took from Asteropæus, brazen, around which there is
entwined a rim of shining tin; and it is of great value.”
He spoke; and ordered his dear comrade, Automedon, to bear it from the
tent: and he went and brought it to him; then he placed it in the hands
of Eumelus, and he received it rejoicing. But Menelaus also arose
amongst them, grieving in his mind, vehemently enraged with Antilochus.
Then a herald placed the sceptre in his hands, and ordered the Greeks
to be silent; and then the godlike hero spoke:
“O Antilochus, hitherto prudent, what hast thou done? Thou hast
disgraced my skill, and injured my steeds, driving thine before them,
which indeed are greatly inferior. But come, ye leaders and chiefs of
the Greeks, judge between us both, and not for favour; lest some one of
the brazen-mailed Greeks should say: ‘Menelaus having overcome
Antilochus by falsehoods, came off, leading the mare [as a prize], for
his steeds were very inferior, but he himself superior in skill and
strength.’ 759 But come, I myself will decide, and I think that no
other of the Greeks will blame me, for it will be just.”
“O Antilochus, nurtured of Jove, come hither, I pray, as it is just,
standing before thy horses and chariot, and holding in thy hands the
pliant lash with which thou didst formerly drive, touching thy steeds,
swear by earth-encompassing Neptune, that thou didst not willingly
impede my chariot by stratagem.” 760
Footnote 759: (return) Cf. vers. 571, sq.
Footnote 760: (return) See ver. 441.
But him prudent Antilochus in turn answered:
“Have patience now, since I am much younger than thou, O king Menelaus,
and thou art older and superior. Thou knowest of what sort are the
errors of a youth; for his mind is indeed more volatile, and his
counsel weak. Therefore let thy heart endure, and I myself will give
thee the steed which I have received. And if indeed thou demandest
anything else greater from my house, I should be willing to give it
immediately rather than fall for ever, Ο Jove-nurtured, from thy good
opinion, and be sinful towards the gods.”
He spoke; and the son of magnanimous Nestor, leading the mare, placed
it in the hands of Menelaus; but his 761 mind was cheered 762 as the
dew [is diffused] over the ears of growing corn, when the fields are
bristling. Thus indeed, Ο Menelaus, was thy soul in thy breast cheered;
and speaking, he addressed to him winged words:
Footnote 761: (return) _I.e._ Menelaus.
Footnote 762: (return) Or softened, melted. See Heyne.
“Antilochus, now indeed will I cease being enraged with thee, for
formerly thou wert neither foolish nor volatile; though now youth has
subdued reason. Avoid a second time overreaching thy superiors; for not
another man of the Greeks would have easily appeased me. But thou hast
already suffered much, and accomplished many deeds, as well as thy good
father and brother, for my sake: therefore will I be persuaded by thee,
supplicating, and will give the mare also, although being mine; that
these too may perceive that my soul is never overbearing or
unrelenting.”
He spoke, and gave the steed to Noëmon, the comrade of Antilochus, to
lead away; and then he received the shining goblet [himself]. But
Meriones, the fourth, took up the two talents of gold, in which order
he drove; but the fifth prize was left, 763 which Achilles, bearing
through the assembly of the Greeks, gave to Nestor, and standing by
him, said:
“Receive now, and let this be a keepsake to thee, a memorial of the
burial of Patroclus; for never more shalt thou behold him among the
Greeks. I give this prize to thee even thus; 764 for thou indeed wilt
not fight with the cæstus, nor wrestle, nor engage in the contest of
hurling the javelin, nor run on the feet, for grievous old age now
oppresses thee.”
Footnote 763: (return) Because Eumelus had received an extraordinary
prize.
Footnote 764: (return) _I.e._ although thou hast not shared the
contests. See Kennedy.
Thus speaking, he placed it in his hands; but he rejoicing, accepted
it, and addressing him, spoke in winged words:
“Assuredly, O my son, thou hast spoken all these things aright; for no
longer are my limbs firm, my friend, nor my feet, nor yet do my hands
move pliant on each side from my shoulders. Would that I were as young,
and my strength was firm to me, as when the Epeans buried king
Amarynceus at Byprasium, and his sons staked the prizes of the king.
There no man was equal to me, neither of the Epeans, nor of the Pelians
themselves, nor of the magnanimous Ætolians. In the cæstus I conquered
Clytomedes, the son of Enops; and in wrestling, Ancæus, the Pleuronian,
who rose up against me; and on foot I outstripped Iphiclus, though
being excellent; and with the spear hurled beyond Phyleus and
Polydorus. The two sons of Actor drove by me by their steeds only,
exceeding me in number, envying me the victory, for the greatest
rewards were left for that contest. But they were two; the one indeed
steadily directed the reins, whilst the other urged on with the lash.
Thus I formerly was, but now let younger men undertake such deeds, as
it becomes me to obey sad old age, though I then excelled amongst
heroes. But go, and celebrate thy comrade’s obsequies with games. This,
indeed, I willingly accept, and my soul rejoices that thou art ever
mindful of me; nor am I forgotten by thee, with what honour it becomes
me to be honoured among the Greeks. And for these things may the gods
give thee a proper return.”
Thus he spoke; but the son of Peleus went through the great assemblage
of the Greeks, when he had heard all the praise of Nestor. Then he
proposed prizes for a laborious boxing-match. 765 Leading a mule,
patient of toil, six years old, unbroken, which is most difficult to be
tamed, he tied it in the circus; and for the conquered again he staked
a two-handled cup: then he stood up, and spoke amongst the Greeks:
Footnote 765: (return) Cf. Virg. Æn. v. 365.
“O ye sons of Atreus, and other well-greaved Greeks, we invite two men,
who are very expert, raising their hands aloft, to strike for these
with the fist. But to whom Apollo indeed may give victory, and all the
Greeks approve, leading away the mule, patient of labour, let him
conduct it to his tent; but the vanquished shall bear away a double
cup.”
Thus he spoke; and immediately arose a man brave and great, skilled in
the art of boxing, Epëus, son of Panopeus; and grasping the
patient-toiling mule, said:
“Let him draw near, whosoever will bear away the double cup; but I
think that no other of the Greeks having conquered in boxing, will lead
away the mule; for I boast myself to be the best man. Is it not enough
that I am inferior in battle? 766 For it is by no means possible for a
man to be skilled in every work. For thus I tell you, and it shall be
accomplished, I will utterly fracture his body, and also break his
bones. And let his friends remain here assembled, who may carry him
away vanquished by my hands.”
Footnote 766: (return) “_I.e._ is it not enough, that, though I am
inferior in battle, I am superior in boxing?”—Oxford Transl.
Thus he spoke; but they were all mute, in silence. But Euryalus alone
stood up against him, a godlike hero, son of king Mecisteus, a
descendant of Talaïon, who formerly came to Thebes to the funeral of
the deceased Œdipus, and there vanquished all the Cadmeans. About him
the spear-renowned son of Tydeus was busied, encouraging him with
words, for he greatly wished victory to him. And first he threw around
him his girdle, and then gave him the well-cut thongs [made of the
hide] of a rustic ox. But they twain, having girded themselves,
proceeded into the middle of the circus, and both at the same time
engaged, with their strong hands opposite, raising [them up], and their
heavy hands were mingled. Then a horrid crashing of jaws ensued, and
the sweat flowed on all sides from their limbs. Then noble Epëus rushed
in, and smote him upon the cheek, while looking round, nor could he
stand any longer; but his fair limbs tottered under him. And as when,
from beneath the surface, rippled 767 by the north wind, a fish leaps
out upon the weedy shore, and the dark billow covers it, so he,
stricken, sprang up. But magnanimous Epëus, taking [him] in his hands,
lifted him up; and his dear comrades stood around, who conducted him
through the circus on tottering feet, spitting out clotted gore, [and]
drooping his head on each side; and then, leading, placed him among
them, insensible, while they, departing, received the double cup.
But the son of Peleus quickly staked other third prizes for laborious
wrestling, exhibiting [them] to the Greeks; for the conqueror, indeed,
a large tripod, ready for the fire, 768 which the Greeks estimated
amongst themselves at twelve oxen; and for the conquered person he
placed a female in the midst. She understood various works, and they
reckoned her at four oxen. But he stood up, and spoke this speech among
the Greeks:
“Arise, ye who will make trial of this contest.” Thus he spoke; but
then arose mighty Telamonian Ajax, and wise Ulysses stood up, skilled
in stratagems. But these two, having girded themselves, advanced into
the midst of the circus, and grasped each other’s arms with their
strong hands, like the rafters 769 of a lofty dome, which a renowned
architect has fitted, guarding off the violence of the winds. Then
their backs creaked, forcibly dragged by their powerful hands, and the
copious 770 sweat poured down; and thick welds, purple with blood,
arose upon their sides and shoulders. Yet always eagerly they sought
desired victory, for the sake of the well-made tripod. Neither could
Ulysses trip, nor throw him to the ground, nor could Ajax him, for the
valiant might of Ulysses hindered him. But when at length they were
wearying the well-greaved Greeks, then mighty Telamonian Ajax addressed
him:
Footnote 767: (return) See Kennedy.
Footnote 768: (return) _I.e._ intended for domestic purposes, not a
mere votive offering or ornament.
Footnote 769: (return) ‘Αμείβοντες δόκοι μεγάλαι, άλλήλαις
προσπίπτουσαι, ὥστε βαστάζειν τήν ὀροφήν· αἵτινες καὶ συστάται
καλοῦνται.—Schol.
Footnote 770: (return) See Kennedy.
“Ο most noble son of Laërtes, Ulysses of many wiles, either lift up me,
or I thee, and all these things will be a care to Jove.”
So saying, he lifted him up: but yet was not Ulysses unmindful of a
stratagem. Aiming at his ham, he struck him behind, and relaxed his
limbs, and threw him on his back; but Ulysses fell upon his breast;
then the people admiring gazed, and were stupified. Next noble,
much-enduring Ulysses, lifted him in turn, and moved him a little from
the ground, nor did he lift him up completely; but he bent his knee;
and both fell upon the ground near to each other, and were defiled with
dust. And, getting up, they had surely wrestled for the third time, had
not Achilles himself stood up and restrained them:
“No longer contend, nor exhaust yourselves with evils; for there is
victory to both: so depart, receiving equal rewards, in order that the
other Greeks also may contend.” Thus he spoke; but they indeed heard
him willingly, and obeyed; and, wiping off the dust, put on their
tunics. But the son of Peleus immediately staked other rewards of
swiftness, a wrought silver cup, which contained, indeed, six measures,
but in beauty much excelled [all] upon the whole earth, for the
ingenious Sidonians had wrought it cunningly, and Phœnician men had
carried it over the shadowy sea, and exposed it for sale in the
harbours, and presented it as a gift to Thoas. Euneus, son of Jason,
however, had given it to the hero Patroclus, as a ransom for Lycaon,
son of Priam. This also Achilles offered as a new prize, to be
contended for, in honour of his companion, whoever should be the
nimblest on swift feet; for the second, again, he proposed an ox, large
and luxuriant in fat; and for the last he staked half a talent of gold.
But he stood upright, and spoke amongst the Greeks:
“Arise, ye who will make trial of this contest also.” Thus he spoke;
and immediately swift Ajax, son of Oïleus, arose, and much-enduring
Ulysses; and after them Antilochus, son of Nestor; for he, indeed,
excelled all the youths in fleetness. But they stood in order, and
Achilles pointed out the goal; and their course was stretched out from
the goal. 771 Then swiftly leaped forth the son of Oïleus; but very
close after him rushed noble Ulysses; as when a shuttle is at the
breast of a well-girdled dame, which she throws very skilfully with her
hands, drawing out the woof, [and inserting them] into the warp, and
holds it near her breast: so ran Ulysses near him; and with his feet
trod on his footsteps behind, before the dust was shed over them. But
noble Ulysses, constantly running swiftly, exhaled his breath upon his
head; and all the Greeks shouted to him, eager for victory, and
encouraged him, hastening rapidly. But when they were now completing
their last course, Ulysses forthwith prayed in his mind to azure-eyed
Minerva:
Footnote 771: (return) See Kennedy, and on the race of the δίαυλος,
Smith’s Dict. of Antiquities.
“Hear, O goddess, come a propitious assistant to my feet.” Thus he
spoke, praying; but Pallas Minerva heard him; and she made his limbs
nimble, his feet and his hands above. But when they were just about to
fly in upon the prize, then Ajax slipped, while running (for Minerva
did the mischief), where the dung of the deep-lowing slaughtered oxen
was around, which swift-footed Achilles had slain in honour of
Patroclus. Then much-enduring, noble Ulysses took up the goblet, as he
came running the first; and illustrious Ajax received the ox. But he
stood, holding the horn of the rustic ox in his hands; and, spitting
out the dung, spoke amongst the Greeks:
“Alas! surely a goddess injured my feet, who ever of old stands by
Ulysses as a mother, and assists him.”
Thus he spoke; and they all then laughed heartily at him. But
Antilochus next bore away the last prize, smiling, and spoke among the
Greeks:
“I will tell you all, my friends, though now knowing it, that even
still the immortals honour the aged. For Ajax, indeed, is a little
older than I am: but he is of a former generation, and former men; and
they say that he is of crude old age, and it is difficult for the
Greeks to contend in swiftness with him, except for Achilles.”
Thus he spoke; and praised the swift-footed son of Peleus. But
Achilles, answering, addressed him with words:
“Thy praise, O Antilochus, shall not be spoken in vain, but for thee I
will add half a talent of gold.”
So saying, he placed it in his hands; and he, rejoicing, received it.
But the son of Peleus, bearing into the circus, laid down a long spear,
and a shield, and helmet, the arms of Sarpedon, which Patroclus had
stripped him of; and stood upright, and spoke amongst the Greeks:
“We invite two warriors, whoever are bravest, having put; on these
arms, [and] seizing the flesh-rending brass, to make trial of each
other before the host for these. Whoever shall be the first to wound
the fair flesh, and touch the entrails through the armour and black
blood, to him, indeed, will I give this silver-studded, beautiful
Thracian sword, which I formerly took from Asteropæus. But let both
bear away these arms in common, and before them I will place a splendid
banquet in my tents.”
Thus he spoke; but then arose mighty Telamonian Ajax, and the son of
Tydeus, valiant Diomede rose up. But they, after they had armed apart
on either side from the ground, both came together into the midst,
eager to fight, looking dreadfully; and stupor possessed all the
Greeks. But when approaching each other, they were near, thrice indeed
they rushed on, and thrice made the attack hand to hand. Then Ajax,
indeed, pierced through his shield, equal on all sides, nor reached the
flesh; for the corslet inside protected him. But next the son of
Tydeus, with the point of his shining spear, endeavoured to reach the
neck, over his great shield. And then, indeed, the Greeks, fearing for
Ajax, desired them, ceasing, to take up equal rewards. The hero,
however, gave the great sword to Diomede, bearing it both with the
sheath and the well-cut belt.
Then the son of Peleus deposited a rudely-molten mass of iron, which
the great might of Eëtion used formerly to hurl. But when swift-footed,
noble Achilles slew him, he brought this also, with other possessions,
in his ships. Then he stood up, and spoke amongst the Greeks:
“Arise, you who will make trial of this contest also. Even if his rich
fields be of very far and wide extent, using this he will have it even
for five revolving years; for indeed neither will his shepherd nor his
ploughman go into the city wanting iron, but [this] will furnish it.”
Thus he spoke; then up arose warlike Polypœtes, and the valiant might
of godlike Leonteus arose; also Telamonian Ajax, and noble Epëus arose.
Then they stood in order; but noble Epëus seized the mass, and,
whirling it round, threw it; but all the Greeks laughed at him. Next
Leonteus, a branch of Mars, threw second; but third, mighty Telamonian
Ajax hurled with his strong hand, and cast beyond the marks of all. But
when now warlike Polypœtes had seized the mass, as far as a
cow-herdsman throws his crook, which, whirled around, flies through the
herds of oxen, so far, through the whole stadium, did he cast beyond;
but they shouted aloud; and the companions of brave Polypœtes, rising
up, bore away the prize of the king to the hollow ships.
Next, for the archers, he staked iron fit for making arrows, 772 and
laid down ten battle-axes, and also ten demi-axes. He also set upright
the mast of an azure-prowed vessel, afar upon the sands; from [this] he
fastened a timid dove by a slender cord, by the foot, at which he
ordered [them] to shoot:
Footnote 772: (return) _I.e._ well-tempered.
“Whosoever indeed shall strike the timid dove, taking up all the
battle-axes, may bear [them] to his tent; but whosoever shall hit the
cord, missing the bird (for he is inferior), let him bear off the
demi-axes.”
Thus he spoke; but then up rose the might of king Teucer, and up rose
Meriones, the active attendant of Idomeneus; and taking the lots, they
shook them in a brazen helmet. But Teucer was appointed first by lot;
and straightway he shot an arrow strenuously, nor did he vow to
sacrifice a celebrated hecatomb of firstling lambs to king [Apollo]. He
missed the bird indeed, because Apollo envied him this, but he hit the
string with which the bird was fastened, close to its foot; and the
bitter arrow cut the cord quite through. Then indeed the bird ascended
towards heaven, but the cord was sent down towards the earth: and the
Greeks shouted applause. But Meriones, hastening, snatched the bow from
his hand; and now held the arrow for a long time, as he had directed
it; and immediately vowed to sacrifice to far-darting Apollo a noble
hecatomb of firstling lambs. But he saw the timid dove on high beneath
the clouds, which, as she was turning round, he hit in the middle under
the wing, and the arrow pierced quite through. And it indeed again was
fixed in the ground at the foot of Meriones: but the bird, alighting
upon the mast of the azure-beaked galley, drooped its neck, and its
close wings were at the same time expanded. And swift its soul flitted
from its members, and it fell far from [the mast]; but the people
wondering, beheld, and were stupified. Then Meriones took up all the
ten battle-axes, and Teucer carried off the demi-axes to the hollow
barks.
Then the son of Peleus indeed, bearing it into the circus, staked a
long spear, and also a caldron, untouched by fire, worth an ox, adorned
with flowers; and immediately the spearmen arose. The son of Atreus
rose up, wide-ruling Agamemnon, and Meriones, the expert attendant of
Idomeneus; whom also swift-footed, noble Achilles addressed:
“O son of Atreus, for we know how much thou dost surpass all, as well
as how much thou excellest in strength and in the javelin, wherefore
thou indeed mayest repair to the hollow barks, possessing this reward;
but let us give the spear to the hero Meriones, if, truly, thou dost
thus wish it in thy mind; for I on my part advise it.”
Thus he spoke; nor did the king of men, Agamemnon, disobey; but he gave
the brazen spear to Meriones; and the hero himself gave the very
splendid prize to the herald Talthybius.