Book IV
Now, on the golden floor of Jove’s abode The Gods all sat consulting; Hebe them, Graceful, with nectar served;[1] they pledging each His next, alternate quaff’d from cups of gold, And at their ease reclined, look’d down on Troy,5 When, sudden, Jove essay’d by piercing speech Invidious, to enkindle Juno’s ire. Two Goddesses on Menelaus’ part Confederate stand, Juno in Argos known, Pallas in Alalcomene;[2] yet they10 Sequester’d sit, look on, and are amused. Not so smile-loving Venus; she, beside Her champion station’d, saves him from his fate, And at this moment, by her aid, he lives. But now, since victory hath proved the lot15 Of warlike Menelaus, weigh ye well The matter; shall we yet the ruinous strife Prolong between the nations, or consent To give them peace? should peace your preference win, And prove alike acceptable to all,20 Stand Ilium, and let Menelaus bear Helen of Argos back to Greece again.
He ended; Juno and Minerva heard, Low-murmuring deep disgust; for side by side They forging sat calamity to Troy.25 Minerva through displeasure against Jove Nought utter’d, for with rage her bosom boil’d; But Juno check’d not hers, who thus replied. What word hath pass’d thy lips, Jove most severe! How? wouldst thou render fruitless all my pains?30 The sweat that I have pour’d? my steeds themselves Have fainted while I gather’d Greece in arms For punishment of Priam and his sons. Do it. But small thy praise shall be in heaven. Then her the Thunderer answer’d sore displeased.35 Ah shameless! how have Priam and his sons So much transgress’d against thee, that thou burn’st With ceaseless rage to ruin populous Troy? Go, make thine entrance at her lofty gates, Priam and all his house, and all his host40 Alive devour; then, haply, thou wilt rest; Do even as thou wilt, that this dispute Live not between us a consuming fire For ever. But attend; mark well the word. When I shall also doom in future time45 Some city to destruction, dear to thee, Oppose me not, but give my fury way As I give way to thine, not pleased myself, Yet not unsatisfied, so thou be pleased. For of all cities of the sons of men,50 And which the sun and stars from heaven behold, Me sacred Troy most pleases, Priam me Most, and the people of the warrior King. Nor without cause. They feed mine altar well; Libation there, and steam of savory scent55 Fail not, the tribute which by lot is ours. Him answer’d, then, the Goddess ample-eyed,[3] Majestic Juno: Three fair cities me, Of all the earth, most interest and engage, Mycenæ for magnificence renown’d,60 Argos, and Sparta. Them, when next thy wrath Shall be inflamed against them, lay thou waste; I will not interpose on their behalf; Thou shalt not hear me murmur; what avail Complaint or force against thy matchless arm?65 Yet were it most unmeet that even I Should toil in vain; I also boast a birth Celestial; Saturn deeply wise, thy Sire, Is also mine; our origin is one. Thee I acknowledge Sovereign, yet account70 Myself entitled by a twofold claim To veneration both from Gods and men, The daughter of Jove’s sire, and spouse of Jove. Concession mutual therefore both thyself Befits and me, whom when the Gods perceive75 Disposed to peace, they also shall accord. Come then.—To yon dread field dispatch in haste Minerva, with command that she incite The Trojans first to violate their oath By some fresh insult on the exulting Greeks.80 So Juno; nor the sire of all refused, But in wing’d accents thus to Pallas spake. Begone; swift fly to yonder field; incite The Trojans first to violate their oath By some fresh insult on the exulting Greeks.85 The Goddess heard, and what she wish’d, enjoin’d, Down-darted swift from the Olympian heights, In form a meteor, such as from his hand Not seldom Jove dismisses, beaming bright And breaking into stars, an omen sent90 To mariners, or to some numerous host. Such Pallas seem’d, and swift descending, dropp’d Full in the midst between them. They with awe That sign portentous and with wonder view’d, Achaians both and Trojans, and his next95 The soldier thus bespake. Now either war And dire hostility again shall flame, Or Jove now gives us peace. Both are from Jove. So spake the soldiery; but she the form Taking of brave Laodocus, the son100 Of old Antenor, throughout all the ranks Sought godlike Pandarus.[4] Ere long she found The valiant son illustrious of Lycaon, Standing encompass’d by his dauntless troops, Broad-shielded warriors, from Æsepus’ stream105 His followers; to his side the Goddess came, And in wing’d accents ardent him bespake. Brave offspring of Lycaon, is there hope That thou wilt hear my counsel? darest thou slip A shaft at Menelaus? much renown110 Thou shalt and thanks from all the Trojans win, But most of all, from Paris, prince of Troy. From him illustrious gifts thou shalt receive Doubtless, when Menelaus he shall see The martial son of Atreus by a shaft115 Subdued of thine, placed on his funeral pile. Come. Shoot at Menelaus, glorious Chief! But vow to Lycian Phœbus bow-renown’d A hecatomb, all firstlings of the flock, To fair Zeleia’s[5] walls once safe restored.120 So Pallas spake, to whom infatuate he Listening, uncased at once his polished bow.[6] That bow, the laden brows of a wild goat Salacious had supplied; him on a day Forth-issuing from his cave, in ambush placed125 He wounded with an arrow to his breast Dispatch’d, and on the rock supine he fell. Each horn had from his head tall growth attain’d, Full sixteen palms; them shaven smooth the smith Had aptly join’d, and tipt their points with gold.130 That bow he strung, then, stooping, planted firm The nether horn, his comrades bold the while Screening him close with shields, lest ere the prince Were stricken, Menelaus brave in arms, The Greeks with fierce assault should interpose.135 He raised his quiver’s lid; he chose a dart Unflown, full-fledged, and barb’d with pangs of death. He lodged in haste the arrow on the string, And vow’d to Lycian Phœbus bow-renown’d A hecatomb, all firstlings of the flock,140 To fair Zeleia’s walls once safe restored. Compressing next nerve and notch’d arrow-head He drew back both together, to his pap Drew home the nerve, the barb home to his bow, And when the horn was curved to a wide arch,145 He twang’d it. Whizz’d the bowstring, and the reed Leap’d off, impatient for the distant throng. Thee, Menelaus, then the blessed Gods Forgat not; Pallas huntress of the spoil, Thy guardian then, baffled the cruel dart.150 Far as a mother wafts the fly aside[7] That haunts her slumbering babe, so far she drove Its course aslant, directing it herself Against the golden clasps that join’d his belt; For there the doubled hauberk interposed.155 The bitter arrow plunged into his belt. It pierced his broider’d belt, stood fixt within His twisted hauberk, nor the interior quilt, Though penetrable least to arrow-points And his best guard, withheld it, but it pass’d160 That also, and the Hero’s skin inscribed. Quick flowed a sable current from the wound. As when a Carian or Mæonian maid Impurples ivory ordain’d to grace The cheek of martial steed; safe stored it lies,165 By many a Chief desired, but proves at last The stately trapping of some prince,[8] the pride Of his high pamper’d steed, nor less his own; Such, Menelaus, seem’d thy shapely thighs, Thy legs, thy feet, stained with thy trickling blood.170 Shudder’d King Agamemnon when he saw The blood fast trickling from the wound, nor less Shudder’d himself the bleeding warrior bold. But neck and barb observing from the flesh Extant, he gather’d heart, and lived again.175 The royal Agamemnon, sighing, grasp’d The hand of Menelaus, and while all Their followers sigh’d around them, thus began.[9]
I swore thy death, my brother, when I swore This truce, and set thee forth in sight of Greeks180 And Trojans, our sole champion; for the foe Hath trodden underfoot his sacred oath, And stained it with thy blood. But not in vain, The truce was ratified, the blood of lambs Poured forth, libation made, and right hands join’d185 In holy confidence. The wrath of Jove May sleep, but will not always; they shall pay Dear penalty; their own obnoxious heads Shall be the mulct, their children and their wives. For this I know, know surely; that a day190 Shall come, when Ilium, when the warlike King Of Ilium and his host shall perish all. Saturnian Jove high-throned, dwelling in heaven, Resentful of this outrage, then shall shake His storm-clad Ægis over them. He will;195 I speak no fable. Time shall prove me true. But, oh my Menelaus, dire distress Awaits me, if thy close of life be come, And thou must die. Then ignominy foul Shall hunt me back to Argos long-desired;200 For then all here will recollect their home, And, hope abandoning, will Helen yield To be the boast of Priam, and of Troy. So shall our toils be vain, and while thy bones Shall waste these clods beneath, Troy’s haughty sons205 The tomb of Menelaus glory-crown’d Insulting barbarous, shall scoff at me. So may Atrides, shall they say, perform His anger still as he performed it here, Whither he led an unsuccessful host,210 Whence he hath sail’d again without the spoils, And where he left his brother’s bones to rot. So shall the Trojan speak; then open earth Her mouth, and hide me in her deepest gulfs! But him, the hero of the golden locks215 Thus cheer’d. My brother, fear not, nor infect With fear the Grecians; the sharp-pointed reed Hath touch’d no vital part. The broider’d zone, The hauberk, and the tough interior quilt, Work of the armorer, its force repress’d.220 Him answer’d Agamemnon, King of men. So be it brother! but the hand of one Skilful to heal shall visit and shall dress The wound with drugs of pain-assuaging power. He ended, and his noble herald, next,225 Bespake, Talthybius. Haste, call hither quick The son of Æsculapius, leech renown’d, The prince Machaon. Bid him fly to attend The warlike Chieftain Menelaus; him Some archer, either Lycian or of Troy,230 A dexterous one, hath stricken with a shaft To his own glory, and to our distress. He spake, nor him the herald disobey’d, But through the Greeks bright-arm’d his course began The Hero seeking earnest on all sides235 Machaon. Him, ere long, he station’d saw Amid the shielded-ranks of his brave band From steed-famed Tricca drawn, and at his side With accents ardor-wing’d, him thus address’d. Haste, Asclepiades! The King of men240 Calls thee. Delay not. Thou must visit quick Brave Menelaus, Atreus’ son, for him Some archer, either Lycian or of Troy, A dexterous one, hath stricken with a shaft To his own glory, and to our distress.245 So saying, he roused Machaon, who his course Through the wide host began. Arriving soon Where wounded Menelaus stood, while all The bravest of Achaia’s host around The godlike hero press’d, he strove at once250 To draw the arrow from his cincture forth. But, drawing, bent the barbs. He therefore loosed His broider’d belt, his hauberk and his quilt, Work of the armorer, and laying bare His body where the bitter shaft had plow’d255 His flesh, he suck’d the wound, then spread it o’er With drugs of balmy power, given on a time For friendship’s sake by Chiron to his sire. While Menelaus thus the cares engross’d Of all those Chiefs, the shielded powers of Troy260 ’Gan move toward them, and the Greeks again Put on their armor, mindful of the fight. Then hadst thou[10] not great Agamemnon seen Slumbering, or trembling, or averse from war, But ardent to begin his glorious task.265 His steeds, and his bright chariot brass-inlaid He left; the snorting steeds Eurymedon, Offspring of Ptolemy Piraïdes Detain’d apart; for him he strict enjoin’d Attendance near, lest weariness of limbs270 Should seize him marshalling his numerous host. So forth he went, and through the files on foot Proceeding, where the warrior Greeks he saw Alert, he roused them by his words the more.[11] Argives! abate no spark of all your fire.275 Jove will not prosper traitors. Them who first Transgress’d the truce the vultures shall devour, But we (their city taken) shall their wives Lead captive, and their children home to Greece. So cheer’d he them. But whom he saw supine,280 Or in the rugged work of war remiss, In terms of anger them he stern rebuked. Oh Greeks! The shame of Argos! Arrow-doom’d! Blush ye not? Wherefore stand ye thus aghast, Like fawns which wearied after scouring wide285 The champain, gaze and pant, and can no more? Senseless like them ye stand, nor seek the fight. Is it your purpose patient here to wait Till Troy invade your vessels on the shore Of the grey deep, that ye may trial make290 Of Jove, if he will prove, himself, your shield? Thus, in discharge of his high office, pass’d Atrides through the ranks, and now arrived Where, hardy Chief! Idomeneus in front Of his bold Cretans stood, stout as a boar295 The van he occupied, while in the rear Meriones harangued the most remote. Them so prepared the King of men beheld With joyful heart, and thus in courteous terms Instant the brave Idomeneus address’d.300 Thee fighting, feasting, howsoe’er employed, I most respect, Idomeneus, of all The well-horsed Danäi; for when the Chiefs Of Argos, banqueting, their beakers charge With rosy wine the honorable meed305 Of valor, thou alone of all the Greeks Drink’st not by measure.[12] No—thy goblet stands Replenish’d still, and like myself thou know’st No rule or bound, save what thy choice prescribes. March. Seek the foe. Fight now as heretofore,310 To whom Idomeneus of Crete replied, Atrides! all the friendship and the love Which I have promised will I well perform. Go; animate the rest, Chief after Chief Of the Achaians, that the fight begin.315 For Troy has scatter’d to the winds all faith, All conscience; and for such her treachery foul Shall have large recompence of death and wo. He said, whom Agamemnon at his heart Exulting, pass’d, and in his progress came320 Where stood each Ajax; them he found prepared With all their cloud of infantry behind. As when the goat-herd on some rocky point Advanced, a cloud sees wafted o’er the deep By western gales, and rolling slow along,325 To him, who stands remote, pitch-black it seems, And comes with tempest charged; he at the sight Shuddering, his flock compels into a cave; So moved the gloomy phalanx, rough with spears, And dense with shields of youthful warriors bold,330 Close-following either Ajax to the fight. Them also, pleased, the King of men beheld, And in wing’d accents hail’d them as he pass’d. Brave leaders of the mail-clad host of Greece! I move not you to duty; ye yourselves335 Move others, and no lesson need from me. Jove, Pallas, and Apollo! were but all Courageous as yourselves, soon Priam’s towers Should totter, and his Ilium storm’d and sack’d By our victorious bands, stoop to the dust.340 He ceased, and still proceeding, next arrived Where stood the Pylian orator, his band Marshalling under all their leaders bold Alastor, Chromius, Pelagon the vast, Hæmon the prince, and Bias, martial Chief.345 Chariot and horse he station’d in the front; His numerous infantry, a strong reserve Right valiant, in the rear; the worst, and those In whom he trusted least, he drove between, That such through mere necessity might act.350 First to his charioteers he gave in charge Their duty; bade them rein their horses hard, Shunning confusion. Let no warrior, vain And overweening of his strength or skill, Start from his rank to dare the fight alone,355 Or fall behind it, weakening whom he leaves. [13]And if, dismounted from his own, he climb Another’s chariot, let him not affect Perverse the reins, but let him stand, his spear Advancing firm, far better so employ’d.360 Such was the discipline, in ancient times, Of our forefathers; by these rules they fought Successful, and laid many a city low. So counsell’d them the venerable Chief Long time expert in arms; him also saw365 King Agamemnon with delight, and said, Old Chief! ah how I wish, that thy firm heart Were but supported by as firm a knee! But time unhinges all. Oh that some youth Had thine old age, and thou wast young again!370 To whom the valiant Nestor thus replied. Atrides, I could also ardent wish That I were now robust as when I struck Brave Ereuthalion[14] breathless to the ground! But never all their gifts the Gods confer375 On man at once; if then I had the force Of youth, I suffer now the effects of age. Yet ancient as I am, I will be seen Still mingling with the charioteers, still prompt To give them counsel; for to counsel youth380 Is the old warrior’s province. Let the green In years, my juniors, unimpaired by time, Push with the lance, for they have strength to boast. So he, whom Agamemnon joyful heard, And passing thence, the son of Peteos found385 Menestheus, foremost in equestrian fame, Among the brave Athenians; near to him Ulysses held his station, and at hand The Cephallenians stood, hardy and bold; For rumor none of the approaching fight390 Them yet had reach’d, so recent had the stir Arisen in either host; they, therefore, watch’d Till the example of some other band Marching, should prompt them to begin the fight, But Agamemnon, thus, the King of men395 Them seeing, sudden and severe reproved. Menestheus, son of Peteos prince renown’d, And thou, deviser of all evil wiles! Adept in artifice! why stand ye here Appall’d? why wait ye on this distant spot400 Till others move? I might expect from you More readiness to meet the burning war, Whom foremost I invite of all to share The banquet, when the Princes feast with me. There ye are prompt; ye find it pleasant there405 To eat your savory food, and quaff your wine Delicious till satiety ensue; But here you could be well content to stand Spectators only, while ten Grecian troops Should wage before you the wide-wasting war.410 To whom Ulysses, with resentful tone Dark-frowning, thus replied. What words are these Which have escaped thy lips; and for what cause, Atrides, hast thou call’d me slow to fight? When we of Greece shall in sharp contest clash415 With you steed-tamer Trojans, mark me then; Then thou shalt see (if the concerns of war So nearly touch thee, and thou so incline) The father of Telemachus, engaged Among the foremost Trojans. But thy speech420 Was light as is the wind, and rashly made. When him thus moved he saw, the monarch smiled Complacent, and in gentler terms replied. Laërtes’ noble son, for wiles renown’d! Short reprimand and exhortation short425 Suffice for thee, nor did I purpose more. For I have known thee long, that thou art one Of kindest nature, and so much my friend That we have both one heart. Go therefore thou, Lead on, and if a word have fallen amiss,430 We will hereafter mend it, and may heaven Obliterate in thine heart its whole effect! He ceased, and ranging still along the line, The son of Tydeus, Diomede, perceived, Heroic Chief, by chariots all around435 Environ’d, and by steeds, at side of whom Stood Sthenelus, the son of Capaneus. Him also, Agamemnon, King of men, In accents of asperity reproved. Ah, son of Tydeus, Chief of dauntless heart440 And of equestrian fame! why standest thou Appall’d, and peering through the walks of war? So did not Tydeus. In the foremost fight His favorite station was, as they affirm Who witness’d his exploits; I never saw445 Or met him, but by popular report He was the bravest warrior of his day. Yet came he once, but not in hostile sort, To fair Mycenæ, by the godlike prince Attended, Polynices, at what time450 The host was called together, and the siege Was purposed of the sacred city Thebes. Earnest they sued for an auxiliar band, Which we had gladly granted, but that Jove By unpropitious tokens interfered.455 So forth they went, and on the reedy banks Arriving of Asopus, there thy sire By designation of the Greeks was sent Ambassador, and enter’d Thebes. He found In Eteocles’ palace numerous guests,460 The sons of Cadmus feasting, among whom, Although a solitary stranger, stood Thy father without fear, and challenged forth Their best to cope with him in manly games. Them Tydeus vanquish’d easily, such aid465 Pallas vouchsafed him. Then the spur-arm’d race Of Cadmus was incensed, and fifty youths In ambush close expected his return. Them, Lycophontes obstinate in fight, Son of Autophonus, and Mæon, son470 Of Hæmon, Chief of godlike stature, led. Those also Tydeus slew; Mæon except, (Whom, warned from heaven, he spared, and sent him home With tidings of the rest) he slew them all. Such was Ætolian Tydeus; who begat475 A son in speech his better, not in arms. He ended, and his sovereign’s awful voice Tydides reverencing, nought replied; But thus the son of glorious Capaneus. Atrides, conscious of the truth, speak truth.480 We with our sires compared, superior praise Claim justly.[15] We, confiding in the aid Of Jove, and in propitious signs from heaven, Led to the city consecrate to Mars Our little host, inferior far to theirs,485 And took seven-gated Thebes, under whose walls Our fathers by their own imprudence fell. Their glory, then, match never more with ours. He spake, whom with a frowning brow the brave Tydides answer’d. Sthenelus, my friend!490 I give thee counsel. Mark it. Hold thy peace. If Agamemnon, who hath charge of all, Excite his well-appointed host to war, He hath no blame from me. For should the Greeks (Her people vanquished) win imperial Troy,495 The glory shall be his; or, if his host O’erpower’d in battle perish, his the shame. Come, therefore; be it ours to rouse at once To action all the fury of our might. He said, and from his chariot to the plain500 Leap’d ardent; rang the armor on the breast Of the advancing Chief; the boldest heart Had felt emotion, startled at the sound. As when the waves by Zephyrus up-heaved Crowd fast toward some sounding shore, at first,505 On the broad bosom of the deep their heads They curl on high, then breaking on the land Thunder, and o’er the rocks that breast the flood Borne turgid, scatter far the showery spray; So moved the Greeks successive, rank by rank,510 And phalanx after phalanx, every Chief His loud command proclaiming, while the rest, As voice in all those thousands none had been Heard mute; and, in resplendent armor clad, With martial order terrible advanced.515 Not so the Trojans came. As sheep, the flock Of some rich man, by thousands in his court Penn’d close at milking time, incessant bleat, Loud answering all their bleating lambs without, Such din from Ilium’s wide-spread host arose.520 Nor was their shout, nor was their accent one, But mingled languages were heard of men From various climes. These Mars to battle roused, Those Pallas azure-eyed; nor Terror thence Nor Flight was absent, nor insatiate Strife,525 Sister and mate of homicidal Mars, Who small at first, but swift to grow, from earth Her towering crest lifts gradual to the skies. She, foe alike to both, the brands dispersed Of burning hate between them, and the woes530 Enhanced of battle wheresoe’er she pass’d. And now the battle join’d. Shield clash’d with shield[16] And spear with spear, conflicting corselets rang, Boss’d bucklers met, and tumult wild arose. Then, many a yell was heard, and many a shout535 Loud intermix’d, the slayer o’er the maim’d Exulting, and the field was drench’d with blood. As when two winter torrents rolling down The mountains, shoot their floods through gulleys huge Into one gulf below, station’d remote540 The shepherd in the uplands hears the roar; Such was the thunder of the mingling hosts. And first, Antilochus a Trojan Chief Slew Echepolus, from Thalysias sprung, Contending valiant in the van of Troy.545 Him smiting on his crested casque, he drove The brazen lance into his front, and pierced The bones within; night overspread his eyes, And in fierce battle, like a tower, he fell. Him fallen by both feet Calchodon’s son550 Seized, royal Elephenor, leader brave Of the Abantes, and in haste to strip His armor, drew him from the fight aside. But short was that attempt. Him so employ’d Dauntless Agenor mark’d, and as he stoop’d,555 In his unshielded flank a pointed spear Implanted deep; he languid sunk and died. So Elephenor fell, for whom arose Sharp conflict; Greeks and Trojans mutual flew Like wolves to battle, and man grappled man.560 Then Telamonian Ajax, in his prime Of youthful vigor Simöisius slew,[17] Son of Anthemion. Him on Simoïs’ banks His mother bore, when with her parents once She came from Ida down to view the flocks,565 And thence they named him; but his parents’ He lived not to requite, in early youth Slain by the spear of Ajax famed in arms. For him advancing Ajax at the pap Wounded; right through his shoulder driven the point570 Stood forth behind; he fell, and press’d the dust. So in some spacious marsh the poplar falls Smooth-skinn’d, with boughs unladen save aloft; Some chariot-builder with his axe the trunk Severs, that he may warp it to a wheel575 Of shapely form; meantime exposed it lies To parching airs beside the running stream; Such Simöisius seemed, Anthemion’s son, Whom noble Ajax slew. But soon at him Antiphus, son of Priam, bright in arms,580 Hurl’d through the multitude his pointed spear. He erred from Ajax, but he pierced the groin Of Leucus, valiant warrior of the band Led by Ulysses. He the body dragg’d Apart, but fell beside it, and let fall,585 Breathless himself, the burthen from his hand. Then burn’d Ulysses’ wrath for Leucus slain, And through the foremost combatants, array’d In dazzling arms, he rush’d. Full near he stood, And, looking keen around him, hurl’d a lance.590 Back fell the Trojans from before the face Dispersed of great Ulysses. Not in vain His weapon flew, but on the field outstretch’d A spurious son of Priam, from the shores Call’d of Abydus famed for fleetest mares,595 Democoon; him, for Leucus’ sake enraged, Ulysses through both temples with his spear Transpierced. The night of death hung on his eyes, And sounding on his batter’d arms he fell. Then Hector and the van of Troy retired;600 Loud shout the Grecians; these draw off the dead, Those onward march amain, and from the heights Of Pergamus Apollo looking down In anger, to the Trojans called aloud. Turn, turn, ye Trojans! face your Grecian foes.605 They, like yourselves, are vulnerable flesh, Not adamant or steel. Your direst dread Achilles, son of Thetis radiant-hair’d, Fights not, but sullen in his fleet abides.[18] Such from the citadel was heard the voice610 Of dread Apollo. But Minerva ranged Meantime, Tritonian progeny of Jove, The Grecians, rousing whom she saw remiss. Then Amarynceus’ son, Diores, felt The force of fate, bruised by a rugged rock615 At his right heel, which Pirus, Thracian Chief, The son of Imbrasus of Ænos, threw. Bones and both tendons in its fall the mass Enormous crush’d. He, stretch’d in dust supine, With palms outspread toward his warrior friends620 Lay gasping life away. But he who gave The fatal blow, Pirus, advancing, urged Into his navel a keen lance, and shed His bowels forth; then, darkness veil’d his eyes. Nor Pirus long survived; him through the breast625 Above the pap, Ætolian Thoas pierced, And in his lungs set fast the quivering spear. Then Thoas swift approach’d, pluck’d from the wound His stormy spear, and with his falchion bright Gashing his middle belly, stretch’d him dead.630 Yet stripp’d he not the slain, whom with long spears His Thracians hairy-scalp’d[19] so round about Encompassed, that though bold and large of limb Were Thoas, from before them him they thrust Staggering and reeling in his forced retreat.635 They therefore in the dust, the Epean Chief Diores, and the Thracian, Pirus lay Stretch’d side by side, with numerous slain around. Then had Minerva led through all that field Some warrior yet unhurt, him sheltering safe640 From all annoyance dread of dart or spear, No cause of blame in either had he found That day, so many Greeks and Trojans press’d, Extended side by side, the dusty plain.
V. ARGUMENT OF THE FIFTH BOOK
Diomede is extraordinarily distinguished. He kills Pandarus, who had violated the truce, and wounds first Venus and then Mars.
Book V
Then Athenæan Pallas on the son Of Tydeus,[1] Diomede, new force conferr’d And daring courage, that the Argives all He might surpass, and deathless fame achieve. Fires on his helmet and his shield around5 She kindled, bright and steady as the star Autumnal,[2] which in Ocean newly bathed Assumes fresh beauty; with such glorious beams His head encircling and his shoulders broad, She urged him forth into the thickest fight.10 There lived a man in Troy, Dares his name, The priest of Vulcan; rich he was and good, The father of two sons, Idæus this, That, Phegeus call’d; accomplish’d warriors both. These, issuing from their phalanx, push’d direct15 Their steeds at Diomede, who fought on foot. When now small interval was left between, First Phegeus his long-shadow’d spear dismiss’d; But over Diomede’s left shoulder pass’d The point, innocuous. Then his splendid lance20 Tydides hurl’d; nor ineffectual flew The weapon from his hand, but Phegeus pierced His paps between, and forced him to the ground. At once, his sumptuous chariot left, down leap’d Idæsus, wanting courage to defend25 His brother slain; nor had he scaped himself His louring fate, but Vulcan, to preserve His ancient priest from unmixt sorrow, snatch’d The fugitive in darkness wrapt, away. Then brave Tydides, driving off the steeds,30 Consign’d them to his fellow-warriors’ care, That they might lead them down into the fleet. The valiant Trojans, when they saw the sons Of Dares, one beside his chariot slain, And one by flight preserved, through all their host35 Felt consternation. Then Minerva seized The hand of fiery Mars, and thus she spake. Gore-tainted homicide, town-battering Mars! Leave we the Trojans and the Greeks to wage Fierce fight alone, Jove prospering whom he will,40 So shall we not provoke our father’s ire. She said, and from the fight conducted forth The impetuous Deity, whom on the side She seated of Scamander deep-embank’d.[3] And now the host of Troy to flight inclined45 Before the Grecians, and the Chiefs of Greece Each slew a warrior. Agamemnon first Gigantic Odius from his chariot hurl’d. Chief of the Halizonians. He to flight Turn’d foremost, when the monarch in his spine50 Between the shoulder-bones his spear infixt, And urged it through his breast. Sounding he fell, And loud his batter’d armor rang around. By brave Idomeneus a Lydian died, Phæstus, from fruitful Tarne sent to Troy,55 Son of Mæonian Borus; him his steeds Mounting, Idomeneus the spear-renown’d Through his right shoulder pierced; unwelcome night Involved him; from his chariot down he fell,[4] And the attendant Cretans stripp’d his arms.60 But Menelaus, son of Atreus slew With his bright spear Scamandrius, Stropius’ son, A skilful hunter; for Diana him, Herself, the slaughter of all savage kinds Had taught, on mountain or in forest bred.65 But she, shaft-aiming Goddess, in that hour Avail’d him not, nor his own matchless skill; For Menelaus, Atreus son spear-famed, Him flying wounded in the spine between His shoulders, and the spear urged through his breast.70 Prone on his loud-resounding arms he fell. Next, by Meriones, Phereclus died, Son of Harmonides. All arts that ask A well-instructed hand his sire had learn’d, For Pallas dearly loved him. He the fleet,75 Prime source of harm to Troy and to himself, For Paris built, unskill’d to spell aright The oracles predictive of the wo. Phereclus fled; Meriones his flight Outstripping, deep in his posterior flesh80 A spear infix’d; sliding beneath the bone It grazed his bladder as it pass’d, and stood Protruded far before. Low on his knees Phereclus sank, and with a shriek expired. Pedæus, whom, although his spurious son,85 Antenor’s wife, to gratify her lord, Had cherish’d as her own—him Meges slew. Warlike Phylides[5] following close his flight, His keen lance drove into his poll, cut sheer His tongue within, and through his mouth enforced90 The glittering point. He, prostrate in the dust, The cold steel press’d between his teeth and died. Eurypylus, Evemon’s son, the brave Hypsenor slew; Dolopion was his sire, Priest of Scamander, reverenced as a God.95 In vain before Eurypylus he fled; He, running, with his falchion lopp’d his arm Fast by the shoulder; on the field his hand Fell blood-distained, and destiny severe With shades of death for ever veil’d his eyes.100 Thus strenuous they the toilsome battle waged. But where Tydides fought, whether in aid Of Ilium’s host, or on the part of Greece, Might none discern. For as a winter-flood Impetuous, mounds and bridges sweeps away;[6]105 The buttress’d bridge checks not its sudden force, The firm inclosure of vine-planted fields Luxuriant, falls before it; finish’d works Of youthful hinds, once pleasant to the eye, Now levell’d, after ceaseless rain from Jove;110 So drove Tydides into sudden flight The Trojans; phalanx after phalanx fled Before the terror of his single arm. When him Lycaon’s son illustrious saw Scouring the field, and from before his face115 The ranks dispersing wide, at once he bent Against Tydides his elastic bow. The arrow met him in his swift career Sure-aim’d; it struck direct the hollow mail Of his right shoulder, with resistless force120 Transfix’d it, and his hauberk stain’d with blood. Loud shouted then Lycaon’s son renown’d. Rush on, ye Trojans, spur your coursers hard. Our fiercest foe is wounded, and I deem His death not distant far, if me the King[7]125 Jove’s son, indeed, from Lycia sent to Troy. So boasted Pandarus. Yet him the dart Quell’d not. Retreating, at his coursers’ heads He stood, and to the son of Capaneus His charioteer and faithful friend he said.130 Arise, sweet son of Capaneus, dismount, And from my shoulder draw this bitter shaft. He spake; at once the son of Capaneus Descending, by its barb the bitter shaft Drew forth; blood spouted through his twisted mail135 Incontinent, and thus the Hero pray’d. Unconquer’d daughter of Jove Ægis-arm’d! If ever me, propitious, or my sire Thou hast in furious fight help’d heretofore, Now aid me also. Bring within the reach140 Of my swift spear, Oh grant me to strike through The warrior who hath check’d my course, and boasts The sun’s bright beams for ever quench’d to me![8] He prayed, and Pallas heard; she braced his limbs, She wing’d him with alacrity divine,145 And, standing at his side, him thus bespake. Now Diomede, be bold! Fight now with Troy. To thee, thy father’s spirit I impart Fearless; shield-shaking Tydeus felt the same. I also from thine eye the darkness purge150 Which dimm’d thy sight[9] before, that thou may’st know Both Gods and men; should, therefore, other God Approach to try thee, fight not with the powers Immortal; but if foam-born Venus come, Her spare not. Wound her with thy glittering spear.155 So spake the blue-eyed Deity, and went, Then with the champions in the van again Tydides mingled; hot before, he fights With threefold fury now, nor less enraged Than some gaunt lion whom o’erleaping light160 The fold, a shepherd hath but gall’d, not kill’d, Him irritating more; thenceforth the swain Lurks unresisting; flies the abandon’d flock; Heaps slain on heaps he leaves, and with a bound Surmounting all impediment, escapes;165 Such seem’d the valiant Diomede incensed To fury, mingling with the host of Troy. Astynoüs and Hypenor first he slew; One with his brazen lance above the pap He pierced, and one with his huge falchion smote170 Fast by the key-bone,[10] from the neck and spine His parted shoulder driving at a blow. Them leaving, Polyides next he sought And Abas, sons of a dream-dealing seer, Eurydamas; their hoary father’s dreams175 Or not interpreted, or kept concealed, Them saved not, for by Diomede they died. Xanthus and Thöon he encounter’d next, Both sons of Phænops, sons of his old age, Who other heir had none of all his wealth,180 Nor hoped another, worn with many years. Tydides slew them both; nor aught remain’d To the old man but sorrow for his sons For ever lost, and strangers were his heirs. Two sons of Priam in one chariot borne185 Echemon next, and Chromius felt his hand Resistless. As a lion on the herd Leaping, while they the shrubs and bushes browse, Breaks short the neck of heifer or of steer, So them, though clinging fast and loth to fall,190 Tydides hurl’d together to the ground, Then stripp’d their splendid armor, and the steeds Consigned and chariot to his soldiers’ care. Æneas him discern’d scattering the ranks, And through the battle and the clash of spears195 Went seeking godlike Pandarus; ere long Finding Lycaon’s martial son renown’d, He stood before him, and him thus address’d. Thy bow, thy feather’d shafts, and glorious name Where are they, Pandarus? whom none of Troy200 Could equal, whom of Lycia, none excel. Come. Lift thine hands to Jove, and at yon Chief Dispatch an arrow, who afflicts the host Of Ilium thus, conquering where’er he flies, And who hath slaughter’d numerous brave in arms,205 But him some Deity I rather deem Avenging on us his neglected rites, And who can stand before an angry God? Him answer’d then Lycaon’s son renown’d. Brave leader of the Trojans brazen-mail’d,210 Æneas! By his buckler which I know, And by his helmet’s height, considering, too His steeds, I deem him Diomede the bold; Yet such pronounce him not, who seems a God. But if bold Diomede indeed he be215 Of whom I speak, not without aid from heaven His fury thus prevails, but at his side Some God, in clouds enveloped, turns away From him the arrow to a devious course. Already, at his shoulder’s hollow mail220 My shaft hath pierced him through, and him I deem’d Dismiss’d full sure to Pluto ere his time But he survives; whom therefore I at last Perforce conclude some angry Deity. Steeds have I none or chariot to ascend,225 Who have eleven chariots in the stands Left of Lycaon, with fair hangings all O’ermantled, strong, new finish’d, with their steeds In pairs beside them, eating winnow’d grain. Me much Lycaon my old valiant sire230 At my departure from his palace gates Persuaded, that my chariot and my steeds Ascending, I should so conduct my bands To battle; counsel wise, and ill-refused! But anxious, lest (the host in Troy so long235 Immew’d) my steeds, fed plenteously at home, Should here want food, I left them, and on foot To Ilium came, confiding in my bow Ordain’d at last to yield me little good. Twice have I shot, and twice I struck the mark,240 First Menelaus, and Tydides next; From each I drew the blood, true, genuine blood, Yet have but more incensed them. In an hour Unfortunate, I therefore took my bow Down from the wall that day, when for the sake245 Of noble Hector, to these pleasant plains I came, a leader on the part of Troy. But should I once return, and with these eyes Again behold my native land, my sire, My wife, my stately mansion, may the hand,250 That moment, of some adversary there Shorten me by the head, if I not snap This bow with which I charged myself in vain, And burn the unprofitable tool to dust. To whom Æneas, Trojan Chief, replied.255 Nay, speak not so. For ere that hour arrive We will, with chariot and with horse, in arms Encounter him, and put his strength to proof. Delay not, mount my chariot. Thou shalt see With what rapidity the steeds of Troy260 Pursuing or retreating, scour the field. If after all, Jove purpose still to exalt The son of Tydeus, these shall bear us safe Back to the city. Come then. Let us on. The lash take thou, and the resplendent reins,265 While I alight for battle, or thyself Receive them, and the steeds shall be my care. Him answer’d then Lycaon’s son renown’d. Æneas! manage thou the reins, and guide Thy proper steeds. If fly at last we must270 The son of Tydeus, they will readier draw Directed by their wonted charioteer. Else, terrified, and missing thy control, They may refuse to bear us from the fight, And Tydeus’ son assailing us, with ease275 Shall slay us both, and drive thy steeds away. Rule therefore thou the chariot, and myself With my sharp spear will his assault receive. So saying, they mounted both, and furious drove Against Tydides. Them the noble son280 Of Capaneus observed, and turning quick His speech to Diomede, him thus address’d. Tydides, Diomede, my heart’s delight! Two warriors of immeasurable force In battle, ardent to contend with thee,285 Come rattling on. Lycaon’s offspring one, Bow-practised Pandarus; with whom appears Æneas; he who calls the mighty Chief Anchises father, and whom Venus bore. Mount—drive we swift away—lest borne so far290 Beyond the foremost battle, thou be slain. To whom, dark-frowning, Diomede replied Speak not of flight to me, who am disposed To no such course. I am ashamed to fly Or tremble, and my strength is still entire;295 I cannot mount. No. Rather thus, on foot, I will advance against them. Fear and dread Are not for me; Pallas forbids the thought. One falls, be sure; swift as they are, the steeds That whirl them on, shall never rescue both.300 But hear my bidding, and hold fast the word. Should all-wise Pallas grant me my desire To slay them both, drive not my coursers hence, But hook the reins, and seizing quick the pair That draw Æneas, urge them from the powers305 Of Troy away into the host of Greece. For they are sprung from those which Jove to Tros In compensation gave for Ganymede; The Sun himself sees not their like below. Anchises, King of men, clandestine them310 Obtain’d, his mares submitting to the steeds Of King Laomedon. Six brought him foals; Four to himself reserving, in his stalls He fed them sleek, and two he gave his son: These, might we win them, were a noble prize.315 Thus mutual they conferr’d; those Chiefs, the while, With swiftest pace approach’d, and first his speech To Diomede Lycaon’s son address’d. Heroic offspring of a noble sire, Brave son of Tydeus! false to my intent320 My shaft hath harm’d thee little. I will now Make trial with my spear, if that may speed. He said, and shaking his long-shadow’d spear, Dismiss’d it. Forceful on the shield it struck Of Diomede, transpierced it, and approach’d325 With threatening point the hauberk on his breast. Loud shouted Pandarus—Ah nobly thrown! Home to thy bowels. Die, for die thou must, And all the glory of thy death is mine. Then answer thus brave Diomede return’d330 Undaunted. I am whole. Thy cast was short. But ye desist not, as I plain perceive, Till one at least extended on the plain Shall sate the God of battles with his blood. He said and threw. Pallas the spear herself335 Directed; at his eye fast by the nose Deep-entering, through his ivory teeth it pass’d, At its extremity divided sheer His tongue, and started through his chin below. He headlong fell, and with his dazzling arms340 Smote full the plain. Back flew the fiery steeds With swift recoil, and where he fell he died. Then sprang Æneas forth with spear and shield, That none might drag the body;[11] lion-like He stalk’d around it, oval shield and spear345 Advancing firm, and with incessant cries Terrific, death denouncing on his foes. But Diomede with hollow grasp a stone Enormous seized, a weight to overtask Two strongest men of such as now are strong,350 Yet he, alone, wielded the rock with ease. Full on the hip he smote him, where the thigh Rolls in its cavity, the socket named. He crushed the socket, lacerated wide Both tendons, and with that rough-angled mass355 Flay’d all his flesh, The Hero on his knees Sank, on his ample palm his weight upbore Laboring, and darkness overspread his eyes. There had Æneas perish’d, King of men, Had not Jove’s daughter Venus quick perceived360 His peril imminent, whom she had borne Herself to Anchises pasturing his herds. Her snowy arras her darling son around She threw maternal, and behind a fold Of her bright mantle screening close his breast365 From mortal harm by some brave Grecian’s spear, Stole him with eager swiftness from the fight. Nor then forgat brave Sthenelus his charge Received from Diomede, but his own steeds Detaining distant from the boisterous war,370 Stretch’d tight the reins, and hook’d them fast behind. The coursers of Æneas next he seized Ardent, and them into the host of Greece Driving remote, consign’d them to his care, Whom far above all others his compeers375 He loved, Deipylus, his bosom friend Congenial. Him he charged to drive them thence Into the fleet, then, mounting swift his own, Lash’d after Diomede; he, fierce in arms, Pursued the Cyprian Goddess, conscious whom,380 Not Pallas, not Enyo, waster dread Of cities close-beleaguer’d, none of all Who o’er the battle’s bloody course preside, But one of softer kind and prone to fear. When, therefore, her at length, after long chase385 Through all the warring multitude he reach’d, With his protruded spear her gentle hand He wounded, piercing through her thin attire Ambrosial, by themselves the graces wrought, Her inside wrist, fast by the rosy palm.390 Blood follow’d, but immortal; ichor pure, Such as the blest inhabitants of heaven May bleed, nectareous; for the Gods eat not Man’s food, nor slake as he with sable wine Their thirst, thence bloodless and from death exempt.395 She, shrieking, from her arms cast down her son, And Phœbus, in impenetrable clouds Him hiding, lest the spear of some brave Greek Should pierce his bosom, caught him swift away. Then shouted brave Tydides after her—400 Depart, Jove’s daughter! fly the bloody field. Is’t not enough that thou beguilest the hearts Of feeble women? If thou dare intrude Again into the war, war’s very name Shall make thee shudder, wheresoever heard.405 He said, and Venus with excess of pain Bewilder’d went; but Iris tempest-wing’d Forth led her through the multitude, oppress’d With anguish, her white wrist to livid changed. They came where Mars far on the left retired410 Of battle sat, his horses and his spear In darkness veil’d. Before her brother’s knees She fell, and with entreaties urgent sought The succor of his coursers golden-rein’d. Save me, my brother! Pity me! Thy steeds415 Give me, that they may bear me to the heights Olympian, seat of the immortal Gods! Oh! I am wounded deep; a mortal man Hath done it, Diomede; nor would he fear This day in fight the Sire himself of all.420 Then Mars his coursers gold-caparison’d Resign’d to Venus; she, with countenance sad, The chariot climb’d, and Iris at her side The bright reins seizing lash’d the ready steeds. Soon as the Olympian heights, seat of the Gods,425 They reach’d, wing-footed Iris loosing quick The coursers, gave them large whereon to browse Ambrosial food; but Venus on the knees Sank of Dione, who with folded arms Maternal, to her bosom straining close430 Her daughter, stroked her cheek, and thus inquired. My darling child! who? which of all the Gods Hath rashly done such violence to thee As if convicted of some open wrong? Her then the Goddess of love-kindling smiles435 Venus thus answer’d; Diomede the proud, Audacious Diomede; he gave the wound, For that I stole Æneas from the fight My son of all mankind my most beloved; Nor is it now the war of Greece with Troy,440 But of the Grecians with the Gods themselves. Then thus Dione, Goddess all divine. My child! how hard soe’er thy sufferings seem Endure them patiently. Full many a wrong From human hands profane the Gods endure,445 And many a painful stroke, mankind from ours. Mars once endured much wrong, when on a time Him Otus bound and Ephialtes fast, Sons of Alöeus, and full thirteen moons In brazen thraldom held him. There, at length,450 The fierce blood-nourished Mars had pined away, But that Eëribœa, loveliest nymph, His step-mother, in happy hour disclosed To Mercury the story of his wrongs; He stole the prisoner forth, but with his woes455 Already worn, languid and fetter-gall’d. Nor Juno less endured, when erst the bold Son of Amphytrion with tridental shaft Her bosom pierced; she then the misery felt Of irremediable pain severe.460 Nor suffer’d Pluto less, of all the Gods Gigantic most, by the same son of Jove Alcides, at the portals of the dead Transfix’d and fill’d with anguish; he the house Of Jove and the Olympian summit sought465 Dejected, torture-stung, for sore the shaft Oppress’d him, into his huge shoulder driven. But Pæon[12] him not liable to death With unction smooth of salutiferous balms Heal’d soon. Presumptuous, sacrilegious man!470 Careless what dire enormities he wrought, Who bent his bow against the powers of heaven! But blue-eyed Pallas instigated him By whom thou bleed’st. Infatuate! he forgets That whoso turns against the Gods his arm475 Lives never long; he never, safe escaped From furious fight, the lisp’d caresses hears Of his own infants prattling at his knees. Let therefore Diomede beware, lest strong And valiant as he is, he chance to meet490 Some mightier foe than thou, and lest his wife, Daughter of King Adrastus, the discrete Ægialea, from portentous dreams Upstarting, call her family to wail Her first-espoused, Achaia’s proudest boast,485 Diomede, whom she must behold no more. She said, and from her wrist with both hands wiped The trickling ichor; the effectual touch Divine chased all her pains, and she was heal’d. Them Juno mark’d and Pallas, and with speech490 Sarcastic pointed at Saturnian Jove To vex him, blue-eyed Pallas thus began. Eternal father! may I speak my thought, And not incense thee, Jove? I can but judge That Venus, while she coax’d some Grecian fair495 To accompany the Trojans whom she loves With such extravagance, hath heedless stroked Her golden clasps, and scratch’d her lily hand. So she; then smiled the sire of Gods and men, And calling golden Venus, her bespake.500 War and the tented field, my beauteous child, Are not for thee. Thou rather shouldst be found In scenes of matrimonial bliss. The toils Of war to Pallas and to Mars belong. Thus they in heaven. But Diomede the while505 Sprang on Æneas, conscious of the God Whose hand o’ershadow’d him, yet even him Regarding lightly; for he burn’d to slay Æneas, and to seize his glorious arms. Thrice then he sprang impetuous to the deed,510 And thrice Apollo with his radiant shield Repulsed him. But when ardent as a God The fourth time he advanced, with thundering-voice Him thus the Archer of the skies rebuked. Think, and retire, Tydides! nor affect515 Equality with Gods; for not the same Our nature is and theirs who tread the ground. He spake, and Diomede a step retired, Not more; the anger of the Archer-God Declining slow, and with a sullen awe.520 Then Phœbus, far from all the warrior throng To his own shrine the sacred dome beneath Of Pergamus, Æneas bore; there him Latona and shaft-arm’d Diana heal’d And glorified within their spacious fane.525 Meantime the Archer of the silver bow A visionary form prepared; it seem’d Himself Æneas, and was arm’d as he. At once, in contest for that airy form, Grecians and Trojans on each other’s breasts530 The bull-hide buckler batter’d and light targe. Then thus Apollo to the warrior God. Gore-tainted homicide, town-batterer Mars! Wilt thou not meet and from the fight withdraw This man Tydides, now so fiery grown535 That he would even cope with Jove himself? First Venus’ hand he wounded, and assail’d Impetuous as a God, next, even me. He ceased, and on the topmost turret sat Of Pergamus. Then all-destroyer Mars540 Ranging the Trojan host, rank after rank Exhorted loud, and in the form assumed Of Acamas the Thracian leader bold, The godlike sons of Priam thus harangued. Ye sons of Priam, monarch Jove-beloved!545 How long permit ye your Achaian foes To slay the people?—till the battle rage (Push’d home to Ilium) at her solid gates? Behold—a Chief disabled lies, than whom We reverence not even Hector more,550 Æneas; fly, save from the roaring storm The noble Anchisiades your friend. He said; then every heart for battle glow’d; And thus Sarpedon with rebuke severe Upbraiding generous Hector, stern began.555 Where is thy courage, Hector? for thou once Hadst courage. Is it fled? In other days Thy boast hath been that without native troops Or foreign aids, thy kindred and thyself Alone, were guard sufficient for the town.560 But none of all thy kindred now appears; I can discover none; they stand aloof Quaking, as dogs that hear the lion’s roar. We bear the stress, who are but Troy’s allies; Myself am such, and from afar I came;565 For Lycia lies far distant on the banks Of the deep-eddied Xanthus. There a wife I left and infant son, both dear to me, With plenteous wealth, the wish of all who want. Yet urge I still my Lycians, and am prompt570 Myself to fight, although possessing here Nought that the Greeks can carry or drive hence. But there stand’st thou, neither employed thyself, Nor moving others to an active part For all their dearest pledges. Oh beware!575 Lest, as with meshes of an ample net, At one huge draught the Grecians sweep you all, And desolate at once your populous Troy! By day, by night, thoughts such as these should still Thy conduct influence, and from Chief to Chief580 Of the allies should send thee, praying each To make firm stand, all bickerings put away. So spake Sarpedon, and his reprimand Stung Hector; instant to the ground he leap’d All arm’d, and shaking his bright spears his host585 Ranged in all quarters animating loud His legions, and rekindling horrid war. Then, rolling back, the powers of Troy opposed Once more the Grecians, whom the Grecians dense Expected, unretreating, void of fear.590 As flies the chaff wide scatter’d by the wind O’er all the consecrated floor, what time Ripe Ceres[13] with brisk airs her golden grain Ventilates, whitening with its husk the ground; So grew the Achaians white, a dusty cloud595 Descending on their arms, which steeds with steeds Again to battle mingling, with their hoofs Up-stamp’d into the brazen vault of heaven; For now the charioteers turn’d all to fight. Host toward host with full collected force600 They moved direct. Then Mars through all the field Took wide his range, and overhung the war With night, in aid of Troy, at the command Of Phœbus of the golden sword; for he Perceiving Pallas from the field withdrawn,605 Patroness of the Greeks, had Mars enjoin’d To rouse the spirit of the Trojan host. Meantime Apollo from his unctuous shrine Sent forth restored and with new force inspired Æneas. He amidst his warriors stood,610 Who him with joy beheld still living, heal’d, And all his strength possessing unimpair’d. Yet no man ask’d him aught. No leisure now For question was; far other thoughts had they; Such toils the archer of the silver bow,615 Wide-slaughtering Mars, and Discord as at first Raging implacable, for them prepared. Ulysses, either Ajax, Diomede— These roused the Greeks to battle, who themselves The force fear’d nothing, or the shouts of Troy,620 But steadfast stood, like clouds by Jove amass’d On lofty mountains, while the fury sleeps Of Boreas, and of all the stormy winds Shrill-voiced, that chase the vapors when they blow, So stood the Greeks, expecting firm the approach625 Of Ilium’s powers, and neither fled nor fear’d. Then Agamemnon the embattled host On all sides ranging, cheer’d them. Now, he cried, Be steadfast, fellow warriors, now be men! Hold fast a sense of honor. More escape630 Of men who fear disgrace, than fall in fight, While dastards forfeit life and glory both. He said, and hurl’d his spear. He pierced a friend Of brave Æneas, warring in the van, Deicöon son of Pergasus, in Troy635 Not less esteem’d than Priam’s sons themselves, Such was his fame in foremost fight acquired. Him Agamemnon on his buckler smote, Nor stayed the weapon there, but through his belt His bowels enter’d, and with hideous clang640 And outcry[14] of his batter’d arms he fell. Æneas next two mightiest warriors slew, Sons of Diocles, of a wealthy sire, Whose house magnificent in Phæræ stood, Orsilochus and Crethon. Their descent645 From broad-stream’d Alpheus, Pylian flood, they drew. Alpheus begat Orsilochus, a prince Of numerous powers. Orsilochus begat Warlike Diodes. From Diodes sprang Twins, Crethon and Orsilochus, alike650 Valiant, and skilful in all forms of war. Their boyish prime scarce past, they, with the Greeks Embarking, in their sable ships had sail’d To steed-fam’d Ilium; just revenge they sought For Atreus’ sons, but perished first themselves.655 As two young lions, in the deep recess Of some dark forest on the mountain’s brow Late nourished by their dam, forth-issuing, seize The fatted flocks and kine, both folds and stalls Wasting rapacious, till, at length, themselves660 Deep-wounded perish by the hand of man, So they, both vanquish’d by Æneas, fell, And like two lofty pines uprooted, lay. Them fallen in battle Menelaus saw With pity moved; radiant in arms he shook665 His brazen spear, and strode into the van. Mars urged him furious on, conceiving hope Of his death also by Æneas’ hand. But him the son of generous Nestor mark’d Antilochus, and to the foremost fight670 Flew also, fearing lest some dire mischance The Prince befalling, at one fatal stroke Should frustrate all the labors of the Greeks. They, hand to hand, and spear to spear opposed, Stood threatening dreadful onset, when beside675 The Spartan chief Antilochus appear’d. Æneas, at the sight of two combined, Stood not, although intrepid. They the dead Thence drawing far into the Grecian host To their associates gave the hapless pair,680 Then, both returning, fought in front again. Next, fierce as Mars, Pylæmenes they slew, Prince of the shielded band magnanimous Of Paphlagonia. Him Atrides kill’d Spear-practised Menelaus, with a lance685 His throat transpiercing while erect he rode. Then, while his charioteer, Mydon the brave, Son of Atymnias, turn’d his steeds to flight, Full on his elbow-point Antilochus, The son of Nestor, dash’d him with a stone.690 The slack reins, white as ivory,[15] forsook His torpid hand and trail’d the dust. At once Forth sprang Antilochus, and with his sword Hew’d deep his temples. On his head he pitch’d Panting, and on his shoulders in the sand695 (For in deep sand he fell) stood long erect, Till his own coursers spread him in the dust; The son of Nestor seized, and with his scourge Drove them afar into the host of Greece. Them Hector through the ranks espying, flew700 With clamor loud to meet them; after whom Advanced in phalanx firm the powers of Troy, Mars led them, with Enyo terror-clad; She by the maddening tumult of the fight Attended, he, with his enormous spear705 in both hands brandish’d, stalking now in front Of Hector, and now following his steps. Him Diomede the bold discerning, felt Himself no small dismay; and as a man Wandering he knows not whither, far from home,710 If chance a rapid torrent to the sea Borne headlong thwart his course, the foaming flood Obstreperous views awhile, then quick retires, So he, and his attendants thus bespake. How oft, my countrymen! have we admired715 The noble Hector, skillful at the spear And unappall’d in fight? but still hath he Some God his guard, and even now I view In human form Mars moving at his side. Ye, then, with faces to the Trojans turn’d,720 Ceaseless retire, and war not with the Gods. He ended; and the Trojans now approach’d. Then two bold warriors in one chariot borne, By valiant Hector died, Menesthes one, And one, Anchialus. Them fallen in fight725 Ajax the vast, touch’d with compassion saw; Within small space he stood, his glittering spear Dismiss’d, and pierced Amphius. Son was he Of Selagus, and Pæsus was his home, Where opulent he dwelt, but by his fate730 Was led to fight for Priam and his sons. Him Telamonian Ajax through his belt Wounded, and in his nether bowels deep Fix’d his long-shadow’d spear. Sounding he fell. Illustrious Ajax running to the slain735 Prepared to strip his arms, but him a shower Of glittering-weapons keen from Trojan hands Assail’d, and numerous his broad shield received. He, on the body planting firm his heel, Forth drew the polish’d spear, but his bright arms740 Took not, by darts thick-flying sore annoy’d, Nor fear’d he little lest his haughty foes, Spear-arm’d and bold, should compass him around; Him, therefore, valiant though he were and huge, They push’d before them. Staggering he retired.745 Thus toil’d both hosts in that laborious field. And now his ruthless destiny impell’d Tlepolemus, Alcides’ son, a Chief Dauntless and huge, against a godlike foe Sarpedon. They approaching face to face750 Stood, son and grandson of high-thundering Jove, And, haughty, thus Tlepolemus began. Sarpedon, leader of the Lycian host, Thou trembler! thee what cause could hither urge A man unskill’d in arms? They falsely speak755 Who call thee son of Ægis-bearing Jove, So far below their might thou fall’st who sprang From Jove in days of old. What says report Of Hercules (for him I boast my sire) All-daring hero with a lion’s heart?760 With six ships only, and with followers few, He for the horses of Laomedon Lay’d Troy in dust, and widow’d all her streets. But thou art base, and thy diminish’d powers Perish around thee; think not that thou earnest765 For Ilium’s good, but rather, whatsoe’er Thy force in fight, to find, subdued by me, A sure dismission to the gates of hell. To whom the leader of the Lycian band. Tlepolemus! he ransack’d sacred Troy,770 As thou hast said, but for her monarch’s fault Laomedon, who him with language harsh Requited ill for benefits received, Nor would the steeds surrender, seeking which He voyaged from afar. But thou shalt take775 Thy bloody doom from this victorious arm, And, vanquish’d by my spear, shalt yield thy fame To me, thy soul to Pluto steed-renown’d. So spake Sarpedon, and his ashen beam Tlepolemus upraised. Both hurl’d at once780 Their quivering spears. Sarpedon’s through the neck Pass’d of Tlepolemus, and show’d beyond Its ruthless point; thick darkness veil’d his eyes. Tlepolemus with his long lance the thigh Pierced of Sarpedon; sheer into his bone785 He pierced him, but Sarpedon’s father, Jove, Him rescued even on the verge of fate. His noble friends conducted from the field The godlike Lycian, trailing as he went The pendent spear, none thinking to extract790 For his relief the weapon from his thigh, Through eagerness of haste to bear him thence. On the other side, the Grecians brazen-mail’d Bore off Tlepolemus. Ulysses fill’d With earnest thoughts tumultuous them observed,795 Danger-defying Chief! Doubtful he stood Or to pursue at once the Thunderer’s son Sarpedon, or to take more Lycian lives. But not for brave Ulysses had his fate That praise reserved, that he should slay the son800 Renown’d of Jove; therefore his wavering mind Minerva bent against the Lycian band. Then Cœranus, Alastor, Chromius fell, Alcander, Halius, Prytanis, and brave Noëmon; nor had these sufficed the Chief805 Of Ithaca, but Lycians more had fallen, Had not crest-tossing Hector huge perceived The havoc; radiant to the van he flew, Filling with dread the Grecians; his approach Sarpedon, son of Jove, joyful beheld,810 And piteous thus address’d him as he came. Ah, leave not me, Priamides! a prey To Grecian hands, but in your city, at least, Grant me to die: since hither, doom’d, I came Never to gratify with my return815 To Lycia, my loved spouse, or infant child. He spake; but Hector unreplying pass’d Impetuous, ardent to repulse the Greeks That moment, and to drench his sword in blood. Then, under shelter of a spreading beech820 Sacred to Jove, his noble followers placed The godlike Chief Sarpedon, where his friend Illustrious Pelagon, the ashen spear Extracted. Sightless, of all thought bereft, He sank, but soon revived, by breathing airs825 Refresh’d, that fann’d him gently from the North. Meantime the Argives, although press’d alike By Mars himself and Hector brazen-arm’d, Neither to flight inclined, nor yet advanced To battle, but inform’d that Mars the fight830 Waged on the side of Ilium, slow retired.[16] Whom first, whom last slew then the mighty son Of Priam, Hector, and the brazen Mars! First godlike Teuthras, an equestrian Chief, Orestes, Trechus of Ætolian race,835 Œnomaüs, Helenus from Œnops’ sprung, And brisk[17] in fight Oresbius; rich was he, And covetous of more; in Hyla dwelt Fast by the lake Cephissus, where abode Bœotian Princes numerous, rich themselves840 And rulers of a people wealth-renown’d. But Juno, such dread slaughter of the Greeks Noting, thus, ardent, to Minerva spake. Daughter of Jove invincible! Our word That Troy shall perish, hath been given in vain845 To Menelaus, if we suffer Mars To ravage longer uncontrol’d. The time Urges, and need appears that we ourselves Now call to mind the fury of our might. She spake; nor blue-eyed Pallas not complied.850 Then Juno, Goddess dread, from Saturn sprung, Her coursers gold-caparison’d prepared Impatient. Hebe to the chariot roll’d The brazen wheels,[18] and joined them to the smooth Steel axle; twice four spokes divided each855 Shot from the centre to the verge. The verge Was gold by fellies of eternal brass Guarded, a dazzling show! The shining naves Were silver; silver cords and cords of gold The seat upbore; two crescents[19] blazed in front.860 The pole was argent all, to which she bound The golden yoke, and in their place disposed The breast-bands incorruptible of gold; But Juno to the yoke, herself, the steeds Led forth, on fire to reach the dreadful field.865 Meantime, Minerva, progeny of Jove, On the adamantine floor of his abode Let fall profuse her variegated robe, Labor of her own hands. She first put on The corselet of the cloud-assembler God,870 Then arm’d her for the field of wo complete. She charged her shoulder with the dreadful shield The shaggy Ægis,[20] border’d thick around With terror; there was Discord, Prowess there, There hot Pursuit, and there the feature grim875 Of Gorgon, dire Deformity, a sign Oft borne portentous on the arm of Jove. Her golden helm, whose concave had sufficed The legions of an hundred cities, rough With warlike ornament superb, she fix’d880 On her immortal head. Thus arm’d, she rose Into the flaming chariot, and her spear Seized ponderous, huge, with which the Goddess sprung From an Almighty father, levels ranks Of heroes, against whom her anger burns.885 Juno with lifted lash urged quick the steeds; At her approach, spontaneous roar’d the wide- Unfolding gates of heaven;[21] the heavenly gates Kept by the watchful Hours, to whom the charge Of the Olympian summit appertains,890 And of the boundless ether, back to roll, And to replace the cloudy barrier dense. Spurr’d through the portal flew the rapid steeds; Apart from all, and seated on the point Superior of the cloven mount, they found895 The Thunderer. Juno the white-arm’d her steeds There stay’d, and thus the Goddess, ere she pass’d, Question’d the son of Saturn, Jove supreme. Jove, Father, seest thou, and art not incensed, These ravages of Mars? Oh what a field,900 Drench’d with what Grecian blood! All rashly spilt, And in despite of me. Venus, the while, Sits, and the Archer of the silver bow Delighted, and have urged, themselves, to this The frantic Mars within no bounds confined905 Of law or order. But, eternal sire! Shall I offend thee chasing far away Mars deeply smitten from the field of war? To whom the cloud-assembler God replied. Go! but exhort thou rather to the task910 Spoil-huntress Athenæan Pallas, him Accustom’d to chastise with pain severe. He spake, nor white-arm’d Juno not obey’d. She lash’d her steeds; they readily their flight Began, the earth and starry vault between.915 Far as from his high tower the watchman kens O’er gloomy ocean, so far at one bound Advance the shrill-voiced coursers of the Gods. But when at Troy and at the confluent streams Of Simoïs and Scamander they arrived,920 There Juno, white-arm’d Goddess, from the yoke Her steeds releasing, them in gather’d shades Conceal’d opaque, while Simoïs caused to spring Ambrosia from his bank, whereon they browsed. Swift as her pinions waft the dove away925 They sought the Grecians, ardent to begin: Arriving where the mightiest and the most Compass’d equestrian Diomede around, In aspect lion-like, or like wild boars Of matchless force, there white-arm’d Juno stood,930 And in the form of Stentor for his voice Of brass renown’d, audible as the roar Of fifty throats, the Grecians thus harangued. Oh shame, shame, shame! Argives in form alone, Beautiful but dishonorable race!935 While yet divine Achilles ranged the field, No Trojan stepp’d from yon Dardanian gates Abroad; all trembled at his stormy spear; But now they venture forth, now at your ships Defy you, from their city far remote.940 She ceased, and all caught courage from the sound. But Athenæan Pallas eager sought The son of Tydeus; at his chariot side She found the Chief cooling his fiery wound Received from Pandarus; for him the sweat945 Beneath the broad band of his oval shield Exhausted, and his arm fail’d him fatigued; He therefore raised the band and wiped the blood Coagulate; when o’er his chariot yoke Her arm the Goddess threw, and thus began.950 Tydeus, in truth, begat a son himself Not much resembling. Tydeus was of size Diminutive, but had a warrior’s heart. When him I once commanded to abstain From furious fight (what time he enter’d Thebes955 Ambassador, and the Cadmeans found Feasting, himself the sole Achaian there) And bade him quietly partake the feast. He, fired with wonted ardor, challenged forth To proof of manhood the Cadmean youth,960 Whom easily, through my effectual aid, In contests of each kind he overcame. But thou, whom I encircle with my power, Guard vigilant, and even bid thee forth To combat with the Trojans, thou, thy limbs965 Feel’st wearied with the toils of war, or worse, Indulgest womanish and heartless fear. Henceforth thou art not worthy to be deem’d Son of Oenides, Tydeus famed in arms. To whom thus valiant Diomede replied.970 I know thee well, oh Goddess sprung from Jove! And therefore willing shall, and plain, reply. Me neither weariness nor heartless fear Restrains, but thine injunctions which impress My memory, still, that I should fear to oppose975 The blessed Gods in fight, Venus except, Whom in the battle found thou badest me pierce With unrelenting spear; therefore myself Retiring hither, I have hither call’d The other Argives also, for I know980 That Mars, himself in arms, controls the war. Him answer’d then the Goddess azure-eyed. Tydides! Diomede, my heart’s delight! Fear not this Mars,[22] nor fear thou other power Immortal, but be confident in me.985 Arise. Drive forth. Seek Mars; him only seek; Him hand to hand engage; this fiery Mars Respect not aught, base implement of wrong And mischief, shifting still from side to side. He promised Juno lately and myself990 That he would fight for Greece, yet now forgets His promise, and gives all his aid to Troy. So saying, she backward by his hand withdrew The son of Capaneus, who to the ground Leap’d instant; she, impatient to his place995 Ascending, sat beside brave Diomede. Loud groan’d the beechen axle, under weight Unwonted, for it bore into the fight An awful Goddess, and the chief of men. Quick-seizing lash and reins Minerva drove1000 Direct at Mars. That moment he had slain Periphas, bravest of Ætolia’s sons, And huge of bulk; Ochesius was his sire. Him Mars the slaughterer had of life bereft Newly, and Pallas to elude his sight1005 The helmet fixed of Ades on her head.[23] Soon as gore-tainted Mars the approach perceived Of Diomede, he left the giant length Of Periphas extended where he died, And flew to cope with Tydeus’ valiant son.1010 Full nigh they came, when Mars on fire to slay The hero, foremost with his brazen lance Assail’d him, hurling o’er his horses’ heads. But Athenæan Pallas in her hand The flying weapon caught and turn’d it wide,1015 Baffling his aim. Then Diomede on him Rush’d furious in his turn, and Pallas plunged The bright spear deep into his cinctured waist Dire was the wound, and plucking back the spear She tore him. Bellow’d brazen-throated Mars1020 Loud as nine thousand warriors, or as ten Join’d in close combat. Grecians, Trojans shook Appall’d alike at the tremendous voice Of Mars insatiable with deeds of blood. Such as the dimness is when summer winds1025 Breathe hot, and sultry mist obscures the sky, Such brazen Mars to Diomede appear’d By clouds accompanied in his ascent Into the boundless ether. Reaching soon The Olympian heights, seat of the Gods, he sat1030 Beside Saturnian Jove; wo fill’d his heart; He show’d fast-streaming from the wound his blood Immortal, and impatient thus complain’d. Jove, Father! Seest thou these outrageous acts Unmoved with anger? Such are day by day1035 The dreadful mischiefs by the Gods contrived Against each other, for the sake of man. Thou art thyself the cause. Thou hast produced A foolish daughter petulant, addict To evil only and injurious deeds;1040 There is not in Olympus, save herself, Who feels not thy control; but she her will Gratifies ever, and reproof from thee Finds none, because, pernicious as she is, She is thy daughter. She hath now the mind1045 Of haughty Diomede with madness fill’d Against the immortal Gods; first Venus bled; Her hand he pierced impetuous, then assail’d, As if himself immortal, even me, But me my feet stole thence, or overwhelm’d1050 Beneath yon heaps of carcases impure, What had I not sustain’d? And if at last I lived, had halted crippled by the sword. To whom with dark displeasure Jove replied. Base and side-shifting traitor! vex not me1055 Here sitting querulous; of all who dwell On the Olympian heights, thee most I hate Contentious, whose delight is war alone. Thou hast thy mother’s moods, the very spleen Of Juno, uncontrolable as she.1060 Whom even I, reprove her as I may, Scarce rule by mere commands; I therefore judge Thy sufferings a contrivance all her own. But soft. Thou art my son whom I begat. And Juno bare thee. I can not endure1065 That thou shouldst suffer long. Hadst thou been born Of other parents thus detestable, What Deity soe’er had brought thee forth, Thou shouldst have found long since a humbler sphere. He ceased, and to the care his son consign’d1070 Of Pæon; he with drugs of lenient powers, Soon heal’d whom immortality secured From dissolution. As the juice from figs Express’d what fluid was in milk before Coagulates, stirr’d rapidly around,1075 So soon was Mars by Pæon skill restored. Him Hebe bathed, and with divine attire Graceful adorn’d; when at the side of Jove Again his glorious seat sublime he took. Meantime to the abode of Jove supreme1080 Ascended Juno throughout Argos known And mighty Pallas; Mars the plague of man, By their successful force from slaughter driven.
VI. ARGUMENT OF THE SIXTH BOOK
The battle is continued. The Trojans being closely pursued, Hector by the advice of Helenus enters Troy, and recommends it to Hecuba to go in solemn procession to the temple of Minerva; she with the matrons goes accordingly. Hector takes the opportunity to find out Paris, and exhorts him to return to the field of battle. An interview succeeds between Hector and Andromache, and Paris, having armed himself in the mean time, comes up with Hector at the close of it, when they sally from the gate together.
Book VI
Thus was the field forsaken by the Gods. And now success proved various; here the Greeks With their extended spears, the Trojans there Prevail’d alternate, on the champain spread The Xanthus and the Simoïs between.[1]5 First Telamonian Ajax,[2] bulwark firm Of the Achaians, broke the Trojan ranks, And kindled for the Greeks a gleam of hope, Slaying the bravest of the Thracian band, Huge Acamas, Eusorus’ son; him first10 Full on the shaggy crest he smote, and urged The spear into his forehead; through his skull The bright point pass’d, and darkness veil’d his eyes. But Diomede, heroic Chief, the son Of Teuthras slew, Axylus.[3] Rich was he,15 And in Arisba (where he dwelt beside The public road, and at his open door Made welcome all) respected and beloved. But of his numerous guests none interposed To avert his woful doom; nor him alone20 He slew, but with him also to the shades Calesius sent, his friend and charioteer. Opheltius fell and Dresus, by the hand Slain of Euryalus, who, next, his arms On Pedasus and on Æsepus turned25 Brethren and twins. Them Abarbarea bore, A Naiad, to Bucolion, son renown’d Of King Laomedon, his eldest born, But by his mother, at his birth, conceal’d. Bucolion pasturing his flocks, embraced30 The lovely nymph; she twins produced, both whom, Brave as they were and beautiful, thy son[4] Mecisteus! slew, and from their shoulders tore Their armor. Dauntless Polypœtes slew Astyalus. Ulysses with his spear35 Transfixed Pydites, a Percosian Chief, And Teucer Aretaön; Nestor’s pride Antilochus, with his bright lance, of life Bereft Ablerus, and the royal arm Of Agamemnon, Elatus; he dwelt40 Among the hills of lofty Pedasus, On Satnio’s banks, smooth-sliding river pure Phylacus fled, whom Leïtus as swift Soon smote. Melanthius at the feet expired Of the renown’d Eurypylus, and, flush’d45 With martial ardor, Menelaus seized And took alive Adrastus. As it chanced A thicket his affrighted steeds detain’d Their feet entangling; they with restive force At its extremity snapp’d short the pole,50 And to the city, whither others fled, Fled also. From his chariot headlong hurl’d, Adrastus press’d the plain fast by his wheel. Flew Menelaus, and his quivering spear Shook over him; he, life imploring, clasp’d55 Importunate his knees, and thus exclaim’d. Oh, son of Atreus, let me live! accept Illustrious ransom! In my father’s house Is wealth abundant, gold, and brass, and steel Of truest temper, which he will impart60 Till he have gratified thine utmost wish, Inform’d that I am captive in your fleet. He said, and Menelaus by his words Vanquish’d, him soon had to the fleet dismiss’d Given to his train in charge, but swift and stern65 Approaching, Agamemnon interposed. Now, brother, whence this milkiness of mind, These scruples about blood? Thy Trojan friends Have doubtless much obliged thee. Die the race! May none escape us! neither he who flies,70 Nor even the infant in his mother’s womb Unconscious. Perish universal Troy Unpitied, till her place be found no more![5] So saying, his brother’s mind the Hero turn’d, Advising him aright; he with his hand75 Thrust back Adrastus, and himself, the King, His bowels pierced. Supine Adrastus fell, And Agamemnon, with his foot the corse Impressing firm, pluck’d forth his ashen spear. Then Nestor, raising high his voice, exclaim’d.80 Friends, Heroes, Grecians, ministers of Mars! Let none, desirous of the spoil, his time Devote to plunder now; now slay your foes, And strip them when the field shall be your own.[6]
He said, and all took courage at his word.85 Then had the Trojans enter’d Troy again By the heroic Grecians foul repulsed, So was their spirit daunted, but the son Of Priam, Helenus, an augur far Excelling all, at Hector’s side his speech90 To him and to Æneas thus address’d. Hector, and thou, Æneas, since on you The Lycians chiefly and ourselves depend, For that in difficult emprize ye show Most courage; give best counsel; stand yourselves,95 And, visiting all quarters, cause to stand Before the city-gates our scatter’d troops, Ere yet the fugitives within the arms Be slaughter’d of their wives, the scorn of Greece. When thus ye shall have rallied every band100 And roused their courage, weary though we be, Yet since necessity commands, even here Will we give battle to the host of Greece. But, Hector! to the city thou depart; There charge our mother, that she go direct,105 With the assembled matrons, to the fane Of Pallas in the citadel of Troy. Opening her chambers’ sacred doors, of all Her treasured mantles there, let her select The widest, most magnificently wrought,110 And which she values most; that let her spread On Athenæan Pallas’ lap divine.[7] Twelve heifers of the year yet never touch’d With puncture of the goad, let her alike Devote to her, if she will pity Troy,115 Our wives and little ones, and will avert The son of Tydeus from these sacred towers, That dreadful Chief, terror of all our host, Bravest, in my account, of all the Greeks. For never yet Achilles hath himself120 So taught our people fear, although esteemed Son of a Goddess. But this warrior’s rage Is boundless, and his strength past all compare. So Helenus; nor Hector not complied. Down from his chariot instant to the ground125 All arm’d he leap’d, and, shaking his sharp spears, Through every phalanx pass’d, rousing again Their courage, and rekindling horrid war. They, turning, faced the Greeks; the Greeks repulsed, Ceased from all carnage, nor supposed they less130 Than that some Deity, the starry skies Forsaken, help’d their foes, so firm they stood. But Hector to the Trojans call’d aloud. Ye dauntless Trojans and confederate powers Call’d from afar! now be ye men, my friends,135 Now summon all the fury of your might! I go to charge our senators and wives That they address the Gods with prayers and vows For our success, and hecatombs devote. So saying the Hero went, and as he strode140 The sable hide that lined his bossy shield Smote on his neck and on his ancle-bone. And now into the middle space between Both hosts, the son of Tydeus and the son Moved of Hippolochus, intent alike145 On furious combat; face to face they stood, And thus heroic Diomede began. Most noble Champion! who of human kind Art thou,[8] whom in the man-ennobling fight I now encounter first? Past all thy peers150 I must esteem thee valiant, who hast dared To meet my coming, and my spear defy. Ah! they are sons of miserable sires Who dare my might; but if a God from heaven Thou come, behold! I fight not with the Gods.155 That war Lycurgus son of Dryas waged, And saw not many years. The nurses he Of brain-disturbing Bacchus down the steep Pursued of sacred Nyssa; they their wands Vine-wreathed cast all away, with an ox-goad160 Chastised by fell Lycurgus. Bacchus plunged Meantime dismay’d into the deep, where him Trembling, and at the Hero’s haughty threats Confounded, Thetis in her bosom hid.[9] Thus by Lycurgus were the blessed powers165 Of heaven offended, and Saturnian Jove Of sight bereaved him, who not long that loss Survived, for he was curst by all above. I, therefore, wage no contest with the Gods; But if thou be of men, and feed on bread170 Of earthly growth, draw nigh, that with a stroke Well-aim’d, I may at once cut short thy days.[10] To whom the illustrious Lycian Chief replied. Why asks brave Diomede of my descent? For, as the leaves, such is the race of man.[11]175 The wind shakes down the leaves, the budding grove Soon teems with others, and in spring they grow. So pass mankind. One generation meets Its destined period, and a new succeeds. But since thou seem’st desirous to be taught180 My pedigree, whereof no few have heard, Know that in Argos, in the very lap Of Argos, for her steed-grazed meadows famed, Stands Ephyra;[12] there Sisyphus abode, Shrewdest of human kind; Sisyphus, named185 Æolides. Himself a son begat, Glaucus, and he Bellerophon, to whom The Gods both manly force and beauty gave. Him Prœtus (for in Argos at that time Prœtus was sovereign, to whose sceptre Jove190 Had subjected the land) plotting his death, Contrived to banish from his native home. For fair Anteia, wife of Prœtus, mad Through love of young Bellerophon, him oft In secret to illicit joys enticed;195 But she prevail’d not o’er the virtuous mind Discrete of whom she wooed; therefore a lie Framing, she royal Prœtus thus bespake. Die thou, or slay Bellerophon, who sought Of late to force me to his lewd embrace.200 So saying, the anger of the King she roused. Slay him himself he would not, for his heart Forbad the deed; him therefore he dismiss’d To Lycia, charged with tales of dire import Written in tablets,[13] which he bade him show,205 That he might perish, to Anteia’s sire. To Lycia then, conducted by the Gods, He went, and on the shores of Xanthus found Free entertainment noble at the hands Of Lycia’s potent King. Nine days complete210 He feasted him, and slew each day an ox. But when the tenth day’s ruddy morn appear’d, He asked him then his errand, and to see Those written tablets from his son-in-law. The letters seen, he bade him, first, destroy215 Chimæra, deem’d invincible, divine In nature, alien from the race of man, Lion in front, but dragon all behind, And in the midst a she-goat breathing forth Profuse the violence of flaming fire.220 Her, confident in signs from heaven, he slew. Next, with the men of Solymæ[14] he fought, Brave warriors far renown’d, with whom he waged, In his account, the fiercest of his wars. And lastly, when in battle he had slain225 The man-resisting Amazons, the king Another stratagem at his return Devised against him, placing close-conceal’d An ambush for him from the bravest chosen In Lycia; but they saw their homes no more;230 Bellerophon the valiant slew them all. The monarch hence collecting, at the last, His heavenly origin, him there detain’d, And gave him his own daughter, with the half Of all his royal dignity and power.235 The Lycians also, for his proper use, Large lot assigned him of their richest soil,[15] Commodious for the vine, or for the plow. And now his consort fair three children bore To bold Bellerophon; Isandrus one,240 And one, Hippolochus; his youngest born Laodamia was for beauty such That she became a concubine of Jove. She bore Sarpedon of heroic note. But when Bellerophon, at last, himself245 Had anger’d all the Gods, feeding on grief He roam’d alone the Aleian field, exiled, By choice, from every cheerful haunt of man. Mars, thirsty still for blood, his son destroy’d Isandrus, warring with the host renown’d250 Of Solymæ; and in her wrath divine Diana from her chariot golden-rein’d Laodamia slew. Myself I boast Sprung from Hippolochus; he sent me forth To fight for Troy, charging me much and oft255 That I should outstrip always all mankind In worth and valor, nor the house disgrace Of my forefathers, heroes without peer In Ephyra, and in Lycia’s wide domain. Such is my lineage; such the blood I boast.260 He ceased. Then valiant Diomede rejoiced. He pitch’d his spear, and to the Lycian Prince In terms of peace and amity replied. Thou art my own hereditary friend, Whose noble grandsire was the guest of mine.[16]265 For Oeneus, on a time, full twenty days Regaled Bellerophon, and pledges fair Of hospitality they interchanged. Oeneus a belt radiant with purple gave To brave Bellerophon, who in return270 Gave him a golden goblet. Coming forth I left the kind memorial safe at home. A child was I when Tydeus went to Thebes, Where the Achaians perish’d, and of him Hold no remembrance; but henceforth, my friend,275 Thine host am I in Argos, and thou mine In Lycia, should I chance to sojourn there. We will not clash. Trojans or aids of Troy No few the Gods shall furnish to my spear, Whom I may slaughter; and no want of Greeks280 On whom to prove thy prowess, thou shalt find. But it were well that an exchange ensued Between us; take mine armor, give me thine, That all who notice us may understand Our patrimonial[17] amity and love.285 So they, and each alighting, hand in hand Stood lock’d, faith promising and firm accord. Then Jove of sober judgment so bereft Infatuate Glaucus that with Tydeus’ son He barter’d gold for brass, an hundred beeves290 In value, for the value small of nine. But Hector at the Scæan gate and beech[18] Meantime arrived, to whose approach the wives And daughters flock’d of Troy, inquiring each The fate of husband, brother, son, or friend.295 He bade them all with solemn prayer the Gods Seek fervent, for that wo was on the wing. But when he enter’d Priam’s palace, built With splendid porticoes, and which within Had fifty chambers lined with polish’d stone,300 Contiguous all, where Priam’s sons reposed And his sons’ wives, and where, on the other side. In twelve magnificent chambers also lined With polish’d marble and contiguous all, The sons-in-law of Priam lay beside305 His spotless daughters, there the mother queen Seeking the chamber of Laodice, Loveliest of all her children, as she went Met Hector. On his hand she hung and said: Why leavest thou, O my son! the dangerous field?310 I fear that the Achaians (hateful name!) Compass the walls so closely, that thou seek’st Urged by distress the citadel, to lift Thine hands in prayer to Jove? But pause awhile Till I shall bring thee wine, that having pour’d315 Libation rich to Jove and to the powers Immortal, thou may’st drink and be refresh’d. For wine is mighty to renew the strength Of weary man, and weary thou must be Thyself, thus long defending us and ours.320 To whom her son majestic thus replied. My mother, whom I reverence! cheering wine Bring none to me, lest I forget my might.[19] I fear, beside, with unwash’d hands to pour Libation forth of sable wine to Jove,325 And dare on none account, thus blood-defiled,[20] Approach the tempest-stirring God in prayer. Thou, therefore, gathering all our matrons, seek The fane of Pallas, huntress of the spoil, Bearing sweet incense; but from the attire330 Treasured within thy chamber, first select The amplest robe, most exquisitely wrought, And which thou prizest most—then spread the gift On Athenæan Pallas’ lap divine. Twelve heifers also of the year, untouch’d335 With puncture of the goad, promise to slay In sacrifice, if she will pity Troy, Our wives and little ones, and will avert The son of Tydeus from these sacred towers, That dreadful Chief, terror of all our host.340 Go then, my mother, seek the hallowed fane Of the spoil-huntress Deity. I, the while, Seek Paris, and if Paris yet can hear, Shall call him forth. But oh that earth would yawn And swallow him, whom Jove hath made a curse345 To Troy, to Priam, and to all his house; Methinks, to see him plunged into the shades For ever, were a cure for all my woes. He ceased; the Queen, her palace entering, charged Her maidens; they, incontinent, throughout350 All Troy convened the matrons, as she bade. Meantime into her wardrobe incense-fumed, Herself descended; there her treasures lay, Works of Sidonian women,[21] whom her son The godlike Paris, when he cross’d the seas355 With Jove-begotten Helen, brought to Troy. The most magnificent, and varied most With colors radiant, from the rest she chose For Pallas; vivid as a star it shone, And lowest lay of all. Then forth she went,360 The Trojan matrons all following her steps. But when the long procession reach’d the fane Of Pallas in the heights of Troy, to them The fair Theano ope’d the portals wide, Daughter of Cisseus, brave Antenor’s spouse,365 And by appointment public, at that time, Priestess of Pallas. All with lifted hands[22] In presence of Minerva wept aloud. Beauteous Theano on the Goddess’ lap Then spread the robe, and to the daughter fair370 Of Jove omnipotent her suit address’d. Goddess[23] of Goddesses, our city’s shield, Adored Minerva, hear! oh! break the lance Of Diomede, and give himself to fall Prone in the dust before the Scæan gate.375 So will we offer to thee at thy shrine, This day twelve heifers of the year, untouch’d By yoke or goad, if thou wilt pity show To Troy, and save our children and our wives. Such prayer the priestess offer’d, and such prayer380 All present; whom Minerva heard averse. But Hector to the palace sped meantime Of Alexander, which himself had built, Aided by every architect of name Illustrious then in Troy. Chamber it had,385 Wide hall, proud dome, and on the heights of Troy Near-neighboring Hector’s house and Priam’s stood. There enter’d Hector, Jove-beloved, a spear Its length eleven cubits in his hand, Its glittering head bound with a ring of gold.390 He found within his chamber whom he sought, Polishing with exactest care his arms Resplendent, shield and hauberk fingering o’er With curious touch, and tampering with his bow.[24] Helen of Argos with her female train395 Sat occupied, the while, to each in turn Some splendid task assigning. Hector fix’d His eyes on Paris, and him stern rebuked. Thy sullen humors, Paris, are ill-timed. The people perish at our lofty walls;400 The flames of war have compass’d Troy around And thou hast kindled them; who yet thyself That slackness show’st which in another seen Thou would’st resent to death. Haste, seek the field This moment, lest, the next, all Ilium blaze.405 To whom thus Paris, graceful as a God. Since, Hector, thou hast charged me with a fault, And not unjustly, I will answer make, And give thou special heed. That here I sit, The cause is sorrow, which I wish’d to soothe410 In secret, not displeasure or revenge. I tell thee also, that even now my wife Was urgent with me in most soothing terms That I would forth to battle; and myself, Aware that victory oft changes sides,415 That course prefer. Wait, therefore, thou awhile, Till I shall dress me for the fight, or go Thou first, and I will overtake thee soon. He ceased, to whom brave Hector answer none Return’d, when Helen him with lenient speech420 Accosted mild.[25] My brother! who in me Hast found a sister worthy of thy hate, Authoress of all calamity to Troy, Oh that the winds, the day when I was born, Had swept me out of sight, whirl’d me aloft425 To some inhospitable mountain-top, Or plunged me in the deep; there I had sunk O’erwhelm’d, and all these ills had never been. But since the Gods would bring these ills to pass, I should, at least, some worthier mate have chosen,430 One not insensible to public shame. But this, oh this, nor hath nor will acquire Hereafter, aught which like discretion shows Or reason, and shall find his just reward. But enter; take this seat; for who as thou435 Labors, or who hath cause like thee to rue The crime, my brother, for which Heaven hath doom’d Both Paris and my most detested self To be the burthens of an endless song? To whom the warlike Hector huge[26] replied.440 Me bid not, Helen, to a seat, howe’er Thou wish my stay, for thou must not prevail. The Trojans miss me, and myself no less Am anxious to return. But urge in haste This loiterer forth; yea, let him urge himself445 To overtake me ere I quit the town. For I must home in haste, that I may see My loved Andromache, my infant boy, And my domestics, ignorant if e’er I shall behold them more, or if my fate450 Ordain me now to fall by Grecian hands. So spake the dauntless hero, and withdrew. But reaching soon his own well-built abode He found not fair Andromache; she stood Lamenting Hector, with the nurse who bore455 Her infant, on a turret’s top sublime. He then, not finding his chaste spouse within, Thus from the portal, of her train inquired. Tell me, ye maidens, whither went from home Andromache the fair?[27] Went she to see460 Her female kindred of my father’s house, Or to Minerva’s temple, where convened The bright-hair’d matrons of the city seek To soothe the awful Goddess? Tell me true. To whom his household’s governess discreet.465 Since, Hector, truth is thy demand, receive True answer. Neither went she forth to see Her female kindred of thy father’s house, Nor to Minerva’s temple, where convened The bright-haired matrons of the city seek470 To soothe the awful Goddess; but she went Hence to the tower of Troy: for she had heard That the Achaians had prevail’d, and driven The Trojans to the walls; she, therefore, wild With grief, flew thither, and the nurse her steps475 Attended, with thy infant in her arms. So spake the prudent governess; whose words When Hector heard, issuing from his door He backward trod with hasty steps the streets Of lofty Troy, and having traversed all480 The spacious city, when he now approach’d The Scæan gate, whence he must seek the field, There, hasting home again his noble wife Met him, Andromache the rich-endow’d Fair daughter of Eëtion famed in arms.485 Eëtion, who in Hypoplacian Thebes Umbrageous dwelt, Cilicia’s mighty lord— His daughter valiant Hector had espoused. There she encounter’d him, and with herself The nurse came also, bearing in her arms490 Hectorides, his infant darling boy, Beautiful as a star. Him Hector called Scamandrios, but Astyanax[28] all else In Ilium named him, for that Hector’s arm Alone was the defence and strength of Troy.495 The father, silent, eyed his babe, and smiled. Andromache, meantime, before him stood, With streaming cheeks, hung on his hand, and said. Thy own great courage will cut short thy days, My noble Hector! neither pitiest thou500 Thy helpless infant, or my hapless self, Whose widowhood is near; for thou wilt fall Ere long, assail’d by the whole host of Greece. Then let me to the tomb, my best retreat When thou art slain. For comfort none or joy505 Can I expect, thy day of life extinct, But thenceforth, sorrow. Father I have none; No mother. When Cilicia’s city, Thebes The populous, was by Achilles sack’d. He slew my father; yet his gorgeous arms510 Stripp’d not through reverence of him, but consumed, Arm’d as it was, his body on the pile, And heap’d his tomb, which the Oreades, Jove’s daughters, had with elms inclosed around.[29] My seven brothers, glory of our house,515 All in one day descended to the shades; For brave Achilles,[30] while they fed their herds And snowy flocks together, slew them all. My mother, Queen of the well-wooded realm Of Hypoplacian Thebes, her hither brought520 Among his other spoils, he loosed again At an inestimable ransom-price, But by Diana pierced, she died at home. Yet Hector—oh my husband! I in thee Find parents, brothers, all that I have lost.525 Come! have compassion on us. Go not hence, But guard this turret, lest of me thou make A widow, and an orphan of thy boy. The city walls are easiest of ascent At yonder fig-tree; station there thy powers;530 For whether by a prophet warn’d, or taught By search and observation, in that part Each Ajax with Idomeneus of Crete, The sons of Atreus, and the valiant son Of Tydeus, have now thrice assail’d the town.535 To whom the leader of the host of Troy. These cares, Andromache, which thee engage, All touch me also; but I dread to incur The scorn of male and female tongues in Troy, If, dastard-like, I should decline the fight.540 Nor feel I such a wish. No. I have learn’d To be courageous ever, in the van Among the flower of Ilium to assert My glorious father’s honor, and my own. For that the day shall come when sacred Troy,545 When Priam, and the people of the old Spear-practised King shall perish, well I know. But for no Trojan sorrows yet to come So much I mourn, not e’en for Hecuba, Nor yet for Priam, nor for all the brave550 Of my own brothers who shall kiss the dust, As for thyself, when some Achaian Chief Shall have convey’d thee weeping hence, thy sun Of peace and liberty for ever set. Then shalt thou toil in Argos at the loom555 For a task-mistress, and constrain’d shalt draw From Hypereïa’s fount,[31] or from the fount Messeïs, water at her proud command. Some Grecian then, seeing thy tears, shall say— “This was the wife of Hector, who excell’d560 All Troy in fight when Ilium was besieged.” Such he shall speak thee, and thy heart, the while, Shall bleed afresh through want of such a friend To stand between captivity and thee. But may I rest beneath my hill of earth565 Or ere that day arrive! I would not live To hear thy cries, and see thee torn away. So saying, illustrious Hector stretch’d his arms Forth to his son, but with a scream, the child Fell back into the bosom of his nurse,570 His father’s aspect dreading, whose bright arms He had attentive mark’d and shaggy crest Playing tremendous o’er his helmet’s height. His father and his gentle mother laugh’d,[32] And noble Hector lifting from his head575 His dazzling helmet, placed it on the ground, Then kiss’d his boy and dandled him, and thus In earnest prayer the heavenly powers implored. Hear all ye Gods! as ye have given to me, So also on my son excelling might580 Bestow, with chief authority in Troy. And be his record this, in time to come, When he returns from battle. Lo! how far The son excels the sire! May every foe Fall under him, and he come laden home585 With spoils blood-stain’d to his dear mother’s joy. He said, and gave his infant to the arms Of his Andromache, who him received Into her fragrant bosom, bitter tears With sweet smiles mingling; he with pity moved590 That sight observed, soft touch’d her cheek, and said, Mourn not, my loved Andromache, for me Too much; no man shall send me to the shades Of Tartarus, ere mine allotted hour, Nor lives he who can overpass the date595 By heaven assign’d him, be he base or brave.[33] Go then, and occupy content at home The woman’s province; ply the distaff, spin And weave, and task thy maidens. War belongs To man; to all men; and of all who first600 Drew vital breath in Ilium, most to me.[34]
He ceased, and from the ground his helmet raised Hair-crested; his Andromache, at once Obedient, to her home repair’d, but oft Turn’d as she went, and, turning, wept afresh.605 No sooner at the palace she arrived Of havoc-spreading Hector, than among Her numerous maidens found within, she raised A general lamentation; with one voice, In his own house, his whole domestic train610 Mourn’d Hector, yet alive; for none the hope Conceived of his escape from Grecian hands, Or to behold their living master more. Nor Paris in his stately mansion long Delay’d, but, arm’d resplendent, traversed swift615 The city, all alacrity and joy. As some stall’d horse high-fed, his stable-cord Snapt short, beats under foot the sounding plain, Accustomed in smooth-sliding streams to lave Exulting; high he bears his head, his mane620 Undulates o’er his shoulders, pleased he eyes His glossy sides, and borne on pliant knees Shoots to the meadow where his fellows graze; So Paris, son of Priam, from the heights Of Pergamus into the streets of Troy,625 All dazzling as the sun, descended, flush’d With martial pride, and bounding in his course. At once he came where noble Hector stood Now turning, after conference with his spouse, When godlike Alexander thus began.630 My hero brother, thou hast surely found My long delay most irksome. More dispatch Had pleased thee more, for such was thy command. To whom the warlike Hector thus replied. No man, judicious, and in feat of arms635 Intelligent, would pour contempt on thee (For thou art valiant) wert thou not remiss And wilful negligent; and when I hear The very men who labor in thy cause Reviling thee, I make thy shame my own.640 But let us on. All such complaints shall cease Hereafter, and thy faults be touch’d no more, Let Jove but once afford us riddance clear Of these Achaians, and to quaff the cup Of liberty, before the living Gods.645
It may be observed, that Hector begins to resume his hope of success, and his warlike spirit is roused again, as he approaches the field of action. The depressing effect of his sad interview is wearing away from his mind, and he is already prepared for the battle with Ajax, which awaits him.
The student who has once read this book, will read it again and again. It contains much that is addressed to the deepest feelings of our common nature, and, despite of the long interval of time which lies between our age and the Homeric—despite the manifold changes of customs, habits, pursuits, and the advances that have been made in civilization and art—despite of all these, the universal spirit of humanity will recognize in these scenes much of that true poetry which delights alike all ages, all nations, all men.—Felton.
VII. ARGUMENT OF THE SEVENTH BOOK
Ajax and Hector engage in single combat. The Grecians fortify their camp.
Book VII
So saying, illustrious Hector through the gates To battle rush’d, with Paris at his side, And both were bent on deeds of high renown. As when the Gods vouchsafe propitious gales To longing mariners, who with smooth oars5 Threshing the waves have all their strength consumed, So them the longing Trojans glad received. At once each slew a Grecian. Paris slew Menesthius who in Arna dwelt, the son Of Areithoüs, club-bearing chief,10 And of Philomedusa radiant-eyed. But Hector wounded with his glittering spear Eïoneus; he pierced his neck beneath His brazen morion’s verge, and dead he fell. Then Glaucus, leader of the Lycian host,15 Son of Hippolochus, in furious fight Iphinoüs son of Dexias assail’d, Mounting his rapid mares, and with his lance His shoulder pierced; unhorsed he fell and died. Such slaughter of the Grecians in fierce fight20 Minerva noting, from the Olympian hills Flew down to sacred Ilium; whose approach Marking from Pergamus, Apollo flew To meet her, ardent on the part of Troy. Beneath the beech they join’d, when first the King,25 The son of Jove, Apollo thus began.
Daughter of Jove supreme! why hast thou left Olympus, and with such impetuous speed? Comest thou to give the Danaï success Decisive? For I know that pity none30 Thou feel’st for Trojans, perish as they may But if advice of mine can influence thee To that which shall be best, let us compose This day the furious fight which shall again Hereafter rage, till Ilium be destroy’d.35 Since such is Juno’s pleasure and thy own. Him answer’d then Pallas cærulean-eyed. Celestial archer! be it so. I came Myself so purposing into the field From the Olympian heights. But by what means40 Wilt thou induce the warriors to a pause? To whom the King, the son of Jove, replied. The courage of equestrian Hector bold Let us excite, that he may challenge forth To single conflict terrible some chief45 Achaian. The Achaians brazen-mail’d Indignant, will supply a champion soon To combat with the noble Chief of Troy. So spake Apollo, and his counsel pleased Minerva; which when Helenus the seer,50 Priam’s own son, in his prophetic soul Perceived, approaching Hector, thus he spake. Jove’s peer in wisdom, Hector, Priam’s son! I am thy brother. Wilt thou list to me? Bid cease the battle. Bid both armies sit.55 Call first, thyself, the mightiest of the Greeks To single conflict. I have heard the voice Of the Eternal Gods, and well-assured Foretell thee that thy death not now impends. He spake, whom Hector heard with joy elate.60 Before his van striding into the space Both hosts between, he with his spear transverse[1] Press’d back the Trojans, and they sat. Down sat The well-greaved Grecians also at command Of Agamemnon; and in shape assumed65 Of vultures, Pallas and Apollo perch’d High on the lofty beech sacred to Jove The father Ægis-arm’d; delighted thence They view’d the peopled plain horrent around With shields and helms and glittering spears erect.70 As when fresh-blowing Zephyrus the flood Sweeps first, the ocean blackens at the blast, Such seem’d the plain whereon the Achaians sat And Trojans, whom between thus Hector spake. Ye Trojans and Achaians brazen-greaved,75 Attend while I shall speak! Jove high-enthroned Hath not fulfill’d the truce, but evil plans Against both hosts, till either ye shall take Troy’s lofty towers, or shall yourselves in flight Fall vanquish’d at your billow-cleaving barks.80 With you is all the flower of Greece.[2] Let him Whose heart shall move him to encounter sole Illustrious Hector, from among you all Stand forth, and Jove be witness to us both. If he, with his long-pointed lance, of life85 Shall me bereave, my armor is his prize, Which he shall hence into your fleet convey; Not so my body; that he shall resign For burial to the men and wives of Troy. But if Apollo make the glory mine,90 And he fall vanquish’d, him will I despoil, And hence conveying into sacred Troy His arms, will in the temple hang them high[3] Of the bow-bender God, but I will send His body to the fleet, that him the Greeks95 May grace with rights funereal. On the banks Of wide-spread Hellespont ye shall upraise His tomb, and as they cleave with oary barks The sable deep, posterity shall say— “It is a warrior’s tomb; in ancient days100 The Hero died; him warlike Hector slew.” So men shall speak hereafter, and my fame Who slew him, and my praise, shall never die. He ceased, and all sat mute. His challenge bold None dared accept, which yet they blush’d to shun,105 Till Menelaus, at the last, arose Groaning profound, and thus reproach’d the Greeks. Ah boasters! henceforth women—men no more— Eternal shame, shame infinite is ours, If none of all the Grecians dares contend110 With Hector. Dastards—deaf to glory’s call— Rot where ye sit! I will myself take arms Against him, for the gods alone dispose, At their own pleasure, the events of war. He ended, and put on his radiant arms.115 Then, Menelaus, manifest appear’d Thy death approaching by the dreadful hands Of Hector, mightier far in arms than thou, But that the Chiefs of the Achaians all Upstarting stay’d thee, and himself the King,120 The son of Atreus, on thy better hand Seizing affectionate, thee thus address’d. Thou ravest, my royal brother! and art seized With needless frenzy. But, however chafed, Restrain thy wrath, nor covet to contend125 With Priameian Hector, whom in fight All dread, a warrior thy superior far. Not even Achilles, in the glorious field (Though stronger far than thou) this hero meets Undaunted. Go then, and thy seat resume130 In thy own band; the Achaians shall for him, Doubtless, some fitter champion furnish forth. Brave though he be, and with the toils of war Insatiable, he shall be willing yet, Seated on his bent knees, to breathe a while,135 Should he escape the arduous brunt severe. So saying, the hero by his counsel wise His brother’s purpose alter’d; he complied, And his glad servants eased him of his arms. Then Nestor thus the Argive host bespake.140 Great wo, ye Gods! hath on Achaia fallen. Now may the warlike Pelaus, hoary Chief, Who both with eloquence and wisdom rules The Myrmidons, our foul disgrace deplore. With him discoursing, erst, of ancient times,145 When all your pedigrees I traced, I made His heart bound in him at the proud report. But now, when he shall learn how here we sat Cowering at the foot of Hector, he shall oft His hands uplift to the immortal Gods,150 Praying a swift release into the shades. Jove! Pallas! Phœbus! Oh that I were young As when the Pylians in fierce fight engaged The Arcadians spear-expert, beside the stream Of rapid Celadon! Beneath the walls155 We fought of Pheia, where the Jardan rolls. There Ereuthalion, Chief of godlike form, Stood forth before his van, and with loud voice Defied the Pylians. Arm’d he was in steel By royal Areïthous whilom worn;160 Brave Areïthous, Corynetes[4] named By every tongue; for that in bow and spear Nought trusted he, but with an iron mace The close-embattled phalanx shatter’d wide. Him by address, not by superior force,165 Lycurgus vanquish’d, in a narrow pass, Where him his iron whirl-bat[5] nought avail’d. Lycurgus stealing on him, with his lance Transpierced and fix’d him to the soil supine. Him of his arms, bright gift of brazen Mars,170 He stripp’d, which after, in the embattled field Lycurgus wore himself, but, growing old, Surrender’d them to Ereuthalion’s use His armor-bearer, high in his esteem, And Ereuthalion wore them on the day175 When he defied our best. All hung their heads And trembled; none dared meet him; till at last With inborn courage warm’d, and nought dismayed, Though youngest of them all, I undertook That contest, and, by Pallas’ aid, prevail’d.180 I slew the man in height and bulk all men Surpassing, and much soil he cover’d slain. Oh for the vigor of those better days! Then should not Hector want a champion long, Whose call to combat, ye, although the prime185 And pride of all our land, seem slow to hear. He spake reproachful, when at once arose Nine heroes. Agamemnon, King of men, Foremost arose; then Tydeus’ mighty son, With either Ajax in fierce prowess clad;190 The Cretan next, Idomeneus, with whom Uprose Meriones his friend approved, Terrible as the man-destroyer Mars. Evæmon’s noble offspring next appear’d Eurypylus; Andræmon’s son the next195 Thoas; and last, Ulysses, glorious Chief. All these stood ready to engage in arms With warlike Hector, when the ancient King, Gerenian Nestor, thus his speech resumed. Now cast the lot for all. Who wins the chance200 Shall yield Achaia service, and himself Serve also, if successful he escape This brunt of hostile hardiment severe. So Nestor. They, inscribing each his lot, Into the helmet cast it of the son205 Of Atreus, Agamemnon. Then the host Pray’d all, their hands uplifting, and with eyes To the wide heavens directed, many said[6]— Eternal sire! choose Ajax, or the son Of Tydeus, or the King himself[7] who sways210 The sceptre in Mycenæ wealth-renown’d! Such prayer the people made; then Nestor shook The helmet, and forth leaped, whose most they wished, The lot of Ajax. Throughout all the host To every chief and potentate of Greece,215 From right to left the herald bore the lot By all disown’d; but when at length he reach’d The inscriber of the lot, who cast it in, Illustrious Ajax, in his open palm The herald placed it, standing at his side.220 He, conscious, with heroic joy the lot Cast at his foot, and thus exclaim’d aloud. My friends! the lot is mine,[8] and my own heart Rejoices also; for I nothing doubt That noble Hector shall be foil’d by me.225 But while I put mine armor on, pray all In silence to the King Saturnian Jove, Lest, while ye pray, the Trojans overhear. Or pray aloud, for whom have we to dread? No man shall my firm standing by his strength230 Unsettle, or for ignorance of mine Me vanquish, who, I hope, brought forth and train’d In Salamis, have, now, not much to learn. He ended. They with heaven-directed eyes The King in prayer address’d, Saturnian Jove.235 Jove! glorious father! who from Ida’s height Controlest all below, let Ajax prove Victorious; make the honor all his own! Or, if not less than Ajax, Hector share Thy love and thy regard, divide the prize240 Of glory, and let each achieve renown! Then Ajax put his radiant armor on, And, arm’d complete, rush’d forward. As huge Mars To battle moves the sons of men between Whom Jove with heart-devouring thirst inspires245 Of war, so moved huge Ajax to the fight, Tower of the Greeks, dilating with a smile His martial features terrible; on feet, Firm-planted, to the combat he advanced Stride after stride, and shook his quivering spear.250 Him viewing, Argos’ universal host Exulted, while a panic loosed the knees Of every Trojan; even Hector’s heart Beat double, but escape for him remain’d None now, or to retreat into his ranks255 Again, from whom himself had challenged forth. Ajax advancing like a tower his shield Sevenfold, approach’d. It was the labor’d work Of Tychius, armorer of matchless skill, Who dwelt in Hyla; coated with the hides260 Of seven high-pamper’d bulls that shield he framed For Ajax, and the disk plated with brass. Advancing it before his breast, the son Of Telamon approach’d the Trojan Chief, And face to face, him threatening, thus began.265 Now, Hector, prove, by me alone opposed, What Chiefs the Danaï can furnish forth In absence of the lion-hearted prince Achilles, breaker of the ranks of war. He, in his billow-cleaving barks incensed270 Against our leader Agamemnon, lies; But warriors of my measure, who may serve To cope with thee, we want not; numerous such Are found amongst us. But begin the fight. To whom majestic Hector fierce in arms.275 Ajax! heroic leader of the Greeks! Offspring of Telamon! essay not me With words to terrify, as I were boy. Or girl unskill’d in war;[9] I am a man Well exercised in battle, who have shed280 The blood of many a warrior, and have learn’d, From hand to hand shifting my shield, to fight Unwearied; I can make a sport of war, In standing fight adjusting all my steps To martial measures sweet, or vaulting light285 Into my chariot, thence can urge the foe. Yet in contention with a Chief like thee I will employ no stratagem, or seek To smite thee privily, but with a stroke (If I may reach thee) visible to all.290 So saying, he shook, then hurl’d his massy spear At Ajax, and his broad shield sevenfold On its eighth surface of resplendent brass Smote full; six hides the unblunted weapon pierced, But in the seventh stood rooted. Ajax, next,295 Heroic Chief, hurl’d his long shadow’d spear And struck the oval shield of Priam’s son. Through his bright disk the weapon tempest-driven Glided, and in his hauberk-rings infixt At his soft flank, ripp’d wide his vest within.300 Inclined oblique he ’scaped the dreadful doom Then each from other’s shield his massy spear Recovering quick, like lions hunger-pinch’d Or wild boars irresistible in force, They fell to close encounter. Priam’s son305 The shield of Ajax at its centre smote, But fail’d to pierce it, for he bent his point. Sprang Ajax then, and meeting full the targe Of Hector, shock’d him; through it and beyond He urged the weapon with its sliding edge310 Athwart his neck, and blood was seen to start. But still, for no such cause, from battle ceased Crest-tossing Hector, but retiring, seized A huge stone angled sharp and black with age That on the champain lay. The bull-hide guard315 Sevenfold of Ajax with that stone he smote Full on its centre; sang the circling brass. Then Ajax far a heavier stone upheaved; He whirled it, and with might immeasurable Dismiss’d the mass, which with a mill-stone weight320 Sank through the shield of Hector, and his knees Disabled; with his shield supine he fell, But by Apollo raised, stood soon again. And now, with swords they had each other hewn, Had not the messengers of Gods and men325 The heralds wise, Idæus on the part Of Ilium, and Talthybius for the Greeks, Advancing interposed. His sceptre each Between them held, and thus Idæus spake.[10] My children, cease! prolong not still the fight.330 Ye both are dear to cloud-assembler Jove, Both valiant, and all know it. But the Night Hath fallen, and Night’s command must be obeyed. To him the son of Telamon replied. Idæus! bid thy master speak as thou.335 He is the challenger. If such his choice, Mine differs not; I wait but to comply. Him answer’d then heroic Hector huge. Since, Ajax, the immortal powers on thee Have bulk pre-eminent and strength bestow’d,340 With such address in battle, that the host Of Greece hath not thine equal at the spear, Now let the combat cease. We shall not want More fair occasion; on some future day We will not part till all-disposing heaven345 Shall give thee victory, or shall make her mine. But Night hath fallen, and Night must be obey’d, That them may’st gratify with thy return The Achaians, and especially thy friends And thy own countrymen. I go, no less350 To exhilarate in Priam’s royal town Men and robed matrons, who shall seek the Gods For me, with pious ceremonial due. But come. We will exchange, or ere we part, Some princely gift, that Greece and Troy may say355 Hereafter, with soul-wasting rage they fought, But parted with the gentleness of friends. So saying, he with his sheath and belt a sword Presented bright-emboss’d, and a bright belt Purpureal[11] took from Ajax in return.360 Thus separated, one the Grecians sought, And one the Trojans; they when him they saw From the unconquer’d hands return’d alive Of Ajax, with delight their Chief received, And to the city led him, double joy365 Conceiving all at his unhoped escape. On the other side, the Grecians brazen-mail’d To noble Agamemnon introduced Exulting Ajax, and the King of men In honor of the conqueror slew an ox370 Of the fifth year to Jove omnipotent. Him flaying first, they carved him next and spread The whole abroad, then, scoring deep the flesh, They pierced it with the spits, and from the spits (Once roasted well) withdrew it all again.375 Their labor thus accomplish’d, and the board Furnish’d with plenteous cheer, they feasted all Till all were satisfied; nor Ajax miss’d The conqueror’s meed, to whom the hero-king Wide-ruling Agamemnon, gave the chine[12]380 Perpetual,[13] his distinguish’d portion due. The calls of hunger and of thirst at length Both well sufficed, thus, foremost of them all The ancient Nestor, whose advice had oft Proved salutary, prudent thus began.385 Chiefs of Achaia, and thou, chief of all, Great Agamemnon! Many of our host Lie slain, whose blood sprinkles, in battle shed, The banks of smooth Scamander, and their souls Have journey’d down into the realms of death.390 To-morrow, therefore, let the battle pause As need requires, and at the peep of day With mules and oxen, wheel ye from all parts The dead, that we may burn them near the fleet. So, home to Greece returning, will we give395 The fathers’ ashes to the children’s care. Accumulating next, the pile around, One common tomb for all, with brisk dispatch We will upbuild for more secure defence Of us and of our fleet, strong towers and tall400 Adjoining to the tomb, and every tower Shall have its ponderous gate, commodious pass Affording to the mounted charioteer. And last, without those towers and at their foot, Dig we a trench, which compassing around405 Our camp, both steeds and warriors shall exclude, And all fierce inroad of the haughty foe. So counsell’d he, whom every Chief approved. In Troy meantime, at Priam’s gate beside The lofty citadel, debate began410 The assembled senators between, confused, Clamorous, and with furious heat pursued, When them Antenor, prudent, thus bespake. Ye Trojans, Dardans, and allies of Troy, My counsel hear! Delay not. Instant yield415 To the Atridæ, hence to be convey’d, Helen of Greece with all that is her own. For charged with violated oaths we fight, And hope I none conceive that aught by us Design’d shall prosper, unless so be done.420 He spake and sat; when from his seat arose Paris, fair Helen’s noble paramour, Who thus with speech impassion’d quick replied. Antenor! me thy counsel hath not pleased; Thou could’st have framed far better; but if this425 Be thy deliberate judgment, then the Gods Make thy deliberate judgment nothing worth. But I will speak myself. Ye Chiefs of Troy, I tell you plain. I will not yield my spouse. But all her treasures to our house convey’d430 From Argos, those will I resign, and add Still other compensation from my own. Thus Paris said and sat; when like the Gods Themselves in wisdom, from his seat uprose Dardanian Priam, who them thus address’d.435 Trojans, Dardanians, and allies of Troy! I shall declare my sentence; hear ye me. Now let the legions, as at other times, Take due refreshment; let the watch be set, And keep ye vigilant guard. At early dawn440 We will dispatch Idæus to the fleet, Who shall inform the Atridæ of this last Resolve of Paris, author of the war. Discreet Idæus also shall propose A respite (if the Atridæ so incline)445 From war’s dread clamor, while we burn the dead. Then will we clash again, till heaven at length Shall part us, and the doubtful strife decide. He ceased, whose voice the assembly pleased, obey’d. Then, troop by troop, the army took repast,450 And at the dawn Idæus sought the fleet. He found the Danaï, servants of Mars, Beside the stern of Agamemnon’s ship Consulting; and amid the assembled Chiefs Arrived, with utterance clear them thus address’d.455 Ye sons of Atreus, and ye Chiefs, the flower Of all Achaia! Priam and the Chiefs Of Ilium, bade me to your ear impart (If chance such embassy might please your ear) The mind of Paris, author of the war.460 The treasures which on board his ships he brought From Argos home (oh, had he perish’d first!) He yields them with addition from his own. Not so the consort of the glorious prince Brave Menelaus; her (although in Troy465 All counsel otherwise) he still detains. Thus too I have in charge. Are ye inclined That the dread sounding clamors of the field Be caused to cease till we shall burn the dead? Then will we clash again, till heaven at length470 Shall part us, and the doubtful strife decide. So spake Idæus, and all silent sat; Till at the last brave Diomede replied. No. We will none of Paris’ treasures now, Nor even Helen’s self. A child may see475 Destruction winging swift her course to Troy. He said. The admiring Greeks with loud applause All praised the speech of warlike Diomede, And answer thus the King of men return’d. Idæus! thou hast witness’d the resolve480 Of the Achaian Chiefs, whose choice is mine. But for the slain, I shall not envy them A funeral pile; the spirit fled, delay Suits not. Last rites can not too soon be paid. Burn them. And let high-thundering Jove attest485 Himself mine oath, that war shall cease the while. So saying, he to all the Gods upraised His sceptre, and Idæus homeward sped To sacred Ilium. The Dardanians there And Trojans, all assembled, his return490 Expected anxious. He amid them told Distinct his errand, when, at once dissolved, The whole assembly rose, these to collect The scatter’d bodies, those to gather wood; While on the other side, the Greeks arose495 As sudden, and all issuing from the fleet Sought fuel, some, and some, the scatter’d dead. Now from the gently-swelling flood profound The sun arising, with his earliest rays In his ascent to heaven smote on the fields.500 When Greeks and Trojans met. Scarce could the slain Be clear distinguish’d, but they cleansed from each His clotted gore with water, and warm tears Distilling copious, heaved them to the wains. But wailing none was heard, for such command505 Had Priam issued; therefore heaping high The bodies, silent and with sorrowing hearts They burn’d them, and to sacred Troy return’d. The Grecians also, on the funeral pile The bodies heaping sad, burn’d them with fire510 Together, and return’d into the fleet. Then, ere the peep of dawn, and while the veil Of night, though thinner, still o’erhung the earth, Achaians, chosen from the rest, the pile Encompass’d. With a tomb (one tomb for all)515 They crown’d the spot adust, and to the tomb (For safety of their fleet and of themselves) Strong fortress added of high wall and tower, With solid gates affording egress thence Commodious to the mounted charioteer;520 Deep foss and broad they also dug without, And planted it with piles. So toil’d the Greeks.
The Gods, that mighty labor, from beside The Thunderer’s throne with admiration view’d, When Neptune, shaker of the shores, began.525 Eternal father! is there on the face Of all the boundless earth one mortal man Who will, in times to come, consult with heaven? See’st thou yon height of wall, and yon deep trench With which the Grecians have their fleet inclosed,530 And, careless of our blessing, hecatomb Or invocation have presented none? Far as the day-spring shoots herself abroad, So far the glory of this work shall spread, While Phœbus and myself, who, toiling hard,535 Built walls for king Laomedon, shall see Forgotten all the labor of our hands. To whom, indignant, thus high-thundering Jove. Oh thou, who shakest the solid earth at will, What hast thou spoken? An inferior power,540 A god of less sufficiency than thou, Might be allowed some fear from such a cause. Fear not. Where’er the morning shoots her beams, Thy glory shall be known; and when the Greeks Shall seek their country through the waves again,545 Then break this bulwark down, submerge it whole, And spreading deep with sand the spacious shore As at the first, leave not a trace behind. Such conference held the Gods; and now the sun Went down, and, that great work perform’d, the Greeks550 From tent to tent slaughter’d the fatted ox And ate their evening cheer. Meantime arrived Large fleet with Lemnian wine; Euneus, son Of Jason and Hypsipile, that fleet From Lemnos freighted, and had stow’d on board555 A thousand measures from the rest apart For the Atridæ; but the host at large By traffic were supplied; some barter’d brass, Others bright steel; some purchased wine with hides, These with their cattle, with their captives those,560 And the whole host prepared a glad regale. All night the Grecians feasted, and the host Of Ilium, and all night deep-planning Jove Portended dire calamities to both, Thundering tremendous!—Pale was every cheek;565 Each pour’d his goblet on the ground, nor dared The hardiest drink, till he had first perform’d Libation meet to the Saturnian King Omnipotent; then, all retiring, sought Their couches, and partook the gift of sleep.570
VIII. ARGUMENT OF THE EIGHTH BOOK
Jove calls a council, in which he forbids all interference of the Gods between the Greeks and Trojans. He repairs to Ida, where, having consulted the scales of destiny, he directs his lightning against the Grecians. Nestor is endangered by the death of one of his horses. Diomede delivers him. In the chariot of Diomede they both hasten to engage Hector, whose charioteer is slain by Diomede. Jupiter again interposes by his thunders, and the whole Grecian host, discomfited, is obliged to seek refuge within the rampart. Diomede, with others, at sight of a favorable omen sent from Jove in answer to Agamemnon’s prayer, sallies. Teucer performs great exploits, but is disabled by Hector. Juno and Pallas set forth from Olympus in aid of the Grecians, but are stopped by Jupiter, who reascends from Ida, and in heaven foretells the distresses which await the Grecians.
Hector takes measures for the security of Troy during the night, and prepares his host for an assault to be made on the Grecian camp in the morning.