Book XII
So was Menœtius’ gallant son employ’d Healing Eurypylus. The Greeks, meantime, And Trojans with tumultuous fury fought. Nor was the foss ordain’d long time to exclude The host of Troy, nor yet the rampart built5 Beside it for protection of the fleet; For hecatomb the Greeks had offer’d none, Nor prayer to heaven, that it might keep secure Their ships with all their spoils. The mighty work As in defiance of the Immortal Powers10 Had risen, and could not therefore long endure. While Hector lived, and while Achilles held His wrathful purpose; while the city yet Of royal Priam was unsack’d, so long The massy structure stood; but when the best15 And bravest of the Trojan host were slain, And of the Grecian heroes, some had fallen And some survived, when Priam’s towers had blazed In the tenth year, and to their native shores The Grecians with their ships, at length, return’d,20 Then Neptune, with Apollo leagued, devised Its ruin; every river that descends From the Idæan heights into the sea They brought against it, gathering all their force. Rhesus, Caresus, Rhodius, the wide-branch’d25 Heptaporus, Æsepus, Granicus, Scamander’s sacred current, and thy stream Simöis, whose banks with helmets and with shields Were strew’d, and Chiefs of origin divine; All these with refluent course Apollo drove30 Nine days against the rampart, and Jove rain’d Incessant, that the Grecian wall wave-whelm’d Through all its length might sudden disappear. Neptune with his tridental mace, himself, Led them, and beam and buttress to the flood35 Consigning, laid by the laborious Greeks, Swept the foundation, and the level bank Of the swift-rolling Hellespont restored. The structure thus effaced, the spacious beach He spread with sand as at the first; then bade40 Subside the streams, and in their channels wind With limpid course, and pleasant as before, Apollo thus and Neptune, from the first, Design’d its fall; but now the battle raved And clamors of the warriors all around45 The strong-built turrets, whose assaulted planks Rang, while the Grecians, by the scourge of Jove Subdued, stood close within their fleet immured, At Hector’s phalanx-scattering force appall’d. He, as before, with whirlwind fury fought.50 As when the boar or lion fiery-eyed Turns short, the hunters and the hounds among, The close-embattled troop him firm oppose, And ply him fast with spears; he no dismay Conceives or terror in his noble heart,55 But by his courage falls; frequent he turns Attempting bold the ranks, and where he points Direct his onset, there the ranks retire; So, through the concourse on his rolling wheels Borne rapid, Hector animated loud60 His fellow-warriors to surpass the trench. But not his own swift-footed steeds would dare That hazard; standing on the dangerous brink They neigh’d aloud, for by its breadth the foss Deterr’d them; neither was the effort slight65 To leap that gulf, nor easy the attempt To pass it through; steep were the banks profound On both sides, and with massy piles acute Thick-planted, interdicting all assault. No courser to the rapid chariot braced70 Had enter’d there with ease; yet strong desires Possess’d the infantry of that emprize, And thus Polydamas the ear address’d Of dauntless Hector, standing at his side. Hector, and ye the leaders of our host,75 Both Trojans and allies! rash the attempt I deem, and vain, to push our horses through, So dangerous is the pass; rough is the trench With pointed stakes, and the Achaian wall Meets us beyond. No chariot may descend80 Or charioteer fight there; strait are the bounds, And incommodious, and his death were sure. If Jove, high-thundering Ruler of the skies, Will succor Ilium, and nought less intend Than utter devastation of the Greeks,85 I am content; now perish all their host Inglorious, from their country far remote. But should they turn, and should ourselves be driven Back from the fleet impeded and perplex’d In this deep foss, I judge that not a man,90 ’Scaping the rallied Grecians, should survive To bear the tidings of our fate to Troy. Now, therefore, act we all as I advise. Let every charioteer his coursers hold Fast-rein’d beside the foss, while we on foot,95 With order undisturb’d and arms in hand, Shall follow Hector. If destruction borne On wings of destiny this day approach The Grecians, they will fly our first assault. So spake Polydamas, whose safe advice100 Pleased Hector; from his chariot to the ground All arm’d he leap’d, nor would a Trojan there (When once they saw the Hero on his feet) Ride into battle, but unanimous Descending with a leap, all trod the plain.105 Each gave command that at the trench his steeds Should stand detain’d in orderly array; Then, suddenly, the parted host became Five bands, each following its appointed chief. The bravest and most numerous, and whose hearts110 Wish’d most to burst the barrier and to wage The battle at the ships, with Hector march’d And with Polydamas, whom follow’d, third, Cebriones; for Hector had his steeds Consign’d and chariot to inferior care.115 Paris, Alcathoüs, and Agenor led The second band, and, sons of Priam both, Deïphobus and Helenus, the third; With them was seen partner of their command; The Hero Asius; from Arisba came120 Asius Hyrtacides, to battle drawn From the Selleïs banks by martial steeds Hair’d fiery-red and of the noblest size. The fourth, Anchises’ mighty son controll’d, Æneas; under him Antenor’s sons,125 Archilochus and Acamas, advanced, Adept in all the practice of the field. Last came the glorious powers in league with Troy Led by Sarpedon; he with Glaucus shared His high control, and with the warlike Chief130 Asteropæus; for of all his host Them bravest he esteem’d, himself except Superior in heroic might to all. And now (their shields adjusted each to each) With dauntless courage fired, right on they moved135 Against the Grecians; nor expected less Than that beside their sable ships, the host Should self-abandon’d fall an easy prey. The Trojans, thus with their confederate powers, The counsel of the accomplish’d Prince pursued,140 Polydamas, one Chief alone except, Asius Hyrtacides. He scorn’d to leave His charioteer and coursers at the trench, And drove toward the fleet. Ah, madly brave! His evil hour was come; he was ordain’d145 With horse and chariot and triumphant shout To enter wind-swept Ilium never more. Deucalion’s offspring, first, into the shades Dismiss’d him; by Idomeneus he died. Leftward he drove furious, along the road150 By which the steeds and chariots of the Greeks Return’d from battle; in that track he flew, Nor found the portals by the massy bar Secured, but open for reception safe Of fugitives, and to a guard consign’d.155 Thither he drove direct, and in his rear His band shrill-shouting follow’d, for they judged The Greeks no longer able to withstand Their foes, but sure to perish in the camp. Vain hope! for in the gate two Chiefs they found160 Lapithæ-born, courageous offspring each Of dauntless father; Polypœtes, this, Sprung from Pirithöus; that, the warrior bold Leonteus, terrible as gore-tainted Mars. These two, defenders of the lofty gates,165 Stood firm before them. As when two tall oaks On the high mountains day by day endure Rough wind and rain, by deep-descending roots Of hugest growth fast-founded in the soil; So they, sustain’d by conscious valor, saw,170 Unmoved, high towering Asius on his way, Nor fear’d him aught, nor shrank from his approach Right on toward the barrier, lifting high Their season’d bucklers and with clamor loud The band advanced, King Asius at their head,175 With whom Iämenus, expert in arms, Orestes, Thöon, Acamas the son Of Asius, and Oenomäus, led them on. Till now, the warlike pair, exhorting loud The Grecians to defend the fleet, had stood180 Within the gates; but soon as they perceived The Trojans swift advancing to the wall, And heard a cry from all the flying Greeks, Both sallying, before the gates they fought Like forest-boars, which hearing in the hills185 The crash of hounds and huntsmen nigh at hand, With start oblique lay many a sapling flat Short-broken by the root, nor cease to grind Their sounding tusks, till by the spear they die; So sounded on the breasts of those brave two190 The smitten brass; for resolute they fought, Embolden’d by their might who kept the wall, And trusting in their own; they, in defence Of camp and fleet and life, thick battery hurl’d Of stones precipitated from the towers;195 Frequent as snows they fell, which stormy winds, Driving the gloomy clouds, shake to the ground, Till all the fertile earth lies cover’d deep. Such volley pour’d the Greeks, and such return’d The Trojans; casques of hide, arid and tough,200 And bossy shields rattled, by such a storm Assail’d of millstone masses from above. Then Asius, son of Hyrtacus, a groan Indignant utter’d; on both thighs he smote With disappointment furious, and exclaim’d,205 Jupiter! even thou art false become, And altogether such. Full sure I deem’d That not a Grecian hero should abide One moment force invincible as ours, And lo! as wasps ring-streaked,[1] or bees that build210 Their dwellings in the highway’s craggy side Leave not their hollow home, but fearless wait The hunter’s coming, in their brood’s defence, So these, although two only, from the gates Move not, nor will, till either seized or slain.215 So Asius spake, but speaking so, changed not The mind of Jove on Hector’s glory bent. Others, as obstinate, at other gates Such deeds perform’d, that to enumerate all Were difficult, unless to power divine.220 For fierce the hail of stones from end to end Smote on the barrier; anguish fill’d the Greeks. Yet, by necessity constrain’d, their ships They guarded still; nor less the Gods themselves, Patrons of Greece, all sorrow’d at the sight.225 At once the valiant Lapithæ began Terrible conflict, and Pirithous’ son Brave Polypœtes through his helmet pierced Damasus; his resplendent point the brass Sufficed not to withstand; entering, it crush’d230 The bone within, and mingling all his brain With his own blood, his onset fierce repress’d. Pylon and Ormenus he next subdued. Meantime Leonteus, branch of Mars, his spear Hurl’d at Hippomachus, whom through his belt235 He pierced; then drawing forth his falchion keen, Through all the multitude he flew to smite Antiphates, and with a downright stroke Fell’d him. Iämenus and Menon next He slew, with brave Orestes, whom he heap’d,240 All three together, on the fertile glebe. While them the Lapithæ of their bright arms Despoil’d, Polydamas and Hector stood (With all the bravest youths and most resolved To burst the barrier and to fire the fleet)245 Beside the foss, pondering the event. For, while they press’d to pass, they spied a bird Sublime in air, an eagle. Right between Both hosts he soar’d (the Trojan on his left) A serpent bearing in his pounces clutch’d250 Enormous, dripping blood, but lively still And mindful of revenge; for from beneath The eagle’s breast, updarting fierce his head, Fast by the throat he struck him; anguish-sick The eagle cast him down into the space255 Between the hosts, and, clanging loud his plumes As the wind bore him, floated far away. Shudder’d the Trojans viewing at their feet The spotted serpent ominous, and thus Polydamas to dauntless Hector spake.260 Ofttimes in council, Hector, thou art wont To censure me, although advising well; Nor ought the private citizen, I confess, Either in council or in war to indulge Loquacity, but ever to employ265 All his exertions in support of thine. Yet hear my best opinion once again. Proceed we not in our attempt against The Grecian fleet. For if in truth the sign Respect the host of Troy ardent to pass,270 Then, as the eagle soar’d both hosts between, With Ilium’s on his left, and clutch’d a snake Enormous, dripping blood, but still alive, Which yet he dropp’d suddenly, ere he reach’d His eyry, or could give it to his young,275 So we, although with mighty force we burst Both gates and barrier, and although the Greeks Should all retire, shall never yet the way Tread honorably back by which we came. No. Many a Trojan shall we leave behind280 Slain by the Grecians in their fleet’s defence. An augur skill’d in omens would expound This omen thus, and faith would win from all. To whom, dark-louring, Hector thus replied. Polydamas! I like not thy advice;285 Thou couldst have framed far better; but if this Be thy deliberate judgment, then the Gods Make thy deliberate judgment nothing worth, Who bidd’st me disregard the Thunderer’s[2] firm Assurance to myself announced, and make290 The wild inhabitants of air my guides, Which I alike despise, speed they their course With right-hand flight toward the ruddy East, Or leftward down into the shades of eve. Consider we the will of Jove alone,295 Sovereign of heaven and earth. Omens abound, But the best omen is our country’s cause.[3] Wherefore should fiery war thy soul alarm? For were we slaughter’d, one and all, around The fleet of Greece, thou need’st not fear to die,300 Whose courage never will thy flight retard. But if thou shrink thyself, or by smooth speech Seduce one other from a soldier’s part, Pierced by this spear incontinent thou diest. So saying he led them, who with deafening roar305 Follow’d him. Then, from the Idæan hills Jove hurl’d a storm which wafted right the dust Into the fleet; the spirits too he quell’d Of the Achaians, and the glory gave To Hector and his host; they, trusting firm310 In signs from Jove, and in their proper force, Assay’d the barrier; from the towers they tore The galleries, cast the battlements to ground, And the projecting buttresses adjoin’d To strengthen the vast work, with bars upheaved.315 All these, with expectation fierce to break The rampart, down they drew; nor yet the Greeks Gave back, but fencing close with shields the wall, Smote from behind them many a foe beneath. Meantime from tower to tower the Ajaces moved320 Exhorting all; with mildness some, and some With harsh rebuke, whom they observed through fear Declining base the labors of the fight, Friends! Argives! warriors of whatever rank! Ye who excel, and ye of humbler note!325 And ye the last and least! (for such there are, All have not magnanimity alike) Now have we work for all, as all perceive. Turn not, retreat not to your ships, appall’d By sounding menaces, but press the foe;330 Exhort each other, and e’en now perchance Olympian Jove, by whom the lightnings burn, Shall grant us to repulse them, and to chase The routed Trojans to their gates again. So they vociferating to the Greeks,335 Stirr’d them to battle. As the feathery snows Fall frequent, on some wintry day, when Jove Hath risen to shed them on the race of man, And show his arrowy stores; he lulls the winds, Then shakes them down continual, covering thick340 Mountain tops, promontories, flowery meads, And cultured valleys rich; the ports and shores Receive it also of the hoary deep, But there the waves bound it, while all beside Lies whelm’d beneath Jove’s fast-descending shower,345 So thick, from side to side, by Trojans hurl’d Against the Greeks, and by the Greeks return’d The stony vollies flew; resounding loud Through all its length the battered rampart roar’d. Nor yet had Hector and his host prevail’d350 To burst the gates, and break the massy bar, Had not all-seeing Jove Sarpedon moved His son, against the Greeks, furious as falls The lion on some horned herd of beeves. At once his polish’d buckler he advanced355 With leafy brass o’erlaid; for with smooth brass The forger of that shield its oval disk Had plated, and with thickest hides throughout Had lined it, stitch’d with circling wires of gold. That shield he bore before him; firmly grasp’d360 He shook two spears, and with determined strides March’d forward. As the lion mountain-bred, After long fast, by impulse of his heart Undaunted urged, seeks resolute the flock Even in the shelter of their guarded home;365 He finds, perchance, the shepherds arm’d with spears, And all their dogs awake, yet can not leave Untried the fence, but either leaps it light, And entering tears the prey, or in the attempt Pierced by some dexterous peasant, bleeds himself;370 So high his courage to the assault impell’d Godlike Sarpedon, and him fired with hope To break the barrier; when to Glaucus thus, Son of Hippolochus, his speech he turn’d. Why, Glaucus, is the seat of honor ours,375 Why drink we brimming cups, and feast in state? Why gaze they all on us as we were Gods In Lycia, and why share we pleasant fields And spacious vineyards, where the Xanthus winds? Distinguished thus in Lycia, we are call’d380 To firmness here, and to encounter bold The burning battle, that our fair report Among the Lycians may be blazon’d thus— No dastards are the potentates who rule The bright-arm’d Lycians; on the fatted flock385 They banquet, and they drink the richest wines; But they are also valiant, and the fight Wage dauntless in the vanward of us all. Oh Glaucus, if escaping safe the death That threats us here, we also could escape390 Old age, and to ourselves secure a life Immortal, I would neither in the van Myself expose, nor would encourage thee To tempt the perils of the glorious field. But since a thousand messengers of fate395 Pursue us close, and man is born to die— E’en let us on; the prize of glory yield, If yield we must, or wrest it from the foe. He said, nor cold refusal in return Received from Glaucus, but toward the wall400 Their numerous Lycian host both led direct. Menestheus, son of Peteos, saw appall’d Their dread approach, for to his tower they bent; Their threatening march. An eager look he cast, On the embodied Greeks, seeking some Chief405 Whose aid might turn the battle from his van: He saw, where never sated with exploits Of war, each Ajax fought, near whom his eye Kenn’d Teucer also, newly from his tent; But vain his efforts were with loudest call410 To reach their ears, such was the deafening din Upsent to heaven, of shields and crested helms, And of the batter’d gates; for at each gate They thundering stood, and urged alike at each Their fierce attempt by force to burst the bars.415 To Ajax therefore he at once dispatch’d A herald, and Thöotes thus enjoin’d. My noble friend, Thöotes! with all speed Call either Ajax; bid them hither both; Far better so; for havoc is at hand.420 The Lycian leaders, ever in assault Tempestuous, bend their force against this tower My station. But if also there they find Laborious conflict pressing them severe, At least let Telamonian Ajax come,425 And Teucer with his death-dispensing bow. He spake, nor was Thöotes slow to hear; Beside the rampart of the mail-clad Greeks Rapid he flew, and, at their side arrived, To either Ajax, eager, thus began.430 Ye leaders of the well-appointed Greeks, The son of noble Peteos calls; he begs With instant suit, that ye would share his toils, However short your stay; the aid of both Will serve him best, for havoc threatens there435 The Lycian leaders, ever in assault Tempestuous, bend their force toward the tower His station. But if also here ye find Laborious conflict pressing you severe, At least let Telamonian Ajax come,440 And Teucer with his death-dispensing bow. He spake, nor his request the towering son Of Telamon denied, but quick his speech To Ajax Oïliades address’d. Ajax! abiding here, exhort ye both445 (Heroic Lycomedes and thyself) The Greeks to battle. Thither I depart To aid our friends, which service once perform’d Duly, I will incontinent return. So saying, the Telamonian Chief withdrew450 With whom went Teucer, son of the same sire, Pandion also, bearing Teucer’s bow. Arriving at the turret given in charge To the bold Chief Menestheus, and the wall Entering, they found their friends all sharply tried.455 Black as a storm the senators renown’d And leaders of the Lycian host assail’d Buttress and tower, while opposite the Greeks Withstood them, and the battle-shout began. First, Ajax, son of Telamon, a friend460 And fellow-warrior of Sarpedon slew, Epicles. With a marble fragment huge That crown’d the battlement’s interior side, He smote him. No man of our puny race, Although in prime of youth, had with both hands465 That weight sustain’d; but he the cumberous mass Uplifted high, and hurl’d it on his head. It burst his helmet, and his batter’d skull Dash’d from all form. He from the lofty tower Dropp’d downright, with a diver’s plunge, and died.470 But Teucer wounded Glaucus with a shaft Son of Hippolochus; he, climbing, bared His arm, which Teucer, marking, from the wall Transfix’d it, and his onset fierce repress’d; For with a backward leap Glaucus withdrew475 Sudden and silent, cautious lest the Greeks Seeing him wounded should insult his pain. Grief seized, at sight of his retiring friend, Sarpedon, who forgat not yet the fight, But piercing with his lance Alcmaon, son480 Of Thestor, suddenly reversed the beam, Which following, Alcmaon to the earth Fell prone, with clangor of his brazen arms. Sarpedon, then, strenuous with both hands Tugg’d, and down fell the battlement entire;485 The wall, dismantled at the summit, stood A ruin, and wide chasm was open’d through. Then Ajax him and Teucer at one time Struck both; an arrow struck from Teucer’s bow The belt that cross’d his bosom, by which hung490 His ample shield; yet lest his son should fall Among the ships, Jove turn’d the death aside. But Ajax, springing to his thrust, a spear Drove through his shield. Sarpedon at the shock With backward step short interval recoil’d,495 But not retired, for in his bosom lived The hope of glory still, and, looking back On all his godlike Lycians, he exclaim’d, Oh Lycians! where is your heroic might? Brave as I boast myself, I feel the task500 Arduous, through the breach made by myself To win a passage to the ships, alone. Follow me all—Most laborers, most dispatch.[4] So he; at whose sharp reprimand abash’d The embattled host to closer conflict moved,505 Obedient to their counsellor and King. On the other side the Greeks within the wall Made firm the phalanx, seeing urgent need; Nor could the valiant Lycians through the breach Admittance to the Grecian fleet obtain,510 Nor since they first approach’d it, had the Greeks With all their efforts, thrust the Lycians back. But as two claimants of one common field, Each with his rod of measurement in hand, Dispute the boundaries, litigating warm515 Their right in some small portion of the soil, So they, divided by the barrier, struck With hostile rage the bull-hide bucklers round, And the light targets on each other’s breast. Then many a wound the ruthless weapons made.520 Pierced through the unarm’d back, if any turn’d, He died, and numerous even through the shield. The battlements from end to end with blood Of Grecians and of Trojans on both sides Were sprinkled; yet no violence could move525 The stubborn Greeks, or turn their powers to flight. So hung the war in balance, as the scales Held by some woman scrupulously just, A spinner; wool and weight she poises nice, Hard-earning slender pittance for her babes,[5]530 Such was the poise in which the battle hung Till Jove himself superior fame, at length, To Priamëian Hector gave, who sprang First through the wall. In lofty sounds that reach’d Their utmost ranks, he call’d on all his host.535 Now press them, now ye Trojans steed-renown’d Rush on! break through the Grecian rampart, hurl At once devouring flames into the fleet. Such was his exhortation; they his voice All hearing, with close-order’d ranks direct540 Bore on the barrier, and up-swarming show’d On the high battlement their glittering spears. But Hector seized a stone; of ample base But tapering to a point, before the gate It stood. No two men, mightiest of a land545 (Such men as now are mighty) could with ease Have heaved it from the earth up to a wain; He swung it easily alone; so light The son of Saturn made it in his hand. As in one hand with ease the shepherd bears550 A ram’s fleece home, nor toils beneath the weight, So Hector, right toward the planks of those Majestic folding-gates, close-jointed, firm And solid, bore the stone. Two bars within Their corresponding force combined transvere555 To guard them, and one bolt secured the bars. He stood fast by them, parting wide his feet For ’vantage sake, and smote them in the midst. He burst both hinges; inward fell the rock Ponderous, and the portals roar’d; the bars560 Endured not, and the planks, riven by the force Of that huge mass, flew scatter’d on all sides. In leap’d the godlike Hero at the breach, Gloomy as night in aspect, but in arms All-dazzling, and he grasp’d two quivering spears.565 Him entering with a leap the gates, no force Whate’er of opposition had repress’d, Save of the Gods alone. Fire fill’d his eyes; Turning, he bade the multitude without Ascend the rampart; they his voice obey’d;570 Part climb’d the wall, part pour’d into the gate; The Grecians to their hollow galleys flew Scatter’d, and tumult infinite arose.[6]
XIII. ARGUMENT OF THE THIRTEENTH BOOK
Neptune engages on the part of the Grecians. The battle proceeds. Deiphobus advances to combat, but is repulsed by Meriones, who losing his spear, repairs to his tent for another. Teucer slays Imbrius, and Hector Amphimachus. Neptune, under the similitude of Thoas, exhorts Idomeneus. Idomeneus having armed himself in his tent, and going forth to battle, meets Meriones. After discourse held with each other, Idomeneus accommodates Meriones with a spear, and they proceed to battle. Idomeneus slays Othryoneus, and Asius. Deiphobus assails Idomeneus, but, his spear glancing over him, kills Hypsenor. Idomeneus slays Alcathoüs, son-in-law of Anchises. Deiphobus and Idomeneus respectively summon their friends to their assistance, and a contest ensues for the body of Alcathoüs.
Book XIII
[1]When Jove to Hector and his host had given Such entrance to the fleet, to all the woes And toils of unremitting battle there He them abandon’d, and his glorious eyes Averting, on the land look’d down remote5 Of the horse-breeding Thracians, of the bold Close-fighting Mysian race, and where abide On milk sustain’d, and blest with length of days, The Hippemolgi,[2] justest of mankind. No longer now on Troy his eyes he turn’d,10 For expectation none within his breast Survived, that God or Goddess would the Greeks Approach with succor, or the Trojans more. Nor Neptune, sovereign of the boundless Deep, Look’d forth in vain; he on the summit sat15 Of Samothracia forest-crown’d, the stir Admiring thence and tempest of the field; For thence appear’d all Ida, thence the towers Of lofty Ilium, and the fleet of Greece. There sitting from the deeps uprisen, he mourn’d20 The vanquished Grecians, and resentment fierce Conceived and wrath against all-ruling Jove. Arising sudden, down the rugged steep With rapid strides he came; the mountains huge And forests under the immortal feet25 Trembled of Ocean’s Sovereign as he strode. Three strides he made, the fourth convey’d him home To Ægæ. At the bottom of the abyss, There stands magnificent his golden fane, A dazzling, incorruptible abode.30 Arrived, he to his chariot join’d his steeds Swift, brazen-hoof’d, and maned with wavy gold; Himself attiring next in gold, he seized His golden scourge, and to his seat sublime Ascending, o’er the billows drove; the whales35 Leaving their caverns, gambol’d on all sides Around him, not unconscious of their King; He swept the surge that tinged not as he pass’d His axle, and the sea parted for joy. His bounding coursers to the Grecian fleet40 Convey’d him swift. There is a spacious cave Deep in the bottom of the flood, the rocks Of Imbrus rude and Tenedos between; There Neptune, Shaker of the Shores, his steeds Station’d secure; he loosed them from the yoke,45 Gave them ambrosial food, and bound their feet With golden tethers not to be untied Or broken, that unwandering they might wait Their Lord’s return, then sought the Grecian host. The Trojans, tempest-like or like a flame,50 Now, following Priameïan Hector, all Came furious on and shouting to the skies. Their hope was to possess the fleet, and leave Not an Achaian of the host unslain. But earth-encircler Neptune from the gulf55 Emerging, in the form and with the voice Loud-toned of Calchas, roused the Argive ranks To battle—and his exhortation first To either Ajax turn’d, themselves prepared. Ye heroes Ajax! your accustomed force60 Exert, oh! think not of disastrous flight, And ye shall save the people. Nought I fear Fatal elsewhere, although Troy’s haughty sons Have pass’d the barrier with so fierce a throng Tumultuous; for the Grecians brazen-greaved65 Will check them there. Here only I expect And with much dread some dire event forebode, Where Hector, terrible as fire, and loud Vaunting his glorious origin from Jove, Leads on the Trojans. Oh that from on high70 Some God would form the purpose in your hearts To stand yourselves firmly, and to exhort The rest to stand! so should ye chase him hence All ardent as he is, and even although Olympian Jove himself his rage inspire.75 So Neptune spake, compasser of the earth, And, with his sceptre smiting both, their hearts Fill’d with fresh fortitude; their limbs the touch Made agile, wing’d their feet and nerved their arms. Then, swift as stoops a falcon from the point80 Of some rude rock sublime, when he would chase A fowl of other wing along the meads, So started Neptune thence, and disappear’d. Him, as he went, swift Oïliades First recognized, and, instant, thus his speech85 To Ajax, son of Telamon, address’d. Since, Ajax, some inhabitant of heaven Exhorts us, in the prophet’s form to fight (For prophet none or augur we have seen; This was not Calchas; as he went I mark’d90 His steps and knew him; Gods are known with ease) I feel my spirit in my bosom fired Afresh for battle; lightness in my limbs, In hands and feet a glow unfelt before. To whom the son of Telamon replied.95 I also with invigorated hands More firmly grasp my spear; my courage mounts, A buoyant animation in my feet Bears me along, and I am all on fire To cope with Priam’s furious son, alone.100 Thus they, with martial transport to their souls Imparted by the God, conferr’d elate. Meantime the King of Ocean roused the Greeks, Who in the rear, beside their gallant barks Some respite sought. They, spent with arduous toil,105 Felt not alone their weary limbs unapt To battle, but their hearts with grief oppress’d, Seeing the numerous multitude of Troy Within the mighty barrier; sad they view’d That sight, and bathed their cheeks with many a tear,110 Despairing of escape. But Ocean’s Lord Entering among them, soon the spirit stirr’d Of every valiant phalanx to the fight. Teucer and Leïtus, and famed in arms Peneleus, Thoas and Deipyrus,115 Meriones, and his compeer renown’d, Antilochus; all these in accents wing’d With fierce alacrity the God address’d. Oh shame, ye Grecians! vigorous as ye are And in life’s prime, to your exertions most120 I trusted for the safety of our ships. If ye renounce the labors of the field, Then hath the day arisen of our defeat And final ruin by the powers of Troy. Oh! I behold a prodigy, a sight125 Tremendous, deem’d impossible by me, The Trojans at our ships! the dastard race Fled once like fleetest hinds the destined prey Of lynxes, leopards, wolves; feeble and slight And of a nature indisposed to war130 They rove uncertain; so the Trojans erst Stood not, nor to Achaian prowess dared The hindrance of a moment’s strife oppose. But now, Troy left afar, even at our ships They give us battle, through our leader’s fault135 And through the people’s negligence, who fill’d With fierce displeasure against him, prefer Death at their ships, to war in their defence. But if the son of Atreus, our supreme, If Agamemnon, have indeed transgress’d140 Past all excuse, dishonoring the swift Achilles, ye at least the fight decline Blame-worthy, and with no sufficient plea. But heal we speedily the breach; brave minds Easily coalesce. It is not well145 That thus your fury slumbers, for the host Hath none illustrious as yourselves in arms. I can excuse the timid if he shrink, But am incensed at you. My friends, beware! Your tardiness will prove ere long the cause150 Of some worse evil. Let the dread of shame Affect your hearts; oh tremble at the thought Of infamy! Fierce conflict hath arisen; Loud shouting Hector combats at the ships Nobly, hath forced the gates and burst the bar.155 With such encouragement those Grecian chiefs The King of Ocean roused. Then, circled soon By many a phalanx either Ajax stood, Whose order Mars himself arriving there Had praised, or Pallas, patroness of arms.160 For there the flower of all expected firm Bold Hector and his host; spear crowded spear, Shield, helmet, man, press’d helmet, man and shield;[3] The hairy crests of their resplendent casques Kiss’d close at every nod, so wedged they stood;165 No spear was seen but in the manly grasp It quiver’d, and their every wish was war. The powers of Ilium gave the first assault Embattled close; them Hector led himself[4] Right on, impetuous as a rolling rock170 Destructive; torn by torrent waters off From its old lodgment on the mountain’s brow, It bounds, it shoots away; the crashing wood Falls under it; impediment or check None stays its fury, till the level found,175 There, settling by degrees, it rolls no more; So after many a threat that he would pass Easily through the Grecian camp and fleet And slay to the sea-brink, when Hector once Had fallen on those firm ranks, standing, he bore180 Vehement on them; but by many a spear Urged and bright falchion, soon, reeling, retired, And call’d vociferous on the host of Troy. Trojans, and Lycians, and close-fighting sons Of Dardanus, oh stand! not long the Greeks185 Will me confront, although embodied close In solid phalanx; doubt it not; my spear Shall chase and scatter them, if Jove, in truth, High-thundering mate of Juno, bid me on. So saying he roused the courage of them all190 Foremost of whom advanced, of Priam’s race Deiphobus, ambitious of renown. Tripping he came with shorten’d steps,[5] his feet Sheltering behind his buckler; but at him Aiming, Meriones his splendid lance195 Dismiss’d, nor err’d; his bull-hide targe he struck But ineffectual; where the hollow wood Receives the inserted brass, the quivering beam Snapp’d; then, Deiphobus his shield afar Advanced before him, trembling at a spear200 Hurl’d by Meriones. He, moved alike With indignation for the victory lost And for his broken spear, into his band At first retired, but soon set forth again In prowess through the Achaian camp, to fetch205 Its fellow-spear within his tent reserved. The rest all fought, and dread the shouts arose On all sides. Telamonian Teucer, first, Slew valiant Imbrius, son of Mentor, rich In herds of sprightly steeds. He ere the Greeks210 Arrived at Ilium, in Pedæus dwelt, And Priam’s spurious daughter had espoused Medesicasta. But the barks well-oar’d Of Greece arriving, he return’d to Troy, Where he excell’d the noblest, and abode215 With Priam, loved and honor’d as his own. Him Teucer pierced beneath his ear, and pluck’d His weapon home; he fell as falls an ash Which on some mountain visible afar, Hewn from its bottom by the woodman’s axe,220 With all its tender foliage meets the ground So Imbrius fell; loud rang his armor bright With ornamental brass, and Teucer flew To seize his arms, whom hasting to the spoil Hector with his resplendent spear assail’d;225 He, marking opposite its rapid flight, Declined it narrowly and it pierced the breast, As he advanced to battle, of the son Of Cteatus of the Actorian race, Amphimachus; he, sounding, smote the plain,230 And all his batter’d armor rang aloud. Then Hector swift approaching, would have torn The well-forged helmet from the brows away Of brave Amphimachus; but Ajax hurl’d Right forth at Hector hasting to the spoil235 His radiant spear; no wound the spear impress’d, For he was arm’d complete in burnish’d brass Terrific; but the solid boss it pierced Of Hector’s shield, and with enormous force So shock’d him, that retiring he resign’d240 Both bodies,[6] which the Grecians dragg’d away. Stichius and Menestheus, leaders both Of the Athenians, to the host of Greece Bore off Amphimachus, and, fierce in arms The Ajaces, Imbrius. As two lions bear245 Through thick entanglement of boughs and brakes A goat snatch’d newly from the peasants’ cogs, Upholding high their prey above the ground, So either Ajax terrible in fight, Upholding Imbrius high, his brazen arms250 Tore off, and Oïliades his head From his smooth neck dissevering in revenge For slain Amphimachus, through all the host Sent it with swift rotation like a globe, Till in the dust at Hector’s feet it fell.255 Then anger fill’d the heart of Ocean’s King, His grandson[7] slain in battle; forth he pass’d Through the Achaian camp and fleet, the Greeks Rousing, and meditating wo to Troy. It chanced that brave Idomeneus return’d260 That moment from a Cretan at the knee Wounded, and newly borne into his tent; His friends had borne him off, and when the Chief Had given him into skilful hands, he sought The field again, still coveting renown.265 Him therefore, meeting him on his return, Neptune bespake, but with the borrow’d voice Of Thoas, offspring of Andræmon, King In Pleuro and in lofty Calydon, And honor’d by the Ætolians as a God.270 Oh counsellor of Crete! our threats denounced Against the towers of Troy, where are they now? To whom the leader of the Cretans, thus, Idomeneus. For aught that I perceive Thoas! no Grecian is this day in fault!275 For we are all intelligent in arms, None yields by fear oppress’d, none lull’d by sloth From battle shrinks; but such the pleasure seems Of Jove himself, that we should perish here Inglorious, from our country far remote280 But, Thoas! (for thine heart was ever firm In battle, and thyself art wont to rouse Whom thou observ’st remiss) now also fight As erst, and urge each leader of the host. Him answered, then, the Sovereign of the Deep.285 Return that Grecian never from the shores Of Troy, Idomeneus! but may the dogs Feast on him, who shall this day intermit Through wilful negligence his force in fight! But haste, take arms and come; we must exert290 All diligence, that, being only two, We yet may yield some service. Union much Emboldens even the weakest, and our might Hath oft been proved on warriors of renown. So Neptune spake, and, turning, sought again295 The toilsome field. Ere long, Idomeneus Arriving in his spacious tent, put on His radiant armor, and, two spears in hand, Set forth like lightning which Saturnian Jove From bright Olympus shakes into the air,300 A sign to mortal men, dazzling all eyes; So beam’d the Hero’s armor as he ran. But him not yet far distant from his tent Meriones, his fellow-warrior met, For he had left the fight, seeking a spear,305 When thus the brave Idomeneus began. Swift son of Molus! chosen companion dear! Wherefore, Meriones, hast thou the field Abandon’d? Art thou wounded? Bring’st thou home Some pointed mischief in thy flesh infixt?310 Or comest thou sent to me, who of myself The still tent covet not, but feats of arms? To whom Meriones discreet replied, Chief leader of the Cretans, brazen-mail’d Idomeneus! if yet there be a spear315 Left in thy tent, I seek one; for I broke The spear, even now, with which erewhile I fought, Smiting the shield of fierce Deiphobus. Then answer thus the Cretan Chief return’d, Valiant Idomeneus. If spears thou need,320 Within my tent, leaning against the wall, Stand twenty spears and one, forged all in Troy, Which from the slain I took; for distant fight Me suits not; therefore in my tent have I Both spears and bossy shields, with brazen casques325 And corselets bright that smile against the sun. Him answer’d, then, Meriones discreet. I also, at my tent and in my ship Have many Trojan spoils, but they are hence Far distant. I not less myself than thou330 Am ever mindful of a warrior’s part, And when the din of glorious arms is heard, Fight in the van. If other Greeks my deeds Know not, at least I judge them known to thee. To whom the leader of the host of Crete335 Idomeneus. I know thy valor well, Why speakest thus to me? Choose we this day An ambush forth of all the bravest Greeks, (For in the ambush is distinguish’d best The courage; there the timorous and the bold340 Plainly appear; the dastard changes hue And shifts from place to place, nor can he calm The fears that shake his trembling limbs, but sits Low-crouching on his hams, while in his breast Quick palpitates his death-foreboding heart,345 And his teeth chatter; but the valiant man His posture shifts not; no excessive fears Feels he, but seated once in ambush, deems Time tedious till the bloody fight begin;) Even there, thy courage should no blame incur.[8]350 For should’st thou, toiling in the fight, by spear Or falchion bleed, not on thy neck behind Would fall the weapon, or thy back annoy, But it would meet thy bowels or thy chest While thou didst rush into the clamorous van.355 But haste—we may not longer loiter here As children prating, lest some sharp rebuke Reward us. Enter quick, and from within My tent provide thee with a noble spear. Then, swift as Mars, Meriones produced360 A brazen spear of those within the tent Reserved, and kindling with heroic fire Follow’d Idomeneus. As gory Mars By Terror follow’d, his own dauntless son Who quells the boldest heart, to battle moves;365 From Thrace against the Ephyri they arm, Or hardy Phlegyans, and by both invoked, Hear and grant victory to which they please; Such, bright in arms Meriones, and such Idomeneus advanced, when foremost thus370 Meriones his fellow-chief bespake. Son of Deucalion! where inclinest thou most To enter into battle? On the right Of all the host? or through the central ranks? Or on the left? for nowhere I account375 The Greeks so destitute of force as there. Then answer thus Idomeneus return’d Chief of the Cretans. Others stand to guard The middle fleet; there either Ajax wars, And Teucer, noblest archer of the Greeks,380 Nor less in stationary fight approved. Bent as he is on battle, they will task And urge to proof sufficiently the force Of Priameïan Hector; burn his rage How fierce soever, he shall find it hard,385 With all his thirst of victory, to quell Their firm resistance, and to fire the fleet, Let not Saturnian Jove cast down from heaven Himself a flaming brand into the ships. High towering Telamonian Ajax yields390 To no mere mortal by the common gift Sustain’d of Ceres, and whose flesh the spear Can penetrate, or rocky fragment bruise; In standing fight Ajax would not retire Even before that breaker of the ranks395 Achilles, although far less swift than he. But turn we to the left, that we may learn At once, if glorious death, or life be ours. Then, rapid as the God of war, his course Meriones toward the left began,400 As he enjoin’d. Soon as the Trojans saw Idomeneus advancing like a flame, And his compeer Meriones in arms All-radiant clad, encouraging aloud From rank to rank each other, on they came405 To the assault combined. Then soon arose Sharp contest on the left of all the fleet. As when shrill winds blow vehement, what time Dust deepest spreads the ways, by warring blasts Upborne a sable cloud stands in the air,410 Such was the sudden conflict; equal rage To stain with gore the lance ruled every breast. Horrent with quivering spears the fatal field Frown’d on all sides; the brazen flashes dread Of numerous helmets, corselets furbish’d bright,415 And shields refulgent meeting, dull’d the eye, And turn’d it dark away. Stranger indeed Were he to fear, who could that strife have view’d With heart elate, or spirit unperturb’d. Two mighty sons of Saturn adverse parts420 Took in that contest, purposing alike To many a valiant Chief sorrow and pain. Jove, for the honor of Achilles, gave Success to Hector and the host of Troy, Not for complete destruction of the Greeks425 At Ilium, but that glory might redound To Thetis thence, and to her dauntless son. On the other side, the King of Ocean risen Secretly from the hoary Deep, the host Of Greece encouraged, whom he grieved to see430 Vanquish’d by Trojans, and with anger fierce Against the Thunderer burn’d on their behalf. Alike from one great origin divine Sprang they, but Jove was elder, and surpass’d In various knowledge; therefore when he roused435 Their courage, Neptune traversed still the ranks Clandestine, and in human form disguised. Thus, these Immortal Two, straining the cord Indissoluble of all-wasting war, Alternate measured with it either host,440 And loosed the joints of many a warrior bold. Then, loud exhorting (though himself with age Half grey) the Achaians, into battle sprang Idomeneus, and scatter’d, first, the foe, Slaying Othryoneus, who, by the lure445 Of martial glory drawn, had left of late Cabesus. He Priam’s fair daughter woo’d Cassandra, but no nuptial gift vouchsafed To offer, save a sounding promise proud To chase, himself, however resolute450 The Grecian host, and to deliver Troy. To him assenting, Priam, ancient King, Assured to him his wish, and in the faith Of that assurance confident, he fought. But brave Idomeneus his splendid lance455 Well-aim’d dismissing, struck the haughty Chief. Pacing elate the field; his brazen mail Endured not; through his bowels pierced, with clang Of all his arms he fell, and thus with joy Immense exulting, spake Idomeneus.460 I give thee praise, Othryoneus! beyond All mortal men, if truly thou perform Thy whole big promise to the Dardan king, Who promised thee his daughter. Now, behold, We also promise: doubt not the effect.465 We give into thy arms the most admired Of Agamemnon’s daughters, whom ourselves Will hither bring from Argos, if thy force With ours uniting, thou wilt rase the walls Of populous Troy. Come—follow me; that here470 Among the ships we may adjust the terms Of marriage, for we take not scanty dower. So saying, the Hero dragg’d him by his heel Through all the furious fight. His death to avenge Asius on foot before his steeds advanced,475 For them, where’er he moved, his charioteer Kept breathing ever on his neck behind. With fierce desire the heart of Asius burn’d To smite Idomeneus, who with his lance Him reaching first, pierced him beneath the chin480 Into his throat, and urged the weapon through. He fell, as some green poplar falls, or oak, Or lofty pine, by naval artists hewn With new-edged axes on the mountain’s side. So, his teeth grinding, and the bloody dust485 Clenching, before his chariot and his steeds Extended, Asius lay. His charioteer (All recollection lost) sat panic-stunn’d, Nor dared for safety turn his steeds to flight. Him bold Antilochus right through the waist490 Transpierced; his mail sufficed not, but the spear Implanted in his midmost bowels stood. Down from his seat magnificent he fell Panting, and young Antilochus the steeds Drove captive thence into the host of Greece.495 Then came Deiphobus by sorrow urged For Asius, and, small interval between, Hurl’d at Idomeneus his glittering lance; But he, foreseeing its approach, the point Eluded, cover’d whole by his round shield500 Of hides and brass by double belt sustain’d, And it flew over him, but on his targe Glancing, elicited a tinkling sound. Yet left it not in vain his vigorous grasp, But pierced the liver of Hypsenor, son505 Of Hippasus; he fell incontinent, And measureless exulting in his fall Deiphobus with mighty voice exclaim’d. Not unavenged lies Asius; though he seek Hell’s iron portals, yet shall he rejoice,510 For I have given him a conductor home. So he, whose vaunt the Greeks indignant heard! But of them all to anger most he roused Antilochus, who yet his breathless friend[9] Left not, but hasting, fenced him with his shield,515 And brave Alastor with Mecisteus son Of Echius, bore him to the hollow ships Deep-groaning both, for of their band was he. Nor yet Idomeneus his warlike rage Remitted aught, but persevering strove520 Either to plunge some Trojan in the shades, Or fall himself, guarding the fleet of Greece. Then slew he brave Alcathoüs the son Of Æsyeta, and the son-in-law Of old Anchises, who to him had given525 The eldest-born of all his daughters fair, Hippodamia; dearly loved was she By both her parents in her virgin state,[10] For that in beauty she surpass’d, in works Ingenious, and in faculties of mind530 All her coëvals; wherefore she was deem’d Well worthy of the noblest prince of Troy. Him in that moment, Neptune by the arm Quell’d of Idomeneus, his radiant eyes Dimming, and fettering his proportion’d limbs.535 All power of flight or to elude the stroke Forsook him, and while motionless he stood As stands a pillar tall or towering oak, The hero of the Cretans with a spear Transfix’d his middle chest. He split the mail540 Erewhile his bosom’s faithful guard; shrill rang The shiver’d brass; sounding he fell; the beam Implanted in his palpitating heart Shook to its topmost point, but, its force spent, At last, quiescent, stood. Then loud exclaim’d545 Idomeneus, exulting in his fall. What thinks Deiphobus? seems it to thee Vain boaster, that, three warriors slain for one, We yield thee just amends? else, stand thyself Against me; learn the valor of a Chief550 The progeny of Jove; Jove first begat Crete’s guardian, Minos, from which Minos sprang Deucalion, and from famed Deucalion, I; I, sovereign of the numerous race of Crete’s Extensive isle, and whom my galleys brought555 To these your shores at last, that I might prove Thy curse, thy father’s, and a curse to Troy. He spake; Deiphobus uncertain stood Whether, retreating, to engage the help Of some heroic Trojan, or himself560 To make the dread experiment alone. At length, as his discreeter course, he chose To seek Æneas; him he found afar Station’d, remotest of the host of Troy, For he resented evermore his worth565 By Priam[11] recompensed with cold neglect. Approaching him, in accents wing’d he said. Æneas! Trojan Chief! If e’er thou lov’dst Thy sister’s husband, duty calls thee now To prove it. Haste—defend with me the dead570 Alcathoüs, guardian of thy tender years, Slain by Idomeneus the spear-renown’d. So saying, he roused his spirit, and on fire To combat with the Cretan, forth he sprang. But fear seized not Idomeneus as fear575 May seize a nursling boy; resolved he stood As in the mountains, conscious of his force, The wild boar waits a coming multitude Of boisterous hunters to his lone retreat; Arching his bristly spine he stands, his eyes580 Beam fire, and whetting his bright tusks, he burns To drive, not dogs alone, but men to flight; So stood the royal Cretan, and fled not, Expecting brave Æneas; yet his friends He summon’d, on Ascalaphus his eyes585 Fastening, on Aphareus, Deipyrus, Meriones, and Antilochus, all bold In battle, and in accents wing’d exclaim’d. Haste ye, my friends! to aid me, for I stand Alone, nor undismay’d the coming wait590 Of swift Æneas, nor less brave than swift, And who possesses fresh his flower of youth, Man’s prime advantage; were we match’d in years As in our spirits, either he should earn At once the meed of deathless fame, or I.595 He said; they all unanimous approach’d, Sloping their shields, and stood. On the other side His aids Æneas call’d, with eyes toward Paris, Deiphobus, Agenor, turn’d, His fellow-warriors bold; them follow’d all600 Their people as the pastured flock the ram To water, by the shepherd seen with joy; Such joy Æneas felt, seeing, so soon, That numerous host attendant at his call. Then, for Alcathoüs, into contest close605 Arm’d with long spears they rush’d; on every breast Dread rang the brazen corselet, each his foe Assailing opposite; but two, the rest Surpassing far, terrible both as Mars, Æneas and Idomeneus, alike610 Panted to pierce each other with the spear. Æneas, first, cast at Idomeneus, But, warn’d, he shunn’d the weapon, and it pass’d. Quivering in the soil Æneas’ lance Stood, hurl’d in vain, though by a forceful arm.615 Not so the Cretan; at his waist he pierced Oenomaüs, his hollow corselet clave, And in his midmost bowels drench’d the spear; Down fell the Chief, and dying, clench’d the dust. Instant, his massy spear the King of Crete620 Pluck’d from the dead, but of his radiant arms Despoil’d him not, by numerous weapons urged; For now, time-worn, he could no longer make Brisk sally, spring to follow his own spear, Or shun another, or by swift retreat625 Vanish from battle, but the evil day Warded in stationary fight alone. At him retiring, therefore, step by step Deiphobus, who had with bitterest hate Long time pursued him, hurl’d his splendid lance,630 But yet again erroneous, for he pierced Ascalaphus instead, offspring of Mars; Right through his shoulder flew the spear; he fell Incontinent, and dying, clench’d the dust. But tidings none the brazen-throated Mars635 Tempestuous yet received, that his own son In bloody fight had fallen, for on the heights Olympian over-arch’d with clouds of gold He sat, where sat the other Powers divine, Prisoners together of the will of Jove.640 Meantime, for slain Ascalaphus arose Conflict severe; Deiphobus his casque Resplendent seized, but swift as fiery Mars Assailing him, Meriones his arm Pierced with a spear, and from his idle hand645 Fallen, the casque sonorous struck the ground. Again, as darts the vulture on his prey, Meriones assailing him, the lance Pluck’d from his arm, and to his band retired. Then, casting his fraternal arms around650 Deiphobus, him young Polites led From the hoarse battle to his rapid steeds And his bright chariot in the distant rear, Which bore him back to Troy, languid and loud- Groaning, and bleeding from his recent wound.655 Still raged the war, and infinite arose The clamor. Aphareus, Caletor’s son, Turning to face Æneas, in his throat Instant the hero’s pointed lance received. With head reclined, and bearing to the ground660 Buckler and helmet with him, in dark shades Of soul-divorcing death involved, he fell. Antilochus, observing Thoön turn’d To flight, that moment pierced him; from his back He ripp’d the vein which through the trunk its course665 Winds upward to the neck; that vein he ripp’d All forth; supine he fell, and with both hands Extended to his fellow-warriors, died. Forth sprang Antilochus to strip his arms, But watch’d, meantime, the Trojans, who in crowds670 Encircling him, his splendid buckler broad Smote oft, but none with ruthless point prevail’d Even to inscribe the skin of Nestor’s son, Whom Neptune, shaker of the shores, amid Innumerable darts kept still secure.675 Yet never from his foes he shrank, but faced From side to side, nor idle slept his spear, But with rotation ceaseless turn’d and turn’d To every part, now levell’d at a foe Far-distant, at a foe, now, near at hand.680 Nor he, thus occupied, unseen escaped By Asius’ offspring Adamas, who close Advancing, struck the centre of his shield. But Neptune azure-hair’d so dear a life Denied to Adamas, and render’d vain685 The weapon; part within his disk remain’d Like a seer’d stake, and part fell at his feet. Then Adamas, for his own life alarm’d, Retired, but as he went, Meriones Him reaching with his lance, the shame between690 And navel pierced him, where the stroke of Mars Proves painful most to miserable man. There enter’d deep the weapon; down he fell, And in the dust lay panting as an ox Among the mountains pants by peasants held695 In twisted bands, and dragg’d perforce along; So panted dying Adamas, but soon Ceased, for Meriones, approaching, pluck’d The weapon forth, and darkness veil’d his eyes. Helenus, with his heavy Thracian blade700 Smiting the temples of Deipyrus, Dash’d off his helmet; from his brows remote It fell, and wandering roll’d, till at his feet Some warrior found it, and secured; meantime The sightless shades of death him wrapp’d around.705 Grief at that spectacle the bosom fill’d Of valiant Menelaus; high he shook His radiant spear, and threatening him, advanced On royal Helenus, who ready stood With his bow bent. They met; impatient, one,710 To give his pointed lance its rapid course, And one, to start his arrow from the nerve. The arrow of the son of Priam struck Atrides’ hollow corselet, but the reed Glanced wide. As vetches or as swarthy beans715 Leap from the van and fly athwart the floor, By sharp winds driven, and by the winnower’s force, So from the corselet of the glorious Greek Wide-wandering flew the bitter shaft away. But Menelaus the left-hand transpierced720 Of Helenus, and with the lance’s point Fasten’d it to his bow; shunning a stroke More fatal, Helenus into his band Retired, his arm dependent at his side, And trailing, as he went, the ashen beam;725 There, bold Agenor from his hand the lance Drew forth, then folded it with softest wool Around, sling-wool, and borrow’d from the sling Which his attendant into battle bore. Then sprang Pisander on the glorious Chief730 The son of Atreus, but his evil fate Beckon’d him to his death in conflict fierce, Oh Menelaus, mighty Chief! with thee. And now they met, small interval between. Atrides hurl’d his weapon, and it err’d.735 Pisander with his spear struck full the shield Of glorious Menelaus, but his force Resisted by the stubborn buckler broad Fail’d to transpierce it, and the weapon fell Snapp’d at the neck. Yet, when he struck, the heart740 Rebounded of Pisander, full of hope. But Menelaus, drawing his bright blade, Sprang on him, while Pisander from behind His buckler drew a brazen battle-axe By its long haft of polish’d olive-wood,745 And both Chiefs struck together. He the crest That crown’d the shaggy casque of Atreus’ son Hew’d from its base, but Menelaus him In his swift onset smote full on the front Above his nose; sounded the shatter’d bone,750 And his eyes both fell bloody at his feet. Convolved with pain he lay; then, on his breast Atrides setting fast his heel, tore off His armor, and exulting thus began. So shall ye leave at length the Grecian fleet,755 Traitors, and never satisfied with war! Nor want ye other guilt, dogs and profane! But me have injured also, and defied The hot displeasure of high-thundering Jove The hospitable, who shall waste in time,760 And level with the dust your lofty Troy. I wrong’d not you, yet bore ye far away My youthful bride who welcomed you, and stole My treasures also, and ye now are bent To burn Achaia’s gallant fleet with fire765 And slay her heroes; but your furious thirst Of battle shall hereafter meet a check. Oh, Father Jove! Thee wisest we account In heaven or earth, yet from thyself proceed All these calamities, who favor show’st770 To this flagitious race the Trojans, strong In wickedness alone, and whose delight In war and bloodshed never can be cloy’d. All pleasures breed satiety, sweet sleep, Soft dalliance, music, and the graceful dance,775 Though sought with keener appetite by most Than bloody war; but Troy still covets blood. So spake the royal Chief, and to his friends Pisander’s gory spoils consigning, flew To mingle in the foremost fight again.780 Him, next, Harpalion, offspring of the King Pylæmenes assail’d; to Troy he came Following his sire, but never thence return’d. He, from small distance, smote the central boss Of Menelaus’ buckler with his lance,785 But wanting power to pierce it, with an eye Of cautious circumspection, lest perchance Some spear should reach him, to his band retired. But him retiring with a brazen shaft Meriones pursued; swift flew the dart790 To his right buttock, slipp’d beneath the bone, His bladder grazed, and started through before. There ended his retreat; sudden he sank And like a worm lay on the ground, his life Exhaling in his fellow-warrior’s arms,795 And with his sable blood soaking the plain. Around him flock’d his Paphlagonians bold, And in his chariot placed drove him to Troy, With whom his father went, mourning with tears A son, whose death he never saw avenged.800 Him slain with indignation Paris view’d, For he, with numerous Paphlagonians more His guest had been; he, therefore, in the thirst Of vengeance, sent a brazen arrow forth. There was a certain Greek, Euchenor, son805 Of Polyides the soothsayer, rich And brave in fight, and who in Corinth dwelt He, knowing well his fate, yet sail’d to Troy For Polyides oft, his reverend sire, Had prophecied that he should either die810 By some dire malady at home, or, slain By Trojan hands, amid the fleet of Greece. He, therefore, shunning the reproach alike Of the Achaians, and that dire disease, Had join’d the Grecian host; him Paris pierced815 The ear and jaw beneath; life at the stroke Left him, and darkness overspread his eyes. So raged the battle like devouring fire. But Hector dear to Jove not yet had learn’d, Nor aught surmised the havoc of his host820 Made on the left, where victory crown’d well-nigh The Grecians animated to the fight By Neptune seconding himself their arms. He, where he first had started through the gate After dispersion of the shielded Greeks825 Compact, still persevered. The galleys there Of Ajax and Protesilaüs stood Updrawn above the hoary Deep; the wall Was there of humblest structure, and the steeds And warriors there conflicted furious most.830 The Epeans there and Iäonians[12] robed- Prolix, the Phthians,[13] Locrians, and the bold Bœtians check’d the terrible assault Of Hector, noble Chief, ardent as flame, Yet not repulsed him. Chosen Athenians form’d835 The van, by Peteos’ son, Menestheus, led, Whose high command undaunted Bias shared, Phidas and Stichius. The Epean host Under Amphion, Dracius, Meges, fought. Podarces brave in arms the Phthians ruled,840 And Medon (Medon was by spurious birth Brother of Ajax Oïliades, And for his uncle’s death, whom he had slain, The brother of Oïleus’ wife, abode In Phylace; but from Iphiclus sprang845 Podarces;) these, all station’d in the front Of Phthias’ hardy sons, together strove With the Bœotians for the fleet’s defence. Ajax the swift swerved never from the side Of Ajax son of Telamon a step,850 But as in some deep fallow two black steers Labor combined, dragging the ponderous plow, The briny sweat around their rooted horns Oozes profuse; they, parted as they toil Along the furrow, by the yoke alone,855 Cleave to its bottom sheer the stubborn glebe, So, side by side, they, persevering fought.[14] The son of Telamon a people led Numerous and bold, who, when his bulky limbs Fail’d overlabor’d, eased him of his shield.860 Not so attended by his Locrians fought Oïleus’ valiant son; pitch’d battle them Suited not, unprovided with bright casques Of hairy crest, with ashen spears, and shields Of ample orb; for, trusting in the bow865 And twisted sling alone, they came to Troy, And broke with shafts and volley’d stones the ranks. Thus occupying, clad in burnish’d arms, The van, these two with Hector and his host Conflicted, while the Locrians from behind870 Vex’d them with shafts, secure; nor could the men Of Ilium stand, by such a shower confused. Then, driven with dreadful havoc thence, the foe To wind-swept Ilium had again retired. Had not Polydamas, at Hector’s side875 Standing, the dauntless hero thus address’d. Hector! Thou ne’er canst listen to advice; But think’st thou, that if heaven in feats of arms Give thee pre-eminence, thou must excel Therefore in council also all mankind?880 No. All-sufficiency is not for thee. To one, superior force in arms is given, Skill to another in the graceful dance, Sweet song and powers of music to a third, And to a fourth loud-thundering Jove imparts885 Wisdom, which profits many, and which saves Whole cities oft, though reverenced but by few. Yet hear; I speak as wisest seems to me. War, like a fiery circle, all around Environs thee; the Trojans, since they pass’d890 The bulwark, either hold themselves aloof, Or, wide-dispersed among the galleys, cope With numbers far superior to their own. Retiring, therefore, summon all our Chiefs To consultation on the sum of all,895 Whether (should heaven so prosper us) to rush Impetuous on the gallant barks of Greece, Or to retreat secure; for much I dread Lest the Achaians punctually refund All yesterday’s arrear, since yonder Chief[15]900 Insatiable with battle still abides Within the fleet, nor longer, as I judge, Will rest a mere spectator of the field. So spake Polydamas, whose safe advice Pleased Hector; from his chariot down he leap’d905 All arm’d, and in wing’d accents thus replied. Polydamas! here gather all the Chiefs; I haste into the fight, and my commands Once issued there, incontinent return. He ended, and conspicuous as the height910 Of some snow-crested mountain, shouting ranged The Trojans and confederates of Troy. They swift around Polydamas, brave son Of Panthus, at the voice of Hector, ran. Himself with hasty strides the front, meantime,915 Of battle roam’d, seeking from rank to rank Asius Hyrtacides, with Asius’ son Adamas, and Deiphobus, and the might Of Helenus, his royal brother bold. Them neither altogether free from hurt920 He found, nor living all. Beneath the sterns Of the Achaian ships some slaughter’d lay By Grecian hands; some stricken by the spear Within the rampart sat, some by the sword. But leftward of the woful field he found,925 Ere long, bright Helen’s paramour his band Exhorting to the fight. Hector approach’d, And him, in fierce displeasure, thus bespake. Curst Paris, specious, fraudulent and lewd! Where is Deiphobus, and where the might930 Of royal Helenus? Where Adamas Offspring of Asius, and where Asius, son Of Hyrtacus, and where Othryoneus? Now lofty Ilium from her topmost height Falls headlong, now is thy own ruin sure!935 To whom the godlike Paris thus replied. Since Hector! thou art pleased with no just cause To censure me, I may decline, perchance, Much more the battle on some future day, For I profess some courage, even I.940 Witness our constant conflict with the Greeks Here, on this spot, since first led on by thee The host of Troy waged battle at the ships. But those our friends of whom thou hast inquired Are slain, Deiphobus alone except945 And royal Helenus, who in the hand Bear each a wound inflicted by the spear, And have retired; but Jove their life preserved. Come now—conduct us whither most thine heart Prompts thee, and thou shalt find us ardent all950 To face like danger; what we can, we will, The best and most determined can no more. So saying, the hero soothed his brother’s mind. Then moved they both toward the hottest war Together, where Polydamas the brave,955 Phalces, Cebriones, Orthæus fought, Palmys and Polyphœtes, godlike Chief, And Morys and Ascanius, gallant sons Both of Hippotion. They at Troy arrived From fair Ascania the preceding morn,960 In recompense for aid[16] by Priam lent Erewhile to Phrygia, and, by Jove impell’d, Now waged the furious battle side by side. The march of these at once, was as the sound Of mighty winds from deep-hung thunder-clouds965 Descending; clamorous the blast and wild With ocean mingles; many a billow, then, Upridged rides turbulent the sounding flood, Foam-crested billow after billow driven, So moved the host of Troy, rank after rank970 Behind their Chiefs, all dazzling bright in arms. Before them Priameian Hector strode Fierce as gore-tainted Mars, and his broad shield Advancing came, heavy with hides, and thick- Plated with brass; his helmet on his brows975 Refulgent shook, and in its turn he tried The force of every phalanx, if perchance Behind his broad shield pacing he might shake Their steadfast order; but he bore not down The spirit of the firm Achaian host.980 Then Ajax striding forth, him, first, defied. Approach. Why temptest thou the Greeks to fear? No babes are we in aught that appertains To arms, though humbled by the scourge of Jove. Thou cherishest the foolish hope to burn985 Our fleet with fire; but even we have hearts Prepared to guard it, and your populous Troy, By us dismantled and to pillage given, Shall perish sooner far. Know this thyself Also; the hour is nigh when thou shalt ask990 In prayer to Jove and all the Gods of heaven, That speed more rapid than the falcon’s flight May wing thy coursers, while, exciting dense The dusty plain, they whirl thee back to Troy. While thus he spake, sublime on the right-hand995 An eagle soar’d; confident in the sign The whole Achaian host with loud acclaim Hail’d it. Then glorious Hector thus replied. Brainless and big, what means this boast of thine, Earth-cumberer Ajax? Would I were the son1000 As sure, for ever, of almighty Jove And Juno, and such honor might receive Henceforth as Pallas and Apollo share, As comes this day with universal wo Fraught for the Grecians, among whom thyself1005 Shalt also perish if thou dare abide My massy spear, which shall thy pamper’d flesh Disfigure, and amid the barks of Greece Falling, thou shalt the vultures with thy bulk Enormous satiate, and the dogs of Troy.1010 He spake, and led his host; with clamor loud They follow’d him, and all the distant rear Came shouting on. On the other side the Greeks Re-echoed shout for shout, all undismay’d, And waiting firm the bravest of their foes.1015 Upwent the double roar into the heights Ethereal, and among the beams of Jove.
XIV. ARGUMENT OF THE FOURTEENTH BOOK
Agamemnon and the other wounded Chiefs taking Nestor with them, visit the battle. Juno having borrowed the Cestus of Venus, first engages the assistance of Sleep, then hastens to Ida to inveigle Jove. She prevails. Jove sleeps; and Neptune takes that opportunity to succor the Grecians.
Book XIV
Nor was that cry by Nestor unperceived Though drinking, who in words wing’d with surprise The son of Æsculapius thus address’d. Divine Machaon! think what this may bode. The cry of our young warriors at the ships5 Grows louder; sitting here, the sable wine Quaff thou, while bright-hair’d Hecamede warms A bath, to cleanse thy crimson stains away. I from yon eminence will learn the cause. So saying, he took a shield radiant with brass10 There lying in the tent, the shield well-forged Of valiant Thrasymedes, his own son (For he had borne to fight his father’s shield) And arming next his hand with a keen lance Stood forth before the tent. Thence soon he saw15 Foul deeds and strange, the Grecian host confused, Their broken ranks flying before the host Of Ilium, and the rampart overthrown. As when the wide sea, darken’d over all Its silent flood, forebodes shrill winds to blow,20 The doubtful waves roll yet to neither side, Till swept at length by a decisive gale;[1] So stood the senior, with distressful doubts Conflicting anxious, whether first to seek The Grecian host, or Agamemnon’s self25 The sovereign, and at length that course preferr’d. Meantime with mutual carnage they the field Spread far and wide, and by spears double-edged Smitten, and by the sword their corselets rang. The royal Chiefs ascending from the fleet,30 Ulysses, Diomede, and Atreus’ son Imperial Agamemnon, who had each Bled in the battle, met him on his way. For from the war remote they had updrawn Their galleys on the shore of the gray Deep,35 The foremost to the plain, and at the sterns Of that exterior line had built the wall. For, spacious though it were, the shore alone That fleet sufficed not, incommoding much The people; wherefore they had ranged the ships40 Line above line gradual, and the bay Between both promontories, all was fill’d. They, therefore, curious to survey the fight, Came forth together, leaning on the spear, When Nestor met them; heavy were their hearts,45 And at the sight of him still more alarm’d, Whom royal Agamemnon thus bespake. Neleian Nestor, glory of the Greeks! What moved thee to forsake yon bloody field, And urged thee hither? Cause I see of fear,50 Lest furious Hector even now his threat Among the Trojans publish’d, verify, That he would never enter Ilium more Till he had burn’d our fleet, and slain ourselves. So threaten’d Hector, and shall now perform.55 Alas! alas! the Achaians brazen-greaved All, like Achilles, have deserted me Resentful, and decline their fleet’s defence. To whom Gerenian Nestor thus replied. Those threats are verified; nor Jove himself60 The Thunderer can disappoint them now; For our chief strength in which we trusted most That it should guard impregnably secure Our navy and ourselves, the wall hath fallen. Hence all this conflict by our host sustain’d65 Among the ships; nor could thy keenest sight Inform thee where in the Achaian camp Confusion most prevails, such deaths are dealt Promiscuous, and the cry ascends to heaven. But come—consult we on the sum of all,70 If counsel yet may profit. As for you, Ye shall have exhortation none from me To seek the fight; the wounded have excuse. Whom Agamemnon answer’d, King of men. Ah Nestor! if beneath our very sterns75 The battle rage, if neither trench nor wall Constructed with such labor, and supposed Of strength to guard impregnably secure Our navy and ourselves, avail us aught, It is because almighty Jove hath will’d80 That the Achaian host should perish here Inglorious, from their country far remote. When he vouchsafed assistance to the Greeks, I knew it well; and now, not less I know That high as the immortal Gods he lifts85 Our foes to glory, and depresses us. Haste therefore all, and act as I advise. Our ships—all those that nearest skirt the Deep, Launch we into the sacred flood, and moor With anchors safely, till o’ershadowing night90 (If night itself may save us) shall arrive. Then may we launch the rest; for I no shame Account it, even by ’vantage of the night To fly destruction. Wiser him I deem Who ’scapes his foe, than whom his foe enthralls.95 But him Ulysses, frowning stern, reproved. What word, Atrides, now hath pass’d thy lips? Counsellor of despair! thou should’st command (And would to heaven thou didst) a different host, Some dastard race, not ours; whom Jove ordains100 From youth to hoary age to weave the web Of toilsome warfare, till we perish all. Wilt thou the spacious city thus renounce For which such numerous woes we have endured? Hush! lest some other hear; it is a word105 Which no man qualified by years mature To speak discreetly, no man bearing rule O’er such a people as confess thy sway, Should suffer to contaminate his lips. I from my soul condemn thee, and condemn110 Thy counsel, who persuad’st us in the heat Of battle terrible as this, to launch Our fleet into the waves, that we may give Our too successful foes their full desire, And that our own prepondering scale115 May plunge us past all hope; for while they draw Their galleys down, the Grecians shall but ill Sustain the fight, seaward will cast their eyes And shun the battle, bent on flight alone. Then, shall they rue thy counsel, King of men!120 To whom the imperial leader of the Greeks. Thy sharp reproof, Ulysses, hath my soul Pierced deeply. Yet I gave no such command That the Achaians should their galleys launch, Would they, or would they not. No. I desire125 That young or old, some other may advice More prudent give, and he shall please me well. Then thus the gallant Diomede replied. That man is near, and may ye but be found Tractable, our inquiry shall be short.130 Be patient each, nor chide me nor reproach Because I am of greener years than ye, For I am sprung from an illustrious Sire, From Tydeus, who beneath his hill of earth Lies now entomb’d at Thebes. Three noble sons135 Were born to Portheus, who in Pleuro dwelt, And on the heights of Calydon; the first Agrius; the second Melas; and the third Brave Oeneus, father of my father, famed For virtuous qualities above the rest.140 Oeneus still dwelt at home; but wandering thence My father dwelt in Argos; so the will Of Jove appointed, and of all the Gods. There he espoused the daughter of the King Adrastus, occupied a mansion rich145 In all abundance; many a field possess’d Of wheat, well-planted gardens, numerous flocks, And was expert in spearmanship esteem’d Past all the Grecians. I esteem’d it right That ye should hear these things, for they are true.150 Ye will not, therefore, as I were obscure And of ignoble origin, reject What I shall well advise. Expedience bids That, wounded as we are, we join the host. We will preserve due distance from the range155 Of spears and arrows, lest already gall’d, We suffer worse; but we will others urge To combat, who have stood too long aloof, Attentive only to their own repose. He spake, whom all approved, and forth they went,160 Imperial Agamemnon at their head. Nor watch’d the glorious Shaker of the shores In vain, but like a man time-worn approach’d, And, seizing Agamemnon’s better hand, In accents wing’d the monarch thus address’d.165 Atrides! now exults the vengeful heart Of fierce Achilles, viewing at his ease The flight and slaughter of Achaia’s host; For he is mad, and let him perish such, And may his portion from the Gods be shame!170 But as for thee, not yet the powers of heaven Thee hate implacable; the Chiefs of Troy Shall cover yet with cloudy dust the breadth Of all the plain, and backward from the camp To Ilium’s gates thyself shalt see them driven.175 He ceased, and shouting traversed swift the field. Loud as nine thousand or ten thousand shout In furious battle mingled, Neptune sent His voice abroad, force irresistible Infusing into every Grecian heart,180 And thirst of battle not to be assuaged. But Juno of the golden throne stood forth On the Olympian summit, viewing thence The field, where clear distinguishing the God Of ocean, her own brother, sole engaged185 Amid the glorious battle, glad was she. Seeing Jove also on the topmost point Of spring-fed Ida seated, she conceived Hatred against him, and thenceforth began Deliberate how best she might deceive190 The Thunderer, and thus at last resolved; Attired with skill celestial to descend On Ida, with a hope to allure him first Won by her beauty to a fond embrace, Then closing fast in balmy sleep profound195 His eyes, to elude his vigilance, secure. She sought her chamber; Vulcan her own son That chamber built. He framed the solid doors, And to the posts fast closed them with a key Mysterious, which, herself except, in heaven200 None understood. Entering she secured The splendid portal. First, she laved all o’er Her beauteous body with ambrosial lymph, Then polish’d it with richest oil divine Of boundless fragrance;[2] oil that in the courts205 Eternal only shaken, through the skies Breathed odors, and through all the distant earth. Her whole fair body with those sweets bedew’d, She passed the comb through her ambrosial hair, And braided her bright locks streaming profuse210 From her immortal brows; with golden studs She made her gorgeous mantle fast before, Ethereal texture, labor of the hands Of Pallas beautified with various art, And braced it with a zone fringed all around215 A hundred fold; her pendants triple-gemm’d Luminous, graceful, in her ears she hung, And covering all her glories with a veil Sun-bright, new-woven, bound to her fair feet Her sandals elegant. Thus full attired,220 In all her ornaments, she issued forth, And beckoning Venus from the other powers Of heaven apart, the Goddess thus bespake. Daughter beloved! shall I obtain my suit, Or wilt thou thwart me, angry that I aid225 The Grecians, while thine aid is given to Troy? To whom Jove’s daughter Venus thus replied. What would majestic Juno, daughter dread Of Saturn, sire of Jove? I feel a mind Disposed to gratify thee, if thou ask230 Things possible, and possible to me. Then thus with wiles veiling her deep design Imperial Juno. Give me those desires, That love-enkindling power by which thou sway’st Immortal hearts and mortal, all alike;235 For to the green earth’s utmost bounds I go, To visit there the parent of the Gods, Oceanus, and Tethys his espoused, Mother of all. They kindly from the hands Of Rhea took, and with parental care240 Sustain’d and cherish’d me, what time from heaven The Thunderer hurled down Saturn, and beneath The earth fast bound him and the barren Deep. Them go I now to visit, and their feuds Innumerable to compose; for long245 They have from conjugal embrace abstain’d Through mutual wrath, whom by persuasive speech Might I restore into each other’s arms, They would for ever love me and revere. Her, foam-born Venus then, Goddess of smiles,250 Thus answer’d. Thy request, who in the arms Of Jove reposest the omnipotent, Nor just it were nor seemly to refuse. So saying, the cincture from her breast she loosed Embroider’d, various, her all-charming zone.255 It was an ambush of sweet snares, replete With love, desire, soft intercourse of hearts, And music of resistless whisper’d sounds That from the wisest steal their best resolves; She placed it in her hands and thus she said.260 Take this—this girdle fraught with every charm. Hide this within thy bosom, and return, Whate’er thy purpose, mistress of it all. She spake; imperial Juno smiled, and still Smiling complacent, bosom’d safe the zone.265 Then Venus to her father’s court return’d, And Juno, starting from the Olympian height, O’erflew Pieria and the lovely plains Of broad Emathia; soaring thence she swept The snow-clad summits of the Thracian hills270 Steed-famed, nor printed, as she passed, the soil. From Athos o’er the foaming billows borne She came to Lemnos, city and abode Of noble Thoas, and there meeting Sleep, Brother of Death, she press’d his hand, and said,275 Sleep, over all, both Gods and men, supreme! If ever thou hast heard, hear also now My suit; I will be grateful evermore. Seal for me fast the radiant eyes of Jove In the instant of his gratified desire.280 Thy recompense shall be a throne of gold, Bright, incorruptible; my limping son, Vulcan, shall fashion it himself with art Laborious, and, beneath, shall place a stool[3] For thy fair feet, at the convivial board.285 Then answer thus the tranquil Sleep returned Great Saturn’s daughter, awe-inspiring Queen! All other of the everlasting Gods I could with ease make slumber, even the streams Of Ocean, Sire of all.[4] Not so the King290 The son of Saturn: him, unless himself Give me command, I dare not lull to rest, Or even approach him, taught as I have been Already in the school of thy commands That wisdom. I forget not yet the day295 When, Troy laid waste, that valiant son[5] of his Sail’d homeward: then my influence I diffused Soft o’er the sovereign intellect of Jove; While thou, against the Hero plotting harm, Didst rouse the billows with tempestuous blasts,300 And separating him from all his friend, Brought’st him to populous Cos. Then Jove awoke, And, hurling in his wrath the Gods about, Sought chiefly me, whom far below all ken He had from heaven cast down into the Deep,305 But Night, resistless vanquisher of all, Both Gods and men, preserved me; for to her I fled for refuge. So the Thunderer cool’d, Though sore displeased, and spared me through a fear To violate the peaceful sway of Night.[6]310 And thou wouldst now embroil me yet again! To whom majestic Juno thus replied. Ah, wherefore, Sleep! shouldst thou indulge a fear So groundless? Chase it from thy mind afar. Think’st thou the Thunderer as intent to serve315 The Trojans, and as jealous in their cause As erst for Hercules, his genuine son? Come then, and I will bless thee with a bride; One of the younger Graces shall be thine, Pasithea, day by day still thy desire.320 She spake; Sleep heard delighted, and replied. By the inviolable Stygian flood Swear to me; lay thy right hand on the glebe All-teeming, lay thy other on the face Of the flat sea, that all the Immortal Powers325 Who compass Saturn in the nether realms May witness, that thou givest me for a bride The younger Grace whom thou hast named, divine Pasithea, day by day still my desire. He said, nor beauteous Juno not complied,330 But sware, by name invoking all the powers Titanian call’d who in the lowest gulf Dwell under Tartarus, omitting none. Her oath with solemn ceremonial sworn, Together forth they went; Lemnos they left335 And Imbrus, city of Thrace, and in dark clouds Mantled, with gliding ease swam through the air To Ida’s mount with rilling waters vein’d, Parent of savage beasts; at Lectos[7] first They quitted Ocean, overpassing high340 The dry land, while beneath their feet the woods Their spiry summits waved. There, unperceived By Jove, Sleep mounted Ida’s loftiest pine Of growth that pierced the sky, and hidden sat Secure by its expanded boughs, the bird345 Shrill-voiced resembling in the mountains seen,[8] Chalcis in heaven, on earth Cymindis named. But Juno swift to Gargarus the top Of Ida, soar’d, and there Jove saw his spouse. —Saw her—and in his breast the same love felt350 Rekindled vehement, which had of old Join’d them, when, by their parents unperceived, They stole aside, and snatch’d their first embrace. Soon he accosted her, and thus inquired.
Juno! what region seeking hast thou left355 The Olympian summit, and hast here arrived With neither steed nor chariot in thy train? To whom majestic Juno thus replied Dissembling. To the green earth’s end I go, To visit there the parent of the Gods360 Oceanus, and Tethys his espoused, Mother of all. They kindly from the hands Of Rhea took, and with parental care Sustain’d and cherish’d me;[9] to them I haste Their feuds innumerable to compose,365 Who disunited by intestine strife Long time, from conjugal embrace abstain. My steeds, that lightly over dank and dry Shall bear me, at the rooted base I left Of Ida river-vein’d. But for thy sake370 From the Olympian summit I arrive, Lest journeying remote to the abode Of Ocean, and with no consent of thine Entreated first, I should, perchance, offend. To whom the cloud-assembler God replied.375 Juno! thy journey thither may be made Hereafter. Let us turn to dalliance now. For never Goddess pour’d, nor woman yet So full a tide of love into my breast; I never loved Ixion’s consort thus380 Who bore Pirithoüs, wise as we in heaven; Nor sweet Acrisian Danäe, from whom Sprang Perseus, noblest of the race of man; Nor Phœnix’ daughter fair,[10] of whom were born Minos unmatch’d but by the powers above,385 And Rhadamanthus; nor yet Semele, Nor yet Alcmena, who in Thebes produced The valiant Hercules; and though my son By Semele were Bacchus, joy of man; Nor Ceres golden-hair’d, nor high-enthroned390 Latona in the skies, no—nor thyself As now I love thee, and my soul perceive O’erwhelm’d with sweetness of intense desire. Then thus majestic Juno her reply Framed artful. Oh unreasonable haste!395 What speaks the Thunderer? If on Ida’s heights. Where all is open and to view exposed Thou wilt that we embrace, what must betide, Should any of the everlasting Gods Observe us, and declare it to the rest?400 Never could I, arising, seek again, Thy mansion, so unseemly were the deed. But if thy inclinations that way tend, Thou hast a chamber; it is Vulcan’s work, Our son’s; he framed and fitted to its posts405 The solid portal; thither let us his, And there repose, since such thy pleasure seems. To whom the cloud-assembler Deity. Fear thou not, Juno, lest the eye of man Or of a God discern us; at my word410 A golden cloud shall fold us so around, That not the Sun himself shall through that veil Discover aught, though keenest-eyed of all. So spake the son of Saturn, and his spouse Fast lock’d within his arms. Beneath them earth415 With sudden herbage teem’d; at once upsprang The crocus soft, the lotus bathed in dew, And the crisp hyacinth with clustering bells; Thick was their growth, and high above the ground Upbore them. On that flowery couch they lay,420 Invested with a golden cloud that shed Bright dew-drops all around.[11] His heart at ease, There lay the Sire of all, by Sleep and Love Vanquish’d on lofty Gargarus, his spouse Constraining still with amorous embrace.425 Then, gentle Sleep to the Achaian camp Sped swift away, with tidings for the ear Of earth-encircler Neptune charged; him soon He found, and in wing’d accents thus began. Now Neptune, yield the Greeks effectual aid,430 And, while the moment lasts of Jove’s repose, Make victory theirs; for him in slumbers soft I have involved, while Juno by deceit Prevailing, lured him with the bait of love. He said, and swift departed to his task435 Among the nations; but his tidings urged Neptune with still more ardor to assist The Danaï; he leap’d into the van Afar, and thus exhorted them aloud. Oh Argives! yield we yet again the day440 To Priameian Hector? Shall he seize Our ships, and make the glory all his own? Such is his expectation, so he vaunts, For that Achilles leaves not yet his camp, Resentful; but of him small need, I judge,445 Should here be felt, could once the rest be roused To mutual aid. Act, then, as I advise. The best and broadest bucklers of the host, And brightest helmets put we on, and arm’d With longest spears, advance; myself will lead;450 And trust me, furious though he be, the son Of Priam flies. Ye then who feel your hearts Undaunted, but are arm’d with smaller shields, Them give to those who fear, and in exchange Their stronger shields and broader take yourselves.455 So he, whom, unreluctant, all obey’d. Then, wounded as they were, themselves the Kings, Tydides, Agamemnon and Ulysses Marshall’d the warriors, and from rank to rank Made just exchange of arms, giving the best460 To the best warriors, to the worse, the worst. And now in brazen armor all array’d Refulgent on they moved, by Neptune led With firm hand grasping his long-bladed sword Keen as Jove’s bolt; with him may none contend465 In dreadful fight; but fear chains every arm. Opposite, Priameian Hector ranged His Trojans; then they stretch’d the bloody cord Of conflict tight, Neptune cœrulean-hair’d, And Hector, pride of Ilium; one, the Greeks470 Supporting firm, and one, the powers of Troy; A sea-flood dash’d the galleys, and the hosts Join’d clamorous. Not so the billows roar The shores among, when Boreas’ roughest blast Sweeps landward from the main the towering surge;475 Not so, devouring fire among the trees That clothe the mountain, when the sheeted flames Ascending wrap the forest in a blaze; Nor howl the winds through leafy boughs of oaks Upgrown aloft (though loudest there they rave)480 With sounds so awful as were heard of Greeks And Trojans shouting when the clash began. At Ajax, first (for face to face they stood) Illustrious Hector threw a spear well-aim’d, But smote him where the belts that bore his shield485 And falchion cross’d each other on his breast. The double guard preserved him unannoy’d. Indignant that his spear had bootless flown, Yet fearing death at hand, the Trojan Chief Toward the phalanx of his friends retired.490 But, as he went, huge Ajax with a stone Of those which propp’d the ships (for numerous such Lay rolling at the feet of those who fought) Assail’d him. Twirling like a top it pass’d The shield of Hector, near the neck his breast495 Struck full, then plough’d circuitous the dust. As when Jove’s arm omnipotent an oak Prostrates uprooted on the plain, a fume Rises sulphureous from the riven trunk, And if, perchance, some traveller nigh at hand500 See it, he trembles at the bolt of Jove, So fell the might of Hector, to the earth Smitten at once. Down dropp’d his idle spear, And with his helmet and his shield himself Also; loud thunder’d all his gorgeous arms.505 Swift flew the Grecians shouting to the skies, And showering darts, to drag his body thence, But neither spear of theirs nor shaft could harm The fallen leader, with such instant aid His princely friends encircled him around,510 Sarpedon, Lycian Chief, Glaucus the brave, Polydamas, Æneas, and renown’d Agenor; neither tardy were the rest, But with round shields all shelter’d Hector fallen. Him soon uplifted from the plain his friends515 Bore thence, till where his fiery coursers stood, And splendid chariot in the rear, they came, Then Troy-ward drove him groaning as he went. Ere long arriving at the pleasant stream Of eddied Xanthus, progeny of Jove,520 They laid him on the bank, and on his face Pour’d water; he, reviving, upward gazed, And seated on his hams black blood disgorged Coagulate, but soon relapsing, fell Supine, his eyes with pitchy darkness veil’d,525 And all his powers still torpid by the blow. Then, seeing Hector borne away, the Greeks Rush’d fiercer on, all mindful of the fight, And far before the rest, Ajax the swift, The Oïlean Chief, with pointed spear530 On Satnius springing, pierced him. Him a nymph A Naiad, bore to Enops, while his herd Feeding, on Satnio’s grassy verge he stray’d. But Oïliades the spear-renown’d Approaching, pierced his flank; supine he fell,535 And fiery contest for the dead arose. In vengeance of his fall, spear-shaking Chief The son of Panthus into fight advanced Polydamas, who Prothöenor pierced Offspring of Areïlocus, and urged540 Through his right shoulder sheer the stormy lance. He, prostrate, clench’d the dust, and with loud voice Polydamas exulted at his fall. Yon spear, methinks, hurl’d from the warlike hand Of Panthus’ noble son, flew not in vain,545 But some Greek hath it, purposing, I judge, To lean on it in his descent to hell. So he, whose vaunt the Greeks indignant heard. But most indignant, Ajax, offspring bold Of Telamon, to whom he nearest fell.550 He, quick, at the retiring conqueror cast His radiant spear; Polydamas the stroke Shunn’d, starting sideward; but Antenor’s son Archilochus the mortal dint received, Death-destined by the Gods; where neck and spine555 Unite, both tendons he dissever’d wide, And, ere his knees, his nostrils met the ground. Then Ajax in his turn vaunting aloud Against renown’d Polydamas, exclaim’d. Speak now the truth, Polydamas, and weigh560 My question well. His life whom I have slain Makes it not compensation for the loss Of Prothöenor’s life! To me he seems Nor base himself; nor yet of base descent, But brother of Atenor steed-renown’d,565 Or else perchance his son; for in my eyes Antenor’s lineage he resembles most. So he, well knowing him, and sorrow seized Each Trojan heart. Then Acamas around His brother stalking, wounded with his spear570 Bœotian Promachus, who by the feet Dragg’d off the slain. Acamas in his fall Aloud exulted with a boundless joy. Vain-glorious Argives, archers inexpert! War’s toil and trouble are not ours alone,575 But ye shall perish also; mark the man— How sound he sleeps tamed by my conquering arm, Your fellow-warrior Promachus! the debt Of vengeance on my brother’s dear behalf Demanded quick discharge; well may the wish580 Of every dying warrior be to leave A brother living to avenge his fall. He ended, whom the Greeks indignant heard, But chiefly brave Peneleus; swift he rush’d On Acamas; but from before the force585 Of King Peneleus Acamas retired, And, in his stead, Ilioneus he pierced, Offspring of Phorbas, rich in flocks; and blest By Mercury with such abundant wealth As other Trojan none, nor child to him590 His spouse had borne, Ilioneus except. Him close beneath the brow to his eye-roots Piercing, he push’d the pupil from its seat, And through his eye and through his poll the spear Urged furious. He down-sitting on the earth595 Both hands extended; but, his glittering blade Forth-drawn, Peneleus through his middle neck Enforced it; head and helmet to the ground He lopp’d together, with the lance infixt Still in his eye; then like a poppy’s head600 The crimson trophy lifting, in the ears He vaunted loud of Ilium’s host, and cried. Go, Trojans! be my messengers! Inform The parents of Ilioneus the brave That they may mourn their son through all their house,605 For so the wife of Alegenor’s son Bœotian Promachus must him bewail, Nor shall she welcome his return with smiles Of joy affectionate, when from the shores Of Troy the fleet shall bear us Grecians home.610 He said; fear whiten’d every Trojan cheek, And every Trojan eye with earnest look Inquired a refuge from impending fate. Say now, ye Muses, blest inhabitants Of the Olympian realms! what Grecian first615 Fill’d his victorious hand with armor stript From slaughter’d Trojans, after Ocean’s God Had, interposing, changed the battle’s course? First, Telamonian Ajax Hyrtius slew, Undaunted leader of the Mysian band.620 Phalces and Mermerus their arms resign’d To young Antilochus; Hyppotion fell And Morys by Meriones; the shafts Right-aim’d of Teucer to the shades dismiss’d Prothöus and Periphetes, and the prince625 Of Sparta, Menelaus, in his flank Pierced Hyperenor; on his entrails prey’d The hungry steel, and, through the gaping wound Expell’d, his spirit flew; night veil’d his eyes. But Ajax Oïliades the swift630 Slew most; him none could equal in pursuit Of tremblers scatter’d by the frown of Jove.
XV. ARGUMENT OF THE FIFTEENTH BOOK
Jove, awaking and seeing the Trojans routed, threatens Juno. He sends Iris to admonish Neptune to relinquish the battle, and Apollo to restore health to Hector. Apollo armed with the Ægis, puts to flight the Grecians; they are pursued home to their fleet, and Telamonian Ajax slays twelve Trojans bringing fire to burn it.
Book XV
But when the flying Trojans had o’erpass’d Both stakes and trench, and numerous slaughtered lay By Grecian hands, the remnant halted all Beside their chariots, pale, discomfited. Then was it that on Ida’s summit Jove5 At Juno’s side awoke; starting, he stood At once erect; Trojans and Greeks he saw, These broken, those pursuing and led on By Neptune; he beheld also remote Encircled by his friends, and on the plain10 Extended, Hector; there he panting lay, Senseless, ejecting blood, bruised by a blow From not the feeblest of the sons of Greece. Touch’d with compassion at that sight, the Sire Of Gods and men, frowning terrific, fix’d15 His eyes on Juno, and her thus bespake. No place for doubt remains. Oh, versed in wiles, Juno! thy mischief-teeming mind perverse Hath plotted this; thou hast contrived the hurt Of Hector, and hast driven his host to flight.20 I know not but thyself mayst chance to reap The first-fruits of thy cunning, scourged[1] by me. Hast thou forgotten how I once aloft Suspended thee, with anvils at thy feet, And both thy wrists bound with a golden cord25 Indissoluble? In the clouds of heaven I hung thee, while from the Olympian heights The Gods look’d mournful on, but of them all None could deliver thee, for whom I seized, Hurl’d through the gates of heaven on earth he fell,30 Half-breathless. Neither so did I resign My hot resentment of the hero’s wrongs Immortal Hercules, whom thou by storms Call’d from the North, with mischievous intent Hadst driven far distant o’er the barren Deep35 To populous Cos. Thence I deliver’d him, And after numerous woes severe, he reach’d The shores of fruitful Argos, saved by me. I thus remind thee now, that thou mayst cease Henceforth from artifice, and mayst be taught40 How little all the dalliance and the love Which, stealing down from heaven, thou hast by fraud Obtain’d from me, shall profit thee at last. He ended, whom imperial Juno heard Shuddering, and in wing’d accents thus replied.45 Be witness Earth, the boundless Heaven above, And Styx beneath, whose stream the blessed Gods Even tremble to adjure;[2] be witness too Thy sacred life, and our connubial bed, Which by a false oath I will never wrong,50 That by no art induced or plot of mine Neptune, the Shaker of the shores, inflicts These harms on Hector and the Trojan host Aiding the Grecians, but impell’d alone By his own heart with pity moved at sight55 Of the Achaians at the ships subdued. But even him, oh Sovereign of the storms! I am prepared to admonish that he quit The battle, and retire where thou command’st. So she; then smiled the Sire of Gods and men,60 And in wing’d accents answer thus return’d.[3] Juno! wouldst thou on thy celestial throne Assist my counsels, howso’er in heart He differ now, Neptune should soon his will Submissive bend to thy desires and mine.65 But if sincerity be in thy words And truth, repairing to the blest abodes Send Iris hither, with the archer God Apollo; that she, visiting the host Of Greece, may bid the Sovereign of the Deep70 Renounce the fight, and seek his proper home. Apollo’s part shall be to rouse again Hector to battle, to inspire his soul Afresh with courage, and all memory thence To banish of the pangs which now he feels.75 Apollo also shall again repulse Achaia’s host, which with base panic fill’d, Shall even to Achilles’ ships be driven. Achilles shall his valiant friend exhort Patroclus forth; him under Ilium’s walls80 Shall glorious Hector slay; but many a youth Shall perish by Patroclus first, with whom, My noble son Sarpedon. Peleus’ son, Resentful of Patroclus’ death, shall slay Hector, and I will urge ceaseless, myself,85 Thenceforth the routed Trojans back again, Till by Minerva’s aid the Greeks shall take Ilium’s proud city; till that day arrive My wrath shall burn, nor will I one permit Of all the Immortals to assist the Greeks,90 But will perform Achilles’ whole desire. Such was my promise to him at the first, Ratified by a nod that self-same day When Thetis clasp’d my knees, begging revenge And glory for her city-spoiler son.95 He ended; nor his spouse white-arm’d refused Obedience, but from the Idæan heights Departing, to the Olympian summit soar’d. Swift as the traveller’s thought,[4] who, many a land Traversed, deliberates on his future course100 Uncertain, and his mind sends every way, So swift updarted Juno to the skies. Arrived on the Olympian heights, she found The Gods assembled; they, at once, their seats At her approach forsaking, with full cups105 Her coming hail’d; heedless of all beside, She took the cup from blooming Themis’ hand, For she first flew to welcome her, and thus In accents wing’d of her return inquired. Say, Juno, why this sudden re-ascent?110 Thou seem’st dismay’d; hath Saturn’s son, thy spouse, Driven thee affrighted to the skies again? To whom the white-arm’d Goddess thus replied. Themis divine, ask not. Full well thou know’st How harshly temper’d is the mind of Jove,115 And how untractable. Resume thy seat; The banquet calls thee; at our board preside, Thou shalt be told, and all in heaven shall hear What ills he threatens; such as shall not leave All minds at ease, I judge, here or on earth,120 However tranquil some and joyous now. So spake the awful spouse of Jove, and sat. Then, all alike, the Gods displeasure felt Throughout the courts of Jove, but she, her lips Gracing with smiles from which her sable brows125 Dissented,[5] thus indignant them address’d. Alas! how vain against the Thunderer’s will Our anger, and the hope to supersede His purpose, by persuasion or by force! He solitary sits, all unconcern’d130 At our resentment, and himself proclaims Mightiest and most to be revered in heaven. Be patient, therefore, and let each endure Such ills as Jove may send him. Mars, I ween, Already hath his share; the warrior God135 Hath lost Ascalaphus, of all mankind His most beloved, and whom he calls his own. She spake, and with expanded palms his thighs Smiling, thus, sorrowful, the God exclaim’d. Inhabitants of the Olympian heights!140 Oh bear with me, if to avenge my son I seek Achaia’s fleet, although my doom Be thunder-bolts from Jove, and with the dead Outstretch’d to lie in carnage and in dust. He spake, and bidding Horror and Dismay145 Lead to the yoke his rapid steeds, put on His all-refulgent armor. Then had wrath More dreadful, some strange vengeance on the Gods From Jove befallen, had not Minerva, touch’d With timely fears for all, upstarting sprung150 From where she sat, right through the vestibule. She snatch’d the helmet from his brows, the shield From his broad shoulder, and the brazen spear Forced from his grasp into its place restored. Then reprimanding Mars, she thus began.155 Frantic, delirious! thou art lost for ever! Is it in vain that thou hast ears to hear, And hast thou neither shame nor reason left? How? hear’st thou not the Goddess? the report Of white-arm’d Juno from Olympian Jove160 Return’d this moment? or perfer’st thou rather, Plagued with a thousand woes, and under force Of sad necessity to seek again Olympus, and at thy return to prove Author of countless miseries to us all?165 For He at once Grecians and Trojans both Abandoning, will hither haste prepared To tempest[6] us in heaven, whom he will seize, The guilty and the guiltless, all alike. I bid thee, therefore, patient bear the death170 Of thy Ascalaphus; braver than he And abler have, ere now, in battle fallen, And shall hereafter; arduous were the task To rescue from the stroke of fate the race Of mortal men, with all their progeny.175 So saying, Minerva on his throne replaced The fiery Mars. Then, summoning abroad Apollo from within the hall of Jove, With Iris, swift ambassadress of heaven, Them in wing’d accents Juno thus bespake.180 Jove bids you hence with undelaying speed To Ida; in his presence once arrived, See that ye execute his whole command. So saying, the awful Goddess to her throne Return’d and sat. They, cleaving swift the air,185 Alighted soon on Ida fountain-fed, Parent of savage kinds. High on the point Seated of Gargarus, and wrapt around With fragrant clouds, they found Saturnian Jove The Thunderer, and in his presence stood.190 He, nought displeased that they his high command Had with such readiness obey’d, his speech To Iris, first, in accents wing’d address’d Swift Iris, haste—to royal Neptune bear My charge entire; falsify not the word.195 Bid him, relinquishing the fight, withdraw Either to heaven, or to the boundless Deep. But should he disobedient prove, and scorn My message, let him, next, consider well How he will bear, powerful as he is,200 My coming. Me I boast superior far In force, and elder-born; yet deems he slight The danger of comparison with me, Who am the terror of all heaven beside. He spake, nor storm-wing’d Iris disobey’d,205 But down from the Idæan summit stoop’d To sacred Ilium. As when snow or hail Flies drifted by the cloud-dispelling North, So swiftly, wing’d with readiness of will, She shot the gulf between, and standing soon210 At glorious Neptune’s side, him thus address’d. To thee, O Neptune azure-hair’d! I come With tidings charged from Ægis-bearing Jove. He bids thee cease from battle, and retire Either to heaven, or to the boundless Deep.215 But shouldst thou, disobedient, set at nought His words, he threatens that himself will haste To fight against thee; but he bids thee shun That strife with one superior far to thee, And elder-born; yet deem’st thou slight, he saith,220 The danger of comparison with Him, Although the terror of all heaven beside. Her then the mighty Shaker of the shores Answer’d indignant. Great as is his power, Yet he hath spoken proudly, threatening me225 With force, high-born and glorious as himself. We are three brothers; Saturn is our sire, And Rhea brought us forth; first, Jove she bore; Me next; then, Pluto, Sovereign of the shades. By distribution tripart we received230 Each his peculiar honors; me the lots Made Ruler of the hoary floods, and there I dwell for ever. Pluto, for his part, The regions took of darkness; and the heavens, The clouds, and boundless æther, fell to Jove.235 The Earth and the Olympian heights alike Are common to the three. My life and being I hold not, therefore, at his will, whose best And safest course, with all his boasted power, Were to possess in peace his proper third.240 Let him not seek to terrify with force Me like a dastard; let him rather chide His own-begotten; with big-sounding words His sons and daughters govern, who perforce Obey his voice, and shrink at his commands.245 To whom thus Iris tempest-wing’d replied, Cœrulean-tress’d Sovereign of the Deep! Shall I report to Jove, harsh as it is, Thy speech, or wilt thou soften it? The wise Are flexible, and on the elder-born250 Erynnis, with her vengeful sisters, waits.[7] Her answer’d then the Shaker of the shores. Prudent is thy advice, Iris divine! Discretion in a messenger is good At all times. But the cause that fires me thus,255 And with resentment my whole heart and mind Possesses, is the license that he claims To vex with provocation rude of speech Me his compeer, and by decree of Fate Illustrious as himself; yet, though incensed,260 And with just cause, I will not now persist. But hear—for it is treasured in my heart The threat that my lips utter. If he still Resolve to spare proud Ilium in despite Of me, of Pallas, Goddess of the spoils,265 Of Juno, Mercury, and the King of fire, And will not overturn her lofty towers, Nor grant immortal glory to the Greeks, Then tell him thus—hostility shall burn, And wrath between us never to be quench’d.270 So saying, the Shaker of the shores forsook The Grecian host, and plunged into the deep, Miss’d by Achaia’s heroes. Then, the cloud-Assembler God thus to Apollo spake. Hence, my Apollo! to the Trojan Chief275 Hector; for earth-encircler Neptune, awed By fear of my displeasure imminent, Hath sought the sacred Deep. Else, all the Gods Who compass Saturn in the nether realms, Had even there our contest heard, I ween,280 And heard it loudly. But that he retreats Although at first incensed, shunning my wrath, Is salutary both for him and me, Whose difference else had not been healed with ease. Take thou my shaggy Ægis, and with force285 Smiting it, terrify the Chiefs of Greece. As for illustrious Hector, him I give To thy peculiar care; fail not to rouse His fiercest courage, till he push the Greeks To Hellespont, and to their ships again;290 Thenceforth to yield to their afflicted host Some pause from toil, shall be my own concern. He ended, nor Apollo disobey’d His father’s voice; from the Idæan heights, Swift as the swiftest of the fowls of air,295 The dove-destroyer falcon, down he flew. The noble Hector, valiant Priam’s son He found, not now extended on the plain, But seated; newly, as from death, awaked, And conscious of his friends; freely he breathed300 Nor sweated more, by Jove himself revived. Apollo stood beside him, and began. Say, Hector, Priam’s son! why sittest here Feeble and spiritless, and from thy host Apart? what new disaster hath befall’n?305 To whom with difficulty thus replied The warlike Chief.—But tell me who art Thou, Divine inquirer! best of powers above! Know’st not that dauntless Ajax me his friends Slaughtering at yonder ships, hath with a stone310 Surceased from fight, smiting me on the breast? I thought to have beheld, this day, the dead In Ades, every breath so seem’d my last. Then answer thus the Archer-God return’d. Courage this moment! such a helper Jove315 From Ida sends thee at thy side to war Continual, Phœbus of the golden sword, Whose guardian aid both thee and lofty Troy Hath succor’d many a time. Therefore arise! Instant bid drive thy numerous charioteers320 Their rapid steeds full on the Grecian fleet; I, marching at their head, will smooth, myself, The way before them, and will turn again To flight the heroes of the host of Greece. He said and with new strength the Chief inspired.325 As some stall’d horse high pamper’d, snapping short His cord, beats under foot the sounding soil, Accustom’d in smooth-sliding streams to lave Exulting; high he bears his head, his mane Wantons around his shoulders; pleased, he eyes330 His glossy sides, and borne on pliant knees Soon finds the haunts where all his fellows graze; So bounded Hector, and his agile joints Plied lightly, quicken’d by the voice divine, And gather’d fast his charioteers to battle.335 But as when hounds and hunters through the woods Rush in pursuit of stag or of wild goat, He, in some cave with tangled boughs o’erhung, Lies safe conceal’d, no destined prey of theirs, Till by their clamors roused, a lion grim340 Starts forth to meet them; then, the boldest fly; Such hot pursuit the Danaï, with swords And spears of double edge long time maintain’d. But seeing Hector in his ranks again Occupied, felt at once their courage fall’n.345 Then, Thoas them, Andræmon’s son, address’d, Foremost of the Ætolians, at the spear Skilful, in stationary combat bold, And when the sons of Greece held in dispute The prize of eloquence, excell’d by few.350 Prudent advising them, he thus began. Ye Gods! what prodigy do I behold? Hath Hector, ’scaping death, risen again? For him, with confident persuasion all Believed by Telamonian Ajax slain.355 But some Divinity hath interposed To rescue and save Hector, who the joints Hath stiffen’d of full many a valiant Greek, As surely now he shall; for, not without The Thunderer’s aid, he flames in front again.360 But take ye all my counsel. Send we back The multitude into the fleet, and first Let us, who boast ourselves bravest in fight, Stand, that encountering him with lifted spears, We may attempt to give his rage a check.365 To thrust himself into a band like ours Will, doubtless, even in Hector move a fear. He ceased, with whose advice all, glad, complied. Then Ajax with Idomeneus of Crete, Teucer, Meriones, and Meges fierce370 As Mars in battle, summoning aloud The noblest Greeks, in opposition firm To Hector and his host their bands prepared, While others all into the fleet retired. Troy’s crowded host[8] struck first. With awful strides375 Came Hector foremost; him Apollo led, His shoulders wrapt in clouds, and, on his arm, The Ægis shagg’d terrific all around, Tempestuous, dazzling-bright; it was a gift To Jove from Vulcan, and design’d to appall,380 And drive to flight the armies of the earth. Arm’d with that shield Apollo led them on. Firm stood the embodied Greeks; from either host Shrill cries arose; the arrows from the nerve Leap’d, and, by vigorous arms dismiss’d, the spears385 Flew frequent; in the flesh some stood infixt Of warlike youths, but many, ere they reach’d The mark they coveted, unsated fell Between the hosts, and rested in the soil. Long as the God unagitated held390 The dreadful disk, so long the vollied darts Made mutual slaughter, and the people fell; But when he look’d the Grecian charioteers Full in the face and shook it, raising high Himself the shout of battle, then he quell’d395 Their spirits, then he struck from every mind At once all memory of their might in arms. As when two lions in the still, dark night A herd of beeves scatter or numerous flock Suddenly, in the absence of the guard,400 So fled the heartless Greeks, for Phœbus sent Terrors among them, but renown conferr’d And triumph proud on Hector and his host. Then, in that foul disorder of the field, Man singled man. Arcesilaüs died405 By Hector’s arm, and Stichius; one, a Chief[9] Of the Bœotians brazen-mail’d, and one, Menestheus’ faithful follower to the fight. Æneas Medon and Iäsus slew. Medon was spurious offspring of divine410 Oïleus Ajax’ father, and abode In Phylace; for he had slain a Chief Brother of Eriopis the espoused Of brave Oïleus; but Iäsus led A phalanx of Athenians, and the son415 Of Sphelus, son of Bucolus was deem’d. Pierced by Polydamas Mecisteus fell, Polites, in the van of battle, slew Echion, and Agenor Clonius; But Paris, while Deïochus to flight420 Turn’d with the routed van, pierced him beneath His shoulder-blade, and urged the weapon through. While them the Trojans spoil’d, meantime the Greeks, Entangled in the piles of the deep foss, Fled every way, and through necessity425 Repass’d the wall. Then Hector with a voice Of loud command bade every Trojan cease From spoil, and rush impetuous on the fleet. [10]And whom I find far lingering from the ships Wherever, there he dies; no funeral fires430 Brother on him, or sister, shall bestow, But dogs shall rend him in the sight of Troy. So saying, he lash’d the shoulders of his steeds, And through the ranks vociferating, call’d His Trojans on; they, clamorous as he,435 All lash’d their steeds, and menacing, advanced. Before them with his feet Apollo push’d The banks into the foss, bridging the gulf With pass commodious, both in length and breadth A lance’s flight, for proof of vigor hurl’d.440 There, phalanx after phalanx, they their host Pour’d dense along, while Phœbus in the van Display’d the awful ægis, and the wall Levell’d with ease divine. As, on the shore Some wanton boy with sand builds plaything walls,445 Then, sportive spreads them with his feet abroad, So thou, shaft-arm’d Apollo! that huge work Laborious of the Greeks didst turn with ease To ruin, and themselves drovest all to flight. They, thus enforced into the fleet, again450 Stood fast, with mutual exhortation each His friend encouraging, and all the Gods With lifted hands soliciting aloud. But, more than all, Gerenian Nestor pray’d Fervent, Achaia’s guardian, and with arms455 Outstretch’d toward the starry skies, exclaim’d. Jove, Father! if in corn-clad Argos, one, One Greek hath ever, burning at thy shrine Fat thighs of sheep or oxen, ask’d from thee A safe return, whom thou hast gracious heard,460 Olympian King! and promised what he sought, Now, in remembrance of it, give us help In this disastrous day, nor thus permit Their Trojan foes to tread the Grecians down! So Nestor pray’d, and Jove thunder’d aloud465 Responsive to the old Neleïan’s prayer. But when that voice of Ægis-bearing Jove The Trojans heard, more furious on the Greeks They sprang, all mindful of the fight. As when A turgid billow of some spacious sea,470 While the wind blow that heaves its highest, borne Sheer o’er the vessel’s side, rolls into her, With such loud roar the Trojans pass’d the wall; In rush’d the steeds, and at the ships they waged Fierce battle hand to hand, from chariots, these,475 With spears of double edge, those, from the decks Of many a sable bark, with naval poles Long, ponderous, shod with steel; for every ship Had such, for conflict maritime prepared. While yet the battle raged only without480 The wall, and from the ships apart, so long Patroclus quiet in the tent and calm Sat of Eurypylus, his generous friend Consoling with sweet converse, and his wound Sprinkling with drugs assuasive of his pains.485 But soon as through the broken rampart borne He saw the Trojans, and the clamor heard And tumult of the flying Greeks, a voice Of loud lament uttering, with open palms His thighs he smote, and, sorrowful, exclaim’d.490 Eurypylus! although thy need be great, No longer may I now sit at thy side, Such contest hath arisen; thy servant’s voice Must soothe thee now, for I will to the tent Haste of Achilles, and exhort him forth;495 Who knows? if such the pleasure of the Gods, I may prevail; friends rarely plead in vain. So saying, he went. Meantime the Greeks endured The Trojan onset, firm, yet from the ships Repulsed them not, though fewer than themselves,500 Nor could the host of Troy, breaking the ranks Of Greece, mix either with the camp or fleet; But as the line divides the plank aright, Stretch’d by some naval architect, whose hand Minerva hath accomplish’d in his art,505 So stretch’d on them the cord of battle lay. Others at other ships the conflict waged, But Hector to the ship advanced direct Of glorious Ajax; for one ship they strove; Nor Hector, him dislodging thence, could fire510 The fleet, nor Ajax from the fleet repulse Hector, conducted thither by the Gods. Then, noble Ajax with a spear the breast Pierced of Caletor, son of Clytius, arm’d With fire to burn his bark; sounding he fell,515 And from his loosen’d grasp down dropp’d the brand. But Hector seeing his own kinsman fallen Beneath the sable bark, with mighty voice Call’d on the hosts of Lycia and of Troy. Trojans and Lycians, and close-fighting sons520 Of Dardanus, within this narrow pass Stand firm, retreat not, but redeem the son Of Clytius, lest the Grecians of his arms Despoil him slain in battle at the ships.
So saying, at Ajax his bright spear he cast525 Him pierced he not, but Lycophron the son Of Mastor, a Cytherian, who had left Cytheras, fugitive for blood, and dwelt With Ajax. Him standing at Ajax’ side, He pierced above his ear; down from the stern530 Supine he fell, and in the dust expired. Then, shuddering, Ajax to his brother spake. Alas, my Teucer! we have lost our friend; Mastorides is slain, whom we received An inmate from Cytheræ, and with love535 And reverence even filia,, entertain’d; B9 Hector pierced, he dies. Where are thy shafts Death-wing’d, and bow, by gift from Phœbus thine? He said, whom Teucer hearing, instant ran With bow and well-stored quiver to his side,540 Whence soon his arrows sought the Trojan host. He struck Pisenor’s son Clytus, the friend And charioteer of brave Polydamas, Offspring of Panthus, toiling with both hands To rule his fiery steeds; for more to please545 The Trojans and their Chief, where stormy most He saw the battle, thither he had driven. But sudden mischief, valiant as he was, Found him, and such as none could waft aside, For right into his neck the arrow plunged,550 And down he fell; his startled coursers shook Their trappings, and the empty chariot rang. That sound alarm’d Polydamas; he turn’d, And flying to their heads, consign’d them o’er To Protiaön’s son, Astynoüs,555 Whom he enjoin’d to keep them in his view; Then, turning, mingled with the van again. But Teucer still another shaft produced Design’d for valiant Hector, whose exploits (Had that shaft reach’d him) at the ships of Greece560 Had ceased for ever. But the eye of Jove, Guardian of Hector’s life, slept not; he took From Telamonian Te5cer that renown, And while he stood straining the twisted nerve Against the Trojan, snapp’d it. Devious flew565 The steel-charged[11] arrow, and he dropp’d his bow. Then shuddering, to his brother thus he spake. Ah! it is evident. Some Power divine Makes fruitless all our efforts, who hath struck My bow out of my hand, and snapt the cord570 With which I strung it new at dawn of day, That it might bear the bound of many a shaft. To whom the towering son of Telamon. Leave then thy bow, and let thine arrows rest, Which, envious of the Greeks, some God confounds,575 That thou may’st fight with spear and buckler arm’d, And animate the rest. Such be our deeds That, should they conquer us, our foes may find Our ships, at least a prize not lightly won. So Ajax spake; then Teucer, in his tent580 The bow replacing, slung his fourfold shield, Settled on his illustrious brows his casque With hair high-crested, waving, as he moved, Terrible from above, took forth a spear Tough-grain’d, acuminated sharp with brass,585 And stood, incontinent, at Ajax’ side. Hector perceived the change, and of the cause Conscious, with echoing voice call’d to his host. Trojans and Lycians and close-fighting sons Of Dardanus, oh now, my friends, be men;590 Now, wheresoever through the fleet dispersed, Call into mind the fury of your might! For I have seen, myself, Jove rendering vain The arrows of their mightiest. Man may know With ease the hand of interposing Jove,595 Both whom to glory he ordains, and whom He weakens and aids not; so now he leaves The Grecians, but propitious smiles on us. Therefore stand fast, and whosoever gall’d By arrow or by spear, dies—let him die;600 It shall not shame him that he died to serve His country,[12] but his children, wife and home, With all his heritage, shall be secure, Drive but the Grecians from the shores of Troy. So saying, he animated each. Meantime,605 Ajax his fellow-warriors thus address’d. Shame on you all! Now, Grecians, either die, Or save at once your galley and yourselves. Hope ye, that should your ships become the prize Of warlike Hector, ye shall yet return610 On foot? Or hear ye not the Chief aloud Summoning all his host, and publishing His own heart’s wish to burn your fleet with fire? Not to a dance, believe me, but to fight He calls them; therefore wiser course for us615 Is none, than that we mingle hands with hands In contest obstinate, and force with force. Better at once to perish, or at once To rescue life, than to consume the time Hour after hour in lingering conflict vain620 Here at the ships, with an inferior foe. He said, and by his words into all hearts Fresh confidence infused. Then Hector smote Schedius, a Chief of the Phocensian powers And son of Perimedes; Ajax slew,625 Meantime, a Chief of Trojan infantry, Laodamas, Antenor’s noble son While by Polydamas, a leader bold Of the Epeans, and Phylides’[13] friend, Cyllenian Otus died. Meges that sight630 Viewing indignant on the conqueror sprang, But, starting wide, Polydamas escaped, Saved by Apollo, and his spear transpierced The breast of Cræsmus; on his sounding shield Prostrate he fell, and Meges stripp’d his arms.635 Him so employ’d Dolops assail’d, brave son Of Lampus, best of men and bold in fight, Offspring of King Laomedon; he stood Full near, and through his middle buckler struck The son of Phyleus, but his corselet thick640 With plates of scaly brass his life secured. That corselet Phyleus on a time brought home From Ephyre, where the Selleïs winds, And it was given him for his life’s defence In furious battle by the King of men,645 Euphetes. Many a time had it preserved Unharm’d the sire, and now it saved the son. Then Meges, rising, with his pointed lance The bushy crest of Dolops’ helmet drove Sheer from its base; new-tinged with purple bright650 Entire it fell and mingled with the dust. While thus they strove, each hoping victory, Came martial Menelaus to the aid Of Meges; spear in hand apart he stood By Dolops unperceived, through his back drove655 And through his breast the spear, and far beyond. And down fell Dolops, forehead to the ground. At once both flew to strip his radiant arms, Then, Hector summoning his kindred, call’d Each to his aid, and Melanippus first,660 Illustrious Hicetaon’s son, reproved. Ere yet the enemies of Troy arrived He in Percote fed his wandering beeves; But when the Danaï with all their fleet Came thither, then returning, he outshone665 The noblest Trojans, and at Priam’s side Dwelling, was honor’d by him as a son. Him Hector reprimanding, stern began. Are we thus slack? Can Melanippus view Unmoved a kinsman slain? Seest not the Greeks670 How busy there with Dolops and his arms? Come on. It is no time for distant war, But either our Achaian foes must bleed, Or Ilium taken, from her topmost height Must stoop, and all her citizens be slain.675 So saying he went, whose steps the godlike Chief Attended; and the Telamonian, next, Huge Ajax, animated thus the Greeks. Oh friends, be men! Deep treasure in your hearts An honest shame, and, fighting bravely, fear680 Each to incur the censure of the rest. Of men so minded more survive than die, While dastards forfeit life and glory both. So moved he them, themselves already bent To chase the Trojans; yet his word they bore685 Faithful in mind, and with a wall of brass Fenced firm the fleet, while Jove impell’d the foe. Then Menelaus, brave in fight, approach’d Antilochus, and thus his courage roused. Antilochus! in all the host is none690 Younger, or swifter, or of stronger limb Than thou. Make trial, therefore, of thy might, Spring forth and prove it on some Chief of Troy. He ended and retired, but him his praise Effectual animated; from the van695 Starting, he cast a wistful eye around And hurl’d his glittering spear; back fell the ranks Of Troy appall’d; nor vain his weapon flew, But Melanippus pierced heroic son Of Hicetaon, coming forth to fight,700 Full in the bosom, and with dreadful sound Of all his batter’d armor down he fell. Swift flew Antilochus as flies the hound Some fawn to seize, which issuing from her lair The hunter with his lance hath stricken dead,705 So thee, O Melanippus! to despoil Of thy bright arms valiant Antilochus Sprang forth, but not unnoticed by the eye Of noble Hector, who through all the war Ran to encounter him; his dread approach710 Antilochus, although expert in arms, Stood not, but as some prowler of the wilds, Conscious of injury that he hath done, Slaying the watchful herdsman or his dog, Escapes, ere yet the peasantry arise,715 So fled the son of Nestor, after whom The Trojans clamoring and Hector pour’d Darts numberless; but at the front arrived Of his own phalanx, there he turn’d and stood. Then, eager as voracious lions, rush’d720 The Trojans on the fleet of Greece, the mind Of Jove accomplishing who them impell’d Continual, calling all their courage forth, While, every Grecian heart he tamed, and took Their glory from them, strengthening Ilium’s host.725 For Jove’s unalter’d purpose was to give Success to Priameian Hector’s arms,[14] That he might cast into the fleet of Greece Devouring flames, and that no part might fail Of Thetis’ ruthless prayer; that sight alone730 He watch’d to see, one galley in a blaze, Ordaining foul repulse, thenceforth, and flight To Ilium’s host, but glory to the Greeks. Such was the cause for which, at first, he moved To that assault Hector, himself prepared735 And ardent for the task; nor less he raged Than Mars while fighting, or than flames that seize Some forest on the mountain-tops; the foam Hung at his lips, beneath his awful front His keen eyes glisten’d, and his helmet mark’d740 The agitation wild with which he fought. For Jove omnipotent, himself, from heaven Assisted Hector, and, although alone With multitudes he strove, gave him to reach The heights of glory, for that now his life745 Waned fast, and, urged by Pallas on,[15] his hour To die by Peleus’ mighty son approach’d. He then, wherever richest arms he saw And thickest throng, the warrior-ranks essay’d To break, but broke them not, though fierce resolved,750 In even square compact so firm they stood. As some vast rock beside the hoary Deep The stress endures of many a hollow wind, And the huge billows tumbling at his base, So stood the Danaï, nor fled nor fear’d.755 But he, all-fiery bright in arms, the host Assail’d on every side, and on the van Fell, as a wave by wintry blasts upheaved Falls ponderous on the ship; white clings the foam Around her, in her sail shrill howls the storm,760 And every seaman trembles at the view Of thousand deaths from which he scarce escapes, Such anguish rent the bosom of the Greeks. But he, as leaps a famish’d lion fell On beeves that graze some marshy meadow’s breadth,765 A countless herd, tended by one unskill’d To cope with savage beasts in their defence, Beside the foremost kine or with the last He paces heedless, but the lion, borne Impetuous on the midmost, one devours770 And scatters all the rest,[16] so fled the Greeks, Terrified from above, before the arm Of Hector, and before the frown of Jove. All fled, but of them all alone he slew The Mycenæan Periphetes, son775 Of Copreus custom’d messenger of King Eurystheus to the might of Hercules. From such a sire inglorious had arisen A son far worthier, with all virtue graced, Swift-footed, valiant, and by none excell’d780 In wisdom of the Mycenæan name; Yet all but served to ennoble Hector more. For Periphetes, with a backward step Retiring, on his buckler’s border trod, Which swept his heels; so check’d, he fell supine,785 And dreadful rang the helmet on his brows. Him Hector quick noticing, to his side Hasted, and, planting in his breast a spear, Slew him before the phalanx of his friends. But they, although their fellow-warrior’s fate790 They mourn’d, no succor interposed, or could, Themselves by noble Hector sore appall’d. And now behind the ships (all that updrawn Above the shore, stood foremost of the fleet) The Greeks retired; in rush’d a flood of foes;795 Then, through necessity, the ships in front Abandoning, amid the tents they stood Compact, not disarray’d, for shame and fear Fast held them, and vociferating each Aloud, call’d ceaseless on the rest to stand.800 But earnest more than all, guardian of all, Gerenian Nestor in their parents’ name Implored them, falling at the knees of each. Oh friends! be men. Now dearly prize your place Each in the estimation of the rest.805 Now call to memory your children, wives, Possessions, parents; ye whose parents live, And ye whose parents are not, all alike! By them as if here present, I entreat That ye stand fast—oh be not turn’d to flight!810 So saying he roused the courage of the Greeks; Then, Pallas chased the cloud fall’n from above On every eye; great light the plain illumed On all sides, both toward the fleet, and where The undiscriminating battle raged.815 Then might be seen Hector and Hector’s host Distinct, as well the rearmost who the fight Shared not, as those who waged it at the ships. To stand aloof where other Grecians stood No longer now would satisfy the mind820 Of Ajax, but from deck to deck with strides Enormous marching, to and fro he swung With iron studs emboss’d a battle-pole Unwieldy, twenty and two cubits long. As one expert to spring from horse to horse,825 From many steeds selecting four, toward Some noble city drives them from the plain Along the populous road; him many a youth And many a maiden eyes, while still secure From steed to steed he vaults; they rapid fly;830 So Ajax o’er the decks of numerous ships Stalk’d striding large, and sent his voice to heaven. Thus, ever clamoring, he bade the Greeks Stand both for camp and fleet. Nor could himself Hector, contented, now, the battle wage835 Lost in the multitude of Trojans more, But as the tawny eagle on full wing Assails the feather’d nations, geese or cranes Or swans lithe-neck’d grazing the river’s verge, So Hector at a galley sable-prow’d840 Darted; for, from behind, Jove urged him on With mighty hand, and his host after him. And now again the battle at the ships Grew furious; thou hadst deem’d them of a kind By toil untameable, so fierce they strove,845 And, striving, thus they fought. The Grecians judged Hope vain, and the whole host’s destruction sure; But nought expected every Trojan less Than to consume the fleet with fire, and leave Achaia’s heroes lifeless on the field.850 With such persuasions occupied, they fought. Then Hector seized the stern of a brave bark Well-built, sharp-keel’d, and of the swiftest sail, Which had to Troy Protesiläus brought, But bore him never thence. For that same ship855 Contending, Greeks and Trojans hand to hand Dealt slaughter mutual. Javelins now no more Might serve them, or the arrow-starting bow, But close conflicting and of one mind all With bill and battle-axe, with ponderous swords,860 And with long lances double-edged they fought. Many a black-hilted falchion huge of haft Fell to the ground, some from the grasp, and some From shoulders of embattled warriors hewn, And pools of blood soak’d all the sable glebe.865 Hector that ship once grappled by the stern Left not, but griping fast her upper edge With both hands, to his Trojans call’d aloud. Fire! Bring me fire! Stand fast and shout to heaven! Jove gives us now a day worth all the past;870 The ships are ours which, in the Gods’ despite Steer’d hither, such calamities to us Have caused, for which our seniors most I blame Who me withheld from battle at the fleet And check’d the people; but if then the hand875 Of Thunderer Jove our better judgment marr’d, Himself now urges and commands us on. He ceased; they still more violent assail’d The Grecians. Even Ajax could endure, Whelm’d under weapons numberless, that storm880 No longer, but expecting death retired Down from the decks to an inferior stand, Where still he watch’d, and if a Trojan bore Fire thither, he repulsed him with his spear, Roaring continual to the host of Greece.885 Friends! Grecian heroes! ministers of Mars! Be men, my friends! now summon all your might! Think we that we have thousands at our backs To succor us, or yet some stronger wall To guard our warriors from the battle’s force?890 Not so. No tower’d city is at hand, None that presents us with a safe retreat While others occupy our station here, But from the shores of Argos far remote Our camp is, where the Trojans arm’d complete895 Swarm on the plain, and Ocean shuts us in. Our hands must therefore save us, not our heels He said, and furious with his spear again Press’d them, and whatsoever Trojan came, Obsequious to the will of Hector, arm’d900 With fire to burn the fleet, on his spear’s point Ajax receiving pierced him, till at length Twelve in close fight fell by his single arm.
XVI. ARGUMENT OF THE SIXTEENTH BOOK
Achilles, at the suit of Patroclus, grants him his own armor, and permission to lead the Myrmidons to battle. They, sallying, repulse the Trojans. Patroclus slays Sarpedon, and Hector, when Apollo had first stripped off his armor and Euphorbus wounded him, slays Patroclus.