Book XVI
Such contest for that gallant bark they waged. Meantime Patroclus, standing at the side Of the illustrious Chief Achilles, wept Fast as a crystal fountain from the height Of some rude rock pours down its rapid[1] stream.5 Divine Achilles with compassion moved Mark’d him, and in wing’d accents thus began.[2] Who weeps Patroclus like an infant girl Who, running at her mother’s side, entreats To be uplifted in her arms? She grasps10 Her mantle, checks her haste, and looking up With tearful eyes, pleads earnest to be borne; So fall, Patroclus! thy unceasing tears. Bring’st thou to me or to my people aught Afflictive? Hast thou mournful tidings learn’d15 Prom Phthia, trusted to thy ear alone? Menœtius, son of Actor, as they say, Still lives; still lives his Myrmidons among Peleus Æacides; whom, were they dead, With cause sufficient we should both deplore.20 Or weep’st thou the Achaians at the ships Perishing, for their outrage done to me? Speak. Name thy trouble. I would learn the cause To whom, deep-sorrowing, thou didst reply, Patroclus! Oh Achilles, Peleus’ son!25 Noblest of all our host! bear with my grief, Since such distress hath on the Grecians fallen. The bravest of their ships disabled lie, Some wounded from afar, some hand to hand. Diomede, warlike son of Tydeus, bleeds,30 Gall’d by a shaft; Ulysses, glorious Chief, And Agamemnon suffer by the spear, And brave Eurypylus an arrow-point Bears in his thigh. These all, are now the care Of healing hands. Oh thou art pity-proof,35 Achilles! be my bosom ever free From anger such as harbor finds in thine, Scorning all limits! whom, of men unborn, Hereafter wilt thou save, from whom avert Disgrace, if not from the Achaians now?40 Ah ruthless! neither Peleus thee begat, Nor Thetis bore, but rugged rocks sublime, And roaring billows blue gave birth to thee, Who bear’st a mind that knows not to relent, But, if some prophecy alarm thy fears,45 If from thy Goddess-mother thou have aught Received, and with authority of Jove, Me send at least, me quickly, and with me The Myrmidons. A dawn of cheerful hope Shall thence, it may be, on the Greeks arise.50 Grant me thine armor also, that the foe Thyself supposing present, may abstain From battle, and the weary Greeks enjoy Short respite; it is all that war allows. We, fresh and vigorous, by our shouts alone55 May easily repulse an army spent With labor from the camp, and from the fleet, Such suit he made, alas! all unforewarn’d That his own death should be the bitter fruit, And thus Achilles, sorrowful, replied.60 Patroclus, noble friend! what hast thou spoken? Me neither prophesy that I have heard Holds in suspense, nor aught that I have learn’d From Thetis with authority of Jove! Hence springs, and hence alone, my grief of heart;65 If one, in nought superior to myself Save in his office only, should by force Amerce me of my well-earn’d recompense— How then? There lies the grief that stings my soul. The virgin chosen for me by the sons70 Of Greece, my just reward, by my own spear Obtain’d when I Eëtion’s city took, Her, Agamemnon, leader of the host From my possession wrung, as I had been Some alien wretch, unhonor’d and unknown.75 But let it pass; anger is not a flame To feed for ever; I affirm’d, indeed, Mine inextinguishable till the shout Of battle should invade my proper barks; But thou put on my glorious arms, lead forth80 My valiant Myrmidons, since such a cloud, So dark, of dire hostility surrounds The fleet, and the Achaians, by the waves Hemm’d in, are prison’d now in narrow space. Because the Trojans meet not in the field85 My dazzling helmet, therefore bolder grown All Ilium comes abroad; but had I found Kindness at royal Agamemnon’s hands, Soon had they fled, and with their bodies chok’d The streams, from whom ourselves now suffer siege90 For in the hands of Diomede his spear No longer rages rescuing from death The afflicted Danaï, nor hear I more The voice of Agamemnon issuing harsh From his detested throat, but all around95 The burst[3] of homicidal Hector’s cries, Calling his Trojans on; they loud insult The vanquish’d Greeks, and claim the field their own. Go therefore, my Patroclus; furious fall On these assailants, even now preserve100 From fire the only hope of our return. But hear the sum of all; mark well my word; So shalt thou glorify me in the eyes Of all the Danaï, and they shall yield Brisëis mine, with many a gift beside.105 The Trojans from the fleet expell’d, return. Should Juno’s awful spouse give thee to win Victory, be content; seek not to press The Trojans without me, for thou shalt add Still more to the disgrace already mine.[4]110 Much less, by martial ardor urged, conduct Thy slaughtering legions to the walls of Troy, Lest some immortal power on her behalf Descend, for much the Archer of the skies Loves Ilium. No—the fleet once saved, lead back115 Thy band, and leave the battle to themselves. For oh, by all the powers of heaven I would That not one Trojan might escape of all, Nor yet a Grecian, but that we, from death Ourselves escaping, might survive to spread120 Troy’s sacred bulwarks on the ground, alone. Thus they conferr’d. [5]But Ajax overwhelm’d Meantime with darts, no longer could endure, Quell’d both by Jupiter and by the spears Of many a noble Trojan; hideous rang125 His batter’d helmet bright, stroke after stroke Sustaining on all sides, and his left arm That had so long shifted from side to side His restless shield, now fail’d; yet could not all Displace him with united force, or move.130 Quick pantings heaved his chest, copious the sweat Trickled from all his limbs, nor found he time, However short, to breathe again, so close Evil on evil heap’d hemm’d him around. Olympian Muses! now declare, how first135 The fire was kindled in Achaia’s fleet? Hector the ashen lance of Ajax smote With his broad falchion, at the nether end, And lopp’d it sheer. The Telamonian Chief His mutilated beam brandish’d in vain,140 And the bright point shrill-sounding-fell remote. Then Ajax in his noble mind perceived, Shuddering with awe, the interposing power Of heaven, and that, propitious to the arms Of Troy, the Thunderer had ordain’d to mar145 And frustrate all the counsels of the Greeks. He left his stand; they fired the gallant bark; Through all her length the conflagration ran Incontinent, and wrapp’d her stern in flames. Achilles saw them, smote his thighs, and said,150 Patroclus, noble charioteer, arise! I see the rapid run of hostile fires Already in the fleet—lest all be lost, And our return impossible, arm, arm This moment; I will call, myself, the band.155 Then put Patroclus on his radiant arms. Around his legs his polish’d greaves he clasp’d, With argent studs secured; the hauberk rich Star-spangled to his breast he bound of swift Æacides; he slung his brazen sword160 With silver bright emboss’d, and his broad shield Ponderous; on his noble head his casque He settled elegant, whose lofty crest Waved dreadful o’er his brows, and last he seized Well fitted to his gripe two sturdy spears.165 Of all Achilles’ arms his spear alone He took not; that huge beam, of bulk and length Enormous, none, Æacides except, In all Achaia’s host had power to wield. It was that Pelian ash which from the top170 Of Pelion hewn that it might prove the death Of heroes, Chiron had to Peleus given. He bade Automedon his coursers bind Speedily to the yoke, for him he loved Next to Achilles most, as worthiest found175 Of trust, what time the battle loudest roar’d. Then led Automedon the fiery steeds Swift as wing’d tempests to the chariot-yoke, Xanthus and Balius. Them the harpy bore Podarge, while in meadows green she fed180 On Ocean’s side, to Zephyrus the wind. To these he added, at their side, a third, The noble Pedasus; him Peleus’ son, Eëtion’s city taken, thence had brought, Though mortal, yet a match for steeds divine.185 Meantime from every tent Achilles call’d And arm’d his Myrmidons. As wolves that gorge The prey yet panting, terrible in force, When on the mountains wild they have devour’d An antler’d stag new-slain, with bloody jaws190 Troop all at once to some clear fountain, there To lap with slender tongues the brimming wave; No fears have they, but at their ease eject From full maws flatulent the clotted gore; Such seem’d the Myrmidon heroic Chiefs195 Assembling fast around the valiant friend Of swift Æacides. Amid them stood Warlike Achilles, the well-shielded ranks Exhorting, and the steeds, to glorious war. The galleys by Achilles dear to Jove200 Commanded, when to Ilium’s coast he steer’d, Were fifty; fifty rowers sat in each, And five, in whom he trusted, o’er the rest He captains named, but ruled, himself, supreme. One band Menestheus swift in battle led,205 Offspring of Sperchius heaven-descended stream. Him Polydora, Peleus’ daughter, bore To ever-flowing Sperchius, compress’d, Although a mortal woman, by a God. But his reputed father was the son210 Of Perieres, Borus, who with dower Enrich’d, and made her openly his bride. Warlike Eudorus led the second band. Him Polymela, graceful in the dance, And daughter beautiful of Phylas, bore,215 A mother unsuspected of a child. Her worshiping the golden-shafted Queen Diana, in full choir, with song and dance, The valiant Argicide[6] beheld and loved. Ascending with her to an upper room,220 All-bounteous Mercury[7] clandestine there Embraced her, who a noble son produced Eudorus, swift to run, and bold in fight. No sooner Ilithya, arbitress Of pangs puerperal, had given him birth,225 And he beheld the beaming sun, than her Echechleus, Actor’s mighty son, enrich’d With countless dower, and led her to his home; While ancient Phylas, cherishing her boy With fond affection, reared him as his own.230 The third brave troop warlike Pisander led, Offspring of Maimalus; he far excell’d In spear-fight every Myrmidon, the friend Of Peleus’ dauntless son alone except. The hoary Phœnix of equestrian fame235 The fourth band led to battle, and the fifth Laërceus’ offspring, bold Alcimedon. Thus, all his bands beneath their proper Chiefs Marshall’d, Achilles gave them strict command— Myrmidons! all that vengeance now inflict,240 Which in this fleet ye ceased not to denounce Against the Trojans while my wrath endured. Me censuring, ye have proclaim’d me oft Obdurate. Oh Achilles! ye have said, Thee not with milk thy mother but with bile245 Suckled, who hold’st thy people here in camp Thus long imprison’d. Unrelenting Chief! Even let us hence in our sea-skimming barks To Phthia, since thou can’st not be appeased— Thus in full council have ye spoken oft.250 Now, therefore, since a day of glorious toil At last appears, such as ye have desired, There lies the field—go—give your courage proof. So them he roused, and they, their leader’s voice Hearing elate, to closest order drew.255 As when an architect some palace wall With shapely stones upbuilds, cementing close A barrier against all the winds of heaven, So wedged, the helmets and boss’d bucklers stood; Shield, helmet, man, press’d helmet, man, and shield,260 And every bright-arm’d warrior’s bushy crest Its fellow swept, so dense was their array. In front of all, two Chiefs their station took, Patroclus and Automedon; one mind In both prevail’d, to combat in the van265 Of all the Myrmidons. Achilles, then, Retiring to his tent, displaced the lid Of a capacious chest magnificent By silver-footed Thetis stow’d on board His bark, and fill’d with tunics, mantles warm,270 And gorgeous arras; there he also kept Secure a goblet exquisitely wrought, Which never lip touched save his own, and whence He offer’d only to the Sire of all. That cup producing from the chest, he first275 With sulphur fumed it, then with water rinsed Pellucid of the running stream, and, last (His hands clean laved) he charged it high with wine. And now, advancing to his middle court, He pour’d libation, and with eyes to heaven280 Uplifted pray’d,[8] of Jove not unobserved. Pelasgian, Dodonæan Jove supreme, Dwelling remote, who on Dodona’s heights Snow-clad reign’st Sovereign, by thy seers around Compass’d the Selli, prophets vow-constrain’d285 To unwash’d feet and slumbers on the ground! Plain I behold my former prayer perform’d, Myself exalted, and the Greeks abased. Now also grant me, Jove, this my desire! Here, in my fleet, I shall myself abide,290 But lo! with all these Myrmidons I send My friend to battle. Thunder-rolling Jove, Send glory with him, make his courage firm! That even Hector may himself be taught, If my companion have a valiant heart295 When he goes forth alone, or only then The noble frenzy feels that Mars inspires When I rush also to the glorious field. But when he shall have driven the battle-shout Once from the fleet, grant him with all his arms,300 None lost, himself unhurt, and my whole band Of dauntless warriors with him, safe return! Such prayer Achilles offer’d, and his suit Jove hearing, part confirm’d, and part refused; To chase the dreadful battle from the fleet305 He gave him, but vouchsafed him no return. Prayer and libation thus perform’d to Jove The Sire of all, Achilles to his tent Return’d, replaced the goblet in his chest, And anxious still that conflict to behold310 Between the hosts, stood forth before his tent. Then rush’d the bands by brave Patroclus led, Full on the Trojan host. As wasps forsake Their home by the way-side, provoked by boys Disturbing inconsiderate their abode,315 Not without nuisance sore to all who pass, For if, thenceforth, some traveller unaware Annoy them, issuing one and all they swarm Around him, fearless in their broods’ defence, So issued from their fleet the Myrmidons320 Undaunted; clamor infinite arose, And thus Patroclus loud his host address’d. Oh Myrmidons, attendants in the field On Peleus’ son, now be ye men, my friends! Call now to mind the fury of your might;325 That we, close-fighting servants of the Chief Most excellent in all the camp of Greece, May glory gain for him, and that the wide- Commanding Agamemnon, Atreus’ son, May learn his fault, that he dishonor’d foul330 The prince in whom Achaia glories most. So saying he fired their hearts, and on the van Of Troy at once they fell; loud shouted all The joyful Grecians, and the navy rang. Then, soon as Ilium’s host the valiant son335 Saw of Menœtius and his charioteer In dazzling armor clad, all courage lost, Their closest ranks gave way, believing sure That, wrath renounced, and terms of friendship chosen, Achilles’ self was there; thus thinking, each340 Look’d every way for refuge from his fate. Patroclus first, where thickest throng he saw Gather’d tumultuous around the bark Of brave Protesilaüs, hurl’d direct At the whole multitude his glittering spear.345 He smote Pyræchmes; he his horsemen band Pœonian led from Amydon, and from Broad-flowing Axius. In his shoulder stood The spear, and with loud groans supine he fell. At once fled all his followers, on all sides350 With consternation fill’d, seeing their Chief And their best warrior, by Patroclus slain. Forth from the fleet he drove them, quench’d the flames, And rescued half the ship. Then scatter’d fled With infinite uproar the host of Troy,355 While from between their ships the Danaï Pour’d after them, and hideous rout ensued. As when the king of lightnings, Jove, dispels From some huge eminence a gloomy cloud, The groves, the mountain-tops, the headland heights360 Shine all, illumined from the boundless heaven, So when the Danaï those hostile fires Had from their fleet expell’d, awhile they breathed, Yet found short respite, for the battle yet Ceased not, nor fled the Trojans in all parts365 Alike, but still resisted, from the ships Retiring through necessity alone. Then, in that scatter’d warfare, every Chief Slew one. While Areïlochus his back Turn’d on Patroclus, sudden with a lance370 His thigh he pierced, and urged the weapon through, Shivering the bone; he headlong smote the ground. The hero Menelaus, where he saw The breast of Thoas by his slanting shield Unguarded, struck and stretch’d him at his feet.375 Phylides,[9] meeting with preventive spear The furious onset of Amphiclus, gash’d His leg below the knee, where brawny most The muscles swell in man; disparted wide The tendons shrank, and darkness veil’d his eyes.380 The two Nestoridæ slew each a Chief. Of these, Antilochus Atymnius pierced Right through his flank, and at his feet he fell. With fierce resentment fired Maris beheld His brother’s fall, and guarding, spear in hand,385 The slain, impetuous on the conqueror flew; But godlike Thrasymedes[10] wounded first Maris, ere he Antilochus; he pierced His upper arm, and with the lance’s point Rent off and stript the muscles to the bone.390 Sounding he fell, and darkness veil’d his eyes. They thus, two brothers by two brothers slain, Went down to Erebus, associates both Of brave Sarpedon, and spear-practised sons Of Amisodarus; of him who fed395 Chimæra,[11] monster, by whom many died. Ajax the swift on Cleobulus sprang, Whom while he toil’d entangled in the crowd, He seized alive, but smote him where he stood With his huge-hafted sword full on the neck;400 The blood warm’d all his blade, and ruthless fate Benighted dark the dying warrior’s eyes. Peneleus into close contention rush’d And Lycon. Each had hurl’d his glittering spear, But each in vain, and now with swords they met.405 He smote Peneleus on the crested casque, But snapp’d his falchion; him Peneleus smote Beneath his ear; the whole blade entering sank Into his neck, and Lycon with his head Depending by the skin alone, expired.410 Meriones o’ertaking Acamas Ere yet he could ascend his chariot, thrust A lance into his shoulder; down he fell In dreary death’s eternal darkness whelm’d. Idomeneus his ruthless spear enforced415 Into the mouth of Erymas. The point Stay’d not, but gliding close beneath the brain, Transpierced his spine,[12] and started forth beyond. It wrench’d his teeth, and fill’d his eyes with blood; Blood also blowing through his open mouth420 And nostrils, to the realms of death he pass’d. Thus slew these Grecian leaders, each, a foe. Sudden as hungry wolves the kids purloin Or lambs, which haply some unheeding swain Hath left to roam at large the mountains wild;425 They, seeing, snatch them from beside the dams, And rend incontinent the feeble prey, So swift the Danaï the host assail’d Of Ilium; they, into tumultuous flight Together driven, all hope, all courage lost.430 Huge Ajax ceaseless sought his spear to cast At Hector brazen-mail’d, who, not untaught The warrior’s art, with bull-hide buckler stood Sheltering his ample shoulders, while he mark’d The hiss of flying shafts and crash of spears.435 Full sure he saw the shifting course of war Now turn’d, but scorning flight, bent all his thoughts To rescue yet the remnant of his friends. As when the Thunderer spreads a sable storm O’er ether, late serene, the cloud that wrapp’d440 Olympus’ head escapes into the skies, So fled the Trojans from the fleet of Greece Clamoring in their flight, nor pass’d the trench In fair array; the coursers fleet indeed Of Hector, him bore safe with all his arms445 Right through, but in the foss entangled foul He left his host, and struggling to escape. Then many a chariot-whirling steed, the pole Broken at its extremity, forsook His driver, while Patroclus with the shout450 Of battle calling his Achaians on, Destruction purposed to the powers of Troy. They, once dispersed, with clamor and with flight Fill’d all the ways, the dust beneath the clouds Hung like a tempest, and the steeds firm-hoof’d455 Whirl’d off at stretch the chariots to the town. He, wheresoe’er most troubled he perceived The routed host, loud-threatening thither drove, While under his own axle many a Chief Fell prone, and the o’ertumbled chariots rang.460 Right o’er the hollow foss the coursers leap’d Immortal, by the Gods to Peleus given, Impatient for the plain, nor less desire Felt he who drove to smite the Trojan Chief, But him his fiery steeds caught swift away.465 As when a tempest from autumnal skies Floats all the fields, what time Jove heaviest pours Impetuous rain, token of wrath divine Against perverters of the laws by force, Who drive forth justice, reckless of the Gods;470 The rivers and the torrents, where they dwell, Sweep many a green declivity away, And plunge at length, groaning, into the Deep From the hills headlong, leaving where they pass’d No traces of the pleasant works of man,475 So, in their flight, loud groan’d the steeds of Troy. And now, their foremost intercepted all, Patroclus back again toward the fleet Drove them precipitate, nor the ascent Permitted them to Troy for which they strove,480 But in the midway space between the ships The river and the lofty Trojan wall Pursued them ardent, slaughtering whom he reached, And vengeance took for many a Grecian slain. First then, with glittering spear the breast he pierced485 Of Pronöus, undefended by his shield, And stretch’d him dead; loud rang his batter’d arms. The son of Enops, Thestor next he smote. He on his chariot-seat magnificent Low-cowering sat, a fear-distracted form,490 And from his palsied grasp the reins had fallen. Then came Patroclus nigh, and through his cheek His teeth transpiercing, drew him by his lance Sheer o’er the chariot front. As when a man On some projecting rock seated, with line495 And splendid hook draws forth a sea-fish huge, So him wide-gaping from his seat he drew At his spear-point, then shook him to the ground Prone on his face, where gasping he expired. At Eryalus, next, advancing swift500 He hurl’d a rock; full on the middle front He smote him, and within the ponderous casque His whole head open’d into equal halves. With deadliest night surrounded, prone he fell. Epaltes, Erymas, Amphoterus,505 Echius, Tlepolemus Damastor’s son, Evippus, Ipheus, Pyres, Polymelus, All these he on the champain, corse on corse Promiscuous flung. Sarpedon, when he saw Such havoc made of his uncinctured[13] friends510 By Menœtiades, with sharp rebuke His band of godlike Lycians loud address’d. Shame on you, Lycians! whither would ye fly? Now are ye swift indeed! I will oppose Myself this conqueror, that I may learn515 Who thus afflicts the Trojan host, of life Bereaving numerous of their warriors bold. He said, and with his arms leap’d to the ground. On the other side, Patroclus at that sight Sprang from his chariot. As two vultures clash520 Bow-beak’d, crook-talon’d, on some lofty rock Clamoring both, so they together rush’d With clamors loud; whom when the son observed Of wily Saturn, with compassion moved His sister and his spouse he thus bespake.525 Alas, he falls! my most beloved of men Sarpedon, vanquished by Patroclus, falls! So will the Fates. Yet, doubtful, much I muse Whether to place him, snatch’d from furious fight In Lycia’s wealthy realm, or to permit530 His death by valiant Menœtiades. To whom his awful spouse, displeased, replied. How speaks the terrible Saturnian Jove! Wouldst thou again from pangs of death exempt A mortal man, destined long since to die?535 Do it. But small thy praise shall be in heaven, Mark thou my words, and in thy inmost breast Treasure them. If thou send Sarpedon safe To his own home, how many Gods their sons May also send from battle? Weigh it well.540 For under yon great city fight no few Sprung from Immortals whom thou shalt provoke. But if thou love him, and thine heart his lot Commiserate, leave him by the hands to fall Of Menœtiades in conflict dire;545 But give command to Death and gentle Sleep That him of life bereft at once they bear To Lycia’s ample realm,[14] where, with due rites Funereal, his next kindred and his friends Shall honor him, a pillar and a tomb550 (The dead man’s portion) rearing to his name. She said, from whom the Sire of Gods and men Dissented not, but on the earth distill’d A sanguine shower in honor of a son Dear to him, whom Patroclus on the field555 Of fruitful Troy should slay, far from his home. Opposite now, small interval between, Those heroes stood. Patroclus at his waist Pierced Thrasymelus the illustrious friend Of King Sarpedon, and his charioteer.560 Spear’d through the lower bowels, dead he fell. Then hurl’d Sarpedon in his turn a lance, But miss’d Patroclus and the shoulder pierced Of Pedasus the horse; he groaning heaved His spirit forth, and fallen on the field565 In long loud moanings sorrowful expired. Wide started the immortal pair; the yoke Creak’d, and entanglement of reins ensued To both, their fellow slaughter’d at their side. That mischief soon Automedon redress’d.570 He rose, and from beside his sturdy thigh Drawing his falchion, with effectual stroke Cut loose the side-horse; then the pair reduced To order, in their traces stood composed, And the two heroes fierce engaged again.575 Again his radiant spear Sarpedon hurl’d, But miss’d Patroclus; the innocuous point, O’erflying his left shoulder, pass’d beyond. Then with bright lance Patroclus in his turn Assail’d Sarpedon, nor with erring course580 The weapon sped or vain, but pierced profound His chest, enclosure of the guarded heart. As falls an oak, poplar, or lofty pine With new-edged axes on the mountains hewn Right through, for structure of some gallant bark,585 So fell Sarpedon stretch’d his steeds before And gnash’d his teeth and clutch’d the bloody dust, And as a lion slays a tawny bull Leader magnanimous of all the herd; Beneath the lion’s jaws groaning he dies;590 So, leader of the shielded Lycians groan’d Indignant, by Patroclus slain, the bold Sarpedon, and his friend thus, sad, bespake. Glaucus, my friend, among these warring Chiefs Thyself a Chief illustrious! thou hast need595 Of all thy valor now; now strenuous fight, And, if thou bear within thee a brave mind, Now make the war’s calamities thy joy. First, marching through the host of Lycia, rouse Our Chiefs to combat for Sarpedon slain,600 Then haste, thyself, to battle for thy friend. For shame and foul dishonor which no time Shall e’er obliterate, I must prove to thee, Should the Achaians of my glorious arms Despoil me in full prospect[15] of the fleet.605 Fight, therefore, thou, and others urge to fight. He said, and cover’d by the night of death, Nor look’d nor breath’d again; for on his chest Implanting firm his heel, Patroclus drew The spear enfolded with his vitals forth,610 Weapon and life at once. Meantime his steeds Snorted, by Myrmidons detain’d, and, loosed From their own master’s chariot, foam’d to fly. Terrible was the grief by Glaucus felt, Hearing that charge, and troubled was his heart615 That all power fail’d him to protect the dead. Compressing his own arm he stood, with pain Extreme tormented which the shaft had caused Of Teucer, who while Glaucus climb’d the wall, Had pierced him from it, in the fleet’s defence.620 Then, thus, to Phœbus, King shaft-arm’d, he pray’d. Hear now, O King! For whether in the land Of wealthy Lycia dwelling, or in Troy, Thou hear’st in every place alike the prayer Of the afflicted heart, and such is mine;625 Behold my wound; it fills my useless hand With anguish, neither can my blood be stay’d, And all my shoulder suffers. I can grasp A spear, or rush to conflict with the Greeks No longer now; and we have also lost630 Our noblest Chief, Sarpedon, son of Jove, Who guards not his own son. But thou, O King! Heal me, assuage my anguish, give me strength, That I may animate the Lycian host To fight, and may, myself, defend the dead!635 Such prayer he offer’d, whom Apollo heard; He eased at once his pain, the sable blood Staunch’d, and his soul with vigor new inspired. Then Glaucus in his heart that prayer perceived Granted, and joyful for the sudden aid640 Vouchsafed to him by Phœbus, first the lines Of Lycia ranged, summoning every Chief To fight for slain Sarpedon; striding next With eager haste into the ranks of Troy, Renown’d Agenor and the son he call’d645 Of Panthus, brave Polydamas, with whom Æneas also, and approaching last To Hector brazen-mail’d him thus bespake. Now, Hector! now, thou hast indeed resign’d All care of thy allies, who, for thy sake,650 Lost both to friends and country, on these plains Perish, unaided and unmiss’d by thee. Sarpedon breathless lies, who led to fight Our shielded bands, and from whose just control And courage Lycia drew her chief defence.655 Him brazen Mars hath by the spear subdued Of Menœtiades. But stand ye firm! Let indignation fire you, O my friends! Lest, stripping him of his resplendent arms, The Myrmidons with foul dishonor shame660 His body, through resentment of the deaths Of numerous Grecians slain by spears of ours. He ceased; then sorrow every Trojan heart Seized insupportable and that disdain’d All bounds, for that, although a stranger born,665 Sarpedon ever had a bulwark proved To Troy, the leader of a numerous host, And of that host by none in fight excell’d. Right on toward the Danaï they moved Ardent for battle all, and at their head670 Enraged for slain Sarpedon, Hector came. Meantime, stout-hearted[16] Chief, Patroclus roused The Grecians, and exhorting first (themselves Already prompt) the Ajaces, thus began. Heroic pair! now make it all your joy675 To chase the Trojan host, and such to prove As erst, or even bolder, if ye may. The Chief lies breathless who ascended first Our wall, Sarpedon. Let us bear him hence, Strip and dishonor him, and in the blood680 Of his protectors drench the ruthless spear. So Menœtiades his warriors urged, Themselves courageous. Then the Lycian host And Trojan here, and there the Myrmidons With all the host of Greece, closing the ranks685 Rush’d into furious contest for the dead, Shouting tremendous; clang’d their brazen arms, And Jove with Night’s pernicious shades[17] o’erhung The bloody field, so to enhance the more Their toilsome strife for his own son. First then690 The Trojans from their place and order shock’d The bright-eyed Grecians, slaying not the least Nor worst among the Myrmidons, the brave Epigeus from renown’d Agacles sprung. He, erst, in populous Budeum ruled,695 But for a valiant kinsman of his own Whom there he slew, had thence to Peleus fled And to his silver-footed spouse divine, Who with Achilles, phalanx-breaker Chief, Sent him to fight beneath the walls of Troy.700 Him seizing fast the body, with a stone Illustrious Hector smote full on the front, And his whole skull within the ponderous casque Split sheer; he prostrate on the body fell In shades of soul-divorcing death involved.705 Patroclus, grieving for his slaughter’d friend, Rush’d through the foremost warriors. As the hawk Swift-wing’d before him starlings drives or daws, So thou, Patroclus, of equestrian fame! Full on the Lycian ranks and Trojan drov’st,710 Resentful of thy fellow-warrior’s fall. At Sthenelaüs a huge stone he cast, Son of Ithæmenes, whom on the neck He smote and burst the tendons; then the van Of Ilium’s host, with Hector, all retired.715 Far as the slender javelin cuts the air Hurl’d with collected force, or in the games, Or even in battle at a desperate foe, So far the Greeks repulsed the host of Troy. Then Glaucus first, Chief of the shielded bands720 Of Lycia, slew Bathycles, valiant son Of Calchon; Hellas was his home, and far He pass’d in riches all the Myrmidons. Him chasing Glaucus whom he now attain’d, The Lycian, turning sudden, with his lance725 Pierced through the breast, and, sounding, down he fell Grief fill’d Achaia’s sons for such a Chief So slain, but joy the Trojans; thick they throng’d The conqueror around, nor yet the Greeks Forgat their force, but resolute advanced.730 Then, by Meriones a Trojan died Of noble rank, Laogonus, the son Undaunted of Onetor great in Troy, Priest of Idæan Jove. The ear and jaw Between, he pierced him with a mortal force;735 Swift flew the life, and darkness veil’d his eyes. Æneas, in return, his brazen spear Hurl’d at Meriones with ardent hope To pierce him, while, with nimble[18] steps and short Behind his buckler made, he paced the field;740 But, warn’d of its approach, Meriones Bow’d low his head, shunning it, and the spear Behind him pierced the soil; there quivering stood The weapon, vain, though from a vigorous arm, Till spent by slow degrees its fury slept.745 * * * * * * * * * *[19] Indignant then Æneas thus exclaim’d.
Meriones! I sent thee such a spear As reaching thee, should have for ever marr’d750 Thy step, accomplish’d dancer as thou art. To whom Meriones spear-famed replied. Æneas! thou wilt find the labor hard How great soe’er thy might, to quell the force Of all opposers. Thou art also doom’d755 Thyself to die; and may but spear of mine Well-aim’d once strike thee full, what strength soe’er Or magnanimity be thine to boast, Thy glory in that moment thou resign’st To me, thy soul to Pluto steed-renown’d.760 He said, but him Patroclus sharp reproved. Why speaks Meriones, although in fight Approved, thus proudly? Nay, my gallant friend! The Trojans will not for reproach of ours Renounce the body. Blood must first be spilt.765 Tongues in debate, but hands in war decide; Deeds therefore now, not wordy vaunts, we need. So saying he led the way, whom follow’d close Godlike Meriones. As from the depth Of some lone wood that clothes the mountain’s side770 The fellers at their toil are heard remote, So, from the face of Ilium’s ample plain Reverberated, was the din of brass And of tough targets heard by falchions huge Hard-smitten, and by spears of double-edge.775 None then, no, not the quickest to discern, Had known divine Sarpedon, from his head To his foot-sole with mingled blood and dust Polluted, and o’erwhelm’d with weapons. They Around the body swarm’d. As hovel-flies780 In spring-time buzz around the brimming pails With milk bedew’d, so they around the dead. Nor Jove averted once his glorious eyes From that dread contest, but with watchful note Marked all, the future death in battle deep785 Pondering of Patroclus, whether him Hector should even now slay on divine Sarpedon, and despoil him of his arms, Or he should still that arduous strife prolong. This counsel gain’d as eligible most790 At length his preference: that the valiant friend Of Peleus’ son should yet again compel The Trojan host with Hector brazen-mail’d To Ilium, slaughtering numerous by the way. First then, with fears unmanly he possess’d795 The heart of Hector; mounting to his seat He turn’d to flight himself, and bade his host Fly also; for he knew Jove’s purpose[20] changed. Thenceforth, no longer even Lycia’s host Endured, but all fled scatter’d, seeing pierced800 Their sovereign through his heart, and heap’d with dead; For numerous, while Saturnian Jove the fight Held in suspense, had on his body fallen. At once the Grecians of his dazzling arms Despoil’d Sarpedon, which the Myrmidons805 By order of Menœtius’ valiant son Bore thence into the fleet. Meantime his will The Thunderer to Apollo thus express’d. Phœbus, my son, delay not; from beneath Yon hill of weapons drawn cleanse from his blood810 Sarpedon’s corse; then, bearing him remote, Lave him in waters of the running stream, With oils divine anoint, and in attire Immortal clothe him. Last, to Death and Sleep, Swift bearers both, twin-born, deliver him;815 For hence to Lycia’s opulent abodes They shall transport him quickly, where, with rites Funereal, his next kindred and his friends Shall honor him, a pillar and a tomb (The dead man’s portion) rearing to his name.820 He ceased; nor was Apollo slow to hear His father’s will, but, from the Idæan heights Descending swift into the dreadful field, Godlike Sarpedon’s body from beneath The hill of weapons drew, which, borne remote,825 He laved in waters of the running stream, With oils ambrosial bathed, and clothed in robes Immortal. Then to Death and gentle Sleep, Swift-bearers both, twin-born, he gave the charge, Who placed it soon in Lycia’s wealthy realm.830 Meantime Patroclus, calling to his steeds, And to Automedon, the Trojans chased And Lycians, on his own destruction bent Infatuate; heedless of his charge received From Peleus’ son, which, well perform’d, had saved835 The hero from his miserable doom. But Jove’s high purpose evermore prevails Against the thoughts of man; he turns to flight The bravest, and the victory takes with ease E’en from the Chief whom he impels himself840 To battle, as he now this Chief impell’d. Who, then, Patroclus! first, who last by thee Fell slain, what time thyself was call’d to die? Adrastus first, then Perimus he slew, Offspring of Megas, then Autonoüs,845 Echechlus, Melanippus, and Epistor, Pylartes, Mulius, Elasus. All these He slew, and from the field chased all beside. Then, doubtless, had Achaia’s sons prevail’d To take proud-gated Troy, such havoc made850 He with his spear, but that the son of Jove Apollo, on a tower’s conspicuous height Station’d, devoted him for Ilium’s sake. Thrice on a buttress of the lofty wall Patroclus mounted, and him thrice the God855 With hands immortal his resplendent shield Smiting, struck down again; but when he rush’d A fourth time, demon-like, to the assault, The King of radiant shafts him, stern, rebuked. Patroclus, warrior of renown, retire!860 The fates ordain not that imperial Troy Stoop to thy spear, nor to the spear itself Of Peleus’ son, though mightier far than thou. He said, and Menœtiades the wrath Of shaft-arm’d Phœbus shunning, far retired.865 But in the Scæan gate Hector his steeds Detain’d, uncertain whether thence to drive Amid the warring multitude again, Or, loud commandment issuing, to collect His host within the walls. Him musing long870 Apollo, clad in semblance of a Chief Youthful and valiant, join’d. Asius he seem’d Equestrian Hector’s uncle, brother born Of Hecuba the queen, and Dymas’ son, Who on the Sangar’s banks in Phrygia dwelt.875 Apollo, so disguised, him thus bespake. Why, Hector, hast thou left the fight? this sloth Not well befits thee. Oh that I as far Thee pass’d in force as thou transcendest me, Then, not unpunish’d long, should’st thou retire;880 But haste, and with thy coursers solid-hoof’d Seek out Patroclus, him perchance to slay, Should Phœbus have decreed that glory thine. So saying, Apollo join’d the host again. Then noble Hector bade his charioteer885 Valiant Cebriones his coursers lash Back into battle, while the God himself Entering the multitude confounded sore The Argives, victory conferring proud And glory on Hector and the host of Troy.890 But Hector, leaving all beside unslain, Furious impell’d his coursers solid-hoof’d Against Patroclus; on the other side Patroclus from his chariot to the ground Leap’d ardent; in his left a spear he bore,895 And in his right a marble fragment rough, Large as his grasp. With full collected might He hurl’d it; neither was the weapon slow To whom he had mark’d, or sent in vain. He smote the charioteer of Hector, bold900 Cebriones, King Priam’s spurious son, Full on the forehead, while he sway’d the reins. The bone that force withstood not, but the rock With ragged points beset dash’d both his brows In pieces, and his eyes fell at his feet.905 He diver-like, from his exalted stand Behind the steeds pitch’d headlong, and expired; O’er whom, Patroclus of equestrian fame! Thou didst exult with taunting speech severe. Ye Gods, with what agility he dives!910 Ah! it were well if in the fishy deep This man were occupied; he might no few With oysters satisfy, although the waves Were churlish, plunging headlong from his bark As easily as from his chariot here.915 So then—in Troy, it seems, are divers too! So saying, on bold Cebriones he sprang With all a lion’s force, who, while the folds He ravages, is wounded in the breast, And, victim of his own fierce courage, dies.920 So didst thou spring, Patroclus! to despoil Cebriones, and Hector opposite Leap’d also to the ground. Then contest such For dead Cebriones those two between Arose, as in the lofty mountain-tops925 Two lions wage, contending for a deer New-slain, both hunger-pinch’d and haughty both. So for Cebriones, alike in arms Expert, brave Hector and Patroclus strove To pierce each other with the ruthless spear.930 First, Hector seized his head, nor loosed his hold, Patroclus, next, his feet, while all beside Of either host in furious battle join’d. As when the East wind and the South contend To shake some deep wood on the mountain’s side,935 Or beech, or ash, or rugged cornel old. With stormy violence the mingled boughs Smite and snap short each other, crashing loud; So, Trojans and Achaians, mingling, slew Mutual, while neither felt a wish to fly.940 Around Cebriones stood many a spear, And many a shaft sent smartly from the nerve Implanted deep, and many a stone of grasp Enormous sounded on their batter’d shields Who fought to gain him. He, in eddies lost945 Of sable dust, with his huge trunk huge space O’erspread, nor steeds nor chariots heeded more. While yet the sun ascending climb’d the heavens, Their darts flew equal, and the people fell; But when he westward journey’d, by a change950 Surpassing hope the Grecians then prevail’d. They drew Cebriones the hero forth From all those weapons, and his armor stripp’d At leisure, distant from the battle’s roar. Then sprang Patroclus on the Trojan host;955 Thrice, like another Mars, he sprang with shouts Tremendous, and nine warriors thrice he slew. But when the fourth time, demon-like, he rush’d Against them, then, oh then, too manifest The consummation of thy days approach’d960 Patroclus! whom Apollo, terror-clad Met then in battle. He the coming God Through all that multitude knew not, such gloom Impenetrable him involved around. Behind him close he stood, and with his palms965 Expanded on the spine and shoulders broad Smote him; his eyes swam dizzy at the stroke. Then Phœbus from his head his helmet dash’d To earth; sonorous at the feet it roll’d Of many a prancing steed, and all the crest970 Defilement gather’d gross of dust and blood, Then first; till then, impossible; for how Should dust the tresses of that helmet shame With which Achilles fighting fenced his head Illustrious, and his graceful brows divine?975 But Jove now made it Hector’s; he awhile Bore it, himself to swift perdition doom’d His spear brass-mounted, ponderous, huge and long, Fell shiver’d from his grasp. His shield that swept His ancle, with its belt dropp’d from his arm,980 And Phœbus loosed the corselet from his breast. Confusion seized his brain; his noble limbs Quaked under him, and panic-stunn’d he stood. Then came a Dardan Chief, who from behind Enforced a pointed lance into his back985 Between the shoulders; Panthus’ son was he, Euphorbus, famous for equestrian skill, For spearmanship, and in the rapid race Past all of equal age. He twenty men (Although a learner yet of martial feats,990 And by his steeds then first to battle borne) Dismounted. He, Patroclus, mighty Chief! First threw a lance at thee, which yet life Quell’d not; then snatching hasty from the wound His ashen beam, he ran into the crowd,995 Nor dared confront in fight even the unarm’d Patroclus. But Patroclus, by the lance, And by the stroke of an immortal hand Subdued, fell back toward his ranks again. Then, soon as Hector the retreat perceived1000 Of brave Patroclus wounded, issuing forth From his own phalanx, he approach’d and drove A spear right through his body at the waist. Sounding he fell. Loud groan’d Achaia’s host. As when the lion and the sturdy boar1005 Contend in battle on the mountain-tops For some scant rivulet, thirst-parch’d alike, Ere long the lion quells the panting boar; So Priameian Hector, spear in hand, Slew Menœtiades the valiant slayer1010 Of multitudes, and thus in accents wing’d, With fierce delight exulted in his fall.
It was thy thought, Patroclus, to have laid Our city waste, and to have wafted hence Our wives and daughters to thy native land,1015 Their day of liberty for ever set. Fool! for their sakes the feet of Hector’s steeds Fly into battle, and myself excel, For their sakes, all our bravest of the spear, That I may turn from them that evil hour1020 Necessitous. But thou art vulture’s food, Unhappy youth! all valiant as he is, Achilles hath no succor given to thee, Who when he sent the forth whither himself Would not, thus doubtless gave thee oft in charge:1025 Ah, well beware, Patroclus, glorious Chief! That thou revisit not these ships again, Till first on hero-slaughterer Hector’s breast Thou cleave his bloody corselet. So he spake, And with vain words thee credulous beguiled.1030 To whom Patroclus, mighty Chief, with breath Drawn faintly, and dying, thou didst thus reply. Now, Hector, boast! now glory! for the son Of Saturn and Apollo, me with ease Vanquishing, whom they had themselves disarm’d,1035 Have made the victory thine; else, twenty such As thou, had fallen by my victorious spear. Me Phœbus and my ruthless fate combined To slay; these foremost; but of mortal men Euphorbus, and thy praise is only third.1040 I tell thee also, and within thy heart Repose it deep—thou shalt not long survive; But, even now, fate, and a violent death Attend thee by Achilles’ hands ordain’d To perish, by Æacides the brave.[21]1045 So saying, the shades of death him wrapp’d around. Down into Ades from his limbs dismiss’d, His spirit fled sorrowful, of youth’s prime And vigorous manhood suddenly bereft Then, him though dead, Hector again bespake.1050 Patroclus! these prophetic strains of death At hand, and fate, why hast thou sung to me? May not the son of Thetis azure-hair’d, Achilles, perish first by spear of mine? He said; then pressing with his heel the trunk1055 Supine, and backward thursting it, he drew His glittering weapon from the wound, nor stay’d, But lance in hand, the godlike charioteer Pursued of swift Æacides, on fire To smite Automedon; but him the steeds1060 Immortal, rapid, by the Gods conferr’d (A glorious gift) on Peleus, snatch’d away.
XVII. ARGUMENT OF THE SEVENTEENTH BOOK
Sharp contest ensues around the body of Patroclus. Hector puts on the armor of Achilles. Menelaus, having dispatched Antilochus to Achilles with news of the death of Patroclus, returns to the battle, and, together with Meriones, bears Patroclus off the field, while the Ajaces cover their retreat.
Book XVII
Nor Menelaus, Atreus’ valiant son, Knew not how Menœtiades had fallen By Trojan hands in battle; forth he rush’d All bright in burnish’d armor through his van, And as some heifer with maternal fears5 Now first acquainted, compasses around Her young one murmuring, with tender moan, So moved the hero of the amber locks Around Patroclus, before whom his spear Advancing and broad shield, he death denounced10 On all opposers; neither stood the son Spear-famed of Panthus inattentive long To slain Patroclus, but approach’d the dead, And warlike Menelaus thus bespake. Prince! Menelaus! Atreus’ mighty son!15 Yield. Leave the body and these gory spoils; For of the Trojans or allies of Troy None sooner made Patroclus bleed than I. Seek not to rob me, therefore, of my praise Among the Trojans, lest my spear assail20 Thee also, and thou perish premature.[1] To whom, indignant, Atreus’ son replied. Self-praise, the Gods do know, is little worth. But neither lion may in pride compare Nor panther, nor the savage boar whose heart’s25 High temper flashes in his eyes, with these The spear accomplish’d youths of Panthus’ house. Yet Hyperenor of equestrian fame Lived not his lusty manhood to enjoy, Who scoffingly defied my force in arms,30 And call’d me most contemptible in fight Of all the Danaï. But him, I ween, His feet bore never hence to cheer at home His wife and parents with his glad return. So also shall thy courage fierce be tamed,35 If thou oppose me. I command thee, go— Mix with the multitude; withstand not me, Lest evil overtake thee! To be taught By sufferings only, is the part of fools. He said, but him sway’d not, who thus replied.40 Now, even now, Atrides! thou shalt rue My brother’s blood which thou hast shed, and mak’st His death thy boast. Thou hast his blooming bride Widow’d, and thou hast fill’d his parents’ hearts With anguish of unutterable wo;45 But bearing hence thy armor and thy head To Troy, and casting them at Panthus’ feet, And at the feet of Phrontis, his espoused, I shall console the miserable pair. Nor will I leave that service unessay’d50 Longer, nor will I fail through want of force, Of courage, or of terrible address. He ceased, and smote his shield, nor pierced the disk, But bent his point against the stubborn brass. Then Menelaus, prayer preferring first55 To Jove,[2] assail’d Euphorbus in his turn, Whom pacing backward in the throat he struck, And both hands and his full force the spear Impelled, urged it through his neck behind. Sounding he fell; loud rang his batter’d arms.60 His locks, which even the Graces might have own’d, Blood-sullied, and his ringlets wound about With twine of gold and silver, swept the dust. As the luxuriant olive by a swain Rear’d in some solitude where rills abound,65 Puts forth her buds, and fann’d by genial airs On all sides, hangs her boughs with whitest flowers, But by a sudden whirlwind from its trench Uptorn, it lies extended on the field; Such, Panthus’ warlike son Euphorbus seem’d,70 By Menelaus, son of Atreus, slain Suddenly, and of all his arms despoil’d. But as the lion on the mountains bred, Glorious in strength, when he hath seized the best And fairest of the herd, with savage fangs75 First breaks her neck, then laps the bloody paunch Torn wide; meantime, around him, but remote, Dogs stand and swains clamoring, yet by fear Repress’d, annoy him not nor dare approach; So there all wanted courage to oppose80 The force of Menelaus, glorious Chief. Then, easily had Menelaus borne The armor of the son of Panthus thence, But that Apollo the illustrious prize Denied him, who in semblance of the Chief85 Of the Ciconians, Mentes, prompted forth Against him Hector terrible as Mars, Whose spirit thus in accents wing’d he roused. Hector! the chase is vain; here thou pursuest The horses of Æacides the brave,90 Which thou shalt never win, for they are steeds Of fiery nature, such as ill endure To draw or carry mortal man, himself Except, whom an immortal mother bore. Meantime, bold Menelaus, in defence95 Of dead Patroclus, hath a Trojan slain Of highest note, Euphorbus, Panthus’ son, And hath his might in arms for ever quell’d. So spake the God and to the fight return’d. But grief intolerable at that word100 Seized Hector; darting through the ranks his eye, He knew at once who stripp’d Euphorbus’ arms, And him knew also lying on the field, And from his wide wound bleeding copious still. Then dazzling bright in arms, through all the van105 He flew, shrill-shouting, fierce as Vulcan’s fire Unquenchable; nor were his shouts unheard By Atreus’ son, who with his noble mind Conferring sad, thus to himself began. Alas! if I forsake these gorgeous spoils,110 And leave Patroclus for my glory slain, I fear lest the Achaians at that sight Incensed, reproach me; and if, urged by shame, I fight with Hector and his host, alone, Lest, hemm’d around by multitudes, I fall;115 For Hector, by his whole embattled force Attended, comes. But whither tend my thoughts? No man may combat with another fenced By power divine and whom the Gods exalt, But he must draw down wo on his own head.120 Me, therefore, none of all Achaia’s host Will blame indignant, seeing my retreat From Hector, whom themselves the Gods assist. But might the battle-shout of Ajax once Reach me, with force united we would strive,125 Even in opposition to a God, To rescue for Achilles’ sake, his friend. Task arduous! but less arduous than this. While he thus meditated, swift advanced The Trojan ranks, with Hector at their head.130 He then, retiring slow, and turning oft, Forsook the body. As by dogs and swains With clamors loud and spears driven from the stalls A bearded lion goes, his noble heart Abhors retreat, and slow he quits the prey;135 So Menelaus with slow steps forsook Patroclus, and arrived in front, at length, Of his own phalanx, stood, with sharpen’d eyes Seeking vast Ajax, son of Telamon. Him leftward, soon, of all the field he mark’d140 Encouraging aloud his band, whose hearts With terrors irresistible himself Phœbus had fill’d. He ran, and at his side Standing, incontinent him thus bespake. My gallant Ajax, haste—come quickly—strive145 With me to rescue for Achilles’ sake His friend, though bare, for Hector hath his arms. He said, and by his words the noble mind Of Ajax roused; issuing through the van He went, and Menelaus at his side.150 Hector the body of Patroclus dragg’d, Stript of his arms, with falchion keen erelong Purposing to strike off his head, and cast His trunk, drawn distant, to the dogs of Troy. But Ajax, with broad shield tower-like, approach’d.155 Then Hector, to his bands retreating, sprang Into his chariot, and to others gave The splendid arms in charge, who into Troy Should bear the destined trophy of his praise, But Ajax with his broad shield guarding stood160 Slain Menœtiades, as for his whelps The lion stands; him through some forest drear Leading his little ones, the hunters meet; Fire glimmers in his looks, and down he draws His whole brow into frowns, covering his eyes;165 So, guarding slain Patroclus, Ajax lour’d. On the other side, with tender grief oppress’d Unspeakable, brave Menelaus stood. But Glaucus, leader of the Lycian band, Son of Hippolochus, in bitter terms170 Indignant, reprimanded Hector thus, Ah, Hector, Chieftain of excelling form, But all unfurnish’d with a warrior’s heart! Unwarranted I deem thy great renown Who art to flight addicted. Think, henceforth,175 How ye shall save city and citadel Thou and thy people born in Troy, alone. No Lycian shall, at least, in your defence Fight with the Grecians, for our ceaseless toil In arms, hath ever been a thankless task.180 Inglorious Chief! how wilt thou save a worse From warring crowds, who hast Sarpedon left Thy guest, thy friend, to be a spoil, a prey To yonder Argives? While he lived he much Thee and thy city profited, whom dead185 Thou fear’st to rescue even from the dogs. Now, therefore, may but my advice prevail, Back to your country, Lycians! so, at once, Shall remediless ruin fall on Troy. For had the Trojans now a daring heart190 Intrepid, such as in the breast resides Of laborers in their country’s dear behalf, We soon should drag Patroclus into Troy; And were his body, from the battle drawn, In Priam’s royal city once secured,195 As soon, the Argives would in ransom give Sarpedon’s body with his splendid arms To be conducted safe into the town. For when Patroclus fell, the friend was slain Of such a Chief as is not in the fleet200 For valor, and his bands are dauntless all. But thou, at the first glimpse of Ajax’ eye Confounded, hast not dared in arms to face That warrior bold, superior far to thee. To whom brave Hector, frowning stern, replied,205 Why, Glaucus! should a Chief like thee his tongue Presume to employ thus haughtily? My friend! I thee accounted wisest, once, of all Who dwell in fruitful Lycia, but thy speech Now utter’d altogether merits blame,210 In which thou tell’st me that I fear to stand Against vast Ajax. Know that I from fight Shrink not, nor yet from sound of prancing steeds; But Jove’s high purpose evermore prevails Against the thoughts of man; he turns to flight215 The bravest, and the victory takes with ease Even from those whom once he favor’d most. But hither, friend! stand with me; mark my deed; Prove me, if I be found, as thou hast said, An idler all the day, or if by force220 I not compel some Grecian to renounce Patroclus, even the boldest of them all. He ceased, and to his host exclaim’d aloud. Trojans, and Lycians, and close-fighting sons Of Dardanus, oh be ye men, my friends!225 Now summon all your fortitude, while I Put on the armor of Achilles, won From the renown’d Patroclus slain by me. So saying, illustrious Hector from the clash Of spears withdrew, and with his swiftest pace230 Departing, overtook, not far remote, The bearers of Achilles’ arms to Troy. Apart from all the horrors of the field Standing, he changed his armor; gave his own To be by them to sacred Ilium borne,235 And the immortal arms of Peleus’ son Achilles, by the ever-living Gods To Peleüs given, put on. Those arms the Sire, Now old himself, had on his son conferr’d But in those arms his son grew never old.240 Him, therefore, soon as cloud-assembler Jove Saw glittering in divine Achilles’ arms, Contemplative he shook his brows, and said, Ah hapless Chief! thy death, although at hand, Nought troubles thee. Thou wear’st his heavenly245 Who all excels, terror of Ilium’s host. His friend, though bold yet gentle, thou hast slain And hast the brows and bosom of the dead Unseemly bared: yet, bright success awhile I give thee; so compensating thy lot,250 From whom Andromache shall ne’er receive Those glorious arms, for thou shalt ne’er return. So spake the Thunderer, and his sable brows Shaking, confirm’d the word. But Hector found The armor apt; the God of war his soul255 With fury fill’d, he felt his limbs afresh Invigorated, and with loudest shouts Return’d to his illustrious allies. To them he seem’d, clad in those radiant arms, Himself Achilles; rank by rank he pass’d260 Through all the host, exhorting every Chief, Asteropæus, Mesthles, Phorcys, Medon, Thersilochus, Deisenor, augur Ennomus, Chromius, Hippothoüs; all these he roused To battle, and in accents wing’d began.265 Hear me, ye myriads, neighbors and allies! For not through fond desire to fill the plain With multitudes, have I convened you here Each from his city, but that well-inclined To Ilium, ye might help to guard our wives270 And little ones against the host of Greece. Therefore it is that forage large and gifts Providing for you, I exhaust the stores Of Troy, and drain our people for your sake. Turn then direct against them, and his life275 Save each, or lose; it is the course of war. Him who shall drag, though dead, Patroclus home Into the host of Troy, and shall repulse Ajax, I will reward with half the spoils And half shall be my own; glory and praise280 Shall also be his meed, equal to mine. He ended; they compact with lifted spears Bore on the Danaï, conceiving each Warm expectation in his heart to wrest From Ajax son of Telamon, the dead.285 Vain hope! he many a lifeless Trojan heap’d On slain Patroclus, but at length his speech To warlike Menelaus thus address’d. Ah, Menelaus, valiant friend! I hope No longer, now, that even we shall ’scape290 Ourselves from fight; nor fear I so the loss Of dead Patroclus, who shall soon the dogs Of Ilium, and the fowls sate with his flesh, As for my life I tremble and for thine, That cloud of battle, Hector, such a gloom295 Sheds all around; death manifest impends. Haste—call our best, if even they can hear. He spake, nor Menelaus not complied, But call’d aloud on all the Chiefs of Greece. Friends, senators, and leaders of the powers300 Of Argos! who with Agamemnon drink And Menelaus at the public feast, Each bearing rule o’er many, by the will Of Jove advanced to honor and renown! The task were difficult to single out305 Chief after Chief by name amid the blaze Of such contention; but oh, come yourselves Indignant forth, nor let the dogs of Troy Patroclus rend, and gambol with his bones! He ceased, whom Oïliades the swift310 Hearing incontinent, of all the Chiefs Ran foremost, after whom Idomeneus Approach’d, and dread as homicidal Mars Meriones. But never mind of man Could even in silent recollection name315 The whole vast multitude who, following these Renew’d the battle on the part of Greece. The Trojans first, with Hector at their head, Wedged in close phalanx, rush’d to the assault As when within some rapid river’s mouth320 The billows and stream clash, on either shore[3] Loud sounds the roar[3] of waves ejected wide, Such seem’d the clamors of the Trojan host. But the Achaians, one in heart, around Patroclus stood, bulwark’d with shields of brass325 And over all their glittering helmets Jove Darkness diffused, for he had loved Patroclus While yet he lived friend of Æacides, And now, abhorring that the dogs of Troy Should eat him, urged the Greeks to his defence,330 The host of Troy first shook the Grecian host; The body left, they fled; yet of them all, The Trojan powers, determined as they were, Slew none, but dragg’d the body. Neither stood The Greeks long time aloof, soon as repulsed335 Again led on by Ajax, who in form And in exploits all others far excell’d. Peerless Æacides alone except. Right through the foremost combatants he rush’d, In force resembling most some savage boar340 That in the mountains bursting through the brakes, The swains disperses and their hounds with ease; Like him, illustrious Ajax, mighty son Of Telamon, at his assault dispersed With ease the close imbattled ranks who fought345 Around Patroclus’ body, strong in hope To achieve it, and to make the glory theirs. Hippothoüs, a youth of high renown, Son of Pelasgian Lethus, by a noose Around his ancle cast dragg’d through the fight350 Patroclus, so to gratify the host Of Ilium and their Chief; but evil him Reached suddenly, by none of all his friends (Though numerous wish’d to save him) turn’d aside. For swift advancing on him through the crowd355 The son of Telamon pierced, spear in hand, His helmet brazen-cheek’d; the crested casque, So smitten, open’d wide, for huge the hand And ponderous was the spear that gave the blow And all around its neck, mingled with blood360 Gush’d forth the brain. There, lifeless, down he sank, Let fall the hero’s foot, and fell himself Prone on the dead, never to see again? Deep-soil’d Larissa, never to require Their kind solicitudes who gave him birth,365 In bloom of life by dauntless Ajax slain. Then Hector hurl’d at Ajax his bright spear, But he, forewarn’d of its approach, escaped Narrowly, and it pierced Schedius instead, Brave son of Iphitus; he, noblest Chief370 Of the Phocensians, over many reign’d, Dwelling in Panopeus the far-renown’d. Entering beneath the clavicle[4] the point Right through his shoulder’s summit pass’d behind, And on his loud-resounding arms he fell.375 But Ajax at his waist wounded the son Of Phœnops, valiant Phorcys, while he stood Guarding Hippothöus; through his hollow mail Enforced the weapon drank his inmost life, And in his palm, supine, he clench’d the dust.380 Then, Hector with the foremost Chiefs of Troy Fell back; the Argives sent a shout to heaven, And dragging Phorcys and Hippothöus thence Stripp’d both. In that bright moment Ilium’s host Fear-quell’d before Achaia’s warlike sons385 Had Troy re-enter’d, and the host of Greece By matchless might and fortitude their own Had snatch’d a victory from the grasp of fate, But that, himself, the King of radiant shafts Æneas roused; Epytis’ son he seem’d390 Periphas, ancient in the service grown Of old Anchises whom he dearly loved; His form assumed, Apollo thus began. How could ye save, Æneas, were the Gods Your enemies, the towers of lofty Troy?395 As I have others seen, warriors who would, Men fill’d with might and valor, firm themselves And Chiefs of multitudes disdaining fear. But Jove to us the victory far more Than to the Grecians wills; therefore the fault400 Is yours, who tremble and refuse the fight. He ended, whom Æneas marking, knew At once the glorious Archer of the skies, And thus to distant Hector call’d aloud. Oh, Hector, and ye other Chiefs of Troy405 And of her brave confederates! Shame it were Should we re-enter Ilium, driven to flight By dastard fear before the host of Greece. A God assured me even now, that Jove, Supreme in battle, gives his aid to Troy.410 Rush, therefore, on the Danaï direct, Nor let them, safe at least and unannoy’d, Bear hence Patroclus’ body to the fleet. He spake, and starting far into the van Stood foremost forth; they, wheeling, faced the Greeks.415 Then, spear in hand, Æneas smote the friend Of Lycomedes, brave Leocritus, Son of Arisbas. Lycomedes saw Compassionate his death, and drawing nigh First stood, then hurling his resplendent lance,420 Right through the liver Apisaon pierced Offspring of Hippasus, his chest beneath, And, lifeless, instant, on the field he fell. He from Pæonia the deep soil’d to Troy Came forth, Asteropæus sole except,425 Bravest of all Pæonia’s band in arms. Asteropæus saw, and to the van Sprang forth for furious combat well prepared, But room for fight found none, so thick a fence Of shields and ported spears fronted secure430 The phalanx guarding Menœtiades. For Ajax ranging all the ranks, aloud Admonish’d them that no man yielding ground Should leave Patroclus, or advance before The rest, but all alike fight and stand fast.435 Such order gave huge Ajax; purple gore Drench’d all the ground; in slaughter’d heaps they fell Trojans and Trojan aids of dauntless hearts And Grecians; for not even they the fight Waged bloodless, though with far less cost of blood,440 Each mindful to avert his fellow’s fate. Thus burn’d the battle; neither hadst thou deem’d The sun himself in heaven unquench’d, or moon, Beneath a cope so dense of darkness strove Unceasing all the most renown’d in arms445 For Menœtiades. Meantime the war, Wherever else, the bright-arm’d Grecians waged And Trojans under skies serene. The sun On them his radiance darted; not a cloud, From mountain or from vale rising, allay’d450 His fervor; there at distance due they fought And paused by turns, and shunn’d the cruel dart. But in the middle field not war alone They suffer’d, but night also; ruthless raged The iron storm, and all the mightiest bled.455 Two glorious Chiefs, the while, Antilochus And Thrasymedes, had no tidings heard Of brave Patroclus slain, but deem’d him still Living, and troubling still the host of Troy; For watchful[5] only to prevent the flight460 Or slaughter of their fellow-warriors, they Maintain’d a distant station, so enjoin’d By Nestor when he sent them to the field. But fiery conflict arduous employ’d The rest all day continual; knees and legs,465 Feet, hands, and eyes of those who fought to guard The valiant friend of swift Æacides Sweat gather’d foul and dust. As when a man A huge ox-hide drunken with slippery lard Gives to be stretch’d, his servants all around470 Disposed, just intervals between, the task Ply strenuous, and while many straining hard Extend it equal on all sides, it sweats The moisture out, and drinks the unction in,[6] So they, in narrow space struggling, the dead475 Dragg’d every way, warm hope conceiving, these To drag him thence to Troy, those, to the ships. Wild tumult raged around him; neither Mars, Gatherer of hosts to battle, nor herself Pallas, however angry, had beheld480 That conflict with disdain, Jove to such length Protracted on that day the bloody toil Of steeds and men for Menœtiades. Nor knew divine Achilles or had aught Heard of Patroclus slain, for from the ships485 Remote they fought, beneath the walls of Troy. He, therefore, fear’d not for his death, but hope Indulged much rather, that, the battle push’d To Ilium’s gates, he should return alive. For that his friend, unaided by himself490 Or ever aided, should prevail to lay Troy waste, he nought supposed; by Thetis warn’d In secret conference oft, he better knew Jove’s purpose; yet not even she had borne Those dreadful tidings to his ear, the loss495 Immeasurable of his dearest friend. They all around the dead fought spear in hand With mutual slaughter ceaseless, and amid Achaia’s host thus spake a Chief mail-arm’d. Shame were it, Grecians! should we seek by flight500 Our galleys now; yawn earth our feet beneath And here ingulf us rather! Better far Than to permit the steed-famed host of Troy To drag Patroclus hence into the town, And make the glory of this conflict theirs.505 Thus also of the dauntless Trojans spake A certain warrior. Oh, my friends! although The Fates ordain us, one and all, to die Around this body, stand! quit not the field. So spake the warrior prompting into act510 The courage of his friends, and such they strove On both sides; high into the vault of heaven The iron din pass’d through the desart air. Meantime the horses of Æacides From fight withdrawn, soon as they understood515 Their charioteer fallen in the dust beneath The arm of homicidal Hector, wept. Them oft with hasty lash Diores’ son Automedon impatient smote, full oft He stroked them gently, and as oft he chode;[7]520 Yet neither to the fleet ranged on the shore Of spacious Hellespont would they return, Nor with the Grecians seek the fight, but stood As a sepulchral pillar stands, unmoved Between their traces;[8] to the earth they hung525 Their heads, with plenteous tears their driver mourn’d, And mingled their dishevell’d manes with dust. Jove saw their grief with pity, and his brows Shaking, within himself thus, pensive, said. Ah hapless pair! Wherefore by gift divine530 Were ye to Peleus given, a mortal king, Yourselves immortal and from age exempt? Was it that ye might share in human woes? For, of all things that breathe or creep the earth, No creature lives so mere a wretch as man.535 Yet shall not Priameian Hector ride Triumphant, drawn by you. Myself forbid. Suffice it that he boasts vain-gloriously Those arms his own. Your spirit and your limbs I will invigorate, that ye may bear540 Safe hence Automedon into the fleet. For I ordain the Trojans still to spread Carnage around victorious, till they reach The gallant barks, and till the sun at length Descending, sacred darkness cover all.545 He said, and with new might the steeds inspired. They, shaking from their hair profuse the dust, Between the van of either army whirl’d The rapid chariot. Fighting as he pass’d, Though fill’d with sorrow for his slaughter’d friend,550 Automedon high-mounted swept the field Impetuous as a vulture scattering geese; Now would he vanish, and now, turn’d again, Chase through a multitude his trembling foe; But whomsoe’er he follow’d, none he slew,555 Nor was the task possible to a Chief Sole in the sacred chariot, both to aim The spear aright and guide the fiery steeds. At length Alcimedon, his friend in arms, Son of Laerceus son of Æmon, him560 Observing, from behind the chariot hail’d The flying warrior, whom he thus bespake. What power, Automedon! hath ta’en away Thy better judgment, and thy breast inspired With this vain purpose to assail alone565 The Trojan van? Thy partner in the fight Is slain, and Hector on his shoulders bears, Elate, the armor of Æacides. Then, answer thus Automedon return’d, Son of Diores. Who of all our host570 Was ever skill’d, Alcimedon! as thou To rule the fire of these immortal steeds, Save only while he lived, peer of the Gods In that great art, Patroclus, now no more? Thou, therefore, the resplendent reins receive575 And scourge, while I, dismounting, wage the fight. He ceased; Alcimedon without delay The battle-chariot mounting, seized at once The lash and reins, and from his seat down leap’d Automedon. Them noble Hector mark’d,580 And to Æneas at his side began. Illustrious Chief of Trojans brazen-mail’d Æneas! I have noticed yonder steeds Of swift Achilles rushing into fight Conspicuous, but under sway of hands585 Unskilful; whence arises a fair hope That we might seize them, wert thou so inclined; For never would those two dare to oppose In battle an assault dreadful as ours. He ended, nor the valiant son refused590 Of old Anchises, but with targets firm Of season’d hide brass-plated thrown athwart Their shoulders, both advanced direct, with whom Of godlike form Aretus also went And Chromius. Ardent hope they all conceived595 To slay those Chiefs, and from the field to drive Achilles’ lofty steeds. Vain hope! for them No bloodless strife awaited with the force Of brave Automedon; he, prayer to Jove First offering, felt his angry soul with might600 Heroic fill’d, and thus his faithful friend Alcimedon, incontinent, address’d. Alcimedon! hold not the steeds remote But breathing on my back; for I expect That never Priameïan Hector’s rage605 Shall limit know, or pause, till, slaying us, He shall himself the coursers ample-maned Mount of Achilles, and to flight compel The Argive host, or perish in the van. So saying, he call’d aloud on Menelaus610 With either Ajax. Oh, illustrious Chiefs Of Argos, Menelaus, and ye bold Ajaces![9] leaving all your best to cope With Ilium’s powers and to protect the dead, From friends still living ward the bitter day.615 For hither borne, two Chiefs, bravest of all The Trojans, Hector and Æneas rush Right through the battle. The events of war Heaven orders; therefore even I will give My spear its flight, and Jove dispose the rest!620 He said, and brandishing his massy spear Dismiss’d it at Aretus; full he smote His ample shield, nor stay’d the pointed brass, But penetrating sheer the disk, his belt Pierced also, and stood planted in his waist.625 As when some vigorous youth with sharpen’d axe A pastured bullock smites behind the horns And hews the muscle through; he, at the stroke Springs forth and falls, so sprang Aretus forth, Then fell supine, and in his bowels stood630 The keen-edged lance still quivering till he died. Then Hector, in return, his radiant spear Hurl’d at Automedon, who of its flight Forewarn’d his body bowing prone, the stroke Eluded, and the spear piercing the soil635 Behind him, shook to its superior end, Till, spent by slow degrees, its fury slept. And now, with hand to hilt, for closer war Both stood prepared, when through the multitude Advancing at their fellow-warrior’s call,640 The Ajaces suddenly their combat fierce Prevented. Awed at once by their approach Hector retired, with whom Æneas went Also and godlike Chromius, leaving there Aretus with his vitals torn, whose arms,645 Fierce as the God of war Automedon Stripp’d off, and thus exulted o’er the slain. My soul some portion of her grief resigns Consoled, although by slaughter of a worse, For loss of valiant Menœtiades.650 So saying, within his chariot he disposed The gory spoils, then mounted it himself With hands and feet purpled, as from a bull His bloody prey, some lion newly-gorged. And now around Patroclus raged again655 Dread strife deplorable! for from the skies Descending at the Thunderer’s command Whose purpose now was to assist the Greeks, Pallas enhanced the fury of the fight. As when from heaven, in view of mortals, Jove660 Exhibits bright his bow, a sign ordain’d Of war, or numbing frost which all the works Suspends of man and saddens all the flocks; So she, all mantled with a radiant cloud Entering Achaia’s host, fired every breast.665 But meeting Menelaus first, brave son Of Atreus, in the form and with the voice Robust of Phœnix, him she thus bespake. Shame, Menelaus, shall to thee redound For ever, and reproach, should dogs devour670 The faithful friend of Peleus’ noble son Under Troy’s battlements; but stand, thyself, Undaunted, and encourage all the host. To whom the son of Atreus bold in arms. Ah, Phœnix, friend revered, ancient and sage!675 Would Pallas give me might and from the dint Shield me of dart and spear, with willing mind I would defend Patroclus, for his death Hath touch’d me deep. But Hector with the rage Burns of consuming fire, nor to his spear680 Gives pause, for him Jove leads to victory. He ceased, whom Pallas, Goddess azure-eyed Hearing, rejoiced that of the heavenly powers He had invoked her foremost to his aid. His shoulders with new might, and limbs she fill’d,685 And persevering boldness to his breast Imparted, such as prompts the fly, which oft From flesh of man repulsed, her purpose yet To bite holds fast, resolved on human blood. His stormy bosom with such courage fill’d690 By Pallas, to Patroclus he approach’d And hurl’d, incontinent, his glittering spear. There was a Trojan Chief, Podes by name, Son of Eëtion, valorous and rich; Of all Troy’s citizens him Hector most695 Respected, in convivial pleasures sweet His chosen companion. As he sprang to flight, The hero of the golden locks his belt Struck with full force and sent the weapon through. Sounding he fell, and from the Trojan ranks700 Atrides dragg’d the body to his own. Then drew Apollo near to Hector’s side, And in the form of Phœnops, Asius’ son, Of all the foreign guests at Hector’s board His favorite most, the hero thus address’d.705 What Chief of all the Grecians shall henceforth Fear Hector, who from Menelaus shrinks Once deem’d effeminate, but dragging now The body of thy valiant friend approved Whom he hath slain, Podes, Eëtion’s son?710 He spake, and at his words grief like a cloud Involved the mind of Hector dark around; Right through the foremost combatants he rush’d All clad in dazzling brass. Then, lifting high His tassel’d Ægis radiant, Jove with storms715 Enveloped Ida; flash’d his lightnings, roar’d His thunders, and the mountain shook throughout. Troy’s host he prosper’d, and the Greeks dispersed. First fled Peneleus, the Bœotian Chief, Whom facing firm the foe Polydamas720 Struck on his shoulder’s summit with a lance Hurl’d nigh at hand, which slight inscribed the bone. [10]Leïtus also, son of the renown’d Alectryon, pierced by Hector in the wrist, Disabled left the fight; trembling he fled725 And peering narrowly around, nor hoped To lift a spear against the Trojans more. Hector, pursuing Leïtus, the point Encounter’d of the brave Idomeneus Full on his chest; but in his mail the lance730 Snapp’d, and the Trojans shouted to the skies. He, in his turn, cast at Deucalion’s son Idomeneus, who in that moment gain’d[11] A chariot-seat; but him the erring spear Attain’d not, piercing Cœranus instead735 The friend and follower of Meriones From wealthy Lyctus, and his charioteer. For when he left, that day, the gallant barks Idomeneus had sought the field on foot, And triumph proud, full sure, to Ilium’s host740 Had yielded now, but that with rapid haste Cœranus drove to his relief, from him The fate averting which himself incurr’d Victim of Hector’s homicidal arm. Him Hector smiting between ear and jaw745 Push’d from their sockets with the lance’s point His firm-set teeth, and sever’d sheer his tongue. Dismounted down he fell, and from his hand Let slide the flowing reins, which, to the earth Stooping, Meriones in haste resumed,750 And briefly thus Idomeneus address’d. Now drive, and cease not, to the fleet of Greece! Thyself see’st victory no longer ours. He said; Idomeneus whom, now, dismay Seized also, with his lash plying severe755 The coursers ample-maned, flew to the fleet. Nor Ajax, dauntless hero, not perceived, Nor Menelaus, by the sway of Jove The victory inclining fast to Troy, And thus the Telamonian Chief began.760 Ah! who can be so blind as not to see The eternal Father, now, with his own hand Awarding glory to the Trojan host, Whose every spear flies, instant, to the mark Sent forth by brave or base? Jove guides them all,765 While, ineffectual, ours fall to the ground. But haste, devise we of ourselves the means How likeliest we may bear Patroclus hence, And gladden, safe returning, all our friends, Who, hither looking anxious, hope have none770 That we shall longer check the unconquer’d force Of hero-slaughtering Hector, but expect [12]To see him soon amid the fleet of Greece. Oh for some Grecian now to carry swift The tidings to Achilles’ ear, untaught,775 As I conjecture, yet the doleful news Of his Patroclus slain! but no such Greek May I discern, such universal gloom Both men and steeds envelops all around. Father of heaven and earth! deliver thou780 Achaia’s host from darkness; clear the skies; Give day; and (since thy sovereign will is such) Destruction with it—but oh give us day![13] He spake, whose tears Jove saw with pity moved, And chased the untimely shades; bright beam’d the sun785 And the whole battle was display’d. Then spake The hero thus to Atreus’ mighty son. Now noble Menelaus! looking forth, See if Antilochus be yet alive, Brave son of Nestor, whom exhort to fly790 With tidings to Achilles, of the friend Whom most he loved, of his Patroclus slain. He ceased, nor Menelaus, dauntless Chief, That task refused, but went; yet neither swift Nor willing. As a lion leaves the stalls795 Wearied himself with harassing the guard, Who, interdicting him his purposed prey, Watch all the night; he famish’d, yet again Comes furious on, but speeds not, kept aloof By spears from daring hands dismissed, but more800 By flash of torches which, though fierce, he dreads, Till at the dawn, sullen he stalks away; So from Patroclus Menelaus went Heroic Chief! reluctant; for he fear’d Lest the Achaians should resign the dead,805 Through consternation, to the host of Troy. Departing, therefore, he admonish’d oft Meriones and the Ajaces, thus. Ye two brave leaders of the Argive host, And thou, Meriones! now recollect810 The gentle manners of Patroclus fallen Hapless in battle, who by carriage mild Well understood, while yet he lived, to engage All hearts, through prisoner now of death and fate. So saying, the hero amber-hair’d his steps815 Turn’d thence, the field exploring with an eye Sharp as the eagle’s, of all fowls beneath The azure heavens for keenest sight renown’d, Whom, though he soar sublime, the leveret By broadest leaves conceal’d ’scapes not, but swift820 Descending, even her he makes his prey; So, noble Menelaus! were thine eyes Turn’d into every quarter of the host In search of Nestor’s son, if still he lived. Him, soon, encouraging his band to fight,825 He noticed on the left of all the field, And sudden standing at his side, began. Antilochus! oh hear me, noble friend! And thou shalt learn tidings of such a deed As best had never been. Thou know’st, I judge,830 And hast already seen, how Jove exalts To victory the Trojan host, and rolls Distress on ours; but ah! Patroclus lies, Our chief Achaian, slain, whose loss the Greeks Fills with regret. Haste, therefore, to the fleet,835 Inform Achilles; bid him haste to save, If save he can, the body of his friend; He can no more, for Hector hath his arms. He ceased. Antilochus with horror heard Those tidings; mute long time he stood, his eyes840 Swam tearful, and his voice, sonorous erst, Found utterance none. Yet even so distress’d, He not the more neglected the command Of Menelaus. Setting forth to run, He gave his armor to his noble friend845 Laodocus, who thither turn’d his steeds, And weeping as he went, on rapid feet Sped to Achilles with that tale of wo. Nor could the noble Menelaus stay To give the weary Pylian band, bereft850 Of their beloved Antilochus, his aid, But leaving them to Thrasymedes’ care, He flew to Menœtiades again, And the Ajaces, thus, instant bespake. He goes. I have dispatch’d him to the fleet855 To seek Achilles; but his coming naught Expect I now, although with rage he burn Against illustrious Hector; for what fight Can he, unarm’d, against the Trojans wage? Deliberating, therefore, frame we means860 How best to save Patroclus, and to ’scape Ourselves unslain from this disastrous field. Whom answer’d the vast son of Telamon. Most noble Menelaus! good is all Which thou hast spoken. Lift ye from the earth865 Thou and Meriones, at once, and bear The dead Patroclus from the bloody field. To cope meantime with Hector and his host Shall be our task, who, one in name, nor less In spirit one, already have the brunt870 Of much sharp conflict, side by side, sustain’d. He ended; they enfolding in their arms The dead, upbore him high above the ground With force united; after whom the host Of Troy, seeing the body borne away,875 Shouted, and with impetuous onset all Follow’d them. As the hounds, urged from behind By youthful hunters, on the wounded boar Make fierce assault; awhile at utmost speed They stretch toward him hungering, for the prey,880 But oft as, turning sudden, the stout brawn Faces them, scatter’d on all sides escape; The Trojans so, thick thronging in the rear, Ceaseless with falchions and spears double-edged Annoy’d them sore, but oft as in retreat885 The dauntless heroes, the Ajaces turn’d To face them, deadly wan grew every cheek, And not a Trojan dared with onset rude Molest them more in conflict for the dead. Thus they, laborious, forth from battle bore890 Patroclus to the fleet, tempestuous war Their steps attending, rapid as the flames Which, kindled suddenly, some city waste; Consumed amid the blaze house after house Sinks, and the wind, meantime, roars through the fire;895 So them a deafening tumult as they went Pursued, of horses and of men spear-arm’d. And as two mules with strength for toil endued, Draw through rough ways down from the distant hills Huge timber, beam or mast; sweating they go,900 And overlabor’d to faint weariness; So they the body bore, while, turning oft, The Ajaces check’d the Trojans. As a mound Planted with trees and stretch’d athwart the mead Repels an overflow; the torrents loud905 Baffling, it sends them far away to float The level land, nor can they with the force Of all their waters burst a passage through; So the Ajaces, constant, in the rear Repress’d the Trojans; but the Trojans them910 Attended still, of whom Æneas most Troubled them, and the glorious Chief of Troy. They as a cloud of starlings or of daws Fly screaming shrill, warn’d timely of the kite Or hawk, devourers of the smaller kinds,915 So they shrill-clamoring toward the fleet, Hasted before Æneas and the might Of Hector, nor the battle heeded more. Much radiant armor round about the foss Fell of the flying Grecians, or within920 Lay scatter’d, and no pause of war they found.
XVIII. ARGUMENT OF THE EIGHTEENTH BOOK
Achilles, by command of Juno, shows himself to the Trojans, who fly at his appearance; Vulcan, at the insistence of Thetis, forges for him a suit of armor.
Book XVIII
Thus burn’d the battle like devouring fire. Meantime, Antilochus with rapid steps Came to Achilles. Him he found before His lofty barks, occupied, as he stood, With boding fears of all that had befall’n.5 He groan’d, and to his noble self he said. Ah! wo is me—why falls Achaia’s host, With such disorder foul, back on the fleet? I tremble lest the Gods my anxious thoughts Accomplish and my mother’s words, who erst10 Hath warn’d me, that the bravest and the best Of all my Myrmidons, while yet I live, Slain under Troy, must view the sun no more. Brave Menœtiades is, doubtless, slain. Unhappy friend! I bade thee oft, our barks15 Deliver’d once from hostile fires, not seek To cope in arms with Hector, but return. While musing thus he stood, the son approach’d Of noble Nestor, and with tears his cheeks Bedewing copious, his sad message told.20 Oh son of warlike Peleus! thou shalt hear Tidings of deeds which best had never been. Patroclus is no more. The Grecians fight For his bare corse, and Hector hath his arms.[1]
Then clouds of sorrow fell on Peleus’ son,25 And, grasping with both hands the ashes, down He pour’d them on his head, his graceful brows Dishonoring, and thick the sooty shower Descending settled on his fragrant vest. Then, stretch’d in ashes, at the vast extent30 Of his whole length he lay, disordering wild With his own hands, and rending off his hair. The maidens, captived by himself in war And by Patroclus, shrieking from the tent Ran forth, and hemm’d the glorious Chief around.[2]35 All smote their bosoms, and all, fainting, fell. On the other side, Antilochus the hands Held of Achilles, mourning and deep groans Uttering from his noble heart, through fear Lest Peleus’ son should perish self-destroy’d.40 Loud groan’d the hero, whose loud groans within The gulfs of ocean, where she sat beside Her ancient sire, his Goddess-mother heard, And hearing shriek’d; around her at the voice Assembled all the Nereids of the deep45 Cymodoce, Thalia, Glauca came, Nisæa, Spio, Thoa, and with eyes Protuberant beauteous Halia; came with these Cymothöe, and Actæa, and the nymph Of marshes, Limnorea, nor delay’d50 Agave, nor Amphithöe the swift, Iæra, Doto, Melita, nor thence Was absent Proto or Dynamene, Callianira, Doris, Panope, Pherusa or Amphinome, or fair55 Dexamene, or Galatea praised For matchless form divine; Nemertes pure Came also, with Apseudes crystal-bright, Callianassa, Mæra, Clymene, Janeira and Janassa, sister pair,60 And Orithya and with azure locks Luxuriant, Amathea; nor alone Came these, but every ocean-nymph beside, The silver cave was fill’d; each smote her breast, And Thetis, loud lamenting, thus began.65 Ye sister Nereids, hear! that ye may all From my own lips my boundless sorrow learn. Ah me forlorn! ah me, parent in vain Of an illustrious birth! who, having borne A noble son magnanimous, the chief70 Of heroes, saw him like a thriving plant Shoot vigorous under my maternal care, And sent him early in his gallant fleet Embark’d, to combat with the sons of Troy. But him from fight return’d I shall receive75 Beneath the roof of Peleus, never more; And while he lives, and on the sun his eyes Opens, he mourns, nor, going, can I aught Assist him; yet I go, that I may see My darling son, and from his lips be taught80 What grief hath now befallen him, who close Abiding in his tent shares not the war. So saying she left the cave, whom all her nymphs Attended weeping, and where’er they pass’d The breaking billows open’d wide a way.85 At fruitful Troy arrived, in order fair They climb’d the beach, where by his numerous barks Encompass’d, swift Achilles sighing lay. Then, drawing nigh to her afflicted son, The Goddess-mother press’d between her palms90 His temples, and in accents wing’d inquired. Why weeps my son? what sorrow wrings thy soul? Speak, hide it not. Jove hath fulfill’d the prayer Which erst with lifted hands thou didst prefer, That all Achaia’s host, wanting thy aid,95 Might be compell’d into the fleet, and foul Disgrace incur, there prison’d for thy sake. To whom Achilles, groaning deep, replied. My mother! it is true; Olympian Jove That prayer fulfils; but thence, what joy to me,100 Patroclus slain? the friend of all my friends Whom most I loved, dear to me as my life— Him I have lost. Slain and despoil’d he lies By Hector of his glorious armor bright, The wonder of all eyes, a matchless gift105 Given by the Gods to Peleus on that day When thee they doom’d into a mortal’s arms. Oh that with these thy deathless ocean-nymphs Dwelling content, thou hadst my father left To espouse a mortal bride, so hadst thou ’scaped110 Pangs numberless which thou must now endure For thy son’s death, whom thou shalt never meet From Troy return’d, in Peleus’ mansion more! For life I covet not, nor longer wish To mix with human kind, unless my spear115 May find out Hector, and atonement take By slaying him, for my Patroclus slain. To whom, with streaming tears, Thetis replied. Swift comes thy destiny as thou hast said, For after Hector’s death thine next ensues.120 Then answer, thus, indignant he return’d. Death, seize me now! since when my friend was slain, My doom was, not to succor him. He died From home remote, and wanting me to save him. Now, therefore, since I neither visit more125 My native land, nor, present here, have aught Avail’d Patroclus or my many friends Whom noble Hector hath in battle slain, But here I sit unprofitable grown, Earth’s burden, though of such heroic note,130 If not in council foremost (for I yield That prize to others) yet in feats of arms, Such as none other in Achaia’s host, May fierce contention from among the Gods Perish, and from among the human race,135 With wrath, which sets the wisest hearts on fire; Sweeter than dropping honey to the taste, But in the bosom of mankind, a smoke![3] Such was my wrath which Agamemnon roused, The king of men. But since the past is fled140 Irrevocable, howsoe’er distress’d, Renounce we now vain musings on the past, Content through sad necessity. I go In quest of noble Hector, who hath slain My loved Patroclus, and such death will take145 As Jove ordains me and the Powers of Heaven At their own season, send it when they may. For neither might the force of Hercules, Although high-favored of Saturnian Jove, From death escape, but Fate and the revenge150 Restless of Juno vanquish’d even Him. I also, if a destiny like his Await me, shall, like him, find rest in death; But glory calls me now; now will I make Some Trojan wife or Dardan with both hands155 Wipe her soft cheeks, and utter many a groan. Long time have I been absent from the field, And they shall know it. Love me as thou may’st, Yet thwart me not, for I am fixt to go. Whom Thetis answer’d, Goddess of the Deep.160 Thou hast well said, my son! it is no blame To save from threaten’d death our suffering friends. But thy magnificent and dazzling arms Are now in Trojan hands; them Hector wears Exulting, but ordain’d not long to exult,165 So habited; his death is also nigh. But thou with yonder warring multitudes Mix not till thou behold me here again; For with the rising sun I will return To-morrow, and will bring thee glorious arms,170 By Vulcan forged himself, the King of fire.[4] She said, and turning from her son aside, The sisterhood of Ocean thus address’d. Plunge ye again into the briny Deep, And to the hoary Sovereign of the floods175 Report as ye have heard. I to the heights Olympian haste, that I may there obtain From Vulcan, glorious artist of the skies, Arms of excelling beauty for my son. She said; they plunged into the waves again,180 And silver-footed Thetis, to the heights Olympian soaring swiftly to obtain Arms for renown’d Achilles, disappear’d. Meantime, with infinite uproar the Greeks From Hector’s hero-slaying arm had fled185 Home to their galleys station’d on the banks Of Hellespont. Nor yet Achaia’s sons Had borne the body of Patroclus clear From flight of darts away, but still again The multitude of warriors and of steeds190 Came on, by Priameian Hector led Rapid as fire. Thrice noble Hector seized His ancles from behind, ardent to drag Patroclus, calling to his host the while; But thrice, the two Ajaces, clothed with might,195 Shock’d and repulsed him reeling. He with force Fill’d indefatigable, through his ranks Issuing, by turns assail’d them, and by turns Stood clamoring, yet not a step retired; But as the hinds deter not from his prey200 A tawny lion by keen hunger urged, So would not both Ajaces, warriors bold, Intimidate and from the body drive Hector; and he had dragg’d him thence and won Immortal glory, but that Iris, sent205 Unseen by Jove and by the powers of heaven, From Juno, to Achilles brought command That he should show himself. Full near she drew, And in wing’d accents thus the Chief address’d. Hero! most terrible of men, arise!210 protect Patroclus, for whose sake the war Stands at the fleet of Greece. Mutual prevails The slaughter, these the dead defending, those Resolute hence to drag him to the gates Of wind-swept Ilium. But beyond them all215 Illustrious Hector, obstinate is bent To win him, purposing to lop his head, And to exhibit it impaled on high. Thou then arise, nor longer on the ground Lie stretch’d inactive; let the thought with shame220 Touch thee, of thy Patroclus made the sport Of Trojan dogs, whose corse, if it return Dishonored home, brings with it thy reproach. To whom Achilles matchless in the race. Iris divine! of all the Gods, who sent thee?225 Then, thus, the swift ambassadress of heaven. By Juno sent I come, consort of Jove. Nor knows Saturnian Jove high-throned, himself, My flight, nor any of the Immortal Powers, Tenants of the Olympian heights snow-crown’d.230 Her answer’d then Pelides, glorious Chief. How shall I seek the fight? they have my arms. My mother charged me also to abstain From battle, till she bring me armor new Which she hath promised me from Vulcan’s hand.235 Meantime, whose armor else might serve my need I know not, save perhaps alone the shield Of Telamonian Ajax, whom I deem Himself now busied in the stormy van, Slaying the Trojans in my friend’s defence.240 To whom the swift-wing’d messenger of heaven, Full well we know thine armor Hector’s prize Yet, issuing to the margin of the foss, Show thyself only. Panic-seized, perchance, The Trojans shall from fight desist, and yield245 To the o’ertoil’d though dauntless sons of Greece Short respite; it is all that war allows. So saying, the storm-wing’d Iris disappear’d. Then rose at once Achilles dear to Jove, Athwart whose shoulders broad Minerva cast250 Her Ægis fringed terrific, and his brows Encircled with a golden cloud that shot Fires insupportable to sight abroad. As when some island, situate afar On the wide waves, invested all the day255 By cruel foes from their own city pour’d, Upsends a smoke to heaven, and torches shows On all her turrets at the close of eve Which flash against the clouds, kindled in hope Of aid from neighbor maritime allies,260 So from Achilles’ head light flash’d to heaven. Issuing through the wall, beside the foss He stood, but mix’d not with Achaia’s host, Obedient to his mother’s wise command. He stood and shouted; Pallas also raised265 A dreadful shout and tumult infinite Excited throughout all the host of Troy. Clear as the trumpet’s note when it proclaims A numerous host approaching to invest Some city close around, so clear the voice270 Rang of Æacides, and tumult-toss’d Was every soul that heard the brazen tone. With swift recoil the long-maned coursers thrust The chariots back, all boding wo at hand, And every charioteer astonish’d saw275 Fires that fail’d not, illumining the brows Of Peleus’ son, by Pallas kindled there. Thrice o’er the trench Achilles sent his voice Sonorous, and confusion at the sound Thrice seized the Trojans, and their famed allies.280 Twelve in that moment of their noblest died By their own spears and chariots, and with joy The Grecians from beneath a hill of darts Dragging Patroclus, placed him on his bier. Around him throng’d his fellow-warriors bold,285 All weeping, after whom Achilles went Fast-weeping also at the doleful sight Of his true friend on his funereal bed Extended, gash’d with many a mortal wound, Whom he had sent into the fight with steeds290 And chariot, but received him thence no more. And now majestic Juno sent the sun, Unwearied minister of light, although Reluctant, down into the Ocean stream.[5] So the sun sank, and the Achaians ceased295 From the all-wasting labors of the war. On the other side, the Trojans, from the fight Retiring, loosed their steeds, but ere they took Thought of refreshment, in full council met. It was a council at which no man sat,300 Or dared; all stood; such terror had on all Fallen, for that Achilles had appear’d, After long pause from battle’s arduous toil. First rose Polydamas the prudent son Of Panthus, above all the Trojans skill’d305 Both in futurity and in the past. He was the friend of Hector, and one night Gave birth to both. In council one excell’d And one still more in feats of high renown. Thus then, admonishing them, he began.310 My friends! weigh well the occasion. Back to Troy By my advice, nor wait the sacred morn Here, on the plain, from Ilium’s walls remote So long as yet the anger of this Chief ’Gainst noble Agamemnon burn’d, so long315 We found the Greeks less formidable foes, And I rejoiced, myself, spending the night Beside their oary barks, for that I hoped To seize them; but I now tremble at thought Of Peleus’ rapid son again in arms.320 A spirit proud as his will scorn to fight Here, on the plain, where Greeks and Trojans take Their common share of danger and of toil, And will at once strike at your citadel, Impatient till he make your wives his prey.325 Haste—let us home—else thus shall it befall; Night’s balmy influence in his tent detains Achilles now, but rushing arm’d abroad To-morrow, should he find us lingering here, None shall mistake him then; happy the man330 Who soonest, then, shall ’scape to sacred Troy! Then, dogs shall make and vultures on our flesh Plenteous repast. Oh spare mine ears the tale! But if, though troubled, ye can yet receive My counsel, thus assembled we will keep335 Strict guard to-night; meantime, her gates and towers With all their mass of solid timbers, smooth And cramp’d with bolts of steel, will keep the town. But early on the morrow we will stand All arm’d on Ilium’s towers. Then, if he choose,340 His galleys left, to compass Troy about, He shall be task’d enough; his lofty steeds Shall have their fill of coursing to and fro Beneath, and gladly shall to camp return. But waste the town he shall not, nor attempt345 With all the utmost valor that he boasts To force a pass; dogs shall devour him first. To whom brave Hector louring, and in wrath. Polydamas, I like not thy advice Who bidd’st us in our city skulk, again350 Imprison’d there. Are ye not yet content? Wish ye for durance still in your own towers? Time was, when in all regions under heaven Men praised the wealth of Priam’s city stored With gold and brass; but all our houses now355 Stand emptied of their hidden treasures rare. Jove in his wrath hath scatter’d them; our wealth Is marketed, and Phrygia hath a part Purchased, and part Mæonia’s lovely land. But since the son of wily Saturn old360 Hath given me glory now, and to inclose The Grecians in their fleet hemm’d by the sea, Fool! taint not with such talk the public mind. For not a Trojan here will thy advice Follow, or shall; it hath not my consent.365 But thus I counsel. Let us, band by band, Throughout the host take supper, and let each, Guarded against nocturnal danger, watch. And if a Trojan here be rack’d in mind Lest his possessions perish, let him cast370 His golden heaps into the public maw,[6] Far better so consumed than by the Greeks. Then, with the morrow’s dawn, all fair array’d In battle, we will give them at their fleet Sharp onset, and if Peleus’ noble son375 Have risen indeed to conflict for the ships, The worse for him. I shall not for his sake Avoid the deep-toned battle, but will firm Oppose his utmost. Either he shall gain Or I, great glory. Mars his favors deals380 Impartial, and the slayer oft is slain. So counsell’d Hector, whom with shouts of praise The Trojans answer’d:—fools, and by the power Of Pallas of all sober thought bereft! For all applauded Hector, who had given385 Advice pernicious, and Polydamas, Whose counsel was discreet and wholesome none. So then they took repast. But all night long The Grecians o’er Patroclus wept aloud, While, standing in the midst, Pelides led390 The lamentation, heaving many a groan, And on the bosom of his breathless friend Imposing, sad, his homicidal hands. As the grim lion, from whose gloomy lair Among thick trees the hunter hath his whelps395 Purloin’d, too late returning mourns his loss, Then, up and down, the length of many a vale Courses, exploring fierce the robber’s foot, Incensed as he, and with a sigh deep-drawn Thus to his Myrmidons Achilles spake.400 How vain, alas! my word spoken that day At random, when to soothe the hero’s fears Menœtius, then our guest, I promised him His noble son at Opoeis again, Living and laden with the spoils of Troy!405 But Jove performs not all the thoughts of man, For we were both destined to tinge the soil Of Ilium with our blood, nor I shall see, Myself, my father in his mansion more Or Thetis, but must find my burial here.410 Yet, my Patroclus! since the earth expects Me next, I will not thy funereal rites Finish, till I shall bring both head and arms Of that bold Chief who slew thee, to my tent. I also will smite off, before thy pile,415 The heads of twelve illustrious sons of Troy, Resentful of thy death. Meantime, among My lofty galleys thou shalt lie, with tears Mourn’d day and night by Trojan captives fair And Dardan compassing thy bier around,420 Whom we, at price of labor hard, ourselves With massy spears toiling in battle took From many an opulent city, now no more. So saying, he bade his train surround with fire A tripod huge, that they might quickly cleanse425 Patroclus from all stain of clotted gore. They on the blazing hearth a tripod placed Capacious, fill’d with water its wide womb, And thrust dry wood beneath, till, fierce, the flames Embraced it round, and warm’d the flood within.430 Soon as the water in the singing brass Simmer’d, they bathed him, and with limpid oil Anointed; filling, next, his ruddy wounds With unguent mellow’d by nine circling years, They stretch’d him on his bed, then cover’d him435 From head to feet with linen texture light, And with a wide unsullied mantle, last.[7] All night the Myrmidons around the swift Achilles stood, deploring loud his friend, And Jove his spouse and sister thus bespake.440 So then, Imperial Juno! not in vain Thou hast the swift Achilles sought to rouse Again to battle; the Achaians, sure, Are thy own children, thou hast borne them all. To whom the awful Goddess ample-eyed.445 What word hath pass’d thy lips, Jove, most severe? A man, though mortal merely, and to me Inferior in device, might have achieved That labor easily. Can I who boast Myself the chief of Goddesses, and such450 Not by birth only, but as thine espoused, Who art thyself sovereign of all the Gods, Can I with anger burn against the house Of Priam, and want means of just revenge?
Thus they in heaven their mutual conference455 Meantime, the silver-footed Thetis reach’d The starr’d abode eternal, brazen wall’d Of Vulcan, by the builder lame himself Uprear’d, a wonder even in eyes divine. She found him sweating, at his bellows huge460 Toiling industrious; tripods bright he form’d Twenty at once, his palace-wall to grace Ranged in harmonious order. Under each Two golden wheels he set, on which (a sight Marvellous!) into council they should roll465 Self-moved, and to his house, self-moved, return. Thus far the work was finish’d, but not yet Their ears of exquisite design affixt, For them he stood fashioning, and prepared The rivets. While he thus his matchless skill470 Employ’d laborious, to his palace-gate The silver-footed Thetis now advanced, Whom Charis, Vulcan’s well-attired spouse, Beholding from the palace portal, flew To seize the Goddess’ hand, and thus inquired.475 Why, Thetis! worthy of all reverence And of all love, comest thou to our abode, Unfrequent here? But enter, and accept Such welcome as to such a guest is due. So saying, she introduced and to a seat480 Led her with argent studs border’d around And foot-stool’d sumptuously;[8] then, calling forth Her spouse, the glorious artist, thus she said. Haste, Vulcan! Thetis wants thee; linger not. To whom the artist of the skies replied.485 A Goddess then, whom with much cause I love And venerate is here, who when I fell Saved me, what time my shameless mother sought To cast me, because lame, out of all sight; Then had I been indeed forlorn, had not490 Eurynome the daughter of the Deep And Thetis in their laps received me fallen. Nine years with them residing, for their use I form’d nice trinkets, clasps, rings, pipes, and chains, While loud around our hollow cavern roar’d495 The surge of the vast deep, nor God nor man, Save Thetis and Eurynome, my life’s Preservers, knew where I was kept conceal’d. Since, therefore, she is come, I cannot less Than recompense to Thetis amber-hair’d500 With readiness the boon of life preserved. Haste, then, and hospitably spread the board For her regale, while with my best dispatch I lay my bellows and my tools aside. He spake, and vast in bulk and hot with toil505 Rose limping from beside his anvil-stock Upborne, with pain on legs tortuous and weak. First, from the forge dislodged he thrust apart His bellows, and his tools collecting all Bestow’d them, careful, in a silver chest,510 Then all around with a wet sponge he wiped His visage, and his arms and brawny neck Purified, and his shaggy breast from smutch; Last, putting on his vest, he took in hand His sturdy staff, and shuffled through the door.515 Beside the King of fire two golden forms Majestic moved, that served him in the place Of handmaids; young they seem’d, and seem’d alive, Nor want they intellect, or speech, or force, Or prompt dexterity by the Gods inspired.520 These his supporters were, and at his side Attendant diligent, while he, with gait Uncouth, approaching Thetis where she sat On a bright throne, seized fast her hand and said, Why, Thetis! worthy as thou art of love525 And of all reverence, hast thou arrived, Unfrequent here? Speak—tell me thy desire, Nor doubt my services, if thou demand Things possible, and possible to me. Then Thetis, weeping plenteously, replied.530 Oh Vulcan! Is there on Olympius’ heights A Goddess with such load of sorrow press’d As, in peculiar, Jove assigns to me? Me only, of all ocean-nymphs, he made Spouse to a man, Peleus Æacides,535 Whose bed, although reluctant and perforce, I yet endured to share. He now, the prey Of cheerless age, decrepid lies, and Jove Still other woes heaps on my wretched head. He gave me to bring forth, gave me to rear540 A son illustrious, valiant, and the chief Of heroes; he, like a luxuriant plant Upran[9] to manhood, while his lusty growth I nourish’d as the husbandman his vine Set in a fruitful field, and being grown545 I sent him early in his gallant fleet Embark’d, to combat with the sons of Troy; But him from fight return’d I shall receive, Beneath the roof of Peleus, never more, And while he lives and on the sun his eyes550 Opens, affliction is his certain doom, Nor aid resides or remedy in me. The virgin, his own portion of the spoils, Allotted to him by the Grecians—her Atrides, King of men, resumed, and grief555 Devour’d Achilles’ spirit for her sake. Meantime, the Trojans shutting close within Their camp the Grecians, have forbidden them All egress, and the senators of Greece Have sought with splendid gifts to soothe my son.560 He, indisposed to rescue them himself From ruin, sent, instead, Patroclus forth, Clad in his own resplendent armor, Chief Of the whole host of Myrmidons. Before The Scæan gate from morn to eve they fought,565 And on that self-same day had Ilium fallen, But that Apollo, to advance the fame Of Hector, slew Menœtius’ noble son Full-flush’d with victory. Therefore at thy knees Suppliant I fall, imploring from thine art570 A shield and helmet, greaves of shapely form With clasps secured, and corselet for my son. For those, once his, his faithful friend hath lost, Slain by the Trojans, and Achilles lies, Himself, extended mournful on the ground.575 Her answer’d then the artist of the skies. Courage! Perplex not with these cares thy soul. I would that when his fatal hour shall come, I could as sure secrete him from the stroke Of destiny, as he shall soon have arms580 Illustrious, such as each particular man Of thousands, seeing them, shall wish his own. He said, and to his bellows quick repair’d, Which turning to the fire he bade them heave. Full twenty bellows working all at once595 Breathed on the furnace, blowing easy and free The managed winds, now forcible, as best Suited dispatch, now gentle, if the will Of Vulcan and his labor so required. Impenetrable brass, tin, silver, gold,590 He cast into the forge, then, settling firm His ponderous anvil on the block, one hand With his huge hammer fill’d, one with the tongs. [10]He fashion’d first a shield massy and broad Of labor exquisite, for which he form’d595 A triple border beauteous, dazzling bright, And loop’d it with a silver brace behind. The shield itself with five strong folds he forged, And with devices multiform the disk Capacious charged, toiling with skill divine.600 There he described the earth, the heaven, the sea, The sun that rests not, and the moon full-orb’d. There also, all the stars which round about As with a radiant frontlet bind the skies, The Pleiads and the Hyads, and the might605 Of huge Orion, with him Ursa call’d, Known also by his popular name, the Wain, That spins around the pole looking toward Orion, only star of these denied To slake his beams in ocean’s briny baths.610 Two splendid cities also there he form’d Such as men build. In one were to be seen Rites matrimonial solemnized with pomp Of sumptuous banquets; from their chambers forth Leading the brides they usher’d them along615 With torches through the streets, and sweet was heard The voice around of Hymenæal song. Here striplings danced in circles to the sound Of pipe and harp, while in the portals stood Women, admiring, all, the gallant show.620 Elsewhere was to be seen in council met The close-throng’d multitude. There strife arose. Two citizens contended for a mulct The price of blood. This man affirm’d the fine All paid,[11] haranguing vehement the crowd,625 That man denied that he had aught received, And to the judges each made his appeal Eager for their award. Meantime the people, As favor sway’d them, clamor’d loud for each. The heralds quell’d the tumult; reverend sat630 On polish’d stones the elders in a ring, Each with a herald’s sceptre in his hand, Which holding they arose, and all in turn Gave sentence. In the midst two talents lay Of gold, his destined recompense whose voice635 Decisive should pronounce the best award. The other city by two glittering hosts Invested stood, and a dispute arose Between the hosts, whether to burn the town And lay all waste, or to divide the spoil.640 Meantime, the citizens, still undismay’d, Surrender’d not the town, but taking arms Secretly, set the ambush in array, And on the walls their wives and children kept Vigilant guard, with all the ancient men.645 They sallied; at their head Pallas and Mars Both golden and in golden vests attired Advanced, proportion each showing divine, Large, prominent, and such as Gods beseem’d. Not such the people, but of humbler size.650 Arriving at the spot for ambush chosen, A river’s side, where cattle of each kind Drank, down they sat, all arm’d in dazzling brass. Apart from all the rest sat also down Two spies, both looking for the flocks and herds.655 Soon they appear’d, and at their side were seen Two shepherd swains, each playing on his pipe Careless, and of the danger nought apprized, Swift ran the spies, perceiving their approach, And intercepting suddenly the herds660 And flocks of silver fleece, slew also those Who fed them. The besiegers, at that time In council, by the sound alarm’d, their steeds Mounted, and hasted, instant, to the place; Then, standing on the river’s brink they fought665 And push’d each other with the brazen lance. There Discord raged, there Tumult, and the force Of ruthless Destiny; she now a Chief Seized newly wounded, and now captive held Another yet unhurt, and now a third670 Dragg’d breathless through the battle by his feet And all her garb was dappled thick with blood Like living men they traversed and they strove, And dragg’d by turns the bodies of the slain. He also graved on it a fallow field675 Rich, spacious, and well-till’d. Plowers not few, There driving to and fro their sturdy teams, Labor’d the land; and oft as in their course They came to the field’s bourn, so oft a man Met them, who in their hands a goblet placed680 Charged with delicious wine. They, turning, wrought Each his own furrow, and impatient seem’d To reach the border of the tilth, which black Appear’d behind them as a glebe new-turn’d, Though golden. Sight to be admired by all!685 There too he form’d the likeness of a field Crowded with corn, in which the reapers toil’d Each with a sharp-tooth’d sickle in his hand. Along the furrow here, the harvest fell In frequent handfuls, there, they bound the sheaves.690 Three binders of the sheaves their sultry task All plied industrious, and behind them boys Attended, filling with the corn their arms And offering still their bundles to be bound. Amid them, staff in hand, the master stood695 Silent exulting, while beneath an oak Apart, his heralds busily prepared The banquet, dressing a well-thriven ox New slain, and the attendant maidens mix’d Large supper for the hinds of whitest flour.700 There also, laden with its fruit he form’d A vineyard all of gold; purple he made The clusters, and the vines supported stood By poles of silver set in even rows. The trench he color’d sable, and around705 Fenced it with tin. One only path it show’d By which the gatherers when they stripp’d the vines Pass’d and repass’d. There, youths and maidens blithe In frails of wicker bore the luscious fruit, While, in the midst, a boy on his shrill harp710 Harmonious play’d, still as he struck the chord Carolling to it with a slender voice. They smote the ground together, and with song And sprightly reed came dancing on behind.[12] There too a herd he fashion’d of tall beeves715 Part gold, part tin. They, lowing, from the stalls Rush’d forth to pasture by a river-side Rapid, sonorous, fringed with whispering reeds. Four golden herdsmen drove the kine a-field By nine swift dogs attended. Dreadful sprang720 Two lions forth, and of the foremost herd Seized fast a bull. Him bellowing they dragg’d, While dogs and peasants all flew to his aid. The lions tore the hide of the huge prey And lapp’d his entrails and his blood. Meantime725 The herdsmen, troubling them in vain, their hounds Encouraged; but no tooth for lions’ flesh Found they, and therefore stood aside and bark’d. There also, the illustrious smith divine Amidst a pleasant grove a pasture form’d730 Spacious, and sprinkled o’er with silver sheep Numerous, and stalls and huts and shepherds’ tents. To these the glorious artist added next, With various skill delineated exact, A labyrinth for the dance, such as of old735 In Crete’s broad island Dædalus composed For bright-hair’d Ariadne.[13] There the youths And youth-alluring maidens, hand in hand, Danced jocund, every maiden neat-attired In finest linen, and the youths in vests740 Well-woven, glossy as the glaze of oil. These all wore garlands, and bright falchions, those, Of burnish’d gold in silver trappings hung:—[14] They with well-tutor’d step, now nimbly ran The circle, swift, as when, before his wheel745 Seated, the potter twirls it with both hands For trial of its speed,[15] now, crossing quick They pass’d at once into each other’s place. On either side spectators numerous stood Delighted, and two tumblers roll’d themselves750 Between the dancers, singing as they roll’d. Last, with the might of ocean’s boundless flood He fill’d the border of the wondrous shield. When thus the massy shield magnificent He had accomplish’d, for the hero next755 He forged, more ardent than the blaze of fire, A corselet; then, a ponderous helmet bright Well fitted to his brows, crested with gold, And with laborious art divine adorn’d. He also made him greaves of molten tin.760 The armor finish’d, bearing in his hand The whole, he set it down at Thetis’ feet. She, like a falcon from the snowy top Stoop’d of Olympus, bearing to the earth The dazzling wonder, fresh from Vulcan’s hand.765
XIX. ARGUMENT OF THE NINETEENTH BOOK
Achilles is reconciled to Agamemnon, and clothed in new armor forged by Vulcan, leads out the Myrmidons to battle.
Book XIX
Now rose the morn in saffron vest attired From ocean, with new day for Gods and men, When Thetis at the fleet of Greece arrived, Bearing that gift divine. She found her son All tears, and close enfolding in his arms5 Patroclus, while his Myrmidons around Wept also;[1] she amid them, graceful, stood, And seizing fast his hand, him thus bespake. Although our loss be great, yet, oh my son! Leave we Patroclus lying on the bier10 To which the Gods ordain’d him from the first. Receive from Vulcan’s hands these glorious arms, Such as no mortal shoulders ever bore. So saying, she placed the armor on the ground Before him, and the whole bright treasure rang.15 A tremor shook the Myrmidons; none dared Look on it, but all fled. Not so himself. In him fresh vengeance kindled at the view, And, while he gazed, a splendor as of fire Flash’d from his eyes. Delighted, in his hand20 He held the glorious bounty of the God, And, wondering at those strokes of art divine, His eager speech thus to his mother turn’d.[2] The God, my mother! hath bestow’d in truth Such armor on me as demanded skill25 Like his, surpassing far all power of man. Now, therefore, I will arm. But anxious fears Trouble me, lest intrusive flies, meantime, Breed worms within the spear-inflicted wounds Of Menœtiades, and fill with taint30 Of putrefaction his whole breathless form.[3] But him the silver-footed Goddess fair Thus answer’d. Oh, my son! chase from thy mind All such concern. I will, myself, essay To drive the noisome swarms which on the slain35 In battle feed voracious. Should he lie The year complete, his flesh shall yet be found Untainted, and, it may be, fragrant too. But thou the heroes of Achaia’s host Convening, in their ears thy wrath renounce40 Against the King of men, then, instant, arm For battle, and put on thy glorious might. So saying, the Goddess raised his courage high. Then, through the nostrils of the dead she pour’d Ambrosia, and the ruddy juice divine45 Of nectar, antidotes against decay. And now forth went Achilles by the side Of ocean, calling with a dreadful shout To council all the heroes of the host.[4] Then, even they who in the fleet before50 Constant abode, helmsmen and those who held In stewardship the food and public stores, All flock’d to council, for that now at length After long abstinence from dread exploits Of war, Achilles had once more appear’d.55 Two went together, halting on the spear, (For still they felt the anguish of their wounds) Noble Ulysses and brave Diomede, And took an early seat; whom follow’d last The King of men, by Coön in the field60 Of furious battle wounded with a lance. The Grecians all assembled, in the midst Upstood the swift Achilles, and began. Atrides! we had doubtless better sped Both thou and I, thus doing, when at first65 With cruel rage we burn’d, a girl the cause. I would that Dian’s shaft had in the fleet Slain her that self-same day when I destroy’d Lyrnessus, and by conquest made her mine! Then had not many a Grecian, lifeless now,70 Clench’d with his teeth the ground, victim, alas! Of my revenge; whence triumph hath accrued To Hector and his host, while ours have cause For long remembrance of our mutual strife. But evils past let pass, yielding perforce75 To sad necessity. My wrath shall cease Now; I resign it; it hath burn’d too long. Thou therefore summon forth the host to fight, That I may learn meeting them in the field, If still the Trojans purpose at our fleet80 To watch us this night also. But I judge That driven by my spear to rapid flight, They shall escape with weary limbs[5] at least. He ended, and the Grecians brazen-greaved Rejoiced that Peleus’ mighty son had cast85 His wrath aside. Then not into the midst Proceeding, but at his own seat, upstood King Agamemnon, and them thus bespake.
Friends! Grecian heroes! Ministers of Mars! Arise who may to speak, he claims your ear;90 All interruption wrongs him, and distracts, Howe’er expert the speaker. Who can hear Amid the roar of tumult, or who speak? The clearest voice, best utterance, both are vain I shall address Achilles. Hear my speech95 Ye Argives, and with understanding mark. I hear not now the voice of your reproach[6] First; ye have oft condemn’d me. Yet the blame Rests not with me; Jove, Destiny, and she Who roams the shades, Erynnis, caused the offence.100 She fill’d my soul with fury on that day In council, when I seized Achilles’ prize. For what could I? All things obey the Gods. Ate, pernicious Power, daughter of Jove, By whom all suffer, challenges from all105 Reverence and fear. Delicate are her feet Which scorn the ground, and over human heads She glides, injurious to the race of man, Of two who strive, at least entangling one. She injured, on a day, dread Jove himself110 Most excellent of all in earth or heaven, When Juno, although female, him deceived, What time Alcmena should have brought to light In bulwark’d Thebes the force of Hercules. Then Jove, among the gods glorying, spake.115 Hear all! both Gods and Goddesses, attend! That I may make my purpose known. This day Birth-pang-dispensing Ilithya brings An hero forth to light, who, sprung from those That sprang from me, his empire shall extend120 Over all kingdoms bordering on his own. To whom, designing fraud, Juno replied. Thou wilt be found false, and this word of thine Shall want performance. But Olympian Jove! Swear now the inviolable oath, that he125 Who shall, this day, fall from between the feet Of woman, drawing his descent from thee, Shall rule all kingdoms bordering on his own. She said, and Jove, suspecting nought her wiles, The great oath swore, to his own grief and wrong.130 At once from the Olympian summit flew Juno, and to Achaian Argos borne, There sought the noble wife[7] of Sthenelus, Offspring of Perseus. Pregnant with a son Six months, she now the seventh saw at hand,135 But him the Goddess premature produced, And check’d Alcmena’s pangs already due. Then joyful to have so prevail’d, she bore Herself the tidings to Saturnian Jove. Lord of the candent lightnings! Sire of all!140 I bring thee tidings. The great prince, ordain’d To rule the Argive race, this day is born, Eurystheus, son of Sthenelus, the son Of Perseus; therefore he derives from thee, Nor shall the throne of Argos shame his birth.145 She spake; then anguish stung the heart of Jove Deeply, and seizing by her glossy locks The Goddess Ate, in his wrath he swore That never to the starry skies again And the Olympian heights he would permit150 The universal mischief to return. Then, whirling her around, he cast her down To earth. She, mingling with all works of men, Caused many a pang to Jove, who saw his son Laborious tasks servile, and of his birth155 Unworthy, at Eurystheus’ will enjoin’d. So when the hero Hector at our ships Slew us, I then regretted my offence Which Ate first impell’d me to commit. But since, infatuated by the Gods160 I err’d, behold me ready to appease With gifts of price immense whom I have wrong’d. Thou, then, arise to battle, and the host Rouse also. Not a promise yesternight Was made thee by Ulysses in thy tent165 On my behalf, but shall be well perform’d. Or if it please thee, though impatient, wait Short season, and my train shall bring the gifts Even now; that thou may’st understand and know That my peace-offerings are indeed sincere.170 To whom Achilles, swiftest of the swift. Atrides! Agamemnon! passing all In glory! King of men! recompense just By gifts to make me, or to make me none, That rests with thee. But let us to the fight175 Incontinent. It is no time to play The game of rhetoric, and to waste the hours In speeches. Much remains yet unperform’d. Achilles must go forth. He must be seen Once more in front of battle, wasting wide180 With brazen spear, the crowded ranks of Troy. Mark him—and as he fights, fight also ye. To whom Ulysses ever-wise replied. Nay—urge not, valiant as thou art thyself, Achaia’s sons up to the battlements185 Of Ilium, by repast yet unrefresh’d, Godlike Achilles!—For when phalanx once Shall clash with phalanx, and the Gods with rage Both hosts inspire, the contest shall not then Prove short. Bid rather the Achaians take190 Both food and wine, for they are strength and might. To stand all day till sunset to a foe Opposed in battle, fasting, were a task Might foil the best; for though his will be prompt To combat, yet the power must by degrees195 Forsake him; thirst and hunger he must feel, And his limbs failing him at every step. But he who hath his vigor to the full Fed with due nourishment, although he fight All day, yet feels his courage unimpair’d,200 Nor weariness perceives till all retire. Come then—dismiss the people with command That each prepare replenishment. Meantime Let Agamemnon, King of men, his gifts In presence here of the assembled Greeks205 Produce, that all may view them, and that thou May’st feel thine own heart gladden’d at the sight. Let the King also, standing in the midst, Swear to thee, that he renders back the maid A virgin still, and strange to his embrace,210 And let thy own composure prove, the while, That thou art satisfied. Last, let him spread A princely banquet for thee in his tent, That thou may’st want no part of just amends. Thou too, Atrides, shalt hereafter prove215 More just to others; for himself, a King, Stoops not too low, soothing whom he hath wrong’d. Him Agamemnon answer’d, King of men. Thou hast arranged wisely the whole concern, O Läertiades, and I have heard220 Thy speech, both words and method with delight. Willing I am, yea more, I wish to swear As thou hast said, for by the Gods I can Most truly. Let Achilles, though of pause Impatient, suffer yet a short delay225 With all assembled here, till from my tent The gifts arrive, and oaths of peace be sworn. To thee I give it in peculiar charge That choosing forth the most illustrious youths Of all Achaia, thou produce the gifts230 from my own ship, all those which yesternight We promised, nor the women leave behind. And let Talthybius throughout all the camp Of the Achaians, instant, seek a boar For sacrifice to Jove and to the Sun.235 Then thus Achilles matchless in the race. Atrides! most illustrious! King of men! Expedience bids us to these cares attend Hereafter, when some pause, perchance, of fight Shall happen, and the martial rage which fires240 My bosom now, shall somewhat less be felt. Our friends by Priameian Hector slain, Now strew the field mangled, for him hath Jove Exalted high, and given him great renown. But haste, now take refreshment; though, in truth245 Might I direct, the host should by all means Unfed to battle, and at set of sun All sup together, this affront revenged. But as for me, no drop shall pass my lips Or morsel, whose companion lies with feet250 Turn’d to the vestibule, pierced by the spear, And compass’d by my weeping train around. No want of food feel I. My wishes call For carnage, blood, and agonies and groans. But him, excelling in all wisdom, thus255 Ulysses answer’d. Oh Achilles! son Of Peleus! bravest far of all our host! Me, in no scanty measure, thou excell’st Wielding the spear, and thee in prudence, I Not less. For I am elder, and have learn’d260 What thou hast yet to learn. Bid then thine heart Endure with patience to be taught by me. Men, satiate soon with battle, loathe the field On which the most abundant harvest falls, Reap’d by the sword; and when the hand of Jove265 Dispenser of the great events of war, Turns once the scale, then, farewell every hope Of more than scanty gleanings. Shall the Greeks Abstain from sustenance for all who die? That were indeed severe, since day by day270 No few expire, and respite could be none. The dead, die whoso may, should be inhumed. This, duty bids, but bids us also deem One day sufficient for our sighs and tears. Ourselves, all we who still survive the war,275 Have need of sustenance, that we may bear The lengthen’d conflict with recruited might, Case in enduring brass.—Ye all have heard Your call to battle; let none lingering stand In expectation of a farther call,280 Which if it sound, shall thunder prove to him Who lurks among the ships. No. Rush we all Together forth, for contest sharp prepared, And persevering with the host of Troy. So saying, the sons of Nestor, glorious Chief,285 He chose, with Meges Phyleus’ noble son, Thoas, Meriones, and Melanippus And Lycomedes. These, together, sought The tent of Agamemnon, King of men. They ask’d, and they received. Soon they produced290 The seven promised tripods from the tent, Twice ten bright caldrons, twelve high-mettled steeds, Seven lovely captives skill’d alike in arts Domestic, of unblemish’d beauty rare, And last, Brisëis with the blooming cheeks.295 Before them went Ulysses, bearing weigh’d Ten golden talents, whom the chosen Greeks Attended laden with the remnant gifts. Full in the midst they placed them. Then arose King Agamemnon, and Talthybius300 The herald, clear in utterance as a God, Beside him stood, holding the victim boar. Atrides, drawing forth his dagger bright, Appendant ever to his sword’s huge sheath, Sever’d the bristly forelock of the boar,305 A previous offering. Next, with lifted hands To Jove he pray’d, while, all around, the Greeks Sat listening silent to the Sovereign’s voice. He look’d to the wide heaven, and thus he pray’d. First, Jove be witness! of all Powers above310 Best and supreme; Earth next, and next the Sun! And last, who under Earth the guilt avenge Of oaths sworn falsely, let the Furies hear! For no respect of amorous desire Or other purpose, have I laid mine hand315 On fair Brisëis, but within my tent Untouch’d, immaculate she hath remain’d. And if I falsely swear, then may the Gods The many woes with which they mark the crime Of men forsworn, pour also down on me!320 So saying, he pierced the victim in his throat And, whirling him around, Talthybius, next, Cast him into the ocean, fishes’ food.[8] Then, in the centre of Achaia’s sons Uprose Achilles, and thus spake again.325 Jove! Father! dire calamities, effects Of thy appointment, fall on human-kind. Never had Agamemnon in my breast Such anger kindled, never had he seized, Blinded by wrath, and torn my prize away,330 But that the slaughter of our numerous friends Which thence ensued, thou hadst, thyself, ordained. Now go, ye Grecians, eat, and then to battle. So saying, Achilles suddenly dissolved The hasty council, and all flew dispersed335 To their own ships. Then took the Myrmidons Those splendid gifts which in the tent they lodged Of swift Achilles, and the damsels led Each to a seat, while others of his train Drove forth the steeds to pasture with his herd.340 But when Brisëis, bright as Venus, saw Patroclus lying mangled by the spear, Enfolding him around, she shriek’d and tore Her bosom, her smooth neck and beauteous cheeks. Then thus, divinely fair, with tears she said.345 Ah, my Patroclus! dearest friend of all To hapless me, departing from this tent I left thee living, and now, generous Chief! Restored to it again, here find thee dead. How rapid in succession are my woes!350 I saw, myself, the valiant prince to whom My parents had betroth’d me, slain before Our city walls; and my three brothers, sons Of my own mother, whom with long regret I mourn, fell also in that dreadful field.355 But when the swift Achilles slew the prince Design’d my spouse, and the fair city sack’d Of noble Mynes, thou by every art Of tender friendship didst forbid my tears, Promising oft that thou would’st make me bride360 Of Peleus’ godlike son, that thy own ship Should waft me hence to Phthia, and that thyself Would’st furnish forth among the Myrmidons Our nuptial feast. Therefore thy death I mourn Ceaseless, for thou wast ever kind to me.365 She spake, and all her fellow-captives heaved Responsive sighs, deploring each, in show, The dead Patroclus, but, in truth, herself.[9] Then the Achaian Chiefs gather’d around Achilles, wooing him to eat, but he370 Groan’d and still resolute, their suit refused— If I have here a friend on whom by prayers I may prevail, I pray that ye desist, Nor longer press me, mourner as I am, To eat or drink, for till the sun go down375 I am inflexible, and will abstain. So saying, the other princes he dismiss’d Impatient, but the sons of Atreus both, Ulysses, Nestor and Idomeneus, With Phœnix, hoary warrior, in his tent380 Abiding still, with cheerful converse kind Essay’d to soothe him, whose afflicted soul All soothing scorn’d till he should once again Rush on the ravening edge of bloody war. Then, mindful of his friend, groaning he said385 Time was, unhappiest, dearest of my friends! When even thou, with diligent dispatch, Thyself, hast spread a table in my tent, The hour of battle drawing nigh between The Greeks and warlike Trojans. But there lies390 Thy body now, gored by the ruthless steel, And for thy sake I neither eat nor drink, Though dearth be none, conscious that other wo Surpassing this I can have none to fear. No, not if tidings of my father’s death395 Should reach me, who, this moment, weeps, perhaps, In Phthia tears of tenderest regret For such a son; while I, remote from home Fight for detested Helen under Troy. Nor even were he dead, whom, if he live,400 I rear in Scyros, my own darling son, My Neoptolemus of form divine.[10] For still this hope I cherish’d in my breast Till now, that, of us two, myself alone Should fall at Ilium, and that thou, restored405 To Phthia, should’st have wafted o’er the waves My son from Scyros to his native home, That thou might’st show him all his heritage, My train of menials, and my fair abode. For either dead already I account410 Peleus, or doubt not that his residue Of miserable life shall soon be spent, Through stress of age and expectation sad That tidings of my death shall, next, arrive. So spake Achilles weeping, around whom415 The Chiefs all sigh’d, each with remembrance pain’d Of some loved object left at home. Meantime Jove, with compassion moved, their sorrow saw, And in wing’d accents thus to Pallas spake.
Daughter! thou hast abandon’d, as it seems,420 Yon virtuous Chief for ever; shall no care Thy mind engage of brave Achilles more? Before his gallant fleet mourning he sits His friend, disconsolate; the other Greeks Sat and are satisfied; he only fasts.425 Go then—instil nectar into his breast, And sweets ambrosial, that he hunger not. So saying, he urged Minerva prompt before. In form a shrill-voiced Harpy of long wing Through ether down she darted, while the Greeks430 In all their camp for instant battle arm’d. Ambrosial sweets and nectar she instill’d Into his breast, lest he should suffer loss Of strength through abstinence, then soar’d again To her great Sire’s unperishing abode.435 And now the Grecians from their gallant fleet All pour’d themselves abroad. As when thick snow From Jove descends, driven by impetuous gusts Of the cloud-scattering North, so frequent shone Issuing from the fleet the dazzling casques,440 Boss’d bucklers, hauberks strong, and ashen spears. Upwent the flash to heaven; wide all around The champain laugh’d with beamy brass illumed, And tramplings of the warriors on all sides Resounded, amidst whom Achilles arm’d.445 He gnash’d his teeth, fire glimmer’d in his eyes, Anguish intolerable wrung his heart And fury against Troy, while he put on His glorious arms, the labor of a God. First, to his legs his polish’d greaves he clasp’d450 Studded with silver, then his corselet bright Braced to his bosom, his huge sword of brass Athwart his shoulder slung, and his broad shield Uplifted last, luminous as the moon. Such as to mariners a fire appears,455 Kindled by shepherds on the distant top Of some lone hill; they, driven by stormy winds, Reluctant roam far off the fishy deep, Such from Achilles’ burning shield divine A lustre struck the skies; his ponderous helm460 He lifted to his brows; starlike it shone, And shook its curling crest of bushy gold, By Vulcan taught to wave profuse around. So clad, godlike Achilles trial made If his arms fitted him, and gave free scope465 To his proportion’d limbs; buoyant they proved As wings, and high upbore his airy tread. He drew his father’s spear forth from his case, Heavy and huge and long. That spear, of all Achaia’s sons, none else had power to wield;470 Achilles only could the Pelian spear Brandish, by Chiron for his father hewn From Pelion’s top for slaughter of the brave. His coursers, then, Automedon prepared And Alcimus, adjusting diligent475 The fair caparisons; they thrust the bits Into their mouths, and to the chariot seat Extended and made fast the reins behind. The splendid scourge commodious to the grasp Seizing, at once Automedon upsprang480 Into his place; behind him, arm’d complete Achilles mounted, as the orient sun All dazzling, and with awful tone his speech Directed to the coursers of his Sire. Xanthus, and Balius of Podarges’ blood485 Illustrious! see ye that, the battle done, Ye bring whom now ye bear back to the host Of the Achaians in far other sort, Nor leave him, as ye left Patroclus, dead.[11] Him then his steed unconquer’d in the race,490 Xanthus answer’d from beneath his yoke, But, hanging low his head, and with his mane Dishevell’d all, and streaming to the ground. Him Juno vocal made, Goddess white-arm’d. And doubtless so we will. This day at least495 We bear thee safe from battle, stormy Chief! But thee the hour of thy destruction swift Approaches, hasten’d by no fault of ours, But by the force of fate and power divine. For not through sloth or tardiness on us500 Aught chargeable, have Ilium’s sons thine arms Stript from Patroclus’ shoulders, but a God Matchless in battle, offspring of bright-hair’d Latona, him contending in the van Slew, for the glory of the Chief of Troy.505 We, Zephyrus himself, though by report Swiftest of all the winds of heaven, in speed Could equal, but the Fates thee also doom By human hands to fall, and hands divine. The interposing Furies at that word510 Suppress’d his utterance,[12] and indignant, thus, Achilles, swiftest of the swift, replied. Why, Xanthus, propheciest thou my death? It ill beseems thee. I already know That from my parents far remote my doom515 Appoints me here to die; yet not the more Cease I from feats if arms, till Ilium’s host Shall have received, at length, their fill of war. He said, and with a shout drove forth to battle.
XX. ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTIETH BOOK
By permission of Jupiter the Gods descend into the battle, and range themselves on either side respectively. Neptune rescues Æneas from death by the hand of Achilles, from whom Apollo, soon after, rescues Hector. Achilles slays many Trojans.