Book XX
The Grecians, thus, before their lofty ships Stood arm’d around Achilles, glorious Chief Insatiable with war, and opposite The Trojans on the rising-ground appear’d.[1] Meantime, Jove order’d Themis, from the head5 Of the deep-fork’d Olympian to convene The Gods in council. She to every part Proceeding, bade them to the courts of Jove.[2] Nor of the Floods was any absent thence Oceanus except, or of the Nymphs10 Who haunt the pleasant groves, or dwell beside Stream-feeding fountains, or in meadows green. Within the courts of cloud-assembler Jove Arrived, on pillar’d thrones radiant they sat, With ingenuity divine contrived15 By Vulcan for the mighty Sire of all. Thus they within the Thunderer’s palace sat Assembled; nor was Neptune slow to hear The voice of Themis, but (the billows left) Came also; in the midst his seat he took,20 And ask’d, incontinent, the mind of Jove.[3] King of the lightnings! wherefore hast thou call’d The Gods to council? Hast thou aught at heart Important to the hosts of Greece and Troy? For on the battle’s fiery edge they stand.25 To whom replied Jove, Sovereign of the storms, Thou know’st my council, Shaker of the shores! And wherefore ye are call’d. Although ordain’d So soon to die, they interest me still. Myself, here seated on Olympus’ top,30 With contemplation will my mind indulge Of yon great spectacle; but ye, the rest, Descend into the field, Trojan or Greek Each to assist, as each shall most incline. For should Achilles in the field no foe35 Find save the Trojans, quickly should they fly Before the rapid force of Peleus’ son. They trembled ever at his look, and since Such fury for his friend hath fired his heart, I fear lest he anticipate the will40 Of Fate, and Ilium perish premature. So spake the son of Saturn kindling war Inevitable, and the Gods to fight ’Gan move with minds discordant. Juno sought And Pallas, with the earth-encircling Power45 Neptune, the Grecian fleet, with whom were join’d Mercury, teacher of all useful arts, And Vulcan, rolling on all sides his eyes Tremendous, but on disproportion’d legs, Not without labor hard, halting uncouth.50 Mars, warrior-God, on Ilium’s part appear’d With Phœbus never-shorn, Dian shaft-arm’d, Xanthus, Latona, and the Queen of smiles, Venus. So long as the immortal Gods Mixed not with either host, Achaia’s sons55 Exulted, seeing, after tedious pause, Achilles in the field, and terror shook The knees of every Trojan, at the sight Of swift Achilles like another Mars Panting for blood, and bright in arms again.60 But when the Olympian Powers had enter’d once The multitude, then Discord, at whose voice The million maddens, vehement arose; Then, Pallas at the trench without the wall By turns stood shouting, and by turns a shout65 Sent terrible along the sounding shore, While, gloomy as a tempest, opposite, Mars from the lofty citadel of Troy Now yell’d aloud, now running o’er the hill Callicolone, on the Simois’ side.70 Thus the Immortals, ever-blest, impell’d Both hosts to battle, and dire inroad caused Of strife among them. Sudden from on high The Sire of Gods and men thunder’d; meantime, Neptune the earth and the high mountains shook;75 Through all her base and to her topmost peak Ida spring-fed the agitation felt Reeling, all Ilium and the fleet of Greece. Upstarted from his throne, appall’d, the King Of Erebus, and with a cry his fears80 Through hell proclaim’d, lest Neptune, o’er his head Shattering the vaulted earth, should wide disclose To mortal and immortal eyes his realm Terrible, squalid, to the Gods themselves A dreaded spectacle; with such a sound85 The Powers eternal into battle rush’d.[4] Opposed to Neptune, King of the vast Deep, Apollo stood with his wing’d arrows arm’d; Pallas to Mars; Diana shaft-expert, Sister of Phœbus, in her golden bow90 Rejoicing, with whose shouts the forests ring To Juno; Mercury, for useful arts Famed, to Latona; and to Vulcan’s force The eddied River broad by mortal men Scamander call’d, but Xanthus by the Gods.95 So Gods encounter’d Gods. But most desire Achilles felt, breaking the ranks, to rush On Priameian Hector, with whose blood Chiefly his fury prompted him to sate The indefatigable God of war.100 But, the encourager of Ilium’s host Apollo, urged Æneas to assail The son of Peleus, with heroic might Inspiring his bold heart. He feign’d the voice Of Priam’s son Lycaon, and his form105 Assuming, thus the Trojan Chief address’d. Æneas! Trojan leader! where are now Thy vaunts, which, banqueting erewhile among Our princes, o’er thy brimming cups thou mad’st, That thou would’st fight, thyself, with Peleus’ son?110 To whom Æneas answer thus returned. Offspring of Priam! why enjoin’st thou me Not so inclined, that arduous task, to cope With the unmatch’d Achilles? I have proved His force already, when he chased me down115 From Ida with his spear, what time he made Seizure of all our cattle, and destroy’d Pedasus and Lyrnessus; but I ’scaped Unslain, by Jove himself empower’d to fly, Else had I fallen by Achilles’ hand,120 And by the hand of Pallas, who his steps Conducted, and exhorted him to slay Us and the Leleges.[5] Vain, therefore, proves All mortal force to Peleus’ son opposed; For one, at least, of the Immortals stands125 Ever beside him, guardian of his life, And, of himself, he hath an arm that sends His rapid spear unerring to the mark. Yet, would the Gods more equal sway the scales Of battle, not with ease should he subdue130 Me, though he boast a panoply of brass. Him, then, Apollo answer’d, son of Jove. Hero! prefer to the immortal Gods Thy Prayer, for thee men rumor Venus’ son Daughter of Jove; and Peleus’ son his birth135 Drew from a Goddess of inferior note. Thy mother is from Jove; the offspring, his, Less noble of the hoary Ocean old. Go, therefore, and thy conquering spear uplift Against him, nor let aught his sounding words140 Appal thee, or his threats turn thee away. So saying, with martial force the Chief he fill’d, Who through the foremost combatants advanced Radiant in arms. Nor pass’d Anchises’ son Unseen of Juno, through the crowded ranks145 Seeking Achilles, but the Powers of heaven Convened by her command, she thus address’d. Neptune, and thou, Minerva! with mature Deliberation, ponder the event. Yon Chief, Æneas, dazzling bright in arms;150 Goes to withstand Achilles, and he goes Sent by Apollo; in despite of whom Be it our task to give him quick repulse, Or, of ourselves, let some propitious Power Strengthen Achilles with a mind exempt155 From terror, and with force invincible. So shall he know that of the Gods above The mightiest are his friends, with whom compared The favorers of Ilium in time past, Who stood her guardians in the bloody strife,160 Are empty boasters all, and nothing worth. For therefore came we down, that we may share This fight, and that Achilles suffer nought Fatal to-day, though suffer all he must Hereafter, with his thread of life entwined165 By Destiny, the day when he was born. But should Achilles unapprized remain Of such advantage by a voice divine, When he shall meet some Deity in the field, Fear then will seize him, for celestial forms170 Unveil’d are terrible to mortal eyes. To whom replied the Shaker of the shores. Juno! thy hot impatience needs control; It ill befits thee. No desire I feel To force into contention with ourselves175 Gods, our inferiors. No. Let us, retired To yonder hill, distant from all resort, There sit, while these the battle wage alone. But if Apollo, or if Mars the fight Entering, begin, themselves, to interfere180 Against Achilles, then will we at once To battle also; and, I much misdeem, Or glad they shall be soon to mix again Among the Gods on the Olympian heights, By strong coercion of our arms subdued.185 So saying, the God of Ocean azure-hair’d Moved foremost to the lofty mound earth-built Of noble Hercules, by Pallas raised And by the Trojans for his safe escape, What time the monster of the deep pursued190 The hero from the sea-bank o’er the plain. There Neptune sat, and his confederate Gods, Their shoulders with impenetrable clouds O’ermantled, while the city-spoiler Mars Sat with Apollo opposite on the hill195 Callicolone, with their aids divine. So, Gods to Gods in opposite aspect Sat ruminating, and alike the work All fearing to begin of arduous war, While from his seat sublime Jove urged them on.200 The champain all was fill’d, and with the blaze Illumined wide of men and steeds brass-arm’d, And the incumber’d earth jarr’d under foot Of the encountering hosts. Then, two, the rest Surpassing far, into the midst advanced205 Impatient for the fight, Anchises’ son Æneas and Achilles, glorious Chief! Æneas first, under his ponderous casque Nodding and menacing, advanced; before His breast he held the well-conducted orb210 Of his broad shield, and shook his brazen spear. On the other side, Achilles to the fight Flew like a ravening lion, on whose death Resolved, the peasants from all quarters meet; He, viewing with disdain the foremost, stalks215 Right on, but smitten by some dauntless youth Writhes himself, and discloses his huge fangs Hung with white foam; then, growling for revenge, Lashes himself to battle with his tail, Till with a burning eye and a bold heart220 He springs to slaughter, or himself is slain; So, by his valor and his noble mind Impell’d, renown’d Achilles moved toward Æneas, and, small interval between, Thus spake the hero matchless in the race.225 Why stand’st thou here, Æneas! thy own band Left at such distance? Is it that thine heart Glows with ambition to contend with me In hope of Priam’s honors, and to fill His throne hereafter in Troy steed-renown’d?230 But shouldst thou slay me, not for that exploit Would Priam such large recompense bestow, For he hath sons, and hath, beside, a mind And disposition not so lightly changed. Or have the Trojans of their richest soil235 For vineyard apt or plow assign’d thee part If thou shalt slay me? Difficult, I hope, At least, thou shalt experience that emprize. For, as I think, I have already chased Thee with my spear. Forgettest thou the day240 When, finding thee alone, I drove thee down Headlong from Ida, and, thy cattle left Afar, thou didst not dare in all thy flight Turn once, till at Lyrnessus safe arrived, Which city by Jove’s aid and by the aid245 Of Pallas I destroy’d, and captive led Their women? Thee, indeed, the Gods preserved But they shall not preserve thee, as thou dream’st Now also. Back into thy host again; Hence, I command thee, nor oppose in fight250 My force, lest evil find thee. To be taught By suffering only is the part of fools. To whom Æneas answer thus return’d. Pelides! hope not, as I were a boy, With words to scare me. I have also taunts255 At my command, and could be sharp as thou. By such reports as from the lips of men We oft have heard, each other’s birth we know And parents; but my parents to behold Was ne’er thy lot, nor have I thine beheld.260 Thee men proclaim from noble Peleus sprung And Thetis, bright hair’d Goddess of the Deep; I boast myself of lovely Venus born To brave Anchises; and his son this day In battle slain thy sire shall mourn, or mine;265 For I expect not that we shall depart Like children, satisfied with words alone. But if it please thee more at large to learn My lineage (thousands can attest it true) Know this. Jove, Sovereign of the storms, begat270 Dardanus, and ere yet the sacred walls Of Ilium rose, the glory of this plain, He built Dardania; for at Ida’s foot Dwelt our progenitors in ancient days. Dardanus was the father of a son,275 King Ericthonius, wealthiest of mankind. Three thousand mares of his the marish grazed, Each suckling with delight her tender foal. Boreas, enamor’d of no few of these, The pasture sought, and cover’d them in form280 Of a steed azure-maned. They, pregnant thence, Twelve foals produced, and all so light of foot, That when they wanton’d in the fruitful field They swept, and snapp’d it not, the golden ear; And when they wanton’d on the boundless deep,285 They skimm’d the green wave’s frothy ridge, secure. From Ericthonius sprang Tros, King of Troy, And Tros was father of three famous sons, Ilus, Assaracus, and Ganymede Loveliest of human kind, whom for his charms290 The Gods caught up to heaven, there to abide With the immortals, cup-bearer of Jove. Ilus begat Laomedon, and he Five sons, Tithonus, Priam, Clytius, Lampus, and Hicetaon, branch of Mars.295 Assaracus a son begat, by name Capys, and Capys in due time his son Warlike Anchises, and Anchises me. But Priam is the noble Hector’s sire.[6] Such is my lineage, and such blood I boast;300 But valor is from Jove; he, as he wills, Increases or reduces it in man, For he is lord of all. Therefore enough— Too long like children we have stood, the time Consuming here, while battle roars around.305 Reproach is cheap. Easily might we cast Gibes at each other, till a ship that asks A hundred oars should sink beneath the load. The tongue of man is voluble, hath words For every theme, nor wants wide field and long,310 And as he speaks so shall he hear again. But we—why should we wrangle, and with taunts Assail each other, as the practice is Of women, who with heart-devouring strife On fire, start forth into the public way315 To mock each other, uttering, as may chance, Much truth, much falsehood, as their anger bids? The ardor of my courage will not slack For all thy speeches; we must combat first; Now, therefore, without more delay, begin,320 That we may taste each other’s force in arms.[7] So spake Æneas, and his brazen lance Hurl’d with full force against the dreadful shield. Loud roar’d its ample concave at the blow. Not unalarm’d, Pelides his broad disk325 Thrust farther from him, deeming that the force Of such an arm should pierce his guard with ease. Vain fear! he recollected not that arms Glorious as his, gifts of the immortal Gods, Yield not so quickly to the force of man.330 The stormy spear by brave Æneas sent, No passage found; the golden plate divine Repress’d its vehemence; two folds it pierced, But three were still behind, for with five folds Vulcan had fortified it; two were brass;335 The two interior, tin; the midmost, gold; And at the golden one the weapon stood.[8] Achilles next, hurl’d his long shadow’d spear, And struck Æneas on the utmost verge Of his broad shield, where thinnest lay the brass,340 And thinnest the ox-hide. The Pelian ash Started right through the buckler, and it rang. Æneas crouch’d terrified, and his shield Thrust farther from him; but the rapid beam Bursting both borders of the ample disk,345 Glanced o’er his back, and plunged into the soil. He ’scaped it, and he stood; but, as he stood, With horror infinite the weapon saw Planted so near him. Then, Achilles drew His falchion keen, and with a deafening shout350 Sprang on him; but Æneas seized a stone Heavy and huge, a weight to overcharge Two men (such men as are accounted strong Now) but he wielded it with ease, alone. Then had Æneas, as Achilles came355 Impetuous on, smitten, although in vain, His helmet or his shield, and Peleus’ son Had with his falchion him stretch’d at his feet, But that the God of Ocean quick perceived His peril, and the Immortals thus bespake.360 I pity brave Æneas, who shall soon, Slain by Achilles, see the realms below, By smooth suggestions of Apollo lured To danger, such as he can ne’er avert. But wherefore should the Chief, guiltless himself,365 Die for the fault of others? at no time His gifts have fail’d, grateful to all in heaven. Come, therefore, and let us from death ourselves Rescue him, lest if by Achilles’ arm This hero perish, Jove himself be wroth;370 For he is destined to survive, lest all The house of Dardanus (whom Jove beyond All others loved, his sons of woman born) Fail with Æneas, and be found no more. Saturnian Jove hath hated now long time375 The family of Priam, and henceforth Æneas and his son, and his sons’ sons, Shall sway the sceptre o’er the race of Troy. To whom, majestic thus the spouse of Jove. Neptune! deliberate thyself, and choose380 Whether to save Æneas, or to leave The hero victim of Achilles’ ire. For Pallas and myself ofttimes have sworn In full assembly of the Gods, to aid Troy never, never to avert the day385 Of her distress, not even when the flames Kindled by the heroic sons of Greece, Shall climb with fury to her topmost towers. She spake; then Neptune, instant, through the throng Of battle flying, and the clash of spears,390 Came where Achilles and Æneas fought. At once with shadows dim he blurr’d the sight Of Peleus’ son, and from the shield, himself, Of brave Æneas the bright-pointed ash Retracting, placed it at Achilles’ feet.395 Then, lifting high Æneas from the ground, He heaved him far remote; o’er many a rank Of heroes and of bounding steeds he flew, Launch’d into air from the expanded palm Of Neptune, and alighted in the rear400 Of all the battle where the Caucons stood. Neptune approach’d him there, and at his side Standing, in accents wing’d, him thus bespake. What God, Æneas! tempted thee to cope Thus inconsiderately with the son405 Of Peleus, both more excellent in fight Than thou, and more the favorite of the skies? From him retire hereafter, or expect A premature descent into the shades. But when Achilles shall have once fulfill’d410 His destiny, in battle slain, then fight Fearless, for thou canst fall by none beside. So saying, he left the well-admonish’d Chief, And from Achilles’ eyes scatter’d the gloom Shed o’er them by himself. The hero saw415 Clearly, and with his noble heart incensed By disappointment, thus conferring, said. Gods! I behold a prodigy. My spear Lies at my foot, and he at whom I cast The weapon with such deadly force, is gone!420 Æneas therefore, as it seems, himself Interests the immortal Gods, although I deem’d his boast of their protection vain. I reck not. Let him go. So gladly ’scaped From slaughter now, he shall not soon again425 Feel an ambition to contend with me. Now will I rouse the Danaï, and prove The force in fight of many a Trojan more. He said, and sprang to battle with loud voice, Calling the Grecians after him.—Ye sons430 Of the Achaians! stand not now aloof, My noble friends! but foot to foot let each Fall on courageous, and desire the fight. The task were difficult for me alone, Brave as I boast myself, to chase a foe435 So numerous, and to combat with them all. Not Mars himself, immortal though he be, Nor Pallas, could with all the ranks contend Of this vast multitude, and drive the whole. With hands, with feet, with spirit and with might,440 All that I can I will; right through I go, And not a Trojan who shall chance within Spear’s reach of me, shall, as I judge, rejoice. Thus he the Greeks exhorted. Opposite, Meantime, illustrious Hector to his host445 Vociferated, his design to oppose Achilles publishing in every ear. Fear not, ye valiant men of Troy! fear not The son of Peleus. In a war of words I could, myself, cope even with the Gods;450 But not with spears; there they excel us all. Nor shall Achilles full performance give To all his vaunts, but, if he some fulfil, Shall others leave mutilate in the midst. I will encounter him, though his hands be fire,455 Though fire his hands, and his heart hammer’d steel. So spake he them exhorting. At his word Uprose the Trojan spears, thick intermixt The battle join’d, and clamor loud began. Then thus, approaching Hector, Phœbus spake.460 Henceforth, advance not Hector! in the front Seeking Achilles, but retired within The stormy multitude his coming wait, Lest his spear reach thee, or his glittering sword. He said, and Hector far into his host465 Withdrew, admonish’d by the voice divine. Then, shouting terrible, and clothed with might, Achilles sprang to battle. First, he slew The valiant Chief Iphition, whom a band Numerous obey’d. Otrynteus was his sire.470 Him to Otrynteus, city-waster Chief, A Naiad under snowy Tmolus bore In fruitful Hyda.[9] Right into his front As he advanced, Achilles drove his spear, And rived his skull; with thundering sound he fell,475 And thus the conqueror gloried in his fall. Ah Otryntides! thou art slain. Here lies The terrible in arms, who born beside The broad Gygæan lake, where Hyllus flows And Hermus, call’d the fertile soil his own.480 Thus gloried he. Meantime the shades of death Cover’d Iphition, and Achaian wheels And horses ground his body in the van. Demoleon next, Antenor’s son, a brave Defender of the walls of Troy, he slew.485 Into his temples through his brazen casque He thrust the Pelian ash, nor could the brass Such force resist, but the huge weapon drove The shatter’d bone into his inmost brain, And his fierce onset at a stroke repress’d.490 Hippodamas his weapon next received Within his spine, while with a leap he left His steeds and fled. He, panting forth his life, Moan’d like a bull, by consecrated youths Dragg’d round the Heliconian King,[10] who views495 That victim with delight. So, with loud moans The noble warrior sigh’d his soul away. Then, spear in hand, against the godlike son Of Priam, Polydorus, he advanced. Not yet his father had to him indulged500 A warrior’s place, for that of all his sons He was the youngest-born, his hoary sire’s Chief darling, and in speed surpass’d them all. Then also, in the vanity of youth, For show of nimbleness, he started oft505 Into the vanward, till at last he fell. Him gliding swiftly by, swifter than he Achilles with a javelin reach’d; he struck His belt behind him, where the golden clasps Met, and the double hauberk interposed.510 The point transpierced his bowels, and sprang through His navel; screaming, on his knees he fell, Death-shadows dimm’d his eyes, and with both hands, Stooping, he press’d his gather’d bowels back. But noble Hector, soon as he beheld515 His brother Polydorus to the earth Inclined, and with his bowels in his hands, Sightless well-nigh with anguish could endure No longer to remain aloof; flame-like He burst abroad,[11] and shaking his sharp spear,520 Advanced to meet Achilles, whose approach Seeing, Achilles bounded with delight, And thus, exulting, to himself he said. Ah! he approaches, who hath stung my soul Deepest, the slayer of whom most I loved!525 Behold, we meet! Caution is at an end, And timid skulking in the walks of war. He ceased, and with a brow knit into frowns, Call’d to illustrious Hector. Haste, approach, That I may quick dispatch thee to the shades.530 Whom answer’d warlike Hector, nought appall’d. Pelides! hope not, as I were a boy, With words to scare me. I have also taunts At my command, and can be sharp as thou. I know thee valiant, and myself I know535 Inferior far; yet, whether thou shalt slay Me, or, inferior as I am, be slain By me, is at the pleasure of the Gods, For I wield also not a pointless beam. He said, and, brandishing it, hurl’d his spear,540 Which Pallas, breathing softly, wafted back From the renown’d Achilles, and it fell Successless at illustrious Hector’s feet. Then, all on fire to slay him, with a shout That rent the air Achilles rapid flew545 Toward him; but him wrapt in clouds opaque Apollo caught with ease divine away. Thrice, swift Achilles sprang to the assault Impetuous, thrice the pitchy cloud he smote, And at his fourth assault, godlike in act,550 And terrible in utterance, thus exclaim’d. Dog! thou art safe, and hast escaped again; But narrowly, and by the aid once more Of Phœbus, without previous suit to whom Thou venturest never where the javelin sings.555 But when we next encounter, then expect, If one of all in heaven aid also me, To close thy proud career. Meantime I seek Some other, and assail e’en whom I may. So saying, he pierced the neck of Dryops through,560 And at his feet he fell. Him there he left, And turning on a valiant warrior huge, Philetor’s son, Demuchus, in the knee Pierced, and detain’d him by the planted spear, Till with his sword he smote him, and he died.565 Laogonus and Dardanus he next Assaulted, sons of Bias; to the ground Dismounting both, one with his spear he slew, The other with his falchion at a blow. Tros too, Alastor’s son—he suppliant clasp’d570 Achilles’ knees, and for his pity sued, Pleading equality of years, in hope That he would spare, and send him thence alive. Ah dreamer! ignorant how much in vain That suit he urged; for not of milky mind,575 Or placable in temper was the Chief To whom he sued, but fiery. With both hands His knees he clasp’d importunate, and he Fast by the liver gash’d him with his sword. His liver falling forth, with sable blood580 His bosom fill’d, and darkness veil’d his eyes. Then, drawing close to Mulius, in his ear He set the pointed brass, and at a thrust Sent it, next moment, through his ear beyond. Then, through the forehead of Agenor’s son585 Echechlus, his huge-hafted blade he drove, And death and fate forever veil’d his eyes. Next, where the tendons of the elbow meet, Striking Deucalion, through his wrist he urged The brazen point; he all defenceless stood,590 Expecting death; down came Achilles’ blade Full on his neck; away went head and casque Together; from his spine the marrow sprang, And at his length outstretch’d he press’d the plain. From him to Rhigmus, Pireus’ noble son,595 He flew, a warrior from the fields of Thrace. Him through the loins he pierced, and with the beam Fixt in his bowels, to the earth he fell; Then piercing, as he turn’d to flight, the spine Of Areithöus his charioteer,600 He thrust him from his seat; wild with dismay Back flew the fiery coursers at his fall. As a devouring fire within the glens Of some dry mountain ravages the trees, While, blown around, the flames roll to all sides,605 So, on all sides, terrible as a God, Achilles drove the death-devoted host Of Ilium, and the champain ran with blood. As when the peasant his yoked steers employs To tread his barley, the broad-fronted pair610 With ponderous hoofs trample it out with ease, So, by magnanimous Achilles driven, His coursers solid-hoof’d stamp’d as they ran The shields, at once, and bodies of the slain; Blood spatter’d all his axle, and with blood615 From the horse-hoofs and from the fellied wheels His chariot redden’d, while himself, athirst For glory, his unconquerable hands Defiled with mingled carnage, sweat, and dust.
XXI. ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTY-FIRST BOOK
Achilles having separated the Trojans, and driven one part of them to the city and the other into the Scamander, takes twelve young men alive, his intended victims to the manes of Patroclus. The river overflowing his banks with purpose to overwhelm him, is opposed by Vulcan, and gladly relinquishes the attempt. The battle of the gods ensues. Apollo, in the form of Agenor, decoys Achilles from the town, which in the mean time the Trojans enter and shut the gates against him.
Book XXI
[1]But when they came, at length, where Xanthus winds His stream vortiginous from Jove derived, There, separating Ilium’s host, he drove Part o’er the plain to Troy in the same road By which the Grecians had so lately fled5 The fury of illustrious Hector’s arm. That way they fled pouring themselves along Flood-like, and Juno, to retard them, threw Darkness as night before them. Other part, Push’d down the sides of Xanthus, headlong plunged10 With dashing sound into his dizzy stream, And all his banks re-echoed loud the roar. They, struggling, shriek’d in silver eddies whirl’d. As when, by violence of fire expell’d, Locusts uplifted on the wing escape15 To some broad river, swift the sudden blaze Pursues them, they, astonish’d, strew the flood,[2] So, by Achilles driven, a mingled throng Of horses and of warriors overspread Xanthus, and glutted all his sounding course20 He, chief of heroes, leaving on the bank His spear against a tamarisk reclined, Plunged like a God, with falchion arm’d alone But fill’d with thoughts of havoc. On all sides Down came his edge; groans follow’d dread to hear25 Of warriors smitten by the sword, and all The waters as they ran redden’d with blood. As smaller fishes, flying the pursuit Of some huge dolphin, terrified, the creeks And secret hollows of a haven fill,30 For none of all that he can seize he spares, So lurk’d the trembling Trojans in the caves Of Xanthus’ awful flood. But he (his hands Wearied at length with slaughter) from the rest Twelve youths selected whom to death he doom’d,35 In vengeance for his loved Patroclus slain. Them stupified with dread like fawns he drove Forth from the river, manacling their hands Behind them fast with their own tunic-strings, And gave them to his warrior train in charge.40 Then, ardent still for blood, rushing again Toward the stream, Dardanian Priam’s son He met, Lycaon, as he climb’d the bank. Him erst by night, in his own father’s field Finding him, he had led captive away.45 Lycaon was employ’d cutting green shoots Of the wild-fig for chariot-rings, when lo! Terrible, unforeseen, Achilles came. He seized and sent him in a ship afar To Lemnos; there the son of Jason paid50 His price, and, at great cost, Eëtion The guest of Jason, thence redeeming him, Sent him to fair Arisba;[3] but he ’scaped Thence also and regain’d his father’s house. Eleven days, at his return, he gave55 To recreation joyous with his friends, And on the twelfth his fate cast him again Into Achilles’ hands, who to the shades Now doom’d him, howsoever loth to go. Soon as Achilles swiftest of the swift60 Him naked saw (for neither spear had he Nor shield nor helmet, but, when he emerged, Weary and faint had cast them all away) Indignant to his mighty self he said. Gods! I behold a miracle! Ere long65 The valiant Trojans whom my self have slain Shall rise from Erebus, for he is here, The self-same warrior whom I lately sold At Lemnos, free, and in the field again. The hoary deep is prison strong enough70 For most, but not for him. Now shall he taste The point of this my spear, that I may learn By sure experience, whether hell itself That holds the strongest fast, can him detain, Or whether he shall thence also escape.75 While musing thus he stood, stunn’d with dismay The youth approach’d, eager to clasp his knees, For vehement he felt the dread of death Working within him; with his Pelian ash Uplifted high noble Achilles stood80 Ardent to smite him; he with body bent Ran under it, and to his knees adhered; The weapon, missing him, implanted stood Close at his back, when, seizing with one hand Achilles’ knees, he with the other grasp’d85 The dreadful beam, resolute through despair, And in wing’d accents suppliant thus began. Oh spare me! pity me! Behold I clasp Thy knees, Achilles! Ah, illustrious Chief! Reject not with disdain a suppliant’s prayer.90 I am thy guest also, who at thy own board Have eaten bread, and did partake the gift Of Ceres with thee on the very day When thou didst send me in yon field surprised For sale to sacred Lemnos, far remote,95 And for my price receiv’dst a hundred beeves. Loose me, and I will yield thee now that sum Thrice told. Alas! this morn is but the twelfth Since, after numerous hardships, I arrived Once more in Troy, and now my ruthless lot100 Hath given me into thy hands again. Jove cannot less than hate me, who hath twice Made me thy prisoner, and my doom was death, Death in my prime, the day when I was born Son of Laothöe from Alta sprung,105 From Alta, whom the Leleges obey On Satnio’s banks in lofty Pedasus. His daughter to his other numerous wives King Priam added, and two sons she bore Only to be deprived by thee of both.110 My brother hath already died, in front Of Ilium’s infantry, by thy bright spear, The godlike Polydorus; and like doom Shall now be mine, for I despair to escape Thine hands, to which the Gods yield me again.115 But hear and mark me well. My birth was not From the same womb as Hector’s, who hath slain Thy valiant friend for clemency renown’d. Such supplication the illustrious son Of Priam made, but answer harsh received.120 Fool! speak’st of ransom? Name it not to me. For till my friend his miserable fate Accomplish’d, I was somewhat given to spare, And numerous, whom I seized alive, I sold. But now, of all the Trojans whom the Gods125 Deliver to me, none shall death escape, ’Specially of the house of Priam, none. Die therefore, even thou, my friend! What mean Thy tears unreasonably shed and vain? Died not Patroclus. braver far than thou?130 And look on me—see’st not to what a height My stature towers, and what a bulk I boast? A King begat me, and a Goddess bore. What then! A death by violence awaits Me also, and at morn, or eve, or noon,135 I perish, whensoe’er the destined spear Shall reach me, or the arrow from the nerve. He ceased, and where the suppliant kneel’d, he died. Quitting the spear, with both hands spread abroad He sat, but swift Achilles with his sword140 ’Twixt neck and key-bone smote him, and his blade Of double edge sank all into the wound. He prone extended on the champain lay Bedewing with his sable blood the glebe, Till, by the foot, Achilles cast him far145 Into the stream, and, as he floated down, Thus in wing’d accents, glorying, exclaim’d. Lie there, and feed the fishes, which shall lick Thy blood secure. Thy mother ne’er shall place Thee on thy bier, nor on thy body weep,150 But swift Scamander on his giddy tide Shall bear thee to the bosom of the sea. There, many a fish shall through the crystal flood Ascending to the rippled surface, find Lycaon’s pamper’d flesh delicious fare.155 Die Trojans! till we reach your city, you Fleeing, and slaughtering, I. This pleasant stream Of dimpling silver which ye worship oft With victim bulls, and sate with living steeds[4] His rapid whirlpools, shall avail you nought,160 But ye shall die, die terribly, till all Shall have requited me with just amends For my Patroclus, and for other Greeks Slain at the ships while I declined the war. He ended, at those words still more incensed165 Scamander means devised, thenceforth to check Achilles, and avert the doom of Troy. Meantime the son of Peleus, his huge spear Grasping, assail’d Asteropæus son Of Pelegon, on fire to take his life.170 Fair Peribœa, daughter eldest-born Of Acessamenus, his father bore To broad-stream’d Axius, who had clasp’d the nymph In his embrace. On him Achilles sprang. He newly risen from the river, stood175 Arm’d with two lances opposite, for him Xanthus embolden’d, at the deaths incensed Of many a youth, whom, mercy none vouchsafed, Achilles had in all his current slain. And now small distance interposed, they faced180 Each other, when Achilles thus began. Who art and whence, who dar’st encounter me? Hapless the sires whose sons my force defy. To whom the noble son of Pelegon. Pelides, mighty Chief? Why hast thou ask’d185 My derivation? From the land I come Of mellow-soil’d Pœonia far remote, Chief leader of Pœnia’s host spear-arm’d; This day hath also the eleventh risen Since I at Troy arrived. For my descent,190 It is from Axius river wide-diffused, From Axius, fairest stream that waters earth, Sire of bold Pelegon whom men report My sire. Let this suffice. Now fight, Achilles! So spake he threatening, and Achilles raised195 Dauntless the Pelian ash. At once two spears The hero bold, Asteropæus threw, With both hands apt for battle. One his shield Struck but pierced not, impeded by the gold, Gift of a God; the other as it flew200 Grazed at his right elbow; sprang the sable blood; But, overflying him, the spear in earth Stood planted deep, still hungering for the prey. Then, full at the Pœonian Peleus’ son Hurl’d forth his weapon with unsparing force205 But vain; he struck the sloping river bank, And mid-length deep stood plunged the ashen beam. Then, with his falchion drawn, Achilles flew To smite him; he in vain, meantime, essay’d To pluck the rooted spear forth from the bank;210 Thrice with full force he shook the beam, and thrice, Although reluctant, left it; at his fourth Last effort, bending it he sought to break The ashen spear-beam of Æacides, But perish’d by his keen-edged falchion first;215 For on the belly at his navel’s side He smote him; to the ground effused fell all His bowels, death’s dim shadows veil’d his eyes. Achilles ardent on his bosom fix’d His foot, despoil’d him, and exulting cried.220 Lie there; though River-sprung, thou find’st it hard To cope with sons of Jove omnipotent. Thou said’st, a mighty River is my sire— But my descent from mightier Jove I boast; My father, whom the Myrmidons obey,225 Is son of Æacus, and he of Jove. As Jove all streams excels that seek the sea, So, Jove’s descendants nobler are than theirs. Behold a River at thy side—let him Afford thee, if he can, some succor—No—230 He may not fight against Saturnian Jove. Therefore, not kingly Acheloïus, Nor yet the strength of Ocean’s vast profound, Although from him all rivers and all seas, All fountains and all wells proceed, may boast235 Comparison with Jove, but even he Astonish’d trembles at his fiery bolt, And his dread thunders rattling in the sky. He said, and drawing from the bank his spear[5] Asteropæus left stretch’d on the sands,240 Where, while the clear wave dash’d him, eels his flanks And ravening fishes numerous nibbled bare. The horsed Pœonians next he fierce assail’d, Who seeing their brave Chief slain by the sword And forceful arm of Peleus’ son, beside245 The eddy-whirling stream fled all dispersed. Thersilochus and Mydon then he slew, Thrasius, Astypylus and Ophelestes, Ænius and Mnesus; nor had these sufficed Achilles, but Pœonians more had fallen,250 Had not the angry River from within His circling gulfs in semblance, of a man Call’d to him, interrupting thus his rage. Oh both in courage and injurious deeds Unmatch’d, Achilles! whom themselves the Gods255 Cease not to aid, if Saturn’s son have doom’d All Ilium’s race to perish by thine arm, Expel them, first, from me, ere thou achieve That dread exploit; for, cumber’d as I am With bodies, I can pour my pleasant stream260 No longer down into the sacred deep; All vanish where thou comest. But oh desist Dread Chief! Amazement fills me at thy deeds. To whom Achilles, matchless in the race. River divine! hereafter be it so.265 But not from slaughter of this faithless host I cease, till I shall shut them fast in Troy And trial make of Hector, if his arm In single fight shall strongest prove, or mine He said, and like a God, furious, again270 Assail’d the Trojans; then the circling flood To Phœbus thus his loud complaint address’d. Ah son of Jove, God of the silver bow! The mandate of the son of Saturn ill Hast thou perform’d, who, earnest, bade thee aid275 The Trojans, till (the sun sunk in the West) Night’s shadow dim should veil the fruitful field. He ended, and Achilles spear-renown’d Plunged from the bank into the middle stream. Then, turbulent, the River all his tide280 Stirr’d from the bottom, landward heaving off The numerous bodies that his current chok’d Slain by Achilles; them, as with the roar Of bulls, he cast aground, but deep within His oozy gulfs the living safe conceal’d.285 Terrible all around Achilles stood The curling wave, then, falling on his shield Dash’d him, nor found his footsteps where to rest. An elm of massy trunk he seized and branch Luxuriant, but it fell torn from the root290 And drew the whole bank after it; immersed It damm’d the current with its ample boughs, And join’d as with a bridge the distant shores, Upsprang Achilles from the gulf and turn’d His feet, now wing’d for flight, into the plain295 Astonish’d; but the God, not so appeased, Arose against him with a darker curl,[6] That he might quell him and deliver Troy. Back flew Achilles with a bound, the length Of a spear’s cast, for such a spring he own’d300 As bears the black-plumed eagle on her prey Strongest and swiftest of the fowls of air. Like her he sprang, and dreadful on his chest Clang’d his bright armor. Then, with course oblique He fled his fierce pursuer, but the flood,305 Fly where he might, came thundering in his rear. As when the peasant with his spade a rill Conducts from some pure fountain through his grove Or garden, clearing the obstructed course, The pebbles, as it runs, all ring beneath,310 And, as the slope still deepens, swifter still It runs, and, murmuring, outstrips the guide, So him, though swift, the river always reach’d Still swifter; who can cope with power divine? Oft as the noble Chief, turning, essay’d315 Resistance, and to learn if all the Gods Alike rush’d after him, so oft the flood, Jove’s offspring, laved his shoulders. Upward then He sprang distress’d, but with a sidelong sweep Assailing him, and from beneath his steps320 Wasting the soil, the Stream his force subdued. Then looking to the skies, aloud he mourn’d. Eternal Sire! forsaken by the Gods I sink, none deigns to save me from the flood, From which once saved, I would no death decline.325 Yet blame I none of all the Powers of heaven As Thetis; she with falsehood sooth’d my soul, She promised me a death by Phœbus’ shafts Swift-wing’d, beneath the battlements of Troy. I would that Hector, noblest of his race,330 Had slain me, I had then bravely expired And a brave man had stripp’d me of my arms. But fate now dooms me to a death abhorr’d Whelm’d in deep waters, like a swine-herd’s boy Drown’d in wet weather while he fords a brook.335 So spake Achilles; then, in human form, Minerva stood and Neptune at his side; Each seized his hand confirming him, and thus The mighty Shaker of the shores began. Achilles! moderate thy dismay, fear nought.340 In us behold, in Pallas and in me, Effectual aids, and with consent of Jove; For to be vanquish’d by a River’s force Is not thy doom. This foe shall soon be quell’d; Thine eyes shall see it. Let our counsel rule345 Thy deed, and all is well. Cease not from war Till fast within proud Ilium’s walls her host Again be prison’d, all who shall escape; Then (Hector slain) to the Achaian fleet Return; we make the glorious victory thine.350 So they, and both departing sought the skies. Then, animated by the voice divine, He moved toward the plain now all o’erspread By the vast flood on which the bodies swam And shields of many a youth in battle slain.355 He leap’d, he waded, and the current stemm’d Right onward, by the flood in vain opposed, With such might Pallas fill’d him. Nor his rage Scamander aught repress’d, but still the more Incensed against Achilles, curl’d aloft360 His waters, and on Simoïs call’d aloud. Brother! oh let us with united force Check, if we may, this warrior; he shall else Soon lay the lofty towers of Priam low, Whose host appall’d, defend them now no more.365 Haste—succor me—thy channel fill with streams From all thy fountains; call thy torrents down; Lift high the waters; mingle trees and stones With uproar wild, that we may quell the force Of this dread Chief triumphant now, and fill’d370 With projects that might more beseem a God. But vain shall be his strength, his beauty nought Shall profit him or his resplendent arms, For I will bury them in slime and ooze, And I will overwhelm himself with soil,375 Sands heaping o’er him and around him sands Infinite, that no Greek shall find his bones For ever, in my bottom deep immersed. There shall his tomb be piled, nor other earth, At his last rites, his friends shall need for him.380 He said, and lifting high his angry tide Vortiginous, against Achilles hurl’d, Roaring, the foam, the bodies, and the blood; Then all his sable waves divine again Accumulating, bore him swift along.385 Shriek’d Juno at that sight, terrified lest Achilles in the whirling deluge sunk Should perish, and to Vulcan quick exclaim’d. Vulcan, my son, arise; for we account Xanthus well able to contend with thee.390 Give instant succor; show forth all thy fires. Myself will haste to call the rapid South And Zephyrus, that tempests from the sea Blowing, thou may’st both arms and dead consume With hideous conflagration. Burn along395 The banks of Xanthus, fire his trees and him Seize also. Let him by no specious guile Of flattery soothe thee, or by threats appall, Nor slack thy furious fires till with a shout I give command, then bid them cease to blaze.400 She spake, and Vulcan at her word his fires Shot dreadful forth; first, kindling on the field, He burn’d the bodies strew’d numerous around Slain by Achilles; arid grew the earth And the flood ceased. As when a sprightly breeze405 Autumnal blowing from the North, at once Dries the new-water’d garden,[7] gladdening him Who tills the soil, so was the champain dried; The dead consumed, against the River, next, He turn’d the fierceness of his glittering fires.410 Willows and tamarisks and elms he burn’d, Burn’d lotus, rushes, reeds; all plants and herbs That clothed profuse the margin of his flood. His eels and fishes, whether wont to dwell In gulfs beneath, or tumble in the stream,415 All languish’d while the artist of the skies Breath’d on them; even Xanthus lost, himself, All force, and, suppliant, Vulcan thus address’d. Oh Vulcan! none in heaven itself may cope With thee. I yield to thy consuming fires.420 Cease, cease. I reck not if Achilles drive Her citizens, this moment, forth from Troy, For what are war and war’s concerns to me? So spake he scorch’d, and all his waters boil’d. As some huge caldron hisses urged by force425 Of circling fires and fill’d with melted lard, The unctuous fluid overbubbling[8] streams On all sides, while the dry wood flames beneath, So Xanthus bubbled and his pleasant flood Hiss’d in the fire, nor could he longer flow430 But check’d his current, with hot steams annoy’d By Vulcan raised. His supplication, then, Importunate to Juno thus he turn’d. Ah Juno! why assails thy son my streams, Hostile to me alone? Of all who aid435 The Trojans I am surely least to blame, Yet even I desist if thou command; And let thy son cease also; for I swear That never will I from the Trojans turn Their evil day, not even when the host440 Of Greece shall set all Ilium in a blaze. He said, and by his oath pacified, thus The white-arm’d Deity to Vulcan spake. Peace, glorious son! we may not in behalf Of mortal man thus longer vex a God.445 Then Vulcan his tremendous fires repress’d, And down into his gulfy channel rush’d The refluent flood; for when the force was once Subdued of Xanthus, Juno interposed, Although incensed, herself to quell the strife.450 But contest vehement the other Gods Now waged, each breathing discord; loud they rush’d And fierce to battle, while the boundless earth Quaked under them, and, all around, the heavens Sang them together with a trumpet’s voice.455 Jove listening, on the Olympian summit sat Well-pleased, and, in his heart laughing for joy, Beheld the Powers of heaven in battle join’d. Not long aloof they stood. Shield-piercer Mars, His brazen spear grasp’d, and began the fight460 Rushing on Pallas, whom he thus reproach’d. Wasp! front of impudence, and past all bounds Audacious! Why impellest thou the Gods To fight? Thy own proud spirit is the cause. Remember’st not, how, urged by thee, the son465 Of Tydeus, Diomede, myself assail’d, When thou, the radiant spear with thy own hand Guiding, didst rend my body? Now, I ween, The hour is come in which I shall exact Vengeance for all thy malice shown to me.470 So saying, her shield he smote tassell’d around Terrific, proof against the bolts of Jove; That shield gore-tainted Mars with fury smote. But she, retiring, with strong grasp upheaved A rugged stone, black, ponderous, from the plain,475 A land-mark fixt by men of ancient times, Which hurling at the neck of stormy Mars She smote him. Down he fell. Seven acres, stretch’d, He overspread, his ringlets in the dust Polluted lay, and dreadful rang his arms.480 The Goddess laugh’d, and thus in accents wing’d With exultation, as he lay, exclaim’d. Fool! Art thou still to learn how far my force Surpasses thine, and darest thou cope with me? Now feel the furies of thy mother’s ire485 Who hates thee for thy treachery to the Greeks, And for thy succor given to faithless Troy. She said, and turn’d from Mars her glorious eyes. But him deep-groaning and his torpid powers Recovering slow, Venus conducted thence490 Daughter of Jove, whom soon as Juno mark’d, In accents wing’d to Pallas thus she spake. Daughter invincible of glorious Jove! Haste—follow her—Ah shameless! how she leads Gore-tainted Mars through all the host of heaven.495
So she, whom Pallas with delight obey’d; To Venus swift she flew, and on the breast With such force smote her that of sense bereft The fainting Goddess fell. There Venus lay And Mars extended on the fruitful glebe,500 And Pallas thus in accents wing’d exclaim’d. I would that all who on the part of Troy Oppose in fight Achaia’s valiant sons, Were firm and bold as Venus in defence Of Mars, for whom she dared my power defy!505 So had dissension (Ilium overthrown And desolated) ceased long since in heaven. So Pallas, and approving Juno smiled. Then the imperial Shaker of the shores Thus to Apollo. Phœbus! wherefore stand510 We thus aloof? Since others have begun, Begin we also; shame it were to both Should we, no combat waged, ascend again Olympus and the brass-built hall of Jove. Begin, for thou art younger; me, whose years515 Alike and knowledge thine surpass so far, It suits not. Oh stupidity! how gross Art thou and senseless! Are no traces left In thy remembrance of our numerous wrongs Sustain’d at Ilium, when, of all the Gods520 Ourselves alone, by Jove’s commandment, served For stipulated hire, a year complete, Our task-master the proud Laomedon? Myself a bulwark’d town, spacious, secure Against assault, and beautiful as strong525 Built for the Trojans, and thine office was To feed for King Laomedon his herds Among the groves of Ida many-valed. But when the gladsome hours the season brought Of payment, then the unjust King of Troy530 Dismiss’d us of our whole reward amerced By violence, and added threats beside. Thee into distant isles, bound hand and foot, To sell he threatened, and to amputate The ears of both; we, therefore, hasted thence535 Resenting deep our promised hire withheld. Aid’st thou for this the Trojans? Canst thou less Than seek, with us, to exterminate the whole Perfidious race, wives, children, husbands, all? To whom the King of radiant shafts Apollo.540 Me, Neptune, thou wouldst deem, thyself, unwise Contending for the sake of mortal men With thee; a wretched race, who like the leaves Now flourish rank, by fruits of earth sustain’d, Now sapless fall. Here, therefore, us between545 Let all strife cease, far better left to them. He said, and turn’d away, fearing to lift His hand against the brother of his sire. But him Diana of the woods with sharp Rebuke, his huntress sister, thus reproved.550 Fly’st thou, Apollo! and to Neptune yield’st An unearn’d victory, the prize of fame Resigning patient and with no dispute? Fool! wherefore bearest thou the bow in vain? Ah, let me never in my father’s courts555 Hear thee among the immortals vaunting more That thou wouldst Neptune’s self confront in arms. So she, to whom Apollo nought replied.[9] But thus the consort of the Thunderer, fired With wrath, reproved the Archeress of heaven.560 How hast thou dared, impudent, to oppose My will? Bow-practised as thou art, the task To match my force were difficult to thee. Is it, because by ordinance of Jove Thou art a lioness to womankind,565 Killing them at thy pleasure? Ah beware— Far easier is it, on the mountain-heights To slay wild beasts and chase the roving hind, Than to conflict with mightier than ourselves. But, if thou wish a lesson on that theme,570 Approach—thou shalt be taught with good effect How far my force in combat passes thine. She said, and with her left hand seizing both Diana’s wrists, snatch’d suddenly the bow Suspended on her shoulder with the right,575 And, smiling, smote her with it on the ears. She, writhing oft and struggling, to the ground Shook forth her rapid shafts, then, weeping, fled As to her cavern in some hollow rock The dove, not destined to his talons, flies580 The hawk’s pursuit, and left her arms behind. Then, messenger of heaven, the Argicide Address’d Latona. Combat none with thee, Latona, will I wage. Unsafe it were To cope in battle with a spouse of Jove.585 Go, therefore, loudly as thou wilt, proclaim To all the Gods that thou hast vanquish’d me. Collecting, then, the bow and arrows fallen In wild disorder on the dusty plain, Latona with the sacred charge withdrew590 Following her daughter; she, in the abode Brass-built arriving of Olympian Jove, Sat on his knees, weeping till all her robe Ambrosial shook. The mighty Father smiled, And to his bosom straining her, inquired.595 Daughter beloved! who, which of all the Gods Hath raised his hand, presumptuous, against thee, As if convicted of some open wrong? To whom the clear-voiced Huntress crescent-crown’d. My Father! Juno, thy own consort fair600 My sorrow caused, from whom dispute and strife Perpetual, threaten the immortal Powers. Thus they in heaven mutual conferr’d. Meantime Apollo into sacred Troy return’d Mindful to guard her bulwarks, lest the Greeks605 Too soon for Fate should desolate the town. The other Gods, some angry, some elate With victory, the Olympian heights regain’d, And sat beside the Thunderer. But the son Of Peleus—He both Trojans slew and steeds.610 As when in volumes slow smoke climbs the skies From some great city which the Gods have fired Vindictive, sorrow thence to many ensues With mischief, and to all labor severe, So caused Achilles labor on that day,615 Severe, and mischief to the men of Troy. But ancient Priam from a sacred tower Stood looking forth, whence soon he noticed vast Achilles, before whom the Trojans fled All courage lost. Descending from the tower620 With mournful cries and hasting to the wall He thus enjoin’d the keepers of the gates. Hold wide the portals till the flying host Re-enter, for himself is nigh, himself Achilles drives them home. Now, wo to Troy!625 But soon as safe within the walls received They breathe again, shut fast the ponderous gates At once, lest that destroyer also pass. He said; they, shooting back the bars, threw wide The gates and saved the people, whom to aid630 Apollo also sprang into the field, They, parch’d with drought and whiten’d all with dust, Flew right toward the town, while, spear in hand, Achilles press’d them, vengeance in his heart And all on fire for glory. Then, full sure,635 Ilium, the city of lofty gates, had fallen Won by the Grecians, had not Phœbus roused Antenor’s valiant son, the noble Chief Agenor; him with dauntless might he fill’d, And shielding him against the stroke of fate640 Beside him stood himself, by the broad beech Cover’d and wrapt in clouds. Agenor then, Seeing the city-waster hero nigh Achilles, stood, but standing, felt his mind Troubled with doubts; he groan’d, and thus he mused.645 [10]Alas! if following the tumultuous flight Of these, I shun Achilles, swifter far He soon will lop my ignominious head. But if, these leaving to be thus dispersed Before him, from the city-wall I fly650 Across the plain of Troy into the groves Of Ida, and in Ida’s thickets lurk, I may, at evening, to the town return Bathed and refresh’d. But whither tend my thoughts? Should he my flight into the plain observe655 And swift pursuing seize me, then, farewell All hope to scape a miserable death, For he hath strength passing the strength of man. How then—shall I withstand him here before The city? He hath also flesh to steel660 Pervious, within it but a single life, And men report him mortal, howsoe’er Saturnian Jove lift him to glory now. So saying, he turn’d and stood, his dauntless heart Beating for battle. As the pard springs forth665 To meet the hunter from her gloomy lair, Nor, hearing loud the hounds, fears or retires, But whether from afar or nigh at hand He pierce her first, although transfixt, the fight Still tries, and combats desperate till she fall,670 So, brave Antenor’s son fled not, or shrank, Till he had proved Achilles, but his breast O’ershadowing with his buckler and his spear Aiming well-poised against him, loud exclaim’d. Renown’d Achilles! Thou art high in hope675 Doubtless, that thou shalt this day overthrow The city of the glorious sons of Troy. Fool! ye must labor yet ere she be won, For numerous are her citizens and bold, And we will guard her for our parents’ sake680 Our wives and little ones. But here thou diest Terrible Chief and dauntless as thou art. He said, and with full force hurling his lance Smote, and err’d not, his greave beneath his knee The glittering tin, forged newly, at the stroke685 Tremendous rang, but quick recoil’d and vain The weapon, weak against that guard divine. Then sprang Achilles in his turn to assail Godlike Agenor, but Apollo took That glory from him, snatching wrapt in clouds690 Agenor thence, whom calm he sent away. Then Phœbus from pursuit of Ilium’s host By art averted Peleus’ son; the form Assuming of Agenor, swift he fled Before him, and Achilles swift pursued.695 While him Apollo thus lured to the chase Wide o’er the fruitful plain, inclining still Toward Scamander’s dizzy stream his course Nor flying far before, but with false hope Always beguiling him, the scatter’d host700 Meantime, in joyful throngs, regain’d the town. They fill’d and shut it fast, nor dared to wait Each other in the field, or to inquire Who lived and who had fallen, but all, whom flight Had rescued, like a flood pour’d into Troy.705
The Trojans being now within the city, excepting Hector, the field is cleared for the most important and decisive action in the poem; that is, the battle between Achilles and Hector, and the death of the latter. This part of the story is managed with singular skill. It seems as if the poet, feeling the importance of the catastrophe, wished to withdraw from view the personages of less consequence, and to concentrate our attention upon those two alone. The poetic action and description are narrowed in extent, but deepened in interest. The fate of Troy is impending; the irreversible decree of Jupiter is about to be executed; the heroes, whose bravery is to be the instrument of bringing about this consummation, are left together on the plain.—Felton.
XXII. ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTY-SECOND BOOK
Achilles slays Hector.
Book XXII
Thus they, throughout all Troy, like hunted fawns Dispersed, their trickling limbs at leisure cool’d, And, drinking, slaked their fiery thirst, reclined Against the battlements. Meantime, the Greeks Sloping their shields, approach’d the walls of Troy,5 And Hector, by his adverse fate ensnared, Still stood exposed before the Scæan gate. Then spake Apollo thus to Peleus’ son. Wherefore, thyself mortal, pursuest thou me Immortal? oh Achilles! blind with rage,10 Thou know’st not yet, that thou pursuest a God. Unmindful of thy proper task, to press The flying Trojans, thou hast hither turn’d Devious, and they are all now safe in Troy; Yet hope me not to slay; I cannot die.15 To whom Achilles swiftest of the swift, Indignant. Oh, of all the Powers above To me most adverse, Archer of the skies! Thou hast beguiled me, leading me away From Ilium far, whence intercepted, else,20 No few had at this moment gnaw’d the glebe. Thou hast defrauded me of great renown, And, safe thyself, hast rescued them with ease. Ah—had I power, I would requite thee well. So saying, incensed he turned toward the town25 His rapid course, like some victorious steed That whirls, at stretch, a chariot to the goal. Such seem’d Achilles, coursing light the field. Him, first, the ancient King of Troy perceived Scouring the plain, resplendent as the star30 Autumnal, of all stars in dead of night Conspicous most, and named Orion’s dog; Brightest it shines, but ominous, and dire Disease portends to miserable man;[1] So beam’d Achilles’ armor as he flew.35 Loud wail’d the hoary King; with lifted hands His head he smote, and, uttering doleful cries Of supplication, sued to his own son. He, fixt before the gate, desirous stood Of combat with Achilles, when his sire40 With arms outstretch’d toward him, thus began. My Hector! wait not, oh my son! the approach Of this dread Chief, alone, lest premature Thou die, this moment by Achilles slain, For he is strongest far. Oh that the Gods45 Him loved as I! then, soon should vultures rend And dogs his carcase, and my grief should cease. He hath unchilded me of many a son, All valiant youths, whom he hath slain or sold To distant isles, and even now, I miss50 Two sons, whom since the shutting of the gates I find not, Polydorus and Lycaon, My children by Laothöe the fair. If they survive prisoners in yonder camp, I will redeem them with gold and brass55 By noble Eltes to his daughter given, Large store, and still reserved. But should they both, Already slain, have journey’d to the shades, We, then, from whom they sprang have cause to mourn And mourn them long, but shorter shall the grief60 Of Ilium prove, if thou escape and live. Come then, my son! enter the city-gate That thou may’st save us all, nor in thy bloom Of life cut off, enhance Achilles’ fame. Commiserate also thy unhappy sire65 Ere yet distracted, whom Saturnian Jove Ordains to a sad death, and ere I die To woes innumerable; to behold Sons slaughter’d, daughters ravish’d, torn and stripp’d The matrimonial chamber, infants dash’d70 Against the ground in dire hostility,[2] And matrons dragg’d by ruthless Grecian hands. Me, haply, last of all, dogs shall devour In my own vestibule, when once the spear Or falchion of some Greek hath laid me low.75 The very dogs fed at my table-side, My portal-guards, drinking their master’s blood To drunkenness, shall wallow in my courts. Fair falls the warlike youth in battle slain, And when he lies torn by the pointed steel,80 His death becomes him well; he is secure, Though dead, from shame, whatever next befalls: But when the silver locks and silver beard Of an old man slain by the sword, from dogs Receive dishonor, of all ills that wait85 On miserable man, that sure is worst. So spake the ancient King, and his grey hairs Pluck’d with both hands, but Hector firm endured. On the other side all tears his mother stood, And lamentation; with one hand she bared,90 And with the other hand produced her breast, Then in wing’d accents, weeping, him bespake. My Hector! reverence this, and pity me If ever, drawing forth this breast, thy griefs Of infancy I soothed, oh now, my son!95 Acknowledge it, and from within the walls Repulse this enemy; stand not abroad To cope with him, for he is savage-fierce, And should he slay thee, neither shall myself Who bore thee, nor thy noble spouse weep o’er100 Thy body, but, where we can never come, Dogs shall devour it in the fleet of Greece. So they with prayers importuned, and with tears Their son, but him sway’d not; unmoved he stood, Expecting vast Achilles now at hand.105 As some fell serpent in his cave expects The traveller’s approach, batten’d with herbs Of baneful juice to fury,[3] forth he looks Hideous, and lies coil’d all around his den, So Hector, fill’d with confidence untamed,110 Fled not, but placing his bright shield against A buttress, with his noble heart conferr’d. [4]Alas for me! should I repass the gate, Polydamas would be the first to heap Reproaches on me, for he bade me lead115 The Trojans back this last calamitous night In which Achilles rose to arms again. But I refused, although to have complied, Had proved more profitable far; since then By rash resolves of mine I have destroy’d120 The people, how can I escape the blame Of all in Troy? The meanest there will say— By his self-will he hath destroy’d us all. So shall they speak, and then shall I regret That I return’d ere I had slain in fight125 Achilles, or that, by Achilles slain, I died not nobly in defence of Troy. But shall I thus? Lay down my bossy shield, Put off my helmet, and my spear recline Against the city wall, then go myself130 To meet the brave Achilles, and at once Promise him Helen, for whose sake we strive With all the wealth that Paris in his fleet Brought home, to be restored to Atreus’ sons, And to distribute to the Greeks at large135 All hidden treasures of the town, an oath Taking beside from every senator, That he will nought conceal, but will produce And share in just equality what stores Soever our fair city still includes?140 Ah airy speculations, questions vain! I may not sue to him: compassion none Will he vouchsafe me, or my suit respect. But, seeing me unarm’d, will sate at once His rage, and womanlike I shall be slain.145 It is no time from oak or hollow rock With him to parley, as a nymph and swain, A nymph and swain[5] soft parley mutual hold, But rather to engage in combat fierce Incontinent; so shall we soonest learn150 Whom Jove will make victorious, him or me. Thus pondering he stood; meantime approach’d Achilles, terrible as fiery Mars, Crest-tossing God, and brandish’d as he came O’er his right shoulder high the Pelian spear.155 Like lightning, or like flame, or like the sun Ascending, beam’d his armor. At that sight Trembled the Trojan Chief, nor dared expect His nearer step, but flying left the gates Far distant, and Achilles swift pursued.160 As in the mountains, fleetest fowl of air, The hawk darts eager at the dove; she scuds Aslant, he screaming, springs and springs again To seize her, all impatient for the prey, So flew Achilles constant to the track165 Of Hector, who with dreadful haste beneath The Trojan bulwarks plied his agile limbs. Passing the prospect-mount where high in air The wild-fig waved,[6] they rush’d along the road, Declining never from the wall of Troy.170 And now they reach’d the running rivulets clear, Where from Scamander’s dizzy flood arise Two fountains,[7] tepid one, from which a smoke Issues voluminous as from a fire, The other, even in summer heats, like hail175 For cold, or snow, or crystal-stream frost-bound. Beside them may be seen the broad canals Of marble scoop’d, in which the wives of Troy And all her daughters fair were wont to lave Their costly raiment,[8] while the land had rest,180 And ere the warlike sons of Greece arrived. By these they ran, one fleeing, one in chase. Valiant was he who fled, but valiant far Beyond him he who urged the swift pursuit; Nor ran they for a vulgar prize, a beast185 For sacrifice, or for the hide of such, The swift foot-racer’s customary meed, But for the noble Hector’s life they ran. As when two steeds, oft conquerors, trim the goal For some illustrious prize, a tripod bright190 Or beauteous virgin, at a funeral game, So they with nimble feet the city thrice Of Priam compass’d. All the Gods look’d on, And thus the Sire of Gods and men began. Ah—I behold a warrior dear to me195 Around the walls of Ilium driven, and grieve For Hector, who the thighs of fatted bulls On yonder heights of Ida many-valed Burn’d oft to me, and in the heights of Troy:[9] But him Achilles, glorious Chief, around200 The city walls of Priam now pursues. Consider this, ye Gods! weigh the event. Shall we from death save Hector? or, at length, Leave him, although in battle high renown’d, To perish by the might of Peleus’ son?205 Whom answer’d thus Pallas cerulean-eyed. Dread Sovereign of the storms! what hast thou said? Wouldst thou deliver from the stroke of fate A mortal man death-destined from of old? Do it; but small thy praise shall be in heaven.210 Then answer thus, cloud-gatherer Jove return’d. Fear not, Tritonia, daughter dear! that word Spake not my purpose; me thou shalt perceive Always to thee indulgent. What thou wilt That execute, and use thou no delay.215 So roused he Pallas of herself prepared, And from the heights Olympian down she flew. With unremitting speed Achilles still Urged Hector. As among the mountain-height The hound pursues, roused newly from her lair220 The flying fawn through many a vale and grove; And though she trembling skulk the shrubs beneath, Tracks her continual, till he find the prey, So ’scaped not Hector Peleus’ rapid son. Oft as toward the Dardan gates he sprang225 Direct, and to the bulwarks firm of Troy, Hoping some aid by volleys from the wall, So oft, outstripping him, Achilles thence Enforced him to the field, who, as he might, Still ever stretch’d toward the walls again.230 As, in a dream,[10] pursuit hesitates oft, This hath no power to fly, that to pursue, So these—one fled, and one pursued in vain. How, then, had Hector his impending fate Eluded, had not Phœbus, at his last,235 Last effort meeting him, his strength restored, And wing’d for flight his agile limbs anew? The son of Peleus, as he ran, his brows Shaking, forbad the people to dismiss A dart at Hector, lest a meaner hand240 Piercing him, should usurp the foremost praise. But when the fourth time to those rivulets. They came, then lifting high his golden scales, Two lots the everlasting Father placed Within them, for Achilles one, and one245 For Hector, balancing the doom of both. Grasping it in the midst, he raised the beam. Down went the fatal day of Hector, down To Ades, and Apollo left his side. Then blue-eyed Pallas hasting to the son250 Of Peleus, in wing’d accents him address’d. Now, dear to Jove, Achilles famed in arms! I hope that, fierce in combat though he be, We shall, at last, slay Hector, and return Crown’d with great glory to the fleet of Greece.255 No fear of his deliverance now remains, Not even should the King of radiant shafts, Apollo, toil in supplication, roll’d And roll’d again[11] before the Thunderer’s feet. But stand, recover breath; myself, the while,260 Shall urge him to oppose thee face to face. So Pallas spake, whom joyful he obey’d, And on his spear brass-pointed lean’d. But she, (Achilles left) to noble Hector pass’d, And in the form, and with the voice loud-toned265 Approaching of Deiphobus, his ear In accents, as of pity, thus address’d. Ah brother! thou art overtask’d, around The walls of Troy by swift Achilles driven; But stand, that we may chase him in his turn.[12]270 To whom crest-tossing Hector huge replied. Deiphobus! of all my father’s sons Brought forth by Hecuba, I ever loved Thee most, but more than ever love thee now, Who hast not fear’d, seeing me, for my sake275 To quit the town, where others rest content. To whom the Goddess, thus, cerulean-eyed. Brother! our parents with much earnest suit Clasping my knees, and all my friends implored me To stay in Troy, (such fear hath seized on all)280 But grief for thee prey’d on my inmost soul. Come—fight we bravely—spare we now our spears No longer; now for proof if Peleus’ son Slaying us both, shall bear into the fleet Our arms gore-stain’d, or perish slain by thee.285 So saying, the wily Goddess led the way. They soon, approaching each the other, stood Opposite, and huge Hector thus began. Pelides! I will fly thee now no more. Thrice I have compass’d Priam’s spacious walls290 A fugitive, and have not dared abide Thy onset, but my heart now bids me stand Dauntless, and I will slay, or will be slain. But come. We will attest the Gods; for they Are fittest both to witness and to guard295 Our covenant. If Jove to me vouchsafe The hard-earn’d victory, and to take thy life, I will not with dishonor foul insult Thy body, but, thine armor stripp’d, will give Thee to thy friends, as thou shalt me to mine.300 To whom Achilles, lowering dark, replied. Hector! my bitterest foe! speak not to me Of covenants! as concord can be none Lions and men between, nor wolves and lambs Can be unanimous, but hate perforce305 Each other by a law not to be changed, So cannot amity subsist between Thee and myself; nor league make I with thee Or compact, till thy blood in battle shed Or mine, shall gratify the fiery Mars.310 Rouse all thy virtue; thou hast utmost need Of valor now, and of address in arms. Escape me more thou canst not; Pallas’ hand By mine subdues thee; now will I avenge At once the agonies of every Greek315 In thy unsparing fury slain by thee. He said, and, brandishing the Pelian ash, Dismiss’d it; but illustrious Hector warn’d, Crouched low, and, overflying him, it pierced The soil beyond, whence Pallas plucking it320 Unseen, restored it to Achilles’ hand, And Hector to his godlike foe replied. Godlike Achilles! thou hast err’d, nor know’st At all my doom from Jove, as thou pretend’st, But seek’st, by subtlety and wind of words,325 All empty sounds, to rob me of my might. Yet stand I firm. Think not to pierce my back. Behold my bosom! if the Gods permit, Meet me advancing, and transpierce me there. Meantime avoid my glittering spear, but oh330 May’st thou receive it all! since lighter far To Ilium should the toils of battle prove, Wert thou once slain, the fiercest of her foes. He said, and hurling his long spear with aim Unerring, smote the centre of the shield335 Of Peleus’ son, but his spear glanced away. He, angry to have sent it forth in vain, (For he had other none) with eyes downcast Stood motionless awhile, then with loud voice Sought from Deiphobus, white-shielded Chief,340 A second; but Deiphobus was gone. Then Hector understood his doom, and said. Ah, it is plain; this is mine hour to die. I thought Deiphobus at hand, but me Pallas beguiled, and he is still in Troy.345 A bitter death threatens me, it is nigh, And there is no escape; Jove, and Jove’s son Apollo, from the first, although awhile My prompt deliverers, chose this lot for me, And now it finds me. But I will not fall350 Inglorious; I will act some great exploit That shall be celebrated ages hence. So saying, his keen falchion from his side He drew, well-temper’d, ponderous, and rush’d At once to combat. As the eagle darts355 Right downward through a sullen cloud to seize Weak lamb or timorous hare, so brandishing His splendid falchion, Hector rush’d to fight. Achilles, opposite, with fellest ire Full-fraught came on; his shield with various art360 Celestial form’d, o’erspread his ample chest, And on his radiant casque terrific waved The bushy gold of his resplendent crest, By Vulcan spun, and pour’d profuse around. Bright as, among the stars, the star of all365 Most radiant, Hesperus, at midnight moves, So, in the right hand of Achilles beam’d His brandish’d spear, while, meditating wo To Hector, he explored his noble form, Seeking where he was vulnerable most.370 But every part, his dazzling armor torn From brave Patroclus’ body, well secured, Save where the circling key-bone from the neck Disjoins the shoulder; there his throat appear’d, Whence injured life with swiftest flight escapes;375 Achilles, plunging in that part his spear, Impell’d it through the yielding flesh beyond. The ashen beam his power of utterance left Still unimpair’d, but in the dust he fell, And the exulting conqueror exclaim’d.380 But Hector! thou hadst once far other hopes, And, stripping slain Patroclus, thought’st thee safe, Nor caredst for absent me. Fond dream and vain! I was not distant far; in yonder fleet He left one able to avenge his death,385 And he hath slain thee. Thee the dogs shall rend Dishonorably, and the fowls of air, But all Achaia’s host shall him entomb. To whom the Trojan Chief languid replied. By thy own life, by theirs who gave thee birth,390 And by thy knees,[13] oh let not Grecian dogs Rend and devour me, but in gold accept And brass a ransom at my father’s hands, And at my mother’s an illustrious price; Send home my body, grant me burial rites395 Among the daughters and the sons of Troy. To whom with aspect stern Achilles thus. Dog! neither knees nor parents name to me. I would my fierceness of revenge were such, That I could carve and eat thee, to whose arms400 Such griefs I owe; so true it is and sure, That none shall save thy carcase from the dogs. No, trust me, would thy parents bring me weigh’d Ten—twenty ransoms, and engage on oath To add still more; would thy Dardanian Sire405 Priam, redeem thee with thy weight in gold, Not even at that price would I consent That she who bare should place thee on thy bier With lamentation; dogs and ravening fowls Shall rend thy body while a scrap remains.410 Then, dying, warlike Hector thus replied. Full well I knew before, how suit of mine Should speed preferr’d to thee. Thy heart is steel. But oh, while yet thou livest, think, lest the Gods Requite thee on that day, when pierced thyself415 By Paris and Apollo, thou shalt fall, Brave as thou art, before the Scæan gate. He ceased, and death involved him dark around. His spirit, from his limbs dismiss’d, the house Of Ades sought, mourning in her descent420 Youth’s prime and vigor lost, disastrous doom! But him though dead, Achilles thus bespake. Die thou. My death shall find me at what hour Jove gives commandment, and the Gods above. He spake, and from the dead drawing away425 His brazen spear, placed it apart, then stripp’d His arms gore-stain’d. Meantime the other sons Of the Achaians, gathering fast around, The bulk admired, and the proportion just Of Hector; neither stood a Grecian there430 Who pierced him not, and thus the soldier spake. Ye Gods! how far more patient of the touch Is Hector now, than when he fired the fleet! Thus would they speak, then give him each a stab. And now, the body stripp’d, their noble Chief435 The swift Achilles standing in the midst, The Grecians in wing’d accents thus address’d. Friends, Chiefs and Senators of Argos’ host! Since, by the will of heaven, this man is slain Who harm’d us more than all our foes beside,440 Essay we next the city, so to learn The Trojan purpose, whether (Hector slain) They will forsake the citadel, or still Defend it, even though of him deprived. But wherefore speak I thus? still undeplored,445 Unburied in my fleet Patroclus lies; Him never, while alive myself, I mix With living men and move, will I forget. In Ades, haply, they forget the dead, Yet will not I Patroclus, even there.450 Now chanting pæans, ye Achaian youths! Return we to the fleet with this our prize; We have achieved great glory,[14] we have slain Illustrious Hector, him whom Ilium praised In all her gates, and as a God revered.455 He said; then purposing dishonor foul To noble Hector, both his feet he bored From heel to ancle, and, inserting thongs, Them tied behind his chariot, but his head Left unsustain’d to trail along the ground.460 Ascending next, the armor at his side He placed, then lash’d the steeds; they willing flew Thick dust around the body dragg’d arose, His sable locks all swept the plain, and all His head, so graceful once, now track’d the dust,465 For Jove had given it into hostile hands That they might shame it in his native soil.[15] Thus, whelm’d in dust, it went. The mother Queen Her son beholding, pluck’d her hair away, Cast far aside her lucid veil, and fill’d470 With shrieks the air. His father wept aloud, And, all around, long, long complaints were heard And lamentations in the streets of Troy, Not fewer or less piercing, than if flames Had wrapt all Ilium to her topmost towers.475 His people scarce detain’d the ancient King Grief-stung, and resolute to issue forth Through the Dardanian gates; to all he kneel’d In turn, then roll’d himself in dust, and each By name solicited to give him way.480 Stand off, my fellow mourners! I would pass The gates, would seek, alone, the Grecian fleet. I go to supplicate the bloody man, Yon ravager; he may respect, perchance, My years, may feel some pity of my age;485 For, such as I am, his own father is, Peleus, who rear’d him for a curse to Troy, But chiefly rear’d him to myself a curse, So numerous have my sons in prime of youth Fall’n by his hand, all whom I less deplore490 (Though mourning all) than one; my agonies For Hector soon shall send me to the shades. Oh had he but within these arms expired, The hapless Queen who bore him, and myself Had wept him, then, till sorrow could no more!495 So spake he weeping, and the citizens All sigh’d around; next, Hecuba began Amid the women, thus, her sad complaint. Ah wherefore, oh my son! wretch that I am, Breathe I forlorn of thee? Thou, night and day,500 My glory wast in Ilium, thee her sons And daughters, both, hail’d as their guardian God, Conscious of benefits from thee received, Whose life prolong’d should have advanced them all To high renown. Vain boast! thou art no more.505 So mourn’d the Queen. But fair Andromache Nought yet had heard, nor knew by sure report Hector’s delay without the city gates. She in a closet of her palace sat, A twofold web weaving magnificent,510 With sprinkled flowers inwrought of various hues, And to her maidens had commandment given Through all her house, that compassing with fire An ample tripod, they should warm a bath For noble Hector from the fight return’d.515 Tenderness ill-inform’d! she little knew That in the field, from such refreshments far, Pallas had slain him by Achilles’ hand. She heard a cry of sorrow from the tower; Her limbs shook under her, her shuttle fell,520 And to her bright-hair’d train, alarm’d, she cried. Attend me two of you, that I may learn What hath befallen. I have heard the voice Of the Queen-mother; my rebounding heart Chokes me, and I seem fetter’d by a frost.525 Some mischief sure o’er Priam’s sons impends. Far be such tidings from me! but I fear Horribly, lest Achilles, cutting off My dauntless Hector from the gates alone, Enforce him to the field, and quell perhaps530 The might, this moment, of that dreadful arm His hinderance long; for Hector ne’er was wont To seek his safety in the ranks, but flew First into battle, yielding place to none. So saying, she rush’d with palpitating heart535 And frantic air abroad, by her two maids Attended; soon arriving at the tower, And at the throng of men, awhile she stood Down-looking wistful from the city-wall, And, seeing him in front of Ilium, dragg’d540 So cruelly toward the fleet of Greece, O’erwhelm’d with sudden darkness at the view Fell backward, with a sigh heard all around. Far distant flew dispersed her head-attire, Twist, frontlet, diadem, and even the veil545 By golden Venus given her on the day When Hector led her from Eëtion’s house Enrich’d with nuptial presents to his home. Around her throng’d her sisters of the house Of Priam, numerous, who within their arms550 Fast held her[16] loathing life; but she, her breath At length and sense recovering, her complaint Broken with sighs amid them thus began. Hector! I am undone; we both were born To misery, thou in Priam’s house in Troy,555 And I in Hypoplacian Thebes wood-crown’d Beneath Eëtion’s roof. He, doom’d himself To sorrow, me more sorrowfully doom’d, Sustain’d in helpless infancy, whom oh That he had ne’er begotten! thou descend’st560 To Pluto’s subterraneous dwelling drear, Leaving myself destitute, and thy boy, Fruit of our hapless loves, an infant yet, Never to be hereafter thy delight, Nor love of thine to share or kindness more.565 For should he safe survive this cruel war, With the Achaians penury and toil Must be his lot, since strangers will remove At will his landmarks, and possess his fields. Thee lost, he loses all, of father, both,570 And equal playmate in one day deprived, To sad looks doom’d, and never-ceasing-tears. He seeks, necessitous his father’s friends, One by his mantle pulls, one by his vest, Whose utmost pity yields to his parch’d lips575 A thirst-provoking drop, and grudges more; Some happier child, as yet untaught to mourn A parent’s loss, shoves rudely from the board My son, and, smiting him, reproachful cries— Away—thy father is no guest of ours—580 Then, weeping, to his widow’d mother comes Astyanax, who on his father’s lap Ate marrow only, once, and fat of lambs,[17] And when sleep took him, and his crying fit Had ceased, slept ever on the softest bed,585 Warm in his nurse’s arms, fed to his fill With delicacies, and his heart at rest. But now, Astyanax (so named in Troy For thy sake, guardian of her gates and towers) His father lost, must many a pang endure.590 And as for thee, cast naked forth among Yon galleys, where no parent’s eye of thine Shall find thee, when the dogs have torn thee once Till they are sated, worms shall eat thee next. Meantime, thy graceful raiment rich, prepared595 By our own maidens, in thy palace lies; But I will burn it, burn it all, because Useless to thee, who never, so adorn’d, Shalt slumber more; yet every eye in Troy Shall see, how glorious once was thy attire.[18]600 So, weeping, she; to whom the multitude Of Trojan dames responsive sigh’d around.
XXIII. ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTY-THIRD BOOK
The body of Patroclus is burned, and the funeral games ensue.
Book XXIII
Such mourning was in Troy; meantime the Greeks Their galleys and the shores of Hellespont Regaining, each to his own ship retired. But not the Myrmidons; Achilles them Close rank’d in martial order still detain’d,5 And thus his fellow-warriors brave address’d. Ye swift-horsed Myrmidons, associates dear! Release not from your chariots yet your steeds Firm-hoof’d, but steeds and chariots driving near, Bewail Patroclus, as the rites demand10 Of burial; then, satiate with grief and tears, We will release our steeds, and take repast. He ended, and, himself leading the way, His numerous band all mourn’d at once the dead. Around the body thrice their glossy steeds,15 Mourning they drove, while Thetis in their hearts The thirst of sorrow kindled; they with tears The sands bedew’d, with tears their radiant arms, Such deep regret of one so brave they felt. Then, placing on the bosom of his friend20 His homicidal hands, Achilles thus The shade of his Patroclus, sad, bespake. Hail, oh Patroclus, even in Ades hail! For I will now accomplish to the full My promise pledged to thee, that I would give25 Hector dragg’d hither to be torn by dogs Piecemeal, and would before thy funeral pile The necks dissever of twelve Trojan youths Of noblest rank, resentful of thy death. He said, and meditating foul disgrace30 To noble Hector, stretch’d him prone in dust Beside the bier of Menœtiades. Then all the Myrmidons their radiant arms Put off, and their shrill-neighing steeds released. A numerous band beside the bark they sat35 Of swift Æacides, who furnish’d forth Himself a feast funereal for them all. Many a white ox under the ruthless steel Lay bleeding, many a sheep and blatant goat, With many a saginated boar bright-tusk’d,40 Amid fierce flames Vulcanian stretch’d to roast. Copious the blood ran all around the dead. And now the Kings of Greece conducted thence To Agamemnon’s tent the royal son Of Peleus, loth to go, and won at last45 With difficulty, such his anger was And deep resentment of his slaughter’d friend. Soon then as Agamemnon’s tent they reach’d, The sovereign bade his heralds kindle fire Around an ample vase, with purpose kind50 Moving Achilles from his limbs to cleanse The stains of battle; but he firm refused That suit, and bound refusal with an oath— No; by the highest and the best of all, By Jove I will not. Never may it be55 That brazen bath approach this head of mine, Till I shall first Patroclus’ body give To his last fires, till I shall pile his tomb, And sheer my locks in honor of my friend; For, like to this, no second wo shall e’er60 My heart invade, while vital breath I draw. But, all unwelcome as it is, repast Now calls us. Agamemnon, King of men! Give thou command that at the dawn they bring Wood hither, such large portion as beseems65 The dead, descending to the shades, to share, That hungry flames consuming out of sight His body soon, the host may war again. He spake; they, hearing, readily obey’d. Then, each his food preparing with dispatch,70 They ate, nor wanted any of the guests Due portion, and their appetites sufficed To food and wine, all to their tents repair’d Seeking repose; but on the sands beside The billowy deep Achilles groaning lay75 Amidst his Myrmidons, where space he found With blood unstain’d beside the dashing wave.[1] There, soon as sleep, deliverer of the mind, Wrapp’d him around (for much his noble limbs With chase of Hector round the battlements80 Of wind-swept Ilium wearied were and spent) The soul came to him of his hapless friend, In bulk resembling, in expressive eyes And voice Patroclus, and so clad as he. Him, hovering o’er his head, the form address’d.85 Sleep’st thou, Achilles! of thy friend become Heedless? Him living thou didst not neglect Whom thou neglectest dead. Give me a tomb Instant, that I may pass the infernal gates. For now, the shades and spirits of the dead90 Drive me afar, denying me my wish To mingle with them on the farthest shore, And in wide-portal’d Ades sole I roam. Give me thine hand, I pray thee, for the earth I visit never more, once burnt with fire;95 We never shall again close council hold As we were wont, for me my fate severe, Mine even from my birth, hath deep absorb’d. And oh Achilles, semblance of the Gods! Thou too predestined art beneath the wall100 To perish of the high-born Trojan race. But hear my last injunction! ah, my friend! My bones sepulchre not from thine apart, But as, together we were nourish’d both Beneath thy roof (what time from Opoëis105 Menœtius led me to thy father’s house, Although a child, yet fugitive for blood, Which, in a quarrel at the dice, I spilt, Killing my playmate by a casual blow, The offspring of Amphidamas, when, like110 A father, Peleus with all tenderness Received and cherish’d me, and call’d me thine) So, let one vase inclose, at last, our bones, The golden vase, thy Goddess mother’s gift.[2] To whom Achilles, matchless in the race.115 Ah, loved and honor’d! wherefore hast thou come! Why thus enjoin’d me? I will all perform With diligence that thou hast now desired. But nearer stand, that we may mutual clasp Each other, though but with a short embrace,120 And sad satiety of grief enjoy. He said, and stretch’d his arms toward the shade, But him seized not; shrill-clamoring and light As smoke, the spirit pass’d into the earth. Amazed, upsprang Achilles, clash’d aloud125 His palms together, and thus, sad, exclaim’d. Ah then, ye Gods! there doubtless are below The soul and semblance both, but empty forms; For all night long, mourning, disconsolate, The soul of my Patroclus, hapless friend!130 Hath hover’d o’er me, giving me in charge His last requests, just image of himself. So saying, he call’d anew their sorrow forth, And rosy-palm’d Aurora found them all Mourning afresh the pitiable dead.135 Then royal Agamemnon call’d abroad Mules and mule-drivers from the tents in haste To gather wood. Uprose a valiant man, Friend of the virtuous Chief Idomeneus, Meriones, who led them to the task.140 They, bearing each in hand his sharpen’d axe And twisted cord, thence journey’d forth, the mules Driving before them; much uneven space They measured, hill and dale, right onward now, And now circuitous; but at the groves145 Arrived at length, of Ida fountain-fed, Their keen-edged axes to the towering oaks Dispatchful they applied; down fell the trees With crash sonorous. Splitting, next, the trunks, They bound them on the mules; they, with firm hoofs150 The hill-side stamping, through the thickets rush’d Desirous of the plain. Each man his log (For so the armor-bearer of the King Of Crete, Meriones, had them enjoin’d) Bore after them, and each his burthen cast155 Down on the beach regular, where a tomb Of ample size Achilles for his friend Patroclus had, and for himself, design’d. Much fuel thrown together, side by side There down they sat, and his command at once160 Achilles issued to his warriors bold, That all should gird their armor, and the steeds Join to their chariots; undelaying each Complied, and in bright arms stood soon array’d. Then mounted combatants and charioteers.165 First, moved the chariots, next, the infantry Proceeded numerous, amid whom his friends, Bearing the body of Patroclus, went. They poll’d their heads, and cover’d him with hair Shower’d over all his body, while behind170 Noble Achilles march’d, the hero’s head Sustaining sorrowful, for to the realms Of Ades a distinguish’d friend he sent. And now, arriving on the ground erewhile Mark’d by Achilles, setting down the dead,175 They heap’d the fuel quick, a lofty pile.[3] But Peleus’ son, on other thoughts intent, Retiring from the funeral pile, shore off His amber ringlets,[4] whose exuberant growth Sacred to Sperchius he had kept unshorn,180 And looking o’er the gloomy deep, he said. Sperchius! in vain Peleus my father vow’d That, hence returning to my native land, These ringlets shorn I should present to thee[5] With a whole hecatomb, and should, beside,185 Rams offer fifty at thy fountain head In thy own field, at thy own fragrant shrine. So vow’d the hoary Chief, whose wishes thou Leavest unperform’d. Since, therefore, never more I see my native home, the hero these190 Patroclus takes down with him to the shades. He said, and filling with his hair the hand Of his dead friend, the sorrows of his train Waken’d afresh. And now the lamp of day Westering[6] apace, had left them still in tears,195 Had not Achilles suddenly address’d King Agamemnon, standing at his side. Atrides! (for Achaia’s sons thy word Will readiest execute) we may with grief Satiate ourselves hereafter; but, the host200 Dispersing from the pile, now give command That they prepare repast; ourselves,[7] to whom These labors in peculiar appertain Will finish them; but bid the Chiefs abide. Which when imperial Agamemnon heard,205 He scatter’d instant to their several ships The people; but the burial-dressers thence Went not; they, still abiding, heap’d the pile. A hundred feet of breadth from side to side They gave to it, and on the summit placed210 With sorrowing hearts the body of the dead. Many a fat sheep, with many an ox full-horn’d They flay’d before the pile, busy their task Administering, and Peleus’ son the fat Taking from every victim, overspread215 Complete the body with it of his friend[8] Patroclus, and the flay’d beasts heap’d around. Then, placing flagons on the pile, replete With oil and honey, he inclined their mouths Toward the bier, and slew and added next,220 Deep-groaning and in haste, four martial steeds. Nine dogs the hero at his table fed, Of which beheading two, their carcases He added also. Last, twelve gallant sons Of noble Trojans slaying (for his heart225 Teem’d with great vengeance) he applied the force Of hungry flames that should devour the whole, Then, mourning loud, by name his friend invoked. Rejoice, Patroclus! even in the shades, Behold my promise to thee all fulfill’d!230 Twelve gallant sons of Trojans famed in arms, Together with thyself, are all become Food for these fires: but fire shall never feed On Hector; him I destine to the dogs. So threaten’d he; but him no dogs devour’d;235 Them, day and night, Jove’s daughter Venus chased Afar, and smooth’d the hero o’er with oils Of rosy scent ambrosial, lest his corse, Behind Achilles’ chariot dragg’d along So rudely, should be torn; and Phœbus hung240 A veil of sable clouds from heaven to earth, O’ershadowing broad the space where Hector lay, Lest parching suns intense should stiffen him. But the pile kindled not. Then, Peleus’ son Seeking a place apart, two Winds in prayer245 Boreas invoked and Zephyrus, to each Vowing large sacrifice. With earnest suit (Libation pouring from a golden cup) Their coming he implored, that so the flames Kindling, incontinent might burn the dead.250 Iris, his supplications hearing, swift Convey’d them to the Winds; they, in the hall Banqueting of the heavy-blowing West Sat frequent. Iris, sudden at the gate Appear’d; they, at the sight upstarting all,255 Invited each the Goddess to himself. But she refused a seat and thus she spake.[9] I sit not here. Borne over Ocean’s stream Again, to Æthiopia’s land I go Where hecatombs are offer’d to the Gods,260 Which, with the rest, I also wish to share. But Peleus’ son, earnest, the aid implores Of Boreas and of Zephyrus the loud, Vowing large sacrifice if ye will fan Briskly the pile on which Patroclus lies265 By all Achaia’s warriors deep deplored. She said, and went. Then suddenly arose The Winds, and, roaring, swept the clouds along. First, on the sea they blew; big rose the waves Beneath the blast. At fruitful Troy arrived270 Vehement on the pile they fell, and dread On all sides soon a crackling blaze ensued. All night, together blowing shrill, they drove The sheeted flames wide from the funeral pile, And all night long, a goblet in his hand275 From golden beakers fill’d, Achilles stood With large libations soaking deep the soil, And calling on the spirit of his friend. As some fond father mourns, burning the bones Of his own son, who, dying on the eve280 Of his glad nuptials, hath his parents left O’erwhelm’d with inconsolable distress, So mourn’d Achilles, his companion’s bones Burning, and pacing to and fro the field Beside the pile with many a sigh profound.285 But when the star, day’s harbinger, arose, Soon after whom, in saffron vest attired The morn her beams diffuses o’er the sea, The pile, then wasted, ceased to flame, and then Back flew the Winds over the Thracian deep290 Rolling the flood before them as they pass’d. And now Pelides lying down apart From the funereal pile, slept, but not long, Though weary; waken’d by the stir and din Of Agamemnon’s train. He sat erect,295 And thus the leaders of the host address’d. Atrides, and ye potentates who rule The whole Achaian host! first quench the pile Throughout with generous wine, where’er the fire Hath seized it. We will then the bones collect300 Of Menœtiades, which shall with ease Be known, though many bones lie scatter’d near, Since in the middle pile Patroclus lay, But wide apart and on its verge we burn’d The steeds and Trojans, a promiscuous heap.305 Them so collected in a golden vase We will dispose, lined with a double cawl, Till I shall, also, to my home below. I wish not now a tomb of amplest bounds, But such as may suffice, which yet in height310 The Grecians and in breadth shall much augment Hereafter, who, survivors of my fate, Shall still remain in the Achaian fleet. So spake Pelides, and the Chiefs complied. Where’er the pile had blazed, with generous wine315 They quench’d it, and the hills of ashes sank. Then, weeping, to a golden vase, with lard Twice lined, they gave their gentle comrade’s bones Fire-bleach’d, and lodging safely in his tent The relics, overspread them with a veil.320 Designing, next, the compass of the tomb, They mark’d its boundary with stones, then fill’d The wide enclosure hastily with earth, And, having heap’d it to its height, return’d. But all the people, by Achilles still325 Detain’d, there sitting, form’d a spacious ring, And he the destined prizes from his fleet Produced, capacious caldrons, tripods bright, Steeds, mules, tall oxen, women at the breast Close-cinctured, elegant, and unwrought[10] iron.330 First, to the chariot-drivers he proposed A noble prize; a beauteous maiden versed In arts domestic, with a tripod ear’d, Of twenty and two measures. These he made The conqueror’s meed. The second should a mare335 Obtain, unbroken yet, six years her age, Pregnant, and bearing in her womb a mule. A caldron of four measures, never smirch’d By smoke or flame, but fresh as from the forge The third awaited; to the fourth he gave340 Two golden talents, and, unsullied yet By use, a twin-ear’d phial[11] to the fifth. He stood erect, and to the Greeks he cried.
Atrides, and ye chiefs of all the host! These prizes, in the circus placed, attend345 The charioteers. Held we the present games In honor of some other Grecian dead, I would myself bear hence the foremost prize; For ye are all witnesses well-inform’d Of the superior virtue of my steeds.350 They are immortal; Neptune on my sire Peleus conferr’d them, and my sire on me. But neither I this contest share myself, Nor shall my steeds; for they would miss the force And guidance of a charioteer so kind355 As they have lost, who many a time hath cleansed Their manes with water of the crystal brook, And made them sleek, himself, with limpid oil. Him, therefore, mourning, motionless they stand With hair dishevell’d, streaming to the ground.360 But ye, whoever of the host profess Superior skill, and glory in your steeds And well-built chariots, for the strife prepare! So spake Pelides, and the charioteers, For speed renown’d arose. Long ere the rest365 Eumelus, King of men, Admetus’ son Arose, accomplish’d in equestrian arts. Next, Tydeus’ son, brave Diomede, arose; He yoked the Trojan coursers by himself In battle from Æneas won, what time370 Apollo saved their master. Third, upstood The son of Atreus with the golden locks, Who to his chariot Agamemnon’s mare Swift Æthe and his own Podargus join’d. Her Echepolus from Anchises sprung375 To Agamemnon gave; she was the price At which he purchased leave to dwell at home Excused attendance on the King at Troy; For, by the gift of Jove, he had acquired Great riches, and in wide-spread Sicyon dwelt.380 Her wing’d with ardor, Menelaus yoked. Antilochus, arising fourth, his steeds Bright-maned prepared, son of the valiant King Of Pylus, Nestor Neleïades. Of Pylian breed were they, and thus his sire,385 With kind intent approaching to his side, Advised him, of himself not uninform’d.[12] Antilochus! Thou art, I know, beloved By Jove and Neptune both, from whom, though young Thou hast received knowledge of every art390 Equestrian, and hast little need to learn. Thou know’st already how to trim the goal With nicest skill, yet wondrous slow of foot Thy coursers are, whence evil may ensue. But though their steeds be swifter, I account395 Thee wise, at least, as they. Now is the time For counsel, furnish now thy mind with all Precaution, that the prize escape thee not. The feller of huge trees by skill prevails More than by strength; by skill the pilot guides400 His flying bark rock’d by tempestuous winds, And more by skill than speed the race is won. But he who in his chariot and his steeds Trusts only, wanders here and wanders there Unsteady, while his coursers loosely rein’d405 Roam wide the field; not so the charioteer Of sound intelligence; he though he drive Inferior steeds, looks ever to the goal Which close he clips, not ignorant to check His coursers at the first but with tight rein410 Ruling his own, and watching those before. Now mark; I will describe so plain the goal That thou shalt know it surely. A dry stump Extant above the ground an ell in height Stands yonder; either oak it is, or pine415 More likely, which the weather least impairs. Two stones, both white, flank it on either hand. The way is narrow there, but smooth the course On both sides. It is either, as I think, A monument of one long since deceased,420 Or was, perchance, in ancient days design’d, As now by Peleus’ mighty son, a goal. That mark in view, thy steeds and chariot push Near to it as thou may’st; then, in thy seat Inclining gently to the left, prick smart425 Thy right-hand horse challenging him aloud, And give him rein; but let thy left-hand horse Bear on the goal so closely, that the nave And felly[13] of thy wheel may seem to meet. Yet fear to strike the stone, lest foul disgrace430 Of broken chariot and of crippled steeds Ensue, and thou become the public jest. My boy beloved! use caution; for if once Thou turn the goal at speed, no man thenceforth Shall reach, or if he reach, shall pass thee by,435 Although Arion in thy rear he drove Adrastus’ rapid horse of race divine, Or those, Troy’s boast, bred by Laomedon. So Nestor spake, inculcating with care On his son’s mind these lessons in the art,440 And to his place retiring, sat again. Meriones his coursers glossy-maned Made ready last. Then to his chariot-seat Each mounted, and the lots were thrown; himself Achilles shook them. First, forth leap’d the lot445 Of Nestor’s son Antilochus, after whom The King Eumelus took his destined place. The third was Menelaus spear-renown’d; Meriones the fourth; and last of all, Bravest of all, heroic Diomede450 The son of Tydeus took his lot to drive. So ranged they stood; Achilles show’d the goal Far on the champain, nigh to which he placed The godlike Phœnix servant of his sire, To mark the race and make a true report.455 All raised the lash at once, and with the reins At once all smote their steeds, urging them on Vociferous; they, sudden, left the fleet Far, far behind them, scouring swift the plain. Dark, like a stormy cloud, uprose the dust460 Their chests beneath, and scatter’d in the wind Their manes all floated; now the chariots swept The low declivity unseen, and now Emerging started into view; erect The drivers stood; emulous, every heart465 Beat double; each encouraged loud his steeds; They, flying, fill’d with dust the darken’d air. But when returning to the hoary deep They ran their last career, then each display’d Brightest his charioteership, and the race470 Lay stretch’d, at once, into its utmost speed. Then, soon the mares of Pheretiades[14] Pass’d all, but Diomede behind him came, Borne by his unemasculated steeds Of Trojan pedigree; they not remote,475 But close pursued him; and at every pace Seem’d entering both; the chariot at their head, For blowing warm into Eumelus’ neck Behind, and on his shoulders broad, they went, And their chins rested on him as they flew.480 Then had Tydides pass’d him, or had made Decision dubious, but Apollo struck, Resentful,[15] from his hand the glittering scourge. Fast roll’d the tears indignant down his cheeks, For he beheld the mares with double speed,485 Flying, and of the spur deprived, his own Retarded steeds continual thrown behind. But not unnoticed by Minerva pass’d The art by Phœbus practised to impede The son of Tydeus, whom with winged haste490 Following, she gave to him his scourge again, And with new force his lagging steeds inspired. Eumelus, next, the angry Goddess, swift Pursuing, snapt his yoke; wide flew the mares Asunder, and the pole fell to the ground.495 Himself, roll’d from his seat, fast by the wheel With lacerated elbows, nostrils, mouth, And batter’d brows lay prone; sorrow his eyes Deluged, and disappointment chok’d his voice. Then, far outstripping all, Tydides push’d500 His steeds beyond, which Pallas fill’d with power That she might make the glorious prize his own. Him follow’d Menelaus amber-hair’d, The son of Atreus, and his father’s steeds Encouraging, thus spake Antilochus.505 Away—now stretch ye forward to the goal. I bid you not to an unequal strife With those of Diomede, for Pallas them Quickens that he may conquer, and the Chief So far advanced makes competition vain.510 But reach the son of Atreus, fly to reach His steeds, incontinent; ah, be not shamed For ever, foil’d by Æthe, by a mare! Why fall ye thus behind, my noblest steeds? I tell you both, and ye shall prove me true,515 No favor shall ye find at Nestor’s hands, My valiant sire, but he will thrust his spear Right through you, should we lose, for sloth of yours, Or by your negligence, the nobler prize. Haste then—pursue him—reach the royal Chief—520 And how to pass him in yon narrow way Shall be my care, and not my care in vain. He ended; they, awhile, awed by his voice, With more exertion ran, and Nestor’s son Now saw the hollow strait mark’d by his sire.525 It was a chasm abrupt, where winter-floods, Wearing the soil, had gullied deep the way. Thither Atrides, anxious to avoid A clash of chariots drove, and thither drove Also, but somewhat devious from his track,530 Antilochus. Then Menelaus fear’d, And with loud voice the son of Nestor hail’d. Antilochus, at what a madman’s rate Drivest thou! stop—check thy steeds—the way is here Too strait, but widening soon, will give thee scope535 To pass me by; beware, lest chariot close To chariot driven, thou maim thyself and me. He said; but still more rapid and the scourge Plying continual, as he had not heard, Antilochus came on. Far as the quoit540 By some broad-shoulder’d youth for trial hurl’d Of manhood flies, so far Antilochus Shot forward; but the coursers fell behind Of Atreus’ son, who now abated much By choice his driving, lest the steeds of both545 Jostling, should overturn with sudden shock Both chariots, and themselves in dust be roll’d, Through hot ambition of the foremost prize. Him then the hero golden-hair’d reproved. Antilochus! the man lives not on earth550 Like thee for love of mischief. Go, extoll’d For wisdom falsely by the sons of Greece. Yet, trust me, not without an oath, the prize Thus foully sought shall even now be thine. He said, and to his coursers call’d aloud.555 Ah be not tardy; stand not sorrow-check’d; Their feet will fail them sooner far than yours, For years have pass’d since they had youth to boast. So he; and springing at his voice, his steeds Regain’d apace the vantage lost. Meantime560 The Grecians, in full circus seated, mark’d The steeds; they flying, fill’d with dust the air. Then, ere the rest, Idomeneus discern’d The foremost pair; for, on a rising ground Exalted, he without the circus sat,565 And hearing, though remote, the driver’s voice Chiding his steeds, knew it, and knew beside The leader horse distinguish’d by his hue, Chestnut throughout, save that his forehead bore A splendid blazon white, round as the moon.570 He stood erect, and to the Greeks he cried. Friends! Chiefs and senators of Argos’ host! Discern I sole the steeds, or also ye? The horses, foremost now, to me appear Other than erst, and I descry at hand575 A different charioteer; the mares of late Victorious, somewhere distant in the race Are hurt; I plainly saw them at the first Turning the goal, but see them now no more; And yet with eyes inquisitive I range580 From side to side the whole broad plain of Troy. Either the charioteer hath slipp’d the reins, Or rounded not successfully the goal Through want of guidance. Thrown, as it should seem, Forth from his seat, he hath his chariot maim’d,585 And his ungovern’d steeds have roam’d away. Arise and look ye forth yourselves, for I With doubtful ken behold him; yet the man Seems, in my view, Ætolian by descent, A Chief of prime renown in Argos’ host,590 The hero Tydeus’ son, brave Diomede, But Ajax Oïliades the swift Him sharp reproved. Why art thou always given To prate, Idomeneus? thou seest the mares, Remote indeed, but posting to the goal.595 Thou art not youngest of the Argives here So much, nor from beneath thy brows look forth Quick-sighted more than ours, thine eyes abroad. Yet still thou pratest, although silence more Should suit thee, among wiser far than thou.600 The mares which led, lead still, and he who drives Eumelus is, the same who drove before. To whom the Cretan Chief, angry, replied. Ajax! whom none in wrangling can excel Or rudeness, though in all beside thou fall605 Below the Argives, being boorish-rough, Come now—a tripod let us wager each, Or caldron, and let Agamemnon judge Whose horses lead, that, losing, thou may’st learn. He said; then sudden from his seat upsprang610 Swift Ajax Oïliades, prepared For harsh retort, nor had the contest ceased Between them, but had grown from ill to worse, Had not himself, Achilles, interposed. Ajax—Idomeneus—abstain ye both615 From bitter speech offensive, and such terms As ill become you. Ye would feel, yourselves, Resentment, should another act as ye. Survey the course, peaceable, from your seats; The charioteers, by competition wing’d,620 Will soon themselves arrive, then shall ye know Distinctly, both who follows and who leads. He scarce had said, when nigh at hand appear’d Tydides, lashing, as he came, his steeds Continual; they with hoofs uplifted high625 Their yet remaining ground shorten’d apace, Sprinkling with dusty drops at every stroke Their charioteer, while close upon their heels Radiant with tin and gold the chariot ran, Scarce tracking light the dust, so swift they flew.630 He stood in the mid-circus; there the sweat Rain’d under them from neck and chest profuse, And Diomede from his resplendent seat Leaping, reclined his scourge against the yoke. Nor was his friend brave Sthenelus remiss,635 But, seizing with alacrity the prize, Consign’d the tripod and the virgin, first, To his own band in charge; then, loosed the steeds. Next came, by stratagem, not speed advanced To that distinction, Nestor’s son, whom yet640 The hero Menelaus close pursued Near as the wheel runs to a courser’s heels, Drawing his master at full speed; his tail With its extremest hairs the felly sweeps That close attends him o’er the spacious plain,645 So near had Menelaus now approach’d Antilochus; for though at first he fell A full quoit’s cast behind, he soon retrieved That loss, with such increasing speed the mare Bright-maned of Agamemnon, Æthe, ran;650 She, had the course few paces more to both Afforded, should have clearly shot beyond Antilochus, nor dubious left the prize. But noble Menelaus threw behind Meriones, companion in the field,655 Of King Idomeneus, a lance’s flight, For slowest were his steeds, and he, to rule The chariot in the race, least skill’d of all. Last came Eumelus drawing to the goal, Himself, his splendid chariot, and his mares660 Driving before him. Peleus’ rapid son Beheld him with compassion, and, amid The Argives, in wing’d accents thus he spake. Here comes the most expert, driving his steeds Before him. Just it were that he received665 The second prize; Tydides claims the first. He said, and all applauded the award. Then had Achilles to Eumelus given The mare (for such the pleasure seem’d of all) Had not the son of mighty Nestor risen,670 Antilochus, who pleaded thus his right. Achilles! acting as thou hast proposed, Thou shalt offend me much, for thou shalt take The prize from me, because the Gods, his steeds And chariot-yoke disabling, render’d vain675 His efforts, and no failure of his own. It was his duty to have sought the Gods In prayer, then had he not, following on foot His coursers, hindmost of us all arrived. But if thou pity him, and deem it good,680 Thou hast much gold, much brass, and many sheep In thy pavilion; thou hast maidens fair, And coursers also. Of thy proper stores Hereafter give to him a richer prize Than this, or give it now, so shall the Greeks685 Applaud thee; but this mare yield I to none; Stand forth the Grecian who desires to win That recompense, and let him fight with me. He ended, and Achilles, godlike Chief, Smiled on him, gratulating his success,690 Whom much he loved; then, ardent, thus replied. Antilochus! if thou wouldst wish me give Eumelus of my own, even so I will. I will present to him my corslet bright Won from Asteropæus, edged around695 With glittering tin; a precious gift, and rare. So saying, he bade Automedon his friend Produce it from the tent; he at his word Departing, to Achilles brought the spoil, Which at his hands Eumelus glad received.700 Then, stung with grief, and with resentment fired Immeasurable, Menelaus rose To charge Antilochus. His herald gave The sceptre to his hand, and (silence bidden To all) the godlike hero thus began.705 Antilochus! oh heretofore discreet! What hast thou done? Thou hast dishonor’d foul My skill, and wrong’d my coursers, throwing thine, Although inferior far, by fraud before them. Ye Chiefs and Senators of Argos’ host!710 Impartial judge between us, lest, of these, Some say hereafter, Menelaus bore Antilochus by falsehood down, and led The mare away, because, although his steeds Were worse, his arm was mightier, and prevail’d.715 Yet hold—myself will judge, and will to all Contentment give, for I will judge aright. Hither, Antilochus, illustrious youth! And, as the law prescribes, standing before Thy steeds and chariot, holding too the scourge720 With which thou drovest, lay hand on both thy steeds, And swear by Neptune, circler of the earth, That neither wilfully, nor yet by fraud Thou didst impede my chariot in its course. Then prudent, thus Antilochus replied.725 Oh royal Menelaus! patient bear The fault of one thy junior far, in years Alike unequal and in worth to thee. Thou know’st how rash is youth, and how propense To pass the bounds by decency prescribed,730 Quick, but not wise. Lay, then, thy wrath aside; The mare now given me I will myself Deliver to thee, and if thou require A larger recompense, will rather yield A larger much than from thy favor fall735 Deservedly for ever, mighty Prince! And sin so heinously against the Gods. So saying, the son of valiant Nestor led The mare, himself, to Menelaus’ hand, Who with heart-freshening joy the prize received.740 As on the ears of growing corn the dews Fall grateful, while the spiry grain erect Bristles the fields, so, Menelaus, felt Thy inmost soul a soothing pleasure sweet! Then answer thus the hero quick return’d.745 Antilochus! exasperate though I were, Now, such no longer, I relinquish glad All strife with thee, for that at other times Thou never inconsiderate wast or light, Although by youthful heat misled to-day.750 Yet safer is it not to over-reach Superiors, for no other Grecian here Had my extreme displeasure calm’d so soon; But thou hast suffer’d much, and much hast toil’d, As thy good father and thy brother have,755 On my behalf; I, therefore, yield, subdued By thy entreaties, and the mare, though mine, Will also give thee, that these Grecians all May know me neither proud nor hard to appease. So saying, the mare he to Noëmon gave,760 Friend of Antilochus, and, well-content, The polish’d caldron for his prize received. The fourth awarded lot (for he had fourth Arrived) Meriones asserted next, The golden talents; but the phial still765 Left unappropriated Achilles bore Across the circus in his hand, a gift To ancient Nestor, whom he thus bespake. Thou also, oh my father! this accept, Which in remembrance of the funeral rites770 Of my Patroclus, keep, for him thou seest Among the Greeks no more. Receive a prize, Thine by gratuity; for thou shalt wield The cestus, wrestle, at the spear contend, Or in the foot-race (fallen as thou art775 Into the wane of life) never again. He said, and placed it in his hands. He, glad, Receiving it, in accents wing’d replied. True, oh my son! is all which thou hast spoken. These limbs, these hands, young friend! (their vigor lost)780 No longer, darted from the shoulder, spring At once to battle. Ah that I could grow Young yet again, could feel again such force Athletic, as when in Buprasium erst The Epeans with sepulchral pomp entomb’d785 King Amarynceus, where his sons ordain’d Funereal games in honor of their sire! Epean none or even Pylian there Could cope with me, or yet Ætolian bold. Boxing, I vanquish’d Clytomedes, son790 Of Enops; wrestling, the Pleuronian Chief Ancæus; in the foot-race Iphiclus, Though a fleet runner; and I over-pitch’d Phyleus and Polydorus at the spear. The sons of Actor[16] in the chariot-race795 Alone surpass’d me, being two for one, And jealous both lest I should also win That prize, for to the victor charioteer They had assign’d the noblest prize of all. They were twin-brothers, and one ruled the steeds,800 The steeds one ruled,[17] the other lash’d them on. Such once was I; but now, these sports I leave To younger; me submission most befits To withering age, who then outshone the best. But go. The funeral of thy friend with games805 Proceed to celebrate; I accept thy gift With pleasure; and my heart is also glad That thou art mindful evermore of one Who loves thee, and such honor in the sight Yield’st me of all the Greeks, as is my due.810 May the Gods bless thee for it more and more! He spake, and Peleus’ son, when he had heard At large his commendation from the lips Of Nestor, through the assembled Greeks return’d. He next proposed, not lightly to be won,815 The boxer’s prize. He tether’d down a mule, Untamed and hard to tame, but strong to toil, And in her prime of vigor, in the midst; A goblet to the vanquish’d he assign’d, Then stood erect and to the Greeks exclaim’d.820 Atridæ! and ye Argives brazen-greaved! I call for two bold combatants expert To wage fierce strife for these, with lifted fists Smiting each other. He, who by the aid Of Phœbus shall o’ertome, and whom the Greeks825 Shall all pronounce victorious, leads the mule Hence to his tent; the vanquish’d takes the cup. He spake, and at his word a Greek arose Big, bold, and skillful in the boxer’s art, Epeüs, son of Panopeus; his hand830 He on the mule imposed, and thus he said. Approach the man ambitious of the cup! For no Achaian here shall with his fist Me foiling, win the mule. I boast myself To all superior. May it not suffice835 That I to no pre-eminence pretend In battle? To attain to foremost praise Alike in every art is not for one. But this I promise, and will well perform— My blows shall lay him open, split him, crush840 His bones to splinters, and let all his friends, Attendant on him, wait to bear him hence, Vanquish’d by my superior force in fight. He ended, and his speech found no reply. One godlike Chief alone, Euryalus,845 Son of the King Mecisteus, who, himself, Sprang from Talaion, opposite arose. He, on the death of Oedipus, at Thebes Contending in the games held at his tomb, Had overcome the whole Cadmean race.850 Him Diomede spear-famed for fight prepared, Giving him all encouragement, for much He wish’d him victory. First then he threw[18] His cincture to him; next, he gave him thongs[19] Cut from the hide of a wild buffalo.855 Both girt around, into the midst they moved. Then, lifting high their brawny arms, and fists Mingling with fists, to furious fight they fell; Dire was the crash of jaws, and the sweat stream’d From every limb. Epeüs fierce advanced,860 And while Euryalus with cautious eye Watch’d his advantage, pash’d him on the cheek He stood no longer, but, his shapely limbs, Unequal to his weight, sinking, he fell. As by the rising north-wind driven ashore865 A huge fish flounces on the weedy beach, Which soon the sable flood covers again, So, beaten down, he bounded. But Epeüs, Heroic chief, upraised him by his hand, And his own comrades from the circus forth870 Led him, step dragging after step, the blood Ejecting grumous, and at every pace Rolling his head languid from side to side. They placed him all unconscious on his seat In his own band, then fetch’d his prize, the cup.875 Still other prizes, then, Achilles placed In view of all, the sturdy wrestler’s meed. A large hearth-tripod, valued by the Greeks At twice six beeves, should pay the victor’s toil; But for the vanquish’d, in the midst he set880 A damsel in variety expert Of arts domestic, valued at four beeves. He rose erect, and to the Greeks he cried. Arise ye, now, who shall this prize dispute. So spake the son of Peleus; then arose885 Huge Telamonian Ajax, and upstood Ulysses also, in all wiles adept. Both girt around, into the midst they moved. With vigorous gripe each lock’d the other fast, Like rafters, standing, of some mansion built890 By a prime artist proof against all winds. Their backs, tugg’d vehemently, creak’d,[20] the sweat Trickled, and on their flanks and shoulders, red The whelks arose; they bearing still in mind The tripod, ceased not struggling for the prize.895 Nor could Ulysses from his station move And cast down Ajax, nor could Ajax him Unsettle, fixt so firm Ulysses stood. But when, long time expectant, all the Greeks Grew weary, then, huge Ajax him bespake.900 Laertes’ noble son, for wiles renown’d! Lift, or be lifted, and let Jove decide. He said, and heaved Ulysses. Then, his wiles Forgat not he, but on the ham behind Chopp’d him; the limbs of Ajax at the stroke905 Disabled sank; he fell supine, and bore Ulysses close adhering to his chest Down with him. Wonder riveted all eyes. Then brave Ulysses from the ground awhile Him lifted in his turn, but ere he stood,910 Inserting his own knee the knees between[21] Of Ajax, threw him. To the earth they fell Both, and with dust defiled lay side by side. And now, arising to a third essay, They should have wrestled yet again, had not915 Achilles, interfering, them restrain’d. Strive not together more; cease to exhaust Each other’s force; ye both have earn’d the prize Depart alike requited, and give place To other Grecians who shall next contend.920 He spake; they glad complied, and wiping off The dust, put on their tunics. Then again Achilles other prizes yet proposed, The rapid runner’s meed. First, he produced A silver goblet of six measures; earth925 Own’d not its like for elegance of form. Skilful Sidonian artists had around Embellish’d it,[22] and o’er the sable deep Phœnician merchants into Lemnos’ port Had borne it, and the boon to Thoas[23] given;930 But Jason’s son, Euneüs, in exchange For Priam’s son Lycaon, to the hand Had pass’d it of Patroclus famed in arms. Achilles this, in honor of his friend, Set forth, the swiftest runner’s recompense.935 The second should a fatted ox receive Of largest size, and he assign’d of gold A just half-talent to the worst and last. He stood erect, and to the Greeks he cried. Now stand ye forth who shall this prize dispute.940 He said, and at his word instant arose Swift Ajax Oïliades; upsprang The shrewd Ulysses next, and after him Brave Nestor’s son Antilochus, with whom None vied in speed of all the youths of Greece.945 They stood prepared. Achilles show’d the goal. At once all started. Oïliades Led swift the course, and closely at his heels Ulysses ran. Near as some cinctured maid Industrious holds the distaff to her breast,950 While to and fro with practised finger neat She tends the flax drawing it to a thread, So near Ulysses follow’d him, and press’d His footsteps, ere the dust fill’d them again, Pouring his breath into his neck behind,955 And never slackening pace. His ardent thirst Of victory with universal shouts All seconded, and, eager, bade him on. And now the contest shortening to a close, Ulysses his request silent and brief960 To azure-eyed Minerva thus preferr’d. Oh Goddess hear, prosper me in the race! Such was his prayer, with which Minerva pleased, Freshen’d his limbs, and made him light to run. And now, when in one moment they should both965 Have darted on the prize, then Ajax’ foot Sliding, he fell; for where the dung of beeves Slain by Achilles for his friend, had spread The soil, there[24] Pallas tripp’d him. Ordure foul His mouth, and ordure foul his nostrils fill’d.970 Then brave Ulysses, first arriving, seized The cup, and Ajax took his prize, the ox. He grasp’d his horn, and sputtering as he stood The ordure forth, the Argives thus bespake. Ah—Pallas tripp’d my footsteps; she attends975 Ulysses ever with a mother’s care. Loud laugh’d the Grecians. Then, the remnant prize Antilochus receiving, smiled and said. Ye need not, fellow-warriors, to be taught That now, as ever, the immortal Gods980 Honor on seniority bestow. Ajax is elder, yet not much, than I. But Laertiades was born in times Long past, a chief coëval with our sires, Not young, but vigorous; and of the Greeks,985 Achilles may alone with him contend. So saying, the merit of superior speed To Peleus’ son he gave, who thus replied. Antilochus! thy praise of me shall prove Nor vain nor unproductive to thyself,990 For the half-talent doubled shall be thine. He spake, and, doubling it, the talent placed Whole in his hand. He glad the gift received. Achilles, then Sarpedon’s arms produced, Stripp’d from him by Patroclus, his long spear,995 Helmet and shield, which in the midst he placed. He stood erect, and to the Greeks he cried. I call for two brave warriors arm’d to prove Each other’s skill with weapons keen, this prize Disputing, next, in presence of us all.1000 Who first shall through his armor reach the skin Of his antagonist, and shall draw his blood, To him this silver-studded falchion bright I give; the blade is Thracian, and of late Asteropæus wore it, whom I slew.1005 These other arms shall be their common meed, And I will banquet both within my tent. He said, then Telamonian Ajax huge Arose, and opposite the son arose Of warlike Tydeus, Diomede the brave.1010 Apart from all the people each put on His arms, then moved into the middle space, Lowering terrific, and on fire to fight. The host look’d on amazed. Approaching each The other, thrice they sprang to the assault,1015 And thrice struck hand to hand. Ajax the shield Pierced of his adversary, but the flesh Attain’d not, baffled by his mail within. Then Tydeus’ son, sheer o’er the ample disk Of Ajax, thrust a lance home to his neck,1020 And the Achaians for the life appall’d Of Ajax, bade them, ceasing, share the prize. But the huge falchion with its sheath and belt— Achilles them on Diomede bestow’d. The hero, next, an iron clod produced1025 Rough from the forge, and wont to task the might Of King Eëtion; but, when him he slew, Pelides, glorious chief, with other spoils From Thebes convey’d it in his fleet to Troy. He stood erect, and to the Greeks he cried.1030 Come forth who also shall this prize dispute! How far soe’er remote the winner’s fields, This lump shall serve his wants five circling years; His shepherd shall not, or his plower, need In quest of iron seek the distant town,1035 But hence he shall himself their wants supply.[25] Then Polypœtes brave in fight arose, Arose Leonteus also, godlike chief, With Ajax son of Telamon. Each took His station, and Epeüs seized the clod.1040 He swung, he cast it, and the Grecians laugh’d. Leonteus, branch of Mars, quoited it next. Huge Telamonian Ajax with strong arm Dismiss’d it third, and overpitch’d them both. But when brave Polypœtes seized the mass1045 Far as the vigorous herdsman flings his staff That twirling flies his numerous beeves between,[26] So far his cast outmeasured all beside, And the host shouted. Then the friends arose Of Polypœtes valiant chief, and bore1050 His ponderous acquisition to the ships. The archers’ prize Achilles next proposed, Ten double and ten single axes, form’d Of steel convertible to arrow-points. He fix’d, far distant on the sands, the mast1055 Of a brave bark cerulean-prow’d, to which With small cord fasten’d by the foot he tied A timorous dove, their mark at which to aim. [27]Who strikes the dove, he conquers, and shall bear These double axes all into his tent.1060 But who the cord alone, missing the bird, Successful less, he wins the single blades. The might of royal Teucer then arose, And, fellow-warrior of the King of Crete, Valiant Meriones. A brazen casque1065 Received the lots; they shook them, and the lot Fell first to Teucer. He, at once, a shaft Sent smartly forth, but vow’d not to the King[28] A hecatomb, all firstlings of the flock. He therefore (for Apollo greater praise1070 Denied him) miss’d the dove, but struck the cord That tied her, at small distance from the knot, And with his arrow sever’d it. Upsprang The bird into the air, and to the ground Depending fell the cord. Shouts rent the skies.1075 Then, all in haste, Meriones the bow Caught from his hand holding a shaft the while Already aim’d, and to Apollo vow’d A hecatomb, all firstlings of the flock. He eyed the dove aloft, under a cloud,1080 And, while she wheel’d around, struck her beneath The pinion; through her and beyond her pass’d The arrow, and, returning, pierced the soil Fast by the foot of brave Meriones. She, perching on the mast again, her head1085 Reclined, and hung her wide-unfolded wing, But, soon expiring, dropp’d and fell remote. Amazement seized the people. To his tent Meriones the ten best axes bore, And Teucer the inferior ten to his.[29]1090 Then, last, Achilles in the circus placed A ponderous spear and caldron yet unfired, Emboss’d with flowers around, its worth an ox. Upstood the spear-expert; Atrides first, Wide-ruling Agamemnon, King of men,1095 And next, brave fellow-warrior of the King Of Crete, Meriones; when thus his speech Achilles to the royal chief address’d. Atrides! (for we know thy skill and force Matchless! that none can hurl the spear as thou)1100 This prize is thine, order it to thy ship; And if it please thee, as I would it might, Let brave Meriones the spear receive. He said; nor Agamemnon not complied, But to Meriones the brazen spear Presenting, to Talthybius gave in charge The caldron, next, his own illustrious prize.
XXIV. ARGUMENT OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH BOOK
Priam, by command of Jupiter, and under conduct of Mercury, seeks Achilles in his tent, who admonished previously by Thetis, consents to accept ransom for the body of Hector. Hector is mourned, and the manner of his funeral, circumstantially described, concludes the poem.