Iliad

The other princes at their ships soft-finger'd sleep did bind,

ἄλλοι μὲν παρὰ νηυσὶν ἀριστῆες Παναχαιῶν

But not the Gen'ral; Somnus' silks bound not his labouring mind

εὗδον παννύχιοι μαλακῷ δεδμημένοι ὕπνῳ·

That turn'd, and return'd, many thoughts. And as quick lightnings fly,

ἀλλʼ οὐκ Ἀτρεΐδην Ἀγαμέμνονα ποιμένα λαῶν

From well-deck'd Juno's sovereign, out of the thicken'd sky,

ὕπνος ἔχε γλυκερὸς πολλὰ φρεσὶν ὁρμαίνοντα.

Preparing some exceeding rain, or hail, the fruit of cold,

ὡς δʼ ὅτʼ ἂν ἀστράπτῃ πόσις Ἥρης ἠϋκόμοιο

Or down-like snow that suddenly makes all the fields look old,

τεύχων ἢ πολὺν ὄμβρον ἀθέσφατον ἠὲ χάλαζαν

Or opes the gulfy mouth of war with his ensulphur'd hand,

ἢ νιφετόν, ὅτε πέρ τε χιὼν ἐπάλυνεν ἀρούρας,

In dazzling flashes pour'd from clouds, on any punish'd land;

ἠέ ποθι πτολέμοιο μέγα στόμα πευκεδανοῖο,

So from Atrides' troubled heart, through his dark sorrows, flew

ὣς πυκίνʼ ἐν στήθεσσιν ἀνεστενάχιζʼ Ἀγαμέμνων

Redoubled sighs; his entrails shook, as often as his view

νειόθεν ἐκ κραδίης, τρομέοντο δέ οἱ φρένες ἐντός.

Admir'd the multitude of fires, that gilt the Phrygian shade,

ἤτοι ὅτʼ ἐς πεδίον τὸ Τρωϊκὸν ἀθρήσειε,

And heard the sounds of fifes, and shawms, and tumults soldiers made.

θαύμαζεν πυρὰ πολλὰ τὰ καίετο Ἰλιόθι πρὸ

But when he saw his fleet and host kneel to his care and love,

αὐλῶν συρίγγων τʼ ἐνοπὴν ὅμαδόν τʼ ἀνθρώπων.

He rent his hair up by the roots as sacrifice to Jove,

αὐτὰρ ὅτʼ ἐς νῆάς τε ἴδοι καὶ λαὸν Ἀχαιῶν,

Burnt in his fi'ry sighs, still breath'd out of his royal heart,

πολλὰς ἐκ κεφαλῆς προθελύμνους ἕλκετο χαίτας

And first thought good to Nestor's care his sorrows to impart,

ὑψόθʼ ἐόντι Διί, μέγα δʼ ἔστενε κυδάλιμον κῆρ.

To try if royal diligence, with his approv'd advice,

ἥδε δέ οἱ κατὰ θυμὸν ἀρίστη φαίνετο βουλὴ

Might fashion counsels to prevent their threaten'd miseries.

Νέστορʼ ἔπι πρῶτον Νηλήϊον ἐλθέμεν ἀνδρῶν,

So up he rose, attir'd himself, and to his strong feet tied

εἴ τινά οἱ σὺν μῆτιν ἀμύμονα τεκτήναιτο,

Rich shoes, and cast upon his back a ruddy lion's hide,

ἥ τις ἀλεξίκακος πᾶσιν Δαναοῖσι γένοιτο.

So ample it his ankles reach'd, then took his royal spear.

ὀρθωθεὶς δʼ ἔνδυνε περὶ στήθεσσι χιτῶνα,

Like him was Menelaus pierc'd with an industrious fear,

ποσσὶ δʼ ὑπὸ λιπαροῖσιν ἐδήσατο καλὰ πέδιλα,

Nor sat sweet slumber on his eyes, lest bitter fates should quite

ἀμφὶ δʼ ἔπειτα δαφοινὸν ἑέσσατο δέρμα λέοντος

The Greeks' high favours, that for him resolv'd such endless fight.

αἴθωνος μεγάλοιο ποδηνεκές, εἵλετο δʼ ἔγχος.

And first a freckled panther's hide hid his broad back athwart;

ὣς δʼ αὔτως Μενέλαον ἔχε τρόμος· οὐδὲ γὰρ αὐτῷ

His head his brazen helm did arm; his able hand his dart;

ὕπνος ἐπὶ βλεφάροισιν ἐφίζανε· μή τι πάθοιεν

Then made he all his haste to raise his brother's head as rare,

Ἀργεῖοι, τοὶ δὴ ἕθεν εἵνεκα πουλὺν ἐφʼ ὑγρὴν

That he who most excell'd in rule might help t' effect his care.

ἤλυθον ἐς Τροίην πόλεμον θρασὺν ὁρμαίνοντες.

He found him, at his ship's crook'd stern, adorning him with arms;

παρδαλέῃ μὲν πρῶτα μετάφρενον εὐρὺ κάλυψε

Who joy'd to see his brother's spirits awak'd without alarms,

ποικίλῃ, αὐτὰρ ἐπὶ στεφάνην κεφαλῆφιν ἀείρας

Well weighing th' importance of the time. And first the younger spake:

θήκατο χαλκείην, δόρυ δʼ εἵλετο χειρὶ παχείῃ.

“Why, brother, are ye arming thus? Is it to undertake

βῆ δʼ ἴμεν ἀνστήσων ὃν ἀδελφεόν, ὃς μέγα πάντων

The sending of some vent'rous Greek, t' explore the foe's intent?

Ἀργείων ἤνασσε, θεὸς δʼ ὣς τίετο δήμῳ.

Alas! I greatly fear, not one will give that work consent,

τὸν δʼ εὗρʼ ἀμφʼ ὤμοισι τιθήμενον ἔντεα καλὰ

Expos'd alone to all the fears that flow in gloomy night.

νηῒ πάρα πρύμνῃ· τῷ δʼ ἀσπάσιος γένετʼ ἐλθών.

He that doth this must know death well, in which ends ev'ry fright.”

τὸν πρότερος προσέειπε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Μενέλαος·

“Brother,” said he, “in these affairs we both must use advice,

τίφθʼ οὕτως ἠθεῖε κορύσσεαι; ἦ τινʼ ἑταίρων

Jove is against us, and accepts great Hector's sacrifice.

ὀτρυνέεις Τρώεσσιν ἐπίσκοπον; ἀλλὰ μάλʼ αἰνῶς

For I have never seen, nor heard, in one day, and by one,

δείδω μὴ οὔ τίς τοι ὑπόσχηται τόδε ἔργον

So many high attempts well urg'd, as Hector's pow'r hath done

ἄνδρας δυσμενέας σκοπιαζέμεν οἶος ἐπελθὼν

Against the hapless sons of Greece: being chiefly dear to Jove,

νύκτα διʼ ἀμβροσίην· μάλα τις θρασυκάρδιος ἔσται.

And without cause, being neither fruit of any Goddess' love,

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων·

Nor helpful God; and yet I fear the deepness of his hand,

χρεὼ βουλῆς ἐμὲ καὶ σὲ διοτρεφὲς ὦ Μενέλαε

Ere it be ras'd out of our thoughts, will many years withstand.

κερδαλέης, ἥ τίς κεν ἐρύσσεται ἠδὲ σαώσει

But, brother, hie thee to thy ships, and Idomen's disease

Ἀργείους καὶ νῆας, ἐπεὶ Διὸς ἐτράπετο φρήν.

With warlike Ajax; I will haste to grave Neleides,

Ἑκτορέοις ἄρα μᾶλλον ἐπὶ φρένα θῆχʼ ἱεροῖσιν·

Exhorting him to rise, and give the sacred watch command,

οὐ γάρ πω ἰδόμην, οὐδʼ ἔκλυον αὐδήσαντος

For they will specially embrace incitement at his hand,

ἄνδρʼ ἕνα τοσσάδε μέρμερʼ ἐπʼ ἤματι μητίσασθαι,

And now his son their captain is, and Idomen's good friend,

ὅσσʼ Ἕκτωρ ἔρρεξε Διῒ φίλος υἷας Ἀχαιῶν

Bold Merion, to whose discharge we did that charge commend.”

αὔτως, οὔτε θεᾶς υἱὸς φίλος οὔτε θεοῖο.

“Command'st thou then,” his brother ask'd, “that I shall tarry here

ἔργα δʼ ἔρεξʼ ὅσα φημὶ μελησέμεν Ἀργείοισι

Attending thy resolv'd approach, or else the message bear,

δηθά τε καὶ δολιχόν· τόσα γὰρ κακὰ μήσατʼ Ἀχαιούς.

And quickly make return to thee?” He answer'd: “Rather stay,

ἀλλʼ ἴθι νῦν Αἴαντα καὶ Ἰδομενῆα κάλεσσον

Lest otherwise we fail to meet, for many a diff'rent way

ῥίμφα θέων παρὰ νῆας· ἐγὼ δʼ ἐπὶ Νέστορα δῖον

Lies through our labyrinthian host. Speak ever as you go,

εἶμι, καὶ ὀτρυνέω ἀνστήμεναι, αἴ κʼ ἐθέλῃσιν

Command strong watch, from sire to son urge all t' observe the foe,

ἐλθεῖν ἐς φυλάκων ἱερὸν τέλος ἠδʼ ἐπιτεῖλαι.

Familiarly, and with their praise, exciting ev'ry eye,

κείνῳ γάρ κε μάλιστα πιθοίατο· τοῖο γὰρ υἱὸς

Not with unseason'd violence of proud authority.

σημαίνει φυλάκεσσι καὶ Ἰδομενῆος ὀπάων

We must our patience exercise, and work ourselves with them,

Μηριόνης· τοῖσιν γὰρ ἐπετράπομέν γε μάλιστα.

Jove in our births combin'd such care to either's diadem.”

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Μενέλαος·

πῶς γάρ μοι μύθῳ ἐπιτέλλεαι ἠδὲ κελεύεις;

αὖθι μένω μετὰ τοῖσι δεδεγμένος εἰς ὅ κεν ἔλθῃς,

ἦε θέω μετὰ σʼ αὖτις, ἐπὴν εὖ τοῖς ἐπιτείλω;

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων,

αὖθι μένειν, μή πως ἀβροτάξομεν ἀλλήλοιιν

ἐρχομένω· πολλαὶ γὰρ ἀνὰ στρατόν εἰσι κέλευθοι.

φθέγγεο δʼ ᾗ κεν ἴῃσθα καὶ ἐγρήγορθαι ἄνωχθι

πατρόθεν ἐκ γενεῆς ὀνομάζων ἄνδρα ἕκαστον

πάντας κυδαίνων· μηδὲ μεγαλίζεο θυμῷ,

ἀλλὰ καὶ αὐτοί περ πονεώμεθα· ὧδέ που ἄμμι

Ζεὺς ἐπὶ γιγνομένοισιν ἵει κακότητα βαρεῖαν.

ὣς εἰπὼν ἀπέπεμπεν ἀδελφεὸν εὖ ἐπιτείλας·

Thus he dismiss'd him, knowing well his charge before he went.

αὐτὰρ ὃ βῆ ῥʼ ἰέναι μετὰ Νέστορα ποιμένα λαῶν·

Himself to Nestor, whom he found in bed within his tent,

τὸν δʼ εὗρεν παρά τε κλισίῃ καὶ νηῒ μελαίνῃ

By him his damask curets hung, his shield, a pair of darts,

εὐνῇ ἔνι μαλακῇ· παρὰ δʼ ἔντεα ποικίλʼ ἔκειτο

His shining casque, his arming waist; in these he led the hearts

ἀσπὶς καὶ δύο δοῦρε φαεινή τε τρυφάλεια.

Of his apt soldiers to sharp war, not yielding to his years.

πὰρ δὲ ζωστὴρ κεῖτο παναίολος, ᾧ ῥʼ ὁ γεραιὸς

He quickly started from his bed, when to his watchful ears

ζώννυθʼ ὅτʼ ἐς πόλεμον φθισήνορα θωρήσσοιτο

Untimely feet told some approach; he took his lance in hand,

λαὸν ἄγων, ἐπεὶ οὐ μὲν ἐπέτρεπε γήραϊ λυγρῷ.

And spake to him: “Ho, what art thou that walk'st at midnight? Stand.

ὀρθωθεὶς δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπʼ ἀγκῶνος κεφαλὴν ἐπαείρας

Is any wanting at the guards? Or lack'st thou any peer?

Ἀτρεΐδην προσέειπε καὶ ἐξερεείνετο μύθῳ·

Speak, come not silent towards me; say, what intend'st thou here?”

τίς δʼ οὗτος κατὰ νῆας ἀνὰ στρατὸν ἔρχεαι οἶος

He answer'd: “O Neleides, grave honour of our host,

νύκτα διʼ ὀρφναίην, ὅτε θʼ εὕδουσι βροτοὶ ἄλλοι,

'Tis Agamemnon thou mayst know, whom Jove afflicteth most

ἠέ τινʼ οὐρήων διζήμενος, ἤ τινʼ ἑταίρων;

Of all the wretched men that live, and will, whilst any breath

φθέγγεο, μηδʼ ἀκέων ἐπʼ ἔμʼ ἔρχεο· τίπτε δέ σε χρεώ;

Gives motion to my toiled limbs, and bears me up from death.

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων·

I walk the round thus, since sweet sleep cannot inclose mine eyes,

ὦ Νέστορ Νηληϊάδη μέγα κῦδος Ἀχαιῶν

Nor shut those organs care breaks ope for our calamities.

γνώσεαι Ἀτρεΐδην Ἀγαμέμνονα, τὸν περὶ πάντων

My fear is vehement for the Greeks; my heart, the fount of heat,

Ζεὺς ἐνέηκε πόνοισι διαμπερὲς εἰς ὅ κʼ ἀϋτμὴ

With his extreme affects made cold, without my breast doth beat;

ἐν στήθεσσι μένῃ καί μοι φίλα γούνατʼ ὀρώρῃ.

And therefore are my sinews strook with trembling; ev'ry part

πλάζομαι ὧδʼ ἐπεὶ οὔ μοι ἐπʼ ὄμμασι νήδυμος ὕπνος

Of what my friends may feel hath act in my disperséd heart.

ἱζάνει, ἀλλὰ μέλει πόλεμος καὶ κήδεʼ Ἀχαιῶν.

But, if thou think'st of any course may to our good redound,

αἰνῶς γὰρ Δαναῶν περιδείδια, οὐδέ μοι ἦτορ

(Since neither thou thyself canst sleep) come, walk with me the round;

ἔμπεδον, ἀλλʼ ἀλαλύκτημαι, κραδίη δέ μοι ἔξω

In way whereof we may confer, and look to ev'ry guard,

στηθέων ἐκθρῴσκει, τρομέει δʼ ὑπὸ φαίδιμα γυῖα.

Lest watching long, and weariness with labouring so hard,

ἀλλʼ εἴ τι δραίνεις, ἐπεὶ οὐδὲ σέ γʼ ὕπνος ἱκάνει,

Drown their oppresséd memories of what they have in charge.

δεῦρʼ ἐς τοὺς φύλακας καταβήομεν, ὄφρα ἴδωμεν

The liberty we give the foe, alas, is over large,

μὴ τοὶ μὲν καμάτῳ ἀδηκότες ἠδὲ καὶ ὕπνῳ

Their camp is almost mix'd with ours, and we have forth no spies

κοιμήσωνται, ἀτὰρ φυλακῆς ἐπὶ πάγχυ λάθωνται.

To learn their drifts; who may perchance this night intend surprise.”

δυσμενέες δʼ ἄνδρες σχεδὸν εἵαται· οὐδέ τι ἴδμεν

Grave Nestor answer'd: “Worthy king, let good hearts bear our ill.

μή πως καὶ διὰ νύκτα μενοινήσωσι μάχεσθαι.

Jove is not bound to perfect all this busy Hector's will;

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ·

But I am confidently giv'n, his thoughts are much dismay'd

Ἀτρεΐδη κύδιστε ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγάμεμνον

With fear, lest our distress incite Achilles to our aid,

οὔ θην Ἕκτορι πάντα νοήματα μητίετα Ζεὺς

And therefore will not tempt his fate, nor ours, with further pride.

ἐκτελέει, ὅσα πού νυν ἐέλπεται· ἀλλά μιν οἴω

But I will gladly follow thee, and stir up more beside;

κήδεσι μοχθήσειν καὶ πλείοσιν, εἴ κεν Ἀχιλλεὺς

Tydides, famous for his lance; Ulysses; Telamon;

ἐκ χόλου ἀργαλέοιο μεταστρέψῃ φίλον ἦτορ.

And bold Phylëus' valiant heir. Or else, if anyone

σοὶ δὲ μάλʼ ἕψομʼ ἐγώ· ποτὶ δʼ αὖ καὶ ἐγείρομεν ἄλλους

Would haste to call king Idomen, and Ajax, since their sail

ἠμὲν Τυδεΐδην δουρὶ κλυτὸν ἠδʼ Ὀδυσῆα

Lie so remov'd, with much good speed, it might our haste avail.

ἠδʼ Αἴαντα ταχὺν καὶ Φυλέος ἄλκιμον υἱόν.

But, though he be our honour'd friend, thy brother I will blame,

ἀλλʼ εἴ τις καὶ τούσδε μετοιχόμενος καλέσειεν

Not fearing if I anger thee. It is his utter shame

ἀντίθεόν τʼ Αἴαντα καὶ Ἰδομενῆα ἄνακτα·

He should commit all pains to thee, that should himself employ,

τῶν γὰρ νῆες ἔασιν ἑκαστάτω, οὐδὲ μάλʼ ἐγγύς.

Past all our princes, in the care, and cure, of our annoy,

ἀλλὰ φίλον περ ἐόντα καὶ αἰδοῖον Μενέλαον

And be so far from needing spurs to these his due respects,

νεικέσω, εἴ πέρ μοι νεμεσήσεαι, οὐδʼ ἐπικεύσω

He should apply our spirits himself, with pray'rs and urg'd affects.

ὡς εὕδει, σοὶ δʼ οἴῳ ἐπέτρεψεν πονέεσθαι.

Necessity (a law to laws, and not to be endur'd)

νῦν ὄφελεν κατὰ πάντας ἀριστῆας πονέεσθαι

Makes proof of all his faculties, not sound if not inur'd.”

λισσόμενος· χρειὼ γὰρ ἱκάνεται οὐκέτʼ ἀνεκτός.

“Good father,” said the king, “sometimes you know I have desir'd

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων·

You would improve his negligence, too oft to ease retir'd.

ὦ γέρον ἄλλοτε μέν σε καὶ αἰτιάασθαι ἄνωγα·

Nor is it for defect of spirit, or compass of his brain,

πολλάκι γὰρ μεθιεῖ τε καὶ οὐκ ἐθέλει πονέεσθαι

But with observing my estate, he thinks, he should abstain

οὔτʼ ὄκνῳ εἴκων οὔτʼ ἀφραδίῃσι νόοιο,

Till I commanded, knowing my place; unwilling to assume,

ἀλλʼ ἐμέ τʼ εἰσορόων καὶ ἐμὴν ποτιδέγμενος ὁρμήν.

For being my brother, anything might prove he did presume.

νῦν δʼ ἐμέο πρότερος μάλʼ ἐπέγρετο καί μοι ἐπέστη·

But now he rose before me far, and came t' avoid delays,

τὸν μὲν ἐγὼ προέηκα καλήμεναι οὓς σὺ μεταλλᾷς.

And I have sent him for the men yourself desir'd to raise.

ἀλλʼ ἴομεν· κείνους δὲ κιχησόμεθα πρὸ πυλάων

Come, we shall find them at the guards we plac'd before the fort,

ἐν φυλάκεσσʼ, ἵνα γάρ σφιν ἐπέφραδον ἠγερέθεσθαι.

For thither my direction was they should with speed resort.”

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ·

“Why now,” said Nestor, “none will grudge, nor his just rule withstand.

οὕτως οὔ τίς οἱ νεμεσήσεται οὐδʼ ἀπιθήσει

Examples make excitements strong, and sweeten a command.”

Ἀργείων, ὅτε κέν τινʼ ἐποτρύνῃ καὶ ἀνώγῃ.

Thus put he on his arming truss, fair shoes upon his feet,

ὣς εἰπὼν ἔνδυνε περὶ στήθεσσι χιτῶνα,

About him a mandilion, that did with buttons meet,

ποσσὶ δʼ ὑπὸ λιπαροῖσιν ἐδήσατο καλὰ πέδιλα,

Of purple, large, and full of folds, curl'd with a warmful nap,

ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρα χλαῖναν περονήσατο φοινικόεσσαν

διπλῆν ἐκταδίην, οὔλη δʼ ἐπενήνοθε λάχνη.

εἵλετο δʼ ἄλκιμον ἔγχος ἀκαχμένον ὀξέϊ χαλκῷ,

βῆ δʼ ἰέναι κατὰ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων.

πρῶτον ἔπειτʼ Ὀδυσῆα Διὶ μῆτιν ἀτάλαντον

ἐξ ὕπνου ἀνέγειρε Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ

φθεγξάμενος· τὸν δʼ αἶψα περὶ φρένας ἤλυθʼ ἰωή,

ἐκ δʼ ἦλθε κλισίης καί σφεας πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπε·

τίφθʼ οὕτω κατὰ νῆας ἀνὰ στρατὸν οἶοι ἀλᾶσθε

νύκτα διʼ ἀμβροσίην, ὅ τι δὴ χρειὼ τόσον ἵκει;

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ·

διογενὲς Λαερτιάδη πολυμήχανʼ Ὀδυσσεῦ

A garment that 'gainst cold in nights did soldiers use to wrap;

μὴ νεμέσα· τοῖον γὰρ ἄχος βεβίηκεν Ἀχαιούς.

Then took he his strong lance in hand, made sharp with proved steel,

ἀλλʼ ἕπεʼ, ὄφρα καὶ ἄλλον ἐγείρομεν ὅν τʼ ἐπέοικε

And went along the Grecian fleet. First at Ulysses' keel

βουλὰς βουλεύειν, ἢ φευγέμεν ἠὲ μάχεσθαι.

He call'd, to break the silken fumes that did his senses bind.

ὣς φάθʼ, ὃ δὲ κλισίην δὲ κιὼν πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεὺς

The voice through th' organs of his ears straight rung about his mind.

ποικίλον ἀμφʼ ὤμοισι σάκος θέτο, βῆ δὲ μετʼ αὐτούς.

Forth came Ulysses, asking him: “Why stir ye thus so late?

βὰν δʼ ἐπὶ Τυδεΐδην Διομήδεα· τὸν δὲ κίχανον

Sustain we such enforcive cause?” He answered, “Our estate

ἐκτὸς ἀπὸ κλισίης σὺν τεύχεσιν· ἀμφὶ δʼ ἑταῖροι

Doth force this perturbation; vouchsafe it, worthy friend,

εὗδον, ὑπὸ κρασὶν δʼ ἔχον ἀσπίδας· ἔγχεα δέ σφιν

And come, let us excite one more, to counsel of some end

ὄρθʼ ἐπὶ σαυρωτῆρος ἐλήλατο, τῆλε δὲ χαλκὸς

To our extremes, by fight, or flight.” He back, and took his shield,

λάμφʼ ὥς τε στεροπὴ πατρὸς Διός· αὐτὰρ ὅ γʼ ἥρως

And both took course to Diomed. They found him laid in field,

εὗδʼ, ὑπὸ δʼ ἔστρωτο ῥινὸν βοὸς ἀγραύλοιο,

Far from his tent; his armour by; about him was dispread

αὐτὰρ ὑπὸ κράτεσφι τάπης τετάνυστο φαεινός.

A ring of soldiers, ev'ry man his shield beneath his head;

τὸν παρστὰς ἀνέγειρε Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ,

His spear fix'd by him as he slept, the great end in the ground,

λὰξ ποδὶ κινήσας, ὄτρυνέ τε νείκεσέ τʼ ἄντην·

The point, that bristled the dark earth, cast a reflection round

ἔγρεο Τυδέος υἱέ· τί πάννυχον ὕπνον ἀωτεῖς;

Like palid lightnings thrown from Jove; thus this heroë lay,

οὐκ ἀΐεις ὡς Τρῶες ἐπὶ θρωσμῷ πεδίοιο

And under him a big ox-hide; his royal head had stay

εἵαται ἄγχι νεῶν, ὀλίγος δʼ ἔτι χῶρος ἐρύκει;

On arras hangings, rolléd up; whereon he slept so fast,

ὣς φάθʼ, ὃ δʼ ἐξ ὕπνοιο μάλα κραιπνῶς ἀνόρουσε,

That Nestor stirr'd him with his foot, and chid to see him cast

καί μιν φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

In such deep sleep in such deep woes, and ask'd him why he spent

σχέτλιός ἐσσι γεραιέ· σὺ μὲν πόνου οὔ ποτε λήγεις.

All night in sleep, or did not hear the Trojans near his tent,

οὔ νυ καὶ ἄλλοι ἔασι νεώτεροι υἷες Ἀχαιῶν

Their camp drawn close upon their dike, small space 'twixt foes and foes?

οἵ κεν ἔπειτα ἕκαστον ἐγείρειαν βασιλήων

He, starting up, said, “Strange old man, that never tak'st repose,

πάντῃ ἐποιχόμενοι; σὺ δʼ ἀμήχανός ἐσσι γεραιέ.

Thou art too patient of our toil. Have we not men more young,

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ·

To be employ'd from king to king? Thine age hath too much wrong.”

ναὶ δὴ ταῦτά γε πάντα φίλος κατὰ μοῖραν ἔειπες.

“Said like a king,” replied the sire, “for I have sons renown'd,

εἰσὶν μέν μοι παῖδες ἀμύμονες, εἰσὶ δὲ λαοὶ

And there are many other men, might go this toilsome round;

καὶ πολέες, τῶν κέν τις ἐποιχόμενος καλέσειεν·

But, you must see, imperious Need hath all at her command.

ἀλλὰ μάλα μεγάλη χρειὼ βεβίηκεν Ἀχαιούς.

Now on the eager razor's edge, for life or death, we stand

νῦν γὰρ δὴ πάντεσσιν ἐπὶ ξυροῦ ἵσταται ἀκμῆς

Then go (thou art the younger man) and if thou love my ease,

ἢ μάλα λυγρὸς ὄλεθρος Ἀχαιοῖς ἠὲ βιῶναι.

Call swift-foot Ajax up thyself, and young Phyleides.”

ἀλλʼ ἴθι νῦν Αἴαντα ταχὺν καὶ Φυλέος υἱὸν

This said, he on his shoulders cast a yellow lion's hide,

ἄνστησον· σὺ γάρ ἐσσι νεώτερος· εἴ μʼ ἐλεαίρεις.

Big, and reach'd earth; then took his spear, and Nestor's will applied,

ὣς φάθʼ, ὃ δʼ ἀμφʼ ὤμοισιν ἑέσσατο δέρμα λέοντος

Rais'd the heroes, brought them both. All met; the round they went,

αἴθωνος μεγάλοιο ποδηνεκές, εἵλετο δʼ ἔγχος.

And found not any captain there asleep or negligent,

βῆ δʼ ἰέναι, τοὺς δʼ ἔνθεν ἀναστήσας ἄγεν ἥρως.

But waking, and in arms, gave ear to ev'ry lowest sound.

οἳ δʼ ὅτε δὴ φυλάκεσσιν ἐν ἀγρομένοισιν ἔμιχθεν,

And as keen dogs keep sheep in cotes, or folds of hurdles bound,

οὐδὲ μὲν εὕδοντας φυλάκων ἡγήτορας εὗρον,

And grin at ev'ry breach of air, envious of all that moves,

ἀλλʼ ἐγρηγορτὶ σὺν τεύχεσιν εἵατο πάντες.

Still list'ning when the rav'nous beast stalks through the hilly groves,

ὡς δὲ κύνες περὶ μῆλα δυσωρήσωνται ἐν αὐλῇ

Then men and dogs stand on their guards, and mighty tumults make,

θηρὸς ἀκούσαντες κρατερόφρονος, ὅς τε καθʼ ὕλην

Sleep wanting weight to close one wink; so did the captains wake,

ἔρχηται διʼ ὄρεσφι· πολὺς δʼ ὀρυμαγδὸς ἐπʼ αὐτῷ

That kept the watch the whole sad night, all with intentive ear

ἀνδρῶν ἠδὲ κυνῶν, ἀπό τέ σφισιν ὕπνος ὄλωλεν·

Converted to the enemies' tents, that they might timely hear

ὣς τῶν νήδυμος ὕπνος ἀπὸ βλεφάροιιν ὀλώλει

If they were stirring to surprise; which Nestor joy'd to see.

νύκτα φυλασσομένοισι κακήν· πεδίον δὲ γὰρ αἰεὶ

“Why so, dear sons, maintain your watch, sleep not a wink,” said he,

τετράφαθʼ, ὁππότʼ ἐπὶ Τρώων ἀΐοιεν ἰόντων.

“Rather than make your fames the scorn of Trojan perjury.”

τοὺς δʼ ὃ γέρων γήθησεν ἰδὼν θάρσυνέ τε μύθῳ

This said, he foremost passed the dike, the others seconded,

καί σφεας φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Ev'n all the kings that had been call'd to council from the bed,

οὕτω νῦν φίλα τέκνα φυλάσσετε· μηδέ τινʼ ὕπνος

And with them went Meriones, and Nestor's famous son;

αἱρείτω, μὴ χάρμα γενώμεθα δυσμενέεσσιν.

For both were call'd by all the kings to consultation.

ὣς εἰπὼν τάφροιο διέσσυτο· τοὶ δʼ ἅμʼ ἕποντο

Beyond the dike they choos'd a place, near as they could from blood,

Ἀργείων βασιλῆες ὅσοι κεκλήατο βουλήν.

Where yet appear'd the falls of some, and whence, the crimson flood

τοῖς δʼ ἅμα Μηριόνης καὶ Νέστορος ἀγλαὸς υἱὸς

Of Grecian lives being pour'd on earth by Hector's furious chace,

ἤϊσαν· αὐτοὶ γὰρ κάλεον συμμητιάασθαι.

He made retreat, when night repour'd grim darkness in his face.

τάφρον δʼ ἐκδιαβάντες ὀρυκτὴν ἑδριόωντο

There sat they down, and Nestor spake: “O friends, remains not one

ἐν καθαρῷ, ὅθι δὴ νεκύων διεφαίνετο χῶρος

That will rely on his bold mind, and view the camp, alone,

πιπτόντων· ὅθεν αὖτις ἀπετράπετʼ ὄβριμος Ἕκτωρ

Of the proud Trojans, to approve if any straggling mate

ὀλλὺς Ἀργείους, ὅτε δὴ περὶ νὺξ ἐκάλυψεν.

He can surprise near th' utmost tents, or learn the brief estate

ἔνθα καθεζόμενοι ἔπεʼ ἀλλήλοισι πίφαυσκον·

Of their intentions for the time, and mix like one of them

τοῖσι δὲ μύθων ἦρχε Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ·

With their outguards, expiscating if the renown'd extreme

ὦ φίλοι οὐκ ἂν δή τις ἀνὴρ πεπίθοιθʼ ἑῷ αὐτοῦ

They force on us will serve their turns, with glory to retire,

θυμῷ τολμήεντι μετὰ Τρῶας μεγαθύμους

ἐλθεῖν, εἴ τινά που δηΐων ἕλοι ἐσχατόωντα,

ἤ τινά που καὶ φῆμιν ἐνὶ Τρώεσσι πύθοιτο,

ἅσσά τε μητιόωσι μετὰ σφίσιν, ἢ μεμάασιν

αὖθι μένειν παρὰ νηυσὶν ἀπόπροθεν, ἦε πόλιν δὲ

ἂψ ἀναχωρήσουσιν, ἐπεὶ δαμάσαντό γʼ Ἀχαιούς.

ταῦτά κε πάντα πύθοιτο, καὶ ἂψ εἰς ἡμέας ἔλθοι

ἀσκηθής· μέγα κέν οἱ ὑπουράνιον κλέος εἴη

πάντας ἐπʼ ἀνθρώπους, καί οἱ δόσις ἔσσεται ἐσθλή·

ὅσσοι γὰρ νήεσσιν ἐπικρατέουσιν ἄριστοι

τῶν πάντων οἱ ἕκαστος ὄϊν δώσουσι μέλαιναν

θῆλυν ὑπόρρηνον· τῇ μὲν κτέρας οὐδὲν ὁμοῖον,

αἰεὶ δʼ ἐν δαίτῃσι καὶ εἰλαπίνῃσι παρέσται.

Or still encamp thus far from Troy? This may he well inquire,

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἀκὴν ἐγένοντο σιωπῇ.

And make a brave retreat untouch'd; and this would win him fame

τοῖσι δὲ καὶ μετέειπε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Διομήδης·

Of all men canopied with heav'n, and ev'ry man of name,

Νέστορ ἔμʼ ὀτρύνει κραδίη καὶ θυμὸς ἀγήνωρ

In all this host shall honour him with an enriching meed,

ἀνδρῶν δυσμενέων δῦναι στρατὸν ἐγγὺς ἐόντων

A black ewe and her sucking lamb (rewards that now exceed

Τρώων· ἀλλʼ εἴ τίς μοι ἀνὴρ ἅμʼ ἕποιτο καὶ ἄλλος

All other best possessions, in all men's choice requests)

μᾶλλον θαλπωρὴ καὶ θαρσαλεώτερον ἔσται.

And still be bidden by our kings to kind and royal feasts.”

σύν τε δύʼ ἐρχομένω καί τε πρὸ ὃ τοῦ ἐνόησεν

All rev'renc'd one another's worth; and none would silence break,

ὅππως κέρδος ἔῃ· μοῦνος δʼ εἴ πέρ τε νοήσῃ

Lest worst should take best place of speech; at last did Diomed speak:

ἀλλά τέ οἱ βράσσων τε νόος, λεπτὴ δέ τε μῆτις.

“Nestor, thou ask'st if no man here have heart so well inclin'd

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἔθελον Διομήδεϊ πολλοὶ ἕπεσθαι.

To work this stratagem on Troy? Yes, I have such a mind.

ἠθελέτην Αἴαντε δύω θεράποντες Ἄρηος,

Yet, if some other prince would join, more probable will be

ἤθελε Μηριόνης, μάλα δʼ ἤθελε Νέστορος υἱός,

The strengthen'd hope of our exploit. Two may together see

ἤθελε δʼ Ἀτρεΐδης δουρικλειτὸς Μενέλαος,

(One going before another still) sly danger ev'ry way;

ἤθελε δʼ ὁ τλήμων Ὀδυσεὺς καταδῦναι ὅμιλον

One spirit upon another works, and takes with firmer stay

Τρώων· αἰεὶ γάρ οἱ ἐνὶ φρεσὶ θυμὸς ἐτόλμα.

The benefit of all his pow'rs; for though one knew his course,

τοῖσι δὲ καὶ μετέειπεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων·

Yet might he well distrust himself, which the other might enforce.”

Τυδεΐδη Διόμηδες ἐμῷ κεχαρισμένε θυμῷ

This offer ev'ry man assum'd, all would with Diomed go;

τὸν μὲν δὴ ἕταρόν γʼ αἱρήσεαι ὅν κʼ ἐθέλῃσθα,

The two Ajaces, Merion, and Menelaus too;

φαινομένων τὸν ἄριστον, ἐπεὶ μεμάασί γε πολλοί.

But Nestor's son enforc'd it much; and hardy Ithacus,

μηδὲ σύ γʼ αἰδόμενος σῇσι φρεσὶ τὸν μὲν ἀρείω

Who had to ev'ry vent'rous deed a mind as venturous.

καλλείπειν, σὺ δὲ χείρονʼ ὀπάσσεαι αἰδοῖ εἴκων

Amongst all these thus spake the king: “Tydides, most belov'd,

ἐς γενεὴν ὁρόων, μηδʼ εἰ βασιλεύτερός ἐστιν.

Choose thy associate worthily; a man the most approv'd

ὣς ἔφατʼ, ἔδεισεν δὲ περὶ ξανθῷ Μενελάῳ.

For use and strength in these extremes. Many thou seest stand forth;

τοῖς δʼ αὖτις μετέειπε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Διομήδης·

But choose not thou by height of place, but by regard of worth,

εἰ μὲν δὴ ἕταρόν γε κελεύετέ μʼ αὐτὸν ἑλέσθαι,

Lest with thy nice respect of right to any man's degree,

πῶς ἂν ἔπειτʼ Ὀδυσῆος ἐγὼ θείοιο λαθοίμην,

Thou wrong'st thy venture, choosing one least fit to join with thee,

οὗ πέρι μὲν πρόφρων κραδίη καὶ θυμὸς ἀγήνωρ

Although perhaps a greater king.” This spake he with suspect

ἐν πάντεσσι πόνοισι, φιλεῖ δέ ἑ Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη.

That Diomed, for honour's sake, his brother would select.

τούτου γʼ ἑσπομένοιο καὶ ἐκ πυρὸς αἰθομένοιο

Then said Tydides: “Since thou giv'st my judgment leave to choose,

ἄμφω νοστήσαιμεν, ἐπεὶ περίοιδε νοῆσαι.

How can it so much truth forget Ulysses to refuse,

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς·

That bears a mind so most exempt, and vig'rous in th' effect

Τυδεΐδη μήτʼ ἄρ με μάλʼ αἴνεε μήτέ τι νείκει·

Of all high labours, and a man Pallas doth most respect?

εἰδόσι γάρ τοι ταῦτα μετʼ Ἀργείοις ἀγορεύεις.

We shall return through burning fire, if I with him combine,

ἀλλʼ ἴομεν· μάλα γὰρ νὺξ ἄνεται, ἐγγύθι δʼ ἠώς,

He sets strength in so true a course, with counsels so divine.”

ἄστρα δὲ δὴ προβέβηκε, παροίχωκεν δὲ πλέων νὺξ

Ulysses, loth to be esteem'd a lover of his praise,

τῶν δύο μοιράων, τριτάτη δʼ ἔτι μοῖρα λέλειπται.

With such exceptions humbled him as did him higher raise,

ὣς εἰπόνθʼ ὅπλοισιν ἔνι δεινοῖσιν ἐδύτην.

And said: “Tydides, praise me not more than free truth will bear,

Τυδεΐδῃ μὲν δῶκε μενεπτόλεμος Θρασυμήδης

Nor yet impair me; they are Greeks that give judicial ear.

φάσγανον ἄμφηκες· τὸ δʼ ἑὸν παρὰ νηῒ λέλειπτο·

But come, the morning hastes, the stars are forward in their course,

καὶ σάκος· ἀμφὶ δέ οἱ κυνέην κεφαλῆφιν ἔθηκε

Two parts of night are past, the third is left t' employ our force.”

ταυρείην, ἄφαλόν τε καὶ ἄλλοφον, ἥ τε καταῖτυξ

Now borrow'd they for haste some arms. Bold Thrasymedes lent

κέκληται, ῥύεται δὲ κάρη θαλερῶν αἰζηῶν.

Advent'rous Diomed his sword (his own was at his tent),

Μηριόνης δʼ Ὀδυσῆϊ δίδου βιὸν ἠδὲ φαρέτρην

His shield, and helm tough and well-tann'd, without or plume or crest,

καὶ ξίφος, ἀμφὶ δέ οἱ κυνέην κεφαλῆφιν ἔθηκε

And call'd a murrion, archers' heads it uséd to invest.

ῥινοῦ ποιητήν· πολέσιν δʼ ἔντοσθεν ἱμᾶσιν

Meriones lent Ithacus his quiver and his bow,

ἐντέτατο στερεῶς· ἔκτοσθε δὲ λευκοὶ ὀδόντες

His helmet fashion'd of a hide; the workman did bestow

ἀργιόδοντος ὑὸς θαμέες ἔχον ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα

Much labour in it, quilting it with bow-strings, and, without

εὖ καὶ ἐπισταμένως· μέσσῃ δʼ ἐνὶ πῖλος ἀρήρει.

With snowy tusks of white-mouth'd boars 'twas arméd round about

τήν ῥά ποτʼ ἐξ Ἐλεῶνος Ἀμύντορος Ὀρμενίδαο

Right cunningly, and in the midst an arming cap was plac'd,

ἐξέλετʼ Αὐτόλυκος πυκινὸν δόμον ἀντιτορήσας,

That with the fix'd ends of the tusks his head might not be ras'd.

Σκάνδειαν δʼ ἄρα δῶκε Κυθηρίῳ Ἀμφιδάμαντι·

This, long since, by Autolycus was brought from Eleon,

Ἀμφιδάμας δὲ Μόλῳ δῶκε ξεινήϊον εἶναι,

When he laid waste Amyntor's house, that was Ormenus' son:

αὐτὰρ ὃ Μηριόνῃ δῶκεν ᾧ παιδὶ φορῆναι·

In Scandia, to Cytherius, surnam'd Amphidamas,

δὴ τότʼ Ὀδυσσῆος πύκασεν κάρη ἀμφιτεθεῖσα.

Autolycus did give this helm; he, when he feasted was

τὼ δʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν ὅπλοισιν ἔνι δεινοῖσιν ἐδύτην,

By honour'd Molus, gave it him, as present of a guest;

βάν ῥʼ ἰέναι, λιπέτην δὲ κατʼ αὐτόθι πάντας ἀρίστους.

Molus to his son Merion did make it his bequest.

τοῖσι δὲ δεξιὸν ἧκεν ἐρῳδιὸν ἐγγὺς ὁδοῖο

With this Ulysses arm'd his head; and thus they, both address'd,

Παλλὰς Ἀθηναίη· τοὶ δʼ οὐκ ἴδον ὀφθαλμοῖσι

Took leave of all the other kings. To them a glad ostent,

νύκτα διʼ ὀρφναίην, ἀλλὰ κλάγξαντος ἄκουσαν.

As they were ent'ring on their way, Minerva did present,

χαῖρε δὲ τῷ ὄρνιθʼ Ὀδυσεύς, ἠρᾶτο δʼ Ἀθήνῃ·

A hernshaw consecrate to her, which they could ill discern

κλῦθί μευ αἰγιόχοιο Διὸς τέκος, ἥ τέ μοι αἰεὶ

ἐν πάντεσσι πόνοισι παρίστασαι, οὐδέ σε λήθω

κινύμενος· νῦν αὖτε μάλιστά με φῖλαι Ἀθήνη,

δὸς δὲ πάλιν ἐπὶ νῆας ἐϋκλεῖας ἀφικέσθαι

ῥέξαντας μέγα ἔργον, ὅ κε Τρώεσσι μελήσῃ.

δεύτερος αὖτʼ ἠρᾶτο βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Διομήδης·

κέκλυθι νῦν καὶ ἐμεῖο Διὸς τέκος Ἀτρυτώνη·

σπεῖό μοι ὡς ὅτε πατρὶ ἅμʼ ἕσπεο Τυδέϊ δίῳ

ἐς Θήβας, ὅτε τε πρὸ Ἀχαιῶν ἄγγελος ᾔει.

τοὺς δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπʼ Ἀσωπῷ λίπε χαλκοχίτωνας Ἀχαιούς,

αὐτὰρ ὃ μειλίχιον μῦθον φέρε Καδμείοισι

κεῖσʼ· ἀτὰρ ἂψ ἀπιὼν μάλα μέρμερα μήσατο ἔργα

Through sable night, but, by her clange, they knew it was a hern.

σὺν σοὶ δῖα θεά, ὅτε οἱ πρόφρασσα παρέστης.

Ulysses joy'd, and thus invok'd: “Hear me, great Seed of Jove,

ὣς νῦν μοι ἐθέλουσα παρίσταο καί με φύλασσε.

That ever dost my labours grace with presence of thy love,

σοὶ δʼ αὖ ἐγὼ ῥέξω βοῦν ἦνιν εὐρυμέτωπον

And all my motions dost attend! Still love me, sacred Dame,

ἀδμήτην, ἣν οὔ πω ὑπὸ ζυγὸν ἤγαγεν ἀνήρ·

Especially in this exploit, and so protect our fame

τήν τοι ἐγὼ ῥέξω χρυσὸν κέρασιν περιχεύας.

We both may safely make retreat, and thriftily employ

ὣς ἔφαν εὐχόμενοι, τῶν δʼ ἔκλυε Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη.

Our boldness in some great affair baneful to them of Troy.”

οἳ δʼ ἐπεὶ ἠρήσαντο Διὸς κούρῃ μεγάλοιο,

Then pray'd illustrate Diomed: “Vouchsafe me likewise ear,

βάν ῥʼ ἴμεν ὥς τε λέοντε δύω διὰ νύκτα μέλαιναν

O thou unconquer'd Queen of arms! Be with thy favours near,

ἂμ φόνον, ἂν νέκυας, διά τʼ ἔντεα καὶ μέλαν αἷμα.

As, to my royal father's steps, thou went'st a bounteous guide,

οὐδὲ μὲν οὐδὲ Τρῶας ἀγήνορας εἴασεν Ἕκτωρ

When th' Achives and the peers of Thebes he would have pacified,

εὕδειν, ἀλλʼ ἄμυδις κικλήσκετο πάντας ἀρίστους,

Sent as the Greeks' ambassador, and left them at the flood

ὅσσοι ἔσαν Τρώων ἡγήτορες ἠδὲ μέδοντες·

Of great Æsopus; whose retreat thou mad'st to swim in blood

τοὺς ὅ γε συγκαλέσας πυκινὴν ἀρτύνετο βουλήν·

Of his enambush'd enemies; and, if thou so protect

τίς κέν μοι τόδε ἔργον ὑποσχόμενος τελέσειε

My bold endeavours, to thy name an heifer most select,

δώρῳ ἔπι μεγάλῳ; μισθὸς δέ οἱ ἄρκιος ἔσται.

That never yet was tam'd with yoke, broad-fronted, one year old,

δώσω γὰρ δίφρόν τε δύω τʼ ἐριαύχενας ἵππους

I'll burn in zealous sacrifice, and set the horns in gold.”

οἵ κεν ἄριστοι ἔωσι θοῇς ἐπὶ νηυσὶν Ἀχαιῶν

The Goddess heard; and both the kings their dreadless passage bore

ὅς τίς κε τλαίη, οἷ τʼ αὐτῷ κῦδος ἄροιτο,

Through slaughter, slaughter'd carcasses, arms, and discolour'd gore.

νηῶν ὠκυπόρων σχεδὸν ἐλθέμεν, ἔκ τε πυθέσθαι

Nor Hector let his princes sleep, but all to council call'd,

ἠέ φυλάσσονται νῆες θοαὶ ὡς τὸ πάρος περ,

And ask'd, “What one is here will vow, and keep it unappall'd,

ἦ ἤδη χείρεσσιν ὑφʼ ἡμετέρῃσι δαμέντες

To have a gift fit for his deed, a chariot and two horse,

φύξιν βουλεύουσι μετὰ σφίσιν, οὐδʼ ἐθέλουσι

That pass for speed the rest of Greece? What one dares take this course,

νύκτα φυλασσέμεναι, καμάτῳ ἀδηκότες αἰνῷ.

For his renown, besides his gifts, to mix amongst the foe,

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἀκὴν ἐγένοντο σιωπῇ.

And learn if still they hold their guards, or with this overthrow

ἦν δέ τις ἐν Τρώεσσι Δόλων Εὐμήδεος υἱὸς

Determine flight, as being too weak to hold us longer war?”

κήρυκος θείοιο πολύχρυσος πολύχαλκος,

All silent stood; at last stood forth one Dolon, that did dare

ὃς δή τοι εἶδος μὲν ἔην κακός, ἀλλὰ ποδώκης·

This dang'rous work, Eumedes' heir, a herald much renown'd.

αὐτὰρ ὃ μοῦνος ἔην μετὰ πέντε κασιγνήτῃσιν.

This Dolon did in gold and brass exceedingly abound,

ὅς ῥα τότε Τρωσίν τε καὶ Ἕκτορι μῦθον ἔειπεν·

But in his form was quite deform'd, yet passing swift to run;

Ἕκτορ ἔμʼ ὀτρύνει κραδίη καὶ θυμὸς ἀγήνωρ

Amongst five sisters, he was left Eumedes' only son.

νηῶν ὠκυπόρων σχεδὸν ἐλθέμεν ἔκ τε πυθέσθαι.

And he told Hector, his free heart would undertake t' explore

ἀλλʼ ἄγε μοι τὸ σκῆπτρον ἀνάσχεο, καί μοι ὄμοσσον

The Greeks' intentions, “but,” said he, “thou shalt be sworn before,

ἦ μὲν τοὺς ἵππους τε καὶ ἅρματα ποικίλα χαλκῷ

By this thy sceptre, that the horse of great Æacides,

δωσέμεν, οἳ φορέουσιν ἀμύμονα Πηλεΐωνα,

And his strong chariot bound with brass, thou wilt (before all these)

σοὶ δʼ ἐγὼ οὐχ ἅλιος σκοπὸς ἔσσομαι οὐδʼ ἀπὸ δόξης·

Resign me as my valour's prise; and so I rest unmov'd

τόφρα γὰρ ἐς στρατὸν εἶμι διαμπερὲς ὄφρʼ ἂν ἵκωμαι

To be thy spy, and not return before I have approv'd

νῆʼ Ἀγαμεμνονέην, ὅθι που μέλλουσιν ἄριστοι

(By vent'ring to Atrides' ship, where their consults are held)

βουλὰς βουλεύειν ἢ φευγέμεν ἠὲ μάχεσθαι.

If they resolve still to resist, or fly as quite expell'd.”

ὣς φάθʼ, ὃ δʼ ἐν χερσὶ σκῆπτρον λάβε καί οἱ ὄμοσσεν·

He put his sceptre in his hand, and call'd the thunder's God,

ἴστω νῦν Ζεὺς αὐτὸς ἐρίγδουπος πόσις Ἥρης

Saturnia's husband, to his oath, those horse should not be rode

μὴ μὲν τοῖς ἵπποισιν ἀνὴρ ἐποχήσεται ἄλλος

By any other man than he, but he for ever joy

Τρώων, ἀλλά σέ φημι διαμπερὲς ἀγλαϊεῖσθαι.

(To his renown) their services, for his good done to Troy.

ὣς φάτο καί ῥʼ ἐπίορκον ἐπώμοσε, τὸν δʼ ὀρόθυνεν·

Thus swore he, and forswore himself, yet made base Dolon bold;

αὐτίκα δʼ ἀμφʼ ὤμοισιν ἐβάλλετο καμπύλα τόξα,

Who on his shoulders hung his bow, and did about him fold

ἕσσατο δʼ ἔκτοσθεν ῥινὸν πολιοῖο λύκοιο,

A white wolf's hide, and with a helm of weasels' skins did arm

κρατὶ δʼ ἐπὶ κτιδέην κυνέην, ἕλε δʼ ὀξὺν ἄκοντα,

His weasel's head, then took his dart, and never turn'd to harm

βῆ δʼ ἰέναι προτὶ νῆας ἀπὸ στρατοῦ· οὐδʼ ἄρʼ ἔμελλεν

The Greeks with their related drifts; but being past the troops

ἐλθὼν ἐκ νηῶν ἂψ Ἕκτορι μῦθον ἀποίσειν.

Of horse and foot, he promptly runs, and as he runs he stoops

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δή ῥʼ ἵππων τε καὶ ἀνδρῶν κάλλιφʼ ὅμιλον,

To undermine Achilles' horse. Ulysses straight did see,

βῆ ῥʼ ἀνʼ ὁδὸν μεμαώς· τὸν δὲ φράσατο προσιόντα

And said to Diomed: “This man makes footing towards thee,

διογενὴς Ὀδυσεύς, Διομήδεα δὲ προσέειπεν·

Out of the tents. I know not well, if he be us'd as spy

οὗτός τις Διόμηδες ἀπὸ στρατοῦ ἔρχεται ἀνήρ,

Bent to our fleet, or come to rob the slaughter'd enemy.

οὐκ οἶδʼ ἢ νήεσσιν ἐπίσκοπος ἡμετέρῃσιν,

But let us suffer him to come a little further on,

ἦ τινα συλήσων νεκύων κατατεθνηώτων.

And then pursue him. If it chance, that we be overgone

ἀλλʼ ἐῶμέν μιν πρῶτα παρεξελθεῖν πεδίοιο

By his more swiftness, urge him still to run upon our fleet,

τυτθόν· ἔπειτα δέ κʼ αὐτὸν ἐπαΐξαντες ἕλοιμεν

And (lest he 'scape us to the town) still let thy jav'lin meet

καρπαλίμως· εἰ δʼ ἄμμε παραφθαίησι πόδεσσιν,

With all his offers of retreat.” Thus stepp'd they from the plain

αἰεί μιν ἐπὶ νῆας ἀπὸ στρατόφι προτιειλεῖν

Amongst the slaughter'd carcasses. Dolon came on amain,

ἔγχει ἐπαΐσσων, μή πως προτὶ ἄστυ ἀλύξῃ.

Suspecting nothing; but once past, as far as mules outdraw

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσαντε παρὲξ ὁδοῦ ἐν νεκύεσσι

Oxen at plough, being both put on, neither admitted law,

κλινθήτην· ὃ δʼ ἄρʼ ὦκα παρέδραμεν ἀφραδίῃσιν.

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δή ῥʼ ἀπέην ὅσσόν τʼ ἐπὶ οὖρα πέλονται

ἡμιόνων· αἱ γάρ τε βοῶν προφερέστεραί εἰσιν

ἑλκέμεναι νειοῖο βαθείης πηκτὸν ἄροτρον·

τὼ μὲν ἐπεδραμέτην, ὃ δʼ ἄρʼ ἔστη δοῦπον ἀκούσας.

ἔλπετο γὰρ κατὰ θυμὸν ἀποστρέψοντας ἑταίρους

ἐκ Τρώων ἰέναι πάλιν Ἕκτορος ὀτρύναντος.

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δή ῥʼ ἄπεσαν δουρηνεκὲς ἢ καὶ ἔλασσον,

γνῶ ῥʼ ἄνδρας δηΐους, λαιψηρὰ δὲ γούνατʼ ἐνώμα

φευγέμεναι· τοὶ δʼ αἶψα διώκειν ὁρμήθησαν.

ὡς δʼ ὅτε καρχαρόδοντε δύω κύνε εἰδότε θήρης

ἢ κεμάδʼ ἠὲ λαγωὸν ἐπείγετον ἐμμενὲς αἰεὶ

To plough a deep-soil'd furrow forth, so far was Dolon past.

χῶρον ἀνʼ ὑλήενθʼ, ὃ δέ τε προθέῃσι μεμηκώς,

Then they pursu'd, which he perceiv'd, and stay'd his speedless haste,

ὣς τὸν Τυδεΐδης ἠδʼ ὃ πτολίπορθος Ὀδυσσεὺς

Subtly supposing Hector sent to countermand his spy;

λαοῦ ἀποτμήξαντε διώκετον ἐμμενὲς αἰεί.

But, in a jav'lin's throw or less, he knew them enemy.

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ τάχʼ ἔμελλε μιγήσεσθαι φυλάκεσσι

Then laid he on his nimble knees, and they pursu'd like wind.

φεύγων ἐς νῆας, τότε δὴ μένος ἔμβαλʼ Ἀθήνη

As when a brace of greyhounds are laid in with hare and hind,

Τυδεΐδῃ, ἵνα μή τις Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων

Close-mouth'd and skill'd to make the best of their industrious course,

φθαίη ἐπευξάμενος βαλέειν, ὃ δὲ δεύτερος ἔλθοι.

Serve either's turn, and, set on hard, lose neither ground nor force;

δουρὶ δʼ ἐπαΐσσων προσέφη κρατερὸς Διομήδης·

So constantly did Tydeus' son, and his town-razing peer,

ἠὲ μένʼ ἠέ σε δουρὶ κιχήσομαι, οὐδέ σέ φημι

Pursue this spy, still turning him, as he was winding near

δηρὸν ἐμῆς ἀπὸ χειρὸς ἀλύξειν αἰπὺν ὄλεθρον.

His covert, till he almost mix'd with their out-courts of guard.

ἦ ῥα καὶ ἔγχος ἀφῆκεν, ἑκὼν δʼ ἡμάρτανε φωτός·

Then Pallas prompted Diomed, lest his due worth's reward

δεξιτερὸν δʼ ὑπὲρ ὦμον ἐΰξου δουρὸς ἀκωκὴ

Should be impair'd if any man did vaunt he first did sheath

ἐν γαίῃ ἐπάγη· ὃ δʼ ἄρʼ ἔστη τάρβησέν τε

His sword in him, and he be call'd but second in his death.

βαμβαίνων· ἄραβος δὲ διὰ στόμα γίγνετʼ ὀδόντων·

Then spake he, threat'ning with his lance: “Or stay, or this comes on,

χλωρὸς ὑπαὶ δείους· τὼ δʼ ἀσθμαίνοντε κιχήτην,

And long thou canst not run before thou be by death outgone.”

χειρῶν δʼ ἁψάσθην· ὃ δὲ δακρύσας ἔπος ηὔδα·

This said, he threw his jav'lin forth; which missed as Diomed would,

ζωγρεῖτʼ, αὐτὰρ ἐγὼν ἐμὲ λύσομαι· ἔστι γὰρ ἔνδον

Above his right arm making way, the pile stuck in the mould.

χαλκός τε χρυσός τε πολύκμητός τε σίδηρος,

He stay'd and trembled, and his teeth did chatter in his head.

τῶν κʼ ὔμμιν χαρίσαιτο πατὴρ ἀπερείσιʼ ἄποινα

They came in blowing, seiz'd him fast; he, weeping, offeréd

εἴ κεν ἐμὲ ζωὸν πεπύθοιτʼ ἐπὶ νηυσὶν Ἀχαιῶν.

A wealthy ransom for his life, and told them he had brass,

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

Much gold, and iron, that fit for use in many labours was,

θάρσει, μηδέ τί τοι θάνατος καταθύμιος ἔστω.

From whose rich heaps his father would a wondrous portion give,

ἀλλʼ ἄγε μοι τόδε εἰπὲ καὶ ἀτρεκέως κατάλεξον·

If, at the great Achaian fleet, he heard his son did live.

πῇ δὴ οὕτως ἐπὶ νῆας ἀπὸ στρατοῦ ἔρχεαι οἶος

Ulysses bad him cheer his heart. “Think not of death,” said he,

νύκτα διʼ ὀρφναίην, ὅτε θʼ εὕδουσι βροτοὶ ἄλλοι;

“But tell us true, why runn'st thou forth, when others sleeping be?

ἤ τινα συλήσων νεκύων κατατεθνηώτων;

Is it to spoil the carcasses? Or art thou choicely sent

ἦ σʼ Ἕκτωρ προέηκε διασκοπιᾶσθαι ἕκαστα

T' explore our drifts? Or of thyself seek'st thou some wish'd event?”

νῆας ἔπι γλαφυράς; ἦ σʼ αὐτὸν θυμὸς ἀνῆκε;

He trembling answer'd: “Much reward did Hector's oath propose,

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα Δόλων, ὑπὸ δʼ ἔτρεμε γυῖα·

And urg'd me, much against my will, t' endeavour to disclose

πολλῇσίν μʼ ἄτῃσι παρὲκ νόον ἤγαγεν Ἕκτωρ,

If you determin'd still to stay, or bent your course for flight,

ὅς μοι Πηλεΐωνος ἀγαυοῦ μώνυχας ἵππους

As all dismay'd with your late foil, and wearied with the fight.

δωσέμεναι κατένευσε καὶ ἅρματα ποικίλα χαλκῷ,

For which exploit, Pelides' horse and chariot he did swear,

ἠνώγει δέ μʼ ἰόντα θοὴν διὰ νύκτα μέλαιναν

I only ever should enjoy.” Ulysses smil'd to hear

ἀνδρῶν δυσμενέων σχεδὸν ἐλθέμεν, ἔκ τε πυθέσθαι

So base a swain have any hope so high a prise t' aspire,

ἠὲ φυλάσσονται νῆες θοαὶ ὡς τὸ πάρος περ,

And said, his labours did affect a great and precious hire,

ἦ ἤδη χείρεσσιν ὑφʼ ἡμετέρῃσι δαμέντες

And that the horse Pelides rein'd no mortal hand could use

φύξιν βουλεύουσι μετὰ σφίσιν, οὐδʼ ἐθέλουσι

But he himself, whose matchless life a Goddess did produce.

νύκτα φυλασσέμεναι, καμάτῳ ἀδηκότες αἰνῷ.

“But tell us, and report but truth, where left'st thou Hector now?

τὸν δʼ ἐπιμειδήσας προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

Where are his arms? His famous horse? On whom doth he bestow

ἦ ῥά νύ τοι μεγάλων δώρων ἐπεμαίετο θυμὸς

The watch's charge? Where sleep the kings? Intend they still to lie

ἵππων Αἰακίδαο δαΐφρονος· οἳ δʼ ἀλεγεινοὶ

Thus near encamp'd, or turn suffic'd with their late victory?”

ἀνδράσι γε θνητοῖσι δαμήμεναι ἠδʼ ὀχέεσθαι

“All this,” said he, “I'll tell most true. At Ilus' monument

ἄλλῳ γʼ ἢ Ἀχιλῆϊ, τὸν ἀθανάτη τέκε μήτηρ.

Hector with all our princes sits, t' advise of this event;

ἀλλʼ ἄγε μοι τόδε εἰπὲ καὶ ἀτρεκέως κατάλεξον·

Who choose that place remov'd to shun the rude confuséd sounds

ποῦ νῦν δεῦρο κιὼν λίπες Ἕκτορα ποιμένα λαῶν;

The common soldiers throw about. But, for our watch, and rounds,

ποῦ δέ οἱ ἔντεα κεῖται ἀρήϊα, ποῦ δέ οἱ ἵπποι;

Whereof, brave lord, thou mak'st demand, none orderly we keep.

πῶς δαὶ τῶν ἄλλων Τρώων φυλακαί τε καὶ εὐναί;

The Trojans, that have roofs to save, only abandon sleep,

ἅσσά τε μητιόωσι μετὰ σφίσιν, ἢ μεμάασιν

And privately without command each other they exhort

αὖθι μένειν παρὰ νηυσὶν ἀπόπροθεν, ἦε πόλιν δὲ

To make prevention of the worst; and in this slender sort

ἂψ ἀναχωρήσουσιν, ἐπεὶ δαμάσαντό γʼ Ἀχαιούς.

Is watch and guard maintain'd with us. Th' auxiliary bands

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε Δόλων Εὐμήδεος υἱός·

Sleep soundly, and commit their cares into the Trojans' hands,

τοὶ γὰρ ἐγώ τοι ταῦτα μάλʼ ἀτρεκέως καταλέξω.

For they have neither wives with them, nor children to protect;

Ἕκτωρ μὲν μετὰ τοῖσιν, ὅσοι βουληφόροι εἰσί,

The less they need to care, the more they succour dull neglect.”

βουλὰς βουλεύει θείου παρὰ σήματι Ἴλου

“But tell me,” said wise Ithacus, “are all these foreign pow'rs

νόσφιν ἀπὸ φλοίσβου· φυλακὰς δʼ ἃς εἴρεαι ἥρως

Appointed quarters by themselves, or else commix'd with yours?”

οὔ τις κεκριμένη ῥύεται στρατὸν οὐδὲ φυλάσσει.

“And this,” said Dolon, “too, my lords, I'll seriously unfold.

ὅσσαι μὲν Τρώων πυρὸς ἐσχάραι, οἷσιν ἀνάγκη

The Pæons with the crookéd bows, and Cares, quarters hold

οἷ δʼ ἐγρηγόρθασι φυλασσέμεναί τε κέλονται

Next to the sea, the Leleges, and Caucons, join'd with them,

ἀλλήλοις· ἀτὰρ αὖτε πολύκλητοι ἐπίκουροι

And brave Pelasgians. Thymber's mead, remov'd more from the stream,

εὕδουσι· Τρωσὶν γὰρ ἐπιτραπέουσι φυλάσσειν·

Is quarter to the Lycians, the lofty Mysian force,

οὐ γάρ σφιν παῖδες σχεδὸν εἵαται οὐδὲ γυναῖκες.

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

πῶς γὰρ νῦν Τρώεσσι μεμιγμένοι ἱπποδάμοισιν

εὕδουσʼ ἦ ἀπάνευθε; δίειπέ μοι ὄφρα δαείω.

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα Δόλων Εὐμήδεος υἱός·

τοὶ γὰρ ἐγὼ καὶ ταῦτα μάλʼ ἀτρεκέως καταλέξω.

πρὸς μὲν ἁλὸς Κᾶρες καὶ Παίονες ἀγκυλότοξοι

καὶ Λέλεγες καὶ Καύκωνες δῖοί τε Πελασγοί,

πρὸς Θύμβρης δʼ ἔλαχον Λύκιοι Μυσοί τʼ ἀγέρωχοι

καὶ Φρύγες ἱππόμαχοι καὶ Μῄονες ἱπποκορυσταί.

ἀλλὰ τί ἢ ἐμὲ ταῦτα διεξερέεσθε ἕκαστα;

εἰ γὰρ δὴ μέματον Τρώων καταδῦναι ὅμιλον

Θρήϊκες οἷδʼ ἀπάνευθε νεήλυδες ἔσχατοι ἄλλων·

The Phrygians and Meonians, that fight with arméd horse.

ἐν δέ σφιν Ῥῆσος βασιλεὺς πάϊς Ἠϊονῆος.

But what need these particulars? If ye intend surprise

τοῦ δὴ καλλίστους ἵππους ἴδον ἠδὲ μεγίστους·

Of any in our Trojan camps, the Thracian quarter lies

λευκότεροι χιόνος, θείειν δʼ ἀνέμοισιν ὁμοῖοι·

Utmost of all, and uncommix'd with Trojan regiments,

ἅρμα δέ οἱ χρυσῷ τε καὶ ἀργύρῳ εὖ ἤσκηται·

That keep the voluntary watch. New pitch'd are all their tents.

τεύχεα δὲ χρύσεια πελώρια θαῦμα ἰδέσθαι

King Rhesus, Eioneus' son, commands them, who hath steeds

ἤλυθʼ ἔχων· τὰ μὲν οὔ τι καταθνητοῖσιν ἔοικεν

More white than snow, huge, and well-shap'd, their fi'ry pace exceeds

ἄνδρεσσιν φορέειν, ἀλλʼ ἀθανάτοισι θεοῖσιν.

The winds in swiftness; these I saw; his chariot is with gold

ἀλλʼ ἐμὲ μὲν νῦν νηυσὶ πελάσσετον ὠκυπόροισιν,

And pallid silver richly fram'd, and wondrous to behold;

ἠέ με δήσαντες λίπετʼ αὐτόθι νηλέϊ δεσμῷ,

His great and golden armour is not fit a man should wear,

ὄφρά κεν ἔλθητον καὶ πειρηθῆτον ἐμεῖο

But for immortal shoulders fram'd. Come then, and quickly bear

ἠὲ κατʼ αἶσαν ἔειπον ἐν ὑμῖν, ἦε καὶ οὐκί.

Your happy pris'ner to your fleet; or leave him here fast bound,

τὸν δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν προσέφη κρατερὸς Διομήδης·

Till your well-urg'd and rich return prove my relation sound.”

μὴ δή μοι φύξίν γε Δόλων ἐμβάλλεο θυμῷ·

Tydides dreadfully replied: “Think not of passage thus,

ἐσθλά περ ἀγγείλας, ἐπεὶ ἵκεο χεῖρας ἐς ἁμάς.

Though of right acceptable news thou hast advértised us,

εἰ μὲν γάρ κέ σε νῦν ἀπολύσομεν ἠὲ μεθῶμεν,

Our hands are holds more strict than so; and should we set thee free

ἦ τε καὶ ὕστερον εἶσθα θοὰς ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν

For offer'd ransom, for this 'scape thou still wouldst scouting be

ἠὲ διοπτεύσων ἢ ἐναντίβιον πολεμίξων·

About our ships, or do us scathe in plain opposed arms,

εἰ δέ κʼ ἐμῇς ὑπὸ χερσὶ δαμεὶς ἀπὸ θυμὸν ὀλέσσῃς,

But, if I take thy life, no way can we repent thy harms.”

οὐκέτʼ ἔπειτα σὺ πῆμά ποτʼ ἔσσεαι Ἀργείοισιν.

With this, as Dolon reach'd his hand to use a suppliant's part,

ἦ, καὶ ὃ μέν μιν ἔμελλε γενείου χειρὶ παχείῃ

And stroke the beard of Diomed, he strook his neck athwart

ἁψάμενος λίσσεσθαι, ὃ δʼ αὐχένα μέσσον ἔλασσε

With his forc'd sword, and both the nerves he did in sunder wound,

φασγάνῳ ἀΐξας, ἀπὸ δʼ ἄμφω κέρσε τένοντε·

And suddenly his head, deceiv'd, fell speaking on the ground.

φθεγγομένου δʼ ἄρα τοῦ γε κάρη κονίῃσιν ἐμίχθη.

His weasel's helm they took, his bow, his wolf's skin, and his lance,

τοῦ δʼ ἀπὸ μὲν κτιδέην κυνέην κεφαλῆφιν ἕλοντο

Which to Minerva Ithacus did zealously advance,

καὶ λυκέην καὶ τόξα παλίντονα καὶ δόρυ μακρόν·

With lifted arm into the air; and to her thus he spake:

καὶ τά γʼ Ἀθηναίῃ ληΐτιδι δῖος Ὀδυσσεὺς

“Goddess, triumph in thine own spoils; to thee we first will make

ὑψόσʼ ἀνέσχεθε χειρὶ καὶ εὐχόμενος ἔπος ηὔδα·

Our invocations, of all pow'rs thron'd on th' Olympian hill;

χαῖρε θεὰ τοῖσδεσσι· σὲ γὰρ πρώτην ἐν Ὀλύμπῳ

Now to the Thracians, and their horse, and beds, conduct us still.”

πάντων ἀθανάτων ἐπιδωσόμεθʼ· ἀλλὰ καὶ αὖτις

With this, he hung them up aloft upon a tamrick bough

πέμψον ἐπὶ Θρῃκῶν ἀνδρῶν ἵππους τε καὶ εὐνάς.

As eyeful trophies, and the sprigs that did about it grow

ὣς ἄρʼ ἐφώνησεν, καὶ ἀπὸ ἕθεν ὑψόσʼ ἀείρας

He proinéd from the leafy arms, to make it easier view'd

θῆκεν ἀνὰ μυρίκην· δέελον δʼ ἐπὶ σῆμά τʼ ἔθηκε

When they should hastily retire, and be perhaps pursu'd,

συμμάρψας δόνακας μυρίκης τʼ ἐριθηλέας ὄζους,

Forth went they through black blood and arms, and presently aspir'd

μὴ λάθοι αὖτις ἰόντε θοὴν διὰ νύκτα μέλαιναν.

The guardless Thracian regiment, fast bound with sleep, and tir'd;

τὼ δὲ βάτην προτέρω διά τʼ ἔντεα καὶ μέλαν αἷμα,

Their arms lay by, and triple ranks they, as they slept, did keep,

αἶψα δʼ ἐπὶ Θρῃκῶν ἀνδρῶν τέλος ἷξον ἰόντες.

As they should watch and guard their king, who, in a fatal sleep,

οἳ δʼ εὗδον καμάτῳ ἀδηκότες, ἔντεα δέ σφιν

Lay in the midst; their chariot horse, as they coach-fellows were,

καλὰ παρʼ αὐτοῖσι χθονὶ κέκλιτο εὖ κατὰ κόσμον

Fed by them; and the famous steeds, that did their gen'ral bear,

τριστοιχί· παρὰ δέ σφιν ἑκάστῳ δίζυγες ἵπποι.

Stood next him, to the hinder part of his rich chariot tied.

Ῥῆσος δʼ ἐν μέσῳ εὗδε, παρʼ αὐτῷ δʼ ὠκέες ἵπποι

Ulysses saw them first, and said, “Tydides, I have spied

ἐξ ἐπιδιφριάδος πυμάτης ἱμᾶσι δέδεντο.

The horse that Dolon, whom we slew, assur'd us we should see.

τὸν δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς προπάροιθεν ἰδὼν Διομήδεϊ δεῖξεν·

Now use thy strength; now idle arms are most unfit for thee;

οὗτός τοι Διόμηδες ἀνήρ, οὗτοι δέ τοι ἵπποι,

Prise thou the horse; or kill the guard, and leave the horse to me.”

οὓς νῶϊν πίφαυσκε Δόλων ὃν ἐπέφνομεν ἡμεῖς.

Minerva, with the azure eyes, breath'd strength into her king,

ἀλλʼ ἄγε δὴ πρόφερε κρατερὸν μένος· οὐδέ τί σε χρὴ

Who filled the tent with mixéd death. The souls, he set on wing,

ἑστάμεναι μέλεον σὺν τεύχεσιν, ἀλλὰ λύʼ ἵππους·

Issu'd in groans, and made air swell into her stormy flood.

ἠὲ σύ γʼ ἄνδρας ἔναιρε, μελήσουσιν δʼ ἐμοὶ ἵπποι.

Horror and slaughter had one pow'r, the earth did blush with blood.

ὣς φάτο, τῷ δʼ ἔμπνευσε μένος γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη,

As when a hungry lion flies, with purpose to devour,

κτεῖνε δʼ ἐπιστροφάδην· τῶν δὲ στόνος ὄρνυτʼ ἀεικὴς

On flocks unkept, and on their lives doth freely use his pow'r;

ἄορι θεινομένων, ἐρυθαίνετο δʼ αἵματι γαῖα.

So Tydeus' son assail'd the foe; twelve souls before him flew;

ὡς δὲ λέων μήλοισιν ἀσημάντοισιν ἐπελθὼν

Ulysses waited on his sword, and ever as he slew,

αἴγεσιν ἢ ὀΐεσσι κακὰ φρονέων ἐνορούσῃ,

He drew them by their strengthless heels out of the horses' sight.

ὣς μὲν Θρήϊκας ἄνδρας ἐπῴχετο Τυδέος υἱὸς

That, when he was to lead them forth, they should not with affright

ὄφρα δυώδεκʼ ἔπεφνεν· ἀτὰρ πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεὺς

Boggle, nor snore, in treading on the bloody carcasses;

ὅν τινα Τυδεΐδης ἄορι πλήξειε παραστὰς

For being new come, they were unus'd to such stern sights as these.

τὸν δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς μετόπισθε λαβὼν ποδὸς ἐξερύσασκε,

Through four ranks now did Diomed the king himself attain,

τὰ φρονέων κατὰ θυμὸν ὅπως καλλίτριχες ἵπποι

Who, snoring in his sweetest sleep, was like his soldiers slain.

ῥεῖα διέλθοιεν μηδὲ τρομεοίατο θυμῷ

An ill dream by Minerva sent that night stood by his head,

νεκροῖς ἀμβαίνοντες· ἀήθεσσον γὰρ ἔτʼ αὐτῶν.

Which was Oenides' royal, unconquer'd Diomed.

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ βασιλῆα κιχήσατο Τυδέος υἱός,

Meanwhile Ulysses loos'd his horse, took all their reins in hand,

τὸν τρισκαιδέκατον μελιηδέα θυμὸν ἀπηύρα

ἀσθμαίνοντα· κακὸν γὰρ ὄναρ κεφαλῆφιν ἐπέστη

τὴν νύκτʼ Οἰνεΐδαο πάϊς διὰ μῆτιν Ἀθήνης.

τόφρα δʼ ἄρʼ ὃ τλήμων Ὀδυσεὺς λύε μώνυχας ἵππους,

σὺν δʼ ἤειρεν ἱμᾶσι καὶ ἐξήλαυνεν ὁμίλου

τόξῳ ἐπιπλήσσων, ἐπεὶ οὐ μάστιγα φαεινὴν

ποικίλου ἐκ δίφροιο νοήσατο χερσὶν ἑλέσθαι·

ῥοίζησεν δʼ ἄρα πιφαύσκων Διομήδεϊ δίῳ.

αὐτὰρ ὃ μερμήριζε μένων ὅ τι κύντατον ἕρδοι,

ἢ ὅ γε δίφρον ἑλών, ὅθι ποικίλα τεύχεʼ ἔκειτο,

ῥυμοῦ ἐξερύοι ἢ ἐκφέροι ὑψόσʼ ἀείρας,

ἦ ἔτι τῶν πλεόνων Θρῃκῶν ἀπὸ θυμὸν ἕλοιτο.

And led them forth; but Tydeus' son did in contention stand

εἷος ὃ ταῦθʼ ὥρμαινε κατὰ φρένα, τόφρα δʼ Ἀθήνη

With his great mind to do some deed of more audacity;

ἐγγύθεν ἱσταμένη προσέφη Διομήδεα δῖον·

If he should take the chariot, where his rich arms did lie,

νόστου δὴ μνῆσαι μεγαθύμου Τυδέος υἱὲ

And draw it by the beam away, or bear it on his back,

νῆας ἔπι γλαφυράς, μὴ καὶ πεφοβημένος ἔλθῃς,

Or if, of more dull Thracian lives, he should their bosoms sack.

μή πού τις καὶ Τρῶας ἐγείρῃσιν θεὸς ἄλλος.

In this contention with himself, Minerva did suggest

ὣς φάθʼ, ὃ δὲ ξυνέηκε θεᾶς ὄπα φωνησάσης,

And bade him think of his retreat; lest from their tempted rest

καρπαλίμως δʼ ἵππων ἐπεβήσετο· κόψε δʼ Ὀδυσσεὺς

Some other God should stir the foe, and send him back dismay'd.

τόξῳ· τοὶ δʼ ἐπέτοντο θοὰς ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν.

He knew the voice, took horse, and fled. The Trojan's heav'nly aid,

οὐδʼ ἀλαοσκοπιὴν εἶχʼ ἀργυρότοξος Ἀπόλλων

Apollo with the silver bow, stood no blind sentinel

ὡς ἴδʼ Ἀθηναίην μετὰ Τυδέος υἱὸν ἕπουσαν·

To their secure and drowsy host, but did discover well

τῇ κοτέων Τρώων κατεδύσετο πουλὺν ὅμιλον,

Minerva following Diomed; and, angry with his act,

ὦρσεν δὲ Θρῃκῶν βουληφόρον Ἱπποκόωντα

The mighty host of Ilion he enter'd, and awak'd

Ῥήσου ἀνεψιὸν ἐσθλόν· ὃ δʼ ἐξ ὕπνου ἀνορούσας

The cousin-german of the king, a counsellor of Thrace,

ὡς ἴδε χῶρον ἐρῆμον, ὅθʼ ἕστασαν ὠκέες ἵπποι,

Hippocoon; who when he rose, and saw the desert place,

ἄνδράς τʼ ἀσπαίροντας ἐν ἀργαλέῃσι φονῇσιν,

Where Rhesus' horse did use to stand, and th' other dismal harms,

ᾤμωξέν τʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα φίλον τʼ ὀνόμηνεν ἑταῖρον.

Men struggling with the pangs of death, he shriek'd out thick alarms,

Τρώων δὲ κλαγγή τε καὶ ἄσπετος ὦρτο κυδοιμὸς

Call'd “Rhesus! Rhesus!” but in vain; then still, “Arm! Arm!” he cried.

θυνόντων ἄμυδις· θηεῦντο δὲ μέρμερα ἔργα

The noise and tumult was extreme on every startled side

ὅσσʼ ἄνδρες ῥέξαντες ἔβαν κοίλας ἐπὶ νῆας.

Of Troy's huge host; from whence in throngs all gather'd, and admir'd

οἳ δʼ ὅτε δή ῥʼ ἵκανον ὅθι σκοπὸν Ἕκτορος ἔκταν,

Who could perform such harmful facts, and yet be safe retir'd,

ἔνθʼ Ὀδυσεὺς μὲν ἔρυξε Διῒ φίλος ὠκέας ἵππους,

Now, coming where they slew the scout, Ulysses stay'd the steeds,

Τυδεΐδης δὲ χαμᾶζε θορὼν ἔναρα βροτόεντα

Tydides lighted, and the spoils, hung on the tamrick reeds,

ἐν χείρεσσʼ Ὀδυσῆϊ τίθει, ἐπεβήσετο δʼ ἵππων·

He took and gave to Ithacus, and up he got again.

μάστιξεν δʼ ἵππους, τὼ δʼ οὐκ ἀέκοντε πετέσθην

Then flew they joyful to their fleet. Nestor did first attain

νῆας ἔπι γλαφυράς· τῇ γὰρ φίλον ἔπλετο θυμῷ.

The sounds the horse-hoofs strook through air, and said: “My royal peers!

Νέστωρ δὲ πρῶτος κτύπον ἄϊε φώνησέν τε·

Do I but dote, or say I true? Methinks about mine ears

ὦ φίλοι Ἀργείων ἡγήτορες ἠδὲ μέδοντες

The sounds of running horses beat. O would to God they were

ψεύσομαι, ἦ ἔτυμον ἐρέω; κέλεται δέ με θυμός.

Our friends thus soon return'd with spoils! But I have hearty fear,

ἵππων μʼ ὠκυπόδων ἀμφὶ κτύπος οὔατα βάλλει.

Lest this high tumult of the foe doth their distress intend.”

αἲ γὰρ δὴ Ὀδυσεύς τε καὶ ὃ κρατερὸς Διομήδης

He scarce had spoke, when they were come. Both did from horse descend.

ὧδʼ ἄφαρ ἐκ Τρώων ἐλασαίατο μώνυχας ἵππους·

All, with embraces and sweet words, to heav'n their worth did raise.

ἀλλʼ αἰνῶς δείδοικα κατὰ φρένα μή τι πάθωσιν

Then Nestor spake: “Great Ithacus, ev'n heap'd with Grecian praise,

Ἀργείων οἳ ἄριστοι ὑπὸ Τρώων ὀρυμαγδοῦ.

How have you made these horse your prise? Pierc'd you the dang'rous host,

οὔ πω πᾶν εἴρητο ἔπος ὅτʼ ἄρʼ ἤλυθον αὐτοί.

Where such gems stand? Or did some God your high attempts accost,

καί ῥʼ οἳ μὲν κατέβησαν ἐπὶ χθόνα, τοὶ δὲ χαρέντες

And honour'd you with this reward? Why, they be like the rays

δεξιῇ ἠσπάζοντο ἔπεσσί τε μειλιχίοισι·

The sun effuseth. I have mix'd with Trojans all my days;

πρῶτος δʼ ἐξερέεινε Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ·

And now, I hope you will not say, I always lie aboard,

εἴπʼ ἄγε μʼ ὦ πολύαινʼ Ὀδυσεῦ μέγα κῦδος Ἀχαιῶν

Though an old soldier I confess; yet did all Troy afford

ὅππως τοῦσδʼ ἵππους λάβετον καταδύντες ὅμιλον

Never the like to any sense that ever I possess'd.