Iliad

Aurora out of restful bed did from bright Tithon rise,

Ἠὼς δʼ ἐκ λεχέων παρʼ ἀγαυοῦ Τιθωνοῖο

To bring each deathless Essence light, and use to mortal eyes;

ὄρνυθʼ, ἵνʼ ἀθανάτοισι φόως φέροι ἠδὲ βροτοῖσι·

When Jove sent Eris to the Greeks, sustaining in her hand

Ζεὺς δʼ Ἔριδα προΐαλλε θοὰς ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν

Stern signs of her designs for war. She took her horrid stand

ἀργαλέην, πολέμοιο τέρας μετὰ χερσὶν ἔχουσαν.

Upon Ulysses' huge black bark, that did at anchor ride

στῆ δʼ ἐπʼ Ὀδυσσῆος μεγακήτεϊ νηῒ μελαίνῃ,

Amidst the fleet, from whence her sounds might ring on ev'ry side,

ἥ ῥʼ ἐν μεσσάτῳ ἔσκε γεγωνέμεν ἀμφοτέρωσε,

Both to the tents of Telamon, and th' author of their smarts,

ἠμὲν ἐπʼ Αἴαντος κλισίας Τελαμωνιάδαο

Who held, for fortitude and force, the navy's utmost parts.

ἠδʼ ἐπʼ Ἀχιλλῆος, τοί ῥʼ ἔσχατα νῆας ἐΐσας

The red-ey'd Goddess, seated there, thunder'd the Orthian song,

εἴρυσαν ἠνορέῃ πίσυνοι καὶ κάρτεϊ χειρῶν

High, and with horror, through the ears of all the Grecian throng,

ἔνθα στᾶσʼ ἤϋσε θεὰ μέγα τε δεινόν τε

Her verse with spirits invincible did all their breasts inspire,

ὄρθιʼ, Ἀχαιοῖσιν δὲ μέγα σθένος ἔμβαλʼ ἑκάστῳ

Blew out all darkness from their limbs, and set their hearts on fire;

καρδίῃ ἄληκτον πολεμίζειν ἠδὲ μάχεσθαι.

And presently was bitter war more sweet a thousand times,

τοῖσι δʼ ἄφαρ πόλεμος γλυκίων γένετʼ ἠὲ νέεσθαι

Than any choice in hollow keels to greet their native climes.

ἐν νηυσὶ γλαφυρῇσι φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν.

Atrides summon'd all to arms, to arms himself dispos'd,

Ἀτρεΐδης δʼ ἐβόησεν ἰδὲ ζώννυσθαι ἄνωγεν

First on his legs he put bright greaves, with silver buttons clos'd;

Ἀργείους· ἐν δʼ αὐτὸς ἐδύσετο νώροπα χαλκόν.

Then with rich curace arm'd his breast, which Cinyras bestow'd

κνημῖδας μὲν πρῶτα περὶ κνήμῃσιν ἔθηκε

To gratify his royal guest; for ev'n to Cyprus flowed

καλὰς ἀργυρέοισιν ἐπισφυρίοις ἀραρυίας·

Th' unbounded fame of those designs the Greeks propos'd for Troy,

δεύτερον αὖ θώρηκα περὶ στήθεσσιν ἔδυνε,

And therefore gave he him those arms, and wish'd his purpose joy.

τόν ποτέ οἱ Κινύρης δῶκε ξεινήϊον εἶναι.

Ten rows of azure mix'd with black, twelve golden like the sun,

πεύθετο γὰρ Κύπρον δὲ μέγα κλέος οὕνεκʼ Ἀχαιοὶ

Twice-ten of tin, in beaten paths, did through this armour run.

ἐς Τροίην νήεσσιν ἀναπλεύσεσθαι ἔμελλον·

Three serpents to the gorget crept, that like three rainbows shin'd,

τοὔνεκά οἱ τὸν δῶκε χαριζόμενος βασιλῆϊ.

Such as by Jove are fix'd in clouds, when wonders are divin'd.

τοῦ δʼ ἤτοι δέκα οἶμοι ἔσαν μέλανος κυάνοιο,

About his shoulders hung his sword, whereof the hollow hilt

δώδεκα δὲ χρυσοῖο καὶ εἴκοσι κασσιτέροιο·

Was fashion'd all with shining bars, exceeding richly gilt;

κυάνεοι δὲ δράκοντες ὀρωρέχατο προτὶ δειρὴν

The scabbard was of silver plate, with golden hangers grac'd.

τρεῖς ἑκάτερθʼ ἴρισσιν ἐοικότες, ἅς τε Κρονίων

Then he took up his weighty shield, that round about him cast

ἐν νέφεϊ στήριξε, τέρας μερόπων ἀνθρώπων.

Defensive shadows; ten bright zones of gold-affecting brass

ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρʼ ὤμοισιν βάλετο ξίφος· ἐν δέ οἱ ἧλοι

Were driv'n about it; and of tin, as full of gloss as glass,

χρύσειοι πάμφαινον, ἀτὰρ περὶ κουλεὸν ἦεν

Swell'd twenty bosses out of it; in centre of them all

ἀργύρεον χρυσέοισιν ἀορτήρεσσιν ἀρηρός.

One of black metal had engrav'n, full of extreme appall,

ἂν δʼ ἕλετʼ ἀμφιβρότην πολυδαίδαλον ἀσπίδα θοῦριν

An ugly Gorgon, compasséd with Terror and with Fear.

καλήν, ἣν πέρι μὲν κύκλοι δέκα χάλκεοι ἦσαν,

At it a silver bawdrick hung, with which he us'd to bear,

ἐν δέ οἱ ὀμφαλοὶ ἦσαν ἐείκοσι κασσιτέροιο

Wound on his arm, his ample shield; and in it there was wov'n

λευκοί, ἐν δὲ μέσοισιν ἔην μέλανος κυάνοιο.

An azure dragon, curl'd in folds, from whose one neck was clov'n

τῇ δʼ ἐπὶ μὲν Γοργὼ βλοσυρῶπις ἐστεφάνωτο

Three heads contorted in an orb. Then plac'd he on his head

δεινὸν δερκομένη, περὶ δὲ Δεῖμός τε Φόβος τε.

His four-plum'd casque; and in his hands two darts he managéd,

τῆς δʼ ἐξ ἀργύρεος τελαμὼν ἦν· αὐτὰρ ἐπʼ αὐτοῦ

Arm'd with bright steel that blaz'd to heav'n. Then Juno, and the Maid

κυάνεος ἐλέλικτο δράκων, κεφαλαὶ δέ οἱ ἦσαν

That conquers empires, trumpets serv'd to summon out their aid

τρεῖς ἀμφιστρεφέες ἑνὸς αὐχένος ἐκπεφυυῖαι.

In honour of the General, and on a sable cloud,

κρατὶ δʼ ἐπʼ ἀμφίφαλον κυνέην θέτο τετραφάληρον

To bring them furious to the field, sat thund'ring out aloud.

ἵππουριν· δεινὸν δὲ λόφος καθύπερθεν ἔνευεν.

Then all enjoin'd their charioteers, to rank their chariot horse

εἵλετο δʼ ἄλκιμα δοῦρε δύω κεκορυθμένα χαλκῷ

Close to the dike. Forth march'd the foot, whose front they did r'enforce

ὀξέα· τῆλε δὲ χαλκὸς ἀπʼ αὐτόφιν οὐρανὸν εἴσω

With some horse troops. The battle then was all of charioteers,

λάμπʼ· ἐπὶ δʼ ἐγδούπησαν Ἀθηναίη τε καὶ Ἥρη

Lin'd with light horse. But Jupiter disturb'd this form with fears,

τιμῶσαι βασιλῆα πολυχρύσοιο Μυκήνης.

And from air's upper region bid bloody vapours rain,

ἡνιόχῳ μὲν ἔπειτα ἑῷ ἐπέτελλεν ἕκαστος

For sad ostent much noble life should ere their times be slain.

ἵππους εὖ κατὰ κόσμον ἐρυκέμεν αὖθʼ ἐπὶ τάφρῳ,

The Trojan host at Ilus' tomb was in battalia led

αὐτοὶ δὲ πρυλέες σὺν τεύχεσι θωρηχθέντες

By Hector and Polydamas, and old Anchises' seed

ῥώοντʼ· ἄσβεστος δὲ βοὴ γένετʼ ἠῶθι πρό.

Who god-like was esteem'd in Troy, by grave Antenor's race

φθὰν δὲ μέγʼ ἱππήων ἐπὶ τάφρῳ κοσμηθέντες,

Divine Agenor, Polybus, unmarried Acamas

ἱππῆες δʼ ὀλίγον μετεκίαθον· ἐν δὲ κυδοιμὸν

Proportion'd like the States of heav'n. In front of all the field,

ὦρσε κακὸν Κρονίδης, κατὰ δʼ ὑψόθεν ἧκεν ἐέρσας

Troy's great Priamides did bear his all-ways-equal shield,

αἵματι μυδαλέας ἐξ αἰθέρος, οὕνεκʼ ἔμελλε

Still plying th' ord'ring of his pow'r. And as amids the sky

πολλὰς ἰφθίμους κεφαλὰς Ἄϊδι προϊάψειν.

We sometimes see an ominous star blaze clear and dreadfully,

Τρῶες δʼ αὖθʼ ἑτέρωθεν ἐπὶ θρωσμῷ πεδίοιο

Then run his golden head in clouds, and straight appear again;

Ἕκτορά τʼ ἀμφὶ μέγαν καὶ ἀμύμονα Πουλυδάμαντα

So Hector otherwhiles did grace the vaunt-guard, shining plain,

Αἰνείαν θʼ, ὃς Τρωσὶ θεὸς ὣς τίετο δήμῳ,

Then in the rear-guard hid himself, and labour'd ev'rywhere

τρεῖς τʼ Ἀντηνορίδας Πόλυβον καὶ Ἀγήνορα δῖον

To order and encourage all; his armour was so clear,

ἠΐθεόν τʼ Ἀκάμαντʼ ἐπιείκελον ἀθανάτοισιν.

And he applied each place so fast, that, like a lightning thrown

Ἕκτωρ δʼ ἐν πρώτοισι φέρʼ ἀσπίδα πάντοσʼ ἐΐσην,

Out of the shield of Jupiter, in ev'ry eye he shone.

οἷος δʼ ἐκ νεφέων ἀναφαίνεται οὔλιος ἀστὴρ

And as upon a rich man's crop of barley or of wheat,

παμφαίνων, τοτὲ δʼ αὖτις ἔδυ νέφεα σκιόεντα,

Oppos'd for swiftness at their work, a sort of reaper's sweat,

ὣς Ἕκτωρ ὁτὲ μέν τε μετὰ πρώτοισι φάνεσκεν,

Bear down the furrows speedily, and thick their handfuls fall;

ἄλλοτε δʼ ἐν πυμάτοισι κελεύων· πᾶς δʼ ἄρα χαλκῷ

So at the joining of the hosts ran slaughter through them all,

λάμφʼ ὥς τε στεροπὴ πατρὸς Διὸς αἰγιόχοιο.

None stoop'd to any fainting thought of foul inglorious flight,

οἳ δʼ, ὥς τʼ ἀμητῆρες ἐναντίοι ἀλλήλοισιν

But equal bore they up their heads, and far'd like wolves in fight.

ὄγμον ἐλαύνωσιν ἀνδρὸς μάκαρος κατʼ ἄρουραν

Stern Eris, with such weeping sights, rejoic'd to feed her eyes,

πυρῶν ἢ κριθῶν· τὰ δὲ δράγματα ταρφέα πίπτει·

Who only show'd herself in field, of all the Deities;

ὣς Τρῶες καὶ Ἀχαιοὶ ἐπʼ ἀλλήλοισι θορόντες

The other in Olympus' tops sat silent, and repined

δῄουν, οὐδʼ ἕτεροι μνώοντʼ ὀλοοῖο φόβοιο.

That Jove to do the Trojans grace should bear so fix'd a mind.

ἴσας δʼ ὑσμίνη κεφαλὰς ἔχεν, οἳ δὲ λύκοι ὣς

He car'd not, but, enthron'd apart, triumphant sat in sway

θῦνον· Ἔρις δʼ ἄρʼ ἔχαιρε πολύστονος εἰσορόωσα·

Of his free pow'r, and from his seat took pleasure to display

οἴη γάρ ῥα θεῶν παρετύγχανε μαρναμένοισιν,

The city so adorn'd with tow'rs, the sea with vessels fill'd,

οἳ δʼ ἄλλοι οὔ σφιν πάρεσαν θεοί, ἀλλὰ ἕκηλοι

The splendour of refulgent arms, the killer and the kill'd.

σφοῖσιν ἐνὶ μεγάροισι καθήατο, ἧχι ἑκάστῳ

δώματα καλὰ τέτυκτο κατὰ πτύχας Οὐλύμποιο.

πάντες δʼ ᾐτιόωντο κελαινεφέα Κρονίωνα

οὕνεκʼ ἄρα Τρώεσσιν ἐβούλετο κῦδος ὀρέξαι.

τῶν μὲν ἄρʼ οὐκ ἀλέγιζε πατήρ· ὃ δὲ νόσφι λιασθεὶς

τῶν ἄλλων ἀπάνευθε καθέζετο κύδεϊ γαίων

εἰσορόων Τρώων τε πόλιν καὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν

χαλκοῦ τε στεροπήν, ὀλλύντάς τʼ ὀλλυμένους τε.

ὄφρα μὲν ἠὼς ἦν καὶ ἀέξετο ἱερὸν ἦμαρ,

As long as bright Aurora rul'd, and sacred day increas'd,

τόφρα μάλʼ ἀμφοτέρων βέλεʼ ἥπτετο, πῖπτε δὲ λαός·

So long their darts made mutual wounds, and neither had the best;

ἦμος δὲ δρυτόμος περ ἀνὴρ ὁπλίσσατο δεῖπνον

But when, in hill-environ'd vales, the timber-feller takes

οὔρεος ἐν βήσσῃσιν, ἐπεί τʼ ἐκορέσσατο χεῖρας

A sharp set stomach to his meat, and dinner ready makes,

τάμνων δένδρεα μακρά, ἅδος τέ μιν ἵκετο θυμόν,

His sinews fainting, and his spirits become surcharg'd and dull,

σίτου τε γλυκεροῖο περὶ φρένας ἵμερος αἱρεῖ,

Time of accustom'd ease arriv'd, his hands with labour full,

τῆμος σφῇ ἀρετῇ Δαναοὶ ῥήξαντο φάλαγγας

Then by their valours Greeks brake through the Trojan ranks, and cheer'd

κεκλόμενοι ἑτάροισι κατὰ στίχας· ἐν δʼ Ἀγαμέμνων

Their gen'ral squadrons through the host; then first of all appear'd

πρῶτος ὄρουσʼ, ἕλε δʼ ἄνδρα Βιάνορα ποιμένα λαῶν

The person of the king himself; and then the Trojans lost

αὐτόν, ἔπειτα δʼ ἑταῖρον Ὀϊλῆα πλήξιππον.

Bianor by his royal charge, a leader in the host.

ἤτοι ὅ γʼ ἐξ ἵππων κατεπάλμενος ἀντίος ἔστη·

Who being slain, his charioteer, Oïleus, did alight,

τὸν δʼ ἰθὺς μεμαῶτα μετώπιον ὀξέϊ δουρὶ

And stood in skirmish with the king; the king did deadly smite

νύξʼ, οὐδὲ στεφάνη δόρυ οἱ σχέθε χαλκοβάρεια,

His forehead with his eager lance, and through his helm it ran,

ἀλλὰ διʼ αὐτῆς ἦλθε καὶ ὀστέου, ἐγκέφαλος δὲ

Enforcing passage to his brain, quite through the harden'd pan,

ἔνδον ἅπας πεπάλακτο· δάμασσε δέ μιν μεμαῶτα.

His brain mix'd with his clotter'd blood, his body strew'd the ground.

καὶ τοὺς μὲν λίπεν αὖθι ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων

There left he them, and presently he other objects found;

στήθεσι παμφαίνοντας, ἐπεὶ περίδυσε χιτῶνας·

Isus and Antiphus, two sons King Priam did beget,

αὐτὰρ ὃ βῆ Ἶσόν τε καὶ Ἄντιφον ἐξεναρίξων

One lawful, th' other wantonly. Both in one chariot met

υἷε δύω Πριάμοιο νόθον καὶ γνήσιον ἄμφω

Their royal foe; the baser born, Isus, was charioteer,

εἰν ἑνὶ δίφρῳ ἐόντας· ὃ μὲν νόθος ἡνιόχευεν,

And famous Antiphus did fight; both which king Peleus' heir,

Ἄντιφος αὖ παρέβασκε περικλυτός· ὥ ποτʼ Ἀχιλλεὺς

Whilome in Ida keeping flocks, did deprehend and bind

Ἴδης ἐν κνημοῖσι δίδη μόσχοισι λύγοισι,

With pliant osiers, and, for price, them to their sire resign'd.

ποιμαίνοντʼ ἐπʼ ὄεσσι λαβών, καὶ ἔλυσεν ἀποίνων.

Atrides, with his well-aim'd lance, smote Isus on the breast

δὴ τότε γʼ Ἀτρεΐδης εὐρὺ κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

Above the nipple; and his sword a mortal wound impress'd

τὸν μὲν ὑπὲρ μαζοῖο κατὰ στῆθος βάλε δουρί,

Beneath the ear of Antiphus; down from their horse they fell.

Ἄντιφον αὖ παρὰ οὖς ἔλασε ξίφει, ἐκ δʼ ἔβαλʼ ἵππων.

The king had seen the youths before, and now did know them well,

σπερχόμενος δʼ ἀπὸ τοῖιν ἐσύλα τεύχεα καλὰ

Rememb'ring them the prisoners of swift Æacides,

γιγνώσκων· καὶ γάρ σφε πάρος παρὰ νηυσὶ θοῇσιν

Who brought them to the sable fleet from Ida's foody leas.

εἶδεν, ὅτʼ ἐξ Ἴδης ἄγαγεν πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς.

And as a lion having found the furrow of a hind,

ὡς δὲ λέων ἐλάφοιο ταχείης νήπια τέκνα

Where she hath calv'd two little twins, at will and ease doth grind

ῥηϊδίως συνέαξε λαβὼν κρατεροῖσιν ὀδοῦσιν

Their joints snatch'd in his solid jaws, and crusheth into mist

ἐλθὼν εἰς εὐνήν, ἁπαλόν τέ σφʼ ἦτορ ἀπηύρα·

Their tender lives; their dam, though near, not able to resist,

ἣ δʼ εἴ πέρ τε τύχῃσι μάλα σχεδόν, οὐ δύναταί σφι

But shook with vehement fear herself, flies through the oaken chace

χραισμεῖν· αὐτὴν γάρ μιν ὑπὸ τρόμος αἰνὸς ἱκάνει·

From that fell savage, drown'd in sweat, and seeks some covert place;

καρπαλίμως δʼ ἤϊξε διὰ δρυμὰ πυκνὰ καὶ ὕλην

So when with most unmatched strength the Grecian Gen'ral bent

σπεύδουσʼ ἱδρώουσα κραταιοῦ θηρὸς ὑφʼ ὁρμῆς·

'Gainst these two princes, none durst aid their native king's descent,

ὣς ἄρα τοῖς οὔ τις δύνατο χραισμῆσαι ὄλεθρον

But fled themselves before the Greeks. And where these two were slain,

Τρώων, ἀλλὰ καὶ αὐτοὶ ὑπʼ Ἀργείοισι φέβοντο.

Pisander and Hippolochus (not able to restrain

αὐτὰρ ὃ Πείσανδρόν τε καὶ Ἱππόλοχον μενεχάρμην

Their headstrong horse, the silken reins being from their hands let fall)

υἱέας Ἀντιμάχοιο δαΐφρονος, ὅς ῥα μάλιστα

Were brought by their unruly guides before the General.

χρυσὸν Ἀλεξάνδροιο δεδεγμένος ἀγλαὰ δῶρα

Antimachus begat them both, Antimachus that took

οὐκ εἴασχʼ Ἑλένην δόμεναι ξανθῷ Μενελάῳ,

Rich gifts, and gold, of Helen's love, and would by no means brook

τοῦ περ δὴ δύο παῖδε λάβε κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

Just restitution should be made of Menelaus' wealth,

εἰν ἑνὶ δίφρῳ ἐόντας, ὁμοῦ δʼ ἔχον ὠκέας ἵππους·

Bereft him, with his ravish'd queen, by Alexander's stealth.

ἐκ γάρ σφεας χειρῶν φύγον ἡνία σιγαλόεντα,

Atrides, lion-like, did charge his sons, who on their knees

τὼ δὲ κυκηθήτην· ὃ δʼ ἐναντίον ὦρτο λέων ὣς

Fell from their chariot, and besought regard to their degrees,

Ἀτρεΐδης· τὼ δʼ αὖτʼ ἐκ δίφρου γουναζέσθην·

Who, being Antimachus's sons, their father would afford

ζώγρει Ἀτρέος υἱέ, σὺ δʼ ἄξια δέξαι ἄποινα·

A worthy ransom for their lives, who in his house did hoard

πολλὰ δʼ ἐν Ἀντιμάχοιο δόμοις κειμήλια κεῖται

Much hidden treasure, brass, and gold, and steel, wrought wondrous choice.

χαλκός τε χρυσός τε πολύκμητός τε σίδηρος,

Thus wept they, using smoothing terms, and heard this rugged voice

τῶν κέν τοι χαρίσαιτο πατὴρ ἀπερείσιʼ ἄποινα,

Breath'd from the unrelenting king: “If you be of the breed

εἰ νῶϊ ζωοὺς πεπύθοιτʼ ἐπὶ νηυσὶν Ἀχαιῶν.

Of stout Antimachus, that stay'd the honourable deed

ὣς τώ γε κλαίοντε προσαυδήτην βασιλῆα

The other peers of Ilion in council had decreed,

μειλιχίοις ἐπέεσσιν· ἀμείλικτον δʼ ὄπʼ ἄκουσαν·

To render Helen and her wealth; and would have basely slain

εἰ μὲν δὴ Ἀντιμάχοιο δαΐφρονος υἱέες ἐστόν,

My brother and wise Ithacus, ambassadors t' attain

ὅς ποτʼ ἐνὶ Τρώων ἀγορῇ Μενέλαον ἄνωγεν

The most due motion; now receive wreak for his shameful part.”

ἀγγελίην ἐλθόντα σὺν ἀντιθέῳ Ὀδυσῆϊ

This said, in poor Pisander's breast he fix'd his wreakful dart,

αὖθι κατακτεῖναι μηδʼ ἐξέμεν ἂψ ἐς Ἀχαιούς,

Who upward spread th' oppresséd earth; his brother crouch'd for dread,

νῦν μὲν δὴ τοῦ πατρὸς ἀεικέα τίσετε λώβην.

And, as he lay, the angry king cut off his arms and head,

ἦ, καὶ Πείσανδρον μὲν ἀφʼ ἵππων ὦσε χαμᾶζε

And let him like a football lie for ev'ry man to spurn.

δουρὶ βαλὼν πρὸς στῆθος· ὃ δʼ ὕπτιος οὔδει ἐρείσθη.

Then to th' extremest heat of fight he did his valour turn,

Ἱππόλοχος δʼ ἀπόρουσε, τὸν αὖ χαμαὶ ἐξενάριξε

And led a multitude of Greeks, where foot did foot subdue,

χεῖρας ἀπὸ ξίφεϊ τμήξας ἀπό τʼ αὐχένα κόψας,

Horse slaughter'd horse, Need feather'd flight, the batter'd centre flew

ὅλμον δʼ ὣς ἔσσευε κυλίνδεσθαι διʼ ὁμίλου.

In clouds of dust about their ears, raised from the horses' hooves,

τοὺς μὲν ἔασʼ· ὃ δʼ ὅθι πλεῖσται κλονέοντο φάλαγγες,

That beat a thunder out of earth as horrible as Jove's.

τῇ ῥʼ ἐνόρουσʼ, ἅμα δʼ ἄλλοι ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοί.

The king, persuading speedy chace, gave his persuasions way

πεζοὶ μὲν πεζοὺς ὄλεκον φεύγοντας ἀνάγκῃ,

With his own valour, slaught'ring still. As in a stormy day

ἱππεῖς δʼ ἱππῆας· ὑπὸ δέ σφισιν ὦρτο κονίη

In thick-set woods a rav'nous fire wraps in his fierce repair

ἐκ πεδίου, τὴν ὦρσαν ἐρίγδουποι πόδες ἵππων

The shaken trees, and by the roots doth toss them into air;

χαλκῷ δηϊόωντες· ἀτὰρ κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

Ev'n so beneath Atrides' sword flew up Troy's flying heels,

αἰὲν ἀποκτείνων ἕπετʼ Ἀργείοισι κελεύων.

Their horse drew empty chariots, and sought their thund'ring wheels

ὡς δʼ ὅτε πῦρ ἀΐδηλον ἐν ἀξύλῳ ἐμπέσῃ ὕλῃ,

Some fresh directors through the field, where least the púrsuit drives.

πάντῃ τʼ εἰλυφόων ἄνεμος φέρει, οἳ δέ τε θάμνοι

Thick fell the Trojans, much more sweet to vultures than their wives.

πρόρριζοι πίπτουσιν ἐπειγόμενοι πυρὸς ὁρμῇ·

Then Jove drew Hector from the darts, from dust, from death and blood,

ὣς ἄρʼ ὑπʼ Ἀτρεΐδῃ Ἀγαμέμνονι πῖπτε κάρηνα

And from the tumult. Still the king firm to the púrsuit stood,

Τρώων φευγόντων, πολλοὶ δʼ ἐριαύχενες ἵπποι

Till at old Ilus' monument, in midst of all the field,

κείνʼ ὄχεα κροτάλιζον ἀνὰ πτολέμοιο γεφύρας

ἡνιόχους ποθέοντες ἀμύμονας· οἳ δʼ ἐπὶ γαίῃ

κείατο, γύπεσσιν πολὺ φίλτεροι ἢ ἀλόχοισιν.

Ἕκτορα δʼ ἐκ βελέων ὕπαγε Ζεὺς ἔκ τε κονίης

ἔκ τʼ ἀνδροκτασίης ἔκ θʼ αἵματος ἔκ τε κυδοιμοῦ·

Ἀτρεΐδης δʼ ἕπετο σφεδανὸν Δαναοῖσι κελεύων.

οἳ δὲ παρʼ Ἴλου σῆμα παλαιοῦ Δαρδανίδαο

μέσσον κὰπ πεδίον παρʼ ἐρινεὸν ἐσσεύοντο

ἱέμενοι πόλιος· ὃ δὲ κεκλήγων ἕπετʼ αἰεὶ

Ἀτρεΐδης, λύθρῳ δὲ παλάσσετο χεῖρας ἀάπτους.

They reach'd the wild fig-tree, and long'd to make their town their shield.

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ Σκαιάς τε πύλας καὶ φηγὸν ἵκοντο,

Yet there they rested not; the king still cried, 'Pursue! Pursue!'

ἔνθʼ ἄρα δὴ ἵσταντο καὶ ἀλλήλους ἀνέμιμνον.

And all his unreprovéd hands did blood and dust imbrue.

οἳ δʼ ἔτι κὰμ μέσσον πεδίον φοβέοντο βόες ὥς,

But when they came to Scæa's ports, and to the beech of Jove,

ἅς τε λέων ἐφόβησε μολὼν ἐν νυκτὸς ἀμολγῷ

There made they stand; there ev'ry eye, fixed on each other, strove

πάσας· τῇ δέ τʼ ἰῇ ἀναφαίνεται αἰπὺς ὄλεθρος·

Who should outlook his mate amaz'd; through all the field they fled.

τῆς δʼ ἐξ αὐχένʼ ἔαξε λαβὼν κρατεροῖσιν ὀδοῦσι

And as a lion, when the night becomes most deaf and dead,

πρῶτον, ἔπειτα δέ θʼ αἷμα καὶ ἔγκατα πάντα λαφύσσει·

Invades ox-herds, affrighting all, that he of one may wreak

ὣς τοὺς Ἀτρεΐδης ἔφεπε κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

His dreadful hunger, and his neck he first of all doth break,

αἰὲν ἀποκτείνων τὸν ὀπίστατον· οἳ δʼ ἐφέβοντο.

Then laps his blood and entrails up; so Agamemnon plied

πολλοὶ δὲ πρηνεῖς τε καὶ ὕπτιοι ἔκπεσον ἵππων

The manage of the Trojan chace, and still the last man died,

Ἀτρεΐδεω ὑπὸ χερσί· περὶ πρὸ γὰρ ἔγχεϊ θῦεν.

The other fled, a number fell by his imperial hand,

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ τάχʼ ἔμελλεν ὑπὸ πτόλιν αἰπύ τε τεῖχος

Some grovelling downwards from their horse, some upwards strew'd the sand.

ἵξεσθαι, τότε δή ῥα πατὴρ ἀνδρῶν τε θεῶν τε

High was the fury of his lance. But, having beat them close

Ἴδης ἐν κορυφῇσι καθέζετο πιδηέσσης

Beneath their walls, the both worlds' Sire did now again repose

οὐρανόθεν καταβάς· ἔχε δʼ ἀστεροπὴν μετὰ χερσίν.

On fountain-flowing Ida's tops, being newly slid from heav'n,

Ἶριν δʼ ὄτρυνε χρυσόπτερον ἀγγελέουσαν·

And held a lightning in his hand; from thence this charge was giv'n

βάσκʼ ἴθι Ἶρι ταχεῖα, τὸν Ἕκτορι μῦθον ἐνίσπες·

To Iris with the golden wings: “Thaumantia, fly,” said he,

ὄφρʼ ἂν μέν κεν ὁρᾷ Ἀγαμέμνονα ποιμένα λαῶν

“And tell Troy's Hector, that as long as he enrag'd shall see

θύνοντʼ ἐν προμάχοισιν ἐναίροντα στίχας ἀνδρῶν,

The soldier-loving Atreus' son amongst the foremost fight,

τόφρʼ ἀναχωρείτω, τὸν δʼ ἄλλον λαὸν ἀνώχθω

Depopulating troops of men, so long he must excite

μάρνασθαι δηΐοισι κατὰ κρατερὴν ὑσμίνην.

Some other to resist the foe, and he no arms advance;

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί κʼ ἢ δουρὶ τυπεὶς ἢ βλήμενος ἰῷ

But when he wounded takes his horse, attain'd with shaft or lance,

εἰς ἵππους ἅλεται, τότε οἱ κράτος ἐγγυαλίξω

Then will I fill his arm with death, ev'n till he reach the fleet,

κτείνειν εἰς ὅ κε νῆας ἐϋσσέλμους ἀφίκηται

And peaceful night treads busy day beneath her sacred feet.”

δύῃ τʼ ἠέλιος καὶ ἐπὶ κνέφας ἱερὸν ἔλθῃ.

The wind-foot swift Thaumantia obey'd, and us'd her wings

ὣς ἔφατʼ, οὐδʼ ἀπίθησε ποδήνεμος ὠκέα Ἶρις,

To famous Ilion, from the mount enchas'd with silver springs,

βῆ δὲ κατʼ Ἰδαίων ὀρέων εἰς Ἴλιον ἱρήν.

And found in his bright chariot the hardy Trojan knight,

εὗρʼ υἱὸν Πριάμοιο δαΐφρονος Ἕκτορα δῖον

To whom she spake the words of Jove, and vanish'd from his sight.

ἑσταότʼ ἔν θʼ ἵπποισι καὶ ἅρμασι κολλητοῖσιν·

He leapt upon the sounding earth, and shook his lengthful dart,

ἀγχοῦ δʼ ἱσταμένη προσέφη πόδας ὠκέα Ἶρις·

And ev'rywhere he breath'd exhorts, and stirr'd up ev'ry heart.

Ἕκτορ υἱὲ Πριάμοιο Διὶ μῆτιν ἀτάλαντε

A dreadful fight he set on foot. His soldiers straight turn'd head.

Ζεύς με πατὴρ προέηκε τεῒν τάδε μυθήσασθαι.

The Greeks stood firm. In both the hosts, the field was perfected.

ὄφρʼ ἂν μέν κεν ὁρᾷς Ἀγαμέμνονα ποιμένα λαῶν

But Agamemnon, foremost still, did all his side exceed,

θύνοντʼ ἐν προμάχοισιν, ἐναίροντα στίχας ἀνδρῶν,

And would not be the first in name unless the first in deed.

τόφρʼ ὑπόεικε μάχης, τὸν δʼ ἄλλον λαὸν ἄνωχθι

Now sing, fair Presidents of verse, that in the heav'ns embow'r,

μάρνασθαι δηΐοισι κατὰ κρατερὴν ὑσμίνην.

Who first encounter'd with the king, of all the adverse pow'r.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί κʼ ἢ δουρὶ τυπεὶς ἢ βλήμενος ἰῷ

Iphidamas, Antenor's son, ample and bigly set,

εἰς ἵππους ἅλεται, τότε τοι κράτος ἐγγυαλίξει

Brought up in pasture-springing Thrace, that doth soft sheep beget,

κτείνειν, εἰς ὅ κε νῆας ἐϋσσέλμους ἀφίκηαι

In grave Cisseus' noble house, that was his mother's sire,

δύῃ τʼ ἠέλιος καὶ ἐπὶ κνέφας ἱερὸν ἔλθῃ.

Fair Theano; and when his breast was heighten'd with the fire

ἣ μὲν ἄρʼ ὣς εἰποῦσʼ ἀπέβη πόδας ὠκέα Ἶρις,

Of gaysome youth, his grandsire gave his daughter to his love.

Ἕκτωρ δʼ ἐξ ὀχέων σὺν τεύχεσιν ἆλτο χαμᾶζε,

Who straight his bridal-chamber left. Fame with affection strove,

πάλλων δʼ ὀξέα δοῦρα κατὰ στρατὸν ᾤχετο πάντῃ

And made him furnish twelve fair ships, to lend fair Troy his hand.

ὀτρύνων μαχέσασθαι, ἔγειρε δὲ φύλοπιν αἰνήν.

His ships he in Percope left, and came to Troy by land.

οἳ δʼ ἐλελίχθησαν καὶ ἐναντίοι ἔσταν Ἀχαιῶν,

And now he tried the fame of Greece, encount'ring with the king,

Ἀργεῖοι δʼ ἑτέρωθεν ἐκαρτύναντο φάλαγγας.

Who threw his royal lance and miss'd. Iphidamas did fling,

ἀρτύνθη δὲ μάχη, στὰν δʼ ἀντίοι· ἐν δʼ Ἀγαμέμνων

And strook him on the arming waist, beneath his coat of brass,

πρῶτος ὄρουσʼ, ἔθελεν δὲ πολὺ προμάχεσθαι ἁπάντων.

Which forc'd him stay upon his arm, so violent it was,

ἔσπετε νῦν μοι Μοῦσαι Ὀλύμπια δώματʼ ἔχουσαι

Yet pierc'd it not his well-wrought zone, but when the lazy head

ὅς τις δὴ πρῶτος Ἀγαμέμνονος ἀντίον ἦλθεν

Tried hardness with his silver waist, it turn'd again like lead.

ἢ αὐτῶν Τρώων ἠὲ κλειτῶν ἐπικούρων.

He follow'd, grasping the ground end, but with a lion's wile

Ἰφιδάμας Ἀντηνορίδης ἠΰς τε μέγας τε

That wrests away a hunter's staff, he caught it by the pile,

ὃς τράφη ἐν Θρῄκῃ ἐριβώλακι μητέρι μήλων·

And pluck'd it from the caster's hand, whom with his sword he strook

Κισσῆς τόν γʼ ἔθρεψε δόμοις ἔνι τυτθὸν ἐόντα

Beneath the ear, and with his wound his timeless death he took.

μητροπάτωρ, ὃς τίκτε Θεανὼ καλλιπάρῃον·

He fell and slept an iron sleep; wretched young man, he died,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥʼ ἥβης ἐρικυδέος ἵκετο μέτρον,

Far from his newly-married wife, in aid of foreign pride,

αὐτοῦ μιν κατέρυκε, δίδου δʼ ὅ γε θυγατέρα ἥν·

And saw no pleasure of his love; yet was her jointure great,

γήμας δʼ ἐκ θαλάμοιο μετὰ κλέος ἵκετʼ Ἀχαιῶν

An hundred oxen gave he her, and vow'd in his retreat

σὺν δυοκαίδεκα νηυσὶ κορωνίσιν, αἵ οἱ ἕποντο.

Two thousand head of sheep and goats, of which he store did leave.

τὰς μὲν ἔπειτʼ ἐν Περκώτῃ λίπε νῆας ἐΐσας,

Much gave he of his love's first-fruits, and nothing did receive.

αὐτὰρ ὃ πεζὸς ἐὼν ἐς Ἴλιον εἰληλούθει·

When Coon (one that for his form might feast an amorous eye,

ὅς ῥα τότʼ Ἀτρεΐδεω Ἀγαμέμνονος ἀντίον ἦλθεν.

And elder brother of the slain) beheld this tragedy,

οἳ δʼ ὅτε δὴ σχεδὸν ἦσαν ἐπʼ ἀλλήλοισιν ἰόντες,

Deep sorrow sat upon his eyes, and (standing laterally,

Ἀτρεΐδης μὲν ἅμαρτε, παραὶ δέ οἱ ἐτράπετʼ ἔγχος,

And to the Gen'ral undiscern'd) his jav'lin he let fly,

Ἰφιδάμας δὲ κατὰ ζώνην θώρηκος ἔνερθε

That 'twixt his elbow and his wrist transfix'd his armless arm;

νύξʼ, ἐπὶ δʼ αὐτὸς ἔρεισε βαρείῃ χειρὶ πιθήσας·

The bright head shin'd on th' other side. The unexpected harm

οὐδʼ ἔτορε ζωστῆρα παναίολον, ἀλλὰ πολὺ πρὶν

Impress'd some horror in the king; yet so he ceas'd not fight,

ἀργύρῳ ἀντομένη μόλιβος ὣς ἐτράπετʼ αἰχμή.

But rush'd on Coon with his lance, who made what haste he might,

καὶ τό γε χειρὶ λαβὼν εὐρὺ κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

Seizing his slaughter'd brother's foot, to draw him from the field,

ἕλκʼ ἐπὶ οἷ μεμαὼς ὥς τε λίς, ἐκ δʼ ἄρα χειρὸς

And call'd the ablest to his aid, when under his round shield

σπάσσατο· τὸν δʼ ἄορι πλῆξʼ αὐχένα, λῦσε δὲ γυῖα.

The king's brass jav'lin, as he drew, did strike him helpless dead;

ὣς ὃ μὲν αὖθι πεσὼν κοιμήσατο χάλκεον ὕπνον

Who made Iphidamas the block, and cut off Coon's head.

οἰκτρὸς ἀπὸ μνηστῆς ἀλόχου, ἀστοῖσιν ἀρήγων,

Thus under great Atrides' arm Antenor's issue thriv'd,

κουριδίης, ἧς οὔ τι χάριν ἴδε, πολλὰ δʼ ἔδωκε·

And, to suffice precisest fate, to Pluto's mansion div'd.

πρῶθʼ ἑκατὸν βοῦς δῶκεν, ἔπειτα δὲ χίλιʼ ὑπέστη

He with his lance, sword, mighty stones, pour'd his heroic wreak

αἶγας ὁμοῦ καὶ ὄϊς, τά οἱ ἄσπετα ποιμαίνοντο.

δὴ τότε γʼ Ἀτρεΐδης Ἀγαμέμνων ἐξενάριξε,

βῆ δὲ φέρων ἀνʼ ὅμιλον Ἀχαιῶν τεύχεα καλά.

τὸν δʼ ὡς οὖν ἐνόησε Κόων ἀριδείκετος ἀνδρῶν

πρεσβυγενὴς Ἀντηνορίδης, κρατερόν ῥά ἑ πένθος

ὀφθαλμοὺς ἐκάλυψε κασιγνήτοιο πεσόντος.

στῆ δʼ εὐρὰξ σὺν δουρὶ λαθὼν Ἀγαμέμνονα δῖον,

νύξε δέ μιν κατὰ χεῖρα μέσην ἀγκῶνος ἔνερθε,

ἀντικρὺ δὲ διέσχε φαεινοῦ δουρὸς ἀκωκή.

ῥίγησέν τʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων·

On other squadrons of the foe, whiles yet warm blood did break

ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ ὧς ἀπέληγε μάχης ἠδὲ πτολέμοιο,

Through his cleft veins; but when the wound was quite exhaust and crude,

ἀλλʼ ἐπόρουσε Κόωνι ἔχων ἀνεμοτρεφὲς ἔγχος.

The eager anguish did approve his princely fortitude.

ἤτοι ὃ Ἰφιδάμαντα κασίγνητον καὶ ὄπατρον

As when most sharp and bitter pangs distract a labouring dame,

ἕλκε ποδὸς μεμαώς, καὶ ἀΰτει πάντας ἀρίστους·

Which the divine Ilithyæ, that rule the painful frame

τὸν δʼ ἕλκοντʼ ἀνʼ ὅμιλον ὑπʼ ἀσπίδος ὀμφαλοέσσης

Of human child-birth, pour on her; th' Ilithyæ that are

οὔτησε ξυστῷ χαλκήρεϊ, λῦσε δὲ γυῖα·

The daughters of Saturnia; with whose extreme repair

τοῖο δʼ ἐπʼ Ἰφιδάμαντι κάρη ἀπέκοψε παραστάς.

The woman in her travail strives to take the worst it gives,

ἔνθʼ Ἀντήνορος υἷες ὑπʼ Ἀτρεΐδῃ βασιλῆϊ

With thought it must be, 'tis love's fruit, the end for which she lives,

πότμον ἀναπλήσαντες ἔδυν δόμον Ἄϊδος εἴσω.

The mean to make herself new born, what comforts will redound;

αὐτὰρ ὃ τῶν ἄλλων ἐπεπωλεῖτο στίχας ἀνδρῶν

So Agamemnon did sustain the torment of his wound.

ἔγχεΐ τʼ ἄορί τε μεγάλοισί τε χερμαδίοισιν,

Then took he chariot, and to fleet bad haste his charioteer,

ὄφρά οἱ αἷμʼ ἔτι θερμὸν ἀνήνοθεν ἐξ ὠτειλῆς.

But first pour'd out his highest voice to purchase ev'ry ear:

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ τὸ μὲν ἕλκος ἐτέρσετο, παύσατο δʼ αἷμα,

“Princes and leaders of the Greeks, brave friends, now from our fleet

ὀξεῖαι δʼ ὀδύναι δῦνον μένος Ἀτρεΐδαο.

Do you expel this boist'rous sway. Jove will not let me meet

ὡς δʼ ὅτʼ ἂν ὠδίνουσαν ἔχῃ βέλος ὀξὺ γυναῖκα

Illustrate Hector, nor give leave that I shall end the day

δριμύ, τό τε προϊεῖσι μογοστόκοι Εἰλείθυιαι

In fight against the Ilion pow'r; my wound is in my way.”

Ἥρης θυγατέρες πικρὰς ὠδῖνας ἔχουσαι,

This said, his ready charioteer did scourge his spriteful horse,

ὣς ὀξεῖʼ ὀδύναι δῦνον μένος Ἀτρεΐδαο.

That freely to the sable fleet perform'd their fi'ry course.

ἐς δίφρον δʼ ἀνόρουσε, καὶ ἡνιόχῳ ἐπέτελλε

To bear their wounded sovereign apart the martial thrust,

νηυσὶν ἔπι γλαφυρῇσιν ἐλαυνέμεν· ἤχθετο γὰρ κῆρ.

Sprinkling their pow'rful breasts with foam, and snowing on the dust.

ἤϋσεν δὲ διαπρύσιον Δαναοῖσι γεγωνώς·

When Hector heard of his retreat, thus he for fame contends:

ὦ φίλοι Ἀργείων ἡγήτορες ἠδὲ μέδοντες

“Trojans, Dardanians, Lycians, all my close-fighting friends,

ὑμεῖς μὲν νῦν νηυσὶν ἀμύνετε ποντοπόροισι

Think what it is to be renown'd, be soldiers all of name,

φύλοπιν ἀργαλέην, ἐπεὶ οὐκ ἐμὲ μητίετα Ζεὺς

Our strongest enemy is gone, Jove vows to do us fame,

εἴασε Τρώεσσι πανημέριον πολεμίζειν.

Then in the Grecian faces drive your one-hoof'd violent steeds,

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, ἡνίοχος δʼ ἵμασεν καλλίτριχας ἵππους

And far above their best be best, and glorify your deeds.”

νῆας ἔπι γλαφυράς· τὼ δʼ οὐκ ἀέκοντε πετέσθην·

Thus as a dog-giv'n hunter sets upon a brace of boars

ἄφρεον δὲ στήθεα, ῥαίνοντο δὲ νέρθε κονίῃ

His white-tooth'd hounds, puffs, shouts, breathes terms, and on his emprese pours

τειρόμενον βασιλῆα μάχης ἀπάνευθε φέροντες.

All his wild art to make them pinch; so Hector urg'd his host

Ἕκτωρ δʼ ὡς ἐνόησʼ Ἀγαμέμνονα νόσφι κιόντα

To charge the Greeks, and, he himself most bold and active most,

Τρωσί τε καὶ Λυκίοισιν ἐκέκλετο μακρὸν ἀΰσας·

He brake into the heat of fight, as when a tempest raves,

Τρῶες καὶ Λύκιοι καὶ Δάρδανοι ἀγχιμαχηταὶ

Stoops from the clouds, and all on heaps doth cuff the purple waves.

ἀνέρες ἔστε φίλοι, μνήσασθε δὲ θούριδος ἀλκῆς.

Who then was first, and last, he kill'd, when Jove did grace his deed?

οἴχετʼ ἀνὴρ ὤριστος, ἐμοὶ δὲ μέγʼ εὖχος ἔδωκε

Assæus, and Autonous, Opys, and Clytus' seed

Ζεὺς Κρονίδης· ἀλλʼ ἰθὺς ἐλαύνετε μώνυχας ἵππους

Prince Dolops, and the honour'd sire of sweet Euryalus

ἰφθίμων Δαναῶν, ἵνʼ ὑπέρτερον εὖχος ἄρησθε.

Opheltes, Agelaus next, and strong Hipponous,

ὣς εἰπὼν ὄτρυνε μένος καὶ θυμὸν ἑκάστου.

Orus, Æsymnus, all of name. The common soldiers fell,

ὡς δʼ ὅτε πού τις θηρητὴρ κύνας ἀργιόδοντας

As when the hollow flood of air in Zephyr's cheeks doth swell,

σεύῃ ἐπʼ ἀγροτέρῳ συῒ καπρίῳ ἠὲ λέοντι,

And sparseth all the gather'd clouds white Notus' pow'r did draw,

ὣς ἐπʼ Ἀχαιοῖσιν σεῦε Τρῶας μεγαθύμους

Wraps waves in waves, hurls up the froth beat with a vehement flaw;

Ἕκτωρ Πριαμίδης βροτολοιγῷ ἶσος Ἄρηϊ.

So were the common soldiers wrack'd in troops by Hector's hand.

αὐτὸς δʼ ἐν πρώτοισι μέγα φρονέων ἐβεβήκει,

Then ruin had enforc'd such works as no Greeks could withstand,

ἐν δʼ ἔπεσʼ ὑσμίνῃ ὑπεραέϊ ἶσος ἀέλλῃ,

Then in their fleet they had been hous'd, had not Laertes' son

ἥ τε καθαλλομένη ἰοειδέα πόντον ὀρίνει.

Stirr'd up the spirit of Diomed, with this impression:

ἔνθα τίνα πρῶτον, τίνα δʼ ὕστατον ἐξενάριξεν

“Tydides, what do we sustain, forgetting what we are?

Ἕκτωρ Πριαμίδης, ὅτε οἱ Ζεὺς κῦδος ἔδωκεν;

Stand by me, dearest in my love. 'Twere horrible impair

Ἀσαῖον μὲν πρῶτα καὶ Αὐτόνοον καὶ Ὀπίτην

For our two valours to endure a customary flight,

καὶ Δόλοπα Κλυτίδην καὶ Ὀφέλτιον ἠδʼ Ἀγέλαον

To leave our navy still engag'd, and but by fits to fight.”

Αἴσυμνόν τʼ Ὦρόν τε καὶ Ἱππόνοον μενεχάρμην.

He answer'd: “I am bent to stay, and anything sustain;

τοὺς ἄρʼ ὅ γʼ ἡγεμόνας Δαναῶν ἕλεν, αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

But our delight to prove us men will prove but short and vain,

πληθύν, ὡς ὁπότε νέφεα Ζέφυρος στυφελίξῃ

For Jove makes Trojans instruments, and virtually then

ἀργεστᾶο Νότοιο βαθείῃ λαίλαπι τύπτων·

Wields arms himself. Our cross affairs are not 'twixt men and men.”

πολλὸν δὲ τρόφι κῦμα κυλίνδεται, ὑψόσε δʼ ἄχνη

This said, Thymbræus with his lance he tumbled from his horse,

σκίδναται ἐξ ἀνέμοιο πολυπλάγκτοιο ἰωῆς·

Near his left nipple wounding him. Ulysses did enforce

ὣς ἄρα πυκνὰ καρήαθʼ ὑφʼ Ἕκτορι δάμνατο λαῶν.

Fair Molion, minion to this king that Diomed subdu'd.

ἔνθά κε λοιγὸς ἔην καὶ ἀμήχανα ἔργα γένοντο,

Both sent they thence till they return'd, who now the king pursu'd

καί νύ κεν ἐν νήεσσι πέσον φεύγοντες Ἀχαιοί,

And furrow'd through the thicken'd troops. As when two chaséd boars

εἰ μὴ Τυδεΐδῃ Διομήδεϊ κέκλετʼ Ὀδυσσεύς·

Turn head 'gainst kennels of bold hounds, and race way through their gores;

Τυδεΐδη τί παθόντε λελάσμεθα θούριδος ἀλκῆς;

So, turn'd from flight, the forward kings show'd Trojans backward death.

ἀλλʼ ἄγε δεῦρο πέπον, παρʼ ἔμʼ ἵσταο· δὴ γὰρ ἔλεγχος

Nor fled the Greeks, but by their wills, to get great Hector breath.

ἔσσεται εἴ κεν νῆας ἕλῃ κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ.

Then took they horse and chariot from two bold city foes,

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη κρατερὸς Διομήδης·

Merops Percosius' mighty sons. Their father could disclose,

ἤτοι ἐγὼ μενέω καὶ τλήσομαι· ἀλλὰ μίνυνθα

Beyond all men, hid auguries, and would not give consent

ἡμέων ἔσσεται ἦδος, ἐπεὶ νεφεληγερέτα Ζεὺς

To their egression to these wars, yet wilfully they went,

Τρωσὶν δὴ βόλεται δοῦναι κράτος ἠέ περ ἡμῖν.

For Fates, that order sable death, enforc'd their tragedies.

ἦ καὶ Θυμβραῖον μὲν ἀφʼ ἵππων ὦσε χαμᾶζε

Tydides slew them with his lance, and made their arms his prise.

δουρὶ βαλὼν κατὰ μαζὸν ἀριστερόν· αὐτὰρ Ὀδυσσεὺς

Hypirochus, and Hippodus, Ulysses reft of light.

ἀντίθεον θεράποντα Μολίονα τοῖο ἄνακτος.

But Jove, that out of Ida look'd, then equalis'd the fight,

τοὺς μὲν ἔπειτʼ εἴασαν, ἐπεὶ πολέμου ἀπέπαυσαν·

A Grecian for a Trojan then paid tribute to the Fates.

τὼ δʼ ἀνʼ ὅμιλον ἰόντε κυδοίμεον, ὡς ὅτε κάπρω

Yet royal Diomed slew one, ev'n in those even debates,

ἐν κυσὶ θηρευτῇσι μέγα φρονέοντε πέσητον·

That was of name more than the rest, Pæon's renownéd son,

ὣς ὄλεκον Τρῶας πάλιν ὀρμένω· αὐτὰρ Ἀχαιοὶ

The prince Agastrophus; his lance into his hip did run;

ἀσπασίως φεύγοντες ἀνέπνεον Ἕκτορα δῖον.

His squire detain'd his horse apart, that hinder'd him to fly,

ἔνθʼ ἑλέτην δίφρόν τε καὶ ἀνέρε δήμου ἀρίστω

Which he repented at his heart, yet did his feet apply

υἷε δύω Μέροπος Περκωσίου, ὃς περὶ πάντων

His 'scape with all the speed they had alongst the foremost bands,

ᾔδεε μαντοσύνας, οὐδὲ οὓς παῖδας ἔασκε

στείχειν ἐς πόλεμον φθισήνορα· τὼ δέ οἱ οὔ τι

πειθέσθην· κῆρες γὰρ ἄγον μέλανος θανάτοιο.

τοὺς μὲν Τυδεΐδης δουρικλειτὸς Διομήδης

θυμοῦ καὶ ψυχῆς κεκαδὼν κλυτὰ τεύχεʼ ἀπηύρα·

Ἱππόδαμον δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς καὶ Ὑπείροχον ἐξενάριξεν.

ἔνθά σφιν κατὰ ἶσα μάχην ἐτάνυσσε Κρονίων

ἐξ Ἴδης καθορῶν· τοὶ δʼ ἀλλήλους ἐνάριζον.

ἤτοι Τυδέος υἱὸς Ἀγάστροφον οὔτασε δουρὶ

And there his lovéd life dissolv'd. This Hector understands,

Παιονίδην ἥρωα κατʼ ἰσχίον· οὐ δέ οἱ ἵπποι

And rush'd with clamour on the king, right soundly seconded

ἐγγὺς ἔσαν προφυγεῖν, ἀάσατο δὲ μέγα θυμῷ.

With troops of Trojans. Which perceiv'd by famous Diomed,

τοὺς μὲν γὰρ θεράπων ἀπάνευθʼ ἔχεν, αὐτὰρ ὃ πεζὸς

The deep conceit of Jove's high will stiffen'd his royal hair,

θῦνε διὰ προμάχων, εἷος φίλον ὤλεσε θυμόν.

Who spake to near-fought Ithacus: “The fate of this affair

Ἕκτωρ δʼ ὀξὺ νόησε κατὰ στίχας, ὦρτο δʼ ἐπʼ αὐτοὺς

Is bent to us. Come let us stand, and bound his violence.”

κεκλήγων· ἅμα δὲ Τρώων εἵποντο φάλαγγες.

Thus threw he his long jav'lin forth, which smote his head's defence

τὸν δὲ ἰδὼν ῥίγησε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Διομήδης,

Full on the top, yet pierc'd no skin; brass took repulse with brass;

αἶψα δʼ Ὀδυσσῆα προσεφώνεεν ἐγγὺς ἐόντα·

His helm (with three folds made, and sharp) the gift of Phœbus was.

νῶϊν δὴ τόδε πῆμα κυλίνδεται ὄβριμος Ἕκτωρ·

The blow made Hector take the troop, sunk him upon his hand,

ἀλλʼ ἄγε δὴ στέωμεν καὶ ἀλεξώμεσθα μένοντες.

And strook him blind. The king pursu'd before the foremost band

ἦ ῥα, καὶ ἀμπεπαλὼν προΐει δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος

His dart's recov'ry, which he found laid on the purple plain;

καὶ βάλεν, οὐδʼ ἀφάμαρτε τιτυσκόμενος κεφαλῆφιν,

By which time Hector was reviv'd, and, taking horse again,

ἄκρην κὰκ κόρυθα· πλάγχθη δʼ ἀπὸ χαλκόφι χαλκός,

Was far commix'd within his strength, and fled his darksome grave.

οὐδʼ ἵκετο χρόα καλόν· ἐρύκακε γὰρ τρυφάλεια

He follow'd with his thirsty lance, and this elusive brave:

τρίπτυχος αὐλῶπις, τήν οἱ πόρε Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων.

“Once more be thankful to thy heels, proud dog, for thy escape.

Ἕκτωρ δʼ ὦκʼ ἀπέλεθρον ἀνέδραμε, μίκτο δʼ ὁμίλῳ,

Mischief sat near thy bosom now; and now another rape

στῆ δὲ γνὺξ ἐριπὼν καὶ ἐρείσατο χειρὶ παχείῃ

Hath thy Apollo made of thee, to whom thou well mayst pray,

γαίης· ἀμφὶ δὲ ὄσσε κελαινὴ νὺξ ἐκάλυψεν.

When through the singing of our darts thou find'st such guarded way.

ὄφρα δὲ Τυδεΐδης μετὰ δούρατος ᾤχετʼ ἐρωὴν

But I shall meet with thee at length, and bring thy latest hour,

τῆλε διὰ προμάχων, ὅθι οἱ καταείσατο γαίης

If with like favour any God be fautour of my pow'r.

τόφρʼ Ἕκτωρ ἔμπνυτο, καὶ ἂψ ἐς δίφρον ὀρούσας

Meanwhile some other shall repay, what I suspend in thee.”

ἐξέλασʼ ἐς πληθύν, καὶ ἀλεύατο κῆρα μέλαιναν.

This said, he set the wretched soul of Pæon's issue free,

δουρὶ δʼ ἐπαΐσσων προσέφη κρατερὸς Διομήδης·

Whom his late wound not fully slew. But Priam's amorous birth

ἐξ αὖ νῦν ἔφυγες θάνατον κύον· ἦ τέ τοι ἄγχι

Against Tydides bent his bow, hid with a hill of earth,

ἦλθε κακόν· νῦν αὖτέ σʼ ἐρύσατο Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων

Part of the ruinated tomb for honour'd Ilus built,

ᾧ μέλλεις εὔχεσθαι ἰὼν ἐς δοῦπον ἀκόντων.

And as the curace of the slain, engrav'n and richly gilt,

ἦ θήν σʼ ἐξανύω γε καὶ ὕστερον ἀντιβολήσας,

Tydides from his breast had spoil'd, and from his shoulders raft

εἴ πού τις καὶ ἔμοιγε θεῶν ἐπιτάρροθός ἐστι.

His target and his solid helm, he shot, and his keen shaft

νῦν αὖ τοὺς ἄλλους ἐπιείσομαι, ὅν κε κιχείω.

(That never flew from him in vain) did nail unto the ground

ἦ, καὶ Παιονίδην δουρὶ κλυτὸν ἐξενάριζεν.

The king's right foot; the spleenful knight laugh'd sweetly at the wound,

αὐτὰρ Ἀλέξανδρος Ἑλένης πόσις ἠϋκόμοιο

Crept from his covert, and triumph'd: “Now art thou maim'd,” said he,

Τυδεΐδῃ ἔπι τόξα τιταίνετο ποιμένι λαῶν,

“And would to God my happy hand had so much honour'd me

στήλῃ κεκλιμένος ἀνδροκμήτῳ ἐπὶ τύμβῳ

To have infix'd it in thy breast, as deep as in thy foot,

Ἴλου Δαρδανίδαο, παλαιοῦ δημογέροντος.

Ev'n to th' expulsure of thy soul! Then blest had been my shoot

ἤτοι ὃ μὲν θώρηκα Ἀγαστρόφου ἰφθίμοιο

Of all the Trojans; who had then breath'd from their long unrests.

αἴνυτʼ ἀπὸ στήθεσφι παναίολον ἀσπίδα τʼ ὤμων

Who fear thee, as the braying goats abhor the king of beasts.”

καὶ κόρυθα βριαρήν· ὃ δὲ τόξου πῆχυν ἄνελκε

Undaunted Diomed replied: “You braver with your bow,

καὶ βάλεν, οὐδʼ ἄρα μιν ἅλιον βέλος ἔκφυγε χειρός,

You slick-hair'd lover, you that hunt and fleer at wenches so,

ταρσὸν δεξιτεροῖο ποδός· διὰ δʼ ἀμπερὲς ἰὸς

Durst thou but stand in arms with me, thy silly archery

ἐν γαίῃ κατέπηκτο· ὃ δὲ μάλα ἡδὺ γελάσσας

Would give thee little cause to vaunt. As little suffer I

ἐκ λόχου ἀμπήδησε καὶ εὐχόμενος ἔπος ηὔδα·

In this same tall exploit of thine, perform'd when thou wert hid,

βέβληαι οὐδʼ ἅλιον βέλος ἔκφυγεν· ὡς ὄφελόν τοι

As if a woman, or a child that knew not what it did,

νείατον ἐς κενεῶνα βαλὼν ἐκ θυμὸν ἑλέσθαι.

Had touch'd my foot. A coward's steel hath never any edge.

οὕτω κεν καὶ Τρῶες ἀνέπνευσαν κακότητος,

But mine, t' assure it sharp, still lays dead carcasses in pledge;

οἵ τέ σε πεφρίκασι λέονθʼ ὡς μηκάδες αἶγες.

Touch it, it renders lifeless straight, it strikes the fingers' ends

τὸν δʼ οὐ ταρβήσας προσέφη κρατερὸς Διομήδης·

Of hapless widows in their cheeks, and children blind of friends.

τοξότα λωβητὴρ κέρᾳ ἀγλαὲ παρθενοπῖπα

The subject of it makes earth red, and air with sighs inflames,

εἰ μὲν δὴ ἀντίβιον σὺν τεύχεσι πειρηθείης,

And leaves limbs more embrac'd with birds than with enamour'd dames.”

οὐκ ἄν τοι χραίσμῃσι βιὸς καὶ ταρφέες ἰοί·

Lance-fam'd Ulysses now came in, and stept before the king,

νῦν δέ μʼ ἐπιγράψας ταρσὸν ποδὸς εὔχεαι αὔτως.

Kneel'd opposite, and drew the shaft. The eager pain did sting

οὐκ ἀλέγω, ὡς εἴ με γυνὴ βάλοι ἢ πάϊς ἄφρων·

Through all his body. Straight he took his royal chariot there,

κωφὸν γὰρ βέλος ἀνδρὸς ἀνάλκιδος οὐτιδανοῖο.

And with direction to the fleet did charge his charioteer.

ἦ τʼ ἄλλως ὑπʼ ἐμεῖο, καὶ εἴ κʼ ὀλίγον περ ἐπαύρῃ,

Now was Ulysses desolate, fear made no friend remain,

ὀξὺ βέλος πέλεται, καὶ ἀκήριον αἶψα τίθησι.

He thus spake to his mighty mind: “What doth my state sustain?

τοῦ δὲ γυναικὸς μέν τʼ ἀμφίδρυφοί εἰσι παρειαί,

If I should fly this odds in fear, that thus comes clust'ring on,

παῖδες δʼ ὀρφανικοί· ὃ δέ θʼ αἵματι γαῖαν ἐρεύθων

'Twere high dishonour; yet 'twere worse, to be surpris'd alone.

πύθεται, οἰωνοὶ δὲ περὶ πλέες ἠὲ γυναῖκες.

'Tis Jove that drives the rest to fight; but that's a faint excuse.

ὣς φάτο, τοῦ δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς δουρικλυτὸς ἐγγύθεν ἐλθὼν

Why do I tempt my mind so much? Pale cowards fight refuse.

ἔστη πρόσθʼ· ὃ δʼ ὄπισθε καθεζόμενος βέλος ὠκὺ

He that affects renown in war must like a rock be fix'd,

ἐκ ποδὸς ἕλκʼ, ὀδύνη δὲ διὰ χροὸς ἦλθʼ ἀλεγεινή.

Wound, or be wounded. Valour's truth puts no respect betwixt.”

ἐς δίφρον δʼ ἀνόρουσε, καὶ ἡνιόχῳ ἐπέτελλε

In this contention with himself, in flew the shady bands

νηυσὶν ἔπι γλαφυρῇσιν ἐλαυνέμεν· ἤχθετο γὰρ κῆρ.

Of targeteers, who sieg'd him round with mischief-filléd hands.

οἰώθη δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς δουρὶ κλυτός, οὐδέ τις αὐτῷ

As when a crew of gallants watch the wild muse of a boar,

Ἀργείων παρέμεινεν, ἐπεὶ φόβος ἔλλαβε πάντας·

Their dogs put after in full cry, he rusheth on before,

ὀχθήσας δʼ ἄρα εἶπε πρὸς ὃν μεγαλήτορα θυμόν·

Whets, with his lather-making jaws, his crookéd tusks for blood,

ὤ μοι ἐγὼ τί πάθω; μέγα μὲν κακὸν αἴ κε φέβωμαι

And, holding firm his usual haunts, breaks through the deepen'd wood,

πληθὺν ταρβήσας· τὸ δὲ ῥίγιον αἴ κεν ἁλώω

They charging, though his hot approach be never so abhorr'd;

μοῦνος· τοὺς δʼ ἄλλους Δαναοὺς ἐφόβησε Κρονίων.

So, to assail the Jove-lov'd Greek, the Ilians did accord,

ἀλλὰ τί ἤ μοι ταῦτα φίλος διελέξατο θυμός;

And he made through them. First he hurt, upon his shoulder blade,

οἶδα γὰρ ὅττι κακοὶ μὲν ἀποίχονται πολέμοιο,

Deiops, a blameless man at arms; then sent to endless shade

ὃς δέ κʼ ἀριστεύῃσι μάχῃ ἔνι τὸν δὲ μάλα χρεὼ

Thoon and Eunomus; and strook the strong Chersidamas,

ἑστάμεναι κρατερῶς, ἤ τʼ ἔβλητʼ ἤ τʼ ἔβαλʼ ἄλλον.

As from his chariot he leap'd down, beneath his targe of brass;

εἷος ὃ ταῦθʼ ὥρμαινε κατὰ φρένα καὶ κατὰ θυμόν,

Who fell, and crawl'd upon the earth with his sustaining palms,

τόφρα δʼ ἐπὶ Τρώων στίχες ἤλυθον ἀσπιστάων,

And left the fight. Nor yet his lance left dealing martial alms,

ἔλσαν δʼ ἐν μέσσοισι, μετὰ σφίσι πῆμα τιθέντες.

But Socus' brother by both sides, young Carops, did impress.

ὡς δʼ ὅτε κάπριον ἀμφὶ κύνες θαλεροί τʼ αἰζηοὶ

σεύωνται, ὃ δέ τʼ εἶσι βαθείης ἐκ ξυλόχοιο

θήγων λευκὸν ὀδόντα μετὰ γναμπτῇσι γένυσσιν,

ἀμφὶ δέ τʼ ἀΐσσονται, ὑπαὶ δέ τε κόμπος ὀδόντων

γίγνεται, οἳ δὲ μένουσιν ἄφαρ δεινόν περ ἐόντα,

ὥς ῥα τότʼ ἀμφʼ Ὀδυσῆα Διῒ φίλον ἐσσεύοντο

Τρῶες· ὃ δὲ πρῶτον μὲν ἀμύμονα Δηϊοπίτην

οὔτασεν ὦμον ὕπερθεν ἐπάλμενος ὀξέϊ δουρί,

αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα Θόωνα καὶ Ἔννομον ἐξενάριξε.

Χερσιδάμαντα δʼ ἔπειτα καθʼ ἵππων ἀΐξαντα

Then princely Socus to his aid made brotherly access,

δουρὶ κατὰ πρότμησιν ὑπʼ ἀσπίδος ὀμφαλοέσσης

And, coming near, spake in his charge: “O great Laertes' son,

νύξεν· ὃ δʼ ἐν κονίῃσι πεσὼν ἕλε γαῖαν ἀγοστῷ.

Insatiate in sly stratagems, and labours never done,

τοὺς μὲν ἔασʼ, ὃ δʼ ἄρʼ Ἱππασίδην Χάροπʼ οὔτασε δουρὶ

This hour, or thou shalt boast to kill the two Hippasides

αὐτοκασίγνητον εὐηφενέος Σώκοιο.

And prise their arms, or fall thyself in my resolv'd access.”

τῷ δʼ ἐπαλεξήσων Σῶκος κίεν ἰσόθεος φώς,

This said, he threw quite through his shield his fell and well-driv'n lance,

στῆ δὲ μάλʼ ἐγγὺς ἰὼν καί μιν πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπεν

Which held way through his curaces, and on his ribs did glance,

ὦ Ὀδυσεῦ πολύαινε δόλων ἆτʼ ἠδὲ πόνοιο

Plowing the flesh alongst his sides; but Pallas did repel

σήμερον ἢ δοιοῖσιν ἐπεύξεαι Ἱππασίδῃσι

All inward passage to his life. Ulysses, knowing well

τοιώδʼ ἄνδρε κατακτείνας καὶ τεύχεʼ ἀπούρας,

The wound undeadly (setting back his foot to form his stand)

ἤ κεν ἐμῷ ὑπὸ δουρὶ τυπεὶς ἀπὸ θυμὸν ὀλέσσῃς.

Thus spake to Socus: “O thou wretch, thy death is in this hand,

ὣς εἰπὼν οὔτησε κατʼ ἀσπίδα πάντοσʼ ἐΐσην.

That stay'st my victory on Troy, and where thy charge was made

διὰ μὲν ἀσπίδος ἦλθε φαεινῆς ὄβριμον ἔγχος,

In doubtful terms (or this or that) this shall thy life invade.”

καὶ διὰ θώρηκος πολυδαιδάλου ἠρήρειστο,

This frighted Socus to retreat, and, in his faint reverse,

πάντα δʼ ἀπὸ πλευρῶν χρόα ἔργαθεν, οὐδʼ ἔτʼ ἔασε

The lance betwixt his shoulders fell, and through his breast did perse,

Παλλὰς Ἀθηναίη μιχθήμεναι ἔγκασι φωτός.

Down fell he sounding, and the king thus play'd with his mis-ease:

γνῶ δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς ὅ οἱ οὔ τι τέλος κατακαίριον ἦλθεν,

“O Socus, you that make by birth the two Hippasides,

ἂψ δʼ ἀναχωρήσας Σῶκον πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπεν·

Now may your house and you perceive death can outfly the flyer.

ἆ δείλʼ ἦ μάλα δή σε κιχάνεται αἰπὺς ὄλεθρος.

Ah wretch! thou canst not 'scape my vows. Old Hippasus thy sire,

ἤτοι μέν ῥʼ ἔμʼ ἔπαυσας ἐπὶ Τρώεσσι μάχεσθαι·

Nor thy well-honour'd mother's hands, in both which lies thy worth,

σοὶ δʼ ἐγὼ ἐνθάδε φημὶ φόνον καὶ κῆρα μέλαιναν

Shall close thy wretched eyes in death, but vultures dig them forth,

ἤματι τῷδʼ ἔσσεσθαι, ἐμῷ δʼ ὑπὸ δουρὶ δαμέντα

And hide them with their darksome wings; but when Ulysses dies,

εὖχος ἐμοὶ δώσειν, ψυχὴν δʼ Ἄϊδι κλυτοπώλῳ.

Divinest Greeks shall tomb my corse with all their obsequies.”

ἦ, καὶ ὃ μὲν φύγαδʼ αὖτις ὑποστρέψας ἐβεβήκει,

Now from his body and his shield the violent lance he drew,

τῷ δὲ μεταστρεφθέντι μεταφρένῳ ἐν δόρυ πῆξεν

That princely Socus had infix'd; which drawn, a crimson dew

ὤμων μεσσηγύς, διὰ δὲ στήθεσφιν ἔλασσε,

Fell from his bosom on the earth; the wound did dare him sore.

δούπησεν δὲ πεσών· ὃ δʼ ἐπεύξατο δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς·

And when the furious Trojans saw Ulysses' forcéd gore,

ὦ Σῶχʼ Ἱππάσου υἱὲ δαΐφρονος ἱπποδάμοιο

Encouraging themselves in gross, all his destruction vow'd.

φθῆ σε τέλος θανάτοιο κιχήμενον, οὐδʼ ὑπάλυξας.

Then he retir'd, and summon'd aid. Thrice shouted he aloud,

ἆ δείλʼ οὐ μὲν σοί γε πατὴρ καὶ πότνια μήτηρ

As did denote a man engag'd. Thrice Menelaus' ear

ὄσσε καθαιρήσουσι θανόντι περ, ἀλλʼ οἰωνοὶ

Observ'd his aid-suggesting voice, and Ajax being near,

ὠμησταὶ ἐρύουσι, περὶ πτερὰ πυκνὰ βαλόντες.

He told him of Ulysses' shouts, as if he were enclos'd

αὐτὰρ ἔμʼ, εἴ κε θάνω, κτεριοῦσί γε δῖοι Ἀχαιοί.

From all assistance, and advis'd their aids might be dispos'd

ὣς εἰπὼν Σώκοιο δαΐφρονος ὄβριμον ἔγχος

Against the ring that circled him, lest, charg'd with troops alone,

ἔξω τε χροὸς ἕλκε καὶ ἀσπίδος ὀμφαλοέσσης·

(Though valiant) he might be oppress'd, whom Greece so built upon.

αἷμα δέ οἱ σπασθέντος ἀνέσσυτο, κῆδε δὲ θυμόν.

He led, and Ajax seconded. They found their Jove-lov'd king

Τρῶες δὲ μεγάθυμοι ὅπως ἴδον αἷμʼ Ὀδυσῆος

Circled with foes. As when a den of bloody lucerns cling

κεκλόμενοι καθʼ ὅμιλον ἐπʼ αὐτῷ πάντες ἔβησαν.

About a goodly-palméd hart, hurt with a hunter's bow,

αὐτὰρ ὅ γʼ ἐξοπίσω ἀνεχάζετο, αὖε δʼ ἑταίρους.

Whose 'scape his nimble feet enforce, whilst his warm blood doth flow,

τρὶς μὲν ἔπειτʼ ἤϋσεν ὅσον κεφαλὴ χάδε φωτός,

And his light knees have pow'r to move; but, master'd of his wound,

τρὶς δʼ ἄϊεν ἰάχοντος ἄρηι φίλος Μενέλαος.

Emboss'd within a shady hill, the lucerns charge him round,

αἶψα δʼ ἄρʼ Αἴαντα προσεφώνεεν ἐγγὺς ἐόντα·

And tear his flesh; when instantly fortune sends in the pow'rs

Αἶαν διογενὲς Τελαμώνιε κοίρανε λαῶν

Of some stern lion, with whose sight they fly, and he devours;

ἀμφί μʼ Ὀδυσσῆος ταλασίφρονος ἵκετʼ ἀϋτὴ

So charged the Ilians Ithacus, many and mighty men.

τῷ ἰκέλη ὡς εἴ ἑ βιῴατο μοῦνον ἐόντα

But then made Menelaus in, and horrid Ajax then,

Τρῶες ἀποτμήξαντες ἐνὶ κρατερῇ ὑσμίνῃ.

Bearing a target like a tow'r, close was his violent stand,

ἀλλʼ ἴομεν καθʼ ὅμιλον· ἀλεξέμεναι γὰρ ἄμεινον.

And every way the foe dispers'd, when, by the royal hand,

δείδω μή τι πάθῃσιν ἐνὶ Τρώεσσι μονωθεὶς

Kind Menelaus led away the hurt Laertes' son,

ἐσθλὸς ἐών, μεγάλη δὲ ποθὴ Δαναοῖσι γένηται.

Till his fair squire had brought his horse. Victorious Telamon

ὣς εἰπὼν ὃ μὲν ἦρχʼ, ὃ δʼ ἅμʼ ἕσπετο ἰσόθεος φώς.

Still plied the foe, and put to sword a young Priamides,

εὗρον ἔπειτʼ Ὀδυσῆα Διῒ φίλον· ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρʼ αὐτὸν

Doryclus, Priam's bastard son; then did his lance impress

Τρῶες ἕπονθʼ ὡς εἴ τε δαφοινοὶ θῶες ὄρεσφιν

Pandocus, and strong Pirasus, Lysander and Palertes.

ἀμφʼ ἔλαφον κεραὸν βεβλημένον, ὅν τʼ ἔβαλʼ ἀνὴρ

As when a torrent from the hills, swoln with Saturnian show'rs,

ἰῷ ἀπὸ νευρῆς· τὸν μέν τʼ ἤλυξε πόδεσσι

Falls on the fields, bears blasted oaks, and wither'd rosin flow'rs,

φεύγων, ὄφρʼ αἷμα λιαρὸν καὶ γούνατʼ ὀρώρῃ·

Loose weeds, and all disperséd filth, into the ocean's force;

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ τόν γε δαμάσσεται ὠκὺς ὀϊστός,

So matchless Ajax beat the field, and slaughter'd men and horse.

ὠμοφάγοι μιν θῶες ἐν οὔρεσι δαρδάπτουσιν

Yet had not Hector heard of this, who fought on the left wing

ἐν νέμεϊ σκιερῷ· ἐπί τε λῖν ἤγαγε δαίμων

Of all the host, near those sweet herbs Scamander's flood doth spring,

σίντην· θῶες μέν τε διέτρεσαν, αὐτὰρ ὃ δάπτει·

Where many foreheads trod the ground, and where the skirmish burn'd

ὥς ῥα τότʼ ἀμφʼ Ὀδυσῆα δαΐφρονα ποικιλομήτην

Near Nestor and king Idomen, where Hector over turn'd

Τρῶες ἕπον πολλοί τε καὶ ἄλκιμοι, αὐτὰρ ὅ γʼ ἥρως

The Grecian squadrons, authoring high service with his lance,

ἀΐσσων ᾧ ἔγχει ἀμύνετο νηλεὲς ἦμαρ.

And skilful manage of his horse. Nor yet the discrepance

Αἴας δʼ ἐγγύθεν ἦλθε φέρων σάκος ἠΰτε πύργον,

He made in death betwixt the hosts had made the Greeks retire,

στῆ δὲ παρέξ· Τρῶες δὲ διέτρεσαν ἄλλυδις ἄλλος.

If fair-hair'd Helen's second spouse had not repress'd the fire

ἤτοι τὸν Μενέλαος ἀρήϊος ἔξαγʼ ὁμίλου

Of bold Machaon's fortitude, who with a three-fork'd head

χειρὸς ἔχων, εἷος θεράπων σχεδὸν ἤλασεν ἵππους.

In his right shoulder wounded him. Then had the Grecians dread.

Αἴας δὲ Τρώεσσιν ἐπάλμενος εἷλε Δόρυκλον

Lest, in his strength declin'd, the foe should slaughter their hurt friend.

Πριαμίδην νόθον υἱόν, ἔπειτα δὲ Πάνδοκον οὖτα,

Then Crete's king urg'd Neleides his chariot to ascend,

οὖτα δὲ Λύσανδρον καὶ Πύρασον ἠδὲ Πυλάρτην.

And getting near him, take him in, and bear him to their tents.

ὡς δʼ ὁπότε πλήθων ποταμὸς πεδίον δὲ κάτεισι

A surgeon is to be preferr'd, with physic ornaments,

χειμάρρους κατʼ ὄρεσφιν ὀπαζόμενος Διὸς ὄμβρῳ,

Before a multitude; his life gives hurt lives native bounds,

πολλὰς δὲ δρῦς ἀζαλέας, πολλὰς δέ τε πεύκας

With sweet inspersion of fit balms, and perfect search of wounds.

ἐσφέρεται, πολλὸν δέ τʼ ἀφυσγετὸν εἰς ἅλα βάλλει,

Thus spake the royal Idomen. Neleides obey'd,

ὣς ἔφεπε κλονέων πεδίον τότε φαίδιμος Αἴας,

And to his chariot presently the wounded Greek convey'd,

δαΐζων ἵππους τε καὶ ἀνέρας· οὐδέ πω Ἕκτωρ

The son of Æsculapius, the great physician.

πεύθετʼ, ἐπεί ῥα μάχης ἐπʼ ἀριστερὰ μάρνατο πάσης

To fleet they flew. Cebriones perceiv'd the slaughter done

ὄχθας πὰρ ποταμοῖο Σκαμάνδρου, τῇ ῥα μάλιστα

ἀνδρῶν πῖπτε κάρηνα, βοὴ δʼ ἄσβεστος ὀρώρει

Νέστορά τʼ ἀμφὶ μέγαν καὶ ἀρήϊον Ἰδομενῆα.

Ἕκτωρ μὲν μετὰ τοῖσιν ὁμίλει μέρμερα ῥέζων

ἔγχεΐ θʼ ἱπποσύνῃ τε, νέων δʼ ἀλάπαζε φάλαγγας·

οὐδʼ ἄν πω χάζοντο κελεύθου δῖοι Ἀχαιοὶ

εἰ μὴ Ἀλέξανδρος Ἑλένης πόσις ἠϋκόμοιο

παῦσεν ἀριστεύοντα Μαχάονα ποιμένα λαῶν,

ἰῷ τριγλώχινι βαλὼν κατὰ δεξιὸν ὦμον.

τῷ ῥα περίδεισαν μένεα πνείοντες Ἀχαιοὶ

By Ajax on the other troops, and spake to Hector thus:

μή πώς μιν πολέμοιο μετακλινθέντος ἕλοιεν.

“Whiles we encounter Grecians here, stern Telamonius

αὐτίκα δʼ Ἰδομενεὺς προσεφώνεε Νέστορα δῖον·

Is yonder raging, turning up in heaps our horse and men;

ὦ Νέστορ Νηληϊάδη μέγα κῦδος Ἀχαιῶν

I know him by his spacious shield. Let us turn chariot then,

ἄγρει σῶν ὀχέων ἐπιβήσεο, πὰρ δὲ Μαχάων

Where, both of horse and foot, the fight most hotly is propos'd,

βαινέτω, ἐς νῆας δὲ τάχιστʼ ἔχε μώνυχας ἵππους·

In mutual slaughters. Hark, their throats from cries are never clos'd.”

ἰητρὸς γὰρ ἀνὴρ πολλῶν ἀντάξιος ἄλλων

This said, with his shrill scourge he strook the horse, that fast ensu'd

ἰούς τʼ ἐκτάμνειν ἐπί τʼ ἤπια φάρμακα πάσσειν.

Stung with his lashes, tossing shields, and carcasses imbru'd.

ὣς ἔφατʼ, οὐδʼ ἀπίθησε Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ.

The chariot tree was drown'd in blood, and th' arches by the seat

αὐτίκα δʼ ὧν ὀχέων ἐπεβήσετο, πὰρ δὲ Μαχάων

Disperpled from the horses' hoofs, and from the wheel bands beat.

βαῖνʼ Ἀσκληπιοῦ υἱὸς ἀμύμονος ἰητῆρος·

Great Hector long'd to break the ranks, and startle their close fight,

μάστιξεν δʼ ἵππους, τὼ δʼ οὐκ ἀέκοντε πετέσθην

Who horribly amaz'd the Greeks, and plied their sudden fright

νῆας ἔπι γλαφυράς· τῇ γὰρ φίλον ἔπλετο θυμῷ.

With busy weapons, ever wing'd; his lance, sword, weighty stones.

Κεβριόνης δὲ Τρῶας ὀρινομένους ἐνόησεν

Yet charg'd he other leader's hands, not dreadful Telamon's;

Ἕκτορι παρβεβαώς, καί μιν πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπεν·

With whom he wisely shunn'd foul blows. But Jove (that weighs above

Ἕκτορ νῶϊ μὲν ἐνθάδʼ ὁμιλέομεν Δαναοῖσιν

All human pow'rs) to Ajax' breast divine repressions drove,

ἐσχατιῇ πολέμοιο δυσηχέος· οἳ δὲ δὴ ἄλλοι

And made him shun who shunn'd himself; he ceas'd from fight amaz'd,

Τρῶες ὀρίνονται ἐπιμὶξ ἵπποι τε καὶ αὐτοί.

Cast on his back his sev'n-fold shield, and round about him gaz'd

Αἴας δὲ κλονέει Τελαμώνιος· εὖ δέ μιν ἔγνων·

Like one turn'd wild, look'd on himself in his distract retreat,

εὐρὺ γὰρ ἀμφʼ ὤμοισιν ἔχει σάκος· ἀλλὰ καὶ ἡμεῖς

Knee before knee did scarcely move. As when from herds of neat,

κεῖσʼ ἵππους τε καὶ ἅρμʼ ἰθύνομεν, ἔνθα μάλιστα

Whole threaves of boors and mongrels chase a lion skulking near,

ἱππῆες πεζοί τε κακὴν ἔριδα προβαλόντες

Loth he should taint the well-prized fat of any stall-fed steer,

ἀλλήλους ὀλέκουσι, βοὴ δʼ ἄσβεστος ὄρωρεν.

Consuming all the night in watch, he, greedy of his prey,

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας ἵμασεν καλλίτριχας ἵππους

Oft thrusting on is oft thrust off, so thick the jav'lins play

μάστιγι λιγυρῇ· τοὶ δὲ πληγῆς ἀΐοντες

On his bold charges, and so hot the burning fire-brands shine,

ῥίμφʼ ἔφερον θοὸν ἅρμα μετὰ Τρῶας καὶ Ἀχαιοὺς

Which he (though horrible) abhors, about his glowing eyne,

στείβοντες νέκυάς τε καὶ ἀσπίδας· αἵματι δʼ ἄξων

And early his great heart retires; so Ajax from the foe,

νέρθεν ἅπας πεπάλακτο καὶ ἄντυγες αἳ περὶ δίφρον,

For fear their fleet should be inflam'd, 'gainst his swoln heart did go.

ἃς ἄρʼ ἀφʼ ἱππείων ὁπλέων ῥαθάμιγγες ἔβαλλον

As when a dull mill ass comes near a goodly field of corn,

αἵ τʼ ἀπʼ ἐπισσώτρων. ὃ δὲ ἵετο δῦναι ὅμιλον

Kept from the birds by children's cries, the boys are overborne

ἀνδρόμεον ῥῆξαί τε μετάλμενος· ἐν δὲ κυδοιμὸν

By his insensible approach, and simply he will eat;

ἧκε κακὸν Δαναοῖσι, μίνυνθα δὲ χάζετο δουρός.

About whom many wands are broke, and still the children beat,