Iliad

Patroclus thus employ'd in cure of hurt Eurypylus,

ὣς ὃ μὲν ἐν κλισίῃσι Μενοιτίου ἄλκιμος υἱὸς

Both hosts are all for other wounds doubly contentious,

ἰᾶτʼ Εὐρύπυλον βεβλημένον· οἳ δὲ μάχοντο

One always labouring to expel, the other to invade.

Ἀργεῖοι καὶ Τρῶες ὁμιλαδόν· οὐδʼ ἄρʼ ἔμελλε

Nor could the broad dike of the Greeks, or that strong wall they made

τάφρος ἔτι σχήσειν Δαναῶν καὶ τεῖχος ὕπερθεν

To guard their fleet, be long unras'd; because it was not rais'd

εὐρύ, τὸ ποιήσαντο νεῶν ὕπερ, ἀμφὶ δὲ τάφρον

By grave direction of the Gods, nor were their Deities prais'd

ἤλασαν· οὐδὲ θεοῖσι δόσαν κλειτὰς ἑκατόμβας·

(When they begun) with hecatombs, that then they might be sure

ὄφρά σφιν νῆάς τε θοὰς καὶ ληΐδα πολλὴν

(Their strength being season'd well with heav'n's) it should have force t' endure,

ἐντὸς ἔχον ῥύοιτο· θεῶν δʼ ἀέκητι τέτυκτο

And so, the safeguard of their fleet, and all their treasure there,

ἀθανάτων· τὸ καὶ οὔ τι πολὺν χρόνον ἔμπεδον ἦεν.

Infallibly had been confirm'd; when, now, their bulwarks were

ὄφρα μὲν Ἕκτωρ ζωὸς ἔην καὶ μήνιʼ Ἀχιλλεὺς

Not only without pow'r of check to their assaulting foe

καὶ Πριάμοιο ἄνακτος ἀπόρθητος πόλις ἔπλεν,

(Ev'n now, as soon as they were built) but apt to overthrow;

τόφρα δὲ καὶ μέγα τεῖχος Ἀχαιῶν ἔμπεδον ἦεν.

Such as, in very little time, shall bury all their sight

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ κατὰ μὲν Τρώων θάνον ὅσσοι ἄριστοι,

And thought that ever they were made. As long as the despite

πολλοὶ δʼ Ἀργείων οἳ μὲν δάμεν, οἳ δὲ λίποντο,

Of great Æacides held up, and Hector went not down,

πέρθετο δὲ Πριάμοιο πόλις δεκάτῳ ἐνιαυτῷ,

And that by those two means stood safe king Priam's sacred town,

Ἀργεῖοι δʼ ἐν νηυσὶ φίλην ἐς πατρίδʼ ἔβησαν,

So long their rampire had some use, though now it gave some way;

δὴ τότε μητιόωντο Ποσειδάων καὶ Ἀπόλλων

But when Troy's best men suffer'd fate, and many Greeks did pay

τεῖχος ἀμαλδῦναι ποταμῶν μένος εἰσαγαγόντες.

Dear for their suff'rance, then the rest home to their country turn'd,

ὅσσοι ἀπʼ Ἰδαίων ὀρέων ἅλα δὲ προρέουσι,

The tenth year of their wars at Troy, and Troy was sack'd and burn'd.

Ῥῆσός θʼ Ἑπτάπορός τε Κάρησός τε Ῥοδίος τε

And then the Gods fell to their fort; then they their pow'rs employ

Γρήνικός τε καὶ Αἴσηπος δῖός τε Σκάμανδρος

To ruin their work, and left less of that than they of Troy.

καὶ Σιμόεις, ὅθι πολλὰ βοάγρια καὶ τρυφάλειαι

Neptune and Phœbus tumbled down, from the Idalian hills,

κάππεσον ἐν κονίῃσι καὶ ἡμιθέων γένος ἀνδρῶν·

An inundation of all floods, that thence the broad sea fills

τῶν πάντων ὁμόσε στόματʼ ἔτραπε Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων,

On their huge rampire; in one glut, all these together roar'd,

ἐννῆμαρ δʼ ἐς τεῖχος ἵει ῥόον· ὗε δʼ ἄρα Ζεὺς

Rhesus, Heptaporus, Rhodius, Scamander the ador'd,

συνεχές, ὄφρά κε θᾶσσον ἁλίπλοα τείχεα θείη.

Caresus, Simois, Grenicus, Æsepus; of them all

αὐτὸς δʼ ἐννοσίγαιος ἔχων χείρεσσι τρίαιναν

Apollo open'd the rough mouths, and made their lusty fall

ἡγεῖτʼ, ἐκ δʼ ἄρα πάντα θεμείλια κύμασι πέμπε

Ravish the dusty champian, where many a helm and shield,

φιτρῶν καὶ λάων, τὰ θέσαν μογέοντες Ἀχαιοί,

And half-god race of men, were strew'd. And, that all these might yield

λεῖα δʼ ἐποίησεν παρʼ ἀγάρροον Ἑλλήσποντον,

Full tribute to the heav'nly work, Neptune and Phœbus won

αὖτις δʼ ἠϊόνα μεγάλην ψαμάθοισι κάλυψε

Jove to unburthen the black wombs of clouds, fill'd by the sun,

τεῖχος ἀμαλδύνας· ποταμοὺς δʼ ἔτρεψε νέεσθαι

And pour them into all their streams, that quickly they might send

κὰρ ῥόον, ᾗ περ πρόσθεν ἵεν καλλίρροον ὕδωρ.

The huge wall swimming to the sea. Nine days their lights did spend

ὣς ἄρʼ ἔμελλον ὄπισθε Ποσειδάων καὶ Ἀπόλλων

To nights in tempests; and when all their utmost depth had made,

θησέμεναι· τότε δʼ ἀμφὶ μάχη ἐνοπή τε δεδήει

Jove, Phœbus, Neptune, all came down, and all in state did wade

τεῖχος ἐΰδμητον, κανάχιζε δὲ δούρατα πύργων

To ruin of that impious fort. Great Neptune went before,

βαλλόμενʼ· Ἀργεῖοι δὲ Διὸς μάστιγι δαμέντες

Wrought with his trident, and the stones, trunks, roots of trees, he tore

νηυσὶν ἔπι γλαφυρῇσιν ἐελμένοι ἰσχανόωντο

Out of the rampire, toss'd them all into the Hellespont,

Ἕκτορα δειδιότες, κρατερὸν μήστωρα φόβοιο·

Ev'n all the proud toil of the Greeks, with which they durst confront

αὐτὰρ ὅ γʼ ὡς τὸ πρόσθεν ἐμάρνατο ἶσος ἀέλλῃ·

The to-be shunnéd Deities, and not a stone remain'd

ὡς δʼ ὅτʼ ἂν ἔν τε κύνεσσι καὶ ἀνδράσι θηρευτῇσι

Of all their huge foundations, all with the earth were plain'd.

κάπριος ἠὲ λέων στρέφεται σθένεϊ βλεμεαίνων·

Which done, again the Gods turn'd back the silver-flowing floods

οἳ δέ τε πυργηδὸν σφέας αὐτοὺς ἀρτύναντες

By that vast channel, through whose vaults they pour'd abroad their broods,

ἀντίον ἵστανται καὶ ἀκοντίζουσι θαμειὰς

And cover'd all the ample shore again with dusty sand.

αἰχμὰς ἐκ χειρῶν· τοῦ δʼ οὔ ποτε κυδάλιμον κῆρ

And this the end was of that wall, where now so many a hand

ταρβεῖ οὐδὲ φοβεῖται, ἀγηνορίη δέ μιν ἔκτα·

Was emptied of stones and darts, contending to invade;

ταρφέα τε στρέφεται στίχας ἀνδρῶν πειρητίζων·

Where Clamour spent so high a throat; and where the fell blows made

ὅππῃ τʼ ἰθύσῃ τῇ εἴκουσι στίχες ἀνδρῶν·

The new-built wooden turrets groan. And here the Greeks were pent,

ὣς Ἕκτωρ ἀνʼ ὅμιλον ἰὼν ἐλλίσσεθʼ ἑταίρους

Tam'd with the iron whip of Jove, that terrors vehement

τάφρον ἐποτρύνων διαβαινέμεν· οὐδέ οἱ ἵπποι

Shook over them by Hector's hand, who was in ev'ry thought

τόλμων ὠκύποδες, μάλα δὲ χρεμέτιζον ἐπʼ ἄκρῳ

The terror-master of the field, and like a whirlwind fought,

χείλει ἐφεσταότες· ἀπὸ γὰρ δειδίσσετο τάφρος

As fresh as in his morn's first charge. And as a savage boar,

εὐρεῖʼ, οὔτʼ ἄρʼ ὑπερθορέειν σχεδὸν οὔτε περῆσαι

Or lion, hunted long, at last, with hounds' and hunters' store

ῥηϊδίη· κρημνοὶ γὰρ ἐπηρεφέες περὶ πᾶσαν

Is compass'd round; they charge him close, and stand (as in a tow'r

ἕστασαν ἀμφοτέρωθεν, ὕπερθεν δὲ σκολόπεσσιν

They had inchas'd him) pouring on of darts an iron show'r;

ὀξέσιν ἠρήρει, τοὺς ἵστασαν υἷες Ἀχαιῶν

His glorious heart yet nought appall'd, and forcing forth his way,

πυκνοὺς καὶ μεγάλους δηΐων ἀνδρῶν ἀλεωρήν.

ἔνθʼ οὔ κεν ῥέα ἵππος ἐΰτροχον ἅρμα τιταίνων

Here overthrows a troop, and there a running ring doth stay

ἐσβαίη, πεζοὶ δὲ μενοίνεον εἰ τελέουσι.

His utter passage; when, again, that stay he overthrows,

δὴ τότε Πουλυδάμας θρασὺν Ἕκτορα εἶπε παραστάς·

And then the whole field frees his rage; so Hector wearies blows,

Ἕκτορ τʼ ἠδʼ ἄλλοι Τρώων ἀγοὶ ἠδʼ ἐπικούρων

Runs out his charge upon the fort, and all his force would force

ἀφραδέως διὰ τάφρον ἐλαύνομεν ὠκέας ἵππους·

To pass the dike; which, being so deep, they could not get their horse

ἣ δὲ μάλʼ ἀργαλέη περάαν· σκόλοπες γὰρ ἐν αὐτῇ

To venture on, but trample, snore, and on the very brink

ὀξέες ἑστᾶσιν, ποτὶ δʼ αὐτοὺς τεῖχος Ἀχαιῶν,

To neigh with spirit, yet still stand off. Nor would a human think

ἔνθʼ οὔ πως ἔστιν καταβήμεναι οὐδὲ μάχεσθαι

The passage safe; or, if it were, 'twas less safe for retreat;

ἱππεῦσι· στεῖνος γάρ, ὅθι τρώσεσθαι ὀΐω.

The dike being ev'rywhere so deep, and, where 'twas least deep, set

εἰ μὲν γὰρ τοὺς πάγχυ κακὰ φρονέων ἀλαπάζει

With stakes exceeding thick, sharp, strong, that horse could never pass,

Ζεὺς ὑψιβρεμέτης, Τρώεσσι δὲ ἵετʼ ἀρήγειν,

Much less their chariots after them; yet for the foot there was

ἦ τʼ ἂν ἔγωγʼ ἐθέλοιμι καὶ αὐτίκα τοῦτο γενέσθαι,

Some hopeful service, which they wish'd. Polydamas then spake:

νωνύμνους ἀπολέσθαι ἀπʼ Ἄργεος ἐνθάδʼ Ἀχαιούς·

“Hector, and all our friends of Troy, we indiscreetly make

εἰ δέ χʼ ὑποστρέψωσι, παλίωξις δὲ γένηται

Offer of passage with our horse; ye see the stakes, the wall,

ἐκ νηῶν καὶ τάφρῳ ἐνιπλήξωμεν ὀρυκτῇ,

Impossible for horse to take; nor can men fight at all,

οὐκέτʼ ἔπειτʼ ὀΐω οὐδʼ ἄγγελον ἀπονέεσθαι

The place being strait, and much more apt to let us take our bane

ἄψορρον προτὶ ἄστυ ἑλιχθέντων ὑπʼ Ἀχαιῶν.

Than give the enemy. And yet, if Jove decree the wane

ἀλλʼ ἄγεθʼ ὡς ἂν ἐγὼ εἴπω πειθώμεθα πάντες·

Of Grecian glory utterly, and so bereave their hearts

ἵππους μὲν θεράποντες ἐρυκόντων ἐπὶ τάφρῳ,

That we may freely charge them thus, and then will take our parts,

αὐτοὶ δὲ πρυλέες σὺν τεύχεσι θωρηχθέντες

I would with all speed wish th' assault, that ugly shame might shed

Ἕκτορι πάντες ἑπώμεθʼ ἀολλέες· αὐτὰρ Ἀχαιοὶ

(Thus far from home) these Grecians' bloods. But, if they once turn head

οὐ μενέουσʼ εἰ δή σφιν ὀλέθρου πείρατʼ ἐφῆπται.

And sally on us from their fleet, when in so deep a dike

ὣς φάτο Πουλυδάμας, ἅδε δʼ Ἕκτορι μῦθος ἀπήμων,

We shall lie struggling, not a man of all our host is like

αὐτίκα δʼ ἐξ ὀχέων σὺν τεύχεσιν ἆλτο χαμᾶζε.

To live and carry back the news. And therefore be it thus:

οὐδὲ μὲν ἄλλοι Τρῶες ἐφʼ ἵππων ἠγερέθοντο,

Here leave we horse kept by our men, and all on foot let us

ἀλλʼ ἀπὸ πάντες ὄρουσαν, ἐπεὶ ἴδον Ἕκτορα δῖον.

Hold close together, and attend the grace of Hector's guide,

ἡνιόχῳ μὲν ἔπειτα ἑῷ ἐπέτελλεν ἕκαστος

And then they shall not bear our charge, our conquest shall be dyed

ἵππους εὖ κατὰ κόσμον ἐρυκέμεν αὖθʼ ἐπὶ τάφρῳ·

In their lives' purples.” This advice pleas'd Hector, for 'twas sound;

οἳ δὲ διαστάντες σφέας αὐτοὺς ἀρτύναντες

Who first obey'd it, and full-arm'd betook him to the ground.

πένταχα κοσμηθέντες ἅμʼ ἡγεμόνεσσιν ἕποντο.

And then all left their chariots when he was seen to lead,

οἳ μὲν ἅμʼ Ἕκτορʼ ἴσαν καὶ ἀμύμονι Πουλυδάμαντι,

Rushing about him, and gave up each chariot and steed

οἳ πλεῖστοι καὶ ἄριστοι ἔσαν, μέμασαν δὲ μάλιστα

To their directors to be kept, in all procinct of war,

τεῖχος ῥηξάμενοι κοίλῃς ἐπὶ νηυσὶ μάχεσθαι.

There, and on that side of the dike. And thus the rest prepare

καί σφιν Κεβριόνης τρίτος εἵπετο· πὰρ δʼ ἄρʼ ὄχεσφιν

Their onset: In five regiments they all their pow'r divide,

ἄλλον Κεβριόναο χερείονα κάλλιπεν Ἕκτωρ.

Each regiment allow'd three chiefs. Of all which ev'n the pride

τῶν δʼ ἑτέρων Πάρις ἦρχε καὶ Ἀλκάθοος καὶ Ἀγήνωρ,

Serv'd in great Hector's regiment; for all were set on fire

τῶν δὲ τρίτων Ἕλενος καὶ Δηΐφοβος θεοειδὴς

(Their passage beaten through the wall) with hazardous desire

υἷε δύω Πριάμοιο· τρίτος δʼ ἦν Ἄσιος ἥρως

That they might once but fight at fleet. With Hector captains were

Ἄσιος Ὑρτακίδης, ὃν Ἀρίσβηθεν φέρον ἵπποι

Polydamas, and Cebriones, who was his charioteer;

αἴθωνες μεγάλοι ποταμοῦ ἄπο Σελλήεντος.

But Hector found that place a worse. Chiefs of the second band

τῶν δὲ τετάρτων ἦρχεν ἐῢς πάϊς Ἀγχίσαο

Were Paris and Alcathous, Agenor. The command

Αἰνείας, ἅμα τῷ γε δύω Ἀντήνορος υἷε

The third strong phalanx had, was giv'n to th' augur Helenus,

Ἀρχέλοχός τʼ Ἀκάμας τε μάχης εὖ εἰδότε πάσης.

Deiphobus, that god-like man, and mighty Asius,

Σαρπηδὼν δʼ ἡγήσατʼ ἀγακλειτῶν ἐπικούρων,

Ev'n Asius Hyrtacides, that from Arisba rode

πρὸς δʼ ἕλετο Γλαῦκον καὶ ἀρήϊον Ἀστεροπαῖον·

The huge bay horse, and had his house where river Selleës flow'd.

οἳ γάρ οἱ εἴσαντο διακριδὸν εἶναι ἄριστοι

The fourth charge good Æneas led, and with him were combin'd

τῶν ἄλλων μετά γʼ αὐτόν· ὃ δʼ ἔπρεπε καὶ διὰ πάντων.

Archelochus, and Acamas, Antenor's dearest kind,

οἳ δʼ ἐπεὶ ἀλλήλους ἄραρον τυκτῇσι βόεσσι

And excellent at ev'ry fight. The fifth brave company

βάν ῥʼ ἰθὺς Δαναῶν λελιημένοι, οὐδʼ ἔτʼ ἔφαντο

Sarpedon had to charge, who choos'd, for his command's supply,

σχήσεσθʼ, ἀλλʼ ἐν νηυσὶ μελαίνῃσιν πεσέεσθαι.

Asteropseus great in arms, and Glaucus; for both these

ἔνθʼ ἄλλοι Τρῶες τηλεκλειτοί τʼ ἐπίκουροι

Were best of all men but himself, but he was fellowless.

βουλῇ Πουλυδάμαντος ἀμωμήτοιο πίθοντο·

Thus fitted with their well-wrought shields, down the steep dike they go,

ἀλλʼ οὐχ Ὑρτακίδης ἔθελʼ Ἄσιος ὄρχαμος ἀνδρῶν

And (thirsty of the wall's assault) believe in overthrow,

αὖθι λιπεῖν ἵππους τε καὶ ἡνίοχον θεράποντα,

Not doubting but with headlong falls to tumble down the Greeks

ἀλλὰ σὺν αὐτοῖσιν πέλασεν νήεσσι θοῇσι

From their black navy. In which trust, all on; and no man seeks

νήπιος, οὐδʼ ἄρʼ ἔμελλε κακὰς ὑπὸ κῆρας ἀλύξας

To cross Polydamas' advice with any other course,

ἵπποισιν καὶ ὄχεσφιν ἀγαλλόμενος παρὰ νηῶν

But Asius Hyrtacides, who (proud of his bay horse)

ἂψ ἀπονοστήσειν προτὶ Ἴλιον ἠνεμόεσσαν·

πρόσθεν γάρ μιν μοῖρα δυσώνυμος ἀμφεκάλυψεν

ἔγχεϊ Ἰδομενῆος ἀγαυοῦ Δευκαλίδαο.

Would not forsake them, nor his man, that was their manager,

εἴσατο γὰρ νηῶν ἐπʼ ἀριστερά, τῇ περ Ἀχαιοὶ

(Fool that he was) but all to fleet, and little knew how near

ἐκ πεδίου νίσοντο σὺν ἵπποισιν καὶ ὄχεσφι·

An ill death sat him, and a sure, and that he never more

τῇ ῥʼ ἵππους τε καὶ ἅρμα διήλασεν, οὐδὲ πύλῃσιν

Must look on lofty Ilion; but looks, and all, before,

εὗρʼ ἐπικεκλιμένας σανίδας καὶ μακρὸν ὀχῆα,

Put on th' all-cov'ring mist of fate, that then did hang upon

ἀλλʼ ἀναπεπταμένας ἔχον ἀνέρες, εἴ τινʼ ἑταίρων

The lance of great Deucalides; he fatally rush'd on

ἐκ πολέμου φεύγοντα σαώσειαν μετὰ νῆας.

The left hand way, by which the Greeks, with horse and chariot,

τῇ ῥʼ ἰθὺς φρονέων ἵππους ἔχε, τοὶ δʼ ἅμʼ ἕποντο

Came usually from field to fleet; close to the gates he got,

ὀξέα κεκλήγοντες· ἔφαντο γὰρ οὐκ ἔτʼ Ἀχαιοὺς

Which both unbarr'd and ope he found, that so the easier might

σχήσεσθʼ, ἀλλʼ ἐν νηυσὶ μελαίνῃσιν πεσέεσθαι

An entry be for any friend that was behind in flight;

νήπιοι, ἐν δὲ πύλῃσι δύʼ ἀνέρας εὗρον ἀρίστους

Yet not much easier for a foe, because there was a guard

υἷας ὑπερθύμους Λαπιθάων αἰχμητάων,

Maintain'd upon it, past his thought; who still put for it hard,

τὸν μὲν Πειριθόου υἷα κρατερὸν Πολυποίτην,

Eagerly shouting; and with him were five more friends of name,

τὸν δὲ Λεοντῆα βροτολοιγῷ ἶσον Ἄρηϊ.

That would not leave him, though none else would hunt that way for fame

τὼ μὲν ἄρα προπάροιθε πυλάων ὑψηλάων

(In their free choice) but he himself. Orestes, Iamenus,

ἕστασαν ὡς ὅτε τε δρύες οὔρεσιν ὑψικάρηνοι,

And Acamas Asiades, Thoon, Oenomaus,

αἵ τʼ ἄνεμον μίμνουσι καὶ ὑετὸν ἤματα πάντα

Were those that follow'd Asius. Within the gates they found

ῥίζῃσιν μεγάλῃσι διηνεκέεσσʼ ἀραρυῖαι·

Two eminently valorous, that from the race renown'd

ὣς ἄρα τὼ χείρεσσι πεποιθότες ἠδὲ βίηφι

Of the right valiant Lapithes deriv'd their high descent;

μίμνον ἐπερχόμενον μέγαν Ἄσιον οὐδὲ φέβοντο.

Fierce Leontëus was the one, like Mars in detriment.

οἳ δʼ ἰθὺς πρὸς τεῖχος ἐΰδμητον βόας αὔας

The other mighty Polypæt, the great Pirithous' son.

ὑψόσʼ ἀνασχόμενοι ἔκιον μεγάλῳ ἀλαλητῷ

These stood within the lofty gates, and nothing more did shun

Ἄσιον ἀμφὶ ἄνακτα καὶ Ἰαμενὸν καὶ Ὀρέστην

The charge of Asius and his friends, than two high hill-bred oaks,

Ἀσιάδην τʼ Ἀδάμαντα Θόωνά τε Οἰνόμαόν τε.

Well-rooted in the binding earth, obey the airy strokes

οἳ δʼ ἤτοι εἷος μὲν ἐϋκνήμιδας Ἀχαιοὺς

Of wind and weather, standing firm 'gainst ev'ry season's spite.

ὄρνυον ἔνδον ἐόντες ἀμύνεσθαι περὶ νηῶν·

Yet they pour on continued shouts, and bear their shields upright;

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ τεῖχος ἐπεσσυμένους ἐνόησαν

When in the mean space Polypæt and Leonteus cheer'd

Τρῶας, ἀτὰρ Δαναῶν γένετο ἰαχή τε φόβος τε,

Their soldiers to the fleet's defence. But when the rest had heard

ἐκ δὲ τὼ ἀΐξαντε πυλάων πρόσθε μαχέσθην

The Trojans in attempt to scale, clamour and flight did flow

ἀγροτέροισι σύεσσιν ἐοικότε, τώ τʼ ἐν ὄρεσσιν

Amongst the Grecians; and then, the rest dismay'd, these two

ἀνδρῶν ἠδὲ κυνῶν δέχαται κολοσυρτὸν ἰόντα,

Met Asius ent'ring, thrust him back, and fought before their doors.

δοχμώ τʼ ἀΐσσοντε περὶ σφίσιν ἄγνυτον ὕλην

Nor far'd they then like oaks that stood, but as a brace of boars,

πρυμνὴν ἐκτάμνοντες, ὑπαὶ δέ τε κόμπος ὀδόντων

Couch'd in their own bred hill, that hear a sort of hunter's shout,

γίγνεται εἰς ὅ κέ τίς τε βαλὼν ἐκ θυμὸν ἕληται·

And hounds in hot trail coming on, then from their dens break out,

ὣς τῶν κόμπει χαλκὸς ἐπὶ στήθεσσι φαεινὸς

Traverse their force, and suffer not, in wildness of their way,

ἄντην βαλλομένων· μάλα γὰρ κρατερῶς ἐμάχοντο

About them any plant to stand, but thickets off'ring stay

λαοῖσιν καθύπερθε πεποιθότες ἠδὲ βίηφιν.

Break through, and rend up by the roots, whet gnashes into air,

οἳ δʼ ἄρα χερμαδίοισιν ἐϋδμήτων ἀπὸ πύργων

Which Tumult fills with shouts, hounds, horns, and all the hot affair

βάλλον ἀμυνόμενοι σφῶν τʼ αὐτῶν καὶ κλισιάων

Beats at their bosoms; so their arms rung with assailing blows,

νηῶν τʼ ὠκυπόρων· νιφάδες δʼ ὡς πῖπτον ἔραζε,

And so they stirr'd them in repulse, right well assur'd that those

ἅς τʼ ἄνεμος ζαὴς νέφεα σκιόεντα δονήσας

Who were within, and on the wall, would add their parts, who knew

ταρφειὰς κατέχευεν ἐπὶ χθονὶ πουλυβοτείρῃ·

They now fought for their tents, fleet, lives, and fame, and therefore threw

ὣς τῶν ἐκ χειρῶν βέλεα ῥέον ἠμὲν Ἀχαιῶν

Stones from the walls and tow'rs, as thick as when a drift wind shakes

ἠδὲ καὶ ἐκ Τρώων· κόρυθες δʼ ἀμφʼ αὖον ἀΰτευν

Black clouds in pieces, and plucks snow, in great and plumy flakes,

βαλλομένων μυλάκεσσι καὶ ἀσπίδες ὀμφαλόεσσαι.

From their soft bosoms, till the ground be wholly cloth'd in white;

δή ῥα τότʼ ᾤμωξεν καὶ ὣ πεπλήγετο μηρὼ

So earth was hid with stones and darts, darts from the Trojan fight,

Ἄσιος Ὑρτακίδης, καὶ ἀλαστήσας ἔπος ηὔδα·

Stones from the Greeks, that on the helms and bossy Trojan shields

Ζεῦ πάτερ ἦ ῥά νυ καὶ σὺ φιλοψευδὴς ἐτέτυξο

Kept such a rapping, it amaz'd great Asius, who now yields

πάγχυ μάλʼ· οὐ γὰρ ἔγωγʼ ἐφάμην ἥρωας Ἀχαιοὺς

Sighs, beats his thighs, and in a rage his fault to Jove applies:

σχήσειν ἡμέτερόν γε μένος καὶ χεῖρας ἀάπτους.

“O Jove,” said he, “now clear thou show'st thou art a friend to lies,

οἳ δʼ, ὥς τε σφῆκες μέσον αἰόλοι ἠὲ μέλισσαι

Pretending, in the flight of Greece, the making of it good,

οἰκία ποιήσωνται ὁδῷ ἔπι παιπαλοέσσῃ,

To all their ruins, which I thought could never be withstood;

οὐδʼ ἀπολείπουσιν κοῖλον δόμον, ἀλλὰ μένοντες

Yet they, as yellow wasps, or bees (that having made their nest

ἄνδρας θηρητῆρας ἀμύνονται περὶ τέκνων,

The grasping cranny of a hill) when for a hunter's feast

ὣς οἵ γʼ οὐκ ἐθέλουσι πυλάων καὶ δύʼ ἐόντε

Hunters come hot and hungry in, and dig for honey-combs,

χάσσασθαι πρίν γʼ ἠὲ κατακτάμεν ἠὲ ἁλῶναι.

Then fly upon them, strike and sting, and from their hollow homes

ὣς ἔφατʼ, οὐδὲ Διὸς πεῖθε φρένα ταῦτʼ ἀγορεύων·

Will not be beaten, but defend their labour's fruit, and brood;

Ἕκτορι γάρ οἱ θυμὸς ἐβούλετο κῦδος ὀρέξαι.

ἄλλοι δʼ ἀμφʼ ἄλλῃσι μάχην ἐμάχοντο πύλῃσιν·

ἀργαλέον δέ με ταῦτα θεὸν ὣς πάντʼ ἀγορεῦσαι·

No more will these be from their port, but either lose their blood

πάντῃ γὰρ περὶ τεῖχος ὀρώρει θεσπιδαὲς πῦρ

(Although but two against all us) or be our pris'ners made.”

λάϊνον· Ἀργεῖοι δὲ καὶ ἀχνύμενοί περ ἀνάγκῃ

All this, to do his action grace, could not firm Jove persuade,

νηῶν ἠμύνοντο· θεοὶ δʼ ἀκαχήατο θυμὸν

Who for the gen'ral counsel stood, and 'gainst his singular brave,

πάντες ὅσοι Δαναοῖσι μάχης ἐπιτάρροθοι ἦσαν.

Bestow'd on Hector that day's fame. Yet he and these behave

σὺν δʼ ἔβαλον Λαπίθαι πόλεμον καὶ δηϊοτῆτα.

Themselves thus nobly at this port; but how at other ports,

ἔνθʼ αὖ Πειριθόου υἱὸς κρατερὸς Πολυποίτης

And all alongst the stony wall, sole force, 'gainst force and forts,

δουρὶ βάλεν Δάμασον κυνέης διὰ χαλκοπαρῄου·

Rag'd in contention 'twixt both hosts, it were no easy thing,

οὐδʼ ἄρα χαλκείη κόρυς ἔσχεθεν, ἀλλὰ διὰ πρὸ

Had I the bosom of a God, to tune to life and sing.

αἰχμὴ χαλκείη ῥῆξʼ ὀστέον, ἐγκέφαλος δὲ

The Trojans fought not of themselves, a fire from heav'n was thrown

ἔνδον ἅπας πεπάλακτο· δάμασσε δέ μιν μεμαῶτα·

That ran amongst them, through the wall, mere added to their own.

αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα Πύλωνα καὶ Ὄρμενον ἐξενάριξεν.

The Greeks held not their own; weak Grief went with her wither'd hand,

υἱὸν δʼ Ἀντιμάχοιο Λεοντεὺς ὄζος Ἄρηος

And dipp'd it deeply in their spirits, since they could not command

Ἱππόμαχον βάλε δουρὶ κατὰ ζωστῆρα τυχήσας.

Their forces to abide the field, whom harsh Necessity,

αὖτις δʼ ἐκ κολεοῖο ἐρυσσάμενος ξίφος ὀξὺ

To save those ships should bring them home, and their good fort's supply,

Ἀντιφάτην μὲν πρῶτον ἐπαΐξας διʼ ὁμίλου

Drave to th' expulsive fight they made; and this might stoop them more

πλῆξʼ αὐτοσχεδίην· ὃ δʼ ἄρʼ ὕπτιος οὔδει ἐρείσθη·

Than Need itself could elevate, for ev'n Gods did deplore

αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα Μένωνα καὶ Ἰαμενὸν καὶ Ὀρέστην

Their dire estates, and all the Gods that were their aids in war,

πάντας ἐπασσυτέρους πέλασε χθονὶ πουλυβοτείρῃ.

Who, though they could not clear their plights, yet were their friends thus far,

ὄφρʼ οἳ τοὺς ἐνάριζον ἀπʼ ἔντεα μαρμαίροντα,

Still to uphold the better sort; for then did Polypæt pass

τόφρʼ οἳ Πουλυδάμαντι καὶ Ἕκτορι κοῦροι ἕποντο,

A lance at Damasus, whose helm was made with cheeks of brass,

οἳ πλεῖστοι καὶ ἄριστοι ἔσαν, μέμασαν δὲ μάλιστα

Yet had not proof enough, the pile drave through it and his skull.

τεῖχός τε ῥήξειν καὶ ἐνιπρήσειν πυρὶ νῆας,

His brain in blood drown'd, and the man, so late so spiritfull,

οἵ ῥʼ ἔτι μερμήριζον ἐφεσταότες παρὰ τάφρῳ.

Fell now quite spiritless to earth. So emptied he the veins

ὄρνις γάρ σφιν ἐπῆλθε περησέμεναι μεμαῶσιν

Of Pylon, and Ormenus' lives. And then Leonteüs gains

αἰετὸς ὑψιπέτης ἐπʼ ἀριστερὰ λαὸν ἐέργων

The life's end of Hippomachus, Antimachus's son;

φοινήεντα δράκοντα φέρων ὀνύχεσσι πέλωρον

His lance fell at his girdle-stead, and with his end begun

ζωὸν ἔτʼ ἀσπαίροντα, καὶ οὔ πω λήθετο χάρμης,

Another end. Leonteüs left him, and through the prease

κόψε γὰρ αὐτὸν ἔχοντα κατὰ στῆθος παρὰ δειρὴν

(His keen sword drawn) ran desp'rately upon Antiphates,

ἰδνωθεὶς ὀπίσω· ὃ δʼ ἀπὸ ἕθεν ἧκε χαμᾶζε

And lifeless tumbled him to earth. Nor could all these lives quench

ἀλγήσας ὀδύνῃσι, μέσῳ δʼ ἐνὶ κάββαλʼ ὁμίλῳ,

His fi'ry spirit, that his flame in Menon's blood did drench,

αὐτὸς δὲ κλάγξας πέτετο πνοιῇς ἀνέμοιο.

And rag'd up ev'n to Iamen's, and young Orestes' life;

Τρῶες δʼ ἐρρίγησαν ὅπως ἴδον αἰόλον ὄφιν

All heap'd together made their peace in that red field of strife.

κείμενον ἐν μέσσοισι Διὸς τέρας αἰγιόχοιο.

Whose fair arms while the victors spoil'd, the youth of Ilion

δὴ τότε Πουλυδάμας θρασὺν Ἕκτορα εἶπε παραστάς·

(Of which there serv'd the most and best) still boldly built upon

Ἕκτορ ἀεὶ μέν πώς μοι ἐπιπλήσσεις ἀγορῇσιν

The wisdom of Polydamas, and Hector's matchless strength,

ἐσθλὰ φραζομένῳ, ἐπεὶ οὐδὲ μὲν οὐδὲ ἔοικε

And follow'd, fill'd with wondrous spirit, with wish and hope at length,

δῆμον ἐόντα παρὲξ ἀγορευέμεν, οὔτʼ ἐνὶ βουλῇ

The Greeks' wall won, to fire their fleet. But, having pass'd the dike,

οὔτέ ποτʼ ἐν πολέμῳ, σὸν δὲ κράτος αἰὲν ἀέξειν·

And willing now to pass the wall, this prodigy did strike

νῦν αὖτʼ ἐξερέω ὥς μοι δοκεῖ εἶναι ἄριστα.

Their hearts with some delib'rate stay: A high-flown eagle soar'd

μὴ ἴομεν Δαναοῖσι μαχησόμενοι περὶ νηῶν.

On their troops' left hand, and sustain'd a dragon, all engor'd,

ὧδε γὰρ ἐκτελέεσθαι ὀΐομαι, εἰ ἐτεόν γε

In her strong seres, of wondrous size, and yet had no such check

Τρωσὶν ὅδʼ ὄρνις ἦλθε περησέμεναι μεμαῶσιν

In life and spirit but still she fought, and turning back her neck

αἰετὸς ὑψιπέτης ἐπʼ ἀριστερὰ λαὸν ἐέργων

So stung the eagle's gorge, that down she cast her fervent prey

φοινήεντα δράκοντα φέρων ὀνύχεσσι πέλωρον

Amongst the multitude, and took upon the winds her way,

ζωόν· ἄφαρ δʼ ἀφέηκε πάρος φίλα οἰκίʼ ἱκέσθαι,

Crying with anguish. When they saw a branded serpent sprawl

οὐδʼ ἐτέλεσσε φέρων δόμεναι τεκέεσσιν ἑοῖσιν.

So full amongst them from above, and from Jove's fowl let fall,

ὣς ἡμεῖς, εἴ πέρ τε πύλας καὶ τεῖχος Ἀχαιῶν

They took it an ostent from him, stood frighted, and their cause

ῥηξόμεθα σθένεϊ μεγάλῳ, εἴξωσι δʼ Ἀχαιοί,

Polydamas thought just, and spake: “Hector, you know, applause

οὐ κόσμῳ παρὰ ναῦφιν ἐλευσόμεθʼ αὐτὰ κέλευθα·

Of humour hath been far from me; nor fits it, or in war,

πολλοὺς γὰρ Τρώων καταλείψομεν, οὕς κεν Ἀχαιοὶ

Or in affairs of court, a man employ'd in public care

χαλκῷ δῃώσωσιν ἀμυνόμενοι περὶ νηῶν.

To blanch things further than their truth, or flatter any pow'r;

ὧδέ χʼ ὑποκρίναιτο θεοπρόπος, ὃς σάφα θυμῷ

And therefore for that simple course your strength has oft been sour

εἰδείη τεράων καί οἱ πειθοίατο λαοί.

To me in councils; yet again, what shows in my thoughts best,

τὸν δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν προσέφη κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ·

I must discover. Let us cease, and make their flight our rest

Πουλυδάμα, σὺ μὲν οὐκ ἔτʼ ἐμοὶ φίλα ταῦτʼ ἀγορεύεις·

For this day's honour, and not now attempt the Grecian fleet,

οἶσθα καὶ ἄλλον μῦθον ἀμείνονα τοῦδε νοῆσαι.

For this, I fear, will be th' event, the prodigy doth meet

εἰ δʼ ἐτεὸν δὴ τοῦτον ἀπὸ σπουδῆς ἀγορεύεις,

ἐξ ἄρα δή τοι ἔπειτα θεοὶ φρένας ὤλεσαν αὐτοί,

ὃς κέλεαι Ζηνὸς μὲν ἐριγδούποιο λαθέσθαι

So full with our affair in hand. As this high-flying fowl

βουλέων, ἅς τέ μοι αὐτὸς ὑπέσχετο καὶ κατένευσε·

Upon the left wing of our host, implying our control,

τύνη δʼ οἰωνοῖσι τανυπτερύγεσσι κελεύεις

Hover'd above us, and did truss within her golden seres

πείθεσθαι, τῶν οὔ τι μετατρέπομʼ οὐδʼ ἀλεγίζω

A serpent so embru'd and big, which yet, in all her fears,

εἴτʼ ἐπὶ δεξίʼ ἴωσι πρὸς ἠῶ τʼ ἠέλιόν τε,

Kept life and fervent spirit to fight, and wrought her own release,

εἴτʼ ἐπʼ ἀριστερὰ τοί γε ποτὶ ζόφον ἠερόεντα.

Nor did the eagle's eyry feed; so though we thus far prease

ἡμεῖς δὲ μεγάλοιο Διὸς πειθώμεθα βουλῇ,

Upon the Grecians, and perhaps may overrun their wall,

ὃς πᾶσι θνητοῖσι καὶ ἀθανάτοισιν ἀνάσσει.

Our high minds aiming at their fleet, and that we much appall

εἷς οἰωνὸς ἄριστος ἀμύνεσθαι περὶ πάτρης.

Their trusséd spirits; yet are they so serpent-like dispos'd

τίπτε σὺ δείδοικας πόλεμον καὶ δηϊοτῆτα;

That they will fight, though in our seres, and will at length be los'd

εἴ περ γάρ τʼ ἄλλοι γε περὶ κτεινώμεθα πάντες

With all our outcries, and the life of many a Trojan breast

νηυσὶν ἐπʼ Ἀργείων, σοὶ δʼ οὐ δέος ἔστʼ ἀπολέσθαι·

Shall with the eagle fly, before we carry to our nest

οὐ γάρ τοι κραδίη μενεδήϊος οὐδὲ μαχήμων.

Them, or their navy.” Thus expounds the augur this ostent,

εἰ δὲ σὺ δηϊοτῆτος ἀφέξεαι, ἠέ τινʼ ἄλλον

Whose depth he knows, and these should fear. Hector, with count'nance bent,

παρφάμενος ἐπέεσσιν ἀποτρέψεις πολέμοιο,

Thus answer'd him: “Polydamas, your depth in augury

αὐτίκʼ ἐμῷ ὑπὸ δουρὶ τυπεὶς ἀπὸ θυμὸν ὀλέσσεις.

I like not, and know passing well thou dost not satisfy

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας ἡγήσατο, τοὶ δʼ ἅμʼ ἕποντο

Thyself in this opinion; or if thou think'st it true,

ἠχῇ θεσπεσίῃ· ἐπὶ δὲ Ζεὺς τερπικέραυνος

Thy thoughts the Gods blind, to advise, and urge that as our due,

ὦρσεν ἀπʼ Ἰδαίων ὀρέων ἀνέμοιο θύελλαν,

That breaks our duties, and to Jove, whose vow and sign to me

ἥ ῥʼ ἰθὺς νηῶν κονίην φέρεν· αὐτὰρ Ἀχαιῶν

Is pass'd directly for our speed; yet light-wing'd birds must be,

θέλγε νόον, Τρωσὶν δὲ καὶ Ἕκτορι κῦδος ὄπαζε.

By thy advice, our oracles, whose feathers little stay

τοῦ περ δὴ τεράεσσι πεποιθότες ἠδὲ βίηφι

My serious actions. What care I, if this, or th' other, way

ῥήγνυσθαι μέγα τεῖχος Ἀχαιῶν πειρήτιζον.

Their wild wings sway them; if the right, on which the sun doth rise,

κρόσσας μὲν πύργων ἔρυον, καὶ ἔρειπον ἐπάλξεις,

Or, to the left hand, where he sets? 'Tis Jove's high counsel flys

στήλας τε προβλῆτας ἐμόχλεον, ἃς ἄρʼ Ἀχαιοὶ

With those wings that shall bear up us; Jove's, that both earth and heav'n,

πρώτας ἐν γαίῃ θέσαν ἔμμεναι ἔχματα πύργων.

Both men and Gods, sustains and rules. One augury is giv'n

τὰς οἵ γʼ αὐέρυον, ἔλποντο δὲ τεῖχος Ἀχαιῶν

To order all men, best of all; Fight for thy country's right.

ῥήξειν· οὐδέ νύ πω Δαναοὶ χάζοντο κελεύθου,

But why fear'st thou our further charge? For though the dang'rous fight

ἀλλʼ οἵ γε ῥινοῖσι βοῶν φράξαντες ἐπάλξεις

Strew all men here about the fleet, yet thou need'st never fear

βάλλον ἀπʼ αὐτάων δηΐους ὑπὸ τεῖχος ἰόντας.

To bear their fates; thy wary heart will never trust thee where

ἀμφοτέρω δʼ Αἴαντε κελευτιόωντʼ ἐπὶ πύργων

An enemy's look is; and yet fight, for, if thou dar'st abstain,

πάντοσε φοιτήτην μένος ὀτρύνοντες Ἀχαιῶν.

Or whisper into any ear an abstinence so vain

ἄλλον μειλιχίοις, ἄλλον στερεοῖς ἐπέεσσι

As thou advisest, never fear that any foe shall take

νείκεον, ὅν τινα πάγχυ μάχης μεθιέντα ἴδοιεν·

Thy life from thee, for 'tis this lance.” This said, all forwards make,

ὦ φίλοι Ἀργείων ὅς τʼ ἔξοχος ὅς τε μεσήεις

Himself the first; yet before him exulting Clamour flew,

ὅς τε χερειότερος, ἐπεὶ οὔ πω πάντες ὁμοῖοι

And thunder-loving Jupiter from lofty Ida blew

ἀνέρες ἐν πολέμῳ, νῦν ἔπλετο ἔργον ἅπασι·

A storm that usher'd their assault, and made them charge like him.

καὶ δʼ αὐτοὶ τόδε που γιγνώσκετε. μή τις ὀπίσσω

It drave directly on the fleet a dust so fierce and dim

τετράφθω ποτὶ νῆας ὁμοκλητῆρος ἀκούσας,

That it amaz'd the Grecians, but was a grace divine

ἀλλὰ πρόσω ἵεσθε καὶ ἀλλήλοισι κέλεσθε,

To Hector and his following troops, who wholly did incline

αἴ κε Ζεὺς δώῃσιν Ὀλύμπιος ἀστεροπητὴς

To him, being now in grace with Jove, and so put boldly on

νεῖκος ἀπωσαμένους δηΐους προτὶ ἄστυ δίεσθαι.

To raze the rampire; in whose height they fiercely set upon

ὣς τώ γε προβοῶντε μάχην ὄτρυνον Ἀχαιῶν.

The parapets, and pull'd them down, raz'd ev'ry foremost fight,

τῶν δʼ, ὥς τε νιφάδες χιόνος πίπτωσι θαμειαὶ

And all the buttresses of stone, that held their tow'rs upright,

ἤματι χειμερίῳ, ὅτε τʼ ὤρετο μητίετα Ζεὺς

They tore away with crows of iron, and hop'd to ruin all.

νιφέμεν ἀνθρώποισι πιφαυσκόμενος τὰ ἃ κῆλα·

The Greeks yet stood, and still repair'd the fore-fights of their wall

κοιμήσας δʼ ἀνέμους χέει ἔμπεδον, ὄφρα καλύψῃ

With hides of oxen, and from thence, they pour'd down stones in show'rs

ὑψηλῶν ὀρέων κορυφὰς καὶ πρώονας ἄκρους

Upon the underminer's heads. Within the foremost tow'rs

καὶ πεδία λωτοῦντα καὶ ἀνδρῶν πίονα ἔργα,

Both the Ajaces had command, who answer'd ev'ry part,

καί τʼ ἐφʼ ἁλὸς πολιῆς κέχυται λιμέσιν τε καὶ ἀκταῖς,

Th' assaulters, and their soldiers, repress'd, and put in heart;

κῦμα δέ μιν προσπλάζον ἐρύκεται· ἄλλά τε πάντα

Repairing valour as their wall; spake some fair, some reprov'd,

εἴλυται καθύπερθʼ, ὅτʼ ἐπιβρίσῃ Διὸς ὄμβρος·

Whoever made not good his place; and thus they all sorts mov'd:

ὣς τῶν ἀμφοτέρωσε λίθοι πωτῶντο θαμειαί,

“O countrymen, now need in aid would have excess be spent,

αἱ μὲν ἄρʼ ἐς Τρῶας, αἱ δʼ ἐκ Τρώων ἐς Ἀχαιούς,

The excellent must be admir'd, the meanest excellent,

βαλλομένων· τὸ δὲ τεῖχος ὕπερ πᾶν δοῦπος ὀρώρει.

The worst do well. In changing war all should not be alike,

οὐδʼ ἄν πω τότε γε Τρῶες καὶ φαίδιμος Ἕκτωρ

Nor any idle; which to know fits all, lest Hector strike

τείχεος ἐρρήξαντο πύλας καὶ μακρὸν ὀχῆα,

Your minds with frights, as ears with threats. Forward be all your hands,

εἰ μὴ ἄρʼ υἱὸν ἑὸν Σαρπηδόνα μητίετα Ζεὺς

ὦρσεν ἐπʼ Ἀργείοισι λέονθʼ ὣς βουσὶν ἕλιξιν.

αὐτίκα δʼ ἀσπίδα μὲν πρόσθʼ ἔσχετο πάντοσʼ ἐΐσην

Urge one another. This doubt down, that now betwixt us stands,

καλὴν χαλκείην ἐξήλατον, ἣν ἄρα χαλκεὺς

Jove will go with us to their walls.” To this effect aloud

ἤλασεν, ἔντοσθεν δὲ βοείας ῥάψε θαμειὰς

Spake both the princes; and as high, with this, th' expulsion flow'd.

χρυσείῃς ῥάβδοισι διηνεκέσιν περὶ κύκλον.

And as in winter time, when Jove his cold sharp jav'lins throws

τὴν ἄρʼ ὅ γε πρόσθε σχόμενος δύο δοῦρε τινάσσων

Amongst us mortals, and is moved to white earth with his snows,

βῆ ῥʼ ἴμεν ὥς τε λέων ὀρεσίτροφος, ὅς τʼ ἐπιδευὴς

The winds asleep, he freely pours, till highest prominents,

δηρὸν ἔῃ κρειῶν, κέλεται δέ ἑ θυμὸς ἀγήνωρ

Hill tops, low meadows, and the fields that crown with most contents

μήλων πειρήσοντα καὶ ἐς πυκινὸν δόμον ἐλθεῖν·

The toils of men, seaports, and shores, are hid, and ev'ry place,

εἴ περ γάρ χʼ εὕρῃσι παρʼ αὐτόφι βώτορας ἄνδρας

But floods, that snow's fair tender flakes, as their own brood, embrace;

σὺν κυσὶ καὶ δούρεσσι φυλάσσοντας περὶ μῆλα,

So both sides cover'd earth with stones, so both for life contend,

οὔ ῥά τʼ ἀπείρητος μέμονε σταθμοῖο δίεσθαι,

To show their sharpness; through the wall uproar stood up an end.

ἀλλʼ ὅ γʼ ἄρʼ ἢ ἥρπαξε μετάλμενος, ἠὲ καὶ αὐτὸς

Nor had great Hector and his friends the rampire overrun,

ἔβλητʼ ἐν πρώτοισι θοῆς ἀπὸ χειρὸς ἄκοντι·

If heav'n's great Counsellor, high Jove, had not inflam'd his son

ὥς ῥα τότʼ ἀντίθεον Σαρπηδόνα θυμὸς ἀνῆκε

Sarpedon (like the forest's king when he on oxen flies)

τεῖχος ἐπαΐξαι διά τε ῥήξασθαι ἐπάλξεις.

Against the Grecians; his round targe he to his arm applies,

αὐτίκα δὲ Γλαῦκον προσέφη παῖδʼ Ἱππολόχοιο·

Brass-leav'd without, and all within thick ox-hides quilted hard,

Γλαῦκε τί ἢ δὴ νῶϊ τετιμήμεσθα μάλιστα

The verge nail'd round with rods of gold; and, with two darts prepar'd,

ἕδρῃ τε κρέασίν τε ἰδὲ πλείοις δεπάεσσιν

He leads his people. As ye see a mountain-lion fare,

ἐν Λυκίῃ, πάντες δὲ θεοὺς ὣς εἰσορόωσι,

Long kept from prey, in forcing which, his high mind makes him dare

καὶ τέμενος νεμόμεσθα μέγα Ξάνθοιο παρʼ ὄχθας

Assault upon the whole full fold, though guarded never so

καλὸν φυταλιῆς καὶ ἀρούρης πυροφόροιο;

With well-arm'd men, and eager dogs; away he will not go,

τὼ νῦν χρὴ Λυκίοισι μέτα πρώτοισιν ἐόντας

But venture on, and either snatch a prey, or be a prey;

ἑστάμεν ἠδὲ μάχης καυστείρης ἀντιβολῆσαι,

So far'd divine Sarpedon's mind, resolv'd to force his way

ὄφρά τις ὧδʼ εἴπῃ Λυκίων πύκα θωρηκτάων·

Through all the fore-fights, and the wall; yet since he did not see

οὐ μὰν ἀκλεέες Λυκίην κάτα κοιρανέουσιν

Others as great as he in name, as great in mind as he,

ἡμέτεροι βασιλῆες, ἔδουσί τε πίονα μῆλα

He spake to Glaucus: “Glaucus, say, why are we honour'd more

οἶνόν τʼ ἔξαιτον μελιηδέα· ἀλλʼ ἄρα καὶ ἲς

Than other men of Lycia, in place; with greater store

ἐσθλή, ἐπεὶ Λυκίοισι μέτα πρώτοισι μάχονται.

Of meats and cups; with goodlier roofs; delightsome gardens; walks;

ὦ πέπον εἰ μὲν γὰρ πόλεμον περὶ τόνδε φυγόντε

More lands and better; so much wealth, that court and country talks

αἰεὶ δὴ μέλλοιμεν ἀγήρω τʼ ἀθανάτω τε

Of us and our possessions, and ev'ry way we go,

ἔσσεσθʼ, οὔτέ κεν αὐτὸς ἐνὶ πρώτοισι μαχοίμην

Gaze on us as we were their Gods? This where we dwell is so;

οὔτέ κε σὲ στέλλοιμι μάχην ἐς κυδιάνειραν·

The shores of Xanthus ring of this; and shall we not exceed

νῦν δʼ ἔμπης γὰρ κῆρες ἐφεστᾶσιν θανάτοιο

As much in merit as in noise? Come, be we great in deed

μυρίαι, ἃς οὐκ ἔστι φυγεῖν βροτὸν οὐδʼ ὑπαλύξαι,

As well as look; shine not in gold, but in the flames of fight;

ἴομεν ἠέ τῳ εὖχος ὀρέξομεν ἠέ τις ἡμῖν.

That so our neat-arm'd Lycians may say: 'See, these are right

ὣς ἔφατʼ, οὐδὲ Γλαῦκος ἀπετράπετʼ οὐδʼ ἀπίθησε·

Our kings, our rulers; these deserve to eat and drink the best;

τὼ δʼ ἰθὺς βήτην Λυκίων μέγα ἔθνος ἄγοντε.

These govern not ingloriously; these, thus exceed the rest,

τοὺς δὲ ἰδὼν ῥίγησʼ υἱὸς Πετεῶο Μενεσθεύς·

Do more than they command to do.' O friend, if keeping back

τοῦ γὰρ δὴ πρὸς πύργον ἴσαν κακότητα φέροντες.

Would keep back age from us, and death, and that we might not wrack

πάπτηνεν δʼ ἀνὰ πύργον Ἀχαιῶν εἴ τινʼ ἴδοιτο

In this life's human sea at all, but that deferring now

ἡγεμόνων, ὅς τίς οἱ ἀρὴν ἑτάροισιν ἀμύναι·

We shunn'd death ever, nor would I half this vain valour show,

ἐς δʼ ἐνόησʼ Αἴαντε δύω πολέμου ἀκορήτω

Nor glorify a folly so, to wish thee to advance;

ἑσταότας, Τεῦκρόν τε νέον κλισίηθεν ἰόντα

But since we must go, though not here, and that, besides the chance

ἐγγύθεν· ἀλλʼ οὔ πώς οἱ ἔην βώσαντι γεγωνεῖν·

Propos'd now, there are infinite fates of other sort in death,

τόσσος γὰρ κτύπος ἦεν, ἀϋτὴ δʼ οὐρανὸν ἷκε,

Which, neither to be fled nor 'scaped, a man must sink beneath,

βαλλομένων σακέων τε καὶ ἱπποκόμων τρυφαλειῶν

Come, try we, if this sort be ours, and either render thus

καὶ πυλέων· πᾶσαι γὰρ ἐπώχατο, τοὶ δὲ κατʼ αὐτὰς

Glory to others, or make them resign the like to us.”

ἱστάμενοι πειρῶντο βίῃ ῥήξαντες ἐσελθεῖν.

This motion Glaucus shifted not, but without words obey'd.

αἶψα δʼ ἐπʼ Αἴαντα προΐει κήρυκα Θοώτην·

Foreright went both, a mighty troop of Lycians followéd.

ἔρχεο δῖε Θοῶτα, θέων Αἴαντα κάλεσσον,

Which by Menestheus observ'd, his hair stood up on end,

ἀμφοτέρω μὲν μᾶλλον· ὃ γάρ κʼ ὄχʼ ἄριστον ἁπάντων

For, at the tow'r where he had charge, he saw Calamity bend

εἴη, ἐπεὶ τάχα τῇδε τετεύξεται αἰπὺς ὄλεθρος.

Her horrid brows in their approach. He threw his looks about

ὧδε γὰρ ἔβρισαν Λυκίων ἀγοί, οἳ τὸ πάρος περ

The whole fights near, to see what chief might help the mis'ry out

ζαχρηεῖς τελέθουσι κατὰ κρατερὰς ὑσμίνας.

Of his poor soldiers, and beheld where both th' Ajaces fought,

εἰ δέ σφιν καὶ κεῖθι πόνος καὶ νεῖκος ὄρωρεν,

And Teucer newly come from fleet; whom it would profit nought

ἀλλά περ οἶος ἴτω Τελαμώνιος ἄλκιμος Αἴας,

To call, since tumult on their helms, shields, and upon the ports,

καί οἱ Τεῦκρος ἅμα σπέσθω τόξων ἐῢ εἰδώς.

Laid such loud claps; for ev'ry way, defences of all sorts

ὣς ἔφατʼ, οὐδʼ ἄρα οἱ κῆρυξ ἀπίθησεν ἀκούσας,

βῆ δὲ θέειν παρὰ τεῖχος Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων,

στῆ δὲ παρʼ Αἰάντεσσι κιών, εἶθαρ δὲ προσηύδα·

Were adding, as Troy took away; and Clamour flew so high

Αἴαντʼ Ἀργείων ἡγήτορε χαλκοχιτώνων

Her wings strook heav'n, and drown'd all voice. The two dukes yet so nigh

ἠνώγει Πετεῶο διοτρεφέος φίλος υἱὸς

And at the offer of assault, he to th' Ajaces sent

κεῖσʼ ἴμεν, ὄφρα πόνοιο μίνυνθά περ ἀντιάσητον

Thoos the herald with this charge: “Run to the regiment

ἀμφοτέρω μὲν μᾶλλον· ὃ γάρ κʼ ὄχʼ ἄριστον ἁπάντων

Of both th' Ajaces, and call both, for both were better here,

εἴη, ἐπεὶ τάχα κεῖθι τετεύξεται αἰπὺς ὄλεθρος·

Since here will slaughter, instantly, be more enforc'd than there.

ὧδε γὰρ ἔβρισαν Λυκίων ἀγοί, οἳ τὸ πάρος περ

The Lycian captains this way make, who in the fights of stand

ζαχρηεῖς τελέθουσι κατὰ κρατερὰς ὑσμίνας.

Have often show'd much excellence. Yet if laborious hand

εἰ δὲ καὶ ἐνθάδε περ πόλεμος καὶ νεῖκος ὄρωρεν,

Be there more needful than I hope, at least afford us some,

ἀλλά περ οἶος ἴτω Τελαμώνιος ἄλκιμος Αἴας,

Let Ajax Telamonius and th' archer Teucer come.”

καί οἱ Τεῦκρος ἅμα σπέσθω τόξων ἐῢ εἰδώς.

The herald hasted, and arriv'd; and both th' Ajaces told,

ὣς ἔφατʼ, οὐδʼ ἀπίθησε μέγας Τελαμώνιος Αἴας.

That Peteus' noble son desir'd their little labour would

αὐτίκʼ Ὀϊλιάδην ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Employ himself in succouring him. Both their supplies were best,

Αἶαν σφῶϊ μὲν αὖθι, σὺ καὶ κρατερὸς Λυκομήδης,

Since death assail'd his quarter most; for on it fiercely press'd

ἑσταότες Δαναοὺς ὀτρύνετον ἶφι μάχεσθαι·

The well-prov'd mighty Lycian chiefs. Yet if the service there

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ κεῖσʼ εἶμι καὶ ἀντιόω πολέμοιο·

Allow'd not both, he pray'd that one part of his charge would bear,

αἶψα δʼ ἐλεύσομαι αὖτις, ἐπὴν εὖ τοῖς ἐπαμύνω.

And that was Ajax Telamon, with whom he wish'd would come

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας ἀπέβη Τελαμώνιος Αἴας,

The archer Teucer. Telamon left instantly his room

καί οἱ Τεῦκρος ἅμʼ ᾖε κασίγνητος καὶ ὄπατρος·

To strong Lycomedes, and will'd Ajax Oiliades

τοῖς δʼ ἅμα Πανδίων Τεύκρου φέρε καμπύλα τόξα.

With him to make up his supply, and fill with courages

εὖτε Μενεσθῆος μεγαθύμου πύργον ἵκοντο

The Grecian hearts till his return; which should he instantly

τείχεος ἐντὸς ἰόντες, ἐπειγομένοισι δʼ ἵκοντο,

When he had well reliev'd his friend. With this the company

οἳ δʼ ἐπʼ ἐπάλξεις βαῖνον ἐρεμνῇ λαίλαπι ἶσοι

Of Teucer he took to his aid; Teucer, that did descend

ἴφθιμοι Λυκίων ἡγήτορες ἠδὲ μέδοντες·

(As Ajax did) from Telamon. With these two did attend

σὺν δʼ ἐβάλοντο μάχεσθαι ἐναντίον, ὦρτο δʼ ἀϋτή.

Pandion, that bore Teucer's bow. When to Menestheus' tow'r

Αἴας δὲ πρῶτος Τελαμώνιος ἄνδρα κατέκτα

They came, alongst the wall, they found him, and his hearten'd pow'r,

Σαρπήδοντος ἑταῖρον Ἐπικλῆα μεγάθυμον

Toiling in making strong their fort. The Lycian princes set

μαρμάρῳ ὀκριόεντι βαλών, ὅ ῥα τείχεος ἐντὸς

Black whirlwind-like, with both their pow'rs, upon the parapet.

κεῖτο μέγας παρʼ ἔπαλξιν ὑπέρτατος· οὐδέ κέ μιν ῥέα

Ajax, and all, resisted them. Clamour amongst them rose.

χείρεσσʼ ἀμφοτέρῃς ἔχοι ἀνὴρ οὐδὲ μάλʼ ἡβῶν,

The slaughter Ajax led; who first the last dear sight did close

οἷοι νῦν βροτοί εἰσʼ· ὃ δʼ ἄρʼ ὑψόθεν ἔμβαλʼ ἀείρας,

Of strong Epicles, that was friend to Jove's great Lycian son.

θλάσσε δὲ τετράφαλον κυνέην, σὺν δʼ ὀστέʼ ἄραξε

Amongst the high munition heap, a mighty marble stone

πάντʼ ἄμυδις κεφαλῆς· ὃ δʼ ἄρʼ ἀρνευτῆρι ἐοικὼς

Lay highest, near the pinnacle, a stone of such a paise

κάππεσʼ ἀφʼ ὑψηλοῦ πύργου, λίπε δʼ ὀστέα θυμός.

That one of this time's strongest men with both hands could not raise,

Τεῦκρος δὲ Γλαῦκον κρατερὸν παῖδʼ Ἱππολόχοιο

Yet this did Ajax rouse and throw, and all in sherds did drive

ἰῷ ἐπεσσύμενον βάλε τείχεος ὑψηλοῖο,

Epicles' four-topp'd casque and skull; who (as ye see one dive

ᾗ ῥʼ ἴδε γυμνωθέντα βραχίονα, παῦσε δὲ χάρμης.

In some deep river) left his height; life left his bones withal.

ἂψ δʼ ἀπὸ τείχεος ἆλτο λαθών, ἵνα μή τις Ἀχαιῶν

Teucer shot Glaucus, rushing up yet higher on the wall,

βλήμενον ἀθρήσειε καὶ εὐχετόῳτʼ ἐπέεσσι.

Where naked he discern'd his arm, and made him steal retreat

Σαρπήδοντι δʼ ἄχος γένετο Γλαύκου ἀπιόντος

From that hot service, lest some Greek, with an insulting threat,

αὐτίκʼ ἐπεί τʼ ἐνόησεν· ὅμως δʼ οὐ λήθετο χάρμης,

Beholding it, might fright the rest. Sarpedon much was griev'd

ἀλλʼ ὅ γε Θεστορίδην Ἀλκμάονα δουρὶ τυχήσας

At Glaucus parting, yet fought on, and his great heart reliev'd

νύξʼ, ἐκ δʼ ἔσπασεν ἔγχος· ὃ δʼ ἑσπόμενος πέσε δουρὶ

A little with Alcmaon's blood, surnam'd Thestorides,

πρηνής, ἀμφὶ δέ οἱ βράχε τεύχεα ποικίλα χαλκῷ,

Whose life he hurl'd out with his lance; which following through the prease

Σαρπηδὼν δʼ ἄρʼ ἔπαλξιν ἑλὼν χερσὶ στιβαρῇσιν

He drew from him. Down from the tow'r Alcmaon dead it strook;

ἕλχʼ, ἣ δʼ ἕσπετο πᾶσα διαμπερές, αὐτὰρ ὕπερθε

His fair arms ringing out his death. Then fierce Sarpedon took

τεῖχος ἐγυμνώθη, πολέεσσι δὲ θῆκε κέλευθον.

In his strong hand the battlement, and down he tore it quite,

τὸν δʼ Αἴας καὶ Τεῦκρος ὁμαρτήσανθʼ ὃ μὲν ἰῷ

The wall stripp'd naked, and broad way for entry and full fight

βεβλήκει τελαμῶνα περὶ στήθεσσι φαεινὸν

He made the many. Against him Ajax and Teucer made;

ἀσπίδος ἀμφιβρότης· ἀλλὰ Ζεὺς κῆρας ἄμυνε

Teucer the rich belt on his breast did with a shaft invade;

παιδὸς ἑοῦ, μὴ νηυσὶν ἔπι πρύμνῃσι δαμείη·

But Jupiter averted death, who would not see his son

Αἴας δʼ ἀσπίδα νύξεν ἐπάλμενος, οὐδὲ διὰ πρὸ

Die at the tails of th' Achive ships. Ajax did fetch his run,

ἤλυθεν ἐγχείη, στυφέλιξε δέ μιν μεμαῶτα.

And, with his lance, strook through the targe of that brave Lycian king;

χώρησεν δʼ ἄρα τυτθὸν ἐπάλξιος· οὐδʼ ὅ γε πάμπαν

Yet kept he it from further pass, nor did it anything

χάζετʼ, ἐπεί οἱ θυμὸς ἐέλπετο κῦδος ἀρέσθαι.

Dismay his mind, although his men stood off from that high way

κέκλετο δʼ ἀντιθέοισιν ἑλιξάμενος Λυκίοισιν·

His valour made them, which he kept, and hop'd that stormy day

ὦ Λύκιοι τί τʼ ἄρʼ ὧδε μεθίετε θούριδος ἀλκῆς;

Should ever make his glory clear. His men's fault thus he blam'd:

ἀργαλέον δέ μοί ἐστι καὶ ἰφθίμῳ περ ἐόντι

μούνῳ ῥηξαμένῳ θέσθαι παρὰ νηυσὶ κέλευθον·

ἀλλʼ ἐφομαρτεῖτε· πλεόνων δέ τι ἔργον ἄμεινον.

“O Lycians, why are your hot spirits so quickly disinflam'd?

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δὲ ἄνακτος ὑποδείσαντες ὁμοκλὴν

Suppose me ablest of you all, 'tis hard for me alone

μᾶλλον ἐπέβρισαν βουληφόρον ἀμφὶ ἄνακτα.

To ruin such a wall as this, and make confusion

Ἀργεῖοι δʼ ἑτέρωθεν ἐκαρτύναντο φάλαγγας

Way to their navy. Lend your hands. What many can dispatch,

τείχεος ἔντοσθεν, μέγα δέ σφισι φαίνετο ἔργον·

One cannot think. The noble work of many hath no match.”

οὔτε γὰρ ἴφθιμοι Λύκιοι Δαναῶν ἐδύναντο

The wise king's just rebuke did strike a rev'rence to his will

τεῖχος ῥηξάμενοι θέσθαι παρὰ νηυσὶ κέλευθον,

Through all his soldiers; all stood in, and 'gainst all th' Achives still

οὔτέ ποτʼ αἰχμηταὶ Δαναοὶ Λυκίους ἐδύναντο

Made strong their squadrons, insomuch, that to the adverse side,

τείχεος ἂψ ὤσασθαι, ἐπεὶ τὰ πρῶτα πέλασθεν.

The work show'd mighty, and the wall, when 'twas within descried,

ἀλλʼ ὥς τʼ ἀμφʼ οὔροισι δύʼ ἀνέρε δηριάασθον

No easy service; yet the Greeks could neither free their wall

μέτρʼ ἐν χερσὶν ἔχοντες ἐπιξύνῳ ἐν ἀρούρῃ,

Of these brave Lycians, that held firm the place they first did scale;

ὥ τʼ ὀλίγῳ ἐνὶ χώρῳ ἐρίζητον περὶ ἴσης,

Nor could the Lycians from their fort the sturdy Grecians drive,

ὣς ἄρα τοὺς διέεργον ἐπάλξιες· οἳ δʼ ὑπὲρ αὐτέων

Nor reach their fleet. But as two men about the limits strive

δῄουν ἀλλήλων ἀμφὶ στήθεσσι βοείας

Of land that toucheth in a field, their measures in their hands,

ἀσπίδας εὐκύκλους λαισήϊά τε πτερόεντα.

They mete their parts out curiously, and either stiffly stands

πολλοὶ δʼ οὐτάζοντο κατὰ χρόα νηλέϊ χαλκῷ,

That so far is his right in law, both hugely set on fire

ἠμὲν ὅτεῳ στρεφθέντι μετάφρενα γυμνωθείη

About a passing-little ground; so, greedily aspire

μαρναμένων, πολλοὶ δὲ διαμπερὲς ἀσπίδος αὐτῆς.

Both these foes to their sev'ral ends, and all exhaust their most

πάντῃ δὴ πύργοι καὶ ἐπάλξιες αἵματι φωτῶν

About the very battlements (for yet no more was lost ).

ἐρράδατʼ ἀμφοτέρωθεν ἀπὸ Τρώων καὶ Ἀχαιῶν.

With sword and fire they vex'd for them their targes hugely round,

ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ ὧς ἐδύναντο φόβον ποιῆσαι Ἀχαιῶν,

With ox-hides lin'd, and bucklers light; and many a ghastly wound

ἀλλʼ ἔχον ὥς τε τάλαντα γυνὴ χερνῆτις ἀληθής,

The stern steel gave for that one prise; whereof though some receiv'd

ἥ τε σταθμὸν ἔχουσα καὶ εἴριον ἀμφὶς ἀνέλκει

Their portions on their naked backs, yet others were bereav'd

ἰσάζουσʼ, ἵνα παισὶν ἀεικέα μισθὸν ἄρηται·

Of brave lives, face-turn'd, through their shields; tow'rs, bulwarks, ev'rywhere

ὣς μὲν τῶν ἐπὶ ἶσα μάχη τέτατο πτόλεμός τε,

Were freckled with the blood of men. Nor yet the Greeks did bear

πρίν γʼ ὅτε δὴ Ζεὺς κῦδος ὑπέρτερον Ἕκτορι δῶκε

Base back-turn'd faces; nor their foes would therefore be out-fac'd.

Πριαμίδῃ, ὃς πρῶτος ἐσήλατο τεῖχος Ἀχαιῶν.

But as a spinster poor and just, ye sometimes see, straight-lac'd

ἤϋσεν δὲ διαπρύσιον Τρώεσσι γεγωνώς·

About the weighing of her web, who, careful, having charge

ὄρνυσθʼ ἱππόδαμοι Τρῶες, ῥήγνυσθε δὲ τεῖχος

For which she would provide some means, is loth to be too large

Ἀργείων καὶ νηυσὶν ἐνίετε θεσπιδαὲς πῦρ.

In giving or in taking weight, but ever with her hand

ὣς φάτʼ ἐποτρύνων, οἳ δʼ οὔασι πάντες ἄκουον,

Is doing with the weights and wool, till both in just paise stand;

ἴθυσαν δʼ ἐπὶ τεῖχος ἀολλέες· οἳ μὲν ἔπειτα

So ev'nly stood it with these foes, till Jove to Hector gave

κροσσάων ἐπέβαινον ἀκαχμένα δούρατʼ ἔχοντες,

The turning of the scales; who first against the rampire drave,

Ἕκτωρ δʼ ἁρπάξας λᾶαν φέρεν, ὅς ῥα πυλάων

And spake so loud that all might hear: “O stand not at the pale,

ἑστήκει πρόσθε πρυμνὸς παχύς, αὐτὰρ ὕπερθεν

Brave Trojan friends, but mend your hands; up, and break through the wall,

ὀξὺς ἔην· τὸν δʼ οὔ κε δύʼ ἀνέρε δήμου ἀρίστω

And make a bonfire of their fleet.” All heard, and all in heaps

ῥηϊδίως ἐπʼ ἄμαξαν ἀπʼ οὔδεος ὀχλίσσειαν,

Got scaling-ladders, and aloft. In mean space, Hector leaps

οἷοι νῦν βροτοί εἰσʼ· ὃ δέ μιν ῥέα πάλλε καὶ οἶος.

Upon the port, from whose out-part he tore a massy stone,

τόν οἱ ἐλαφρὸν ἔθηκε Κρόνου πάϊς ἀγκυλομήτεω.

Thick downwards, upward edg'd; it was so huge an one

ὡς δʼ ὅτε ποιμὴν ῥεῖα φέρει πόκον ἄρσενος οἰὸς

That two vast yeomen of most strength, such as these times beget,

χειρὶ λαβὼν ἑτέρῃ, ὀλίγον τέ μιν ἄχθος ἐπείγει,

Could not from earth lift to a cart, yet he did brandish it

ὣς Ἕκτωρ ἰθὺς σανίδων φέρε λᾶαν ἀείρας,

Alone, Saturnius made it light; and swinging it as nought,

αἵ ῥα πύλας εἴρυντο πύκα στιβαρῶς ἀραρυίας

He came before the planky gates, that all for strength were wrought,

δικλίδας ὑψηλάς· δοιοὶ δʼ ἔντοσθεν ὀχῆες

And kept the port; two-fold they were, and with two rafters barr'd,

εἶχον ἐπημοιβοί, μία δὲ κληῒς ἐπαρήρει.

High, and strong-lock'd; he rais'd the stone, bent to the hurl so hard,

στῆ δὲ μάλʼ ἐγγὺς ἰών, καὶ ἐρεισάμενος βάλε μέσσας

And made it with so main a strength, that all the gates did crack,

εὖ διαβάς, ἵνα μή οἱ ἀφαυρότερον βέλος εἴη,

The rafters left them, and the folds one from another brake,

ῥῆξε δʼ ἀπʼ ἀμφοτέρους θαιρούς· πέσε δὲ λίθος εἴσω

The hinges piecemeal flew, and through the fervent little rock

βριθοσύνῃ, μέγα δʼ ἀμφὶ πύλαι μύκον, οὐδʼ ἄρʼ ὀχῆες

Thunder'd a passage; with his weight th' inwall his breast did knock,

ἐσχεθέτην, σανίδες δὲ διέτμαγεν ἄλλυδις ἄλλη

And in rush'd Hector, fierce and grim as any stormy night;

λᾶος ὑπὸ ῥιπῆς· ὃ δʼ ἄρʼ ἔσθορε φαίδιμος Ἕκτωρ

His brass arms round about his breast reflected terrible light;

νυκτὶ θοῇ ἀτάλαντος ὑπώπια· λάμπε δὲ χαλκῷ

Each arm held-up held each a dart; his presence call'd up all

σμερδαλέῳ, τὸν ἕεστο περὶ χροΐ, δοιὰ δὲ χερσὶ

The dreadful spirits his being held, that to the threaten'd wall

δοῦρʼ ἔχεν· οὔ κέν τίς μιν ἐρύκακεν ἀντιβολήσας

None but the Gods might check his way; his eyes were furnaces;

νόσφι θεῶν ὅτʼ ἐσᾶλτο πύλας· πυρὶ δʼ ὄσσε δεδήει.

And thus he look'd back, call'd in all. All fir'd their courages,

κέκλετο δὲ Τρώεσσιν ἑλιξάμενος καθʼ ὅμιλον

And in they flow'd. The Grecians fled, their fleet now and their freight

τεῖχος ὑπερβαίνειν· τοὶ δʼ ὀτρύνοντι πίθοντο.

Ask'd all their rescue. Greece went down; Tumult was at his height.

αὐτίκα δʼ οἳ μὲν τεῖχος ὑπέρβασαν, οἳ δὲ κατʼ αὐτὰς

ποιητὰς ἐσέχυντο πύλας· Δαναοὶ δὲ φόβηθεν

νῆας ἀνὰ γλαφυράς, ὅμαδος δʼ ἀλίαστος ἐτύχθη.