Iliad

Jove helping Hector, and his host, thus close Achive fleet,

Ζεὺς δʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν Τρῶάς τε καὶ Ἕκτορα νηυσὶ πέλασσε,

He let them then their own strengths try, and season there their sweet

τοὺς μὲν ἔα παρὰ τῇσι πόνον τʼ ἐχέμεν καὶ ὀϊζὺν

With ceaseless toils and grievances; for now he turn'd his face,

νωλεμέως, αὐτὸς δὲ πάλιν τρέπεν ὄσσε φαεινὼ

Look'd down, and view'd the far-off land of well-rode men in Thrace,

νόσφιν ἐφʼ ἱπποπόλων Θρῃκῶν καθορώμενος αἶαν

Of the renown'd milk-nourish'd men, the Hippemolgians,

Μυσῶν τʼ ἀγχεμάχων καὶ ἀγαυῶν ἱππημολγῶν

Long-liv'd, most just, and innocent, and close-fought Mysians.

γλακτοφάγων Ἀβίων τε δικαιοτάτων ἀνθρώπων.

Nor turn'd he any more to Troy his ever-shining eyes,

ἐς Τροίην δʼ οὐ πάμπαν ἔτι τρέπεν ὄσσε φαεινώ·

Because he thought not any one, of all the Deities,

οὐ γὰρ ὅ γʼ ἀθανάτων τινα ἔλπετο ὃν κατὰ θυμὸν

When his care left th' indiff'rent field, would aid on either side.

ἐλθόντʼ ἢ Τρώεσσιν ἀρηξέμεν ἢ Δαναοῖσιν.

But this security in Jove the great Sea-Rector spied,

οὐδʼ ἀλαοσκοπιὴν εἶχε κρείων ἐνοσίχθων·

Who sat aloft on th' utmost top of shady Samothrace,

καὶ γὰρ ὃ θαυμάζων ἧστο πτόλεμόν τε μάχην τε

And view'd the fight. His chosen seat stood in so brave a place,

ὑψοῦ ἐπʼ ἀκροτάτης κορυφῆς Σάμου ὑληέσσης

That Priam's city, th' Achive ships, all Ida, did appear

Θρηϊκίης· ἔνθεν γὰρ ἐφαίνετο πᾶσα μὲν Ἴδη,

To his full view; who from the sea was therefore seated there.

φαίνετο δὲ Πριάμοιο πόλις καὶ νῆες Ἀχαιῶν.

He took much ruth to see the Greeks by Troy sustain such ill,

ἔνθʼ ἄρʼ ὅ γʼ ἐξ ἁλὸς ἕζετʼ ἰών, ἐλέαιρε δʼ Ἀχαιοὺς

And, mightily incens'd with Jove, stoop'd straight from that steep hill,

Τρωσὶν δαμναμένους, Διὶ δὲ κρατερῶς ἐνεμέσσα.

That shook as he flew off, so hard his parting press'd the height.

αὐτίκα δʼ ἐξ ὄρεος κατεβήσετο παιπαλόεντος

The woods, and all the great hills near, trembled beneath the weight

κραιπνὰ ποσὶ προβιβάς· τρέμε δʼ οὔρεα μακρὰ καὶ ὕλη

Of his immortal moving feet. Three steps he only took,

ποσσὶν ὑπʼ ἀθανάτοισι Ποσειδάωνος ἰόντος.

Before he far-off Ægas reach'd, but, with the fourth, it shook

τρὶς μὲν ὀρέξατʼ ἰών, τὸ δὲ τέτρατον ἵκετο τέκμωρ

With his dread entry. In the depth of those seas he did hold

Αἰγάς, ἔνθα δέ οἱ κλυτὰ δώματα βένθεσι λίμνης

His bright and glorious palace, built of never-rusting gold;

χρύσεα μαρμαίροντα τετεύχαται ἄφθιτα αἰεί.

And there arriv'd, he put in coach his brazen-footed steeds,

ἔνθʼ ἐλθὼν ὑπʼ ὄχεσφι τιτύσκετο χαλκόποδʼ ἵππω

All golden-maned, and pac'd with wings; and all in golden weeds

ὠκυπέτα χρυσέῃσιν ἐθείρῃσιν κομόωντε,

He cloth'd himself. The golden scourge, most elegantly done,

χρυσὸν δʼ αὐτὸς ἔδυνε περὶ χροΐ, γέντο δʼ ἱμάσθλην

He took, and mounted to his seat; and then the God begun

χρυσείην εὔτυκτον, ἑοῦ δʼ ἐπεβήσετο δίφρου,

To drive his chariot through the waves. From whirlpits ev'ry way

βῆ δʼ ἐλάαν ἐπὶ κύματʼ· ἄταλλε δὲ κήτεʼ ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ

The whales exulted under him, and knew their king; the sea

πάντοθεν ἐκ κευθμῶν, οὐδʼ ἠγνοίησεν ἄνακτα·

For joy did open; and, his horse so swift and lightly flew,

γηθοσύνῃ δὲ θάλασσα διίστατο· τοὶ δὲ πέτοντο

The under axletree of brass no drop of water drew;

ῥίμφα μάλʼ, οὐδʼ ὑπένερθε διαίνετο χάλκεος ἄξων·

And thus these deathless coursers brought their king to th' Achive ships.

τὸν δʼ ἐς Ἀχαιῶν νῆας ἐΰσκαρθμοι φέρον ἵπποι.

'Twixt th' Imber cliffs and Tenedos, a certain cavern creeps

ἔστι δέ τι σπέος εὐρὺ βαθείης βένθεσι λίμνης

Into the deep sea's gulfy breast, and there th' Earth-shaker stay'd

μεσσηγὺς Τενέδοιο καὶ Ἴμβρου παιπαλοέσσης·

His forward steeds, took them from coach, and heav'nly fodder laid

ἔνθʼ ἵππους ἔστησε Ποσειδάων ἐνοσίχθων

In reach before them; their brass hoves he girt with gyves of gold,

λύσας ἐξ ὀχέων, παρὰ δʼ ἀμβρόσιον βάλεν εἶδαρ

Not to be broken, nor dissolved, to make them firmly hold

ἔδμεναι· ἀμφὶ δὲ ποσσὶ πέδας ἔβαλε χρυσείας

A fit attendance on their king; who went to th' Achive host,

ἀρρήκτους ἀλύτους, ὄφρʼ ἔμπεδον αὖθι μένοιεν

Which, like to tempests or wild flames, the clust'ring Trojans tost,

νοστήσαντα ἄνακτα· ὃ δʼ ἐς στρατὸν ᾤχετʼ Ἀχαιῶν.

Insatiably valorous, in Hector's like command,

Τρῶες δὲ φλογὶ ἶσοι ἀολλέες ἠὲ θυέλλῃ

High sounding, and resounding, shouts; for hope cheer'd ev'ry hand,

Ἕκτορι Πριαμίδῃ ἄμοτον μεμαῶτες ἕποντο

To make the Greek fleet now their prise, and all the Greeks destroy.

ἄβρομοι αὐΐαχοι· ἔλποντο δὲ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν

But Neptune, circler of the earth, with fresh heart did employ

αἱρήσειν, κτενέειν δὲ παρʼ αὐτόθι πάντας ἀρίστους.

The Grecian hands. In strength of voice and body he did take

ἀλλὰ Ποσειδάων γαιήοχος ἐννοσίγαιος

Calchas' resemblance, and, of all, th' Ajaces first bespake,

Ἀργείους ὄτρυνε βαθείης ἐξ ἁλὸς ἐλθὼν

Who of themselves were free enough: “Ajaces, you alone

εἰσάμενος Κάλχαντι δέμας καὶ ἀτειρέα φωνήν·

Sustain the common good of Greece, in ever putting on

Αἴαντε πρώτω προσέφη μεμαῶτε καὶ αὐτώ·

The memory of fortitude, and flying shameful flight.

Αἴαντε σφὼ μέν τε σαώσετε λαὸν Ἀχαιῶν

Elsewhere the desp'rate hands of Troy could give me no affright,

ἀλκῆς μνησαμένω, μὴ δὲ κρυεροῖο φόβοιο.

The brave Greeks have withstood their worst; but this our mighty wall

ἄλλῃ μὲν γὰρ ἔγωγʼ οὐ δείδια χεῖρας ἀάπτους

Being thus transcended by their pow'r, grave fear doth much appall

Τρώων, οἳ μέγα τεῖχος ὑπερκατέβησαν ὁμίλῳ·

My careful spirits, lest we feel some fatal mischief here,

ἕξουσιν γὰρ πάντας ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοί·

Where Hector, raging like a flame, doth in his charge appear,

τῇ δὲ δὴ αἰνότατον περιδείδια μή τι πάθωμεν,

And boasts himself the best God's son. Be you conceited so,

ᾗ ῥʼ ὅ γʼ ὁ λυσσώδης φλογὶ εἴκελος ἡγεμονεύει

And fire so, more than human spirits, that God may seem to do

Ἕκτωρ, ὃς Διὸς εὔχετʼ ἐρισθενέος πάϊς εἶναι.

In your deeds, and, with such thoughts cheer'd, others to such exhort,

σφῶϊν δʼ ὧδε θεῶν τις ἐνὶ φρεσὶ ποιήσειεν

And such resistance; these great minds will in as great a sort

αὐτώ θʼ ἑστάμεναι κρατερῶς καὶ ἀνωγέμεν ἄλλους·

Strengthen your bodies, and force check to all great Hector's charge,

τώ κε καὶ ἐσσύμενόν περ ἐρωήσαιτʼ ἀπὸ νηῶν

Though ne'er so spirit-like, and though Jove still, past himself, enlarge

ὠκυπόρων, εἰ καί μιν Ὀλύμπιος αὐτὸς ἐγείρει.

His sacred actions.” Thus he touched, with his fork'd sceptre's point,

ἦ καὶ σκηπανίῳ γαιήοχος ἐννοσίγαιος

The breasts of both; fill'd both their spirits, and made up ev'ry joint

ἀμφοτέρω κεκοπὼς πλῆσεν μένεος κρατεροῖο,

With pow'r responsive; when, hawk-like, swift, and set sharp to fly,

γυῖα δʼ ἔθηκεν ἐλαφρὰ πόδας καὶ χεῖρας ὕπερθεν.

That fiercely stooping from a rock, inaccessible and high,

αὐτὸς δʼ ὥς τʼ ἴρηξ ὠκύπτερος ὦρτο πέτεσθαι,

Cuts through a field, and sets a fowl (not being of her kind)

ὅς ῥά τʼ ἀπʼ αἰγίλιπος πέτρης περιμήκεος ἀρθεὶς

Hard, and gets ground still; Neptune so left these two, either's mind

ὁρμήσῃ πεδίοιο διώκειν ὄρνεον ἄλλο,

Beyond themselves rais'd. Of both which, Oïleus first discern'd

ὣς ἀπὸ τῶν ἤϊξε Ποσειδάων ἐνοσίχθων.

The masking Deity, and said: “Ajax, some God hath warn'd

τοῖιν δʼ ἔγνω πρόσθεν Ὀϊλῆος ταχὺς Αἴας,

Our pow'rs to fight, and save our fleet. He put on him the hue

αἶψα δʼ ἄρʼ Αἴαντα προσέφη Τελαμώνιον υἱόν·

Of th' augur Calchas. By his pace, in leaving us, I knew,

Αἶαν ἐπεί τις νῶϊ θεῶν οἳ Ὄλυμπον ἔχουσι

Without all question, 'twas a God; the Gods are eas'ly known;

μάντεϊ εἰδόμενος κέλεται παρὰ νηυσὶ μάχεσθαι,

And in my tender breast I feel a greater spirit blown,

οὐδʼ ὅ γε Κάλχας ἐστὶ θεοπρόπος οἰωνιστής·

To execute affairs of fight; I find my hands so free

ἴχνια γὰρ μετόπισθε ποδῶν ἠδὲ κνημάων

To all high motion, and my feet seem feather'd under me,”

ῥεῖʼ ἔγνων ἀπιόντος· ἀρίγνωτοι δὲ θεοί περ·

This Telamonius thus receiv'd: “So, to my thoughts, my hands

καὶ δʼ ἐμοὶ αὐτῷ θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι φίλοισι

Burn with desire to toss my lance; each foot beneath me stands

μᾶλλον ἐφορμᾶται πολεμίζειν ἠδὲ μάχεσθαι,

μαιμώωσι δʼ ἔνερθε πόδες καὶ χεῖρες ὕπερθε.

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη Τελαμώνιος Αἴας·

οὕτω νῦν καὶ ἐμοὶ περὶ δούρατι χεῖρες ἄαπτοι

μαιμῶσιν, καί μοι μένος ὤρορε, νέρθε δὲ ποσσὶν

ἔσσυμαι ἀμφοτέροισι· μενοινώω δὲ καὶ οἶος

Ἕκτορι Πριαμίδῃ ἄμοτον μεμαῶτι μάχεσθαι.

ὣς οἳ μὲν τοιαῦτα πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἀγόρευον

χάρμῃ γηθόσυνοι, τήν σφιν θεὸς ἔμβαλε θυμῷ·

τόφρα δὲ τοὺς ὄπιθεν γαιήοχος ὦρσεν Ἀχαιούς,

Bare on bright fire, to use his speed; my heart is rais'd so high

οἳ παρὰ νηυσὶ θοῇσιν ἀνέψυχον φίλον ἦτορ.

That to encounter Hector's self, I long insatiately.”

τῶν ῥʼ ἅμα τʼ ἀργαλέῳ καμάτῳ φίλα γυῖα λέλυντο,

While these thus talk'd, as overjoy'd with study for the fight,

καί σφιν ἄχος κατὰ θυμὸν ἐγίγνετο δερκομένοισι

(Which God had stirr'd up in their spirits) the same God did excite

Τρῶας, τοὶ μέγα τεῖχος ὑπερκατέβησαν ὁμίλῳ.

The Greeks that were behind at fleet, refreshing their free hearts

τοὺς οἵ γʼ εἰσορόωντες ὑπʼ ὀφρύσι δάκρυα λεῖβον·

And joints, being ev'n dissolv'd with toil; and (seeing the desp'rate parts

οὐ γὰρ ἔφαν φεύξεσθαι ὑπʼ ἐκ κακοῦ· ἀλλʼ ἐνοσίχθων

Play'd by the Trojans past their wall) grief strook them, and their eyes

ῥεῖα μετεισάμενος κρατερὰς ὄτρυνε φάλαγγας.

Sweat tears from under their sad lids, their instant destinies

Τεῦκρον ἔπι πρῶτον καὶ Λήϊτον ἦλθε κελεύων

Never supposing they could 'scape. But Neptune, stepping in,

Πηνέλεών θʼ ἥρωα Θόαντά τε Δηΐπυρόν τε

With ease stirr'd up the able troops, and did at first begin

Μηριόνην τε καὶ Ἀντίλοχον μήστωρας ἀϋτῆς·

With Teucer, and Peneleüs, th' heroe Leitus,

τοὺς ὅ γʼ ἐποτρύνων ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Deipyrus, Meriones, and young Antilochus,

αἰδὼς Ἀργεῖοι, κοῦροι νέοι· ὔμμιν ἔγωγε

All éxpert in the deeds of arms: “O youths of Greece,” said he,

μαρναμένοισι πέποιθα σαωσέμεναι νέας ἁμάς·

“What change is this? In your brave fight, I only look'd to see

εἰ δʼ ὑμεῖς πολέμοιο μεθήσετε λευγαλέοιο,

Our fleet's whole safety; and, if you neglect the harmful field,

νῦν δὴ εἴδεται ἦμαρ ὑπὸ Τρώεσσι δαμῆναι.

Now shines the day when Greece to Troy must all her honours yield.

ὢ πόποι ἦ μέγα θαῦμα τόδʼ ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ὁρῶμαι

O grief! So great a miracle, and horrible to sight,

δεινόν, ὃ οὔ ποτʼ ἔγωγε τελευτήσεσθαι ἔφασκον,

As now I see, I never thought could have profan'd the light!

Τρῶας ἐφʼ ἡμετέρας ἰέναι νέας, οἳ τὸ πάρος περ

The Trojans brave us at our ships, that have been heretofore

φυζακινῇς ἐλάφοισιν ἐοίκεσαν, αἵ τε καθʼ ὕλην

Like faint and fearful deer in woods, distracted evermore

θώων παρδαλίων τε λύκων τʼ ἤϊα πέλονται

With ev'ry sound, and yet 'scape not, but prove the torn up fare

αὔτως ἠλάσκουσαι ἀνάλκιδες, οὐδʼ ἔπι χάρμη·

Of lynces, wolves, and lëopards, as never born to war.

ὣς Τρῶες τὸ πρίν γε μένος καὶ χεῖρας Ἀχαιῶν

Nor durst these Trojans at first siege, in any least degree,

μίμνειν οὐκ ἐθέλεσκον ἐναντίον, οὐδʼ ἠβαιόν·

Expect your strength, or stand one shock of Grecian chivalry;

νῦν δὲ ἑκὰς πόλιος κοίλῃς ἐπὶ νηυσὶ μάχονται

Yet now, far from their walls, they dare fight at our fleet maintain,

ἡγεμόνος κακότητι μεθημοσύνῃσί τε λαῶν,

All by our Gen'ral's cowardice, that doth infect his men

οἳ κείνῳ ἐρίσαντες ἀμυνέμεν οὐκ ἐθέλουσι

Who, still at odds with him, for that will needs themselves neglect,

νηῶν ὠκυπόρων, ἀλλὰ κτείνονται ἀνʼ αὐτάς.

And suffer slaughter in their ships. Suppose there was defect

ἀλλʼ εἰ δὴ καὶ πάμπαν ἐτήτυμον αἴτιός ἐστιν

(Beyond all question) in our king, to wrong Æacides,

ἥρως Ἀτρεΐδης εὐρὺ κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

And he, for his particular wreak, from all assistance cease;

οὕνεκʼ ἀπητίμησε ποδώκεα Πηλεΐωνα,

We must not cease t' assist ourselves. Forgive our Gen'ral then,

ἡμέας γʼ οὔ πως ἔστι μεθιέμεναι πολέμοιο.

And quickly too. Apt to forgive are all good-minded men.

ἀλλʼ ἀκεώμεθα θᾶσσον· ἀκεσταί τοι φρένες ἐσθλῶν.

Yet you, quite void of their good minds, give good, in you quite lost,

ὑμεῖς δʼ οὐκ ἔτι καλὰ μεθίετε θούριδος ἀλκῆς

For ill in others, though ye be the worthiest of your host.

πάντες ἄριστοι ἐόντες ἀνὰ στρατόν. οὐδʼ ἂν ἔγωγε

As old as I am, I would scorn, to fight with one that flies,

ἀνδρὶ μαχεσσαίμην ὅς τις πολέμοιο μεθείη

Or leaves the fight as you do now. The Gen'ral slothful lies,

λυγρὸς ἐών· ὑμῖν δὲ νεμεσσῶμαι περὶ κῆρι.

And you, though slothful too, maintain with him a fight of spleen.

ὦ πέπονες τάχα δή τι κακὸν ποιήσετε μεῖζον

Out, out, I hate ye from my heart. Ye rotten-minded men,

τῇδε μεθημοσύνῃ· ἀλλʼ ἐν φρεσὶ θέσθε ἕκαστος

In this ye add an ill that's worse than all your sloth's dislikes.

αἰδῶ καὶ νέμεσιν· δὴ γὰρ μέγα νεῖκος ὄρωρεν.

But as I know to all your hearts my reprehension strikes,

Ἕκτωρ δὴ παρὰ νηυσὶ βοὴν ἀγαθὸς πολεμίζει

So thither let just shame strike too; for while you stand still here

καρτερός, ἔρρηξεν δὲ πύλας καὶ μακρὸν ὀχῆα.

A mighty fight swarms at your fleet, great Hector rageth there,

ὥς ῥα κελευτιόων γαιήοχος ὦρσεν Ἀχαιούς.

Hath burst the long bar and the gates.” Thus Neptune rous'd these men,

ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρʼ Αἴαντας δοιοὺς ἵσταντο φάλαγγες

And round about th' Ajaces did their phalanxes maintain

καρτεραί, ἃς οὔτʼ ἄν κεν Ἄρης ὀνόσαιτο μετελθὼν

Their station firm; whom Mars himself, had he amongst them gone,

οὔτε κʼ Ἀθηναίη λαοσσόος· οἳ γὰρ ἄριστοι

Could not disparage, nor Jove's Maid that sets men fiercer on;

κρινθέντες Τρῶάς τε καὶ Ἕκτορα δῖον ἔμιμνον,

For now the best were chosen out, and they receiv'd th' advance

φράξαντες δόρυ δουρί, σάκος σάκεϊ προθελύμνῳ·

Of Hector and his men so full, that lance was lin'd with lance,

ἀσπὶς ἄρʼ ἀσπίδʼ ἔρειδε, κόρυς κόρυν, ἀνέρα δʼ ἀνήρ·

Shields thicken'd with opposéd shields, targets to targets nail'd,

ψαῦον δʼ ἱππόκομοι κόρυθες λαμπροῖσι φάλοισι

Helms stuck to helms, and man to man grew, they so close assail'd,

νευόντων, ὡς πυκνοὶ ἐφέστασαν ἀλλήλοισιν·

Plum'd casques were hang'd in either's plumes, all join'd so close their stands,

ἔγχεα δʼ ἐπτύσσοντο θρασειάων ἀπὸ χειρῶν

Their lances stood, thrust out so thick by such all-daring hands,

σειόμενʼ· οἳ δʼ ἰθὺς φρόνεον, μέμασαν δὲ μάχεσθαι.

All bent their firm breasts to the point, and made sad fight their joy

Τρῶες δὲ προὔτυψαν ἀολλέες, ἦρχε δʼ ἄρʼ Ἕκτωρ

Of both. Troy all in heaps strook first, and Hector first of Troy.

ἀντικρὺ μεμαώς, ὀλοοίτροχος ὣς ἀπὸ πέτρης,

And as a round piece of a rock, which with a winter's flood

ὅν τε κατὰ στεφάνης ποταμὸς χειμάρροος ὤσῃ

Is from his top torn, when a show'r, pour'd from a bursten cloud,

ῥήξας ἀσπέτῳ ὄμβρῳ ἀναιδέος ἔχματα πέτρης·

Hath broke the natural bond it held within the rough steep rock,

ὕψι δʼ ἀναθρῴσκων πέτεται, κτυπέει δέ θʼ ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ

And, jumping, it flies down the woods, resounding ev'ry shock,

ὕλη· ὃ δʼ ἀσφαλέως θέει ἔμπεδον, εἷος ἵκηται

And on, uncheck'd, it headlong leaps, till in a plain it stay,

ἰσόπεδον, τότε δʼ οὔ τι κυλίνδεται ἐσσύμενός περ·

And then, though never so impell'd, it stirs not any way;

ὣς Ἕκτωρ εἷος μὲν ἀπείλει μέχρι θαλάσσης

So Hector hereto throated threats, to go to sea in blood,

ῥέα διελεύσεσθαι κλισίας καὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν

And reach the Grecian ships and tents, without being once withstood.

κτείνων· ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ πυκινῇς ἐνέκυρσε φάλαγξι

But when he fell into the strengths the Grecians did maintain,

στῆ ῥα μάλʼ ἐγχριμφθείς· οἳ δʼ ἀντίοι υἷες Ἀχαιῶν

And that they fought upon the square, he stood as fetter'd then;

νύσσοντες ξίφεσίν τε καὶ ἔγχεσιν ἀμφιγύοισιν

And so the adverse sons of Greece laid on with swords and darts,

ὦσαν ἀπὸ σφείων· ὃ δὲ χασσάμενος πελεμίχθη.

Whose both ends hurt, that they repell'd his worst; and he converts

ἤϋσεν δὲ διαπρύσιον Τρώεσσι γεγωνώς·

His threats, by all means, to retreats; yet made as he retir'd,

Τρῶες καὶ Λύκιοι καὶ Δάρδανοι ἀγχιμαχηταὶ

Only t' encourage those behind; and thus those men inspir'd:

παρμένετʼ· οὔ τοι δηρὸν ἐμὲ σχήσουσιν Ἀχαιοὶ

“Trojans! Dardanians! Lycians! All warlike friends, stand close;

καὶ μάλα πυργηδὸν σφέας αὐτοὺς ἀρτύναντες,

The Greeks can never bear me long, though tow'r-like they oppose.

ἀλλʼ ὀΐω χάσσονται ὑπʼ ἔγχεος, εἰ ἐτεόν με

This lance, be sure, will be their spoil; if ev'n the best of Gods,

ὦρσε θεῶν ὤριστος, ἐρίγδουπος πόσις Ἥρης.

High thund'ring Juno's husband, stirs my spirit with true abodes,”

ὣς εἰπὼν ὄτρυνε μένος καὶ θυμὸν ἑκάστου.

With this all strengths and minds he mov'd; but young Deiphobus,

Δηΐφοβος δʼ ἐν τοῖσι μέγα φρονέων ἐβεβήκει

Old Priam's son, amongst them all was chiefly virtuous,

Πριαμίδης, πρόσθεν δʼ ἔχεν ἀσπίδα πάντοσʼ ἐΐσην

He bore before him his round shield, tripp'd lightly through the prease,

κοῦφα ποσὶ προβιβὰς καὶ ὑπασπίδια προποδίζων.

Μηριόνης δʼ αὐτοῖο τιτύσκετο δουρὶ φαεινῷ

καὶ βάλεν, οὐδʼ ἀφάμαρτε, κατʼ ἀσπίδα πάντοσʼ ἐΐσην

ταυρείην· τῆς δʼ οὔ τι διήλασεν, ἀλλὰ πολὺ πρὶν

ἐν καυλῷ ἐάγη δολιχὸν δόρυ· Δηΐφοβος δὲ

ἀσπίδα ταυρείην σχέθʼ ἀπὸ ἕο, δεῖσε δὲ θυμῷ

ἔγχος Μηριόναο δαΐφρονος· αὐτὰρ ὅ γʼ ἥρως

ἂψ ἑτάρων εἰς ἔθνος ἐχάζετο, χώσατο δʼ αἰνῶς

ἀμφότερον, νίκης τε καὶ ἔγχεος ὃ ξυνέαξε.

βῆ δʼ ἰέναι παρά τε κλισίας καὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν

At all parts cover'd with his shield; and him Meriones

οἰσόμενος δόρυ μακρόν, ὅ οἱ κλισίηφι λέλειπτο.

Charg'd with a glitt'ring dart, that took his bull-hide orby shield,

οἳ δʼ ἄλλοι μάρναντο, βοὴ δʼ ἄσβεστος ὀρώρει.

Yet pierc'd it not, but in the top itself did piecemeal yield,

Τεῦκρος δὲ πρῶτος Τελαμώνιος ἄνδρα κατέκτα

Deiphobus thrust forth his targe, and fear'd the broken ends

Ἴμβριον αἰχμητὴν πολυΐππου Μέντορος υἱόν·

Of strong Meriones's lance, who now turn'd to his friends;

ναῖε δὲ Πήδαιον πρὶν ἐλθεῖν υἷας Ἀχαιῶν,

The great heroë scorning much by such a chance to part

κούρην δὲ Πριάμοιο νόθην ἔχε, Μηδεσικάστην·

With lance and conquest, forth he went to fetch another dart,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ Δαναῶν νέες ἤλυθον ἀμφιέλισσαι,

Left at his tent. The rest fought on, the clamour heighten'd there

ἂψ ἐς Ἴλιον ἦλθε, μετέπρεπε δὲ Τρώεσσι,

Was most unmeasur'd. Teucer first did flesh the massacre,

ναῖε δὲ πὰρ Πριάμῳ· ὃ δέ μιν τίεν ἶσα τέκεσσι.

And slew a goodly man at arms, the soldier Imbrius,

τόν ῥʼ υἱὸς Τελαμῶνος ὑπʼ οὔατος ἔγχεϊ μακρῷ

The son of Mentor, rich in horse; he dwelt at Pedasus

νύξʼ, ἐκ δʼ ἔσπασεν ἔγχος· ὃ δʼ αὖτʼ ἔπεσεν μελίη ὣς

Before the sons of Greece sieg'd Troy; from whence he married

ἥ τʼ ὄρεος κορυφῇ ἕκαθεν περιφαινομένοιο

Medesicaste, one that sprung of Priam's bastard-bed;

χαλκῷ ταμνομένη τέρενα χθονὶ φύλλα πελάσσῃ·

But when the Greek ships, double-oar'd, arriv'd at Ilion,

ὣς πέσεν, ἀμφὶ δέ οἱ βράχε τεύχεα ποικίλα χαλκῷ.

To Ilion he return'd, and prov'd beyond comparison

Τεῦκρος δʼ ὁρμήθη μεμαὼς ἀπὸ τεύχεα δῦσαι·

Amongst the Trojans; he was lodg'd with Priam, who held dear

Ἕκτωρ δʼ ὁρμηθέντος ἀκόντισε δουρὶ φαεινῷ.

His natural sons no more than him; yet him, beneath the ear,

ἀλλʼ ὃ μὲν ἄντα ἰδὼν ἠλεύατο χάλκεον ἔγχος

The son of Telamon attain'd, and drew his lance. He fell,

τυτθόν· ὃ δʼ Ἀμφίμαχον Κτεάτου υἷʼ Ἀκτορίωνος

As when an ash on some hill's top (itself topp'd wondrous well)

νισόμενον πόλεμον δὲ κατὰ στῆθος βάλε δουρί·

The steel hews down, and he presents his young leaves to the soil;

δούπησεν δὲ πεσών, ἀράβησε δὲ τεύχεʼ ἐπʼ αὐτῷ.

So fell he, and his fair arms groan'd, which Teucer long'd to spoil,

Ἕκτωρ δʼ ὁρμήθη κόρυθα κροτάφοις ἀραρυῖαν

And in he ran; and Hector in, who sent a shining lance

κρατὸς ἀφαρπάξαι μεγαλήτορος Ἀμφιμάχοιο·

At Teucer, who, beholding it, slipp'd by, and gave it chance

Αἴας δʼ ὁρμηθέντος ὀρέξατο δουρὶ φαεινῷ

On Actor's son, Amphimachus, whose breast it strook; and in

Ἕκτορος· ἀλλʼ οὔ πῃ χροὸς εἴσατο, πᾶς δʼ ἄρα χαλκῷ

Flew Hector, at his sounding fall, with full intent to win

σμερδαλέῳ κεκάλυφθʼ· ὃ δʼ ἄρʼ ἀσπίδος ὀμφαλὸν οὖτα,

The tempting helmet from his head; but Ajax with a dart

ὦσε δέ μιν σθένεϊ μεγάλῳ· ὃ δὲ χάσσατʼ ὀπίσσω

Reach'd Hector at his rushing in, yet touch'd not any part

νεκρῶν ἀμφοτέρων, τοὺς δʼ ἐξείρυσσαν Ἀχαιοί.

About his body; it was hid quite through with horrid brass;

Ἀμφίμαχον μὲν ἄρα Στιχίος δῖός τε Μενεσθεὺς

The boss yet of his targe it took, whose firm stuff stay'd the pass,

ἀρχοὶ Ἀθηναίων κόμισαν μετὰ λαὸν Ἀχαιῶν·

And he turn'd safe from both the trunks; both which the Grecians bore

Ἴμβριον αὖτʼ Αἴαντε μεμαότε θούριδος ἀλκῆς

From off the field. Amphimachus Menestheus did restore,

ὥς τε δύʼ αἶγα λέοντε κυνῶν ὕπο καρχαροδόντων

And Stichius, to th' Achaian strength. Th' Ajaces (that were pleas'd

ἁρπάξαντε φέρητον ἀνὰ ῥωπήϊα πυκνὰ

Still most with most hot services) on Trojan Imbrius seiz'd.

ὑψοῦ ὑπὲρ γαίης μετὰ γαμφηλῇσιν ἔχοντε,

And as from sharply-bitten hounds, a brace of lions force

ὥς ῥα τὸν ὑψοῦ ἔχοντε δύω Αἴαντε κορυστὰ

A new-slain goat, and through the woods bear in their jaws the corse

τεύχεα συλήτην· κεφαλὴν δʼ ἁπαλῆς ἀπὸ δειρῆς

Aloft, lift up into the air; so, up into the skies,

κόψεν Ὀϊλιάδης κεχολωμένος Ἀμφιμάχοιο,

Bore both th' Ajaces Imbrius, and made his arms their prise.

ἧκε δέ μιν σφαιρηδὸν ἑλιξάμενος διʼ ὁμίλου·

Yet, not content, Oïliades, enrag'd to see there dead

Ἕκτορι δὲ προπάροιθε ποδῶν πέσεν ἐν κονίῃσι.

His much-belov'd Amphimachus, he hew'd off Imbrius' head;

καὶ τότε δὴ περὶ κῆρι Ποσειδάων ἐχολώθη

Which, swinging round, bowl-like he toss'd amongst the Trojan prease,

υἱωνοῖο πεσόντος ἐν αἰνῇ δηϊοτῆτι,

And full at Hector's feet it fell. Amphimachus' decease,

βῆ δʼ ἰέναι παρά τε κλισίας καὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν

Being nephew to the God of waves, much vex'd the Deity's mind,

ὀτρυνέων Δαναούς, Τρώεσσι δὲ κήδεα τεῦχεν.

And to the ships and tents he march'd, yet more to make inclin'd

Ἰδομενεὺς δʼ ἄρα οἱ δουρικλυτὸς ἀντεβόλησεν

The Grecians to the Trojan bane. In hasting to which end,

ἐρχόμενος παρʼ ἑταίρου, ὅ οἱ νέον ἐκ πολέμοιο

Idomenëus met with him, returning from a friend,

ἦλθε κατʼ ἰγνύην βεβλημένος ὀξέϊ χαλκῷ.

Whose ham late hurt, his men brought off; and having giv'n command

τὸν μὲν ἑταῖροι ἔνεικαν, ὃ δʼ ἰητροῖς ἐπιτείλας

To his physicians for his cure, much fir'd to put his hand

ἤϊεν ἐς κλισίην· ἔτι γὰρ πολέμοιο μενοίνα

To Troy's repulse, he left his tent. Him (like Andremon's son,

ἀντιάαν· τὸν δὲ προσέφη κρείων ἐνοσίχθων

Prince Thoas, that in Pleuron rul'd, and lofty Calydon,

εἰσάμενος φθογγὴν Ἀνδραίμονος υἷϊ Θόαντι

Th' Ætolian pow'rs, and like a God was of his subjects lov'd)

ὃς πάσῃ Πλευρῶνι καὶ αἰπεινῇ Καλυδῶνι

Neptune encounter'd, and but thus his forward spirit mov'd:

Αἰτωλοῖσιν ἄνασσε, θεὸς δʼ ὣς τίετο δήμῳ·

“Idomenëus, prince of Crete! O whither now are fled

Ἰδομενεῦ Κρητῶν βουληφόρε ποῦ τοι ἀπειλαὶ

Those threats in thee, with which the rest the Trojans menacéd?”

οἴχονται, τὰς Τρωσὶν ἀπείλεον υἷες Ἀχαιῶν;

“O Thoas,” he replied, “no one of all our host stands now

τὸν δʼ αὖτʼ Ἰδομενεὺς Κρητῶν ἀγὸς ἀντίον ηὔδα·

In any question of reproof, as I am let to know,

ὦ Θόαν οὔ τις ἀνὴρ νῦν γʼ αἴτιος, ὅσσον ἔγωγε

And why is my intelligence false? We all know how to fight,

γιγνώσκω· πάντες γὰρ ἐπιστάμεθα πτολεμίζειν.

And, (fear disanimating none) all do our knowledge right.

οὔτέ τινα δέος ἴσχει ἀκήριον οὔτέ τις ὄκνῳ

Nor can our harms accuse our sloth, not one from work we miss.

εἴκων ἀνδύεται πόλεμον κακόν· ἀλλά που οὕτω

The great God only works our ill, whose pleasure now it is

μέλλει δὴ φίλον εἶναι ὑπερμενέϊ Κρονίωνι

That, far from home, in hostile fields, and with inglorious fate,

νωνύμνους ἀπολέσθαι ἀπʼ Ἄργεος ἐνθάδʼ Ἀχαιούς.

Some Greeks should perish. But do thou, O Thoas, that of late

ἀλλὰ Θόαν, καὶ γὰρ τὸ πάρος μενεδήϊος ἦσθα,

Hast prov'd a soldier, and was wont, where thou hast sloth beheld,

ὀτρύνεις δὲ καὶ ἄλλον ὅθι μεθιέντα ἴδηαι·

To chide it, and exhort to pains, now hate to be repell'd,

τὼ νῦν μήτʼ ἀπόληγε κέλευέ τε φωτὶ ἑκάστῳ.

And set on all men.” He replied, “I would to heav'n, that he,

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα Ποσειδάων ἐνοσίχθων·

Whoever this day doth abstain from battle willingly,

Ἰδομενεῦ μὴ κεῖνος ἀνὴρ ἔτι νοστήσειεν

May never turn his face from Troy, but here become the prey

ἐκ Τροίης, ἀλλʼ αὖθι κυνῶν μέλπηθρα γένοιτο,

And scorn of dogs! Come then, take arms, and let our kind assay

ὅς τις ἐπʼ ἤματι τῷδε ἑκὼν μεθίῃσι μάχεσθαι.

Join both our forces. Though but two, yet, being both combin'd,

ἀλλʼ ἄγε τεύχεα δεῦρο λαβὼν ἴθι· ταῦτα δʼ ἅμα χρὴ

The work of many single hands we may perform. We find,

σπεύδειν, αἴ κʼ ὄφελός τι γενώμεθα καὶ δύʼ ἐόντε.

That virtue co-augmented thrives in men of little mind,

συμφερτὴ δʼ ἀρετὴ πέλει ἀνδρῶν καὶ μάλα λυγρῶν,

But we have singly match'd the great.” Thus said, the God again,

νῶϊ δὲ καί κʼ ἀγαθοῖσιν ἐπισταίμεσθα μάχεσθαι.

With all his conflicts, visited the vent'rous flight of men.

ὣς εἰπὼν ὃ μὲν αὖτις ἔβη θεὸς ἂμ πόνον ἀνδρῶν·

The king turn'd to his tent; rich arms put on his breast, and took

Ἰδομενεὺς δʼ ὅτε δὴ κλισίην εὔτυκτον ἵκανε

Two darts in hand, and forth he flew. His haste on made him look

δύσετο τεύχεα καλὰ περὶ χροΐ, γέντο δὲ δοῦρε,

Much like a fi'ry meteor, with which Jove's sulph'ry hand

βῆ δʼ ἴμεν ἀστεροπῇ ἐναλίγκιος, ἥν τε Κρονίων

χειρὶ λαβὼν ἐτίναξεν ἀπʼ αἰγλήεντος Ὀλύμπου

δεικνὺς σῆμα βροτοῖσιν· ἀρίζηλοι δέ οἱ αὐγαί·

ὣς τοῦ χαλκὸς ἔλαμπε περὶ στήθεσσι θέοντος.

Μηριόνης δʼ ἄρα οἱ θεράπων ἐῢς ἀντεβόλησεν

ἐγγὺς ἔτι κλισίης· μετὰ γὰρ δόρυ χάλκεον ᾔει

οἰσόμενος· τὸν δὲ προσέφη σθένος Ἰδομενῆος·

Μηριόνη Μόλου υἱὲ πόδας ταχὺ φίλταθʼ ἑταίρων

τίπτʼ ἦλθες πόλεμόν τε λιπὼν καὶ δηϊοτῆτα;

ἠέ τι βέβληαι, βέλεος δέ σε τείρει ἀκωκή,

Opes heav'n, and hurls about the air bright flashes, showing aland

ἦέ τευ ἀγγελίης μετʼ ἔμʼ ἤλυθες; οὐδέ τοι αὐτὸς

Abodes that ever run before tempest and plagues to men:

ἧσθαι ἐνὶ κλισίῃσι λιλαίομαι, ἀλλὰ μάχεσθαι.

So, in his swift pace, show'd his arms. He was encounter'd then

τὸν δʼ αὖ Μηριόνης πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

By his good friend Meriones yet near his tent; to whom

Ἰδομενεῦ, Κρητῶν βουληφόρε χαλκοχιτώνων,

Thus spake the pow'r of Idomen: “What reason makes thee come,

ἔρχομαι εἴ τί τοι ἔγχος ἐνὶ κλισίῃσι λέλειπται

Thou son of Molus, my most lov'd, thus leaving fight alone?

οἰσόμενος· τό νυ γὰρ κατεάξαμεν ὃ πρὶν ἔχεσκον

Is't for some wound? The jav'lin's head, still sticking in the bone,

ἀσπίδα Δηϊφόβοιο βαλὼν ὑπερηνορέοντος.

Desir'st thou ease of? Bring'st thou news? Or what is it that brings

τὸν δʼ αὖτʼ Ἰδομενεὺς Κρητῶν ἀγὸς ἀντίον ηὔδα·

Thy presence hither? Be assur'd, my spirit needs no stings

δούρατα δʼ αἴ κʼ ἐθέλῃσθα καὶ ἓν καὶ εἴκοσι δήεις

To this hot conflict. Of myself thou seest I come, and loth,

ἑσταότʼ ἐν κλισίῃ πρὸς ἐνώπια παμφανόωντα

For any tent's love, to deserve the hateful taint of sloth.”

Τρώϊα, τὰ κταμένων ἀποαίνυμαι· οὐ γὰρ ὀΐω

He answer'd: Only for a dart, he that retreat did make,

ἀνδρῶν δυσμενέων ἑκὰς ἱστάμενος πολεμίζειν.

(Were any left him at his tent) for, that he had, he brake

τώ μοι δούρατά τʼ ἔστι καὶ ἀσπίδες ὀμφαλόεσσαι

On proud Deiphobus's shield. “Is one dart all?” said he,

καὶ κόρυθες καὶ θώρηκες λαμπρὸν γανόωντες.

“Take one and twenty, if thou like, for in my tent they be;

τὸν δʼ αὖ Μηριόνης πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

They stand there shining by the walls. I took them as my prise

καί τοι ἐμοὶ παρά τε κλισίῃ καὶ νηῒ μελαίνῃ

From those false Trojans I have slain. And this is not the guise

πόλλʼ ἔναρα Τρώων· ἀλλʼ οὐ σχεδόν ἐστιν ἑλέσθαι.

Of one that loves his tent, or fights afar off with his foe,

οὐδὲ γὰρ οὐδʼ ἐμέ φημι λελασμένον ἔμμεναι ἀλκῆς,

But since I love fight, therefore doth my martial star bestow,

ἀλλὰ μετὰ πρώτοισι μάχην ἀνὰ κυδιάνειραν

Besides those darts, helms, targets boss'd, and corslets bright as day.”

ἵσταμαι, ὁππότε νεῖκος ὀρώρηται πολέμοιο.

“So I,” said Merion, “at my tent, and sable bark, may say,

ἄλλόν πού τινα μᾶλλον Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων

I many Trojan spoils retain, but now not near they be,

λήθω μαρνάμενος, σὲ δὲ ἴδμεναι αὐτὸν ὀΐω.

To serve me for my present use; and therefore ask I thee.

τὸν δʼ αὖτʼ Ἰδομενεὺς Κρητῶν ἀγὸς ἀντίον ηὔδα·

Not that I lack a fortitude to store me with my own,

οἶδʼ ἀρετὴν οἷός ἐσσι· τί σε χρὴ ταῦτα λέγεσθαι;

For ever in the foremost fights, that render men renown,

εἰ γὰρ νῦν παρὰ νηυσὶ λεγοίμεθα πάντες ἄριστοι

I fight, when any fight doth stir. And this perhaps may well

ἐς λόχον, ἔνθα μάλιστʼ ἀρετὴ διαείδεται ἀνδρῶν,

Be hid to others, but thou know'st, and I to thee appeal.”

ἔνθʼ ὅ τε δειλὸς ἀνὴρ ὅς τʼ ἄλκιμος ἐξεφαάνθη·

“I know,” replied the king, “how much thou weigh'st in ev'ry worth,

τοῦ μὲν γάρ τε κακοῦ τρέπεται χρὼς ἄλλυδις ἄλλῃ,

What need'st thou therefore utter this? If we should now choose forth

οὐδέ οἱ ἀτρέμας ἧσθαι ἐρητύετʼ ἐν φρεσὶ θυμός,

The worthiest men for ambushes, in all our fleet and host,

ἀλλὰ μετοκλάζει καὶ ἐπʼ ἀμφοτέρους πόδας ἵζει,

(For ambushes are services that try men's virtues most,

ἐν δέ τέ οἱ κραδίη μεγάλα στέρνοισι πατάσσει

Since there the fearful and the firm will, as they are, appear,

κῆρας ὀϊομένῳ, πάταγος δέ τε γίγνετʼ ὀδόντων·

The fearful alt'ring still his hue, and rests not anywhere,

τοῦ δʼ ἀγαθοῦ οὔτʼ ἂρ τρέπεται χρὼς οὔτέ τι λίην

Nor is his spirit capable of th' ambush constancy,

ταρβεῖ, ἐπειδὰν πρῶτον ἐσίζηται λόχον ἀνδρῶν,

But riseth, changeth still his place, and croucheth curiously

ἀρᾶται δὲ τάχιστα μιγήμεναι ἐν δαῒ λυγρῇ·

On his bent haunches; half his height scarce seen above the ground,

οὐδέ κεν ἔνθα τεόν γε μένος καὶ χεῖρας ὄνοιτο.

For fear to be seen, yet must see; his heart, with many a bound,

εἴ περ γάρ κε βλεῖο πονεύμενος ἠὲ τυπείης

Off'ring to leap out of his breast, and, ever fearing death,

οὐκ ἂν ἐν αὐχένʼ ὄπισθε πέσοι βέλος οὐδʼ ἐνὶ νώτῳ,

The coldness of it makes him gnash, and half shakes out his teeth;

ἀλλά κεν ἢ στέρνων ἢ νηδύος ἀντιάσειε

Where men of valour neither fear, nor ever change their looks,

πρόσσω ἱεμένοιο μετὰ προμάχων ὀαριστύν.

From lodging th' ambush till it rise, but, since there must be strokes,

ἀλλʼ ἄγε μηκέτι ταῦτα λεγώμεθα νηπύτιοι ὣς

Wish to be quickly in their midst) thy strength and hand in these

ἑσταότες, μή πού τις ὑπερφιάλως νεμεσήσῃ·

Who should reprove? For if, far off, or fighting in the prease,

ἀλλὰ σύ γε κλισίην δὲ κιὼν ἕλευ ὄβριμον ἔγχος.

Thou shouldst be wounded, I am sure the dart that gave the wound

ὣς φάτο, Μηριόνης δὲ θοῷ ἀτάλαντος Ἄρηϊ

Should not be drawn out of thy back, or make thy neck the ground,

καρπαλίμως κλισίηθεν ἀνείλετο χάλκεον ἔγχος,

But meet thy belly, or thy breast, in thrusting further yet

βῆ δὲ μετʼ Ἰδομενῆα μέγα πτολέμοιο μεμηλώς.

When thou art furthest, till the first, and before him, thou get.

οἷος δὲ βροτολοιγὸς Ἄρης πόλεμον δὲ μέτεισι,

But on; like children let not us stand bragging thus, but do;

τῷ δὲ Φόβος φίλος υἱὸς ἅμα κρατερὸς καὶ ἀταρβὴς

Lest some hear, and past measure chide, that we stand still and woo.

ἕσπετο, ὅς τʼ ἐφόβησε ταλάφρονά περ πολεμιστήν·

Go, choose a better dart, and make Mars yield a better chance.”

τὼ μὲν ἄρʼ ἐκ Θρῄκης Ἐφύρους μέτα θωρήσσεσθον,

This said, Mars-swift Meriones, with haste, a brazen lance

ἠὲ μετὰ Φλεγύας μεγαλήτορας· οὐδʼ ἄρα τώ γε

Took from his tent, and overtook, most careful of the wars,

ἔκλυον ἀμφοτέρων, ἑτέροισι δὲ κῦδος ἔδωκαν·

Idomenëus, And such two, in field, as harmful Mars,

τοῖοι Μηριόνης τε καὶ Ἰδομενεὺς ἀγοὶ ἀνδρῶν

And Terror, his belovéd son, that without terror fights,

ἤϊσαν ἐς πόλεμον κεκορυθμένοι αἴθοπι χαλκῷ.

And is of such strength that in war the frighter he affrights,

τὸν καὶ Μηριόνης πρότερος πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπε·

When, out of Thrace, they both take arms against th' Ephyran bands,

Δευκαλίδη πῇ τὰρ μέμονας καταδῦναι ὅμιλον;

Or 'gainst the great-soul'd Phlegians, nor favour their own hands,

ἢ ἐπὶ δεξιόφιν παντὸς στρατοῦ, ἦ ἀνὰ μέσσους,

But give the grace to others still; in such sort to the fight,

ἦ ἐπʼ ἀριστερόφιν; ἐπεὶ οὔ ποθι ἔλπομαι οὕτω

March'd these two managers of men, in armours full of light.

δεύεσθαι πολέμοιο κάρη κομόωντας Ἀχαιούς.

And first spake Merion: “On which part, son of Deucalion,

τὸν δʼ αὖτʼ Ἰδομενεὺς Κρητῶν ἀγὸς ἀντίον ηὔδα·

Serves thy mind to invade the fight? Is't best to set upon

νηυσὶ μὲν ἐν μέσσῃσιν ἀμύνειν εἰσὶ καὶ ἄλλοι

The Trojans, in our battle's aid, the right or left-hand wing,

Αἴαντές τε δύω Τεῦκρός θʼ, ὃς ἄριστος Ἀχαιῶν

For all parts I suppose employ'd?” To this the Cretan king

τοξοσύνῃ, ἀγαθὸς δὲ καὶ ἐν σταδίῃ ὑσμίνῃ·

Thus answer'd: “In our navy's midst are others that assist;

οἵ μιν ἅδην ἐλόωσι καὶ ἐσσύμενον πολέμοιο

The two Ajaces; Teucer too, with shafts the expertest

Ἕκτορα Πριαμίδην, καὶ εἰ μάλα καρτερός ἐστιν.

Of all the Grecians, and, though small, is great in fights of stand;

αἰπύ οἱ ἐσσεῖται μάλα περ μεμαῶτι μάχεσθαι

And these (though huge he be of strength) will serve to fill the hand

κείνων νικήσαντι μένος καὶ χεῖρας ἀάπτους

Of Hector's self, that Priamist, that studier for blows.

νῆας ἐνιπρῆσαι, ὅτε μὴ αὐτός γε Κρονίων

It shall be call'd a deed of height for him (even suff'ring throes

ἐμβάλοι αἰθόμενον δαλὸν νήεσσι θοῇσιν.

For knocks still) to outlabour them, and, bett'ring their tough hands,

ἀνδρὶ δέ κʼ οὐκ εἴξειε μέγας Τελαμώνιος Αἴας,

Enflame our fleet. If Jove himself cast not his fire-brands

ὃς θνητός τʼ εἴη καὶ ἔδοι Δημήτερος ἀκτὴν

Amongst our navy, that affair no man can bring to field.

χαλκῷ τε ῥηκτὸς μεγάλοισί τε χερμαδίοισιν.

Great Ajax Telamonius to none alive will yield

οὐδʼ ἂν Ἀχιλλῆϊ ῥηξήνορι χωρήσειεν

That yields to death, and whose life takes Ceres' nutritions,

ἔν γʼ αὐτοσταδίῃ· ποσὶ δʼ οὔ πως ἔστιν ἐρίζειν.

That can be cut with any iron, or pash'd with mighty stones;

νῶϊν δʼ ὧδʼ ἐπʼ ἀριστέρʼ ἔχε στρατοῦ, ὄφρα τάχιστα

εἴδομεν ἠέ τῳ εὖχος ὀρέξομεν, ἦέ τις ἡμῖν.

ὣς φάτο, Μηριόνης δὲ θοῷ ἀτάλαντος Ἄρηϊ

ἦρχʼ ἴμεν, ὄφρʼ ἀφίκοντο κατὰ στρατὸν ᾗ μιν ἀνώγει,

οἳ δʼ ὡς Ἰδομενῆα ἴδον φλογὶ εἴκελον ἀλκὴν

αὐτὸν καὶ θεράποντα σὺν ἔντεσι δαιδαλέοισι,

κεκλόμενοι καθʼ ὅμιλον ἐπʼ αὐτῷ πάντες ἔβησαν·

τῶν δʼ ὁμὸν ἵστατο νεῖκος ἐπὶ πρυμνῇσι νέεσσιν.

ὡς δʼ ὅθʼ ὑπὸ λιγέων ἀνέμων σπέρχωσιν ἄελλαι

Not to Æacides himself he yields for combats set,

ἤματι τῷ ὅτε τε πλείστη κόνις ἀμφὶ κελεύθους,

Though clear he must give place for pace and free swing of his feet.

οἵ τʼ ἄμυδις κονίης μεγάλην ἱστᾶσιν ὀμίχλην,

Since then, the battle (being our place of most care) is made good

ὣς ἄρα τῶν ὁμόσʼ ἦλθε μάχη, μέμασαν δʼ ἐνὶ θυμῷ

By his high valour, let our aid see all pow'rs be withstood

ἀλλήλους καθʼ ὅμιλον ἐναιρέμεν ὀξέϊ χαλκῷ.

That charge the left wing, and to that let us direct our course,

ἔφριξεν δὲ μάχη φθισίμβροτος ἐγχείῃσι

Where quickly feel we this hot foe, or make him feel our force.”

μακρῇς, ἃς εἶχον ταμεσίχροας· ὄσσε δʼ ἄμερδεν

This order'd, swift Meriones went, and forewent his king,

αὐγὴ χαλκείη κορύθων ἄπο λαμπομενάων

Till both arriv'd where one enjoin'd. When, in the Greeks' left wing,

θωρήκων τε νεοσμήκτων σακέων τε φαεινῶν

The Trojans saw the Cretan king, like fire in fortitude,

ἐρχομένων ἄμυδις· μάλα κεν θρασυκάρδιος εἴη

And his attendant, in bright arms so gloriously indu'd,

ὃς τότε γηθήσειεν ἰδὼν πόνον οὐδʼ ἀκάχοιτο.

Both cheering the sinister troops, all at the king address'd,

τὼ δʼ ἀμφὶς φρονέοντε δύω Κρόνου υἷε κραταιὼ

And so the skirmish at their sterns on both parts were increas'd,

ἀνδράσιν ἡρώεσσιν ἐτεύχετον ἄλγεα λυγρά.

That, as from hollow bustling winds engender'd storms arise,

Ζεὺς μέν ῥα Τρώεσσι καὶ Ἕκτορι βούλετο νίκην

When dust doth chiefly clog the ways which up into the skies

κυδαίνων Ἀχιλῆα πόδας ταχύν· οὐδέ τι πάμπαν

The wanton tempest ravisheth, begetting night of day;

ἤθελε λαὸν ὀλέσθαι Ἀχαιϊκὸν Ἰλιόθι πρό,

So came together both the foes, both lusted to assay,

ἀλλὰ Θέτιν κύδαινε καὶ υἱέα καρτερόθυμον.

And work with quick steel either's death. Man's fierce corruptress, Fight,

Ἀργείους δὲ Ποσειδάων ὀρόθυνε μετελθὼν

Set up her bristles in the field with lances long and light,

λάθρῃ ὑπεξαναδὺς πολιῆς ἁλός· ἤχθετο γάρ ῥα

Which thick fell foul on either's face. The splendour of the steel,

Τρωσὶν δαμναμένους, Διὶ δὲ κρατερῶς ἐνεμέσσα.

In new-scour'd curets, radiant casques, and burnish'd shields, did seel

ἦ μὰν ἀμφοτέροισιν ὁμὸν γένος ἠδʼ ἴα πάτρη,

Th' assailer's eyes up. He sustain'd a huge spirit, that was glad

ἀλλὰ Ζεὺς πρότερος γεγόνει καὶ πλείονα ᾔδη.

To see that labour, or in soul that stood not stricken sad.

τώ ῥα καὶ ἀμφαδίην μὲν ἀλεξέμεναι ἀλέεινε,

Thus these two disagreeing Gods, old Saturn's mighty sons,

λάθρῃ δʼ αἰὲν ἔγειρε κατὰ στρατὸν ἀνδρὶ ἐοικώς.

Afflicted these heroic men with huge oppressións.

τοὶ δʼ ἔριδος κρατερῆς καὶ ὁμοιΐου πτολέμοιο

Jove honouring Æacides (to let the Greeks still try

πεῖραρ ἐπαλλάξαντες ἐπʼ ἀμφοτέροισι τάνυσσαν

Their want without him) would bestow, yet still, the victory

ἄρρηκτόν τʼ ἄλυτόν τε, τὸ πολλῶν γούνατʼ ἔλυσεν.

On Hector, and the Trojan pow'r; yet for Æacides,

ἔνθα μεσαιπόλιός περ ἐὼν Δαναοῖσι κελεύσας

And honour of his mother-queen, great Goddess of the seas,

Ἰδομενεὺς Τρώεσσι μετάλμενος ἐν φόβον ὦρσε.

He would not let proud Ilion see the Grecians quite destroy'd,

πέφνε γὰρ Ὀθρυονῆα Καβησόθεν ἔνδον ἐόντα,

And therefore from the hoary deep he suffered so employ'd

ὅς ῥα νέον πολέμοιο μετὰ κλέος εἰληλούθει,

Great Neptune in the Grecian aid; who griev'd for them, and storm'd

ᾔτεε δὲ Πριάμοιο θυγατρῶν εἶδος ἀρίστην

Extremely at his brother Jove. Yet both one Goddess form'd,

Κασσάνδρην ἀνάεδνον, ὑπέσχετο δὲ μέγα ἔργον,

And one soil bred, but Jupiter precedence took in birth,

ἐκ Τροίης ἀέκοντας ἀπωσέμεν υἷας Ἀχαιῶν.

And had more knowledge; for which cause, the other came not forth

τῷ δʼ ὁ γέρων Πρίαμος ὑπό τʼ ἔσχετο καὶ κατένευσε

Of his wet kingdom, but with care of not being seen t' excite

δωσέμεναι· ὃ δὲ μάρναθʼ ὑποσχεσίῃσι πιθήσας.

The Grecian host, and like a man appear'd, and made the fight.

Ἰδομενεὺς δʼ αὐτοῖο τιτύσκετο δουρὶ φαεινῷ,

So these Gods made men's valours great, but equall'd them with war

καὶ βάλεν ὕψι βιβάντα τυχών· οὐδʼ ἤρκεσε θώρηξ

As harmful as their hearts were good; and stretch'd those chains as far

χάλκεος, ὃν φορέεσκε, μέσῃ δʼ ἐν γαστέρι πῆξε.

On both sides as their limbs could bear, in which they were involv'd

δούπησεν δὲ πεσών· ὃ δʼ ἐπεύξατο φώνησέν τε·

Past breach, or loosing, that their knees might therefore be dissolv'd.

Ὀθρυονεῦ περὶ δή σε βροτῶν αἰνίζομʼ ἁπάντων

Then, though a half-grey man he were, Crete's sov'reign did excite

εἰ ἐτεὸν δὴ πάντα τελευτήσεις ὅσʼ ὑπέστης

The Greeks to blows, and flew upon the Trojans, ev'n to flight;

Δαρδανίδῃ Πριάμῳ· ὃ δʼ ὑπέσχετο θυγατέρα ἥν.

For he, in sight of all the host, Othryonëus slew,

καί κέ τοι ἡμεῖς ταῦτά γʼ ὑποσχόμενοι τελέσαιμεν,

That from Cabesus, with the fame of those wars, thither drew

δοῖμεν δʼ Ἀτρεΐδαο θυγατρῶν εἶδος ἀρίστην

His new-come forces, and requir'd, without respect of dow'r,

Ἄργεος ἐξαγαγόντες ὀπυιέμεν, εἴ κε σὺν ἄμμιν

Cassandra, fair'st of Priam's race; assuring with his pow'r

Ἰλίου ἐκπέρσῃς εὖ ναιόμενον πτολίεθρον.

A mighty labour, to expell, in their despite, from Troy

ἀλλʼ ἕπεʼ, ὄφρʼ ἐπὶ νηυσὶ συνώμεθα ποντοπόροισιν

The sons of Greece. The king did vow, that done, he should enjoy

ἀμφὶ γάμῳ, ἐπεὶ οὔ τοι ἐεδνωταὶ κακοί εἰμεν.

His goodliest daughter. He (in trust of that fair purchase) fought;

ὣς εἰπὼν ποδὸς ἕλκε κατὰ κρατερὴν ὑσμίνην

And at him threw the Cretan king a lance, that singled out

ἥρως Ἰδομενεύς· τῷ δʼ Ἄσιος ἦλθʼ ἐπαμύντωρ

This great assumer, whom it strook just in his navel-stead.

πεζὸς πρόσθʼ ἵππων· τὼ δὲ πνείοντε κατʼ ὤμων

His brazen curets helping nought, resign'd him to the dead.

αἰὲν ἔχʼ ἡνίοχος θεράπων· ὃ δὲ ἵετο θυμῷ

Then did the conqueror exclaim, and thus insulted then:

Ἰδομενῆα βαλεῖν· ὃ δέ μιν φθάμενος βάλε δουρὶ

“Othryonëus, I will praise, beyond all mortal men,

λαιμὸν ὑπʼ ἀνθερεῶνα, διὰ πρὸ δὲ χαλκὸν ἔλασσεν.

Thy living virtues, if thou wilt now perfect the brave vow

ἤριπε δʼ ὡς ὅτε τις δρῦς ἤριπεν ἢ ἀχερωῒς

Thou mad'st to Priam, for the wife he promis'd to bestow.

ἠὲ πίτυς βλωθρή, τήν τʼ οὔρεσι τέκτονες ἄνδρες

And where he should have kept his word, there we assure thee here,

ἐξέταμον πελέκεσσι νεήκεσι νήϊον εἶναι·

To give thee for thy princely wife the fairest and most dear

ὣς ὃ πρόσθʼ ἵππων καὶ δίφρου κεῖτο τανυσθεὶς

Of our great Gen'ral's female race, which from his Argive hall

βεβρυχὼς κόνιος δεδραγμένος αἱματοέσσης.

We all will wait upon to Troy, if, with our aids, and all,

ἐκ δέ οἱ ἡνίοχος πλήγη φρένας ἃς πάρος εἶχεν,

Thou wilt but raze this well-built town. Come, therefore, follow me,

οὐδʼ ὅ γʼ ἐτόλμησεν δηΐων ὑπὸ χεῖρας ἀλύξας

That in our ships we may conclude this royal match with thee.

ἂψ ἵππους στρέψαι, τὸν δʼ Ἀντίλοχος μενεχάρμης

I'll be no jot worse than my word.” With that he took his feet,

δουρὶ μέσον περόνησε τυχών· οὐδʼ ἤρκεσε θώρηξ

And dragg'd him through the fervent fight; in which did Asius meet

χάλκεος ὃν φορέεσκε, μέσῃ δʼ ἐν γαστέρι πῆξεν.

The victor, to inflict revenge. He came on foot before

αὐτὰρ ὃ ἀσθμαίνων εὐεργέος ἔκπεσε δίφρου,

His horse, that on his shoulders breath'd; so closely evermore

ἵππους δʼ Ἀντίλοχος μεγαθύμου Νέστορος υἱὸς

His coachman led them to his lord; who held a huge desire

ἐξέλασε Τρώων μετʼ ἐϋκνήμιδας Ἀχαιούς.

To strike the king, but he strook first, and underneath his chin,

Δηΐφοβος δὲ μάλα σχεδὸν ἤλυθεν Ἰδομενῆος

At his throat's height, through th' other side, his eager lance drave in;

Ἀσίου ἀχνύμενος, καὶ ἀκόντισε δουρὶ φαεινῷ.

And down he bustled like an oak, a poplar, or a pine,

ἀλλʼ ὃ μὲν ἄντα ἰδὼν ἠλεύατο χάλκεον ἔγχος

Hewn down for shipwood, and so lay. His fall did so decline

Ἰδομενεύς· κρύφθη γὰρ ὑπʼ ἀσπίδι πάντοσʼ ἐΐσῃ,

The spirit of his charioteer, that, lest he should incense

τὴν ἄρʼ ὅ γε ῥινοῖσι βοῶν καὶ νώροπι χαλκῷ

The victor to impair his spoil, he durst not drive from thence

δινωτὴν φορέεσκε, δύω κανόνεσσʼ ἀραρυῖαν·

His horse and chariot; and so pleas'd, with that respective part,

τῇ ὕπο πᾶς ἐάλη, τὸ δʼ ὑπέρπτατο χάλκεον ἔγχος,

Antilochus, that for his fear he reach'd him with a dart

καρφαλέον δέ οἱ ἀσπὶς ἐπιθρέξαντος ἄϋσεν

ἔγχεος· οὐδʼ ἅλιόν ῥα βαρείης χειρὸς ἀφῆκεν,

ἀλλʼ ἔβαλʼ Ἱππασίδην Ὑψήνορα ποιμένα λαῶν

ἧπαρ ὑπὸ πραπίδων, εἶθαρ δʼ ὑπὸ γούνατʼ ἔλυσε.

Δηΐφοβος δʼ ἔκπαγλον ἐπεύξατο μακρὸν ἀΰσας·

οὐ μὰν αὖτʼ ἄτιτος κεῖτʼ Ἄσιος, ἀλλά ἕ φημι

εἰς Ἄϊδός περ ἰόντα πυλάρταο κρατεροῖο

γηθήσειν κατὰ θυμόν, ἐπεί ῥά οἱ ὤπασα πομπόν.

ὣς ἔφατʼ, Ἀργείοισι δʼ ἄχος γένετʼ εὐξαμένοιο,

Ἀντιλόχῳ δὲ μάλιστα δαΐφρονι θυμὸν ὄρινεν·

About his belly's midst, and down his sad corse fell beneath

ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ ἀχνύμενός περ ἑοῦ ἀμέλησεν ἑταίρου,

The richly builded chariot, there labouring out his breath.

ἀλλὰ θέων περίβη καί οἱ σάκος ἀμφεκάλυψε.

The horse Antilochus took off; when, griev'd for this event,

τὸν μὲν ἔπειθʼ ὑποδύντε δύω ἐρίηρες ἑταῖροι

Deiphobus drew passing near, and at the victor sent

Μηκιστεὺς Ἐχίοιο πάϊς καὶ δῖος Ἀλάστωρ,

A shining jav'lin; which he saw, and shunn'd, with gath'ring round

νῆας ἔπι γλαφυρὰς φερέτην βαρέα στενάχοντα.

His body in his all-round shield, at whose top, with a sound,

Ἰδομενεὺς δʼ οὐ λῆγε μένος μέγα, ἵετο δʼ αἰεὶ

It overflew; yet, seizing there, it did not idly fly

ἠέ τινα Τρώων ἐρεβεννῇ νυκτὶ καλύψαι

from him that wing'd it, his strong hand still drave it mortally

ἢ αὐτὸς δουπῆσαι ἀμύνων λοιγὸν Ἀχαιοῖς.

On Prince Hypsenor; it did pierce his liver, underneath

ἔνθʼ Αἰσυήταο διοτρεφέος φίλον υἱὸν

The veins it passeth; his shrunk knees submitted him to death.

ἥρωʼ Ἀλκάθοον, γαμβρὸς δʼ ἦν Ἀγχίσαο,

And then did lov'd Deiphobus miraculously vaunt:

πρεσβυτάτην δʼ ὤπυιε θυγατρῶν Ἱπποδάμειαν

“Now Asius lies not unreveng'd, nor doth his spirit want

τὴν περὶ κῆρι φίλησε πατὴρ καὶ πότνια μήτηρ

The joy I wish it, though it be now ent'ring the strong gate

ἐν μεγάρῳ· πᾶσαν γὰρ ὁμηλικίην ἐκέκαστο

Of mighty Pluto, since this hand hath sent him down a mate.”

κάλλεϊ καὶ ἔργοισιν ἰδὲ φρεσί· τοὔνεκα καί μιν

This glory in him griev'd the Greeks, and chiefly the great mind

γῆμεν ἀνὴρ ὤριστος ἐνὶ Τροίῃ εὐρείῃ·

Of martial Antilochus, who though to grief inclin'd,

τὸν τόθʼ ὑπʼ Ἰδομενῆϊ Ποσειδάων ἐδάμασσε

He left not yet his friend, but ran and hid him with his shield;

θέλξας ὄσσε φαεινά, πέδησε δὲ φαίδιμα γυῖα·

And to him came two lovely friends, that freed him from the field,

οὔτε γὰρ ἐξοπίσω φυγέειν δύνατʼ οὔτʼ ἀλέασθαι,

Mecisteus, son of Echius, and the right nobly born

ἀλλʼ ὥς τε στήλην ἢ δένδρεον ὑψιπέτηλον

Alastor, bearing him to fleet, and did extremely mourn.

ἀτρέμας ἑσταότα στῆθος μέσον οὔτασε δουρὶ

Idomenëus sunk not yet, but held his nerves entire,

ἥρως Ἰδομενεύς, ῥῆξεν δέ οἱ ἀμφὶ χιτῶνα

His mind much less deficient, being fed with firm desire

χάλκεον, ὅς οἱ πρόσθεν ἀπὸ χροὸς ἤρκει ὄλεθρον·

To hide more Trojans in dim night, or sink himself in guard

δὴ τότε γʼ αὖον ἄϋσεν ἐρεικόμενος περὶ δουρί.

Of his lov'd countrymen. And then Alcathous prepar'd

δούπησεν δὲ πεσών, δόρυ δʼ ἐν κραδίῃ ἐπεπήγει,

Work for his valour, off'ring fate his own destructión.

ἥ ῥά οἱ ἀσπαίρουσα καὶ οὐρίαχον πελέμιζεν

A great heroë, and had grace to be the lovéd son

ἔγχεος· ἔνθα δʼ ἔπειτʼ ἀφίει μένος ὄβριμος Ἄρης·

Of Æsyetes, son-in-law to prince Æneas' sire,

Ἰδομενεὺς δʼ ἔκπαγλον ἐπεύξατο μακρὸν ἀΰσας

Hippodamia marrying; who most enflam'd the fire

Δηΐφοβʼ ἦ ἄρα δή τι ἐΐσκομεν ἄξιον εἶναι

Of her dear parents' love, and took precedence in her birth

τρεῖς ἑνὸς ἀντὶ πεφάσθαι; ἐπεὶ σύ περ εὔχεαι οὕτω.

Of all their daughters, and as much exceeded in her worth

δαιμόνιʼ ἀλλὰ καὶ αὐτὸς ἐναντίον ἵστασʼ ἐμεῖο,

(For beauty answer'd with her mind, and both with housewif'ry)

ὄφρα ἴδῃ οἷος Ζηνὸς γόνος ἐνθάδʼ ἱκάνω,

All the fair beauty of young dames that us'd her company,

ὃς πρῶτον Μίνωα τέκε Κρήτῃ ἐπίουρον·

And therefore, being the worthiest dame, the worthiest man did wed

Μίνως δʼ αὖ τέκεθʼ υἱὸν ἀμύμονα Δευκαλίωνα,

Of ample Troy. Him Neptune stoop'd beneath the royal force

Δευκαλίων δʼ ἐμὲ τίκτε πολέσσʼ ἄνδρεσσιν ἄνακτα

Of Idomen, his sparkling eyes deluding, and the course

Κρήτῃ ἐν εὐρείῃ· νῦν δʼ ἐνθάδε νῆες ἔνεικαν

Of his illustrious lineaments so out of nature bound,

σοί τε κακὸν καὶ πατρὶ καὶ ἄλλοισι Τρώεσσιν.

That back nor forward he could stir, but, as he grew to ground,

ὣς φάτο, Δηΐφοβος δὲ διάνδιχα μερμήριξεν

Stood like a pillar, or high tree, and neither mov'd, nor fear'd;

ἤ τινά που Τρώων ἑταρίσσαιτο μεγαθύμων

When straight the royal Cretan's dart in his mid breast appear'd,

ἂψ ἀναχωρήσας, ἦ πειρήσαιτο καὶ οἶος.

It brake the curets, that were proof to ev'ry other dart,

ὧδε δέ οἱ φρονέοντι δοάσσατο κέρδιον εἶναι

Yet now they cleft and rung; the lance stuck shaking in his heart;

βῆναι ἐπʼ Αἰνείαν· τὸν δʼ ὕστατον εὗρεν ὁμίλου

His heart with panting made it shake; but Mars did now remit

ἑσταότʼ· αἰεὶ γὰρ Πριάμῳ ἐπεμήνιε δίῳ

The greatness of it, and the king, now quitting the brag fit

οὕνεκʼ ἄρʼ ἐσθλὸν ἐόντα μετʼ ἀνδράσιν οὔ τι τίεσκεν.

Of glory in Deiphobus, thus terribly exclaim'd:

ἀγχοῦ δʼ ἱστάμενος ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

“Deiphobus, now may we think that we are ev'nly fam'd,

Αἰνεία Τρώων βουληφόρε νῦν σε μάλα χρὴ

That three for one have sent to Dis. But come, change blows with me,

γαμβρῷ ἀμυνέμεναι, εἴ πέρ τί σε κῆδος ἱκάνει.

Thy vaunts for him thou slew'st were vain. Come, wretch, that thou may'st see

ἀλλʼ ἕπευ Ἀλκαθόῳ ἐπαμύνομεν, ὅς σε πάρος γε

What issue Jove hath. Jove begot Minos, the strength of Crete;

γαμβρὸς ἐὼν ἔθρεψε δόμοις ἔνι τυτθὸν ἐόντα·

Minos begot Deucalion; Deucalion did beget

τὸν δέ τοι Ἰδομενεὺς δουρικλυτὸς ἐξενάριξεν.

Me Idomen, now Creta's king, that here my ships have brought

ὣς φάτο, τῷ δʼ ἄρα θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ὄρινε,

To bring thyself, thy father, friends, all Ilion's pomp, to nought.”

βῆ δὲ μετʼ Ἰδομενῆα μέγα πτολέμοιο μεμηλώς.

Deiphobus at two ways stood, in doubt to call some one,

ἀλλʼ οὐκ Ἰδομενῆα φόβος λάβε τηλύγετον ὥς,

With some retreat, to be his aid, or try the chance alone.

ἀλλʼ ἔμενʼ ὡς ὅτε τις σῦς οὔρεσιν ἀλκὶ πεποιθώς,

At last, the first seem'd best to him, and back he went to call

ὅς τε μένει κολοσυρτὸν ἐπερχόμενον πολὺν ἀνδρῶν

Anchises' son to friend, who stood in troop the last of all,

χώρῳ ἐν οἰοπόλῳ, φρίσσει δέ τε νῶτον ὕπερθεν·

Where still he serv'd; which made him still incense against the king,

ὀφθαλμὼ δʼ ἄρα οἱ πυρὶ λάμπετον· αὐτὰρ ὀδόντας

That, being amongst his best their peer, he grac'd not anything

θήγει, ἀλέξασθαι μεμαὼς κύνας ἠδὲ καὶ ἄνδρας·

His wrong'd deserts. Deiphobus spake to him, standing near:

ὣς μένεν Ἰδομενεὺς δουρικλυτός, οὐδʼ ὑπεχώρει,

“Æneas, prince of Troians, if any touch appear

Αἰνείαν ἐπιόντα βοηθόον· αὖε δʼ ἑταίρους

Of glory in thee, thou must now assist thy sister's lord,

Ἀσκάλαφόν τʼ ἐσορῶν Ἀφαρῆά τε Δηΐπυρόν τε

And one that to thy tend'rest youth did careful guard afford,

Μηριόνην τε καὶ Ἀντίλοχον μήστωρας ἀϋτῆς·

Alcathous, whom Creta's king hath chiefly slain to thee,

τοὺς ὅ γʼ ἐποτρύνων ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

His right most challenging thy band. Come, therefore, follow me.”

δεῦτε φίλοι, καί μʼ οἴῳ ἀμύνετε· δείδια δʼ αἰνῶς

This much excited his good mind, and set his heart on fire

Αἰνείαν ἐπιόντα πόδας ταχύν, ὅς μοι ἔπεισιν,

Against the Cretan, who child-like dissolv'd not in his ire,

ὃς μάλα καρτερός ἐστι μάχῃ ἔνι φῶτας ἐναίρειν·

But stood him firm. As when in hills a strength relying boar,

καὶ δʼ ἔχει ἥβης ἄνθος, ὅ τε κράτος ἐστὶ μέγιστον.

Alone, and hearing hunters come, whom tumult flies before,

εἰ γὰρ ὁμηλικίη γε γενοίμεθα τῷδʼ ἐπὶ θυμῷ

Up-thrusts his bristles, whets his tusks, sets fire on his red eyes,

αἶψά κεν ἠὲ φέροιτο μέγα κράτος, ἠὲ φεροίμην.

And in his brave prepar'd repulse doth dogs and men despise;

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἕνα φρεσὶ θυμὸν ἔχοντες

So stood the famous-for-his-lance, nor shunn'd the coming charge

πλησίοι ἔστησαν, σάκεʼ ὤμοισι κλίναντες.

That resolute Æneas brought. Yet, since the odds was large,

Αἰνείας δʼ ἑτέρωθεν ἐκέκλετο οἷς ἑτάροισι

He call'd with good right to his aid war-skill'd Ascalaphus,

Δηΐφοβόν τε Πάριν τʼ ἐσορῶν καὶ Ἀγήνορα δῖον,

Aphareüs, Meriones, the strong Deipyrus,

οἵ οἱ ἅμʼ ἡγεμόνες Τρώων ἔσαν· αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

And Nestor's honourable son: “Come near, my friends,” said he,

λαοὶ ἕπονθʼ, ὡς εἴ τε μετὰ κτίλον ἕσπετο μῆλα

πιόμενʼ ἐκ βοτάνης· γάνυται δʼ ἄρα τε φρένα ποιμήν·

ὣς Αἰνείᾳ θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι γεγήθει

ὡς ἴδε λαῶν ἔθνος ἐπισπόμενον ἑοῖ αὐτῷ.

οἳ δʼ ἀμφʼ Ἀλκαθόῳ αὐτοσχεδὸν ὁρμήθησαν

μακροῖσι ξυστοῖσι· περὶ στήθεσσι δὲ χαλκὸς

σμερδαλέον κονάβιζε τιτυσκομένων καθʼ ὅμιλον

ἀλλήλων· δύο δʼ ἄνδρες ἀρήϊοι ἔξοχον ἄλλων

Αἰνείας τε καὶ Ἰδομενεὺς ἀτάλαντοι Ἄρηϊ

ἵεντʼ ἀλλήλων ταμέειν χρόα νηλέϊ χαλκῷ.

Αἰνείας δὲ πρῶτος ἀκόντισεν Ἰδομενῆος·

“And add your aids to me alone. Fear taints me worthily,

ἀλλʼ ὃ μὲν ἄντα ἰδὼν ἠλεύατο χάλκεον ἔγχος,

Though firm I stand, and show it not. Æneas great in fight,

αἰχμὴ δʼ Αἰνείαο κραδαινομένη κατὰ γαίης

And one that bears youth in his flow'r, that bears the greatest might,

ᾤχετʼ, ἐπεί ῥʼ ἅλιον στιβαρῆς ἀπὸ χειρὸς ὄρουσεν.

Comes on with aim direct at me. Had I his youthful limb

Ἰδομενεὺς δʼ ἄρα Οἰνόμαον βάλε γαστέρα μέσσην,

To bear my mind, he should yield fame, or I would yield it him.”

ῥῆξε δὲ θώρηκος γύαλον, διὰ δʼ ἔντερα χαλκὸς

This said, all held, in many souls, one ready helpful mind,

ἤφυσʼ· ὃ δʼ ἐν κονίῃσι πεσὼν ἕλε γαῖαν ἀγοστῷ.

Clapp'd shields and shoulders, and stood close. Æneas, not inclin'd

Ἰδομενεὺς δʼ ἐκ μὲν νέκυος δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος

With more presumption than the king, call'd aid as well as he,

ἐσπάσατʼ, οὐδʼ ἄρʼ ἔτʼ ἄλλα δυνήσατο τεύχεα καλὰ

Divine Agenor, Helen's love, who follow'd instantly,

ὤμοιιν ἀφελέσθαι· ἐπείγετο γὰρ βελέεσσιν.

And all their forces following them; as after bellwethers

οὐ γὰρ ἔτʼ ἔμπεδα γυῖα ποδῶν ἦν ὁρμηθέντι,

The whole flocks follow to their drink, which sight the shepherd cheers.

οὔτʼ ἄρʼ ἐπαΐξαι μεθʼ ἑὸν· βέλος οὔτʼ ἀλέασθαι.

Nor was Æneas' joy less mov'd to see such troops attend

τώ ῥα καὶ ἐν σταδίῃ μὲν ἀμύνετο νηλεὲς ἦμαρ,

His honour'd person; and all these fought close about his friend;

τρέσσαι δʼ οὐκ ἔτι ῥίμφα πόδες φέρον ἐκ πολέμοιο.

But two of them, past all the rest, had strong desire to shed

τοῦ δὲ βάδην ἀπιόντος ἀκόντισε δουρὶ φαεινῷ

The blood of either; Idomen, and Cytherea's seed.

Δηΐφοβος· δὴ γάρ οἱ ἔχεν κότον ἐμμενὲς αἰεί.

Æneas first bestow'd his lance, which th' other seeing shunn'd,

ἀλλʼ ὅ γε καὶ τόθʼ ἅμαρτεν, ὃ δʼ Ἀσκάλαφον βάλε δουρὶ

And that, thrown from an idle hand, stuck trembling in the ground.

υἱὸν Ἐνυαλίοιο· διʼ ὤμου δʼ ὄβριμον ἔγχος

But Idomen's, discharg'd at him, had no such vain success,

ἔσχεν· ὃ δʼ ἐν κονίῃσι πεσὼν ἕλε γαῖαν ἀγοστῷ.

Which Œnomaus' entrails found, in which it did impress

οὐδʼ ἄρα πώ τι πέπυστο βριήπυος ὄβριμος Ἄρης

His sharp pile to his fall; his palms tore his returning earth.

υἷος ἑοῖο πεσόντος ἐνὶ κρατερῇ ὑσμίνῃ,

Idomenëus straight stepp'd in, and pluck'd his jav'lin forth,

ἀλλʼ ὅ γʼ ἄρʼ ἄκρῳ Ὀλύμπῳ ὑπὸ χρυσέοισι νέφεσσιν

But could not spoil his goodly arms, they press'd him so with darts.

ἧστο Διὸς βουλῇσιν ἐελμένος, ἔνθά περ ἄλλοι

And now the long toil of the fight had spent his vig'rous parts,

ἀθάνατοι θεοὶ ἦσαν ἐεργόμενοι πολέμοιο.

And made them less apt to avoid the foe that should advance,

οἳ δʼ ἀμφʼ Ἀσκαλάφῳ αὐτοσχεδὸν ὁρμήθησαν·

Or, when himself advanc'd again, to run and fetch his lance,

Δηΐφοβος μὲν ἀπʼ Ἀσκαλάφου πήληκα φαεινὴν

And therefore in stiff fights of stand he spent the cruel day.

ἥρπασε, Μηριόνης δὲ θοῷ ἀτάλαντος Ἄρηϊ

When, coming softly from the slain, Deiphobus gave way

δουρὶ βραχίονα τύψεν ἐπάλμενος, ἐκ δʼ ἄρα χειρὸς

To his bright jav'lin at the king, whom he could never brook;

αὐλῶπις τρυφάλεια χαμαὶ βόμβησε πεσοῦσα.

But then he lost his envy too. His lance yet deadly took

Μηριόνης δʼ ἐξ αὖτις ἐπάλμενος αἰγυπιὸς ὣς

Ascalaphus, the son of Mars; quite through his shoulder flew

ἐξέρυσε πρυμνοῖο βραχίονος ὄβριμον ἔγχος,

The violent head, and down he fell. Nor yet by all means knew

ἂψ δʼ ἑτάρων εἰς ἔθνος ἐχάζετο. τὸν δὲ Πολίτης

Wide-throated Mars his son was fall'n, but in Olympus' top

αὐτοκασίγνητος περὶ μέσσῳ χεῖρε τιτήνας

Sat canopied with golden clouds; Jove's counsel had shut up

ἐξῆγεν πολέμοιο δυσηχέος, ὄφρʼ ἵκεθʼ ἵππους

Both him and all the other Gods from that time's equal task,

ὠκέας, οἵ οἱ ὄπισθε μάχης ἠδὲ πτολέμοιο

Which now, about Ascalaphus, strife set. His shining casque

ἕστασαν ἡνίοχόν τε καὶ ἅρματα ποικίλʼ ἔχοντες·

Deiphobus had forc'd from him, but instantly leap'd in

οἳ τόν γε προτὶ ἄστυ φέρον βαρέα στενάχοντα

Mars-swift Meriones, and strook, with his long javelin,

τειρόμενον· κατὰ δʼ αἷμα νεουτάτου ἔρρεε χειρός.

The right arm of Deiphobus, which made his hand let fall

οἳ δʼ ἄλλοι μάρναντο, βοὴ δʼ ἄσβεστος ὀρώρει.