Iliad

Not wine, nor feasts, could lay their soft chains on old Nestor's ear

Νέστορα δʼ οὐκ ἔλαθεν ἰαχὴ πίνοντά περ ἔμπης,

To this high clamour, who requir'd Machaon's thoughts to bear

ἀλλʼ Ἀσκληπιάδην ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

His care in part, about the cause; “For, methink, still,” said he,

φράζεο δῖε Μαχᾶον ὅπως ἔσται τάδε ἔργα·

“The cry increases. I must needs the watchtow'r mount, to see

μείζων δὴ παρὰ νηυσὶ βοὴ θαλερῶν αἰζηῶν.

Which way the flood of war doth drive. Still drink thou wine, and eat,

ἀλλὰ σὺ μὲν νῦν πῖνε καθήμενος αἴθοπα οἶνον

Till fair-hair'd Hecamed hath giv'n a little water heat

εἰς ὅ κε θερμὰ λοετρὰ ἐϋπλόκαμος Ἑκαμήδη

To cleanse the quitture from thy wound.” This said, the goodly shield

θερμήνῃ καὶ λούσῃ ἄπο βρότον αἱματόεντα·

Of warlike Thrasymed, his son, who had his own in field,

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼν ἐλθὼν τάχα εἴσομαι ἐς περιωπήν.

He took, snatch'd up a mighty lance, and so stept forth to view

ὣς εἰπὼν σάκος εἷλε τετυγμένον υἷος ἑοῖο

Cause of that clamour. Instantly th' unworthy cause he knew,

κείμενον ἐν κλισίῃ Θρασυμήδεος ἱπποδάμοιο

The Grecians wholly put in rout, the Trojans routing still,

χαλκῷ παμφαῖνον· ὃ δʼ ἔχʼ ἀσπίδα πατρὸς ἑοῖο.

Close at the Greeks' backs, their wall raz'd. The old man mourn'd this ill;

εἵλετο δʼ ἄλκιμον ἔγχος ἀκαχμένον ὀξέϊ χαλκῷ,

And, as when with unwieldy waves the great sea fore-feels winds

στῆ δʼ ἐκτὸς κλισίης, τάχα δʼ εἴσιδεν ἔργον ἀεικὲς

That both ways murmur, and no way her certain current finds,

τοὺς μὲν ὀρινομένους, τοὺς δὲ κλονέοντας ὄπισθε

But pants and swells confusedly, here goes, and there will stay,

Τρῶας ὑπερθύμους· ἐρέριπτο δὲ τεῖχος Ἀχαιῶν.

Till on it air casts one firm wind, and then it rolls away;

ὡς δʼ ὅτε πορφύρῃ πέλαγος μέγα κύματι κωφῷ

So stood old Nestor in debate, two thoughts at once on wing

ὀσσόμενον λιγέων ἀνέμων λαιψηρὰ κέλευθα

In his discourse, if first to take direct course to the king,

αὔτως, οὐδʼ ἄρα τε προκυλίνδεται οὐδετέρωσε,

Or to the multitude in fight. At last he did conclude

πρίν τινα κεκριμένον καταβήμεναι ἐκ Διὸς οὖρον,

To visit Agamemnon first. Mean time both hosts imbrued

ὣς ὃ γέρων ὅρμαινε δαϊζόμενος κατὰ θυμὸν

Their steel in one another's blood, nought wrought their healths but harms,

διχθάδιʼ, ἢ μεθʼ ὅμιλον ἴοι Δαναῶν ταχυπώλων,

Swords, huge stones, double-headed darts, still thumping on their arms.

ἦε μετʼ Ἀτρεΐδην Ἀγαμέμνονα ποιμένα λαῶν.

And now the Jove-kept kings, whose wounds were yet in cure, did meet

ὧδε δέ οἱ φρονέοντι δοάσσατο κέρδιον εἶναι

Old Nestor, Diomed, Ithacus, and Atreus' sons, from fleet

βῆναι ἐπʼ Ἀτρεΐδην. οἳ δʼ ἀλλήλους ἐνάριζον

Bent for the fight which was far off, the ships being drawn to shore

μαρνάμενοι· λάκε δέ σφι περὶ χροῒ χαλκὸς ἀτειρὴς

On heaps at first, till all their sterns a wall was rais'd before,

νυσσομένων ξίφεσίν τε καὶ ἔγχεσιν ἀμφιγύοισι.

Which, though not great, it yet suffic'd to hide them, though their men

Νέστορι δὲ ξύμβληντο διοτρεφέες βασιλῆες

Were something straited; for whose scope, in form of battle then,

πὰρ νηῶν ἀνιόντες ὅσοι βεβλήατο χαλκῷ

They drew them through the spacious shore, one by another still,

Τυδεΐδης Ὀδυσεύς τε καὶ Ἀτρεΐδης Ἀγαμέμνων.

Till all the bosom of the strand their sable bulks did fill,

πολλὸν γάρ ῥʼ ἀπάνευθε μάχης εἰρύατο νῆες

Ev'n till they took up all the space 'twixt both the promont'ries.

θῖνʼ ἔφʼ ἁλὸς πολιῆς· τὰς γὰρ πρώτας πεδίον δὲ

These kings, like Nestor, in desire to know for what those cries

εἴρυσαν, αὐτὰρ τεῖχος ἐπὶ πρύμνῃσιν ἔδειμαν.

Became so violent, came along, all leaning on their darts,

οὐδὲ γὰρ οὐδʼ εὐρύς περ ἐὼν ἐδυνήσατο πάσας

To see, though not of pow'r to fight, sad and suspicious hearts

αἰγιαλὸς νῆας χαδέειν, στείνοντο δὲ λαοί·

Distemp'ring them; and, meeting now Nestor, the king in fear

τώ ῥα προκρόσσας ἔρυσαν, καὶ πλῆσαν ἁπάσης

Cried out: “O Nestor our renown! Why shows thy presence here,

ἠϊόνος στόμα μακρόν, ὅσον συνεέργαθον ἄκραι.

The harmful fight abandoned? Now Hector will make good

τώ ῥʼ οἵ γʼ ὀψείοντες ἀϋτῆς καὶ πολέμοιο

The threat'ning vow he made, I fear, that, till he had our blood,

ἔγχει ἐρειδόμενοι κίον ἀθρόοι· ἄχνυτο δέ σφι

And fir'd our fleet, he never more would turn to Ilion.

θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν. ὃ δὲ ξύμβλητο γεραιὸς

Nor is it long, I see, before his whole will will be done.

Νέστωρ, πτῆξε δὲ θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν Ἀχαιῶν.

O Gods! I now see all the Greeks put on Achilles' ire

τὸν καὶ φωνήσας προσέφη κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων·

Against my honour; no mean left to keep our fleet from fire.”

ὦ Νέστορ Νηληϊάδη μέγα κῦδος Ἀχαιῶν

He answer'd: “'Tis an evident truth, not Jove himself can now,

τίπτε λιπὼν πόλεμον φθισήνορα δεῦρʼ ἀφικάνεις;

With all the thunder in his hands, prevent our overthrow.

δείδω μὴ δή μοι τελέσῃ ἔπος ὄβριμος Ἕκτωρ,

The wall we thought invincible, and trusted more than Jove,

ὥς ποτʼ ἐπηπείλησεν ἐνὶ Τρώεσσʼ ἀγορεύων

Is scal'd, raz'd, enter'd; and our pow'rs (driv'n up) past breathing, prove

μὴ πρὶν πὰρ νηῶν προτὶ Ἴλιον ἀπονέεσθαι

A most inevitable fight; both slaughters so commix'd,

πρὶν πυρὶ νῆας ἐνιπρῆσαι, κτεῖναι δὲ καὶ αὐτούς.

That for your life you cannot put your diligent'st thought betwixt

κεῖνος τὼς ἀγόρευε· τὰ δὴ νῦν πάντα τελεῖται.

The Greeks and Trojans, and as close their throats cleave to the sky.

ὢ πόποι ἦ ῥα καὶ ἄλλοι ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοὶ

Consult we then, if that will serve. For fight advise not I;

ἐν θυμῷ βάλλονται ἐμοὶ χόλον ὥς περ Ἀχιλλεὺς

It fits not wounded men to fight.” Atrides answer'd him:

οὐδʼ ἐθέλουσι μάχεσθαι ἐπὶ πρυμνῇσι νέεσσι.

“If such a wall as cost the Greeks so many a tiréd limb,

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ·

And such a dike be pass'd, and raz'd, that, as yourself said well,

ἦ δὴ ταῦτά γʼ ἑτοῖμα τετεύχαται, οὐδέ κεν ἄλλως

We all esteem'd invincible, and would past doubt repell

Ζεὺς ὑψιβρεμέτης αὐτὸς παρατεκτήναιτο.

τεῖχος μὲν γὰρ δὴ κατερήριπεν, ᾧ ἐπέπιθμεν

ἄρρηκτον νηῶν τε καὶ αὐτῶν εἶλαρ ἔσεσθαι·

οἳ δʼ ἐπὶ νηυσὶ θοῇσι μάχην ἀλίαστον ἔχουσι

νωλεμές· οὐδʼ ἂν ἔτι γνοίης μάλα περ σκοπιάζων

ὁπποτέρωθεν Ἀχαιοὶ ὀρινόμενοι κλονέονται,

ὡς ἐπιμὶξ κτείνονται, ἀϋτὴ δʼ οὐρανὸν ἵκει.

ἡμεῖς δὲ φραζώμεθʼ ὅπως ἔσται τάδε ἔργα

εἴ τι νόος ῥέξει· πόλεμον δʼ οὐκ ἄμμε κελεύω

δύμεναι· οὐ γάρ πως βεβλημένον ἐστὶ μάχεσθαι.

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων·

Νέστορ ἐπεὶ δὴ νηυσὶν ἔπι πρυμνῇσι μάχονται,

The world from both our fleet and us; it doth directly show

τεῖχος δʼ οὐκ ἔχραισμε τετυγμένον, οὐδέ τι τάφρος,

That here Jove vows our shames and deaths. I evermore did know

ᾗ ἔπι πολλὰ πάθον Δαναοί, ἔλποντο δὲ θυμῷ

His hand from ours when he help'd us, and now I see as clear

ἄρρηκτον νηῶν τε καὶ αὐτῶν εἶλαρ ἔσεσθαι·

That, like the blesséd Gods, he holds our hated enemies dear,

οὕτω που Διὶ μέλλει ὑπερμενέϊ φίλον εἶναι

Supports their arms, and pinions ours. Conclude then, 'tis in vain

νωνύμνους ἀπολέσθαι ἀπʼ Ἄργεος ἐνθάδʼ Ἀχαιούς.

To strive with him. Our ships drawn up, now let us launch again,

ᾔδεα μὲν γὰρ ὅτε πρόφρων Δαναοῖσιν ἄμυνεν,

And keep at anchor till calm night, that then, perhaps, our foes

οἶδα δὲ νῦν ὅτε τοὺς μὲν ὁμῶς μακάρεσσι θεοῖσι

May calm their storms, and in that time our scape we may dispose.

κυδάνει, ἡμέτερον δὲ μένος καὶ χεῖρας ἔδησεν.

'It is not any shame to fly from ill, although by night.

ἀλλʼ ἄγεθʼ ὡς ἂν ἐγὼν εἴπω πειθώμεθα πάντες.

Known ill he better does that flies, than he it takes in fight.'”

νῆες ὅσαι πρῶται εἰρύαται ἄγχι θαλάσσης

Ulysses frown'd on him, and said: “Accurs'd, why talk'st thou thus?

ἕλκωμεν, πάσας δὲ ἐρύσσομεν εἰς ἅλα δῖαν,

Would thou hadst led some barb'rous host, and not commanded us

ὕψι δʼ ἐπʼ εὐνάων ὁρμίσσομεν, εἰς ὅ κεν ἔλθῃ

Whom Jove made soldiers from our youth, that age might scorn to fly

νὺξ ἀβρότη, ἢν καὶ τῇ ἀπόσχωνται πολέμοιο

From any charge it undertakes, and ev'ry dazzled eye

Τρῶες· ἔπειτα δέ κεν ἐρυσαίμεθα νῆας ἁπάσας.

The honour'd hand of war might close. Thus wouldst thou leave this town,

οὐ γάρ τις νέμεσις φυγέειν κακόν, οὐδʼ ἀνὰ νύκτα.

For which our many mis'ries felt entitle it our own?

βέλτερον ὃς φεύγων προφύγῃ κακὸν ἠὲ ἁλώῃ.

Peace, lest some other Greek give ear, and hear a sentence such;

τὸν δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

As no man's palate should profane; at least that knew how much

Ἀτρεΐδη ποῖόν σε ἔπος φύγεν ἕρκος ὀδόντων·

His own right weigh'd, and being a prince, and such a prince as bears

οὐλόμενʼ αἴθʼ ὤφελλες ἀεικελίου στρατοῦ ἄλλου

Rule of so many Greeks as thou. This counsel loathes mine ears,

σημαίνειν, μὴ δʼ ἄμμιν ἀνασσέμεν, οἷσιν ἄρα Ζεὺς

Let others toil in fight and cries, and we so light of heels

ἐκ νεότητος ἔδωκε καὶ ἐς γῆρας τολυπεύειν

Upon their very noise, and groans, to hoise away our keels.

ἀργαλέους πολέμους, ὄφρα φθιόμεσθα ἕκαστος.

Thus we should fit the wish of Troy, that, being something near

οὕτω δὴ μέμονας Τρώων πόλιν εὐρυάγυιαν

The victory, we give it clear; and we were sure to bear

καλλείψειν, ἧς εἵνεκʼ ὀϊζύομεν κακὰ πολλά;

A slaughter to the utmost man, for no man will sustain

σίγα, μή τίς τʼ ἄλλος Ἀχαιῶν τοῦτον ἀκούσῃ

A stroke, the fleet gone, but at that, look still, and wish him slain.

μῦθον, ὃν οὔ κεν ἀνήρ γε διὰ στόμα πάμπαν ἄγοιτο

And therefore, prince of men, be sure, thy censure is unfit.”

ὅς τις ἐπίσταιτο ᾗσι φρεσὶν ἄρτια βάζειν

“O Ithacus,” replied the king, “thy bitter terms have smit

σκηπτοῦχός τʼ εἴη, καί οἱ πειθοίατο λαοὶ

My heart in sunder. At no hand, 'gainst any prince's will

τοσσοίδʼ ὅσσοισιν σὺ μετʼ Ἀργείοισιν ἀνάσσεις·

Do I command this. Would to God, that any man of skill

νῦν δέ σευ ὠνοσάμην πάγχυ φρένας, οἷον ἔειπες·

To give a better counsel would, or old, or younger man!

ὃς κέλεαι πολέμοιο συνεσταότος καὶ ἀϋτῆς

My voice should gladly go with his.” Then Diomed began:

νῆας ἐϋσσέλμους ἅλαδʼ ἑλκέμεν, ὄφρʼ ἔτι μᾶλλον

“The man not far is, nor shall ask much labour to bring in,

Τρωσὶ μὲν εὐκτὰ γένηται ἐπικρατέουσί περ ἔμπης,

That willingly would speak his thoughts, if spoken they might win

ἡμῖν δʼ αἰπὺς ὄλεθρος ἐπιρρέπῃ. οὐ γὰρ Ἀχαιοὶ

Fit ear, and suffer no impair, that I discover them,

σχήσουσιν πόλεμον νηῶν ἅλα δʼ ἑλκομενάων,

Being youngest of you; since my sire, that heir'd a diadem,

ἀλλʼ ἀποπαπτανέουσιν, ἐρωήσουσι δὲ χάρμης.

May make my speech to diadems decent enough, though he

ἔνθά κε σὴ βουλὴ δηλήσεται ὄρχαμε λαῶν.

Lies in his sepulchre at Thebes. I boast this pedigree:

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων·

Portheus three famous sons begot, that in high Calydon

ὦ Ὀδυσεῦ μάλα πώς με καθίκεο θυμὸν ἐνιπῇ

And Pleuron kept, with state of kings, their habitatión;

ἀργαλέῃ· ἀτὰρ οὐ μὲν ἐγὼν ἀέκοντας ἄνωγα

Agrius, Melas, and the third the horseman Oeneus,

νῆας ἐϋσσέλμους ἅλα δʼ ἑλκέμεν υἷας Ἀχαιῶν.

My father's father, that excell'd in actions generous

νῦν δʼ εἴη ὃς τῆσδέ γʼ ἀμείνονα μῆτιν ἐνίσποι

The other two. But these kept home, my father being driv'n

ἢ νέος ἠὲ παλαιός· ἐμοὶ δέ κεν ἀσμένῳ εἴη.

With wand'ring and advent'rous spirits, for so the King of heav'n

τοῖσι δὲ καὶ μετέειπε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Διομήδης·

And th' other Gods set down their wills, and he to Argos came,

ἐγγὺς ἀνήρ· οὐ δηθὰ ματεύσομεν· αἴ κʼ ἐθέλητε

Where he begun the world, and dwelt. There marrying a dame,

πείθεσθαι, καὶ μή τι κότῳ ἀγάσησθε ἕκαστος

One of Adrastus' female race, he kept a royal house,

οὕνεκα δὴ γενεῆφι νεώτατός εἰμι μεθʼ ὑμῖν·

For he had great demesnes, good land, and, being industrious,

πατρὸς δʼ ἐξ ἀγαθοῦ καὶ ἐγὼ γένος εὔχομαι εἶναι

He planted many orchard-grounds about his house, and bred

Τυδέος, ὃν Θήβῃσι χυτὴ κατὰ γαῖα καλύπτει.

Great store of sheep. Besides all this, he was well qualitied,

πορθεῖ γὰρ τρεῖς παῖδες ἀμύμονες ἐξεγένοντο,

And pass'd all Argives, for his spear. And these digressive things

οἴκεον δʼ ἐν Πλευρῶνι καὶ αἰπεινῇ Καλυδῶνι

Are such as you may well endure, since (being deriv'd from kings,

Ἄγριος ἠδὲ Μέλας, τρίτατος δʼ ἦν ἱππότα Οἰνεὺς

And kings not poor nor virtueless) you cannot hold me base,

πατρὸς ἐμοῖο πατήρ· ἀρετῇ δʼ ἦν ἔξοχος αὐτῶν.

Nor scorn my words, which oft, though true, in mean men meet disgrace.

ἀλλʼ ὃ μὲν αὐτόθι μεῖνε, πατὴρ δʼ ἐμὸς Ἄργεϊ νάσθη

However, they are these in short: Let us be seen at fight,

πλαγχθείς· ὡς γάρ που Ζεὺς ἤθελε καὶ θεοὶ ἄλλοι.

Ἀδρήστοιο δʼ ἔγημε θυγατρῶν, ναῖε δὲ δῶμα

ἀφνειὸν βιότοιο, ἅλις δέ οἱ ἦσαν ἄρουραι

πυροφόροι, πολλοὶ δὲ φυτῶν ἔσαν ὄρχατοι ἀμφίς,

πολλὰ δέ οἱ πρόβατʼ ἔσκε· κέκαστο δὲ πάντας Ἀχαιοὺς

ἐγχείῃ· τὰ δὲ μέλλετʼ ἀκουέμεν, εἰ ἐτεόν περ.

τὼ οὐκ ἄν με γένος γε κακὸν καὶ ἀνάλκιδα φάντες

μῦθον ἀτιμήσαιτε πεφασμένον ὅν κʼ ἐῢ εἴπω.

δεῦτʼ ἴομεν πόλεμον δὲ καὶ οὐτάμενοί περ ἀνάγκῃ.

ἔνθα δʼ ἔπειτʼ αὐτοὶ μὲν ἐχώμεθα δηϊοτῆτος

ἐκ βελέων, μή πού τις ἐφʼ ἕλκεϊ ἕλκος ἄρηται·

And yield to strong necessity, though wounded, that our sight

ἄλλους δʼ ὀτρύνοντες ἐνήσομεν, οἳ τὸ πάρος περ

May set those men on that, of late, have to Achilles' spleen

θυμῷ ἦρα φέροντες ἀφεστᾶσʼ οὐδὲ μάχονται.

Been too indulgent, and left blows; but be we only seen,

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἄρα τοῦ μάλα μὲν κλύον ἠδὲ πίθοντο·

Not come within the reach of darts, lest wound on wound we lay;

βὰν δʼ ἴμεν, ἦρχε δʼ ἄρά σφιν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων.

Which rev'rend Nestor's speech implied, and so far him obey.”

οὐδʼ ἀλαοσκοπιὴν εἶχε κλυτὸς ἐννοσίγαιος,

This counsel gladly all observ'd, went on, Atrides led.

ἀλλὰ μετʼ αὐτοὺς ἦλθε παλαιῷ φωτὶ ἐοικώς,

Nor Neptune this advantage lost, but closely followéd,

δεξιτερὴν δʼ ἕλε χεῖρʼ Ἀγαμέμνονος Ἀτρεΐδαο,

And like an aged man appear'd t' Atrides; whose right hand

καί μιν φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

He seiz'd, and said: “Atrides, this doth passing fitly stand

Ἀτρεΐδη νῦν δή που Ἀχιλλῆος ὀλοὸν κῆρ

With stern Achilles' wreakful spirit, that he can stand astern

γηθεῖ ἐνὶ στήθεσσι φόνον καὶ φύζαν Ἀχαιῶν

His ship, and both in fight and death the Grecian bane discern,

δερκομένῳ, ἐπεὶ οὔ οἱ ἔνι φρένες οὐδʼ ἠβαιαί.

Since not in his breast glows one spark of any human mind.

ἀλλʼ ὃ μὲν ὣς ἀπόλοιτο, θεὸς δέ ἑ σιφλώσειε·

But be that his own bane. Let God by that loss make him find

σοὶ δʼ οὔ πω μάλα πάγχυ θεοὶ μάκαρες κοτέουσιν,

How vile a thing he is. For know, the blest Gods have not giv'n

ἀλλʼ ἔτι που Τρώων ἡγήτορες ἠδὲ μέδοντες

Thee ever over, but perhaps the Trojans may from heav'n

εὐρὺ κονίσουσιν πεδίον, σὺ δʼ ἐπόψεαι αὐτὸς

Receive that justice. Nay, 'tis sure, and thou shalt see their falls,

φεύγοντας προτὶ ἄστυ νεῶν ἄπο καὶ κλισιάων.

Your fleet soon freed, and for fights here they glad to take their walls.”

ὣς εἰπὼν μέγʼ ἄϋσεν ἐπεσσύμενος πεδίοιο.

This said, he made known who he was, and parted with a cry

ὅσσόν τʼ ἐννεάχιλοι ἐπίαχον ἢ δεκάχιλοι

As if ten thousand men had join'd in battle then, so high

ἀνέρες ἐν πολέμῳ ἔριδα ξυνάγοντες Ἄρηος,

His throat flew through the host; and so this great Earth-shaking God

τόσσην ἐκ στήθεσφιν ὄπα κρείων ἐνοσίχθων

Cheer'd up the Greek hearts, that they wish their pains no period.

ἧκεν· Ἀχαιοῖσιν δὲ μέγα σθένος ἔμβαλʼ ἑκάστῳ

Saturnia from Olympus' top saw her great brother there,

καρδίῃ, ἄληκτον πολεμίζειν ἠδὲ μάχεσθαι.

And her great husband's brother too, exciting ev'rywhere

Ἥρη δʼ εἰσεῖδε χρυσόθρονος ὀφθαλμοῖσι

The glorious spirits of the Greeks; which as she joy'd to see,

στᾶσʼ ἐξ Οὐλύμποιο ἀπὸ ῥίου· αὐτίκα δʼ ἔγνω

So, on the fountful Ida's top, Jove's sight did disagree

τὸν μὲν ποιπνύοντα μάχην ἀνὰ κυδιάνειραν

With her contentment, since she fear'd that his hand would descend,

αὐτοκασίγνητον καὶ δαέρα, χαῖρε δὲ θυμῷ·

And check the Sea-god's practices. And this she did contend

Ζῆνα δʼ ἐπʼ ἀκροτάτης κορυφῆς πολυπίδακος Ἴδης

How to prevent, which thus seem'd best: To deck her curiously,

ἥμενον εἰσεῖδε, στυγερὸς δέ οἱ ἔπλετο θυμῷ.

And visit the Idalian hill, that so the Lightner's eye

μερμήριξε δʼ ἔπειτα βοῶπις πότνια Ἥρη

She might enamour with her looks, and his high temples steep,

ὅππως ἐξαπάφοιτο Διὸς νόον αἰγιόχοιο·

Ev'n to his wisdom, in the kind and golden juice of sleep.

ἥδε δέ οἱ κατὰ θυμὸν ἀρίστη φαίνετο βουλὴ

So took she chamber, which her son, the God of ferrary,

ἐλθεῖν εἰς Ἴδην εὖ ἐντύνασαν ἓ αὐτήν,

With firm doors made, being joinèd close, and with a privy key

εἴ πως ἱμείραιτο παραδραθέειν φιλότητι

That no God could command but Jove; where, enter'd, she made fast

ᾗ χροιῇ, τῷ δʼ ὕπνον ἀπήμονά τε λιαρόν τε

The shining gates, and then upon her lovely body cast

χεύῃ ἐπὶ βλεφάροισιν ἰδὲ φρεσὶ πευκαλίμῃσι.

Ambrosia, that first made it clear, and after laid on it

βῆ δʼ ἴμεν ἐς θάλαμον, τόν οἱ φίλος υἱὸς ἔτευξεν

An od'rous, rich, and sacred oil, that was so wond'rous sweet

Ἥφαιστος, πυκινὰς δὲ θύρας σταθμοῖσιν ἐπῆρσε

That ever, when it was but touch'd, it sweeten'd heav'n and earth.

κληῗδι κρυπτῇ, τὴν δʼ οὐ θεὸς ἄλλος ἀνῷγεν·

Her body being cleans'd with this, her tresses she let forth,

ἔνθʼ ἥ γʼ εἰσελθοῦσα θύρας ἐπέθηκε φαεινάς.

And comb'd, her comb dipp'd in the oil, then wrapp'd them up in curls;

ἀμβροσίῃ μὲν πρῶτον ἀπὸ χροὸς ἱμερόεντος

And, thus her deathless head adorn'd, a heav'nly veil she hurls

λύματα πάντα κάθηρεν, ἀλείψατο δὲ λίπʼ ἐλαίῳ

On her white shoulders, wrought by Her that rules in housewif'ries,

ἀμβροσίῳ ἑδανῷ, τό ῥά οἱ τεθυωμένον ἦεν·

Who wove it full of antique works, of most divine device;

τοῦ καὶ κινυμένοιο Διὸς κατὰ χαλκοβατὲς δῶ

And this with goodly clasps of gold she fasten'd to her breast.

ἔμπης ἐς γαῖάν τε καὶ οὐρανὸν ἵκετʼ ἀϋτμή.

Then with a girdle, whose rich sphere a hundred studs impress'd,

τῷ ῥʼ ἥ γε χρόα καλὸν ἀλειψαμένη ἰδὲ χαίτας

She girt her small waist. In her ears, tenderly pierc'd, she wore

πεξαμένη χερσὶ πλοκάμους ἔπλεξε φαεινοὺς

Pearls, great and orient. On her head, a wreath not worn before

καλοὺς ἀμβροσίους ἐκ κράατος ἀθανάτοιο.

Cast beams out like the sun. At last, she to her feet did tie

ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρʼ ἀμβρόσιον ἑανὸν ἕσαθʼ, ὅν οἱ Ἀθήνη

Fair shoes. And thus entire attir'd, she shin'd in open sky,

ἔξυσʼ ἀσκήσασα, τίθει δʼ ἐνὶ δαίδαλα πολλά·

Call'd the fair Paphian Queen apart from th' other Gods, and said:

χρυσείῃς δʼ ἐνετῇσι κατὰ στῆθος περονᾶτο.

“Lov'd daughter! Should I ask a grace, should I, or be obey'd?

ζώσατο δὲ ζώνῃ ἑκατὸν θυσάνοις ἀραρυίῃ,

Or wouldst thou cross me, being incens'd, since I cross thee and take

ἐν δʼ ἄρα ἕρματα ἧκεν ἐϋτρήτοισι λοβοῖσι

The Greeks' part, thy hand helping Troy?” She answer'd, “That shall make

τρίγληνα μορόεντα· χάρις δʼ ἀπελάμπετο πολλή.

No diff'rence in a diff'rent cause. Ask, ancient Deity,

κρηδέμνῳ δʼ ἐφύπερθε καλύψατο δῖα θεάων

What most contents thee. My mind stands inclin'd as liberally

καλῷ νηγατέῳ· λευκὸν δʼ ἦν ἠέλιος ὥς·

ποσσὶ δʼ ὑπὸ λιπαροῖσιν ἐδήσατο καλὰ πέδιλα.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ πάντα περὶ χροῒ θήκατο κόσμον

βῆ ῥʼ ἴμεν ἐκ θαλάμοιο, καλεσσαμένη δʼ Ἀφροδίτην

τῶν ἄλλων ἀπάνευθε θεῶν πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπε·

ἦ ῥά νύ μοί τι πίθοιο φίλον τέκος ὅττί κεν εἴπω,

ἦέ κεν ἀρνήσαιο κοτεσσαμένη τό γε θυμῷ,

οὕνεκʼ ἐγὼ Δαναοῖσι, σὺ δὲ Τρώεσσιν ἀρήγεις;

τὴν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα Διὸς θυγάτηρ Ἀφροδίτη·

Ἥρη πρέσβα θεὰ θύγατερ μεγάλοιο Κρόνοιο

αὔδα ὅ τι φρονέεις· τελέσαι δέ με θυμὸς ἄνωγεν,

To grant it as thine own to ask; provided that it be

εἰ δύναμαι τελέσαι γε καὶ εἰ τετελεσμένον ἐστίν.

A favour fit and in my pow'r.” She, giv'n deceitfully,

τὴν δὲ δολοφρονέουσα προσηύδα πότνια Ἥρη·

Thus said: “Then give me those two pow'rs, with which both men and Gods

δὸς νῦν μοι φιλότητα καὶ ἵμερον, ᾧ τε σὺ πάντας

Thou vanquishest, Love and Desire; for now the periods

δαμνᾷ ἀθανάτους ἠδὲ θνητοὺς ἀνθρώπους.

Of all the many-feeding earth, and the original

εἶμι γὰρ ὀψομένη πολυφόρβου πείρατα γαίης,

Of all the Gods, Oceanus, and Thetis whom we call

Ὠκεανόν τε θεῶν γένεσιν καὶ μητέρα Τηθύν,

Our Mother, I am going to greet. They nurst me in their court,

οἵ μʼ ἐν σφοῖσι δόμοισιν ἐῢ τρέφον ἠδʼ ἀτίταλλον

And brought me up, receiving me in most respectful sort

δεξάμενοι Ῥείας, ὅτε τε Κρόνον εὐρύοπα Ζεὺς

From Phæa, when Jove under earth and the unfruitful seas

γαίης νέρθε καθεῖσε καὶ ἀτρυγέτοιο θαλάσσης·

Cast Saturn. These I go to see, intending to appease

τοὺς εἶμʼ ὀψομένη, καί σφʼ ἄκριτα νείκεα λύσω·

Jars grown betwixt them, having long abstain'd from speech and bed;

ἤδη γὰρ δηρὸν χρόνον ἀλλήλων ἀπέχονται

Which jars, could I so reconcile, that in their anger's stead

εὐνῆς καὶ φιλότητος, ἐπεὶ χόλος ἔμπεσε θυμῷ.

I could place love, and so renew their first society,

εἰ κείνω ἐπέεσσι παραιπεπιθοῦσα φίλον κῆρ

I should their best lov'd be esteem'd, and honour'd endlessly.”

εἰς εὐνὴν ἀνέσαιμι ὁμωθῆναι φιλότητι,

She answer'd: “'Tis not fit, nor just, thy will should be denied,

αἰεί κέ σφι φίλη τε καὶ αἰδοίη καλεοίμην.

Whom Jove in his embraces holds.” This spoken, she untied,

τὴν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε φιλομειδὴς Ἀφροδίτη·

And from her od'rous bosom took, her Ceston, in whose sphere

οὐκ ἔστʼ οὐδὲ ἔοικε τεὸν ἔπος ἀρνήσασθαι·

Were all enticements to delight, all loves, all longings were,

Ζηνὸς γὰρ τοῦ ἀρίστου ἐν ἀγκοίνῃσιν ἰαύεις.

Kind conference, fair speech, whose pow'r the wisest doth inflame.

ἦ, καὶ ἀπὸ στήθεσφιν ἐλύσατο κεστὸν ἱμάντα

This she resigning to her hands, thus urg'd her by her name:

ποικίλον, ἔνθα δέ οἱ θελκτήρια πάντα τέτυκτο·

“Receive this bridle, thus fair-wrought, and put it 'twixt thy breasts,

ἔνθʼ ἔνι μὲν φιλότης, ἐν δʼ ἵμερος, ἐν δʼ ὀαριστὺς

Where all things to be done are done; and whatsoever rests

πάρφασις, ἥ τʼ ἔκλεψε νόον πύκα περ φρονεόντων.

In thy desire return with it.” The great-ey'd Juno smil'd,

τόν ῥά οἱ ἔμβαλε χερσὶν ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζε·

And put it 'twixt her breasts. Love's Queen, thus cunningly beguil'd,

τῆ νῦν τοῦτον ἱμάντα τεῷ ἐγκάτθεο κόλπῳ

To Jove's court flew. Saturnia, straight stooping from heav'n's height,

ποικίλον, ᾧ ἔνι πάντα τετεύχαται· οὐδέ σέ φημι

Pieria and Emathia, those countries of delight,

ἄπρηκτόν γε νέεσθαι, ὅ τι φρεσὶ σῇσι μενοινᾷς.

Soon reach'd, and to the snowy mounts, where Thracian soldiers dwell,

ὣς φάτο, μείδησεν δὲ βοῶπις πότνια Ἥρη,

Approaching, pass'd their tops untouch'd. From Athos then she fell,

μειδήσασα δʼ ἔπειτα ἑῷ ἐγκάτθετο κόλπῳ.

Pass'd all the broad sea, and arriv'd in Lemnos, at the tow'rs

ἣ μὲν ἔβη πρὸς δῶμα Διὸς θυγάτηρ Ἀφροδίτη,

Of godlike Thoas, where she met the Prince of all men's pow'rs,

Ἥρη δʼ ἀΐξασα λίπεν ῥίον Οὐλύμποιο,

Death's brother, Sleep; whose hand she took, and said: “Thou king of men,

Πιερίην δʼ ἐπιβᾶσα καὶ Ἠμαθίην ἐρατεινὴν

Prince of the Gods too, if before thou heard'st my suits, again

σεύατʼ ἐφʼ ἱπποπόλων Θρῃκῶν ὄρεα νιφόεντα

Give helpful ear, and through all times I'll offer thanks to thee.

ἀκροτάτας κορυφάς· οὐδὲ χθόνα μάρπτε ποδοῖιν·

Lay slumber on Jove's fi'ry eyes, that I may comfort me

ἐξ Ἀθόω δʼ ἐπὶ πόντον ἐβήσετο κυμαίνοντα,

With his embraces; for which grace I'll grace thee with a throne

Λῆμνον δʼ εἰσαφίκανε πόλιν θείοιο Θόαντος.

Incorruptible, all of gold, and elegantly done

ἔνθʼ Ὕπνῳ ξύμβλητο κασιγνήτῳ Θανάτοιο,

By Mulciber, to which he forg'd a footstool for the ease

ἔν τʼ ἄρα οἱ φῦ χειρὶ ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζεν·

Of thy soft feet, when wine and feasts thy golden humours please.”

Ὕπνε ἄναξ πάντων τε θεῶν πάντων τʼ ἀνθρώπων,

Sweet Sleep replied: “Satunia, there lives not any God,

ἠμὲν δή ποτʼ ἐμὸν ἔπος ἔκλυες, ἠδʼ ἔτι καὶ νῦν

Besides Jove, but I would becalm; aye if it were the Flood,

πείθευ· ἐγὼ δέ κέ τοι ἰδέω χάριν ἤματα πάντα.

That fathers all the Deities, the great Oceanus;

κοίμησόν μοι Ζηνὸς ὑπʼ ὀφρύσιν ὄσσε φαεινὼ

But Jove we dare not come more near, than he commandeth us.

αὐτίκʼ ἐπεί κεν ἐγὼ παραλέξομαι ἐν φιλότητι.

Now you command me as you did, when Jove's great-minded son,

δῶρα δέ τοι δώσω καλὸν θρόνον ἄφθιτον αἰεὶ

Alcides, having sack'd the town of stubborn Ilion,

χρύσεον· Ἥφαιστος δέ κʼ ἐμὸς πάϊς ἀμφιγυήεις

Took sail from thence; when by your charge I pour'd about Jove's mind

τεύξειʼ ἀσκήσας, ὑπὸ δὲ θρῆνυν ποσὶν ἥσει,

A pleasing slumber, calming him, till thou drav'st up the wind,

τῷ κεν ἐπισχοίης λιπαροὺς πόδας εἰλαπινάζων.

In all his cruelties, to sea, that set his son ashore

τὴν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσεφώνεε νήδυμος Ὕπνος·

In Cous, far from all his friends. Which, waking, vex'd so sore

Ἥρη πρέσβα θεὰ θύγατερ μεγάλοιο Κρόνοιο

The supreme Godhead, that he cast the Gods about the sky,

ἄλλον μέν κεν ἔγωγε θεῶν αἰειγενετάων

And me, above them all, he sought, whom he had utterly

ῥεῖα κατευνήσαιμι, καὶ ἂν ποταμοῖο ῥέεθρα

Hurl'd from the sparkling firmament, if all-gods-taming Night

Ὠκεανοῦ, ὅς περ γένεσις πάντεσσι τέτυκται·

(Whom, flying, I besought for aid) had suffer'd his despite,

Ζηνὸς δʼ οὐκ ἂν ἔγωγε Κρονίονος ἆσσον ἱκοίμην

And not preserv'd me; but his wrath with my offence dispens'd,

οὐδὲ κατευνήσαιμʼ, ὅτε μὴ αὐτός γε κελεύοι.

For fear t' offend her, and so ceas'd, though never so incens'd.

ἤδη γάρ με καὶ ἄλλο τεὴ ἐπίνυσσεν ἐφετμὴ

And now another such escape, you wish I should prepare.”

ἤματι τῷ ὅτε κεῖνος ὑπέρθυμος Διὸς υἱὸς

ἔπλεεν Ἰλιόθεν Τρώων πόλιν ἐξαλαπάξας.

ἤτοι ἐγὼ μὲν ἔλεξα Διὸς νόον αἰγιόχοιο

νήδυμος ἀμφιχυθείς· σὺ δέ οἱ κακὰ μήσαο θυμῷ

ὄρσασʼ ἀργαλέων ἀνέμων ἐπὶ πόντον ἀήτας,

καί μιν ἔπειτα Κόων δʼ εὖ ναιομένην ἀπένεικας

νόσφι φίλων πάντων. ὃ δʼ ἐπεγρόμενος χαλέπαινε

ῥιπτάζων κατὰ δῶμα θεούς, ἐμὲ δʼ ἔξοχα πάντων

ζήτει· καί κέ μʼ ἄϊστον ἀπʼ αἰθέρος ἔμβαλε πόντῳ,

εἰ μὴ Νὺξ δμήτειρα θεῶν ἐσάωσε καὶ ἀνδρῶν·

τὴν ἱκόμην φεύγων, ὃ δʼ ἐπαύσατο χωόμενός περ.

She answer'd: “What hath thy deep rest to do with his deep care?

ἅζετο γὰρ μὴ Νυκτὶ θοῇ ἀποθύμια ἕρδοι.

As though Jove's love to Ilion in all degrees were such

νῦν αὖ τοῦτό μʼ ἄνωγας ἀμήχανον ἄλλο τελέσσαι.

As 'twas to Hercules his son, and so would storm as much

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε βοῶπις πότνια Ἥρη·

For their displeasure as for his? Away, I will remove

Ὕπνε τί ἢ δὲ σὺ ταῦτα μετὰ φρεσὶ σῇσι μενοινᾷς;

Thy fear with giving thee the dame, that thou didst ever love,

ἦ φῂς ὣς Τρώεσσιν ἀρηξέμεν εὐρύοπα Ζῆν

One of the fair young Graces born, divine Pasithae.”

ὡς Ἡρακλῆος περιχώσατο παῖδος ἑοῖο;

This started Somnus into joy, who answer'd: “Swear to me,

ἀλλʼ ἴθʼ, ἐγὼ δέ κέ τοι Χαρίτων μίαν ὁπλοτεράων

By those inviolable springs, that feed the Stygian lake,

δώσω ὀπυιέμεναι καὶ σὴν κεκλῆσθαι ἄκοιτιν.

With one hand touch the nourishing earth, and in the other take

ὣς φάτο, χήρατο δʼ Ὕπνος, ἀμειβόμενος δὲ προσηύδα·

The marble sea, that all the Gods, of the infernal state,

ἄγρει νῦν μοι ὄμοσσον ἀάατον Στυγὸς ὕδωρ,

Which circle Saturn, may to us be witnesses, and rate

χειρὶ δὲ τῇ ἑτέρῃ μὲν ἕλε χθόνα πουλυβότειραν,

What thou hast vow'd; That with all truth, thou wilt bestow on me,

τῇ δʼ ἑτέρῃ ἅλα μαρμαρέην, ἵνα νῶϊν ἅπαντες

The dame I grant I ever lov'd, divine Pasithae.”

μάρτυροι ὦσʼ οἳ ἔνερθε θεοὶ Κρόνον ἀμφὶς ἐόντες,

She swore, as he enjoin'd, in all, and strengthen'd all his joys

ἦ μὲν ἐμοὶ δώσειν Χαρίτων μίαν ὁπλοτεράων

By naming all th' infernal Gods, surnam'd the Titanois.

Πασιθέην, ἧς τʼ αὐτὸς ἐέλδομαι ἤματα πάντα.

The oath thus taken, both took way, and made their quick repair

ὣς ἔφατʼ, οὐδʼ ἀπίθησε θεὰ λευκώλενος Ἥρη,

To Ida from the town, and isle, all hid in liquid air.

ὄμνυε δʼ ὡς ἐκέλευε, θεοὺς δʼ ὀνόμηνεν ἅπαντας

At Lecton first they left the sea, and there the land they trod;

τοὺς ὑποταρταρίους οἳ Τιτῆνες καλέονται.

The fountful nurse of savages, with all her woods, did nod

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥʼ ὄμοσέν τε τελεύτησέν τε τὸν ὅρκον,

Beneath their feet; there Somnus stay'd, lest Jove's bright eye should see,

τὼ βήτην Λήμνου τε καὶ Ἴμβρου ἄστυ λιπόντε

And yet, that he might see to Jove, he climb'd the goodliest tree

ἠέρα ἑσσαμένω ῥίμφα πρήσσοντε κέλευθον.

That all th' Idalian mountain bred, and crown'd her progeny,

Ἴδην δʼ ἱκέσθην πολυπίδακα μητέρα θηρῶν

A fir it was, that shot past air, and kiss'd the burning sky;

Λεκτόν, ὅθι πρῶτον λιπέτην ἅλα· τὼ δʼ ἐπὶ χέρσου

There sate he hid in his dark arms, and in the shape with all

βήτην, ἀκροτάτη δὲ ποδῶν ὕπο σείετο ὕλη.

Of that continual prating bird, whom all the Deities call

ἔνθʼ Ὕπνος μὲν ἔμεινε πάρος Διὸς ὄσσε ἰδέσθαι

Chalcis, but men Cymmindis name. Saturnia tripp'd apace,

εἰς ἐλάτην ἀναβὰς περιμήκετον, ἣ τότʼ ἐν Ἴδῃ

Up to the top of Gargarus, and show'd her heav'nly face

μακροτάτη πεφυυῖα διʼ ἠέρος αἰθέρʼ ἵκανεν·

To Jupiter, who saw, and lov'd, and with as hot a fire,

ἔνθʼ ἧστʼ ὄζοισιν πεπυκασμένος εἰλατίνοισιν

Being curious in her tempting view, as when with first desire

ὄρνιθι λιγυρῇ ἐναλίγκιος, ἥν τʼ ἐν ὄρεσσι

(The pleasure of it being stol'n) they mix'd in love and bed;

χαλκίδα κικλήσκουσι θεοί, ἄνδρες δὲ κύμινδιν.

And, gazing on her still, he said: “Saturnia, what hath bred

Ἥρη δὲ κραιπνῶς προσεβήσετο Γάργαρον ἄκρον

This haste in thee from our high court, and whither tends thy gait,

Ἴδης ὑψηλῆς· ἴδε δὲ νεφεληγερέτα Ζεύς.

That void of horse and chariot, fit for thy sov'reign state,

ὡς δʼ ἴδεν, ὥς μιν ἔρως πυκινὰς φρένας ἀμφεκάλυψεν,

Thou lackiest here?” Her studied fraud replied: “My journey now

οἷον ὅτε πρῶτόν περ ἐμισγέσθην φιλότητι

Leaves state and labours to do good; and where in right I owe

εἰς εὐνὴν φοιτῶντε, φίλους λήθοντε τοκῆας.

All kindness to the Sire of Gods, and our good Mother Queen

στῆ δʼ αὐτῆς προπάροιθεν ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζεν·

That nurst and kept me curiously in court (since both have been

Ἥρη πῇ μεμαυῖα κατʼ Οὐλύμπου τόδʼ ἱκάνεις;

Long time at discord) my desire is to atone their hearts;

ἵπποι δʼ οὐ παρέασι καὶ ἅρματα τῶν κʼ ἐπιβαίης.

And therefore go I now to see those earth's extremest parts.

τὸν δὲ δολοφρονέουσα προσηύδα πότνια Ἥρη·

For whose far-seat I spar'd my horse the scaling of this hill,

ἔρχομαι ὀψομένη πολυφόρβου πείρατα γαίης,

And left them at the foot of it; for they must taste their fill

Ὠκεανόν τε θεῶν γένεσιν καὶ μητέρα Τηθύν,

Of travail with me, and must draw my coach through earth and seas,

οἵ με σφοῖσι δόμοισιν ἐῢ τρέφον ἠδʼ ἀτίταλλον·

Whose far-intended reach, respect, and care not to displease

τοὺς εἶμʼ ὀψομένη, καί σφʼ ἄκριτα νείκεα λύσω·

Thy graces, made me not attempt, without thy gracious leave.”

ἤδη γὰρ δηρὸν χρόνον ἀλλήλων ἀπέχονται

The cloud-compelling God her guile in this sort did receive:

εὐνῆς καὶ φιλότητος, ἐπεὶ χόλος ἔμπεσε θυμῷ.

“Juno, thou shalt have after leave, but, ere so far thou stray,

ἵπποι δʼ ἐν πρυμνωρείῃ πολυπίδακος Ἴδης

Convert we our kind thoughts to love, that now doth ev'ry way

ἑστᾶσʼ, οἵ μʼ οἴσουσιν ἐπὶ τραφερήν τε καὶ ὑγρήν.

Circle with victory my pow'rs, nor yet with any dame,

νῦν δὲ σεῦ εἵνεκα δεῦρο κατʼ Οὐλύμπου τόδʼ ἱκάνω,

Woman, or Goddess, did his fires my bosom so inflame

μή πώς μοι μετέπειτα χολώσεαι, αἴ κε σιωπῇ

As now with thee. Not when it lov'd the parts so generous

οἴχωμαι πρὸς δῶμα βαθυρρόου Ὠκεανοῖο.

Ixion's wife had, that brought forth the wise Pirithous;

τὴν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη νεφεληγερέτα Ζεύς·

Nor when the lovely dame Acrisius' daughter stirr'd

Ἥρη κεῖσε μὲν ἔστι καὶ ὕστερον ὁρμηθῆναι,

My amorous pow'rs, that Perseus bore to all men else preferr'd;

νῶϊ δʼ ἄγʼ ἐν φιλότητι τραπείομεν εὐνηθέντε.

Nor when the dame, that Phenix got, surpris'd me with her sight,

οὐ γάρ πώ ποτέ μʼ ὧδε θεᾶς ἔρος οὐδὲ γυναικὸς

θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσι περιπροχυθεὶς ἐδάμασσεν,

οὐδʼ ὁπότʼ ἠρασάμην Ἰξιονίης ἀλόχοιο,

ἣ τέκε Πειρίθοον θεόφιν μήστωρʼ ἀτάλαντον·

οὐδʼ ὅτε περ Δανάης καλλισφύρου Ἀκρισιώνης,

ἣ τέκε Περσῆα πάντων ἀριδείκετον ἀνδρῶν·

οὐδʼ ὅτε Φοίνικος κούρης τηλεκλειτοῖο,

ἣ τέκε μοι Μίνων τε καὶ ἀντίθεον Ῥαδάμανθυν·

οὐδʼ ὅτε περ Σεμέλης οὐδʼ Ἀλκμήνης ἐνὶ Θήβῃ,

ἥ ῥʼ Ἡρακλῆα κρατερόφρονα γείνατο παῖδα·

ἣ δὲ Διώνυσον Σεμέλη τέκε χάρμα βροτοῖσιν·

Who the divine-soul'd Rhadamanth and Minos brought to light;

οὐδʼ ὅτε Δήμητρος καλλιπλοκάμοιο ἀνάσσης,

Nor Semele, that bore to me the joy of mortal men,

οὐδʼ ὁπότε Λητοῦς ἐρικυδέος, οὐδὲ σεῦ αὐτῆς,

The sprightly Bacchus; nor the dame that Thebes renownéd then,

ὡς σέο νῦν ἔραμαι καί με γλυκὺς ἵμερος αἱρεῖ.

Alcmena, that bore Hercules; Latona, so renown'd;

τὸν δὲ δολοφρονέουσα προσηύδα πότνια Ἥρη·

Queen Ceres, with the golden hair; nor thy fair eyes did wound

αἰνότατε Κρονίδη ποῖον τὸν μῦθον ἔειπες.

My entrails to such depth as now with thirst of amorous ease.”

εἰ νῦν ἐν φιλότητι λιλαίεαι εὐνηθῆναι

The cunning Dame seem'd much incens'd, and said: “What words are these,

Ἴδης ἐν κορυφῇσι, τὰ δὲ προπέφανται ἅπαντα·

Unsufferable Saturn's son? What! Here! In Ida's height!

πῶς κʼ ἔοι εἴ τις νῶϊ θεῶν αἰειγενετάων

Desir'st thou this? How fits it us? Or what if in the sight

εὕδοντʼ ἀθρήσειε, θεοῖσι δὲ πᾶσι μετελθὼν

Of any God thy will were pleas'd, that he the rest might bring

πεφράδοι; οὐκ ἂν ἔγωγε τεὸν πρὸς δῶμα νεοίμην

To witness thy incontinence? 'Twere a dishonour'd thing.

ἐξ εὐνῆς ἀνστᾶσα, νεμεσσητὸν δέ κεν εἴη.

I would not show my face in heav'n, and rise from such a bed.

ἀλλʼ εἰ δή ῥʼ ἐθέλεις καί τοι φίλον ἔπλετο θυμῷ,

But, if love be so dear to thee, thou hast a chamberstead,

ἔστιν τοι θάλαμος, τόν τοι φίλος υἱὸς ἔτευξεν

Which Vulcan purposely contriv'd with all fit secrecy;

Ἥφαιστος, πυκινὰς δὲ θύρας σταθμοῖσιν ἐπῆρσεν·

There sleep at pleasure.” He replied: “I fear not if the eye

ἔνθʼ ἴομεν κείοντες, ἐπεί νύ τοι εὔαδεν εὐνή.

Of either God or man observe, so thick a cloud of gold

τὴν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη νεφεληγερέτα Ζεύς·

I'll cast about us that the sun, who furthest can behold,

Ἥρη μήτε θεῶν τό γε δείδιθι μήτέ τινʼ ἀνδρῶν

Shall never find us.” This resolv'd, into his kind embrace

ὄψεσθαι· τοῖόν τοι ἐγὼ νέφος ἀμφικαλύψω

He took his wife. Beneath them both fair Tellus strew'd the place

χρύσεον· οὐδʼ ἂν νῶϊ διαδράκοι Ἠέλιός περ,

With fresh-sprung herbs, so soft and thick that up aloft it bore

οὗ τε καὶ ὀξύτατον πέλεται φάος εἰσοράασθαι.

Their heav'nly bodies; with his leaves, did dewy lotus store

ἦ ῥα καὶ ἀγκὰς ἔμαρπτε Κρόνου παῖς ἣν παράκοιτιν·

Th' Elysian mountain; saffron flow'rs and hyacinths help'd make

τοῖσι δʼ ὑπὸ χθὼν δῖα φύεν νεοθηλέα ποίην,

The sacred bed; and there they slept. When suddenly there brake

λωτόν θʼ ἑρσήεντα ἰδὲ κρόκον ἠδʼ ὑάκινθον

A golden vapour out of air, whence shining dews did fall,

πυκνὸν καὶ μαλακόν, ὃς ἀπὸ χθονὸς ὑψόσʼ ἔεργε.

In which they wrapt them close, and slept till Jove was tam'd withal.

τῷ ἔνι λεξάσθην, ἐπὶ δὲ νεφέλην ἕσσαντο

Mean space flew Somnus to the ships, found Neptune out, and said:

καλὴν χρυσείην· στιλπναὶ δʼ ἀπέπιπτον ἔερσαι.

“Now cheerfully assist the Greeks; and give them glorious head,

ὣς ὃ μὲν ἀτρέμας εὗδε πατὴρ ἀνὰ Γαργάρῳ ἄκρῳ,

At least a little, while Jove sleeps; of whom through ev'ry limb

ὕπνῳ καὶ φιλότητι δαμείς, ἔχε δʼ ἀγκὰς ἄκοιτιν·

I pour'd dark sleep, Saturnia's love hath so illuded him.”

βῆ δὲ θέειν ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν νήδυμος Ὕπνος

This news made Neptune more secure in giving Grecians heart,

ἀγγελίην ἐρέων γαιηόχῳ ἐννοσιγαίῳ·

And through the first fights thus he stirr'd the men of most desert:

ἀγχοῦ δʼ ἱστάμενος ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

“Yet, Grecians, shall we put our ships, and conquest, in the hands

πρόφρων νῦν Δαναοῖσι Ποσείδαον ἐπάμυνε,

Of Priam's Hector by our sloth? He thinks so, and commands

καί σφιν κῦδος ὄπαζε μίνυνθά περ, ὄφρʼ ἔτι εὕδει

With pride according; all because, Achilles keeps away.

Ζεύς, ἐπεὶ αὐτῷ ἐγὼ μαλακὸν περὶ κῶμʼ ἐκάλυψα·

Alas, as we were nought but him! We little need to stay

Ἥρη δʼ ἐν φιλότητι παρήπαφεν εὐνηθῆναι.

On his assistance, if we would our own strengths call to field,

ὣς εἰπὼν ὃ μὲν ᾤχετʼ ἐπὶ κλυτὰ φῦλʼ ἀνθρώπων,

And mutually maintain repulse. Come on then, all men yield

τὸν δʼ ἔτι μᾶλλον ἀνῆκεν ἀμυνέμεναι Δαναοῖσιν.

To what I order. We that bear best arms in all our hosts,

αὐτίκα δʼ ἐν πρώτοισι μέγα προθορὼν ἐκέλευσεν·

Whose heads sustain the brightest helms, whose hands are bristled most

Ἀργεῖοι καὶ δʼ αὖτε μεθίεμεν Ἕκτορι νίκην

With longest lances, let us on. But stay, I'll lead you all;

Πριαμίδῃ, ἵνα νῆας ἕλῃ καὶ κῦδος ἄρηται;

Nor think I but great Hector's spirits will suffer some appall,

ἀλλʼ ὃ μὲν οὕτω φησὶ καὶ εὔχεται οὕνεκʼ Ἀχιλλεὺς

Though they be never so inspir'd. The ablest of us then,

νηυσὶν ἔπι γλαφυρῇσι μένει κεχολωμένος ἦτορ·

That on our shoulders worst shields bear, exchange with worser men

κείνου δʼ οὔ τι λίην ποθὴ ἔσσεται, εἴ κεν οἳ ἄλλοι

That fight with better.” This propos'd, all heard it, and obey'd.

ἡμεῖς ὀτρυνώμεθʼ ἀμυνέμεν ἀλλήλοισιν.

The kings, ev'n those that suffer'd wounds, Ulysses, Diomed,

ἀλλʼ ἄγεθʼ ὡς ἂν ἐγὼ εἴπω πειθώμεθα πάντες·

And Agamemnon, helpt t' instruct the cómplete army thus:

ἀσπίδες ὅσσαι ἄρισται ἐνὶ στρατῷ ἠδὲ μέγισται

To good gave good arms, worse to worse, yet none were mutinous.

ἑσσάμενοι, κεφαλὰς δὲ παναίθῃσιν κορύθεσσι

Thus, arm'd with order, forth they flew; the great Earth-shaker led,

κρύψαντες, χερσίν τε τὰ μακρότατʼ ἔγχεʼ ἑλόντες

A long sword in his sinewy hand, which when he brandishéd

ἴομεν· αὐτὰρ ἐγὼν ἡγήσομαι, οὐδʼ ἔτι φημὶ

It lighten'd still, there was no law for him and it, poor men

Ἕκτορα Πριαμίδην μενέειν μάλα περ μεμαῶτα.

Must quake before them. These thus mann'd, illustrious Hector then

ὃς δέ κʼ ἀνὴρ μενέχαρμος, ἔχει δʼ ὀλίγον σάκος ὤμῳ,

His host brought up. The blue-hair'd God and he stretch'd through the prease

χείρονι φωτὶ δότω, ὃ δʼ ἐν ἀσπίδι μείζονι δύτω.

A grievous fight; when to the ships and tents of Greece the seas

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἄρα τοῦ μάλα μὲν κλύον ἠδὲ πίθοντο·

Brake loose, and rag'd. But when they join'd, the dreadful clamour rose

τοὺς δʼ αὐτοὶ βασιλῆες ἐκόσμεον οὐτάμενοί περ

To such a height, as not the sea, when up the North-spirit blows

Τυδεΐδης Ὀδυσεύς τε καὶ Ἀτρεΐδης Ἀγαμέμνων·

οἰχόμενοι δʼ ἐπὶ πάντας ἀρήϊα τεύχεʼ ἄμειβον·

ἐσθλὰ μὲν ἐσθλὸς ἔδυνε, χέρεια δὲ χείρονι δόσκεν.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥʼ ἕσσαντο περὶ χροῒ νώροπα χαλκὸν

βάν ῥʼ ἴμεν· ἦρχε δʼ ἄρά σφι Ποσειδάων ἐνοσίχθων

δεινὸν ἄορ τανύηκες ἔχων ἐν χειρὶ παχείῃ

εἴκελον ἀστεροπῇ· τῷ δʼ οὐ θέμις ἐστὶ μιγῆναι

ἐν δαῒ λευγαλέῃ, ἀλλὰ δέος ἰσχάνει ἄνδρας.

Τρῶας δʼ αὖθʼ ἑτέρωθεν ἐκόσμει φαίδιμος Ἕκτωρ.

δή ῥα τότʼ αἰνοτάτην ἔριδα πτολέμοιο τάνυσσαν

κυανοχαῖτα Ποσειδάων καὶ φαίδιμος Ἕκτωρ,

Her raging billows, bellows so against the beaten shore;

ἤτοι ὃ μὲν Τρώεσσιν, ὃ δʼ Ἀργείοισιν ἀρήγων.

Nor such a rustling keeps a fire, driven with violent blore

ἐκλύσθη δὲ θάλασσα ποτὶ κλισίας τε νέας τε

Through woods that grow against a hill; nor so the fervent strokes

Ἀργείων· οἳ δὲ ξύνισαν μεγάλῳ ἀλαλητῷ.

Of almost-bursting winds resound against a grove of oaks;

οὔτε θαλάσσης κῦμα τόσον βοάᾳ ποτὶ χέρσον

As did the clamour of these hosts, when both the battles clos'd.

ποντόθεν ὀρνύμενον πνοιῇ Βορέω ἀλεγεινῇ·

Of all which noble Hector first at Ajax' breast dispos'd

οὔτε πυρὸς τόσσός γε ποτὶ βρόμος αἰθομένοιο

His jav'lin, since so right on him the great-soul'd soldier bore;

οὔρεος ἐν βήσσῃς, ὅτε τʼ ὤρετο καιέμεν ὕλην·

Nor miss'd it, but the bawdricks both that his broad bosom wore,

οὔτʼ ἄνεμος τόσσόν γε περὶ δρυσὶν ὑψικόμοισι

To hang his shield and sword, it strook; both which his flesh preserv'd.

ἠπύει, ὅς τε μάλιστα μέγα βρέμεται χαλεπαίνων,

Hector, disdaining that his lance had thus as good as swerv'd,

ὅσση ἄρα Τρώων καὶ Ἀχαιῶν ἔπλετο φωνὴ

Trode to his strength; but, going off, great Ajax with a stone,

δεινὸν ἀϋσάντων, ὅτʼ ἐπʼ ἀλλήλοισιν ὄρουσαν.

One of the many props for ships, that there lay trampled on,

Αἴαντος δὲ πρῶτος ἀκόντισε φαίδιμος Ἕκτωρ

Strook his broad breast above his shield, just underneath his throat,

ἔγχει, ἐπεὶ τέτραπτο πρὸς ἰθύ οἱ, οὐδʼ ἀφάμαρτε,

And shook him piecemeal; when the stone sprung back again, and smote

τῇ ῥα δύω τελαμῶνε περὶ στήθεσσι τετάσθην,

Earth, like a whirlwind, gath'ring dust with whirring fiercely round,

ἤτοι ὃ μὲν σάκεος, ὃ δὲ φασγάνου ἀργυροήλου·

For fervour of his unspent strength, in settling on the ground.

τώ οἱ ῥυσάσθην τέρενα χρόα. χώσατο δʼ Ἕκτωρ,

And as when Jove's bolt by the roots rends from the earth an oak,

ὅττί ῥά οἱ βέλος ὠκὺ ἐτώσιον ἔκφυγε χειρός,

His sulphur casting with the blow a strong unsavoury smoke,

ἂψ δʼ ἑτάρων εἰς ἔθνος ἐχάζετο κῆρʼ ἀλεείνων.

And on the fall'n plant none dare look but with amazéd eyes,

τὸν μὲν ἔπειτʼ ἀπιόντα μέγας Τελαμώνιος Αἴας

(Jove's thunder being no laughing game) so bow'd strong Hector's thighs,

χερμαδίῳ, τά ῥα πολλὰ θοάων ἔχματα νηῶν

And so with tost-up heels he fell, away his lance he flung,

πὰρ ποσὶ μαρναμένων ἐκυλίνδετο, τῶν ἓν ἀείρας

His round shield follow'd, then his helm, and out his armour rung.

στῆθος βεβλήκει ὑπὲρ ἄντυγος ἀγχόθι δειρῆς,

The Greeks then shouted, and ran in, and hop'd to hale him off,

στρόμβον δʼ ὣς ἔσσευε βαλών, περὶ δʼ ἔδραμε πάντῃ.

And therefore pour'd on darts in storms, to keep his aid aloof;

ὡς δʼ ὅθʼ ὑπὸ πληγῆς πατρὸς Διὸς ἐξερίπῃ δρῦς

But none could hurt the people's Guide, nor stir him from his ground;

πρόρριζος, δεινὴ δὲ θεείου γίγνεται ὀδμὴ

Sarpedon, prince of Lycia, and Glaucus so renown'd,

ἐξ αὐτῆς, τὸν δʼ οὔ περ ἔχει θράσος ὅς κεν ἴδηται

Divine Agenor, Venus' son, and wise Polydamas,

ἐγγὺς ἐών, χαλεπὸς δὲ Διὸς μεγάλοιο κεραυνός,

Rush'd to his rescue, and the rest. No one neglective was

ὣς ἔπεσʼ Ἕκτορος ὦκα χαμαὶ μένος ἐν κονίῃσι·

Of Hector's safety. All their shields, they couch'd about him close,

χειρὸς δʼ ἔκβαλεν ἔγχος, ἐπʼ αὐτῷ δʼ ἀσπὶς ἑάφθη

Rais'd him from earth, and (giving him, in their kind arms, repose)

καὶ κόρυς, ἀμφὶ δέ οἱ βράχε τεύχεα ποικίλα χαλκῷ.

From off the labour carried him, to his rich chariot,

οἳ δὲ μέγα ἰάχοντες ἐπέδραμον υἷες Ἀχαιῶν

And bore him mourning towards Troy. But when the flood they got

ἐλπόμενοι ἐρύεσθαι, ἀκόντιζον δὲ θαμειὰς

Of gulfy Xanthus, that was got by deathless Jupiter,

αἰχμάς· ἀλλʼ οὔ τις ἐδυνήσατο ποιμένα λαῶν

There took they him from chariot, and all besprinkled there

οὐτάσαι οὐδὲ βαλεῖν· πρὶν γὰρ περίβησαν ἄριστοι

His temples with the stream. He breath'd, look'd up, assay'd to rise,

Πουλυδάμας τε καὶ Αἰνείας καὶ δῖος Ἀγήνωρ

And on his knees stay'd spitting blood. Again then clos'd his eyes,

Σαρπηδών τʼ ἀρχὸς Λυκίων καὶ Γλαῦκος ἀμύμων.

And back again his body fell. The main blow had not done

τῶν δʼ ἄλλων οὔ τίς εὑ ἀκήδεσεν, ἀλλὰ πάροιθεν

Yet with his spirit. When the Greeks saw worthy Hector gone,

ἀσπίδας εὐκύκλους σχέθον αὐτοῦ. τὸν δʼ ἄρʼ ἑταῖροι

Then thought they of their work, then charg'd with much more cheer the foe,

χερσὶν ἀείραντες φέρον ἐκ πόνου, ὄφρʼ ἵκεθʼ ἵππους

And then, far first, Oïliades began the overthrow.

ὠκέας, οἵ οἱ ὄπισθε μάχης ἠδὲ πτολέμοιο

He darted Satnius Enops' son, whom famous Nais bore

ἕστασαν ἡνίοχόν τε καὶ ἅρματα ποικίλʼ ἔχοντες·

As she was keeping Enops' flocks on Satnius' river's shore,

οἳ τόν γε προτὶ ἄστυ φέρον βαρέα στενάχοντα.

And strook him in his belly's rim, who upwards fell, and rais'd

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ πόρον ἷξον ἐϋρρεῖος ποταμοῖο

A mighty skirmish with his fall. And then Panthœdés seiz'd

Ξάνθου δινήεντος, ὃν ἀθάνατος τέκετο Ζεύς,

Prothenor Areilycides, with his revengeful spear,

ἔνθά μιν ἐξ ἵππων πέλασαν χθονί, κὰδ δέ οἱ ὕδωρ

On his right shoulder, strook it through, and laid him breathless there;

χεῦαν· ὃ δʼ ἀμπνύνθη καὶ ἀνέδρακεν ὀφθαλμοῖσιν,

For which he insolently bragg'd, and cried out: “Not a dart

ἑζόμενος δʼ ἐπὶ γοῦνα κελαινεφὲς αἷμʼ ἀπέμεσσεν·

From great-soul'd Panthus' son, I think, shall ever vainlier part,

αὖτις δʼ ἐξοπίσω πλῆτο χθονί, τὼ δέ οἱ ὄσσε

But some Greek's bosom it shall take, and make him give his ghost.”

νὺξ ἐκάλυψε μέλαινα· βέλος δʼ ἔτι θυμὸν ἐδάμνα.

This brag the Grecians stomach'd much; but Telamonius most,

Ἀργεῖοι δʼ ὡς οὖν ἴδον Ἕκτορα νόσφι κιόντα

Who stood most near Prothenor's fall, and out he sent a lance,

μᾶλλον ἐπὶ Τρώεσσι θόρον, μνήσαντο δὲ χάρμης.

Which Panthus' son, declining, 'scap'd, yet took it to sad chance

ἔνθα πολὺ πρώτιστος Ὀϊλῆος ταχὺς Αἴας

Archilochus, Antenor's son, whom heav'n did destinate

Σάτνιον οὔτασε δουρὶ μετάλμενος ὀξυόεντι

To that stern end; 'twixt neck and head the jav'lin wrought his fate,

Ἠνοπίδην, ὃν ἄρα νύμφη τέκε νηῒς ἀμύμων

And ran in at the upper joint of all the back long bone,

Ἤνοπι βουκολέοντι παρʼ ὄχθας Σατνιόεντος.

τὸν μὲν Ὀϊλιάδης δουρὶ κλυτὸς ἐγγύθεν ἐλθὼν

οὖτα κατὰ λαπάρην· ὃ δʼ ἀνετράπετʼ, ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρʼ αὐτῷ

Τρῶες καὶ Δαναοὶ σύναγον κρατερὴν ὑσμίνην.

τῷ δʼ ἐπὶ Πουλυδάμας ἐγχέσπαλος ἦλθεν ἀμύντωρ

Πανθοΐδης, βάλε δὲ Προθοήνορα δεξιὸν ὦμον

υἱὸν Ἀρηϊλύκοιο, διʼ ὤμου δʼ ὄβριμον ἔγχος

ἔσχεν, ὃ δʼ ἐν κονίῃσι πεσὼν ἕλε γαῖαν ἀγοστῷ.

Πουλυδάμας δʼ ἔκπαγλον ἐπεύξατο μακρὸν ἀΰσας·

οὐ μὰν αὖτʼ ὀΐω μεγαθύμου Πανθοΐδαο

χειρὸς ἄπο στιβαρῆς ἅλιον πηδῆσαι ἄκοντα,

Cut both the nerves; and such a load of strength laid Ajax on,

ἀλλά τις Ἀργείων κόμισε χροΐ, καί μιν ὀΐω

As that small part he seiz'd outweigh'd all th' under limbs, and strook

αὐτῷ σκηπτόμενον κατίμεν δόμον Ἄϊδος εἴσω.

His heels up, so that head and face the earth's possessions took,

ὣς ἔφατʼ, Ἀργείοισι δʼ ἄχος γένετʼ εὐξαμένοιο·

When all the low parts sprung in air; and thus did Ajax quit

Αἴαντι δὲ μάλιστα δαΐφρονι θυμὸν ὄρινε

Panthœdes' brave: “Now, Panthus' son, let thy prophetic wit

τῷ Τελαμωνιάδῃ· τοῦ γὰρ πέσεν ἄγχι μάλιστα.

Consider, and disclose a truth, if this man do not weigh

καρπαλίμως δʼ ἀπιόντος ἀκόντισε δουρὶ φαεινῷ.

Ev'n with Prothenor. I conceive, no one of you will say

Πουλυδάμας δʼ αὐτὸς μὲν ἀλεύατο κῆρα μέλαιναν

That either he was base himself, or sprung of any base;

λικριφὶς ἀΐξας, κόμισεν δʼ Ἀντήνορος υἱὸς

Antenor's brother, or his son, he should be by his face;

Ἀρχέλοχος· τῷ γάρ ῥα θεοὶ βούλευσαν ὄλεθρον.

One of his race, past question, his likeness shows he is,”

τόν ῥʼ ἔβαλεν κεφαλῆς τε καὶ αὐχένος ἐν συνεοχμῷ,

This spake he, knowing it well enough. The Trojans storm'd at this,

νείατον ἀστράγαλον, ἀπὸ δʼ ἄμφω κέρσε τένοντε·

And then slew Acamas, to save his brother yet engag'd,

τοῦ δὲ πολὺ προτέρη κεφαλὴ στόμα τε ῥῖνές τε

Bœotius, dragging him to spoil; and thus the Greeks enrag'd:

οὔδεϊ πλῆντʼ ἤ περ κνῆμαι καὶ γοῦνα πεσόντος.

“O Greeks, ev'n born to bear our darts, yet ever breathing threats,

Αἴας δʼ αὖτʼ ἐγέγωνεν ἀμύμονι Πουλυδάμαντι·

Not always under tears and toils ye see our fortune sweats,

φράζεο Πουλυδάμα καί μοι νημερτὲς ἐνίσπες

But sometimes you drop under death. See now your quick among

ἦ ῥʼ οὐχ οὗτος ἀνὴρ Προθοήνορος ἀντὶ πεφάσθαι

Our dead, intranc'd with my weak lance, to prove I have ere long

ἄξιος; οὐ μέν μοι κακὸς εἴδεται οὐδὲ κακῶν ἔξ,

Reveng'd my brother. 'Tis the wish of ev'ry honest man

ἀλλὰ κασίγνητος Ἀντήνορος ἱπποδάμοιο

His brother, slain in Mars's field, may rest wreak'd in his fane.”

ἢ πάϊς· αὐτῷ γὰρ γενεὴν ἄγχιστα ἐῴκει.

This stirr'd fresh envy in the Greeks, but urg'd Peneleus most,

ἦ ῥʼ εὖ γιγνώσκων, Τρῶας δʼ ἄχος ἔλλαβε θυμόν.

Who hurl'd his lance at Acamas; he 'scap'd; nor yet it lost

ἔνθʼ Ἀκάμας Πρόμαχον Βοιώτιον οὔτασε δουρὶ

The force he gave it, for it found the flock-rich Phorbas' son,

ἀμφὶ κασιγνήτῳ βεβαώς· ὃ δʼ ὕφελκε ποδοῖιν.

Ilionëus, whose dear sire, past all in Ilion,

τῷ δʼ Ἀκάμας ἔκπαγλον ἐπεύξατο μακρὸν ἀΰσας·

Was lov'd of Hermes, and enrich'd, and to him only bore

Ἀργεῖοι ἰόμωροι ἀπειλάων ἀκόρητοι

His mother this now slaughter'd man. The dart did undergore

οὔ θην οἴοισίν γε πόνος τʼ ἔσεται καὶ ὀϊζὺς

His eye-lid, by his eye's dear roots, and out the apple fell,

ἡμῖν, ἀλλά ποθʼ ὧδε κατακτενέεσθε καὶ ὔμμες.

The eye pierc'd through. Nor could the nerve that stays the neck repell

φράζεσθʼ ὡς ὑμῖν Πρόμαχος δεδμημένος εὕδει

His strong-wing'd lance, but neck and all gave way, and down he dropp'd.

ἔγχει ἐμῷ, ἵνα μή τι κασιγνήτοιό γε ποινὴ

Peneleus then unsheath'd his sword, and from the shoulders chopp'd

δηρὸν ἄτιτος ἔῃ· τὼ καί κέ τις εὔχεται ἀνὴρ

His luckless head; which down he threw, the helm still sticking on,

γνωτὸν ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ἀρῆς ἀλκτῆρα λιπέσθαι.

And still the lance fix'd in his eye; which not to see alone

ὣς ἔφατʼ, Ἀργείοισι δʼ ἄχος γένετʼ εὐξαμένοιο·

Contented him, but up again he snatch'd, and show'd it all,

Πηνέλεῳ δὲ μάλιστα δαΐφρονι θυμὸν ὄρινεν·

With this stern brave: “Ilians, relate brave Ilionëus' fall

ὁρμήθη δʼ Ἀκάμαντος· ὃ δʼ οὐχ ὑπέμεινεν ἐρωὴν

To his kind parents, that their roofs their tears may overrun;

Πηνελέωο ἄνακτος· ὃ δʼ οὔτασεν Ἰλιονῆα

For so the house of Promachus, and Alegenor's son,

υἱὸν Φόρβαντος πολυμήλου, τόν ῥα μάλιστα

Must with his wife's eyes overflow, she never seeing more

Ἑρμείας Τρώων ἐφίλει καὶ κτῆσιν ὄπασσε·

Her dear lord, though we tell his death, when to our native shore

τῷ δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπὸ μήτηρ μοῦνον τέκεν Ἰλιονῆα.

We bring from ruin'd Troy our fleet, and men so long forgone.”

τὸν τόθʼ ὑπʼ ὀφρύος οὖτα κατʼ ὀφθαλμοῖο θέμεθλα,

This said, and seen, pale fear possess'd all those of Ilion,

ἐκ δʼ ὦσε γλήνην· δόρυ δʼ ὀφθαλμοῖο διὰ πρὸ

And ev'ry man cast round his eye to see where death was not,

καὶ διὰ ἰνίου ἦλθεν, ὃ δʼ ἕζετο χεῖρε πετάσσας

That he might fly him. Let not then his grac'd hand be forgot,

ἄμφω· Πηνέλεως δὲ ἐρυσσάμενος ξίφος ὀξὺ

O Muses, you that dwell in heav'n, that first imbru'd the field

αὐχένα μέσσον ἔλασσεν, ἀπήραξεν δὲ χαμᾶζε

With Trojan spoil, when Neptune thus had made their irons yield.

αὐτῇ σὺν πήληκι κάρη· ἔτι δʼ ὄβριμον ἔγχος

First Ajax Telamonius the Mysian captain slew,

ἦεν ἐν ὀφθαλμῷ· ὃ δὲ φὴ κώδειαν ἀνασχὼν

Great Hyrtius Gyrtiades. Antilochus o'erthrew

πέφραδέ τε Τρώεσσι καὶ εὐχόμενος ἔπος ηὔδα·

Phalces and Mermer, to their spoil. Meriones gave end

εἰπέμεναί μοι Τρῶες ἀγαυοῦ Ἰλιονῆος

To Morys and Hyppotion. Teucer to fate did send

πατρὶ φίλῳ καὶ μητρὶ γοήμεναι ἐν μεγάροισιν·

Prothoon and Periphetes. Atrides' jav'lin chac'd

οὐδὲ γὰρ ἣ Προμάχοιο δάμαρ Ἀλεγηνορίδαο

Duke Hyperenor, wounding him in that part that is plac'd

ἀνδρὶ φίλῳ ἐλθόντι γανύσσεται, ὁππότε κεν δὴ

Betwixt the short ribs and the bones, that to the triple gut

ἐκ Τροίης σὺν νηυσὶ νεώμεθα κοῦροι Ἀχαιῶν.

Have pertinence; the jav'lin's head did out his entrails cut,

ὣς φάτο, τοὺς δʼ ἄρα πάντας ὑπὸ τρόμος ἔλλαβε γυῖα,

His forc'd soul breaking through the wound; night's black hand clos'd his eyes.

πάπτηνεν δὲ ἕκαστος ὅπῃ φύγοι αἰπὺν ὄλεθρον.

Then Ajax, great Oïleus' son, had divers victories,

ἔσπετε νῦν μοι Μοῦσαι Ὀλύμπια δώματʼ ἔχουσαι

For when Saturnius suffer'd flight, of all the Grecian race

ὅς τις δὴ πρῶτος βροτόεντʼ ἀνδράγριʼ Ἀχαιῶν

Not one with swiftness of his feet could so enrich a chace.

ἤρατʼ, ἐπεί ῥʼ ἔκλινε μάχην κλυτὸς ἐννοσίγαιος.

Αἴας ῥα πρῶτος Τελαμώνιος Ὕρτιον οὖτα

Γυρτιάδην Μυσῶν ἡγήτορα καρτεροθύμων·

Φάλκην δʼ Ἀντίλοχος καὶ Μέρμερον ἐξενάριξε·

Μηριόνης δὲ Μόρυν τε καὶ Ἱπποτίωνα κατέκτα,

Τεῦκρος δὲ Προθόωνά τʼ ἐνήρατο καὶ Περιφήτην·

Ἀτρεΐδης δʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειθʼ Ὑπερήνορα ποιμένα λαῶν

οὖτα κατὰ λαπάρην, διὰ δʼ ἔντερα χαλκὸς ἄφυσσε

δῃώσας· ψυχὴ δὲ κατʼ οὐταμένην ὠτειλὴν

ἔσσυτʼ ἐπειγομένη, τὸν δὲ σκότος ὄσσε κάλυψε.

πλείστους δʼ Αἴας εἷλεν Ὀϊλῆος ταχὺς υἱός·

οὐ γάρ οἵ τις ὁμοῖος ἐπισπέσθαι ποσὶν ἦεν