Iliad

Thus fighting for this well-built ship; Patroclus all that space

ὣς οἳ μὲν περὶ νηὸς ἐϋσσέλμοιο μάχοντο·

Stood by his friend, preparing words to win the Greeks his grace,

Πάτροκλος δʼ Ἀχιλῆϊ παρίστατο ποιμένι λαῶν

With pow'r of uncontainéd tears; and, like a fountain pour'd

δάκρυα θερμὰ χέων ὥς τε κρήνη μελάνυδρος,

In black streams from a lofty rock, the Greeks so plagu'd deplor'd.

ἥ τε κατʼ αἰγίλιπος πέτρης δνοφερὸν χέει ὕδωρ.

Achilles, ruthful for his tears, said: “Wherefore weeps my friend

τὸν δὲ ἰδὼν ᾤκτιρε ποδάρκης δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς,

So like a girl, who, though she sees her mother cannot tend

καί μιν φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Her childish humours, hangs on her, and would be taken up,

τίπτε δεδάκρυσαι Πατρόκλεες, ἠΰτε κούρη

Still viewing her with tear-drown'd eyes, when she hath made her stoop,

νηπίη, ἥ θʼ ἅμα μητρὶ θέουσʼ ἀνελέσθαι ἀνώγει

To nothing liker I can shape thy so unseemly tears.

εἱανοῦ ἁπτομένη, καί τʼ ἐσσυμένην κατερύκει,

What causeth them? Hath any ill solicited thine ears

δακρυόεσσα δέ μιν ποτιδέρκεται, ὄφρʼ ἀνέληται·

Befall'n my Myrmidons? Or news from lovéd Phthia brought,

τῇ ἴκελος Πάτροκλε τέρεν κατὰ δάκρυον εἴβεις.

Told only thee, lest I should grieve, and therefore thus hath wrought

ἠέ τι Μυρμιδόνεσσι πιφαύσκεαι, ἢ ἐμοὶ αὐτῷ,

On thy kind spirit? Actor's son, the good Menœtius,

ἦέ τινʼ ἀγγελίην Φθίης ἐξέκλυες οἶος;

Thy father, lives, and Peleus, mine, great son of Æacus,

ζώειν μὰν ἔτι φασὶ Μενοίτιον Ἄκτορος υἱόν,

Amongst his Myrmidons; whose deaths, in duty we should mourn,

ζώει δʼ Αἰακίδης Πηλεὺς μετὰ Μυρμιδόνεσσι;

Or is it what the Greeks sustain, that doth thy stomach turn,

τῶν κε μάλʼ ἀμφοτέρων ἀκαχοίμεθα τεθνηώτων.

On whom, for their injustice' sake, plagues are so justly laid?

ἦε σύ γʼ Ἀργείων ὀλοφύρεαι, ὡς ὀλέκονται

Speak, man, let both know either's heart.” Patroclus, sighing, said:

νηυσὶν ἔπι γλαφυρῇσιν ὑπερβασίης ἕνεκα σφῆς;

“O Peleus' son, thou strongest Greek by all degrees that lives,

ἐξαύδα, μὴ κεῦθε νόῳ, ἵνα εἴδομεν ἄμφω.

Still be not angry, our sad state such cause of pity gives,

τὸν δὲ βαρὺ στενάχων προσέφης Πατρόκλεες ἱππεῦ·

Our greatest Greeks lie at their ships sore wounded; Ithacus,

ὦ Ἀχιλεῦ Πηλῆος υἱὲ μέγα φέρτατʼ Ἀχαιῶν

King Agamemnon, Diomed, and good Eurypylus;

μὴ νεμέσα· τοῖον γὰρ ἄχος βεβίηκεν Ἀχαιούς.

But these much-med'cine-knowing men, physicians, can recure,

οἳ μὲν γὰρ δὴ πάντες, ὅσοι πάρος ἦσαν ἄριστοι,

Thou yet unmed'cinable still, though thy wound all endure,

ἐν νηυσὶν κέαται βεβλημένοι οὐτάμενοί τε.

Heav'n bless my bosom from such wrath as thou sooth'st as thy bliss,

βέβληται μὲν ὃ Τυδεΐδης κρατερὸς Διομήδης,

Unprofitably virtuous. How shall our progenies,

οὔτασται δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς δουρικλυτὸς ἠδʼ Ἀγαμέμνων,

Born in thine age, enjoy thine aid, when these friends, in thy flow'r,

βέβληται δὲ καὶ Εὐρύπυλος κατὰ μηρὸν ὀϊστῷ.

Thou leav'st to such unworthy death? O idle, cruel pow'r!

τοὺς μέν τʼ ἰητροὶ πολυφάρμακοι ἀμφιπένονται

Great Peleus never did beget, nor Thetis bring forth thee,

ἕλκεʼ ἀκειόμενοι· σὺ δʼ ἀμήχανος ἔπλευ Ἀχιλλεῦ.

Thou from the blue sea, and her rocks, deriv'st thy pedigree,

μὴ ἐμέ γʼ οὖν οὗτός γε λάβοι χόλος, ὃν σὺ φυλάσσεις

What so declines thee? If thy mind shuns any augury,

αἰναρέτη· τί σευ ἄλλος ὀνήσεται ὀψίγονός περ

Related by thy mother-queen from heav'n's foreseeing eye,

αἴ κε μὴ Ἀργείοισιν ἀεικέα λοιγὸν ἀμύνῃς;

And therefore thou forsak'st thy friends, let me go ease their moans

νηλεές, οὐκ ἄρα σοί γε πατὴρ ἦν ἱππότα Πηλεύς,

With those brave relics of our host, thy mighty Myrmidons,

οὐδὲ Θέτις μήτηρ· γλαυκὴ δέ σε τίκτε θάλασσα

That I may bring to field more light to conquest than hath been.

πέτραι τʼ ἠλίβατοι, ὅτι τοι νόος ἐστὶν ἀπηνής.

To which end grace me with thine arms, since, any shadow seen

εἰ δέ τινα φρεσὶ σῇσι θεοπροπίην ἀλεείνεις

Of thy resemblance, all the pow'r of perjur'd Troy will fly,

καί τινά τοι πὰρ Ζηνὸς ἐπέφραδε πότνια μήτηρ,

And our so-tiréd friend's will breathe; our fresh-set-on supply

ἀλλʼ ἐμέ περ πρόες ὦχʼ, ἃμα δʼ ἄλλον λαὸν ὄπασσον

Will eas'ly drive their wearied off.” Thus, foolish man, he sued

Μυρμιδόνων, ἤν πού τι φόως Δαναοῖσι γένωμαι.

For his sure death; of all whose speech Achilles first renew'd

δὸς δέ μοι ὤμοιιν τὰ σὰ τεύχεα θωρηχθῆναι,

The last part thus: “O worthy friend, what have thy speeches been?

αἴ κʼ ἐμὲ σοὶ ἴσκοντες ἀπόσχωνται πολέμοιο

I shun the fight for oracles, or what my mother queen

Τρῶες, ἀναπνεύσωσι δʼ Ἀρήϊοι υἷες Ἀχαιῶν

Hath told from Jove? I take no care, nor note of one such thing!

τειρόμενοι· ὀλίγη δέ τʼ ἀνάπνευσις πολέμοιο.

But this fit anger stings me still, that the insulting king

ῥεῖα δέ κʼ ἀκμῆτες κεκμηότας ἄνδρας ἀϋτῇ

Should from his equal take his right, since he exceeds in pow'r.

ὤσαιμεν προτὶ ἄστυ νεῶν ἄπο καὶ κλισιάων.

This, still his wrong, is still my grief: He took my paramour

ὣς φάτο λισσόμενος μέγα νήπιος· ἦ γὰρ ἔμελλεν

That all men gave, and whom I won by virtue of my spear,

οἷ αὐτῷ θάνατόν τε κακὸν καὶ κῆρα λιτέσθαι.

That, for her, overturn'd a town. This rape he made of her,

τὸν δὲ μέγʼ ὀχθήσας προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς·

And used me like a fugitive, an inmate in a town,

ὤ μοι διογενὲς Πατρόκλεες οἷον ἔειπες·

That is no city libertine, nor capable of their gown.

οὔτε θεοπροπίης ἐμπάζομαι ἥν τινα οἶδα,

But bear we this as out of date; 'tis past, nor must we still

οὔτέ τί μοι πὰρ Ζηνὸς ἐπέφραδε πότνια μήτηρ·

Feed anger in our noblest parts; yet thus, I have my will

ἀλλὰ τόδʼ αἰνὸν ἄχος κραδίην καὶ θυμὸν ἱκάνει,

As well as our great king of men, for I did ever vow

ὁππότε δὴ τὸν ὁμοῖον ἀνὴρ ἐθέλῃσιν ἀμέρσαι

Never to cast off my disdain till, as it falls out now,

καὶ γέρας ἂψ ἀφελέσθαι, ὅ τε κράτεϊ προβεβήκῃ·

Their miss of me knock'd at my fleet, and told me in their cries

αἰνὸν ἄχος τό μοί ἐστιν, ἐπεὶ πάθον ἄλγεα θυμῷ.

I was reveng'd, and had my wish of all my enemies.

κούρην ἣν ἄρα μοι γέρας ἔξελον υἷες Ἀχαιῶν,

And so of this repeat enough. Take thou my fame-blaz'd arms,

δουρὶ δʼ ἐμῷ κτεάτισσα πόλιν εὐτείχεα πέρσας,

And my fight-thirsty Myrmidons lead to these hot alarms.

τὴν ἂψ ἐκ χειρῶν ἕλετο κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

Whole clouds of Trojans circle us with hateful eminence;

Ἀτρεΐδης ὡς εἴ τινʼ ἀτίμητον μετανάστην.

The Greeks shut in a little shore, a sort of citizens

ἀλλὰ τὰ μὲν προτετύχθαι ἐάσομεν· οὐδʼ ἄρα πως ἦν

Skipping upon them; all because their proud eyes do not see

ἀσπερχὲς κεχολῶσθαι ἐνὶ φρεσίν· ἤτοι ἔφην γε

The radiance of my helmet there, whose beams had instantly

οὐ πρὶν μηνιθμὸν καταπαυσέμεν, ἀλλʼ ὁπότʼ ἂν δὴ

Thrust back, and all these ditches fill'd with carrion of their flesh,

νῆας ἐμὰς ἀφίκηται ἀϋτή τε πτόλεμός τε.

If Agamemnon had been kind; where now they fight as fresh,

τύνη δʼ ὤμοιιν μὲν ἐμὰ κλυτὰ τεύχεα δῦθι,

As thus far they had put at ease, and at our tents contend.

ἄρχε δὲ Μυρμιδόνεσσι φιλοπτολέμοισι μάχεσθαι,

And may; for the repulsive hand of Diomed doth not spend

εἰ δὴ κυάνεον Τρώων νέφος ἀμφιβέβηκε

His raging darts there, that their death could fright out of our fleet;

νηυσὶν ἐπικρατέως, οἳ δὲ ῥηγμῖνι θαλάσσης

Nor from that head of enmity, can my poor hearers meet

κεκλίαται, χώρης ὀλίγην ἔτι μοῖραν ἔχοντες

The voice of great Atrides now. Now Hector's only voice

Ἀργεῖοι, Τρώων δὲ πόλις ἐπὶ πᾶσα βέβηκε

Breaks all the air about both hosts, and, with the very noise

θάρσυνος· οὐ γὰρ ἐμῆς κόρυθος λεύσσουσι μέτωπον

Bred by his loud encouragements, his forces fill the field,

ἐγγύθι λαμπομένης· τάχα κεν φεύγοντες ἐναύλους

And fight the poor Achaians down. But on, put thou my shield

πλήσειαν νεκύων, εἴ μοι κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

Betwixt the fire-plague and our fleet. Rush bravely on, and turn

ἤπια εἰδείη· νῦν δὲ στρατὸν ἀμφιμάχονται.

War's tide as headlong on their throats. No more let them ajourn

οὐ γὰρ Τυδεΐδεω Διομήδεος ἐν παλάμῃσι

Our sweet home-turning. But observe the charge I lay on thee

μαίνεται ἐγχείη Δαναῶν ἀπὸ λοιγὸν ἀμῦναι·

To each least point, that thy rul'd hand may highly honour me,

οὐδέ πω Ἀτρεΐδεω ὀπὸς ἔκλυον αὐδήσαντος

And get such glory from the Greeks, that they may send again

ἐχθρῆς ἐκ κεφαλῆς· ἀλλʼ Ἕκτορος ἀνδροφόνοιο

My most sweet wench, and gifts to boot, when thou hast cast a rein

Τρωσὶ κελεύοντος περιάγνυται, οἳ δʼ ἀλαλητῷ

On these so headstrong citizens, and forc'd them from our fleet.

πᾶν πεδίον κατέχουσι μάχῃ νικῶντες Ἀχαιούς.

ἀλλὰ καὶ ὧς Πάτροκλε νεῶν ἄπο λοιγὸν ἀμύνων

ἔμπεσʼ ἐπικρατέως, μὴ δὴ πυρὸς αἰθομένοιο

νῆας ἐνιπρήσωσι, φίλον δʼ ἀπὸ νόστον ἕλωνται.

πείθεο δʼ ὥς τοι ἐγὼ μύθου τέλος ἐν φρεσὶ θείω,

ὡς ἄν μοι τιμὴν μεγάλην καὶ κῦδος ἄρηαι

πρὸς πάντων Δαναῶν, ἀτὰρ οἳ περικαλλέα κούρην

ἂψ ἀπονάσσωσιν, ποτὶ δʼ ἀγλαὰ δῶρα πόρωσιν.

With which grace if the God of sounds thy kind egression greet;

ἐκ νηῶν ἐλάσας ἰέναι πάλιν· εἰ δέ κεν αὖ τοι

Retire, and be not tempted on (with pride to see thy hand

δώῃ κῦδος ἀρέσθαι ἐρίγδουπος πόσις Ἥρης,

Rain slaughter'd carcasses on earth) to run forth thy command

μὴ σύ γʼ ἄνευθεν ἐμεῖο λιλαίεσθαι πολεμίζειν

As far as Ilion, lest the Gods, that favour Troy, come forth

Τρωσὶ φιλοπτολέμοισιν· ἀτιμότερον δέ με θήσεις·

To thy encounter, for the Sun much loves it; and my worth,

μὴ δʼ ἐπαγαλλόμενος πολέμῳ καὶ δηϊοτῆτι

In what thou suffer'st, will be wrong'd, that I would let my friend

Τρῶας ἐναιρόμενος προτὶ Ἴλιον ἡγεμονεύειν,

Assume an action of such weight without me, and transcend

μή τις ἀπʼ Οὐλύμποιο θεῶν αἰειγενετάων

His friend's prescription. Do not then affect a further fight

ἐμβήῃ· μάλα τούς γε φιλεῖ ἑκάεργος Ἀπόλλων·

Than I may strengthen. Let the rest, when thou hast done this right,

ἀλλὰ πάλιν τρωπᾶσθαι, ἐπὴν φάος ἐν νήεσσι

Perform the rest. O would to Jove, thou Pallas, and thou Sun,

θήῃς, τοὺς δʼ ἔτʼ ἐᾶν πεδίον κάτα δηριάασθαι.

That not a man hous'd underneath those tow'rs of Ilion,

αἲ γὰρ Ζεῦ τε πάτερ καὶ Ἀθηναίη καὶ Ἄπολλον

Nor anyone of all the Greeks, how infinite a sum

μήτέ τις οὖν Τρώων θάνατον φύγοι ὅσσοι ἔασι,

Soever all together make, might live unovercome;

μήτέ τις Ἀργείων, νῶϊν δʼ ἐκδῦμεν ὄλεθρον,

But only we two, 'scaping death, might have the thund'ring down

ὄφρʼ οἶοι Τροίης ἱερὰ κρήδεμνα λύωμεν.

Of ev'ry stone stuck in the walls of this so sacred town!”

ὣς οἳ μὲν τοιαῦτα πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἀγόρευον,

Thus spake they only 'twixt themselves. And now the foe no more

Αἴας δʼ οὐκ ἔτʼ ἔμιμνε· βιάζετο γὰρ βελέεσσι·

Could Ajax stand, being so oppress'd with all the iron store

δάμνα μιν Ζηνός τε νόος καὶ Τρῶες ἀγαυοὶ

The Trojans pour'd on; with whose darts, and with Jove's will beside,

βάλλοντες· δεινὴν δὲ περὶ κροτάφοισι φαεινὴ

His pow'rs were cloy'd, and his bright helm did deaf'ning blows abide,

πήληξ βαλλομένη καναχὴν ἔχε, βάλλετο δʼ αἰεὶ

His plume, and all bead-ornaments, could never hang in rest.

κὰπ φάλαρʼ εὐποίηθʼ· ὃ δʼ ἀριστερὸν ὦμον ἔκαμνεν

His arm yet labour'd up his shield, and having done their best,

ἔμπεδον αἰὲν ἔχων σάκος αἰόλον· οὐδὲ δύναντο

They could not stir him from his stand, although he wrought it out

ἀμφʼ αὐτῷ πελεμίξαι ἐρείδοντες βελέεσσιν.

With short respirings, and with sweat, that ceaseless flow'd about

αἰεὶ δʼ ἀργαλέῳ ἔχετʼ ἄσθματι, κὰδ δέ οἱ ἱδρὼς

His reeking limbs; no least time giv'n to take in any breath;

πάντοθεν ἐκ μελέων πολὺς ἔρρεεν, οὐδέ πῃ εἶχεν

Ill strengthen'd ill; when one was up, another was beneath.

ἀμπνεῦσαι· πάντῃ δὲ κακὸν κακῷ ἐστήρικτο.

Now, Muses, you that dwell in heav'n, the dreadful mean inspire,

ἔσπετε νῦν μοι Μοῦσαι Ὀλύμπια δώματʼ ἔχουσαι,

That first enforc'd the Grecian fleet, to take in Trojan fire.

ὅππως δὴ πρῶτον πῦρ ἔμπεσε νηυσὶν Ἀχαιῶν.

First Hector, with his huge broad sword, cut off, at setting on,

Ἕκτωρ Αἴαντος δόρυ μείλινον ἄγχι παραστὰς

The head of Ajax' ashen lance; which Ajax seeing gone,

πλῆξʼ ἄορι μεγάλῳ αἰχμῆς παρὰ καυλὸν ὄπισθεν,

And that he shook a headless spear, a little while unware,

ἀντικρὺ δʼ ἀπάραξε· τὸ μὲν Τελαμώνιος Αἴας

His wary spirits told him straight the hand of Heav'n was there;

πῆλʼ αὔτως ἐν χειρὶ κόλον δόρυ, τῆλε δʼ ἀπʼ αὐτοῦ

And trembling under his conceit, which was that 'twas Jove's deed,

αἰχμὴ χαλκείη χαμάδις βόμβησε πεσοῦσα.

Who, as be poll'd off his dart's heads, so sure he had decreed

γνῶ δʼ Αἴας κατὰ θυμὸν ἀμύμονα ῥίγησέν τε

That all the counsels of their war, he would poll off like it,

ἔργα θεῶν, ὅ ῥα πάγχυ μάχης ἐπὶ μήδεα κεῖρε

And give the Trojans victory; so trusted he his wit,

Ζεὺς ὑψιβρεμέτης, Τρώεσσι δὲ βούλετο νίκην·

And left his darts. And then the ship was heap'd with horrid brands

χάζετο δʼ ἐκ βελέων. τοὶ δʼ ἔμβαλον ἀκάματον πῦρ

Of kindling fire; which instantly was seen through all the strands

νηῒ θοῇ· τῆς δʼ αἶψα κατʼ ἀσβέστη κέχυτο φλόξ.

In unextinguishable flames, that all the ship embrac'd.

ὣς τὴν μὲν πρυμνὴν πῦρ ἄμφεπεν· αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς

And then Achilles beat his thighs, cried out, “Patroclus, haste,

μηρὼ πληξάμενος Πατροκλῆα προσέειπεν·

Make way with horse. I see at fleet, a fire of fearful rage.

ὄρσεο διογενὲς Πατρόκλεες ἱπποκέλευθε·

Arm, arm, lest all our fleet it fire, and all our pow'r engage.

λεύσσω δὴ παρὰ νηυσὶ πυρὸς δηΐοιο ἰωήν·

Arm quickly, I'll bring up the troops.” To these so dreadful wars

μὴ δὴ νῆας ἕλωσι καὶ οὐκέτι φυκτὰ πέλωνται·

Patroclus, in Achilles' arms, enlighten'd all with stars,

δύσεο τεύχεα θᾶσσον, ἐγὼ δέ κε λαὸν ἀγείρω.

And richly amell'd, all haste made. He wore his sword, his shield,

ὣς φάτο, Πάτροκλος δὲ κορύσσετο νώροπι χαλκῷ.

His huge-plum'd helm, and two such spears, as he could nimbly wield.

κνημῖδας μὲν πρῶτα περὶ κνήμῃσιν ἔθηκε

But the most fam'd Achilles' spear, big, solid, full of weight,

καλάς, ἀργυρέοισιν ἐπισφυρίοις ἀραρυίας·

He only left of all his arms; for that far pass'd the might

δεύτερον αὖ θώρηκα περὶ στήθεσσιν ἔδυνε

Of any Greek to shake but his; Achilles' only ire

ποικίλον ἀστερόεντα ποδώκεος Αἰακίδαο.

Shook that huge weapon, that was giv'n by Chiron to his sire,

ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρʼ ὤμοισιν βάλετο ξίφος ἀργυρόηλον

Cut from the top of Pelion, to be heroës' deaths.

χάλκεον, αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα σάκος μέγα τε στιβαρόν τε·

His steeds Automedon straight join'd; like whom no man that breathes,

κρατὶ δʼ ἐπʼ ἰφθίμῳ κυνέην εὔτυκτον ἔθηκεν

Next Peleus' son, Patroclus lov'd; for, like him, none so great

ἵππουριν· δεινὸν δὲ λόφος καθύπερθεν ἔνευεν.

He found in faith at ev'ry fight, nor to out-look a threat,

εἵλετο δʼ ἄλκιμα δοῦρε, τά οἱ παλάμηφιν ἀρήρει.

Automedon did therefore guide for him Achilles' steeds,

ἔγχος δʼ οὐχ ἕλετʼ οἶον ἀμύμονος Αἰακίδαο

Xanthius and Balius swift as wind, begotten by the seeds

βριθὺ μέγα στιβαρόν· τὸ μὲν οὐ δύνατʼ ἄλλος Ἀχαιῶν

Of Zephyr, and the Harpy born, Podarge, in a mead

πάλλειν, ἀλλά μιν οἶος ἐπίστατο πῆλαι Ἀχιλλεὺς

Close to the wavy oceán, where that fierce Harpy fed.

Πηλιάδα μελίην, τὴν πατρὶ φίλῳ πόρε Χείρων

Automedon join'd these before, and with the hindmost gears

Πηλίου ἐκ κορυφῆς, φόνον ἔμμεναι ἡρώεσσιν.

He fasten'd famous Pedasus, whom, from the massacres

ἵππους δʼ Αὐτομέδοντα θοῶς ζευγνῦμεν ἄνωγε,

Made by Achilles, when he took Eëtion's wealthy town,

τὸν μετʼ Ἀχιλλῆα ῥηξήνορα τῖε μάλιστα,

He brought, and, though of mortal race, yet gave him the renown

πιστότατος δέ οἱ ἔσκε μάχῃ ἔνι μεῖναι ὁμοκλήν.

To follow his immortal horse. And now, before his tents,

τῷ δὲ καὶ Αὐτομέδων ὕπαγε ζυγὸν ὠκέας ἵππους

Himself had seen his Myrmidons, in all habiliments

Ξάνθον καὶ Βαλίον, τὼ ἅμα πνοιῇσι πετέσθην,

Of dreadful war. And when ye see, upon a mountain bred,

τοὺς ἔτεκε Ζεφύρῳ ἀνέμῳ Ἅρπυια Ποδάργη

A den of wolves, about whose hearts unmeasur'd strengths are fed,

βοσκομένη λειμῶνι παρὰ ῥόον Ὠκεανοῖο.

New come from currie of a stag, their jaws all blood-besmear'd,

ἐν δὲ παρηορίῃσιν ἀμύμονα Πήδασον ἵει,

And when from some black-water fount they all together herd,

τόν ῥά ποτʼ Ἠετίωνος ἑλὼν πόλιν ἤγαγʼ Ἀχιλλεύς,

There having plentifully lapp'd, with thin and thrust out tongues,

ὃς καὶ θνητὸς ἐὼν ἕπεθʼ ἵπποις ἀθανάτοισι.

The top and clearest of the spring, go belching from their lungs

Μυρμιδόνας δʼ ἄρʼ ἐποιχόμενος θώρηξεν Ἀχιλλεὺς

The clotter'd gore, look dreadfully, and entertain no dread,

πάντας ἀνὰ κλισίας σὺν τεύχεσιν· οἳ δὲ λύκοι ὣς

Their bellies gaunt all taken up, with being so rawly fed;

ὠμοφάγοι, τοῖσίν τε περὶ φρεσὶν ἄσπετος ἀλκή,

Then say, that such, in strength and look, were great Achilles' men

οἵ τʼ ἔλαφον κεραὸν μέγαν οὔρεσι δῃώσαντες

Now order'd for the dreadful fight; and so with all them then

δάπτουσιν· πᾶσιν δὲ παρήϊον αἵματι φοινόν·

Their princes and their chiefs did show, about their Gen'ral's friend;

καί τʼ ἀγεληδὸν ἴασιν ἀπὸ κρήνης μελανύδρου

His friend, and all, about himself; who chiefly did intend

λάψοντες γλώσσῃσιν ἀραιῇσιν μέλαν ὕδωρ

Th' embattelling of horse and foot. To that siege, held so long,

ἄκρον ἐρευγόμενοι φόνον αἵματος· ἐν δέ τε θυμὸς

Twice-five-and-twenty sail he brought, twice-five-and-twenty strong

στήθεσιν ἄτρομός ἐστι, περιστένεται δέ τε γαστήρ·

Of able men was ev'rv sail. Five colonels he made

τοῖοι Μυρμιδόνων ἡγήτορες ἠδὲ μέδοντες

Of all those forces; trusty men, and all of pow'r to lead,

ἀμφʼ ἀγαθὸν θεράποντα ποδώκεος Αἰακίδαο

But he of pow'r beyond them all. Menesthius was one,

ῥώοντʼ· ἐν δʼ ἄρα τοῖσιν ἀρήϊος ἵστατʼ Ἀχιλλεύς,

ὀτρύνων ἵππους τε καὶ ἀνέρας ἀσπιδιώτας.

πεντήκοντʼ ἦσαν νῆες θοαί, ᾗσιν Ἀχιλλεὺς

ἐς Τροίην ἡγεῖτο Διῒ φίλος· ἐν δὲ ἑκάστῃ

πεντήκοντʼ ἔσαν ἄνδρες ἐπὶ κληῗσιν ἑταῖροι·

πέντε δʼ ἄρʼ ἡγεμόνας ποιήσατο τοῖς ἐπεποίθει

σημαίνειν· αὐτὸς δὲ μέγα κρατέων ἤνασσε.

τῆς μὲν ἰῆς στιχὸς ἦρχε Μενέσθιος αἰολοθώρηξ

That ever wore discolour'd arms; he was a river's son

υἱὸς Σπερχειοῖο διιπετέος ποταμοῖο·

That fell from heav'n, and good to drink was his delightful stream,

ὃν τέκε Πηλῆος θυγάτηρ καλὴ Πολυδώρη

His name unwearied Sperchius, he lov'd the lovely dame

Σπερχειῷ ἀκάμαντι γυνὴ θεῷ εὐνηθεῖσα,

Fair Polydora, Peleus' seed, and dear in Borus' sight,

αὐτὰρ ἐπίκλησιν Βώρῳ Περιήρεος υἷι,

And she to that celestial Flood gave this Menesthius light,

ὅς ῥʼ ἀναφανδὸν ὄπυιε πορὼν ἀπερείσια ἕδνα.

A woman mixing with a God. Yet Borus bore the name

τῆς δʼ ἑτέρης Εὔδωρος ἀρήϊος ἡγεμόνευε

Of father to Menesthius, he marrying the dame,

παρθένιος, τὸν ἔτικτε χορῷ καλὴ Πολυμήλη

And giving her a mighty dow'r; he was the kind descent

Φύλαντος θυγάτηρ· τῆς δὲ κρατὺς ἀργεϊφόντης

Of Perieres. The next man, renown'd with regiment,

ἠράσατʼ, ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ἰδὼν μετὰ μελπομένῃσιν

Was strong Eudorus, brought to life by one suppos'd a maid,

ἐν χορῷ Ἀρτέμιδος χρυσηλακάτου κελαδεινῆς.

Bright Polymela, Phylas' seed, but had the wanton play'd

αὐτίκα δʼ εἰς ὑπερῷʼ ἀναβὰς παρελέξατο λάθρῃ

With Argus-killing Mercury; who (fir'd with her fair eyes,

Ἑρμείας ἀκάκητα, πόρεν δέ οἱ ἀγλαὸν υἱὸν

As she was singing in the quire of Her that makes the cries

Εὔδωρον πέρι μὲν θείειν ταχὺν ἠδὲ μαχητήν.

In clam'rous hunting, and doth bear the crooked bow of gold)

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ τόν γε μογοστόκος Εἰλείθυια

Stole to her bed in that chaste room, that Phœbe chaste did hold,

ἐξάγαγε πρὸ φόως δὲ καὶ ἠελίου ἴδεν αὐγάς,

And gave her that swift-warlike son, Eudorus, brought to light

τὴν μὲν Ἐχεκλῆος κρατερὸν μένος Ἀκτορίδαο

As she was dancing; but as soon, as She that rules the plight

ἠγάγετο πρὸς δώματʼ, ἐπεὶ πόρε μυρία ἕδνα,

Of labouring women eas'd her throes, and show'd her son the sun,

τὸν δʼ ὃ γέρων Φύλας εὖ ἔτρεφεν ἠδʼ ἀτίταλλεν

Strong Echecæus, Actor's heir, woo'd earnestly, and won

ἀμφαγαπαζόμενος ὡς εἴ θʼ ἑὸν υἱὸν ἐόντα.

Her second favour, feeing her with gifts of infinite prize;

τῆς δὲ τρίτης Πείσανδρος ἀρήϊος ἡγεμόνευε

And after brought her to his house, where, in his grandsire's eyes,

Μαιμαλίδης, ὃς πᾶσι μετέπρεπε Μυρμιδόνεσσιν

Old Phylas, Polymela's son obtain'd exceeding grace,

ἔγχεϊ μάρνασθαι μετὰ Πηλεΐωνος ἑταῖρον.

And found as careful bringing up, as of his natural race

τῆς δὲ τετάρτης ἦρχε γέρων ἱππηλάτα Φοῖνιξ,

He had descended. The third chief was fair Mæmalides

πέμπτης δʼ Ἀλκιμέδων Λαέρκεος υἱὸς ἀμύμων.

Pisandrus, who in skill of darts obtain'd supremest praise

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ πάντας ἅμʼ ἡγεμόνεσσιν Ἀχιλλεὺς

Of all the Myrmidons, except their lord's companion.

στῆσεν ἐῢ κρίνας, κρατερὸν δʼ ἐπὶ μῦθον ἔτελλε·

The fourth charge, aged Phœnix had. The fifth, Alcimedon,

Μυρμιδόνες μή τίς μοι ἀπειλάων λελαθέσθω,

Son of Laerces, and much fam'd. All these digested thus

ἃς ἐπὶ νηυσὶ θοῇσιν ἀπειλεῖτε Τρώεσσι

In fit place by the mighty son of royal Peleüs,

πάνθʼ ὑπὸ μηνιθμόν, καί μʼ ᾐτιάασθε ἕκαστος·

This stern remembrance he gave all: “You, Myrmidons,” said he,

σχέτλιε Πηλέος υἱὲ χόλῳ ἄρα σʼ ἔτρεφε μήτηρ,

“Lest any of you should forget his threat'nings us'd to me

νηλεές, ὃς παρὰ νηυσὶν ἔχεις ἀέκοντας ἑταίρους·

In this place, and, through all the time, that my just anger reign'd,

οἴκαδέ περ σὺν νηυσὶ νεώμεθα ποντοπόροισιν

Attempting me with bitter words, for being so restrain'd,

αὖτις, ἐπεί ῥά τοι ὧδε κακὸς χόλος ἔμπεσε θυμῷ.

For my hot humour, from the fight, remember them as these:

ταῦτά μʼ ἀγειρόμενοι θάμʼ ἐβάζετε· νῦν δὲ πέφανται

'Thou cruel son of Peleüs, whom She that rules the seas

φυλόπιδος μέγα ἔργον, ἕης τὸ πρίν γʼ ἐράασθε.

Did only nourish with her gall, thou dost ungently hold

ἔνθά τις ἄλκιμον ἦτορ ἔχων Τρώεσσι μαχέσθω.

Our hands against our wills from fight. We will not be controll'd,

ὣς εἰπὼν ὄτρυνε μένος καὶ θυμὸν ἑκάστου.

But take our ships, and sail for home, before we loiter here

μᾶλλον δὲ στίχες ἄρθεν, ἐπεὶ βασιλῆος ἄκουσαν.

And feed thy fury.' These high words exceeding often were

ὡς δʼ ὅτε τοῖχον ἀνὴρ ἀράρῃ πυκινοῖσι λίθοισι

The threats that, in your mutinous troops, ye us'd to me for wrath

δώματος ὑψηλοῖο βίας ἀνέμων ἀλεείνων,

To be detain'd so from the field. Now then, your spleens may bathe

ὣς ἄραρον κόρυθές τε καὶ ἀσπίδες ὀμφαλόεσσαι.

In sweat of those great works ye wish'd; now, he that can employ

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

A gen'rous heart, go fight, and fright these bragging sons of Troy.”

ψαῦον δʼ ἱππόκομοι κόρυθες λαμπροῖσι φάλοισι

This set their minds and strengths on fire, the speech enforcing well,

νευόντων, ὡς πυκνοὶ ἐφέστασαν ἀλλήλοισι.

Being us'd in time; but, being their king's, it much more did impell,

πάντων δὲ προπάροιθε δύʼ ἀνέρε θωρήσσοντο

And closer rush'd in all the troops. And as, for buildings high,

Πάτροκλός τε καὶ Αὐτομέδων ἕνα θυμὸν ἔχοντες

The mason lays his stones more thick, against th' extremity

πρόσθεν Μυρμιδόνων πολεμιζέμεν. αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς

Of wind and weather, and ev'n then, if any storm arise,

βῆ ῥʼ ἴμεν ἐς κλισίην, χηλοῦ δʼ ἀπὸ πῶμʼ ἀνέῳγε

He thickens them the more for that, the present act so plies

καλῆς δαιδαλέης, τήν οἱ Θέτις ἀργυρόπεζα

His honest mind to make sure work; so, for the high estate

θῆκʼ ἐπὶ νηὸς ἄγεσθαι ἐῢ πλήσασα χιτώνων

This work was brought to, these men's minds, according to the rate,

χλαινάων τʼ ἀνεμοσκεπέων οὔλων τε ταπήτων.

Were rais'd, and all their bodies join'd; but their well-spoken king,

ἔνθα δέ οἱ δέπας ἔσκε τετυγμένον, οὐδέ τις ἄλλος

With his so timely-thought-on speech, more sharp made valour's sting,

οὔτʼ ἀνδρῶν πίνεσκεν ἀπʼ αὐτοῦ αἴθοπα οἶνον,

And thicken'd so their targets boss'd, so all their helmets then,

οὔτέ τεῳ σπένδεσκε θεῶν, ὅτε μὴ Διὶ πατρί.

That shields propp'd shields, helms helmets knock'd, and men encourag'd men.

τό ῥα τότʼ ἐκ χηλοῖο λαβὼν ἐκάθηρε θεείῳ

Patroclus and Automedon did arm before them all,

πρῶτον, ἔπειτα δʼ ἔνιψʼ ὕδατος καλῇσι ῥοῇσι,

Two bodies with one mind inform'd; and then the General

νίψατο δʼ αὐτὸς χεῖρας, ἀφύσσατο δʼ αἴθοπα οἶνον.

Betook him to his private tent, where from a coffer wrought

εὔχετʼ ἔπειτα στὰς μέσῳ ἕρκεϊ, λεῖβε δὲ οἶνον

Most rich and curiously, and giv'n by Thetis to be brought

οὐρανὸν εἰσανιδών· Δία δʼ οὐ λάθε τερπικέραυνον·

In his own ship, top-fill'd with vests, warm robes to check cold wind,

Ζεῦ ἄνα Δωδωναῖε Πελασγικὲ τηλόθι ναίων

And tapestries all gold'n-fring'd, and curl'd with thrumbs behind,

Δωδώνης μεδέων δυσχειμέρου, ἀμφὶ δὲ Σελλοὶ

He took a most unvalu'd bowl, in which none drank but he;

σοὶ ναίουσʼ ὑποφῆται ἀνιπτόποδες χαμαιεῦναι,

Nor he but to the Deities, nor any Deity

ἠμὲν δή ποτʼ ἐμὸν ἔπος ἔκλυες εὐξαμένοιο,

But Jove himself was serv'd with that; and that he first did cleanse

τίμησας μὲν ἐμέ, μέγα δʼ ἴψαο λαὸν Ἀχαιῶν,

With sulphur, then with fluences of sweetest water rense;

ἠδʼ ἔτι καὶ νῦν μοι τόδʼ ἐπικρήηνον ἐέλδωρ·

Then wash'd his hands, and drew himself a mighty bowl of wine,

αὐτὸς μὲν γὰρ ἐγὼ μενέω νηῶν ἐν ἀγῶνι,

Which (standing midst the place enclos'd for services divine,

ἀλλʼ ἕταρον πέμπω πολέσιν μετὰ Μυρμιδόνεσσι

And looking up to heav'n and Jove, who saw him well) he pour'd

μάρνασθαι· τῷ κῦδος ἅμα πρόες εὐρύοπα Ζεῦ,

Upon the place of sacrifice, and humbly thus implor'd:

θάρσυνον δέ οἱ ἦτορ ἐνὶ φρεσίν, ὄφρα καὶ Ἕκτωρ

“Great Dodonæus, president of cold Dodone's tow'rs,

εἴσεται ἤ ῥα καὶ οἶος ἐπίστηται πολεμίζειν

Divine Pelasgicus, that dwellest far hence; about whose bow'rs

ἡμέτερος θεράπων, ἦ οἱ τότε χεῖρες ἄαπτοι

Th' austere prophetic Selli dwell, that still sleep on the ground,

μαίνονθʼ, ὁππότʼ ἐγώ περ ἴω μετὰ μῶλον Ἄρηος.

Go bare, and never cleanse their feet; as I before have found

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί κʼ ἀπὸ ναῦφι μάχην ἐνοπήν τε δίηται,

Grace to my vows, and hurt to Greece, so now my pray'rs intend.

ἀσκηθής μοι ἔπειτα θοὰς ἐπὶ νῆας ἵκοιτο

I still stay in the gather'd fleet, but have dismiss'd my friend,

τεύχεσί τε ξὺν πᾶσι καὶ ἀγχεμάχοις ἑτάροισιν.

Amongst my many Myrmidons, to danger of the dart;

ὣς ἔφατʼ εὐχόμενος, τοῦ δʼ ἔκλυε μητίετα Ζεύς.

O grant his valour my renown, arm with my mind his heart!

τῷ δʼ ἕτερον μὲν ἔδωκε πατήρ, ἕτερον δʼ ἀνένευσε·

That Hector's self may know my friend can work in single war,

νηῶν μέν οἱ ἀπώσασθαι πόλεμόν τε μάχην τε

And not then only show his hands, so hot and singular,

δῶκε, σόον δʼ ἀνένευσε μάχης ἐξαπονέεσθαι.

When my kind presence seconds him. But, fight he ne'er so well,

ἤτοι ὃ μὲν σπείσας τε καὶ εὐξάμενος Διὶ πατρὶ

ἂψ κλισίην εἰσῆλθε, δέπας δʼ ἀπέθηκʼ ἐνὶ χηλῷ,

στῆ δὲ πάροιθʼ ἐλθὼν κλισίης, ἔτι δʼ ἤθελε θυμῷ

εἰσιδέειν Τρώων καὶ Ἀχαιῶν φύλοπιν αἰνήν.

οἳ δʼ ἅμα Πατρόκλῳ μεγαλήτορι θωρηχθέντες

ἔστιχον, ὄφρʼ ἐν Τρωσὶ μέγα φρονέοντες ὄρουσαν.

αὐτίκα δὲ σφήκεσσιν ἐοικότες ἐξεχέοντο

εἰνοδίοις, οὓς παῖδες ἐριδμαίνωσιν ἔθοντες

No further let him trust his fight, but, when he shall repell

αἰεὶ κερτομέοντες ὁδῷ ἔπι οἰκίʼ ἔχοντας

Clamour and danger from our fleet, vouchsafe a safe retreat

νηπίαχοι· ξυνὸν δὲ κακὸν πολέεσσι τιθεῖσι.

To him and all his companies, with fames and arms complete.”

τοὺς δʼ εἴ περ παρά τίς τε κιὼν ἄνθρωπος ὁδίτης

He pray'd, and heav'n's great Counsellor gave satisfying ear

κινήσῃ ἀέκων, οἳ δʼ ἄλκιμον ἦτορ ἔχοντες

To one part of his orisons, but left the other there;

πρόσσω πᾶς πέτεται καὶ ἀμύνει οἷσι τέκεσσι.

He let him free the fleet of foes, but safe retreat denied.

τῶν τότε Μυρμιδόνες κραδίην καὶ θυμὸν ἔχοντες

Achilles left that utter part where he his zeal applied,

ἐκ νηῶν ἐχέοντο· βοὴ δʼ ἄσβεστος ὀρώρει.

And turn'd into his inner tent, made fast his cup, and then

Πάτροκλος δʼ ἑτάροισιν ἐκέκλετο μακρὸν ἀΰσας·

Stood forth, and with his mind beheld the foes fight; and his men,

Μυρμιδόνες ἕταροι Πηληϊάδεω Ἀχιλῆος

That follow'd his great-minded friend, embattled till they brake

ἀνέρες ἔστε φίλοι, μνήσασθε δὲ θούριδος ἀλκῆς,

With gallant spirit upon the foe. And as fell wasps, that make

ὡς ἂν Πηλεΐδην τιμήσομεν, ὃς μέγʼ ἄριστος

Their dwellings in the broad high-way, which foolish children use

Ἀργείων παρὰ νηυσὶ καὶ ἀγχέμαχοι θεράποντες,

(Their cottages being near their nests) to anger and abuse

γνῷ δὲ καὶ Ἀτρεΐδης εὐρὺ κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

With ever vexing them, and breed (to soothe their childish war)

ἣν ἄτην, ὅ τʼ ἄριστον Ἀχαιῶν οὐδὲν ἔτισεν.

A common ill to many men, since if a traveller

ὣς εἰπὼν ὄτρυνε μένος καὶ θυμὸν ἑκάστου,

(That would his journey's end apply, and pass them unassay'd)

ἐν δʼ ἔπεσον Τρώεσσιν ἀολλέες· ἀμφὶ δὲ νῆες

Come near and vex them, upon him the children's faults are laid,

σμερδαλέον κονάβησαν ἀϋσάντων ὑπʼ Ἀχαιῶν.

For on they fly as he were such, and still defend their own;

Τρῶες δʼ ὡς εἴδοντο Μενοιτίου ἄλκιμον υἱὸν

So far'd it with the fervent mind of ev'ry Myrmidon,

αὐτὸν καὶ θεράποντα σὺν ἔντεσι μαρμαίροντας,

Who pour'd themselves out of their fleet upon their wanton foes,

πᾶσιν ὀρίνθη θυμός, ἐκίνηθεν δὲ φάλαγγες

That needs would stir them, thrust so near, and cause the overthrows

ἐλπόμενοι παρὰ ναῦφι ποδώκεα Πηλεΐωνα

Of many others, that had else been never touch'd by them,

μηνιθμὸν μὲν ἀπορρῖψαι, φιλότητα δʼ ἑλέσθαι·

Nor would have touch'd. Patroclus then put his wind to the stream,

πάπτηνεν δὲ ἕκαστος ὅπῃ φύγοι αἰπὺν ὄλεθρον.

And thus exhorted: “Now, my friends, remember you express

Πάτροκλος δὲ πρῶτος ἀκόντισε δουρὶ φαεινῷ

Your late-urg'd virtue, and renown our great Æacides.

ἀντικρὺ κατὰ μέσσον, ὅθι πλεῖστοι κλονέοντο,

That, he being strong'st of all the Greeks, his eminence may dim

νηῒ πάρα πρυμνῇ μεγαθύμου Πρωτεσιλάου,

All others likewise in our strengths, that far off imitate him:

καὶ βάλε Πυραίχμην, ὃς Παίονας ἱπποκορυστὰς

And Agamemnon now may see his fault as general

ἤγαγεν ἐξ Ἀμυδῶνος ἀπʼ Ἀξιοῦ εὐρὺ ῥέοντος·

As his place high, dishonouring him that so much honours all.”

τὸν βάλε δεξιὸν ὦμον· ὃ δʼ ὕπτιος ἐν κονίῃσι

Thus made he sparkle their fresh fire, and on they rush'd; the fleet

κάππεσεν οἰμώξας, ἕταροι δέ μιν ἀμφεφόβηθεν

Fill'd full her hollow sides with sounds, that terribly did greet

Παίονες· ἐν γὰρ Πάτροκλος φόβον ἧκεν ἅπασιν

Th' amazed Trojans; and their eyes did second their amaze

ἡγεμόνα κτείνας, ὃς ἀριστεύεσκε μάχεσθαι.

When great Menœtius' son they saw, and his friend's armour blaze.

ἐκ νηῶν δʼ ἔλασεν, κατὰ δʼ ἔσβεσεν αἰθόμενον πῦρ.

All troops stood troubled, with conceit that Peleus' son was there,

ἡμιδαὴς δʼ ἄρα νηῦς λίπετʼ αὐτόθι· τοὶ δὲ φόβηθεν

His anger cast off at the ships; and each look'd ev'rywhere

Τρῶες θεσπεσίῳ ὁμάδῳ· Δαναοὶ δʼ ἐπέχυντο

For some authority to lead the then preparéd flight.

νῆας ἀνὰ γλαφυράς· ὅμαδος δʼ ἀλίαστος ἐτύχθη.

Patroclus greeted with a lance the region where the fight

ὡς δʼ ὅτʼ ἀφʼ ὑψηλῆς κορυφῆς ὄρεος μεγάλοιο

Made strongest tumult, near the ship Protesilaus brought,

κινήσῃ πυκινὴν νεφέλην στεροπηγερέτα Ζεύς,

And strook Pyræchmen; who before the fair-helmed Pæons fought,

ἔκ τʼ ἔφανεν πᾶσαι σκοπιαὶ καὶ πρώονες ἄκροι

Led from Amydon, near whose walls the broad-stream'd Axius flows.

καὶ νάπαι, οὐρανόθεν δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπερράγη ἄσπετος αἰθήρ,

Through his right shoulder flew the dart, whose blow strook all the blows

ὣς Δαναοὶ νηῶν μὲν ἀπωσάμενοι δήϊον πῦρ

In his pow'r from his pow'rless arm, and down he groaning fell;

τυτθὸν ἀνέπνευσαν, πολέμου δʼ οὐ γίγνετʼ ἐρωή·

His men all flying, their leader fled. This one dart did repell

οὐ γάρ πώ τι Τρῶες ἀρηϊφίλων ὑπʼ Ἀχαιῶν

The whole guard plac'd about the ship, whose fire extinct, half burn'd

προτροπάδην φοβέοντο μελαινάων ἀπὸ νηῶν,

The Pæons left her, and full cry to clam'rous flight return'd.

ἀλλʼ ἔτʼ ἄρʼ ἀνθίσταντο, νεῶν δʼ ὑπόεικον ἀνάγκῃ.

Then spread the Greeks about their ships; triumphant tumult flow'd:

ἔνθα δʼ ἀνὴρ ἕλεν ἄνδρα κεδασθείσης ὑσμίνης

And, as from top of some steep hill the Lightner strips a cloud,

ἡγεμόνων. πρῶτος δὲ Μενοιτίου ἄλκιμος υἱὸς

And lets a great sky out from heav'n, in whose delightsome light

αὐτίκʼ ἄρα στρεφθέντος Ἀρηϊλύκου βάλε μηρὸν

All prominent foreheads, forests, tow'rs, and temples cheer the sight;

ἔγχεϊ ὀξυόεντι, διὰ πρὸ δὲ χαλκὸν ἔλασσε·

So clear'd these Greeks this Trojan cloud, and at their ships and tents

ῥῆξεν δʼ ὀστέον ἔγχος, ὃ δὲ πρηνὴς ἐπὶ γαίῃ

Obtain'd a little time to breathe, but found no present vents

κάππεσʼ· ἀτὰρ Μενέλαος ἀρήϊος οὖτα Θόαντα

To their inclusions; nor did Troy, though these Pæonians fled,

στέρνον γυμνωθέντα παρʼ ἀσπίδα, λῦσε δὲ γυῖα.

Lose any ground, but from this ship they needfully turn'd head.

Φυλεΐδης δʼ Ἄμφικλον ἐφορμηθέντα δοκεύσας

Then ev'ry man a man subdu'd. Patroclus in the thigh

ἔφθη ὀρεξάμενος πρυμνὸν σκέλος, ἔνθα πάχιστος

Strook Areilycus; his dart the bone did break, and fly

μυὼν ἀνθρώπου πέλεται· περὶ δʼ ἔγχεος αἰχμῇ

Quite through, and sunk him to the earth. Good Menelaus slew

νεῦρα διεσχίσθη· τὸν δὲ σκότος ὄσσε κάλυψε.

Accomplish'd Thoas, in whose breast, being nak'd, his lance he threw

Νεστορίδαι δʼ ὃ μὲν οὔτασʼ Ἀτύμνιον ὀξέϊ δουρὶ

Above his shield, and freed his soul. Phylides, taking note

Ἀντίλοχος, λαπάρης δὲ διήλασε χάλκεον ἔγχος·

That bold Amphiclus bent at him, prevented him, and smote

ἤριπε δὲ προπάροιθε. Μάρις δʼ αὐτοσχεδὰ δουρὶ

His thigh's extreme part, where of man his fattest muscle lies,

Ἀντιλόχῳ ἐπόρουσε κασιγνήτοιο χολωθεὶς

The nerves torn with his lance's pile, and darkness clos'd his eyes.

στὰς πρόσθεν νέκυος· τοῦ δʼ ἀντίθεος Θρασυμήδης

Antilochus Atymnius seiz'd, his steel lance did impress

ἔφθη ὀρεξάμενος πρὶν οὐτάσαι, οὐδʼ ἀφάμαρτεν,

His first three guts, and loos'd his life. At young Nestorides,

ὦμον ἄφαρ· πρυμνὸν δὲ βραχίονα δουρὸς ἀκωκὴ

Maris, Atymnius' brother, flew; and at him Thrasymed

δρύψʼ ἀπὸ μυώνων, ἀπὸ δʼ ὀστέον ἄχρις ἄραξε·

The brother to Antilochus; his eager jav'lin's head

δούπησεν δὲ πεσών, κατὰ δὲ σκότος ὄσσε κάλυψεν.

The muscles of his arm cut out, and shiver'd all the bone;

ὣς τὼ μὲν δοιοῖσι κασιγνήτοισι δαμέντε

Night clos'd his eyes, his lifeless corse his brother fell upon.

βήτην εἰς Ἔρεβος Σαρπηδόνος ἐσθλοὶ ἑταῖροι

And so by two kind brothers' hands, did two kind brothers bleed;

υἷες ἀκοντισταὶ Ἀμισωδάρου, ὅς ῥα Χίμαιραν

Both being divine Sarpedon's friends, and were the darting seed

θρέψεν ἀμαιμακέτην πολέσιν κακὸν ἀνθρώποισιν.

Of Amisodarus, that kept the bane of many men

Αἴας δὲ Κλεόβουλον Ὀϊλιάδης ἐπορούσας

Abhorr'd Chimæra; and such bane now caught his childeren.

ζωὸν ἕλε βλαφθέντα κατὰ κλόνον· ἀλλά οἱ αὖθι

Ajax Oïliades did take Cleobulus alive,

λῦσε μένος πλήξας ξίφει αὐχένα κωπήεντι.

Invading him stay'd by the press; and at him then let drive

πᾶν δʼ ὑπεθερμάνθη ξίφος αἵματι· τὸν δὲ κατʼ ὄσσε

With his short sword that cut his neck; whose blood warm'd all the steel,

ἔλλαβε πορφύρεος θάνατος καὶ μοῖρα κραταιή.

And cold Death with a violent fate his sable eyes did seel.

Πηνέλεως δὲ Λύκων τε συνέδραμον· ἔγχεσι μὲν γὰρ

Peneleüs, and Lycon cast together off their darts;

ἤμβροτον ἀλλήλων, μέλεον δʼ ἠκόντισαν ἄμφω·

Both miss'd, and both together then went with their swords; in parts

τὼ δʼ αὖτις ξιφέεσσι συνέδραμον. ἔνθα Λύκων μὲν

The blade and hilt went, laying on upon the helmet's height.

ἱπποκόμου κόρυθος φάλον ἤλασεν, ἀμφὶ δὲ καυλὸν

Peneleus' sword caught Lycon's neck, and cut it thorough quite.

φάσγανον ἐρραίσθη· ὃ δʼ ὑπʼ οὔατος αὐχένα θεῖνε

His head hung by the very skin. The swift Meriones,

Πηνέλεως, πᾶν δʼ εἴσω ἔδυ ξίφος, ἔσχεθε δʼ οἶον

δέρμα, παρηέρθη δὲ κάρη, ὑπέλυντο δὲ γυῖα.

Μηριόνης δʼ Ἀκάμαντα κιχεὶς ποσὶ καρπαλίμοισι

νύξʼ ἵππων ἐπιβησόμενον κατὰ δεξιὸν ὦμον·

ἤριπε δʼ ἐξ ὀχέων, κατὰ δʼ ὀφθαλμῶν κέχυτʼ ἀχλύς.

Ἰδομενεὺς δʼ Ἐρύμαντα κατὰ στόμα νηλέϊ χαλκῷ

νύξε· τὸ δʼ ἀντικρὺ δόρυ χάλκεον ἐξεπέρησε

Pursuing flying Acamas, just as he got access

νέρθεν ὑπʼ ἐγκεφάλοιο, κέασσε δʼ ἄρʼ ὀστέα λευκά·

To horse and chariot overtook, and took him such a blow

ἐκ δʼ ἐτίναχθεν ὀδόντες, ἐνέπλησθεν δέ οἱ ἄμφω

On his right shoulder, that he left his chariot, and did strow

αἵματος ὀφθαλμοί· τὸ δʼ ἀνὰ στόμα καὶ κατὰ ῥῖνας

The dusty earth; life left his limbs, and night his eyes possess'd.

πρῆσε χανών· θανάτου δὲ μέλαν νέφος ἀμφεκάλυψεν.

Idomenæus his stern dart at Erymas address'd,

οὗτοι ἄρʼ ἡγεμόνες Δαναῶν ἕλον ἄνδρα ἕκαστος.

As, like to Acamas, he fled; it cut the sundry bones

ὡς δὲ λύκοι ἄρνεσσιν ἐπέχραον ἢ ἐρίφοισι

Beneath his brain, betwixt his neck, and foreparts; and so runs,

σίνται ὑπʼ ἐκ μήλων αἱρεύμενοι, αἵ τʼ ἐν ὄρεσσι

Shaking his teeth out, through his mouth, his eyes all drown'd in blood,

ποιμένος ἀφραδίῃσι διέτμαγεν· οἳ δὲ ἰδόντες

So through his nostrils and his mouth, that now dart-open stood,

αἶψα διαρπάζουσιν ἀνάλκιδα θυμὸν ἐχούσας·

He breath'd his spirit. Thus had death from ev'ry Grecian chief

ὣς Δαναοὶ Τρώεσσιν ἐπέχραον· οἳ δὲ φόβοιο

A chief of Troy. For, as to kids, or lambs, their cruell'st thief,

δυσκελάδου μνήσαντο, λάθοντο δὲ θούριδος ἀλκῆς.

The wolf, steals in, and, when he sees that by the shepherd's sloth

Αἴας δʼ ὃ μέγας αἰὲν ἐφʼ Ἕκτορι χαλκοκορυστῇ

The dams are spers'd about the hills, then serves his rav'nous tooth

ἵετʼ ἀκοντίσσαι· ὃ δὲ ἰδρείῃ πολέμοιο

With ease, because his prey is weak; so serv'd the Greeks their foes,

ἀσπίδι ταυρείῃ κεκαλυμμένος εὐρέας ὤμους

Discerning well how shrieking flight did all their spirits dispose,

σκέπτετʼ ὀϊστῶν τε ῥοῖζον καὶ δοῦπον ἀκόντων.

Their biding virtues quite forgot. And now the natural spleen

ἦ μὲν δὴ γίγνωσκε μάχης ἑτεραλκέα νίκην·

That Ajax bore to Hector still, by all means, would have been

ἀλλὰ καὶ ὧς ἀνέμιμνε, σάω δʼ ἐρίηρας ἑταίρους.

Within his bosom with a dart; but he that knew the war,

ὡς δʼ ὅτʼ ἀπʼ Οὐλύμπου νέφος ἔρχεται οὐρανὸν εἴσω

Well-cover'd in a well-lin'd shield, did well perceive how far

αἰθέρος ἐκ δίης, ὅτε τε Ζεὺς λαίλαπα τείνῃ,

The arrows and the jav'lins reach'd, by being within their sounds

ὣς τῶν ἐκ νηῶν γένετο ἰαχή τε φόβος τε,

And ominous singings; and observ'd the there-in-clining bounds

οὐδὲ κατὰ μοῖραν πέραον πάλιν. Ἕκτορα δʼ ἵπποι

Of Conquest in her aid of him, and so obey'd her change,

ἔκφερον ὠκύποδες σὺν τεύχεσι, λεῖπε δὲ λαὸν

Took safest course for him and his, and stood to her as strange.

Τρωϊκόν, οὓς ἀέκοντας ὀρυκτὴ τάφρος ἔρυκε.

And as, when Jove intends a storm, he lets out of the stars,

πολλοὶ δʼ ἐν τάφρῳ ἐρυσάρματες ὠκέες ἵπποι

From steep Olympus, a black cloud, that all heav'n's splendour bars

ἄξαντʼ ἐν πρώτῳ ῥυμῷ λίπον ἅρματʼ ἀνάκτων,

From men on earth; so from the hearts of all the Trojan host

Πάτροκλος δʼ ἕπετο σφεδανὸν Δαναοῖσι κελεύων

All comfort lately found from Jove, in flight and cries was lost.

Τρωσὶ κακὰ φρονέων· οἳ δὲ ἰαχῇ τε φόβῳ τε

Nor made they any fair retreat. Hector's unruly horse

πάσας πλῆσαν ὁδούς, ἐπεὶ ἂρ τμάγεν· ὕψι δʼ ἀέλλη

Would needs retire him, and he left engag'd his Trojan force,

σκίδναθʼ ὑπὸ νεφέων, τανύοντο δὲ μώνυχες ἵπποι

Forc'd by the steepness of the dike, that in ill place they took,

ἄψορρον προτὶ ἄστυ νεῶν ἄπο καὶ κλισιάων.

And kept them that would fain have gone. Their horses quite forsook

Πάτροκλος δʼ ᾗ πλεῖστον ὀρινόμενον ἴδε λαόν,

A number of the Trojan kings, and left them in the dike;

τῇ ῥʼ ἔχʼ ὁμοκλήσας· ὑπὸ δʼ ἄξοσι φῶτες ἔπιπτον

Their chariots in their foreteams broke. Patroclus then did strike

πρηνέες ἐξ ὀχέων, δίφροι δʼ ἀνακυμβαλίαζον.

While steel was hot, and cheer'd his friends; nor meant his enemies good,

ἀντικρὺ δʼ ἄρα τάφρον ὑπέρθορον ὠκέες ἵπποι

Who, when they once began to fly, each way receiv'd a flood,

ἄμβροτοι, οὓς Πηλῆϊ θεοὶ δόσαν ἀγλαὰ δῶρα,

And chok'd themselves with drifts of dust. And now were clouds begot

πρόσσω ἱέμενοι, ἐπὶ δʼ Ἕκτορι κέκλετο θυμός·

Beneath the clouds; with flight and noise the horse neglected not

ἵετο γὰρ βαλέειν· τὸν δʼ ἔκφερον ὠκέες ἵπποι.

Their home intendments; and, where rout was busiest, there pour'd on

ὡς δʼ ὑπὸ λαίλαπι πᾶσα κελαινὴ βέβριθε χθὼν

Patroclus most exhorts and threats; and then lay overthrown

ἤματʼ ὀπωρινῷ, ὅτε λαβρότατον χέει ὕδωρ

Numbers beneath their axle-trees; who, lying in flight's stream,

Ζεύς, ὅτε δή ῥʼ ἄνδρεσσι κοτεσσάμενος χαλεπήνῃ,

Made th' after chariots jot and jump, in driving over them.

οἳ βίῃ εἰν ἀγορῇ σκολιὰς κρίνωσι θέμιστας,

Th' immortal horse Patroclus rode, did pass the dike with ease,

ἐκ δὲ δίκην ἐλάσωσι θεῶν ὄπιν οὐκ ἀλέγοντες·

And wish'd the depth and danger more; and Menœtiades

τῶν δέ τε πάντες μὲν ποταμοὶ πλήθουσι ῥέοντες,

As great a spirit had to reach, retiring Hector's haste,

πολλὰς δὲ κλιτῦς τότʼ ἀποτμήγουσι χαράδραι,

But his fleet horse had too much law, and fetch'd him off too fast.

ἐς δʼ ἅλα πορφυρέην μεγάλα στενάχουσι ῥέουσαι

And as in Autumn the black earth is loaden with the storms

ἐξ ὀρέων ἐπικάρ, μινύθει δέ τε ἔργʼ ἀνθρώπων·

That Jove in gluts of rain pours down, being angry with the forms

ὣς ἵπποι Τρῳαὶ μεγάλα στενάχοντο θέουσαι.

Of judgment in authoriz'd men, that in their courts maintain,

Πάτροκλος δʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν πρώτας ἐπέκερσε φάλαγγας,

With violent office, wrested laws, and (fearing Gods, nor men)

ἂψ ἐπὶ νῆας ἔεργε παλιμπετές, οὐδὲ πόληος

Exile all justice; for whose fault, whole fields are overflown,

εἴα ἱεμένους ἐπιβαινέμεν, ἀλλὰ μεσηγὺ

And many valleys cut away with torrents headlong thrown

νηῶν καὶ ποταμοῦ καὶ τείχεος ὑψηλοῖο

From neighbour mountains, till the sea receive them roaring in,

κτεῖνε μεταΐσσων, πολέων δʼ ἀπετίνυτο ποινήν.

And judg'd men's labours then are vain, plagu'd for their judge's sin;

ἔνθʼ ἤτοι Πρόνοον πρῶτον βάλε δουρὶ φαεινῷ

So now the foul defaults of some all Troy were laid upon;

στέρνον γυμνωθέντα παρʼ ἀσπίδα, λῦσε δὲ γυῖα·

So like those torrents roar'd they back to windy Ilion;

δούπησεν δὲ πεσών· ὃ δὲ Θέστορα Ἤνοπος υἱὸν

And so like tempests blew the horse with ravishing back again

δεύτερον ὁρμηθείς· ὃ μὲν εὐξέστῳ ἐνὶ δίφρῳ

Those hot assailants, all their works at fleet now render'd vain.

ἧστο ἀλείς· ἐκ γὰρ πλήγη φρένας, ἐκ δʼ ἄρα χειρῶν

Patroclus, when he had dispers'd the foremost phalanxes,

ἡνία ἠΐχθησαν· ὃ δʼ ἔγχεϊ νύξε παραστὰς

Call'd back his forces to the fleet, and would not let them prease,

γναθμὸν δεξιτερόν, διὰ δʼ αὐτοῦ πεῖρεν ὀδόντων,

As they desir'd, too near the town; but 'twixt the ships and flood,

ἕλκε δὲ δουρὸς ἑλὼν ὑπὲρ ἄντυγος, ὡς ὅτε τις φὼς

And their steep rampire, his hand steep'd Revenge in seas of blood.

πέτρῃ ἔπι προβλῆτι καθήμενος ἱερὸν ἰχθὺν

Then Pronous was first that fell beneath his fi'ry lance,

ἐκ πόντοιο θύραζε λίνῳ καὶ ἤνοπι χαλκῷ·

Which strook his bare breast, near his shield. The second Thestor's chance,

ὣς ἕλκʼ ἐκ δίφροιο κεχηνότα δουρὶ φαεινῷ,

Old Enops' son, did make himself; who shrinking, and set close

κὰδ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπὶ στόμʼ ἔωσε· πεσόντα δέ μιν λίπε θυμός.

In his fair seat, ev'n with th' approach Patroclus made, did lose

αὐτὰρ ἔπειτʼ Ἐρύλαον ἐπεσσύμενον βάλε πέτρῳ

All manly courage, insomuch that from his hands his reins

μέσσην κὰκ κεφαλήν· ἣ δʼ ἄνδιχα πᾶσα κεάσθη

Fell flowing down, and his right jaw Patroclus' lance attains,

ἐν κόρυθι βριαρῇ· ὃ δʼ ἄρα πρηνὴς ἐπὶ γαίῃ

Strock through his teeth, and there it stuck, and by it to him drew

κάππεσεν, ἀμφὶ δέ μιν θάνατος χύτο θυμοραϊστής.

Dead Thestor to his chariot. It show'd, as when you view

αὐτὰρ ἔπειτʼ Ἐρύμαντα καὶ Ἀμφοτερὸν καὶ Ἐπάλτην

An angler from some prominent rock draw with his line and hook

Τληπόλεμόν τε Δαμαστορίδην Ἐχίον τε Πύριν τε

A mighty fish out of the sea; for so the Greek did pluck

Ἰφέα τʼ Εὔιππόν τε καὶ Ἀργεάδην Πολύμηλον

The Trojan gaping from his seat, his jaws op'd with the dart;

πάντας ἐπασσυτέρους πέλασε χθονὶ πουλυβοτείρῃ.

Which when Patroclus drew, he fell; his life and breast did part.

Σαρπηδὼν δʼ ὡς οὖν ἴδʼ ἀμιτροχίτωνας ἑταίρους

Then rush'd he on Erylaus; at whom he hurl'd a stone,

χέρσʼ ὕπο Πατρόκλοιο Μενοιτιάδαο δαμέντας,

Which strake his head so in the midst, that two was made of one;

κέκλετʼ ἄρʼ ἀντιθέοισι καθαπτόμενος Λυκίοισιν·

Two ways it fell, cleft through his casque. And then Tlepolemus,

αἰδὼς ὦ Λύκιοι· πόσε φεύγετε; νῦν θοοὶ ἔστε.

Epaltes, Damastorides, Evippus, Echius,

ἀντήσω γὰρ ἐγὼ τοῦδʼ ἀνέρος, ὄφρα δαείω

Ipheas, bold Amphoterus, and valiant Erymas,

ὅς τις ὅδε κρατέει καὶ δὴ κακὰ πολλὰ ἔοργε

And Polymelus, by his sire surnam'd Argeadas,

Τρῶας, ἐπεὶ πολλῶν τε καὶ ἐσθλῶν γούνατʼ ἔλυσεν.

He heap'd upon the much-fed earth. When Jove's most worthy son,

ἦ ῥα, καὶ ἐξ ὀχέων σὺν τεύχεσιν ἆλτο χαμᾶζε.

Πάτροκλος δʼ ἑτέρωθεν ἐπεὶ ἴδεν ἔκθορε δίφρου.

οἳ δʼ ὥς τʼ αἰγυπιοὶ γαμψώνυχες ἀγκυλοχεῖλαι

πέτρῃ ἐφʼ ὑψηλῇ μεγάλα κλάζοντε μάχωνται,

ὣς οἳ κεκλήγοντες ἐπʼ ἀλλήλοισιν ὄρουσαν.

τοὺς δὲ ἰδὼν ἐλέησε Κρόνου πάϊς ἀγκυλομήτεω,

Ἥρην δὲ προσέειπε κασιγνήτην ἄλοχόν τε·

ὤ μοι ἐγών, ὅ τέ μοι Σαρπηδόνα φίλτατον ἀνδρῶν

Divine Sarpedon, saw these friends thus stay'd, and others run,

μοῖρʼ ὑπὸ Πατρόκλοιο Μενοιτιάδαο δαμῆναι.

“O shame! Why fly ye?” then he cried, “Now show ye feet enow.

διχθὰ δέ μοι κραδίη μέμονε φρεσὶν ὁρμαίνοντι,

On, keep your way, myself will meet the man that startles you,

ἤ μιν ζωὸν ἐόντα μάχης ἄπο δακρυοέσσης

To make me understand his name that flaunts in conquest thus,

θείω ἀναρπάξας Λυκίης ἐν πίονι δήμῳ,

And hath so many able knees so soon dissolv'd to us.”

ἦ ἤδη ὑπὸ χερσὶ Μενοιτιάδαο δαμάσσω.

Down jump'd he from his chariot; down leap'd his foe as light.

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα βοῶπις πότνια Ἥρη·

And as, on some far-looking rock, a cast of vultures fight,

αἰνότατε Κρονίδη ποῖον τὸν μῦθον ἔειπες.

Fly on each other, strike and truss, part, meet, and then stick by,

ἄνδρα θνητὸν ἐόντα πάλαι πεπρωμένον αἴσῃ

Tug both with crooked beaks and seres, cry, fight, and fight and cry;

ἂψ ἐθέλεις θανάτοιο δυσηχέος ἐξαναλῦσαι;

So fiercely fought these angry kings, and show'd as bitter galls.

ἔρδʼ· ἀτὰρ οὔ τοι πάντες ἐπαινέομεν θεοὶ ἄλλοι.

Jove, turning eyes to this stern fight, his wife and sister calls,

ἄλλο δέ τοι ἐρέω, σὺ δʼ ἐνὶ φρεσὶ βάλλεο σῇσιν·

And much mov'd for the Lycian Prince, said: “O that to my son

αἴ κε ζὼν πέμψῃς Σαρπηδόνα ὃν δὲ δόμον δέ,

Fate, by this day and man, should cut a thread so nobly spun!

φράζεο μή τις ἔπειτα θεῶν ἐθέλῃσι καὶ ἄλλος

Two minds distract me; if I should now ravish him from fight,

πέμπειν ὃν φίλον υἱὸν ἀπὸ κρατερῆς ὑσμίνης·

And set him safe in Lycia; or give the Fates their right.”

πολλοὶ γὰρ περὶ ἄστυ μέγα Πριάμοιο μάχονται

“Austere Saturnius,” she replied, “what unjust words are these?

υἱέες ἀθανάτων, τοῖσιν κότον αἰνὸν ἐνήσεις.

A mortal, long since mark'd by fate, wouldst thou immortalize?

ἀλλʼ εἴ τοι φίλος ἐστί, τεὸν δʼ ὀλοφύρεται ἦτορ,

Do, but by no God be approv'd. Free him, and numbers more,

ἤτοι μέν μιν ἔασον ἐνὶ κρατερῇ ὑσμίνῃ

Sons of Immortals, will live free, that death must taste before

χέρσʼ ὕπο Πατρόκλοιο Μενοιτιάδαο δαμῆναι·

These gates of Ilion; ev'ry God will have his son a God,

αὐτὰρ ἐπὴν δὴ τόν γε λίπῃ ψυχή τε καὶ αἰών,

Or storm extremely. Give him then an honest period

πέμπειν μιν θάνατόν τε φέρειν καὶ νήδυμον ὕπνον

In brave fight by Patroclus' sword, if he be dear to thee,

εἰς ὅ κε δὴ Λυκίης εὐρείης δῆμον ἵκωνται,

And grieves thee for his danger'd life; of which when he is free,

ἔνθά ἑ ταρχύσουσι κασίγνητοί τε ἔται τε

Let Death and Somnus bear him hence, till Lycia's natural womb

τύμβῳ τε στήλῃ τε· τὸ γὰρ γέρας ἐστὶ θανόντων.

Receive him from his brother's hands, and citizens'; a tomb

ὣς ἔφατʼ, οὐδʼ ἀπίθησε πατὴρ ἀνδρῶν τε θεῶν τε·

And column rais'd to him. This is the honour of the dead.”

αἱματοέσσας δὲ ψιάδας κατέχευεν ἔραζε

She said, and her speech rul'd his pow'r; but in his safety's stead,

παῖδα φίλον τιμῶν, τόν οἱ Πάτροκλος ἔμελλε

For sad ostent of his near death, he steep'd his living name

φθίσειν ἐν Τροίῃ ἐριβώλακι τηλόθι πάτρης.

In drops of blood heav'n swet for him, which earth drunk to his fame.

οἳ δʼ ὅτε δὴ σχεδὸν ἦσαν ἐπʼ ἀλλήλοισιν ἰόντες,

And now, as this high combat grew to this too humble end,

ἔνθʼ ἤτοι Πάτροκλος ἀγακλειτὸν Θρασύμηλον,

Sarpedon's death had this state more; 'twas usher'd by his friend

ὅς ῥʼ ἠῢς θεράπων Σαρπηδόνος ἦεν ἄνακτος,

And charioteer, brave Thrasymed; whom in his belly's rim

τὸν βάλε νείαιραν κατὰ γαστέρα, λῦσε δὲ γυῖα.

Patroclus wounded with his lance, and endless ended him.

Σαρπηδὼν δʼ αὐτοῦ μὲν ἀπήμβροτε δουρὶ φαεινῷ

And then another act of name foreran his princely fate.

δεύτερον ὁρμηθείς, ὃ δὲ Πήδασον οὔτασεν ἵππον

His first lance missing, he let fly a second that gave date

ἔγχεϊ δεξιὸν ὦμον· ὃ δʼ ἔβραχε θυμὸν ἀΐσθων,

Of violent death to Pedasus; who, as he joy'd to die

κὰδ δʼ ἔπεσʼ ἐν κονίῃσι μακών, ἀπὸ δʼ ἔπτατο θυμός.

By his so honourable hand, did ev'n in dying neigh.

τὼ δὲ διαστήτην, κρίκε δὲ ζυγόν, ἡνία δέ σφι

His ruin startled th' other steeds, the gears crack'd, and the reins

σύγχυτʼ, ἐπεὶ δὴ κεῖτο παρήορος ἐν κονίῃσι.

Strappled his fellows; whose misrule Automedon restrains

τοῖο μὲν Αὐτομέδων δουρικλυτὸς εὕρετο τέκμωρ·

By cutting the intangling gears, and so dissund'ring quite

σπασσάμενος τανύηκες ἄορ παχέος παρὰ μηροῦ

The brave slain beast; when both the rest obey'd, and went foreright.

ἀΐξας ἀπέκοψε παρήορον οὐδʼ ἐμάτησε·

And then the royal combatants fought for the final stroke;

τὼ δʼ ἰθυνθήτην, ἐν δὲ ῥυτῆρσι τάνυσθεν·

When Lycia's Gen'ral miss'd again, his high-rais'd jav'lin took

τὼ δʼ αὖτις συνίτην ἔριδος πέρι θυμοβόροιο.

Above his shoulder empty way. But no such speedless flight

ἔνθʼ αὖ Σαρπηδὼν μὲν ἀπήμβροτε δουρὶ φαεινῷ,

Patroclus let his spear perform, that on the breast did light

Πατρόκλου δʼ ὑπὲρ ὦμον ἀριστερὸν ἤλυθʼ ἀκωκὴ

Of his brave foe, where life's strings close about the solid heart,

ἔγχεος, οὐδʼ ἔβαλʼ αὐτόν· ὃ δʼ ὕστερος ὄρνυτο χαλκῷ

Impressing a recureless wound; his knees then left their part,

Πάτροκλος· τοῦ δʼ οὐχ ἅλιον βέλος ἔκφυγε χειρός,

And let him fall; when like an oak, a poplar, or a pine,

ἀλλʼ ἔβαλʼ ἔνθʼ ἄρα τε φρένες ἔρχαται ἀμφʼ ἁδινὸν κῆρ.

New fell'd by arts-men on the hills, he stretch'd his form divine

ἤριπε δʼ ὡς ὅτε τις δρῦς ἤριπεν ἢ ἀχερωῒς

Before his horse and chariot. And as a lion leaps

ἠὲ πίτυς βλωθρή, τήν τʼ οὔρεσι τέκτονες ἄνδρες

Upon a goodly yellow bull, drives all the herd in heaps,

ἐξέταμον πελέκεσσι νεήκεσι νήϊον εἶναι·

And, under his unconquer'd jaws, the brave beast sighing dies;

ὣς ὃ πρόσθʼ ἵππων καὶ δίφρου κεῖτο τανυσθεὶς

So sigh'd Sarpedon underneath this prince of enemies,

βεβρυχὼς κόνιος δεδραγμένος αἱματοέσσης.

Call'd Glaucus to him, his dear friend, and said: “Now, friend, thy hands

ἠΰτε ταῦρον ἔπεφνε λέων ἀγέληφι μετελθὼν

Much duty owe to fight and arms; now for my love it stands

αἴθωνα μεγάθυμον ἐν εἰλιπόδεσσι βόεσσι,

Thy heart in much hand to approve that war is harmful; now

ὤλετό τε στενάχων ὑπὸ γαμφηλῇσι λέοντος,

How active all thy forces are, this one hour's act must show.

ὣς ὑπὸ Πατρόκλῳ Λυκίων ἀγὸς ἀσπιστάων

First call our Lycian captains up, look round, and bring up all,

κτεινόμενος μενέαινε, φίλον δʼ ὀνόμηνεν ἑταῖρον·

And all exhort to stand, like friends, about Sarpedon's fall,

Γλαῦκε πέπον πολεμιστὰ μετʼ ἀνδράσι νῦν σε μάλα χρὴ

And spend thyself thy steel for me; for be assur'd no day

αἰχμητήν τʼ ἔμεναι καὶ θαρσαλέον πολεμιστήν·

Of all thy life, to thy last hour, can clear thy black dismay

νῦν τοι ἐελδέσθω πόλεμος κακός, εἰ θοός ἐσσι.

In woe and infamy for me, if I be taken hence

πρῶτα μὲν ὄτρυνον Λυκίων ἡγήτορας ἄνδρας

Spoil'd of mine arms, and thy renown despoil'd of my defence.

πάντῃ ἐποιχόμενος Σαρπηδόνος ἀμφιμάχεσθαι·

Stand firm then, and confirm thy men.” This said, the bounds of death

αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα καὶ αὐτὸς ἐμεῦ πέρι μάρναο χαλκῷ.

Concluded all sight to his eyes, and to his nosthrils breath.

σοὶ γὰρ ἐγὼ καὶ ἔπειτα κατηφείη καὶ ὄνειδος

Patroclus, though his guard was strong, forc'd way through ev'ry doubt,

ἔσσομαι ἤματα πάντα διαμπερές, εἴ κέ μʼ Ἀχαιοὶ

Climb'd his high bosom with his foot, and pluck'd his jav'lin out,

τεύχεα συλήσωσι νεῶν ἐν ἀγῶνι πεσόντα.

And with it drew the film and strings of his yet panting heart;

ἀλλʼ ἔχεο κρατερῶς, ὄτρυνε δὲ λαὸν ἅπαντα.

And last, together with the pile, his princely soul did part.

ὣς ἄρα μιν εἰπόντα τέλος θανάτοιο κάλυψεν

His horse, spoil'd both of guide and king, thick snoring and amaz'd,

ὀφθαλμοὺς ῥῖνάς θʼ· ὃ δὲ λὰξ ἐν στήθεσι βαίνων

And apt to flight, the Myrmidons made nimbly to, and seiz'd.

ἐκ χροὸς ἕλκε δόρυ, προτὶ δὲ φρένες αὐτῷ ἕποντο·

Glaucus, to hear his friend ask aid, of him past all the rest,

τοῖο δʼ ἅμα ψυχήν τε καὶ ἔγχεος ἐξέρυσʼ αἰχμήν.

Though well he knew his wound uncur'd, confusion fill'd his breast

Μυρμιδόνες δʼ αὐτοῦ σχέθον ἵππους φυσιόωντας

Not to have good in any pow'r, and yet so much good will.

ἱεμένους φοβέεσθαι, ἐπεὶ λίπον ἅρματʼ ἀνάκτων.

And (laying his hand upon his wound, that pain'd him sharply still,

Γλαύκῳ δʼ αἰνὸν ἄχος γένετο φθογγῆς ἀΐοντι·

And was by Teucer's hand set on from their assail'd steep wall,

ὠρίνθη δέ οἱ ἦτορ ὅ τʼ οὐ δύνατο προσαμῦναι.

In keeping hurt from other men) he did on Phœbus call,

χειρὶ δʼ ἑλὼν ἐπίεζε βραχίονα· τεῖρε γὰρ αὐτὸν

The God of med'cines, for his cure: “Thou King of cures,” said he,

ἕλκος, ὃ δή μιν Τεῦκρος ἐπεσσύμενον βάλεν ἰῷ

“That art perhaps in Lycia with her rich progeny,

τείχεος ὑψηλοῖο, ἀρὴν ἑτάροισιν ἀμύνων.

Or here in Troy; but any where, since thou hast pow'r to hear,

εὐχόμενος δʼ ἄρα εἶπεν ἑκηβόλῳ Ἀπόλλωνι·

κλῦθι ἄναξ ὅς που Λυκίης ἐν πίονι δήμῳ

εἲς ἢ ἐνὶ Τροίῃ· δύνασαι δὲ σὺ πάντοσʼ ἀκούειν

ἀνέρι κηδομένῳ, ὡς νῦν ἐμὲ κῆδος ἱκάνει.

ἕλκος μὲν γὰρ ἔχω τόδε καρτερόν, ἀμφὶ δέ μοι χεὶρ

ὀξείῃς ὀδύνῃσιν ἐλήλαται, οὐδέ μοι αἷμα

τερσῆναι δύναται, βαρύθει δέ μοι ὦμος ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ·

ἔγχος δʼ οὐ δύναμαι σχεῖν ἔμπεδον, οὐδὲ μάχεσθαι

O give a hurt and woeful man, as I am now, thine ear.

ἐλθὼν δυσμενέεσσιν. ἀνὴρ δʼ ὤριστος ὄλωλε

This arm sustains a cruel wound, whose pains shoot ev'ry way,

Σαρπηδὼν Διὸς υἱός· ὃ δʼ οὐ οὗ παιδὸς ἀμύνει.

Afflict this shoulder, and this hand, and nothing long can stay

ἀλλὰ σύ πέρ μοι ἄναξ τόδε καρτερὸν ἕλκος ἄκεσσαι,

A flux of blood still issuing; nor therefore can I stand

κοίμησον δʼ ὀδύνας, δὸς δὲ κράτος, ὄφρʼ ἑτάροισι

With any enemy in fight, nor hardly make my hand

κεκλόμενος Λυκίοισιν ἐποτρύνω πολεμίζειν,

Support my lance; and here lies dead the worthiest of men,

αὐτός τʼ ἀμφὶ νέκυι κατατεθνηῶτι μάχωμαι.

Sarpedon, worthy son to Jove, whose pow'r could yet abstain

ὣς ἔφατʼ εὐχόμενος, τοῦ δʼ ἔκλυε Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων.

From all aid in this deadly need; give thou then aid to me,

αὐτίκα παῦσʼ ὀδύνας ἀπὸ δʼ ἕλκεος ἀργαλέοιο

O King of all aid to men hurt; assuage th' extremity

αἷμα μέλαν τέρσηνε, μένος δέ οἱ ἔμβαλε θυμῷ.

Of this arm's anguish, give it strength, that by my precedent

Γλαῦκος δʼ ἔγνω ᾗσιν ἐνὶ φρεσὶ γήθησέν τε

I may excite my men to blows, and this dead corse prevent

ὅττί οἱ ὦκʼ ἤκουσε μέγας θεὸς εὐξαμένοιο.

Of further violence.” He pray'd, and kind Apollo heard,

πρῶτα μὲν ὄτρυνεν Λυκίων ἡγήτορας ἄνδρας

Allay'd his anguish, and his wound of all the black blood clear'd

πάντῃ ἐποιχόμενος Σαρπηδόνος ἀμφιμάχεσθαι·

That vex'd it so, infus'd fresh pow'rs into his weaken'd mind;

αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα μετὰ Τρῶας κίε μακρὰ βιβάσθων

And all his spirits flow'd with joy that Phœbus stood inclin'd,

Πουλυδάμαντʼ ἔπι Πανθοΐδην καὶ Ἀγήνορα δῖον,

In such quick bounty, to his pray'rs. Then, as Sarpedon will'd,

βῆ δὲ μετʼ Αἰνείαν τε καὶ Ἕκτορα χαλκοκορυστήν,

He cast about his greedy eye; and first of all instill'd

ἀγχοῦ δʼ ἱστάμενος ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

To all his captains all the stings, that could inflame their fight