Iliad

Nor could his slaughter rest conceal'd from Menelaus' ear;

οὐδʼ ἔλαθʼ Ἀτρέος υἱὸν ἀρηΐφιλον Μενέλαον

Who flew amongst the foremost fights, and with his targe and spear

Πάτροκλος Τρώεσσι δαμεὶς ἐν δηϊοτῆτι.

Circled the body, as much griev'd, and with as tender heed

βῆ δὲ διὰ προμάχων κεκορυθμένος αἴθοπι χαλκῷ,

To keep it theirs, as any dam about her first-born seed,

ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρʼ αὐτῷ βαῖνʼ ὥς τις περὶ πόρτακι μήτηρ

Not proving what the pain of birth would make the love before,

πρωτοτόκος κινυρὴ οὐ πρὶν εἰδυῖα τόκοιο·

Nor to pursue his first attaint Euphorbus' spirit forbore;

ὣς περὶ Πατρόκλῳ βαῖνε ξανθὸς Μενέλαος.

But, seeing Menelaus chief in rescue of the dead,

πρόσθε δέ οἱ δόρυ τʼ ἔσχε καὶ ἀσπίδα πάντοσʼ ἐΐσην,

Assay'd him thus: “Atrides, cease, and leave the slaughteréd

τὸν κτάμεναι μεμαὼς ὅς τις τοῦ γʼ ἀντίος ἔλθοι.

With his embru'd spoil to the man, that first, of all our state,

οὐδʼ ἄρα Πάνθου υἱὸς ἐϋμμελίης ἀμέλησε

And famous succours, in fair fight, made passage to his fate;

Πατρόκλοιο πεσόντος ἀμύμονος· ἄγχι δʼ ἄρʼ αὐτοῦ

And therefore suffer me to wear the good name I have won

ἔστη, καὶ προσέειπεν ἀρηΐφιλον Μενέλαον·

Amongst the Trojans, lest thy life repay what his hath done.”

Ἀτρεΐδη Μενέλαε διοτρεφὲς ὄρχαμε λαῶν

“O Jupiter,” said he, incens'd, “thou art no honest man

χάζεο, λεῖπε δὲ νεκρόν, ἔα δʼ ἔναρα βροτόεντα·

To boast so past thy pow'r to do. Not any lion can,

οὐ γάρ τις πρότερος Τρώων κλειτῶν τʼ ἐπικούρων

Nor spotted leopard, nor boar, whose mind is mightiest

Πάτροκλον βάλε δουρὶ κατὰ κρατερὴν ὑσμίνην·

In pouring fury from his strength, advance so proud a crest

τώ με ἔα κλέος ἐσθλὸν ἐνὶ Τρώεσσιν ἀρέσθαι,

As Panthus' fighting progeny. But Hyperenor's pride,

μή σε βάλω, ἀπὸ δὲ μελιηδέα θυμὸν ἕλωμαι.

That joy'd so little time his youth, when he so vilified

τὸν δὲ μέγʼ ὀχθήσας προσέφη ξανθὸς Μενέλαος·

My force in arms, and call'd me worst of all our chivalry,

Ζεῦ πάτερ οὐ μὲν καλὸν ὑπέρβιον εὐχετάασθαι.

And stood my worst, might teach ye all to shun this surcuidrie;

οὔτʼ οὖν παρδάλιος τόσσον μένος οὔτε λέοντος

I think he came not safely home, to tell his wife his acts.

οὔτε συὸς κάπρου ὀλοόφρονος, οὗ τε μέγιστος

Nor less right of thy insolence my equal fate exacts,

θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι περὶ σθένεϊ βλεμεαίνει,

And will obtain me, if thou stay'st. Retire then, take advice:

ὅσσον Πάνθου υἷες ἐϋμμελίαι φρονέουσιν.

A fool sees nought before 'tis done, and still too late is wise.”

οὐδὲ μὲν οὐδὲ βίη Ὑπερήνορος ἱπποδάμοιο

This mov'd not him but to the worse, since it renew'd the sting

ἧς ἥβης ἀπόνηθʼ, ὅτε μʼ ὤνατο καί μʼ ὑπέμεινε

That his slain brother shot in him, remember'd by the king,

καί μʼ ἔφατʼ ἐν Δαναοῖσιν ἐλέγχιστον πολεμιστὴν

To whom he answer'd: “Thou shalt pay, for all the pains endur'd

ἔμμεναι· οὐδέ ἕ φημι πόδεσσί γε οἷσι κιόντα

By that slain brother, all the wounds sustain'd for him, recur'd

εὐφρῆναι ἄλοχόν τε φίλην κεδνούς τε τοκῆας.

With one made in thy heart by me. 'Tis true thou mad'st his wife

ὥς θην καὶ σὸν ἐγὼ λύσω μένος εἴ κέ μευ ἄντα

A heavy widow, when her joys of wedlock scarce had life,

στήῃς· ἀλλά σʼ ἔγωγʼ ἀναχωρήσαντα κελεύω

And hurt'st our parents with his grief; all which thou gloriest in,

ἐς πληθὺν ἰέναι, μηδʼ ἀντίος ἵστασʼ ἐμεῖο

Forespeaking so thy death, that now their grief's end shall begin.

πρίν τι κακὸν παθέειν· ῥεχθὲν δέ τε νήπιος ἔγνω.

To Panthus, and the snowy hand of Phrontes, I will bring

ὣς φάτο, τὸν δʼ οὐ πεῖθεν· ἀμειβόμενος δὲ προσηύδα·

Those arms, and that proud head of thine. And this laborious thing

νῦν μὲν δὴ Μενέλαε διοτρεφὲς ἦ μάλα τείσεις

Shall ask no long time to perform. Nor be my words alone,

γνωτὸν ἐμὸν τὸν ἔπεφνες, ἐπευχόμενος δʼ ἀγορεύεις,

But their performance; Strength, and Fight, and Terror thus sets on.”

χήρωσας δὲ γυναῖκα μυχῷ θαλάμοιο νέοιο,

This said, he strook his all-round shield; nor shrunk that, but his lance

ἀρητὸν δὲ τοκεῦσι γόον καὶ πένθος ἔθηκας.

That turn'd head in it. Then the king assay'd the second chance;

ἦ κέ σφιν δειλοῖσι γόου κατάπαυμα γενοίμην

First praying to the King of Gods; and his dart entry got

εἴ κεν ἐγὼ κεφαλήν τε τεὴν καὶ τεύχεʼ ἐνείκας

(The force much driving back his foe) in low part of his throat,

Πάνθῳ ἐν χείρεσσι βάλω καὶ Φρόντιδι δίῃ.

And ran his neck through. Then fell pride, and he; and all with gore

ἀλλʼ οὐ μὰν ἔτι δηρὸν ἀπείρητος πόνος ἔσται

His locks, that like the Graces were, and which he ever wore

οὐδʼ ἔτʼ ἀδήριτος ἤτʼ ἀλκῆς ἤτε φόβοιο.

In gold and silver ribands wrapp'd, were piteously wet.

ὣς εἰπὼν οὔτησε κατʼ ἀσπίδα πάντοσʼ ἐΐσην·

And when alone in some choice place, a husbandman hath set

οὐδʼ ἔρρηξεν χαλκός, ἀνεγνάμφθη δέ οἱ αἰχμὴ

The young plant of an olive tree, whose root being ever fed

ἀσπίδʼ ἐνὶ κρατερῇ· ὃ δὲ δεύτερος ὄρνυτο χαλκῷ

With plenty of delicious springs, his branches bravely spread,

Ἀτρεΐδης Μενέλαος ἐπευξάμενος Διὶ πατρί·

And all his fresh and lovely head, grown curl'd with snowy flow'rs,

ἂψ δʼ ἀναχαζομένοιο κατὰ στομάχοιο θέμεθλα

That dance and flourish with the winds, that are of gentlest pow'rs;

νύξʼ, ἐπὶ δʼ αὐτὸς ἔρεισε βαρείῃ χειρὶ πιθήσας·

But when a whirlwind, got aloft, stoops with a sudden gale,

ἀντικρὺ δʼ ἁπαλοῖο διʼ αὐχένος ἤλυθʼ ἀκωκή,

Tears from his head his tender curls, and tosseth therewithal

δούπησεν δὲ πεσών, ἀράβησε δὲ τεύχεʼ ἐπʼ αὐτῷ.

His fix'd root from his hollow mines; it well presents the force

αἵματί οἱ δεύοντο κόμαι Χαρίτεσσιν ὁμοῖαι

Of Sparta's king; and so the plant, Euphorbus and his corse.

πλοχμοί θʼ, οἳ χρυσῷ τε καὶ ἀργύρῳ ἐσφήκωντο.

He slain, the king stripp'd off his arms; and with their worthy prise,

οἷον δὲ τρέφει ἔρνος ἀνὴρ ἐριθηλὲς ἐλαίης

All fearing him, had clearly pass'd, if heaven's fair Eye of eyes

χώρῳ ἐν οἰοπόλῳ, ὅθʼ ἅλις ἀναβέβροχεν ὕδωρ,

Had not, in envy of his acts, to his encounter stirr'd

καλὸν τηλεθάον· τὸ δέ τε πνοιαὶ δονέουσι

The Mars-like Hector; to whose pow'rs the rescue he preferr'd

παντοίων ἀνέμων, καί τε βρύει ἄνθεϊ λευκῷ·

Of those fair arms, and took the shape of Mentas, colonel

ἐλθὼν δʼ ἐξαπίνης ἄνεμος σὺν λαίλαπι πολλῇ

Of all the Cicones that near the Thracian Hebrus dwell.

βόθρου τʼ ἐξέστρεψε καὶ ἐξετάνυσσʼ ἐπὶ γαίῃ·

Like him, he thus puts forth his voice: “Hector, thou scour'st the field

τοῖον Πάνθου υἱὸν ἐϋμμελίην Εὔφορβον

In headstrong púrsuit of those horse, that hardly are compell'd

Ἀτρεΐδης Μενέλαος ἐπεὶ κτάνε τεύχεʼ ἐσύλα.

To take the draught of chariots, by any mortal's hand;

ὡς δʼ ὅτε τίς τε λέων ὀρεσίτροφος ἀλκὶ πεποιθὼς

The great grandchild of Æacus hath only their command,

βοσκομένης ἀγέλης βοῦν ἁρπάσῃ ἥ τις ἀρίστη·

Whom an immortal mother bore. While thou attend'st on these,

τῆς δʼ ἐξ αὐχένʼ ἔαξε λαβὼν κρατεροῖσιν ὀδοῦσι

The young Atrides, in defence of Menœtiades,

πρῶτον, ἔπειτα δέ θʼ αἷμα καὶ ἔγκατα πάντα λαφύσσει

Hath slain Euphorbus.” Thus the God took troop with men again;

δῃῶν· ἀμφὶ δὲ τόν γε κύνες τʼ ἄνδρές τε νομῆες

And Hector, heartily perplex'd, look'd round, and saw the slain

πολλὰ μάλʼ ἰύζουσιν ἀπόπροθεν οὐδʼ ἐθέλουσιν

ἀντίον ἐλθέμεναι· μάλα γὰρ χλωρὸν δέος αἱρεῖ·

ὣς τῶν οὔ τινι θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἐτόλμα

ἀντίον ἐλθέμεναι Μενελάου κυδαλίμοιο.

ἔνθά κε ῥεῖα φέροι κλυτὰ τεύχεα Πανθοΐδαο

Ἀτρεΐδης, εἰ μή οἱ ἀγάσσατο Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων,

ὅς ῥά οἱ Ἕκτορʼ ἐπῶρσε θοῷ ἀτάλαντον Ἄρηϊ

ἀνέρι εἰσάμενος Κικόνων ἡγήτορι Μέντῃ·

καί μιν φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Ἕκτορ νῦν σὺ μὲν ὧδε θέεις ἀκίχητα διώκων

ἵππους Αἰακίδαο δαΐφρονος· οἳ δʼ ἀλεγεινοὶ

Still shedding rivers from his wound; and then took envious view

ἀνδράσι γε θνητοῖσι δαμήμεναι ἠδʼ ὀχέεσθαι

Of brave Atrides with his spoil; in way to whom he flew

ἄλλῳ γʼ ἢ Ἀχιλῆϊ, τὸν ἀθανάτη τέκε μήτηρ.

Like one of Vulcan's quenchless flames. Atrides heard the cry

τόφρα δέ τοι Μενέλαος ἀρήϊος Ἀτρέος υἱὸς

That ever usher'd him, and sigh'd, and said: “O me, if I

Πατρόκλῳ περιβὰς Τρώων τὸν ἄριστον ἔπεφνε

Should leave these goodly arms, and him, that here lies dead for me,

Πανθοΐδην Εὔφορβον, ἔπαυσε δὲ θούριδος ἀλκῆς.

I fear I should offend the Greeks; if I should stay and be

ὣς εἰπὼν ὃ μὲν αὖτις ἔβη θεὸς ἂμ πόνον ἀνδρῶν,

Alone with Hector and his men, I may be compass'd in,

Ἕκτορα δʼ αἰνὸν ἄχος πύκασε φρένας ἀμφὶ μελαίνας·

Some sleight or other they may use, many may quickly win

πάπτηνεν δʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα κατὰ στίχας, αὐτίκα δʼ ἔγνω

Their wills of one, and all Troy comes ever where Hector leads.

τὸν μὲν ἀπαινύμενον κλυτὰ τεύχεα, τὸν δʼ ἐπὶ γαίῃ

But why, dear mind, dost thou thus talk? When men dare set their heads

κείμενον· ἔρρει δʼ αἷμα κατʼ οὐταμένην ὠτειλήν.

Against the Gods, as sure they do that fight with men they love,

βῆ δὲ διὰ προμάχων κεκορυθμένος αἴθοπι χαλκῷ

Straight one or other plague ensues. It cannot therefore move

ὀξέα κεκλήγων φλογὶ εἴκελος Ἡφαίστοιο

The grudge of any Greek that sees I yield to Hector, he

ἀσβέστῳ· οὐδʼ υἱὸν λάθεν Ἀτρέος ὀξὺ βοήσας·

Still fighting with a spirit from heav'n. And yet if I could see

ὀχθήσας δʼ ἄρα εἶπε πρὸς ὃν μεγαλήτορα θυμόν·

Brave Ajax, he and I would stand, though 'gainst a God; and sure

ὤ μοι ἐγὼν εἰ μέν κε λίπω κάτα τεύχεα καλὰ

'Tis best I seek him, and then see if we two can procure

Πάτροκλόν θʼ, ὃς κεῖται ἐμῆς ἕνεκʼ ἐνθάδε τιμῆς,

This corse's freedom through all these. A little then let rest

μή τίς μοι Δαναῶν νεμεσήσεται ὅς κεν ἴδηται.

The body, and my mind be still. Of two bads choose the best.”

εἰ δέ κεν Ἕκτορι μοῦνος ἐὼν καὶ Τρωσὶ μάχωμαι

In this discourse, the troops of Troy were in with him, and he

αἰδεσθείς, μή πώς με περιστήωσʼ ἕνα πολλοί·

Made such a lion-like retreat, as when the herdsmen see

Τρῶας δʼ ἐνθάδε πάντας ἄγει κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ.

The royal savage, and come on, with men, dogs, cries, and spears,

ἀλλὰ τί ἤ μοι ταῦτα φίλος διελέξατο θυμός;

To clear their hornéd stall, and then the kingly heart he bears

ὁππότʼ ἀνὴρ ἐθέλῃ πρὸς δαίμονα φωτὶ μάχεσθαι

(With all his high disdain) falls off; so from this odds of aid

ὅν κε θεὸς τιμᾷ, τάχα οἱ μέγα πῆμα κυλίσθη.

The golden-hair'd Atrides fled, and in his strength display'd

τώ μʼ οὔ τις Δαναῶν νεμεσήσεται ὅς κεν ἴδηται

Upon his left hand him he wish'd, extremely busiéd

Ἕκτορι χωρήσαντʼ, ἐπεὶ ἐκ θεόφιν πολεμίζει.

About encouraging his men, to whom an extreme dread

εἰ δέ που Αἴαντός γε βοὴν ἀγαθοῖο πυθοίμην,

Apollo had infus'd. The king reach'd Ajax instantly,

ἄμφω κʼ αὖτις ἰόντες ἐπιμνησαίμεθα χάρμης

And said: “Come, friend, let us two haste, and from the tyranny

καὶ πρὸς δαίμονά περ, εἴ πως ἐρυσαίμεθα νεκρὸν

Of Hector free Patroclus' corse.” He straight and gladly went;

Πηλεΐδῃ Ἀχιλῆϊ· κακῶν δέ κε φέρτατον εἴη.

And then was Hector haling off the body, with intent

εἷος ὁ ταῦθʼ ὅρμαινε κατὰ φρένα καὶ κατὰ θυμὸν

To spoil the shoulders of the dead, and give the dogs the rest,

τόφρα δʼ ἐπὶ Τρώων στίχες ἤλυθον· ἦρχε δʼ ἄρʼ Ἕκτωρ.

His arms he having pris'd before; when Ajax brought his breast

αὐτὰρ ὅ γʼ ἐξοπίσω ἀνεχάζετο, λεῖπε δὲ νεκρὸν

To bar all further spoil. With that he had, sure Hector thought

ἐντροπαλιζόμενος ὥς τε λὶς ἠϋγένειος,

'Twas best to satisfy his spleen; which temper Ajax wrought

ὅν ῥα κύνες τε καὶ ἄνδρες ἀπὸ σταθμοῖο δίωνται

With his mere sight, and Hector fled. The arms he sent to Troy,

ἔγχεσι καὶ φωνῇ· τοῦ δʼ ἐν φρεσὶν ἄλκιμον ἦτορ

To make his citizens admire, and pray Jove send him joy.

παχνοῦται, ἀέκων δέ τʼ ἔβη ἀπὸ μεσσαύλοιο·

Then Ajax gather'd to the corse, and hid it with his targe,

ὣς ἀπὸ Πατρόκλοιο κίε ξανθὸς Μενέλαος.

There setting down as sure a foot, as, in the tender charge

στῆ δὲ μεταστρεφθεὶς ἐπεὶ ἵκετο ἔθνος ἑταίρων

Of his lov'd whelps, a lion doth; two hundred hunters near

παπταίνων Αἴαντα μέγαν Τελαμώνιον υἱόν.

To give him onset, their more force makes him the more austere,

τὸν δὲ μάλʼ αἶψʼ ἐνόησε μάχης ἐπʼ ἀριστερὰ πάσης

Drowns all their clamours in his roars, darts, dogs, doth all despise,

θαρσύνονθʼ ἑτάρους καὶ ἐποτρύνοντα μάχεσθαι·

And lets his rough brows down so low, they cover all his eyes;

θεσπέσιον γάρ σφιν φόβον ἔμβαλε Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων·

So Ajax look'd, and stood, and stay'd for great Priamides.

βῆ δὲ θέειν, εἶθαρ δὲ παριστάμενος ἔπος ηὔδα.

When Glaucus Hippolochides saw Ajax thus depress

Αἶαν δεῦρο πέπον, περὶ Πατρόκλοιο θανόντος

The spirit of Hector, thus he chid: “O goodly man at arms,

σπεύσομεν, αἴ κε νέκυν περ Ἀχιλλῆϊ προφέρωμεν

In fight a Paris, why should fame make thee fort 'gainst our harms,

γυμνόν· ἀτὰρ τά γε τεύχεʼ ἔχει κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ.

Being such a fugitive? Now mark, how well thy boasts defend

ὣς ἔφατʼ, Αἴαντι δὲ δαΐφρονι θυμὸν ὄρινε·

Thy city only with her own. Be sure it shall descend

βῆ δὲ διὰ προμάχων, ἅμα δὲ ξανθὸς Μενέλαος.

To that proof wholly. Not a man of any Lycian rank

Ἕκτωρ μὲν Πάτροκλον ἐπεὶ κλυτὰ τεύχεʼ ἀπηύρα,

Shall strike one stroke more for thy town; for no man gets a thank

ἕλχʼ ἵνʼ ἀπʼ ὤμοιιν κεφαλὴν τάμοι ὀξέϊ χαλκῷ,

Should he eternally fight here, nor any guard of thee.

τὸν δὲ νέκυν Τρῳῇσιν ἐρυσσάμενος κυσὶ δοίη.

How wilt thou, worthless that thou art, keep off an enemy

Αἴας δʼ ἐγγύθεν ἦλθε φέρων σάκος ἠΰτε πύργον·

From our poor soldiers, when their prince, Sarpedon, guest and friend

Ἕκτωρ δʼ ἂψ ἐς ὅμιλον ἰὼν ἀνεχάζεθʼ ἑταίρων,

To thee, and most deservedly, thou flew'st from in his end,

ἐς δίφρον δʼ ἀνόρουσε· δίδου δʼ ὅ γε τεύχεα καλὰ

And left'st to all the lust of Greece? O Gods, a man that was

Τρωσὶ φέρειν προτὶ ἄστυ, μέγα κλέος ἔμμεναι αὐτῷ.

(In life) so huge a good to Troy, and to thee such a grace,

Αἴας δʼ ἀμφὶ Μενοιτιάδῃ σάκος εὐρὺ καλύψας

(In death) not kept by thee from dogs! If my friends will do well,

ἑστήκει ὥς τίς τε λέων περὶ οἷσι τέκεσσιν,

We'll take our shoulders from your walls, and let all sink to hell;

ᾧ ῥά τε νήπιʼ ἄγοντι συναντήσωνται ἐν ὕλῃ

As all will, were our faces turn'd. Did such a spirit breathe

ἄνδρες ἐπακτῆρες· ὃ δέ τε σθένεϊ βλεμεαίνει,

In all you Trojans, as becomes all men that fight beneath

πᾶν δέ τʼ ἐπισκύνιον κάτω ἕλκεται ὄσσε καλύπτων·

Their country's standard, you would see, that such a prop your cause

ὣς Αἴας περὶ Πατρόκλῳ ἥρωϊ βεβήκει.

With like exposure of their lives, have all the honour'd laws

Ἀτρεΐδης δʼ ἑτέρωθεν ἀρηΐφιλος Μενέλαος

Of such a dear confederacy kept to them to a thread,

ἑστήκει, μέγα πένθος ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἀέξων.

As now ye might reprise the arms Sarpedon forfeited

Γλαῦκος δʼ Ἱππολόχοιο πάϊς Λυκίων ἀγὸς ἀνδρῶν

By forfeit of your rights to him, would you but lend your hands,

Ἕκτορʼ ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν χαλεπῷ ἠνίπαπε μύθῳ·

And force Patroclus to your Troy. Ye know how dear he stands

Ἕκτορ εἶδος ἄριστε μάχης ἄρα πολλὸν ἐδεύεο.

ἦ σʼ αὔτως κλέος ἐσθλὸν ἔχει φύξηλιν ἐόντα.

φράζεο νῦν ὅππως κε πόλιν καὶ ἄστυ σαώσῃς

οἶος σὺν λαοῖς τοὶ Ἰλίῳ ἐγγεγάασιν·

οὐ γάρ τις Λυκίων γε μαχησόμενος Δαναοῖσιν

εἶσι περὶ πτόλιος, ἐπεὶ οὐκ ἄρα τις χάρις ἦεν

μάρνασθαι δηΐοισιν ἐπʼ ἀνδράσι νωλεμὲς αἰεί.

πῶς κε σὺ χείρονα φῶτα σαώσειας μεθʼ ὅμιλον

σχέτλιʼ, ἐπεὶ Σαρπηδόνʼ ἅμα ξεῖνον καὶ ἑταῖρον

κάλλιπες Ἀργείοισιν ἕλωρ καὶ κύρμα γενέσθαι,

ὅς τοι πόλλʼ ὄφελος γένετο πτόλεΐ τε καὶ αὐτῷ

In his love, that of all the Greeks is, for himself, far best,

ζωὸς ἐών· νῦν δʼ οὔ οἱ ἀλαλκέμεναι κύνας ἔτλης.

And leads the best near-fighting men; and therefore would at least

τὼ νῦν εἴ τις ἐμοὶ Λυκίων ἐπιπείσεται ἀνδρῶν

Redeem Sarpedon's arms; nay him, whom you have likewise lost.

οἴκαδʼ ἴμεν, Τροίῃ δὲ πεφήσεται αἰπὺς ὄλεθρος.

This body drawn to Ilion would after draw and cost

εἰ γὰρ νῦν Τρώεσσι μένος πολυθαρσὲς ἐνείη

A greater ransom if you pleas'd; but Ajax startles you;

ἄτρομον, οἷόν τʼ ἄνδρας ἐσέρχεται οἳ περὶ πάτρης

'Tis his breast bars this right to us; his looks are darts enow

ἀνδράσι δυσμενέεσσι πόνον καὶ δῆριν ἔθεντο,

To mix great Hector with his men. And not to blame ye are,

αἶψά κε Πάτροκλον ἐρυσαίμεθα Ἴλιον εἴσω.

You choose foes underneath your strengths, Ajax exceeds ye far.”

εἰ δʼ οὗτος προτὶ ἄστυ μέγα Πριάμοιο ἄνακτος

Hector look'd passing sour at this, and answer'd: “Why dar'st thou,

ἔλθοι τεθνηὼς καί μιν ἐρυσαίμεθα χάρμης,

So under, talk above me so? O friend, I thought till now

αἶψά κεν Ἀργεῖοι Σαρπηδόνος ἔντεα καλὰ

Thy wisdom was superior to all th' inhabitants

λύσειαν, καί κʼ αὐτὸν ἀγοίμεθα Ἴλιον εἴσω·

Of gleby Lycia; but now impute apparent wants

τοίου γὰρ θεράπων πέφατʼ ἀνέρος, ὃς μέγʼ ἄριστος

To that discretion thy words show, to say I lost my ground

Ἀργείων παρὰ νηυσὶ καὶ ἀγχέμαχοι θεράποντες.

For Ajax' greatness. Nor fear I the field in combats drown'd,

ἀλλὰ σύ γʼ Αἴαντος μεγαλήτορος οὐκ ἐτάλασσας

Nor force of chariots, but I fear a Pow'r much better seen

στήμεναι ἄντα κατʼ ὄσσε ἰδὼν δηΐων ἐν ἀϋτῇ,

In right of all war than all we. That God, that holds between

οὐδʼ ἰθὺς μαχέσασθαι, ἐπεὶ σέο φέρτερός ἐστι.

Our victory and us his shield, lets conquest come and go

τὸν δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν προσέφη κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ·

At his free pleasure, and with fear converts her changes so

Γλαῦκε τί ἢ δὲ σὺ τοῖος ἐὼν ὑπέροπλον ἔειπες;

Upon the strongest. Men must fight when his just spirit impels,

ὢ πόποι ἦ τʼ ἐφάμην σὲ περὶ φρένας ἔμμεναι ἄλλων

Not their vain glories. But come on, make thy steps parallels

τῶν ὅσσοι Λυκίην ἐριβώλακα ναιετάουσι·

To these of mine, and then be judge, how deep the work will draw.

νῦν δέ σευ ὠνοσάμην πάγχυ φρένας οἷον ἔειπες,

If then I spend the day in shifts, or thou canst give such law

ὅς τέ με φῂς Αἴαντα πελώριον οὐχ ὑπομεῖναι.

To thy detractive speeches then, or if the Grecian host

οὔ τοι ἐγὼν ἔρριγα μάχην οὐδὲ κτύπον ἵππων·

Holds any that in pride of strength holds up his spirit most,

ἀλλʼ αἰεί τε Διὸς κρείσσων νόος αἰγιόχοιο,

Whom, for the carriage of this prince, that thou enforcest so,

ὅς τε καὶ ἄλκιμον ἄνδρα φοβεῖ καὶ ἀφείλετο νίκην

I make not stoop in his defence. You, friends, ye hear and know

ῥηϊδίως, ὁτὲ δʼ αὐτὸς ἐποτρύνει μαχέσασθαι.

How much it fits ye to make good this Grecian I have slain,

ἀλλʼ ἄγε δεῦρο πέπον, παρʼ ἔμʼ ἵστασο καὶ ἴδε ἔργον,

For ransom of Jove's son, our friend. Play then the worthy men,

ἠὲ πανημέριος κακὸς ἔσσομαι, ὡς ἀγορεύεις,

Till I indue Achilles' arms.” This said, he left the fight,

ἦ τινα καὶ Δαναῶν ἀλκῆς μάλα περ μεμαῶτα

And call'd back those that bore the arms, not yet without his sight,

σχήσω ἀμυνέμεναι περὶ Πατρόκλοιο θανόντος.

In convoy of them towards Troy. For them he chang'd his own,

ὣς εἰπὼν Τρώεσσιν ἐκέκλετο μακρὸν ἀΰσας·

Remov'd from where it rained tears, and sent them back to town.

Τρῶες καὶ Λύκιοι καὶ Δάρδανοι ἀγχιμαχηταί,

Then put he on th' eternal arms, that the Celestial States

ἀνέρες ἔστε φίλοι, μνήσασθε δὲ θούριδος ἀλκῆς,

Gave Peleus; Peleus, being old, their use appropriates

ὄφρʼ ἂν ἐγὼν Ἀχιλῆος ἀμύμονος ἔντεα δύω

To his Achilles, that, like him, forsook them not for age.

καλά, τὰ Πατρόκλοιο βίην ἐνάριξα κατακτάς.

When He, whose empire is in clouds, saw Hector bent to wage

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας ἀπέβη κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ

War in divine Achilles' arms, he shook his head, and said:

δηΐου ἐκ πολέμοιο· θέων δʼ ἐκίχανεν ἑταίρους

“Poor wretch, thy thoughts are far from death, though he so near hath laid

ὦκα μάλʼ οὔ πω τῆλε ποσὶ κραιπνοῖσι μετασπών,

His ambush for thee. Thou putt'st on those arms, as braving him

οἳ προτὶ ἄστυ φέρον κλυτὰ τεύχεα Πηλεΐωνος.

Whom others fear; hast slain his friend, and from his youthful limb

στὰς δʼ ἀπάνευθε μάχης πολυδακρύου ἔντεʼ ἄμειβεν·

Torn rudely off his heav'nly arms, himself being gentle, kind,

ἤτοι ὃ μὲν τὰ ἃ δῶκε φέρειν προτὶ Ἴλιον ἱρὴν

And valiant. Equal measure then, thy life in youth must find.

Τρωσὶ φιλοπτολέμοισιν, ὃ δʼ ἄμβροτα τεύχεα δῦνε

Yet since the justice is so strict, that not Andromache,

Πηλεΐδεω Ἀχιλῆος ἅ οἱ θεοὶ Οὐρανίωνες

In thy denied return from fight, must ever take of thee

πατρὶ φίλῳ ἔπορον· ὃ δʼ ἄρα ᾧ παιδὶ ὄπασσε

Those arms, in glory of thy acts; thou shalt have that frail blaze

γηράς· ἀλλʼ οὐχ υἱὸς ἐν ἔντεσι πατρὸς ἐγήρα.

Of excellence that neighbours death, a strength ev'n to amaze.”

τὸν δʼ ὡς οὖν ἀπάνευθεν ἴδεν νεφεληγερέτα Ζεὺς

To this His sable brows did bow; and he made fit his limb

τεύχεσι Πηλεΐδαο κορυσσόμενον θείοιο,

To those great arms, to fill which up the War-god enter'd him

κινήσας ῥα κάρη προτὶ ὃν μυθήσατο θυμόν·

Austere and terrible, his joints and ev'ry part extends

ἆ δείλʼ οὐδέ τί τοι θάνατος καταθύμιός ἐστιν

With strength and fortitude; and thus to his admiring friends

ὃς δή τοι σχεδὸν εἶσι· σὺ δʼ ἄμβροτα τεύχεα δύνεις

High Clamour brought him. He so shin'd, that all could think no less

ἀνδρὸς ἀριστῆος, τόν τε τρομέουσι καὶ ἄλλοι·

But he resembled ev'ry way great-soul'd Æacides.

τοῦ δὴ ἑταῖρον ἔπεφνες ἐνηέα τε κρατερόν τε,

Then ev'ry way he scour'd the field, his captains calling on;

τεύχεα δʼ οὐ κατὰ κόσμον ἀπὸ κρατός τε καὶ ὤμων

Asteropæus, Eunomus, that foresaw all things done,

εἵλευ· ἀτάρ τοι νῦν γε μέγα κράτος ἐγγυαλίξω,

Glaucus, and Medon, Desinor, and strong Thersilochus,

τῶν ποινὴν ὅ τοι οὔ τι μάχης ἐκνοστήσαντι

Phorcis, and Mesthles, Chromius, and great Hippothous;

δέξεται Ἀνδρομάχη κλυτὰ τεύχεα Πηλεΐωνος.

To all these, and their populous troops, these his excitements were:

ἦ καὶ κυανέῃσιν ἐπʼ ὀφρύσι νεῦσε Κρονίων.

“Hear us, innumerable friends, near-bord'ring nations, hear.

Ἕκτορι δʼ ἥρμοσε τεύχεʼ ἐπὶ χροΐ, δῦ δέ μιν Ἄρης

We have not call'd you from our towns, to fill our idle eye

δεινὸς ἐνυάλιος, πλῆσθεν δʼ ἄρα οἱ μέλεʼ ἐντὸς

With number of so many men (no such vain empery

ἀλκῆς καὶ σθένεος· μετὰ δὲ κλειτοὺς ἐπικούρους

Did ever joy us) but to fight; and of our Trojan wives,

βῆ ῥα μέγα ἰάχων· ἰνδάλλετο δέ σφισι πᾶσι

With all their children, manfully to save the innocent lives.

τεύχεσι λαμπόμενος μεγαθύμου Πηλεΐωνος.

In whose cares we draw all our towns of aiding soldiers dry,

ὄτρυνεν δὲ ἕκαστον ἐποιχόμενος ἐπέεσσι

With gifts, guards, victual, all things fit; and hearten their supply

Μέσθλην τε Γλαῦκόν τε Μέδοντά τε Θερσίλοχόν τε

With all like rights; and therefore now let all sides set down this,

Ἀστεροπαῖόν τε Δεισήνορά θʼ Ἱππόθοόν τε

Or live, or perish; this of war the special secret is.

Φόρκυν τε Χρομίον τε καὶ Ἔννομον οἰωνιστήν·

τοὺς ὅ γʼ ἐποτρύνων ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

κέκλυτε μυρία φῦλα περικτιόνων ἐπικούρων·

οὐ γὰρ ἐγὼ πληθὺν διζήμενος οὐδὲ χατίζων

ἐνθάδʼ ἀφʼ ὑμετέρων πολίων ἤγειρα ἕκαστον,

ἀλλʼ ἵνα μοι Τρώων ἀλόχους καὶ νήπια τέκνα

προφρονέως ῥύοισθε φιλοπτολέμων ὑπʼ Ἀχαιῶν.

τὰ φρονέων δώροισι κατατρύχω καὶ ἐδωδῇ

λαούς, ὑμέτερον δὲ ἑκάστου θυμὸν ἀέξω.

τώ τις νῦν ἰθὺς τετραμμένος ἢ ἀπολέσθω

ἠὲ σαωθήτω· ἣ γὰρ πολέμου ὀαριστύς.

In which most resolute design, whoever bears to town

ὃς δέ κε Πάτροκλον καὶ τεθνηῶτά περ ἔμπης

Patroclus, laid dead to his hand, by winning the renown

Τρῶας ἐς ἱπποδάμους ἐρύσῃ, εἴξῃ δέ οἱ Αἴας,

Of Ajax' slaughter, the half-spoil we wholly will impart

ἥμισυ τῷ ἐνάρων ἀποδάσσομαι, ἥμισυ δʼ αὐτὸς

To his free use, and to ourself the other half convert;

ἕξω ἐγώ· τὸ δέ οἱ κλέος ἔσσεται ὅσσον ἐμοί περ.

And so the glory shall be shar'd, ourself will have no more

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἰθὺς Δαναῶν βρίσαντες ἔβησαν

Then he shall shine in.” This drew all to bring abroad their store

δούρατʼ ἀνασχόμενοι· μάλα δέ σφισιν ἔλπετο θυμὸς

Before the body. Ev'ry man had hope it would be his,

νεκρὸν ὑπʼ Αἴαντος ἐρύειν Τελαμωνιάδαο

And forc'd from Ajax. Silly fools, Ajax prevented this

νήπιοι· ἦ τε πολέσσιν ἐπʼ αὐτῷ θυμὸν ἀπηύρα.

By raising rampires to his friend with half their carcasses.

καὶ τότʼ ἄρʼ Αἴας εἶπε βοὴν ἀγαθὸν Μενέλαον·

And yet his humour was to roar, and fear, and now no less

ὦ πέπον ὦ Μενέλαε διοτρεφὲς οὐκέτι νῶϊ

To startle Sparta's king, to whom he cried out: “O my friend!

ἔλπομαι αὐτώ περ νοστησέμεν ἐκ πολέμοιο.

O Menelaus! Now no hope to get off; here's the end

οὔ τι τόσον νέκυος περιδείδια Πατρόκλοιο,

Of all our labours. Not so much I fear to lose the corse

ὅς κε τάχα Τρώων κορέει κύνας ἠδʼ οἰωνούς,

(For that's sure gone, the fowls of Troy and dogs will quickly force

ὅσσον ἐμῇ κεφαλῇ περιδείδια μή τι πάθῃσι,

That piece-meal) as I fear my head, and thine, O Atreus' son.

καὶ σῇ, ἐπεὶ πολέμοιο νέφος περὶ πάντα καλύπτει

Hector a cloud brings will hide all. Instant destructión,

Ἕκτωρ, ἡμῖν δʼ αὖτʼ ἀναφαίνεται αἰπὺς ὄλεθρος.

Grievous and heavy, comes. O call our peers to aid us; fly.”

ἀλλʼ ἄγʼ ἀριστῆας Δαναῶν κάλει, ἤν τις ἀκούσῃ.

He hasted, and us'd all his voice, sent far and near his cry:

ὣς ἔφατʼ, οὐδʼ ἀπίθησε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Μενέλαος,

“O princes, chief lights of the Greeks, and you that publicly

ἤϋσεν δὲ διαπρύσιον Δαναοῖσι γεγωνώς·

Eat with our General and me, all men of charge, O know

ὦ φίλοι Ἀργείων ἡγήτορες ἠδὲ μέδοντες

Jove gives both grace and dignity to any that will show

οἵ τε παρʼ Ἀτρεΐδῃς Ἀγαμέμνονι καὶ Μενελάῳ

Good minds for only good itself, though presently the eye

δήμια πίνουσιν καὶ σημαίνουσιν ἕκαστος

Of him that rules discern him not. 'Tis hard for me t'espy,

λαοῖς· ἐκ δὲ Διὸς τιμὴ καὶ κῦδος ὀπηδεῖ.

Through all this smoke of burning fight, each captain in his place,

ἀργαλέον δέ μοί ἐστι διασκοπιᾶσθαι ἕκαστον

And call assistance to our need. Be then each other's grace,

ἡγεμόνων· τόσση γὰρ ἔρις πολέμοιο δέδηεν·

And freely follow each his next. Disdain to let the joy

ἀλλά τις αὐτὸς ἴτω, νεμεσιζέσθω δʼ ἐνὶ θυμῷ

Of great Æacides be forc'd to feed the beasts of Troy.”

Πάτροκλον Τρῳῇσι κυσὶν μέλπηθρα γενέσθαι.

His voice was first heard and obey'd by swift Oïliades;

ὣς ἔφατʼ, ὀξὺ δʼ ἄκουσεν Ὀϊλῆος ταχὺς Αἴας·

Idomenëus and his mate, renown'd Meriones,

πρῶτος δʼ ἀντίος ἦλθε θέων ἀνὰ δηϊοτῆτα,

Were seconds to Oïleus' son; but, of the rest, whose mind

τὸν δὲ μετʼ Ἰδομενεὺς καὶ ὀπάων Ἰδομενῆος

Can lay upon his voice the names, that after these combin'd

Μηριόνης ἀτάλαντος Ἐνυαλίῳ ἀνδρειφόντῃ.

In setting up this fight on end? The Trojans first gave on.

τῶν δʼ ἄλλων τίς κεν ᾗσι φρεσὶν οὐνόματʼ εἴποι,

And as into the sea's vast mouth, when mighty rivers run,

ὅσσοι δὴ μετόπισθε μάχην ἤγειραν Ἀχαιῶν;

Their billows and the sea resound, and all the utter shore

Τρῶες δὲ προὔτυψαν ἀολλέες· ἦρχε δʼ ἄρʼ Ἕκτωρ.

Rebellows in her angry shocks the sea's repulsive roar;

ὡς δʼ ὅτʼ ἐπὶ προχοῇσι διιπετέος ποταμοῖο

With such sounds gave the Trojans charge, so was their charge repress'd.

βέβρυχεν μέγα κῦμα ποτὶ ῥόον, ἀμφὶ δέ τʼ ἄκραι

One mind fill'd all Greeks, good brass shields close couch'd to ev'ry breast,

ἠϊόνες βοόωσιν ἐρευγομένης ἁλὸς ἔξω,

And on their bright helms Jove pour'd down a mighty deal of night,

τόσσῃ ἄρα Τρῶες ἰαχῇ ἴσαν. αὐτὰρ Ἀχαιοὶ

To hide Patroclus; whom alive, and when he was the knight

ἕστασαν ἀμφὶ Μενοιτιάδῃ ἕνα θυμὸν ἔχοντες

Of that grandchild of Æacus, Saturnius did not hate,

φραχθέντες σάκεσιν χαλκήρεσιν· ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρά σφι

Nor dead would see him dealt to dogs, and so did instigate

λαμπρῇσιν κορύθεσσι Κρονίων ἠέρα πολλὴν

His fellows to his worthy guard. At first the Trojans drave

χεῦʼ, ἐπεὶ οὐδὲ Μενοιτιάδην ἔχθαιρε πάρος γε,

The black-ey'd Grecians from the corse; but not a blow they gave

ὄφρα ζωὸς ἐὼν θεράπων ἦν Αἰακίδαο·

That came at death. Awhile they hung about the body's heels,

μίσησεν δʼ ἄρα μιν δηΐων κυσὶ κύρμα γενέσθαι

The Greeks quite gone. But all that while, did Ajax whet the steels

Τρῳῇσιν· τὼ καί οἱ ἀμυνέμεν ὦρσεν ἑταίρους.

Of all his forces, that cut back way to the corse again.

ὦσαν δὲ πρότεροι Τρῶες ἑλίκωπας Ἀχαιούς·

Brave Ajax (that for form and fact, pass'd all that did maintain

νεκρὸν δὲ προλιπόντες ὑπέτρεσαν, οὐδέ τινʼ αὐτῶν

The Grecian fame, next Thetis' son) now flew before the first.

Τρῶες ὑπέρθυμοι ἕλον ἔγχεσιν ἱέμενοί περ,

And as a sort of dogs and youths are by a boar disperst

ἀλλὰ νέκυν ἐρύοντο· μίνυνθα δὲ καὶ τοῦ Ἀχαιοὶ

About a mountain; so fled these from mighty Ajax, all

μέλλον ἀπέσσεσθαι· μάλα γάρ σφεας ὦκʼ ἐλέλιξεν

That stood in conflict for the corse, who thought no chance could fall

Αἴας, ὃς περὶ μὲν εἶδος, περὶ δʼ ἔργα τέτυκτο

Betwixt them and the prise at Troy; for both Hippothous,

τῶν ἄλλων Δαναῶν μετʼ ἀμύμονα Πηλεΐωνα.

Lethus' Pelasgus' famous son, was so adventurous

ἴθυσεν δὲ διὰ προμάχων συῒ εἴκελος ἀλκὴν

That he would stand to bore the corse about the ancle-bone,

καπρίῳ, ὅς τʼ ἐν ὄρεσσι κύνας θαλερούς τʼ αἰζηοὺς

Where all the nervy fibres meet and ligaments in one,

ῥηϊδίως ἐκέδασσεν, ἑλιξάμενος διὰ βήσσας·

That make the motion of those parts; through which he did convey

ὣς υἱὸς Τελαμῶνος ἀγαυοῦ φαίδιμος Αἴας

The thong or bawdric of his shield, and so was drawing away

ῥεῖα μετεισάμενος Τρώων ἐκέδασσε φάλαγγας

All thanks from Hector and his friends; but in their stead he drew

οἳ περὶ Πατρόκλῳ βέβασαν, φρόνεον δὲ μάλιστα

An ill that no man could avert; for Telamonius threw

ἄστυ πότι σφέτερον ἐρύειν καὶ κῦδος ἀρέσθαι.

A lance that strook quite through his helm, his brain came leaping out;

ἤτοι τὸν Λήθοιο Πελασγοῦ φαίδιμος υἱὸς

Down fell Letheides, and with him the body's hoisted foot.

Ἱππόθοος ποδὸς ἕλκε κατὰ κρατερὴν ὑσμίνην

Far from Larissa's soil he fell; a little time allow'd

δησάμενος τελαμῶνι παρὰ σφυρὸν ἀμφὶ τένοντας

To his industrious spirits to quit the benefits bestow'd

Ἕκτορι καὶ Τρώεσσι χαριζόμενος· τάχα δʼ αὐτῷ

By his kind parents. But his wreak Priamides assay'd,

ἦλθε κακόν, τό οἱ οὔ τις ἐρύκακεν ἱεμένων περ.

And threw at Ajax; but his dart, discover'd, pass'd, and stay'd

τὸν δʼ υἱὸς Τελαμῶνος ἐπαΐξας διʼ ὁμίλου

At Schedius, son of Iphitus, a man of ablest hand

πλῆξʼ αὐτοσχεδίην κυνέης διὰ χαλκοπαρῄου·

ἤρικε δʼ ἱπποδάσεια κόρυς περὶ δουρὸς ἀκωκῇ

πληγεῖσʼ ἔγχεΐ τε μεγάλῳ καὶ χειρὶ παχείῃ,

ἐγκέφαλος δὲ παρʼ αὐλὸν ἀνέδραμεν ἐξ ὠτειλῆς

αἱματόεις· τοῦ δʼ αὖθι λύθη μένος, ἐκ δʼ ἄρα χειρῶν

Πατρόκλοιο πόδα μεγαλήτορος ἧκε χαμᾶζε

κεῖσθαι· ὃ δʼ ἄγχʼ αὐτοῖο πέσε πρηνὴς ἐπὶ νεκρῷ

τῆλʼ ἀπὸ Λαρίσης ἐριβώλακος, οὐδὲ τοκεῦσι

θρέπτρα φίλοις ἀπέδωκε, μινυνθάδιος δέ οἱ αἰὼν

ἔπλεθʼ ὑπʼ Αἴαντος μεγαθύμου δουρὶ δαμέντι.

Ἕκτωρ δʼ αὖτʼ Αἴαντος ἀκόντισε δουρὶ φαεινῷ·

Of all the strong Phocensians, and liv'd with great command

ἀλλʼ ὃ μὲν ἄντα ἰδὼν ἠλεύατο χάλκεον ἔγχος

In Panopëus. The fell dart fell through his channel-bone,

τυτθόν· ὃ δὲ Σχεδίον μεγαθύμου Ἰφίτου υἱὸν

Pierc'd through his shoulder's upper part, and set his spirit gone.

Φωκήων ὄχʼ ἄριστον, ὃς ἐν κλειτῷ Πανοπῆϊ

When after his another flew, the same hand giving wing

οἰκία ναιετάασκε πολέσσʼ ἄνδρεσσιν ἀνάσσων,

To martial Phorcis' startled soul, that was the after spring

τὸν βάλʼ ὑπὸ κληῗδα μέσην· διὰ δʼ ἀμπερὲς ἄκρη

Of Phænops' seed. The jav'lin strook his curets through, and tore

αἰχμὴ χαλκείη παρὰ νείατον ὦμον ἀνέσχε·

The bowels from the belly's midst. His fall made those before

δούπησεν δὲ πεσών, ἀράβησε δὲ τεύχεʼ ἐπʼ αὐτῷ.

Give back a little, Hector's self enforc'd to turn his face.

Αἴας δʼ αὖ Φόρκυνα δαΐφρονα Φαίνοπος υἱὸν

And then the Greeks bestow'd their shouts, took vantage of the chace,

Ἱπποθόῳ περιβάντα μέσην κατὰ γαστέρα τύψε·

Drew off, and spoil'd Hippothous and Phorcis of their arms.

ῥῆξε δὲ θώρηκος γύαλον, διὰ δʼ ἔντερα χαλκὸς

And then ascended Ilion had shaken with alarms,

ἤφυσʼ· ὃ δʼ ἐν κονίῃσι πεσὼν ἕλε γαῖαν ἀγοστῷ.

Discov'ring th' impotence of Troy, ev'n past the will of Jove,

χώρησαν δʼ ὑπό τε πρόμαχοι καὶ φαίδιμος Ἕκτωρ·

And by the proper force of Greece, had Phœbus fail'd to move

Ἀργεῖοι δὲ μέγα ἴαχον, ἐρύσαντο δὲ νεκροὺς

Æneas in similitude of Periphas (the son

Φόρκυν θʼ Ἱππόθοόν τε, λύοντο δὲ τεύχεʼ ἀπʼ ὤμων.

Of grave Epytes) king at arms, and had good service done

ἔνθά κεν αὖτε Τρῶες ἀρηϊφίλων ὑπʼ Ἀχαιῶν

To old Anchises, being wise, and ev'n with him in years.

Ἴλιον εἰσανέβησαν ἀναλκείῃσι δαμέντες,

But, like this man, the far-seen God to Venus' son appears,

Ἀργεῖοι δέ κε κῦδος ἕλον καὶ ὑπὲρ Διὸς αἶσαν

And ask'd him how he would maintain steep Ilion in her height,

κάρτεϊ καὶ σθένεϊ σφετέρῳ· ἀλλʼ αὐτὸς Ἀπόλλων

In spite of Gods, as he presum'd; when men approv'd so slight

Αἰνείαν ὄτρυνε δέμας Περίφαντι ἐοικὼς

All his presumptions, and all theirs that puff'd him with that pride,

κήρυκι Ἠπυτίδῃ, ὅς οἱ παρὰ πατρὶ γέροντι

Believing in their proper strengths, and gen'rally supplied

κηρύσσων γήρασκε φίλα φρεσὶ μήδεα εἰδώς·

With such unfrighted multitudes? But he well knew that Jove,

τῷ μιν ἐεισάμενος προσέφη Διὸς υἱὸς Ἀπόλλων·

Besides their self-conceits, sustain'd their forces with more love

Αἰνεία πῶς ἂν καὶ ὑπὲρ θεὸν εἰρύσσαισθε

Than theirs of Greece; and yet all that lack'd pow'r to hearten them.

Ἴλιον αἰπεινήν; ὡς δὴ ἴδον ἀνέρας ἄλλους

Æneas knew the God, and said: “It was a shame extreme,

κάρτεΐ τε σθένεΐ τε πεποιθότας ἠνορέῃ τε

That those of Greece should beat them so, and by their cowardice,

πλήθεΐ τε σφετέρῳ καὶ ὑπερδέα δῆμον ἔχοντας·

Not want of man's aid nor the Gods'; and this before his eyes

ἡμῖν δὲ Ζεὺς μὲν πολὺ βούλεται ἢ Δαναοῖσι

A Deity stood ev'n now and vouch'd, affirming Jove their aid;

νίκην· ἀλλʼ αὐτοὶ τρεῖτʼ ἄσπετον οὐδὲ μάχεσθε.

And so bade Hector and the rest, to whom all this he said,

ὣς ἔφατʼ, Αἰνείας δʼ ἑκατηβόλον Ἀπόλλωνα

Turn head, and not in that quick ease part with the corse to Greece.”

ἔγνω ἐς ἄντα ἰδών, μέγα δʼ Ἕκτορα εἶπε βοήσας·

This said, before them all he flew, and all as of a piece

Ἕκτόρ τʼ ἠδʼ ἄλλοι Τρώων ἀγοὶ ἠδʼ ἐπικούρων

Against the Greeks flew. Venus' son Leocritus did end,

αἰδὼς μὲν νῦν ἥδε γʼ ἀρηϊφίλων ὑπʼ Ἀχαιῶν

Son of Arisbas, and had place of Lycomedes' friend;

Ἴλιον εἰσαναβῆναι ἀναλκείῃσι δαμέντας.

Whose fall he friendly pitied, and, in revenge, bestow'd

ἀλλʼ ἔτι γάρ τίς φησι θεῶν ἐμοὶ ἄγχι παραστὰς

A lance that Apisaon strook, so sore that straight he strow'd

Ζῆνʼ ὕπατον μήστωρα μάχης ἐπιτάρροθον εἶναι·

The dusty centre, it did stick in that congealéd blood

τώ ῥʼ ἰθὺς Δαναῶν ἴομεν, μηδʼ οἵ γε ἕκηλοι

That forms the liver. Second man he was of all that stood

Πάτροκλον νηυσὶν πελασαίατο τεθνηῶτα.

In name for arms amongst the troop that from Pæonia came,

ὣς φάτο, καί ῥα πολὺ προμάχων ἐξάλμενος ἔστη·

Asteropæus being the first; who was in ruth the same

οἳ δʼ ἐλελίχθησαν καὶ ἐναντίοι ἔσταν Ἀχαιῶν.

That Lycomedes was; like whom, he put forth for the wreak

ἔνθʼ αὖτʼ Αἰνείας Λειώκριτον οὔτασε δουρὶ

Of his slain friend; but wrought it not, because he could not break

υἱὸν Ἀρίσβαντος Λυκομήδεος ἐσθλὸν ἑταῖρον.

That bulwark made of Grecian shields, and bristled wood of spears,

τὸν δὲ πεσόντʼ ἐλέησεν ἀρηΐφιλος Λυκομήδης,

Combin'd about the body slain. Amongst whom Ajax bears

στῆ δὲ μάλʼ ἐγγὺς ἰών, καὶ ἀκόντισε δουρὶ φαεινῷ,

The greatest labour, ev'ry way exhorting to abide,

καὶ βάλεν Ἱππασίδην Ἀπισάονα ποιμένα λαῶν

And no man fly the corse a foot, nor break their ranks in pride

ἧπαρ ὑπὸ πραπίδων, εἶθαρ δʼ ὑπὸ γούνατʼ ἔλυσεν,

Of any foremost daring spirit, but each foot hold his stand,

ὅς ῥʼ ἐκ Παιονίης ἐριβώλακος εἰληλούθει,

And use the closest fight they could. And this was the command

καὶ δὲ μετʼ Ἀστεροπαῖον ἀριστεύεσκε μάχεσθαι.

Of mighty Ajax; which observ'd, they steep'd the earth in blood.

τὸν δὲ πεσόντʼ ἐλέησεν ἀρήϊος Ἀστεροπαῖος,

The Trojans and their friends fell thick. Nor all the Grecians stood

ἴθυσεν δὲ καὶ ὃ πρόφρων Δαναοῖσι μάχεσθαι·

(Though far the fewer suffer'd fate) for ever they had care

ἀλλʼ οὔ πως ἔτι εἶχε· σάκεσσι γὰρ ἔρχατο πάντῃ

To shun confusion, and the toil that still oppresseth there.

ἑσταότες περὶ Πατρόκλῳ, πρὸ δὲ δούρατʼ ἔχοντο.

So set they all the field on fire; with which you would have thought

Αἴας γὰρ μάλα πάντας ἐπῴχετο πολλὰ κελεύων·

The sun and moon had been put out, in such a smoke they fought

οὔτέ τινʼ ἐξοπίσω νεκροῦ χάζεσθαι ἀνώγει

About the person of the prince. But all the field beside

οὔτέ τινα προμάχεσθαι Ἀχαιῶν ἔξοχον ἄλλων,

Fought underneath a lightsome heav'n; the sun was in his pride,

ἀλλὰ μάλʼ ἀμφʼ αὐτῷ βεβάμεν, σχεδόθεν δὲ μάχεσθαι.

And such expansure of his beams he thrust out of his throne,

ὣς Αἴας ἐπέτελλε πελώριος, αἵματι δὲ χθὼν

That not a vapour durst appear in all that region,

δεύετο πορφυρέῳ, τοὶ δʼ ἀγχιστῖνοι ἔπιπτον

No, not upon the highest hill. There fought they still, and breath'd,

νεκροὶ ὁμοῦ Τρώων καὶ ὑπερμενέων ἐπικούρων

Shunn'd danger, cast their darts aloof, and not a sword unsheath'd.

καὶ Δαναῶν· οὐδʼ οἳ γὰρ ἀναιμωτί γε μάχοντο,

The other plied it, and the war and night plied them as well,

παυρότεροι δὲ πολὺ φθίνυθον· μέμνηντο γὰρ αἰεὶ

The cruel steel afflicting all; the strongest did not dwell

ἀλλήλοις ἀνʼ ὅμιλον ἀλεξέμεναι φόνον αἰπύν.

Unhurt within their iron roofs. Two men of special name.

ὣς οἳ μὲν μάρναντο δέμας πυρός, οὐδέ κε φαίης

Antilochus and Thrasymed, were yet unserv'd by Fame

οὔτέ ποτʼ ἠέλιον σῶν ἔμμεναι οὔτε σελήνην·

With notice of Patroclus' death. They thought him still alive

ἠέρι γὰρ κατέχοντο μάχης ἐπί θʼ ὅσσον ἄριστοι

In foremost tumult, and might well, for (seeing their fellows thrive

ἕστασαν ἀμφὶ Μενοιτιάδῃ κατατεθνηῶτι.

In no more comfortable sort than fight and death would yield)

οἳ δʼ ἄλλοι Τρῶες καὶ ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοὶ

εὔκηλοι πολέμιζον ὑπʼ αἰθέρι, πέπτατο δʼ αὐγὴ

ἠελίου ὀξεῖα, νέφος δʼ οὐ φαίνετο πάσης

γαίης οὐδʼ ὀρέων· μεταπαυόμενοι δὲ μάχοντο

ἀλλήλων ἀλεείνοντες βέλεα στονόεντα

πολλὸν ἀφεσταότες. τοὶ δʼ ἐν μέσῳ ἄλγεʼ ἔπασχον

ἠέρι καὶ πολέμῳ, τείροντο δὲ νηλέϊ χαλκῷ

ὅσσοι ἄριστοι ἔσαν· δύο δʼ οὔ πω φῶτε πεπύσθην

ἀνέρε κυδαλίμω Θρασυμήδης Ἀντίλοχός τε

Πατρόκλοιο θανόντος ἀμύμονος, ἀλλʼ ἔτʼ ἔφαντο

ζωὸν ἐνὶ πρώτῳ ὁμάδῳ Τρώεσσι μάχεσθαι.

They fought apart; for so their sire, old Nestor, strictly will'd,

τὼ δʼ ἐπιοσσομένω θάνατον καὶ φύζαν ἑταίρων

Enjoining fight more from the fleet. War here increas'd his heat

νόσφιν ἐμαρνάσθην, ἐπεὶ ὣς ἐπετέλλετο Νέστωρ

The whole day long, continually the labour and the sweat

ὀτρύνων πόλεμον δὲ μελαινάων ἀπὸ νηῶν.

The knees, calves, feet, hands, faces, smear'd, of men that Mars applied

τοῖς δὲ πανημερίοις ἔριδος μέγα νεῖκος ὀρώρει

About the good Achilles' friend. And as a huge ox-hide

ἀργαλέης· καμάτῳ δὲ καὶ ἱδρῷ νωλεμὲς αἰεὶ

A currier gives amongst his men, to supple and extend

γούνατά τε κνῆμαί τε πόδες θʼ ὑπένερθεν ἑκάστου

With oil till it be drunk withall; they tug, stretch out, and spend

χεῖρές τʼ ὀφθαλμοί τε παλάσσετο μαρναμένοιιν

Their oil and liquor lib'rally, and chafe the leather so

ἀμφʼ ἀγαθὸν θεράποντα ποδώκεος Αἰακίδαο.

That out they make a vapour breathe, and in their oil doth go,

ὡς δʼ ὅτʼ ἀνὴρ ταύροιο βοὸς μεγάλοιο βοείην

A number of them set on work, and in an orb they pull,

λαοῖσιν δώῃ τανύειν μεθύουσαν ἀλοιφῇ·

That all ways all parts of the hide they may extend at full;

δεξάμενοι δʼ ἄρα τοί γε διαστάντες τανύουσι

So here and there did both parts hale the corse in little place,

κυκλόσʼ, ἄφαρ δέ τε ἰκμὰς ἔβη, δύνει δέ τʼ ἀλοιφὴ

And wrought it all ways with their sweat; the Trojans hop'd for grace

πολλῶν ἑλκόντων, τάνυται δέ τε πᾶσα διὰ πρό·

To make it reach to Ilion, the Grecians to their fleet,

ὣς οἵ γʼ ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα νέκυν ὀλίγῃ ἐνὶ χώρῃ

A cruel tumult they stirr'd up, and such as should Mars see't

εἵλκεον ἀμφότεροι· μάλα δέ σφισιν ἔλπετο θυμὸς

(That horrid hurrier of men) or She that betters him,

Τρωσὶν μὲν ἐρύειν προτὶ Ἴλιον, αὐτὰρ Ἀχαιοῖς

Minerva, never so incens'd, they could not disesteem.

νῆας ἔπι γλαφυράς· περὶ δʼ αὐτοῦ μῶλος ὀρώρει

So baneful a contention did Jove that day extend

ἄγριος· οὐδέ κʼ Ἄρης λαοσσόος οὐδέ κʼ Ἀθήνη

Of men and horse about the slain. Of whom his god-like friend

τόν γε ἰδοῦσʼ ὀνόσαιτʼ, οὐδʼ εἰ μάλα μιν χόλος ἵκοι·

Had no instruction, so far off, and underneath the wall

τοῖον Ζεὺς ἐπὶ Πατρόκλῳ ἀνδρῶν τε καὶ ἵππων

Of Troy, that conflict was maintain'd; which was not thought at all

ἤματι τῷ ἐτάνυσσε κακὸν πόνον· οὐδʼ ἄρα πώ τι

By great Achilles, since he charg'd, that having set his foot

ᾔδεε Πάτροκλον τεθνηότα δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς·

Upon the ports, he would retire, well knowing Troy no boot

πολλὸν γὰρ ῥʼ ἀπάνευθε νεῶν μάρναντο θοάων

For his assaults without himself, since not by him as well

τείχει ὕπο Τρώων· τό μιν οὔ ποτε ἔλπετο θυμῷ

He knew it was to be subdu'd. His mother oft would tell

τεθνάμεν, ἀλλὰ ζωὸν ἐνιχριμφθέντα πύλῃσιν

The mind of mighty Jove therein, oft hearing it in heav'n;

ἂψ ἀπονοστήσειν, ἐπεὶ οὐδὲ τὸ ἔλπετο πάμπαν

But of that great ill to his friend was no instruction giv'n

ἐκπέρσειν πτολίεθρον ἄνευ ἕθεν, οὐδὲ σὺν αὐτῷ·

By careful Thetis. By degrees must ill events be known.

πολλάκι γὰρ τό γε μητρὸς ἐπεύθετο νόσφιν ἀκούων,

The foes cleft one to other still, about the overthrown.

ἥ οἱ ἀπαγγέλλεσκε Διὸς μεγάλοιο νόημα.

His death with death infected both. Ev'n private Greeks would say

δὴ τότε γʼ οὔ οἱ ἔειπε κακὸν τόσον ὅσσον ἐτύχθη

Either to other: “'Twere a shame, for us to go our way,

μήτηρ, ὅττί ῥά οἱ πολὺ φίλτατος ὤλεθʼ ἑταῖρος.

And let the Trojans bear to Troy the praise of such a prise!

οἳ δʼ αἰεὶ περὶ νεκρὸν ἀκαχμένα δούρατʼ ἔχοντες

Which, let the black earth gasp, and drink our blood for sacrifice,

νωλεμὲς ἐγχρίμπτοντο καὶ ἀλλήλους ἐνάριζον·

Before we suffer. 'Tis an act much less infortunate,

ὧδε δέ τις εἴπεσκεν Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων·

And then would those of Troy resolve, though certainly our fate

ὦ φίλοι οὐ μὰν ἧμιν ἐϋκλεὲς ἀπονέεσθαι

Will fell us altogether here. Of all not turn a face.”

νῆας ἔπι γλαφυράς, ἀλλʼ αὐτοῦ γαῖα μέλαινα

Thus either side his fellows' strength excited past his place,

πᾶσι χάνοι· τό κεν ἧμιν ἄφαρ πολὺ κέρδιον εἴη

And thus through all th' unfruitful air, an iron sound ascended

εἰ τοῦτον Τρώεσσι μεθήσομεν ἱπποδάμοισιν

Up to the golden firmament; when strange affects contended

ἄστυ πότι σφέτερον ἐρύσαι καὶ κῦδος ἀρέσθαι.

In these immortal heav'n-bred horse of great Æacides,

ὣς δέ τις αὖ Τρώων μεγαθύμων αὐδήσασκεν·

Whom (once remov'd from forth the fight) a sudden sense did seize

ὦ φίλοι, εἰ καὶ μοῖρα παρʼ ἀνέρι τῷδε δαμῆναι

Of good Patroclus' death, whose hands they oft had undergone,

πάντας ὁμῶς, μή πώ τις ἐρωείτω πολέμοιο.

And bitterly they wept for him. Nor could Automedon

ὣς ἄρα τις εἴπεσκε, μένος δʼ ὄρσασκεν ἑκάστου.

With any manage make them stir, oft use the scourge to them,

ὣς οἳ μὲν μάρναντο, σιδήρειος δʼ ὀρυμαγδὸς

Oft use his fairest speech, as oft threats never so extreme,

χάλκεον οὐρανὸν ἷκε διʼ αἰθέρος ἀτρυγέτοιο·

They neither to the Hellespont would bear him, nor the fight;

ἵπποι δʼ Αἰακίδαο μάχης ἀπάνευθεν ἐόντες

But still as any tombstone lays his never stirréd weight

κλαῖον, ἐπεὶ δὴ πρῶτα πυθέσθην ἡνιόχοιο

On some good man or woman's grave for rites of funeral;

ἐν κονίῃσι πεσόντος ὑφʼ Ἕκτορος ἀνδροφόνοιο.

So unremovéd stood these steeds, their heads to earth let fall,

ἦ μὰν Αὐτομέδων Διώρεος ἄλκιμος υἱὸς

And warm tears gushing from their eyes, with passionate desire

πολλὰ μὲν ἂρ μάστιγι θοῇ ἐπεμαίετο θείνων,

Of their kind manager; their manes, that flourish'd with the fire

πολλὰ δὲ μειλιχίοισι προσηύδα, πολλὰ δʼ ἀρειῇ·

Of endless youth allotted them, fell through the yoky sphere,

τὼ δʼ οὔτʼ ἂψ ἐπὶ νῆας ἐπὶ πλατὺν Ἑλλήσποντον

Ruthfully ruffled and defil'd, Jove saw their heavy cheer,

ἠθελέτην ἰέναι οὔτʼ ἐς πόλεμον μετʼ Ἀχαιούς,

And, pitying them, spake to his mind: “Poor wretched beasts,” said he,

ἀλλʼ ὥς τε στήλη μένει ἔμπεδον, ἥ τʼ ἐπὶ τύμβῳ

“Why gave we you t' a mortal king, when immortality

ἀνέρος ἑστήκῃ τεθνηότος ἠὲ γυναικός,

And incapacity of age so dignifies your states?

ὣς μένον ἀσφαλέως περικαλλέα δίφρον ἔχοντες

Was it to haste the miseries pour'd out on human fates?

οὔδει ἐνισκίμψαντε καρήατα· δάκρυα δέ σφι

Of all the miserablest things that breathe and creep on earth,

θερμὰ κατὰ βλεφάρων χαμάδις ῥέε μυρομένοισιν

No one more wretched is than man. And for your deathless birth,

ἡνιόχοιο πόθῳ· θαλερὴ δʼ ἐμιαίνετο χαίτη

Hector must fail to make you prise. Is't not enough he wears,

ζεύγλης ἐξεριποῦσα παρὰ ζυγὸν ἀμφοτέρωθεν.

And glories vainly in those arms? Your chariots and rich gears,

μυρομένω δʼ ἄρα τώ γε ἰδὼν ἐλέησε Κρονίων,

Besides you, are too much for him. Your knees and spirits again

κινήσας δὲ κάρη προτὶ ὃν μυθήσατο θυμόν·

My care of you shall fill with strength, that so ye may sustain

ἆ δειλώ, τί σφῶϊ δόμεν Πηλῆϊ ἄνακτι

Automedon, and bear him off. To Troy I still will give

θνητῷ, ὑμεῖς δʼ ἐστὸν ἀγήρω τʼ ἀθανάτω τε;

The grace of slaughter, till at fleet their bloody feet arrive,

ἦ ἵνα δυστήνοισι μετʼ ἀνδράσιν ἄλγεʼ ἔχητον;

Till Phœbus drink the western sea, and sacred Darkness throws

οὐ μὲν γάρ τί πού ἐστιν ὀϊζυρώτερον ἀνδρὸς

πάντων, ὅσσά τε γαῖαν ἔπι πνείει τε καὶ ἕρπει.

ἀλλʼ οὐ μὰν ὑμῖν γε καὶ ἅρμασι δαιδαλέοισιν

Ἕκτωρ Πριαμίδης ἐποχήσεται· οὐ γὰρ ἐάσω.

ἦ οὐχ ἅλις ὡς καὶ τεύχεʼ ἔχει καὶ ἐπεύχεται αὔτως;

σφῶϊν δʼ ἐν γούνεσσι βαλῶ μένος ἠδʼ ἐνὶ θυμῷ,

ὄφρα καὶ Αὐτομέδοντα σαώσετον ἐκ πολέμοιο

νῆας ἔπι γλαφυράς· ἔτι γάρ σφισι κῦδος ὀρέξω

κτείνειν, εἰς ὅ κε νῆας ἐϋσσέλμους ἀφίκωνται

δύῃ τʼ ἠέλιος καὶ ἐπὶ κνέφας ἱερὸν ἔλθῃ·

ὣς εἰπὼν ἵπποισιν ἐνέπνευσεν μένος ἠΰ.

Her sable mantle 'twixt their points.” Thus in the steeds he blows

τὼ δʼ ἀπὸ χαιτάων κονίην οὖδας δὲ βαλόντε

Excessive spirit; and through the Greeks and Ilians they rapt

ῥίμφα φέρον θοὸν ἅρμα μετὰ Τρῶας καὶ Ἀχαιούς.

The whirring chariot, shaking off the crumbled centre wrapt

τοῖσι δʼ ἐπʼ Αὐτομέδων μάχετʼ ἀχνύμενός περ ἑταίρου

Amongst their tresses. And with them, Automedon let fly

ἵπποις ἀΐσσων ὥς τʼ αἰγυπιὸς μετὰ χῆνας·

Amongst the Trojans, making way through all as frightfully

ῥέα μὲν γὰρ φεύγεσκεν ὑπʼ ἐκ Τρώων ὀρυμαγδοῦ,

As through a jangling flock of geese a lordly vulture beats,

ῥεῖα δʼ ἐπαΐξασκε πολὺν καθʼ ὅμιλον ὀπάζων.

Giv'n way with shrikes by ev'ry goose, that comes but near his threats;

ἀλλʼ οὐχ ᾕρει φῶτας ὅτε σεύαιτο διώκειν·

With such state fled he through the press, pursuing as he fled;

οὐ γάρ πως ἦν οἶον ἐόνθʼ ἱερῷ ἐνὶ δίφρῳ

But made no slaughter; nor he could, alone being carried

ἔγχει ἐφορμᾶσθαι καὶ ἐπίσχειν ὠκέας ἵππους.

Upon the sacred chariot. How could he both works do,

ὀψὲ δὲ δή μιν ἑταῖρος ἀνὴρ ἴδεν ὀφθαλμοῖσιν

Direct his jav'lin, and command his fi'ry horses too?

Ἀλκιμέδων υἱὸς Λαέρκεος Αἱμονίδαο·

At length he came where he beheld his friend Alcimedon,

στῆ δʼ ὄπιθεν δίφροιο καὶ Αὐτομέδοντα προσηύδα·

That was the good Laercius', the son of Æmon's, son;

Αὐτόμεδον, τίς τοί νυ θεῶν νηκερδέα βουλὴν

Who close came to his chariot side, and ask'd: “What God is he

ἐν στήθεσσιν ἔθηκε, καὶ ἐξέλετο φρένας ἐσθλάς;

That hath so robb'd thee of thy soul, to run thus franticly

οἷον πρὸς Τρῶας μάχεαι πρώτῳ ἐν ὁμίλῳ

Amongst these fore fights, being alone; thy fighter being slain,

μοῦνος· ἀτάρ τοι ἑταῖρος ἀπέκτατο, τεύχεα δʼ Ἕκτωρ

And Hector glorying in his arms?” He gave these words again:

αὐτὸς ἔχων ὤμοισιν ἀγάλλεται Αἰακίδαο.

“Alcimedon, what man is he, of all the Argive race,

τὸν δʼ αὖτʼ Αὐτομέδων προσέφη Διώρεος υἱός·

So able as thyself to keep, in use of press and pace,

Ἀλκίμεδον τίς γάρ τοι Ἀχαιῶν ἄλλος ὁμοῖος

These deathless horse; himself being gone, that like the Gods had th' art

ἵππων ἀθανάτων ἐχέμεν δμῆσίν τε μένος τε,

Of their high manage? Therefore take to thy command his part,

εἰ μὴ Πάτροκλος θεόφιν μήστωρ ἀτάλαντος

And ease me of the double charge, which thou hast blam'd with right.”

ζωὸς ἐών; νῦν αὖ θάνατος καὶ μοῖρα κιχάνει.

He took the scourge and reins in hand, Automedon the fight.

ἀλλὰ σὺ μὲν μάστιγα καὶ ἡνία σιγαλόεντα

Which Hector seeing, instantly, Æneas standing near,

δέξαι, ἐγὼ δʼ ἵππων ἀποβήσομαι, ὄφρα μάχωμαι.

He told him, he discern'd the horse, that mere immortal were,

ὣς ἔφατʼ, Ἀλκιμέδων δὲ βοηθόον ἅρμʼ ἐπορούσας

Address'd to fight with coward guides, and therefore hop'd to make

καρπαλίμως μάστιγα καὶ ἡνία λάζετο χερσίν,

A rich prise of them, if his mind would help to undertake,

Αὐτομέδων δʼ ἀπόρουσε· νόησε δὲ φαίδιμος Ἕκτωρ,

For those two could not stand their charge. He granted, and both cast

αὐτίκα δʼ Αἰνείαν προσεφώνεεν ἐγγὺς ἐόντα·

Dry solid hides upon their necks, exceeding soundly brast;

Αἰνεία Τρώων βουληφόρε χαλκοχιτώνων

And forth they went, associate with two more god-like men,

ἵππω τώδʼ ἐνόησα ποδώκεος Αἰακίδαο

Aretus and bold Chromius; nor made they question then

ἐς πόλεμον προφανέντε σὺν ἡνιόχοισι κακοῖσι·

To prise the goodly-crested horse, and safely send to hell

τώ κεν ἐελποίμην αἱρησέμεν, εἰ σύ γε θυμῷ

The souls of both their guardians. O fools, that could not tell

σῷ ἐθέλεις, ἐπεὶ οὐκ ἂν ἐφορμηθέντε γε νῶϊ

They could not work out their return from fierce Automedon

τλαῖεν ἐναντίβιον στάντες μαχέσασθαι Ἄρηϊ.

Without the lib'ral cost of blood; who first made orison

ὣς ἔφατʼ, οὐδʼ ἀπίθησεν ἐῢς πάϊς Ἀγχίσαο.

To father Jove, and then was fill'd with fortitude and strength;

τὼ δʼ ἰθὺς βήτην βοέῃς εἰλυμένω ὤμους

When (counselling Alcimedon to keep at no great length

αὔῃσι στερεῇσι· πολὺς δʼ ἐπελήλατο χαλκός.

The horse from him, but let them breathe upon his back, because

τοῖσι δʼ ἅμα Χρομίος τε καὶ Ἄρητος θεοειδὴς

He saw th' advance that Hector made, whose fury had no laws

ἤϊσαν ἀμφότεροι· μάλα δέ σφισιν ἔλπετο θυμὸς

Propos'd to it, but both their lives and those horse made his prise,

αὐτώ τε κτενέειν ἐλάαν τʼ ἐριαύχενας ἵππους

Or his life theirs) he call'd to friend these well-approv'd supplies,

νήπιοι, οὐδʼ ἄρʼ ἔμελλον ἀναιμωτί γε νέεσθαι

Th' Ajaces, and the Spartan king, and said, “Come, princes, leave

αὖτις ἀπʼ Αὐτομέδοντος. ὃ δʼ εὐξάμενος Διὶ πατρὶ

A sure guard with the corse, and then to your kind care receive

ἀλκῆς καὶ σθένεος πλῆτο φρένας ἀμφὶ μελαίνας·

Our threaten'd safeties. I discern the two chief props of Troy

αὐτίκα δʼ Ἀλκιμέδοντα προσηύδα πιστὸν ἑταῖρον·

Prepar'd against us. But herein, what best men can enjoy

Ἀλκίμεδον μὴ δή μοι ἀπόπροθεν ἰσχέμεν ἵππους,

Lies in the free knees of the Gods. My dart shall lead ye all

ἀλλὰ μάλʼ ἐμπνείοντε μεταφρένῳ· οὐ γὰρ ἔγωγε

The sequel to the care of Jove I leave, whatever fall.”

Ἕκτορα Πριαμίδην μένεος σχήσεσθαι ὀΐω,

All this spake good Automedon; then, brandishing his lance,

πρίν γʼ ἐπʼ Ἀχιλλῆος καλλίτριχε βήμεναι ἵππω

He threw, and strook Aretus' shield, that gave it enterance

νῶϊ κατακτείναντα, φοβῆσαί τε στίχας ἀνδρῶν

Through all the steel, and, by his belt, his belly's inmost part

Ἀργείων, ἤ κʼ αὐτὸς ἐνὶ πρώτοισιν ἁλοίη.

It pierc'd, and all his trembling limbs gave life up to his dart.

ὣς εἰπὼν Αἴαντε καλέσσατο καὶ Μενέλαον·

Then Hector at Automedon a blazing lance let fly,

Αἴαντʼ Ἀργείων ἡγήτορε καὶ Μενέλαε

Whose flight he saw, and falling flat, the compass was too high,

ἤτοι μὲν τὸν νεκρὸν ἐπιτράπεθʼ οἵ περ ἄριστοι

And made it stick beyond in earth, th' extreme part burst, and there

ἀμφʼ αὐτῷ βεβάμεν καὶ ἀμύνεσθαι στίχας ἀνδρῶν,

Mars buried all his violence. The sword then for the spear

νῶϊν δὲ ζωοῖσιν ἀμύνετε νηλεὲς ἦμαρ·

Had chang'd the conflict, had not haste sent both th' Ajaces in,

τῇδε γὰρ ἔβρισαν πόλεμον κάτα δακρυόεντα

Both serving close their fellows' call, who, where they did begin,

Ἕκτωρ Αἰνείας θʼ, οἳ Τρώων εἰσὶν ἄριστοι.

There drew the end. Priamides, Æneas, Chromius

ἀλλʼ ἤτοι μὲν ταῦτα θεῶν ἐν γούνασι κεῖται·

(In doubt of what such aid might work) left broken hearted thus

ἥσω γὰρ καὶ ἐγώ, τὰ δέ κεν Διὶ πάντα μελήσει.

Aretus to Automedon, who spoil'd his arms, and said:

ἦ ῥα, καὶ ἀμπεπαλὼν προΐει δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος,

“A little this revives my life for him so lately dead,

καὶ βάλεν Ἀρήτοιο κατʼ ἀσπίδα πάντοσʼ ἐΐσην·

Though by this nothing countervail'd.” And with this little vent

ἣ δʼ οὐκ ἔγχος ἔρυτο, διὰ πρὸ δὲ εἴσατο χαλκός,

Of inward grief, he took the spoil; with which he made ascent

νειαίρῃ δʼ ἐν γαστρὶ διὰ ζωστῆρος ἔλασσεν.

Up to his chariot, hands and feet of bloody stains so full

ὡς δʼ ὅτʼ ἂν ὀξὺν ἔχων πέλεκυν αἰζήϊος ἀνὴρ

That lion-like he look'd, new turn'd from tearing up a bull.

κόψας ἐξόπιθεν κεράων βοὸς ἀγραύλοιο

And now another bitter fight about Patroclus grew,

ἶνα τάμῃ διὰ πᾶσαν, ὃ δὲ προθορὼν ἐρίπῃσιν,

ὣς ἄρʼ ὅ γε προθορὼν πέσεν ὕπτιος· ἐν δέ οἱ ἔγχος

νηδυίοισι μάλʼ ὀξὺ κραδαινόμενον λύε γυῖα.

Ἕκτωρ δʼ Αὐτομέδοντος ἀκόντισε δουρὶ φαεινῷ·

ἀλλʼ ὃ μὲν ἄντα ἰδὼν ἠλεύατο χάλκεον ἔγχος·

πρόσσω γὰρ κατέκυψε, τὸ δʼ ἐξόπιθεν δόρυ μακρὸν

οὔδει ἐνισκίμφθη, ἐπὶ δʼ οὐρίαχος πελεμίχθη

ἔγχεος· ἔνθα δʼ ἔπειτʼ ἀφίει μένος ὄβριμος Ἄρης.

καί νύ κε δὴ ξιφέεσσʼ αὐτοσχεδὸν ὁρμηθήτην

εἰ μή σφωʼ Αἴαντε διέκριναν μεμαῶτε,

οἵ ῥʼ ἦλθον καθʼ ὅμιλον ἑταίρου κικλήσκοντος·

Tear-thirsty, and of toil enough; which Pallas did renew,

τοὺς ὑποταρβήσαντες ἐχώρησαν πάλιν αὖτις

Descending from the cope of stars, dismiss'd by sharp-ey'd Jove

Ἕκτωρ Αἰνείας τʼ ἠδὲ Χρομίος θεοειδής,

To animate the Greeks; for now, inconstant change did move

Ἄρητον δὲ κατʼ αὖθι λίπον δεδαϊγμένον ἦτορ

His mind from what he held of late. And as the purple bow

κείμενον· Αὐτομέδων δὲ θοῷ ἀτάλαντος Ἄρηϊ

Jove bends at mortals, when of war he will the signal show,

τεύχεά τʼ ἐξενάριξε καὶ εὐχόμενος ἔπος ηὔδα·

Or make it a presage of cold, in such tempestuous sort

ἦ δὴ μὰν ὀλίγον γε Μενοιτιάδαο θανόντος

That men are of their labours eas'd, but labouring cattle hurt;

κῆρ ἄχεος μεθέηκα χερείονά περ καταπέφνων.

So Pallas in a purple cloud involv'd herself, and went

ὣς εἰπὼν ἐς δίφρον ἑλὼν ἔναρα βροτόεντα

Amongst the Grecians, stirr'd up all; but first encouragement

θῆκʼ, ἂν δʼ αὐτὸς ἔβαινε πόδας καὶ χεῖρας ὕπερθεν

She breath'd in Atreus' younger son, and, for disguise, made choice

αἱματόεις ὥς τίς τε λέων κατὰ ταῦρον ἐδηδώς.

Of aged Phœnix' shape, and spake with his unwearied voice:

ἂψ δʼ ἐπὶ Πατρόκλῳ τέτατο κρατερὴ ὑσμίνη