Iliad

They fought still like the rage of fire. And now Antilochus

ὣς οἳ μὲν μάρναντο δέμας πυρὸς αἰθομένοιο,

Came to Æacides, whose mind was much solicitous

Ἀντίλοχος δʼ Ἀχιλῆϊ πόδας ταχὺς ἄγγελος ἦλθε.

For that which, as he fear'd, was fall'n. He found him near the fleet

τὸν δʼ εὗρε προπάροιθε νεῶν ὀρθοκραιράων

With upright sail-yards, utt'ring this to his heroic conceit:

τὰ φρονέοντʼ ἀνὰ θυμὸν ἃ δὴ τετελεσμένα ἦεν·

“Ah me! Why see the Greeks themselves thus beaten from the field,

ὀχθήσας δʼ ἄρα εἶπε πρὸς ὃν μεγαλήτορα θυμόν·

And routed headlong to their fleet? O let not heaven yield

ὤ μοι ἐγώ, τί τʼ ἄρʼ αὖτε κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοὶ

Effect to what my sad soul fears, that, as I was foretold,

νηυσὶν ἔπι κλονέονται ἀτυζόμενοι πεδίοιο;

The strongest Myrmidon next me, when I should still behold

μὴ δή μοι τελέσωσι θεοὶ κακὰ κήδεα θυμῷ,

The sun's fair light, must part with it. Past doubt Menœtius' son

ὥς ποτέ μοι μήτηρ διεπέφραδε καί μοι ἔειπε

Is he on whom that fate is wrought. O wretch, to leave undone

Μυρμιδόνων τὸν ἄριστον ἔτι ζώοντος ἐμεῖο

What I commanded; that, the fleet once freed of hostile fire,

χερσὶν ὕπο Τρώων λείψειν φάος ἠελίοιο.

Not meeting Hector, instantly he should his pow'rs retire.”

ἦ μάλα δὴ τέθνηκε Μενοιτίου ἄλκιμος υἱὸς

As thus his troubled mind discours'd, Antilochus appear'd,

σχέτλιος· ἦ τʼ ἐκέλευον ἀπωσάμενον δήϊον πῦρ

And told with tears the sad news thus: “My lord, that must be heard

ἂψ ἐπὶ νῆας ἴμεν, μηδʼ Ἕκτορι ἶφι μάχεσθαι.

Which would to heav'n I might not tell! Menœtius' son lies dead,

εἷος ὃ ταῦθʼ ὥρμαινε κατὰ φρένα καὶ κατὰ θυμόν,

And for his naked corse (his arms already forfeited,

τόφρά οἱ ἐγγύθεν ἦλθεν ἀγαυοῦ Νέστορος υἱὸς

And worn by Hector) the debate is now most vehement.”

δάκρυα θερμὰ χέων, φάτο δʼ ἀγγελίην ἀλεγεινήν·

This said, grief darken'd all his pow'rs. With both his hands he rent

ὤ μοι Πηλέος υἱὲ δαΐφρονος ἦ μάλα λυγρῆς

The black mould from the forcéd earth, and pour'd it on his head,

πεύσεαι ἀγγελίης, ἣ μὴ ὤφελλε γενέσθαι.

Smear'd all his lovely face; his weeds, divinely fashionéd,

κεῖται Πάτροκλος, νέκυος δὲ δὴ ἀμφιμάχονται

All fil'd and mangled; and himself he threw upon the shore,

γυμνοῦ· ἀτὰρ τά γε τεύχεʼ ἔχει κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ.

Lay, as laid out for funeral, then tumbled round, and tore

ὣς φάτο, τὸν δʼ ἄχεος νεφέλη ἐκάλυψε μέλαινα·

His gracious curls. His ecstasy he did so far extend,

ἀμφοτέρῃσι δὲ χερσὶν ἑλὼν κόνιν αἰθαλόεσσαν

That all the ladies won by him and his now slaughter'd friend,

χεύατο κὰκ κεφαλῆς, χαρίεν δʼ ᾔσχυνε πρόσωπον·

Afflicted strangely for his plight, came shrieking from the tents,

νεκταρέῳ δὲ χιτῶνι μέλαινʼ ἀμφίζανε τέφρη.

And fell about him, beat their breasts, their tender lineaments

αὐτὸς δʼ ἐν κονίῃσι μέγας μεγαλωστὶ τανυσθεὶς

Dissolv'd with sorrow. And with them wept Nestor's warlike son,

κεῖτο, φίλῃσι δὲ χερσὶ κόμην ᾔσχυνε δαΐζων.

Fell by him, holding his fair hands, in fear he would have done

δμῳαὶ δʼ ἃς Ἀχιλεὺς ληΐσσατο Πάτροκλός τε

His person violence; his heart, extremely straiten'd, burn'd,

θυμὸν ἀκηχέμεναι μεγάλʼ ἴαχον, ἐκ δὲ θύραζε

Beat, swell'd, and sigh'd as it would burst. So terribly he mourn'd,

ἔδραμον ἀμφʼ Ἀχιλῆα δαΐφρονα, χερσὶ δὲ πᾶσαι

That Thetis, sitting in the deeps of her old father's seas,

στήθεα πεπλήγοντο, λύθεν δʼ ὑπὸ γυῖα ἑκάστης.

Heard, and lamented. To her plaints the bright Nereides

Ἀντίλοχος δʼ ἑτέρωθεν ὀδύρετο δάκρυα λείβων

Flock'd all, how many those dark gulfs soever comprehend.

χεῖρας ἔχων Ἀχιλῆος· ὃ δʼ ἔστενε κυδάλιμον κῆρ·

There Glauce, and Cymodoce, and Spio, did attend,

δείδιε γὰρ μὴ λαιμὸν ἀπαμήσειε σιδήρῳ.

Nessea, and Cymothoe, and calm Amphithoe,

σμερδαλέον δʼ ᾤμωξεν· ἄκουσε δὲ πότνια μήτηρ

Thalia, Thoa, Panope, and swift Dynamene,

ἡμένη ἐν βένθεσσιν ἁλὸς παρὰ πατρὶ γέροντι,

Actæa, and Limnoria, and Halia the fair

κώκυσέν τʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα· θεαὶ δέ μιν ἀμφαγέροντο

Fam'd for the beauty of her eyes, Amathia for her hair,

πᾶσαι ὅσαι κατὰ βένθος ἁλὸς Νηρηΐδες ἦσαν.

Iæra, Proto, Clymene, and curl'd Dexamene,

ἔνθʼ ἄρʼ ἔην Γλαύκη τε Θάλειά τε Κυμοδόκη τε

Pherusa, Doris, and with these the smooth Amphinome,

Νησαίη Σπειώ τε Θόη θʼ Ἁλίη τε βοῶπις

Chaste Galatea so renown'd, and Callianira, came,

Κυμοθόη τε καὶ Ἀκταίη καὶ Λιμνώρεια

With Doto and Orythia, to cheer the mournful dame.

καὶ Μελίτη καὶ Ἴαιρα καὶ Ἀμφιθόη καὶ Ἀγαυὴ

Apseudes likewise visited, and Callianassa gave

Δωτώ τε Πρωτώ τε Φέρουσά τε Δυναμένη τε

Her kind attendance, and with her Agave grac'd the cave,

Δεξαμένη τε καὶ Ἀμφινόμη καὶ Καλλιάνειρα

Nemertes, Mæra, followéd, Melita, Ianesse,

Δωρὶς καὶ Πανόπη καὶ ἀγακλειτὴ Γαλάτεια

With Ianira, and the rest of those Nereides

Νημερτής τε καὶ Ἀψευδὴς καὶ Καλλιάνασσα·

That in the deep seas make abode; all which together beat

ἔνθα δʼ ἔην Κλυμένη Ἰάνειρά τε καὶ Ἰάνασσα

Their dewy bosoms; and to all, thus Thetis did repeat

Μαῖρα καὶ Ὠρείθυια ἐϋπλόκαμός τʼ Ἀμάθεια

Her cause of mourning: “Sisters, hear, how much the sorrows weigh,

ἄλλαι θʼ αἳ κατὰ βένθος ἁλὸς Νηρηΐδες ἦσαν.

Whose cries now call'd ye. Hapless I brought forth unhappily

τῶν δὲ καὶ ἀργύφεον πλῆτο σπέος· αἳ δʼ ἅμα πᾶσαι

The best of all the sons of men; who, like a well-set plant

στήθεα πεπλήγοντο, Θέτις δʼ ἐξῆρχε γόοιο·

In best soils, grew and flourishéd; and when his spirit did want

κλῦτε κασίγνηται Νηρηΐδες, ὄφρʼ ἐῢ πᾶσαι

Employment for his youth and strength, I sent him with a fleet

εἴδετʼ ἀκούουσαι ὅσʼ ἐμῷ ἔνι κήδεα θυμῷ.

To fight at Ilion; from whence his fate-confinéd feet

ὤ μοι ἐγὼ δειλή, ὤ μοι δυσαριστοτόκεια,

Pass all my deity to retire. The court of his high birth,

ἥ τʼ ἐπεὶ ἂρ τέκον υἱὸν ἀμύμονά τε κρατερόν τε

The glorious court of Peleüs, must entertain his worth

ἔξοχον ἡρώων· ὃ δʼ ἀνέδραμεν ἔρνεϊ ἶσος·

Never hereafter. All the life he hath to live with me

τὸν μὲν ἐγὼ θρέψασα φυτὸν ὣς γουνῷ ἀλωῆς

Must waste in sorrows. And this son I now am bent to see,

νηυσὶν ἐπιπροέηκα κορωνίσιν Ἴλιον εἴσω

Being now afflicted with some grief not usually grave,

Τρωσὶ μαχησόμενον· τὸν δʼ οὐχ ὑποδέξομαι αὖτις

Whose knowledge and recure I seek.” This said, she left her cave,

οἴκαδε νοστήσαντα δόμον Πηλήϊον εἴσω.

Which all left with her; swimming forth, the green waves, as they sworn,

ὄφρα δέ μοι ζώει καὶ ὁρᾷ φάος ἠελίοιο

Cleft with their bosoms, curl'd, and gave quick way to Troy. Being come,

ἄχνυται, οὐδέ τί οἱ δύναμαι χραισμῆσαι ἰοῦσα.

They all ascended, two and two, and trod the honour'd shore,

ἀλλʼ εἶμʼ, ὄφρα ἴδωμι φίλον τέκος, ἠδʼ ἐπακούσω

Till where the fleet of Myrmidons, drawn up in heaps, it bore.

ὅττί μιν ἵκετο πένθος ἀπὸ πτολέμοιο μένοντα.

There stay'd they at Achilles' ship; and there did Thetis lay

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσασα λίπε σπέος· αἳ δὲ σὺν αὐτῇ

Her fair hand on her son's curl'd head, sigh'd, wept, and bade him say

δακρυόεσσαι ἴσαν, περὶ δέ σφισι κῦμα θαλάσσης

What grief drew from his eyes those tears? “Conceal it not,” said she,

ῥήγνυτο· ταὶ δʼ ὅτε δὴ Τροίην ἐρίβωλον ἵκοντο

“Till this hour thy uplifted hands have all things granted thee.

ἀκτὴν εἰσανέβαινον ἐπισχερώ, ἔνθα θαμειαὶ

The Greeks, all thrust up at their sterns, have pour'd out tears enow,

Μυρμιδόνων εἴρυντο νέες ταχὺν ἀμφʼ Ἀχιλῆα.

τῷ δὲ βαρὺ στενάχοντι παρίστατο πότνια μήτηρ,

ὀξὺ δὲ κωκύσασα κάρη λάβε παιδὸς ἑοῖο,

καί ῥʼ ὀλοφυρομένη ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

τέκνον τί κλαίεις; τί δέ σε φρένας ἵκετο πένθος;

ἐξαύδα, μὴ κεῦθε· τὰ μὲν δή τοι τετέλεσται

ἐκ Διός, ὡς ἄρα δὴ πρίν γʼ εὔχεο χεῖρας ἀνασχὼν

πάντας ἐπὶ πρύμνῃσιν ἀλήμεναι υἷας Ἀχαιῶν

σεῦ ἐπιδευομένους, παθέειν τʼ ἀεκήλια ἔργα.

And in them seen how much they miss remission of thy vow.”

τὴν δὲ βαρὺ στενάχων προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς·

He said, “'Tis true, Olympius hath done me all that grace,

μῆτερ ἐμή, τὰ μὲν ἄρ μοι Ὀλύμπιος ἐξετέλεσσεν·

But what joy have I of it all, when thus thrusts in the place

ἀλλὰ τί μοι τῶν ἦδος ἐπεὶ φίλος ὤλεθʼ ἑταῖρος

Loss of my whole self in my friend? Whom, when his foe had slain,

Πάτροκλος, τὸν ἐγὼ περὶ πάντων τῖον ἑταίρων

He spoil'd of those profanéd arms, that Peleus did obtain

ἶσον ἐμῇ κεφαλῇ; τὸν ἀπώλεσα, τεύχεα δʼ Ἕκτωρ

From heav'n's high Pow'rs, solemnizing thy sacred nuptial bands,

δῃώσας ἀπέδυσε πελώρια θαῦμα ἰδέσθαι

As th' only present of them all, and fitted well their hands,

καλά· τὰ μὲν Πηλῆϊ θεοὶ δόσαν ἀγλαὰ δῶρα

Being lovely, radiant, marvellous. O would to heav'n thy throne,

ἤματι τῷ ὅτε σε βροτοῦ ἀνέρος ἔμβαλον εὐνῇ.

With these fair Deities of the sea, thou still hadst sat upon,

αἴθʼ ὄφελες σὺ μὲν αὖθι μετʼ ἀθανάτῃς ἁλίῃσι

And Peleus had a mortal wife; since by his means is done

ναίειν, Πηλεὺς δὲ θνητὴν ἀγαγέσθαι ἄκοιτιν.

So much wrong to thy grievéd mind, my death being set so soon,

νῦν δʼ ἵνα καὶ σοὶ πένθος ἐνὶ φρεσὶ μυρίον εἴη

And never suff'ring my return to grace of Peleus' court!

παιδὸς ἀποφθιμένοιο, τὸν οὐχ ὑποδέξεαι αὖτις

Nor do I wish it; nor to live in any man's resort,

οἴκαδε νοστήσαντʼ, ἐπεὶ οὐδʼ ἐμὲ θυμὸς ἄνωγε

But only that the crying blood, for vengeance of my friend

ζώειν οὐδʼ ἄνδρεσσι μετέμμεναι, αἴ κε μὴ Ἕκτωρ

Mangled by Hector, may be still'd; his foe's death paying his end.”

πρῶτος ἐμῷ ὑπὸ δουρὶ τυπεὶς ἀπὸ θυμὸν ὀλέσσῃ,

She, weeping, said: “That hour is near, and thy death's hour then nigh;

Πατρόκλοιο δʼ ἕλωρα Μενοιτιάδεω ἀποτίσῃ.

Which, in thy wish serv'd of thy foe, succeedeth instantly.”

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε Θέτις κατὰ δάκρυ χέουσα·

“And instantly it shall succeed,” he answer'd “since my fate

ὠκύμορος δή μοι τέκος ἔσσεαι, οἷʼ ἀγορεύεις·

Allow'd not to my will a pow'r to rescue, ere the date

αὐτίκα γάρ τοι ἔπειτα μεθʼ Ἕκτορα πότμος ἑτοῖμος.

Of his late slaughter, my true friend. Far from his friends he died,

τὴν δὲ μέγʼ ὀχθήσας προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς·

Whose wrong therein my eyes had light and right to see denied.

αὐτίκα τεθναίην, ἐπεὶ οὐκ ἄρʼ ἔμελλον ἑταίρῳ

Yet now I neither light myself, nor have so spent my light,

κτεινομένῳ ἐπαμῦναι· ὃ μὲν μάλα τηλόθι πάτρης

That either this friend or the rest (in numbers infinite

ἔφθιτʼ, ἐμεῖο δὲ δῆσεν ἀρῆς ἀλκτῆρα γενέσθαι.

Slaughter'd by Hector) I can help, nor grace with wish'd repair

νῦν δʼ ἐπεὶ οὐ νέομαί γε φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν,

To our dear country, but breathe here unprofitable air,

οὐδέ τι Πατρόκλῳ γενόμην φάος οὐδʼ ἑτάροισι

And only live a load to earth with all my strength, though none

τοῖς ἄλλοις, οἳ δὴ πολέες δάμεν Ἕκτορι δίῳ,

Of all the Grecians equal it. In counsel many a one

ἀλλʼ ἧμαι παρὰ νηυσὶν ἐτώσιον ἄχθος ἀρούρης,

Is my superior; what I have, no grace gets; what I want

τοῖος ἐὼν οἷος οὔ τις Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων

Disgraceth all. How then too soon can hastiest death supplant

ἐν πολέμῳ· ἀγορῇ δέ τʼ ἀμείνονές εἰσι καὶ ἄλλοι.

My fate-curst life? Her instrument to my indignity

ὡς ἔρις ἔκ τε θεῶν ἔκ τʼ ἀνθρώπων ἀπόλοιτο

Being that black fiend Contention; whom would to God might die

καὶ χόλος, ὅς τʼ ἐφέηκε πολύφρονά περ χαλεπῆναι,

To Gods and men; and Anger too, that kindles tyranny

ὅς τε πολὺ γλυκίων μέλιτος καταλειβομένοιο

In men most wise, being much more sweet than liquid honey is

ἀνδρῶν ἐν στήθεσσιν ἀέξεται ἠΰτε καπνός·

To men of pow'r to satiate their watchful enmities;

ὡς ἐμὲ νῦν ἐχόλωσεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων.

And like a pliant fume it spreads through all their breasts; as late

ἀλλὰ τὰ μὲν προτετύχθαι ἐάσομεν ἀχνύμενοί περ,

It stole stern passage thorough mine, which he did instigate

θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσι φίλον δαμάσαντες ἀνάγκῃ·

That is our Gen'ral. But the fact so long past, the effect

νῦν δʼ εἶμʼ ὄφρα φίλης κεφαλῆς ὀλετῆρα κιχείω

Must vanish with it, though both griev'd; nor must we still respect

Ἕκτορα· κῆρα δʼ ἐγὼ τότε δέξομαι ὁππότε κεν δὴ

Our soothéd humours. Need now takes the rule of either's mind.

Ζεὺς ἐθέλῃ τελέσαι ἠδʼ ἀθάνατοι θεοὶ ἄλλοι.

And when the loser of my friend his death in me shall find,

οὐδὲ γὰρ οὐδὲ βίη Ἡρακλῆος φύγε κῆρα,

Let death take all. Send him, ye Gods, I'll give him my embrace.

ὅς περ φίλτατος ἔσκε Διὶ Κρονίωνι ἄνακτι·

Not Hercules himself shunn'd death, though dearest in the grace

ἀλλά ἑ μοῖρα δάμασσε καὶ ἀργαλέος χόλος Ἥρης.

Of Jupiter; ev'n him Fate stoop'd, and Juno's cruelty.

ὣς καὶ ἐγών, εἰ δή μοι ὁμοίη μοῖρα τέτυκται,

And if such fate expect my life, where death strikes I will lie.

κείσομʼ ἐπεί κε θάνω· νῦν δὲ κλέος ἐσθλὸν ἀροίμην,

Meantime I wish a good renown that these deep breasted dames

καί τινα Τρωϊάδων καὶ Δαρδανίδων βαθυκόλπων

Of Ilion and Dardania may, for the extinguish'd flames

ἀμφοτέρῃσιν χερσὶ παρειάων ἁπαλάων

Of their friends' lives, with both their hands wipe miserable tears

δάκρυʼ ὀμορξαμένην ἁδινὸν στοναχῆσαι ἐφείην,

From their so-curiously-kept cheeks, and be the officers

γνοῖεν δʼ ὡς δὴ δηρὸν ἐγὼ πολέμοιο πέπαυμαι·

To execute my sighs on Troy, when (seeing my long retreat

μὴ δέ μʼ ἔρυκε μάχης φιλέουσά περ· οὐδέ με πείσεις.

But gather'd strength, and gives my charge an answerable heat)

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα θεὰ Θέτις ἀργυρόπεζα·

They well may know 'twas I lay still, and that my being away

ναὶ δὴ ταῦτά γε τέκνον ἐτήτυμον οὐ κακόν ἐστι

Presented all their happiness. But any further stay

τειρομένοις ἑτάροισιν ἀμυνέμεν αἰπὺν ὄλεθρον.

(Which your much love perhaps may wish) assay not to persuade;

ἀλλά τοι ἔντεα καλὰ μετὰ Τρώεσσιν ἔχονται

All vows are kept, all pray'rs heard; now, free way for fight is made.”

χάλκεα μαρμαίροντα· τὰ μὲν κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ

The silver-footed Dame replied: “It fits thee well, my son,

αὐτὸς ἔχων ὤμοισιν ἀγάλλεται· οὐδέ ἕ φημι

To keep destruction from thy friends; but those fair arms are won

δηρὸν ἐπαγλαϊεῖσθαι, ἐπεὶ φόνος ἐγγύθεν αὐτῷ.

And worn by Hector, that should keep thyself in keeping them,

ἀλλὰ σὺ μὲν μή πω καταδύσεο μῶλον Ἄρηος

Though their fruition be but short, a long death being near him,

πρίν γʼ ἐμὲ δεῦρʼ ἐλθοῦσαν ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ἴδηαι·

Whose cruel glory they are yet. By all means then forbear

ἠῶθεν γὰρ νεῦμαι ἅμʼ ἠελίῳ ἀνιόντι

To tread the massacres of war, till I again appear

τεύχεα καλὰ φέρουσα παρʼ Ἡφαίστοιο ἄνακτος.

From Mulciber with fit new arms; which, when thy eye shall see

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσασα πάλιν τράπεθʼ υἷος ἑοῖο,

The sun next rise, shall enter here with his first beams and me.”

καὶ στρεφθεῖσʼ ἁλίῃσι κασιγνήτῃσι μετηύδα·

Thus to her Sisters of the Sea she turn'd, and bade them ope

ὑμεῖς μὲν νῦν δῦτε θαλάσσης εὐρέα κόλπον

The doors and deeps of Nereüs; she in Olympus' top

ὀψόμεναί τε γέρονθʼ ἅλιον καὶ δώματα πατρός,

Must visit Vulcan for new arms to serve her wreakful son,

καί οἱ πάντʼ ἀγορεύσατʼ· ἐγὼ δʼ ἐς μακρὸν Ὄλυμπον

And bade inform her father so, with all things further done.

εἶμι παρʼ Ἥφαιστον κλυτοτέχνην, αἴ κʼ ἐθέλῃσιν

This said, they underwent the sea, herself flew up to heav'n.

υἱεῖ ἐμῷ δόμεναι κλυτὰ τεύχεα παμφανόωντα.

In mean space, to the Hellespont and ships the Greeks were driv'n

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, αἳ δʼ ὑπὸ κῦμα θαλάσσης αὐτίκʼ ἔδυσαν·

In shameful rout; nor could they yet, from rage of Priam's son,

ἣ δʼ αὖτʼ Οὔλυμπον δὲ θεὰ Θέτις ἀργυρόπεζα

Secure the dead of new assaults, both horse and men made on

ἤϊεν ὄφρα φίλῳ παιδὶ κλυτὰ τεύχεʼ ἐνείκαι.

τὴν μὲν ἄρʼ Οὔλυμπον δὲ πόδες φέρον· αὐτὰρ Ἀχαιοὶ

θεσπεσίῳ ἀλαλητῷ ὑφʼ Ἕκτορος ἀνδροφόνοιο

φεύγοντες νῆάς τε καὶ Ἑλλήσποντον ἵκοντο.

οὐδέ κε Πάτροκλόν περ ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοὶ

ἐκ βελέων ἐρύσαντο νέκυν θεράποντʼ Ἀχιλῆος·

αὖτις γὰρ δὴ τόν γε κίχον λαός τε καὶ ἵπποι

Ἕκτωρ τε Πριάμοιο πάϊς φλογὶ εἴκελος ἀλκήν.

With such impression. Thrice the feet the hands of Hector seiz'd,

τρὶς μέν μιν μετόπισθε ποδῶν λάβε φαίδιμος Ἕκτωρ

And thrice th' Ajaces thump'd him off. With whose repulse displeas'd,

ἑλκέμεναι μεμαώς, μέγα δὲ Τρώεσσιν ὁμόκλα·

He wreak'd his wrath upon the troops, then to the corse again

τρὶς δὲ δύʼ Αἴαντες θοῦριν ἐπιειμένοι ἀλκὴν

Made horrid turnings, crying out of his repulséd men,

νεκροῦ ἀπεστυφέλιξαν· ὃ δʼ ἔμπεδον ἀλκὶ πεποιθὼς

And would not quit him quite for death. A lion almost sterv'd

ἄλλοτʼ ἐπαΐξασκε κατὰ μόθον, ἄλλοτε δʼ αὖτε

Is not by upland herdsman driv'n, from urging to be serv'd,

στάσκε μέγα ἰάχων· ὀπίσω δʼ οὐ χάζετο πάμπαν.

With more contention, than his strength by those two of a name;

ὡς δʼ ἀπὸ σώματος οὔ τι λέοντʼ αἴθωνα δύνανται

And had perhaps his much-prais'd will, if th' airy-footed Dame,

ποιμένες ἄγραυλοι μέγα πεινάοντα δίεσθαι,

Swift Iris, had not stoop'd in haste, ambassadress from heav'n

ὥς ῥα τὸν οὐκ ἐδύναντο δύω Αἴαντε κορυστὰ

To Peleus' son, to bid him arm; her message being giv'n

Ἕκτορα Πριαμίδην ἀπὸ νεκροῦ δειδίξασθαι.

By Juno, kept from all the Gods; she thus excited him:

καί νύ κεν εἴρυσσέν τε καὶ ἄσπετον ἤρατο κῦδος,

“Rise, thou most terrible of men, and save the precious limb

εἰ μὴ Πηλεΐωνι ποδήνεμος ὠκέα Ἶρις

Of thy belov'd; in whose behalf, the conflict now runs high

ἄγγελος ἦλθε θέουσʼ ἀπʼ Ὀλύμπου θωρήσσεσθαι

Before the fleet, the either host fells other mutually,

κρύβδα Διὸς ἄλλων τε θεῶν· πρὸ γὰρ ἧκέ μιν Ἥρη.

These to retain, those to obtain. Amongst whom most of all

ἀγχοῦ δʼ ἱσταμένη ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Is Hector prompt, he's apt to drag thy friend home, he your pall

ὄρσεο Πηλεΐδη, πάντων ἐκπαγλότατʼ ἀνδρῶν·

Will make his shoulders; his head forc'd, he'll be most famous; rise,

Πατρόκλῳ ἐπάμυνον, οὗ εἵνεκα φύλοπις αἰνὴ

No more lie idle, set the foe a much more costly prize

ἕστηκε πρὸ νεῶν· οἳ δʼ ἀλλήλους ὀλέκουσιν

Of thy friend's value than let dogs make him a monument,

οἳ μὲν ἀμυνόμενοι νέκυος πέρι τεθνηῶτος,

Where thy name will be grav'n.” He ask'd, “What Deity hath sent

οἳ δὲ ἐρύσσασθαι ποτὶ Ἴλιον ἠνεμόεσσαν

Thy presence hither?” She replied: “Saturnia, she alone,

Τρῶες ἐπιθύουσι· μάλιστα δὲ φαίδιμος Ἕκτωρ

Not high Jove knowing, nor one God that doth inhabit on

ἑλκέμεναι μέμονεν· κεφαλὴν δέ ἑ θυμὸς ἄνωγε

Snowy Olympus.” He again: “How shall I set upon

πῆξαι ἀνὰ σκολόπεσσι ταμόνθʼ ἁπαλῆς ἀπὸ δειρῆς.

The work of slaughter, when mine arms are worn by Priam's son?

ἀλλʼ ἄνα μηδʼ ἔτι κεῖσο· σέβας δέ σε θυμὸν ἱκέσθω

How will my Goddess-mother grieve, that bade I should not arm

Πάτροκλον Τρῳῇσι κυσὶν μέλπηθρα γενέσθαι·

Till she brought arms from Mulciber! But should I do such harm

σοὶ λώβη, αἴ κέν τι νέκυς ᾐσχυμμένος ἔλθῃ.

To her and duty, who is he, but Ajax, that can vaunt

τὴν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα ποδάρκης δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς·

The fitting my breast with his arms; and he is conversant

Ἶρι θεὰ τίς γάρ σε θεῶν ἐμοὶ ἄγγελον ἧκε;

Amongst the first in use of his, and rampires of the foe

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε ποδήνεμος ὠκέα Ἶρις·

Slain near Patroclus builds to him?” “All this,” said she, “we know,

Ἥρη με προέηκε Διὸς κυδρὴ παράκοιτις·

And wish thou only wouldst but show thy person to the eyes

οὐδʼ οἶδε Κρονίδης ὑψίζυγος οὐδέ τις ἄλλος

Of these hot Ilians, that, afraid of further enterprise,

ἀθανάτων, οἳ Ὄλυμπον ἀγάννιφον ἀμφινέμονται.

The Greeks may gain some little breath.” She woo'd, and he was won;

τὴν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς·

And straight Minerva honour'd him, who Jove's shield clapp'd upon

πῶς τὰρ ἴω μετὰ μῶλον; ἔχουσι δὲ τεύχεʼ ἐκεῖνοι·

His mighty shoulders, and his head girt with a cloud of gold

μήτηρ δʼ οὔ με φίλη πρίν γʼ εἴα θωρήσσεσθαι

That cast beams round about his brows. And as when arms enfold

πρίν γʼ αὐτὴν ἐλθοῦσαν ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ἴδωμαι·

A city in an isle, from thence a fume at first appears,

στεῦτο γὰρ Ἡφαίστοιο πάρʼ οἰσέμεν ἔντεα καλά.

Being in the day, but, when the even her cloudy forehead rears,

ἄλλου δʼ οὔ τευ οἶδα τεῦ ἂν κλυτὰ τεύχεα δύω,

Thick show the fires, and up they cast their splendour, that men nigh,

εἰ μὴ Αἴαντός γε σάκος Τελαμωνιάδαο.

Seeing their distress, perhaps may set ships out to their supply;

ἀλλὰ καὶ αὐτὸς ὅ γʼ ἔλπομʼ ἐνὶ πρώτοισιν ὁμιλεῖ

So (to show such aid) from his head a light rose, scaling heav'n,

ἔγχεϊ δηϊόων περὶ Πατρόκλοιο θανόντος.

And forth the wall he stept and stood, nor brake the precept giv'n

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε ποδήνεμος ὠκέα Ἶρις·

By his great mother, mix'd in fight, but sent abroad his voice;

εὖ νυ καὶ ἡμεῖς ἴδμεν ὅ τοι κλυτὰ τεύχεʼ ἔχονται·

Which Pallas far-off echoéd, who did betwixt them hoise

ἀλλʼ αὔτως ἐπὶ τάφρον ἰὼν Τρώεσσι φάνηθι,

Shrill tumult to a topless height. And as a voice is heard

αἴ κέ σʼ ὑποδείσαντες ἀπόσχωνται πολέμοιο

With emulous affectión, when any town is spher'd

Τρῶες, ἀναπνεύσωσι δʼ ἀρήϊοι υἷες Ἀχαιῶν

With siege of such a foe as kills men's minds, and for the town

τειρόμενοι· ὀλίγη δέ τʼ ἀνάπνευσις πολέμοιο.

Makes sound his trumpet; so the voice from Thetis' issue thrown

ἣ μὲν ἄρʼ ὣς εἰποῦσʼ ἀπέβη πόδας ὠκέα Ἶρις,

Won emulously th' ears of all. His brazen voice once heard,

αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς ὦρτο Διῒ φίλος· ἀμφὶ δʼ Ἀθήνη

The minds of all were startled so they yielded; and so fear'd

ὤμοις ἰφθίμοισι βάλʼ αἰγίδα θυσσανόεσσαν,

The fair-man'd horses, that they flew back, and their chariots turn'd,

ἀμφὶ δέ οἱ κεφαλῇ νέφος ἔστεφε δῖα θεάων

Presaging in their augurous hearts the labours that they mourn'd

χρύσεον, ἐκ δʼ αὐτοῦ δαῖε φλόγα παμφανόωσαν.

A little after; and their guides a repercussive dread

ὡς δʼ ὅτε καπνὸς ἰὼν ἐξ ἄστεος αἰθέρʼ ἵκηται

Took from the horrid radiance of his refulgent head,

τηλόθεν ἐκ νήσου, τὴν δήϊοι ἀμφιμάχωνται,

Which Pallas set on fire with grace. Thrice great Achilles spake,

οἵ τε πανημέριοι στυγερῷ κρίνονται Ἄρηϊ

And thrice (in heat of all the charge) the Trojans started back.

ἄστεος ἐκ σφετέρου· ἅμα δʼ ἠελίῳ καταδύντι

Twelve men, of greatest strength in Troy, left with their lives exhal'd

πυρσοί τε φλεγέθουσιν ἐπήτριμοι, ὑψόσε δʼ αὐγὴ

Their chariots and their darts, to death with his three summons call'd.

γίγνεται ἀΐσσουσα περικτιόνεσσιν ἰδέσθαι,

And then the Grecians spritefully drew from the darts the corse,

αἴ κέν πως σὺν νηυσὶν ἄρεω ἀλκτῆρες ἵκωνται·

And hears'd it, bearing it to fleet; his friends with all remorse

ὣς ἀπʼ Ἀχιλλῆος κεφαλῆς σέλας αἰθέρʼ ἵκανε·

Marching about it. His great friend dissolving then in tears

στῆ δʼ ἐπὶ τάφρον ἰὼν ἀπὸ τείχεος, οὐδʼ ἐς Ἀχαιοὺς

To see his truly-lov'd return'd, so hors'd upon an hearse,

μίσγετο· μητρὸς γὰρ πυκινὴν ὠπίζετʼ ἐφετμήν.

Whom with such horse and chariot he set out safe and whole,

ἔνθα στὰς ἤϋσʼ, ἀπάτερθε δὲ Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη

Now wounded with unpitying steel, now sent without a soul,

φθέγξατʼ· ἀτὰρ Τρώεσσιν ἐν ἄσπετον ὦρσε κυδοιμόν.

Never again to be restor'd, never receiv'd but so,

ὡς δʼ ὅτʼ ἀριζήλη φωνή, ὅτε τʼ ἴαχε σάλπιγξ

He follow'd mourning bitterly. The sun (yet far to go)

ἄστυ περιπλομένων δηΐων ὕπο θυμοραϊστέων,

Juno commanded to go down; who, in his pow'r's despite,

ὣς τότʼ ἀριζήλη φωνὴ γένετʼ Αἰακίδαο.

Sunk to the ocean, over earth dispersing sudden night.

οἳ δʼ ὡς οὖν ἄϊον ὄπα χάλκεον Αἰακίδαο,

And then the Greeks and Trojans both gave up their horse and darts.

πᾶσιν ὀρίνθη θυμός· ἀτὰρ καλλίτριχες ἵπποι

The Trojans all to council call'd, ere they refresh'd their hearts

ἂψ ὄχεα τρόπεον· ὄσσοντο γὰρ ἄλγεα θυμῷ.

ἡνίοχοι δʼ ἔκπληγεν, ἐπεὶ ἴδον ἀκάματον πῦρ

δεινὸν ὑπὲρ κεφαλῆς μεγαθύμου Πηλεΐωνος

δαιόμενον· τὸ δὲ δαῖε θεὰ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη.

τρὶς μὲν ὑπὲρ τάφρου μεγάλʼ ἴαχε δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς,

τρὶς δὲ κυκήθησαν Τρῶες κλειτοί τʼ ἐπίκουροι.

ἔνθα δὲ καὶ τότʼ ὄλοντο δυώδεκα φῶτες ἄριστοι

ἀμφὶ σφοῖς ὀχέεσσι καὶ ἔγχεσιν. αὐτὰρ Ἀχαιοὶ

With any supper, nor would sit; they grew so stiff with fear

ἀσπασίως Πάτροκλον ὑπʼ ἐκ βελέων ἐρύσαντες

To see, so long from heavy fight, Æacides appear.

κάτθεσαν ἐν λεχέεσσι· φίλοι δʼ ἀμφέσταν ἑταῖροι

Polydamas began to speak, who only could discern

μυρόμενοι· μετὰ δέ σφι ποδώκης εἵπετʼ Ἀχιλλεὺς

Things future by things past, and was vow'd friend to Hector, born

δάκρυα θερμὰ χέων, ἐπεὶ εἴσιδε πιστὸν ἑταῖρον

In one night both. He thus advis'd: “Consider well, my friends,

κείμενον ἐν φέρτρῳ δεδαϊγμένον ὀξέϊ χαλκῷ,

In this so great and sudden change, that now itself extends,

τόν ῥʼ ἤτοι μὲν ἔπεμπε σὺν ἵπποισιν καὶ ὄχεσφιν

What change is best for us t' oppose. To this stands my command:

ἐς πόλεμον, οὐδʼ αὖτις ἐδέξατο νοστήσαντα.

Make now the town our strength, not here abide light's rosy hand,

Ἠέλιον δʼ ἀκάμαντα βοῶπις πότνια Ἥρη

Our wall being far off, and our foe, much greater, still as near.

πέμψεν ἐπʼ Ὠκεανοῖο ῥοὰς ἀέκοντα νέεσθαι·

Till this foe came, I well was pleas'd to keep our watches here,

ἠέλιος μὲν ἔδυ, παύσαντο δὲ δῖοι Ἀχαιοὶ

My fit hope of the fleet's surprise inclin'd me so; but now

φυλόπιδος κρατερῆς καὶ ὁμοιΐου πολέμοιο.

'Tis stronglier guarded, and, their strength increas'd, we must allow

Τρῶες δʼ αὖθʼ ἑτέρωθεν ἀπὸ κρατερῆς ὑσμίνης

Our own proportionate amends. I doubt exceedingly

χωρήσαντες ἔλυσαν ὑφʼ ἅρμασιν ὠκέας ἵππους,

That this indiff'rency of fight 'twixt us and th' enemy,

ἐς δʼ ἀγορὴν ἀγέροντο πάρος δόρποιο μέδεσθαι.

And these bounds we prefix to them, will nothing so confine

ὀρθῶν δʼ ἑσταότων ἀγορὴ γένετʼ, οὐδέ τις ἔτλη

Th' uncurb'd mind of Æacides. The height of his design

ἕζεσθαι· πάντας γὰρ ἔχε τρόμος, οὕνεκʼ Ἀχιλλεὺς

Aims at our city and our wives; and all bars in his way

ἐξεφάνη, δηρὸν δὲ μάχης ἐπέπαυτʼ ἀλεγεινῆς.

(Being back'd with less than walls) his pow'r will scorn to make his stay,

τοῖσι δὲ Πουλυδάμας πεπνυμένος ἦρχʼ ἀγορεύειν

And over-run, as over-seen and not his object. Then

Πανθοΐδης· ὃ γὰρ οἶος ὅρα πρόσσω καὶ ὀπίσσω·

Let Troy be freely our retreat; lest, being enforc'd, our men

Ἕκτορι δʼ ἦεν ἑταῖρος, ἰῇ δʼ ἐν νυκτὶ γένοντο,

'Twixt this and that be taken up by vultures, who by night

ἀλλʼ ὃ μὲν ἂρ μύθοισιν, ὃ δʼ ἔγχεϊ πολλὸν ἐνίκα·

May safe come off, it being a time untimely for his might

ὅ σφιν ἐϋφρονέων ἀγορήσατο καὶ μετέειπεν·

To spend at random; that being sure. If next light show us here

ἀμφὶ μάλα φράζεσθε φίλοι· κέλομαι γὰρ ἔγωγε

To his assaults, each man will wish, that Troy his refuge were,

ἄστυδε νῦν ἰέναι, μὴ μίμνειν ἠῶ δῖαν

And then feel what he hears not now. I would to heav'n mine ear

ἐν πεδίῳ παρὰ νηυσίν· ἑκὰς δʼ ἀπὸ τείχεός εἰμεν.

Were free ev'n now of those complaints, that you must after hear

ὄφρα μὲν οὗτος ἀνὴρ Ἀγαμέμνονι μήνιε δίῳ

If ye remove not! If ye yield, though wearied with a fight

τόφρα δὲ ῥηΐτεροι πολεμίζειν ἦσαν Ἀχαιοί·

So late and long, we shall have strength in council and the night.

χαίρεσκον γὰρ ἔγωγε θοῇς ἐπὶ νηυσὶν ἰαύων

And (where we here have no more force, than need will force us to,

ἐλπόμενος νῆας αἱρησέμεν ἀμφιελίσσας.

And which must rise out of our nerves) high ports, tow'rs, walls will do

νῦν δʼ αἰνῶς δείδοικα ποδώκεα Πηλεΐωνα·

What wants in us; and in the morn, all arm'd upon our tow'rs,

οἷος κείνου θυμὸς ὑπέρβιος, οὐκ ἐθελήσει

We all will stand out to our foe. 'Twill trouble all his pow'rs,

μίμνειν ἐν πεδίῳ, ὅθι περ Τρῶες καὶ Ἀχαιοὶ

To come from fleet and give us charge, when his high-crested horse

ἐν μέσῳ ἀμφότεροι μένος Ἄρηος δατέονται,

His rage shall satiate with the toil of this and that way's course,

ἀλλὰ περὶ πτόλιός τε μαχήσεται ἠδὲ γυναικῶν.

Vain entry seeking underneath our well-defended walls,

ἀλλʼ ἴομεν προτὶ ἄστυ, πίθεσθέ μοι· ὧδε γὰρ ἔσται·

And he be glad to turn to fleet, about his funerals.

νῦν μὲν νὺξ ἀπέπαυσε ποδώκεα Πηλεΐωνα

For of his entry here at home, what mind will serve his thirst,

ἀμβροσίη· εἰ δʼ ἄμμε κιχήσεται ἐνθάδʼ ἐόντας

Or ever feed him with sack'd Troy? The dogs shall eat him first.”

αὔριον ὁρμηθεὶς σὺν τεύχεσιν, εὖ νύ τις αὐτὸν

At this speech Hector bent his brows, and said: “This makes not great

γνώσεται· ἀσπασίως γὰρ ἀφίξεται Ἴλιον ἱρὴν

Your grace with me, Polydamas, that argue for retreat

ὅς κε φύγῃ, πολλοὺς δὲ κύνες καὶ γῦπες ἔδονται

To Troy's old prison. Have we not enough of those tow'rs yet?

Τρώων· αἲ γὰρ δή μοι ἀπʼ οὔατος ὧδε γένοιτο.

And is not Troy yet charg'd enough, with impositions set

εἰ δʼ ἂν ἐμοῖς ἐπέεσσι πιθώμεθα κηδόμενοί περ,

Upon her citizens, to keep our men from spoil without,

νύκτα μὲν εἰν ἀγορῇ σθένος ἕξομεν, ἄστυ δὲ πύργοι

But still we must impose within? That houses with our rout

ὑψηλαί τε πύλαι σανίδες τʼ ἐπὶ τῇς ἀραρυῖαι

As well as purses may be plagu'd? Before time, Priam's town

μακραὶ ἐΰξεστοι ἐζευγμέναι εἰρύσσονται·

Traffick'd with divers-languag'd men, and all gave the renown

πρῶϊ δʼ ὑπηοῖοι σὺν τεύχεσι θωρηχθέντες

Of rich Troy to it, brass and gold abounding; but her store

στησόμεθʼ ἂμ πύργους· τῷ δʼ ἄλγιον, αἴ κʼ ἐθέλῃσιν

Is now from ev'ry house exhaust; possessions evermore

ἐλθὼν ἐκ νηῶν περὶ τείχεος ἄμμι μάχεσθαι.

Are sold out into Phrygia and lovely Mæony;

ἂψ πάλιν εἶσʼ ἐπὶ νῆας, ἐπεί κʼ ἐριαύχενας ἵππους

And have been ever since Jove's wrath. And now his clemency

παντοίου δρόμου ἄσῃ ὑπὸ πτόλιν ἠλασκάζων·

Gives me the mean to quit our want with glory, and conclude

εἴσω δʼ οὔ μιν θυμὸς ἐφορμηθῆναι ἐάσει,

The Greeks in sea-bords and our seas, to slack it, and extrude

οὐδέ ποτʼ ἐκπέρσει· πρίν μιν κύνες ἀργοὶ ἔδονται.

His offer'd bounty by our flight. Fool that thou art, bewray

τὸν δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν προσέφη κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ·

This counsel to no common ear, for no man shall obey;

Πουλυδάμα σὺ μὲν οὐκέτʼ ἐμοὶ φίλα ταῦτʼ ἀγορεύεις,

If any will, I'll check his will. But what our self command,

ὃς κέλεαι κατὰ ἄστυ ἀλήμεναι αὖτις ἰόντας.

Let all observe. Take suppers all, keep watch of ev'ry hand.

ἦ οὔ πω κεκόρησθε ἐελμένοι ἔνδοθι πύργων;

If any Trojan have some spoil, that takes his too much care,

πρὶν μὲν γὰρ Πριάμοιο πόλιν μέροπες ἄνθρωποι

Make him dispose it publicly; 'tis better any fare

πάντες μυθέσκοντο πολύχρυσον πολύχαλκον·

The better for him, than the Greeks. When light then decks the skies,

νῦν δὲ δὴ ἐξαπόλωλε δόμων κειμήλια καλά,

Let all arm for a fierce assault. If great Achilles rise,

πολλὰ δὲ δὴ Φρυγίην καὶ Μῃονίην ἐρατεινὴν

And will enforce our greater toil, it may rise so to him.

κτήματα περνάμενʼ ἵκει, ἐπεὶ μέγας ὠδύσατο Ζεύς.

On my back he shall find no wings, my spirit shall force my limb

νῦν δʼ ὅτε πέρ μοι ἔδωκε Κρόνου πάϊς ἀγκυλομήτεω

To stand his worst, and give or take. Mars is our common lord,

κῦδος ἀρέσθʼ ἐπὶ νηυσί, θαλάσσῃ τʼ ἔλσαι Ἀχαιούς,

And the desirous swordsman's life he ever puts to sword.”

νήπιε μηκέτι ταῦτα νοήματα φαῖνʼ ἐνὶ δήμῳ·

This counsel gat applause of all, so much were all unwise;

οὐ γάρ τις Τρώων ἐπιπείσεται· οὐ γὰρ ἐάσω.

Minerva robb'd them of their brains, to like the ill advice

ἀλλʼ ἄγεθʼ ὡς ἂν ἐγὼ εἴπω, πειθώμεθα πάντες.

The great man gave, and leave the good since by the meaner given.

νῦν μὲν δόρπον ἕλεσθε κατὰ στρατὸν ἐν τελέεσσι,

All took their suppers; but the Greeks spent all the heavy even

καὶ φυλακῆς μνήσασθε, καὶ ἐγρήγορθε ἕκαστος·

About Patroclus' mournful rites, Pelides leading all

Τρώων δʼ ὃς κτεάτεσσιν ὑπερφιάλως ἀνιάζει,

In all the forms of heaviness. He by his side did fall,

συλλέξας λαοῖσι δότω καταδημοβορῆσαι·

τῶν τινὰ βέλτερόν ἐστιν ἐπαυρέμεν ἤ περ Ἀχαιούς.

πρῶϊ δʼ ὑπηοῖοι σὺν τεύχεσι θωρηχθέντες

νηυσὶν ἔπι γλαφυρῇσιν ἐγείρομεν ὀξὺν Ἄρηα.

εἰ δʼ ἐτεὸν παρὰ ναῦφιν ἀνέστη δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς,

ἄλγιον αἴ κʼ ἐθέλῃσι τῷ ἔσσεται· οὔ μιν ἔγωγε

φεύξομαι ἐκ πολέμοιο δυσηχέος, ἀλλὰ μάλʼ ἄντην

στήσομαι, ἤ κε φέρῃσι μέγα κράτος, ἦ κε φεροίμην.

And his man-slaught'ring hands impos'd into his oft-kiss'd breast,

ξυνὸς Ἐνυάλιος, καί τε κτανέοντα κατέκτα.

Sighs blew up sighs; and lion-like, grac'd with a goodly crest,

ὣς Ἕκτωρ ἀγόρευʼ, ἐπὶ δὲ Τρῶες κελάδησαν

That in his absence being robb'd by hunters of his whelps,

νήπιοι· ἐκ γάρ σφεων φρένας εἵλετο Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη.

Returns to his so desolate den, and, for his wanted helps,

Ἕκτορι μὲν γὰρ ἐπῄνησαν κακὰ μητιόωντι,

Beholding his unlook'd-for wants, flies roaring back again,

Πουλυδάμαντι δʼ ἄρʼ οὔ τις ὃς ἐσθλὴν φράζετο βουλήν.

Hunts the sly hunter, many a vale resounding his disdain;

δόρπον ἔπειθʼ εἵλοντο κατὰ στρατόν· αὐτὰρ Ἀχαιοὶ

So mourn'd Pelides his late loss, so weighty were his moans,

παννύχιοι Πάτροκλον ἀνεστενάχοντο γοῶντες.

Which, for their dumb sounds, now gave words to all his Myrmidons:

τοῖσι δὲ Πηλεΐδης ἁδινοῦ ἐξῆρχε γόοιο

“O Gods,” said he, “how vain a vow I made, to cheer the mind

χεῖρας ἐπʼ ἀνδροφόνους θέμενος στήθεσσιν ἑταίρου

Of sad Menœtius, when his son his hand to mine resign'd,

πυκνὰ μάλα στενάχων ὥς τε λὶς ἠϋγένειος,

That high-tow'r'd Opus he should see, and leave ras'd Ilion

ᾧ ῥά θʼ ὑπὸ σκύμνους ἐλαφηβόλος ἁρπάσῃ ἀνὴρ

With spoil and honour, ev'n with me! But Jove vouchsafes to none

ὕλης ἐκ πυκινῆς· ὃ δέ τʼ ἄχνυται ὕστερος ἐλθών,

Wish'd passages to all his vows; we both were destinate

πολλὰ δέ τʼ ἄγκεʼ ἐπῆλθε μετʼ ἀνέρος ἴχνιʼ ἐρευνῶν

To bloody one earth here in Troy; nor any more estate

εἴ ποθεν ἐξεύροι· μάλα γὰρ δριμὺς χόλος αἱρεῖ·

In my return hath Peleüs or Thetis; but because

ὣς ὃ βαρὺ στενάχων μετεφώνεε Μυρμιδόνεσσιν·

I last must undergo the ground, I'll keep no fun'ral laws,

ὢ πόποι ἦ ῥʼ ἅλιον ἔπος ἔκβαλον ἤματι κείνῳ

O my Patroclus, for thy corse, before I hither bring

θαρσύνων ἥρωα Μενοίτιον ἐν μεγάροισι·

The arms of Hector and his head to thee for offering.

φῆν δέ οἱ εἰς Ὀπόεντα περικλυτὸν υἱὸν ἀπάξειν

Twelve youths, the most renown'd of Troy, I'll sacrifice beside,

Ἴλιον ἐκπέρσαντα, λαχόντα τε ληΐδος αἶσαν.

Before thy heap of funeral, to thee unpacified.

ἀλλʼ οὐ Ζεὺς ἄνδρεσσι νοήματα πάντα τελευτᾷ·

In mean time, by our crooked sterns lie, drawing tears from me,

ἄμφω γὰρ πέπρωται ὁμοίην γαῖαν ἐρεῦσαι

And round about thy honour'd corse, these dames of Dardanie,

αὐτοῦ ἐνὶ Τροίῃ, ἐπεὶ οὐδʼ ἐμὲ νοστήσαντα

And Ilion, with the ample breasts (whom our long spears and pow'rs

δέξεται ἐν μεγάροισι γέρων ἱππηλάτα Πηλεὺς

And labours purchas'd from the rich and by-us-ruin'd tow'rs,

οὐδὲ Θέτις μήτηρ, ἀλλʼ αὐτοῦ γαῖα καθέξει.

And cities strong and populous with divers-languag'd men)

νῦν δʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν Πάτροκλε σεῦ ὕστερος εἶμʼ ὑπὸ γαῖαν,

Shall kneel, and neither day nor night be licens'd to abstain

οὔ σε πρὶν κτεριῶ πρίν γʼ Ἕκτορος ἐνθάδʼ ἐνεῖκαι

From solemn watches, their toil'd eyes held ope with endless tears.”

τεύχεα καὶ κεφαλὴν μεγαθύμου σοῖο φονῆος·

This passion past, he gave command to his near soldiers

δώδεκα δὲ προπάροιθε πυρῆς ἀποδειροτομήσω

To put a tripod to the fire, to cleanse the fester'd gore

Τρώων ἀγλαὰ τέκνα σέθεν κταμένοιο χολωθείς.

From off the person. They obey'd, and presently did pour

τόφρα δέ μοι παρὰ νηυσὶ κορωνίσι κείσεαι αὔτως,

Fresh water in it, kindled wood, and with an instant flame

ἀμφὶ δὲ σὲ Τρῳαὶ καὶ Δαρδανίδες βαθύκολποι

The belly of the tripod girt, till fire's hot quality came

κλαύσονται νύκτάς τε καὶ ἤματα δάκρυ χέουσαι,

Up to the water. Then they wash'd, and fill'd the mortal wound

τὰς αὐτοὶ καμόμεσθα βίηφί τε δουρί τε μακρῷ

With wealthy oil of nine years old; then wrapp'd the body round

πιείρας πέρθοντε πόλεις μερόπων ἀνθρώπων.

In largeness of a fine white sheet, and put it then in bed;

ὣς εἰπὼν ἑτάροισιν ἐκέκλετο δῖος Ἀχιλλεὺς

When all watch'd all night with their lord, and spent sighs on the dead.

ἀμφὶ πυρὶ στῆσαι τρίποδα μέγαν, ὄφρα τάχιστα

Then Jove ask'd Juno: “If at length she had sufficed her spleen,

Πάτροκλον λούσειαν ἄπο βρότον αἱματόεντα.

Achilles being won to arms? Or if she had not been

οἳ δὲ λοετροχόον τρίποδʼ ἵστασαν ἐν πυρὶ κηλέῳ,

The natural mother of the Greeks, she did so still prefer

ἐν δʼ ἄρʼ ὕδωρ ἔχεαν, ὑπὸ δὲ ξύλα δαῖον ἑλόντες.

Their quarrel?” She, incens'd, ask'd: “Why he still was taunting her,

γάστρην μὲν τρίποδος πῦρ ἄμφεπε, θέρμετο δʼ ὕδωρ·

For doing good to those she lov'd? since man to man might show

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ ζέσσεν ὕδωρ ἐνὶ ἤνοπι χαλκῷ,

Kind offices, though thrall to death, and though they did not know

καὶ τότε δὴ λοῦσάν τε καὶ ἤλειψαν λίπʼ ἐλαίῳ,

Half such deep counsels as disclos'd beneath her far-seeing state,

ἐν δʼ ὠτειλὰς πλῆσαν ἀλείφατος ἐννεώροιο·

She, reigning queen of Goddesses, and being in generate

ἐν λεχέεσσι δὲ θέντες ἑανῷ λιτὶ κάλυψαν

Of one stock with himself, besides the state of being his wife

ἐς πόδας ἐκ κεφαλῆς, καθύπερθε δὲ φάρεϊ λευκῷ.

And must her wrath, and ill to Troy, continue such a strife

παννύχιοι μὲν ἔπειτα πόδας ταχὺν ἀμφʼ Ἀχιλῆα

From time to time 'twixt him and her?” This private speech they had.

Μυρμιδόνες Πάτροκλον ἀνεστενάχοντο γοῶντες·

And now the Silver-footed Queen had her ascension made

Ζεὺς δʼ Ἥρην προσέειπε κασιγνήτην ἄλοχόν τε·

To that incorruptible house, that starry golden court

ἔπρηξας καὶ ἔπειτα βοῶπις πότνια Ἥρη

Of fi'ry Vulcan, beautiful amongst th' immortal sort,

ἀνστήσασʼ Ἀχιλῆα πόδας ταχύν· ἦ ῥά νυ σεῖο

Which yet the lame God built himself. She found him in a sweat

ἐξ αὐτῆς ἐγένοντο κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοί.

About his bellows, and in haste had twenty tripods beat.

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα βοῶπις πότνια Ἥρη·

To set for stools about the sides of his well-builded hall,

αἰνότατε Κρονίδη ποῖον τὸν μῦθον ἔειπες.

To whose feet little wheels of gold he put, to go withal,

καὶ μὲν δή πού τις μέλλει βροτὸς ἀνδρὶ τελέσσαι,

And enter his rich dining room, alone, their motion free,

ὅς περ θνητός τʼ ἐστὶ καὶ οὐ τόσα μήδεα οἶδε·

And back again go out alone, miraculous to see.

πῶς δὴ ἔγωγʼ, ἥ φημι θεάων ἔμμεν ἀρίστη,

And thus much he had done of them, yet handles were to add,

ἀμφότερον γενεῇ τε καὶ οὕνεκα σὴ παράκοιτις

For which he now was making studs. And while their fashion had

κέκλημαι, σὺ δὲ πᾶσι μετʼ ἀθανάτοισιν ἀνάσσεις,

Employment of his skilful hand, bright Thetis was come near;

οὐκ ὄφελον Τρώεσσι κοτεσσαμένη κακὰ ῥάψαι;

Whom first fair well-hair'd Charis saw, that was the nuptial fere

ὣς οἳ μὲν τοιαῦτα πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἀγόρευον·

Of famous Vulcan, who the hand of Thetis took, and said:

Ἡφαίστου δʼ ἵκανε δόμον Θέτις ἀργυρόπεζα

“Why, fair-train'd, lov'd, and honour'd dame, are we thus visited

ἄφθιτον ἀστερόεντα μεταπρεπέʼ ἀθανάτοισι

By your kind presence? You, I think, were never here before.

χάλκεον, ὅν ῥʼ αὐτὸς ποιήσατο κυλλοποδίων.

Come near, that I may banquet you, and make you visit more.”

τὸν δʼ εὗρʼ ἱδρώοντα ἑλισσόμενον περὶ φύσας

She led her in, and in a chair of silver (being the fruit

σπεύδοντα· τρίποδας γὰρ ἐείκοσι πάντας ἔτευχεν

Of Vulcan's hand) she made her sit, a footstool of a suit

ἑστάμεναι περὶ τοῖχον ἐϋσταθέος μεγάροιο,

Apposing to her crystal feet; and call'd the God of fire,

χρύσεα δέ σφʼ ὑπὸ κύκλα ἑκάστῳ πυθμένι θῆκεν,

For Thetis was arriv'd, she said, and entertain'd desire

ὄφρά οἱ αὐτόματοι θεῖον δυσαίατʼ ἀγῶνα

Of some grace that his art might grant. “Thetis to me,” said he,

ἠδʼ αὖτις πρὸς δῶμα νεοίατο θαῦμα ἰδέσθαι.

“Is mighty, and most reverend, as one that nourish'd me,

οἳ δʼ ἤτοι τόσσον μὲν ἔχον τέλος, οὔατα δʼ οὔ πω

δαιδάλεα προσέκειτο· τά ῥʼ ἤρτυε, κόπτε δὲ δεσμούς.

ὄφρʼ ὅ γε ταῦτʼ ἐπονεῖτο ἰδυίῃσι πραπίδεσσι,

τόφρά οἱ ἐγγύθεν ἦλθε θεὰ Θέτις ἀργυρόπεζα.

τὴν δὲ ἴδε προμολοῦσα Χάρις λιπαροκρήδεμνος

καλή, τὴν ὤπυιε περικλυτὸς ἀμφιγυήεις·

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

τίπτε Θέτι τανύπεπλε ἱκάνεις ἡμέτερον δῶ

When grief consum'd me, being cast from heaven by want of shame

αἰδοίη τε φίλη τε; πάρος γε μὲν οὔ τι θαμίζεις.

In my proud mother, who, because she brought me forth so lame,

ἀλλʼ ἕπεο προτέρω, ἵνα τοι πὰρ ξείνια θείω.

Would have me made away; and then, had I been much distress'd

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσασα πρόσω ἄγε δῖα θεάων.

Had Thetis and Eurynome in either's silver breast

τὴν μὲν ἔπειτα καθεῖσεν ἐπὶ θρόνου ἀργυροήλου

Not rescu'd me; Eurynome that to her father had

καλοῦ δαιδαλέου· ὑπὸ δὲ θρῆνυς ποσὶν ἦεν·

Reciprocal Oceanus. Nine years with them I made

κέκλετο δʼ Ἥφαιστον κλυτοτέχνην εἶπέ τε μῦθον·

A number of well-arted things, round bracelets, buttons brave,

Ἥφαιστε πρόμολʼ ὧδε· Θέτις νύ τι σεῖο χατίζει.

Whistles, and carquenets. My forge stood in a hollow cave,

τὴν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα περικλυτὸς ἀμφιγυήεις·

About which, murmuring with foam, th' unmeasur'd ocean

ἦ ῥά νύ μοι δεινή τε καὶ αἰδοίη θεὸς ἔνδον,

Was ever beating; my abode known nor to God nor man,

ἥ μʼ ἐσάωσʼ ὅτε μʼ ἄλγος ἀφίκετο τῆλε πεσόντα

But Thetis and Eurynome, and they would see me still,

μητρὸς ἐμῆς ἰότητι κυνώπιδος, ἥ μʼ ἐθέλησε

They were my loving guardians. Now then the starry hill,

κρύψαι χωλὸν ἐόντα· τότʼ ἂν πάθον ἄλγεα θυμῷ,

And our particular roof, thus grac'd with bright-hair'd Thetis here,

εἰ μή μʼ Εὐρυνόμη τε Θέτις θʼ ὑπεδέξατο κόλπῳ

It fits me always to repay, a recompense as dear

Εὐρυνόμη θυγάτηρ ἀψορρόου Ὠκεανοῖο.

To her thoughts, as my life to me. Haste, Charis, and appose

τῇσι παρʼ εἰνάετες χάλκευον δαίδαλα πολλά,

Some dainty guest-rites to our friend, while I my bellows loose

πόρπας τε γναμπτάς θʼ ἕλικας κάλυκάς τε καὶ ὅρμους

From fire, and lay up all my tools.” Then from an anvil rose

ἐν σπῆϊ γλαφυρῷ· περὶ δὲ ῥόος Ὠκεανοῖο

Th' unwieldy monster, halt'd down, and all awry he went.

ἀφρῷ μορμύρων ῥέεν ἄσπετος· οὐδέ τις ἄλλος

He took his bellows from the fire, and ev'ry instrument

ᾔδεεν οὔτε θεῶν οὔτε θνητῶν ἀνθρώπων,

Lock'd safe up in a silver chest. Then with a sponge he drest

ἀλλὰ Θέτις τε καὶ Εὐρυνόμη ἴσαν, αἵ μʼ ἐσάωσαν.

His face all over, neck and hands, and all his hairy breast;

ἣ νῦν ἡμέτερον δόμον ἵκει· τώ με μάλα χρεὼ

Put on his coat, his sceptre took, and then went halting forth,

πάντα Θέτι καλλιπλοκάμῳ ζῳάγρια τίνειν.

Handmaids of gold attending him, resembling in all worth

ἀλλὰ σὺ μὲν νῦν οἱ παράθες ξεινήϊα καλά,

Living young damsels, fill'd with minds and wisdom, and were train'd

ὄφρʼ ἂν ἐγὼ φύσας ἀποθείομαι ὅπλά τε πάντα.

In all immortal ministry, virtue and voice contain'd,

ἦ, καὶ ἀπʼ ἀκμοθέτοιο πέλωρ αἴητον ἀνέστη

And mov'd with voluntary pow'rs; and these still wait'd on

χωλεύων· ὑπὸ δὲ κνῆμαι ῥώοντο ἀραιαί.

Their fi'ry sov'reign, who (not apt to walk) sate near the throne

φύσας μέν ῥʼ ἀπάνευθε τίθει πυρός, ὅπλά τε πάντα

Of fair-hair'd Thetis, took her hand, and thus he court'd her:

λάρνακʼ ἐς ἀργυρέην συλλέξατο, τοῖς ἐπονεῖτο·

“For what affair, O fair-train'd queen, rev'rend to me, and dear,

σπόγγῳ δʼ ἀμφὶ πρόσωπα καὶ ἄμφω χεῖρʼ ἀπομόργνυ

Is our court honour'd with thy state, that hast not heretofore

αὐχένα τε στιβαρὸν καὶ στήθεα λαχνήεντα,

Perform'd this kindness? Speak thy thoughts, thy suit can be no more

δῦ δὲ χιτῶνʼ, ἕλε δὲ σκῆπτρον παχύ, βῆ δὲ θύραζε

Than my mind gives me charge to grant. Can my pow'r get it wrought?

χωλεύων· ὑπὸ δʼ ἀμφίπολοι ῥώοντο ἄνακτι

Or that it have not only pow'r of only act in thought?”

χρύσειαι ζωῇσι νεήνισιν εἰοικυῖαι.

She thus: “O Vulcan, is there one, of all that are of heav'n,

τῇς ἐν μὲν νόος ἐστὶ μετὰ φρεσίν, ἐν δὲ καὶ αὐδὴ

That in her never-quiet mind Saturnius hath giv'n

καὶ σθένος, ἀθανάτων δὲ θεῶν ἄπο ἔργα ἴσασιν.

So much affliction as to me: whom only he subjects,

αἳ μὲν ὕπαιθα ἄνακτος ἐποίπνυον· αὐτὰρ ὃ ἔρρων

Of all the sea-nymphs, to a man; and makes me bear th' affects

πλησίον, ἔνθα Θέτις περ, ἐπὶ θρόνου ἷζε φαεινοῦ,

Of his frail bed; and all against the freedom of my will;

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

And he worn to his root with age? From him another ill

τίπτε Θέτι τανύπεπλε ἱκάνεις ἡμέτερον δῶ

Ariseth to me; Jupiter, you know, hath giv'n a son,

αἰδοίη τε φίλη τε; πάρος γε μὲν οὔ τι θαμίζεις.

The excellent'st of men, to me; whose education

αὔδα ὅ τι φρονέεις· τελέσαι δέ με θυμὸς ἄνωγεν,

On my part well hath answered his own worth, having grown

εἰ δύναμαι τελέσαι γε καὶ εἰ τετελεσμένον ἐστίν.

As in a fruitful soil a tree, that puts not up alone

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα Θέτις κατὰ δάκρυ χέουσα·

His body to a naked height, but jointly gives his growth

Ἥφαιστʼ, ἦ ἄρα δή τις, ὅσαι θεαί εἰσʼ ἐν Ὀλύμπῳ,

A thousand branches; yet to him so short a life I brought,

τοσσάδʼ ἐνὶ φρεσὶν ᾗσιν ἀνέσχετο κήδεα λυγρὰ

That never I shall see him more return'd to Peleus' court.

ὅσσʼ ἐμοὶ ἐκ πασέων Κρονίδης Ζεὺς ἄλγεʼ ἔδωκεν;

And all that short life he hath spent in most unhappy sort;

ἐκ μέν μʼ ἀλλάων ἁλιάων ἀνδρὶ δάμασσεν

For first he won a lovely dame, and had her by the hands

Αἰακίδῃ Πηλῆϊ, καὶ ἔτλην ἀνέρος εὐνὴν

Of all the Grecians, yet this dame Atrides countermands;

πολλὰ μάλʼ οὐκ ἐθέλουσα. ὃ μὲν δὴ γήραϊ λυγρῷ

For which in much disdain he mourn'd, and almost pin'd away.

κεῖται ἐνὶ μεγάροις ἀρημένος, ἄλλα δέ μοι νῦν·

And yet for this wrong he receiv'd some honour, I must say;

υἱὸν ἐπεί μοι δῶκε γενέσθαί τε τραφέμεν τε

The Greeks, being shut up at their ships, not suffer'd to advance

ἔξοχον ἡρώων· ὃ δʼ ἀνέδραμεν ἔρνεϊ ἶσος·

A head out of their batter'd sterns; and mighty suppliance

τὸν μὲν ἐγὼ θρέψασα φυτὸν ὣς γουνῷ ἀλωῆς

By all their grave men hath been made, gifts, honours, all propos'd

νηυσὶν ἐπιπροέηκα κορωνίσιν Ἴλιον εἴσω

For his reflection; yet he still kept close, and saw enclos'd

Τρωσὶ μαχησόμενον· τὸν δʼ οὐχ ὑποδέξομαι αὖτις

Their whole host in this gen'ral plague. But now his friend put on

οἴκαδε νοστήσαντα δόμον Πηλήϊον εἴσω.

His arms, being sent by him to field, and many a Myrmidon

ὄφρα δέ μοι ζώει καὶ ὁρᾷ φάος ἠελίοιο

In conduct of him. All the day, they fought before the gates

ἄχνυται, οὐδέ τί οἱ δύναμαι χραισμῆσαι ἰοῦσα.

Of Scæa, and, most certainly, that day had seen the dates

κούρην ἣν ἄρα οἱ γέρας ἔξελον υἷες Ἀχαιῶν,

Of all Troy's honours in her dust, if Phœbus (having done

τὴν ἂψ ἐκ χειρῶν ἕλετο κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων.

Much mischief more) the envied life of good Menœtius' son

ἤτοι ὃ τῆς ἀχέων φρένας ἔφθιεν· αὐτὰρ Ἀχαιοὺς

Had not with partial hands enforc'd, and all the honour giv'n

Τρῶες ἐπὶ πρύμνῃσιν ἐείλεον, οὐδὲ θύραζε

To Hector, who hath pris'd his arms. And therefore I am driv'n

εἴων ἐξιέναι· τὸν δὲ λίσσοντο γέροντες

T' embrace thy knees for new defence to my lov'd son. Alas!

Ἀργείων, καὶ πολλὰ περικλυτὰ δῶρʼ ὀνόμαζον.

His life, prefix'd so short a date, had need spent that with grace.

ἔνθʼ αὐτὸς μὲν ἔπειτʼ ἠναίνετο λοιγὸν ἀμῦναι,

A shield then for him, and a helm, fair greaves, and curets, such

αὐτὰρ ὃ Πάτροκλον περὶ μὲν τὰ ἃ τεύχεα ἕσσε,

As may renown thy workmanship, and honour him as much,

πέμπε δέ μιν πόλεμον δέ, πολὺν δʼ ἅμα λαὸν ὄπασσε.

I sue for at thy famous hands.” “Be confident,” said he,

πᾶν δʼ ἦμαρ μάρναντο περὶ Σκαιῇσι πύλῃσι·

“Let these wants breed thy thoughts no care. I would it lay in me

καί νύ κεν αὐτῆμαρ πόλιν ἔπραθον, εἰ μὴ Ἀπόλλων

To hide him from his heavy death, when fate shall seek for him,

πολλὰ κακὰ ῥέξαντα Μενοιτίου ἄλκιμον υἱὸν

ἔκτανʼ ἐνὶ προμάχοισι καὶ Ἕκτορι κῦδος ἔδωκε.

τοὔνεκα νῦν τὰ σὰ γούναθʼ ἱκάνομαι, αἴ κʼ ἐθέλῃσθα

υἱεῖ ἐμῷ ὠκυμόρῳ δόμεν ἀσπίδα καὶ τρυφάλειαν

καὶ καλὰς κνημῖδας ἐπισφυρίοις ἀραρυίας

καὶ θώρηχʼ· ὃ γὰρ ἦν οἱ ἀπώλεσε πιστὸς ἑταῖρος

Τρωσὶ δαμείς· ὃ δὲ κεῖται ἐπὶ χθονὶ θυμὸν ἀχεύων.

τὴν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα περικλυτὸς ἀμφιγυήεις·

As well as with renownéd arms to fit his goodly limb;

θάρσει· μή τοι ταῦτα μετὰ φρεσὶ σῇσι μελόντων.

Which thy hands shall convey to him; and all eyes shall admire,

αἲ γάρ μιν θανάτοιο δυσηχέος ὧδε δυναίμην

See, and desire again to see, thy satisfied desire.”

νόσφιν ἀποκρύψαι, ὅτε μιν μόρος αἰνὸς ἱκάνοι,

This said, he left her there, and forth did to his bellows go,

ὥς οἱ τεύχεα καλὰ παρέσσεται, οἷά τις αὖτε

Appos'd them to the fire again, commanding them to blow.

ἀνθρώπων πολέων θαυμάσσεται, ὅς κεν ἴδηται.

Through twenty holes made to his hearth at once blew twenty pair,

ὣς εἰπὼν τὴν μὲν λίπεν αὐτοῦ, βῆ δʼ ἐπὶ φύσας·

That fir'd his coals, sometimes with soft, sometimes with vehement, air,

τὰς δʼ ἐς πῦρ ἔτρεψε κέλευσέ τε ἐργάζεσθαι.

As he will'd, and his work requir'd. Amids the flame he cast

φῦσαι δʼ ἐν χοάνοισιν ἐείκοσι πᾶσαι ἐφύσων

Tin, silver, precious gold, and brass; and in a stock he plac'd

παντοίην εὔπρηστον ἀϋτμὴν ἐξανιεῖσαι,

A mighty anvil; his right hand a weighty hammer held,

ἄλλοτε μὲν σπεύδοντι παρέμμεναι, ἄλλοτε δʼ αὖτε,

His left his tongs. And first he forg'd a strong and spacious shield

ὅππως Ἥφαιστός τʼ ἐθέλοι καὶ ἔργον ἄνοιτο.

Adorn'd with twenty sev'ral hues; about whose verge he beat

χαλκὸν δʼ ἐν πυρὶ βάλλεν ἀτειρέα κασσίτερόν τε

A ring, three-fold and radiant, and on the back he set

καὶ χρυσὸν τιμῆντα καὶ ἄργυρον· αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

A silver handle; five-fold were the equal lines he drew

θῆκεν ἐν ἀκμοθέτῳ μέγαν ἄκμονα, γέντο δὲ χειρὶ

About the whole circumference, in which his hand did shew

ῥαιστῆρα κρατερήν, ἑτέρηφι δὲ γέντο πυράγρην.

(Directed with a knowing mind) a rare variety;

ποίει δὲ πρώτιστα σάκος μέγα τε στιβαρόν τε

For in it he presented Earth; in it the Sea and Sky;

πάντοσε δαιδάλλων, περὶ δʼ ἄντυγα βάλλε φαεινὴν

In it the never-wearied Sun, the Moon exactly round,

τρίπλακα μαρμαρέην, ἐκ δʼ ἀργύρεον τελαμῶνα.

And all those Stars with which the brows of ample heav'n are crown'd,

πέντε δʼ ἄρʼ αὐτοῦ ἔσαν σάκεος πτύχες· αὐτὰρ ἐν αὐτῷ

Orion, all the Pleiades, and those sev'n Atlas got,

ποίει δαίδαλα πολλὰ ἰδυίῃσι πραπίδεσσιν.

The close-beam'd Hyades, the Bear, surnam'd the Chariot,

ἐν μὲν γαῖαν ἔτευξʼ, ἐν δʼ οὐρανόν, ἐν δὲ θάλασσαν,

That turns about heav'n's axle-tree, holds ope a constant eye

ἠέλιόν τʼ ἀκάμαντα σελήνην τε πλήθουσαν,

Upon Orion, and, of all the cressets in the sky,

ἐν δὲ τὰ τείρεα πάντα, τά τʼ οὐρανὸς ἐστεφάνωται,

His golden forehead never bows to th' Ocean empery.

Πληϊάδας θʼ Ὑάδας τε τό τε σθένος Ὠρίωνος

Two cities in the spacious shield he built, with goodly state

Ἄρκτόν θʼ, ἣν καὶ Ἄμαξαν ἐπίκλησιν καλέουσιν,

Of divers-languag'd men. The one did nuptials celebrate,

ἥ τʼ αὐτοῦ στρέφεται καί τʼ Ὠρίωνα δοκεύει,

Observing at them solemn feasts, the brides from forth their bow'rs

οἴη δʼ ἄμμορός ἐστι λοετρῶν Ὠκεανοῖο.

With torches usher'd through the streets, a world of paramours

ἐν δὲ δύω ποίησε πόλεις μερόπων ἀνθρώπων

Excited by them; youths and maids in lovely circles danc'd,

καλάς. ἐν τῇ μέν ῥα γάμοι τʼ ἔσαν εἰλαπίναι τε,

To whom the merry pipe and harp their spritely sounds advanc'd,

νύμφας δʼ ἐκ θαλάμων δαΐδων ὕπο λαμπομενάων

The matrons standing in their doors admiring. Other where

ἠγίνεον ἀνὰ ἄστυ, πολὺς δʼ ὑμέναιος ὀρώρει·

A solemn court of law was kept, where throngs of people were.

κοῦροι δʼ ὀρχηστῆρες ἐδίνεον, ἐν δʼ ἄρα τοῖσιν

The case in question was a fine, impos'd on one that slew

αὐλοὶ φόρμιγγές τε βοὴν ἔχον· αἳ δὲ γυναῖκες

The friend of him that follow'd it, and for the fine did sue;

ἱστάμεναι θαύμαζον ἐπὶ προθύροισιν ἑκάστη.

Which th' other pleaded he had paid. The adverse part denied,

λαοὶ δʼ εἰν ἀγορῇ ἔσαν ἀθρόοι· ἔνθα δὲ νεῖκος

And openly affirm'd he had no penny satisfied.

ὠρώρει, δύο δʼ ἄνδρες ἐνείκεον εἵνεκα ποινῆς

Both put it to arbitrement. The people cried 'twas best

ἀνδρὸς ἀποφθιμένου· ὃ μὲν εὔχετο πάντʼ ἀποδοῦναι

For both parts, and th' assistants too gave their dooms like the rest.

δήμῳ πιφαύσκων, ὃ δʼ ἀναίνετο μηδὲν ἑλέσθαι·

The heralds made the people peace. The seniors then did bear

ἄμφω δʼ ἱέσθην ἐπὶ ἴστορι πεῖραρ ἑλέσθαι.

The voiceful heralds' sceptres, sat within a sacred sphere,

λαοὶ δʼ ἀμφοτέροισιν ἐπήπυον ἀμφὶς ἀρωγοί·

On polish'd stones, and gave by turns their sentence. In the court

κήρυκες δʼ ἄρα λαὸν ἐρήτυον· οἳ δὲ γέροντες

Two talents' gold were cast, for him that judg'd in justest sort.

εἵατʼ ἐπὶ ξεστοῖσι λίθοις ἱερῷ ἐνὶ κύκλῳ,

The other city other wars employ'd as busily;

σκῆπτρα δὲ κηρύκων ἐν χέρσʼ ἔχον ἠεροφώνων·

Two armies glittering in arms, of one confed'racy,

τοῖσιν ἔπειτʼ ἤϊσσον, ἀμοιβηδὶς δὲ δίκαζον.

Besieg'd it; and a parlè had with those within the town.

κεῖτο δʼ ἄρʼ ἐν μέσσοισι δύω χρυσοῖο τάλαντα,

Two ways they stood resolv'd; to see the city overthrown,

τῷ δόμεν ὃς μετὰ τοῖσι δίκην ἰθύντατα εἴποι.

Or that the citizens should heap in two parts all their wealth,

τὴν δʼ ἑτέρην πόλιν ἀμφὶ δύω στρατοὶ ἥατο λαῶν

And give them half. They neither lik'd, but arm'd themselves by stealth,

τεύχεσι λαμπόμενοι· δίχα δέ σφισιν ἥνδανε βουλή,

Left all their old men, wives, and boys, behind to man their walls,

ἠὲ διαπραθέειν ἢ ἄνδιχα πάντα δάσασθαι

And stole out to their enemy's town. The Queen of martials,

κτῆσιν ὅσην πτολίεθρον ἐπήρατον ἐντὸς ἔεργεν·

And Mars himself, conducted them; both which, being forg'd of gold,

οἳ δʼ οὔ πω πείθοντο, λόχῳ δʼ ὑπεθωρήσσοντο.

Must needs have golden furniture, and men might so behold

τεῖχος μέν ῥʼ ἄλοχοί τε φίλαι καὶ νήπια τέκνα

They were presented Deities. The people, Vulcan forg'd

ῥύατʼ ἐφεσταότες, μετὰ δʼ ἀνέρες οὓς ἔχε γῆρας·

Of meaner metal. When they came, where that was to be urg'd

οἳ δʼ ἴσαν· ἦρχε δʼ ἄρά σφιν Ἄρης καὶ Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη

For which they went, within a vale close to a flood, whose stream

ἄμφω χρυσείω, χρύσεια δὲ εἵματα ἕσθην,

Us'd to give all their cattle drink, they there enambush'd them,

καλὼ καὶ μεγάλω σὺν τεύχεσιν, ὥς τε θεώ περ

And sent two scouts out to descry, when th' enemy's herds and sheep

ἀμφὶς ἀριζήλω· λαοὶ δʼ ὑπολίζονες ἦσαν.

Were setting out. They straight came forth, with two that us'd to keep

οἳ δʼ ὅτε δή ῥʼ ἵκανον ὅθι σφίσιν εἶκε λοχῆσαι

Their passage always; both which pip'd, and went on merrily,

ἐν ποταμῷ, ὅθι τʼ ἀρδμὸς ἔην πάντεσσι βοτοῖσιν,

Nor dream'd of ambuscadoes there. The ambush then let fly,

ἔνθʼ ἄρα τοί γʼ ἵζοντʼ εἰλυμένοι αἴθοπι χαλκῷ.

Slew all their white-fleec'd sheep, and neat, and by them laid their guard.

τοῖσι δʼ ἔπειτʼ ἀπάνευθε δύω σκοποὶ εἵατο λαῶν

When those in siege before the town so strange an uproar heard,

δέγμενοι ὁππότε μῆλα ἰδοίατο καὶ ἕλικας βοῦς.

Behind, amongst their flocks and herds (being then in council set)

οἳ δὲ τάχα προγένοντο, δύω δʼ ἅμʼ ἕποντο νομῆες

They then start up, took horse, and soon their subtle enemy met,

τερπόμενοι σύριγξι· δόλον δʼ οὔ τι προνόησαν.

Fought with them on the river's shore, where both gave mutual blows

οἳ μὲν τὰ προϊδόντες ἐπέδραμον, ὦκα δʼ ἔπειτα

With well-pil'd darts. Amongst them all perverse Contention rose,

τάμνοντʼ ἀμφὶ βοῶν ἀγέλας καὶ πώεα καλὰ

Amongst them Tumult was enrag'd, amongst them ruinous Fate

ἀργεννέων οἰῶν, κτεῖνον δʼ ἐπὶ μηλοβοτῆρας.

Had her red-finger; some they took in an unhurt estate,

οἳ δʼ ὡς οὖν ἐπύθοντο πολὺν κέλαδον παρὰ βουσὶν

Some hurt yet living, some quite slain, and those they tugg'd to them

εἰράων προπάροιθε καθήμενοι, αὐτίκʼ ἐφʼ ἵππων

By both the feet, stripp'd off and took their weeds, with all the stream

βάντες ἀερσιπόδων μετεκίαθον, αἶψα δʼ ἵκοντο.

στησάμενοι δʼ ἐμάχοντο μάχην ποταμοῖο παρʼ ὄχθας,

βάλλον δʼ ἀλλήλους χαλκήρεσιν ἐγχείῃσιν.

ἐν δʼ Ἔρις ἐν δὲ Κυδοιμὸς ὁμίλεον, ἐν δʼ ὀλοὴ Κήρ,

ἄλλον ζωὸν ἔχουσα νεούτατον, ἄλλον ἄουτον,

ἄλλον τεθνηῶτα κατὰ μόθον ἕλκε ποδοῖιν·

εἷμα δʼ ἔχʼ ἀμφʼ ὤμοισι δαφοινεὸν αἵματι φωτῶν.

ὡμίλευν δʼ ὥς τε ζωοὶ βροτοὶ ἠδʼ ἐμάχοντο,

Of blood upon them that their steels had manfully let out.