Iliad

The morn arose, and from the ocean, in her saffron robe,

Ἠὼς μὲν κροκόπεπλος ἀπʼ Ὠκεανοῖο ῥοάων

Gave light to all, as well to Gods, as men of th' under globe.

ὄρνυθʼ, ἵνʼ ἀθανάτοισι φόως φέροι ἠδὲ βροτοῖσιν·

Thetis stoop'd home, and found the prostrate person of her son

ἣ δʼ ἐς νῆας ἵκανε θεοῦ πάρα δῶρα φέρουσα.

About his friend, still pouring out himself in passión;

εὗρε δὲ Πατρόκλῳ περικείμενον ὃν φίλον υἱὸν

A number more being heavy consorts to him in his cares.

κλαίοντα λιγέως· πολέες δʼ ἀμφʼ αὐτὸν ἑταῖροι

Amongst them all Thetis appear'd and, sacred comforters,

μύρονθʼ· ἣ δʼ ἐν τοῖσι παρίστατο δῖα θεάων,

Made these short words: “Though we must grieve, yet bear it thus, my son,

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

It was no man that prostrated, in this sad fashión,

τέκνον ἐμὸν τοῦτον μὲν ἐάσομεν ἀχνύμενοί περ

Thy dearest friend; it was a God that first laid on his hand,

κεῖσθαι, ἐπεὶ δὴ πρῶτα θεῶν ἰότητι δαμάσθη·

Whose will is law. The Gods' decrees, no human must withstand.

τύνη δʼ Ἡφαίστοιο πάρα κλυτὰ τεύχεα δέξο

Do thou embrace this fabric of a God, whose hand before

καλὰ μάλʼ, οἷʼ οὔ πώ τις ἀνὴρ ὤμοισι φόρησεν.

Ne'er forg'd the like; and such as yet, no human shoulder wore.”

ὡς ἄρα φωνήσασα θεὰ κατὰ τεύχεʼ ἔθηκε

Thus, setting down, the precious metal of the arms was such

πρόσθεν Ἀχιλλῆος· τὰ δʼ ἀνέβραχε δαίδαλα πάντα.

That all the room rung with the weight of every slend'rest touch.

Μυρμιδόνας δʼ ἄρα πάντας ἕλε τρόμος, οὐδέ τις ἔτλη

Cold tremblings took the Myrmidons; none durst sustain, all fear'd

ἄντην εἰσιδέειν, ἀλλʼ ἔτρεσαν. αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς

T' oppose their eyes; Achilles yet, as soon as they appear'd,

ὡς εἶδʼ, ὥς μιν μᾶλλον ἔδυ χόλος, ἐν δέ οἱ ὄσσε

Stern Anger enter'd. From his eyes, as if the day-star rose,

δεινὸν ὑπὸ βλεφάρων ὡς εἰ σέλας ἐξεφάανθεν·

A radiance terrifying men did all the state enclose.

τέρπετο δʼ ἐν χείρεσσιν ἔχων θεοῦ ἀγλαὰ δῶρα.

At length he took into his hands the rich gift of the God,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ φρεσὶν ᾗσι τετάρπετο δαίδαλα λεύσσων

And, much pleas'd to behold the art that in the shield he show'd,

αὐτίκα μητέρα ἣν ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

He brake forth into this applause: “O mother, these right well

μῆτερ ἐμὴ τὰ μὲν ὅπλα θεὸς πόρεν οἷʼ ἐπιεικὲς

Show an immortal finger's touch; man's hand must never deal

ἔργʼ ἔμεν ἀθανάτων, μὴ δὲ βροτὸν ἄνδρα τελέσσαι.

With arms again. Now I will arm; yet, that no honour make

νῦν δʼ ἤτοι μὲν ἐγὼ θωρήξομαι· ἀλλὰ μάλʼ αἰνῶς

My friend forgotten, I much fear, lest with the blows of flies

δείδω μή μοι τόφρα Μενοιτίου ἄλκιμον υἱὸν

His brass-inflicted wounds are fil'd; life gone, his person lies

μυῖαι καδδῦσαι κατὰ χαλκοτύπους ὠτειλὰς

All apt to putrefactión.” She bade him doubt no harm

εὐλὰς ἐγγείνωνται, ἀεικίσσωσι δὲ νεκρόν,

Of those offences, she would care, to keep the petulant swarm

ἐκ δʼ αἰὼν πέφαται, κατὰ δὲ χρόα πάντα σαπήῃ.

Of flies, that usually taint the bodies of the slain,

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα θεὰ Θέτις ἀργυρόπεζα·

From his friend's person. Though a year, the earth's top should sustain

τέκνον μή τοι ταῦτα μετὰ φρεσὶ σῇσι μελόντων.

His slaughter'd body, it should still rest sound, and rather hold

τῷ μὲν ἐγὼ πειρήσω ἀλαλκεῖν ἄγρια φῦλα

A better state than worse, since time that death first made him cold.

μυίας, αἵ ῥά τε φῶτας ἀρηϊφάτους κατέδουσιν·

And so bade call a council, to dispose of new alarms,

ἤν περ γὰρ κεῖταί γε τελεσφόρον εἰς ἐνιαυτόν,

Where, to the king, that was the pastor of that flock in arms,

αἰεὶ τῷ γʼ ἔσται χρὼς ἔμπεδος, ἢ καὶ ἀρείων.

He should depose all anger, and put on a fortitude

ἀλλὰ σύ γʼ εἰς ἀγορὴν καλέσας ἥρωας Ἀχαιοὺς

Fit for his arms. All this his pow'rs with dreadful strength indued.

μῆνιν ἀποειπὼν Ἀγαμέμνονι ποιμένι λαῶν

She, with her fair hand, still'd into the nostrils of his friend

αἶψα μάλʼ ἐς πόλεμον θωρήσσεο, δύσεο δʼ ἀλκήν.

Red nectar and ambrosia; with which she did defend

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσασα μένος πολυθαρσὲς ἐνῆκε,

The corse from putrefactión. He trod along the shore,

Πατρόκλῳ δʼ αὖτʼ ἀμβροσίην καὶ νέκταρ ἐρυθρὸν

And summon'd all th' heroic Greeks, with all that spent before

στάξε κατὰ ῥινῶν, ἵνα οἱ χρὼς ἔμπεδος εἴη.

The time in exercise with him, the masters, pilots too,

αὐτὰρ ὃ βῆ παρὰ θῖνα θαλάσσης δῖος Ἀχιλλεὺς

Vict'lers, and all. All, when they saw Achilles summon so,

σμερδαλέα ἰάχων, ὦρσεν δʼ ἥρωας Ἀχαιούς.

Swarm'd to the council, having long left the laborious wars.

καί ῥʼ οἵ περ τὸ πάρος γε νεῶν ἐν ἀγῶνι μένεσκον

To all these came two halting kings, true servitors of Mars,

οἵ τε κυβερνῆται καὶ ἔχον οἰήϊα νηῶν

Tydides and wise Ithacus, both leaning on their spears,

καὶ ταμίαι παρὰ νηυσὶν ἔσαν σίτοιο δοτῆρες,

Their wounds still painful; and both these sat first of all the peers.

καὶ μὴν οἳ τότε γʼ εἰς ἀγορὴν ἴσαν, οὕνεκʼ Ἀχιλλεὺς

The last come was the king of men, sore wounded with the lance

ἐξεφάνη, δηρὸν δὲ μάχης ἐπέπαυτʼ ἀλεγεινῆς.

Of Coon Antenorides. All set, the first in utterance

τὼ δὲ δύω σκάζοντε βάτην Ἄρεος θεράποντε

Was Thetis' son, who rose and said: “Atrides, had not this

Τυδεΐδης τε μενεπτόλεμος καὶ δῖος Ὀδυσσεὺς

Conferr'd most profit to us both, when both our enmities

ἔγχει ἐρειδομένω· ἔτι γὰρ ἔχον ἕλκεα λυγρά·

Consum'd us so, and for a wench, whom, when I choos'd for prise,

κὰδ δὲ μετὰ πρώτῃ ἀγορῇ ἵζοντο κιόντες.

In laying Lyrnessus' ruin'd walls amongst our victories,

αὐτὰρ ὃ δεύτατος ἦλθεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων

ἕλκος ἔχων· καὶ γὰρ τὸν ἐνὶ κρατερῇ ὑσμίνῃ

οὖτα Κόων Ἀντηνορίδης χαλκήρεϊ δουρί.

I would to heav'n, as first she set her dainty foot aboard,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ πάντες ἀολλίσθησαν Ἀχαιοί,

Diana's hand had tumbled off, and with a jav'lin gor'd!

τοῖσι δʼ ἀνιστάμενος μετέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς·

For then th' unmeasurable earth had not so thick been gnawn,

Ἀτρεΐδη ἦ ἄρ τι τόδʼ ἀμφοτέροισιν ἄρειον

In death's convulsions, by our friends, since my affects were drawn

ἔπλετο σοὶ καὶ ἐμοί, ὅ τε νῶΐ περ ἀχνυμένω κῆρ

To such distemper. To our foe, and to our foe's chief friend,

θυμοβόρῳ ἔριδι μενεήναμεν εἵνεκα κούρης;

Our jar brought profit; but the Greeks will never give an end

τὴν ὄφελʼ ἐν νήεσσι κατακτάμεν Ἄρτεμις ἰῷ

To thought of what it prejudic'd them. Past things yet past our aid;

ἤματι τῷ ὅτʼ ἐγὼν ἑλόμην Λυρνησσὸν ὀλέσσας·

Fit grief for what wrath rul'd in them, must make th' amends repaid

τώ κʼ οὐ τόσσοι Ἀχαιοὶ ὀδὰξ ἕλον ἄσπετον οὖδας

With that necessity of love, that now forbids our ire;

δυσμενέων ὑπὸ χερσὶν ἐμεῦ ἀπομηνίσαντος.

Which I with free affects obey. 'Tis for the senseless fire

Ἕκτορι μὲν καὶ Τρωσὶ τὸ κέρδιον· αὐτὰρ Ἀχαιοὺς

Still to be burning, having stuff; but men must curb rage still,

δηρὸν ἐμῆς καὶ σῆς ἔριδος μνήσεσθαι ὀΐω.

Being fram'd with voluntary pow'rs, as well to check the will

ἀλλὰ τὰ μὲν προτετύχθαι ἐάσομεν ἀχνύμενοί περ

As give it reins. Give you then charge, that for our instant fight

θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσι φίλον δαμάσαντες ἀνάγκῃ·

The Greeks may follow me to field, to try if still the night

νῦν δʼ ἤτοι μὲν ἐγὼ παύω χόλον, οὐδέ τί με χρὴ

Will bear out Trojans at our ships. I hope there is some one,

ἀσκελέως αἰεὶ μενεαινέμεν· ἀλλʼ ἄγε θᾶσσον

Amongst their chief encouragers, will thank me to be gone,

ὄτρυνον πόλεμον δὲ κάρη κομόωντας Ἀχαιούς,

And bring his heart down to his knees in that submissión.”

ὄφρʼ ἔτι καὶ Τρώων πειρήσομαι ἀντίον ἐλθὼν

The Greeks rejoic'd to hear the heart of Peleus' mighty son

αἴ κʼ ἐθέλωσʼ ἐπὶ νηυσὶν ἰαύειν· ἀλλά τινʼ οἴω

So qualified. And then the king (not rising from his throne

ἀσπασίως αὐτῶν γόνυ κάμψειν, ὅς κε φύγῃσι

For his late hurt) to get good ear, thus order'd his reply:

δηΐου ἐκ πολέμοιο ὑπʼ ἔγχεος ἡμετέροιο.

“Princes of Greece, your states shall suffer no indignity,

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἐχάρησαν ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοὶ

If, being far off, ye stand and hear; nor fits it such as stand

μῆνιν ἀπειπόντος μεγαθύμου Πηλεΐωνος.

At greater distance, to disturb the council now in hand

τοῖσι δὲ καὶ μετέειπεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων

By uproar, in their too much care of hearing. Some, of force,

αὐτόθεν ἐξ ἕδρης, οὐδʼ ἐν μέσσοισιν ἀναστάς·

Must lose some words; for hard it is, in such a great concourse

ὦ φίλοι ἥρωες Δαναοὶ θεράποντες Ἄρηος

(Though hearers' ears be ne'er so sharp) to touch at all things spoke;

ἑσταότος μὲν καλὸν ἀκούειν, οὐδὲ ἔοικεν

And in assemblies of such thrust, how can a man provoke

ὑββάλλειν· χαλεπὸν γὰρ ἐπισταμένῳ περ ἐόντι.

Fit pow'r to hear, or leave to speak? Best auditors may there

ἀνδρῶν δʼ ἐν πολλῷ ὁμάδῳ πῶς κέν τις ἀκούσαι

Lose fittest words, and the most vocal orator fit ear.

ἢ εἴποι; βλάβεται δὲ λιγύς περ ἐὼν ἀγορητής.

My main end then, to satisfy Pelides with reply,

Πηλεΐδῃ μὲν ἐγὼν ἐνδείξομαι· αὐτὰρ οἱ ἄλλοι

My words shall prosecute; to him my speech especially

σύνθεσθʼ Ἀργεῖοι, μῦθόν τʼ εὖ γνῶτε ἕκαστος.

Shall bear direction. Yet I wish, the court in general

πολλάκι δή μοι τοῦτον Ἀχαιοὶ μῦθον ἔειπον

Would give fit ear; my speech shall need attentión of all.

καί τέ με νεικείεσκον· ἐγὼ δʼ οὐκ αἴτιός εἰμι,

Oft have our peers of Greece much blam'd my forcing of the prise

ἀλλὰ Ζεὺς καὶ Μοῖρα καὶ ἠεροφοῖτις Ἐρινύς,

Due to Achilles; of which act, not I, but destinies,

οἵ τέ μοι εἰν ἀγορῇ φρεσὶν ἔμβαλον ἄγριον ἄτην,

And Jove himself, and black Erinnys (that casts false mists still

ἤματι τῷ ὅτʼ Ἀχιλλῆος γέρας αὐτὸς ἀπηύρων.

Betwixt us and our actions done, both by her pow'r and will)

ἀλλὰ τί κεν ῥέξαιμι; θεὸς διὰ πάντα τελευτᾷ.

Are authors. What could I do then? The very day and hour

πρέσβα Διὸς θυγάτηρ Ἄτη, ἣ πάντας ἀᾶται,

Of our debate, that Fury stole in that act on my pow'r.

οὐλομένη· τῇ μέν θʼ ἁπαλοὶ πόδες· οὐ γὰρ ἐπʼ οὔδει

And more; all things are done by strife; that ancient seed of Jove,

πίλναται, ἀλλʼ ἄρα ἥ γε κατʼ ἀνδρῶν κράατα βαίνει

Ate, that hurts all, perfects all, her feet are soft, and move

βλάπτουσʼ ἀνθρώπους· κατὰ δʼ οὖν ἕτερόν γε πέδησε.

Not on the earth, they bear her still aloft men's heads, and there

καὶ γὰρ δή νύ ποτε Ζεὺς ἄσατο, τόν περ ἄριστον

The harmful hurts them. Nor was I alone her prisoner,

ἀνδρῶν ἠδὲ θεῶν φασʼ ἔμμεναι· ἀλλʼ ἄρα καὶ τὸν

Jove, best of men and Gods, hath been; not he himself hath gone

Ἥρη θῆλυς ἐοῦσα δολοφροσύνῃς ἀπάτησεν,

Beyond her fetters, no, she made a woman put them on;

ἤματι τῷ ὅτʼ ἔμελλε βίην Ἡρακληείην

For when Alcmena was to vent the force of Hercules

Ἀλκμήνη τέξεσθαι ἐϋστεφάνῳ ἐνὶ Θήβῃ.

In well-wall'd Thebes, thus Jove triumph'd: 'Hear, Gods and Goddesses,

ἤτοι ὅ γʼ εὐχόμενος μετέφη πάντεσσι θεοῖσι·

The words my joys urg'd: In this day, Lucina, bringing pain

κέκλυτέ μευ πάντές τε θεοὶ πᾶσαί τε θέαιναι,

To labouring women, shall produce into the light of men

ὄφρʼ εἴπω τά με θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἀνώγει.

A man that all his neighbour kings shall in his empire hold,

σήμερον ἄνδρα φόως δὲ μογοστόκος Εἰλείθυια

And vaunt that more than manly race whose honour'd veins enfold

ἐκφανεῖ, ὃς πάντεσσι περικτιόνεσσιν ἀνάξει,

τῶν ἀνδρῶν γενεῆς οἵ θʼ αἵματος ἐξ ἐμεῦ εἰσί.

τὸν δὲ δολοφρονέουσα προσηύδα πότνια Ἥρη·

My eminent blood.' Saturnia conceiv'd a present sleight,

ψευστήσεις, οὐδʼ αὖτε τέλος μύθῳ ἐπιθήσεις.

And urg'd confirmance of his vaunt t' infringe it; her conceit

εἰ δʼ ἄγε νῦν μοι ὄμοσσον Ὀλύμπιε καρτερὸν ὅρκον,

In this sort urg'd: 'Thou wilt not hold thy word with this rare man;

ἦ μὲν τὸν πάντεσσι περικτιόνεσσιν ἀνάξειν

Or, if thou wilt, confirm it with the oath Olympian,

ὅς κεν ἐπʼ ἤματι τῷδε πέσῃ μετὰ ποσσὶ γυναικὸς

That whosoever falls this day betwixt a woman's knees,

τῶν ἀνδρῶν οἳ σῆς ἐξ αἵματός εἰσι γενέθλης.

Of those men's stocks that from thy blood derive their pedigrees,

ὣς ἔφατο· Ζεὺς δʼ οὔ τι δολοφροσύνην ἐνόησεν,

Shall all his neighbour towns command.' Jove, ignorant of fraud,

ἀλλʼ ὄμοσεν μέγαν ὅρκον, ἔπειτα δὲ πολλὸν ἀάσθη.

Took that great oath, which his great ill gave little cause t' applaud.

Ἥρη δʼ ἀΐξασα λίπεν ῥίον Οὐλύμποιο,

Down from Olympus' top she stoop'd, and quickly reach'd the place

καρπαλίμως δʼ ἵκετʼ Ἄργος Ἀχαιικόν, ἔνθʼ ἄρα ᾔδη

In Argos where the famous wife of Sthenelus, whose race

ἰφθίμην ἄλοχον Σθενέλου Περσηϊάδαο.

He fetch'd from Jove by Perseus, dwelt. She was but sev'n months gone

ἣ δʼ ἐκύει φίλον υἱόν, ὃ δʼ ἕβδομος ἑστήκει μείς·

With issue, yet she brought it forth; Alcmena's matchless son

ἐκ δʼ ἄγαγε πρὸ φόως δὲ καὶ ἠλιτόμηνον ἐόντα,

Delay'd from light, Saturnia repress'd the teeming throes

Ἀλκμήνης δʼ ἀπέπαυσε τόκον, σχέθε δʼ Εἰλειθυίας.

Of his great mother. Up to heav'n she mounts again, and shows,

αὐτὴ δʼ ἀγγελέουσα Δία Κρονίωνα προσηύδα·

In glory, her deceit to Jove. 'Bright-light'ning Jove,' said she,

Ζεῦ πάτερ ἀργικέραυνε ἔπος τί τοι ἐν φρεσὶ θήσω·

'Now th' Argives have an emperor; a son deriv'd from thee

ἤδη ἀνὴρ γέγονʼ ἐσθλὸς ὃς Ἀργείοισιν ἀνάξει

Is born to Persean Sthenelus, Eurystheus his name,

Εὐρυσθεὺς Σθενέλοιο πάϊς Περσηϊάδαο

Noble and worthy of the rule thou swor'st to him.' This came

σὸν γένος· οὔ οἱ ἀεικὲς ἀνασσέμεν Ἀργείοισιν.

Close to the heart of Jupiter; and Ate, that had wrought

ὣς φάτο, τὸν δʼ ἄχος ὀξὺ κατὰ φρένα τύψε βαθεῖαν·

This anger by Saturnia, by her bright hair he caught,

αὐτίκα δʼ εἷλʼ Ἄτην κεφαλῆς λιπαροπλοκάμοιο

Held down her head, and over her made this infallible vow:

χωόμενος φρεσὶν ᾗσι, καὶ ὤμοσε καρτερὸν ὅρκον

'That never to the cope of stars should reascend that brow,

μή ποτʼ ἐς Οὔλυμπόν τε καὶ οὐρανὸν ἀστερόεντα

Being so infortunate to all.' Thus, swinging her about,

αὖτις ἐλεύσεσθαι Ἄτην, ἣ πάντας ἀᾶται.

He cast her from the fi'ry heav'n; who ever since thrust out

ὣς εἰπὼν ἔρριψεν ἀπʼ οὐρανοῦ ἀστερόεντος

Her fork'd sting in th' affairs of men. Jove ever since did grieve,

χειρὶ περιστρέψας· τάχα δʼ ἵκετο ἔργʼ ἀνθρώπων.

Since his dear issue Hercules did by his vow achieve

τὴν αἰεὶ στενάχεσχʼ ὅθʼ ἑὸν φίλον υἱὸν ὁρῷτο

The unjust toils of Eurystheus. Thus fares it now with me,

ἔργον ἀεικὲς ἔχοντα ὑπʼ Εὐρυσθῆος ἀέθλων.

Since under Hector's violence the Grecian progeny

ὣς καὶ ἐγών, ὅτε δʼ αὖτε μέγας κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ

Fell so unfitly by my spleen; whose falls will ever stick

Ἀργείους ὀλέκεσκεν ἐπὶ πρυμνῇσι νέεσσιν,

In my griev'd thoughts: my weakness yet (Saturnius making sick

οὐ δυνάμην λελαθέσθʼ Ἄτης ᾗ πρῶτον ἀάσθην.

The state my mind held) now recur'd, th' amends shall make ev'n weight

ἀλλʼ ἐπεὶ ἀασάμην καί μευ φρένας ἐξέλετο Ζεύς,

With my offence. And therefore rouse thy spirits to the fight

ἂψ ἐθέλω ἀρέσαι, δόμεναί τʼ ἀπερείσιʼ ἄποινα·

With all thy forces; all the gifts, propos'd thee at thy tent

ἀλλʼ ὄρσευ πόλεμον δὲ καὶ ἄλλους ὄρνυθι λαούς.

Last day by royal Ithacus, my officers shall present.

δῶρα δʼ ἐγὼν ὅδε πάντα παρασχέμεν ὅσσά τοι ἐλθὼν

And, if it like thee, strike no stroke, though never so on thorns

χθιζὸς ἐνὶ κλισίῃσιν ὑπέσχετο δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς.

Thy mind stands to thy friend's revenge, till my command adorns

εἰ δʼ ἐθέλεις, ἐπίμεινον ἐπειγόμενός περ Ἄρηος,

Thy tents and coffers with such gifts, as well may let thee know

δῶρα δέ τοι θεράποντες ἐμῆς παρὰ νηὸς ἑλόντες

How much I wish thee satisfied.” He answer'd: “Let thy vow,

οἴσουσʼ, ὄφρα ἴδηαι ὅ τοι μενοεικέα δώσω.

Renown'd Atrides, at thy will be kept, as justice would,

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς·

Or keep thy gifts; 'tis all in thee. The council now we hold

Ἀτρεΐδη κύδιστε ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγάμεμνον

Is for repairing our main field with all our fortitude.

δῶρα μὲν αἴ κʼ ἐθέλῃσθα παρασχέμεν, ὡς ἐπιεικές,

My fair show made brooks no retreat, nor must delays delude

ἤ τʼ ἐχέμεν παρὰ σοί· νῦν δὲ μνησώμεθα χάρμης

Our deed's expectance. Yet undone the great work is. All eyes

αἶψα μάλʼ· οὐ γὰρ χρὴ κλοτοπεύειν ἐνθάδʼ ἐόντας

Must see Achilles in first fight depeopling enemies,

οὐδὲ διατρίβειν· ἔτι γὰρ μέγα ἔργον ἄρεκτον·

As well as counsel it in court; that ev'ry man set on

ὥς κέ τις αὖτʼ Ἀχιλῆα μετὰ πρώτοισιν ἴδηται

May choose his man to imitate my exercise upon.”

ἔγχεϊ χαλκείῳ Τρώων ὀλέκοντα φάλαγγας.

Ulysses answer'd: “Do not yet, thou man made like the Gods,

ὧδέ τις ὑμείων μεμνημένος ἀνδρὶ μαχέσθω.

Take fasting men to field. Suppose, that whatsoever odds

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

It brings against them with full men, thy boundless eminence

μὴ δʼ οὕτως, ἀγαθός περ ἐών, θεοείκελʼ Ἀχιλλεῦ

Can amply answer, yet refrain to tempt a violence.

νήστιας ὄτρυνε προτὶ Ἴλιον υἷας Ἀχαιῶν

The conflict wearing out our men was late, and held as long,

Τρωσὶ μαχησομένους, ἐπεὶ οὐκ ὀλίγον χρόνον ἔσται

φύλοπις, εὖτʼ ἂν πρῶτον ὁμιλήσωσι φάλαγγες

ἀνδρῶν, ἐν δὲ θεὸς πνεύσῃ μένος ἀμφοτέροισιν.

Wherein, though most Jove stood for Troy, he yet made our part strong

ἀλλὰ πάσασθαι ἄνωχθι θοῇς ἐπὶ νηυσὶν Ἀχαιοὺς

To bear that most. But 'twas to bear, and that breeds little heart.

σίτου καὶ οἴνοιο· τὸ γὰρ μένος ἐστὶ καὶ ἀλκή.

Let wine and bread then add to it; they help the twofold part,

οὐ γὰρ ἀνὴρ πρόπαν ἦμαρ ἐς ἠέλιον καταδύντα

The soul and body, in a man, both force and fortitude.

ἄκμηνος σίτοιο δυνήσεται ἄντα μάχεσθαι·

All day men cannot fight and fast, though never so indued

εἴ περ γὰρ θυμῷ γε μενοινάᾳ πολεμίζειν,

With minds to fight, for, that suppos'd, there lurks yet secretly

ἀλλά τε λάθρῃ γυῖα βαρύνεται, ἠδὲ κιχάνει

Thirst, hunger, in th' oppresséd joints, which no mind can supply.

δίψά τε καὶ λιμός, βλάβεται δέ τε γούνατʼ ἰόντι.

They take away a marcher's knees. Men's bodies throughly fed,

ὃς δέ κʼ ἀνὴρ οἴνοιο κορεσσάμενος καὶ ἐδωδῆς

Their minds share with them in their strength; and, all day combated,

ἀνδράσι δυσμενέεσσι πανημέριος πολεμίζῃ,

One stirs not, till you call off all. Dismiss them then to meat,

θαρσαλέον νύ οἱ ἦτορ ἐνὶ φρεσίν, οὐδέ τι γυῖα

And let Atrides tender here, in sight of all this seat,

πρὶν κάμνει πρὶν πάντας ἐρωῆσαι πολέμοιο.

The gifts he promis'd. Let him swear before us all, and rise

ἀλλʼ ἄγε λαὸν μὲν σκέδασον καὶ δεῖπνον ἄνωχθι

To that oath, that he never touch'd in any wanton wise

ὅπλεσθαι· τὰ δὲ δῶρα ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων

The lady he enforc'd. Besides, that he remains in mind

οἰσέτω ἐς μέσσην ἀγορήν, ἵνα πάντες Ἀχαιοὶ

As chastely satisfied; not touch'd, or privily inclin'd

ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ἴδωσι, σὺ δὲ φρεσὶ σῇσιν ἰανθῇς.

With future vantages. And last, 'tis fit he should approve

ὀμνυέτω δέ τοι ὅρκον ἐν Ἀργείοισιν ἀναστὰς

All these rites at a solemn feast in honour of your love,

μή ποτε τῆς εὐνῆς ἐπιβήμεναι ἠδὲ μιγῆναι·

That so you take no mangled law for merits absolute.

ἣ θέμις ἐστὶν ἄναξ ἤ τʼ ἀνδρῶν ἤ τε γυναικῶν·

And thus the honours you receive, resolving the pursuit

καὶ δὲ σοὶ αὐτῷ θυμὸς ἐνὶ φρεσὶν ἵλαος ἔστω.

Of your friend's quarrel, well will quit your sorrow for your friend.

αὐτὰρ ἔπειτά σε δαιτὶ ἐνὶ κλισίῃς ἀρεσάσθω

And thou, Atrides, in the taste of so severe an end,

πιείρῃ, ἵνα μή τι δίκης ἐπιδευὲς ἔχῃσθα.

Hereafter may on others hold a juster government;

Ἀτρεΐδη σὺ δʼ ἔπειτα δικαιότερος καὶ ἐπʼ ἄλλῳ

Nor will it aught impair a king, to give a sound content

ἔσσεαι. οὐ μὲν γάρ τι νεμεσσητὸν βασιλῆα

To any subject soundly wrong'd.” “I joy,” replied the king,

ἄνδρʼ ἀπαρέσσασθαι ὅτε τις πρότερος χαλεπήνῃ.

“O Laertiades, to hear thy lib'ral counselling;

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων·

In which is all decorum kept, nor any point lacks touch

χαίρω σεῦ Λαερτιάδη τὸν μῦθον ἀκούσας·

That might be thought on to conclude a reconcilement such

ἐν μοίρῃ γὰρ πάντα διίκεο καὶ κατέλεξας.

As fits example, and us two. My mind yet makes me swear,

ταῦτα δʼ ἐγὼν ἐθέλω ὀμόσαι, κέλεται δέ με θυμός,

Not your impulsion; and that mind shall rest so kind and clear,

οὐδʼ ἐπιορκήσω πρὸς δαίμονος. αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς

That I will not forswear to God. Let then Achilles stay,

μιμνέτω αὐτόθι τεῖος ἐπειγόμενός περ Ἄρηος·

Though never so inflam'd for fight, and all men here I pray

μίμνετε δʼ ἄλλοι πάντες ἀολλέες, ὄφρά κε δῶρα

To stay, till from my tents these gifts be brought here, and the truce

ἐκ κλισίης ἔλθῃσι καὶ ὅρκια πιστὰ τάμωμεν.

At all parts finish'd before all. And thou of all I choose,

σοὶ δʼ αὐτῷ τόδʼ ἐγὼν ἐπιτέλλομαι ἠδὲ κελεύω·

Divine Ulysses, and command to choose of all your host

κρινάμενος κούρητας ἀριστῆας Παναχαιῶν

Youths of most honour, to present, to him we honour most,

δῶρα ἐμῆς παρὰ νηὸς ἐνεικέμεν, ὅσσʼ Ἀχιλῆϊ

The gifts we late vow'd, and the dames. Mean space about our tents

χθιζὸν ὑπέστημεν δώσειν, ἀγέμεν τε γυναῖκας.

Talthybius shall provide a boar, to crown these kind events

Ταλθύβιος δέ μοι ὦκα κατὰ στρατὸν εὐρὺν Ἀχαιῶν

With thankful sacrifice to Jove, and to the God of Light.”

κάπρον ἑτοιμασάτω ταμέειν Διί τʼ Ἠελίῳ τε.

Achilles answer'd: “These affairs will show more requisite,

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς·

Great king of men, some other time, when our more free estates

Ἀτρεΐδη κύδιστε ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγάμεμνον

Yield fit cessation from the war, and when my spleen abates;

ἄλλοτέ περ καὶ μᾶλλον ὀφέλλετε ταῦτα πένεσθαι,

But now, to all our shames besides, our friends by Hector slain

ὁππότε τις μεταπαυσωλὴ πολέμοιο γένηται

(And Jove to friend) lie unfetch'd off. Haste, then, and meat your men;

καὶ μένος οὐ τόσον ᾖσιν ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἐμοῖσι.

Though, I must still say, my command would lead them fasting forth,

νῦν δʼ οἳ μὲν κέαται δεδαϊγμένοι, οὓς ἐδάμασσεν

And all together feast at night. Meat will be something worth,

Ἕκτωρ Πριαμίδης, ὅτε οἱ Ζεὺς κῦδος ἔδωκεν,

When stomachs first have made it way with venting infamy,

ὑμεῖς δʼ ἐς βρωτὺν ὀτρύνετον· ἦ τʼ ἂν ἔγωγε

And other sorrows late sustain'd, with long'd-for wreaks, that lie

νῦν μὲν ἀνώγοιμι πτολεμίζειν υἷας Ἀχαιῶν

Heavy upon them, for right's sake. Before which load be got

νήστιας ἀκμήνους, ἅμα δʼ ἠελίῳ καταδύντι

From off my stomach, meat nor drink, I vow, shall down my throat,

τεύξεσθαι μέγα δόρπον, ἐπὴν τεισαίμεθα λώβην.

My friend being dead, who digg'd with wounds, and bor'd through both his feet,

πρὶν δʼ οὔ πως ἂν ἔμοιγε φίλον κατὰ λαιμὸν ἰείη

Lies in the entry of my tent, and in the tears doth fleet

οὐ πόσις οὐδὲ βρῶσις ἑταίρου τεθνηῶτος

ὅς μοι ἐνὶ κλισίῃ δεδαϊγμένος ὀξέϊ χαλκῷ

κεῖται ἀνὰ πρόθυρον τετραμμένος, ἀμφὶ δʼ ἑταῖροι

Of his associates. Meat and drink have little merit then

μύρονται· τό μοι οὔ τι μετὰ φρεσὶ ταῦτα μέμηλεν,

To comfort me; but blood, and death, and deadly groans of men.”

ἀλλὰ φόνος τε καὶ αἷμα καὶ ἀργαλέος στόνος ἀνδρῶν.

The great in counsels yet made good his former counsels thus:

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

“O Peleus' son, of all the Greeks by much most valorous,

ὦ Ἀχιλεῦ Πηλῆος υἱὲ μέγα φέρτατʼ Ἀχαιῶν,

Better and mightier than myself no little with thy lance

κρείσσων εἰς ἐμέθεν καὶ φέρτερος οὐκ ὀλίγον περ

I yield thy worth; in wisdom, yet, no less I dare advance

ἔγχει, ἐγὼ δέ κε σεῖο νοήματί γε προβαλοίμην

My right above thee, since above in years, and knowing more.

πολλόν, ἐπεὶ πρότερος γενόμην καὶ πλείονα οἶδα.

Let then thy mind rest in thy words. We quickly shall have store

τώ τοι ἐπιτλήτω κραδίη μύθοισιν ἐμοῖσιν.

And all satiety of fight, whose steel heaps store of straw

αἶψά τε φυλόπιδος πέλεται κόρος ἀνθρώποισιν,

And little corn upon a floor, when Jove, that doth withdraw

ἧς τε πλείστην μὲν καλάμην χθονὶ χαλκὸς ἔχευεν,

And join all battles, once begins t' incline his balances,

ἄμητος δʼ ὀλίγιστος, ἐπὴν κλίνῃσι τάλαντα

In which he weighs the lives of men. The Greeks you must not press

Ζεύς, ὅς τʼ ἀνθρώπων ταμίης πολέμοιο τέτυκται.

To mourning with the belly; death hath nought to do with that

γαστέρι δʼ οὔ πως ἔστι νέκυν πενθῆσαι Ἀχαιούς·

In healthful men that mourn for friends. His steel we stumble at,

λίην γὰρ πολλοὶ καὶ ἐπήτριμοι ἤματα πάντα

And fall at, ev'ry day, you see, sufficient store, and fast.

πίπτουσιν· πότε κέν τις ἀναπνεύσειε πόνοιο;

What hour is it that any breathes? We must not use; more haste,

ἀλλὰ χρὴ τὸν μὲν καταθάπτειν ὅς κε θάνῃσι

Than speed holds fit for our revenge. Nor should we mourn too much.

νηλέα θυμὸν ἔχοντας ἐπʼ ἤματι δακρύσαντας·

Who dead is, must be buriéd. Men's patience should be such,

ὅσσοι δʼ ἂν πολέμοιο περὶ στυγεροῖο λίπωνται

That one day's moan should serve one man. The dead must end with death,

μεμνῆσθαι πόσιος καὶ ἐδητύος, ὄφρʼ ἔτι μᾶλλον

And life last with what strengthens life. All those that held their breath

ἀνδράσι δυσμενέεσσι μαχώμεθα νωλεμὲς αἰεὶ

From death in fight the more should eat, that so they may supply

ἑσσάμενοι χροῒ χαλκὸν ἀτειρέα. μηδέ τις ἄλλην

Their fellows that have stuck in field, and fight incessantly.

λαῶν ὀτρυντὺν ποτιδέγμενος ἰσχαναάσθω·

Let none expect reply to this, nor stay; for this shall stand

ἥδε γὰρ ὀτρυντὺς κακὸν ἔσσεται ὅς κε λίπηται

Or fall with some offence to him that looks for new command,

νηυσὶν ἐπʼ Ἀργείων· ἀλλʼ ἀθρόοι ὁρμηθέντες

Whoever in dislike holds back. All join then, all things fit

Τρωσὶν ἐφʼ ἱπποδάμοισιν ἐγείρομεν ὀξὺν Ἄρηα.

Allow'd for all; set on a charge, at all parts answering it.”

ἦ, καὶ Νέστορος υἷας ὀπάσσατο κυδαλίμοιο

This said, he chose, for noblest youths to bear the presents, these:

Φυλεΐδην τε Μέγητα Θόαντά τε Μηριόνην τε

The sons of Nestor, and with them renown'd Meriones,

καὶ Κρειοντιάδην Λυκομήδεα καὶ Μελάνιππον·

Phylides, Thoas, Lycomed, and Meges, all which went,

βὰν δʼ ἴμεν ἐς κλισίην Ἀγαμέμνονος Ἀτρεΐδαο.

And Menalippus, following Ulysses to the tent

αὐτίκʼ ἔπειθʼ ἅμα μῦθος ἔην, τετέλεστο δὲ ἔργον·

Of Agamemnon. He but spake, and with the word the deed

ἑπτὰ μὲν ἐκ κλισίης τρίποδας φέρον, οὕς οἱ ὑπέστη,

Had join'd effect. The fitness well was answer'd in the speed.

αἴθωνας δὲ λέβητας ἐείκοσι, δώδεκα δʼ ἵππους·

The presents, added to the dame the Gen'ral did enforce,

ἐκ δʼ ἄγον αἶψα γυναῖκας ἀμύμονα ἔργα ἰδυίας

Were twenty caldrons, tripods sev'n, twelve young and goodly horse;

ἕπτʼ, ἀτὰρ ὀγδοάτην Βρισηΐδα καλλιπάρῃον.

Sev'n ladies excellently seen in all Minerva's skill,

χρυσοῦ δὲ στήσας Ὀδυσεὺς δέκα πάντα τάλαντα

The eighth Briseis who had pow'r to ravish ev'ry will;

ἦρχʼ, ἅμα δʼ ἄλλοι δῶρα φέρον κούρητες Ἀχαιῶν.

Twelve talents of the finest gold, all which Ulysses weigh'd

καὶ τὰ μὲν ἐν μέσσῃ ἀγορῇ θέσαν, ἂν δʼ Ἀγαμέμνων

And carried first; and after him, the other youths convey'd

ἵστατο· Ταλθύβιος δὲ θεῷ ἐναλίγκιος αὐδὴν

The other presents, tender'd all in face of all the court.

κάπρον ἔχων ἐν χερσὶ παρίστατο ποιμένι λαῶν.

Up rose the king. Talthybius, whose voice had a report

Ἀτρεΐδης δὲ ἐρυσσάμενος χείρεσσι μάχαιραν,

Like to a God, call'd to the rites. There having brought the boar,

ἥ οἱ πὰρ ξίφεος μέγα κουλεὸν αἰὲν ἄωρτο,

Atrides with his knife took say upon the part before,

κάπρου ἀπὸ τρίχας ἀρξάμενος Διὶ χεῖρας ἀνασχὼν

And lifting up his sacred hands, to Jove to make his vows,

εὔχετο· τοὶ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἐπʼ αὐτόφιν εἵατο σιγῇ

Grave silence strook the cómplete court; when, casting his high brows

Ἀργεῖοι κατὰ μοῖραν ἀκούοντες βασιλῆος.

Up to the broad heav'n, thus he spake: “Now witness, Jupiter,

εὐξάμενος δʼ ἄρα εἶπεν ἰδὼν εἰς οὐρανὸν εὐρύν·

First, highest, and thou best of Gods; thou Earth that all dost bear;

ἴστω νῦν Ζεὺς πρῶτα θεῶν ὕπατος καὶ ἄριστος

Thou Sun; ye Furies under earth that ev'ry soul torment

Γῆ τε καὶ Ἠέλιος καὶ Ἐρινύες, αἵ θʼ ὑπὸ γαῖαν

Whom impious perjury distains; that nought incontinent

ἀνθρώπους τίνυνται, ὅτις κʼ ἐπίορκον ὀμόσσῃ,

In bed, or any other act to any slend'rest touch

μὴ μὲν ἐγὼ κούρῃ Βρισηΐδι χεῖρʼ ἐπένεικα,

Of my light vows, hath wrong'd the dame; and, let my plagues be such

οὔτʼ εὐνῆς πρόφασιν κεχρημένος οὔτέ τευ ἄλλου.

As are inflicted by the Gods, in all extremity

ἀλλʼ ἔμενʼ ἀπροτίμαστος ἐνὶ κλισίῃσιν ἐμῇσιν.

εἰ δέ τι τῶνδʼ ἐπίορκον ἐμοὶ θεοὶ ἄλγεα δοῖεν

πολλὰ μάλʼ, ὅσσα διδοῦσιν ὅτίς σφʼ ἀλίτηται ὀμόσσας.

Of whomsoever perjur'd men, if godless perjury

ἦ, καὶ ἀπὸ στόμαχον κάπρου τάμε νηλέϊ χαλκῷ.

In least degree dishonour me.” This said, the bristled throat

τὸν μὲν Ταλθύβιος πολιῆς ἁλὸς ἐς μέγα λαῖτμα

Of the submitted sacrifice, with ruthless steel he cut;

ῥῖψʼ ἐπιδινήσας βόσιν ἰχθύσιν· αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς

Which straight into the hoary sea Talthybius cast, to feed

ἀνστὰς Ἀργείοισι φιλοπτολέμοισι μετηύδα·

The sea-born nation. Then stood up the half-celestial seed

Ζεῦ πάτερ ἦ μεγάλας ἄτας ἄνδρεσσι διδοῖσθα·

Of fair-hair'd Thetis, strength'ning thus Atrides' innocence:

οὐκ ἂν δή ποτε θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἐμοῖσιν

“O father Jupiter, from thee descends the confluence

Ἀτρεΐδης ὤρινε διαμπερές, οὐδέ κε κούρην

Of all man's ill; for now I see the mighty king of men

ἦγεν ἐμεῦ ἀέκοντος ἀμήχανος· ἀλλά ποθι Ζεὺς

At no hand forc'd away my prise, nor first inflam'd my spleen

ἤθελʼ Ἀχαιοῖσιν θάνατον πολέεσσι γενέσθαι.

With any set ill in himself, but thou, the King of Gods,

νῦν δʼ ἔρχεσθʼ ἐπὶ δεῖπνον, ἵνα ξυνάγωμεν Ἄρηα.

Incens'd with Greece, made that the mean to all their periods.

ὣς ἄρʼ ἐφώνησεν, λῦσεν δʼ ἀγορὴν αἰψηρήν.

Which now amend we as we may, and give all suffrages

οἳ μὲν ἄρʼ ἐσκίδναντο ἑὴν ἐπὶ νῆα ἕκαστος,

To what wise Ithacus advis'd; take breakfasts, and address

δῶρα δὲ Μυρμιδόνες μεγαλήτορες ἀμφεπένοντο,

For instant conflict.” Thus he rais'd the court, and all took way

βὰν δʼ ἐπὶ νῆα φέροντες Ἀχιλλῆος θείοιο.

To sev'ral ships. The Myrmidons the presents did convey

καὶ τὰ μὲν ἐν κλισίῃσι θέσαν, κάθισαν δὲ γυναῖκας,

T' Achilles' fleet, and in his tents dispos'd them; doing grace

ἵππους δʼ εἰς ἀγέλην ἔλασαν θεράποντες ἀγαυοί.

Of seat and all rights to the dames; the horses put in place

Βρισηῒς δʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτʼ ἰκέλη χρυσέῃ Ἀφροδίτῃ

With others of Æacides. When, like love's golden Queen,

ὡς ἴδε Πάτροκλον δεδαϊγμένον ὀξέϊ χαλκῷ,

Briseis all in ghastly wounds had dead Patroclus seen,

ἀμφʼ αὐτῷ χυμένη λίγʼ ἐκώκυε, χερσὶ δʼ ἄμυσσε

She fell about him, shrieking out, and with her white hands tore

στήθεά τʼ ἠδʼ ἁπαλὴν δειρὴν ἰδὲ καλὰ πρόσωπα.

Her hair, breasts, radiant cheeks, and, drown'd in warm tears, did deplore

εἶπε δʼ ἄρα κλαίουσα γυνὴ ἐϊκυῖα θεῇσι·

His cruel destiny. At length she gat pow'r to express

Πάτροκλέ μοι δειλῇ πλεῖστον κεχαρισμένε θυμῷ

Her violent passion, and thus spake this like-the-goddesses:

ζωὸν μέν σε ἔλειπον ἐγὼ κλισίηθεν ἰοῦσα,

“O good Patroclus, to my life the dearest grace it had,

νῦν δέ σε τεθνηῶτα κιχάνομαι ὄρχαμε λαῶν

I, wretched dame, departing hence, enforc'd, and dying sad,

ἂψ ἀνιοῦσʼ· ὥς μοι δέχεται κακὸν ἐκ κακοῦ αἰεί.

Left thee alive, when thou hadst cheer'd my poor captivity,

ἄνδρα μὲν ᾧ ἔδοσάν με πατὴρ καὶ πότνια μήτηρ

And now return'd I find thee dead; misery on misery

εἶδον πρὸ πτόλιος δεδαϊγμένον ὀξέϊ χαλκῷ,

Ever increasing with my steps. The lord to whom my sire

τρεῖς τε κασιγνήτους, τούς μοι μία γείνατο μήτηρ,

And dearest mother gave my life in nuptials, his life's fire

κηδείους, οἳ πάντες ὀλέθριον ἦμαρ ἐπέσπον.

I saw before our city gates extinguish'd: and his fate

οὐδὲ μὲν οὐδέ μʼ ἔασκες, ὅτʼ ἄνδρʼ ἐμὸν ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεὺς

Three of my worthy brothers' lives, in one womb generate,

ἔκτεινεν, πέρσεν δὲ πόλιν θείοιο Μύνητος,

Felt all in that black day of death. And when Achilles' hand

κλαίειν, ἀλλά μʼ ἔφασκες Ἀχιλλῆος θείοιο

Had slain all these, and ras'd the town Mynetes did command,

κουριδίην ἄλοχον θήσειν, ἄξειν τʼ ἐνὶ νηυσὶν

(All cause of never-ending griefs presented) thou took'st all

ἐς Φθίην, δαίσειν δὲ γάμον μετὰ Μυρμιδόνεσσι.

On thy endeavour to convert to joy as general,

τώ σʼ ἄμοτον κλαίω τεθνηότα μείλιχον αἰεί.

Affirming, he that hurt should heal, and thou wouldst make thy friend,

ὣς ἔφατο κλαίουσʼ, ἐπὶ δὲ στενάχοντο γυναῖκες

Brave captain that thou wert, supply my vowéd husband's end,

Πάτροκλον πρόφασιν, σφῶν δʼ αὐτῶν κήδεʼ ἑκάστη.

And in rich Phthia celebrate, amongst his Myrmidons,

αὐτὸν δʼ ἀμφὶ γέροντες Ἀχαιῶν ἠγερέθοντο

Our nuptial banquets; for which grace, with these most worthy moans

λισσόμενοι δειπνῆσαι· ὃ δʼ ἠρνεῖτο στεναχίζων·

I never shall be satiate, thou ever being kind,

λίσσομαι, εἴ τις ἔμοιγε φίλων ἐπιπείθεθʼ ἑταίρων,

Ever delightsome, one sweet grace fed still with one sweet mind.”

μή με πρὶν σίτοιο κελεύετε μηδὲ ποτῆτος

Thus spake she weeping; and with her, did th' other ladies moan

ἄσασθαι φίλον ἦτορ, ἐπεί μʼ ἄχος αἰνὸν ἱκάνει·

Patroclus' fortunes in pretext, but in sad truth their own.

δύντα δʼ ἐς ἠέλιον μενέω καὶ τλήσομαι ἔμπης.

About Æacides himself the kings of Greece were plac'd,

ὣς εἰπὼν ἄλλους μὲν ἀπεσκέδασεν βασιλῆας,

Entreating him to food; and he entreated them as fast,

δοιὼ δʼ Ἀτρεΐδα μενέτην καὶ δῖος Ὀδυσσεὺς

Still intermixing words and sighs, if any friend were there

Νέστωρ Ἰδομενεύς τε γέρων θʼ ἱππηλάτα Φοῖνιξ

Of all his dearest, they would cease, and offer him no cheer

τέρποντες πυκινῶς ἀκαχήμενον· οὐδέ τι θυμῷ

But his due sorrows; for before the sun had left that sky

τέρπετο, πρὶν πολέμου στόμα δύμεναι αἱματόεντος.

He would not eat, but of that day sustain th' extremity.

μνησάμενος δʼ ἁδινῶς ἀνενείκατο φώνησέν τε·

Thus all the kings, in res'lute grief and fasting, he dismiss'd;

ἦ ῥά νύ μοί ποτε καὶ σὺ δυσάμμορε φίλταθʼ ἑταίρων

But both th' Atrides, Ithacus, and war's old Martialist,

αὐτὸς ἐνὶ κλισίῃ λαρὸν παρὰ δεῖπνον ἔθηκας

αἶψα καὶ ὀτραλέως, ὁπότε σπερχοίατʼ Ἀχαιοὶ

Τρωσὶν ἐφʼ ἱπποδάμοισι φέρειν πολύδακρυν Ἄρηα.

Idomenëus and his friend, and Phœnix, these remain'd

νῦν δὲ σὺ μὲν κεῖσαι δεδαϊγμένος, αὐτὰρ ἐμὸν κῆρ

Endeavouring comfort, but no thought of his vow'd woe restrain'd.

ἄκμηνον πόσιος καὶ ἐδητύος, ἔνδον ἐόντων,

Nor could, till that day's bloody fight had calm'd his blood; he still

σῇ ποθῇ· οὐ μὲν γάρ τι κακώτερον ἄλλο πάθοιμι,

Remember'd something of his friend, whose good was all his ill.

οὐδʼ εἴ κεν τοῦ πατρὸς ἀποφθιμένοιο πυθοίμην,

Their urging meat the diligent fashion of his friend renew'd

ὅς που νῦν Φθίηφι τέρεν κατὰ δάκρυον εἴβει

In that excitement: “Thou,” said he, “when this speed was pursued

χήτεϊ τοιοῦδʼ υἷος· ὃ δʼ ἀλλοδαπῷ ἐνὶ δήμῳ

Against the Trojans, evermore apposedst in my tent

εἵνεκα ῥιγεδανῆς Ἑλένης Τρωσὶν πολεμίζω·

A pleasing breakfast; being so free, and sweetly diligent,

ἠὲ τὸν ὃς Σκύρῳ μοι ἔνι τρέφεται φίλος υἱός,

Thou mad'st all meat sweet. Then the war was tearful to our foe

εἴ που ἔτι ζώει γε Νεοπτόλεμος θεοειδής.

But now to me; thy wounds so wound me, and thy overthrow;

πρὶν μὲν γάρ μοι θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἐώλπει

For which my ready food I fly, and on thy longings feed.

οἶον ἐμὲ φθίσεσθαι ἀπʼ Ἄργεος ἱπποβότοιο

Nothing could more afflict me; Fame relating the foul deed

αὐτοῦ ἐνὶ Τροίῃ, σὲ δέ τε Φθίην δὲ νέεσθαι,

Of my dear father's slaughter, blood drawn from my sole son's heart,

ὡς ἄν μοι τὸν παῖδα θοῇ ἐνὶ νηῒ μελαίνῃ

No more could wound me. Curséd man, that in this foreign part

Σκυρόθεν ἐξαγάγοις καί οἱ δείξειας ἕκαστα

(For hateful Helen) my true love, my country, sire, and son,

κτῆσιν ἐμὴν δμῶάς τε καὶ ὑψερεφὲς μέγα δῶμα.

I thus should part with. Scyros now gives educatión,

ἤδη γὰρ Πηλῆά γʼ ὀΐομαι ἢ κατὰ πάμπαν

O Neoptolemus, to thee, if living yet; from whence

τεθνάμεν, ἤ που τυτθὸν ἔτι ζώοντʼ ἀκάχησθαι

I hop'd, dear friend, thy longer life safely return'd from hence,

γήραΐ τε στυγερῷ καὶ ἐμὴν ποτιδέγμενον αἰεὶ

And my life quitting thine, had pow'r to ship him home, and show

λυγρὴν ἀγγελίην, ὅτʼ ἀποφθιμένοιο πύθηται.

His young eyes Phthia, subjects, court; my father being now

ὣς ἔφατο κλαίων, ἐπὶ δὲ στενάχοντο γέροντες,

Dead, or most short-liv'd, troublous age oppressing him, and fear

μνησάμενοι τὰ ἕκαστος ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ἔλειπον·

Still of my death's news.” These sad words, he blew into the ear

μυρομένους δʼ ἄρα τούς γε ἰδὼν ἐλέησε Κρονίων,

Of ev'ry visitant with sighs, all echo'd by the peers,

αἶψα δʼ Ἀθηναίην ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Rememb'ring who they left at home. All whose so humane tears

τέκνον ἐμόν, δὴ πάμπαν ἀποίχεαι ἀνδρὸς ἑῆος.

Jove pitied; and, since they all would in the good of one

ἦ νύ τοι οὐκέτι πάγχυ μετὰ φρεσὶ μέμβλετʼ Ἀχιλλεύς;

Be much reviv'd, he thus bespake Minerva: “Thetis' son,

κεῖνος ὅ γε προπάροιθε νεῶν ὀρθοκραιράων

Now, daughter, thou hast quite forgot. O, is Achilles care

ἧσται ὀδυρόμενος ἕταρον φίλον· οἳ δὲ δὴ ἄλλοι

Extinguish'd in thee? Prostrated in most extreme ill fare,

οἴχονται μετὰ δεῖπνον, ὃ δʼ ἄκμηνος καὶ ἄπαστος.

He lies before his high-sail'd fleet, for his dead friend; the rest

ἀλλʼ ἴθι οἱ νέκτάρ τε καὶ ἀμβροσίην ἐρατεινὴν

Are strength'ning them with meat, but he lies desp'rately oppress'd

στάξον ἐνὶ στήθεσσʼ, ἵνα μή μιν λιμὸς ἵκηται.

With heartless fasting. Go thy ways, and to his breast instill

ὣς εἰπὼν ὄτρυνε πάρος μεμαυῖαν Ἀθήνην·

Red nectar and ambrosia, that fast procure no ill

ἣ δʼ ἅρπῃ ἐϊκυῖα τανυπτέρυγι λιγυφώνῳ

To his near enterprise.” This spur he added to the free,

οὐρανοῦ ἐκκατεπᾶλτο διʼ αἰθέρος. αὐτὰρ Ἀχαιοὶ

And, like a harpy, with a voice that shrieks so dreadfully,

αὐτίκα θωρήσσοντο κατὰ στρατόν· ἣ δʼ Ἀχιλῆϊ

And feathers that like needles prick'd, she stoop'd through all the stars,

νέκταρ ἐνὶ στήθεσσι καὶ ἀμβροσίην ἐρατεινὴν

Amongst the Grecians, all whose tents were now fill'd for the wars;

στάξʼ, ἵνα μή μιν λιμὸς ἀτερπὴς γούναθʼ ἵκοιτο·

Her seres strook through Achilles' tent, and closely she instill'd

αὐτὴ δὲ πρὸς πατρὸς ἐρισθενέος πυκινὸν δῶ

Heav'n's most-to-be-desired feast to his great breast, and fill'd

ᾤχετο, τοὶ δʼ ἀπάνευθε νεῶν ἐχέοντο θοάων.

His sinews with that sweet supply, for fear unsavoury fast

ὡς δʼ ὅτε ταρφειαὶ νιφάδες Διὸς ἐκποτέονται

Should creep into his knees. Herself the skies again enchas'd.

ψυχραὶ ὑπὸ ῥιπῆς αἰθρηγενέος Βορέαο,

The host set forth, and pour'd his steel waves far out of the fleet.

ὣς τότε ταρφειαὶ κόρυθες λαμπρὸν γανόωσαι

And as from air the frosty north wind blows a cold thick sleet,

νηῶν ἐκφορέοντο καὶ ἀσπίδες ὀμφαλόεσσαι

That dazzles eyes, flakes after flakes incessantly descending;

θώρηκές τε κραταιγύαλοι καὶ μείλινα δοῦρα.

So thick, helms, curets, ashen darts, and round shields, never ending,

αἴγλη δʼ οὐρανὸν ἷκε, γέλασσε δὲ πᾶσα περὶ χθὼν

Flow'd from the navy's hollow womb. Their splendours gave heav'n's eye

χαλκοῦ ὑπὸ στεροπῆς· ὑπὸ δὲ κτύπος ὄρνυτο ποσσὶν

His beams again. Earth laugh'd to see her face so like the sky;

ἀνδρῶν· ἐν δὲ μέσοισι κορύσσετο δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς.

Arms shin'd so hot, and she such clouds made with the dust she cast,

τοῦ καὶ ὀδόντων μὲν καναχὴ πέλε, τὼ δέ οἱ ὄσσε

She thunder'd, feet of men and horse importun'd her so fast.

λαμπέσθην ὡς εἴ τε πυρὸς σέλας, ἐν δέ οἱ ἦτορ

In midst of all, divine Achilles his fair person arm'd,

δῦνʼ ἄχος ἄτλητον· ὃ δʼ ἄρα Τρωσὶν μενεαίνων

His teeth gnash'd as he stood, his eyes so full of fire they warm'd,

δύσετο δῶρα θεοῦ, τά οἱ Ἥφαιστος κάμε τεύχων.

Unsuffer'd grief and anger at the Trojans so combin'd.

κνημῖδας μὲν πρῶτα περὶ κνήμῃσιν ἔθηκε

καλὰς ἀργυρέοισιν ἐπισφυρίοις ἀραρυίας·

δεύτερον αὖ θώρηκα περὶ στήθεσσιν ἔδυνεν.

His greaves first us'd, his goodly curets on his bosom shin'd,

ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρʼ ὤμοισιν βάλετο ξίφος ἀργυρόηλον

His sword, his shield that cast a brightness from it like the moon.

χάλκεον· αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα σάκος μέγα τε στιβαρόν τε

And as from sea sailors discern a harmful fire let run

εἵλετο, τοῦ δʼ ἀπάνευθε σέλας γένετʼ ἠΰτε μήνης.

By herdsmen's faults, till all their stall flies up in wrestling flame;

ὡς δʼ ὅτʼ ἂν ἐκ πόντοιο σέλας ναύτῃσι φανήῃ

Which being on hills is seen far off; but being alone, none came

καιομένοιο πυρός, τό τε καίεται ὑψόθʼ ὄρεσφι

To give it quench, at shore no neighbours, and at sea their friends

σταθμῷ ἐν οἰοπόλῳ· τοὺς δʼ οὐκ ἐθέλοντας ἄελλαι

Driv'n off with tempests; such a fire, from his bright shield extends

πόντον ἐπʼ ἰχθυόεντα φίλων ἀπάνευθε φέρουσιν·

His ominous radiance, and in heav'n impress'd his fervent blaze.

ὣς ἀπʼ Ἀχιλλῆος σάκεος σέλας αἰθέρʼ ἵκανε

His crested helmet, grave and high, had next triumphant place

καλοῦ δαιδαλέου· περὶ δὲ τρυφάλειαν ἀείρας

On his curl'd head, and like a star it cast a spurry ray,

κρατὶ θέτο βριαρήν· ἣ δʼ ἀστὴρ ὣς ἀπέλαμπεν

About which a bright thicken'd bush of golden hair did play,

ἵππουρις τρυφάλεια, περισσείοντο δʼ ἔθειραι

Which Vulcan forg'd him for his plume. Thus cómplete arm'd, he tried

χρύσεαι, ἃς Ἥφαιστος ἵει λόφον ἀμφὶ θαμειάς.

How fit they were, and if his motion could with ease abide

πειρήθη δʼ ἕο αὐτοῦ ἐν ἔντεσι δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς,

Their brave instruction; and so far they were from hind'ring it,

εἰ οἷ ἐφαρμόσσειε καὶ ἐντρέχοι ἀγλαὰ γυῖα·

That to it they were nimble wings, and made so light his spirit,

τῷ δʼ εὖτε πτερὰ γίγνετʼ, ἄειρε δὲ ποιμένα λαῶν.

That from the earth the princely captain they took up to air.

ἐκ δʼ ἄρα σύριγγος πατρώϊον ἐσπάσατʼ ἔγχος

Then from his armoury he drew his lance, his father's spear,

βριθὺ μέγα στιβαρόν· τὸ μὲν οὐ δύνατʼ ἄλλος Ἀχαιῶν

Huge, weighty, firm, that not a Greek but he himself alone

πάλλειν, ἀλλά μιν οἶος ἐπίστατο πῆλαι Ἀχιλλεύς,

Knew how to shake; it grew upon the mountain Pelion,

Πηλιάδα μελίην, τὴν πατρὶ φίλῳ πόρε Χείρων

From whóse height Chiron hew'd it for his sire, and fatal 'twas

Πηλίου ἐκ κορυφῆς φόνον ἔμμεναι ἡρώεσσιν·

To great-soul'd men, of Peleus and Pelion surnam'd Pelias.

ἵππους δʼ Αὐτομέδων τε καὶ Ἄλκιμος ἀμφιέποντες

Then from the stable their bright horse, Automedon withdraws

ζεύγνυον· ἀμφὶ δὲ καλὰ λέπαδνʼ ἕσαν, ἐν δὲ χαλινοὺς

And Alcymus; put poitrils on, and cast upon their jaws

γαμφηλῇς ἔβαλον, κατὰ δʼ ἡνία τεῖναν ὀπίσσω

Their bridles, hurling back the reins, and hung them on the seat.

κολλητὸν ποτὶ δίφρον. ὃ δὲ μάστιγα φαεινὴν

The fair scourge then Automedon takes up, and up doth get

χειρὶ λαβὼν ἀραρυῖαν ἐφʼ ἵπποιιν ἀνόρουσεν

To guide the horse. The fight's seat last, Achilles took behind;

Αὐτομέδων· ὄπιθεν δὲ κορυσσάμενος βῆ Ἀχιλλεὺς

Who look'd so arm'd as if the sun, there fall'n from heav'n, had shin'd,

τεύχεσι παμφαίνων ὥς τʼ ἠλέκτωρ Ὑπερίων,

And terribly thus charg'd his steeds: “Xanthus and Balius,

σμερδαλέον δʼ ἵπποισιν ἐκέκλετο πατρὸς ἑοῖο·

Seed of the Harpy, in the charge ye undertake of us,

Ξάνθέ τε καὶ Βαλίε τηλεκλυτὰ τέκνα Ποδάργης

Discharge it not as when Patroclus ye left dead in field,

ἄλλως δὴ φράζεσθε σαωσέμεν ἡνιοχῆα

But, when with blood, for this day's fast observ'd, revenge shall yield

ἂψ Δαναῶν ἐς ὅμιλον ἐπεί χʼ ἕωμεν πολέμοιο,

Our heart satiety, bring us off.” Thus, since Achilles spake

μηδʼ ὡς Πάτροκλον λίπετʼ αὐτόθι τεθνηῶτα.

As if his aw'd steeds understood, 'twas Juno's will to make

τὸν δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπὸ ζυγόφι προσέφη πόδας αἰόλος ἵππος

Vocal the palate of the one; who, shaking his fair head,

Ξάνθος, ἄφαρ δʼ ἤμυσε καρήατι· πᾶσα δὲ χαίτη

(Which in his mane, let fall to earth, he almost buried)

ζεύγλης ἐξεριποῦσα παρὰ ζυγὸν οὖδας ἵκανεν·

Thus Xanthus spake: “Ablest Achilles, now, at least, our care

αὐδήεντα δʼ ἔθηκε θεὰ λευκώλενος Ἥρη·

Shall bring thee off; but not far hence the fatal minutes are

καὶ λίην σʼ ἔτι νῦν γε σαώσομεν ὄβριμʼ Ἀχιλλεῦ·

Of thy grave ruin. Nor shall we be then to be reprov'd,

ἀλλά τοι ἐγγύθεν ἦμαρ ὀλέθριον· οὐδέ τοι ἡμεῖς

But mightiest Fate, and the great God. Nor was thy best belov'd

αἴτιοι, ἀλλὰ θεός τε μέγας καὶ Μοῖρα κραταιή.

Spoil'd so of arms by our slow pace, or courage's impair;

οὐδὲ γὰρ ἡμετέρῃ βραδυτῆτί τε νωχελίῃ τε

The best of Gods, Latona's son, that wears the golden hair,

Τρῶες ἀπʼ ὤμοιιν Πατρόκλου τεύχεʼ ἕλοντο·

Gave him his death's wound; though the grace he gave to Hector's hand.

ἀλλὰ θεῶν ὤριστος, ὃν ἠΰκομος τέκε Λητώ,

We, like the spirit of the west, that all spirits can command

ἔκτανʼ ἐνὶ προμάχοισι καὶ Ἕκτορι κῦδος ἔδωκε.

For pow'r of wing, could run him off; but thou thyself must go,

νῶϊ δὲ καί κεν ἅμα πνοιῇ Ζεφύροιο θέοιμεν,

So fate ordains; God and a man must give thee overthrow.”

ἥν περ ἐλαφροτάτην φάσʼ ἔμμεναι· ἀλλὰ σοὶ αὐτῷ

This said, the Furies stopp'd his voice. Achilles, far in rage,

μόρσιμόν ἐστι θεῷ τε καὶ ἀνέρι ἶφι δαμῆναι.

Thus answer'd him: “It fits not thee, thus proudly to presage

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσαντος Ἐρινύες ἔσχεθον αὐδήν.

My overthrow. I know myself, it is my fate to fall

τὸν δὲ μέγʼ ὀχθήσας προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς·

Thus far from Phthia; yet that fate shall fail to vent her gall,

Ξάνθε τί μοι θάνατον μαντεύεαι; οὐδέ τί σε χρή.

Till mine vent thousands.” These words us'd, he fell to horrid deeds,

εὖ νυ τὸ οἶδα καὶ αὐτὸς ὅ μοι μόρος ἐνθάδʼ ὀλέσθαι

Gave dreadful signal, and forthright made fly his one-hoof'd steeds.

νόσφι φίλου πατρὸς καὶ μητέρος· ἀλλὰ καὶ ἔμπης

οὐ λήξω πρὶν Τρῶας ἅδην ἐλάσαι πολέμοιο.

ἦ ῥα, καὶ ἐν πρώτοις ἰάχων ἔχε μώνυχας ἵππους.