Iliad

The Greeks thus arm'd, and made insatiate with desire of fight,

ὣς οἳ μὲν παρὰ νηυσὶ κορωνίσι θωρήσσοντο

About thee, Peleus' son, the foe, in ground of greatest height,

ἀμφὶ σὲ Πηλέος υἱὲ μάχης ἀκόρητον Ἀχαιοί,

Stood opposite, rang'd. Then Jove charg'd Themis from Olympus' top

Τρῶες δʼ αὖθʼ ἑτέρωθεν ἐπὶ θρωσμῷ πεδίοιο·

To call a court. She ev'ry way dispers'd, and summon'd up

Ζεὺς δὲ Θέμιστα κέλευσε θεοὺς ἀγορὴν δὲ καλέσσαι

All Deities; not any flood, besides Oceanus,

κρατὸς ἀπʼ Οὐλύμποιο πολυπτύχου· ἣ δʼ ἄρα πάντῃ

But made appearance; not a nymph (that arbours odorous,

φοιτήσασα κέλευσε Διὸς πρὸς δῶμα νέεσθαι.

The heads of floods, and flow'ry meadows, make their sweet abodes)

οὔτέ τις οὖν ποταμῶν ἀπέην νόσφʼ Ὠκεανοῖο,

Was absent there; but all at his court, that is King of Gods,

οὔτʼ ἄρα νυμφάων αἵ τʼ ἄλσεα καλὰ νέμονται

Assembled, and, in lightsome seats of admirable frame,

καὶ πηγὰς ποταμῶν καὶ πίσεα ποιήεντα.

Perform'd for Jove by Vulcan, sat. Ev'n angry Neptune came,

ἐλθόντες δʼ ἐς δῶμα Διὸς νεφεληγερέταο

Nor heard the Goddess with unwilling ear, but with the rest

ξεστῇς αἰθούσῃσιν ἐνίζανον, ἃς Διὶ πατρὶ

Made free ascension from the sea, and did his state invest

Ἥφαιστος ποίησεν ἰδυίῃσι πραπίδεσσιν.

In midst of all, began the council, and inquir'd of Jove

ὣς οἳ μὲν Διὸς ἔνδον ἀγηγέρατʼ· οὐδʼ ἐνοσίχθων

His reason for that sessión, and on what point did move

νηκούστησε θεᾶς, ἀλλʼ ἐξ ἁλὸς ἦλθε μετʼ αὐτούς,

His high intention for the foes; he thought the heat of war

ἷζε δʼ ἄρʼ ἐν μέσσοισι, Διὸς δʼ ἐξείρετο βουλήν·

Was then near breaking out in flames? To him the Thunderer:

τίπτʼ αὖτʼ ἀργικέραυνε θεοὺς ἀγορὴν δὲ κάλεσσας;

“Thou knowest this council by the rest of those fore-purposes

ἦ τι περὶ Τρώων καὶ Ἀχαιῶν μερμηρίζεις;

That still inclin'd me; my cares still must succour the distress

τῶν γὰρ νῦν ἄγχιστα μάχη πόλεμός τε δέδηε.

Of Troy; though in the mouth of Fate, yet vow I not to stir

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη νεφεληγερέτα Ζεύς·

One step from off this top of heav'n, but all th' affair refer

ἔγνως ἐννοσίγαιε ἐμὴν ἐν στήθεσι βουλὴν

To anyone. Here I'll hold state, and freely take the joy

ὧν ἕνεκα ξυνάγειρα· μέλουσί μοι ὀλλύμενοί περ.

Of either's fate. Help whom ye please; for 'tis assur'd that Troy

ἀλλʼ ἤτοι μὲν ἐγὼ μενέω πτυχὶ Οὐλύμποιο

Not one day's conflict can sustain against Æacides,

ἥμενος, ἔνθʼ ὁρόων φρένα τέρψομαι· οἳ δὲ δὴ ἄλλοι

If Heav'n oppose not. His mere looks threw darts enow t' impress

ἔρχεσθʼ ὄφρʼ ἂν ἵκησθε μετὰ Τρῶας καὶ Ἀχαιούς,

Their pow'rs with trembling; but when blows, sent from his fi'ry hand,

ἀμφοτέροισι δʼ ἀρήγεθʼ ὅπῃ νόος ἐστὶν ἑκάστου.

(Thrice heat by slaughter of his friend) shall come and countermand

εἰ γὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς οἶος ἐπὶ Τρώεσσι μαχεῖται

Their former glories, we have fear, that though Fate keep their wall,

οὐδὲ μίνυνθʼ ἕξουσι ποδώκεα Πηλεΐωνα.

He'll overturn it. Then descend; and cease not till ye all

καὶ δέ τί μιν καὶ πρόσθεν ὑποτρομέεσκον ὁρῶντες·

Add all your aids; mix earth and heav'n together with the fight

νῦν δʼ ὅτε δὴ καὶ θυμὸν ἑταίρου χώεται αἰνῶς

Achilles urgeth.” These his words did such a war excite

δείδω μὴ καὶ τεῖχος ὑπέρμορον ἐξαλαπάξῃ.

As no man's pow'r could wrastle down; the Gods with parted hearts

ὣς ἔφατο Κρονίδης, πόλεμον δʼ ἀλίαστον ἔγειρε.

Departed heav'n, and made earth war. To guide the Grecian darts,

βὰν δʼ ἴμεναι πόλεμον δὲ θεοὶ δίχα θυμὸν ἔχοντες·

Juno and Pallas, with the God that doth the earth embrace,

Ἥρη μὲν μετʼ ἀγῶνα νεῶν καὶ Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη

And most-for-man's-use Mercury (whom good wise inwards grace)

ἠδὲ Ποσειδάων γαιήοχος ἠδʼ ἐριούνης

Were partially and all employ'd; and with them halted down

Ἑρμείας, ὃς ἐπὶ φρεσὶ πευκαλίμῃσι κέκασται·

(Proud of his strength) lame Mulciber, his walkers quite misgrown,

Ἥφαιστος δʼ ἅμα τοῖσι κίε σθένεϊ βλεμεαίνων

But made him tread exceeding sure. To aid the Ilian side,

χωλεύων, ὑπὸ δὲ κνῆμαι ῥώοντο ἀραιαί.

The changeable in arms went, Mars; and him accompanied

ἐς δὲ Τρῶας Ἄρης κορυθαίολος, αὐτὰρ ἅμʼ αὐτῷ

Diana that delights in shafts, and Phœbus never shorn,

Φοῖβος ἀκερσεκόμης ἠδʼ Ἄρτεμις ἰοχέαιρα

And Aphrodite laughter-pleas'd, and She of whom was born

Λητώ τε Ξάνθός τε φιλομειδής τʼ Ἀφροδίτη.

Still young Apollo, and the Flood that runs on golden sands

εἷος μέν ῥʼ ἀπάνευθε θεοὶ θνητῶν ἔσαν ἀνδρῶν,

Bright Xanthus. All these aided Troy; and, till these lent their hands,

τεῖος Ἀχαιοὶ μὲν μέγα κύδανον, οὕνεκʼ Ἀχιλλεὺς

The Grecians triumph'd in the aid Æacides did add;

ἐξεφάνη, δηρὸν δὲ μάχης ἐπέπαυτʼ ἀλεγεινῆς·

The Trojans trembling with his sight; so gloriously clad

Τρῶας δὲ τρόμος αἰνὸς ὑπήλυθε γυῖα ἕκαστον

He overshin'd the field, and Mars no harmfuller than he,

δειδιότας, ὅθʼ ὁρῶντο ποδώκεα Πηλεΐωνα

He bore the iron stream on clear. But when Jove's high decree

τεύχεσι λαμπόμενον βροτολοιγῷ ἶσον Ἄρηϊ.

Let fall the Gods amongst their troops, the field swell'd, and the fight

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ μεθʼ ὅμιλον Ὀλύμπιοι ἤλυθον ἀνδρῶν,

Grew fierce and horrible. The Dame, that armies doth excite,

ὦρτο δʼ Ἔρις κρατερὴ λαοσσόος, αὖε δʼ Ἀθήνη

Thunder'd with clamour, sometimes set at dike without the wall,

στᾶσʼ ὁτὲ μὲν παρὰ τάφρον ὀρυκτὴν τείχεος ἐκτός,

And sometimes on the bellowing shore. On th' other side, the call

ἄλλοτʼ ἐπʼ ἀκτάων ἐριδούπων μακρὸν ἀΰτει.

Of Mars to fight was terrible, he cried out like a storm,

αὖε δʼ Ἄρης ἑτέρωθεν ἐρεμνῇ λαίλαπι ἶσος

Set on the city's pinnacles; and there he would inform

ὀξὺ κατʼ ἀκροτάτης πόλιος Τρώεσσι κελεύων,

Sometimes his heart'nings, other times where Simois pours on

ἄλλοτε πὰρ Σιμόεντι θέων ἐπὶ Καλλικολώνῃ.

His silver current at the foot of high Callicolon.

ὣς τοὺς ἀμφοτέρους μάκαρες θεοὶ ὀτρύνοντες

And thus the bless'd Gods both sides urg'd; they all stood in the mids,

σύμβαλον, ἐν δʼ αὐτοῖς ἔριδα ῥήγνυντο βαρεῖαν·

And brake contention to the hosts. And over all their heads

δεινὸν δὲ βρόντησε πατὴρ ἀνδρῶν τε θεῶν τε

ὑψόθεν· αὐτὰρ νέρθε Ποσειδάων ἐτίναξε

γαῖαν ἀπειρεσίην ὀρέων τʼ αἰπεινὰ κάρηνα.

πάντες δʼ ἐσσείοντο πόδες πολυπίδακος Ἴδης

καὶ κορυφαί, Τρώων τε πόλις καὶ νῆες Ἀχαιῶν.

ἔδεισεν δʼ ὑπένερθεν ἄναξ ἐνέρων Ἀϊδωνεύς,

δείσας δʼ ἐκ θρόνου ἆλτο καὶ ἴαχε, μή οἱ ὕπερθε

The Gods' King in abhorréd claps his thunder rattled out.

γαῖαν ἀναρρήξειε Ποσειδάων ἐνοσίχθων,

Beneath them Neptune toss'd the earth; the mountains round about

οἰκία δὲ θνητοῖσι καὶ ἀθανάτοισι φανείη

Bow'd with affright and shook their heads; Jove's hill the earthquake felt,

σμερδαλέʼ εὐρώεντα, τά τε στυγέουσι θεοί περ·

(Steep Ida) trembling at her roots, and all her fountains spilt,

τόσσος ἄρα κτύπος ὦρτο θεῶν ἔριδι ξυνιόντων.

Their brows all crannied; Troy did nod; the Grecian navy play'd

ἤτοι μὲν γὰρ ἔναντα Ποσειδάωνος ἄνακτος

As on the sea; th' Infernal King, that all things frays, was fray'd,

ἵστατʼ Ἀπόλλων Φοῖβος ἔχων ἰὰ πτερόεντα,

And leap'd affrighted from his throne, cried out, lest over him

ἄντα δʼ Ἐνυαλίοιο θεὰ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη·

Neptune should rend in two the earth, and so his house, so dim,

Ἥρῃ δʼ ἀντέστη χρυσηλάκατος κελαδεινὴ

So loathsome, filthy, and abhorr'd of all the Gods beside,

Ἄρτεμις ἰοχέαιρα κασιγνήτη ἑκάτοιο·

Should open both to Gods and men. Thus all things shook and cried,

Λητοῖ δʼ ἀντέστη σῶκος ἐριούνιος Ἑρμῆς,

When this black battle of the Gods was joining. Thus array'd

ἄντα δʼ ἄρʼ Ἡφαίστοιο μέγας ποταμὸς βαθυδίνης,

'Gainst Neptune, Phœbus with wing'd shafts; 'gainst Mars, the blue-ey'd Maid;

ὃν Ξάνθον καλέουσι θεοί, ἄνδρες δὲ Σκάμανδρον.

'Gainst Juno, Phœbe, whose white hands bore singing darts of gold,

ὣς οἳ μὲν θεοὶ ἄντα θεῶν ἴσαν· αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς

Her side arm'd with a sheaf of shafts, and (by the birth twofold

Ἕκτορος ἄντα μάλιστα λιλαίετο δῦναι ὅμιλον

Of bright Latona) sister twin to Him that shoots so far.

Πριαμίδεω· τοῦ γάρ ῥα μάλιστά ἑ θυμὸς ἀνώγει

Against Latona, Hermes stood, grave guard, in peace and war,

αἵματος ἆσαι Ἄρηα ταλαύρινον πολεμιστήν.

Of human beings. 'Gainst the God, whose empire is in fire,

Αἰνείαν δʼ ἰθὺς λαοσσόος ὦρσεν Ἀπόλλων

The wat'ry Godhead, that great Flood, to show whose pow'r entire

ἀντία Πηλεΐωνος, ἐνῆκε δέ οἱ μένος ἠΰ·

In spoil as th' other, all his stream on lurking whirlpits trod,

υἱέϊ δὲ Πριάμοιο Λυκάονι εἴσατο φωνήν·

Xanthus by Gods, by men Scamander, call'd. Thus God 'gainst God

τῷ μιν ἐεισάμενος προσέφη Διὸς υἱὸς Ἀπόλλων·

Enter'd the field. Æacides sustain'd a fervent mind

Αἰνεία Τρώων βουληφόρε ποῦ τοι ἀπειλαὶ

To cope with Hector; past all these, his spirit stood inclin'd

ἃς Τρώων βασιλεῦσιν ὑπίσχεο οἰνοποτάζων

To glut Mars with the blood of him. And at Æacides

Πηλεΐδεω Ἀχιλῆος ἐναντίβιον πολεμίξειν;

Apollo sent Anchises' son; but first he did impress

τὸν δʼ αὖτʼ Αἰνείας ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέειπε·

A more than natural strength in him, and made him feel th' excess

Πριαμίδη τί με ταῦτα καὶ οὐκ ἐθέλοντα κελεύεις

Infus'd from heav'n; Lycaon's shape gave show to his address,

ἀντία Πηλεΐωνος ὑπερθύμοιο μάχεσθαι;

(Old Priam's son) and thus he spake: “Thou counsellor of Troy,

οὐ μὲν γὰρ νῦν πρῶτα ποδώκεος ἄντʼ Ἀχιλῆος

Where now fly out those threats that late put all our peers in joy

στήσομαι, ἀλλʼ ἤδη με καὶ ἄλλοτε δουρὶ φόβησεν

Of thy fight with Æacides? Thy tongue once, steep'd in wine,

ἐξ Ἴδης, ὅτε βουσὶν ἐπήλυθεν ἡμετέρῃσι,

Durst vaunt as much.” He answer'd him: “But why wouldst thou incline

πέρσε δὲ Λυρνησσὸν καὶ Πήδασον· αὐτὰρ ἐμὲ Ζεὺς

My pow'rs 'gainst that proud enemy, and 'gainst my present heat?

εἰρύσαθʼ, ὅς μοι ἐπῶρσε μένος λαιψηρά τε γοῦνα.

I mean not now to bid him blows. That fear sounds my retreat,

ἦ κʼ ἐδάμην ὑπὸ χερσὶν Ἀχιλλῆος καὶ Ἀθήνης,

That heretofore discourag'd me, when after he had ras'd

ἥ οἱ πρόσθεν ἰοῦσα τίθει φάος ἠδʼ ἐκέλευεν

Lyrnessus, and strong Pedasus, his still breath'd fury chas'd

ἔγχεϊ χαλκείῳ Λέλεγας καὶ Τρῶας ἐναίρειν.

Our oxen from th' Idæan hill, and set on me; but Jove

τὼ οὐκ ἔστʼ Ἀχιλῆος ἐναντίον ἄνδρα μάχεσθαι·

Gave strength and knees, and bore me off, that had not walk'd above

αἰεὶ γὰρ πάρα εἷς γε θεῶν ὃς λοιγὸν ἀμύνει.

This centre now but propp'd by him; Minerva's hand (that held

καὶ δʼ ἄλλως τοῦ γʼ ἰθὺ βέλος πέτετʼ, οὐδʼ ἀπολήγει

A light to this her favourite, whose beams show'd and impell'd

πρὶν χροὸς ἀνδρομέοιο διελθέμεν. εἰ δὲ θεός περ

His pow'rs to spoil) had ruin'd me, for these ears heard her cry:

ἶσον τείνειεν πολέμου τέλος, οὔ κε μάλα ῥέα

'Kill, kill the seed of Ilion, kill th' Asian Lelegi.'

νικήσειʼ, οὐδʼ εἰ παγχάλκεος εὔχεται εἶναι.

Mere man then must not fight with him that still hath Gods to friend,

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπεν ἄναξ Διὸς υἱὸς Ἀπόλλων·

Averting death on others' darts, and giving his no end

ἥρως ἀλλʼ ἄγε καὶ σὺ θεοῖς αἰειγενέτῃσιν

But with the ends of men. If God like fortune in the fight

εὔχεο· καὶ δὲ σέ φασι Διὸς κούρης Ἀφροδίτης

Would give my forces, not with ease wing'd victory should light

ἐκγεγάμεν, κεῖνος δὲ χερείονος ἐκ θεοῦ ἐστίν·

On his proud shoulders, nor he 'scape, though all of brass he boasts

ἣ μὲν γὰρ Διός ἐσθʼ, ἣ δʼ ἐξ ἁλίοιο γέροντος.

His plight consisteth.” He replied: “Pray thou those Gods of hosts,

ἀλλʼ ἰθὺς φέρε χαλκὸν ἀτειρέα, μηδέ σε πάμπαν

Whom he implores, as well as he; and his chance may be thine;

λευγαλέοις ἐπέεσσιν ἀποτρεπέτω καὶ ἀρειῇ.

Thou cam'st of Gods like him; the Queen that reigns in Salamine

ὣς εἰπὼν ἔμπνευσε μένος μέγα ποιμένι λαῶν,

Fame sounds thy mother; he deriv'd of lower Deity,

βῆ δὲ διὰ προμάχων κεκορυθμένος αἴθοπι χαλκῷ.

Old Nereus' daughter bearing him. Bear then thy heart as high,

οὐδʼ ἔλαθʼ Ἀγχίσαο πάϊς λευκώλενον Ἥρην

And thy unwearied steel as right; nor utterly be beat

ἀντία Πηλεΐωνος ἰὼν ἀνὰ οὐλαμὸν ἀνδρῶν·

With only cruelty of words, not proof against a threat.”

ἣ δʼ ἄμυδις στήσασα θεοὺς μετὰ μῦθον ἔειπε·

This strengthen'd him, and forth he rush'd; nor could his strength'ning fly

φράζεσθον δὴ σφῶϊ Ποσείδαον καὶ Ἀθήνη

White-wristed Juno, nor his drifts. She ev'ry Deity

ἐν φρεσὶν ὑμετέρῃσιν, ὅπως ἔσται τάδε ἔργα.

Of th' Achive faction called to her, and said: “Ye must have care,

Αἰνείας ὅδʼ ἔβη κεκορυθμένος αἴθοπι χαλκῷ

Neptune and Pallas, for the frame of this important war

ἀντία Πηλεΐωνος, ἀνῆκε δὲ Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων.

ἀλλʼ ἄγεθʼ, ἡμεῖς πέρ μιν ἀποτρωπῶμεν ὀπίσσω

αὐτόθεν· ἤ τις ἔπειτα καὶ ἡμείων Ἀχιλῆϊ

παρσταίη, δοίη δὲ κράτος μέγα, μηδέ τι θυμῷ

δευέσθω, ἵνα εἰδῇ ὅ μιν φιλέουσιν ἄριστοι

ἀθανάτων, οἳ δʼ αὖτʼ ἀνεμώλιοι οἳ τὸ πάρος περ

Τρωσὶν ἀμύνουσιν πόλεμον καὶ δηϊοτῆτα.

πάντες δʼ Οὐλύμποιο κατήλθομεν ἀντιόωντες

Ye undertake here. Venus' son, by Phœbus being impell'd,

τῆσδε μάχης, ἵνα μή τι μετὰ Τρώεσσι πάθῃσι

Runs on Achilles; turn him back, or see our friend upheld

σήμερον· ὕστερον αὖτε τὰ πείσεται ἅσσά οἱ αἶσα

By one of us. Let not the spirit of Æacides

γιγνομένῳ ἐπένησε λίνῳ ὅτε μιν τέκε μήτηρ.

Be over-dar'd, but make him know the mightiest Deities

εἰ δʼ Ἀχιλεὺς οὐ ταῦτα θεῶν ἐκ πεύσεται ὀμφῆς

Stand kind to him; and that the Gods, protectors of these tow'rs

δείσετʼ ἔπειθʼ, ὅτε κέν τις ἐναντίβιον θεὸς ἔλθῃ

That fight against Greece, and were here before our eminent pow'rs,

ἐν πολέμῳ· χαλεποὶ δὲ θεοὶ φαίνεσθαι ἐναργεῖς.

Bear no importance. And besides, that all we stoop from heav'n,

τὴν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα Ποσειδάων ἐνοσίχθων·

To curb this fight, that no impair be to his person giv'n

Ἥρη μὴ χαλέπαινε παρʼ ἐκ νόον· οὐδέ τί σε χρή.

By any Trojans, nor their aids, while this day bears the sun.

οὐκ ἂν ἔγωγʼ ἐθέλοιμι θεοὺς ἔριδι ξυνελάσσαι

Hereafter, all things that are wrapp'd in his birth-thread, and spun

ἡμέας τοὺς ἄλλους, ἐπεὶ ἦ πολὺ φέρτεροί εἰμεν·

By Parcas in that point of time his mother gave him air,

ἀλλʼ ἡμεῖς μὲν ἔπειτα καθεζώμεσθα κιόντες

He must sustain. But if report perform not the repair

ἐκ πάτου ἐς σκοπιήν, πόλεμος δʼ ἄνδρεσσι μελήσει.

Of all this to him, by the voice of some Immortal State,

εἰ δέ κʼ Ἄρης ἄρχωσι μάχης ἢ Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων,

He may be fearful (if some God should set on him) that Fate

ἢ Ἀχιλῆʼ ἴσχωσι καὶ οὐκ εἰῶσι μάχεσθαι,

Makes him her minister. The Gods, when they appear to men,

αὐτίκʼ ἔπειτα καὶ ἄμμι παρʼ αὐτόθι νεῖκος ὀρεῖται

And manifest their proper forms, are passing dreadful then.”

φυλόπιδος· μάλα δʼ ὦκα διακρινθέντας ὀΐω

Neptune replied: “Saturnia, at no time let your care

ἂψ ἴμεν Οὔλυμπον δὲ θεῶν μεθʼ ὁμήγυριν ἄλλων

Exceed your reason; 'tis not fit. Where only humans are,

ἡμετέρῃς ὑπὸ χερσὶν ἀναγκαίηφι δαμέντας.

We must not mix the hands of Gods, our odds is too extreme.

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας ἡγήσατο κυανοχαίτης

Sit we by, in some place of height, where we may see to them,

τεῖχος ἐς ἀμφίχυτον Ἡρακλῆος θείοιο

And leave the wars of men to men. But if we see from thence

ὑψηλόν, τό ῥά οἱ Τρῶες καὶ Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη

Or Mars or Phœbus enter fight, or offer least offence

ποίεον, ὄφρα τὸ κῆτος ὑπεκπροφυγὼν ἀλέαιτο,

To Thetis' son, not giving free way to his conqu'ring rage,

ὁππότε μιν σεύαιτο ἀπʼ ἠϊόνος πεδίον δέ.

Then comes the conflict to our cares; we soon shall disengage

ἔνθα Ποσειδάων κατʼ ἄρʼ ἕζετο καὶ θεοὶ ἄλλοι,

Achilles, and send them to heav'n, to settle their abode

ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρʼ ἄρρηκτον νεφέλην ὤμοισιν ἕσαντο·

With equals, flying under-strifes.” This said, the black-hair'd God

οἳ δʼ ἑτέρωσε καθῖζον ἐπʼ ὀφρύσι Καλλικολώνης

Led to the tow'r of Hercules, built circular and high

ἀμφὶ σὲ ἤϊε Φοῖβε καὶ Ἄρηα πτολίπορθον.

By Pallas and the Ilians, for fit security

ὣς οἳ μέν ῥʼ ἑκάτερθε καθήατο μητιόωντες

To Jove's divine son 'gainst the whale, that drave him from the shore

βουλάς· ἀρχέμεναι δὲ δυσηλεγέος πολέμοιο

To th' ample field. There Neptune sat, and all the Gods that bore

ὄκνεον ἀμφότεροι, Ζεὺς δʼ ἥμενος ὕψι κέλευε.

The Greeks good meaning, casting all thick mantles made of clouds

τῶν δʼ ἅπαν ἐπλήσθη πεδίον καὶ λάμπετο χαλκῷ

On their bright shoulders. Th' oppos'd Gods sat hid in other shrouds

ἀνδρῶν ἠδʼ ἵππων· κάρκαιρε δὲ γαῖα πόδεσσιν

On top of steep Callicolon, about thy golden sides,

ὀρνυμένων ἄμυδις. δύο δʼ ἀνέρες ἔξοχʼ ἄριστοι

O Phœbus, brandisher of darts, and thine, whose rage abides

ἐς μέσον ἀμφοτέρων συνίτην μεμαῶτε μάχεσθαι

No peace in cities. In this state, these Gods in council sate,

Αἰνείας τʼ Ἀγχισιάδης καὶ δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς.

All ling'ring purpos'd fight, to try who first would elevate

Αἰνείας δὲ πρῶτος ἀπειλήσας ἐβεβήκει

His heav'nly weapon. High-thron'd Jove cried out to set them on,

νευστάζων κόρυθι βριαρῇ· ἀτὰρ ἀσπίδα θοῦριν

Said, all the field was full of men, and that the earth did groan

πρόσθεν ἔχε στέρνοιο, τίνασσε δὲ χάλκεον ἔγχος.

With feet of proud encounterers, burn'd with the arms of men

Πηλεΐδης δʼ ἑτέρωθεν ἐναντίον ὦρτο λέων ὣς

And barbed horse. Two champions for both the armies then

σίντης, ὅν τε καὶ ἄνδρες ἀποκτάμεναι μεμάασιν

Met in their midst prepar'd for blows; divine Æacides,

ἀγρόμενοι πᾶς δῆμος· ὃ δὲ πρῶτον μὲν ἀτίζων

And Venus' son. Æneas first stepp'd threat'ning forth the prease,

ἔρχεται, ἀλλʼ ὅτε κέν τις ἀρηϊθόων αἰζηῶν

His high helm nodding, and his breast barr'd with a shady shield,

δουρὶ βάλῃ ἐάλη τε χανών, περί τʼ ἀφρὸς ὀδόντας

And shook his jav'lin. Thetis' son did his part to the field.

γίγνεται, ἐν δέ τέ οἱ κραδίῃ στένει ἄλκιμον ἦτορ,

As when the harmful king of beasts (sore threaten'd to be slain

οὐρῇ δὲ πλευράς τε καὶ ἰσχία ἀμφοτέρωθεν

By all the country up in arms) at first makes coy disdain

μαστίεται, ἑὲ δʼ αὐτὸν ἐποτρύνει μαχέσασθαι,

Prepare resistance, but at last, when anyone hath led

γλαυκιόων δʼ ἰθὺς φέρεται μένει, ἤν τινα πέφνῃ

Bold charge upon him with his dart, he then turns yawning head,

ἀνδρῶν, ἢ αὐτὸς φθίεται πρώτῳ ἐν ὁμίλῳ·

Fell anger lathers in his jaws, his great heart swells, his stern

ὣς Ἀχιλῆʼ ὄτρυνε μένος καὶ θυμὸς ἀγήνωρ

Lasheth his strength up, sides and thighs waddled with stripes to learn

ἀντίον ἐλθέμεναι μεγαλήτορος Αἰνείαο.

Their own pow'r, his eyes glow, he roars, and in he leaps to kill,

οἳ δʼ ὅτε δὴ σχεδὸν ἦσαν ἐπʼ ἀλλήλοισιν ἰόντες,

Secure of killing; so his pow'r then rous'd up to his will

τὸν πρότερος προσέειπε ποδάρκης δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς·

Matchless Achilles, coming on to meet Anchises' son.

Αἰνεία τί σὺ τόσσον ὁμίλου πολλὸν ἐπελθὼν

Both near, Achilles thus inquir'd: “Why stand'st thou thus alone,

ἔστης; ἦ σέ γε θυμὸς ἐμοὶ μαχέσασθαι ἀνώγει

Thou son of Venus? Calls thy heart to change of blows with me?

ἐλπόμενον Τρώεσσιν ἀνάξειν ἱπποδάμοισι

Sure Troy's whole kingdom is propos'd: some one hath promis'd thee

τιμῆς τῆς Πριάμου; ἀτὰρ εἴ κεν ἔμʼ ἐξεναρίξῃς,

οὔ τοι τοὔνεκά γε Πρίαμος γέρας ἐν χερὶ θήσει·

εἰσὶν γάρ οἱ παῖδες, ὃ δʼ ἔμπεδος οὐδʼ ἀεσίφρων.

ἦ νύ τί τοι Τρῶες τέμενος τάμον ἔξοχον ἄλλων

καλὸν φυταλιῆς καὶ ἀρούρης, ὄφρα νέμηαι

αἴ κεν ἐμὲ κτείνῃς; χαλεπῶς δέ σʼ ἔολπα τὸ ῥέξειν.

ἤδη μὲν σέ γέ φημι καὶ ἄλλοτε δουρὶ φοβῆσαι.

ἦ οὐ μέμνῃ ὅτε πέρ σε βοῶν ἄπο μοῦνον ἐόντα

The throne of Priam for my life; but Priam's self is wise,

σεῦα κατʼ Ἰδαίων ὀρέων ταχέεσσι πόδεσσι

And, for my slaughter, not so mad to make his throne thy prise.

καρπαλίμως; τότε δʼ οὔ τι μετατροπαλίζεο φεύγων.

Priam hath sons to second him. Is't then some piece of land,

ἔνθεν δʼ ἐς Λυρνησσὸν ὑπέκφυγες· αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ τὴν

Past others fit to set and sow, that thy victorious hand

πέρσα μεθορμηθεὶς σὺν Ἀθήνῃ καὶ Διὶ πατρί,

The Ilians offer for my head? I hope that prise will prove

ληϊάδας δὲ γυναῖκας ἐλεύθερον ἦμαρ ἀπούρας

No easy conquest. Once, I think, my busy jav'lin drove,

ἦγον· ἀτὰρ σὲ Ζεὺς ἐρρύσατο καὶ θεοὶ ἄλλοι.

With terror, those thoughts from your spleen. Retain'st thou not the time,

ἀλλʼ οὐ νῦν ἐρύεσθαι ὀΐομαι, ὡς ἐνὶ θυμῷ

When single on th' Idæan hill I took thee with the crime

βάλλεαι· ἀλλά σʼ ἔγωγʼ ἀναχωρήσαντα κελεύω

Of runaway, thy oxen left, and when thou hadst no face

ἐς πληθὺν ἰέναι, μηδʼ ἀντίος ἵστασʼ ἐμεῖο,

That I could see; thy knees bereft it, and Lyrnessus was

πρίν τι κακὸν παθέειν· ῥεχθὲν δέ τε νήπιος ἔγνω.

The mask for that? Then that mask, too, I open'd to the air

τὸν δʼ αὖτʼ Αἰνείας ἀπαμείβετο φώνησέν τε·

(By Jove and Pallas' help) and took the free light from the fair,

Πηλεΐδη μὴ δὴ ἐπέεσσί με νηπύτιον ὣς

Your ladies bearing prisoners; but Jove and th' other Gods

ἔλπεο δειδίξεσθαι, ἐπεὶ σάφα οἶδα καὶ αὐτὸς

Then saft thee. Yet again I hope, they will not add their odds

ἠμὲν κερτομίας ἠδʼ αἴσυλα μυθήσασθαι.

To save thy wants, as thou presum'st. Retire then, aim not at

ἴδμεν δʼ ἀλλήλων γενεήν, ἴδμεν δὲ τοκῆας

Troy's throne by me; fly ere thy soul flies; fools are wise too late.”

πρόκλυτʼ ἀκούοντες ἔπεα θνητῶν ἀνθρώπων·

He answer'd him: “Hope not that words can child-like terrify

ὄψει δʼ οὔτʼ ἄρ πω σὺ ἐμοὺς ἴδες οὔτʼ ἄρʼ ἐγὼ σούς.

My stroke-proof breast. I well could speak in this indecency,

φασὶ σὲ μὲν Πηλῆος ἀμύμονος ἔκγονον εἶναι,

And use tart terms; but we know well what stock us both put out,

μητρὸς δʼ ἐκ Θέτιδος καλλιπλοκάμου ἁλοσύδνης·

Too gentle to bear fruits so rude. Our parents ring about

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼν υἱὸς μεγαλήτορος Ἀγχίσαο

The world's round bosom, and by fame their dignities are blown

εὔχομαι ἐκγεγάμεν, μήτηρ δέ μοί ἐστʼ Ἀφροδίτη·

To both our knowledges, by sight neither to either known,

τῶν δὴ νῦν ἕτεροί γε φίλον παῖδα κλαύσονται

Thine to mine eyes, nor mine to thine. Fame sounds thy worthiness

σήμερον· οὐ γάρ φημʼ ἐπέεσσί γε νηπυτίοισιν

From famous Peleus; the sea-nymph, that hath the lovely tress,

ὧδε διακρινθέντε μάχης ἐξαπονέεσθαι.

Thetis, thy mother; I myself affirm my sire to be

εἰ δʼ ἐθέλεις καὶ ταῦτα δαήμεναι, ὄφρʼ ἐῢ εἰδῇς

Great-soul'd Anchises; she that holds the Paphian Deity,

ἡμετέρην γενεήν, πολλοὶ δέ μιν ἄνδρες ἴσασι·

My mother. And of these this light is now t' exhale the tears

Δάρδανον αὖ πρῶτον τέκετο νεφεληγερέτα Ζεύς,

For their lov'd issue; thee or me; childish, unworthy, dares

κτίσσε δὲ Δαρδανίην, ἐπεὶ οὔ πω Ἴλιος ἱρὴ

Are not enough to part our pow'rs; for if thy spirits want

ἐν πεδίῳ πεπόλιστο πόλις μερόπων ἀνθρώπων,

Due excitation, by distrust of that desert I vaunt,

ἀλλʼ ἔθʼ ὑπωρείας ᾤκεον πολυπίδακος Ἴδης.

To set up all rests for my life, I'll lineally prove

Δάρδανος αὖ τέκεθʼ υἱὸν Ἐριχθόνιον βασιλῆα,

(Which many will confirm) my race. First, cloud-commanding Jove

ὃς δὴ ἀφνειότατος γένετο θνητῶν ἀνθρώπων·

Was sire to Dardanus, that built Dardania; for the walls

τοῦ τρισχίλιαι ἵπποι ἕλος κάτα βουκολέοντο

Of sacred Ilion spread not yet these fields; those fair-built halls

θήλειαι, πώλοισιν ἀγαλλόμεναι ἀταλῇσι.

Of divers-languag'd men, not rais'd; all then made populous

τάων καὶ Βορέης ἠράσσατο βοσκομενάων,

The foot of Ida's fountful hill. This Jove-got Dardanus

ἵππῳ δʼ εἰσάμενος παρελέξατο κυανοχαίτῃ·

Begot king Erichthonius, for wealth past all compares

αἳ δʼ ὑποκυσάμεναι ἔτεκον δυοκαίδεκα πώλους.

Of living mortals; in his fens he fed three thousand mares,

αἳ δʼ ὅτε μὲν σκιρτῷεν ἐπὶ ζείδωρον ἄρουραν,

All neighing by their tender foals, of which twice-six were bred

ἄκρον ἐπʼ ἀνθερίκων καρπὸν θέον οὐδὲ κατέκλων·

By lofty Boreas, their dams lov'd by him as they fed,

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ σκιρτῷεν ἐπʼ εὐρέα νῶτα θαλάσσης,

He took the brave form of a horse that shook an azure mane,

ἄκρον ἐπὶ ῥηγμῖνος ἁλὸς πολιοῖο θέεσκον.

And slept with them. These twice-six colts had pace so swift, they ran

Τρῶα δʼ Ἐριχθόνιος τέκετο Τρώεσσιν ἄνακτα·

Upon the top-ayles of corn-ears, nor bent them any whit;

Τρωὸς δʼ αὖ τρεῖς παῖδες ἀμύμονες ἐξεγένοντο

And when the broad back of the sea their pleasure was to sit,

Ἶλός τʼ Ἀσσάρακός τε καὶ ἀντίθεος Γανυμήδης,

The superficies of his waves they slid upon, their hoves

ὃς δὴ κάλλιστος γένετο θνητῶν ἀνθρώπων·

Not dipp'd in dank sweat of his brows. Of Erichthonius' loves

τὸν καὶ ἀνηρείψαντο θεοὶ Διὶ οἰνοχοεύειν

Sprang Tros, the king of Trojans. Tros three young princes bred,

κάλλεος εἵνεκα οἷο ἵνʼ ἀθανάτοισι μετείη.

Ilus, renown'd Assaracus, and heav'nly Ganymed

Ἶλος δʼ αὖ τέκεθʼ υἱὸν ἀμύμονα Λαομέδοντα·

The fairest youth of all that breath'd, whom, for his beauty's love,

Λαομέδων δʼ ἄρα Τιθωνὸν τέκετο Πρίαμόν τε

The Gods did ravish to their state, to bear the cup to Jove.

Λάμπόν τε Κλυτίον θʼ Ἱκετάονά τʼ ὄζον Ἄρηος·

Ilus begot Laomedon, God-like Laomedon

Ἀσσάρακος δὲ Κάπυν, ὃ δʼ ἄρʼ Ἀγχίσην τέκε παῖδα·

Got Tithon, Priam, Clytius, Mars-like Hycetaon,

αὐτὰρ ἔμʼ Ἀγχίσης, Πρίαμος δʼ ἔτεχʼ Ἕκτορα δῖον.

And Lampus. Great Assaracus, Capys begot; and he

ταύτης τοι γενεῆς τε καὶ αἵματος εὔχομαι εἶναι.

Anchises. Prince Anchises, me. King Priam, Hector. We

Ζεὺς δʼ ἀρετὴν ἄνδρεσσιν ὀφέλλει τε μινύθει τε

Sprang both of one high family. Thus fortunate men give birth,

ὅππως κεν ἐθέλῃσιν· ὃ γὰρ κάρτιστος ἁπάντων.

But Jove gives virtue; he augments, and he impairs the worth

ἀλλʼ ἄγε μηκέτι ταῦτα λεγώμεθα νηπύτιοι ὣς

Of all men; and his will their rule; he, strong'st, all strength affords.

ἑσταότʼ ἐν μέσσῃ ὑσμίνῃ δηϊοτῆτος.

ἔστι γὰρ ἀμφοτέροισιν ὀνείδεα μυθήσασθαι

πολλὰ μάλʼ, οὐδʼ ἂν νηῦς ἑκατόζυγος ἄχθος ἄροιτο.

στρεπτὴ δὲ γλῶσσʼ ἐστὶ βροτῶν, πολέες δʼ ἔνι μῦθοι

παντοῖοι, ἐπέων δὲ πολὺς νομὸς ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα.

ὁπποῖόν κʼ εἴπῃσθα ἔπος, τοῖόν κʼ ἐπακούσαις.

ἀλλὰ τί ἢ ἔριδας καὶ νείκεα νῶϊν ἀνάγκη

Why then paint we, like dames, the face of conflict with our words?

νεικεῖν ἀλλήλοισιν ἐναντίον ὥς τε γυναῖκας,

Both may give language that a ship, driv'n with a hundred oars,

αἵ τε χολωσάμεναι ἔριδος πέρι θυμοβόροιο

Would overburthen. A man's tongue is voluble, and pours

νεικεῦσʼ ἀλλήλῃσι μέσην ἐς ἄγυιαν ἰοῦσαι

Words out of all sorts ev'ry way. Such as you speak you hear.

πόλλʼ ἐτεά τε καὶ οὐκί· χόλος δέ τε καὶ τὰ κελεύει.

What then need we vie calumnies, like women that will wear

ἀλκῆς δʼ οὔ μʼ ἐπέεσσιν ἀποτρέψεις μεμαῶτα

Their tongues out, being once incens'd, and strive for strife to part

πρὶν χαλκῷ μαχέσασθαι ἐναντίον· ἀλλʼ ἄγε θᾶσσον

(Being on their way) they travel so? From words, words may avert;

γευσόμεθʼ ἀλλήλων χαλκήρεσιν ἐγχείῃσιν.

From virtue, not. It is your steel, divine Æacides,

ἦ ῥα καὶ ἐν δεινῷ σάκει ἤλασεν ὄβριμον ἔγχος

Must prove my proof, as mine shall yours.” Thus amply did he ease

σμερδαλέῳ· μέγα δʼ ἀμφὶ σάκος μύκε δουρὸς ἀκωκῇ.

His great heart of his pedigree; and sharply sent away

Πηλεΐδης δὲ σάκος μὲν ἀπὸ ἕο χειρὶ παχείῃ

A dart that caught Achilles' shield, and rung so it did fray

ἔσχετο ταρβήσας· φάτο γὰρ δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος

The son of Thetis, his fair hand far-thrusting out his shield,

ῥέα διελεύσεσθαι μεγαλήτορος Αἰνείαο

For fear the long lance had driv'n through. O fool, to think 'twould yield,

νήπιος, οὐδʼ ἐνόησε κατὰ φρένα καὶ κατὰ θυμὸν

And not to know the God's firm gifts want want to yield so soon

ὡς οὐ ῥηΐδιʼ ἐστὶ θεῶν ἐρικυδέα δῶρα

To men's poor pow'rs. The eager lance had only conquest won

ἀνδράσι γε θνητοῖσι δαμήμεναι οὐδʼ ὑποείκειν.

Of two plates, and the shield had five, two forg'd of tin, two brass,

οὐδὲ τότʼ Αἰνείαο δαΐφρονος ὄβριμον ἔγχος

One, that was centre-plate, of gold; and that forbad the pass

ῥῆξε σάκος· χρυσὸς γὰρ ἐρύκακε, δῶρα θεοῖο·

Of Anchisiades's lance. Then sent Achilles forth

ἀλλὰ δύω μὲν ἔλασσε διὰ πτύχας, αἳ δʼ ἄρʼ ἔτι τρεῖς

His lance, that through the first fold strook, where brass of little worth

ἦσαν, ἐπεὶ πέντε πτύχας ἤλασε κυλλοποδίων,

And no great proof of hides was laid; through all which Pelias ran

τὰς δύο χαλκείας, δύο δʼ ἔνδοθι κασσιτέροιο,

His iron head, and after it his ashen body wan

τὴν δὲ μίαν χρυσῆν, τῇ ῥʼ ἔσχετο μείλινον ἔγχος.

Pass to the earth, and there it stuck, his top on th' other side,

δεύτερος αὖτʼ Ἀχιλεὺς προΐει δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος,

And hung the shield up; which hard down Æneas pluck'd, to hide

καὶ βάλεν Αἰνείαο κατʼ ἀσπίδα πάντοσʼ ἐΐσην

His breast from sword blows, shrunk up round, and in his heavy eye

ἄντυγʼ ὕπο πρώτην, ᾗ λεπτότατος θέε χαλκός,

Was much grief shadow'd, much afraid that Pelias stuck so nigh.

λεπτοτάτη δʼ ἐπέην ῥινὸς βοός· ἣ δὲ διὰ πρὸ

Then prompt Achilles rushing in, his sword drew; and the field

Πηλιὰς ἤϊξεν μελίη, λάκε δʼ ἀσπὶς ὑπʼ αὐτῆς.

Rung with his voice. Æneas now, left and let hang his shield,

Αἰνείας δʼ ἐάλη καὶ ἀπὸ ἕθεν ἀσπίδʼ ἀνέσχε

And all-distracted, up he snatch'd a two-men's strength of stone,

δείσας· ἐγχείη δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπὲρ νώτου ἐνὶ γαίῃ

And either at his shield or casque he set it rudely gone,

ἔστη ἱεμένη, διὰ δʼ ἀμφοτέρους ἕλε κύκλους

Nor car'd where, so it strook a place that put on arms for death.

ἀσπίδος ἀμφιβρότης· ὃ δʼ ἀλευάμενος δόρυ μακρὸν

But he (Achilles came so close) had doubtless sunk beneath

ἔστη, κὰδ δʼ ἄχος οἱ χύτο μυρίον ὀφθαλμοῖσι,

His own death had not Neptune seen and interpos'd the odds

ταρβήσας ὅ οἱ ἄγχι πάγη βέλος. αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς

Of his divine pow'r, utt'ring this to the Achaian Gods:

ἐμμεμαὼς ἐπόρουσεν ἐρυσσάμενος ξίφος ὀξὺ

“I grieve for this great-hearted man; he will be sent to hell,

σμερδαλέα ἰάχων· ὃ δὲ χερμάδιον λάβε χειρὶ

Ev'n instantly, by Peleus' son, being only mov'd to deal

Αἰνείας, μέγα ἔργον, ὃ οὐ δύο γʼ ἄνδρε φέροιεν,

By Phœbus' words. What fool is he! Phœbus did never mean

οἷοι νῦν βροτοί εἰσʼ· ὃ δέ μιν ῥέα πάλλε καὶ οἶος.

To add to his great words his guard against the ruin then

ἔνθά κεν Αἰνείας μὲν ἐπεσσύμενον βάλε πέτρῳ

Summon'd against him. And what cause, hath he to head him on

ἢ κόρυθʼ ἠὲ σάκος, τό οἱ ἤρκεσε λυγρὸν ὄλεθρον,

To others' mis'ries, he being clear of any trespass done

τὸν δέ κε Πηλεΐδης σχεδὸν ἄορι θυμὸν ἀπηύρα,

Against the Grecians? Thankful gifts he oft hath giv'n to us.

εἰ μὴ ἄρʼ ὀξὺ νόησε Ποσειδάων ἐνοσίχθων·

Let us then quit him, and withdraw this combat; for if thus

αὐτίκα δʼ ἀθανάτοισι θεοῖς μετὰ μῦθον ἔειπεν·

Achilles end him, Jove will rage; since his escape in fate

ὢ πόποι ἦ μοι ἄχος μεγαλήτορος Αἰνείαο,

Is purpos'd, lest the progeny of Dardanus take date,

ὃς τάχα Πηλεΐωνι δαμεὶς Ἄϊδος δὲ κάτεισι

Whom Jove, past all his issue, lov'd, begot of mortal dames.

πειθόμενος μύθοισιν Ἀπόλλωνος ἑκάτοιο

All Priam's race he hates; and this must propagate the names

νήπιος, οὐδέ τί οἱ χραισμήσει λυγρὸν ὄλεθρον.

Of Trojans, and their sons' sons' rule, to all posterity.”

ἀλλὰ τί ἢ νῦν οὗτος ἀναίτιος ἄλγεα πάσχει

Saturnia said: “Make free your pleasure. Save, or let him die.

μὰψ ἕνεκʼ ἀλλοτρίων ἀχέων, κεχαρισμένα δʼ αἰεὶ

Pallas and I have taken many, and most public, oaths,

δῶρα θεοῖσι δίδωσι τοὶ οὐρανὸν εὐρὺν ἔχουσιν;

That th' ill day never shall avert her eye, red with our wroths,

ἀλλʼ ἄγεθʼ ἡμεῖς πέρ μιν ὑπὲκ θανάτου ἀγάγωμεν,

From hated Troy; no, not when all in studied fire she flames

μή πως καὶ Κρονίδης κεχολώσεται, αἴ κεν Ἀχιλλεὺς

The Greek rage, blowing her last coal.” This nothing turn'd his aims

τόνδε κατακτείνῃ· μόριμον δέ οἵ ἐστʼ ἀλέασθαι,

From present rescue, but through all the whizzing spears he pass'd,

ὄφρα μὴ ἄσπερμος γενεὴ καὶ ἄφαντος ὄληται

And came where both were combating; when instantly he cast

Δαρδάνου, ὃν Κρονίδης περὶ πάντων φίλατο παίδων

A mist before Achilles' eyes, drew from the earth and shield

οἳ ἕθεν ἐξεγένοντο γυναικῶν τε θνητάων.

His lance, and laid it at his feet; and then took up and held

ἤδη γὰρ Πριάμου γενεὴν ἔχθηρε Κρονίων·

Aloft the light Anchises' son, who pass'd, with Neptune's force,

νῦν δὲ δὴ Αἰνείαο βίη Τρώεσσιν ἀνάξει

καὶ παίδων παῖδες, τοί κεν μετόπισθε γένωνται.

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα βοῶπις πότνια Ἥρη·

ἐννοσίγαιʼ, αὐτὸς σὺ μετὰ φρεσὶ σῇσι νόησον

Αἰνείαν ἤ κέν μιν ἐρύσσεαι ἦ κεν ἐάσῃς

Πηλεΐδῃ Ἀχιλῆϊ δαμήμεναι, ἐσθλὸν ἐόντα.

ἤτοι μὲν γὰρ νῶϊ πολέας ὠμόσσαμεν ὅρκους

πᾶσι μετʼ ἀθανάτοισιν ἐγὼ καὶ Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη

Whole orders of heroës' heads, and many a troop of horse

μή ποτʼ ἐπὶ Τρώεσσιν ἀλεξήσειν κακὸν ἦμαρ,

Leap'd over, till the bounds he reach'd of all the fervent broil,

μηδʼ ὁπότʼ ἂν Τροίη μαλερῷ πυρὶ πᾶσα δάηται

Where all the Caucons' quarters lay. Thus, far freed from the toil,

καιομένη, καίωσι δʼ ἀρήϊοι υἷες Ἀχαιῶν.

Neptune had time to use these words: “Æneas, who was he

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ τό γʼ ἄκουσε Ποσειδάων ἐνοσίχθων,

Of all the Gods, that did so much neglect thy good and thee

βῆ ῥʼ ἴμεν ἄν τε μάχην καὶ ἀνὰ κλόνον ἐγχειάων,

To urge thy fight with Thetis' son, who in immortal rates

ἷξε δʼ ὅθʼ Αἰνείας ἠδʼ ὃ κλυτὸς ἦεν Ἀχιλλεύς.

Is better and more dear than thee? Hereafter, lest, past fates,

αὐτίκα τῷ μὲν ἔπειτα κατʼ ὀφθαλμῶν χέεν ἀχλὺν

Hell be thy headlong home, retire, make bold stand never near

Πηλεΐδῃ Ἀχιλῆϊ· ὃ δὲ μελίην εὔχαλκον

Where he advanceth. But his fate once satisfied, then bear

ἀσπίδος ἐξέρυσεν μεγαλήτορος Αἰνείαο·

A free and full sail; no Greek else shall end thee.” This reveal'd,

καὶ τὴν μὲν προπάροιθε ποδῶν Ἀχιλῆος ἔθηκεν,

He left him, and dispers'd the cloud, that all this act conceal'd

Αἰνείαν δʼ ἔσσευεν ἀπὸ χθονὸς ὑψόσʼ ἀείρας.

From vex'd Achilles; who again had clear light from the skies,

πολλὰς δὲ στίχας ἡρώων, πολλὰς δὲ καὶ ἵππων

And, much disdaining the escape, said: “O ye Gods, mine eyes

Αἰνείας ὑπερᾶλτο θεοῦ ἀπὸ χειρὸς ὀρούσας,

Discover miracles! My lance submitted, and he gone

ἷξε δʼ ἐπʼ ἐσχατιὴν πολυάϊκος πολέμοιο,

At whom I sent it with desire of his confusion!

ἔνθά τε Καύκωνες πόλεμον μέτα θωρήσσοντο.

Æneas sure was lov'd of heav'n. I thought his vaunt from thence

τῷ δὲ μάλʼ ἐγγύθεν ἦλθε Ποσειδάων ἐνοσίχθων,

Had flow'd from glory. Let him go, no more experience

καί μιν φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Will his mind long for of my hands, he flies them now so clear.

Αἰνεία, τίς σʼ ὧδε θεῶν ἀτέοντα κελεύει

Cheer then the Greeks, and others try.” Thus rang'd he ev'rywhere

ἀντία Πηλεΐωνος ὑπερθύμοιο μάχεσθαι,

The Grecian orders; ev'ry man (of which the most look'd on

ὃς σεῦ ἅμα κρείσσων καὶ φίλτερος ἀθανάτοισιν;

To see their fresh lord shake his lance) he thus put charge upon:

ἀλλʼ ἀναχωρῆσαι ὅτε κεν συμβλήσεαι αὐτῷ,

“Divine Greeks, stand not thus at gaze, but man to man apply

μὴ καὶ ὑπὲρ μοῖραν δόμον Ἄϊδος εἰσαφίκηαι.

Your sev'ral valours. 'Tis a task laid too unequally

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί κʼ Ἀχιλεὺς θάνατον καὶ πότμον ἐπίσπῃ,

On me left to so many men, one man oppos'd to all.

θαρσήσας δὴ ἔπειτα μετὰ πρώτοισι μάχεσθαι·

Not Mars, immortal and a God, not war's She-General,

οὐ μὲν γάρ τίς σʼ ἄλλος Ἀχαιῶν ἐξεναρίξει.

A field of so much fight could chase, and work it out with blows.

ὣς εἰπὼν λίπεν αὐτόθʼ, ἐπεὶ διεπέφραδε πάντα.

But what a man may execute, that all limbs will expose,

αἶψα δʼ ἔπειτʼ Ἀχιλῆος ἀπʼ ὀφθαλμῶν σκέδασʼ ἀχλὺν

And all their strength to th' utmost nerve (though now I lost some play

θεσπεσίην· ὃ δʼ ἔπειτα μέγʼ ἔξιδεν ὀφθαλμοῖσιν,

By some strange miracle) no more shall burn in vain the day

ὀχθήσας δʼ ἄρα εἶπε πρὸς ὃν μεγαλήτορα θυμόν·

To any least beam. All this host, I'll ransack, and have hope,

ὢ πόποι ἦ μέγα θαῦμα τόδʼ ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ὁρῶμαι·

Of all not one again will scape, whoever gives such scope

ἔγχος μὲν τόδε κεῖται ἐπὶ χθονός, οὐδέ τι φῶτα

To his adventure, and so near dares tempt my angry lance.”

λεύσσω, τῷ ἐφέηκα κατακτάμεναι μενεαίνων.

Thus he excited. Hector then as much strives to advance

ἦ ῥα καὶ Αἰνείας φίλος ἀθανάτοισι θεοῖσιν

The hearts of his men, adding threats, affirming he would stand

ἦεν· ἀτάρ μιν ἔφην μὰψ αὔτως εὐχετάασθαι.

In combat with Æacides: “Give fear,” said he, “no hand

ἐρρέτω· οὔ οἱ θυμὸς ἐμεῦ ἔτι πειρηθῆναι

Of your great hearts, brave Ilians, for Peleus' talking son,

ἔσσεται, ὃς καὶ νῦν φύγεν ἄσμενος ἐκ θανάτοιο.

I'll fight with any God with words; but when their spears put on,

ἀλλʼ ἄγε δὴ Δαναοῖσι φιλοπτολέμοισι κελεύσας

The work runs high, their strength exceeds mortality so far,

τῶν ἄλλων Τρώων πειρήσομαι ἀντίος ἐλθών.

And they may make works crown their words; which holds not in the war

ἦ, καὶ ἐπὶ στίχας ἆλτο, κέλευε δὲ φωτὶ ἑκάστῳ·

Achilles makes; his hands have bounds; this word he shall make good,

μηκέτι νῦν Τρώων ἑκὰς ἕστατε δῖοι Ἀχαιοί,

And leave another to the field. His worst shall be withstood

ἀλλʼ ἄγʼ ἀνὴρ ἄντʼ ἀνδρὸς ἴτω, μεμάτω δὲ μάχεσθαι.

With sole objection of myself; though in his hands he bear

ἀργαλέον δέ μοί ἐστι καὶ ἰφθίμῳ περ ἐόντι

A rage like fire, though fire itself his raging fingers were,

τοσσούσδʼ ἀνθρώπους ἐφέπειν καὶ πᾶσι μάχεσθαι·

And burning steel flew in his strength.” Thus he incited his;

οὐδέ κʼ Ἄρης, ὅς περ θεὸς ἄμβροτος, οὐδέ κʼ Ἀθήνη

And they rais'd lances, and to work with mixéd courages;

τοσσῆσδʼ ὑσμίνης ἐφέποι στόμα καὶ πονέοιτο·

And up flew Clamour. But the heat in Hector, Phœbus gave

ἀλλʼ ὅσσον μὲν ἐγὼ δύναμαι χερσίν τε ποσίν τε

This temper: “Do not meet,” said he, “in any single brave

καὶ σθένει, οὔ μʼ ἔτι φημὶ μεθησέμεν οὐδʼ ἠβαιόν,

The man thou threaten'st, but in press; and in thy strength impeach

ἀλλὰ μάλα στιχὸς εἶμι διαμπερές, οὐδέ τινʼ οἴω

His violence; for, far off, or near, his sword or dart will reach.”

Τρώων χαιρήσειν, ὅς τις σχεδὸν ἔγχεος ἔλθῃ.

The God's voice made a difference in Hector's own conceit

ὣς φάτʼ ἐποτρύνων· Τρώεσσι δὲ φαίδιμος Ἕκτωρ

Betwixt his and Achilles' words, and gave such over-weight

κέκλεθʼ ὁμοκλήσας, φάτο δʼ ἴμεναι ἄντʼ Ἀχιλῆος·

As weigh'd him back into his strength, and curb'd his flying out.

Τρῶες ὑπέρθυμοι μὴ δείδιτε Πηλεΐωνα.

At all threw fierce Æacides, and gave a horrid shout.

καί κεν ἐγὼ ἐπέεσσι καὶ ἀθανάτοισι μαχοίμην,

The first, of all he put to dart, was fierce Iphition,

ἔγχεϊ δʼ ἀργαλέον, ἐπεὶ ἦ πολὺ φέρτεροί εἰσιν.

Surnam'd Otryntides, whom Nais the water-nymph made son

οὐδʼ Ἀχιλεὺς πάντεσσι τέλος μύθοις ἐπιθήσει,

To town-destroy'r Otrynteüs. Beneath the snowy hill

ἀλλὰ τὸ μὲν τελέει, τὸ δὲ καὶ μεσσηγὺ κολούει.

τοῦ δʼ ἐγὼ ἀντίος εἶμι καὶ εἰ πυρὶ χεῖρας ἔοικεν,

εἰ πυρὶ χεῖρας ἔοικε, μένος δʼ αἴθωνι σιδήρῳ.

ὣς φάτʼ ἐποτρύνων, οἳ δʼ ἀντίοι ἔγχεʼ ἄειραν

Τρῶες· τῶν δʼ ἄμυδις μίχθη μένος, ὦρτο δʼ ἀϋτή.

καὶ τότʼ ἄρʼ Ἕκτορα εἶπε παραστὰς Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων·

Ἕκτορ μηκέτι πάμπαν Ἀχιλλῆϊ προμάχιζε,

ἀλλὰ κατὰ πληθύν τε καὶ ἐκ φλοίσβοιο δέδεξο,

Of Tmolus, in the wealthy town of Hyda, at his will

μή πώς σʼ ἠὲ βάλῃ ἠὲ σχεδὸν ἄορι τύψῃ.

Were many able men at arms. He, rushing in, took full

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, Ἕκτωρ δʼ αὖτις ἐδύσετο οὐλαμὸν ἀνδρῶν

Pelides' lance in his head's midst, that cleft in two his skull.

ταρβήσας, ὅτʼ ἄκουσε θεοῦ ὄπα φωνήσαντος.

Achilles knew him one much fam'd, and thus insulted then:

ἐν δʼ Ἀχιλεὺς Τρώεσσι θόρε φρεσὶν εἱμένος ἀλκὴν

“Th' art dead, Otryntides, though call'd the terriblest of men.

σμερδαλέα ἰάχων, πρῶτον δʼ ἕλεν Ἰφιτίωνα

Thy race runs at Gygæus' lake, there thy inheritance lay,

ἐσθλὸν Ὀτρυντεΐδην πολέων ἡγήτορα λαῶν,

Near fishy Hyllus and the gulfs of Hermus; but this day

ὃν νύμφη τέκε νηῒς Ὀτρυντῆϊ πτολιπόρθῳ

Removes it to the fields of Troy.” Thus left he night to seize

Τμώλῳ ὕπο νιφόεντι Ὕδης ἐν πίονι δήμῳ·

His closéd eyes, his body laid in course of all the prease,

τὸν δʼ ἰθὺς μεμαῶτα βάλʼ ἔγχεϊ δῖος Ἀχιλλεὺς

Which Grecian horse broke with the strakes nail'd to their chariot wheels.

μέσσην κὰκ κεφαλήν· ἣ δʼ ἄνδιχα πᾶσα κεάσθη,

Next, through the temples, the burst eyes his deadly jav'lin seels

δούπησεν δὲ πεσών, ὃ δʼ ἐπεύξατο δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς·

Of great-in-Troy Antenor's son, renown'd Demoleon,

κεῖσαι Ὀτρυντεΐδη πάντων ἐκπαγλότατʼ ἀνδρῶν·

A mighty turner of a field. His overthrow set gone

ἐνθάδε τοι θάνατος, γενεὴ δέ τοί ἐστʼ ἐπὶ λίμνῃ

Hippodamas; who leap'd from horse, and, as he fled before

Γυγαίῃ, ὅθι τοι τέμενος πατρώϊόν ἐστιν

Æacides's turnéd back, he made fell Pelias gore,

Ὕλλῳ ἐπʼ ἰχθυόεντι καὶ Ἕρμῳ δινήεντι.

And forth he puff'd his flying soul. And as a tortur'd bull,

ὣς ἔφατʼ εὐχόμενος, τὸν δὲ σκότος ὄσσε κάλυψε.

To Neptune brought for sacrifice, a troop of youngsters pull

τὸν μὲν Ἀχαιῶν ἵπποι ἐπισσώτροις δατέοντο

Down to the earth, and drag him round about the hallow'd shore,

πρώτῃ ἐν ὑσμίνῃ· ὃ δʼ ἐπʼ αὐτῷ Δημολέοντα

To please the wat'ry Deity with forcing him to roar,

ἐσθλὸν ἀλεξητῆρα μάχης Ἀντήνορος υἱὸν

And forth he pours his utmost throat; so bellow'd this slain friend

νύξε κατὰ κρόταφον, κυνέης διὰ χαλκοπαρῄου.

Of flying Ilion, with the breath that gave his being end.

οὐδʼ ἄρα χαλκείη κόρυς ἔσχεθεν, ἀλλὰ διʼ αὐτῆς

Then rush'd he on, and in his eye had heav'nly Polydore,

αἰχμὴ ἱεμένη ῥῆξʼ ὀστέον, ἐγκέφαλος δὲ

Old Priam's son, whom last of all his fruitful princess bore,

ἔνδον ἅπας πεπάλακτο· δάμασσε δέ μιν μεμαῶτα.

And for his youth, being dear to him, the king forbad to fight.

Ἱπποδάμαντα δʼ ἔπειτα καθʼ ἵππων ἀΐξαντα

Yet (hot of unexperienc'd blood, to show how exquisite

πρόσθεν ἕθεν φεύγοντα μετάφρενον οὔτασε δουρί.

He was of foot, for which of all the fifty sons he held

αὐτὰρ ὃ θυμὸν ἄϊσθε καὶ ἤρυγεν, ὡς ὅτε ταῦρος

The special name) he flew before the first heat of the field,

ἤρυγεν ἑλκόμενος Ἑλικώνιον ἀμφὶ ἄνακτα

Ev'n till he flew out breath and soul; which, through the back, the lance

κούρων ἑλκόντων· γάνυται δέ τε τοῖς ἐνοσίχθων·

Of swift Achilles put in air, and did his head advance

ὣς ἄρα τόν γʼ ἐρυγόντα λίπʼ ὀστέα θυμὸς ἀγήνωρ·

Out at his navel. On his knees the poor prince crying fell,

αὐτὰρ ὃ βῆ σὺν δουρὶ μετʼ ἀντίθεον Πολύδωρον

And gather'd with his tender hands his entrails, that did swell

Πριαμίδην. τὸν δʼ οὔ τι πατὴρ εἴασκε μάχεσθαι,

Quite through the wide wound, till a cloud as black as death conceal'd

οὕνεκά οἱ μετὰ παισὶ νεώτατος ἔσκε γόνοιο,

Their sight, and all the world from him. When Hector had beheld

καί οἱ φίλτατος ἔσκε, πόδεσσι δὲ πάντας ἐνίκα

His brother tumbled so to earth, his entrails still in hand,

δὴ τότε νηπιέῃσι ποδῶν ἀρετὴν ἀναφαίνων

Dark sorrow overcast his eyes; nor far off could he stand

θῦνε διὰ προμάχων, εἷος φίλον ὤλεσε θυμόν.

A minute longer, but like fire he brake out of the throng,

τὸν βάλε μέσσον ἄκοντι ποδάρκης δῖος Ἀχιλλεὺς

Shook his long lance at Thetis' son; and then came he along

νῶτα παραΐσσοντος, ὅθι ζωστῆρος ὀχῆες

To feed th' encounter: “O,” said he, “here comes the man that most

χρύσειοι σύνεχον καὶ διπλόος ἤντετο θώρηξ·

Of all the world destroys my mind, the man by whom I lost

ἀντικρὺ δὲ διέσχε παρʼ ὀμφαλὸν ἔγχεος αἰχμή,

My dear Patroclus. Now not long the crooked paths of war

γνὺξ δʼ ἔριπʼ οἰμώξας, νεφέλη δέ μιν ἀμφεκάλυψε

Can yield us any privy scapes. 'Come, keep not off so far,'

κυανέη, προτὶ οἷ δʼ ἔλαβʼ ἔντερα χερσὶ λιασθείς.

He cried to Hector, 'make the pain of thy sure death as short,

Ἕκτωρ δʼ ὡς ἐνόησε κασίγνητον Πολύδωρον

As one so desp'rate of his life hath reason.'” In no sort

ἔντερα χερσὶν ἔχοντα λιαζόμενον ποτὶ γαίη

This frighted Hector, who bore close, and said: “Æacides,

κάρ ῥά οἱ ὀφθαλμῶν κέχυτʼ ἀχλύς· οὐδʼ ἄρʼ ἔτʼ ἔτλη

Leave threats for children. I have pow'r to thunder calumnies

δηρὸν ἑκὰς στρωφᾶσθʼ, ἀλλʼ ἀντίος ἦλθʼ Ἀχιλῆϊ

As well as others, and well know thy strength superior far

ὀξὺ δόρυ κραδάων φλογὶ εἴκελος· αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς

To that my nerves hold; but the Gods, not nerves, determine war.

ὡς εἶδʼ, ὣς ἀνεπᾶλτο, καὶ εὐχόμενος ἔπος ηὔδα·

And yet, for nerves, there will be found a strength of pow'r in mine

ἐγγὺς ἀνὴρ ὃς ἐμόν γε μάλιστʼ ἐσεμάσσατο θυμόν,

To drive a lance home to thy life. My lance as well as thine

ὅς μοι ἑταῖρον ἔπεφνε τετιμένον· οὐδʼ ἂν ἔτι δὴν

Hath point and sharpness, and 'tis this.” Thus brandishing his spear,

ἀλλήλους πτώσσοιμεν ἀνὰ πτολέμοιο γεφύρας.

He set it flying; which a breath of Pallas back did bear

ἦ, καὶ ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν προσεφώνεεν Ἕκτορα δῖον·

From Thetis' son to Hector's self, and at his feet it fell.

ἆσσον ἴθʼ ὥς κεν θᾶσσον ὀλέθρου πείραθʼ ἵκηαι.

Achilles us'd no dart, but close flew in; and thought to deal

τὸν δʼ οὐ ταρβήσας προσέφη κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ·

With no strokes but of sure dispatch, but, what with all his blood

Πηλεΐδη μὴ δὴ ἐπέεσσί με νηπύτιον ὣς

He labour'd, Phœbus clear'd with ease, as being a God, and stood

ἔλπεο δειδίξεσθαι, ἐπεὶ σάφα οἶδα καὶ αὐτὸς

For Hector's guard, as Pallas did, Æacides, for thine.

ἠμὲν κερτομίας ἠδʼ αἴσυλα μυθήσασθαι.

οἶδα δʼ ὅτι σὺ μὲν ἐσθλός, ἐγὼ δὲ σέθεν πολὺ χείρων.

ἀλλʼ ἤτοι μὲν ταῦτα θεῶν ἐν γούνασι κεῖται,

αἴ κέ σε χειρότερός περ ἐὼν ἀπὸ θυμὸν ἕλωμαι

δουρὶ βαλών, ἐπεὶ ἦ καὶ ἐμὸν βέλος ὀξὺ πάροιθεν.

ἦ ῥα, καὶ ἀμπεπαλὼν προΐει δόρυ, καὶ τό γʼ Ἀθήνη

πνοιῇ Ἀχιλλῆος πάλιν ἔτραπε κυδαλίμοιο

ἦκα μάλα ψύξασα· τὸ δʼ ἂψ ἵκεθʼ Ἕκτορα δῖον,

He rapt him from him, and a cloud of much night cast between

αὐτοῦ δὲ προπάροιθε ποδῶν πέσεν. αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς

His person and the point oppos'd. Achilles then exclaim'd:

ἐμμεμαὼς ἐπόρουσε κατακτάμεναι μενεαίνων,

“O see, yet more Gods are at work. Apollo's hand hath fram'd,

σμερδαλέα ἰάχων· τὸν δʼ ἐξήρπαξεν Ἀπόλλων

Dog that thou art, thy rescue now; to whom go pay thy vows

ῥεῖα μάλʼ ὥς τε θεός, ἐκάλυψε δʼ ἄρʼ ἠέρι πολλῇ.

Thy safety owes him, I shall vent in time those fatal blows

τρὶς μὲν ἔπειτʼ ἐπόρουσε ποδάρκης δῖος Ἀχιλλεὺς

That yet beat in my heart on thine, if any God remain

ἔγχεϊ χαλκείῳ, τρὶς δʼ ἠέρα τύψε βαθεῖαν.

My equal fautor. In mean time, my anger must maintain

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ τὸ τέταρτον ἐπέσσυτο δαίμονι ἶσος,

His fire on other Ilians.” Then laid he at his feet

δεινὰ δʼ ὁμοκλήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Great Demuchus, Philetor's son; and Dryope did greet

ἐξ αὖ νῦν ἔφυγες θάνατον κύον· ἦ τέ τοι ἄγχι

With like encounter. Dardanus and strong Laogonus,

ἦλθε κακόν· νῦν αὖτέ σʼ ἐρύσατο Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων,

Wise Bias' sons, he hurl'd from horse; of one victorious

ᾧ μέλλεις εὔχεσθαι ἰὼν ἐς δοῦπον ἀκόντων.

With his close sword, the other's life he conquer'd with his lance.

ἦ θήν σʼ ἐξανύω γε καὶ ὕστερον ἀντιβολήσας,

Then Tros, Alastor's son, made in, and sought to scape their chance

εἴ πού τις καὶ ἔμοιγε θεῶν ἐπιτάρροθός ἐστι.

With free submission. Down he fell, and pray'd about his knees

νῦν αὖ τοὺς ἄλλους ἐπιείσομαι, ὅν κε κιχείω.

He would not kill him, but take ruth, as one that destinies

ὣς εἰπὼν Δρύοπʼ οὖτα κατʼ αὐχένα μέσσον ἄκοντι·

Made to that purpose, being a man born in the self same year

ἤριπε δὲ προπάροιθε ποδῶν· ὃ δὲ τὸν μὲν ἔασε,

That he himself was. O poor fool, to sue to him to bear

Δημοῦχον δὲ Φιλητορίδην ἠΰν τε μέγαν τε

A ruthful mind! He well might know, he could not fashion him

κὰγ γόνυ δουρὶ βαλὼν ἠρύκακε. τὸν μὲν ἔπειτα

In ruth's soft mould, he had no spirit to brook that interim

οὐτάζων ξίφεϊ μεγάλῳ ἐξαίνυτο θυμόν·

In his hot fury, he was none of these remorseful men,

αὐτὰρ ὃ Λαόγονον καὶ Δάρδανον υἷε Βίαντος

Gentle and affable, but fierce at all times, and mad then.

ἄμφω ἐφορμηθεὶς ἐξ ἵππων ὦσε χαμᾶζε,

He gladly would have made a pray'r, and still so hugg'd his knee

τὸν μὲν δουρὶ βαλών, τὸν δὲ σχεδὸν ἄορι τύψας.

He could not quit him; till at last his sword was fain to free

Τρῶα δʼ Ἀλαστορίδην, ὃ μὲν ἀντίος ἤλυθε γούνων,

His fetter'd knees, that made a vent for his white liver's blood

εἴ πώς εὑ πεφίδοιτο λαβὼν καὶ ζωὸν ἀφείη

That caus'd such pitiful affects; of which it pour'd a flood

μηδὲ κατακτείνειεν ὁμηλικίην ἐλεήσας,

About his bosom, which it fill'd, ev'n till it drown'd his eyes,

νήπιος, οὐδὲ τὸ ᾔδη ὃ οὐ πείσεσθαι ἔμελλεν·

And all sense fail'd him. Forth then flew this prince of tragedies;

οὐ γάρ τι γλυκύθυμος ἀνὴρ ἦν οὐδʼ ἀγανόφρων,

Who next stoop'd Mulius ev'n to death with his insatiate spear;

ἀλλὰ μάλʼ ἐμμεμαώς· ὃ μὲν ἥπτετο χείρεσι γούνων

One ear it enter'd, and made good his pass to th' other ear.

ἱέμενος λίσσεσθʼ, ὃ δὲ φασγάνῳ οὖτα καθʼ ἧπαρ·

Echeclus then, Agenor's son, he strook betwixt the brows;

ἐκ δέ οἱ ἧπαρ ὄλισθεν, ἀτὰρ μέλαν αἷμα κατʼ αὐτοῦ

Whose blood set fire upon his sword, that cool'd it till the throes

κόλπον ἐνέπλησεν· τὸν δὲ σκότος ὄσσε κάλυψε

Of his then labouring brain let out his soul to fixéd fate,

θυμοῦ δευόμενον· ὃ δὲ Μούλιον οὖτα παραστὰς

And gave cold entry to black death. Deucalion then had state

δουρὶ κατʼ οὖς· εἶθαρ δὲ διʼ οὔατος ἦλθʼ ἑτέροιο

In these men's beings, where the nerves about the elbow knit,

αἰχμὴ χαλκείη· ὃ δʼ Ἀγήνορος υἱὸν Ἔχεκλον

Down to his hand his spear's steel pierc'd, and brought such pain to it

μέσσην κὰκ κεφαλὴν ξίφει ἤλασε κωπήεντι,

As led death jointly; whom he saw before his fainting eyes,

πᾶν δʼ ὑπεθερμάνθη ξίφος αἵματι· τὸν δὲ κατʼ ὄσσε

And in his neck felt, with a stroke, laid on so, that off flies

ἔλλαβε πορφύρεος θάνατος καὶ μοῖρα κραταιή.

His head. One of the twice-twelve bones, that all the backbone make,

Δευκαλίωνα δʼ ἔπειθʼ, ἵνα τε ξυνέχουσι τένοντες

Let out his marrow; when the head he, helm and all, did take,

ἀγκῶνος, τῇ τόν γε φίλης διὰ χειρὸς ἔπειρεν

And hurl'd amongst the Ilians; the body stretch'd on earth.

αἰχμῇ χαλκείῃ· ὃ δέ μιν μένε χεῖρα βαρυνθεὶς

Rhigmus of fruitful Thrace next fell. He was the famous birth

πρόσθʼ ὁρόων θάνατον· ὃ δὲ φασγάνῳ αὐχένα θείνας

Of Pireüs; his belly's midst the lance took, whose stern force

τῆλʼ αὐτῇ πήληκι κάρη βάλε· μυελὸς αὖτε

Quite tumbled him from chariot. In turning back the horse,

σφονδυλίων ἔκπαλθʼ, ὃ δʼ ἐπὶ χθονὶ κεῖτο τανυσθείς.

Their guider Areithous receiv'd another lance

αὐτὰρ ὃ βῆ ῥʼ ἰέναι μετʼ ἀμύμονα Πείρεω υἱὸν

That threw him to his lord. No end was put to the mischance

Ῥίγμον, ὃς ἐκ Θρῄκης ἐριβώλακος εἰληλούθει·

Achilles enter'd. But as fire, fall'n in a flash from heav'n,

τὸν βάλε μέσσον ἄκοντι, πάγη δʼ ἐν νηδύϊ χαλκός,

Inflames the high woods of dry hills, and with a storm is driv'n

ἤριπε δʼ ἐξ ὀχέων· ὃ δʼ Ἀρηΐθοον θεράποντα

Through all the sylvan deeps; and raves, till down goes ev'rywhere

ἂψ ἵππους στρέψαντα μετάφρενον ὀξέϊ δουρὶ

The smother'd hill; so ev'ry way Achilles and his spear

νύξʼ, ἀπὸ δʼ ἅρματος ὦσε· κυκήθησαν δέ οἱ ἵπποι.

Consum'd the champain, the black earth flow'd with the veins he tore.

ὡς δʼ ἀναμαιμάει βαθέʼ ἄγκεα θεσπιδαὲς πῦρ

And look how oxen, yok'd and driv'n about the circular floor

οὔρεος ἀζαλέοιο, βαθεῖα δὲ καίεται ὕλη,

Of some fair barn, tread suddenly the thick sheaves thin of corn,

πάντῃ τε κλονέων ἄνεμος φλόγα εἰλυφάζει,

And all the corn consum'd with chaff; so mix'd and overborne,

ὣς ὅ γε πάντῃ θῦνε σὺν ἔγχεϊ δαίμονι ἶσος

Beneath Achilles' one-hoof'd horse, shields, spears, and men, lay trod,

κτεινομένους ἐφέπων· ῥέε δʼ αἵματι γαῖα μέλαινα.

His axle-trees and chariot wheels, all spatter'd with the blood

ὡς δʼ ὅτε τις ζεύξῃ βόας ἄρσενας εὐρυμετώπους

Hurl'd from the steeds' hooves and the strakes. Thus, to be magnified,

τριβέμεναι κρῖ λευκὸν ἐϋκτιμένῃ ἐν ἀλωῇ,

His most inaccessible hands in human blood he dyed.

ῥίμφά τε λέπτʼ ἐγένοντο βοῶν ὑπὸ πόσσʼ ἐριμύκων,

ὣς ὑπʼ Ἀχιλλῆος μεγαθύμου μώνυχες ἵπποι

στεῖβον ὁμοῦ νέκυάς τε καὶ ἀσπίδας· αἵματι δʼ ἄξων

νέρθεν ἅπας πεπάλακτο καὶ ἄντυγες αἳ περὶ δίφρον,

ἃς ἄρʼ ἀφʼ ἱππείων ὁπλέων ῥαθάμιγγες ἔβαλλον

αἵ τʼ ἀπʼ ἐπισσώτρων· ὃ δὲ ἵετο κῦδος ἀρέσθαι

Πηλεΐδης, λύθρῳ δὲ παλάσσετο χεῖρας ἀάπτους.