Iliad

And now they reach'd the goodly swelling channel of the flood,

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ πόρον ἷξον ἐϋρρεῖος ποταμοῖο

Gulf-eating Xanthus, whom Jove mix'd with his immortal brood;

Ξάνθου δινήεντος, ὃν ἀθάνατος τέκετο Ζεύς,

And there Achilles cleft the host of Ilion; one side fell

ἔνθα διατμήξας τοὺς μὲν πεδίον δὲ δίωκε

On Xanthus, th' other on the town; and that did he impell

πρὸς πόλιν, ᾗ περ Ἀχαιοὶ ἀτυζόμενοι φοβέοντο

The same way that the last day's rage put all the Greeks in rout,

ἤματι τῷ προτέρῳ, ὅτε μαίνετο φαίδιμος Ἕκτωρ·

When Hector's fury reign'd; these now Achilles pour'd about

τῇ ῥʼ οἵ γε προχέοντο πεφυζότες, ἠέρα δʼ Ἥρη

The scatter'd field. To stay the flight, Saturnia cast before

πίτνα πρόσθε βαθεῖαν ἐρυκέμεν· ἡμίσεες δὲ

Their hasty feet a standing fog; and then flight's violence bore

ἐς ποταμὸν εἰλεῦντο βαθύρροον ἀργυροδίνην,

The other half full on the flood. The silver-gulféd deep

ἐν δʼ ἔπεσον μεγάλῳ πατάγῳ, βράχε δʼ αἰπὰ ῥέεθρα,

Receiv'd them with a mighty cry, the billows vast and steep

ὄχθαι δʼ ἀμφὶ περὶ μεγάλʼ ἴαχον· οἳ δʼ ἀλαλητῷ

Roar'd at their armours, which the shores did round about resound;

ἔννεον ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα ἑλισσόμενοι περὶ δίνας.

This way and that they swum, and shriek'd as in the gulfs they drown'd

ὡς δʼ ὅθʼ ὑπὸ ῥιπῆς πυρὸς ἀκρίδες ἠερέθονται

And as in fir'd fields locusts rise, as the unwearied blaze

φευγέμεναι ποταμὸν δέ· τὸ δὲ φλέγει ἀκάματον πῦρ

Plies still their rising, till in swarms all rush as in amaze,

ὄρμενον ἐξαίφνης, ταὶ δὲ πτώσσουσι καθʼ ὕδωρ·

For scape into some neighbour flood; so th' Achilleian stroke

ὣς ὑπʼ Ἀχιλλῆος Ξάνθου βαθυδινήεντος

Here drave the foe, the gulfy flood with men and horse did choke.

πλῆτο ῥόος κελάδων ἐπιμὶξ ἵππων τε καὶ ἀνδρῶν.

Then on the shore the Worthy hid and left his horrid lance

αὐτὰρ ὃ διογενὴς δόρυ μὲν λίπεν αὐτοῦ ἐπʼ ὄχθῃ

Amids the tamarisks, and sprite-like did with his sword advance

κεκλιμένον μυρίκῃσιν, ὃ δʼ ἔσθορε δαίμονι ἶσος

Up to the river; ill affairs took up his furious brain

φάσγανον οἶον ἔχων, κακὰ δὲ φρεσὶ μήδετο ἔργα,

For Troy's engagements; ev'ry way he doubled slain on slain.

τύπτε δʼ ἐπιστροφάδην· τῶν δὲ στόνος ὄρνυτʼ ἀεικὴς

A most unmanly noise was made, with those he put to sword,

ἄορι θεινομένων, ἐρυθαίνετο δʼ αἵματι ὕδωρ.

Of groans and outcries. The flood blush'd, to be so much engor'd

ὡς δʼ ὑπὸ δελφῖνος μεγακήτεος ἰχθύες ἄλλοι

With such base souls. And as small fish the swift-finn'd dolphin fly,

φεύγοντες πιμπλᾶσι μυχοὺς λιμένος εὐόρμου

Filling the deep pits in the ports, on whose close strength they lie,

δειδιότες· μάλα γάρ τε κατεσθίει ὅν κε λάβῃσιν·

And there he swallows them in shoals; so here, to rocks and holes

ὣς Τρῶες ποταμοῖο κατὰ δεινοῖο ῥέεθρα

About the flood, the Trojans fled, and there most lost their souls,

πτῶσσον ὑπὸ κρημνούς. ὃ δʼ ἐπεὶ κάμε χεῖρας ἐναίρων,

Ev'n till he tir'd his slaught'rous arm. Twelve fair young princes then

ζωοὺς ἐκ ποταμοῖο δυώδεκα λέξατο κούρους

He chose of all to take alive, to have them freshly slain

ποινὴν Πατρόκλοιο Μενοιτιάδαο θανόντος·

On that most solemn day of wreak, resolv'd on for his friend.

τοὺς ἐξῆγε θύραζε τεθηπότας ἠΰτε νεβρούς,

These led he trembling forth the flood, as fearful of their end

δῆσε δʼ ὀπίσσω χεῖρας ἐϋτμήτοισιν ἱμᾶσι,

As any hind calves. All their hands he pinioned behind

τοὺς αὐτοὶ φορέεσκον ἐπὶ στρεπτοῖσι χιτῶσι,

With their own girdles worn upon their rich weeds, and resign'd

δῶκε δʼ ἑταίροισιν κατάγειν κοίλας ἐπὶ νῆας.

Their persons to his Myrmidons to bear to fleet; and he

αὐτὰρ ὃ ἂψ ἐπόρουσε δαϊζέμεναι μενεαίνων.

Plung'd in the stream again to take more work of tragedy.

ἔνθʼ υἷι Πριάμοιο συνήντετο Δαρδανίδαο

He met, then issuing the flood with all intent of flight,

ἐκ ποταμοῦ φεύγοντι Λυκάονι, τόν ῥά ποτʼ αὐτὸς

Lycaon, Dardan Priam's son; whom lately in the night

ἦγε λαβὼν ἐκ πατρὸς ἀλωῆς οὐκ ἐθέλοντα

He had surpris'd, as in a wood of Priam's he had cut

ἐννύχιος προμολών· ὃ δʼ ἐρινεὸν ὀξέϊ χαλκῷ

The green arms of a wild fig-tree, to make him spokes to put

τάμνε νέους ὄρπηκας, ἵνʼ ἅρματος ἄντυγες εἶεν·

In naves of his new chariot. An ill then, all unthought,

τῷ δʼ ἄρʼ ἀνώϊστον κακὸν ἤλυθε δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς.

Stole on him in Achilles' shape, who took him thence, and brought

καὶ τότε μέν μιν Λῆμνον ἐϋκτιμένην ἐπέρασσε

To well-built Lemnos, selling him to famous Jason's son.

νηυσὶν ἄγων, ἀτὰρ υἱὸς Ἰήσονος ὦνον ἔδωκε·

From whom a guest then in his house (Imbrius Eetion)

κεῖθεν δὲ ξεῖνός μιν ἐλύσατο πολλὰ δʼ ἔδωκεν

Redeem'd at high rate, and sent home t' Arisba, whence he fled,

Ἴμβριος Ἠετίων, πέμψεν δʼ ἐς δῖαν Ἀρίσβην·

And saw again his father's court; elev'n days banqueted

ἔνθεν ὑπεκπροφυγὼν πατρώϊον ἵκετο δῶμα.

Amongst his friends; the twelfth God thrust his hapless head again

ἕνδεκα δʼ ἤματα θυμὸν ἐτέρπετο οἷσι φίλοισιν

In t' hands of stern Æacides, who now must send him slain

ἐλθὼν ἐκ Λήμνοιο· δυωδεκάτῃ δέ μιν αὖτις

To Pluto's court, and 'gainst his will. Him, when Achilles knew,

χερσὶν Ἀχιλλῆος θεὸς ἔμβαλεν, ὅς μιν ἔμελλε

Naked of helmet, shield, sword, lance (all which for ease he threw

πέμψειν εἰς Ἀΐδαο καὶ οὐκ ἐθέλοντα νέεσθαι.

To earth, being overcome with sweat, and labour wearying

τὸν δʼ ὡς οὖν ἐνόησε ποδάρκης δῖος Ἀχιλλεὺς

His flying knees) he storm'd, and said: “O heav'n, a wondrous thing

γυμνὸν ἄτερ κόρυθός τε καὶ ἀσπίδος, οὐδʼ ἔχεν ἔγχος,

Invades mine eyes! Those Ilians, that heretofore I slew,

ἀλλὰ τὰ μέν ῥʼ ἀπὸ πάντα χαμαὶ βάλε· τεῖρε γὰρ ἱδρὼς

Rise from the dark dead quick again. This man Fate makes eschew

φεύγοντʼ ἐκ ποταμοῦ, κάματος δʼ ὑπὸ γούνατʼ ἐδάμνα·

Her own steel fingers. He was sold in Lemnos, and the deep

ὀχθήσας δʼ ἄρα εἶπε πρὸς ὃν μεγαλήτορα θυμόν·

Of all seas 'twixt this Troy, and that (that many a man doth keep

ὢ πόποι ἦ μέγα θαῦμα τόδʼ ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ὁρῶμαι·

From his lov'd country) bars not him. Come then, he now shall taste

ἦ μάλα δὴ Τρῶες μεγαλήτορες οὕς περ ἔπεφνον

The head of Pelias, and try if steel will down as fast

αὖτις ἀναστήσονται ὑπὸ ζόφου ἠερόεντος,

As other fortunes, or kind earth can any surer seize

οἷον δὴ καὶ ὅδʼ ἦλθε φυγὼν ὕπο νηλεὲς ἦμαρ

On his sly person, whose strong arms have held down Hercules.”

Λῆμνον ἐς ἠγαθέην πεπερημένος· οὐδέ μιν ἔσχε

His thoughts thus mov'd, while he stood firm, to see if he, he spied,

πόντος ἁλὸς πολιῆς, ὃ πολέας ἀέκοντας ἐρύκει.

Would offer flight (which first he thought) but when he had descried

ἀλλʼ ἄγε δὴ καὶ δουρὸς ἀκωκῆς ἡμετέροιο

He was descried and flight was vain, fearful, he made more nigh,

γεύσεται, ὄφρα ἴδωμαι ἐνὶ φρεσὶν ἠδὲ δαείω

With purpose to embrace his knees, and now long'd much to fly

ἢ ἄρʼ ὁμῶς καὶ κεῖθεν ἐλεύσεται, ἦ μιν ἐρύξει

His black fate and abhorréd death by coming in. His foe

γῆ φυσίζοος, ἥ τε κατὰ κρατερόν περ ἐρύκει.

Observ'd all this, and up he rais'd his lance as he would throw;

ὣς ὅρμαινε μένων· ὃ δέ οἱ σχεδὸν ἦλθε τεθηπὼς

And then Lycaon close ran in, fell on his breast, and took

γούνων ἅψασθαι μεμαώς, περὶ δʼ ἤθελε θυμῷ

Achilles' knees; whose lance, on earth now staid, did overlook

ἐκφυγέειν θάνατόν τε κακὸν καὶ κῆρα μέλαιναν.

His still turn'd back, with thirst to glut his sharp point with the blood

ἤτοι ὃ μὲν δόρυ μακρὸν ἀνέσχετο δῖος Ἀχιλλεὺς

οὐτάμεναι μεμαώς, ὃ δʼ ὑπέδραμε καὶ λάβε γούνων

κύψας· ἐγχείη δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπὲρ νώτου ἐνὶ γαίῃ

ἔστη ἱεμένη χροὸς ἄμεναι ἀνδρομέοιο.

αὐτὰρ ὃ τῇ ἑτέρῃ μὲν ἑλὼν ἐλλίσσετο γούνων,

τῇ δʼ ἑτέρῃ ἔχεν ἔγχος ἀκαχμένον οὐδὲ μεθίει·

καί μιν φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

γουνοῦμαι σʼ Ἀχιλεῦ· σὺ δέ μʼ αἴδεο καί μʼ ἐλέησον·

ἀντί τοί εἰμʼ ἱκέταο διοτρεφὲς αἰδοίοιο·

πὰρ γὰρ σοὶ πρώτῳ πασάμην Δημήτερος ἀκτὴν

That lay so ready. But that thirst Lycaon's thirst withstood

ἤματι τῷ ὅτε μʼ εἷλες ἐϋκτιμένῃ ἐν ἀλωῇ,

To save his blood; Achilles' knee in his one hand he knit,

καί μʼ ἐπέρασσας ἄνευθεν ἄγων πατρός τε φίλων τε

His other held the long lance hard, and would not part with it,

Λῆμνον ἐς ἠγαθέην, ἑκατόμβοιον δέ τοι ἦλφον.

But thus besought: “I kiss thy knees, divine Æacides!

νῦν δὲ λύμην τρὶς τόσσα πορών· ἠὼς δέ μοί ἐστιν

Respect me, and my fortunes rue. I now present th' access

ἥδε δυωδεκάτη, ὅτʼ ἐς Ἴλιον εἰλήλουθα

Of a poor suppliant for thy ruth; and I am one that is

πολλὰ παθών· νῦν αὖ με τεῇς ἐν χερσὶν ἔθηκε

Worthy thy ruth, O Jove's belov'd. First hour my miseries

μοῖρʼ ὀλοή· μέλλω που ἀπεχθέσθαι Διὶ πατρί,

Fell into any hand, 'twas thine. I tasted all my bread

ὅς με σοὶ αὖτις δῶκε· μινυνθάδιον δέ με μήτηρ

By thy gift since, O since that hour that thy surprisal led

γείνατο Λαοθόη θυγάτηρ Ἄλταο γέροντος

From forth the fair wood my sad feet, far from my lov'd allies,

Ἄλτεω, ὃς Λελέγεσσι φιλοπτολέμοισιν ἀνάσσει

To famous Lemnos, where I found a hundred oxen's prize

Πήδασον αἰπήεσσαν ἔχων ἐπὶ Σατνιόεντι.

To make my ransom; for which now I thrice the worth will raise.

τοῦ δʼ ἔχε θυγατέρα Πρίαμος, πολλὰς δὲ καὶ ἄλλας·

This day makes twelve, since I arriv'd in Ilion, many days

τῆς δὲ δύω γενόμεσθα, σὺ δʼ ἄμφω δειροτομήσεις,

Being spent before in sufferance; and now a cruel fate

ἤτοι τὸν πρώτοισι μετὰ πρυλέεσσι δάμασσας

Thrusts me again into thy hands. I should haunt Jove with hate,

ἀντίθεον Πολύδωρον, ἐπεὶ βάλες ὀξέϊ δουρί·

That with such set malignity gives thee my life again.

νῦν δὲ δὴ ἐνθάδʼ ἐμοὶ κακὸν ἔσσεται· οὐ γὰρ ὀΐω

There were but two of us for whom Laothoe suffer'd pain,

σὰς χεῖρας φεύξεσθαι, ἐπεί ῥʼ ἐπέλασσέ γε δαίμων.

Laothoe, old Alte's seed; Alte, whose palace stood

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

In height of upper Pedasus, near Satnius' silver flood,

μή με κτεῖνʼ, ἐπεὶ οὐχ ὁμογάστριος Ἕκτορός εἰμι,

And rul'd the war-like Lelegi. Whose seed (as many more)

ὅς τοι ἑταῖρον ἔπεφνεν ἐνηέα τε κρατερόν τε.

King Priam married, and begot the god-like Polydore,

ὣς ἄρα μιν Πριάμοιο προσηύδα φαίδιμος υἱὸς

And me accurs'd. Thou slaughter'dst him; and now thy hand on me

λισσόμενος ἐπέεσσιν, ἀμείλικτον δʼ ὄπʼ ἄκουσε·

Will prove as mortal. I did think, when here I met with thee,

νήπιε μή μοι ἄποινα πιφαύσκεο μηδʼ ἀγόρευε·

I could not 'scape thee; yet give ear, and add thy mind to it:

πρὶν μὲν γὰρ Πάτροκλον ἐπισπεῖν αἴσιμον ἦμαρ

I told my birth to intimate, though one sire did beget

τόφρά τί μοι πεφιδέσθαι ἐνὶ φρεσὶ φίλτερον ἦεν

Yet one womb brought not into light Hector that slew thy friend,

Τρώων, καὶ πολλοὺς ζωοὺς ἕλον ἠδʼ ἐπέρασσα·

And me. O do not kill me then, but let the wretched end

νῦν δʼ οὐκ ἔσθʼ ὅς τις θάνατον φύγῃ ὅν κε θεός γε

Of Polydore excuse my life. For half our being bred

Ἰλίου προπάροιθεν ἐμῇς ἐν χερσὶ βάλῃσι

Brothers to Hector, he (half) paid, no more is forfeited.”

καὶ πάντων Τρώων, περὶ δʼ αὖ Πριάμοιό γε παίδων.

Thus sued he humbly; but he heard, with this austere reply:

ἀλλὰ φίλος θάνε καὶ σύ· τί ἦ ὀλοφύρεαι οὕτως;

“Fool, urge not ruth nor price to me, till that solemnity,

κάτθανε καὶ Πάτροκλος, ὅ περ σέο πολλὸν ἀμείνων.

Resolv'd on for Patroclus' death, pay all his rites to fate.

οὐχ ὁράᾳς οἷος καὶ ἐγὼ καλός τε μέγας τε;

Till his death I did grace to Troy, and many lives did rate

πατρὸς δʼ εἴμʼ ἀγαθοῖο, θεὰ δέ με γείνατο μήτηρ·

At price of ransom; but none now, of all the brood of Troy,

ἀλλʼ ἔπι τοι καὶ ἐμοὶ θάνατος καὶ μοῖρα κραταιή·

(Whoever Jove throws to my hands) shall any breath enjoy

ἔσσεται ἢ ἠὼς ἢ δείλη ἢ μέσον ἦμαρ

That death can beat out, specially that touch at Priam's race.

ὁππότε τις καὶ ἐμεῖο Ἄρῃ ἐκ θυμὸν ἕληται

Die, die, my friend. What tears are these? What sad looks spoil thy face?

ἢ ὅ γε δουρὶ βαλὼν ἢ ἀπὸ νευρῆφιν ὀϊστῷ.

Patroclus died, that far pass'd thee. Nay, seest thou not beside,

ὣς φάτο, τοῦ δʼ αὐτοῦ λύτο γούνατα καὶ φίλον ἦτορ·

Myself, ev'n I, a fair young man, and rarely magnified,

ἔγχος μέν ῥʼ ἀφέηκεν, ὃ δʼ ἕζετο χεῖρε πετάσσας

And, to my father being a king, a mother have that sits

ἀμφοτέρας· Ἀχιλεὺς δὲ ἐρυσσάμενος ξίφος ὀξὺ

In rank with Goddesses; and yet, when thou hast spent thy spirits,

τύψε κατὰ κληῗδα παρʼ αὐχένα, πᾶν δέ οἱ εἴσω

Death and as violent a fate must overtake ev'n me,

δῦ ξίφος ἄμφηκες· ὃ δʼ ἄρα πρηνὴς ἐπὶ γαίῃ

By twilight, morn-light, day, high noon, whenever destiny

κεῖτο ταθείς, ἐκ δʼ αἷμα μέλαν ῥέε, δεῦε δὲ γαῖαν.

Sets on her man to hurl a lance, or knit out of his string

τὸν δʼ Ἀχιλεὺς ποταμὸν δὲ λαβὼν ποδὸς ἧκε φέρεσθαι,

An arrow that must reach my life.” This said, a languishing

καί οἱ ἐπευχόμενος ἔπεα πτερόεντʼ ἀγόρευεν·

Lycaon's heart bent like his knees, yet left him strength t' advance

ἐνταυθοῖ νῦν κεῖσο μετʼ ἰχθύσιν, οἵ σʼ ὠτειλὴν

Both hands for mercy as he kneel'd. His foe yet leaves his lance,

αἷμʼ ἀπολιχμήσονται ἀκηδέες· οὐδέ σε μήτηρ

And forth his sword flies, which he hid in furrow of a wound

ἐνθεμένη λεχέεσσι γοήσεται, ἀλλὰ Σκάμανδρος

Driv'n through the jointure of his neck; flat fell he on the ground,

οἴσει δινήεις εἴσω ἁλὸς εὐρέα κόλπον·

Stretch'd with death's pangs, and all the earth imbru'd with timeless blood.

θρῴσκων τις κατὰ κῦμα μέλαιναν φρῖχʼ ὑπαΐξει

Then gript Æacides his heel, and to the lofty flood

ἰχθύς, ὅς κε φάγῃσι Λυκάονος ἀργέτα δημόν.

Flung, swinging, his unpitied corse, to see it swim, and toss

φθείρεσθʼ εἰς ὅ κεν ἄστυ κιχείομεν Ἰλίου ἱρῆς

Upon the rough waves, and said; “Go, feed fat the fish with loss

ὑμεῖς μὲν φεύγοντες, ἐγὼ δʼ ὄπιθεν κεραΐζων.

Of thy left blood, they clean will suck thy green wounds; and this saves

οὐδʼ ὑμῖν ποταμός περ ἐΰρροος ἀργυροδίνης

Thy mother tears upon thy bed. Deep Xanthus on his waves

ἀρκέσει, ᾧ δὴ δηθὰ πολέας ἱερεύετε ταύρους,

Shall hoise thee bravely to a tomb, that in her burly breast

ζωοὺς δʼ ἐν δίνῃσι καθίετε μώνυχας ἵππους.

The sea shall open, where great fish may keep thy fun'ral feast

ἀλλὰ καὶ ὧς ὀλέεσθε κακὸν μόρον, εἰς ὅ κε πάντες

With thy white fat, and on the waves dance at thy wedding fate,

τίσετε Πατρόκλοιο φόνον καὶ λοιγὸν Ἀχαιῶν,

Clad in black horror, keeping close inaccessible state,

οὓς ἐπὶ νηυσὶ θοῇσιν ἐπέφνετε νόσφιν ἐμεῖο.

So perish Ilians, till we pluck the brows of Ilion

ὣς ἄρʼ ἔφη, ποταμὸς δὲ χολώσατο κηρόθι μᾶλλον,

Down to her feet, you flying still, I flying still upon

ὅρμηνεν δʼ ἀνὰ θυμὸν ὅπως παύσειε πόνοιο

Thus in the rear, and (as my brows were fork'd with rabid horns)

δῖον Ἀχιλλῆα, Τρώεσσι δὲ λοιγὸν ἀλάλκοι.

Toss ye together. This brave flood, that strengthens and adorns

τόφρα δὲ Πηλέος υἱὸς ἔχων δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος

Your city with his silver gulfs, to whom so many bulls

Ἀστεροπαίῳ ἐπᾶλτο κατακτάμεναι μενεαίνων

Your zeal hath offer'd, which blind zeal his sacred current gulls,

υἱέϊ Πηλεγόνος· τὸν δʼ Ἀξιὸς εὐρυρέεθρος

With casting chariots and horse quick to his pray'd-for aid,

γείνατο καὶ Περίβοια Ἀκεσσαμενοῖο θυγατρῶν

Shall nothing profit. Perish then, till cruell'st death hath laid

πρεσβυτάτη· τῇ γάρ ῥα μίγη ποταμὸς βαθυδίνης.

All at the red feet of Revenge for my slain friend, and all

τῷ ῥʼ Ἀχιλεὺς ἐπόρουσεν, ὃ δʼ ἀντίος ἐκ ποταμοῖο

ἔστη ἔχων δύο δοῦρε· μένος δέ οἱ ἐν φρεσὶ θῆκε

Ξάνθος, ἐπεὶ κεχόλωτο δαϊκταμένων αἰζηῶν,

τοὺς Ἀχιλεὺς ἐδάϊζε κατὰ ῥόον οὐδʼ ἐλέαιρεν.

οἳ δʼ ὅτε δὴ σχεδὸν ἦσαν ἐπʼ ἀλλήλοισιν ἰόντες,

τὸν πρότερος προσέειπε ποδάρκης δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς·

τίς πόθεν εἰς ἀνδρῶν ὅ μευ ἔτλης ἀντίος ἐλθεῖν;

δυστήνων δέ τε παῖδες ἐμῷ μένει ἀντιόωσι.

τὸν δʼ αὖ Πηλεγόνος προσεφώνεε φαίδιμος υἱός·

With whom the absence of my hands made yours a festival.”

Πηλεΐδη μεγάθυμε τί ἦ γενεὴν ἐρεείνεις;

This speech great Xanthus more enrag'd, and made his spirit contend

εἴμʼ ἐκ Παιονίης ἐριβώλου τηλόθʼ ἐούσης

For means to shut up the op'd vein against him, and defend

Παίονας ἄνδρας ἄγων δολιχεγχέας· ἥδε δέ μοι νῦν

The Trojans in it from his plague. In mean time Peleus' son,

ἠὼς ἑνδεκάτη ὅτε Ἴλιον εἰλήλουθα.

And now with that long lance he hid, for more blood set upon

αὐτὰρ ἐμοὶ γενεὴ ἐξ Ἀξιοῦ εὐρὺ ῥέοντος

Asteropæus, the descent of Pelegon, and he

Ἀξιοῦ, ὃς κάλλιστον ὕδωρ ἐπὶ γαῖαν ἵησιν,

Of broad-stream'd Axius, and the dame, of first nativity

ὃς τέκε Πηλεγόνα κλυτὸν ἔγχεϊ· τὸν δʼ ἐμέ φασι

To all the daughters that renown'd Acesamenus' seed,

γείνασθαι· νῦν αὖτε μαχώμεθα φαίδιμʼ Ἀχιλλεῦ.

Bright Peribœa, whom the Flood, arm'd thick with lofty reed,

ὣς φάτʼ ἀπειλήσας, ὃ δʼ ἀνέσχετο δῖος Ἀχιλλεὺς

Compress'd. At her grandchild now went Thetis' great son, whose foe

Πηλιάδα μελίην· ὃ δʼ ἁμαρτῇ δούρασιν ἀμφὶς

Stood arm'd with two darts, being set on by Xanthus anger'd so

ἥρως Ἀστεροπαῖος, ἐπεὶ περιδέξιος ἦεν.

For those youths' blood shed in his stream by vengeful Thetis' son

καί ῥʼ ἑτέρῳ μὲν δουρὶ σάκος βάλεν, οὐδὲ διὰ πρὸ

Without all mercy. Both being near, great Thetides begun

ῥῆξε σάκος· χρυσὸς γὰρ ἐρύκακε δῶρα θεοῖο·

With this high question; “Of what race art thou that dar'st oppose

τῷ δʼ ἑτέρῳ μιν πῆχυν ἐπιγράβδην βάλε χειρὸς

Thy pow'r to mine thus? Curséd wombs they ever did disclose,

δεξιτερῆς, σύτο δʼ αἷμα κελαινεφές· ἣ δʼ ὑπὲρ αὐτοῦ

That stood my anger.” He replied: “What makes thy fury's heat

γαίῃ ἐνεστήρικτο λιλαιομένη χροὸς ἆσαι.

Talk, and seek pedigrees? Far hence lies my innative seat,

δεύτερος αὖτʼ Ἀχιλεὺς μελίην ἰθυπτίωνα

In rich Pæonia. My race from broad-stream'd Axius runs;

Ἀστεροπαίῳ ἐφῆκε κατακτάμεναι μενεαίνων.

Axius, that gives earth purest drink, of all the wat'ry sons

καὶ τοῦ μέν ῥʼ ἀφάμαρτεν, ὃ δʼ ὑψηλὴν βάλεν ὄχθην,

Of great Oceanus, and got the famous for his spear,

μεσσοπαγὲς δʼ ἄρʼ ἔθηκε κατʼ ὄχθης μείλινον ἔγχος.

Pelegonus, that father'd me; and these Pæonians here,

Πηλεΐδης δʼ ἄορ ὀξὺ ἐρυσσάμενος παρὰ μηροῦ

Arm'd with long lances, here I lead; and here th' elev'nth fair light

ἆλτʼ ἐπί οἱ μεμαώς· ὃ δʼ ἄρα μελίην Ἀχιλῆος

Shines on us since we enter'd Troy. Come now, brave man, let's fight.”

οὐ δύνατʼ ἐκ κρημνοῖο ἐρύσσαι χειρὶ παχείῃ.

Thus spake he, threat'ning; and to him Pelides made reply

τρὶς μέν μιν πελέμιξεν ἐρύσσασθαι μενεαίνων,

With shaken Pelias; but his foe with two at once let fly,

τρὶς δὲ μεθῆκε βίης· τὸ δὲ τέτρατον ἤθελε θυμῷ

For both his hands were dexterous. One jav'lin strook the shield

ἆξαι ἐπιγνάμψας δόρυ μείλινον Αἰακίδαο,

Of Thetis' son, but strook not through; the gold, God's gift, repell'd

ἀλλὰ πρὶν Ἀχιλεὺς σχεδὸν ἄορι θυμὸν ἀπηύρα.

The eager point; the other lance fell lightly on the part

γαστέρα γάρ μιν τύψε παρʼ ὀμφαλόν, ἐκ δʼ ἄρα πᾶσαι

Of his fair right hand's cubit; forth the black blood spun; the dart

χύντο χαμαὶ χολάδες· τὸν δὲ σκότος ὄσσε κάλυψεν

Glanc'd over, fast'ning on the earth, and there his spleen was spent

ἀσθμαίνοντʼ· Ἀχιλεὺς δʼ ἄρʼ ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ὀρούσας

That wish'd the body. With which wish Achilles his lance sent,

τεύχεά τʼ ἐξενάριξε καὶ εὐχόμενος ἔπος ηὔδα·

That quite miss'd, and infix'd itself fast in steep-up shore;

κεῖσʼ οὕτως· χαλεπόν τοι ἐρισθενέος Κρονίωνος

Ev'n to the midst it enter'd it. Himself then fiercely bore

παισὶν ἐριζέμεναι ποταμοῖό περ ἐκγεγαῶτι.

Upon his enemy with his sword. His foe was tugging hard

φῆσθα σὺ μὲν ποταμοῦ γένος ἔμμεναι εὐρὺ ῥέοντος,

To get his lance out; thrice he pluck'd, and thrice sure Pelias barr'd

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ γενεὴν μεγάλου Διὸς εὔχομαι εἶναι.

His wish'd evulsion; the fourth pluck, he bow'd and meant to break

τίκτέ μʼ ἀνὴρ πολλοῖσιν ἀνάσσων Μυρμιδόνεσσι

The ashen plant, but, ere that act, Achilles' sword did check

Πηλεὺς Αἰακίδης· ὃ δʼ ἄρʼ Αἰακὸς ἐκ Διὸς ἦεν.

His bent pow'r, and brake out his soul. Full in the navel-stead

τὼ κρείσσων μὲν Ζεὺς ποταμῶν ἁλιμυρηέντων,

He ripp'd his belly up, and out his entrails fell, and dead

κρείσσων αὖτε Διὸς γενεὴ ποταμοῖο τέτυκται.

His breathless body; whence his arms Achilles drew, and said:

καὶ γὰρ σοὶ ποταμός γε πάρα μέγας, εἰ δύναταί τι

“Lie there, and prove it dangerous to lift up adverse head

χραισμεῖν· ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἔστι Διὶ Κρονίωνι μάχεσθαι,

Against Jove's sons, although a Flood were ancestor to thee.

τῷ οὐδὲ κρείων Ἀχελώϊος ἰσοφαρίζει,

Thy vaunts urg'd him, but I may vaunt a higher pedigree

οὐδὲ βαθυρρείταο μέγα σθένος Ὠκεανοῖο,

From Jove himself. King Peleüs was son to Æacus,

ἐξ οὗ περ πάντες ποταμοὶ καὶ πᾶσα θάλασσα

Infernal Æacus to Jove, and I to Peleüs.

καὶ πᾶσαι κρῆναι καὶ φρείατα μακρὰ νάουσιν·

Thunder-voic'd Jove far passeth floods, that only murmurs raise

ἀλλὰ καὶ ὃς δείδοικε Διὸς μεγάλοιο κεραυνὸν

With earth and water as they run with tribute to the seas;

δεινήν τε βροντήν, ὅτʼ ἀπʼ οὐρανόθεν σμαραγήσῃ.

And his seed theirs exceeds as far. A Flood, a mighty Flood,

ἦ ῥα, καὶ ἐκ κρημνοῖο ἐρύσσατο χάλκεον ἔγχος,

Rag'd near thee now, but with no aid; Jove must not be withstood.

τὸν δὲ κατʼ αὐτόθι λεῖπεν, ἐπεὶ φίλον ἦτορ ἀπηύρα,

King Achelous yields to him, and great Oceanus,

κείμενον ἐν ψαμάθοισι, δίαινε δέ μιν μέλαν ὕδωρ.

Whence all floods, all the sea, all founts, wells, all deeps humorous,

τὸν μὲν ἄρʼ ἐγχέλυές τε καὶ ἰχθύες ἀμφεπένοντο

Fetch their beginnings; yet ev'n he fears Jove's flash, and the crack

δημὸν ἐρεπτόμενοι ἐπινεφρίδιον κείροντες·

His thunder gives, when out of heav'n it tears atwo his rack.”

αὐτὰρ ὃ βῆ ῥʼ ἰέναι μετὰ Παίονας ἱπποκορυστάς,

Thus pluck'd he from the shore his lance, and left the waves to wash

οἵ ῥʼ ἔτι πὰρ ποταμὸν πεφοβήατο δινήεντα,

The wave-sprung entrails, about which fausens and other fish

ὡς εἶδον τὸν ἄριστον ἐνὶ κρατερῇ ὑσμίνῃ

Did shoal, to nibble at the fat which his sweet kidneys hid.

χέρσʼ ὕπο Πηλεΐδαο καὶ ἄορι ἶφι δαμέντα.

This for himself. Now to his men, the well-rode Pæons, did

ἔνθʼ ἕλε Θερσίλοχόν τε Μύδωνά τε Ἀστύπυλόν τε

His rage contend, all which cold fear shook into flight, to see

Μνῆσόν τε Θρασίον τε καὶ Αἴνιον ἠδʼ Ὀφελέστην·

Their captain slain. At whose maz'd flight, as much enrag'd, flew he.

καί νύ κʼ ἔτι πλέονας κτάνε Παίονας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς,

And then fell all these, Thrasius, Mydon, Astypylus,

εἰ μὴ χωσάμενος προσέφη ποταμὸς βαθυδίνης

Great Ophelestes, Ænius, Mnesus, Thersilochus.

ἀνέρι εἰσάμενος, βαθέης δʼ ἐκ φθέγξατο δίνης·

And on these many more had fall'n, unless the angry Flood

ὦ Ἀχιλεῦ, περὶ μὲν κρατέεις, περὶ δʼ αἴσυλα ῥέζεις

Had took the figure of a man, and in a whirlpit stood,

ἀνδρῶν· αἰεὶ γάρ τοι ἀμύνουσιν θεοὶ αὐτοί.

Thus speaking to Æacides: “Past all, pow'r feeds thy will,

εἴ τοι Τρῶας ἔδωκε Κρόνου παῖς πάντας ὀλέσσαι,

Thou great grandchild of Æacus, and, past all, th' art in ill,

ἐξ ἐμέθεν γʼ ἐλάσας πεδίον κάτα μέρμερα ῥέζε·

And Gods themselves confederates, and Jove, the best of Gods,

πλήθει γὰρ δή μοι νεκύων ἐρατεινὰ ῥέεθρα,

All deaths gives thee, all places not. Make my shores periods

οὐδέ τί πῃ δύναμαι προχέειν ῥόον εἰς ἅλα δῖαν

To all shore service. In the field let thy field-acts run high,

στεινόμενος νεκύεσσι, σὺ δὲ κτείνεις ἀϊδήλως.

ἀλλʼ ἄγε δὴ καὶ ἔασον· ἄγη μʼ ἔχει ὄρχαμε λαῶν.

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς·

ἔσται ταῦτα Σκάμανδρε διοτρεφές, ὡς σὺ κελεύεις.

Τρῶας δʼ οὐ πρὶν λήξω ὑπερφιάλους ἐναρίζων,

πρὶν ἔλσαι κατὰ ἄστυ καὶ Ἕκτορι πειρηθῆναι

ἀντιβίην, ἤ κέν με δαμάσσεται, ἦ κεν ἐγὼ τόν.

ὣς εἰπὼν Τρώεσσιν ἐπέσσυτο δαίμονι ἶσος·

καὶ τότʼ Ἀπόλλωνα προσέφη ποταμὸς βαθυδίνης·

ὢ πόποι ἀργυρότοξε Διὸς τέκος οὐ σύ γε βουλὰς

Not in my waters. My sweet streams choke with mortality

εἰρύσαο Κρονίωνος, ὅ τοι μάλα πόλλʼ ἐπέτελλε

Of men slain by thee. Carcasses so glut me, that I fail

Τρωσὶ παρεστάμεναι καὶ ἀμύνειν, εἰς ὅ κεν ἔλθῃ

To pour into the sacred sea my waves; yet still assail

δείελος ὀψὲ δύων, σκιάσῃ δʼ ἐρίβωλον ἄρουραν.

Thy cruel forces. Cease, amaze affects me with thy rage,

ἦ, καὶ Ἀχιλλεὺς μὲν δουρικλυτὸς ἔνθορε μέσσῳ

Prince of the people.” He replied: “Shall thy command assuage,

κρημνοῦ ἀπαΐξας· ὃ δʼ ἐπέσσυτο οἴδματι θύων,

Gulf-fed Scamander, my free wrath? I'll never leave pursu'd

πάντα δʼ ὄρινε ῥέεθρα κυκώμενος, ὦσε δὲ νεκροὺς

Proud Ilion's slaughters, till this hand in her fill'd walls conclude

πολλούς, οἵ ῥα κατʼ αὐτὸν ἅλις ἔσαν, οὓς κτάνʼ Ἀχιλλεύς

Her flying forces, and hath tried in single fight the chance

τοὺς ἔκβαλλε θύραζε μεμυκὼς ἠΰτε ταῦρος

Of war with Hector; whose event with stark death shall advance

χέρσον δέ· ζωοὺς δὲ σάω κατὰ καλὰ ῥέεθρα,

One of our conquests.” Thus again he like a fury flew

κρύπτων ἐν δίνῃσι βαθείῃσιν μεγάλῃσι.

Upon the Trojans; when the flood his sad plaint did pursue

δεινὸν δʼ ἀμφʼ Ἀχιλῆα κυκώμενον ἵστατο κῦμα,

To bright Apollo, telling him he was too negligent

ὤθει δʼ ἐν σάκεϊ πίπτων ῥόος· οὐδὲ πόδεσσιν

Of Jove's high charge, importuning by all means vehement

εἶχε στηρίξασθαι· ὃ δὲ πτελέην ἕλε χερσὶν

His help of Troy till latest even should her black shadows pour

εὐφυέα μεγάλην· ἣ δʼ ἐκ ῥιζῶν ἐριποῦσα

On Earth's broad breast. In all his worst, Achilles yet from shore

κρημνὸν ἅπαντα διῶσεν, ἐπέσχε δὲ καλὰ ῥέεθρα

Leapt to his midst. Then swell'd his waves, then rag'd, then boil'd again

ὄζοισιν πυκινοῖσι, γεφύρωσεν δέ μιν αὐτὸν

Against Achilles. Up flew all, and all the bodies slain

εἴσω πᾶσʼ ἐριποῦσʼ· ὃ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐκ δίνης ἀνορούσας

In all his deeps (of which the heaps made bridges to his waves)

ἤϊξεν πεδίοιο ποσὶ κραιπνοῖσι πέτεσθαι

He belch'd out, roaring like a bull. The unslain yet he saves

δείσας· οὐδέ τʼ ἔληγε θεὸς μέγας, ὦρτο δʼ ἐπʼ αὐτῷ

In his black whirlpits vast and deep. A horrid billow stood

ἀκροκελαινιόων, ἵνα μιν παύσειε πόνοιο

About Achilles. On his shield the violence of the Flood

δῖον Ἀχιλλῆα, Τρώεσσι δὲ λοιγὸν ἀλάλκοι.

Beat so, it drave him back, and took his feet up, his fair palm

Πηλεΐδης δʼ ἀπόρουσεν ὅσον τʼ ἐπὶ δουρὸς ἐρωή,

Enforc'd to catch into his stay a broad and lofty elm,

αἰετοῦ οἴματʼ ἔχων μέλανος τοῦ θηρητῆρος,

Whose roots he toss'd up with his hold, and tore up all the shore.

ὅς θʼ ἅμα κάρτιστός τε καὶ ὤκιστος πετεηνῶν·

With this then he repell'd the waves, and those thick arms it bore

τῷ ἐϊκὼς ἤϊξεν, ἐπὶ στήθεσσι δὲ χαλκὸς

He made a bridge to bear him off; (for all fell in) when he

σμερδαλέον κονάβιζεν· ὕπαιθα δὲ τοῖο λιασθεὶς

Forth from the channel threw himself. The rage did terrify

φεῦγʼ, ὃ δʼ ὄπισθε ῥέων ἕπετο μεγάλῳ ὀρυμαγδῷ.

Ev'n his great spirit, and made him add wings to his swiftest feet,

ὡς δʼ ὅτʼ ἀνὴρ ὀχετηγὸς ἀπὸ κρήνης μελανύδρου

And tread the land. And yet not there the Flood left his retreat,

ἂμ φυτὰ καὶ κήπους ὕδατι ῥόον ἡγεμονεύῃ

But thrust his billows after him, and black'd them all at top,

χερσὶ μάκελλαν ἔχων, ἀμάρης ἐξ ἔχματα βάλλων·

To make him fear, and fly his charge, and set the broad field ope

τοῦ μέν τε προρέοντος ὑπὸ ψηφῖδες ἅπασαι

For Troy to 'scape in. He sprung out a dart's cast, but came on

ὀχλεῦνται· τὸ δέ τʼ ὦκα κατειβόμενον κελαρύζει

Again with a redoubled force. As when the swiftest flown,

χώρῳ ἔνι προαλεῖ, φθάνει δέ τε καὶ τὸν ἄγοντα·

And strong'st of all fowls, Jove's black hawk, the huntress, stoops upon

ὣς αἰεὶ Ἀχιλῆα κιχήσατο κῦμα ῥόοιο

A much lov'd quarry; so charg'd he; his arms with horror rung

καὶ λαιψηρὸν ἐόντα· θεοὶ δέ τε φέρτεροι ἀνδρῶν.

Against the black waves. Yet again he was so urg'd, he flung

ὁσσάκι δʼ ὁρμήσειε ποδάρκης δῖος Ἀχιλλεὺς

His body from the Flood, and fled; and after him again

στῆναι ἐναντίβιον καὶ γνώμεναι εἴ μιν ἅπαντες

The waves flew roaring. As a man that finds a water-vein,

ἀθάνατοι φοβέουσι, τοὶ οὐρανὸν εὐρὺν ἔχουσι,

And from some black fount is to bring his streams through plants and groves,

τοσσάκι μιν μέγα κῦμα διιπετέος ποταμοῖο

Goes with his mattock, and all checks, set to his course, removes;

πλάζʼ ὤμους καθύπερθεν· ὃ δʼ ὑψόσε ποσσὶν ἐπήδα

When that runs freely, under it the pebbles all give way,

θυμῷ ἀνιάζων· ποταμὸς δʼ ὑπὸ γούνατʼ ἐδάμνα

And, where it finds a fall, runs swift; nor can the leader stay

λάβρος ὕπαιθα ῥέων, κονίην δʼ ὑπέρεπτε ποδοῖιν.

His current then, before himself full-pac'd it murmurs on;

Πηλεΐδης δʼ ᾤμωξεν ἰδὼν εἰς οὐρανὸν εὐρύν·

So of Achilles evermore the strong Flood vantage won;

Ζεῦ πάτερ ὡς οὔ τίς με θεῶν ἐλεεινὸν ὑπέστη

Though most deliver, Gods are still above the pow'rs of men.

ἐκ ποταμοῖο σαῶσαι· ἔπειτα δὲ καί τι πάθοιμι.

As oft as th' able god-like man endeavour'd to maintain

ἄλλος δʼ οὔ τις μοι τόσον αἴτιος Οὐρανιώνων,

His charge on them that kept the flood, and charg'd as he would try

ἀλλὰ φίλη μήτηρ, ἥ με ψεύδεσσιν ἔθελγεν·

If all the Gods inhabiting the broad unreachéd sky

ἥ μʼ ἔφατο Τρώων ὑπὸ τείχεϊ θωρηκτάων

Could daunt his spirit; so oft still, the rude waves charg'd him round,

λαιψηροῖς ὀλέεσθαι Ἀπόλλωνος βελέεσσιν.

Rampt on his shoulders; from whose depth his strength and spirit would bound

ὥς μʼ ὄφελʼ Ἕκτωρ κτεῖναι ὃς ἐνθάδε γʼ ἔτραφʼ ἄριστος·

Up to the free air, vex'd in soul. And now the vehement Flood

τώ κʼ ἀγαθὸς μὲν ἔπεφνʼ, ἀγαθὸν δέ κεν ἐξενάριξε·

Made faint his knees; so overthwart his waves were, they withstood

νῦν δέ με λευγαλέῳ θανάτῳ εἵμαρτο ἁλῶναι

All the denied dust, which he wish'd, and now was fain to cry,

ἐρχθέντʼ ἐν μεγάλῳ ποταμῷ ὡς παῖδα συφορβόν,

Casting his eyes to that broad heav'n, that late he long'd to try,

ὅν ῥά τʼ ἔναυλος ἀποέρσῃ χειμῶνι περῶντα.

And said: “O Jove, how am I left! No God vouchsafes to free

ὣς φάτο, τῷ δὲ μάλʼ ὦκα Ποσειδάων καὶ Ἀθήνη

Me, miserable man. Help now, and after torture me

στήτην ἐγγὺς ἰόντε, δέμας δʼ ἄνδρεσσιν ἐΐκτην,

With any outrage. Would to heaven, Hector, the mightiest

χειρὶ δὲ χεῖρα λαβόντες ἐπιστώσαντʼ ἐπέεσσι.

Bred in this region, had imbru'd his jav'lin in my breast,

τοῖσι δὲ μύθων ἦρχε Ποσειδάων ἐνοσίχθων·

That strong may fall by strong! Where now weak water's luxury

Πηλεΐδη μήτʼ ἄρ τι λίην τρέε μήτέ τι τάρβει·

Must make my death blush, one, heav'n-born, shall like a hog-herd die,

τοίω γάρ τοι νῶϊ θεῶν ἐπιταρρόθω εἰμὲν

Drown'd in a dirty torrent's rage. Yet none of you in heav'n

Ζηνὸς ἐπαινήσαντος ἐγὼ καὶ Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη·

I blame for this, but She alone by whom this life was giv'n

ὡς οὔ τοι ποταμῷ γε δαμήμεναι αἴσιμόν ἐστιν,

That now must die thus. She would still delude me with her tales,

ἀλλʼ ὅδε μὲν τάχα λωφήσει, σὺ δὲ εἴσεαι αὐτός·

Affirming Phœbus' shafts should end within the Trojan walls

αὐτάρ τοι πυκινῶς ὑποθησόμεθʼ αἴ κε πίθηαι·

My curs'd beginning.” In this strait, Neptune and Pallas flew,

μὴ πρὶν παύειν χεῖρας ὁμοιΐου πολέμοιο

To fetch him off. In men's shapes both close to his danger drew,

πρὶν κατὰ Ἰλιόφι κλυτὰ τείχεα λαὸν ἐέλσαι

And, taking both both hands, thus spake the Shaker of the world:

Τρωϊκόν, ὅς κε φύγῃσι· σὺ δʼ Ἕκτορι θυμὸν ἀπούρας

“Pelides, do not stir a foot, nor these waves, proudly curl'd

ἂψ ἐπὶ νῆας ἴμεν· δίδομεν δέ τοι εὖχος ἀρέσθαι.

τὼ μὲν ἄρʼ ὣς εἰπόντε μετʼ ἀθανάτους ἀπεβήτην·

αὐτὰρ ὃ βῆ, μέγα γάρ ῥα θεῶν ὄτρυνεν ἐφετμή,

ἐς πεδίον· τὸ δὲ πᾶν πλῆθʼ ὕδατος ἐκχυμένοιο,

πολλὰ δὲ τεύχεα καλὰ δαὶ κταμένων αἰζηῶν

πλῶον καὶ νέκυες· τοῦ δʼ ὑψόσε γούνατʼ ἐπήδα

πρὸς ῥόον ἀΐσσοντος ἀνʼ ἰθύν, οὐδέ μιν ἴσχεν

εὐρὺ ῥέων ποταμός· μέγα γὰρ σθένος ἔμβαλʼ Ἀθήνη.

οὐδὲ Σκάμανδρος ἔληγε τὸ ὃν μένος, ἀλλʼ ἔτι μᾶλλον

Against thy bold breast, fear a jot; thou hast us two thy friends,

χώετο Πηλεΐωνι, κόρυσσε δὲ κῦμα ῥόοιο

Neptune and Pallas, Jove himself approving th' aid we lend.

ὑψόσʼ ἀειρόμενος, Σιμόεντι δὲ κέκλετʼ ἀΰσας·

'Tis nothing as thou fear'st with Fate; she will not see thee drown'd.

φίλε κασίγνητε σθένος ἀνέρος ἀμφότεροί περ

This height shall soon down, thine own eyes shall see it set aground.

σχῶμεν, ἐπεὶ τάχα ἄστυ μέγα Πριάμοιο ἄνακτος

Be rul'd then, we'll advise thee well; take not thy hand away

ἐκπέρσει, Τρῶες δὲ κατὰ μόθον οὐ μενέουσιν.

From putting all, indiff'rently, to all that it can lay

ἀλλʼ ἐπάμυνε τάχιστα, καὶ ἐμπίπληθι ῥέεθρα

Upon the Trojans, till the walls of haughty Ilion

ὕδατος ἐκ πηγέων, πάντας δʼ ὀρόθυνον ἐναύλους,

Conclude all in a desp'rate flight. And when thou hast set gone

ἵστη δὲ μέγα κῦμα, πολὺν δʼ ὀρυμαγδὸν ὄρινε

The soul of Hector, turn to fleet; our hands shall plant a wreath

φιτρῶν καὶ λάων, ἵνα παύσομεν ἄγριον ἄνδρα

Of endless glory on thy brows.” Thus to the free from death

ὃς δὴ νῦν κρατέει, μέμονεν δʼ ὅ γε ἶσα θεοῖσι.

Both made retreat. He, much impell'd by charge the Godheads gave,

φημὶ γὰρ οὔτε βίην χραισμησέμεν οὔτέ τι εἶδος

The field, that now was overcome with many a boundless wave,

οὔτε τὰ τεύχεα καλά, τά που μάλα νειόθι λίμνης

He overcame. On their wild breasts they toss'd the carcasses,

κείσεθʼ ὑπʼ ἰλύος κεκαλυμμένα· κὰδ δέ μιν αὐτὸν

And arms, of many a slaughter'd man. And now the wingéd knees

εἰλύσω ψαμάθοισιν ἅλις χέραδος περιχεύας

Of this great captain bore aloft; against the Flood he flies

μυρίον, οὐδέ οἱ ὀστέʼ ἐπιστήσονται Ἀχαιοὶ

With full assault; nor could that God make shrink his rescu'd thighs.

ἀλλέξαι· τόσσην οἱ ἄσιν καθύπερθε καλύψω.

Nor shrunk the Flood, but, as his foe grew pow'rful, he grew mad,

αὐτοῦ οἱ καὶ σῆμα τετεύξεται, οὐδέ τί μιν χρεὼ

Thrust up a billow to the sky, and crystal Simoïs bad

ἔσται τυμβοχόης, ὅτε μιν θάπτωσιν Ἀχαιοί.

To his assistance: “Simoïs, ho, brother,” out he cried,

ἦ, καὶ ἐπῶρτʼ Ἀχιλῆϊ κυκώμενος ὑψόσε θύων

“Come, add thy current, and resist this man half-deified,

μορμύρων ἀφρῷ τε καὶ αἵματι καὶ νεκύεσσι.

Or Ilion he will pull down straight; the Trojans cannot stand

πορφύρεον δʼ ἄρα κῦμα διιπετέος ποταμοῖο

A minute longer. Come, assist, and instantly command

ἵστατʼ ἀειρόμενον, κατὰ δʼ ᾕρεε Πηλεΐωνα·

All fountains in thy rule to rise, all torrents to make in,

Ἥρη δὲ μέγʼ ἄϋσε περιδείσασʼ Ἀχιλῆϊ

And stuff thy billows; with whose height, engender such a din,

μή μιν ἀποέρσειε μέγας ποταμὸς βαθυδίνης,

With trees torn up and justling stones, as so immane a man

αὐτίκα δʼ Ἥφαιστον προσεφώνεεν ὃν φίλον υἱόν·

May shrink beneath us; whose pow'r thrives do my pow'r all it can;

ὄρσεο κυλλοπόδιον ἐμὸν τέκος· ἄντα σέθεν γὰρ

He dares things fitter for a God. But, nor his form, nor force,

Ξάνθον δινήεντα μάχῃ ἠΐσκομεν εἶναι·

Nor glorious arms shall profit it; all which, and his dead corse,

ἀλλʼ ἐπάμυνε τάχιστα, πιφαύσκεο δὲ φλόγα πολλήν.

I vow to roll up in my sands, nay, bury in my mud,

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ Ζεφύροιο καὶ ἀργεστᾶο Νότοιο

Nay, in the very sinks of Troy, that, pour'd into my flood,

εἴσομαι ἐξ ἁλόθεν χαλεπὴν ὄρσουσα θύελλαν,

Shall make him drowning work enough; and, being drown'd, I'll set

ἥ κεν ἀπὸ Τρώων κεφαλὰς καὶ τεύχεα κήαι

A fort of such strong filth on him, that Greece shall never get

φλέγμα κακὸν φορέουσα· σὺ δὲ Ξάνθοιο παρʼ ὄχθας

His bones from it. There, there shall stand Achilles' sepulchre,

δένδρεα καῖʼ, ἐν δʼ αὐτὸν ἵει πυρί· μὴ δέ σε πάμπαν

And save a burial for his friends.” This fury did transfer

μειλιχίοις ἐπέεσσιν ἀποτρεπέτω καὶ ἀρειῇ·

His high-ridg'd billows on the prince, roaring with blood and foam

μὴ δὲ πρὶν ἀπόπαυε τεὸν μένος, ἀλλʼ ὁπότʼ ἂν δὴ

And carcasses. The crimson stream did snatch into her womb

φθέγξομʼ ἐγὼν ἰάχουσα, τότε σχεῖν ἀκάματον πῦρ.

Surpris'd Achilles; and her height stood, held up by the hand

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, Ἥφαιστος δὲ τιτύσκετο θεσπιδαὲς πῦρ.

Of Jove himself. Then Juno cried, and call'd (to countermand

πρῶτα μὲν ἐν πεδίῳ πῦρ δαίετο, καῖε δὲ νεκροὺς

This wat'ry Deity) the God that holds command in fire,

πολλούς, οἵ ῥα κατʼ αὐτὸν ἅλις ἔσαν, οὓς κτάνʼ Ἀχιλλεύς·

Afraid lest that gulf-stomach'd Flood would satiate his desire

πᾶν δʼ ἐξηράνθη πεδίον, σχέτο δʼ ἀγλαὸν ὕδωρ.

On great Achilles: “Mulciber, my best lov'd son!” she cried,

ὡς δʼ ὅτʼ ὀπωρινὸς Βορέης νεοαρδέʼ ἀλωὴν

“Rouse thee, for all the Gods conceive this Flood thus amplified

αἶψʼ ἀγξηράνῃ· χαίρει δέ μιν ὅς τις ἐθείρῃ·

Is rais'd at thee, and shows as if his waves would drown the sky,

ὣς ἐξηράνθη πεδίον πᾶν, κὰδ δʼ ἄρα νεκροὺς

And put out all the sphere of fire. Haste, help thy empery.

κῆεν· ὃ δʼ ἐς ποταμὸν τρέψε φλόγα παμφανόωσαν.

Light flames deep as his pits. Ourself the west wind and the south

καίοντο πτελέαι τε καὶ ἰτέαι ἠδὲ μυρῖκαι,

Will call out of the sea, and breathe in either's full-charg'd mouth

καίετο δὲ λωτός τε ἰδὲ θρύον ἠδὲ κύπειρον,

A storm t' enrage thy fires 'gainst Troy; which shall (in one exhal'd)

τὰ περὶ καλὰ ῥέεθρα ἅλις ποταμοῖο πεφύκει·

Blow flames of sweat about their brows, and make their armours scald.

τείροντʼ ἐγχέλυές τε καὶ ἰχθύες οἳ κατὰ δίνας,

Go thou then, and, 'gainst these winds rise, make work on Xanthus' shore,

οἳ κατὰ καλὰ ῥέεθρα κυβίστων ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα

With setting all his trees on fire, and in his own breast pour

πνοιῇ τειρόμενοι πολυμήτιος Ἡφαίστοιο.

A fervor that shall make it burn; nor let fair words or threats

καίετο δʼ ἲς ποταμοῖο ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζεν·

Avert thy fury till I speak, and then subdue the heats

Ἥφαιστʼ, οὔ τις σοί γε θεῶν δύνατʼ ἀντιφερίζειν,

Of all thy blazes.” Mulciber prepar'd a mighty fire,

οὐδʼ ἂν ἐγὼ σοί γʼ ὧδε πυρὶ φλεγέθοντι μαχοίμην.

First in the field us'd; burning up the bodies that the ire

λῆγʼ ἔριδος, Τρῶας δὲ καὶ αὐτίκα δῖος Ἀχιλλεὺς

Of great Achilles reft of souls; the quite-drown'd field it dried,

ἄστεος ἐξελάσειε· τί μοι ἔριδος καὶ ἀρωγῆς;

And shrunk the flood up. And as fields, that have been long time cloy'd

φῆ πυρὶ καιόμενος, ἀνὰ δʼ ἔφλυε καλὰ ῥέεθρα.

With catching weather, when their corn lies on the gavel heap,

ὡς δὲ λέβης ζεῖ ἔνδον ἐπειγόμενος πυρὶ πολλῷ

Are with a constant north wind dried, with which for comfort leap

κνίσην μελδόμενος ἁπαλοτρεφέος σιάλοιο

Their hearts that sow'd them; so this field was dried, the bodies burn'd,

πάντοθεν ἀμβολάδην, ὑπὸ δὲ ξύλα κάγκανα κεῖται,

And ev'n the flood into a fire as bright as day was turn'd.

ὣς τοῦ καλὰ ῥέεθρα πυρὶ φλέγετο, ζέε δʼ ὕδωρ·

Elms, willows, tam'risks, were inflam'd; the lote trees, sea-grass reeds,

οὐδʼ ἔθελε προρέειν, ἀλλʼ ἴσχετο· τεῖρε δʼ ἀϋτμὴ

And rushes, with the galingale roots, of which abundance breeds

Ἡφαίστοιο βίηφι πολύφρονος. αὐτὰρ ὅ γʼ Ἥρην

About the sweet flood, all were fir'd; the gliding fishes flew

πολλὰ λισσόμενος ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Upwards in flames; the grov'lling eels crept upright; all which slew

Ἥρη τίπτε σὸς υἱὸς ἐμὸν ῥόον ἔχραε κήδειν

Wise Vulcan's unresisted spirit. The Flood out of a flame

ἐξ ἄλλων; οὐ μέν τοι ἐγὼ τόσον αἴτιός εἰμι

Cried to him: “Cease, O Mulciber, no Deity can tame

ὅσσον οἱ ἄλλοι πάντες, ὅσοι Τρώεσσιν ἀρωγοί.

Thy matchless virtue; nor would I, since thou art thus hot, strive.

ἀλλʼ ἤτοι μὲν ἐγὼν ἀποπαύσομαι εἰ σὺ κελεύεις,

Cease then thy strife; let Thetis' son, with all thy wish'd haste, drive

παυέσθω δὲ καὶ οὗτος· ἐγὼ δʼ ἐπὶ καὶ τόδʼ ὀμοῦμαι,

μή ποτʼ ἐπὶ Τρώεσσιν ἀλεξήσειν κακὸν ἦμαρ,

μὴ δʼ ὁπότʼ ἂν Τροίη μαλερῷ πυρὶ πᾶσα δάηται

καιομένη, καίωσι δʼ ἀρήϊοι υἷες Ἀχαιῶν.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ τό γʼ ἄκουσε θεὰ λευκώλενος Ἥρη,

αὐτίκʼ ἄρʼ Ἥφαιστον προσεφώνεεν ὃν φίλον υἱόν·

Ἥφαιστε σχέο τέκνον ἀγακλεές· οὐ γὰρ ἔοικεν

ἀθάνατον θεὸν ὧδε βροτῶν ἕνεκα στυφελίζειν.

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, Ἥφαιστος δὲ κατέσβεσε θεσπιδαὲς πῦρ,

Ev'n to their gates these Ilians. What toucheth me their aid,

ἄψορρον δʼ ἄρα κῦμα κατέσσυτο καλὰ ῥέεθρα.

Or this contention?” Thus in flames the burning River pray'd.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ Ξάνθοιο δάμη μένος, οἳ μὲν ἔπειτα

And as a caldron, underput with store of fire, and wrought

παυσάσθην, Ἥρη γὰρ ἐρύκακε χωομένη περ·

With boiling of a well-fed brawn, up leaps his wave aloft,

ἐν δʼ ἄλλοισι θεοῖσιν ἔρις πέσε βεβριθυῖα

Bavins of sere wood urging it, and spending flames apace,

ἀργαλέη, δίχα δέ σφιν ἐνὶ φρεσὶ θυμὸς ἄητο·

Till all the caldron be engirt with a consuming blaze;

σὺν δʼ ἔπεσον μεγάλῳ πατάγῳ, βράχε δʼ εὐρεῖα χθών,

So round this Flood burn'd, and so sod his sweet and tortur'd streams,

ἀμφὶ δὲ σάλπιγξεν μέγας οὐρανός. ἄϊε δὲ Ζεὺς

Nor could flow forth, bound in the fumes of Vulcan's fi'ry beams;

ἥμενος Οὐλύμπῳ· ἐγέλασσε δέ οἱ φίλον ἦτορ

Who, then not mov'd, his mother's ruth by all his means he craves,

γηθοσύνῃ, ὅθʼ ὁρᾶτο θεοὺς ἔριδι ξυνιόντας.

And ask'd, why Vulcan should invade and so torment his waves

ἔνθʼ οἵ γʼ οὐκέτι δηρὸν ἀφέστασαν· ἦρχε γὰρ Ἄρης

Past other floods, when his offence rose not to such degree

ῥινοτόρος, καὶ πρῶτος Ἀθηναίῃ ἐπόρουσε

As that of other Gods for Troy; and that himself would free

χάλκεον ἔγχος ἔχων, καὶ ὀνείδειον φάτο μῦθον·

Her wrath to it, if she were pleas'd; and pray'd her, that her son

τίπτʼ αὖτʼ ὦ κυνάμυια θεοὺς ἔριδι ξυνελαύνεις

Might be reflected; adding this, that he would ne'er be won

θάρσος ἄητον ἔχουσα, μέγας δέ σε θυμὸς ἀνῆκεν;

To help keep off the ruinous day, in which all Troy should burn,

ἦ οὐ μέμνῃ ὅτε Τυδεΐδην Διομήδεʼ ἀνῆκας

Fir'd by the Grecians. This vow heard, she charg'd her son to turn

οὐτάμεναι, αὐτὴ δὲ πανόψιον ἔγχος ἑλοῦσα

His fi'ry spirits to their homes, and said it was not fit

ἰθὺς ἐμεῦ ὦσας, διὰ δὲ χρόα καλὸν ἔδαψας;

A God should suffer so for men. Then Vulcan did remit

τώ σʼ αὖ νῦν ὀΐω ἀποτισέμεν ὅσσα ἔοργας.

His so unmeasur'd violence, and back the pleasant Flood

ὣς εἰπὼν οὔτησε κατʼ αἰγίδα θυσσανόεσσαν

Ran to his channel. Thus these Gods she made friends; th' other stood

σμερδαλέην, ἣν οὐδὲ Διὸς δάμνησι κεραυνός·

At weighty diff'rence; both sides ran together with a sound,

τῇ μιν Ἄρης οὔτησε μιαιφόνος ἔγχεϊ μακρῷ.

That earth resounded, and great heav'n about did surrebound,

ἣ δʼ ἀναχασσαμένη λίθον εἵλετο χειρὶ παχείῃ

Jove heard it, sitting on his hill, and laugh'd to see the Gods

κείμενον ἐν πεδίῳ μέλανα τρηχύν τε μέγαν τε,

Buckle to arms like angry men; and, he pleas'd with their odds,

τόν ῥʼ ἄνδρες πρότεροι θέσαν ἔμμεναι οὖρον ἀρούρης·

They laid it freely. Of them all, thump-buckler Mars began,

τῷ βάλε θοῦρον Ἄρηα κατʼ αὐχένα, λῦσε δὲ γυῖα.

And at Minerva with a lance of brass he headlong ran,

ἑπτὰ δʼ ἐπέσχε πέλεθρα πεσών, ἐκόνισε δὲ χαίτας,

These vile words ushering his blows: “Thou dog-fly, what's the cause

τεύχεά τʼ ἀμφαράβησε· γέλασσε δὲ Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη,

Thou mak'st Gods fight thus? Thy huge heart breaks all our peaceful laws

καί οἱ ἐπευχομένη ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

With thy insatiate shamelessness, Rememb'rest thou the hour

νηπύτιʼ οὐδέ νύ πώ περ ἐπεφράσω ὅσσον ἀρείων

When Diomed charg'd me, and by thee, and thou with all thy pow'r

εὔχομʼ ἐγὼν ἔμεναι, ὅτι μοι μένος ἰσοφαρίζεις.

Took'st lance thyself, and, in all sights, rush'd on me with a wound?

οὕτω κεν τῆς μητρὸς ἐρινύας ἐξαποτίνοις,

Now vengeance falls on thee for all.” This said, the shield fring'd round

ἥ τοι χωομένη κακὰ μήδεται οὕνεκʼ Ἀχαιοὺς

With fighting adders, borne by Jove, that not to thunder yields,

κάλλιπες, αὐτὰρ Τρωσὶν ὑπερφιάλοισιν ἀμύνεις.

He clapt his lance on; and this God, that with the blood of fields

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσασα πάλιν τρέπεν ὄσσε φαεινώ·

Pollutes his godhead, that shield pierc'd, and hurt the arméd Maid,

τὸν δʼ ἄγε χειρὸς ἑλοῦσα Διὸς θυγάτηρ Ἀφροδίτη

But back she leapt, and with her strong hand rapt a huge stone, laid

πυκνὰ μάλα στενάχοντα· μόγις δʼ ἐσαγείρετο θυμόν.

Above the champain, black and sharp, that did in old time break

τὴν δʼ ὡς οὖν ἐνόησε θεὰ λευκώλενος Ἥρη,

Partitions to men's lands; and that she dusted in the neck

αὐτίκʼ Ἀθηναίην ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Of that impetuous challenger. Down to the earth he sway'd,

ὢ πόποι αἰγιόχοιο Διὸς τέκος Ἀτρυτώνη

And overlaid sev'n acres' land. His hair was all beray'd

καὶ δʼ αὖθʼ ἡ κυνάμυια ἄγει βροτολοιγὸν Ἄρηα

With dust and blood mix'd; and his arms rung out. Minerva laugh'd,

δηΐου ἐκ πολέμοιο κατὰ κλόνον· ἀλλὰ μέτελθε.

And thus insulted: “O thou fool, yet hast thou not been taught

ὣς φάτʼ, Ἀθηναίη δὲ μετέσσυτο, χαῖρε δὲ θυμῷ,

To know mine eminence? Thy strength opposest thou to mine?

καί ῥʼ ἐπιεισαμένη πρὸς στήθεα χειρὶ παχείῃ

So pay thy mother's furies then, who for these aids of thine,

ἤλασε· τῆς δʼ αὐτοῦ λύτο γούνατα καὶ φίλον ἦτορ.

(Ever afforded perjur'd Troy, Greece ever left) takes spleen,

τὼ μὲν ἄρʼ ἄμφω κεῖντο ἐπὶ χθονὶ πουλυβοτείρῃ,

And vows thee mischief.” Thus she turn'd her blue eyes, when love's Queen

ἣ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπευχομένη ἔπεα πτερόεντʼ ἀγόρευε·

The hand of Mars took, and from earth rais'd him with thick-drawn breath,

τοιοῦτοι νῦν πάντες ὅσοι Τρώεσσιν ἀρωγοὶ

His spirits not yet got up again. But from the press of death

εἶεν, ὅτʼ Ἀργείοισι μαχοίατο θωρηκτῇσιν,

Kind Aphrodite was his guide. Which Juno seeing, exclaim'd:

ὧδέ τε θαρσαλέοι καὶ τλήμονες, ὡς Ἀφροδίτη

“Pallas, see, Mars is help'd from field! Dog-fly, his rude tongue nam'd

ἦλθεν Ἄρῃ ἐπίκουρος ἐμῷ μένει ἀντιόωσα·

Thyself ev'n now; but that his love, that dog-fly, will not leave

τώ κεν δὴ πάλαι ἄμμες ἐπαυσάμεθα πτολέμοιο

Her old consort. Upon her fly.” Minerva did receive

Ἰλίου ἐκπέρσαντες ἐϋκτίμενον πτολίεθρον.

This excitation joyfully, and at the Cyprian flew,

ὣς φάτο, μείδησεν δὲ θεὰ λευκώλενος Ἥρη.

Strook with her hard hand her soft breast, a blow that overthrew

αὐτὰρ Ἀπόλλωνα προσέφη κρείων ἐνοσίχθων·

Both her and Mars; and there both lay together in broad field.

Φοῖβε τί ἢ δὴ νῶϊ διέσταμεν; οὐδὲ ἔοικεν

When thus she triumph'd: “So lie all, that any succours yield

ἀρξάντων ἑτέρων· τὸ μὲν αἴσχιον αἴ κʼ ἀμαχητὶ

To these false Trojans 'gainst the Greeks; so bold and patient

ἴομεν Οὔλυμπον δὲ Διὸς ποτὶ χαλκοβατὲς δῶ.

As Venus, shunning charge of me; and no less impotent

ἄρχε· σὺ γὰρ γενεῆφι νεώτερος· οὐ γὰρ ἔμοιγε

Be all their aids, than hers to Mars. So short work would be made

καλόν, ἐπεὶ πρότερος γενόμην καὶ πλείονα οἶδα.

In our depopulating Troy, this hardiest to invade

νηπύτιʼ ὡς ἄνοον κραδίην ἔχες· οὐδέ νυ τῶν περ

Of all earth's cities.” At this wish, white-wristed Juno smil'd.

μέμνηαι ὅσα δὴ πάθομεν κακὰ Ἴλιον ἀμφὶ

Next Neptune and Apollo stood upon the point of field,

μοῦνοι νῶϊ θεῶν, ὅτʼ ἀγήνορι Λαομέδοντι

And thus spake Neptune: “Phœbus! Come, why at the lance's end

πὰρ Διὸς ἐλθόντες θητεύσαμεν εἰς ἐνιαυτὸν

Stand we two thus? 'Twill be a shame, for us to re-ascend

μισθῷ ἔπι ῥητῷ· ὃ δὲ σημαίνων ἐπέτελλεν.

Jove's golden house, being thus in field and not to fight. Begin;

ἤτοι ἐγὼ Τρώεσσι πόλιν πέρι τεῖχος ἔδειμα

For 'tis no graceful work for me; thou hast the younger chin,

εὐρύ τε καὶ μάλα καλόν, ἵνʼ ἄρρηκτος πόλις εἴη·

I older and know more. O fool, what a forgetful heart

Φοῖβε σὺ δʼ εἰλίποδας ἕλικας βοῦς βουκολέεσκες

Thou bear'st about thee, to stand here, prest to take th' Ilian part,

Ἴδης ἐν κνημοῖσι πολυπτύχου ὑληέσσης.

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ μισθοῖο τέλος πολυγηθέες ὧραι

ἐξέφερον, τότε νῶϊ βιήσατο μισθὸν ἅπαντα

Λαομέδων ἔκπαγλος, ἀπειλήσας δʼ ἀπέπεμπε.

σὺν μὲν ὅ γʼ ἠπείλησε πόδας καὶ χεῖρας ὕπερθε

δήσειν, καὶ περάαν νήσων ἔπι τηλεδαπάων·

στεῦτο δʼ ὅ γʼ ἀμφοτέρων ἀπολεψέμεν οὔατα χαλκῷ.

νῶϊ δὲ ἄψορροι κίομεν κεκοτηότι θυμῷ

μισθοῦ χωόμενοι, τὸν ὑποστὰς οὐκ ἐτέλεσσε.

τοῦ δὴ νῦν λαοῖσι φέρεις χάριν, οὐδὲ μεθʼ ἡμέων

And fight with me! Forgett'st thou then, what we two, we alone

πειρᾷ ὥς κε Τρῶες ὑπερφίαλοι ἀπόλωνται

Of all the Gods, have suffer'd here, when proud Laomedon

πρόχνυ κακῶς σὺν παισὶ καὶ αἰδοίῃς ἀλόχοισι

Enjoy'd our service a whole year, for our agreed reward?

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπεν ἄναξ ἑκάεργος Ἀπόλλων·

Jove in his sway would have it so; and in that year I rear'd

ἐννοσίγαιʼ οὐκ ἄν με σαόφρονα μυθήσαιο

This broad brave wall about this town, that (being a work of mine)

ἔμμεναι, εἰ δὴ σοί γε βροτῶν ἕνεκα πτολεμίξω

It might be inexpugnable. This service then was thine,

δειλῶν, οἳ φύλλοισιν ἐοικότες ἄλλοτε μέν τε

In Ida, that so many hills and curl'd-head forests crown,

ζαφλεγέες τελέθουσιν ἀρούρης καρπὸν ἔδοντες,

To feed his oxen, crooked-shank'd, and headed like the moon.

ἄλλοτε δὲ φθινύθουσιν ἀκήριοι. ἀλλὰ τάχιστα

But when the much-joy-bringing Hours brought term for our reward,

παυώμεσθα μάχης· οἳ δʼ αὐτοὶ δηριαάσθων.

The terrible Laomedon dismiss'd us both, and scar'd

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας πάλιν ἐτράπετʼ· αἴδετο γάρ ῥα

Our high deservings, not alone to hold our promis'd fee,

πατροκασιγνήτοιο μιγήμεναι ἐν παλάμῃσι.

But give us threats too. Hands and feet he swore to fetter thee,

τὸν δὲ κασιγνήτη μάλα νείκεσε πότνια θηρῶν

And sell thee as a slave, dismiss'd far hence to foreign isles.

Ἄρτεμις ἀγροτέρη, καὶ ὀνείδειον φάτο μῦθον·

Nay more, he would have both our ears. His vow's breach, and reviles,

φεύγεις δὴ ἑκάεργε, Ποσειδάωνι δὲ νίκην

Made us part angry with him then; and dost thou gratulate now

πᾶσαν ἐπέτρεψας, μέλεον δέ οἱ εὖχος ἔδωκας·

Such a king's subjects? Or with us not their destruction vow,

νηπύτιε τί νυ τόξον ἔχεις ἀνεμώλιον αὔτως;

Ev'n to their chaste wives and their babes?” He answer'd: “He might hold,

μή σευ νῦν ἔτι πατρὸς ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ἀκούσω

His wisdom little, if with him, a God, for men he would

εὐχομένου, ὡς τὸ πρὶν ἐν ἀθανάτοισι θεοῖσιν,

Maintain contention; wretched men that flourish for a time

ἄντα Ποσειδάωνος ἐναντίβιον πολεμίζειν.

Like leaves, eat some of that earth yields, and give earth in their prime

ὣς φάτο, τὴν δʼ οὔ τι προσέφη ἑκάεργος Ἀπόλλων,

Their whole selves for it. Quickly then, let us fly fight for them,

ἀλλὰ χολωσαμένη Διὸς αἰδοίη παράκοιτις

Nor show it offer'd. Let themselves bear out their own extreme.”

νείκεσεν ἰοχέαιραν ὀνειδείοις ἐπέεσσι·

Thus he retir'd, and fear'd to change blows with his uncle's hands;

πῶς δὲ σὺ νῦν μέμονας κύον ἀδεὲς ἀντίʼ ἐμεῖο

His sister therefore chid him much, the Goddess that commands

στήσεσθαι; χαλεπή τοι ἐγὼ μένος ἀντιφέρεσθαι

In games of hunting, and thus spake: “Fly'st thou, and leav'st the field

τοξοφόρῳ περ ἐούσῃ, ἐπεὶ σὲ λέοντα γυναιξὶ

To Neptune's glory, and no blows? O fool, why dost thou wield

Ζεὺς θῆκεν, καὶ ἔδωκε κατακτάμεν ἥν κʼ ἐθέλῃσθα.

Thy idle bow? No more my ears shall hear thee vaunt in skies

ἤτοι βέλτερόν ἐστι κατʼ οὔρεα θῆρας ἐναίρειν

Dares to meet Neptune, but I'll tell thy coward's tongue it lies.”

ἀγροτέρας τʼ ἐλάφους ἢ κρείσσοσιν ἶφι μάχεσθαι.

He answer'd nothing; yet Jove's wife could put on no such reins,

εἰ δʼ ἐθέλεις πολέμοιο δαήμεναι, ὄφρʼ ἐῢ εἰδῇς

But spake thus loosely: “How dar'st thou, dog, whom no fear contains,

ὅσσον φερτέρη εἴμʼ, ὅτι μοι μένος ἀντιφερίζεις.

Encounter me? 'Twill prove a match of hard conditión.

ἦ ῥα, καὶ ἀμφοτέρας ἐπὶ καρπῷ χεῖρας ἔμαρπτε

Though the great Lady of the bow and Jove hath set thee down

σκαιῇ, δεξιτερῇ δʼ ἄρʼ ἀπʼ ὤμων αἴνυτο τόξα,

For lion of thy sex, with gift to slaughter any dame

αὐτοῖσιν δʼ ἄρʼ ἔθεινε παρʼ οὔατα μειδιόωσα

Thy proud will envies; yet some dames will prove th' had'st better tame

ἐντροπαλιζομένην· ταχέες δʼ ἔκπιπτον ὀϊστοί.

Wild lions upon hills than them. But if this question rests

δακρυόεσσα δʼ ὕπαιθα θεὰ φύγεν ὥς τε πέλεια,

Yet under judgment in thy thoughts, and that thy mind contests,

ἥ ῥά θʼ ὑπʼ ἴρηκος κοίλην εἰσέπτατο πέτρην

I'll make thee know it.” Suddenly with her left hand she catch'd

χηραμόν· οὐδʼ ἄρα τῇ γε ἁλώμεναι αἴσιμον ἦεν·

Both Cynthia's palms, lock'd fingers fast, and with her right she snatch'd

ὣς ἣ δακρυόεσσα φύγεν, λίπε δʼ αὐτόθι τόξα.

From her fair shoulders her gilt bow, and, laughing, laid it on

Λητὼ δὲ προσέειπε διάκτορος ἀργεϊφόντης·

About her ears, and ev'ry way her turnings seiz'd upon,

Λητοῖ ἐγὼ δέ τοι οὔ τι μαχήσομαι· ἀργαλέον δὲ

Till all her arrows scatter'd out, her quiver emptied quite.

πληκτίζεσθʼ ἀλόχοισι Διὸς νεφεληγερέταο·

And as a dove, that, flying a hawk, takes to some rock her flight,

ἀλλὰ μάλα πρόφρασσα μετʼ ἀθανάτοισι θεοῖσιν

And in his hollow breasts sits safe, her fate not yet to die;

εὔχεσθαι ἐμὲ νικῆσαι κρατερῆφι βίηφιν.

So fled she mourning, and her bow left there. Then Mercury

ὣς ἄρʼ ἔφη, Λητὼ δὲ συναίνυτο καμπύλα τόξα

His opposite thus undertook: “Latona, at no hand

πεπτεῶτʼ ἄλλυδις ἄλλα μετὰ στροφάλιγγι κονίης.

Will I bide combat. 'Tis a work right dangerous to stand

ἣ μὲν τόξα λαβοῦσα πάλιν κίε θυγατέρος ἧς·

At diff'rence with the wives of Jove. Go, therefore, freely vaunt

ἣ δʼ ἄρʼ Ὄλυμπον ἵκανε Διὸς ποτὶ χαλκοβατὲς δῶ,

Amongst the Deities, th' hast subdu'd, and made thy combatant

δακρυόεσσα δὲ πατρὸς ἐφέζετο γούνασι κούρη,

Yield with plain pow'r.” She answer'd not, but gather'd up the bow

ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρʼ ἀμβρόσιος ἑανὸς τρέμε· τὴν δὲ προτὶ οἷ

And shafts fall'n from her daughter's side, retiring. Up did go

εἷλε πατὴρ Κρονίδης, καὶ ἀνείρετο ἡδὺ γελάσσας·

Diana to Jove's starry hall, her incorrupted veil

τίς νύ σε τοιάδʼ ἔρεξε φίλον τέκος Οὐρανιώνων

Trembling about her so she shook. Phœbus, lest Troy should fail

μαψιδίως, ὡς εἴ τι κακὸν ῥέζουσαν ἐνωπῇ;

Before her fate, flew to her walls; the other Deities flew

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπεν ἐϋστέφανος κελαδεινή·

Up to Olympus, some enrag'd, some glad. Achilles slew

σή μʼ ἄλοχος στυφέλιξε πάτερ λευκώλενος Ἥρη,

Both men and horse of Ilion. And as a city fir'd

ἐξ ἧς ἀθανάτοισιν ἔρις καὶ νεῖκος ἐφῆπται.

Casts up a heat that purples heav'n, clamours and shrieks expir'd

ὣς οἳ μὲν τοιαῦτα πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἀγόρευον·

In ev'ry corner, toil to all, to many misery,

αὐτὰρ Ἀπόλλων Φοῖβος ἐδύσετο Ἴλιον ἱρήν·

Which fire th' incenséd Gods let fall; Achilles so let fly

μέμβλετο γάρ οἱ τεῖχος ἐϋδμήτοιο πόληος

Rage on the Trojans, toils and shrieks as much by him impos'd.

μὴ Δαναοὶ πέρσειαν ὑπὲρ μόρον ἤματι κείνῳ.

Old Priam in his sacred tow'r stood, and the flight disclos'd

οἳ δʼ ἄλλοι πρὸς Ὄλυμπον ἴσαν θεοὶ αἰὲν ἐόντες,

Of his forc'd people, all in rout, and not a stroke return'd

οἳ μὲν χωόμενοι, οἳ δὲ μέγα κυδιόωντες·

By fled resistance. His eyes saw in what a fury burn'd

κὰδ δʼ ἷζον παρὰ πατρὶ κελαινεφεῖ· αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς

The son of Peleüs, and down went weeping from the tow'r

Τρῶας ὁμῶς αὐτούς τʼ ὄλεκεν καὶ μώνυχας ἵππους.

To all the port-guards, and their chiefs told of his flying pow'r.

ὡς δʼ ὅτε καπνὸς ἰὼν εἰς οὐρανὸν εὐρὺν ἵκηται

Commanding th' op'ning of the ports, but not to let their hands

ἄστεος αἰθομένοιο, θεῶν δέ ἑ μῆνις ἀνῆκε,

Stir from them, for Æacides would pour in with his bands.

πᾶσι δʼ ἔθηκε πόνον, πολλοῖσι δὲ κήδεʼ ἐφῆκεν,

“Destruction comes, O shut them strait, when we are in,” he pray'd,

ὣς Ἀχιλεὺς Τρώεσσι πόνον καὶ κήδεʼ ἔθηκεν.

“For not our walls I fear will check this violent man.” This said,

ἑστήκει δʼ ὃ γέρων Πρίαμος θείου ἐπὶ πύργου,

ἐς δʼ ἐνόησʼ Ἀχιλῆα πελώριον· αὐτὰρ ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ

Τρῶες ἄφαρ κλονέοντο πεφυζότες, οὐδέ τις ἀλκὴ

γίγνεθʼ· ὃ δʼ οἰμώξας ἀπὸ πύργου βαῖνε χαμᾶζε

ὀτρύνων παρὰ τεῖχος ἀγακλειτοὺς πυλαωρούς·

πεπταμένας ἐν χερσὶ πύλας ἔχετʼ εἰς ὅ κε λαοὶ

ἔλθωσι προτὶ ἄστυ πεφυζότες· ἦ γὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς

ἐγγὺς ὅδε κλονέων· νῦν οἴω λοίγιʼ ἔσεσθαι.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί κʼ ἐς τεῖχος ἀναπνεύσωσιν ἀλέντες,

Off lifted they the bars, the ports hal'd open, and they gave

αὖτις ἐπανθέμεναι σανίδας πυκινῶς ἀραρυίας·

Safety her entry with the host; which yet they could not save,

δείδια γὰρ μὴ οὖλος ἀνὴρ ἐς τεῖχος ἅληται.

Had not Apollo sallied out, and strook destructión,

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἄνεσάν τε πύλας καὶ ἀπῶσαν ὀχῆας·

Brought by Achilles in their necks, back; when they right upon

αἳ δὲ πετασθεῖσαι τεῦξαν φάος· αὐτὰρ Ἀπόλλων

The ports bore all, dry, dusty, spent; and on their shoulders rode

ἀντίος ἐξέθορε Τρώων ἵνα λοιγὸν ἀλάλκοι.

Rabid Achilles with his lance, still glory being the goad

οἳ δʼ ἰθὺς πόλιος καὶ τείχεος ὑψηλοῖο

That prick'd his fury. Then the Greeks high-ported Ilion

δίψῃ καρχαλέοι κεκονιμένοι ἐκ πεδίοιο