Iliad

Thus, chas'd like hinds, the Ilians took time to drink and eat,

ὣς οἳ μὲν κατὰ ἄστυ πεφυζότες ἠΰτε νεβροὶ

And to refresh them, getting off the mingled dust and sweat,

ἱδρῶ ἀπεψύχοντο πίον τʼ ἀκέοντό τε δίψαν

And good strong rampires on instead. The Greeks then cast their shields

κεκλιμένοι καλῇσιν ἐπάλξεσιν· αὐτὰρ Ἀχαιοὶ

Aloft their shoulders; and now Fate their near invasion yields

τείχεος ἆσσον ἴσαν σάκεʼ ὤμοισι κλίναντες.

Of those tough walls, her deadly hand compelling Hector's stay

Ἕκτορα δʼ αὐτοῦ μεῖναι ὀλοιὴ μοῖρα πέδησεν

Before Troy at the Scæan ports. Achilles still made way

Ἰλίου προπάροιθε πυλάων τε Σκαιάων.

At Phœbus, who his bright head turn'd, and ask'd: “Why, Peleus' son,

αὐτὰρ Πηλείωνα προσηύδα Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων·

Pursu'st thou, being a man, a God? Thy rage hath never done.

τίπτέ με Πηλέος υἱὲ ποσὶν ταχέεσσι διώκεις

Acknowledge not thine eyes my state? Esteems thy mind no more

αὐτὸς θνητὸς ἐὼν θεὸν ἄμβροτον; οὐδέ νύ πώ με

Thy honour in the chase of Troy, but puts my chase before

ἔγνως ὡς θεός εἰμι, σὺ δʼ ἀσπερχὲς μενεαίνεις.

Their utter conquest? They are all now hous'd in Ilion,

ἦ νύ τοι οὔ τι μέλει Τρώων πόνος, οὓς ἐφόβησας,

While thou hunt'st me. What wishest thou? My blood will never run

οἳ δή τοι εἰς ἄστυ ἄλεν, σὺ δὲ δεῦρο λιάσθης.

On thy proud jav'lin.” “It is thou,” replied Æacides,

οὐ μέν με κτενέεις, ἐπεὶ οὔ τοι μόρσιμός εἰμι.

“That putt'st dishonour thus on me, thou worst of Deities.

τὸν δὲ μέγʼ ὀχθήσας προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς·

Thou turn'dst me from the walls, whose ports had never entertain'd

ἔβλαψάς μʼ ἑκάεργε θεῶν ὀλοώτατε πάντων

Numbers now enter'd, over whom thy saving hand hath reign'd,

ἐνθάδε νῦν τρέψας ἀπὸ τείχεος· ἦ κʼ ἔτι πολλοὶ

And robb'd my honour; and all is, since all thy actions stand

γαῖαν ὀδὰξ εἷλον πρὶν Ἴλιον εἰσαφικέσθαι.

Past fear of reck'ning. But held I the measure in my hand,

νῦν δʼ ἐμὲ μὲν μέγα κῦδος ἀφείλεο, τοὺς δὲ σάωσας

It should afford thee dear-bought scapes.” Thus with elated spirits,

ῥηϊδίως, ἐπεὶ οὔ τι τίσιν γʼ ἔδεισας ὀπίσσω.

Steed-like, that at Olympus' games wears garlands for his merits,

ἦ σʼ ἂν τισαίμην, εἴ μοι δύναμίς γε παρείη.

And rattles home his chariot, extending all his pride,

ὣς εἰπὼν προτὶ ἄστυ μέγα φρονέων ἐβεβήκει,

Achilles so parts with the God. When aged Priam spied

σευάμενος ὥς θʼ ἵππος ἀεθλοφόρος σὺν ὄχεσφιν,

The great Greek come, spher'd round with beams and showing as if the star,

ὅς ῥά τε ῥεῖα θέῃσι τιταινόμενος πεδίοιο·

Surnam'd Orion's hound, that springs in autumn, and sends far

ὣς Ἀχιλεὺς λαιψηρὰ πόδας καὶ γούνατʼ ἐνώμα.

His radiance through a world of stars, of all whose beams his own

τὸν δʼ ὃ γέρων Πρίαμος πρῶτος ἴδεν ὀφθαλμοῖσι

Cast greatest splendour, the midnight that renders them most shown

παμφαίνονθʼ ὥς τʼ ἀστέρʼ ἐπεσσύμενον πεδίοιο,

Then being their foil; and on their points, cure-passing fevers then

ὅς ῥά τʼ ὀπώρης εἶσιν, ἀρίζηλοι δέ οἱ αὐγαὶ

Come shaking down into the joints of miserable men;

φαίνονται πολλοῖσι μετʼ ἀστράσι νυκτὸς ἀμολγῷ,

As this were fall'n to earth, and shot along the field his rays

ὅν τε κύνʼ Ὠρίωνος ἐπίκλησιν καλέουσι.

Now towards Priam, when he saw in great Æacides,

λαμπρότατος μὲν ὅ γʼ ἐστί, κακὸν δέ τε σῆμα τέτυκται,

Out flew his tender voice in shrieks, and with rais'd hands he smit

καί τε φέρει πολλὸν πυρετὸν δειλοῖσι βροτοῖσιν·

His rev'rend head, then up to heav'n he cast them, showing it

ὣς τοῦ χαλκὸς ἔλαμπε περὶ στήθεσσι θέοντος.

What plagues it sent him, down again then threw them to his son,

ᾤμωξεν δʼ ὃ γέρων, κεφαλὴν δʼ ὅ γε κόψατο χερσὶν

To make him shun them. He now stood without steep Ilion,

ὑψόσʼ ἀνασχόμενος, μέγα δʼ οἰμώξας ἐγεγώνει

Thirsting the combat; and to him thus miserably cried

λισσόμενος φίλον υἱόν· ὃ δὲ προπάροιθε πυλάων

The kind old king: “O Hector, fly this man, this homicide,

ἑστήκει ἄμοτον μεμαὼς Ἀχιλῆϊ μάχεσθαι·

That straight will stroy thee. He's too strong, and would to heav'n he were

τὸν δʼ ὃ γέρων ἐλεεινὰ προσηύδα χεῖρας ὀρεγνύς·

As strong in heav'n's love as in mine! Vultures and dogs should tear

Ἕκτορ μή μοι μίμνε φίλον τέκος ἀνέρα τοῦτον

His prostrate carcass, all my woes quench'd with his bloody spirits.

οἶος ἄνευθʼ ἄλλων, ἵνα μὴ τάχα πότμον ἐπίσπῃς

He has robb'd me of many sons and worthy, and their merits

Πηλεΐωνι δαμείς, ἐπεὶ ἦ πολὺ φέρτερός ἐστι

Sold to far islands. Two of them, ah me! I miss but now,

σχέτλιος· αἴθε θεοῖσι φίλος τοσσόνδε γένοιτο

They are not enter'd, nor stay here. Laothoe, O 'twas thou,

ὅσσον ἐμοί· τάχα κέν ἑ κύνες καὶ γῦπες ἔδοιεν

O queen of women, from whose womb they breath'd. O did the tents

κείμενον· ἦ κέ μοι αἰνὸν ἀπὸ πραπίδων ἄχος ἔλθοι·

Detain them only, brass and gold would purchase safe events

ὅς μʼ υἱῶν πολλῶν τε καὶ ἐσθλῶν εὖνιν ἔθηκε

To their sad durance; 'tis within; old Altes, young in fame,

κτείνων καὶ περνὰς νήσων ἔπι τηλεδαπάων.

Gave plenty for his daughter's dow'r; but if they fed the flame

καὶ γὰρ νῦν δύο παῖδε Λυκάονα καὶ Πολύδωρον

Of this man's fury, woe is me, woe to my wretched queen!

οὐ δύναμαι ἰδέειν Τρώων εἰς ἄστυ ἀλέντων,

But in our state's woe their two deaths will nought at all be seen,

τούς μοι Λαοθόη τέκετο κρείουσα γυναικῶν.

So thy life quit them. Take the town, retire, dear son, and save

ἀλλʼ εἰ μὲν ζώουσι μετὰ στρατῷ, ἦ τʼ ἂν ἔπειτα

Troy's husbands and her wives, nor give thine own life to the grave

χαλκοῦ τε χρυσοῦ τʼ ἀπολυσόμεθʼ, ἔστι γὰρ ἔνδον·

For this man's glory. Pity me, me, wretch, so long alive,

πολλὰ γὰρ ὤπασε παιδὶ γέρων ὀνομάκλυτος Ἄλτης.

Whom in the door of age Jove keeps: that so he may deprive

εἰ δʼ ἤδη τεθνᾶσι καὶ εἰν Ἀΐδαο δόμοισιν,

My being, in fortune's utmost curse, to see the blackest thread

ἄλγος ἐμῷ θυμῷ καὶ μητέρι τοὶ τεκόμεσθα·

Of this life's mis'ries, my sons slain, my daughters ravishéd,

λαοῖσιν δʼ ἄλλοισι μινυνθαδιώτερον ἄλγος

Their resting chambers sack'd, their babes, torn from them, on their knees

ἔσσεται, ἢν μὴ καὶ σὺ θάνῃς Ἀχιλῆϊ δαμασθείς.

Pleading for mercy, themselves dragg'd to Grecian slaveries,

ἀλλʼ εἰσέρχεο τεῖχος ἐμὸν τέκος, ὄφρα σαώσῃς

Τρῶας καὶ Τρῳάς, μὴ δὲ μέγα κῦδος ὀρέξῃς

Πηλεΐδῃ, αὐτὸς δὲ φίλης αἰῶνος ἀμερθῇς.

πρὸς δʼ ἐμὲ τὸν δύστηνον ἔτι φρονέοντʼ ἐλέησον

δύσμορον, ὅν ῥα πατὴρ Κρονίδης ἐπὶ γήραος οὐδῷ

αἴσῃ ἐν ἀργαλέῃ φθίσει κακὰ πόλλʼ ἐπιδόντα

υἷάς τʼ ὀλλυμένους ἑλκηθείσας τε θύγατρας,

καὶ θαλάμους κεραϊζομένους, καὶ νήπια τέκνα

βαλλόμενα προτὶ γαίῃ ἐν αἰνῇ δηϊοτῆτι,

And all this drawn through my red eyes. Then last of all kneel I,

ἑλκομένας τε νυοὺς ὀλοῇς ὑπὸ χερσὶν Ἀχαιῶν.

Alone, all helpless at my gates, before my enemy,

αὐτὸν δʼ ἂν πύματόν με κύνες πρώτῃσι θύρῃσιν

That ruthless gives me to my dogs, all the deformity

ὠμησταὶ ἐρύουσιν, ἐπεί κέ τις ὀξέϊ χαλκῷ

Of age discover'd; and all this thy death, sought wilfully,

τύψας ἠὲ βαλὼν ῥεθέων ἐκ θυμὸν ἕληται,

Will pour on me. A fair young man at all parts it beseems,

οὓς τρέφον ἐν μεγάροισι τραπεζῆας θυραωρούς,

Being bravely slain, to lie all gash'd, and wear the worst extremes

οἵ κʼ ἐμὸν αἷμα πιόντες ἀλύσσοντες περὶ θυμῷ

Of war's most cruelty; no wound, of whatsoever ruth,

κείσοντʼ ἐν προθύροισι. νέῳ δέ τε πάντʼ ἐπέοικεν

But is his ornament; but I, a man so far from youth,

ἄρηϊ κταμένῳ δεδαϊγμένῳ ὀξέϊ χαλκῷ

White head, white-bearded, wrinkled, pin'd, all shames must show the eye.

κεῖσθαι· πάντα δὲ καλὰ θανόντι περ ὅττι φανήῃ·

Live, prevent this then, this most shame of all man's misery.”

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ πολιόν τε κάρη πολιόν τε γένειον

Thus wept the old king, and tore off his white hair; yet all these

αἰδῶ τʼ αἰσχύνωσι κύνες κταμένοιο γέροντος,

Retir'd not Hector. Hecuba then fell upon her knees,

τοῦτο δὴ οἴκτιστον πέλεται δειλοῖσι βροτοῖσιν.

Stripp'd nak'd her bosom, show'd her breasts, and bad him rev'rence them,

ἦ ῥʼ ὃ γέρων, πολιὰς δʼ ἄρʼ ἀνὰ τρίχας ἕλκετο χερσὶ

And pity her. If ever she had quieted his exclaim,

τίλλων ἐκ κεφαλῆς· οὐδʼ Ἕκτορι θυμὸν ἔπειθε.

He would cease hers, and take the town, not tempting the rude field

μήτηρ δʼ αὖθʼ ἑτέρωθεν ὀδύρετο δάκρυ χέουσα

When all had left it: “Think,” said she, 'I gave thee life to yield

κόλπον ἀνιεμένη, ἑτέρηφι δὲ μαζὸν ἀνέσχε·

My life recomfort; thy rich wife shall have no rites of thee,

καί μιν δάκρυ χέουσʼ ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Nor do thee rites; our tears shall pay thy corse no obsequy,

Ἕκτορ τέκνον ἐμὸν τάδε τʼ αἴδεο καί μʼ ἐλέησον

Being ravish'd from us, Grecian dogs nourish'd with what I nurs'd.”

αὐτήν, εἴ ποτέ τοι λαθικηδέα μαζὸν ἐπέσχον·

Thus wept both these, and to his ruth propos'd the utmost worst

τῶν μνῆσαι φίλε τέκνον ἄμυνε δὲ δήϊον ἄνδρα

Of what could chance them; yet he stay'd. And now drew deadly near

τείχεος ἐντὸς ἐών, μὴ δὲ πρόμος ἵστασο τούτῳ

Mighty Achilles; yet he still kept deadly station there.

σχέτλιος· εἴ περ γάρ σε κατακτάνῃ, οὔ σʼ ἔτʼ ἔγωγε

Look how a dragon, when she sees a traveller bent upon

κλαύσομαι ἐν λεχέεσσι φίλον θάλος, ὃν τέκον αὐτή,

Her breeding den, her bosom fed with full contagión,

οὐδʼ ἄλοχος πολύδωρος· ἄνευθε δέ σε μέγα νῶϊν

Gathers her forces, sits him firm, and at his nearest pace

Ἀργείων παρὰ νηυσὶ κύνες ταχέες κατέδονται.

Wraps all her cavern in her folds, and thrusts a horrid face

ὣς τώ γε κλαίοντε προσαυδήτην φίλον υἱὸν

Out at his entry; Hector so, with unextinguish'd spirit,

πολλὰ λισσομένω· οὐδʼ Ἕκτορι θυμὸν ἔπειθον,

Stood great Achilles, stirr'd no foot, but at the prominent turret

ἀλλʼ ὅ γε μίμνʼ Ἀχιλῆα πελώριον ἆσσον ἰόντα.

Bent to his bright shield, and resolv'd to bear fall'n heav'n on it.

ὡς δὲ δράκων ἐπὶ χειῇ ὀρέστερος ἄνδρα μένῃσι

Yet all this resolute abode did not so truly fit

βεβρωκὼς κακὰ φάρμακʼ, ἔδυ δέ τέ μιν χόλος αἰνός,

His free election; but he felt a much more galling spur

σμερδαλέον δὲ δέδορκεν ἑλισσόμενος περὶ χειῇ·

To the performance, with conceit of what he should incur

ὣς Ἕκτωρ ἄσβεστον ἔχων μένος οὐχ ὑπεχώρει

Ent'ring, like others, for this cause; to which he thus gave way:

πύργῳ ἔπι προὔχοντι φαεινὴν ἀσπίδʼ ἐρείσας·

“O me, if I shall take the town, Polydamas will lay

ὀχθήσας δʼ ἄρα εἶπε πρὸς ὃν μεγαλήτορα θυμόν·

This flight and all this death on me; who counsell'd me to lead

ὤ μοι ἐγών, εἰ μέν κε πύλας καὶ τείχεα δύω,

My pow'rs to Troy this last black night, when so I saw make head

Πουλυδάμας μοι πρῶτος ἐλεγχείην ἀναθήσει,

Incens'd Achilles. I yet stay'd, though, past all doubt, that course

ὅς μʼ ἐκέλευε Τρωσὶ ποτὶ πτόλιν ἡγήσασθαι

Had much more profited than mine; which; being by so much worse

νύχθʼ ὕπο τήνδʼ ὀλοὴν ὅτε τʼ ὤρετο δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς.

As comes to all our flight and death, my folly now I fear

ἀλλʼ ἐγὼ οὐ πιθόμην· ἦ τʼ ἂν πολὺ κέρδιον ἦεν.

Hath bred this scandal, all our town now burns my ominous ear

νῦν δʼ ἐπεὶ ὤλεσα λαὸν ἀτασθαλίῃσιν ἐμῇσιν,

With whisp'ring: 'Hector's self-conceit hath cast away his host.'

αἰδέομαι Τρῶας καὶ Τρῳάδας ἑλκεσιπέπλους,

And, this true, this extremity that I rely on most

μή ποτέ τις εἴπῃσι κακώτερος ἄλλος ἐμεῖο·

Is best for me: stay, and retire with this man's life; or die

Ἕκτωρ ἧφι βίηφι πιθήσας ὤλεσε λαόν.

Here for our city with renown, since all else fled but I.

ὣς ἐρέουσιν· ἐμοὶ δὲ τότʼ ἂν πολὺ κέρδιον εἴη

And yet one way cuts both these ways: What if I hang my shield

ἄντην ἢ Ἀχιλῆα κατακτείναντα νέεσθαι,

My helm and lance here on these walls, and meet in humble field

ἠέ κεν αὐτῷ ὀλέσθαι ἐϋκλειῶς πρὸ πόληος.

Renown'd Achilles, off'ring him Helen and all the wealth,

εἰ δέ κεν ἀσπίδα μὲν καταθείομαι ὀμφαλόεσσαν

Whatever in his hollow keels bore Alexander's stealth

καὶ κόρυθα βριαρήν, δόρυ δὲ πρὸς τεῖχος ἐρείσας

For both th' Atrides? For the rest, whatever is possess'd

αὐτὸς ἰὼν Ἀχιλῆος ἀμύμονος ἀντίος ἔλθω

In all this city, known or hid, by oath shall be confess'd

καί οἱ ὑπόσχωμαι Ἑλένην καὶ κτήμαθʼ ἅμʼ αὐτῇ,

Of all our citizens; of which one half the Greeks shall have,

πάντα μάλʼ ὅσσά τʼ Ἀλέξανδρος κοίλῃς ἐνὶ νηυσὶν

One half themselves. But why, lov'd soul, would these suggestions save

ἠγάγετο Τροίηνδʼ, ἥ τʼ ἔπλετο νείκεος ἀρχή,

Thy state still in me? I'll not sue; nor would he grant, but I,

δωσέμεν Ἀτρεΐδῃσιν ἄγειν, ἅμα δʼ ἀμφὶς Ἀχαιοῖς

Mine arms cast off, should be assur'd a woman's death to die.

ἄλλʼ ἀποδάσσεσθαι ὅσα τε πτόλις ἥδε κέκευθε·

To men of oak and rock, no words; virgins and youths talk thus,

Τρωσὶν δʼ αὖ μετόπισθε γερούσιον ὅρκον ἕλωμαι

Virgins and youths that love and woo; there's other war with us;

μή τι κατακρύψειν, ἀλλʼ ἄνδιχα πάντα δάσασθαι

What blows and conflicts urge, we cry, hates and defiances,

κτῆσιν ὅσην πτολίεθρον ἐπήρατον ἐντὸς ἐέργει·

ἀλλὰ τί ἤ μοι ταῦτα φίλος διελέξατο θυμός;

μή μιν ἐγὼ μὲν ἵκωμαι ἰών, ὃ δέ μʼ οὐκ ἐλεήσει

οὐδέ τί μʼ αἰδέσεται, κτενέει δέ με γυμνὸν ἐόντα

αὔτως ὥς τε γυναῖκα, ἐπεί κʼ ἀπὸ τεύχεα δύω.

οὐ μέν πως νῦν ἔστιν ἀπὸ δρυὸς οὐδʼ ἀπὸ πέτρης

τῷ ὀαριζέμεναι, ἅ τε παρθένος ἠΐθεός τε

παρθένος ἠΐθεός τʼ ὀαρίζετον ἀλλήλοιιν.

And, with the garlands these trees bear, try which hand Jove will bless.”

βέλτερον αὖτʼ ἔριδι ξυνελαυνέμεν ὅττι τάχιστα·

These thoughts employ'd his stay; and now Achilles comes, now near

εἴδομεν ὁπποτέρῳ κεν Ὀλύμπιος εὖχος ὀρέξῃ.

His Mars-like presence terribly came brandishing his spear,

ὣς ὅρμαινε μένων, ὃ δέ οἱ σχεδὸν ἦλθεν Ἀχιλλεὺς

His right arm shook it, his bright arms like day came glitt'ring on,

ἶσος Ἐνυαλίῳ κορυθάϊκι πτολεμιστῇ

Like fire-light, or the light of heav'n shot from the rising sun,

σείων Πηλιάδα μελίην κατὰ δεξιὸν ὦμον

This sight outwrought discourse, cold fear shook Hector from his stand;

δεινήν· ἀμφὶ δὲ χαλκὸς ἐλάμπετο εἴκελος αὐγῇ

No more stay now; all ports were left; he fled in fear the hand

ἢ πυρὸς αἰθομένου ἢ ἠελίου ἀνιόντος.

Of that Fear-Master; who, hawk-like, air's swiftest passenger,

Ἕκτορα δʼ, ὡς ἐνόησεν, ἕλε τρόμος· οὐδʼ ἄρʼ ἔτʼ ἔτλη

That holds a tim'rous dove in chase, and with command doth bear

αὖθι μένειν, ὀπίσω δὲ πύλας λίπε, βῆ δὲ φοβηθείς·

His fi'ry onset, the dove hastes, the hawk comes whizzing on,

Πηλεΐδης δʼ ἐπόρουσε ποσὶ κραιπνοῖσι πεποιθώς.

This way and that he turns and winds, and cuffs the pigeón,

ἠΰτε κίρκος ὄρεσφιν ἐλαφρότατος πετεηνῶν

And, till he truss it, his great spirit lays hot charge on his wing;

ῥηϊδίως οἴμησε μετὰ τρήρωνα πέλειαν,

So urg'd Achilles Hector's flight; so still fear's point did sting

ἣ δέ θʼ ὕπαιθα φοβεῖται, ὃ δʼ ἐγγύθεν ὀξὺ λεληκὼς

His troubled spirit, his knees wrought hard, along the wall he flew,

ταρφέʼ ἐπαΐσσει, ἑλέειν τέ ἑ θυμὸς ἀνώγει·

In that fair chariot-way that runs, beneath the tow'r of view,

ὣς ἄρʼ ὅ γʼ ἐμμεμαὼς ἰθὺς πέτετο, τρέσε δʼ Ἕκτωρ

And Troy's wild fig-tree, till they reach'd where those two mother-springs

τεῖχος ὕπο Τρώων, λαιψηρὰ δὲ γούνατʼ ἐνώμα.

Of deep Scamander pour'd abroad their silver murmurings;

οἳ δὲ παρὰ σκοπιὴν καὶ ἐρινεὸν ἠνεμόεντα

One warm and casts out fumes as fire; the other cold as snow,

τείχεος αἰὲν ὑπʼ ἐκ κατʼ ἀμαξιτὸν ἐσσεύοντο,

Or hail dissolv'd. And when the sun made ardent summer glow,

κρουνὼ δʼ ἵκανον καλλιρρόω· ἔνθα δὲ πηγαὶ

There water's concrete crystal shin'd; near which were cisterns made,

δοιαὶ ἀναΐσσουσι Σκαμάνδρου δινήεντος.

All pav'd and clear, where Trojan wives and their fair daughters had

ἣ μὲν γάρ θʼ ὕδατι λιαρῷ ῥέει, ἀμφὶ δὲ καπνὸς

Laundry for their fine linen weeds, in times of cleanly peace,

γίγνεται ἐξ αὐτῆς ὡς εἰ πυρὸς αἰθομένοιο·

Before the Grecians brought their siege. These captains noted these,

ἣ δʼ ἑτέρη θέρεϊ προρέει ἐϊκυῖα χαλάζῃ,

One flying, th' other in pursuit; a strong man flew before,

ἢ χιόνι ψυχρῇ ἢ ἐξ ὕδατος κρυστάλλῳ.

A stronger follow'd him by far, and close up to him bore;

ἔνθα δʼ ἐπʼ αὐτάων πλυνοὶ εὐρέες ἐγγὺς ἔασι

Both did their best, for neither now ran for a sacrifice,

καλοὶ λαΐνεοι, ὅθι εἵματα σιγαλόεντα

Or for the sacrificer's hide, our runners' usual prize;

πλύνεσκον Τρώων ἄλοχοι καλαί τε θύγατρες

These ran for tame-horse Hector's soul. And as two running steeds,

τὸ πρὶν ἐπʼ εἰρήνης πρὶν ἐλθεῖν υἷας Ἀχαιῶν.

Back'd in some set race for a game, that tries their swiftest speeds,

τῇ ῥα παραδραμέτην φεύγων ὃ δʼ ὄπισθε διώκων·

(A tripod, or a woman, giv'n for some man's funerals)

πρόσθε μὲν ἐσθλὸς ἔφευγε, δίωκε δέ μιν μέγʼ ἀμείνων

Such speed made these men, and on foot ran thrice about the walls.

καρπαλίμως, ἐπεὶ οὐχ ἱερήϊον οὐδὲ βοείην

The Gods beheld them, all much mov'd; and Jove said: “O ill sight!

ἀρνύσθην, ἅ τε ποσσὶν ἀέθλια γίγνεται ἀνδρῶν,

A man I love much, I see forc'd in most unworthy flight

ἀλλὰ περὶ ψυχῆς θέον Ἕκτορος ἱπποδάμοιο.

About great Ilion. My heart grieves; he paid so many vows,

ὡς δʼ ὅτʼ ἀεθλοφόροι περὶ τέρματα μώνυχες ἵπποι

With thighs of sacrificéd beeves, both on the lofty brows

ῥίμφα μάλα τρωχῶσι· τὸ δὲ μέγα κεῖται ἄεθλον

Of Ida, and in Ilion's height. Consult we, shall we free

ἢ τρίπος ἠὲ γυνὴ ἀνδρὸς κατατεθνηῶτος·

His life from death, or give it now t' Achilles' victory?”

ὣς τὼ τρὶς Πριάμοιο πόλιν πέρι δινηθήτην

Minerva answer'd: “Alter Fate? One long since mark'd for death?

καρπαλίμοισι πόδεσσι· θεοὶ δʼ ἐς πάντες ὁρῶντο·

Now take from death? Do thou; but know, he still shall run beneath

τοῖσι δὲ μύθων ἦρχε πατὴρ ἀνδρῶν τε θεῶν τε·

Our other censures.” “Be it then,” replied the Thunderer,

ὢ πόποι ἦ φίλον ἄνδρα διωκόμενον περὶ τεῖχος

“My lov'd Tritonia, at thy will; in this I will prefer

ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ὁρῶμαι· ἐμὸν δʼ ὀλοφύρεται ἦτορ

Thy free intention, work it all.” Then stoop'd She from the sky

Ἕκτορος, ὅς μοι πολλὰ βοῶν ἐπὶ μηρίʼ ἔκηεν

To this great combat. Peleus' son pursu'd incessantly

Ἴδης ἐν κορυφῇσι πολυπτύχου, ἄλλοτε δʼ αὖτε

Still-flying Hector. As a hound that having rous'd a hart,

ἐν πόλει ἀκροτάτῃ· νῦν αὖτέ ἑ δῖος Ἀχιλλεὺς

Although he tappish ne'er so oft, and ev'ry shrubby part

ἄστυ πέρι Πριάμοιο ποσὶν ταχέεσσι διώκει.

Attempts for strength, and trembles in, the hound doth still pursue

ἀλλʼ ἄγετε φράζεσθε θεοὶ καὶ μητιάασθε

So close that not a foot he fails, but hunts it still at view;

ἠέ μιν ἐκ θανάτοιο σαώσομεν, ἦέ μιν ἤδη

So plied Achilles Hector's steps; as oft as he assay'd

Πηλεΐδῃ Ἀχιλῆϊ δαμάσσομεν ἐσθλὸν ἐόντα.

The Dardan ports and tow'rs for strength (to fetch from thence some aid

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε θεὰ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη·

With wingéd shafts) so oft forc'd he amends of pace, and stept

ὦ πάτερ ἀργικέραυνε κελαινεφὲς οἷον ἔειπες·

'Twixt him and all his hopes, and still upon the field he kept

ἄνδρα θνητὸν ἐόντα πάλαι πεπρωμένον αἴσῃ

His utmost turnings to the town. And yet, as in a dream,

ἂψ ἐθέλεις θανάτοιο δυσηχέος ἐξαναλῦσαι;

One thinks he gives another chase, when such a fain'd extreme

ἔρδʼ· ἀτὰρ οὔ τοι πάντες ἐπαινέομεν θεοὶ ἄλλοι.

Possesseth both, that he in chase the chaser cannot fly,

τὴν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη νεφεληγερέτα Ζεύς·

Nor can the chaser get to hand his flying enemy;

θάρσει Τριτογένεια φίλον τέκος· οὔ νύ τι θυμῷ

So nor Achilles' chase could reach the flight of Hector's pace,

πρόφρονι μυθέομαι, ἐθέλω δέ τοι ἤπιος εἶναι·

ἔρξον ὅπῃ δή τοι νόος ἔπλετο, μὴ δʼ ἔτʼ ἐρώει.

ὣς εἰπὼν ὄτρυνε πάρος μεμαυῖαν Ἀθήνην·

βῆ δὲ κατʼ Οὐλύμποιο καρήνων ἀΐξασα.

Ἕκτορα δʼ ἀσπερχὲς κλονέων ἔφεπʼ ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς.

ὡς δʼ ὅτε νεβρὸν ὄρεσφι κύων ἐλάφοιο δίηται

ὄρσας ἐξ εὐνῆς διά τʼ ἄγκεα καὶ διὰ βήσσας·

τὸν δʼ εἴ πέρ τε λάθῃσι καταπτήξας ὑπὸ θάμνῳ,

ἀλλά τʼ ἀνιχνεύων θέει ἔμπεδον ὄφρά κεν εὕρῃ·

ὣς Ἕκτωρ οὐ λῆθε ποδώκεα Πηλεΐωνα.

Nor Hector's flight enlarge itself of swift Achilles' chace.

ὁσσάκι δʼ ὁρμήσειε πυλάων Δαρδανιάων

But how chanc'd this? How, all this time, could Hector bear the knees

ἀντίον ἀΐξασθαι ἐϋδμήτους ὑπὸ πύργους,

Of fierce Achilles with his own, and keep off destinies,

εἴ πως οἷ καθύπερθεν ἀλάλκοιεν βελέεσσι,

If Phœbus, for his last and best, through all that course had fail'd

τοσσάκι μιν προπάροιθεν ἀποστρέψασκε παραφθὰς

To add his succours to his nerves, and, as his foe assail'd

πρὸς πεδίον· αὐτὸς δὲ ποτὶ πτόλιος πέτετʼ αἰεί.

Near and within him, fed his 'scape? Achilles yet well knew

ὡς δʼ ἐν ὀνείρῳ οὐ δύναται φεύγοντα διώκειν·

His knees would fetch him, and gave signs to some friends (making shew

οὔτʼ ἄρʼ ὃ τὸν δύναται ὑποφεύγειν οὔθʼ ὃ διώκειν·

Of shooting at him) to forbear, lest they detracted so

ὣς ὃ τὸν οὐ δύνατο μάρψαι ποσίν, οὐδʼ ὃς ἀλύξαι.

From his full glory in first wounds, and in the overthrow

πῶς δέ κεν Ἕκτωρ κῆρας ὑπεξέφυγεν θανάτοιο,

Make his hand last. But when they reach'd the fourth time the two founts,

εἰ μή οἱ πύματόν τε καὶ ὕστατον ἤντετʼ Ἀπόλλων

Then Jove his golden scales weigh'd up, and took the last accounts

ἐγγύθεν, ὅς οἱ ἐπῶρσε μένος λαιψηρά τε γοῦνα;

Of fate for Hector, putting in for him and Peleus' son

λαοῖσιν δʼ ἀνένευε καρήατι δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς,

Two fates of bitter death; of which high heav'n receiv'd the one,

οὐδʼ ἔα ἱέμεναι ἐπὶ Ἕκτορι πικρὰ βέλεμνα,

The other hell; so low declin'd the light of Hector's life.

μή τις κῦδος ἄροιτο βαλών, ὃ δὲ δεύτερος ἔλθοι.

Then Phœbus left him, when war's Queen came to resolve the strife

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ τὸ τέταρτον ἐπὶ κρουνοὺς ἀφίκοντο,

In th' other's knowledge: “Now,” said she, “Jove-lov'd Æacides,

καὶ τότε δὴ χρύσεια πατὴρ ἐτίταινε τάλαντα,

I hope at last to make renown perform a brave access

ἐν δʼ ἐτίθει δύο κῆρε τανηλεγέος θανάτοιο,

To all the Grecians; we shall now lay low this champion's height,

τὴν μὲν Ἀχιλλῆος, τὴν δʼ Ἕκτορος ἱπποδάμοιο,

Though never so insatiate was his great heart of fight.

ἕλκε δὲ μέσσα λαβών· ῥέπε δʼ Ἕκτορος αἴσιμον ἦμαρ,

Nor must he 'scape our púrsuit still, though at the feet of Jove

ᾤχετο δʼ εἰς Ἀΐδαο, λίπεν δέ ἑ Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων.

Apollo bows into a sphere, soliciting more love

Πηλεΐωνα δʼ ἵκανε θεὰ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη,

To his most favour'd. Breathe thee then, stand firm, myself will haste

ἀγχοῦ δʼ ἱσταμένη ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

And hearten Hector to change blows.” She went, and he stood fast,

νῦν δὴ νῶι ἔολπα Διῒ φίλε φαίδιμʼ Ἀχιλλεῦ

Lean'd on his lance, and much was joy'd that single strokes should try

οἴσεσθαι μέγα κῦδος Ἀχαιοῖσι προτὶ νῆας

This fadging conflict. Then came close the changéd Deity

Ἕκτορα δῃώσαντε μάχης ἄατόν περ ἐόντα.

To Hector, like Deiphobus in shape and voice, and said:

οὔ οἱ νῦν ἔτι γʼ ἔστι πεφυγμένον ἄμμε γενέσθαι,

“O brother, thou art too much urg'd to be thus combated

οὐδʼ εἴ κεν μάλα πολλὰ πάθοι ἑκάεργος Ἀπόλλων

About our own walls; let us stand, and force to a retreat

προπροκυλινδόμενος πατρὸς Διὸς αἰγιόχοιο.

Th' insulting chaser.” Hector joy'd at this so kind deceit,

ἀλλὰ σὺ μὲν νῦν στῆθι καὶ ἄμπνυε, τόνδε δʼ ἐγώ τοι

And said: “O good Deiphobus, thy love was most before

οἰχομένη πεπιθήσω ἐναντίβιον μαχέσασθαι.

(Of all my brothers) dear to me, but now exceeding more

ὣς φάτʼ Ἀθηναίη, ὃ δʼ ἐπείθετο, χαῖρε δὲ θυμῷ,

It costs me honour, that, thus urg'd, thou com'st to part the charge

στῆ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπὶ μελίης χαλκογλώχινος ἐρεισθείς.

Of my last fortunes; other friends keep town, and leave at large

ἣ δʼ ἄρα τὸν μὲν ἔλειπε, κιχήσατο δʼ Ἕκτορα δῖον

My rack'd endeavours.” She replied: “Good brother, 'tis most true,

Δηϊφόβῳ ἐϊκυῖα δέμας καὶ ἀτειρέα φωνήν·

One after other, king and queen, and all our friends, did sue,

ἀγχοῦ δʼ ἱσταμένη ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Ev'n on their knees, to stay me there, such tremblings shake them all

ἠθεῖʼ ἦ μάλα δή σε βιάζεται ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεὺς

With this man's terror; but my mind so griev'd to see our wall

ἄστυ πέρι Πριάμοιο ποσὶν ταχέεσσι διώκων·

Girt with thy chases, that to death I long'd to urge thy stay.

ἀλλʼ ἄγε δὴ στέωμεν καὶ ἀλεξώμεσθα μένοντες.

Come, fight we, thirsty of his blood; no more let's fear to lay

τὴν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε μέγας κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ·

Cost on our lances, but approve, if, bloodied with our spoils,

Δηΐφοβʼ ἦ μέν μοι τὸ πάρος πολὺ φίλτατος ἦσθα

He can bear glory to their fleet, or shut up all their toils

γνωτῶν οὓς Ἑκάβη ἠδὲ Πρίαμος τέκε παῖδας·

In his one suff'rance on thy lance.” With this deceit she led,

νῦν δʼ ἔτι καὶ μᾶλλον νοέω φρεσὶ τιμήσασθαι,

And, both come near, thus Hector spake: “Thrice have I compasséd

ὃς ἔτλης ἐμεῦ εἵνεκʼ, ἐπεὶ ἴδες ὀφθαλμοῖσι,

This great town, Peleus' son, in flight, with aversation

τείχεος ἐξελθεῖν, ἄλλοι δʼ ἔντοσθε μένουσι.

That out of fate put off my steps; but now all flight is flown,

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε θεὰ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη·

The short course set up, death or life. Our resolutions yet

ἠθεῖʼ ἦ μὲν πολλὰ πατὴρ καὶ πότνια μήτηρ

Must shun all rudeness, and the Gods before our valour set

λίσσονθʼ ἑξείης γουνούμενοι, ἀμφὶ δʼ ἑταῖροι,

For use of victory; and they being worthiest witnesses

αὖθι μένειν· τοῖον γὰρ ὑποτρομέουσιν ἅπαντες·

Of all vows, since they keep vows best, before their Deities

ἀλλʼ ἐμὸς ἔνδοθι θυμὸς ἐτείρετο πένθεϊ λυγρῷ.

Let vows of fit respect pass both, when conquest hath bestow'd

νῦν δʼ ἰθὺς μεμαῶτε μαχώμεθα, μὴ δέ τι δούρων

Her wreath on either. Here I vow no fury shall be show'd,

ἔστω φειδωλή, ἵνα εἴδομεν εἴ κεν Ἀχιλλεὺς

That is not manly, on thy corse, but, having spoil'd thy arms,

νῶϊ κατακτείνας ἔναρα βροτόεντα φέρηται

Resign thy person; which swear thou.” These fair and temp'rate terms

νῆας ἔπι γλαφυράς, ἦ κεν σῷ δουρὶ δαμήῃ.

Far fled Achilles; his brows bent, and out flew this reply:

ὣς φαμένη καὶ κερδοσύνῃ ἡγήσατʼ Ἀθήνη·

“Hector, thou only pestilence in all mortality

οἳ δʼ ὅτε δὴ σχεδὸν ἦσαν ἐπʼ ἀλλήλοισιν ἰόντες,

To my sere spirits, never set the point 'twixt thee and me

τὸν πρότερος προσέειπε μέγας κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ·

Any conditions; but as far as men and lions fly

οὔ σʼ ἔτι Πηλέος υἱὲ φοβήσομαι, ὡς τὸ πάρος περ

τρὶς περὶ ἄστυ μέγα Πριάμου δίον, οὐδέ ποτʼ ἔτλην

μεῖναι ἐπερχόμενον· νῦν αὖτέ με θυμὸς ἀνῆκε

στήμεναι ἀντία σεῖο· ἕλοιμί κεν ἤ κεν ἁλοίην.

ἀλλʼ ἄγε δεῦρο θεοὺς ἐπιδώμεθα· τοὶ γὰρ ἄριστοι

μάρτυροι ἔσσονται καὶ ἐπίσκοποι ἁρμονιάων·

οὐ γὰρ ἐγώ σʼ ἔκπαγλον ἀεικιῶ, αἴ κεν ἐμοὶ Ζεὺς

δώῃ καμμονίην, σὴν δὲ ψυχὴν ἀφέλωμαι·

All terms of cov'nant, lambs and wolves; in so far opposite state,

ἀλλʼ ἐπεὶ ἄρ κέ σε συλήσω κλυτὰ τεύχεʼ Ἀχιλλεῦ

Impossible for love t' atone, stand we, till our souls satiate

νεκρὸν Ἀχαιοῖσιν δώσω πάλιν· ὣς δὲ σὺ ῥέζειν.

The God of soldiers. Do not dream that our disjunction can

τὸν δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς·

Endure condition. Therefore now, all worth that fits a man

Ἕκτορ μή μοι ἄλαστε συνημοσύνας ἀγόρευε·

Call to thee, all particular parts that fit a soldier,

ὡς οὐκ ἔστι λέουσι καὶ ἀνδράσιν ὅρκια πιστά,

And they all this include (besides the skill and spirit of war)

οὐδὲ λύκοι τε καὶ ἄρνες ὁμόφρονα θυμὸν ἔχουσιν,

Hunger for slaughter, and a hate that eats thy heart to eat

ἀλλὰ κακὰ φρονέουσι διαμπερὲς ἀλλήλοισιν,

Thy foe's heart. This stirs, this supplies in death the killing heat;

ὣς οὐκ ἔστʼ ἐμὲ καὶ σὲ φιλήμεναι, οὐδέ τι νῶϊν

And all this need'st thou. No more flight. Pallas Athenia

ὅρκια ἔσσονται, πρίν γʼ ἢ ἕτερόν γε πεσόντα

Will quickly cast thee to my lance. Now, now together draw

αἵματος ἆσαι Ἄρηα ταλαύρινον πολεμιστήν.

All griefs for vengeance, both in me, and all my friends late dead

παντοίης ἀρετῆς μιμνήσκεο· νῦν σε μάλα χρὴ

That bled thee, raging with thy lance.” This said, he brandishéd

αἰχμητήν τʼ ἔμεναι καὶ θαρσαλέον πολεμιστήν.

His long lance, and away it sung; which Hector giving view,

οὔ τοι ἔτʼ ἔσθʼ ὑπάλυξις, ἄφαρ δέ σε Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη

Stoop'd low, stood firm, foreseeing it best, and quite it overflew,

ἔγχει ἐμῷ δαμάᾳ· νῦν δʼ ἀθρόα πάντʼ ἀποτίσεις

Fast'ning on earth. Athenia drew it, and gave her friend,

κήδεʼ ἐμῶν ἑτάρων οὓς ἔκτανες ἔγχεϊ θύων.

Unseen of Hector. Hector then thus spake: “Thou want'st thy end,

ἦ ῥα, καὶ ἀμπεπαλὼν προΐει δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος·

God-like Achilles. Now I see, thou hast not learn'd my fate

καὶ τὸ μὲν ἄντα ἰδὼν ἠλεύατο φαίδιμος Ἕκτωρ·

Of Jove at all, as thy high words would bravely intimate.

ἕζετο γὰρ προϊδών, τὸ δʼ ὑπέρπτατο χάλκεον ἔγχος,

Much tongue affects thee. Cunning words well serve thee to prepare

ἐν γαίῃ δʼ ἐπάγη· ἀνὰ δʼ ἥρπασε Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη,

Thy blows with threats, that mine might faint with want of spirit to dare.

ἂψ δʼ Ἀχιλῆϊ δίδου, λάθε δʼ Ἕκτορα ποιμένα λαῶν.

But my back never turns with breath; it was not born to bear

Ἕκτωρ δὲ προσέειπεν ἀμύμονα Πηλεΐωνα·

Burthens of wounds; strike home before; drive at my breast thy spear,

ἤμβροτες, οὐδʼ ἄρα πώ τι θεοῖς ἐπιείκελʼ Ἀχιλλεῦ

As mine at thine shall, and try then if heav'n's will favour thee

ἐκ Διὸς ἠείδης τὸν ἐμὸν μόρον, ἦ τοι ἔφης γε·

With scape of my lance. O would Jove would take it after me,

ἀλλά τις ἀρτιεπὴς καὶ ἐπίκλοπος ἔπλεο μύθων,

And make thy bosom take it all! An easy end would crown

ὄφρά σʼ ὑποδείσας μένεος ἀλκῆς τε λάθωμαι.

Our difficult wars, were thy soul fled, thou most bane of our town.”

οὐ μέν μοι φεύγοντι μεταφρένῳ ἐν δόρυ πήξεις,

Thus flew his dart, touch'd at the midst of his black shield, and flew

ἀλλʼ ἰθὺς μεμαῶτι διὰ στήθεσφιν ἔλασσον

A huge way from it; but his heart wrath enter'd with the view

εἴ τοι ἔδωκε θεός· νῦν αὖτʼ ἐμὸν ἔγχος ἄλευαι

Of that hard scape, and heavy thoughts strook through him, when he spied

χάλκεον· ὡς δή μιν σῷ ἐν χροῒ πᾶν κομίσαιο.

His brother vanish'd, and no lance beside left; out he cried:

καί κεν ἐλαφρότερος πόλεμος Τρώεσσι γένοιτο

“Deiphobus, another lance.” Lance nor Deiphobus

σεῖο καταφθιμένοιο· σὺ γάρ σφισι πῆμα μέγιστον.

Stood near his call. And then his mind saw all things ominous,

ἦ ῥα, καὶ ἀμπεπαλὼν προΐει δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος,

And thus suggested: “Woe is me, the Gods have call'd, and I

καὶ βάλε Πηλεΐδαο μέσον σάκος οὐδʼ ἀφάμαρτε·

Must meet death here! Deiphobus I well hop'd had been by

τῆλε δʼ ἀπεπλάγχθη σάκεος δόρυ· χώσατο δʼ Ἕκτωρ

With his white shield; but our strong walls shield him, and this deceit

ὅττί ῥά οἱ βέλος ὠκὺ ἐτώσιον ἔκφυγε χειρός,

Flows from Minerva. Now, O now, ill death comes, no more flight,

στῆ δὲ κατηφήσας, οὐδʼ ἄλλʼ ἔχε μείλινον ἔγχος.

No more recovery. O Jove, this hath been otherwise;

Δηΐφοβον δʼ ἐκάλει λευκάσπιδα μακρὸν ἀΰσας·

Thy bright son and thyself have set the Greeks a greater prize

ᾔτεέ μιν δόρυ μακρόν· ὃ δʼ οὔ τί οἱ ἐγγύθεν ἦεν.

Of Hector's blood than now; of which, ev'n jealous, you had care,

Ἕκτωρ δʼ ἔγνω ᾗσιν ἐνὶ φρεσὶ φώνησέν τε·

But Fate now conquers; I am hers; and yet not she shall share

ὢ πόποι ἦ μάλα δή με θεοὶ θάνατόνδε κάλεσσαν·

In my renown; that life is left to every noble spirit,

Δηΐφοβον γὰρ ἔγωγʼ ἐφάμην ἥρωα παρεῖναι·

And that some great deed shall beget that all lives shall inherit.”

ἀλλʼ ὃ μὲν ἐν τείχει, ἐμὲ δʼ ἐξαπάτησεν Ἀθήνη.

Thus, forth his sword flew, sharp and broad, and bore a deadly weight,

νῦν δὲ δὴ ἐγγύθι μοι θάνατος κακός, οὐδʼ ἔτʼ ἄνευθεν,

With which he rush'd in. And look how an eagle from her height

οὐδʼ ἀλέη· ἦ γάρ ῥα πάλαι τό γε φίλτερον ἦεν

Stoops to the rapture of a lamb, or cuffs a tim'rous hare;

Ζηνί τε καὶ Διὸς υἷι ἑκηβόλῳ, οἵ με πάρος γε

So fell in Hector; and at him Achilles; his mind's fare

πρόφρονες εἰρύατο· νῦν αὖτέ με μοῖρα κιχάνει.

Was fierce and mighty, his shield cast a sun-like radiance,

μὴ μὰν ἀσπουδί γε καὶ ἀκλειῶς ἀπολοίμην,

Helm nodded, and his four plumes shook, and, when he rais'd his lance,

ἀλλὰ μέγα ῥέξας τι καὶ ἐσσομένοισι πυθέσθαι.

Up Hesp'rus rose 'mongst th' evening stars. His bright and sparkling eyes

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας εἰρύσσατο φάσγανον ὀξύ,

Look'd through the body of his foe, and sought through all that prise

τό οἱ ὑπὸ λαπάρην τέτατο μέγα τε στιβαρόν τε,

The next way to his thirsted life. Of all ways, only one

οἴμησεν δὲ ἀλεὶς ὥς τʼ αἰετὸς ὑψιπετήεις,

Appear'd to him, and that was where th' unequal winding bone,

ὅς τʼ εἶσιν πεδίον δὲ διὰ νεφέων ἐρεβεννῶν

That joins the shoulders and the neck, had place, and where there lay

ἁρπάξων ἢ ἄρνʼ ἀμαλὴν ἤ πτῶκα λαγωόν·

The speeding way to death; and there his quick eye could display

ὣς Ἕκτωρ οἴμησε τινάσσων φάσγανον ὀξύ.

The place it sought, e'en through those arms his friend Patroclus wore

ὁρμήθη δʼ Ἀχιλεύς, μένεος δʼ ἐμπλήσατο θυμὸν

When Hector slew him. There he aim'd, and there his jav'lin tore

ἀγρίου, πρόσθεν δὲ σάκος στέρνοιο κάλυψε

καλὸν δαιδάλεον, κόρυθι δʼ ἐπένευε φαεινῇ

τετραφάλῳ· καλαὶ δὲ περισσείοντο ἔθειραι

χρύσεαι, ἃς Ἥφαιστος ἵει λόφον ἀμφὶ θαμειάς.

οἷος δʼ ἀστὴρ εἶσι μετʼ ἀστράσι νυκτὸς ἀμολγῷ

ἕσπερος, ὃς κάλλιστος ἐν οὐρανῷ ἵσταται ἀστήρ,

ὣς αἰχμῆς ἀπέλαμπʼ εὐήκεος, ἣν ἄρʼ Ἀχιλλεὺς

πάλλεν δεξιτερῇ φρονέων κακὸν Ἕκτορι δίῳ,

εἰσορόων χρόα καλόν, ὅπῃ εἴξειε μάλιστα.

Stern passage quite through Hector's neck; yet miss'd it so his throat

τοῦ δὲ καὶ ἄλλο τόσον μὲν ἔχε χρόα χάλκεα τεύχεα,

It gave him pow'r to change some words; but down to earth it got

καλά, τὰ Πατρόκλοιο βίην ἐνάριξε κατακτάς·

His fainting body. Then triumph'd divine Æacides:

φαίνετο δʼ ᾗ κληῗδες ἀπʼ ὤμων αὐχένʼ ἔχουσι,

“Hector,” said he, “thy heart suppos'd that in my friend's decease

λαυκανίην, ἵνα τε ψυχῆς ὤκιστος ὄλεθρος·

Thy life was safe; my absent arm not car'd for. Fool! he left

τῇ ῥʼ ἐπὶ οἷ μεμαῶτʼ ἔλασʼ ἔγχεϊ δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς,

One at the fleet that better'd him, and he it is that reft

ἀντικρὺ δʼ ἁπαλοῖο διʼ αὐχένος ἤλυθʼ ἀκωκή·

Thy strong knees thus; and now the dogs and fowls in foulest use

οὐδʼ ἄρʼ ἀπʼ ἀσφάραγον μελίη τάμε χαλκοβάρεια,

Shall tear thee up, thy corse expos'd to all the Greeks' abuse.”

ὄφρά τί μιν προτιείποι ἀμειβόμενος ἐπέεσσιν.

He, fainting, said: “Let me implore, ev'n by thy knees and soul,

ἤριπε δʼ ἐν κονίῃς· ὃ δʼ ἐπεύξατο δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς·

And thy great parents, do not see a cruelty so foul

Ἕκτορ ἀτάρ που ἔφης Πατροκλῆʼ ἐξεναρίζων

Inflicted on me. Brass and gold receive at any rate,

σῶς ἔσσεσθʼ, ἐμὲ δʼ οὐδὲν ὀπίζεο νόσφιν ἐόντα,

And quit my person, that the peers and ladies of our state

νήπιε· τοῖο δʼ ἄνευθεν ἀοσσητὴρ μέγʼ ἀμείνων

May tomb it, and to sacred fire turn thy profane decrees.”

νηυσὶν ἔπι γλαφυρῇσιν ἐγὼ μετόπισθε λελείμμην,

“Dog,” he replied, “urge not my ruth, by parents, soul, nor knees.

ὅς τοι γούνατʼ ἔλυσα· σὲ μὲν κύνες ἠδʼ οἰωνοὶ

I would to God that any rage would let me eat thee raw,

ἑλκήσουσʼ ἀϊκῶς, τὸν δὲ κτεριοῦσιν Ἀχαιοί.

Slic'd into pieces, so beyond the right of any law

τὸν δʼ ὀλιγοδρανέων προσέφη κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ·

I taste thy merits! And, believe, it flies the force of man

λίσσομʼ ὑπὲρ ψυχῆς καὶ γούνων σῶν τε τοκήων,

To rescue thy head from the dogs. Give all the gold they can,

μή με ἔα παρὰ νηυσὶ κύνας καταδάψαι Ἀχαιῶν,

If ten or twenty times so much as friends would rate thy price

ἀλλὰ σὺ μὲν χαλκόν τε ἅλις χρυσόν τε δέδεξο,

Were tender'd here, with vows of more, to buy the cruelties

δῶρα τά τοι δώσουσι πατὴρ καὶ πότνια μήτηρ,

I here have vow'd, and after that thy father with his gold

σῶμα δὲ οἴκαδʼ ἐμὸν δόμεναι πάλιν, ὄφρα πυρός με

Would free thyself; all that should fail to let thy mother hold

Τρῶες καὶ Τρώων ἄλοχοι λελάχωσι θανόντα.

Solemnities of death with thee, and do thee such a grace

τὸν δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεὺς·

To mourn thy whole corse on a bed; which piecemeal I'll deface

μή με κύον γούνων γουνάζεο μὴ δὲ τοκήων·

With fowls and dogs.” He, dying, said: “I, knowing thee well, foresaw

αἲ γάρ πως αὐτόν με μένος καὶ θυμὸς ἀνήη

Thy now tried tyranny, nor hop'd for any other law,

ὤμʼ ἀποταμνόμενον κρέα ἔδμεναι, οἷα ἔοργας,

Of nature, or of nations; and that fear forc'd much more

ὡς οὐκ ἔσθʼ ὃς σῆς γε κύνας κεφαλῆς ἀπαλάλκοι,

Than death my flight, which never touch'd at Hector's foot before.

οὐδʼ εἴ κεν δεκάκις τε καὶ εἰκοσινήριτʼ ἄποινα

A soul of iron informs thee. Mark, what vengeance th' equal fates

στήσωσʼ ἐνθάδʼ ἄγοντες, ὑπόσχωνται δὲ καὶ ἄλλα,

Will give me of thee for this rage, when in the Scæan gates

οὐδʼ εἴ κέν σʼ αὐτὸν χρυσῷ ἐρύσασθαι ἀνώγοι

Phœbus and Paris meet with thee.” Thus death's hand clos'd his eyes,

Δαρδανίδης Πρίαμος· οὐδʼ ὧς σέ γε πότνια μήτηρ

His soul flying his fair limbs to hell, mourning his destinies,

ἐνθεμένη λεχέεσσι γοήσεται ὃν τέκεν αὐτή,

To part so with his youth and strength. Thus dead, thus Thetis' son

ἀλλὰ κύνες τε καὶ οἰωνοὶ κατὰ πάντα δάσονται.

His prophecy answer'd: “Die thou now. When my short thread is spun,

τὸν δὲ καταθνῄσκων προσέφη κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ·

I'll bear it as the will of Jove.” This said, his brazen spear

ἦ σʼ εὖ γιγνώσκων προτιόσσομαι, οὐδʼ ἄρʼ ἔμελλον

He drew, and stuck by; then his arms, that all embruéd were,

πείσειν· ἦ γὰρ σοί γε σιδήρεος ἐν φρεσὶ θυμός.

He spoil'd his shoulders of. Then all the Greeks ran in to him,

φράζεο νῦν, μή τοί τι θεῶν μήνιμα γένωμαι

To see his person, and admir'd his terror-stirring limb;

ἤματι τῷ ὅτε κέν σε Πάρις καὶ Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων

Yet none stood by that gave no wound to his so goodly form;

ἐσθλὸν ἐόντʼ ὀλέσωσιν ἐνὶ Σκαιῇσι πύλῃσιν.

When each to other said: “O Jove, he is not in the storm

ὣς ἄρα μιν εἰπόντα τέλος θανάτοιο κάλυψε,

He came to fleet in with his fire, he handles now more soft.”

ψυχὴ δʼ ἐκ ῥεθέων πταμένη Ἄϊδος δὲ βεβήκει

“O friends,” said stern Æacides, “now that the Gods have brought

ὃν πότμον γοόωσα λιποῦσʼ ἀνδροτῆτα καὶ ἥβην.

This man thus down, I'll freely say, he brought more bane to Greece

τὸν καὶ τεθνηῶτα προσηύδα δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς·

Than all his aiders. Try we then, thus arm'd at ev'ry piece,

τέθναθι· κῆρα δʼ ἐγὼ τότε δέξομαι ὁππότε κεν δὴ

And girding all Troy with our host, if now their hearts will leave

Ζεὺς ἐθέλῃ τελέσαι ἠδʼ ἀθάνατοι θεοὶ ἄλλοι.

Their city clear, her clear stay slain, and all their lives receive,

ἦ ῥα, καὶ ἐκ νεκροῖο ἐρύσσατο χάλκεον ἔγχος,

Or hold yet, Hector being no more. But why use I a word

καὶ τό γʼ ἄνευθεν ἔθηχʼ, ὃ δʼ ἀπʼ ὤμων τεύχεʼ ἐσύλα

Of any act but what concerns my friend? Dead, undeplor'd,

αἱματόεντʼ· ἄλλοι δὲ περίδραμον υἷες Ἀχαιῶν,

Unsepulchred, he lies at fleet, unthought on! Never hour

οἳ καὶ θηήσαντο φυὴν καὶ εἶδος ἀγητὸν

Shall make his dead state, while the quick enjoys me, and this pow'r

Ἕκτορος· οὐδʼ ἄρα οἵ τις ἀνουτητί γε παρέστη.

To move these movers. Though in hell, men say, that such as die

ὧδε δέ τις εἴπεσκεν ἰδὼν ἐς πλησίον ἄλλον·

Oblivion seizeth, yet in hell in me shall Memory

ὢ πόποι, ἦ μάλα δὴ μαλακώτερος ἀμφαφάασθαι

Hold all her forms still of my friend. Now, youths of Greece, to fleet

Ἕκτωρ ἢ ὅτε νῆας ἐνέπρησεν πυρὶ κηλέῳ.

Bear we this body, pæans sing, and all our navy greet

ὣς ἄρα τις εἴπεσκε καὶ οὐτήσασκε παραστάς.

With endless honour; we have slain Hector, the period

τὸν δʼ ἐπεὶ ἐξενάριξε ποδάρκης δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς,

Of all Troy's glory, to whose worth all vow'd as to a God.”

στὰς ἐν Ἀχαιοῖσιν ἔπεα πτερόεντʼ ἀγόρευεν·

This said, a work not worthy him he set to; of both feet

ὦ φίλοι Ἀργείων ἡγήτορες ἠδὲ μέδοντες

ἐπεὶ δὴ τόνδʼ ἄνδρα θεοὶ δαμάσασθαι ἔδωκαν,

ὃς κακὰ πόλλʼ ἔρρεξεν ὅσʼ οὐ σύμπαντες οἱ ἄλλοι,

εἰ δʼ ἄγετʼ ἀμφὶ πόλιν σὺν τεύχεσι πειρηθῶμεν,

ὄφρά κʼ ἔτι γνῶμεν Τρώων νόον ὅν τινʼ ἔχουσιν,

ἢ καταλείψουσιν πόλιν ἄκρην τοῦδε πεσόντος,

ἦε μένειν μεμάασι καὶ Ἕκτορος οὐκέτʼ ἐόντος.

ἀλλὰ τί ἤ μοι ταῦτα φίλος διελέξατο θυμός;

κεῖται πὰρ νήεσσι νέκυς ἄκλαυτος ἄθαπτος

He bor'd the nerves through from the heel to th' ankle, and then knit

Πάτροκλος· τοῦ δʼ οὐκ ἐπιλήσομαι, ὄφρʼ ἂν ἔγωγε

Both to his chariot with a thong of whitleather, his head

ζωοῖσιν μετέω καί μοι φίλα γούνατʼ ὀρώρῃ·

Trailing the centre. Up he got to chariot, where he laid

εἰ δὲ θανόντων περ καταλήθοντʼ εἰν Ἀΐδαο

The arms repurchas'd, and scourg'd on his horse that freely flew.

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ καὶ κεῖθι φίλου μεμνήσομʼ ἑταίρου.

A whirlwind made of startled dust drave with them as they drew,

νῦν δʼ ἄγʼ ἀείδοντες παιήονα κοῦροι Ἀχαιῶν

With which were all his black-brown curls knotted in heaps and fil'd.

νηυσὶν ἔπι γλαφυρῇσι νεώμεθα, τόνδε δʼ ἄγωμεν.

And there lay Troy's late Gracious, by Jupiter exil'd

ἠράμεθα μέγα κῦδος· ἐπέφνομεν Ἕκτορα δῖον,

To all disgrace in his own land, and by his parents seen;

ᾧ Τρῶες κατὰ ἄστυ θεῷ ὣς εὐχετόωντο.

When, like her son's head, all with dust Troy's miserable queen

ἦ ῥα, καὶ Ἕκτορα δῖον ἀεικέα μήδετο ἔργα.

Distain'd her temples, plucking off her honour'd hair, and tore

ἀμφοτέρων μετόπισθε ποδῶν τέτρηνε τένοντε

Her royal garments, shrieking out. In like kind Priam bore

ἐς σφυρὸν ἐκ πτέρνης, βοέους δʼ ἐξῆπτεν ἱμάντας,

His sacred person, like a wretch that never saw good day,

ἐκ δίφροιο δʼ ἔδησε, κάρη δʼ ἕλκεσθαι ἔασεν·

Broken with outcries. About both the people prostrate lay,

ἐς δίφρον δʼ ἀναβὰς ἀνά τε κλυτὰ τεύχεʼ ἀείρας

Held down with clamour; all the town veil'd with a cloud of tears.

μάστιξέν ῥʼ ἐλάαν, τὼ δʼ οὐκ ἀέκοντε πετέσθην.

Ilion, with all his tops on fire, and all the massacres,

τοῦ δʼ ἦν ἑλκομένοιο κονίσαλος, ἀμφὶ δὲ χαῖται

Left for the Greeks, could put on looks of no more overthrow

κυάνεαι πίτναντο, κάρη δʼ ἅπαν ἐν κονίῃσι

Than now fraid life. And yet the king did all their looks outshow.

κεῖτο πάρος χαρίεν· τότε δὲ Ζεὺς δυσμενέεσσι

The wretched people could not bear his sov'reign wretchedness,

δῶκεν ἀεικίσσασθαι ἑῇ ἐν πατρίδι γαίῃ.

Plaguing himself so, thrusting out, and praying all the press

ὣς τοῦ μὲν κεκόνιτο κάρη ἅπαν· ἣ δέ νυ μήτηρ

To open him the Dardan ports, that he alone might fetch

τίλλε κόμην, ἀπὸ δὲ λιπαρὴν ἔρριψε καλύπτρην

His dearest son in, and (all fil'd with tumbling) did beseech

τηλόσε, κώκυσεν δὲ μάλα μέγα παῖδʼ ἐσιδοῦσα·

Each man by name, thus: “Lov'd friends, be you content, let me,

ᾤμωξεν δʼ ἐλεεινὰ πατὴρ φίλος, ἀμφὶ δὲ λαοὶ

Though much ye grieve, be that poor mean to our sad remedy

κωκυτῷ τʼ εἴχοντο καὶ οἰμωγῇ κατὰ ἄστυ.

Now in our wishes; I will go and pray this impious man,

τῷ δὲ μάλιστʼ ἄρʼ ἔην ἐναλίγκιον ὡς εἰ ἅπασα

Author of horrors, making proof if age's rev'rence can

Ἴλιος ὀφρυόεσσα πυρὶ σμύχοιτο κατʼ ἄκρης.

Excite his pity. His own sire is old like me; and he

λαοὶ μέν ῥα γέροντα μόγις ἔχον ἀσχαλόωντα

That got him to our griefs, perhaps, may, for my likeness, be

ἐξελθεῖν μεμαῶτα πυλάων Δαρδανιάων.

Mean for our ruth to him. Alas, you have no cause of cares,

πάντας δʼ ἐλλιτάνευε κυλινδόμενος κατὰ κόπρον,

Compar'd with me! I many sons, grac'd with their freshest years,

ἐξονομακλήδην ὀνομάζων ἄνδρα ἕκαστον·

Have lost by him, and all their deaths in slaughter of this one

σχέσθε φίλοι, καί μʼ οἶον ἐάσατε κηδόμενοί περ

(Afflicted man) are doubled. This will bitterly set gone

ἐξελθόντα πόληος ἱκέσθʼ ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν.

My soul to hell. O would to heaven I could but hold him dead

λίσσωμʼ ἀνέρα τοῦτον ἀτάσθαλον ὀβριμοεργόν,

In these pin'd arms, then tears on tears might fall, till all were shed

ἤν πως ἡλικίην αἰδέσσεται ἠδʼ ἐλεήσῃ

In common fortune! Now amaze their natural course doth stop,

γῆρας· καὶ δέ νυ τῷ γε πατὴρ τοιόσδε τέτυκται

And pricks a mad vein.” Thus he mourn'd, and with him all break ope

Πηλεύς, ὅς μιν ἔτικτε καὶ ἔτρεφε πῆμα γενέσθαι

Their store of sorrows. The poor Queen amongst the women wept

Τρωσί· μάλιστα δʼ ἐμοὶ περὶ πάντων ἄλγεʼ ἔθηκε.

Turn'd into anguish: “O my son,” she cried out, “why still kept

τόσσους γάρ μοι παῖδας ἀπέκτανε τηλεθάοντας·

Patient of horrors is my life, when thine is vanishéd?

τῶν πάντων οὐ τόσσον ὀδύρομαι ἀχνύμενός περ

My days thou glorifi'dst, my nights rung of some honour'd deed

ὡς ἑνός, οὗ μʼ ἄχος ὀξὺ κατοίσεται Ἄϊδος εἴσω,

Done by thy virtues, joy to me, profit to all our care.

Ἕκτορος· ὡς ὄφελεν θανέειν ἐν χερσὶν ἐμῇσι·

All made a God of thee, and thou mad'st them all that they are,

τώ κε κορεσσάμεθα κλαίοντέ τε μυρομένω τε

Now under fate, now dead.” These two thus vented as they could

μήτηρ θʼ, ἥ μιν ἔτικτε δυσάμμορος, ἠδʼ ἐγὼ αὐτός.

There sorrow's furnace; Hector's wife not having yet been told

ὣς ἔφατο κλαίων, ἐπὶ δὲ στενάχοντο πολῖται·

So much as of his stay without. She in her chamber close

Τρῳῇσιν δʼ Ἑκάβη ἁδινοῦ ἐξῆρχε γόοιο·

Sat at her loom; a piece of work, grac'd with a both sides' gloss,

τέκνον ἐγὼ δειλή· τί νυ βείομαι αἰνὰ παθοῦσα

Strew'd curiously with varied flowers, her pleasure was; her care,

σεῦ ἀποτεθνηῶτος; ὅ μοι νύκτάς τε καὶ ἦμαρ

To heat a caldron for her lord, to bathe him turn'd from war,

εὐχωλὴ κατὰ ἄστυ πελέσκεο, πᾶσί τʼ ὄνειαρ

Of which she chief charge gave her maids. Poor dame, she little knew

Τρωσί τε καὶ Τρῳῇσι κατὰ πτόλιν, οἵ σε θεὸν ὣς

How much her cares lack'd of his case! But now the clamour flew

δειδέχατʼ· ἦ γὰρ καί σφι μάλα μέγα κῦδος ἔησθα

Up to her turret; then she shook, her work fell from her hand,

ζωὸς ἐών· νῦν αὖ θάνατος καὶ μοῖρα κιχάνει.

And up she started, call'd her maids, she needs must understand

ὣς ἔφατο κλαίουσʼ, ἄλοχος δʼ οὔ πώ τι πέπυστο

That ominous outcry: “Come,” said she, I hear through all this cry

Ἕκτορος· οὐ γάρ οἵ τις ἐτήτυμος ἄγγελος ἐλθὼν

My mother's voice shriek; to my throat my heart bounds; ecstasy

ἤγγειλʼ ὅττί ῥά οἱ πόσις ἔκτοθι μίμνε πυλάων,

Utterly alters me; some fate is near the hapless sons

ἀλλʼ ἥ γʼ ἱστὸν ὕφαινε μυχῷ δόμου ὑψηλοῖο

Of fading Priam. Would to God my words' suspicións

δίπλακα πορφυρέην, ἐν δὲ θρόνα ποικίλʼ ἔπασσε.

No ear had heard yet! O I fear, and that most heartily,

κέκλετο δʼ ἀμφιπόλοισιν ἐϋπλοκάμοις κατὰ δῶμα

ἀμφὶ πυρὶ στῆσαι τρίποδα μέγαν, ὄφρα πέλοιτο

Ἕκτορι θερμὰ λοετρὰ μάχης ἐκ νοστήσαντι

νηπίη, οὐδʼ ἐνόησεν ὅ μιν μάλα τῆλε λοετρῶν

χερσὶν Ἀχιλλῆος δάμασε γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη.

κωκυτοῦ δʼ ἤκουσε καὶ οἰμωγῆς ἀπὸ πύργου·

τῆς δʼ ἐλελίχθη γυῖα, χαμαὶ δέ οἱ ἔκπεσε κερκίς·

ἣ δʼ αὖτις δμῳῇσιν ἐϋπλοκάμοισι μετηύδα·

δεῦτε δύω μοι ἕπεσθον, ἴδωμʼ ὅτινʼ ἔργα τέτυκται.

That, with some stratagem, the son of Peleus hath put by

αἰδοίης ἑκυρῆς ὀπὸς ἔκλυον, ἐν δʼ ἐμοὶ αὐτῇ

The wall of Ilion my lord, and, trusty of his feet,

στήθεσι πάλλεται ἦτορ ἀνὰ στόμα, νέρθε δὲ γοῦνα

Obtain'd the chase of him alone, and now the curious heat

πήγνυται· ἐγγὺς δή τι κακὸν Πριάμοιο τέκεσσιν.

Of his still desp'rate spirit is cool'd. It let him never keep

αἲ γὰρ ἀπʼ οὔατος εἴη ἐμεῦ ἔπος· ἀλλὰ μάλʼ αἰνῶς

In guard of others; before all his violent foot must step,

δείδω μὴ δή μοι θρασὺν Ἕκτορα δῖος Ἀχιλλεὺς

Or his place forfeited he held.” Thus fury-like she went,

μοῦνον ἀποτμήξας πόλιος πεδίον δὲ δίηται,

Two women, as she will'd, at hand; and made her quick ascent

καὶ δή μιν καταπαύσῃ ἀγηνορίης ἀλεγεινῆς

Up to the tow'r and press of men, her spirit in uproar. Round

ἥ μιν ἔχεσκʼ, ἐπεὶ οὔ ποτʼ ἐνὶ πληθυῖ μένεν ἀνδρῶν,

She cast her greedy eye, and saw her Hector slain, and bound

ἀλλὰ πολὺ προθέεσκε, τὸ ὃν μένος οὐδενὶ εἴκων.

T' Achilles' chariot, manlessly dragg'd to the Grecian fleet.

ὣς φαμένη μεγάροιο διέσσυτο μαινάδι ἴση

Black night strook through her, under her trance took away her feet,

παλλομένη κραδίην· ἅμα δʼ ἀμφίπολοι κίον αὐτῇ

And back she shrunk with such a sway that off her head-tire flew,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ πύργόν τε καὶ ἀνδρῶν ἷξεν ὅμιλον

Her coronet, caul, ribands, veil that golden Venus threw

ἔστη παπτήνασʼ ἐπὶ τείχεϊ, τὸν δὲ νόησεν

On her white shoulders that high day when warlike Hector won

ἑλκόμενον πρόσθεν πόλιος· ταχέες δέ μιν ἵπποι

Her hand in nuptials in the court of king Eetion,

ἕλκον ἀκηδέστως κοίλας ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν.

And that great dow'r then giv'n with her. About her, on their knees,

τὴν δὲ κατʼ ὀφθαλμῶν ἐρεβεννὴ νὺξ ἐκάλυψεν,

Her husband's sisters, brothers' wives, fell round, and by degrees

ἤριπε δʼ ἐξοπίσω, ἀπὸ δὲ ψυχὴν ἐκάπυσσε.

Recover'd her. Then, when again her respirations found

τῆλε δʼ ἀπὸ κρατὸς βάλε δέσματα σιγαλόεντα,

Free pass (her mind and spirit met) these thoughts her words did sound:

ἄμπυκα κεκρύφαλόν τε ἰδὲ πλεκτὴν ἀναδέσμην

“O Hector, O me, curséd dame, both born beneath one fate,

κρήδεμνόν θʼ, ὅ ῥά οἱ δῶκε χρυσῆ Ἀφροδίτη

Thou here, I in Cilician Thebes, where Placus doth elate

ἤματι τῷ ὅτε μιν κορυθαίολος ἠγάγεθʼ Ἕκτωρ

His shady forehead, in the court where king Eetion,

ἐκ δόμου Ἠετίωνος, ἐπεὶ πόρε μυρία ἕδνα.

Hapless, begot unhappy me; which would he had not done,

ἀμφὶ δέ μιν γαλόῳ τε καὶ εἰνατέρες ἅλις ἔσταν,

To live past thee! Thou now art div'd to Pluto's gloomy throne,

αἵ ἑ μετὰ σφίσιν εἶχον ἀτυζομένην ἀπολέσθαι.

Sunk through the coverts of the earth; I, in a hell of moan,

ἣ δʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν ἔμπνυτο καὶ ἐς φρένα θυμὸς ἀγέρθη

Left here thy widow; one poor babe born to unhappy both,

ἀμβλήδην γοόωσα μετὰ Τρῳῇσιν ἔειπεν·

Whom thou leav'st helpless as he thee, he born to all the wroth

Ἕκτορ ἐγὼ δύστηνος· ἰῇ ἄρα γεινόμεθʼ αἴσῃ

Of woe and labour. Lands left him will others seize upon;

ἀμφότεροι, σὺ μὲν ἐν Τροίῃ Πριάμου κατὰ δῶμα,

The orphan day of all friends' helps robs ev'ry mother's son.

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ Θήβῃσιν ὑπὸ Πλάκῳ ὑληέσσῃ

An orphan all men suffer sad; his eyes stand still with tears;

ἐν δόμῳ Ἠετίωνος, ὅ μʼ ἔτρεφε τυτθὸν ἐοῦσαν

Need tries his father's friends, and fails; of all his favourers,

δύσμορος αἰνόμορον· ὡς μὴ ὤφελλε τεκέσθαι.

If one the cup gives, 'tis not long, the wine he finds in it

νῦν δὲ σὺ μὲν Ἀΐδαο δόμους ὑπὸ κεύθεσι γαίης

Scarce moists his palate; if he chance to gain the grace to sit,

ἔρχεαι, αὐτὰρ ἐμὲ στυγερῷ ἐνὶ πένθεϊ λείπεις

Surviving fathers' sons repine, use contumelies, strike,

χήρην ἐν μεγάροισι· πάϊς δʼ ἔτι νήπιος αὔτως,

Bid, 'leave us, where's thy father's place?' He, weeping with dislike,

ὃν τέκομεν σύ τʼ ἐγώ τε δυσάμμοροι· οὔτε σὺ τούτῳ

Retires to me, to me, alas! Astyanax is he

ἔσσεαι Ἕκτορ ὄνειαρ ἐπεὶ θάνες, οὔτε σοὶ οὗτος.

Born to these mis'ries; he that late fed on his father's knee,

ἤν περ γὰρ πόλεμόν γε φύγῃ πολύδακρυν Ἀχαιῶν,

To whom all knees bow'd, daintiest fare appos'd him; and when sleep

αἰεί τοι τούτῳ γε πόνος καὶ κήδεʼ ὀπίσσω

Lay on his temples, his cries still'd, his heart ev'n laid in steep

ἔσσοντʼ· ἄλλοι γάρ οἱ ἀπουρίσσουσιν ἀρούρας.

Of all things precious, a soft bed, a careful nurse's arms,

ἦμαρ δʼ ὀρφανικὸν παναφήλικα παῖδα τίθησι·

Took him to guardiance. But now as huge a world of harms

πάντα δʼ ὑπεμνήμυκε, δεδάκρυνται δὲ παρειαί,

Lies on his suff'rance; now thou want'st thy father's hand to friend,

δευόμενος δέ τʼ ἄνεισι πάϊς ἐς πατρὸς ἑταίρους,

O my Astyanax; O my lord, thy hand that did defend

ἄλλον μὲν χλαίνης ἐρύων, ἄλλον δὲ χιτῶνος·

These gates of Ilion, these long walls by thy arm measur'd still

τῶν δʼ ἐλεησάντων κοτύλην τις τυτθὸν ἐπέσχε·

Amply and only. Yet at fleet thy naked corse must fill

χείλεα μέν τʼ ἐδίηνʼ, ὑπερῴην δʼ οὐκ ἐδίηνε.

Vile worms, when dogs are satiate, far from thy parents' care,

τὸν δὲ καὶ ἀμφιθαλὴς ἐκ δαιτύος ἐστυφέλιξε

Far from those fun'ral ornaments that thy mind would prepare

χερσὶν πεπλήγων καὶ ὀνειδείοισιν ἐνίσσων·

(So sudden being the chance of arms) ever expecting death.

ἔρρʼ οὕτως· οὐ σός γε πατὴρ μεταδαίνυται ἡμῖν.

Which task, though my heart would not serve t' employ my hands beneath,

δακρυόεις δέ τʼ ἄνεισι πάϊς ἐς μητέρα χήρην

I made my women yet perform. Many, and much in price,

Ἀστυάναξ, ὃς πρὶν μὲν ἑοῦ ἐπὶ γούνασι πατρὸς

Were those integuments they wrought t' adorn thy exsequies;

μυελὸν οἶον ἔδεσκε καὶ οἰῶν πίονα δημόν·

Which, since they fly thy use, thy corse not laid in their attire,

αὐτὰρ ὅθʼ ὕπνος ἕλοι, παύσαιτό τε νηπιαχεύων,

Thy sacrifice they shall be made; these hands in mischievous fire

εὕδεσκʼ ἐν λέκτροισιν ἐν ἀγκαλίδεσσι τιθήνης

Shall vent their vanities. And yet, being consecrate to thee,

εὐνῇ ἔνι μαλακῇ θαλέων ἐμπλησάμενος κῆρ·

They shall be kept for citizens, and their fair wives, to see.”

νῦν δʼ ἂν πολλὰ πάθῃσι φίλου ἀπὸ πατρὸς ἁμαρτὼν

Thus spake she weeping; all the dames endeavouring to cheer

Ἀστυάναξ, ὃν Τρῶες ἐπίκλησιν καλέουσιν·

Her desert state, fearing their own, wept with her tear for tear.

οἶος γάρ σφιν ἔρυσο πύλας καὶ τείχεα μακρά.

νῦν δὲ σὲ μὲν παρὰ νηυσὶ κορωνίσι νόσφι τοκήων

αἰόλαι εὐλαὶ ἔδονται, ἐπεί κε κύνες κορέσωνται

γυμνόν· ἀτάρ τοι εἵματʼ ἐνὶ μεγάροισι κέονται

λεπτά τε καὶ χαρίεντα τετυγμένα χερσὶ γυναικῶν.

ἀλλʼ ἤτοι τάδε πάντα καταφλέξω πυρὶ κηλέῳ

οὐδὲν σοί γʼ ὄφελος, ἐπεὶ οὐκ ἐγκείσεαι αὐτοῖς,

ἀλλὰ πρὸς Τρώων καὶ Τρωϊάδων κλέος εἶναι.

ὣς ἔφατο κλαίουσʼ, ἐπὶ δὲ στενάχοντο γυναῖκες.