Iliad

Thus mourn'd all Troy. But when at fleet and Hellespontus' shore

ὣς οἳ μὲν στενάχοντο κατὰ πτόλιν· αὐτὰρ Ἀχαιοὶ

The Greeks arriv'd, each to his ship; only the Conqueror

ἐπεὶ δὴ νῆάς τε καὶ Ἑλλήσποντον ἵκοντο,

Kept undispers'd his Myrmidons, and said, “Lov'd countrymen

οἳ μὲν ἄρʼ ἐσκίδναντο ἑὴν ἐπὶ νῆα ἕκαστος,

Disjoin not we chariots and horse, but, bearing hard our rein,

Μυρμιδόνας δʼ οὐκ εἴα ἀποσκίδνασθαι Ἀχιλλεύς,

With state of both, march soft and close, and mourn about the corse;

ἀλλʼ ὅ γε οἷς ἑτάροισι φιλοπτολέμοισι μετηύδα·

'Tis proper honour to the dead. Then take we out our horse,

Μυρμιδόνες ταχύπωλοι ἐμοὶ ἐρίηρες ἑταῖροι

When with our friends' kind woe our hearts have felt delight to do

μὴ δή πω ὑπʼ ὄχεσφι λυώμεθα μώνυχας ἵππους,

A virtuous soul right, and then sup.” This said, all full of woe

ἀλλʼ αὐτοῖς ἵπποισι καὶ ἅρμασιν ἆσσον ἰόντες

Circled the corse; Achilles led, and thrice, about him close,

Πάτροκλον κλαίωμεν· ὃ γὰρ γέρας ἐστὶ θανόντων.

All bore their goodly-coated horse. Amongst all Thetis rose,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί κʼ ὀλοοῖο τεταρπώμεσθα γόοιο,

And stirr'd up a delight in grief, till all their arms with tears,

ἵππους λυσάμενοι δορπήσομεν ἐνθάδε πάντες.

And all the sands, were wet; so much they lov'd that Lord of Fears.

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ᾤμωξαν ἀολλέες, ἦρχε δʼ Ἀχιλλεύς.

Then to the centre fell the prince; and, putting in the breast

οἳ δὲ τρὶς περὶ νεκρὸν ἐΰτριχας ἤλασαν ἵππους

Of his slain friend his slaught'ring hands, began to all the rest

μυρόμενοι· μετὰ δέ σφι Θέτις γόου ἵμερον ὦρσε.

Words to their tears: “Rejoice, said he, “O my Patroclus, thou

δεύοντο ψάμαθοι, δεύοντο δὲ τεύχεα φωτῶν

Courted by Dis now. Now I pay to thy late overthrow

δάκρυσι· τοῖον γὰρ πόθεον μήστωρα φόβοιο.

All my revenges vow'd before. Hector lies slaughter'd here

τοῖσι δὲ Πηλεΐδης ἁδινοῦ ἐξῆρχε γόοιο

Dragg'd at my chariot, and our dogs shall all in pieces tear

χεῖρας ἐπʼ ἀνδροφόνους θέμενος στήθεσσιν ἑταίρου·

His hated limbs. Twelve Trojan youths, born of their noblest strains,

χαῖρέ μοι ὦ Πάτροκλε καὶ εἰν Ἀΐδαο δόμοισι·

I took alive; and, yet enrag'd, will empty all their veins

πάντα γὰρ ἤδη τοι τελέω τὰ πάροιθεν ὑπέστην

Of vital spirits, sacrific'd before thy heap of fire.”

Ἕκτορα δεῦρʼ ἐρύσας δώσειν κυσὶν ὠμὰ δάσασθαι,

This said, a work unworthy him he put upon his ire,

δώδεκα δὲ προπάροιθε πυρῆς ἀποδειροτομήσειν

And trampled Hector under foot at his friend's feet. The rest

Τρώων ἀγλαὰ τέκνα σέθεν κταμένοιο χολωθείς.

Disarm'd, took horse from chariot, and all to sleep address'd

ἦ ῥα καὶ Ἕκτορα δῖον ἀεικέα μήδετο ἔργα

At his black vessel. Infinite were those that rested there.

πρηνέα πὰρ λεχέεσσι Μενοιτιάδαο τανύσσας

Himself yet sleeps not, now his spirits were wrought about the cheer

ἐν κονίῃς· οἳ δʼ ἔντεʼ ἀφωπλίζοντο ἕκαστος

Fit for so high a funeral. About the steel us'd then

χάλκεα μαρμαίροντα, λύον δʼ ὑψηχέας ἵππους,

Oxen in heaps lay bellowing, preparing food for men;

κὰδ δʼ ἷζον παρὰ νηῒ ποδώκεος Αἰακίδαο

Bleating of sheep and goats fill'd air; numbers of white-tooth'd swine,

μυρίοι· αὐτὰρ ὃ τοῖσι τάφον μενοεικέα δαίνυ.

Swimming in fat, lay singeing there. The person of the slain

πολλοὶ μὲν βόες ἀργοὶ ὀρέχθεον ἀμφὶ σιδήρῳ

Was girt with slaughter. All this done, all the Greek kings convey'd

σφαζόμενοι, πολλοὶ δʼ ὄϊες καὶ μηκάδες αἶγες·

Achilles to the King of men; his rage not yet allay'd

πολλοὶ δʼ ἀργιόδοντες ὕες θαλέθοντες ἀλοιφῇ

For his Patroclus. Being arriv'd at Agamemnon's tent,

εὑόμενοι τανύοντο διὰ φλογὸς Ἡφαίστοιο·

Himself bade heralds put to fire a caldron, and present

πάντῃ δʼ ἀμφὶ νέκυν κοτυλήρυτον ἔρρεεν αἷμα.

The service of it to the prince, to try if they could win

αὐτὰρ τόν γε ἄνακτα ποδώκεα Πηλεΐωνα

His pleasure to admit their pains to cleanse the blood soak'd in

εἰς Ἀγαμέμνονα δῖον ἄγον βασιλῆες Ἀχαιῶν

About his conqu'ring hands and brows. “Not by the King of Heav'n,”

σπουδῇ παρπεπιθόντες ἑταίρου χωόμενον κῆρ.

He swore. “The laws of friendship damn this false-heart licence giv'n

οἳ δʼ ὅτε δὴ κλισίην Ἀγαμέμνονος ἷξον ἰόντες,

To men that lose friends. Not a drop shall touch me till I put

αὐτίκα κηρύκεσσι λιγυφθόγγοισι κέλευσαν

Patroclus in the fun'ral pile, before these curls be cut,

ἀμφὶ πυρὶ στῆσαι τρίποδα μέγαν, εἰ πεπίθοιεν

His tomb erected. 'Tis the last of all care I shall take,

Πηλεΐδην λούσασθαι ἄπο βρότον αἱματόεντα.

While I consort the careful. Yet, for your entreaties' sake,

αὐτὰρ ὅ γʼ ἠρνεῖτο στερεῶς, ἐπὶ δʼ ὅρκον ὄμοσσεν·

And though I loathe food, I will eat. But early in the morn,

οὐ μὰ Ζῆνʼ, ὅς τίς τε θεῶν ὕπατος καὶ ἄριστος,

Atrides, use your strict command that loads of wood be borne

οὐ θέμις ἐστὶ λοετρὰ καρήατος ἆσσον ἱκέσθαι

To our design'd place, all that fits to light home such a one

πρίν γʼ ἐνὶ Πάτροκλον θέμεναι πυρὶ σῆμά τε χεῦαι

As is to pass the shades of death, that fire enough set gone

κείρασθαί τε κόμην, ἐπεὶ οὔ μʼ ἔτι δεύτερον ὧδε

His person quickly from our eyes, and our diverted men

ἵξετʼ ἄχος κραδίην ὄφρα ζωοῖσι μετείω.

May ply their business.” This all ears did freely entertain,

ἀλλʼ ἤτοι νῦν μὲν στυγερῇ πειθώμεθα δαιτί·

And found observance. Then they supp'd with all things fit, and all

ἠῶθεν δʼ ὄτρυνον ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγάμεμνον

Repair'd to tents and rest. The friend the shores maritimal

ὕλην τʼ ἀξέμεναι παρά τε σχεῖν ὅσσʼ ἐπιεικὲς

Sought for his bed, and found a place, fair, and upon which play'd

νεκρὸν ἔχοντα νέεσθαι ὑπὸ ζόφον ἠερόεντα,

The murmuring billows. There his limbs to rest, not sleep, he laid,

ὄφρʼ ἤτοι τοῦτον μὲν ἐπιφλέγῃ ἀκάματον πῦρ

Heavily sighing. Round about, silent and not too near,

θᾶσσον ἀπʼ ὀφθαλμῶν, λαοὶ δʼ ἐπὶ ἔργα τράπωνται.

Stood all his Myrmidons; when straight, so over-labour'd were

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἄρα τοῦ μάλα μὲν κλύον ἠδὲ πίθοντο.

His goodly lineaments with chase of Hector, that, beyond

ἐσσυμένως δʼ ἄρα δόρπον ἐφοπλίσσαντες ἕκαστοι

His resolution not to sleep, Sleep cast his sudden bond

δαίνυντʼ, οὐδέ τι θυμὸς ἐδεύετο δαιτὸς ἐΐσης.

Over his sense, and loos'd his care. Then of his wretched friend

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ πόσιος καὶ ἐδητύος ἐξ ἔρον ἕντο,

The Soul appear'd; at ev'ry part the form did comprehend

οἳ μὲν κακκείοντες ἔβαν κλισίην δὲ ἕκαστος,

His likeness; his fair eyes, his voice, his stature, ev'ry weed

Πηλεΐδης δʼ ἐπὶ θινὶ πολυφλοίσβοιο θαλάσσης

His person wore, it fantasied; and stood above his head,

κεῖτο βαρὺ στενάχων πολέσιν μετὰ Μυρμιδόνεσσιν

This sad speech utt'ring: “Dost thou sleep? Æacides, am I

ἐν καθαρῷ, ὅθι κύματʼ ἐπʼ ἠϊόνος κλύζεσκον·

Forgotten of thee? Being alive, I found thy memory

εὖτε τὸν ὕπνος ἔμαρπτε λύων μελεδήματα θυμοῦ

Ever respectful; but now, dead, thy dying love abates.

νήδυμος ἀμφιχυθείς· μάλα γὰρ κάμε φαίδιμα γυῖα

Inter me quickly, enter me in Pluto's iron gates,

Ἕκτορʼ ἐπαΐσσων προτὶ Ἴλιον ἠνεμόεσσαν·

For now the souls (the shades) of men, fled from this being, beat

ἦλθε δʼ ἐπὶ ψυχὴ Πατροκλῆος δειλοῖο

My spirit from rest, and stay my much-desir'd receipt

πάντʼ αὐτῷ μέγεθός τε καὶ ὄμματα κάλʼ ἐϊκυῖα

Amongst souls plac'd beyond the flood. Now ev'ry way I err

καὶ φωνήν, καὶ τοῖα περὶ χροῒ εἵματα ἕστο·

About this broad-door'd house of Dis. O help then to prefer

στῆ δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπὲρ κεφαλῆς καί μιν πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπεν·

My soul yet further! Here I mourn, but, had the fun'ral fire

εὕδεις, αὐτὰρ ἐμεῖο λελασμένος ἔπλευ Ἀχιλλεῦ.

Consum'd my body, never more my spirit should retire

οὐ μέν μευ ζώοντος ἀκήδεις, ἀλλὰ θανόντος·

From hell's low región; from thence souls never are retriev'd

θάπτέ με ὅττι τάχιστα πύλας Ἀΐδαο περήσω.

To talk with friends here; nor shall I; a hateful fate depriv'd

τῆλέ με εἴργουσι ψυχαὶ εἴδωλα καμόντων,

My being here, that at my birth was fix'd; and to such fate

οὐδέ μέ πω μίσγεσθαι ὑπὲρ ποταμοῖο ἐῶσιν,

Ev'n thou, O god-like man, art mark'd; the deadly Ilion gate

ἀλλʼ αὔτως ἀλάλημαι ἀνʼ εὐρυπυλὲς Ἄϊδος δῶ.

Must entertain thy death. O then, I charge thee now, take care

καί μοι δὸς τὴν χεῖρʼ· ὀλοφύρομαι, οὐ γὰρ ἔτʼ αὖτις

That our bones part not; but as life combin'd in equal fare

νίσομαι ἐξ Ἀΐδαο, ἐπήν με πυρὸς λελάχητε.

Our loving beings, so let death. When from Opunta's tow'rs

οὐ μὲν γὰρ ζωοί γε φίλων ἀπάνευθεν ἑταίρων

βουλὰς ἑζόμενοι βουλεύσομεν, ἀλλʼ ἐμὲ μὲν κὴρ

ἀμφέχανε στυγερή, ἥ περ λάχε γιγνόμενόν περ·

καὶ δὲ σοὶ αὐτῷ μοῖρα, θεοῖς ἐπιείκελʼ Ἀχιλλεῦ,

τείχει ὕπο Τρώων εὐηφενέων ἀπολέσθαι.

ἄλλο δέ τοι ἐρέω καὶ ἐφήσομαι αἴ κε πίθηαι·

μὴ ἐμὰ σῶν ἀπάνευθε τιθήμεναι ὀστέʼ Ἀχιλλεῦ,

ἀλλʼ ὁμοῦ ὡς ἐτράφημεν ἐν ὑμετέροισι δόμοισιν,

εὖτέ με τυτθὸν ἐόντα Μενοίτιος ἐξ Ὀπόεντος

ἤγαγεν ὑμέτερόνδʼ ἀνδροκτασίης ὕπο λυγρῆς,

ἤματι τῷ ὅτε παῖδα κατέκτανον Ἀμφιδάμαντος

νήπιος οὐκ ἐθέλων ἀμφʼ ἀστραγάλοισι χολωθείς·

ἔνθά με δεξάμενος ἐν δώμασιν ἱππότα Πηλεὺς

My father brought me to your roofs (since, 'gainst my will, my pow'rs

ἔτραφέ τʼ ἐνδυκέως καὶ σὸν θεράποντʼ ὀνόμηνεν·

Incens'd, and indiscreet at dice, slew fair Amphidamas)

ὣς δὲ καὶ ὀστέα νῶϊν ὁμὴ σορὸς ἀμφικαλύπτοι

Then Peleus entertain'd me well; then in thy charge I was

χρύσεος ἀμφιφορεύς, τόν τοι πόρε πότνια μήτηρ.

By his injunction and thy love; and therein let me still

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς·

Receive protection. Both our bones, provide in thy last will,

τίπτέ μοι ἠθείη κεφαλὴ δεῦρʼ εἰλήλουθας

That one urn may contain; and make that vessel all of gold,

καί μοι ταῦτα ἕκαστʼ ἐπιτέλλεαι; αὐτὰρ ἐγώ τοι

That Thetis gave thee, that rich urn.” This said, Sleep ceas'd to hold

πάντα μάλʼ ἐκτελέω καὶ πείσομαι ὡς σὺ κελεύεις.

Achilles' temples, and the Shade thus he receiv'd: “O friend,

ἀλλά μοι ἆσσον στῆθι· μίνυνθά περ ἀμφιβαλόντε

What needed these commands? My care, before, meant to commend

ἀλλήλους ὀλοοῖο τεταρπώμεσθα γόοιο.

My bones to thine, and in that urn. Be sure thy will is done.

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας ὠρέξατο χερσὶ φίλῃσιν

A little stay yet, let's delight, with some full passión

οὐδʼ ἔλαβε· ψυχὴ δὲ κατὰ χθονὸς ἠΰτε καπνὸς

Of woe enough, either's affects; embrace we.” Op'ning thus

ᾤχετο τετριγυῖα· ταφὼν δʼ ἀνόρουσεν Ἀχιλλεὺς

His greedy arms, he felt no friend; like matter vaporous

χερσί τε συμπλατάγησεν, ἔπος δʼ ὀλοφυδνὸν ἔειπεν·

The Spirit vanish'd under earth, and murmur'd in his stoop.

ὢ πόποι ἦ ῥά τίς ἐστι καὶ εἰν Ἀΐδαο δόμοισι

Achilles started, both his hands he clapp'd, and lifted up,

ψυχὴ καὶ εἴδωλον, ἀτὰρ φρένες οὐκ ἔνι πάμπαν·

In this sort wond'ring: “O ye Gods, I see we have a soul

παννυχίη γάρ μοι Πατροκλῆος δειλοῖο

In th' under-dwellings, and a kind of man-resembling idol;

ψυχὴ ἐφεστήκει γοόωσά τε μυρομένη τε,

The soul's seat yet, all matter felt, stays with the carcass here.

καί μοι ἕκαστʼ ἐπέτελλεν, ἔϊκτο δὲ θέσκελον αὐτῷ.

O friends, hapless Patroclus' soul did all this night appear

ὣς φάτο, τοῖσι δὲ πᾶσιν ὑφʼ ἵμερον ὦρσε γόοιο·

Weeping and making moan to me, commanding ev'rything

μυρομένοισι δὲ τοῖσι φάνη ῥοδοδάκτυλος Ἠὼς

That I intended towards him; so truly figuring

ἀμφὶ νέκυν ἐλεεινόν. ἀτὰρ κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

Himself at all parts, as was strange.” This accident did turn

οὐρῆάς τʼ ὄτρυνε καὶ ἀνέρας ἀξέμεν ὕλην

To much more sorrow, and begat a greediness to mourn

πάντοθεν ἐκ κλισιῶν· ἐπὶ δʼ ἀνὴρ ἐσθλὸς ὀρώρει

In all that heard. When mourning thus, the rosy Morn arose,

Μηριόνης θεράπων ἀγαπήνορος Ἰδομενῆος.

And Agamemnon through the tents wak'd all, and did dispose

οἳ δʼ ἴσαν ὑλοτόμους πελέκεας ἐν χερσὶν ἔχοντες

Both men and mules for carriage of matter for the fire;

σειράς τʼ εὐπλέκτους· πρὸ δʼ ἄρʼ οὐρῆες κίον αὐτῶν.

Of all which work Meriones, the Cretan sov'reign's squire,

πολλὰ δʼ ἄναντα κάταντα πάραντά τε δόχμιά τʼ ἦλθον·

Was captain; and abroad they went. Wood-cutting tools they bore

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ κνημοὺς προσέβαν πολυπίδακος Ἴδης,

Of all hands, and well-twisted cords. The mules march'd all before.

αὐτίκʼ ἄρα δρῦς ὑψικόμους ταναήκεϊ χαλκῷ

Uphill, and down hill, overthwarts, and break-neck cliffs they pass'd;

τάμνον ἐπειγόμενοι· ταὶ δὲ μεγάλα κτυπέουσαι

But, when the fountful Ida's tops they scal'd with utmost haste,

πῖπτον· τὰς μὲν ἔπειτα διαπλήσσοντες Ἀχαιοὶ

All fell upon the high-hair'd oaks, and down their curléd brows,

ἔκδεον ἡμιόνων· ταὶ δὲ χθόνα ποσσὶ δατεῦντο

Fell bustling to the earth, and up went all the boles and boughs

ἐλδόμεναι πεδίοιο διὰ ῥωπήϊα πυκνά.

Bound to the mules; and back again they parted the harsh way

πάντες δʼ ὑλοτόμοι φιτροὺς φέρον· ὡς γὰρ ἀνώγει

Amongst them through the tangling shrubs, and long they thought the day

Μηριόνης θεράπων ἀγαπήνορος Ἰδομενῆος.

Till in the plain field all arriv'd, for all the woodmen bore

κὰδ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπʼ ἀκτῆς βάλλον ἐπισχερώ, ἔνθʼ ἄρʼ Ἀχιλλεὺς

Logs on their necks; Meriones would have it so. The shore

φράσσατο Πατρόκλῳ μέγα ἠρίον ἠδὲ οἷ αὐτῷ.

At last they reach'd yet, and then down their carriages they cast,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ πάντῃ παρακάββαλον ἄσπετον ὕλην

And sat upon them, where the son of Peleüs had plac'd

ἥατʼ ἄρʼ αὖθι μένοντες ἀολλέες. αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς

The ground for his great sepulchre, and for his friend's, in one.

αὐτίκα Μυρμιδόνεσσι φιλοπτολέμοισι κέλευσε

They rais'd a huge pile, and to arms went ev'ry Myrmidon,

χαλκὸν ζώννυσθαι, ζεῦξαι δʼ ὑπʼ ὄχεσφιν ἕκαστον

Charg'd by Achilles; chariots and horse were harnesséd.

ἵππους· οἳ δʼ ὄρνυντο καὶ ἐν τεύχεσσιν ἔδυνον,

Fighters and charioteers got up, and they the sad march led,

ἂν δʼ ἔβαν ἐν δίφροισι παραιβάται ἡνίοχοί τε,

A cloud of infinite foot behind. In midst of all was borne

πρόσθε μὲν ἱππῆες, μετὰ δὲ νέφος εἵπετο πεζῶν

Patroclus' person by his peers. On him were all heads shorn,

μυρίοι· ἐν δὲ μέσοισι φέρον Πάτροκλον ἑταῖροι.

Ev'n till they cover'd him with curls. Next to him march'd his friend

θριξὶ δὲ πάντα νέκυν καταείνυσαν, ἃς ἐπέβαλλον

Embracing his cold neck all sad, since now he was to send

κειρόμενοι· ὄπιθεν δὲ κάρη ἔχε δῖος Ἀχιλλεὺς

His dearest to his endless home. Arriv'd all where the wood

ἀχνύμενος· ἕταρον γὰρ ἀμύμονα πέμπʼ Ἄϊδος δέ.

Was heap'd for fun'ral, they set down. Apart Achilles stood,

οἳ δʼ ὅτε χῶρον ἵκανον ὅθί σφισι πέφραδʼ Ἀχιλλεὺς

And when enough wood was heap'd on, he cut his golden hair,

κάτθεσαν, αἶψα δέ οἱ μενοεικέα νήεον ὕλην.

Long kept for Sperchius the flood, in hope of safe repair

ἔνθʼ αὖτʼ ἄλλʼ ἐνόησε ποδάρκης δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς·

To Phthia by that river's pow'r; but now left hopeless thus,

στὰς ἀπάνευθε πυρῆς ξανθὴν ἀπεκείρατο χαίτην,

Enrag'd, and looking on the sea, he cried out: “Sperchius,

τήν ῥα Σπερχειῷ ποταμῷ τρέφε τηλεθόωσαν·

In vain my father's piety vow'd, at my implor'd return

ὀχθήσας δʼ ἄρα εἶπεν ἰδὼν ἐπὶ οἴνοπα πόντον·

To my lov'd country, that these curls should on thy shores be shorn,

Σπερχείʼ ἄλλως σοί γε πατὴρ ἠρήσατο Πηλεὺς

Besides a sacred hecatomb, and sacrifice beside

κεῖσέ με νοστήσαντα φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν

Of fifty wethers, at those founts, where men have edified

σοί τε κόμην κερέειν ῥέξειν θʼ ἱερὴν ἑκατόμβην,

A lofty temple, and perfum'd an altar to thy name.

πεντήκοντα δʼ ἔνορχα παρʼ αὐτόθι μῆλʼ ἱερεύσειν

There vow'd he all these offerings; but fate prevents thy fame,

ἐς πηγάς, ὅθι τοι τέμενος βωμός τε θυήεις.

His hopes not suff'ring satisfied. And since I never more

ὣς ἠρᾶθʼ ὃ γέρων, σὺ δέ οἱ νόον οὐκ ἐτέλεσσας.

Shall see my lov'd soil, my friend's hands shall to the Stygian shore

νῦν δʼ ἐπεὶ οὐ νέομαί γε φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν

Convey these tresses.” Thus he put in his friend's hands the hair;

Πατρόκλῳ ἥρωϊ κόμην ὀπάσαιμι φέρεσθαι.

And this bred fresh desire of moan; and in that sad affair

ὣς εἰπὼν ἐν χερσὶ κόμην ἑτάροιο φίλοιο

The sun had set amongst them all, had Thetis' son not spoke

θῆκεν, τοῖσι δὲ πᾶσιν ὑφʼ ἵμερον ὦρσε γόοιο.

Thus to Atrides: “King of men, thy aid I still invoke,

καί νύ κʼ ὀδυρομένοισιν ἔδυ φάος ἠελίοιο

Since thy command all men still hear. Dismiss thy soldiers now,

εἰ μὴ Ἀχιλλεὺς αἶψʼ Ἀγαμέμνονι εἶπε παραστάς·

And let them victual; they have mourn'd sufficient; 'tis we owe

Ἀτρεΐδη, σοὶ γάρ τε μάλιστά γε λαὸς Ἀχαιῶν

The dead this honour; and with us let all the captains stay.”

πείσονται μύθοισι, γόοιο μὲν ἔστι καὶ ἆσαι,

This heard, Atrides instantly the soldiers sent away;

νῦν δʼ ἀπὸ πυρκαϊῆς σκέδασον καὶ δεῖπνον ἄνωχθι

The fun'ral officers remain'd, and heap'd on matter still,

ὅπλεσθαι· τάδε δʼ ἀμφὶ πονησόμεθʼ οἷσι μάλιστα

Till of an hundred foot about they made the fun'ral pile,

κήδεός ἐστι νέκυς· παρὰ δʼ οἵ τʼ ἀγοὶ ἄμμι μενόντων.

In whose hot height they cast the corse, and then they pour'd on tears.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ τό γʼ ἄκουσεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων,

Numbers of fat sheep, and like store of crooked-going steers,

αὐτίκα λαὸν μὲν σκέδασεν κατὰ νῆας ἐΐσας,

They slew before the solemn fire; stripp'd off their hides and dress'd.

κηδεμόνες δὲ παρʼ αὖθι μένον καὶ νήεον ὕλην,

Of which Achilles took the fat, and cover'd the deceas'd

ποίησαν δὲ πυρὴν ἑκατόμπεδον ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα,

From head to foot; and round about he made the officers pile

ἐν δὲ πυρῇ ὑπάτῃ νεκρὸν θέσαν ἀχνύμενοι κῆρ.

The beasts' nak'd bodies, vessels full of honey and of oil

πολλὰ δὲ ἴφια μῆλα καὶ εἰλίποδας ἕλικας βοῦς

πρόσθε πυρῆς ἔδερόν τε καὶ ἄμφεπον· ἐκ δʼ ἄρα πάντων

δημὸν ἑλὼν ἐκάλυψε νέκυν μεγάθυμος Ἀχιλλεὺς

ἐς πόδας ἐκ κεφαλῆς, περὶ δὲ δρατὰ σώματα νήει.

ἐν δʼ ἐτίθει μέλιτος καὶ ἀλείφατος ἀμφιφορῆας

πρὸς λέχεα κλίνων· πίσυρας δʼ ἐριαύχενας ἵππους

ἐσσυμένως ἐνέβαλλε πυρῇ μεγάλα στεναχίζων.

ἐννέα τῷ γε ἄνακτι τραπεζῆες κύνες ἦσαν,

καὶ μὲν τῶν ἐνέβαλλε πυρῇ δύο δειροτομήσας,

δώδεκα δὲ Τρώων μεγαθύμων υἱέας ἐσθλοὺς

χαλκῷ δηϊόων· κακὰ δὲ φρεσὶ μήδετο ἔργα·

ἐν δὲ πυρὸς μένος ἧκε σιδήρεον ὄφρα νέμοιτο.

ᾤμωξέν τʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα, φίλον δʼ ὀνόμηνεν ἑταῖρον·

χαῖρέ μοι ὦ Πάτροκλε καὶ εἰν Ἀΐδαο δόμοισι·

Pour'd in them, laid upon a bier, and cast into the fire.

πάντα γὰρ ἤδη τοι τελέω τὰ πάροιθεν ὑπέστην,

Four goodly horse; and of nine hounds, two most in the desire

δώδεκα μὲν Τρώων μεγαθύμων υἱέας ἐσθλοὺς

Of that great prince, and trencher-fed; all fed that hungry flame.

τοὺς ἅμα σοὶ πάντας πῦρ ἐσθίει· Ἕκτορα δʼ οὔ τι

Twelve Trojan princes last stood forth, young, and of toward fame,

δώσω Πριαμίδην πυρὶ δαπτέμεν, ἀλλὰ κύνεσσιν.

All which (set on with wicked spirits) there strook he, there he slew,

ὣς φάτʼ ἀπειλήσας· τὸν δʼ οὐ κύνες ἀμφεπένοντο,

And to the iron strength of fire their noble limbs he threw.

ἀλλὰ κύνας μὲν ἄλαλκε Διὸς θυγάτηρ Ἀφροδίτη

Then breath'd his last sighs, and these words: “Again rejoice, my friend,

ἤματα καὶ νύκτας, ῥοδόεντι δὲ χρῖεν ἐλαίῳ

Ev'n in the joyless depth of hell. Now give I cómplete end

ἀμβροσίῳ, ἵνα μή μιν ἀποδρύφοι ἑλκυστάζων.

To all my vows. Alone thy life sustain'd not violence,

τῷ δʼ ἐπὶ κυάνεον νέφος ἤγαγε Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων

Twelve Trojan princes wait on thee, and labour to incense

οὐρανόθεν πεδίον δέ, κάλυψε δὲ χῶρον ἅπαντα

Thy glorious heap of funeral. Great Hector I'll excuse,

ὅσσον ἐπεῖχε νέκυς, μὴ πρὶν μένος ἠελίοιο

The dogs shall eat him.” These high threats perform'd not their abuse;

σκήλειʼ ἀμφὶ περὶ χρόα ἴνεσιν ἠδὲ μέλεσσιν.

Jove's daughter, Venus, took the guard of noble Hector's corse,

οὐδὲ πυρὴ Πατρόκλου ἐκαίετο τεθνηῶτος·

And kept the dogs off, night and day applying sov'reign force

ἔνθʼ αὖτʼ ἀλλʼ ἐνόησε ποδάρκης δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς·

Of rosy balms, that to the dogs were horrible in taste,

στὰς ἀπάνευθε πυρῆς δοιοῖς ἠρᾶτʼ ἀνέμοισι

And with which she the body fill'd. Renown'd Apollo cast

Βορέῃ καὶ Ζεφύρῳ, καὶ ὑπίσχετο ἱερὰ καλά·

A cloud from heav'n, lest with the sun the nerves and lineaments

πολλὰ δὲ καὶ σπένδων χρυσέῳ δέπαϊ λιτάνευεν

Might dry and putrefy. And now some Pow'rs denied consents

ἐλθέμεν, ὄφρα τάχιστα πυρὶ φλεγεθοίατο νεκροί,

To this solemnity; the Fire (for all the oily fuel

ὕλη τε σεύαιτο καήμεναι. ὦκα δὲ Ἶρις

It had injected) would not burn; and then the loving Cruel

ἀράων ἀΐουσα μετάγγελος ἦλθʼ ἀνέμοισιν.

Studied for help, and, standing off, invok'd the two fair Winds,

οἳ μὲν ἄρα Ζεφύροιο δυσαέος ἀθρόοι ἔνδον

Zephyr and Boreas, to afford the rage of both their kinds

εἰλαπίνην δαίνυντο· θέουσα δὲ Ἶρις ἐπέστη

To aid his outrage. Precious gifts his earnest zeal did vow

βηλῷ ἔπι λιθέῳ· τοὶ δʼ ὡς ἴδον ὀφθαλμοῖσι

Pour'd from a golden bowl much wine, and pray'd them both to blow,

πάντες ἀνήϊξαν, κάλεόν τέ μιν εἰς ἓ ἕκαστος·

That quickly his friend's corse might burn, and that heap's sturdy breast

ἣ δʼ αὖθʼ ἕζεσθαι μὲν ἀνήνατο, εἶπε δὲ μῦθον·

Embrace consumption. Iris heard. The Winds were at a feast,

οὐχ ἕδος· εἶμι γὰρ αὖτις ἐπʼ Ὠκεανοῖο ῥέεθρα

All in the court of Zephyrus, that boist'rous blowing Air,

Αἰθιόπων ἐς γαῖαν, ὅθι ῥέζουσʼ ἑκατόμβας

Gather'd together. She that wears the thousand-colour'd hair

ἀθανάτοις, ἵνα δὴ καὶ ἐγὼ μεταδαίσομαι ἱρῶν.

Flew thither, standing in the porch. They, seeing her, all arose,

ἀλλʼ Ἀχιλεὺς Βορέην ἠδὲ Ζέφυρον κελαδεινὸν

Call'd to her, ev'ry one desir'd she would awhile repose,

ἐλθεῖν ἀρᾶται, καὶ ὑπίσχεται ἱερὰ καλά,

And eat with them. She answer'd: “No, no place of seat is here;

ὄφρα πυρὴν ὄρσητε καήμεναι, ᾗ ἔνι κεῖται

Retreat calls to the Ocean and Æthiopia, where

Πάτροκλος, τὸν πάντες ἀναστενάχουσιν Ἀχαιοί.

A hecatomb is off'ring now to heav'n, and there must I

ἣ μὲν ἄρʼ ὣς εἰποῦσʼ ἀπεβήσετο, τοὶ δʼ ὀρέοντο

Partake the feast of sacrifice. I come to signify

ἠχῇ θεσπεσίῃ νέφεα κλονέοντε πάροιθεν.

That Thetis' son implores your aids, princes of North and West,

αἶψα δὲ πόντον ἵκανον ἀήμεναι, ὦρτο δὲ κῦμα

With vows of much fair sacrifice, if each will set his breast

πνοιῇ ὕπο λιγυρῇ· Τροίην δʼ ἐρίβωλον ἱκέσθην,

Against his heap of funeral, and make it quickly burn;

ἐν δὲ πυρῇ πεσέτην, μέγα δʼ ἴαχε θεσπιδαὲς πῦρ.

Patroclus lies there, whose decease all the Achaians mourn.”

παννύχιοι δʼ ἄρα τοί γε πυρῆς ἄμυδις φλόγʼ ἔβαλλον

She said, and parted; and out rush'd, with an unmeasur'd roar,

φυσῶντες λιγέως· ὃ δὲ πάννυχος ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεὺς

Those two Winds, tumbling clouds in heaps, ushers to either's blore,

χρυσέου ἐκ κρητῆρος ἑλὼν δέπας ἀμφικύπελλον

And instantly they reach'd the sea; up flew the waves; the gale

οἶνον ἀφυσσόμενος χαμάδις χέε, δεῦε δὲ γαῖαν

Was strong; reach'd fruitful Troy; and full upon the fire they fall.

ψυχὴν κικλήσκων Πατροκλῆος δειλοῖο.

The huge heap thunder'd. All night long from his chok'd breast they blew

ὡς δὲ πατὴρ οὗ παιδὸς ὀδύρεται ὀστέα καίων

A lib'ral flame up; and all night swift-foot Achilles threw

νυμφίου, ὅς τε θανὼν δειλοὺς ἀκάχησε τοκῆας,

Wine from a golden bowl on earth, and steep'd the soil in wine,

ὣς Ἀχιλεὺς ἑτάροιο ὀδύρετο ὀστέα καίων,

Still calling on Patroclus' soul. No father could incline

ἑρπύζων παρὰ πυρκαϊὴν ἁδινὰ στεναχίζων.

More to a son most dear, nor more mourn at his burnéd bones,

ἦμος δʼ ἑωσφόρος εἶσι φόως ἐρέων ἐπὶ γαῖαν,

Than did the great prince to his friend at his combustións,

ὅν τε μέτα κροκόπεπλος ὑπεὶρ ἅλα κίδναται ἠώς,

Still creeping near and near the heap, still sighing, weeping still.

τῆμος πυρκαϊὴ ἐμαραίνετο, παύσατο δὲ φλόξ.

But when the Day-star look'd abroad, and promis'd from hi hill

οἳ δʼ ἄνεμοι πάλιν αὖτις ἔβαν οἶκον δὲ νέεσθαι

Light, which the saffron Morn made good, and sprinkled on the seas,

Θρηΐκιον κατὰ πόντον· ὃ δʼ ἔστενεν οἴδματι θύων.

Then languish'd the great pile, then sunk the flames, and then calm Peace

Πηλεΐδης δʼ ἀπὸ πυρκαϊῆς ἑτέρωσε λιασθεὶς

Turn'd back the rough Winds to their homes; the Thracian billow rings.

κλίνθη κεκμηώς, ἐπὶ δὲ γλυκὺς ὕπνος ὄρουσεν·

Their high retreat, ruffled with cuffs of their triumphant wings.

οἳ δʼ ἀμφʼ Ἀτρεΐωνα ἀολλέες ἠγερέθοντο·

Pelides then forsook the pile, and to his tired limb

τῶν μιν ἐπερχομένων ὅμαδος καὶ δοῦπος ἔγειρεν,

Choos'd place of rest; where laid, sweet sleep fell to his wish on him.

ἕζετο δʼ ὀρθωθεὶς καί σφεας πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπεν·

When all the king's guard (waiting then, perceiving will to rise

Ἀτρεΐδη τε καὶ ἄλλοι ἀριστῆες Παναχαιῶν,

In that great session) hurried in, and op'd again his eyes

πρῶτον μὲν κατὰ πυρκαϊὴν σβέσατʼ αἴθοπι οἴνῳ

With tumult of their troop, and haste. A little then he rear'd

πᾶσαν, ὁπόσσον ἐπέσχε πυρὸς μένος· αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

His troubled person, sitting up, and this affair referr'd

ὀστέα Πατρόκλοιο Μενοιτιάδαο λέγωμεν

To wish'd commandment of the kings: “Atrides, and the rest

εὖ διαγιγνώσκοντες· ἀριφραδέα δὲ τέτυκται·

Of our commanders general, vouchsafe me this request

ἐν μέσσῃ γὰρ ἔκειτο πυρῇ, τοὶ δʼ ἄλλοι ἄνευθεν

Before your parting: Give in charge the quenching with black wine

ἐσχατιῇ καίοντʼ ἐπιμὶξ ἵπποι τε καὶ ἄνδρες.

Of this heap's relics, ev'ry brand the yellow fire made shine;

καὶ τὰ μὲν ἐν χρυσέῃ φιάλῃ καὶ δίπλακι δημῷ

And then let search Patroclus' bones, distinguishing them well;

θείομεν, εἰς ὅ κεν αὐτὸς ἐγὼν Ἄϊδι κεύθωμαι.

As well ye may, they kept the midst, the rest at random fell

τύμβον δʼ οὐ μάλα πολλὸν ἐγὼ πονέεσθαι ἄνωγα,

About th' extreme part of the pile; men's bones and horses' mixed.

ἀλλʼ ἐπιεικέα τοῖον· ἔπειτα δὲ καὶ τὸν Ἀχαιοὶ

Being found, I'll find an urn of gold t' enclose them, and betwixt

εὐρύν θʼ ὑψηλόν τε τιθήμεναι, οἵ κεν ἐμεῖο

The air and them two kels of fat lay on them, and to rest

δεύτεροι ἐν νήεσσι πολυκλήϊσι λίπησθε.

Commit them, till mine own bones seal our love, my soul deceas'd.

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἐπίθοντο ποδώκεϊ Πηλεΐωνι.

The sepulchre I have not charg'd to make of too much state,

πρῶτον μὲν κατὰ πυρκαϊὴν σβέσαν αἴθοπι οἴνῳ

But of a model something mean, that you of younger fate,

ὅσσον ἐπὶ φλὸξ ἦλθε, βαθεῖα δὲ κάππεσε τέφρη·

When I am gone, may amplify with such a breadth and height

κλαίοντες δʼ ἑτάροιο ἐνηέος ὀστέα λευκὰ

As fits your judgments and our worths.” This charge receiv'd his weight

ἄλλεγον ἐς χρυσέην φιάλην καὶ δίπλακα δημόν,

In all observance. First they quench'd with sable wine the heap,

ἐν κλισίῃσι δὲ θέντες ἑανῷ λιτὶ κάλυψαν·

As far as it had fed the flame. The ash fell wondrous deep,

τορνώσαντο δὲ σῆμα θεμείλιά τε προβάλοντο

In which his consorts, that his life religiously lov'd,

ἀμφὶ πυρήν· εἶθαρ δὲ χυτὴν ἐπὶ γαῖαν ἔχευαν,

Search'd, weeping, for his bones; which found, they conscionably prov'd

χεύαντες δὲ τὸ σῆμα πάλιν κίον. αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς

αὐτοῦ λαὸν ἔρυκε καὶ ἵζανεν εὐρὺν ἀγῶνα,

νηῶν δʼ ἔκφερʼ ἄεθλα λέβητάς τε τρίποδάς τε

ἵππους θʼ ἡμιόνους τε βοῶν τʼ ἴφθιμα κάρηνα,

ἠδὲ γυναῖκας ἐϋζώνους πολιόν τε σίδηρον.

ἱππεῦσιν μὲν πρῶτα ποδώκεσιν ἀγλάʼ ἄεθλα

θῆκε γυναῖκα ἄγεσθαι ἀμύμονα ἔργα ἰδυῖαν

καὶ τρίποδʼ ὠτώεντα δυωκαιεικοσίμετρον

τῷ πρώτῳ· ἀτὰρ αὖ τῷ δευτέρῳ ἵππον ἔθηκεν

ἑξέτεʼ ἀδμήτην βρέφος ἡμίονον κυέουσαν·

αὐτὰρ τῷ τριτάτῳ ἄπυρον κατέθηκε λέβητα

καλὸν τέσσαρα μέτρα κεχανδότα λευκὸν ἔτʼ αὔτως·

τῷ δὲ τετάρτῳ θῆκε δύω χρυσοῖο τάλαντα,

His will made to Æacides, and what his love did add.

πέμπτῳ δʼ ἀμφίθετον φιάλην ἀπύρωτον ἔθηκε.

A golden vessel, double fat, contain'd them. All which, clad

στῆ δʼ ὀρθὸς καὶ μῦθον ἐν Ἀργείοισιν ἔειπεν·

In veils of linen, pure and rich, were solemnly convey'd

Ἀτρεΐδη τε καὶ ἄλλοι ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοὶ

T' Achilles' tent. The platform then about the pile they laid

ἱππῆας τάδʼ ἄεθλα δεδεγμένα κεῖτʼ ἐν ἀγῶνι.

Of his fit sepulchre, and rais'd a heap of earth, and then

εἰ μὲν νῦν ἐπὶ ἄλλῳ ἀεθλεύοιμεν Ἀχαιοὶ

Offer'd departure. But the prince retain'd there still his men,

ἦ τʼ ἂν ἐγὼ τὰ πρῶτα λαβὼν κλισίην δὲ φεροίμην.

Employing them to fetch from fleet rich tripods for his games,

ἴστε γὰρ ὅσσον ἐμοὶ ἀρετῇ περιβάλλετον ἵπποι·

Caldrons, horse, mules, broad-headed beeves, bright steel, and brighter dames,

ἀθάνατοί τε γάρ εἰσι, Ποσειδάων δὲ πόρʼ αὐτοὺς

The best at horse-race he ordain'd a lady for his prize,

πατρὶ ἐμῷ Πηλῆϊ, ὃ δʼ αὖτʼ ἐμοὶ ἐγγυάλιξεν.

Gen'rally praiseful, fair and young, and skill'd in housewif'ries

ἀλλʼ ἤτοι μὲν ἐγὼ μενέω καὶ μώνυχες ἵπποι·

Of all kinds fitting; and withal a trivet, that inclos'd

τοίου γὰρ κλέος ἐσθλὸν ἀπώλεσαν ἡνιόχοιο

Twenty-two measures' room, with ears. The next prize he propos'd

ἠπίου, ὅς σφωϊν μάλα πολλάκις ὑγρὸν ἔλαιον

Was (that which then had high respect) a mare of six years old,

χαιτάων κατέχευε λοέσσας ὕδατι λευκῷ.

Unhandled, horséd with a mule, and ready to have foal'd.

τὸν τώ γʼ ἑσταότες πενθείετον, οὔδεϊ δέ σφι

The third game was a caldron, new, fair, bright, and could for size

χαῖται ἐρηρέδαται, τὼ δʼ ἕστατον ἀχνυμένω κῆρ.

Contain two measures. For the fourth, two talents' quantities

ἄλλοι δὲ στέλλεσθε κατὰ στρατόν, ὅς τις Ἀχαιῶν

Of finest gold. The fifth game was a great new standing bowl,

ἵπποισίν τε πέποιθε καὶ ἅρμασι κολλητοῖσιν.

To set down both ways. These brought in, Achilles then stood up,

ὣς φάτο Πηλεΐδης, ταχέες δʼ ἱππῆες ἄγερθεν.

And said: “Atrides and my lords, chief horsemen of our host,

ὦρτο πολὺ πρῶτος μὲν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Εὔμηλος

These games expect ye. If myself should interpose my most

Ἀδμήτου φίλος υἱός, ὃς ἱπποσύνῃ ἐκέκαστο·

For our horse-race, I make no doubt that I should take again

τῷ δʼ ἐπὶ Τυδεΐδης ὦρτο κρατερὸς Διομήδης,

These gifts propos'd. Ye all know well, of how divine a strain

ἵππους δὲ Τρῳοὺς ὕπαγε ζυγόν, οὕς ποτʼ ἀπηύρα

My horse are, and how eminent. Of Neptune's gift they are

Αἰνείαν, ἀτὰρ αὐτὸν ὑπεξεσάωσεν Ἀπόλλων.

To Peleus, and of his to me. Myself then will not share

τῷ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπʼ Ἀτρεΐδης ὦρτο ξανθὸς Μενέλαος

In gifts giv'n others, nor my steeds breathe any spirit to shake

διογενής, ὑπὸ δὲ ζυγὸν ἤγαγεν ὠκέας ἵππους

Their airy pasterns; so they mourn for their kind guider's sake,

Αἴθην τὴν Ἀγαμεμνονέην τὸν ἑόν τε Πόδαργον·

Late lost; that us'd with humorous oil to slick their lofty manes,

τὴν Ἀγαμέμνονι δῶκʼ Ἀγχισιάδης Ἐχέπωλος

Clear water having cleans'd them first; and, his bane being their banes,

δῶρʼ, ἵνα μή οἱ ἕποιθʼ ὑπὸ Ἴλιον ἠνεμόεσσαν,

Those lofty manes now strew the earth, their heads held shaken down.

ἀλλʼ αὐτοῦ τέρποιτο μένων· μέγα γάρ οἱ ἔδωκε

You then that trust in chariots, and hope with horse to crown

Ζεὺς ἄφενος, ναῖεν δʼ ὅ γʼ ἐν εὐρυχόρῳ Σικυῶνι·

Your conqu'ring temples, gird yourselves; now, fame and prize stretch for,

τὴν ὅ γʼ ὑπὸ ζυγὸν ἦγε μέγα δρόμου ἰσχανόωσαν.

All that have spirits.” This fir'd all. The first competitor

Ἀντίλοχος δὲ τέταρτος ἐΰτριχας ὁπλίσαθʼ ἵππους,

Was king Eumelus, whom the art of horsemanship did grace,

Νέστορος ἀγλαὸς υἱὸς ὑπερθύμοιο ἄνακτος

Son to Admetus. Next to him rose Diomed to the race,

τοῦ Νηληϊάδαο· Πυλοιγενέες δέ οἱ ἵπποι

That under reins rul'd Trojan horse, of late forc'd from the son

ὠκύποδες φέρον ἅρμα· πατὴρ δέ οἱ ἄγχι παραστὰς

Of lord Anchises, himself freed of near confusion

μυθεῖτʼ εἰς ἀγαθὰ φρονέων νοέοντι καὶ αὐτῷ·

By Phœbus. Next to him set forth the yellow-headed king

Ἀντίλοχʼ ἤτοι μέν σε νέον περ ἐόντʼ ἐφίλησαν

Of Lacedæmon, Jove's high seed; and, in his managing,

Ζεύς τε Ποσειδάων τε, καὶ ἱπποσύνας ἐδίδαξαν

Podargus and swift Æthe trod, steeds to the King of men;

παντοίας· τὼ καί σε διδασκέμεν οὔ τι μάλα χρεώ·

Æthe giv'n by Echepolus, the Anchisiaden,

οἶσθα γὰρ εὖ περὶ τέρμαθʼ ἑλισσέμεν· ἀλλά τοι ἵπποι

As bribe to free him from the war resolv'd for Ilion;

βάρδιστοι θείειν· τώ τʼ οἴω λοίγιʼ ἔσεσθαι.

So Delicacy feasted him, whom Jove bestow'd upon

τῶν δʼ ἵπποι μὲν ἔασιν ἀφάρτεροι, οὐδὲ μὲν αὐτοὶ

A mighty wealth; his dwelling was in broad Sicyone.

πλείονα ἴσασιν σέθεν αὐτοῦ μητίσασθαι.

Old Nestor's son, Antilochus, was fourth for chivalry

ἀλλʼ ἄγε δὴ σὺ φίλος μῆτιν ἐμβάλλεο θυμῷ

In this contention; his fair horse were of the Pylian breed,

παντοίην, ἵνα μή σε παρεκπροφύγῃσιν ἄεθλα.

And his old father, coming near, inform'd him, for good speed,

μήτι τοι δρυτόμος μέγʼ ἀμείνων ἠὲ βίηφι·

With good race notes, in which himself could good instruction give:

μήτι δʼ αὖτε κυβερνήτης ἐνὶ οἴνοπι πόντῳ

“Antilochus, though young thou art, yet thy grave virtues live

νῆα θοὴν ἰθύνει ἐρεχθομένην ἀνέμοισι·

Belov'd of Neptune and of Jove. Their spirits have taught thee all

μήτι δʼ ἡνίοχος περιγίγνεται ἡνιόχοιο.

The art of horsemanship, for which the less thy merits fall

ἀλλʼ ὃς μέν θʼ ἵπποισι καὶ ἅρμασιν οἷσι πεποιθὼς

In need of doctrine. Well thy skill can wield a chariot

ἀφραδέως ἐπὶ πολλὸν ἑλίσσεται ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα,

In all fit turnings, yet thy horse their slow feet handle not

ἵπποι δὲ πλανόωνται ἀνὰ δρόμον, οὐδὲ κατίσχει·

As fits thy manage, which makes me cast doubts of thy success.

ὃς δέ κε κέρδεα εἰδῇ ἐλαύνων ἥσσονας ἵππους,

I well know all these are not seen in art of this address

αἰεὶ τέρμʼ ὁρόων στρέφει ἐγγύθεν, οὐδέ ἑ λήθει

More than thyself; their horses yet superior are to thine

ὅππως τὸ πρῶτον τανύσῃ βοέοισιν ἱμᾶσιν,

For their parts, thine want speed to make discharge of a design

ἀλλʼ ἔχει ἀσφαλέως καὶ τὸν προὔχοντα δοκεύει.

To please an artist. But go on, show but thy art and heart

σῆμα δέ τοι ἐρέω μάλʼ ἀριφραδές, οὐδέ σε λήσει.

At all points, and set them against their horses' heart and art;

ἕστηκε ξύλον αὖον ὅσον τʼ ὄργυιʼ ὑπὲρ αἴης

Good judges will not see thee lose. A carpenter's desert

ἢ δρυὸς ἢ πεύκης· τὸ μὲν οὐ καταπύθεται ὄμβρῳ,

Stands more in cunning than in pow'r. A pilot doth avert

λᾶε δὲ τοῦ ἑκάτερθεν ἐρηρέδαται δύο λευκὼ

His vessel from the rock, and wrack, tost with the churlish winds,

ἐν ξυνοχῇσιν ὁδοῦ, λεῖος δʼ ἱππόδρομος ἀμφὶς

By skill, not strength. So sorts it here; one charioteer that finds

ἤ τευ σῆμα βροτοῖο πάλαι κατατεθνηῶτος,

Want of another's pow'r in horse must in his own skill set

ἢ τό γε νύσσα τέτυκτο ἐπὶ προτέρων ἀνθρώπων,

An overplus of that to that; and so the proof will get

καὶ νῦν τέρματʼ ἔθηκε ποδάρκης δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς.

Skill, that still rests within a man, more grace; than pow'r without.

τῷ σὺ μάλʼ ἐγχρίμψας ἐλάαν σχεδὸν ἅρμα καὶ ἵππους,

He that in horse and chariots trusts, is often hurl'd about

αὐτὸς δὲ κλινθῆναι ἐϋπλέκτῳ ἐνὶ δίφρῳ

This way and that, unhandsomely, all-heaven wide of his end.

ἦκʼ ἐπʼ ἀριστερὰ τοῖιν· ἀτὰρ τὸν δεξιὸν ἵππον

He, better skill'd, that rules worse horse, will all observance bend

κένσαι ὁμοκλήσας, εἶξαί τέ οἱ ἡνία χερσίν.

Right on the scope still of a race, bear near, know ever when to rein,

ἐν νύσσῃ δέ τοι ἵππος ἀριστερὸς ἐγχριμφθήτω,

When give rein, as his foe before, well noted in his vein

ὡς ἄν τοι πλήμνη γε δοάσσεται ἄκρον ἱκέσθαι

Of manage and his steeds' estate, presents occasion.

κύκλου ποιητοῖο· λίθου δʼ ἀλέασθαι ἐπαυρεῖν,

I'll give thee instance now, as plain as if thou saw'st it done:

μή πως ἵππους τε τρώσῃς κατά θʼ ἅρματα ἄξῃς·

Here stands a dry stub of some tree, a cubit from the ground;

χάρμα δὲ τοῖς ἄλλοισιν, ἐλεγχείη δὲ σοὶ αὐτῷ

(Suppose the stub of oak or larch, for either are so sound

ἔσσεται· ἀλλὰ φίλος φρονέων πεφυλαγμένος εἶναι.

That neither rots with wet) two stones, white (mark you), white for view,

εἰ γάρ κʼ ἐν νύσσῃ γε παρεξελάσῃσθα διώκων,

Parted on either side the stub; and these lay where they drew

οὐκ ἔσθʼ ὅς κέ σʼ ἕλῃσι μετάλμενος οὐδὲ παρέλθῃ,

The way into a strait; the race betwixt both lying clear.

οὐδʼ εἴ κεν μετόπισθεν Ἀρίονα δῖον ἐλαύνοι

Ἀδρήστου ταχὺν ἵππον, ὃς ἐκ θεόφιν γένος ἦεν,

ἢ τοὺς Λαομέδοντος, οἳ ἐνθάδε γʼ ἔτραφεν ἐσθλοί.

ὣς εἰπὼν Νέστωρ Νηλήϊος ἂψ ἐνὶ χώρῃ

ἕζετʼ, ἐπεὶ ᾧ παιδὶ ἑκάστου πείρατʼ ἔειπε.

Μηριόνης δʼ ἄρα πέμπτος ἐΰτριχας ὁπλίσαθʼ ἵππους.

ἂν δʼ ἔβαν ἐς δίφρους, ἐν δὲ κλήρους ἐβάλοντο·

πάλλʼ Ἀχιλεύς, ἐκ δὲ κλῆρος θόρε Νεστορίδαο

Ἀντιλόχου· μετὰ τὸν δʼ ἔλαχε κρείων Εὔμηλος·

τῷ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπʼ Ἀτρεΐδης δουρὶ κλειτὸς Μενέλαος,

τῷ δʼ ἐπὶ Μηριόνης λάχʼ ἐλαυνέμεν· ὕστατος αὖτε

Τυδεΐδης ὄχʼ ἄριστος ἐὼν λάχʼ ἐλαυνέμεν ἵππους.

στὰν δὲ μεταστοιχί, σήμηνε δὲ τέρματʼ Ἀχιλλεὺς

Imagine them some monument of one long since tomb'd there,

τηλόθεν ἐν λείῳ πεδίῳ· παρὰ δὲ σκοπὸν εἷσεν

Or that they had been lists of race for men of former years,

ἀντίθεον Φοίνικα ὀπάονα πατρὸς ἑοῖο,

As now the lists Achilles sets may serve for charioteers

ὡς μεμνέῳτο δρόμους καὶ ἀληθείην ἀποείποι.

Many years hence. When near to these the race grows, then as right

οἳ δʼ ἅμα πάντες ἐφʼ ἵπποιιν μάστιγας ἄειραν,

Drive on them as thy eye can judge; then lay thy bridle's weight

πέπληγόν θʼ ἱμᾶσιν, ὁμόκλησάν τʼ ἐπέεσσιν

Most of thy left side; thy right horse then switching, all thy throat,

ἐσσυμένως· οἳ δʼ ὦκα διέπρησσον πεδίοιο

Spent in encouragements, give him, and all the rein let float

νόσφι νεῶν ταχέως· ὑπὸ δὲ στέρνοισι κονίη

About his shoulders; thy near horse will yet be he that gave

ἵστατʼ ἀειρομένη ὥς τε νέφος ἠὲ θύελλα,

Thy skill the prize, and him rein so his head may touch the nave

χαῖται δʼ ἐρρώοντο μετὰ πνοιῇς ἀνέμοιο.

Of thy left wheel; but then take care thou runn'st not on the stone

ἅρματα δʼ ἄλλοτε μὲν χθονὶ πίλνατο πουλυβοτείρῃ,

(With wrack of horse and chariot) which so thou bear'st upon.

ἄλλοτε δʼ ἀΐξασκε μετήορα· τοὶ δʼ ἐλατῆρες

Shipwrack within the hav'n avoid, by all means; that will breed

ἕστασαν ἐν δίφροισι, πάτασσε δὲ θυμὸς ἑκάστου

Others delight, and thee a shame. Be wise then, and take heed,

νίκης ἱεμένων· κέκλοντο δὲ οἷσιν ἕκαστος

My lov'd son, get but to be first at turning in the course,

ἵπποις, οἳ δʼ ἐπέτοντο κονίοντες πεδίοιο.

He lives not that can cote thee then, not if he back'd the horse

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ πύματον τέλεον δρόμον ὠκέες ἵπποι

The Gods bred, and Adrastus ow'd; divine Arion's speed

ἂψ ἐφʼ ἁλὸς πολιῆς, τότε δὴ ἀρετή γε ἑκάστου

Could not outpace thee, or the horse Laomedon did breed,

φαίνετʼ, ἄφαρ δʼ ἵπποισι τάθη δρόμος· ὦκα δʼ ἔπειτα

Whose race is famous, and fed here.” Thus sat Neleides,

αἳ Φηρητιάδαο ποδώκεες ἔκφερον ἵπποι.

When all that could be said was said. And then Meriones;

τὰς δὲ μετʼ ἐξέφερον Διομήδεος ἄρσενες ἵπποι

Set fifthly forth his fair-man'd horse. All leap'd to chariot;

Τρώϊοι, οὐδέ τι πολλὸν ἄνευθʼ ἔσαν, ἀλλὰ μάλʼ ἐγγύς·

And ev'ry man then for the start cast in his proper lot.

αἰεὶ γὰρ δίφρου ἐπιβησομένοισιν ἐΐκτην,

Achilles drew; Antilochus the lot set foremost forth;

πνοιῇ δʼ Εὐμήλοιο μετάφρενον εὐρέε τʼ ὤμω

Eumelus next; Atrides third; Meriones the fourth;

θέρμετʼ· ἐπʼ αὐτῷ γὰρ κεφαλὰς καταθέντε πετέσθην.

The fifth and last was Diomed, far first in excellence.

καί νύ κεν ἢ παρέλασσʼ ἢ ἀμφήριστον ἔθηκεν,

All stood in order, and the lists Achilles fix'd far thence

εἰ μὴ Τυδέος υἷϊ κοτέσσατο Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων,

In plain field; and a seat ordain'd fast by, in which he set

ὅς ῥά οἱ ἐκ χειρῶν ἔβαλεν μάστιγα φαεινήν.

Renownéd Phœnix, that in grace of Peleus was so great,

τοῖο δʼ ἀπʼ ὀφθαλμῶν χύτο δάκρυα χωομένοιο,

To see the race, and give a truth of all their passages.

οὕνεκα τὰς μὲν ὅρα ἔτι καὶ πολὺ μᾶλλον ἰούσας,

All start together, scourg'd, and cried, and gave their business

οἳ δέ οἱ ἐβλάφθησαν ἄνευ κέντροιο θέοντες.

Study and order. Through the field they held a wingéd pace.

οὐδʼ ἄρʼ Ἀθηναίην ἐλεφηράμενος λάθʼ Ἀπόλλων

Beneath the bosom of their steeds a dust so dimm'd the race,

Τυδεΐδην, μάλα δʼ ὦκα μετέσσυτο ποιμένα λαῶν,

It stood above their heads in clouds, or like to storms amaz'd.

δῶκε δέ οἱ μάστιγα, μένος δʼ ἵπποισιν ἐνῆκεν·

Manes flew like ensigns with the wind. The chariots sometime graz'd,

ἣ δὲ μετʼ Ἀδμήτου υἱὸν κοτέουσʼ ἐβεβήκει,

And sometimes jump'd up to the air; yet still sat fast the men,

ἵππειον δέ οἱ ἦξε θεὰ ζυγόν· αἳ δέ οἱ ἵπποι

Their spirits ev'n panting in their breasts with fervour to obtain.

ἀμφὶς ὁδοῦ δραμέτην, ῥυμὸς δʼ ἐπὶ γαῖαν ἐλύσθη.

But when they turn'd to fleet again, then all men's skills were tried,

αὐτὸς δʼ ἐκ δίφροιο παρὰ τροχὸν ἐξεκυλίσθη,

Then stretch'd the pasterns of their steeds. Eumelus' horse in pride

ἀγκῶνάς τε περιδρύφθη στόμα τε ῥῖνάς τε,

Still bore their sov'reign. After them came Diomed's coursers close,

θρυλίχθη δὲ μέτωπον ἐπʼ ὀφρύσι· τὼ δέ οἱ ὄσσε

Still apt to leap their chariot, and ready to repose

δακρυόφι πλῆσθεν, θαλερὴ δέ οἱ ἔσχετο φωνή.

Upon the shoulders of their king their heads; his back ev'n burned

Τυδεΐδης δὲ παρατρέψας ἔχε μώνυχας ἵππους,

With fire that from their nostrils flew; and then their lord had turn'd

πολλὸν τῶν ἄλλων ἐξάλμενος· ἐν γὰρ Ἀθήνη

The race for him, or giv'n it doubt, if Phœbus had not smit

ἵπποις ἧκε μένος καὶ ἐπʼ αὐτῷ κῦδος ἔθηκε.

The scourge out of his hands, and tears of helpless wrath with it

τῷ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπʼ Ἀτρεΐδης εἶχε ξανθὸς Μενέλαος.

From forth his eyes, to see his horse for want of scourge made slow,

Ἀντίλοχος δʼ ἵπποισιν ἐκέκλετο πατρὸς ἑοῖο·

And th' others, by Apollo's help, with much more swiftness go.

ἔμβητον καὶ σφῶϊ· τιταίνετον ὅττι τάχιστα.

Apollo's spite Pallas discern'd, and flew to Tydeus' son,

ἤτοι μὲν κείνοισιν ἐριζέμεν οὔ τι κελεύω

His scourge reach'd, and his horse made fresh. Then took her angry run

Τυδεΐδεω ἵπποισι δαΐφρονος, οἷσιν Ἀθήνη

At king Eumelus, brake his gears; his mares on both sides flew,

νῦν ὤρεξε τάχος καὶ ἐπʼ αὐτῷ κῦδος ἔθηκεν·

His draught-tree fell to earth, and him the toss'd-up chariot threw

ἵππους δʼ Ἀτρεΐδαο κιχάνετε, μὴ δὲ λίπησθον,

Down to the earth, his elbows torn, his forehead, all his face

καρπαλίμως, μὴ σφῶϊν ἐλεγχείην καταχεύῃ

Strook at the centre, his speech lost. And then the turnéd race

Αἴθη θῆλυς ἐοῦσα· τί ἢ λείπεσθε φέριστοι;

Fell to Tydides; before all his conqu'ring horse he drave,

ὧδε γὰρ ἐξερέω, καὶ μὴν τετελεσμένον ἔσται·

And first he glitter'd in the race; divine Athenia gave

οὐ σφῶϊν κομιδὴ παρὰ Νέστορι ποιμένι λαῶν

Strength to his horse, and fame to him. Next him drave Sparta's king.

ἔσσεται, αὐτίκα δʼ ὔμμε κατακτενεῖ ὀξέϊ χαλκῷ,

Antilochus his father's horse then urg'd with all his sting

αἴ κʼ ἀποκηδήσαντε φερώμεθα χεῖρον ἄεθλον.

Of scourge and voice: “Run low,” said he, “stretch out your limbs, and fly;

ἀλλʼ ἐφομαρτεῖτον καὶ σπεύδετον ὅττι τάχιστα·

With Diomed's horse I bid not strive, nor with himself strive I;

ταῦτα δʼ ἐγὼν αὐτὸς τεχνήσομαι ἠδὲ νοήσω

Athenia wings his horse, and him renowns; Atrides' steeds

στεινωπῷ ἐν ὁδῷ παραδύμεναι, οὐδέ με λήσει.

Are they ye must not fail but reach; and soon, lest soon succeeds

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δὲ ἄνακτος ὑποδείσαντες ὁμοκλὴν

The blot of all your fames, to yield in swiftness to a mare,

μᾶλλον ἐπιδραμέτην ὀλίγον χρόνον· αἶψα δʼ ἔπειτα

To female Æthe. What's the cause, ye best that ever were,

στεῖνος ὁδοῦ κοίλης ἴδεν Ἀντίλοχος μενεχάρμης.

That thus ye fail us? Be assur'd, that Nestor's love ye lose

ῥωχμὸς ἔην γαίης, ᾗ χειμέριον ἀλὲν ὕδωρ

For ever, if ye fail his son. Through both your both sides goes

ἐξέρρηξεν ὁδοῖο, βάθυνε δὲ χῶρον ἅπαντα·

His hot steel, if ye suffer me to bring the last prize home.

τῇ ῥʼ εἶχεν Μενέλαος ἁματροχιὰς ἀλεείνων.

Haste, overtake them instantly; we needs must overcome.

Ἀντίλοχος δὲ παρατρέψας ἔχε μώνυχας ἵππους

This harsh way next us, this my mind will take, this I despise

ἐκτὸς ὁδοῦ, ὀλίγον δὲ παρακλίνας ἐδίωκεν.

For peril, this I'll creep through. Hard the way to honour lies,

Ἀτρεΐδης δʼ ἔδεισε καὶ Ἀντιλόχῳ ἐγεγώνει·

And that take I, and that shall yield.” His horse by all this knew

Ἀντίλοχʼ ἀφραδέως ἱππάζεαι, ἀλλʼ ἄνεχʼ ἵππους·

He was not pleas'd, and fear'd his voice, and for a while they flew.

στεινωπὸς γὰρ ὁδός, τάχα δʼ εὐρυτέρη παρελάσσαι·

But straight more clear appear'd the strait Antilochus foresaw,

μή πως ἀμφοτέρους δηλήσεαι ἅρματι κύρσας.

It was a gasp the earth gave, forc'd by humours cold and raw,

ὣς ἔφατʼ, Ἀντίλοχος δʼ ἔτι καὶ πολὺ μᾶλλον ἔλαυνε

Pour'd out of Winter's wat'ry breast, met there, and cleaving deep

κέντρῳ ἐπισπέρχων ὡς οὐκ ἀΐοντι ἐοικώς.

All that near passage to the lists. This Nestor's son would keep,

ὅσσα δὲ δίσκου οὖρα κατωμαδίοιο πέλονται,

And left the roadway, being about. Atrides fear'd, and cried:

ὅν τʼ αἰζηὸς ἀφῆκεν ἀνὴρ πειρώμενος ἥβης,

“Antilochus, thy course is mad; contain thy horse, we ride

τόσσον ἐπιδραμέτην· αἳ δʼ ἠρώησαν ὀπίσσω

A way most dangerous; turn head, betime take larger field,

Ἀτρεΐδεω· αὐτὸς γὰρ ἑκὼν μεθέηκεν ἐλαύνειν

We shall be splitted.” Nestor's son with much more scourge impell'd

μή πως συγκύρσειαν ὁδῷ ἔνι μώνυχες ἵπποι,

His horse for this, as if not heard; and got as far before

δίφρους τʼ ἀνστρέψειαν ἐϋπλεκέας, κατὰ δʼ αὐτοὶ

ἐν κονίῃσι πέσοιεν ἐπειγόμενοι περὶ νίκης.

τὸν καὶ νεικείων προσέφη ξανθὸς Μενέλαος·

Ἀντίλοχʼ οὔ τις σεῖο βροτῶν ὀλοώτερος ἄλλος·

ἔρρʼ, ἐπεὶ οὔ σʼ ἔτυμόν γε φάμεν πεπνῦσθαι Ἀχαιοί.

ἀλλʼ οὐ μὰν οὐδʼ ὧς ἄτερ ὅρκου οἴσῃ ἄεθλον.

ὣς εἰπὼν ἵπποισιν ἐκέκλετο φώνησέν τε·

μή μοι ἐρύκεσθον μὴ δʼ ἕστατον ἀχνυμένω κῆρ.

φθήσονται τούτοισι πόδες καὶ γοῦνα καμόντα

ἢ ὑμῖν· ἄμφω γὰρ ἀτέμβονται νεότητος.

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δὲ ἄνακτος ὑποδείσαντες ὁμοκλὴν

μᾶλλον ἐπιδραμέτην, τάχα δέ σφισιν ἄγχι γένοντο.

Ἀργεῖοι δʼ ἐν ἀγῶνι καθήμενοι εἰσορόωντο

As any youth can cast a quoit. Atrides would no more;

ἵππους· τοὶ δὲ πέτοντο κονίοντες πεδίοιο.

He back again, for fear himself, his goodly chariot,

πρῶτος δʼ Ἰδομενεὺς Κρητῶν ἀγὸς ἐφράσαθʼ ἵππους·

And horse together, strew'd the dust, in being so dusty hot

ἧστο γὰρ ἐκτὸς ἀγῶνος ὑπέρτατος ἐν περιωπῇ·

Of thirsted conquest. But he chid, at parting, passing sore:

τοῖο δʼ ἄνευθεν ἐόντος ὁμοκλητῆρος ἀκούσας

“Antilochus,” said he, “a worse than thee earth never bore.

ἔγνω, φράσσατο δʼ ἵππον ἀριπρεπέα προὔχοντα,

Farewell, we never thought thee wise that were wise; but not so

ὃς τὸ μὲν ἄλλο τόσον φοῖνιξ ἦν, ἐν δὲ μετώπῳ

Without oaths shall the wreath, be sure, crown thy mad temples. Go.”

λευκὸν σῆμα τέτυκτο περίτροχον ἠΰτε μήνη.

Yet he bethought him, and went too, thus stirring up his steeds:

στῆ δʼ ὀρθὸς καὶ μῦθον ἐν Ἀργείοισιν ἔειπεν·

“Leave me not last thus, nor stand vex'd. Let these fail in the speeds

ὦ φίλοι Ἀργείων ἡγήτορες ἠδὲ μέδοντες

Of feet and knees, not you. Shall these, these old jades, past the flow'r

οἶος ἐγὼν ἵππους αὐγάζομαι ἦε καὶ ὑμεῖς;

Of youth that you have, pass you?” This the horse fear'd, and more pow'r

ἄλλοι μοι δοκέουσι παροίτεροι ἔμμεναι ἵπποι,

Put to their knees, straight getting ground. Both flew, and so the rest.

ἄλλος δʼ ἡνίοχος ἰνδάλλεται· αἳ δέ που αὐτοῦ

All came in smokes, like spirits. The Greeks, set, to see who did best,

ἔβλαβεν ἐν πεδίῳ, αἳ κεῖσέ γε φέρτεραι ἦσαν·

Without the race, aloft, now made a new discovery,

ἤτοι γὰρ τὰς πρῶτα ἴδον περὶ τέρμα βαλούσας,

Other than that they made at first. Idomenëus' eye

νῦν δʼ οὔ πῃ δύναμαι ἰδέειν· πάντῃ δέ μοι ὄσσε

Distinguish'd all, he knew the voice of Diomed, seeing a horse

Τρωϊκὸν ἂμ πεδίον παπταίνετον εἰσορόωντι·

Of special mark, of colour bay, and was the first in course,

ἦε τὸν ἡνίοχον φύγον ἡνία, οὐδὲ δυνάσθη

His forehead putting forth a star, round like the moon, and white.

εὖ σχεθέειν περὶ τέρμα καὶ οὐκ ἐτύχησεν ἑλίξας·

Up stood the Cretan, utt'ring this: “Is it alone my sight,

ἔνθά μιν ἐκπεσέειν ὀΐω σύν θʼ ἅρματα ἆξαι,

Princes and captains, that discerns another lead the race

αἳ δʼ ἐξηρώησαν, ἐπεὶ μένος ἔλλαβε θυμόν.

With other horse than led of late? Eumelus made most pace

ἀλλὰ ἴδεσθε καὶ ὔμμες ἀνασταδόν· οὐ γὰρ ἔγωγε

With his fleet mares, and he began the flexure as we thought;

εὖ διαγιγνώσκω· δοκέει δέ μοι ἔμμεναι ἀνὴρ

Now all the field I search, and find nowhere his view; hath nought

Αἰτωλὸς γενεήν, μετὰ δʼ Ἀργείοισιν ἀνάσσει

Befall'n amiss to him? Perhaps he hath not with success

Τυδέος ἱπποδάμου υἱὸς κρατερὸς Διομήδης.

Perform'd his flexure; his reins lost, or seat, or with the tress

τὸν δʼ αἰσχρῶς ἐνένιπεν Ὀϊλῆος ταχὺς Αἴας·

His chariot fail'd him, and his mares have outray'd with affright.

Ἰδομενεῦ τί πάρος λαβρεύεαι; αἳ δέ τʼ ἄνευθεν

Stand up, try you your eyes, for mine hold with the second sight;

ἵπποι ἀερσίποδες πολέος πεδίοιο δίενται.

This seems to me th' Ætolian king, the Tydean Diomed.”

οὔτε νεώτατός ἐσσι μετʼ Ἀργείοισι τοσοῦτον,

“To you it seems so,” rusticly Ajax Oïleus said,

οὔτέ τοι ὀξύτατον κεφαλῆς ἐκδέρκεται ὄσσε·

“Your words are suited to your eyes. Those mares lead still that led,

ἀλλʼ αἰεὶ μύθοις λαβρεύεαι· οὐδέ τί σε χρὴ

Eumelus owes them, and he still holds reins and place that did,

λαβραγόρην ἔμεναι· πάρα γὰρ καὶ ἀμείνονες ἄλλοι.

Not fall'n as you hop'd. You must prate before us all, though last

ἵπποι δʼ αὐταὶ ἔασι παροίτεραι, αἳ τὸ πάρος περ,

In judgment of all. Y' are too old, your tongue goes still too fast,

Εὐμήλου, ἐν δʼ αὐτὸς ἔχων εὔληρα βέβηκε.

You must not talk so. Here are those that better thee, and look

τὸν δὲ χολωσάμενος Κρητῶν ἀγὸς ἀντίον ηὔδα·

For first place in the censure.” This Idomenëus took

Αἶαν νεῖκος ἄριστε κακοφραδὲς ἄλλά τε πάντα

In much disdain, and thus replied: “Thou best in speeches worst,

δεύεαι Ἀργείων, ὅτι τοι νόος ἐστὶν ἀπηνής.

Barbarous-languag'd, others here might have reprov'd me first,

δεῦρό νυν ἢ τρίποδος περιδώμεθον ἠὲ λέβητος,

Not thou, unfitt'st of all. I bold a tripod with thee here,

ἴστορα δʼ Ἀτρεΐδην Ἀγαμέμνονα θείομεν ἄμφω,

Or caldron, and our Gen'ral make our equal arbiter,

ὁππότεραι πρόσθʼ ἵπποι, ἵνα γνώῃς ἀποτίνων.

Those horse are first, that when thou pay'st thou then may'st know.”

ὣς ἔφατʼ, ὄρνυτο δʼ αὐτίκʼ Ὀϊλῆος ταχὺς Αἴας

This fir'd

χωόμενος χαλεποῖσιν ἀμείψασθαι ἐπέεσσι·

Oïliades more, and more than words this quarrel had inspir'd,

καί νύ κε δὴ προτέρω ἔτʼ ἔρις γένετʼ ἀμφοτέροισιν,

Had not Achilles rose, and us'd this pacifying speech:

εἰ μὴ Ἀχιλλεὺς αὐτὸς ἀνίστατο καὶ φάτο μῦθον·

“No more. Away with words in war. It toucheth both with breach

μηκέτι νῦν χαλεποῖσιν ἀμείβεσθον ἐπέεσσιν

Of that which fits ye. Your deserts should others reprehend

Αἶαν Ἰδομενεῦ τε κακοῖς, ἐπεὶ οὐδὲ ἔοικε.

That give such foul terms. Sit ye still, the men themselves will end

καὶ δʼ ἄλλῳ νεμεσᾶτον ὅτις τοιαῦτά γε ῥέζοι.

The strife betwixt you instantly, and either's own load bear

ἀλλʼ ὑμεῖς ἐν ἀγῶνι καθήμενοι εἰσοράασθε

On his own shoulders. Then to both the first horse will appear,

ἵππους· οἳ δὲ τάχʼ αὐτοὶ ἐπειγόμενοι περὶ νίκης

And which is second.” These words us'd, Tydides was at hand,

ἐνθάδʼ ἐλεύσονται· τότε δὲ γνώσεσθε ἕκαστος

His horse ran high, glanc'd on the way, and up they toss'd the sand

ἵππους Ἀργείων, οἳ δεύτεροι οἵ τε πάροιθεν.

Thick on their coachman; on their pace their chariot deck'd with gold

ὣς φάτο, Τυδεΐδης δὲ μάλα σχεδὸν ἦλθε διώκων,

Swiftly attended, no wheel seen, nor wheel's print in the mould.

μάστι δʼ αἰὲν ἔλαυνε κατωμαδόν· οἳ δέ οἱ ἵπποι

Impress'd behind them. These horse flew a flight, not ran a race.

ὑψόσʼ ἀειρέσθην ῥίμφα πρήσσοντε κέλευθον.

Arriv'd, amids the lists they stood, sweat trickling down apace

αἰεὶ δʼ ἡνίοχον κονίης ῥαθάμιγγες ἔβαλλον,

Their high manes and their prominent breasts; and down jumped Diomed,

ἅρματα δὲ χρυσῷ πεπυκασμένα κασσιτέρῳ τε

Laid up his scourge aloft the seat, and straight his prize was led

ἵπποις ὠκυπόδεσσιν ἐπέτρεχον· οὐδέ τι πολλὴ

Home to his tent. Rough Sthenelus laid quick hand on the dame,

γίγνετʼ ἐπισσώτρων ἁρματροχιὴ κατόπισθεν

And handled trivet, and sent both home by his men. Next came

ἐν λεπτῇ κονίῃ· τὼ δὲ σπεύδοντε πετέσθην.

Antilochus, that won with wiles, not swiftness of his horse,

στῆ δὲ μέσῳ ἐν ἀγῶνι, πολὺς δʼ ἀνεκήκιεν ἱδρὼς

Precedence of the gold-lock'd king, who yet maintained the course

ἵππων ἔκ τε λόφων καὶ ἀπὸ στέρνοιο χαμᾶζε.

So close, that not the king's own horse gat more before the wheel

αὐτὸς δʼ ἐκ δίφροιο χαμαὶ θόρε παμφανόωντος,

Of his rich chariot, that might still the insecution feel

κλῖνε δʼ ἄρα μάστιγα ποτὶ ζυγόν· οὐδὲ μάτησεν

With the extreme hairs of his tail (and that sufficient close

ἴφθιμος Σθένελος, ἀλλʼ ἐσσυμένως λάβʼ ἄεθλον,

Held to his leader, no great space it let him interpose

δῶκε δʼ ἄγειν ἑτάροισιν ὑπερθύμοισι γυναῖκα

Consider'd in so great a field) that Nestor's wily son

καὶ τρίποδʼ ὠτώεντα φέρειν· ὃ δʼ ἔλυεν ὑφʼ ἵππους.

Gat of the king, now at his heels, though at the breach he won

τῷ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπʼ Ἀντίλοχος Νηλήϊος ἤλασεν ἵππους

A quoit's cast of him, which the king again at th' instant gain'd.

κέρδεσιν, οὔ τι τάχει γε, παραφθάμενος Μενέλαον·

Æthe Agamemnonides, that was so richly man'd,

ἀλλὰ καὶ ὧς Μενέλαος ἔχʼ ἐγγύθεν ὠκέας ἵππους.

Gat strength still as she spent; which words her worth had prov'd with deeds,

ὅσσον δὲ τροχοῦ ἵππος ἀφίσταται, ὅς ῥα ἄνακτα

Had more ground been allow'd the race; and coted far his steeds,

ἕλκῃσιν πεδίοιο τιταινόμενος σὺν ὄχεσφι·

No question leaving for the prize. And now Meriones

τοῦ μέν τε ψαύουσιν ἐπισσώτρου τρίχες ἄκραι

A dart's cast came behind the king, his horse of speed much less,

οὐραῖαι· ὃ δέ τʼ ἄγχι μάλα τρέχει, οὐδέ τι πολλὴ

Himself less skill'd t' importune them, and give a chariot wing.

χώρη μεσσηγὺς πολέος πεδίοιο θέοντος·

Admetus' son was last, whose plight Achilles pitying

τόσσον δὴ Μενέλαος ἀμύμονος Ἀντιλόχοιο

Thus spake: “Best man comes last; yet right must see his prize not least,

λείπετʼ· ἀτὰρ τὰ πρῶτα καὶ ἐς δίσκουρα λέλειπτο,

The second his deserts must bear, and Diomed the best.”

ἀλλά μιν αἶψα κίχανεν· ὀφέλλετο γὰρ μένος ἠῢ

He said, and all allow'd; and sure the mare had been his own,

ἵππου τῆς Ἀγαμεμνονέης καλλίτριχος Αἴθης·

εἰ δέ κʼ ἔτι προτέρω γένετο δρόμος ἀμφοτέροισι,

τώ κέν μιν παρέλασσʼ οὐδʼ ἀμφήριστον ἔθηκεν.

αὐτὰρ Μηριόνης θεράπων ἐῢς Ἰδομενῆος

λείπετʼ ἀγακλῆος Μενελάου δουρὸς ἐρωήν·

βάρδιστοι μὲν γάρ οἱ ἔσαν καλλίτριχες ἵπποι,

ἤκιστος δʼ ἦν αὐτὸς ἐλαυνέμεν ἅρμʼ ἐν ἀγῶνι.

υἱὸς δʼ Ἀδμήτοιο πανύστατος ἤλυθεν ἄλλων

ἕλκων ἅρματα καλὰ ἐλαύνων πρόσσοθεν ἵππους.

τὸν δὲ ἰδὼν ᾤκτειρε ποδάρκης δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς,

στὰς δʼ ἄρʼ ἐν Ἀργείοις ἔπεα πτερόεντʼ ἀγόρευε·

λοῖσθος ἀνὴρ ὤριστος ἐλαύνει μώνυχας ἵππους·

ἀλλʼ ἄγε δή οἱ δῶμεν ἀέθλιον ὡς ἐπιεικὲς

δεύτερʼ· ἀτὰρ τὰ πρῶτα φερέσθω Τυδέος υἱός.

Had not Antilochus stood forth, and in his answer shown

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἐπῄνεον ὡς ἐκέλευε.

Good reason for his interest: “Achilles,” he replied,

καί νύ κέ οἱ πόρεν ἵππον, ἐπῄνησαν γὰρ Ἀχαιοί,

“I should be angry with you much to see this ratified.

εἰ μὴ ἄρʼ Ἀντίλοχος μεγαθύμου Νέστορος υἱὸς

Ought you to take from me my right, because his horse had wrong,

Πηλεΐδην Ἀχιλῆα δίκῃ ἠμείψατʼ ἀναστάς·

Himself being good? He should have us'd, as good men do, his tongue

ὦ Ἀχιλεῦ μάλα τοι κεχολώσομαι αἴ κε τελέσσῃς

In pray'r to Their pow'rs that bless good, not trusting to his own,

τοῦτο ἔπος· μέλλεις γὰρ ἀφαιρήσεσθαι ἄεθλον