Iliad

The games perform'd; the soldiers wholly dispers'd to fleet,

λῦτο δʼ ἀγών, λαοὶ δὲ θοὰς ἐπὶ νῆας ἕκαστοι

Supper and sleep their only care. Constant Achilles yet

ἐσκίδναντʼ ἰέναι. τοὶ μὲν δόρποιο μέδοντο

Wept for his friend, nor sleep itself, that all things doth subdue,

ὕπνου τε γλυκεροῦ ταρπήμεναι· αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς

Could touch at him; this way and that he turn'd, and did renew

κλαῖε φίλου ἑτάρου μεμνημένος, οὐδέ μιν ὕπνος

His friend's dear memory, his grace in managing his strength,

ᾕρει πανδαμάτωρ, ἀλλʼ ἐστρέφετʼ ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα

And his strength's greatness, how life rack'd into their utmost length

Πατρόκλου ποθέων ἀνδροτῆτά τε καὶ μένος ἠΰ,

Griefs, battles, and the wraths of seas, in their joint sufferance.

ἠδʼ ὁπόσα τολύπευσε σὺν αὐτῷ καὶ πάθεν ἄλγεα

Each thought of which turn'd to a tear. Sometimes he would advance,

ἀνδρῶν τε πτολέμους ἀλεγεινά τε κύματα πείρων·

In tumbling on the shore, his side; sometimes his face: then turn

τῶν μιμνησκόμενος θαλερὸν κατὰ δάκρυον εἶβεν,

Flat on his bosom; start upright. Although he saw the morn

ἄλλοτʼ ἐπὶ πλευρὰς κατακείμενος, ἄλλοτε δʼ αὖτε

Show sea and shore his ecstasy, he left not, till at last

ὕπτιος, ἄλλοτε δὲ πρηνής· τοτὲ δʼ ὀρθὸς ἀναστὰς

Rage varied his distraction; horse, chariot, in haste

δινεύεσκʼ ἀλύων παρὰ θῖνʼ ἁλός· οὐδέ μιν ἠὼς

He call'd for; and, those join'd, the corse was to his chariot tied,

φαινομένη λήθεσκεν ὑπεὶρ ἅλα τʼ ἠϊόνας τε.

And thrice about the sepulchre he made his fury ride,

ἀλλʼ ὅ γʼ ἐπεὶ ζεύξειεν ὑφʼ ἅρμασιν ὠκέας ἵππους,

Dragging the person. All this past; in his pavilion

Ἕκτορα δʼ ἕλκεσθαι δησάσκετο δίφρου ὄπισθεν,

Rest seiz'd him, but with Hector's corse his rage had never done,

τρὶς δʼ ἐρύσας περὶ σῆμα Μενοιτιάδαο θανόντος

Still suff'ring it t' oppress the dust. Apollo yet, ev'n dead,

αὖτις ἐνὶ κλισίῃ παυέσκετο, τὸν δέ τʼ ἔασκεν

Pitied the prince, and would not see inhuman tyranny fed

ἐν κόνι ἐκτανύσας προπρηνέα· τοῖο δʼ Ἀπόλλων

With more pollution of his limbs; and therefore cover'd round

πᾶσαν ἀεικείην ἄπεχε χροῒ φῶτʼ ἐλεαίρων

His person with his golden shield, that rude dogs might not wound

καὶ τεθνηότα περ· περὶ δʼ αἰγίδι πάντα κάλυπτε

His manly lineaments, which threat Achilles cruelly

χρυσείῃ, ἵνα μή μιν ἀποδρύφοι ἑλκυστάζων.

Had us'd in fury. But now Heav'n let fall a gen'ral eye

ὣς ὃ μὲν Ἕκτορα δῖον ἀείκιζεν μενεαίνων·

Of pity on him; the blest Gods persuaded Mercury,

τὸν δʼ ἐλεαίρεσκον μάκαρες θεοὶ εἰσορόωντες,

Their good observer, to his stealth; and ev'ry Deity

κλέψαι δʼ ὀτρύνεσκον ἐΰσκοπον ἀργεϊφόντην.

Stood pleas'd with it; Juno except, green Neptune, and the Maid

ἔνθʼ ἄλλοις μὲν πᾶσιν ἑήνδανεν, οὐδέ ποθʼ Ἥρῃ

Grac'd with the blue eyes, all their hearts stood hatefully appaid

οὐδὲ Ποσειδάωνʼ οὐδὲ γλαυκώπιδι κούρῃ,

Long since, and held it, as at first, to Priam, Ilion,

ἀλλʼ ἔχον ὥς σφιν πρῶτον ἀπήχθετο Ἴλιος ἱρὴ

And all his subjects, for the rape of his licentious son,

καὶ Πρίαμος καὶ λαὸς Ἀλεξάνδρου ἕνεκʼ ἄτης,

Proud Paris, that despis'd these Dames in their divine access

ὃς νείκεσσε θεὰς ὅτε οἱ μέσσαυλον ἵκοντο,

Made to his cottage, and prais'd Her that his sad wantonness

τὴν δʼ ᾔνησʼ ἥ οἱ πόρε μαχλοσύνην ἀλεγεινήν.

So costly nourish'd. The twelfth morn now shin'd on the delay

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δή ῥʼ ἐκ τοῖο δυωδεκάτη γένετʼ ἠώς,

Of Hector's rescue, and then spake the Deity of the Day

καὶ τότʼ ἄρʼ ἀθανάτοισι μετηύδα Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων·

Thus to th' Immortals: “Shameless Gods, authors of ill ye are

σχέτλιοί ἐστε θεοί, δηλήμονες· οὔ νύ ποθʼ ὑμῖν

To suffer ill. Hath Hector's life at all times show'd his care

Ἕκτωρ μηρίʼ ἔκηε βοῶν αἰγῶν τε τελείων;

Of all your rights, in burning thighs of beeves and goats to you,

τὸν νῦν οὐκ ἔτλητε νέκυν περ ἐόντα σαῶσαι

And are your cares no more of him? Vouchsafe ye not ev'n now,

ᾗ τʼ ἀλόχῳ ἰδέειν καὶ μητέρι καὶ τέκεϊ ᾧ

Ev'n dead, to keep him, that his wife, his mother, and his son,

καὶ πατέρι Πριάμῳ λαοῖσί τε, τοί κέ μιν ὦκα

Father, and subjects, may be mov'd to those deeds he hath done,

ἐν πυρὶ κήαιεν καὶ ἐπὶ κτέρεα κτερίσαιεν.

Seeing you preserve him that serv'd you, and sending to their hands

ἀλλʼ ὀλοῷ Ἀχιλῆϊ θεοὶ βούλεσθʼ ἐπαρήγειν,

His person for the rites of fire? Achilles, that withstands

ᾧ οὔτʼ ἂρ φρένες εἰσὶν ἐναίσιμοι οὔτε νόημα

All help to others, you can help; one that hath neither heart

γναμπτὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσι, λέων δʼ ὣς ἄγρια οἶδεν,

Nor soul within him, that will move or yield to any part

ὅς τʼ ἐπεὶ ἂρ μεγάλῃ τε βίῃ καὶ ἀγήνορι θυμῷ

That fits a man, but lion-like, uplandish, and mere wild,

εἴξας εἶσʼ ἐπὶ μῆλα βροτῶν ἵνα δαῖτα λάβῃσιν·

Slave to his pride, and all his nerves being naturally compil'd

ὣς Ἀχιλεὺς ἔλεον μὲν ἀπώλεσεν, οὐδέ οἱ αἰδὼς

Of eminent strength, stalks out and preys upon a silly sheep.

γίγνεται, ἥ τʼ ἄνδρας μέγα σίνεται ἠδʼ ὀνίνησι.

And so fares this man, that fit ruth that now should draw so deep

μέλλει μέν πού τις καὶ φίλτερον ἄλλον ὀλέσσαι

In all the world being lost in him; and shame, a quality

ἠὲ κασίγνητον ὁμογάστριον ἠὲ καὶ υἱόν·

Of so much weight, that both it helps and hurts excessively

ἀλλʼ ἤτοι κλαύσας καὶ ὀδυράμενος μεθέηκε·

Men in their manners, is not known, nor hath the pow'r to be,

τλητὸν γὰρ Μοῖραι θυμὸν θέσαν ἀνθρώποισιν.

In this man's being. Other men a greater loss than he

αὐτὰρ ὅ γʼ Ἕκτορα δῖον, ἐπεὶ φίλον ἦτορ ἀπηύρα,

Have undergone, a son, suppose, or brother of one womb;

ἵππων ἐξάπτων περὶ σῆμʼ ἑτάροιο φίλοιο

Yet, after dues of woes and tears, they bury in his tomb

ἕλκει· οὐ μήν οἱ τό γε κάλλιον οὐδέ τʼ ἄμεινον.

All their deplorings. Fates have giv'n to all that are true men

μὴ ἀγαθῷ περ ἐόντι νεμεσσηθέωμέν οἱ ἡμεῖς·

True manly patience; but this man so soothes his bloody vein

κωφὴν γὰρ δὴ γαῖαν ἀεικίζει μενεαίνων.

That no blood serves it, he must have divine-soul'd Hector bound

τὸν δὲ χολωσαμένη προσέφη λευκώλενος Ἥρη·

To his proud chariot, and danc'd in a most barbarous round

εἴη κεν καὶ τοῦτο τεὸν ἔπος ἀργυρότοξε

About his lov'd friend's sepulchre, when he is slain. 'Tis vile,

εἰ δὴ ὁμὴν Ἀχιλῆϊ καὶ Ἕκτορι θήσετε τιμήν.

And draws no profit after it. But let him now awhile

Ἕκτωρ μὲν θνητός τε γυναῖκά τε θήσατο μαζόν·

Mark but our angers; he is spent; let all his strength take heed

αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεύς ἐστι θεᾶς γόνος, ἣν ἐγὼ αὐτὴ

It tempts not our wraths; he begets, in this outrageous deed,

θρέψά τε καὶ ἀτίτηλα καὶ ἀνδρὶ πόρον παράκοιτιν

The dull earth with his fury's hate.” White-wristed Juno said,

Πηλέϊ, ὃς περὶ κῆρι φίλος γένετʼ ἀθανάτοισι.

Being much incens'd, “This doom is one that thou wouldst have obey'd,

πάντες δʼ ἀντιάασθε θεοὶ γάμου· ἐν δὲ σὺ τοῖσι

Thou bearer of the silver bow, that we in equal care

δαίνυʼ ἔχων φόρμιγγα κακῶν ἕταρʼ, αἰὲν ἄπιστε.

And honour should hold Hector's worth, with him that claims a share

τὴν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη νεφεληγερέτα Ζεύς·

In our deservings. Hector suck'd a mortal woman's breast,

Ἥρη μὴ δὴ πάμπαν ἀποσκύδμαινε θεοῖσιν·

Æacides a Goddess's; ourself had interest

οὐ μὲν γὰρ τιμή γε μίʼ ἔσσεται· ἀλλὰ καὶ Ἕκτωρ

Both in his infant nourishment, and bringing up with state,

φίλτατος ἔσκε θεοῖσι βροτῶν οἳ ἐν Ἰλίῳ εἰσίν·

And to the human Peleüs we gave his bridal mate,

ὣς γὰρ ἔμοιγʼ, ἐπεὶ οὔ τι φίλων ἡμάρτανε δώρων.

Because he had th' Immortals' love. To celebrate the feast

οὐ γάρ μοί ποτε βωμὸς ἐδεύετο δαιτὸς ἐΐσης

Of their high nuptials, ev'ry God was glad to be a guest;

λοιβῆς τε κνίσης τε· τὸ γὰρ λάχομεν γέρας ἡμεῖς.

And thou fedd'st of his father's cates, touching thy harp in grace

ἀλλʼ ἤτοι κλέψαι μὲν ἐάσομεν, οὐδέ πῃ ἔστι,

λάθρῃ Ἀχιλλῆος θρασὺν Ἕκτορα· ἦ γάρ οἱ αἰεὶ

μήτηρ παρμέμβλωκεν ὁμῶς νύκτάς τε καὶ ἦμαρ.

ἀλλʼ εἴ τις καλέσειε θεῶν Θέτιν ἆσσον ἐμεῖο,

ὄφρά τί οἱ εἴπω πυκινὸν ἔπος, ὥς κεν Ἀχιλλεὺς

δώρων ἐκ Πριάμοιο λάχῃ ἀπό θʼ Ἕκτορα λύσῃ.

ὣς ἔφατʼ, ὦρτο δὲ Ἶρις ἀελλόπος ἀγγελέουσα,

μεσσηγὺς δὲ Σάμου τε καὶ Ἴμβρου παιπαλοέσσης

ἔνθορε μείλανι πόντῳ· ἐπεστονάχησε δὲ λίμνη.

ἣ δὲ μολυβδαίνῃ ἰκέλη ἐς βυσσὸν ὄρουσεν,

Of that beginning of our friend, whom thy perfidious face,

ἥ τε κατʼ ἀγραύλοιο βοὸς κέρας ἐμβεβαυῖα

In his perfection, blusheth not to match with Priam's son,

ἔρχεται ὠμηστῇσιν ἐπʼ ἰχθύσι κῆρα φέρουσα.

O thou that to betray and shame art still companion!”

εὗρε δʼ ἐνὶ σπῆϊ γλαφυρῷ Θέτιν, ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρʼ ἄλλαι

Jove thus receiv'd her: “Never give these broad terms to a God.

εἵαθʼ ὁμηγερέες ἅλιαι θεαί· ἣ δʼ ἐνὶ μέσσῃς

Those two men shall not be compar'd; and yet, of all that trod

κλαῖε μόρον οὗ παιδὸς ἀμύμονος, ὅς οἱ ἔμελλε

The well-pav'd Ilion, none so dear to all the Deities

φθίσεσθʼ ἐν Τροίῃ ἐριβώλακι τηλόθι πάτρης.

As Hector was; at least to me, for off'rings most of prize

ἀγχοῦ δʼ ἱσταμένη προσέφη πόδας ὠκέα Ἶρις·

His hands would never pretermit. Our altars ever stood

ὄρσο Θέτι· καλέει Ζεὺς ἄφθιτα μήδεα εἰδώς.

Furnish'd with banquets fitting us, odours and ev'ry good

τὴν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα θεὰ Θέτις ἀργυρόπεζα·

Smok'd in our temples; and for this, foreseeing it, his fate

τίπτέ με κεῖνος ἄνωγε μέγας θεός; αἰδέομαι δὲ

We mark'd with honour, which must stand. But, to give stealth estate

μίσγεσθʼ ἀθανάτοισιν, ἔχω δʼ ἄχεʼ ἄκριτα θυμῷ.

In his deliv'rance, shun we that; nor must we favour one

εἶμι μέν, οὐδʼ ἅλιον ἔπος ἔσσεται ὅττί κεν εἴπῃ.

To shame another. Privily, with wrong to Thetis' son,

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσασα κάλυμμʼ ἕλε δῖα θεάων

We must not work out Hector's right. There is a ransom due,

κυάνεον, τοῦ δʼ οὔ τι μελάντερον ἔπλετο ἔσθος.

And open course, by laws of arms; in which must humbly sue

βῆ δʼ ἰέναι, πρόσθεν δὲ ποδήνεμος ὠκέα Ἶρις

The friends of Hector. Which just mean if any God would stay,

ἡγεῖτʼ· ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρα σφι λιάζετο κῦμα θαλάσσης.

And use the other, 'twould not serve; for Thetis night and day

ἀκτὴν δʼ ἐξαναβᾶσαι ἐς οὐρανὸν ἀϊχθήτην,

Is guardian to him. But would one call Iris hither, I

εὗρον δʼ εὐρύοπα Κρονίδην, περὶ δʼ ἄλλοι ἅπαντες

Would give directions that for gifts the Trojan king should buy

εἵαθʼ ὁμηγερέες μάκαρες θεοὶ αἰὲν ἐόντες.

His Hector's body, which the son of Thetis shall resign.”

ἣ δʼ ἄρα πὰρ Διὶ πατρὶ καθέζετο, εἶξε δʼ Ἀθήνη.

This said, his will was done; the Dame that doth in vapours shine,

Ἥρη δὲ χρύσεον καλὸν δέπας ἐν χερὶ θῆκε

Dewy and thin, footed with storms, jump'd to the sable seas

καί ῥʼ εὔφρηνʼ ἐπέεσσι· Θέτις δʼ ὤρεξε πιοῦσα.

'Twixt Samos and sharp Imber's cliffs; the lake groan'd with the press

τοῖσι δὲ μύθων ἦρχε πατὴρ ἀνδρῶν τε θεῶν τε·

Of her rough feet, and, plummet-like, put in an ox's horn

ἤλυθες Οὔλυμπον δὲ θεὰ Θέτι κηδομένη περ,

That bears death to the raw-fed fish, she div'd, and found forlorn

πένθος ἄλαστον ἔχουσα μετὰ φρεσίν· οἶδα καὶ αὐτός·

Thetis lamenting her son's fate, who was in Troy to have,

ἀλλὰ καὶ ὧς ἐρέω τοῦ σʼ εἵνεκα δεῦρο κάλεσσα.

Far from his country, his death serv'd. Close to her Iris stood,

ἐννῆμαρ δὴ νεῖκος ἐν ἀθανάτοισιν ὄρωρεν

And said: “Rise, Thetis, prudent Jove, whose counsels thirst not blood,

Ἕκτορος ἀμφὶ νέκυι καὶ Ἀχιλλῆϊ πτολιπόρθῳ·

Calls for thee.” Thetis answer'd her with asking: “What's the cause

κλέψαι δʼ ὀτρύνουσιν ἐΰσκοπον ἀργεϊφόντην·

The great God calls? My sad pow'rs fear'd to break th' immortal laws,

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ τόδε κῦδος Ἀχιλλῆϊ προτιάπτω

In going fil'd with griefs to heav'n. But He sets snares for none

αἰδῶ καὶ φιλότητα τεὴν μετόπισθε φυλάσσων.

With colour'd counsels; not a word of him but shall be done.”

αἶψα μάλʼ ἐς στρατὸν ἐλθὲ καὶ υἱέϊ σῷ ἐπίτειλον·

She said, and took a sable veil (a blacker never wore

σκύζεσθαί οἱ εἰπὲ θεούς, ἐμὲ δʼ ἔξοχα πάντων

A heav'nly shoulder) and gave way. Swift Iris swum before.

ἀθανάτων κεχολῶσθαι, ὅτι φρεσὶ μαινομένῃσιν

About both roll'd the brackish waves. They took their banks, and flew

Ἕκτορʼ ἔχει παρὰ νηυσὶ κορωνίσιν οὐδʼ ἀπέλυσεν,

Up to Olympus; where they found Saturnius far-of-view

αἴ κέν πως ἐμέ τε δείσῃ ἀπό θʼ Ἕκτορα λύσῃ.

Spher'd with heav'n's ever-being States. Minerva rose, and gave

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ Πριάμῳ μεγαλήτορι Ἶριν ἐφήσω

Her place to Thetis near to Jove; and Juno did receive

λύσασθαι φίλον υἱὸν ἰόντʼ ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν,

Her entry with a cup of gold, in which she drank to her,

δῶρα δʼ Ἀχιλλῆϊ φερέμεν, τά κε θυμὸν ἰήνῃ.

Grac'd her with comfort, and the cup to her hand did refer.

ὣς ἔφατʼ, οὐδʼ ἀπίθησε θεὰ Θέτις ἀργυρόπεζα,

She drank, resigning it; and then the Sire of men and Gods

βῆ δὲ κατʼ Οὐλύμποιο καρήνων ἀΐξασα,

Thus entertain'd her: “Com'st thou up to these our blest abodes,

ἷξεν δʼ ἐς κλισίην οὗ υἱέος· ἔνθʼ ἄρα τόν γε

Fair Goddess Thetis, yet art sad; and that in so high kind

εὗρʼ ἁδινὰ στενάχοντα· φίλοι δʼ ἀμφʼ αὐτὸν ἑταῖροι

As passeth suff'rance? This I know, and tried thee, and now find

ἐσσυμένως ἐπένοντο καὶ ἐντύνοντο ἄριστον·

Thy will by mine rul'd, which is rule to all worlds' government.

τοῖσι δʼ ὄϊς λάσιος μέγας ἐν κλισίῃ ἱέρευτο.

Besides this trial yet, this cause sent down for thy ascent,

ἣ δὲ μάλʼ ἄγχʼ αὐτοῖο καθέζετο πότνια μήτηρ,

Nine days' contention hath been held amongst th' Immortals here

χειρί τέ μιν κατέρεξεν ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζε·

For Hector's person and thy son; and some advices were

τέκνον ἐμὸν τέο μέχρις ὀδυρόμενος καὶ ἀχεύων

To have our good spy Mercury steal from thy son the corse;

σὴν ἔδεαι κραδίην μεμνημένος οὔτέ τι σίτου

But that reproach I kept far off, to keep in future force

οὔτʼ εὐνῆς; ἀγαθὸν δὲ γυναικί περ ἐν φιλότητι

Thy former love and reverence. Haste then, and tell thy son

μίσγεσθʼ· οὐ γάρ μοι δηρὸν βέῃ, ἀλλά τοι ἤδη

The Gods are angry, and myself take that wrong he hath done

ἄγχι παρέστηκεν θάνατος καὶ μοῖρα κραταιή.

To Hector in worst part of all, the rather since he still

ἀλλʼ ἐμέθεν ξύνες ὦκα, Διὸς δέ τοι ἄγγελός εἰμι·

Detains his person. Charge him then, if he respect my will

σκύζεσθαι σοί φησι θεούς, ἑὲ δʼ ἔξοχα πάντων

For any reason, to resign slain Hector. I will send

ἀθανάτων κεχολῶσθαι, ὅτι φρεσὶ μαινομένῃσιν

Iris to Priam to redeem his son, and recommend

Ἕκτορʼ ἔχεις παρὰ νηυσὶ κορωνίσιν οὐδʼ ἀπέλυσας.

Fit ransom to Achilles' grace, in which right he may joy

ἀλλʼ ἄγε δὴ λῦσον, νεκροῖο δὲ δέξαι ἄποινα.

And end his vain grief.” To this charge bright Thetis did employ

τὴν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς·

Instant endeavour. From heav'n's tops she reach'd Achilles' tent,

τῇδʼ εἴη· ὃς ἄποινα φέροι καὶ νεκρὸν ἄγοιτο,

Found him still sighing, and some friends with all their complement

εἰ δὴ πρόφρονι θυμῷ Ὀλύμπιος αὐτὸς ἀνώγει.

Soothing his humour; other some with all contentión

ὣς οἵ γʼ ἐν νηῶν ἀγύρει μήτηρ τε καὶ υἱὸς

Dressing his dinner, all their pains and skills consum'd upon

πολλὰ πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἔπεα πτερόεντʼ ἀγόρευον.

A huge wool-bearer, slaughter'd there. His rev'rend mother then

Ἶριν δʼ ὄτρυνε Κρονίδης εἰς Ἴλιον ἱρήν·

Came near, took kindly his fair hand, and ask'd him: “Dear son, when

βάσκʼ ἴθι Ἶρι ταχεῖα λιποῦσʼ ἕδος Οὐλύμποιο

Will sorrow leave thee? How long time wilt thou thus eat thy heart,

ἄγγειλον Πριάμῳ μεγαλήτορι Ἴλιον εἴσω

Fed with no other food, nor rest? 'Twere good thou wouldst divert

λύσασθαι φίλον υἱὸν ἰόντʼ ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν,

Thy friend's love to some lady, cheer thy spirits with such kind parts

δῶρα δʼ Ἀχιλλῆϊ φερέμεν τά κε θυμὸν ἰήνῃ

As she can quit thy grace withal. The joy of thy deserts

οἶον, μὴ δέ τις ἄλλος ἅμα Τρώων ἴτω ἀνήρ.

I shall not long have, death is near, and thy all-conqu'ring fate,

κῆρύξ τίς οἱ ἕποιτο γεραίτερος, ὅς κʼ ἰθύνοι

Whose haste thou must not haste with grief, but understand the state

ἡμιόνους καὶ ἄμαξαν ἐΰτροχον, ἠδὲ καὶ αὖτις

Of things belonging to thy life, which quickly order. I

νεκρὸν ἄγοι προτὶ ἄστυ, τὸν ἔκτανε δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς.

μὴ δέ τί οἱ θάνατος μελέτω φρεσὶ μὴ δέ τι τάρβος·

τοῖον γάρ οἱ πομπὸν ὀπάσσομεν ἀργεϊφόντην,

ὃς ἄξει εἷός κεν ἄγων Ἀχιλῆϊ πελάσσῃ.

αὐτὰρ ἐπὴν ἀγάγῃσιν ἔσω κλισίην Ἀχιλῆος,

οὔτʼ αὐτὸς κτενέει ἀπό τʼ ἄλλους πάντας ἐρύξει·

οὔτε γάρ ἐστʼ ἄφρων οὔτʼ ἄσκοπος οὔτʼ ἀλιτήμων,

ἀλλὰ μάλʼ ἐνδυκέως ἱκέτεω πεφιδήσεται ἀνδρός.

ὣς ἔφατʼ, ὦρτο δὲ Ἶρις ἀελλόπος ἀγγελέουσα.

ἷξεν δʼ ἐς Πριάμοιο, κίχεν δʼ ἐνοπήν τε γόον τε.

Am sent from Jove t' advértise thee, that ev'ry Deity

παῖδες μὲν πατέρʼ ἀμφὶ καθήμενοι ἔνδοθεν αὐλῆς

Is angry with thee, himself most, that rage thus reigns in thee

δάκρυσιν εἵματʼ ἔφυρον, ὃ δʼ ἐν μέσσοισι γεραιὸς

Still to keep Hector. Quit him then, and, for fit ransom, free

ἐντυπὰς ἐν χλαίνῃ κεκαλυμμένος· ἀμφὶ δὲ πολλὴ

His injur'd person.” He replied: “Let him come that shall give

κόπρος ἔην κεφαλῇ τε καὶ αὐχένι τοῖο γέροντος

The ransom, and the person take. Jove's pleasure must deprive

τήν ῥα κυλινδόμενος καταμήσατο χερσὶν ἑῇσι.

Men of all pleasures.” This good speech, and many more, the son

θυγατέρες δʼ ἀνὰ δώματʼ ἰδὲ νυοὶ ὠδύροντο

And mother us'd, in ear of all the naval statión.

τῶν μιμνησκόμεναι οἳ δὴ πολέες τε καὶ ἐσθλοὶ

And now to holy Ilion Saturnius Iris sent:

χερσὶν ὑπʼ Ἀργείων κέατο ψυχὰς ὀλέσαντες.

“Go, swift-foot Iris, bid Troy's king bear fit gifts, and content

στῆ δὲ παρὰ Πρίαμον Διὸς ἄγγελος, ἠδὲ προσηύδα

Achilles for his son's release; but let him greet alone

τυτθὸν φθεγξαμένη· τὸν δὲ τρόμος ἔλλαβε γυῖα·

The Grecian navy; not a man, excepting such a one

θάρσει Δαρδανίδη Πρίαμε φρεσί, μὴ δέ τι τάρβει·

As may his horse and chariot guide, a herald, or one old,

οὐ μὲν γάρ τοι ἐγὼ κακὸν ὀσσομένη τόδʼ ἱκάνω

Attending him; and let him take his Hector. Be he bold,

ἀλλʼ ἀγαθὰ φρονέουσα· Διὸς δέ τοι ἄγγελός εἰμι,

Discourag'd nor with death nor fear, wise Mercury shall guide

ὅς σευ ἄνευθεν ἐὼν μέγα κήδεται ἠδʼ ἐλεαίρει.

His passage till the prince be near; and, he gone, let him ride

λύσασθαί σʼ ἐκέλευσεν Ὀλύμπιος Ἕκτορα δῖον,

Resolv'd ev'n in Achilles' tent. He shall not touch the state

δῶρα δʼ Ἀχιλλῆϊ φερέμεν τά κε θυμὸν ἰήνῃ

Of his high person, nor admit the deadliest desperate

οἶον, μὴ δέ τις ἄλλος ἅμα Τρώων ἴτω ἀνήρ.

Of all about him; for, though fierce, he is not yet unwise,

κῆρύξ τίς τοι ἕποιτο γεραίτερος, ὅς κʼ ἰθύνοι

Nor inconsid'rate, nor a man past awe of Deities,

ἡμιόνους καὶ ἄμαξαν ἐΰτροχον, ἠδὲ καὶ αὖτις

But passing free and curious to do a suppliant grace.”

νεκρὸν ἄγοι προτὶ ἄστυ, τὸν ἔκτανε δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς.

This said, the Rainbow to her feet tied whirlwinds, and the place

μὴ δέ τί τοι θάνατος μελέτω φρεσὶ μηδέ τι τάρβος·

Reach'd instantly. The heavy court Clamour and Mourning fill'd;

τοῖος γάρ τοι πομπὸς ἅμʼ ἕψεται ἀργεϊφόντης,

The sons all set about the sire; and there stood Grief, and still'd

ὅς σʼ ἄξει εἷός κεν ἄγων Ἀχιλῆϊ πελάσσῃ.

Tears on their garments. In the midst the old king sate, his weed

αὐτὰρ ἐπὴν ἀγάγῃσιν ἔσω κλισίην Ἀχιλῆος,

All wrinkled, head and neck dust-fil'd; the princesses his seed,

οὔτʼ αὐτὸς κτενέει ἀπό τʼ ἄλλους πάντας ἐρύξει·

The princesses his sons' fair wives, all mourning by; the thought

οὔτε γάρ ἔστʼ ἄφρων οὔτʼ ἄσκοπος οὔτʼ ἀλιτήμων,

Of friends so many, and so good, being turn'd so soon to nought

ἀλλὰ μάλʼ ἐνδυκέως ἱκέτεω πεφιδήσεται ἀνδρός.

By Grecian hands, consum'd their youth, rain'd beauty from their eyes.

ἣ μὲν ἄρʼ ὣς εἰποῦσʼ ἀπέβη πόδας ὠκέα Ἶρις,

Iris came near the king; her sight shook all his faculties,

αὐτὰρ ὅ γʼ υἷας ἄμαξαν ἐΰτροχον ἡμιονείην

And therefore spake she soft, and said: “Be glad, Dardanides;

ὁπλίσαι ἠνώγει, πείρινθα δὲ δῆσαι ἐπʼ αὐτῆς.

Of good occurrents, and none ill, am I ambassadress.

αὐτὸς δʼ ἐς θάλαμον κατεβήσετο κηώεντα

Jove greets thee, who, in care, as much as he is distant, deigns

κέδρινον ὑψόροφον, ὃς γλήνεα πολλὰ κεχάνδει·

Eye to thy sorrows, pitying thee. My ambassy contains

ἐς δʼ ἄλοχον Ἑκάβην ἐκαλέσσατο φώνησέν τε·

This charge to thee from him: He wills thou shouldst redeem thy son,

δαιμονίη Διόθεν μοι Ὀλύμπιος ἄγγελος ἦλθε

Bear gifts t' Achilles, cheer him so; but visit him alone,

λύσασθαι φίλον υἱὸν ἰόντʼ ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν,

None but some herald let attend, thy mules and chariot

δῶρα δʼ Ἀχιλλῆϊ φερέμεν τά κε θυμὸν ἰήνῃ.

To manage for thee. Fear nor death let daunt thee, Jove hath got

ἀλλʼ ἄγε μοι τόδε εἰπὲ τί τοι φρεσὶν εἴδεται εἶναι;

Hermes to guide thee, who as near to Thetis' son as needs

αἰνῶς γάρ μʼ αὐτόν γε μένος καὶ θυμὸς ἄνωγε

Shall guard thee; and being once with him, nor his, nor others', deeds

κεῖσʼ ἰέναι ἐπὶ νῆας ἔσω στρατὸν εὐρὺν Ἀχαιῶν.

Stand touch'd with, he will all contain; nor is he mad, nor vain,

ὣς φάτο, κώκυσεν δὲ γυνὴ καὶ ἀμείβετο μύθῳ·

Nor impious, but with all his nerves studious to entertain

ὤ μοι πῇ δή τοι φρένες οἴχονθʼ, ᾗς τὸ πάρος περ

One that submits with all fit grace.” Thus vanish'd she like wind.

ἔκλεʼ ἐπʼ ἀνθρώπους ξείνους ἠδʼ οἷσιν ἀνάσσεις;

He mules and chariot calls, his sons bids see them join'd, and bind

πῶς ἐθέλεις ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν ἐλθέμεν οἶος

A trunk behind it; he himself down to his wardrobe goes,

ἀνδρὸς ἐς ὀφθαλμοὺς ὅς τοι πολέας τε καὶ ἐσθλοὺς

Built all of cedar, highly roof'd, and odoriferous,

υἱέας ἐξενάριξε· σιδήρειόν νύ τοι ἦτορ.

That much stuff, worth the sight, contain'd. To him he call'd his queen,

εἰ γάρ σʼ αἱρήσει καὶ ἐσόψεται ὀφθαλμοῖσιν

Thus greeting her: “Come, hapless dame, an angel I have seen,

ὠμηστὴς καὶ ἄπιστος ἀνὴρ ὅ γε οὔ σʼ ἐλεήσει,

Sent down from Jove, that bade me free our dear son from the fleet

οὐδέ τί σʼ αἰδέσεται. νῦν δὲ κλαίωμεν ἄνευθεν

With ransom pleasing to our foe. What holds thy judgment meet?

ἥμενοι ἐν μεγάρῳ· τῷ δʼ ὥς ποθι Μοῖρα κραταιὴ

My strength and spirit lays high charge on all my being to bear

γιγνομένῳ ἐπένησε λίνῳ, ὅτε μιν τέκον αὐτή,

The Greeks' worst, vent'ring through their host.” The queen cried out to hear

ἀργίποδας κύνας ἆσαι ἑῶν ἀπάνευθε τοκήων

His vent'rous purpose, and replied: “O whither now is fled

ἀνδρὶ πάρα κρατερῷ, τοῦ ἐγὼ μέσον ἧπαρ ἔχοιμι

The late discretion that renown'd thy grave and knowing head

ἐσθέμεναι προσφῦσα· τότʼ ἄντιτα ἔργα γένοιτο

In foreign and thine own rul'd realms, that thus thou dar'st assay

παιδὸς ἐμοῦ, ἐπεὶ οὔ ἑ κακιζόμενόν γε κατέκτα,

Sight of that man, in whose brow sticks the horrible decay

ἀλλὰ πρὸ Τρώων καὶ Τρωϊάδων βαθυκόλπων

Of sons so many, and so strong? Thy heart is iron I think.

ἑσταότʼ οὔτε φόβου μεμνημένον οὔτʼ ἀλεωρῆς.

If this stern man, whose thirst of blood makes cruelty his drink,

τὴν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε γέρων Πρίαμος θεοειδής·

Take, or but see, thee, thou art dead. He nothing pities woe,

μή μʼ ἐθέλοντʼ ἰέναι κατερύκανε, μὴ δέ μοι αὐτὴ

Nor honours age. Without his sight, we have enough to do

ὄρνις ἐνὶ μεγάροισι κακὸς πέλευ· οὐδέ με πείσεις.

To mourn with thought of him. Keep we our palace, weep we here,

εἰ μὲν γάρ τίς μʼ ἄλλος ἐπιχθονίων ἐκέλευεν,

Our son is past our helps. Those throes, that my deliv'rers were

ἢ οἳ μάντιές εἰσι θυοσκόοι ἢ ἱερῆες,

Of his unhappy lineaments, told me they should be torn

ψεῦδός κεν φαῖμεν καὶ νοσφιζοίμεθα μᾶλλον·

With black-foot dogs. Almighty Fate, that black hour he was born,

νῦν δʼ, αὐτὸς γὰρ ἄκουσα θεοῦ καὶ ἐσέδρακον ἄντην,

Spun in his springing thread that end; far from his parents' reach,

εἶμι καὶ οὐχ ἅλιον ἔπος ἔσσεται. εἰ δέ μοι αἶσα

This bloody fellow then ordain'd to be their mean, this wretch,

τεθνάμεναι παρὰ νηυσὶν Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων

Whose stony liver would to heav'n I might devour, my teeth

βούλομαι· αὐτίκα γάρ με κατακτείνειεν Ἀχιλλεὺς

My son's revengers made! Curs'd Greek, he gave him not his death

ἀγκὰς ἑλόντʼ ἐμὸν υἱόν, ἐπὴν γόου ἐξ ἔρον εἵην.

Doing an ill work; he alone fought for his country, he

ἦ καὶ φωριαμῶν ἐπιθήματα κάλʼ ἀνέῳγεν·

Fled not, nor fear'd, but stood his worst; and curséd policy

ἔνθεν δώδεκα μὲν περικαλλέας ἔξελε πέπλους,

Was his undoing.” He replied: “Whatever was his end

δώδεκα δʼ ἁπλοΐδας χλαίνας, τόσσους δὲ τάπητας,

Is not our question, we must now use all means to defend

τόσσα δὲ φάρεα λευκά, τόσους δʼ ἐπὶ τοῖσι χιτῶνας.

χρυσοῦ δὲ στήσας ἔφερεν δέκα πάντα τάλαντα,

ἐκ δὲ δύʼ αἴθωνας τρίποδας, πίσυρας δὲ λέβητας,

ἐκ δὲ δέπας περικαλλές, ὅ οἱ Θρῇκες πόρον ἄνδρες

ἐξεσίην ἐλθόντι μέγα κτέρας· οὐδέ νυ τοῦ περ

φείσατʼ ἐνὶ μεγάροις ὃ γέρων, περὶ δʼ ἤθελε θυμῷ

λύσασθαι φίλον υἱόν. ὃ δὲ Τρῶας μὲν ἅπαντας

αἰθούσης ἀπέεργεν ἔπεσσʼ αἰσχροῖσιν ἐνίσσων·

ἔρρετε λωβητῆρες ἐλεγχέες· οὔ νυ καὶ ὑμῖν

οἴκοι ἔνεστι γόος, ὅτι μʼ ἤλθετε κηδήσοντες;

ἦ ὀνόσασθʼ ὅτι μοι Κρονίδης Ζεὺς ἄλγεʼ ἔδωκε

His end from scandal; from which act dissuade not my just will,

παῖδʼ ὀλέσαι τὸν ἄριστον; ἀτὰρ γνώσεσθε καὶ ὔμμες·

Nor let me nourish in my house a bird presaging ill

ῥηΐτεροι γὰρ μᾶλλον Ἀχαιοῖσιν δὴ ἔσεσθε

To my good actions; 'tis in vain. Had any earthly spirit

κείνου τεθνηῶτος ἐναιρέμεν. αὐτὰρ ἔγωγε

Giv'n this suggestion, if our priests, or soothsay'rs, challenging merit

πρὶν ἀλαπαζομένην τε πόλιν κεραϊζομένην τε

Of prophets, I might hold it false, and be the rather mov'd

ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ἰδεῖν βαίην δόμον Ἄϊδος εἴσω.

To keep my palace, but these ears and these self eyes approv'd

ἦ καὶ σκηπανίῳ δίεπʼ ἀνέρας· οἳ δʼ ἴσαν ἔξω

It was a Goddess. I will go; for not a word She spake

σπερχομένοιο γέροντος· ὃ δʼ υἱάσιν οἷσιν ὁμόκλα

I know was idle. If it were, and that my fate will make

νεικείων Ἕλενόν τε Πάριν τʼ Ἀγάθωνά τε δῖον

Quick riddance of me at the fleet, kill me, Achilles; come,

Πάμμονά τʼ Ἀντίφονόν τε βοὴν ἀγαθόν τε Πολίτην

When getting to thee, I shall find a happy dying room

Δηΐφοβόν τε καὶ Ἱππόθοον καὶ δῖον Ἀγαυόν·

On Hector's bosom, when enough thirst of my tears finds there

ἐννέα τοῖς ὃ γεραιὸς ὁμοκλήσας ἐκέλευε·

Quench to his fervour.” This resolv'd, the works most fair and dear

σπεύσατέ μοι κακὰ τέκνα κατηφόνες· αἴθʼ ἅμα πάντες

Of his rich screens he brought abroad; twelve veils wrought curiously;

Ἕκτορος ὠφέλετʼ ἀντὶ θοῇς ἐπὶ νηυσὶ πεφάσθαι.

Twelve plain gowns; and as many suits of wealthy tapestry;

ὤ μοι ἐγὼ πανάποτμος, ἐπεὶ τέκον υἷας ἀρίστους

As many mantles; horsemen's coats; ten talents of fine gold;

Τροίῃ ἐν εὐρείῃ, τῶν δʼ οὔ τινά φημι λελεῖφθαι,

Two tripods; caldrons four; a bowl, whose value he did hold

Μήστορά τʼ ἀντίθεον καὶ Τρωΐλον ἱππιοχάρμην

Beyond all price, presented by th' ambassadors of Thrace.

Ἕκτορά θʼ, ὃς θεὸς ἔσκε μετʼ ἀνδράσιν, οὐδὲ ἐῴκει

The old king nothing held too dear, to rescue from disgrace

ἀνδρός γε θνητοῦ πάϊς ἔμμεναι ἀλλὰ θεοῖο.

His gracious Hector. Forth he came. At entry of his court

τοὺς μὲν ἀπώλεσʼ Ἄρης, τὰ δʼ ἐλέγχεα πάντα λέλειπται

The Trojan citizens so press'd, that this opprobrious sort

ψεῦσταί τʼ ὀρχησταί τε χοροιτυπίῃσιν ἄριστοι

Of check he us'd: “Hence, cast-aways! Away, ye impious crew!

ἀρνῶν ἠδʼ ἐρίφων ἐπιδήμιοι ἁρπακτῆρες.

Are not your griefs enough at home? What come ye here to view?

οὐκ ἂν δή μοι ἄμαξαν ἐφοπλίσσαιτε τάχιστα,

Care ye for my griefs? Would ye see how miserable I am?

ταῦτά τε πάντʼ ἐπιθεῖτε, ἵνα πρήσσωμεν ὁδοῖο;

Is't not enough, imagine ye? Ye might know, ere ye came,

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἄρα πατρὸς ὑποδείσαντες ὁμοκλὴν

What such a son's loss weigh'd with me. But know this for your pains,

ἐκ μὲν ἄμαξαν ἄειραν ἐΰτροχον ἡμιονείην

Your houses have the weaker doors; the Greeks will find their gains

καλὴν πρωτοπαγέα, πείρινθα δὲ δῆσαν ἐπʼ αὐτῆς,

The easier for his loss, be sure. But O Troy! ere I see

κὰδ δʼ ἀπὸ πασσαλόφι ζυγὸν ᾕρεον ἡμιόνειον

Thy ruin, let the doors of hell receive and ruin me!”

πύξινον ὀμφαλόεν εὖ οἰήκεσσιν ἀρηρός·

Thus with his sceptre set he on the crowding citizens,

ἐκ δʼ ἔφερον ζυγόδεσμον ἅμα ζυγῷ ἐννεάπηχυ.

Who gave back, seeing him so urge. And now he entertains

καὶ τὸ μὲν εὖ κατέθηκαν ἐϋξέστῳ ἐπὶ ῥυμῷ

His sons as roughly, Helenus, Paris, Hippothous,

πέζῃ ἔπι πρώτῃ, ἐπὶ δὲ κρίκον ἕστορι βάλλον,

Pammon, divine Agathones, renown'd Deiphobus,

τρὶς δʼ ἑκάτερθεν ἔδησαν ἐπʼ ὀμφαλόν, αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

Agavus, and Antiphonus, and last, not least in arms,

ἑξείης κατέδησαν, ὑπὸ γλωχῖνα δʼ ἔκαμψαν.

The strong Polites: these nine sons the violence of his harms

ἐκ θαλάμου δὲ φέροντες ἐϋξέστης ἐπʼ ἀπήνης

Help'd him to vent in these sharp terms: “Haste, you infamous brood,

νήεον Ἑκτορέης κεφαλῆς ἀπερείσιʼ ἄποινα,

And get my chariot. Would to heav'n that all the abject blood

ζεῦξαν δʼ ἡμιόνους κρατερώνυχας ἐντεσιεργούς,

In all your veins had Hector 'scus'd! O me, accurséd man,

τούς ῥά ποτε Πριάμῳ Μυσοὶ δόσαν ἀγλαὰ δῶρα.

All my good sons are gone, my light the shades Cimmerian

ἵππους δὲ Πριάμῳ ὕπαγον ζυγόν, οὓς ὃ γεραιὸς

Have swallow'd from me. I have lost Mestor, surnam'd the fair;

αὐτὸς ἔχων ἀτίταλλεν ἐϋξέστῃ ἐπὶ φάτνῃ.

Troilus, that ready knight at arms, that made his field repair

τὼ μὲν ζευγνύσθην ἐν δώμασιν ὑψηλοῖσι

Ever so prompt and joyfully; and Hector, amongst men

κῆρυξ καὶ Πρίαμος πυκινὰ φρεσὶ μήδεʼ ἔχοντες·

Esteem'd a God, not from a mortal's seed, but of th' Eternal strain,

ἀγχίμολον δέ σφʼ ἦλθʼ Ἑκάβη τετιηότι θυμῷ

He seem'd to all eyes. These are gone, you that survive are base,

οἶνον ἔχουσʼ ἐν χειρὶ μελίφρονα δεξιτερῆφι

Liars and common freebooters; all faulty, not a grace,

χρυσέῳ ἐν δέπαϊ, ὄφρα λείψαντε κιοίτην·

But in your heels, in all your parts; dancing companions

στῆ δʼ ἵππων προπάροιθεν ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζε·

Ye all are excellent. Hence, ye brats! Love ye to hear my moans?

τῆ σπεῖσον Διὶ πατρί, καὶ εὔχεο οἴκαδʼ ἱκέσθαι

Will ye not get my chariot? Command it quickly, fly,

ἂψ ἐκ δυσμενέων ἀνδρῶν, ἐπεὶ ἂρ σέ γε θυμὸς

That I may perfect this dear work.” This all did terrify;

ὀτρύνει ἐπὶ νῆας ἐμεῖο μὲν οὐκ ἐθελούσης.

And straight his mule-drawn chariot came, to which they fast did bind

ἀλλʼ εὔχεο σύ γʼ ἔπειτα κελαινεφέϊ Κρονίωνι

The trunk with gifts. And then came forth, with an afflicted mind,

Ἰδαίῳ, ὅς τε Τροίην κατὰ πᾶσαν ὁρᾶται,

Old Hecuba. In her right hand a bowl of gold she bore

αἴτει δʼ οἰωνὸν ταχὺν ἄγγελον, ὅς τέ οἱ αὐτῷ

With sweet wine crown'd, stood near, and said: “Receive this, and implore,

φίλτατος οἰωνῶν, καί εὑ κράτος ἐστὶ μέγιστον,

With sacrificing it to Jove, thy safe return. I see

δεξιόν, ὄφρά μιν αὐτὸς ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖσι νοήσας

Thy mind likes still to go, though mine dislikes it utterly.

τῷ πίσυνος ἐπὶ νῆας ἴῃς Δαναῶν ταχυπώλων.

Pray to the black-cloud-gath'ring God, Idæan Jove, that views

εἰ δέ τοι οὐ δώσει ἑὸν ἄγγελον εὐρύοπα Ζεύς,

All Troy, and all her miseries, that he will deign to use

οὐκ ἂν ἔγωγέ σʼ ἔπειτα ἐποτρύνουσα κελοίμην

His most-lov'd bird to ratify thy hopes, that, her broad wing

νῆας ἐπʼ Ἀργείων ἰέναι μάλα περ μεμαῶτα.

Spread on thy right hand, thou mayst know thy zealous offering

τὴν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη Πρίαμος θεοειδής·

Accepted, and thy safe return confirm'd; but if he fail,

ὦ γύναι οὐ μέν τοι τόδʼ ἐφιεμένῃ ἀπιθήσω.

Fail thy intent, though never so it labours to prevail.”

ἐσθλὸν γὰρ Διὶ χεῖρας ἀνασχέμεν αἴ κʼ ἐλεήσῃ.

“This I refuse not,” he replied, “for no faith is so great

ἦ ῥα καὶ ἀμφίπολον ταμίην ὄτρυνʼ ὃ γεραιὸς

In Jove's high favour, but it must with held-up hands intreat.”

χερσὶν ὕδωρ ἐπιχεῦαι ἀκήρατον· ἣ δὲ παρέστη

This said, the chambermaid, that held the ewer and basin by,

χέρνιβον ἀμφίπολος πρόχοόν θʼ ἅμα χερσὶν ἔχουσα.

He bade pour water on his hands; when, looking to the sky,

νιψάμενος δὲ κύπελλον ἐδέξατο ἧς ἀλόχοιο·

He took the bowl, did sacrifice, and thus implor'd: “O Jove,

εὔχετʼ ἔπειτα στὰς μέσῳ ἕρκεϊ, λεῖβε δὲ οἶνον

From Ida using thy commands, in all deserts above

οὐρανὸν εἰσανιδών, καὶ φωνήσας ἔπος ηὔδα·

All other Gods, vouchsafe me safe, and pity in the sight

Ζεῦ πάτερ Ἴδηθεν μεδέων κύδιστε μέγιστε

Of great Achilles; and, for trust to that wish'd grace, excite

δός μʼ ἐς Ἀχιλλῆος φίλον ἐλθεῖν ἠδʼ ἐλεεινόν,

Thy swift-wing'd Messenger, most strong, most of air's region lov'd,

πέμψον δʼ οἰωνὸν ταχὺν ἄγγελον, ὅς τε σοὶ αὐτῷ

To soar on my right hand; which sight may firmly see approv'd

φίλτατος οἰωνῶν, καί εὑ κράτος ἐστὶ μέγιστον,

Thy former summons, and my speed.” He pray'd, and heav'n's King heard,

δεξιόν, ὄφρά μιν αὐτὸς ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖσι νοήσας

τῷ πίσυνος ἐπὶ νῆας ἴω Δαναῶν ταχυπώλων.

ὣς ἔφατʼ εὐχόμενος, τοῦ δʼ ἔκλυε μητίετα Ζεὺς

αὐτίκα δʼ αἰετὸν ἧκε τελειότατον πετεηνῶν

μόρφνον θηρητῆρʼ ὃν καὶ περκνὸν καλέουσιν.

ὅσση δʼ ὑψορόφοιο θύρη θαλάμοιο τέτυκται

ἀνέρος ἀφνειοῖο ἐῢ κληῗσʼ ἀραρυῖα,

τόσσʼ ἄρα τοῦ ἑκάτερθεν ἔσαν πτερά· εἴσατο δέ σφι

δεξιὸς ἀΐξας διὰ ἄστεος· οἳ δὲ ἰδόντες

γήθησαν, καὶ πᾶσιν ἐνὶ φρεσὶ θυμὸς ἰάνθη.

And instantly cast from his fist air's all-commanding bird,

σπερχόμενος δʼ ὃ γεραιὸς ἑοῦ ἐπεβήσετο δίφρου,

The black-wing'd huntress, perfectest of all fowls, which Gods call

ἐκ δʼ ἔλασε προθύροιο καὶ αἰθούσης ἐριδούπου.

Percnos, the eagle. And how broad the chamber nuptial

πρόσθε μὲν ἡμίονοι ἕλκον τετράκυκλον ἀπήνην,

Of any mighty man hath doors, such breadth cast either wing;

τὰς Ἰδαῖος ἔλαυνε δαΐφρων· αὐτὰρ ὄπισθεν

Which now she us'd, and spread them wide on right hand of the king.

ἵπποι, τοὺς ὃ γέρων ἐφέπων μάστιγι κέλευε

All saw it, and rejoic'd, and up to chariot he arose,

καρπαλίμως κατὰ ἄστυ· φίλοι δʼ ἅμα πάντες ἕποντο

Drave forth, the portal and the porch resounding as he goes.

πόλλʼ ὀλοφυρόμενοι ὡς εἰ θάνατον δὲ κιόντα.

His friends all follow'd him, and mourn'd as if he went to die;

οἳ δʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν πόλιος κατέβαν, πεδίον δʼ ἀφίκοντο,

And bringing him past town to field, all left him; and the eye

οἳ μὲν ἄρʼ ἄψορροι προτὶ Ἴλιον ἀπονέοντο

Of Jupiter was then his guard, who pitied him, and us'd

παῖδες καὶ γαμβροί, τὼ δʼ οὐ λάθον εὐρύοπα Ζῆν

These words to Hermes: “Mercury, thy help hath been profus'd

ἐς πεδίον προφανέντε· ἰδὼν δʼ ἐλέησε γέροντα,

Ever with most grace in consorts of travellers distress'd,

αἶψα δʼ ἄρʼ Ἑρμείαν υἱὸν φίλον ἀντίον ηὔδα·

Now cónsort Priam to the fleet; but so, that not the least

Ἑρμεία, σοὶ γάρ τε μάλιστά γε φίλτατόν ἐστιν

Suspicion of him be attain'd, till at Achilles' tent

ἀνδρὶ ἑταιρίσσαι, καί τʼ ἔκλυες ᾧ κʼ ἐθέλῃσθα,

The convoy hath arriv'd him safe.” This charge incontinent

βάσκʼ ἴθι καὶ Πρίαμον κοίλας ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν

He put in practice. To his feet his feather'd shoes he tied,

ὣς ἄγαγʼ, ὡς μήτʼ ἄρ τις ἴδῃ μήτʼ ἄρ τε νοήσῃ

Immortal, and made all of gold, with which he us'd to ride

τῶν ἄλλων Δαναῶν, πρὶν Πηλεΐωνα δʼ ἱκέσθαι.

The rough sea and th' unmeasur'd earth, and equall'd in his pace

ὣς ἔφατʼ, οὐδʼ ἀπίθησε διάκτορος ἀργεϊφόντης.

The puffs of wind. Then took he up his rod, that hath the grace

αὐτίκʼ ἔπειθʼ ὑπὸ ποσσὶν ἐδήσατο καλὰ πέδιλα

To shut what eyes he lists with sleep, and open them again

ἀμβρόσια χρύσεια, τά μιν φέρον ἠμὲν ἐφʼ ὑγρὴν

In strongest trances. This he held, flew forth, and did attain

ἠδʼ ἐπʼ ἀπείρονα γαῖαν ἅμα πνοιῇς ἀνέμοιο·

To Troy and Hellespontus straight. Then like a fair young prince,

εἵλετο δὲ ῥάβδον, τῇ τʼ ἀνδρῶν ὄμματα θέλγει

First-down-chinn'd, and of such a grace as makes his looks convince

ὧν ἐθέλει, τοὺς δʼ αὖτε καὶ ὑπνώοντας ἐγείρει·

Contending eyes to view him, forth he went to meet the king.

τὴν μετὰ χερσὶν ἔχων πέτετο κρατὺς ἀργεϊφόντης.

He, having pass'd the mighty tomb of Ilus, watering

αἶψα δʼ ἄρα Τροίην τε καὶ Ἑλλήσποντον ἵκανε,

His mules in Xanthus, the dark even fell on the earth; and then

βῆ δʼ ἰέναι κούρῳ αἰσυμνητῆρι ἐοικὼς

Idæus (guider of the mules) discern'd this grace of men,

πρῶτον ὑπηνήτῃ, τοῦ περ χαριεστάτη ἥβη.

And spake afraid to Priamus: “Beware, Dardanides,

οἳ δʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν μέγα σῆμα παρὲξ Ἴλοιο ἔλασσαν,

Our states ask counsel; I discern the dangerous access

στῆσαν ἄρʼ ἡμιόνους τε καὶ ἵππους ὄφρα πίοιεν

Of some man near us; now I fear we perish. Is it best

ἐν ποταμῷ· δὴ γὰρ καὶ ἐπὶ κνέφας ἤλυθε γαῖαν.

To fly, or kiss his knees and ask his ruth of men distress'd?”

τὸν δʼ ἐξ ἀγχιμόλοιο ἰδὼν ἐφράσσατο κῆρυξ

Confusion strook the king, cold fear extremely quench'd his veins,

Ἑρμείαν, ποτὶ δὲ Πρίαμον φάτο φώνησέν τε·

Upright upon his languishing head his hair stood, and the chains

φράζεο Δαρδανίδη· φραδέος νόου ἔργα τέτυκται.

Of strong amaze bound all his pow'rs. To both which then came near

ἄνδρʼ ὁρόω, τάχα δʼ ἄμμε διαρραίσεσθαι ὀΐω.

The prince turn'd Deity, took his hand, and thus bespake the peer:

ἀλλʼ ἄγε δὴ φεύγωμεν ἐφʼ ἵππων, ἤ μιν ἔπειτα

“To what place, father, driv'st thou out through solitary night,

γούνων ἁψάμενοι λιτανεύσομεν αἴ κʼ ἐλεήσῃ.

When others sleep? Give not the Greeks sufficient cause of fright

ὣς φάτο, σὺν δὲ γέροντι νόος χύτο, δείδιε δʼ αἰνῶς,

To these late travels, being so near, and such vow'd enemies?

ὀρθαὶ δὲ τρίχες ἔσταν ἐνὶ γναμπτοῖσι μέλεσσι,

Of all which, if with all this load any should cast his eyes

στῆ δὲ ταφών· αὐτὸς δʼ ἐριούνιος ἐγγύθεν ἐλθὼν

On thy adventures, what would then thy mind esteem thy state,

χεῖρα γέροντος ἑλὼν ἐξείρετο καὶ προσέειπε·

Thyself old, and thy follow'r old? Resistance could not rate

πῇ πάτερ ὧδʼ ἵππους τε καὶ ἡμιόνους ἰθύνεις

At any value; as for me, be sure I mind no harm

νύκτα διʼ ἀμβροσίην, ὅτε θʼ εὕδουσι βροτοὶ ἄλλοι;

To thy grave person, but against the hurt of others arm.

οὐδὲ σύ γʼ ἔδεισας μένεα πνείοντας Ἀχαιούς,

Mine own lov'd father did not get a greater love in me

οἵ τοι δυσμενέες καὶ ἀνάρσιοι ἐγγὺς ἔασι;

To his good, than thou dost to thine.” He answer'd: “The degree

τῶν εἴ τίς σε ἴδοιτο θοὴν διὰ νύκτα μέλαιναν

Of danger in my course, fair son, is nothing less than that

τοσσάδʼ ὀνείατʼ ἄγοντα, τίς ἂν δή τοι νόος εἴη;

Thou urgest; but some God's fair hand puts in for my safe state,

οὔτʼ αὐτὸς νέος ἐσσί, γέρων δέ τοι οὗτος ὀπηδεῖ,

That sends so sweet a guardian in this so stern a time

ἄνδρʼ ἀπαμύνασθαι, ὅτε τις πρότερος χαλεπήνῃ.

Of night, and danger, as thyself, that all grace in his prime

ἀλλʼ ἐγὼ οὐδέν σε ῥέξω κακά, καὶ δέ κεν ἄλλον

Of body and of beauty show'st, all answer'd with a mind

σεῦ ἀπαλεξήσαιμι· φίλῳ δέ σε πατρὶ ἐΐσκω.

So knowing, that it cannot be but of some blessed kind

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα γέρων Πρίαμος θεοειδής·

Thou art descended.” “Not untrue,” said Hermes, “thy conceit

οὕτω πῃ τάδε γʼ ἐστὶ φίλον τέκος ὡς ἀγορεύεις.

In all this holds; but further truth relate, if of such weight

ἀλλʼ ἔτι τις καὶ ἐμεῖο θεῶν ὑπερέσχεθε χεῖρα,

As I conceive thy carriage be, and that thy care conveys

ὅς μοι τοιόνδʼ ἧκεν ὁδοιπόρον ἀντιβολῆσαι

Thy goods of most price to more guard; or go ye all your ways

αἴσιον, οἷος δὴ σὺ δέμας καὶ εἶδος ἀγητός,

Frighted from holy Ilion, so excellent a son

πέπνυσαί τε νόῳ, μακάρων δʼ ἔξεσσι τοκήων.

As thou hadst (being your special strength) fallen to destructión,

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε διάκτορος ἀργεϊφόντης·

Whom no Greek better'd for his fight?” “O, what art thou,” said he,

ναὶ δὴ ταῦτά γε πάντα γέρον κατὰ μοῖραν ἔειπες.

“Most worthy youth, of what race born, that thus recount'st to me

ἀλλʼ ἄγε μοι τόδε εἰπὲ καὶ ἀτρεκέως κατάλεξον,

My wretched son's death with such truth?” “Now, father,” he replied,

ἠέ πῃ ἐκπέμπεις κειμήλια πολλὰ καὶ ἐσθλὰ

“You tempt me far, in wond'ring how the death was signified

ἄνδρας ἐς ἀλλοδαποὺς ἵνα περ τάδε τοι σόα μίμνῃ,

Of your divine son to a man so mere a stranger here

ἦ ἤδη πάντες καταλείπετε Ἴλιον ἱρὴν

As you hold me; but I am one that oft have seen him bear

δειδιότες· τοῖος γὰρ ἀνὴρ ὤριστος ὄλωλε

His person like a God in field; and when in heaps he slew

σὸς πάϊς· οὐ μὲν γάρ τι μάχης ἐπιδεύετʼ Ἀχαιῶν.

The Greeks, all routed to their fleet, his so victorious view

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα γέρων Πρίαμος θεοειδής·

Made me admire, not feel his hand; because Æacides,

τίς δὲ σύ ἐσσι φέριστε τέων δʼ ἔξεσσι τοκήων;

Incens'd, admitted not our fight, myself being of access

ὥς μοι καλὰ τὸν οἶτον ἀπότμου παιδὸς ἔνισπες.

To his high person, serving him, and both to Ilion

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε διάκτορος ἀργεϊφόντης·

In one ship sail'd. Besides, by birth I breathe a Myrmidon,

πειρᾷ ἐμεῖο γεραιὲ καὶ εἴρεαι Ἕκτορα δῖον.

Polyctor, call'd the rich, my sire, declin'd with age like you.

τὸν μὲν ἐγὼ μάλα πολλὰ μάχῃ ἔνι κυδιανείρῃ

Six sons he hath, and me a seventh; and all those six live now

ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ὄπωπα, καὶ εὖτʼ ἐπὶ νηυσὶν ἐλάσσας

Ἀργείους κτείνεσκε δαΐζων ὀξέϊ χαλκῷ·

ἡμεῖς δʼ ἑσταότες θαυμάζομεν· οὐ γὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς

εἴα μάρνασθαι κεχολωμένος Ἀτρεΐωνι.

τοῦ γὰρ ἐγὼ θεράπων, μία δʼ ἤγαγε νηῦς εὐεργής·

Μυρμιδόνων δʼ ἔξειμι, πατὴρ δέ μοί ἐστι Πολύκτωρ.

ἀφνειὸς μὲν ὅ γʼ ἐστί, γέρων δὲ δὴ ὡς σύ περ ὧδε,

ἓξ δέ οἱ υἷες ἔασιν, ἐγὼ δέ οἱ ἕβδομός εἰμι·

τῶν μέτα παλλόμενος κλήρῳ λάχον ἐνθάδʼ ἕπεσθαι.

νῦν δʼ ἦλθον πεδίον δʼ ἀπὸ νηῶν· ἠῶθεν γὰρ

θήσονται περὶ ἄστυ μάχην ἑλίκωπες Ἀχαιοί.

In Phthia, since, all casting lots, my chance did only fall

ἀσχαλόωσι γὰρ οἵδε καθήμενοι, οὐδὲ δύνανται

To follow hither. Now for walk I left my General.

ἴσχειν ἐσσυμένους πολέμου βασιλῆες Ἀχαιῶν.

To-morrow all the sun-burn'd Greeks will circle Troy with arms,

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα γέρων Πρίαμος θεοειδής·

The princes rage to be withheld so idly, your alarms

εἰ μὲν δὴ θεράπων Πηληϊάδεω Ἀχιλῆος

Not giv'n half hot enough they think, and can contain no more.”

εἴς, ἄγε δή μοι πᾶσαν ἀληθείην κατάλεξον,

He answer'd: “If you serve the prince, let me be bold t' implore

ἢ ἔτι πὰρ νήεσσιν ἐμὸς πάϊς, ἦέ μιν ἤδη

This grace of thee, and tell me true: Lies Hector here at fleet,

ᾗσι κυσὶν μελεϊστὶ ταμὼν προύθηκεν Ἀχιλλεύς.

Or have the dogs his flesh?” He said: “Nor dogs nor fowl have yet

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε διάκτορος ἀργεϊφόντης·

Touch'd at his person; still he lies at fleet, and in the tent

ὦ γέρον οὔ πω τόν γε κύνες φάγον οὐδʼ οἰωνοί,

Of our great Captain, who indeed is much too negligent

ἀλλʼ ἔτι κεῖνος κεῖται Ἀχιλλῆος παρὰ νηῒ

Of his fit usage. But, though now twelve days have spent their heat

αὔτως ἐν κλισίῃσι· δυωδεκάτη δέ οἱ ἠὼς

On his cold body, neither worms with any taint have eat,

κειμένῳ, οὐδέ τί οἱ χρὼς σήπεται, οὐδέ μιν εὐλαὶ

Nor putrefaction perish'd it; yet ever, when the Morn

ἔσθουσʼ, αἵ ῥά τε φῶτας ἀρηϊφάτους κατέδουσιν.

Lifts her divine light from the sea, unmercifully borne

ἦ μέν μιν περὶ σῆμα ἑοῦ ἑτάροιο φίλοιο

About Patroclus' sepulchre, it bears his friend's disdain,

ἕλκει ἀκηδέστως ἠὼς ὅτε δῖα φανήῃ,

Bound to his chariot; but no fits of further outrage reign

οὐδέ μιν αἰσχύνει· θηοῖό κεν αὐτὸς ἐπελθὼν

In his distemper. You would muse to see how deep a dew

οἷον ἐερσήεις κεῖται, περὶ δʼ αἷμα νένιπται,

Ev'n steeps the body, all the blood wash'd off, no slend'rest shew

οὐδέ ποθι μιαρός· σὺν δʼ ἕλκεα πάντα μέμυκεν

Of gore or quitture, but his wounds all clos'd, though many were

ὅσσʼ ἐτύπη· πολέες γὰρ ἐν αὐτῷ χαλκὸν ἔλασσαν.

Open'd about him. Such a love the blest Immortals bear,

ὥς τοι κήδονται μάκαρες θεοὶ υἷος ἑῆος

Ev'n dead, to thy dear son, because his life show'd love to them.”

καὶ νέκυός περ ἐόντος, ἐπεί σφι φίλος περὶ κῆρι.

He joyful answer'd: “O my son, it is a grace supreme

ὣς φάτο, γήθησεν δʼ ὃ γέρων, καὶ ἀμείβετο μύθῳ·

In any man to serve the Gods. And I must needs say this;

ὦ τέκος, ἦ ῥʼ ἀγαθὸν καὶ ἐναίσιμα δῶρα διδοῦναι

For no cause, having season fit, my Hector's hands would miss

ἀθανάτοις, ἐπεὶ οὔ ποτʼ ἐμὸς πάϊς, εἴ ποτʼ ἔην γε,

Advancement to the Gods with gifts, and therefore do not they

λήθετʼ ἐνὶ μεγάροισι θεῶν οἳ Ὄλυμπον ἔχουσι·

Miss his remembrance after death. Now let an old man pray

τώ οἱ ἀπεμνήσαντο καὶ ἐν θανάτοιό περ αἴσῃ.

Thy graces to receive this cup, and keep it for my love,

ἀλλʼ ἄγε δὴ τόδε δέξαι ἐμεῦ πάρα καλὸν ἄλεισον,

Nor leave me till the Gods and thee have made my pray'rs approve

αὐτόν τε ῥῦσαι, πέμψον δέ με σύν γε θεοῖσιν,

Achilles' pity, by thy guide brought to his princely tent.”

ὄφρά κεν ἐς κλισίην Πηληϊάδεω ἀφίκωμαι.

Hermes replied: “You tempt me now, old king, to a consent

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε διάκτορος ἀργεϊφόντης·

Far from me, though youth aptly errs. I secretly receive

πειρᾷ ἐμεῖο γεραιὲ νεωτέρου, οὐδέ με πείσεις,

Gifts that I cannot broadly vouch, take graces that will give

ὅς με κέλῃ σέο δῶρα παρὲξ Ἀχιλῆα δέχεσθαι.

My lord dishonour, or what he knows not, or will esteem

τὸν μὲν ἐγὼ δείδοικα καὶ αἰδέομαι περὶ κῆρι

Perhaps unfit? Such briberies perhaps at first may seem

συλεύειν, μή μοί τι κακὸν μετόπισθε γένηται.

Sweet and secure; but futurely they still prove sour, and breed

σοὶ δʼ ἂν ἐγὼ πομπὸς καί κε κλυτὸν Ἄργος ἱκοίμην,

Both fear and danger. I could wish thy grave affairs did need

ἐνδυκέως ἐν νηῒ θοῇ ἢ πεζὸς ὁμαρτέων·

My guide to Argos, either shipp'd, or lackeying by thy side,

οὐκ ἄν τίς τοι πομπὸν ὀνοσσάμενος μαχέσαιτο.

And would be studious in thy guard, so nothing could be tried

ἦ καὶ ἀναΐξας ἐριούνιος ἅρμα καὶ ἵππους

But care in me to keep thee safe, for that I could excuse,

καρπαλίμως μάστιγα καὶ ἡνία λάζετο χερσίν,

And vouch to all men.” These words past, he put the deeds in use

ἐν δʼ ἔπνευσʼ ἵπποισι καὶ ἡμιόνοις μένος ἠΰ.

For which Jove sent him; up he leapt to Priam's chariot,

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ πύργους τε νεῶν καὶ τάφρον ἵκοντο,

Took scourge and reins, and blew in strength to his free steeds, and got

οἳ δὲ νέον περὶ δόρπα φυλακτῆρες πονέοντο,

The naval tow'rs and deep dike straight. The guards were all at meat;

τοῖσι δʼ ἐφʼ ὕπνον ἔχευε διάκτορος ἀργεϊφόντης

Those he enslumber'd, op'd the ports, and in he safely let

πᾶσιν, ἄφαρ δʼ ὤϊξε πύλας καὶ ἀπῶσεν ὀχῆας,

Old Priam with his wealthy prize. Forthwith they reach'd the tent

ἐς δʼ ἄγαγε Πρίαμόν τε καὶ ἀγλαὰ δῶρʼ ἐπʼ ἀπήνης.

Of great Achilles, large and high, and in his most ascent

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ κλισίην Πηληϊάδεω ἀφίκοντο

A shaggy roof of seedy reeds mown from the meads; a hall

ὑψηλήν, τὴν Μυρμιδόνες ποίησαν ἄνακτι

Of state they made their king in it, and strengthen'd it withall

δοῦρʼ ἐλάτης κέρσαντες· ἀτὰρ καθύπερθεν ἔρεψαν

Thick with fir rafters; whose approach was let in by a door

λαχνήεντʼ ὄροφον λειμωνόθεν ἀμήσαντες·

That had but one bar, but so big that three men evermore

ἀμφὶ δέ οἱ μεγάλην αὐλὴν ποίησαν ἄνακτι

Rais'd it to shut, three fresh take down; which yet Æacides

σταυροῖσιν πυκινοῖσι· θύρην δʼ ἔχε μοῦνος ἐπιβλὴς

Would shut and ope himself. And this with far more ease

εἰλάτινος, τὸν τρεῖς μὲν ἐπιρρήσσεσκον Ἀχαιοί,

Hermes set ope, ent'ring the king; then leapt from horse, and said:

τρεῖς δʼ ἀναοίγεσκον μεγάλην κληῗδα θυράων

“Now know, old king, that Mercury, a God, hath giv'n this aid

τῶν ἄλλων· Ἀχιλεὺς δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπιρρήσσεσκε καὶ οἶος·

To thy endeavour, sent by Jove; and now away must I,

δή ῥα τόθʼ Ἑρμείας ἐριούνιος ᾦξε γέροντι,

For men would envy thy estate to see a Deity

ἐς δʼ ἄγαγε κλυτὰ δῶρα ποδώκεϊ Πηλεΐωνι,

Affect a man thus. Enter thou, embrace Achilles' knee,

ἐξ ἵππων δʼ ἀπέβαινεν ἐπὶ χθόνα φώνησέν τε·

And by his sire, son, mother, pray his ruth and grace to thee.”

ὦ γέρον ἤτοι ἐγὼ θεὸς ἄμβροτος εἰλήλουθα

This said, he high Olympus reach'd. The king then left his coach

Ἑρμείας· σοὶ γάρ με πατὴρ ἅμα πομπὸν ὄπασσεν.

To grave Idæus, and went on, made his resolv'd approach,

ἀλλʼ ἤτοι μὲν ἐγὼ πάλιν εἴσομαι, οὐδʼ Ἀχιλῆος

And enter'd in a goodly room, where with his princes sate

ὀφθαλμοὺς εἴσειμι· νεμεσσητὸν δέ κεν εἴη

Jove-lov'd Achilles, at their feast; two only kept the state

ἀθάνατον θεὸν ὧδε βροτοὺς ἀγαπαζέμεν ἄντην·

Of his attendance, Alcimus, and lord Automedon,

τύνη δʼ εἰσελθὼν λαβὲ γούνατα Πηλεΐωνος,

At Priam's entry. A great time Achilles gaz'd upon

καί μιν ὑπὲρ πατρὸς καὶ μητέρος ἠϋκόμοιο

His wonder'd-at approach, nor ate; the rest did nothing see,

λίσσεο καὶ τέκεος, ἵνα οἱ σὺν θυμὸν ὀρίνῃς.

While close he came up, with his hands fast holding the bent knee

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας ἀπέβη πρὸς μακρὸν Ὄλυμπον

Of Hector's conqueror, and kiss'd that large man-slaught'ring hand

Ἑρμείας· Πρίαμος δʼ ἐξ ἵππων ἆλτο χαμᾶζε,

That much blood from his sons had drawn. And as in some strange land,

Ἰδαῖον δὲ κατʼ αὖθι λίπεν· ὃ δὲ μίμνεν ἐρύκων

And great man's house, a man is driv'n (with that abhorr'd dismay

ἵππους ἡμιόνους τε· γέρων δʼ ἰθὺς κίεν οἴκου,

That follows wilful bloodshed still, his fortune being to slay

τῇ ῥʼ Ἀχιλεὺς ἵζεσκε Διῒ φίλος· ἐν δέ μιν αὐτὸν

One whose blood cries aloud for his) to plead protectión,

εὗρʼ, ἕταροι δʼ ἀπάνευθε καθήατο· τὼ δὲ δύʼ οἴω

ἥρως Αὐτομέδων τε καὶ Ἄλκιμος ὄζος Ἄρηος

ποίπνυον παρεόντε· νέον δʼ ἀπέληγεν ἐδωδῆς

ἔσθων καὶ πίνων· ἔτι καὶ παρέκειτο τράπεζα.

τοὺς δʼ ἔλαθʼ εἰσελθὼν Πρίαμος μέγας, ἄγχι δʼ ἄρα στὰς

χερσὶν Ἀχιλλῆος λάβε γούνατα καὶ κύσε χεῖρας

δεινὰς ἀνδροφόνους, αἵ οἱ πολέας κτάνον υἷας.

ὡς δʼ ὅτʼ ἂν ἄνδρʼ ἄτη πυκινὴ λάβῃ, ὅς τʼ ἐνὶ πάτρῃ

φῶτα κατακτείνας ἄλλων ἐξίκετο δῆμον

ἀνδρὸς ἐς ἀφνειοῦ, θάμβος δʼ ἔχει εἰσορόωντας,

In such a miserable plight as frights the lookers on;

ὣς Ἀχιλεὺς θάμβησεν ἰδὼν Πρίαμον θεοειδέα·

In such a stupefied estate Achilles sat to see

θάμβησαν δὲ καὶ ἄλλοι, ἐς ἀλλήλους δὲ ἴδοντο.

So unexpected, so in night, and so incredibly,

τὸν καὶ λισσόμενος Πρίαμος πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπε·

Old Priam's entry. All his friends one on another star'd

μνῆσαι πατρὸς σοῖο θεοῖς ἐπιείκελʼ Ἀχιλλεῦ,

To see his strange looks, seeing no cause. Thus Priam then prepar'd

τηλίκου ὥς περ ἐγών, ὀλοῷ ἐπὶ γήραος οὐδῷ·

His son's redemption: “See in me, O God-like Thetis' son,

καὶ μέν που κεῖνον περιναιέται ἀμφὶς ἐόντες

Thy aged father; and perhaps ev'n now being out-run

τείρουσʼ, οὐδέ τίς ἐστιν ἀρὴν καὶ λοιγὸν ἀμῦναι.

With some of my woes, neighbour foes (thou absent) taking time

ἀλλʼ ἤτοι κεῖνός γε σέθεν ζώοντος ἀκούων

To do him mischief; no mean left to terrify the crime

χαίρει τʼ ἐν θυμῷ, ἐπί τʼ ἔλπεται ἤματα πάντα

Of his oppression; yet he hears thy graces still survive,

ὄψεσθαι φίλον υἱὸν ἀπὸ Τροίηθεν ἰόντα·

And joys to hear it, hoping still to see thee safe arrive

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ πανάποτμος, ἐπεὶ τέκον υἷας ἀρίστους

From ruin'd Troy; but I, curs'd man, of all my race shall live

Τροίῃ ἐν εὐρείῃ, τῶν δʼ οὔ τινά φημι λελεῖφθαι.

To see none living. Fifty sons the Deities did give

πεντήκοντά μοι ἦσαν ὅτʼ ἤλυθον υἷες Ἀχαιῶν·

My hopes to live in; all alive when near our trembling shore

ἐννεακαίδεκα μέν μοι ἰῆς ἐκ νηδύος ἦσαν,

The Greek ships harbour'd, and one womb nineteen of those sons bore.

τοὺς δʼ ἄλλους μοι ἔτικτον ἐνὶ μεγάροισι γυναῖκες.

Now Mars a number of their knees hath strength less left; and he

τῶν μὲν πολλῶν θοῦρος Ἄρης ὑπὸ γούνατʼ ἔλυσεν·

That was, of all, my only joy, and Troy's sole guard, by thee,

ὃς δέ μοι οἶος ἔην, εἴρυτο δὲ ἄστυ καὶ αὐτούς,

Late fighting for his country, slain; whose tender'd person now

τὸν σὺ πρῴην κτεῖνας ἀμυνόμενον περὶ πάτρης

I come to ransom. Infinite is that I offer you,

Ἕκτορα· τοῦ νῦν εἵνεχʼ ἱκάνω νῆας Ἀχαιῶν

Myself conferring it, expos'd alone to all your odds,

λυσόμενος παρὰ σεῖο, φέρω δʼ ἀπερείσιʼ ἄποινα.

Only imploring right of arms. Achilles! Fear the Gods,

ἀλλʼ αἰδεῖο θεοὺς Ἀχιλεῦ, αὐτόν τʼ ἐλέησον

Pity an old man like thy sire; diff'rent in only this,

μνησάμενος σοῦ πατρός· ἐγὼ δʼ ἐλεεινότερός περ,

That I am wretcheder, and bear that weight of miseries

ἔτλην δʼ οἷʼ οὔ πώ τις ἐπιχθόνιος βροτὸς ἄλλος,

That never man did, my curs'd lips enforc'd to kiss that hand

ἀνδρὸς παιδοφόνοιο ποτὶ στόμα χεῖρʼ ὀρέγεσθαι.

That slew my children.” This mov'd tears; his father's name did stand,

ὣς φάτο, τῷ δʼ ἄρα πατρὸς ὑφʼ ἵμερον ὦρσε γόοιο·

Mention'd by Priam, in much help to his compassion,

ἁψάμενος δʼ ἄρα χειρὸς ἀπώσατο ἦκα γέροντα.

And mov'd Æacides so much, he could not look upon

τὼ δὲ μνησαμένω ὃ μὲν Ἕκτορος ἀνδροφόνοιο

The weeping father. With his hand he gently put away

κλαῖʼ ἁδινὰ προπάροιθε ποδῶν Ἀχιλῆος ἐλυσθείς,

His grave face. Calm remission now did mutually display

αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς κλαῖεν ἑὸν πατέρʼ, ἄλλοτε δʼ αὖτε

Her pow'r in either's heaviness. Old Priam, to record

Πάτροκλον· τῶν δὲ στοναχὴ κατὰ δώματʼ ὀρώρει.

His son's death and his deathsman see, his tears and bosom pour'd

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥα γόοιο τετάρπετο δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς,

Before Achilles; at his feet he laid his rev'rend head.

καί οἱ ἀπὸ πραπίδων ἦλθʼ ἵμερος ἠδʼ ἀπὸ γυίων,

Achilles' thoughts, now with his sire, now with his friend, were fed.

αὐτίκʼ ἀπὸ θρόνου ὦρτο, γέροντα δὲ χειρὸς ἀνίστη

Betwixt both sorrow fill'd the tent. But now Æacides

οἰκτίρων πολιόν τε κάρη πολιόν τε γένειον,

(Satiate at all parts with the ruth of their calamities)

καί μιν φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Start up, and up he rais'd the king. His milk-white head and beard

ἆ δείλʼ, ἦ δὴ πολλὰ κάκʼ ἄνσχεο σὸν κατὰ θυμόν.

With pity he beheld, and said: “Poor man, thy mind is scar'd

πῶς ἔτλης ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν ἐλθέμεν οἶος

With much afflictión. How durst thy person thus alone

ἀνδρὸς ἐς ὀφθαλμοὺς ὅς τοι πολέας τε καὶ ἐσθλοὺς

Venture on his sight, that hath slain so many a worthy son,

υἱέας ἐξενάριξα; σιδήρειόν νύ τοι ἦτορ.

And so dear to thee? Thy old heart is made of iron. Sit,

ἀλλʼ ἄγε δὴ κατʼ ἄρʼ ἕζευ ἐπὶ θρόνου, ἄλγεα δʼ ἔμπης

And settle we our woes, though huge, for nothing profits it.

ἐν θυμῷ κατακεῖσθαι ἐάσομεν ἀχνύμενοί περ·

Cold mourning wastes but our lives' heats. The Gods have destinate

οὐ γάρ τις πρῆξις πέλεται κρυεροῖο γόοιο·

That wretched mortals must live sad; 'tis the Immortal State

ὡς γὰρ ἐπεκλώσαντο θεοὶ δειλοῖσι βροτοῖσι

Of Deity that lives secure. Two tuns of gifts there lie

ζώειν ἀχνυμένοις· αὐτοὶ δέ τʼ ἀκηδέες εἰσί.

In Jove's gate, one of good, one ill, that our mortality

δοιοὶ γάρ τε πίθοι κατακείαται ἐν Διὸς οὔδει

Maintain, spoil, order; which when Jove doth mix to any man,

δώρων οἷα δίδωσι κακῶν, ἕτερος δὲ ἑάων·

One while he frolics, one while mourns. If of his mournful can

ᾧ μέν κʼ ἀμμίξας δώῃ Ζεὺς τερπικέραυνος,

A man drinks only, only wrongs he doth expose him to,

ἄλλοτε μέν τε κακῷ ὅ γε κύρεται, ἄλλοτε δʼ ἐσθλῷ·

Sad hunger in th' abundant earth doth toss him to and fro,

ᾧ δέ κε τῶν λυγρῶν δώῃ, λωβητὸν ἔθηκε,

Respected nor of Gods nor men. The mix'd cup Peleus drank

καί ἑ κακὴ βούβρωστις ἐπὶ χθόνα δῖαν ἐλαύνει,

Ev'n from his birth; Heav'n blest his life; he liv'd not that could thank

φοιτᾷ δʼ οὔτε θεοῖσι τετιμένος οὔτε βροτοῖσιν.

The Gods for such rare benefits as set forth his estate.

ὣς μὲν καὶ Πηλῆϊ θεοὶ δόσαν ἀγλαὰ δῶρα

He reign'd among his Myrmidons most rich, most fortunate,

ἐκ γενετῆς· πάντας γὰρ ἐπʼ ἀνθρώπους ἐκέκαστο

And, though a mortal, had his bed deck'd with a deathless dame.

ὄλβῳ τε πλούτῳ τε, ἄνασσε δὲ Μυρμιδόνεσσι,

And yet, with all this good, one ill God mix'd, that takes all name

καί οἱ θνητῷ ἐόντι θεὰν ποίησαν ἄκοιτιν.

From all that goodness; his name now, whose preservation here

ἀλλʼ ἐπὶ καὶ τῷ θῆκε θεὸς κακόν, ὅττί οἱ οὔ τι

Men count the crown of their most good, not bless'd with pow'r to bear

παίδων ἐν μεγάροισι γονὴ γένετο κρειόντων,

One blossom but myself, and I shaken as soon as blown;

ἀλλʼ ἕνα παῖδα τέκεν παναώριον· οὐδέ νυ τόν γε

Nor shall I live to cheer his age, and give nutritión