Iliad

The other Gods, and knights at arms, all night slept; only Jove

ἄλλοι μέν ῥα θεοί τε καὶ ἀνέρες ἱπποκορυσταὶ

Sweet slumber seiz'd not; he discours'd how best he might approve

εὗδον παννύχιοι, Δία δʼ οὐκ ἔχε νήδυμος ὕπνος,

His vow made for Achilles' grace, and make the Grecians find

ἀλλʼ ὅ γε μερμήριζε κατὰ φρένα ὡς Ἀχιλῆα

His miss in much death. All ways cast, this counsel serv'd his mind

τιμήσῃ, ὀλέσῃ δὲ πολέας ἐπὶ νηυσὶν Ἀχαιῶν.

With most allowance; to despatch a harmful Dream to greet

ἥδε δέ οἱ κατὰ θυμὸν ἀρίστη φαίνετο βουλή,

The king of men, and gave this charge: “Go to the Achive fleet,

πέμψαι ἐπʼ Ἀτρεΐδῃ Ἀγαμέμνονι οὖλον ὄνειρον·

Pernicious Dream, and, being arriv'd in Agamemnon's tent,

καί μιν φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Deliver truly all this charge. Command him to convent

βάσκʼ ἴθι οὖλε ὄνειρε θοὰς ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν·

His whole host arm'd before these tow'rs; for now Troy's broad-way'd town

ἐλθὼν ἐς κλισίην Ἀγαμέμνονος Ἀτρεΐδαο

He shall take in; the heav'n-hous'd Gods are now indiff'rent grown:

πάντα μάλʼ ἀτρεκέως ἀγορευέμεν ὡς ἐπιτέλλω·

Juno's request hath won them; Troy now under imminent ills

θωρῆξαί ἑ κέλευε κάρη κομόωντας Ἀχαιοὺς

At all parts labours.” This charge heard, the Vision straight fulfils;

πανσυδίῃ· νῦν γάρ κεν ἕλοι πόλιν εὐρυάγυιαν

The ships reach'd, and Atrides' tent, in which he found him laid,

Τρώων· οὐ γὰρ ἔτʼ ἀμφὶς Ὀλύμπια δώματʼ ἔχοντες

Divine sleep pour'd about his pow'rs. He stood above his head

ἀθάνατοι φράζονται· ἐπέγναμψεν γὰρ ἅπαντας

Like Nestor, grac'd of old men most, and this did intimate:

Ἥρη λισσομένη, Τρώεσσι δὲ κήδεʼ ἐφῆπται.

“Sleeps the wise Atreus' tame-horse son? A councillor of state

ὣς φάτο, βῆ δʼ ἄρʼ ὄνειρος ἐπεὶ τὸν μῦθον ἄκουσε·

Must not the whole night spend in sleep, to whom the people are

καρπαλίμως δʼ ἵκανε θοὰς ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν,

For guard committed, and whose life stands bound to so much care.

βῆ δʼ ἄρʼ ἐπʼ Ἀτρεΐδην Ἀγαμέμνονα· τὸν δὲ κίχανεν

Now hear me, then, Jove's messenger, who, though far off from thee,

εὕδοντʼ ἐν κλισίῃ, περὶ δʼ ἀμβρόσιος κέχυθʼ ὕπνος.

Is near thee yet in ruth and care, and gives command by me

στῆ δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπὲρ κεφαλῆς Νηληΐῳ υἷι ἐοικώς

To arm thy whole host. Thy strong hand the broad-way'd town of Troy

Νέστορι, τόν ῥα μάλιστα γερόντων τῖʼ Ἀγαμέμνων·

Shall now take in; no more the Gods dissentiously employ

τῷ μιν ἐεισάμενος προσεφώνεε θεῖος ὄνειρος·

Their high-hous'd powers; Juno's suit hath won them all to her;

εὕδεις Ἀτρέος υἱὲ δαΐφρονος ἱπποδάμοιο·

And ill fates overhang these tow'rs, address'd by Jupiter.

οὐ χρὴ παννύχιον εὕδειν βουληφόρον ἄνδρα

Fix in thy mind this, nor forget to give it action, when

ᾧ λαοί τʼ ἐπιτετράφαται καὶ τόσσα μέμηλε·

Sweet sleep shall leave thee.” Thus, he fled; and left the king of men

νῦν δʼ ἐμέθεν ξύνες ὦκα· Διὸς δέ τοι ἄγγελός εἰμι,

Repeating in discourse his dream, and dreaming still, awake,

ὃς σεῦ ἄνευθεν ἐὼν μέγα κήδεται ἠδʼ ἐλεαίρει.

Of pow'r, not ready yet for act. O fool, he thought to take

θωρῆξαί σε κέλευσε κάρη κομόωντας Ἀχαιοὺς

In that next day old Priam's town; not knowing what affairs

πανσυδίῃ· νῦν γάρ κεν ἕλοις πόλιν εὐρυάγυιαν

Jove had in purpose, who prepar'd, by strong fight, sighs and cares

Τρώων· οὐ γὰρ ἔτʼ ἀμφὶς Ὀλύμπια δώματʼ ἔχοντες

For Greeks and Trojans. The Dream gone, his voice still murmured

ἀθάνατοι φράζονται· ἐπέγναμψεν γὰρ ἅπαντας

About the king's ears; who sate up, put on him in his bed

Ἥρη λισσομένη, Τρώεσσι δὲ κήδεʼ ἐφῆπται

His silken inner weed, fair, new; and then in haste arose,

ἐκ Διός· ἀλλὰ σὺ σῇσιν ἔχε φρεσί, μηδέ σε λήθη

Cast on his ample mantle, tied to his soft feet fair shoes,

αἱρείτω εὖτʼ ἄν σε μελίφρων ὕπνος ἀνήῃ.

His silver-hilted sword he hung about his shoulder, took

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας ἀπεβήσετο, τὸν δὲ λίπʼ αὐτοῦ

His father's sceptre never stain'd, which then abroad he shook,

τὰ φρονέοντʼ ἀνὰ θυμὸν ἅ ῥʼ οὐ τελέεσθαι ἔμελλον·

And went to fleet. And now great heav'n Goddess Aurora scal'd,

φῆ γὰρ ὅ γʼ αἱρήσειν Πριάμου πόλιν ἤματι κείνῳ

To Jove, and all Gods, bringing light; when Agamemnon call'd

νήπιος, οὐδὲ τὰ ᾔδη ἅ ῥα Ζεὺς μήδετο ἔργα·

His heralds, charging them aloud to call to instant court

θήσειν γὰρ ἔτʼ ἔμελλεν ἐπʼ ἄλγεά τε στοναχάς τε

The thick-hair'd Greeks. The heralds call'd; the Greeks made quick resort.

Τρωσί τε καὶ Δαναοῖσι διὰ κρατερὰς ὑσμίνας.

The Council chiefly he compos'd of old great-minded men,

ἔγρετο δʼ ἐξ ὕπνου, θείη δέ μιν ἀμφέχυτʼ ὀμφή·

At Nestor's ships, the Pylian king. All there assembled then,

ἕζετο δʼ ὀρθωθείς, μαλακὸν δʼ ἔνδυνε χιτῶνα

Thus Atreus' son begun the court: “Hear, friends: A Dream divine,

καλὸν νηγάτεον, περὶ δὲ μέγα βάλλετο φᾶρος·

Amidst the calm night in my sleep, did through my shut eyes shine,

ποσσὶ δʼ ὑπὸ λιπαροῖσιν ἐδήσατο καλὰ πέδιλα,

Within my fantasy. His form did passing naturally

ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρʼ ὤμοισιν βάλετο ξίφος ἀργυρόηλον·

Resemble Nestor; such attire, a stature just as high.

εἵλετο δὲ σκῆπτρον πατρώϊον ἄφθιτον αἰεὶ

He stood above my head, and words thus fashion'd did relate:

σὺν τῷ ἔβη κατὰ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων·

'Sleeps the wise Atreus' tame-horse son? A councillor of state

ἠὼς μέν ῥα θεὰ προσεβήσετο μακρὸν Ὄλυμπον

Must not the whole night spend in sleep, to whom the people are

Ζηνὶ φόως ἐρέουσα καὶ ἄλλοις ἀθανάτοισιν·

For guard committed, and whose life stands bound to so much care.

αὐτὰρ ὃ κηρύκεσσι λιγυφθόγγοισι κέλευσε

Now hear me then, Jove's messenger, who, though far off from thee,

κηρύσσειν ἀγορὴν δὲ κάρη κομόωντας Ἀχαιούς·

Is near thee yet in love and care, and gives command by me

οἳ μὲν ἐκήρυσσον, τοὶ δʼ ἠγείροντο μάλʼ ὦκα·

To arm thy whole host. Thy strong hand the broad-way'd town of Troy

βουλὴν δὲ πρῶτον μεγαθύμων ἷζε γερόντων

Shall now take in; no more the Gods dissentiously employ

Νεστορέῃ παρὰ νηῒ Πυλοιγενέος βασιλῆος·

Their high-hous'd pow'rs; Saturnia's suit hath won them all to her;

τοὺς ὅ γε συγκαλέσας πυκινὴν ἀρτύνετο βουλήν·

And ill fates over-hang these tow'rs, address'd by Jupiter.

κλῦτε φίλοι· θεῖός μοι ἐνύπνιον ἦλθεν ὄνειρος

Fix in thy mind this.' This express'd, he took wing and away,

ἀμβροσίην διὰ νύκτα· μάλιστα δὲ Νέστορι δίῳ

And sweet sleep left me. Let us then by all our means assay

εἶδός τε μέγεθός τε φυήν τʼ ἄγχιστα ἐῴκει·

To arm our army; I will first (as far as fits our right)

στῆ δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπὲρ κεφαλῆς καί με πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπεν·

Try their addictions, and command with full-sail'd ships our flight;

εὕδεις Ἀτρέος υἱὲ δαΐφρονος ἱπποδάμοιο·

Which if they yield to, oppose you.” He sate, and up arose

οὐ χρὴ παννύχιον εὕδειν βουληφόρον ἄνδρα,

Nestor, of sandy Pylos king, who, willing to dispose

ᾧ λαοί τʼ ἐπιτετράφαται καὶ τόσσα μέμηλε·

Their counsel to the public good, propos'd this to the state:

νῦν δʼ ἐμέθεν ξύνες ὦκα· Διὸς δέ τοι ἄγγελός εἰμι,

“Princes and Councillors of Greece, if any should relate

ὃς σεῦ ἄνευθεν ἐὼν μέγα κήδεται ἠδʼ ἐλεαίρει·

This vision but the king himself, it might be held a tale,

θωρῆξαί σε κέλευσε κάρη κομόωντας Ἀχαιοὺς

And move the rather our retreat; but since our General

πανσυδίῃ· νῦν γάρ κεν ἕλοις πόλιν εὐρυάγυιαν

Affirms he saw it, hold it true, and all our best means make

Τρώων· οὐ γὰρ ἔτʼ ἀμφὶς Ὀλύμπια δώματʼ ἔχοντες

To arm our army.” This speech us'd, he first the Council brake;

ἀθάνατοι φράζονται· ἐπέγναμψεν γὰρ ἅπαντας

The other sceptre-bearing States arose too, and obey'd

Ἥρη λισσομένη, Τρώεσσι δὲ κήδεʼ ἐφῆπται

The people's Rector. Being abroad, the earth was overlaid

ἐκ Διός· ἀλλὰ σὺ σῇσιν ἔχε φρεσίν· ὣς ὃ μὲν εἰπὼν

With flockers to them, that came forth, as when of frequent bees

ᾤχετʼ ἀποπτάμενος, ἐμὲ δὲ γλυκὺς ὕπνος ἀνῆκεν.

Swarms rise out of a hollow rock, repairing the degrees

ἀλλʼ ἄγετʼ αἴ κέν πως θωρήξομεν υἷας Ἀχαιῶν·

Of their egression endlessly, with ever rising new

πρῶτα δʼ ἐγὼν ἔπεσιν πειρήσομαι, ἣ θέμις ἐστί,

From forth their sweet nest; as their store, still as it faded, grew,

καὶ φεύγειν σὺν νηυσὶ πολυκλήϊσι κελεύσω·

And never would cease sending forth her clusters to the spring,

ὑμεῖς δʼ ἄλλοθεν ἄλλος ἐρητύειν ἐπέεσσιν.

They still crowd out so; this fleck here, that there, belabouring

ἤτοι ὅ γʼ ὣς εἰπὼν κατʼ ἄρʼ ἕζετο, τοῖσι δʼ ἀνέστη

The loaded flow'rs; so from the ships and tents the army's store

Νέστωρ, ὅς ῥα Πύλοιο ἄναξ ἦν ἠμαθόεντος,

Troop'd to these princes and the court, along th' unmeasur'd shore;

ὅ σφιν ἐὺ φρονέων ἀγορήσατο καὶ μετέειπεν·

ὦ φίλοι Ἀργείων ἡγήτορες ἠδὲ μέδοντες

εἰ μέν τις τὸν ὄνειρον Ἀχαιῶν ἄλλος ἔνισπε

ψεῦδός κεν φαῖμεν καὶ νοσφιζοίμεθα μᾶλλον·

νῦν δʼ ἴδεν ὃς μέγʼ ἄριστος Ἀχαιῶν εὔχεται εἶναι·

ἀλλʼ ἄγετʼ αἴ κέν πως θωρήξομεν υἷας Ἀχαιῶν.

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας βουλῆς ἐξῆρχε νέεσθαι,

οἳ δʼ ἐπανέστησαν πείθοντό τε ποιμένι λαῶν

σκηπτοῦχοι βασιλῆες· ἐπεσσεύοντο δὲ λαοί.

ἠΰτε ἔθνεα εἶσι μελισσάων ἁδινάων

Amongst whom, Jove's ambassadress, Fame, in her virtue shin'd,

πέτρης ἐκ γλαφυρῆς αἰεὶ νέον ἐρχομενάων,

Exciting greediness to hear. The rabble, thus inclin'd,

βοτρυδὸν δὲ πέτονται ἐπʼ ἄνθεσιν εἰαρινοῖσιν·

Hurried together; uproar seiz'd the high court; earth did groan

αἳ μέν τʼ ἔνθα ἅλις πεποτήαται, αἳ δέ τε ἔνθα·

Beneath the settling multitude; tumult was there alone.

ὣς τῶν ἔθνεα πολλὰ νεῶν ἄπο καὶ κλισιάων

Thrice-three vocif'rous heralds rose, to check the rout, and get

ἠϊόνος προπάροιθε βαθείης ἐστιχόωντο

Ear to their Jove-kept governors; and instantly was set

ἰλαδὸν εἰς ἀγορήν· μετὰ δέ σφισιν ὄσσα δεδήει

That huge confusion; ev'ry man set fast, the clamour ceas'd.

ὀτρύνουσʼ ἰέναι Διὸς ἄγγελος· οἳ δʼ ἀγέροντο.

Then stood divine Atrides up, and in his hand compress'd

τετρήχει δʼ ἀγορή, ὑπὸ δὲ στεναχίζετο γαῖα

His sceptre, th' elaborate work of fi'ry Mulciber,

λαῶν ἱζόντων, ὅμαδος δʼ ἦν· ἐννέα δέ σφεας

Who gave it to Saturnian Jove; Jove to his messenger;

κήρυκες βοόωντες ἐρήτυον, εἴ ποτʼ ἀϋτῆς

His messenger, Argicides, to Pelops, skill'd in horse;

σχοίατʼ, ἀκούσειαν δὲ διοτρεφέων βασιλήων.

Pelops to Atreus, chief of men; he, dying, gave it course

σπουδῇ δʼ ἕζετο λαός, ἐρήτυθεν δὲ καθʼ ἕδρας

To prince Thyestes, rich in herds; Thyestes to the hand

παυσάμενοι κλαγγῆς· ἀνὰ δὲ κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

Of Agamemnon render'd it, and with it the command

ἔστη σκῆπτρον ἔχων τὸ μὲν Ἥφαιστος κάμε τεύχων.

Of many isles, and Argos all. On this he leaning, said:

Ἥφαιστος μὲν δῶκε Διὶ Κρονίωνι ἄνακτι,

“O friends, great sons of Danaus, servants of Mars, Jove laid

αὐτὰρ ἄρα Ζεὺς δῶκε διακτόρῳ ἀργεϊφόντῃ·

A heavy curse on me, to vow, and bind it with the bent

Ἑρμείας δὲ ἄναξ δῶκεν Πέλοπι πληξίππῳ,

Of his high forehead; that, this Troy of all her people spent,

αὐτὰρ ὃ αὖτε Πέλοψ δῶκʼ Ἀτρέϊ ποιμένι λαῶν,

I should return; yet now to mock our hopes built on his vow,

Ἀτρεὺς δὲ θνῄσκων ἔλιπεν πολύαρνι Θυέστῃ,

And charge ingloriously my flight, when such an overthrow

αὐτὰρ ὃ αὖτε Θυέστʼ Ἀγαμέμνονι λεῖπε φορῆναι,

Of brave friends I have authored. But to his mightiest will

πολλῇσιν νήσοισι καὶ Ἄργεϊ παντὶ ἀνάσσειν.

We must submit us, that hath raz'd, and will be razing still,

τῷ ὅ γʼ ἐρεισάμενος ἔπεʼ Ἀργείοισι μετηύδα·

Men's footsteps from so many towns; because his pow'r is most,

ὦ φίλοι ἥρωες Δαναοὶ θεράποντες Ἄρηος

He will destroy most. But how vile such and so great an host

Ζεύς με μέγα Κρονίδης ἄτῃ ἐνέδησε βαρείῃ,

Will show to future times, that, match'd with lesser numbers far,

σχέτλιος, ὃς πρὶν μέν μοι ὑπέσχετο καὶ κατένευσεν

We fly, not putting on the crown of our so-long-held war,

Ἴλιον ἐκπέρσαντʼ εὐτείχεον ἀπονέεσθαι,

Of which there yet appears no end! Yet should our foes and we

νῦν δὲ κακὴν ἀπάτην βουλεύσατο, καί με κελεύει

Strike truce, and number both our pow'rs; Troy taking all that be

δυσκλέα Ἄργος ἱκέσθαι, ἐπεὶ πολὺν ὤλεσα λαόν.

Her arm'd inhabitants, and we, in tens, should all sit down

οὕτω που Διὶ μέλλει ὑπερμενέϊ φίλον εἶναι,

At our truce banquet, ev'ry ten allow'd one of the town

ὃς δὴ πολλάων πολίων κατέλυσε κάρηνα

To fill his feast-cup; many tens would their attendant want;

ἠδʼ ἔτι καὶ λύσει· τοῦ γὰρ κράτος ἐστὶ μέγιστον.

So much I must affirm our pow'r exceeds th' inhabitant.

αἰσχρὸν γὰρ τόδε γʼ ἐστὶ καὶ ἐσσομένοισι πυθέσθαι

But their auxiliáry bands, those brandishers of spears,

μὰψ οὕτω τοιόνδε τοσόνδε τε λαὸν Ἀχαιῶν

From many cities drawn, are they that are our hinderers,

ἄπρηκτον πόλεμον πολεμίζειν ἠδὲ μάχεσθαι

Not suff'ring well-rais'd Troy to fall. Nine years are ended now,

ἀνδράσι παυροτέροισι, τέλος δʼ οὔ πώ τι πέφανται·

Since Jove our conquest vow'd; and now, our vessels rotten grow,

εἴ περ γάρ κʼ ἐθέλοιμεν Ἀχαιοί τε Τρῶές τε

Our tackling falls; our wives, young sons, sit in their doors and long

ὅρκια πιστὰ ταμόντες ἀριθμηθήμεναι ἄμφω,

For our arrival; yet the work, that should have wreak'd our wrong,

Τρῶας μὲν λέξασθαι ἐφέστιοι ὅσσοι ἔασιν,

And made us welcome, lies unwrought. Come then, as I bid, all

ἡμεῖς δʼ ἐς δεκάδας διακοσμηθεῖμεν Ἀχαιοί,

Obey, and fly to our lov'd home; for now, nor ever, shall

Τρώων δʼ ἄνδρα ἕκαστοι ἑλοίμεθα οἰνοχοεύειν,

Our utmost take-in broad-way'd Troy.” This said, the multitude

πολλαί κεν δεκάδες δευοίατο οἰνοχόοιο.

Was all for home; and all men else that what this would conclude

τόσσον ἐγώ φημι πλέας ἔμμεναι υἷας Ἀχαιῶν

Had not discover'd. All the crowd was shov'd about the shore,

Τρώων, οἳ ναίουσι κατὰ πτόλιν· ἀλλʼ ἐπίκουροι

In sway, like rude and raging waves, rous'd with the fervent blore

πολλέων ἐκ πολίων ἐγχέσπαλοι ἄνδρες ἔασιν,

Of th' east and south winds, when they break from Jove's clouds, and are borne

οἵ με μέγα πλάζουσι καὶ οὐκ εἰῶσʼ ἐθέλοντα

On rough backs of th' Icarian seas: or like a field of corn

Ἰλίου ἐκπέρσαι εὖ ναιόμενον πτολίεθρον.

High grown, that Zephyr's vehement gusts bring eas'ly underneath,

ἐννέα δὴ βεβάασι Διὸς μεγάλου ἐνιαυτοί,

And make the stiff up-bristled ears do homage to his breath;

καὶ δὴ δοῦρα σέσηπε νεῶν καὶ σπάρτα λέλυνται·

For ev'n so eas'ly, with the breath Atrides us'd, was sway'd

αἳ δέ που ἡμέτεραί τʼ ἄλοχοι καὶ νήπια τέκνα

The violent multitude. To fleet with shouts, and disarray'd,

εἵατʼ ἐνὶ μεγάροις ποτιδέγμεναι· ἄμμι δὲ ἔργον

All rush'd; and, with a fog of dust, their rude feet dimm'd the day;

αὔτως ἀκράαντον οὗ εἵνεκα δεῦρʼ ἱκόμεσθα.

Each cried to other, “Cleanse our ships, come, launch, aboard, away.”

ἀλλʼ ἄγεθʼ ὡς ἂν ἐγὼ εἴπω πειθώμεθα πάντες·

The clamour of the runners home reach'd heav'n; and then, past fate,

φεύγωμεν σὺν νηυσὶ φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν·

The Greeks had left Troy, had not then the Goddess of estate

οὐ γὰρ ἔτι Τροίην αἱρήσομεν εὐρυάγυιαν.

Thus spoke to Pallas: “O foul shame, thou untam'd seed of Jove,

ὣς φάτο, τοῖσι δὲ θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ὄρινε

Shall thus the sea's broad back be charg'd with these our friends' remove,

πᾶσι μετὰ πληθὺν ὅσοι οὐ βουλῆς ἐπάκουσαν·

Thus leaving Argive Helen here, thus Priam grac'd, thus Troy,

κινήθη δʼ ἀγορὴ φὴ κύματα μακρὰ θαλάσσης

In whose fields, far from their lov'd own, for Helen's sake, the joy

πόντου Ἰκαρίοιο, τὰ μέν τʼ Εὖρός τε Νότος τε

And life of so much Grecian birth is vanish'd? Take thy way

ὤρορʼ ἐπαΐξας πατρὸς Διὸς ἐκ νεφελάων.

T' our brass-arm'd people, speak them fair, let not a man obey

ὡς δʼ ὅτε κινήσῃ Ζέφυρος βαθὺ λήϊον ἐλθὼν

The charge now giv'n, nor launch one ship.” She said, and Pallas did

λάβρος ἐπαιγίζων, ἐπί τʼ ἠμύει ἀσταχύεσσιν,

As she commanded; from the tops of heav'n's steep hill she slid,

ὣς τῶν πᾶσʼ ἀγορὴ κινήθη· τοὶ δʼ ἀλαλητῷ

And straight the Greeks' swift ships she reach'd; Ulysses (like to Jove

νῆας ἔπʼ ἐσσεύοντο, ποδῶν δʼ ὑπένερθε κονίη

In gifts of counsel) she found out; who to that base remove

ἵστατʼ ἀειρομένη· τοὶ δʼ ἀλλήλοισι κέλευον

Stirr'd not a foot, nor touch'd a ship, but griev'd at heart to see

ἅπτεσθαι νηῶν ἠδʼ ἑλκέμεν εἰς ἅλα δῖαν,

That fault in others. To him close the blue-eyed Deity

οὐρούς τʼ ἐξεκάθαιρον· ἀϋτὴ δʼ οὐρανὸν ἷκεν

Made way, and said: “Thou wisest Greek, divine Laertes' son,

οἴκαδε ἱεμένων· ὑπὸ δʼ ᾕρεον ἕρματα νηῶν.

Thus fly ye homewards to your ships? Shall all thus headlong run?

ἔνθά κεν Ἀργείοισιν ὑπέρμορα νόστος ἐτύχθη

Glory to Priam thus ye leave, glory to all his friends,

εἰ μὴ Ἀθηναίην Ἥρη πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπεν·

If thus ye leave her here, for whom so many violent ends

ὢ πόποι αἰγιόχοιο Διὸς τέκος Ἀτρυτώνη,

Have clos'd your Greek eyes, and so far from their so loved home.

οὕτω δὴ οἶκον δὲ φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν

Go to these people, use no stay, with fair terms overcome

Ἀργεῖοι φεύξονται ἐπʼ εὐρέα νῶτα θαλάσσης,

Their foul endeavour, not a man a flying sail let hoice.”

κὰδ δέ κεν εὐχωλὴν Πριάμῳ καὶ Τρωσὶ λίποιεν

Thus spake she; and Ulysses knew 'twas Pallas by her voice,

Ἀργείην Ἑλένην, ἧς εἵνεκα πολλοὶ Ἀχαιῶν

Ran to the runners, cast from him his mantle, which his man

ἐν Τροίῃ ἀπόλοντο φίλης ἀπὸ πατρίδος αἴης·

And herald, grave Eurybates, the Ithacensian

ἀλλʼ ἴθι νῦν κατὰ λαὸν Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων·

That follow'd him, took up. Himself to Agamemnon went,

σοῖς ἀγανοῖς ἐπέεσσιν ἐρήτυε φῶτα ἕκαστον,

His incorrupted sceptre took, his sceptre of descent,

μηδὲ ἔα νῆας ἅλα δʼ ἑλκέμεν ἀμφιελίσσας.

And with it went about the fleet. What prince, or man of name,

ὣς ἔφατʼ, οὐδʼ ἀπίθησε θεὰ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη,

βῆ δὲ κατʼ Οὐλύμποιο καρήνων ἀΐξασα·

καρπαλίμως δʼ ἵκανε θοὰς ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν.

εὗρεν ἔπειτʼ Ὀδυσῆα Διὶ μῆτιν ἀτάλαντον

ἑσταότʼ· οὐδʼ ὅ γε νηὸς ἐϋσσέλμοιο μελαίνης

ἅπτετʼ, ἐπεί μιν ἄχος κραδίην καὶ θυμὸν ἵκανεν·

ἀγχοῦ δʼ ἱσταμένη προσέφη γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη·

διογενὲς Λαερτιάδη πολυμήχανʼ Ὀδυσσεῦ,

οὕτω δὴ οἶκον δὲ φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν

φεύξεσθʼ ἐν νήεσσι πολυκλήϊσι πεσόντες,

He found flight-giv'n, he would restrain with words of gentlest blame:

κὰδ δέ κεν εὐχωλὴν Πριάμῳ καὶ Τρωσὶ λίποιτε

“Good sir, it fits not you to fly, or fare as one afraid,

Ἀργείην Ἑλένην, ἧς εἵνεκα πολλοὶ Ἀχαιῶν

You should not only stay yourself, but see the people staid.

ἐν Τροίῃ ἀπόλοντο φίλης ἀπὸ πατρίδος αἴης;

You know not clearly, though you heard the king's words, yet his mind;

ἀλλʼ ἴθι νῦν κατὰ λαὸν Ἀχαιῶν, μηδʼ ἔτʼ ἐρώει,

He only tries men's spirits now, and, whom his trials find

σοῖς δʼ ἀγανοῖς ἐπέεσσιν ἐρήτυε φῶτα ἕκαστον,

Apt to this course, he will chastise, Nor you, nor I, heard all

μηδὲ ἔα νῆας ἅλα δʼ ἑλκέμεν ἀμφιελίσσας.

He spake in council; nor durst press too near our General,

ὣς φάθʼ, ὃ δὲ ξυνέηκε θεᾶς ὄπα φωνησάσης,

Lest we incens'd him to our hurt. The anger of a king

βῆ δὲ θέειν, ἀπὸ δὲ χλαῖναν βάλε· τὴν δὲ κόμισσε

Is mighty; he is kept of Jove, and from Jove likewise spring

κῆρυξ Εὐρυβάτης Ἰθακήσιος ὅς οἱ ὀπήδει·

His honours, which, out of the love of wise Jove, he enjoys.”

αὐτὸς δʼ Ἀτρεΐδεω Ἀγαμέμνονος ἀντίος ἐλθὼν

Thus he the best sort us'd; the worst, whose spirits brake out in noise,

δέξατό οἱ σκῆπτρον πατρώϊον ἄφθιτον αἰεί·

He cudgell'd with his sceptre, chid, and said: “Stay, wretch, be still,

σὺν τῷ ἔβη κατὰ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων.

And hear thy betters; thou art base, and both in pow'r and skill

ὅν τινα μὲν βασιλῆα καὶ ἔξοχον ἄνδρα κιχείη

Poor and unworthy, without name in council or in war.

τὸν δʼ ἀγανοῖς ἐπέεσσιν ἐρητύσασκε παραστάς·

We must not all be kings. The rule is most irregular,

δαιμόνιʼ οὔ σε ἔοικε κακὸν ὣς δειδίσσεσθαι,

Where many rule. One lord, one king, propose to thee; and he,

ἀλλʼ αὐτός τε κάθησο καὶ ἄλλους ἵδρυε λαούς·

To whom wise Saturn's son, hath giv'n both law and empery

οὐ γάρ πω σάφα οἶσθʼ οἷος νόος Ἀτρεΐωνος·

To rule the public, is that king.” Thus ruling, he restrain'd

νῦν μὲν πειρᾶται, τάχα δʼ ἴψεται υἷας Ἀχαιῶν.

The host from flight; and then again the Council was maintain'd

ἐν βουλῇ δʼ οὐ πάντες ἀκούσαμεν οἷον ἔειπε.

With such a concourse, that the shore rung with the tumult made;

μή τι χολωσάμενος ῥέξῃ κακὸν υἷας Ἀχαιῶν·

As when the far-resounding sea doth in its rage invade

θυμὸς δὲ μέγας ἐστὶ διοτρεφέων βασιλήων,

His sandy confines, whose sides groan with his involvéd wave,

τιμὴ δʼ ἐκ Διός ἐστι, φιλεῖ δέ ἑ μητίετα Ζεύς.

And make his own breast echo sighs. All sate, and audience gave.

ὃν δʼ αὖ δήμου τʼ ἄνδρα ἴδοι βοόωντά τʼ ἐφεύροι,

Thersites only would speak all. A most disorder'd store

τὸν σκήπτρῳ ἐλάσασκεν ὁμοκλήσασκέ τε μύθῳ·

Of words he foolishly pour'd out, of which his mind held more

δαιμόνιʼ ἀτρέμας ἧσο καὶ ἄλλων μῦθον ἄκουε,

Than it could manage; any thing, with which he could procure

οἳ σέο φέρτεροί εἰσι, σὺ δʼ ἀπτόλεμος καὶ ἄναλκις

Laughter, he never could contain. He should have yet been sure

οὔτέ ποτʼ ἐν πολέμῳ ἐναρίθμιος οὔτʼ ἐνὶ βουλῇ·

To touch no kings; t' oppose their states becomes not jesters' parts.

οὐ μέν πως πάντες βασιλεύσομεν ἐνθάδʼ Ἀχαιοί·

But he the filthiest fellow was of all that had deserts

οὐκ ἀγαθὸν πολυκοιρανίη· εἷς κοίρανος ἔστω,

In Troy's brave siege; he was squint-ey'd, and lame of either foot;

εἷς βασιλεύς, ᾧ δῶκε Κρόνου πάϊς ἀγκυλομήτεω

So crook-back'd, that he had no breast; sharp-headed, where did shoot

σκῆπτρόν τʼ ἠδὲ θέμιστας, ἵνά σφισι βουλεύῃσι.

(Here and there spers'd) thin mossy hair. He most of all envíed

ὣς ὅ γε κοιρανέων δίεπε στρατόν· οἳ δʼ ἀγορὴν δὲ

Ulysses and Æacides, whom still his spleen would chide.

αὖτις ἐπεσσεύοντο νεῶν ἄπο καὶ κλισιάων

Nor could the sacred King himself avoid his saucy vein;

ἠχῇ, ὡς ὅτε κῦμα πολυφλοίσβοιο θαλάσσης

Against whom since he knew the Greeks did vehement hates sustain,

αἰγιαλῷ μεγάλῳ βρέμεται, σμαραγεῖ δέ τε πόντος.

Being angry for Achilles' wrong, he cried out, railing thus:

ἄλλοι μέν ῥʼ ἕζοντο, ἐρήτυθεν δὲ καθʼ ἕδρας·

“Atrides, why complain'st thou now? What would'st thou more of us?

Θερσίτης δʼ ἔτι μοῦνος ἀμετροεπὴς ἐκολῴα,

Thy tents are full of brass; and dames, the choice of all, are thine,

ὃς ἔπεα φρεσὶν ᾗσιν ἄκοσμά τε πολλά τε ᾔδη

With whom we must present thee first, when any towns resign

μάψ, ἀτὰρ οὐ κατὰ κόσμον, ἐριζέμεναι βασιλεῦσιν,

To our invasion. Want'st thou then, besides all this, more gold

ἀλλʼ ὅ τι οἱ εἴσαιτο γελοίϊον Ἀργείοισιν

From Troy's knights to redeem their sons, whom to be dearly sold

ἔμμεναι· αἴσχιστος δὲ ἀνὴρ ὑπὸ Ἴλιον ἦλθε·

I or some other Greek must take? Or would'st thou yet again

φολκὸς ἔην, χωλὸς δʼ ἕτερον πόδα· τὼ δέ οἱ ὤμω

Force from some other lord his prise, to soothe the lusts that reign

κυρτὼ ἐπὶ στῆθος συνοχωκότε· αὐτὰρ ὕπερθε

In thy encroaching appetite? It fits no prince to be

φοξὸς ἔην κεφαλήν, ψεδνὴ δʼ ἐπενήνοθε λάχνη.

A prince of ill, and govern us, or lead our progeny

ἔχθιστος δʼ Ἀχιλῆϊ μάλιστʼ ἦν ἠδʼ Ὀδυσῆϊ·

By rape to ruin. O base Greeks, deserving infamy,

τὼ γὰρ νεικείεσκε· τότʼ αὖτʼ Ἀγαμέμνονι δίῳ

And ills eternal! Greekish girls, not Greeks, ye are! Come, fly

ὀξέα κεκλήγων λέγʼ ὀνείδεα· τῷ δʼ ἄρʼ Ἀχαιοὶ

Home with our ships; leave this man here to perish with his preys,

ἐκπάγλως κοτέοντο νεμέσσηθέν τʼ ἐνὶ θυμῷ.

And try if we help'd him or not; he wrong'd a man that weighs

αὐτὰρ ὃ μακρὰ βοῶν Ἀγαμέμνονα νείκεε μύθῳ·

Far more than he himself in worth; he forc'd from Thetis' son,

Ἀτρεΐδη τέο δʼ αὖτʼ ἐπιμέμφεαι ἠδὲ χατίζεις;

And keeps his prise still. Nor think I that mighty man hath won

πλεῖαί τοι χαλκοῦ κλισίαι, πολλαὶ δὲ γυναῖκες

The style of wrathful worthily; he's soft, he's too remiss;

εἰσὶν ἐνὶ κλισίῃς ἐξαίρετοι, ἅς τοι Ἀχαιοὶ

Or else, Atrides, his had been thy last of injuries.”

πρωτίστῳ δίδομεν εὖτʼ ἂν πτολίεθρον ἕλωμεν.

Thus he the people's Pastor chid; but straight stood up to him

ἦ ἔτι καὶ χρυσοῦ ἐπιδεύεαι, ὅν κέ τις οἴσει

Divine Ulysses, who, with looks exceeding grave and grim,

Τρώων ἱπποδάμων ἐξ Ἰλίου υἷος ἄποινα,

This bitter check gave: “Cease, vain fool, to vent thy railing vein

ὅν κεν ἐγὼ δήσας ἀγάγω ἢ ἄλλος Ἀχαιῶν,

On kings thus, though it serve thee well; nor think thou canst restrain,

ἠὲ γυναῖκα νέην, ἵνα μίσγεαι ἐν φιλότητι,

With that thy railing faculty, their wills in least degree;

ἥν τʼ αὐτὸς ἀπονόσφι κατίσχεαι; οὐ μὲν ἔοικεν

For not a worse, of all this host, came with our King than thee,

ἀρχὸν ἐόντα κακῶν ἐπιβασκέμεν υἷας Ἀχαιῶν.

To Troy's great siege; then do not take into that mouth of thine

ὦ πέπονες κάκʼ ἐλέγχεʼ Ἀχαιΐδες οὐκέτʼ Ἀχαιοὶ

The names of kings, much less revile the dignities that shine

οἴκαδέ περ σὺν νηυσὶ νεώμεθα, τόνδε δʼ ἐῶμεν

In their supreme states, wresting thus this motion for our home,

αὐτοῦ ἐνὶ Τροίῃ γέρα πεσσέμεν, ὄφρα ἴδηται

To soothe thy cowardice; since ourselves yet know not what will come

ἤ ῥά τί οἱ χἠμεῖς προσαμύνομεν ἦε καὶ οὐκί·

Of these designments, if it be our good to stay, or go.

ὃς καὶ νῦν Ἀχιλῆα ἕο μέγʼ ἀμείνονα φῶτα

Nor is it that thou stand'st on; thou revil'st our Gen'ral so,

ἠτίμησεν· ἑλὼν γὰρ ἔχει γέρας αὐτὸς ἀπούρας.

Only because he hath so much, not giv'n by such as thou

ἀλλὰ μάλʼ οὐκ Ἀχιλῆϊ χόλος φρεσίν, ἀλλὰ μεθήμων·

But our heroës. Therefore this thy rude vein makes me vow

ἦ γὰρ ἂν Ἀτρεΐδη νῦν ὕστατα λωβήσαιο·

(Which shall be curiously observ'd) if ever I shall hear

ὣς φάτο νεικείων Ἀγαμέμνονα ποιμένα λαῶν,

This madness from thy mouth again, let not Ulysses bear

Θερσίτης· τῷ δʼ ὦκα παρίστατο δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς,

This head, nor be the father call'd of young Telemachus,

καί μιν ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν χαλεπῷ ἠνίπαπε μύθῳ·

If to thy nakedness I take and strip thee not, and thus

Θερσῖτʼ ἀκριτόμυθε, λιγύς περ ἐὼν ἀγορητής,

Whip thee to fleet from council; send, with sharp stripes, weeping hence

ἴσχεο, μηδʼ ἔθελʼ οἶος ἐριζέμεναι βασιλεῦσιν·

This glory thou affect'st to rail.” This said, his insolence

οὐ γὰρ ἐγὼ σέο φημὶ χερειότερον βροτὸν ἄλλον

He settled with his sceptre; strook his back and shoulders so

ἔμμεναι, ὅσσοι ἅμʼ Ἀτρεΐδῃς ὑπὸ Ἴλιον ἦλθον.

That bloody wales rose. He shrunk round; and from his eyes did flow

τὼ οὐκ ἂν βασιλῆας ἀνὰ στόμʼ ἔχων ἀγορεύοις,

Moist tears, and, looking filthily, he sate, fear'd, smarted, dried

καί σφιν ὀνείδεά τε προφέροις, νόστόν τε φυλάσσοις.

His blubber'd cheeks; and all the prease, though griev'd to be denied

οὐδέ τί πω σάφα ἴδμεν ὅπως ἔσται τάδε ἔργα,

Their wish'd retreat for home, yet laugh'd delightsomely, and spake

ἢ εὖ ἦε κακῶς νοστήσομεν υἷες Ἀχαιῶν.

Either to other: “O ye Gods, how infinitely take

τὼ νῦν Ἀτρεΐδῃ Ἀγαμέμνονι ποιμένι λαῶν

ἧσαι ὀνειδίζων, ὅτι οἱ μάλα πολλὰ διδοῦσιν

ἥρωες Δαναοί· σὺ δὲ κερτομέων ἀγορεύεις.

ἀλλʼ ἔκ τοι ἐρέω, τὸ δὲ καὶ τετελεσμένον ἔσται·

εἴ κʼ ἔτι σʼ ἀφραίνοντα κιχήσομαι ὥς νύ περ ὧδε,

μηκέτʼ ἔπειτʼ Ὀδυσῆϊ κάρη ὤμοισιν ἐπείη,

μηδʼ ἔτι Τηλεμάχοιο πατὴρ κεκλημένος εἴην,

εἰ μὴ ἐγώ σε λαβὼν ἀπὸ μὲν φίλα εἵματα δύσω,

χλαῖνάν τʼ ἠδὲ χιτῶνα, τά τʼ αἰδῶ ἀμφικαλύπτει,

αὐτὸν δὲ κλαίοντα θοὰς ἐπὶ νῆας ἀφήσω

Ulysses' virtues in our good! Author of counsels, great

πεπλήγων ἀγορῆθεν ἀεικέσσι πληγῇσιν.

In ord'ring armies, how most well this act became his heat,

ὣς ἄρʼ ἔφη, σκήπτρῳ δὲ μετάφρενον ἠδὲ καὶ ὤμω

To beat from council this rude fool! I think his saucy spirit,

πλῆξεν· ὃ δʼ ἰδνώθη, θαλερὸν δέ οἱ ἔκπεσε δάκρυ·

Hereafter, will not let his tongue abuse the sov'reign merit,

σμῶδιξ δʼ αἱματόεσσα μεταφρένου ἐξυπανέστη

Exempt from such base tongues as his.” Thus spake the people; then

σκήπτρου ὕπο χρυσέου· ὃ δʼ ἄρʼ ἕζετο τάρβησέν τε,

The city-razer Ithacus stood up to speak again,

ἀλγήσας δʼ ἀχρεῖον ἰδὼν ἀπομόρξατο δάκρυ.

Holding his sceptre. Close to him gray-eyed Minerva stood,

οἳ δὲ καὶ ἀχνύμενοί περ ἐπʼ αὐτῷ ἡδὺ γέλασσαν·

And, like a herald, silence caus'd, that all the Achive brood

ὧδε δέ τις εἴπεσκεν ἰδὼν ἐς πλησίον ἄλλον·

(From first to last) might hear and know the counsel; when, inclin'd

ὢ πόποι ἦ δὴ μυρίʼ Ὀδυσσεὺς ἐσθλὰ ἔοργε

To all their good, Ulysses said: “Atrides, now I find

βουλάς τʼ ἐξάρχων ἀγαθὰς πόλεμόν τε κορύσσων·

These men would render thee the shame of all men; nor would pay

νῦν δὲ τόδε μέγʼ ἄριστον ἐν Ἀργείοισιν ἔρεξεν,

Their own vows to thee, when they took their free and honour'd way

ὃς τὸν λωβητῆρα ἐπεσβόλον ἔσχʼ ἀγοράων.

From Argos hither, that, till Troy were by their brave hands rac'd,

οὔ θήν μιν πάλιν αὖτις ἀνήσει θυμὸς ἀγήνωρ

They would not turn home. Yet, like babes, and widows, now they haste

νεικείειν βασιλῆας ὀνειδείοις ἐπέεσσιν.

To that base refuge, 'Tis a spite to see men melted so

ὣς φάσαν ἣ πληθύς· ἀνὰ δʼ ὃ πτολίπορθος Ὀδυσσεὺς

In womanish changes; though 'tis true, that if a man do go

ἔστη σκῆπτρον ἔχων· παρὰ δὲ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη

Only a month to sea, and leave his wife far off, and he,

εἰδομένη κήρυκι σιωπᾶν λαὸν ἀνώγει,

Tortur'd with winter's storms, and toss'd with a tumultuous sea,

ὡς ἅμα θʼ οἳ πρῶτοί τε καὶ ὕστατοι υἷες Ἀχαιῶν

Grows heavy, and would home. Us then, to whom the thrice-three year

μῦθον ἀκούσειαν καὶ ἐπιφρασσαίατο βουλήν·

Hath fill'd his revoluble orb since our arrival here,

ὅ σφιν ἐὺ φρονέων ἀγορήσατο καὶ μετέειπεν·

I blame not to wish home much more; yet all this time to stay,

Ἀτρεΐδη νῦν δή σε ἄναξ ἐθέλουσιν Ἀχαιοὶ

Out of our judgments, for our end; and now to take our way

πᾶσιν ἐλέγχιστον θέμεναι μερόπεσσι βροτοῖσιν,

Without it, were absurd and vile. Sustain then, friends; abide

οὐδέ τοι ἐκτελέουσιν ὑπόσχεσιν ἥν περ ὑπέσταν

The time set to our object; try if Calchas prophesied

ἐνθάδʼ ἔτι στείχοντες ἀπʼ Ἄργεος ἱπποβότοιο

True of the time or not. We know, ye all can witness well,

Ἴλιον ἐκπέρσαντʼ εὐτείχεον ἀπονέεσθαι.

(Whom these late death-conferring fates have fail'd to send to hell)

ὥς τε γὰρ ἢ παῖδες νεαροὶ χῆραί τε γυναῖκες

That when in Aulis, all our fleet, assembled with a freight

ἀλλήλοισιν ὀδύρονται οἶκον δὲ νέεσθαι.

Of ills to Ilion and her friends, beneath the fair grown height

ἦ μὴν καὶ πόνος ἐστὶν ἀνιηθέντα νέεσθαι·

A platane bore, about a fount, whence crystal water flow'd,

καὶ γάρ τίς θʼ ἕνα μῆνα μένων ἀπὸ ἧς ἀλόχοιο

And near our holy altar, we upon the Gods bestow'd

ἀσχαλάᾳ σὺν νηῒ πολυζύγῳ, ὅν περ ἄελλαι

Accomplish'd hecatombs; and there appear'd a huge portent,

χειμέριαι εἰλέωσιν ὀρινομένη τε θάλασσα·

A dragon with a bloody scale, horrid to sight, and sent

ἡμῖν δʼ εἴνατός ἐστι περιτροπέων ἐνιαυτὸς

To light by great Olympius; which, crawling from beneath

ἐνθάδε μιμνόντεσσι· τὼ οὐ νεμεσίζομʼ Ἀχαιοὺς

The altar, to the platane climb'd, and ruthless crash'd to death

ἀσχαλάαν παρὰ νηυσὶ κορωνίσιν· ἀλλὰ καὶ ἔμπης

A sparrow's young, in number eight, that in a top-bough lay

αἰσχρόν τοι δηρόν τε μένειν κενεόν τε νέεσθαι.

Hid under leaves; the dam the ninth, that hover'd every way,

τλῆτε φίλοι, καὶ μείνατʼ ἐπὶ χρόνον ὄφρα δαῶμεν

Mourning her lov'd birth, till at length, the serpent, watching her,

ἢ ἐτεὸν Κάλχας μαντεύεται ἦε καὶ οὐκί.

Her wing caught, and devour'd her too. This dragon, Jupiter,

εὖ γὰρ δὴ τόδε ἴδμεν ἐνὶ φρεσίν, ἐστὲ δὲ πάντες

That brought him forth, turn'd to a stone, and made a pow'rful mean

μάρτυροι, οὓς μὴ κῆρες ἔβαν θανάτοιο φέρουσαι·

To stir our zeals up, that admir'd, when of a fact so clean

χθιζά τε καὶ πρωΐζʼ ὅτʼ ἐς Αὐλίδα νῆες Ἀχαιῶν

Of all ill as our sacrifice, so fearful an ostent

ἠγερέθοντο κακὰ Πριάμῳ καὶ Τρωσὶ φέρουσαι,

Should be the issue. Calchas, then, thus prophesied th' event

ἡμεῖς δʼ ἀμφὶ περὶ κρήνην ἱεροὺς κατὰ βωμοὺς

'Why are ye dumb-strook, fair-hair'd Greeks? Wise Jove is he hath shown

ἕρδομεν ἀθανάτοισι τεληέσσας ἑκατόμβας

This strange ostent to us. 'Twas late, and passing lately done,

καλῇ ὑπὸ πλατανίστῳ ὅθεν ῥέεν ἀγλαὸν ὕδωρ·

But that grace it foregoes to us, for suff'ring all the state

ἔνθʼ ἐφάνη μέγα σῆμα· δράκων ἐπὶ νῶτα δαφοινὸς

Of his appearance (being so slow) nor time shall end, nor fate.

σμερδαλέος, τόν ῥʼ αὐτὸς Ὀλύμπιος ἧκε φόως δέ,

As these eight sparrows, and the dam (that made the ninth) were eat

βωμοῦ ὑπαΐξας πρός ῥα πλατάνιστον ὄρουσεν.

By this stern serpent; so nine years we are t' endure the heat

ἔνθα δʼ ἔσαν στρουθοῖο νεοσσοί, νήπια τέκνα,

Of rav'nous war, and, in the tenth, take-in this broad-way'd town.'

ὄζῳ ἐπʼ ἀκροτάτῳ πετάλοις ὑποπεπτηῶτες

Thus he interpreted this sign; and all things have their crown

ὀκτώ, ἀτὰρ μήτηρ ἐνάτη ἦν ἣ τέκε τέκνα·

As he interpreted, till now. The rest, then, to succeed

ἔνθʼ ὅ γε τοὺς ἐλεεινὰ κατήσθιε τετριγῶτας·

Believe as certain. Stay we all, till, that most glorious deed

μήτηρ δʼ ἀμφεποτᾶτο ὀδυρομένη φίλα τέκνα·

Of taking this rich town, our hands are honour'd with.” This said,

τὴν δʼ ἐλελιξάμενος πτέρυγος λάβεν ἀμφιαχυῖαν.

The Greeks gave an unmeasur'd shout; which back the ships repaid

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ κατὰ τέκνα φάγε στρουθοῖο καὶ αὐτήν,

With terrible echoes, in applause of that persuasion

τὸν μὲν ἀρίζηλον θῆκεν θεὸς ὅς περ ἔφηνε·

Divine Ulysses us'd; which yet held no comparison

λᾶαν γάρ μιν ἔθηκε Κρόνου πάϊς ἀγκυλομήτεω·

With Nestor's next speech, which was this: “O shameful thing! Ye talk

ἡμεῖς δʼ ἑσταότες θαυμάζομεν οἷον ἐτύχθη.

Like children all, that know not war. In what air's region walk

ὡς οὖν δεινὰ πέλωρα θεῶν εἰσῆλθʼ ἑκατόμβας,

Our oaths, and cov'nants? Now, I see the fit respects of men

Κάλχας δʼ αὐτίκʼ ἔπειτα θεοπροπέων ἀγόρευε·

Are vanish'd quite; our right hands giv'n, our faiths, our counsels vain,

τίπτʼ ἄνεῳ ἐγένεσθε κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοί;

Our sacrifice with wine, all fled in that profanéd flame

ἡμῖν μὲν τόδʼ ἔφηνε τέρας μέγα μητίετα Ζεὺς

We made to bind all; for thus still we vain persuasions frame,

ὄψιμον ὀψιτέλεστον, ὅου κλέος οὔ ποτʼ ὀλεῖται.

And strive to work our end with words, not joining stratagemes

ὡς οὗτος κατὰ τέκνα φάγε στρουθοῖο καὶ αὐτὴν

And hands together, though, thus long, the pow'r of our extremes

ὀκτώ, ἀτὰρ μήτηρ ἐνάτη ἦν ἣ τέκε τέκνα,

Hath urg'd us to them. Atreus' son, firm as at first hour stand!

ὣς ἡμεῖς τοσσαῦτʼ ἔτεα πτολεμίξομεν αὖθι,

Make good thy purpose; talk no more in councils, but command

τῷ δεκάτῳ δὲ πόλιν αἱρήσομεν εὐρυάγυιαν.

In active field. Let two or three, that by themselves advise,

κεῖνος τὼς ἀγόρευε· τὰ δὴ νῦν πάντα τελεῖται.

Faint in their crowning; they are such as are not truly wise;

ἀλλʼ ἄγε μίμνετε πάντες ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοὶ

They will for Argos, ere they knew if that which Jove hath said

αὐτοῦ εἰς ὅ κεν ἄστυ μέγα Πριάμοιο ἕλωμεν.

Be false or true. I tell them all, that high Jove bow'd his head,

ὣς ἔφατʼ, Ἀργεῖοι δὲ μέγʼ ἴαχον, ἀμφὶ δὲ νῆες

As first we went aboard our fleet, for sign we should confer

σμερδαλέον κονάβησαν ἀϋσάντων ὑπʼ Ἀχαιῶν,

These Trojans their due fate and death; almighty Jupiter

μῦθον ἐπαινήσαντες Ὀδυσσῆος θείοιο·

All that day darting forth his flames, in an unmeasur'd light,

τοῖσι δὲ καὶ μετέειπε Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ·

On our right hand. Let therefore none once dream of coward flight,

ὦ πόποι ἦ δὴ παισὶν ἐοικότες ἀγοράασθε

Till (for his own) some wife of Troy he sleeps withal, the rape

νηπιάχοις οἷς οὔ τι μέλει πολεμήϊα ἔργα.

Of Helen wreaking, and our sighs enforc'd for her escape.

πῇ δὴ συνθεσίαι τε καὶ ὅρκια βήσεται ἥμιν;

If any yet dare dote on home, let his dishonour'd haste

ἐν πυρὶ δὴ βουλαί τε γενοίατο μήδεά τʼ ἀνδρῶν

His black and well-built bark but touch, that (as he first disgrac'd

σπονδαί τʼ ἄκρητοι καὶ δεξιαί, ᾗς ἐπέπιθμεν·

αὔτως γὰρ ἐπέεσσʼ ἐριδαίνομεν, οὐδέ τι μῆχος

εὑρέμεναι δυνάμεσθα, πολὺν χρόνον ἐνθάδʼ ἐόντες.

Ἀτρεΐδη σὺ δʼ ἔθʼ ὡς πρὶν ἔχων ἀστεμφέα βουλὴν

ἄρχευʼ Ἀργείοισι κατὰ κρατερὰς ὑσμίνας,

τούσδε δʼ ἔα φθινύθειν ἕνα καὶ δύο, τοί κεν Ἀχαιῶν

νόσφιν βουλεύωσʼ· ἄνυσις δʼ οὐκ ἔσσεται αὐτῶν·

πρὶν Ἄργος δʼ ἰέναι πρὶν καὶ Διὸς αἰγιόχοιο

γνώμεναι εἴ τε ψεῦδος ὑπόσχεσις εἴ τε καὶ οὐκί.

φημὶ γὰρ οὖν κατανεῦσαι ὑπερμενέα Κρονίωνα

His country's spirit) fate, and death, may first his spirit let go.

ἤματι τῷ ὅτε νηυσὶν ἐν ὠκυπόροισιν ἔβαινον

But be thou wise, king, do not trust thyself, but others. Know

Ἀργεῖοι Τρώεσσι φόνον καὶ κῆρα φέροντες

I will not use an abject word. See all thy men array'd

ἀστράπτων ἐπιδέξιʼ ἐναίσιμα σήματα φαίνων.

In tribes and nations, that tribes tribes, nations may nations, aid.

τὼ μή τις πρὶν ἐπειγέσθω οἶκον δὲ νέεσθαι

Which doing, thou shalt know what chiefs, what soldiers, play the men,

πρίν τινα πὰρ Τρώων ἀλόχῳ κατακοιμηθῆναι,

And what the cowards; for they all will fight in sev'ral then,

τίσασθαι δʼ Ἑλένης ὁρμήματά τε στοναχάς τε.

Easy for note. And then shalt thou, if thou destroy'st not Troy,

εἰ δέ τις ἐκπάγλως ἐθέλει οἶκον δὲ νέεσθαι

Know if the prophecy's defect, or men thou dost employ

ἁπτέσθω ἧς νηὸς ἐϋσσέλμοιο μελαίνης,

In their approv'd arts want in war, or lack of that brave heat

ὄφρα πρόσθʼ ἄλλων θάνατον καὶ πότμον ἐπίσπῃ.

Fit for the vent'rous spirits of Greece, was cause to thy defeat.”

ἀλλὰ ἄναξ αὐτός τʼ εὖ μήδεο πείθεό τʼ ἄλλῳ·

To this the king of men replied: “O father, all the sons

οὔ τοι ἀπόβλητον ἔπος ἔσσεται ὅττί κεν εἴπω·

Of Greece thou conquer'st in the strife of consultations.

κρῖνʼ ἄνδρας κατὰ φῦλα κατὰ φρήτρας Ἀγάμεμνον,

I would to Jove, Athenia, and Phœbus, I could make,

ὡς φρήτρη φρήτρηφιν ἀρήγῃ, φῦλα δὲ φύλοις.

Of all, but ten such counsellors; then instantly would shake

εἰ δέ κεν ὣς ἕρξῃς καί τοι πείθωνται Ἀχαιοί,

King Priam's city, by our hands laid hold on and laid waste.

γνώσῃ ἔπειθʼ ὅς θʼ ἡγεμόνων κακὸς ὅς τέ νυ λαῶν

But Jove hath order'd I should grieve, and to that end hath cast

ἠδʼ ὅς κʼ ἐσθλὸς ἔῃσι· κατὰ σφέας γὰρ μαχέονται.

My life into debates past end. Myself, and Thetis' son,

γνώσεαι δʼ εἰ καὶ θεσπεσίῃ πόλιν οὐκ ἀλαπάξεις,

Like girls, in words fought for a girl, and I th' offence begun.

ἦ ἀνδρῶν κακότητι καὶ ἀφραδίῃ πολέμοιο.

But if we ever talk as friends, Troy's thus deferréd fall

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων·

Shall never vex us more one hour. Come then, to victuals all,

ἦ μὰν αὖτʼ ἀγορῇ νικᾷς γέρον υἷας Ἀχαιῶν.

That strong Mars all may bring to field. Each man his lance's steel

αἲ γὰρ Ζεῦ τε πάτερ καὶ Ἀθηναίη καὶ Ἄπολλον

See sharpen'd well, his shield well lin'd, his horses meated well,

τοιοῦτοι δέκα μοι συμφράδμονες εἶεν Ἀχαιῶν·

His chariot carefully made strong, that these affairs of death

τώ κε τάχʼ ἠμύσειε πόλις Πριάμοιο ἄνακτος

We all day may hold fiercely out. No man must rest, or breath;

χερσὶν ὑφʼ ἡμετέρῃσιν ἁλοῦσά τε περθομένη τε.

The bosoms of our targeteers must all be steeped in sweat;

ἀλλά μοι αἰγίοχος Κρονίδης Ζεὺς ἄλγεʼ ἔδωκεν,

The lancer's arm must fall dissolv'd; our chariot-horse with heat

ὅς με μετʼ ἀπρήκτους ἔριδας καὶ νείκεα βάλλει.

Must seem to melt. But if I find one soldier take the chace,

καὶ γὰρ ἐγὼν Ἀχιλεύς τε μαχεσσάμεθʼ εἵνεκα κούρης

Or stir from fight, or fight not still fix'd in his enemy's face,

ἀντιβίοις ἐπέεσσιν, ἐγὼ δʼ ἦρχον χαλεπαίνων·

Or hid a-ship-board, all the world, for force, nor price, shall save

εἰ δέ ποτʼ ἔς γε μίαν βουλεύσομεν, οὐκέτʼ ἔπειτα

His hated life, but fowls and dogs be his abhorréd grave.”

Τρωσὶν ἀνάβλησις κακοῦ ἔσσεται οὐδʼ ἠβαιόν.

He said; and such a murmur rose, as on a lofty shore

νῦν δʼ ἔρχεσθʼ ἐπὶ δεῖπνον ἵνα ξυνάγωμεν Ἄρηα.

The waves make, when the south wind comes, and tumbles them before

εὖ μέν τις δόρυ θηξάσθω, εὖ δʼ ἀσπίδα θέσθω,

Against a rock, grown near the strand which diversely beset

εὖ δέ τις ἵπποισιν δεῖπνον δότω ὠκυπόδεσσιν,

Is never free, but, here and there, with varied uproars beat.

εὖ δέ τις ἅρματος ἀμφὶς ἰδὼν πολέμοιο μεδέσθω,

All rose then, rushing to the fleet, perfum'd their tents, and eat;

ὥς κε πανημέριοι στυγερῷ κρινώμεθʼ Ἄρηϊ.

Each off'ring to th' immortal gods, and praying to 'scape the heat

οὐ γὰρ παυσωλή γε μετέσσεται οὐδʼ ἠβαιὸν

Of war and death. The king of men an ox of five years' spring

εἰ μὴ νὺξ ἐλθοῦσα διακρινέει μένος ἀνδρῶν.

T' almighty Jove slew, call'd the peers; first Nestor; then the king

ἱδρώσει μέν τευ τελαμὼν ἀμφὶ στήθεσφιν

Idomenëus; after them th' Ajaces; and the son

ἀσπίδος ἀμφιβρότης, περὶ δʼ ἔγχεϊ χεῖρα καμεῖται·

Of Tydeus; Ithacus the sixth, in counsel paragon

ἱδρώσει δέ τευ ἵππος ἐΰξοον ἅρμα τιταίνων.

To Jove himself. All these he bade; but at-a-martial-cry

ὃν δέ κʼ ἐγὼν ἀπάνευθε μάχης ἐθέλοντα νοήσω

Good Menelaus, since he saw his brother busily

μιμνάζειν παρὰ νηυσὶ κορωνίσιν, οὔ οἱ ἔπειτα

Employ'd at that time, would not stand on invitation,

ἄρκιον ἐσσεῖται φυγέειν κύνας ἠδʼ οἰωνούς.

But of himself came. All about the off'ring over-thrown

ὣς ἔφατʼ, Ἀργεῖοι δὲ μέγʼ ἴαχον ὡς ὅτε κῦμα

Stood round, took salt-cakes, and the king himself thus pray'd for all:

ἀκτῇ ἐφʼ ὑψηλῇ, ὅτε κινήσῃ Νότος ἐλθών,

“O Jove, most great, most glorious, that, in that starry hall,

προβλῆτι σκοπέλῳ· τὸν δʼ οὔ ποτε κύματα λείπει

Sitt'st drawing dark clouds up to air, let not the sun go down,

παντοίων ἀνέμων, ὅτʼ ἂν ἔνθʼ ἢ ἔνθα γένωνται.

Darkness supplying it, till my hands the palace and the town

ἀνστάντες δʼ ὀρέοντο κεδασθέντες κατὰ νῆας,

Of Priam overthrow and burn; the arm, on Hector's breast

κάπνισσάν τε κατὰ κλισίας, καὶ δεῖπνον ἕλοντο.

Dividing, spoiling with my sword thousands, in interest

ἄλλος δʼ ἄλλῳ ἔρεζε θεῶν αἰειγενετάων

Of his bad quarrel, laid by him in dust, and eating earth.”

εὐχόμενος θάνατόν τε φυγεῖν καὶ μῶλον Ἄρηος.

He pray'd; Jove heard him not, but made more plentiful the birth

αὐτὰρ ὃ βοῦν ἱέρευσε ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων

Of his sad toils, yet took his gifts. Pray'rs past, cakes on they threw;

πίονα πενταέτηρον ὑπερμενέϊ Κρονίωνι,

The ox then, to the altar drawn, they kill'd, and from him drew

κίκλησκεν δὲ γέροντας ἀριστῆας Παναχαιῶν,

His hide, then cut him up, his thighs; in two hewn, dubb'd with fat,

Νέστορα μὲν πρώτιστα καὶ Ἰδομενῆα ἄνακτα,

Prick'd on the sweetbreads, and with wood, leaveless, and kindled at

αὐτὰρ ἔπειτʼ Αἴαντε δύω καὶ Τυδέος υἱόν,

Apposéd fire, they burn the thighs; which done, the inwards, slit,

ἕκτον δʼ αὖτʼ Ὀδυσῆα Διὶ μῆτιν ἀτάλαντον.

They broil'd on coals and eat; the rest, in giggots cut, they spit,

αὐτόματος δέ οἱ ἦλθε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Μενέλαος·

Roast cunningly, draw, sit, and feast; nought lack'd to leave allay'd

ᾔδεε γὰρ κατὰ θυμὸν ἀδελφεὸν ὡς ἐπονεῖτο.

Each temp'rate appetite; which serv'd, Nestor began and said:

βοῦν δὲ περιστήσαντο καὶ οὐλοχύτας ἀνέλοντο·

“Atrides, most grac'd king of men, now no more words allow,

τοῖσιν δʼ εὐχόμενος μετέφη κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων·

Nor more defer the deed Jove vows. Let heralds summon now

Ζεῦ κύδιστε μέγιστε κελαινεφὲς αἰθέρι ναίων

The brazen-coated Greeks, and us range ev'rywhere the host,

μὴ πρὶν ἐπʼ ἠέλιον δῦναι καὶ ἐπὶ κνέφας ἐλθεῖν

To stir a strong war quickly up.” This speech no syllable lost;

πρίν με κατὰ πρηνὲς βαλέειν Πριάμοιο μέλαθρον

The high-voic'd heralds instantly he, charg'd to call to arms

αἰθαλόεν, πρῆσαι δὲ πυρὸς δηΐοιο θύρετρα,

The curl'd-head Greeks; they call'd; the Greeks straight answer'd their alarms.

Ἑκτόρεον δὲ χιτῶνα περὶ στήθεσσι δαΐξαι

The Jove-kept kings, about the king all gather'd, with their aid

χαλκῷ ῥωγαλέον· πολέες δʼ ἀμφʼ αὐτὸν ἑταῖροι

Rang'd all in tribes and nations. With them the gray-eyed Maid

πρηνέες ἐν κονίῃσιν ὀδὰξ λαζοίατο γαῖαν.

Great Ægis (Jove's bright shield) sustain'd, that can be never old,

ὣς ἔφατʼ, οὐδʼ ἄρα πώ οἱ ἐπεκραίαινε Κρονίων,

Never corrupted, fring'd about with serpents forg'd of gold,

ἀλλʼ ὅ γε δέκτο μὲν ἱρά, πόνον δʼ ἀμέγαρτον ὄφελλεν.

As many all suffic'd to make an hundred fringes, worth

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥʼ εὔξαντο καὶ οὐλοχύτας προβάλοντο,

An hundred oxen, ev'ry snake all sprawling, all set forth

αὐέρυσαν μὲν πρῶτα καὶ ἔσφαξαν καὶ ἔδειραν,

With wondrous spirit. Through the host with this the Goddess ran,

μηρούς τʼ ἐξέταμον κατά τε κνίσῃ ἐκάλυψαν

In fury casting round her eyes, and furnish'd ev'ry man

δίπτυχα ποιήσαντες, ἐπʼ αὐτῶν δʼ ὠμοθέτησαν.

With strength, exciting all to arms, and fight incessant. None

καὶ τὰ μὲν ἂρ σχίζῃσιν ἀφύλλοισιν κατέκαιον,

Now lik'd their lov'd homes like the wars. And as a fire upon

σπλάγχνα δʼ ἄρʼ ἀμπείραντες ὑπείρεχον Ἡφαίστοιο.

A huge wood, on the heights of hills, that far off hurls his light;

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ κατὰ μῆρε κάη καὶ σπλάγχνα πάσαντο,

So the divine brass shin'd on these thus thrusting on for fight,

μίστυλλόν τʼ ἄρα τἆλλα καὶ ἀμφʼ ὀβελοῖσιν ἔπειραν,

Their splendour through the air reach'd heav'n. And as about the flood

ὤπτησάν τε περιφραδέως, ἐρύσαντό τε πάντα.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ παύσαντο πόνου τετύκοντό τε δαῖτα

δαίνυντʼ, οὐδέ τι θυμὸς ἐδεύετο δαιτὸς ἐΐσης.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ πόσιος καὶ ἐδητύος ἐξ ἔρον ἕντο,

τοῖς ἄρα μύθων ἦρχε Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ·

Ἀτρεΐδη κύδιστε ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγάμεμνον,

μηκέτι νῦν δήθʼ αὖθι λεγώμεθα, μηδʼ ἔτι δηρὸν

ἀμβαλλώμεθα ἔργον ὃ δὴ θεὸς ἐγγυαλίζει.

ἀλλʼ ἄγε κήρυκες μὲν Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων

λαὸν κηρύσσοντες ἀγειρόντων κατὰ νῆας,

Caïster, in an Asian mead, flocks of the airy brood,

ἡμεῖς δʼ ἀθρόοι ὧδε κατὰ στρατὸν εὐρὺν Ἀχαιῶν

Cranes, geese, or long-neck'd swans, here, there, proud of their pinions fly,

ἴομεν ὄφρα κε θᾶσσον ἐγείρομεν ὀξὺν Ἄρηα.

And in their falls layout such throats, that with their spiritful cry

ὣς ἔφατʼ, οὐδʼ ἀπίθησεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων.

The meadow shrieks again; so here, these many-nation'd men

αὐτίκα κηρύκεσσι λιγυφθόγγοισι κέλευσε

Flow'd over the Scamandrian field, from tents and ships; the din

κηρύσσειν πόλεμον δὲ κάρη κομόωντας Ἀχαιούς·

Was dreadful that the feet of men and horse beat out of earth.

οἳ μὲν ἐκήρυσσον, τοὶ δʼ ἠγείροντο μάλʼ ὦκα.

And in the flourishing mead they stood, thick as the odorous birth

οἳ δʼ ἀμφʼ Ἀτρεΐωνα διοτρεφέες βασιλῆες

Of flow'rs, or leaves bred in the spring; or thick as swarms of flies

θῦνον κρίνοντες, μετὰ δὲ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη

Throng then to sheep-cotes, when each swarm his erring wing applies

αἰγίδʼ ἔχουσʼ ἐρίτιμον ἀγήρων ἀθανάτην τε,

To milk dew'd on the milk-maid's pails; all eagerly dispos'd

τῆς ἑκατὸν θύσανοι παγχρύσεοι ἠερέθονται,

To give to ruin th' Ilians. And as in rude heaps clos'd,

πάντες ἐϋπλεκέες, ἑκατόμβοιος δὲ ἕκαστος·

Though huge goatherds are at their food, the goatherds eas'ly yet

σὺν τῇ παιφάσσουσα διέσσυτο λαὸν Ἀχαιῶν

Sort into sundry herds; so here the chiefs in battle set

ὀτρύνουσʼ ἰέναι· ἐν δὲ σθένος ὦρσεν ἑκάστῳ

Here tribes, here nations, ord'ring all. Amongst whom shin'd the king,

καρδίῃ ἄλληκτον πολεμίζειν ἠδὲ μάχεσθαι.

With eyes like lightning-loving Jove, his forehead answering,

τοῖσι δʼ ἄφαρ πόλεμος γλυκίων γένετʼ ἠὲ νέεσθαι

In breast like Neptune, Mars in waist. And as a goodly bull

ἐν νηυσὶ γλαφυρῇσι φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν.

Most eminent of all a herd, most wrong, most masterful,

ἠΰτε πῦρ ἀΐδηλον ἐπιφλέγει ἄσπετον ὕλην

So Agamemnon, Jove that day made overheighten clear

οὔρεος ἐν κορυφῇς, ἕκαθεν δέ τε φαίνεται αὐγή,

That heav'n-bright army, and preferr'd to all th' heroës there.

ὣς τῶν ἐρχομένων ἀπὸ χαλκοῦ θεσπεσίοιο

Now tell me, Muses, you that dwell in heav'nly roofs, (for you

αἴγλη παμφανόωσα διʼ αἰθέρος οὐρανὸν ἷκε.

Are Goddesses, are present here, are wise, and all things know,

τῶν δʼ ὥς τʼ ὀρνίθων πετεηνῶν ἔθνεα πολλὰ

We only trust the voice of fame, know nothing,) who they were

χηνῶν ἢ γεράνων ἢ κύκνων δουλιχοδείρων

That here were captains of the Greeks, commanding princes here.

Ἀσίω ἐν λειμῶνι Καϋστρίου ἀμφὶ ῥέεθρα

The multitude exceed my song, though fitted to my choice

ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα ποτῶνται ἀγαλλόμενα πτερύγεσσι

Ten tongues were, harden'd palates ten, a breast of brass, a voice

κλαγγηδὸν προκαθιζόντων, σμαραγεῖ δέ τε λειμών,

Infract and trump-like; that great work, unless the seed of Jove,

ὣς τῶν ἔθνεα πολλὰ νεῶν ἄπο καὶ κλισιάων

The deathless Muses, undertake, maintains a pitch above

ἐς πεδίον προχέοντο Σκαμάνδριον· αὐτὰρ ὑπὸ χθὼν

All mortal pow'rs. The princes then, and navy that did bring

σμερδαλέον κονάβιζε ποδῶν αὐτῶν τε καὶ ἵππων.

Those so inenarrable troops, and all their soils, I sing.

ἔσταν δʼ ἐν λειμῶνι Σκαμανδρίῳ ἀνθεμόεντι

THE CATALOGUE OF THE GRECIAN SHIPS AND CAPTAINS

μυρίοι, ὅσσά τε φύλλα καὶ ἄνθεα γίγνεται ὥρῃ.

Peneleus, and Leitus, all that Bœotia bred,

ἠΰτε μυιάων ἁδινάων ἔθνεα πολλὰ

Arcesilaus, Clonius, and Prothoenor led;

αἵ τε κατὰ σταθμὸν ποιμνήϊον ἠλάσκουσιν

Th' inhabitants of Hyria, and stony Aulida,

ὥρῃ ἐν εἰαρινῇ ὅτε τε γλάγος ἄγγεα δεύει,

Schæne, Scole, the hilly Eteon, and holy Thespia,

τόσσοι ἐπὶ Τρώεσσι κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοὶ

Of Græa, and great Mycalesse, that hath the ample plain,

ἐν πεδίῳ ἵσταντο διαρραῖσαι μεμαῶτες.

Of Harma, and Ilesius, and all that did remain

τοὺς δʼ ὥς τʼ αἰπόλια πλατέʼ αἰγῶν αἰπόλοι ἄνδρες

In Eryth, and in Eleon, in Hylen, Peteona,

ῥεῖα διακρίνωσιν ἐπεί κε νομῷ μιγέωσιν,

In fair Ocalea, and, the town well-builded, Medeona,

ὣς τοὺς ἡγεμόνες διεκόσμεον ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα

Copas, Eutresis, Thisbe, that for pigeons doth surpass,

ὑσμίνην δʼ ἰέναι, μετὰ δὲ κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

Of Coroneia, Haliart, that hath such store of grass,

ὄμματα καὶ κεφαλὴν ἴκελος Διὶ τερπικεραύνῳ,

All those that in Platæa dwelt, that Glissa did possess,

Ἄρεϊ δὲ ζώνην, στέρνον δὲ Ποσειδάωνι.

And Hypothebs, whose well-built walls are rare and fellowless,

ἠΰτε βοῦς ἀγέληφι μέγʼ ἔξοχος ἔπλετο πάντων

In rich Onchestus' famous wood, to wat'ry Neptune vow'd,

ταῦρος· ὃ γάρ τε βόεσσι μεταπρέπει ἀγρομένῃσι·

And Arne, where the vine-trees are with vig'rous bunches bow'd,

τοῖον ἄρʼ Ἀτρεΐδην θῆκε Ζεὺς ἤματι κείνῳ

With them that dwelt in Midea, and Nissa most divine,

ἐκπρεπέʼ ἐν πολλοῖσι καὶ ἔξοχον ἡρώεσσιν.

All those whom utmost Anthedon did wealthily confine.

ἔσπετε νῦν μοι Μοῦσαι Ὀλύμπια δώματʼ ἔχουσαι·

From all these coasts, in general, full fifty sail were sent;

ὑμεῖς γὰρ θεαί ἐστε πάρεστέ τε ἴστέ τε πάντα,

And six score strong Bœotian youths in ev'ry burthen went.

ἡμεῖς δὲ κλέος οἶον ἀκούομεν οὐδέ τι ἴδμεν·

But those who in Aspledon dwelt, and Minian Orchomen,

οἵ τινες ἡγεμόνες Δαναῶν καὶ κοίρανοι ἦσαν·

God Mars's sons did lead (Ascalaphus and Ialmen)

πληθὺν δʼ οὐκ ἂν ἐγὼ μυθήσομαι οὐδʼ ὀνομήνω,

Who in Azidon Actor's house did of Astyoche come;

οὐδʼ εἴ μοι δέκα μὲν γλῶσσαι, δέκα δὲ στόματʼ εἶεν,

The bashful maid, as she went up into the higher room,

φωνὴ δʼ ἄρρηκτος, χάλκεον δέ μοι ἦτορ ἐνείη,

The War-god secretly compress'd. In safe conduct of these,

εἰ μὴ Ὀλυμπιάδες Μοῦσαι Διὸς αἰγιόχοιο

Did thirty hollow-bottom'd barks divide the wavy seas.

θυγατέρες μνησαίαθʼ ὅσοι ὑπὸ Ἴλιον ἦλθον·

Brave Schedius and Epistrophus, the Phocian captains were,

ἀρχοὺς αὖ νηῶν ἐρέω νῆάς τε προπάσας.

(Naubolida-Iphitus' sons) all proof 'gainst any fear;

Βοιωτῶν μὲν Πηνέλεως καὶ Λήϊτος ἦρχον

With them the Cyparissians went, and bold Pythonians,

Ἀρκεσίλαός τε Προθοήνωρ τε Κλονίος τε,

Men of religious Chrysa's soil, and fat Daulidians,

οἵ θʼ Ὑρίην ἐνέμοντο καὶ Αὐλίδα πετρήεσσαν

Panopæans, Anemores, and fierce Hyampolists;

Σχοῖνόν τε Σκῶλόν τε πολύκνημόν τʼ Ἐτεωνόν,

And those that dwell where Cephisus casts up his silken mists;

Θέσπειαν Γραῖάν τε καὶ εὐρύχορον Μυκαλησσόν,

The men that fair Lilæa held, near the Cephisian spring;

οἵ τʼ ἀμφʼ Ἅρμʼ ἐνέμοντο καὶ Εἰλέσιον καὶ Ἐρυθράς,

All which did forty sable barks to that designment bring.

οἵ τʼ Ἐλεῶνʼ εἶχον ἠδʼ Ὕλην καὶ Πετεῶνα,

About th' entoil'd Phocensian fleet had these their sail assign'd;

Ὠκαλέην Μεδεῶνά τʼ ἐϋκτίμενον πτολίεθρον,

And near to the sinister wing the arm'd Bœotians shin'd.

Κώπας Εὔτρησίν τε πολυτρήρωνά τε Θίσβην,

Ajax the less, Oïleus' son, the Locrians led to war;

οἵ τε Κορώνειαν καὶ ποιήενθʼ Ἁλίαρτον,

Not like to Ajax Telamon, but lesser man by far,

οἵ τε Πλάταιαν ἔχον ἠδʼ οἳ Γλισᾶντʼ ἐνέμοντο,

Little he was, and ever wore a breastplate made of linne,

οἵ θʼ Ὑποθήβας εἶχον ἐϋκτίμενον πτολίεθρον,

But for the manage of his lance he gen'ral praise did win.

Ὀγχηστόν θʼ ἱερὸν Ποσιδήϊον ἀγλαὸν ἄλσος,

The dwellers of Caliarus, of Bessa, Opoën,

οἵ τε πολυστάφυλον Ἄρνην ἔχον, οἵ τε Μίδειαν

The youths of Cynus, Scarphis, and Augias, lovely men,

Νῖσάν τε ζαθέην Ἀνθηδόνα τʼ ἐσχατόωσαν·

Of Tarphis, and of Thronius, near flood Boagrius' fall;

τῶν μὲν πεντήκοντα νέες κίον, ἐν δὲ ἑκάστῃ

Twice-twenty martial barks of these, less Ajax sail'd withal.

κοῦροι Βοιωτῶν ἑκατὸν καὶ εἴκοσι βαῖνον.

Who near Eubœa's blesséd soil their habitations had,

οἳ δʼ Ἀσπληδόνα ναῖον ἰδʼ Ὀρχομενὸν Μινύειον,

Strength-breathing Abants, who their seats in sweet Eubœa made,

τῶν ἦρχʼ Ἀσκάλαφος καὶ Ἰάλμενος υἷες Ἄρηος

The Histiæans rich in grapes, the men of Chalcida,

οὓς τέκεν Ἀστυόχη δόμῳ Ἄκτορος Ἀζεΐδαο,

The Cerinths bord'ring on the sea, of rich Eretria,

παρθένος αἰδοίη ὑπερώϊον εἰσαναβᾶσα

Of Dion's highly-seated town, Charistus, and of Styre,

Ἄρηϊ κρατερῷ· ὃ δέ οἱ παρελέξατο λάθρῃ·

All these the duke Alphenor led, a flame of Mars's fire,

τοῖς δὲ τριήκοντα γλαφυραὶ νέες ἐστιχόωντο.

Surnam'd Chalcodontiades, the mighty Abants' guide,

αὐτὰρ Φωκήων Σχεδίος καὶ Ἐπίστροφος ἦρχον

υἷες Ἰφίτου μεγαθύμου Ναυβολίδαο,

οἳ Κυπάρισσον ἔχον Πυθῶνά τε πετρήεσσαν

Κρῖσάν τε ζαθέην καὶ Δαυλίδα καὶ Πανοπῆα,

οἵ τʼ Ἀνεμώρειαν καὶ Ὑάμπολιν ἀμφενέμοντο,

οἵ τʼ ἄρα πὰρ ποταμὸν Κηφισὸν δῖον ἔναιον,

οἵ τε Λίλαιαν ἔχον πηγῇς ἔπι Κηφισοῖο·

τοῖς δʼ ἅμα τεσσαράκοντα μέλαιναι νῆες ἕποντο.

οἳ μὲν Φωκήων στίχας ἵστασαν ἀμφιέποντες,

Βοιωτῶν δʼ ἔμπλην ἐπʼ ἀριστερὰ θωρήσσοντο.

Swift men of foot, whose broad-set backs their trailing hair did bide,

Λοκρῶν δʼ ἡγεμόνευεν Ὀϊλῆος ταχὺς Αἴας

Well-seen in fight, and soon could pierce with far extended darts

μείων, οὔ τι τόσος γε ὅσος Τελαμώνιος Αἴας

The breastplates of their enemies, and reach their dearest hearts.

ἀλλὰ πολὺ μείων· ὀλίγος μὲν ἔην λινοθώρηξ,

Forty black men of war did sail in this Alphenor's charge.

ἐγχείῃ δʼ ἐκέκαστο Πανέλληνας καὶ Ἀχαιούς·

The soldiers that in Athens dwelt, a city builded large,

οἳ Κῦνόν τʼ ἐνέμοντʼ Ὀπόεντά τε Καλλίαρόν τε

The people of Eristhius, whom Jove-sprung Pallas fed,

Βῆσσάν τε Σκάρφην τε καὶ Αὐγειὰς ἐρατεινὰς

And plenteous-feeding Tellus brought out of her flow'ry bed;

Τάρφην τε Θρόνιον τε Βοαγρίου ἀμφὶ ῥέεθρα·

Him Pallas placed in her rich fane, and, ev'ry ended year,

τῷ δʼ ἅμα τεσσαράκοντα μέλαιναι νῆες ἕποντο

Of bulls and lambs th' Athenian youths please him with off'rings there;

Λοκρῶν, οἳ ναίουσι πέρην ἱερῆς Εὐβοίης.

Mighty Menestheus, Peteus' son, had their divided care;

οἳ δʼ Εὔβοιαν ἔχον μένεα πνείοντες Ἄβαντες

For horsemen and for targeteers none could with him compare,

Χαλκίδα τʼ Εἰρέτριάν τε πολυστάφυλόν θʼ Ἱστίαιαν

Nor put them into better place, to hurt or to defend;

Κήρινθόν τʼ ἔφαλον Δίου τʼ αἰπὺ πτολίεθρον,

But Nestor (for he elder was) with him did sole contend;

οἵ τε Κάρυστον ἔχον ἠδʼ οἳ Στύρα ναιετάασκον,

With him came fifty sable sail. And out of Salamine

τῶν αὖθʼ ἡγεμόνευʼ Ἐλεφήνωρ ὄζος Ἄρηος