Iliad

When ev'ry least commander's will best soldiers had obey'd,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ κόσμηθεν ἅμʼ ἡγεμόνεσσιν ἕκαστοι,

And both the hosts were rang'd for fight, the Trojans would have fray'd

Τρῶες μὲν κλαγγῇ τʼ ἐνοπῇ τʼ ἴσαν ὄρνιθες ὣς

The Greeks with noises, crying out, in coming rudely on;

ἠΰτε περ κλαγγὴ γεράνων πέλει οὐρανόθι πρό·

At all parts like the cranes that fill, with harsh confusion,

αἵ τʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν χειμῶνα φύγον καὶ ἀθέσφατον ὄμβρον

Of brutish clangés all the air, and in ridiculous war

κλαγγῇ ταί γε πέτονται ἐπʼ ὠκεανοῖο ῥοάων

(Eschewing the unsuffer'd storms, shot from the winter's star)

ἀνδράσι Πυγμαίοισι φόνον καὶ κῆρα φέρουσαι·

Visit the ocean, and confer the Pygmei soldiers' death.

ἠέριαι δʼ ἄρα ταί γε κακὴν ἔριδα προφέρονται.

The Greeks charg'd silent, and like men, bestow'd their thrifty breath

οἳ δʼ ἄρʼ ἴσαν σιγῇ μένεα πνείοντες Ἀχαιοὶ

In strength of far-resounding blows, still entertaining care

ἐν θυμῷ μεμαῶτες ἀλεξέμεν ἀλλήλοισιν.

Of either's rescue, when their strength did their engagements dare.

εὖτʼ ὄρεος κορυφῇσι Νότος κατέχευεν ὀμίχλην

And as, upon a hill's steep tops, the south wind pours a cloud,

ποιμέσιν οὔ τι φίλην, κλέπτῃ δέ τε νυκτὸς ἀμείνω,

To shepherds thankless, but by thieves that love the night, allow'd,

τόσσόν τίς τʼ ἐπιλεύσσει ὅσον τʼ ἐπὶ λᾶαν ἵησιν·

A darkness letting down, that blinds a stone's cast off men's eyes;

ὣς ἄρα τῶν ὑπὸ ποσσὶ κονίσαλος ὄρνυτʼ ἀελλὴς

Such darkness from the Greeks' swift feet (made all of dust) did rise.

ἐρχομένων· μάλα δʼ ὦκα διέπρησσον πεδίοιο.

But, ere stern conflict mix'd both strengths, fair Paris stept before

οἳ δʼ ὅτε δὴ σχεδὸν ἦσαν ἐπʼ ἀλλήλοισιν ἰόντες,

The Trojan host; athwart his back a panther's hide he wore,

Τρωσὶν μὲν προμάχιζεν Ἀλέξανδρος θεοειδὴς

A crookéd bow, and sword, and shook two brazen-headed darts;

παρδαλέην ὤμοισιν ἔχων καὶ καμπύλα τόξα

With which well-arm'd, his tongue provok'd the best of Grecian hearts

καὶ ξίφος· αὐτὰρ δοῦρε δύω κεκορυθμένα χαλκῷ

To stand with him in single fight. Whom when the man, wrong'd most

πάλλων Ἀργείων προκαλίζετο πάντας ἀρίστους

Of all the Greeks, so gloriously saw stalk before the host;

ἀντίβιον μαχέσασθαι ἐν αἰνῇ δηϊοτῆτι.

As when a lion is rejoic'd, (with hunger half forlorn,)

τὸν δʼ ὡς οὖν ἐνόησεν ἀρηΐφιλος Μενέλαος

That finds some sweet prey, as a hart, whose grace lies in his horn,

ἐρχόμενον προπάροιθεν ὁμίλου μακρὰ βιβάντα,

Or sylvan goat, which he devours, though never so pursu'd

ὥς τε λέων ἐχάρη μεγάλῳ ἐπὶ σώματι κύρσας

With dogs and men; so Sparta's king exulted, when he viewed

εὑρὼν ἢ ἔλαφον κεραὸν ἢ ἄγριον αἶγα

The fair-fac'd Paris so expos'd to his so thirsted wreak,

πεινάων· μάλα γάρ τε κατεσθίει, εἴ περ ἂν αὐτὸν

Whereof his good cause made him sure. The Grecian front did break,

σεύωνται ταχέες τε κύνες θαλεροί τʼ αἰζηοί·

And forth he rush'd, at all parts arm'd, leapt from his chariot,

ὣς ἐχάρη Μενέλαος Ἀλέξανδρον θεοειδέα

And royally prepar'd for charge. Which seen, cold terror shot

ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ἰδών· φάτο γὰρ τίσεσθαι ἀλείτην·

The heart of Paris, who retir'd as headlong from the king

αὐτίκα δʼ ἐξ ὀχέων σὺν τεύχεσιν ἆλτο χαμᾶζε.

As in him he had shunn'd his death. And as a hilly spring

τὸν δʼ ὡς οὖν ἐνόησεν Ἀλέξανδρος θεοειδὴς

Presents a serpent to a man, full underneath his feet,

ἐν προμάχοισι φανέντα, κατεπλήγη φίλον ἦτορ,

Her blue neck, swoln with poison, rais'd, and her sting out, to greet

ἂψ δʼ ἑτάρων εἰς ἔθνος ἐχάζετο κῆρʼ ἀλεείνων.

His heedless entry, suddenly his walk he altereth,

ὡς δʼ ὅτε τίς τε δράκοντα ἰδὼν παλίνορσος ἀπέστη

Starts back amaz'd, is shook with fear, and looks as pale as death;

οὔρεος ἐν βήσσῃς, ὑπό τε τρόμος ἔλλαβε γυῖα,

So Menelaus Paris scar'd; so that divine-fac'd foe

ἂψ δʼ ἀνεχώρησεν, ὦχρός τέ μιν εἷλε παρειάς,

Shrunk in his beauties. Which beheld by Hector, he let go

ὣς αὖτις καθʼ ὅμιλον ἔδυ Τρώων ἀγερώχων

This bitter check at him; “Accurs'd, made but in beauty's scorn,

δείσας Ἀτρέος υἱὸν Ἀλέξανδρος θεοειδής.

Impostor, woman's man! O heav'n, that thou hadst ne'er been born,

τὸν δʼ Ἕκτωρ νείκεσσεν ἰδὼν αἰσχροῖς ἐπέεσσιν·

Or, being so manless, never liv'd to bear man's noblest state,

Δύσπαρι εἶδος ἄριστε γυναιμανὲς ἠπεροπευτὰ

The nuptial honour! Which I wish, because it were a fate

αἴθʼ ὄφελες ἄγονός τʼ ἔμεναι ἄγαμός τʼ ἀπολέσθαι·

Much better for thee than this shame. This spectacle doth make

καί κε τὸ βουλοίμην, καί κεν πολὺ κέρδιον ἦεν

A man a monster. Hark! how loud the Greeks laugh, who did take

ἢ οὕτω λώβην τʼ ἔμεναι καὶ ὑπόψιον ἄλλων.

Thy fair form for a continent of parts as fair. A rape

ἦ που καγχαλόωσι κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοὶ

Thou mad'st of nature, like their queen. No soul, an empty shape,

φάντες ἀριστῆα πρόμον ἔμμεναι, οὕνεκα καλὸν

Takes up thy being; yet how spite to ev'ry shade of good

εἶδος ἔπʼ, ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἔστι βίη φρεσὶν οὐδέ τις ἀλκή.

Fills it with ill! for as thou art, thou couldst collect a brood

ἦ τοιόσδε ἐὼν ἐν ποντοπόροισι νέεσσι

Of others like thee, and far hence fetch ill enough to us,

πόντον ἐπιπλώσας, ἑτάρους ἐρίηρας ἀγείρας,

Ev'n to thy father; all these friends make those foes mock them thus

μιχθεὶς ἀλλοδαποῖσι γυναῖκʼ εὐειδέʼ ἀνῆγες

In thee, for whose ridiculous sake so seriously they lay

ἐξ ἀπίης γαίης νυὸν ἀνδρῶν αἰχμητάων

All Greece, and fate, upon their necks. O wretch! Not dare to stay

πατρί τε σῷ μέγα πῆμα πόληΐ τε παντί τε δήμῳ,

Weak Menelaus? But 'twas well; for in him thou hadst tried

δυσμενέσιν μὲν χάρμα, κατηφείην δὲ σοὶ αὐτῷ;

What strength lost beauty can infuse, and with the more grief died

οὐκ ἂν δὴ μείνειας ἀρηΐφιλον Μενέλαον;

To feel thou robb'dst a worthier man, to wrong a soldier's right.

γνοίης χʼ οἵου φωτὸς ἔχεις θαλερὴν παράκοιτιν·

Your harp's sweet touch, curl'd locks, fine shape, and gifts so exquisite,

οὐκ ἄν τοι χραίσμῃ κίθαρις τά τε δῶρʼ Ἀφροδίτης

Giv'n thee by Venus, would have done your fine dames little good,

ἥ τε κόμη τό τε εἶδος ὅτʼ ἐν κονίῃσι μιγείης.

When blood and dust had ruffled them, and had as little stood

ἀλλὰ μάλα Τρῶες δειδήμονες· ἦ τέ κεν ἤδη

Thyself in stead; but what thy care of all these in thee flies

λάϊνον ἕσσο χιτῶνα κακῶν ἕνεχʼ ὅσσα ἔοργας.

We should inflict on thee ourselves. Infectious cowardice

In thee hath terrified our host; for which thou well deserv'st

A coat of tombstone, not of steel in which, for form, thou serv'st.”

To this thus Paris spake, (for form, that might inhabit heav'n)

“Hector, because thy sharp reproof is out of justice giv'n,

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπεν Ἀλέξανδρος θεοειδής·

I take it well; but though thy heart, inur'd to these affrights,

Ἕκτορ ἐπεί με κατʼ αἶσαν ἐνείκεσας οὐδʼ ὑπὲρ αἶσαν·

Cuts through them as an axe through oak, that more us'd more excites

αἰεί τοι κραδίη πέλεκυς ὥς ἐστιν ἀτειρὴς

The workman's faculty, whose art can make the edge go far,

ὅς τʼ εἶσιν διὰ δουρὸς ὑπʼ ἀνέρος ὅς ῥά τε τέχνῃ

Yet I, less practis'd than thyself in these extremes of war,

νήϊον ἐκτάμνῃσιν, ὀφέλλει δʼ ἀνδρὸς ἐρωήν·

May well be pardon'd, though less bold; in these your worth exceeds,

ὣς σοὶ ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἀτάρβητος νόος ἐστί·

In others mine. Nor is my mind of less force to the deeds

μή μοι δῶρʼ ἐρατὰ πρόφερε χρυσέης Ἀφροδίτης·

Requir'd in war, because my form more flows in gifts of peace.

οὔ τοι ἀπόβλητʼ ἐστὶ θεῶν ἐρικυδέα δῶρα

Reproach not, therefore, the kind gifts of golden Cyprides.

ὅσσά κεν αὐτοὶ δῶσιν, ἑκὼν δʼ οὐκ ἄν τις ἕλοιτο·

All heav'n's gifts have their worthy price; as little to be scorn'd

νῦν αὖτʼ εἴ μʼ ἐθέλεις πολεμίζειν ἠδὲ μάχεσθαι,

As to be won with strength, wealth, state; with which to be adorn'd,

ἄλλους μὲν κάθισον Τρῶας καὶ πάντας Ἀχαιούς,

Some men would change state, wealth, or strength. But, if your martial heart

αὐτὰρ ἔμʼ ἐν μέσσῳ καὶ ἀρηΐφιλον Μενέλαον

Wish me to make my challenge good, and hold it such a part

συμβάλετʼ ἀμφʼ Ἑλένῃ καὶ κτήμασι πᾶσι μάχεσθαι·

Of shame to give it over thus, cause all the rest to rest,

ὁππότερος δέ κε νικήσῃ κρείσσων τε γένηται,

And, 'twixt both hosts, let Sparta's king and me perform our best

κτήμαθʼ ἑλὼν εὖ πάντα γυναῖκά τε οἴκαδʼ ἀγέσθω·

For Helen and the wealth she brought; and he that overcomes,

οἳ δʼ ἄλλοι φιλότητα καὶ ὅρκια πιστὰ ταμόντες

Or proves superior any way, in all your equal dooms,

ναίοιτε Τροίην ἐριβώλακα, τοὶ δὲ νεέσθων

Let him enjoy her utmost wealth, keep her, or take her home;

Ἄργος ἐς ἱππόβοτον καὶ Ἀχαιΐδα καλλιγύναικα.

The rest strike leagues of endless date, and hearty friends become;

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, Ἕκτωρ δʼ αὖτʼ ἐχάρη μέγα μῦθον ἀκούσας,

You dwelling safe in gleby Troy, the Greeks retire their force

καί ῥʼ ἐς μέσσον ἰὼν Τρώων ἀνέεργε φάλαγγας

T' Achaia, that breeds fairest dames, and Argos, fairest horse.”

μέσσου δουρὸς ἑλών· τοὶ δʼ ἱδρύνθησαν ἅπαντες.

He said, and his amendsful words did Hector highly please,

τῷ δʼ ἐπετοξάζοντο κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοὶ

Who rush'd betwixt the fighting hosts, and made the Trojans cease,

ἰοῖσίν τε τιτυσκόμενοι λάεσσί τʼ ἔβαλλον·

By holding up in midst his lance. The Grecians noted not

αὐτὰρ ὃ μακρὸν ἄϋσεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων·

The signal he for parley used, but at him fiercely shot,

ἴσχεσθʼ Ἀργεῖοι, μὴ βάλλετε κοῦροι Ἀχαιῶν·

Hurl'd stones, and still were leveling darts. At last the king of men,

στεῦται γάρ τι ἔπος ἐρέειν κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ.

Great Agamemnon, cried aloud: “Argives! for shame, contain;

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἔσχοντο μάχης ἄνεῴ τʼ ἐγένοντο

Youths of Achaia, shoot no more; the fair-helm'd Hector shows

ἐσσυμένως· Ἕκτωρ δὲ μετʼ ἀμφοτέροισιν ἔειπε·

As he desir'd to treat with us.” This said, all ceas'd from blows,

κέκλυτέ μευ Τρῶες καὶ ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοὶ

And Hector spake to both the hosts: “Trojans, and hardy Greeks,

μῦθον Ἀλεξάνδροιο, τοῦ εἵνεκα νεῖκος ὄρωρεν.

Hear now what he that stirr'd these wars, for their cessation seeks.

ἄλλους μὲν κέλεται Τρῶας καὶ πάντας Ἀχαιοὺς

He bids us all, and you, disarm, that he alone may fight

τεύχεα κάλʼ ἀποθέσθαι ἐπὶ χθονὶ πουλυβοτείρῃ,

With Menelaus, for us all, for Helen and her right,

αὐτὸν δʼ ἐν μέσσῳ καὶ ἀρηΐφιλον Μενέλαον

With all the dow'r she brought to Troy; and he that wins the day,

οἴους ἀμφʼ Ἑλένῃ καὶ κτήμασι πᾶσι μάχεσθαι.

Or is, in all the art of arms, superior any way,

ὁππότερος δέ κε νικήσῃ κρείσσων τε γένηται

The queen, and all her sorts of wealth, let him at will enjoy;

κτήμαθʼ ἑλὼν εὖ πάντα γυναῖκά τε οἴκαδʼ ἀγέσθω·

The rest strike truce, and let love seal firm leagues 'twixt Greece and Troy.”

οἳ δʼ ἄλλοι φιλότητα καὶ ὅρκια πιστὰ τάμωμεν.

The Greek host wonder'd at this brave; silence flew ev'rywhere;

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἀκὴν ἐγένοντο σιωπῇ·

At last spake Sparta's warlike king: “Now also give me ear,

τοῖσι δὲ καὶ μετέειπε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Μενέλαος·

Whom grief gives most cause of reply. I now have hope to free

κέκλυτε νῦν καὶ ἐμεῖο· μάλιστα γὰρ ἄλγος ἱκάνει

The Greeks and Trojans of all ills, they have sustain'd for me,

θυμὸν ἐμόν, φρονέω δὲ διακρινθήμεναι ἤδη

And Alexander, that was cause I stretch'd my spleen so far.

Ἀργείους καὶ Τρῶας, ἐπεὶ κακὰ πολλὰ πέπασθε

Of both then, which is nearest fate, let his death end the war;

εἵνεκʼ ἐμῆς ἔριδος καὶ Ἀλεξάνδρου ἕνεκʼ ἀρχῆς·

The rest immediately retire, and greet all homes in peace.

ἡμέων δʼ ὁπποτέρῳ θάνατος καὶ μοῖρα τέτυκται

Go then (to bless your champion, and give his pow'rs success)

τεθναίη· ἄλλοι δὲ διακρινθεῖτε τάχιστα.

Fetch for the Earth, and for the Sun (the Gods on whom ye call)

οἴσετε ἄρνʼ, ἕτερον λευκόν, ἑτέρην δὲ μέλαιναν,

Two lambs, a black one and a white, a female and a male;

Γῇ τε καὶ Ἠελίῳ· Διὶ δʼ ἡμεῖς οἴσομεν ἄλλον·

And we another, for ourselves, will fetch, and kill to Jove.

ἄξετε δὲ Πριάμοιο βίην, ὄφρʼ ὅρκια τάμνῃ

To sign which rites bring Priam's force, because we well approve

αὐτός, ἐπεί οἱ παῖδες ὑπερφίαλοι καὶ ἄπιστοι,

His sons perfidious, envious, and (out of practis'd bane

μή τις ὑπερβασίῃ Διὸς ὅρκια δηλήσηται.

To faith, when she believes in them) Jove's high truce may profane.

αἰεὶ δʼ ὁπλοτέρων ἀνδρῶν φρένες ἠερέθονται·

All young men's hearts are still unstaid; but in those well-weigh'd deeds

οἷς δʼ ὁ γέρων μετέῃσιν ἅμα πρόσσω καὶ ὀπίσσω

An old man will consent to pass things past, and what succeeds

λεύσσει, ὅπως ὄχʼ ἄριστα μετʼ ἀμφοτέροισι γένηται.

He looks into, that he may know, how best to make his way

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἐχάρησαν Ἀχαιοί τε Τρῶές τε

Through both the fortunes of a fact, and will the worst obey.”

ἐλπόμενοι παύσασθαι ὀϊζυροῦ πολέμοιο.

This granted, a delightful hope both Greeks and Trojans fed,

καί ῥʼ ἵππους μὲν ἔρυξαν ἐπὶ στίχας, ἐκ δʼ ἔβαν αὐτοί,

Of long'd-for rest from those long toils, their tedious war had bred.

τεύχεά τʼ ἐξεδύοντο· τὰ μὲν κατέθεντʼ ἐπὶ γαίῃ

Their horses then in rank they set, drawn from their chariots round,

πλησίον ἀλλήλων, ὀλίγη δʼ ἦν ἀμφὶς ἄρουρα·

Descend themselves, took off their arms, and plac'd them on the ground,

Near one another; for the space 'twixt both the hosts was small.

Hector two heralds sent to Troy, that they from thence might call

King Priam, and to bring the lambs, to rate the truce they swore.

Ἕκτωρ δὲ προτὶ ἄστυ δύω κήρυκας ἔπεμπε

But Agamemnon to the fleet Talthybius sent before,

καρπαλίμως ἄρνάς τε φέρειν Πρίαμόν τε καλέσσαι·

To fetch their lamb; who nothing slack'd the royal charge was giv'n.

αὐτὰρ ὃ Ταλθύβιον προΐει κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

Iris, the rain-bow, then came down, ambassadress from heav'n,

νῆας ἔπι γλαφυρὰς ἰέναι, ἠδʼ ἄρνʼ ἐκέλευεν

To white-arm'd Helen. She assum'd at ev'ry part the grace

οἰσέμεναι· ὃ δʼ ἄρʼ οὐκ ἀπίθησʼ Ἀγαμέμνονι δίῳ.

Of Helen's last love's sister's shape, who had the highest place

Ἶρις δʼ αὖθʼ Ἑλένῃ λευκωλένῳ ἄγγελος ἦλθεν

In Helen's love, and had to name Laodice, most fair

εἰδομένη γαλόῳ Ἀντηνορίδαο δάμαρτι,

Of all the daughters Priam had, and made the nuptial pair

τὴν Ἀντηνορίδης εἶχε κρείων Ἑλικάων

With Helicaon, royal sprout of old Antenor's seed.

Λαοδίκην Πριάμοιο θυγατρῶν εἶδος ἀρίστην.

She found queen Helena at home, at work about a weed,

τὴν δʼ εὗρʼ ἐν μεγάρῳ· ἣ δὲ μέγαν ἱστὸν ὕφαινε

Wov'n for herself; it shin'd like fire, was rich, and full of size,

δίπλακα πορφυρέην, πολέας δʼ ἐνέπασσεν ἀέθλους

The work of both sides being alike; in which she did comprise

Τρώων θʼ ἱπποδάμων καὶ Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων,

The many labours warlike Troy and brass-arm'd Greece endur'd

οὕς ἑθεν εἵνεκʼ ἔπασχον ὑπʼ Ἄρηος παλαμάων·

For her fair sake, by cruel Mars and his stern friends procur'd.

ἀγχοῦ δʼ ἱσταμένη προσέφη πόδας ὠκέα Ἶρις·

Iris came in in joyful haste, and said; “O come with me,

δεῦρʼ ἴθι νύμφα φίλη, ἵνα θέσκελα ἔργα ἴδηαι

Lov'd nymph, and an admiréd sight of Greeks and Trojans see,

Τρώων θʼ ἱπποδάμων καὶ Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων,

Who first on one another brought a war so full of tears,

οἳ πρὶν ἐπʼ ἀλλήλοισι φέρον πολύδακρυν Ἄρηα

Ev'n thirsty of contentious war. Now ev'ry man forbears,

ἐν πεδίῳ ὀλοοῖο λιλαιόμενοι πολέμοιο·

And friendly by each other sits, each leaning on his shield,

οἳ δὴ νῦν ἕαται σιγῇ, πόλεμος δὲ πέπαυται,

Their long and shining lances pitch'd fast by them in the field,

ἀσπίσι κεκλιμένοι, παρὰ δʼ ἔγχεα μακρὰ πέπηγεν.

Paris, and Sparta's king, alone must take up all the strife;

αὐτὰρ Ἀλέξανδρος καὶ ἀρηΐφιλος Μενέλαος

And he that conquers only call fair Helena his wife.”

μακρῇς ἐγχείῃσι μαχήσονται περὶ σεῖο·

Thus spake the thousand-colour'd Dame, and to her mind commends

τῷ δέ κε νικήσαντι φίλη κεκλήσῃ ἄκοιτις.

The joy to see her first espous'd, her native tow'rs, and friends;

ὣς εἰποῦσα θεὰ γλυκὺν ἵμερον ἔμβαλε θυμῷ

Which stirr'd a sweet desire in her: to serve the which she hied,

ἀνδρός τε προτέρου καὶ ἄστεος ἠδὲ τοκήων·

Shadow'd her graces with white veils, and (though she took a pride

αὐτίκα δʼ ἀργεννῇσι καλυψαμένη ὀθόνῃσιν

To set her thoughts at gaze, and see, in her clear beauty's flood,

ὁρμᾶτʼ ἐκ θαλάμοιο τέρεν κατὰ δάκρυ χέουσα

What choice of glory swum to her yet tender womanhood)

οὐκ οἴη, ἅμα τῇ γε καὶ ἀμφίπολοι δύʼ ἕποντο,

Season'd with tears her joys to see more joys the more offence,

Αἴθρη Πιτθῆος θυγάτηρ, Κλυμένη τε βοῶπις·

And that perfection could not flow from earthly excellence.

αἶψα δʼ ἔπειθʼ ἵκανον ὅθι Σκαιαὶ πύλαι ἦσαν.

Thus went she forth, and took with her her women most of name,

οἳ δʼ ἀμφὶ Πρίαμον καὶ Πάνθοον ἠδὲ Θυμοίτην

Æthra, Pitthëus' lovely birth, and Clymene, whom fame

Λάμπόν τε Κλυτίον θʼ Ἱκετάονά τʼ ὄζον Ἄρηος

Hath for her fair eyes memoris'd. They reach'd the Scæan Tow'rs,

Οὐκαλέγων τε καὶ Ἀντήνωρ πεπνυμένω ἄμφω

Where Priam sat, to see the fight, with all his counsellors;

ἥατο δημογέροντες ἐπὶ Σκαιῇσι πύλῃσι,

Panthous, Lampus, Clytius, and stout Hicetaon,

γήραϊ δὴ πολέμοιο πεπαυμένοι, ἀλλʼ ἀγορηταὶ

Thymœtes, wise Antenor, and profound Ucalegon;

ἐσθλοί, τεττίγεσσιν ἐοικότες οἵ τε καθʼ ὕλην

All grave old men; and soldiérs they had been, but for age

δενδρέῳ ἐφεζόμενοι ὄπα λειριόεσσαν ἱεῖσι·

Now left the wars; yet counsellors they were exceeding sage.

τοῖοι ἄρα Τρώων ἡγήτορες ἧντʼ ἐπὶ πύργῳ.

And as in well-grown woods, or trees, cold spiny grasshoppers

οἳ δʼ ὡς οὖν εἴδονθʼ Ἑλένην ἐπὶ πύργον ἰοῦσαν,

Sit chirping, and send voices out, that scarce can pierce our ears

ἦκα πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἔπεα πτερόεντʼ ἀγόρευον·

For softness, and their weak faint sounds; so, talking on the tow'r,

οὐ νέμεσις Τρῶας καὶ ἐϋκνήμιδας Ἀχαιοὺς

These seniors of the people sat; who when they saw the pow'r

τοιῇδʼ ἀμφὶ γυναικὶ πολὺν χρόνον ἄλγεα πάσχειν·

Of beauty, in the queen, ascend ev'n those cold-spirited peers,

αἰνῶς ἀθανάτῃσι θεῇς εἰς ὦπα ἔοικεν·

Those wise and almost wither'd men, found this heat in their years,

ἀλλὰ καὶ ὧς τοίη περ ἐοῦσʼ ἐν νηυσὶ νεέσθω,

That they were forc'd (though whispéring) to say: “What man can blame

μηδʼ ἡμῖν τεκέεσσί τʼ ὀπίσσω πῆμα λίποιτο.

The Greeks and Trojans to endure, for so admir'd a dame,

ὣς ἄρʼ ἔφαν, Πρίαμος δʼ Ἑλένην ἐκαλέσσατο φωνῇ·

So many mis'ries, and so long? In her sweet count'nance shine

δεῦρο πάροιθʼ ἐλθοῦσα φίλον τέκος ἵζευ ἐμεῖο,

Looks like the Goddesses. And yet (though never so divine)

ὄφρα ἴδῃ πρότερόν τε πόσιν πηούς τε φίλους τε·

Before we boast, unjustly still, of her enforcéd prise,

οὔ τί μοι αἰτίη ἐσσί, θεοί νύ μοι αἴτιοί εἰσιν

And justly suffer for her sake, with all our progenies,

οἵ μοι ἐφώρμησαν πόλεμον πολύδακρυν Ἀχαιῶν·

Labour and ruin, let her go; the profit of our land

ὥς μοι καὶ τόνδʼ ἄνδρα πελώριον ἐξονομήνῃς

Must pass the beauty.” Thus, though these could bear so fit a hand

ὅς τις ὅδʼ ἐστὶν Ἀχαιὸς ἀνὴρ ἠΰς τε μέγας τε.

On their affections, yet, when all their gravest powers were us'd,

ἤτοι μὲν κεφαλῇ καὶ μείζονες ἄλλοι ἔασι,

They could not choose but welcome her, and rather they accus'd

καλὸν δʼ οὕτω ἐγὼν οὔ πω ἴδον ὀφθαλμοῖσιν,

The Gods than beauty; for thus spake the most-fam'd king of Troy:

οὐδʼ οὕτω γεραρόν· βασιλῆϊ γὰρ ἀνδρὶ ἔοικε.

“Come, lovéd daughter, sit by me and take the worthy joy

τὸν δʼ Ἑλένη μύθοισιν ἀμείβετο δῖα γυναικῶν·

Of thy first husband's sight, old friends, and princes near allied,

αἰδοῖός τέ μοί ἐσσι φίλε ἑκυρὲ δεινός τε·

And name me some of these brave Greeks, so manly beautified.

Come, do not think I lay the wars, endur'd by us, on thee,

The Gods have sent them, and the tears in which they swum to me.

Sit then, and name this goodly Greek, so tall, and broadly spread,

Who than the rest, that stand by him, is higher by the head;

ὡς ὄφελεν θάνατός μοι ἁδεῖν κακὸς ὁππότε δεῦρο

The bravest man I ever saw, and most majestical,

υἱέϊ σῷ ἑπόμην θάλαμον γνωτούς τε λιποῦσα

His only presence makes me think him king amongst them all.”

παῖδά τε τηλυγέτην καὶ ὁμηλικίην ἐρατεινήν.

The fairest of her sex replied: “Most rev'rend father-in-law,

ἀλλὰ τά γʼ οὐκ ἐγένοντο· τὸ καὶ κλαίουσα τέτηκα.

Most lov'd, most fear'd, would some ill death had seiz'd me, when I saw

τοῦτο δέ τοι ἐρέω ὅ μʼ ἀνείρεαι ἠδὲ μεταλλᾷς·

The first mean why I wrong'd you thus: that I had never lost

οὗτός γʼ Ἀτρεΐδης εὐρὺ κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων,

The sight of these my ancient friends, of him that lov'd me most,

ἀμφότερον βασιλεύς τʼ ἀγαθὸς κρατερός τʼ αἰχμητής·

Of my sole daughter, brothers both, with all those kindly mates,

δαὴρ αὖτʼ ἐμὸς ἔσκε κυνώπιδος, εἴ ποτʼ ἔην γε.

Of one soil, one age, born with me, though under diff'rent fates!

ὣς φάτο, τὸν δʼ ὁ γέρων ἠγάσσατο φώνησέν τε·

But these boons envious stars deny; the memory of these

ὦ μάκαρ Ἀτρεΐδη μοιρηγενὲς ὀλβιόδαιμον,

In sorrow pines those beauties now, that then did too much please;

ἦ ῥά νύ τοι πολλοὶ δεδμήατο κοῦροι Ἀχαιῶν.

Nor satisfy they your demand, to which I thus reply:

ἤδη καὶ Φρυγίην εἰσήλυθον ἀμπελόεσσαν,

That's Agamemnon, Atreus' son, the great in empery;

ἔνθα ἴδον πλείστους Φρύγας ἀνέρας αἰολοπώλους

A king, whom double royalty doth crown, being great and good,

λαοὺς Ὀτρῆος καὶ Μυγδόνος ἀντιθέοιο,

And one that was my brother-in-law, when I contain'd my blood,

οἵ ῥα τότʼ ἐστρατόωντο παρʼ ὄχθας Σαγγαρίοιο·

And was more worthy; if at all I might be said to be,

καὶ γὰρ ἐγὼν ἐπίκουρος ἐὼν μετὰ τοῖσιν ἐλέχθην

My being being lost so soon in all that honour'd me.”

ἤματι τῷ ὅτε τʼ ἦλθον Ἀμαζόνες ἀντιάνειραι·

The good old king admir'd, and said: “O Atreus' blesséd son,

ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ οἳ τόσοι ἦσαν ὅσοι ἑλίκωπες Ἀχαιοί.

Born unto joyful destinies, that hast the empire won

δεύτερον αὖτʼ Ὀδυσῆα ἰδὼν ἐρέεινʼ ὁ γεραιός·

Of such a world of Grecian youths, as I discover here!

εἴπʼ ἄγε μοι καὶ τόνδε φίλον τέκος ὅς τις ὅδʼ ἐστί·

I once march'd into Phrygia, that many vines doth bear,

μείων μὲν κεφαλῇ Ἀγαμέμνονος Ἀτρεΐδαο,

Where many Phrygians I beheld, well-skill'd in use of horse,

εὐρύτερος δʼ ὤμοισιν ἰδὲ στέρνοισιν ἰδέσθαι.

That of the two men, like two Gods, were the commanded force,

τεύχεα μέν οἱ κεῖται ἐπὶ χθονὶ πουλυβοτείρῃ,

Otrëus, and great Mygdonus, who on Sangarius' sands

αὐτὸς δὲ κτίλος ὣς ἐπιπωλεῖται στίχας ἀνδρῶν·

Set down their tents with whom myself, for my assistant bands,

ἀρνειῷ μιν ἔγωγε ἐΐσκω πηγεσιμάλλῳ,

Was number'd as a man in chief; the cause of war was then

ὅς τʼ οἰῶν μέγα πῶϋ διέρχεται ἀργεννάων.

Th' Amazon dames, that in their facts affected to be men.

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειθʼ Ἑλένη Διὸς ἐκγεγαυῖα·

In all there was a mighty pow'r, which yet did never rise

οὗτος δʼ αὖ Λαερτιάδης πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς,

To equal these Achaian youths, that have the sable eyes.”

ὃς τράφη ἐν δήμῳ Ἰθάκης κραναῆς περ ἐούσης

Then (seeing Ulysses next) he said: “Lov'd daughter, what is he

εἰδὼς παντοίους τε δόλους καὶ μήδεα πυκνά.

That, lower than great Atreus' son; seems by the head to me,

τὴν δʼ αὖτʼ Ἀντήνωρ πεπνυμένος ἀντίον ηὔδα·

Yet, in his shoulders and big breast, presents a broader show?

ὦ γύναι ἦ μάλα τοῦτο ἔπος νημερτὲς ἔειπες·

His armour lies upon the earth; he up and down doth go,

ἤδη γὰρ καὶ δεῦρό ποτʼ ἤλυθε δῖος Ὀδυσσεὺς

To see his soldiers keep their ranks, and ready have their arms,

σεῦ ἕνεκʼ ἀγγελίης σὺν ἀρηϊφίλῳ Μενελάῳ·

If, in this truce, they should be tried by any false alarms.

τοὺς δʼ ἐγὼ ἐξείνισσα καὶ ἐν μεγάροισι φίλησα,

Much like a well-grown bell-wether, or feltred ram, he shows,

ἀμφοτέρων δὲ φυὴν ἐδάην καὶ μήδεα πυκνά.

That walks before a wealthy flock of fair white-fleeced ewes.”

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ Τρώεσσιν ἐν ἀγρομένοισιν ἔμιχθεν

High Jove and Leda's fairest seed to Priam thus replies:

στάντων μὲν Μενέλαος ὑπείρεχεν εὐρέας ὤμους,

“This is the old Laertes' son, Ulysses, call'd the wise;

ἄμφω δʼ ἑζομένω γεραρώτερος ἦεν Ὀδυσσεύς·

Who, though unfruitful Ithaca was made his nursing seat,

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ μύθους καὶ μήδεα πᾶσιν ὕφαινον

Yet knows he ev'ry sort of sleight, and is in counsels great.”

ἤτοι μὲν Μενέλαος ἐπιτροχάδην ἀγόρευε,

The wise Antenor answer'd her: “'Tis true, renownéd dame;

παῦρα μὲν ἀλλὰ μάλα λιγέως, ἐπεὶ οὐ πολύμυθος

For, some times past, wise Ithacus to Troy a legate came,

οὐδʼ ἀφαμαρτοεπής· ἦ καὶ γένει ὕστερος ἦεν.

With Menelaus, for your cause; to whom I gave receipt

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ πολύμητις ἀναΐξειεν Ὀδυσσεὺς

As guests, and welcom'd to my house, with all the love I might.

στάσκεν, ὑπαὶ δὲ ἴδεσκε κατὰ χθονὸς ὄμματα πήξας,

I learn'd the wisdom of their souls, and humours of their blood;

σκῆπτρον δʼ οὔτʼ ὀπίσω οὔτε προπρηνὲς ἐνώμα,

For when the Trojan council met, and these together stood,

ἀλλʼ ἀστεμφὲς ἔχεσκεν ἀΐδρεϊ φωτὶ ἐοικώς·

By height of his broad shoulders had Atrides eminence,

φαίης κε ζάκοτόν τέ τινʼ ἔμμεναι ἄφρονά τʼ αὔτως.

Yet, set, Ulysses did exceed, and bred more reverence.

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ ὄπα τε μεγάλην ἐκ στήθεος εἵη

And when their counsels and their words they wove in one, the speech

καὶ ἔπεα νιφάδεσσιν ἐοικότα χειμερίῃσιν,

Of Atreus' son was passing loud, small, fast, yet did not reach

οὐκ ἂν ἔπειτʼ Ὀδυσῆΐ γʼ ἐρίσσειε βροτὸς ἄλλος·

To much, being naturally born Laconical; nor would

οὐ τότε γʼ ὧδʼ Ὀδυσῆος ἀγασσάμεθʼ εἶδος ἰδόντες.

His humour lie for anything, or was, like th' other, old;

τὸ τρίτον αὖτʼ Αἴαντα ἰδὼν ἐρέεινʼ ὃ γεραιός·

But when the prudent Ithacus did to his counsels rise,

τίς τὰρ ὅδʼ ἄλλος Ἀχαιὸς ἀνὴρ ἠΰς τε μέγας τε

He stood a little still, and fix'd upon the earth his eyes,

ἔξοχος Ἀργείων κεφαλήν τε καὶ εὐρέας ὤμους;

His sceptre moving neither way, but held it formally,

τὸν δʼ Ἑλένη τανύπεπλος ἀμείβετο δῖα γυναικῶν·

Like one that vainly doth affect. Of wrathful quality,

οὗτος δʼ Αἴας ἐστὶ πελώριος ἕρκος Ἀχαιῶν·

And frantic (rashly judging him) you would have said he was,

Ἰδομενεὺς δʼ ἑτέρωθεν ἐνὶ Κρήτεσσι θεὸς ὣς

But when, out of his ample breast he gave his great voice pass,

And words that flew about our ears, like drifts of winter's snow,

None thenceforth might contend with him, tho' nought admir'd for show.”

The third man, aged Priam mark'd, was Ajax Telamon,

ἕστηκʼ, ἀμφὶ δέ μιν Κρητῶν ἀγοὶ ἠγερέθονται.

Of whom he ask'd: “What lord is that, so large of limb and bone,

πολλάκι μιν ξείνισσεν ἀρηΐφιλος Μενέλαος

So rais'd in height, that to his breast I see there reacheth none?”

οἴκῳ ἐν ἡμετέρῳ ὁπότε Κρήτηθεν ἵκοιτο.

To him the Goddess of her sex, the large-veil'd Helen, said:

νῦν δʼ ἄλλους μὲν πάντας ὁρῶ ἑλίκωπας Ἀχαιούς,

“That Lord is Ajax Telamon, a bulwark in their aid.

οὕς κεν ἐῢ γνοίην καί τʼ οὔνομα μυθησαίμην·

On th' other side stands Idomen, in Crete of most command,

δοιὼ δʼ οὐ δύναμαι ἰδέειν κοσμήτορε λαῶν

And round about his royal sides his Cretan captains stand;

Κάστορά θʼ ἱππόδαμον καὶ πὺξ ἀγαθὸν Πολυδεύκεα

Oft hath the warlike Spartan king giv'n hospitable due

αὐτοκασιγνήτω, τώ μοι μία γείνατο μήτηρ.

To him within our Lacene court, and all his retinue.

ἢ οὐχ ἑσπέσθην Λακεδαίμονος ἐξ ἐρατεινῆς,

And now the other Achive dukes I gen'rally discern;

ἢ δεύρω μὲν ἕποντο νέεσσʼ ἔνι ποντοπόροισι,

All which I know, and all their names could make thee quickly learn.

νῦν αὖτʼ οὐκ ἐθέλουσι μάχην καταδύμεναι ἀνδρῶν

Two princes of the people yet, I nowhere can behold,

αἴσχεα δειδιότες καὶ ὀνείδεα πόλλʼ ἅ μοί ἐστιν.

Castor, the skilful knight on horse and Pollux, uncontroll'd

ὣς φάτο, τοὺς δʼ ἤδη κάτεχεν φυσίζοος αἶα

For all stand-fights, and force of hand; both at a burthen bred;

ἐν Λακεδαίμονι αὖθι φίλῃ ἐν πατρίδι γαίῃ.

My natural brothers; either here they have not followéd

κήρυκες δʼ ἀνὰ ἄστυ θεῶν φέρον ὅρκια πιστὰ

From lovely Sparta, or, arriv'd within the sea-born fleet,

ἄρνε δύω καὶ οἶνον ἐΰφρονα καρπὸν ἀρούρης

In fear of infamy for me, in broad field shame to meet.”

ἀσκῷ ἐν αἰγείῳ· φέρε δὲ κρητῆρα φαεινὸν

Nor so; for holy Tellus' womb inclos'd those worthy men

κῆρυξ Ἰδαῖος ἠδὲ χρύσεια κύπελλα·

In Sparta, their belovéd soil. The voiceful heralds then

ὄτρυνεν δὲ γέροντα παριστάμενος ἐπέεσσιν·

The firm agreement of the Gods through all the city ring;

ὄρσεο Λαομεδοντιάδη, καλέουσιν ἄριστοι

Two lambs, and spirit-refreshing wine (the fruit of earth) they bring,

Τρώων θʼ ἱπποδάμων καὶ Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων

Within a goat-skin bottle clos'd; Idæus also brought

ἐς πεδίον καταβῆναι ἵνʼ ὅρκια πιστὰ τάμητε·

A massy glitt'ring bowl, and cups, that all of gold were wrought;

αὐτὰρ Ἀλέξανδρος καὶ ἀρηΐφιλος Μενέλαος

Which bearing to the king, they cried: “Son of Laomedon

μακρῇς ἐγχείῃσι μαχήσοντʼ ἀμφὶ γυναικί·

Rise, for the well-rode peers of Troy, and brass-arm'd Greeks, in one,

τῷ δέ κε νικήσαντι γυνὴ καὶ κτήμαθʼ ἕποιτο·

Send to thee to descend the field, that they firm vows may make;

οἳ δʼ ἄλλοι φιλότητα καὶ ὅρκια πιστὰ ταμόντες

For Paris, and the Spartan king, must fight for Helen's sake,

ναίοιμεν Τροίην ἐριβώλακα, τοὶ δὲ νέονται

With long-arm'd lances; and the man that proves victorious,

Ἄργος ἐς ἱππόβοτον καὶ Ἀχαιΐδα καλλιγύναικα.

The woman, and the wealth she brought, shall follow to his house;

ὣς φάτο ῥίγησεν δʼ ὃ γέρων, ἐκέλευσε δʼ ἑταίρους

The rest knit friendship, and firm leagues; we safe in Troy shall dwell,

ἵππους ζευγνύμεναι· τοὶ δʼ ὀτραλέως ἐπίθοντο.

In Argos and Achaia they, that do in dames excel.”

ἂν δʼ ἄρʼ ἔβη Πρίαμος, κατὰ δʼ ἡνία τεῖνεν ὀπίσσω·

He said; and Priam's aged joints with chilled fear did shake,

πὰρ δέ οἱ Ἀντήνωρ περικαλλέα βήσετο δίφρον·

Yet instantly he bade his men his chariot ready make.

τὼ δὲ διὰ Σκαιῶν πεδίον δʼ ἔχον ὠκέας ἵππους.

Which soon they did, and he ascends. He takes the reins, and guide

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δή ῥʼ ἵκοντο μετὰ Τρῶας καὶ Ἀχαιούς,

Antenor calls; who instantly mounts to his royal side,

ἐξ ἵππων ἀποβάντες ἐπὶ χθόνα πουλυβότειραν

And, through the Scæan ports to field, the swift-foot horse they drive.

ἐς μέσσον Τρώων καὶ Ἀχαιῶν ἐστιχόωντο.

And when at them of Troy and Greece the aged lords arrive,

ὄρνυτο δʼ αὐτίκʼ ἔπειτα ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων,

From horse, on Troy's well-feeding soil, 'twixt both the hosts they go.

ἂν δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς πολύμητις· ἀτὰρ κήρυκες ἀγαυοὶ

When straight up-rose the king of men, up-rose Ulysses too,

ὅρκια πιστὰ θεῶν σύναγον, κρητῆρι δὲ οἶνον

The heralds in their richest coats repeat (as was the guise)

μίσγον, ἀτὰρ βασιλεῦσιν ὕδωρ ἐπὶ χεῖρας ἔχευαν.

The true vows of the Gods (term'd theirs, since made before their eyes)

Ἀτρεΐδης δὲ ἐρυσσάμενος χείρεσσι μάχαιραν,

Then in a cup of gold they mix the wine that each side brings,

ἥ οἱ πὰρ ξίφεος μέγα κουλεόν αἰὲν ἄωρτο,

And next pour water on the hands of both the kings of kings.

ἀρνῶν ἐκ κεφαλέων τάμνε τρίχας· αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

Which done, Atrides drew his knife, that evermore he put

κήρυκες Τρώων καὶ Ἀχαιῶν νεῖμαν ἀρίστοις.

Within the large sheath of his sword; with which away he cut

τοῖσιν δʼ Ἀτρεΐδης μεγάλʼ εὔχετο χεῖρας ἀνασχών·

The wool from both fronts of the lambs, which (as a rite in use

Ζεῦ πάτερ Ἴδηθεν μεδέων κύδιστε μέγιστε,

Of execration to their heads, that brake the plighted truce)

Ἠέλιός θʼ, ὃς πάντʼ ἐφορᾷς καὶ πάντʼ ἐπακούεις,

The heralds of both hosts did give the peers of both; and then,

καὶ ποταμοὶ καὶ γαῖα, καὶ οἳ ὑπένερθε καμόντας

With hands and voice advanc'd to heav'n, thus pray'd the king of men:

ἀνθρώπους τίνυσθον ὅτις κʼ ἐπίορκον ὀμόσσῃ,

“O Jove, that Ida dost protect, and hast the titles won

ὑμεῖς μάρτυροι ἔστε, φυλάσσετε δʼ ὅρκια πιστά·

Most glorious, most invincible; and thou all-seeing Sun,

εἰ μέν κεν Μενέλαον Ἀλέξανδρος καταπέφνῃ

All-hearing, all-recomforting; Floods; Earth; and Pow'rs beneath,

αὐτὸς ἔπειθʼ Ἑλένην ἐχέτω καὶ κτήματα πάντα,

That all the perjuries of men chastise ev'n after death!

ἡμεῖς δʼ ἐν νήεσσι νεώμεθα ποντοπόροισιν·

Be witnesses, and see perform'd the hearty vows we make.—

εἰ δέ κʼ Ἀλέξανδρον κτείνῃ ξανθὸς Μενέλαος,

If Alexander shall the life of Menelaus take,

Τρῶας ἔπειθʼ Ἑλένην καὶ κτήματα πάντʼ ἀποδοῦναι,

He shall from henceforth Helena, with all her wealth, retain,

τιμὴν δʼ Ἀργείοις ἀποτινέμεν ἥν τινʼ ἔοικεν,

And we will to our household Gods, hoise sail, and home again.

ἥ τε καὶ ἐσσομένοισι μετʼ ἀνθρώποισι πέληται.

If, by my honour'd brother's hand, be Alexander slain,

εἰ δʼ ἂν ἐμοὶ τιμὴν Πρίαμος Πριάμοιό τε παῖδες

The Trojans then shall his forc'd queen, with all her wealth, restore,

And pay convenient fine to us, aid ours for evermore.

If Priam and his sons deny to pay his, thus agreed,

When Alexander shall be slain; or that perfidious deed,

τίνειν οὐκ ἐθέλωσιν Ἀλεξάνδροιο πεσόντος,

And for the fine, will I fight here, till dearly they repay,

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ καὶ ἔπειτα μαχήσομαι εἵνεκα ποινῆς

By death and ruin, the amends, that falsehood keeps away.”

αὖθι μένων, ἧός κε τέλος πολέμοιο κιχείω.

This said, the throats of both the lambs cut with his royal knife,

ἦ, καὶ ἀπὸ στομάχους ἀρνῶν τάμε νηλέϊ χαλκῷ·

He laid them panting on the earth, till, quite depriv'd of life,

καὶ τοὺς μὲν κατέθηκεν ἐπὶ χθονὸς ἀσπαίροντας

The steel had robb'd them of their strength; then golden cups they crown'd,

θυμοῦ δευομένους· ἀπὸ γὰρ μένος εἵλετο χαλκός.

With wine out of a cistern drawn; which pour'd upon the ground,

οἶνον δʼ ἐκ κρητῆρος ἀφυσσόμενοι δεπάεσσιν

They fell upon their humble knees to all the Deities,

ἔκχεον, ἠδʼ εὔχοντο θεοῖς αἰειγενέτῃσιν.

And thus pray'd one of both the hosts, that might do sacrifice:

ὧδε δέ τις εἴπεσκεν Ἀχαιῶν τε Τρώων τε·

“O Jupiter, most high, most great, and all the deathless Pow'rs!

Ζεῦ κύδιστε μέγιστε καὶ ἀθάνατοι θεοὶ ἄλλοι

Who first shall dare to violate the late sworn oaths of ours,

ὁππότεροι πρότεροι ὑπὲρ ὅρκια πημήνειαν

So let the bloods and brains of them, and all they shall produce,

ὧδέ σφʼ ἐγκέφαλος χαμάδις ῥέοι ὡς ὅδε οἶνος

Flow on the stain'd face of the earth, as now this sacred juice;

αὐτῶν καὶ τεκέων, ἄλοχοι δʼ ἄλλοισι δαμεῖεν.

And let their wives with bastardice brand all their future race.”

ὣς ἔφαν, οὐδʼ ἄρα πώ σφιν ἐπεκραίαινε Κρονίων.

Thus pray'd they; but, with wish'd effects, their pray'rs Jove did not grace;

τοῖσι δὲ Δαρδανίδης Πρίαμος μετὰ μῦθον ἔειπε·

When Priam said: “Lords of both hosts, I can no longer stay

κέκλυτέ μευ Τρῶες καὶ ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοί·

To see my lov'd son try his life, and so must take my way

ἤτοι ἐγὼν εἶμι προτὶ Ἴλιον ἠνεμόεσσαν

To wind-exposéd Ilion. Jove yet and heav'n's high States

ἄψ, ἐπεὶ οὔ πω τλήσομʼ ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ὁρᾶσθαι

Know only, which of these must now pay tribute to the Fates.”

μαρνάμενον φίλον υἱὸν ἀρηϊφίλῳ Μενελάῳ·

Thus, putting in his coach the lambs, he mounts and reins his horse;

Ζεὺς μέν που τό γε οἶδε καὶ ἀθάνατοι θεοὶ ἄλλοι

Antenor to him; and to Troy, both take their speedy course.

ὁπποτέρῳ θανάτοιο τέλος πεπρωμένον ἐστίν.

Then Hector, Priam's martial son, stepp'd forth, and met the ground,

ἦ ῥα καὶ ἐς δίφρον ἄρνας θέτο ἰσόθεος φώς,

With wise Ulysses, where the blows of combat must resound;

ἂν δʼ ἄρʼ ἔβαινʼ αὐτός, κατὰ δʼ ἡνία τεῖνεν ὀπίσσω·

Which done, into a helm they put two lots, to let them know

πὰρ δέ οἱ Ἀντήνωρ περικαλλέα βήσετο δίφρον.

Which of the combatants should first his brass-pil'd jav'lin throw;

τὼ μὲν ἄρʼ ἄψορροι προτὶ Ἴλιον ἀπονέοντο·

When all the people standing by, with hands held up to heav'n,

Ἕκτωρ δὲ Πριάμοιο πάϊς καὶ δῖος Ὀδυσσεὺς

Pray'd Jove the conquest might not be by force or fortune giv'n,

χῶρον μὲν πρῶτον διεμέτρεον, αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

But that the man, who was in right the author of most wrong,

κλήρους ἐν κυνέῃ χαλκήρεϊ πάλλον ἑλόντες,

Might feel his justice, and no more these tedious wars prolong,

ὁππότερος δὴ πρόσθεν ἀφείη χάλκεον ἔγχος.

But, sinking to the house of death, leave them (as long before)

λαοὶ δʼ ἠρήσαντο, θεοῖσι δὲ χεῖρας ἀνέσχον,

Link'd fast in leagues of amity, that might dissolve no more.

ὧδε δέ τις εἴπεσκεν Ἀχαιῶν τε Τρώων τε·

Then Hector shook the helm that held the equal dooms of chance,

Ζεῦ πάτερ Ἴδηθεν μεδέων κύδιστε μέγιστε

Look'd back, and drew; and Paris first had lot to hurl his lance,

ὁππότερος τάδε ἔργα μετʼ ἀμφοτέροισιν ἔθηκε,

The soldiers all sat down enrank'd, each by his arms and horse

τὸν δὸς ἀποφθίμενον δῦναι δόμον Ἄϊδος εἴσω,

That then lay down and cool'd their hoofs. And now th' allotted course

ἡμῖν δʼ αὖ φιλότητα καὶ ὅρκια πιστὰ γενέσθαι.

Bids fair-hair'd Helen's husband arm; who first makes fast his greaves

ὣς ἄρʼ ἔφαν, πάλλεν δὲ μέγας κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ

With silver buckles to his legs; then on his breast receives

ἂψ ὁρόων· Πάριος δὲ θοῶς ἐκ κλῆρος ὄρουσεν.

The curets that Lycaon wore (his brother) but made fit

οἳ μὲν ἔπειθʼ ἵζοντο κατὰ στίχας, ἧχι ἑκάστῳ

For his fair body; next his sword he took, and fasten'd it,

ἵπποι ἀερσίποδες καὶ ποικίλα τεύχεʼ ἔκειτο·

All damask'd, underneath his arm; his shield then grave and great

αὐτὰρ ὅ γʼ ἀμφʼ ὤμοισιν ἐδύσετο τεύχεα καλὰ

His shoulders wore; and on his head his glorious helm he set,

δῖος Ἀλέξανδρος Ἑλένης πόσις ἠϋκόμοιο.

Topp'd with a plume of horse's hair, that horribly did dance,

κνημῖδας μὲν πρῶτα περὶ κνήμῃσιν ἔθηκε

And seem'd to threaten as he mov'd; at last he takes his lance,

καλάς, ἀργυρέοισιν ἐπισφυρίοις ἀραρυίας·

Exceeding big, and full of weight, which he with ease could use.

δεύτερον αὖ θώρηκα περὶ στήθεσσιν ἔδυνεν

In like sort, Sparta's warlike king himself with arms indues.

οἷο κασιγνήτοιο Λυκάονος· ἥρμοσε δʼ αὐτῷ.

Thus arm'd at either army both, they both stood bravely in,

ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρʼ ὤμοισιν βάλετο ξίφος ἀργυρόηλον

Possessing both hosts with amaze, they came so chin to chin,

χάλκεον, αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα σάκος μέγα τε στιβαρόν τε·

And, with such horrible aspécts, each other did salute.

κρατὶ δʼ ἐπʼ ἰφθίμῳ κυνέην εὔτυκτον ἔθηκεν

A fair large field was made for them; where wraths, for hugeness mute,

ἵππουριν· δεινὸν δὲ λόφος καθύπερθεν ἔνευεν·

And mutual, made them mutually at either shake their darts

εἵλετο δʼ ἄλκιμον ἔγχος, ὅ οἱ παλάμηφιν ἀρήρει.

Before they threw. Then Paris first with his long jav'lin parts;

ὣς δʼ αὔτως Μενέλαος ἀρήϊος ἔντεʼ ἔδυνεν.

It smote Atrides' orby targe, but ran not through the brass,

οἳ δʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν ἑκάτερθεν ὁμίλου θωρήχθησαν,

For in it (arming well the shield) the head reflected was.

ἐς μέσσον Τρώων καὶ Ἀχαιῶν ἐστιχόωντο

Then did the second combatant apply him to his spear,

δεινὸν δερκόμενοι· θάμβος δʼ ἔχεν εἰσορόωντας

Which ere he threw, he thus besought almighty Jupiter:

Τρῶάς θʼ ἱπποδάμους καὶ ἐϋκνήμιδας Ἀχαιούς.

“O Jove! Vouchsafe me now revenge, and that my enemy,

καί ῥʼ ἐγγὺς στήτην διαμετρητῷ ἐνὶ χώρῳ

For doing wrong so undeserv'd, may pay deservedly

σείοντʼ ἐγχείας ἀλλήλοισιν κοτέοντε.

The pains he forfeited; and let these hands inflict those pains,

By conqu'ring, ay, by conqu'ring dead, him on whom life complains;

That any now, or anyone of all the brood of men

To live hereafter, may with fear from all offence abstain,

Much more from all such foul offence to him that was his host,

πρόσθε δʼ Ἀλέξανδρος προΐει δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος,

And entertain'd him as the man whom he affected most.”

καὶ βάλεν Ἀτρεΐδαο κατʼ ἀσπίδα πάντοσε ἴσην,

This said, he shook and threw his lance; which strook through Paris' shield,

οὐδʼ ἔρρηξεν χαλκός, ἀνεγνάμφθη δέ οἱ αἰχμὴ

And, with the strength he gave to it, it made the curets yield,

ἀσπίδʼ ἐνὶ κρατερῇ· ὃ δὲ δεύτερον ὄρνυτο χαλκῷ

His coat of mail, his breast, and all, and drove his entrails in,

Ἀτρεΐδης Μενέλαος ἐπευξάμενος Διὶ πατρί·

In that low region where the guts in three small parts begin;

Ζεῦ ἄνα δὸς τίσασθαι ὅ με πρότερος κάκʼ ἔοργε

Yet he, in bowing of his breast, prevented sable death.

δῖον Ἀλέξανδρον, καὶ ἐμῇς ὑπὸ χερσὶ δάμασσον,

This taint he follow'd with his sword, drawn from a silver sheath,

ὄφρα τις ἐρρίγῃσι καὶ ὀψιγόνων ἀνθρώπων

Which lifting high, he strook his helm full where his plume did stand,

ξεινοδόκον κακὰ ῥέξαι, ὅ κεν φιλότητα παράσχῃ.

On which it piecemeal brake, and fell from his unhappy hand.

ἦ ῥα καὶ ἀμπεπαλὼν προΐει δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος,

At which he sighing stood, and star'd upon the ample sky,

καὶ βάλε Πριαμίδαο κατʼ ἀσπίδα πάντοσε ἴσην·

And said: “O Jove, there is no God giv'n more illiberally

διὰ μὲν ἀσπίδος ἦλθε φαεινῆς ὄβριμον ἔγχος,

To those that serve thee than thyself, why have I pray'd in vain?

καὶ διὰ θώρηκος πολυδαιδάλου ἠρήρειστο·

I hop'd my hand should have reveng'd, the wrongs I still sustain,

ἀντικρὺ δὲ παραὶ λαπάρην διάμησε χιτῶνα

On him that did them, and still dares their foul defence pursue;

ἔγχος· ὃ δʼ ἐκλίνθη καὶ ἀλεύατο κῆρα μέλαιναν.

And now my lance hath miss'd his end, my sword in shivers flew,

Ἀτρεΐδης δὲ ἐρυσσάμενος ξίφος ἀργυρόηλον

And he 'scapes all.” With this, again he rush'd upon his guest,

πλῆξεν ἀνασχόμενος κόρυθος φάλον· ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρʼ αὐτῷ

And caught him by the horse-hair plume, that dangled on his crest,

τριχθά τε καὶ τετραχθὰ διατρυφὲν ἔκπεσε χειρός.

With thought to drag him to the Greeks; which he had surely done,

Ἀτρεΐδης δʼ ᾤμωξεν ἰδὼν εἰς οὐρανὸν εὐρύν·

And so, besides the victory, had wondrous glory won,

Ζεῦ πάτερ οὔ τις σεῖο θεῶν ὀλοώτερος ἄλλος·

(Because the needle-painted lace, with which his helm was tied

ἦ τʼ ἐφάμην τίσασθαι Ἀλέξανδρον κακότητος·

Beneath his chin, and so about his dainty throat implied,

νῦν δέ μοι ἐν χείρεσσιν ἄγη ξίφος, ἐκ δέ μοι ἔγχος

Had strangled him;) but that, in time, the Cyprian seed of Jove

ἠΐχθη παλάμηφιν ἐτώσιον, οὐδʼ ἔβαλόν μιν.

Did brake the string, with which was lin'd that which the needle wove,

ἦ καὶ ἐπαΐξας κόρυθος λάβεν ἱπποδασείης,

And was the tough thong of a steer; and so the victor's palm

ἕλκε δʼ ἐπιστρέψας μετʼ ἐϋκνήμιδας Ἀχαιούς·

Was, for so full a man-at-arms, only an empty helm.

ἄγχε δέ μιν πολύκεστος ἱμὰς ἁπαλὴν ὑπὸ δειρήν,

That then he swung about his head, and cast among his friends,

ὅς οἱ ὑπʼ ἀνθερεῶνος ὀχεὺς τέτατο τρυφαλείης.

Who scrambled, and took 't up with shouts. Again then he intends

καί νύ κεν εἴρυσσέν τε καὶ ἄσπετον ἤρατο κῦδος,

To force the life-blood of his foe, and ran on him amain,

εἰ μὴ ἄρʼ ὀξὺ νόησε Διὸς θυγάτηρ Ἀφροδίτη,

With shaken jav'lin; when the Queen, that lovers loves, again

ἥ οἱ ῥῆξεν ἱμάντα βοὸς ἶφι κταμένοιο·

Attended, and now ravish'd him from that encounter quite,

κεινὴ δὲ τρυφάλεια ἅμʼ ἕσπετο χειρὶ παχείῃ.

With ease, and wondrous suddenly; for she, a Goddess, might.

τὴν μὲν ἔπειθʼ ἥρως μετʼ ἐϋκνήμιδας Ἀχαιοὺς

She hid him in a cloud of gold, and never made him known,

ῥῖψʼ ἐπιδινήσας, κόμισαν δʼ ἐρίηρες ἑταῖροι·

Till in his chamber, fresh and sweet, she gently set him down,

αὐτὰρ ὃ ἂψ ἐπόρουσε κατακτάμεναι μενεαίνων

And went for Helen; whom she found in Scæa's utmost height,

ἔγχεϊ χαλκείῳ· τὸν δʼ ἐξήρπαξʼ Ἀφροδίτη

To which whole swarms of city dames had climb'd to see the sight.

ῥεῖα μάλʼ ὥς τε θεός, ἐκάλυψε δʼ ἄρʼ ἠέρι πολλῇ,

To give her errand good success, she took on her the shape

κὰδ δʼ εἷσʼ ἐν θαλάμῳ εὐώδεϊ κηώεντι.

Of beldame Græa, who was brought by Helen, in her rape,

αὐτὴ δʼ αὖ Ἑλένην καλέουσʼ ἴε· τὴν δὲ κίχανε

From Lacedæmon, and had trust in all her secrets still,

πύργῳ ἐφʼ ὑψηλῷ, περὶ δὲ Τρῳαὶ ἅλις ἦσαν·

Being old, and had (of all her maids) the main bent of her will,

χειρὶ δὲ νεκταρέου ἑανοῦ ἐτίναξε λαβοῦσα,

And spun for her her finest wool. Like her, Love's Empress came,

γρηῒ δέ μιν ἐϊκυῖα παλαιγενέϊ προσέειπεν

Pull'd Helen by the heav'nly veil, and softly said: “Madame,

εἰροκόμῳ, ἥ οἱ Λακεδαίμονι ναιετοώσῃ

My lord calls for you, you must needs make all your kind haste home;

ἤσκειν εἴρια καλά, μάλιστα δέ μιν φιλέεσκε·

He's in your chamber, stays, and longs; sits by your bed; pray come,

τῇ μιν ἐεισαμένη προσεφώνεε δῖʼ Ἀφροδίτη·

'Tis richly made, and sweet; but he more sweet, and looks so clear,

δεῦρʼ ἴθʼ· Ἀλέξανδρός σε καλεῖ οἶκον δὲ νέεσθαι.

So fresh, and movingly attir'd, that, seeing, you would swear

κεῖνος ὅ γʼ ἐν θαλάμῳ καὶ δινωτοῖσι λέχεσσι

He came not from the dusky fight, but from a courtly dance,

κάλλεΐ τε στίλβων καὶ εἵμασιν· οὐδέ κε φαίης

Or would to dancing.” This she made a charm for dalliance;

ἀνδρὶ μαχεσσάμενον τόν γʼ ἐλθεῖν, ἀλλὰ χορὸν δὲ

Whose virtue Helen felt, and knew, by her so radiant eyes,

ἔρχεσθʼ, ἠὲ χοροῖο νέον λήγοντα καθίζειν.

White neck, and most enticing breasts, the deified disguise.

ὣς φάτο, τῇ δʼ ἄρα θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ὄρινε·

At which amaz'd, she answer'd her: “Unhappy Deity!

καί ῥʼ ὡς οὖν ἐνόησε θεᾶς περικαλλέα δειρὴν

Why lov'st thou still in these deceits to wrap my phantasy?

στήθεά θʼ ἱμερόεντα καὶ ὄμματα μαρμαίροντα,

Or whither yet, of all the towns giv'n to their lust beside,

θάμβησέν τʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζε·

In Phrygia, or Mæonia, com'st thou to be my guide,

δαιμονίη, τί με ταῦτα λιλαίεαι ἠπεροπεύειν;

If there (of divers-languag'd men thou hast, as here in Troy,

ἦ πῄ με προτέρω πολίων εὖ ναιομενάων

Some other friend to be my shame; since here thy latest joy

ἄξεις, ἢ Φρυγίης ἢ Μῃονίης ἐρατεινῆς,

By Menelaus now subdu'd, by him shall I be borne

εἴ τίς τοι καὶ κεῖθι φίλος μερόπων ἀνθρώπων·

Home to his court, and end my life in triumphs of his scorn?

οὕνεκα δὴ νῦν δῖον Ἀλέξανδρον Μενέλαος

And, to this end, would thy deceits my wanton life allure?

Hence, go thyself to Priam's son and all the ways abjure

Of Gods, or godlike-minded dames, nor ever turn again

Thy earth-affecting feet to heav'n but for his sake sustain

νικήσας ἐθέλει στυγερὴν ἐμὲ οἴκαδʼ ἄγεσθαι,

Toils here; guard, grace him endlessly, till he requite thy grace

τοὔνεκα δὴ νῦν δεῦρο δολοφρονέουσα παρέστης;

By giving thee my place with him; or take his servant's place,

ἧσο παρʼ αὐτὸν ἰοῦσα, θεῶν δʼ ἀπόεικε κελεύθου,

If, all dishonourable ways, your favours seek to serve

μηδʼ ἔτι σοῖσι πόδεσσιν ὑποστρέψειας Ὄλυμπον,

His never-pleas'd incontinence; I better will deserve,

ἀλλʼ αἰεὶ περὶ κεῖνον ὀΐζυε καί ἑ φύλασσε,

Than serve his dotage now. What shame were it for me to feed

εἰς ὅ κέ σʼ ἢ ἄλοχον ποιήσεται ἢ ὅ γε δούλην.

This lust in him; all honour'd dames would hate me for the deed!

κεῖσε δʼ ἐγὼν οὐκ εἶμι· νεμεσσητὸν δέ κεν εἴη·

He leaves a woman's love so sham'd, and shows so base a mind,

κείνου πορσανέουσα λέχος· Τρῳαὶ δέ μʼ ὀπίσσω

To feel nor my shame nor his own; griefs of a greater kind

πᾶσαι μωμήσονται· ἔχω δʼ ἄχεʼ ἄκριτα θυμῷ.

Wound me than such as can admit such kind delights so soon.”

τὴν δὲ χολωσαμένη προσεφώνεε δῖʼ Ἀφροδίτη·

The Goddess, angry that, past shame, her mere will was not done,

μή μʼ ἔρεθε σχετλίη, μὴ χωσαμένη σε μεθείω,

Replied: “Incense me not, you wretch, lest, once incens'd, I leave

τὼς δέ σʼ ἀπεχθήρω ὡς νῦν ἔκπαγλʼ ἐφίλησα,

Thy curs'd life to as strange a hate, as yet it may receive

μέσσῳ δʼ ἀμφοτέρων μητίσομαι ἔχθεα λυγρὰ

A love from me; and lest I spread through both hosts such despite,

Τρώων καὶ Δαναῶν, σὺ δέ κεν κακὸν οἶτον ὄληαι.

For those plagues they have felt for thee, that both abjure thee quite,

ὣς ἔφατʼ, ἔδεισεν δʼ Ἑλένη Διὸς ἐκγεγαυῖα,

And setting thee in midst of both, turn all their wraths on thee,

βῆ δὲ κατασχομένη ἑανῷ ἀργῆτι φαεινῷ

And dart thee dead; that such a death may wreak thy wrong of me.”

σιγῇ, πάσας δὲ Τρῳὰς λάθεν· ἦρχε δὲ δαίμων.

This strook the fair dame with such fear, it took her speech away,

αἳ δʼ ὅτʼ Ἀλεξάνδροιο δόμον περικαλλέʼ ἵκοντο,

And, shadow'd in her snowy veil, she durst not but obey;

ἀμφίπολοι μὲν ἔπειτα θοῶς ἐπὶ ἔργα τράποντο,

And yet, to shun the shame she fear'd, she vanish'd undescried

ἣ δʼ εἰς ὑψόροφον θάλαμον κίε δῖα γυναικῶν.

Of all the Trojan ladies there, for Venus was her guide.

τῇ δʼ ἄρα δίφρον ἑλοῦσα φιλομειδὴς Ἀφροδίτη

Arriv'd at home, her women both fell to their work in haste;

ἀντίʼ Ἀλεξάνδροιο θεὰ κατέθηκε φέρουσα·

When she, that was of all her sex the most divinely grac'd,

ἔνθα κάθιζʼ Ἑλένη κούρη Διὸς αἰγιόχοιο

Ascended to a higher room, though much against her will,

ὄσσε πάλιν κλίνασα, πόσιν δʼ ἠνίπαπε μύθῳ·

Where lovely Alexander was, being led by Venus still.

ἤλυθες ἐκ πολέμου· ὡς ὤφελες αὐτόθʼ ὀλέσθαι

The laughter-loving Dame discen'd her mov'd mind by her grace,

ἀνδρὶ δαμεὶς κρατερῷ, ὃς ἐμὸς πρότερος πόσις ἦεν.

And, for her mirth sake, set a stool, full before Paris' face,

ἦ μὲν δὴ πρίν γʼ εὔχεʼ ἀρηϊφίλου Μενελάου

Where she would needs have Helen sit; who, though she durst not choose

σῇ τε βίῃ καὶ χερσὶ καὶ ἔγχεϊ φέρτερος εἶναι·

But sit, yet look'd away for all the Goddess' pow'r could use,

ἀλλʼ ἴθι νῦν προκάλεσσαι ἀρηΐφιλον Μενέλαον

And used her tongue too, and to chide whom Venus sooth'd so much,

ἐξαῦτις μαχέσασθαι ἐναντίον· ἀλλά σʼ ἔγωγε

And chid, too, in this bitter kind: “And was thy cowardice such,

παύεσθαι κέλομαι, μηδὲ ξανθῷ Μενελάῳ

So conquer'd, to be seen alive? O would to God, thy life

ἀντίβιον πόλεμον πολεμίζειν ἠδὲ μάχεσθαι

Had perish'd by his worthy hand, to whom I first was wife!

ἀφραδέως, μή πως τάχʼ ὑπʼ αὐτοῦ δουρὶ δαμήῃς.

Before this, thou wouldst glorify thy valour and thy lance,

τὴν δὲ Πάρις μύθοισιν ἀμειβόμενος προσέειπε·

And, past my first love's, boast them far. Go once more, and advance

μή με γύναι χαλεποῖσιν ὀνείδεσι θυμὸν ἔνιπτε·

Thy braves against his single pow'r; this foil might fall by chance.

νῦν μὲν γὰρ Μενέλαος ἐνίκησεν σὺν Ἀθήνῃ,

Poor conquer'd man! 'Twas such a chance, as I would not advise

κεῖνον δʼ αὖτις ἐγώ· πάρα γὰρ θεοί εἰσι καὶ ἡμῖν.

Thy valour should provoke again. Shun him, thou most unwise,

ἀλλʼ ἄγε δὴ φιλότητι τραπείομεν εὐνηθέντε·

Lest next, thy spirit sent to hell, thy body be his prise.”

οὐ γάρ πώ ποτέ μʼ ὧδέ γʼ ἔρως φρένας ἀμφεκάλυψεν,

He answer'd: “Pray thee, woman, cease, to chide and grieve me thus.

οὐδʼ ὅτε σε πρῶτον Λακεδαίμονος ἐξ ἐρατεινῆς

Disgraces will not ever last. Look on their end. On us

ἔπλεον ἁρπάξας ἐν ποντοπόροισι νέεσσι,

Will other Gods, at other times, let fall the victor's wreath,

νήσῳ δʼ ἐν Κραναῇ ἐμίγην φιλότητι καὶ εὐνῇ,

As on him Pallas put it now. Shall our love sink beneath

ὥς σεο νῦν ἔραμαι καί με γλυκὺς ἵμερος αἱρεῖ.

The hate of fortune? In love's fire, let all hates vanish. Come,

ἦ ῥα, καὶ ἄρχε λέχος δὲ κιών· ἅμα δʼ εἵπετʼ ἄκοιτις.

Love never so inflam'd my heart; no, not when, bringing home

τὼ μὲν ἄρʼ ἐν τρητοῖσι κατεύνασθεν λεχέεσσιν,

Thy beauty's so delicious prise, on Cranaë's blest shore

Ἀτρεΐδης δʼ ἀνʼ ὅμιλον ἐφοίτα θηρὶ ἐοικὼς

I long'd for, and enjoy'd thee first.” With this he went before,

εἴ που ἐσαθρήσειεν Ἀλέξανδρον θεοειδέα.

She after, to the odorous bed. While these to pleasure yield,

ἀλλʼ οὔ τις δύνατο Τρώων κλειτῶν τʼ ἐπικούρων

Perplex'd Atrides, savage-like, ran up and down the field,

δεῖξαι Ἀλέξανδρον τότʼ ἀρηϊφίλῳ Μενελάῳ·

And ev'ry thickest troop of Troy, and of their far-call'd aid,

οὐ μὲν γὰρ φιλότητί γʼ ἐκεύθανον εἴ τις ἴδοιτο·

Search'd for his foe, who could not be by any eye betray'd;

ἶσον γάρ σφιν πᾶσιν ἀπήχθετο κηρὶ μελαίνῃ.

Nor out of friendship (out of doubt) did they conceal his sight,

τοῖσι δὲ καὶ μετέειπεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων·

All hated him so like their deaths, and ow'd him such despite.

κέκλυτέ μευ Τρῶες καὶ Δάρδανοι ἠδʼ ἐπίκουροι·

At last thus spake the king of men: “Hear me, ye men of Troy,

νίκη μὲν δὴ φαίνετʼ ἀρηϊφίλου Μενελάου,

Ye Dardans, and the rest, whose pow'rs you in their aids employ.

ὑμεῖς δʼ Ἀργείην Ἑλένην καὶ κτήμαθʼ ἅμʼ αὐτῇ

The conquest on my brother's part, ye all discern is clear,

ἔκδοτε, καὶ τιμὴν ἀποτινέμεν ἥν τινʼ ἔοικεν,

Do you then Argive Helena, with all her treasure here,

ἥ τε καὶ ἐσσομένοισι μετʼ ἀνθρώποισι πέληται.

Restore to us, and pay the mulct, that by your vows is due,

ὣς ἔφατʼ Ἀτρεΐδης, ἐπὶ δʼ ᾔνεον ἄλλοι Ἀχαιοί.

Yield us an honour'd recompense, and, all that should accrue

To our posterities, confirm; that when you render it,

Our acts may here be memoris'd.” This all Greeks else thought fit.