Iliad

Within the fair-pav'd court of Jove, he and the Gods conferr'd

οἳ δὲ θεοὶ πὰρ Ζηνὶ καθήμενοι ἠγορόωντο

About the sad events of Troy; amongst whom minister'd

χρυσέῳ ἐν δαπέδῳ, μετὰ δέ σφισι πότνια Ἥβη

Bless'd Hebe nectar. As they sat, and did Troy's tow'rs behold,

νέκταρ ἐοινοχόει· τοὶ δὲ χρυσέοις δεπάεσσι

They drank, and pledg'd each other round in full-crown'd cups of gold.

δειδέχατʼ ἀλλήλους, Τρώων πόλιν εἰσορόωντες·

The mirth at whose feast was begun by great Saturnides

αὐτίκʼ ἐπειρᾶτο Κρονίδης ἐρεθιζέμεν Ἥρην

In urging a begun dislike amongst the Goddesses,

κερτομίοις ἐπέεσσι παραβλήδην ἀγορεύων·

But chiefly in his solemn queen, whose spleen he was dispos'd

δοιαὶ μὲν Μενελάῳ ἀρηγόνες εἰσὶ θεάων

To tempt yet further, knowing well what anger it inclos'd,

Ἥρη τʼ Ἀργείη καὶ Ἀλαλκομενηῒς Ἀθήνη.

And how wives' angers should be us'd. On which, thus pleas'd, he play'd:

ἀλλʼ ἤτοι ταὶ νόσφι καθήμεναι εἰσορόωσαι

“Two Goddesses there are that still give Menelaus aid,

τέρπεσθον· τῷ δʼ αὖτε φιλομειδὴς Ἀφροδίτη

And one that Paris loves. The two that sit from us so far

αἰεὶ παρμέμβλωκε καὶ αὐτοῦ κῆρας ἀμύνει·

(Which Argive Juno is, and She that rules in deeds of war,)

καὶ νῦν ἐξεσάωσεν ὀϊόμενον θανέεσθαι.

No doubt are pleas'd to see how well the late-seen fight did frame;

ἀλλʼ ἤτοι νίκη μὲν ἀρηϊφίλου Μενελάου·

And yet, upon the adverse part, the laughter-loving Dame

ἡμεῖς δὲ φραζώμεθʼ ὅπως ἔσται τάδε ἔργα,

Made her pow'r good too for her friend; for, though he were so near

ἤ ῥʼ αὖτις πόλεμόν τε κακὸν καὶ φύλοπιν αἰνὴν

The stroke of death in th' others' hopes, she took him from them clear.

ὄρσομεν, ἦ φιλότητα μετʼ ἀμφοτέροισι βάλωμεν.

The conquest yet is questionless the martial Spartan king's.

εἰ δʼ αὖ πως τόδε πᾶσι φίλον καὶ ἡδὺ γένοιτο,

We must consult then what events shall crown these future things,

ἤτοι μὲν οἰκέοιτο πόλις Πριάμοιο ἄνακτος,

If wars and combats we shall still with even successes strike,

αὖτις δʼ Ἀργείην Ἑλένην Μενέλαος ἄγοιτο.

Or as impartial friendship plant on both parts. If ye like

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, αἳ δʼ ἐπέμυξαν Ἀθηναίη τε καὶ Ἥρη·

The last, and that it will as well delight as merely please

πλησίαι αἵ γʼ ἥσθην, κακὰ δὲ Τρώεσσι μεδέσθην.

Your happy deities, still let stand old Priam's town in peace,

ἤτοι Ἀθηναίη ἀκέων ἦν οὐδέ τι εἶπε

And let the Lacedæmon king again his queen enjoy.”

σκυζομένη Διὶ πατρί, χόλος δέ μιν ἄγριος ᾕρει·

As Pallas and Heav'n's Queen sat close, complotting ill to Troy,

Ἥρῃ δʼ οὐκ ἔχαδε στῆθος χόλον, ἀλλὰ προσηύδα·

With silent murmurs they receiv'd this ill-lik'd choice from Jove;

αἰνότατε Κρονίδη ποῖον τὸν μῦθον ἔειπες·

'Gainst whom was Pallas much incens'd, because the Queen of Love

πῶς ἐθέλεις ἅλιον θεῖναι πόνον ἠδʼ ἀτέλεστον,

Could not, without his leave, relieve in that late point of death

ἱδρῶ θʼ ὃν ἵδρωσα μόγῳ, καμέτην δέ μοι ἵπποι

The son of Priam, whom she loath'd; her wrath yet fought beneath

λαὸν ἀγειρούσῃ, Πριάμῳ κακὰ τοῖό τε παισίν.

Her supreme wisdom, and was curb'd; but Juno needs must ease

ἕρδʼ· ἀτὰρ οὔ τοι πάντες ἐπαινέομεν θεοὶ ἄλλοι.

Her great heart with her ready tongue, and said; “What words are these,

τὴν δὲ μέγʼ ὀχθήσας προσέφη νεφεληγερέτα Ζεύς·

Austere, and too-much-Saturn's son? Why wouldst thou render still

δαιμονίη τί νύ σε Πρίαμος Πριάμοιό τε παῖδες

My labours idle, and the sweat of my industrious will

τόσσα κακὰ ῥέζουσιν, ὅ τʼ ἀσπερχὲς μενεαίνεις

Dishonour with so little pow'r? My chariot-horse are tir'd

Ἰλίου ἐξαλαπάξαι ἐϋκτίμενον πτολίεθρον;

With posting to and fro for Greece, and bringing banes desir'd

εἰ δὲ σύ γʼ εἰσελθοῦσα πύλας καὶ τείχεα μακρὰ

To people must'ring Priamus, and his perfidious sons;

ὠμὸν βεβρώθοις Πρίαμον Πριάμοιό τε παῖδας

Yet thou protect'st, and join'st with them whom each just Deity shuns.

ἄλλους τε Τρῶας, τότε κεν χόλον ἐξακέσαιο.

Go on, but ever go resolv'd all other Gods have vow'd

ἕρξον ὅπως ἐθέλεις· μὴ τοῦτό γε νεῖκος ὀπίσσω

To cross thy partial course for Troy, in all that makes it proud.”

σοὶ καὶ ἐμοὶ μέγʼ ἔρισμα μετʼ ἀμφοτέροισι γένηται.

At this, the cloud-compelling Jove a far-fetch'd sigh let fly,

ἄλλο δέ τοι ἐρέω, σὺ δʼ ἐνὶ φρεσὶ βάλλεο σῇσιν·

And said: “Thou fury! What offence of such impiety

ὁππότε κεν καὶ ἐγὼ μεμαὼς πόλιν ἐξαλαπάξαι

Hath Priam or his sons done thee, that, with so high a hate,

τὴν ἐθέλω ὅθι τοι φίλοι ἀνέρες ἐγγεγάασι,

Thou shouldst thus ceaselessly desire to raze and ruinate

μή τι διατρίβειν τὸν ἐμὸν χόλον, ἀλλά μʼ ἐᾶσαι·

So well a builded town as Troy? I think, hadst thou the pow'r,

καὶ γὰρ ἐγὼ σοὶ δῶκα ἑκὼν ἀέκοντί γε θυμῷ·

Thou wouldst the ports and far-stretch'd walls fly over, and devour

αἳ γὰρ ὑπʼ ἠελίῳ τε καὶ οὐρανῷ ἀστερόεντι

Old Priam and his issue quick, and make all Troy thy feast,

ναιετάουσι πόληες ἐπιχθονίων ἀνθρώπων,

And then at length I hope thy wrath and tiréd spleen would rest;

τάων μοι περὶ κῆρι τιέσκετο Ἴλιος ἱρὴ

To which run on thy chariot, that nought be found in me

καὶ Πρίαμος καὶ λαὸς ἐϋμμελίω Πριάμοιο.

Of just cause to our future jars. In this yet strengthen thee,

οὐ γάρ μοί ποτε βωμὸς ἐδεύετο δαιτὸς ἐΐσης

And fix it in thy memory fast, this if I entertain

λοιβῆς τε κνίσης τε· τὸ γὰρ λάχομεν γέρας ἡμεῖς.

As peremptory a desire to level with the plain

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα βοῶπις πότνια Ἥρη·

A city where thy lovéd live, stand not betwixt my ire

ἤτοι ἐμοὶ τρεῖς μὲν πολὺ φίλταταί εἰσι πόληες

And what it aims at, but give way, when thou hast thy desire;

Ἄργός τε Σπάρτη τε καὶ εὐρυάγυια Μυκήνη·

Which now I grant thee willingly, although against my will.

τὰς διαπέρσαι ὅτʼ ἄν τοι ἀπέχθωνται περὶ κῆρι·

For not beneath the ample sun, and heav'n's star-bearing hill,

τάων οὔ τοι ἐγὼ πρόσθʼ ἵσταμαι οὐδὲ μεγαίρω.

There is a town of earthly men so honour'd in my mind

εἴ περ γὰρ φθονέω τε καὶ οὐκ εἰῶ διαπέρσαι,

As sacred Troy; nor of earth's kings as Priam and his kind,

οὐκ ἀνύω φθονέουσʼ ἐπεὶ ἦ πολὺ φέρτερός ἐσσι.

Who never let my altars lack rich feast of off'rings slain,

ἀλλὰ χρὴ καὶ ἐμὸν θέμεναι πόνον οὐκ ἀτέλεστον·

And their sweet savours; for which grace I honour them again.”

καὶ γὰρ ἐγὼ θεός εἰμι, γένος δέ μοι ἔνθεν ὅθεν σοί,

Dread Juno, with the cow's fair eyes, replied: “Three towns there are

καί με πρεσβυτάτην τέκετο Κρόνος ἀγκυλομήτης,

Of great and eminent respect, both in my love and care;

ἀμφότερον γενεῇ τε καὶ οὕνεκα σὴ παράκοιτις

Mycene, with the broad highways; and Argos, rich in horse;

κέκλημαι, σὺ δὲ πᾶσι μετʼ ἀθανάτοισιν ἀνάσσεις.

And Sparta; all which three destroy, when thou envi'st their force,

ἀλλʼ ἤτοι μὲν ταῦθʼ ὑποείξομεν ἀλλήλοισι,

I will not aid them, nor malign thy free and sov'reign will,

σοὶ μὲν ἐγώ, σὺ δʼ ἐμοί· ἐπὶ δʼ ἕψονται θεοὶ ἄλλοι

For if I should be envious, and set against their ill,

ἀθάνατοι· σὺ δὲ θᾶσσον Ἀθηναίῃ ἐπιτεῖλαι

I know my envy were in vain, since thou art mightier far.

ἐλθεῖν ἐς Τρώων καὶ Ἀχαιῶν φύλοπιν αἰνήν,

But we must give each other leave, and wink at either's war.

πειρᾶν δʼ ὥς κε Τρῶες ὑπερκύδαντας Ἀχαιοὺς

I likewise must have pow'r to crown my works with wishéd end,

ἄρξωσι πρότεροι ὑπὲρ ὅρκια δηλήσασθαι.

Because I am a Deity, and did from thence descend

ὣς ἔφατʼ, οὐδʼ ἀπίθησε πατὴρ ἀνδρῶν τε θεῶν τε·

Whence thou thyself, and th' elder born; wise Saturn was our sire;

And thus there is a two-fold cause that pleads for my desire,

Being sister, and am call'd thy wife; and more, since thy command

Rules all Gods else, I claim therein a like superior hand.

All wrath before then now remit, and mutually combine

αὐτίκʼ Ἀθηναίην ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

In either's empire; I, thy rule, and thou, illustrate, mine;

αἶψα μάλʼ ἐς στρατὸν ἐλθὲ μετὰ Τρῶας καὶ Ἀχαιούς,

So will the other Gods agree, and we shall all be strong.

πειρᾶν δʼ ὥς κε Τρῶες ὑπερκύδαντας Ἀχαιοὺς

And first (for this late plot) with speed let Pallas go among

ἄρξωσι πρότεροι ὑπὲρ ὅρκια δηλήσασθαι.

The Trojans, and some one of them entice to break the truce

ὣς εἰπὼν ὄτρυνε πάρος μεμαυῖαν Ἀθήνην,

By off'ring in some treach'rous wound the honour'd Greeks abuse.”

βῆ δὲ κατʼ Οὐλύμποιο καρήνων ἀΐξασα.

The Father both of men and Gods agreed, and Pallas sent,

οἷον δʼ ἀστέρα ἧκε Κρόνου πάϊς ἀγκυλομήτεω

With these wing'd words, to both the hosts: “Make all haste, and invent

ἢ ναύτῃσι τέρας ἠὲ στρατῷ εὐρέϊ λαῶν

Some mean by which the men of Troy, against the truce agreed,

λαμπρόν· τοῦ δέ τε πολλοὶ ἀπὸ σπινθῆρες ἵενται·

May stir the glorious Greeks to arms with some inglorious deed.”

τῷ ἐϊκυῖʼ ἤϊξεν ἐπὶ χθόνα Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη,

Thus charg'd he her with haste that did, before, in haste abound,

κὰδ δʼ ἔθορʼ ἐς μέσσον· θάμβος δʼ ἔχεν εἰσορόωντας

Who cast herself from all the heights, with which steep heav'n is crown'd.

Τρῶάς θʼ ἱπποδάμους καὶ ἐϋκνήμιδας Ἀχαιούς·

And as Jove, brandishing a star, which men a comet call,

ὧδε δέ τις εἴπεσκεν ἰδὼν ἐς πλησίον ἄλλον·

Hurls out his curled hair abroad, that from his brand exhals

ἦ ῥʼ αὖτις πόλεμός τε κακὸς καὶ φύλοπις αἰνὴ

A thousand sparks, to fleets at sea, and ev'ry mighty host,

ἔσσεται, ἢ φιλότητα μετʼ ἀμφοτέροισι τίθησι

Of all presages and ill-haps a sign mistrusted most;

Ζεύς, ὅς τʼ ἀνθρώπων ταμίης πολέμοιο τέτυκται.

So Pallas fell 'twixt both the camps, and suddenly was lost,

ὣς ἄρα τις εἴπεσκεν Ἀχαιῶν τε Τρώων τε.

When through the breasts of all that saw, she strook a strong amaze

ἣ δʼ ἀνδρὶ ἰκέλη Τρώων κατεδύσεθʼ ὅμιλον

With viewing, in her whole descent, her bright and ominous blaze.

Λαοδόκῳ Ἀντηνορίδῃ κρατερῷ αἰχμητῇ,

When straight one to another turn'd, and said: “Now thund'ring Jove

Πάνδαρον ἀντίθεον διζημένη εἴ που ἐφεύροι.

(Great Arbiter of peace and arms) will either stablish love

εὗρε Λυκάονος υἱὸν ἀμύμονά τε κρατερόν τε

Amongst our nations, or renew such war as never was.”

ἑσταότʼ· ἀμφὶ δέ μιν κρατεραὶ στίχες ἀσπιστάων

Thus either army did presage, when Pallas made her pass

λαῶν, οἵ οἱ ἕποντο ἀπʼ Αἰσήποιο ῥοάων·

Amongst the multitude of Troy; who now put on the grace

ἀγχοῦ δʼ ἱσταμένη ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Of brave Laodocus, the flow'r of old Antenor's race,

ἦ ῥά νύ μοί τι πίθοιο Λυκάονος υἱὲ δαΐφρον.

And sought for Lycian Pandarus, a man that, being bred

τλαίης κεν Μενελάῳ ἐπιπροέμεν ταχὺν ἰόν,

Out of a faithless family, she thought was fit to shed

πᾶσι δέ κε Τρώεσσι χάριν καὶ κῦδος ἄροιο,

The blood of any innocent, and break the cov'nant sworn;

ἐκ πάντων δὲ μάλιστα Ἀλεξάνδρῳ βασιλῆϊ.

He was Lycaon's son, whom Jove into a wolf did turn

τοῦ κεν δὴ πάμπρωτα παρʼ ἀγλαὰ δῶρα φέροιο,

For sacrificing of a child, and yet in arms renown'd

αἴ κεν ἴδῃ Μενέλαον ἀρήϊον Ἀτρέος υἱὸν

As one that was inculpable. Him Pallas standing found,

σῷ βέλεϊ δμηθέντα πυρῆς ἐπιβάντʼ ἀλεγεινῆς.

And round about him his strong troops that bore the shady shields;

ἀλλʼ ἄγʼ ὀΐστευσον Μενελάου κυδαλίμοιο,

He brought them from Æsepus' flood, let through the Lycian fields;

εὔχεο δʼ Ἀπόλλωνι Λυκηγενέϊ κλυτοτόξῳ

Whom standing near, she whisper'd thus: “Lycaon's warlike son,

ἀρνῶν πρωτογόνων ῥέξειν κλειτὴν ἑκατόμβην

Shall I despair at thy kind hands to have a favour done?

οἴκαδε νοστήσας ἱερῆς εἰς ἄστυ Ζελείης.

Nor dar'st thou let an arrow fly upon the Spartan king?

ὣς φάτʼ Ἀθηναίη, τῷ δὲ φρένας ἄφρονι πεῖθεν·

It would be such a grace to Troy, and such a glorious thing,

αὐτίκʼ ἐσύλα τόξον ἐΰξοον ἰξάλου αἰγὸς

That ev'ry man would give his gift; but Alexander's hand

ἀγρίου, ὅν ῥά ποτʼ αὐτὸς ὑπὸ στέρνοιο τυχήσας

Would load thee with them, if he could discover from his stand

πέτρης ἐκβαίνοντα δεδεγμένος ἐν προδοκῇσι

His foe's pride strook down with thy shaft, and he himself ascend

βεβλήκει πρὸς στῆθος· ὃ δʼ ὕπτιος ἔμπεσε πέτρῃ.

The flaming heap of funeral. Come, shoot him, princely friend;

τοῦ κέρα ἐκ κεφαλῆς ἑκκαιδεκάδωρα πεφύκει·

But first invoke the God of Light, that in thy land was born,

καὶ τὰ μὲν ἀσκήσας κεραοξόος ἤραρε τέκτων,

And is in archers' art the best that ever sheaf hath worn,

πᾶν δʼ εὖ λειήνας χρυσέην ἐπέθηκε κορώνην.

To whom a hundred first-ew'd lambs vow thou in holy fire,

καὶ τὸ μὲν εὖ κατέθηκε τανυσσάμενος ποτὶ γαίῃ

When safe to sacred Zelia's tow'rs thy zealous steps retire.”

ἀγκλίνας· πρόσθεν δὲ σάκεα σχέθον ἐσθλοὶ ἑταῖροι

With this the mad gift-greedy man Minerva did persuade,

μὴ πρὶν ἀναΐξειαν ἀρήϊοι υἷες Ἀχαιῶν

Who instantly drew forth a bow, most admirably made

πρὶν βλῆσθαι Μενέλαον ἀρήϊον Ἀτρέος υἱόν.

Of th' antler of a jumping goat bred in a steep upland,

αὐτὰρ ὁ σύλα πῶμα φαρέτρης, ἐκ δʼ ἕλετʼ ἰὸν

Which archer-like (as long before he took his hidden stand,

ἀβλῆτα πτερόεντα μελαινέων ἕρμʼ ὀδυνάων·

The evicke skipping from a rock) into the breast he smote,

αἶψα δʼ ἐπὶ νευρῇ κατεκόσμει πικρὸν ὀϊστόν,

And headlong fell'd him from his cliff. The forehead of the goat

εὔχετο δʼ Ἀπόλλωνι Λυκηγενέϊ κλυτοτόξῳ

Held out a wondrous goodly palm, that sixteen branches brought;

ἀρνῶν πρωτογόνων ῥέξειν κλειτὴν ἑκατόμβην

Of all which join'd, an useful bow a skilful bowyer wrought,

οἴκαδε νοστήσας ἱερῆς εἰς ἄστυ Ζελείης.

Which pick'd and polish'd, both the ends he hid with horns of gold.

ἕλκε δʼ ὁμοῦ γλυφίδας τε λαβὼν καὶ νεῦρα βόεια·

And this bow, bent, he close laid down, and bad his soldiers hold

νευρὴν μὲν μαζῷ πέλασεν, τόξῳ δὲ σίδηρον.

Their shields before him, lest the Greeks, discerning him, should rise

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ κυκλοτερὲς μέγα τόξον ἔτεινε,

In tumults ere the Spartan king could be his arrow's prise.

λίγξε βιός, νευρὴ δὲ μέγʼ ἴαχεν, ἆλτο δʼ ὀϊστὸς

Mean space, with all his care he choos'd, and from his quiver drew,

ὀξυβελὴς καθʼ ὅμιλον ἐπιπτέσθαι μενεαίνων.

An arrow, feather'd best for flight and yet that never flew,

οὐδὲ σέθεν Μενέλαε θεοὶ μάκαρες λελάθοντο

Strong headed, and most apt to pierce; then took he up his bow,

ἀθάνατοι, πρώτη δὲ Διὸς θυγάτηρ ἀγελείη,

And nock'd his shaft, the ground whence all their future grief did grow.

ἥ τοι πρόσθε στᾶσα βέλος ἐχεπευκὲς ἄμυνεν.

When, praying to his God the Sun, that was in Lycia bred,

ἣ δὲ τόσον μὲν ἔεργεν ἀπὸ χροὸς ὡς ὅτε μήτηρ

And king of archers, promising that he the blood would shed

παιδὸς ἐέργῃ μυῖαν ὅθʼ ἡδέϊ λέξεται ὕπνῳ,

Of full an hundred first-fall'n lambs, all offer'd to his name,

αὐτὴ δʼ αὖτʼ ἴθυνεν ὅθι ζωστῆρος ὀχῆες

When to Zelia's sacred walls from rescu'd Troy he came,

χρύσειοι σύνεχον καὶ διπλόος ἤντετο θώρηξ.

He took his arrow by the nock, and to his bended breast

ἐν δʼ ἔπεσε ζωστῆρι ἀρηρότι πικρὸς ὀϊστός·

The oxy sinew close he drew, ev'n till the pile did rest

διὰ μὲν ἂρ ζωστῆρος ἐλήλατο δαιδαλέοιο,

Upon the bosom of the bow; and as that savage prise

καὶ διὰ θώρηκος πολυδαιδάλου ἠρήρειστο

His strength constrain'd into an orb, as if the wind did rise

The coming of it made a noise, the sinew-forgéd string

Did give a mighty twang, and forth the eager shaft did sing,

Affecting speediness of flight, amongst the Achive throng.

Nor were the blesséd Heav'nly Pow'rs unmindful of thy wrong,

O Menelaus, but, in chief, Jove's seed: the Pillager,

μίτρης θʼ, ἣν ἐφόρει ἔρυμα χροὸς ἕρκος ἀκόντων,

Stood close before, and slack'd the force the arrow did confer,

ἥ οἱ πλεῖστον ἔρυτο· διὰ πρὸ δὲ εἴσατο καὶ τῆς.

With as much care and little hurt, as doth a mother use,

ἀκρότατον δʼ ἄρʼ ὀϊστὸς ἐπέγραψε χρόα φωτός·

And keep off from her babe, when sleep doth through his pow'rs diffuse

αὐτίκα δʼ ἔρρεεν αἷμα κελαινεφὲς ἐξ ὠτειλῆς.

His golden humour, and th' assaults of rude and busy flies

ὡς δʼ ὅτε τίς τʼ ἐλέφαντα γυνὴ φοίνικι μιήνῃ

She still checks with her careful hand; for so the shaft she plies

Μῃονὶς ἠὲ Κάειρα παρήϊον ἔμμεναι ἵππων·

That on the buttons made of gold, which made his girdle fast,

κεῖται δʼ ἐν θαλάμῳ, πολέες τέ μιν ἠρήσαντο

And where his curets double were, the fall of it she plac'd.

ἱππῆες φορέειν· βασιλῆϊ δὲ κεῖται ἄγαλμα,

And thus much proof she put it to: the buckle made of gold;

ἀμφότερον κόσμός θʼ ἵππῳ ἐλατῆρί τε κῦδος·

The belt it fast'ned, bravely wrought; his curets' double fold;

τοῖοί τοι Μενέλαε μιάνθην αἵματι μηροὶ

And last, the charméd plate he wore, which help'd him more than all,

εὐφυέες κνῆμαί τε ἰδὲ σφυρὰ κάλʼ ὑπένερθε.

And, 'gainst all darts and shafts bestow'd, was to his life a wall;

ῥίγησεν δʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων

So, through all these, the upper skin the head did only race;

ὡς εἶδεν μέλαν αἷμα καταρρέον ἐξ ὠτειλῆς·

Yet forth the blood flow'd, which did much his royal person grace,

ῥίγησεν δὲ καὶ αὐτὸς ἀρηΐφιλος Μενέλαος.

And show'd upon his ivory skin, as doth a purple dye

ὡς δὲ ἴδεν νεῦρόν τε καὶ ὄγκους ἐκτὸς ἐόντας

Laid, by a dame of Caïra, or lovely Mæony,

ἄψορρόν οἱ θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἀγέρθη.

On ivory, wrought in ornaments to deck the cheeks of horse;

τοῖς δὲ βαρὺ στενάχων μετέφη κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

Which in her marriage room must lie; whose beauties have such force

χειρὸς ἔχων Μενέλαον, ἐπεστενάχοντο δʼ ἑταῖροι·

That they are wish'd of many knights, but are such precious things,

φίλε κασίγνητε θάνατόν νύ τοι ὅρκιʼ ἔταμνον

That they are kept for horse that draw the chariots of kings,

οἶον προστήσας πρὸ Ἀχαιῶν Τρωσὶ μάχεσθαι,

Which horse, so deck'd, the charioteer esteems a grace to him;

ὥς σʼ ἔβαλον Τρῶες, κατὰ δʼ ὅρκια πιστὰ πάτησαν.

Like these, in grace, the blood upon thy solid thighs did swim,

οὐ μέν πως ἅλιον πέλει ὅρκιον αἷμά τε ἀρνῶν

O Menelaus, down by calves and ankles to the ground.

σπονδαί τʼ ἄκρητοι καὶ δεξιαὶ ᾗς ἐπέπιθμεν.

For nothing decks a soldier so, as doth an honour'd wound.

εἴ περ γάρ τε καὶ αὐτίκʼ Ὀλύμπιος οὐκ ἐτέλεσσεν,

Yet, fearing he had far'd much worse, the hair stood up on end

ἔκ τε καὶ ὀψὲ τελεῖ, σύν τε μεγάλῳ ἀπέτισαν

On Agamemnon, when he saw so much black blood descend.

σὺν σφῇσιν κεφαλῇσι γυναιξί τε καὶ τεκέεσσιν.

And stiff'ned with the like dismay was Menelaus too,

εὖ γὰρ ἐγὼ τόδε οἶδα κατὰ φρένα καὶ κατὰ θυμόν·

But seeing th' arrow's stale without, and that the head did go

ἔσσεται ἦμαρ ὅτʼ ἄν ποτʼ ὀλώλῃ Ἴλιος ἱρὴ

No further than it might be seen, he call'd his spirits again;

καὶ Πρίαμος καὶ λαὸς ἐϋμμελίω Πριάμοιο,

Which Agamemnon marking not but thinking he was slain,

Ζεὺς δέ σφι Κρονίδης ὑψίζυγος αἰθέρι ναίων

He grip'd his brother by the hand, and sigh'd as he would break,

αὐτὸς ἐπισσείῃσιν ἐρεμνὴν αἰγίδα πᾶσι

Which sigh the whole host took from him, who thus at last did speak:

τῆσδʼ ἀπάτης κοτέων· τὰ μὲν ἔσσεται οὐκ ἀτέλεστα·

“O dearest brother, is't for this, that thy death must be wrought,

ἀλλά μοι αἰνὸν ἄχος σέθεν ἔσσεται ὦ Μενέλαε

Wrought I this truce? For this has thou the single combat fought

αἴ κε θάνῃς καὶ πότμον ἀναπλήσῃς βιότοιο.

For all the army of the Greeks? For this hath Ilion sworn,

καί κεν ἐλέγχιστος πολυδίψιον Ἄργος ἱκοίμην·

And trod all faith beneath their feet? Yet all this hath not worn

αὐτίκα γὰρ μνήσονται Ἀχαιοὶ πατρίδος αἴης·

The right we challeng'd out of force; this cannot render vain

κὰδ δέ κεν εὐχωλὴν Πριάμῳ καὶ Τρωσὶ λίποιμεν

Our stricken right hands, sacred wine, nor all our off'rings slain;

Ἀργείην Ἑλένην· σέο δʼ ὀστέα πύσει ἄρουρα

For though Olympius be not quick in making good our ill,

κειμένου ἐν Τροίῃ ἀτελευτήτῳ ἐπὶ ἔργῳ.

He will be sure as he is slow, and sharplier prove his will.

καί κέ τις ὧδʼ ἐρέει Τρώων ὑπερηνορεόντων

Their own hands shall be ministers of those plagues they despise,

τύμβῳ ἐπιθρῴσκων Μενελάου κυδαλίμοιο·

Which shall their wives and children reach, and all their progenies.

αἴθʼ οὕτως ἐπὶ πᾶσι χόλον τελέσειʼ Ἀγαμέμνων,

For both in mind and soul I know, that there shall come a day

ὡς καὶ νῦν ἅλιον στρατὸν ἤγαγεν ἐνθάδʼ Ἀχαιῶν,

When Ilion, Priam, all his pow'r, shall quite be worn away,

καὶ δὴ ἔβη οἶκον δὲ φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν

When heav'n-inhabiting Jove shall shake his fiery shield at all,

σὺν κεινῇσιν νηυσὶ λιπὼν ἀγαθὸν Μενέλαον.

For this one mischief. This, I know, the world cannot recall.

ὥς ποτέ τις ἐρέει· τότε μοι χάνοι εὐρεῖα χθών.

But be all this, all my grief still for thee will be the same,

τὸν δʼ ἐπιθαρσύνων προσέφη ξανθὸς Μενέλαος·

Dear brother. If thy life must here put out his royal flame,

θάρσει, μηδέ τί πω δειδίσσεο λαὸν Ἀχαιῶν·

I shall to sandy Argos turn with infamy my face;

οὐκ ἐν καιρίῳ ὀξὺ πάγη βέλος, ἀλλὰ πάροιθεν

And all the Greeks will call for home; old Priam and his race

εἰρύσατο ζωστήρ τε παναίολος ἠδʼ ὑπένερθε

Will flame in glory; Helena untouch'd be still their prey;

ζῶμά τε καὶ μίτρη, τὴν χαλκῆες κάμον ἄνδρες.

And thy bones in our enemies' earth our curséd fates shall lay;

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων·

Thy sepulchre be trodden down; the pride of Troy desire

αἲ γὰρ δὴ οὕτως εἴη φίλος ὦ Μενέλαε·

Insulting on it, 'Thus, O thus, let Agamemnon's ire

ἕλκος δʼ ἰητὴρ ἐπιμάσσεται ἠδʼ ἐπιθήσει

In all his acts be expiate, as now he carries home

φάρμαχʼ ἅ κεν παύσῃσι μελαινάων ὀδυνάων.

His idle army, empty ships, and leaves here overcome

ἦ καὶ Ταλθύβιον θεῖον κήρυκα προσηύδα·

Good Menelaus.' When this rave breaks in their bated breath,

Ταλθύβιʼ ὅττι τάχιστα Μαχάονα δεῦρο κάλεσσον

Then let the broad earth swallow me, and take me quick to death.”

φῶτʼ Ἀσκληπιοῦ υἱὸν ἀμύμονος ἰητῆρος,

“Nor shall this ever chance,” said he, “and therefore be of cheer,

ὄφρα ἴδῃ Μενέλαον ἀρήϊον Ἀτρέος υἱόν,

Lest all the army, led by you, your passions put in fear.

ὅν τις ὀϊστεύσας ἔβαλεν τόξων ἐῢ εἰδὼς

The arrow fell in no such place a death could enter at,

Τρώων ἢ Λυκίων, τῷ μὲν κλέος, ἄμμι δὲ πένθος.

My girdle, curets doubled here, and my most trusted plate,

ὣς ἔφατʼ, οὐδʼ ἄρα οἱ κῆρυξ ἀπίθησεν ἀκούσας,

Objected all 'twixt me and death, the shaft scarce piercing one.”

βῆ δʼ ἰέναι κατὰ λαὸν Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων

“Good brother,” said the king, “I wish it were no further gone,

παπταίνων ἥρωα Μαχάονα· τὸν δὲ νόησεν

For then our best in med'cines skilled shall ope and search the wound,

ἑσταότʼ· ἀμφὶ δέ μιν κρατεραὶ στίχες ἀσπιστάων

Applying balms to ease thy pains, and soon restore thee sound.”

λαῶν, οἵ οἱ ἕποντο Τρίκης ἐξ ἱπποβότοιο.

This said, divine Talthybiús he call'd, and bad him haste

ἀγχοῦ δʼ ἱστάμενος ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Machaon (Æsculapius' son, who most of men was grac'd

ὄρσʼ Ἀσκληπιάδη, καλέει κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων,

With physic's sov'reign remedies) to come and lend his hand

To Menelaus, shot by one well-skill'd in the command

Of bow and arrows, one of Troy, or of the Lycian aid,

Who much hath glorified our foe, and us as much dismay'd.

He heard, and hasted instantly, and cast his eyes about

ὄφρα ἴδῃς Μενέλαον ἀρήϊον ἀρχὸν Ἀχαιῶν,

The thickest squadrons of the Greeks, to find Machaon out.

ὅν τις ὀϊστεύσας ἔβαλεν τόξων ἐῢ εἰδὼς

He found him standing guarded well with well-arm'd men of Thrace;

Τρώων ἢ Λυκίων, τῷ μὲν κλέος, ἄμμι δὲ πένθος.

With whom he quickly join'd, and said: “Man of Apollo's race,

ὣς φάτο, τῷ δʼ ἄρα θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ὄρινε·

Haste, for the king of men commands, to see a wound impress'd

βὰν δʼ ἰέναι καθʼ ὅμιλον ἀνὰ στρατὸν εὐρὺν Ἀχαιῶν.

In Menelaus, great in arms, by one instructed best

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δή ῥʼ ἵκανον ὅθι ξανθὸς Μενέλαος

In th' art of archery, of Troy, or of the Lycian bands,

βλήμενος ἦν, περὶ δʼ αὐτὸν ἀγηγέραθʼ ὅσσοι ἄριστοι

That them with much renown adorns, us with dishonour brands.”

κυκλόσʼ, ὃ δʼ ἐν μέσσοισι παρίστατο ἰσόθεος φώς,

Machaon much was mov'd with this, who with the herald flew

αὐτίκα δʼ ἐκ ζωστῆρος ἀρηρότος ἕλκεν ὀϊστόν·

From troop to troop alongst the host; and soon they came in view

τοῦ δʼ ἐξελκομένοιο πάλιν ἄγεν ὀξέες ὄγκοι.

Of hurt Atrides, circled round with all the Grecian kings;

λῦσε δέ οἱ ζωστῆρα παναίολον ἠδʼ ὑπένερθε

Who all gave way, and straight he draws the shaft, which forth he brings

ζῶμά τε καὶ μίτρην, τὴν χαλκῆες κάμον ἄνδρες.

Without the forks; the girdle then, plate, curets, off he plucks,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ ἴδεν ἕλκος ὅθʼ ἔμπεσε πικρὸς ὀϊστός,

And views the wound; when first from it the clotter'd blood he sucks,

αἷμʼ ἐκμυζήσας ἐπʼ ἄρʼ ἤπια φάρμακα εἰδὼς

Then med'cines, wondrously compos'd, the skilful leech applied,

πάσσε, τά οἵ ποτε πατρὶ φίλα φρονέων πόρε Χείρων.

Which loving Chiron taught his sire, he from his sire had tried.

ὄφρα τοὶ ἀμφεπένοντο βοὴν ἀγαθὸν Μενέλαον,

While these were thus employ'd to ease the Atrean martialist,

τόφρα δʼ ἐπὶ Τρώων στίχες ἤλυθον ἀσπιστάων·

The Trojans arm'd, and charg'd the Greeks; the Greeks arm and resist.

οἳ δʼ αὖτις κατὰ τεύχεʼ ἔδυν, μνήσαντο δὲ χάρμης.

Then not asleep, nor maz'd with fear, nor shifting off the blows,

ἔνθʼ οὐκ ἂν βρίζοντα ἴδοις Ἀγαμέμνονα δῖον

You could behold the king of men, but in full speed he goes

οὐδὲ καταπτώσσοντʼ οὐδʼ οὐκ ἐθέλοντα μάχεσθαι,

To set a glorious fight on foot; and he examples this,

ἀλλὰ μάλα σπεύδοντα μάχην ἐς κυδιάνειραν.

With toiling, like the worst, on foot; who therefore did dismiss

ἵππους μὲν γὰρ ἔασε καὶ ἅρματα ποικίλα χαλκῷ·

His brass-arm'd chariot, and his steeds, with Ptolemëus' son,

καὶ τοὺς μὲν θεράπων ἀπάνευθʼ ἔχε φυσιόωντας

Son of Piraides, their guide, the good Eurymedon;

Εὐρυμέδων υἱὸς Πτολεμαίου Πειραΐδαο·

“Yet,” said the king, “attend with them, lest weariness should seize

τῷ μάλα πόλλʼ ἐπέτελλε παρισχέμεν ὁππότε κέν μιν

My limbs, surcharg'd with ord'ring troops so thick and vast as these.”

γυῖα λάβῃ κάματος πολέας διὰ κοιρανέοντα·

Eurymedon then rein'd his horse, that trotted neighing by;

αὐτὰρ ὃ πεζὸς ἐὼν ἐπεπωλεῖτο στίχας ἀνδρῶν·

The king a footman, and so scours the squadrons orderly.

καί ῥʼ οὓς μὲν σπεύδοντας ἴδοι Δαναῶν ταχυπώλων,

Those of his swiftly-mounted Greeks, that in their arms were fit,

τοὺς μάλα θαρσύνεσκε παριστάμενος ἐπέεσσιν·

Those he put on with cheerful words, and bad them not remit

Ἀργεῖοι μή πώ τι μεθίετε θούριδος ἀλκῆς·

The least spark of their forward spirits, because the Trojans durst

οὐ γὰρ ἐπὶ ψευδέσσι πατὴρ Ζεὺς ἔσσετʼ ἀρωγός,

Take these abhorr'd advantages, but let them do their worst;

ἀλλʼ οἵ περ πρότεροι ὑπὲρ ὅρκια δηλήσαντο

For they might be assur'd that Jove would patronise no lies,

τῶν ἤτοι αὐτῶν τέρενα χρόα γῦπες ἔδονται,

And that who, with the breach of truce, would hurt their enemies,

ἡμεῖς αὖτʼ ἀλόχους τε φίλας καὶ νήπια τέκνα

With vultures should be torn themselves; that they should raze their town,

ἄξομεν ἐν νήεσσιν, ἐπὴν πτολίεθρον ἕλωμεν.

Their wives, and children at their breast, led vassals to their own.

οὕς τινας αὖ μεθιέντας ἴδοι στυγεροῦ πολέμοιο,

But such as he beheld hang off from that increasing fight,

τοὺς μάλα νεικείεσκε χολωτοῖσιν ἐπέεσσιν·

Such would he bitterly rebuke, and with disgrace excite:

Ἀργεῖοι ἰόμωροι ἐλεγχέες οὔ νυ σέβεσθε;

“Base Argives, blush ye not to stand as made for butts to darts?

τίφθʼ οὕτως ἔστητε τεθηπότες ἠΰτε νεβροί,

Why are ye thus discomfited, like hinds that have no hearts,

αἵ τʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν ἔκαμον πολέος πεδίοιο θέουσαι

Who, wearied with a long-run field, are instantly emboss'd,

ἑστᾶσʼ, οὐδʼ ἄρα τίς σφι μετὰ φρεσὶ γίγνεται ἀλκή·

Stand still, and in their beastly breasts is all their courage lost?

ὣς ὑμεῖς ἔστητε τεθηπότες οὐδὲ μάχεσθε.

And so stand you strook with amaze, nor dare to strike a stroke.

ἦ μένετε Τρῶας σχεδὸν ἐλθέμεν ἔνθά τε νῆες

Would ye the foe should nearer yet your dastard spleens provoke,

εἰρύατʼ εὔπρυμνοι πολιῆς ἐπὶ θινὶ θαλάσσης,

Ev'n where on Neptune's foamy shore our navies lie in sight,

ὄφρα ἴδητʼ αἴ κʼ ὔμμιν ὑπέρσχῃ χεῖρα Κρονίων;

To see if Jove will hold your hands, and teach ye how to fight?”

ὣς ὅ γε κοιρανέων ἐπεπωλεῖτο στίχας ἀνδρῶν·

Thus he, commanding, rang'd the host, and, passing many a band,

ἦλθε δʼ ἐπὶ Κρήτεσσι κιὼν ἀνὰ οὐλαμὸν ἀνδρῶν.

He came to the Cretensian troops, where all did arméd stand

οἳ δʼ ἀμφʼ Ἰδομενῆα δαΐφρονα θωρήσσοντο·

About the martial Idomen; who bravely stood before

Ἰδομενεὺς μὲν ἐνὶ προμάχοις συῒ εἴκελος ἀλκήν,

In vanguard of his troops, and match'd for strength a savage boar;

Μηριόνης δʼ ἄρα οἱ πυμάτας ὄτρυνε φάλαγγας.

Meriones, his charioteer, the rearguard bringing on.

τοὺς δὲ ἰδὼν γήθησεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων,

Which seen to Atreus' son, to him it was a sight alone,

αὐτίκα δʼ Ἰδομενῆα προσηύδα μειλιχίοισιν·

And Idomen's confirméd mind with these kind words he seeks:

Ἰδομενεῦ περὶ μέν σε τίω Δαναῶν ταχυπώλων

“O Idomen! I ever lov'd thy self past all the Greeks,

ἠμὲν ἐνὶ πτολέμῳ ἠδʼ ἀλλοίῳ ἐπὶ ἔργῳ

In war, or any work of peace, at table, ev'rywhere;

ἠδʼ ἐν δαίθʼ, ὅτε πέρ τε γερούσιον αἴθοπα οἶνον

For when the best of Greece besides mix ever, at our cheer,

Ἀργείων οἳ ἄριστοι ἐνὶ κρητῆρι κέρωνται.

My good old ardent wine with small, and our inferior mates

εἴ περ γάρ τʼ ἄλλοι γε κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοὶ

Drink ev'n that mix'd wine measur'd too, thou drink'st, without those rates,

δαιτρὸν πίνωσιν, σὸν δὲ πλεῖον δέπας αἰεὶ

Our old wine neat, and evermore thy bowl stands full like mine,

ἕστηχʼ, ὥς περ ἐμοί, πιέειν ὅτε θυμὸς ἀνώγοι.

To drink still when and what thou wilt. Then rouse that heart of thine,

ἀλλʼ ὄρσευ πόλεμον δʼ οἷος πάρος εὔχεαι εἶναι.

And, whatsoever heretofore thou hast assum'd to be,

τὸν δʼ αὖτʼ Ἰδομενεὺς Κρητῶν ἀγὸς ἀντίον ηὔδα·

This day be greater.” To the king in this sort answer'd he:

Ἀτρεΐδη μάλα μέν τοι ἐγὼν ἐρίηρος ἑταῖρος

“Atrides, what I ever seem'd, the same at ev'ry part

ἔσσομαι, ὡς τὸ πρῶτον ὑπέστην καὶ κατένευσα·

This day shall show me at the full, and I will fit thy heart.

ἀλλʼ ἄλλους ὄτρυνε κάρη κομόωντας Ἀχαιοὺς

But thou shouldst rather cheer the rest, and tell them they in right

ὄφρα τάχιστα μαχώμεθʼ, ἐπεὶ σύν γʼ ὅρκιʼ ἔχευαν

Of all good war must offer blows, and should begin the fight,

Τρῶες· τοῖσιν δʼ αὖ θάνατος καὶ κήδεʼ ὀπίσσω

(Since Troy first brake the holy truce) and not endure these braves.

ἔσσετʼ ἐπεὶ πρότεροι ὑπὲρ ὅρκια δηλήσαντο.

To take wrong first, and then be dar'd to the revenge it craves;

ὣς ἔφατʼ, Ἀτρεΐδης δὲ παρῴχετο γηθόσυνος κῆρ·

Assuring them that Troy in fate must have the worst at last,

Since first, and 'gainst a truce, they hurt, where they should have embrac'd.”

This comfort and advice did fit Atrides' heart indeed

Who still through new-rais'd swarms of men held his laborious speed,

And came where both th' Ajaces stood; whom like the last he found

Arm'd, casqu'd, and ready for the fight. Behind them, hid the ground

ἦλθε δʼ ἐπʼ Αἰάντεσσι κιὼν ἀνὰ οὐλαμὸν ἀνδρῶν·

A cloud of foot, that seem'd to smoke. And as a goatherd spies,

τὼ δὲ κορυσσέσθην, ἅμα δὲ νέφος εἵπετο πεζῶν.

On some hill's top, out of the sea a rainy vapour rise,

ὡς δʼ ὅτʼ ἀπὸ σκοπιῆς εἶδεν νέφος αἰπόλος ἀνὴρ

Driv'n by the breath of Zephyrus which, though far off he rest,

ἐρχόμενον κατὰ πόντον ὑπὸ Ζεφύροιο ἰωῆς·

Comes on as black as pitch, and brings a tempest in his breast,

τῷ δέ τʼ ἄνευθεν ἐόντι μελάντερον ἠΰτε πίσσα

Whereat he frighted, drives his herds apace into a den;

φαίνετʼ ἰὸν κατὰ πόντον, ἄγει δέ τε λαίλαπα πολλήν,

So dark'ning earth with darts and shields show'd these with all their men.

ῥίγησέν τε ἰδών, ὑπό τε σπέος ἤλασε μῆλα·

This sight with like joy fir'd the king, who thus let forth the flame

τοῖαι ἅμʼ Αἰάντεσσι διοτρεφέων αἰζηῶν

In crying out to both the dukes: “O you of equal name,

δήϊον ἐς πόλεμον πυκιναὶ κίνυντο φάλαγγες

I must not cheer, nay, I disclaim all my command of you,

κυάνεαι, σάκεσίν τε καὶ ἔγχεσι πεφρικυῖαι.

Yourselves command with such free minds, and make your soldiers show

καὶ τοὺς μὲν γήθησεν ἰδὼν κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων,

As you nor I led, but themselves. O would our father Jove,

καί σφεας φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Minerva, and the God of Light, would all our bodies move

Αἴαντʼ Ἀργείων ἡγήτορε χαλκοχιτώνων,

With such brave spirits as breathe in you, then Priam's lofty town

σφῶϊ μέν· οὐ γὰρ ἔοικʼ ὀτρυνέμεν· οὔ τι κελεύω·

Should soon be taken by our hands, for ever overthrown!”

αὐτὼ γὰρ μάλα λαὸν ἀνώγετον ἶφι μάχεσθαι.

Then held he on to other troops, and Nestor next beheld,

αἲ γὰρ Ζεῦ τε πάτερ καὶ Ἀθηναίη καὶ Ἄπολλον

The subtle Pylian orator, range up and down the field

τοῖος πᾶσιν θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι γένοιτο·

Embattelling his men at arms, and stirring all to blows,

τώ κε τάχʼ ἠμύσειε πόλις Πριάμοιο ἄνακτος

Points ev'ry legion out his chief, and ev'ry chief he shows

χερσὶν ὑφʼ ἡμετέρῃσιν ἁλοῦσά τε περθομένη τε.

The forms and discipline of war, yet his commanders were

ὣς εἰπὼν τοὺς μὲν λίπεν αὐτοῦ, βῆ δὲ μετʼ ἄλλους·

All expert, and renownéd men. Great Pelagon was there,

ἔνθʼ ὅ γε Νέστορʼ ἔτετμε λιγὺν Πυλίων ἀγορητὴν

Alastor, manly Chromius, and Hæmon worth a throne,

οὓς ἑτάρους στέλλοντα καὶ ὀτρύνοντα μάχεσθαι

And Bias that could armies lead. With these he first put on

ἀμφὶ μέγαν Πελάγοντα Ἀλάστορά τε Χρομίον τε

His horse troops with their chariots; his foot (of which he choos'd

Αἵμονά τε κρείοντα Βίαντά τε ποιμένα λαῶν·

Many, the best and ablest men, and which he ever us'd

ἱππῆας μὲν πρῶτα σὺν ἵπποισιν καὶ ὄχεσφι,

As rampire to his gen'ral pow'r) he in the rear dispos'd.

πεζοὺς δʼ ἐξόπιθε στῆσεν πολέας τε καὶ ἐσθλοὺς

The slothful, and the least of spirit, he in the midst inclos'd,

ἕρκος ἔμεν πολέμοιο· κακοὺς δʼ ἐς μέσσον ἔλασσεν,

That, such as wanted noble wills, base need might force to stand.

ὄφρα καὶ οὐκ ἐθέλων τις ἀναγκαίῃ πολεμίζοι.

His horse troops, that the vanguard had, he strictly did command

ἱππεῦσιν μὲν πρῶτʼ ἐπετέλλετο· τοὺς γὰρ ἀνώγει

To ride their horses temp'rately, to keep their ranks, and shun

σφοὺς ἵππους ἐχέμεν μηδὲ κλονέεσθαι ὁμίλῳ·

Confusion, lest their horsemanship and courage made them run

μηδέ τις ἱπποσύνῃ τε καὶ ἠνορέηφι πεποιθὼς

(Too much presum'd on) much too far, and, charging so alone,

οἶος πρόσθʼ ἄλλων μεμάτω Τρώεσσι μάχεσθαι,

Engage themselves in th' enemy's strength, where many fight with one.

μηδʼ ἀναχωρείτω· ἀλαπαδνότεροι γὰρ ἔσεσθε.

“Who his own chariot leaves to range, let him not freely go,

ὃς δέ κʼ ἀνὴρ ἀπὸ ὧν ὀχέων ἕτερʼ ἅρμαθʼ ἵκηται

But straight unhorse him with a lance; for 'tis much better so.

ἔγχει ὀρεξάσθω, ἐπεὶ ἦ πολὺ φέρτερον οὕτω.

And with this discipline,” said he, “this form, these minds, this trust,

ὧδε καὶ οἱ πρότεροι πόλεας καὶ τείχεʼ ἐπόρθεον

Our ancestors have walls and towns laid level with the dust.”

τόνδε νόον καὶ θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἔχοντες.

Thus prompt, and long inur'd to arms, this old man did exhort;

ὣς ὃ γέρων ὄτρυνε πάλαι πολέμων ἐῢ εἰδώς·

And this Atrides likewise took in wondrous cheerful sort,

καὶ τὸν μὲν γήθησεν ἰδὼν κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων,

And said: “O father, would to heav'n, that as thy mind remains

καί μιν φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

In wonted vigour, so thy knees could undergo our pains!

ὦ γέρον εἴθʼ ὡς θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι φίλοισιν

But age, that all men overcomes, hath made his prise on thee;

ὥς τοι γούναθʼ ἕποιτο, βίη δέ τοι ἔμπεδος εἴη·

Yet still I wish that some young man, grown old in mind, might be

ἀλλά σε γῆρας τείρει ὁμοίϊον· ὡς ὄφελέν τις

Put in proportion with thy years, and thy mind, young in age,

ἀνδρῶν ἄλλος ἔχειν, σὺ δὲ κουροτέροισι μετεῖναι.

Be fitly answer'd with his youth; that still where conflicts rage,

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ·

And young men us'd to thirst for fame, thy brave exampling hand

Ἀτρεΐδη μάλα μέν τοι ἐγὼν ἐθέλοιμι καὶ αὐτὸς

Might double our young Grecian spirits, and grace our whole command.”

ὣς ἔμεν ὡς ὅτε δῖον Ἐρευθαλίωνα κατέκταν.

The old knight answer'd: “I myself could wish, O Atreus' son,

ἀλλʼ οὔ πως ἅμα πάντα θεοὶ δόσαν ἀνθρώποισιν·

I were as young as when I slew brave Ereuthalion,

εἰ τότε κοῦρος ἔα νῦν αὖτέ με γῆρας ὀπάζει.

But Gods at all times give not all their gifts to mortal men.

ἀλλὰ καὶ ὧς ἱππεῦσι μετέσσομαι ἠδὲ κελεύσω

If then I had the strength of youth, I miss'd the counsels then

βουλῇ καὶ μύθοισι· τὸ γὰρ γέρας ἐστὶ γερόντων.

That years now give me; and now years want that main strength of youth;

αἰχμὰς δʼ αἰχμάσσουσι νεώτεροι, οἵ περ ἐμεῖο

Yet still my mind retains her strength (as you now said the sooth)

ὁπλότεροι γεγάασι πεποίθασίν τε βίηφιν.

And would be where that strength is us'd, affording counsel sage

ὣς ἔφατʼ, Ἀτρεΐδης δὲ παρῴχετο γηθόσυνος κῆρ.

To stir youth's minds up; 'tis the grace and office of our age;

εὗρʼ υἱὸν Πετεῶο Μενεσθῆα πλήξιππον

Let younger sinews, men sprung up whole ages after me,

ἑσταότʼ· ἀμφὶ δʼ Ἀθηναῖοι μήστωρες ἀϋτῆς·

And such as have strength, use it, and as strong in honour be.”

αὐτὰρ ὃ πλησίον ἑστήκει πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς,

The king, all this while comforted, arriv'd next where he found

πὰρ δὲ Κεφαλλήνων ἀμφὶ στίχες οὐκ ἀλαπαδναὶ

Well-rode Menestheus (Peteus' son) stand still, inviron'd round

ἕστασαν· οὐ γάρ πώ σφιν ἀκούετο λαὸς ἀϋτῆς,

With his well-train'd Athenian troops, and next to him he spied

ἀλλὰ νέον συνορινόμεναι κίνυντο φάλαγγες

The wise Ulysses, deedless too, and all his bands beside

Τρώων ἱπποδάμων καὶ Ἀχαιῶν· οἳ δὲ μένοντες

Of strong Cephalians; for as yet th' alarm had not been heard

ἕστασαν ὁππότε πύργος Ἀχαιῶν ἄλλος ἐπελθὼν

In all their quarters, Greece and Troy were then so newly stirr'd,

Τρώων ὁρμήσειε καὶ ἄρξειαν πολέμοιο.

And then first mov'd, as they conceiv'd; and they so look'd about

τοὺς δὲ ἰδὼν νείκεσσεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων,

To see both hosts give proof of that they yet had cause to doubt.

καί σφεας φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Atrides seeing them stand so still, and spend their eyes at gaze,

ὦ υἱὲ Πετεῶο διοτρεφέος βασιλῆος,

Began to chide: “And why,” said he, “dissolv'd thus in amaze,

καὶ σὺ κακοῖσι δόλοισι κεκασμένε κερδαλεόφρον

Thou son of Peteus, Jove-nurs'd king, and thou in wicked sleight

τίπτε καταπτώσσοντες ἀφέστατε, μίμνετε δʼ ἄλλους;

A cunning soldier, stand ye off? Expect ye that the fight

Should be by other men begun? 'Tis fit the foremost band

Should show you there; you first should front who first lifts up his hand.

First you can hear, when I invite the princes to a feast,

When first, most friendly, and at will, ye eat and drink the best,

Yet in the fight, most willingly, ten troops ye can behold

σφῶϊν μέν τʼ ἐπέοικε μετὰ πρώτοισιν ἐόντας

Take place before ye.” Ithacus at this his brows did fold,

ἑστάμεν ἠδὲ μάχης καυστείρης ἀντιβολῆσαι·

And said: “How hath thy violent tongue broke through thy set of teeth,

πρώτω γὰρ καὶ δαιτὸς ἀκουάζεσθον ἐμεῖο,

To say that we are slack in fight, and to the field of death

ὁππότε δαῖτα γέρουσιν ἐφοπλίζωμεν Ἀχαιοί.

Look others should enforce our way, when we were busied then,

ἔνθα φίλʼ ὀπταλέα κρέα ἔδμεναι ἠδὲ κύπελλα

Ev'n when thou spak'st, against the foe to cheer and lead our men?

οἴνου πινέμεναι μελιηδέος ὄφρʼ ἐθέλητον·

But thy eyes shall be witnesses, if it content thy will,

νῦν δὲ φίλως χʼ ὁρόῳτε καὶ εἰ δέκα πύργοι Ἀχαιῶν

And that (as thou pretend'st) these cares do so affect thee still,

ὑμείων προπάροιθε μαχοίατο νηλέϊ χαλκῷ.

The father of Telemachus (whom I esteem so dear,

τὸν δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν προσέφη πολύμητις Ὀδυσσεύς·

And to whom, as a legacy, I'll leave my deeds done here)

Ἀτρεΐδη ποῖόν σε ἔπος φύγεν ἕρκος ὀδόντων;

Ev'n with the foremost band of Troy hath his encounter dar'd,

πῶς δὴ φῂς πολέμοιο μεθιέμεν ὁππότʼ Ἀχαιοὶ

And therefore are thy speeches vain, and had been better spar'd.”

Τρωσὶν ἐφʼ ἱπποδάμοισιν ἐγείρομεν ὀξὺν Ἄρηα;

He, smiling, since he saw him mov'd, recall'd his words, and said:

ὄψεαι αἴ κʼ ἐθέλῃσθα καὶ αἴ κέν τοι τὰ μεμήλῃ

“Most generous Laertes' son, most wise of all our aid,

Τηλεμάχοιο φίλον πατέρα προμάχοισι μιγέντα

I neither do accuse thy worth, more than thyself may hold

Τρώων ἱπποδάμων· σὺ δὲ ταῦτʼ ἀνεμώλια βάζεις.

Fit, (that inferiors think not much, being slack, to be controll'd)

τὸν δʼ ἐπιμειδήσας προσέφη κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

Nor take I on me thy command; for well I know thy mind

ὡς γνῶ χωομένοιο· πάλιν δʼ ὅ γε λάζετο μῦθον·

Knows how sweet gentle counsels are, and that thou stand'st inclin'd,

διογενὲς Λαερτιάδη πολυμήχανʼ Ὀδυσσεῦ

As I myself, for all our good. On then; if now we spake

οὔτέ σε νεικείω περιώσιον οὔτε κελεύω·

What hath displeas'd, another time we full amends will make;

οἶδα γὰρ ὥς τοι θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι φίλοισιν

And Gods grant that thy virtue ere may prove so free and brave,

ἤπια δήνεα οἶδε· τὰ γὰρ φρονέεις ἅ τʼ ἐγώ περ.

That my reproofs may still be vain, and thy deservings grave.”

ἀλλʼ ἴθι ταῦτα δʼ ὄπισθεν ἀρεσσόμεθʼ εἴ τι κακὸν νῦν

Thus parted they; and forth he went, when he did leaning find,

εἴρηται, τὰ δὲ πάντα θεοὶ μεταμώνια θεῖεν.

Against his chariot, near his horse, him with the mighty mind,

ὣς εἰπὼν τοὺς μὲν λίπεν αὐτοῦ, βῆ δὲ μετʼ ἄλλους.

Great Diomedes, Tydeus' son, and Sthenelus, the seed

εὗρε δὲ Τυδέος υἱὸν ὑπέρθυμον Διομήδεα

Of Capaneius; whom the king seeing likewise out of deed,

ἑσταότʼ ἔν θʼ ἵπποισι καὶ ἅρμασι κολλητοῖσι·

Thus cried he out on Diomed: “O me! In what a fear

πὰρ δέ οἱ ἑστήκει Σθένελος Καπανήϊος υἱός.

The wise great warrior, Tydeus' son, stands gazing ev'rywhere

καὶ τὸν μὲν νείκεσσεν ἰδὼν κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων,

For others to begin the fight! It was not Tydeus' use

καί μιν φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

To be so daunted, whom his spirit would evermore produce

ὤ μοι Τυδέος υἱὲ δαΐφρονος ἱπποδάμοιο

Before the foremost of his friends in these affairs of fright,

τί πτώσσεις, τί δʼ ὀπιπεύεις πολέμοιο γεφύρας;

As they report that have beheld him labour in a fight.

οὐ μὲν Τυδέϊ γʼ ὧδε φίλον πτωσκαζέμεν ἦεν,

For me, I never knew the man, nor in his presence came,

ἀλλὰ πολὺ πρὸ φίλων ἑτάρων δηΐοισι μάχεσθαι,

But excellent, above the rest, he was in gen'ral fame;

ὡς φάσαν οἵ μιν ἴδοντο πονεύμενον· οὐ γὰρ ἔγωγε

And one renown'd exploit of his, I am assur'd, is true.

ἤντησʼ οὐδὲ ἴδον· περὶ δʼ ἄλλων φασὶ γενέσθαι.

He came to the Mycenian court, without arms, and did sue,

ἤτοι μὲν γὰρ ἄτερ πολέμου εἰσῆλθε Μυκήνας

At godlike Polynices' hands, to have some worthy aid

ξεῖνος ἅμʼ ἀντιθέῳ Πολυνείκεϊ λαὸν ἀγείρων·

To their designs that 'gainst the walls of sacred Thebes were laid.

οἳ δὲ τότʼ ἐστρατόωνθʼ ἱερὰ πρὸς τείχεα Θήβης,

He was great Polynices' guest, and nobly entertain'd,

καί ῥα μάλα λίσσοντο δόμεν κλειτοὺς ἐπικούρους·

And of the kind Mycenian state what he requested gain'd,

οἳ δʼ ἔθελον δόμεναι καὶ ἐπῄνεον ὡς ἐκέλευον·

In mere consent; but when they should the same in act approve,

ἀλλὰ Ζεὺς ἔτρεψε παραίσια σήματα φαίνων.

By some sinister prodigies, held out to them by Jove,

οἳ δʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν ᾤχοντο ἰδὲ πρὸ ὁδοῦ ἐγένοντο,

They were discourag'd. Thence he went, and safely had his pass

Ἀσωπὸν δʼ ἵκοντο βαθύσχοινον λεχεποίην,

Back to Asopus' flood, renown'd for bulrushes and grass.

ἔνθʼ αὖτʼ ἀγγελίην ἐπὶ Τυδῆ στεῖλαν Ἀχαιοί.

Yet, once more, their ambassador, the Grecian peers address

αὐτὰρ ὃ βῆ, πολέας δὲ κιχήσατο Καδμεΐωνας

Lord Tydeus to Eteocles; to whom being giv'n access,

δαινυμένους κατὰ δῶμα βίης Ἐτεοκληείης.

He found him feasting with a crew of Cadmeans in his hall;

ἔνθʼ οὐδὲ ξεῖνός περ ἐὼν ἱππηλάτα Τυδεὺς

Amongst whom, though an enemy, and only one to all;

τάρβει, μοῦνος ἐὼν πολέσιν μετὰ Καδμείοισιν,

To all yet he his challenge made at ev'ry martial feat,

ἀλλʼ ὅ γʼ ἀεθλεύειν προκαλίζετο, πάντα δʼ ἐνίκα

And eas'ly foil'd all, since with him Minerva was so great.

ῥηϊδίως· τοίη οἱ ἐπίρροθος ἦεν Ἀθήνη.

The rank-rode Cadmeans, much incens'd with their so foul disgrace,

οἳ δὲ χολωσάμενοι Καδμεῖοι κέντορες ἵππων

Lodg'd ambuscadoes for their foe, in some well-chosen place

ἂψ ἄρʼ ἀνερχομένῳ πυκινὸν λόχον εἷσαν ἄγοντες

By which he was to make return. Twice five-and-twenty men,

κούρους πεντήκοντα· δύω δʼ ἡγήτορες ἦσαν,

And two of them great captains too, the ambush did contain.

Μαίων Αἱμονίδης ἐπιείκελος ἀθανάτοισιν,

The names of those two men of rule were Mæon, Hæmon's son,

υἱός τʼ Αὐτοφόνοιο μενεπτόλεμος Πολυφόντης.

And Lycophontes, Keep-field call'd, the heir of Autophon,

Τυδεὺς μὲν καὶ τοῖσιν ἀεικέα πότμον ἐφῆκε·

By all men honour'd like the Gods; yet these and all their friends

πάντας ἔπεφνʼ, ἕνα δʼ οἶον ἵει οἶκον δὲ νέεσθαι·

Were sent to hell by Tydeus' hand, and had untimely ends.

Μαίονʼ ἄρα προέηκε θεῶν τεράεσσι πιθήσας.

He trusting to the aid of Gods, reveal'd by augury,

τοῖος ἔην Τυδεὺς Αἰτώλιος· ἀλλὰ τὸν υἱὸν

Obeying which, one chief he sav'd, and did his life apply

γείνατο εἷο χέρεια μάχῃ, ἀγορῇ δέ τʼ ἀμείνω.

To be the heavy messenger of all the others' deaths;

ὣς φάτο, τὸν δʼ οὔ τι προσέφη κρατερὸς Διομήδης

And that sad message, with his life, to Mæon he bequeaths.

αἰδεσθεὶς βασιλῆος ἐνιπὴν αἰδοίοιο·

So brave a knight was Tydeüs of whom a son is sprung,

τὸν δʼ υἱὸς Καπανῆος ἀμείψατο κυδαλίμοιο·

Inferior far in martial deeds, though higher in his tongue.”

Ἀτρεΐδη μὴ ψεύδεʼ ἐπιστάμενος σάφα εἰπεῖν·

All this Tydides silent heard, aw'd by the rev'rend king;

ἡμεῖς τοι πατέρων μέγʼ ἀμείνονες εὐχόμεθʼ εἶναι·

Which stung hot Sthenelus with wrath, who thus put forth his sting:

ἡμεῖς καὶ Θήβης ἕδος εἵλομεν ἑπταπύλοιο

“Atrides, when thou know'st the truth, speak what thy knowledge is,

παυρότερον λαὸν ἀγαγόνθʼ ὑπὸ τεῖχος ἄρειον,

And do not lie so; for I know and I will brag in this,

πειθόμενοι τεράεσσι θεῶν καὶ Ζηνὸς ἀρωγῇ·

That we are far more able men than both our fathers were.

We took the sev'n-fold ported Thebes, when yet we had not there

So great help as our fathers had; and fought beneath a wall,

Sacred to Mars, by help of Jove, and trusting to the fall

Of happy signs from other Gods, by whom we took the town

κεῖνοι δὲ σφετέρῃσιν ἀτασθαλίῃσιν ὄλοντο·

Untouch'd; our fathers perishing here by follies of their own;

τὼ μή μοι πατέρας ποθʼ ὁμοίῃ ἔνθεο τιμῇ.

And therefore never more compare our fathers' worth with ours.”

τὸν δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν προσέφη κρατερὸς Διομήδης·

Tydides frown'd at this, and said: “Suppress thine anger's pow'rs,

τέττα, σιωπῇ ἧσο, ἐμῷ δʼ ἐπιπείθεο μύθῳ·

Good friend, and hear why I refrain'd. Thou seest I am not mov'd

οὐ γὰρ ἐγὼ νεμεσῶ Ἀγαμέμνονι ποιμένι λαῶν

Against our gen'ral, since he did but what his place behov'd,

ὀτρύνοντι μάχεσθαι ἐϋκνήμιδας Ἀχαιούς·

Admonishing all Greeks to fight; for, if Troy prove our prise,

τούτῳ μὲν γὰρ κῦδος ἅμʼ ἕψεται εἴ κεν Ἀχαιοὶ

The honour and the joy is his; if here our ruin lies,

Τρῶας δῃώσωσιν ἕλωσί τε Ἴλιον ἱρήν,

The shame and grief for that as much is his in greatest kinds.

τούτῳ δʼ αὖ μέγα πένθος Ἀχαιῶν δῃωθέντων.

As he then his charge, weigh we ours; which is our dauntless minds.”

ἀλλʼ ἄγε δὴ καὶ νῶϊ μεδώμεθα θούριδος ἀλκῆς.

Thus, from his chariot, amply arm'd, he jump'd down to the ground;

ἦ ῥα καὶ ἐξ ὀχέων σὺν τεύχεσιν ἆλτο χαμᾶζε·

The armour of the angry king so horribly did sound,

δεινὸν δʼ ἔβραχε χαλκὸς ἐπὶ στήθεσσιν ἄνακτος

It might have made his bravest foe let fear take down his braves.

ὀρνυμένου· ὑπό κεν ταλασίφρονά περ δέος εἷλεν.

And as when with the west-wind flaws, the sea thrusts up her waves,

ὡς δʼ ὅτʼ ἐν αἰγιαλῷ πολυηχέϊ κῦμα θαλάσσης

One after other, thick and high, upon the groaning shores,

ὄρνυτʼ ἐπασσύτερον Ζεφύρου ὕπο κινήσαντος·

First in herself loud, but oppos'd with banks and rocks she roars,

πόντῳ μέν τε πρῶτα κορύσσεται, αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

And, all her back in bristles set, spits ev'ry way her foam;

χέρσῳ ῥηγνύμενον μεγάλα βρέμει, ἀμφὶ δέ τʼ ἄκρας

So, after Diomed, instantly the field was overcome

κυρτὸν ἐὸν κορυφοῦται, ἀποπτύει δʼ ἁλὸς ἄχνην·

With thick impressions of the Greeks; and all the noise that grew

ὣς τότʼ ἐπασσύτεραι Δαναῶν κίνυντο φάλαγγες

(Ord'ring and cheering up their men) from only leaders flew.

νωλεμέως πόλεμον δέ· κέλευε δὲ οἷσιν ἕκαστος

The rest went silently away, you could not hear a voice,

ἡγεμόνων· οἳ δʼ ἄλλοι ἀκὴν ἴσαν, οὐδέ κε φαίης

Nor would have thought, in all their breasts, they had one in their choice,

τόσσον λαὸν ἕπεσθαι ἔχοντʼ ἐν στήθεσιν αὐδήν,

Their silence uttering their awe of them that them controll'd,

σιγῇ δειδιότες σημάντορας· ἀμφὶ δὲ πᾶσι

Which made each man keep right his arms, march, fight still where he should

τεύχεα ποικίλʼ ἔλαμπε, τὰ εἱμένοι ἐστιχόωντο.

The Trojans (like a sort of ewes, penn'd in a rich man's fold,

Τρῶες δʼ, ὥς τʼ ὄϊες πολυπάμονος ἀνδρὸς ἐν αὐλῇ

Close at his door, till all be milk'd, and never baaing hold

μυρίαι ἑστήκασιν ἀμελγόμεναι γάλα λευκὸν

Hearing the bleating of their lambs) did all their wide host fill

ἀζηχὲς μεμακυῖαι ἀκούουσαι ὄπα ἀρνῶν,

With shouts and clamours, nor observ'd one voice, one baaing still,

ὣς Τρώων ἀλαλητὸς ἀνὰ στρατὸν εὐρὺν ὀρώρει·

But show'd mix'd tongues from many a land of men call'd to their aid.

οὐ γὰρ πάντων ἦεν ὁμὸς θρόος οὐδʼ ἴα γῆρυς,

Rude Mars had th' ordering of their spirits; of Greeks, the learned Maid.

ἀλλὰ γλῶσσα μέμικτο, πολύκλητοι δʼ ἔσαν ἄνδρες.

But Terror follow'd both the hosts, and Flight, and furious Strife

ὄρσε δὲ τοὺς μὲν Ἄρης, τοὺς δὲ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη

The sister, and the mate, of Mars, that spoil of human life;

Δεῖμός τʼ ἠδὲ Φόβος καὶ Ἔρις ἄμοτον μεμαυῖα,

And never is her rage at rest, at first she is but small,

Ἄρεος ἀνδροφόνοιο κασιγνήτη ἑτάρη τε,

Yet after, but a little fed, she grows so vast and tall

ἥ τʼ ὀλίγη μὲν πρῶτα κορύσσεται, αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

That, while her feet move here in earth, her forehead is in heav'n;

οὐρανῷ ἐστήριξε κάρη καὶ ἐπὶ χθονὶ βαίνει·

And this was she that made ev'n then both hosts so deadly giv'n.

ἥ σφιν καὶ τότε νεῖκος ὁμοίϊον ἔμβαλε μέσσῳ

Through ev'ry troop she stalk'd, and stirr'd rough sighs up as she went;

ἐρχομένη καθʼ ὅμιλον ὀφέλλουσα στόνον ἀνδρῶν.

But when in one field both the foes her fury did content,

οἳ δʼ ὅτε δή ῥʼ ἐς χῶρον ἕνα ξυνιόντες ἵκοντο,

And both came under reach of darts, then darts and shields oppos'd

σύν ῥʼ ἔβαλον ῥινούς, σὺν δʼ ἔγχεα καὶ μένεʼ ἀνδρῶν

To darts and shields; strength answer'd strength; then swords and targets clos'd

χαλκεοθωρήκων· ἀτὰρ ἀσπίδες ὀμφαλόεσσαι

With swords and targets; both with pikes; and then did tumult rise

ἔπληντʼ ἀλλήλῃσι, πολὺς δʼ ὀρυμαγδὸς ὀρώρει.

Up to her height; then conqu'rors' boasts mix'd with the conquer'd's cries;

ἔνθα δʼ ἅμʼ οἰμωγή τε καὶ εὐχωλὴ πέλεν ἀνδρῶν

Earth flow'd with blood. And as from hills rainwaters headlong fall,

ὀλλύντων τε καὶ ὀλλυμένων, ῥέε δʼ αἵματι γαῖα.

That all ways eat huge ruts, which, met in one bed, fill a vall

ὡς δʼ ὅτε χείμαρροι ποταμοὶ κατʼ ὄρεσφι ῥέοντες

With such a confluence of streams, that on the mountain grounds

ἐς μισγάγκειαν συμβάλλετον ὄβριμον ὕδωρ

Far off, in frighted shepherds' ears, the bustling noise rebounds:

κρουνῶν ἐκ μεγάλων κοίλης ἔντοσθε χαράδρης,

So grew their conflicts, and so show'd their scuffling to the ear,

τῶν δέ τε τηλόσε δοῦπον ἐν οὔρεσιν ἔκλυε ποιμήν·

With flight and clamour still commix'd, and all effects of fear.

ὣς τῶν μισγομένων γένετο ἰαχή τε πόνος τε.

And first renown'd Antilochus slew (fighting, in the face

πρῶτος δʼ Ἀντίλοχος Τρώων ἕλεν ἄνδρα κορυστὴν

Of all Achaia's foremost bands, with an undaunted grace)

ἐσθλὸν ἐνὶ προμάχοισι Θαλυσιάδην Ἐχέπωλον·

Echepolus Thalysiades; he was an arméd man;

τόν ῥʼ ἔβαλε πρῶτος κόρυθος φάλον ἱπποδασείης,

Whom on his hair-plum'd helmet's crest the dart first smote, then ran

ἐν δὲ μετώπῳ πῆξε, πέρησε δʼ ἄρʼ ὀστέον εἴσω

Into his forehead, and there stuck; the steel pile making way

αἰχμὴ χαλκείη· τὸν δὲ σκότος ὄσσε κάλυψεν,

Quite through his skull; a hasty night shut up his latest day.

ἤριπε δʼ ὡς ὅτε πύργος ἐνὶ κρατερῇ ὑσμίνῃ.

His fall was like a fight-rac'd tow'r; like which lying there dispread,

τὸν δὲ πεσόντα ποδῶν ἔλαβε κρείων Ἐλεφήνωρ

King Elephenor (who was son to Chalcodon, and led

Χαλκωδοντιάδης μεγαθύμων ἀρχὸς Ἀβάντων,

The valiant Abants) covetous that he might first possess

ἕλκε δʼ ὑπʼ ἐκ βελέων, λελιημένος ὄφρα τάχιστα

His arms, laid hands upon his feet, and hal'd him from the press

τεύχεα συλήσειε· μίνυνθα δέ οἱ γένεθʼ ὁρμή.

Of darts and jav'lins hurl'd at him. The action of the king

νεκρὸν γὰρ ἐρύοντα ἰδὼν μεγάθυμος Ἀγήνωρ

When great-in-heart Agenor saw, he made his jav'lin sing

πλευρά, τά οἱ κύψαντι παρʼ ἀσπίδος ἐξεφαάνθη,

To th' others' labour; and along as he the trunk did wrest,

οὔτησε ξυστῷ χαλκήρεϊ, λῦσε δὲ γυῖα.

His side (at which he bore his shield) in bowing of his breast

ὣς τὸν μὲν λίπε θυμός, ἐπʼ αὐτῷ δʼ ἔργον ἐτύχθη

Lay naked, and receiv'd the lance, that made him lose his hold

ἀργαλέον Τρώων καὶ Ἀχαιῶν· οἳ δὲ λύκοι ὣς

And life together; which, in hope of that he lost, he sold,

ἀλλήλοις ἐπόρουσαν, ἀνὴρ δʼ ἄνδρʼ ἐδνοπάλιζεν.

But for his sake the fight grew fierce, the Trojans and their foes

ἔνθʼ ἔβαλʼ Ἀνθεμίωνος υἱὸν Τελαμώνιος Αἴας

Like wolves on one another rush'd, and man for man it goes.

ἠΐθεον θαλερὸν Σιμοείσιον, ὅν ποτε μήτηρ

The next of name, that serv'd his fate, great Ajax Telamon

Ἴδηθεν κατιοῦσα παρʼ ὄχθῃσιν Σιμόεντος

Preferr'd so sadly. He was heir to old Anthemion,

γείνατʼ, ἐπεί ῥα τοκεῦσιν ἅμʼ ἕσπετο μῆλα ἰδέσθαι·

And deck'd with all the flow'r of youth; the fruit of which yet fled,

Before the honour'd nuptial torch could light him to his bed.

His name was Simoisius; for, some few years before,

His mother walking down the hill of Ida, by the shore

Of silver Simois, to see her parents' flocks, with them

She, feeling suddenly the pains of child-birth, by the stream

τοὔνεκά μιν κάλεον Σιμοείσιον· οὐδὲ τοκεῦσι

Of that bright river brought him forth; and so (of Simois)

θρέπτρα φίλοις ἀπέδωκε, μινυνθάδιος δέ οἱ αἰὼν

They call'd him Simoisius. Sweet was that birth of his

ἔπλεθʼ ὑπʼ Αἴαντος μεγαθύμου δουρὶ δαμέντι.

To his kind parents, and his growth did all their care employ;

πρῶτον γάρ μιν ἰόντα βάλε στῆθος παρὰ μαζὸν

And yet those rites of piety, that should have been his joy

δεξιόν· ἀντικρὺ δὲ διʼ ὤμου χάλκεον ἔγχος

To pay their honour'd years again in as affectionate sort,

ἦλθεν· ὁ δʼ ἐν κονίῃσι χαμαὶ πέσεν αἴγειρος ὣς

He could not graciously perform, his sweet life was so short,

ἥ ῥά τʼ ἐν εἱαμενῇ ἕλεος μεγάλοιο πεφύκει

Cut off with mighty Ajax' lance; for, as his spirit put on,

λείη, ἀτάρ τέ οἱ ὄζοι ἐπʼ ἀκροτάτῃ πεφύασι·

He strook him at his breast's right pap, quite through his shoulder-bone,

τὴν μέν θʼ ἁρματοπηγὸς ἀνὴρ αἴθωνι σιδήρῳ

And in the dust of earth he fell, that was the fruitful soil

ἐξέταμʼ, ὄφρα ἴτυν κάμψῃ περικαλλέϊ δίφρῳ·

Of his friends' hopes; but where he sow'd he buried all his toil.

ἣ μέν τʼ ἀζομένη κεῖται ποταμοῖο παρʼ ὄχθας.

And as a poplar shot aloft, set by a river side,

τοῖον ἄρʼ Ἀνθεμίδην Σιμοείσιον ἐξενάριξεν

In moist edge of a mighty fen, his head in curls implied,

Αἴας διογενής· τοῦ δʼ Ἄντιφος αἰολοθώρηξ

But all his body plain and smooth, to which a wheel-wright puts

Πριαμίδης καθʼ ὅμιλον ἀκόντισεν ὀξέϊ δουρί.

The sharp edge of his shining axe, and his soft timber cuts

τοῦ μὲν ἅμαρθʼ, ὃ δὲ Λεῦκον Ὀδυσσέος ἐσθλὸν ἑταῖρον

From his in native root, in hope to hew out of his bole

βεβλήκει βουβῶνα, νέκυν ἑτέρωσʼ ἐρύοντα·

The fell'ffs, or out-parts of a wheel, that compass in the whole,

ἤριπε δʼ ἀμφʼ αὐτῷ, νεκρὸς δέ οἱ ἔκπεσε χειρός.

To serve some goodly chariot; but, being big and sad,

τοῦ δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς μάλα θυμὸν ἀποκταμένοιο χολώθη,

And to be hal'd home through the bogs, the useful hope he had

βῆ δὲ διὰ προμάχων κεκορυθμένος αἴθοπι χαλκῷ,

Sticks there, and there the goodly plant lies with'ring out his grace:

στῆ δὲ μάλʼ ἐγγὺς ἰὼν καὶ ἀκόντισε δουρὶ φαεινῷ

So lay, by Jove-bred Ajax' hand, Anthemion's forward race,

ἀμφὶ ἓ παπτήνας· ὑπὸ δὲ Τρῶες κεκάδοντο

Nor could through that vast fen of toils be drawn to serve the ends

ἀνδρὸς ἀκοντίσσαντος· ὃ δʼ οὐχ ἅλιον βέλος ἧκεν,

Intended by his body's pow'rs, nor cheer his aged friends.

ἀλλʼ υἱὸν Πριάμοιο νόθον βάλε Δημοκόωντα

But now the gay-arm'd Antiphus, a son of Priam, threw

ὅς οἱ Ἀβυδόθεν ἦλθε παρʼ ἵππων ὠκειάων.

His lance at Ajax through the prease; which went by him, and flew

τόν ῥʼ Ὀδυσεὺς ἑτάροιο χολωσάμενος βάλε δουρὶ

On Leucus, wise Ulysses' friend; his groin it smote, as fain

κόρσην· ἣ δʼ ἑτέροιο διὰ κροτάφοιο πέρησεν

He would have drawn into his spoil the carcass of the slain,

αἰχμὴ χαλκείη· τὸν δὲ σκότος ὄσσε κάλυψε,

By which he fell, and that by him; it vex'd Ulysses' heart,

δούπησεν δὲ πεσών, ἀράβησε δὲ τεύχεʼ ἐπʼ αὐτῷ.