Iliad

The stern fight freed of all the Gods, conquest with doubtful wings

Τρώων δʼ οἰώθη καὶ Ἀχαιῶν φύλοπις αἰνή·

Flew on their lances; ev'ry way the restless field she flings

πολλὰ δʼ ἄρʼ ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθʼ ἴθυσε μάχη πεδίοιο

Betwixt the floods of Simois and Xanthus, that confin'd

ἀλλήλων ἰθυνομένων χαλκήρεα δοῦρα

All their affairs of Ilion, and round about them shin'd.

μεσσηγὺς Σιμόεντος ἰδὲ Ξάνθοιο ῥοάων.

The first that weigh'd down all the field, of one particular side,

Αἴας δὲ πρῶτος Τελαμώνιος ἕρκος Ἀχαιῶν

Was Ajax, son of Telamon; who, like a bulwark, plied

Τρώων ῥῆξε φάλαγγα, φόως δʼ ἑτάροισιν ἔθηκεν,

The Greeks' protection, and of Troy the knotty orders brake,

ἄνδρα βαλὼν ὃς ἄριστος ἐνὶ Θρῄκεσσι τέτυκτο

Held out a light to all the rest, and showed them how to make

υἱὸν Ἐϋσσώρου Ἀκάμαντʼ ἠΰν τε μέγαν τε.

Way to their conquest, He did wound the strongest man of Thrace,

τόν ῥʼ ἔβαλε πρῶτος κόρυθος φάλον ἱπποδασείης,

The tallest and the biggest set, Eussorian Acamas;

ἐν δὲ μετώπῳ πῆξε, πέρησε δʼ ἄρʼ ὀστέον εἴσω

His lance fell on his casque's plum'd top, in stooping; the fell head

αἰχμὴ χαλκείη· τὸν δὲ σκότος ὄσσε κάλυψεν.

Drave through his forehead to his jaws; his eyes night shadowéd.

Ἄξυλον δʼ ἄρʼ ἔπεφνε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Διομήδης

Tydides slew Teuthranides Axylus, that did dwell,

Τευθρανίδην, ὃς ἔναιεν ἐϋκτιμένῃ ἐν Ἀρίσβῃ

In fair Arisba's well-built tow'rs. He had of wealth a well,

ἀφνειὸς βιότοιο, φίλος δʼ ἦν ἀνθρώποισι.

And yet was kind and bountiful; he would a traveller pray

πάντας γὰρ φιλέεσκεν ὁδῷ ἔπι οἰκία ναίων.

To be his guest, his friendly house stood in the broad highway,

ἀλλά οἱ οὔ τις τῶν γε τότʼ ἤρκεσε λυγρὸν ὄλεθρον

In which he all sorts nobly us'd; yet none of them would stand

πρόσθεν ὑπαντιάσας, ἀλλʼ ἄμφω θυμὸν ἀπηύρα

'Twixt him and death, but both himself, and he that had command

αὐτὸν καὶ θεράποντα Καλήσιον, ὅς ῥα τόθʼ ἵππων

Of his fair horse, Calesius, fell lifeless on the ground.

ἔσκεν ὑφηνίοχος· τὼ δʼ ἄμφω γαῖαν ἐδύτην.

Euryalus, Opheltius and Dresus dead did wound;

Δρῆσον δʼ Εὐρύαλος καὶ Ὀφέλτιον ἐξενάριξε·

Nor ended there his fi'ry course, which he again begins,

βῆ δὲ μετʼ Αἴσηπον καὶ Πήδασον, οὕς ποτε νύμφη

And ran to it successfully, upon a pair of twins,

νηῒς Ἀβαρβαρέη τέκʼ ἀμύμονι Βουκολίωνι.

Æsepus, and bold Pedasus, whom good Bucolion

Βουκολίων δʼ ἦν υἱὸς ἀγαυοῦ Λαομέδοντος

(That first call'd father, though base-born, renown'd Laomedon)

πρεσβύτατος γενεῇ, σκότιον δέ ἑ γείνατο μήτηρ·

On Nais Abarbaræa got, a nymph that, as she fed

ποιμαίνων δʼ ἐπʼ ὄεσσι μίγη φιλότητι καὶ εὐνῇ,

Her curléd flocks, Bucolion woo'd, and mix'd in love and bed.

ἣ δʼ ὑποκυσαμένη διδυμάονε γείνατο παῖδε.

Both these were spoiled of arms and life, by Mecistiades.

καὶ μὲν τῶν ὑπέλυσε μένος καὶ φαίδιμα γυῖα

Then Polypœtes, for stern death, Astyalus did seize;

Μηκιστηϊάδης καὶ ἀπʼ ὤμων τεύχεʼ ἐσύλα.

Ulysses slew Percosius; Teucer Aretaön;

Ἀστύαλον δʼ ἄρʼ ἔπεφνε μενεπτόλεμος Πολυποίτης·

Antilochus (old Nestor's joy) Ablerus; the great son

Πιδύτην δʼ Ὀδυσεὺς Περκώσιον ἐξενάριξεν

Of Atreüs, and king of men, Elatus, whose abode:

ἔγχεϊ χαλκείῳ, Τεῦκρος δʼ Ἀρετάονα δῖον.

He held at upper Pedasus, where Satnius' river flowed;

Ἀντίλοχος δʼ Ἄβληρον ἐνήρατο δουρὶ φαεινῷ

The great heroë Leitus stay'd Phylacus in flight

Νεστορίδης, Ἔλατον δὲ ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων·

From further life; Eurypylus, Melanthius reft of light.

ναῖε δὲ Σατνιόεντος ἐϋρρείταο παρʼ ὄχθας

The brother to the king of men, Adrestus took alive;

Πήδασον αἰπεινήν. Φύλακον δʼ ἕλε Λήϊτος ἥρως

Whose horse, affrighted with the flight, their driver now did drive

φεύγοντʼ· Εὐρύπυλος δὲ Μελάνθιον ἐξενάριξεν.

Amongst the low-grown tam'risk trees, and at an arm of one

Ἄδρηστον δʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Μενέλαος

The chariot in the draught-tree brake; the horse brake loose, and ron

ζωὸν ἕλʼ· ἵππω γάρ οἱ ἀτυζομένω πεδίοιο

The same way other flyers fled, contending all to town;

ὄζῳ ἔνι βλαφθέντε μυρικίνῳ ἀγκύλον ἅρμα

Himself close at the chariot wheel, upon his face was thrown,

ἄξαντʼ ἐν πρώτῳ ῥυμῷ αὐτὼ μὲν ἐβήτην

And there lay flat, rolled up in dust. Atrides inwards drave;

πρὸς πόλιν, ᾗ περ οἱ ἄλλοι ἀτυζόμενοι φοβέοντο,

And, holding at his breast his lance, Adrestus sought to save

αὐτὸς δʼ ἐκ δίφροιο παρὰ τροχὸν ἐξεκυλίσθη

His head by losing of his feet, and trusting to his knees;

πρηνὴς ἐν κονίῃσιν ἐπὶ στόμα· πὰρ δέ οἱ ἔστη

On which the same parts of the king he hugs, and offers fees

Ἀτρεΐδης Μενέλαος ἔχων δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος.

Of worthy value for his life, and thus pleads their receipt:

Ἄδρηστος δʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα λαβὼν ἐλίσσετο γούνων·

“Take me alive, O Atreus' son, and take a worthy weight

ζώγρει Ἀτρέος υἱέ, σὺ δʼ ἄξια δέξαι ἄποινα·

Of brass, elab'rate iron, and gold. A heap of precious things

πολλὰ δʼ ἐν ἀφνειοῦ πατρὸς κειμήλια κεῖται

Are in my father's riches hid, which, when your servant brings

χαλκός τε χρυσός τε πολύκμητός τε σίδηρος,

News of my safety to his ears, he largely will divide

τῶν κέν τοι χαρίσαιτο πατὴρ ἀπερείσιʼ ἄποινα

With your rare bounties.” Atreus' son thought this the better side,

εἴ κεν ἐμὲ ζωὸν πεπύθοιτʼ ἐπὶ νηυσὶν Ἀχαιῶν.

And meant to take it, being about to send him safe to fleet;

ὣς φάτο, τῷ δʼ ἄρα θυμὸν ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν ἔπειθε·

Which when, far off, his brother saw, he wing'd his royal feet,

καὶ δή μιν τάχʼ ἔμελλε θοὰς ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν

And came in threat'ning, crying out: “O soft heart! What's the cause

δώσειν ᾧ θεράποντι καταξέμεν· ἀλλʼ Ἀγαμέμνων

Thou spar'st these men thus? Have not they observ'd these gentle laws

ἀντίος ἦλθε θέων, καὶ ὁμοκλήσας ἔπος ηὔδα·

Of mild humanity to thee, with mighty argument

ὦ πέπον ὦ Μενέλαε, τί ἢ δὲ σὺ κήδεαι οὕτως

Why thou shouldst deal thus; in thy house, and with all precedent

ἀνδρῶν; ἦ σοὶ ἄριστα πεποίηται κατὰ οἶκον

Of honour'd guest-rites, entertain'd? Not one of them shall fly

πρὸς Τρώων; τῶν μή τις ὑπεκφύγοι αἰπὺν ὄλεθρον

A bitter end for it from heav'n, and much less, dotingly,

χεῖράς θʼ ἡμετέρας, μηδʼ ὅν τινα γαστέρι μήτηρ

'Scape our revengeful fingers; all, ev'n th' infant in the womb,

κοῦρον ἐόντα φέροι, μηδʼ ὃς φύγοι, ἀλλʼ ἅμα πάντες

Shall taste of what they merited, and have no other tomb

Ἰλίου ἐξαπολοίατʼ ἀκήδεστοι καὶ ἄφαντοι.

Than razéd Ilion; nor their race have more fruit than the dust.”

ὣς εἰπὼν ἔτρεψεν ἀδελφειοῦ φρένας ἥρως

This just cause turn'd his brother's mind, who violently thrust

αἴσιμα παρειπών· ὃ δʼ ἀπὸ ἕθεν ὤσατο χειρὶ

The pris'ner from him; in whose guts the king of men impress'd

ἥρωʼ Ἄδρηστον· τὸν δὲ κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

His ashen lance, which (pitching down his foot upon the breast

οὖτα κατὰ λαπάρην· ὃ δʼ ἀνετράπετʼ, Ἀτρεΐδης δὲ

Of him that upwards fell) he drew; then Nestor spake to all:

λὰξ ἐν στήθεσι βὰς ἐξέσπασε μείλινον ἔγχος.

“O friends, and household men of Mars, let not your púrsuit fall,

Νέστωρ δʼ Ἀργείοισιν ἐκέκλετο μακρὸν ἀΰσας·

With those ye fell, for present spoil; nor, like the king of men,

Let any 'scape unfell'd; but on, dispatch them all, and then

Ye shall have time enough to spoil.” This made so strong their chace,

That all the Trojans had been hous'd, and never turned a face,

Had not the Priamist Helenus, an augur most of name,

ὦ φίλοι ἥρωες Δαναοὶ θεράποντες Ἄρηος

Will'd Hector and Æneas thus: “Hector! Anchises' fame!

μή τις νῦν ἐνάρων ἐπιβαλλόμενος μετόπισθε

Since on your shoulders, with good cause, the weighty burden lies

μιμνέτω ὥς κε πλεῖστα φέρων ἐπὶ νῆας ἵκηται,

Of Troy and Lycia (being both of noblest faculties

ἀλλʼ ἄνδρας κτείνωμεν· ἔπειτα δὲ καὶ τὰ ἕκηλοι

For counsel, strength of hand, and apt to take chance at her best

νεκροὺς ἂμ πεδίον συλήσετε τεθνηῶτας.

In ev'ry turn she makes) stand fast, and suffer not the rest,

ὣς εἰπὼν ὄτρυνε μένος καὶ θυμὸν ἑκάστου.

By any way search'd out for 'scape, to come within the ports,

ἔνθά κεν αὖτε Τρῶες ἀρηϊφίλων ὑπʼ Ἀχαιῶν

Lest, fled into their wives' kind arms, they there be made the sports

Ἴλιον εἰσανέβησαν ἀναλκείῃσι δαμέντες,

Of the pursuing enemy. Exhort, and force your bands

εἰ μὴ ἄρʼ Αἰνείᾳ τε καὶ Ἕκτορι εἶπε παραστὰς

To turn their faces; and, while we employ our ventur'd hands,

Πριαμίδης Ἕλενος οἰωνοπόλων ὄχʼ ἄριστος·

Though in a hard conditión, to make the other stay,

Αἰνεία τε καὶ Ἕκτορ, ἐπεὶ πόνος ὔμμι μάλιστα

Hector, go thou to Ilion, and our queen-mother pray

Τρώων καὶ Λυκίων ἐγκέκλιται, οὕνεκʼ ἄριστοι

To take the richest robe she hath; the same that's chiefly dear

πᾶσαν ἐπʼ ἰθύν ἐστε μάχεσθαί τε φρονέειν τε,

To her court fancy; with which gem, assembling more to her

στῆτʼ αὐτοῦ, καὶ λαὸν ἐρυκάκετε πρὸ πυλάων

Of Troy's chief matrons, let all go, for fear of all our fates,

πάντῃ ἐποιχόμενοι πρὶν αὖτʼ ἐν χερσὶ γυναικῶν

To Pallas' temple, take the key, unlock the leavy gates,

φεύγοντας πεσέειν, δηΐοισι δὲ χάρμα γενέσθαι.

Enter, and reach the highest tow'r, where her Palladium stands,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί κε φάλαγγας ἐποτρύνητον ἁπάσας,

And on it put the precious veil with pure and rev'rend hands,

ἡμεῖς μὲν Δαναοῖσι μαχησόμεθʼ αὖθι μένοντες,

And vow to her, besides the gift, a sacrificing stroke

καὶ μάλα τειρόμενοί περ· ἀναγκαίη γὰρ ἐπείγει·

Of twelve fat heifers-of-a-year, that never felt the yoke,

Ἕκτορ ἀτὰρ σὺ πόλιν δὲ μετέρχεο, εἰπὲ δʼ ἔπειτα

(Most answ'ring to her maiden state) if she will pity us,

μητέρι σῇ καὶ ἐμῇ· ἣ δὲ ξυνάγουσα γεραιὰς

Our town, our wives, our youngest joys, and him, that plagues them thus,

νηὸν Ἀθηναίης γλαυκώπιδος ἐν πόλει ἄκρῃ

Take from the conflict, Diomed, that fury in a fight,

οἴξασα κληῗδι θύρας ἱεροῖο δόμοιο

That true son of great Tydeús, that cunning lord of flight,

πέπλον, ὅς οἱ δοκέει χαριέστατος ἠδὲ μέγιστος

Whom I esteem the strongest Greek; for we have never fled

εἶναι ἐνὶ μεγάρῳ καί οἱ πολὺ φίλτατος αὐτῇ,

Achilles, that is prince of men, and whom a Goddess bred,

θεῖναι Ἀθηναίης ἐπὶ γούνασιν ἠϋκόμοιο,

Like him; his fury flies so high, and all men's wraths commands.”

καί οἱ ὑποσχέσθαι δυοκαίδεκα βοῦς ἐνὶ νηῷ

Hector intends his brother's will, but first through all his bands

ἤνις ἠκέστας ἱερευσέμεν, αἴ κʼ ἐλεήσῃ

He made quick way, encouraging; and all, to fear afraid,

ἄστύ τε καὶ Τρώων ἀλόχους καὶ νήπια τέκνα,

All turn'd their heads, and made Greece turn. Slaughter stood still dismay'd

ὥς κεν Τυδέος υἱὸν ἀπόσχῃ Ἰλίου ἱρῆς

On their parts, for they thought some God, fall'n from the vault of stars,

ἄγριον αἰχμητὴν κρατερὸν μήστωρα φόβοιο,

Was rush'd into the Ilions' aid, they made such dreadful wars.

ὃν δὴ ἐγὼ κάρτιστον Ἀχαιῶν φημι γενέσθαι.

Thus Hector, toiling in the waves, and thrusting back the flood

οὐδʼ Ἀχιλῆά ποθʼ ὧδέ γʼ ἐδείδιμεν ὄρχαμον ἀνδρῶν,

Of his ebb'd forces, thus takes leave: “So, so, now runs your blood

ὅν πέρ φασι θεᾶς ἐξέμμεναι· ἀλλʼ ὅδε λίην

In his right current; forwards now, Trojans, and far-call'd friends!

μαίνεται, οὐδέ τίς οἱ δύναται μένος ἰσοφαρίζειν.

Awhile hold out, till, for success to this your brave amends,

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, Ἕκτωρ δʼ οὔ τι κασιγνήτῳ ἀπίθησεν.

I haste to Ilion, and procure our counsellors and wives

αὐτίκα δʼ ἐξ ὀχέων σὺν τεύχεσιν ἆλτο χαμᾶζε,

To pray, and offer hecatombs, for their states in our lives.”

πάλλων δʼ ὀξέα δοῦρα κατὰ στρατὸν ᾤχετο πάντῃ

Then fair-helm'd Hector turn'd to Troy, and, as he trode the field,

ὀτρύνων μαχέσασθαι, ἔγειρε δὲ φύλοπιν αἰνήν.

The black bull's hide, that at his back he wore about his shield,

οἳ δʼ ἐλελίχθησαν καὶ ἐναντίοι ἔσταν Ἀχαιῶν·

In the extreme circumference, was with his gait so rock'd,

Ἀργεῖοι δʼ ὑπεχώρησαν, λῆξαν δὲ φόνοιο,

That, being large, it both at once his neck and ankles knock'd.

φὰν δέ τινʼ ἀθανάτων ἐξ οὐρανοῦ ἀστερόεντος

And now betwixt the hosts were met, Hippolochus' brave son,

Τρωσὶν ἀλεξήσοντα κατελθέμεν, ὡς ἐλέλιχθεν.

Glaucus, who in his very look hope of some wonder won,

Ἕκτωρ δὲ Τρώεσσιν ἐκέκλετο μακρὸν ἀΰσας·

And little Tydeus' mighty heir; who seeing such a man

Τρῶες ὑπέρθυμοι τηλεκλειτοί τʼ ἐπίκουροι

Offer the field, for usual blows, with wondrous words began:

ἀνέρες ἔστε φίλοι, μνήσασθε δὲ θούριδος ἀλκῆς,

“What art thou, strong'st of mortal men, that putt'st so far before,

ὄφρʼ ἂν ἐγὼ βείω προτὶ Ἴλιον, ἠδὲ γέρουσιν

Whom these fights never show'd mine eyes? They have been evermore

εἴπω βουλευτῇσι καὶ ἡμετέρῃς ἀλόχοισι

Sons of unhappy parents born, that came within the length

δαίμοσιν ἀρήσασθαι, ὑποσχέσθαι δʼ ἑκατόμβας.

Of this Minerva-guided lance, and durst close with the strength

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας ἀπέβη κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ·

That she inspires in me. If heav'n be thy divine abode,

ἀμφὶ δέ μιν σφυρὰ τύπτε καὶ αὐχένα δέρμα κελαινὸν

And thou a Deity thus inform'd, no more with any God

ἄντυξ ἣ πυμάτη θέεν ἀσπίδος ὀμφαλοέσσης.

Will I change lances. The strong son of Dryus did not live

Γλαῦκος δʼ Ἱππολόχοιο πάϊς καὶ Τυδέος υἱὸς

Long after such a conflict dar'd, who godlessly did drive

ἐς μέσον ἀμφοτέρων συνίτην μεμαῶτε μάχεσθαι.

Nysæus' nurses through the hill made sacred to his name,

οἳ δʼ ὅτε δὴ σχεδὸν ἦσαν ἐπʼ ἀλλήλοισιν ἰόντε,

And called Nysseius; with a goad he punch'd each furious dame,

τὸν πρότερος προσέειπε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Διομήδης·

And made them ev'ry one cast down their green and leavy spears.

τίς δὲ σύ ἐσσι φέριστε καταθνητῶν ἀνθρώπων;

This th' homicide Lycurgus did; and those ungodly fears,

οὐ μὲν γάρ ποτʼ ὄπωπα μάχῃ ἔνι κυδιανείρῃ

He put the froes in, seiz'd their God. Ev'n Bacchus he did drive

τὸ πρίν· ἀτὰρ μὲν νῦν γε πολὺ προβέβηκας ἁπάντων

From his Nysseius; who was fain, with huge exclaims, to dive

σῷ θάρσει, ὅ τʼ ἐμὸν δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος ἔμεινας·

Into the ocean. Thetis there in her bright bosom took

δυστήνων δέ τε παῖδες ἐμῷ μένει ἀντιόωσιν.

The flying Deity; who so fear'd Lycurgus' threats, he shook.

εἰ δέ τις ἀθανάτων γε κατʼ οὐρανοῦ εἰλήλουθας,

For which the freely-living Gods so highly were incens'd,

οὐκ ἂν ἔγωγε θεοῖσιν ἐπουρανίοισι μαχοίμην.

That Saturn's great Son strook him blind, and with his life dispens'd

οὐδὲ γὰρ οὐδὲ Δρύαντος υἱὸς κρατερὸς Λυκόοργος

But small time after; all because th' Immortals lov'd him not,

δὴν ἦν, ὅς ῥα θεοῖσιν ἐπουρανίοισιν ἔριζεν·

Nor lov'd him since he striv'd with them; and his end hath begot

ὅς ποτε μαινομένοιο Διωνύσοιο τιθήνας

Fear in my pow'rs to fight with heav'n. But, if the fruits of earth

Nourish thy body, and thy life be of our human birth,

Come near, that thou mayst soon arrive on that life-bounding shore,

To which I see thee hoise such sail.” “Why dost thou so explore,”

Said Glaucus, “of what race I am, when like the race of leaves

The race of man is, that deserves no question; nor receives

σεῦε κατʼ ἠγάθεον Νυσήϊον· αἳ δʼ ἅμα πᾶσαι

My being any other breath? The wind in autumn strows

θύσθλα χαμαὶ κατέχευαν ὑπʼ ἀνδροφόνοιο Λυκούργου

The earth with old leaves then the spring the woods with new endows;

θεινόμεναι βουπλῆγι· Διώνυσος δὲ φοβηθεὶς

And so death scatters men on earth, so life puts out again

δύσεθʼ ἁλὸς κατὰ κῦμα, Θέτις δʼ ὑπεδέξατο κόλπῳ

Man's leavy issue. But my race, if, like the course of men,

δειδιότα· κρατερὸς γὰρ ἔχε τρόμος ἀνδρὸς ὁμοκλῇ.

Thou seek'st in more particular terms, 'tis this, to many known:

τῷ μὲν ἔπειτʼ ὀδύσαντο θεοὶ ῥεῖα ζώοντες,

In midst of Argos, nurse of horse, there stands a walléd town,

καί μιν τυφλὸν ἔθηκε Κρόνου πάϊς· οὐδʼ ἄρʼ ἔτι δὴν

Ephyré, where the mansion-house of Sisyphus did stand,

ἦν, ἐπεὶ ἀθανάτοισιν ἀπήχθετο πᾶσι θεοῖσιν·

Of Sisyphus-Æölides, most wise of all the land.

οὐδʼ ἂν ἐγὼ μακάρεσσι θεοῖς ἐθέλοιμι μάχεσθαι.

Glaucus was son to him, and he begat Bellerophon,

εἰ δέ τίς ἐσσι βροτῶν οἳ ἀρούρης καρπὸν ἔδουσιν,

Whose body heav'n indu'd with strength, and put a beauty on,

ἆσσον ἴθʼ ὥς κεν θᾶσσον ὀλέθρου πείραθʼ ἵκηαι.

Exceeding lovely. Prætis yet his cause of love did hate,

τὸν δʼ αὖθʼ Ἱππολόχοιο προσηύδα φαίδιμος υἱός·

And banish'd him the town; he might; he rul'd the Argive state.

Τυδεΐδη μεγάθυμε τί ἢ γενεὴν ἐρεείνεις;

The virtue of the one Jove plac'd beneath the other's pow'r,

οἵη περ φύλλων γενεὴ τοίη δὲ καὶ ἀνδρῶν.

His exile grew, since he denied to be the paramour

φύλλα τὰ μέν τʼ ἄνεμος χαμάδις χέει, ἄλλα δέ θʼ ὕλη

Of fair Anteia, Prætus' wife, who felt a raging fire

τηλεθόωσα φύει, ἔαρος δʼ ἐπιγίγνεται ὥρη·

Of secret love to him; but he, whom wisdom did inspire

ὣς ἀνδρῶν γενεὴ ἣ μὲν φύει ἣ δʼ ἀπολήγει.

As well as prudence, (one of them advising him to shun

εἰ δʼ ἐθέλεις καὶ ταῦτα δαήμεναι ὄφρʼ ἐῢ εἰδῇς

The danger of a princess' love, the other not to run

ἡμετέρην γενεήν, πολλοὶ δέ μιν ἄνδρες ἴσασιν·

Within the danger of the Gods, the act being simply ill,)

ἔστι πόλις Ἐφύρη μυχῷ Ἄργεος ἱπποβότοιο,

Still entertaining thoughts divine, subdu'd the earthly still.

ἔνθα δὲ Σίσυφος ἔσκεν, ὃ κέρδιστος γένετʼ ἀνδρῶν,

She, rul'd by neither of his wits, preferr'd her lust to both,

Σίσυφος Αἰολίδης· ὃ δʼ ἄρα Γλαῦκον τέκεθʼ υἱόν,

And, false to Prætus, would seem true, with this abhorr'd untroth:

αὐτὰρ Γλαῦκος τίκτεν ἀμύμονα Βελλεροφόντην·

'Prætus, or die thyself,' said she, 'or let Bellerophon die.

τῷ δὲ θεοὶ κάλλός τε καὶ ἠνορέην ἐρατεινὴν

He urg'd dishonour to thy bed; which since I did deny,

ὤπασαν· αὐτάρ οἱ Προῖτος κακὰ μήσατο θυμῷ,

He thought his violence should grant, and sought thy shame by force.'

ὅς ῥʼ ἐκ δήμου ἔλασσεν, ἐπεὶ πολὺ φέρτερος ἦεν,

The king, incens'd with her report, resolv'd upon her course,

Ἀργείων· Ζεὺς γάρ οἱ ὑπὸ σκήπτρῳ ἐδάμασσε.

But doubted how it should be run; he shunn'd his death direct,

τῷ δὲ γυνὴ Προίτου ἐπεμήνατο δῖʼ Ἄντεια

(Holding a way so near not safe) and plotted the effect

κρυπταδίῃ φιλότητι μιγήμεναι· ἀλλὰ τὸν οὔ τι

By sending him with letters seal'd (that, open'd, touch his life)

πεῖθʼ ἀγαθὰ φρονέοντα δαΐφρονα Βελλεροφόντην.

To Rhëuns king of Lycia, and father to his wife.

ἣ δὲ ψευσαμένη Προῖτον βασιλῆα προσηύδα·

He went; and happily he went, the Gods walk'd all his way;

τεθναίης ὦ Προῖτʼ, ἢ κάκτανε Βελλεροφόντην,

And being arriv'd in Lycia, where Xanthus doth display

ὅς μʼ ἔθελεν φιλότητι μιγήμεναι οὐκ ἐθελούσῃ.

The silver ensigns of his waves, the king of that broad land

ὣς φάτο, τὸν δὲ ἄνακτα χόλος λάβεν οἷον ἄκουσε·

Receiv'd him with a wondrous free and honourable hand.

κτεῖναι μέν ῥʼ ἀλέεινε, σεβάσσατο γὰρ τό γε θυμῷ,

Nine days he feasted him, and kill'd an ox in ev'ry day,

πέμπε δέ μιν Λυκίην δέ, πόρεν δʼ ὅ γε σήματα λυγρὰ

In thankful sacrifice to heav'n, for his fair guest; whose stay,

γράψας ἐν πίνακι πτυκτῷ θυμοφθόρα πολλά,

With rosy fingers, brought the world, the tenth well-welcom'd morn,

δεῖξαι δʼ ἠνώγειν ᾧ πενθερῷ ὄφρʼ ἀπόλοιτο.

And then the king did move to see, the letters he had borne

αὐτὰρ ὁ βῆ Λυκίην δὲ θεῶν ὑπʼ ἀμύμονι πομπῇ.

From his lov'd son-in-law; which seen, he wrought thus their contents:

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ Λυκίην ἷξε Ξάνθόν τε ῥέοντα,

Chimæra, the invincible, he sent him to convince,

προφρονέως μιν τῖεν ἄναξ Λυκίης εὐρείης·

Sprung from no man, but mere divine; a lion's shape before,

ἐννῆμαρ ξείνισσε καὶ ἐννέα βοῦς ἱέρευσεν.

Behind a dragon's, in the midst a goat's shagg'd form, she bore,

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ δεκάτη ἐφάνη ῥοδοδάκτυλος Ἠὼς

And flames of deadly fervency flew from her breath and eyes;

καὶ τότε μιν ἐρέεινε καὶ ᾔτεε σῆμα ἰδέσθαι

Yet her he slew; his confidence in sacred prodigies

ὅττί ῥά οἱ γαμβροῖο πάρα Προίτοιο φέροιτο.

Render'd him victor. Then he gave his second conquest way

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ σῆμα κακὸν παρεδέξατο γαμβροῦ,

Against the famous Solymi, when (he himself would say,

πρῶτον μέν ῥα Χίμαιραν ἀμαιμακέτην ἐκέλευσε

Reporting it) he enter'd on a passing vig'rous fight.

πεφνέμεν· ἣ δʼ ἄρʼ ἔην θεῖον γένος οὐδʼ ἀνθρώπων,

His third huge labour he approv'd against a woman's spite,

πρόσθε λέων, ὄπιθεν δὲ δράκων, μέσση δὲ χίμαιρα,

That fill'd a field of Amazons; he overcame them all.

δεινὸν ἀποπνείουσα πυρὸς μένος αἰθομένοιο,

Then set they on him sly Deceit, when Force had such a fall;

καὶ τὴν μὲν κατέπεφνε θεῶν τεράεσσι πιθήσας.

An ambush of the strongest men, that spacious Lycia bred,

δεύτερον αὖ Σολύμοισι μαχέσσατο κυδαλίμοισι·

Was lodg'd for him; whom he lodg'd sure, they never rais'd a head.

καρτίστην δὴ τήν γε μάχην φάτο δύμεναι ἀνδρῶν.

His deeds thus showing him deriv'd from some celestial race,

τὸ τρίτον αὖ κατέπεφνεν Ἀμαζόνας ἀντιανείρας.

The king detain'd, and made amends, with doing him the grace

τῷ δʼ ἄρʼ ἀνερχομένῳ πυκινὸν δόλον ἄλλον ὕφαινε·

Of his fair daughter's princely gift; and with her, for a dow'r,

κρίνας ἐκ Λυκίης εὐρείης φῶτας ἀρίστους

Gave half his kingdom; and to this, the Lycians on did pour

εἷσε λόχον· τοὶ δʼ οὔ τι πάλιν οἶκον δὲ νέοντο·

More than was giv'n to any king; a goodly planted field,

πάντας γὰρ κατέπεφνεν ἀμύμων Βελλεροφόντης.

In some parts thick of groves and woods, the rest rich crops did yield,

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ γίγνωσκε θεοῦ γόνον ἠῢν ἐόντα

This field the Lycians futurely (of future wand'rings there

αὐτοῦ μιν κατέρυκε, δίδου δʼ ὅ γε θυγατέρα ἥν,

And other errors of their prince, in the unhappy rear

δῶκε δέ οἱ τιμῆς βασιληΐδος ἥμισυ πάσης·

Of his sad life) the Errant call'd, The princess brought him forth

καὶ μέν οἱ Λύκιοι τέμενος τάμον ἔξοχον ἄλλων

Three children (whose ends griev'd him more, the more they were of worth)

καλὸν φυταλιῆς καὶ ἀρούρης, ὄφρα νέμοιτο.

Isander; and Hippolochus; and fair Laodomy,

ἣ δʼ ἔτεκε τρία τέκνα δαΐφρονι Βελλεροφόντῃ

With whom, ev'n Jupiter himself left heav'n itself, to lie,

Ἴσανδρόν τε καὶ Ἱππόλοχον καὶ Λαοδάμειαν.

And had by her the man at arms, Sarpedon, call'd divine,

Λαοδαμείῃ μὲν παρελέξατο μητίετα Ζεύς,

The Gods then left him, lest a man should in their glories shine,

And set against him; for his son, Isandrus, in a strife

Against the valiant Solymi, Mars reft of light and life;

Laodamïa, being envied of all the Goddesses,

The golden-bridle-handling Queen, the maiden Patroness,

Slew with an arrow; and for this he wander'd evermore

ἣ δʼ ἔτεκʼ ἀντίθεον Σαρπηδόνα χαλκοκορυστήν.

Alone through his Aleian field, and fed upon the core

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ καὶ κεῖνος ἀπήχθετο πᾶσι θεοῖσιν,

Of his sad bosom, flying all the loth'd consórts of men.

ἤτοι ὃ κὰπ πεδίον τὸ Ἀλήϊον οἶος ἀλᾶτο

Yet had he one surviv'd to him, of those three childeren,

ὃν θυμὸν κατέδων, πάτον ἀνθρώπων ἀλεείνων·

Hippolochus, the root of me; who sent me here with charge

Ἴσανδρον δέ οἱ υἱὸν Ἄρης ἆτος πολέμοιο

That I should always bear me well, and my deserts enlarge

μαρνάμενον Σολύμοισι κατέκτανε κυδαλίμοισι·

Beyond the vulgar, lest I sham'd my race, that far excell'd

τὴν δὲ χολωσαμένη χρυσήνιος Ἄρτεμις ἔκτα.

All that Ephyra's famous tow'rs, or ample Lycia, held.

Ἱππόλοχος δέ μʼ ἔτικτε, καὶ ἐκ τοῦ φημι γενέσθαι·

This is my stock, and this am I.” This cheer'd Tydides' heart,

πέμπε δέ μʼ ἐς Τροίην, καί μοι μάλα πόλλʼ ἐπέτελλεν

Who pitch'd his spear down, lean'd, and talk'd in this affectionate part:

αἰὲν ἀριστεύειν καὶ ὑπείροχον ἔμμεναι ἄλλων,

“Certés, in thy great ancestor, and in mine own, thou art

μηδὲ γένος πατέρων αἰσχυνέμεν, οἳ μέγʼ ἄριστοι

A guest of mine, right ancient. King Oeneus twenty days

ἔν τʼ Ἐφύρῃ ἐγένοντο καὶ ἐν Λυκίῃ εὐρείῃ.

Detain'd, with feasts, Bellerophon, whom all the world did praise.

ταύτης τοι γενεῆς τε καὶ αἵματος εὔχομαι εἶναι.

Betwixt whom mutual gifts were giv'n, My grandsire gave to thine

ὣς φάτο, γήθησεν δὲ βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Διομήδης·

A girdle of Phœnician work, impurpl'd wondrous fine,

ἔγχος μὲν κατέπηξεν ἐπὶ χθονὶ πουλυβοτείρῃ,

Thine gave a two-neck'd jug of gold, which, though I use not here,

αὐτὰρ ὃ μειλιχίοισι προσηύδα ποιμένα λαῶν·

Yet still it is my gem at home. But, if our fathers were

ἦ ῥά νύ μοι ξεῖνος πατρώϊός ἐσσι παλαιός·

Familiar, or each other knew, I know not, since my sire

Οἰνεὺς γάρ ποτε δῖος ἀμύμονα Βελλεροφόντην

Left me a child, at siege of Thebes, where he left his life's fire.

ξείνισʼ ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ἐείκοσιν ἤματʼ ἐρύξας·

But let us prove our grandsires' sons, and be each other's guests.

οἳ δὲ καὶ ἀλλήλοισι πόρον ξεινήϊα καλά·

To Lycia when I come, do thou receive thy friend with feasts;

Οἰνεὺς μὲν ζωστῆρα δίδου φοίνικι φαεινόν,

Peloponnesus, with the like, shall thy wish'd presence greet.

Βελλεροφόντης δὲ χρύσεον δέπας ἀμφικύπελλον

Mean space, shun we each other here, though in the press we meet.

καί μιν ἐγὼ κατέλειπον ἰὼν ἐν δώμασʼ ἐμοῖσι.

There are enow of Troy beside, and men enow renown'd,

Τυδέα δʼ οὐ μέμνημαι, ἐπεί μʼ ἔτι τυτθὸν ἐόντα

To right my pow'rs, whomever heav'n shall let my lance confound,

κάλλιφʼ, ὅτʼ ἐν Θήβῃσιν ἀπώλετο λαὸς Ἀχαιῶν.

So are there of the Greeks for thee; kill who thou canst. And now,

τὼ νῦν σοὶ μὲν ἐγὼ ξεῖνος φίλος Ἄργεϊ μέσσῳ

For sign of amity 'twixt us, and that all these may know

εἰμί, σὺ δʼ ἐν Λυκίῃ ὅτε κεν τῶν δῆμον ἵκωμαι.

We glory in th' hospitious rites our grandsires did commend,

ἔγχεα δʼ ἀλλήλων ἀλεώμεθα καὶ διʼ ὁμίλου·

Change we our arms before them all.” From horse then both descend,

πολλοὶ μὲν γὰρ ἐμοὶ Τρῶες κλειτοί τʼ ἐπίκουροι

Join hands, give faith, and take; and then did Jupiter elate

κτείνειν ὅν κε θεός γε πόρῃ καὶ ποσσὶ κιχείω,

The mind of Glaucus, who, to show his rev'rence to the state

πολλοὶ δʼ αὖ σοὶ Ἀχαιοὶ ἐναιρέμεν ὅν κε δύνηαι.

Of virtue in his grandsire's heart, and gratulate beside

τεύχεα δʼ ἀλλήλοις ἐπαμείψομεν, ὄφρα καὶ οἵδε

The offer of so great a friend, exchang'd in that good pride,

γνῶσιν ὅτι ξεῖνοι πατρώϊοι εὐχόμεθʼ εἶναι.

Curets of gold for those of brass, that did on Diomed shine,

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσαντε καθʼ ἵππων ἀΐξαντε

One of a hundred oxen's price, the other but of nine.

χεῖράς τʼ ἀλλήλων λαβέτην καὶ πιστώσαντο·

By this, had Hector reach'd the ports of Scæa, and the tow'rs.

ἔνθʼ αὖτε Γλαύκῳ Κρονίδης φρένας ἐξέλετο Ζεύς,

About him flock'd the wives of Troy, the children, paramours,

ὃς πρὸς Τυδεΐδην Διομήδεα τεύχεʼ ἄμειβε

Inquiring how their husbands did, their fathers, brothers, loves.

χρύσεα χαλκείων, ἑκατόμβοιʼ ἐννεαβοίων.

He stood not then to answer them, but said: “It now behoves

Ἕκτωρ δʼ ὡς Σκαιάς τε πύλας καὶ φηγὸν ἵκανεν,

Ye should all go t' implore the aid of heav'n, in a distress

ἀμφʼ ἄρα μιν Τρώων ἄλοχοι θέον ἠδὲ θύγατρες

Of great effect, and imminent.” Then hasted he access

εἰρόμεναι παῖδάς τε κασιγνήτους τε ἔτας τε

To Priam's goodly builded court, which round about was run

καὶ πόσιας· ὃ δʼ ἔπειτα θεοῖς εὔχεσθαι ἀνώγει

With walking porches, galleries, to keep off rain and sun.

πάσας ἑξείης· πολλῇσι δὲ κήδεʼ ἐφῆπτο.

Within, of one side, on a rew, of sundry-colour'd stones,

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ Πριάμοιο δόμον περικαλλέʼ ἵκανε

Fifty fair lodgings were built out, for Priam's fifty sons,

ξεστῇς αἰθούσῃσι τετυγμένον· αὐτὰρ ἐν αὐτῷ

And for as fair sort of their wives; and, in the opposite view,

πεντήκοντʼ ἔνεσαν θάλαμοι ξεστοῖο λίθοιο

Twelve lodgings of like stone, like height, were likewise built arew,

πλησίον ἀλλήλων δεδμημένοι, ἔνθα δὲ παῖδες

Where, with their fair and virtuous wives, twelve princes, sons in law

κοιμῶντο Πριάμοιο παρὰ μνηστῇς ἀλόχοισι,

To honourable Priam, lay. And here met Hecuba,

κουράων δʼ ἑτέρωθεν ἐναντίοι ἔνδοθεν αὐλῆς

The loving mother, her great son; and with her needs must be

δώδεκʼ ἔσαν τέγεοι θάλαμοι ξεστοῖο λίθοιο

The fairest of her female race, the bright Laodice.

πλησίον ἀλλήλων δεδμημένοι, ἔνθα δὲ γαμβροὶ

The queen gript hard her Hector's hand, and said: “O worthiest son,

κοιμῶντο Πριάμοιο παρʼ αἰδοίῃς ἀλόχοισιν·

Why leav'st thou field? Is't not because the curséd nation

ἔνθά οἱ ἠπιόδωρος ἐναντίη ἤλυθε μήτηρ

Afflict our countrymen and friends? They are their moans that move

Λαοδίκην ἐσάγουσα θυγατρῶν εἶδος ἀρίστην·

Thy mind to come and lift thy hands, in his high tow'r, to Jove.

ἔν τʼ ἄρα οἱ φῦ χειρὶ ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζε·

But stay a little, that myself may fetch our sweetest wine

τέκνον τίπτε λιπὼν πόλεμον θρασὺν εἰλήλουθας;

To offer first to Jupiter, then that these joints of thine

ἦ μάλα δὴ τείρουσι δυσώνυμοι υἷες Ἀχαιῶν

May be refresh'd; for, woe is me, how thou art toil'd and spent!

μαρνάμενοι περὶ ἄστυ· σὲ δʼ ἐνθάδε θυμὸς ἀνῆκεν

Thou for our city's gen'ral state, thou for our friends far sent,

ἐλθόντʼ ἐξ ἄκρης πόλιος Διὶ χεῖρας ἀνασχεῖν.

Must now the press of fight endure; now solitude, to call

ἀλλὰ μένʼ ὄφρά κέ τοι μελιηδέα οἶνον ἐνείκω,

Upon the name of Jupiter; thou only for us all.

ὡς σπείσῃς Διὶ πατρὶ καὶ ἄλλοις ἀθανάτοισι

But wine will something comfort thee; for to a man dismay'd

πρῶτον, ἔπειτα δὲ καὐτὸς ὀνήσεαι αἴ κε πίῃσθα.

With careful spirits, or too much with labour overlaid,

ἀνδρὶ δὲ κεκμηῶτι μένος μέγα οἶνος ἀέξει,

Wine brings much rescue, strength'ning much the body and the mind.”

ὡς τύνη κέκμηκας ἀμύνων σοῖσιν ἔτῃσι.

The great helm-mover thus receiv'd the auth'ress of his kind:

τὴν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα μέγας κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ·

“My royal mother, bring no wine; lest rather it impair

μή μοι οἶνον ἄειρε μελίφρονα πότνια μῆτερ,

Than help my strength, and make my mind forgetful of th' affair

Committed to it; and (to pour it out in sacrifice)

I fear with unwash'd hands to serve the pure-liv'd Deities.

Nor is it lawful, thus imbru'd with blood and dust, to prove

The will of heav'n, or offer vows to cloud-compelling Jove.

I only come to use your pains (assembling other dames,

μή μʼ ἀπογυιώσῃς μένεος, ἀλκῆς τε λάθωμαι·

Matrons, and women honour'd most, with high and virtuous names)

χερσὶ δʼ ἀνίπτοισιν Διὶ λείβειν αἴθοπα οἶνον

With wine and odours, and a robe most ample, most of price,

ἅζομαι· οὐδέ πῃ ἔστι κελαινεφέϊ Κρονίωνι

And which is dearest in your love, to offer sacrifice

αἵματι καὶ λύθρῳ πεπαλαγμένον εὐχετάασθαι.

In Pallas' temple; and to put the precious robe ye bear.

ἀλλὰ σὺ μὲν πρὸς νηὸν Ἀθηναίης ἀγελείης

On her Palladium; vowing all, twelve oxen-of-a-year,

ἔρχεο σὺν θυέεσσιν ἀολλίσσασα γεραιάς·

Whose necks were never wrung with yoke, shall pay her grace their lives,

πέπλον δʼ, ὅς τίς τοι χαριέστατος ἠδὲ μέγιστος

If she will pity our sieg'd town; pity ourselves, our wives;

ἔστιν ἐνὶ μεγάρῳ καί τοι πολὺ φίλτατος αὐτῇ,

Pity our children; and remove, from sacred Ilion,

τὸν θὲς Ἀθηναίης ἐπὶ γούνασιν ἠϋκόμοιο,

The dreadful soldier Diomed. And, when yourselves are gone

καί οἱ ὑποσχέσθαι δυοκαίδεκα βοῦς ἐνὶ νηῷ

About this work, myself will go, to call into the field,

ἤνις ἠκέστας ἱερευσέμεν, αἴ κʼ ἐλεήσῃ

If he will hear me, Helen's love; whom would the earth would yield)

ἄστύ τε καὶ Τρώων ἀλόχους καὶ νήπια τέκνα,

And headlong take into her gulf, even quick before mine eyes;

αἴ κεν Τυδέος υἱὸν ἀπόσχῃ Ἰλίου ἱρῆς

For then my heart, I hope, would cast her load of miseries,

ἄγριον αἰχμητὴν κρατερὸν μήστωρα φόβοιο.

Borne for the plague he hath been born, and bred to the deface,

ἀλλὰ σὺ μὲν πρὸς νηὸν Ἀθηναίης ἀγελείης

By great Olympius, of Troy, our sire, and all our race.”

ἔρχευ, ἐγὼ δὲ Πάριν μετελεύσομαι ὄφρα καλέσσω

This said, grave Hecuba went home, and sent her maids about,

αἴ κʼ ἐθέλῃσʼ εἰπόντος ἀκουέμεν· ὥς κέ οἱ αὖθι

To bid the matrons. She herself descended, and search'd out,

γαῖα χάνοι· μέγα γάρ μιν Ὀλύμπιος ἔτρεφε πῆμα

Within a place that breath'd perfumes, the richest robe she had;

Τρωσί τε καὶ Πριάμῳ μεγαλήτορι τοῖό τε παισίν.

Which lay with many rich ones more, most curiously made

εἰ κεῖνόν γε ἴδοιμι κατελθόντʼ Ἄϊδος εἴσω

By women of Sidonia; which Paris brought from thence,

φαίην κε φρένʼ ἀτέρπου ὀϊζύος ἐκλελαθέσθαι.

Sailing the broad sea, when he made that voyage of offence,

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, ἣ δὲ μολοῦσα ποτὶ μέγαρʼ ἀμφιπόλοισι

In which he brought home Helena. That robe, transferr'd so far,

κέκλετο· ταὶ δʼ ἄρʼ ἀόλλισσαν κατὰ ἄστυ γεραιάς.

(That was the undermost) she took; it glittered like a star;

αὐτὴ δʼ ἐς θάλαμον κατεβήσετο κηώεντα,

And with it went she to the fane, with many ladies more;

ἔνθʼ ἔσάν οἱ πέπλοι παμποίκιλα ἔργα γυναικῶν

Amongst whom fair-cheek'd Theano unlock'd the folded door;

Σιδονίων, τὰς αὐτὸς Ἀλέξανδρος θεοειδὴς

Chaste Theano, Antenor's wife, and of Cissëus' race,

ἤγαγε Σιδονίηθεν ἐπιπλὼς εὐρέα πόντον,

Sister to Hecuba, both born to that great king of Thrace.

τὴν ὁδὸν ἣν Ἑλένην περ ἀνήγαγεν εὐπατέρειαν·

Her th' Ilions made Minerva's priest; and her they follow'd all

τῶν ἕνʼ ἀειραμένη Ἑκάβη φέρε δῶρον Ἀθήνῃ,

Up to the temple's highest tow'r, where on their knees they fall,

ὃς κάλλιστος ἔην ποικίλμασιν ἠδὲ μέγιστος,

Lift up their hands, and fill the fane with ladies' piteous cries.

ἀστὴρ δʼ ὣς ἀπέλαμπεν· ἔκειτο δὲ νείατος ἄλλων.

Then lovely Theano took the veil, and with it she implies

βῆ δʼ ἰέναι, πολλαὶ δὲ μετεσσεύοντο γεραιαί.

The great Palladium, praying thus: “Goddess of most renown

αἱ δʼ ὅτε νηὸν ἵκανον Ἀθήνης ἐν πόλει ἄκρῃ,

In all the heav'n of Goddesses, great Guardian of our town,

τῇσι θύρας ὤϊξε Θεανὼ καλλιπάρῃος

Rev'rend Minerva, break the lance of Diomed, cease his grace,

Κισσηῒς ἄλοχος Ἀντήνορος ἱπποδάμοιο·

Give him to fall in shameful flight, headlong, and on his face,

τὴν γὰρ Τρῶες ἔθηκαν Ἀθηναίης ἱέρειαν.

Before our ports of Ilion, that instantly we may,

αἳ δʼ ὀλολυγῇ πᾶσαι Ἀθήνῃ χεῖρας ἀνέσχον·

Twelve unyok'd oxen-of-a-year, in this thy temple slay,

ἣ δʼ ἄρα πέπλον ἑλοῦσα Θεανὼ καλλιπάρῃος

To thy sole honour; take their bloods, and banish our offence;

θῆκεν Ἀθηναίης ἐπὶ γούνασιν ἠϋκόμοιο,

Accept Troy's zeal, her wives, and save her infants' innocence.”

εὐχομένη δʼ ἠρᾶτο Διὸς κούρῃ μεγάλοιο·

She pray'd, but Pallas would not grant. Mean space was Hector come

πότνιʼ Ἀθηναίη ἐρυσίπτολι δῖα θεάων

Where Alexander's lodgings were, that many a goodly room

ἆξον δὴ ἔγχος Διομήδεος, ἠδὲ καὶ αὐτὸν

Had built in them by architects, of Troy's most curious sort,

πρηνέα δὸς πεσέειν Σκαιῶν προπάροιθε πυλάων,

And were no lodgings, but a house; nor no house, but a court;

ὄφρά τοι αὐτίκα νῦν δυοκαίδεκα βοῦς ἐνὶ νηῷ

Or had all these contain'd in them; and all within a tow'r,

ἤνις ἠκέστας ἱερεύσομεν, αἴ κʼ ἐλεήσῃς

Next Hector's lodgings and the king's. The lov'd of heav'n's chief Pow'r,

ἄστύ τε καὶ Τρώων ἀλόχους καὶ νήπια τέκνα.

Hector, here enter'd. In his hand a goodly lance he bore,

ὣς ἔφατʼ εὐχομένη, ἀνένευε δὲ Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη.

Ten cubits long; the brazen head went shining ill before,

ὣς αἳ μέν ῥʼ εὔχοντο Διὸς κούρῃ μεγάλοιο,

Help'd with a burnish'd ring of gold. He found his brother then

Ἕκτωρ δὲ πρὸς δώματʼ Ἀλεξάνδροιο βεβήκει

Amongst the women, yet prepar'd to go amongst the men,

καλά, τά ῥʼ αὐτὸς ἔτευξε σὺν ἀνδράσιν οἳ τότʼ ἄριστοι

For in their chamber he was set, trimming his arms, his shield,

ἦσαν ἐνὶ Τροίῃ ἐριβώλακι τέκτονες ἄνδρες,

His curets, and was trying how his crookéd bow would yield

οἵ οἱ ἐποίησαν θάλαμον καὶ δῶμα καὶ αὐλὴν

To his straight arms. Amongst her maids was set the Argive Queen,

ἐγγύθι τε Πριάμοιο καὶ Ἕκτορος ἐν πόλει ἄκρῃ.

Commanding them in choicest works. When Hector's eye had seen

ἔνθʼ Ἕκτωρ εἰσῆλθε Διῒ φίλος, ἐν δʼ ἄρα χειρὶ

His brother thus accompanied, and that he could not bear

ἔγχος ἔχʼ ἑνδεκάπηχυ· πάροιθε δὲ λάμπετο δουρὸς

The very touching of his arms but where the women were,

αἰχμὴ χαλκείη, περὶ δὲ χρύσεος θέε πόρκης.

And when the time so needed men, right cunningly he chid.

τὸν δʼ εὗρʼ ἐν θαλάμῳ περικαλλέα τεύχεʼ ἕποντα

That he might do it bitterly, his cowardice he hid,

ἀσπίδα καὶ θώρηκα, καὶ ἀγκύλα τόξʼ ἁφόωντα·

That simply made him so retir'd, beneath an anger, feign'd

Ἀργείη δʼ Ἑλένη μετʼ ἄρα δμῳῇσι γυναιξὶν

In him by Hector, for the hate the citizens sustain'd

ἧστο καὶ ἀμφιπόλοισι περικλυτὰ ἔργα κέλευε.

Against him, for the foil he took in their cause; and again,

τὸν δʼ Ἕκτωρ νείκεσσεν ἰδὼν αἰσχροῖς ἐπέεσσι·

For all their gen'ral foils in his. So Hector seems to plain

δαιμόνιʼ οὐ μὲν καλὰ χόλον τόνδʼ ἔνθεο θυμῷ,

Of his wrath to them, for their hate, and not his cowardice;

λαοὶ μὲν φθινύθουσι περὶ πτόλιν αἰπύ τε τεῖχος

As that were it that shelter'd him in his effeminacies,

μαρνάμενοι· σέο δʼ εἵνεκʼ ἀϋτή τε πτόλεμός τε

And kept him, in that dang'rous time, from their fit aid in fight;

ἄστυ τόδʼ ἀμφιδέδηε· σὺ δʼ ἂν μαχέσαιο καὶ ἄλλῳ,

For which he chid thus: “Wretched man! So timeless is thy spite

ὅν τινά που μεθιέντα ἴδοις στυγεροῦ πολέμοιο.

That 'tis not honest; and their hate is just, 'gainst which it bends.

War burns about the town for thee; for thee our slaughter'd friends

Besiege Troy with their carcasses, on whose heaps our high walls

Are overlook'd by enemies; the sad sounds of their falls

Without, are echo'd with the cries of wives and babes within;

And all for thee; and yet for them thy honour cannot win

ἀλλʼ ἄνα μὴ τάχα ἄστυ πυρὸς δηΐοιο θέρηται.

Head of thine anger. Thou shouldst need no spirit to stir up thine,

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπεν Ἀλέξανδρος θεοειδής·

But thine should set the rest on fire, and with a rage divine

Ἕκτορ ἐπεί με κατʼ αἶσαν ἐνείκεσας οὐδʼ ὑπὲρ αἶσαν,

Chastise impartially the best, that impiously forbears.

τοὔνεκά τοι ἐρέω· σὺ δὲ σύνθεο καί μευ ἄκουσον·

Come forth, lest thy fair tow'rs and Troy be burn'd about thine ears.”

οὔ τοι ἐγὼ Τρώων τόσσον χόλῳ οὐδὲ νεμέσσι

Paris acknowledg'd, as before, all just that Hector spake,

ἥμην ἐν θαλάμῳ, ἔθελον δʼ ἄχεϊ προτραπέσθαι.

Allowing justice, though it were for his injustice' sake;

νῦν δέ με παρειποῦσʼ ἄλοχος μαλακοῖς ἐπέεσσιν

And where his brother put a wrath upon him by his art,

ὅρμησʼ ἐς πόλεμον· δοκέει δέ μοι ὧδε καὶ αὐτῷ

He takes it, for his honour's sake, as sprung out of his heart,

λώϊον ἔσσεσθαι· νίκη δʼ ἐπαμείβεται ἄνδρας.

And rather would have anger seem his fault than cowardice;

ἀλλʼ ἄγε νῦν ἐπίμεινον, Ἀρήϊα τεύχεα δύω·

And thus he answer'd: “Since, with right, you join'd check with advice,

ἢ ἴθʼ, ἐγὼ δὲ μέτειμι· κιχήσεσθαι δέ σʼ ὀΐω.

And I hear you, give equal ear: It is not any spleen

ὣς φάτο, τὸν δʼ οὔ τι προσέφη κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ·

Against the town, as you conceive, that makes me so unseen,

τὸν δʼ Ἑλένη μύθοισι προσηύδα μειλιχίοισι·

But sorrow for it; which to ease, and by discourse digest

δᾶερ ἐμεῖο κυνὸς κακομηχάνου ὀκρυοέσσης,

Within myself, I live so close; and yet, since men might wrest

ὥς μʼ ὄφελʼ ἤματι τῷ ὅτε με πρῶτον τέκε μήτηρ

My sad retreat, like you, my wife with her advice inclin'd

οἴχεσθαι προφέρουσα κακὴ ἀνέμοιο θύελλα

This my addression to the field; which was mine own free mind,

εἰς ὄρος ἢ εἰς κῦμα πολυφλοίσβοιο θαλάσσης,

As well as th' instance of her words; for though the foil were mine,

ἔνθά με κῦμʼ ἀπόερσε πάρος τάδε ἔργα γενέσθαι.

Conquest brings forth her wreaths by turns. Stay then this haste of thine

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ τάδε γʼ ὧδε θεοὶ κακὰ τεκμήραντο,

But till I arm, and I am made a cónsort for thee straight;—

ἀνδρὸς ἔπειτʼ ὤφελλον ἀμείνονος εἶναι ἄκοιτις,

Or go, I'll overtake thy haste.” Helen stood at receipt,

ὃς ᾔδη νέμεσίν τε καὶ αἴσχεα πόλλʼ ἀνθρώπων.

And took up all great Hector's pow'rs, t' attend her heavy words,

τούτῳ δʼ οὔτʼ ἂρ νῦν φρένες ἔμπεδοι οὔτʼ ἄρʼ ὀπίσσω

By which had Paris no reply. This vent her grief affords:

ἔσσονται· τὼ καί μιν ἐπαυρήσεσθαι ὀΐω.

“Brother (if I may call you so, that had been better born

ἀλλʼ ἄγε νῦν εἴσελθε καὶ ἕζεο τῷδʼ ἐπὶ δίφρῳ

A dog, than such a horrid dame, as all men curse and scorn,

δᾶερ, ἐπεί σε μάλιστα πόνος φρένας ἀμφιβέβηκεν

A mischief-maker, a man-plague) O would to God, the day,

εἵνεκʼ ἐμεῖο κυνὸς καὶ Ἀλεξάνδρου ἕνεκʼ ἄτης,

That first gave light to me, had been a whirlwind in my way,

οἷσιν ἐπὶ Ζεὺς θῆκε κακὸν μόρον, ὡς καὶ ὀπίσσω

And borne me to some desert hill, or hid me in the rage

ἀνθρώποισι πελώμεθʼ ἀοίδιμοι ἐσσομένοισι.

Of earth's most far-resounding seas, ere I should thus engage

τὴν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα μέγας κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ

The dear lives of so many friends! Yet since the Gods have been

μή με κάθιζʼ Ἑλένη φιλέουσά περ· οὐδέ με πείσεις·

Helpless foreseers of my plagues, they might have likewise seen

ἤδη γάρ μοι θυμὸς ἐπέσσυται ὄφρʼ ἐπαμύνω

That he they put in yoke with me, to bear out their award,

Τρώεσσʼ, οἳ μέγʼ ἐμεῖο ποθὴν ἀπεόντος ἔχουσιν.

Had been a man of much more spirit, and, or had noblier dar'd

ἀλλὰ σύ γʼ ὄρνυθι τοῦτον, ἐπειγέσθω δὲ καὶ αὐτός,

To shield mine honour with this deed, or with his mind had known

ὥς κεν ἔμʼ ἔντοσθεν πόλιος καταμάρψῃ ἐόντα.

Much better the upbraids of men, that so he might have shown

καὶ γὰρ ἐγὼν οἶκον δὲ ἐλεύσομαι ὄφρα ἴδωμαι

(More like a man) some sense of grief for both my shame and his.

οἰκῆας ἄλοχόν τε φίλην καὶ νήπιον υἱόν.

But he is senseless, nor conceives what any manhood is,

οὐ γὰρ οἶδʼ εἰ ἔτι σφιν ὑπότροπος ἵξομαι αὖτις,

Nor now, nor ever after will; and therefore hangs, I fear,

ἦ ἤδη μʼ ὑπὸ χερσὶ θεοὶ δαμόωσιν Ἀχαιῶν.

A plague above him. But come near, good brother; rest you here,

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας ἀπέβη κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ·

Who, of the world of men, stands charg'd with most unrest for me,

αἶψα δʼ ἔπειθʼ ἵκανε δόμους εὖ ναιετάοντας,

(Vile wretch) and for my lover's wrong; on whom a destiny

οὐδʼ εὗρʼ Ἀνδρομάχην λευκώλενον ἐν μεγάροισιν,

So bitter is impos'd by Jove, that all succeeding times

ἀλλʼ ἥ γε ξὺν παιδὶ καὶ ἀμφιπόλῳ ἐϋπέπλῳ

Will put, to our unended shames, in all men's mouths our crimes.”

πύργῳ ἐφεστήκει γοόωσά τε μυρομένη τε.

He answer'd: “Helen, do not seek to make me sit with thee;

Ἕκτωρ δʼ ὡς οὐκ ἔνδον ἀμύμονα τέτμεν ἄκοιτιν

I must not stay, though well I know thy honour'd love of me.

ἔστη ἐπʼ οὐδὸν ἰών, μετὰ δὲ δμῳῇσιν ἔειπεν·

My mind calls forth to aid our friends, in whom my absence breeds

εἰ δʼ ἄγε μοι δμῳαὶ νημερτέα μυθήσασθε·

Longings to see me; for whose sakes, importune thou to deeds

πῇ ἔβη Ἀνδρομάχη λευκώλενος ἐκ μεγάροιο;

This man by all means, that your care may make his own make hast,

ἠέ πῃ ἐς γαλόων ἢ εἰνατέρων ἐϋπέπλων

And meet me in the open town, that all may see at last

ἢ ἐς Ἀθηναίης ἐξοίχεται, ἔνθά περ ἄλλαι

He minds his lover. I myself will now go home, and see

Τρῳαὶ ἐϋπλόκαμοι δεινὴν θεὸν ἱλάσκονται;

My household, my dear wife, and son, that little hope of me;

τὸν δʼ αὖτʼ ὀτρηρὴ ταμίη πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπεν·

For, sister, 'tis without my skill, if I shall evermore

Ἕκτορ ἐπεὶ μάλʼ ἄνωγας ἀληθέα μυθήσασθαι,

Return, and see them, or to earth, her right in me, restore.

οὔτέ πῃ ἐς γαλόων οὔτʼ εἰνατέρων ἐϋπέπλων

The Gods may stoop me by the Greeks.” This said, he went to see

οὔτʼ ἐς Ἀθηναίης ἐξοίχεται, ἔνθά περ ἄλλαι

The virtuous princess, his true wife, white-arm'd Andromache.

Τρῳαὶ ἐϋπλόκαμοι δεινὴν θεὸν ἱλάσκονται,

She, with her infant son and maid, was climb'd the tow'r about

ἀλλʼ ἐπὶ πύργον ἔβη μέγαν Ἰλίου, οὕνεκʼ ἄκουσε

The sight of him that sought for her, weeping and crying out.

τείρεσθαι Τρῶας, μέγα δὲ κράτος εἶναι Ἀχαιῶν.

Hector, not finding her at home, was going forth; retir'd;

ἣ μὲν δὴ πρὸς τεῖχος ἐπειγομένη ἀφικάνει

Stood in the gate; her woman call'd, and curiously inquir'd

μαινομένῃ ἐϊκυῖα· φέρει δʼ ἅμα παῖδα τιθήνη.

Where she was gone; bad tell him true, if she were gone to see

ἦ ῥα γυνὴ ταμίη, ὃ δʼ ἀπέσσυτο δώματος Ἕκτωρ

His sisters, or his brothers' wives; or whether she should be

τὴν αὐτὴν ὁδὸν αὖτις ἐϋκτιμένας κατʼ ἀγυιάς.

At temple with the other dames, t' implore Minerva's ruth.

εὖτε πύλας ἵκανε διερχόμενος μέγα ἄστυ

Her woman answer'd: Since he ask'd, and urg'd so much the truth,

Σκαιάς, τῇ ἄρʼ ἔμελλε διεξίμεναι πεδίον δέ,

The truth was she was neither gone, to see his brothers' wives,

ἔνθʼ ἄλοχος πολύδωρος ἐναντίη ἦλθε θέουσα

His sisters, nor t' implore the ruth of Pallas on their lives;

Ἀνδρομάχη θυγάτηρ μεγαλήτορος Ἠετίωνος

But she (advertis'd of the bane Troy suffer'd, and how vast

Ἠετίων ὃς ἔναιεν ὑπὸ Πλάκῳ ὑληέσσῃ

Conquest had made herself for Greece) like one distraught, made hast

To ample Ilion with her son, and nurse, and all the way

Mourn'd, and dissolv'd in tears for him. Then Hector made no stay,

But trod her path, and through the streets, magnificently built,

All the great city pass'd, and came where, seeing how blood was spilt,

Andromache might see him come: who made as he would pass

Θήβῃ Ὑποπλακίῃ Κιλίκεσσʼ ἄνδρεσσιν ἀνάσσων·

The ports without saluting her, not knowing where she was.

τοῦ περ δὴ θυγάτηρ ἔχεθʼ Ἕκτορι χαλκοκορυστῇ.

She, with his sight, made breathless haste, to meet him; she, whose grace

ἥ οἱ ἔπειτʼ ἤντησʼ, ἅμα δʼ ἀμφίπολος κίεν αὐτῇ

Brought him withal so great a dow'r; she that of all the race

παῖδʼ ἐπὶ κόλπῳ ἔχουσʼ ἀταλάφρονα νήπιον αὔτως

Of king Aëtion only liv'd; Aëtion, whose house stood

Ἑκτορίδην ἀγαπητὸν ἀλίγκιον ἀστέρι καλῷ,

Beneath the mountain Placius, environ'd with the wood

τόν ῥʼ Ἕκτωρ καλέεσκε Σκαμάνδριον, αὐτὰρ οἱ ἄλλοι

Of Theban Hypoplace, being court to the Cilician land.

Ἀστυάνακτʼ· οἶος γὰρ ἐρύετο Ἴλιον Ἕκτωρ.

She ran to Hector, and with her, tender of heart and hand,

ἤτοι ὃ μὲν μείδησεν ἰδὼν ἐς παῖδα σιωπῇ·

Her son, borne in his nurse's arms; when, like a heav'nly sign,

Ἀνδρομάχη δέ οἱ ἄγχι παρίστατο δάκρυ χέουσα,

Compact of many golden stars, the princely child did shine,

ἔν τʼ ἄρα οἱ φῦ χειρὶ ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζε·

Whom Hector call'd Scamandrius, but whom the town did name

δαιμόνιε φθίσει σε τὸ σὸν μένος, οὐδʼ ἐλεαίρεις

Astyanax, because his sire did only prop the same.

παῖδά τε νηπίαχον καὶ ἔμʼ ἄμμορον, ἣ τάχα χήρη

Hector, though grief bereft his speech, yet smil'd upon his joy.

σεῦ ἔσομαι· τάχα γάρ σε κατακτανέουσιν Ἀχαιοὶ

Andromache cried out, mix'd hands, and to the strength of Troy

πάντες ἐφορμηθέντες· ἐμοὶ δέ κε κέρδιον εἴη

Thus wept forth her affectión: “O noblest in desire!

σεῦ ἀφαμαρτούσῃ χθόνα δύμεναι· οὐ γὰρ ἔτʼ ἄλλη

Thy mind, inflam'd with others' good, will set thyself on fire.

ἔσται θαλπωρὴ ἐπεὶ ἂν σύ γε πότμον ἐπίσπῃς

Nor pitiest thou thy son, nor wife, who must thy widow be,

ἀλλʼ ἄχεʼ· οὐδέ μοι ἔστι πατὴρ καὶ πότνια μήτηρ.

If now thou issue; all the field will only run on thee.

ἤτοι γὰρ πατέρʼ ἁμὸν ἀπέκτανε δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς,

Better my shoulders underwent the earth, than thy decease;

ἐκ δὲ πόλιν πέρσεν Κιλίκων εὖ ναιετάουσαν

For then would earth bear joys no more; then comes the black increase

Θήβην ὑψίπυλον· κατὰ δʼ ἔκτανεν Ἠετίωνα,

Of griefs (like Greeks on Ilion). Alas! What one survives

οὐδέ μιν ἐξενάριξε, σεβάσσατο γὰρ τό γε θυμῷ,

To be my refuge? One black day bereft sev'n brothers' lives,

ἀλλʼ ἄρα μιν κατέκηε σὺν ἔντεσι δαιδαλέοισιν

By stern Achilles; by his hand my father breath'd his last,

ἠδʼ ἐπὶ σῆμʼ ἔχεεν· περὶ δὲ πτελέας ἐφύτευσαν

His high-wall'd rich Cilician Thebes sack'd by him, and laid wast;

νύμφαι ὀρεστιάδες κοῦραι Διὸς αἰγιόχοιο.

The royal body yet he left unspoil'd; religion charm'd

οἳ δέ μοι ἑπτὰ κασίγνητοι ἔσαν ἐν μεγάροισιν

That act of spoil; and all in fire he burn'd him cómplete arm'd;

οἳ μὲν πάντες ἰῷ κίον ἤματι Ἄϊδος εἴσω·

Built over him a royal tomb; and to the monument

πάντας γὰρ κατέπεφνε ποδάρκης δῖος Ἀχιλλεὺς

He left of him, th' Oreades (that are the high descent

βουσὶν ἐπʼ εἰλιπόδεσσι καὶ ἀργεννῇς ὀΐεσσι.

Of Ægis-bearing Jupiter) another of their own

μητέρα δʼ, ἣ βασίλευεν ὑπὸ Πλάκῳ ὑληέσσῃ,

Did add to it, and set it round with elms; by which is shown,

τὴν ἐπεὶ ἂρ δεῦρʼ ἤγαγʼ ἅμʼ ἄλλοισι κτεάτεσσιν,

In theirs, the barrenness of death; yet might it serve beside

ἂψ ὅ γε τὴν ἀπέλυσε λαβὼν ἀπερείσιʼ ἄποινα,

To shelter the sad monument from all the ruffinous pride

πατρὸς δʼ ἐν μεγάροισι βάλʼ Ἄρτεμις ἰοχέαιρα.

Of storms and tempests, us'd to hurt things of that noble kind,

Ἕκτορ ἀτὰρ σύ μοί ἐσσι πατὴρ καὶ πότνια μήτηρ

The short life yet my mother liv'd he sav'd, and serv'd his mind

ἠδὲ κασίγνητος, σὺ δέ μοι θαλερὸς παρακοίτης·

With all the riches of the realm; which not enough esteem'd

ἀλλʼ ἄγε νῦν ἐλέαιρε καὶ αὐτοῦ μίμνʼ ἐπὶ πύργῳ,

He kept her pris'ner; whom small time, but much more wealth, redeem'd,

μὴ παῖδʼ ὀρφανικὸν θήῃς χήρην τε γυναῖκα·

And she, in sylvan Hypoplace, Cilicia rul'd again,

λαὸν δὲ στῆσον παρʼ ἐρινεόν, ἔνθα μάλιστα

But soon was over-rul'd by death; Diana's chaste disdain

ἀμβατός ἐστι πόλις καὶ ἐπίδρομον ἔπλετο τεῖχος.

Gave her a lance, and took her life. Yet, all these gone from me,

τρὶς γὰρ τῇ γʼ ἐλθόντες ἐπειρήσανθʼ οἱ ἄριστοι

Thou amply render'st all; thy life makes still my father be,

ἀμφʼ Αἴαντε δύω καὶ ἀγακλυτὸν Ἰδομενῆα

My mother, brothers; and besides thou art my husband too,

ἠδʼ ἀμφʼ Ἀτρεΐδας καὶ Τυδέος ἄλκιμον υἱόν·

Most lov'd, most worthy. Pity them, dear love, and do not go,

ἤ πού τίς σφιν ἔνισπε θεοπροπίων ἐῢ εἰδώς,

For thou gone, all these go again; pity our common joy,

ἤ νυ καὶ αὐτῶν θυμὸς ἐποτρύνει καὶ ἀνώγει.

Lest, of a father's patronage, the bulwark of all Troy,

τὴν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε μέγας κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ·

Thou leav'st him a poor widow's charge. Stay, stay then, in this tow'r,

ἦ καὶ ἐμοὶ τάδε πάντα μέλει γύναι· ἀλλὰ μάλʼ αἰνῶς

And call up to the wild fig-tree all thy retiréd pow'r;

αἰδέομαι Τρῶας καὶ Τρῳάδας ἑλκεσιπέπλους,

For there the wall is easiest scal'd, and fittest for surprise,

αἴ κε κακὸς ὣς νόσφιν ἀλυσκάζω πολέμοιο·

And there, th' Ajaces, Idomen, th' Atrides, Diomed, thrice

οὐδέ με θυμὸς ἄνωγεν, ἐπεὶ μάθον ἔμμεναι ἐσθλὸς

Have both survey'd and made attempt; I know not if induc'd

αἰεὶ καὶ πρώτοισι μετὰ Τρώεσσι μάχεσθαι

By some wise augury, or the fact was naturally infus'd

ἀρνύμενος πατρός τε μέγα κλέος ἠδʼ ἐμὸν αὐτοῦ.

Into their wits, or courages.” To this, great Hector said:

εὖ γὰρ ἐγὼ τόδε οἶδα κατὰ φρένα καὶ κατὰ θυμόν·

“Be well assur'd, wife, all these things in my kind cares are weigh'd.

ἔσσεται ἦμαρ ὅτʼ ἄν ποτʼ ὀλώλῃ Ἴλιος ἱρὴ

But what a shame, and fear, it is to think how Troy would scorn

καὶ Πρίαμος καὶ λαὸς ἐϋμμελίω Πριάμοιο.

(Both in her husbands, and her wives, whom long-train'd gowns adorn)

ἀλλʼ οὔ μοι Τρώων τόσσον μέλει ἄλγος ὀπίσσω,

That I should cowardly fly off! The spirit I first did breath

οὔτʼ αὐτῆς Ἑκάβης οὔτε Πριάμοιο ἄνακτος

Did never teach me that; much less, since the contempt of death

οὔτε κασιγνήτων, οἵ κεν πολέες τε καὶ ἐσθλοὶ

Was settled in me, and my mind knew what a worthy was,

ἐν κονίῃσι πέσοιεν ὑπʼ ἀνδράσι δυσμενέεσσιν,

Whose office is to lead in fight, and give no danger pass

ὅσσον σεῦ, ὅτε κέν τις Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων

Without improvement. In this fire must Hector's trial shine;

δακρυόεσσαν ἄγηται ἐλεύθερον ἦμαρ ἀπούρας·

Here must his country, father, friends, be, in him, made divine.

καί κεν ἐν Ἄργει ἐοῦσα πρὸς ἄλλης ἱστὸν ὑφαίνοις,

And such a stormy day shall come (in mind and soul I know)

καί κεν ὕδωρ φορέοις Μεσσηΐδος ἢ Ὑπερείης

When sacred Troy shall shed her tow'rs, for tears of overthrow;

πόλλʼ ἀεκαζομένη, κρατερὴ δʼ ἐπικείσετʼ ἀνάγκη·

When Priam, all his birth and pow'r, shall in those tears be drown'd.

καί ποτέ τις εἴπῃσιν ἰδὼν κατὰ δάκρυ χέουσαν·

But neither Troy's posterity so much my soul doth wound,

Ἕκτορος ἥδε γυνὴ ὃς ἀριστεύεσκε μάχεσθαι

Priam, nor Hecuba herself, nor all my brothers' woes,

Τρώων ἱπποδάμων ὅτε Ἴλιον ἀμφεμάχοντο.

(Who though so many, and so good, must all be food for foes)

ὥς ποτέ τις ἐρέει· σοὶ δʼ αὖ νέον ἔσσεται ἄλγος

As thy sad state; when some rude Greek shall lead thee weeping hence,

These free days clouded, and a night of captive violence

Loading thy temples, out of which thine eyes must never see,

But spin the Greek wives' webs of task, and their fetch water be

To Argos, from Messeides, or clear Hyperia's spring;

Which howsoever thou abhorr'st, Fate's such a shrewish thing

χήτεϊ τοιοῦδʼ ἀνδρὸς ἀμύνειν δούλιον ἦμαρ.

She will be mistress; whose curs'd hands, when they shall crush out cries

ἀλλά με τεθνηῶτα χυτὴ κατὰ γαῖα καλύπτοι

From thy oppressions (being beheld by other enemies)

πρίν γέ τι σῆς τε βοῆς σοῦ θʼ ἑλκηθμοῖο πυθέσθαι.

Thus they will nourish thy extremes: 'This dame was Hector's wife,

ὣς εἰπὼν οὗ παιδὸς ὀρέξατο φαίδιμος Ἕκτωρ·

A man that, at the wars of Troy, did breathe the worthiest life

ἂψ δʼ ὃ πάϊς πρὸς κόλπον ἐϋζώνοιο τιθήνης

Of all their army.' This again will rub thy fruitful wounds,

ἐκλίνθη ἰάχων πατρὸς φίλου ὄψιν ἀτυχθεὶς

To miss the man that to thy bands could give such narrow bounds.

ταρβήσας χαλκόν τε ἰδὲ λόφον ἱππιοχαίτην,

But that day shall not wound mine eyes; the solid heap of night

δεινὸν ἀπʼ ἀκροτάτης κόρυθος νεύοντα νοήσας.

Shall interpose, and stop mine ears against thy plaints, and plight.”

ἐκ δʼ ἐγέλασσε πατήρ τε φίλος καὶ πότνια μήτηρ·

This said, he reach'd to take his son; who, of his arms afraid,

αὐτίκʼ ἀπὸ κρατὸς κόρυθʼ εἵλετο φαίδιμος Ἕκτωρ,

And then the horse-hair plume, with which he was so overlaid,

καὶ τὴν μὲν κατέθηκεν ἐπὶ χθονὶ παμφανόωσαν·

Nodded so horribly, he cling'd back to his nurse, and cried.

αὐτὰρ ὅ γʼ ὃν φίλον υἱὸν ἐπεὶ κύσε πῆλέ τε χερσὶν

Laughter affected his great sire, who doff'd, and laid aside

εἶπε δʼ ἐπευξάμενος Διί τʼ ἄλλοισίν τε θεοῖσι·

His fearful helm, that on the earth cast round about it light;

Ζεῦ ἄλλοι τε θεοὶ δότε δὴ καὶ τόνδε γενέσθαι

Then took and kiss'd his loving son, and (balancing his weight

παῖδʼ ἐμὸν ὡς καὶ ἐγώ περ ἀριπρεπέα Τρώεσσιν,

In dancing him) these loving vows to living Jove he us'd

ὧδε βίην τʼ ἀγαθόν, καὶ Ἰλίου ἶφι ἀνάσσειν·

And all the other bench of Gods: “O you that have infus'd

καί ποτέ τις εἴποι πατρός γʼ ὅδε πολλὸν ἀμείνων

Soul to this infant, now set down this blessing on his star;—

ἐκ πολέμου ἀνιόντα· φέροι δʼ ἔναρα βροτόεντα

Let his renown be clear as mine; equal his strength in war;

κτείνας δήϊον ἄνδρα, χαρείη δὲ φρένα μήτηρ.

And make his reign so strong in Troy, that years to come may yield

ὣς εἰπὼν ἀλόχοιο φίλης ἐν χερσὶν ἔθηκε

His facts this fame, when, rich in spoils, he leaves the conquer'd field

παῖδʼ ἑόν· ἣ δʼ ἄρα μιν κηώδεϊ δέξατο κόλπῳ

Sown with his slaughters: 'These high deeds exceed his father's worth.'

δακρυόεν γελάσασα· πόσις δʼ ἐλέησε νοήσας,

And let this echo'd praise supply the comforts to come forth

χειρί τέ μιν κατέρεξεν ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζε·

Of his kind mother with my life.” This said, th' heroic sire

δαιμονίη μή μοί τι λίην ἀκαχίζεο θυμῷ·

Gave him his mother; whose fair eyes fresh streams of love's salt fire

οὐ γάρ τίς μʼ ὑπὲρ αἶσαν ἀνὴρ Ἄϊδι προϊάψει·

Billow'd on her soft cheeks, to hear the last of Hector's speech,

μοῖραν δʼ οὔ τινά φημι πεφυγμένον ἔμμεναι ἀνδρῶν,

In which his vows compris'd the sum of all he did beseech

οὐ κακὸν οὐδὲ μὲν ἐσθλόν, ἐπὴν τὰ πρῶτα γένηται.

In her wish'd comfort. So she took into her od'rous breast

ἀλλʼ εἰς οἶκον ἰοῦσα τὰ σʼ αὐτῆς ἔργα κόμιζε

Her husband's gift; who, mov'd to see her heart so much oppress'd,

ἱστόν τʼ ἠλακάτην τε, καὶ ἀμφιπόλοισι κέλευε

He dried her tears, and thus desir'd: “Afflict me not, dear wife,

ἔργον ἐποίχεσθαι· πόλεμος δʼ ἄνδρεσσι μελήσει

With these vain griefs. He doth not live, that can disjoin my life

πᾶσι, μάλιστα δʼ ἐμοί, τοὶ Ἰλίῳ ἐγγεγάασιν.

And this firm bosom, but my fate; and fate, whose wings can fly?

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας κόρυθʼ εἵλετο φαίδιμος Ἕκτωρ

Noble, ignoble, fate controls. Once born, the best must die,

ἵππουριν· ἄλοχος δὲ φίλη οἶκον δὲ βεβήκει

Go home, and set thy housewif'ry on these extremes of thought;

ἐντροπαλιζομένη, θαλερὸν κατὰ δάκρυ χέουσα.

And drive war from them with thy maids; keep them from doing nought.

αἶψα δʼ ἔπειθʼ ἵκανε δόμους εὖ ναιετάοντας

These will be nothing; leave the cares of war to men, and me

Ἕκτορος ἀνδροφόνοιο, κιχήσατο δʼ ἔνδοθι πολλὰς

In whom, of all the Ilion race, they take their high'st degree.”

ἀμφιπόλους, τῇσιν δὲ γόον πάσῃσιν ἐνῶρσεν.

On went his helm; his princess home, half cold with kindly fears;

αἳ μὲν ἔτι ζωὸν γόον Ἕκτορα ᾧ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ·

When ev'ry fear turn'd back her looks, and ev'ry look shed tears.

οὐ γάρ μιν ἔτʼ ἔφαντο ὑπότροπον ἐκ πολέμοιο

Foe-slaught'ring Hector's house soon reach'd, her many women there

ἵξεσθαι προφυγόντα μένος καὶ χεῖρας Ἀχαιῶν.