Iliad

This said, brave Hector through the ports, with Troy's bane-bringing knight,

ὣς εἰπὼν πυλέων ἐξέσσυτο φαίδιμος Ἕκτωρ,

Made issue to th' insatiate field, resolv'd to fervent fight.

τῷ δʼ ἅμʼ Ἀλέξανδρος κίʼ ἀδελφεός· ἐν δʼ ἄρα θυμῷ

And as the Weather-wielder sends to seamen prosp'rous gales,

ἀμφότεροι μέμασαν πολεμίζειν ἠδὲ μάχεσθαι.

When with their sallow polish'd oars, long lifted from their falls,

ὡς δὲ θεὸς ναύτῃσιν ἐελδομένοισιν ἔδωκεν

Their wearied arms, dissolv'd with toil, can scarce strike one stroke more;

οὖρον, ἐπεί κε κάμωσιν ἐϋξέστῃς ἐλάτῃσι

Like those sweet winds appear'd these lords, to Trojans tir'd before.

πόντον ἐλαύνοντες, καμάτῳ δʼ ὑπὸ γυῖα λέλυνται,

Then fell they to the works of death. By Paris' valour fell

ὣς ἄρα τὼ Τρώεσσιν ἐελδομένοισι φανήτην.

King Arëithous' hapless son, that did in Arna dwell,

ἔνθʼ ἑλέτην ὃ μὲν υἱὸν Ἀρηϊθόοιο ἄνακτος

Menesthius, whose renownéd sire a club did ever bear,

Ἄρνῃ ναιετάοντα Μενέσθιον, ὃν κορυνήτης

And of Phylomedusa gat, that had her eyes so clear,

γείνατʼ Ἀρηΐθοος καὶ Φυλομέδουσα βοῶπις·

This slaughter'd issue. Hector's dart strook Eionëus dead;

Ἕκτωρ δʼ Ἠϊονῆα βάλʼ ἔγχεϊ ὀξυόεντι

Beneath his good steel casque it pierc'd, above his gorget-stead.

αὐχένʼ ὑπὸ στεφάνης εὐχάλκου, λύντο δὲ γυῖα.

Glaucus, Hippolochus's son, that led the Lycian crew,

Γλαῦκος δʼ Ἱππολόχοιο πάϊς Λυκίων ἀγὸς ἀνδρῶν

Iphinous-Dexiades with sudden jav'lin slew,

Ἰφίνοον βάλε δουρὶ κατὰ κρατερὴν ὑσμίνην

As he was mounting to his horse; his shoulders took the spear,

Δεξιάδην ἵππων ἐπιάλμενον ὠκειάων

And ere he sate, in tumbling, down, his powers dissolvéd were.

ὦμον· ὃ δʼ ἐξ ἵππων χαμάδις πέσε, λύντο δὲ γυῖα.

When gray-ey'd Pallas had perceiv'd the Greeks so fall in fight,

τοὺς δʼ ὡς οὖν ἐνόησε θεὰ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη

From high Olympus' top she stoop'd, and did on Ilion light.

Ἀργείους ὀλέκοντας ἐνὶ κρατερῇ ὑσμίνῃ,

Apollo, to encounter her, to Pergamus did fly,

βῆ ῥα κατʼ Οὐλύμποιο καρήνων ἀΐξασα

From whence he, looking to the field, wish'd Trojans' victory.

Ἴλιον εἰς ἱερήν· τῇ δʼ ἀντίος ὄρνυτʼ Ἀπόλλων

At Jove's broad beech these Godheads met; and first Jove's son objects;

Περγάμου ἐκκατιδών, Τρώεσσι δὲ βούλετο νίκην·

“Why, burning in contention thus, do thy extreme affects

ἀλλήλοισι δὲ τώ γε συναντέσθην παρὰ φηγῷ.

Conduct thee from our peaceful hill? Is it to oversway

τὴν πρότερος προσέειπεν ἄναξ Διὸς υἱὸς Ἀπόλλων·

The doubtful victory of fight, and give the Greeks the day?

τίπτε σὺ δʼ αὖ μεμαυῖα Διὸς θύγατερ μεγάλοιο

Thou never pitiest perishing Troy. Yet now let me persuade,

ἦλθες ἀπʼ Οὐλύμποιο, μέγας δέ σε θυμὸς ἀνῆκεν;

That this day no more mortal wounds may either side invade.

ἦ ἵνα δὴ Δαναοῖσι μάχης ἑτεραλκέα νίκην

Hereafter, till the end of Troy, they shall apply the fight,

δῷς; ἐπεὶ οὔ τι Τρῶας ἀπολλυμένους ἐλεαίρεις.

Since your immortal wills resolve to overturn it quite.”

ἀλλʼ εἴ μοί τι πίθοιο τό κεν πολὺ κέρδιον εἴη·

Pallas replied: “It likes me well; for this came I from heav'n;

νῦν μὲν παύσωμεν πόλεμον καὶ δηϊοτῆτα

But to make either armies cease, what order shall be giv'n?”

σήμερον· ὕστερον αὖτε μαχήσοντʼ εἰς ὅ κε τέκμωρ

He said: “We will direct the spirit, that burns in Hector's breast,

Ἰλίου εὕρωσιν, ἐπεὶ ὣς φίλον ἔπλετο θυμῷ

To challenge any Greek to wounds, with single pow'rs impress'd;

ὑμῖν ἀθανάτῃσι, διαπραθέειν τόδε ἄστυ.

Which Greeks, admiring, will accept, and make some one stand out

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε θεὰ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη·

So stout a challenge to receive, with a defence as stout.”

ὧδʼ ἔστω ἑκάεργε· τὰ γὰρ φρονέουσα καὶ αὐτὴ

It is confirm'd; and Helenus (king Priam's lovéd seed)

ἦλθον ἀπʼ Οὐλύμποιο μετὰ Τρῶας καὶ Ἀχαιούς.

By augury discern'd th' event that these two pow'rs decreed,

ἀλλʼ ἄγε πῶς μέμονας πόλεμον καταπαυσέμεν ἀνδρῶν;

And greeting Hector ask'd him this: “Wilt thou be once advis'd?

τὴν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπεν ἄναξ Διὸς υἱὸς Ἀπόλλων·

I am thy brother, and thy life with mine is ev'nly prized.

Ἕκτορος ὄρσωμεν κρατερὸν μένος ἱπποδάμοιο,

Command the rest of Troy and Greece; to cease this public fight,

ἤν τινά που Δαναῶν προκαλέσσεται οἰόθεν οἶος

And, what Greek bears the greatest mind, to single strokes excite.

ἀντίβιον μαχέσασθαι ἐν αἰνῇ δηϊοτῆτι,

I promise thee that yet thy soul shall not descend to fates;

οἳ δέ κʼ ἀγασσάμενοι χαλκοκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοὶ

So heard I thy survival cast, by the celestial States.”

οἶον ἐπόρσειαν πολεμίζειν Ἕκτορι δίῳ.

Hector with glad allowance gave his brother's counsel ear,

ὣς ἔφατʼ, οὐδʼ ἀπίθησε θεὰ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη.

And, fronting both the hosts, advanc'd just in the midst his spear.

τῶν δʼ Ἕλενος Πριάμοιο φίλος παῖς σύνθετο θυμῷ

The Trojans instantly surcease; the Greeks Atrides stay'd.

βουλήν, ἥ ῥα θεοῖσιν ἐφήνδανε μητιόωσι·

The God that bears the silver bow, and war's triumphant Maid,

στῆ δὲ παρʼ Ἕκτορʼ ἰὼν καί μιν πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπεν·

On Jove's beech like two vultures sat, pleas'd to behold both parts

Ἕκτορ υἱὲ Πριάμοιο Διὶ μῆτιν ἀτάλαντε

Flow in to hear, so sternly arm'd with huge shields, helms, and darts.

ἦ ῥά νύ μοί τι πίθοιο, κασίγνητος δέ τοί εἰμι·

And such fresh horror as you see, driv'n through the wrinkled waves

ἄλλους μὲν κάθισον Τρῶας καὶ πάντας Ἀχαιούς,

By rising Zephyr, under whom the sea grows black, and raves;

αὐτὸς δὲ προκάλεσσαι Ἀχαιῶν ὅς τις ἄριστος

ἀντίβιον μαχέσασθαι ἐν αἰνῇ δηϊοτῆτι·

οὐ γάρ πώ τοι μοῖρα θανεῖν καὶ πότμον ἐπισπεῖν·

ὣς γὰρ ἐγὼ ὄπʼ ἄκουσα θεῶν αἰειγενετάων.

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, Ἕκτωρ δʼ αὖτε χάρη μέγα μῦθον ἀκούσας,

καί ῥʼ ἐς μέσσον ἰὼν Τρώων ἀνέεργε φάλαγγας,

μέσσου δουρὸς ἑλών· οἳ δʼ ἱδρύνθησαν ἅπαντες.

κὰδ δʼ Ἀγαμέμνων εἷσεν ἐϋκνήμιδας Ἀχαιούς·

κὰδ δʼ ἄρʼ Ἀθηναίη τε καὶ ἀργυρότοξος Ἀπόλλων

ἑζέσθην ὄρνισιν ἐοικότες αἰγυπιοῖσι

φηγῷ ἐφʼ ὑψηλῇ πατρὸς Διὸς αἰγιόχοιο

Such did the hasty gath'ring troops' of both hosts make to hear;

ἀνδράσι τερπόμενοι· τῶν δὲ στίχες εἵατο πυκναὶ

Whose tumult settled, 'twixt them both, thus spake the challenger:

ἀσπίσι καὶ κορύθεσσι καὶ ἔγχεσι πεφρικυῖαι.

“Hear, Trojans, and ye well-arm'd Greeks, what my strong mind, diffus'd

οἵη δὲ Ζεφύροιο ἐχεύατο πόντον ἔπι φρὶξ

Through all my spirits, commands me speak: Saturnius hath not us'd

ὀρνυμένοιο νέον, μελάνει δέ τε πόντος ὑπʼ αὐτῆς,

His promis'd favour for our truce, but, studying both our ills,

τοῖαι ἄρα στίχες εἵατʼ Ἀχαιῶν τε Τρώων τε

Will never cease, till Mars, by you, his rav'nous stomach fills

ἐν πεδίῳ· Ἕκτωρ δὲ μετʼ ἀμφοτέροισιν ἔειπε·

With ruin'd Troy, or we consume your mighty sea-borne fleet.

κέκλυτέ μευ Τρῶες καὶ ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοὶ

Since then the gen'ral peers of Greece in reach of one voice meet,

ὄφρʼ εἴπω τά με θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι κελεύει.

Amongst you all, whose breast includes the most impulsive mind,

ὅρκια μὲν Κρονίδης ὑψίζυγος οὐκ ἐτέλεσσεν,

Let him stand forth as combatant, by all the rest design'd.

ἀλλὰ κακὰ φρονέων τεκμαίρεται ἀμφοτέροισιν

Before whom thus I call high Jove, to witness of our strife:—

εἰς ὅ κεν ἢ ὑμεῖς Τροίην εὔπυργον ἕλητε

If he with home-thrust iron can reach th' exposure of my life,

ἢ αὐτοὶ παρὰ νηυσὶ δαμείετε ποντοπόροισιν.

Spoiling my arms, let him at will convey them to his tent,

ὑμῖν δʼ ἐν γὰρ ἔασιν ἀριστῆες Παναχαιῶν·

But let my body be return'd, that Troy's two-sex'd descent

τῶν νῦν ὅν τινα θυμὸς ἐμοὶ μαχέσασθαι ἀνώγει

May waste it in the fun'ral pile. If I can slaughter him,

δεῦρʼ ἴτω ἐκ πάντων πρόμος ἔμμεναι Ἕκτορι δίῳ.

Apollo honouring me so much, I'll spoil his conquer'd limb,

ὧδε δὲ μυθέομαι, Ζεὺς δʼ ἄμμʼ ἐπιμάρτυρος ἔστω·

And bear his arms to Ilion, where in Apollo's shrine

εἰ μέν κεν ἐμὲ κεῖνος ἕλῃ ταναήκεϊ χαλκῷ,

I'll hang them, as my trophies due; his body I'll resign

τεύχεα συλήσας φερέτω κοίλας ἐπὶ νῆας,

To be disposed by his friends in flamy funerals,

σῶμα δὲ οἴκαδʼ ἐμὸν δόμεναι πάλιν, ὄφρα πυρός με

And honour'd with erected tomb, where Hellespontus falls

Τρῶες καὶ Τρώων ἄλοχοι λελάχωσι θανόντα.

Into Ægæum, and doth reach ev'n to your naval road,

εἰ δέ κʼ ἐγὼ τὸν ἕλω, δώῃ δέ μοι εὖχος Ἀπόλλων,

That, when our beings in the earth shall hide their period,

τεύχεα σύλησας οἴσω προτὶ Ἴλιον ἱρήν,

Survivors, sailing the black sea, may thus his name renew:

καὶ κρεμόω προτὶ νηὸν Ἀπόλλωνος ἑκάτοιο,

'This is his monument whose blood long since did fates imbrue,

τὸν δὲ νέκυν ἐπὶ νῆας ἐϋσσέλμους ἀποδώσω,

Whom, passing far in fortitude illustrate Hector slew.'

ὄφρά ἑ ταρχύσωσι κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοί,

This shall posterity report, and my fame never die.”

σῆμά τέ οἱ χεύωσιν ἐπὶ πλατεῖ Ἑλλησπόντῳ.

This said, dumb silence seiz'd them all; they shaméd to deny,

καί ποτέ τις εἴπῃσι καὶ ὀψιγόνων ἀνθρώπων

And fear'd to undertake. At last did Menelaus speak,

νηῒ πολυκλήϊδι πλέων ἐπὶ οἴνοπα πόντον·

Check'd their remissness, and so sigh'd, as if his heart would break:

ἀνδρὸς μὲν τόδε σῆμα πάλαι κατατεθνηῶτος,

“Ah me! But only threat'ning Greeks, not worthy Grecian names!

ὅν ποτʼ ἀριστεύοντα κατέκτανε φαίδιμος Ἕκτωρ.

This more and more, not to be borne, makes grow our huge defames,

ὥς ποτέ τις ἐρέει· τὸ δʼ ἐμὸν κλέος οὔ ποτʼ ὀλεῖται.

If Hector's honourable proof be entertain'd by none.

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἱ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἀκὴν ἐγένοντο σιωπῇ·

But you are earth and water all, which, symboliz'd in one,

αἴδεσθεν μὲν ἀνήνασθαι, δεῖσαν δʼ ὑποδέχθαι·

Have fram'd your faint unfi'ry spirits; ye sit without your hearts,

ὀψὲ δὲ δὴ Μενέλαος ἀνίστατο καὶ μετέειπε

Grossly inglorious; but myself will use acceptive darts,

νείκει ὀνειδίζων, μέγα δὲ στεναχίζετο θυμῷ·

And arm against him, though you think I arm 'gainst too much odds;

ὤ μοι ἀπειλητῆρες Ἀχαιΐδες οὐκέτʼ Ἀχαιοί·

But conquest's garlands hang aloft, amongst th' Immortal Gods.”

ἦ μὲν δὴ λώβη τάδε γʼ ἔσσεται αἰνόθεν αἰνῶς

He arm'd, and gladly would have fought; but Menelaus, then,

εἰ μή τις Δαναῶν νῦν Ἕκτορος ἀντίος εἶσιν.

By Hector's far more strength, thy soul had fled th' abodes of men,

ἀλλʼ ὑμεῖς μὲν πάντες ὕδωρ καὶ γαῖα γένοισθε

Had not the kings of Greece stood up, and thy attempt restrain'd;

ἥμενοι αὖθι ἕκαστοι ἀκήριοι ἀκλεὲς αὔτως·

And ev'n the king of men himself, that in such compass reign'd,

τῷδε δʼ ἐγὼν αὐτὸς θωρήξομαι· αὐτὰρ ὕπερθε

Who took him by the bold right hand, and sternly pluck'd him back:

νίκης πείρατʼ ἔχονται ἐν ἀθανάτοισι θεοῖσιν.

“Mad brother, 'tis no work for thee, thou seek'st thy wilful wrack!

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας κατεδύσετο τεύχεα καλά.

Contain, though it despite thee much, nor for this strife engage

ἔνθά κέ τοι Μενέλαε φάνη βιότοιο τελευτὴ

Thy person with a man more strong, and whom all fear t' enrage;

Ἕκτορος ἐν παλάμῃσιν, ἐπεὶ πολὺ φέρτερος ἦεν,

Yea whom Æacides himself, in men-renowning war,

εἰ μὴ ἀναΐξαντες ἕλον βασιλῆες Ἀχαιῶν,

Makes doubt t' encounter, whose huge strength surpasseth thine by far.

αὐτός τʼ Ἀτρεΐδης εὐρὺ κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

Sit thou then by thy regiment; some other Greek will rise

δεξιτερῆς ἕλε χειρὸς ἔπος τʼ ἔφατʼ ἔκ τʼ ὀνόμαζεν·

(Though he be dreadless, and no war will his desires suffice,

ἀφραίνεις Μενέλαε διοτρεφές, οὐδέ τί σε χρὴ

That makes this challenge to our strength) our valours to avow;

ταύτης ἀφροσύνης· ἀνὰ δὲ σχέο κηδόμενός περ,

To whom, if he can 'scape with life, he will be glad to bow.”

μηδʼ ἔθελʼ ἐξ ἔριδος σεῦ ἀμείνονι φωτὶ μάχεσθαι

Ἕκτορι Πριαμίδῃ, τόν τε στυγέουσι καὶ ἄλλοι.

καὶ δʼ Ἀχιλεὺς τούτῳ γε μάχῃ ἔνι κυδιανείρῃ

ἔρριγʼ ἀντιβολῆσαι, ὅ περ σέο πολλὸν ἀμείνων.

ἀλλὰ σὺ μὲν νῦν ἵζευ ἰὼν μετὰ ἔθνος ἑταίρων,

τούτῳ δὲ πρόμον ἄλλον ἀναστήσουσιν Ἀχαιοί.

εἴ περ ἀδειής τʼ ἐστὶ καὶ εἰ μόθου ἔστʼ ἀκόρητος,

φημί μιν ἀσπασίως γόνυ κάμψειν, αἴ κε φύγῃσι

δηΐου ἐκ πολέμοιο καὶ αἰνῆς δηϊοτῆτος.

ὣς εἰπὼν παρέπεισεν ἀδελφειοῦ φρένας ἥρως

This drew his brother from his will, who yielded, knowing it true,

αἴσιμα παρειπών, ὃ δʼ ἐπείθετο· τοῦ μὲν ἔπειτα

And his glad soldiers took his arms; when Nestor did pursue

γηθόσυνοι θεράποντες ἀπʼ ὤμων τεύχεʼ ἕλοντο·

The same reproof he set on foot, and thus supplied his turn:

Νέστωρ δʼ Ἀργείοισιν ἀνίστατο καὶ μετέειπεν·

“What huge indignity is this! How will our country mourn!

ὢ πόποι ἦ μέγα πένθος Ἀχαιΐδα γαῖαν ἱκάνει.

Old Peleus that good king will weep, that worthy counsellor,

ἦ κε μέγʼ οἰμώξειε γέρων ἱππηλάτα Πηλεὺς

That trumpet of the Myrmidons, who much did ask me for

ἐσθλὸς Μυρμιδόνων βουληφόρος ἠδʼ ἀγορητής,

All men of name that went to Troy; with joy he did inquire

ὅς ποτέ μʼ εἰρόμενος μέγʼ ἐγήθεεν ᾧ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ

Their valour and their towardness, and I made him admire;

πάντων Ἀργείων ἐρέων γενεήν τε τόκον τε.

But, that ye all fear Hector now, if his grave ears shall hear,

τοὺς νῦν εἰ πτώσσοντας ὑφʼ Ἕκτορι πάντας ἀκούσαι,

How will he lift his hands to heav'n, and pray that death may bear

πολλά κεν ἀθανάτοισι φίλας ἀνὰ χεῖρας ἀείραι

His grieved soul into the deep! O would to heav'n's great King,

θυμὸν ἀπὸ μελέων δῦναι δόμον Ἄϊδος εἴσω.

Minerva, and the God of light, that now my youthful spring

αἲ γὰρ Ζεῦ τε πάτερ καὶ Ἀθηναίη καὶ Ἄπολλον

Did flourish in my willing veins, as when at Phæa's tow'rs

ἡβῷμʼ ὡς ὅτʼ ἐπʼ ὠκυρόῳ Κελάδοντι μάχοντο

About the streams of Jardanus, my gather'd Pylean pow'rs,

ἀγρόμενοι Πύλιοί τε καὶ Ἀρκάδες ἐγχεσίμωροι

And dart-employ'd Arcadians, fought, near raging Celadon!

Φειᾶς πὰρ τείχεσσιν Ἰαρδάνου ἀμφὶ ῥέεθρα.

Amongst whom, first of all, stood forth great Ereuthalion,

τοῖσι δʼ Ἐρευθαλίων πρόμος ἵστατο ἰσόθεος φὼς

Who th' arms of Arëithoús wore, brave Arëithoús,

τεύχεʼ ἔχων ὤμοισιν Ἀρηϊθόοιο ἄνακτος

And, since he still fought with a club, surnam'd Clavigerus,

δίου Ἀρηϊθόου, τὸν ἐπίκλησιν κορυνήτην

All men, and fair-girt ladies both, for honour call'd him so.

ἄνδρες κίκλησκον καλλίζωνοί τε γυναῖκες

He fought not with a keep-off spear, or with a far-shot bow,

οὕνεκʼ ἄρʼ οὐ τόξοισι μαχέσκετο δουρί τε μακρῷ,

But, with a massy club of iron, he broke through arméd bands.

ἀλλὰ σιδηρείῃ κορύνῃ ῥήγνυσκε φάλαγγας.

And yet Lycurgus was his death, but not with force of hands;

τὸν Λυκόοργος ἔπεφνε δόλῳ, οὔ τι κράτεΐ γε,

With sleight (encount'ring in a lane, where his club wanted sway)

στεινωπῷ ἐν ὁδῷ ὅθʼ ἄρʼ οὐ κορύνη οἱ ὄλεθρον

He thrust him through his spacious waist; who fell, and upwards lay,

χραῖσμε σιδηρείη· πρὶν γὰρ Λυκόοργος ὑποφθὰς

In death not bowing his face to earth; his arms he did despoil,

δουρὶ μέσον περόνησεν, ὃ δʼ ὕπτιος οὔδει ἐρείσθη·

Which iron Mars bestow'd on him; and those, in Mars's toil,

τεύχεα δʼ ἐξενάριξε, τά οἱ πόρε χάλκεος Ἄρης.

Lycurgus ever after wore; but when he agéd grew,

καὶ τὰ μὲν αὐτὸς ἔπειτα φόρει μετὰ μῶλον Ἄρηος·

Enforc'd to keep his peaceful house, their use he did renew

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ Λυκόοργος ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ἐγήρα,

On mighty Ereuthalion's limbs, his soldier, lovéd well;

δῶκε δʼ Ἐρευθαλίωνι φίλῳ θεράποντι φορῆναι·

And, with these arms he challeng'd all, that did in arms excel;

τοῦ ὅ γε τεύχεʼ ἔχων προκαλίζετο πάντας ἀρίστους.

All shook, and stood dismay'd, none durst his adverse champion make.

οἳ δὲ μάλʼ ἐτρόμεον καὶ ἐδείδισαν, οὐδέ τις ἔτλη·

Yet this same forward mind of mine, of choice, would undertake

ἀλλʼ ἐμὲ θυμὸς ἀνῆκε πολυτλήμων πολεμίζειν

To fight with all his confidence; though youngest enemy

θάρσεϊ ᾧ· γενεῇ δὲ νεώτατος ἔσκον ἁπάντων·

Of all the army we conduct, yet I fought with him, I,

καὶ μαχόμην οἱ ἐγώ, δῶκεν δέ μοι εὖχος Ἀθήνη.

Minerva made me so renown'd, and that most tall strong peer

τὸν δὴ μήκιστον καὶ κάρτιστον κτάνον ἄνδρα·

I slew; his big bulk lay on earth, extended here and there,

πολλὸς γάρ τις ἔκειτο παρήορος ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα.

As it were covetous to spread the centre ev'rywhere.

εἴθʼ ὣς ἡβώοιμι, βίη δέ μοι ἔμπεδος εἴη·

O that my youth were now as fresh, and all my pow'rs as sound,

τώ κε τάχʼ ἀντήσειε μάχης κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ.

Soon should bold Hector be impugn'd! Yet you that most are crown'd

ὑμέων δʼ οἵ περ ἔασιν ἀριστῆες Παναχαιῶν

With fortitude of all our host, ev'n you methinks are slow,

οὐδʼ οἳ προφρονέως μέμαθʼ Ἕκτορος ἀντίον ἐλθεῖν.

Not free, and set on fire with lust, t' encounter such a foe.”

ὣς νείκεσσʼ ὃ γέρων, οἳ δʼ ἐννέα πάντες ἀνέσταν.

With this, nine royal princes rose. Atrides for the first;

ὦρτο πολὺ πρῶτος μὲν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων,

Then Diomed; th' Ajaces then, that did th' encounter thirst;

τῷ δʼ ἐπὶ Τυδεΐδης ὦρτο κρατερὸς Διομήδης,

King Idomen and his consórts; Mars-like Meriones;

τοῖσι δʼ ἐπʼ Αἴαντες θοῦριν ἐπιειμένοι ἀλκήν,

Evemon's son, Eurypylus: and Andræmonides,

τοῖσι δʼ ἐπʼ Ἰδομενεὺς καὶ ὀπάων Ἰδομενῆος

Whom all the Grecians Thoas call'd, sprung of Andræmon's blood;

Μηριόνης ἀτάλαντος Ἐνυαλίῳ ἀνδρειφόντῃ,

And wise Ulysses; ev'ry one, propos'd for combat, stood.

τοῖσι δʼ ἐπʼ Εὐρύπυλος Εὐαίμονος ἀγλαὸς υἱός,

Again Gerenius Nestor spake: “Let lots be drawn by all;

ἂν δὲ Θόας Ἀνδραιμονίδης καὶ δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς·

His hand shall help the well-arm'd Greeks, on whom the lot doth fall,

πάντες ἄρʼ οἵ γʼ ἔθελον πολεμίζειν Ἕκτορι δίῳ.

And to his wish shall he be help'd, if he escape with life

τοῖς δʼ αὖτις μετέειπε Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ·

κλήρῳ νῦν πεπάλασθε διαμπερὲς ὅς κε λάχῃσιν·

οὗτος γὰρ δὴ ὀνήσει ἐϋκνήμιδας Ἀχαιούς,

καὶ δʼ αὐτὸς ὃν θυμὸν ὀνήσεται αἴ κε φύγῃσι

δηΐου ἐκ πολέμοιο καὶ αἰνῆς δηϊοτῆτος.

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δὲ κλῆρον ἐσημήναντο ἕκαστος,

ἐν δʼ ἔβαλον κυνέῃ Ἀγαμέμνονος Ἀτρεΐδαο.

λαοὶ δʼ ἠρήσαντο, θεοῖσι δὲ χεῖρας ἀνέσχον·

ὧδε δέ τις εἴπεσκεν ἰδὼν εἰς οὐρανὸν εὐρύν·

Ζεῦ πάτερ ἢ Αἴαντα λαχεῖν, ἢ Τυδέος υἱόν,

ἢ αὐτὸν βασιλῆα πολυχρύσοιο Μυκήνης.

The harmful danger-breathing fit of his advent'rous strife.”

ὣς ἄρʼ ἔφαν, πάλλεν δὲ Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ,

Each mark'd his lot, and cast it into Agamemnon's casque.

ἐκ δʼ ἔθορε κλῆρος κυνέης ὃν ἄρʼ ἤθελον αὐτοὶ

The soldiers pray'd, held up their hands, and this of Jove did ask,

Αἴαντος· κῆρυξ δὲ φέρων ἀνʼ ὅμιλον ἁπάντῃ

With eyes advanc'd to heav'n: “O Jove, so lead the herald's hand,

δεῖξʼ ἐνδέξια πᾶσιν ἀριστήεσσιν Ἀχαιῶν.

That Ajax, or great Tydeus' son, may our wish'd champion stand,

οἳ δʼ οὐ γιγνώσκοντες ἀπηνήναντο ἕκαστος.

Or else the king himself that rules the rich Mycenian land.”

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ τὸν ἵκανε φέρων ἀνʼ ὅμιλον ἁπάντῃ

This said, old Nestor mix'd the lots. The foremost lot survey'd

ὅς μιν ἐπιγράψας κυνέῃ βάλε φαίδιμος Αἴας,

With Ajax Telamon was sign'd, as all the soldiers pray'd;

ἤτοι ὑπέσχεθε χεῖρʼ, ὃ δʼ ἄρʼ ἔμβαλεν ἄγχι παραστάς,

One of the heralds drew it forth, who brought and show'd it round,

γνῶ δὲ κλήρου σῆμα ἰδών, γήθησε δὲ θυμῷ.

Beginning at the right hand first, to all the most renown'd.

τὸν μὲν πὰρ πόδʼ ἑὸν χαμάδις βάλε φώνησέν τε·

None knowing it, ev'ry man denied; but when he forth did pass

ὦ φίλοι ἤτοι κλῆρος ἐμός, χαίρω δὲ καὶ αὐτὸς

To him which mark'd and cast it in; which famous Ajax was,

θυμῷ, ἐπεὶ δοκέω νικησέμεν Ἕκτορα δῖον.

He stretch'd his hand, and into it the herald put the lot,

ἀλλʼ ἄγετʼ ὄφρʼ ἂν ἐγὼ πολεμήϊα τεύχεα δύω,

Who, viewing it, th' inscription knew; the duke deniéd not,

τόφρʼ ὑμεῖς εὔχεσθε Διὶ Κρονίωνι ἄνακτι

But joyfully acknowledg'd it, and threw it at his feet,

σιγῇ ἐφʼ ὑμείων ἵνα μὴ Τρῶές γε πύθωνται,

And said: “O friends, the lot is mine, which to my soul is sweet;

ἠὲ καὶ ἀμφαδίην, ἐπεὶ οὔ τινα δείδιμεν ἔμπης·

For now I hope my fame shall rise, in noble Hector's fall.

οὐ γάρ τίς με βίῃ γε ἑκὼν ἀέκοντα δίηται

But, whilst I arm myself, do you on great Saturnius call,

οὐδέ τι ἰδρείῃ, ἐπεὶ οὐδʼ ἐμὲ νήϊδά γʼ οὕτως

But silently, or to yourselves, that not a Trojan hear;

ἔλπομαι ἐν Σαλαμῖνι γενέσθαι τε τραφέμεν τε.

Or openly, if you think good, since none alive we fear.

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ εὔχοντο Διὶ Κρονίωνι ἄνακτι·

None with a will, if I will not, can my bold pow'rs affright,

ὧδε δέ τις εἴπεσκεν ἰδὼν εἰς οὐρανὸν εὐρύν·

At least for plain fierce swing of strength, or want of skill in fight;

Ζεῦ πάτερ Ἴδηθεν μεδέων κύδιστε μέγιστε

For I will well prove that my birth; and breed, in Salamine

δὸς νίκην Αἴαντι καὶ ἀγλαὸν εὖχος ἀρέσθαι·

Was not all consecrate to meat, or mere effects of wine.”

εἰ δὲ καὶ Ἕκτορά περ φιλέεις καὶ κήδεαι αὐτοῦ,

This said, the well-giv'n soldiers pray'd; up went to heav'n their eyne:

ἴσην ἀμφοτέροισι βίην καὶ κῦδος ὄπασσον.

“O Jove, that Ida dost protect, most happy, most divine,

ὣς ἄρʼ ἔφαν, Αἴας δὲ κορύσσετο νώροπι χαλκῷ.

Send victory to Ajax' side; fame; grace his goodly limb;

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ δὴ πάντα περὶ χροῒ ἕσσατο τεύχεα,

Or (if thy love bless Hector's life, and thou hast care of him.)

σεύατʼ ἔπειθʼ οἷός τε πελώριος ἔρχεται Ἄρης,

Bestow on both like pow'r, like fame.” This said, in bright arms, shone

ὅς τʼ εἶσιν πόλεμον δὲ μετʼ ἀνέρας οὕς τε Κρονίων

The good strong Ajax; who, when all his war attire was on,

θυμοβόρου ἔριδος μένεϊ ξυνέηκε μάχεσθαι.

March'd like the hugely-figur'd Mars, when angry Jupiter

τοῖος ἄρʼ Αἴας ὦρτο πελώριος ἕρκος Ἀχαιῶν

With strength, on people proud of strength, sends him forth to infer

μειδιόων βλοσυροῖσι προσώπασι· νέρθε δὲ ποσσὶν

Wreakful contention, and comes on with presence full of fear;

ἤϊε μακρὰ βιβάς, κραδάων δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος.

So th' Achive rampire, Telamon, did 'twixt the hosts appear;

τὸν δὲ καὶ Ἀργεῖοι μὲν ἐγήθεον εἰσορόωντες,

Smil'd; yet of terrible aspéct; on earth, with ample pace,

Τρῶας δὲ τρόμος αἰνὸς ὑπήλυθε γυῖα ἕκαστον,

He boldly stalk'd, and shook aloft his dart with deadly grace.

Ἕκτορί τʼ αὐτῷ θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι πάτασσεν·

It did the Grecians good to see; but heartquakes shook the joints

ἀλλʼ οὔ πως ἔτι εἶχεν ὑποτρέσαι οὐδʼ ἀναδῦναι

Of all the Trojans, Hector's self felt thoughts, with horrid points,

ἂψ λαῶν ἐς ὅμιλον, ἐπεὶ προκαλέσσατο χάρμῃ.

Tempt his bold bosom; but he now must make no counterflight,

Αἴας δʼ ἐγγύθεν ἦλθε φέρων σάκος ἠΰτε πύργον

Nor, with his honour, now refuse, that had provok'd the fight.

χάλκεον ἑπταβόειον, ὅ οἱ Τυχίος κάμε τεύχων

Ajax came near; and, like a tow'r, his shield his bosom barr'd,

σκυτοτόμων ὄχʼ ἄριστος Ὕλῃ ἔνι οἰκία ναίων,

The right side brass, and sev'n ox-hides within it quilted hard;

ὅς οἱ ἐποίησεν σάκος αἰόλον ἑπταβόειον

Old Tychius, the best currier; that did in Hyla dwell,

ταύρων ζατρεφέων, ἐπὶ δʼ ὄγδοον ἤλασε χαλκόν.

Did frame it for exceeding proof, and wrought it wondrous well.

τὸ πρόσθε στέρνοιο φέρων Τελαμώνιος Αἴας

With this stood he to Hector close, and with this brave began:

στῆ ῥα μάλʼ Ἕκτορος ἐγγύς, ἀπειλήσας δὲ προσηύδα·

“Now, Hector, thou shalt clearly know, thus meeting man to man,

Ἕκτορ νῦν μὲν δὴ σάφα εἴσεαι οἰόθεν οἶος

What other leaders arm our host, besides great Thetis' son,

οἷοι καὶ Δαναοῖσιν ἀριστῆες μετέασι

Who with his hardy lion's heart hath armies overrun;

καὶ μετʼ Ἀχιλλῆα ῥηξήνορα θυμολέοντα.

But he lies at our crook'd-stern'd fleet, a rival with our king

ἀλλʼ ὃ μὲν ἐν νήεσσι κορωνίσι ποντοπόροισι

In height of spirit; yet to Troy he many knights did bring,

κεῖτʼ ἀπομηνίσας Ἀγαμέμνονι ποιμένι λαῶν·

Coequal with Æacides, all able to sustain

ἡμεῖς δʼ εἰμὲν τοῖοι οἳ ἂν σέθεν ἀντιάσαιμεν

καὶ πολέες· ἀλλʼ ἄρχε μάχης ἠδὲ πτολέμοιο.

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε μέγας κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ·

Αἶαν διογενὲς Τελαμώνιε κοίρανε λαῶν

μή τί μευ ἠΰτε παιδὸς ἀφαυροῦ πειρήτιζε

ἠὲ γυναικός, ἣ οὐκ οἶδεν πολεμήϊα ἔργα.

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼν εὖ οἶδα μάχας τʼ ἀνδροκτασίας τε·

οἶδʼ ἐπὶ δεξιά, οἶδʼ ἐπʼ ἀριστερὰ νωμῆσαι βῶν

ἀζαλέην, τό μοι ἔστι ταλαύρινον πολεμίζειν·

οἶδα δʼ ἐπαΐξαι μόθον ἵππων ὠκειάων·

οἶδα δʼ ἐνὶ σταδίῃ δηΐῳ μέλπεσθαι Ἄρηϊ.

All thy bold challenge can import. Begin then, words are vain,”

ἀλλʼ οὐ γάρ σʼ ἐθέλω βαλέειν τοιοῦτον ἐόντα

The helm-grac'd Hector answer'd him: “Renownéd Telamon,

λάθρῃ ὀπιπεύσας, ἀλλʼ ἀμφαδόν, αἴ κε τύχωμι.

Prince of the soldiers came from Greece, assay not me, like one

ἦ ῥα, καὶ ἀμπεπαλὼν προΐει δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος,

Young and immartial, with great words, as to an Amazon dame;

καὶ βάλεν Αἴαντος δεινὸν σάκος ἑπταβόειον

I have the habit of all fights, and know the bloody frame

ἀκρότατον κατὰ χαλκόν, ὃς ὄγδοος ἦεν ἐπʼ αὐτῷ.

Of ev'ry slaughter; I well know the ready right hand charge,

ἓξ δὲ διὰ πτύχας ἦλθε δαΐζων χαλκὸς ἀτειρής,

I know the left, and ev'ry sway of my secureful targe;

ἐν τῇ δʼ ἑβδομάτῃ ῥινῷ σχέτο· δεύτερος αὖτε

I triumph in the cruelty of fixéd combat fight,

Αἴας διογενὴς προΐει δολιχόσκιον ἔγχος,

And manage horse to all designs; I think then with good right

καὶ βάλε Πριαμίδαο κατʼ ἀσπίδα πάντοσʼ ἐΐσην.

I may be confident as far as this my challenge goes,

διὰ μὲν ἀσπίδος ἦλθε φαεινῆς ὄβριμον ἔγχος,

Without being taxéd with a vaunt, borne out with empty shows.

καὶ διὰ θώρηκος πολυδαιδάλου ἠρήρειστο·

But, being a soldier so renown'd, I will not work on thee

ἀντικρὺ δὲ παραὶ λαπάρην διάμησε χιτῶνα

With least advantage of that skill I know doth strengthen me,

ἔγχος· ὃ δʼ ἐκλίνθη καὶ ἀλεύατο κῆρα μέλαιναν.

And so, with privity of sleight, win that for which I strive,

τὼ δʼ ἐκσπασσαμένω δολίχʼ ἔγχεα χερσὶν ἅμʼ ἄμφω

But at thy best, ev'n open strength, if my endeavours thrive.”

σύν ῥʼ ἔπεσον λείουσιν ἐοικότες ὠμοφάγοισιν

Thus sent he his long jav'lin forth. It strook his foe's huge shield

ἢ συσὶ κάπροισιν, τῶν τε σθένος οὐκ ἀλαπαδνόν.

Near to the upper skirt of brass, which was the eighth it held.

Πριαμίδης μὲν ἔπειτα μέσον σάκος οὔτασε δουρί,

Six folds th' untamed dart strook through, and in the sev'nth tough hide

οὐδʼ ἔρρηξεν χαλκός, ἀνεγνάμφθη δέ οἱ αἰχμή.

The point was check'd. Then Ajax threw; his angry lance did glide

Αἴας δʼ ἀσπίδα νύξεν ἐπάλμενος· ἣ δὲ διαπρὸ

Quite through his bright orbicular targe, his curace, shirt of mail,

ἤλυθεν ἐγχείη, στυφέλιξε δέ μιν μεμαῶτα,

And did his manly stomach's mouth with dang'rous taint assail;

τμήδην δʼ αὐχένʼ ἐπῆλθε, μέλαν δʼ ἀνεκήκιεν αἷμα,

But, in the bowing of himself, black death too short did strike.

ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ ὧς ἀπέληγε μάχης κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ,

Then both, to pluck their jav'lins forth, encounter'd, lion-like,

ἀλλʼ ἀναχασσάμενος λίθον εἵλετο χειρὶ παχείῃ

Whose bloody violence is, increas'd by that raw food they eat,

κείμενον ἐν πεδίῳ μέλανα τρηχύν τε μέγαν τε·

Or boars whose strength wild nourishment doth make so wondrous great.

τῷ βάλεν Αἴαντος δεινὸν σάκος ἑπταβόειον

Again Priamides did wound in midst his shield of brass,

μέσσον ἐπομφάλιον· περιήχησεν δʼ ἄρα χαλκός.

Yet pierc'd not through the upper plate, the head reflected was.

δεύτερος αὖτʼ Αἴας πολὺ μείζονα λᾶαν ἀείρας

But Ajax, following his lance, smote through his target quite,

ἧκʼ ἐπιδινήσας, ἐπέρεισε δὲ ἶνʼ ἀπέλεθρον,

And stay'd bold Hector rushing in; the lance held way outright,

εἴσω δʼ ἀσπίδʼ ἔαξε βαλὼν μυλοειδέϊ πέτρῳ,

And hurt his neck; out gush'd the blood. Yet Hector ceas'd not so,

βλάψε δέ οἱ φίλα γούναθʼ· ὃ δʼ ὕπτιος ἐξετανύσθη

But in his strong hand took a flint, as he did backwards go,

ἀσπίδι ἐγχριμφθείς· τὸν δʼ αἶψʼ ὤρθωσεν Ἀπόλλων.

Black, sharp, and big, laid in the field; the sev'nfold targe it smit

καί νύ κε δὴ ξιφέεσσʼ αὐτοσχεδὸν οὐτάζοντο,

Full on the boss, and round about the brass did ring with it.

εἰ μὴ κήρυκες Διὸς ἄγγελοι ἠδὲ καὶ ἀνδρῶν

But Ajax a far greater stone lift up, and (wreathing round,

ἦλθον, ὃ μὲν Τρώων, ὃ δʼ Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων,

With all his body laid to it) he sent it forth to wound,

Ταλθύβιός τε καὶ Ἰδαῖος πεπνυμένω ἄμφω·

And gave unmeasur'd force to it; the round stone broke within

μέσσῳ δʼ ἀμφοτέρων σκῆπτρα σχέθον, εἶπέ τε μῦθον

His rundled target; his lov'd knees to languish did begin;

κῆρυξ Ἰδαῖος πεπνυμένα μήδεα εἰδώς·

And he lean'd, stretch'd out on his shield; but Phœbus rais'd him straight.

μηκέτι παῖδε φίλω πολεμίζετε μηδὲ μάχεσθον·

Then had they laid on wounds with swords, in use of closer fight,

ἀμφοτέρω γὰρ σφῶϊ φιλεῖ νεφεληγερέτα Ζεύς,

Unless the heralds (messengers of Gods and godlike men)

ἄμφω δʼ αἰχμητά· τό γε δὴ καὶ ἴδμεν ἅπαντες.

The one of Troy, the other Greece, had held betwixt them then

νὺξ δʼ ἤδη τελέθει· ἀγαθὸν καὶ νυκτὶ πιθέσθαι.

Imperial sceptres; when the one, Idæus, grave and wise,

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη Τελαμώνιος Αἴας·

Said to them: “Now no more, my sons; the Sov'reign of the skies

Ἰδαῖʼ Ἕκτορα ταῦτα κελεύετε μυθήσασθαι·

Doth love you both; both soldiers are, all witness with good right;

αὐτὸς γὰρ χάρμῃ προκαλέσσατο πάντας ἀρίστους.

But now night lays her mace on earth; 'tis good t' obey the night.”

ἀρχέτω· αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ μάλα πείσομαι ᾗ περ ἂν οὗτος.

“Idæus,” Telamon replied, “to Hector speak, not me;

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε μέγας κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ·

He that call'd all our Achive peers to station-fight, 'twas he;

Αἶαν ἐπεί τοι δῶκε θεὸς μέγεθός τε βίην τε

If he first cease, I gladly yield.” Great Hector then began:

καὶ πινυτήν, περὶ δʼ ἔγχει Ἀχαιῶν φέρτατός ἐσσι,

“Ajax, since Jove, to thy big form, made thee so strong a man,

νῦν μὲν παυσώμεσθα μάχης καὶ δηϊοτῆτος

And gave thee skill to use thy strength, so much, that for thy spear

σήμερον· ὕστερον αὖτε μαχησόμεθʼ εἰς ὅ κε δαίμων

Thou art most excellent of Greece, now let us fight forbear.

ἄμμε διακρίνῃ, δώῃ δʼ ἑτέροισί γε νίκην.

νὺξ δʼ ἤδη τελέθει· ἀγαθὸν καὶ νυκτὶ πιθέσθαι,

ὡς σύ τʼ ἐϋφρήνῃς πάντας παρὰ νηυσὶν Ἀχαιούς,

σούς τε μάλιστα ἔτας καὶ ἑταίρους, οἵ τοι ἔασιν·

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ κατὰ ἄστυ μέγα Πριάμοιο ἄνακτος

Τρῶας ἐϋφρανέω καὶ Τρῳάδας ἑλκεσιπέπλους,

αἵ τέ μοι εὐχόμεναι θεῖον δύσονται ἀγῶνα.

δῶρα δʼ ἄγʼ ἀλλήλοισι περικλυτὰ δώομεν ἄμφω,

ὄφρά τις ὧδʼ εἴπῃσιν Ἀχαιῶν τε Τρώων τε·

ἠμὲν ἐμαρνάσθην ἔριδος πέρι θυμοβόροιο,

Hereafter we shall war again, till Jove our herald be,

ἠδʼ αὖτʼ ἐν φιλότητι διέτμαγεν ἀρθμήσαντε.

And grace with conquest which he will. Heav'n yields to night, and we.

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας δῶκε ξίφος ἀργυρόηλον

Go thou and comfort all thy fleet, all friends and men of thine,

σὺν κολεῷ τε φέρων καὶ ἐϋτμήτῳ τελαμῶνι·

As I in Troy my favourers, who in the fane divine

Αἴας δὲ ζωστῆρα δίδου φοίνικι φαεινόν.

Have offer'd orisons for me; and come, let us impart

τὼ δὲ διακρινθέντε ὃ μὲν μετὰ λαὸν Ἀχαιῶν

Some ensigns of our strife, to show each other's suppled heart,

ἤϊʼ, ὃ δʼ ἐς Τρώων ὅμαδον κίε· τοὶ δὲ χάρησαν,

That men of Troy and Greece may say, Thus their high quarrel ends.

ὡς εἶδον ζωόν τε καὶ ἀρτεμέα προσιόντα,

Those that, encount'ring, were such foes, are now, being sep'rate, friends,”

Αἴαντος προφυγόντα μένος καὶ χεῖρας ἀάπτους·

He gave a sword, whose handle was with silver studs through driv'n,

καί ῥʼ ἦγον προτὶ ἄστυ ἀελπτέοντες σόον εἶναι.

Scabbard and all, with hangers rich. By Telamon was giv'n

Αἴαντʼ αὖθʼ ἑτέρωθεν ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοὶ

A fair well-glosséd purple waist. Thus Hector went to Troy,

εἰς Ἀγαμέμνονα δῖον ἄγον κεχαρηότα νίκῃ.

And after him a multitude, fill'd with his safety's joy,

οἳ δʼ ὅτε δὴ κλισίῃσιν ἐν Ἀτρεΐδαο γένοντο,

Despairing he could ever 'scape the puissant fortitude

τοῖσι δὲ βοῦν ἱέρευσεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων

And unimpeachéd Ajax' hands. The Greeks like joy renew'd

ἄρσενα πενταέτηρον ὑπερμενέϊ Κρονίωνι.

For their reputed victory, and brought him to the king;

τὸν δέρον ἀμφί θʼ ἕπον, καί μιν διέχευαν ἅπαντα,

Who to the great Saturnides preferr'd an offering,

μίστυλλόν τʼ ἄρʼ ἐπισταμένως πεῖράν τʼ ὀβελοῖσιν,

An ox that fed on five fair springs; they flay'd and quarter'd him,

ὄπτησάν τε περιφραδέως, ἐρύσαντό τε πάντα.

And then, in pieces cut, on spits they roasted ev'ry limb;

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ παύσαντο πόνου τετύκοντό τε δαῖτα,

Which neatly dress'd, they drew it off. Work done, they fell to feast;

δαίνυντʼ, οὐδέ τι θυμὸς ἐδεύετο δαιτὸς ἐΐσης·

All had enough; but Telamon, the king fed past the rest

νώτοισιν δʼ Αἴαντα διηνεκέεσσι γέραιρεν

With good large pieces of the chine. Thus thirst and hunger stay'd,

ἥρως Ἀτρεΐδης εὐρὺ κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων.

Nestor, whose counsels late were best, vows new, and first he said:

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ πόσιος καὶ ἐδητύος ἐξ ἔρον ἕντο,

“Atrides, and my other lords, a sort of Greeks are dead,

τοῖς ὁ γέρων πάμπρωτος ὑφαίνειν ἤρχετο μῆτιν

Whose black blood, near Scamander's stream, inhuman Mars hath shed;

Νέστωρ, οὗ καὶ πρόσθεν ἀρίστη φαίνετο βουλή·

Their souls to hell descended are. It fits thee then, our king,

ὅ σφιν ἐϋφρονέων ἀγορήσατο καὶ μετέειπεν·

To make our soldiers cease from war; and, by the day's first spring,

Ἀτρεΐδη τε καὶ ἄλλοι ἀριστῆες Παναχαιῶν,

Let us ourselves, assembled all, the bodies bear to fire,

πολλοὶ γὰρ τεθνᾶσι κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοί,

With mules and oxen near our fleet, that, when we home retire,

τῶν νῦν αἷμα κελαινὸν ἐΰρροον ἀμφὶ Σκάμανδρον

Each man may carry to the sons, of fathers slaughter'd here,

ἐσκέδασʼ ὀξὺς Ἄρης, ψυχαὶ δʼ Ἄϊδος δὲ κατῆλθον·

Their honour'd bones. One tomb for all, for ever, let us rear,

τώ σε χρὴ πόλεμον μὲν ἅμʼ ἠοῖ παῦσαι Ἀχαιῶν,

Circling the pile without the field; at which we will erect

αὐτοὶ δʼ ἀγρόμενοι κυκλήσομεν ἐνθάδε νεκροὺς

Walls, and a rav'lin, that may safe our fleet and us protect.

βουσὶ καὶ ἡμιόνοισιν· ἀτὰρ κατακήομεν αὐτοὺς

And in them let us fashion gates, solid, and barr'd about,

τυτθὸν ἀπὸ πρὸ νεῶν, ὥς κʼ ὀστέα παισὶν ἕκαστος

Through which our horse, and chariots, may well get in and out.

οἴκαδʼ ἄγῃ ὅτʼ ἂν αὖτε νεώμεθα πατρίδα γαῖαν.

Without all, let us dig a dike, so deep it may avail

τύμβον δʼ ἀμφὶ πυρὴν ἕνα χεύομεν ἐξαγαγόντες

Our forces 'gainst the charge of horse, and foot, that come t' assail.

ἄκριτον ἐκ πεδίου· ποτὶ δʼ αὐτὸν δείμομεν ὦκα

And thus th' attempts, that I see swell, in Troy's proud heart, shall fail.”

πύργους ὑψηλοὺς εἶλαρ νηῶν τε καὶ αὐτῶν.

The kings do his advice approve. So Troy doth court convent

ἐν δʼ αὐτοῖσι πύλας ποιήσομεν εὖ ἀραρυίας,

At Priam's gate, in th' Ilion tow'r, fearful and turbulent.

ὄφρα διʼ αὐτάων ἱππηλασίη ὁδὸς εἴη·

Amongst all, wise Antenor spake: “Trojans, and Dardan friends,

ἔκτοσθεν δὲ βαθεῖαν ὀρύξομεν ἐγγύθι τάφρον,

And peers assistants, give good ear to what my care commends

ἥ χʼ ἵππον καὶ λαὸν ἐρυκάκοι ἀμφὶς ἐοῦσα,

To your consents, for all our good. Resolve, let us restore

μή ποτʼ ἐπιβρίσῃ πόλεμος Τρώων ἀγερώχων.

The Argive Helen, with her wealth, to him she had before.

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἐπῄνησαν βασιλῆες.

We now defend but broken faiths. If, therefore, ye refuse,

Τρώων αὖτʼ ἀγορὴ γένετʼ Ἰλίου ἐν πόλει ἄκρῃ

No good event can I expect of all the wars, we use.”

δεινὴ τετρηχυῖα, παρὰ Πριάμοιο θύρῃσι·

He ceas'd; and Alexander spake; husband to the Argive queen:

τοῖσιν δʼ Ἀντήνωρ πεπνυμένος ἦρχʼ ἀγορεύειν·

“Antenor, to mine ears thy words harsh and ungracious been.

κέκλυτέ μευ Τρῶες καὶ Δάρδανοι ἠδʼ ἐπίκουροι,

Thou canst use better if thou wilt: but, if these truly fit

ὄφρʼ εἴπω τά με θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι κελεύει.

Thy serious thoughts, the Gods with age have reft thy graver wit,

δεῦτʼ ἄγετʼ Ἀργείην Ἑλένην καὶ κτήμαθʼ ἅμʼ αὐτῇ

To warlike Trojans I will speak: I clearly do deny

δώομεν Ἀτρεΐδῃσιν ἄγειν· νῦν δʼ ὅρκια πιστὰ

ψευσάμενοι μαχόμεσθα· τὼ οὔ νύ τι κέρδιον ἡμῖν

ἔλπομαι ἐκτελέεσθαι, ἵνα μὴ ῥέξομεν ὧδε.

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

δῖος Ἀλέξανδρος Ἑλένης πόσις ἠϋκόμοιο,

ὅς μιν ἀμειβόμενος ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

Ἀντῆνορ σὺ μὲν οὐκέτʼ ἐμοὶ φίλα ταῦτʼ ἀγορεύεις·

οἶσθα καὶ ἄλλον μῦθον ἀμείνονα τοῦδε νοῆσαι.

εἰ δʼ ἐτεὸν δὴ τοῦτον ἀπὸ σπουδῆς ἀγορεύεις,

ἐξ ἄρα δή τοι ἔπειτα θεοὶ φρένας ὤλεσαν αὐτοί.

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼ Τρώεσσι μεθʼ ἱπποδάμοις ἀγορεύσω·

To yield my wife, but all her wealth I render willingly,

ἀντικρὺ δʼ ἀπόφημι γυναῖκα μὲν οὐκ ἀποδώσω·

Whatever I from Argos brought, and vow to make it more,

κτήματα δʼ ὅσσʼ ἀγόμην ἐξ Ἄργεος ἡμέτερον δῶ

Which I have ready in my house, if peace I may restore.”

πάντʼ ἐθέλω δόμεναι καὶ οἴκοθεν ἄλλʼ ἐπιθεῖναι.

Priam, surnam'd Dardanides, godlike; in counsels grave;

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

In his son's favour well-advis'd, this resolution gave:

Δαρδανίδης Πρίαμος, θεόφιν μήστωρ ἀτάλαντος,

“My royal friends of ev'ry state, there is sufficient done,

ὅ σφιν ἐϋφρονέων ἀγορήσατο καὶ μετέειπε·

For this late council we have call'd, in th' offer of my son.

κέκλυτέ μευ Τρῶες καὶ Δάρδανοι ἠδʼ ἐπίκουροι,

Now then let all take needful food, then let the watch be set,

ὄφρʼ εἴπω τά με θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι κελεύει.

And ev'ry court of guard held strong; so, when the morn doth wet

νῦν μὲν δόρπον ἕλεσθε κατὰ πτόλιν ὡς τὸ πάρος περ,

The high-rais'd battlements of Troy, Idæus shall be sent

καὶ φυλακῆς μνήσασθε καὶ ἐγρήγορθε ἕκαστος·

To th' Argive fleet, and Atreus' sons, t' unfold my son's intent,

ἠῶθεν δʼ Ἰδαῖος ἴτω κοίλας ἐπὶ νῆας

From whose fact our contention springs; and, if they will, obtain

εἰπέμεν Ἀτρεΐδῃς Ἀγαμέμνονι καὶ Μενελάῳ

Respite from heat of fight, till fire consume our soldiers slain;

μῦθον Ἀλεξάνδροιο, τοῦ εἵνεκα νεῖκος ὄρωρε·

And after, our most fatal war let us importune still,

καὶ δὲ τόδʼ εἰπέμεναι πυκινὸν ἔπος, αἴ κʼ ἐθέλωσι

Till Jove the conquest have dispos'd to his unconquer'd will.”

παύσασθαι πολέμοιο δυσηχέος, εἰς ὅ κε νεκροὺς

All heard, and did obey the king; and, in their quarters, all,

κήομεν· ὕστερον αὖτε μαχησόμεθʼ εἰς ὅ κε δαίμων

That were to set the watch that night, did to their suppers fall.

ἄμμε διακρίνῃ, δώῃ δʼ ἑτέροισί γε νίκην.

Idæus in the morning went, and th' Achive peers did find

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἄρα τοῦ μάλα μὲν κλύον ἠδʼ ἐπίθοντο·

In council at Atrides' ship; his audience was assign'd;

δόρπον ἔπειθʼ εἵλοντο κατὰ στρατὸν ἐν τελέεσσιν·

And, in the midst of all the kings, the vocal herald said:

ἠῶθεν δʼ Ἰδαῖος ἔβη κοίλας ἐπὶ νῆας·

“Atrides! My renownéd king, and other kings, his aid,

τοὺς δʼ εὗρʼ εἰν ἀγορῇ Δαναοὺς θεράποντας Ἄρηος

Propose by me, in their commands, the offers Paris makes,

νηῒ πάρα πρύμνῃ Ἀγαμέμνονος· αὐτὰρ ὃ τοῖσι

From whose joy all our woes proceed. He princely undertakes

στὰς ἐν μέσσοισιν μετεφώνεεν ἠπύτα κῆρυξ·

That all the wealth he brought from Greece (would he had died before!)

Ἀτρεΐδη τε καὶ ἄλλοι ἀριστῆες Παναχαιῶν

He will, with other added wealth, for your amends restore

ἠνώγει Πρίαμός τε καὶ ἄλλοι Τρῶες ἀγαυοὶ

But famous Menelaus' wife he still means to enjoy,

εἰπεῖν, αἴ κέ περ ὔμμι φίλον καὶ ἡδὺ γένοιτο,

Though he be urg'd the contrary, by all the peers of Troy.

μῦθον Ἀλεξάνδροιο, τοῦ εἵνεκα νεῖκος ὄρωρε·

And this besides I have in charge, that, if it please you all,

κτήματα μὲν ὅσʼ Ἀλέξανδρος κοίλῃς ἐνὶ νηυσὶν

They wish both sides may cease from war, that rites of funeral

ἠγάγετο Τροίηνδʼ· ὡς πρὶν ὤφελλʼ ἀπολέσθαι·

May on their bodies be perform'd, that ill, the fields lie slain;

πάντʼ ἐθέλει δόμεναι καὶ οἴκοθεν ἄλλʼ ἐπιθεῖναι·

And after, to the will of Fate, renew the fight again.”

κουριδίην δʼ ἄλοχον Μενελάου κυδαλίμοιο

All silence held at first; at last Tydides made reply:

οὔ φησιν δώσειν· ἦ μὴν Τρῶές γε κέλονται.

“Let no man take the wealth, or dame; for now a child's weak eye

καὶ δὲ τόδʼ ἠνώγεον εἰπεῖν ἔπος αἴ κʼ ἐθέλητε

May see the imminent black end of Priam's empery.”

παύσασθαι πολέμοιο δυσηχέος εἰς ὅ κε νεκροὺς

This sentence, quick and briefly giv'n, the Greeks did all admire.

κήομεν· ὕστερον αὖτε μαχησόμεθʼ εἰς ὅ κε δαίμων

Then said, the king: “Herald, thou hear'st the voice entire

ἄμμε διακρίνῃ, δώῃ δʼ ἑτέροισί γε νίκην.

Of all our peers, to answer thee, for that of Priam's son.

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἀκὴν ἐγένοντο σιωπῇ·

But, for our burning of the dead, by all means I am won

ὀψὲ δὲ δὴ μετέειπε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Διομήδης·

To satisfy thy king therein, without the slend'rest gain

μήτʼ ἄρ τις νῦν κτήματʼ Ἀλεξάνδροιο δεχέσθω

Made of their spoiléd carcasses; but freely, being slain,

μήθʼ Ἑλένην· γνωτὸν δὲ καὶ ὃς μάλα νήπιός ἐστιν

They shall be all consum'd with fire. To which I cite

ὡς ἤδη Τρώεσσιν ὀλέθρου πείρατʼ ἐφῆπται.

High thund'ring Jove; that is the king of Juno's delight.”

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἐπίαχον υἷες Ἀχαιῶν

With this, he held his sceptre up, to all the sky-thron'd Pow'rs;

μῦθον ἀγασσάμενοι Διομήδεος ἱπποδάμοιο·

And grave Idæus did return to sacred Ilion's tow'rs,

καὶ τότʼ ἄρʼ Ἰδαῖον προσέφη κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων·

Where Ilians, and Dardanians, did still their counsels ply,

Ἰδαῖʼ ἤτοι μῦθον Ἀχαιῶν αὐτὸς ἀκούεις

Expecting his return. He came, and told his legacy.

ὥς τοι ὑποκρίνονται· ἐμοὶ δʼ ἐπιανδάνει οὕτως

All, whirlwind-like, assembled then, some bodies to transport,

ἀμφὶ δὲ νεκροῖσιν κατακαιέμεν οὔ τι μεγαίρω·

Some to hew trees. On th' other part, the Argives did exhort

οὐ γάρ τις φειδὼ νεκύων κατατεθνηώτων

Their soldiers to the same affairs. Then, did the new fir'd sun

γίγνετʼ ἐπεί κε θάνωσι πυρὸς μειλισσέμεν ὦκα.

Smite the broad fields, ascending heav'n, and th' ocean smooth did run;

ὅρκια δὲ Ζεὺς ἴστω ἐρίγδουπος πόσις Ἥρης.

When Greece and Troy mix'd in such peace, you scarce could either know.

ὣς εἰπὼν τὸ σκῆπτρον ἀνέσχεθε πᾶσι θεοῖσιν,

ἄψορρον δʼ Ἰδαῖος ἔβη προτὶ Ἴλιον ἱρήν.

οἳ δʼ ἕατʼ εἰν ἀγορῇ Τρῶες καὶ Δαρδανίωνες

πάντες ὁμηγερέες, ποτιδέγμενοι ὁππότʼ ἄρʼ ἔλθοι

Ἰδαῖος· ὃ δʼ ἄρʼ ἦλθε καὶ ἀγγελίην ἀπέειπε

στὰς ἐν μέσσοισιν· τοὶ δʼ ὁπλίζοντο μάλʼ ὦκα,

ἀμφότερον νέκυάς τʼ ἀγέμεν ἕτεροι δὲ μεθʼ ὕλην·

Ἀργεῖοι δʼ ἑτέρωθεν ἐϋσσέλμων ἀπὸ νηῶν

ὀτρύνοντο νέκυς τʼ ἀγέμεν, ἕτεροι δὲ μεθʼ ὕλην.

Ἠέλιος μὲν ἔπειτα νέον προσέβαλλεν ἀρούρας

Then wash'd they off their blood and dust, and did warm tears bestow

ἐξ ἀκαλαρρείταο βαθυρρόου Ὠκεανοῖο

Upon the slaughter'd, and in cars convey'd them from the field.

οὐρανὸν εἰσανιών· οἳ δʼ ἤντεον ἀλλήλοισιν.

Priam commanded none should mourn, but in still silence yield

ἔνθα διαγνῶναι χαλεπῶς ἦν ἄνδρα ἕκαστον·

Their honour'd carcasses to fire, and only grieve in heart.

ἀλλʼ ὕδατι νίζοντες ἄπο βρότον αἱματόεντα

All burn'd; to Troy Troy's friends retire, to fleet the Grecian part.

δάκρυα θερμὰ χέοντες ἀμαξάων ἐπάειραν.

Yet doubtful night obscur'd the earth, the day did not appear,

οὐδʼ εἴα κλαίειν Πρίαμος μέγας· οἳ δὲ σιωπῇ

When round about the fun'ral pile, the Grecians gather'd were.

νεκροὺς πυρκαϊῆς ἐπινήνεον ἀχνύμενοι κῆρ,

The pile they circled with a tomb, and by it rais'd a wall,

ἐν δὲ πυρὶ πρήσαντες ἔβαν προτὶ Ἴλιον ἱρήν.

High tow'rs, to guard the fleet and them; and in the midst of all

ὣς δʼ αὔτως ἑτέρωθεν ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοὶ

They built strong gates, through which the horse and chariots passage had;

νεκροὺς πυρκαϊῆς ἐπινήνεον ἀχνύμενοι κῆρ,

Without the rampire a broad dike, long and profound, they made,

ἐν δὲ πυρὶ πρήσαντες ἔβαν κοίλας ἐπὶ νῆας.

On which they pallisadoes pitch'd; and thus the Grecians wrought.

ἦμος δʼ οὔτʼ ἄρ πω ἠώς, ἔτι δʼ ἀμφιλύκη νύξ,

Their huge works in so little time were to perfection brought,

τῆμος ἄρʼ ἀμφὶ πυρὴν κριτὸς ἔγρετο λαὸς Ἀχαιῶν,

That all Gods, by the Lightner set, the frame thereof admir'd;

τύμβον δʼ ἀμφʼ αὐτὴν ἕνα ποίεον ἐξαγαγόντες

'Mongst whom the Earthquake-making God, this of their king inquir'd:

ἄκριτον ἐκ πεδίου, ποτὶ δʼ αὐτὸν τεῖχος ἔδειμαν

“Father of Gods, will any man, of all earth's grassy sphere,

πύργους θʼ ὑψηλούς, εἶλαρ νηῶν τε καὶ αὐτῶν.

Ask any of the Gods' consents to any actions there,

ἐν δʼ αὐτοῖσι πύλας ἐνεποίεον εὖ ἀραρυίας,

If thou wilt see the shag-hair'd Greeks, with headstrong labours frame

ὄφρα διʼ αὐτάων ἱππηλασίη ὁδὸς εἴη·

So huge a work, and not to us due off'rings first enflame?

ἔκτοσθεν δὲ βαθεῖαν ἐπʼ αὐτῷ τάφρον ὄρυξαν

As far as white Aurora's dews are sprinkled through the air,

εὐρεῖαν μεγάλην, ἐν δὲ σκόλοπας κατέπηξαν.

Fame will renown the hands of Greece, for this divine affair;

ὣς οἳ μὲν πονέοντο κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοί·

Men will forget the sacred work, the Sun and I did raise

οἳ δὲ θεοὶ πὰρ Ζηνὶ καθήμενοι ἀστεροπητῇ

For king Laomedon (bright Troy) and this will bear the praise.”

θηεῦντο μέγα ἔργον Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων.

Jove was extremely mov'd with him, and said: “What words are these,

τοῖσι δὲ μύθων ἦρχε Ποσειδάων ἐνοσίχθων·

Thou mighty Shaker of the earth, thou Lord of all the seas?

Ζεῦ πάτερ, ἦ ῥά τίς ἐστι βροτῶν ἐπʼ ἀπείρονα γαῖαν

Some other God, of far less pow'r, might hold conceits, dismay'd

ὅς τις ἔτʼ ἀθανάτοισι νόον καὶ μῆτιν ἐνίψει;

With this rare Grecian stratagem, and thou rest well apaid;

οὐχ ὁράᾳς ὅτι δʼ αὖτε κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοὶ

For it will glorify thy name, as far as light extends;

τεῖχος ἐτειχίσσαντο νεῶν ὕπερ, ἀμφὶ δὲ τάφρον

Since, when these Greeks shall see again their native soil and friends,

ἤλασαν, οὐδὲ θεοῖσι δόσαν κλειτὰς ἑκατόμβας;

The bulwark batter'd, thou mayst quite devour it with thy waves,

τοῦ δʼ ἤτοι κλέος ἔσται ὅσον τʼ ἐπικίδναται ἠώς·

And cover, with thy fruitless sands, this fatal shore of graves;

τοῦ δʼ ἐπιλήσονται τὸ ἐγὼ καὶ Φοῖβος Ἀπόλλων

That, what their fi'ry industries have so divinely wrought

ἥρῳ Λαομέδοντι πολίσσαμεν ἀθλήσαντε.

In raising it, in razing it thy pow'r will prove it nought.”

τὸν δὲ μέγʼ ὀχθήσας προσέφη νεφεληγερέτα Ζεύς·

Thus spake the Gods among themselves. Set was the fervent sun;

ὢ πόποι ἐννοσίγαιʼ εὐρυσθενές, οἷον ἔειπες.

And now the great work of the Greeks was absolutely done.

ἄλλός κέν τις τοῦτο θεῶν δείσειε νόημα,

Then slew they oxen in their tents, and strength with food reviv'd,

ὃς σέο πολλὸν ἀφαυρότερος χεῖράς τε μένος τε·

When out of Lemnos a great fleet of od'rous wine arrived,

σὸν δʼ ἤτοι κλέος ἔσται ὅσον τʼ ἐπικίδναται ἠώς.

Sent by Eunëus, Jason's son, born of Hypsipyle.

ἄγρει μὰν ὅτʼ ἂν αὖτε κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοὶ

The fleet contain'd a thousand tun, which must transported be

οἴχωνται σὺν νηυσὶ φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν

To Atreus' sons, as he gave charge, whose merchandise it was.

τεῖχος ἀναρρήξας τὸ μὲν εἰς ἅλα πᾶν καταχεῦαι,

The Greeks bought wine for shining steel, and some for sounding brass,

αὖτις δʼ ἠϊόνα μεγάλην ψαμάθοισι καλύψαι,

Some for ox-hides, for oxen some, and some for prisoners.

ὥς κέν τοι μέγα τεῖχος ἀμαλδύνηται Ἀχαιῶν.

A sumptuous banquet was prepar'd; and all that night the peers

ὣς οἳ μὲν τοιαῦτα πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἀγόρευον,

And fair-hair'd Greeks consum'd in feast. So Trojans, and their aid.

δύσετο δʼ ἠέλιος, τετέλεστο δὲ ἔργον Ἀχαιῶν,

And all the night Jove thunder'd loud; pale fear all thoughts dismay'd.

βουφόνεον δὲ κατὰ κλισίας καὶ δόρπον ἕλοντο.

While they were gluttonous in earth, Jove wrought their banes in heav'n.

νῆες δʼ ἐκ Λήμνοιο παρέσταν οἶνον ἄγουσαι

They pour'd full cups upon the ground, and were to off'rings driv'n

πολλαί, τὰς προέηκεν Ἰησονίδης Εὔνηος,

Instead of quaffings; and to drink, none durst attempt, before

τόν ῥʼ ἔτεχʼ Ὑψιπύλη ὑπʼ Ἰήσονι ποιμένι λαῶν.

In solemn sacrifice they did almighty Jove adore.

χωρὶς δʼ Ἀτρεΐδῃς Ἀγαμέμνονι καὶ Μενελάῳ

Then to their rests they all repair'd; bold zeal their fear bereav'd;

δῶκεν Ἰησονίδης ἀγέμεν μέθυ χίλια μέτρα.

And sudden sleep's refreshing gift, securely they receiv'd.

ἔνθεν οἰνίζοντο κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοί,

ἄλλοι μὲν χαλκῷ, ἄλλοι δʼ αἴθωνι σιδήρῳ,

ἄλλοι δὲ ῥινοῖς, ἄλλοι δʼ αὐτῇσι βόεσσιν,

ἄλλοι δʼ ἀνδραπόδεσσι· τίθεντο δὲ δαῖτα θάλειαν.

παννύχιοι μὲν ἔπειτα κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοὶ

δαίνυντο, Τρῶες δὲ κατὰ πτόλιν ἠδʼ ἐπίκουροι·

παννύχιος δέ σφιν κακὰ μήδετο μητίετα Ζεὺς

σμερδαλέα κτυπέων· τοὺς δὲ χλωρὸν δέος ᾕρει·

οἶνον δʼ ἐκ δεπάων χαμάδις χέον, οὐδέ τις ἔτλη

πρὶν πιέειν πρὶν λεῖψαι ὑπερμενέϊ Κρονίωνι.

κοιμήσαντʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα καὶ ὕπνου δῶρον ἕλοντο.