Iliad

The cheerful Lady of the light, deck'd in her saffron robe,

Ἠὼς μὲν κροκόπεπλος ἐκίδνατο πᾶσαν ἐπʼ αἶαν,

Dispers'd her beams through ev'ry part of this enflow'red globe,

Ζεὺς δὲ θεῶν ἀγορὴν ποιήσατο τερπικέραυνος

When thund'ring Jove a Court of Gods assembled by his will

ἀκροτάτῃ κορυφῇ πολυδειράδος Οὐλύμποιο·

In top of all the topful heights, that crown th' Olympian hill.

αὐτὸς δέ σφʼ ἀγόρευε, θεοὶ δʼ ὑπὸ πάντες ἄκουον·

He spake, and all the Gods gave ear: “Hear how I stand inclin'd,

κέκλυτέ μευ πάντές τε θεοὶ πᾶσαί τε θέαιναι,

That God nor Goddess may attempt t' infringe my sov'reign mind,

ὄφρʼ εἴπω τά με θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσι κελεύει.

But all give suffrage that with speed I may these discords end.

μήτέ τις οὖν θήλεια θεὸς τό γε μήτέ τις ἄρσην

What God soever I shall find endeavour to defend

πειράτω διακέρσαι ἐμὸν ἔπος, ἀλλʼ ἅμα πάντες

Or Troy or Greece, with wounds to heav'n he, sham'd, shall reascend;

αἰνεῖτʼ, ὄφρα τάχιστα τελευτήσω τάδε ἔργα.

Or, taking with him his offence, I'll cast him down as deep

ὃν δʼ ἂν ἐγὼν ἀπάνευθε θεῶν ἐθέλοντα νοήσω

As Tartarus, the brood of night, where Barathrum doth steep

ἐλθόντʼ ἢ Τρώεσσιν ἀρηγέμεν ἢ Δαναοῖσι

Torment, in his profoundest sinks, where is the floor of brass,

πληγεὶς οὐ κατὰ κόσμον ἐλεύσεται Οὔλυμπον δέ·

And gates of iron; the place, for depth, as far doth hell surpass,

ἤ μιν ἑλὼν ῥίψω ἐς Τάρταρον ἠερόεντα

As heav'n, for height, exceeds the earth; then shall he know from thence

τῆλε μάλʼ, ἧχι βάθιστον ὑπὸ χθονός ἐστι βέρεθρον,

How much my pow'r, past all the Gods, hath sov'reign eminence.

ἔνθα σιδήρειαί τε πύλαι καὶ χάλκεος οὐδός,

Endanger it the whiles and see. Let down our golden chain,

τόσσον ἔνερθʼ Ἀΐδεω ὅσον οὐρανός ἐστʼ ἀπὸ γαίης·

And at it let all Deities their utmost strengths constrain

γνώσετʼ ἔπειθʼ ὅσον εἰμὶ θεῶν κάρτιστος ἁπάντων.

To draw me to the earth from heav'n; you never shall prevail,

εἰ δʼ ἄγε πειρήσασθε θεοὶ ἵνα εἴδετε πάντες·

Though, with your most contention, ye dare my state assail,

σειρὴν χρυσείην ἐξ οὐρανόθεν κρεμάσαντες

But when my will shall be dispos'd, to draw you all to me,

πάντές τʼ ἐξάπτεσθε θεοὶ πᾶσαί τε θέαιναι·

Ev'n with the earth itself, and seas, ye shall enforced be;

ἀλλʼ οὐκ ἂν ἐρύσαιτʼ ἐξ οὐρανόθεν πεδίον δὲ

Then will I to Olympus' top our virtuous engine bind,

Ζῆνʼ ὕπατον μήστωρʼ, οὐδʼ εἰ μάλα πολλὰ κάμοιτε.

And by it ev'rything shall hang, by my command inclin'd.

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ καὶ ἐγὼ πρόφρων ἐθέλοιμι ἐρύσσαι,

So much I am supreme to Gods, to men supreme as much.”

αὐτῇ κεν γαίῃ ἐρύσαιμʼ αὐτῇ τε θαλάσσῃ·

The Gods sat silent, and admir'd, his dreadful speech was such.

σειρὴν μέν κεν ἔπειτα περὶ ῥίον Οὐλύμποιο

At last his blue-ey'd daughter spake: “O great Saturnides!

δησαίμην, τὰ δέ κʼ αὖτε μετήορα πάντα γένοιτο.

O father, O heav'n's highest king, well know we the excess

τόσσον ἐγὼ περί τʼ εἰμὶ θεῶν περί τʼ εἴμʼ ἀνθρώπων.

Of thy great pow'r, compar'd with all; yet the bold Greeks' estate

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἱ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἀκὴν ἐγένοντο σιωπῇ

We needs must mourn, since they must fall beneath so hard a fate;

μῦθον ἀγασσάμενοι· μάλα γὰρ κρατερῶς ἀγόρευσεν.

For, if thy grave command enjoin, we will abstain from fight.

ὀψὲ δὲ δὴ μετέειπε θεὰ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη·

But to afford them such advice, as may relieve their plight,

ὦ πάτερ ἡμέτερε Κρονίδη ὕπατε κρειόντων

We will, with thy consent, be bold; that all may not sustain

εὖ νυ καὶ ἡμεῖς ἴδμεν ὅ τοι σθένος οὐκ ἐπιεικτόν·

The fearful burthen of thy wrath, and with their shames be slain.”

ἀλλʼ ἔμπης Δαναῶν ὀλοφυρόμεθʼ αἰχμητάων,

He smil'd, and said: “Be confident, thou art belov'd of me;

οἵ κεν δὴ κακὸν οἶτον ἀναπλήσαντες ὄλωνται.

I speak not this with serious thoughts, but will be kind to thee.”

ἀλλʼ ἤτοι πολέμου μὲν ἀφεξόμεθʼ ὡς σὺ κελεύεις·

This said, his brass-hoof'd wingéd horse he did to chariot bind,

βουλὴν δʼ Ἀργείοις ὑποθησόμεθʼ ἥ τις ὀνήσει,

Whose crests were fring'd with manes of gold; and golden garments shin'd

ὡς μὴ πάντες ὄλωνται ὀδυσσαμένοιο τεοῖο.

On his rich shoulders; in his hand he took a golden scourge,

τὴν δʼ ἐπιμειδήσας προσέφη νεφεληγερέτα Ζεύς·

Divinely fashion'd, and with blows their willing speed did urge

θάρσει Τριτογένεια φίλον τέκος· οὔ νύ τι θυμῷ

Mid way betwixt the earth and heav'n. To Ida: then he came,

πρόφρονι μυθέομαι, ἐθέλω δέ τοι ἤπιος εἶναι.

Abounding in delicious springs, and nurse of beasts untame,

ὣς εἰπὼν ὑπʼ ὄχεσφι τιτύσκετο χαλκόποδʼ ἵππω

Where, on the mountain Gargarus, men did a fane erect

ὠκυπέτα χρυσέῃσιν ἐθείρῃσιν κομόωντε,

To his high name, and altars sweet; and there his horse he check'd,

χρυσὸν δʼ αὐτὸς ἔδυνε περὶ χροΐ, γέντο δʼ ἱμάσθλην

Dissolv'd them from his chariot, and in a cloud of jet

χρυσείην εὔτυκτον, ἑοῦ δʼ ἐπεβήσετο δίφρου,

He cover'd them, and on the top took his triumphant seat,

μάστιξεν δʼ ἐλάαν· τὼ δʼ οὐκ ἀέκοντε πετέσθην

Beholding Priam's famous town, and all the fleet of Greece.

μεσσηγὺς γαίης τε καὶ οὐρανοῦ ἀστερόεντος.

The Greeks took breakfast speedily, and arm'd at ev'ry piece.

Ἴδην δʼ ἵκανεν πολυπίδακα μητέρα θηρῶν

So Trojans; who though fewer far, yet all to fight took arms,

Γάργαρον, ἔνθά τέ οἱ τέμενος βωμός τε θυήεις.

Dire need enforc'd them to avert their wives' and children's harms.

ἔνθʼ ἵππους ἔστησε πατὴρ ἀνδρῶν τε θεῶν τε

All gates flew open; all the host did issue, foot and horse,

λύσας ἐξ ὀχέων, κατὰ δʼ ἠέρα πουλὺν ἔχευεν.

In mighty tumult; straight one place adjoin'd each adverse force.

αὐτὸς δʼ ἐν κορυφῇσι καθέζετο κύδεϊ γαίων

Then shields with shields met, darts with darts, strength against strength oppos'd;

εἰσορόων Τρώων τε πόλιν καὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν.

The boss-pik'd targets were thrust on, and thunder'd as they clos'd

οἳ δʼ ἄρα δεῖπνον ἕλοντο κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοὶ

In mighty tumult; groan for groan, and breath for breath did breathe,

ῥίμφα κατὰ κλισίας, ἀπὸ δʼ αὐτοῦ θωρήσσοντο.

Of men then slain, and to be slain; earth flow'd with fruits of death.

Τρῶες δʼ αὖθʼ ἑτέρωθεν ἀνὰ πτόλιν ὁπλίζοντο

While the fair morning's beauty held, and day increas'd in height,

παυρότεροι· μέμασαν δὲ καὶ ὧς ὑσμῖνι μάχεσθαι

Their jav'lins mutually made death transport an equal freight,

χρειοῖ ἀναγκαίῃ, πρό τε παίδων καὶ πρὸ γυναικῶν.

But when the hot meridian point, bright Phœbus did ascend,

πᾶσαι δʼ ὠΐγνυντο πύλαι, ἐκ δʼ ἔσσυτο λαός,

Then Jove his golden balances did equally extend,

πεζοί θʼ ἱππῆές τε· πολὺς δʼ ὀρυμαγδὸς ὀρώρει.

And, of long-rest-conferring death, put in two bitter fates

οἳ δʼ ὅτε δή ῥʼ ἐς χῶρον ἕνα ξυνιόντες ἵκοντο

For Troy and Greece; he held the midst; the day of final dates

σύν ῥʼ ἔβαλον ῥινούς, σὺν δʼ ἔγχεα καὶ μένεʼ ἀνδρῶν

Fell on the Greeks; the Greeks' hard lot sunk to the flow'ry ground,

χαλκεοθωρήκων· ἀτὰρ ἀσπίδες ὀμφαλόεσσαι

ἔπληντʼ ἀλλήλῃσι, πολὺς δʼ ὀρυμαγδὸς ὀρώρει.

ἔνθα δʼ ἅμʼ οἰμωγή τε καὶ εὐχωλὴ πέλεν ἀνδρῶν

ὀλλύντων τε καὶ ὀλλυμένων, ῥέε δʼ αἵματι γαῖα.

ὄφρα μὲν ἠὼς ἦν καὶ ἀέξετο ἱερὸν ἦμαρ,

τόφρα μάλʼ ἀμφοτέρων βέλεʼ ἥπτετο, πῖπτε δὲ λαός.

ἦμος δʼ Ἠέλιος μέσον οὐρανὸν ἀμφιβεβήκει,

καὶ τότε δὴ χρύσεια πατὴρ ἐτίταινε τάλαντα·

ἐν δʼ ἐτίθει δύο κῆρε τανηλεγέος θανάτοιο

The Trojans' leapt as high as heav'n. Then did the claps resound

Τρώων θʼ ἱπποδάμων καὶ Ἀχαιῶν χαλκοχιτώνων,

Of his fierce thunder; lightning leapt amongst each Grecian troop;

ἕλκε δὲ μέσσα λαβών· ῥέπε δʼ αἴσιμον ἦμαρ Ἀχαιῶν.

The sight amaz'd them; pallid fear made boldest stomachs stoop,

αἳ μὲν Ἀχαιῶν κῆρες ἐπὶ χθονὶ πουλυβοτείρῃ

Then Idomen durst not abide, Atrides went his way,

ἑζέσθην, Τρώων δὲ πρὸς οὐρανὸν εὐρὺν ἄερθεν·

And both th' Ajaces; Nestor yet, against his will did stay,

αὐτὸς δʼ ἐξ Ἴδης μεγάλʼ ἔκτυπε, δαιόμενον δὲ

That grave protector of the Greeks, for Paris with a dart

ἧκε σέλας μετὰ λαὸν Ἀχαιῶν· οἳ δὲ ἰδόντες

Enrag'd one of his chariot horse; he smote the upper part

θάμβησαν, καὶ πάντας ὑπὸ χλωρὸν δέος εἷλεν.

Of all his skull, ev'n where the hair, that made his foretop, sprung.

ἔνθʼ οὔτʼ Ἰδομενεὺς τλῆ μίμνειν οὔτʼ Ἀγαμέμνων,

The hurt was deadly, and the pain so sore the courser stung,

οὔτε δύʼ Αἴαντες μενέτην θεράποντες Ἄρηος·

(Pierc'd to the brain) he stamp'd and plung'd. One on another bears,

Νέστωρ οἶος ἔμιμνε Γερήνιος οὖρος Ἀχαιῶν

Entangled round about the beam; then Nestor cut the gears

οὔ τι ἑκών, ἀλλʼ ἵππος ἐτείρετο, τὸν βάλεν ἰῷ

With his new-drawn authentic sword. Meanwhile the fi'ry horse

δῖος Ἀλέξανδρος Ἑλένης πόσις ἠϋκόμοιο

Of Hector brake into the press, with their bold ruler's force;

ἄκρην κὰκ κορυφήν, ὅθι τε πρῶται τρίχες ἵππων

Then good old Nestor had been slain, had Diomed not espy'd,

κρανίῳ ἐμπεφύασι, μάλιστα δὲ καίριόν ἐστιν.

Who to Ulysses, as he fled, importunately cried:

ἀλγήσας δʼ ἀνέπαλτο, βέλος δʼ εἰς ἐγκέφαλον δῦ,

“Thou that in counsels dost abound, O Laertiades,

σὺν δʼ ἵππους ἐτάραξε κυλινδόμενος περὶ χαλκῷ.

Why fly'st thou? Why thus, coward-like, shunn'st thou the honour'd prease?

ὄφρʼ ὁ γέρων ἵπποιο παρηορίας ἀπέταμνε

Take heed thy back take not a dart. Stay, let us both intend

φασγάνῳ ἀΐσσων, τόφρʼ Ἕκτορος ὠκέες ἵπποι

To drive this cruel enemy, from our dear agéd friend.”

ἦλθον ἀνʼ ἰωχμὸν θρασὺν ἡνίοχον φορέοντες

He spake, but wary Ithacus would find no patient ear,

Ἕκτορα· καί νύ κεν ἔνθʼ ὁ γέρων ἀπὸ θυμὸν ὄλεσσεν

But fled forthright, ev'n to the fleet. Yet, though he single were,

εἰ μὴ ἄρʼ ὀξὺ νόησε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Διομήδης·

Brave Diomed mix'd amongst the fight, and stood before the steeds

σμερδαλέον δʼ ἐβόησεν ἐποτρύνων Ὀδυσῆα·

Of old Neleides, whose estate thus kingly he areeds:

διογενὲς Λαερτιάδη πολυμήχανʼ Ὀδυσσεῦ

“O father, with these youths in fight, thou art unequal plac'd,

πῇ φεύγεις μετὰ νῶτα βαλὼν κακὸς ὣς ἐν ὁμίλῳ;

Thy willing sinews are unknit, grave age pursues thee fast,

μή τίς τοι φεύγοντι μεταφρένῳ ἐν δόρυ πήξῃ·

And thy unruly horse are slow; my chariot therefore use,

ἀλλὰ μένʼ ὄφρα γέροντος ἀπώσομεν ἄγριον ἄνδρα.

And try how ready Trojan horse, can fly him that pursues,

ὣς ἔφατʼ, οὐδʼ ἐσάκουσε πολύτλας δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς,

Pursue the flier, and ev'ry way perform the varied fight;

ἀλλὰ παρήϊξεν κοίλας ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν.

I forc'd them from Anchises' son, well skill'd in cause of flight.

Τυδεΐδης δʼ αὐτός περ ἐὼν προμάχοισιν ἐμίχθη,

Then let my squire lead hence thy horse; mine thou shalt guard, whilst I,

στῆ δὲ πρόσθʼ ἵππων Νηληϊάδαο γέροντος,

By thee advanc'd, assay the fight, that Hector's self may try

καί μιν φωνήσας ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

If my lance dote with the defects, that fail best minds in age,

ὦ γέρον ἦ μάλα δή σε νέοι τείρουσι μαχηταί,

Or finds the palsy in my hands, that doth thy life engage.”

σὴ δὲ βίη λέλυται, χαλεπὸν δέ σε γῆρας ὀπάζει,

This noble Nestor did accept, and Diomed's two friends,

ἠπεδανὸς δέ νύ τοι θεράπων, βραδέες δέ τοι ἵπποι.

Eurymedon that valour loves, and Sthenelus, ascends

ἀλλʼ ἄγʼ ἐμῶν ὀχέων ἐπιβήσεο, ὄφρα ἴδηαι

Old Nestor's coach. Of Diomed's horse Nestor the charge sustains,

οἷοι Τρώϊοι ἵπποι ἐπιστάμενοι πεδίοιο

And Tydeus' son took place of fight. Neleides held the reins,

κραιπνὰ μάλʼ ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα διωκέμεν ἠδὲ φέβεσθαι,

And scourg'd the horse, who swiftly ran direct in Hector's face;

οὕς ποτʼ ἀπʼ Αἰνείαν ἑλόμην μήστωρε φόβοιο.

Whom fierce Tydides bravely charg'd, but, he turn'd from the chace,

τούτω μὲν θεράποντε κομείτων, τώδε δὲ νῶϊ

His jav'lin Eniopeus smit, mighty Thebæus' son,

Τρωσὶν ἐφʼ ἱπποδάμοις ἰθύνομεν, ὄφρα καὶ Ἕκτωρ

And was great Hector's charioteer; it through his breast did run,

εἴσεται εἰ καὶ ἐμὸν δόρυ μαίνεται ἐν παλάμῃσιν.

Near to his pap; he fell to earth, back flew his frighted horse,

ὣς ἔφατʼ, οὐδʼ ἀπίθησε Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ.

His strength and soul were both dissolv'd. Hector had deep remorse

Νεστορέας μὲν ἔπειθʼ ἵππους θεράποντε κομείτην

Of his mishap; yet left he him, and for another sought;

ἴφθιμοι Σθένελός τε καὶ Εὐρυμέδων ἀγαπήνωρ.

Nor long his steeds did want a guide, for straight good fortune brought

τὼ δʼ εἰς ἀμφοτέρω Διομήδεος ἅρματα βήτην·

Bold Archeptolemus, whose life did from Iphitis spring;

Νέστωρ δʼ ἐν χείρεσσι λάβʼ ἡνία σιγαλόεντα,

He made him take the reins and mount. Then souls were set on wing;

μάστιξεν δʼ ἵππους· τάχα δʼ Ἕκτορος ἄγχι γένοντο.

Then high exploits were undergone; then Trojans in their walls

τοῦ δʼ ἰθὺς μεμαῶτος ἀκόντισε Τυδέος υἱός·

Had been infolded like meek lambs, had Jove wink'd at their falls,

καὶ τοῦ μέν ῥʼ ἀφάμαρτεν, ὃ δʼ ἡνίοχον θεράποντα

Who hurl'd his horrid thunder forth, and made pale lightnings fly.

υἱὸν ὑπερθύμου Θηβαίου Ἠνιοπῆα

Into the earth, before the horse that Nestor did apply.

ἵππων ἡνίʼ ἔχοντα βάλε στῆθος παρὰ μαζόν.

A dreadful flash burnt through the air, that savour'd sulphur-like,

ἤριπε δʼ ἐξ ὀχέων, ὑπερώησαν δέ οἱ ἵπποι

Which down before the chariot the dazzled horse did strike.

ὠκύποδες· τοῦ δʼ αὖθι λύθη ψυχή τε μένος τε.

The fair reins fell from Nestor's hand, who did in fear entreat

Ἕκτορα δʼ αἰνὸν ἄχος πύκασε φρένας ἡνιόχοιο·

Renown'd Tydides into flight to turn his fury's heat:

τὸν μὲν ἔπειτʼ εἴασε καὶ ἀχνύμενός περ ἑταίρου

“For know'st thou not,” said he, “our aid is not supplied from Jove?

κεῖσθαι, ὃ δʼ ἡνίοχον μέθεπε θρασύν· οὐδʼ ἄρʼ ἔτι δὴν

This day he will give fame to Troy, which when it fits his love

ἵππω δευέσθην σημάντορος· αἶψα γὰρ εὗρεν

We shall enjoy. Let no man tempt his unresisted will,

Ἰφιτίδην Ἀρχεπτόλεμον θρασύν, ὅν ῥα τόθʼ ἵππων

Though he exceed in gifts of strength; for he exceeds him still.”

ὠκυπόδων ἐπέβησε, δίδου δέ οἱ ἡνία χερσίν.

“Father,” replied the king, “'tis true; but both my heart and soul

ἔνθά κε λοιγὸς ἔην καὶ ἀμήχανα ἔργα γένοντο,

Are most extremely griev'd to think how Hector will control

καί νύ κε σήκασθεν κατὰ Ἴλιον ἠΰτε ἄρνες,

My valour with his vaunts in Troy, that I was terror-sick

εἰ μὴ ἄρʼ ὀξὺ νόησε πατὴρ ἀνδρῶν τε θεῶν τε·

βροντήσας δʼ ἄρα δεινὸν ἀφῆκʼ ἀργῆτα κεραυνόν,

κὰδ δὲ πρόσθʼ ἵππων Διομήδεος ἧκε χαμᾶζε·

δεινὴ δὲ φλὸξ ὦρτο θεείου καιομένοιο,

τὼ δʼ ἵππω δείσαντε καταπτήτην ὑπʼ ὄχεσφι·

Νέστορα δʼ ἐκ χειρῶν φύγον ἡνία σιγαλόεντα,

δεῖσε δʼ ὅ γʼ ἐν θυμῷ, Διομήδεα δὲ προσέειπε·

Τυδεΐδη ἄγε δʼ αὖτε φόβον δʼ ἔχε μώνυχας ἵππους.

ἦ οὐ γιγνώσκεις ὅ τοι ἐκ Διὸς οὐχ ἕπετʼ ἀλκή;

νῦν μὲν γὰρ τούτῳ Κρονίδης Ζεὺς κῦδος ὀπάζει

With his approach; which when he boasts, let earth devour me quick.”

σήμερον· ὕστερον αὖτε καὶ ἡμῖν, αἴ κʼ ἐθέλῃσι,

“Ah! warlike Tydeus' son,” said he, “what needless words are these?

δώσει· ἀνὴρ δέ κεν οὔ τι Διὸς νόον εἰρύσσαιτο

Though Hector should report thee faint, and amorous of thy ease,

οὐδὲ μάλʼ ἴφθιμος, ἐπεὶ ἦ πολὺ φέρτερός ἐστι.

The Trojans, nor the Trojan wives, would never give him trust,

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Διομήδης·

Whose youthful husbands thy free hand hath smother'd so in dust.”

ναὶ δὴ ταῦτά γε πάντα γέρον κατὰ μοῖραν ἔειπες·

This said, he turn'd his one-hoof'd horse to flight, and troop did take,

ἀλλὰ τόδʼ αἰνὸν ἄχος κραδίην καὶ θυμὸν ἱκάνει·

When Hector and his men, with shouts, did greedy púrsuit make,

Ἕκτωρ γάρ ποτε φήσει ἐνὶ Τρώεσσʼ ἀγορεύων·

And pour'd on darts that made air sigh. Then Hector did exclaim:

Τυδεΐδης ὑπʼ ἐμεῖο φοβεύμενος ἵκετο νῆας.

“O Tydeus' son, the kings of Greece do most renown thy name

ὥς ποτʼ ἀπειλήσει· τότε μοι χάνοι εὐρεῖα χθών.

With highest place, feasts, and full cups; who now will do thee shame;

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ·

Thou shalt be like a woman us'd, and they will say: 'Depart,

ὤ μοι Τυδέος υἱὲ δαΐφρονος, οἷον ἔειπες.

Immartial minion, since to stand Hector thou hadst no heart.'

εἴ περ γάρ σʼ Ἕκτωρ γε κακὸν καὶ ἀνάλκιδα φήσει,

Nor canst thou scale our turrets' tops, nor lead the wives to fleet

ἀλλʼ οὐ πείσονται Τρῶες καὶ Δαρδανίωνες

Of valiant men; that wife-like fear'st my adverse charge to meet.”

καὶ Τρώων ἄλοχοι μεγαθύμων ἀσπιστάων,

This two ways mov'd him,—still to fly, or turn his horse and fight.

τάων ἐν κονίῃσι βάλες θαλεροὺς παρακοίτας.

Thrice thrust he forward to assault, and ev'ry time the fright

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας φύγαδε τράπε μώνυχας ἵππους

Of Jove's fell thunder drave him back, which he propos'd for sign

αὖτις ἀνʼ ἰωχμόν· ἐπὶ δὲ Τρῶές τε καὶ Ἕκτωρ

(To show the change of victory) Trojans should victors shine.

ἠχῇ θεσπεσίῃ βέλεα στονόεντα χέοντο.

Then Hector comforted his men: “All my advent'rous friends,

τῷ δʼ ἐπὶ μακρὸν ἄϋσε μέγας κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ·

Be men, and, of your famous strength, think of the honour'd ends.

Τυδεΐδη περὶ μέν σε τίον Δαναοὶ ταχύπωλοι

I know benevolent Jupiter, did by his beck profess

ἕδρῃ τε κρέασίν τε ἰδὲ πλείοις δεπάεσσι·

Conquest and high renown to me, and to the Greeks distress.

νῦν δέ σʼ ἀτιμήσουσι· γυναικὸς ἄρʼ ἀντὶ τέτυξο.

O fools, to raise such silly forts, not worth the least account,

ἔρρε κακὴ γλήνη, ἐπεὶ οὐκ εἴξαντος ἐμεῖο

Nor able to resist our force! With ease our horse may mount,

πύργων ἡμετέρων ἐπιβήσεαι, οὐδὲ γυναῖκας

Quite over all their hollow dike. But, when their fleet I reach,

ἄξεις ἐν νήεσσι· πάρος τοι δαίμονα δώσω.

Let Memory to all the world a famous bonfire teach,

ὣς φάτο, Τυδεΐδης δὲ διάνδιχα μερμήριξεν

For I will all their ships inflame, with whose infestive smoke,

ἵππους τε στρέψαι καὶ ἐναντίβιον μαχέσασθαι.

Fear-shrunk, and hidden near their keels, the conquer'd Greeks shall choke.”

τρὶς μὲν μερμήριξε κατὰ φρένα καὶ κατὰ θυμόν,

Then cherish'd he his famous horse: “O Xanthus, now,” said he,

τρὶς δʼ ἄρʼ ἀπʼ Ἰδαίων ὀρέων κτύπε μητίετα Ζεὺς

“And thou Podargus, Æthon too, and Lampus, dear to me,

σῆμα τιθεὶς Τρώεσσι μάχης ἑτεραλκέα νίκην.

Make me some worthy recompense, for so much choice of meat,

Ἕκτωρ δὲ Τρώεσσιν ἐκέκλετο μακρὸν ἀΰσας·

Giv'n you by fair Andromache; bread of the purest wheat,

Τρῶες καὶ Λύκιοι καὶ Δάρδανοι ἀγχιμαχηταὶ

And with it, for your drink, mix'd wine, to make ye wishéd cheer,

ἀνέρες ἔστε φίλοι, μνήσασθε δὲ θούριδος ἀλκῆς.

Still serving you before myself, her husband young and dear.

γιγνώσκω δʼ ὅτι μοι πρόφρων κατένευσε Κρονίων

Pursue, and use your swiftest speed, that we may take for prise

νίκην καὶ μέγα κῦδος, ἀτὰρ Δαναοῖσί γε πῆμα·

The shield of old Neleides, which fame lifts to the skies,

νήπιοι οἳ ἄρα δὴ τάδε τείχεα μηχανόωντο

Ev'n to the handles telling it to be of massy gold.

ἀβλήχρʼ οὐδενόσωρα· τὰ δʼ οὐ μένος ἁμὸν ἐρύξει·

And from the shoulders let us take, of Diomed the bold,

ἵπποι δὲ ῥέα τάφρον ὑπερθορέονται ὀρυκτήν.

The royal curace Vulcan wrought, with art so exquisite,

ἀλλʼ ὅτε κεν δὴ νηυσὶν ἔπι γλαφυρῇσι γένωμαι,

These if we make our sacred spoil, I doubt not, but this night,

μνημοσύνη τις ἔπειτα πυρὸς δηΐοιο γενέσθω,

Ev'n to their navy to enforce the Greeks unturnéd flight.”

ὡς πυρὶ νῆας ἐνιπρήσω, κτείνω δὲ καὶ αὐτοὺς

This Juno took in high disdain, and made Olympus shake

Ἀργείους παρὰ νηυσὶν ἀτυζομένους ὑπὸ καπνοῦ.

As she but stirr'd within her throne, and thus to Neptune spake:

ὣς εἰπὼν ἵπποισιν ἐκέκλετο φώνησέν τε·

“O Neptune, what a spite is this! Thou God so huge in pow'r,

Ξάνθέ τε καὶ σὺ Πόδαργε καὶ Αἴθων Λάμπέ τε δῖε

Afflicts it not thy honour'd heart, to see rude spoil devour

νῦν μοι τὴν κομιδὴν ἀποτίνετον, ἣν μάλα πολλὴν

These Greeks that have in Helice, and Aege, offer'd thee

Ἀνδρομάχη θυγάτηρ μεγαλήτορος Ἠετίωνος

So many and such wealthy gifts? Let them the victors be.

ὑμῖν πὰρ προτέροισι μελίφρονα πυρὸν ἔθηκεν

If we, that are the aids of Greece, would beat home these of Troy,

οἶνόν τʼ ἐγκεράσασα πιεῖν, ὅτε θυμὸς ἀνώγοι,

And hinder broad-ey'd Jove's proud will, it would abate his joy.”

ἢ ἐμοί, ὅς πέρ οἱ θαλερὸς πόσις εὔχομαι εἶναι.

He, angry, told her she was rash, and he would not be one

ἀλλʼ ἐφομαρτεῖτον καὶ σπεύδετον ὄφρα λάβωμεν

Of all the rest, should strive with Jove, whose pow'r was match'd by none.

ἀσπίδα Νεστορέην, τῆς νῦν κλέος οὐρανὸν ἵκει

Whiles they conferr'd thus, all the space the trench contain'd before

πᾶσαν χρυσείην ἔμεναι, κανόνας τε καὶ αὐτήν,

(From that part of the fort that flank'd the navy-anchoring shore)

αὐτὰρ ἀπʼ ὤμοιιν Διομήδεος ἱπποδάμοιο

Was filled with horse and targeteers, who there for refuge came,

δαιδάλεον θώρηκα, τὸν Ἥφαιστος κάμε τεύχων.

By Mars-swift Hector's pow'r engaged; Jove gave his strength the fame;

εἰ τούτω κε λάβοιμεν, ἐελποίμην κεν Ἀχαιοὺς

And he with spoilful fire had burn'd the fleet, if Juno's grace

αὐτονυχὶ νηῶν ἐπιβησέμεν ὠκειάων.

Had not inspir'd the king himself, to run from place to place,

ὣς ἔφατʼ εὐχόμενος, νεμέσησε δὲ πότνια Ἥρη,

And stir up ev'ry soldier's pow'r, to some illustrious deed.

σείσατο δʼ εἰνὶ θρόνῳ, ἐλέλιξε δὲ μακρὸν Ὄλυμπον,

First visiting their leaders' tents, his ample purple weed

καί ῥα Ποσειδάωνα μέγαν θεὸν ἀντίον ηὔδα·

He wore, to show all who he was, and did his station take

ὢ πόποι ἐννοσίγαιʼ εὐρυσθενές, οὐδέ νυ σοί περ

At wise Ulysses' sable barks, that did the battle make

ὀλλυμένων Δαναῶν ὀλοφύρεται ἐν φρεσὶ θυμός.

Of all the fleet; from whence his speech might with more ease be driv'n

οἳ δέ τοι εἰς Ἑλίκην τε καὶ Αἰγὰς δῶρʼ ἀνάγουσι

πολλά τε καὶ χαρίεντα· σὺ δέ σφισι βούλεο νίκην.

εἴ περ γάρ κʼ ἐθέλοιμεν, ὅσοι Δαναοῖσιν ἀρωγοί,

Τρῶας ἀπώσασθαι καὶ ἐρυκέμεν εὐρύοπα Ζῆν,

αὐτοῦ κʼ ἔνθʼ ἀκάχοιτο καθήμενος οἶος ἐν Ἴδῃ.

τὴν δὲ μέγʼ ὀχθήσας προσέφη κρείων ἐνοσίχθων·

Ἥρη ἀπτοεπὲς ποῖον τὸν μῦθον ἔειπες.

οὐκ ἂν ἔγωγʼ ἐθέλοιμι Διὶ Κρονίωνι μάχεσθαι

ἡμέας τοὺς ἄλλους, ἐπεὶ ἦ πολὺ φέρτερός ἐστιν.

To Ajax' and Achilles' ships, to whose chief charge were giv'n

ὣς οἳ μὲν τοιαῦτα πρὸς ἀλλήλους ἀγόρευον·

The vantguard and the rearguard both, both for their force of hand,

τῶν δʼ ὅσον ἐκ νηῶν ἀπὸ πύργου τάφρος ἔεργε

And trusty bosoms. There arriv'd, thus urg'd he to withstand

πλῆθεν ὁμῶς ἵππων τε καὶ ἀνδρῶν ἀσπιστάων

Th' insulting Trojans: “O what shame, ye empty-hearted lords,

εἰλομένων· εἴλει δὲ θοῷ ἀτάλαντος Ἄρηϊ

Is this to your admiréd forms! Where are your glorious words,

Ἕκτωρ Πριαμίδης, ὅτε οἱ Ζεὺς κῦδος ἔδωκε.

In Lemnos vaunting you the best of all the Grecian host?

καί νύ κʼ ἐνέπρησεν πυρὶ κηλέῳ νῆας ἐΐσας,

'We are the strongest men,' ye said, 'we will command the most,

εἰ μὴ ἐπὶ φρεσὶ θῆκʼ Ἀγαμέμνονι πότνια Ἥρη

Eating most flesh of high-horn'd beeves, and drinking cups full crown'd,

αὐτῷ ποιπνύσαντι θοῶς ὀτρῦναι Ἀχαιούς.

And ev'ry man a hundred foes, two hundred, will confound;

βῆ δʼ ἰέναι παρά τε κλισίας καὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν

Now all our strength, dar'd to our worst; one Hector cannot tame,'

πορφύρεον μέγα φᾶρος ἔχων ἐν χειρὶ παχείῃ,

Who presently with horrid fire, will all our fleet inflame.

στῆ δʼ ἐπʼ Ὀδυσσῆος μεγακήτεϊ νηῒ μελαίνῃ,

O Father Jove, hath ever yet thy most unsuffer'd hand

ἥ ῥʼ ἐν μεσσάτῳ ἔσκε γεγωνέμεν ἀμφοτέρωσε,

Afflicted, with such spoil of souls, the king of any land,

ἠμὲν ἐπʼ Αἴαντος κλισίας Τελαμωνιάδαο

And taken so much fame from him? when I did never fail,

ἠδʼ ἐπʼ Ἀχιλλῆος, τοί ῥʼ ἔσχατα νῆας ἐΐσας

(Since under most unhappy stars; this fleet was under sail)

εἴρυσαν, ἠνορέῃ πίσυνοι καὶ κάρτεϊ χειρῶν·

Thy glorious altars, I protest, but, above all the Gods,

ἤϋσεν δὲ διαπρύσιον Δαναοῖσι γεγωνώς·

Have burnt fat thighs of beeves to thee, and pray'd to raze th' abodes

αἰδὼς Ἀργεῖοι, κάκʼ ἐλέγχεα, εἶδος ἀγητοί·

Of rape-defending Ilions. Yet grant, almighty Jove,

πῇ ἔβαν εὐχωλαί, ὅτε δὴ φάμεν εἶναι ἄριστοι,

One favour;—that we may at least with life from hence remove,

ἃς ὁπότʼ ἐν Λήμνῳ κενεαυχέες ἠγοράασθε,

Not under such inglorious hands, the hands of death employ;

ἔσθοντες κρέα πολλὰ βοῶν ὀρθοκραιράων

And, where Troy should be stoop'd by Greece, let Greece fall under Troy.”

πίνοντες κρητῆρας ἐπιστεφέας οἴνοιο,

To this ev'n weeping king did Jove remorseful audience give,

Τρώων ἄνθʼ ἑκατόν τε διηκοσίων τε ἕκαστος

And shook great heav'n to him, for sign his men and he should live.

στήσεσθʼ ἐν πολέμῳ· νῦν δʼ οὐδʼ ἑνὸς ἄξιοί εἰμεν

Then quickly cast he off his hawk, the eagle prince of air,

Ἕκτορος, ὃς τάχα νῆας ἐνιπρήσει πυρὶ κηλέῳ.

That perfects his unspotted vows; who seiz'd in her repair

Ζεῦ πάτερ, ἦ ῥά τινʼ ἤδη ὑπερμενέων βασιλήων

A sucking hind calf, which she truss'd in her enforcive seres,

τῇδʼ ἄτῃ ἄασας καί μιν μέγα κῦδος ἀπηύρας;

And by Jove's altar let it fall, amongst th' amazéd peers,

οὐ μὲν δή ποτέ φημι τεὸν περικαλλέα βωμὸν

Where the religious Achive kings, with sacrifice did please

νηῒ πολυκλήϊδι παρελθέμεν ἐνθάδε ἔρρων,

The author of all oracles, divine Saturnides.

ἀλλʼ ἐπὶ πᾶσι βοῶν δημὸν καὶ μηρίʼ ἔκηα

Now, when they knew the bird of Jove, they turn'd courageous head.

ἱέμενος Τροίην εὐτείχεον ἐξαλαπάξαι.

When none, though many kings put on, could make his vaunt, he led

ἀλλὰ Ζεῦ τόδε πέρ μοι ἐπικρήηνον ἐέλδωρ·

Tydides to renew'd assault, or issu'd first the dike,

αὐτοὺς δή περ ἔασον ὑπεκφυγέειν καὶ ἀλύξαι,

Or first did fight; but, far the first, stone dead his lance did strike

μηδʼ οὕτω Τρώεσσιν ἔα δάμνασθαι Ἀχαιούς.

Arm'd Agelaus, by descent surnam'd Phradmonides;

ὣς φάτο, τὸν δὲ πατὴρ ὀλοφύρατο δάκρυ χέοντα,

He turn'd his ready horse to flight, and Diomed's lance did seize

νεῦσε δέ οἱ λαὸν σόον ἔμμεναι οὐδʼ ἀπολέσθαι.

His back betwixt his shoulder-blades, and look'd out at his breast;

αὐτίκα δʼ αἰετὸν ἧκε τελειότατον πετεηνῶν,

He fell, and his arms rang his fall. Th' Atrides next address'd

νεβρὸν ἔχοντʼ ὀνύχεσσι τέκος ἐλάφοιο ταχείης·

Themselves to fight; th' Ajaces next, with vehement strength endued;

πὰρ δὲ Διὸς βωμῷ περικαλλέϊ κάββαλε νεβρόν,

Idomenëus and his friend, stout Merion, next pursued;

ἔνθα πανομφαίῳ Ζηνὶ ῥέζεσκον Ἀχαιοί.

And after these Eurypylus, Evemon's honour'd race;

οἳ δʼ ὡς οὖν εἴδονθʼ ὅ τʼ ἄρʼ ἐκ Διὸς ἤλυθεν ὄρνις,

The ninth, with backward-wreathéd bow, had little Teucer place,

μᾶλλον ἐπὶ Τρώεσσι θόρον, μνήσαντο δὲ χάρμης.

He still fought under Ajax' shield, who sometimes held it by,

ἔνθʼ οὔ τις πρότερος Δαναῶν πολλῶν περ ἐόντων

And then he look'd his object out, and let his arrow fly,

εὔξατο Τυδεΐδαο πάρος σχέμεν ὠκέας ἵππους

And, whomsoever in the press he wounded; him he slew,

τάφρου τʼ ἐξελάσαι καὶ ἐναντίβιον μαχέσασθαι,

Then under Ajax' sev'n-fold shield, he presently withdrew.

ἀλλὰ πολὺ πρῶτος Τρώων ἕλεν ἄνδρα κορυστὴν

He far'd like an unhappy child, that doth to mother run

Φραδμονίδην Ἀγέλαον· ὃ μὲν φύγαδʼ ἔτραπεν ἵππους·

For succour, when he knows full well, he some shrewd turn hath done.

τῷ δὲ μεταστρεφθέντι μεταφρένῳ ἐν δόρυ πῆξεν

What Trojans then were to their deaths, by Teucer's shafts impress'd?

ὤμων μεσσηγύς, διὰ δὲ στήθεσφιν ἔλασσεν·

Hapless Orsilochus was first, Ormenus, Ophelest,

ἤριπε δʼ ἐξ ὀχέων, ἀράβησε δὲ τεύχεʼ ἐπʼ αὐτῷ.

Dæter, and hardy Chromius, and Lycophon divine,

τὸν δὲ μετʼ Ἀτρεΐδαι Ἀγαμέμνων καὶ Μενέλαος,

And Amopaon that did spring from Polyæmon's line,

τοῖσι δʼ ἐπʼ Αἴαντες θοῦριν ἐπιειμένοι ἀλκήν,

And Menalippus; all, on heaps, he tumbled to the ground.

τοῖσι δʼ ἐπʼ Ἰδομενεὺς καὶ ὀπάων Ἰδομενῆος

The king rejoic'd to see his shafts the Phrygian ranks confound,

Μηριόνης ἀτάλαντος Ἐνυαλίῳ ἀνδρειφόντῃ,

Who straight came near, and spake to him: “O Teucer, lovely man,

τοῖσι δʼ ἐπʼ Εὐρύπυλος Εὐαίμονος ἀγλαὸς υἱός·

Strike still so sure, and be a grace to ev'ry Grecian,

Τεῦκρος δʼ εἴνατος ἦλθε παλίντονα τόξα τιταίνων,

And to thy father Telamon, who took thee kindly home

στῆ δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπʼ Αἴαντος σάκεϊ Τελαμωνιάδαο.

(Although not by his wife his son) and gave thee foster room,

ἔνθʼ Αἴας μὲν ὑπεξέφερεν σάκος· αὐτὰρ ὅ γʼ ἥρως

Ev'n from thy childhood; then to him, though far from hence remov'd,

παπτήνας, ἐπεὶ ἄρ τινʼ ὀϊστεύσας ἐν ὁμίλῳ

Make good fame reach; and to thyself, I vow what shall be prov'd:

βεβλήκοι, ὃ μὲν αὖθι πεσὼν ἀπὸ θυμὸν ὄλεσσεν,

If he that dreadful Ægis bears, and Pallas, grant to me

αὐτὰρ ὃ αὖτις ἰὼν πάϊς ὣς ὑπὸ μητέρα δύσκεν

Th' expugnance of well-builded Troy; I first will honour thee

εἰς Αἴανθʼ· ὃ δέ μιν σάκεϊ κρύπτασκε φαεινῷ.

Next to myself with some rich gift, and put it in thy hand:

ἔνθα τίνα πρῶτον Τρώων ἕλε Τεῦκρος ἀμύμων;

Ὀρσίλοχον μὲν πρῶτα καὶ Ὄρμενον ἠδʼ Ὀφελέστην

Δαίτορά τε Χρομίον τε καὶ ἀντίθεον Λυκοφόντην

καὶ Πολυαιμονίδην Ἀμοπάονα καὶ Μελάνιππον,

πάντας ἐπασσυτέρους πέλασε χθονὶ πουλυβοτείρῃ.

τὸν δὲ ἰδὼν γήθησεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων

τόξου ἄπο κρατεροῦ Τρώων ὀλέκοντα φάλαγγας·

στῆ δὲ παρʼ αὐτὸν ἰὼν καί μιν πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπε·

Τεῦκρε φίλη κεφαλή, Τελαμώνιε κοίρανε λαῶν

βάλλʼ οὕτως, αἴ κέν τι φόως Δαναοῖσι γένηαι

A three-foot vessel, that, for grace, in sacred fanes doth stand;

πατρί τε σῷ Τελαμῶνι, ὅ σʼ ἔτρεφε τυτθὸν ἐόντα,

Or two horse and a chariot; or else a lovely dame

καί σε νόθον περ ἐόντα κομίσσατο ᾧ ἐνὶ οἴκῳ·

That may ascend on bed with thee, and amplify thy name.”

τὸν καὶ τηλόθʼ ἐόντα ἐϋκλείης ἐπίβησον.

Teucer right nobly answer'd him: “Why, most illustrate king,

σοὶ δʼ ἐγὼ ἐξερέω ὡς καὶ τετελεσμένον ἔσται·

I being thus forward of myself, dost thou, adjoin a sting?

αἴ κέν μοι δώῃ Ζεύς τʼ αἰγίοχος καὶ Ἀθήνη

Without which, all the pow'r I have, I cease not to employ,

Ἰλίου ἐξαλαπάξαι ἐϋκτίμενον πτολίεθρον,

For, from the place where we repuls'd the Trojans towards Troy,

πρώτῳ τοι μετʼ ἐμὲ πρεσβήϊον ἐν χερὶ θήσω,

I all the purple field have strew'd, with, one or other slain.

ἢ τρίποδʼ ἠὲ δύω ἵππους αὐτοῖσιν ὄχεσφιν

Eight shafts I shot, with long steel heads, of which not one in vain,

ἠὲ γυναῖχʼ, ἥ κέν τοι ὁμὸν λέχος εἰσαναβαίνοι.

All were in youthful bodies fix'd, well skill'd in war's constraint;

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσεφώνεε Τεῦκρος ἀμύμων·

Yet this wild dog; with all my aim, I have no pow'r to taint.”

Ἀτρεΐδη κύδιστε τί με σπεύδοντα καὶ αὐτὸν

This said, another arrow forth, from his stiff string he sent,

ὀτρύνεις; οὐ μέν τοι ὅση δύναμίς γε πάρεστι

At Hector, whom he long'd to wound; but still amiss it went.

παύομαι, ἀλλʼ ἐξ οὗ προτὶ Ἴλιον ὠσάμεθʼ αὐτοὺς

His shaft smit fair Gorgythion, of Priam's princely race,

ἐκ τοῦ δὴ τόξοισι δεδεγμένος ἄνδρας ἐναίρω.

Who in Æpina was brought forth, a famous town in Thrace,

ὀκτὼ δὴ προέηκα τανυγλώχινας ὀϊστούς,

By Castianira, that, for form, was like celestial breed;

πάντες δʼ ἐν χροῒ πῆχθεν ἀρηϊθόων αἰζηῶν·

And, as a crimson poppy flow'r, surchargéd with his seed,

τοῦτον δʼ οὐ δύναμαι βαλέειν κύνα λυσσητῆρα.

And vernal humours falling thick, declines his heavy brow,

ἦ ῥα καὶ ἄλλον ὀϊστὸν ἀπὸ νευρῆφιν ἴαλλεν

So, of one side, his helmet's weight his fainting head did bow.

Ἕκτορος ἀντικρύ, βαλέειν δέ ἑ ἵετο θυμός·

Yet Teucer would, another shaft at Hector's life dispose,

καὶ τοῦ μέν ῥʼ ἀφάμαρθʼ, ὃ δʼ ἀμύμονα Γοργυθίωνα

So fain he such a mark would hit, but still beside it goes;

υἱὸν ἐῢν Πριάμοιο κατὰ στῆθος βάλεν ἰῷ,

Apollo did avert the shaft; but Hector's charioteer,

τόν ῥʼ ἐξ Αἰσύμηθεν ὀπυιομένη τέκε μήτηρ

Bold Archeptolemus, he smit, as he was rushing near

καλὴ Καστιάνειρα δέμας ἐϊκυῖα θεῇσι.

To make the fight; to earth he fell, his swift horse back did fly,

μήκων δʼ ὡς ἑτέρωσε κάρη βάλεν, ἥ τʼ ἐνὶ κήπῳ

And there were both his strength and soul exil'd eternally.

καρπῷ βριθομένη νοτίῃσί τε εἰαρινῇσιν,

Huge grief, for Hector's slaughter'd friend, pinch'd-in his mighty mind,

ὣς ἑτέρωσʼ ἤμυσε κάρη πήληκι βαρυνθέν.

Yet was he forc'd to leave him there, and his void place resign'd

Τεῦκρος δʼ ἄλλον ὀϊστὸν ἀπὸ νευρῆφιν ἴαλλεν

To his sad brother, that was by, Cebriones; whose ear

Ἕκτορος ἀντικρύ, βαλέειν δέ ἑ ἵετο θυμός.

Receiving Hector's charge, he straight the weighty reins did bear;

ἀλλʼ ὅ γε καὶ τόθʼ ἅμαρτε· παρέσφηλεν γὰρ Ἀπόλλων·

And Hector from his shining coach, with horrid voice, leap'd on,

ἀλλʼ Ἀρχεπτόλεμον θρασὺν Ἕκτορος ἡνιοχῆα

To wreak his friend on Teucer's hand; and up he took a stone,

ἱέμενον πόλεμον δὲ βάλε στῆθος παρὰ μαζόν·

With which he at the archer ran; who from his quiver drew

ἤριπε δʼ ἐξ ὀχέων, ὑπερώησαν δέ οἱ ἵπποι

A sharp-pil'd shaft, and nock'd it sure; but in great Hector flew

ὠκύποδες· τοῦ δʼ αὖθι λύθη ψυχή τε μένος τε.

With such fell speed, that; in his draught, he his right shoulder strook

Ἕκτορα δʼ αἰνὸν ἄχος πύκασε φρένας ἡνιόχοιο·

Where,'twixt his neck and breast, the joint his native closure took.

τὸν μὲν ἔπειτʼ εἴασε καὶ ἀχνύμενός περ ἑταίρου,

The wound was wondrous full of death, his, string in sunder flees,

Κεβριόνην δʼ ἐκέλευσεν ἀδελφεὸν ἐγγὺς ἐόντα

His numméd hand fell strengthless down, and he upon his knees.

ἵππων ἡνίʼ ἑλεῖν· ὃ δʼ ἄρʼ οὐκ ἀπίθησεν ἀκούσας.

Ajax neglected not to aid his brother thus depress'd,

αὐτὸς δʼ ἐκ δίφροιο χαμαὶ θόρε παμφανόωντος

But came and saft him with his shield; and two more friends, address'd

σμερδαλέα ἰάχων· ὃ δὲ χερμάδιον λάβε χειρί,

To be his aid, took him to fleet, Mecisteus, Echius' son,

βῆ δʼ ἰθὺς Τεύκρου, βαλέειν δέ ἑ θυμὸς ἀνώγει.

And gay Alastor. Teucer sigh'd, for all his service done.

ἤτοι ὃ μὲν φαρέτρης ἐξείλετο πικρὸν ὀϊστόν,

Then did Olympius, with fresh strength, the Trojan pow'rs revive,

θῆκε δʼ ἐπὶ νευρῇ· τὸν δʼ αὖ κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ

Who, to their trenches once again, the troubled Greeks did drive.

αὐερύοντα παρʼ ὦμον, ὅθι κληῒς ἀποέργει

Hector brought terror with his strength, and ever fought before.

αὐχένα τε στῆθός τε, μάλιστα δὲ καίριόν ἐστι,

As when some highly stomach'd hound, that hunts a sylvan boar,

τῇ ῥʼ ἐπὶ οἷ μεμαῶτα βάλεν λίθῳ ὀκριόεντι,

Or kingly lion, loves the haunch, and pincheth oft behind,

ῥῆξε δέ οἱ νευρήν· νάρκησε δὲ χεὶρ ἐπὶ καρπῷ,

Bold of his feet, and still observes the game to turn inclin'd,

στῆ δὲ γνὺξ ἐριπών, τόξον δέ οἱ ἔκπεσε χειρός.

Not utterly dissolv'd in flight; so Hector did pursue,

Αἴας δʼ οὐκ ἀμέλησε κασιγνήτοιο πεσόντος,

And whosoever was the last, he ever did subdue,

ἀλλὰ θέων περίβη καί οἱ σάκος ἀμφεκάλυψε.

They fled, but, when they had their dike, and palisadoes, pass'd,

τὸν μὲν ἔπειθʼ ὑποδύντε δύω ἐρίηρες ἑταῖροι

(A number of them put to sword) at ships they stay'd at last.

Μηκιστεὺς Ἐχίοιο πάϊς καὶ δῖος Ἀλάστωρ

Then mutual exhortations flew, then, all with hands and eyes

νῆας ἔπι γλαφυρὰς φερέτην βαρέα στενάχοντα.

Advanc'd to, all the Gods, their plagues wrung from them open cries.

ἂψ δʼ αὖτις Τρώεσσιν Ὀλύμπιος ἐν μένος ὦρσεν·

Hector, with his four rich-man'd horse, assaulting always rode,

οἳ δʼ ἰθὺς τάφροιο βαθείης ὦσαν Ἀχαιούς·

The eyes of Gorgon burnt in him, and war's vermilion God.

Ἕκτωρ δʼ ἐν πρώτοισι κίε σθένεϊ βλεμεαίνων.

The Goddess that all Goddesses, for snowy arms, out-shin'd,

ὡς δʼ ὅτε τίς τε κύων συὸς ἀγρίου ἠὲ λέοντος

Thus spake to Pallas, to the Greeks with gracious ruth inclin'd:

ἅπτηται κατόπισθε ποσὶν ταχέεσσι διώκων

“O Pallas, what a grief is this! Is all our succour past

ἰσχία τε γλουτούς τε, ἑλισσόμενόν τε δοκεύει,

To these our perishing Grecian friends? At least withheld at last,

ὣς Ἕκτωρ ὤπαζε κάρη κομόωντας Ἀχαιούς,

Ev'n now, when one man's violence must make them perish all,

αἰὲν ἀποκτείνων τὸν ὀπίστατον· οἳ δὲ φέβοντο.

In satisfaction of a fate so full of funeral?

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ διά τε σκόλοπας καὶ τάφρον ἔβησαν

Hector Priamides now raves, no more to be endur'd.

φεύγοντες, πολλοὶ δὲ δάμεν Τρώων ὑπὸ χερσίν,

οἳ μὲν δὴ παρὰ νηυσὶν ἐρητύοντο μένοντες,

ἀλλήλοισί τε κεκλόμενοι καὶ πᾶσι θεοῖσι

χεῖρας ἀνίσχοντες μεγάλʼ εὐχετόωντο ἕκαστος·

Ἕκτωρ δʼ ἀμφιπεριστρώφα καλλίτριχας ἵππους

Γοργοῦς ὄμματʼ ἔχων ἠδὲ βροτολοιγοῦ Ἄρηος.

τοὺς δὲ ἰδοῦσʼ ἐλέησε θεὰ λευκώλενος Ἥρη,

αἶψα δʼ Ἀθηναίην ἔπεα πτερόεντα προσηύδα·

ὢ πόποι αἰγιόχοιο Διὸς τέκος οὐκέτι νῶϊ

ὀλλυμένων Δαναῶν κεκαδησόμεθʼ ὑστάτιόν περ;

That hath already on the Greeks so many harms inur'd.”

οἵ κεν δὴ κακὸν οἶτον ἀναπλήσαντες ὄλωνται

The azure Goddess answer'd her: “This man had surely found

ἀνδρὸς ἑνὸς ῥιπῇ, ὃ δὲ μαίνεται οὐκέτʼ ἀνεκτῶς

His fortitude and life dissolv'd, ev'n on his father's ground,

Ἕκτωρ Πριαμίδης, καὶ δὴ κακὰ πολλὰ ἔοργε.

By Grecian valour, if my sire, infested with ill moods,

τὴν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπε θεὰ γλαυκῶπις Ἀθήνη·

Did not so dote on these of Troy, too jealous of their bloods,

καὶ λίην οὗτός γε μένος θυμόν τʼ ὀλέσειε

And ever an unjust repulse stands to my willing pow'rs,

χερσὶν ὑπʼ Ἀργείων φθίμενος ἐν πατρίδι γαίῃ·

Little rememb'ring what I did, in all the desp'rate hours

ἀλλὰ πατὴρ οὑμὸς φρεσὶ μαίνεται οὐκ ἀγαθῇσι

Of his affected Hercules; I ever rescu'd him,

σχέτλιος, αἰὲν ἀλιτρός, ἐμῶν μενέων ἀπερωεύς·

In labours of Eurystheüs, untouch'd in life or limb,

οὐδέ τι τῶν μέμνηται, ὅ οἱ μάλα πολλάκις υἱὸν

When he, heav'n knows, with drownéd eyes look'd up for help to heav'n,

τειρόμενον σώεσκον ὑπʼ Εὐρυσθῆος ἀέθλων.

Which ever, at command of Jove, was by my suppliance giv'n,

ἤτοι ὃ μὲν κλαίεσκε πρὸς οὐρανόν, αὐτὰρ ἐμὲ Ζεὺς

But had my wisdom reach'd so far, to, know of this event,

τῷ ἐπαλεξήσουσαν ἀπʼ οὐρανόθεν προΐαλλεν.

When to the solid-ported depths of hell his son was sent,

εἰ γὰρ ἐγὼ τάδε ᾔδεʼ ἐνὶ φρεσὶ πευκαλίμῃσιν

To hale out hateful Pluto's dog from darksome Erebus,

εὖτέ μιν εἰς Ἀΐδαο πυλάρταο προὔπεμψεν

He had not 'scap'd the streams of Styx, so deep and dangerous.

ἐξ Ἐρέβευς ἄξοντα κύνα στυγεροῦ Ἀΐδαο,

Yet Jove hates me, and shows his love in doing Thetis' will,

οὐκ ἂν ὑπεξέφυγε Στυγὸς ὕδατος αἰπὰ ῥέεθρα.

That kiss'd his knees, and strok'd his chin, pray'd, and importun'd till,

νῦν δʼ ἐμὲ μὲν στυγέει, Θέτιδος δʼ ἐξήνυσε βουλάς,

That he would honour with his aid her city-razing son,

ἥ οἱ γούνατʼ ἔκυσσε καὶ ἔλλαβε χειρὶ γενείου,

Displeas'd Achilles; and for him our friends are thus undone.

λισσομένη τιμῆσαι Ἀχιλλῆα πτολίπορθον.

But time shall come again, when he, to do his friends some aid,

ἔσται μὰν ὅτʼ ἂν αὖτε φίλην γλαυκώπιδα εἴπῃ.

Will call me his Glaucopides, his sweet and blue-eyed Maid.

ἀλλὰ σὺ μὲν νῦν νῶϊν ἐπέντυε μώνυχας ἵππους,

Then harness thou thy horse for me, that his bright palace gates

ὄφρʼ ἂν ἐγὼ καταδῦσα Διὸς δόμον αἰγιόχοιο

I soon may enter, arming me, to order these debates;

τεύχεσιν ἐς πόλεμον θωρήξομαι, ὄφρα ἴδωμαι

And I will try if Priam's son will still maintain his cheer,

ἢ νῶϊ Πριάμοιο πάϊς κορυθαίολος Ἕκτωρ

When in the crimson paths of war, I dreadfully appear;

γηθήσει προφανέντε ἀνὰ πτολέμοιο γεφύρας,

For some proud Trojans shall be sure to nourish dogs and fowls,

ἦ τις καὶ Τρώων κορέει κύνας ἠδʼ οἰωνοὺς

And pave the shore with fat and flesh, depriv'd of lives and souls.”

δημῷ καὶ σάρκεσσι, πεσὼν ἐπὶ νηυσὶν Ἀχαιῶν.

Juno prepar'd her horse, whose manes ribands of gold enlac'd.

ὣς ἔφατʼ, οὐδʼ ἀπίθησε θεὰ λευκώλενος Ἥρη.

Pallas her party-colour'd robe on her bright shoulders cast,

ἣ μὲν ἐποιχομένη χρυσάμπυκας ἔντυεν ἵππους

Divinely wrought with her own hands, in th' entry of her sire.

Ἥρη πρέσβα θεὰ θυγάτηρ μεγάλοιο Κρόνοιο·

Then put she on her ample breast her under-arming tire,

αὐτὰρ Ἀθηναίη κούρη Διὸς αἰγιόχοιο

And on it her celestial arms. The chariot straight she takes,

πέπλον μὲν κατέχευεν ἑανὸν πατρὸς ἐπʼ οὔδει

With her huge heavy violent lance, with which she slaughter makes

ποικίλον, ὅν ῥʼ αὐτὴ ποιήσατο καὶ κάμε χερσίν,

Of armies fatal to her wrath. Saturnia whipp'd horse,

ἣ δὲ χιτῶνʼ ἐνδῦσα Διὸς νεφεληγερέταο

And heav'n-gates, guarded by the Hours, op'd by their proper force.

τεύχεσιν ἐς πόλεμον θωρήσσετο δακρυόεντα.

Through which they flew. Whom when Jove saw (set near the Idalian springs)

ἐς δʼ ὄχεα φλόγεα ποσὶ βήσετο, λάζετο δʼ ἔγχος

Highly, displeas'd, he Iris call'd, that hath the golden wings,

βριθὺ μέγα στιβαρόν, τῷ δάμνησι στίχας ἀνδρῶν

And said: “Fly, Iris, turn them back, let them not come at me,

ἡρώων, τοῖσίν τε κοτέσσεται ὀβριμοπάτρη.

Our meetings, sev'rally dispos'd, will nothing gracious be.

Ἥρη δὲ μάστιγι θοῶς ἐπεμαίετʼ ἄρʼ ἵππους·

Beneath their o'erthrown chariot I'll shiver their proud steeds,

αὐτόμαται δὲ πύλαι μύκον οὐρανοῦ ἃς ἔχον Ὧραι,

Hurl down themselves, their waggon break, and, for their stubborn deeds,

τῇς ἐπιτέτραπται μέγας οὐρανὸς Οὔλυμπός τε

In ten whole years they shall not heal the wounds I will impress

ἠμὲν ἀνακλῖναι πυκινὸν νέφος ἠδʼ ἐπιθεῖναι.

With horrid thunder; that my maid may know when to address

τῇ ῥα διʼ αὐτάων κεντρηνεκέας ἔχον ἵππους.

Arms 'gainst her father. For my wife, she doth not so offend.

Ζεὺς δὲ πατὴρ Ἴδηθεν ἐπεὶ ἴδε χώσατʼ ἄρʼ αἰνῶς,

'Tis but her use to interrupt whatever I intend.”

Ἶριν δʼ ὄτρυνε χρυσόπτερον ἀγγελέουσαν·

Iris, with this, left Ida's hills, and up t' Olympus flew,

βάσκʼ ἴθι Ἶρι ταχεῖα, πάλιν τρέπε μηδʼ ἔα ἄντην

Met near heav'n-gates the Goddesses, and thus their haste withdrew:

ἔρχεσθʼ· οὐ γὰρ καλὰ συνοισόμεθα πτόλεμον δέ.

“What course intend you? Why are you wrapp'd with your fancies' storm?

ὧδε γὰρ ἐξερέω, τὸ δὲ καὶ τετελεσμένον ἔσται·

Jove likes not ye should aid the Greeks, but threats, and will perform,

γυιώσω μέν σφωϊν ὑφʼ ἅρμασιν ὠκέας ἵππους,

To crush in pieces your swift horse beneath their glorious yokes,

αὐτὰς δʼ ἐκ δίφρου βαλέω κατά θʼ ἅρματα ἄξω·

Hurl down yourselves, your chariot break, and, those impoison'd strokes

οὐδέ κεν ἐς δεκάτους περιτελλομένους ἐνιαυτοὺς

His wounding thunder shall imprint in your celestial parts,

ἕλκεʼ ἀπαλθήσεσθον, ἅ κεν μάρπτῃσι κεραυνός·

In ten full springs ye shall not cure; that She that tames proud hearts

ὄφρα ἰδῇ γλαυκῶπις ὅτʼ ἂν ᾧ πατρὶ μάχηται.

(Thyself, Minerva) may be taught to know for what, and when,

Ἥρῃ δʼ οὔ τι τόσον νεμεσίζομαι οὐδὲ χολοῦμαι·

Thou dost against thy father fight; for sometimes childeren

αἰεὶ γάρ μοι ἔωθεν ἐνικλᾶν ὅττί κεν εἴπω.

May with discretion plant themselves against their fathers' wills,

ὣς ἔφατʼ, ὦρτο δὲ Ἶρις ἀελλόπος ἀγγελέουσα,

But not, where humours only rule, in works beyond their skills.

βῆ δʼ ἐξ Ἰδαίων ὀρέων ἐς μακρὸν Ὄλυμπον.

For Juno; she offends him not, nor vexeth him so much,

πρώτῃσιν δὲ πύλῃσι πολυπτύχου Οὐλύμποιο

For 'tis her use to cross his will, her impudence is such,

ἀντομένη κατέρυκε, Διὸς δέ σφʼ ἔννεπε μῦθον·

The habit of offence in this she only doth contract,

πῇ μέματον; τί σφῶϊν ἐνὶ φρεσὶ μαίνεται ἦτορ;

And so grieves or incenseth less, though ne'er the less her fact.

οὐκ ἐάᾳ Κρονίδης ἐπαμυνέμεν Ἀργείοισιν.

But thou most griev'st him, doggéd dame, whom he rebukes in time,

ὧδε γὰρ ἠπείλησε Κρόνου πάϊς, ᾗ τελέει περ,

γυιώσειν μὲν σφῶϊν ὑφʼ ἅρμασιν ὠκέας ἵππους,

αὐτὰς δʼ ἐκ δίφρου βαλέειν κατά θʼ ἅρματα ἄξειν·

οὐδέ κεν ἐς δεκάτους περιτελλομένους ἐνιαυτοὺς

ἕλκεʼ ἀπαλθήσεσθον, ἅ κεν μάρπτῃσι κεραυνός·

ὄφρα ἰδῇς γλαυκῶπι ὅτʼ ἂν σῷ πατρὶ μάχηαι.

Ἥρῃ δʼ οὔ τι τόσον νεμεσίζεται οὐδὲ χολοῦται·

αἰεὶ γάρ οἱ ἔωθεν ἐνικλᾶν ὅττι κεν εἴπῃ·

ἀλλὰ σύ γʼ αἰνοτάτη κύον ἀδεὲς εἰ ἐτεόν γε

Lest silence should pervert thy will, and pride too highly climb

τολμήσεις Διὸς ἄντα πελώριον ἔγχος ἀεῖραι.

In thy bold bosom, desp'rate girl, if seriously thou dare

ἣ μὲν ἄρʼ ὣς εἰποῦσʼ ἀπέβη πόδας ὠκέα Ἶρις,

Lift thy unwieldy lance 'gainst Jove, as thy pretences are.”

αὐτὰρ Ἀθηναίην Ἥρη πρὸς μῦθον ἔειπεν·

She left them, and Saturnia said: “Ah me! Thou seed of Jove,

ὢ πόποι αἰγιόχοιο Διὸς τέκος, οὐκέτʼ ἔγωγε

By my advice we will no more unfit convention move

νῶϊ ἐῶ Διὸς ἄντα βροτῶν ἕνεκα πτολεμίζειν·

With Jupiter, for mortal men; of whom, let this man die,

τῶν ἄλλος μὲν ἀποφθίσθω, ἄλλος δὲ βιώτω,

And that man live, whoever he pursues with destiny;

ὅς κε τύχῃ· κεῖνος δὲ τὰ ἃ φρονέων ἐνὶ θυμῷ

And let him, plotting all events, dispose of either host,

Τρωσί τε καὶ Δαναοῖσι δικαζέτω, ὡς ἐπιεικές.

As he thinks fittest for them both, and may become us most.”

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσασα πάλιν τρέπε μώνυχας ἵππους·

Thus turn'd she back, and to the Hours her rich-man'd horse resign'd,

τῇσιν δʼ Ὧραι μὲν λῦσαν καλλίτριχας ἵππους,

Who them t' immortal mangers bound; the chariot they inclin'd

καὶ τοὺς μὲν κατέδησαν ἐπʼ ἀμβροσίῃσι κάπῃσιν,

Beneath the crystal walls of heav'n; and they in golden thrones

ἅρματα δʼ ἔκλιναν πρὸς ἐνώπια παμφανόωντα·

Consorted other Deities, replete with passións,

αὐταὶ δὲ χρυσέοισιν ἐπὶ κλισμοῖσι κάθιζον

Jove, in his bright-wheel'd chariot, his fi'ry horse now, beats

μίγδʼ ἄλλοισι θεοῖσι, φίλον τετιημέναι ἦτορ.

Up to Olympus, and aspir'd the Gods' eternal seats.

Ζεὺς δὲ πατὴρ Ἴδηθεν ἐΰτροχον ἅρμα καὶ ἵππους

Great Neptune loos'd his horse, his car upon the altar plac'd,

Οὔλυμπον δὲ δίωκε, θεῶν δʼ ἐξίκετο θώκους.

And heav'nly-linen coverings did round about it cast.

τῷ δὲ καὶ ἵππους μὲν λῦσε κλυτὸς ἐννοσίγαιος,

The Far-seer us'd his throne of gold. The vast Olympus shook

ἅρματα δʼ ἂμ βωμοῖσι τίθει κατὰ λῖτα πετάσσας·

Beneath his feet. His wife, and maid, apart places took,

αὐτὸς δὲ χρύσειον ἐπὶ θρόνον εὐρύοπα Ζεὺς

Nor any word afforded him. He knew their thoughts, and said:

ἕζετο, τῷ δʼ ὑπὸ ποσσὶ μέγας πελεμίζετʼ Ὄλυμπος.

“Why do you thus torment yourselves? You need not sit dismay'd

αἳ δʼ οἶαι Διὸς ἀμφὶς Ἀθηναίη τε καὶ Ἥρη

With the long labours you have us'd in your victorious fight,

ἥσθην, οὐδέ τί μιν προσεφώνεον οὐδʼ ἐρέοντο·

Destroying Trojans, 'gainst whose lives you heap such high despite.

αὐτὰρ ὃ ἔγνω ᾗσιν ἐνὶ φρεσὶ φώνησέν τε·

Ye should have held your glorious course; for, be assur'd, as far

τίφθʼ οὕτω τετίησθον Ἀθηναίη τε καὶ Ἥρη;

As all my pow'rs, by all means urg'd, could have sustain'd the war,

οὐ μέν θην κάμετόν γε μάχῃ ἔνι κυδιανείρῃ

Not all the host of Deities should have retir'd my hand

ὀλλῦσαι Τρῶας, τοῖσιν κότον αἰνὸν ἔθεσθε.

From vow'd inflictions on the Greeks, much less you two withstand.

πάντως, οἷον ἐμόν γε μένος καὶ χεῖρες ἄαπτοι,

But you, before you saw the fight, much less the slaughter there,

οὐκ ἄν με τρέψειαν ὅσοι θεοί εἰσʼ ἐν Ὀλύμπῳ.

Had all your goodly lineaments possess'd with shaking fear,

σφῶϊν δὲ πρίν περ τρόμος ἔλλαβε φαίδιμα γυῖα

And never had your chariot borne their charge to heav'n again,

πρὶν πόλεμόν τε ἰδεῖν πολέμοιό τε μέρμερα ἔργα.

But thunder should have smit you both, had you one Trojan slain.”

ὧδε γὰρ ἐξερέω, τὸ δέ κεν τετελεσμένον ἦεν·

Both Goddesses let fall their chins upon their ivory breasts,

οὐκ ἂν ἐφʼ ὑμετέρων ὀχέων πληγέντε κεραυνῷ

Set next to Jove, contriving still afflicted Troy's unrests.

ἂψ ἐς Ὄλυμπον ἵκεσθον, ἵνʼ ἀθανάτων ἕδος ἐστίν.

Pallas for anger could not speak; Saturnia, contrary,

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, αἳ δʼ ἐπέμυξαν Ἀθηναίη τε καὶ Ἥρη·

Could not for anger hold her peace, but made this bold reply:

πλησίαι αἵ γʼ ἥσθην, κακὰ δὲ Τρώεσσι μεδέσθην.

“Not-to-be-suff'red Jupiter, what need'st thou still enforce

ἤτοι Ἀθηναίη ἀκέων ἦν οὐδέ τι εἶπε

Thy matchless pow'r? We know it well; but we must yield remorse

σκυζομένη Διὶ πατρί, χόλος δέ μιν ἄγριος ᾕρει·

To them that yield us sacrifice. Nor need'st thou thus deride

Ἥρῃ δʼ οὐκ ἔχαδε στῆθος χόλον, ἀλλὰ προσηύδα·

Our kind obedience, nor our griefs, but bear our pow'rs applied

αἰνότατε Κρονίδη ποῖον τὸν μῦθον ἔειπες.

To just protection of the Greeks, that anger tomb not all

εὖ νυ καὶ ἡμεῖς ἴδμεν ὅ τοι σθένος οὐκ ἀλαπαδνόν·

In Troy's foul gulf of perjury, and let them stand should fall.”

ἀλλʼ ἔμπης Δαναῶν ὀλοφυρόμεθʼ αἰχμητάων,

“Grieve not,” said Jove, “at all done yet; for, if thy fair eyes please

οἵ κεν δὴ κακὸν οἶτον ἀναπλήσαντες ὄλωνται.

This next red morning they shall see the great Saturnides

ἀλλʼ ἤτοι πολέμου μὲν ἀφεξόμεθʼ, εἰ σὺ κελεύεις·

Bring more destruction to the Greeks; and Hector shall not cease,

βουλὴν δʼ Ἀργείοις ὑποθησόμεθʼ ἥ τις ὀνήσει,

Till he have rouséd from the fleet swift-foot Æacides,

ὡς μὴ πάντες ὄλωνται ὀδυσσαμένοιο τεοῖο.

In that day, when before their ships, for his Patroclus slain,

τὴν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη νεφεληγερέτα Ζεύς·

The Greeks in great distress shall fight; for so the Fates ordain.

ἠοῦς δὴ καὶ μᾶλλον ὑπερμενέα Κρονίωνα

I weigh not thy displeaséd spleen, though to th' extremest bounds

ὄψεαι, αἴ κʼ ἐθέλῃσθα, βοῶπις πότνια Ἥρη

Of earth and seas it carry thee, where endless night confounds

ὀλλύντʼ Ἀργείων πουλὺν στρατὸν αἰχμητάων·

Japet, and my dejected Sire, who sit so far beneath,

οὐ γὰρ πρὶν πολέμου ἀποπαύσεται ὄβριμος Ἕκτωρ

They never see the flying sun, nor hear the winds that breath,

πρὶν ὄρθαι παρὰ ναῦφι ποδώκεα Πηλεΐωνα,

Near to profoundest Tartarus. Nor, thither if thou went,

ἤματι τῷ ὅτʼ ἂν οἳ μὲν ἐπὶ πρύμνῃσι μάχωνται

Would I take pity of thy moods, since none more impudent.”

στείνει ἐν αἰνοτάτῳ περὶ Πατρόκλοιο θανόντος·

To this she nothing did reply. And now Sol's glorious light

ὣς γὰρ θέσφατόν ἐστι· σέθεν δʼ ἐγὼ οὐκ ἀλεγίζω

Fell to the sea, and to the land drew up the drowsy night.

χωομένης, οὐδʼ εἴ κε τὰ νείατα πείραθʼ ἵκηαι

The Trojans griev'd at Phœbus' fall, which all the Greeks desir'd,

γαίης καὶ πόντοιο, ἵνʼ Ἰάπετός τε Κρόνος τε

And sable night, so often wish'd, to earth's firm throne aspir'd.

ἥμενοι οὔτʼ αὐγῇς Ὑπερίονος Ἠελίοιο

Hector (intending to consult) near to the gulfy flood,

τέρποντʼ οὔτʼ ἀνέμοισι, βαθὺς δέ τε Τάρταρος ἀμφίς·

Far from the fleet, led to a place, pure and exempt from blood,

οὐδʼ ἢν ἔνθʼ ἀφίκηαι ἀλωμένη, οὔ σευ ἔγωγε

The Trojans' forces. From their horse all lighted, and did hear

σκυζομένης ἀλέγω, ἐπεὶ οὐ σέο κύντερον ἄλλο.

Th' oration Jove-lov'd Hector made; who held a goodly spear,

ὣς φάτο, τὸν δʼ οὔ τι προσέφη λευκώλενος Ἥρη.

Elev'n full cubits long, the head was brass, and did reflect

ἐν δʼ ἔπεσʼ Ὠκεανῷ λαμπρὸν φάος ἠελίοιο

ἕλκον νύκτα μέλαιναν ἐπὶ ζείδωρον ἄρουραν.

Τρωσὶν μέν ῥʼ ἀέκουσιν ἔδυ φάος, αὐτὰρ Ἀχαιοῖς

ἀσπασίη τρίλλιστος ἐπήλυθε νὺξ ἐρεβεννή.

Τρώων αὖτʼ ἀγορὴν ποιήσατο φαίδιμος Ἕκτωρ

νόσφι νεῶν ἀγαγὼν ποταμῷ ἔπι δινήεντι,

ἐν καθαρῷ ὅθι δὴ νεκύων διεφαίνετο χῶρος.

ἐξ ἵππων δʼ ἀποβάντες ἐπὶ χθόνα μῦθον ἄκουον

τόν ῥʼ Ἕκτωρ ἀγόρευε Διῒ φίλος· ἐν δʼ ἄρα χειρὶ

ἔγχος ἔχʼ ἑνδεκάπηχυ· πάροιθε δὲ λάμπετο δουρὸς

A wanton light before him still, it round about was deck'd

αἰχμὴ χαλκείη, περὶ δὲ χρύσεος θέε πόρκης,

With strong hoops of new-burnish'd gold. On this he lean'd, and said:

τῷ ὅ γʼ ἐρεισάμενος ἔπεα Τρώεσσι μετηύδα·

“Hear me, my worthy friends of Troy, and you our honour'd aid.

κέκλυτέ μευ Τρῶες καὶ Δάρδανοι ἠδʼ ἐπίκουροι·

A little since, I had conceit we should have made retreat,

νῦν ἐφάμην νῆάς τʼ ὀλέσας καὶ πάντας Ἀχαιοὺς

By light of the inflaméd fleet, with all the Greeks' escheat,

ἂψ ἀπονοστήσειν προτὶ Ἴλιον ἠνεμόεσσαν·

But darkness hath prevented us; and saft, with special grace,

ἀλλὰ πρὶν κνέφας ἦλθε, τὸ νῦν ἐσάωσε μάλιστα

These Achives and their shore-hal'd fleet. Let us then render place

Ἀργείους καὶ νῆας ἐπὶ ῥηγμῖνι θαλάσσης.

To sacred Night, our suppers dress, and from our chariot free

ἀλλʼ ἤτοι νῦν μὲν πειθώμεθα νυκτὶ μελαίνῃ

Our fair-man'd horse, and meat them well. Then let there convoy'd be,

δόρπά τʼ ἐφοπλισόμεσθα· ἀτὰρ καλλίτριχας ἵππους

From forth the city presently, oxen and well-fed sheep,

λύσαθʼ ὑπὲξ ὀχέων, παρὰ δέ σφισι βάλλετʼ ἐδωδήν·

Sweet wine, and bread; and fell much wood, that all night we may keep

ἐκ πόλιος δʼ ἄξεσθε βόας καὶ ἴφια μῆλα

Plenty of fires, ev'n till the light bring forth the lovely morn,

καρπαλίμως, οἶνον δὲ μελίφρονα οἰνίζεσθε

And let their brightness glaze the skies, that night may not suborn

σῖτόν τʼ ἐκ μεγάρων, ἐπὶ δὲ ξύλα πολλὰ λέγεσθε,

The Greeks' escape, if they for flight the sea's broad back would take;

ὥς κεν παννύχιοι μέσφʼ ἠοῦς ἠριγενείης

At least they may not part with ease, but, as retreat they make,

καίωμεν πυρὰ πολλά, σέλας δʼ εἰς οὐρανὸν ἵκῃ,

Each man may bear a wound with him, to cure when he comes home,

μή πως καὶ διὰ νύκτα κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοὶ

Made with a shaft or sharp'ned spear; and others fear to come,

φεύγειν ὁρμήσωνται ἐπʼ εὐρέα νῶτα θαλάσσης.

With charge of lamentable war, 'gainst soldiers bred in Troy.

μὴ μὰν ἀσπουδί γε νεῶν ἐπιβαῖεν ἕκηλοι,

Then let our heralds through the town their offices employ

ἀλλʼ ὥς τις τούτων γε βέλος καὶ οἴκοθι πέσσῃ

To warn the youth, yet short of war, and time-white fathers, past,

βλήμενος ἢ ἰῷ ἢ ἔγχεϊ ὀξυόεντι

That in our god-built tow'rs they see strong courts of guard be plac'd,

νηὸς ἐπιθρῴσκων, ἵνα τις στυγέῃσι καὶ ἄλλος

About the walls; and let our dames, yet flourishing in years,

Τρωσὶν ἐφʼ ἱπποδάμοισι φέρειν πολύδακρυν Ἄρηα.

That, having beauties to keep pure, are most inclin'd to fears

κήρυκες δʼ ἀνὰ ἄστυ Διῒ φίλοι ἀγγελλόντων

(Since darkness in distressful times more dreadful is than light)

παῖδας πρωθήβας πολιοκροτάφους τε γέροντας

Make lofty fires in ev'ry house; and thus, the dang'rous night,

λέξασθαι περὶ ἄστυ θεοδμήτων ἐπὶ πύργων·

Held with strong watch, if th' enemy have ambuscadoes laid

θηλύτεραι δὲ γυναῖκες ἐνὶ μεγάροισιν ἑκάστη

Near to our walls (and therefore seem in flight the more dismay'd,

πῦρ μέγα καιόντων· φυλακὴ δέ τις ἔμπεδος ἔστω

Intending a surprise, while we are all without the town)

μὴ λόχος εἰσέλθῃσι πόλιν λαῶν ἀπεόντων.

They ev'ry way shall be impugn'd, to, ev'ry man's renown.

ὧδʼ ἔστω Τρῶες μεγαλήτορες ὡς ἀγορεύω·

Perform all this, brave Trojan friends. What now I have to say

μῦθος δʼ ὃς μὲν νῦν ὑγιὴς εἰρημένος ἔστω,

Is all express'd; the cheerful morn shall other things display.

τὸν δʼ ἠοῦς Τρώεσσι μεθʼ ἱπποδάμοις ἀγορεύσω.

It is my glory (putting trust in Jove, and other Gods)

ἔλπομαι εὐχόμενος Διί τʼ ἄλλοισίν τε θεοῖσιν

That I shall now expulse these dogs Fates sent to our abodes,

ἐξελάαν ἐνθένδε κύνας κηρεσσιφορήτους,

Who bring ostents of destiny, and black their threat'ning fleet.

οὓς κῆρες φορέουσι μελαινάων ἐπὶ νηῶν.

But this night let us hold strong guards; to-morrow we will meet

ἀλλʼ ἤτοι ἐπὶ νυκτὶ φυλάξομεν ἡμέας αὐτούς,

(With fierce-made war) before their ships, and I'll make known to all

πρῶϊ δʼ ὑπηοῖοι σὺν τεύχεσι θωρηχθέντες

If strong Tydides from their ships can drive me to their wall,

νηυσὶν ἔπι γλαφυρῇσιν ἐγείρομεν ὀξὺν Ἄρηα.

Or I can pierce him with my sword, and force his bloody spoil.

εἴσομαι εἴ κέ μʼ ὁ Τυδεΐδης κρατερὸς Διομήδης

The wishéd morn shall show his pow'r, if he can shun his foil

πὰρ νηῶν πρὸς τεῖχος ἀπώσεται, ἤ κεν ἐγὼ τὸν

I running on him with my lance. I think; when day ascends,

χαλκῷ δῃώσας ἔναρα βροτόεντα φέρωμαι.

He shall lie wounded with the first, and by him many friends.

αὔριον ἣν ἀρετὴν διαείσεται, εἴ κʼ ἐμὸν ἔγχος

O that I were as sure to live immortal, and sustain

μείνῃ ἐπερχόμενον· ἀλλʼ ἐν πρώτοισιν ὀΐω

No frailties with increasing years, but evermore remain

κείσεται οὐτηθείς, πολέες δʼ ἀμφʼ αὐτὸν ἑταῖροι

Ador'd like Pallas, or the Sun, as all doubts die in me

ἠελίου ἀνιόντος ἐς αὔριον· εἰ γὰρ ἐγὼν ὣς

That heav'n's next light shall be the last the Greeks shall ever see!”

εἴην ἀθάνατος καὶ ἀγήρως ἤματα πάντα,

This speech all Trojans did applaud; who from their traces los'd

τιοίμην δʼ ὡς τίετʼ Ἀθηναίη καὶ Ἀπόλλων,

Their sweating horse, which sev'rally with headstalls they repos'd,

ὡς νῦν ἡμέρη ἥδε κακὸν φέρει Ἀργείοισιν.

And fast'ned by their chariots; when others brought from town