Iliad

So held the Trojans sleepless guard; the Greeks to flight were giv'n,

ὣς οἱ μὲν Τρῶες φυλακὰς ἔχον· αὐτὰρ Ἀχαιοὺς

The feeble consort of cold fear, strangely infus'd from heav'n;

θεσπεσίη ἔχε φύζα φόβου κρυόεντος ἑταίρη,

Grief, not to be endur'd, did wound all Greeks of greatest worth.

πένθεϊ δʼ ἀτλήτῳ βεβολήατο πάντες ἄριστοι.

And as two lateral-sited winds, the west wind and the north,

ὡς δʼ ἄνεμοι δύο πόντον ὀρίνετον ἰχθυόεντα

Meet at the Thracian sea's black breast, join in a sudden blore,

Βορέης καὶ Ζέφυρος, τώ τε Θρῄκηθεν ἄητον

Tumble together the dark waves, and pour upon the shore

ἐλθόντʼ ἐξαπίνης· ἄμυδις δέ τε κῦμα κελαινὸν

A mighty deal of froth and weed, with which men manure ground;

κορθύεται, πολλὸν δὲ παρὲξ ἅλα φῦκος ἔχευεν·

So Jove, and Troy did drive the Greeks, and all their minds confound.

ὣς ἐδαΐζετο θυμὸς ἐνὶ στήθεσσιν Ἀχαιῶν.

But Agamemnon most of all was tortur'd at his heart,

Ἀτρεΐδης δʼ ἄχεϊ μεγάλῳ βεβολημένος ἦτορ

Who to the voiceful heralds went, and bade them cite, apart,

φοίτα κηρύκεσσι λιγυφθόγγοισι κελεύων

Each Grecian leader sev'rally, not openly proclaim.

κλήδην εἰς ἀγορὴν κικλήσκειν ἄνδρα ἕκαστον,

In which he labour'd with the first; and all together came.

μὴ δὲ βοᾶν· αὐτὸς δὲ μετὰ πρώτοισι πονεῖτο.

They sadly sate. The king arose, and pour'd out tears as fast

ἷζον δʼ εἰν ἀγορῇ τετιηότες· ἂν δʼ Ἀγαμέμνων

As from a lofty rock a spring doth his black waters cast,

ἵστατο δάκρυ χέων ὥς τε κρήνη μελάνυδρος

And, deeply sighing, thus bespake the Achives: “O my friends,

ἥ τε κατʼ αἰγίλιπος πέτρης δνοφερὸν χέει ὕδωρ·

Princes, and leaders of the Greeks, heav'n's adverse King extends

ὣς ὃ βαρὺ στενάχων ἔπεʼ Ἀργείοισι μετηύδα·

His wrath, with too much detriment, to my so just design,

ὦ φίλοι Ἀργείων ἡγήτορες ἠδὲ μέδοντες

Since he hath often promis'd me, and bound it with the sign

Ζεύς με μέγα Κρονίδης ἄτῃ ἐνέδησε βαρείῃ

Of his bent forehead, that this Troy our vengeful hands should race,

σχέτλιος, ὃς τότε μέν μοι ὑπέσχετο καὶ κατένευσεν

And safe return; yet, now engag'd, he plagues us with disgrace,

Ἴλιον ἐκπέρσαντʼ εὐτείχεον ἀπονέεσθαι,

When all our trust to him hath drawn so much blood from our friends.

νῦν δὲ κακὴν ἀπάτην βουλεύσατο, καί με κελεύει

My glory, nor my brother's wreak, were the proposéd ends,

δυσκλέα Ἄργος ἱκέσθαι, ἐπεὶ πολὺν ὤλεσα λαόν.

For which he drew you to these toils, but your whole countries' shame,

οὕτω που Διὶ μέλλει ὑπερμενέϊ φίλον εἶναι,

Which had been huge to bear the rape of so divine a dame,

ὃς δὴ πολλάων πολίων κατέλυσε κάρηνα

Made in despite of our revenge. And yet not that had mov'd

ἠδʼ ἔτι καὶ λύσει· τοῦ γὰρ κράτος ἐστὶ μέγιστον.

Our pow'rs to these designs, if Jove had not our drifts approv'd;

ἀλλʼ ἄγεθʼ ὡς ἂν ἐγὼ εἴπω πειθώμεθα πάντες·

Which since we see he did for blood, 'tis desp'rate fight in us

φεύγωμεν σὺν νηυσὶ φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν·

To strive with him; then let us fly; 'tis flight he urgeth thus.”

οὐ γὰρ ἔτι Τροίην αἱρήσομεν εὐρυάγυιαν.

Long time still silence held them all; at last did Diomed rise:

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἀκὴν ἐγένοντο σιωπῇ.

“Atrides, I am first must cross thy indiscreet advice,

δὴν δʼ ἄνεῳ ἦσαν τετιηότες υἷες Ἀχαιῶν·

As may become me, being a king, in this our martial court.

ὀψὲ δὲ δὴ μετέειπε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Διομήδης·

Be not displeas'd then; for thyself didst broadly misreport

Ἀτρεΐδη σοὶ πρῶτα μαχήσομαι ἀφραδέοντι,

In open field my fortitude, and call'd me faint and weak,

ἣ θέμις ἐστὶν ἄναξ ἀγορῇ· σὺ δὲ μή τι χολωθῇς.

Yet I was silent, knowing the time, loth any rites to break

ἀλκὴν μέν μοι πρῶτον ὀνείδισας ἐν Δαναοῖσι

That appertain'd thy public rule, yet all the Greeks knew well,

φὰς ἔμεν ἀπτόλεμον καὶ ἀνάλκιδα· ταῦτα δὲ πάντα

Of ev'ry age, thou didst me wrong. As thou then didst refell

ἴσασʼ Ἀργείων ἠμὲν νέοι ἠδὲ γέροντες.

My valour first of all the host, as of a man dismay'd;

σοὶ δὲ διάνδιχα δῶκε Κρόνου πάϊς ἀγκυλομήτεω·

So now, with fit occasion giv'n, I first blame thee afraid.

σκήπτρῳ μέν τοι δῶκε τετιμῆσθαι περὶ πάντων,

Inconstant Saturn's son hath giv'n inconstant spirits to thee,

ἀλκὴν δʼ οὔ τοι δῶκεν, ὅ τε κράτος ἐστὶ μέγιστον.

And, with a sceptre over all, an eminent degree;

δαιμόνιʼ οὕτω που μάλα ἔλπεαι υἷας Ἀχαιῶν

But with a sceptre's sov'reign grace, the chief pow'r, fortitude,

ἀπτολέμους τʼ ἔμεναι καὶ ἀνάλκιδας ὡς ἀγορεύεις;

(To bridle thee) he thought not best thy breast should be endu'd.

εἰ δέ τοι αὐτῷ θυμὸς ἐπέσσυται ὥς τε νέεσθαι

Unhappy king, think'st thou the Greeks are such a silly sort,

ἔρχεο· πάρ τοι ὁδός, νῆες δέ τοι ἄγχι θαλάσσης

And so excessive impotent, as thy weak words import?

ἑστᾶσʼ, αἵ τοι ἕποντο Μυκήνηθεν μάλα πολλαί.

If thy mind move thee to be gone, the way is open, go;

ἀλλʼ ἄλλοι μενέουσι κάρη κομόωντες Ἀχαιοὶ

Mycenian ships enow ride near, that brought thee to this woe;

εἰς ὅ κέ περ Τροίην διαπέρσομεν. εἰ δὲ καὶ αὐτοὶ

The rest of Greece will stay, nor stir till Troy be overcome

φευγόντων σὺν νηυσὶ φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν·

With full eversion; or if not, but (doters of their home)

νῶϊ δʼ ἐγὼ Σθένελός τε μαχησόμεθʼ εἰς ὅ κε τέκμωρ

Will put on wings to fly with thee. Myself and Sthenelus

Ἰλίου εὕρωμεν· σὺν γὰρ θεῷ εἰλήλουθμεν.

Will fight till (trusting favouring Jove) we bring home Troy with us.”

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἐπίαχον υἷες Ἀχαιῶν

This all applauded, and admir'd the spirit of Diomed;

μῦθον ἀγασσάμενοι Διομήδεος ἱπποδάμοιο.

When Nestor, rising from the rest, his speech thus seconded:

τοῖσι δʼ ἀνιστάμενος μετεφώνεεν ἱππότα Νέστωρ·

“Tydides, thou art, questionless, our strongest Greek in war,

Τυδεΐδη περὶ μὲν πολέμῳ ἔνι καρτερός ἐσσι,

And gravest in thy counsels too, of all that equal are

καὶ βουλῇ μετὰ πάντας ὁμήλικας ἔπλευ ἄριστος.

In place with thee, and stand on strength; nor is there any one

οὔ τίς τοι τὸν μῦθον ὀνόσσεται ὅσσοι Ἀχαιοί,

Can blame, or contradict thy speech; and yet thou hast not gone

οὐδὲ πάλιν ἐρέει· ἀτὰρ οὐ τέλος ἵκεο μύθων.

So far, but we must further go. Thou'rt young, and well mightst be

ἦ μὲν καὶ νέος ἐσσί, ἐμὸς δέ κε καὶ πάϊς εἴης

My youngest son, though still I yield thy words had high degree

ὁπλότατος γενεῆφιν· ἀτὰρ πεπνυμένα βάζεις

Of wisdom in them to our king, since well they did become

Ἀργείων βασιλῆας, ἐπεὶ κατὰ μοῖραν ἔειπες.

Their right in question, and refute inglorious going home.

ἀλλʼ ἄγʼ ἐγών, ὃς σεῖο γεραίτερος εὔχομαι εἶναι,

But I (well known thy senior far) will speak, and handle all

ἐξείπω καὶ πάντα διίξομαι· οὐδέ κέ τίς μοι

Yet to propose, which none shall check; no, not our general.

μῦθον ἀτιμήσειʼ, οὐδὲ κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων.

A hater of society, unjust, and wild, is he

ἀφρήτωρ ἀθέμιστος ἀνέστιός ἐστιν ἐκεῖνος

That loves intestine war, being stuff'd with manless cruelty.

ὃς πολέμου ἔραται ἐπιδημίου ὀκρυόεντος.

And therefore in persuading peace, and home-flight, we the less

ἀλλʼ ἤτοι νῦν μὲν πειθώμεθα νυκτὶ μελαίνῃ

May blame our gen'ral, as one loth to wrap in more distress

δόρπά τʼ ἐφοπλισόμεσθα· φυλακτῆρες δὲ ἕκαστοι

λεξάσθων παρὰ τάφρον ὀρυκτὴν τείχεος ἐκτός.

κούροισιν μὲν ταῦτʼ ἐπιτέλλομαι· αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα

Ἀτρεΐδη σὺ μὲν ἄρχε· σὺ γὰρ βασιλεύτατός ἐσσι.

δαίνυ δαῖτα γέρουσιν· ἔοικέ τοι, οὔ τοι ἀεικές.

His lovéd soldiers. But because they bravely are resolv'd

πλεῖαί τοι οἴνου κλισίαι, τὸν νῆες Ἀχαιῶν

To cast lives after toils, before they part in shame involv'd,

ἠμάτιαι Θρῄκηθεν ἐπʼ εὐρέα πόντον ἄγουσι·

Provide we for our honour'd stay; obey black night, and fall

πᾶσά τοί ἐσθʼ ὑποδεξίη, πολέεσσι δʼ ἀνάσσεις.

Now to our suppers; then appoint our guards without the wall,

πολλῶν δʼ ἀγρομένων τῷ πείσεαι ὅς κεν ἀρίστην

And in the bottom of the dike; which guard I wish may stand

βουλὴν βουλεύσῃ· μάλα δὲ χρεὼ πάντας Ἀχαιοὺς

Of our brave youth. And, Atreus' son, since thou art in command

ἐσθλῆς καὶ πυκινῆς, ὅτι δήϊοι ἐγγύθι νηῶν

Before our other kings, be first in thy command's effect.

καίουσιν πυρὰ πολλά· τίς ἂν τάδε γηθήσειε;

It well becomes thee; since 'tis both what all thy peers expect,

νὺξ δʼ ἧδʼ ἠὲ διαρραίσει στρατὸν ἠὲ σαώσει.

And in the royal right of things is no impair to thee.

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἄρα τοῦ μάλα μὲν κλύον ἠδὲ πίθοντο.

Nor shall it stand with less than right, that they invited be

ἐκ δὲ φυλακτῆρες σὺν τεύχεσιν ἐσσεύοντο

To supper by thee; all thy tents are amply stor'd with wine,

ἀμφί τε Νεστορίδην Θρασυμήδεα ποιμένα λαῶν,

Brought daily in Greek ships from Thrace; and to this grace of thine

ἠδʼ ἀμφʼ Ἀσκάλαφον καὶ Ἰάλμενον υἷας Ἄρηος

All necessaries thou hast fit, and store of men to wait;

ἀμφί τε Μηριόνην Ἀφαρῆά τε Δηΐπυρόν τε,

And, many meeting there, thou may'st hear ev'ry man's conceit,

ἠδʼ ἀμφὶ Κρείοντος υἱὸν Λυκομήδεα δῖον.

And take the best. It much concerns all Greeks to use advice

ἕπτʼ ἔσαν ἡγεμόνες φυλάκων, ἑκατὸν δὲ ἑκάστῳ

Of gravest nature, since so near our ships our enemies

κοῦροι ἅμα στεῖχον δολίχʼ ἔγχεα χερσὶν ἔχοντες·

Have lighted such a sort of fires, with which what man is joy'd?

κὰδ δὲ μέσον τάφρου καὶ τείχεος ἷζον ἰόντες·

Look, how all bear themselves this night; so live, or be destroy'd.”

ἔνθα δὲ πῦρ κήαντο, τίθεντο δὲ δόρπα ἕκαστος.

All heard, and follow'd his advice. There was appointed then

Ἀτρεΐδης δὲ γέροντας ἀολλέας ἦγεν Ἀχαιῶν

Sev'n captains of the watch, who forth did march with all their men.

ἐς κλισίην, παρὰ δέ σφι τίθει μενοεικέα δαῖτα.

The first was famous Thrasymed, adviceful Nestor's son;

οἳ δʼ ἐπʼ ὀνείαθʼ ἑτοῖμα προκείμενα χεῖρας ἴαλλον.

Ascalaphus; and Ialmen; and mighty Merion;

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ πόσιος καὶ ἐδητύος ἐξ ἔρον ἕντο,

Alphareus; and Deipyrus; and lovely Lycomed,

τοῖς ὁ γέρων πάμπρωτος ὑφαίνειν ἤρχετο μῆτιν

Old Creon's joy. These sev'n bold lords an hundred soldiers led,

Νέστωρ, οὗ καὶ πρόσθεν ἀρίστη φαίνετο βουλή·

In ev'ry sever'd company, and ev'ry man his pike,

ὅ σφιν ἐϋφρονέων ἀγορήσατο καὶ μετέειπεν·

Some placéd on the rampire's top, and some amidst the dike.

Ἀτρεΐδη κύδιστε ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγάμεμνον

All fires made, and their suppers took. Atrides to his tent

ἐν σοὶ μὲν λήξω, σέο δʼ ἄρξομαι, οὕνεκα πολλῶν

Invited all the peers of Greece, and food sufficient

λαῶν ἐσσι ἄναξ καί τοι Ζεὺς ἐγγυάλιξε

Appos'd before them, and the peers appos'd their hands to it.

σκῆπτρόν τʼ ἠδὲ θέμιστας, ἵνά σφισι βουλεύῃσθα.

Hunger and thirst being quickly quench'd, to counsel still they sit.

τώ σε χρὴ περὶ μὲν φάσθαι ἔπος ἠδʼ ἐπακοῦσαι,

And first spake Nestor, who they thought of late advis'd so well,

κρηῆναι δὲ καὶ ἄλλῳ, ὅτʼ ἄν τινα θυμὸς ἀνώγῃ

A father grave, and rightly wise, who thus his tale did tell:

εἰπεῖν εἰς ἀγαθόν· σέο δʼ ἕξεται ὅττί κεν ἄρχῃ.

“Most high Atrides, since in thee I have intent to end,

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼν ἐρέω ὥς μοι δοκεῖ εἶναι ἄριστα.

From thee will I begin my speech, to whom Jove doth commend

οὐ γάρ τις νόον ἄλλος ἀμείνονα τοῦδε νοήσει

The empire of so many men, and puts into thy hand

οἷον ἐγὼ νοέω ἠμὲν πάλαι ἠδʼ ἔτι καὶ νῦν

A sceptre, and establish'd laws, that thou mayst well command,

ἐξ ἔτι τοῦ ὅτε διογενὲς Βρισηΐδα κούρην

And counsel all men under thee. It therefore doth behove

χωομένου Ἀχιλῆος ἔβης κλισίηθεν ἀπούρας

Thyself to speak most, since of all thy speeches most will move;

οὔ τι καθʼ ἡμέτερόν γε νόον· μάλα γάρ τοι ἔγωγε

And yet to hear, as well as speak; and then perform as well

πόλλʼ ἀπεμυθεόμην· σὺ δὲ σῷ μεγαλήτορι θυμῷ

A free just counsel; in thee still must stick what others tell.

εἴξας ἄνδρα φέριστον, ὃν ἀθάνατοί περ ἔτισαν,

For me, what in my judgment stands the most convenient

ἠτίμησας, ἑλὼν γὰρ ἔχεις γέρας· ἀλλʼ ἔτι καὶ νῦν

I will advise, and am assur'd advice more competent

φραζώμεσθʼ ὥς κέν μιν ἀρεσσάμενοι πεπίθωμεν

Shall not be giv'n; the gen'ral proof, that hath before been made

δώροισίν τʼ ἀγανοῖσιν ἔπεσσί τε μειλιχίοισι.

Of what I speak, confirms me still, and now may well persuade,

τὸν δʼ αὖτε προσέειπεν ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγαμέμνων·

Because I could not then, yet ought, when thou, most royal king,

ὦ γέρον οὔ τι ψεῦδος ἐμὰς ἄτας κατέλεξας·

Ev'n from the tent, Achilles' love didst violently bring,

ἀασάμην, οὐδʼ αὐτὸς ἀναίνομαι. ἀντί νυ πολλῶν

Against my counsel, urging thee by all means to relent;

λαῶν ἐστὶν ἀνὴρ ὅν τε Ζεὺς κῆρι φιλήσῃ,

But you, obeying your high mind, would venture the event,

ὡς νῦν τοῦτον ἔτισε, δάμασσε δὲ λαὸν Ἀχαιῶν.

Dishonouring our ablest Greek, a man th' Immortals grace.

ἀλλʼ ἐπεὶ ἀασάμην φρεσὶ λευγαλέῃσι πιθήσας,

Again yet let's deliberate, to make him now embrace

ἂψ ἐθέλω ἀρέσαι δόμεναί τʼ ἀπερείσιʼ ἄποινα.

Affection to our gen'ral good, and bring his force to field;

ὑμῖν δʼ ἐν πάντεσσι περικλυτὰ δῶρʼ ὀνομήνω

Both which kind words and pleasing gifts must make his virtues yield.”

ἕπτʼ ἀπύρους τρίποδας, δέκα δὲ χρυσοῖο τάλαντα,

“O father,” answeréd the king, “my wrongs thou tell'st me right.

αἴθωνας δὲ λέβητας ἐείκοσι, δώδεκα δʼ ἵππους

Mine own offence mine own tongue grants. One man must stand in fight

πηγοὺς ἀθλοφόρους, οἳ ἀέθλια ποσσὶν ἄροντο.

For our whole army; him I wrong'd; him Jove loves from his heart,

οὔ κεν ἀλήϊος εἴη ἀνὴρ ᾧ τόσσα γένοιτο,

He shows it in thus honouring him; who, living thus apart,

οὐδέ κεν ἀκτήμων ἐριτίμοιο χρυσοῖο,

Proves us but number, for his want makes all our weakness seen.

ὅσσά μοι ἠνείκαντο ἀέθλια μώνυχες ἵπποι.

Yet after my confess'd offence, soothing my hum'rous spleen,

δώσω δʼ ἑπτὰ γυναῖκας ἀμύμονα ἔργα ἰδυίας

I'll sweeten his affects again with presents infinite,

Λεσβίδας, ἃς ὅτε Λέσβον ἐϋκτιμένην ἕλεν αὐτὸς

Which, to prove my firm intent, I'll openly recite:

ἐξελόμην, αἳ κάλλει ἐνίκων φῦλα γυναικῶν.

Sev'n sacred tripods free from fire; ten talents of fine gold;

τὰς μέν οἱ δώσω, μετὰ δʼ ἔσσεται ἣν τότʼ ἀπηύρων

Twenty bright cauldrons; twelve young horse, well-shap'd, and well-controll'd,

κούρη Βρισῆος· ἐπὶ δὲ μέγαν ὅρκον ὀμοῦμαι

And victors too, for they have won the prize at many a race,

μή ποτε τῆς εὐνῆς ἐπιβήμεναι ἠδὲ μιγῆναι,

That man should not be poor that had but what their wingéd pace

ἣ θέμις ἀνθρώπων πέλει ἀνδρῶν ἠδὲ γυναικῶν.

Hath added to my treasury, nor feel sweet gold's defect.

ταῦτα μὲν αὐτίκα πάντα παρέσσεται· εἰ δέ κεν αὖτε

Sev'n Lesbian ladies he shall have, that were the most select,

ἄστυ μέγα Πριάμοιο θεοὶ δώωσʼ ἀλαπάξαι,

And in their needles rarely skill'd, whom, when he took the town

νῆα ἅλις χρυσοῦ καὶ χαλκοῦ νηησάσθω

εἰσελθών, ὅτε κεν δατεώμεθα ληΐδʼ Ἀχαιοί,

Τρωϊάδας δὲ γυναῖκας ἐείκοσιν αὐτὸς ἑλέσθω,

αἴ κε μετʼ Ἀργείην Ἑλένην κάλλισται ἔωσιν.

εἰ δέ κεν Ἄργος ἱκοίμεθʼ Ἀχαιϊκὸν οὖθαρ ἀρούρης

Of famous Lesbos, I did choose; who won the chief renown

γαμβρός κέν μοι ἔοι· τίσω δέ μιν ἶσον Ὀρέστῃ,

For beauty from their whole fair sex; amongst whom I'll resign

ὅς μοι τηλύγετος τρέφεται θαλίῃ ἔνι πολλῇ.

Fair Brisis, and I deeply swear (for any fact of mine

τρεῖς δέ μοί εἰσι θύγατρες ἐνὶ μεγάρῳ εὐπήκτῳ

That may discourage her receipt) she is untouch'd, and rests

Χρυσόθεμις καὶ Λαοδίκη καὶ Ἰφιάνασσα,

As he resign'd her. To these gifts (if Jove to our requests

τάων ἥν κʼ ἐθέλῃσι φίλην ἀνάεδνον ἀγέσθω

Vouchsafe performance, and afford the work, for which we wait,

πρὸς οἶκον Πηλῆος· ἐγὼ δʼ ἐπὶ μείλια δώσω

Of winning Troy) with brass and gold he shall his navy freight;

πολλὰ μάλʼ, ὅσσʼ οὔ πώ τις ἑῇ ἐπέδωκε θυγατρί·

And, ent'ring when we be at spoil, that princely hand of his

ἑπτὰ δέ οἱ δώσω εὖ ναιόμενα πτολίεθρα

Shall choose him twenty Trojan dames, excepting Tyndaris,

Καρδαμύλην Ἐνόπην τε καὶ Ἱρὴν ποιήεσσαν

The fairest Pergamus enfolds; and, if we make retreat

Φηράς τε ζαθέας ἠδʼ Ἄνθειαν βαθύλειμον

To Argos, call'd of all the world the Navel, or chief seat,

καλήν τʼ Αἴπειαν καὶ Πήδασον ἀμπελόεσσαν.

He shall become my son-in-law, and I will honour him

πᾶσαι δʼ ἐγγὺς ἁλός, νέαται Πύλου ἠμαθόεντος·

Ev'n as Orestes, my sole son, that cloth in honours swim.

ἐν δʼ ἄνδρες ναίουσι πολύρρηνες πολυβοῦται,

Three daughters in my well-built court unmarried are, and fair;

οἵ κέ ἑ δωτίνῃσι θεὸν ὣς τιμήσουσι

Laodice, Chrysothemis that hath the golden hair,

καί οἱ ὑπὸ σκήπτρῳ λιπαρὰς τελέουσι θέμιστας.

And Iphianassa; of all three the worthiest let him take

ταῦτά κέ οἱ τελέσαιμι μεταλήξαντι χόλοιο.

All-jointureless to Peleus' court; I will her jointure make,

δμηθήτω· Ἀΐδης τοι ἀμείλιχος ἠδʼ ἀδάμαστος,

And that so great as never yet did any maid prefer,

τοὔνεκα καί τε βροτοῖσι θεῶν ἔχθιστος ἁπάντων·

Sev'n cities right magnificent, I will bestow on her;

καί μοι ὑποστήτω ὅσσον βασιλεύτερός εἰμι

Enope, and Cardamyle, Hira for herbs renown'd,

ἠδʼ ὅσσον γενεῇ προγενέστερος εὔχομαι εἶναι.

The fair Æpea, Pedasus that doth with grapes abound,

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ·

Anthæa girded with green meads, Phera surnam'd Divine;

Ἀτρεΐδη κύδιστε ἄναξ ἀνδρῶν Ἀγάμεμνον

All whose bright turrets on the sea, in sandy Pylos, shine.

δῶρα μὲν οὐκέτʼ ὀνοστὰ διδοῖς Ἀχιλῆϊ ἄνακτι·

Th' inhabitants in flocks and herds are wondrous confluent,

ἀλλʼ ἄγετε κλητοὺς ὀτρύνομεν, οἵ κε τάχιστα

Who like a God will honour him, and him with gifts present,

ἔλθωσʼ ἐς κλισίην Πηληϊάδεω Ἀχιλῆος.

And to his throne will contribute what tribute he will rate.

εἰ δʼ ἄγε τοὺς ἂν ἐγὼ ἐπιόψομαι οἳ δὲ πιθέσθων.

All this I gladly will perform, to pacify his hate.

Φοῖνιξ μὲν πρώτιστα Διῒ φίλος ἡγησάσθω,

Let him be mild and tractable; 'tis for the God of ghosts

αὐτὰρ ἔπειτʼ Αἴας τε μέγας καὶ δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς·

To be unrul'd, implacable, and seek the blood of hosts,

κηρύκων δʼ Ὀδίος τε καὶ Εὐρυβάτης ἅμʼ ἑπέσθων.

Whom therefore men do much abhor; then let him yield to me,

φέρτε δὲ χερσὶν ὕδωρ, εὐφημῆσαί τε κέλεσθε,

I am his greater, being a king, and more in years than he.”

ὄφρα Διὶ Κρονίδῃ ἀρησόμεθʼ, αἴ κʼ ἐλεήσῃ.

“Brave king,” said Nestor, “these rich gifts must make him needs relent,

ὣς φάτο, τοῖσι δὲ πᾶσιν ἑαδότα μῦθον ἔειπεν.

Choose then fit legates instantly to greet him at his tent,

αὐτίκα κήρυκες μὲν ὕδωρ ἐπὶ χεῖρας ἔχευαν,

But stay; admit my choice of them, and let them straight be gone.

κοῦροι δὲ κρητῆρας ἐπεστέψαντο ποτοῖο,

Jove-lovéd Phœnix shall be chief, then Ajax Telamon,

νώμησαν δʼ ἄρα πᾶσιν ἐπαρξάμενοι δεπάεσσιν.

And prince Ulysses; and on them let these two heralds wait,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ σπεῖσάν τʼ ἔπιόν θʼ ὅσον ἤθελε θυμός,

Grave Odius and Eurybates, Come, lords, take water straight,

ὁρμῶντʼ ἐκ κλισίης Ἀγαμέμνονος Ἀτρεΐδαο.

Make pure your hand, and with sweet words appease Achilles' mind,

τοῖσι δὲ πόλλʼ ἐπέτελλε Γερήνιος ἱππότα Νέστωρ

Which we will pray the king of Gods may gently make inclin'd.”

δενδίλλων ἐς ἕκαστον, Ὀδυσσῆϊ δὲ μάλιστα,

All lik'd his speech; and on their hands the heralds water shed,

πειρᾶν ὡς πεπίθοιεν ἀμύμονα Πηλεΐωνα.

The youths crown'd cups of sacred wine to all distributed.

τὼ δὲ βάτην παρὰ θῖνα πολυφλοίσβοιο θαλάσσης

But having sacrific'd, and drunk to ev'ry man's content,

πολλὰ μάλʼ εὐχομένω γαιηόχῳ ἐννοσιγαίῳ

With many notes by Nestor giv'n, the legates forward went.

ῥηϊδίως πεπιθεῖν μεγάλας φρένας Αἰακίδαο.

With courtship in fit gestures us'd he did prepare them well,

Μυρμιδόνων δʼ ἐπί τε κλισίας καὶ νῆας ἱκέσθην,

But most Ulysses, for his grace did not so much excel.

τὸν δʼ εὗρον φρένα τερπόμενον φόρμιγγι λιγείῃ

Such rites beseem ambassadors; and Nestor urgéd these,

καλῇ δαιδαλέῃ, ἐπὶ δʼ ἀργύρεον ζυγὸν ἦεν,

That their most honours might reflect enrag'd Æacides.

τὴν ἄρετʼ ἐξ ἐνάρων πόλιν Ἠετίωνος ὀλέσσας·

They went along the shore, and pray'd the God, that earth doth bind

τῇ ὅ γε θυμὸν ἔτερπεν, ἄειδε δʼ ἄρα κλέα ἀνδρῶν.

In brackish chains, they might not fail, but bow his mighty mind.

Πάτροκλος δέ οἱ οἶος ἐναντίος ἧστο σιωπῇ,

The quarter of the Myrmidons they reach'd, and found him set

δέγμενος Αἰακίδην ὁπότε λήξειεν ἀείδων,

Delighted with his solemn harp, which curiously was fret

τὼ δὲ βάτην προτέρω, ἡγεῖτο δὲ δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς,

With works conceited, through the verge; the bawdrick that embrac'd

στὰν δὲ πρόσθʼ αὐτοῖο· ταφὼν δʼ ἀνόρουσεν Ἀχιλλεὺς

His lofty neck was silver twist; this, when his hand laid waste

αὐτῇ σὺν φόρμιγγι λιπὼν ἕδος ἔνθα θάασσεν.

Aëtion's city, he did choose as his especial prise,

ὣς δʼ αὔτως Πάτροκλος, ἐπεὶ ἴδε φῶτας, ἀνέστη.

And, loving sacred music well, made it his exercise.

τὼ καὶ δεικνύμενος προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς·

To it he sung the glorious deeds of great heroës dead,

χαίρετον· ἦ φίλοι ἄνδρες ἱκάνετον ἦ τι μάλα χρεώ,

And his true mind, that practice fail'd, sweet contemplation fed.

οἵ μοι σκυζομένῳ περ Ἀχαιῶν φίλτατοί ἐστον.

With him alone, and opposite, all silent sat his friend,

ὣς ἄρα φωνήσας προτέρω ἄγε δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς,

Attentive, and beholding him, who now his song did end.

εἷσεν δʼ ἐν κλισμοῖσι τάπησί τε πορφυρέοισιν.

Th' ambassadors did forwards press, renown'd Ulysses led,

αἶψα δὲ Πάτροκλον προσεφώνεεν ἐγγὺς ἐόντα·

And stood in view. Their sudden sight his admiration bred,

μείζονα δὴ κρητῆρα Μενοιτίου υἱὲ καθίστα,

Who with his harp and all arose; so did Menœtius' son

ζωρότερον δὲ κέραιε, δέπας δʼ ἔντυνον ἑκάστῳ·

When he beheld them. Their receipt Achilles thus begun:

οἳ γὰρ φίλτατοι ἄνδρες ἐμῷ ὑπέασι μελάθρῳ.

“Health to my lords! Right welcome men, assure yourselves you be,

ὣς φάτο, Πάτροκλος δὲ φίλῳ ἐπεπείθεθʼ ἑταίρῳ.

Though some necessity, I know, doth make you visit me,

αὐτὰρ ὅ γε κρεῖον μέγα κάββαλεν ἐν πυρὸς αὐγῇ,

Incens'd with just cause 'gainst the Greeks.” This said, a sev'ral seat

ἐν δʼ ἄρα νῶτον ἔθηκʼ ὄϊος καὶ πίονος αἰγός,

ἐν δὲ συὸς σιάλοιο ῥάχιν τεθαλυῖαν ἀλοιφῇ.

τῷ δʼ ἔχεν Αὐτομέδων, τάμνεν δʼ ἄρα δῖος Ἀχιλλεύς.

καὶ τὰ μὲν εὖ μίστυλλε καὶ ἀμφʼ ὀβελοῖσιν ἔπειρε,

πῦρ δὲ Μενοιτιάδης δαῖεν μέγα ἰσόθεος φώς.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ κατὰ πῦρ ἐκάη καὶ φλὸξ ἐμαράνθη,

With purple cushions he set forth, and did their ease intreat,

ἀνθρακιὴν στορέσας ὀβελοὺς ἐφύπερθε τάνυσσε,

And said: “Now, friend, our greatest bowl, with wine unmix'd and neat,

πάσσε δʼ ἁλὸς θείοιο κρατευτάων ἐπαείρας.

Appose these lords, and of the depth let every man make proof,

αὐτὰρ ἐπεί ῥʼ ὤπτησε καὶ εἰν ἐλεοῖσιν ἔχευε,

These are my best esteeméd friends, and underneath my roof.”

Πάτροκλος μὲν σῖτον ἑλὼν ἐπένειμε τραπέζῃ

Patroclus did his dear friend's will; and he that did desire

καλοῖς ἐν κανέοισιν, ἀτὰρ κρέα νεῖμεν Ἀχιλλεύς.

To cheer the lords, come faint from fight, set on a blazing fire

αὐτὸς δʼ ἀντίον ἷζεν Ὀδυσσῆος θείοιο

A great brass pot, and into it a chine of mutton put,

τοίχου τοῦ ἑτέροιο, θεοῖσι δὲ θῦσαι ἀνώγει

And fat goat's flesh. Automedon held, while he pieces cut,

Πάτροκλον ὃν ἑταῖρον· ὃ δʼ ἐν πυρὶ βάλλε θυηλάς.

To roast and boil, right cunningly; then of a well-fed swine

οἳ δʼ ἐπʼ ὀνείαθʼ ἑτοῖμα προκείμενα χεῖρας ἴαλλον.

A huge fat shoulder he cuts out, and spits it wondrous fine.

αὐτὰρ ἐπεὶ πόσιος καὶ ἐδητύος ἐξ ἔρον ἕντο,

His good friend made a goodly fire; of which the force once past,

νεῦσʼ Αἴας Φοίνικι· νόησε δὲ δῖος Ὀδυσσεύς,

He laid the spit low, near the coals, to make it brown at last,

πλησάμενος δʼ οἴνοιο δέπας δείδεκτʼ Ἀχιλῆα·

Then sprinkled it with sacred salt, and took it from the racks.

χαῖρʼ Ἀχιλεῦ· δαιτὸς μὲν ἐΐσης οὐκ ἐπιδευεῖς

This roasted and on dresser set, his friend Patroclus takes

ἠμὲν ἐνὶ κλισίῃ Ἀγαμέμνονος Ἀτρεΐδαο

Bread in fair baskets; which set on, Achilles brought the meat,

ἠδὲ καὶ ἐνθάδε νῦν, πάρα γὰρ μενοεικέα πολλὰ

And to divinest Ithacus took his opposéd seat

δαίνυσθʼ· ἀλλʼ οὐ δαιτὸς ἐπηράτου ἔργα μέμηλεν,

Upon the bench. Then did he will his friend to sacrifice,

ἀλλὰ λίην μέγα πῆμα διοτρεφὲς εἰσορόωντες

Who cast sweet incense in the fire to all the Deities.

δείδιμεν· ἐν δοιῇ δὲ σαωσέμεν ἢ ἀπολέσθαι

Thus fell they to their ready food. Hunger and thirst allay'd,

νῆας ἐϋσσέλμους, εἰ μὴ σύ γε δύσεαι ἀλκήν.

Ajax to Phœnix made a sign, as if too long they stay'd

ἐγγὺς γὰρ νηῶν καὶ τείχεος αὖλιν ἔθεντο

Before they told their legacy. Ulysses saw him wink,

Τρῶες ὑπέρθυμοι τηλεκλειτοί τʼ ἐπίκουροι

And, filling the great bowl with wine, did to Achilles drink:

κηάμενοι πυρὰ πολλὰ κατὰ στρατόν, οὐδʼ ἔτι φασὶ

“Health to Achilles! But our plights stand not in need of meat,

σχήσεσθʼ, ἀλλʼ ἐν νηυσὶ μελαίνῃσιν πεσέεσθαι.

Who late supp'd at Atrides' tent, though for thy love we eat

Ζεὺς δέ σφι Κρονίδης ἐνδέξια σήματα φαίνων

Of many things, whereof a part would make a cómplete feast.

ἀστράπτει· Ἕκτωρ δὲ μέγα σθένεϊ βλεμεαίνων

Nor can we joy in these kind rites, that have our hearts oppress'd,

μαίνεται ἐκπάγλως πίσυνος Διί, οὐδέ τι τίει

O prince, with fear of utter spoil. 'Tis made a question now,

ἀνέρας οὐδὲ θεούς· κρατερὴ δέ ἑ λύσσα δέδυκεν.

If we can save our fleet or not, unless thyself endow

ἀρᾶται δὲ τάχιστα φανήμεναι Ἠῶ δῖαν·

Thy pow'rs with wonted fortitude. Now Troy and her consórts,

στεῦται γὰρ νηῶν ἀποκόψειν ἄκρα κόρυμβα

Bold of thy want, have pitch'd their tents close to our fleet and forts,

αὐτάς τʼ ἐμπρήσειν μαλεροῦ πυρός, αὐτὰρ Ἀχαιοὺς

And made a firmament of fires; and now no more, they say,

δῃώσειν παρὰ τῇσιν ὀρινομένους ὑπὸ καπνοῦ.

Will they be prison'd in their walls, but force their violent way

ταῦτʼ αἰνῶς δείδοικα κατὰ φρένα, μή οἱ ἀπειλὰς

Ev'n to our ships; and Jove himself hath with his lightnings show'd

ἐκτελέσωσι θεοί, ἡμῖν δὲ δὴ αἴσιμον εἴη

Their bold adventures happy signs; and Hector grows so proud

φθίσθαι ἐνὶ Τροίῃ ἑκὰς Ἄργεος ἱπποβότοιο.

Of his huge strength, borne out by Jove, that fearfully he raves,

ἀλλʼ ἄνα εἰ μέμονάς γε καὶ ὀψέ περ υἷας Ἀχαιῶν

Presuming neither men nor Gods can interrupt his braves.

τειρομένους ἐρύεσθαι ὑπὸ Τρώων ὀρυμαγδοῦ.

Wild rage invades him, and he prays that soon the sacred Morn

αὐτῷ τοι μετόπισθʼ ἄχος ἔσσεται, οὐδέ τι μῆχος

Would light his fury; boasting then our streamers shall be torn,

ῥεχθέντος κακοῦ ἔστʼ ἄκος εὑρεῖν· ἀλλὰ πολὺ πρὶν

And all our naval ornaments fall by his conqu'ring stroke,

φράζευ ὅπως Δαναοῖσιν ἀλεξήσεις κακὸν ἦμαρ.

Our ships shall burn, and we ourselves lie stifled in the smoke.

ὦ πέπον ἦ μὲν σοί γε πατὴρ ἐπετέλλετο Πηλεὺς

And I am seriously afraid, Heav'n will perform his threats,

ἤματι τῷ ὅτε σʼ ἐκ Φθίης Ἀγαμέμνονι πέμπε·

And that 'tis fatal to us all, far from our native seats,

τέκνον ἐμὸν κάρτος μὲν Ἀθηναίη τε καὶ Ἥρη

To perish in victorious Troy. But rise, though it be late,

δώσουσʼ αἴ κʼ ἐθέλωσι, σὺ δὲ μεγαλήτορα θυμὸν

Deliver the afflicted Greeks from Troy's tumultuous hate;

ἴσχειν ἐν στήθεσσι· φιλοφροσύνη γὰρ ἀμείνων·

It will hereafter be thy grief, when no strength can suffice

ληγέμεναι δʼ ἔριδος κακομηχάνου, ὄφρά σε μᾶλλον

To remedy th' effected threats of our calamities.

τίωσʼ Ἀργείων ἠμὲν νέοι ἠδὲ γέροντες.

Consider these affairs in time, while thou mayst use thy pow'r.

ὣς ἐπέτελλʼ ὃ γέρων, σὺ δὲ λήθεαι· ἀλλʼ ἔτι καὶ νῦν

And have the grace to turn from Greece fate's unrecover'd hour.

παύεʼ, ἔα δὲ χόλον θυμαλγέα· σοὶ δʼ Ἀγαμέμνων

O friend, thou know'st thy royal sire forewarn'd what should be done,

ἄξια δῶρα δίδωσι μεταλήξαντι χόλοιο.

That day he sent thee from his court to honour Atreus' son:

εἰ δὲ σὺ μέν μευ ἄκουσον, ἐγὼ δέ κέ τοι καταλέξω

'My son,' said he, 'the victory let Jove and Pallas use

ὅσσά τοι ἐν κλισίῃσιν ὑπέσχετο δῶρʼ Ἀγαμέμνων·

At their high pleasures, but do thou no honour'd means refuse

ἕπτʼ ἀπύρους τρίποδας, δέκα δὲ χρυσοῖο τάλαντα,

That may advance her. In fit bounds contain thy mighty mind,

αἴθωνας δὲ λέβητας ἐείκοσι, δώδεκα δʼ ἵππους

Nor let the knowledge of thy strength be factiously inclin'd,

πηγοὺς ἀθλοφόρους, οἳ ἀέθλια ποσσὶν ἄροντο.

Contriving mischiefs. Be to fame and gen'ral good profess'd.

οὔ κεν ἀλήϊος εἴη ἀνὴρ ᾧ τόσσα γένοιτο

The more will all sorts honour thee. Benignity is best.'

οὐδέ κεν ἀκτήμων ἐριτίμοιο χρυσοῖο,

Thus charg'd thy sire, which thou forgett'st. Yet now those thoughts appease,

ὅσσʼ Ἀγαμέμνονος ἵπποι ἀέθλια ποσσὶν ἄροντο.

That torture thy great spirit with wrath; which if thou wilt surcease,

δώσει δʼ ἑπτὰ γυναῖκας ἀμύμονα ἔργα ἰδυίας

The king will merit it with gifts; and, if thou wilt give ear,

Λεσβίδας, ἃς ὅτε Λέσβον ἐϋκτιμένην ἕλες αὐτὸς

I'll tell how much he offers thee yet thou sitt'st angry here:

ἐξέλεθʼ, αἳ τότε κάλλει ἐνίκων φῦλα γυναικῶν.

Sev'n tripods that no fire must touch; twice-ten pans, fit for flame;

τὰς μέν τοι δώσει, μετὰ δʼ ἔσσεται ἣν τότʼ ἀπηύρα

Ten talents of fine gold; twelve horse that ever overcame,

κούρη Βρισῆος· ἐπὶ δὲ μέγαν ὅρκον ὀμεῖται

And brought huge prises from the field, with swiftness of their feet,

μή ποτε τῆς εὐνῆς ἐπιβήμεναι ἠδὲ μιγῆναι

That man should bear no poor account, nor want gold's quick'ning sweet,

ἣ θέμις ἐστὶν ἄναξ ἤτʼ ἀνδρῶν ἤτε γυναικῶν.

That had but what he won with them; sev'n worthiest Lesbian dames,

ταῦτα μὲν αὐτίκα πάντα παρέσσεται· εἰ δέ κεν αὖτε

Renown'd for skill in housewif'ry, and bear the sov'reign fames

ἄστυ μέγα Πριάμοιο θεοὶ δώωσʼ ἀλαπάξαι,

For beauty from their gen'ral sex, which, at thy overthrow

νῆα ἅλις χρυσοῦ καὶ χαλκοῦ νηήσασθαι

εἰσελθών, ὅτε κεν δατεώμεθα ληΐδʼ Ἀχαιοί,

Τρωϊάδας δὲ γυναῖκας ἐείκοσιν αὐτὸς ἑλέσθαι,

αἵ κε μετʼ Ἀργείην Ἑλένην κάλλισται ἔωσιν.

εἰ δέ κεν Ἄργος ἱκοίμεθʼ Ἀχαιϊκὸν οὖθαρ ἀρούρης

Of well-built Lesbos, he did choose; and these he will bestow,

γαμβρός κέν οἱ ἔοις· τίσει δέ σε ἶσον Ὀρέστῃ,

And with these her he took from thee, whom, by his state, since then,

ὅς οἱ τηλύγετος τρέφεται θαλίῃ ἔνι πολλῇ.

He swears he touch'd not, as fair dames use to be touch'd by men.

τρεῖς δέ οἵ εἰσι θύγατρες ἐνὶ μεγάρῳ εὐπήκτῳ

All these are ready for thee now. And, if at length we take,

Χρυσόθεμις καὶ Λαοδίκη καὶ Ἰφιάνασσα,

By helps of Gods, this wealthy town, thy ships shall burthen make

τάων ἥν κʼ ἐθέλῃσθα φίλην ἀνάεδνον ἄγεσθαι

Of gold and brass at thy desires, when we the spoil divide;

πρὸς οἶκον Πηλῆος· ὃ δʼ αὖτʼ ἐπὶ μείλια δώσει

And twenty beauteous Trojan dames thou shalt select beside,

πολλὰ μάλʼ, ὅσσʼ οὔ πώ τις ἑῇ ἐπέδωκε θυγατρί·

Next Helen, the most beautiful; and, when return'd we be

ἑπτὰ δέ τοι δώσει εὖ ναιόμενα πτολίεθρα

To Argos, be his son-in-law, for he will honour thee

Καρδαμύλην Ἐνόπην τε καὶ Ἱρὴν ποιήεσσαν

Like his Orestes, his sole son, maintained in height of bliss.

Φηράς τε ζαθέας ἠδʼ Ἄνθειαν βαθύλειμον

Three daughters beautify his court, the fair Chrysothemis,

καλήν τʼ Αἴπειαν καὶ Πήδασον ἀμπελόεσσαν.

Laodice, and Iphianesse; of all the fairest take

πᾶσαι δʼ ἐγγὺς ἁλός, νέαται Πύλου ἠμαθόεντος·

To Peleus' thy grave father's court, and never jointure make;

ἐν δʼ ἄνδρες ναίουσι πολύρρηνες πολυβοῦται,

He will the jointure make himself, so great, as never sire

οἵ κέ σε δωτίνῃσι θεὸν ὣς τιμήσουσι

Gave to his daughter's nuptials. Sev'n cities left entire;

καί τοι ὑπὸ σκήπτρῳ λιπαρὰς τελέουσι θέμιστας.

Cardamyle, and Enope, and Hira full of flow'rs,

ταῦτά κέ τοι τελέσειε μεταλήξαντι χόλοιο.

Anthæa for sweet meadows prais'd, and Phera deck'd with tow'rs,

εἰ δέ τοι Ἀτρεΐδης μὲν ἀπήχθετο κηρόθι μᾶλλον

The bright Epea, Pedasus that doth God Bacchus please;

αὐτὸς καὶ τοῦ δῶρα, σὺ δʼ ἄλλους περ Παναχαιοὺς

All, on the sandy Pylos' soil, are seated near the seas;

τειρομένους ἐλέαιρε κατὰ στρατόν, οἵ σε θεὸν ὣς

Th' inhabitants in droves and flocks exceeding wealthy be,

τίσουσʼ· ἦ γάρ κέ σφι μάλα μέγα κῦδος ἄροιο·

Who, like a God, with worthy gifts will gladly honour thee,

νῦν γάρ χʼ Ἕκτορʼ ἕλοις, ἐπεὶ ἂν μάλα τοι σχεδὸν ἔλθοι

And tribute of especial rate to thy high sceptre pay.

λύσσαν ἔχων ὀλοήν, ἐπεὶ οὔ τινά φησιν ὁμοῖον

All this he freely will perform, thy anger to allay.

οἷ ἔμεναι Δαναῶν οὓς ἐνθάδε νῆες ἔνεικαν.

But if thy hate to him be more than his gifts may repress,

τὸν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς·

Yet pity all the other Greeks, in such extreme distress,

διογενὲς Λαερτιάδη πολυμήχανʼ Ὀδυσσεῦ

Who with religion honour thee; and to their desp'rate ill

χρὴ μὲν δὴ τὸν μῦθον ἀπηλεγέως ἀποειπεῖν,

Thou shalt triumphant glory bring; and Hector thou may'st kill,

ᾗ περ δὴ φρονέω τε καὶ ὡς τετελεσμένον ἔσται,

When pride makes him encounter thee, fill'd with a baneful sprite,

ὡς μή μοι τρύζητε παρήμενοι ἄλλοθεν ἄλλος.

Who vaunts our whole fleet brought not one, equal to him in fight.”

ἐχθρὸς γάρ μοι κεῖνος ὁμῶς Ἀΐδαο πύλῃσιν

Swift-foot Æacides replied: “Divine Laertes' son,

ὅς χʼ ἕτερον μὲν κεύθῃ ἐνὶ φρεσίν, ἄλλο δὲ εἴπῃ.

'Tis requisite I should be short, and show what place hath won

αὐτὰρ ἐγὼν ἐρέω ὥς μοι δοκεῖ εἶναι ἄριστα·

Thy serious speech, affirming nought but what you shall approve

οὔτʼ ἔμεγʼ Ἀτρεΐδην Ἀγαμέμνονα πεισέμεν οἴω

Establish'd in my settled heart, that in the rest I move

οὔτʼ ἄλλους Δαναούς, ἐπεὶ οὐκ ἄρα τις χάρις ἦεν

No murmur nor exceptión; for, like hell mouth I loath,

μάρνασθαι δηΐοισιν ἐπʼ ἀνδράσι νωλεμὲς αἰεί.

Who holds not in his words and thoughts one indistinguish'd troth.

ἴση μοῖρα μένοντι καὶ εἰ μάλα τις πολεμίζοι·

What fits the freeness of my mind, my speech shall make display'd.

ἐν δὲ ἰῇ τιμῇ ἠμὲν κακὸς ἠδὲ καὶ ἐσθλός·

Nor Atreus' son, nor all the Greeks, shall win me to their aid,

κάτθανʼ ὁμῶς ὅ τʼ ἀεργὸς ἀνὴρ ὅ τε πολλὰ ἐοργώς.

Their suit is wretchedly enforc'd, to free their own despairs,

οὐδέ τί μοι περίκειται, ἐπεὶ πάθον ἄλγεα θυμῷ

And my life never shall be hir'd with thankless desp'rate pray'rs;

αἰεὶ ἐμὴν ψυχὴν παραβαλλόμενος πολεμίζειν.

For never had I benefit, that ever foil'd the foe;

ὡς δʼ ὄρνις ἀπτῆσι νεοσσοῖσι προφέρῃσι

Ev'n share hath he that keeps his tent, and he to field doth go,

μάστακʼ ἐπεί κε λάβῃσι, κακῶς δʼ ἄρα οἱ πέλει αὐτῇ,

With equal honour cowards die, and men most valiant,

ὣς καὶ ἐγὼ πολλὰς μὲν ἀΰπνους νύκτας ἴαυον,

The much performer, and the man that can of nothing vaunt.

ἤματα δʼ αἱματόεντα διέπρησσον πολεμίζων

No overplus I ever found, when, with my mind's most strife

ἀνδράσι μαρνάμενος ὀάρων ἕνεκα σφετεράων.

To do them good, to dang'rous fight I have expos'd my life.

δώδεκα δὴ σὺν νηυσὶ πόλεις ἀλάπαξʼ ἀνθρώπων,

But ev'n as to unfeather'd birds the careful dam brings meat,

πεζὸς δʼ ἕνδεκά φημι κατὰ Τροίην ἐρίβωλον·

Which when she hath bestow'd, herself hath nothing left to eat;

τάων ἐκ πασέων κειμήλια πολλὰ καὶ ἐσθλὰ

So, when my broken sleeps have drawn the nights t' extremest length,

ἐξελόμην, καὶ πάντα φέρων Ἀγαμέμνονι δόσκον

And ended many bloody days with still-employéd strength,

Ἀτρεΐδῃ· ὃ δʼ ὄπισθε μένων παρὰ νηυσὶ θοῇσι

To guard their weakness, and preserve their wives' contents infract,

δεξάμενος διὰ παῦρα δασάσκετο, πολλὰ δʼ ἔχεσκεν.

I have been robb'd before their eyes: Twelve cities I have sack'd

ἄλλα δʼ ἀριστήεσσι δίδου γέρα καὶ βασιλεῦσι·

Assail'd by sea, elev'n by land, while this siege held at Troy;

τοῖσι μὲν ἔμπεδα κεῖται, ἐμεῦ δʼ ἀπὸ μούνου Ἀχαιῶν

And of all these, what was most dear, and most might crown the joy

εἵλετʼ, ἔχει δʼ ἄλοχον θυμαρέα· τῇ παριαύων

Of Agamemnon, he enjoy'd, who here behind remain'd:

τερπέσθω. τί δὲ δεῖ πολεμιζέμεναι Τρώεσσιν

Which when he took, a few he gave, and many things retain'd,

Ἀργείους; τί δὲ λαὸν ἀνήγαγεν ἐνθάδʼ ἀγείρας

Other to optimates and kings he gave, who hold them fast,

Ἀτρεΐδης; ἦ οὐχ Ἑλένης ἕνεκʼ ἠϋκόμοιο;

Yet mine he forceth; only I sit with my loss disgrac'd.

ἦ μοῦνοι φιλέουσʼ ἀλόχους μερόπων ἀνθρώπων

But so he gain a lovely dame, to be his bed's delight,

Ἀτρεΐδαι; ἐπεὶ ὅς τις ἀνὴρ ἀγαθὸς καὶ ἐχέφρων

It is enough; for what cause else do Greeks and Trojans fight?

τὴν αὐτοῦ φιλέει καὶ κήδεται, ὡς καὶ ἐγὼ τὴν

Why brought he hither such an host? Was it not for a dame?

ἐκ θυμοῦ φίλεον δουρικτητήν περ ἐοῦσαν.

For fair-hair'd Helen? And doth love alone the hearts inflame

νῦν δʼ ἐπεὶ ἐκ χειρῶν γέρας εἵλετο καί μʼ ἀπάτησε

Of the Atrides to their wives, of all the men that move?

μή μευ πειράτω εὖ εἰδότος· οὐδέ με πείσει.

Ev'ry discreet and honest mind cares for his private love,

ἀλλʼ Ὀδυσεῦ σὺν σοί τε καὶ ἄλλοισιν βασιλεῦσι

As much as they; as I myself lov'd Brisis as my life,

φραζέσθω νήεσσιν ἀλεξέμεναι δήϊον πῦρ.

Although my captive, and had will to take her for my wife.

ἦ μὲν δὴ μάλα πολλὰ πονήσατο νόσφιν ἐμεῖο,

Whom since he forc'd, preventing me, in vain he shall prolong

καὶ δὴ τεῖχος ἔδειμε, καὶ ἤλασε τάφρον ἐπʼ αὐτῷ

εὐρεῖαν μεγάλην, ἐν δὲ σκόλοπας κατέπηξεν·

ἀλλʼ οὐδʼ ὧς δύναται σθένος Ἕκτορος ἀνδροφόνοιο

ἴσχειν· ὄφρα δʼ ἐγὼ μετʼ Ἀχαιοῖσιν πολέμιζον

οὐκ ἐθέλεσκε μάχην ἀπὸ τείχεος ὀρνύμεν Ἕκτωρ,

ἀλλʼ ὅσον ἐς Σκαιάς τε πύλας καὶ φηγὸν ἵκανεν·

Hopes to appease me that know well the deepness of my wrong.

ἔνθά ποτʼ οἶον ἔμιμνε, μόγις δέ μευ ἔκφυγεν ὁρμήν.

But, good Ulysses, with thyself, and all you other kings,

νῦν δʼ ἐπεὶ οὐκ ἐθέλω πολεμιζέμεν Ἕκτορι δίῳ

Let him take stomach to repel Troy's fi'ry threatenings.

αὔριον ἱρὰ Διὶ ῥέξας καὶ πᾶσι θεοῖσι

Much hath he done without my help, built him a goodly fort,

νηήσας εὖ νῆας, ἐπὴν ἅλα δὲ προερύσσω,

Cut a dike by it, pitch'd with pales, broad and of deep import;

ὄψεαι, αἴ κʼ ἐθέλῃσθα καὶ αἴ κέν τοι τὰ μεμήλῃ,

And cannot all these helps repress this kill-man Hector's fright?

ἦρι μάλʼ Ἑλλήσποντον ἐπʼ ἰχθυόεντα πλεούσας

When I was arm'd among the Greeks, he would not offer fight

νῆας ἐμάς, ἐν δʼ ἄνδρας ἐρεσσέμεναι μεμαῶτας·

Without the shadow of his walls; but to the Scæan ports,

εἰ δέ κεν εὐπλοίην δώῃ κλυτὸς ἐννοσίγαιος

Or to the holy beach of Jove, come back'd with his consorts;

ἤματί κε τριτάτῳ Φθίην ἐρίβωλον ἱκοίμην.

Where once he stood my charge alone, and hardly made retreat,

ἔστι δέ μοι μάλα πολλά, τὰ κάλλιπον ἐνθάδε ἔρρων·

And to make new proof of our pow'rs, the doubt is not so great.

ἄλλον δʼ ἐνθένδε χρυσὸν καὶ χαλκὸν ἐρυθρὸν

To-morrow then, with sacrifice perform'd t' imperial Jove

ἠδὲ γυναῖκας ἐϋζώνους πολιόν τε σίδηρον

And all the Gods, I'll launch my fleet, and all my men remove;

ἄξομαι, ἅσσʼ ἔλαχόν γε· γέρας δέ μοι, ὅς περ ἔδωκεν,

Which (if thou wilt use so thy sight, or think'st it worth respect)

αὖτις ἐφυβρίζων ἕλετο κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων

In forehead of the morn, thine eyes shall see, with sails erect

Ἀτρεΐδης· τῷ πάντʼ ἀγορευέμεν ὡς ἐπιτέλλω

Amidst the fishy Hellespont, help'd with laborious oars.

ἀμφαδόν, ὄφρα καὶ ἄλλοι ἐπισκύζωνται Ἀχαιοὶ

And, if the Sea-god send free sail, the fruitful Phthian shores

εἴ τινά που Δαναῶν ἔτι ἔλπεται ἐξαπατήσειν

Within three days we shall attain, where I have store of prise

αἰὲν ἀναιδείην ἐπιειμένος· οὐδʼ ἂν ἔμοιγε

Left, when with prejudice I came to these indignities.

τετλαίη κύνεός περ ἐὼν εἰς ὦπα ἰδέσθαι·

There have I gold as well as here, and store of ruddy brass,

οὐδέ τί οἱ βουλὰς συμφράσσομαι, οὐδὲ μὲν ἔργον·

Dames slender, elegantly girt, and steel as bright as glass.

ἐκ γὰρ δή μʼ ἀπάτησε καὶ ἤλιτεν· οὐδʼ ἂν ἔτʼ αὖτις

These will I take as I retire, as shares I firmly save,

ἐξαπάφοιτʼ ἐπέεσσιν· ἅλις δέ οἱ· ἀλλὰ ἕκηλος

Though Agamemnon be so base to take the gifts he gave.

ἐρρέτω· ἐκ γάρ εὑ φρένας εἵλετο μητίετα Ζεύς.

Tell him all this, and openly, I on your honours charge,

ἐχθρὰ δέ μοι τοῦ δῶρα, τίω δέ μιν ἐν καρὸς αἴσῃ.

That others may take shame to hear his lusts command so large,

οὐδʼ εἴ μοι δεκάκις τε καὶ εἰκοσάκις τόσα δοίη

And, if there yet remain a man he hopeth to deceive

ὅσσά τέ οἱ νῦν ἔστι, καὶ εἴ ποθεν ἄλλα γένοιτο,

(Being dyed in endless impudence) that man may learn to leave

οὐδʼ ὅσʼ ἐς Ὀρχομενὸν ποτινίσεται, οὐδʼ ὅσα Θήβας

His trust and empire. But alas, though, like a wolf he be,

Αἰγυπτίας, ὅθι πλεῖστα δόμοις ἐν κτήματα κεῖται,

Shameless and rude, he durst not take my prise, and look on me.

αἵ θʼ ἑκατόμπυλοί εἰσι, διηκόσιοι δʼ ἀνʼ ἑκάστας

I never will partake his works, nor counsels, as before,

ἀνέρες ἐξοιχνεῦσι σὺν ἵπποισιν καὶ ὄχεσφιν·

He once deceiv'd and injur'd me, and he shall never more

οὐδʼ εἴ μοι τόσα δοίη ὅσα ψάμαθός τε κόνις τε,

Tye my affections with his words. Enough is the increase

οὐδέ κεν ὧς ἔτι θυμὸν ἐμὸν πείσειʼ Ἀγαμέμνων

Of one success in his deceits; which let him joy in peace,

πρίν γʼ ἀπὸ πᾶσαν ἐμοὶ δόμεναι θυμαλγέα λώβην.

And bear it to a wretched end. Wise Jove hath reft his brain

κούρην δʼ οὐ γαμέω Ἀγαμέμνονος Ἀτρεΐδαο,

To bring him plagues, and these his gifts I, as my foes, disdain.

οὐδʼ εἰ χρυσείῃ Ἀφροδίτῃ κάλλος ἐρίζοι,

Ev'n in the numbness of calm death I will revengeful be,

ἔργα δʼ Ἀθηναίῃ γλαυκώπιδι ἰσοφαρίζοι·

Though ten or twenty times so much he would bestow on me,

οὐδέ μιν ὧς γαμέω· ὃ δʼ Ἀχαιῶν ἄλλον ἑλέσθω,

All he hath here, or any where, or Orchomen contains,

ὅς τις οἷ τʼ ἐπέοικε καὶ ὃς βασιλεύτερός ἐστιν.

To which men bring their wealth for strength, or all the store remains

ἢν γὰρ δή με σαῶσι θεοὶ καὶ οἴκαδʼ ἵκωμαι,

In circuit of Egyptian Thebes, where much hid treasure lies,

Πηλεύς θήν μοι ἔπειτα γυναῖκά γε μάσσεται αὐτός.

Whose walls contain an hundred ports, of so admir'd a size

πολλαὶ Ἀχαιΐδες εἰσὶν ἀνʼ Ἑλλάδα τε Φθίην τε

Two hundred soldiers may a-front with horse and chariots pass.

κοῦραι ἀριστήων, οἵ τε πτολίεθρα ῥύονται,

Nor, would he amplify all this like sand, or dust, or grass,

τάων ἥν κʼ ἐθέλωμι φίλην ποιήσομʼ ἄκοιτιν.

Should he reclaim me, till this wreak pay'd me for all the pains

ἔνθα δέ μοι μάλα πολλὸν ἐπέσσυτο θυμὸς ἀγήνωρ

That with his contumely burn'd, like poison, in my veins.

γήμαντα μνηστὴν ἄλοχον ἐϊκυῖαν ἄκοιτιν

Nor shall his daughter be my wife, although she might contend

κτήμασι τέρπεσθαι τὰ γέρων ἐκτήσατο Πηλεύς·

With golden Venus for her form, or if she did transcend

οὐ γὰρ ἐμοὶ ψυχῆς ἀντάξιον οὐδʼ ὅσα φασὶν

Blue-ey'd Minerva for her works; let him a Greek select

Ἴλιον ἐκτῆσθαι εὖ ναιόμενον πτολίεθρον

Fit for her, and a greater king. For if the Gods protect

τὸ πρὶν ἐπʼ εἰρήνης, πρὶν ἐλθεῖν υἷας Ἀχαιῶν,

My safety to my father's court, he shall choose me a wife.

οὐδʼ ὅσα λάϊνος οὐδὸς ἀφήτορος ἐντὸς ἐέργει

Many fair Achive princesses of unimpeachéd life

Φοίβου Ἀπόλλωνος Πυθοῖ ἔνι πετρηέσσῃ.

In Helle and in Phthia live, whose sires do cities hold,

ληϊστοὶ μὲν γάρ τε βόες καὶ ἴφια μῆλα,

Of whom I can have whom I will. And, more an hundred fold

κτητοὶ δὲ τρίποδές τε καὶ ἵππων ξανθὰ κάρηνα,

My true mind in my country likes to take a lawful wife

ἀνδρὸς δὲ ψυχὴ πάλιν ἐλθεῖν οὔτε λεϊστὴ

Than in another nation; and there delight my life

οὔθʼ ἑλετή, ἐπεὶ ἄρ κεν ἀμείψεται ἕρκος ὀδόντων.

With those goods that my father got, much rather than die here.

μήτηρ γάρ τέ μέ φησι θεὰ Θέτις ἀργυρόπεζα

Not all the wealth of well-built Troy, possess'd when peace was there,

διχθαδίας κῆρας φερέμεν θανάτοιο τέλος δέ.

All that Apollo's marble fane in stony Pythos holds,

εἰ μέν κʼ αὖθι μένων Τρώων πόλιν ἀμφιμάχωμαι,

I value equal with the life that my free breast enfolds.

ὤλετο μέν μοι νόστος, ἀτὰρ κλέος ἄφθιτον ἔσται·

Sheep, oxen, tripods, crest-deck'd horse, though lost, may come again,

εἰ δέ κεν οἴκαδʼ ἵκωμι φίλην ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν,

But when the white guard of our teeth no longer can contain

ὤλετό μοι κλέος ἐσθλόν, ἐπὶ δηρὸν δέ μοι αἰὼν

Our human soul, away it flies, and, once gone, never more

ἔσσεται, οὐδέ κέ μʼ ὦκα τέλος θανάτοιο κιχείη.

To her frail mansion any man can her lost pow'rs restore.

καὶ δʼ ἂν τοῖς ἄλλοισιν ἐγὼ παραμυθησαίμην

And therefore since my mother-queen, fam'd for her silver feet,

οἴκαδʼ ἀποπλείειν, ἐπεὶ οὐκέτι δήετε τέκμωρ

Told me two fates about my death in my direction meet:

Ἰλίου αἰπεινῆς· μάλα γάρ ἑθεν εὐρύοπα Ζεὺς

The one, that, if I here remain t' assist our victory,

χεῖρα ἑὴν ὑπερέσχε, τεθαρσήκασι δὲ λαοί.

My safe return shall never live, my fame shall never die;

ἀλλʼ ὑμεῖς μὲν ἰόντες ἀριστήεσσιν Ἀχαιῶν

ἀγγελίην ἀπόφασθε· τὸ γὰρ γέρας ἐστὶ γερόντων·

ὄφρʼ ἄλλην φράζωνται ἐνὶ φρεσὶ μῆτιν ἀμείνω,

ἥ κέ σφιν νῆάς τε σαῷ καὶ λαὸν Ἀχαιῶν

νηυσὶν ἔπι γλαφυρῇς, ἐπεὶ οὔ σφισιν ἥδέ γʼ ἑτοίμη

If my return obtain success, much of my fame decays,

ἣν νῦν ἐφράσσαντο ἐμεῦ ἀπομηνίσαντος·

But death shall linger his approach, and I live many days,

Φοῖνιξ δʼ αὖθι παρʼ ἄμμι μένων κατακοιμηθήτω,

This being reveal'd, 'twere foolish pride, t' abridge my life for praise.

ὄφρά μοι ἐν νήεσσι φίλην ἐς πατρίδʼ ἕπηται

Then with myself, I will advise, others to hoise their sail,

αὔριον ἢν ἐθέλῃσιν· ἀνάγκῃ δʼ οὔ τί μιν ἄξω.

For, 'gainst the height of Ilion, you never shall prevail,

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἀκὴν ἐγένοντο σιωπῇ

Jove with his hand protecteth it, and makes the soldiers bold.

μῦθον ἀγασσάμενοι· μάλα γὰρ κρατερῶς ἀπέειπεν·

This tell the kings in ev'ry part, for so grave legates should,

ὀψὲ δὲ δὴ μετέειπε γέρων ἱππηλάτα Φοῖνιξ

That they may better counsels use, to save their fleet and friends

δάκρυʼ ἀναπρήσας· περὶ γὰρ δίε νηυσὶν Ἀχαιῶν·

By their own valours; since this course, drown'd in my anger, ends.

εἰ μὲν δὴ νόστόν γε μετὰ φρεσὶ φαίδιμʼ Ἀχιλλεῦ

Phœnix may in my tent repose, and in the morn steer course

βάλλεαι, οὐδέ τι πάμπαν ἀμύνειν νηυσὶ θοῇσι

For Phthia, if he think it good; if not, I'll use no force.”

πῦρ ἐθέλεις ἀΐδηλον, ἐπεὶ χόλος ἔμπεσε θυμῷ,

All wonder'd at his stern reply; and Phœnix, full of fears

πῶς ἂν ἔπειτʼ ἀπὸ σεῖο φίλον τέκος αὖθι λιποίμην

His words would be more weak than just, supplied their wants with tears.

οἶος; σοὶ δέ μʼ ἔπεμπε γέρων ἱππηλάτα Πηλεὺς

“If thy return incline thee thus, Peleus' renownéd joy,

ἤματι τῷ ὅτε σʼ ἐκ Φθίης Ἀγαμέμνονι πέμπε

And thou wilt let our ships be burn'd with harmful fire of Troy,

νήπιον οὔ πω εἰδόθʼ ὁμοιΐου πολέμοιο

Since thou art angry, O my son, how shall I after be

οὐδʼ ἀγορέων, ἵνα τʼ ἄνδρες ἀριπρεπέες τελέθουσι.

Alone in these extremes of death, relinquishéd by thee?

τοὔνεκά με προέηκε διδασκέμεναι τάδε πάντα,

I, whom thy royal father sent as ord'rer of thy force,

μύθων τε ῥητῆρʼ ἔμεναι πρηκτῆρά τε ἔργων.

When to Atrides from his court he left thee for this course,

ὡς ἂν ἔπειτʼ ἀπὸ σεῖο φίλον τέκος οὐκ ἐθέλοιμι

Yet young, and when in skill of arms thou didst not so abound,

λείπεσθʼ, οὐδʼ εἴ κέν μοι ὑποσταίη θεὸς αὐτὸς

Nor hadst the habit of discourse, that makes men so renown'd.

γῆρας ἀποξύσας θήσειν νέον ἡβώοντα,

In all which I was set by him, t' instruct thee as my son,

οἷον ὅτε πρῶτον λίπον Ἑλλάδα καλλιγύναικα

That thou might'st speak, when speech was fit, and do, when deeds were done,

φεύγων νείκεα πατρὸς Ἀμύντορος Ὀρμενίδαο,

Not sit as dumb, for want of words, idle, for skill to move,

ὅς μοι παλλακίδος περιχώσατο καλλικόμοιο,

I would not then be left by thee, dear son, begot in love,

τὴν αὐτὸς φιλέεσκεν, ἀτιμάζεσκε δʼ ἄκοιτιν

No, not if God would promise me, to raze the prints of time

μητέρʼ ἐμήν· ἣ δʼ αἰὲν ἐμὲ λισσέσκετο γούνων

Carv'd in my bosom and my brows, and grace me with the prime

παλλακίδι προμιγῆναι, ἵνʼ ἐχθήρειε γέροντα.

Of manly youth, as when at first I left sweet Helle's shore

τῇ πιθόμην καὶ ἔρεξα· πατὴρ δʼ ἐμὸς αὐτίκʼ ὀϊσθεὶς

Deck'd with fair dames, and fled the grudge my angry father bore;

πολλὰ κατηρᾶτο, στυγερὰς δʼ ἐπεκέκλετʼ Ἐρινῦς,

Who was the fair Amyntor call'd, surnam'd Ormenides,

μή ποτε γούνασιν οἷσιν ἐφέσσεσθαι φίλον υἱὸν

And for a fair-hair'd harlot's sake, that his affects could please,

ἐξ ἐμέθεν γεγαῶτα· θεοὶ δʼ ἐτέλειον ἐπαρὰς

Contemn'd my mother, his true wife, who ceaseless urgéd me

Ζεύς τε καταχθόνιος καὶ ἐπαινὴ Περσεφόνεια.

To use his harlot Clytia, and still would clasp my knee

ἔνθʼ ἐμοὶ οὐκέτι πάμπαν ἐρητύετʼ ἐν φρεσὶ θυμὸς

To do her will, that so my sire might turn his love to hate

πατρὸς χωομένοιο κατὰ μέγαρα στρωφᾶσθαι.

Of that lewd dame, converting it to comfort her estate.

ἦ μὲν πολλὰ ἔται καὶ ἀνεψιοὶ ἀμφὶς ἐόντες

At last I was content to prove to do my mother good,

αὐτοῦ λισσόμενοι κατερήτυον ἐν μεγάροισι,

And reconcile my father's love; who straight suspicious stood,

πολλὰ δὲ ἴφια μῆλα καὶ εἰλίποδας ἕλικας βοῦς

Pursuing me with many a curse, and to the Furies pray'd

ἔσφαζον, πολλοὶ δὲ σύες θαλέθοντες ἀλοιφῇ

No dame might love, nor bring me seed. The Deities obey'd

εὑόμενοι τανύοντο διὰ φλογὸς Ἡφαίστοιο,

That govern hell; infernal Jove, and stern Persephone.

πολλὸν δʼ ἐκ κεράμων μέθυ πίνετο τοῖο γέροντος.

Then durst I in no longer date with my stern father be.

εἰνάνυχες δέ μοι ἀμφʼ αὐτῷ παρὰ νύκτας ἴαυον·

Yet did my friends, and near allies, inclose me with desires

οἳ μὲν ἀμειβόμενοι φυλακὰς ἔχον, οὐδέ ποτʼ ἔσβη

Not to depart; kill'd sheep, boars, beeves; roast them at solemn fires;

πῦρ, ἕτερον μὲν ὑπʼ αἰθούσῃ εὐερκέος αὐλῆς,

And from my father's tuns we drunk exceeding store of wine.

ἄλλο δʼ ἐνὶ προδόμῳ, πρόσθεν θαλάμοιο θυράων.

Nine nights they guarded me by turns, their fires did ceaseless shine,

ἀλλʼ ὅτε δὴ δεκάτη μοι ἐπήλυθε νὺξ ἐρεβεννή,

One in the porch of his strong hall, and in the portal one,

καὶ τότʼ ἐγὼ θαλάμοιο θύρας πυκινῶς ἀραρυίας

Before my chamber; but when day beneath the tenth night shone,

ῥήξας ἐξῆλθον, καὶ ὑπέρθορον ἑρκίον αὐλῆς

I brake my chamber's thick-fram'd doors, and through the hall's guard pass'd,

ῥεῖα, λαθὼν φύλακάς τʼ ἄνδρας δμῳάς τε γυναῖκας.

Unseen of any man or maid. Through Greece then, rich and vast,

φεῦγον ἔπειτʼ ἀπάνευθε διʼ Ἑλλάδος εὐρυχόροιο,

I fled to Phthia, nurse of sheep, and came to Peleus' court;

Φθίην δʼ ἐξικόμην ἐριβώλακα μητέρα μήλων

Who entertain'd me heartily, and in as gracious sort

ἐς Πηλῆα ἄναχθʼ· ὃ δέ με πρόφρων ὑπέδεκτο,

As any sire his only son, born when his strength is spent,

καί μʼ ἐφίλησʼ ὡς εἴ τε πατὴρ ὃν παῖδα φιλήσῃ

And bless'd with great possessions to leave to his descent.

μοῦνον τηλύγετον πολλοῖσιν ἐπὶ κτεάτεσσι,

He made me rich, and to my charge did much command commend.

καί μʼ ἀφνειὸν ἔθηκε, πολὺν δέ μοι ὤπασε λαόν·

I dwelt in th' utmost region rich Phthia doth extend,

ναῖον δʼ ἐσχατιὴν Φθίης Δολόπεσσιν ἀνάσσων.

And govern'd the Dolopians, and made thee what thou art,

καί σε τοσοῦτον ἔθηκα θεοῖς ἐπιείκελʼ Ἀχιλλεῦ,

O thou that like the Gods art fram'd. Since, dearest to my heart,

ἐκ θυμοῦ φιλέων, ἐπεὶ οὐκ ἐθέλεσκες ἅμʼ ἄλλῳ

I us'd thee so, thou lov'dst none else; nor anywhere wouldst eat,

οὔτʼ ἐς δαῖτʼ ἰέναι οὔτʼ ἐν μεγάροισι πάσασθαι,

Till I had crown'd my knee with thee, and carv'd thee tend'rest meat,

πρίν γʼ ὅτε δή σʼ ἐπʼ ἐμοῖσιν ἐγὼ γούνεσσι καθίσσας

And giv'n thee wine so much, for love, that, in thy infancy

ὄψου τʼ ἄσαιμι προταμὼν καὶ οἶνον ἐπισχών.

(Which still discretion must protect, and a continual eye)

πολλάκι μοι κατέδευσας ἐπὶ στήθεσσι χιτῶνα

My bosom lovingly sustain'd the wine thine could not bear.

οἴνου ἀποβλύζων ἐν νηπιέῃ ἀλεγεινῇ.

Then, now my strength needs thine as much, be mine to thee as dear,

ὣς ἐπὶ σοὶ μάλα πολλὰ πάθον καὶ πολλὰ μόγησα,

Much have I suffer'd for thy love, much labour'd, wishéd much,

τὰ φρονέων ὅ μοι οὔ τι θεοὶ γόνον ἐξετέλειον

Thinking, since I must have no heir (the Gods' decrees are such)

ἐξ ἐμεῦ· ἀλλὰ σὲ παῖδα θεοῖς ἐπιείκελʼ Ἀχιλλεῦ

I would adopt thyself my heir. To thee my heart did give

ποιεύμην, ἵνα μοί ποτʼ ἀεικέα λοιγὸν ἀμύνῃς.

ἀλλʼ Ἀχιλεῦ δάμασον θυμὸν μέγαν· οὐδέ τί σε χρὴ

What any sire could give his son. In thee I hop'd to live.

νηλεὲς ἦτορ ἔχειν· στρεπτοὶ δέ τε καὶ θεοὶ αὐτοί,

O mitigate thy mighty spirits. It fits not one that moves

τῶν περ καὶ μείζων ἀρετὴ τιμή τε βίη τε.

The hearts of all, to live unmov'd, and succour hates for loves.

καὶ μὲν τοὺς θυέεσσι καὶ εὐχωλῇς ἀγανῇσι

The Gods themselves are flexible; whose virtues, honours, pow'rs,

λοιβῇ τε κνίσῃ τε παρατρωπῶσʼ ἄνθρωποι

Are more than thine, yet they will bend their breasts as we bend ours.

λισσόμενοι, ὅτε κέν τις ὑπερβήῃ καὶ ἁμάρτῃ.

Perfumes, benign devotions, savours of off'rings burn'd,

καὶ γάρ τε λιταί εἰσι Διὸς κοῦραι μεγάλοιο

And holy rites, the engines are with which their hearts are turn'd,

χωλαί τε ῥυσαί τε παραβλῶπές τʼ ὀφθαλμώ,

By men that pray to them, whose faith their sins have falsified.

αἵ ῥά τε καὶ μετόπισθʼ ἄτης ἀλέγουσι κιοῦσαι.

For Pray'rs are daughters of great Jove, lame, wrinkled, ruddy-ey'd,

ἣ δʼ ἄτη σθεναρή τε καὶ ἀρτίπος, οὕνεκα πάσας

And ever following injury, who, strong and sound of feet,

πολλὸν ὑπεκπροθέει, φθάνει δέ τε πᾶσαν ἐπʼ αἶαν

Flies through the world, afflicting men. Believing Prayers yet,

βλάπτουσʼ ἀνθρώπους· αἳ δʼ ἐξακέονται ὀπίσσω.

To all that love that Seed of Jove, the certain blessing get

ὃς μέν τʼ αἰδέσεται κούρας Διὸς ἆσσον ἰούσας,

To have Jove hear, and help them too; but if he shall refuse,

τὸν δὲ μέγʼ ὤνησαν καί τʼ ἔκλυον εὐχομένοιο·

And stand inflexible to them, they fly to Jove, and use

ὃς δέ κʼ ἀνήνηται καί τε στερεῶς ἀποείπῃ,

Their pow'rs against him, that the wrongs he doth to them may fall

λίσσονται δʼ ἄρα ταί γε Δία Κρονίωνα κιοῦσαι

On his own head, and pay those pains whose cure he fails to call.

τῷ ἄτην ἅμʼ ἕπεσθαι, ἵνα βλαφθεὶς ἀποτίσῃ.

Then, great Achilles, honour thou this sacred Seed of Jove,

ἀλλʼ Ἀχιλεῦ πόρε καὶ σὺ Διὸς κούρῃσιν ἕπεσθαι

And yield to them, since other men of greatest minds they move.

τιμήν, ἥ τʼ ἄλλων περ ἐπιγνάμπτει νόον ἐσθλῶν.

If Agamemnon would not give the self-same gifts he vows,

εἰ μὲν γὰρ μὴ δῶρα φέροι τὰ δʼ ὄπισθʼ ὀνομάζοι

But offer other afterwards, and in his still-bent brows

Ἀτρεΐδης, ἀλλʼ αἰὲν ἐπιζαφελῶς χαλεπαίνοι,

Entomb his honour and his word, I would not thus exhort,

οὐκ ἂν ἔγωγέ σε μῆνιν ἀπορρίψαντα κελοίμην

With wrath appeas'd, thy aid to Greece, though plagu'd in heaviest sort;

Ἀργείοισιν ἀμυνέμεναι χατέουσί περ ἔμπης·

But much he presently will give, and after yield the rest.

νῦν δʼ ἅμα τʼ αὐτίκα πολλὰ διδοῖ τὰ δʼ ὄπισθεν ὑπέστη,

T' assure which he hath sent to thee the men thou lovest best,

ἄνδρας δὲ λίσσεσθαι ἐπιπροέηκεν ἀρίστους

And most renown'd of all the host, that they might soften thee.

κρινάμενος κατὰ λαὸν Ἀχαιϊκόν, οἵ τε σοὶ αὐτῷ

Then let not both their pains and pray'rs lost and despiséd be,

φίλτατοι Ἀργείων· τῶν μὴ σύ γε μῦθον ἐλέγξῃς

Before which none could reprehend the tumult of thy heart,

μηδὲ πόδας· πρὶν δʼ οὔ τι νεμεσσητὸν κεχολῶσθαι.

But now to rest inexpiate were much too rude a part.

οὕτω καὶ τῶν πρόσθεν ἐπευθόμεθα κλέα ἀνδρῶν

Of ancient worthies we have heard, when they were more displeas'd,

ἡρώων, ὅτε κέν τινʼ ἐπιζάφελος χόλος ἵκοι·

To their high fames, with gifts and pray'rs they have been still appeas'd.

δωρητοί τε πέλοντο παράρρητοί τʼ ἐπέεσσι.

For instance, I remember well a fact perform'd of old,

μέμνημαι τόδε ἔργον ἐγὼ πάλαι οὔ τι νέον γε

Which to you all, my friends, I'll tell: The Curets wars did hold

ὡς ἦν· ἐν δʼ ὑμῖν ἐρέω πάντεσσι φίλοισι.

With the well-fought Ætolians, where mutual lives had end

Κουρῆτές τʼ ἐμάχοντο καὶ Αἰτωλοὶ μενεχάρμαι

About the city Calydon. Th' Ætolians did defend

ἀμφὶ πόλιν Καλυδῶνα καὶ ἀλλήλους ἐνάριζον,

Their flourishing country, which to spoil the Curets did contend.

Αἰτωλοὶ μὲν ἀμυνόμενοι Καλυδῶνος ἐραννῆς,

Diana with-the-golden-throne, with Oeneus much incens'd,

Κουρῆτες δὲ διαπραθέειν μεμαῶτες Ἄρηϊ.

Since with his plenteous land's first fruits she was not reverenc'd,

καὶ γὰρ τοῖσι κακὸν χρυσόθρονος Ἄρτεμις ὦρσε

(Yet other Gods, with hecatombs, had feasts, and she alone,

χωσαμένη ὅ οἱ οὔ τι θαλύσια γουνῷ ἀλωῆς

Great Jove's bright daughter, left unserv'd, or by oblivion,

Οἰνεὺς ῥέξʼ· ἄλλοι δὲ θεοὶ δαίνυνθʼ ἑκατόμβας,

Or undue knowledge of her dues) much hurt in heart she swore;

οἴῃ δʼ οὐκ ἔρρεξε Διὸς κούρῃ μεγάλοιο.

And she, enrag'd, excited much, she sent a sylvan boar

ἢ λάθετʼ ἢ οὐκ ἐνόησεν· ἀάσατο δὲ μέγα θυμῷ.

From their green groves, with wounding tusks; who usually did spoil

ἣ δὲ χολωσαμένη δῖον γένος ἰοχέαιρα

King Oeneus' fields, his lofty woods laid prostrate on the soil,