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Who lingered, pondering on his next exploit, —

Whether to seize the chariot where was laid

The embroidered armor, dragging it away;

595

Or, lifting it aloft, to bear it thence;

Or take more Thracian lives. As thus his thoughts

Were busy, Pallas, standing near him, spake: -

"O son of large-souled Tydeus, think betimes

Of thy return to where the galleys lie;

600

Else may some god arouse the sons of Troy,

And thou be forced to reach the ships by flight."

She spake. He knew the goddess by her voice,

And leaped upon a steed. Ulysses lashed

The horses with his bow, and on they flew

605

Toward the swift galleys of the Grecian host.

Apollo, bearer of the silver bow,

Kept no vain watch, and, angry when he saw

Minerva at the side of Diomed,

Down to the mighty host of Troy he came,

610

And roused from sleep a Thracian counsellor, —

Hippocoön, a kinsman of the house

Of Rhesus. Leaping from his couch, he saw

The vacant spot where the swift steeds had stood,

And, weltering in their blood, the dying chiefs.

615

He saw, and wept aloud, and called by name

His dear companion. Then a clamor rose,

And boundless tumult, as the Trojans came

All rushing to the spot, and marvelling

At what the daring warriors, who were now

620

Returning to the hollow ships, had done.

And when these warriors now had reached the spot

Where Hector's spy was slain, Ulysses, dear

To Jupiter, reined in the fiery steeds,

And Diomed leaped down and took the spoil

625

Blood-stained, and gave it to Ulysses' hands,

And mounted. Then again they urged the steeds,

Which, not unwilling, flew along the way.

First Nestor heard the approaching sound, and said: -

“Friends, chiefs and princes of the Greeks, my heart-

630

Truly or falsely - urges me to speak.

The trampling of swift steeds is in my ears.

O that Ulysses and the gallant son

Of Tydeus might be bringing at this hour

Firm-footed coursers from the enemy's camp!

635

Yet must I fear that these, our bravest chiefs,

Have met disaster from the Trojan crew."

Iliad. Homer. Boston. 1870.

Current edition Experimental

English (William Cullen Bryant, 1870) (OCR draft) (English) (English (William Cullen Bryant, 1870))

Provisional text from uncorrected OCR; expect errors.

Editions (1)

Ἰλιάς Perseus (Homer. Homeri Opera, Volumes 1-2. Monro, D. B. (David Binning), editor; Allen, Thomas W. (Thomas William), editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1908-1920.) — 10.503 focus

αὐτὰρ ὃ μερμήριζε μένων ὅ τι κύντατον ἕρδοι,

ἢ ὅ γε δίφρον ἑλών, ὅθι ποικίλα τεύχεʼ ἔκειτο,

ῥυμοῦ ἐξερύοι ἢ ἐκφέροι ὑψόσʼ ἀείρας,

505

ἦ ἔτι τῶν πλεόνων Θρῃκῶν ἀπὸ θυμὸν ἕλοιτο.

εἷος ὃ ταῦθʼ ὥρμαινε κατὰ φρένα, τόφρα δʼ Ἀθήνη

ἐγγύθεν ἱσταμένη προσέφη Διομήδεα δῖον·

νόστου δὴ μνῆσαι μεγαθύμου Τυδέος υἱὲ

νῆας ἔπι γλαφυράς, μὴ καὶ πεφοβημένος ἔλθῃς,

510

μή πού τις καὶ Τρῶας ἐγείρῃσιν θεὸς ἄλλος.

ὣς φάθʼ, ὃ δὲ ξυνέηκε θεᾶς ὄπα φωνησάσης,

καρπαλίμως δʼ ἵππων ἐπεβήσετο· κόψε δʼ Ὀδυσσεὺς

τόξῳ· τοὶ δʼ ἐπέτοντο θοὰς ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν.

οὐδʼ ἀλαοσκοπιὴν εἶχʼ ἀργυρότοξος Ἀπόλλων

515

ὡς ἴδʼ Ἀθηναίην μετὰ Τυδέος υἱὸν ἕπουσαν·

τῇ κοτέων Τρώων κατεδύσετο πουλὺν ὅμιλον,

ὦρσεν δὲ Θρῃκῶν βουληφόρον Ἱπποκόωντα

Ῥήσου ἀνεψιὸν ἐσθλόν· ὃ δʼ ἐξ ὕπνου ἀνορούσας

ὡς ἴδε χῶρον ἐρῆμον, ὅθʼ ἕστασαν ὠκέες ἵπποι,

520

ἄνδράς τʼ ἀσπαίροντας ἐν ἀργαλέῃσι φονῇσιν,

ᾤμωξέν τʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα φίλον τʼ ὀνόμηνεν ἑταῖρον.

Τρώων δὲ κλαγγή τε καὶ ἄσπετος ὦρτο κυδοιμὸς

θυνόντων ἄμυδις· θηεῦντο δὲ μέρμερα ἔργα

ὅσσʼ ἄνδρες ῥέξαντες ἔβαν κοίλας ἐπὶ νῆας.

525

οἳ δʼ ὅτε δή ῥʼ ἵκανον ὅθι σκοπὸν Ἕκτορος ἔκταν,

ἔνθʼ Ὀδυσεὺς μὲν ἔρυξε Διῒ φίλος ὠκέας ἵππους,

Τυδεΐδης δὲ χαμᾶζε θορὼν ἔναρα βροτόεντα

ἐν χείρεσσʼ Ὀδυσῆϊ τίθει, ἐπεβήσετο δʼ ἵππων·

μάστιξεν δʼ ἵππους, τὼ δʼ οὐκ ἀέκοντε πετέσθην

530

νῆας ἔπι γλαφυράς· τῇ γὰρ φίλον ἔπλετο θυμῷ.

Νέστωρ δὲ πρῶτος κτύπον ἄϊε φώνησέν τε·

ὦ φίλοι Ἀργείων ἡγήτορες ἠδὲ μέδοντες

ψεύσομαι, ἦ ἔτυμον ἐρέω; κέλεται δέ με θυμός.

ἵππων μʼ ὠκυπόδων ἀμφὶ κτύπος οὔατα βάλλει.

535

αἲ γὰρ δὴ Ὀδυσεύς τε καὶ ὃ κρατερὸς Διομήδης

ὧδʼ ἄφαρ ἐκ Τρώων ἐλασαίατο μώνυχας ἵππους·

ἀλλʼ αἰνῶς δείδοικα κατὰ φρένα μή τι πάθωσιν

Ἀργείων οἳ ἄριστοι ὑπὸ Τρώων ὀρυμαγδοῦ.

Translations (8)

Iliad Perseus (Homer. The Iliad, Volume 1-2. Murray, A. T. (Augustus Taber), translator. London: William Heinmann; New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1924-1925.) — 10.503 focus

But he tarried and pondered what most reckless deed he might do, whether to take the chariot, where lay the war-gear richly dight, 505 and draw it out by the pole, or lift it on high and so bear it forth, or whether he should rather take the lives of yet more Thracians. The while he was pondering this in heart, even then Athene drew nigh and spake to goodly Diomedes:

Bethink thee now of returning, son of great-souled Tydeus, 510 to the hollow ships, lest thou go thither in full flight, and haply some other god rouse up the Trojans.

So spake she, and he knew the voice of the goddess as she spoke, and swiftly mounted the horses; and Odysseus smote them with his bow, and they sped toward the swift ships of the Achaeans. 515 But no blind watch did Apollo of the silver bow keep when he saw Athene attending the son of Tydeus; in wrath against her he entered the great throng of the Trojans, and aroused a counsellor of the Thracians, Hippocoön, the noble kinsman of Rhesus. And he leapt up out of sleep, 520 and when he saw the place empty where the swift horses had stood, and the men gasping amid gruesome streams of blood, then he uttered a groan, and called by name upon his dear comrade. And from the Trojans arose a clamour and confusion unspeakable as they hasted together; and they gazed upon the terrible deeds, 525 even all that the warriors had wrought and thereafter gone to the hollow ships. But when these were now come to the place where they had slain the spy of Hector, then Odysseus, dear to Zeus, stayed the swift horses, and the son of Tydeus leaping to the ground placed the bloody spoils in the hands of Odysseus, and again mounted; 530 and he touched the horses with the lash, and nothing loath the pair sped on to the hollow ships, for there were they fain to be. And Nestor was first to hear the sound, and he spake, saying:

My frieads, leaders and rulers of the Argives, shall I be wrong, or speak the truth? Nay, my heart bids me speak. 535 The sound of swift-footed horses strikes upon mine ears. I would that Odysseus and the valiant Diomedes may even thus speedily have driven forth from among the Trojans single-hooved horses; but wondrously do I fear at heart lest those bravest of the Argives have suffered some ill through the battle din of the Trojans.

Iliad Perseus (Homer. The Iliad of Homer, rendered into English prose for the use of those who cannot read the original. Butler, Samuel, 1835-1902, translator. London: Longmans, Green, and Co, 1898.) — 10.526 focus

526 When they reached the place where they had killed Hektor's scout, Odysseus stayed his horses, and the son of Tydeus, leaping to the ground, placed the blood-stained spoils in the hands of Odysseus and remounted: then he lashed the horses onwards, and they flew forward nothing loath towards the ships as though of their own free will. Nestor was first to hear the tramp of their feet. "My friends," said he, "princes and counselors of the Argives, shall I guess right or wrong? - but I must say what I think: there is a sound in my ears as of the tramp of horses. I hope it may Diomedes and Odysseus driving in horses from the Trojans, but I much fear that the bravest of the Argives may have come to some harm at their hands."

540 He had hardly done speaking when the two men came in and dismounted, whereon the others shook hands right gladly with them and congratulated them. Nestor horseman of Gerene was first to question them. "Tell me," said he, "renowned Odysseus, how did you two come by these horses? Did you steal in among the Trojan forces, or did some god meet you and give them to you? They are like sunbeams. I am well conversant with the Trojans, for old warrior though I am I never hold back by the ships, but I never yet saw or heard of such horses as these are. Surely some god must have met you and given them to you, for you are both of dear to Zeus, and to Zeus' daughter Athena."

554 And Odysseus answered, "Nestor son of Neleus, honor to the Achaean name, heaven, if it so will, can give us even better horses than these, for the gods are far mightier than we are. These horses, however, about which you ask me, are freshly come from Thrace . Diomedes killed their king with the twelve bravest of his companions. Hard by the ships we took a thirteenth man - a scout whom Hektor and the other Trojans had sent as a spy upon our ships."

564 He laughed as he spoke and drove the horses over the ditch, while the other Achaeans followed him gladly. When they reached the strongly built quarters of the son of Tydeus, they tied the horses with thongs of leather to the manger, where the steeds of Diomedes stood eating their sweet grain, but Odysseus hung the blood-stained spoils of Dolon at the stern of his ship, that they might prepare a sacred offering to Athena. As for themselves, they went into the sea and washed the sweat from their bodies, and from their necks and thighs. When the sea-water had taken all the sweat from off them, and had refreshed them, they went into the baths and washed themselves. After they had so done and had anointed themselves with oil, they sat down to table, and drawing from a full mixing-bowl, made a drink-offering of wine to Athena. 579

English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020)) — 10.503 focus

But Diomedes stayed where he was, thinking what other daring deed he might accomplish. He was doubting whether to take the chariot in which the king’s armor was lying, [505] and draw it out by the pole, or to lift the armor out and carry it off; or whether again, he should not kill some more Thracians. While he was thus hesitating Athena came up to him and said, “Make your return [ nostos], Diomedes, son of great-hearted Tydeus [510] to the ships or you may be driven there, should some other god rouse the Trojans.”

Diomedes knew that it was the goddess, and at once sprang upon the horses. Odysseus beat them with his bow and they flew onward to the rapid ships of the Achaeans.

[515] But Apollo kept no blind lookout when he saw Athena with the son of Tydeus. He was angry with her, and coming to the army of the Trojans he roused Hippokoön, a counselor of the Thracians and a noble kinsman of Rhesus. He started up out of his sleep [520] and saw that the horses were no longer in their place, and that the men were gasping in their death-agony; on this he groaned aloud, and called upon his friend by name. Then the whole Trojan camp was in an uproar as the people kept hurrying together, and they marveled at the deeds [525] of the heroes who had now got away towards the black ships.

When they reached the place where they had killed Hector’s scout, Odysseus the beloved of Zeus stayed his horses, and the son of Tydeus, leaping to the ground, placed the bloodstained spoils in the hands of Odysseus and remounted: [530] then he lashed the horses onwards, and they flew forward eagerly towards the ships as though of their own free will. Nestor was first to hear the tramp of their feet. “My friends,” said he, “princes and counselors of the Argives, shall I guess right or wrong?—but I must say what I think: [535] there is a sound in my ears as of the tramp of horses. I hope it may Diomedes and Odysseus driving in horses from the Trojans, but I much fear that the bravest of the Argives may have come to some harm at their hands.”

[540]

English (Alexander Pope, 1720, ed. Watson, 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Alexander Pope, 1720, ed. Watson, 1857)) — 10.503 focus

Doubtful he stood, or with his reeking blade

To send more heroes to th' infernal shade,

Drag off the car where Rhesus' armour lay,

590

Or heave with manly force, and lift away.

While unresolv'd the son of Tydeus stands,

Pallas appears, and thus her chief commands:

'Enough, my son; from farther slaughter cease,

'Regard thy safety, and depart in peace;

595

'Haste to the ships, the gotten spoils enjoy,

'Nor tempt too far the hostile gods of Troy.'

The voice divine confess'd the martial maid;

In haste he mounted, and her word obey'd;

The coursers fly before Ulysses' bow,

600

Swift as the wind, and white as winter snow.

Not unobserv'd they pass'd: the god of light

Had watch'd his Troy, and mark'd Minerva's flight,

Saw Tydeus' son with heavenly succour bless'd,

And vengeful anger fill'd his sacred breast.

605

Swift to the Trojan camp descends the power,

And wakes Hippocoön in the morning hour,

(On Rhesus' side accustom'd to attend,

A faithful kinsman and instructive friend.)

He rose, and saw the field deform'd with blood,

610

An empty space where late the coursers stood,

The yet warm Thracians panting on the coast;

For each he wept, but for his Rhesus most.

Now, while on Rhesus' name he calls in vain,

The gathering tumult spreads o'er all the plain;

615

On heaps the Trojans rush, with wild affright,

And wondering view the slaughter of the night.

Meanwhile the chiefs arriving at the shade

Where late the spoils of Hector's spy were laid,

Ulysses stopp'd; to him Tydides bore

620

The trophy, dropping yet with Dolon's gore:

Then mounts again; again their nimble feet

The coursers ply, and thunder towards the fleet.

Old Nestor first perceiv'd th' approaching sound,

Bespeaking thus the Grecian peers around:

625

'Methinks the noise of trampling steeds I hear,

'Thickening this way, and gathering on my ear;

'Perhaps some horses of the Trojan breed

'(So may, ye gods! my pious hopes succeed)

'The great Tydides and Ulysses bear,

630

'Return'd triumphant with this prize of war.

'Yet much I fear (ah may that fear be vain!)

'The chiefs outnumber'd by the Trojan train;

'Perhaps, e'en now pursu'd, they seek the shore;

'Or, oh! perhaps those heroes are no more.'

635

English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843)) — 10.503 focus

But staying with himself, considered

What further hurt he might the Trojans do.

To draw away the chariot by the pole,

445

Wherein the golden arms of Rhesus lay,

Or thence upon his shoulders bear the whole ;

Or whether he more Thracians should destroy.

While thus he studied, Pallas by him stood.

Contented be, said she, with what is done.

450

To go unto the ships I think it good,

For fear you thither should be forc'd to run.

Some other God awake the Trojans may.

This said, that Pallas to him spake he thought,

And from the Thracian quarter came away,

455

And on one of the horses' backs he got,

And tow'rds the ships at full speed then they ride,

Ulysses with his bow still switching on ;

But Phœbus with Tydides Pallas spy'd,

And angrily call'd up Hippocoon ;

460

Who, when he came and empty saw the ground

Where th' horses stood, and dy'd with blood the field,

And sprawling in their blood the Thracians found,

Ay me, said he, they have my uncle kill'd.

The Trojans then in haste and frighted rise,

465

And at the place in great disorder meet,

And gaze upon the mischief with their eyes,

But they that did it fled were to the fleet.

When flying they were at the tree, where lay

The spoils of Dolon, there awhile they tarry,

470

Until Tydides fetch'd them had away,

And to Ulysses given them to carry,

And mounted was upon his horse again.

Again Ulysses switch'd them tow'rds the fleet;

And when they near it were, old Nestor then,

475

Who was the first that heard the horses' feet,

Cried out, The sound of horses' feet I hear ;

I wish Ulysses 'twere and Diomed.

But somewhat else and worse it is, I fear ;

So many sad mishaps run in my head.

480

English (George Chapman, 1611, ed. Hooper 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (George Chapman, 1611, ed. Hooper 1857)) — 10.503 focus

And led them forth; but Tydeus' son did in contention stand

With his great mind to do some deed of more audacity,

If he should take the chariot, where his rich arms did lie,

And draw it by the beam away, or bear it on his back,

430

Or if, of more dull Thracian lives, he should their bosoms sack.

In this contention with himself, Minerva did suggest

And bade him think of his retreat, lest from their tempted rest

Some other God should stir the foe, and send him back dismay'd.

He knew the voice, took horse, and fled. The Trojans' heavenly aid,

435

Apollo with the silver bow, stood no blind sentinel

To their secure and drowsy host, but did discover well

Minerva following Diomed; and, angry with his act,

The mighty host of Ilion he ent'red, and awak'd

The cousin german of the king, a counsellor of Thrace,

440

Hippocoon; who when he rose, and saw the desert place,

Where Rhesus' horse did use to stand, and th' other dismal harms,

Men struggling with the pangs of death, he shriek'd out thick alarms,

Call'd "Rhesus! Rhesus!" but in vain; then still, "Arm! Arm!" he cried.

The noise and tumult was extreme on every startled side

445

Of Troy's huge host; from whence in throngs all gather'd, and admir'd

Who could perform such harmful facts, and yet be safe retir'd.

Now, coming where they slew the scout, Ulysses stay'd the steeds,

Tydides lighted, and the spoils, hung on the tamrick reeds,

He took and gave to Ithacus, and up he got again.

450

Then flew they joyful to their fleet. Nestor did first attain

The sounds the horse-hoofs struck through air, and said: " My royal peers!

Do I but dote, or say I true? Methinks about mine ears

The sounds of running horses beat. O would to God they were

Our friends thus soon return'd with spoils! But I have hearty fear,

455

Lest this high tumult of the foe doth their distress intend."

English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey)) — 10.503 focus

But he, projecting still some hardier deed,

Stood doubtful, whether by the pole to draw

595

The chariot thence, laden with gorgeous arms,

Or whether heaving it on high, to bear

The burthen off, or whether yet to take

More Thracian lives; when him with various thoughts

Perplex'd, Minerva, drawing near, bespake.

600

Son of bold Tydeus! think on thy return

To yonder fleet, lest thou depart constrain'd.

Some other God may rouse the powers of Troy.

She ended, and he knew the voice divine.

At once he mounted. With his bow the steeds

605

Ulysses plyed, and to the ships they flew.

Nor look'd the bender of the silver bow,

Apollo, forth in vain, but at the sight

Of Pallas following Diomede incensed,

Descended to the field where numerous most

610

He saw the Trojans, and the Thracian Chief

And counsellor, Hippocoön aroused,

Kinsman of Rhesus, and renown'd in arms.

He, starting from his sleep, soon as he saw

The spot deserted where so lately lay

615

Those fiery coursers, and his warrior friends

Gasping around him, sounded loud the name

Of his loved Rhesus. Instant, at the voice,

Wild stir arose and clamorous uproar

Of fast-assembling Trojans. Deeds they saw—

620

Terrible deeds, and marvellous perform'd,

But not their authors they had sought the ships.

Meantime arrived where they had slain the spy

Of Hector, there Ulysses, dear to Jove,

The coursers stay'd, and, leaping to the ground,

625

The son of Tydeus in Ulysses' hands

The arms of Dolon placed foul with his blood,

Then vaulted light into his seat again.

He lash'd the steeds, they, not unwilling, flew

To the deep-bellied barks, as to their home.

630

First Nestor heard the sound, and thus he said.

Friends! Counsellors! and leaders of the Greeks!

False shall I speak, or true?—but speak I must.

The echoing sound of hoofs alarms my ear.

Oh, that Ulysses, and brave Diomede

635

This moment might arrive drawn into camp

By Trojan steeds! But ah, the dread I feel!

Lest some disaster have for ever quell'd

In yon rude host those noblest of the Greeks.

English (F. W. Newman, 1856) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (F. W. Newman, 1856)) — 10 focus

BOOK X

Now all the rest by galley-side, chieftains of Pan-Achaia,

Kept thro' the livelong night repose, by gentle sleep o'ermaster'd.

But not Atrides Agamemnon, shepherd of the people,

Might be in slumber sweet detain'd; but tides of thought did toss him.

And as when brighthair'd Juno's lord thro' heaven lightning sendeth,

Devising hail or piercing sleet (when snow the clods hath powder'd),

Or rainy flood ineffable, or bitter-yawning battle;

So thickly from his bosom sobb'd the royal Agamemnon,

Deep drawing from his heart the moan; and all his vitals trembled.

When o'er the Troian plain he gaz'd, the many flames admir'd he,

Which burnt in front of Ilium, - the sound of flutes and whistles,

And hum of men: but when he saw the Achaian folk and galleys,

Then many a hair with lowest roots from out his head uptare he

To Jupiter aloft; and deep his noble heart was shaken.

But to his mind this path appear'd the best; to go for Nestor,

The son of Neleus, first of men; if-that some blameless counsel

The twain might ponder, and from bale the Danaï deliver.

Upright he rais'd him, and put on around his breast the tunic,

And underneath his supple feet he bound the comely sandals.

But next, a fiery lion's hide he wrapt about his shoulders,

Vast, ruddy, reaching to the heel; and took his spear beside him.

So eke on Menelaüs came like trembling; nor did slumber

Sit on his eyelids; terror-struck, lest aught befal the Argives,

Who truly o'er the waters wide for vengeance of his quarrel

To Troas' land had voyaged, audacious combat planning.

First with a spotted panther-skin his shoulders' breadth he cover'd;

But next a brazen coronal upon his head adjusted,

And in his broad hand grasp'd a spear; and hied to rouse his brother,

Who mightily the Argives sway'd, and as a god was honour'd.

But him he found, around his frame the beauteous armour fitting,

At stern of galley; and to him brought joy by his arrival.

Then Menelaüs, good at need, his brother first accosted:

"My gracious sir, why armest thou? dost haply urge some comrade

To espy the Troian camp? but I do direly fear, that no one

This work will undertake, -alone amid the foes to venture,

Peering across ambrosial night. A sturdy heart is wanted."

To him in words reciprocal spake royal Agamemnon:

"Jove-nurtur'd Menelas! for thee and me is need of counsel,

Crafty to liberate and save the Argives and their galleys.

For Jove's intent is chang'd, who now on offerings of Hector

Rather hath set his mind: for I neither by sight nor story

Have known one man so rueful deeds within a day to compass,

As Hector, dear to Jove, hath wrought upon Achaia's children,

He a mere man, no sacred birth from god or goddess boasting.

Deeds hath he done, which, I aver, shall rouse concern in Argives

Lasting and long: such bale hath he against Achaia wreaked.

But hie thee hence, and summon now Idomeneus and Ajax,

Beside the galleys speeding thee; and I to godlike Nestor

Will go, and urge him to arise, if haply he be willing

Unto the sacred watcher-band to cross, and keenly stir them.

For none as he their ear might gain, sith as his son is leader

To marshal them; and eke with him Idomeneus' attendant,

Meriones. For upon these chief trust have we reposed."

Then Menelaüs, good at need, accosted him responsive:

"How willest thou that I perform this errand and injunction?

Am I beside the watch to stay, and wait until thou join us,

Or hie me after thee again, when duly I have charg'd them?"

Then Agamemnon, prince of men, reciprocal address'd him:

"Stay on the spot, lest we perchance miss each the other, passing,

Amid the gloom: for many are the paths along the army.

And where thou goest, speak aloud, and urge them to be wakeful,

And name the parentage of each, their line of sires recounting,

And lavish praise on all; nor err by haughtiness of spirit,

But let us both good service do in person. So, it seemeth,

Jove with the past events on us distressful moil imposes."

With such address and careful charge dispatched he his brother,

And hied himself in speed, to find Nestor, the people's shepherd.

But him he found within his tent, beside the dusky galley,

On a soft bed; and close to him was laid his curious armour,

His shield, two spears, and shining casque with triple crest above it.

Beside them lay his breadth of belt, all-motley; which around him

The old man girded, whensoe'er to hero-wasting battle,

Leading the folk, he hied; for he enfeebling Eld resisted.

Now on his elbow raising him, he, with the head uplifted,

Address'd his speech to Atreus' son, and summon'd him with question:

"Who lonely there beside the ships along the army paceth

In covert of the dusky night, when other mortals slumber?

Say, seekest thou some mule astray, or one of thy companions?

Speak out, nor silent come on me, but tell, what errand brings thee."

Then Agamemnon, prince of men, to him in turn responded:

"O Nestor, Neleus' progeny! great glory of the Achaians!

Canst Agamemnon recognize? whom in a sea of troubles

Beyond all mortals Jove hath plung'd, entirely and for ever,

While breath doth in my bosom dwell, and while my knees support me.

But thus I roam, sith on my eyes no gentle slumber sitteth;

For, my sad heart doth ruminate Achaian war and sorrows,

And grimly for the Danaï I fear: my thoughts within me

Steadfast no longer are, but faint, and waver: from my bosom

My heart outleapeth, and beneath, my gallant limbs are palsied.

But if thou aught of vigour hast, sith wakeful thou abidest,

Descend we to the sentinels, to visit them, lest haply,

Conquer'd by sleep and weariness, they yield themselves to slumber,

The watch forgetting: close at hand sitteth the foe; nor know we

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Whether perchance in shades of night he eager be to combat."

To him thereat the charioteer Gerenian Nestor answer'd:

"O Agamemnon, prince of men, most glorious Atrides,

Truly not all the purposes which Hector now deviseth,

Will Jove the Counsellor perform; but he, I trow, will struggle

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With troubles more and worser, if from his disastrous anger

Achilles change his noble heart. But thee I gladly follow;

And others eke will we arouse; -the spear-renown'd Tydides,

Ulysses and swift Ajax and the valiant son of Phyleus,

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And greater Ajax, match for gods, if one were free to fetch him;

Withal, the prince Idomeneus; for farthest stand their galleys.

But Menelas, all-be-that I dear and august account him,

To thy displeasure will I chide, nor will I hide my censure,

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Who sleepeth, and to thee alone such busy duty leaveth.

But now his task it were, to toil beyond all other chieftains,

With supplication; for distress unbearable hath reach'd us."

Then Agamemnon, prince of men, accosted him responsive:

"My aged friend, at other times I bid thee to rebuke him;

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For oft in listlessness he waits and willeth not to labour,

Not from a coward slothful heart, nor aught perverse in temper,

But keeping still his eye on me, and my resolve awaiting.

Now woke he earlier than me, and stood above my pillow.

Him have I forward sent, to call the twain of whom thou askest.

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But go we: them I trust to meet before the fenced portals

Among the sentinels; for there the trysting-place assign'd I."

To him thereat the charioteer Gerenian Nestor answer'd:

"'Tis well: for so, on future day, none will of all the Argives

Indignant be or disobey, when he shall charge and urge them."

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This said, the aged man put on around his breast the tunic,

And underneath his supple feet he bound the comely sandals,

And at his shoulder button'd he a cloak of Punic purple,

Double, lowreaching, cover'd well with curly shag above it.

Then did he grasp a valiant spear, pointed with brass welltemper'd,

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And hied to go along the ships of brazen-cloak'd Achaians.

Ulysses first he found, to Jove an equipoise in counsel,

And with loud call arous'd him: quick the voice his heart encircled,

And from the tent forthwith he came, and spake to them in answer:

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"Why lonely thus beside the ships along the army roam ye

Mid the ambrosial night? wherein doth need so pressing urge you?"

To him thereat the charioteer Gerenian Nestor answer'd:

"O Jove-deriv'd, Laertes' son, Ulysses much-contriving,

Take no offence: so fierce distress upon the Achaians presseth.

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But follow, while we others rouse, whom it befits to summon

On our high council, to decide either on flight or battle."

He spake: then, entering his tent, Ulysses much-devising

Amuchwrought buckler slung around his breast, and mov'd behind them.

Next went they after Diomedes, Tydeus son; and found him

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Lying in arms outside his tent; and round, his comrades slumber'd.

Beneath their heads their bucklers lay; their spears upright were planted,

Fix'd in the earth by upper end: the brazen gleam, as lightning

Of father Jove, flash'd from afar: but he, their chief, was sleeping.

Beneath his body lay a hide, torn from a bull field-roaming,

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But underneath his head was stretch'd a sheeny-broider'd carpet.

Then with his foot the charioteer Gerenian Nestor stirr'd him,

And waken'd and exhorted him, and with reproach confronted:

"Wake, son of Tydeus! why all night dost cull the prime of slumber?

Nor knowest that the Troïans are seated near the galleys

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Along a swelling of the plain, and little space doth ward them?"

When thus accosted, from his sleep right quickly up he started,

And straightway speaking in reply, did winged accents utter:

"Severe art thou, my aged friend! from toil thou never restest.

Hath not Achaia younger sons than thee, to move patrolling

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And wake the princes? aged sir! distressful is thy vigour."

To him in turn the charioteer Gerenian Nestor answer'd:

"Ay, verily, all this, my friend, discreetly hast thou spoken;

For, blameless children, troth! have I, and a long train of peoples,

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Who might patrol and summon you: but heavy need oppresseth

The Achaians mightily: for now upon an edge of razor

Standeth their future, or to live, or fall in moanful ruin.

But come, swift Ajax rouse for us; withal, the son of Phyleus;

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Sith pity for my age thou hast: for thou than me art younger."

Hereat, a fiery lion's hide, vast, reaching to the ankle,

Tydides round his shoulders wrapt, and took his spear beside him,

And started on his path: and them he rous'd and quickly gather'd.

But when amid the assembled watch at length they were arrived,

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Not slumbering, I wis, they found the captains of the watchers,

But all with panoply complete in wakeful mood were seated.

As, penn'd upon a field, the dogs around the sheep are anxious,

Hearing some stalwart-hearted beast, who thro' the forest howleth,

Crossing the mountains; after him an endless riot gathers

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Of dogs and shepherds; all the night, their hope of sleep hath perish'd:

So from their eyelids vanish'd then all hope of gentle slumber,

As thro' that evil night they watch'd: for to the plain they alway

Turn'd their regard, whene'er they deem'd the Troïans advancing.

At sight of them the aged man was joyous, and, to cheer them,

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He spake a word enheartening, and winged accents utter'd:

"Dear children! watch ye, diligent, as now; and let not slumber

Any invade; lest we become a triumph to the foemen."

He spake, and crossing, pass'd the moat; and after him there follow'd

All who to council summon'd were, king-leaders of the Argives.

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Along with them Meriones and Nestor's brilliant offspring

Proceeded; for the kings themselves their joint advice invited.

Then o'er the moat, which deep was dug, they cross'd, and took their station

On a clear space, where open ground was seen between the corpses,

Which fell, where Hector yester-eve set pause upon his fury,

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Prostrate the Argives laying, when the shades of night inclos'd him.

Here duly seated, each to each did canny counsel open.

To them the Pylian charioteer, Nestor, began discourses :

"My friends! can no man then be found of Argos, who, confiding

In his own daring soul, among the mighty-hearted Troians

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Would venture, if perchance he catch some foeman on the outskirt,

Or hear among the Troïans some rumour of their purpose,

Whether their bent be, here to stay, afar, anent the galleys,

Or to the city back to go, as victors of the Achaians.

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Might he such questions duly sound, and safe return among us,

His glory would to heaven reach, and noble gifts await him.

For upon him shall every chief, who Argive galleys swayeth,

Bestow a black ewe, big with young, of woolly chattels peerless;

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And alway shall he find a seat at public feast and banquet."

Such was his counsel: thereupon they all were dumb in silence,

Till Diomedes, good at need, utter'd his voice among them:

"Nestor, my heart and noble soul doth mightily bestir me

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Into the Troian foeman-host, which near us lies, to enter.

But, with another join'd, it were more comforting and cheery.

When two together go, the one before the other seizeth,

How gain is won; but, when alone, if rightly he discern it,

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Yet all his mind more sluggish is, and puny is his counsel."

He spake; then many wish'd to be escort to Diomedes,

Both the Ajaces wish'd for it, twin ministers of Ares, -

And Merion: but greatly did the son of Nestor wish it.

The son of Atreus wish'd for it, spear-famous Meneläus.

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And much Ulysses wish'd, the crowd of Troïans to enter;

For alway he in daring soul some enterprize was plotting.

Then Agamemnon, prince of men, pronounc'd his word among them:

"O Diomedes, Tydeus' son, to my regards most pleasing,

Now mayest thou thyself select the comrade whom thou willest,

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Who of the claimants bravest is; sith many here are eager.

But thou no reverence of heart indulge, to lose the braver,

Where choice is free; nor take the worse, by bashfulness persuaded,

Looking to birth; not even if one kinglier be offer'd."

So spake he, inwardly afraid for auburn Meneläus.

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But Diomedes, good at need, again replied among them:

"If then in truth ye lay on me myself to choose a comrade,

Could I in such arbitrement, forget divine Ulysses,

In whom the heart and noble soul surpassingly is forward

For every feat of hardiment; and maid Athene loves him?

245

If he be my escórt, I ween we might return deliver'd

Safe even out of blazing fire: so sage are his devices."

To him the much-enduring man, divine Ulysses, answer'd:

"O son of Tydeus, praise me not too much, nor yet reproach me;

For, those who hear thee, Argives are, with me and thee acquainted.

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But go we; for the night apace doth yield, and morn approacheth:

The stars are far upon their course, and of the nightly watches

More than two parts are gone; a third barely is left for action."

So spake they mutual; and both assum'd their dreadful armour.

A buckler upon Tydeus' son war-biding Thrasymedes

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Bestow'd, and cutlass double-edg'd; for he beside the galleys

Had left his own: and round his head he plac'd a cap of bull-hide,

Ridgeless and crestless; such as guards the heads of blooming callants.

But to Ulysses Merion a bow and quiver offer'd,

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And sword; and plac'd around his head a helmet wrought of leather,

With many a twisted strap within girt strongly; but without it

On either side in thick array a boar's white tusks were planted

Well and right cleverly; but felt was in the middle fitted.

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From Eleon, where reign'd of yore Ormenides Amyntor,

Autolycus had stolen it, the closed chamber boring.

It at Scandeia he bestowed on a Kytheran hero,

Amphidamas; from whom it pass'd as hospitable token

To Molus: he to Merion, his proper son, bequeath'd it,

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For use of war: now, settled close, Ulysses' head it shelter'd.

So then the twain, when both were busk'd complete in dreadful armour,

Hied them to go; and on the spot, behind them, all the bravest

They left; and maid Athene sent beside the road, to greet them,

A lucky heron: mid the gloom its cry they knew, tho' nothing

275

Saw they. Ulysses then rejoic'd, and thus besought Athene:

"Offspring of ægis-holding Jove, who alway dost beside me

In every feat of danger stand, and all my goings knowest,

Hearken to me, and chiefly now befriend me, O Athene!

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Grant us returning to arrive with glory at the galleys,

After some deed of hardiment, which Troians long may ponder."

Next Diomedes, good at need, did second raise his prayer:

"Eke unto me, O child of Jove! unweariable! hearken.

Escort me, as of yore thou didst my father, godlike Tydeus,

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Escort to Thebes, when forth he went ambassador for Argos,

And left upon Asopus' banks the brazen-cloak'd Achaians.

Thither a gentle word did he to the Cadmeians carry;

Yet he on his returning path a dire achievement plotted,

Goddess divine! by thy support, who stoodest by, to prompt him.

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In the same fashion now, beside me willing stand, and guard me:

And I to thee will sacrifice a broad-fac'd yearling heifer

Untam'd; which no man hitherto beneath the yoke hath fasten'd.

Gold will I spread around its horns and yield it to thy honour."

So utter'd they the word of pray'r, and maid Athene heard them.

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When to the imp of mighty Jove they thus had paid their worship,

They hied to go, as lions twain, amid the nightly darkness,

O'er carcases and dusky gore, thro' weapons and thro' carnage.

Eke Hector, neither yet did he permit the haughty Troians

To sleep; but into council thick he all the bravest summon'd,

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As many as of Troians were governours and leaders.

When these together he had call'd, a canny word disclos'd he:

"Who for a mighty guerdon now would undertake and finish

The deed which in my mind I plan? nor should his meed be scanty.

For I will give the chariot and two high-crested coursers,

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Which are of all preeminent at yon Achaian galleys,

On him, who hath the hardiment to earn him proper glory,

And near the swift-careering ships to go, and make inquiry,

Whether they guard them, as of old, or, by our hands o'ermaster'd,

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Among themselves they meditate a homeward flight; and haply,

Outwearièd by direful toil, neglect the nightly watches."

So he harangu'd them: thereupon they all were dumb in silence. -

Among the Troians was a man, Dolon; whose sire Eumedes

A godlike herald was: the son was rich in gold and copper,

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And had in form no comeliness, tho' excellent his swiftness:

Five were the daughters of his sire, but he their only brother.

Who then stood forth, and spake his word to Hector and the Troians:

"Hector! my heart and noble soul doth mightily bestir me

Near to the swift-careering ships to go, and make inquiry.

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But come, thy sceptre forward reach, and swear an oath upon it,

That verily the chariot inwrought with brass, and coursers

On me thou wilt bestow, which bear the spotless son of Peleus.

But I a spy to thee will be nor vain nor short of promise:

For thro' and thro' the army I will pass, till I arrive at

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The ship of Agamemnon, where (I deem) the bravest heroes

Join the high council, to decide either on flight or battle."

Then Hector held his sceptre forth, and sware an oath upon it:

"Bear witness Jupiter himself loud-rumbling lord of Juno;

No other man of Troïans shall on these coursers mount him,

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But thou perpetual shalt reap delight from them and glory."

False was the oath which thus he sware, yet him it keenly stirred.

Quickly behind his back he slung his bending bow and quiver:

On outer part a hoary skin of wolf he wrapt around him,

With casque of weasel screen'd his head, and seiz'd a pointed jav'lin,

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And from the army hied toward the ships. But backward journey

None was for him by Fate decreed, to bring report to Hector.

But when the crowd of steeds and men he left, and eager sallied,

Ulysses his approach perceiv'd, and spake to Diomedes :

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"Some man, O Diomedes, -hark! comes hither from the army,

Whether the galleys to espy, or to despoil the corpses.

But let us suffer him to pass along the plain a little,

Then, rushing after, catch him quick: or if his feet outstrip us,

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Yet shipward press him with the spear, from his own folk divided."

After such whisper and reply, they crouch'd amid the corpses

Beside the path; and swiftly he, O simpleton! ran past them.

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When só far onward he was gone, as in a match of ploughing

The mules unto the oxen give: -for they by far are quicker

In new and sinking soil to drag the heavy-framed ploughshare ;-

Then, in pursuit, on ran the twain. He heard, and stood and listen'd ;

For o'er his mind this fancy rush'd, that, at command of Hector,

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His comrades of the Troïans came after to recal him.

But when within a lance's length they reach'd, he knew the foemen,

And plied his supple knees to flee; and sharply did they chase him.

As when, with jagged rows of teeth, two hounds to hunting trained

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Over a woody lawn pursue a fawn or hare with effort

Ever incessant; forward scuds with shriek the tender quarry:

So then the son of Tydeus, with Ulysses city-rieving,

From his own folk dividing him, pursued with speed relentless.

But when all bút he had achiev'd to mingle with the watchers,

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In flight uuto the galleys, then Athene mighty vigour

Into Tydides breath'd, lest some of brazen-cloak'd Achaians

Boast earlier to fling the dart, and he but follow second.

Then, brandishing his weapon, cried the stalwart Diomedes:

"Stand still, or else my javelin shall reach thee: nor, I reckon,

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Long time shalt thou beneath my hand escape headlong destruction."

He spake, and hurl'd his javelin, but miss'd the man on purpose.

The point of its well-polish'd shaft over his better shoulder

Glided, and fasten'd in the ground: then still he stood, and trembled,

All pale with fear; and in his mouth his teeth did champ and chatter.

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Panting, the twain arriv'd and seiz'd his hands: then weeping spake he:

"Save me alive, O warriours, and take a worthy ransom.

For in our home is brass and gold and varied forms of iron.

From these my sire would speedily with boundless ransom please you,

Soon as he learns of me alive beside the Achaian galleys."

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To him, thereat, responsive spake Ulysses much-devising:

"Be of good cheer, nor let thy mind by thoughts of death be troubled.

But come, explain thou this to me and faithfully declare it:

Why from the army lonely thus toward the galleys goest

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In covert of the dusky night, when other mortals slumber?

Is it, the corpses to despoil? or art thou sent by Hector

As spy upon the hollow ships? or comest thou self-bidden?"

Dolon replied, and while he spake, his limbs beneath him trembled:

"By frenzied follies Hector me entic'd against my judgment,

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Who gave assent to yield to me the single-hoofed horses

Of Peleus' lordly son, and eke the car with brass adorned;

And thro' the night's swift-rushing gloom he bade me to adventure,

And to the foeman's galley-side to go, and make inquiry,

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Whether they guard them, as of old, or, by our hands o'ermaster'd,

Among themselves they meditate a homeward flight; and haply,

Outwearièd by direful toil, neglect the nightly watches."

To him with smiling glance replied Ulysses much-devising:

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"To mighty guerdon verily aspir'd thy daring passion.

Hard are those steeds for mortal men to tame and guide in harness,

To all but skilful Achileus, born of a deathless mother.

But come, explain thou this to me, and faithfully declare it.

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Where, hither coming, leftest thou Hector, the people's shepherd?

Where is his martial armour laid? and where repose his horses?

And of all other Troïans how lie the beds and watches?

What are their plans? and are they bent to stay anent the galleys,

410

Or to the city back to go, as victors of the Achaians?"

Dolon, Eumedes' son, thereat reciprocal address'd him :

"Right faithfully will I to thee declare the things thou askest.

With those who are high councillors Hector exchangeth counsels

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Far from the din of war, beside the tomb of godlike Ilus.

As for the watches, none distinct do guard and save the army.

For where a fire is kindled, there are men awake to watch it :

Each guardeth other: but the allies, from many countries summon'd,

420

Slumber; for to the Troïans they trust the charge of watching.

Themselves in near vicinity nor children have nor women."

To him in turn responded then Ulysses much-devising:

"But how? promiscuous reclin'd with coursertaming Troians

Slumber they? or on ground apart? distinctly this inform me."

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Dolon, Eumedes' son, thereat reciprocal address'd him :

"This also, which thou askest me, right faithfully I tell thee.

Toward the sea the Leleges and Cares and Caucônes,

And Pæones with bending bows, and the divine Pelasgi.

Thymbre-ward lie the Lycians and haughty-hearted Mysi,

430

And Mæones with horsehair-crests, and coursertaming Phryges.

But why thus carefully of me inquire ye where they slumber?

For if ye eager are, the crowd of Troïans to enter,

Here lie the Thracians apart, new-come, of all the outmost.

Rhesus, the son of Eioneus, their king, encamps among them,

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Whose steeds I saw, of all on earth the handsomest and largest,

Whiter in hue than falling snow, and like the winds in fleetness.

With gold and silver beauteous his chariot is fashion'd.

With him he brings a spectacle right marvellous to gaze at,

Gigantic armour, all of gold, which for a man and mortal

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Seemeth too glorious to wear; meet only for the deathless.

But now permit me to approach the swift-careering galleys,

Else bind me with a ruthless bond, and here behind you leave me,

Till ye have gone and trial made, whether I told you truly."

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To him with scowling glance replied the stalwart Diomedes:

"Dolon! no fancy of escape within thy heart indulge thou,

Sithence our hands have grappled thee; albeit good thy tiding.

For, ransom'd or escaping now, mightest thou come tomorrow

Against the swift Achaian ships, as spy or open fighter.

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But if, beneath my hands laid low, thou here from life shalt vanish,

Never wilt thou hereafter work annoy against the Argives."

Then Dolon reach'd his spreading hand, upon the beard to stroke him,

In guise of suppliant; but he, uprising with the cutlass,

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Smote him in middle of the neck and adverse tendons sever'd;

And ere his lips as yet were still, his head with dust was mingled.

Then off they stript the weasel-cap, and double bow and quiver,

Wolfskin and spear; but these aloft divine Ulysses raising

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Unto Athene booty-driving, spake his vow and worship:

"With these, O goddess, be thou pleas'd: for thee, of all immortals

First, in Olympus we invoke: but once again conduct us

Against the coursers and the beds of men arriv'd from Thrake."

This said, upon a tamarisk he rais'd aloft and plac'm them.

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Then reeds collecting and the twigs of tamarisk fresh-sprouting,

He made a token, clear to sight in gloom of night swift-rushing.

This finish'd, onward went the twain, thro' dusky gore and weapons,

And sudden came upon the band of men arriv'd from Thrake.

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And they, by toil outwearièd, did slumber; and beside them

Upon the ground in order fair by triple row their weapons

Brilliant were laid; and every man had coursers twain beside him.

But Rhesus in the middle slept; and his swift chargers near him,

From outmost rim of chariot with leathern straps were coupled.

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Ulysses then, first seeing him, to Diomedes beckon'd:

"O Diomedes, lo! the man, and lo! the snow-white coursers,

Which Dolon, whom we slew but now, hath faithfully denoted.

But come, thy stalwart might put forth. Idle to stand, befits not

A harness'd warriour like thee: do thou untie the horses:

480

Or else, the men shalt thou assail, and I will tend the horses."

When thus he spake, the greyey'd maid breath'd might into Tydides.

From side to side he slaughter'd them; and horrible the groaning

Rose, as the smiting cutlass fell: red grew the earth with carnage.

And as a lion on a flock of cattle unprotected,

485

Or goats or sheep, doth sudden pounce with heart of desolation,

So did the son of Tydeus then pursue the men of Thrake,

Till twelve lay slain beneath him: but Ulysses much-devising,

Seiz'd by the foot and backward trail'd each slaughter'd man, with purpose,

For-that the glossy-coated steeds might find an easy passage,

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Nor tremble, stepping on the dead: for new were they to slaughter.

But when unto the king at last the son of Tydeus reached,

From him, the thirteenth, ravish'd he the life, as honey pleasant,

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Gasping already for, that night, by purpose of Athene,

Over his head a phantom dire stood forth, the son of Tydeus!

Daring Ulysses loos'd meanwhile the single-hoofed horses

Slung them together, drove them out, and whipp'd them with his bowstring;

(For from the curious car to take the shining scourge forgat he ;)

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Then with a whistle notice gave to godlike Diomedes.

He on some new daredevilry, staying behind, did ponder;

Whether to seize the chariot, which held the curious armour,

And outward drag it by the pole, or mightily uphoist it,

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Or from the troop of Thracians devote more lives to slaughter.

While all his soul with such debate did heave, meanwhile Athene

Close standing by his side, address'd the godlike Diomedes.

"Now meditate return, O son of mighty-hearted Tydeus,

Unto the smoothly-hollow ships; lest scar'd thou hurry thither,

510

If haply by some other god the Troians too be waken'd."

When thus she whisper'd, right he knew the goddess' voice which warn'd him.

Quickly they mounted on the steeds; and with his bow Ulysses

Smack'd them; and fleetly they approach'd the sharp Achaian galleys.

Meantime no idle watch was kept by silver-bow'd Apollo :

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And soon as he with Tydeus' son beheld Athene dealing,

With her enrag'd, he rush'd amid the crowded throng of Troians,

And rous'd from sleep Hippocoön, high counsellor of Thrake,

Who Rhesus' noble kinsman was: then up from slumber starting,

When empty he beheld the place, wherestood the snow-white coursers,

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And found the corpses heaving yet, with noisome carnage reeking,

He thereupon groan'fully, and call'd his dear companion.

Soon tumult and uncounted scream rose, as the tide of Troians

Promiscuous together rush'd, and gaz'd at deeds of horror,

Achiev'd by men unseen,—escap'd unto the hollow galleys.

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But when they came returning, where they slew the spy of Hector,

There did Ulysses, dear to Jove, arrest the coursers' gallop.

His comrade, leaping to the ground, the gory spoils recover'd,

And plac'd them in Ulysses's hands, and on the steed remounted.

They flogg'd the coursers, nothing loth in flying race to speed them

530

Unto the smoothly-hollow ships, whither their wishes hasted.

And Nestor first the tramping heard, and urgently address'd them:

"O friends, who to the Argive folk are governours and leaders,

Falsely or truly, shall I say what yet my heart persuadeth?

My ears do quiver with the tramp of nimble-footed horses.

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O heaven! may Ulysses thus and stalwart Diomedes

Drive sudden from the Troïans the single-hoofed horses.

Yet grimly in my heart I dread, lest-that the Argive bravest

In some disaster tangled be beneath the Troian riot."

Not all his word was utter'd yet, when lo! themselves arrived.

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Quick to the ground dismounted they: the rest, in heart delighted,

With the right hand saluted them and eke with honey'd speeches.

First thereupon the charioteer Gerenian Nestor ask'd them:

"Come say, Ulysses, rich of lore, great glory of the Achaians,

Whence are these coursers? took ye them amid the throng of Troians?

545

Or did some god fall in with you, and give them as a present?

To the sun's awful brilliancy would I compare their whiteness.

Ever among the Troian ranks I mix; nor wont to tarry

Beside the galleys, troth, am I, albeit old for fighting:

Yet coursers, such as these, not yet with eye nor fancy saw I,

550

But rather ween I that some god hath met you and bestow'd them.

For cloud-collecting Jupiter to both of you hath favour,

And eke Athene, maiden-imp of Jove the ægisholder."

To him in turn responsive spake Ulysses much-devising:

"O Nestor, Neleus' progeny, great glory of the Achaians,

555

A god, who will'd it, easily might honour us with presents

Of coursers nobler far than these; for greatly are they higher.

Howbeit, aged friend, in sooth, the steeds, of which thou askest,

Are Thracian and newly come; and gallant Diomedes

Slaughter'd their lord, and by his side twelve comrades, all his bravest.

560

A thirteenth man, whose spoils are here, we captur'd near the galleys,

Whom, to espy our camp, and sound our strength and courage, Hector

And other lordly Troïans sent forward from their army."

This said, across the moat he urg'd the singlehoofed horses,

Highglorying; along with him the others went, delighted.

565

When at the tightly joined tent of Tydeus' son arriv'd they,

With wellcut thongs they fastened the horses to the manger,

Where, eating honey-pleasant wheat, stood Diomedes' horses.

And on the poop Ulysses hung the gory spoils of Dolon,

570

High on his ship, to furnish out a trophy for Athene.

Themselves, descending on the beach, into the waters waded,

From feet below, to neck above, the cleansing power courting.

But when the tossing wave had wash'd much sweat from off their members,

And had their hearts refresh'd, they stept into the baths wellpolish'd.

575

After their bodies thus were bath'd, and with fat oil anointed,

So sat they to the morning-meal, and to Athene's honour

Tilted the honey-pleasant wine, out of the full bowl teeming.

Homer Iliad 10.503

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