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Around the other city sat two hosts

In shining armor, bent to lay it waste,

Unless the dwellers would divide their wealth, -

All that their pleasant homes contained, - and yield

The assailants half. As yet the citizens

640

Had not complied, but secretly had planned

An ambush. Their beloved wives meanwhile,

And their young children, stood and watched the walls,

With aged men among them, while the youths

Marched on, with Mars and Pallas at their head,

645

Both wrought in gold, with golden garments on,

Stately and large in form, and over all

Conspicuous, in bright armor, as became

The gods; the rest were of an humbler size.

And when they reached the spot where they should lie

650

In ambush, by a river's side, a place

For watering herds, they sat them down, all armed

In shining brass. Apart from all the rest

They placed two sentries, on the watch to spy

The approach of sheep and horned kine. Soon came

655

The herds in sight; two shepherds walked with them,

Who, all unweeting of the evil nigh,

Solaced their task with music from their reeds.

The warriors saw and rushed on them, and took

And drave away large prey of beeves, and flocks

660

Of fair white sheep, whose keepers they had slain.

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.) — 18.490 focus

ἐν δὲ δύω ποίησε πόλεις μερόπων ἀνθρώπων

490

καλάς. ἐν τῇ μέν ῥα γάμοι τʼ ἔσαν εἰλαπίναι τε,

νύμφας δʼ ἐκ θαλάμων δαΐδων ὕπο λαμπομενάων

ἠγίνεον ἀνὰ ἄστυ, πολὺς δʼ ὑμέναιος ὀρώρει·

κοῦροι δʼ ὀρχηστῆρες ἐδίνεον, ἐν δʼ ἄρα τοῖσιν

αὐλοὶ φόρμιγγές τε βοὴν ἔχον· αἳ δὲ γυναῖκες

495

ἱστάμεναι θαύμαζον ἐπὶ προθύροισιν ἑκάστη.

λαοὶ δʼ εἰν ἀγορῇ ἔσαν ἀθρόοι· ἔνθα δὲ νεῖκος

ὠρώρει, δύο δʼ ἄνδρες ἐνείκεον εἵνεκα ποινῆς

ἀνδρὸς ἀποφθιμένου· ὃ μὲν εὔχετο πάντʼ ἀποδοῦναι

δήμῳ πιφαύσκων, ὃ δʼ ἀναίνετο μηδὲν ἑλέσθαι·

500

ἄμφω δʼ ἱέσθην ἐπὶ ἴστορι πεῖραρ ἑλέσθαι.

λαοὶ δʼ ἀμφοτέροισιν ἐπήπυον ἀμφὶς ἀρωγοί·

κήρυκες δʼ ἄρα λαὸν ἐρήτυον· οἳ δὲ γέροντες

εἵατʼ ἐπὶ ξεστοῖσι λίθοις ἱερῷ ἐνὶ κύκλῳ,

σκῆπτρα δὲ κηρύκων ἐν χέρσʼ ἔχον ἠεροφώνων·

505

τοῖσιν ἔπειτʼ ἤϊσσον, ἀμοιβηδὶς δὲ δίκαζον.

κεῖτο δʼ ἄρʼ ἐν μέσσοισι δύω χρυσοῖο τάλαντα,

τῷ δόμεν ὃς μετὰ τοῖσι δίκην ἰθύντατα εἴποι.

τὴν δʼ ἑτέρην πόλιν ἀμφὶ δύω στρατοὶ ἥατο λαῶν

τεύχεσι λαμπόμενοι· δίχα δέ σφισιν ἥνδανε βουλή,

510

ἠὲ διαπραθέειν ἢ ἄνδιχα πάντα δάσασθαι

κτῆσιν ὅσην πτολίεθρον ἐπήρατον ἐντὸς ἔεργεν·

οἳ δʼ οὔ πω πείθοντο, λόχῳ δʼ ὑπεθωρήσσοντο.

τεῖχος μέν ῥʼ ἄλοχοί τε φίλαι καὶ νήπια τέκνα

ῥύατʼ ἐφεσταότες, μετὰ δʼ ἀνέρες οὓς ἔχε γῆρας·

515

οἳ δʼ ἴσαν· ἦρχε δʼ ἄρά σφιν Ἄρης καὶ Παλλὰς Ἀθήνη

ἄμφω χρυσείω, χρύσεια δὲ εἵματα ἕσθην,

καλὼ καὶ μεγάλω σὺν τεύχεσιν, ὥς τε θεώ περ

ἀμφὶς ἀριζήλω· λαοὶ δʼ ὑπολίζονες ἦσαν.

οἳ δʼ ὅτε δή ῥʼ ἵκανον ὅθι σφίσιν εἶκε λοχῆσαι

520

ἐν ποταμῷ, ὅθι τʼ ἀρδμὸς ἔην πάντεσσι βοτοῖσιν,

ἔνθʼ ἄρα τοί γʼ ἵζοντʼ εἰλυμένοι αἴθοπι χαλκῷ.

τοῖσι δʼ ἔπειτʼ ἀπάνευθε δύω σκοποὶ εἵατο λαῶν

δέγμενοι ὁππότε μῆλα ἰδοίατο καὶ ἕλικας βοῦς.

οἳ δὲ τάχα προγένοντο, δύω δʼ ἅμʼ ἕποντο νομῆες

525

τερπόμενοι σύριγξι· δόλον δʼ οὔ τι προνόησαν.

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.) — 18.490 focus

490 Therein fashioned he also two cities of mortal men exceeding fair. In the one there were marriages and feastings, and by the light of the blazing torches they were leading the brides from their bowers through the city, and loud rose the bridal song. And young men were whirling in the dance, and in their midst 495 flutes and lyres sounded continually; and there the women stood each before her door and marvelled. But the folk were gathered in the place of assembly; for there a strife had arisen, and two men were striving about the blood-price of a man slain; the one avowed that he had paid all, 500 declaring his cause to the people, but the other refused to accept aught;¹ and each was fain to win the issue on the word of a daysman. Moreover, the folk were cheering both, shewing favour to this side and to that. And heralds held back the folk, and the elders were sitting upon polished stones in the sacred circle, 505 holding in their hands the staves of the loud-voiced heralds. Therewith then would they spring up and give judgment, each in turn. And in the midst lay two talents of gold, to be given to him whoso among them should utter the most righteous judgment. But around the other city lay in leaguer two hosts of warriors 510 gleaming in armour. And twofold plans found favour with them, either to lay waste the town or to divide in portions twain all the substance that the lovely city contained within.² Howbeit the besieged would nowise hearken thereto, but were arming to meet the foe in an ambush. The wall were their dear wives and little children guarding, 515 as they stood thereon, and therewithal the men that were holden of old age; but the rest were faring forth, led of Ares and Pallas Athene, both fashioned in gold, and of gold was the raiment wherewith they were clad. Goodly were they and tall in their harness, as beseemeth gods, clear to view amid the rest, and the folk at their feet were smaller. 520 But when they were come to the place where it seemed good unto them to set their ambush, in a river-bed where was a watering-place for all herds alike, there they sate them down, clothed about with flaming bronze. Thereafter were two scouts set by them apart from the host, waiting till they should have sight of the sheep and sleek cattle. 525 And these came presently, and two herdsmen followed with them playing upon pipes; and of the guile wist they not at all.

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.) — 18.497 focus

497 Meanwhile the people were gathered in assembly, for there was a quarrel [ neikos], and two men were wrangling about the blood-price for a man who had died, the one claiming to the dêmos that he had the right to pay off the damages in full, and the other refusing to accept anything. Each was seeking a limit [ peirar], in the presence of an arbitrator [ histôr], and the people took sides, each man backing the side that he had taken;

502 but the heralds kept them back, and the elders sat on their seats of stone in a solemn circle, holding the staves which the heralds had put into their hands. Then they rose and each in his turn gave judgment [ dikê], and there were two measures of gold laid down, to be given to him whose judgment [ dikê] should be deemed the fairest.

509 About the other city there lay encamped two hosts in gleaming armor, and they were divided whether to sack it, or to spare it and accept the half of what it contained. But the men of the city would not yet consent, and armed themselves for a surprise; their wives and little children kept guard upon the walls, and with them were the men who were past fighting through age; but the others sallied forth with Ares and Pallas Athena at their head - both of them wrought in gold and clad in golden raiment, great and fair with their armor as befitting gods, while they that followed were smaller. When they reached the place where they would lay their ambush, it was on a riverbed to which live stock of all kinds would come from far and near to water; here, then, they lay concealed, clad in full armor. Some way off them there were two scouts who were on the look-out for the coming of sheep or cattle, which presently came, followed by two shepherds who were playing on their pipes, and had not so much as a thought of danger. When those who were in ambush saw this, they cut off the flocks and herds and killed the shepherds. Meanwhile the besiegers, when they heard much noise among the cattle as they sat in council, sprang to their horses, and made with all speed towards them; when they reached them they set battle in array by the banks of the river, and the hosts aimed their bronze-shod spears at one another. With them were Strife and Riot, and fell Fate who was dragging three men after her, one with a fresh wound, and the other unwounded, while the third was dead, and she was dragging him along by his heel: and her robe was bedrabbled in men's blood. They went in and out with one another and fought as though they were living people haling away one another's dead.

541 He wrought also a fair fallow field, large and thrice ploughed already. Many men were working at the plough within it, turning their oxen to and fro, furrow after furrow. Each time that they turned on reaching the headland a man would come up to them and give them a cup of wine, and they would go back to their furrows looking forward to the time when they should again reach the headland. The part that they had ploughed was dark behind them, so that the field, though it was of gold, still looked as if it were being ploughed - very curious to behold.

550 He wrought also a field of harvest grain, and the reapers were reaping with sharp sickles in their hands. Swathe after swathe fell to the ground in a straight line behind them, and the binders bound them in bands of twisted straw. There were three binders, and behind them there were boys who gathered the cut grain in armfuls and kept on bringing them to be bound: among them all the owner of the land stood by in silence and was glad. The servants were getting a meal ready under an oak, for they had sacrificed a great ox, and were busy cutting him up, while the women were making a porridge of much white barley for the laborers' dinner.

561 He wrought also a vineyard, golden and fair to see, and the vines were loaded with grapes. The bunches overhead were black, but the vines were trained on poles of silver. He ran a ditch of dark metal all round it, and fenced it with a fence of tin; there was only one path to it, and by this the vintagers went when they would gather the vintage. Youths and maidens all blithe and full of glee, carried the luscious fruit in plaited baskets; and with them there went a boy who made sweet music with his lyre, and sang the Linus-song with his clear boyish voice.

573 He wrought also a herd of horned cattle. He made the cows of gold and tin, and they lowed as they came full speed out of the yards to go and feed among the waving reeds that grow by the banks of the river. Along with the cattle there went four shepherds, all of them in gold, and their nine fleet dogs went with them. Two terrible lions had fastened on a bellowing bull that was with the foremost cows, and bellow as he might they haled him, while the dogs and men gave chase: the lions tore through the bull's thick hide and were gorging on his blood and bowels, but the herdsmen were afraid to do anything, and only hounded on their dogs; the dogs dared not fasten on the lions but stood by barking and keeping out of harm's way.

587 The god wrought also a pasture in a fair mountain dell, and large flock of sheep, with a homestead and huts, and sheltered sheepfolds.

English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020)) — 18.490 focus

On it he [= the divine smith Hephaistos] wrought two cities of mortal men. 491 And there were weddings in one, and feasts. 492 They were leading the brides along the city from their maiden chambers 493 under the flaring of torches, and the loud bride song was arising. 494 The young men were dancing in circles, and among them [495] the pipes and the lyres kept up their clamor as in the meantime the women, 496 standing each at the door of the courtyard, admired them.

497 Meanwhile the people were gathered in assembly, and there a quarrel [ neikos] 498 had arisen, and two men were quarreling [ neikeîn] about the blood-price [ poinē] 499 for a man who had died. One of the two claimed that he had the right to pay off the damages in full, [500] declaring this publicly to the population of the district [ dēmos], and the other of the two was refusing to accept anything. 501 Both of them were seeking a limit [ peirar], in the presence of an arbitrator [ histōr], 502 and the people took sides, each man shouting for the side he was on; 503 but the heralds kept them back, and the elders 504sat on benches of polished stone in a sacred [ hieros] circle, [505] taking hold of scepters [ skēptra] that the heralds, who lift their voices, put into their hands. 506 Holding these [scepters] they rose and each in his turn gave judgment [ dikazein], 507 and in their midst there were placed on the ground two measures of gold, 508 to be given to that one among them who spoke a judgment [ dikē] in the most straight way [ ithuntata].

About the other city there lay encamped two armies in gleaming armor, [510] and they were divided whether to ransack it, or to spare it and accept the half of what it contained. But the men of the city would not yet consent, and armed themselves for a surprise; their wives and little children kept guard upon the walls, [515] and with them were the men who were past fighting through age; 516 And they [= warriors represented on the Shield] were on their way. Leading them were Arēs and Pallas Athena. 517 They were both golden. And they were wearing golden clothing. 518 Beautiful and immense they were in their armor, gods that they are, 519 most visible [ arizēlō], side by side. But the warriors were smaller in size. [520] When they reached the place where they would lay their ambush, it was on a riverbed to which live stock of all kinds would come from far and near to water; here, then, they lay concealed, clad in full armor. Some way off them there were two scouts who were on the look-out for the coming of sheep or cattle, [525] which presently came, followed by two shepherds who were playing on their pipes, and had not so much as a thought of danger.

English (Alexander Pope, 1720, ed. Watson, 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Alexander Pope, 1720, ed. Watson, 1857)) — 18.490 focus

Two cities radiant on the shield appear,

The image one of peace, and one of war.

Here sacred pomp and genial feast delight,

And solemn dance, and Hymeneal rite;

570

Along the street the new-made brides are led,

With torches flaming, to the nuptial bed:

The youthful dancers in a circle bound

To the soft flute, and cittern's silver sound:

Through the fair streets, the matrons in a row

575

Stand in their porches, and enjoy the show.

There, in the Forum swarm a numerous train;

The subject of debate, a townsman slain:

One pleads the fine discharg'd, which one denied,

And bade the public and the laws decide:

580

The witness is produced on either hand;

For this, or that, the partial people stand:

Th' appointed heralds still the noisy bands,

And form a ring, with sceptres in their hands;

On seats of stone, within the sacred place,

585

The reverend elders nodded o'er the case;

Alternate, each th' attending sceptre took,

And, rising solemn, each his sentence spoke.

Two golden talents lay amidst, in sight,

The prize of him who best adjudged the right.

590

Another part (a prospect differing far)

Glow'd with refulgent arms, and horrid war.

Two mighty hosts a leaguer'd town embrace,

And one would pillage, one would burn, the place.

Meantime the townsmen, arm'd with silent care,

595

A secret ambush on the foe prepare:

Their wives, their children, and the watchful band

Of trembling parents, on the turrets stand.

They march, by Pallas and by Mars made bold;

Gold were the gods, their radiant garments gold,

600

And gold their armour; these the squadron led,

August, divine, superior by the head!

A place for ambush fit they found, and stood

Cover'd with shields, beside a silver flood.

Two spies at distance lurk, and watchful seem

605

If sheep or oxen seek the winding stream.

Soon the white flocks proceeded o'er the plains,

And steers slow-moving, and two shepherd swains;

Behind them, piping on their reeds, they go,

Nor fear an ambush, nor suspect a foe.

610

English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843)) — 18.490 focus

And in it were two cities. In the one

Good cheer and weddings, and great melody,

And women at their doors stand looking on

To see the bridegroom as he passed by,

And lusty youths, that dancing with them go,

450

To citterns and to pipes, and Hymen cry,

And turn as swift as tops upon the toe.

And full of people was the market-place.

Assembled at the hearing of a cause.

A man was slain. And this was then the case.

455

One said that he had satisfied the laws,

The other said that nothing he had paid;

And on this issue they will both be tried,

And have their proofs before the judges laid,

And clamour great of friends was on each side.

460

The cryers when they stilled had the cry,

Into the judges' hands their sceptres gave,

And in the midst, of gold two talents lie,

For him that has the better cause to have.

Before the other town two armies stood.

465

The foe resolved was to plunder it;

The town, to save it, offered half their good,

The other to accept it thought not fit.

Then up unto the walls the towns-men sent

Their women, children, and their men grown old,

470

And all the rest out from the city went,

And Mars and Pallas with them, all in gold,

And taller than the multitude by odds,

Who in respect of them seem'd very low,

For men are much inferior to the Gods.

475

Then they before the gate to council go.

The enemies themselves in ambush laid

At th' watering place upon the river's brink,

And scouts sent out, which not far from them staid,

To tell them when the cattle came to drink.

480

And when they were informed they were nigh,

And shepherds two, that did suspect no harm,

English (George Chapman, 1611, ed. Hooper 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (George Chapman, 1611, ed. Hooper 1857)) — 18.490 focus

Two cities in the spacious field he built, with goodly state

Of divers-languag'd men. The one did nuptials celebrate,

445

Observing at them solemn feasts, the brides from forth their bow'rs

With torches usher'd through the streets, a world of paramours

Excited by them; youths and maids in lovely circles danc'd,

To whom the merry pipe and harp their spritely sounds advanc'd,

The matrons standing in their doors admiring. Otherwhere

450

A solemn court of law was kept, where throngs of people were.

The case in question was a fine impos'd on one that slew

The friend of him that follow'd it, and for the fine did sue,

Which th' other pleaded he had paid. Th' adverse part denied,

And openly affirm'd he had no penny satisfied.

455

Both put it to arbiterment. The people cried 'twas best

For both parts, and th' assistants too gave their dooms like the rest.

The heralds made the people peace. The seniors then did bear

The voiceful heralds' sceptres, sat within a sacred sphere,

On polish'd stones, and gave by turns their sentence. In the court

460

Two talents' gold were cast, for him that judg'd in justest sort.

The other city other wars employ'd as busily,

Two armies glittering in arms, of one confederacy,

Besieg'd it, and a parlè had with those within the town.

Two ways they stood resolv'd; to see the city overthrown,

465

Or that the citizens should heap in two parts all their wealth,

And give them half. They neither lik'd, but arm'm'd themselves by stealth,

Left all their old men, wives, and boys, behind to man their walls,

And stole out to their enemy's town. The Queen of martials

And Mars himself conducted them; both which, being forg'd of gold,

470

Must needs have golden furniture, and men might so behold

They were presented Deities. The people Vulcan forg'd

Of meaner metal. When they came where that was to be urg'd

For which they went, within a vale close to a flood, whose stream

Us'd to give all their cattle drink, they there enambush'd them,

475

²³⁴

And sent two scouts out to descry when th' enemy's herds and sheep

Were setting out.

English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey)) — 18.490 focus

Two splendid cities also there he form'd

Such as men build. In one were to be seen

Rites matrimonial solemnized with pomp

Of sumptuous banquets; from their chambers forth

Leading the brides they usher'd them along

615

With torches through the streets, and sweet was heard

The voice around of Hymenæal song.

Here striplings danced in circles to the sound

Of pipe and harp, while in the portals stood

Women, admiring, all, the gallant show.

620

Elsewhere was to be seen in council met

The close-throng'd multitude. There strife arose.

Two citizens contended for a mulct

The price of blood. This man affirm'd the fine

All paid, haranguing vehement the crowd,

625

That man denied that he had aught received,

And to the judges each made his appeal

Eager for their award. Meantime the people,

As favour swayed them, clamour'd loud for each.

The heralds quell'd the tumult; reverend sat

630

On polish'd stones the Elders in a ring,

Each with an herald's sceptre in his hand,

Which holding they arose, and all in turn

Gave sentence. In the midst two talents lay

Of gold, his destined recompense whose voice

635

Decisive should pronounce the best award.

The other city by two glittering hosts

Invested stood, and a dispute arose

Between the hosts, whether to burn the town

And lay all waste, or to divide the spoil.

640

Meantime, the citizens, still undismay'd,

Surrender'd not the town, but taking arms

Secretly, set the ambush in array,

And on the walls their wives and children kept

Vigilant guard, with all the antient men.

645

They sallied; at their head Pallas and Mars

Both golden and in golden vests attired

Advanced, proportion each showing divine,

Large, prominent, and such as Gods beseem'd.

Not such the people, but of humbler size.

650

Arriving at the spot for ambush chosen,

A river's side, where cattle of each kind

Drank, down they sat, all arm'd in dazzling brass.

Apart from all the rest sat also down

Two spies, both looking for the flocks and herds.

655

Soon they appear'd, and at their side were seen

Two shepherd swains, each playing on his pipe

Careless, and of the danger nought apprized.

English (F. W. Newman, 1856) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (F. W. Newman, 1856)) — 18 focus

BOOK XVIII

So then in guise of blazing fire the combatants were fighting.

Nestor's swift-footed son meanwhile bare message to Achilles,

And found him forward, out beyond his lofty-crested galleys,

Foreboding in his heart the thing, which verily was complish'd:

So he with indignation spake to his own haughty spirit:

"Alas! and wherefore doth the rout of streaming-hair'd Achaians

Flounder anew across the plain, toward the galleys driven?

Mayhap the immortals to my heart disastrous evil complish,

As once my mother spake of yore, and spelt the doom of heaven,

How that, while I in life abide, beneath the hands of Troians

The noblest of the Myrmidons shall leave this sunny splendour.

Surely, alas! my cruel friend, Menoetius' brave offspring,

Is perish'd. Troth! my charge it was, the foeman's fire to parry,

Then to the galleys back to come, nor stoutly fight with Hector."

While all his bosom and his soul with such debate did struggle,

Meanwhile, with burning tears bestream'd, the son of lordly Nestor

Arriving, stood before his face, and spake a bitter message:

"Woe on my errand! thou, oh son of skilful-hearted Peleus,

Must hear a mournful tiding, which I would had no fulfilment!

Fallen Patroclus lies: around, his naked corpse to rescue

We combat; but his arms are won by motley-helmed Hector."

Upon such words, a gloomy cloud of woe Achilles shrouded.

Then scooping in his joined hands the copious dust of ashes,

Down on his head he poured them, and marr'd his graceful visage,

And round his nectar-breathing robe the murky soot was spatter'd.

Then lay he huge, of huge aspect, amid the dust extended,

And, with his own hands rending it, his princely hair disfigur'd.

Eke the domestic women, whom Achilles and Patroclus

Led off as booty of the spear, scream'd loudly, smit with anguish,

And hurried from the tent, around Achilles skilful-hearted,

And beat the bosom ceaselessly, till all would swoon exhausted.

On other side Antilochus with stealthy tear was mourning,

Holding Achilles' hand; and fear his noble heart distracted,

Lest, impotent of grief, his throat he sever with the iron.

His groans resounded direfully, and reach'd his queenly mother,

Who sat within the briny depths beside her aged father.

Thereat she cried aloud with grief, and, thronging quick around her,

Came all the goddess-Nereïds from ocean's deep recesses.

Among them was Kymódoke and Glauke and Thaleia,

Nesaea, large-ey'd Halia, Kymóthoë and Speio,

Maera and Jaera, Mélite, Actaea, Limnoreia,

Doto and Proto, Pánope, Amphithoë, Agáue,

Dexámene, Amphínome, Dynámene, Pherousa.

Callianeira with them was, with them Callianassa,

Nemertes and Apseudes, with Janeira and Janassa;

Thoë and Clymene were there, Doris and Oreithuia,

And Amatheia bright of locks and famous Galateia;

And other Nereïds, who dwell in ocean's deep recesses.

With these the brilliant grot was fill'd, and all did beat the bosom

Ceaseless: but Thetis spake to them, and led the dirge of sorrow:

"Listen, ye sister Nereïds! so, when ye all have heard me,

Full truly may ye know, what griefs within my heart I carry.

Ah woe upon my bridal bed! woe on my famous childbirth!

Who to a mortal father gave a spotless son and stalwart,

A chief of warriours: and he grew tall like to a sapling.

And him, as in the orchard's lap a plant, I fondly nurtur'd,

And sent him forth to Ilium upon his crested galleys,

Against the Troïans to fight; yet in the halls of Peleus

Ne'er shall my child returning meet the welcome of his mother.

And while he liveth still for me and sees the light of heaven,

Anguish he suffereth; nor I approaching may relieve him.

Yet go will I, my offspring dear to look upon, and hearken,

What sorrow hath his bosom reach'd, while he from war refraineth."

She with such utterance forsook the grotto; they together

In tears attended: round their forms was cleft the watery billow.

But when to loamy Troas' beach they came, in train they mounted,

Where thick the ships of Myrmidons were drawn round swift Achilles.

Then by his side, while deep he moan'd, appear'd his queenly mother,

Who on her son's head cast her hand, and with a wail sharp-piercing,

Token of heart compassionate, did winged accents utter:

"My child, why weepest thou? and what the grief, thy heart that wounded?

Lock not thy breast, but speak it out. From Jupiter is complish'd

All, whatsoe'er thou diddest ask afore with hands uplifted.

For he to galley-poop hath hemm'd the children of Achaia,

Where they, abandon'd of thy aid, unseemly deeds encounter."

To her Achilles, fleet of foot, with heavy moan responded:

"In sooth, my mother! complish'd hath the Olympian my curses.

Yet bringeth it no pleasure, sith my comrade dear is perish'd,-

Patroclus, whom of all my friends above the rest I honour'd,

As my own peer. Him have I lost: and Hector holds as booty

My splendid armour stript from him, a spectacle majestic,

Right wondrous; which, as brilliant gifts, the gods bestow'd on Peleus,

Upon that day, when thee they gave in bride-bed to a mortal.

Oh hadst thou liefer neath the waves with other deathless seanymphs

There alway dwelt, and mortal wife had been to Peleus wedded!

But now, that eke thyself may know the heart's uncounted sorrow,

Thy child will shortly fall in death, nor shall receive thy welcome

Returning to his father's halls; for neither doth my spirit

Bid me to live, or among men to dwell, unless-that Hector,

Smitten beneath my javelin, shall first of life be rieved,-

A forfeit for Patroclus dead unto Patroclus' father."

But him, responsive, Thetis then with dropping tear accosted:

"Ah! speedy-fated wilt thou be, dear child! as now thou talkest;

Sith eke for thee an instant doom is, after Hector, ready."

To her Achilles, fleet of foot, responded, sore disdainful:

"O might I instant die, sith as to save my friend from slaughter

Was not to me assign'd: but he far from his native country

Perish'd; and direly needed me, avenger of his troubles.

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But now, sith never wend I home to my dear native country,

Nor brought a ray of light to him, nor to my other comrades,

By godlike Hector slain in heaps; but here beside my galleys

I sit, a useless load on earth; whose prowess none may equal

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Of all the Achaians brazen-clad; (in council some surpass me;)-

O might from mortals and from gods Quarrel for ever perish,

And Rancour, which to rage doth goad even the rich in wisdom,

And eke, far sweeter than the comb with honey dripping, swelleth

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Fuming within the breast; as me did Agamemnon madden.

But leave we these things, past and gone, albeit keen our sorrow,

And the fond fancies of our heart by stern constraint subdue we.

Now must I sally, to o'ertake my dearest friend's destroyer,

Hector; but then shall I to Doom submit me, whensoever

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Such is the will of Jupiter and other gods immortal.

For not the might of Héracles his fatal day avoided,

Who dearest was to Jupiter, the princely child of Saturn;

But him too Destiny subdued, and Juno's noisome rancour.

In guise no other, (if on me like Destiny o'erhangeth,)

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Fall shall I also. Now must I earn me some noble glory.

So some of Troian dames thro' me, and of deep-bosom'd Dardans,

May wipe from tender cheeks the tear and utter moan incessant,

And learn that I did heretofore withhold me long from battle.

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Do thou, tho' loving, stay me not: nor mayest thou persuade me."

Thereat, to him responsive, spake the silver-footed goddess:

"All this is truly right, my child! nor aught amiss I find it,

From steep disaster's overthrow to save thy fainting comrades;

But now thy armour beauteous, all brass-belaid and sparkling,

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Among the Troïans is held: for motley-helmed Hector

Across his shoulders bearing it plumeth himself; nor deem I

Long shall he vaunt it; sith alsó on him o'erhangeth slaughter.

But thou, refrain thyself, nor yet the broil of Ares enter,

Ere me returning thou behold: for at the rise of morrow

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Hither from princely Vulcan I will beauteous armour bring thee."

This saying, from her bonny child she turn'd herself departing,

And to her sisters of the sea betaking her, address'd them:

"Do ye, my sisters! enter now the ocean's ample bosom,

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The aged lord of waves to see and mansions of our father.

To him rehearse ye every thing; but I on long Olympus

To Vulcan, fam'd artificer, betake me; if that haply

It list him, to my son to give arms noble and resplendent."

She spake, and instantly they plung'd beneath the wave of ocean.

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But Thetis of the silver foot unto Olympus hied her,

To carry to her hero-child new armour for the battle.

Her to Olympus did her feet bear swiftly; but the Achaians,

With an unearthly clamour chas'd by hero-slaying Hector,

Unto their galleys stretch'd the flight, and to the sea of Helle.

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Nor might the Achaians dapper-greav'd then from the darts have rescued

The carcase of Patroclus dead, swift Achileus' attendant;

For after him in new pursuit came chariots and footmen

With Hector, son of Priamus, like to a flame in fury.

Thrice by the gristle of the heel did gallant Hector catch him,

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Eager to drag him back; and loud made menace to the Troians:

Thrice from the corpse the Ajaces twain, clad in impetuous valour,

Dash'd him away: but ever he, on his own might reliant,

At one time into riot thick would sally; at another

Stood firm with mighty shouts; but back he not an inch withdrew him.

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As shepherds, watching in the field, from some slain beast avail not

A fiery lion to repel, whom mighty hunger urgeth;

So, clad in cómplete panoply, the Ajaces twain avail'd not

From the slain hero to repel Priamidéan Hector.

Then surely had he dragg'd him off and earn'd uncounted glory,

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But Iris, swift with feet of wind, came speeding from Olympus,

With errand unto Peleus' son, (for Juno sent her forward,

Secret from Jove and other gods,) to corslet him for battle.

So, close in front of him she stood, and winged accents utter'd:

"Rouse thee, Pelides, marvellous among the ranks of heroes!

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Rescue Patroclus, whom to win, the deadly shout of tribesmen

Before the galleys riseth. They do each the other slaughter,

These to hold fast his dead remains, the Troïans to drag them

To windy Ilium: and most doth gallant Hector hanker

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To sever from the tender neck the head, and high impale it.

But up! and lie no longer here. Let shame and honour touch thee.

If aught of insult him befall, to thee it were an outrage."

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To her thereon divine Achilles foot-reliant answer'd:

"Who, goddess Iris! of the gods to me on errand sent thee?"

To him reciprocally spake swift stormy-footed Iris:

"By stealth hath Juno, Jupiter's majestic consort, sent me.

Not lofty-bench'd Saturnius nor other of the immortals

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Knows it, of all who dwell around o'er snowy-capt Olympus."

Then her Achilles, fleet of foot, address'd in words responsive:

"How may I hie me to the fray? my arms the foeman holdeth,

Nor doth my mother dear permit to corslet me for battle,

Ere her returning I behold; for at the rise of morrow

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From princely Vulcan hath she gag'd to bring me beauteous armour.

Nor know I other man, of whom the thy noble arms would suit me,

Unless I haply take the shield of Telamonian Ajax.

But eke himself (I trow) with it doth bargain in the foremost,

Dire ravage dealing with the spear around Patroclus fallen."

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Then Iris swift with feet of wind accosted him responsive:

"Well also know we, that the foe the noble arms possesseth;

But, as thou art, hie to the moat, and show thee to the armies,

If-that perchance the Troïans, appall'd at thy appearing,

Stand off from battle, and hereby Achaia's warlike children

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Gain respite of their toil:-and short the respite is of warfare."

So utter'd Iris fleet of foot and with the word departed.

Thereat Achilles, dear to Jove, arous'd him; and Athene

Around his stalwart shoulders slung her many-fringed ægis.

Also, divine of goddesses, above his head a chaplet

205

Of golden cloud she set, and thence flame all-resplendent kindled.

As from an island riseth smoke, when foemen fight around it,

Which from the city stretcheth far, aspiring unto heaven;

If for their homes the livelong day with Ares stern they bargain,

But kindle at the setting sun a mazy web of beacons;

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Then shooteth high aloft the blaze, to dwellers-round a token,

In hope, they will with galleys come, as champions in trouble:

So from Achilles' head the blaze then shot aloft to heaven.

He on the margin of the moat stood forth; nor with the Achaians

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Mingled: for alway he rever'd his mother's canny counsel.

There standing, shouted he: the voice did maid Athene shouting

Double, and shook the Troïans with fathomless disorder.

As when heart-crushing foemen stand a city to beleaguer,

And to far-piercing notes attune the blaring of the trumpet;

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So from the throat of Achileus was then the voice far-piercing.

But they, when from Æacides was heard that brazen war-cry,

Were all in heart confounded: yea, their glossy-coated horses

Did wheel the chariots awry, foreboding dire disaster.

Affrayed were the charioteers, who saw the fire unweary

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Dart radiant from off the head of mighty-soul'd Pelides,

Direful: for, it Athene's self, the grey-ey'd goddess, kindled.

Thrice from the margin of the moat divine Achilles shouted,

Thrice were the glorious allies and Troïans disorder'd,

And on the spot twelve hero-chiefs fell then in death, entangled

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With their own chariots and spears. But gladly did the Achaians

Rescue Patroclus from the darts and place him on a pallet.

Around, his comrades weeping stood; beside them swift Achilles

Did follow, shedding burning tears, when he his trusty comrade

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Beheld upon the bier laid out, and by sharp weapons mangled;

Whom verily to war he sent with chariots and horses,

But never welcom'd him again unto his tent returning.

Then large-ey'd queenly Juno sent the orb of Sun unweary,

To plunge, unwilling, in his course beneath the streams of Ocean.

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So he from mortals hid his light: but the divine Achaians

Rested from war all-levelling and sturdy cry of tribesmen.

On other side the Troïans out of the hardy struggle

Withdrawing, from the chariots their nimble steeds unharness'd,

And, ere for supper heed they took, in public mote were gather'd.

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All stood upright in mote, nor dar'd to sit; sithence Achilles,

Long absent from distressful fight, appall'd them by his coming.

Thereat discreet Polydamas to them began discourses,

The son of Panthoüs;-alone who forward saw and backward.

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One night gave him and Hector birth; so was he Hector's comrade:

But one did in discourse excel, in fight by far the other.

Who thus with kindly soul harangu'd, and spake his word among them:

"My friends! weigh either scale aright. Full urgently I counsel

Unto the city now to haste, nor wait for heav'nly Morning

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Beside the galleys on the plain. Far from our ramparts are we.

Now while this hero wrathful was with godlike Agamemnon,

So long far easier to us was war against the Achaians.

For truly joyful were the nights, which by their fleet we tarried,

To me; while hope I had, to hend the easy-steering galleys.

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But now from Peleus' mighty son grim terror o'er me creepeth.

Not on the plain his haughty soul will list to wait, where Ares

To Troians and Achaïans hath battle-prize awarded;

But he our city and our wives will make his prize of battle.

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But to the city hie we now : obey my word: for truly

Thus will it be:— ambrosial night awhile from combat holdeth

Pelides fleet of foot; but if, to-morrow, girt in armour

He sally and o'erhend us here, too well we all shall learn him.

For, each to sacred Ilium right gladly will betake him,

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Whoso may scape:— far from my ear be such events! but many

Of Troians in the dust shall lie, a joy to dogs and vultures.

But if my words compliance find, then, tho' chagrin annoy us,

Our elders nightly strength shall give in council; next, our towers

And lofty portals, and on these the ample panels fitted,

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Fine-polish'd, double-join'd with bolts,— shall well the city rescue.

But with the morning's early dawn will make his prize of battle.

Stand we along the towers: then, obey my word: for truly

It list him for our wall to fight, awhile from combat holdeth

Back to the galleys wend will he, to-morrow girt in armour

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He to his lofty-crested steeds when, neath the city roaming,

Troth! will his spirit him forbid hath given glut of courses.

Nor shall he storm the wall; but first the sprightly dogs shall eat him."

To him with frowning glance replied great motley-helmed Hector:

"Polydamas! thy word to me no longer friendly soundeth,

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Who biddest us again to go and in the city coop us.

Had ye not long ago your fill, hemm'd fast within the towers?

For, troth! a tale it was of yore with voice-dividing mortals,

What stores of copper and of gold lay hid in Priam's city:

But those fair treasures now, ye see, are from our chambers vanish'd.

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Many to lovely Mæonis or Phrygia are carried,

To merchant-stranger sold, sithence great Jove with us was angry.

But, now as unto me the son of crooked-witted Saturn

Glory hath granted, fast to hem the Achaians by their galleys;

O simpleton, no longer show such notions to the people:

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For none of Troians will obey; nor troth! would I allow it.

But come! as I the word shall speak, let all compliant follow.

Along the host, by rank and rank, take each man now his supper,

And hold remembrance of the watch, and every one be wakeful.

And if a Troian for his gear with sorrow overbrimmeth,

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Then, lest the Achaians swallow it, 'tis better that he gather

And yield his riches to the folk for bountiful enjoyment.

But we, with morning's early dawn complete in arms accoutred,

Will at the smoothly-hollow ships awaken eager Ares.

Also, if godlike Achileus in very truth is risen

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(An so it list him,) by the ships, for him will it be worser.

Not I will flee him: stand will I in harshly-roaring battle

Confronting; whether I or he bear off the meed of prowess.

Common is Ares, who alsó the vanquisher hath vanquish'd."

So Hector counsell'd: to his word the Troians whoop'd applauding,

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Silly: for maid Athene reft all wisdom from their bosoms.

For they to Hector gave assent, who ill devices purpos'd,

But none Polydamas approv'd, tho' prudent was his counsel.

Thereat, along the host, took they their supper: but the Achaians

Watching throughout the livelong night bewail'd and mourn'd Patroclus.

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To them did Peleus' son lead off the dirge of ceaseless sorrow,

Casting his hero-slaying hands around his comrade's bosom,

With thick-drawn moanings; as may moan a noble-bearded lion,

Whose cubs a hunter of the deer from out the bushy forest

Hath ravish'd; and the parent-beast, too late arriving, mourneth.

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Thro' many a glen then courseth he, to track that hunter's footstep

And overhend him: ay, for sharp the fierceness of his rancour.

So he with deep-resounding moan the Myrmidons accosted:

"Ye Spirits! troth! an empty word I on that day did utter,

Cheering the old Menoetius within his princely chambers;

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And said, I safely back should bring his famous son to Opus,

After the storm of Ilium, with booty's due allotment.

Truly not all their purposes doth Jove to mortals complish.

For here, in Troas both of us alike the soil to crimson

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Are doom'd; for never in his halls old charioteering Peleus,

Nor Thetis, my return shall greet; but here the earth shall hold me.

Yet sith, Patroclus! after thee beneath the earth I journey,

Ere that thy funeral I make, first hither must I carry

The arms and head of Priam's son, thy mighty-hearted slayer.

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And eke before thy pile will I, by loss of thee embitter'd,

Sever twelve heads of living men, bright children of the Troians.

Meanwhile thou here shalt lie,-just so,- beside my crested galleys;

And round thy body Troian dames and ample-bosom'd Dardans

Shall night and day bewail; whom we by lengthy spear and prowess

340

Did earn, fat cities pillaging of voice-dividing mortals."

This spoken, godlike Achileus unto his comrades beckon'd,

An ample tripod on the fire to set, whereby they quickly

Might wash the gory clots away from skin of dead Patroclus.

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So on the wasting fire they set an ample-bellied tripod:

Water for bathings in they pour'd and kindled wood beneath it:

Around the bottom play'd the fire, and soon the water heated.

But when within the shining brass the water 'gan to bubble,

Then wash'd they all the clots away, and with rich oil did oint him,

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And fill'd with unguent nine years old the gashes of the carcase.

Then on a pallet stretching him, in gauzy linen wrapt him

From head to foot, and over all a robe of white extended.

Thus round Achilles fleet of foot the Myrmidons were watching

The livelong night with tear and groan to mourn for dead Patroclus.

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But Jove to Juno made address, his sister and his consort:

"So then! accomplish'd is thy will, O large-ey'd queenly Juno!

For lo! Achilles fleet of foot arous'd thou hast. Methinketh,

From thy own body erst were born the streaming-hair'd Achaians."

To him thereat reciprocal spake large-ey'd queenly Juno:

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"O son of Saturn, grim and dire, what saying hast thou blurted?

Man verily, I trow, for man, is wont his will to complish.

Nor kenneth counsel like to me, who mortal is of fabric,

How then should I, who claim to be of goddesses the chiefest,

(Eldest by birth, and rank alsó; for that I hold the title

365

Thy wedded queen to be; and thou mid all the immortals reignest;)

Not against Troians in my wrath weave meshes of disaster?"

Thus they reciprocally held betwixt themselves discourses.

But silver-footed Thetis reach'd meanwhile the house of Vulcan,

Brazen and starry, mid the abodes of all immortals signal,

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Free from decay; which for himself the limping god had framed.

Him sweating at his work she found, around the bellows moving,

Earnest: for he just then would make tripods in number twenty,

To stand in order round the wall of a right stately chamber,

And unto every one beneath he golden wheels did fashion,

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That mid the company of gods they might self-moving enter,

And to their mansion hie them back; -a spectacle to marvel.

So far completeness had they found; but ears not yet were added,

All-curious; these would he frame, and couple-bands was hewing.

While he, with soul of artifice, upon such work was busy,

380

Thetis, meanwhile approach'd him, was seen, who forward hurried,

The goddess of the silver foot, And by the dainty-tired Grace

Fair partner of the greatly-fam'd and doubly-dextrous Vulcan.

Then closely did she press her hand, and spake, her name pronouncing:

"But wherefore, Thetis trailing-rob'd! unto our mansion comest,

385

Beloved and rever'd? of old thou dost not much frequent us.

But follow further; then will I with stranger's welcome greet thee."

She then, divine of goddesses, this spoken, led her further.

Upon a golded-studded chair all-curious and dainty

She seated her, where for the feet a stool below was fashion'd,

390

And call'd to Vulcan, fam'd in art, and winged accents utter'd:

"O Vulcan, hither hie thee forth: some need of thee hath Thetis."

To her the doubly-dextrous god, right famous, thus responded:

"Troth! then a goddess is within, Who rescued me, when far I fell,

to me rever'd and awful, For-that my mother vixen-fac'd

395

and trouble sore distress'd me, Disdainful of my lameness: then

did wreak her will against me, But Thetis and Eurynome

dire sorrow had I suffer'd; Eurynome, who daughter is

receiv'd me in their bosom, of self-rejoining Ocean.

Beside them, I for nine years forg'd full many an artful trinket,

400

Bell-cups and wreathing screwy rings and necklaces and brooches,

Within a smoothly-hollow grot. But there, the stream of Ocean

Around flow'd gurgling fathomless with foam: nor any other,

Neither of gods nor mortal men, had knowledge of my secret,

But Thetis and Eurynome, these twain, who sav'd me, knew it.

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She to our mansion now is come: me therefore much behoveth,

To pay the salvage of my life to dainty-braided Thetis.

Do thou fair gifts before her place, meet for a stranger's welcome,

While I my bellows put away and all my tools of workshop."

He spake, and from the stithy rose, a spectacle to wonder,

410

Limping and huge: yet under him his slender shanks mov'd nimbly.

The bellows from the fire apart he plac'd; and all the weapons,

Tools of his art, he gather'd up into a silver coffer.

Then with a sponge his face around and both his hands he wiped

And sturdy neck and shaggy chest, and donn'd a fitting tunic;

415

Took in his hand a sceptre stout, and on his feet proceeded,

Lame as he was, abroad. Beside and round their lord, mov'd nimbly

Pages in fine-wrought gold, in form like unto living maidens;

Which have within their heart a mind, a voice within their bosom,

And strength; and canny service know by gift of gods immortal.

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These did their tasks fulfil, and watch'd their lord's command; who, limping,

Sat him upon a shining chair, near to the seat of Thetis.

Then closely did he press her hand, and spake, her name pronouncing:

"But wherefore, Thetis trailing-rob'd! unto our mansion comest,

Beloved and rever'd? of old thou dost not much frequent us.

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Speak forth thy meaning: me my heart to complishment exhorteth,

If complish it I can, and if such purpose complish'd have been."

To him then Thetis tear-bestream'd did words responsive utter:

"O Vulcan, say,-of goddesses who dwell upon Olympus,

Knowest thou one, who in her heart hath borne so bitter sorrow,

430

As Jove the son of Saturn hath on me especial fastened?

Me from my sisters of the sea he to a man subjected,-

To Peleus, son of Aeacus: -a man's embrace I suffer'd,

Sorely against my will, in sooth. Now he within his chambers

Lieth, by noisome eld outworn; and lo! new sorrows whelm me.

435

For-that, whereas he gave to me to bear and rear an offspring,-

A chief of warriours; and he grew tall, like to a sapling;

And him, as in the orchard's lap a plant, I fondly nurtur'd,

And sent him forth to Ilium, upon his crested galleys,

Against the Troïans to fight;- yet in the halls of Peleus

440

Ne'er shall my child returning meet the welcome of his mother.

And while he liveth still for me and sees the light of heaven,

Anguish he suffereth; nor I approaching may relieve him.

The damsel, whom Achaia's sons for him as prize selected,

Her from his arms with contumely King Agamemnon rieved.

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Grieving for her, his spirit pin'd distemper'd: but the Achaians

Were by the Troians to their poops hemm'd up, nor dar'd to sally

Abroad beyond them. Him the chiefs and counsellors of Argos

Besought, and many gifts to him thereon refus'd he at the first;

Yet, after, in his proper arms and unto battle sent him forth

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right glorious behighted, himself to ward the mischief,

he girt his friend Patroclus, and many folk behind him.

Then they around the Skæan gates the livelong day did combat,

And in the selfsame day would storm the city; but Apollo,

When valiant Menœtiades had many woes inflicted,

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Slew him amid the foremost ranks and glory gave to Hector.

Therefore before thy knees I come, if haply thou be willing

To give my speedy-fated son a triple-crested helmet

And buckler and resplendent greaves, with anklets duly fitted,

And corslet; sith, the arms he had, his comrade dear hath lost them,

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when deadly fate approach'd him, a prize to Troy: so on the ground

My child in anguish lieth." To her the doubly-dextrous god,

right famous, thus responded: "Cheer thee; nor let such things as these

Be burden on thy spirit. For, oh that I so easily,

Avail'd, from dismal-wailing death to hide away thy offspring;

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As now shall beauteous arms to him be furnish'd, such as mortals

Shall, one and all, count marvellous, whoever may behold them."

This said, he left her on the spot, and to the bellows hied him:

Against the fire he pointed them, and bade them to be active.

In twenty censers coals were laid, and twenty bellows blew them,

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Sending their sprightly blast abroad in every guise of puffing,

One while assisting earnest work, another while more languid,

As might to Vulcan pleasant be, and aid the work's fulfilment.

Into the fire stiff brass and tin, and costly gold, and silver,

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He cast but on the stithy next he plac'd a mighty anvil;

In one hand grasp'd a hammer stout, a firetong in the other.

First did he take in hand to frame a vast and stubborn buckler,

Of curious achievement: round he cast a rim resplendent,

Three-plated, sparkling: from it hung a strap of twisted silver.

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The buckler's proper substance held five folds; but on the surface

He fram'd with soul of artifice full many a fair resemblance.

On it the Earth and on it Sea he plac'd, and on it Heaven,

The Sun unweary, Moon at full; and on it all the marvels,

The Pleiades, the Rainy stars, and glorious Orion,

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Wherewith the sky is crown'd; and Bear, which Wain is call'd by others;

Which turneth alway on his field, and lurketh for Orion,

And sole exemption hath aloft from bathings of the ocean.

On it did he two cities place of voice-dividing mortals,

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Splendid. In one of them were held weddings and festive banquets,

And thro' the city brides were led, escorted from their chambers

With flashing torches: loud arose redoubled hymenæal.

Dancers were reeling: flutes and harps to them made tuneful concert,

And from the threshold every wife stept out to gaze and wonder.

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The people in the public square stood crowded: there a contest

For forfeit on a homicide betwixt two men was risen.

One vow'd, he had the whole discharg'd, -expounding to the people;

The other stout denial made, -no gear had yet been paid him:

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So both an umpire from the folk would get, to end the quarrel.

To each in turn acclaim was made, as each might find supporters,

But heralds did the people check; and canny-hearted elders

Were seated upon polish'd stones within a sacred circle,

And in their hands the sceptres held of lofty-shouting heralds,

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Wherewith in turn each sallied forth, when he for judge was chosen.

Full in the midst, -award of law,- were laid two golden talents,

To yield to him, whose argument more rightful might be proven.

Around the other city sat two hosts of foemen people,

Flashing in armour. Diverse thoughts their counsel were dividing.

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The one would ravage and destroy, the other would distribute,

The gear, whatever might be coop'd within that lovely fortress.

The townsmen no surrender yet would make, but arm'd for ambush.

Their helpless children, consorts dear, and men whom eld enfeebled,

515

Should man the rampart for defence; themselves in arms would sally,

By Ares and Athene led. Both these were gold, accoutred

In golden raiment; fair and tall, as is for gods becoming,

And mark'd asunder to the eye: the folk were small beside them.

But when they at the place arriv'd, whereat it yielded ambush,

520

Beside a river, where a ford gave watering for cattle,

Near it began they low to crouch, in flashing brass accoutred.

But for the townsmen, separate from these, two scouts were sitting,

Watching to tell, if flocks be near, or crumple-horned oxen.

Soon did the cattle forward come with them two herdsmen follow'd,

525

Sporting upon the rustic pipe, of hidden wile unthoughtful.

The men in ambush notice gat, and sallied; quick thereafter

From flocks of snowy-coated sheep and noble herds of cattle

Did each his portion intercept, and eke the herdsmen slaughter'd.

The foemen, at their parliaments still seated, heard the hubbub

530

Around the cattle: instantly on sprightly-footed horses,

Upspringing, forth they hied in chase, and reach'd the ground of combat,

And forming on the river-banks, to standing fight betook them:

So with long lances copper-tipt did each assail the other.

Amid them Riot, mid them Strife, held bargain; yea, amid them

535

Dragg'd deadly Fate one man alive fresh-wounded, one unwounded;

Another dead man by the feet she tugg'd from out the turmoil,

And on her shoulders wore a cloak with blood of heroes scarlet.

Such was their dealing, such their war, they might be living mortals:

And they on either side drew up the carcases of foemen.

540

On it he plac'd a soft new field, fat soil, thrice-plough'd and ample,

Where many ploughmen teams did drive reversing, hither, thither.

When to the limit of the field they reach'd, and turn'd the cattle,

Then did a man, with cup in hand of luscious wine, advancing

545

Give them to drink: those in the rows turn'd round to look, and hanker'd

To reach the limit: black it was, albeit all was golden,

And seem'd as newly plough'd: such work was verily a marvel.

On it he plac'd a cornfield deep, where hireling workmen labour'd

Reaping, and wielded each in hand a newly-sharpen'd sickle.

The bundles, -some, behind the row to earth did fall successive;

Others, the binders of the sheaves were knotting into trusses.

Three were the binders of the sheaves, right urgent; but behind them

Children the bundles gathering and in their arms enclasping,

555

With heart of effort, dealt supply: but, resting on his sceptre,

The king in silence near the row stood forth, in soul delighted.

Heralds, apart, beneath an oak a banquet were preparing,

And o'er a mighty bull, new slain, were busièd; and women

White flour in plenty o'er it shed, as dinner for the hirelings.

560

On it an orchard next he plac'd, all beautiful and golden,

Laden with luscious crop of grapes: dark were the clusters on it.

Across the vineyard every row was propt on poles of silver.

On either side, a dark blue ditch; around, a fence he carried

Of tin: a single narrow path led thro' the field to reach it,

565

By which the pickers came and went, when they would crop the vineyard.

And tender maids, and striplings slim, with gentle heart of childhood,

Did in well-woven baskets bear the fruit as honey pleasant.

And in the midst of them a boy on shrilly lute was harping

Delightsome, and with tiny voice replied in dainty ditty.

570

The others to the tune beat time, and humm'd and skirl'd and bounded.

On it he further plac'd a herd of lofty-crested cattle.

Of gold and tin the kine were made: beside a rippling river

With lowing came they from their yard, thro' waving reeds, to pasture.

575

Four golden herdsmen with the kine were rang'd: dogs with them follow'd,

Nine, spry of foot: but in the front two lions grim were mauling them.

A bull, that bellow'd loud, to whom the hounds and youths would speed

The twain had rent the bull's vast side, gorging dark blood and entrails,

And vainly came the swains in chase, the nimble dogs exhorting.

These from the lions kept aloof, nor dar'd to bite; but round them

585

Stood at safe distance, barking fierce, and slunk from their encounter.

The famous doubly-dextrous god next a great pasture fashion'd,

In a fair copse, of snowy sheep, with pens and huts and stables.

Next he achiev'd a reel complex, like that in ample Cnossus,

590

Which Dædalus of yore compos'd for bright-hair'd Ariadne.

Maidens, who dower earn of kine, and bachelours beside them,

Therein were dancing, each the hand on wrist of other holding.

The maidens gauzy muslin wore, the youths were clad in tunics

595

Of tissue featly spun, with oil fresh glistering and glossy:

Each maiden bare upon her head a fair leaf-shaking garland,

Each youth a golden cutlass wore by silver strap suspended.

And these with canny feet one while did scud in easy running,

As when a potter tries his lathe, whether the wheel will circle:

600

At other while they both in ranks, one by the other, coursed.

And round that lovely company a troop of many people

Stood gazing with delight: from them came forth a pair of tumblers,

Who, leading off a melody, went whirling in the middle.

605

Last, in it, he the mighty strength of river Ocean fashion'd,

Along the outmost-circling rim of the close-welded buckler.

When thus he had achiev'd to make the buckler vast and sturdy,

The corslet after it he wrought, than blaze of fire more shining;

And eke the solid weighty casque, unto the temples fitted,

610

All radiant and full of art, with golden crest upon it;

And greaves of flimsy-shining tin. Therewith his work was ended.

But when the glorious artizan had all the armour finish'd,

Before Achilles' mother's feet he brought and laid his present.

She from Olympus' snowy height came sousing as a falcon,

615

Bearing from Vulcan to her son the sparkling arms she promis'd.

Homer Iliad 18.490

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BOOK XVIII

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