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When the besiegers in their council heard

The sound of tumult at the watering-place,

They sprang upon their nimble-footed steeds,

And overtook the pillagers. Both bands

665

Arrayed their ranks and fought beside the stream,

And smote each other. There did Discord rage,

And Tumult, and the great Destroyer, Fate.

One wounded warrior she had seized alive,

And one unwounded yet, and through the field

670

Dragged by the foot another, dead. Her robe

Was reddened o'er the shoulders with the blood

From human veins. Like living men they ranged

The battle-field, and dragged by turns the slain.

There too he sculptured a broad fallow field

675

Of soft rich mould, thrice ploughed, and over which

Walked many a ploughman, guiding to and fro

His steers, and when on their return they reached

The border of the field the master came

To meet them, placing in the hands of each

680

A goblet of rich wine. Then turned they back

Along the furrows, diligent to reach

Their distant end. All dark behind the plough

The ridges lay, a marvel to the sight,

Like real furrows, though engraved in gold.

685

There, too, the artist placed a field which lay

Deep in ripe wheat. With sickles in their hands

The laborers reaped it. Here the handfuls fell

Upon the ground; there binders tied them fast

With bands, and made them sheaves. Three binders went

690

Close to the reapers, and behind them boys,

Bringing the gathered handfuls in their arms,

Ministered to the binders. Staff in hand,

The master stood among them by the side

Of the ranged sheaves and silently rejoiced.

695

Meanwhile the servants underneath an oak

Prepared a feast apart; they sacrificed

A fatling ox and dressed it, while the maids

Were kneading for the reapers the white meal.

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.) — 18.527 focus

οἳ μὲν τὰ προϊδόντες ἐπέδραμον, ὦκα δʼ ἔπειτα

τάμνοντʼ ἀμφὶ βοῶν ἀγέλας καὶ πώεα καλὰ

ἀργεννέων οἰῶν, κτεῖνον δʼ ἐπὶ μηλοβοτῆρας.

οἳ δʼ ὡς οὖν ἐπύθοντο πολὺν κέλαδον παρὰ βουσὶν

530

εἰράων προπάροιθε καθήμενοι, αὐτίκʼ ἐφʼ ἵππων

βάντες ἀερσιπόδων μετεκίαθον, αἶψα δʼ ἵκοντο.

στησάμενοι δʼ ἐμάχοντο μάχην ποταμοῖο παρʼ ὄχθας,

βάλλον δʼ ἀλλήλους χαλκήρεσιν ἐγχείῃσιν.

ἐν δʼ Ἔρις ἐν δὲ Κυδοιμὸς ὁμίλεον, ἐν δʼ ὀλοὴ Κήρ,

535

ἄλλον ζωὸν ἔχουσα νεούτατον, ἄλλον ἄουτον,

ἄλλον τεθνηῶτα κατὰ μόθον ἕλκε ποδοῖιν·

εἷμα δʼ ἔχʼ ἀμφʼ ὤμοισι δαφοινεὸν αἵματι φωτῶν.

ὡμίλευν δʼ ὥς τε ζωοὶ βροτοὶ ἠδʼ ἐμάχοντο,

νεκρούς τʼ ἀλλήλων ἔρυον κατατεθνηῶτας.

540

ἐν δʼ ἐτίθει νειὸν μαλακὴν πίειραν ἄρουραν

εὐρεῖαν τρίπολον· πολλοὶ δʼ ἀροτῆρες ἐν αὐτῇ

ζεύγεα δινεύοντες ἐλάστρεον ἔνθα καὶ ἔνθα.

οἳ δʼ ὁπότε στρέψαντες ἱκοίατο τέλσον ἀρούρης,

τοῖσι δʼ ἔπειτʼ ἐν χερσὶ δέπας μελιηδέος οἴνου

545

δόσκεν ἀνὴρ ἐπιών· τοὶ δὲ στρέψασκον ἀνʼ ὄγμους,

ἱέμενοι νειοῖο βαθείης τέλσον ἱκέσθαι.

ἣ δὲ μελαίνετʼ ὄπισθεν, ἀρηρομένῃ δὲ ἐῴκει,

χρυσείη περ ἐοῦσα· τὸ δὴ περὶ θαῦμα τέτυκτο.

ἐν δʼ ἐτίθει τέμενος βασιλήϊον· ἔνθα δʼ ἔριθοι

550

ἤμων ὀξείας δρεπάνας ἐν χερσὶν ἔχοντες.

δράγματα δʼ ἄλλα μετʼ ὄγμον ἐπήτριμα πῖπτον ἔραζε,

ἄλλα δʼ ἀμαλλοδετῆρες ἐν ἐλλεδανοῖσι δέοντο.

τρεῖς δʼ ἄρʼ ἀμαλλοδετῆρες ἐφέστασαν· αὐτὰρ ὄπισθε

παῖδες δραγμεύοντες ἐν ἀγκαλίδεσσι φέροντες

555

ἀσπερχὲς πάρεχον· βασιλεὺς δʼ ἐν τοῖσι σιωπῇ

σκῆπτρον ἔχων ἑστήκει ἐπʼ ὄγμου γηθόσυνος κῆρ.

κήρυκες δʼ ἀπάνευθεν ὑπὸ δρυῒ δαῖτα πένοντο,

βοῦν δʼ ἱερεύσαντες μέγαν ἄμφεπον· αἳ δὲ γυναῖκες

δεῖπνον ἐρίθοισιν λεύκʼ ἄλφιτα πολλὰ πάλυνον.

560

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.) — 18.527 focus

But the liers-in-wait, when they saw these coming on, rushed forth against them and speedily cut off the herds of cattle and fair flocks of white-fleeced sheep, and slew the herdsmen withal. 530 But the besiegers, as they sat before the places of gathering¹ and heard much tumult among the kine, mounted forthwith behind their high-stepping horses, and set out thitherward, and speedily came upon them. Then set they their battle in array and fought beside the river banks, and were ever smiting one another with bronze-tipped spears. 535 And amid them Strife and Tumult joined in the fray, and deadly Fate, grasping one man alive, fresh-wounded, another without a wound, and another she dragged dead through the mellay by the feet; and the raiment that she had about her shoulders was red with the blood of men. Even as living mortals joined they in the fray and fought; 540 and they were haling away each the bodies of the others' slain. Therein he set also soft fallow-land, rich tilth and wide, that was three times ploughed; and ploughers full many therein were wheeling their yokes and driving them this way and that. And whensoever after turning they came to the headland of the field, 545 then would a man come forth to each and give into his hands a cup of honey-sweet wine; and the ploughmen would turn them in the furrows, eager to reach the headland of the deep tilth. And the field grew black behind and seemed verily as it had been ploughed, for all that it was of gold; herein was the great marvel of the work. 550 Therein he set also a king's demesne-land, wherein labourers were reaping, bearing sharp sickles in their hands. Some handfuls were falling in rows to the ground along the swathe, while others the binders of sheaves were binding with twisted ropes of straw. Three binders stood hard by them, while behind them 555 boys would gather the handfuls, and bearing them in their arms would busily give them to the binders; and among them the king, staff in hand, was standing in silence at the swathe, joying in his heart. And heralds apart beneath an oak were making ready a feast, and were dressing a great ox they had slain for sacrifice; and the women 560 sprinkled the flesh with white barley in abundance, for the workers' mid-day meal.

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)) — 18.527 focus

When those who were in ambush saw this, they cut off the flocks and herds and killed the shepherds. [530] 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 armies aimed their bronze-shod spears at one another. With them were Strife and Riot, [535] 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. [540] They went in and out with one another and fought as though they were living people haling away one another’s dead.

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 [545] 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, [555] 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, [560] while the women were making a porridge of much white barley for the laborers’ dinner.

English (Alexander Pope, 1720, ed. Watson, 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Alexander Pope, 1720, ed. Watson, 1857)) — 18.527 focus

In arms the glittering squadron rising round,

Rush sudden; hills of slaughter heap the ground:

Whole flocks and herds lie bleeding on the plains,

And, all amidst them, dead, the shepherd swains!

The bellowing oxen the besiegers hear;

615

They rise, take horse, approach, and meet the war;

They fight, they fall, beside the silver flood;

The waving silver seem'd to blush with blood.

There tumult, there contention, stood confess'd;

One rear'd a dagger at a captive's breast,

620

One held a living foe, that freshly bled

With new-made wounds; another dragg'd a dead;

Now here, now there, the carcasses they tore:

Fate stalk'd amidst them, grim with human gore.

And the whole war came out, and met the eye;

625

And each bold figure seem'd to live, or die.

A field deep furrow'd next the god design'd,

The third time labour'd by the sweating hind;

The shining shares full many ploughmen guide,

And turn their crooked yokes on every side.

630

Still as at either end they wheel around,

The master meets them with his goblet crown'd;

The hearty draught rewards, renews their toil;

Then back the turning ploughshares cleave the soil:

Behind, the rising earth in ridges roll'd,

635

And sable look'd, though form'd of molten gold.

Another field rose high with waving grain;

With bended sickles stand the reaper-train.

Here stretch'd in ranks the levell'd swarths are found,

Sheaves, heap'd on sheaves, here thicken up the ground.

640

With sweeping stroke the mowers strew the lands;

The gatherers follow, and collect in bands;

And last the children, in whose arms are borne

(Too short to gripe them) the brown sheaves of corn.

The rustic monarch of the field descries,

645

With silent glee, the heaps around him rise.

A ready banquet on the turf is laid,

Beneath an ample oak's expanded shade.

The victim ox the sturdy youth prepare;

The reaper's due repast, the women's care.

650

English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843)) — 18.527 focus

They on the shepherds and the cattle fly.

At which the other army took th' alarm,

And rising up from council, with their horse

485

Pursued, and soon they overtaken were,

And then began the fight. Without remorse

They one another slay with sword and spear.

And there disorder plac'd was and debate;

And one borne wounded out, another found,

490

Another dead was dragg'd away by Fate,

With bloody coat and armour on the ground.

So lively seemed to the eye their features,

In fighting and in fetching off their slain,

One would have though they had been living creatures,

495

And that the fight had real been. Again

Describ'd was in the same a spacious ground,

And men at plough ; and at each ridge's end,

At turning of the plough about, they found

A man that for them did with wine attend.

500

And then again the plough about they wind,

And lab'ring to the other end go back;

And as they plough, still what they leave behind,

Though golden 'twas, to th' eye appeared black ;

A wonder 'twas. Besides, in the same shield

505

Pourtrayed, was a goodly close of wheat,

And many reapers working on the field,

That threw it to the ground in handfuls great;

And boys that follow'd took it from the ground,

And put it in the hands of binders three,

510

By whom they made were into sheaves and bound,

Which standing by, their lord was glad to see.

His squires not far off standing were aside;

And at a tree a cow kill'd of the best,

A supper for the reapers to provide,

515

And to the women gave it to be dress'd.

English (George Chapman, 1611, ed. Hooper 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (George Chapman, 1611, ed. Hooper 1857)) — 18.527 focus

They straight came forth, with two that us'd to keep

Their passage always; both which pip'd, and went on merrily,

Nor dream'd of ambuscadoes there. The ambush then let fly,

Slew all their white fleec'd sheep, and neat, and by them laid their guard.

480

When those in siege before the town so strange an uproar heard,

Behind, amongst their flocks and herds (being then in counsel set)

They then start up, took horse, and soon their subtle enemy met,

Fought with them on the river's shore, where both gave mutual blows

With well-pil'd darts. Amongst them all perverse Contention rose,

485

Amongst them Tumult was enrag'd, amongst them ruinous Fate

Had her red-finger; some they took in an unhurt estate,

Some hurt yet living, some quite slain, and those they tugg'd to them

By both the feet, stripp'd off and took their weeds, with all the stream

Of blood upon them that their steels had manfully let out.

490

They fared as men alive indeed drew dead indeed about.

To these the fiery Artizan did add a new-ear'd field,

Large and thrice plough'd, the soil being soft, and of a wealthy yield;

And many men at plough he made, that drave earth here and there,

And turn'd up stitches orderly, at whose end when they were,

495

A fellow ever gave their hands full cups of luscious wine;

Which emptied, for another stitch, the earth they undermine,

And long till th' utmost bound be reach'd of all the ample close.

The soil turn'd up behind the plough all black like earth arose,

Though forg'd of nothing else but gold, and lay in show as light

500

As if it had been plough'd indeed, miraculous to sight.

¹²³⁴⁵

There grew by this a field of corn, high, ripe, where reapers wrought,

And let thick handfuls fall to earth, for which some other brought

Bands, and made sheaves. Three binders stood, and took the handfuls reap'd

From boys that gather'd quickly up, and by them armfuls heap'd.

505

Amongst these at a furrow's end the king stood pleas'd at heart,

Said no word, but his sceptre show'd. And from him, much apart,

His harvest-bailiffs underneath an oak a feast prepar'd,

And having kill'd a mighty ox, stood there to see him shar'd,

Which women for their harvest folks (then come to sup) had dress'd,

510

And many white wheat-cakes bestow'd, to make it up a feast.

English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey)) — 18.527 focus

Swift ran the spies, perceiving their approach,

And intercepting suddenly the herds

660

And flocks of silver fleece, slew also those

Who fed them. The besiegers, at that time

In council, by the sound alarm'd, their steeds

Mounted, and hasted, instant, to the place;

Then, standing on the river's brink they fought

665

And push'd each other with the brazen lance.

There Discord raged, there Tumult, and the force

Of ruthless Destiny; she now a Chief

Seized newly wounded, and now captive held

Another yet unhurt, and now a third

670

Dragg'd breathless through the battle by his feet,

And all her garb was dappled thick with blood.

Like living men they traversed and they strove,

And dragg'd by turns the bodies of the slain.

He also graved on it a fallow field

675

Rich, spacious, and well-till'd. Ploughers not few,

There driving to and fro their sturdy teams,

Labour'd the land; and oft as in their course

They came to the field's bourn, so oft a man

Met them, who in their hands a goblet placed

680

Charged with delicious wine. They, turning, wrought

Each his own furrow, and impatient seem'd

To reach the border of the tilth, which black

Appear'd behind them as a glebe new-turn'd,

Though golden. Sight to be admired by all!

685

There too he form'd the likeness of a field

Crowded with corn, in which the reapers toil'd

Each with a sharp-tooth'd sickle in his hand.

Along the furrow here, the harvest fell

In frequent handfulls, there, they bound the sheaves.

690

Three binders of the sheaves their sultry task

All plied industrious, and behind them boys

Attended, filling with the corn their arms

And offering still their bundles to be bound.

Amid them, staff in hand, the master stood

695

Silent exulting, while beneath an oak

Apart, his heralds busily prepared

The banquet, dressing a well-thriven ox

New slain, and the attendant maidens mix'd

Large supper for the hinds of whitest flour.

700

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

110

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

185

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

200

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.

405

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.

425

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

450

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,

460

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;

465

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,

475

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.

510

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,

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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 18.527

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BOOK XVIII

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