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A vineyard also on the shield he graved,

700

Beautiful, all of gold, and heavily

Laden with grapes. Black were the clusters all;

The vines were stayed on rows of silver stakes.

He drew a blue trench round it, and a hedge

Of tin. One only path there was by which

705

The vintagers could go to gather grapes.

Young maids and striplings of a tender age

Bore the sweet fruit in baskets. Midst them all,

A youth from his shrill harp drew pleasant sounds,

And sang with soft voice to the murmuring strings.

710

They danced around him, beating with quick feet

The ground, and sang and shouted joyously.

And there the artist wrought a herd of beeves,

High-horned, and sculptured all in gold and tin.

They issued lowing from their stalls to seek

715

Their pasture, by a murmuring stream, that ran

Rapidly through its reeds. Four herdsmen, graved

In gold, were with the beeves, and nine fleet dogs

Followed. Two lions, seizing on a bull

Among the foremost cattle, dragged him off

720

Fearfully bellowing; hounds and herdsmen rushed

To rescue him. The lions tore their prey,

And lapped the entrails and the crimson blood.

Vainly the shepherds pressed around and urged

Their dogs, that shrank from fastening with their teeth

725

Upon the lions, but stood near and bayed.

There also did illustrious Vulcan grave

A fair, broad pasture, in a pleasant glade,

Full of white sheep, and stalls, and cottages,

And many a shepherd's fold with sheltering roof.

730

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.) — 18.561 focus

ἐν δʼ ἐτίθει σταφυλῇσι μέγα βρίθουσαν ἀλωὴν

καλὴν χρυσείην· μέλανες δʼ ἀνὰ βότρυες ἦσαν,

ἑστήκει δὲ κάμαξι διαμπερὲς ἀργυρέῃσιν.

ἀμφὶ δὲ κυανέην κάπετον, περὶ δʼ ἕρκος ἔλασσε

κασσιτέρου· μία δʼ οἴη ἀταρπιτὸς ἦεν ἐπʼ αὐτήν,

565

τῇ νίσοντο φορῆες ὅτε τρυγόῳεν ἀλωήν.

παρθενικαὶ δὲ καὶ ἠΐθεοι ἀταλὰ φρονέοντες

πλεκτοῖς ἐν ταλάροισι φέρον μελιηδέα καρπόν.

τοῖσιν δʼ ἐν μέσσοισι πάϊς φόρμιγγι λιγείῃ

ἱμερόεν κιθάριζε, λίνον δʼ ὑπὸ καλὸν ἄειδε

570

λεπταλέῃ φωνῇ· τοὶ δὲ ῥήσσοντες ἁμαρτῇ

μολπῇ τʼ ἰυγμῷ τε ποσὶ σκαίροντες ἕποντο.

ἐν δʼ ἀγέλην ποίησε βοῶν ὀρθοκραιράων·

αἳ δὲ βόες χρυσοῖο τετεύχατο κασσιτέρου τε,

μυκηθμῷ δʼ ἀπὸ κόπρου ἐπεσσεύοντο νομὸν δὲ

575

πὰρ ποταμὸν κελάδοντα, παρὰ ῥοδανὸν δονακῆα.

χρύσειοι δὲ νομῆες ἅμʼ ἐστιχόωντο βόεσσι

τέσσαρες, ἐννέα δέ σφι κύνες πόδας ἀργοὶ ἕποντο.

σμερδαλέω δὲ λέοντε δύʼ ἐν πρώτῃσι βόεσσι

ταῦρον ἐρύγμηλον ἐχέτην· ὃ δὲ μακρὰ μεμυκὼς

580

ἕλκετο· τὸν δὲ κύνες μετεκίαθον ἠδʼ αἰζηοί.

τὼ μὲν ἀναρρήξαντε βοὸς μεγάλοιο βοείην

ἔγκατα καὶ μέλαν αἷμα λαφύσσετον· οἳ δὲ νομῆες

αὔτως ἐνδίεσαν ταχέας κύνας ὀτρύνοντες.

οἳ δʼ ἤτοι δακέειν μὲν ἀπετρωπῶντο λεόντων,

585

ἱστάμενοι δὲ μάλʼ ἐγγὺς ὑλάκτεον ἔκ τʼ ἀλέοντο.

ἐν δὲ νομὸν ποίησε περικλυτὸς ἀμφιγυήεις

ἐν καλῇ βήσσῃ μέγαν οἰῶν ἀργεννάων,

σταθμούς τε κλισίας τε κατηρεφέας ἰδὲ σηκούς.

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.) — 18.561 focus

Therein he set also a vineyard heavily laden with clusters, a vineyard fair and wrought of gold; black were the grapes, and the vines were set up throughout on silver poles. And around it he drave a trench of cyanus, and about that a fence of tin; 565 and one single path led thereto, whereby the vintagers went and came, whensoever they gathered the vintage. And maidens and youths in childish glee were bearing the honey-sweet fruit in wicker baskets. And in their midst a boy made pleasant music with a clear-toned lyre, 570 and thereto sang sweetly the Linos-song¹ with his delicate voice; and his fellows beating the earth in unison therewith followed on with bounding feet mid dance and shoutings. And therein he wrought a herd of straight-horned kine: the kine were fashioned of gold and tin, 575 and with lowing hasted they forth from byre to pasture beside the sounding river, beside the waving reed. And golden were the herdsmen that walked beside the kine, four in number, and nine dogs swift of foot followed after them. But two dread lions amid the foremost kine 580 were holding a loud-lowing bull, and he, bellowing mightily, was haled of them, while after him pursued the dogs and young men. The lions twain had rent the hide of the great bull, and were devouring the inward parts and the black blood, while the herdsmen vainly sought to fright them, tarring on the swift hounds. 585 Howbeit these shrank from fastening on the lions, but stood hard by and barked and sprang aside. Therein also the famed god of the two strong arms wrought a pasture in a fair dell, a great pasture of white-fleeced sheep, and folds, and roofed huts, and pens.

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.) — 18.590 focus

590 Furthermore he wrought a green, like that which Daedalus once made in Knossos for lovely Ariadne. Here was a dance [khoros] of youths and maidens, whom all would woo, all with their hands on one another's wrists. The maidens wore robes of light linen, and the youths well woven shirts that were slightly oiled. The girls were crowned with garlands, while the young men had daggers of gold that hung by silver baldrics; sometimes they would dance deftly in a ring with merry twinkling feet, as it were a potter sitting at his work and making trial of his wheel to see whether it will run, and sometimes they would go all in line with one another, and many people was gathered joyously about the place of dancing [ khoros]. There was a bard also to sing to them and play his lyre, while two tumblers went about performing in the midst of them when the man struck up with his tune.

607 All round the outermost rim of the shield he set the mighty stream of the river Okeanos.

609 Then when he had fashioned the shield so great and strong, he made a breastplate also that shone brighter than fire. He made helmet, close fitting to the brow, and richly worked, with a golden plume overhanging it; and he made greaves also of beaten tin.

614 Lastly, when the famed lame god had made all the armor, he took it and set it before the mother of Achilles; whereon she darted like a falcon from the snowy summits of Olympus and bore away the gleaming armor from the house of Hephaistos. 617

English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020)) — 18.561 focus

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, [565] 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 [570] there went a boy who made sweet music with his lyre, and sang the Linus-song with his clear boyish voice.

He wrought also a herd of horned cattle. He made the cows of gold and tin, and they lowed [575] 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. [580] Two terrible lions had fastened on a bellowing bull that was with the foremost cows, and bellow as he might they hauled 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; [585] the dogs dared not fasten on the lions but stood by barking and keeping out of harm’s way.

587 Next, the one with the two great arms [= Hephaistos], whose fame is supreme, made [an image of] a space for pasturing 588 in a beautiful mountainous place. It was a vast space, full of sheep with shining fleeces. 589 It [= this space for pasturing] had herdsmen’s stations [ stathmoi], shelters [ klisiai] with covering on top, and enclosures [ sēkoi].

[590]

English (Alexander Pope, 1720, ed. Watson, 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Alexander Pope, 1720, ed. Watson, 1857)) — 18.561 focus

Next ripe, in yellow gold, a vineyard shines,

Bent with the ponderous harvest of its vines;

A deeper dye the dangling clusters shew,

And, curl'd on silver props, in order glow:

A darker metal mix'd, intrench'd the place;

655

And pales of glittering tin th' enclosure grace.

To this, one pathway gently winding leads,

Where march a train with baskets on their heads,

(Fair maids and blooming youths,) that smiling bear

The purple product of th' autumnal year.

660

To these a youth awakes the warbling strings,

Whose tender lay the fate of Linus¹ sings;

In measured dance behind him move the train,

Tune soft the voice, and answer to the strain.

Here, herds of oxen march, erect and bold,

665

Rear high their horns, and seem to low in gold,

And speed to meadows, on whose sounding shores

A rapid torrent through the rushes roars:

Four golden herdsmen as their guardians stand,

And nine sour dogs complete the rustic band.

670

Two lions rushing from the wood appear'd;

And seized a bull, the master of the herd;

He roar'd: in vain the dogs, the men, withstood;

They tore his flesh, and drank the sable blood.

The dogs (oft cheer'd in vain) desert the prey,

675

Dread the grim terrors, and at distance bay.

Next this, the eye the art of Vulcan leads

Deep through fair forests, and a length of meads;

And stalls, and folds, and scatter'd cots between;

And fleecy flocks, that whiten all the scene.

680

English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843)) — 18.561 focus

And in't a golden vineyard was pourtray'd:

The grapes that on it hung were black, and all

The vines supported and from drooping staid

With silver props, that down they could not fall.

520

A ditch there was about it black, and on

The same a hedge, the colour of it tin,

And path unto it there was only one,

By which the fruit in vintage was brought in.

And on it boys and girls described were,

525

After a fiddle play'd on by a boy,

That sing, dance, whistle, and full baskets bear,

Of Bacchus' gifts, unto the house with joy.

And in it was a herd of bulls and kine,

Part gold, part tin, and herds-men four of gold,

530

That to the pasture drave them with dogs nine,

T' a sedgy river; where two lions bold

Upon the horned herd came from a wood,

And 'mongst the foremost seiz'd upon a bull;

The dogs went to them near, and barking stood:

535

Then roars the bull. The lions tear and pull.

And in the same he pasture made for sheep

Within a valley large, with lodges good,

And folds, and covered houses them to keep

In safety from the wild beasts of the wood.

540

English (George Chapman, 1611, ed. Hooper 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (George Chapman, 1611, ed. Hooper 1857)) — 18.561 focus

He set near this a vine of gold, that crack'd beneath the weight

Of bunches black with being ripe; to keep which at the height,

A silver rail ran all along, and round about it flow'd

An azure moat, and to this guard a quickset was bestowed

515

Of tin, one only path to all, by which the pressmen came

In time of vintage. Youths and maids, that bore not yet the flame

Of manly Hymen, baskets bore of grapes and mellow fruit.

A lad that sweetly touched a harp, to which his voice did suit,

Center'd the circles of that youth, all whose skill could not do

520

The wanton's pleasure to their minds, that danced, sung, whistled too.

A herd of oxen then he carv'd, with high rais'g heads, forged all

Of gold and tin, for colour mix'd, and bellowing from their stall

Rush'd to their pastures at a flood that echo'd all their throats,

Exceeding swift, and full of reeds; and all in yellow coats

525

Four herdsmen follow'd; after whom nine mastiffs went. In head

Of all the herd, upon a bull, that deadly bellowed,

Two horrid lions rampt, and seiz'd, and tugg'd off bellowing still;

Both men and dogs came; yet they tore the hide, and lapp'd their fill

¹²

Of black blood, and the entrails ate. In vain the men assay'd

530

To set their dogs on; none durst pinch, but cur-like stood and bay'd

In both the faces of their kings, and all their onsets fled.

Then in a passing pleasant vale the famous Artsman fed,

Upon a goodly pasture ground, rich flocks of white-fleec'd sheep,

Built stables, cottages, and cotes that did the shepherds keep

535

From wind and weather.

English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey)) — 18.561 focus

There also, laden with its fruit he form'd

A vineyard all of gold; purple he made

The clusters, and the vines supported stood

By poles of silver set in even rows.

The trench he colour'd sable, and around

705

Fenced it with tin. One only path it show'd

By which the gatherers when they stripp'd the vines

Pass'd and repass'd. There, youths and maidens blithe

In frails of wicker bore the luscious fruit,

While, in the midst, a boy on his shrill harp

710

Harmonious play'd, still as he struck the chord

Carolling to it with a slender voice.

They smote the ground together, and with song

And sprightly reed came dancing on behind.

There too an herd he fashion'd of tall beeves

715

Part gold, part tin. They, lowing, from the stalls

Rush'd forth to pasture by a river-side

Rapid, sonorous, fringed with whispering reeds.

Four golden herdsmen drove the kine a-field

By nine swift dogs attended. Dreadful sprang

720

Two lions forth, and of the foremost herd

Seized fast a bull. Him bellowing they dragg'd,

While dogs and peasants all flew to his aid.

The lions tore the hide of the huge prey

And lapped his entrails and his blood. Meantime

725

The herdsmen, troubling them in vain, their hounds

Encouraged; but no tooth for lions' flesh

Found they, and, therefore stood aside and bark'd.

There also, the illustrious smith divine

Amidst a pleasant grove a pasture form'd

730

Spacious, and sprinkled o'er with silver sheep

Numerous, and stalls and huts and shepherds' tents.

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.

100

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

105

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

115

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,)

120

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.

125

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,

130

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

135

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,

140

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.

145

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.

150

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,

155

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.

160

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,

165

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!

170

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

175

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."

180

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

190

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."

195

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;

210

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

215

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;

220

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

225

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

230

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

235

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.

240

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.

245

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.

250

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

255

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.

260

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.

265

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,

270

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,

275

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

280

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,

285

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.

290

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:

295

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,

300

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

305

(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,

310

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.

315

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.

320

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;

325

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

330

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.

335

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.

345

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,

350

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.

355

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:

360

"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,

370

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,

375

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.

420

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.

445

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,

455

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,

470

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.

480

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,

485

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,

490

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.

495

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:

500

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,

505

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,

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 18.561

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