BOOK XXIII
So they with moan incessant fill'd
the city: but the Achaians
1
When to their galleys they had reach'd
and to the sea of Helle,
Partly were scatter'd on the strand,
each to his proper galley;
Only the bands of Myrmidons
Achilles kept assembled,
And from his bosom spake a word
to his war-loving comrades:
5
"O charioteering Myrmidons,
my own beloved comrades!
Loose we not yet beneath the cars
the single-hoofed horses;
But with our chariots and steeds
near to his body coming,
For slain Patroclus pour the tear,
which is the dead man's honour.
But after, when with deadly wail
we have our sorrow sated,
10
Then let our steeds unharness'd be,
and meet ye here for supper."
He spake; and they in company did moan:
Achilles led them.
Three times around the corpse they drave
the glossy-coated horses,
And wept amain; for Thetis rous'd
the love of wail within them.
With tears the very sands were wet,
with tears their martial armour;
15
Sith they for such a hero mourn'd,
such counsellor of terror.
To them did Peleus' son lead off
the dirge of ceaseless sorrow,
Casting his hero-slaying hands
around his comrade's bosom:
"E'en in the courts of Aïdes,
all hail from me, Patroclus!
Now shall I everything fulfill,
which erst to thee I plighted,—
20
Hither to drag, and raw to dogs
deal forth, the corpse of Hector;
And that before thy pile would I,
by loss of thee embitter'd,
Sever twelve heads of living men,
bright children of the Troians."
So spake he, and unseemly deeds
on godlike Hector plotted,
Stretching him prostrate in the dust
beside Patroclus' pallet.
25
The others, each did lay aside
his brazen armour sparkling,
And loos'd the lofty-neighing steeds;
then countless, by the galley
Of swift Æacides sat down,
for the heart-soothing banquet,
Patroclus' funeral repast,
dealt forth to all his comrades.
Then sprawled many a sprightly bull
along the edge of iron,
30
1
In slaughter; many a bleating goat,
and many a fatted wether,
And many an ivory-tusked boar,
luxuriant in fatness,
Huge scorching carcases, were stretch'd
across the flame of Vulcan;
The blood from all sides, caught in cups,
around the dead was streaming.
Meanwhile, the master of the feast,
Peleus' swift-footed offspring,
35
Him did Achaia's chieftains lead
to godlike Agamemnon,
Hardly persuading his stern heart,
embitter'd for his comrade.
But when at Agamemnon's tent,
conducting him, they enter'd,
Then instantly commanded they
the clear-intoning heralds,
An ample tripod on the fire
to set, in hope that quickly
40
Pelides from his skin would wash
the gory stains of battle.
But firmly he refusal spake,
and sware an oath upon it:
"Nay, not by Jupiter, who is
of gods the Best and Highest:
Water of washing, none to come
near to this head behoveth,
Before that I Patroclus lay
in fire, and raise a barrow,
45
And shear my tresses: sith again
never so fierce an anguish
Into my heart shall pierce, while I
among the living count me.
Now to this melancholy feast
surrender is befitting:
But Agamemnon! prince of men!
command thou in the morning
Firewood to bring; and all things else
afford thou, which 'tis seemly
50
For a dead man to carry down
beneath the murky darkness:
Whereby more quickly him indeed
the unweary fire shall swallow
Out of our sight, and eke the folk
to their own works betake them."
He spake; and they all zealously
did listen and obey him.
Thereat, when each with busy skill
his supper had prepared,
55
They banqueted; nor did their soul
lack well-proportioned banquet.
But when desire importunate
of food and drink was ended,
The others to their proper tents,
to take their rest, departed;
But Peleus' son upon the strand
of
of the much-brawling water
Lay mid a troop of Myrmidons,
still toss'd with heavy sorrow,
60
On a clear space, whereat the waves
against the banks were washing;
When slumber seiz'd him, — loosening
the strain upon his spirit,—
Shed balmy round him: for in sooth,
with chasing after Hector
Around the windy Ilium,
his gallant limbs were weary.
Then, hovering, upon him came
the soul of sad Patroclus,
65
Like to the man in everything,
in voice and noble eyen
And stature; and around its form
like garments did it carry:
And right above his head it stood,
and spake a word complaining:
"Dost slumber? and entirely hast
forgotten me, Achilles?
No longer live I, but am dead,—
I, whom thou disregardest.
70
To pass the gates of Aïdes,
quick burial desire I.
There, souls of corpses duly shriv'd,
shadows of men departed,
Repel me, nor beyond the stream
to mix with them, allow me:
But vainly wander I, across
Pluto's broad-gated mansion.
Give me thy hand, with tears I pray:
for never backward wend I
75
To thy embrace from Aïdes,
when once to flames ye give me.
Nor surely shall we sit alive,
apart from dear companions,
For canny counsel: but on me,
once thy beloved comrade,
The melancholy doom hath yawn'd,
from my first birth predestin'd.
Yea, and thyself, beneath the wall
of noble-hearted Troians,
80
Achilles! image of the gods!
• thou destin'd art to perish.
Another word and charge I speak,
in hope of thy compliance:
When burn'd I am, place not my bones
apart from thine, Achilles!
But, as together we were rear'd
within thy father's mansion, —
When to your country and your house
Menoetius from Opus
85
Carried me, still a boy, in flight
thro' melancholy slaughter,
(For that, enrag'd about the dice,
I slew a boyish playmate,
Son of Amphidamas, nor meant
such deed in childish folly;)
Then, in his home receiving me,
did charioteering Peleus
Rear me with gentle tenderness
and name me thy attendant: —
90
So let a single coffer hold
the bones of both together,
The golden double-handled urn,
gift of thy queenly mother."
But him Achilles, fleet of foot,
reciprocal accosted:
"Wherefore, thou dear familiar!
art hither come before me?
Why are such charges needed now?
but I, as thou commandest,
95
Will straitly everything fulfil,
and duteous obey thee.
But come, and nearer draw to me:
by mutual embraces
And deadly wailings let us now
a moment sate our sorrow."
This having said, with loving hands
he stretch'd him to Patroclus,
But fail'd to catch him: for the soul,
like smoke, to realms infernal
100
Shrieking departed. Starting up
in quick surprize Achilles
His hands together clapt, and straight
spake piteous, replying:
"Ye Spirits! then within the courts
of Aïdes resideth
A soul and image, yet within
wanting is sense entirely.
For o'er me stood with tearful wail
the soul of sad Patroclus
105
All night, and special biddings gave,
and was divinely like him."
So spake he, and in all of them
awoke the love of sorrow.
And they still pitiful did weep,
when rosy-finger'd Morning
Shone over them, around the dead:
but royal Agamemnon
110
Summon'd from all Achaia's tents
both men and mules, to carry
Wood for Patroclus' pile. Thereat
arose a noble hero,
Meriones, the squire who serv'd
Idomeneus kind-hearted;
And forth they wended: but their hands
bare timber-hewing axes
And chains firm-plaited; and in front
the mules in order marched.
115
Up steep and down, sidewise and slant,
thro' many a path they hied them.
But when the buttresses they reach'd
of rillbestreamed Ida,
Straightway with lengthy edge of brass,
urgent, they chopt asunder
The stems of lofty leaf-hair'd oaks;
the which with mighty echo
Fall crashing. These the Achaïans
thereat did split asunder,
120
And bound upon the mules. But these
with steps the ground outmea-
Plodding thro' many a coppice thick,
to reach the flat dale eager. [sur'd,
And every timber-hewer eke
bare faggots; (so commanded
Meriones, the squire who serv'd
Idomeneus kind-hearted;)
And there in order on the shore
pil'd them, where for Patroclus
125
And for himself Achilles plann'd
a great sepulchral barrow.
Sitting they on the spot abode
assembled: but Achilles
To warloving Myrmidons
straightway made urgent bidding,
That each beneath the chariot
should yoke his steeds, and gird him
130
In brazen armour. Quick they rose,
in martial trim accoutred,
And on the cars the charioteers
and warriours beside them
Mounted: in front the horsemen went;
a cloud of footmen follow'd,
Innumerous; and in the midst
his comrades bare Patroclus.
Then sheared they their locks of hair,
and on the carcase strew'd them
135
Right thickly: godlike Achileus
the head behind supported,
Moaning; for he to Pluto's realm
his blameless friend was bearing.
But, at the spot arriv'd, whereof
Achilles gave them notice,
Resting the corpse, they quickly heap'd
a pile to soothe his spirit.
Then did the moody chieftain's heart
one other thought imagine.
140
For, standing from the pile aloof,
he shear'd his auburn tresses,
Which for Spercheius' sacred flood
luxuriant he nurtur'd;
Then, gazing on the purple deep,
indignant he exclaimed:
"Spercheius! vainly then to thee
my father Peleus vowed,
That I, when thither safe return'd
to my dear native country,
145
A sacred hecatomb would serve,
and shear to thee my tresses,
And fifty rams would consecrate,
beside thy very sources,
Whereat a choice domain thou hast
and incense-breathing altar.
So vow'd the aged man: but thou
his notion hast not complish'd.
But now, sith homeward wend not I
to my dear native country,
150
Grant me, my locks to yield as gift
in meed of brave Patroclus."
He spake, and plac'd into the hand
of his beloved comrade
The tresses; and in all the troop
awoke the love of sorrow.
Then on their wailing and lament
had come the shades of sunset,
But that Achilles sudden spake,
by Agamemnon standing:
155
"Atrides! (for to thy command, in chief,
the Achaian people
Doth hearken,) whilom may there be
even a glut of wailing.
Now from the burning pile aloof
disperse them, with commandment
To care for dinner: we, to whom
the dead in chief belongeth,
Will busy us hereon: with us
let also captains tarry."
160
But Agamemnon, prince of men,
unto his counsel hearken'd,
And to their even-balanc'd ships
instant dispers'd the people;
But the chief mourners there abode behind,
and heap'd the faggots.
The pile, this way and that, they fram'd,
a hundred feet of firewood,
And on the very summit plac'd
the corpse, distraught with anguish.
165
Many fat sheep and clumsyfooted
crumplehorned cattle
With due observance flayed they;
and mighty-soul'd Achilles
Took out from all of them the fat,
wherewith the corpse he cover'd
From head to ankle, piling round
the victims newly flayed.
On them he rested bulging jars
of unguent and of honey,
170
Tilted toward the pallet: next
four lofty-crested horses
He earnest added to the pile,
and heav'd with mighty sorrow.
Nine dogs as favourites were fed
beneath the master's table:
Eke two of these into the flames
he cast, with necks dissever'd,
And after them, twelve gallant sons
of mighty-hearted Troians,
175
Whom he by brazen edge laid low,
a dire achievement plotting:
So to the iron heart of fire
he yielded them as fodder.
Thereafter, groaning, panted he,
and nam'd his dear companion:
"E'en in the courts of Aïdes
all hail from me, Patroclus!
Now shall I everything fulfil,
which erst to thee I plighted.
180
Lo! in the fire twelve gallant sons
of mighty-hearted Troians
With thee together swallow'd are;
but Hector son of Priam
Not for the fire's devouring jaws,
but for the dogs reserve I."
So threaten'd he: yet not the dogs
around the chief were busy;
But, watching near him day and night,
Jove's daughter Aphrodite
185
Frayed the dogs away, and him
with rosy oil anointed,
Ambrosial; nor troth! endur'd
that any drag and rend him;
And bright Apollo over him
a cloud of blue extended
From heaven to the plain below,
the spot entire enshrouding,
Whereon repos'd the carcase; lest
the sun with force pervading
190
The hero's body parch away
with sinews and with members.
Yet still did not the flames consume
the pile of dead Patroclus.
Then did the moody chieftain's heart
one other thought imagine.
For, standing from the pile aloof,
to the two Winds he prayed,
To Boreas and Zephyrus,
and victims fair behighted;
195
And from a golden goblet eke
he pour'd libations many,
Imploring, that in speed they come,
the corpse with fire to kindle,
And that the fuel haste to catch.
Then, his petitions hearing,
Hied to the Winds as messenger
the swift-descending Iris.
But they, assembled in the halls
of fiercely blaring Zephyr,
200
Feasted in banquet: thereupon,
Iris shot in among them,
And on the marble threshold stood.
They, when their eyes beheld her,
All started on their feet, and each
her to his throne invited.
But to be seated she refus'd,
and spake her word before them:
"No seat for me: hence wend I forth
unto the streams of Ocean
205
To the far land of Æthiops,
where hecatombs they offer
Unto the immortals: eke would I
upon the victims banquet.
But Achileus to Boreas
and shrilly-rustling Zephyr
Maketh entreaty that ye come,
and victims fair behighteth,
If that ye hurry to consume
the pile, whereon is lifted
210
Patroclus, after whom the heart
of all Achaia heaveth."
Such message spoken, parted she:
they with almighty clamour
Uprose asudden, hurtling on
the stormy clouds before them.
Over the deep free course they found
to blare, and heav'd the surges
With shrilly-whistling breath: but next
to loamy Troas came they,
215
Falling upon the pile: and dire
the flame's unearthly hooting.
Then fiercely puffing all night long
fann'd they the fire together;
And swift Achilles, all that night,
with goblet doubly hollow
Out of a golden bowl did teem
the sacred wine, and wetted
220
The earth around him, calling aye
the soul of sad Patroclus.
As, when a bridegroom's sudden fate
may grieve his wretched parents,
The father, who his bones must burn,
outmoaneth heart-bestricken;
So then Achilles, who the bones
of his companion burned,
Pacing beside the pile, bemoan'd,
with sigh incessant heaving.
225
But when, announcing light on earth,
the star of day proceeded,
Whom shortly saffron-vested Dawn
tinging the sea doth follow;
Then droop'd the blazing of the pile
and all its splendour faded.
The Winds upon their courses hied
unto their homes returning
Over the sea of Thrace: but it
with roaring billow raved.
230
But Peleus' son on other side
asunder from the burning
Reclin'd all-weary: quickly there
sweet slumber stole across him.
Meanwhile the chieftains were in troop
around Atrides gather'd,
And as toward him these advanc'd,
their clank and hubbub woke him.
So, raising him, upright he sat
and spake his word before them:
235
"O son of Atreus, and the rest,
chieftains of Panachaia,
First, wheresoe'er along the pile the flame
abideth, quench ye
With sparkling wine its force, throughout;
thereafter let us gather
The bones of Menœtíades
Patroclus, well discerning.
(And easy is discernment: sith
in the mid pile we plac'd him:
240
Apart, promiscuous, the rest
were burnt, both men and horses.)
Them in two folds of fat will I
within a golden flagon
Keep, until I myself in turn
hide in the courts of Pluto.
Meanwhile no overweening mound
to heap aloft exhort I,
245
But suited; such the height: and ye,
Achaians, will hereafter
A broad and lofty barrow rear,
whoso, when I am perish'd,
Survivors may behind be left
on many-benched galleys."
So spake Pelides fleet of foot,
and they compliant hearken'd.
First, wheresoe'er along the pile the flame
abode, they quenched
250
With sparkling wine its force, throughout;
and heavy fell the ashes.
Then into double folds of fat
within a golden flagon
The white bones of the kindly chief
with tears they duly gather'd,
And stor'd them in Achilles' tents,
and veil'd with flimsy linen;
And fram'd a circle for the tomb,
and laid in front foundations
255
Around the pile itself. Thereon
fresh earth they heaped urgent,
And when the tomb was all embank'd,
departed. But Achilles,
Seating in ample theatre,
arranged the crowded people,
And from his galleys bare to view
the prizes of the contest,
Cauldrons and tripods, steeds and mules,
and bulls with valiant forehead,
260
And iron's rigid hoariness,
and dapper-girdled women.
First for the speedy charioteers
propos'd he brilliant prizes.
The foremost victor should receive
a woman taught discreetly
In blameless work, and tripod ear'd,
of two-and-twenty measures.
The next, an untam'd six-year mare,
a mule within her bearing.
265
For the third driver, in the midst
he plac'd a beauteous cauldron,
Four measures holding, new to fire,
all in its pristine whiteness.
For him whose coursers fourth might be,
he set two golden talents;
But for the fifth a double urn,
new to the fire, he destin'd.
270
Upright then stood he forth, and spake
his word before the Argives:
"O son of Atreus, and the rest
of dapper-greav'd Achaians!
Such prizes lie in theatre,
the charioteers awaiting.
Now if the Achaians contest held
in other hero's honour,
Myself the chiefest prize, I trow,
unto my tent would carry;
275
For surely know ye, how by far
my steeds surpass in goodness.
For they immortal are: of yore
landshaking Neptune gave them
Unto my father Peleus: he
in turn to me vouchsaf'd them,
But doubtless I aloof shall stay
with single-hoofed horses:
So noble was the charioteer
whose loss they yet are mourning,
280
A lord so kindly, who full oft
with streams of cleanly water
Did bathe their manes, unsparingly
with liquid oil anointing.
The twain immoveable abide,
and weep: the ground supporteth
Their heav'nly manes: so stand they there,
with hearts by anguish stricken.
But ye, the others of the host,
stand forth, whoso of Argives
285
Trustet the goodness of his steeds
and chariots well-joined."
So spake Pelides: at the word
swift charioteers stept forward.
Of them Eumelus, prince of men,
uprose by far the foremost,
Admetus' darling offspring, who
in horsemanship was signal.
After him rose the son of Tydeus,
stalwart Diomedes,
290
Who led beneath the yoke the steeds
of Tros, which from Æneias
He late had taken, tho' their lord
was by Apollo rescued.
After him, Atreus' Joveborn son,
the auburn Menelaüs,
Stept forward: he beneath the yoke led
nimblefooted coursers,
Spryfoot and Blazer, horse and mare:
the mare was Agamemnon's;
295
Which Echepólus paid as gift
to royal Agamemnon,
Exemption buying from the war,
that there he might disport him,
Nor sail for windy Ilium:
for he, Anchises' offspring,
Great riches held from Jove, and dwelt
in Sikyon broad-acred.
Her, keen persistent in the course,
then Menelaüs harness'd.
300
Fourth did Antilochus array
the dapper-coated horses,
Antilochus, the brilliant child
of a highminded father,
Their master Nestor, Neleus'son;
whose nimblefooted horses,
At Pylos nurtur'd, drew the car.
His father, near him standing,
Wisely advis'd to good the youth,
him already wary:
305
"Antilochus! thee verily
have Jove and Neptune loved,
Albeit young thou art, and thee
in horsemanships instructed
Of every fashion: therefore thou
no great monition needest.
Well knowest thou around the goal
to wind: natheless thy coursers
Are slowest in the race: whence eke,
I deem, may come disaster.
310
But of the rest the steeds in sooth
are quicker; yet the drivers
Know not more fully than thyself
to deal in sage devices.
But come, dear fellow! in thy heart cast
every form of counsel
Right crafty, lest from out thy hand
the prizes slip asudden.
Far more by counsel than by strength
the timberhewer winneth.
315
By counsel and by might of mind
doth eke the pilot safely
Over the purple waters guide
his tempestshaken galley.
Counsel doth also charioteer
from charioteer distinguish.
But whoso, on his nimble steeds
and chariot relying,
Hither and thither, illadvis'd,
in lengthen'd courses windeth,
320
His coursers wide extravagant
are spent, nor aught prevails he.
But whoso worser steeds may drive,
yet gainful arts upholdeth,
With eyen fasten'd on the goal
wheeleth right close, nor ever
Forgetteth, when he earliest
the thong of ox should tighten;
But holdeth steadily his place,
and for his victor lurketh.
325
A mark, right easy to discern,
behold: thou shalt not miss it.
A fathom high above the earth
a harden'd block of timber
Standeth,a trunk of oak or pine,
which rotteth not by showers;
And near it, two white slabs of stone
on either side are planted
Just in the narrows of the road;
but smooth the course is round them.
330
This hath divine Achilles made
the racers' goal: and haply
Such was it eke of yore, or mark'd
where some dead man was buried.
Right close to this approaching, drive
thy chariot and horses.
In the welljoined car thyself
must leftwise gently lean thee,
335
And to the right steed yield the reins,
and freely lash and urge him.
But let the courser on the left
so swerve toward the pillar,
That, troth! the centre of thy wheel
may doubt to graze the surface
Of the rough stone. Shun thou to prove
its perilous encounter,
340
Lest-that the chariot it break,
and wound withal thy horses.
Disgrace unto thyself were this,
and triumph to thy rivals.
But keen, my son! and wary be:
for if, inside the others,
Thou round the goal, not one of them
pursuing shall o'erhend thee;
345
Not even if behind thy heels
he drave divine Areion,
Adrastus' nimblefooted horse,
which was a brood of heaven,
Or the proud steeds of Tros, which here
of all are noblest reared."
After such words, back to his seat
return'd Neleian Nestor,
When charges to his proper son
he had especial given.
350
But fifth did Merion array
the dapper-coated horses.
Then mounted they the chariots
and cast their lots together.
Achilles shook them: Nestor's son
gain'd the first lot for starting.
Royal Eumelus after him
receiv'd his post as second.
After him, third, was Atreus' son,
spear-famous Menelaüs:
355
Next after him Meriones
was rang'd: but last Tydides,
Himself by far the chiefest, came,
to drive his horses hindmost.
When thus in row drawn up they stood,
Achilles mark'd the limits,
In the wide level seen afar;
and station'd godlike Phoenix,
360
His father's minister, as watch
and teller of the contest.
With eager menace: speedily
the breadth of plain travers'd they,
Far from the galleys; but the dust
beneath their breasts uplifted
365
Stood as a cloud, or like a squall;
and from the horses' shoulders
Along the breezes wav'd the manes:
the cars, at one while vanish'd,
Sunk in the manyfeeding earth;
elsewhile aloft they bounded.
Up stood the drivers from their seats,
with hearts for conquest panting:
370
Each shouted to his steeds,
and they in dusty tempest scuffled.
But when, fulfilling their career,
the coursers fleetly scudding
Back to the hoary brine would come,
then were the odds apparent
And worth of each; for hard was stretch'd
the race forthwith: and quickly
375
The rapid mares of Pheres' stud
foremost of all outstarted.
Behind, the stallions of Tros
by Diomed were driven
So near, they alway seem'd as tho'
they on the car would mount them.
Eumelus' back and shoulders broad
were warm beneath their panting;
380
For aye against him lay their heads,
as close behind they gallop'd.
And now they haply would have pass'd,
or doubtful left the contest,
But bright Apollo, wroth of old
against the son of Tydeus,
Struck from his hands the shining scourge:
then tears from out his eyen
385
Fell in his anger, when the mares
onward and onward winning
He saw; while, of the lash bereft,
his own career was damag'd.
Nor did Athene fail to mark
Apollo's fraudful dealing
Against Tydides: quickly she
the people's shepherd chased,
And gave him back the scourge,
and breath'd into his horses vigour;
390
Then, wrathful with Admetus' son,
pursued, and brake asunder
His yoke: down fell the pole:
the steeds this way and that were parted.
Out of the chariot himself
beside the wheel was rolled
On to his elbow: nostrils, mouth,
forehead, and brow were mangled,
His eyen were with tears brimful,
his throat was drain'd of juices.
Then past him Tydeus' son held on
the singlehoofed horses,
Beyond the others far ahead
forth springing: for Athene
Into his horses vigour breath'd,
and on himself put glory.
400
After him kept the son of Atreus,
auburn Menelaüs.
Then did Antilochus rebuke
the horses of his father:
"Step on, ye also; strain to speed.
I claim not, that the coursers
Of Tydeus' skilfulhearted son
ye vanquish; sith Athene
405
2
To them hath swiftness granted now,
and on himself put glory.
But overhend Atrides' steeds
and be not left behind them,
Quickly; lest in disgrace ye sink,
if Blazer, she, a female, —
Outstrip you in the race. And why
fall ye behind, my bravest?
For roundly will I say, and this
shall be a fact accomplish'd:
410
No longer shall ye twain receive
grooming and food with Nestor
The people's shepherd: he forthwith
by the sharp brass will slay you,
If by your heartlessness a prize
inferiour we carry.
But keep ye pace and follow hard
and scud with extreme effort :
And I myself will machinate
and will espy to complish,
415
If in the narrows of the road
I find a place to pass him."
So spake he earnest: they beneath
their lord's upbraidment quailing,
Ran swifter on, awhile; but soon
Antilochus war-biding
Saw, where the road was rent away
and hollow'd by a torrent,
420
Whose pent-up waters sapp'd the ground
and narrow left the passage :
Hereby did Menelaüs drive,
concourse of wheels avoiding.
But devious his rival held
the singlehoofed horses,
Pressing by shorter cut oblique
to meet within the narrows.
Then to Antilochus aloud
Atrides cried in terror:
425
"Antilochus! infatuate
thy course: hold-in thy horses,
While narrow is the road; and soon,
where it is broader, pass me;
Lest on the chariot thou strike
and bring on both disaster."
So spake he; but Antilochus
drave nearer still and nearer,
Urging the horses with the scourge,
alike as tho' he heard not.
430
Then, far as may a youthful man,
his stalwart vigour trying,
Over his shoulder fling the quoit,
so far they onward hurried.
But Atreus' son in mid career
refrain'd his speed on purpose,
Lest that the singlehoofed steeds
within the road be tangled,
435
And overturn the chariots
welljoined: so the drivers
Wouldin the dust themselves be cast,
for victory too eager.
Then auburn Menelaüs spake
a word of bitter chiding:
"Antilochus! of all mankind
none is than thee more deadly.
Avaunt to ruin! falsely do
the Achaians hold thee prudent.
440
But I will challenge thee to oath,
and of the prize despoil thee.”
After such words, with cheery voice
he to the coursers shouted :
3
"Stay not behind, nor wait to think,
albeit griev'd, my gallants!
To them far earlier, I trow,
will feet and knees be weary,
Than unto you: for from them both
the strength of youth is parted."
445
So spake he earnest: they beneath
their lord's upbraidment quailing,
Ran swifter on, and speedily
came nearer, and yet nearer.
Meanwhile in theatre behind
the Argives, watching
The coursers, who across the plain
in dusty tempest scuffled.
The Cretan chief Idomeneus
did first espy the horses;
450
For he beyond the company
to scan around sat forward,
And heard the charioteer afar,
and knew his loud upbraidment,
And saw a signal horse in front,
who else was bay of colour,
But bare a white spot, like a moon,
upon his forehead blazing.
455
Then stood Idomeneus upright,
and spake before the Argives:
"O friends, who of the Argive folk
are governours and leaders,
Do I alone the coursers view,
or eke do ye descry them ?
Another pair of steeds than erst,
methinketh, now are foremost;
Ay; and another charioteer
appeareth: but the others
460
I ween, met damage on the plain,
which thitherward had vantage.
Surely ahead I saw the mares
around the pillar bending:
But them I nowhere now may ken,
albeit that my eyen
Turn, as I gaze, on every side
over the plain of Troas.
Either the charioteer his reins
hath dropt, or round the pillar
465
Could not his coursers duly hold
and fail'd to wheel discreetly.
There (bode I) forth he fell,
and brake his chariot's equipments,
And from the road his mares, possest
by untam'd spirit, started.
But ye, arising, eke yourselves
behold; for not distinctly
My eyen may beknow: yet here,
methinketh, is a hero
470
Ætolian of birth, who yet
mid Argive princes reigneth,
The courser-taming Tydeus' son,
stouthearted Diomedes."
Then Ajax swift, Oïleus' son,
with insult base revil'd him:
"Idomeneus! wherefore too soon
dost bluster? o'er the level
Hither the nimblefooted mares
speed far afront of others.
475
Among the Argives thou, I ween,
art not so much the youngest,
Nor peer thy eyen from thy head
the keenest in the army;
But thou with words of bluster aye
dost prate: and wherefore need we
Thy endless prating? here around
are many talkers abler.
Still the same coursers hold the lead,
which at the turn were foremost,
480
Eumelus' mares, and in the car
himself the ribbons holdeth."
To him with anger, front to front,
the Cretan leader answer'd :
"O Ajax, ill-deviser, skill'd
in jibes; beneath the Argives
In all beside thou fallest, sith
ungracious is thy temper.
Come! for a wager stake we now
a tripod or a cauldron,
485
And let us both as umpire take
Atrides Agamemnon,
Which steeds are foremost: so shalt
thou discover by repayment."
So spake he: but Oïleus' son,
swift Ajax, rose asudden
In anger, ready to retort
with words of fierce contention.
And now had haply farther gone
the strife betwixt the chieftains,
490
But that Achilles' self arose
and spake a word before them:
"No longer with reproachful words
of fierce contention answer,
O Ajax and Idomeneus:
nor, troth, is it beseeming:
Yea, with another were ye wroth,
who should such deeds adventure.
But ye in theatre abide
to watch the steeds' careering.
495
Soon will they hither come themselves,
with rivalry excited;
Then each the coursers shall beknow,
which first, and which are second."
He spake: but Tydeus' son drew near,
right urgent: on the shoulder
He alway lash'd the steeds: but they
tossing aloft accomplish'd
500
Their speedy course: the charioteer
with daubs of dust was powder'd;
And, as instinct, the chariot
with gold and tin bedizen'd
Follow'd the nimble-footed steeds:
and scarce a track behind them
In the thin dust the wheel had left;
so flew they o'er the champaign.
505
He in mid company drew up;
and from the horses trickled
Abundant sweat down to the ground,
from crests and flanks and bosom.
Then from the shining chariot
himself to earth outspringing
Hanged upon the yoke his scourge.
Without delay, on instant
510
The valiant Sthenelus stept up,
and seiz'd the prize behoten,
And to his comrades high of heart
handed the skilful woman
And eared tripod, for their lord:
but he the steeds unharness'd.
Next did Antilochus arrive,
Neleian horses driving,
Who Menelaüs had by craft
outstript, but not by swiftness:
515
Yet even so with nimble steeds
clung Menelas behind him.
As wheel is parted from the horse,
who on the champaign straining
Draweth his master with the car;
whose outmost tailhair brusheth
The running tire: (no mighty space,
however far he gallop :)
520
So far by Nestor's spotless son
was Menelaüs distanc'd;
So far alone: yet was he once
a full quoit-throw to rearward.
Yet quickly won he back the loss;
for more and more the vigour
Wax'd brave in Agamemnon's mare,
the glossy-coated Blazer.
525
And if for both the chariots
the race had farther lasted,
Full surely had she overpast,
nor doubtful left the contest.
Fourth came the bonny Merion,
Idomeneus' attendant,
Who a spearthrow was left behind
high-honour'd Menelaüs :
For slowest were of all the field
his glossy-coated horses,
530
And, as a charioteer, himself
upon the lists was weakest.
Latest of all, with long delay
arriv'd Admetus' offspring,
Dragging the beauteous chariot,
from far his coursers driving.
Godlike Achilles, fleet of foot,
beheld the chief with pity,
And to the Argives standing forth
harangu'd in winged accents:
535
"A noblest hero driveth last
his single-hoofed horses.
But come ye; upon him a prize
bestow we, as is seemly,
In second rank: but Tydeus' son
must with the first be honour'd."
So spake he: then the chieftains
all unto his word assented.
And now had he the mare on him
bestow'd; (for so the Achaians
540
Approv'd;) but that Antilochus,
greathearted Nestor's offspring,
Arose, and challeng'd to account
Achilles, son of Peleus:
"Achilles! troth, shall I with thee
be wrathful, if thou complish
This word: for of my proper prize
thou thinkest to despoil me,
In pity, that his speedy mares
and chariot were crippled
545
And that himself is worthy: yet
his duty was, to offer
Vows to th' immortals; never then
had he been thrown to rearmost.
Pity and love to gratify,
thy tents have gold in plenty,
And brass and sheep and servant-maids
and single-hoofed horses:
550
Of these thou mayest afterward
take greater prize to give him,
Or even now before us: so
the Achaians shall approve thee.
But I to none will yield the mare:
whoever would pretensions
To her adventure, must with me
prepare to enter combat."
So vaunted he, and drew a smile
from Achileus swiftfooted,
555
Delighting in Antilochus,
who was his dear companion.
Thereat reciprocal to him
he winged accents utter'd:
"Antilochus! if verily
thou biddest to Eumelus
Fresh prize from out my stores to give,
this also will I complish :
A corslet I on him bestow,
which from Asteropæus
560
I took: of brass the substance is,
but wreath'd around the margin
Are streams of shining tin; and this
a goodly price would yield him."
He spake, and to Automedon,
his comrade dear, gave order
To bear it from his tent: but he
quickly return'd, and brought it,
And plac'd it in Eumelus' hands;
and he with joy receiv'd it.
565
But Menelaüs, sore at heart,
hereon stood forth among them,
In wrath against Antilochus
unmeasur'd: but a herald
Into his hand a sceptre plac'd,
and challeng'd all the Argives
To silence: then the godlike man
spake out his heart before them :
"Antilochus! who heretofore
wast sage; what now hath ail'd thee?
570
Loss to my coursers hast thou wrought,
and to my skill dishonour,
Thrusting thy horses to the front,
which were by far the worser.
But come now! ye who leaders are
and governours to Argos,
Pass ye a sentence in the midst
for both, with even fairness;
Lest that hereafter haply one
of brazen-clad Achaians
575
Say, Menelaüs did by lies
Antilochus o'erpower,
And carried off the mare, altho'
his steeds were far the worser,
Only that he himself in might
and majesty was grander.
Or else, come! I myself will judge;
nor do I ween that any
Of Danaï will this reprove;
for fair shall be my trial.
580
Antilochus! Jove-nurtur'd! hark!
as seemly is and rightful,
Stand thou before the chariot
and coursers: hold beside thee
The lash wherewith thou dravest:
touch the steeds, and swear by Neptune
Landshaking, that thou diddest not
by guile my car entangle."
585
But him did sage Antilochus
confronting gently answer:
"No more of this; for, troth, am I
than thee, prince Menelaüs!
Younger by far, and thou than me
art loftier and braver.
Well knowest thou, how youthful men
in trespasses are tangled;
For quicker their perceptions are,
but flimsy is their judgment.
590
Therefore thy heart will bear with me.
Also to thee resign I
The mare, which I had won:
and eke if more thou shouldest ask me
From my own stores to bring, this too
at once would I present thee
Right willing, rather than with thee,
Jove-nurtur'd! meet displeasure
All days, and an offender be
before the unseen powers."
595
So spake greathearted Nestor's son,
and led the mare and plac'd her
In hands of Menelaus: then
his royal heart was melted.
As in a growing crop of wheat,
when all the acres bristle,
A dew, descending genial,
the ears doth warm and soften,
So, Menelaūs! then to thee
the heart within was soften'd.
600
Thereat the prince accosting him
did winged accents utter:
"Antilochus! now unto thee
myself will yield my anger:
For never wast thou heretofore
askew, nor airy-witted.
Youth hath thy mind o'ercome:
henceforth shun thou to trick thy betters.
Other Achaian man mayhap
had not so lightly calm'd me.
But troth, much thou endured hast
for me, and much hast toiled,
As thy good sire and brother too;
therefore to thy entreaty
Will I comply: yea, and the mare,
albeit mine, -I yield her:
610
So shall these learn, that ne'er my heart
was stern and overweening."
He spake; and to Noëmon's hands,
Antilochus' companion,
Gave up the mare, and took himself
the all-resplendent cauldron.
And Merion, who fourth drave in,
gat the two golden talents.
But the fifth prize, which still was left,
the double urn;-to Nestor
615
Achilles thro' the Argive throng
bare it, and spake beside him:
"Here now! let this to thee alsó,
old friend! be made a keepsake
For record of Patroclus' grave:
for never among Argives
Himself shalt thou again behold.
And hark! this prize I give thee
Gratis! for neither race of foot
nor darting wilt thou enter,
Wrestling, nor boxing:
for on thee stern Eld already presseth."
He spake, and Knee'd it in his hands;
and he with joy receiv'd it,
And unto him reciprocal
harangu'd in winged accents:
625
"Ay, verily; all this, my child!
discreetly hast thou spoken.
For friend! their early hardihood
hath fail'd my limbs: no longer
The feet rush agile, nor the hands
on either side my shoulders.
O that I still were só in youth,
and unimpair'd my vigour,
As when the Epeians did of yore
king Amarynkeus bury,
630
And in Buprasium his sons
set forth the royal prizes.
Then no one might with me compare,
neither among the Epeians
Or mighty-soul'd Ætolians,
nor from my native Pylos.
Then Clytomedes conquer'd I
in boxing, son of Enops;
To wrestle next Ankæus rose,
Of Pleuron: him o'erthrew I.
635
Then Iphiclus, tho' swift he was,
Yet did my feet outrun him,
And with the spear I overpitch'd
Phyleus and Polydorus.
Only the sons of Actor then
Outdrave me with their horses,
Who two to one against me were,
On fire with zeal of conquest,
Sith as the noblest prizes yet
The charioteers awaited.
640
Twin bretheren were these: and one
Did ever hold the bridles,
The bridles alway manag'd he,
The other scourg'd and shouted.
Such once was I: but now in turn
Let younger men betake them
To such achievements: Nestor's head
To Eld unkind must bow him:
'Tis fitting: but in days of old
Signal was I mid heroes.
645
Do thou by games of funeral
Pay honour to thy comrade;
And willing I this gift accept;
Yea, and my heart is joyful,
That alway thou my kindly soul
Well knowest, nor forgettest
What honour seemly is for me
Among Achaia's children.
For this, on
thee may heav'nly gods
Bestow heartsoothing favour."
650
So spake he: and Pelides hied
Thro' the thick crowd of Argives,
When he unto the whole address
Of Neleus' son had listen'd.
Then of the painful boxing match
Did he propose the prizes:
First, a toilbearing mule, untam'd,
— six years its age, which hardest
Is to be tam'd, this led he in,
And tied, mid full assembly.
655
Next, to the vanquish'd forth he set
A goblet doubly hollow.
Upright he stood, and spake his word
Before the assembled Argives:
"O sons of Atreus, and the rest
Of dapper-greav'd Achaians,
Two men, whoever bravest are,
Invite we for these prizes,
Raising aloft the first, to box:
And to whiche'er Apollo
660
Constant endurance shall vouchsafe
In sight of all the Achaians,
His the toilbearing mule shall be,
Unto his tent to lead it:
But to the vanquish'd I behight
The goblet doubly hollow."
So spake he: then forthwith arose
A man both huge and comely
Epeius, son of Panopeus,
Of old well skill'd in boxing.
665
Who touch'd the toilenduring mule,
And thus spake forth his challenge:
"Near let him come, who means to get
The goblet doubly hollow;
But none, I trow, by strength of fist
From me the mule shall carry
Of all Achaians; sith I boast
In boxing to be ablest.
In battle of the spear and sword
I yield: doth that content you?
670
4
5
6
Never may man in every work
alike, I ween, be skilful.
For roundly will I warning give
of that which I will complish:
His flesh asunder will I rip,
and crush the bones within him.
Here let his kinsmen wait around,
assembled to receive him
And bear his shatter'd frame away,
beneath my onset fallen."
675
Thus did he threaten: thereupon
they all were dumb in silence.
Alone Euryalus arose,
a godlike man, to meet him,
Whose sire the prince Mekisteus was,
and Talaüs his grandsire:
Who, when in former days at Thebes
slain Edipus was buried,
Came to the games, and conquer'd there
the stoutest of Cadmeians.
680
And now Tydides spear-renown'd
was busy to array him,
And hearten'd him with words: for much
his victory desir'd he.
A girdle fitted to his loins
first handed he; thereafter
Presented wellcut thongs of hide
stript from a bull fieldroaming.
So then the two wellgirded came
amid the ring of gazers,
685
And rush'd together in affray,
with sturdy hands uplifted.
Dire was the crackle of their chaps;
sweat dripp'd from all their members.
Until divine Epeius mark'd
his rival's eyen straying,
And rising, smote upon his cheek:
nor long the blow endur'd he;
690
For on the spot his gallant limbs
sank staggering beneath him.
As on the weedy beach a fish,
by the dark billow cover'd,
Outleapeth, if with Boreas
the topmost sea do shudder;
So with the blow upleaped he:
but mighty-soul'd Epeius
Rais'd him with both his hands.
Around his dear companions crowded,
695
Who led him thro' the gazing ring,
trailing his feet behind him,
Spitting thick blood between his teeth,
his head on one side drooping,
Half-stunn'd and wandering; but quick
they seated him among them,
And hasted, to his tent to fetch
the goblet doubly hollow.
Then to the Danaï anew
the son of Peleus quickly
700
For painful wrestling, forward set
a third award of prizes.
A tripod, on the fire to stand,
design'd he for the victor,
Precious; and it the Achaïans
did at twelve oxen value:
The vanquish'd to repay, he set
a woman in the middle,
In various achievement skill'd:
four beeves her price they counted.
705
7
Upright he stood, and spake his word
before the assembled Argives:
"Arise! whatever pair may list
eke in this game to try them."
So spake he: instantly arose
great Telamonian Ajax,
And next, a man of cunning deep,
Ulysses much-devising.
Thereat the two well-girded came
amid the ring of gazers,
710
Fronting; and clasp'd with sturdy hands
the elbows, each of other:
As when, within a lofty house,
the force of wind averting,
A famous artizan may frame
twin rafters, crossembracing.
Their backs in hardy tustle crack'd;
from head to foot sweat trickled,
And many a wale, blood-purple, ran
along their sides and shoulders:
715
Yet alway eager still they strain'd,
to win the featful tripod.
Nor might Ulysses, artful, cast
unto the ground his rival,
Nor Ajax; for, all-sinewy,
Ulysses aye resisted.
720
But when at length their struggle
pain'd the dapper-greav'd Achaians,
Then, to Ulysses, challenge spake
great Telamonian Ajax:
"Son of Laertes! Jove-deriv'd!
Ulysses much-contriving!
Let one or other lift his man;
then Jove the rest shall settle."
He spake, and lifted him: with guile
long-practis'd, then Ulysses
725
Struck him within the knee, behind,
and tripp'd and cast him backward,
And fell upon his breast: thereat
the people gaz'd admiring.
Second, the much-enduring man,
Ajax to lift, made effort;
But barely stirr'd him from the ground;
until his knee he twisted,
730
And both together fell to earth,
and were with dust defiled.
Again upspringing from their fall,
a third time would they wrestle;
But that Achilles' self arose,
and by his word withheld them:
"No longer strain your noble hearts,
nor wear yourselves with hardship.
The victory to both is due:
both equal prizes taking,
Retire ye: so may eke the rest
adventure for the prizes."
Thus spake he: they right-willingly
did listen and obey him,
And wiping off the dust, sat down,
clad in their rightful tunics.
Then for the swift of foot anew
Pelides nam'd his prizes.
740
A bowl of silver featly wrought
was first: it held six measures;
And for its beauty, all the earth
no peer of it could furnish,—
So gorgeous its workmanship,
by men of Sidon labor'd.
But o'er the hazy breadth of sea
Phœnicians had borne it,
And lod'd it safe on Lemnos' shore,
a gift to honour Thoas.
745
As purchase-price for Priam's son
Lycaon, did Euneüs,
Offspring of Jason, yield it up
into Patroclus' keeping;
And now Achilles set it forth,
— a prize, his friend to honour,
For him, whoso with rapid feet
might of the host be nimblest.
Next, for the second brought he out
an ox well-fed and portly;
750
But half a talent's weight of gold
for the last prize he destin'd.
Upright he stood, and spake his word
among the assembled Argives:
"Arise, whomever it may list
eke in this game to try them."
So spake he: then Oileus' son,
swift Ajax, rose asudden,
Alsó Ulysses much-devising:
last, the son of Nestor,
755
Antilochus, who with his feet
mid all the youths was signal.
Ranged abreast they stood: thereat,
Achilles mark'd the limits.
At very start full speed they made,
and foremost nimble Ajax
Darted; but close upon his heels
divine Ulysses follow'd.
As when some dapper-girdled wife
near to her bosom holdeth
760
The spindle, whence she draweth out
the rove, beyond the sliver;
So near Ulysses kept, and trod
the very prints of Ajax,
Ere dust could fill them; o'er his head,
behind, Ulysses panted,
765
And, eager to outstrip, press'd on,
while all the Achaians cheer'd him.
But when at length the last career
they sped to close, Ulysses
Unto grey-ey'd Athene pray'd
within his secret bosom:
"O goddess! be my good ally,
and to my feet show favour."
770
So utter'd he the word of pray'r,
and maid Athene heard him:
His limbs, both feet and hands above
— nimble she made and buxom.
But when they quickly were about
to dart upon the prizes,
Athene cheated Ajax' hope,
and cast him slipping, rolling,
Where lay the offal of the bulls
deeplowing, which Achilles
775
Slew for Patroclus: nose and mouth
were fill'd with noisome ordure.
So, earlier in-rushing, came
Ulysses muchenduring
And lifted up the bowl: the ox
was won by gallant Ajax,
Who, blowing from his lips the filth,
in hand the horn enclasped
780
Of the field-roaming ox, and spake
before the assembled Argives:
8
9
"Ye Spirits! troth, the goddess-maid
ruin'd my steps, who alway,
Like to a mother, stands beside
and succoureth Ulysses."
So spake he moanful: him they all
with pleasant laughter greeted.
After them came Antilochus
to claim the prize remaining,
785
Who, smiling jocund, spake a word
before the assembled Argives:
"My friends! well know ye, — yet will I
pronounce it; now, as ever,
The immortals on more ancient men
delight to lavish honour.
For Ajax is in years to me
superiour a little;
But this one is of elder birth,
— an age entire before us.
790
A raw old man, they say, he is:
with him, of all the Achaians
None easily in speed may vie,
except it be Achilles."
So to Pelides fleet of foot
he by his words gave glory.
Thereat with word reciprocal
Achilles him accosted:
"Antilochus! thy merry praise
shall not in vain be utter'd:
795
But a full talent now of gold
I give, for half the talent."
He spake, and plac'd it in his hands:
and he with joy receiv'd it.
Thereafter Peleus' son brought in
a spear with lengthy shadow,
And shield, and triplecrested helm,
the armour of Sarpedon,
Which, late, Patroclus stript from him.
In theatre he cast them,
800
And upright stood, and spake his word
before the assembled Argives:
"Two men, whoever bravest are,
invite we for these prizes,
Clad in gold panoply, to fight
amid the throng of gazers,
And each of other trial make
with point of brass fleshpiercing.
Then whichsoever earlier
may strike the tender body
805
And reach to graze the cover'd parts,
till blood the armour sully;
Him with this falchion of Thrace,
fair, weighty, silver-studded,
Will I adorn; the which I took
from slain Asteropæus.
But let the twain in common bear
this armour of Sarpedon,
And in our tents will we beside
with a rich banquet grace them."
810
So spake he: instantly arose
great Telamonian Ajax,
And after him rose Tydeus' son,
stout-hearted Diomedes.
But soon as, from the throng apart,
the twain were well-accoutred,
In middle of the folk they both
met, eager for the combat,
With dreadful glances. Deep amazement
held the Achaians gazing.
815
But when, advancing each on each,
they came to shorter distance,
Thrice sally did they make, and thrice
they clos'd in nearer battle.
Then Ajax struck upon the shield
which equal was on all sides,
Nor reach'd the flesh behind; but it
the corslet still defended.
But Tydeus' son at Ajax' neck
above the mighty buckler
820
With changeful flash of javelin
was alway fiercely aiming.
Thereat the Achaïans, smit with dread
lest aught go wrong with Ajax,
Bade them their rivalry to stay
and take the prizes equal.
Yet to Tydides Peleus' son
the mighty sword presented,
Bearing it, with the thongs well-carv'd,
ensheath'd within its scabbard.
825
Thereafter, Peleus' son set forth
a native mass of iron,
Which the stout king Eëtion
was wont to hurl aforetime:
But him in sooth divine Achilles
foot-reliant slaughter'd,
And on his galleys carried it
along with other chattels.
Upright he stood, and spake his word
before the assembled Argives:
830
"Arise, whomever it may list
eke in this game to try them.
If one, in country far remote,
many fat acres holdeth,
For five revolving years enough
of iron this shall yield him
For rustic needs: from his estate
shall none thro' lack of iron,
Shepherd or ploughman, seek the town;
but give supply to others."
835
So spake he: instantly arose
war-biding Polypoetes
Uprose also that match for gods,
the sturdy-soul'd Leonteus,
And Ajax son of Telamon,
and the divine Epeius.
Abreast they rang'd them; thereupon
Epeius seiz'd the iron,
And whirling flung it: all the crowd
did naught but mock his effort.
840
Again Leonteus, branch of Ares,
vainly threw it, second:
Then a third throw with sturdy hand
great Telamonian Ajax
Bravely essaying, over-pitch'd
the tokens of the others.
But when the rugged mass was hurl'd
by warlike Polypoetes,
So far as may a herdsman fling
his crook, which twirling flieth
845
Amid the kine, so far he shot
past all. The Achaians shouted,
And, rising, the companions dear
of stalwart Polypoetes,
Unto the smoothly hollow ships
the royal prize escorted.
Then for the archers forth he set
blue steel in twenty axes;
Ten double were, and single ten:
and on the sands at distance
850
He plac'd a blue-prow'd galley's mast,
whence with thin cord he fasten'd
A trembler pigeon by the foot,
and bade them aim toward it.
Whoso might hit it, to his tent
should bear the double axes;
855
But if one miss'd the bird, yet shot
into the cord his arrow,
He should the single axes take,
sith as his skill was meaner.
So said he: instantly arose
the might of princely Teucer,
And up rose bonny Merion,
Idomeneus' attendant.
860
Then in a brazen-plated helm
the lots were duly shaken,
And the first lot to Teucer fell.
Forthwith he shot an arrow
Right forcibly: nor yet did he
unto the prince Apollo
Vow, an illustrious hecatomb
of firstling lambs to offer.
The bird he miss'd, sith as the god
begrudged him to reach her;
865
Yet went his arrow thro' the cord,
whereby the bird was fasten'd.
The cord was sever'd by the shot;
so, earthward, down it dangled:
The pigeon darted heaven-ward,
and all the Achaians shouted.
But Merion all-eager drew
the bow, whereon his arrow
870
Lay fix'd already; and forthwith
unto the prince fardarting
Vow'd, an illustrious hecatomb
of firstling lambs to offer.
Wheeling aloft amid the clouds
he saw the trembler pigeon,
And pierc'd her thro' beneath the wing:
the arrow, back descending,
875
Stuck in the ground before his feet;
the bird from high alighted
Upon the blueprow'd galley's mast;
but quick from out her members
Fleeted the life: she droop'd the neck,
and her thick feathers huddled.
So fell she far away: thereat
the people gaz'd admiring.
The double axes, ten complete,
to Merion were given,
And Teucer to the hollow ships
bare off the single axes.
Thereafter Peleus' son brought in
a spear with lengthy shadow
And eke a cauldron new to fire
and wrought with artful flowers, —
885
A full ox-worth, — in theatre;
to honour skilful darting.
Then up did Atreus' son arise,
wide-ruling Agamemnon,
And up rose bonny Merion,
Idomeneus' attendant.
Godlike Achilles, fleet of foot,
then spake a word before them:
"O son of Atreus, well we know
how houses thy puissance,
890
Who art fleet in majesty
and eke in darting foremost.
Thou shalt my chiefer prize possess
and to the hollow galleys
Escort it: but the spear we give
to Merion the hero,
If pleasant to thy heart it be:
for I do greatly urge it."
Achilles spake, and won consent
from princely Agamemnon.
895
Forthwith to Merion he reach'd
the brazen spear; but summon'd
Talthybius, the herald sage,
to take the brilliant cauldron.
