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He spake; and all were silent for a space.

500

Then spake at length the valiant Diomed: -

"Let none consent to take the Trojan's goods,

Nor even Helen; for a child may see

The utter ruin hanging over Troy."

He spake. The admiring Greeks confirmed with shouts

505

The words of Diomed the knight, and thus

King Agamemnon to Idæus said: -

"Idæus, thou thyself hast heard the Greeks

Pronounce their answer. What to them seems good

Pleases me also. For the slain, I give

510

Consent to burn them; to the dead we bear

No hatred; when they fall the rite of fire

Should soon be paid. Let Juno's husband, Jove

The Thunderer, bear witness to our truce."

The monarch spake, and raised to all the gods

515

His sceptre, while Idæus took his way

To hallowed Ilium. There in council sat

Trojans and Dardans, waiting his return.

He came, and standing in the midst declared

His message. Then they all went forth in haste,

520

Some to collect the slain and some to fell

Trees in the forest. From their well-benched ships

The Achaians also issued, some to bring

The dead together, some to gather wood.

Now from the gently tossing deep the sun

525

Began to climb the heavens, and with new rays

Smote the surrounding fields. The Trojans met,

But found it hard to know their dead again.

They washed away the clotted blood, and laid -

Shedding hot tears - the bodies on the cars.

530

And since the mighty Priam's word forbade

All wailing, silently they bore away

Their slaughtered friends, and heaped them on the pyre

With aching hearts, and, when they had consumed

The dead with fire, returned to hallowed Troy.

535

The nobly-armed Achaians also heaped

Their slaughtered warriors on the funeral pile

With aching hearts; and when they had consumed

Their dead with fire they sought their hollow ships.

And ere the morning came, while earth was gray

540

With twilight, by the funeral pile arose

A chosen band of Greeks, who, going forth,

Heaped round it from the earth a common tomb

For all, and built a wall and lofty towers

Near it, -a bulwark for the fleet and host.

545

And in the wall they fitted massive gates,

Through which there passed an ample chariot-way;

And on its outer edge they sank a trench, -

Broad, deep, - and planted it with pointed stakes.

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.) — 7.398 focus

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἀκὴν ἐγένοντο σιωπῇ·

ὀψὲ δὲ δὴ μετέειπε βοὴν ἀγαθὸς Διομήδης·

μήτʼ ἄρ τις νῦν κτήματʼ Ἀλεξάνδροιο δεχέσθω

400

μήθʼ Ἑλένην· γνωτὸν δὲ καὶ ὃς μάλα νήπιός ἐστιν

ὡς ἤδη Τρώεσσιν ὀλέθρου πείρατʼ ἐφῆπται.

ὣς ἔφαθʼ, οἳ δʼ ἄρα πάντες ἐπίαχον υἷες Ἀχαιῶν

μῦθον ἀγασσάμενοι Διομήδεος ἱπποδάμοιο·

καὶ τότʼ ἄρʼ Ἰδαῖον προσέφη κρείων Ἀγαμέμνων·

405

Ἰδαῖʼ ἤτοι μῦθον Ἀχαιῶν αὐτὸς ἀκούεις

ὥς τοι ὑποκρίνονται· ἐμοὶ δʼ ἐπιανδάνει οὕτως

ἀμφὶ δὲ νεκροῖσιν κατακαιέμεν οὔ τι μεγαίρω·

οὐ γάρ τις φειδὼ νεκύων κατατεθνηώτων

γίγνετʼ ἐπεί κε θάνωσι πυρὸς μειλισσέμεν ὦκα.

410

ὅρκια δὲ Ζεὺς ἴστω ἐρίγδουπος πόσις Ἥρης.

ὣς εἰπὼν τὸ σκῆπτρον ἀνέσχεθε πᾶσι θεοῖσιν,

ἄψορρον δʼ Ἰδαῖος ἔβη προτὶ Ἴλιον ἱρήν.

οἳ δʼ ἕατʼ εἰν ἀγορῇ Τρῶες καὶ Δαρδανίωνες

πάντες ὁμηγερέες, ποτιδέγμενοι ὁππότʼ ἄρʼ ἔλθοι

415

Ἰδαῖος· ὃ δʼ ἄρʼ ἦλθε καὶ ἀγγελίην ἀπέειπε

στὰς ἐν μέσσοισιν· τοὶ δʼ ὁπλίζοντο μάλʼ ὦκα,

ἀμφότερον νέκυάς τʼ ἀγέμεν ἕτεροι δὲ μεθʼ ὕλην·

Ἀργεῖοι δʼ ἑτέρωθεν ἐϋσσέλμων ἀπὸ νηῶν

ὀτρύνοντο νέκυς τʼ ἀγέμεν, ἕτεροι δὲ μεθʼ ὕλην.

420

Ἠέλιος μὲν ἔπειτα νέον προσέβαλλεν ἀρούρας

ἐξ ἀκαλαρρείταο βαθυρρόου Ὠκεανοῖο

οὐρανὸν εἰσανιών· οἳ δʼ ἤντεον ἀλλήλοισιν.

ἔνθα διαγνῶναι χαλεπῶς ἦν ἄνδρα ἕκαστον·

ἀλλʼ ὕδατι νίζοντες ἄπο βρότον αἱματόεντα

425

δάκρυα θερμὰ χέοντες ἀμαξάων ἐπάειραν.

οὐδʼ εἴα κλαίειν Πρίαμος μέγας· οἳ δὲ σιωπῇ

νεκροὺς πυρκαϊῆς ἐπινήνεον ἀχνύμενοι κῆρ,

ἐν δὲ πυρὶ πρήσαντες ἔβαν προτὶ Ἴλιον ἱρήν.

ὣς δʼ αὔτως ἑτέρωθεν ἐϋκνήμιδες Ἀχαιοὶ

430

νεκροὺς πυρκαϊῆς ἐπινήνεον ἀχνύμενοι κῆρ,

ἐν δὲ πυρὶ πρήσαντες ἔβαν κοίλας ἐπὶ νῆας.

ἦμος δʼ οὔτʼ ἄρ πω ἠώς, ἔτι δʼ ἀμφιλύκη νύξ,

τῆμος ἄρʼ ἀμφὶ πυρὴν κριτὸς ἔγρετο λαὸς Ἀχαιῶν,

τύμβον δʼ ἀμφʼ αὐτὴν ἕνα ποίεον ἐξαγαγόντες

435

ἄκριτον ἐκ πεδίου, ποτὶ δʼ αὐτὸν τεῖχος ἔδειμαν

πύργους θʼ ὑψηλούς, εἶλαρ νηῶν τε καὶ αὐτῶν.

ἐν δʼ αὐτοῖσι πύλας ἐνεποίεον εὖ ἀραρυίας,

ὄφρα διʼ αὐτάων ἱππηλασίη ὁδὸς εἴη·

ἔκτοσθεν δὲ βαθεῖαν ἐπʼ αὐτῷ τάφρον ὄρυξαν

440

εὐρεῖαν μεγάλην, ἐν δὲ σκόλοπας κατέπηξαν.

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.) — 7.398 focus

So spake he, and they all became hushed in silence. But at length there spake among them Diomedes, good at the war-cry: 400

Let no man now accept the treasure from Alexander, nay, nor Helen; known is it, even to him who hath no wit at all, that now the cords of destruction are made fast upon the Trojans.

So spake he, and all the sons of the Achaeans shouted aloud, applauding the saying of Diomedes, tamer of horses. 405 Then to Idaeus spake lord Agamemnon:

Idaeus, verily of thyself thou hearest the word of the Achaeans, how they make answer to thee; and mine own pleasure is even as theirs. But as touching the dead I in no wise grudge that ye burn them; for to dead corpses should no man grudge, 410 when once they are dead, the speedy consolation of fire. But to our oaths let Zeus be witness, the loud-thundering lord of Hera.

So saying, he lifted up his staff before the face of all the gods, and Idaeus went his way back to sacred Ilios. Now they were sitting in assembly, Trojans and Dardanians alike, 415 all gathered in one body waiting until Idaeus should come; and he came and stood in their midst and declared his message. Then they made them ready with all speed for either task, some to bring the dead, and others to seek for wood. And the Argives over against them hasted from the benched ships, 420 some to bring the dead and others to seek for wood. The sun was now just striking on the fields, as he rose from softly-gliding, deep-flowing Oceanus, and climbed the heavens, when the two hosts met together. Then was it a hard task to know each man again; 425 howbeit with water they washed from them the clotted blood, and lifted them upon the waggons, shedding hot tears the while. But great Priam would not suffer his folk to wail aloud; so in silence they heaped the corpses upon the pyre, their hearts sore stricken; and when they had burned them with fire they went their way to sacred Ilios. 430 And in like manner over against them the well-greaved Achaeans heaped the corpses upon the pyre, their hearts sore stricken, and when they had burned them with fire they went their way to the hollow ships. Now when dawn was not yet, but night was still 'twixt light and dark, then was there gathered about the pyre the chosen host of the Achaeans, 435 and they made about it a single barrow, rearing it from the plain for all alike; and thereby they built a wall and a lofty rampart, a defence for their ships and for themselves. And therein they made gates, close-fastening, that through them might be a way for the driving of chariots. 440 And without they dug a deep ditch hard by, wide and great, and therein they planted stakes.

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.) — 7.396 focus

396 hereafter we will fight anew, till a daimôn decides between us and gives victory to one or to the other."

398 They all held their peace, but presently Diomedes of the loud war-cry spoke, saying, "Let there be no taking, neither treasure, nor yet Helen, for even a child may see that the doom of the Trojans is at hand."

403 The sons of the Achaeans shouted approval at the words that Diomedes had spoken, and thereon King Agamemnon said to Idaios, "Idaios, you have heard the answer the Achaeans make you-and I with them. But as concerning the dead, I give you leave to burn them, for when men are once dead there should be no grudging them the rites of fire. Let Zeus the mighty husband of Hera be witness to this covenant."

412 As he spoke he upheld his scepter in the sight of all the gods, and Idaios went back to the strong city of Ilion . The Trojans and Dardanians were gathered in council waiting his return; when he came, he stood in their midst and delivered his message. As soon as they heard it they set about their twofold labor, some to gather the corpses, and others to bring in wood. The Argives on their part also hastened from their ships, some to gather the corpses, and others to bring in wood.

421 The sun was beginning to beat upon the fields, fresh risen into the vault of heaven from the slow still currents of deep Okeanos, when the two armies met. They could hardly recognize their dead, but they washed the clotted gore from off them, shed tears over them, and lifted them upon their wagons. Priam had forbidden the Trojans to wail aloud, so they heaped their dead sadly and silently upon the pyre, and having burned them went back to the city of Ilion . The Achaeans in like manner heaped their dead sadly and silently on the pyre, and having burned them went back to their ships.

433 Now in the twilight when it was not yet dawn, chosen bands of the Achaeans were gathered round the pyre and built one barrow that was raised in common for all, and hard by this they built a high wall to shelter themselves and their ships; they gave it strong gates that there might be a way through them for their chariots, and close outside it they dug a trench deep and wide, and they planted it within with stakes.

444 Thus did the Achaeans toil, and the gods, seated by the side of Zeus the lord of lightning, marveled at their great work; but Poseidon, lord of the earthquake, spoke, saying, "Father Zeus, what mortal in the whole world will again take the gods into his counsel [ noos]? See you not how the Achaeans have built a wall about their ships and driven a trench all round it, without offering hecatombs to the gods? The fame [ kleos] of this wall will reach as far as dawn itself, and men will no longer think anything of the one which Phoebus Apollo and myself built with so much labor for Laomedon."

455 Zeus was displeased and answered, "What, O shaker of the earth, are you talking about? A god less powerful than yourself might be alarmed at what they are doing, but your fame [ kleos] reaches as far as dawn itself. Surely when the Achaeans have gone home with their ships, you can shatter their wall and Ring it into the sea; you can cover the beach with sand again, and the great wall of the Achaeans will then be utterly effaced."

English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020)) — 7.398 focus

They all held their peace, but presently Diomedes of the loud war cry spoke, saying, [400] “Let there be no taking, neither treasure, nor yet Helen, for even a child may see that the doom of the Trojans is at hand.” The sons of the Achaeans shouted approval at the words that Diomedes, breaker of horses, had spoken, [405] and then King Agamemnon said to Idaios, “Idaios, you have heard the answer the Achaeans make you—and I with them. But as concerning the dead, I give you leave to burn them, [410] for when men are once dead there should be no grudging them the rites of fire. Let Zeus, the high-thundering husband of Hera, be witness to this covenant.”

As he spoke he upheld his scepter in the sight of all the gods, and Idaios went back to the strong city of Ilion. The Trojans and Dardanians were gathered [415] in council waiting his return; when he came, he stood in their midst and delivered his message. As soon as they heard it they set about their twofold labor, some to gather the corpses, and others to bring in wood. The Argives on their part also hastened from their ships, [420] some to gather the corpses, and others to bring in wood.

The sun was beginning to beat upon the fields, fresh risen into the celestial vault from the slow still currents of deep Okeanos, when the two armies met. They could hardly recognize their dead, [425] but they washed the clotted gore from off them, shed tears over them, and lifted them upon their wagons. Priam had forbidden the Trojans to wail aloud, so they heaped their dead sadly and silently upon the pyre, and having burned them went back to the city of Ilion. [430] The strong-greaved Achaeans in like manner heaped their dead sadly and silently on the pyre, and having burned them went back to their ships.

Now in the twilight when it was not yet dawn, chosen bands of the Achaeans were gathered round the pyre [435] and built one tomb that was raised in common for all, and hard by this they built a high wall to shelter themselves and their ships; they gave it strong gates that there might be a way through them for their chariots, [440] and close outside it they dug a trench deep and wide, and they planted it within with stakes.

English (Alexander Pope, 1720, ed. Watson, 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Alexander Pope, 1720, ed. Watson, 1857)) — 7.398 focus

The Greeks give ear, but none the silence broke;

At length Tydides rose, and rising spoke:

475

'O take not, friends! defrauded of your fame,

'Their proffer'd wealth, nor e'en the Spartan dame.

'Let conquest make them ours: fate shakes their wall,

'And Troy already totters to her fall.'

Th' admiring chiefs, and all the Grecian name,

480

With general shouts return'd him loud acclaim.

Then thus the king of kings rejects the peace:

'Herald! in him thou hear'st the voice of Greece.

'For what remains, let funeral flames be fed

'With heroes' corps: I war not with the dead:

485

'Go, search your slaughter'd chiefs on yonder plain,

'And gratify the manes of the slain.

'Be witness, Jove, whose thunder rolls on high!'

He said, and rear'd his sceptre to the sky.

To sacred Troy, where all her princes lay

490

To wait th' event, the herald bent his way.

He came, and, standing in the midst, explain'd

The peace rejected, but the truce obtain'd.

Straight to their several cares the Trojans move;

Some search the plain, some fell the sounding grove:

495

Nor less the Greeks, descending on the shore,

Hew'd the green forests, and the bodies bore.

And now from forth the chambers of the main,

To shed his sacred light on earth again,

Arose the golden chariot of the day,

500

And tipp'd the mountains with a purple ray.

In mingled throngs the Greek and Trojan train

Through heaps of carnage search'd the mournful plain.

Scarce could the friend his slaughter'd friend explore,

With dust dishonour'd, and deform'd with gore.

505

The wounds they wash'd, their pious tears they shed,

And, laid along their cars, deplor'd the dead.

Sage Priam check'd their grief: with silent haste

The bodies decent on the piles were plac'd:

With melting hearts the cold remains they burn'd;

510

And sadly slow to sacred Troy return'd.

Nor less the Greeks their pious sorrows shed,

And decent on the pile dispose the dead;

The cold remains consume with equal care;

And slowly, sadly, to their fleet repair.

515

Now, ere the morn had streak'd with redd'ning light

The doubtful confines of the day and night;

About the dying flames the Greeks appear'd,

And round the pile a general tomb they rear'd.

Then, to secure the camp and naval powers,

520

They rais'd embattl'd walls with lofty towers:

From space to space were ample gates around,

For passing chariots; and a trench profound,

Of large extent: and deep in earth below

Strong piles infix'd stood adverse to the foe.

525

English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843)) — 7.398 focus

So said Idaeus. The Greeks silent were

Awhile. At last Tydides rose and spake.

Let not the Greeks so much the Trojans fear

As Helen's goods, or her herself to take

360

At Alexander's hands. The hour is come

(As any child may manifestly see)

That must o'erthrow the state of Ilium.

So said Tydides, and much prais'd was he.

Then Agamemnon answer'd to Idaeus,

365

You hear what the Argives say. I say the same.

As for the dead men, burn them if you please ;

They're good for nothing. I contented am.

And of this truce let Jove a witness be.

This said, to Jove his sceptre up he heav'd.

370

Idaeus back to Troy went speedily,

The answer to relate he had receiv'd.

Meanwhile the states of Troy in council sat,

And there their herald's coming back expected.

Idaeus then went in, and told them that-

375

The offer made by Paris was rejected,

But that a truce was granted for a day.

Next morn the Trojans, early as they could,

Went some to th' field to fetch their dead away,

And others to the hill to fetch down wood.

380

So did the Argives some to Ida go

For wood, and others to the bloody field,

But could not then distinguish friend from foe.

But by and by the sun began to gild

Scamander's plain; then wash'd they off the gore

385

And dust, and laid their dead men upon carts.

But Priam had forbidden them to roar,

Or cry outright, though grieved at their hearts.

When they had burnt them, back they went again.

The Greeks too, when they had consumed with fire

390

And done their lamentation for the slain,

Unto their ships did back again retire.

But this th' Achaeans did at break of day,

And rais'd one mighty monument for all.

And the incursion of the foe to stay,

395

Their navy they inclosed with a wall,

With turrets high, and a great ditch without,

(Upon the sides whereof sharp pales they fix)

And gates for char'ots to go in and out.

And all the day thus toiling were the Greeks.

400

English (George Chapman, 1611, ed. Hooper 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (George Chapman, 1611, ed. Hooper 1857)) — 7.398 focus

All silence held at first; at last Tydides made reply:

335

"Let no man take the wealth, or dame; for now a child's weak eye

May see the imminent black end of Priam's empery."

This sentence, quick and briefly given, the Greeks did all admire.

Then said the king: "Herald, thou hear'st in him the voice entire

Of all our peers, to answer thee, for that of Priam's son.

340

But, for our burning of the dead, by all means I am won

To satisfy thy king therein, without the slend'rest gain

Made of their spoiled carcasses; but freely, being slain,

They shall be all consum'd with fire. To witness which I cite

High thund'ring Jove, that is the king of Juno's bed's delight."

345

With this, he held his sceptre up to all the sky-thron'd Powers;

And grave Idæus did return to sacred Ilion's tow'rs,

Where Ilians, and Dardanians, did still their counsels ply,

Expecting his return. He came, and told his legacy.

All, whirlwind-like, assembled then, some bodies to transport,

350

Some to hew trees. On th' other part, th' Argives did exhort

Their soldiers to the same affairs. Then did the new fir'd sun

Smite the broad fields, ascending heaven, and th' ocean smooth did run;

When Greece and Troy mix'd in such peace, you scarce could either know.

Then wash'd they off their blood and dust, and did warm tears bestow

355

Upon the slaughter'd, and in cars convey'd them from the field.

Priam commanded none should mourn, but in still silence yield

Their honour'd carcasses to fire, and only grieve in heart.

All burn'd, to Troy Troy's friends retire, to fleet the Grecian part.

Yet doubtful night obscur'd the earth, the day did not appear,

360

When round about the funeral pile the Grecians gather'd were.

The pile they circled with a tomb, and by it rais's'd a wall,

High tow'rs, to guard the fleet and them; and in the midst of all

They built strong gates, through which the horse and chariots passage had;

Without the rampire a broad dike long and profound they made,

365

On which they pallisadoes pitch'd; and thus the Grecians wrought.

English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey)) — 7.398 focus

So spake Idæus, and all silent sat;

Till at the last brave Diomede replied.

No. We will none of Paris' treasures now,

Nor even Helen's self. A child may see

475

Destruction winging swift her course to Troy.

He said. The admiring Greeks with loud applause

All praised the speech of warlike Diomede,

And answer thus the King of men return'd.

Idæus! thou hast witness'd the resolve

480

Of the Achaian Chiefs, whose choice is mine.

But for the slain, I shall not envy them

A funeral pile; the spirit fled, delay

Suits not. Last rites cannot too soon be paid.

Burn them. And let high-thundering Jove attest

485

Himself mine oath, that war shall cease the while.

So saying, he to all the Gods upraised

His sceptre, and Idæus homeward sped

To sacred Ilium. The Dardanians there

And Trojans, all assembled, his return

490

Expected anxious. He amid them told

Distinct his errand, when, at once dissolved,

The whole assembly rose, these to collect

The scatter'd bodies, those to gather wood;

While on the other side, the Greeks arose

495

As sudden, and all issuing from the fleet

Sought fuel, some, and, some, the scatter'd dead.

Now from the gently-swelling flood profound

The sun arising, with his earliest rays

In his ascent to heaven smote on the fields,

500

When Greeks and Trojans met. Scarce could the slain

Be clear distinguish'd, but they cleansed from each

His clotted gore with water, and warm tears

Distilling copious, heaved them to the wains.

But wailing none was heard, for such command

505

Had Priam issued; therefore heaping high

The bodies, silent and with sorrowing hearts

They burn'd them, and to sacred Troy return'd.

The Greecians also, on the funeral pile

The bodies heaping sad, burn'd them with fire

510

Together, and return'd into the fleet.

Then, ere the peep of dawn, and while the veil

Of night, though thinner, still o'erhung the earth,

Achaians, chosen from the rest, the pile

Encompass'd. With a tomb (one tomb for all)

515

They crown'd the spot adust, and to the tomb

(For safety of their fleet and of themselves)

Strong fortress added of high wall and tower,

With solid gates affording egress thence

Commodious to the mounted charioteer;

520

Deep foss and broad they also dug without,

English (F. W. Newman, 1856) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (F. W. Newman, 1856)) — 7 focus

BOOK VII

After such parley, from the gates outsallied gallant Hector;

And with him Alexander went; and both the royal brothers

Alike were fill'd with eagerness for man-ennobling combat.

And, as to wishful mariners when Heaven hath vouchsafed

A wafting breeze, what time as they with blades of fir well-polish'd

Dashing the wave are wearièd, and toil their limbs hath loosen'd;

So then the brothers twain appear'd unto the wishful Troians.

Then Alexander cast to earth Menesthius of Arne,

Son of Areithoüs: for, him large-ey'd Philomedusa

To a club-wielding chieftain bare, Areithoüs the hardy.

But Hector smote Eïoneus beneath the helmet's margin

Right thro' the neck with pointed lance, and cast his body helpless.

And Glaucus Hippolochides, who was the Lycian leader,

Hit with his spear Iphinoüs amid the hardy struggle,

Upon the shoulder,——Dexis' son,—— when he upon his horses

Would leap; but down to earth he fell, and there his limbs were loosen'd.

But when, from heaven looking down, Athene, greyey'd goddess,

Saw them her Argives ravaging amid the hardy struggle,

Down from Olympus' summits she with sudden rush descended

Unto the sacred Ilium. To meet her, sped Apollo,

As high from Pergamus he gaz'd and wish'd success to Priam.

So did the twain from adverse part beside a beech encounter;

And her the prince, the son of Jove, Apollo, first accosted:

"Daughter of lofty Jupiter! and why dost thou so eager

Haste from Olympus? whereto now doughty passion urge thee?

To Argives willest thou to give the mastery of battle,

Sith thee for Troians perishing no thought of pity holdeth?

But if my counsel thou regard (which greatly would be better),

Now let us intermission set of war and foeman's bargain,

To-day; but afterward shall they again debate in battle,

Till-that an end of Ilium be found; if thus is pleasant

To you immortal goddesses, to storm and rieve the city."

Thereat to him responding spake Athene, greyey'd goddess:

"So be it, Far-averter! sith myself from high Olympus

Am come, such counsels pondering, mid Troians and Achaians.

But tell me, how designest thou to stay the war of heroes?"

To her the prince, the son of Jove, Apollo, thus responded:

"Let us the sturdy prowess rouse of courser-taming Hector,

If haply to the Danaï he, one to one, make challenge

In battle's perilous debate with adverse force to combat;

Then, stung by such indignity, the brazen-greav'd Achaians

Spur-on some single champion to war with godlike Hector."

He spake, nor uncompliant found Athene, greyey'd goddess.

But their discourses Helenus, beloved son of Priam,

Heard, and discern'd the argument, which pleas'd the gods debating;

Then close to Hector's side he stood, and spake his word of counsel :

"O Hector, Priam's son! to Jove an equipoise in wisdom!

Wouldest thou haply hark to me? and sooth, am I thy brother.

Cause all the rest to sit at ease, Achaïans and Troians,

But from the Achaian host do thou the bravest hero challenge

In battle's perilous debate with adverse force to combat.

For not yet is thy destiny, that death and fate shall hend thee;

So am I warned, listening to gods of birth eternal."

He spake; and great was Hector's joy to hear his brother's message.

Along the Troian front he mov'd and check'd their close battalions,

Grasping his spear midway; but all stood motionless in order.

On other side Atrides stay'd the dappergreav'd Achaians.

Also Athene, heav'nly maid, and silver-bow'd Apollo

Over the armies took their seats, in guise of plumed vultures,

Upon the lofty beech of Jove the ægis-holding father;

Delighted with the warriours, whose ranks were sitting crowded,

Where amid shields and waving plumes tall pointed lances bristled.

As when the Westwind rising new across the boundless water

Spreadeth afar a shuddering, and streaks the sea with darkness;

So were the bright unmoving hosts in bristling patches darken'd

Over the plain. Then Hector spake betwixt the expectant armies:

"Hear me, ye Troians! hear me too, ye dappergreav'd Achaians!

That I the counsel may declare which in my bosom riseth.

The loftybench'd Saturnius our oaths hath not accomplish'd,

But bodeth on the double host some plot of dark disaster,

Till either ye the ramparts gain of our high-tower'd city,

Or we your bravery lay low by your sea-coursing galleys.

Of Pan-Achaia's gather'd chiefs my eyes behold the bravest:

Now then, whome'er his soul may bid to join in fight against me,

Let him step forward,——champion and match for godlike Hector.

Such terms of battle do I bear; ——and Jove shall be our witness:——

If with the lengthy edge of brass your champion shall slay me,

Let him my armour strip, and bear unto the hollow galleys;

But let him give my body back unto my home, that honour

From Troian men and wives of Troy in rightful flames may shrive me.

But if Apollo aid my vow and boast,——to slay your hero,

Then unto sacred Ilium his armour will I carry,

And hang it on the temple-walls of Hecatus Apollo,

But will his corpse restore, to bear unto the wellbench'd galleys;

So shall he find meet burial from streaminghair'd Achaians,

Who hard by Helle's brackish flood, shall heap for him a barrow.

Then, e'en in late posterity, each mariner of Argos,

Floating in many-benched ship over the purple waters,

Shall say: 'Behold the sign of one who fell in ancient battles;

Of Argive men a champion, but slain by gallant Hector.'——

So shall one say hereafter: then, ne'er shall my glory perish."

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

Refusal was indignity, acceptance were a danger.

After long pause, at length stood up the warlike Menelaüs,

And spake with words of contumely, and deeply groan'd within him.

"Ah woe! Achaian threateners, no longer men, but women!

For verily will grim disgrace for ever grimly stain us,

If no one now of Danaï dare Hector to encounter.

But oh! may all of you, who here thus side by side are seated

Inglorious and cowardly, be turn'd to earth and water!

100

And I myself against this man will arm me: but in heaven

The prize of victory is judg'd by verdict of the immortals."

After such utterance, the prince did don his beauteous armour.

Then, Menelaüs! had thy life beneath the hands of Hector

Reach's its fulfilment speedily; ——for greatly was he stronger:——

105

Had not the chieftains of Achaia started up and caught thee.

And Atreus' elder son, himself, wide-ruling Agamemnon,

By the right hand his brother seiz'd, and spake his name pronouncing:

"Art mad, Jove-nurtur'd Menelas? such madness, troth! is needless

For thee or us: refrain thyself, tho' bitter is thy sorrow,

110

Nor wish contentiously to fight with one of higher puissance,

Hector Priamides; at whom all Argive faces lower.

And even Achileus himself, a man than thee far stronger,

Did shudder to confront his might in man-ennobling combat.

Hie thee away and take thy seat in troop of thy companions,

115

And for this man the Argives soon will other match discover.

Be he intrepid as he may and gluttonous of turmoil,

Yet do I deem, right gladly he his limbs will rest, if safely

He scape from battle's outrages and grim embrace of foemen."

He spake, and by wellreason'd words his brother's heart persuaded ;

120

Who yielded and forbare to strive. Thereat the squires rejoicing

Quickly the beauteous armour drew from Menelaüs' shoulders.

But Nestor to the Argives rose, and spake his word among them :

"Good spirits! sure a mighty grief home to Achaia reacheth.

How deep would groan the aged heart of charioteering Peleus,

125

Haranguer of the Myrmidons and counsellor persuasive;

Who in his own abode of yore rejoic'd to prove my knowledge,

And ask'd of me the parentage and breed of every Argive.

Now, if he heard that all of these do quail at sight of Hector,

He his dear hands full oft would raise in prayer to the immortals,

130

That from his limbs his soul might go into the house of Pluto.

Would that I had (O father Jove, Athene and Apollo!)

Such prowess of my youth, as when Arcadians spear-frenzied

And Pylians assembling fought by Keladon swift-flowing,

Amid the streams of Yardanus, beside the walls of Pheia.

135

To them stood Ereuthalion, a godlike man, as leader,

Bearing of prince Areithoüs the armour on his shoulders,

Godlike Areithoüs, whom men and brilliant-girdled women

By a new name did signalize, and titled him Club-bearer,

For-that he not with lengthy lance nor arrows dealt his battle,

140

But with an iron-studded club broke down the thick battalions.

Him did Lycurgus kill by guile, ——for truly not by puissance,——

Within a narrow path, where naught avail'd his club of iron

Death to avert; for starting up all suddenly, Lycurgus

Right thro' his body thrust the spear and down to hard earth dash'd him,

145

And from the corpse the armour stript, which brazen Ares gave him.

In this, himself thenceforth was clad amid the broil of Ares.

But when within his palaces eld-stricken was Lycurgus,

Then he to Ereuthalion, his dear attendant, gave it:

Who in this panoply array'd, did all our bravest challenge;

150

And troth! they trembled with alarm, and none stood forth to front him:

But me my muchenduring soul drave forward into battle

Against his vaunting: yet was I of all by birth the youngest :

But I his brunt encounter'd, and Athene gave me glory.

So slew I then a warriour the sturdiest and biggest :

155

For plentiful in bulk he lay this way and that extended.

Oh that I still were thus in youth, and unimpair'd my vigour!

Then soon should motleyhelmed Hector meet a foe's encounter.

But ye, who glory in the name of Pan-Achaia's chieftains,——

To meet the brunt of Hector, now, not one of you is eager."

160

Thus spake the old man scornfully, and a full nine upstarted:

But Agamemnon, prince of men, rose far of all the foremost,

And after him the son of Tydeus, stalwart Diomedes,

And next the two Ajaces rose, clad in impetuous valour,

But next to them Idomeneus, and his belov'd attendant

165

Meriones, an equipoise to hero-slaying Ares;

And after these Eurypylus, Euæmon's brilliant offspring;

Andræmon's son too, Thoas, rose, with the divine Ulysses:

All these were willing combatants, I say, with godlike Hector.

Again to them the charioteer, Gerenian Nestor, turn'd him:

170

"Now thro' your whole list cast the lot to find the lucky hero;

For he, with service good, will aid the dappergreav'd Achaians,

Yea, and himself to his own life do service good, if haply

He scape from battle's outrages and grim embrace of foemen."

When thus he spake, each hero mark'd upon his lot a token,

175

And cast them in the morion of royal Agamemnon.

Then all the peoples made their pray'r, with hands to heaven lifted,

And gazing to the vasty sky, thus one or other mutter'd:

"To Ajax, father Jove! assign the lot, or to Tydides,

Or to himself the stately king of gold-endowed Mycenæ."

180

The lots meanwhile the charioteer Gerenian Nestor shuffled

And shook within the casque: then out leapt, as their wishes prompted,

The lot of Ajax: mid the crowd the herald rightwise moving

Bare and display'd it unto all the champions of Argos:

But each in turn rejected it nor recogniz'd the token.

185

But when through all that company he pass'd, and reach'd the hero,

Illustrious Ajax, who had mark'd and cast it in the helmet,

Then to the herald's hand outstretch'd his hollow palm he offer'd,

And knew the token of his lot, and in his soul was joyful.

It to the ground before his feet he flung, and straight address'd them:

190

"My friends! the lot, full sure, is mine: and all my soul within me

Sternly rejoices: for I count to conquer godlike Hector.

But come! do ye, meanwhile that I in martial armour busk me,

Your pray'r to princely Jupiter, the child of Saturn, offer

In silent bosom every man, lest-that the Troians hear you;——

195

Or even with loud voices; sith of none do fears possess us.

For no one, fierce in wilfulness, shall chase me off unwilling,

By force; nor yet by skill of arms: for 'tis my hope that I too

Was born and bred in Salamis no despicable witling."

So spake he; then to princely Jove, Saturnius, they prayed,

200

And gazing to the vasty sky thus one or other mutter'd:

"Oh father Jove, from Ida ruling, glorious and greatest,

Grant thou that Ajax carry off conquest and brilliant glory!

But if with equal tenderness thou eke dost Hector cherish,

Then unto both the champions give equal force and honour."

205

They pray'd: but he in dazzling brass equipp'd him, crown to ankle :

And when around his tender skin he all his gear had fitted,

Forward he hurried, such in guise as burly Ares marcheth,

Moving to war in chase of men, whome'er the child of Saturn

Hath match'd to fight in bitterness of souldevouring hatred.

210

Such then, huge towering, advanc'd Ajax, Achaian bulwark,

Smiling with glances horrible; and with his feet beneath him

Strode long and lofty, brandishing the spear with lengthy shadow.

Then, measuring their warriour, the Argives gaz'd rejoicing,

While over every Troian limb crept grimly-boding terror,

215

And e'en to Hector's self the heart leapt stronger in his bosom:

Yet now no longer choice to him was left, to shrink or shuffle,

Hidden in numbers; sith himself to hero-glee had challeng'd.

¹²

Then Ajax nearer came, his shield like to a tower bearing,

Which Tychius for him had wrought of brass and bullhides seven,

220

Who was of tanners craftiest, and held his home at Hyle,

And made for him the motley frame complex with folds of leather

From seven bravely-fatted bulls, and cas'd with brass the seventh.

Bearing this shield before his breast, then Telamonian Ajax

Stood near to Hector, front to front, and spake a word of menace :

225

"Hector, alone with me alone, now shalt thou learn to surety,

Among the ranks of Danaï what champions are nurtur'd,

Without the hero-crushing might of lion-soul'd Achilles.

But he, withdrawn within his own sea-coursing crested galleys,

Darkly, against the people's shepherd Agamemnon, rageth.

230

But we, the rest, may still suffice thy onset to encounter,

And many is our crew: but come, begin the feats of battle."

Then to his argument replied great motley-helmed Hector:

"Oh Jove-born governour of peoples Telamonian Ajax :

Tamper not thou with me, as tho' some puny boy or woman

235

Were I, all-unexperienc'd in deeds of warlike puissance.

But troth! wellvers'd am I in fight and murderous encounter.

Toward the right, toward the left, I know to wield the bullhide

Rigid and sturdy; therefore eke enduring is my battle.

Amid the race of scouring mares I know to press the hurtle,

240

And in the standing-fight I know to dance to grisly Ares.

But, being what thou art, I fain with javelin would reach thee,

Not by sly peering, but in front, if haply I may hit thee."

He spake, and poising, forward threw the spear with lengthy shadow,

And hit the seven-hided frame, the dreadful shield of Ajax,

245

Upon its outmost edge of brass, which spread as eighth upon it.

Thro' the six folds the stubborn point of brass ran keenly piercing,

But in the seventh fold the hide stay'd it. Then Jove-born Ajax,

Second advancing, forward threw the spear with lengthy shadow,

And hit the shield of Priam's son, which equal was on all sides.

250

Right thro' the shield's resplendency hurtled the massy weapon,

And thro' the corslet's crafty work with force uncheck'd was planted;

Close to his side from front to back it glided thro' the tunic,

Harmless: for quick the hero flinch'd, and gloomy fate avoided.

Then with the hand did each of them pluck out the dangling weapon,

255

And clos'd in fight anew, in guise of rawdevouring lions,

Or like to sturdy forest-boars, no easy prey to spoilers.

The son of Priam with his spear the middle buckler wounded,

Nor might the metal force its way; but first the point was broken.

Then Ajax with a mighty bound smote on the shield, and thro' it

260

Drove deep and far his javelin, which check'd the eager hero,

And reach'd his neck with force to gash; and out the dark blood spouted.

Nor yet did motley-helmed Hector, thus renounce the battle;

But he, retiring on the plain, with brawny hand uplifted

A stone, which there behind him lay, mighty and black and rugged,

265

And with it hit the seven hides, the dreadful shield of Ajax,

Full in the centre of the boss;—— and round it rung the metal.

After him Ajax rais'd aloft a second stone far bigger,

And, adding impulse measureless, sent it all-whirling on him.

The massy weight, like stone of mill, came crushing thro' the buckler,

270

Nor might his knees resist its swing. Cast on his back, and prostrate

He fell, with shield against him press'd: yet quick Apollo rais'd him.

Then in close combat of the sword had each the other wounded,

But that the heralds, who from Jove bear message and from mortals,

Were present, one from Troians, one from brazencloak'd Achaians,

275

Idæus and Talthybius, discreet alike and honor'd.

And they betwixt the twain held out their sceptres; and Idæus,

A herald sage in canny thought, thus spake their common errand :

"No longer, children dear! desire in feats of war to combat:

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

280

And both of you are warriours; of which we all have sample.

But now arriveth Night: to Night 'tis wise to yield compliance.'

Then Ajax, son of Telamon, accosted him responsive;

"Idæus, put thy argument within the lips of Hector;

For he it was, to hero-glee that all the bravest challeng'd.

285

Let him commence; then gladly I will follow, where he leadeth."

Thereat to him responsive spake great motley-helmed Hector:

"O Ajax, sith as God to thee both size and force hath given

And cunning, and to wield the spear art ablest of the Achaians;

Now let us intermission take of war and foeman's bargain

290

This day; but afterward will we again contend, till Heaven

Decide our quarrel and bestow on either army conquest.

For now arriveth Night: to Night 'tis wise to yield compliance;

So all the Achaian host shalt thou beside their galleys gladden,

Those chiefly who are near and dear, and whom thou holdest comrades;

295

Whilst I, within the mighty wall of princely Priam coming,

Bring gladness to the men of Troy and trailing-robed women,

Who wend in sacred pageant to win my life of Heaven.

But come now; let us mutual bestow illustrious tokens,

That thus hereafter each may say of Troians and Achaians:

300

'These men fought opposite, in cause of soul-devouring quarrel,

Yet were they after reconcil'd, and war by friendship parted."

Thus as he spake, he gave to him a sword with silver studded,

Presenting it with dapper belt and with the scabbard fitted:

But Ajax offer'd him in turn a girdle bright with purple.

305

So parted then the twain: and one hied to the Achaian army,

The other hasted to the crowd of Troy: and these were joyful,

When they beheld him thus, alive returning, and deliver'd

Safe from the hands intractable and grapple fierce of Ajax.

So up the city led they him nor yet believ'd his safety.

310

But Ajax, him on other side the dappergreav'd Achaians

To godlike Agamemnon led, in victory rejoicing.

But when within the royal tent of Atreus' son they rested,

For them a bull five years in age the princely Agamemnon

To Saturn's overswaying child in sacrifice devoted.

315

They kill'd and gash'd and skinn'd and truss'd, and laid the carcase open,

And nicely slash'd the smaller bits, and every morsel spitted,

And broil'd them all right cleverly, and drew them off perfected.

After the toil had found its end, and all the feast was ready,

They banqueted, nor did their soul lack wellproportion'd banquet.

320

But widely-ruling Atreus' son, the hero Agamemnon,

Yielded the chine, from end to end, to honour valiant Ajax.

And when desire importunate of food and drink were ended,

Foremost of all the aged man would weave for them devices,

Nestor, whose counsel heretofore had eke appear'd the wisest';

325

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

"O Atreus' son, and ye the rest, chieftains of Pan-Achaia,

Sith as we weep for many lives of streaming-hair'd Achaians,

Whose dusky blood is spilt, beside Scamander smoothly-flowing,

By eager Ares, while their souls are hous'd below by Pluto;

330

Thee it behoveth, with the dawn to stay the Achaian battle:

But we ourselves, assembling us, with steers and mules from all sides

Hither will bring the valiant dead; then will we burn the bodies

Anent the galleys, high night at hand; that, when we homeward voyage,

Each to the children of the slain may bear their bones and ashes.

335

And we, around the fires of death, will heap a single barrow,

Rear'd from the plain, promiscuous; and, close against it, quickly

Build lofty ramparts, for defence alike of selves and galleys:

And in the ramparts, eke may we construct wellfitted portals,

Thro' which our charioteers may drive their chariots and horses:

340

And let us on the outer side deep dig a moat beneath it,

Which will along the camp protect our chariots and people,

Lest from the haughty Troïans rush battle overwhelming."

When thus he counsell'd, all the kings to his advice assented.

Meanwhile, upon the city's highth, the Troians held assembly,

345

Tumultuous and turbulent, beside the doors of Priam.

To them, a leader of harangue was prudent-soul'd Antenor:

"Troians and Dardans and allies! to my discourses listen,

That I the counsel may declare which in my bosom riseth.

Come, let us Argive Helen give and all her gear around her,

350

For Atreus' sons to bear away: for now the faithful treaties

Are by our battle falsified; wherefore disastrous fortune,

That thus we may not deal, do I expect to meet from heaven."

So spake the sage, and down he sat; but instantly before them

The lord of bright-hair'd Helen rose, the godlike Alexander,

355

Who in responsive argument did winged accents utter:

"Antenor! this thy word to me no longer friendly soundeth:

Well knowest thou to meditate some other counsel better.

But if of very truth suchwise in earnest thou haranguest,

Then surely have the gods themselves marr'd all thy native prudence.

360

But I do plainly advertise the courser-taming Troians

And roundly speak it out; that I the woman will not render:

But all her gear, whate'er I brought into our house from Argos,

All that will I give back, and eke from my own stores increase it."

So spake the prince, and down he sat; then straightway rose before them

365

Priam Dardanides, to gods an equipoise in counsel,

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

"Troians and Dardans and allies! to my discourses listen,

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

That I the counsel may declare which in my bosom riseth.

Now in the city, as afore, let each man take his supper,

370

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

But let Idæus go at dawn unto the hollow galleys,

And utter Alexander's word, for whom this strife hath risen,

To Menelaüs, Atreus' son, and to his royal brother.

And add the prudent word hereto, that haply they are willing

375

To stay them from the din of war, until we burn the corpses.

Yet will we afterward again the fight renew, till Heaven

Decide our quarrel, and bestow on either army conquest."

He spake, and they all duteous did listen and obey him.

[Along the host, by rank and rank, they took each man his supper;]

380

And with the dawn Idæus went unto the hollow galleys.

And there he found the Danaï, the ministers of Ares,

Assembled at the galley's poop of princely Agamemnon.

Then, standing in the midst, to them spake forth the loud-voic'd herald:

"Oh Atreus' son, and ye the rest, chieftains of Panachaia,

385

A charge I bear from Priam's self and other lordly Troians,

To speak (if so to all of you pleasant it be and canny),

A word from Alexander's mouth, for whom this strife hath risen.

Whatever Alexander brought within his hollow galleys

Of wares and equipage to Troy; (oh, had he sooner perish'd!)

390

All this will he give back, and eke from his own stores increase it,

But her, the wife of early love to famous Menelaus,

No wise doth he restore: but sooth! greatly the Troians urge it.

Also I bear the prudent word, that haply ye are willing

To stay you from the din of war, until we burn the corpses.

395

Yet will we afterward again the fight renew, till Heaven

Decide our quarrel, and bestow on either army conquest."

So spake the herald: thereupon they all were dumb in silence,

Till Diomedes, good at need, at length his counsel utter'd:

"No more let any now receive the gear of Alexander

400

Nor Helen's self: for even one in silliness excelling

May know, that Ruin's meshes are for Troy already fasten'd."

So spake he; and Achaia's sons skirl loud in admiration

At the harangue which Diomedes courser-taming utter'd.

Then royal Agamemnon spake unto Idæus turning :

405

"Idæus! e'en thyself hast heard the word of my Achaians,

How they reply: and for myself, I too thus find it seemly.

But as regards the slaughter'd dead, I grudge thee not to burn them.

For when a man is reft of life and death has seiz'd his body,

No one can stingy be to him, in soothing fires to shrive it.

410

But to the oaths let Jove give heed, loud-rumbling lord of Juno."

Thus having said, aloft he rais'd to all the gods his sceptre;

Then back to sacred Ilium return'd the sage Idæus.

But Troians and Dardanidæ were in assembly sitting

Publicly gather'd, to await Idæus: he returning

415

Stood in the midst, and spake his tale: then quickly they equipp'd them,

Alike, the corpses in to bear, and others after fuel.

So, from their galleys tightly plank'd, on other side the Argives

Were urgent to bear-in the dead, and others after fuel.

420

Newly across the country's tilth the Sun his beams was casting,

Forth risen from the waters deep of smoothly-streaming Ocean

Into the steep of heaven, when each army met the other.

Then hard was it to recognize each hero from his fellow:

But, warm tears dropping for the slain, they wash'd away with water

425

The gore's defilement, and uprais'd the corpses on the waggons.

But wailings, Priam's royal word forbade; so they in silence,

Grieving with inward heart, did heap into a pile the corpses;

Then unto sacred Ilium, when all were burnt, departed.

So likewise on the other side the dappergreav'd Achaians,

430

Grieving with inward heart, did heap into a pile the corpses,

And to their hollow galleys back, when all were burnt, departed.

When not as yet the dawn was come, but still the night was doubtful,

Already gather'd round the pile a pick'd Achaian body;

And they, beside the fires of death, did heap a single barrow

435

Rear'd from the plain, promiscuous; and close against it, quickly

Built lofty ramparts, for defence alike of selves and galleys.

And in the ramparts, eke did they construct wellfitted portals,

Thro' which the charioteers might drive their chariots and horses.

So did they, on the outer side, deep dig a moat beneath it,

440

Ample and broad, with pointed stakes all featly palisaded.

Such were the toils which occupied the streaminghair'd Achaians.

Meanwhile, with Jove the lightener the blessed gods were sitting

And gaz'd upon the mighty work of brazen-cloak'd Achaians.

Then Neptune, shaker of the earth, to them began discourses :

445

"O Father Jove! will mortal man on earth's unbounded surface

Henceforward providence ascribe and counsel to the immortals ?

Seest not thou, that presently the streaminghair'd Achaians

A rampart there have built, and dug a moat, anent their galleys,

Yet no illustrious hecatombs unto the gods have given?

450

And far abroad as Dawn is shed, so wide shall be its glory;

But that high-tower'd toilsome wall which I and bright Apollo

Builded for king Laomedon, no more will men remember."

To him with indignation huge spake Jove the cloud-collector :

"Good Spirits! what a word was that, wide-powerful Land-shaker!

455

Some other of the gods mayhap at mortal schemes might tremble,

One who than thee was weaker far in sinew and in spirit;

But far abroad as Dawn is shed, so wide shall be thy glory.

But now, go to! as soon as e'er the streaminghair'd Achaians

Unto their native land belov'd hie homeward on their galleys,

460

Do thou break up this rampart huge, and sweep it all to ocean,

And once again the mighty shore with heaps of sand envelop;

So shall the vast Achaian toil eternally be ruin'd."

Thus they reciprocally held betwixt themselves discourses;

Down sank the sun; yet cannily their work the Achaians ended,

465

And oxen slew amid their tents, and set themselves to supper.

But galleys many stood at hand with wine from Lemnos freighted,

Sent forward by the prudent mind of Jason's son Euneüs,

Child of Hypsipyle, whom erst in Lemnos Jason wedded.

But separate, to Menelas and to his royal brother

470

Did Jason's son a present send, strong wine, a thousand measures.

Then for supply of wine went down the streaminghair'd Achaians,

With oxen-hides, or cows alive, or brass or shining iron,

Or some with slaves, as barter-price; and made a dainty banquet.

475

Thereafter thro' the livelong night the streaminghair'd Achaians

Kept banquet; so the Troians and allies, within the city.

Yet, all night long, for them was Jove the Counsellor devising

Evil, and thunder'd direfully. Pale terror seiz'd their bodies;

Oft from their cups they spilt the wine; nor any dar'd to drain them,

480

Till with libation he should greet Saturnius o'erswaying:

Thereafter, on their couches laid, they took the gift of slumber.

Homer Iliad 7.398

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BOOK VII

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