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Now, Muses, you that dwell in heaven, the dreadful mean inspire,

105

That first enforc'd the Grecian fleet to take in Trojan fire.

First Hector with his huge broad sword cut off, at setting on,

The head of Ajax' ashen lance; which Ajax seeing gone,

And that he shook a headless spear, a little while unware,

His wary spirits told him straight the hand of Heaven was there,

110

And trembling under his conceit, which was that 'twas Jove's deed,

Who, as he poll'd off his dart's head, so sure he had decreed

That all the counsels of their war he would poll off like it,

And give the Trojans victory; so trusted he his wit,

And left his darts. And then the ship was heap'd with horrid brands

115

Of kindling fire, which instantly was seen through all the strands

In unextinguishable flames that all the ship embrac'd.

And then Achilles beat his thighs, cried out, "Patroclus, haste,

Make way with horse. I see at fleet a fire of fearful rage.

Arm, arm, lest all our fleet it fire, and all our pow'r engage.

120

Arm quickly, I'll bring up the troops." To these so dreadful wars

Patroclus, in Achilles' arms, enlighten'd all with stars,

And richly amell'd, all haste made. He wore his sword, his shield,

His huge-plum'd helm, and two such spears as he could nimbly wield.

But the most fam'd Achilles' spear, big, solid, full of weight,

125

He only left of all his arms; for that far pass'd the might

¹²

Of any Greek to shake but his, Achilles' only ire

Shook that huge weapon, that was given by Chiron to his sire,

Cut from the top of Pelion, to be heroës' deaths.

His steeds Automedon straight join'd; like whom no man that breathes,

130

Next Peleus' son, Patroclus lov'd, for, like him, none so great

He found in faith at every fight, nor to out-look a threat.

Automedon did therefore guide for him Achilles' steeds,

Xanthius and Balius swift as wind, begotten by the seeds

Of Zephyr, and the Harpy born, Podarge, in a mead

135

Close to the wavy ocean, where that fierce Harpy fed.

Automedon join'd these before, and with the hindmost gears

He fasten'd famous Pedasus, whom, from the massacres

Made by Achilles when he took Eëtion's wealthy town,

He brought, and, though of mortal race, yet gave him the renown

140

To follow his immortal horse. And now, before his tents,

Iliad. Homer. ed. George Chapman. London. 1887.

Sponsored by Perseus Project, Tufts University.

Current edition Experimental

English (George Chapman, 1611, ed. Hooper 1857) (OCR draft) (English) (English (George Chapman, 1611, ed. Hooper 1857))

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.) — 16.112 focus

ἔσπετε νῦν μοι Μοῦσαι Ὀλύμπια δώματʼ ἔχουσαι,

ὅππως δὴ πρῶτον πῦρ ἔμπεσε νηυσὶν Ἀχαιῶν.

Ἕκτωρ Αἴαντος δόρυ μείλινον ἄγχι παραστὰς

πλῆξʼ ἄορι μεγάλῳ αἰχμῆς παρὰ καυλὸν ὄπισθεν,

115

ἀντικρὺ δʼ ἀπάραξε· τὸ μὲν Τελαμώνιος Αἴας

πῆλʼ αὔτως ἐν χειρὶ κόλον δόρυ, τῆλε δʼ ἀπʼ αὐτοῦ

αἰχμὴ χαλκείη χαμάδις βόμβησε πεσοῦσα.

γνῶ δʼ Αἴας κατὰ θυμὸν ἀμύμονα ῥίγησέν τε

ἔργα θεῶν, ὅ ῥα πάγχυ μάχης ἐπὶ μήδεα κεῖρε

120

Ζεὺς ὑψιβρεμέτης, Τρώεσσι δὲ βούλετο νίκην·

χάζετο δʼ ἐκ βελέων. τοὶ δʼ ἔμβαλον ἀκάματον πῦρ

νηῒ θοῇ· τῆς δʼ αἶψα κατʼ ἀσβέστη κέχυτο φλόξ.

ὣς τὴν μὲν πρυμνὴν πῦρ ἄμφεπεν· αὐτὰρ Ἀχιλλεὺς

μηρὼ πληξάμενος Πατροκλῆα προσέειπεν·

125

ὄρσεο διογενὲς Πατρόκλεες ἱπποκέλευθε·

λεύσσω δὴ παρὰ νηυσὶ πυρὸς δηΐοιο ἰωήν·

μὴ δὴ νῆας ἕλωσι καὶ οὐκέτι φυκτὰ πέλωνται·

δύσεο τεύχεα θᾶσσον, ἐγὼ δέ κε λαὸν ἀγείρω.

ὣς φάτο, Πάτροκλος δὲ κορύσσετο νώροπι χαλκῷ.

130

κνημῖδας μὲν πρῶτα περὶ κνήμῃσιν ἔθηκε

καλάς, ἀργυρέοισιν ἐπισφυρίοις ἀραρυίας·

δεύτερον αὖ θώρηκα περὶ στήθεσσιν ἔδυνε

ποικίλον ἀστερόεντα ποδώκεος Αἰακίδαο.

ἀμφὶ δʼ ἄρʼ ὤμοισιν βάλετο ξίφος ἀργυρόηλον

135

χάλκεον, αὐτὰρ ἔπειτα σάκος μέγα τε στιβαρόν τε·

κρατὶ δʼ ἐπʼ ἰφθίμῳ κυνέην εὔτυκτον ἔθηκεν

ἵππουριν· δεινὸν δὲ λόφος καθύπερθεν ἔνευεν.

εἵλετο δʼ ἄλκιμα δοῦρε, τά οἱ παλάμηφιν ἀρήρει.

ἔγχος δʼ οὐχ ἕλετʼ οἶον ἀμύμονος Αἰακίδαο

140

βριθὺ μέγα στιβαρόν· τὸ μὲν οὐ δύνατʼ ἄλλος Ἀχαιῶν

πάλλειν, ἀλλά μιν οἶος ἐπίστατο πῆλαι Ἀχιλλεὺς

Πηλιάδα μελίην, τὴν πατρὶ φίλῳ πόρε Χείρων

Πηλίου ἐκ κορυφῆς, φόνον ἔμμεναι ἡρώεσσιν.

ἵππους δʼ Αὐτομέδοντα θοῶς ζευγνῦμεν ἄνωγε,

145

τὸν μετʼ Ἀχιλλῆα ῥηξήνορα τῖε μάλιστα,

πιστότατος δέ οἱ ἔσκε μάχῃ ἔνι μεῖναι ὁμοκλήν.

τῷ δὲ καὶ Αὐτομέδων ὕπαγε ζυγὸν ὠκέας ἵππους

Ξάνθον καὶ Βαλίον, τὼ ἅμα πνοιῇσι πετέσθην,

τοὺς ἔτεκε Ζεφύρῳ ἀνέμῳ Ἅρπυια Ποδάργη

150

βοσκομένη λειμῶνι παρὰ ῥόον Ὠκεανοῖο.

ἐν δὲ παρηορίῃσιν ἀμύμονα Πήδασον ἵει,

τόν ῥά ποτʼ Ἠετίωνος ἑλὼν πόλιν ἤγαγʼ Ἀχιλλεύς,

ὃς καὶ θνητὸς ἐὼν ἕπεθʼ ἵπποις ἀθανάτοισι.

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.) — 16.112 focus

Tell me now, ye Muses, that have dwellings on Olympus, how fire was first flung upon the ships of the Achaeans. It was Hector that drew nigh to Aias 115 and smote his ashen spear with his great sword hard by the socket, at the base ot the point, and shore it clean away, so that Telamonian Aias brandished all vainly a pointless spear, and far from him the head of bronze fell ringing to the ground. And Aias knew in his noble heart, and shuddered 120 at the deeds of the gods, how that Zeus, who thundereth on high, brought utterly to naught the counsels of his battle, and would have victory for the Trojans. Then he gave ground from out the darts; and the Trojans cast upon the swift ship unwearied fire, and over her forthwith streamed a flame that might not be quenched. So then was the ship's stern wreathed about with fire, but Achilles 125 smote both his thighs and spake to Patroclus:

Up now, Zeus-born Patroclus, master of horsemen. Lo, I see by the ships the rush of consuming fire. Let it not be that they take the ships and there be no more escaping! Do on my armour with all haste, and I will gather the host.

130 So spake he,and Patroclus arrayed him in gleaming bronze. The greaves first he set about his legs; beautiful they were, and fitted with silver ankle-pieces; next he did on about his chest the corselet of the swift-footed son of Aeacus, richly-wrought, and spangled with stars. 135 And about his shoulders he cast the silver-studded sword of bronze, and thereafter the shield, great and sturdy; and upon his mighty head he set the well-wrought helmet with horse-hair crest, and terribly did the plume nod from above; and he took two valorous spears, that fitted his grasp. 140 Only the spear of the peerless son of Aeacus he took not, the spear heavy and huge and strong; this none other of the Achaeans could wield, but Achilles alone was skilled to wield it, even the Pelian spear of ash, that Cheiron had given to his dear father from the peak of Pelion, to be for the slaying of warriors. 145 And the horses he bade Automedon yoke speedily, even him that he honoured most after Achilles, breaker of the ranks of men, and that in his eyes was faithful above all to abide his call in battle. At his bidding then Automedon led beneath the yoke the fleet horses, Xanthus and Balius, that flew swift as the winds, horses 150 that the Harpy Podarge conceived to the West Wind, as she grazed on the meadow beside the stream of Oceanus. And in the side-traces he set the goodly Pedasus that on a time Achilles had brought away, when he took the city of Eetion; and he, being but mortal, kept pace with immortal steeds.

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.) — 16.131 focus

131 As he spoke Patroklos put on his armor. First he greaved his legs with greaves of good make, and fitted with ankle-clasps of silver; after this he donned the cuirass of the son of Aiakos, richly inlaid and studded. He hung his silver-studded sword of bronze about his shoulders, and then his mighty shield. On his comely head he set his helmet, well wrought, with a crest of horse-hair that nodded menacingly above it. He grasped two redoubtable spears that suited his hands, but he did not take the spear of noble Achilles, so stout and strong,

141 for none other of the Achaeans could wield it, though Achilles could do so easily. This was the ashen spear from Mount Pelion, which Chiron had cut upon a mountain top and had given to Peleus, wherewith to deal out death among heroes. He bade Automedon yoke his horses with all speed, for he was the man whom he held in honor next after Achilles, and on whose support in battle he could rely most firmly. Automedon therefore yoked the fleet horses Xanthos and Balios, steeds that could fly like the wind: these were they whom the harpy Podarge bore to the west wind, as she was grazing in a meadow by the waters of the river Okeanos. In the side traces he set the noble horse Pedasos, whom Achilles had brought away with him when he sacked the city of Eetion, and who, mortal steed though he was, could take his place along with those that were immortal.

155 Meanwhile Achilles went about everywhere among the tents, and bade his Myrmidons put on their armor. Even as fierce ravening wolves that are feasting upon a horned stag which they have killed upon the mountains, and their jaws are red with blood - they go in a pack to lap water from the clear spring with their long thin tongues; and they reek of blood and slaughter; they know not what fear is, for it is hunger drives them - even so did the leaders and counselors of the Myrmidons gather round the good squire [ therapôn] of the fleet descendant of Aiakos, and among them stood Achilles himself cheering on both men and horses.

168 Fifty ships had noble Achilles brought to Troy , and in each there was a crew of fifty oarsmen. Over these he set five leaders whom he could trust, while he was himself commander over them all. Menesthios of the gleaming corselet, son to the river Spercheios that streams from heaven, was leader of the first company. Fair Polydora daughter of Peleus bore him to ever-flowing Spercheios - a woman mated with a god - but he was called son of Boros son of Perieres, with whom his mother was living as his wedded wife, and who gave great wealth to gain her.

178 The second company was led by noble Eudoros, son to an unwedded woman. Polymele, daughter of Phylas, graceful in dancing [ khoros], bore him; the mighty slayer of Argos was enamored of her as he saw her among the singing women at a dance [ khoros] held in honor of Artemis the rushing huntress of the golden arrows; he therefore - Hermes, giver of all good - went with her into an upper chamber, and lay with her in secret, whereon she bore him a noble son Eudoros, singularly fleet of foot and in fight valiant. When Eileithuia goddess of the pains of child-birth brought him to the light of day, and he saw the face of the sun, mighty Echekles son of Aktor took the mother to wife, and gave great wealth to gain her, but her father Phylas brought the child up, and took care of him, doting as fondly upon him as though he were his own son. The third company was led by Peisandros son of Maimalos, the finest spearman among all the Myrmidons next to Achilles' own comrade Patroklos. The old horseman Phoenix was leader of the fourth company, and Alkimedon, noble son of Laerceus of the fifth.

198 When Achilles had chosen [ krinô] his men and had stationed them all with their leaders, he charged them straitly saying, "Myrmidons, remember your threats against the Trojans while you were at the ships in the time of my anger, and you were all complaining of me. ‘Cruel son of Peleus,’ you would say, ‘your mother must have suckled you on gall, so ruthless are you. You keep us here at the ships against our will; if you are so relentless it were better we went home over the sea.’ Often have you gathered and thus chided with me. The hour is now come for those high feats of arms that you have so long been pining for, therefore keep high hearts each one of you to do battle with the Trojans."

210 With these words he put heart and soul into them all, and they serried their companies yet more closely when they heard the of their king. As the stones which a builder sets in the wall of some high house which is to give shelter from the winds - even so closely were the helmets and bossed shields set against one another. Shield pressed on shield, helm on helm, and man on man; so close were they that the horse-hair plumes on the gleaming ridges of their helmets touched each other as they bent their heads.

218 In front of them all two men put on their armor - Patroklos and Automedon - two men, with but one mind to lead the Myrmidons. Then Achilles went inside his tent and opened the lid of the strong chest which silver-footed Thetis had given him to take on board ship, and which she had filled with shirts, cloaks to keep out the cold, and good thick rugs. In this chest he had a cup of rare workmanship, from which no man but himself might drink, nor would he make offering from it to any other god save only to father Zeus. He took the cup from the chest and cleansed it with sulfur; this done he rinsed it clean water, and after he had washed his hands he drew wine. Then he stood in the middle of the court and prayed, looking towards heaven, and making his drink-offering of wine; nor was he unseen of Zeus whose joy is in thunder. "King Zeus," he cried, "lord of Dodona , god of the Pelasgi, you who dwell afar, you who hold wintry Dodona in your sway, where your seers the Selloi dwell around you with their feet unwashed and their couches made upon the ground - if you heard me when I prayed to you aforetime, and did me honor while you sent disaster on the Achaeans, grant me now the fulfillment of yet this further prayer. I shall stay here where my assembly [ agôn] of ships are lying, but I shall send my comrade into battle at the head of many Myrmidons. Grant, O all-seeing Zeus, that victory may go with him; put your courage into his heart that Hektor may learn whether my squire [ therapôn] is man enough to fight alone, or whether his might is only then so indomitable when I myself enter the turmoil of war. Afterwards when he has chased the fight and the cry of battle from the ships, grant that he may return unharmed, with his armor and his comrades, fighters in close combat."

English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020)) — 16.112 focus

And now, tell me, O Muses that hold your mansions on Olympus, how fire was thrown upon the ships of the Achaeans. Hector came close up and let drive with his great sword at the ashen spear of Ajax. [115] He cut it clean in two just behind where the point was fastened on to the shaft of the spear. Ajax, therefore, had now nothing but a headless spear, while the bronze point flew some way off and came ringing down on to the ground. Ajax knew the hand of the gods in this, [120] and was dismayed at seeing that Zeus had now left him utterly defenseless and was willing victory for the Trojans. Therefore he drew back, and the Trojans flung fire upon the ship which was at once wrapped in flame.

The fire was now flaring about the ship’s stern, whereon Achilles smote his two thighs [125] and said to Patroklos, “Up, noble charioteer, for I see the glare of hostile fire at our fleet; up, lest they destroy our ships, and there be no way by which we may retreat. Gird on your armor at once while I call our people together.”

[130] As he spoke Patroklos put on his armor. First he greaved his legs with greaves of good make, and fitted with ankle-clasps of silver; after this he donned the cuirass of the swift-footed descendant of Aiakos, richly inlaid and studded. [135] He hung his silver-studded sword of bronze about his shoulders, and then his mighty shield. On his comely head he set his helmet, well wrought, with a crest of horse-hair that nodded menacingly above it. He grasped two redoubtable spears that suited his hands, [140] but he did not take the spear of noble Achilles, so stout and strong, for none other of the Achaeans could wield it, though Achilles could do so easily— 143 the Pelian ash-spear, which Cheiron had given to his philos father, 144 from the heights of Mount Pelion, to be death for heroes. [145] He bade Automedon yoke his horses with all speed, for he was the man whom he held in honor next after Achilles, and on whose support in battle he could rely most firmly. Automedon therefore yoked the fleet horses Xanthos and Balios, [150] steeds that could fly like the wind: these were they whom the harpy Podarge bore to the west wind, as she was grazing in a meadow by the waters of the river Okeanos. In the side traces he set the noble horse Pedasos, whom Achilles breaker of battles had brought away with him when he ransacked the city of Eëtion, and who, mortal steed though he was, could take his place along with those that were immortal.

[155]

English (William Cullen Bryant, 1870) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cullen Bryant, 1870)) — 16.112 focus

Now, Muses, dwellers of Olympus, tell

145

How first the galleys of the Greeks were fired.

Hector drew near, and smote with his huge sword

The ashen spear of Ajax just below

The socket of the blade, and cut the stem

In two. The son of Telamon in vain

150

Brandished the severed weapon, while afar

The brazen blade flew off, and ringing fell

To earth. Then Ajax in his mighty mind

Acknowledged that the gods were in the war,

And shuddered, knowing that the Thunderer

155

Was thwarting all his warlike purposes,

And willed the victory to Troy. The chief

Withdrew beyond the reach of spears, while fast

The eager enemy hurled the blazing brands

At the swift ship, and wrapped the stern in flames

160

Unquenchable. Achilles saw, and smote

His thigh, and spake: "Patroclus, noble friend

And knight, make haste: already I behold

The flames that rage with fury at the fleet.

Now, lest the enemy seize our ships and we

165

Be barred of our return, put quickly on

Thy armor; be my task to call the troops."

He spake: Patroclus then in glittering brass

Arrayed himself; and first around his thighs

He put the beautiful greaves, and fastened them

170

With silver clasps; around his chest he bound

The breastplate of the swift Eacides,

With star-like points, and richly chased; he hung

The sword with silver studs and blade of brass

Upon his shoulders, and with it the shield

175

Solid and vast; upon his gallant head

He placed the glorious helm with horsehair plume,

That grandly waved on high. Two massive spears

He took, that fitted well his grasp, but left

The spear which great Achilles only bore,

180

Heavy and huge and strong, and which no arm

Among the Greeks save his could poise; his strength

Alone sufficed to wield it. 'Twas an ash

Which Chiron felled in Pelion's top, and gave

To Peleus, that it yet might be the death

185

Of heroes. Then he called, to yoke with speed

The steeds, Automedon, whom he esteemed

Next to Achilles, that great scatterer

Of armies; for he found him ever firm

In battle, breasting faithfully its shock.

190

Automedon led forth to take the yoke

Xanthus and Balius, coursers that in speed

Were like the wind. Podarge brought them forth

To Zephyrus, while she, the Harpy, grazed

By ocean's streams. Upon the outer side

195

He joined to them the noble Pedasus,

Brought by Achilles from the captured town

Where ruled Eëtion. Though of mortal stock,

Well might he match with those immortal steeds.

English (Alexander Pope, 1720, ed. Watson, 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Alexander Pope, 1720, ed. Watson, 1857)) — 16.112 focus

Say, Muses, thron'd above the starry frame,

140

How first the navy blaz'd with Trojan flame?

Stern Hector wav'd his sword, and, standing near

Where furious Ajax plied his ashen spear,

Full on the lance a stroke so justly sped,

That the broad faulchion lopp'd its brazen head:

145

His pointless spear the warrior shakes in vain;

The brazen head falls sounding on the plain.

Great Ajax saw, and own'd the hand divine,

Confessing Jove, and trembling at the sign;

Warn'd he retreats. Then swift from all sides pour

150

The hissing brands; thick streams the fiery shower;

O'er the high stern the curling volumes rise,

And sheets of rolling smoke involve the skies.

Divine Achilles view'd the rising flames,

And smote his thigh, and thus aloud exclaims:

155

'Arm, arm, Patroclus! lo, the blaze aspires!

The glowing ocean reddens with the fires.

Arm, ere our vessels catch the spreading flame;

Arm, ere the Grecians be no more a name;

'I haste to bring the troops.' The hero said;

160

The friend with ardour and with joy obey'd.

He cas'd his limbs in brass; and first around

His manly legs with silver buckles bound

The clasping greaves: then to his breast applies

The flamy cuirass, of a thousand dyes;

165

Emblaz'd with studs of gold, his faulchion shone

In the rich belt, as in a starry zone.

Achilles' shield his ample shoulders spread,

Achilles' helmet nodded o'er his head.

Adorn'd in all his terrible array,

170

He flash'd around intolerable day.

Alone, untouch'd, Pelides' javelin stands,

Not to be pois'd but by Pelides' hands:

From Pelion's shady brow the plant entire

Old Chiron rent, and shap'd it for his sire;

175

Whose son's great arm alone the weapon wields,

The death of heroes, and the dread of fields.

Then brave Automedon (an honour'd name,

The second to his lord in love and fame,

In peace his friend, and partner of the war)

180

The winged coursers harness'd to the car.

Xanthus and Balius, of immortal breed,

Sprung from the wind, and like the wind in speed;

Whom the wing'd harpy, swift Podarge, bore,

By Zephyr pregnant on the breezy shore.

185

Swift Pedasus was added to their side,

(Once great Eëtion's, now Achilles' pride,)

Who, like in strength, in swiftness, and in grace,

A mortal courser, match'd th' immortal race.

Achilles speeds from tent to tent, and warms

190

His hardy Myrmidons to blood and arms.

All breathing death, around their chief they stand,

A grim, terrific, formidable band;

Grim as voracious wolves that seek the springs,

When scalding thirst their burning bowels wrings;

195

(When some tall stag, fresh slaughter'd in the wood,

Has drench'd their wide insatiate throats with blood;)

To the black fount they rush, a hideous throng,

With paunch distended and with lolling tongue;

Fire fills their eyes, their black jaws belch the gore,

200

And, gorg'd with slaughter, still they thirst for more.

Like furious rush'd the Myrmidonian crew,

Such their dread strength, and such their dreadful view.

High in the midst the great Achilles stands,

Directs their order, and the war commands.

205

He, lov'd of Jove, had launch'd for Ilion's shores

Full fifty vessels, mann'd with fifty oars:

Five chosen leaders the fierce bands obey,

Himself supreme in valour, as in sway.

English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843)) — 16.112 focus

Now tell me, Muses, that in heav'n do dwell,

How came the ship first to be set on fire ?

Thus. Hector with his broad-sword, at a blow,

The spear of Ajax chanc'd to cut in twain,

110

Where to the staff the head was fix'd, and so

His mighty naval spear he shook in vain:

The head of brass flew humming to the ground.

This Ajax saw, and frighted was to see

Jove thus the counsel of the Greeks confound,

115

To give unto the Trojans victory,

And went his way. Then in the Trojans came

With brands of flaming fire; and presently

The hind part of the ship was all in flame.

Achilles with his hand then clapp'd his thigh,

120

And to Patroclus said, a flame I see

Rise at the ships. 'Tis time that you were gone,

Lest our retreat should intercepted be.

Away, and quickly put my armour on.

This said, Patroclus first of all puts on

125

His boots of war, and to his legs them tied

With silver clasps; and next of Thetis' son

The breast-plate good he to his breast applied,

With golden stars like heaven beautified.

His sword then o'er his shoulder he puts on,

130

With silver studs to hang down by his side ;

And then his helmet, shining like the sun,

He puts upon his head; and last of all

He took two spears that fit were for his hand.

But not that which Achilles fought withal,

135

For that none but Achilles could command.

A great and strong and heavy spear it was,

Made of an ash cut down i' th' woody hill

Of Pclius, and by Chiron given 'twas

To Peleus, his mighty foes to kill.

140

Then to Achilles' car Automedon

The horses Balius and Xanthus tied,

That were by Zephyrus begotten on

Podarge, feeding by the ocean's side;

And at their heads he Pedasus did place,

145

(A horse he took at Thebe in the prey),

That with them both was able to keep pace,

Though he were mortal, and immortal they.

English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey)) — 16.112 focus

Olympian Muses! now declare, how first

135

The fire was kindled in Achaia's fleet?

Hector the ashen lance of Ajax smote

With his broad faulchion, at the nether end,

And lopp'd it sheer. The Telamonian Chief

His mutilated beam brandish'd in vain,

140

And the bright point shrill-sounding fell remote.

Then Ajax in his noble mind perceived,

Shuddering with awe, the interposing power

Of heaven, and that, propitious to the arms

Of Troy, the Thunderer had ordain'd to mar

145

And frustrate all the counsels of the Greeks.

He left his stand; they fired the gallant bark;

Through all her length the conflagration ran

Incontinent, and wrapp'd her stern in flames.

Achilles saw them, smote his thighs, and said,

150

Patroclus, noble charioteer, arise!

I see the rapid run of hostile fires

Already in the fleet—lest all be lost,

And our return impossible, arm, arm

This moment; I will call, myself, the band.

155

Then put Patroclus on his radiant arms.

Around his legs his polish'd greaves he clasp'd,

With argent studs secured; the hauberk rich

Star-spangled to his breast he bound of swift

Æacides; he slung his brazen sword

160

With silver bright emboss'd, and his broad shield

Ponderous; on his noble head his casque

He settled elegant, whose lofty crest

Waved dreadful o'er his brows, and last he seized

Well fitted to his gripe two sturdy spears.

165

Of all Achilles' arms his spear alone

He took not; that huge beam, of bulk and length

Enormous, none, Æacides except,

In all Achaia's host had power to wield.

It was that Pelian ash which from the top

170

Of Pelion hewn that it might prove the death

Of heroes, Chiron had to Peleus given.

He bade Automedon his coursers bind

Speedily to the yoke, for him he loved

Next to Achilles most, as worthiest found

175

Of trust, what time the battle loudest roar'd.

Then led Automedon the fiery steeds

Swift as wing'd tempests to the chariot-yoke,

Xanthus and Balius. Them the harpy bore

Podarge, while in meadows green she fed

180

On Ocean's side, to Zephyrus the wind.

To these he added, at their side, a third

The noble Pedasus; him Peleus' son,

Eëtion's city taken, thence had brought,

Though mortal, yet a match for steeds divine.

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English (F. W. Newman, 1856) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (F. W. Newman, 1856)) — 16 focus

BOOK XVI

So far'd the hardy struggle there, around the welldeck'd galley.

Meanwhile Patroclus stood beside Achilles, people's shepherd,

Pouring adown his cheek warm tears, as some dark source of waters,

Which down a stormcapt precipice poureth a murky torrent.

At sight of him divine Achilles footreliant marvell'd;

So he with pitiful address did winged accents utter:

"Patroclus! wherefore weepest thou, like to a tender infant,

Who, tripping at her mother's side and clinging to her garment,

Imploreth to be lifted up and hindereth her hurry,

And, to be lifted in her arms, with many a tear uplooketh :

Like unto her, Patroclus, thou the tender teardrop sheddest.

Hast haply for the Myrmidons or for myself a message?

Or is to thee alone some news arriv'd from distant Phthia?

Still, as they say, Menoetius, the son of Actor, liveth,

And still among the Myrmidons liveth my father Peleus;

Either of whom, by fate's decree remov'd, would sorely grieve us.

Or for the Argives sorrowest, how now their bands are wasted,

Beside the smoothly hollow ships, to scourge their proper trespass?

Lock not thy breast, but speak it out; and so, we both shall know it."

To him with heavy groans didst thou, horseman Patroclus! answer:

"O son of Peleus! Achileus! far noblest of the Achaians!

Take no offence: so fierce distress upon the Achaians presseth.

For all who formerly bare lead, as bravest of our army,

Lie prostrate at the galley-side by thrust or flying arrow.

Lances have Agamemnon pierc'd and spear-renown'd Ulysses,

Arrows have reach'd Eurypylus and stalwart Diomedes.

About them the chirurgeons with many a drug are busied,

Healing their wounds; but thou art made unhealable, Achilles!

Me never may such anger seize, as that which thou dost foster!

Woe on thy valour! why should men of future ages bless thee,

If thou from Argos willest not to ward unseemly ruin ?

O cruel! never sire to thee was charioteering Peleus,

Nor Thetis was thy mother: nay, but grey sea-billows bare thee

And foot-betraying rocks; so wild, so rugged is thy bosom.

But if, with heart foreboding, thou some heav'nly danger shunnest,

Which, from the lips of Jupiter, thy queenly mother taught thee,

Yet me send forward quick, and lend thy other folk behind me

Of Myrmidons; so may I bring some ray of light to Argos.

And on my shoulders grant to me to bear thy proper armour,

If-that perchance the Troïans, deluded by thy semblance,

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

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

'Twere light for us unwearièd, from off the tents and galleys,

Unto the city back to drive men wearièd in combat."

So supplicating spake he then, great simpleton! for truly

He for himself did supplicate a direful doom of ruin.

To him Achilles, fleet of foot, indignantly responded:

"What utterance was that? alas, Patroclus Jove-descended!

Naught from the lips of Jupiter my queenly mother teacheth,

Nor know I heav'nly oracle to fill with awe my bosom.

Only, my heart and soul are here by anguish grimly wounded,

When one, who is in sway and force superiour, delighteth

His equal to bereave of right, and back his prize to ravish.

Grim anguish deem I this; sith I in heart have sorrow suffer'd.

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

Whom by my spear I purchased, a walled city storming,

Her from my hands did Atreus' son, wide-ruling Agamemnon,

Snatch from me back again, as tho' from some degraded outcast.

But leave we these things, past and gone; and any-gait uncomely

Was it, with obstinate resolve for ever to be anger'd.

Troth! thought I, never would I stay the fury of my passion,

Till the loud onset of the war might reach my proper galley.

Yet thou, my own illustrious arms upon thy shoulders placing,

Lead the warloving Myrmidons to join the hardy struggle;

Sith, like a cloud of dusky blue, the Troians now, it seemeth,

Circle the fleet, o'ermastering; but on the rough sea-margin

The Argives lean, hemm'd every way, and hold but scanty portion

Of land remaining; while on them comes all the Troian city,

Cheery: for they no longer view the frontlet of my helmet

Within our ranks near glittering: else would they fill the gulleys

By speedy flight with carcases, if royal Agamemnon

To me were kindly minded: now, around the camp they combat.

Nor longer in the skilful grasp of Diomed Tydides

Rageth the spear, which once would save the Danaï from ruin.

Nor rumour reacheth me as yet, that Atreus' son high shouteth

From hated mouth: nay, but the voice of hero-slaying Hector

Cheering his Troians, echoeth rebounding: they, with uproar

The plain preoccupy, in fray outmatching these Achaians.

Yet, even so, Patroclus! thou, to save the fleet from ruin,

Fall in with overswaying might, lest they the galleys kindle

With blazing firebrand: só would they of sweet return despoil us.

But thou, as in thy mind I set a charge complete, obey me;

(So thou from all the Danaï shalt mighty honour earn me

And glory; who with public train unto my tents shall convoy

The damsel bright and beautiful, and splendid gifts beside her.)-

When from the fleet the foe is scar'd, return thou! or, if haply

Juno's loud-rumbling spouse on thee bestow some meed of glory,

Without my presence hanker not to dally in the battle

With the warloving Troïans: and cheaper wilt thou make me:

Nor, O my friend, in foeman's play and hero-glee exulting,

And rieving lives of Troïans, to Ilium pursue them;

Lest of the gods eternal-born one meet thee from Olympus :-

And them Apollo Far-averter tenderly doth cherish.

But turn thee backward, soon as thou some ray of light hast open'd

Unto the fleet, and leave the hosts upon the plain to bargain.

Would it might be, - O father Jove, Athene and Apollo!

That of all Troïans who live, and eke of all the Argives,

Not one from slaughter might escape, and only we survive them:

Then would we twain, of Ilium o'erthrow the sacred turrets."

100

So they reciprocally held betwixt themselves discourses.

But Ajax might no longer wait; for sore the darts distress'd him.

The mind of Jove o'ermaster'd him, and lordly-hearted Troians

With bolts unweary pelting thick. Pelted, around his temples,

The shining helm a rattle kept: and pelted was he alway

105

Over his tight accoutrements. All-weary was his shoulder,-

The left, which stedfast ever held his vast and motley buckler:

Yet they, with darts hard pressing round, to dash him off avail'd not.

A noisome gasping cramp'd his breast, and down him sweat abundant

Flow'd from his limbs on every side, nor might he breath recover

110

And respite gain; but every where was evil heap'd on evil.

Utter for me, ye Muses, now, who dwell in high Olympus,

How first the deadly fire was cast upon the Achaian galleys.

Hector with Ajax battle join'd.- Hector with mighty sabre

Above its head of metal smote his foeman's ashen weapon,

115

And lopt the metal sheer away : so Telamonian Ajax

Brandish'd in vain the crippled shaft: whose brazen point far falling

Rang on the ground re-echoing. Then Ajax knew the omen,

And shudder'd in his blameless soul to see the gods' achievements,

How Jove high-rumbling utterly did shear away the counsels

120

Of Argive battle, bent to yield high puissance to the Troians.

He from the darts withdrew; but they on the sharp galley scatter'd

Unweary fire, whose quenchless flame was sudden pour'd across it.

The busy fire curl round the poop, aspiring: but Achilles

Smote on his thighs with double palm, and thus address'd Patroclus:

125

"Ho! quick arouse thee, Jove-deriv'd Patroclus courser-guiding!

The spurting of the foeman's fire behold I by the galleys,

And if the galleys captur'd be, no more escape remaineth.

But don thy armour speedily, and I the folk may gather."

When thus he urg'd, Patroclus quick in dazzling brass encas'd him.

130

First on his shins the dapper greaves, with silver anklets clever,

He fasten'd; next, to guard his chest, he took the crafty corslet

Borne by Pelides fleet of foot, all various and starry.

About his shoulders next he slung the sword with silver studded,

135

Brazen of edge; and after it his buckler great and stubborn:

And on his gallant head he put the wellwrought leathern helmet

Bushy with horsetail: dreadfully the crest above it nodded.

Lastly, he pick'd two valiant spears, unto his grasp adapted.

Alone, of all the equipments borne by Peleus' spotless offspring,

140

The lance he took not, -weighty, huge; which no Achaian chieftain

Beside might brandish: none but he, Achilles, knew to wield it;

(An ash of Pelion the shaft, which, from the mountain's summit,

For his dear father Cheiron gat, to be the death of heroes.)

The steeds, right speedily he bade Automedon to harness,

145

Than whom he only honour'd more Achilles hero-crushing;

Who eke most faithful was to him in fight, to bide upbraidment.

For him Automedon did haste to yoke the nimble coursers,

Chesnut and Spotted, both of whom flew swiftly as the breezes;

Whom, as along a lea she graz'd beside the stream of Ocean,

150

Spry-footed Harpy bare of yore unto the breezy Zephyr.

But blameless Pedasus beside in the flank-traces slung he,

Whom from Eëtion's domain Achilles took for booty;

Who, mortal as he was, kept pace with those immortal coursers.

But, visiting the Myrmidons meanwhile, Achilles arm'd them

155

All in their tents with panoply of helmet, shield, and corslet.

And they, as rawdevouring wolves, who hardihood unfathom'd

Hold in their heart, and on the fells a mighty stag with antlers

Have caught and mangled; bloody-red their chaps are all distained;

And they in company advance, from some dark source of waters

160

With slender-lolling tongues to lap the dusky-tinted water

From off the surface: forth they belch death-gore, and in their bosoms

Intrepid doth their heart abide, tho' pinched is their belly :

Such then did all the Myrmidons with governours and leaders,

Obeying swift Æacides, around his brave companion

165

Fierce circle: and in midst of them stood warriour Achilles

Urging the shielded men to war and eke the fiery horses.

Fifty the galleys sharp of prow were counted, which Achilles,

Belov'd of Jupiter, to Troy had led; and fifty heroes,

His comrades, came with every one, upon the benches seated:

170

Five governours he made, to whom he trusted, to command them

Under his guidance: but himself supreme of sway was leader.

One of the bands Menesthius with motley corslet guided,

Who claim'd Spercheius as his sire, a never-resting river,

Streaming from Jove. Him Peleus' child, the beauteous Polydora,

175

Bare to Spercheius,-woman weak to an immortal wedded;

Yet Borus was his sire esteem'd, the son of Perieres,

Who boundless dower paid for her, and led her into bridal.

Commander of the second band was warriour Eudorus,

A hero maiden-born: but him fair-dancing Polymela,

180

Daughter of Phylas, gave to life, whom the brave Argus-killer

Beheld, and lov'd her, as she danc'd amid the virgin-comrades

Of golden-shafted Artemis, the ever-whooping huntress.

Forthwith, good-fellow Hermeas, into her chamber mounting,

Lay at her side by stealth; and she a brilliant offspring gave him,

185

Eudorus, swift of foot to run, and terrible in combat.

But when at length the goddess, who on painful childbirth waiteth,

Woke him to light of day, and he beheld this sunny splendour;

Then Echecles of stalwart might, the son of Actor, paying

Uncounted dower, led away the mother to his chambers;

190

But aged Phylas took the child and nurtur'd him discreetly,

Fondly embracing him with love, as tho' his proper offspring.

Over the third battalion stood the warriour Peisander,

The son of Maemalus; but he to wield the spear was signal

Beyond all other Myrmidons, except Pelides' comrade.

195

Over the fourth battalion went old charioteering Phoenix;

Over the fifth Alkimedon, Läerkes' spotless offspring.

But when Achilles, picking well, had station'd them in order

Beside their leaders, then to all he stern monition added:

"O Myrmidons, let none, I pray, forget the words of menace,

200

Which at the Troïans did ye at the sharp galleys threaten,

During my day of anger, when ye every one rebuk'd me :-

O cruel son of Peleus! troth, on gall thy mother fed thee;

Heartless! who keepest by the ships thy comrades sore unwilling.

Right homeward let us wend our way with sea-careering galleys,

205

Returning; sith so evil rage upon thy soul hath fallen.'

To me, assembled, thus ye spake ofttime: and now appeareth

The mighty work of battle-cry, for which ye erst did hanker;

Here then to fight with Troïans let each have valiant spirit."

He, by such words, in every breast spirit and strength excited;

210

And when their monarch's voice they heard, more close the ranks did pack them.

As when with wellcompacted stones a man may featly fashion

For some highroofed house a wall, to screen the force of tempests;

So fitted then were bossy shields and horsetail-crested helmets.

For helmet was by helmet screen'd, and buckler propt by buckler,

215

And warriour by warriour: the horsetail-helmets waving

With ridges bright each other touch'd: so thick they stood together.

And in the front of all, two men stood forth complete in armour,

Patroclus and Automedon, possest of single spirit,

To head the Myrmidons in fight. Meanwhile, Achilles hied him

220

Into his tent: there open'd he the lid, that clos'd a coffer,

Dainty and varied; which to him the silverfooted Thetis

Had plac'd for convoy on the ship, well-fill'd with under-raiment

And cloaks, a shelter from the blast, and curly-haired carpets.

Therein besides a goblet lay, well-carved; nor from out it

225

Did other man than Achileus drink ever wine resplendent,

Nor he to other god would pour, save unto Jove the Father.

Out of the coffer this he took and cleansed it with brimstone

First; afterward besprinkled it with denty streams of water.

Himself besprinkled eke his hands, and fill'd with wine the goblet.

230

Then standing midmost in his court, he pray'd, and made libation,

With eyes to heaven rais'd; and Jove the thunderloving knew it:

"Lord Jupiter, enthron'd afar, Pelasgo-Dodonæan!

Thou who Dodona's winter-land o'erswayest! and around thee

Dwell with unwashen feet thy seers the ground-encouched Selli.

235

In former time to my request already hast thou listen'd;

Didst honour me, and mightily hast harm'd the Achaian people :

Now, once again implor'd, do thou this wish for me accomplish.

Myself by galley-side shall stay, in theatre of battle,

But with the trooping Myrmidons my comrade send I forward

240

To combat: now, widesighted Jove! on him bestow successes.

With mighty courage strengthen thou his heart; whereby shall Hector

³⁴

Learn, whether our companion dear even without my presence

Knoweth to combat, or his hands untractable are frantic

Then only, when I hie with him mid the turmoil of Ares.

245

But after from the galleys he the din of fight have chased,

May he to me forthwith return and reach the galleys scatheless,

With comrades, round his side who fight, and all my curious armour."

Such was his word of prayer; and Jove the Counsellor attended.

To one petition listen'd he; the other he rejected.

250

Far from the ships to drive away the battle's present danger,

He granted; but the safe return from battle, this he gave not.

The prince,-libation now complete, and pray'r to Jove the Father, -

Returning to his tent, replac'd the goblet in the coffer;

Then forth proceeded from the tent, and still in soul did hanker

255

To watch the deadly battle-cry of Troians and Achaians.

But they, accoutred and arrang'd with mighty-soul'd Patroclus,

March'd steadily, till on they rush'd with ardour at the foeman.

In sally swarmed they forthwith, like wasps, who hold their houses

By the roadside; whom children weak are wont in sport to harry,

Tormenting alway; bringing eke a common woe on many.

For if some traveller perchance unwilling now bestir them,

With valiant bosom forth they fly, to combat for their children.

265

Such heart and spirit cherishing, the Myrmidon battalions

Then from the galleys sallied out; and clamour rose incessant.

Patroclus too his comrades charg'd, with voice voice uplifted shouting:

"O Myrmidons, who comrades are of Peleus' son, Achilles!

Be men, my friends, nor negligent of furious encounter;

270

So shall we honour Peleus' son, who bravest is of Argives

Beside the galleys, and the squires who fight around his buckler.

So shall we teach to Atreus' son, wide-ruling Agamemnon,

His folly, who perversely scorn'd the noblest of the Achaians.”

He spake; and in every breast spirit and strength excited.

275

Quick on the Troïans they fell, collected; and the galleys

Responded with terrific crash, beneath the Achaians shouting.

But when the Troians saw the chief, Menoetius' brave offspring,

Himself and eke his charioteer, in all their armour sparkling,

The heart of all held grim debate, and their battalions trembled;

280

Deeming that by the galley-side the lordly-soul'd Pelides

At length his anger had renounc'd, and chose the bonds of friendship.

So each did singly look around, to scape headlong destruction.

Patroclus first with shining spear into the middle darted,

285

Where most were justled, near the poop of great Protesilaüs.

Over the plum'd Paeonians Pyraechmes there was leader,

Who brought them from far Amydon and Axius wide-flowing.

On the right shoulder him it hit; so, groaning fell he prostrate

Down in the dust, and round his corpse his dear companions trembled,

290

His own Paeonians: sith all Patroclus fill'd with terror,

Slaying their champion, who held the primacy of valour.

Thus from the beach he dravethem off, and quench'd the fire that sparkled ;

And there the half-burnt ship was left. With an unearthly clamour

The Troian army took to flight: the Danaï pursued them

295

Forthwith, and unremitting din arose along the galleys.

As when from off the summit high of some cloudcompass'd mountain

May lightning-wreathing Jupiter withdraw the veil of dimness;

And every lofty peak is shown, and headland edge and forest,

And from behind the cloven dun unfathom'd heaven gleameth;

300

So, for awhile, the Danaï, repelling from the galleys

The foeman's fire, did breath regain: yet was no pause of battle.

For not yet did the Troïans to flight straightforward scuffle,

Scar'd from the dusky ships, beneath the villains dear to Ares,

But still they party-wise withstood and but perforce withdrew them.

305

Thereon each hero slew his man, when scatter'd was the struggle,

Among the leaders. First of them, Menoetius' brave offspring,

While-as Areilycus was turn'd, pierc'd thro' his thigh entirely

With pointed spear, and crush'd the bone: he to the earth fell headlong.

But Menelas to Ares dear struck Thoas in the bosom

Beside the buckler open left, and there unstrung his sinews.

And Phyleus' son, in ambush hid, caught Amphiclus in sally,

Piercing the pillar of his leg, where thew of man is thickest:

315

The weapon's point his sinews rent, and darkness veil'd his eyen.

Of Nestor's sons, Antilochus with piercing sidestab wounded

Atymnius, who dropt in front; then for his brother, Maris,

Rush'd angry, and before the dead stood firm: but Thrasymedes,

320

Ere Maris might a wound implant, did instant fix his weapon

⁵⁶

Into the shoulder, brake the bone, and stript the limb of sinew:

So, with a loud crash down he fell, and darkness veil'd his eyen.

325

Thus by two brethren brethren twain, Sarpedon's brave companions,

Skilful in darting, overmatch'd, to Erebus descended:

Whose sire the dread Chimæra rear'd, a pest to many mortals.

Ajax, Oïleus' son, rush'd in, and captur'd Cleobulus

330

Alive, entangled in the rout; but quick with hilted weapon

Smote on his neck, and warm'd the sword with ruddy-reeking slaughter.

There crimson Death his eyen press'd, and Destiny resistless.

Then Lycon met Peneleos. With spears they miss'd each other,

335

Darting in vain; thereat with swords together ran: and Lycon,

Smiting the horsehair helmet's crest, snapt at the hilt his sabre.

But deep the foeman's griding sword within his neck descended:

His head by skin alone hung on, and there his limbs lay helpless.

340

But Merion, with active feet quick overhending, wounded

In the right shoulder Acamas, when he would mount his horses:

So fell he from the car, and mist lay heavy on his eyelids.

But prince Idomeneus drave on the ruthless brazen weapon

345

Right through the mouth of Erymas: beneath the brain it enter'd,

The white bones splintering: and out the teeth were dash'd: his eyen

Were filled both with blood: but it out of his mouth and nostrils

He spurted gasping: so did Death with dusky cloud enshroud him.

350

Such leaders of the Danaï slew every man his fellow.

As noisome wolves on lambs or kids dart, from the flock selecting,

Which by the keeper's witlessness along the fells is scatter'd;

The beasts, beholding, sudden snatch the feeble-hearted quarry:

355

Thus upon Troians Danaï did pounce; but those, surrender'd

To shrieking flight, forgetful were of valorous resistance.

But mighty Ajax alway long'd at brazenhelmed Hector

To hurl his weapon: he in turn, in fierce encounter skilful,

With breadth of shoulder alway screen'd beneath his shield of bullhide,

360

Had shelter from the noisy darts and hurtle of the arrows.

In sooth, the foe's recruited strength he saw, and tide of fortune;

Yet stood he, even so, awhile, and sav'd his dear companions.

But as when, after sky serene, from summit of Olympus

⁷

Cometh a cloud o'er heaven's face, if Jove a squall deviseth;

365

So shriek and terror, scowl and squall, o'erspread the Troian army,

Repell'd in not decorous flight. Then by his nimble horses

Hector with heavy armour scap'd, and left his host of people,

All whom the deep-entrenched moat behind him kept unwilling.

And chariot-trailing nimble steeds, within the moat entangled.

370

The pole short snapping, many left their lords' equipment crippled.

Meanwhile Patroclus urgently pursued, the Argives cheering,

Fierce-minded to the Troïans. But they with scream and panic

Fill'd all the paths, once that their bands were scatter'd: and to heaven

High rose a dust-tornado, whilst the single-hoofed horses

375

Back from the galleys and the tents did spank toward the city.

But where Patroclus saw the folk in worst annoy bewilder'd,

Thither with cheering hurried he: and men beneath the axles

Fell headlong from the chariots: and cars were rattled over.

Then, onward hasting in career, the nimble-footed horses,

380

Immortal, which, as brilliant gifts the gods bestow'd on Peleus,

Outright did overleap the moat: for he on Hector cheer'd them,

To overhend him bent; but him the speedy coursers rescued.

And as beneath a tempest's weight all the dark earth is loaded

Upon a day of autumn, when Jove poureth down his greatest glut of water

385

Jove poureth down, if he with men be wrathfully indignant,

Who in assembly of the folk by force give crooked verdict,

And Justice rudely drive away, the gods' observance slighting:

Then all the flowing hollow brooks from the high clouds are filled,

And many a steep outstanding cliff is rent by gush of waters,

390

Which streaming to the purple sea right headlong from the mountains

Resound with mighty moan, the while the works of men they ruin :

So mightily the Troian mares in fleet careering moaned.

Patroclus, when his course had cut the foremost bands asunder,

Back to the galleys hemm'd them in, reversing; so he thwarted

395

Their aim, the city-walls to reach : but twixt the ships and river

And lofty rampart slaughter'd them, and forfeit took for many.

There Pronoüs with shining spear he wounded in the bosom

Beside his buckler open left, and straight unstrung his sinews;

400

So, with a loud crash down he dropt. Next Thestor, son of Enops,

By second sally. Close he sat, in chariot well polish'd

Coop'd up, in panic, frenzy-struck. From out his hands the bridles

Dropt to the ground. But close at hand, thro' his right cheek the foeman

Urg'd-on the spear, betwixt his teeth; then o'er the car's rim drew him

405

Haul'd by the weapon; as a man, who sits on rock outjutting,

With line and dazzling brass may draw a sacred fish from ocean :

So from the seat with shining spear he drew his gasping captive,

And cast him full upon his fàce: so there his spirit left him.

Thereafter, with a stone he struck the rushing Erylaüs

410

Upon the head direct, and clave in twain the weighty helmet.

Headlong to earth he fell, and him soul-crushing Death enshrouded.

Then Erymas, Amphoterus, Tlepolemus, Epaltes,

Ipheus, Euippus, Echius, Pyris and Polymelus;

All these successive cast he down on Earth the manyfeeder.

415

But when Sarpedon, son of Jove, saw his ungirdled comrades

Beneath the Myrmidonian chief subdued in strife of Ares,

He to the godlike Lycians with harsh invective shouted :

"Shame! whither flee ye, Lycians ? in sooth, ye now are nimble.

But I myself will meet this man; so shall I well inform me,

420

Who is the chief, that swayeth wide with noyance to the Troians,

And who of many a gallant soul hath cast the body helpless."

He spake, and from his chariot leapt to the ground in armour.

Patroclus on the other side leapt also, when he saw it,

Out of the chariot: and they, as two hook-beaked vultures,

425

Crook-talon'd, on a lofty rock with mighty screams may combat;

So these with terrible upróar each upon other sallied.

With pity seeing them, the child of crooked-witted Saturn,

Did to his sister and his wife, Juno, address his sorrow:

"Alas for me! that Destiny by cruel sentence doometh

430

Sarpedon, dearest of mankind, to perish by Patroclus.

My heart by double thoughts is torn, and faltereth my purpose,

Whether to snatch him still alive from out the tearful battle,

And plant him safe on Lycia, in his fat soil of plenty,

⁸

Or unto death resign him, slain by prowess of Patroclus."

435

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

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

A man, who mortal is of birth, long syne by doom predestin'd,

Him from sadwailing Aïdes dost ponder to deliver?

Do it: but we, the other gods, not all shall praise thy doing.

440

This also will I say, and thou within thy bosom cast it:

If to his own abode and home alive thou send Sarpedon,

Think, may not other eke of gods desire his own dear offspring

Safe to deliver and alive, from out the hardy struggle?

For many are embattled now round Priam's mighty city,

445

Born from immortal gods; in whom thou direful wrath wilt nourish.

But if thy son is dear, and if thy heart with pity waileth;

His body now resign to death, slain in the hardy struggle,

And glory to Patroclus give, Menoetius' brave offspring.

But, when his time of life is gone and breath hath left his body;

450

Then balmy Slumber send and Death, as convoy to escort him,

Till in widespreading Lycia they reach his proper country.

His brothers and his kinsfolk there meet burial shall yield him,

With flames, with pillar and with mound; which are the dead man's honour."

She spake, nor uncompliant found the sire of gods and mortals.

455

He shed from heaven gory drops his loved son to honour,

460

Who far from home, in loamy Troy, must perish by Patroclus.

When they to shorter distance came, advancing each on other,

Patroclus struck in lowest lap the famous Thrasymelus,

The prince Sarpedon's bonny squire, and there unstrung his sinews.

465

Sarpedon, second aiming, miss'd his foeman's self, but wounded

The mortal courser Pedasus, - on his right shoulder lighting

With shining spear. He groan'd, and fell, and gasp'd, and breath'd no longer.

The others swerv'd apart: the yoke creak'd loudly, and the bridles

470

Were tangled, sith the outer horse in dust and death was prostrate.

But spear-renown'd Automedon the troublous danger ended :

For, drawing from his brawny thigh his long-edg'd hanging cutlass,

In sallied he, and slash'd away the out-horse, nor was foiled.

The living steeds came clear and straight, and duly stretch'd the traces,

475

But the two heroes met once more for soul-devouring quarrel.

Again Sarpedon vainly threw the long farshining weapon;

For harmlessly the noyance past over Patroclus' shoulder,

Missing him on the left: then he not vainly flung his weapon,

480

But hit, where round the ceaseless heart the membranes weave a curtain.

Then toppled he, as may an oak or some white poplar topple,

Or pine upon the mountain-side tall-shooting, which for timber

Ship-carpenters have inly chopt with newly-whetted axes :

So he, before his chariot and coursers, lay extended,

485

Gnashing his teeth, the gory dust with hand convulsive clutching.

And as a lion, mid the herd of clumsy-footed oxen,

Picking hath slain a flame-hued bull, high-fronted, mighty-hearted,

And he beneath the lion's jaws with many a bellow dieth;

So slain beneath Patroclus then with many a moan Sarpedon,

490

Lord of the shielded Lycians, call'd on his dear companion :

"Glaucus, my friend! thou warriour mid heroes! now, if ever,

A thorough spearman prove thyself, and warriour intrepid.

Now, if thy heart be keen and true, let evil war delight thee.

First, visit all the Lycians, throughout their wide battalions,

495

And rouse their chiefest men to fight around Sarpedon's body.

Next eke thyself, my friend! for me well quit thyself in battle.

For I in after-days to thee a contumely and scandal

shall be, if yon Achaians At every time continuous

Strip me, who fall before the fleet in view of either army.

500

But hold to battle sturdily, and urge my host of people."

Thus when he spake, all-ending Death his eyes and nostrils cover'd.

The victor, tramping on his breast, drew out the spear, and with it

Follow'd the membrane of his heart and all his breathing spirit.

505

Meanwhile the crew of Myrmidons his puffing steeds arrested,

Eager to flee, sithence the car was by their lords abandon'd.

But anguish grim on Glaucus came, to hear his friend adjure him.

His heart was earnestly bestirr'd, in helplessness of vengeance.

Grasping he pinch'd his arm, thereat, where Teucer's arrow gall'd him,

510

Shot from the lofty wall, to ward disaster from his comrades.

Then supplicating, he implor'd Apollo the far-darting:

"Hear me, O prince! who haply art in Lycia's fat country

Now, or in Troas. Everywhere thou able art to listen,

515

When man in trouble is, as now am I by trouble harried.

Me troubleth this sore-galling wound. My hand with piercing anguish

Is wrung, nor may the blood be stanch'd; which doth my shoulder burden.

Nor firmly can I hold my spear, nor fight against the foeman.

520

Fallen, behold! a hero-chief, the son of Jove, Sarpedon,

Whose Father standeth off, nor would his proper offspring rescue.

But thou, O prince! heal thou my wound, and lull the fretting sorrow,

And grant me puissance to exhort my Lycians to combat,

525

While I, to save our chieftain's corpse, do manfully acquit me."

So he his prayer uttered, and bright Apollo heard him.

Forthwith the fretting pangs he quell'd, and round the gash so troublous

He stanch'd the dusky gore, and breath'd high prowess in his bosom.

But Glaucus inwardly discern'd; and in his heart was joyful,

530

That speedily the mighty god had to his prayer listen'd.

First, visiting the Lycians, throughout their wide battalions,

He rous'd their chiefest men to fight around Sarpedon's body.

But after, to the Troïans with mighty strides he hied him,

To Panthûs' son Polydamas and to divine Agenor;

535

Also Æneias sought he out, and brazen-helmed Hector,

And standing close in front of them harangu'd in winged accents:

"Now, Hector! thou of thy allies art utterly forgetful,

Who far from friends and land of birth our very souls do lavish

In sake of thee: but thou, methinks, not eager art to aid us.

540

The lord of shielded Lycia, who erst, by rightful verdicts

And prowess, Lycia upheld, -Sarpedon, prostrate lieth.

Him brazen Ares vanquish'd hath beneath Patroclus' weapon.

But friends! stand nobly at his side, and be in hearts indignant,

Lest-that the crew of Myrmidons his armour strip, and outrage

545

The person of the dead, enrag'd for loss of many comrades,

The Danaï, whom we beside their galleys sharp have slaughter'd."

When thus he spake, the Troians all from head to foot were seized

By sorrow irrepressible, unyielding; sith their city

Held him a bulwark, tho' of soil foreign; for many peoples

550

Came with him: in them he himself held primacy of valour.

So straight against the Danaï they fiercely rush'd: for Hector

Headed them, by Sarpedon's fall embitter'd. But the Achaians,

Them did Patroclus' shaggy heart encourage: first he turn'd him,

- The two Ajaces to exhort, themselves already eager :

555

"Ajaces! take ye pleasure now, reciprocal to combat,

Such as mid heroes heretofore ye were, or even braver.

Prostrate the chieftain lies, who first did scale the Achaian rampart, -

Sarpedon. Oh! if now we might for outrage seize his body,

- And from his shoulders strip his arms, and eke of his companions

560

With ruthless weapon some lay low, who fight their lord to rescue."

So charged he: but they themselves for battle-strife were eager.

After-that they on either side had strengthen'd the battalions,

Then Lycians and Myrmidons and Troians and Achaians

Around the carcase of the slain in shock of adverse combat

565

Hurried together, yelling fierce; and direful clang'd their armour.

And Jove a deadly darkness spread over the bitter struggle

For strife of deathful hardiment around his son beloved.

Then first the Troïans repell'd the curling-ey'd Achaians,

When of the Myrmidons was slain a hero not the weakest,

570

Offspring of godlike Agacles, the mighty-soul'd Epeigeus,

Who as a prince had oversway'd Budeium thickly peopled

In former day; but having slain a kinsman bold, he hied him

As suppliant to Peleus' hearth and silverfooted Thetis :

Who with their hero-crushing son in train of battle sent him

575

To courser-famous Ilium for combat with the Troians.

Him gallant Hector with a stone hit, as he touch'd the carcase,

Upon the head direct, and clave in twain the weighty helmet.

Prone on the corpse he fell, and him soul-crushing Death enshrouded.

580

But anguish on Patroclus came, to see his comrade fallen.

Straight thro' the foremost ranks he dash'd, like to a gliding falcon,

Swift-sousing, fraught with sore dismay to noisy daws and starlings :

So thou upon the Lycians, Patroclus courser-girding!

And on the Troians, diddest plunge, enrag'd for thy companion.

585

With a huge stone the hero hit the neck of Sthenelaüs

Ithaemenes' beloved son, and tare away the tendons.

Back then the foremost ranks withdrew, and gallant Hector with them.

Far as a lengthy javelin a man may fling on trial

590

In public game, or e'en in war against heartcrushing foemen,

So far withdrew the Troïans; so far the Achaians drave them.

But Glaucus, rallying anew first of the Troian army,

Leading the shielded Lycians, slew Bathycles highhearted,

Whose loving father Chalcon was; a man who dwelt in Hellas,

595

Signal among the Myrmidons for affluence of plenty.

Him Glaucus wounded with the spear in middle of the bosom,

Turning upon him sudden, when in fleet pursuit he caught him.

So with a loud crash down he fell. Deep sorrow seiz'd the Achaians,

Sith fallen was a noble man; but much rejoic'd the Troians.

600

So then, assembled round the corpse stood they: nor yet the Achaians

Prowess forgat, but on the foe onslaught straightforward carried.

By Merion, Laogonus was hent, a full-arm'd Troian,

Onetor's hardy son; whose sire to Jupiter Idæus

A priest was made, and by the folk e'en as a god was honour'd.

605

Him honest betwixt the ear and jaw did strike, and quickly

Out of his members life was flown, and hateful darkness hent him.

Æneias next at Merion his brazen weapon derted,

Hoping to hit him, as he march'd beneath his buckler's covert.

He, seeing it, by scanty space the flying point avoided,

610

Stooping him forward: far away, the lengthy spear behind him

In earth alighted; where its force made the shaft's end to quiver,

Until rude-hurtling Ares gave remission of his fury.

[Thus, far behind him in the earth Aeneias' spear was planted.

Strong quivering; and fruitlessly his sturdy arm impell'd it.]

615

Then anger seiz'd Æneias' heart, and at his foeman scoff'd he:

"Meriones, thou dancest well; yet haply to thy dancing

My spear a thorough end had brought, had I attain'd to hit thee."

Then spear-renown'd Meriones accosted him responsive :

"Æneias, valiant tho thou art, 'tis hard for thee to cripple

620

The might of every man, whoe'er in battle may confront thee.

Mortal are thou alsó: but if I might in turn be lucky

With a full hit, then thou, so bold and trusting in thy prowess,

To me shalt glory yield, and life to charioteering Pluto."

625

He spake; but brave Patroclus then rebuk'd him with rejoinder :

"O Merion! we know thee brave: yet why such words haranguest?

Not for reproachful words, my friend! the Troïans will yield them

From carcase of the slain; but first must earth hold many a hero.

Issue of battle is from might; of wordy war, from counsel.

630

Therefore no weight of words we need, but hardihood of combat."

He spake, and led the way; behind, the godlike hero follow'd.

As when the woodman's steady axe in thickets of a mountain

From many a hand drops ponderous, and far is heard its echo;

So from the broad expanse of land their noise resounding echoed,

635

While sabres and twohanded pikes clash'd against brass and bullhide.

Hard was it for a thoughtful man to know divine Sarpedon,

So was he wrapt from head to foot in dust and gore and weapons.

640

And alway throng'd they round the dead, as flies round milkful buckets

Swarm noisy thro' the stalls in spring, when pails with milk are wetted;

Thus (say I) round the dead they throng'd. Nor from the hardy struggle

Did Jove a moment turn away his ever-beaming eyen,

645

- But alway gaz'd unceasingly to watch it, and bethought him

On slaughter of Patroclus; much pondering with doubtful heart

Whether already, there and then, amid the hardy struggle

Should gallant Hector him alsó over divine Sarpedon

Waste with the weapon, and despoil the armour from his shoulders ;

650

Or first to other combatants should the bluff toil be doubled.

After such ponderings of thought he deemed it were wiser,

Still further should the bonny squire of Peleus' son Achilles

Harry the Troian arms away with brazenhelmed Hector,

And hem them to the city-wall and doom more lives to carnage.

655

So into Hector first of all he breath'd unwarlike panic;

Who knew the sacred scales of Jove, and, on his car upleaping,

To flight betook him, calling loud that all should flee beside him.

Then not the valiant Lycians stood firm, but all were scatter'd

In terror, sith their king they saw with deadly wound heartstricken,

660

Prone in assembly of the dead : for many fell around him,

When o'er his body Saturn's child outstretch'd the hardy combat.

Then from his shoulders stript the foe the armour of Sarpedon,

Brazen and all-resplendent: this, Menoetius' brave offspring

To his companions gave, to bear unto the hollow galleys.

665

Then cloud-collecting Jupiter address'd him to Apollo :

⁹

"Go now, dear Shining one! draw forth Sarpedon from the weapons:

Cleanse off the cloudy gore, apart; in living waters bathe him;

Anoint him with ambrosia, and wrap ambrosial raiment

670

Around his sacred form; and send, as convoy to escort him,

Slumber and Death, twin-bretheren; that speedily they place him

Upon wide-spreading Lycia, within his own fat country.

His brothers and his kinsfolk there meet burial shall yield him,

With flames, with pillar and with mound, which are the dead man's honour."

675

So, spake he: nor Apollo then did disobey his father,

And down from Ida's tops he went to the grim cry of battle.

Straightway, uplifting, forth he drew Sarpedon from the weapons;

Cleans'd off the cloudy gore, apart; in living waters bath'd him;

Ointed him with ambrosia, and wrapt ambrosial raiment

680

Around his sacred form; and sent, as convoy to escort him,

Slumber and Death, twin-bretheren: who speedily replac'd him

Upon wide-spreading Lycia, within his own fat country.

Patroclus follow'd, cheering On Troïans and Lycians

His coursers and Automedon; and direful was his folly,

685

Infatuate! for had he kept the bidding of Pelides,

From evil doom of murky death he verily had scaped.

But alway than the wit of man the wit of Jove is higher :

Who doth the valorous affright, and victory despoileth

Right easily; but otherwhile himself to battle stirreth;

690

Who then into his bosom breath'd this surplusage of valour.

Then who was first and who was last a sport of death and plunder,

Patroclus! when the heav'nly fates invited thee to ruin?

Adrastus and Autonoüs, Epistor, Melanippus,

Elas, Echeclus, Perimus, Mulius and Pylartes :

695

All these he slaughter'd; but the rest did each of flight bethink them.

Then had Achaia's children storm'd Troy's lofty-gated city

Beneath Patroclus' hands :-for dire the fury of his weapon :-

But bright Apollo stood aloft upon the well-built tower

700

Bearing against him deadly wrath, and kindly to the Troians.

For thrice upon the parapet which from the rampart jutted

Patroclus climb'd on high; and thrice Apollo dash'd him backward,

Repressing with immortal hands his all-resplendent buckler.

But when the fourth time on he sped, like to a mighty Spirit,

705

Then did Apollo Far-averter speak with direful menace:

"Beware, Patroclus! and retire; nor deem that fate alloweth

The walls of haughty Troïans by thy assault to totter:

Not even by Achilles' self, a man than thee far stronger."

Aw'd by the immortal voice, the chief an ample space retir'd him,

710

And yielded; shunning to enrage Apollo the far-darting.

But Hector in the Skæans kept his singlehoofed horses;

Debating, whether back to drive and fight amid the tumult,

Or all his scatter'd folk exhort to coop them in the city.

While thus he ponder'd, lo! advanc'd beside him bright Apollo,

715

Like to his kinsman Asius, a warriour intrepid ;-

Own brother he to Hecuba, who mother was to Hector,

Yet youthful was he still for war: but Dymas was his father,

Who on the banks of Sangarus in Phrygia did habit ;-

Like unto him, the son of Jove Apollo spake to Hector:

720

"Hector, why pausest thou from fight? such pausing, thee misseemeth.

Oh that, as weaker I than thee, by so much I were stronger!

Not to thy joy then wouldest thou, mayhap, thus start from battle.

But come! against Patroclus urge the flinty-footed horses.

Him mayest thou o'ermaster, if Apollo give thee glory."

725

This said, again the god was mix'd amid the toil of heroes.

To skilful-soul'd Kebriones thereat did gallant Hector

Give order, mid the war to lash his coursers. But Apollo

Hied him to enter mid the throng, and breathing in the Argives

Evil confusion, glory gave to Hector and the Troians.

730

All other Danaï the chief pass'd by, nor car'd to slay them;

But straight against Patroclus urg'd the flinty-footed horses :

Patroclus, he too on the earth from off the car alighted.

His left hand held the spear; his right, around a boulder curling,

735

Which rugged sparkled, heav'd it high; nor long aloof withheld him,

But hurl'd it fiercely: not in vain; but struck the squire of Hector,

Kebriones, a meaner son to high-renowned Priam,

Full in the forehead: both the brows were crush'd; the skull withstood not.

Out of his face his eyes were torn: so plung'd he, like a diver,

740

Down from the wellwrought car; and there did life forsake his body.

Then thou, Patroclus charioteer! diddest with scoff address him:

"Ye Spirits! what a nimble man! how easily he tumbleth!

745

If somewhere on the fishful sea to dive for oysters lik'd him,

He many a mouth might glut, from high in crabbed weather plunging:

As now upon the plain so light he tumbleth from the horses.

So eke the Troïans, I ween, have many a clever tumbler."

750

After such utterance, he hied against the fallen hero,

With rush like to a lion's rush, who, ravaging the stables,

Hath on the bosom felt a wound, and his own valour slays him ;-

So eager on Kebriones didst thou, Patroclus, cast thee:

But Hector, e't too on the earth from off the car alighted.

755

The twain around Kebriones made contest, like two lions,

Which, both with empty craving maw, and both with lordly spirits,

Around a slaughter'd doe may fight upon a mountain-summit;

So then around Kebriones twain counsellors of onset,

Patroclus son of Actor's son and motley-helmed Hector,

760

Hanker'd with ruthless brass to gash the body, each of other.

But Hector, when he once had seiz'd the head, no more would yield it;

Patroclus firmly grasp'd in turn the foot: meanwhile the others,

Both Troïans and Danaï, commingled hardy struggle.

As blowing from the East and South within a mountain's hollows

765

The winds hold controversy sore a close-grown copse to shatter,

Of diverse timber, -beech and ash, and lanky-leafed corneil;

Which, each upon the other, grind their long-outreaching branches

With rustling scratch; and when they snap, unearthly is the crackle :

So Troians and Achaians then, each upon other springing,

770

Made havoc, nor did either side disastrous fear remember.

And round Kebriones were fix'd sharp-pointed lances many,

And many winged arrow-shafts off leaping from the bowstring;

And many a sturdy boulderstone dash'd heavy on the bucklers,

As round his corpse they fought: but he, amid a dust-tornado,

775

Forgetful of his horsemanships, lay mightily and mighty.

Now when the lofty-climbing Sun had touch'd his noon of heaven,

Thenceforth from either side the darts did fly, and people perish.

But from what time the Sun declin'd, freeing from toil the oxen;

Then, overriding doom's decree, Achaian might was higher.

780

Out of the mall of darts they dragg'd Kebriones the hero,

And from the itian din; and stripp'd the armour from his shoulders;

And at the foes, with bitter soul, again Patroclus sallied.

Upon them thrice he rush'd, in weight a match for eager Ares,

With dreadful yell of battle: thrice, nine heroes fell beneath him.

785

But when the fourth time on he sped, like to a mighty Spirit,

Then unto thee the fates unveil'd thy end of life, Patroclus!

For now the direful Shining one, advancing thro' the tumult

Unseen, confronted thy career, amid the hardy struggle.

Behind the hero stood the god, enwrapt in mist abundant,

790

Who then with palm descending smote his back and breadth of shoulders.

Dazzled and giddy were his eyes: the casque forsook his temples.

The crested vizor rolling far beneath the feet of horses

Rattled aloud: with dust and gore was the fair plume distained.

795

(Not heretofore might dust distain that horsetail-crested helmet :

But of a godlike man it screen'd Achilles' brows: but Jupiter

To wear it round his proper head and nearer bring destruction.)

800

Next, in Patroclus' hand was snapt the spear with lengthy shadow,

Huge, weighty, stout, with iron point well-capt; and from his shoulders

Down with its belt on earth was cast the anklereaching buckler.

Lastly, the princely son of Jove, Apollo, loos'd his corslet.

Stupor his heart possest: unstrung was every gallant sinew.

805

So stood he all aghast. Behind, a Dardan chief approaching,

Betwixt his shoulders fix'd the spear, - Euphorbus, son of Panthûs,

Who, in swift feet and horsemanship and spear, outwent his fellows :

(There, in his rudiments of war, full twenty chiefs he slaughter'd,

810

Struck from their chariots; when he first of his car made trial :)

Who first at thee, O charioteer Patroclus! cast his weapon,

Nor did subdue thee. Back he ran, and mingled in the tumult,

But from the wounded shoulder first the ashen weapon plucked,

Listing not well in foemen's gripe to meet unarm'd Patroclus.

815

But he, beneath the god's assault and by the spear o'ermaster'd,

Unto his dear companion-troop retreated, Fate avoiding.

But Hector, when from far he saw the mighty-soul'd Patroclus

Retiring wounded, thro' the ranks dash'd quick to overhend him,

And stabb'd him in the lowest lap, and draye, right thro', the weapon.

820

So dropt he with a crash, and sore the Achaian host afflicted.

As when in fight a wiry boar is master'd by a lion,

If on the mountain's top the twain with haughty spirit wrangle

About a petty well, where each would slake his thirst of water;

825

At length the panting hog is taught how terrible the lion:

So, when Menoetius' brave son had many lives bereaved,

In turn did Hector with the spear in close encounter slay him.

Then, vaunting o'er the fallen foe he winged accents utter'd:

"Patroclus! haply 'twas thy thought our goodly town to ravage,

830

And in thy galleys lead away to thy dear native country

A train of Troian women, reft from home and day of freedom;

O simpleton! but, them to save, do Hector's nimble horses

Spank forth in garniture of war : and with the spear am signal

Mid the warloving Troïans, myself. Lo! thus repel I

835

That forceful misery: but thou, meanwhile, art food of vultures.

Ha! wretched man! naught Achileus, albeit brave, avail'd thee;

Who, when to war thou camest, laid such charge as this upon thee :-

'Unto the smoothly hollow ships, Patroclus courser-guiding!

Hither come not to me again, until about the bosom

840

The gory harness thou hast rent of heroslaying Hector.'

So (deem I) then he spake, and troth! thy foolish heart persuaded."

To him, with puny vigour, thou, horseman Patroclus! speakest:

"Now, Hector! greatly vauntest thou: for unto thee Apollo

And Jove, the child of Saturn, give high glory. They subdued me

845

Full easily; for from my breast themselves stript off my armour.

If twenty heroes like to thee I met in equal battle,

They all should perish on the spot, beneath my spear o'ermaster'd.

But me hath deadly Fate o'ermatch'd, and bright Latona's offspring,

And, among men, Euphorbus: thou but third to slay me camest.

850

This also will I say; and thou within thy bosom cast it :-

Eke not for thee abideth life long time: for lo! already

Standeth beside thee forceful Doom and Death, to overthrow thee

By prowess of Æacides, the spotless son of Peleus."

While thus he spake, the end of death his mouth and voice foreclosed.

855

Out of his members flew his soul, and reach'd the house of Pluto,

Mourning its own sad destiny, from youth and manhood parting.

Then gallant Hector to the corpse a word did further utter :

"Why now, Patroclus! upon me bluff o'erthrow forebodest?

Who knoweth, whether Achileus, tho' child of brighthair'd Thetis,

860

May earlier, perchance, of life beneath my spear be rieved?"

With such address, he from the gash drew forth the brazen weapon,

Tramping upon the dead man's breast, who lay supine beneath him.

Forthwith against Automedon a new assault design'd he,-

Automedon, the godlike squire of courser-proud Achilles ;-

865

And much to hit him long'd: but him the nimble horses rescued,

Immortal, which, as brilliant gifts, the gods bestow'd on Peleus.

¹⁰

Notes on the current edition

Iliad

1. 113 Poll off—strip off. These are the two best examples of the word I have met with. Dr. Taylor prints " pull'd off” in line 112, following the error of the second folio.

2. 123 Amelled—enamelled. See Bk. XVII. 734.

New Alexandria Commentaries

Douglas Frame

analysis of the parallelism between Nestor and Patroclus (as in Nestor’s second story), with regards to Patroclus’ failure to turn back from battle as Achilles commands

source

analysis of the parallelism between Nestor and Patroclus (as in Nestor’s second story), with regards to Patroclus’ failure to turn back from battle as Achilles commands and here specifically Patroclus’ state of mind (which mirrors Nestor’s)

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analysis of the parallelism between Nestor and Patroclus (as in Nestor’s second story), with regards to Patroclus’ failure to turn back from battle as Achilles commands

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contra Heiden that the end of Book 15 constitutes one of two major breaks in the performance of the Iliad

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analysis of the parallelism between Nestor and Patroclus, reaching its climax in I.16, where Patroclus becomes a horseman, addressed as such in this verse

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Gregory Nagy

It seems at first as if everything is coming together here in Iliad 16. Achilles, best of the Achaeans, sends out his other self, Patroklos, to fight Hector and his Trojans, who are now on the verge of setting on fire and destroying all the beached ships of the Achaeans. Patroklos does in fact succeed in stopping the fire, which had been endangering not only the survival of the Achaeans but even the very existence of their notional descendants, imagined as the Greeks who are listening to the story of the Iliad in their own time. The conflagration that could have burned down the beached ships of the Achaeans is now literally ‘quenched’ by Patroklos, whose heroic action in putting out the fire of the Trojans is compared in a simile to a cosmic action taken by Zeus himself when this weather-god drenches and thus destroys in a violent rainstorm the farmlands of unjust men. Clearly, Zeus is now once again on the Achaean side of the Trojan War. But the success of Patroklos is not to last: soon after he kills Sarpedon, son of Zeus himself, in the course of a spectacular chariot fight, Patroklos now gets killed in the course of a second spectacular chariot fight. This time, Patroklos has gone too far, daring to attack not only Hector but also the divine protector of that hero, Apollo himself. Now everything is about to come apart again, and Achilles has yet to find out about the tragedy that awaits him.

draft js image error A chariot driver and a chariot fighter in a biga (two-horses chariot). Terracotta, Late Helladic IIIA–IIIB (ca. 1400–1200 BCE). Louvre Museum, CA 2959. Credit line: Purchase, 1934. Image Marie-Lan Nguyen (User:Jastrow), 2009-06-28 [CC BY 2.5 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5)], via Wikimedia Commons.

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Achilles tells Patroklos not to go beyond the limits that he sets for him in these verses. If Patroklos does exceed these limits, as he will, he will lose his shared identity with Achilles.

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The heroic tendency of Achilles to behave as a lone warrior, not as a member of a group of warriors, is comparable to heroic tendencies that play out in the Indic epic known as the Mahābhārata. In that epic, Bhīma is the “loner,” as it were, while Arjuna is the “joiner.” But the characteristic of Achilles as a “loner” is complicated by the fact that Patroklos, so long as he shares his identity with Achilles, likewise behaves as a “loner” in the Iliad.

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lemmatizing: ἔσπετε νῦν μοι Μοῦσαι Ὀλύμπια δώματ' ἔχουσαι

On the use of the plural here, see the comment on I.02.484. I repeat here the translation: ‘tell me now, you Muses who have your dwellings on Mount Olympus’. It has already been noted in the comment on I.11.218- and earlier on I.02.484- that the Master Narrator tends to re-invoke the Muse or the Muses at special moments of poetic self-awareness about the need for high fidelity to tradition. For more on the poetics of re-invocation, see also the comments on I.02.761, I.14.508. Here at I.16.112 the special moment of poetic self-awareness corresponds to the heroic self-awareness of Hector, as analyzed in the comment on I.08.180–183. Since the Muses are the goddesses of poetic memory, their re-invocation by the Master Narrator here at I.16.112 is a fulfillment of the original prediction of Hector: there will be mnēmosunē ‘memory’, I.08.181, of the moment when he will set fire to the beached ships of the Achaeans in the epic Battle for the Ships.

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Here is where it all comes together: what the Muses are re-invoked to sing is ‘how the fire of Hector finally reached the ships of the Achaeans’, I.16.113: ὅππως δὴ πρῶτον πῦρ ἔμπεσε νηυσὶν Ἀχαιῶν.

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Ajax sees, to his horror, that the dreaded moment has arrived. Now that the fire of Hector is about to reach the ships of the Achaeans, the Will of Zeus is finally about to be fulfilled: what Zeus now literally bouletai ‘wills’ is nīkē ‘victory’ for the Trojans, I.16.121. See also HC 4§109, with a survey of all Homeric situations where either Zeus or Athena awards nīkē ‘victory’.

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Ajax makes another strategic partial withdrawal, I.16.122. For an earlier reference to Ajax in the act of withdrawing, see I.15.727–732 and the comment on I.15.704–746. Meanwhile a fiery missile lands on one of the beached ships of the Achaeans, I.16.122–123, and a phlox ‘burst of flame’ envelops the prumnē ‘stern’ of that ship, I.16.123–124. As we know from earlier references to this ship, it had belonged to Protesilaos: see the comment on I.15.704–746. Achilles sees that the beached ship is on fire, and he now urges Patroklos to arm himself and go off to defend the ships from the fire.

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Patroklos wears the armor of Achilles, but he leaves behind that hero’s meliē ‘ash spear’ I.16.143. Only Achilles can wield that weapon, I.16.140–144. The symbolism of this spear corresponds to the myth of the bronze generation of heroes in Hesiod Works and Days 143–151, who were born of ash trees and were made of bronze, just as the shaft of the spear of Achilles is made from an ash tree while the tip is made of bronze. By contrast with the immortalizing armor that Achilles receives from his immortal mother Thetis, he receives the ash spear from his mortal father Peleus. For more on the symbolism of the hero’s ash spear, I recommend Shannon 1975.

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Homer Iliad 16.112

ed. George Chapman

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