Homer, Iliad, ed. Robert Southey, 24.299

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To whom the godlike Priam thus replied.

This exhortation will I not refuse,

380

O Queen! for, lifting to the Gods his hands

In prayer for their compassion, none can err.

So saying, he bade the maiden o'er the rest,

Chief in authority, pour on his hands

Pure water, for the maiden at his side

385

With ewer charged and laver, stood prepared.

He laved his hands; then, taking from the Queen

The goblet, in his middle area stood

Pouring libation with his eyes upturn'd

Heaven-ward devout, and thus his prayer preferr'd.

390

Jove, great and glorious above all, who rulest,

On Ida's summit seated, all below!

Grant me arrived within Achilles' tent

Kindness to meet and pity, and oh send

Thy messenger or ere I go, the bird

395

Thy favourite most, surpassing all in strength,

At my right hand, which seeing, I shall tend

With better hope toward the fleet of Greece.

He ended, at whose prayer, incontinent,

Jove sent his eagle, surest of all signs,

400

The black-plumed bird voracious, Morphnos named,

And Percnos. Wide as the well-guarded door

Of some rich potentate his vans he spread

On either side; they saw him on the right,

Skimming the towers of Troy; glad they beheld

405

That omen, and all felt their hearts consoled.

Delay'd not then the hoary King, but quick

Ascending to his seat, his coursers urged

Through vestibule and sounding porch abroad.

The four-wheel'd litter led, drawn by the mules

410

Which sage Idæus managed, behind whom

Went Priam, plying with the scourge his steeds

Continual through the town, while all his friends,

Following their sovereign with dejected hearts,

Lamented him as going to his death.

415

But when from Ilium's gate into the plain

They had descended, then the sons-in-law

Of Priam, and his sons, to Troy return'd.

Nor they, now traversing the plain, the note

Escaped of Jove the Thunderer; he beheld

420

Compassionate the venerable King,

And thus his own son Mercury bespake.

Mercury! (for above all others thou

Delightest to associate with mankind

Familiar, whom thou wilt winning with ease

425

To converse free,) go thou, and so conduct

Priam into the Greecian camp, that none

Of all the numerous Danaï may see

Or mark him, till he reach Achilles' tent.

Iliad. Homer. ed. Robert Southey. London. 1847.

Current edition Experimental

English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey) (OCR draft) (English) (English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey))

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.) — 24.299 focus

τὴν δʼ ἀπαμειβόμενος προσέφη Πρίαμος θεοειδής·

ὦ γύναι οὐ μέν τοι τόδʼ ἐφιεμένῃ ἀπιθήσω.

300

ἐσθλὸν γὰρ Διὶ χεῖρας ἀνασχέμεν αἴ κʼ ἐλεήσῃ.

ἦ ῥα καὶ ἀμφίπολον ταμίην ὄτρυνʼ ὃ γεραιὸς

χερσὶν ὕδωρ ἐπιχεῦαι ἀκήρατον· ἣ δὲ παρέστη

χέρνιβον ἀμφίπολος πρόχοόν θʼ ἅμα χερσὶν ἔχουσα.

νιψάμενος δὲ κύπελλον ἐδέξατο ἧς ἀλόχοιο·

305

εὔχετʼ ἔπειτα στὰς μέσῳ ἕρκεϊ, λεῖβε δὲ οἶνον

οὐρανὸν εἰσανιδών, καὶ φωνήσας ἔπος ηὔδα·

Ζεῦ πάτερ Ἴδηθεν μεδέων κύδιστε μέγιστε

δός μʼ ἐς Ἀχιλλῆος φίλον ἐλθεῖν ἠδʼ ἐλεεινόν,

πέμψον δʼ οἰωνὸν ταχὺν ἄγγελον, ὅς τε σοὶ αὐτῷ

310

φίλτατος οἰωνῶν, καί εὑ κράτος ἐστὶ μέγιστον,

δεξιόν, ὄφρά μιν αὐτὸς ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖσι νοήσας

τῷ πίσυνος ἐπὶ νῆας ἴω Δαναῶν ταχυπώλων.

ὣς ἔφατʼ εὐχόμενος, τοῦ δʼ ἔκλυε μητίετα Ζεὺς

αὐτίκα δʼ αἰετὸν ἧκε τελειότατον πετεηνῶν

315

μόρφνον θηρητῆρʼ ὃν καὶ περκνὸν καλέουσιν.

ὅσση δʼ ὑψορόφοιο θύρη θαλάμοιο τέτυκται

ἀνέρος ἀφνειοῖο ἐῢ κληῗσʼ ἀραρυῖα,

τόσσʼ ἄρα τοῦ ἑκάτερθεν ἔσαν πτερά· εἴσατο δέ σφι

δεξιὸς ἀΐξας διὰ ἄστεος· οἳ δὲ ἰδόντες

320

γήθησαν, καὶ πᾶσιν ἐνὶ φρεσὶ θυμὸς ἰάνθη.

σπερχόμενος δʼ ὃ γεραιὸς ἑοῦ ἐπεβήσετο δίφρου,

ἐκ δʼ ἔλασε προθύροιο καὶ αἰθούσης ἐριδούπου.

πρόσθε μὲν ἡμίονοι ἕλκον τετράκυκλον ἀπήνην,

τὰς Ἰδαῖος ἔλαυνε δαΐφρων· αὐτὰρ ὄπισθεν

325

ἵπποι, τοὺς ὃ γέρων ἐφέπων μάστιγι κέλευε

καρπαλίμως κατὰ ἄστυ· φίλοι δʼ ἅμα πάντες ἕποντο

πόλλʼ ὀλοφυρόμενοι ὡς εἰ θάνατον δὲ κιόντα.

οἳ δʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν πόλιος κατέβαν, πεδίον δʼ ἀφίκοντο,

οἳ μὲν ἄρʼ ἄψορροι προτὶ Ἴλιον ἀπονέοντο

330

παῖδες καὶ γαμβροί, τὼ δʼ οὐ λάθον εὐρύοπα Ζῆν

ἐς πεδίον προφανέντε· ἰδὼν δʼ ἐλέησε γέροντα,

αἶψα δʼ ἄρʼ Ἑρμείαν υἱὸν φίλον ἀντίον ηὔδα·

Ἑρμεία, σοὶ γάρ τε μάλιστά γε φίλτατόν ἐστιν

ἀνδρὶ ἑταιρίσσαι, καί τʼ ἔκλυες ᾧ κʼ ἐθέλῃσθα,

335

βάσκʼ ἴθι καὶ Πρίαμον κοίλας ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν

ὣς ἄγαγʼ, ὡς μήτʼ ἄρ τις ἴδῃ μήτʼ ἄρ τε νοήσῃ

τῶν ἄλλων Δαναῶν, πρὶν Πηλεΐωνα δʼ ἱκέσθαι.

Translations (7)

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.) — 24.299 focus

Then in answer spake unto her godlike Priam: 300

Wife, I will not disregard this hest of thine; for good is it to lift up hands to Zeus, if so be he will have pity.

Thus spake the old man, and bade the housewife that attended pour over his hands water undefiled; and the handmaid drew nigh bearing in her hands alike basin and ewer. 305 Then, when he had washed his hands, he took the cup from his wife and then made prayer, standing in the midst of thie court, and poured forth the wine, with a look toward heaven, and spake ahoud, saying:

Father Zeus, that rulest from Ida, most glorious, most great, grant that I may come unto Achilles' hut as one to be welcomed and to be pitied; 310 and send a bird of omen, even the swift messenger that to thyself is dearest of birds and is mightiest in strength; let him appear upon my right hand, to the end that, marking the sign with mine own eyes, I may have trust therein, and go my way to the ships of the Danaans of fleet steeds.

So spake he in prayer, and Zeus the Counsellor heard him. 315 Forthwith he sent an eagle, surest of omen among winged birds, the dusky eagle, even the hunter, that men call also the black eagle. Wide as is the door of some rich man's high-roofed treasure-chamber, a door well fitted with bolts, even so wide spread his wings to this side and to that; and he appeared to them on the right, 320 darting across the city. And at sight of him they waxed glad, and the hearts in the breasts of all were cheered. Then the old man made haste and stepped upon his car, and drave forth from the gateway and the echoing portico. In front the mules drew the four-wheeled waggon, 325 driven of wise-hearted Idaeus, and behind came the horses that the old man ever plying the lash drave swiftly through the city; and his kinsfolk all followed wailing aloud as for one faring to his death. But when they had gone down from the city and were come to the plain, 330 back then to Ilios turned his sons and his daughters' husbands; howbeit the twain were not unseen of Zeus, whose voice is borne afar, as they came forth upon the plain, but as he saw the old man he had pity, and forthwith spake to Hermes, his dear son:

Hermes, seeing thou lovest above all others to companion a man, 335 and thou givest ear to whomsoever thou art minded up, go and guide Priam unto the hollow ships of the Achaeans in such wise that no man may see him or be ware of him among all the Damans, until he be come to the son of Peleus.

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.) — 24.314 focus

314 So did he pray, and Zeus the lord of counsel heard his prayer. Forthwith he sent an eagle, the most unerring portent of all birds that fly, the dusky hunter that men also call the Black Eagle. His wings were spread abroad on either side as wide as the well-made and well-bolted door of a rich man's chamber. He came to them flying over the city upon their right hands, and when they saw him they were glad and their hearts took comfort within them. The old man made haste to mount his chariot, and drove out through the inner gateway and under the echoing gatehouse of the outer court. Before him went the mules drawing the four-wheeled wagon, and driven by wise Idaios; behind these were the horses, which the old man lashed with his whip and drove swiftly through the city,

327 while his friends followed after, wailing and lamenting for him as though he were on his road to death. As soon as they had come down from the city and had reached the plain, his sons and sons-in-law who had followed him went back to Ilion .

331 But Priam and Idaios as they showed out upon the plain did not escape the ken of all-seeing Zeus, who looked down upon the old man and pitied him; then he spoke to his son Hermes and said, "Hermes, for it is you who are the most disposed to escort men on their way, and to hear those whom you will hear, go, and so conduct Priam to the ships of the Achaeans that no other of the Danaans shall see him nor take note of him until he reach the son of Peleus."

339 Thus he spoke and Hermes, guide and guardian, slayer of Argos , did as he was told. Forthwith he bound on his glittering golden sandals with which he could fly like the wind over land and sea; he took the wand with which he seals men's eyes in sleep, or wakes them just as he pleases, and flew holding it in his hand till he came to Troy and to the Hellespont . To look at, he was like a young man of noble birth in the hey-day of his youth and beauty with the down just coming upon his face.

349 Now when Priam and Idaios had driven past the great tomb [ sêma] of Ilion , they stayed their mules and horses that they might drink in the river, for the shades of night were falling, when, therefore, Idaios saw Hermes standing near them he said to Priam, "Take heed, descendant of Dardanos ; here is matter which demands consideration [ noos]. I see a man who I think will presently fall upon us; let us flee with our horses, or at least embrace his knees and implore him to take compassion upon us?

357 When he heard this the old man's heart [ noos] failed him, and he was in great fear; he stayed where he was as one dazed, and the hair stood on end over his whole body; but the bringer of good luck came up to him and took him by the hand, saying, "Whither, father, are you thus driving your mules and horses in the dead of night when other men are asleep?

364 Are you not afraid of the fierce Achaeans who are hard by you, so cruel and relentless? Should some one of them see you bearing so much treasure through the darkness of the fleeing night, what would not your state of mind [ noos] then be? You are no longer young, and he who is with you is too old to protect you from those who would attack you. For myself, I will do you no harm, and I will defend you from any one else, for you remind me of my own father."

372 And Priam answered, "It is indeed as you say, my dear son; nevertheless some god has held his hand over me, in that he has sent such a wayfarer as yourself to meet me so Opportunely; you are so comely in mien and figure, and your judgment [ noos] is so excellent that you must come of blessed parents."

English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020)) — 24.299 focus

And Priam the godlike answered, [300] “Wife, I will do as you desire me; it is well to lift hands in prayer to Zeus, if so be he may have mercy upon me.” With this the old man bade the serving-woman pour pure water over his hands, and the woman came, bearing the water in a bowl. [305] He washed his hands and took the cup from his wife; then he made the drink-offering and prayed, standing in the middle of the courtyard and turning his eyes to heaven. “Father Zeus,” he said, “you who rule from Ida, most glorious and most great, grant that I may be received kindly and compassionately in the tents of Achilles; and send your swift messenger upon my right hand, [310] the bird of omen which is strongest and most dear to you of all birds, that I may see it with my own eyes and trust it as I go forth to the ships of the fast-mounted Danaans.”

So did he pray, and Zeus, the lord of counsel, heard his prayer. [315] Right then and there he sent an eagle, the most unerring portent of all birds that fly, the dusky hunter that men also call the Black Eagle. His wings were spread abroad on either side as wide as the well-made and well-bolted door of a rich man’s chamber. [320] He came to them flying over the city upon their right hands, and when they saw him they were glad and their hearts took comfort within them. The old man made haste to mount his chariot, and drove out through the inner gateway and under the echoing gatehouse of the outer court. Before him went the mules drawing the four-wheeled wagon, [325] and driven by high-spirited Idaios; behind these were the horses, which the old man lashed with his whip and drove swiftly through the city, while his friends followed after, wailing and lamenting for him as though he were on his road to death. As soon as they had come down from the city and had reached the plain, [330] his sons and sons-in-law who had followed him went back to Ilion.

But Priam and Idaios as they showed out upon the plain did not escape the ken of all-seeing Zeus of the wide brows, who looked down upon the old man and pitied him; then he spoke to his beloved son Hermes and said, “Hermes, [335] for it is you who are the most disposed to escort men on their way, and to hear those whom you will hear, go, and so conduct Priam to the ships of the Achaeans that no other of the Danaans shall see him nor take note of him until he reach the son of Peleus.” Thus he spoke and strong

English (William Cullen Bryant, 1870) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cullen Bryant, 1870)) — 24.299 focus

And thus the godlike Priam made reply:

"Dear wife, indeed, I will not disobey

Thy counsel; meet it is to raise our hands

385

To Jove, and ask him to be merciful."

He spake, and bade the attendant handmaid pour

Pure water on his hands, for near him stood

A maid who came and held a basin forth

And ewer. When his hands were washed, he took

390

The goblet from the queen, and then, in prayer,

Stood in the middle of the court, and poured

The wine, and, looking heavenward, spake aloud:-

"O Father Jove, most glorious and most great,

Who rulest all from Ida, let me find

395

Favor and pity with Achilles. Send

A messenger, thy own swift, favorite bird,

Of matchless strength, on my right hand, that I,

Beholding him, may confidently pass

To where the fleet of the Greek horsemen lies!"

400

Thus in his prayer he spake, and Jupiter,

The All-disposer, hearkened, and sent forth

An eagle, bird of surest augury,

Named the Black Chaser, and by others called

Percnos, with wings as broad as is the door

405

Skilfully fashioned for the lofty hall

Of some rich man, and fastened with a bolt.

Such ample wings he spread on either side

As townward on the right they saw him fly.

They saw and they rejoiced; their hearts grew light

410

Within their bosoms. Then the aged king

Hastened to mount the polished car, and drave

Through vestibule and echoing porch. The mules,

Harnessed to draw the four-wheeled car, went first,

Driven by the sage Idæus; after them,

415

The horses, urged by Priam with the lash

Rapidly through the city. All his friends

Followed lamenting, as for one who went

To meet his death. And now when they had reached

The plain descending from the town, the sons

420

And sons-in-law of Priam all returned

To Ilium, and the twain proceeded on,

Yet not unmarked by all-beholding Jove,

Who, moved with pity for the aged man,

Turned to his well-beloved son and said: -

425

English (Alexander Pope, 1720, ed. Watson, 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Alexander Pope, 1720, ed. Watson, 1857)) — 24.299 focus

‘'Tis just’ (said Priam) ‘to the Sire above

‘To raise our hands; for who so good as Jove?’

370

He spoke, and bade th' attendant handmaid bring

The purest water of the living spring;

(Her ready hands the ewer and bason held;)

Then took the golden cup his queen had fill'd;

On the mid pavement pours the rosy wine,

375

Uplifts his eyes, and calls the power divine:

‘Oh first and greatest! heaven's imperial lord!

‘On lofty Ida's holy hill ador'd!

‘To stern Achilles now direct my ways,

‘And teach him mercy when a father prays.

380

‘If such thy will, despatch from yonder sky

‘Thy sacred bird, celestial augury!

‘Let the strong sovereign of the plumy race

‘Tower on the right of yon ethereal space:

‘So shall thy suppliant, strengthen'd from above,

385

‘Fearless pursue the journey mark'd by Jove.’

Jove heard his prayer, and from the throne on high

Despatch'd his bird, celestial augury!

The swift-wing'd chaser of the feather'd game,

And known to gods by Percnos'¹ lofty name.

390

Wide as appears some palace-gate display'd,

So broad his pinions stretch'd their ample shade,

As, stooping dexter with resounding wings,

Th' imperial bird descends in airy rings.

A dawn of joy in every face appears;

395

The mourning matron dries her timorous tears.

Swift on his car th' impatient monarch sprung;

The brazen portal in his passage rung.

The mules preceding draw the loaded wain,

Charged with the gifts; Idæus holds the rein:

400

The king himself his gentle steeds controls,

And through surrounding friends the chariot rolls;

On his slow wheels the following people wait,

Mourn at each step, and give him up to fate;

With hands uplifted, eye him as he pass'd,

405

And gaze upon him as they gaz'd their last.

Now forward fares the father on his way,

Through the lone fields, and back to Ilion they.

Great Jove beheld him as he cross'd the plain,

And felt the woes of miserable man.

410

Then thus to Hermes: ‘Thou, whose constant cares

‘Still succour mortals, and attend their prayers!

‘Behold an object to thy charge consign'd;

‘If ever pity touch'd thee for mankind,

‘Go, guard the sire; th' observing foe prevent,

415

‘And safe conduct him to Achilles' tent.’

English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843)) — 24.299 focus

And Priam then to Hecuba replied,

This counsel, wife, of yours with reason stands.

Jove pleased is when to him men look up.

For water then he call'd and wash'd his hands,

And from his wife received the golden cup.

280

Then looking up to heav'n, O Jove, said he,

Of all the Gods most glorious, high, and great,

Grant me that I may well received be

B' Achilles at his tent, and well retreat.

And that thereof I may be confident,

285

Now show me of your bird a lucky flight.

This said, Jove presently an eagle sent,

Of colour spotted over black and white.

As wide as is a prince's gate or more,

So wide her wings the mighty eagle spreads,

290

And as it over Ilium did soar,

The people joy'd to see it o'er their heads.

The old man then went up into his seat,

And through the city to the plain did pass.

The waggon wherein lay the treasure great

295

Before him driven by Idaeus was.

And so far went his sons, and sons-in-law;

And then return'd again into the city.

When Jupiter upon the way him saw

In this estate, he moved was with pity ;

300

And unto Hermes turn'd his eyes and said,

Since you men's company do most frequent,

And whom you will can quickly hear and aid,

Go and guide Priam to Achilles' tent.

But so as to be seen by none, until

305

He thither safely come. And Mercury

No sooner understood his father's will

But sets himself about it willingly.

English (George Chapman, 1611, ed. Hooper 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (George Chapman, 1611, ed. Hooper 1857)) — 24.299 focus

"This I refuse not," he replied, "for no faith is so great

In Jove's high favour but it must with held-up hands intreat."

275

This said, the chambermaid that held the ewer and basin by

He bad pour water on his hands; when, looking to the sky,

He took the bowl, did sacrifice, and thus implor'd: “O Jove,

From Ida using thy commands, in all deserts above

All other Gods, vouchsafe me safe, and pity in the sight

280

Of great Achilles; and, for trust to that wish'd grace, excite

Thy swift-wing'd Messenger, most strong, most of air's region lov'd,

To soar on my right hand; which sight may firmly see approv'd

Thy former summons, and my speed." He pray'd, and heaven's King heard,

And instantly cast from his fist air's all-commanding bird,

285

The black-wing'd huntress, perfectest of all fowls, which Gods call

Percnos, the eagle. And how broad the chamber nuptial

Of any mighty man hath doors, such breadth cast either wing,

Which now she us'd, and spread them wide on right hand of the king.

All saw it, and rejoic'd, and up to chariot he arose,

290

Drave forth, the portal and the porch resounding as he goes.

His friends all follow'd him, and mourn'd as if he went to die;

And bringing him past town to field, all left him; and the eye

Of Jupiter was then his guard, who pitied him, and us'd

These words to Hermes : "Mercury, thy help hath been profus'd

295

Ever with most grace in consorts of travellers distress'd,

Now consort Priam to the fleet; but so, that not the least

Suspicion of him be attain'd, till at Achilles' tent

The convoy hath arriv'd him safe."

Notes on the current edition

Iliad

1. The words both signify—sable.

New Alexandria Commentaries

Douglas Frame

reference to same lines in similar thematic connection in Il. XXIV.328

source

reference to location and time (sunset) of Herme’s meeting with Priam, the tomb if Ilus. Indication of Priam’s ransom of Hector as a to the underworld and consequent ‘return to life’ [MRBTP: 'ff']

source

quoted and translated; analysis of the role of nóos in the encounter between Priam and Hermes

source

quoted and translated; analysis of the role of nóos in the encounter between Priam and Hermes

source

quoted and translated; analysis of the role of nóos in the encounter between Priam and Hermes

source

quoted and translated; analysis of the role of nóos in the encounter between Priam and Hermes

source

Gregory Nagy

The Iliad ends with the funeral of Hector, not of Achilles. And it is Hector, not Achilles, who is lamented at the end. But it is Achilles who makes it all happen, since he has transcended his rage and has shown mercy to an old father. The tears of Priam had made Achilles think of his own old father, of his own ancestors—and of Patroklos, who embodied the glories of the ancestors. Achilles was looking bad at the beginning of Iliad 23 and even at the beginning of Iliad 24, but he looks very good by the time Iliad 24 comes to a close.

draft js image error Mourners lament as Hector’s corpse is laid out in preparation for the funeral that closes Iliad Rhapsody 24. Copperplate etching (1795) by Tommaso Piroli, after a drawing (1793) by John Flaxman. Image via Wikimedia Commons.

source

In speaking to Priam, the god Hermes disguises himself as a therapōn of Achilles. It is as if he were the spirit of the dead Patroklos, the other self of Achilles himself.

source

See again the comment on I.24.393.

source

Leonard Muellner

comment on overlap between Hermes and Athena (here, Athena’s wearing Hermes’ sandals), in the context of analyzing her reminding of Hermes in O.13.221ff.

source

comparison of Greek formulas for asking a person’s identity with Avestan and Indic parallels, as well as genos eukhesthai einai formulas

source

comparison of Greek formulas for asking a person’s identity with Avestan and Indic parallels, as well as genos eukhesthai einai formulas

source

Homer Iliad 24.299

ed. Robert Southey

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