BOOK XIII
WHEN to the galleys Jove had thus
brought Hector and the Troians,
1
There left he either host with toil
and wearisome disaster
To struggle: but himself away
his beaming eyen turned,
Gazing upon the distant land
of Thrake's horseman people,
The Mœsians close-combating
and lordly-soul'd Mare-milkers,
5
Justest of men, who feed on milk,
nor martial weapon handle.
But he no longer unto Troy
his beaming eyen turned :
For surely in his heart he deem'd,
that none of the immortals
To Troians or to Danaï
for battle-aid would venture.
Nor was a fruitless outlook kept
by the landshaking ruler:
10
For he too held a lofty seat,
the hardy war admiring,
Upon the topmost pinnacle
of woody Samo-Thrake;
Whence, open to the view, appear'd
Ida, and Priam's city,
And galleys of the Danaï :
so, from the wave emerging,
1
Hither he hied him, pitying
the Argives, by the Troians
15
Sore worsted; and with Jupiter
was mightily indignant:
Then from the mountain's craggy highth
incontinent descended
With foot outstriding rapidly.
The forest and long ridges
Shiver'd beneath the immortal tread
of Neptune onward hasting.
Three steps he made; and with the fourth
he reach'd his goal at Ægae;
20
Ægae, within whose lake profound
are builded to his honour
Golden abodes illustrious,
that sparkle undecaying.
Hither arriv'd, beneath the yoke
he shot his heav'nly coursers,
Brazen of foot and swift to fly,
with golden manes longstreaming.
He on his own immortal skin
with gold was clad; and grasping
25
The golden lash's canny weight,
on his own seat he mounted,
And o'er the billows 'gan him drive.
From all their caverns rising,
The ocean-monsters well beknew
their lord, and frisk'd around him.
The sea with gladness op'd its lap,
as those immortal coursers
Skimm'd o'er it; nor was, underneath,
the brazen axle wetted.
30
So him the lightlybounding steeds
bare to the Achaian galleys.
Within the water's secret depth
an ample cavern lieth,
In midway course from Tenedos
and craggy-clifted Imbros.
Here Neptune, shaker of the earth,
his steeds' career arrested,
And loos'd them from the yoke,
and cast ambrosial fodder near them
35
For pasture; and around their feet
he tackled golden fetters,
Proof against mighty blows or craft;
that they, their lord awaiting,
Might firm abide, the while he went
unto the Achaian army.
With Hector, son of Priamus,
the thicklygather'd Troians,
Went, like to flame or like a squall,
immeasurably eager,
40
And roar'd and skirl'd in unison;
and ever hop'd to capture
The Argive galleys, and to slay,
beside them, all the Achaians.
But Neptune, earth-encircling god,
land-shaker,-like to Calchas
In shape and voice unwearièd,
out of the deep sea coming,
45
The Argives rous'd; and first address'd
the Ajaces, alway eager:
"Ajaces! verily ye twain
will save the Achaian people,
If ye remember bravery
and not benumbing terror.
For, tho' the Troians in a crowd
have scal'd the mighty rampart,
Yet I their hands intractable
in other places fear not:
50
Sith-that the Achaians dapper-greav'd
avail to stay their onset.
But here, with terrible dismay
I grimly dread disaster,
Where, like to flame celestial,
this frantic man is captain,
Hector, who vaunteth him a son
of Jove supremely mighty.
O would some god this argument
within your bosom stablish,
55
Yourselves right sturdily to hold,
and urge the other people!
Then, let him rush his worst, but ye
from the swiftcoursing galleys
Would dash him, even if himself
the Olympian incite him."
This said; the earth-encircling god,
land-shaker, with his sceptre
Smote both of them, and fill'd them full
with heart-inspiring vigour.
60
Their limbs, both feet and hands above,
- nimble he made and buxom.
Himself,-as darteth on its flight
a rapid-winged falcon,
Which, bent another bird to chase
along the boundless champaign,
Soareth from some farreaching ledge
of precipices stormcapt;
So, parting from their company,
land-shaking Neptune soared.
65
Of them, Oïleus' agile son
first knew the voice of heaven,
And to the son of Telamon
his thought did instant utter:
"Ajax! sith in an augur's shape
some god, from high Olympus
Descending, biddeth thee and me
to combat by the galleys:-
Nor troth! is he our oracle
and omen-speller Calchas.
70
For, as he started, clear I mark'd
the traces of his footstep;
And gods, tho' gods they be,
to men are easy of discernment.
Yee, and myself do feel within
thro' all my deepest bosom
Fresh purposes of warlike deeds
kindled; and every member,
Both feet below and hands above,
are fill'd with noble vigour."
75
Then Ajax, son of Telamon,
accosted him responsive:
"Eke unto me hath he bestirred
the spirit; and beneath me
Both feet spring forward; and my hands
intractable are frantic,
Grasping the spear; and e'en alone
I hanker for the combat
With Hector Priam's son,
tho' he be measureless in fury."
80
Thus they reciprocal exchang'd
betwixt themselves discourses,
Rejoicing in the hero-glee,
wherewith the god inspired them.
Meanwhile the Earth-encompasser
arous'd the hindmost Argives,
Who to the galley-side withdrawn
their tender heart recruited.
But now their sinews were unstrung
by all-oppressing travail,
85
And anguish rose within their heart
to see the sight of terror,
When in a crowd the Troïans
had scal'd the mighty rampart.
Gazing at these, big tears they dropt,
nor thought to scape the mischief:
But the Earth-shaker entering
soon rous'd the stout battalions.
90
To Teucer first and Leïtus
with exhortation came he,
To Thoas and Peneleos
and Deipyrus the hero,
Antilochus and Merion,
sage counsellors of onset.
Then he, to stir their bravery,
did winged accents utter:
"O shame! ye Argives, tender boys!
on you in sooth I trusted
95
By deeds of valiant enterprize
our galleys to deliver.
But if ye slackly take in hand
the mournful work of battle,
Now do we see our day of doom
to fall beneath the Troians.
Good Spirits! troth, a marvel great
doth here my eyes encounter,
Dreadful; of which the complishment
never my heart expected;-
100
That men of Troy have hardihood
to reach the ships of Argos;
Men, who were like to timid hinds before;
which in the forest
To panthers or to wolves become,
or to wild dogs, a quarry,
Helpless at random wandering,
of battle-glee unconscious;
So heretofore the Troïans,
with Argive might confronted,
105
Knew not our onset to abide
for e'en a scanty moment;
But now, far from their walls they fight,
hard by the hollow galleys,
For-that perverse our leader is,
and negligent our people,
Who, quarrelling with him, refuse
for the seacoursing galleys
To battle valiantly, and now
themselves are slain beside them.
110
But if the widely ruling king,
the hero Agamemnon,
In very truth is blameable,
for-that he hath dishonour'd
Pelides fleet of foot; yet we
nowise should be neglectful,
But heal the mischief: healsome are
the bosoms of the noble.
115
Nor ye neglectful well may be
of furious encounter,
Who all are bravest in the host:
but if a sorry fighter
Were slack in battle, never I
with such a man would wrangle
Or blame; but verily with you
from soul am I indignant.
O gentle hearts! by this neglect
some worser ill ye haply
120
May bring on us: but, each of you,
both Shame and Indignation
Within his bosom print: for lo!
a mighty strife is risen.
For now doth Hector, good at need,
beside the galleys combat,
Direful; who hath the mighty bar
and portal-panels shatter'd."
Goading the Argive spirit thus,
the Earth-encircler urg'd them.
125
Then stood, around the Ajaces twain,
the closely-wedg'd battalions,
Stubborn; which neither Ares nor
Athene people-stirrer
Reviewing, would disparage them:
for, the selected bravest
Did here against the Troïans
and godlike Hector's onset
Stand firm, and fenced spear with spear,
buckler to buckler closing.
130
So helmet was by helmet screen'd
and buckler propt by buckler,
And warriour by warriour:
the horsetail-helmets waving
With ridges bright each other touch'd:
so thick they stood together.
The javelins were like to kiss,
when sturdy hands would wield them,
But the men's hearts were gone in front,
and burn'd to join the battle.
135
Forward in plump the Troians rush'd;
for at their head was Hector,
Frantic with purpose of assault;
as may a massy boulder
Roll o'er the margin of a cliff,
if tempest-swollen torrents
Have wrench'd the brute crag's fastenings
by countless gush of waters :
Aloft it bounceth: with the shock
the forest boometh hollow:
140
But it with unimpeded swing
careereth, till it lighteth
On the flat plain; nor farther then
may all its impulse roll it :
So Hector's mighty rush, awhile,
unto the water's margin
Threaten'd to reach, right thro' the tents
and galleys of the Achaians,
Slaying: but when he lighted on
the closely wedg'd battalions,
145
He paus'd, full near them: for in front
the children of Achaia,
With swords and with twohanded pikes
against his bosom stabbing,
Kept him to measur'd distance off:
so to retreat they drave him.
Then shouted he with piercing voice
to all the Troian army:
"Dardans, who hand to hand contend,
and Lycians, and Troians!
150
Stand firmly by my side: not long
the Achaïans shall stay me,
Albeit tower-wise in sooth
they dress themselves for battle.
But they (I reckon) will retire
beneath my spear, if truly
Me hath the chief of gods impell'd,
loud-rumbling lord of Juno."
He, by such words, in every breast
spirit and strength excited.
155
But Priam's son Deïphobus
mid them with haughty spirit
Did march, and forward held his shield,
which equal was on all sides,
Under its covert stealthily
with tripping gait advancing.
But Merion with shining spear
took faithful aim against him,
And hit him on the tough bullhide,
which equal was on all sides:
160
Nor might he pierce it thro', for first
the lengthy spear was broken
Low in the shaft: yet far aloof
Deïphobus did hurtle
The leathern buckler from his side,
in terror, lest the weapon
Of skilfulhearted Merion
might reach him. But the hero
Retreated to his comrade troop;
and grimly was indignant
165
Alike for ruin'd victory
and for his broken weapon.
Then hied he him, along the tents
and galleys of the Achaians,
Out of his proper tent to fetch,
a lance which there he treasur'd.
Meanwhile, the others join'd in fight,
and clamour rose incessant.
Then Teucer, son of Telamon,
was first to slay a hero,
170
The spearman Imbrius, a son
of Mentor rich in horses.
Ere-that Achaia's children came,
his dwelling was Pedæus,
And Medecasta was his bride,
a meaner child of Priam.
But when the Danaï appear'd
with easy-steering galleys,
Back came he then to Ilium,
and was among the Troians
175
Signal, and dwelt in Priam's court,
honour'd as Priam's children.
Him Teucer reach'd beneath the ear
with thrust of lengthy weapon,
And back withdrew it: then, as falls
an ashtree by the woodman,
Which on a farseen mountain's top
its tender leaves lays prostrate;
180
So did he fall: and round him clash'd
his brass-belayed armour.
Then rush'd the son of Telamon,
eager to strip his harness,
But with the shining javelin
against him Hector darted.
He, seeing it, by scanty space
the brazen point avoided,
Which deadly on the bosom struck
Amphimachus, the offspring
185
Of Cteatus Actorides
returning to the battle:
So with a loud crash down he dropt,
and o'er him clang'd his armour.
Then Hector from the hero's head
would rush to snatch the helmet
Of mighty-soul'd Amphimachus,
wellfitted to his temples:
But Ajax with the shining spear
at Hector thrust; nor pierc'd him:
190
(For all his flesh with dreadful brass
was sheathed :) but he goaded
The buckler's boss right sturdily,
and into distance drave him
From both the corpses: these forthwith
the Achaians drew toward them.
Amphimachus by Stichius
and by divine Menestheus,
195
Leaders of Athens, mid the host
of Danaï was carried;
Imbrius, by the Ajaces twain,
for fierce encounter eager.
As when from dogs with jagged fangs
in thickets of a forest
Two lions snatch a goat; aloft
within their jaws they bear it,
200
Raising it from the ground; so him
the twain fullarm'd Ajaces
Carried aloft, then stript his arms:
but next, Oïleus' offspring
In anger for Amphimachus
his tender neck beheaded,
And sent the sever'd head to whirl,
ball-wise, among the people:
So down into the dust it came
before the feet of Hector.
205
Then Neptune, shaker of the earth,
was, deep in soul, embitter'd,
To see his grandson perishing
in grim embrace of foemen,
And hied to go along the tents
and galleys of the Achaians,
To whet the souls of Danaï;
and plotted woe to Troians.
Him presently Idomeneus
the spear-renown'd encounter'd,
210
Returning from a comrade's tent,
whom his companions newly
Bare from the war, beneath the ham
by a sharp weapon pierced.
On the chirurgeons had he
laid charge, and forth was coming :
For still to meet the war he burn'd.
Him the Land-shaking power
215
Accosted; but in voice he seem'd
Thoas, Andraemon's offspring,
Who, over lofty Calydon
and in wide Pleuron, ruled
The Ætolians; and by the folk,
e'en as a god, did honour.
"Idomeneus, high councillor
of Cretans! whither vanish
The threats, which once at Troïans
Achaia's children utter'd?"
220
To him in turn Idomeneus,
the Cretan leader answer'd:
"No man, I reckon, is in fault:
O Thoas, all are valiant.
No heartless fear possesseth us,
nor yet, to sloth compliant,
Doth any Argive basely shun
dire battle: but, it seemeth,
225
By Saturn's overmatching child
this issue is determin'd,
That far from Argos, shorn of fame,
the Achaians here should perish.
But Thoas! to withstand the foe
thou heretofore wast alway
Alert, and eke dost others urge,
whomso thou seest idle;
Now, more than ever, stir thee well,
and one by one exhort them."
230
Then Neptune, shaker of the earth,
accosted him responsive:
"Idomeneus! oh may that man
never from soil of Troas
Safely return, but here to dogs
become a joyful portion,
Whoever this day willingly
neglectful is of battle.
But hither hie thee quick, and take
thy arms, and let us sally
235
In speed; if haply only two
may yet achieve some succour.
Consorted valour tells for much;
yea, e'en of sorry fighters:
2
But thou and I are trained, eke
against the brave to quit us."
Thus
This said, again the god was mix'd
amid the toil of heroes.
But soon as e'er Idomeneus
his wellmade tent had enter'd,
240
He donn'd his beauteous arms, and gat
two javelins, and hurried
In fashion as a lightning-bolt,
which Saturn's offspring, grasping
With hand resplendent, brandisheth
from summit of Olympus,
Showing a sign to mortal men ;
and brilliant are its flashes :
So brilliant was the brass, upon
the running prince's bosom.
245
Nor distant from the tent was he,
when lo! he met returning
Meriones, his comely squire,
who for a brazen weapon
Would come: then great Idomeneus
accosted his companion :
"O son of Molus, Merion
fleet-footed, dearest comrade,
Why hither coming leavest thou
the war and foeman's bargain?
250
Art haply somewhere wounded, and
the weapon's point doth rack thee?
Or com'st in errand after me?
nor troth! myself do hanker
Idle within my tents to sit,
but sturdily to combat."
Thereat the sage Meriones
accosted him responsive :
"Idomeneus, high councillor
of brazencoated Cretans,
255
In quest return I, if perchance
within thy tents thou leavest
A spear: for that which heretofore
I wielded, have we broken
Against the shield of Priam's son,
Deïphobus the haughty."
To him in turn Idomeneus,
the Cretan leader, answer'd:
"Spears, if it list thee, thou in sooth
shalt find or one or twenty,
260
Standing together in my tent
against the splendid frontings;
Which from the slaughter'd Troïans
I rifle: nor regard I
From far to skirmish with the foe:
and therefore have I plenty
Of helms and corslets laughing bright
and spears and bossy bucklers."
Thereat the sage Meriones
accosted him responsive:
265
"Eke unto me beside my tent
and in my dusky galley
Are many Troian spoils; but now
too far they lie to take them :
For neither (as I trow) myself
forgetful am of prowess,
But do among the foremost stand
in man-ennobling combat,
270
When in embattled warriours
dire controversy riseth.
If haply to some other man
of brazencloak'd Achaians
My battle be unseen, yet thou
(I ween) thyself dost know it."
To him in turn Idomeneus,
the Cretan leader, answer'd:
"What is thy valour, well I know:
such argument is needless:
275
For if beside the galleys now
we all, whoe'er are bravest,
Were pick'd for ambuscade, wherein
men's worth is best distinguish'd,
Where dastard men and valorous
are clearly seen asunder :--
(For oft the coward changeth hue,
nor may his soul be steady;
280
From knee to knee he shifteth him,
and feet beneath him foldeth,
His heart within him, boding doom,
throbbyth; his teeth do chatter :
While-that the brave man changeth not
his hue, nor greatly knoweth
Tremor, when he with comrade-men
the ambuscade hath enter'd,
285
But only prayeth speedily
in mournful brunt to mingle :)
Not even there might any man
thy heart and hands disparage.
For if, in mell of battle, thou
by dart or thrust_wert wounded,
Not from behind the blow would light,
but in thy breast or belly,
290
While onward rushing to the van
for converse with the foremost.
But come (lest some indignant be
and arrogant), no longer
Stand we, as prating simpletons,
such argument to reckon :
But hie thee to my tent, and there
pick out a sturdy weapon."
He spake, and eager Merion,
an equipoise to Ares,
295
Clutching from out the tent a spear,
after his leader darted.
In guise as Ares, pest to man,
moveth to war, and with him
Terror, his darling son, is seen,
both stalwart and unflinching,
Who even in a hardy soul
doth damp the battle's ardour:
300
But they from Thrace accoutre them,
twixt Ephyri to parley
And mightyhearted Phlegyes;
nor yet to both the armies
Alike may listen, but to one
give eminence of glory :
Such then proceeded to the war
those captains of the Argives,
Idomeneus and Merion,
with flaming brass accoutred.
305
To him thereon Meriones
did first his question utter:
"O son of Deucalus, whereat
willest the crowd to enter?
Whether toward the right of all,
or midmost of the army,
Or, as I ween, toward the left ?
for nowhere else so sorely
Doth want of champions distress
the streaminghair'd Achaians."
310
To him in turn Idomeneus,
the Cretan leader, answer'd:
"At midmost of the galleys stand
eke other chiefs to succour, -
3
The Ajaces twain, and Teucer, who
in archery is signal
Mid all Achaians, and alike
brave in the standing-conflict.
These will a glut of turmoil give
(tho' stalwart be his valour)
315
To Hector, son of Priamus,
now rushing into battle.
And frantic as his purpose is,
hard will he find the effort
Their hands and hearts intractable
to quell, and burn our galleys,
Unless Saturnius himself
cast flaming brands upon them.
320
Great Ajax, son of Telamon,
to none of men is second
Who mortal may of fabric be
and eat the fruit of Ceres,
Whose body may by pointed brass
and mighty stones be wounded.
Not hero-crushing Achileus
would carry vantage from him
In standing combat; speed alone
preeminent he claimeth.
325
Keep we to leftward of the host;
so shall we know full quickly,
Whether we glory may achieve,
or glory yield to some one."
He spake; and eager Merion,
an equipoise to Ares,
Led in the path, until they reach'd
amid the leftward army.
They, when Idomeneus they saw,
like to a flame in fury,-
330
Himself and his attendant, girt
in all their curious armour, —
They all in scuffle rush'd on him
with mutual exhorting;
And opposite the outmost ships
their strife was poised even.
As when by might of whistling winds
tornadoes haste together,
In season when along the roads
the dust is thickly heaped,
335
And mist promiscuous doth rise;
so did their battle thicken,
Dark and embroil'd: and mutual
they burn'd in heart for carnage.
With long fleshgashing pikes of brass
the mortal combat bristled,
And eyes were blinn'd by brazen gleam
from newly polish'd corslets
And beaming shields and flashing helms,
as close they came together.
340
Hard were the heart, which saw such toil
with gladness, not with sorrow.
Diverse in spirit and in aim,
two mighty sons of Saturn
345
Were for the hero-warriours
dire misery devising.
Jove, as I said, will'd victory
for Hector and the Troians
To glorify swift Achileus;
nor wholly yet he listed
Before the walls of Ilium
the Achaian host to perish:
But Thetis would he glorify
and her highhearted offspring.
350
And Neptune, from the hoary brine
in close disguise emerging,
Bestirr'd the Argives, passing thro';
vex'd that they sore were worsted
By Troians; and with Jupiter
was mightily indignant.
Truly of both, the breed was one;
one and the same their birthplace;
But Jupiter was elder born,
and wider was his knowledge.
355
Therefore in manifest array
did Neptune shun to succour,
But alway stealthily the ranks
bestirr'd, in mortal figure.
So they, alternate, both ways haul'd
the cable tough and stubborn
Of strife and war all-levelling
which many knees unstringeth.
360
Then, shouting to the Danaï
and on the Troians leaping,
Idomeneus, tho' ting'd with grey,
began the rout of foemen,
In-that Othryoneus he slew;
who at the battle-rumour
Was newly from Cabesus come,
and had his home in Troas,
And sued Cassandra for his bride,
of Priam's daughters fairest;
365
Nor other dower proffered,
but pledg'd a great achievement,
That he from Troas-land perforce
would drive Achaia's children.
To this the aged Priamus
assented, and behote him
The royal damsel: so he fought,
on that behest reliant.
Aiming at him, Idomeneus
with shining weapon derted,
370
And hit him as he lofty strode,
and pierc'd him thro' the body;
Nor did the corslet aught avail,
which, wrought of brass, encas'd him:
So with a loud crash down he dropt. Thereat the victor boasted :
"Thee chiefly of the sons of men, Othryoneus! extol I,
If truly thou wilt all achieve,
which lately thou behotest
To Priam, sprung from Dardanus;
who pledg'd to thee his daughter.
375
We too behest would make to thee,
and faithfully perform it,
To lead from Argos as thy bride,
of Agamemnon's daughters
Whoso may fairest be of form;
if that with us thou capture
(In sooth) and pillage Ilium,
the thickly-peopled fortress.
But off! with me! so shall we make
at our seacoursing galleys
380
The marriage-compact; sith-that we
of dower are not stingy."
So spake Idomeneus, and tugg'd,
mid the hardy struggle,
His foeman by the foot: thereon
came Asius for vengeance,
Afoot before his coursers. These
his charioteer attendant
385
Kept at his shoulders, breathing hot:
but while the hero hanker'd
To hit Idomeneus, himself
was earlier arrested,
4
Pierc'd by the Cretan javelin,
which through his weazand issued.
Then toppled he, as may an oak
or some white poplar topple,
Or pine upon the mountain-side
tall shooting, which for timber
390
Ship-carpenters have inly chopt
with newly whetted axes:
So he, before his chariot
and coursers, lay extended,
Gnashing his teeth, -the gory dust
with hand convulsive clutching.
But of the wits, which erst he had,
the charioteer was stricken;
Nor heart retained he enough
to scape the hands of foemen,
395
Wheeling his coursers; thereupon
Antilochus war-biding,
Hit him with skilful javelin,
and pierc'd him thro' the body :
Nor did the corslet aught avail,
which, wrought of brass, encas'd him:
So from the well-wrought chariot
he fell, and gasp'd expiring.
The coursers by Antilochus,
son of great-hearted Nestor,
400
Were from the Troians driven to
the dapper-greav'd Achaians.
Then close against Idomeneus
Deïphobus advancing
Stung by the loss of Asius,
with shining weapon darted.
The Cretan saw it opposite,
and stoop'd to shun its fury,
Hiding beneath his ample shield;
which equal was on all sides,
405
And by the turner's skill was cas'd
with dazzling brass and leather
Of sturdy bull-hide, and within
with double guide was fitted.
Snug under covert here he crouch'd,
the while the flying danger
Pass'd over; but the buckler jarr'd
with harsh and hollow tinkle,
Graz'd by the spear: nor vainly then
from his broad hand it issued,
410
But hit a shepherd of the folk,
Hippasides Hypsenor,
Where lies the liver neath the heart;
and straight unstrung his sinews.
Then loudly cried Deïphobus
with marvellous rejoicing:
"In truth not unaveng'd in turn
lies Asius: but wending
Unto the portals tightly barr'd
of Aïdes the stubborn,
415
He will (I ween) rejoice; sith I
escort to him have given."
When thus he vauntingly exclaim'd,
it sorely griev'd the Argives,
And chiefly to Antilochus
bestirr'd the prudent bosom.
Nor did he, tho' with anguish stung,
neglect his own companion,
But ran and overstrode his limbs
and spread the buckler round him.
420
Then, stooping to receive the load,
his two belov'd companions
Mekisteus, son of Echius
and the divine Alastor
Unto the smoothly hollow ships
with moans of sorrow bare him.
Nor yet Idomeneus withdrew
his might; but alway hanker'd
Either to veil in gloom of night
some Troian, or to perish
425
Himself in combat, warding off
dire slaughter from the Argives.
Jove-nurtur'd Aesyétas left
an offspring dear, the hero
Alcathoüs, who held as spouse
a daughter of Anchises,
Hippodameia, eldest born
of all Anchises' daughters.
Her in the chambers of their home
her sire and queenly mother
430
Supremely lov'd at heart; for she
mid all her friends of childhood
Egregious for beauty was,
for mind, and handy cunning:
Therefore in all the breadth of Troy
the noblest bridegroom found she.
But he, her lov'd one, now beneath
Idomeneus was vanquish'd;
For Neptune witch'd his sparkling eyes
and tied his gallant sinews.
435
For neither backward might he haste
nor shun the adverse danger,
But, like a lofty-spreading tree,
or like a pillar, stood he
All motionless in front; until
Idomeneus the hero
Pierc'd thro' his bosom with the spear,
and burst the tunic round him,
Brass-twisted; which in former days
his life from bale defended:
440
But now right harshly did it clank,
around the rending weapon.
So with a loud crash down he dropt;
but deep the spear was planted
Within his heart, which, panting high,
made the shaft's end to quiver,
Until rude-hurtling Ares gave
remission of his fury.
Then loudly cried Idomeneus,
with marvellous rejoicing:
445
"Deïphobus! how countest thou
the tale of slaughter'd foemen?
Three against one, despite thy boast,
a worthy portion seemeth,
O elf-possessed! But thyself
stand forward and confront me:
So mayest thou be taught, what blood
from Jupiter I carry,
Who, for the oversight of Crete,
did Minos erst engender :
450
Minos in turn a son begat,
Deucalion the spotless;
But me begat Deucalion,
for lordship of the peoples
Over the ample Crete: and now
hither my ships have borne me,
To thee and to thy sire a woe
and to the other Troians."
So spake he: then Deïphobus
with double purpose falter'd,
455
Whether to take in comradeship
some mighty-hearted Troian,
Backward retiring, or to try
his own unaided puissance.
After such ponderings of thought,
he deemed, it were wiser
To fetch Aeneias: him he found
among the rear battalions,
Standing: and alway rancorous
was he with godlike Priam,
460
That to a chieftain so approv'd
no leadership he trusted.
Then near before his face he stood,
and winged accents utter'd:
"High councillor of Troians!
Æneias! thee behoveth
Now to avenge thy sister's lord,
if kinsmanship doth move thee.
Haste! vengeance for Alcathoüs!
who, being thy stepbrother,
465
Within his chambers heretofore
did nurture thee, when little.
Him spear-renown'd Idomeneus
hath hent for death and plunder."
He spake, and strongly did bestir
the hero's heart within him,
Who hied, Idomeneus to meet,
with fiery zeal of battle.
But nowise was Idomeneus
dismay'd, as tender weakling;
470
But stoutly waited, as a boar,
on bravery reliant,
Which in a solitary lair
awaiteth on the mountains
The riot of a rushing throng:
then high his back doth bristle,
And his two eyen gleam with fire;
and in his jaws he whetteth
His tusks, full resolute of heart
to stop both hounds and huntsmen.
475
So spear-renown'd Idomeneus
abode, nor yielded footstep,
Before Æneias keen at need;
but shouted for his comrades,
Ascalaphus and Aphareus
and Deipyrus to summon,
Antilochus and Merion,
sage counsellors of onset.
These calling to his aid, did he
in winged accents urge them:
480
"Hither, my friends! and succour me,
who am alone; and grimly
Dread I Æneias fleet of foot,
who now on me is rushing;
Who, heroes in the fight to slay,
surpassingly is stalwart,
Yea, and of youth the flower hath,
whereof is mighty vantage.
For if, with such a heart as this,
my years to his were equal,
485
Full shortly should he take or yield
the primacy of valour."
He spake: then all of them, one soul
within their bosom holding,
Closing their rank, stood side by side,
with shield aslant on shoulder.
Æneias on the other side
to his own comrades shouted:
To Paris and Deïphobus
and brave Agenor looking,
490
Who leaders were of Troïans :
but after each, the people
Follow'd, as doth behind the tup
the flock from pasture follow
To seek the water, giving joy
unto the shepherd's bosom.
So likewise in Æneias' heart
the secret soul was joyful,
When he the crowd of people saw,
which companied behind him.
495
Then they around Alcathoüs
for mell of combat sallied
With lengthy pikes; and direfully
the brass upon their bosoms
Rattled, as each at other hurl'd
within the crowd. Among them
Two war-abiding champions,
pre-eminent of valour,
Aeneias and Idomeneus,
in weight a match to Ares,
500
Hanker'd with ruthless brass to gash
the body, each of other.
And first against Idomeneus
his spear Æneias derted.
The Cretan saw it opposite,
and stoop'd to shun its fury:
Then far behind him in the earth
Æneias' spear was planted,
Strong quivering; and fruitlessly
his sturdy arm impell'd it.
505
In turn Idomeneus must hit
Enomaüs: the weapon
Rending the corslet's hollow, pierc'd
his lap, and drain'd his vitals :
So in the dust he fell, the earth
with gripe convulsive clutching.
Quick did Idomeneus regain
the spear with lengthy shadow
Out of the corpse; yet might not he
tear off the beauteous armour
510
From shoulders of the dead; for sore
the javelins distress'd him.
Much had the sinews of his feet
already lost their freshness,
Whether to sally for his spear,
or shun the foe's encounter:
And tho' in standing-fight he well
the rueful moment warded,
No longer nimble were his limbs
in battle-race to scurry.
515
While he retreated step by step,
Deïphobus (who alway
Against him deep resentment kept)
his shining weapon darted:
But miss'd Idomeneus again,
and struck the son of Ares,
Ascalaphus. The weighty spear
ran keenly thro' his shoulder:
So in the dust he fell, the earth
with gripe convulsive clutching.
520
Nor direful Enyalius,
rude shouting, yet had learned,
How that his offspring dear was slain
amid the hardy struggle.
But underneath the golden clouds
upon Olympus' summit
He, by the will of Jupiter
encag'd, was idly sitting,
As eke the other deathless gods,
debarr'd from war's alarum.
525
But those around Ascalaphus
for mell of combat sallied.
Already had Deïphobus
the dead man's shining helmet
Caught up, when eager Merion,
an equipoise to Ares,
Rush'd at him, wounding with the spear
his arm. With hollow tinkle
5
Out of his hand then fell to earth
the triple-crested vizor.
530
A second time Meriones
on darting, like a vulture,
Regain'd the weighty spear, from where,
near to the wrist, he fix'd it;
Then back unto his comrade troop
withdrew. Thereat Polites,
Own brother to Deïphobus,
his arms around him spreading,
Out of the harshly roaring war
led him, until they reached
535
His speedy coursers, which in rear,
beyond the throng of battle,
Stood, with the much-wrought chariot
and charioteer behind them.
These to the city carried him,
outworn and deeply groaning,
While from his newly wounded wrist
big drops of crimson trickled.
The rest no pause of combat made,
but clamour rose incessant.
540
First with sharp-pointed javelin
Æneias leaping forward
Smote Aphareus, Caletor's son,
upon his adverse weazand.
Thereat to one side drooped he
his head: the buckler follow'd
And helmet after it: so him
soul-crushing Death enshrouded.
Meanwhile, as Thoön turn'd aside,
Antilochus awaiting
545
With sudden sabre leapt on him,
and shear'd away the sinews,
Which, running upward from the back,
about the neck are gather'd.
All these did he clean shear away:
then into dust the Troian
Fell on his back, and spread abroad
both hands unto his comrades.
On sped Antilochus, and quick
the armour from his shoulders
550
Would strip, with widely glancing gaze.
The Troians, spread in circle,
Goaded from every side with spears
his broad and motley buckler,
Yet might not reach Antilochus,
to graze with ruthless weapon
His tender skin behind it screen'd:
for-that land-shaking Neptune,
Even amid the storm of darts,
the son of Nestor rescued.
555
No lack of foemen fronted him,
yet eye to eye he fac'd them,
Nor for a moment steady held his spear;
but wreath'd and threaten'd
This way and that, unceasingly;
and in his heart was aiming
Either some distant foe to hit,
or close in nearer struggle.
While thus forefencing to assault the crowd,
he drew the notice
560
Of Adamas Asiades,
who, rushing close for combat,
Thrust at the middle of his shield:
but purple-haired Neptune,
Grudging him longer days of life,
his pointed weapon blunted.
It, like a stake fire-harden'd, snapt,
and half of it was fasten'd
In buckler of Antilochus,
but half on earth was splinter'd.
565
Then back he to his comrade-troop, avoiding fate,
retreated,
But fronted still the foe.
Thereat Meriones pursuing
With spear beneath the navel pierc'd
his lowest lap, where chiefly
Freighted with anguish Ares is
to miserable mortals.
Then forward falling round the spear
his body leapt and struggled,
570
As struggleth on the mountain wide a bull,
whom peasant cowherds
Have with the thongs of nooses bound,
and lead away unwilling:
So for a little while, not long,
struggled the prostrate hero;
Until the victor, coming close
and stooping o'er his body,
Pluck'd out the spear: but Adamas
in darkness clos'd his eyen.
575
Then with a mighty sword of Thrace
on Deipyrus advancing,
Did Helenus his temple smite,
and cleft the crested helmet.
To earth the triple crest was tost
afar; and some Achaian
Regain'd it, as it roll'd across
amid the feet of fighters :
Thereat the shades of Erebus
round Deipyrus were poured.
580
But Menelaüs, good at need,
Atrides, pierc'd with anguish,
Came rushing on with menace,
At Helenus, the hero-prince
Poising his pointed javelin.
The foe, to circle straining
His bow, defied him: so they met;
the one, to dart his weapon
All eager; but the other drew
his arrow on the bowstring.
585
Therewith the son of Priam hit
the hollow of the corslet
Beneath his bosom; but, repell'd,
off flew the stinging arrow.
As on an ample threshing-floor
the dark-skinn'd beans or vetches
From the broad sieve of winnowing
beneath the active breezes
590
Leap by the peasant's jerk; so then,
off flew the stinging arrow,
Far from the corslet wandering
of famous Menelaüs.
But in the hand which held the bow
well polish'd, Menelaüs
The son of Atreus, good at need,
his javelin implanted,
Which pierc'd the hand right thro', until
into the bow it enter'd.
595
The Troian to his comrade-troop,
Fate to avoid, retreated,
And trail'd the ashen shaft along,
with hand beside him dangling.
But from his flesh quick pulling it,
the mighty-soul'd Agenor
Did gently bandage up the wound
with wool of sheep well twisted,
Which from a sling his ready squire
tare for the people's shepherd.
600
6
Then straight ahead Peisander went
at famous Menelaüs :
For he by evil destiny
to his last goal was hurried,
By thee, O Menelas, to die
in grim embrace of foemen.
When they to shorter distance came
advancing each on other,
The son of Atreus miss'd his mark,
the weapon sideway glancing.
605
Peisander did the buckler goad
of famous Menelaüs,
Nor might his utmost force avail
right thro' to drive the weapon;
For the broad bullhide warded it,
and close above the metal
His shaft was snapt: but he in heart
rejoic'd, and hop'd for conquest.
Thereat, the son of Atreus drew
his sword with silver studded,
610
And leapt upon Peisander: he,
beneath his buckler crouching,
Wielded a shining axe of brass,
with haft of olive-timber,
Lengthy, well polish'd: so the twain
together came for combat.
The Troian struck the topmost ridge
of the horse-twisted helmet
Under the plume: above the nose,
the other smote the forehead
615
Of his advancing foe: forthwith
the skull and gristle crackled,
And low before his feet in dust
fell both his gory eyen.
Then writhing dropt he; but with heel
upon his bosom treading,
Atrides did his armour strip
and boastfully exulted :
"Ye over-foaming Troïans,
gluttons of direful onset!
620
Troth, thus shall ye the galleys leave
of charioteering Argives.
Other disgrace and infamy
abundant on you resteth,
For all the outrage, which on me,
O evil hounds! ye lavish'd,
Nor trembled at the bitter ire
of Jupiter loud-rumbling,
The god of strangers; who shall soon
your lofty city ravage:
625
O ye, who, welcom'd once by me
and by my wedded consort,
Did rudely carry her away
and eke much gear beside her.
And now, methinketh, hanker ye
on the sea-coursing galleys
To scatter fiery ravages
and slay the Achaian heroes.
Yet, howso eager, here or there
will ye from Ares stay you. —
630
O Jove, our Father! thee in sooth
they call supreme of wisdom
Mid gods and mortals; yet from thee
do all these doings issue :
For-that thou dost indulgence show
to men who deal in outrage, —
To Troïans, whose spirit aye
atrocious is; nor can they
In heat of war all-levelling
be satiate with uproar.
635
Of all things is satiety ; —
of slumber and of fondness,
And of sweet tones melodious
and chaste delight of dancing;
All which doth every man, I trow,
with keener relish follow
Than fighting; yet the Troians are
insatiate of battle."
Such vauntings utter'd o'er the slain,
the spotless Menelaüs
640
Stript from his skin the bloody arms
and gave them to his comrades ;
But he himself again went forth,
and with the foremost mingled.
The son of king Pylæmenes
then suddenly assail'd him,
Harpalion, who came to Troy
for fellowship of warfare
Behind his father dear; — nor e'er
his native land regained; —
645
Who with a thrust of spear would pierce
the buckler of Atrides :
Nor might his utmost force avail
right thro' to drive the weapon.
Then back he to his comrade troop,
Fate to avoid, retreated,
Round glancing cautious, lest some dart
alighting reach his body.
As he withdrawing him, Merion
sent forth a brazen arrow,
650
And in the right haunch planted it;
but thro' and thro', the arrow
Under the bone a passage found
and reach'd into the bladder.
Down on the spot he sank, in hands
of his beloved comrades
Breathing his spirit forth, and lay
like to a worm extended,
And with the dusky-streaming gore
the earth beneath him wetted.
655
Around his body minist'ring
with hearts by anguish smitten,
The lofty-soul'd Paphlagones
on to a car did lift him,
And drave to sacred Ilium:
beside them hied his father,
Melted in tears, nor forfeiture
won for his slaughter'd offspring.
Then bitterly was Paris stung,
for-that the slain had often
660
Cheer'd him in Paphlagonia
with hospitable welcome:
So, for his host indignant, forth
he shot a brazen arrow. —
A man there was, both rich and good,
who held his home at Corinth,
And, well foreseeing deadly fate,
embark'd upon his galley.
665
Oft was he warned by his sire,
the prudent Polyeidus,
A seer, — that he by dire disease
would perish in his chambers,
Or by the Troians be subdued
amid the Achaian galleys.
Of these the latter would he choose,
and shunn'd the heavy forfeit
Onlaid by Argos, and the griefs
of heart-consuming sickness.
670
Him did the arrow strike betwixt
the ear and jaw; and quickly
Out of his members life was flown,
and hateful darkness hent him.
7
While thus, in guise of blazing fire,
the combatants were raging,
Not yet had Hector, dear to Jove,
espied, nor learnt the tiding,
That here, upon the galleys' left,
his people by the Argives
675
Were ravag'd; yea, and haply eke
much glory had the Achaians
Won, when the greatlandshaking god
with his own strength endued them.
For Hector stay'd, where he at first
had pass'd the gates and rampart
Amid the shielded Danaï,
their thick battalions breaking;
680
Where by the hoary billow's edge
Protesilas and Ajax
Had drawn aloft their galleys: here
the wall was lowest builded,
For-that here chiefly men and steeds
were staunch and wight for battle.
On one side the Bœotians
and Locrians and Phthians,
685
And trailing-rob'd Ionians
and gallant-soul'd Epeians
Scarcely had puissance to repel
the rush of godlike Hector,
When, like an onward-spreading flame,
he dash'd toward the galleys.
There, foremost of the Athenians,
a chosen band was posted,
Led by the son of Peteos,
Menestheus: but behind him
690
Mov'd bonny Bias, Stichius,
and Pheidas. O'er th' Epeians
Amphion stood, and Drachius,
and Meges son of Phyleus;
But o'er the Phthians Medon and
Podarkes war-abiding.
(Medon to Ajax brother was;
their sire, divine Oileus :
But Medon was of meaner birth,
and dwelt afar, as exile,
695
Long time in Phylake; for he
whilom had slain a hero,
A kinsman of his father's bride
his stepdame Eriopis.
But father to Podarkes was
Iphiclus, son of Phylax.)
These twain, accoutred well, before
the mighty-hearted Phthians,
Along with the Bœotians
fought to defend the galleys.
700
Meanwhile Oïleus' other son,
the nimble Ajax, stirr'd not
From Ajax son of Telamon,
for e'en a scanty moment.
But as two purple-hided steers,
possess'd by equal spirit,
Strain at the stoutly-framed plough
on acres freshly broken,
And round the bottom of their horns
the sweat uprising trickles;
705
And nothing but the polish'd yoke
the pair asunder parteth
Struggling within the furrow, which
doth mark the field in outline:
So they advancing side by side
did each the other succour.
Behind the son of Telamon
his comrade people follow'd,
8
Many and gallant, who in turn
his weighty shield supported,
710
Whene'er his knees outwearièd
with toil and sweat might stagger.
But round Oïleus' noble son
no Locrians then follow'd,
Nor might their courage firm abide
amid the standing struggle :
For brazen helmets none had they
with crest of horsetail shaggy,
Nor bare they shields orbicular
and ashen-shafted lances;
715
But they, on arrow-shooting bow
and wool of sheep well twisted
Reliant, unto Ilium
had come; with these thereafter
Thick darting, they discomfited
the Troian battalions.
So with one band the leaders then
in front, with curious armour,
Dealt battle to the Troïans
and brazen-helmed Hector;
720
The others shower'd from behind
by stealth; nor did the foemen
Remember hero-glee; for sore
the arrowshots bestraught them.
Then from the galleys and the tents
haply with sad disaster
Back unto windy Ilium
the Troians had retreated;
But, standing by bold Hector's side,
Polydamas address'd him:
725
"Hector! untractable art thou
to listen to persuasion.
For-that to thee supremely God
hath deeds of battle given,
Therefore in counsel wouldest thou
take mastery of others;
Yet not in every kind at once
mayest thyself be foremost.
For unto one man chiefly God
hath deeds of battle given,
730
A second in the dance has skill,
a third with lyre and chantings :
Within the bosom of a fourth
hath Jupiter wide-sighted
Planted high wisdom, whence accrues
welfare to many mortals ;
Which eke has cities sav'd; and Jove
himself supremely hath it.
But I my counsel will avow,
as best to me it seemeth.
735
For, compassing thee everywhere,
a wreath of battle flameth:
And of our mighty-hearted host,
sithence they pass'd the rampart,
Some with their weapons hold aloof;
others, beside the galleys
Hither and thither scatter'd, fight
few against foemen many.
But thou, retiring, hither quick
do all the bravest summon.
740
Thereafter, we right earnestly
the whole design would ponder,
Whether in plump to fall upon
the many-benched galleys,
If God may haply victory
on us bestow; or quickly
Now from the galleys to return
unharm'd. For I with terror
Quake, lest their debt of yesterday
the Achaïans repay us;
745
Sith by their galleys, now, a man
insatiate of battle
Abideth; nor (I ween) will he
refrain him from the combat."
Thus sagely spake Polydamas,
and won the heart of Hector;
Who straightway from his chariot
leapt to the ground in armour,
And, hastily accosting him,
did winged accents utter:
750
"Polydamas! here on the spot
detain thou all our bravest.
Thitherward I myself will wend,
and take my share of battle,
But hither quick will I return,
when duly I have charg'd them."
He spake; then as a raging bird
onward the hero darted
With piercing scream, and flew across
amid the allies and Troians.
755
But they, when Hector's voice they heard,
did all, with eager hurry,
To kindly-soul'd Polydamas,
Panthoüs' son, betake them.
But he amid the foremost ranks
mov'd through, with earnest purpose,
Seeking for prince Deïphobus
and Helenus his brothers,
And Adamas, and Asius
the chieftain from Arisba.
760
But them no longer might he find
unwounded or unslaughter'd.
For some already prostrate lay
beside the outmost galleys
Bereaved of their tender lives
beneath the hands of Argos:
Some were within the rampart, pierc'd
by stab or flying weapon.
Yet did he speedily descry
the godlike Alexander,
765
Lord of the brighthair'd Helen, near
the left of tearful battle,
Cheering the comrades at his side,
and stirring them to combat.
But Hector, when he close was come,
with words of scorn address'd him:
"Ill-omen'd Paris; fair of face!
seducer! woman-frenzied!
Where now are prince Deïphobus
and Helenus thy brothers,
770
And Adamas, and Asius
the chieftain from Arisba?
Whither is gone Othryoneus?
Now from the summit fallen
Is lofty Ilium; and thee
bluff overthrow awaiteth."
But thus responsively to him
spake godlike Alexander:
"Hector; sith-that thy will it is,
even to blame the blameless,
775
More likely were I otherwhile
to start away from battle;
Nor did my mother Hecuba
to be a dastard bear me.
But constantly, sithence that thou
beside the galleys rousest
9
The war of thy companions,
with Danaï converse we
Here on the spot. But those our friends
are slain, of whom thou askest.
780
Only the prince Deïphobus
and Helenus our brothers
Are from the combatants withdrawn,
with lengthy lances wounded
Both in the hand; but deadly fate
Saturnius hath warded.
Now, whitherso thy heart and soul
commandeth, thither lead me;
And we behind thee eagerly
will follow; nor shall courage,
785
I trow, abandon me, so far
as power may be present:
But no man, howso eager, may
beyond his power combat."
When thus the hero spake, the word
his brother's heart persuaded;
Who onward mov'd, where chiefly was
battle and whoop of tribesmen
Around Kebriones, around
Polydamas the spotless
790
And Phalkes and Orthaeus,
and Polyphetes match for gods
Ascanius and Palmys,
Morys son of Hippotion,
Who on the former morn had come
as substitutes of battle
From loamy-soil'd Ascania:
now Jove arous'd their courage.
Then on rush'd they, with weight and mass
like to a troublous whirlwind
795
Which from the thundercloud of Jove
down on the champaign plumpeth,
And doth the briny flood bestir
with an unearthly uproar :
Then in the ever-brawling sea
full many a billow splasheth,
Hollow, and bald with hoary pate,
one racing after other:
So then the Troians closely wedg'd,
one after other marching,
800
Sparkling in brazen panoply,
beside their leaders muster'd :
And Hector, Priam's son, a peer
for Ares, pest of mortals,
Led them; and forward held his shield,
which equal was on all sides,
Compact with bull-hides : over them
thick plates of brass were welded,
And his resplendent helmet's plume
around his temples nodded.
805
This way and that he tried, amid
the foeman's ranks advancing,
If, as beneath his shield he mov'd,
perchance they yield before him.
Yet nowise daunted he the heart
within the Achaian bosom;
But Ajax, proudly stepping forth,
did foremost speak a challenge:
"Oh elf-possessed! nearer come!
why vainly wouldest frighten
810
The Argive heroes? not, in sooth,
unskill'd are we in battle,
But by the evil scourge of Jove
awhile the Achaians suffer.
And verily thy heart, I ween,
hopeth; but straightway eke to us
Hopeth; but straightway eke to us
are many hands to rescue.
I plight, that earlier by far
your thickly-peopled city
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Captur'd shall be and ravaged
beneath the hands of Argos.
Yea, to thyself, I say, 'tis near,
when thou, in flight escaping,
Shalt prayer lift to Father Jove
and other gods immortal,
Swifter than falcon-flight to make
the glossy-coated horses,
Which, scurrying the dusty plain,
shall bear thee to the city."
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While thus he boasted, from the right
a lofty-sailing eagle,
Brave augury, flew up: thereat
Achaia's army shouted,
Cheery to see the bird of Jove.
Then answer'd gallant Hector:
"Ajax, big vaunter, rash of speech!
what saying hast thou blurted?
Oh that to ægis-holding Jove
so surely I were offspring,
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And queenly Juno gave me birth
for days and years eternal,
And I such honour met, as eke
Athene and Apollo,
Surely as doth the present day
unto the Argive army
Bear common ruin: mid the crowd
shalt thou thyself be vanquish'd,
If to await my lengthy spear
thou venture, which shall mangle
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Thy lily skin; and thou, subdued
beside the Achaian galleys,
With fatness of thy flesh shalt gorge
the Troian dogs and vultures."
Thus having spoke, he led the way:
the multitude behind him
Shouted aloud, and forward press'd
with an unearthly clamour.
From other side the Argives too
did shout, nor were forgetful
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Of courage; but awaited firm
the bravest Troian onset.
So to Jove's brilliant æther reach'd
the noise of either army.
Hector and Polydamas. After a drawing by John Flaxman. _Flaxman_Ilias_1795,_Zeichnung_1793,_187_x_363_mm.jpg){kind=link}