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Then Patroclus was first to cast with his bright spear 285 straight into the midst where men thronged the thickest, even by the stern of the ship of great-souled Protesilaus, and smote Pyraechmes, that had led the Paeonians, lords of chariots, out of Amydon, from the wide-flowing Axius. Him he smote on the right shoulder, 290 and backward in the dust he fell with a groan, and about him his comrades were driven in rout, even the Paeonians, for upon them all had Patroclus sent panic, when he slew their leader that was pre-eminent in fight. From out the ships then he drave them, and quenched the blazing fire. And half-burnt the ship was left there, 295 but the Trojans were driven in rout with a wondrous din, and the Danaans poured in among the hollow ships, and a ceaseless din arose. And as when from the high crest of a great mountain Zeus, that gathereth the lightnings, moveth a dense cloud away, and forth to view appear all mountain peaks, and high headlands, 300 and glades, and from heaven breaketh open the infinite air; even so the Danaans, when they had thrust back from the ships consuming fire, had respite for a little time; howbeit there was no ceasing from war. For not yet were the Trojans driven in headlong rout by the Achaeans, dear to Ares, from the black ships, 305 but still they sought to withstand them, and gave ground from the ships perforce.

Iliad. Homer. A. T. Murray (Translator). London. 1924-1925.

Sponsored by Perseus Project, Tufts University.

Funding provided by The Annenberg CPB/Project.

Current edition Perseus

Iliad (English) (Homer. The Iliad, Volume 1-2. Murray, A. T. (Augustus Taber), translator. London: William Heinmann; New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1924-1925.)

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.) — 16.284 focus

Πάτροκλος δὲ πρῶτος ἀκόντισε δουρὶ φαεινῷ

ἀντικρὺ κατὰ μέσσον, ὅθι πλεῖστοι κλονέοντο,

285

νηῒ πάρα πρυμνῇ μεγαθύμου Πρωτεσιλάου,

καὶ βάλε Πυραίχμην, ὃς Παίονας ἱπποκορυστὰς

ἤγαγεν ἐξ Ἀμυδῶνος ἀπʼ Ἀξιοῦ εὐρὺ ῥέοντος·

τὸν βάλε δεξιὸν ὦμον· ὃ δʼ ὕπτιος ἐν κονίῃσι

κάππεσεν οἰμώξας, ἕταροι δέ μιν ἀμφεφόβηθεν

290

Παίονες· ἐν γὰρ Πάτροκλος φόβον ἧκεν ἅπασιν

ἡγεμόνα κτείνας, ὃς ἀριστεύεσκε μάχεσθαι.

ἐκ νηῶν δʼ ἔλασεν, κατὰ δʼ ἔσβεσεν αἰθόμενον πῦρ.

ἡμιδαὴς δʼ ἄρα νηῦς λίπετʼ αὐτόθι· τοὶ δὲ φόβηθεν

Τρῶες θεσπεσίῳ ὁμάδῳ· Δαναοὶ δʼ ἐπέχυντο

295

νῆας ἀνὰ γλαφυράς· ὅμαδος δʼ ἀλίαστος ἐτύχθη.

ὡς δʼ ὅτʼ ἀφʼ ὑψηλῆς κορυφῆς ὄρεος μεγάλοιο

κινήσῃ πυκινὴν νεφέλην στεροπηγερέτα Ζεύς,

ἔκ τʼ ἔφανεν πᾶσαι σκοπιαὶ καὶ πρώονες ἄκροι

καὶ νάπαι, οὐρανόθεν δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπερράγη ἄσπετος αἰθήρ,

300

ὣς Δαναοὶ νηῶν μὲν ἀπωσάμενοι δήϊον πῦρ

τυτθὸν ἀνέπνευσαν, πολέμου δʼ οὐ γίγνετʼ ἐρωή·

οὐ γάρ πώ τι Τρῶες ἀρηϊφίλων ὑπʼ Ἀχαιῶν

προτροπάδην φοβέοντο μελαινάων ἀπὸ νηῶν,

ἀλλʼ ἔτʼ ἄρʼ ἀνθίσταντο, νεῶν δʼ ὑπόεικον ἀνάγκῃ.

305

Translations (8)

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.) — 16.249 focus

249 Thus did he pray, and all-counseling Zeus heard his prayer. Part of it he did indeed grant him - but not the whole. He granted that Patroklos should thrust back war and battle from the ships, but refused to let him come safely out of the fight.

252 When he had made his drink-offering and had thus prayed, Achilles went inside his tent and put back the cup into his chest.

255 Then he again came out, for he still loved to look upon the fierce fight that raged between the Trojans and Achaeans.

257 Meanwhile the armed band that was about Patroklos marched on till they sprang high in hope upon the Trojans. They came swarming out like wasps whose nests are by the roadside, and whom silly children love to tease, whereon any one who happens to be passing may get stung - or again, if a wayfarer going along the road vexes them by accident, every wasp will come flying out in a fury to defend his little ones- even with such rage and courage did the Myrmidons swarm from their ships, and their cry of battle rose heavenwards. Patroklos called out to his men at the top of his voice, "Myrmidons, followers of Achilles son of Peleus, be men my friends, fight with might and with main, that we may win glory for the son of Peleus, who is far the foremost man at the ships of the Argives - he, and his close fighting followers [therapontes]. The son of Atreus King Agamemnon will thus recognize his derangement [ atê] in showing no respect to the bravest of the Achaeans."

275 With these words he put heart and soul into them all, and they fell in a body upon the Trojans. The ships rang again with the cry which the Achaeans raised, and when the Trojans saw the brave son of Menoitios and his squire [ therapôn] all gleaming in their armor, they were daunted and their battalions were thrown into confusion, for they thought the fleet son of Peleus must now have put aside his anger, and have been reconciled to Agamemnon; every one, therefore, looked round about to see whither he might flee for safety.

284 Patroklos first aimed a spear into the middle of the press where men were packed most closely, by the stern of the ship of Protesilaos. He hit Pyraikhmes who had led his Paeonian horsemen from the Amydon and the broad waters of the river Axios ; the spear struck him on the right shoulder, and with a groan he fell backwards in the dust; on this his men were thrown into confusion, for by killing their leader, who was the finest warrior among them, Patroklos struck panic into them all. He thus drove them from the ship and quenched the fire that was then blazing - leaving the half-burnt ship to lie where it was. The Trojans were now driven back with a shout that rent the skies, while the Danaans poured after them from their ships, shouting also without ceasing. As when Zeus, gatherer of the thunder-cloud, spreads a dense canopy on the top of some lofty mountain, and all the peaks, the jutting headlands, and forest glades show out in the great light that flashes from the bursting heavens, even so when the Danaans had now driven back the fire from their ships, they took breath for a little while; but the fury of the fight was not yet over, for the Trojans were not driven back in utter rout, but still gave battle, and were ousted from their ground only by sheer fighting.

306 The fight then became more scattered, and the chieftains killed one another when and how they could. The valiant son of Menoitios first drove his spear into the thigh of Areilykos just as he was turning round; the point went clean through, and broke the bone so that he fell forward. Meanwhile Menelaos struck Thoas in the chest, where it was exposed near the rim of his shield, and he fell dead. The son of Phyleus saw Amphiklos about to attack him, and ere he could do so took aim at the upper part of his thigh, where the muscles are thicker than in any other part; the spear tore through all the sinews of the leg, and his eyes were closed in darkness.

316 Of the sons of Nestor one, Antilokhos, speared Atymnios, driving the point of the spear through his throat, and down he fell. Maris then sprang on Antilokhos in hand-to-hand fight to avenge his brother, and bestrode the body spear in hand; but valiant Thrasymedes was too quick for him, and in a moment had struck him in the shoulder ere he could deal his blow; his aim was true, and the spear severed all the muscles at the root of his arm, and tore them right down to the bone, so he fell heavily to the ground and his eyes were closed in darkness. Thus did these two noble comrades of Sarpedon go down to Erebos slain by the two sons of Nestor; they were the warrior sons of Amisodoros, who had reared the invincible Chimaera, to the bane of many. Ajax son of Oileus sprang on Kleoboulos and took him alive as he was entangled in the crush; but he killed him then and there by a sword-blow on the neck. The sword reeked with his blood, while dark death and the strong hand of fate gripped him and closed his eyes.

English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020)) — 16.284 focus

Patroklos first aimed a spear into the middle of the press [285] where men were packed most closely, by the stern of the ship of great-hearted Protesilaos. He hit Pyraikhmes who had led his Paeonian horsemen from the Amydon and the broad waters of the river Axios; the spear struck him on the right shoulder, and with a groan he fell backwards in the dust; [290] on this his men were thrown into confusion, for by killing their leader, who was the finest warrior among them, Patroklos struck panic into them all. 293 He drove them [the Trojans] from the ships, and he quenched the blazing fire —leaving the half-burnt ship to lie where it was. [295] The Trojans were now driven back with a shout that rent the skies, while the Danaans poured after them from their ships, shouting also without ceasing. As when Zeus, gatherer of the thunder-cloud, spreads a dense canopy on the top of some lofty mountain, and all the peaks, the jutting headlands, and forest glades show out [300] in the great light that flashes from the bursting heavens, 301 thus the Danaans, having averted from the ships the burning fire, took breath for a little while; but the fury of the fight was not yet over, for the Trojans were not driven back in utter rout, [305] but still gave battle, and were ousted from their ground only by sheer fighting.

English (William Cullen Bryant, 1870) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cullen Bryant, 1870)) — 16.284 focus

Then first Patroclus cast his shining spear

355

Into the crowd before him, where they fought

Most fiercely round the stern of the good ship

Of brave Protesilaus. There it smote

Pyræchmes, who had led from Amydon,

On the broad Axius, his Peonian knights.

360

Through his right shoulder went the blade; he fell,

Heavily groaning, to the earth. His band

Of warriors from Pæonia, panic-struck,

Fled from Patroclus as they saw their chief

Cut off, their bravest in the battle-field.

365

So from the ship he drave the foe, and quenched

The blazing fire. There lay the half-burnt bark,

While with a mighty uproar fled the host

Of Troy, and from between the beaked ships

Poured after them with tumult infinite

370

The Greeks. As when from some high mountain-top

The God of Lightnings, Jupiter, sweeps off

The overshadowing cloud, at once appear

The watch-towers and the headland heights and lawns

All in full light, and all the unmeasured depth

375

Of ether opens, so the Greeks, when thus

Their fleet was rescued from the hostile flame,

Breathed for a space; and yet they might not cease

From battle, for not everywhere alike

Were chased the Trojans from the dark-hulled ships

380

Before the Greeks, but struggled still to keep

The mastery, and yielded but to force.

English (Alexander Pope, 1720, ed. Watson, 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Alexander Pope, 1720, ed. Watson, 1857)) — 16.284 focus

Then first thy spear, divine Patroclus! flew,

Where the war rag'd, and where the tumult grew.

Close to the stern of that fam'd ship, which bore

340

Unbless'd Protesilaus to Ilion's shore,

The great Pæonian, bold Pyræchmes, stood,

Who led his bands from Axius'¹ winding flood:

His shoulder-blade receives the fatal wound;

The groaning warrior pants upon the ground.

345

His troops, that see their country's glory slain,

Fly diverse, scatter'd o'er the distant plain.

Patroclus' arm forbids the spreading fires,

And from the half-burn'd ship proud Troy retires;

Clear'd from the smoke the joyful navy lies,

350

In heaps on heaps the foe tumultuous flies;

Triumphant Greece her rescu'd decks ascends,

And loud acclaim the starry region rends.

So when thick clouds enwrap the mountain's head,

O'er heaven's expanse like one black ceiling spread:

355

Sudden the Thunderer, with a flashing ray,

Bursts through the darkness, and lets down the day:

The hills shine out, the rocks in prospect rise,

And streams, and vales, and forests strike the eyes;

The smiling scene wide opens to the sight,

360

And all th' unmeasur'd ether flames with light.

But Troy repuls'd, and scatter'd o'er the plains,

Forc'd from the navy, yet the fight maintains.

Now every Greek some hostile hero slew,

But still the foremost bold Patroclus flew:

365

As Areïlycus had turn'd him round,

Sharp in his thigh he felt the piercing wound;

The brazen-pointed spear, with vigour thrown,

The thigh transfix'd, and broke the brittle bone:

Headlong he fell. Next, Thoas, was thy chance,

370

Thy breast, unarm'd, receiv'd the Spartan lance.²

Phylides'³ dart, as Amphiclus drew nigh,

His blow prevented, and transpierc'd his thigh,

Tore all the brawn, and rent the nerves away;

In darkness and in death the warrior lay.

375

English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843)) — 16.284 focus

Patroclus first of all lets fly his spear

Amongst the thickest of the foes, about

280

Protesilaus' hollow ship (for there

The Trojans standing close. together fought)

And slew Pyraechmes, who from Amydon,

And Axius' wide stream, the Pœons led.

The spear passed through his right shoulder-bone,

285

And when the Pceons saw him fall, they fled.

Not only these he frighted had, but all,

By killing of a captain of such fame.

Patroclus then upon the rest did fall,

And drave them from the ships, andquench'd the flame.

290

The Trojans towards Troy retire apace;

Patroclus and the Argives them pursue,

Leaving the ship half burnt upon the place,

And on the plain the fight began anew.

As men see all the rocks and woods about,

295

When than the hills the mist is gotten higher;

So when the fire was at the ships put out,

The Greeks did for a little while respire.

For yet the Trojans did not plainly fly,

But still resisting went, and losing ground.

300

English (George Chapman, 1611, ed. Hooper 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (George Chapman, 1611, ed. Hooper 1857)) — 16.284 focus

Patroclus greeted with a lance the region where the fight

Made strongest tumult, near the ship Protesilaus brought,

And struck Pyræchmen, who before the fair-helm'd Pæons fought,

Led from Amydon, near whose walls the broad-stream'd Axius flows.

Through his right shoulder flew the dart, whose blow struck all the blows

280

In his pow'r from his pow'rless arm, and down he groaning fell;

His men all flying, their leader fled. This one dart did repel

The whole guard placed about the ship, whose fire extinct, half burn'd

The Pæons left her, and full cry to clamorous flight return'd.

Then spread the Greeks about their ships, triumphant tumult flow'd,

285

And, as from top of some steep hill the Lightner strips a cloud,

And lets a great sky out from heaven, in whose delightsome light,

All prominent foreheads, forests, tow'rs, and temples cheer the sight.

So clear'd these Greeks this Trojan cloud, and at their ships and tents

Obtain'd a little time to breathe, but found no present vents

290

To their inclusions; nor did Troy, though these Pæonians fled,

Lose any ground, but from this ship they needfully turn'd head.

English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey)) — 16.284 focus

Patroclus first, where thickest throng he saw

Gather'd tumultuous around the bark

Of brave Protesilaüs, hurl'd direct

At the whole multitude his glittering spear.

345

He smote Pyræchmes; he his horseman band

Pœonian led from Amydon, and from

Broad-flowing Axius. In his shoulder stood

The spear, and with loud groans supine he fell.

At once fled all his followers, on all sides

350

With consternation fill'd, seeing their Chief

And their best warrior, by Patroclus slain.

Forth from the fleet he drove them, quench'd the flames,

And rescued half the ship. Then scatter'd fled

With infinite uproar the host of Troy,

355

While from between their ships the Danaï

Pour'd after them, and hideous rout ensued.

As when the king of lightnings, Jove, dispels

From some huge eminence a gloomy cloud,

The groves, the mountain-tops, the headland heights

360

Shine all, illumined from the boundless heaven,

So when the Danaï those hostile fires

Had from their fleet expell'd, awhile they breathed,

Yet found short respite, for the battle yet

Ceased not, nor fled the Trojans in all parts

365

Alike, but still resisted, from the ships

Retiring through necessity alone.

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

New Alexandria Commentaries

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.

source

Patroklos, hastening to reach the scene of battle, finally arrives at the center of the action, where the ship of Protesilaos is beached. Now he is right next to the prumnē ‘stern’ of that ship. See also the comment on I.15.704–746.

source

At I.16.287–292, Patroklos successfully defends the beached ships of the Achaeans: he kills Puraikhmēs, the foremost attacker, and he puts the other attackers to flight, thus saving the Achaeans by ‘quenching’, as expressed by way of sbennunai, I.16.293, the fire that had threatened their ships.

source

Patroklos now leads the Achaeans in counterattacking the Trojans, leaving behind the ship of Protesilaos, half of which has by now been burned down in the battle, I.16.294.

source

The successful action so far is now summed up here: the Achaeans=Danaans, led by Patroklos, have succeeded in pushing back the fire that had threatened the beached ships.

source

Homer Iliad 16.284

A. T. Murray (Translator)

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