BOOK XVIII
So then in guise of blazing fire
the combatants were fighting.
1
Nestor's swift-footed son meanwhile
bare message to Achilles,
And found him forward, out beyond
his lofty-crested galleys,
Foreboding in his heart the thing,
which verily was complish'd:
So he with indignation spake
to his own haughty spirit:
5
"Alas! and wherefore doth the rout
of streaming-hair'd Achaians
Flounder anew across the plain,
toward the galleys driven?
Mayhap the immortals to my heart
disastrous evil complish,
As once my mother spake of yore,
and spelt the doom of heaven,
How that, while I in life abide,
beneath the hands of Troians
10
The noblest of the Myrmidons
shall leave this sunny splendour.
Surely, alas! my cruel friend,
Menoetius' brave offspring,
Is perish'd. Troth! my charge it was,
the foeman's fire to parry,
Then to the galleys back to come,
nor stoutly fight with Hector."
While all his bosom and his soul
with such debate did struggle,
15
Meanwhile, with burning tears bestream'd,
the son of lordly Nestor
Arriving, stood before his face,
and spake a bitter message:
"Woe on my errand! thou, oh son
of skilful-hearted Peleus,
Must hear a mournful tiding,
which I would had no fulfilment!
Fallen Patroclus lies: around,
his naked corpse to rescue
20
We combat; but his arms are won
by motley-helmed Hector."
Upon such words, a gloomy cloud
of woe Achilles shrouded.
Then scooping in his joined hands
the copious dust of ashes,
Down on his head he poured them,
and marr'd his graceful visage,
And round his nectar-breathing robe
the murky soot was spatter'd.
25
Then lay he huge, of huge aspect,
amid the dust extended,
And, with his own hands rending it,
his princely hair disfigur'd.
Eke the domestic women, whom
Achilles and Patroclus
Led off as booty of the spear,
scream'd loudly, smit with anguish,
And hurried from the tent, around
Achilles skilful-hearted,
30
And beat the bosom ceaselessly,
till all would swoon exhausted.
On other side Antilochus
with stealthy tear was mourning,
Holding Achilles' hand; and fear
his noble heart distracted,
Lest, impotent of grief, his throat
he sever with the iron.
His groans resounded direfully,
and reach'd his queenly mother,
35
Who sat within the briny depths
beside her aged father.
Thereat she cried aloud with grief,
and, thronging quick around her,
Came all the goddess-Nereïds
from ocean's deep recesses.
Among them was Kymódoke
and Glauke and Thaleia,
Nesaea, large-ey'd Halia,
Kymóthoë and Speio,
40
Maera and Jaera, Mélite,
Actaea, Limnoreia,
Doto and Proto, Pánope,
Amphithoë, Agáue,
Dexámene, Amphínome,
Dynámene, Pherousa.
Callianeira with them was,
with them Callianassa,
45
Nemertes and Apseudes, with
Janeira and Janassa;
Thoë and Clymene were there,
Doris and Oreithuia,
And Amatheia bright of locks
and famous Galateia;
And other Nereïds, who dwell
in ocean's deep recesses.
With these the brilliant grot was fill'd,
and all did beat the bosom
50
Ceaseless: but Thetis spake to them,
and led the dirge of sorrow:
"Listen, ye sister Nereïds!
so, when ye all have heard me,
Full truly may ye know, what griefs
within my heart I carry.
Ah woe upon my bridal bed!
woe on my famous childbirth!
Who to a mortal father gave
a spotless son and stalwart,
55
A chief of warriours: and he
grew tall like to a sapling.
And him, as in the orchard's lap
a plant, I fondly nurtur'd,
And sent him forth to Ilium
upon his crested galleys,
Against the Troïans to fight;
yet in the halls of Peleus
Ne'er shall my child returning meet
the welcome of his mother.
60
And while he liveth still for me
and sees the light of heaven,
Anguish he suffereth; nor I
approaching may relieve him.
Yet go will I, my offspring dear
to look upon, and hearken,
What sorrow hath his bosom reach'd,
while he from war refraineth."
She with such utterance forsook
the grotto; they together
65
In tears attended: round their forms
was cleft the watery billow.
But when to loamy Troas' beach
they came, in train they mounted,
Where thick the ships of Myrmidons
were drawn round swift Achilles.
Then by his side, while deep he moan'd,
appear'd his queenly mother,
Who on her son's head cast her hand,
and with a wail sharp-piercing,
70
Token of heart compassionate,
did winged accents utter:
"My child, why weepest thou? and what
the grief, thy heart that wounded?
Lock not thy breast, but speak it out.
From Jupiter is complish'd
All, whatsoe'er thou diddest ask
afore with hands uplifted.
75
For he to galley-poop hath hemm'd
the children of Achaia,
Where they, abandon'd of thy aid,
unseemly deeds encounter."
To her Achilles, fleet of foot,
with heavy moan responded:
"In sooth, my mother! complish'd hath
the Olympian my curses.
Yet bringeth it no pleasure, sith
my comrade dear is perish'd,-
80
Patroclus, whom of all my friends
above the rest I honour'd,
As my own peer. Him have I lost:
and Hector holds as booty
My splendid armour stript from him,
a spectacle majestic,
Right wondrous; which, as brilliant gifts,
the gods bestow'd on Peleus,
Upon that day, when thee they gave
in bride-bed to a mortal.
85
Oh hadst thou liefer neath the waves
with other deathless seanymphs
There alway dwelt, and mortal wife
had been to Peleus wedded!
But now, that eke thyself may know
the heart's uncounted sorrow,
Thy child will shortly fall in death,
nor shall receive thy welcome
Returning to his father's halls;
for neither doth my spirit
90
Bid me to live, or among men
to dwell, unless-that Hector,
Smitten beneath my javelin,
shall first of life be rieved,-
A forfeit for Patroclus dead
unto Patroclus' father."
But him, responsive, Thetis then
with dropping tear accosted:
"Ah! speedy-fated wilt thou be,
dear child! as now thou talkest;
95
Sith eke for thee an instant doom
is, after Hector, ready."
To her Achilles, fleet of foot,
responded, sore disdainful:
"O might I instant die, sith as
to save my friend from slaughter
Was not to me assign'd: but he
far from his native country
Perish'd; and direly needed me,
avenger of his troubles.
100
But now, sith never wend I home
to my dear native country,
Nor brought a ray of light to him,
nor to my other comrades,
By godlike Hector slain in heaps;
but here beside my galleys
I sit, a useless load on earth;
whose prowess none may equal
105
Of all the Achaians brazen-clad;
(in council some surpass me;)-
O might from mortals and from gods
Quarrel for ever perish,
And Rancour, which to rage doth goad
even the rich in wisdom,
And eke, far sweeter than the comb
with honey dripping, swelleth
110
Fuming within the breast; as me
did Agamemnon madden.
But leave we these things, past and gone,
albeit keen our sorrow,
And the fond fancies of our heart
by stern constraint subdue we.
Now must I sally, to o'ertake
my dearest friend's destroyer,
Hector; but then shall I to Doom
submit me, whensoever
115
Such is the will of Jupiter
and other gods immortal.
For not the might of Héracles
his fatal day avoided,
Who dearest was to Jupiter,
the princely child of Saturn;
But him too Destiny subdued,
and Juno's noisome rancour.
In guise no other, (if on me
like Destiny o'erhangeth,)
120
Fall shall I also. Now must I
earn me some noble glory.
So some of Troian dames thro' me,
and of deep-bosom'd Dardans,
May wipe from tender cheeks the tear
and utter moan incessant,
And learn that I did heretofore
withhold me long from battle.
125
Do thou, tho' loving, stay me not:
nor mayest thou persuade me."
Thereat, to him responsive, spake
the silver-footed goddess:
"All this is truly right, my child!
nor aught amiss I find it,
From steep disaster's overthrow
to save thy fainting comrades;
But now thy armour beauteous,
all brass-belaid and sparkling,
130
Among the Troïans is held:
for motley-helmed Hector
Across his shoulders bearing it
plumeth himself; nor deem I
Long shall he vaunt it; sith alsó
on him o'erhangeth slaughter.
But thou, refrain thyself, nor yet
the broil of Ares enter,
Ere me returning thou behold:
for at the rise of morrow
135
Hither from princely Vulcan I
will beauteous armour bring thee."
This saying, from her bonny child
she turn'd herself departing,
And to her sisters of the sea
betaking her, address'd them:
"Do ye, my sisters! enter now
the ocean's ample bosom,
140
The aged lord of waves to see
and mansions of our father.
To him rehearse ye every thing;
but I on long Olympus
To Vulcan, fam'd artificer,
betake me; if that haply
It list him, to my son to give
arms noble and resplendent."
She spake, and instantly they
plung'd beneath the wave of ocean.
145
But Thetis of the silver foot
unto Olympus hied her,
To carry to her hero-child
new armour for the battle.
Her to Olympus did her feet
bear swiftly; but the Achaians,
With an unearthly clamour chas'd
by hero-slaying Hector,
Unto their galleys stretch'd the flight,
and to the sea of Helle.
150
Nor might the Achaians dapper-greav'd
then from the darts have rescued
The carcase of Patroclus dead,
swift Achileus' attendant;
For after him in new pursuit
came chariots and footmen
With Hector, son of Priamus,
like to a flame in fury.
Thrice by the gristle of the heel
did gallant Hector catch him,
155
Eager to drag him back; and loud
made menace to the Troians:
Thrice from the corpse the Ajaces twain,
clad in impetuous valour,
Dash'd him away: but ever he,
on his own might reliant,
At one time into riot thick
would sally; at another
Stood firm with mighty shouts; but back
he not an inch withdrew him.
160
As shepherds, watching in the field,
from some slain beast avail not
A fiery lion to repel,
whom mighty hunger urgeth;
So, clad in cómplete panoply,
the Ajaces twain avail'd not
From the slain hero to repel
Priamidéan Hector.
Then surely had he dragg'd him off
and earn'd uncounted glory,
165
But Iris, swift with feet of wind,
came speeding from Olympus,
With errand unto Peleus' son,
(for Juno sent her forward,
Secret from Jove and other gods,)
to corslet him for battle.
So, close in front of him she stood,
and winged accents utter'd:
"Rouse thee, Pelides, marvellous
among the ranks of heroes!
170
Rescue Patroclus, whom to win,
the deadly shout of tribesmen
Before the galleys riseth. They
do each the other slaughter,
These to hold fast his dead remains,
the Troïans to drag them
To windy Ilium: and most
doth gallant Hector hanker
175
To sever from the tender neck
the head, and high impale it.
But up! and lie no longer here.
Let shame and honour touch thee.
If aught of insult
him befall,
to
thee it were an outrage."
180
To her thereon divine Achilles
foot-reliant answer'd:
"Who, goddess Iris! of the gods
to me on errand sent thee?"
To him reciprocally spake
swift stormy-footed Iris:
"By stealth hath Juno, Jupiter's
majestic consort, sent me.
Not lofty-bench'd Saturnius
nor other of the immortals
185
Knows it, of all who dwell around
o'er snowy-capt Olympus."
Then her Achilles, fleet of foot,
address'd in words responsive:
"How may I hie me to the fray?
my arms the foeman holdeth,
Nor doth my mother dear permit
to corslet me for battle,
Ere her returning I behold;
for at the rise of morrow
190
From princely Vulcan hath she gag'd
to bring me beauteous armour.
Nor know I other man, of whom
the
thy noble arms would suit me,
Unless I haply take the shield
of Telamonian Ajax.
But eke himself (I trow) with it
doth bargain in the foremost,
Dire ravage dealing with the spear
around Patroclus fallen."
195
Then Iris swift with feet of wind
accosted him responsive:
"Well also know we, that the foe
the noble arms possesseth;
But, as thou art, hie to the moat,
and show thee to the armies,
If-that perchance the Troïans,
appall'd at thy appearing,
Stand off from battle, and hereby
Achaia's warlike children
200
Gain respite of their toil:-and short
the respite is of warfare."
So utter'd Iris fleet of foot
and with the word departed.
Thereat Achilles, dear to Jove,
arous'd him; and Athene
Around his stalwart shoulders slung
her many-fringed ægis.
Also, divine of goddesses,
above his head a chaplet
205
Of golden cloud she set, and thence
flame all-resplendent kindled.
As from an island riseth smoke,
when foemen fight around it,
Which from the city stretcheth far,
aspiring unto heaven;
If for their homes the livelong day
with Ares stern they bargain,
But kindle at the setting sun
a mazy web of beacons;
210
Then shooteth high aloft the blaze,
to dwellers-round a token,
In hope, they will with galleys come,
as champions in trouble:
So from Achilles' head the blaze
then shot aloft to heaven.
He on the margin of the moat
stood forth; nor with the Achaians
215
Mingled: for alway he rever'd
his mother's canny counsel.
There standing, shouted he: the voice
did maid Athene shouting
Double, and shook the Troïans
with fathomless disorder.
As when heart-crushing foemen stand
a city to beleaguer,
And to far-piercing notes attune
the blaring of the trumpet;
220
So from the throat of Achileus
was then the voice far-piercing.
But they, when from Æacides
was heard that brazen war-cry,
Were all in heart confounded: yea,
their glossy-coated horses
Did wheel the chariots awry,
foreboding dire disaster.
Affrayed were the charioteers,
who saw the fire unweary
225
Dart radiant from off the head
of mighty-soul'd Pelides,
Direful: for, it Athene's self,
the grey-ey'd goddess, kindled.
Thrice from the margin of the moat
divine Achilles shouted,
Thrice were the glorious allies
and Troïans disorder'd,
And on the spot twelve hero-chiefs
fell then in death, entangled
230
With their own chariots and spears.
But gladly did the Achaians
Rescue Patroclus from the darts
and place him on a pallet.
Around, his comrades weeping stood;
beside them swift Achilles
Did follow, shedding burning tears,
when he his trusty comrade
235
Beheld upon the bier laid out,
and by sharp weapons mangled;
Whom verily to war he sent
with chariots and horses,
But never welcom'd him again
unto his tent returning.
Then large-ey'd queenly Juno sent
the orb of Sun unweary,
To plunge, unwilling, in his course
beneath the streams of Ocean.
240
So he from mortals hid his light:
but the divine Achaians
Rested from war all-levelling
and sturdy cry of tribesmen.
On other side the Troïans
out of the hardy struggle
Withdrawing, from the chariots
their nimble steeds unharness'd,
And, ere for supper heed they took,
in public mote were gather'd.
245
All stood upright in mote, nor dar'd
to sit; sithence Achilles,
Long absent from distressful fight,
appall'd them by his coming.
Thereat discreet Polydamas
to them began discourses,
The son of Panthoüs;-alone
who forward saw and backward.
250
One night gave him and Hector birth;
so was he Hector's comrade:
But one did in discourse excel,
in fight by far the other.
Who thus with kindly soul harangu'd,
and spake his word among them:
"My friends! weigh either scale aright.
Full urgently I counsel
Unto the city now to haste,
nor wait for heav'nly Morning
255
Beside the galleys on the plain.
Far from our ramparts are we.
Now while this hero wrathful was
with godlike Agamemnon,
So long far easier to us
was war against the Achaians.
For truly joyful were the nights,
which by their fleet we tarried,
To me; while hope I had, to hend
the easy-steering galleys.
260
But now from Peleus' mighty son
grim terror o'er me creepeth.
Not on the plain his haughty soul
will list to wait, where Ares
To Troians and Achaïans
hath battle-prize awarded;
But he our city and our wives
will make his prize of battle.
265
But to the city hie we now :
obey my word: for truly
Thus will it be:— ambrosial night
awhile from combat holdeth
Pelides fleet of foot; but if,
to-morrow, girt in armour
He sally and o'erhend us here,
too well we all shall learn him.
For, each to sacred Ilium
right gladly will betake him,
270
Whoso may scape:— far from my
ear be such events! but many
Of Troians in the dust shall lie,
a joy to dogs and vultures.
But if my words compliance find,
then, tho' chagrin annoy us,
Our elders nightly strength shall give
in council; next, our towers
And lofty portals, and on these
the ample panels fitted,
275
Fine-polish'd, double-join'd with bolts,—
shall well the city rescue.
But with the morning's early dawn
will make his prize of battle.
Stand we along the towers: then,
obey my word: for truly
It list him for our wall to fight,
awhile from combat holdeth
Back to the galleys wend will he,
to-morrow girt in armour
280
He to his lofty-crested steeds
when, neath the city roaming,
Troth! will his spirit him forbid
hath given glut of courses.
Nor shall he storm the wall; but first
the sprightly dogs shall eat him."
To him with frowning glance replied
great motley-helmed Hector:
"Polydamas! thy word to me
no longer friendly soundeth,
285
Who biddest us again to go
and in the city coop us.
Had ye not long ago your fill,
hemm'd fast within the towers?
For, troth! a tale it was of yore
with voice-dividing mortals,
What stores of copper and of gold
lay hid in Priam's city:
But those fair treasures now, ye see,
are from our chambers vanish'd.
290
Many to lovely Mæonis
or Phrygia are carried,
To merchant-stranger sold, sithence
great Jove with us was angry.
But, now as unto me the son
of crooked-witted Saturn
Glory hath granted, fast to hem
the Achaians by their galleys;
O simpleton, no longer show
such notions to the people:
295
For none of Troians will obey;
nor troth! would I allow it.
But come! as I the word shall speak,
let all compliant follow.
Along the host, by rank and rank,
take each man now his supper,
And hold remembrance of the watch,
and every one be wakeful.
And if a Troian for his gear
with sorrow overbrimmeth,
300
Then, lest the Achaians swallow it,
'tis better that he gather
And yield his riches to the folk
for bountiful enjoyment.
But we, with morning's early dawn
complete in arms accoutred,
Will at the smoothly-hollow ships
awaken eager Ares.
Also, if godlike Achileus
in very truth is risen
305
(An so it list him,) by the ships,
for him will it be worser.
Not I will flee him: stand will I
in harshly-roaring battle
Confronting; whether I or he
bear off the meed of prowess.
Common is Ares, who alsó
the vanquisher hath vanquish'd."
So Hector counsell'd: to his word
the Troians whoop'd applauding,
310
Silly: for maid Athene reft
all wisdom from their bosoms.
For they to Hector gave assent,
who ill devices purpos'd,
But none Polydamas approv'd,
tho' prudent was his counsel.
Thereat, along the host, took they
their supper: but the Achaians
Watching throughout the livelong night
bewail'd and mourn'd Patroclus.
315
To them did Peleus' son lead off
the dirge of ceaseless sorrow,
Casting his hero-slaying hands
around his comrade's bosom,
With thick-drawn moanings; as may moan
a noble-bearded lion,
Whose cubs a hunter of the deer
from out the bushy forest
Hath ravish'd; and the parent-beast,
too late arriving, mourneth.
320
Thro' many a glen then courseth he,
to track that hunter's footstep
And overhend him: ay, for sharp
the fierceness of his rancour.
So he with deep-resounding moan
the Myrmidons accosted:
"Ye Spirits! troth! an empty word
I on that day did utter,
Cheering the old Menoetius
within his princely chambers;
325
And said, I safely back should bring
his famous son to Opus,
After the storm of Ilium,
with booty's due allotment.
Truly not all their purposes
doth Jove to mortals complish.
For here, in Troas both of us
alike the soil to crimson
330
Are doom'd; for never in his halls
old charioteering Peleus,
Nor Thetis, my return shall greet;
but here the earth shall hold me.
Yet sith, Patroclus! after thee
beneath the earth I journey,
Ere that thy funeral I make,
first hither must I carry
The arms and head of Priam's son,
thy mighty-hearted slayer.
335
And eke before thy pile will I,
by loss of thee embitter'd,
Sever twelve heads of living men,
bright children of the Troians.
Meanwhile thou here shalt lie,-just so,-
beside my crested galleys;
And round thy body Troian dames
and ample-bosom'd Dardans
Shall night and day bewail; whom we
by lengthy spear and prowess
340
Did earn, fat cities pillaging
of voice-dividing mortals."
This spoken, godlike Achileus
unto his comrades beckon'd,
An ample tripod on the fire
to set, whereby they quickly
Might wash the gory clots away
from skin of dead Patroclus.
345
So on the wasting fire they set
an ample-bellied tripod:
Water for bathings in they pour'd
and kindled wood beneath it:
Around the bottom play'd the fire,
and soon the water heated.
But when within the shining brass
the water 'gan to bubble,
Then wash'd they all the clots away,
and with rich oil did oint him,
350
And fill'd with unguent nine years old
the gashes of the carcase.
1
Then on a pallet stretching him,
in gauzy linen wrapt him
From head to foot, and over all
a robe of white extended.
Thus round Achilles fleet of foot
the Myrmidons were watching
The livelong night with tear and groan
to mourn for dead Patroclus.
355
But Jove to Juno made address,
his sister and his consort:
"So then! accomplish'd is thy will,
O large-ey'd queenly Juno!
For lo! Achilles fleet of foot
arous'd thou hast. Methinketh,
From thy own body erst were born
the streaming-hair'd Achaians."
To him thereat reciprocal
spake large-ey'd queenly Juno:
360
"O son of Saturn, grim and dire,
what saying hast thou blurted?
Man verily, I trow, for man,
is wont his will to complish.
Nor kenneth counsel like to me,
who mortal is of fabric,
How then should I, who claim to be
of goddesses the chiefest,
(Eldest by birth, and rank alsó;
for that I hold the title
365
Thy wedded queen to be; and thou
mid all the immortals reignest;)
Not against Troians in my wrath
weave meshes of disaster?"
Thus they reciprocally held
betwixt themselves discourses.
But silver-footed Thetis reach'd
meanwhile the house of Vulcan,
Brazen and starry, mid the abodes
of all immortals signal,
370
Free from decay; which for himself
the limping god had framed.
Him sweating at his work she found,
around the bellows moving,
Earnest: for he just then would make
tripods in number twenty,
To stand in order round the wall
of a right stately chamber,
And unto every one beneath
he golden wheels did fashion,
375
That mid the company of gods
they might self-moving enter,
And to their mansion hie them back;
-a spectacle to marvel.
So far completeness had they found;
but ears not yet were added,
All-curious; these would he frame,
and couple-bands was hewing.
While he, with soul of artifice,
upon such work was busy,
380
Thetis, meanwhile approach'd him,
was seen, who forward hurried,
The goddess of the silver foot,
And by the dainty-tired Grace
Fair partner of the greatly-fam'd
and doubly-dextrous Vulcan.
Then closely did she press her hand,
and spake, her name pronouncing:
"But wherefore, Thetis trailing-rob'd!
unto our mansion comest,
385
Beloved and rever'd? of old
thou dost not much frequent us.
But follow further; then will I
with stranger's welcome greet thee."
She then, divine of goddesses,
this spoken, led her further.
Upon a golded-studded chair
all-curious and dainty
She seated her, where for the feet
a stool below was fashion'd,
390
And call'd to Vulcan, fam'd in art,
and winged accents utter'd:
"O Vulcan, hither hie thee forth:
some need of thee hath Thetis."
To her the doubly-dextrous god,
right famous, thus responded:
"Troth! then a goddess is within,
Who rescued me, when far I fell,
to me rever'd and awful,
For-that my mother vixen-fac'd
395
and trouble sore distress'd me,
Disdainful of my lameness: then
did wreak her will against me,
But Thetis and Eurynome
dire sorrow had I suffer'd;
Eurynome, who daughter is
receiv'd me in their bosom,
of self-rejoining Ocean.
Beside them, I for nine years forg'd
full many an artful trinket,
400
Bell-cups and wreathing screwy rings
and necklaces and brooches,
Within a smoothly-hollow grot.
But there, the stream of Ocean
Around flow'd gurgling fathomless
with foam: nor any other,
Neither of gods nor mortal men,
had knowledge of my secret,
But Thetis and Eurynome,
these twain, who sav'd me, knew it.
405
She to our mansion now is come:
me therefore much behoveth,
To pay the salvage of my life
to dainty-braided Thetis.
Do thou fair gifts before her place,
meet for a stranger's welcome,
While I my bellows put away
and all my tools of workshop."
He spake, and from the stithy rose,
a spectacle to wonder,
410
Limping and huge: yet under him
his slender shanks mov'd nimbly.
The bellows from the fire apart
he plac'd; and all the weapons,
Tools of his art, he gather'd up
into a silver coffer.
Then with a sponge his face around
and both his hands he wiped
And sturdy neck and shaggy chest,
and donn'd a fitting tunic;
415
Took in his hand a sceptre stout,
and on his feet proceeded,
Lame as he was, abroad. Beside
and round their lord, mov'd nimbly
Pages in fine-wrought gold, in form
like unto living maidens;
Which have within their heart a mind,
a voice within their bosom,
And strength; and canny service know
by gift of gods immortal.
420
These did their tasks fulfil, and watch'd
their lord's command; who, limping,
Sat him upon a shining chair,
near to the seat of Thetis.
Then closely did he press her hand,
and spake, her name pronouncing:
"But wherefore, Thetis trailing-rob'd!
unto our mansion comest,
Beloved and rever'd? of old
thou dost not much frequent us.
425
Speak forth thy meaning: me my heart
to complishment exhorteth,
If complish it I can, and if
such purpose complish'd have been."
To him then Thetis tear-bestream'd
did words responsive utter:
"O Vulcan, say,-of goddesses
who dwell upon Olympus,
Knowest thou one, who in her heart
hath borne so bitter sorrow,
430
As Jove the son of Saturn hath
on
me especial fastened?
Me from my sisters of the sea
he to a man subjected,-
To Peleus, son of Aeacus:
-a man's embrace I suffer'd,
Sorely against my will, in sooth.
Now he within his chambers
Lieth, by noisome eld outworn;
and lo! new sorrows whelm me.
435
For-that, whereas he gave to me
to bear and rear an offspring,-
A chief of warriours; and he
grew tall, like to a sapling;
And him, as in the orchard's lap
a plant, I fondly nurtur'd,
And sent him forth to Ilium,
upon his crested galleys,
Against the Troïans to fight;-
yet in the halls of Peleus
440
Ne'er shall my child returning meet
the welcome of his mother.
And while he liveth still for me
and sees the light of heaven,
Anguish he suffereth; nor I
approaching may relieve him.
The damsel, whom Achaia's sons
for
him as prize selected,
Her from his arms with contumely
King Agamemnon rieved.
445
Grieving for her, his spirit pin'd
distemper'd: but the Achaians
Were by the Troians to their poops
hemm'd up, nor dar'd to sally
Abroad beyond them. Him the chiefs
and counsellors of Argos
Besought, and many gifts to him
thereon refus'd he at the first;
Yet, after, in his proper arms
and unto battle sent him forth
450
right glorious behighted,
himself to ward the mischief,
he girt his friend Patroclus,
and many folk behind him.
Then they around the Skæan gates
the livelong day did combat,
And in the selfsame day would storm
the city; but Apollo,
When valiant Menœtiades
had many woes inflicted,
455
Slew him amid the foremost ranks
and glory gave to Hector.
Therefore before thy knees I come,
if haply thou be willing
To give my speedy-fated son
a triple-crested helmet
And buckler and resplendent greaves,
with anklets duly fitted,
And corslet; sith, the arms he had,
his comrade dear hath lost them,
460
when deadly fate approach'd him,
a prize to Troy: so on the ground
My child in anguish lieth."
To her the doubly-dextrous god,
right famous, thus responded:
"Cheer thee; nor let such things as these
Be burden on thy spirit.
For, oh that I so easily,
Avail'd, from dismal-wailing death
to hide away thy offspring;
465
As now shall beauteous arms to him
be furnish'd, such as mortals
Shall, one and all, count marvellous,
whoever may behold them."
This said, he left her on the spot,
and to the bellows hied him:
Against the fire he pointed them,
and bade them to be active.
In twenty censers coals were laid,
and twenty bellows blew them,
470
Sending their sprightly blast abroad
in every guise of puffing,
One while assisting earnest work,
another while more languid,
As might to Vulcan pleasant be,
and aid the work's fulfilment.
Into the fire stiff brass and tin,
and costly gold, and silver,
475
He cast but on the stithy next
he plac'd a mighty anvil;
In one hand grasp'd a hammer stout,
a firetong in the other.
First did he take in hand to frame
a vast and stubborn buckler,
Of curious achievement: round
he cast a rim resplendent,
Three-plated, sparkling: from it hung
a strap of twisted silver.
480
The buckler's proper substance held
five folds; but on the surface
He fram'd with soul of artifice
full many a fair resemblance.
On it the Earth and on it Sea
he plac'd, and on it Heaven,
The Sun unweary, Moon at full;
and on it all the marvels,
The Pleiades, the Rainy stars,
and glorious Orion,
485
Wherewith the sky is crown'd; and
Bear, which Wain is call'd by others;
Which turneth alway on his field,
and lurketh for Orion,
And sole exemption hath aloft
from bathings of the ocean.
On it did he two cities place
of voice-dividing mortals,
490
Splendid. In one of them were held
weddings and festive banquets,
And thro' the city brides were led,
escorted from their chambers
With flashing torches: loud arose
redoubled hymenæal.
Dancers were reeling: flutes and harps
to them made tuneful concert,
And from the threshold every wife
stept out to gaze and wonder.
495
The people in the public square
stood crowded: there a contest
For forfeit on a homicide
betwixt two men was risen.
One vow'd, he had the whole
discharg'd, -expounding to the people;
The other stout denial made,
-no gear had yet been paid him:
500
So both an umpire from the folk
would get, to end the quarrel.
To each in turn acclaim was made,
as each might find supporters,
But heralds did the people check;
and canny-hearted elders
Were seated upon polish'd stones
within a sacred circle,
And in their hands the sceptres held
of lofty-shouting heralds,
505
Wherewith in turn each sallied forth,
when he for judge was chosen.
Full in the midst, -award of law,-
were laid two golden talents,
To yield to him, whose argument
more rightful might be proven.
Around the other city sat
two hosts of foemen people,
Flashing in armour. Diverse thoughts
their counsel were dividing.
510
The one would ravage and destroy,
the other would distribute,
The gear, whatever might be coop'd
within that lovely fortress.
The townsmen no surrender yet
would make, but arm'd for ambush.
Their helpless children, consorts dear,
and men whom eld enfeebled,
515
Should man the rampart for defence;
themselves in arms would sally,
By Ares and Athene led.
Both these were gold, accoutred
In golden raiment; fair and tall,
as is for gods becoming,
And mark'd asunder to the eye:
the folk were small beside them.
But when they at the place arriv'd,
whereat it yielded ambush,
520
Beside a river, where a ford
gave watering for cattle,
Near it began they low to crouch,
in flashing brass accoutred.
But for the townsmen, separate
from these, two scouts were sitting,
Watching to tell, if flocks be near,
or crumple-horned oxen.
Soon did the cattle forward come
with them two herdsmen follow'd,
525
Sporting upon the rustic pipe,
of hidden wile unthoughtful.
The men in ambush notice gat,
and sallied; quick thereafter
From flocks of snowy-coated sheep
and noble herds of cattle
Did each his portion intercept,
and eke the herdsmen slaughter'd.
The foemen, at their parliaments
still seated, heard the hubbub
530
Around the cattle: instantly
on sprightly-footed horses,
Upspringing, forth they hied in chase,
and reach'd the ground of combat,
And forming on the river-banks,
to standing fight betook them:
So with long lances copper-tipt
did each assail the other.
Amid them Riot, mid them Strife,
held bargain; yea, amid them
535
Dragg'd deadly Fate one man alive
fresh-wounded, one unwounded;
Another dead man by the feet
she tugg'd from out the turmoil,
And on her shoulders wore a cloak
with blood of heroes scarlet.
Such was their dealing, such their war,
they might be living mortals:
And they on either side drew up
the carcases of foemen.
540
On it he plac'd a soft new field,
fat soil, thrice-plough'd and ample,
Where many ploughmen teams did drive
reversing, hither, thither.
When to the limit of the field
they reach'd, and turn'd the cattle,
Then did a man, with cup in hand
of luscious wine, advancing
545
Give them to drink: those in the rows
turn'd round to look, and hanker'd
To reach the limit: black it was,
albeit all was golden,
And seem'd as newly plough'd: such work
was verily a marvel.
On it he plac'd a cornfield deep,
where hireling workmen labour'd
Reaping, and wielded each in hand
a newly-sharpen'd sickle.
The bundles, -some, behind the row
to earth did fall successive;
Others, the binders of the sheaves
were knotting into trusses.
Three were the binders of the sheaves,
right urgent; but behind them
Children the bundles gathering
and in their arms enclasping,
555
With heart of effort, dealt supply:
but, resting on his sceptre,
The king in silence near the row
stood forth, in soul delighted.
Heralds, apart, beneath an oak
a banquet were preparing,
And o'er a mighty bull, new slain,
were busièd; and women
White flour in plenty o'er it shed,
as dinner for the hirelings.
560
On it an orchard next he plac'd,
all beautiful and golden,
Laden with luscious crop of grapes:
dark were the clusters on it.
Across the vineyard every row
was propt on poles of silver.
On either side, a dark blue ditch;
around, a fence he carried
Of tin: a single narrow path
led thro' the field to reach it,
565
By which the pickers came and went,
when they would crop the vineyard.
And tender maids, and striplings slim,
with gentle heart of childhood,
Did in well-woven baskets bear
the fruit as honey pleasant.
And in the midst of them a boy
on shrilly lute was harping
Delightsome, and with tiny voice
replied in dainty ditty.
570
The others to the tune beat time,
and humm'd and skirl'd and bounded.
On it he further plac'd a herd
of lofty-crested cattle.
Of gold and tin the kine were made:
beside a rippling river
With lowing came they from their yard,
thro' waving reeds, to pasture.
575
Four golden herdsmen with the kine
were rang'd: dogs with them follow'd,
Nine, spry of foot: but in the front
two lions grim were mauling them.
A bull, that bellow'd loud, to whom
the hounds and youths would speed
The twain had rent the bull's vast side,
gorging dark blood and entrails,
And vainly came the swains in chase,
the nimble dogs exhorting.
These from the lions kept aloof,
nor dar'd to bite; but round them
585
Stood at safe distance, barking fierce,
and slunk from their encounter.
The famous doubly-dextrous god
next a great pasture fashion'd,
In a fair copse, of snowy sheep,
with pens and huts and stables.
Next he achiev'd a reel complex,
like that in ample Cnossus,
590
Which Dædalus of yore compos'd
for bright-hair'd Ariadne.
Maidens, who dower earn of kine,
and bachelours beside them,
Therein were dancing, each the hand
on wrist of other holding.
The maidens gauzy muslin wore,
the youths were clad in tunics
595
Of tissue featly spun, with oil
fresh glistering and glossy:
Each maiden bare upon her head
a fair leaf-shaking garland,
Each youth a golden cutlass wore
by silver strap suspended.
And these with canny feet one while
did scud in easy running,
As when a potter tries his lathe,
whether the wheel will circle:
600
At other while they both in ranks,
one by the other, coursed.
And round that lovely company
a troop of many people
Stood gazing with delight: from them
came forth a pair of tumblers,
Who, leading off a melody,
went whirling in the middle.
605
Last, in it, he the mighty strength
of river Ocean fashion'd,
Along the outmost-circling rim
of the close-welded buckler.
When thus he had achiev'd to make
the buckler vast and sturdy,
The corslet after it he wrought,
than blaze of fire more shining;
And eke the solid weighty casque,
unto the temples fitted,
610
All radiant and full of art,
with golden crest upon it;
And greaves of flimsy-shining tin.
Therewith his work was ended.
But when the glorious artizan
had all the armour finish'd,
Before Achilles' mother's feet
he brought and laid his present.
She from Olympus' snowy height
came sousing as a falcon,
615
Bearing from Vulcan to her son
the sparkling arms she promis'd.
“The Shield of Achilles.” Illustration originally published in The Penny Magazine of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, September 22, 1832.