Homer, Iliad, Samuel Butler (Translator), 24.571

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571 The old man feared him and obeyed. Then the son of Peleus sprang like a lion through the door of his house, not alone, but with him went his two squires [ therapontes] Automedon and Alkimos who were closer to him than any others of his comrades now that Patroklos was no more. These unyoked the horses and mules, and bade Priam's herald and attendant be seated within the house. They lifted the ransom for Hektor's body from the wagon. but they left two mantles and a goodly shirt, that Achilles might wrap the body in them when he gave it to be taken home. Then he called to his servants and ordered them to wash the body and anoint it, but he first took it to a place where Priam should not see it, lest if he did so, he should break out in the bitterness of his grief, and enrage Achilles, who might then kill him and err against the word of Zeus. When the servants had washed the body and anointed it, and had wrapped it in a fair shirt and mantle, Achilles himself lifted it on to a bier, and he and his men then laid it on the wagon. He cried aloud as he did so and called on the name of his dear comrade, "Be not angry with me, Patroklos," he said, "if you hear even in the house of Hades that I have given Hektor to his father for a ransom. It has been no unworthy one, and I will share it equitably with you."

596 Achilles then went back into the tent and took his place on the richly inlaid seat from which he had risen, by the wall that was at right angles to the one against which Priam was sitting. "Sir," he said, "your son is now laid upon his bier and is ransomed according to desire; you shall look upon him when you him away at daybreak; for the present let us prepare our supper. Even lovely Niobe had to think about eating, though her twelve children - six daughters and six lusty sons - had been all slain in her house. Apollo killed the sons with arrows from his silver bow, to punish Niobe, and Artemis slew the daughters, because Niobe had vaunted herself against Leto; she said Leto had borne two children only, whereas she had herself borne many - whereon the two killed the many. Nine days did they lie weltering, and there was none to bury them, for the son of Kronos turned the people into stone; but on the tenth day the gods in heaven themselves buried them, and Niobe then took food, being worn out with weeping. They say that somewhere among the rocks on the mountain pastures of Sipylos, where the nymphs live that haunt the river Akheloos, there, they say, she lives in stone and still nurses the sorrows sent upon her by the hand of heaven. Therefore, noble sir, let us two now take food; you can weep for your dear son hereafter as you are bearing him back to Ilion - and many a tear will he cost you."

621 With this Achilles sprang from his seat and killed a sheep of silvery whiteness, which his followers skinned and made ready all in due order [ kosmos]. They cut the meat carefully up into smaller pieces, spitted them, and drew them off again when they were well roasted. Automedon brought bread in fair baskets and served it round the table, while Achilles dealt out the meat, and they laid their hands on the good things that were before them. As soon as they had had enough to eat and drink, Priam, descendant of Dardanos , marveled at the strength and beauty of Achilles for he was as a god to see, and Achilles marveled at Priam as he listened to him and looked upon his noble presence. When they had gazed their fill Priam spoke first. "And now, O king," he said, "take me to my couch that we may lie down and enjoy the blessed boon of sleep. Never once have my eyes been closed from the day your hands took the life of my son; I have groveled without ceasing in the mire of my stable-yard, making moan and brooding over my countless sorrows. Now, moreover, I have eaten bread and drunk wine; hitherto I have tasted nothing."

642 As he spoke Achilles told his men and the women-servants to set beds in the room that was in the gatehouse, and make them with good red rugs, and spread coverlets on the top of them with woolen cloaks for Priam and Idaios to wear. So the maids went out carrying a torch and got the two beds ready in all haste. Then Achilles said laughingly to Priam, "Dear sir, you shall lie outside, lest some counselor of those who, as is right [ themis], keep coming to advise with me should see you here in the darkness of the fleeing night, and tell it to Agamemnon. This might cause delay in the delivery of the body. And now tell me and tell me true, for how many days would you celebrate the funeral rites of noble Hektor? Tell me, that I may hold aloof from war and restrain the host."

659 And Priam answered, "Since, then, you suffer me to bury my noble son with all due rites, do thus, Achilles, and I shall be grateful. You know how we are pent up within our city;

662 it is far for us to fetch wood from the mountain, and the people live in fear. Nine days, therefore, will we mourn Hektor in my house; on the tenth day we will bury him and there shall be a public feast in his honor; on the eleventh we will build a mound over his ashes, and on the twelfth, if there be need, we will fight." And Achilles answered, "All, King Priam, shall be as you have said. I will stay our fighting for as long a time as you have named."

671 As he spoke he laid his hand on the old man's right wrist, in token that he should have no fear; thus then did Priam and his attendant sleep there in the forecourt, full of thought, while Achilles lay in an inner room of the house, with fair Briseis by his side.

677 And now both gods and mortals were fast asleep through the livelong night, but upon Hermes alone, the bringer of good luck, sleep could take no hold for he was thinking all the time how to get King Priam away from the ships without his being seen by the strong force of sentinels. He hovered therefore over Priam's head and said, "Sir, now that Achilles has spared your life, you seem to have no fear about sleeping in the thick of your foes. You have paid a great ransom, and have received the body of your son; were you still alive and a prisoner the sons whom you have left at home would have to give three times as much to free you; and so it would be if Agamemnon and the other Achaeans were to know of your being here."

Iliad. Homer. Samuel Butler (Translator). London. 1898.

Current edition Perseus

Iliad (English) (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.)

Editions (1)

Ἰλιάς Perseus (Homer. Homeri Opera, Volumes 1-2. Monro, D. B. (David Binning), editor; Allen, Thomas W. (Thomas William), editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1908-1920.) — 24.552 focus

τὸν δʼ ἠμείβετʼ ἔπειτα γέρων Πρίαμος θεοειδής·

μή πω μʼ ἐς θρόνον ἵζε διοτρεφὲς ὄφρά κεν Ἕκτωρ

κεῖται ἐνὶ κλισίῃσιν ἀκηδής, ἀλλὰ τάχιστα

λῦσον ἵνʼ ὀφθαλμοῖσιν ἴδω· σὺ δὲ δέξαι ἄποινα

555

πολλά, τά τοι φέρομεν· σὺ δὲ τῶνδʼ ἀπόναιο, καὶ ἔλθοις

σὴν ἐς πατρίδα γαῖαν, ἐπεί με πρῶτον ἔασας

αὐτόν τε ζώειν καὶ ὁρᾶν φάος ἠελίοιο.

τὸν δʼ ἄρʼ ὑπόδρα ἰδὼν προσέφη πόδας ὠκὺς Ἀχιλλεύς·

μηκέτι νῦν μʼ ἐρέθιζε γέρον· νοέω δὲ καὶ αὐτὸς

560

Ἕκτορά τοι λῦσαι, Διόθεν δέ μοι ἄγγελος ἦλθε

μήτηρ, ἥ μʼ ἔτεκεν, θυγάτηρ ἁλίοιο γέροντος.

καὶ δέ σε γιγνώσκω Πρίαμε φρεσίν, οὐδέ με λήθεις,

ὅττι θεῶν τίς σʼ ἦγε θοὰς ἐπὶ νῆας Ἀχαιῶν.

οὐ γάρ κε τλαίη βροτὸς ἐλθέμεν, οὐδὲ μάλʼ ἡβῶν,

565

ἐς στρατόν· οὐδὲ γὰρ ἂν φυλάκους λάθοι, οὐδέ κʼ ὀχῆα

ῥεῖα μετοχλίσσειε θυράων ἡμετεράων.

τὼ νῦν μή μοι μᾶλλον ἐν ἄλγεσι θυμὸν ὀρίνῃς,

μή σε γέρον οὐδʼ αὐτὸν ἐνὶ κλισίῃσιν ἐάσω

καὶ ἱκέτην περ ἐόντα, Διὸς δʼ ἀλίτωμαι ἐφετμάς.

570

ὣς ἔφατʼ, ἔδεισεν δʼ ὃ γέρων καὶ ἐπείθετο μύθῳ.

Πηλεΐδης δʼ οἴκοιο λέων ὣς ἆλτο θύραζε

οὐκ οἶος, ἅμα τῷ γε δύω θεράποντες ἕποντο

ἥρως Αὐτομέδων ἠδʼ Ἄλκιμος, οὕς ῥα μάλιστα

τῖʼ Ἀχιλεὺς ἑτάρων μετὰ Πάτροκλόν γε θανόντα,

575

οἳ τόθʼ ὑπὸ ζυγόφιν λύον ἵππους ἡμιόνους τε,

ἐς δʼ ἄγαγον κήρυκα καλήτορα τοῖο γέροντος,

κὰδ δʼ ἐπὶ δίφρου εἷσαν· ἐϋξέστου δʼ ἀπʼ ἀπήνης

ᾕρεον Ἑκτορέης κεφαλῆς ἀπερείσιʼ ἄποινα.

κὰδ δʼ ἔλιπον δύο φάρεʼ ἐΰννητόν τε χιτῶνα,

580

ὄφρα νέκυν πυκάσας δοίη οἶκον δὲ φέρεσθαι.

δμῳὰς δʼ ἐκκαλέσας λοῦσαι κέλετʼ ἀμφί τʼ ἀλεῖψαι

νόσφιν ἀειράσας, ὡς μὴ Πρίαμος ἴδοι υἱόν,

μὴ ὃ μὲν ἀχνυμένῃ κραδίῃ χόλον οὐκ ἐρύσαιτο

παῖδα ἰδών, Ἀχιλῆϊ δʼ ὀρινθείη φίλον ἦτορ,

585

καί ἑ κατακτείνειε, Διὸς δʼ ἀλίτηται ἐφετμάς.

τὸν δʼ ἐπεὶ οὖν δμῳαὶ λοῦσαν καὶ χρῖσαν ἐλαίῳ,

ἀμφὶ δέ μιν φᾶρος καλὸν βάλον ἠδὲ χιτῶνα,

αὐτὸς τόν γʼ Ἀχιλεὺς λεχέων ἐπέθηκεν ἀείρας,

σὺν δʼ ἕταροι ἤειραν ἐϋξέστην ἐπʼ ἀπήνην.

590

ᾤμωξέν τʼ ἄρʼ ἔπειτα, φίλον δʼ ὀνόμηνεν ἑταῖρον·

μή μοι Πάτροκλε σκυδμαινέμεν, αἴ κε πύθηαι

εἰν Ἄϊδός περ ἐὼν ὅτι Ἕκτορα δῖον ἔλυσα

πατρὶ φίλῳ, ἐπεὶ οὔ μοι ἀεικέα δῶκεν ἄποινα.

σοὶ δʼ αὖ ἐγὼ καὶ τῶνδʼ ἀποδάσσομαι ὅσσʼ ἐπέοικεν.

595

Translations (7)

Iliad Perseus (Homer. The Iliad, Volume 1-2. Murray, A. T. (Augustus Taber), translator. London: William Heinmann; New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1924-1925.) — 24.552 focus

And the old man, godlike Priam, answered him:

Seat me not anywise upon a chair, O thou fostered of Zeus, so long as Hector lieth uncared-for amid the huts; 555 nay, give him back with speed, that mine eyes may behold him; and do thou accept the ransom, the great ransom, that we bring. So mayest thou have joy thereof, and come to thy native land, seeing that from the first thou hast spared me.

Then with an angry glance from beneath his brows spake to him Achilles swift of foot: 560

Provoke me no more, old sir; I am minded even of myself to give Hector back to thee; for from Zeus there came to me a messenger, even the mother that bare me, daughter of the old man of the sea. And of thee, Priam, do I know in my heart—it nowise escapeth me—that some god led thee to the swift ships of the Achaeans. 565 For no mortal man, were he never so young and strong, would dare to come amid the host; neither could he then escape the watch, nor easily thrust back the bar of our doors. Wherefore now stir my heart no more amid my sorrows, lest, old sire, I spare not even thee within the huts, 570 my suppliant though thou art, and so sin against the behest of Zeus.

So spake he, and the old man was seized with fear, and hearkened to his word. But like a lion the son of Peleus sprang forth from the houses—not alone, for with him went two squires as well, even the warrior Automedon and Alcimus, 575 they that Achilles honoured above all his comrades, after the dead Patroclus. These then loosed from beneath the yoke the horses and mules, and led within the herald, the crier of the old king, and set him on a chair; and from the wain of goodly felloes they took the countless ransom for Hector's head. 580 But they left there two robes and a fair-woven tunic, to the end that Achilles might enwrap the dead therein and so give him to be borne to his home. Then Achilles called forth the hand-maids and bade them wash and anoint him, bearing him to a place apart that Priam might not have sight of his son, lest in grief of heart he should not restrain his wrath, 585 whenso he had sight of his son, and Achilles' own spirit be stirred to anger, and he slay him, and so sin against the behest of Zeus. So when the handmaids had washed the body and anointed it with oil, and had cast about it a fair cloak and a tunic, then Achilles himself lifted it and set it upon a bier, 590 and his comrades with him lifted it upon the polished waggon. Then he uttered a groan, and called by name upon his dear comrade:

Be not thou wroth with me, Patroclus, if thou hearest even in the house of Hades that I have given back goodly Hector to his dear father, seeing that not unseemly is the ransom he hath given me. 595 And unto thee shall I render even of this all that is thy due.

English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Butler, rev. Nagy et al., 2020)) — 24.552 focus

O king, bid me not be seated, while Hector is still lying uncared for in your tents, but accept the great ransom which I have brought you, [555] and give him to me at once that I may look upon him. May you prosper with the ransom and reach your own land in safety, seeing that you have suffered me to live and to look upon the light of the sun.”

Swift-footed Achilles looked at him sternly and said, [560] “Vex me, sir, no longer; I am of myself minded to give up the body of Hector. My mother, daughter of the old man of the sea, came to me from Zeus to bid me deliver it to you. Moreover I know well, O Priam, and you cannot hide it, that some god has brought you to the ships of the Achaeans, for else, [565] no man however strong and in his prime would dare to come to our army; he could neither pass our guard unseen, nor draw the bolt of my gates thus easily; therefore, provoke me no further, lest I err against the word of Zeus, and suffer you not, [570] suppliant though you are, within my tents.”

The old man feared him and obeyed. Then the son of Peleus sprang like a lion through the door of his house, not alone, but with him went his two attendants [ therapontes] Automedon and Alkimos [575] who were closer to him than any others of his comrades now that Patroklos was no more. These unyoked the horses and mules, and bade Priam’s herald and attendant be seated within the house. They lifted the ransom for Hector’s body from the wagon. [580] but they left two mantles and a goodly khiton, that Achilles might wrap the body in them when he gave it to be taken home. Then he called to his servants and ordered them to wash the body and anoint it, but he first took it to a place where Priam should not see it, [585] lest if he did so, he should break out in the bitterness of his grief, and enrage Achilles, who might then kill him and err against the word of Zeus. When the servants had washed the body and anointed it, and had wrapped it in a fair khiton and mantle, [590] Achilles himself lifted it on to a bier, and he and his men then laid it on the wagon. He cried aloud as he did so and called on the name of his dear comrade, “Be not angry with me, Patroklos,” he said, “if you hear even in the house of Hādēs that I have given great Hector to his father for a ransom. It has been no unworthy one, [595] and I will share it equitably with you.”

English (William Cullen Bryant, 1870) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cullen Bryant, 1870)) — 24.552 focus

And thus the godlike Priam, aged king,

Made answer: "Bid me not be seated here,

Nursling of Jove, while Hector lies among

700

Thy tents unburied. Let me ransom him

At once, that I may look on him once more

With my own eyes. Receive the many gifts

We bring thee, and mayst thou possess them long,

And reach thy native shore, since by thy grace

705

I live and yet behold the light of day."

Achilles heard, and, frowning, thus rejoined:

"Anger me not, old man; 't was in my thought

To let thee ransom Hector. To my tent

The mother came who bore me, sent from Jove,

710

The daughter of the Ancient of the Sea,

And I perceive, nor can it be concealed,

O Priam, that some god hath guided thee

To our swift galleys; for no mortal man,

Though in his prime of youthful strength, would dare

715

To come into the camp; he could not pass

The guard, nor move the beams that bar our gates.

So then remind me of my griefs no more,

Lest, suppliant as thou art, I leave thee not

Unharmed, and thus transgress the laws of Jove."

720

He spake: the aged man in fear obeyed.

And then Pelides like a lion leaped

Forth from the door, yet not alone he went;

For of his comrades two - Automedon,

The hero, and his comrade Alcimus,

725

He whom Achilles held in most esteem

After the slain Patroclus - followed him.

The mules and horses they unyoked, and led

The aged monarch's clear-voiced herald in,

And bade him sit. Then from the polished car

730

They took the costly ransom of the corse

Of Hector, save two cloaks, which back they laid

With a fair tunic, that their chief might give

The body shrouded to be borne to Troy.

And then he called the maidens, bidding them

735

Wash and anoint the dead, yet far apart

From Priam, lest, with looking on his son,

The grief within his heart might rise uncurbed

To anger, and Achilles in his rage

Might stay him and transgress the laws of Jove.

740

And when the handmaids finished, having washed

The body and anointed it with oil,

And wrapped a sumptuous cloak and tunic round

The limbs, Achilles lifted it himself

And placed it on a bier. His comrades gave

745

Their aid, and raised it to the polished car.

When all was done, Achilles groaned, and called

By name the friend he dearly loved, and said:-

"O my Patroclus, be not wroth with me

Should thou in Hades hear that I restore

750

Hector to his dear father, since I take

A ransom not unworthy; but of this

I yield to thee the portion justly thine."

English (Alexander Pope, 1720, ed. Watson, 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Alexander Pope, 1720, ed. Watson, 1857)) — 24.552 focus

To whom the king: ‘O favour'd of the skies!

‘Here let me grow to earth! since Hector lies

‘On the bare beach, depriv'd of obsequies.

‘O give me Hector: to my eyes restore

‘His corse, and take the gifts: I ask no more!

700

‘Thou, as thou may'st, these boundless stores enjoy;

‘Safe may'st thou sail, and turn thy wrath from Troy;

‘So shall thy pity and forbearance give

‘A weak old man to see the light, and live!’

‘Move me no more,’ (Achilles thus replies,

705

While kindling anger sparkled in his eyes,)

‘Nor seek by tears my steady soul to bend;

‘To yield thy Hector I myself intend:

‘For know, from Jove my goddess-mother came;

‘(Old Ocean's daughter, silver-footed dame;)

710

‘Nor com'st thou but by heaven; nor com'st alone;

‘Some god impels with courage not thy own:

‘No human hand the weighty gates unbarr'd,

‘Nor could the boldest of our youth have dar'd

‘To pass our out-works, or elude the guard.

715

‘Cease; lest, neglectful of high Jove's command,

‘I shew thee, king! thou tread'st on hostile land;

‘Release my knees, thy suppliant arts give o'er,

‘And shake the purpose of my soul no more.’

The sire obey'd him, trembling and o'eraw'd.

720

Achilles, like a lion, rush'd abroad;

Automedon and Alcimus attend,

Whom most he honour'd, since he lost his friend;

These to unyoke the mules and horses went,

And led the hoary herald to the tent:

725

Next, heap'd on high, the numerous presents bear

(Great Hector's ransom) from the polish'd car.

Two splendid mantles, and a carpet spread,

They leave, to cover and enwrap the dead:

Then call the handmaids, with assistant toil

730

To wash the body, and anoint with oil,

Apart from Priam; lest th' unhappy sire,

Provok'd to passion, once more rouse to ire

The stern Pelides; and nor sacred age,

Nor Jove's command, should check the rising rage.

735

This done, the garments o'er the corse they spread;

Achilles lifts it to the funeral bed:

Then, while the body on the car they laid,

He groans, and calls on lov'd Patroclus' shade:

‘If, in that gloom which never light must know,

740

‘The deeds of mortals touch the ghosts below;

‘O friend! forgive me, that I thus fulfil

‘(Restoring Hector) heaven's unquestion'd will.

‘The gifts the father gave, be ever thine,

‘To grace thy manes, and adorn thy shrine.’

745

English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (Thomas Hobbes, 1667, ed. Molesworth 1843)) — 24.552 focus

T'Achilles, Priam then again replies,

O Thetis' son, to sit I have no will,

Whilst at the ships my son unburied lies.

But bring him forth, that I my son may see,

And you the presents I have brought enjoy;

530

And prosperous unto you may they be,

And safely I again return to Troy.

Achilles, angry then, Old man, said he,

Provoke me not. I'll put into your hand

The body of your son, because to me

535

From Jove my mother came with that command.

And very well I know you Priam are,

And that you hither had a God for guide.

What mortal to the army come would dare ?

Or could have pass'd the watch and not been spied ?

540

Or open to you could the gates have set ?

Therefore take heed, and anger me no more,

Lest the command of Jove I should forget,

And without Hector send you out adoor.

This said, old Priam was afraid and sat.

545

Out went Achilles with Automedon

And Axamus, his two good servants, that

He lov'd the most, Patroclus being gone.

And they the horses and the mules untied,

And from the waggon in the goods they brought,

550

Only, wherewith the body dead to hide,

They left behind a handsome robe and coat.

Achilles then his drudging maids appointed

To bear the body to some chamber meet,

And see the same well wash'd and well anointed,

555

So secretly that Priam might not see't,

Lest grieved he should something do or say,

That might so far Achilles' anger move,

That in his passion he should Priam slay,

Forgetting the commandement of Jove.

560

And being wash'd, anointed, and array'd,

Achilles laid the body on a bed,

Which his two servants in the waggon laid.

This done, he to Patroclus sake and said,

O ray Patroclus, if you hear in Hell,

565

That Hector's body I have sent to Troy,

Forgive me, since I for it paid am well

With gifts, whereof what's fit to you I'll pay.

English (George Chapman, 1611, ed. Hooper 1857) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (George Chapman, 1611, ed. Hooper 1857)) — 24.552 focus

"Give me no seat, great seed of Jove, when yet unransomed

Hector lies riteless in thy tents, but deign with utmost speed

His resignation, that these eyes may see his person freed,

And thy grace satisfied with gifts. Accept what I have brought,

500

And turn to Phthia; 'tis enough thy conquering hand hath fought

Till Hector falt'red under it, and Hector's father stood

With free humanity safe." He frown'd and said: "Give not my blood

Fresh cause of fury. I know well I must resign thy son,

Jove by my mother utter'd it, and what besides is done

505

I know as amply; and thyself, old Priam, I know too.

Some God hath brought thee, for no man durst use a thought to go

On such a service. I have guards, and I have gates to stay

Easy accesses; do not then presume thy will can sway,

Like Jove's will, and incense again my quench'd blood, lest nor thou

510

Nor Jove get the command of me." This made the old king bow,

And down he sat in fear. The prince leap'd like a lion forth,

Automedon and Alcimus attending; all the worth

Brought for the body they took down and brought in, and with it

Idæus, herald to the king; a coat embroider'd yet,

515

And two rich cloaks, they left to hide the person. Thetis' son

Call'd out his women to anoint and quickly overrun

The corse with water, lifting it in private to the coach,

Lest Priam saw, and his cold blood embrac'd a fiery touch

Of anger at the turpitude profaning it, and blew

520

Again his wrath's fire to his death. This done, his women threw

The coat and cloak on, but the corse Achilles' own hand laid

Upon a bed, and with his friends to chariot it convey'd.

For which forc'd grace, abhorring so from his free mind, he wept,

Cried out for anger, and thus pray'd: " O friend, do not except

525

Against this favour to our foe, if in the deep thou hear,

And that I give him to his sire; he gave fair ransom; dear

In my observance is Jove's will; and whatsoever part

Of all these gifts by any mean I fitly may convert

To thy renown here, and will there, it shall be pour'd upon

530

Thy honour'd sepulchre."

English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey) (OCR draft) Experimental (English (William Cowper, 1791, ed. Southey)) — 24.552 focus

To whom the ancient King godlike replied.

Hero, forbear. No seat is here for me,

While Hector lies unburied in your camp.

695

Loose him, and loose him now, that with these eyes

I may behold my son; accept a price

Magnificent, which may's thou long enjoy,

And, since my life was precious in thy sight,

May'st thou revisit safe thy native shore!

700

To whom Achilles, louring, and in wrath.

Urge me no longer, at a time like this,

With that harsh note; I am already inclined

To loose him. Thetis, my own mother came

Herself on that same errand, sent from Jove.

705

Priam! I understand thee well. I know

That, by some God conducted, thou hast reach'd

Achaia's fleet; for, without aid divine,

No mortal even in his prime of youth,

Had dared the attempt; guards vigilant as ours

710

He should not easily elude, such gates,

So massy, should not easily unbar.

Thou, therefore, vex me not in my distress,

Lest I abhor to see thee in my tent,

And, borne beyond all limits, set at nought

715

Thee, and thy prayer, and the command of Jove.

He said; the old King trembled, and obey'd.

Then sprang Pelides like a lion forth,

Not sole, but with his two attendant friends

Alcimus and Automedon the brave,

720

For them (Patroclus slain) he honour'd most

Of all the Myrmidons. They from the yoke

Released both steeds and mules, then introduced

And placed the herald of the hoary King.

They lighten'd next the litter of its charge

725

Inestimable, leaving yet behind

Two mantles and a vest, that, not unveil'd,

The body might be borne back into Troy.

Then, calling forth his women, them he bade

Lave and anoint the body, but apart,

730

Lest haply Priam, noticing his son,

Through stress of grief should give resentment scope,

And irritate by some affront himself

To slay him, in despight of Jove's commands.

They, therefore, laving and anointing first

735

The body, cover'd it with cloak and vest;

Then, Peleus' son disposed it on the bier,

Lifting it from the ground, and his two friends

Together heaved it to the Royal wain.

Achilles, last, groaning, his friend invoked.

740

Patroclus! should the tidings reach thine ear,

Although in Ades, that I have released

The noble Hector at his father's suit,

Resent it not; no sordid gifts have paid

His ransom-price, which thou shalt also share.

745

New Alexandria Commentaries

Gregory Nagy

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

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

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The two heroes Automedon and Alkimos are both marked as therapontes of Achilles, I.24.573, by virtue of this detail: Achilles honored the two of them more than anyone else after the death of Patroklos, I.24.574–575 (tīein ‘honor’ at I.24.575). Here they are acting as the attendants of Achilles, I.24.576–580.

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analysis of petrified characters, here in Niobe’s story, and Aristarchus’ analysis of 611 in the passage as Homeric but 614-617 as non-Homeric

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analysis and comparison of the different traditions about the children of Niobe, here the Iliadic one according to which they all were killed (contra an Argive one, according to which two were saved by Leto), in the context of analyzing Pausanias

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analysis of locating the realm of Tantalos in Pausanias and comparison with the Iliad

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reference to the fact that númphē can mean not only “goddess,” as here, but also “bride.” See Il. XVIII.492

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Leonard Muellner

analysis of the delicacy of the situation and the exchange between Achilles and Priam nearly not succeeding

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analysis of the teleology of Achilles’ mēnis and enacting his humanness in Achilles’ partaking of food (here), sleeping with a woman, and sharing in kēdea (Hektor’s funeral)

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the difficulty of exchange in I.24 (in contrast to that proposed by Chryses in I.01) and need for the divine intervention of Hermes, here especially to avoid being noticed by Agamemnon

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analysis of the teleology of Achilles’ mēnis and enacting his humanness in Achilles’ partaking of food, sleeping with a woman (here), and sharing in kēdea (Hektor’s funeral)

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Homer Iliad 24.571

Samuel Butler (Translator)

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